bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saturated amine oxides: part 10. hydroacridines: part 32. linear 17O/13C and 13C/13C chemical shift correlations between saturated azaheterocyclic N‐methylamine N‐oxides, and the methiodides of their parent amines
Authors: Potmischil Francisc
Published: August 2015

Two kinds of good linear correlations were found between the chemical shifts of saturated six‐membered azaheterocyclic N‐methylamine N‐oxides and the chemical shifts of the methiodides of their parent amines. One of the correlations occurs between the 17O chemical shift of the N+―O– oxygen in the N‐oxides and the 13C chemical shift of the N+―CH3 methyl group analogously situated in the appropriate methiodide (r = 0.9778). This correlation enables unambiguous configuration assignment of the N+―O– bond, even if the experimentally observed 17O chemical shift of only one N‐epimer is available, provided the 13C chemical shifts of both N+―CH3 groups in the methiodide are known and assigned; furthermore, it can be used also for the estimation of 17O chemical shifts of the N+―O– oxygens in N‐epimeric pairs of N‐oxides, for which observed 17O data hardly become available. The second correlation is observed between the 13C chemical shift of the N+―CH3 methyl group in the N‐oxides and the 13C chemical shift of the N+―CH3 methyl group analogously situated in the appropriate methiodide (r = 0.9785). It can be used for safe configuration assignment of the N+―CH3 group and, indirectly, also of the N+―O– bond in an amine N‐oxide, even if no 17O NMR data, and the 13C chemical shift of only one N‐epimer is available. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Prospective Cohort Quality Improvement Study to Reduce the Time to Antibiotics for New Fever in Neutropenic Pediatric Oncology Inpatients
Authors: Green Adam L. , Yi Joanna , Bezler Natalie , Pikman Yana , Tubman Venée N. , Obeng Esther A. , O'Neil Teresa , Mersereau Robert , Morrissey Lisa , Billett Amy L.
Published: August 2015

Background

Fever and neutropenia (F&N) is a pediatric oncology emergency due to the risk of disseminated infection. Quality improvement (QI) efforts to improve time to antibiotics for F&N in the emergency department have been documented, but the issue has not been studied in the established inpatient setting.

Procedure

We undertook a prospective cohort QI study to decrease time to antibiotics for neutropenic pediatric oncology inpatients with new fever to <60 min. Our key intervention was discussion of a plan in case of new fever, including antibiotic(s) to be started, for each patient on rounds. Timing for each step in the process, from fever identification to antibiotic administration, was measured through the electronic medical record for each fever event.

Results

The median time to antibiotics during the 3‐three month intervention study period was 76.0 min, although the distribution was skewed due to several long outliers (mean 142.5, interquartile range 51–206, range 47–593 min). Time to antibiotics was significantly shorter when a fever contingency plan was documented in the most recent note than not (mean 102 vs. 254 min, P = 0.039). Over the total 2.75 year data‐collection period, the quarterly percentage of patients receiving antibiotics within 60 min has improved from 35 to 65, whereas quarterly mean time to antibiotics has improved from 99 to 50 min.

Conclusions

Daily discussion of a fever contingency plan appears effective in decreasing the time to antibiotics for neutropenic pediatric oncology inpatients with new fever, likely by circumventing the need for multi‐level discussion of the antibiotic plan when fever is identified. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2015; 9999:XX–XX © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Reasons for declining extended information visit on prenatal screening among pregnant women and their partners
Authors: Wätterbjörk Inger , Sahlberg‐Blom Eva , Nilsson Kerstin , Blomberg Karin
Published: August 2015

Objective

A two‐step model on information on prenatal screening consists of brief information at the first visit at the Maternal Health Care Centre and an offer of extended information at a separate visit. There is a lack of knowledge why some pregnant women and their partners refrain from the extended information visit. The aim of this study was to explore their reasons.

Method

Eight qualitative interviews were analyzed using Interpretive Description.

Results

In the first theme ‘From an individual view’, the interviewees saw the invitation from their own points of view. They refrained because they did not want to receive any more information or had taken an individual position against chromosomal testing. In the theme, ‘From a societal view’, the interviewees perceived the offer as part of a societal view on prenatal screening that they could not support.

Conclusion

The findings show that these interviewees' reasons of declining an extended information visit are multidimensional and influenced by different views, from both an individual perspective and a more societal one. Health care professionals should be aware that some persons could have a different view on health care services and could be reluctant to accept offered services. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patient Specific Factors Influencing Adherence to INR Monitoring
Authors: Kauffman Yardlee S. , Schroeder Allison E. , Witt Daniel M.
Published: August 2015

Objective

The specific reasons underlying nonadherence to monitoring the international normalized ratio (INR) from the patient's perspective have not been formally studied. Understanding why patients do or do not adhere has the potential to reveal useful targets for improving adherence to INR monitoring or alternative treatment strategies. The objective of this study was to gain further insight into INR monitoring nonadherence from the patient's perspective.

Methods

This qualitative study was conducted among members of Kaiser Permanente Colorado; patients were characterized as adherent or nonadherent and recruited from the Clinical Pharmacy Anticoagulation and Anemia Service to participate in an individual interview. Qualitative analysis was performed to identify emerging themes using an inductive approach. Demographic data were summarized using descriptive statistics.

Results

Patients were primarily white and employed with a mean age of 61.3 years. Perspectives and experiences were similar for all interviewed patients regardless of classification as adherent or nonadherent. The most common themes were the desire for INR monitoring to be inexpensive, convenient, and accessible; finding reassurance with INR monitoring; and a preference for interacting with the same group of prescribers, pharmacists, and phlebotomists.

Conclusions

The following strategies to improve adherence to INR testing are suggested: (i) assign anticoagulation providers to work with the same patients consistently; (ii) provide formal INR reminders; (iii) avoid harsh language or lecturing patients following missed INR tests; (iv) reinforce the clinical and psychological utility of INR results; and (v) facilitate access to INR testing. Adopting these strategies into clinical practice can support the patient–clinician relationship and empower patients to be more engaged in their health care.
Extracorporeal Elimination of Piperacillin/Tazobactam during Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System Therapy
Authors: Personett Heather A. , Larson Scott L. , Frazee Erin N. , Nyberg Scott L. , El‐Zoghby Ziad M.
Published: August 2015

Use of the Molecular Adsorbent Recirculating System (MARS) as a liver support device continues to grow worldwide. Various components of the MARS circuit remove both protein‐bound and water‐soluble molecules. Little is known about the extent of the enhanced clearance mechanisms used in MARS therapy on drug elimination. Of particular interest to acute care practitioners is the impact of MARS on antibiotic clearance, as suboptimal concentrations of such drugs can negatively impact patient outcomes. The properties of piperacillin/tazobactam suggest that elimination may be enhanced in the setting of MARS therapy. We describe two cases in which this was studied. Piperacillin concentrations were determined at various points within the MARS circuit, and patient serum concentrations were reported throughout the dosing interval while receiving MARS therapy. Piperacillin concentrations in both cases were in excess of the desired goal minimum inhibitory concentrations for treatment of gram‐negative infections. Use of an extended‐infusion strategy of piperacillin/tazobactam 3.375 or 4.5 g given every 8 hours maintained desired serum levels throughout the dosing interval. To our knowledge, this is the second published report on the use of piperacillin/tazobactam during MARS therapy. These case reports reveal successful dosing strategies for patients requiring piperacillin/tazobactam while receiving MARS therapy, as well as quantify the influence of individual MARS elements on drug extraction.
Characterization of BPN Pyrotechnic Composition Containing Micro‐ and Nanometer‐Sized Boron Particles
Authors: Koc Suzan , Ulas Abdullah , Yılmaz Nil Ezgi
Published: August 2015

The effect of micro‐ and nanometer‐sized boron particles on boron‐potassium nitrate (BPN) ignition composition was investigated in this paper. As a starting point, thermochemical calculations were made to determine the most promising ignition compositions. Both stoichiometric and fuel‐rich formulations of BPN were produced to observe the performance variation due to boron content. Particle morphology of boron particles and the surface structure of the ignition compositions were investigated by SEM. The influence of micro‐ and nanometer‐sized boron particles on the calorific value, sensitivity properties, and pressure buildup of compositions were investigated. Sensitivity tests showed that all compositions were safe enough for handling. It was seen that although nanometer‐sized boron particles enhanced calorific value and pressurization rate, they did not have a contribution on the maximum pressure level. The maximum adiabatic flame temperature was attained by the stoichiometric composition, but in practice, the stoichiometric composition resulted in much lower performance than the fuel rich composition. Possible reasons for these behaviors of the compositions were discussed in the paper.
Plant Traits Relevant To Fluvial Geomorphology and Hydrological Interactions
Authors: O'Hare M. T. , Mountford J. O. , Maroto J. , Gunn I. D. M.
Published: August 2015

Plants can slow water and trap sediment with their canopies and stabilise sediment with their roots. These influences are mediated by the characteristics or traits of the vegetation. Here, we review and investigate the flexibility, size, root form, clonal growth, perennation and Ellenberg F values of 459 European riverine species, considering their role in physical and ecological processes. We make use of existing plant trait datasets to create two typologies: one that identifies the role vegetation has in channel blockage (conveyance) and sediment accrual and a second typology, that indicates vegetation's ability to stabilize sediment. The two typologies are tools for interpreting botanical survey data collected using standard techniques across large numbers of sites as part of the European Union Water Framework Directive monitoring programmes. As such, they are designed to be used to indicate broad‐scale patterns across sites rather than detailed insights into site‐specific processes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prioritizing Parental Worry Associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy Using Best‐Worst Scaling
Authors: Peay Holly Landrum , Hollin I. L. , Bridges J. F. P.
Published: August 2015

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a progressive, fatal pediatric disorder with significant burden on parents. Assessing disease impact can inform clinical interventions. Best‐worst scaling (BWS) was used to elicit parental priorities among 16 short‐term, DMD‐related worries identified through community engagement. Respondents viewed 16 subsets of worries, identified using a balanced, incomplete block design, and identified the most and least worrying items. Priorities were assessed using best‐worst scores (spanning +1 to −1) representing the relative number of times items were endorsed as most and least worrying. Independent‐sample t‐tests compared prioritization of parents with ambulatory and non‐ambulatory children. Participants (n = 119) most prioritized worries about weakness progression (BW score = 0.64) and getting the right care over time (BW = 0.25). Compared to parents of non‐ambulatory children, parents of ambulatory children more highly prioritized missing treatments (BW = 0.31 vs. 0.13, p < 0.001) and being a good enough parent (BW = 0.06 vs. −0.08, p = 0.010), and less prioritized child feeling like a burden (BW = −0.24 vs. −0.07, p < 0.001). Regardless of child's disease stage, caregiver interventions should address the emotional impact of caring for a child with a progressive, fatal disease. We demonstrate an accessible, clinically‐relevant approach to prioritize disease impact using BWS, which offers an alternative to the use of traditional rating/ranking scales.
In-situ Crystallization and Thermal Migration in Karaj Dam Basement Sill (Northern Iran)
Authors: Esmaeily Dariush , Maghdour-Mashhour Reza
Published: August 2015

The Karaj Dam basement sill (KDBS) shows layering between upper and lower chilled margins. Geochemically, the KDBS belongs to high-K calc-alkaline series and displays the geochemical characteristics related to an active continental margin environment. The rocks of the chilled margins are gabbroic in composition and porphyritic, becoming coarse-grained toward the center of the sill. The layers are dominated by gabbro, monzogabbro, and monzodiorite, formed from the lower to the upper chilled margin, with gradational transitions between rock types. The KDBS shows an S-shaped profile of MgO concentration from the base to the top of the sill. In situ crystallization is indicated by an approximately constant modal abundance of pyroxene and plagioclase, a narrow range of major element contents in the main lithologies and variable trace element concentrations. Calculated densities of successive cumulates and estimated Rayleigh number also confirm extraction of the residual liquid by compositional convection at the crystallization front and existence of turbulent flow in the main magma chamber. Disequilibrium crystallization, caused by saturation gradient thermal diffusion and to some extent Soret effect (Thermal migration) in the marginal series, is also indicated by an unexpected overall enrichment trend in MgO concentration and average Mg# of pyroxenes from the chilled margin (olivine-bearing gabbro) to marginal gabbro.
Sedimentary Core Analysis: Implications on the Evolution of Pulicat Lake, East Coast of India
Authors: Reddy B. C. Sundara Raja , Jayaraju N. , Reddy K. R. , Sreenivasulu G. , Reddy A. N.
Published: August 2015

A shallow sedimentary core (PL-1) of 12.5m length was analyzed for lithological, paleontological and radiocarbon dating. The core shows fairly uniform lithological (sandy) composition and foraminifera. The marine molluskan shells at 12m depth provide 3660±80 yr BP age by 14C isotope dating. This age in correlation with timing of mid-late Holocene sea levels, facilitates to infer that the Pulicat lake has emerged during 2nd high stand sea level (4330±2500 cal years BP) in late Holocene.
Hydrochemical Characterization of Groundwater in Lower Kali Watershed, Western Uttar Pradesh
Authors: Khan Arina , Umar Rashid , Khan Haris Hasan
Published: August 2015

A hydrogeochemical study was carried out to assess the groundwater quality in parts of Kali watershed in Bulandshahr and Aligarh district. 42 groundwater samples each were collected from hand pumps in pre-monsoon and post-monsoon period 2012 respectively and analysed for pH, EC, TDS, Total Hardness, silica, anions (Cl, HCO3, CO3, SO4, F & NO3) and cations (Ca, Mg, Na & K). On the basis of various diagrams and plots, groundwater has been assessed for its hydrochemical characteristics and suitability for irrigation and drinking purposes. Results show dominance of alkalis and bicarbonates. The dominant facies identified from piper diagram is Na-K-HCO3. Four chemical groups of water have been identified on L-L diagram and majority of the samples fall in alkali-bicarbonate type and mixed type groups. Possible aqueous species in the groundwater are Mg(HCO3)2, Ca(HCO3)2, NaHCO3, NaCl, CaSO4, K2SO4 and Na2SO4. The US salinity diagram and Residual Sodium Carbonate (RSC) suggest that the water is suitable for irrigation purpose. Nitrates in groundwater are within permissible limits except in 3 different locations in each season, which show high values due to the contamination from a landfill site and application of fertilizers. High positive correlation was observed between TDS and Na+, Cl-, Mg++ and Total Hardness (TH). Sodium show good correlation with Cl. Correlation of silica with Cl and TDS was done to assess the geogenic or anthropogenic involvement in evolving groundwater quality. Anthropogenic contributions from agricultural and domestic sources and weathering of rock forming minerals control the hydrochemistry of the area.
Glycosaminoglycan silencing by engineered CXCL12 variants
Authors: Gschwandtner Martha , Trinker Martin U. , Hecher Bianca , Adage Tiziana , Ali Simi , Kungl Andreas J.
Published: August 2015

We have engineered GPCR (G protein‐coupled receptor) knock‐out and high GAG‐binding affinity into CXCL12α to inhibit CXCL12α‐induced cell migration. Compared to wtCXCL12, the mutant CXCL12α (Δ8 L29K V39K) exhibited a 5.6‐fold and a 2.2‐fold affinity increase for heparin and heparan sulfate, respectively. From NaCl‐based heparin displacement chromatography we concluded that more amino acid replacements would lead to altered GAG (glycosaminoglycan) ligand specificity. GAG silencing by this mutant was shown in a murine seeding model of human cancer cells, whereby a greatly reduced number of liver metastases was detected when the animals were treated intravenously with 1 mg/kg CXCL12α (Δ8 L29K V39K) before cancer cell application.
Binding of ouabain and marinobufagenin leads to different structural changes in Na,K‐ATPase and depends on the enzyme conformation
Authors: Klimanova Elizaveta A. , Petrushanko Irina Yu. , Mitkevich Vladimir A. , Anashkina Anastasia A. , Orlov Sergey N. , Makarov Alexander A. , Lopina Olga D.
Published: August 2015

Ion pump, Na,K‐ATPase specifically binds cardiotonic steroids (CTS), which leads to inhibition of the enzyme activity and activation of signaling network in the cell. We have studied interaction of Na,K‐ATPase with CTS of two different types – marinobufagenin and ouabain. We have shown that both CTS inhibit activity of Na,K‐ATPase with the sameK
i values, but binding of ouabain is sensitive to the conformation of Na,K‐ATPase while binding of marinobufagenin is not. Furthermore, binding of ouabain and marinobufagenin results in different structural changes in Na,K‐ATPase. Our data allow to explain the diversity of effects on the receptor function of Na,K‐ATPase caused by different types of CTS.
Identification of substrates of F‐box protein involved in methylmercury toxicity in yeast cells
Authors: Lee Jin-Yong , Ishida Yosuke , Kuge Shusuke , Naganuma Akira , Hwang Gi-Wook
Published: August 2015

We previously reported that some of the substrate proteins recognized by Hrt3 or Ucc1, a component of Skp1/Cdc53/F‐box protein ubiquitin ligase, may include proteins that are involved in the methylmercury toxicity and degraded by the proteasome. In this study, we found that Dld3 and Grs1 bound to Hrt3 and that Eno2 bound to Ucc1 using a yeast two‐hybrid screening. We demonstrated that Dld3 and Grs1 are substrates that are ubiquitinated by Hrt3, and Eno2 is a substrate that is ubiquitinated by Ucc1. Moreover, any yeast showing overexpression of Dld3, Grs1, and Eno2 demonstrated higher methylmercury sensitivity. This indicates that Hrt3 and Ucc1 are involved in alleviating the methylmercury toxicity by promoting proteasomal degradation through the ubiquitination of Dld3, Grs1, and Eno2.
Communication between circadian clusters: The key to a plastic network
Authors: Beckwith Esteban J. , Ceriani M. Fernanda
Published: August 2015

It is increasingly clear that the fly clock employs multiple signalling cues, such as neuropeptides, fast neurotransmitters, and other signalling molecules, in the dynamic interplay between neuronal clusters. These neuronal groups seem to interact in a plastic fashion, e.g., rearranging their hierarchy in response to changing environmental conditions. A picture is emerging supporting that these dynamic mechanisms are in place to provide an optimal balance between flexibility and an extraordinary accuracy.
A new active antimicrobial peptide from PD‐L4, a type 1 ribosome inactivating protein ofPhytolacca dioica L.: A new function of RIPs for plant defence?
Authors: Pizzo Elio , Zanfardino Anna , Di Giuseppe Antonella M.A. , Bosso Andrea , Landi Nicola , Ragucci Sara , Varcamonti Mario , Notomista Eugenio , Di Maro Antimo
Published: August 2015

We investigated the antimicrobial activity of PD‐L4, a type 1 RIP fromPhytolacca dioica. We found that this protein is active on different bacterial strains both in a native and denatured/alkylated form and that this biological activity is related to a cryptic peptide, named PDL440–65, identified by chemical fragmentation. This peptide showed the same antimicrobial activity of full‐length protein and possessed, similarly to several antimicrobial peptides, an immunomodulatory effect on human cells. It assumes an alpha‐helical conformation when interact with mimic membrane agents as TFE and likely bacterial membranes are a target of this peptide. To date PDL440–65 is the first antimicrobial peptide identified in a type 1 RIP.
Differential activation of ER stress pathways in myelinating cerebellar tracts
Authors: Naughton Michelle C. , McMahon Jill M. , FitzGerald Una
Published: August 2015

Myelin production during brain development requires an increase in membrane protein and lipid production in oligodendrocytes and this primarily occurs in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), an organelle which initiates the Unfolded Protein Response (UPR) when under stress. We hypothesise that the UPR is activated in white matter tracts during myelination in order to expand the ER capacity of oligodendrocytes.

Using early and late stage markers, critical myelination time points were identified by immunohistochemistry in developing rat cerebellum. These were correlated to peaks in ER stress signalling by staining for activated UPR transducers (pIRE1, ATF6 and pPERK) and associated downstream molecules (peIF2α, PDI, GRP78, GRP94, CHOP and calreticulin) in cerebellar tracts III and IV. Gene expression in developing cerebellum was assessed by qPCR.

Actively myelinating tracts were shown to have differential expression of pIRE1, PERK and ATF6 as well as UPR targets GRP94, GRP78 and PDI. Activated pIRE1‐positive cells were widespread at P14 and P17 and at significantly higher numbers during myelination than at other stages. Nuclear‐localised ATF6 (indicative of the active transcription factor) peaked at P10, concurrent with the initial phase of myelination. The percentage of cells positive for pPERK was less than 1% at postnatal ages but increased significantly in adult tissue. The downstream targets GRP78, GRP94 and PDI were significantly up‐regulated at P17 compared to P7 and remained significantly elevated in adults. The majority of cells positive for these markers and ATF6 were oligodendrocytes as confirmed by dual‐labelling. Although gene expression in the cerebellum for GRP78, GRP94 and PDI did not change significantly over time, ATF6 and XBP1s both showed significant fold changes between early and late timepoints.

This data helps promote understanding of events occurring during developmental myelination and may have implications for the development of reparative treatments in diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
Clinical review of bone regenerative medicine and maxillomandibular reconstruction
Authors: Hibi Hideharu
Published: August 2015

We have studied bone regenerative medicine to employ autologous bone marrow stromal cells and platelet‐rich plasma as tissue‐engineered osteogenic materials. Although our studies have been successful to a certain degree, advancing to clinical applications, the strategy for practical use of this method has to be changed, because the environment surrounding bone regenerative medicine has evolved dramatically. Therefore, we have changed our focus from cells to cell‐conditioned media, and we found that the latter contains growth factors and matrices released from the cells and promotes regeneration of tissues by recruiting endogenous stem cells and precursor cells, and thereby started clinical research based on these findings. However, the amount of regeneration achieved is minimal (mm), and the centimeter‐scale reconstruction of segmental bone defects is still a challenge. We have focused our attention on distraction osteogenesis, which is an excellent model for in vivo tissue regeneration of segmental defects, and we have investigated and clarified its mechanisms at a cellular level, based on tissue regeneration processes. The strategy has been investigated to promote vascularization, as it should precede tissue regeneration. A potential approach for enabling tissue regeneration that mimics distraction osteogenesis without using a distraction device is discussed.
In the Endemic Setting, Clostridium difficile Ribotype 027 Is Virulent But Not Hypervirulent
Authors: Aitken Samuel L. , Alam M. Jahangir , Khaleduzzuman Mohammed , Walk Seth T. , Musick William L. , Pham Vy P. , Christensen Jennifer L. , Atmar Robert L. , Xie Yang , Garey Kevin W.
Published: August 2015

BACKGROUND

Conflicting reports have been published on the association between Clostridium difficile ribotypes and severe disease outcomes in patients with C. difficile infection (CDI); several so-called hypervirulent ribotypes have been described. We performed a multicenter study to assess severe disease presentation and severe outcomes among CDI patients infected with different ribotypes.

METHODS

Stool samples that tested positive for C. difficile toxin were collected and cultured from patients who presented to any of 7 different hospitals in Houston, Texas (2011–2013). C. difficile was characterized using a fluorescent PCR ribotyping method. Medical records were reviewed to determine clinical characteristics and ribotype association with severe CDI presentation (ie, leukocytosis and/or hypoalbuminemia) and severe CDI outcomes (ie, ICU admission, ileus, toxic megacolon, colectomy, and/or in-hospital death).

RESULTS

Our study included 715 patients aged 61±18 years (female: 63%; median Charlson comorbidity index: 2.5±2.4; hospital-onset CDI: 45%; severe CDI: 36.7%; severe CDI outcomes: 12.3%). The most common ribotypes were 027, 014-020, FP311, 002, 078-126, and 001. Ribotype 027 was a significant independent predictor of severe disease (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 2.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.53–3.29; P<.001) and severe CDI outcomes (aOR, 1.71; 95% CI, 1.02–2.85; P=.041) compared with all other ribotypes in aggregate. However, in an analysis using all common ribotypes as individual variables, ribotype 027 was not associated with severe CDI outcomes more often than other ribotypes.

CONCLUSION

Ribotype 027 showed virulence equal to that of other ribotypes identified in this endemic setting. Clinical severity markers of CDI may be more predictive of severe CDI outcomes than a particular ribotype.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2015;36(11):1318–1323
The Flow of A Falling Ellipse: Numerical Method and Classification
Authors: Wu R.-J. , Lin S.-Y.
Published: August 2015

A modified direct-forcing immersed-boundary (IB) pressure correction method is developed to simulate the flows of a falling ellipse. The pressure correct method is used to solve the solutions of the two dimensional Navier-Stokes equations and a direct-forcing IB method is used to handle the interaction between the flow and falling ellipse. For a fixed aspect ratio of an ellipse, the types of the behavior of the falling ellipse can be classified as three pure motions: Steady falling, fluttering, tumbling, and two transition motions: Chaos, transition between steady falling and fluttering. Based on two dimensionless parameters, Reynolds number and the dimensionless moment of inertia, a Reynolds number-inertia moment phase diagram is established. The behaviors and characters of five falling regimes are described in detailed.
Elections and Civil War in Africa
Authors: Cheibub José A. , Hays Jude C.
Published: August 2015

The view that multiparty elections in changing authoritarian regimes should be held sooner rather than later has been increasingly under attack. Critics argue that, under conditions of low institutional development, multiparty elections may lead to violence and civil war, rather than to the peaceful allocation of authority that everyone desires. Starting from the premise that elections are strategically timed and endogenous in transitioning authoritarian regimes, that is, more likely to be held when violence is imminent, we show that for Africa, the continent with the lowest levels of political institutionalization, elections do not increase the probability of a civil war initiation. In fact, for the post-Cold War period, the holding of multiparty elections is actually associated with a substantial reduction in the probability of civil war onset. To account for this pattern, we develop an informational theory of elections held under conditions that prevail in the post-Cold War, when foreign powers are reluctant to provide direct support for dictators (or their opponents) and elections are more reflective of the true level of a leader’s strength. We argue that, under these conditions, elections may prevent the eruption of a civil war that is already imminent, through two mechanisms: they may deter a weak opposition from initiating a war they are likely to lose or they may induce a weak dictator to offer ways to share power with the opposition.
Effect of urea fertilization on biomass yield, chemical composition,in vitrorumen digestibility and fermentation characteristics of straw of highland barley planted in Tibet
Authors: CUI J. H. , YANG H. J. , YU C. Q. , BAI S. , WU T. T. , SONG S. S. , SUN W. , SHAO X. M. , JIANG L. S.
Published: August 2015

A completely randomized experiment for planting highland barley in 36 field plots of the Lhasa Agricultural Experiment Station was applied to investigate the effect of urea nitrogen (N) fertilization levels of 0 (control), 156, 258, 363, 465 and 570 kg/ha on nutrient accumulation,in vitrorumen gas production and fermentation characteristics of highland barley straw (HBS). Each urea application was divided into three portions of 0.4, 0.3 and 0.3 and sequentially fertilized at seeding (growth stage (GS) 0), stem elongation (GS 32) and heading (GS 49), respectively. The maturity stage lasted 5–13 days longer in response to the urea N fertilization compared with the control. After removing grains, HBS biomass was harvested at maturity. The biomass yields of leaf, stem, straw and grain were increased quadratically with increasing urea N fertilization, and HBS and grain yields peaked at the estimated urea N fertilization levels of 385 and 428 kg/ha, respectively. The increase of urea N fertilization increased the accumulation of crude protein, cellulose and lignin, and decreased the content of ash and hemicellulose in HBS, resulting in a decrease of the energy content available to be metabolized. After incubating HBS for 72 h with rumen fluids from lactating cows, the urea N fertilization decreasedin vitrodry matter disappearance and cumulative gas production, and slightly altered fermentation end-gas composition. Urea N fertilization decreased microbial volatile fatty acid production, but did not alter the ratio of lipogenic acetate and butyrate to glucogenic propionate. In a brief, the current urea N fertilization strategy promoted the growth of the highland barley and increased biomass yield, protein and cellulose accumulation of HBS. A urea N fertilization level ⩽385 kg/ha could be sufficient for growth of highland barley in Tibet without a consequent nutritive reduction in ruminal digestion.
A descriptive study of the prevalence of parasites and pathogens in Chinese black honeybees
Authors: PENG WENJUN , LI JILIAN , ZHAO YAZHOU , CHEN YANPING , ZENG ZHIJIANG
Published: August 2015

The Chinese black honey bee is a distinct honey bee subspecies distributed in the Xinjiang, Heilongjiang and Jilin Provinces of China. We conducted a study to investigate the genetic origin and the parasite/pathogen profile on Chinese black honeybees. The phylogenetic analysis indicated that Chinese black honeybees were two distinct groups: one group of bees formed a distinct clade that was most similar to Apis mellifera mellifera and the other group was a hybrid of the subspecies, Apis mellifera carnica, Apis mellifera anatolica and Apis mellifera caucasica. This suggests that the beekeeping practices might have promoted gene flow between different subspecies. Screening for pathogens and parasites showed that Varroa destructor and viruses were detected at low prevalence in Chinese black honeybees, compared with Italian bees. Further, a population of pure breeding black honeybees, A. m. mellifera, displayed a high degree of resistance to Varroa. No Varroa mites or Deformed wing virus could be detected in any examined bee colonies. This finding suggests that a population of pure breeding Chinese black honeybees possess some natural resistance to Varroa and indicated the need or importance for the conservation of the black honeybees in China.
Mutual epistemic dependence and the demographic divine hiddenness problem
Authors: BAKER-HYTCH MAX
Published: August 2015

In his article ‘Divine hiddenness and the demographics of theism’ (Religious Studies, 42 (2006), 177–191) Stephen Maitzen develops a novel version of the atheistic argument from divine hiddenness according to which the lopsided distribution of theistic belief throughout the world's populations is much more to be expected given naturalism than given theism. I try to meet Maitzen's challenge by developing a theistic explanation for this lopsidedness. The explanation I offer appeals to various goods that are intimately connected with the human cognitive constitution, and in particular, with the way in which we depend upon social belief-forming practices for our acquisition of much of our knowledge about the world – features about us that God would value but that also make probable a lopsided distribution of theistic belief, or so I argue.
EARLY FORMATIVE ANTHROPOMORPHIC FIGURINES FROM LA JOYA, SOUTHERN VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Authors: Arnold Philip J. , Follensbee Billie J. A.
Published: August 2015

This paper describes Early Formative (3250–2700 b.p., uncalibrated) anthropomorphic figurines from the site of La Joya, located in the Tuxtla Mountains of southern Veracruz, Mexico. Although recovered within the region traditionally identified as the “Olmec Heartland,” the La Joya figurine collection diverges in some fundamental ways from other published Early Formative Gulf Olmec collections. While the torsos from La Joya generally reflect the poses, postures, and costumes noted at contemporaneous sites, the La Joya figurine heads display characteristics that rarely conform to the traditional “San Lorenzo” stylistic canons. Rather, the overwhelming majority of figurine heads are similar to the Trapiche figurines from north-central Veracruz. These differences suggest that myriad intra- and interregional connections characterized Early Formative occupation along the southern Gulf lowlands. This variation also raises concerns regarding the suitability of the San Lorenzo material as necessarily “representative” of Early Formative Gulf Olmec lifeways.
A NEW ANALYSIS OF THE GENDER ATTRIBUTION OF THE “GREAT GODDESS” OF TEOTIHUACAN
Authors: Mandell Elisa C.
Published: August 2015

This study explores the identification and gender attribution of the “Great Goddess” of Teotihuacan through re-examining what purportedly constitutes feminine and masculine in these representations. Recent efforts to reattribute this deity's gender have not offered satisfactory re-interpretations, but instead reify a binary model of Western ideas of gender. Transcending this binary model, I propose that one of the key figures identified as female—the central figure from the Tepantitla mural at Teotihuacan—can better be said to show characteristics of a mixed gender, a tradition for which there is significant precedence in the Americas.
THE ROOTS OF SOTUTA: DZITAS SLATE AS A YUCATECAN TRADITION
Authors: Johnson Scott A. J.
Published: August 2015

The Sotuta pottery complex has been used in the archaeology of the northern Maya lowlands to identify the Terminal Classic period and cultural association with Chichen Itza. The Sotuta complex, however, is made up of many pottery types, the majority of which are inappropriate markers of elite sociopolitical history. It is argued here that Sotuta-complex slate wares developed out of previous local slate wares regardless of the elite sociopolitical changes taking place with the arrival of the Itza. The wares produced and distributed by commoners were independent of elites and have been artificially chained to questions of elite political expansion for which they are inappropriate correlates.
THE MAKING OF THE MAP: THE ORIGIN AND LESSONS OF THE TEOTIHUACAN MAPPING PROJECT
Authors: Millon René , Altschul Jeffrey H.
Published: August 2015

The mapping of the ancient city of Teotihuacan was an archaeological project of singular importance in the history of archaeology. In this paper, we discuss the origin and history of the Teotihuacan Mapping Project (TMP) through a series of personal vignettes written by the project's leader, René Millon, which are put into larger context by Jeff Altschul, one of the many students who worked on the project. We examine the characteristics that led to the TMP's successes and its shortcomings and discuss lessons learned that may be of value to planning future big, complex archaeological projects. We argue that above all, a big project needs a big problem to solve. In the case of the TMP, the problem was the origin of the city. Marshaling a team of diverse talents, Millon and his colleagues were able to make many key decisions in ways that successfully overcame problems that had not been heretofore confronted by archaeologists. These decisions include the use of low-altitude aerial photography, the definition of sites to include nonliving urban spaces, the sampling of surface artifacts, strategic test excavations, computerized data management and sophisticated statistical analyses, and a unique manner of publication. Less successful was the project's record in publishing descriptive data. The project's success lay in its ability to take on an important problem and to follow through, even though some tasks required decades to complete and others remain to be completed.
THE TEOTIHUACAN MAPPING PROJECT: EXPERIENCES WITH DATA FILES, BIG QUESTIONS, AND SOME RESEARCH PRIORITIES FOR TEOTIHUACAN
Authors: Cowgill George L.
Published: August 2015

This paper summarizes some accomplishments of the Teotihuacan Mapping Project, with particular attention to issues of accuracy and validity. I then describe experiences and lessons learned in creating electronic files derived from Mapping Project field records and collections. I sketch questions about the city and state of Teotihuacan that loom especially large in my own thinking. Finally, I list some specific field projects at Teotihuacan that I think should be given high priority, as well as opportunities with curated materials, records, and electronic files.
PURSUING PASSIONS
Authors: Berdan Frances F.
Published: August 2015

Looking back, my intellectual life seems to have been a succession of passions, some small, some larger. It began with butterflies and eventually settled on myriad facets of the world of the Aztecs and the native people of colonial Mexico. This is how it happened.
Gene–Environment Interaction Effects of Peer Deviance, Parental Knowledge and Stressful Life Events on Adolescent Alcohol Use
Authors: Cooke Megan E. , Meyers Jacquelyn L. , Latvala Antti , Korhonen Tellervo , Rose Richard J. , Kaprio Jaakko , Salvatore Jessica E. , Dick Danielle M.
Published: August 2015

The purpose of this study was to address two methodological issues that have called into question whether previously reported gene–environment interaction (GxE) effects for adolescent alcohol use are ‘real’. These issues are (1) the potential correlation between the environmental moderator and the outcome across twins and (2) non-linear transformations of the behavioral outcome. Three environments that have been previously studied (peer deviance, parental knowledge, and potentially stressful life events) were examined here. For each moderator (peer deviance, parental knowledge, and potentially stressful life events), a series of models was fit to both a raw and transformed measure of monthly adolescent alcohol use in a sample that included 825 dizygotic (DZ) and 803 monozygotic (MZ) twin pairs. The results showed that the moderating effect of peer deviance was robust to transformation, and that although the significance of moderating effects of parental knowledge and potentially stressful life events were dependent on the scale of the adolescent alcohol use outcome, the overall results were consistent across transformation. In addition, the findings did not vary across statistical models. The consistency of the peer deviance results and the shift of the parental knowledge and potentially stressful life events results between trending and significant, shed some light on why previous findings for certain moderators have been inconsistent and emphasize the importance of considering both methodological issues and previous findings when conducting and interpreting GxE analyses.
The Swiss Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors – Findings of two Waves
Authors: Gmel Gerhard , Akre Christina , Astudillo Mariana , Bähler Caroline , Baggio Stéphanie , Bertholet Nicolas , Clair Carole , Cornuz Jacques , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Deline Stéphane , Dermota Petra , Dey Michelle , Dupuis Marc , Estévez Natalia , Foster Simon , Gaume Jacques , Haug Severin , Henchoz Yves , Kuendig Hervé , Mohler-Kuo Meichun , N’Goran Alexandra , Schaub Michael , Studer Joseph , Suris Joan-Carles , Wang Jen
Published: August 2015

Abstract. Aim: To summarize published findings in peer-reviewed journals of the first two waves of the Swiss Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (C-SURF), a longitudinal study assessing risk and protective factors of 5,987 young men during the phase of emerging adulthood (20 years at baseline, followed-up 15 months later). Methods: Included were 33 studies published until November 2014 focusing on substance use. Results: Substance use in early adulthood is a prevalent and stable behavior. The 12-month prevalence of nonmedical use of prescription drugs (10.6 %) lies between that of cannabis (36.4 %) and other illicit drugs such as ecstasy (3.7 %) and cocaine (3.2 %). Although peer pressure in the form of misconduct is associated with increased substance use, other aspects such as peer involvement in social activities may have beneficial effects. Regular sport activities are associated with reduced substance use, with the exception of alcohol use. Young men are susceptible to structural conditions such as the price of alcohol beverages or the density of on-premise alcohol outlets. Particularly alcohol use in public settings such as bars, discos or in parks (compared with private settings such as the home) is associated with alcohol-related harm, including injuries or violence. Being a single parent versus nuclear family has no effect on alcohol use, but active parenting does. Besides parenting, religiousness is an important protective factor for both legal and illegal substance use. Merely informing young men about the risks of substance use may not be an effective preventive measure. At-risk users of licit and illicit substances are more health literate, e. g., for example, they seek out more information on the internet than non-at-risk-users or abstainers. Discussion: There are a number of risk and protective substance use factors, but their associations with substance use do not necessarily agree with those found outside Europe. In the United States, for example, heavy alcohol use in this age group commonly takes place in private settings, whereas in Switzerland it more often takes place in public settings. Other behaviors, such as the nonmedical use of prescription drugs, appear to be similar to those found overseas, which may show the need for targeted preventive actions. C-SURF findings point to the necessity of establishing European studies to identify factors for designing specific preventive actions.
KAT5-mediated SOX4 acetylation orchestrates chromatin remodeling during myoblast differentiation
Authors: Jang S-M , Kim J-W , Kim C-H , An J-H , Johnson A , Song P I , Rhee S , Choi K-H
Published: August 2015

Transcription factor SOX4 has been implicated in skeletal myoblast differentiation through the regulation of Cald1 gene expression; however, the detailed molecular mechanism underlying this process is largely unknown. Here, we demonstrate that SOX4 acetylation at lysine 95 by KAT5 (also known as Tip60) is essential for Cald1 promoter activity at the onset of C2C12 myoblast differentiation. KAT5 chromodomain was found to facilitate SOX4 recruitment to the Cald1 promoter, which is involved in chromatin remodeling at the promoter. Chromatin occupancy analysis of SOX4, KAT5, and HDAC1 indicated that the expression of putative SOX4 target genes during C2C12 myoblast differentiation is specifically regulated by the molecular switching of the co-activator KAT5 and the co-repressor HDAC1 on SOX4 transcriptional activation.
Sparsity-based Ankylography for Recovering 3D molecular structures from single-shot 2D scattered light intensity
Authors: Mutzafi Maor , Shechtman Yoav , Eldar Yonina C. , Cohen Oren , Segev Mordechai
Published: August 2015

Deciphering the three-dimensional (3D) structure of complex molecules is of major importance, typically accomplished with X-ray crystallography. Unfortunately, many important molecules cannot be crystallized, hence their 3D structure is unknown. Ankylography presents an alternative, relying on scattering an ultrashort X-ray pulse off a single molecule before it disintegrates, measuring the far-field intensity on a two-dimensional surface, followed by computation. However, significant information is absent due to lower dimensionality of the measurements and the inability to measure the phase. Recent Ankylography experiments attracted much interest, but it was counter-argued that Ankylography is valid only for objects containing a small number of volume pixels. Here, we propose a sparsity-based approach to reconstruct the 3D structure of molecules. Sparsity is natural for Ankylography, because molecules can be represented compactly in stoichiometric basis. Utilizing sparsity, we surpass current limits on recoverable information by orders of magnitude, paving the way for deciphering the 3D structure of macromolecules.