bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Domestic Institutions beyond the Nation-State: Charting the New Interdependence Approach
Authors: Farrell Henry , Newman Abraham L.
Published: March 2014

What is the relationship between domestic and international politics in a world of economic interdependence? This article discusses and organizes an emerging body of scholarship, which the authors label the new interdependence approach, addressing how transnational interactions shape domestic institutions and global politics in a world of economic interdependence. This literature makes three important contributions. First, it examines how domestic institutions affect the ability of political actors to construct the rules and norms governing interdependent relations and thus present a source of asymmetric power. Second, it explores how interdependence alters domestic political institutions through processes of diffusion, transgovernmental coordination, and extraterritorial application and in turn how it changes the national institutions mediating internal debates on globalization. Third, it studies the shifting boundaries of political contestation through which substate actors affect decision making in foreign jurisdictions. Given the importance of institutional change to the new interdependence agenda, the authors suggest several instances where historical institutionalist tools might be exploited to address these transnational dynamics, in particular, mechanisms of cross-national sequencing and change strategies of substate actors. As globalization continues, it will be ever more difficult to examine national trajectories of institutional change in isolation from each other. Equally, it will be difficult to understand international institutions without paying attention to the ways in which they both transform and are transformed by domestic institutional politics. While the new interdependence approach does not yet cohere as a single voice, the authors believe that it offers an innovative agenda that holds tremendous promise for both comparative and international relations research as it calls on scholars to reconsider the dynamic nature of globalization for global politics.
WOMEN AND CREDIT IN PERU DURING THE GUANO ERA. WAS THERE GENDER DISCRIMINATION IN THE MORTGAGE CREDIT MARKET OF PERU?
Authors: Zegarra Luis Felipe
Published: March 2014

This article analyses the role of women and gender discrimination in the mortgage credit market in Peru between 1860 and 1875. Relying on a large sample of notarised loans, the article shows that women participated in the credit market as lenders and borrowers. However, their participation was lower than that of men. In addition, women received smaller loans and paid higher interest rates than men. The evidence suggests that the lower participation of women as borrowers and their smaller loans were largely a consequence of the distribution of collateral. In addition, much of the difference in interest rates resulted from the differences in loan sizes. As women received smaller loans and there were probably fixed costs involved in granting a loan, making a loan to a woman implied a higher average cost.
A Ku-band coaxial relativistic transit-time oscillator with low guiding magnetic field
Authors: Ling Jun-Pu , He Jun-Tao , Zhang Jian-De , Jiang Tao , Song Li-Li
Published: March 2014

A novel coaxial relativistic transit-time oscillator with low guiding magnetic field is proposed and investigated to generate high power microwave at Ku-band. With the coaxial structure and a quasi body wave adopted as the operating mode, the device has a larger space-charge limiting current, higher power handling capacity, and lower guiding magnetic field. Moreover, for further improving the output power, a coaxial TM02mode resonant reflector is well designed. Main structure parameters of the device are optimized by particle in cell simulations. A typical simulation result is that, with a 358 keV, 7.25 kA beam guided by a magnetic field of about 0.7 T, an 810 MW microwave pulse at 14.25 GHz is generated, yielding a conversion efficiency of about 31%. The primary experiments are also carried out. At a low guiding magnetic field of 0.7 T, a microwave pulse with power of 400 MW, pulse duration of 30 ns, frequency of 14.3 GHz close to the simulation one, and efficiency of 15.4% is generated.
On the intersection of random rotations of a symmetric convex body
Authors: BRAZITIKOS SILOUANOS , STAVRAKAKIS PANTELIS
Published: March 2014

Let C be a symmetric convex body of volume 1 in ${\mathbb R}^n$. We provide general estimates for the volume and the radius of C ∩ U(C) where U is a random orthogonal transformation of ${\mathbb R}^n$. In particular, we consider the case where C is in the isotropic position or C is the volume normalized Lq-centroid body Zq(μ) of an isotropic log-concave measure μ on ${\mathbb R}^n$.
The Importance of Family and Friends in Advice-Seeking for Rights Problems
Authors: Buck Alexy , Smith Marisol
Published: March 2014

Rights problems such as debt, employment, welfare benefits and family problems are widespread. They are problems of everyday life, affecting many people and many aspects of people's lives and are now well documented. In contrast, there has been little research on the role of family and friends when experiencing a problem and seeking advice. Drawing on comprehensive qualitative research, this article explores how people seeking advice for their rights problems rely on family and friends for help in the advice-seeking process. The research shows that help lies on a continuum from encouraging people to seek advice to assistance with the tasks necessary for problem resolution. The implications of this for service design are considered.
Magnetic composite biomaterials for tissue engineering
Authors: Gil Sara , Mano João F.
Published: March 2014

We overview the latest developments of polymeric/ceramic scaffolds and hydrogels that contain magnetic particles for the improvement of tissue engineering strategies.
Self-assembly patterns of steroid-based all-organic ferroelectrics: valuable insights from the single-crystals derived from an organogel and solution
Authors: Asthana Deepak , Keshri Sudhir K. , Hundal Geeta , Sharma Gyaneswar , Mukhopadhyay Pritam
Published: March 2014

We report herein the first example of a single-crystal grown from a steroid-based organogel matrix.
Influence of the anion nature on styryl dye crystal packing and feasibility of the direct and back [2 + 2] photocycloaddition reactions without single crystal degradation
Authors: Kuz'mina Lyudmila G. , Vedernikov Artem I. , Churakov Andrei V. , Lermontova Elmira Kh. , Howard Judith A. K. , Alfimov Michael V. , Gromov Sergey P.
Published: March 2014

By X-ray diffractometry, [2 + 2]-photocycloaddition reaction and its back reaction were investigated.
A new lead(ii) nanoporous three-dimensional coordination polymer: pore size effect on iodine adsorption affinity
Authors: Hashemi Lida , Morsali Ali
Published: March 2014

A three-dimensional (3D) nanoporous coordination polymer, [Pb(4-bpdb)(μ-NO3)(μ-SCN)]n·1.5CH3OH (TMU-15), was synthesized. In this compound, we successfully loaded the porous crystals with I2 by suspending them in a solution of I2 in cyclohexane.
TiO2 nanotubes sensitized with CdSe via RF magnetron sputtering for photoelectrochemical applications under visible light irradiation
Authors: Fernandes Jesum A. , Migowski Pedro , Fabrim Zacarias , Feil Adriano F. , Rosa Guilherme , Khan Sherdil , Machado Guilherme J. , Fichtner Paulo F. P. , Teixeira Sérgio R. , Santos Marcos J. L. , Dupont Jairton
Published: March 2014

Highly ordered TiO2 NT arrays were easily decorated with CdSe via RF magnetron sputtering.
Observation of highly decoupled conductivity in protic ionic conductors
Authors: Wojnarowska Zaneta , Wang Yangyang , Paluch Krzysztof J. , Sokolov Alexei P. , Paluch Marian
Published: March 2014

Using dielectric spectroscopy, we report the observation of highly decoupled conductivity in a newly synthesized protic ionic conductor, lidocaine di-(dihydrogen phosphate).
Protective effect of liquiritigenin against methylglyoxal cytotoxicity in osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells
Authors: Suh Kwang Sik , Rhee Sang Youl , Kim Young Seol , Choi Eun Mi
Published: March 2014

Methylglyoxal (MG), a reactive dicarbonyl compound, is a metabolic byproduct of glycolysis and elevated MG levels contribute to diabetic complications.
Discovery and SAR study of a sulfonamide hydroxamic acid inhibitor for the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain
Authors: Burtea Alexander , Salzameda Nicholas T.
Published: March 2014

Through the use of chemical synthesis and high throughput screening, we discovered a sulfonamide hydroxamic acid inhibitor for the botulinum neurotoxin serotype A light chain. A structure activity relationship study of the parent inhibitor resulted in the synthesis of a new inhibitor with an IC50of 0.95 ± 0.60 μM for the BoNT/A LC.
Selective radical amination of aldehydic C(sp2)–H bonds with fluoroaryl azides via Co(ii)-based metalloradical catalysis: synthesis of N-fluoroaryl amides from aldehydes under neutral and nonoxidative conditions
Authors: Jin Li-Mei , Lu Hongjian , Cui Yuan , Lizardi Christopher L. , Arzua Thiago N. , Wojtas Lukasz , Cui Xin , Zhang X. Peter
Published: March 2014

Intermolecular amination of aldehydic C–H bonds has been achieved via Co(ii)-based metalloradical catalysis.
Liver X receptor: from metabolism to cancer
Authors: Venteclef Nicolas , Ferré Pascal
Published: March 2014

Cholesterol plays an indispensable role in regulating the properties of cell membranes in mammalian cells. Accumulation of cholesterol and its intermediates, such as oxysterols, lead to activation of the nuclear receptors LXRs (liver X receptors). LXR is an important regulator of cholesterol homoeostasis by controlling its transport and its neo-synthesis. Accumulating evidence indicates that the endogenous ligands of LXRs, oxysterols, play an active and important role in regulating the fate and function of immune cells. Indeed, LXRs are negative regu-lators of innate immunity by interfering with macrophage activation. Recent advances have highlighted a controversial role for LXR in cancer. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Wang et al. propose that LXR agonist directly controls IFN-γ (interferon-γ) expression, which limits tumour growth. This protective effect mediated by LXR appears to be dependent on IFN-γ. Thus, despite accumulation of endogenous ligand of LXR in cancer, activation of LXR seems protective. This novel evidence provides a new perspective for targeting LXR in cancer, although controversial studies can be also found in the literature. In order to avoid side effects associated with LXR agonists, molecular and cellular studies are required to decipher this unexpected action of LXRs.
Single-parameter spin-pumping in driven metallic rings with spin-orbit coupling
Authors: Ramos J. P. , Foa Torres L. E. F. , Orellana P. A. , Apel V. M.
Published: March 2014

We consider the generation of a pure spin-current at zero bias voltage with a single time-dependent potential. To such end we study a device made of a mesoscopic ring connected to electrodes and clarify the interplay between a magnetic flux, spin-orbit coupling, and non-adiabatic driving in the production of a spin and electrical current. By using Floquet theory, we show that the generated spin to charge current ratio can be controlled by tuning the spin-orbit coupling.
Radial intrusions from turbulent plumes in uniform stratification
Authors: Richards Tamar S. , Aubourg Quentin , Sutherland Bruce R.
Published: March 2014

Laboratory experiments investigate the radial spread of an intrusion created by a turbulent forced plume in uniformly stratified ambient fluid. The flow evolution is determined as it depends upon the ambient buoyancy frequency, N, and the source momentum and buoyancy fluxes, M0 and F0, respectively. The plume reaches its maximum vertical extent, Zm, collapses back upon itself as a fountain and then spreads radially outwards at its neutral buoyancy depth, Zs, where the intrusion has the same density as the ambient. Through theory and experiments we determine that Zs = f(σ)Hp, in which Hp = M03/4F0−1/2, σ = (M0N/F0)2, and f(σ) ∝ σ−3/8 for σ ≲ 50 and f(σ) ∝ σ−1/4 for σ ≳ 50. In the inertia-buoyancy regime the intrusion front advances in time approximately as Rf ∝ t3/4, consistent with models assuming a constant buoyancy flux into the intrusion. Where the intrusion first forms, at radius R1, its thickness h1 is approximately constant in time. The thickness of the intrusion as a whole, h(r, t), adopts a self-similar shape of the form h/h1 ≃ [(Rf − r)/(Rf − R1)]p, with p ≃ 0.55 ± 0.03. The comparison of these results to large volcanic plumes penetrating into and spreading in the stratosphere is discussed.
Metallization and superconductivity of BeH2 under high pressure
Authors: Wang Ziwei , Yao Yansun , Zhu Li , Liu Hanyu , Iitaka Toshiaki , Wang Hui , Ma Yanming
Published: March 2014

Pressure-induced metallization and potential superconductivity of BeH2 has been a topic of interest. In the present study, we extensively explored the crystal structures of BeH2 in a wide pressure range of 0–300 GPa using an unbiased structure searching method coupled with first-principles density functional calculations. A series of pressure-induced structural transformations are predicted for BeH2, as Ibam (α phase) → P-3m1 (phase II) → R-3m (phase III) → Cmcm (phase IV). Calculated pressures of phase transition are 25, 140, and 202 GPa, respectively. The phase II is isostructural to the well-known 1T structure of transition metal dichalcogenides, which is composed of covalent bonded BeH2 slabs stacked along the perpendicular direction by van der Waals forces. The phase III is constructed by the same BeH2 slabs, but differs from the phase II in the stacking sequence. The α phase, phase II, and phase III all have insulating electronic states while their band gaps decrease as pressure increases. We predicted that BeH2 reaches a metallic state by a III → IV phase transition, instead of a direct band gap closure in phase III. The phase IV has a three-dimensional extended Be-H network formed by edge-sharing BeH8 polyhedrons with delocalized electrons. Electron-phonon coupling calculations implemented using linear response theory on the metallic BeH2 predict a large electron-phonon coupling parameter of 0.63, leading to an estimation of superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of ∼38 K at 250 GPa.
Accurate measurement of enhancement factor in tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy through elimination of far-field artefacts
Authors: Kumar Naresh , Rae Alasdair , Roy Debdulal
Published: March 2014

Enhancement factor (EF) is an important measure of the quality of tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) probes. Currently, due to the presence of far-field artefacts, EF is often overestimated in TERS measurements. The origin of this problem is discussed in this article and a methodology for an accurate measurement of the EF using a bilayer sample is presented to characterise TERS tips. EF values measured using the conventional and the proposed methodologies are compared. EF is found to be overestimated by up to an order of magnitude when the conventional methodology is used. Finally, EF values of Ag coated TERS probes prepared from SiO2 tips and as received Si tips are evaluated using the proposed methodology. Oxidation of the Si tips showed in the range of seven-fold increase in their EF.
High shear rate flow in a linear stroke magnetorheological energy absorber
Authors: Hu W. , Wereley N. M. , Hiemenz G. J. , Ngatu G. T.
Published: March 2014

To provide adaptive stroking load in the crew seats of ground vehicles to protect crew from blast or impact loads, a magnetorheological energy absorber (MREA) or shock absorber was developed. The MREA provides appropriate levels of controllable stroking load for different occupant weights and peak acceleration because the viscous stroking load generated by the MREA force increases with velocity squared, thereby reducing its controllable range at high piston velocity. Therefore, MREA behavior at high piston velocity is analyzed and validated experimentally in order to investigate the effects of velocity and magnetic field on MREA performance. The analysis used to predict the MREA force as a function of piston velocity squared and applied field is presented. A conical fairing is mounted to the piston head of the MREA in order reduce predicted inlet flow loss by 9% at nominal velocity of 8 m/s, which resulted in a viscous force reduction of nominally 4%. The MREA behavior is experimentally measured using a high speed servo-hydraulic testing system for speeds up to 8 m/s. The measured MREA force is used to validate the analysis, which captures the transient force quite accurately, although the peak force is under-predicted at the peak speed of 8 m/s.
Coupling between bulk- and surface chemistry in suspensions of charged colloids
Authors: Heinen M. , Palberg T. , Löwen H.
Published: March 2014

The ionic composition and pair correlations in fluid phases of realistically salt-free charged colloidal sphere suspensions are calculated in the primitive model. We obtain the number densities of all ionic species in suspension, including low-molecular weight microions, and colloidal macroions with acidic surface groups, from a self-consistent solution of a coupled physicochemical set of nonlinear algebraic equations and non-mean-field liquid integral equations. Here, we study suspensions of colloidal spheres with sulfonate or silanol surface groups, suspended in demineralized water that is saturated with carbon dioxide under standard atmosphere. The only input required for our theoretical scheme are the acidic dissociation constants pKa, and effective sphere diameters of all involved ions. Our method allows for an ab initio calculation of colloidal bare and effective charges, at high numerical efficiency.
Plasma-produced phase-pure cuprous oxide nanowires for methane gas sensing
Authors: Cheng Qijin , Yan Wei , Randeniya Lakshman , Zhang Fengyan , (Ken) Ostrikov Kostya
Published: March 2014

Phase-selective synthesis of copper oxide nanowires is warranted by several applications, yet it remains challenging because of the narrow windows of the suitable temperature and precursor gas composition in thermal processes. Here, we report on the room-temperature synthesis of small-diameter, large-area, uniform, and phase-pure Cu2O nanowires by exposing copper films to a custom-designed low-pressure, thermally non-equilibrium, high-density (typically, the electron number density is in the range of 1011–1013 cm−3) inductively coupled plasmas. The mechanism of the plasma-enabled phase selectivity is proposed. The gas sensors based on the synthesized Cu2O nanowires feature fast response and recovery for the low-temperature (∼140 °C) detection of methane gas in comparison with polycrystalline Cu2O thin film-based gas sensors. Specifically, at a methane concentration of 4%, the response and the recovery times of the Cu2O nanowire-based gas sensors are 125 and 147 s, respectively. The Cu2O nanowire-based gas sensors have a potential for applications in the environmental monitoring, chemical industry, mining industry, and several other emerging areas.
High thermoelectric performance in the multi-valley electronic system Zr3Ni3−xCoxSb4 and the high-mobility Zr3Ni3−xCuxSb4
Authors: Tamaki H. , Kanno T. , Sakai A. , Takahashi K. , Kusada H. , Yamada Y.
Published: March 2014

We report synthesis and thermoelectric performance of the p-type Zr3Ni3−xCoxSb4 and the n-type Zr3Ni3−xCuxSb4, which are derived from the same parent semiconductor Zr3Ni3Sb4. We found a high thermoelectric performance for both the p-type compound (the figure-of-merit ZT is 0.52 at 760 K) and the n-type compound (ZT = 0.41 at 670 K). ZT of the p-type compound exceeded the value of the p-type half-Heusler compounds consisting of similar elements. The Hall-coefficient measurements indicate that the high ZT in the n-type compounds is a consequence of the high electron mobility of 52.4 cm2/Vs. In contrast, the p-type compounds showed higher ZT in spite of much lower mobility. We discuss the mechanism for the high ZT in the p-type compound from the viewpoint of the multi-valley band structure.
Investigating the origin of S-shaped photocurrent-voltage characteristics of polymer:fullerene bulk-heterojunction organic solar cells
Authors: Ho Huh Yoon , Park Byoungchoo , Hwang Inchan
Published: March 2014

We herein investigated the origin of the S-shape behaviour exhibited near the compensation voltage in the photocurrent density-voltage (Jph-V) characteristics of organic solar cells. P3HT:PCBM bulk-heterojunction solar cells annealed at a too high temperature show the S-shaped Jph-V characteristics. Optical microscopy images revealed the interface degradation. Utilizing a drift-diffusion model, we found that the S-shape behavior cannot be seen by a sole effect of charge accumulation or imbalance of charge carrier mobilities. Rather, the effect of both combined resulting in strong bimolecular recombination causes a reduction in photocurrent near the compensation voltage, producing the S-shape feature.
Relating reconnection rate, exhaust structure and effective resistivity
Authors: Singh Nagendra
Published: March 2014

The magnetic reconnection structure consists of a central diffusion region (CDR) and a cone or wedge shaped reconnection exhaust containing accelerated plasma flows and electromagnetic fluctuations. We predict here the relationship among the exhaust half-cone angle (θe), the half width (w) of the CDR, the outflow velocity Vo, and the effective resistivity (ηeff), which includes the effects of all the nonideal terms in the generalized Ohm's law. The effective resistivity is defined as the ratio of reconnection electric field Erec to the current density Jy at the X point and it essentially represents the loss of momentum from the current-carrying plasma particles due to scattering by waves, their inertia or outflux from the CDR. The relation is checked against relevant results previously reported from laboratory experiments, space observations, and simulations, showing excellent agreement. The relation can be used for estimating the ad-hoc effective resistivity often used in magnetohydrodynamic modeling of reconnection.
Transition from half metal to semiconductor in Li doped g-C4N3
Authors: Hashmi Arqum , Hu Tao , Hong Jisang
Published: March 2014

We have investigated the structural and magnetic properties of Li doped graphitic carbon nitride (g-C4N3) using the van der Waals density functional theory. A free standing g-C4N3 was known to show a half metallic state with buckling geometry, but this feature completely disappears in the presence of Li doping. Besides this structural modification, very interestingly, we have obtained that the Li doped g-C4N3 shows dramatic change in its electronic structure. Both ferromagnetic and nonmagnetic states are almost degenerated in one Li atom doped system. However, the transition from half metallic state to semiconductor is observed with further increase of Li concentration and the calculated energy gap is 1.97 eV. We found that Li impurity plays as a donor element and charge transfer from the Li atom to neighboring N atoms induces a band gap. Overall, we have observed that the electronic and magnetic properties of g-C4N3 are substantially modified by Li doping.
Symbolic dynamics marker of heart rate variability combined with clinical variables enhance obstructive sleep apnea screening
Authors: Ravelo-García A. G. , Saavedra-Santana P. , Juliá-Serdá G. , Navarro-Mesa J. L. , Navarro-Esteva J. , Álvarez-López X. , Gapelyuk A. , Penzel T. , Wessel N.
Published: March 2014

Many sleep centres try to perform a reduced portable test in order to decrease the number of overnight polysomnographies that are expensive, time-consuming, and disturbing. With some limitations, heart rate variability (HRV) has been useful in this task. The aim of this investigation was to evaluate if inclusion of symbolic dynamics variables to a logistic regression model integrating clinical and physical variables, can improve the detection of subjects for further polysomnographies. To our knowledge, this is the first contribution that innovates in that strategy. A group of 133 patients has been referred to the sleep center for suspected sleep apnea. Clinical assessment of the patients consisted of a sleep related questionnaire and a physical examination. The clinical variables related to apnea and selected in the statistical model were age (p < 10−3), neck circumference (p < 10−3), score on a questionnaire scale intended to quantify daytime sleepiness (p < 10−3), and intensity of snoring (p < 10−3). The validation of this model demonstrated an increase in classification performance when a variable based on non-linear dynamics of HRV (p < 0.01) was used additionally to the other variables. For diagnostic rule based only on clinical and physical variables, the corresponding area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was 0.907 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.848, 0.967), (sensitivity 87.10% and specificity 80%). For the model including the average of a symbolic dynamic variable, the area under the ROC curve was increased to 0.941 (95% = 0.897, 0.985), (sensitivity 88.71% and specificity 82.86%). In conclusion, symbolic dynamics, coupled with significant clinical and physical variables can help to prioritize polysomnographies in patients with a high probability of apnea. In addition, the processing of the HRV is a well established low cost and robust technique.
Control of conductivity and electric field induced strain in bulk Bi0.5K0.5TiO3–BiFeO3 ceramics
Authors: Morozov Maxim I. , Einarsrud Mari-Ann , Grande Tor
Published: March 2014

High electrical conductivity is one of the main obstacles for advances of bulk BiFeO3 ceramics in piezoelectric applications. Here, we demonstrate that the electrical conductivity of BiFeO3 can be lowered by compositional modification with Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 and further reduced by annealing in oxidizing or reducing atmospheres. These manipulations also allow for tailoring of other functional properties. In particular, we demonstrate that the electric field induced strain performance of bulk bismuth ferrite can be significantly improved by addition of 30% Bi0.5K0.5TiO3 and thermal annealing in an inert atmosphere.
Reliability and validity of the German language version of Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale
Authors: Pedisic Zeljko , Matouschek Stefanie , Stückler Martina , Basaric Amir , Titze Sylvia
Published: March 2014

The high prevalence of insufficient physical activity (PA) among adolescents is an important public health issue. Studying reasons for disliking PA might help researchers better understand its underlying mechanisms, yet this psychological construct has been understudied. This study established the psychometric properties of the German language version of the Girls' Disinclination for Physical Activity Scale (G‐DAS‐Ger). Data were collected on a sample of 257 adolescent girls in Austria (mean age: 13.0 ± 0.7 years) using the G‐DAS‐Ger and the Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale. One week after the first assessment, the questionnaires were re‐administered to 78 girls. Between two administrations, PA of 215 girls was monitored for seven consecutive days using the ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometers. Confirmatory factor analysis of G‐DAS‐Ger showed good fit for a three‐factor model (χ2/df = 2.025; Bollen–Stine (B‐S) p = 0.159; root mean square error of approximation = 0.063; standardised root mean square residual = 0.054; comparative fit index = 0.950). Cronbach's alphas for G‐DAS‐Ger factors/subscales ranged 0.64–0.76. The test–retest reliability assessed by Spearman's rank correlation ranged 0.62–0.75. Only one subscale correlated significantly with vigorous‐intensity PA (Spearman's rho = −0.16) and none with moderate‐to‐vigorous‐intensity PA, which indicated poor predictive validity of the G‐DAS‐Ger. Correlations between G‐DAS‐Ger subscales and enjoyment of PA ranged from −0.29 to −0.41, indicating satisfactory convergent validity. The G‐DAS‐Ger may be used in its present form to assess disinclination for PA among adolescent girls in German‐speaking countries. However, our results put into question the stability of the originally proposed factor structure of the questionnaire and its predictive validity among German‐speaking adolescent girls. Methodological refinements to the G‐DAS‐Ger may be required to improve its psychometric properties in this population.
Single Amino Acid Mutations in the Potato Immune Receptor R3a Expand Response to Phytophthora Effectors
Authors: Segretin María Eugenia , Pais Marina , Franceschetti Marina , Chaparro-Garcia Angela , Bos Jorunn I. B. , Banfield Mark J. , Kamoun Sophien
Published: March 2014

Both plants and animals rely on nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing (NB-LRR or NLR) proteins to respond to invading pathogens and activate immune responses. How plant NB-LRR proteins respond to pathogens is poorly understood. We undertook a gain-of-function random mutagenesis screen of the potato NB-LRR immune receptor R3a to study how this protein responds to the effector protein AVR3a from the oomycete pathogen Phytophthora infestans. R3a response can be extended to the stealthy AVR3aEM isoform of the effector while retaining recognition of AVR3aKI. Each one of eight single amino acid mutations is sufficient to expand the R3a response to AVR3aEM and other AVR3a variants. These mutations occur across the R3a protein, from the N terminus to different regions of the LRR domain. Further characterization of these R3a mutants revealed that at least one of them was sensitized, exhibiting a stronger response than the wild-type R3a protein to AVR3aKI. Remarkably, the N336Y mutation, near the R3a nucleotide-binding pocket, conferred response to the effector protein PcAVR3a4 from the vegetable pathogen P. capsici. This work contributes to understanding how NB-LRR receptor specificity can be modulated. Together with knowledge of pathogen effector diversity, this strategy can be exploited to develop synthetic immune receptors.
Evaluation of Olive as a Host of Xylella fastidiosa and Associated Sharpshooter Vectors
Authors: Krugner Rodrigo , Sisterson Mark S. , Chen Jianchi , Stenger Drake C. , Johnson Marshall W.
Published: March 2014

Olive (Olea europaea) trees exhibiting leaf scorch or branch dieback symptoms in California were surveyed for the xylem-limited, fastidious bacterium Xylella fastidiosa. Only approximately 17% of diseased trees tested positive for X. fastidiosa by polymerase chain reaction, and disease symptoms could not be attributed to X. fastidiosa infection of olive in greenhouse pathogenicity assays. Six strains of X. fastidiosa were isolated from olive in Southern California. Molecular assays identified strains recovered from olive as belonging to X. fastidiosa subsp. multiplex. Pathogenicity testing of olive strains on grapevine and almond confirmed that X. fastidiosa strains isolated from olive yield disease phenotypes on almond and grapevine typical of those expected for subsp. multiplex. Mechanical inoculation of X. fastidiosa olive strains to olive resulted in infection at low efficiency but infections remained asymptomatic and tended to be self-limiting. Vector transmission assays demonstrated that glassy-winged sharpshooter (Homalodisca vitripennis) could transmit strains of both subspp. multiplex and fastidiosa to olive at low efficiency. Insect trapping data indicated that two vectors of X. fastidiosa, glassy-winged sharpshooter and green sharpshooter (Draeculacephala minerva), were active in olive orchards. Collectively, the data indicate that X. fastidiosa did not cause olive leaf scorch or branch dieback but olive may contribute to the epidemiology of X. fastidiosa-elicited diseases in California. Olive may serve as an alternative, albeit suboptimal, host of X. fastidiosa. Olive also may be a refuge where sharpshooter vectors evade intensive areawide insecticide treatment of citrus, the primary control method used in California to limit glassy-winged sharpshooter populations and, indirectly, epidemics of Pierce's disease of grapevine.
The National Plant Diagnostic Network: Partnering to Protect Plant Systems
Authors: Stack James P. , Bostock Richard M. , Hammerschmidt Raymond , Jones Jeffrey B. , Luke Eileen
Published: March 2014

The National Plant Diagnostic Network (NPDN) has developed into a critical component of the plant biosecurity infrastructure of the United States. The vision set forth in 2002 for a distributed but coordinated system of plant diagnostic laboratories at land grant universities and state departments of agriculture has been realized. NPDN, in concept and in practice, has become a model for cooperation among the public and private entities necessary to protect our natural and agricultural plant resources. Aggregated into five regional networks, NPDN laboratories upload diagnostic data records into a National Data Repository at Purdue University. By facilitating early detection and providing triage and surge support during plant disease outbreaks and arthropod pest infestations, NPDN has become an important partner among federal, state, and local plant protection agencies and with the industries that support plant protection.
Spread ofAspergillus flavusby Navel Orangeworm (Amyelois transitella) on Almond
Authors: Palumbo Jeffrey D. , Mahoney Noreen E. , Light Douglas M. , Siegel Joel , Puckett Ryan D. , Michailides Themis J.
Published: March 2014

Navel orangeworm (NOW) damage to almond is correlated with increased incidence of aflatoxin contamination caused by Aspergillus flavus. However, no reports demonstrate a causative relationship between NOW feeding and A. flavus infection. To demonstrate the potential of NOW to act as a vector of A. flavus on almond, NOW eggs were dusted with A. flavus and incubated in microchambers adjacent to but not touching agar plates or almond kernels. Following egg hatch, A. flavus colonies developed on agar along trails left by NOW larvae. Almond kernels damaged with A. flavus-carrying NOW showed higher incidence of A. flavus colonization and aflatoxin contamination than control treatments. Interestingly, levels of aflatoxin in NOW-damaged, A. flavus-infected almond were significantly higher than control treatments, even in the absence of visible fungal growth. Commercial almond orchards had a relatively low level of contamination with Aspergillus section Flavi in spring and early summer and a high level during summer, corresponding with the higher level of NOW infestation of the crop. Our study demonstrates that NOW is capable of vectoring A. flavus to almond, and that monitoring and sorting of almond kernels for insect damage is warranted to limit aflatoxin contamination potential both before and after harvesting.
A Tripartite Interaction Between Spartina alterniflora, Fusarium palustre, and the Purple Marsh Crab (Sesarma reticulatum) Contributes to Sudden Vegetation Dieback of Salt Marshes in New England
Authors: Elmer Wade H.
Published: March 2014

Tripartite interactions are common and occur when one agent (an arthropod or pathogen) changes the host plant in a manner that alters the attack of the challenging agent. We examined herbivory from the purple marsh crab (Sesarma reticulatum) on Spartina alterniflora following exposure to drought or inoculation with Fusarium palustre in mecocosms in the greenhouse and in crab-infested creek banks along intertidal salt marshes. Initially, drought stress on S. alterniflora and disease from F. palustre were examined in the greenhouse. Then, a second challenger, the purple marsh crab, was introduced to determine how drought and disease from F. palustre affected the attraction and consumption of S. alterniflora. Plant height and shoot and root weights were reduced in plants subjected to severe drought treatment when compared with normally irrigated plants. When the drought treatment was combined with inoculation with F. palustre, plants were significantly more stunted and symptomatic, had less fresh weight, more diseased roots, and a greater number of Fusarium colonies growing from the roots (P < 0.001) than noninoculated plants. The effects were additive, and statistical interactions were not detected between drought and inoculation. Estimates of herbivory (number of grass blades cut or biomass consumption) by the purple marsh crab were significantly greater on drought-stressed, diseased plants than on healthy plants irrigated normally. Drought increased attraction to the purple marsh crab more than inoculation with F. palustre. However, when only mild drought conditions were imposed, plant consumption was greater on inoculated plants. Healthy, nonstressed transplants set into plots in crabinfested intertidal creek banks were grazed less each year than inoculated plants or plants that were exposed to drought. Several hypotheses relating to nutrition, chemotaxis, and visual attraction are presented to explain how stress from drought or disease might favor herbivory.
Inhibition of the Ubiquitin–Proteasome Pathway Does Not Protect against Ventilator-induced Accelerated Proteolysis or Atrophy in the Diaphragm
Authors: Smuder Ashley J. , Nelson W. Bradley , Hudson Matthew B. , Kavazis Andreas N. , Powers Scott K.
Published: March 2014

Background:

Mechanical ventilation (MV) is a life-saving intervention in patients with acute respiratory failure. However, prolonged MV results in ventilator-induced diaphragm dysfunction (VIDD), a condition characterized by both diaphragm fiber atrophy and contractile dysfunction. Previous work has shown that calpain, caspase-3, and the ubiquitin–proteasome pathway (UPP) are all activated in the diaphragm during prolonged MV. However, although it is established that both calpain and caspase-3 are important contributors to VIDD, the role that the UPP plays in the development of VIDD remains unknown. These experiments tested the hypothesis that inhibition of the UPP will protect the diaphragm against VIDD.

Methods:

The authors tested this prediction in an established animal model of MV using a highly specific UPP inhibitor, epoxomicin, to prevent MV-induced activation of the proteasome in the diaphragm (n = 8 per group).

Results:

The results of this study reveal that inhibition of the UPP did not prevent ventilator-induced diaphragm muscle fiber atrophy and contractile dysfunction during 12 h of MV. Also, inhibition of the UPP does not affect MV-induced increases in calpain and caspase-3 activity in the diaphragm. Finally, administration of the proteasome inhibitor did not protect against the MV-induced increases in the expression of the E3 ligases, muscle ring finger-1 (MuRF1), and atrogin-1/MaFbx.

Conclusion:

Collectively, these results indicate that proteasome activation does not play a required role in VIDD development during the first 12 h of MV.
3D mapping of disease in ant societies reveals a strategy of a specialized parasite
Authors: Loreto Raquel G. , Elliot Simon L. , Freitas Mayara L. R. , Pereira Thairine M. , Hughes David P.
Published: March 2014

Despite the widely held position that the social insects have evolved effective ways to limit infectious disease spread, many pathogens and parasites do attack insect societies. Maintaining a disease-free nest environment is an important evolutionary feature, but since workers have to leave the nest to forage they are routinely exposed to disease. Here we show that despite effective social immunity, in which workers act collectively to reduce disease inside the nest, 100% of studied ant colonies ofCamponotus rufipesin a Brazilian Rainforest were infected by the specialized fungal parasiteOphiocordyceps unilateralis s.l. Not only is disease present for all colonies but long-term dynamics over 20 months revealed disease is a permanent feature. Using 3D maps, we showed the parasite optimizes its transmission by controlling workers’ behavior to die on the doorstep of the colony, where susceptible foragers are predictable in time and space. Therefore, despite social immunity, specialized diseases of ants have evolved effective strategies to exploit insect societies.
Subtelomeric CTCF and cohesin binding site organization using improved subtelomere assemblies and a novel annotation pipeline
Authors: Stong Nicholas , Deng Zhong , Gupta Ravi , Hu Sufen , Paul Shiela , Weiner Amber K. , Eichler Evan E. , Graves Tina , Fronick Catrina C. , Courtney Laura , Wilson Richard K. , Lieberman Paul M. , Davuluri Ramana V. , Riethman Harold
Published: March 2014

Mapping genome-wide data to human subtelomeres has been problematic due to the incomplete assembly and challenges of low-copy repetitive DNA elements. Here, we provide updated human subtelomere sequence assemblies that were extended by filling telomere-adjacent gaps using clone-based resources. A bioinformatic pipeline incorporating multiread mapping for annotation of the updated assemblies using short-read data sets was developed and implemented. Annotation of subtelomeric sequence features as well as mapping of CTCF and cohesin binding sites using ChIP-seq data sets from multiple human cell types confirmed that CTCF and cohesin bind within 3 kb of the start of terminal repeat tracts at many, but not all, subtelomeres. CTCF and cohesin co-occupancy were also enriched near internal telomere-like sequence (ITS) islands and the nonterminal boundaries of subtelomere repeat elements (SREs) in transformed lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) and human embryonic stem cell (ES) lines, but were not significantly enriched in the primary fibroblast IMR90 cell line. Subtelomeric CTCF and cohesin sites predicted by ChIP-seq using our bioinformatics pipeline (but not predicted when only uniquely mapping reads were considered) were consistently validated by ChIP-qPCR. The colocalized CTCF and cohesin sites in SRE regions are candidates for mediating long-range chromatin interactions in the transcript-rich SRE region. A public browser for the integrated display of short-read sequence–based annotations relative to key subtelomere features such as the start of each terminal repeat tract, SRE identity and organization, and subtelomeric gene models was established.
Can I be sued for that? Liability risk and the disclosure of clinically significant genetic research findings
Authors: McGuire Amy L. , Knoppers Bartha Maria , Zawati Ma’n H. , Clayton Ellen Wright
Published: March 2014

Genomic researchers increasingly are faced with difficult decisions about whether, under what circumstances, and how to return research results and significant incidental findings to study participants. Many have argued that there is an ethical—maybe even a legal—obligation to disclose significant findings under some circumstances. At the international level, over the last decade there has begun to emerge a clear legal obligation to return significant findings discovered during the course of research. However, there is no explicit legal duty to disclose in the United States. This creates legal uncertainty that may lead to unmanaged variation in practice and poor quality care. This article discusses liability risks associated with the disclosure of significant research findings for investigators in the United States.
Intradermal glutamate and capsaicin injections: Intra‐ and interindividual variability of provoked hyperalgesia and allodynia
Authors: Nilsson Matias , Lassen Dorte , Andresen Trine , Nielsen Anders K , Arendt‐Nielsen Lars , Drewes Asbjørn M
Published: March 2014

Intradermal injections of glutamate and capsaicin are attractive to use in human experimental pain models because hyperalgesia and allodynia mimic isolated aspects of clinical pain disorders. The aim of the present study was to investigate the reproducibility of these models. Twenty healthy male volunteers (mean age 24 years; range 18–38 years) received intradermal injections of glutamate and capsaicin in the volar forearm. Magnitudes of secondary pinprick hyperalgesia and brush‐evoked allodynia were investigated using von Frey filaments (gauges 10, 15, 60 and 100 g) and brush strokes. Areas of secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia were quantified immediately after injection and after 15, 30 and 60 min. Two identical experiments separated by at least 7 days were performed. Reproducibility across and within volunteers (inter‐ and intra‐individual variation, respectively) was assessed using intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV). Secondary pinprick hyperalgesia was observed as a marked increase in the visual analogue scale (VAS) response to von Frey gauges 60 and 100 g (P < 0.001) after glutamate injection. For capsaicin, secondary pinprick hyperalgesia was detected with all von Frey gauges (P < 0.001). Glutamate evoked reproducible VAS response to all von Frey gauges (ICC > 0.60) and brush strokes (ICC > 0.83). Capsaicin injection was reproducible for secondary hyperalgesia (ICC > 0.70) and allodynia (ICC > 0.71). Intra‐individual variability was generally lower for the VAS response to von Frey and brush compared with areas of secondary hyperalgesia and allodynia. In conclusion, glutamate and capsaicin yield reproducible hyperalgesic and allodynic responses, and the present model is well suited for basic research, as well as for assessing the modulation of central phenomena.
Oestrogen upregulates the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ATPase pump in coronary arteries
Authors: Hill Brent JF , Muldrew Edwin
Published: March 2014

The presence of circulating plasma 17β‐oestradiol (E2) is beneficial in women against abnormal vascular tone development, such as coronary arterial vasospasms. Several vascular diseases have demonstrated that increased expression of the sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+‐ATPase pump (SERCA2b) serves to limit the excessive accumulation of intracellular Ca2+. Therefore, the hypothesis of the present study was that E2 would increase SERCA2b expression in the coronary vasculature. Coronary arteries were dissected from hearts obtained from mature female pigs. Artery segments were cultured for 24 h in E2 (1 pmol/L or 1 nmol/L) and homogenized for western blot analysis. At 1 nmol/L, E2 induced an approximate 50% increase in immunoreactivity for SERCA2b. In addition, E2 increased the protein expression of the known SERCA regulatory proteins, protein kinase A (PKA) and protein kinase G (PKG). The E2‐induced increase in SERCA2b was attenuated when the culture medium was supplemented with the oestrogen receptor (ER) α/β antagonist ICI 182,780 and the PKG antagonist KT5823 (10 μmol/L, 24 h for both). The PKA antagonist (KT5720; 10 μmol/L, 24 h) had no effect on SERCA2b expression. Removal of the endothelium (using a wooden toothpick) from artery segments prior to culture decreased the E2‐mediated increase in SERCA2b and PKG expression by 45% and 47%, respectively. Overall, the findings suggest that one of the potential cardiovascular benefits of E2 in women is upregulation of SERCA2b, via activation of the classic ERα and ERβ pathway.