bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Psilochilus dressleri (Orchidaceae), a new species from the Darién Gap, Panama
Authors: Kolanowska Marta
Published: July 2014

A new species, Psilochilus dressleri, is described and illustrated. It resembles P. macrophyllus, but both species differ in the lip form.
New tryphosine amphipods from Australian waters (Crustacea, Amphipoda, Lysianassoidea, Lysianassidae, Tryphosinae)
Authors: LOWRY J. K. , KILGALLEN N. M.
Published: July 2014

We report seven tryphosine genera (two new) from Australian waters for the first time and describe 13 new species: Cedrosella cito sp. nov.; Lysianella lui sp. nov.; Lysianella moonamoona sp. nov.; Microlysias soela sp. nov.; Paralysianopsis capricornia sp. nov.; Paralysianopsis dandenong sp. nov.; Paralysianopsis pomona sp. nov.; Paralysianopsis ruffoi sp. nov.; Patonga nona gen. nov., sp. nov.; Tasmanosa tasman gen. nov., sp. nov.; Tasmanosa toogooloo sp. nov.; Tryphosites colmani sp. nov.; Tryphosites psittacus sp. nov. Rhinolabia is considered to be a junior synonymy of Paralysianopsis. Paralysianopsis elliotti (Lowry & Stoddart, 1995b) and P. cf. jebbi (Lowry & Stoddart, 1995b), previously known from Papua New Guinea are also reported from eastern Australia. The type species of each genus is also catalogued and illustrated.
Evaluating Different Parameterizations for Mixed Layer Eddy Fluxes induced by Baroclinic Instability
Authors: Brüggemann Nils , Eden Carsten
Published: July 2014

In this study, the authors discuss two different parameterizations for the effect of mixed layer eddies, one based on ageostrophic linear stability analysis (ALS) and the other one based on a scaling of the potential energy release by eddies (PER). Both parameterizations contradict each other in two aspects. First, they predict different functional relationships between the magnitude of the eddy fluxes and the Richardson number (Ri) related to the background state. Second, they also predict different vertical structure functions for the horizontal eddy fluxes. Numerical simulations for two different configurations and for a large range of different background conditions are used to evaluate the parameterizations. It turns out that PER is better suited to capture the Ri dependency of the magnitude of the eddy fluxes. On the other hand, the vertical structure of the meridional eddy fluxes predicted by ALS is more accurate than that of PER, while the vertical structure of the vertical eddy fluxes is well predicted by both parameterizations. Therefore, this study suggests the use of the magnitude of PER and the vertical structure functions of ALS for an improved parameterization of mixed layer eddy fluxes.
Baroclinic Instability of the Faroe Bank Channel Overflow*
Authors: Guo Chuncheng , Ilicak Mehmet , Fer Ilker , Darelius Elin , Bentsen Mats
Published: July 2014

The generation mechanism of mesoscale eddies in the Faroe Bank Channel (FBC) overflow region and their spatiotemporal characteristics are examined using the high-resolution regional Massachusetts Institute of Technology general circulation model (MITgcm). From the modeled overflow, it is found that the volume transport downstream of the FBC sill exhibits strong variability with a distinct period of ~4 days. Energetic, alternating cyclonic and anticyclonic eddies appear at ~40 km downstream of the sill. They grow side by side in the nascent stage, but later the cyclones migrate along the 800-m isobath to the south of Iceland, whereas the anticyclones descend downslope across the isobath and gradually dissipate. Analysis of the eddy characteristics shows that the cyclones are associated with a larger plume thickness and width, larger volume transport, colder and denser water, and a plume core located farther downslope, whereas the opposite is true for the anticyclones. The oscillatory structure developed at the lower boundary of the mean plume and the following generation of alternating cyclones and anticyclones are typical features of baroclinic instability. A linear instability analysis of a two-layer analytical baroclinic model yields a most unstable mode that agrees favorably with the simulations. The calculation of the divergent eddy heat flux shows a substantial rightward (upslope)-directed component downstream of the FBC sill. This region is also associated with a strong baroclinic conversion rate. The above arguments constitute evidence for the generation of unstable plume and mesoscale eddies in the FBC region by baroclinic instability.
Sharing charisma as a mode of Pentecostal expansion
Authors: Campos Roberta Bivar C
Published: July 2014

The author discusses the emergence of charismatic leaders in Brazilian Pentecostalism and reflects on the exercise of authority through the circulation and transmission of Pentecostal charisma. The authority of Pentecostal charisma depends on its collective expansion, and the author highlights three types of charismatic flow: (1) through its commodification, (2) through family names and (3) through an emotional and bodily channel of energy between pastors and believers, who mimic the leader’s charisma, accessing the capital and acquiring the charismatic habitus not only through participation in the act of worship but also through consumption. To trace the path of charisma is also to trace the manner in which the Pentecostal message flows and is globalized.
The Capacity of the Medical Expenditure Panel Survey to Inform the Affordable Care Act
Authors: Cohen Steven B. , Cohen Joel W.
Published: July 2014

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) was enacted with major provisions to expand health insurance coverage, control health care costs, and improve the health care delivery system. Essential data resources will be required for effective program planning, administration, and management, in addition to facilitating evaluations of program performance. The Medical Expenditure Panel Survey (MEPS) is one of the core data resources that has been used to inform several provisions of the ACA. This paper provides a summary of the capacity of the MEPS to inform program planning, implementation, and evaluations of program performance for several components of the ACA.
High self-perceived stress and poor coping in intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Hirvikoski Tatja , Blomqvist My
Published: July 2014

Despite average intellectual capacity, autistic traits may complicate performance in many everyday situations, thus leading to stress. This study focuses on stress in everyday life in intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorders. In total, 53 adults (25 with autism spectrum disorder and 28 typical adults from the general population) completed the Perceived Stress Scale. Autistic traits were assessed using the Autism Spectrum Quotient. Adults with autism spectrum disorder reported significantly higher subjective stress and poorer ability to cope with stress in everyday life, as compared to typical adults. Autistic traits were associated with both subjective stress/distress and coping in this cross-sectional series. The long-term consequences of chronic stress in everyday life, as well as treatment intervention focusing on stress and coping, should be addressed in future research as well as in the clinical management of intellectually able adults with autism spectrum disorder.
Modulation of both activator protein-1 and nuclear factor-kappa B signal transduction of human T cells by amiodarone
Authors: Cheng Shu-Meng , Lin Wei-Hsiang , Lin Chin-Sheng , Ho Ling-Jun , Tsai Tsung-Neng , Wu Chun-Hsien , Lai Jenn-Haung , Yang Shih-Ping
Published: July 2014

Amiodarone, a common and effective antiarrhythmic drug, has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects such as reducing the activation and movement of neutrophils. However, its effects on human T cells remain unclear. The aim of this study was to elucidate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of amiodarone on human T cells. We isolated human primary T cells from the peripheral blood of healthy volunteers and performed enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), flow cytometry, electrophoretic mobility shift assay, luciferase assay, and Western blotting to evaluate the modulatory effects of amiodarone on human T cells. We found that amiodarone dose dependently inhibited the production of cytokines, including interleukin-2 (IL-2), IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interferon-gamma in activated human T cells. By flow cytometry, we demonstrated that amiodarone suppressed the expression of IL-2 receptor-alpha (CD25) and CD69, the cell surface markers of activated T cells. Moreover, molecular investigations revealed that amiodarone down-regulated activator protein-1 (AP-1) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) DNA-binding activities in activated human T cells and also inhibited DNA binding and transcriptional activities of both AP-1 and NF-κB in Jurkat cells. Finally, by Western blotting, we showed that amiodarone reduced the activation of c-Jun NH2-terminal protein kinase and P38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and suppressed stimuli-induced I-kappa B-alpha degradation in activated human T cells. Through regulation of AP-1 and NF-κB signaling, amiodarone inhibits cytokine production and T cell activation. These results show the pleiotropic effects of amiodarone on human T cells and suggest its therapeutic potential in inflammation-related cardiovascular disorders.
Role of primary care physicians in treating patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction located in remote areas (from the REseau Nord-Alpin des Urgences [RENAU], Network)
Authors: Yayehd Komlavi , Ricard Cécile , Ageron François-Xavier , Buscaglia Léna , Savary Dominique , Audema Bernard , Lacroix Diane , Barthes Manuela , Joubert Patrick , Gheno Gaël , Belle Loic ,   for the RENAU-RESURCOR study investigators
Published: July 2014

Background:

European guidelines for ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) encourage healthcare networks to increase rates of, and decrease delays to, reperfusion. We examined the impact of training primary care physicians (PCPs) to use equipment for pre-hospital management of STEMI patients in remote areas.

Methods and results:

A network for cardiac emergencies was set up in the French Northern Alps in 2002 and a registry of STEMI patients has been kept since. In 2005, 24 local volunteer PCPs were trained and equipped with electrocardiograms, fibrinolysis kits, and automated external defibrillators to deal with cardiac emergencies in remote areas (>30-minute ambulance travelling time). In this study, when the central call dispatcher received a telephone call from a patient in a remote area reporting chest pain with a high probability of STEMI, the dispatcher sent a mobile intensive care unit (MICU) with an emergency physician on board and asked the local PCP, if available, to manage the patient while awaiting arrival of the MICU. Patients in whom the diagnosis of STEMI was confirmed were taken by MICU to an interventional cardiology hospital. We report on patients who received care from a PCP before arrival of the MICU. Between 2005 and 2010, 4,015 patients were enrolled in the registry; 180 patients were located in a remote area, of whom 140 were in an area covered by a participating PCP. Of the 62 patients attended by a PCP before MICU arrival, 27 received thrombolysis and eight patients with ventricular tachycardia/fibrillation were shocked with an automated external defibrillator by the PCP. Mean times from telephone call to thrombolysis were shorter when the patient was attended by a PCP (45.0 ± 25.5 vs 62.4 ± 23.4 min without intervention; p = 0.003). STEMI diagnosis without contraindication to thrombolysis was confirmed in 26 of 27 patients treated as such by PCPs and 1 patient was diagnosed with a Tako-Tsubo syndrome.

Conclusion:

PCP care of STEMI patients located in isolated areas appears efficient, with high rates of resuscitation and thrombolysis and a shorter delay to reperfusion.
Hematopoietic stem cell dysfunction underlies the progressive lymphocytopenia in XLF/Cernunnos deficiency
Authors: Avagyan Serine , Churchill Michael , Yamamoto Kenta , Crowe Jennifer L. , Li Chen , Lee Brian J. , Zheng Tian , Mukherjee Siddhartha , Zha Shan
Published: July 2014

Key Points

XLF-deficient mice recapitulate the lymphocytopenia of XLF-deficient patients. Premature aging of hematopoietic stem cells underlies the severe and progressive lymphocytopenia in XLF-deficient mice.
Conductance modulation of charged lipid bilayer using electrolyte-gated graphene-field effect transistor
Authors: Kiani Mohammad Javad , Harun Fauzan Khairi Che , Ahmadi Mohammad Taghi , Rahmani Meisam , Saeidmanesh Mahdi , Zare Moslem
Published: July 2014

Graphene is an attention-grabbing material in electronics, physics, chemistry, and even biology because of its unique properties such as high surface-area-to-volume ratio. Also, the ability of graphene-based materials to continuously tune charge carriers from holes to electrons makes them promising for biological applications, especially in lipid bilayer-based sensors. Furthermore, changes in charged lipid membrane properties can be electrically detected by a graphene-based electrolyte-gated graphene field effect transistor (GFET). In this paper, a monolayer graphene-based GFET with a focus on the conductance variation caused by membrane electric charges and thickness is studied. Monolayer graphene conductance as an electrical detection platform is suggested for neutral, negative, and positive electric-charged membrane. The electric charge and thickness of the lipid bilayer (Q
LP and L
LP) as a function of carrier density are proposed, and the control parameters are defined. Finally, the proposed analytical model is compared with experimental data which indicates good overall agreement.
A functional study of event-existentials in Modern Chinese
Authors: Wang Yong , Zhou Yingfang
Published: July 2014

It is held that existentials in Chinese express the existence of things rather than events. We propose the termevent-existential, in contrast to thing-existentials, to capture those clauses whose existents are obviously events. These include the so-called pseudo-existentials, clauses with the possessor as subject and the possessed as object, (dis)appearance existentials, etc. Though the two types of existentials are both composed of "NGL^ VG ^ NG", the syntax is different. In thing-existentials, the clause-final NG constitutes the existent, whose existence is expressed through the configuration of the three elements as such. In event-existentials, the configuration of "VG ^ NG" expresses the event, whose existence is then asserted through its alignment with the clause-initial NGL. Apart from existence, event-existentials show the semantic features of eventuality, impersonality, and ergativity. The two types of existentials form a continuum, each occupying a pole and relating to the other through different degrees of thingness/eventuality, i.e., different degrees of prominence of the clause-final NG and the clause-middle VG and of the integration of the two.
Editorial: You give me fever: transcriptional responses to LPS
Authors: Bowdish Dawn M E
Published: July 2014

Discussion on activation of macrophage transcriptional networks during inflammation.
Androgen Receptor Inactivation Resulted in Acceleration in Pubertal Mammary Gland Growth, Upregulation of ERα Expression, and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Female Mice
Authors: Gao Yan Ru (Ellen) , Walters Kirsty A. , Desai Reena , Zhou Hong , Handelsman David J. , Simanainen Ulla
Published: July 2014

The androgen receptor (AR) is widely expressed in mammary cells of female mammals including humans and mice, indicating a possible role for AR-mediated androgen actions in breast development, function, and pathology, although the specific mechanisms remain unclear. To elucidate the mechanisms of androgen action in mammary gland physiology and development, we used AR-knockout (ARΔex3KO) female mice with a universally expressed, transcriptionally inactive AR protein harboring an in-frame deletion of its second zinc finger. Although in sexually mature wild-type (WT) and ARex3ΔKO females, the mammary epithelial growth was fully extended to the edge of the fat pad, during puberty, ARex3ΔKO females exhibit significantly accelerated mammary ductal growth and an increased number of terminal end buds compared with WT females. Accelerated ARex3ΔKO female mammary growth was associated with significantly increased mammary epithelial ERα expression and activated Wnt/β-catenin signaling as shown by increased Wnt4 expression and accumulation of nuclear β-catenin. These findings are consistent with increased mammary estrogen exposure although ovarian estradiol content was unchanged compared with WT females. Furthermore, treatment with the potent pure androgen DHT markedly reduced ductal extension and terminal end bud numbers in WT but not in ARΔex3KO females, further supporting the concept that AR-mediated, androgen-induced suppression of murine mammary growth is a physiological characteristic of puberty. In summary, our findings reveal an inhibitory role of AR-mediated androgen actions in pubertal mammary gland development by reducing epithelial cell proliferation and could be mediated by regulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling.
In-vivo analysis of formation and endocytosis of the Wnt/β-Catenin signaling complex in zebrafish embryos
Authors: Hagemann Anja I. H. , Kurz Jennifer , Kauffeld Silke , Chen Qing , Reeves Patrick M. , Weber Sabrina , Schindler Simone , Davidson Gary , Kirchhausen Tomas , Scholpp Steffen
Published: July 2014

After activation by Wnt/β-Catenin ligands, a multi-protein complex assembles at the clustering membrane-bound receptors and intracellular signal transducers into the so-called Lrp6-signalosome. However, the mechanism of signalosome formation and dissolution is yet not clear. Our imaging studies of live zebrafish embryos show that the signalosome is a highly dynamic structure. It is continuously assembled by Dvl2-mediated recruitment of the transducer complex to the activated receptors and partially disassembled by endocytosis. We find that, after internalization, the ligand-receptor complex and the transducer complex take separate routes. The Wnt–Fz–Lrp6 complex follows a Rab-positive endocytic path. However, when still bound to the transducer complex, Dvl2 forms intracellular aggregates. We show that this endocytic process is not only essential for ligand-receptor internalization but also for signaling. The μ2-subunit of the endocytic Clathrin adaptor Ap2 interacts with Dvl2 to maintain its stability during endocytosis. Blockage of Ap2μ2 function leads to Dvl2 degradation, inhibiton of signalosome formation at the plasma membrane and, consequently, reduction of signaling. We conclude that Ap2μ2-mediated endocytosis is important to maintain Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vertebrates.
Coronin-1C and RCC2 guide mesenchymal migration by trafficking Rac1 and controlling GEF exposure
Authors: Williamson Rosalind C. , Cowell Christopher A. M. , Hammond Christina L. , Bergen Dylan , Roper James , Feng Yi , Rendall Thomas C. S. , Race Paul R. , Bass Mark D.
Published: July 2014

Sustained forward migration through a fibrillar extracellular matrix requires localization of protrusive signals. Contact with fibronectin at a protruding tip activates Rac1, and for linear migration it is necessary to dampen Rac1 activity in off-axial positions and redistribute Rac1 from non-protrusive membrane to the leading edge. We identify interactions between Coro1C, RCC2 and Rac1 that focus active Rac1 to a single protrusion. Coro1C mediates release of inactive Rac1 from non-protrusive membrane and is necessary for Rac1 redistribution to a protrusive tip and fibronectin-dependent Rac1 activation. The second component, RCC2, attenuates Rac1 activation outside the protrusive tip by binding to the Rac1 switch regions and competitively inhibiting GEF action, thus preventing off-axial protrusion. RNAi of Coro1C or RCC2 causes loss of cell polarity that results in shunting migration in 1D or 3D culture systems. Furthermore, morpholinos against Coro1C or RCC2, or mutation of any of the binding sites in the Rac1/RCC2/Coro1C complex delays the arrival of neural crest derivatives at the correct location in developing zebrafish, demonstrating the critical role in migration guidance in vivo.
Dynamics of the circadian clock protein PERIOD2 in living cells
Authors: Öllinger Rupert , Korge Sandra , Korte Thomas , Koller Barbara , Hermann Andreas , Kramer Achim
Published: July 2014

In mammals, circadian rhythms are generated by delayed negative feedback, in which PERIOD (PER1-3) and CRYPTOCHROME (CRY1, 2) proteins gradually accumulate in the nucleus to suppress the transcription of their own genes. Although the importance of nuclear import and export signals for subcellular localization of clock proteins is well established, little is known about the dynamics of these processes as well as their importance for circadian rhythm generation. We show by pharmacological perturbations of oscillating cells that nuclear import and export are of critical importance for circadian period. Live-cell fluorescence microscopy revealed that nuclear import of the key circadian protein PER2 is fast and further accelerated by CRY1. Moreover, PER2 nuclear import is critically dependent on a specific nuclear receptor binding motif in PER2 that also mediates nuclear immobility. Nuclear export, however, is relatively slow supporting a model of PER2 nuclear accumulation by rapid import, slow export and substantial nuclear degradation.
Temperature-dependent variation in gas exchange patterns and spiracular control in Rhodnius prolixus
Authors: Heinrich Erica , Bradley Timothy
Published: July 2014

Insects display an array of respiratory behaviors, including the use of discontinuous gas exchange. This pattern is characterized by periods of spiracular closure, micro-openings (flutter), and complete openings during which the majority of gas exchange takes place. A current model of insect spiracular control suggests that spiracles are controlled by two interacting feedback loops, which produce the discontinuous pattern. The flutter period is thought to be initiated by a critically low partial pressure of oxygen, while the open period is initiated by a critically high CO2 threshold. The goal of our study was to test this control model under conditions of feeding-induced or temperature-induced changes in metabolic rate. We manipulated the metabolic rate of the insect Rhodnius prolixus using two discrete mechanisms: (1) feeding the insects a bloodmeal or (2) exposing them to a range of temperatures (18–38°C). Examining the variation in the gas exchange patterns produced by insects in each of these treatments allowed us to determine whether spiracular control is sensitive to metabolic rate and/or temperature. We found that increases in temperature caused significant decreases in open phase burst volumes and premature abandonment of discontinuous gas exchange cycles. These effects were not observed in fed individuals maintained at a single temperature despite their higher metabolic rates. Our results indicate that some part of the spiracular control mechanism is temperature sensitive, suggesting a possible role for pH in CO2 sensing.
Slow swimming, fast strikes: effects of feeding behavior on scaling of anaerobic metabolism in epipelagic squid
Authors: Trueblood Lloyd A. , Seibel Brad A.
Published: July 2014

Many pelagic fishes engage prey at high speeds supported by high metabolic rates and anaerobic metabolic capacity. Epipelagic squids are reported to have among the highest metabolic rates in the oceans as a result of demanding foraging strategies and the use of jet propulsion, which is inherently inefficient. This study examined enzymatic proxies of anaerobic metabolism in two species of pelagic squid, Dosidicus gigas and Doryteuthis pealeii (Lesueur 1821), over a size range of six orders of magnitude. We hypothesized that activity of the anaerobically poised enzymes would be high and increase with size as in ecologically similar fishes. In contrast, we demonstrate that anaerobic metabolic capacity in these organisms scales negatively with body mass. We explored several cephalopod-specific traits, such as the use of tentacles to capture prey, body morphology and reduced relative prey size of adult squids, that may create a diminished reliance on anaerobically fueled burst activity during prey capture in large animals.
Page Limits on Economics Articles: Evidence from Two Journals
Authors: Card David , DellaVigna Stefano
Published: July 2014

Over the past four decades the median length of the papers published in the “top five” economic journals has grown by nearly 300 percent. We study the effects of a page limit policy introduced by the American Economic Review (AER) in mid-2008 and subsequently adopted by the Journal of the European Economic Association (JEEA) in 2009. We find that the imposition of a 40-page limit on submissions led to no change in the flow of new papers to the AER. Instead, authors responded by shortening and reformatting their papers. For JEEA, in contrast, we conclude that the page-limit policy led authors of longer papers to submit to other journals. These results imply that the AER has substantial monopoly power over submissions, while JEEA faces a very competitive market. Evidence from both journals, and from citations to published papers in the top journals, suggests that longer papers are of higher quality than shorter papers, so the loss of longer submissions at JEEA may have led to a drop in quality. Despite a modest impact of the AER's policy on the average length of submissions, the policy had little or no effect on the length of final accepted manuscripts.
What Policies Increase Prosocial Behavior? An Experiment with Referees at the Journal of Public Economics
Authors: Chetty Raj , Saez Emmanuel , Sándor László
Published: July 2014

We evaluate policies to increase prosocial behavior using a field experiment with 1,500 referees at the Journal of Public Economics. We randomly assign referees to four groups: a control group with a six-week deadline to submit a referee report; a group with a four-week deadline; a cash incentive group rewarded with $100 for meeting the four-week deadline; and a social incentive group in which referees were told that their turnaround times would be publicly posted. We obtain four sets of results. First, shorter deadlines reduce the time referees take to submit reports substantially. Second, cash incentives significantly improve speed, especially in the week before the deadline. Cash payments do not crowd out intrinsic motivation: after the cash treatment ends, referees who received cash incentives are no slower than those in the four-week deadline group. Third, social incentives have smaller but significant effects on review times and are especially effective among tenured professors, who are less sensitive to deadlines and cash incentives. Fourth, all the treatments have little or no effect on rates of agreement to review, quality of reports, or review times at other journals. We conclude that small changes in journals' policies could substantially expedite peer review at little cost. More generally, price incentives, nudges, and social pressure are effective and complementary methods of increasing prosocial behavior.
The Missing “Missing Middle”
Authors: Hsieh Chang-Tai , Olken Benjamin A.
Published: July 2014

Although a large literature seeks to explain the “missing middle” of mid-sized firms in developing countries, there is surprisingly little empirical backing for existence of the missing middle. Using microdata on the full distribution of both formal and informal sector manufacturing firms in India, Indonesia, and Mexico, we document three facts. First, while there are a very large number of small firms, there is no “missing middle” in the sense of a bimodal distribution: mid-sized firms are missing, but large firms are missing too, and the fraction of firms of a given size is smoothly declining in firm size. Second, we show that the distribution of average products of capital and labor is unimodal, and that large firms, not small firms, have higher average products. This is inconsistent with many models explaining “the missing middle” in which small firms with high returns are constrained from expanding. Third, we examine regulatory and tax notches in India, Indonesia, and Mexico of the sort often thought to discourage firm growth and find no economically meaningful bunching of firms near the notch points. We show that existing beliefs about the missing middle are largely due to arbitrary transformations that were made to the data in previous studies.
Sub-strains of Drosophila Canton-S differ markedly in their locomotor behavior
Authors: Colomb Julien , Brembs Björn
Published: July 2014

We collected five sub-strains of the standard laboratory wild-type Drosophila melanogaster Canton Special (CS) and analyzed their walking behavior in Buridan's paradigm using the CeTrAn software. According to twelve different aspects of their behavior, the sub-strains fit into three groups. The group separation appeared not to be correlated with the origin of the stocks. We conclude that founder effects but not laboratory selection likely influenced the gene pool of the sub-strains. The flies’ stripe fixation was the parameter that varied most. Our results suggest that differences in the genome of laboratory stocks can render comparisons between nominally identical wild-type stocks meaningless. A single source for control strains may settle this problem.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Clare , Regan Martin
Published: July 2014

Clare Regan and Martin Regan present an ECG for you to analyse
Research Roundup
Authors: Linden Belinda
Published: July 2014

In this section, Belinda Linden presents a synopsis of a selection of recently published articles of interest to those nurses working in the field of cardiovascular nursing. The aim of this roundup is to provide a brief overview, rather than a detailed critique, of the research papers selected. A full reference is provided for those who wish to look at the research in further detail
Cognitive dysfunction and its impact on the person with heart failure
Authors: Riley Jillian
Published: July 2014

Heart failure is common in the UK and the incidence increases with older age. It is independently associated with cognitive impairment when the patient's memory and concentration are both affected, as is his or her ability to understand and act on self-care information. Both heart failure and poor cognition are associated with an increased risk of hospitalisation and mortality. When both are present together, the quality of life and health outcomes are worse. These potential consequences of poor cognition are now well recognised and focus is now around early identification of those at risk and developing strategies to support them.
Providing better care for LGBT patients
Authors: Edwards Marilyn
Published: July 2014

Nurses should create a supportive and non-judgmental environment to ensure the needs of all patients are met equally
Compression therapies for venous disease and ulceration
Authors: Yarwood-Ross Lee
Published: July 2014

Clinicians must be competent to apply compression therapies and know when to seek advice
Travelling with asthma or COPD
Authors: Kochhar Suneeta
Published: July 2014

Dr Suneeta Kochhar provides an overview of considerations for patients with asthma or COPD who plan to travel abroad
Detecting Optical Heterogeneities in Turbid Media Using Contrast Agents: Fluorescence vs Absorption
Authors: Li X. D. , Chance B. , Yodh A. G.
Published: July 2014

The use of exogenous fluorophores has been explored as a means to
enhance the sensitivity and specificity for the detection of
heterogeneities in thick turbid media [1,2]. This
approach relies on the fact that the fluorophore will preferentially
accumulate in tumors, and that the fluorophore lifetime may vary with
environmental factors such as tissue oxygenation, pH and glucose
level.
A System for Imaging Infection and Gene Expression in the Body in 3-D
Authors: Benaron David A.
Published: July 2014

We have been internally generating light within whole animals, and using the radiated light as a quantitative homing beacon for infection and gene expression. Now, we present a system for reconstruction of such images in 3-D.
Determination of Silicone Concentrations from Raman Spectra using the Method of Partial Least Squares (PLS)
Authors: Durkin Anthony J. , Matchette L. Stephanie , Ediger Marwood N.
Published: July 2014

We present concentration prediction results from application of PLS to Raman spectra from whole blood samples doped with silicone over the range from 10 mg/gm to 10 μg/gm. Good prediction accuracy is obtained for both calibration data and validation down to silicone concentrations of 100 μg/gm.
Diffuse Reflectance Polarization Images of Turbid Media Affected by Glucose
Authors: Mehrübeoǧlu Mehrübe , Kehtarnavaz Nasser , Coté Gerard L. , Rastegar Sohi , Wang Lihong V.
Published: July 2014

Diffuse reflectance polarimetry has been used to obtain images from tissue-simulating turbid media with different glucose concentrations to investigate the changes in the polarization patterns induced by glucose. The optical properties change as the concentration of glucose is varied in the medium. The polarization patterns are affected by the overall optical properties of the turbid medium under study. This approach has potential applications in actual biological tissues for rapidly determining glucose levels non-invasively.
Development of a new fiber optic probe for fluorophore quantification in tissues
Authors: Pogue Brian W. , Burke Gregory C.
Published: July 2014

A new type of fiber optic probe can measure fluorescence intensities from tissues which is insensitive to changes in the background pigment concentration, and may be calibrated to be insensitive to scattering coefficient changes.
OPTIC FIBER NEEDLE ENDOSCOPE BASED RATIOMETER FOR TUMOR TARGETING
Authors: Tang G. C. , Katz A. , Budansky Y. , Alfano R. R.
Published: July 2014

A optical fiber, needle-based, ratiometer for breast tumor targeting has been developed as an optical biopsy technique based on fluorescence spectroscopy. In vitro breast cancerous and normal tissues were measured using the ratiometer. Simulated experiments of detecting tumor in a breast were performed using a "sandwich" model made up of three tissue layers. Fluorescence measurement from these samples would be consistent with detection of cancerous tissue surrounded by normal breast tissue.
Ideological Challenges to Changing Strategic Orientation in Commodity Agriculture
Authors: Press Melea , Arnould Eric J. , Murray Jeff B. , Strand Katherine
Published: July 2014

Why do some firms not change their strategic orientation despite economic incentives to do so? Most current literature on changing strategic orientations has focused on an antecedents and outcomes approach to business orientations. Intimated, but rarely addressed, are the notions that (1) strategic orientations may be thought of as ideologies and (2) such ideologies are likely to contend with each other. Taking such a perspective may be helpful in discussing why it is challenging to transition to more sustainable strategic orientations even in the presence of financial incentives to do so. In assessing the transition to organic production and marketing in a commodity agriculture context, the authors find that contending ideologies restrict its adoption. In addition, they suggest that strategic orientations are not adopted or contested solely within firms but also among them. The authors find that ideological contestation among firms in this context takes the form of a marketplace drama between a chemical, productionist orientation and an organic orientation in which protagonists mobilize several forms of legitimacy.
Surcharges plus Unhealthy Labels Reduce Demand for Unhealthy Menu Items
Authors: Shah Avni M. , Bettman James R. , Ubel Peter A. , Keller Punam Anand , Edell Julie A.
Published: July 2014

Three laboratory experiments and a field experiment in a restaurant demonstrate that neither a price surcharge nor an unhealthy label is enough on its own to curtail the demand for unhealthy food. However, when the two are combined as an unhealthy label surcharge, they reduce demand for unhealthy food. The authors also show that the unhealthy label is as effective for women as the unhealthy label surcharge, whereas it backfires for men, who order more unhealthy food when there is an unhealthy label alone. The authors demonstrate that an unhealthy surcharge, which highlights both the financial disincentive and potential health costs, can significantly drive healthier consumption choices. From a policy and government perspective, if the goal is to reduce demand for unhealthy food, increasing the transparency of the health rationale for any financial disincentive is necessary to effectively lower unhealthy food consumption.
Dance Moves
Authors: Marcus Kenneth H.
Published: July 2014

This article argues that a group of young African Americans in the 1940s and 1950s used ballet as a means of crossing racial and class barriers of an art form in which few blacks had until then participated. Founded in 1946 by white choreographer Joseph Rickard (1918–1994), the First Negro Classic Ballet was one of the first African American ballet companies in the country's history and the first black ballet company known to last over a decade. With the goal of multiethnic cooperation in the arts, the company created a series of original “dance-dramas,” several with musical scores by resident composer Claudius Wilson, to perform for white and black audiences in venues throughout Southern and Northern California during the postwar era.
Direct stimulation of bone mass by increased GH signalling in the osteoblasts of Socs2−/− mice
Authors: Dobie R , MacRae V E , Huesa C , van't Hof R , Ahmed S F , Farquharson C
Published: July 2014

The suppressor of cytokine signalling (Socs2−/−)-knockout mouse is characterised by an overgrowth phenotype due to enhanced GH signalling. The objective of this study was to define theSocs2−/−bone phenotype and determine whether GH promotes bone mass via IGF1-dependent mechanisms. Despite no elevation in systemic IGF1 levels, increased body weight in 4-week-oldSocs2−/−mice following GH treatment was associated with increased cortical bone area (Ct.Ar) (P<0.01). Furthermore, detailed bone analysis of male and female juvenile and adultSocs2−/−mice revealed an altered cortical and trabecular phenotype consistent with the known anabolic effects of GH. Indeed, maleSocs2−/−mice had increased Ct.Ar (P<0.05) and thickness associated with increased strength. Despite this, there was no elevation in hepaticIgf1expression, suggesting that the anabolic bone phenotype was the result of increased local GH action. Mechanistic studies showed that in osteoblasts and bone ofSocs2−/−mice, STAT5 phosphorylation was significantly increased in response to GH. Conversely, overexpression of SOCS2 decreased GH-induced STAT5 signalling. Although an increase inIgf1expression was observed inSocs2−/−osteoblasts following GH, it was not evidentin vivo.Igf1expression levels were not elevated in response to GH in 4-week-old mice and no alterations in expression was observed in bone samples of 6-week-oldSocs2−/−mice. These studies emphasise the critical role of SOCS2 in controlling the local GH anabolic bone effects. We provide compelling evidence implicating SOCS2 in the regulation of GH osteoblast signalling and ultimately bone accrual, which maybe via mechanisms that are independent of IGF1 productionin vivo.
Characterization of Energy Absorption of Two Armor Grade Composites Arrangements Base on Aramid and Polypropylene
Authors: Gamboa R.A. , Carrillo J.G. , Rafful R.H. , Dzul B.J.
Published: July 2014

Ballistic grade composite materials have shown several advantages in comparison with their individual constituents, such as increased ballistic limit and reduced posterior trauma. One configuration in particular that has demonstrated greater ballistic efficiency is the arrangement of independent laminates (IL). It presents an increase in energy absorption compared to its counterpart of consolidated laminates (CL). In this study, an analysis is carried out to determine the effect on the ballistic performance of IL and CL arrangements when they are subjected to biaxial prestress (BP). Results show how the ballistic advantage obtained in IL is nullified in comparison with CL, thus demonstrating the limitations of this arrangement for possible applications where the arrangement is subjected to normal impacts with BP.
Layer-by-layer laser synthesis of composite ceramics in the system Al-Ti-Y-O
Authors: Vlasova M. , Kakazey M. , Juarez-Arellano E.A. , Aguilar P.A. Márquez , Tapia R. Guardian , Stetsenko V. , Bykov A. , Andrievskaya E. , Ragulya A.
Published: July 2014

The phase composition and the microstructure of multilayer ceramics synthesized by directed laser treatment of ternary powder mixtures of Al2O3–TiO2–Y2O3 have been studied. It is established that at R = 2.34 (where R is TiO2/Y2O3 in mol %) the main phases observed are Y2Ti2O7, α-Al2O3 and a little amount of β-Al2TiO5. The content of the formed phases is determined by the composition of the initial mixtures. The texture of the surface and the microstructure of the formed ceramics depend on the α-Al2O3 and Y2Ti2O7 content. Increasing the content of alumina in the initial mixtures, the surface of the ceramics is saturated by α-Al2O3 crystallites. When a multi-layer synthesis is realized, the Y2Ti2O7 phase is concentrated at the boundary between the two adjacent layers (top and bottom). In the underlying layer, the growth of the corundum crystallites is prolonged due to the additional heating.
Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of AISI 8620 Steel Processed by ECAP
Authors: Marulanda Diana M. , Cortés Jair G. , Pérez Marco A. , García Gabriel
Published: July 2014

The aim of this work is to process by equal channel angular pressing (ECAP) a low carbon – triple-alloyed steel containing 0.2% C, 0.5% Cr, 0.6% Ni, 0.2% Mo and 0.8 Mo. The process is performed at room temperature for up to four passes using route Bc with an equivalent strain of ∼0.6 after a single pass. Structure evolution before and after deformation is studied using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and x-ray diffraction (XRD) and mechanical properties are assessed by microhardness and tensile testing. A significant improvement of the mechanical properties is found with increasing number of ECAP passes. Micro-hardness increases from 216 HV for the initial sample to 302 HV after four passes and tensile strength increases to 1200 MPa compared with 430 MPa prior to ECAP. X-ray diffraction and SEM analysis show changes in the original ferritic-perlitic structure through ferrite grain refinement and the deformation of perlite. This nickel-chromium-molybdenum alloy is used in manufacturing as gear material, and when it is hardened and formed through carburizing or boronizing it can be used to make hard-wearing machine parts. However, the ECAP process has not been used to harden this steel and to change its structure to obtain better mechanical performance.
Thermal and Kinetic Analysis of the solidification of a near eutectic Al-Cu Alloy
Authors: Morua M. , Ramirez-Argaez M. , Gonzalez-Rivera C.
Published: July 2014

In this work the thermal and kinetic analysis of the cooling and solidification of a near eutectic Al-Cu alloy is performed using inverse thermal and solidification kinetics analysis. The Fourier thermal analysis is applied to experimental cooling curves to obtain data on solid fraction evolution and latent heat of solidification. Inverse thermal analysis is applied to calculate the global heat transfer coefficients that allow correct simulation of the cooling of experimental probes. The free growth method is used to obtain the eutectic growth coefficients. All the obtained parameters are feed into a heat transfer-solidification kinetics model to validate the methodology and results generated from this work. It is found a relatively good agreement between experimental and predicted cooling curves which suggest that this methodology could be used to generate useful information needed to simulate eutectic solidification.
Comparison of the Annealing Behavior of Three Cold Rolled (Ti-bearing, Nb-bearing and V-bearing) HSLA Steels
Authors: Ordonez R. , DeArdo A.J. , Garcia C. Isaac
Published: July 2014

The annealing behavior of three HSLA steels is studied using the combined techniques of EBSD-KAM and Sub-grain Method. These techniques have been successfully used to assess the annealing behavior of AK, IF and other high strength steels. Stored energy maps in the hot band, cold rolled and after annealing are constructed and analyzed. The combined usage of the Sub-grain Method and EBSD-KAM techniques are employed to calculate and compare the evolution of the stored energy and recrystallization behaviour during the annealing of Ti-bearing, Nb-bearing, and V-bearing HSLA steels. Orientation dependent stored energy distribution maps at different annealing stages are constructed and analysed. The results show that the stored energy distribution through the thickness of the samples is not uniform and is independent of the steel composition. Similarly the recrystallization behaviour is strongly related to the initial microstructural condition and particularly to the grain boundary character distribution of the steels.
Sigma phase precipitation on welded SAF 2205 Duplex Stainless Steels after isothermal heat treatment
Authors: Pérez A. F. Miranda , Sandström R. , Calliari I. , Valdés F. A. Reyes
Published: July 2014

Duplex stainless steels are commonly used for various applications owing to their superior corrosion resistance and/or strength. They have ferromagnetic behavior together with a good thermal conductivity and a lower thermal expansion as a result of higher ferrite content than austenitic steels. Their ferrite matrix suffers a decomposition process during aging in the temperature range 650-950° C producing precipitation of austenite, σ and χ, carbides and nitrides. These intermetallic phases are known to be deleterious for corrosion resistance and mechanical properties.

In this work the effect of aging time during isothermal treatment at 850°C and 900°C on the microstructure of SAF 2205 Duplex Stainless Steels welded plates has been investigated. The aim of this work is to determine the morphology of σ phase, and perform a quantitative analysis of the precipitation process.

Submerged Arc Welding is used for processing. It produces a high content of δ ferrite in the heat affected zone and low content of austenite in the weld. Microstructural examination shows that the σ phase precipitates at δ ferrite/γ interphases. Longer aging treatments give rise to an increase of volume fraction together with a coarser morphology.
Impact of oral health on physical and psychosocial dimensions: an analysis using structural equation modeling
Authors: Silveira Marise Fagundes , Marôco João P. , Freire Rafael Silveira , Martins Andréa Maria Eleutério de Barros Lima , Marcopito Luiz Francisco
Published: July 2014

This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of impact of oral health conditions on physical and psychosocial dimensions among adolescents and to identify factors associated with severity of impact. The impact of oral health status was assessed by the instrument Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP-14). The covariates were: socioeconomic status, habits and health care, use of dental services, and normative conditions of oral health. Structural equation modeling was performed, and 15.6% of adolescents reported impact in at least one dimension of the OHIP-14. The dimensions that showed the highest prevalence of impact were psychological distress (11.8%) and physical pain (6.6%). The number of teeth needing dental treatment, number of filled teeth, and CPI significantly affected severity of impact. In this adolescent population, unfavorable socioeconomic conditions were associated with reduced use of dental services, associated in turn with precarious oral health conditions and increased severity of impact.