bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical modeling of internal heating curing of glass reinforced epoxy pipes
Authors: Flores Hugo A. , Fasce Laura Alejandra , Riccardi Carmen C. , Ayude María Alejandra
Published: August 2015

A dynamic one‐dimensional model is developed to simulate the novel internal heating curing process in the manufacturing of glass reinforced epoxy pipes by filament winding. The model combines the energy balance with a mechanistic kinetic approach and it is experimentally validated using industrial plant data. The efficiency of a specific curing cycle at different operating conditions is analyzed. In particular, the influence of ambient temperature, initial mandrel temperature, glass fiber content, initiator concentration and pipe wall thickness on temperature, and degree of cure profiles within the pipe wall thickness is discussed. This study attempts to dispel current industrial myths and to propose practical strategies to improve the internal heating curing process. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:2626–2635, 2015. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Prospective study of DNA methylation at LINE‐1 and Alu in peripheral blood and the risk of prostate cancer
Authors: Barry Kathryn Hughes , Moore Lee E. , Liao Linda M. , Huang Wen‐Yi , Andreotti Gabriella , Poulin Matthew , Berndt Sonja I.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that global blood DNA methylation levels may be associated with the risk of various cancers, but no studies have evaluated this relationship for prostate cancer.

METHODS

We used pyrosequencing to quantify DNA methylation levels at the long interspersed nuclear element 1 (LINE‐1) and Alu repetitive elements in pre‐diagnostic blood samples from 694 prostate cancer cases and 703 controls from the Prostate, Lung, Colorectal, and Ovarian Cancer Screening Trial. We evaluated prostate cancer risk associated with the mean methylation level for each element using logistic regression, adjusting for potential confounders.

RESULTS

We did not observe a significant association with prostate cancer for LINE‐1 [odds ratio (OR) for the highest compared to the lowest quartile = 1.01, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.73–1.39, Ptrend = 0.99] or Alu (OR = 0.94, 95% CI: 0.68–1.29, Ptrend = 0.69) methylation levels overall. However, for Alu, we observed that higher DNA methylation levels were associated with a significant increased risk for those diagnosed 4 or more years after blood draw (OR = 2.26, 95% CI: 1.27–4.00, Ptrend = 4.4 × 10−3). In contrast, there was no association for those diagnosed 2 (OR = 1.13, 95% CI: 0.67–1.90, Ptrend = 0.64) or 3 years after draw (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.71–2.07, Ptrend = 0.32), and a decreased risk for those diagnosed less than 2 years after draw (OR = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.25–0.65, Ptrend = 3.8 × 10−5; Pheterogeneity = 5.3 × 10−6).

CONCLUSIONS

Although LINE‐1 DNA methylation levels were not associated with prostate cancer, we observed an association for Alu that varied by time from blood draw to diagnosis. Our study suggests that elevated Alu blood DNA methylation levels several years before diagnosis may be associated with an increased prostate cancer risk. Prostate 75:1718–1725, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Applying insecticides through drip irrigation to reduce wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) feeding damage in sweet potato
Authors: Arrington Amber E , Kennedy George G , Abney Mark R
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

A 2 year field study was conducted at multiple locations to determine whether insecticides or an entomopathogenic nematode, Steinernema carpocapsae Weiser, applied through drip irrigation in sweet potato reduced wireworm damage when compared with the non‐treated check and/or insecticides applied conventionally.

RESULTS

Wireworm damage was low in 2012, and there were no differences in the proportion of roots damaged or the severity of damage between treatments. In 2013, a preplant‐incorporated (PPI) application of chlorpyrifos followed by either bifenthrin, imidacloprid, clothianidin, or oxamyl injected through drip irrigation significantly reduced the proportion of wireworm damage as well as the severity of wireworm damage when compared with the non‐treated check. The incidence and severity of wireworm damage in these treatments did not differ significantly from those in the conventional management practice. The PPI application of chlorpyrifos followed by either cyantraniliprole or S. carpocapsae injected through drip irrigation was not significantly different from the non‐treated check in the proportion of wireworm damage; however, both treatments reduced the severity of wireworm damage compared with the non‐treated check.

CONCLUSION

Applying insecticides through drip irrigation provides an alternative to conventionally applied insecticides. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Effects of imidacloprid and clothianidin seed treatments on wheat aphids and their natural enemies on winter wheat
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhang Xuefeng , Zhao Yunhe , Wei Yan , Mu Wei , Liu Feng
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Wheat aphid (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is one of the major pests of winter wheat and has posed a significant threat to winter wheat production in China. Although neonicotinoid insecticidal seed treatments have been suggested to be a control method, the season‐long efficacy on pests and the impact on their natural enemies are still uncertain. Experiments were conducted to determine the efficacy of imidacloprid and clothianidin on the control of aphids, the number of their natural enemies and the emergence rate and yield of wheat during 2011–2014.

RESULTS

Imidacloprid and clothianidin seed treatments had no effect on the emergence rate of winter wheat and could prevent yield losses and wheat aphid infestations throughout the winter wheat growing season. Furthermore, their active ingredients were detected in winter wheat leaves up to 200 days after sowing. Imidacloprid and clothianidin seed treatments had no adverse effects on ladybirds, hoverflies or parasitoids, and instead increased the spider–aphid ratios.

CONCLUSION

Wheat seeds treated with imidacloprid and clothianidin were effective against wheat aphids throughout the winter wheat growing season and reduced the yield loss under field conditions. Imidacloprid and clothianidin seed treatments may be an important component of the integrated management of wheat aphids on winter wheat. © 2015 Society of Chemical Industry
Entwicklung eines Ionisationsmanometers mit Feldemitterkathode
Authors: Lotz Marcel , Wilfert Stefan , Kester Oliver
Published: August 2015

Die Messung von UHV‐ oder gar XHV‐Drücken in Tieftemperatur‐Vakuumsystemen stellt seit jeher ein messtechnisches Problem dar. Prinzipiell lassen sich zwar konventionelle Ionisationsmanometer vom Glühkathodentyp in kryogenen Vakuumumgebungen einsetzen, allerdings handelt man sich infolge ihrer hohen Wärmeentwicklung zahlreiche Nachteile ein. Mit der Entwicklung eines Ionisationsmanometers vom Extraktortyp, bei dem die Wärme entwickelnde Glühkathode durch eine auf Feldemission basierende Elektronenquelle substituiert wurde, wird im vorliegenden Artikel ein vielversprechender Lösungsansatz zur Realisierung eines verlässlichen Druckmessgerätes für kryogene Vakuumanwendungen präsentiert. Die mit einer CNT‐Kathode ausgestattete Mess‐röhre wurde sowohl experimentell als auch mittels numerischer Simulationsverfahren auf ihre Betriebseigenschaften hin untersucht. Es konnte gezeigt werden, dass die modifizierte Extraktormessröhre unter Tieftemperaturbedingungen problemlos arbeitet und sinnvolle Druckmesswerte liefert.
Polar bear mother‐offspring interactions in maternity dens in captivity
Authors: van Gessel Chad
Published: August 2015

Two female polar bears at Dierenrijk Zoo in the Netherlands were monitored at their maternity den one day before the birth of their cubs and three days postpartum. Each bear was monitored for 96 hr to document behaviour and vocalisations. The goal was to obtain insight into the differences between the mother that lost her litter and the other that successfully reared her cubs. Six groups of cub vocalisations were identified: Comfort, Discomfort, Distress, Nursing Attempts, Nursing, and No Vocalisation. Maternal vocalisations were split into three groups: Calm, Grooming, and Stress. Maternal behaviours were also split into three groups: Active, Rest, and Stress. The unsuccessful mother produced more stress vocalisations before and during the birth of her cub, whereas the successful mother appeared less stressed. Vocalisations indicate that the cub that died tried to nurse but was unsuccessful. The unsuccessful mother showed less stress as her cub got weaker and vocalised less. From this I suggest that maternal stress was a factor in cub mortality. Zoo Biol. 34:453–459, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
OPE for all helicity amplitudes
Authors: Basso Benjamin , Caetano João , Córdova Lucía , Sever Amit , Vieira Pedro
Published: August 2015

Abstract

We extend the Operator Product Expansion (OPE) for scattering amplitudes in planar

$$ \mathcal{N}=4 $$

N
=
4

SYM to account for all possible helicities of the external states. This is done by constructing a simple map between helicity configurations and so-called charged pentagon transitions. These OPE building blocks are generalizations of the bosonic pentagons entering MHV amplitudes and they can be bootstrapped at finite coupling from the integrable dynamics of the color flux tube. A byproduct of our map is a simple realization of parity in the super Wilson loop picture.
Functional Advantages of Proximal Gastrectomy with Jejunal Interposition Over Total Gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y Esophagojejunostomy for Early Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ohashi Masaki , Morita Shinji , Fukagawa Takeo , Oda Ichiro , Kushima Ryoji , Katai Hitoshi
Published: August 2015

Background

The postoperative functional advantages of a proximal gastrectomy over a total gastrectomy remain debatable. The aim of this study was to evaluate the functional outcomes of a proximal gastrectomy with jejunal interposition (PG‐JI), compared with those for a total gastrectomy with Roux‐en‐Y esophagojejunostomy (TG‐RY), in patients with early gastric cancer.

Methods

Between 2007 and 2012, 65 patients underwent PG‐JI and 117 underwent TG‐RY for cT1 gastric cancer. Various parameters, including body weight, serum hemoglobin level, and interview‐based symptoms, were prospectively evaluated in these patients. In patients who underwent PG‐JI, the postoperative endoscopic findings were also assessed.

Results

All the surgeries were performed via a laparotomy alone. During a median postoperative follow‐up of 42 months (range, 12–78 months), PG‐JI offered significant reductions in body weight loss (12.5 ± 5.8 vs. 17.4 ± 6.4 %, P < 0.001), serum hemoglobin decline (7.0 ± 5.7 vs. 9.7 ± 5.4 %, P = 0.002), and dumping symptoms (11 % [7/65] vs. 30 % [35/117], P = 0.003), while being associated with similar incidences of anastomotic stricture (9 % [6/65] vs. 8 % [9/117], P = 0.781), small bowel obstruction (0 % [0/65] vs. 2 % [2/117], P = 0.538), stasis symptoms (51 % [33/65] vs. 44 % [51/117], P = 0.358), and reflux symptoms (34 % [22/65] vs. 23 % [27/117], P = 0.121), compared with TG‐RY. Four cases of gastric remnant cancer and no cases of endoscopic reflux esophagitis were found after PG‐JI.

Conclusions

PG‐JI has clear functional advantages over TG‐RY, although it requires active surveillance for remnant gastric cancer.
Efficient aspartic acid production by a psychrophile-based simple biocatalyst
Authors: Tajima Takahisa , Hamada Mai , Nakashimada Yutaka , Kato Junichi
Published: August 2015

We previously constructed a Psychrophile-based Simple bioCatalyst (PSCat) reaction system, in which psychrophilic metabolic enzymes are inactivated by heat treatment, and used it here to study the conversion of aspartic acid from fumaric acid mediated by the activity of aspartate ammonia-lyase (aspartase). In Escherichia coli, the biosynthesis of aspartic acid competes with that of L-malic acid produced from fumaric acid by fumarase. In this study, E. coli aspartase was expressed in psychrophilic Shewanella livingstonensis Ac10 heat treated at 50 °C for 15 min. The resultant PSCat could convert fumaric acid to aspartic acid without the formation of L-malic acid because of heat inactivation of psychrophilic fumarase activity. Furthermore, alginate-immobilized PSCat produced high yields of aspartic acid and could be re-used nine times. The results of our study suggest that PSCat can be applied in biotechnological production as a new approach to increase the yield of target compounds.
Spatial pattern of hydrolittoral rock encrusting assemblages along the salinity gradient of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Grabowska Monika , Kukliński Piotr
Published: August 2015

This study compared the diversity parameters and structures of encrusting assemblages in two habitats situated at two levels of shallow rocky shore: hydrolittoral and littoral along the Baltic Sea system. We investigated the variability and level of distinctiveness of the hydrolittoral encrusting fauna based on species biodiversity and distribution, and compared these features with those of communities inhabiting the adjacent shallow littoral zone (3-m depth). Structural similarities and differences between the encrusting assemblages from adjacent hydrolittoral and littoral zones were studied within 14 locations distributed along the northern coastline of the Baltic Sea. Multivariate analysis indicates that salinity had the greatest influence on the structure of the investigated assemblages. Most of the observed hydrolittoral assemblages contained the same species as the littoral zone. This result indicated a shared common species pool with similar large-scale patterns of species distributions with some variability in the dominating species between zones. The similarity between species composition of the hydrolittoral and littoral assemblages decreased with increase of salinity. Additionally, with higher species richness and the occurrence of marine specialists adapted to hydrolittoral conditions, the role of the rock size in the frequency of species occurrence and assemblage diversity was less significant.
Review of Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA) for Prenatal and Pediatric Genetic Counselors
Authors: Carré Amanda , Empey Candice
Published: August 2015

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is an autosomal recessive neuromuscular condition with degeneration of the anterior horn cells in the spinal column. Five SMA subtypes exist with classification dependent upon the motor milestones achieved. Study of the SMN1 (survival motor neuron) and SMN2 genes as well as the concepts of the “2 + 0” carriers, gene conversion, de novo mutations and intragenic mutations allow for a better understanding of SMA. Detailing the carrier and diagnostic testing options further deepens the genetic counselor's knowledge of SMA. A review of care guidelines and research options is included as this information gives a patient a well‐rounded view of SMA. Although SMA is most commonly associated with the SMN1 gene, a number of spinal muscular atrophies not caused by genetic changes in this gene may be included as differential diagnoses until confirmatory testing can be completed. SMA is a complex condition requiring a detailed knowledge on the genetic counselor's part in order to explain the disorder to the patient with clarity thus facilitating increased communication and decision making guidance with the patient.
An evaluation of the Gifu Model in a trial for a new regional oncofertility network in Japan, focusing on its necessity and effects
Authors: Furui Tatsuro , Takenaka Motoki , Makino Hiroshi , Terazawa Keiko , Yamamoto Akio , Morishige Ken‐ichiro
Published: August 2015

Purpose

We evaluated our 2‐year experience of the regional oncofertility network in Gifu Prefecture (GPOFS) in order to establish a more sophisticated regional oncofertility networking model in Japan.

Methods

Questionnaires were distributed twice in January 2013 to 57 departments in 35 hospitals that provide cancer treatment in Gifu Prefecture, before the establishment of the regional oncofertility network. The number and type of disease of the referred adolescent and young adult (AYA) cancer patients who visited the oncofertility clinic in Gifu University Hospital via the GPOFS were analyzed.

Results

The majority of regional oncologists are aware of the need to provide information about oncofertility to their patients, but they cannot provide sufficient information due to their lack of knowledge about reproductive medicine. Eighty‐one AYA patients were referred to our clinic for oncofertility counseling in the first 2 years after the establishment of the GPOFS.

Conclusions

The GPOFS as the first regional oncofertility network in Japan has just started and may be working to help both AYA cancer patients and their oncologists. The nationwide establishment of the regional oncofertility network model could help both AYA cancer patients and oncologists.
Social Security, Personhood, and the State
Authors: VON BENDA-BECKMANN Keebet
Published: August 2015

This paper looks at the relationship between personhood and the state by taking a relational perspective both on the concept of personhood and on that of the state, and with a focus on social security. It presents a broad concept of social security. Based on research in the Moluccas of East Indonesia, and among Moluccan migrants in the Netherlands, it is explained how social security shapes personhood in situations in which the state is only a minor contributor, and people depend on mechanisms other than support and care from the state. Finally, it will be explored how long-distance relations of social security are maintained and how the position that respective actors have within these relationships affects notions not only of appropriate care, but also of personhood.
A comparative assessment of the fatty acid profiles and antioxidant status of supermarket eggs
Authors: Gaffney Mark , O'Rourke Rachel , Taylor-Pickard Jules , Murphy Richard
Published: August 2015

Nutrient deposition in eggs is largely dictated by the dietary composition of laying hen feed, particularly in terms of specific fatty acids and antioxidants. In the present study, the nutritional quality of a range of commercially available egg varieties, marketed as omega-3 enriched; corn-fed; free range and standard caged, were assessed by determining fatty acid profiles and antioxidant status. Across each egg variety, significant differences were observed in key fatty acids such as palmitic, oleic, linoleic, alpha-linolenic and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) (P ≤ 0.05). Egg yolks enriched with a stated dietary source of omega-3 fatty acid DHA were shown to have significantly improved levels of DHA (P ≤ 0.05), approximately 4.5-fold higher than standard caged eggs. Compared with free range, corn fed and caged, eggs from diets enriched with a source of omega-3 were shown to have considerably altered omega-6: omega-3 ratios, amounting to 1.5–2.1 fold reductions. Yolk antioxidant activity was improved for omega-3 enriched eggs, particularly in hexane fractionated samples. The inclusion of omega-3 fatty acids to the diet resulted in eggs with improved DHA contents and antioxidant status, highlighting the importance of poultry diet composition for egg nutritional quality.
Thermal Stress and Failure Location Analysis for Through Silicon via in 3D Integration
Authors: Tsai H.-Y. , Kuo C.-W.
Published: August 2015

Through silicon via (TSV) is the critical structure for three dimensional (3D) integration, which provides vertical interconnection between stacking dies. In TSV structure, large coefficient differences of thermal expansion exist between silicon substrate, dielectric material, and filled metal. Due to the large thermal mismatch, the high thermal stress occurring at the interface of different materials would result in delamination. Therefore, thermal-mechanical reliability is a key issue for 3D integration. In this study, we investigated the thermal-mechanical stress distribution of TSV under the condition of the accelerated thermal cycling loading by finite element analysis based on a 3D model of TSV structure. Due to the thermal expansion, that the TSV structure squeezed the surface area between TSVs at a high temperature resulted in compressive stresses at the surface area between TSVs. Therefore, a proper distance between the stress-sensitive device and the TSV should be kept. The stress analysis shows that the maximum thermal stress occurs in the outside region of TSV interface and in the annular region of TSV at a high temperature and at a low temperature, respectively. This study helps to obtain a clear thermal stress distribution of TSV and possible failure regions can be determined.
When Talk Trumps Text: The Democratizing Effects of Deliberation during Constitution-Making, 1974–2011
Authors: EISENSTADT TODD A. , LeVAN A. CARL , MABOUDI TOFIGH
Published: August 2015

Under what circumstances do new constitutions promote democracy? Between 1974 and 2011, the level of democracy increased in 62 countries following the adoption of a new constitution, but decreased or stayed the same in 70 others. Using data covering all 138 new constitutions in 118 countries during that period, we explain this divergence through empirical tests showing that overall increased participation during the process of making the constitution positively impacts postpromulgation levels of democracy. Then, after disaggregating constitution-making into three stages (drafting, debating, and ratification) we find compelling evidence through robust statistical tests that the degree of citizen participation in the drafting stage has a much greater impact on the resulting regime. This lends support to some core principles of “deliberative” theories of democracy. We conclude that constitutional reformers should focus more on generating public “buy in” at the front end of the constitution-making process, rather than concentrating on ratification and referendums at the “back end” that are unlikely to correct for an “original sin” of limited citizen deliberation during drafting.
Clan Governance and State Stability: The Relationship between Female Subordination and Political Order
Authors: HUDSON VALERIE M. , BOWEN DONNA LEE , NIELSEN PERPETUA LYNNE
Published: August 2015

We propose that the relative influence of clans is an important explanatory factor producing significant variation in state stability and security across societies. We explore the micro-level processes that link clan predominance with dysfunctional syndromes of state behavior. Clans typically privilege agnatic descent from the patriline and are characterized by extreme subordination of women effected through marriage practices. Particular types of marriage practices give rise to particular types of political orders and may be fiercely guarded for just this reason. We construct and validate a Clan Governance Index to investigate which variables related to women's subordination to the patriline in marriage are useful to include in such an index. We then show that clan governance is a useful predictor of indicators of state stability and security, and we probe the value added by its inclusion with other conventional explanatory variables often linked to state stability and security.

“I against my brothers; my brothers and I against my cousins; my cousins, my brothers, and I against the world” (Bedouin saying)

“At the heart of tribes, to varying levels, is a severe patriarchy” (Jacobson 2013, 58).
The Performativity of Networks
Authors: Healy Kieran
Published: August 2015

The “performativity thesis” is the claim that parts of contemporary economics and finance, when carried out into the world by professionals and popularizers, reformat and reorganize the phenomena they purport to describe, in ways that bring the world into line with theory. Practical technologies, calculative devices and portable algorithms give actors tools to implement particular models of action. I argue that social network analysis is performative in the same sense as the cases studied in this literature. Social network analysis and finance theory are similar in key aspects of their development and effects. For the case of economics, evidence for weaker versions of the performativity thesis is quite good, and the strong formulation is circumstantially supported. Network theory easily meets the evidential threshold for the weaker versions. I offer empirical examples that support the strong (or “Barnesian”) formulation. Whether these parallels are a mark in favor of the thesis or a strike against it is an open question. I argue that the social network technologies and models now being “performed” build out systems of generalized reciprocity, connectivity, and commons-based production. This is in contrast both to an earlier network imagery that emphasized self-interest and entrepreneurial exploitation of structural opportunities, and to the model of action typically considered to be performed by economic technologies.
Seroprevalence Survey of Varicella, Measles, Rubella, and Hepatitis A and B Viruses in a Multinational Healthcare Workforce in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Almuneef M. A. , Memish Z. A. , Balkhy H. H. , Otaibi B. , Helmi M.
Published: August 2015

Objective.

To determine the prevalence of the vaccine-preventable diseases caused by varicella, measles, rubella, and hepatitis A and B viruses in a multinational healthcare workforce.

Design.

Prospective cohort study.

Setting.

A 750-bed tertiary care center located in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Methods.

In compliance with hospital policy, newly recruited healthcare workers (HCWs) were enrolled in the study from September 2001 to March 2005. Serum samples were collected from all HCWs during the initial hiring process and tested for IgG antibodies against each of the 5 viral agents. Nonimmune HCWs were subsequently vaccinated at the earliest opportunity.

Results.

A total of 4,006 newly hired (international and local) employees were included in the study. All underwent serologic testing for IgG antibodies against varicella, measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B viruses. Of the total, 63% were female and 37% were male. Middle Eastern employees comprised 47% of the total, followed by employees from the Far East (35%), the West (10%), and Africa (8%). Forty-two percent were nurses, 27% were in administration, 18% were medical technicians, and 13% were physicians. Among the 4,006 newly hired HCWs, 14% had negative IgG antibody test results for varicella virus, 13% for measles virus, 10% for rubella virus, 33% for hepatitis A virus, and 43% for hepatitis B virus. More women than men were susceptible to hepatitis A (40% vs. 24%;P< .001), whereas more men were susceptible to hepatitis B (55% vs. 35%;P< .001). Varicella susceptibility was more common among HCWs from the Far East (19%), whereas susceptibility to measles, rubella, hepatitis A, and hepatitis B was highest among HCWs from the Middle East. Both relative youth and male sex were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis B virus and rubella virus. In contrast, female sex and younger age were associated with lack of antibodies against hepatitis A virus (P< .001).

Conclusion.

Seroprevalence surveys of vaccine-preventable diseases among HCWs, although labor intensive, are invaluable in caring for a multinational workforce.
A Humean Constructivist Reading of J. S. Mill's Utilitarian Theory
Authors: DRAKE NICHOLAS
Published: August 2015

There is a common view that the utilitarian theory of John Stuart Mill is morally realist and involves a strong kind of practical obligation. This article argues for two negative theses and a positive thesis. The negative theses are that Mill is not a moral realist and that he does not believe in certain kinds of obligations, those involving external reasons and those I callrobustobligations, obligations with a particular, strong kind of practical authority. The positive thesis is that Mill's metaethical position can be interpreted as a Humean constructivist view, a metaethical view that is constructivist about value and entails the existence of practical reasons, but not external reasons or robust obligations. I argue that a Humean constructivist reading of Mill's theory is reasonable, and strengthens Mill's argument from desire for the value of happiness, an important but notoriously weak aspect of his theory.
Effects of Emotional Facial Expression on Time Perception in Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Mioni Giovanna , Meligrana Lucia , Grondin Simon , Perini Francesco , Bartolomei Luigi , Stablum Franca
Published: August 2015

Previous studies have demonstrated that emotional facial expressions alter temporal judgments. Moreover, while some studies conducted with Parkinson's disease (PD) patients suggest dysfunction in the recognition of emotional facial expression, others have shown a dysfunction in time perception. In the present study, we investigate the magnitude of temporal distortions caused by the presentation of emotional facial expressions (anger, shame, and neutral) in PD patients and controls. Twenty-five older adults with PD and 17 healthy older adults took part in the present study. PD patients were divided into two sub-groups, with and without mild cognitive impairment (MCI), based on their neuropsychological performance. Participants were tested with a time bisection task with standard intervals lasting 400 ms and 1600 ms. The effect of facial emotional stimuli on time perception was evident in all participants, yet the effect was greater for PD-MCI patients. Furthermore, PD-MCI patients were more likely to underestimate long and overestimate short temporal intervals than PD-non-MCI patients and controls. Temporal impairment in PD-MCI patients seem to be mainly caused by a memory dysfunction. (JINS, 2016, 22, 890–899)
A steep-slope transistor based on abrupt electronic phase transition
Authors: Shukla Nikhil , Thathachary Arun V. , Agrawal Ashish , Paik Hanjong , Aziz Ahmedullah , Schlom Darrell G. , Gupta Sumeet Kumar , Engel-Herbert Roman , Datta Suman
Published: August 2015

Collective interactions in functional materials can enable novel macroscopic properties like insulator-to-metal transitions. While implementing such materials into field-effect-transistor technology can potentially augment current state-of-the-art devices by providing unique routes to overcome their conventional limits, attempts to harness the insulator-to-metal transition for high-performance transistors have experienced little success. Here, we demonstrate a pathway for harnessing the abrupt resistivity transformation across the insulator-to-metal transition in vanadium dioxide (VO2), to design a hybrid-phase-transition field-effect transistor that exhibits gate controlled steep (‘sub-kT/q’) and reversible switching at room temperature. The transistor design, wherein VO2 is implemented in series with the field-effect transistor’s source rather than into the channel, exploits negative differential resistance induced across the VO2 to create an internal amplifier that facilitates enhanced performance over a conventional field-effect transistor. Our approach enables low-voltage complementary n-type and p-type transistor operation as demonstrated here, and is applicable to other insulator-to-metal transition materials, offering tantalizing possibilities for energy-efficient logic and memory applications.
Coupling of individual quantum emitters to channel plasmons
Authors: Bermúdez-Ureña Esteban , Gonzalez-Ballestero Carlos , Geiselmann Michael , Marty Renaud , Radko Ilya P. , Holmgaard Tobias , Alaverdyan Yury , Moreno Esteban , García-Vidal Francisco J. , Bozhevolnyi Sergey I. , Quidant Romain
Published: August 2015

Efficient light-matter interaction lies at the heart of many emerging technologies that seek on-chip integration of solid-state photonic systems. Plasmonic waveguides, which guide the radiation in the form of strongly confined surface plasmon-polariton modes, represent a promising solution to manipulate single photons in coplanar architectures with unprecedented small footprints. Here we demonstrate coupling of the emission from a single quantum emitter to the channel plasmon polaritons supported by a V-groove plasmonic waveguide. Extensive theoretical simulations enable us to determine the position and orientation of the quantum emitter for optimum coupling. Concomitantly with these predictions, we demonstrate experimentally that 42% of a single nitrogen-vacancy centre emission efficiently couples into the supported modes of the V-groove. This work paves the way towards practical realization of efficient and long distance transfer of energy for integrated solid-state quantum systems.
Experimental superposition of orders of quantum gates
Authors: Procopio Lorenzo M. , Moqanaki Amir , Araújo Mateus , Costa Fabio , Alonso Calafell Irati , Dowd Emma G. , Hamel Deny R. , Rozema Lee A. , Brukner Časlav , Walther Philip
Published: August 2015

Quantum computers achieve a speed-up by placing quantum bits (qubits) in superpositions of different states. However, it has recently been appreciated that quantum mechanics also allows one to ‘superimpose different operations’. Furthermore, it has been shown that using a qubit to coherently control the gate order allows one to accomplish a task—determining if two gates commute or anti-commute—with fewer gate uses than any known quantum algorithm. Here we experimentally demonstrate this advantage, in a photonic context, using a second qubit to control the order in which two gates are applied to a first qubit. We create the required superposition of gate orders by using additional degrees of freedom of the photons encoding our qubits. The new resource we exploit can be interpreted as a superposition of causal orders, and could allow quantum algorithms to be implemented with an efficiency unlikely to be achieved on a fixed-gate-order quantum computer.
Superhydrophobic-like tunable droplet bouncing on slippery liquid interfaces
Authors: Hao Chonglei , Li Jing , Liu Yuan , Zhou Xiaofeng , Liu Yahua , Liu Rong , Che Lufeng , Zhou Wenzhong , Sun Dong , Li Lawrence , Xu Lei , Wang Zuankai
Published: August 2015

Droplet impacting on solid or liquid interfaces is a ubiquitous phenomenon in nature. Although complete rebound of droplets is widely observed on superhydrophobic surfaces, the bouncing of droplets on liquid is usually vulnerable due to easy collapse of entrapped air pocket underneath the impinging droplet. Here, we report a superhydrophobic-like bouncing regime on thin liquid film, characterized by the contact time, the spreading dynamics, and the restitution coefficient independent of underlying liquid film. Through experimental exploration and theoretical analysis, we demonstrate that the manifestation of such a superhydrophobic-like bouncing necessitates an intricate interplay between the Weber number, the thickness and viscosity of liquid film. Such insights allow us to tune the droplet behaviours in a well-controlled fashion. We anticipate that the combination of superhydrophobic-like bouncing with inherent advantages of emerging slippery liquid interfaces will find a wide range of applications.
Calcitonin gene-related peptide pre-administration acts as a novel antidepressant in stressed mice
Authors: Hashikawa-Hobara Narumi , Ogawa Takumi , Sakamoto Yusuke , Matsuo Yumi , Ogawa Mami , Zamami Yoshito , Hashikawa Naoya
Published: August 2015

Calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is a neuropeptide that has potent vasodilator properties and is involved in various behavioral disorders. The relationship between CGRP and depression-like behavior is unclear. In this study, we used chronically stressed mice to investigate whether CGRP is involved in depression-like behavior. Each mouse was exposed to restraint and water immersion stress for 15 days. After stress exposure, mice were assessed using behavioral tests: open field test, forced swim test and sucrose preference test. Serum corticosterone levels, hippocampal proliferation and mRNA expression of neurotrophins were measured. After stress exposure, mice exhibited depression-like behavior and decreased CGRP mRNA levels in the hippocampus. Although intracerebroventricular CGRP administration (0.5 nmol) did not alter depression-like behavior after 15-day stress exposure, a single CGRP administration into the brain, before the beginning of the 15-day stress exposure, normalized the behavioral dysfunctions and increased nerve growth factor (Ngf) mRNA levels in stressed mice. Furthermore, in the mouse E14 hippocampal cell line, CGRP treatment induced increased expression of Ngf mRNA. The NGF receptor inhibitor K252a inhibited CGRP’s antidepressant-like effects in stressed mice. These results suggest that CGRP expression in the mouse hippocampus is associated with depression-like behavior and changes in Ngf mRNA levels.
A tool for developing an automatic insect identification system based on wing outlines
Authors: Yang He-Ping , Ma Chun-Sen , Wen Hui , Zhan Qing-Bin , Wang Xin-Li
Published: August 2015

For some insect groups, wing outline is an important character for species identification. We have constructed a program as the integral part of an automated system to identify insects based on wing outlines (DAIIS). This program includes two main functions: (1) outline digitization and Elliptic Fourier transformation and (2) classifier model training by pattern recognition of support vector machines and model validation. To demonstrate the utility of this program, a sample of 120 owlflies (Neuroptera: Ascalaphidae) was split into training and validation sets. After training, the sample was sorted into seven species using this tool. In five repeated experiments, the mean accuracy for identification of each species ranged from 90% to 98%. The accuracy increased to 99% when the samples were first divided into two groups based on features of their compound eyes. DAIIS can therefore be a useful tool for developing a system of automated insect identification.
Co-evolution in a landrace meta-population: two closely related pathogens interacting with the same host can lead to different adaptive outcomes
Authors: Rau Domenico , Rodriguez Monica , Leonarda Murgia Maria , Balmas Virgilio , Bitocchi Elena , Bellucci Elisa , Nanni Laura , Attene Giovanna , Papa Roberto
Published: August 2015

We examined the local adaptation patterns in a system comprising several interconnected heterogeneous plant populations from which populations of two phylogenetically closely related pathogens were also sampled. The host isHordeum vulgare(cultivated barley); the pathogens arePyrenophora teresf.teres(net form) andPyrenophora teresf.maculata(spot form), the causal agents of barley net blotch. We integrated two approaches, the comparison between the population structures of the host and the pathogens and a cross-inoculation test. We demonstrated that two closely related pathogens with very similar niche specialisation and life-styles can give rise to different co-evolutionary outcomes on the same host. Indeed, we detected local adaptation for the net form of the pathogen but not for the spot form. We also provided evidence that ana-prioriwell-known resistance quantitative-trait-locus on barley chromosome 6H is involved in the co-evolutionary ‘arms race’ between the plant and the net-form pathogen. Moreover, data suggested latitudinal clines of host resistance and that different ecological conditions can result in differential selective pressures at different sites. Our data are of interest foron-farmconservation of plant genetic resources, as also in establishing efficient breeding programs and strategies for deployment of resistance genes ofP. teres.
Growth differentiation factor-15: a p53- and demethylation-upregulating gene represses cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis in bladder carcinoma cells
Authors: Tsui Ke-Hung , Hsu Shu-Yuan , Chung Li-Chuan , Lin Yu-Hsiang , Feng Tsui-Hsia , Lee Tzu-Yi , Chang Phei-Lang , Juang Horng-Heng
Published: August 2015

Growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF15), a member of the TGF-β superfamily, affects tumor biology of certain cancers, but remains poorly understood in bladder cancer cells. This study determined the expression, regulation, function and potential downstream target genes of GDF15 in bladder carcinoma cells. The transitional papilloma carcionoma cells (RT4) expressed higher levels of GDF15 as compared with the bladder carcinoma cells (HT1376 and T24). Treatments of recombinant human GDF15 (rhGDF15) reduced the proliferations of HT1376 and T24 cells. Expression of GDF15 was upregulated via DNA demethylation and p53. The cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis were reduced in ectopic overexpression of GDF15, while enhanced in GDF15 knockdown. The expressions of mammary serine protease inhibitor (MASPIN) and N-myc downstream-regulated family genes (NDRG1, NDRG2 and NDRG3) were upregulated by GDF15 overexpressions and rhGDF15 treatments in bladder carcinoma cells. GDF15 knockdown induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and F-actin polarization in HT1376 cells. Our results suggest that enhanced expressions of MASPIN and N-myc downstream-regulated family genes and the modulation of EMT may account for the inhibitory functions of GDF15 in the cell proliferation, invasion and tumorigenesis of bladder carcinoma cells. The GDF15 should be considered as a tumor suppressor in human bladder carcinoma cells.
First Miocene rodent from Lebanon provides the 'missing link' between Asian and African gundis (Rodentia: Ctenodactylidae)
Authors: López-Antoñanzas Raquel , Knoll Fabien , Maksoud Sibelle , Azar Dany
Published: August 2015

Ctenodactylinae (gundis) is a clade of rodents that experienced, in Miocene time, their greatest diversification and widest distribution. They expanded from the Far East, their area of origin, to Africa, which they entered from what would become the Arabian Peninsula. Questions concerning the origin of African Ctenodactylinae persist essentially because of a poor fossil record from the Miocene of Afro-Arabia. However, recent excavations in the Late Miocene of Lebanon have yielded a key taxon for our understanding of these issues. Proafricanomys libanensis nov. gen. nov. sp. shares a variety of dental characters with both the most primitive and derived members of the subfamily. A cladistic analysis demonstrates that this species is the sister taxon to a clade encompassing all but one of the African ctenodactylines, plus a southern European species of obvious African extraction. As such, Proafricanomys provides the 'missing link' between the Asian and African gundis.
M. tuberculosis Secretory Protein ESAT-6 Induces Metabolic Flux Perturbations to Drive Foamy Macrophage Differentiation
Authors: Singh Varshneya , Kaur Charanpreet , Chaudhary Vijay K. , Rao Kanury V. S , Chatterjee Samrat
Published: August 2015

The Foamy Macrophage (FM) differentiation forms a major component of the host dependent survival axis of M. tuberculosis. The FM which are characterized by the intracellular accumulation of lipid bodies (LBs), ensure a privileged existence for the bacilli through ready provision of nutrients and by conferring protection against bactericidal pathways. The mycobacterial secretory protein ESAT-6 has been identified as the molecular mediator of the FM differentiation process although little is known about the mechanism through which it induces this process. In the present study, we show that ESAT-6 induces GLUT-1 mediated enhanced glucose uptake by macrophages which is coupled to metabolic flux perturbations in the glycolytic pathway caused by differential rates of reaction at several steps in the pathway. Two major changes identified were the simultaneous buildup of DHAP (for Triglyceride synthesis) and AcCoA (for synthesis of 3-HB, ligand for the anti-lipolytic GPR109A). We also show that part of the observed effects involve protein- protein interactions between ESAT-6 and the macrophage glycolytic enzymes, Enolase1 and Phosphoglycerate kinase1.
Non-classical MHC I-E negatively regulates macrophage activation and Th17 cell development in NOD mice
Authors: Yang Chunhui , Guo Nining , Liu Jinhua , Yang Juhao , Zhu Kai , Xiao Hui , Leng Qibin
Published: August 2015

Transgenic expression of I-E molecules prevents diabetes in NOD mice. So far, the precise role of these non-classical MHC II molecules remains elusive. Here, we showed that transgenic expression of I-Ek alpha 16 molecule in NOD mice selectively reduced Th17 cells in the thymus and pancreatic draining lymph nodes. The reduction in Th17 cells was associated with both attenuated IL-6 production and decreased activation of macrophages. Mechanistically, transgenic expression of the I-E molecule diminished expression of intracellular classical MHC II molecule and led to impaired TLR4-mediated signaling. In contrast to classical MHC II molecule, this non-classical MHC II molecule negatively regulates the inflammatory responses of macrophages. Altogether, our study reveals a novel regulatory role of I-E molecules in modulating inflammatory immune responses.
Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the regulatory function of alternative splicing in antiviral immunity in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella)
Authors: Wan Quanyuan , Su Jianguo
Published: August 2015

Characterization of the transcriptomic response to infection is an effective approach to understanding the immune mechanisms. Herein we challenged grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) with grass carp reovirus (GCRV) and sequenced four cDNA libraries obtained from head-kidney and spleen by using Illumina Miseq. As a result, we gained a total of 21.52 Gb clean data with 107.96 million reads and de novo assembled 55,199 unigenes with an average length of 1,470 bp. Comparative transcriptome analysis reveals that 217 unigenes are differentially expressed (fold-change of at least 4) between resistant and susceptible fish in both head-kidney and spleen and of which 36 unigenes were validated by RT-qPCR experiment. The expression profile of immune-related genes demonstrates that the immune response of spleen is more intense than that of head-kidney. Remarkably, 11,811 unigenes contain multiple transcripts, of which 322 unigenes possess notably differentially expressed transcripts between the four transcriptomic datasets. Furthermore, the splicing transcripts of IL-12p40 and IL-1R1 are firstly found to play diverse roles in the antiviral response of fishes. This study provides a complete transcriptome dataset of C. idella, which is valuable for the studies of immune complexity and, moreover, throws light on the regulatory role of AS in antiviral immunity.
Basal Autophagy Is Required for Herpes simplex Virus-2 Infection
Authors: Yakoub Abraam M. , Shukla Deepak
Published: August 2015

Autophagy is a conserved catabolic process of the cell, which plays an important role in regulating plethora of infections. The role of autophagy in Herpes simplex virus-2 (HSV-2) infection is unknown. Here, we found that HSV-2 does not allow induction of an autophagic response to infection, but maintains basal autophagy levels mostly unchanged during productive infection. Thus, we investigated the importance of basal autophagy for HSV-2 infection, using pharmacological autophagy suppression or cells genetically deficient in an autophagy-essential gene (ATG5). Interference with basal autophagy flux in cells significantly reduced viral replication and diminished the infection. These results indicate that basal autophagy plays an indispensable role required for a productive infection. Importantly, this study draws a sharp distinction between induced and basal autophagy, where the former acts as a viral clearance mechanism abrogating infection, while the latter supports infection.