bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse Electron Demand Diels−Alder Reactivity and Electrochemistry of New Tetrazine Derivatives
Authors: Li Yuan , Miomandre Fabien , Clavier Gilles , Galmiche Laurent , Alain‐Rizzo Valérie , Audebert Pierre
Published: December 2016

New tetrazine derivatives were prepared and their electrochemical properties as well as their reactivity in the inverse demand Diels−Alder (DAinv) reaction were investigated. DFT calculations were performed to calculate the energy and electronic distribution in the frontier molecular orbitals. In particular, the reactivity of these tetrazine derivatives has been compared with that of the already known dichlorotetrazine. A comparison of the gathered data allows a rough correlation to be established between the reactivity and the electron‐withdrawing character of the substituent, but only a closer examination of the involved orbitals can enable an accurate prediction of the DAinv reactivity of the investigated compounds.
MYD88, CD79B, and CARD11 gene mutations in CD5‐positive diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Takeuchi Toshifumi , Yamaguchi Motoko , Kobayashi Kyoko , Miyazaki Kana , Tawara Isao , Imai Hiroshi , Ono Ryoichi , Nosaka Tetsuya , Tanaka Kyosuke , Katayama Naoyuki
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

CD5‐positive (CD5+) diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is characterized by frequent central nervous system recurrence and a predominant activated B‐cell‐like nature. Primary DLBCL in sanctuary sites (DLBCL‐SS) also demonstrates these features, and >70% of patients harbor myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MYD88) (L265P) and CD79B mutations. The objective of the current study was to elucidate a possible relationship between CD5+ DLBCL and DLBCL‐SS.

METHODS

MYD88, CD79B, CD79A, and caspase recruitment domain family member 11 (CARD11) mutations were examined in samples from 40 patients with CD5+ DLBCL. Mutation analysis was performed by direct sequencing.

RESULTS

MYD88 and CD79B mutations were detected in 33% (13 patients) and 38% (15 patients), respectively, of the 40 patients with CD5+ DLBCL. Ten patients had these 2 gene mutations, and 1 had a CD79A mutation. One of 2 patients with testicular involvement had both MYD88 and CD79B mutations. The other patient had a MYD88 mutation alone. None of the 31 patients examined was found to have a CARD11 mutation. MYD88 and CD79B mutations were found to be associated with localized disease (P = .038 and P = .003, respectively). Primary extranodal lymphoma was associated with higher frequencies of mutations in MYD88 or both MYD88 and CD79B (P = .008 and P = .014, respectively). There was no significant difference in overall survival based on MYD88 and CD79B mutation status.

CONCLUSIONS

The incidence of MYD88 and CD79B mutations in patients with CD5+ DLBCL is lower than that in patients with DLBCL‐SS, suggesting that CD5+ DLBCL is not the same disease as DLBCL‐SS in terms of gene mutation status. CARD11 mutations are rare in patients with CD5+ DLBCL. Cancer 2017;123:1166–1173. © 2016 American Cancer Society.
Competing Mechanisms in the Acetaldehyde Functionalization of Positively Charged Hydrogenated Silicene
Authors: Yang Li‐Kun , Zhang Xia‐Guang , Yang Fang‐Zu , Wu De‐Yin , Liu Xiang‐Yang , Tian Zhong‐Qun
Published: December 2016

Density functional theory calculations were used to elucidate the mechanism of the addition reaction of acetaldehyde to positively charged hydrogenated silicene (H‐silicene). We found that the positively charged H‐silicene plane could be partially restructured to form a vacant Si site, which enabled an additional nucleophilic addition reaction. After attachment of the acetaldehyde molecule to the H‐silicene plane, two competing pathways were found to be involved in the hydrogen‐abstraction process: a random‐reaction mechanism and a chain‐reaction mechanism. The theoretical results provided detailed information about stable structures and thermodynamic parameters of the reaction pathways, such as equilibrium geometries, Gibbs free energies, and the evolution of the spin densities and atomic charges. Our results reveal that the existence of a positive charge can significantly activate the grafting of unsaturated species on hydrogenated silicene, even if no silicon dangling bond is created proactively. The simulated Raman spectra of the two products were analyzed to elucidate the features of the competing mechanisms.
Unconventional Pretreatment of Lignocellulose with Low‐Temperature Plasma
Authors: Vanneste Jens , Ennaert Thijs , Vanhulsel Annick , Sels Bert
Published: December 2016

Lignocellulose represents a potential supply of sustainable feedstock for the production of biofuels and chemicals. There is, however, an important cost and efficiency challenge associated with the conversion of such lignocellulosics. Because its structure is complex and not prone to undergo chemical reactions very easily, chemical and mechanical pretreatments are usually necessary to be able to refine them into the compositional building blocks (carbohydrates and lignin) from which value‐added platform molecules, such as glucose, ethylene glycol, 5‐hydroxymethylfurfural, and levulinic acid, and biofuels, such as bioderived naphtha, kerosene, and diesel fractions, will be produced. Conventional (wet) methods are usually polluting, aggressive, and highly energy consuming, so any alternative activation procedure of the lignocellulose is highly recommended and anticipated in recent and future biomass research. Lignocellulosic plasma activation has emerged as an interesting (dry) treatment technique. In the long run, in particular, in times of fairly accessible renewable electricity, plasma may be considered as an alternative to conventional pretreatment methods, but current knowledge is too little and examples too few to guarantee that statement. This review therefore highlights recent knowledge, advancements, and shortcomings in the field of plasma treatment of cellulose and lignocellulose with regard to the (structural and chemical) effects and impact on the future of pretreatment methods.
Chiral selectors in CE: Recent development and applications (mid‐2014 to mid‐2016)
Authors: Stavrou Ioannis J. , Agathokleous Eliana A. , Kapnissi‐Christodoulou Constantina P.
Published: December 2016

This report, which is a sequence of a series of reviews, records the most important chiral selectors (CSs) applied in CE. It highlights the CSs that were used during the period 2014 to mid‐2016. In this review, method developments, validations, and pharmaceutical along with biomedical applications are presented. The different CSs include CDs, antibiotics, cyclofructants, linear and branched oligo‐ and polysaccharides, and polymeric surfactants. In addition, the advantages of these CSs, along with their chiral recognition mechanisms, and their performance, are discussed.
Evaluation of capillary electrophoresis for the analysis of rooibos and honeybush tea phenolics
Authors: Arries William J. , Tredoux Andreas G. J. , de Beer Dalene , Joubert Elizabeth , de Villiers André
Published: December 2016

Rooibos and honeybush are popular herbal teas produced from the shrubs of Aspalathus linearis and Cyclopia spp., respectively, which are indigenous to South Africa. Both herbal teas are rich in polyphenols and their consumption is associated with several health benefits, partly ascribed to their phenolic constituents. Quantification of phenolics in extracts and teas for quality control and research purposes is generally performed using HPLC, although dedicated and often species‐specific methods are required. CE offers an attractive alternative to HPLC for the analysis of phenolics, with potential benefits in terms of efficiency, speed and operating costs. In this contribution, we report quantitative CZE methods for the analysis of the principal honeybush and rooibos phenolics. Optimal separation for honeybush and rooibos phenolics was achieved in 21 and 32 min, respectively, with good linearity and repeatability. Quantitative data for extracts of “unfermented” and “fermented” rooibos and two honeybush species were statistically comparable with those obtained by HPLC for the majority of compounds. The developed methods demonstrated their utility for the comparison of phenolic contents between different species and as a function of manufacturing processes, thus offering cost effective, although less sensitive and robust, alternatives to HPLC analysis.
Optimal AraC‐Cytotoxicity to AML Cells Requires ERK5 Activity
Authors: Zheng Ruifang , Studzinski George P.
Published: December 2016

Cytarabine (AraC) has been the primary treatment agent for acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in the past 30 years, but the precise mechanism of its action is not completely known. Here we assessed the role of ERK5 in AraC‐induced cell death in AML cell lines HL60 and U937 using ERK5 inhibitors BIX02189 and XMD8‐92. We report that inhibition of MEK5/ERK5 activity reduces AraC‐induced cell death, DNA damage, the upregulated DNA damage biomarkers, and produced G2 phase cell cycle arrest. In addition, the pro‐survival protein P‐Bcl2 Ser70 was found to be associated with decreased AraC‐induced cell death following XMD8‐92 treatment, suggesting a regulatory role of ERK5 on Bcl2 phosphorylation. Our study shows that the full potency of AraC cytotoxicity requires optimal ERK5 activity, suggesting a novel role of ERK5 in cancer chemotherapy. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1583–1589, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Phagocytosis of Collagen Fibrils by Fibroblasts In Vivo Is Independent of the uPARAP/Endo180 Receptor
Authors: Sprangers Sara , Behrendt Niels , Engelholm Lars , Cao Yixuan , Everts Vincent
Published: December 2016

As a crucial step in ECM remodeling, collagen degradation occurs through different processes, including both extracellular and intracellular degradation. The extracellular pathways of collagen degradation require secretion of collagenolytic proteases, whereas intracellular collagen degradation occurs in the lysosomal compartment after uptake, involving either pre‐cleaved or intact fibrillar collagen. The endocytic collagen receptor uPARAP/Endo180 plays an important role in internalization of large collagen degradation products, whereas its role in the phagocytosis of fibrillar collagen has been debated. In fact, the role of this receptor in regular collagen phagocytosis in vivo has not been established. In this study, we have studied the role of uPARAP in the phagocytosis of collagen fibrils in vivo by analyzing different connective tissues of mice lacking uPARAP. Using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), we found that fibroblasts in the periosteum of tibia and calvaria, as well as in the periodontal ligament of molar and incisor, phagocytosed collagen fibrils independently of uPARAP. Quantification of phagocytosed collagen in the periodontal ligament of uPARAP‐deficient mice and controls revealed no difference in the amount of fibrillar collagen taken up by uPARAP‐deficient mice. The findings show that under in vivo conditions uPARAP does not play a role in the phagocytic uptake of collagen fibrils by fibroblasts. Consequently, the cellular uptake of collagen fibrils and collagen cleavage products probably occurs through fundamentally different pathways. J. Cell. Biochem. 118: 1590–1595, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The application of strand invasion phenomenon, directed by peptide nucleic acid (PNA) and single‐stranded DNA binding protein (SSB) for the recognition of specific sequences of human endogenous retroviral HERV‐W family
Authors: Machnik Grzegorz , Bułdak Łukasz , Ruczyński Jarosław , Gąsior Tomasz , Huzarska Małgorzata , Belowski Dariusz , Alenowicz Magdalena , Mucha Piotr , Rekowski Piotr , Okopień Bogusław
Published: December 2016

The HERV‐W family of human endogenous retroviruses represents a group of numerous sequences that show close similarity in genetic composition. It has been documented that some members of HERV‐W–derived expression products are supposed to play significant role in humans' pathology, such as multiple sclerosis or schizophrenia. Other members of the family are necessary to orchestrate physiological processes (eg, ERVWE1 coding syncytin‐1 that is engaged in syncytiotrophoblast formation). Therefore, an assay that would allow the recognition of particular form of HERV‐W members is highly desirable. A peptide nucleic acid (PNA)–mediated technique for the discrimination between multiple sclerosis‐associated retrovirus and ERVWE1 sequence has been developed. The assay uses a PNA probe that, being fully complementary to the ERVWE1 but not to multiple sclerosis‐associated retrovirus (MSRV) template, shows high selective potential. Single‐stranded DNA binding protein facilitates the PNA‐mediated, sequence‐specific formation of strand invasion complex and, consequently, local DNA unwinding. The target DNA may be then excluded from further analysis in any downstream process such as single‐stranded DNA‐specific exonuclease action. Finally, the reaction conditions have been optimized, and several PNA probes that are targeted toward distinct loci along whole HERV‐W env sequences have been evaluated. We believe that PNA/single‐stranded DNA binding protein–based application has the potential to selectively discriminate particular HERV‐W molecules as they are at least suspected to play pathogenic role in a broad range of medical conditions, from psycho‐neurologic disorders (multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia) and cancers (breast cancer) to that of an auto‐immunologic background (psoriasis and lupus erythematosus).
Low‐methoxyl lemon pectin attenuates inflammatory responses and improves intestinal barrier integrity in caerulein‐induced experimental acute pancreatitis
Authors: Sun Yajun , He Yue , Wang Fei , Zhang Hao , de Vos Paul , Sun Jia
Published: December 2016

Scope

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is a common clinical acute abdominal disease. The intestinal injury associated with AP will aggravate the condition retroactively. This study investigates whether the low‐methoxyl pectin (LMP) isolated from lemon could attenuate AP and associated intestinal injury.

Methods and results

Experimental AP was induced in BALB/c mice by caerulien (CAE) hyperstimulation. Nutritional prophylactic group was pre‐fed with 5% LMP supplemented forage 3 days before AP induction. We found that LMP supplementation attenuated the severity of AP as evidenced by reduced serum amylase and lipase levels, pancreatic edema and myeloperoxidase activity. The protective effect was also confirmed by histological examination of pancreatic damage. LMP suppressed the production of pancreatic proinflammatory cytokines including TNF‐α, IL‐1β, and IL‐6. Moreover, LMP supplementation restored AP‐associated disruption of intestinal barrier integrity as evidenced by upregulation of tight junction modulatory proteins occludin, zonula occludens (ZO)‐1, antimicrobial peptides β‐defensin‐1 (DEFB1) and CRAMP as well as increase in SCFAs production. LMP supplemented mice with AP exhibited suppressed intestinal inflammation as shown by decreased ileal and colon cytokine production compared with CAE group.

Conclusion

Our results support dietary LMP supplementation as an effective nutritional intervention for AP and associated intestinal injury.
Stacking defect‐induced electronic cloaking of confined states and Fano resonance in zero‐energy shifted bilayer graphene
Authors: Daboussi A. , Mandhour L. , Jaziri S.
Published: December 2016

We show that a stacking defect or a shift has a striking effect on transport properties of bilayer graphene. The tunneling through a ballistic n–neutral–n junction of shifted bilayer graphene may result at normal incidence in a zero‐energy cloaking effect. States normally incident on the barrier are confined under it, depending on their pseudospin orientation. These confined states are perfectly decoupled from continuum states having the opposite pseudospin orientation. The barrier at normal incidence acts as a cloak for confined states. We also show a shift‐dependent asymmetric zero‐energy Fano resonance at near normal incidence arising from the interference between continuum and confined states. These zero‐energy cloaking effect and Fano resonance are unique since they are achieved due to the stacking defect. They do not exist in the same setup of perfectly Bernal‐stacked bilayer graphene.
Separation and optical identification of semiconducting and metallic single‐walled carbon nanotubes
Authors: Eremina Valentina A. , Obraztsov Petr A. , Fedotov Pavel V. , Chernov Alexander I. , Obraztsova Elena D.
Published: December 2016

In this work we demonstrate a large‐scale separation of arc single‐walled carbon nanotubes into semiconducting and metallic fractions by an aqueous two‐phase extraction technique. The identification of nanotube conductivity type and the estimation of content for both fractions have been based on UV–vis–NIR optical absorption and time‐resolved pump–probe data. The fraction containing up to 98% of semiconducting nanotubes has been obtained. Optimization of the separation technique for the one‐step formation of high‐purity fractions via either temperature control or regulation of polymer–surfactant concentrations in the mixture has been proposed. The fractions enriched with semiconducting nanotubes can be used for transistor and optoelectronics applications. The metallic fractions can be efficient for formation of electric bus lines.

UV–vis–NIR absorbance spectrum of pure semiconducting fraction of arc‐SWCNTs with an average diameter of 1.4 nm and the photo of 30 ml of this suspension.
Context and Implications Document for: How to guide effective student questioning: a review of teacher guidance in primary education
Authors: Stokhof Harry J. M. , De Vries Bregje , Martens Rob L. , Bastiaens Theo J.
Published: December 2016

This guide accompanies the following article: Stokhof, H. J. M., De Vries, B., Martens, R. L., & Bastiaens, T. J. (2016) How to guide effective student questioning: a review of teacher guidance in primary education. Review of Education, DOI:10.1002/rev3.3089
Imputing estrogen receptor (ER) status in a population‐based cancer registry: a sensitivity analysis
Authors: Andridge Rebecca , Noone Anne‐Michelle , Howlader Nadia
Published: December 2016

Breast cancers are clinically heterogeneous based on tumor markers. The National Cancer Institute's Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) Program provides baseline data on these tumor markers for reporting cancer burden and trends over time in the US general population. These tumor markers, however, are often prone to missing observations. In particular, estrogen receptor (ER) status, a key biomarker in the study of breast cancer, has been collected since 1992 but historically was not well‐reported, with missingness rates as high as 25% in early years. Previous methods used to correct estimates of breast cancer incidence or ER‐related odds or prevalence ratios for unknown ER status have relied on a missing‐at‐random (MAR) assumption. In this paper, we explore the sensitivity of these key estimates to departures from MAR. We develop a predictive mean matching procedure that can be used to multiply impute missing ER status under either an MAR or a missing not at random assumption and apply it to the SEER breast cancer data (1992–2012). The imputation procedure uses the predictive power of the rich set of covariates available in the SEER registry while also allowing us to investigate the impact of departures from MAR. We find some differences in inference under the two assumptions, although the magnitude of differences tends to be small. For the types of analyses typically of primary interest, we recommend imputing SEER breast cancer biomarkers under an MAR assumption, given the small apparent differences under MAR and missing not at random assumptions. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Emotional and motivational outcomes of lab work in the secondary intermediate track: The contribution of a science center outreach lab
Authors: Itzek‐Greulich Heike , Vollmer Christian
Published: December 2016

Students’ interest in science declines in secondary school. Therefore, motivating students to become competent and engaged in science topics that are relevant for their everyday lives is an important goal, so they can be better citizens and decision makers with socioscientific issues (e.g., climate change and waste disposal). The present study contributes to research on activity emotions (state) and motivational outcomes (situational interest and situational competence) in science education. The study compared three experimental groups in a guided inquiry lab work on the chemistry of starch and a control group. The three groups were (i) 13 science classes taught at school; (ii) 14 classes taught in a Science Center Outreach Lab (SCOL) visit; and (iii) 17 classes taught in a combined setting of (i) and (ii); the groups were taught on the same topic. The large sample of classes was randomly assigned to the experimental conditions and a control group and data were analyzed for the theoretical part and the practical part of the intervention. The nested data were analyzed using item response theory and multilevel analyses. The three lab‐work conditions were quite successful in comparison with the control group. There were some differences between the SCOL and school groups; the students experienced higher enjoyment in the theoretical part of the intervention in the school group and higher situational competence in the practical lab work at the combined setting. Especially low achievers profited from the intervention, supposedly because the topic was close to students’ everyday lives. Conscientiousness was a major predictor of emotional and motivational outcomes. In conclusion, experimental lab work at a SCOL can be seen as a supplement to a worthwhile STEM education. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 54: 3–28, 2017
Tackling Longitudinal Round-Robin Data: A Social Relations Growth Model
Authors: Nestler Steffen , Geukes Katharina , Hutteman Roos , Back Mitja D.
Published: December 2016

The social relations model (SRM) is commonly used in the analysis of interpersonal judgments and behaviors that arise in groups. The SRM was developed only for use with cross-sectional data. Here, we introduce an extension of the SRM to longitudinal data. The social relations growth model represents a person’s repeated SRM judgments of another person as a function of time. We show how the model’s parameters can be estimated using restricted maximum likelihood, and how the effects of covariates on interindividual and interdyad variability in growth can be computed. An example is presented to illustrate the suggested approach. We also present the results of a small simulation study showing the suitability of the social relations growth model for the analysis of longitudinal SRM data.
Pterygopalatine Fossa: Not a Mystery!
Authors: Derinkuyu Betul Emine , Boyunaga Oznur , Oztunali Cigdem , Alimli Ayse Gul , Ucar Murat
Published: December 2016

The pterygopalatine fossa is an important anatomic crossroads that is connected with numerous intra- and extracranial spaces via foramina and fissures. Although this fossa is small, its central location in the skull base and its communications provide clinical, radiological, and anatomical significance. In this pictorial review, we aimed to describe the radiologic anatomy of the pterygopalatine fossa, as well as to give some pathologic examples to better understand this major conduit.
Coronary artery plaque imaging: Comparison of black‐blood MRI and 64‐multidetector computed tomography
Authors: He Yi , Da Qin‐Yi , An Jing , Song Xian‐Tao , Li De‐Biao
Published: December 2016

Objective

To comparatively evaluate black‐blood coronary arterial wall MRI and 64‐multidetector computed tomography (64‐MDCT) for detection and classification of coronary artery plaques.

Methods

We included 15 patients with confirmed coronary artery plaques in the proximal or middle segments of coronary arteries by 64‐MDCT, who underwent black‐blood coronary wall MRI at 1.5 T within 10 days. Cross‐sectional coronary wall images were acquired using a 2D double‐inversion‐recovery, electrocardiograph‐triggered, navigator‐gated, fat‐suppressed, turbo‐spin‐echo sequence on the coronary arteries with lesions from the ostium to the middle segment continuously without gap. The vessel cross‐sectional area (CSA), luminal CSA, maximal wall thickness, plaque burden, contrast‐to‐noise ratio (CNR), and signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) were measured in each slice and subsequently compared with computed tomography angiography (CTA) images. CTA images were divided into 5‐mm segments for side‐by‐side comparison with MRI.

Results

Of the 15 patients, 12 were enrolled in the study. Coronary plaques were found in 46 slices on both CTA and MRI. Plaques were classified to 3 groups based on CTA: calcified plaques (n = 11), soft plaques (n = 23), and mixed plaques (n = 12). In MRI, the plaque burden, maximal wall thickness, SNR, and CNR in the coronary walls containing plaques were greater than in the normal coronary walls (0.83 ± 0.08 vs. 0.73 ± 0.08, 1.88 ± 0.51 vs. 1.51 ± 0.26 mm, 12.95 ± 2.78 vs. 9.93 ± 2.31, and 6.76 ± 2.52 vs. 3.89 ± 1.54, respectively; P < 0.05). The luminal CSA at the plaque was smaller than in normal coronary walls (2.50 ± 1.50 vs. 4.72 ± 2.28 mm2; P < 0.05). The SNR in the soft plaque was significantly greater than in calcified and mixed plaques (P < 0.05).

Conclusions

Coronary wall MRI can identify coronary plaques in the proximal and middle segments and has the potential to differentiate plaque types based on signal intensity.
Britain's Maritime Empire
Authors: McAleer John
Published: December 2016

A fascinating new study in which John McAleer explores the maritime gateway to Asia around the Cape of Good Hope and its critical role in the establishment, consolidation and maintenance of the British Empire in the late eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Situated at the centre of a maritime chain that connected seas and continents, this gateway bridged the Atlantic and Indian Oceans, which, with its commercial links and strategic requirements, formed a global web that reflected the development of the British Empire in the period. The book examines how contemporaries perceived, understood and represented this area; the ways in which it worked as an alternative hub of empire, enabling the movement of people, goods, and ideas, as well as facilitating information and intelligence exchanges; and the networks of administration, security and control that helped to cement British imperial power.
Buddhism, Politics and Political Thought in Myanmar
Authors: Walton Matthew J.
Published: December 2016

This is the first book to provide a broad overview of the ways in which Buddhist ideas have influenced political thinking and politics in Myanmar. Matthew Walton draws extensively on Burmese language sources from the last 150 years to describe the 'moral universe' of contemporary Theravada Buddhism that has anchored most political thought in Myanmar. In explaining multiple Burmese understandings of notions such as 'democracy' and 'political participation', the book provides readers with a conceptual framework for understanding some of the key dynamics of Myanmar's ongoing political transition. Some of these ideas help to shed light on restrictive or exclusionary political impulses, such as anti-Muslim Buddhist nationalism or scepticism towards the ability of the masses to participate in politics. Walton provides an analytical framework for understanding Buddhist influences on politics that will be accessible to a wide range of readers and will generate future research and debate.
Interpreting the Constitutional Debate Over Land Ownership in the Socialist Republic of Vietnam (2012–2013)
Authors: LE Toan
Published: December 2016

In 2012–2013, the people of Vietnam participated in a lengthy process of public consultation to amend the constitution and land law. This article analyzes the approach that party leaders took during the 2013 constitutional consultation and law-making period as the leaders responded to submissions calling for radical reforms of constitutional and legal arrangements of land ownership. This analysis will provide insights into how, if at all, the discussion in 2012–2013 was different from previous discussions in relation to reforming the constitutional and legal arrangements of land ownership in Vietnam. The article argues that despite unprecedented consultation and discussion, party leaders did not intend to make substantive changes to land ownership.
Emotional Burden, Quality of Life, and Coping Styles in Care Givers of Patients with Disorders of Consciousness Living in Italy: Preliminary Data
Authors: Romaniello Caterina , Simoni Chiara , Farinelli Marina , Bertoletti Erik , Pedone Vincenzo , Northoff Georg
Published: December 2016

The literature about the care givers of patients with Disorders of Consciousness (DOCs) has highlighted the impact on both mental and physical dimensions of quality of life. This study aimed to: (1) describe emotional burden, quality of life, and coping styles in care givers of hospitalized patients with DOCs, compared to Italian normative data; (2) explore the relationships between these variables and their associations with socio-demographic features; and (3) describe their changes over time.

Fifteen care givers of patients with DOCs, mostly middle-aged women, were assessed using the Family Strain Questionnaire, the SF-36 Health Survey, and the Coping Orientation to Problems Experienced – Nuova Versione Italiana. Eleven subjects were also assessed after 6 and 12 months. Data were analysed through descriptive statistics, correlations, and nonparametric tests of group differences.

Compared to the Italian normative data, our sample showed a worse outcome in mental health, social functioning, global mental component, and emotional role functioning. Furthermore, subjects with high emotional burden had more thoughts of death compared to subjects with low emotional burden. Follow-up analyses revealed no variables changed over time.

These results highlight the need for psychological interventions and support, since care givers represent an important part of an all-embracing support and care network for patients with DOCs.
Contested Transformation
Authors: Hardy-Fanta Carol , Lien Pei-te , Pinderhughes Dianne , Sierra Christine Marie
Published: December 2016

Contested Transformation constitutes the first comprehensive study of racial and ethnic minorities holding elective office in the United States at the beginning of the twenty-first century. Building on data from the Gender and Multicultural Leadership (GMCL) National Database and Survey, it provides a baseline portrait of Black, Latino, Asian American, and American Indian elected officials - the women and men holding public office at national, state, and local levels of government. Analysis reveals commonalities and differences across race and gender groups on their backgrounds, paths to public office, leadership roles, and policy positions. Challenging mainstream political science theories in their applicability to elected officials of color, the book offers new understandings of the experiences of those holding public office today. Gains in political leadership and influence by people of color are transforming the American political landscape, but they have occurred within a contested political context, one where struggles for racial and gender equality continue.
Endovascular Revascularization of a Symptomatic Common Carotid Artery Occlusion
Authors: Kromm Julie , Darsaut Tim E. , Khan Khurshid , Ashforth Robert , Ghrooda Esseddeeg
Published: December 2016

Although the common carotid artery is the second most common site for extracranial carotid artery stenosis, complete symptomatic occlusion in the absence of devastating stroke is rare. We present a case of complete common carotid artery occlusion failing medical management and requiring endovascular intervention. The clinical presentation, diagnostic investigations, and management of complete carotid artery occlusions are discussed.
Entrainment and topology of accelerating shear layers
Authors: Rosi Giuseppe A. , Rival David E.
Published: December 2016

A constantly accelerating circular plate was investigated towards understanding the effect of non-stationarity on shear-layer entrainment and topology. Dye visualizations and time-resolved particle image velocimetry measurements were collected for normalized accelerations spanning three orders of magnitude. Increasing acceleration acts to organize shear-layer topology. Specifically, the Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities within the shear layer better adhered to a circular path and exhibited consistent and repeatable spacing. Normalized starting-vortex circulation was observed to collapse with increasing acceleration, which one might not expect due to increased levels of mixing at higher instantaneous Reynolds numbers. The entrainment rate was shown to increase nonlinearly with increasing acceleration. This was attributed to closer spacing between instabilities, which better facilitates the roll-up of fluid between the shear layer and vortex core. The shear-layer organization observed at higher accelerations was associated with smaller spacings between instabilities. Specifically, analogous point-vortex simulations demonstrated that decreasing the spacing between instabilities acts to localize and dampen perturbations within an accelerating shear layer.
Resonance wave pumping with surface waves
Authors: Carmigniani Remi A. , Benoit Michel , Violeau Damien , Gharib Morteza
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we present a novel extension of impedance (Liebau) wave pumping to a free-surface condition where resonance pumping could be used for hydraulic energy harvesting. Similar pumping behaviours are reported. Surface envelopes of the free surface are shown and outline two different dynamics: U-tube oscillator and wave/resonance pumping. The latter is particularly interesting, since, from an oscillatory motion, a unidirectional flow with small to moderate oscillations is generated. A linear theory is developed to evaluate pseudo-analytically the resonance frequencies of the pump using eigenfunction expansions, and a simplified model is proposed to understand the main pumping mechanism in this type of pump. It is found that the Stokes mass transport is driving the pump. The conversion of energy from paddle oscillation to mean flow is evaluated. Efficiency up to 22 % is reported.
Beer-Purchasing Behavior, Dietary Quality, and Health Outcomes among U.S. Adults
Authors: Volpe Richard , McCullough Michael , Adjemian Michael K. , Park Timothy
Published: December 2016

We use rich IRI household- and individual-level data sets to examine the relationships between heart disease and type 2 diabetes with alcohol consumption. We control for a wide variety of potential confounders, including diet quality and lifestyle choices. Beer has long been studied in related literature to ambiguous outcomes. We explore the role of beer consumption in detail by separating craft beer from macrobeer and imported beer. The results indicate that most alcohol types could have protective effects against heart disease and diabetes, with the strongest effects occurring for craft beer and wine. Treating beer as a single, homogenous category in health studies likely leads to measurement error. (JEL Classifications: D12, I12, R20, L66, P36)
A randomised, placebo-controlled trial of transcranial pulsed electromagnetic fields in patients with multiple chemical sensitivity
Authors: Tran Marie Thi Dao , Skovbjerg Sine , Arendt-Nielsen Lars , Christensen Karl Bang , Elberling Jesper
Published: December 2016

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of transcranially applied pulsed electromagnetic fields (PEMF) on functional impairments and symptom severity in multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) patients.

Methods

The study was conducted as a nationwide trial in Denmark using a randomised, parallel-group, double-blind and placebo-controlled design. Sample size was estimated at 40 participants. Eligibility criteria were age 18–75 years and fulfilment of the MCS case criteria. Participants received either PEMF or placebo PEMF (no stimulation) applied transcranially for 6 weeks. The primary outcome was the Life Impact Scale (LIS) of the Quick Environmental Exposure and Sensitivity Inventory (QEESI). Secondary outcomes were the Symptom Severity Scale (SSS) and the Chemical Intolerance Scale of QEESI.

Results

A total of 39 participants were randomised to PEMF or placebo treatment. No significant difference was observed on QEESI LIS between groups with a mean change score of −5.9 in the PEMF group compared with −1.5 in the placebo group (p=0.35, effect size=−0.31). However, a significant decrease was detected on QEESI SSS within and between groups with a mean change score of −11.3 in the PEMF group compared with −3.2 in the placebo group (p=0.03, effect size=−0.60).

Conclusion

PEMF treatment of 6 weeks showed no effect on functional impairments in MCS. However, a significant decrease in symptom severity was observed.
A Novel Sky-Subtraction Method Based on Non-negative Matrix Factorisation with Sparsity for Multi-object Fibre Spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Bo , Zhang Long , Ye Zhongfu
Published: December 2016

A novel sky-subtraction method based on non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity is proposed in this paper. The proposed non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method is redesigned for sky-subtraction considering the characteristics of the skylights. It has two constraint terms, one for sparsity and the other for homogeneity. Different from the standard sky-subtraction techniques, such as the B-spline curve fitting methods and the Principal Components Analysis approaches, sky-subtraction based on non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method has higher accuracy and flexibility. The non-negative matrix factorisation with sparsity method has research value for the sky-subtraction on multi-object fibre spectroscopic telescope surveys. To demonstrate the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed algorithm, experiments are performed on Large Sky Area Multi-Object Fiber Spectroscopic Telescope data, as the mechanisms of the multi-object fibre spectroscopic telescopes are similar.
Controlled irrigation and nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium fertilization affect the biochemical composition and quality of Arabica coffee beans
Authors: VINECKY F. , DAVRIEUX F. , MERA A. C. , ALVES G. S. C. , LAVAGNINI G. , LEROY T. , BONNOT F. , ROCHA O. C. , BARTHOLO G. F. , GUERRA A. F. , RODRIGUES G. C. , MARRACCINI P. , ANDRADE A. C.
Published: December 2016

Controlled irrigation during the dry period associated with adequate nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P) and potassium (K) fertilization led to the accumulation of biochemical compounds in coffee beans considered as positive precursors of beverage quality. Adult plants of coffee (Coffea arabica ‘Rubi’) were cultivated using different water regimes (WR) and fertilization conditions under the dry climate of the Brazilian Cerrado. Coffee-bean physical characteristics were evaluated as well as biochemical composition by near-infrared analysis. The K treatment mostly affected bean biochemistry, lipid and chlorogenic acid (CGA) contents, which increased with increasing amounts of fertilizer. Caffeine contents increased with higher amounts of N, but no significant effects of P treatment on bean biochemical composition were observed. Sucrose and total lipid contents always appeared higher in beans of non-irrigated plants than those beans from plants grown with continuous irrigation. In contrast, caffeine and CGA contents were higher in beans of irrigated as compared with non-irrigated plants. For the first time, the current results showed that controlled management of irrigation during the dry period associated with reasonable NPK fertilization led to the accumulation of biochemical compounds in coffee beans considered as positive precursors of beverage quality.
Proposed power transmission lines in Cambodia constitute a significant new threat to the largest population of the Critically Endangered Bengal floricanHoubaropsis bengalensis
Authors: Mahood Simon P. , Silva João P. , Dolman Paul M. , Burnside Robert J.
Published: December 2016

The remaining Indochina population of the Critically Endangered Bengal floricanHoubaropsis bengalensisbreeds in the floodplain of Cambodia's Tonle Sap Lake. The population has declined substantially but survival rates have not been published previously. Survival could potentially be reduced by the planned construction of high-tension power transmission lines that may begin in 2016. Using data from 17 individuals monitored by satellite transmitters over 4 years we estimated the annual adult survival rate to be 89.9% (95% CI 82.2–97.6%), which is comparable to that of other bustards. Interrogation of movement paths revealed that for the 13 individuals for which we had sufficient data for non-breeding seasons, all annual migration routes between breeding and non-breeding areas crossed the proposed route of the transmission line. The route also impinged on the margins of one important and one minor breeding concentration. A review of bustard collision rates confirmed the vulnerability of bustards to power lines, and the proposed development therefore presents an additional threat to the future of this species in Indochina.
Further evidence of a cumulative effect of social disadvantage on risk of psychosis
Authors: Stilo S. A. , Gayer-Anderson C. , Beards S. , Hubbard K. , Onyejiaka A. , Keraite A. , Borges S. , Mondelli V. , Dazzan P. , Pariante C. , Di Forti M. , Murray R. M. , Morgan C.
Published: December 2016

Background

A growing body of evidence suggests that indicators of social disadvantage are associated with an increased risk of psychosis. However, only a few studies have specifically looked at cumulative effects and long-term associations. The aims of this study are: To compare the prevalence of specific indicators of social disadvantage at, and prior to, first contact with psychiatric services in patients suffering their first episode of psychosis and in a control sample. To explore long-term associations, cumulative effects, and direction of effects.

Method

We collected information on social disadvantage from 332 patients and from 301 controls recruited from the local population in South London. Three indicators of social disadvantage in childhood and six indicators of social disadvantage in adulthood were analysed.

Results

Across all the domains considered, cases were more likely to report social disadvantage than were controls. Compared with controls, cases were approximately two times more likely to have had a parent die and approximately three times more likely to have experienced a long-term separation from one parent before the age of 17 years. Cases were also more likely than controls to report two or more indicators of adult social disadvantage, not only at first contact with psychiatric services [odds ratio (OR) 9.5], but also at onset of psychosis (OR 8.5), 1 year pre-onset (OR 4.5), and 5 years pre-onset (OR 2.9).

Conclusions

Greater numbers of indicators of current and long-term exposure are associated with progressively greater odds of psychosis. There is some evidence that social disadvantage tends to cluster and accumulate.
Making multiple requests in French and Finnish convenience stores
Authors: Mondada Lorenza , Sorjonen Marja-Leena
Published: December 2016

This article systematically explores the sequential contexts for making multiple requests during shop encounters. Based on video recordings in convenience stores in France and Finland, it describes the multimodal practices that buyers and sellers use to treat multiple requests as progressively building a global buying project. The purpose of this study is to demonstrate how multiple requests can be packed together, as relatively simple actions achieved simultaneously or successively in embodied and verbal ways either as subsequent contiguous sequences of actions, or as sequences of actions separated by inserted actions. This article also examines how requests are tied together, and how ‘late’ requests are fitted to the last sequential opportunities in the unfolding encounter. This analysis contributes to the study of commercial encounters and the buying process, as well as to the understanding of sequence organization. It likewise contributes to comparative analyses by discussing the similarities and specificities of this activity across cultural contexts and in different time periods. (Requests, shop encounters, social interaction, multimodality, French, Finnish)
Content encapsulation in consciousness is likely to be incomplete
Authors: Basso Demis
Published: December 2016

Although the passive frame theory (PST) seems to be very plausible, the encapsulation of content generation deserves further elaboration. Many concepts and data considering the capacity theory, perception, and higher cognitive processes seem to contradict this principle. In general, PST can be suitable in many cases, but it needs to be completed by other mechanisms.
What if consciousness has no function?
Authors: Blackmore Susan
Published: December 2016

An implicitly dualist or Cartesian materialist theory of consciousness is proposed without citing the many well-known problems with such theories. A function for consciousness is proposed with no reference to the possibility that “consciousness itself” has no function of its own. The theory builds on proposed “subset consensus” and “integration consensus” when in the literature there is no such consensus on these issues.
Consciousness of emotions and action selection
Authors: Gainotti Guido
Published: December 2016

The domain of emotions corresponds to the consciousness model proposed by Morsella et al. The action schemata unconsciously activated by spontaneous emotions are indeed automatically selected from a small number of innate operative patterns, whereas behavioral responses selected at the cognitive level of emotional processing consist of strategic plans, leading to a conscious integration of goal-directed actions.
At what timescale does consciousness operate?
Authors: Hommel Bernhard , Wiers Reinout W.
Published: December 2016

While applauding Morsella et al. for linking consciousness to action control, we ask what their theory implies regarding the exact functionality of consciousness and the timescale at which it operates. Does consciousness operate on, and resolve the conflict it emerges from (despite its slowness), or does it operate on future conflicts that it might resolve by externalizing/socializing cognitive control?
Locating consciousness: We are conflicted by the role of conflict
Authors: Massaro Dom , Rowe Bill
Published: December 2016

What is consciousness for? Consciousness allows us to handle conflict, a promising proposal by Morsella et al. However, they provide little evidence as to why consciousness is particularly valuable in resolving conflict, nor do they limit the role of consciousness to only conflicting experiences. We attempt to clarify their possible positions and offer several solutions for how these might be formulated and tested.
Origins of emotional consciousness
Authors: Melo Hans L. , Koscik Timothy R. , Vrantsidis Thalia H. , Hathaway Georgia , Cunningham William A.
Published: December 2016

While the field of emotions research has benefited from new developments in neuroscience, many theoretical questions remain unsolved. We propose that integrating our iterative reprocessing (IR) framework with the passive frame theory (PFT) may help unify competing theoretical perspectives of emotion. Specifically, we propose that PFT and the IR framework offer a point of origin for emotional experience.
Action-based synthesis of parental brain consciousness
Authors: Swain James E. , Caluser Ilinca , Mahmood Zainab , Meldrim Madalyn , Morelen Diana
Published: December 2016

Parenting consciousness, in line with passive frame theory, may be considered inseparable from action. With combined brain-imaging and cognitive-behavioral analyses, we are in the early phases of understanding how parental brain circuits regulate parental thoughts and behavior. Furthermore, work on parental consciousness confirms the importance of motor outputs and outlines related circuits that inform consciousness across generations.