bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
mTOR inhibitors rescue premature lethality and attenuate dysregulation of GABAergic/glutamatergic transcription in murine succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD), a disorder of GABA metabolism
Authors: Vogel Kara R. , Ainslie Garrett R. , Gibson K. Michael
Published: August 2016

Recent studies have identified a role for supraphysiological gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) in the regulation of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), a protein kinase with pleiotropic roles in cellular development and homeostasis, including integration of growth factors and nutrient sensing and synaptic input in neurons (Lakhani et al. 2014; Vogel et al. 2015). Aldehyde dehydrogenase 5a1‐deficient (aldh5a1‐/‐) mice, the murine orthologue of human succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency (SSADHD), manifest increased GABA that disrupts mitophagy and increases mitochondria number with enhanced oxidant stress. Treatment with the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, significantly attenuates these GABA‐related anomalies. We extend those studies through characterization of additional rapamycin analog (rapalog) agents including temsirolimus, dual mTOR inhibitors [Torin 1 and 2 (Tor 1/ Tor 2), Ku‐0063794, and XL‐765], as well as mTOR‐independent autophagy inducers [trehalose, tat‐Beclin 1, tacrolimus (FK‐506), and NF‐449) in aldh5a1‐/‐ mice. Rapamycin, Tor 1, and Tor 2 rescued these mice from premature lethality associated with status epilepticus. XL‐765 extended lifespan significantly and induced weight gain in aldh5a1‐/‐ mice; untreated aldh5a1‐/‐ mice failed to increase body mass. Expression profiling of animals rescued with Tor 1/Tor 2 and XL‐765 revealed multiple instances of pharmacological compensation and/or correction of GABAergic and glutamatergic receptors, GABA/glutamate transporters, and GABA/glutamate‐associated proteins, with Tor 2 and XL‐765 showing optimal outcomes. Our studies lay the groundwork for further evaluation of mTOR inhibitors in aldh5a1‐/‐ mice, with therapeutic ramifications for heritable disorders of GABA and glutamate neurotransmission.
Analytical differentiation of quinolinyl- and isoquinolinyl-substituted 1-(5-fluoropentyl)-1H-indole-3-carboxylates: 5F-PB-22 and its ten isomers
Authors: Kohyama Erina , Chikumoto Takao , Tada Hiroyuki , Kitaichi Kiyoyuki , Ito Tetsuro
Published: August 2016

Differentiation among regioisomers of synthetic cannabinoids in forensic drug analysis is a crucial issue, since all isomers are not regulated by law. New equivalent analogs obtained via minor modification of their preexisting molecules keep on emerging. Isomers formed via substitutional exchange are also a cause for concern. This study is focused on the isomeric molecules that stem from minor modifications of 5F-PB-22. The analytical properties of these molecules and methods of differentiation are reported. Scan mode analysis using gas chromatography–electron ionization-mass spectrometry (GC–EI-MS) was performed using the authentic 5F-PB-22 standard, five regioisomeric quinolinyl ester indoles, and five regioisomeric isoquinolinyl ester indoles. Because it was not possible to separate 5F-PB-22 from the 5-hydroxyquinoline isomer using GC and all analytes showed similar EI mass spectra, liquid chromatography (LC)–tandem mass spectrometry analysis was performed. Using LC, a successful separation of 5F-PB-22 from all isomers could be achieved. Based on the electrospray ionization-mass spectra, the protonated molecular ion at m/z 377.2 was selected as the precursor ion for the regioisomeric and structural isomeric differentiation. Collision-induced dissociation provides relative intensity differences in the product ions among the isomers, enabling mass spectrometric differentiation of the isomers. To our knowledge, this is the first report on mass spectrometric differentiation of 5F-PB-22 and its ten isomers.
Spica magnetic resonance imaging for determination of abduction angle: Initial results and reproducibility assessment
Authors: Rivlin M. J. , Kan J. H. , Schallert E. K. , Jadhav S. P. , Zhang W. , Rosenfeld S. B.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Spica magnectic resonance imaging (MRI) is an established technique for postoperative determination of hip reduction in patients treated for developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH). A hip abduction angle >55° is considered excessive and has been associated with epiphyseal osteonecrosis. Our purpose was to establish objective criteria for measuring hip abduction angles on MRI after hip reduction and spica casting in patients with DDH, and evaluate reproducibility and reliability of angle measurement using these criteria.

Methods

Forty patients with DDH at our institution who underwent spica MRI after hip reduction between 3 April 2008 and 3 March 2015 were identified. Hip abduction angles were measured on proton density axial images as follows. A transverse line was drawn connecting the posterior ischial tuberosities. A second line was drawn medially along the distal femoral diaphysis, and the angle between these two lines was measured; this value was subtracted from 90°, yielding the degree of abduction from midline. Measurements were independently performed by three faculty radiologists, one orthopedist, and one radiology resident. Inter-reader and intra-reader reliability was assessed using intraclass correlation (ICC), with 0 representing no agreement and 1 representing perfect agreement.

Results

For inter-reader reliability, the ICC of the five physicians was 0.89 (95 % CI 0.84–0.92). For intra-reader reliability, the ICC of the five physicians ranged from 0.90−0.97 (95 % CI 0.85–0.98). The mean standard deviation of hip abduction angle measurement among readers was 3.6°.

Conclusion

The proposed hip abduction angle measurement criteria for spica MRI are both reproducible and easy to perform. The high ICC and low standard deviation of independently evaluated hip abduction angles indicates high reproducibility of measurement. This applies to both inter- and intra-reader reliability.
Optimal design of 850 nm 2×2 multimode interference polymer waveguide coupler by imprint technique
Authors: Shao Yuchen , Han Xiuyou , Han Xiaonan , Lu Zhili , Wu Zhenlin , Teng Jie , Wang Jinyan , Morthier Geert , Zhao Mingshan
Published: August 2016

A 2×2 optical waveguide coupler at 850 nm based on the multimode interference (MMI) structure with the polysilsesquioxanes liquid series (PSQ-Ls) polymer material and the imprint technique is presented. The influence of the structural parameters, such as the single mode condition, the waveguide spacing of input/output ports, and the width and length of the multimode waveguide, on the optical splitting performance including the excess loss and the uniformity is simulated by the beam propagation method. By inserting a taper section of isosceles trapezoid between the single mode and multimode waveguides, the optimized structural parameters for low excess loss and high uniformity are obtained with the excess loss of‒0.040 dB and the uniformity of‒0.007 dB. The effect of the structure deviations induced during the imprint process on the optical splitting performance at different residual layer thicknesses is also investigated. The analysis results provide useful instructions for the waveguide device fabrication.
The two membranes problem for different operators
Authors: Caffarelli L. , De Silva D. , Savin O.
Published: August 2016

We study the two membranes problem for different operators, possibly nonlocal. We prove a general result about the Hölder continuity of the solutions and we develop a viscosity solution approach to this problem. Then we obtain

C^{1,\gamma }

regularity of the solutions provided that the orders of the two operators are different. In the special case when one operator coincides with the fractional Laplacian, we obtain the optimal regularity and a characterization of the free boundary.
B‐vitamins are potentially a cost‐effective population health strategy to tackle dementia: Too good to be true?
Authors: Tsiachristas Apostolos , Smith A. David
Published: August 2016

Introduction

To respond to the threat of dementia to public health and the economy, we need to prioritize research resources on strategies that would be the most effective. In relation to the prevention of dementia, this article considers whether lowering plasma homocysteine by B‐vitamin supplementation is one of the top priority and cost‐effective treatments.

Method

A decision model was constructed to calculate the lifetime costs and quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs) of providing B‐vitamin treatment to people in the United Kingdom over 60 years with high levels (>13 μmol/L) of plasma homocysteine, which was compared to the lifetime costs and outcomes of not providing them with the treatment.

Results

Treatment with B‐vitamins will save £60,021 per QALY gained and so is highly cost‐effective.

Discussion

We anticipate that this provocative finding will be debated by scientists, clinicians, and policy makers and eventually be tested in future clinical trials.
Corporate reputation, social performance, and organizational variability in an emerging country perspective
Authors: Ghosh Koustab
Published: August 2016

This study estimated and specified a model of corporate reputation, its social performance, and firm-level variables in the context of an emerging country. Corporate reputation is the overall estimation of a firm by its stakeholders expressed by the demonstrative behaviors to its customers, employees, investors, business partners, and general public. The social performance of the firm has been conceptualized in terms of its demonstrative responsible behavior toward community, environment, and employees. Organizational variability has been captured in this study through the representation of firms from various industries as the relationship between corporate reputation and firm’s social performance was contingent on the type of industry and expectation of industry-specific stakeholders relevant to the firm. Data were collected from 220 organizations representing 11 different industry verticals. The findings supported that corporate reputation is determined by the conjoint influence of a host of firm specific as well as its social performance factors. In addition, the reputational effect of firm’s social performance was found to vary both across and within sectors, according to the various types of social performance activities the firm was engaged in. This study demonstrated the comprehensive measures of the firm’s reputation, social performance, and the associative relationship between them conditioned by firm-specific attributes and nature of the industry. The study has far reaching implications in terms of managing the firm’s boundary spanning activities and relationships in the perspective of emerging markets.
The effects of almond consumption on fasting blood lipid levels: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Musa-Veloso Kathy , Paulionis Lina , Poon Theresa , Lee Han Youl
Published: August 2016

A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials was undertaken to determine the effects of almond consumption on blood lipid levels, namely total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), TAG and the ratios of TC:HDL-C and LDL-C:HDL-C. Following a comprehensive search of the scientific literature, a total of eighteen relevant publications and twenty-seven almond-control datasets were identified. Across the studies, the mean differences in the effect for each blood lipid parameter (i.e. the control-adjusted values) were pooled in a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. It was determined that TC, LDL-C and TAG were significantly reduced by −0·153 mmol/l (P < 0·001), −0·124 mmol/l (P = 0·001) and −0·067 mmol/l (P = 0·042), respectively, and that HDL-C was not affected (−0·017 mmol/l; P = 0·207). These results are aligned with data from prospective observational studies and a recent large-scale intervention study in which it was demonstrated that the consumption of nuts reduces the risk of heart disease. The consumption of nuts as part of a healthy diet should be encouraged to help in the maintenance of healthy blood lipid levels and to reduce the risk of heart disease.
Determinants of consumption-day amounts applicable for the estimation of usual dietary intake with a short 24-h food list
Authors: Freese Johanna , Pricop-Jeckstadt Mihaela , Heuer Thorsten , Clemens Matthias , Boeing Heiner , Knüppel Sven , Nöthlings Ute
Published: August 2016

Next to the information on frequency of food consumption, information on consumption-day amounts is important to estimate usual dietary intake in epidemiological studies. Our objective was to identify determinants of consumption-day amounts to derive person-specific standard consumption-day amounts applicable for the estimation of usual dietary intake using separate sources to assesss information on consumption probability and amount consumed. 24-h Dietary recall data from the German National Nutrition Survey II (n = 8522; aged 20–80 years) conducted between 2005 and 2007 were analysed for determinants of consumption-day amounts of thirty-eight food and beverage groups using LASSO variable selection for linear mixed-effects models. Determinants included sex, age, BMI, smoking status, years of education, household net income, living status and employment status. Most often, sex, age and smoking status were selected as predictors for consumption-day amounts across thirty-eight food groups. In contrast, living with a partner, employment status and household net income were less frequently chosen. Overall, different determinants were of relevance for different food groups. The number of selected determinants ranged from eight for coffee and juice to zero for cabbage, tea, root vegetables, leafy vegetables, fruit vegetables, legumes, offal, vegetable oils, and other fats. For the estimation of usual dietary intake in a combined approach with a 24-h food list, person-specific standard consumption-day amounts could be used. Sex, age and smoking status were shown to be the most relevant predictors in our analysis. Their impact on the estimation of usual dietary intake needs to be evaluated in future studies.
Single Parent Seeking Single Parent? The Effects of Parental and Previous Relationship Status on Perceptions of Online Dating Profiles
Authors: Plumm Karyn M. , Sommer Shannon , Uhl Carolyn , Stone Kaylee
Published: August 2016

Despite limited research on single parent dating, one study found that perceptions of single adults in an online dating profile varied by their gender, number of children, and parental status (Sommer, Plumm, Terrance, & Tubré, 2013). This information may affect perceived desirability and dateability for potential mates. The current study explored the effects of a potential mate's parental and previous relationship status, as well as participant parental status, on the participants’ perceptions of a potential dating partner via an online dating profile. Participants (n = 251), who were single and looking to date, were asked to read a brief ‘About the person’ section of a dating profile and rate how they viewed the person on general positive traits, childrearing ability, family relationships, dating appeal, future investment, and stress. Results indicated that single parents and non-parents alike preferred partners with no children. Additionally, single parents viewed being divorced more positively than single adults who are not parents, whereas single adults with no children viewed the profile with no previous relationship most positively. Future research should focus on the participant's intent for viewing and selecting a mate through the means of online dating.
THE COMPLEMENTS OF LOWER CONES OF DEGREES AND THE DEGREE SPECTRA OF STRUCTURES
Authors: ANDREWS URI , CAI MINGZHONG , KALIMULLIN ISKANDER SH. , LEMPP STEFFEN , MILLER JOSEPH S. , MONTALBÁN ANTONIO
Published: August 2016

We study Turing degrees a for which there is a countable structure ${\cal A}$ whose degree spectrum is the collection {x : x ≰ a}. In particular, for degrees a from the interval [0′, 0″], such a structure exists if a′ = 0″, and there are no such structures if a″ > 0‴.
ON PRODUCTS OF ELEMENTARILY INDIVISIBLE STRUCTURES
Authors: MEIR NADAV
Published: August 2016

We say a structure ${\cal M}$ in a first-order language ${\cal L}$ is indivisible if for every coloring of its universe in two colors, there is a monochromatic substructure ${\cal M}\prime \subseteq {\cal M}$ such that ${\cal M}\prime \cong {\cal M}$. Additionally, we say that ${\cal M}$ is symmetrically indivisible if ${\cal M}\prime$ can be chosen to be symmetrically embedded in ${\cal M}$ (that is, every automorphism of ${\cal M}\prime$ can be extended to an automorphism of ${\cal M}$). Similarly, we say that ${\cal M}$ is elementarily indivisible if ${\cal M}\prime$ can be chosen to be an elementary substructure. We define new products of structures in a relational language. We use these products to give recipes for construction of elementarily indivisible structures which are not transitive and elementarily indivisible structures which are not symmetrically indivisible, answering two questions presented by A. Hasson, M. Kojman, and A. Onshuus.
A Fragmented Transformation: Giovanni Pirelli’s War Writings, 1940–1944
Authors: Love Rachel E.
Published: August 2016

In this paper, I examine the unpublished First World War diaries of Giovanni Pirelli – heir to the helm of the Pirelli tyre company – for their account of how the war and fall of Fascism may have catalysed his dissociation from his family, his class, and his ideological foundation. In the post-war period, Pirelli traced the source of his rejection of his inheritance to his experiences during the Russian retreat, but in the moment, the expression of this kind of transformation is fragmentary and complex. Scholars often look to war diaries and letters for their testimony to the state of the individual in combat. Through close reading, I trace how Pirelli’s writings negotiate his immense privilege and his attempt to construct a moral identity in the midst of war. I consider how they demonstrate his break with his wartime ideals and Fascism and how they anticipate his later transition from industrial heir to socialist activist. My examination of these diaries reveals the ambiguities inherent in this transformation of Fascist and bourgeois subjectivity.
Spinoza on the Eternity of the Mind
Authors: LÆRKE MOGENS
Published: August 2016

In this paper, I propose a reading of Spinoza’s theory of the eternity of the mind in light of his theory of essence and existence. Opposing in particular recent Platonist readings of this theory, rejecting the dichotomy between formal essence and actual essence, upon which they mostly rely, I argue that Spinoza’s conception of the eternity of the mind must be grasped in terms of different aspects of one and the same existence. I moreover suggest that, for Spinoza, the mind was both sempiternal and eternal, without, however, those two aspects of the mind’s existence being identical.
“I Am India Shining”: The Investor-Citizen and the Indelible Icon of Good Times
Authors: Kaur Ravinder
Published: August 2016

This article is an against-the-grain reading of the highly publicized failure of the 2004 India Shining campaign. Aimed at the Indian publics, this mega-publicity spectacle sought to communicate the success of neoliberal reforms in transforming India from a developing nation to a lucrative emerging market in the global economy. Rather than uplift the mood of the nation, the campaign brought to the surface the underlying acrimony and exclusion experienced by a vast majority of the population. I argue that the discourse of India Shining's failure misreads the electoral defeat of the Bharatiya Janata Party as the failure of the neoliberal project of economic reforms. In fact, the India Shining images helped popularize the reforms at an unprecedented mass scale that until then had largely been limited to elite policy debates and reform packages. Instead, the discontent accrued by those excluded from the good times seemingly ushered in by the reforms, and not the reforms per se. The India Shining controversy also allows us to witness a new form of investor-citizenship shaped around the language and logic of loss and profits. The very edifice of failure makes apparent the shift to a capitalist dream world and the withering away of the old order in post-reform India.
Citation bias and selective focus on positive findings in the literature on the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR), life stress and depression
Authors: de Vries Y. A. , Roest A. M. , Franzen M. , Munafò M. R. , Bastiaansen J. A.
Published: August 2016

Background

Caspi et al.'s 2003 report that 5-HTTLPR genotype moderates the influence of life stress on depression has been highly influential but remains contentious. We examined whether the evidence base for the 5-HTTLPR–stress interaction has been distorted by citation bias and a selective focus on positive findings.

Method

A total of 73 primary studies were coded for study outcomes and focus on positive findings in the abstract. Citation rates were compared between studies with positive and negative results, both within this network of primary studies and in Web of Science. In addition, the impact of focus on citation rates was examined.

Results

In all, 24 (33%) studies were coded as positive, but these received 48% of within-network and 68% of Web of Science citations. The 38 (52%) negative studies received 42 and 23% of citations, respectively, while the 11 (15%) unclear studies received 10 and 9%. Of the negative studies, the 16 studies without a positive focus (42%) received 47% of within-network citations and 32% of Web of Science citations, while the 13 (34%) studies with a positive focus received 39 and 51%, respectively, and the nine (24%) studies with a partially positive focus received 14 and 17%.

Conclusions

Negative studies received fewer citations than positive studies. Furthermore, over half of the negative studies had a (partially) positive focus, and Web of Science citation rates were higher for these studies. Thus, discussion of the 5-HTTLPR–stress interaction is more positive than warranted. This study exemplifies how evidence-base-distorting mechanisms undermine the authenticity of research findings.
TOP TEN RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR ATTENTION DEFICIT/HYPERACTIVITY DISORDER TREATMENT
Authors: Jacobson Stella , Östlund Pernilla , Wallgren Lena , Österberg Marie , Tranæus Sofia
Published: August 2016

Objectives: The aim of this project was to identify the ten most important research questions for attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treatment as identified by people with ADHD together with personnel involved in the treatment of ADHD in school, health, and correction services.

Methods: A working group consisting of consumers and personnel was established. The method for prioritization was primarily based on James Lind Alliance's guidebook, consisting of an interim priority setting exercise and a workshop.

Results: The top ten list includes the risk of drug dependency later in life when treated with methylphenidate as a child, teacher support, multimodal therapy, comparisons between atomoxetine and methylphenidate, methylphenidate treatment in substance abusers, parental support programmes, supported conversation, computer-aided working memory training, psychoeducative treatment, and melatonin.

Conclusions: We have shown that consumers and personnel can reach consensus on research priorities for treatments for ADHD. We encourage researchers and funders to consider the list for future studies.
Molecular epidemiology of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in India
Authors: SINGH P. , CHHABRA M. , SHARMA P. , JAISWAL R. , SINGH G. , MITTAL V. , RAI A. , VENKATESH S.
Published: August 2016

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is an emerging zoonotic disease in India which is prevalent in neighbouring countries. CCHF virus (CCHFV) is a widespread tick-borne virus which is endemic in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe and the Middle East. In the present study, samples of clinically suspected human cases from different areas of northern-western India were tested for the presence of CCHFV by RT–PCR through amplification of nucleocapsid (N) gene of CCHFV. Positive samples were sequenced to reveal the prevailing CCHFV genotype(s) and phylogenetic relatedness. A phylogenetic tree revealed the emergence of diverse strains in the study region showing maximum identity with the Pakistan, Afghanistan and Iran strains, which was different from earlier reported Indian strains. Our findings reveal for the first time the emergence of the Asia 1 group in India; while earlier reported CCHFV strains belong to the Asia 2 group.
Song-count surveys and population estimates reveal the recovery of the endangered Amami Thrush Zoothera dauma major, which is endemic to Amami-Oshima Island in south-western Japan
Authors: MIZUTA TAKU , TAKASHI MIKIO , TORIKAI HISAHIRO , WATANABE TAMAKI , FUKASAWA KEITA
Published: August 2016

The Amami Thrush, Zoothera dauma major, is an endemic subspecies of the Eurasian Scaly Thrush that is distributed only on Amami-Oshima Island in south-western Japan. This bird was formerly considered to be a distinct species (Z. major) and was listed on the IUCN Red List as ‘Critically Endangered’ based on the small population size estimated in the early 2000s. To re-evaluate the conservation status of this bird, we estimated the number of singing males from song-count surveys conducted by an NPO with public participation from 2007 to 2013. An estimation that applied a distance sampling method revealed the number of singing males to be 945–1,858 up to 2012. A sudden increase in song counts was recorded in 2013, and the estimate increased to 2,512 in 2013. Based on the assumption that the sex ratio does not deviate from 1:1, simply doubling the number was considered to produce the estimated population size (number of males and females that are capable of breeding). The present study also confirmed that the Amami Thrush was more abundant in older forest with less open habitat, suggesting that forest maturity is an important factor for thrush abundance. The relative density of the invasive small Indian mongoose Herpestes auropunctatus probably affected thrush abundance before the early 2010s prior to mongoose eradication efforts. Our results suggest that thrush recovery was likely associated with forest regeneration and mongoose eradication. However, it is important to continue population monitoring approaches including public participation to promote further conservation of the Amami Thrush.
Synthetic Hormones and Clot Formation
Authors: Swanepoel Albe C. , Visagie Amcois , Pretorius Etheresia
Published: August 2016

Combined oral contraceptives (COCs), colloquially referred to as “the pill,” have been regarded as a medical breakthrough, as they have improved the lives of countless women, from simplifying family planning to the treatment of acne, endometriosis, polycystic ovarian syndrome, and dysmenorrhea. Unfortunately, COC usage has been associated with an increased occurrence of venous thrombosis and therefore a systemic hypercoagulable state in susceptible females. Here we discuss the health risks of COC usage and use viscoelastic and morphological techniques to investigate the effect of different COC constituents on clot formation, particularly fibrin network packaging and whole blood viscoelasticity. Viscoelastic properties of whole blood showed gender-specific changes while morphological alterations were person-specific, regardless of gender. Using scanning electron microscopy and thromboelastography provides great insight regarding fibrin packaging and the development of a hypercoagulable state in high-risk individuals. We proposed a three-step approach where (1) an individual’s coagulation profile baseline is determined, after which (2) the “ideal” combination of constituents is prescribed, and (3) the coagulation profile of the individual is monitored to assess possible risk of thrombosis. Only in following such an individualized patient-oriented approach will we be able to avoid the many health issues due to COC usage in susceptible females.
Elusive East Asia:MethodologicalSuggestions for the Study of East Asian Security
Authors: EUN YONG-SOO
Published: August 2016

This article attempts to fill a gap in International Relations (IR) literature on East Asian security. ‘East Asia’ appears to be mostly an indeterminate conceptual construct, allowing scholars to look selectively at those aspects and areas that could justify their security thesis,albeitsecurity dynamics in the region are all too difficult to comprehend and predict. This problem has been frequently pointed out in IR literature, but itsmethodologicalimplications and suggestions have neither been appropriately illuminated nor been systematically offered, and the main solution commonly found in the literature was the tautological one of ‘better defining’ the region. As an alternative, this article suggests that one needs to tighten geographical focus and differentiate the subjects of analysis. When it comes to the study of East Asian security, one needs to aim to develop specific and differentiated generalizationsas opposed togeneralizations of a broad character. To showcase the fact that research outcomes can be more determinate when the target of analysis is more focused and specified, this article takes Northeast Asian security as an example and challenges the so-called ‘peaceful East Asia’ thesis, one of the mainstream perspectives on East Asian security. This article ultimately argues that while apprehending East Asian security dynamicsthroughdelimiting the scope of analysis and circumscribing the subjects of investigation is often deemed to be a modest enterprise―in particular, in terms of generalizability―the merits are substantial: research outcomes will be able not only to give us a truer mapping of the real world, but also bring us closer to building knowledge which satisfies the scientific criterion of ‘falsifiability.’
Toward Modelling a Global Social Contract: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke
Authors: INOGUCHI TAKASHI , LE LIEN THI QUYNH
Published: August 2016

The paper attempts to construct a global model of a social contract using well-known metaphors of two great philosophers: Jean-Jacques Rousseau and John Locke. By modelling a global social contract, I mean the formulation of a social contract using two sets of data: one is global citizens' preferences about values and norms while the other is sovereign states' participation in multilateral treaties. Both Rousseau and Locke formulate their versions of social contract theories in the national context of eighteenth-century Europe. This paper tries my hands on extending their theories to the global context. This paper attempts to link empirically the relationship between global citizens' preferences as gauged by the World Values Survey and sovereign states' participation in 120 multilateral treaties deposited to the United Nations. To see the link between citizens and treaties (quasi-legislative outcomes, sort of), dimensional similarities of the cosmos of citizens' preference and the cosmos of sovereign states' willingness to join multilateral treaties are examined. Once done, all the sovereign states are located in each of the two cosmoses, citizens and states, and the correlation coefficients between them are measured. Based on these empirical results, the nature of the global quasi-legislative process is clarified. Conclusions and implications are drawn.
Health-related quality of life of patients on antiretroviral treatment in Botswana: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ndubuka Nnamdi O. , Lim Hyun J. , Ehlers Valerie J. , van der Wal Dirk M.
Published: August 2016

Objective:

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) affords longevity to patients infected with the human immune deficiency virus (HIV). Since little is known about the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of persons who have been on ART for at least five years, the present study investigated the HRQoL of these patients in Botswana.

Method:

Medical records, structured interviews, and the World Health Organization Quality of Life–BREF (WHOQoL–HIV–BREF) instrument were employed to obtain information from 456 respondents.

Results:

Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that respondents' highest scores were in the “physical” domain (mean = 15.8, SD = 3.5), while the lowest scores were in the “environment” domain (mean = 12.9, SD = 2.5). Thus, the physical domain had the greatest impact on patients' overall HRQoL. Self-education about HIV-related issues was significantly correlated with all domains of HRQoL scores: physical (ρ = –2.32, CI95% = –3.02, –1.61); psychological (ρ = –2.26, CI95% = –2.87, –1.65); independence (ρ = –1.81, CI95% = –2.54, –1.06); social relationships (ρ = –1.40, CI95% = –2.13, –0.67); environment (ρ = –1.58, CI95% = –2.13, –1.04); and spirituality (ρ = –1.70, CI95% = –82.27, –1.13).

Significance of results:

HRQoL assessments can identify and address patients' needs, and it is important that guidelines be developed that will yield improved care to ART patients in Botswana.
RF CMOS power amplifier using a split inter-stage inductor for IEEE 802.11n applications
Authors: Son Minoh , Yoo Jinho , Kang Inseong , Lee Changhyun , Kim Jihoon , Park Ho Jong , Park Young-Bae , Park Changkun
Published: August 2016

In this study, we design a differential CMOS power amplifier using a 180-nm SOI RFCMOS process for 802.11n (64-QAM, 20 MHz bandwidth, 9.6 dB peak to average power ratio (PAPR)) applications. To minimize the chip area and mismatch in differential signals, we propose a layout method with an inter-stage matching network using a split inductor. By virtue of the symmetrical layout of the proposed split inductor, the mismatch in the differential signals is minimized, while the interconnection lines between the driver and power stages are shortened to minimize the overall chip area and the loss induced by the resistive parasitic components. The designed power amplifier is measured using a wireless local area network (WLAN) 802.11n signal to verify the feasibility of the proposed layout technique. The power amplifier achieved 20.34 dBm output power, while the measured EVM for the 802.11n applications is satisfied. From the measured results, we successfully prove the feasibility of the proposed power amplifier.
Conditions for the generation of cytotoxic CD4+ Th cells that enhance CD8+ CTL‐mediated tumor regression
Authors: Li Kunyu , Baird Margaret , Yang Jianping , Jackson Chris , Ronchese Franca , Young Sarah
Published: August 2016

Adoptive cell therapies (ACTs) using tumor‐reactive T cells have shown clinical benefit and potential for cancer treatment. While the majority of the current ACT are focused on using CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), others have shown that the presence of tumor‐reactive CD4+ T helper (Th) cells can greatly enhance the anti‐tumor activity of CD8+ CTL. However, difficulties in obtaining adequate numbers of CD4+ Th cells through in vitro expansion can limit the application of CD4 Th cells in ACT. This study aims to optimize the culture conditions for mouse CD4 T cells to provide basic information for animal studies of ACT using CD4 T cells. Taking advantage of the antigen‐specificity of CD4+ Th cells from OT‐II transgenic mice, we examined different methodologies for generating antigen‐specific CD4+ Th1 cells in vitro. We found that cells grown in complete advanced‐DMEM/F12 medium supplemented with low‐dose IL‐2 and IL‐7 induced substantial cell expansion. These Th cells were Th1‐like, as they expressed multiple Th1‐cytokines and exhibited antigen‐specific cytotoxicity. In addition co‐transfer of these CD4+ Th1‐like cells with CD8+ CTL significantly enhanced tumor regression, leading to complete cure in 80% of mice bearing established B16‐OVA. These observations indicate that the CD4+ Th1‐like cells generated using the method we optimized are functionally active to eliminate their target cells, and can also assist CD8+ CTL to enhance tumor regression. The findings of this study provide valuable data for further research into in vitro expansion of CD4+ Th1‐like cells, with potential applications to cancer treatment involving ACT.
Fractionation of parietal function in bistable perception probed with concurrent TMS-EEG
Authors: Schauer Georg , Chang Acer , Schwartzman David , Rae Charlotte L. , Iriye Heather , Seth Anil K. , Kanai Ryota
Published: August 2016

When visual input has conflicting interpretations, conscious perception can alternate spontaneously between these possible interpretations. This is called bistable perception. Previous neuroimaging studies have indicated the involvement of two right parietal areas in resolving perceptual ambiguity (ant-SPLr and post-SPLr). Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) studies that selectively interfered with the normal function of these regions suggest that they play opposing roles in this type of perceptual switch. In the present study, we investigated this fractionation of parietal function by use of combined TMS with electroencephalography (EEG). Specifically, while participants viewed either a bistable stimulus, a replay stimulus, or resting-state fixation, we applied single pulse TMS to either location independently while simultaneously recording EEG. Combined with participant’s individual structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, this dataset allows for complex analyses of the effect of TMS on neural time series data, which may further elucidate the causal role of the parietal cortex in ambiguous perception.
Full data acquisition in Kelvin Probe Force Microscopy: Mapping dynamic electric phenomena in real space
Authors: Collins Liam , Belianinov Alex , Somnath Suhas , Balke Nina , Kalinin Sergei V. , Jesse Stephen
Published: August 2016

Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) has provided deep insights into the local electronic, ionic and electrochemical functionalities in a broad range of materials and devices. In classical KPFM, which utilizes heterodyne detection and closed loop bias feedback, the cantilever response is down-sampled to a single measurement of the contact potential difference (CPD) per pixel. This level of detail, however, is insufficient for materials and devices involving bias and time dependent electrochemical events; or at solid-liquid interfaces, where non-linear or lossy dielectrics are present. Here, we demonstrate direct recovery of the bias dependence of the electrostatic force at high temporal resolution using General acquisition Mode (G-Mode) KPFM. G-Mode KPFM utilizes high speed detection, compression and storage of the raw cantilever deflection signal in its entirety at high sampling rates. We show how G-Mode KPFM can be used to capture nanoscale CPD and capacitance information with a temporal resolution much faster than the cantilever bandwidth, determined by the modulation frequency of the AC voltage. In this way, G-Mode KPFM offers a new paradigm to study dynamic electric phenomena in electroactive interfaces as well as a promising route to extend KPFM to the solid-liquid interface.
Correction: Corrigendum: Determination of Stark parameters by cross-calibration in a multi-element laser-induced plasma
Authors: Liu Hao , Truscott Benjamin S. , Ashfold Michael N. R.
Published: August 2016

Scientific Reports 6: Article number: 25609; published online: 12 May 2016; updated: 12 August 2016. In this Article, the Data resources have been omitted from the Methods section. It should read: “All data used in the preparation of this paper are available from the University of Bristol’s researchdata repository, and can be accessed using the DOI 10.
Structural and morphological peculiarities of hybrid Au/nanodiamond engineered nanostructures
Authors: Matassa Roberto , Orlanducci Silvia , Reina Giacomo , Cassani Maria Cristina , Passeri Daniele , Terranova Maria Letizia , Rossi Marco
Published: August 2016

Nanostructured Au nano-platelets have been synthesized from an Au(III) complex by growth process triggered by nanodiamond (ND). An electroless synthetic route has been used to obtain 2D Au/ND architectures, where individual nanodiamond particles are intimately embedded into face-centered cubic Au platelets. The combined use of high resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) and selected area electron diffraction (SAED), was able to reveal the unusual organization of these hybrid nanoparticles, ascertaining the existence of preferential crystallographic orientations for both nanocrystalline species and highlighting their mutual locations. Detailed information on the sample microstructure have been gathered by fast Fourier transform (FFT) and inverse fast Fourier transform (IFFT) of HR-TEM images, allowing us to figure out the role of Au defects, able to anchor ND crystallites and to provide specific sites for heteroepitaxial Au growth. Aggregates constituted by coupled ND and Au, represent interesting systems conjugating the best optoelectronics and plasmonics properties of the two different materials. In order to promote realistically the applications of such outstanding Au/ND materials, the cooperative mechanisms at the basis of material synthesis and their influence on the details of the hybrid nanostructures have to be deeply understood.
B7H3 ameliorates LPS-induced acute lung injury via attenuation of neutrophil migration and infiltration
Authors: Li Yan , Huang Jie , Foley Niamh M. , Xu Yunyun , Li Yi Ping , Pan Jian , Redmond H. Paul , Wang Jiang Huai , Wang Jian
Published: August 2016

Acute lung injury (ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are characterized by an excessive inflammatory response within the lungs and severely impaired gas exchange resulting from alveolar-capillary barrier disruption and pulmonary edema. The costimulatory protein B7H3 functions as both a costimulator and coinhibitor to regulate the adaptive and innate immune response, thus participating in the development of microbial sepsis and pneumococcal meningitis. However, it is unclear whether B7H3 exerts a beneficial or detrimental role during ALI. In the present study we examined the impact of B7H3 on pulmonary inflammatory response, polymorphonuclear neutrophil (PMN) influx and lung tissue damage in a murine model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced direct ALI. Treatment with B7H3 protected mice against LPS-induced ALI, with significantly attenuated pulmonary PMN infiltration, decreased lung myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, reduced bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) protein content and ameliorated lung pathological changes. In addition, B7H3 significantly diminished LPS-stimulated PMN chemoattractant CXCL2 production by inhibiting NF-κB p65 phosphorylation and substantially attenuated LPS-induced PMN chemotaxis and transendothelial migration by down-regulating CXCR2 and Mac-1 expression. These results demonstrate that B7H3 substantially ameliorates LPS-induced ALI and this protection afforded by B7H3 is predominantly associated with its inhibitory effect on pulmonary PMN migration and infiltration.
Imaging biomarkers for steatohepatitis and fibrosis detection in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Gallego-Durán Rocío , Cerro-Salido Pablo , Gomez-Gonzalez Emilio , Pareja María Jesús , Ampuero Javier , Rico María Carmen , Aznar Rafael , Vilar-Gomez Eduardo , Bugianesi Elisabetta , Crespo Javier , González-Sánchez Francisco José , Aparcero Reyes , Moreno Inmaculada , Soto Susana , Arias-Loste María Teresa , Abad Javier , Ranchal Isidora , Andrade Raúl Jesús , Calleja Jose Luis , Pastrana Miguel , Iacono Oreste Lo , Romero-Gómez Manuel
Published: August 2016

There is a need, in NAFLD management, to develop non-invasive methods to detect steatohepatitis (NASH) and to predict advanced fibrosis stages. We evaluated a tool based on optical analysis of liver magnetic resonance images (MRI) as biomarkers for NASH and fibrosis detection by investigating patients with biopsy-proven NAFLD who underwent magnetic resonance (MR) protocols using 1.5T General Electric (GE) or Philips devices. Two imaging biomarkers (NASHMRI and FibroMRI) were developed, standardised and validated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. The results indicated NASHMRI diagnostic accuracy for steatohepatitis detection was 0.83 (95% CI: 0.73–0.93) and FibroMRI diagnostic accuracy for significant fibrosis determination was 0.85 (95% CI: 0.77–0.94). These findings were independent of the MR system used. We conclude that optical analysis of MRI has high potential to define non-invasive imaging biomarkers for the detection of steatohepatitis (NASHMRI) and the prediction of significant fibrosis (FibroMRI) in NAFLD patients.
Insight into the cellular fate and toxicity of aluminium adjuvants used in clinically approved human vaccinations
Authors: Mold Matthew , Shardlow Emma , Exley Christopher
Published: August 2016

Aluminium adjuvants remain the most widely used and effective adjuvants in vaccination and immunotherapy. Herein, the particle size distribution (PSD) of aluminium oxyhydroxide and aluminium hydroxyphosphate adjuvants was elucidated in attempt to correlate these properties with the biological responses observed post vaccination. Heightened solubility and potentially the generation of Al3+ in the lysosomal environment were positively correlated with an increase in cell mortality in vitro, potentially generating a greater inflammatory response at the site of simulated injection. The cellular uptake of aluminium based adjuvants (ABAs) used in clinically approved vaccinations are compared to a commonly used experimental ABA, in an in vitro THP-1 cell model. Using lumogallion as a direct-fluorescent molecular probe for aluminium, complemented with transmission electron microscopy provides further insight into the morphology of internalised particulates, driven by the physicochemical variations of the ABAs investigated. We demonstrate that not all aluminium adjuvants are equal neither in terms of their physical properties nor their biological reactivity and potential toxicities both at the injection site and beyond. High loading of aluminium oxyhydroxide in the cytoplasm of THP-1 cells without immediate cytotoxicity might predispose this form of aluminium adjuvant to its subsequent transport throughout the body including access to the brain.
Homogeneous and ultrasensitive detection of telomerase activity via gold nanorod-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer
Authors: Wang Yanjun , Yang Luzhu , Li Baoxin , Jin Yan
Published: August 2016

A homogeneous and PCR-free fluorescent strategy has been developed for sensitively and specifically studying telomerase activity and inhibition via GNR-based fluorescence resonance energy transfer.
Total synthesis of a cyclopropane-fatty acid α-glucosyl diglyceride from Lactobacillus plantarum and identification of its ability to signal through Mincle
Authors: Shah Sayali , Nagata Masahiro , Yamasaki Sho , Williams Spencer J.
Published: August 2016

Total synthesis of GL1, a complex unsaturated, cyclopropane-containing glycolipid fromLactobacillus plantarumwas accomplished. GL1 and analogues were shown to signal through mouse and human Mincle.
Removal of alkali and transition metal ions from water with hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents
Authors: van Osch Dannie J. G. P. , Parmentier Dries , Dietz Carin H. J. T. , van den Bruinhorst Adriaan , Tuinier Remco , Kroon Maaike C.
Published: August 2016

Hydrophobic deep eutectic solvents composed of decanoic acid and lidocaine were used for the removal of metal ions from an aquatic environment.
Thermal decomposition of sodium amide, NaNH2, and sodium amide hydroxide composites, NaNH2–NaOH
Authors: Jepsen Lars H. , Wang Peikun , Wu Guotao , Xiong Zhitao , Besenbacher Flemming , Chen Ping , Jensen Torben R.
Published: August 2016

Composites of NaNH2 and the omnipresent NaOH have a lower melting temperature and form a non-stoichiometric solid solution, Na(OH)1−x(NH2)x, during heating.