bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct anatomical correlates of discriminability and criterion setting in verbal recognition memory revealed by lesion‐symptom mapping
Authors: Biesbroek J. Matthijs , van Zandvoort Martine J.E. , Kappelle L. Jaap , Schoo Linda , Kuijf Hugo J. , Velthuis Birgitta K. , Biessels Geert Jan , Postma Albert ,   On behalf of the Utrecht VCI study group
Published: November 2014

Recognition memory, that is, the ability to judge whether an item has been previously encountered in a particular context, depends on two factors: discriminability and criterion setting. Discriminability draws on memory processes while criterion setting (i.e., the application of a threshold resulting in a yes/no response) is regarded as a process of cognitive control. Discriminability and criterion setting are assumed to draw on distinct anatomical structures, but definite evidence for this assumption is lacking. We applied voxel‐based and region of interest‐based lesion‐symptom mapping to 83 patients in the acute phase of ischemic stroke to determine the anatomical correlates of discriminability and criterion setting in verbal recognition memory. Recognition memory was measured with the Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test. Signal‐detection theory was used to calculate measures for discriminability and criterion setting. Lesion‐symptom mapping revealed that discriminability draws on left medial temporal and temporo‐occipital structures, both thalami and the right hippocampus, while criterion setting draws on the right inferior frontal gyrus. Lesions in the right inferior frontal gyrus were associated with liberal response bias. These findings indicate that discriminability and criterion setting indeed depend on distinct anatomical structures and provide new insights in the anatomical correlates of these cognitive processes that underlie verbal recognition memory. Hum Brain Mapp 36:1292–1303, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
CA‐074Me compound inhibits osteoclastogenesis via suppression of the NFATc1 and c‐FOS signaling pathways
Authors: Patel Neel , Nizami Saqib , Song Lee , Mikami Maya , Hsu Anny , Hickernell Thomas , Chandhanayingyong Chandhanarat , Rho Shim , Compton Jocelyn T. , Caldwell Jon‐Michael , Kaiser Philip B. , Bai Hanying , Lee Heon Goo , Fischer Charla R. , Lee Francis Y.
Published: November 2014

The osteoclast is an integral cell of bone resorption. Since osteolytic disorders hinge on the function and dysfunction of the osteoclast, understanding osteoclast biology is fundamental to designing new therapies that curb osteolytic disorders. The identification and study of lysosomal proteases, such as cathepsins, have shed light on mechanisms of bone resorption. For example, Cathepsin K has already been identified as a collagen degradation protease produced by mature osteoclasts with high activity in the acidic osteoclast resorption pits. Delving into the mechanisms of cathepsins and other osteoclast related compounds provides new targets to explore in osteoclast biology. Through our anti‐osteoclastogenic compound screening experiments we encountered a modified version of the Cathepsin B inhibitor CA‐074: the cell membrane‐permeable CA‐074Me (L‐3‐trans‐(Propylcarbamoyl) oxirane‐2‐carbonyl]‐L‐isoleucyl‐L‐proline Methyl Ester). Here we confirm that CA‐074Me inhibits osteoclastogenesis in vivo and in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner. However, Cathepsin B knockout mice exhibited unaltered osteoclastogenesis, suggesting a more complicated mechanism of action than Cathepsin B inhibition. We found that CA‐074Me exerts its osteoclastogenic effect within 24 h of osteoclastogenesis stimulation by suppression of c‐FOS and NFATc1 pathways. © 2015 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 33:1474–1486, 2015.
In situ analysis with portable Raman and ED‐XRF spectrometers for the diagnosis of the formation of efflorescence on walls and wall paintings of the Insula IX 3 (Pompeii, Italy)
Authors: Madariaga Juan Manuel , Maguregui Maite , De Vallejuelo Silvia Fdez‐Ortiz , Knuutinen Ulla , Castro Kepa , Martinez‐Arkarazo Irantzu , Giakoumaki Anastasia , Pitarch Africa
Published: November 2014

This work presents the results of field Raman analyses, assisted by a hand‐held energy dispersive X‐ray fluorescence spectrometer, for the experimental determination of efflorescence from walls and wall paintings of two Pompeian houses, one with many luxurious decorative elements (House of Marcus Lucretius, Regio IX, Insula 3, House 5/24) and a more modest building (Regio IX, Insula 3, House 1‐2). Both exposed and protected rooms were measured in different year seasons, spring (May 2010) and summer (September 2011 and 2012) and considering different orientations. Chemical attacks of acid gases (CO2, SO2 and NOx) on the original compounds of the mortars, biominerals formed by the biological colonizations as well as direct rain‐wash of the newly formed salts can be considered the three most serious problems of the archaeological remains from Insula IX 3 of Pompeii. Also, infiltration waters from the ground contribute to such decay. The walls and wall paintings exposed to the rain‐wash are the worst preserved, probably as a result of a continuous cycle of CO2, SO2 and NOx acid attack to the original carbonate materials, involving loss of plaster. This severe decay was not observed in the rooms covered by roofs although those walls affected by infiltration waters from the ground showed decaying because of the action of the efflorescence on the carbonate materials acting as the binder of the mural painting remains in the houses of Pompeii. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of starter kimchi fermented with Leuconostoc kimchiiGJ2 and its cholesterol‐lowering effects in rats fed a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet
Authors: Jo Se Yeon , Choi Eun A , Lee Jae Joon , Chang Hae Choon
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The hypocholesterolemic effects of lactic acid bacteria and kimchi have been demonstrated previously. However, the kimchi fermentation process still relies on naturally present microorganisms. To obtain functional kimchi with consistent quality, we validated the capacity of Leuconostoc kimchii GJ2 as a starter culture to control kimchi fermentation. Moreover, cholesterol‐lowering effects of starter kimchi as a health‐promoting product were explored.

RESULTS

Bacteriocin production by Lc. kimchii GJ2 was highly enhanced in the presence of 5% Lactobacillus sakei NJ1 cell fractions. When kimchi was fermented with bacteriocin‐enhanced Lc. kimchii GJ2, Lc. kimchii GJ2 became overwhelmingly predominant (98.3%) at the end of fermentation and maintained its dominance (up to 82%) for 84 days. Growing as well as dead cells of Lc. kimchii GJ2 showed high cholesterol assimilation (in vitro). Rats were fed a high‐fat and high‐cholesterol diet supplemented with starter kimchi. The results showed that feeding of starter kimchi significantly reduced serum total cholesterol, triglyceride and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol levels. Additionally, atherogenic index, cardiac risk factor and triglyceride and total cholesterol levels in liver and epididymal adipose tissue decreased significantly in rats fed starter kimchi.

CONCLUSION

Kimchi fermented with Lc. kimchii GJ2 as a starter culture has efficient cholesterol‐lowering effects. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Shinzami Korean purple‐fleshed sweet potato extract prevents ischaemia–reperfusion‐induced liver damage in rats
Authors: Jung Saet‐Byeol , Shin Jae‐Ho , Kim Ji Yeon , Kwon Oran
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of an extract from Shinzami, a variety of purple sweet potato, in rats injured by hepatic ischaemia–reperfusion (I/R).

RESULTS

Pretreatment with Shinzami extract decreased the aspirate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase serum levels in our hepatic I/R rat model. The glutathione level and superoxide dismutase activity level were significantly higher in the rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract compared with the hepatic I/R rats, and the glutathione peroxidase activity level was higher in pretreated rats. The total anthocyanins extracted from Shinzami, however, only increased the superoxide dismutase activity level in the hepatic I/R rats. Rats pretreated with the Shinzami extract or anthocyanins demonstrated attenuated hepatic pathological changes, such as hepatic distortion, haemorrhage, necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration compared with the hepatic I/R control rats.

CONCLUSION

Shinzami extract and anthocyanins have a hepatoprotective effect on the liver damage induced by hepatic I/R by improving antioxidant status. Furthermore, the Shinzami extract may have a more potent effect on the antioxidant status compared with the Shinzami anthocyanins alone. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Analysis of a bacterial model with nutrient‐dependent degenerate diffusion
Authors: Horger Thomas , Kuttler Christina , Wohlmuth Barbara , Zhigun Anna
Published: December 2014

We introduce and study a degenerate reaction‐diffusion system that can serve as a model prototype for the pattern formation of a bacterial multicellular community where the bacteria produce biofilm, grow and spread in the presence of a nutrient. Under proper conditions on the reaction terms, we prove the global existence and the uniqueness of solutions and illustrate the possible model behaviour in numerical simulations for a two‐dimensional setting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Highly Selective and Sensitive Turn‐On Fluorescent Chemosensor Based on Rhodamine 6G for Iron(III)
Authors: Hu Zhi-Qiang , Gu Ying-Ying , Hu Wen-Zhou , Sun Lei-Li , Zhu Jiang-Hua , Jiang Yi
Published: November 2014

Recently, more and more rhodamine derivatives have been used as fluorophores to construct sensors due to their excellent spectroscopic properties. A rhodamine‐based fluorescent and colorimetric Fe3+ chemosensor 3’,6’‐bis(ethylamino)‐2‐acetoxyl‐2’,7’‐dimethyl‐spiro[1H‐isoindole‐1,9’‐[9H]xanthen]‐3(2H)‐one (RAE) was designed and synthesized. Upon the addition of Fe3+, the dramatic enhancement of both fluorescence and absorbance intensity, as well as the color change of the solution, could be observed. The detection limit of RAE for Fe3+ was around 7.98 ppb. Common coexistent metal ions showed little or no interference in the detection of Fe3+. Moreover, the addition of CN− could quench the fluorescence of the acetonitrile solution of RAE and Fe3+, indicating the regeneration of the chemosensor RAE. The robust nature of the sensor was shown by the detection of Fe3+ even after repeated rounds of quenching. As iron is a ubiquitous metal in cells and plays vital roles in many biological processes, this chemosensor could be developed to have applications in biological studies.
Preparation of poly(2‐anilinoethanol) containing azobenzene group under electrical field and its liquid crystalline properties investigation
Authors: Hosseini Seyed Hossein , Hoshangi Vahid
Published: November 2014

In this project, 2‐[N‐ethyl‐N‐[4‐[(4′‐nitrophenyl)azo]‐phenyl]amino]ethanol (Disperse Red‐I) was prepared by adding of (N‐ethyl‐2‐anilinoethanol) with the salt diazonium p‐nitroaniline. The main mesogenic liquid crystalline (LC) 2‐[N‐ethyl‐N‐[4‐[4′‐nitrophenyl)azo]‐phenyl]amino]ethyl‐3‐chloro propionate (Disperse Red‐II) was synthesized by reaction of disperse Red I and 3‐chloropropanoeic acid at the alkaline condition. Then 2‐anilinoethyl‐3‐chloropropionate‐{2‐[ethyl[4‐[(4′‐nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]amino] ethanol}, (2AECP‐Red‐I) was prepared via reaction of disperse red‐II and 2‐anilinoethanol. On the other hand, poly 2‐anilinoethyl‐3‐chloropropionate‐{2‐[ethyl[4‐[(4′‐nitrophenyl)azo]phenyl]amino]ethanol} and poly(2AECP‐Red‐I) have been synthesized by polymerization of 2AECP‐Red‐I in two separate schemes. These include polymerization in the absence of electric field (EF) and polymerization under different EFs. A comparison of the results reveals that the polymer produced under electric field is more linear, regular in shape with high electrical conductivity, as well as good LC behavior with semectic texture. The resulted monomer and poly(2AECP‐Red‐I) are characterized by using Fourier transform infrared and ultraviolet–visible and were studied by thermogravimetric analysis and differential scanning calorimetry. Scanning electron microscopy images supported the formation of poly(2AECP‐Red‐I) and showed morphology feature and homogeneous structure on poly(2AECP‐Red‐I). Electrical conductivity of poly(2AECP‐Red‐I) has been studied by four‐point probe method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hybrid ZnO:polystyrene nanocomposite for all‐polymer photonic crystals
Authors: Lova Paola , Manfredi Giovanni , Boarino Luca , Laus Michele , Urbinati Giulia , Losco Tonia , Marabelli Franco , Caratto Valentina , Ferretti Maurizio , Castellano Maila , Soci Cesare , Comoretto Davide
Published: November 2014

We report on ZnO nanoparticles‐polystyrene (PS) nanocomposites (NC) engineered to modify PS matrix permeability and refractive index (n), and to fabricate 1D all‐polymer photonic crystals (PC) for sensing applications. The new NC can be easily processed from solutions to prepare high quality thin films by spin coating. ZnO nanoparticles (n = 1.98) have been synthetized by solvothermal route and grafted with a silane to reduce phase segregation in the PS matrix (n = 1.58). Such procedure led to an increase of the matrix refractive index of about 1%. By casting alternated layers of the NC and cellulose acetate (CA, n = 1.46), we fabricated free‐standing and flexible distributed Bragg reflectors (DBRs) of excellent optical quality. Preliminary results on the use of such DBRs as solvent vapor sensors are reported. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
U.S. Local Governments and Climate Change: Examining the Acquisition and Use of Research‐Based Knowledge in Policy Development
Authors: Goggin Malcolm L. , Gerber Brian J. , Larson Samantha J.
Published: November 2014

Cumulative research has demonstrated both the reality and potential impacts of global climate change. In this paper, we focus on the nature of climate‐related policy development at a subnational level by considering actions undertaken by municipal governments in the United States. Specifically, our research objective is to provide an initial descriptive assessment of how local governments utilize what we term research‐based knowledge (RBK) to inform their planning and action strategies around climate change mitigation and adaptation. Doing so is important because local governments in the United States represent a key source of policy innovation on climate change issues and because there is relatively little existing research on exactly how RBK might be utilized in this domain. Our comparative case descriptions from four locations suggest that city officials use RBK in both strategic and political manners. That is, while using existing information and policy networks and generally relying on outside experts for rational comprehensive evaluation, climate‐related RBK often both justifies the existing position of local officials (strategic use) and legitimizes previous policy choices (political use). The implications of this initial assessment can assist in testing future theoretic arguments on the exact nature of RBK acquisition and use surrounding climate change policymaking.
Existence and stability properties of entire solutions to the polyharmonic equation $(−Δ)^mu = e^u$ for any $m ≥ 1$
Authors: Farina Alberto , Ferrero Alberto
Published: November 2014

We study existence and stability properties of entire solutions of a polyharmonic equation with an exponential nonlinearity. We study existence of radial entire solutions and we provide some asymptotic estimates on their behavior at infinity. As a first result on stability we prove that stable solutions (not necessarily radial) in dimensions lower than the conformal one never exist. On the other hand, we prove that radial entire solutions which are stable outside a compact set always exist both in high and low dimensions. In order to prove stability of solutions outside a compact set we prove some new Hardy–Rellich type inequalities in low dimensions.
Hospitals in the Digital Age
Authors: Sapsford Ron
Published: November 2014

A radical reformulation of the function of hospitals and the resulting impact on the healthcare system requires significant professional, legislative, policy and funding changes. What factors are important to consider? Can it be done?
Metronomic capecitabine as extended adjuvant chemotherapy in women with triple negative breast cancer
Authors: Alagizy HA , Shehata MA , Hashem TA , Abdelaziz KK , Swiha MM
Published: November 2014

PURPOSE:

High interest in triple-negative breast cancers is not surprising as this category of patients benefits neither from hormonal therapies nor from anti HER2 treatments. Blockade of angiogenesis by metronomic chemotherapy as well as other antiangiogenics might improve outcomes in this group of patients. This study aims to evaluate the tolerability and efficacy of metronomic capecitabine as extended adjuvant treatment for women with triple-negative breast cancer.

METHODS:

This is a prospective phase II study that included 41 patients diagnosed with triple-negative breast cancer and who were indicated for adjuvant chemotherapy. They received capecitabine 500 mg PO twice daily and continuously for six months after finishing six cycles of adjuvant FEC100 ± postoperative radiotherapy.

RESULTS:

Forty-one patients were enrolled in this study between June 2010 and December 2013. Median age was 50 years ranging from 27 to 67 years. Treatment was well tolerated. Adverse effects were grade 1 palmar- plantar erythrodysesthesia in 13 patients (31.7%); grade 1 diarrhea in five patients (12.2%); and grade 1 vomiting in two patients (4.9%). Estimated median follow-up duration was 34 months. Estimated mean disease-free survival (DFS) was 42.4 months (95% CI, 39.02-45.79), while median DFS was not reached. Estimated mean overall survival was 44.34 months (95% CI 41.9-46.9).

CONCLUSION:

Extended adjuvant metronomic capecitabine is well tolerated with patient compliance. These results need to be compared in a study with control arm, larger sample, as well as longer follow-up.
Obesity induced rapid melanoma progression is reversed by orlistat treatment and dietary intervention: Role of adipokines
Authors: Malvi Parmanand , Chaube Balkrishna , Pandey Vimal , Vijayakumar Maleppillil Vavachan , Boreddy Purushotham Reddy , Mohammad Naoshad , Singh Shivendra Vikram , Bhat Manoj Kumar
Published: November 2014

Obesity, owing to adiposity, is associated with increased risk and development of various cancers, and linked to their rapid growth as well as progression. Although a few studies have attempted to understand the relationship between obesity and melanoma, the consequences of controlling body weight by reducing adiposity on cancer progression is not well understood. By employing animal models of obesity, we report that controlling obesity either by orlistat treatment or by restricting caloric intake significantly slows down melanoma progression. The diminished tumor progression was correlated with decreased fat mass (adiposity) in obese mice. Obesity associated factors contributing to tumor progression were decreased in the experimental groups compared to respective controls. In tumors, protein levels of fatty acid synthase (FASN), caveolin (Cav)‐1 and pAkt, which are tumor promoting molecules implicated in melanoma growth under obese state, were decreased. In addition, increased necrosis and reduction in angiogenesis as well as proliferative markers PCNA and cyclin D1 were observed in tumors of the orlistat treated and/or calorically restricted obese mice. We observed that growth of melanoma cells cultured in conditioned medium (CM) from orlistat‐treated adipocytes was reduced. Adipokines (leptin and resistin), via activating Akt and modulation of FASN as well as Cav‐1 respectively, enhanced melanoma cell growth and proliferation. Together, we demonstrate that controlling body weight reduces adipose mass thereby diminishing melanoma progression. Therefore, strategic means of controlling obesity by reduced caloric diet or with antiobesity drugs treatment may render obesity‐promoted tumor progression in check and prolong survival of patients.
Atmochemical mercury dispersion aureoles over active geologic structures of the northern Sea of Japan
Authors: Kalinchuk V.V. , Astakhov A.S.
Published: November 2014

In the autumn of 2010, contrasting dispersion aureoles of atomic mercury were revealed in the northern Sea of Japan, in the vicinity of the Vityaz’ and Alpatov Rises. Based on the elimination method, the assumption is made that the aureoles resulted from the supply of mercury from hydrothermal or water–gas bottom sources through the sea water column, either in gas bubbles or as a result of diffusion and turbulent mixing. It is inferred that gas–mercury measurements can be used in geological research in sea water areas.
Peridotites from the Kamchatsky Mys: evidence of oceanic mantle melting near a hotspot
Authors: Batanova V.G. , Lyaskovskaya Z.E. , Savelieva G.N. , Sobolev A.V.
Published: November 2014

A suite of mantle peridotites sampled in the Kamchatsky Mys includes spinel lherzolite, clinopyroxene-bearing harzburgite, and harzburgite. Mineral chemistry of olivine, chromian spinel, and clinopyroxene show strongly correlated element patterns typical of peridotite formed by 8% to more than 22% partial melting. Clinopyroxene in the Kamchatka peridotites is compositionally different from that of both abyssal and suprasubduction varieties: Clinopyroxene in lherzolite is depleted in LREE relative to abyssal peridotite and that in harzburgite has very low LREE and Sr unlike the subduction-related counterpart. These composition features indicate that the rocks ultra-depleted in basaltic components originated in the vicinity of a hotspot, possibly, proto-Hawaiian plume, which provided high temperature and melting degree of the MORB source mantle at mid-ocean ridge.
Reconstructions of long-term ground surface heat flux changes from deep-borehole temperature data
Authors: Demezhko D.Yu. , Gornostaeva A.A.
Published: November 2014

Based on analysis of geothermal data from the Ural superdeep borehole (SG-4) and Onega parametric borehole, the first reconstructions of ground surface heat flux changes for the last 40 kyr have been made. The increase in heat flux during the Pleistocene–Holocene warming (20–10 ka) proceeded ~ 2 kyr earlier than the growth in surface temperature; reaching the maximum value of 0.08–0.13 W/m2 at ~ 13 ka, the heat flux was reduced. The coordinated changes in heat flux and average annual insolation at 60° N at 5-24 ka indicate that the orbital factors were the main cause of climatic changes in this period. The correlations between the changes in heat flux and CO2 content in the Antarctic ice cores and the temperature changes are analyzed.

© 2014, V.S. Sobolev IGM, Siberian Branch of the RAS. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Age-specific suicide mortality following non-fatal self-harm: national cohort study in Sweden
Authors: Tidemalm D. , Beckman K. , Dahlin M. , Vaez M. , Lichtenstein P. , Långström N. , Runeson B.
Published: November 2014

Background.

Possible age-related differences in risk of completed suicide following non-fatal self-harm remain unexplored. We examined associations between self-harm and completed suicide across age groups of self-harming patients, and whether these associations varied by violent index method, presence of mental disorder, and repeated self-harm.

Method.

The design was a cohort study with linked national registers in Sweden. The study population comprised individuals aged ⩾10 years hospitalized during 1990–1999 due to non-fatal self-harm (n = 53 843; 58% females) who were followed for 9–19 years. We computed hazard ratios (HRs) across age groups (age at index self-harm episode), with time to completed suicide as outcome.

Results.

The 1-year HR for suicide among younger males (10–19 years) was 14.6 [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.1–51.9] for violent method and 8.4 (95% CI 1.8–40.0) for mental disorder. By contrast, none of the three potential risk factors increased the 1-year risks in the youngest females. Among patients aged ⩾20 years, the 1-year HR for violent method was 4.6 (95% CI 3.8–5.4) for males and 10.4 (95% CI 8.3–13.0) for females. HRs for repeated self-harm during years 2–9 of follow-up were higher in 10- to 19-year-olds (males: HR 4.0, 95% CI 2.0–7.8; females: HR 3.7, 95% CI 2.1–6.5). The ⩾20 years age groups had higher HRs than the youngest, particularly for females and especially within 1 year.

Conclusions.

Violent method and mental disorder increase the 1-year suicide risk in young male self-harm patients. Further, violent method increases suicide risk within 1 year in all age and gender groups except the youngest females. Repeated self-harm may increase the long-term risk more in young patients. These aspects should be accounted for in clinical suicide risk assessment.
National—ethnic narratives in eleventh-century literary representations of Cnut
Authors: Hobson Jacob
Published: November 2014

This article takes literary representations of Cnut, the Danish conqueror of England, as a case study of the construction of English identity in the eleventh century. It traces representations of Cnut in four literary texts composed over the course of the century: the Anglo-Saxon Chronicle, the Knútsdrápur, the Encomium Emmae Reginae, and Osbern of Canterbury's Translatio Sancti Ælfegi. Each of these texts constructs a politically useful national—ethnic identity through the figure of Cnut, using the mechanisms of kingship, piety and devotion, language, place and literary tradition to work through the particular exigencies faced by the audiences that they seek to address.
BENEFITS OF MOBILE REPORTING SYSTEMS IN SOCIAL HOME CARE: THE CASE OF SEVEN SWEDISH MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Han Shengnan , Juell-Skielse Gustaf , Smedberg Åsa , Aasi Parisa , Nilsson Anders G.
Published: November 2014

Objectives: Mobile systems are widely adopted in healthcare services. Mobile reporting systems have been recently introduced for social home care by municipalities in Sweden. The study aims to assess the benefits of using these systems.

Methods: We followed an expert survey approach. Data were collected by means of telephone interviews with the experts in charge of managing and implementing the systems at the municipalities. In addition, several workshops were organized for assessing the economic value of the systems at one municipality. We performed thematic analysis and cost-benefit analysis of the data.

Results: The thematic analysis showed the three main benefits of using the mobile reporting systems in social home care: municipal benefits, care providers’ benefits, and care recipients’ benefits. The cost-benefit analysis indicated that the systems could bring substantial long-term economic value for municipalities. The results also revealed the difficulties encountered at the early stage of the deployment and implementation of the systems.

Conclusions: The mobile systems yield benefits for all the actors, that is, municipalities, care recipients and care providers. These enhance the public-private coordination and cooperation in social home care in Sweden. The municipalities are called upon to address change management and technical challenges in the implementation.
The Reception, Recognition and Reconciliation of Holy Orders
Authors: Adam Will
Published: November 2014

Questions of the mutual recognition, or not, of the ministry of different Churches have been high on the ecumenical agenda for many years. Roman Catholic sacramental theology, manifest inter alia in Canon Law, has a clear understanding of the validity or invalidity of sacraments, including holy orders. Validity is a strong word and implies that sacramental acts which are not valid are de facto ineffective.
Chemical activation inRhinella arenarumoocytes: effect of dehydroleucodine (DhL) and its hydrogenated derivative (2H-DhL)
Authors: Medina M.F. , Bühler M.I. , Sánchez-Toranzo G.
Published: November 2014

Mature oocytes are arrested in metaphase II due to the presence of high levels of active maturation promoting factor (MPF). After fertilization, active MPF levels decline abruptly, enabling oocytes to complete meiosis II. One of the first and universal events of oocyte activation is an increase in cytosolic Ca2+that would be responsible for MPF inactivation. Mature oocytes can also be activated by parthenogenetic activation. The aims of this work are to test the ability of dehydroleucodine (DhL) and its hydrogenated derivative 11,13-dihydro-dehydroleucodine (2H-DhL) to induce chemical activation in amphibian oocytes and to study the participation of calcium in the process. Results indicated that DhL and 2H-DhL induced oocyte activation in a dose-dependent manner. After 90 min of treatment, DhL 36 μM was able to induce 95% activation, while 2H-DhL 36 μM was less active, with only 40% activation. Our results suggest that DhL induced the inhibition of MPF activity, probably by an increase in intracellular Ca2+concentration. Extracellular Ca2+would not be significant, although Ca2+release from intracellular stores is critical. In this sense, IP3Rs and RyRs were involved in the Ca2+transient induced by lactones. In this species, RyRs appears to be the largest contributor to Ca2+release in DhL-induced activation. Although more studies are needed on the mechanism of action through which these lactones induce oocyte activation inRhinella arenarum, the results of this research provide interesting perspectives for the use of these lactones as chemical activators inin vitrofertilization and cloning.
Does water have agency? Does it need to?
Authors: Scarborough Vernon L.
Published: November 2014

Michael Pollan recently published an essay in theNew Yorker(December 2013) introducing the notion of ‘plant intelligence’ and how plants have evolved by virtue of their lack of mobility to cultivate and attract the resources they require. Although not using the humanistic language identified with ‘agency’, a widely used term most frequently associated with human motivation, action and accomplishment, Pollan lends his implicit support for the communicative ‘behaviours’ of plants and their own brand of agency in effecting change in the world. Veronica Strang champions this view for the role of the non-human organic world, but moves a step or two further in suggesting that the inorganic has its own sense of agency. And though she and those phenomenologists whom she cites attribute agency to all things, it is difficult for some of us to entirely accept such a premise.
Contributaries. From confusion to confluence in the matter of water and agency
Authors: Strang Veronica
Published: November 2014

I am happy to see that my essay has generated a lively discussion, and am most grateful to the respondents for their insightful contributions. Their comments express varying levels of agreement regarding the agency of things. Vernon Scarborough revisits anxieties about whether agency implies intentionality. Using the term ‘agency’ is indeed problematic if we assume that it entails sentience or intentionality (and I do not), but if we define it more precisely as a capacity to act (upon), it is possible to excise intentionality from the equation. This simultaneously allows us to acknowledge the agentive capacities of things without proposing or implying a form of faux animism. Anthropology has indeed drawn imaginatively on specifically cultural beliefs and knowledges, for example in composing more relational visions of human–other interactions than Western science tends to allow (see Strang 2006a), but this is not tantamount to assuming that things contain spiritual presence, or have ‘their own sense of agency’.
Middens, memory and the effect of waste. Beyond symbolic meaning in archaeological deposits. An early medieval case study
Authors: Jervis Ben
Published: November 2014

Building upon the debate published in volume 19 ofArchaeological dialogues, this contribution explores how, rather than seeing deposits as meaningful, we can move to explore the processes through which things and spaces become waste as well as the broader social effects of these processes in relation to elements of identity and sense of place. An extended case study of depositional practice in the early medieval settlement of Hamwic (Southampton, UK) is presented, to demonstrate how depositional practice caused waste, people and spaces to develop particular meaning in the emergence of an urban settlement, and served as a medium for the negotiation of continuity and change in the lives of the settlement and its inhabitants.
Antisocial media in archaeology?
Authors: Walker Dominic
Published: November 2014

An increasing number of individual archaeologists, archaeological organizations and institutions are using social media platforms for professional discussion and networking, research, public outreach and community archaeology. Proponents of social media have particularly pointed towards their potential for transforming the means of networking and communication in archaeology, and challenging traditional disciplinary expertise as archaeologists engage with more diverse and active online publics. This article provides a theoretically informed critical discussion, pointing towards the complex barriers to equal Internet access and usage, which challenge the ability of archaeologists to use social media as a tool to democratize the discipline. It concludes that, in many cases, social media appear to have reinforced archaeological authority at the expense of genuinely decentred engagement or collaboration. The article acts as a challenge to encourage further debate and empirically informed research in this emerging area of archaeological practice.
Agreement between bovine respiratory disease scoring systems for pre-weaned dairy calves
Authors: Aly Sharif S. , Love William J. , Williams Deniece R. , Lehenbauer Terry W. , Van Eenennaam Alison , Drake Christiana , Kass Philip H. , Farver Thomas B.
Published: November 2014

Clinical scoring systems have been proposed for respiratory disease diagnosis in calves, including the Wisconsin (WI) system (McGuirk in 2008) which uses five clinical signs, each partitioned into four levels of severity. Recently, we developed the California (CA) bovine respiratory disease (BRD) scoring system requiring less calf handling and consisting of six clinical signs, each classified as normal or abnormal. The objective of this study was to estimate the on-farm agreement between the WI and the CA scoring systems. A total of 100 calves were enrolled on a CA dairy and assessed for BRD case status using the two scoring systems simultaneously. The Kappa coefficient of agreement between these two systems was estimated to be 0.85, which indicated excellent agreement beyond chance. The simpler design and reduced calf handling required by the CA BRD scoring system may make it advantageous for on-farm use.
Investigating ‘place effects’ on mental health: implications for population-based studies in psychiatry
Authors: Astell-Burt T. , Feng X.
Published: November 2014

Background.

Interest in features of our local environments that may promote better mental health and wellbeing continues to rise among decision makers. Our purpose was to highlight a selection of these challenges and some promising avenues for enhancing the quality of evidence.

Method.

An analysis of approximately 267, 000 people was used to test the local relative deprivation hypothesis, wherein the shortfall of a person's socioeconomic circumstances from their neighbours is said to impact negatively upon mental health. This case was used to anchor further discussion of challenges to identifying and interpreting genuine ‘place effects’ from spurious correlations.

Results.

A Median Odds Ratio of 1.29 computed via multilevel logistic regression showed that the odds of experiencing psychological distress (as measured by the Kessler score) varied by geographical area. Approximately 67% of this was attributed to a cross-classified measure of household income and neighbourhood deprivation. Compared to people on high incomes living in affluent neighbourhoods, the odds ratio of psychological distress for people on low incomes in affluent areas was 4.73 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) 4.39, 5.09), whereas that for people on low incomes in deprived areas was significantly higher at 5.83 (95% CI 5.41, 6.28).

Conclusions.

While no evidence was found to support local relative deprivation hypothesis, the pattern suggests that more affluent areas may contain features that are conducive to better mental health. Selection of bespoke geographical boundaries, use of directed acyclic graphs and more evaluations of natural experiments are likely to be important in taking the field of enquiry onwards.
Blood—Brain Barrier Breakdown Involves Four Distinct Stages of Vascular Damage in Various Models of Experimental Focal Cerebral Ischemia
Authors: Krueger Martin , Bechmann Ingo , Immig Kerstin , Reichenbach Andreas , Härtig Wolfgang , Michalski Dominik
Published: November 2014

Ischemic stroke not only impairs neuronal function but also affects the cerebral vasculature as indicated by loss of blood—brain barrier (BBB) integrity. Therefore, therapeutical recanalization includes an enhanced risk for hemorrhagic transformation and bleeding, traditionally attributed to a ‘reperfusion injury’. To investigate the mechanisms underlying ischemia-/reperfusion-related BBB opening, we applied multiple immunofluorescence labeling and electron microscopy in a rat model of thromboembolic stroke as well as mouse models of permanent and transient focal cerebral ischemia. In these models, areas exhibiting BBB breakdown were identified by extravasation of intravenously administered fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)-albumin. After 24 hours, expression of markers for tight and adherens junctions in areas of FITC-albumin leakage consistently remained unaltered in the applied models. However, lectin staining with isolectin B4 indicated structural alterations in the endothelium, which were confirmed by electron microscopy. While ultrastructural alterations in endothelial cells did not differ between the applied models including the reperfusion scenario, we regularly identified vascular alterations, which we propose to reflect four distinct stages of BBB breakdown with ultimate loss of endothelial cells. Therefore, our data strongly suggest that ischemia-related BBB failure is predominantly caused by endothelial degeneration. Thus, protecting endothelial cells may represent a promising therapeutical approach in addition to the established recanalizing strategies.
The Simplified Reference Tissue Model: Model Assumption Violations and Their Impact on Binding Potential
Authors: Salinas Cristian A , Searle Graham E , Gunn Roger N
Published: November 2014

Reference tissue models have gained significant traction over the last two decades as the methods of choice for the quantification of brain positron emission tomography data because they balance quantitative accuracy with less invasive procedures. The principal advantage is the elimination of the need to perform arterial cannulation of the subject to measure blood and metabolite concentrations for input function generation. In particular, the simplified reference tissue model (SRTM) has been widely adopted as it uses a simplified model configuration with only three parameters that typically produces good fits to the kinetic data and a stable parameter estimation process. However, the model's simplicity and its ability to generate good fits to the data, even when the model assumptions are not met, can lead to misplaced confidence in binding potential (BPND) estimates. Computer simulation were used to study the bias introduced in BPND estimates as a consequence of violating each of the four core SRTM model assumptions. Violation of each model assumption led to bias in BPND (both over and underestimation). Careful assessment of the bias in SRTM BPND should be performed for new tracers and applications so that an appropriate decision about its applicability can be made.
Targeted and genome-wide sequencing reveal single nucleotide variations impacting specificity of Cas9 in human stem cells
Authors: Yang Luhan , Grishin Dennis , Wang Gang , Aach John , Zhang Cheng-Zhong , Chari Raj , Homsy Jason , Cai Xuyu , Zhao Yue , Fan Jian-Bing , Seidman Christine , Seidman Jonathan , Pu William , Church George
Published: November 2014

CRISPR/Cas9 has demonstrated a high-efficiency in site-specific gene targeting. However, potential off-target effects of the Cas9 nuclease represent a major safety concern for any therapeutic application. Here, we knock out the Tafazzin gene by CRISPR/Cas9 in human-induced pluripotent stem cells with 54% efficiency. We combine whole-genome sequencing and deep-targeted sequencing to characterise the off-target effects of Cas9 editing. Whole-genome sequencing of Cas9-modified hiPSC clones detects neither gross genomic alterations nor elevated mutation rates. Deep sequencing of in silico predicted off-target sites in a population of Cas9-treated cells further confirms high specificity of Cas9. However, we identify a single high-efficiency off-target site that is generated by a common germline single-nucleotide variant (SNV) in our experiment. Based on in silico analysis, we estimate a likelihood of SNVs creating off-target sites in a human genome to be ~1.5–8.5%, depending on the genome and site-selection method, but also note that mutations might be generated at these sites only at low rates and may not have functional consequences. Our study demonstrates the feasibility of highly specific clonal ex vivo gene editing using CRISPR/Cas9 and highlights the value of whole-genome sequencing before personalised CRISPR design.
Epigenetic memory of the first cell fate decision prevents complete ES cell reprogramming into trophoblast
Authors: Cambuli Francesco , Murray Alexander , Dean Wendy , Dudzinska Dominika , Krueger Felix , Andrews Simon , Senner Claire E. , Cook Simon J. , Hemberger Myriam
Published: November 2014

Embryonic (ES) and trophoblast (TS) stem cells reflect the first, irrevocable cell fate decision in development that is reinforced by distinct epigenetic lineage barriers. Nonetheless, ES cells can seemingly acquire TS-like characteristics upon manipulation of lineage-determining transcription factors or activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) pathway. Here we have interrogated the progression of reprogramming in ES cell models with regulatable Oct4 and Cdx2 transgenes or conditional Erk1/2 activation. Although trans-differentiation into TS-like cells is initiated, lineage conversion remains incomplete in all models, underpinned by the failure to demethylate a small group of TS cell genes. Forced expression of these non-reprogrammed genes improves trans-differentiation efficiency, but still fails to confer a stable TS cell phenotype. Thus, even ES cells in ground-state pluripotency cannot fully overcome the boundaries that separate the first cell lineages but retain an epigenetic memory of their ES cell origin.
Photon-assisted tunnelling with nonclassical light
Authors: Souquet J. -R. , Woolley M. J. , Gabelli J. , Simon P. , Clerk A. A.
Published: November 2014

Among the most exciting recent advances in the field of superconducting quantum circuits is the ability to coherently couple microwave photons in low-loss cavities to quantum electronic conductors. These hybrid quantum systems hold great promise for quantum information-processing applications; even more strikingly, they enable exploration of new physical regimes. Here we study theoretically the new physics emerging when a quantum electronic conductor is exposed to nonclassical microwaves (for example, squeezed states, Fock states). We study this interplay in the experimentally relevant situation where a superconducting microwave cavity is coupled to a conductor in the tunnelling regime. We find that the conductor acts as a nontrivial probe of the microwave state: the emission and absorption of photons by the conductor is characterized by a nonpositive definite quasi-probability distribution, which is related to the Glauber–Sudarshan P-function of quantum optics. These negative quasi-probabilities have a direct influence on the conductance of the conductor.
Afforestation or intense pasturing improve the ecological and economic value of abandoned tropical farmlands
Authors: Knoke Thomas , Bendix Jörg , Pohle Perdita , Hamer Ute , Hildebrandt Patrick , Roos Kristin , Gerique Andrés , Sandoval María L. , Breuer Lutz , Tischer Alexander , Silva Brenner , Calvas Baltazar , Aguirre Nikolay , Castro Luz M. , Windhorst David , Weber Michael , Stimm Bernd , Günter Sven , Palomeque Ximena , Mora Julio , Mosandl Reinhard , Beck Erwin
Published: November 2014

Increasing demands for livelihood resources in tropical rural areas have led to progressive clearing of biodiverse natural forests. Restoration of abandoned farmlands could counter this process. However, as aims and modes of restoration differ in their ecological and socio-economic value, the assessment of achievable ecosystem functions and benefits requires holistic investigation. Here we combine the results from multidisciplinary research for a unique assessment based on a normalization of 23 ecological, economic and social indicators for four restoration options in the tropical Andes of Ecuador. A comparison of the outcomes among afforestation with native alder or exotic pine, pasture restoration with either low-input or intense management and the abandoned status quo shows that both variants of afforestation and intense pasture use improve the ecological value, but low-input pasture does not. Economic indicators favour either afforestation or intense pasturing. Both Mestizo and indigenous Saraguro settlers are more inclined to opt for afforestation.
Gene duplication of type-B ARR transcription factors systematically extends transcriptional regulatory structures in Arabidopsis
Authors: Choi Seung Hee , Hyeon Do Young , Lee ll Hwan , Park Su Jin , Han Seungmin , Lee In Chul , Hwang Daehee , Nam Hong Gil
Published: November 2014

Many of duplicated genes are enriched in signaling pathways. Recently, gene duplication of kinases has been shown to provide genetic buffering and functional diversification in cellular signaling. Transcription factors (TFs) are also often duplicated. However, how duplication of TFs affects their regulatory structures and functions of target genes has not been explored at the systems level. Here, we examined regulatory and functional roles of duplication of three major ARR TFs (ARR1, 10 and 12) in Arabidopsis cytokinin signaling using wild-type and single, double and triple deletion mutants of the TFs. Comparative analysis of gene expression profiles obtained from Arabidopsis roots in wild-type and these mutants showed that duplication of ARR TFs systematically extended their transcriptional regulatory structures, leading to enhanced robustness and diversification in functions of target genes, as well as in regulation of cellular networks of target genes. Therefore, our results suggest that duplication of TFs contributes to robustness and diversification in functions of target genes by extending transcriptional regulatory structures.
Polyhydroxyalkanoates (PHAs), their Blends, Composites and Nanocomposites: State of the Art, New Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Visakh P. M.
Published: November 2014

Polyhydroxyalkanoates are very promising biomaterials in nature. The bio-based materials have tremendous applications in almost all areas of human life. The present chapter deals with a brief account on polyhydroxyalkanoates and their structure and properties, blends, composites and nanocomposites. Different synthesising, preparation, and characterisation methods of polyhydroxyalkanoate-based blends, composites and nanocomposites are discussed. Finally, the applications, new challenges and opportunities for these polyhydroxyalkanoate-based blends, composites and nanocomposites are discussed.