bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Consistency of Q-Matrix Estimation: A Rejoinder
Authors: de la Torre Jimmy , Chiu Chia-Yi
Published: June 2016

This rejoinder responds to the commentary by Liu (Psychometrika, 2015) entitled “On the consistency of Q-matrix estimation: A commentary” on the paper “A general method of empirical Q-matrix validation” by de la Torre and Chiu (Psychometrika, 2015). It discusses and addresses three concerns raised in the commentary, namely the estimation accuracy when a provisional Q-matrix is used, the consistency of the Q-matrix estimator, and the computational efficiency of the proposed method.
Effect of Oxygen Content Upon the Microstructural and Mechanical Properties of Type 316L Austenitic Stainless Steel Manufactured by Hot Isostatic Pressing
Authors: Cooper Adam J. , Cooper Norman I. , Dhers Jean , Sherry Andrew H.
Published: June 2016

Although hot isostatic pressing (HIP) has been shown to demonstrate significant advances over more conventional manufacture routes, it is important to appreciate and quantify the detrimental effects of oxygen involvement during the HIP manufacture process on the microstructural and material properties of the resulting component. This paper quantifies the effects of oxygen content on the microstructure and Charpy impact properties of HIP’d austenitic stainless steel, through combination of detailed metallographic examination and mechanical testing on HIP’d Type 316L steel containing different concentrations (100 to 190 ppm) of oxygen. Micron-scale pores were visible in the microstructure of the HIP’d materials postmetallographic preparation, which result from the removal of nonmetallic oxide inclusions during metallographic preparation. The area fraction of the resulting pores is shown to correlate with the oxygen concentration which influences the Charpy impact toughness over the temperature range of 77 K to 573 K (−196 °C to 300 °C), and demonstrates the influence of oxygen involved during the HIP manufacture process on Charpy toughness. The same test procedures and microstructural analyses were performed on commercially available forged 316L. This showed comparatively fewer inclusions and exhibited higher Charpy impact toughness over the tested temperature range.
Regionsbildung im Schatten des Metropolendiskurses. Das Fallbeispiel der Region Südwestfalen
Authors: Balke Jan , Reimer Mario
Published: June 2016

Since the mid-nineties, debates about spatial policy in Germany have been marked by a dominance of metropolitan discourses. Apparently these discourses are associated with a gradual shift of spatial policy priorities that more and more give up the primary goal of spatial cohesion in favor of a more competitive approach. In the course of the dominant metropolitan discourse especially regions at the edge of and between metropolitan areas are faced with an increasing pressure of regional profiling. With regard to the case study Südwestfalen the paper focuses on region building in the shadow of the metropolitan discourse. With reference to the Foucauldian concept of governmentality processes of region building and the formation of soft spaces are understood as expressions and means of neoliberal governmentality, and their underlying governmental rationalities and technologies are investigated. The empirical analysis reveals how dominant regional-economic rationalities, logics of inter-municipal cooperation and constraints of subsidy policies frame the process of region building on the discursive level. By analysing discourses and practices of regional marketing and measures of infrastructural self-services it is shown exemplary how contingent technologies of regional self-governance help to govern the process of region building on the collective level and simultaneously unfold subjectifying effects by providing patterns of social meaning and action.
Attitudes of Sexual Medicine Specialists Toward Premature Ejaculation Diagnosis and Therapy
Authors: Shechter Arik , Lowenstein Lior , Serefoglu Ege Can , Reisman Yacov
Published: June 2016

Introduction

Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the commonest sexual dysfunctions in men. Because the definition of and guidelines for the management of PE have been revised in recent years, our understanding of PE has changed.

Aim

To investigate the clinical practice patterns of sexual medicine specialists regarding the diagnosis and treatment of PE.

Methods

Attendees of the 17th Annual Congress of the European Society of Sexual Medicine, held in February 2015 in Copenhagen, Denmark, were asked to participate in a survey during the congress.

Main Outcome Measures

A 23-item, self-reported, closed-question questionnaire was distributed. Sociodemographic data, professional background, and personal practice patterns of the attendees were assessed in relation to PE.

Results

In total, 217 physicians (median age = 47 years, range = 22–74) completed the survey. Most responders (79.3%) considered PE an important sexual dysfunction that should be treated. Almost half the participants stated there is insufficient information about PE for patients and physicians (46.1% and 45.2%, respectively). When asked about the main goal of treating PE, two thirds responded that main goal is to improve patients' sexual function and 35.9% responded that the main goal was to improve partners' satisfaction.

Conclusion

These findings confirmed that there are many differences among sex health experts in their understanding of PE. Educational activities are crucial in implementing the new guidelines on PE.
Pride parades and prejudice: Visibility of Roma and LGBTI communities in post-socialist Europe
Authors: McGarry Aidan
Published: June 2016

This article argues that public space is important for marginalised communities in order to ensure visibility and presence in public life. Often minority groups are excluded from democratic procedures which favour majority interests and preferences. This is not to say that minority interests are incompatible with those of the majority but some marginalised groups are not anchored in public space, can suffer discriminatory treatment and lack the ability to control dominant, usually negative, ascriptions of group identity. This article explores two cases of marginalised communities and access to public space in post-socialist Europe: Roma and the LGBTI communities. Both communities have attempted to ensure their presence in public space through ‘Pride’ parades across Central and Eastern European capitals. The purpose of pride parades is to demand rights as citizens, such as equality and respect, and to ensure visibility in public life. On the one hand, visibility is important for LGBTI communities who remain relatively hidden and fear ‘coming out’. On the other hand, for Roma, who are highly visible, pride offers an opportunity to harness this visibility to challenge prevailing negative stereotypes through an affirmation of group identity.
Turbulent 2.5-dimensional dynamos
Authors: Seshasayanan K. , Alexakis A.
Published: June 2016

We study the linear stage of the dynamo instability of a turbulent two-dimensional flow with three components $(u(x,y,t),v(x,y,t),w(x,y,t))$ that is sometimes referred to as a 2.5-dimensional (2.5-D) flow. The flow evolves based on the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations in the presence of a large-scale drag force that leads to the steady state of a turbulent inverse cascade. These flows provide an approximation to very fast rotating flows often observed in nature. The low dimensionality of the system allows for the realization of a large number of numerical simulations and thus the investigation of a wide range of fluid Reynolds numbers $Re$, magnetic Reynolds numbers $Rm$ and forcing length scales. This allows for the examination of dynamo properties at different limits that cannot be achieved with three-dimensional simulations. We examine dynamos for both large and small magnetic Prandtl-number turbulent flows $Pm=Rm/Re$, close to and away from the dynamo onset, as well as dynamos in the presence of scale separation. In particular, we determine the properties of the dynamo onset as a function of $Re$ and the asymptotic behaviour in the large $Rm$ limit. We are thus able to give a complete description of the dynamo properties of these turbulent 2.5-D flows.
Analytical Solution for Three-Dimensional Hyperbolic Heat Conduction Equation with Time-Dependent and Distributed Heat Source
Authors: Talaee M. R. , Sarafrazi V.
Published: June 2016

This paper is devoted to the analytical solution of three-dimensional hyperbolic heat conduction equation in a finite solid medium with rectangular cross-section under time dependent and non-uniform internal heat source. The closed form solution of both Fourier and non-Fourier profiles are introduced with Eigen function expansion method. The solution is applied for simple simulation of absorption of a continues laser in biological tissue. The results show the depth of laser absorption in tissue and considerable difference between the Fourier and Non-Fourier temperature profiles. In addition the solution can be applied as a verification branch for other numerical solutions.
A new reconstruction of continentalTreptichnusbased on exceptionally preserved material from the Jurassic of Massachusetts
Authors: Getty Patrick R. , McCarthy Thomas D. , Hsieh Shannon , Bush Andrew M.
Published: June 2016

Continental deposits of the Early Jurassic East Berlin Formation in Holyoke, Massachusetts, have yielded an exceptional occurrence of the ichnogenusTreptichnus. Here, burrows are preserved in full relief within thin mud laminae between layers of fine-grained, cross-bedded sandstone. We studied these burrows to evaluate whether earlier explanations of burrow morphology are applicable to allTreptichnus. Our research focused on three questions. (1) Do the HolyokeTreptichnushave significant vertical relief? (2) Does the lack of projections in some of the HolyokeTreptichnusresult from stratinomic sectioning through the bottom of the burrow? (3) Do expanded, bulbous ends of burrow segments result from sediment compaction? While addressing these questions, the Holyoke fossils were compared to syntype and topotype material ofTreptichnusfrom the Carboniferous of Indiana. The HolyokeTreptichnusdid not exhibit significant vertical relief, and the presence and absence of projections is explained by the positioning of new segments at different points along older ones. The bulbous ends of burrow segments resulted from trace-maker behavior, not sediment compaction. Drawing on the analysis of the Holyoke material, a new reconstruction is proposed that presents continentalTreptichnusas a shallow mole-tunnel-like burrow produced just below the sediment surface. This reconstruction is consistent with the morphology of RecentTreptichnus-like burrows produced by fly (dipteran) larvae, which are considered the most likely makers of the HolyokeTreptichnus.
Low fruit consumption and omission of daily meals as risk factors for increased blood pressure in adults
Authors: Domingos Talita Barbosa , Pereira Avany Fernandes , Yokoo Edna Massae , Salles-Costa Rosana
Published: June 2016

A population-based cross-sectional survey with cluster sampling design and with inverse sampling was conducted in 2010, in a sample of 1590 adults (19–60 years old) exposed to a high prevalence of food insecurity, in the municipality of Duque de Caxias, metropolitan region of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The objective of the study was to evaluate the association of socio-demographic factors, the consumption of fruits and vegetables and the number of meals with increased blood pressure (BP). A hierarchical model that considered variables related to the basic, intermediate and immediate determinants of increased BP was adopted. By using Poisson’s regression, univariate models were tested to obtain the prevalence ratio (PR) and its respective 95 % CI. After fitting the model, age (age group 50–59 years) (PR 1·62; 95 % CI 1·09, 2·41), low consumption of fruits in a week (PR 1·37; 95 % CI 1·07, 1·74), fewer meals per day (PR 1·72; 95 % CI 1·21, 2·43) and overweight (PR 1·78; 95 % CI 1·31, 2·20) remained significantly associated with increased BP. Therefore, the results found here reinforce the importance of encouraging and developing strategies that ensure access to healthy foods to minimise increased BP in similar populations.
The Language of Compromise in International Agreements
Authors: Linos Katerina , Pegram Tom
Published: June 2016

To reach agreement, international negotiators often compromise by using flexible language: they make controversial provisions vague, or add options and caveats. Does flexibility in agreement language influence subsequent state behavior? If so, do states follow both firm and flexible language somewhat, as negotiators hope? Or do governments respond strategically, increasing their energies on firmly specified tasks, and reducing their efforts on flexibly specified ones? Testing theories about agreement language is difficult because states often reserve flexible language for controversial provisions. To make causal claims, we study an unusually drafted agreement in which states had almost no opportunity to dilute agreement language. We examine the influence of the 1991 Paris Principles on the Design of National Human Rights Institutions (NHRIs), using an original data set of twenty-two institutional safeguards of NHRIs in 107 countries, and case studies. We find that variations in agreement language can have large effects on state behavior, even when the entire agreement is nonbinding. Both democracies and authoritarian states followed the principles' firm terms closely. However, authoritarian states either ignored or reduced their efforts on flexibly specified tasks. If flexibly specifying a task is no different from omitting it altogether, as our data suggest, the costs of compromise are much greater than previously believed.
Beyond risk: Prospective effects of GABA Receptor Subunit Alpha-2 (GABRA2) × Positive Peer Involvement on adolescent behavior
Authors: Trucco Elisa M. , Villafuerte Sandra , Burmeister Margit , Zucker Robert A.
Published: June 2016

Research on Gene × Environment interactions typically focuses on maladaptive contexts and outcomes. However, the same genetic factors may also impact susceptibility to positive social contexts, leading to adaptive behavior. This paper examines whether the GABA receptor subunit alpha-2 (GABRA2) single nucleotide polymorphism rs279858 moderates the influence of positive peer affiliation on externalizing behavior and various forms of competence. Regions of significance were calculated to determine whether the form of the interaction supported differential susceptibility (increased sensitivity to both low and high positive peer affiliation) or vantage sensitivity (increased sensitivity to high positive peer affiliation). It was hypothesized that those carrying the homozygous minor allele (GG) would be more susceptible to peer effects. A sample (n = 300) of primarily male (69.7%) and White (93.0%) adolescents from the Michigan Longitudinal Study was assessed from ages 12 to 17. There was evidence for prospective Gene × Environment interactions in three of the four models. At low levels of positive peer involvement, those with the GG genotype were rated as having fewer adaptive outcomes, while at high levels they were rated as having greater adaptive outcomes. This supports differential susceptibility. Conceptualizing GABRA2 variants as purely risk factors may be inaccurate. Genetic differences in susceptibility to adaptive environmental exposures warrants further investigation.
Definiteil y a-clefts in spoken French
Authors: VERWIMP LYAN , LAHOUSSE KAREN
Published: June 2016

This article discussesil y a-clefts in spoken French. In the linguistic literature, only one function ofil y a-clefts is widely acknowledged, namely presenting a new event in the discourse. By studying corpus examples in their wider context, we found however that many occurrences do not easily fit in the properties described in the literature. We make a distinction between presentationalil y a-clefts, which can be event-presenting or entity-presenting, and specificational enumerativeil y a-clefts, which give an example of a class that was implicitly or explicitly evoked in the context.
Computations with oracles that measure vanishing quantities
Authors: BEGGS EDWIN , COSTA JOSÉ FÉLIX , POÇAS DIOGO , TUCKER JOHN V.
Published: June 2016

We consider computation with real numbers that arise through a process of physical measurement. We have developed a theory in which physical experiments that measure quantities can be used as oracles to algorithms and we have begun to classify the computational power of various forms of experiment using non-uniform complexity classes. Earlier, in Beggs et al. (2014 Reviews of Symbolic Logic7(4) 618–646), we observed that measurement can be viewed as a process of comparing a rational number z – a test quantity – with a real number y – an unknown quantity; each oracle call performs such a comparison. Experiments can then be classified into three categories, that correspond with being able to return test results

$$\begin{eqnarray*}
z < y\text{ or }z > y\text{ or }\textit{timeout},\\
z < y\text{ or }\textit{timeout},\\
z \neq y\text{ or }\textit{timeout}.
\end{eqnarray*}
$$
These categories are called two-sided, threshold and vanishing experiments, respectively. The iterative process of comparing generates a real number y. The computational power of two-sided and threshold experiments were analysed in several papers, including Beggs et al. (2008 Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series A (Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences)464 (2098) 2777–2801), Beggs et al. (2009 Proceedings of the Royal Society, Series A (Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences)465 (2105) 1453–1465), Beggs et al. (2013a Unconventional Computation and Natural Computation (UCNC 2013), Springer-Verlag 6–18), Beggs et al. (2010b Mathematical Structures in Computer Science20 (06) 1019–1050) and Beggs et al. (2014 Reviews of Symbolic Logic, 7 (4):618-646). In this paper, we attack the subtle problem of measuring physical quantities that vanish in some experimental conditions (e.g., Brewster's angle in optics). We analyse in detail a simple generic vanishing experiment for measuring mass and develop general techniques based on parallel experiments, statistical analysis and timing notions that enable us to prove lower and upper bounds for its computational power in different variants. We end with a comparison of various results for all three forms of experiments and a suitable postulate for computation involving analogue inputs that breaks the Church–Turing barrier.
Comparison of different measures of obesity in their association with health-related quality of life in older adults – results from the KORA-Age study
Authors: Riedl Anna , Vogt Susanne , Holle Rolf , de las Heras Gala Tonia , Laxy Michael , Peters Annette , Thorand Barbara
Published: June 2016

Objective

As ageing is associated with changes in body composition, BMI may not be the appropriate obesity measure for older adults. To date, little is known about associations between obesity measures and health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Thus, we aimed to compare different obesity measures in their association with HRQoL and self-rated physical constitution (SRPC) in older adults.

Design

Seven obesity measures (BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-hip ratio, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass percentage based on bioelectrical impedance analysis, hypertriglyceridaemic waist (HTGW) and sarcopenic obesity) were assessed at baseline in 2009. HRQoL, using the EQ-5D questionnaire, and SRPC, using one single question, were collected at baseline and at the 3-year follow-up in 2012. Linear and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the associations between the obesity measures and both outcomes. Model comparisons were conducted by area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve, R2, Akaike and Schwarz Bayesian information criteria.

Setting

KORA-Age study in Southern Germany (2009–2012).

Subjects

Older adults (n 883; aged ≥65 years).

Results

Nearly all obesity measures were significantly inversely associated with both outcomes in cross-sectional analyses. Concerning HRQoL, the WC model explained most of the variance and had the best model adaption, followed by the BMI model. Regarding SRPC, the HTGW and BMI models were best as rated by model quality criteria, followed closely by the WC model. Longitudinal analyses showed no significant associations.

Conclusions

These results suggest that, with regard to HRQoL/SRPC, simple anthropometric measures are sufficient to determine obesity in older adults in medical practice.
Mimetite Formation from Goethite-Adsorbed Ions
Authors: Kleszczewska-Zębala Anna , Manecki Maciej , Bajda Tomasz , Rakovan John , Borkiewicz Olaf J.
Published: June 2016

Bioavailability of arsenic in contaminated soils and wastes can be reduced to insignificant levels by precipitation of mimetite Pb5(AsO4)3Cl. The objective of this study is to elucidate mechanisms of the reaction between solution containing lead ions and arsenates adsorbed on synthetic goethite (AsO4-goethite), or arsenate ions in the solution and goethite saturated with adsorbed Pb (Pb-goethite). These reactions, in the presence of Cl, result in rapid crystallization of mimetite. Formation of mimetite is faster than desorption of AsO4 but slower than desorption of Pb from the goethite surface. Slow desorption of arsenates from AsO4-goethite results in heterogeneous precipitation and formation of mimetite incrustation on goethite crystals. Desorption of lead from Pb-goethite is at least as fast as diffusion and advection of AsO4 and Cl in suspension allowing for homogeneous crystallization of mimetite in intergranular solution. Therefore, the mechanism of nucleation is primarily driven by the kinetics of constituent supply to the saturation front, rather than by the thermodynamics of nucleation. The products of the reactions are well documented using microscopy methods such as scanning electron microscopy, electron backscattered diffraction, X-ray diffraction, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy.
Implementing Transmission Electron Backscatter Diffraction for Atom Probe Tomography
Authors: Rice Katherine P. , Chen Yimeng , Prosa Ty J. , Larson David J.
Published: June 2016

There are advantages to performing transmission electron backscattering diffraction (tEBSD) in conjunction with focused ion beam-based specimen preparation for atom probe tomography (APT). Although tEBSD allows users to identify the position and character of grain boundaries, which can then be combined with APT to provide full chemical and orientation characterization of grain boundaries, tEBSD can also provide imaging information that improves the APT specimen preparation process by insuring proper placement of the targeted grain boundary within an APT specimen. In this report we discuss sample tilt angles, ion beam milling energies, and other considerations to optimize Kikuchi diffraction pattern quality for the APT specimen geometry. Coordinated specimen preparation and analysis of a grain boundary in a Ni-based Inconel 600 alloy is used to illustrate the approach revealing a 50° misorientation and trace element segregation to the grain boundary.
Pankreaserkrankungen: eine subjektive Auswahl praxisrelevanter Publikationen 2014–2015
Authors: Schöfl Rainer
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Der Autor stellt eine subjektive Auswahl praxisrelevanter Publikationen von Pankreaserkrankungen der Jahre 2014–2015 vor. Zur akuten Pankreatitis werden die Ursachen Ernährung und Hypertriglyzeridämie vorgestellt, die Prophylaxe der post-ERCP(endoskopische retrograde Cholangio-Pankreatikografie)-Pankreatitis diskutiert und die natürliche Entwicklung von Flüssigkeitsansammlungen und Pseudozysten erklärt. Es wird der Wert der Sekretin-ERCP zur Diagnose der chronischen Pankreatitis erörtert, die niedrigste ausreichende Cortisondosis zur Therapie der Autoimmunpankreatitis vorgestellt und Störungen des Knochenmetabolismus bei chronischer Pankreatitis quantifiziert. Der Zusammenhang von Pankreaskarzinom und Vitamin-D-Zufuhr wird dargestellt, die Karzinomwahrscheinlichkeit bei intraduktalen papillären muzinbildenden Neoplasien (IPMN) wird angegeben sowie chirurgische Verfahren zum bestmöglichen Erhalt der Pankreasfunktion vorgestellt. Abschliessend werden neoadjuvante Therapieansätze für das Pankreaskarzinom präsentiert.
Nierenzellkarzinome – wann ist eine organerhaltende Operation möglich und sinnvoll?
Authors: Padevit Christian , Sauck Anja , John Hubert
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. In der Schweiz erkranken rund 900 Menschen jährlich neu an einem Nierentumor. Das sind rund 3 % aller Krebserkrankungen in der Schweiz. Aufgrund der immer häufiger durchgeführten Untersuchungsverfahren (Magnetresonanztomografien, Computertomografien, Sonografien) werden Nierentumoren vielfach als Zufallsbefunde entdeckt. In den letzten Jahren rückte die organerhaltende Therapie für Nierentumoren <4 cm in den Vordergrund. Gleiches gilt zunehmend auch für Tumoren zwischen 4–7 cm Durchmesser. Bei postoperativ nachgewiesener verbesserter Lebensqualität und aufgrund des Gesamtüberlebens bei kurativer Teilnephrektomie hat die organerhaltende Nierenchirurgie die radikale Nephrektomie in der Behandlung von Tumoren bis zu 7 cm Grösse verdrängt. Hinzu kommt, dass bei der organerhaltenden Therapie die Kontrolle der onkologischen Parameter, der Erhalt der Nierenfunktion, eine tiefe Morbidität sowie die Reproduzierbarkeit der Methode erreicht werden.
Spontaneous incorporation of gold in palladium-based ternary nanoparticles makes durable electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Deli , Liu Sufen , Wang Jie , Lin Ruoqian , Kawasaki Masahiro , Rus Eric , Silberstein Katharine E. , Lowe Michael A. , Lin Feng , Nordlund Dennis , Liu Hongfang , Muller David A. , Xin Huolin L. , Abruña Héctor D.
Published: June 2016

Replacing platinum by a less precious metal such as palladium, is highly desirable for lowering the cost of fuel-cell electrocatalysts. However, the instability of palladium in the harsh environment of fuel-cell cathodes renders its commercial future bleak. Here we show that by incorporating trace amounts of gold in palladium-based ternary (Pd6CoCu) nanocatalysts, the durability of the catalysts improves markedly. Using aberration-corrected analytical transmission electron microscopy in conjunction with synchrotron X-ray absorption spectroscopy, we show that gold not only galvanically replaces cobalt and copper on the surface, but also penetrates through the Pd–Co–Cu lattice and distributes uniformly within the particles. The uniform incorporation of Au provides a stability boost to the entire host particle, from the surface to the interior. The spontaneous replacement method we have developed is scalable and commercially viable. This work may provide new insight for the large-scale production of non-platinum electrocatalysts for fuel-cell applications.
Beta 1-integrin–c-Met cooperation reveals an inside-in survival signalling on autophagy-related endomembranes
Authors: Barrow-McGee Rachel , Kishi Naoki , Joffre Carine , Ménard Ludovic , Hervieu Alexia , Bakhouche Bakhouche A. , Noval Alejandro J. , Mai Anja , Guzmán Camilo , Robbez-Masson Luisa , Iturrioz Xavier , Hulit James , Brennan Caroline H. , Hart Ian R. , Parker Peter J. , Ivaska Johanna , Kermorgant Stéphanie
Published: June 2016

Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and integrins cooperate to stimulate cell migration and tumour metastasis. Here we report that an integrin influences signalling of an RTK, c-Met, from inside the cell, to promote anchorage-independent cell survival. Thus, c-Met and β1-integrin co-internalize and become progressively recruited on LC3B-positive ‘autophagy-related endomembranes’ (ARE). In cells growing in suspension, β1-integrin promotes sustained c-Met-dependent ERK1/2 phosphorylation on ARE. This signalling is dependent on ATG5 and Beclin1 but not on ATG13, suggesting ARE belong to a non-canonical autophagy pathway. This β1-integrin-dependent c-Met-sustained signalling on ARE supports anchorage-independent cell survival and growth, tumorigenesis, invasion and lung colonization in vivo. RTK–integrin cooperation has been assumed to occur at the plasma membrane requiring integrin ‘inside-out’ or ‘outside-in’ signalling. Our results report a novel mode of integrin–RTK cooperation, which we term ‘inside-in signalling’. Targeting integrin signalling in addition to adhesion may have relevance for cancer therapy.
Correlation and anti-correlation of the East Asian summer and winter monsoons during the last 21,000 years
Authors: Wen Xinyu , Liu Zhengyu , Wang Shaowu , Cheng Jun , Zhu Jiang
Published: June 2016

Understanding the past significant changes of the East Asia Summer Monsoon (EASM) and Winter Monsoon (EAWM) is critical for improving the projections of future climate over East Asia. One key issue that has remained outstanding from the paleo-climatic records is whether the evolution of the EASM and EAWM are correlated. Here, using a set of long-term transient simulations of the climate evolution of the last 21,000 years, we show that the EASM and EAWM are positively correlated on the orbital timescale in response to the precessional forcing, but are anti-correlated on millennial timescales in response to North Atlantic melt water forcing. The relation between EASM and EAWM can differ dramatically for different timescales because of the different response mechanisms, highlighting the complex dynamics of the East Asian monsoon system and the challenges for future projection.
Demographic routes to variability and regulation in bird populations
Authors: Sæther Bernt-Erik , Grøtan Vidar , Engen Steinar , Coulson Tim , Grant Peter R. , Visser Marcel E. , Brommer Jon E. , Rosemary Grant B. , Gustafsson Lars , Hatchwell Ben J. , Jerstad Kurt , Karell Patrik , Pietiäinen Hannu , Roulin Alexandre , Røstad Ole W. , Weimerskirch Henri
Published: June 2016

There is large interspecific variation in the magnitude of population fluctuations, even among closely related species. The factors generating this variation are not well understood, primarily because of the challenges of separating the relative impact of variation in population size from fluctuations in the environment. Here, we show using demographic data from 13 bird populations that magnitudes of fluctuations in population size are mainly driven by stochastic fluctuations in the environment. Regulation towards an equilibrium population size occurs through density-dependent mortality. At small population sizes, population dynamics are primarily driven by environment-driven variation in recruitment, whereas close to the carrying capacityK, variation in population growth is more strongly influenced by density-dependent mortality of both juveniles and adults. Our results provide evidence for the hypothesis proposed by Lack that population fluctuations in birds arise from temporal variation in the difference between density-independent recruitment and density-dependent mortality during the non-breeding season.
Reconfigurable optical assembly of nanostructures
Authors: Montelongo Yunuen , Yetisen Ali K. , Butt Haider , Yun Seok-Hyun
Published: June 2016

Arrangements of nanostructures in well-defined patterns are the basis of photonic crystals, metamaterials and holograms. Furthermore, rewritable optical materials can be achieved by dynamically manipulating nanoassemblies. Here we demonstrate a mechanism to configure plasmonic nanoparticles (NPs) in polymer media using nanosecond laser pulses. The mechanism relies on optical forces produced by the interference of laser beams, which allow NPs to migrate to lower-energy configurations. The resulting NP arrangements are stable without any external energy source, but erasable and rewritable by additional recording pulses. We demonstrate reconfigurable optical elements including multilayer Bragg diffraction gratings, volumetric photonic crystals and lenses, as well as dynamic holograms of three-dimensional virtual objects. We aim to expand the applications of optical forces, which have been mostly restricted to optical tweezers. Holographic assemblies of nanoparticles will allow a new generation of programmable composites for tunable metamaterials, data storage devices, sensors and displays.
Modularity and stability in ecological communities
Authors: Grilli Jacopo , Rogers Tim , Allesina Stefano
Published: June 2016

Networks composed of distinct, densely connected subsystems are called modular. In ecology, it has been posited that a modular organization of species interactions would benefit the dynamical stability of communities, even though evidence supporting this hypothesis is mixed. Here we study the effect of modularity on the local stability of ecological dynamical systems, by presenting new results in random matrix theory, which are obtained using a quaternionic parameterization of the cavity method. Results show that modularity can have moderate stabilizing effects for particular parameter choices, while anti-modularity can greatly destabilize ecological networks.
UK prescribing practices as proxy markers of unmet need in allergic rhinitis: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Price David B , Scadding Glenis , Bachert Claus , Saleh Hesham , Nasser Shuaib , Carter Victoria , von Ziegenweidt Julie , Durieux Alice M S , Ryan Dermot
Published: June 2016

Little data on UK prescribing patterns and treatment effectiveness for allergic rhinitis (AR) are available. We quantified unmet pharmacologic needs in AR by assessing AR treatment effectiveness based on the prescribing behaviour of UK general practitioners (GP) during two consecutive pollen seasons (2009 and 2010). We conducted a retrospective observational study with the data from the Optimum Patient Care Research Database. We assessed diagnoses and prescription data for patients with a recorded diagnosis of rhinitis who took rhinitis medication during the study period. We assessed the data from 25,069 patients in 2009 and 22,381 patients in 2010. Monotherapy was the initial prescription of the season for 67% of patients with seasonal AR (SAR) and 77% of patients with nonseasonal upper airways disease (NSUAD), for both years. Initial oral antihistamine (OAH) or intranasal corticosteroid (INS) monotherapy proved insufficient for >20% of SAR and >37% of NSUAD patients. Multiple therapy was the initial prescription for 33% of SAR and 23% of NSUAD in both years, rising to 45% and >50% by season end, respectively. For NSUAD, dual-therapy prescriptions doubled and triple-therapy prescriptions almost tripled during both seasons. Many patients revisited their GP regardless of initial prescription. Initial OAH or INS monotherapy provides insufficient symptom control for many AR patients. GPs often prescribe multiple therapies at the start of the season, with co-prescription becoming more common as the season progresses. However, patients prescribed multiple therapies frequently revisit their GP, presumably to adjust treatment. These data suggest the need for more effective AR treatment and management strategies.
Functional characterization of three trehalase genes regulating the chitin metabolism pathway in rice brown planthopper using RNA interference
Authors: Zhao Lina , Yang Mengmeng , Shen Qida , Liu Xiaojun , Shi Zuokun , Wang Shigui , Tang Bin
Published: June 2016

RNA interference (RNAi) is an effective gene-silencing tool and double stranded RNA (dsRNA) is considered a powerful strategy for gene function studies in insects. In the present study, we aimed to investigate the function of trehalase (TRE) genes (TRE 1-1, TRE 1-2 and TRE-2) isolated from the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens, a typical piercing-sucking insect in rice and investigate their regulating roles in chitin synthesis by injecting larvae with dsRNA. The results showed that TRE1 and TRE2 had compensatory function and the expression of each increased when the other was silenced. The total rate of insects with phenotypic deformities ranged from 19.83 to 24.36% after dsTRE injection, whereas the mortality rate ranged from 14.16 to 31.78%. The mRNA levels of genes involved in the chitin metabolism pathway in RNA-Seq and DGEP, namely hexokinase (HK), glucose-6-phosphate isomerase (G6PI) and chitinase (Cht), decreased significantly at 72 h after single dsTREs injection, whereas two transcripts of chitin synthase (CHS) genes decreased at 72 h after dsTRE1-1 and dsTREs injection. These results demonstrated that TRE silencing could affect the regulation of chitin biosynthesis and degradation, causing moulting deformities. Therefore, expression inhibitors of TREs might be effective tools for the control of planthoppers in rice.
A novel mechanism for direct real-time polymerase chain reaction that does not require DNA isolation from prokaryotic cells
Authors: Soejima Takashi , Xiao Jin-zhong , Abe Fumiaki
Published: June 2016

Typically, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is performed after DNA isolation. Real-time PCR (qPCR), also known as direct qPCR in mammalian cells with weak membranes, is a common technique using crude samples subjected to preliminary boiling to elute DNA. However, applying this methodology to prokaryotic cells, which have solid cell walls, in contrast to mammalian cells which immediately burst in water, can result in poor detection. We successfully achieved PCR elongation with the addition of 1.3 cfu ofCronobacter muytjensiito a newly developed direct qPCR master mix without performing any crude DNA extraction (detection limit of 1.6 × 100cfu/ml for the test sample compared with a detection limit of 1.6 × 103cfu/ml primarily for crude (boiling) or classical DNA isolation). We revealed that the chromosomal DNA retained in prokaryotic cells can function as a PCR template, similarly to the mechanism inin situPCR. Elucidating this reaction mechanism may contribute to the development of an innovative master mix for direct qPCR to detect genes in a single bacterium with solid cell walls and might lead to numerous novel findings in prokaryotic genomics research.
When do perturbative approaches accurately capture the dynamics of complex quantum systems?
Authors: Fruchtman Amir , Lambert Neill , Gauger Erik M.
Published: June 2016

Understanding the dynamics of higher-dimensional quantum systems embedded in a complex environment remains a significant theoretical challenge. While several approaches yielding numerically converged solutions exist, these are computationally expensive and often provide only limited physical insight. Here we address the question: when do more intuitive and simpler-to-compute second-order perturbative approaches provide adequate accuracy? We develop a simple analytical criterion and verify its validity for the case of the much-studied FMO dynamics as well as the canonical spin-boson model.
NdhV subunit regulates the activity of type-1 NAD(P)H dehydrogenase under high light conditions in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803
Authors: Chen Xin , He Zhihui , Xu Min , Peng Lianwei , Mi Hualing
Published: June 2016

The cyanobacterial NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (NDH-1) complexes play crucial roles in variety of bioenergetic reactions. However, the regulative mechanism of NDH-1 under stressed conditions is still unclear. In this study, we detected that the NDH-1 activity is partially impaired, but the accumulation of NDH-1 complexes was little affected in the NdhV deleted mutant (ΔndhV) at low light in cyanobacterium Synechocystis sp. PCC 6803. ΔndhV grew normally at low light but slowly at high light under inorganic carbon limitation conditions (low pH or low CO2), meanwhile the activity of CO2 uptake was evidently lowered than wild type even at pH 8.0. The accumulation of NdhV in thylakoids strictly relies on the presence of the hydrophilic subcomplex of NDH-1. Furthermore, NdhV was co-located with hydrophilic subunits of NDH-1 loosely associated with the NDH-1L, NDH-1MS′ and NDH-1M complexes. The level of the NdhV was significantly increased at high light and deletion of NdhV suppressed the up-regulation of NDH-1 activity, causing the lowered the photosynthetic oxygen evolution at pH 6.5 and high light. These data indicate that NdhV is an intrinsic subunit of hydrophilic subcomplex of NDH-1, required for efficient operation of cyclic electron transport around photosystem I and CO2 uptake at high lights.
MYB31/MYB42 Syntelogs Exhibit Divergent Regulation of Phenylpropanoid Genes in Maize, Sorghum and Rice
Authors: Agarwal Tina , Grotewold Erich , Doseff Andrea I. , Gray John
Published: June 2016

ZmMYB31 and ZmMYB42 are R2R3-MYB transcription factors implicated in the regulation of phenylpropanoid genes in maize. Here, we tested the hypothesis that the regulatory function of MYB31 and MYB42 is conserved in other monocots, specifically in sorghum and rice. We demonstrate that syntelogs of MYB31 and MYB42 do bind to phenylpropanoid genes that function in all stages of the pathway and in different tissues along the developmental gradient of seedling leaves. We found that caffeic acid O-methyltransferase (COMT1) is a common target of MYB31 and MYB42 in the mature leaf tissues of maize, sorghum and rice, as evidenced by Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) experiments. In contrast, 4-coumarate-CoA ligase (4CL2), ferulate-5-hydroxylase (F5H), and caffeoyl shikimate esterase (CSE), were targeted by MYB31 or MYB42, but in a more species-specific fashion. Our results revealed MYB31 and MYB42 participation in auto- and cross-regulation in all three species. Apart from a limited conservation of regulatory modules, MYB31 and MYB42 syntelogs appear to have undergone subfunctionalization following gene duplication and divergence of maize, sorghum, and rice. Elucidating the different regulatory roles of these syntelogs in the context of positive transcriptional activators may help guide attempts to alter the flux of intermediates towards lignin production in biofuel grasses.
Sub-10 nm Ta Channel Responsible for Superior Performance of a HfO2 Memristor
Authors: Jiang Hao , Han Lili , Lin Peng , Wang Zhongrui , Jang Moon Hyung , Wu Qing , Barnell Mark , Yang J. Joshua , Xin Huolin L. , Xia Qiangfei
Published: June 2016

Memristive devices are promising candidates for the next generation non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing. It has been widely accepted that the motion of oxygen anions leads to the resistance changes for valence-change-memory (VCM) type of materials. Only very recently it was speculated that metal cations could also play an important role, but no direct physical characterizations have been reported yet. Here we report a Ta/HfO2/Pt memristor with fast switching speed, record high endurance (120 billion cycles) and reliable retention. We programmed the device to 24 discrete resistance levels, and also demonstrated over a million (220) epochs of potentiation and depression, suggesting that our devices can be used for both multi-level non-volatile memory and neuromorphic computing applications. More importantly, we directly observed a sub-10 nm Ta-rich and O-deficient conduction channel within the HfO2 layer that is responsible for the switching. This work deepens our understanding of the resistance switching mechanism behind oxide-based memristive devices and paves the way for further device performance optimization for a broad spectrum of applications.
White carbon: Fluorescent carbon nanoparticles with tunable quantum yield in a reproducible green synthesis
Authors: Meiling Till T. , Cywiński Piotr J. , Bald Ilko
Published: June 2016

In this study, a new reliable, economic and environmentally-friendly one-step synthesis is established to obtain carbon nanodots (CNDs) with well-defined and reproducible photoluminescence (PL) properties via the microwave-assisted hydrothermal treatment of starch and Tris-acetate-EDTA (TAE) buffer as carbon sources. Three kinds of CNDs are prepared using different sets of above mentioned starting materials. The as-synthesized CNDs: C-CND (starch only), N-CND 1 (starch in TAE) and N-CND 2 (TAE only) exhibit highly homogenous PL and are ready to use without need for further purification. The CNDs are stable over a long period of time (>1 year) either in solution or as freeze-dried powder. Depending on starting material, CNDs with PL quantum yield (PLQY) ranging from less than 1% up to 28% are obtained. The influence of the precursor concentration, reaction time and type of additives on the optical properties (UV-Vis absorption, PL emission spectrum and PLQY) is carefully investigated, providing insight into the chemical processes that occur during CND formation. Remarkably, upon freeze-drying the initially brown CND-solution turns into a non-fluorescent white/slightly brown powder which recovers PL in aqueous solution and can potentially be applied as fluorescent marker in bio-imaging, as a reduction agent or as a photocatalyst.
Detection and identification of sugar alcohol sweeteners by ion mobility spectrometry
Authors: Browne Christopher A. , Forbes Thomas P. , Sisco Edward
Published: June 2016

The rapid and sensitive detection of sugar alcohol sweeteners was demonstrated using ion mobility spectrometry (IMS).
Size-matched recognition of large anions by cyanostar macrocycles is saved when solvent-bias is avoided
Authors: Qiao Bo , Anderson Joseph. R. , Pink Maren , Flood Amar H.
Published: June 2016

A bulky cyanostar that only forms 1 : 1 complexes was created to study the poorly understood size dependent recognition of large anions by shape-persistent macrocycles.
Recent advances in the template-directed synthesis of porphyrin nanorings
Authors: Wang Shu-Ping , Shen Yan-Feng , Zhu Ben-Yue , Wu Jing , Li Shijun
Published: June 2016

This Feature Article reviews recent advances in the template-directed synthesis of porphyrin nanorings, including new templating methods, novel structures, and their applications in host–guest chemistry and artificial light-harvesting.
The quest for rationalizing the magnetism in purely organic semiquinone-bridged bisdithiazolyl molecular magnets
Authors: Fumanal Maria , Deumal Mercè
Published: June 2016

Rationalization of PhBBO becomes a proof-of-concept that DFT can fail to evaluate JAB between purely organic radicals; instead, wavefunction-based methods are required.
Synthesis, structure, magnetic and biological activity studies of bis-hydrazone derived Cu(ii) and Co(ii) coordination compounds
Authors: Golla Upendarrao , Adhikary Amit , Mondal Amit Kumar , Tomar Raghuvir Singh , Konar Sanjit
Published: June 2016

Three double stranded helicates and one linear chain compound have been synthesized following similar synthetic strategy with change in the coordination of the ligands. Magnetic studies, nuclease activity and cytotoxicity on mammalian cancer cell lines have been investigated.
Activation of heteroallenes by coordinatively unsaturated nickel(ii) alkyl complexes supported by the hydrotris(3-phenyl-5-methyl)pyrazolyl borate (TpPh,Me) ligand
Authors: Abubekerov Mark , Eymann Léonard Y. M. , Gianetti Thomas L. , Arnold John
Published: June 2016

Activation of sulfur containing heteroallenes by nickel(ii) alkyl complexes supported by the bulky hydrotris(3-phenyl-5-methylpyrazolyl)borate (TpPh,Me) ligand is described.
Fine-grained and fully ordered intermetallic PtFe catalysts with largely enhanced catalytic activity and durability
Authors: Du Xin Xin , He Yang , Wang Xiao Xia , Wang Jian Nong
Published: June 2016

Structurally ordered intermetallic particles encapsulated in carbon layers exhibit excellent catalytic activity and durability toward oxygen reduction reaction.
Effects of dissolved organic matter on phototransformation rates and dioxin products of triclosan and 2′-HO-BDE-28 in estuarine water
Authors: Zhang Ya-nan , Xie Qing , Sun Guoxin , Yang Kuixing , Song Shuainan , Chen Jingwen , Zhou Chengzhi , Li Yingjie
Published: June 2016

The effects of DOM on the photolytic kinetics and dioxin yields of representative HO-PXDEs in estuarine water are revealed.