bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Solar Space Density of the Red Clump Stars and the Scale-Length of the Thin Disc
Authors: Yaz Gökçe E. , Karaali S. , Duran Ş. , Bilir S. , Yalçınkaya A. , Ak S. , Ak T. , López-Corredoira M. , Cabrera-Lavers A.
Published: April 2015

We estimated the scale-length of the thin disc with the J and W1 magnitudes of the most probable red clump stars in the Galactic plane, − 0°.5 ⩽ b ⩽ +0°.5, in 19 equal sized fields with consecutive Galactic longitudes which cover the interval 90° ⩽ l ⩽ 270°. Our results are constrained with respect to the solar space density (D* = 5.95), which indicates that the radial variation of the density is lower for higher Galactocentric distances. The scale-length of the thin disc is 2 kpc for the fields in the Galactic anticentre direction or close to this direction, while it decreases continuously in the second and third quadrants reaching to a lower limit of h = 1.6 kpc at the Galactic longitudes l = 90° and l = 270°. The distribution of the scale-length in 19 fields is consistent with the predictions from the Galaxia model and its variation with longitude is probably due to the inhomogeneity structure of the disc caused by the accreted material or other features such as warp and flare.
Is Belief in Conspiracy Theories Pathological? A Survey Experiment on the Cognitive Roots of Extreme Suspicion
Authors: Radnitz Scott , Underwood Patrick
Published: April 2015

What are the origins of belief in conspiracy theories? The dominant approach to studying conspiracy theories links belief to social stresses or personality type, and does not take into account the situational and fluctuating nature of attitudes. In this study, a survey experiment, subjects are presented with a mock news article designed to induce conspiracy belief. Subjects are randomly assigned three manipulations hypothesized to heighten conspiracy perceptions: a prime to induce anxiety; information about the putative conspirator; and the number and identifiability of the victim(s). The results indicate that conspiratorial perceptions can emerge from both situational triggers and subtle contextual variables. Conspiracy beliefs emerge as ordinary people make judgments about the social and political world.
A novel set of microsatellite markers for the European Grapevine MothLobesia botranaisolated using next-generation sequencing and their utility for genetic characterization of populations from Europe and the Middle East
Authors: Reineke A. , Assaf H.A. , Kulanek D. , Mori N. , Pozzebon A. , Duso C.
Published: April 2015

Using a high-throughput 454 pyrosequencing approach a novel set of microsatellite markers was developed for one of the key grapevine insect pests, the European grapevine mothLobesia botrana(Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). 20 primer pairs flanking a microsatellite motif were designed based on the sequences obtained and were subsequently evaluated in a sample of 14L. botranapopulations from Europe and the Middle East. 11 markers showed stable and reproducible amplification patterns; however, one of the 11 markers was monomorphic in allL. botranapopulations analysed. Estimated frequencies of null alleles of more than 20% were evident for two of the markers tested, but varied substantially depending on the respectiveL. botranapopulation. In 12 of the 14L. botranapopulations observed heterozygosities were lower to those expected under Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, indicating a deficiency of heterozygotes in the respective populations. The overallFSTvalue of 0.075 suggested a moderate but significant genetic differentiation between theL. botranapopulations included in this study. In addition, a clear geographic structure was detected in the set of samples, evident through a significant isolation by distance and through results from structure analysis. In structure analysis,L. botranapopulations were grouped in two clearly separated clusters according to their European (Spain, Italy, Germany) or Middle Eastern (Israel, Syria, Turkey) origin. This novel set of microsatellite markers can now be applied to study the evolutionary ecology of this species including host shifts and host adaptation as well as spread of individuals across worldwide viticulture.
Equivalence criteria for the safety evaluation of a genetically modified crop: a statistical perspective
Authors: VAHL C. I. , KANG Q.
Published: April 2015

Safety evaluation of a genetically modified (GM) crop is accomplished by establishing its substantial equivalence to non-GM reference crops with a history of safe use. Testing hypotheses of equivalence rather than difference is the appropriate statistical approach. A necessary first step in this regard is to specify a reasonable equivalence criterion that includes a measure for discrepancy between the GM and reference crops as well as a regulatory threshold. The present work explored several equivalence criteria and discussed their pros and cons. Each criterion addresses one of three ordered classes of equivalence: super, conditional and marginal equivalence. Their implications were investigated over an array of parameter values estimated from a real-world dataset. Marginal equivalence was identified as adhering most closely to the concept of substantial equivalence. Because conditional equivalence logically implies marginal equivalence and is practically quantifiable from current field designs, the present work recommends conditional equivalence criteria while encouraging producers to improve their design to enable testing marginal equivalence in the future. Contrary to concerns of the ag-biotech industry, empirical evidence from recent publications indicates that a linear mixed model currently implemented by the European Food Safety Authority is adequate for assessing equivalence despite its lack of genotype-by-environment interaction terms.
Corporate Policies of Republican Managers
Authors: Hutton Irena , Jiang Danling , Kumar Alok
Published: April 2015

We demonstrate that personal political preferences of corporate managers influence corporate policies. Specifically, Republican managers who are likely to have conservative personal ideologies adopt and maintain more conservative corporate policies. Those firms have lower levels of corporate debt, lower capital and research and development (R&D) expenditures, less risky investments, but higher profitability. Using the 9/11 terrorist attacks and Sept. 2008 Lehman Brothers bankruptcy as natural experiments, we demonstrate that investment policies of Republican managers became more conservative following these exogenous uncertainty-increasing events. Furthermore, around chief executive officer (CEO) turnovers, including CEO deaths, firm leverage policy becomes more conservative when managerial conservatism increases.
On Bank Credit Risk: Systemic or Bank Specific? Evidence for the United States and United Kingdom
Authors: Li Junye , Zinna Gabriele
Published: April 2015

We develop a multivariate credit risk model that accounts for joint defaults of banks and allows us to disentangle how much of banks’ credit risk is systemic. We find that the United States and United Kingdom differ not only in the evolution of systemic risk but, in particular, in their banks’ systemic exposures. In both countries, however, systemic credit risk varies substantially, represents about half of total bank credit risk on average, and induces high risk premia. The results suggest that sovereign and bank systemic risk are particularly interlinked in the United Kingdom.
The human hookworm vaccine: recent updates and prospects for success
Authors: Bottazzi M.E.
Published: April 2015

Approximately 440 million people globally are afflicted by hookworm disease, one of the 17 WHO-recognized neglected tropical diseases (NTDs). The iron-deficiency anaemia attributed to this disease contributes to at least 3.2 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) according to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2010. The current WHO-recommended control strategies rely primarily on mass drug administration or preventive chemotherapy. However, evidence is starting to accumulate confirming that preventive chemotherapy alone will not be sufficient to reduce the reinfection rates of hookworm, especially in areas of heavy transmission. The global health and research community is currently building a consensus stressing the need for the advancement of research and innovation to bridge the gaps and identify new public health interventions for diseases such as hookworm and other NTDs. This paper presents the strategies used by the Sabin Vaccine Institute Product Development Partnership (Sabin PDP) in their ongoing endeavour for the development of a human hookworm vaccine. Recent updates and the current prospects for success of an effective human hookworm vaccine, as a new technology to be linked to or combined with drug interventions, are presented.
ATaenia crassicepsfactor induces apoptosis of spleen CD4+T cells and TFG-β andFoxp3gene expression in mice
Authors: Zepeda N. , Tirado R. , Copitin N. , Solano S. , Fernández A.M. , Tato P. , Molinari J.L.
Published: April 2015

This study was undertaken to determine whether a parasite substance produces structural pathology in the mouse spleen. A low-molecular-weightTaenia crassicepsmetacestode factor (MF) isolated from the peritoneal fluid of female mice infected withT. crassicepsmetacestodes induced pathological and immunological changes in mouse spleen cellsin vivo.Electron microscopy and confocal microscopy revealed severe changes in the spleen histoarchitecture ofT. crassiceps-infected and MF-treated mice. Apoptotic degenerated spleen cells were observed in the white and red pulps and were more conspicuous in the white pulp of the spleen from theT. crassiceps-infected mice than in that of the MF-treated mice. Flow cytometry analysis revealed that the numbers of spleen CD4+T cells were significantly lower in both experimental groups than in control mice. Theex vivoexpression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β and factor Foxp3 were significantly higher in splenocytes of the experimental mice than the basal expression observed in the control cells. These findings may have potential applications for a better understanding of the host–parasite relationship in human neurocysticercosis.
Bony nasolacrimal duct dehiscence in functional endoscopic sinus surgery: radiological study and discussion of surgical implications
Authors: Ali M J , Murphy J , Wormald P J , Psaltis A J
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

To analyse the radiological features of the bony nasolacrimal duct before and after functional endoscopic sinus surgery, and document the incidence of surgically induced dehiscence.

Methods:

A retrospective case series analysis was conducted of 63 consecutive patients who underwent uncinectomy as a part of 118 functional endoscopic sinus surgical procedures. All patients underwent pre- and post-operative computed tomography scans. Axial computed tomography images at the level of maxillary sinus were evaluated for the presence of bony nasolacrimal duct dehiscence, osteitis and completeness of uncinectomy.

Results:

The rate of nasolacrimal duct dehiscence prior to surgery was 6.8 per cent (8 out of 118 cases). Nasolacrimal duct dehiscence as a consequence of surgery was observed in 3.3 per cent of cases (4 out of 118), with a further 4.2 per cent (5 out of 118) showing post-operative reactive bony change of the nasolacrimal duct in the absence of dehiscence.

Conclusion:

The incidence of nasolacrimal duct injury observed was much lower than that previously reported in the literature.
Maser gain determined by the spatial profile of work done by an average electron and the wavelength of density fluctuation driven by the maser field in multi-photon free-electron two-quantum Stark radiation
Authors: Kim S. H.
Published: April 2015

We find that the electron in an electron–cyclotron maser (ECM) of Nc = n1/3λ ≫ 1, where n and λ are the electron density and the maser wavelength, respectively, can only lower its energy through masing transition. From this fact and the application of Heisenberg's uncertainty principle on photon emission, we infer that until the electron energy becomes lower to pass through the width of uncertainty in the electron energy, the interval time Tint between two successive radiative transitions is zero. Hence, we find that if the number Nt of radiative transitions during the laser period T under the assumption of Tint = 0 is far larger than the number Nu of radiative transitions required to pass through the half-width ΔE of uncertainty in the electron energy, the radiation power from an electron is equal to ΔE/T. We deduce that the shift in the energy level of an average electron is predominantly produced by the density-deviation mode driven by the laser field so as to be spatially sinusoidal with period λw and amplitude $\mathcal W$. We recognize that the uncertainty in the z position of an electron emitting a laser photon through free-electron two-quantum Stark (FETQS) radiation is the wavelength λe of the electric wiggler. Thus, if λw ≪ λe, then ΔE is equal to $\mathcal W$. Based on the above findings, we identify electron–cyclotron masing in a high-density ECM as a gyration-driven FETQS radiation whose power is given by P = ΔE/T, where ΔE is not caused by gyration but rotation around the waveguide axis. The gain calculated based on this identification agrees with the measured one.
Skeletal muscle mass and quality: evolution of modern measurement concepts in the context of sarcopenia
Authors: Heymsfield Steven B. , Gonzalez M. Cristina , Lu Jianhua , Jia Guang , Zheng Jolene
Published: April 2015

The first reports of accurate skeletal muscle mass measurement in human subjects appeared at about the same time as introduction of the sarcopenia concept in the late 1980s. Since then these methods, computed tomography and MRI, have been used to gain insights into older (i.e. anthropometry and urinary markers) and more recently developed and refined methods (ultrasound, bioimpedance analysis and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry) of quantifying regional and total body skeletal muscle mass. The objective of this review is to describe the evolution of these methods and their continued development in the context of sarcopenia evaluation and treatment. Advances in these technologies are described with a focus on additional quantifiable measures that relate to muscle composition and ‘quality’. The integration of these collective evaluations with strength and physical performance indices is highlighted with linkages to evaluation of sarcopenia and the spectrum of related disorders such as sarcopenic obesity, cachexia and frailty. Our findings show that currently available methods and those in development are capable of non-invasively extending measures from solely ‘mass’ to quality evaluations that promise to close the gaps now recognised between skeletal muscle mass and muscle function, morbidity and mortality. As the largest tissue compartment in most adults, skeletal muscle mass and aspects of muscle composition can now be evaluated by a wide array of technologies that provide important new research and clinical opportunities aligned with the growing interest in the spectrum of conditions associated with sarcopenia.
Character reading and word reading in Chinese: Unique correlates for Chinese kindergarteners
Authors: WANG YING , MCBRIDE CATHERINE
Published: April 2015

We considered the extent to which learning to read Chinese characters and Chinese words (operationally defined as composed of two or more characters) are different in the present study. Study 1 compared reading of the same characters in isolation and those in the context of known words for 63 Chinese third-year kindergarteners. Results showed that children performed significantly better on reading the same characters when embedded within words than when alone. Study 2 further examined the correlates of single-character reading and two-character word reading for 142 Chinese third-year kindergarteners. Despite a high correlation between character reading and word reading, unique correlates emerged. Orthographic awareness, rapid automatized naming, and Pinyin letter-name knowledge independently explained variance in both character and word reading; however, orthographic awareness explained unique variance in character reading even after statistically controlling for word reading. Whereas orthographic and Pinyin knowledge may be more strongly associated with character recognition, other skills may be more important for learning to read words. Character and word reading may constitute slightly different processes, with somewhat different educational implications for each.
Cognitive aptitudes for implicit and explicit learning and information-processing styles: An individual differences study
Authors: GRANENA GISELA
Published: April 2015

Recent proposals on language aptitude have distinguished between cognitive aptitudes for implicit and explicit learning (e.g., Doughty et al., 2010; Linck et al., 2013). This methodological study extends recent work on aptitude by investigating whether aptitudes for implicit and explicit learning are differentially related to the two main information-processing cognitive styles proposed by dual-process theories in cognitive psychology: rational–analytical and experiential–intuitive (Pacini & Epstein, 1999). A relationship was found between a rational–analytical profile and explicit aptitude, as well as between an experiential–intuitive profile and implicit aptitude. Structural equation modeling further showed that the proposed model had acceptable fit. These results were interpreted as support for the qualitatively different types of cognitive processes underlying the two hypothesized types of aptitude.
Effect of super-thermal ions and electrons on the modulation instability of a circularly polarized laser pulse in magnetized plasma
Authors: Etemadpour R. , Sepehri Javan N.
Published: April 2015

The modulation instability of a circularly polarized laser pulse in a magnetized non-Maxwellian plasma is investigated. Based on a relativistic fluid model, the nonlinear interaction of an intense circularly polarized laser beam with a non-Maxwellian magnetized plasma is described. Nonlinear dispersion relation and growth rate of the instability for left- and right-hand polarizations are derived. The effect of temperature, external magnetic field, value of Kappa and state of polarization on the growth rate are analyzed. It is shown that the growth rate increases with increase in the magnetic field for the right-hand polarization and inversely it decreases for the left-hand one. Also it is observed that existence of super-thermal particles causes the decrease in the growth.
ESTIMATION OF INTEGRATED COVARIANCES IN THE SIMULTANEOUS PRESENCE OF NONSYNCHRONICITY, MICROSTRUCTURE NOISE AND JUMPS
Authors: Koike Yuta
Published: April 2015

We propose a new estimator for the integrated covariance of two Itô semimartingales observed at a high frequency. This new estimator, which we call the pre-averaged truncated Hayashi–Yoshida estimator, enables us to separate the sum of the co-jumps from the total quadratic covariation even in the case that the sampling schemes of two processes are nonsynchronous and the observation data are polluted by some noise. We also show the asymptotic mixed normality of this estimator under some mild conditions allowing infinite activity jump processes with finite variations, some dependency between the sampling times and the observed processes as well as a kind of endogenous observation error. We examine the finite sample performance of this estimator using a Monte Carlo study and we apply our estimators to empirical data, highlighting the importance of accounting for jumps even in an ultra-high frequency framework.
The influence of prenatal intimate partner violence exposure on hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis reactivity and childhood internalizing and externalizing symptoms
Authors: Martinez-Torteya Cecilia , Bogat G. Anne , Levendosky Alytia A. , von Eye Alexander
Published: April 2015

This prospective longitudinal study examines the long-term influence of intimate partner violence (IPV) exposure in utero. We hypothesized that (a) prenatal IPV increases risk for internalizing and externalizing problems as well as for a profile of dysregulated cortisol reactivity, and (b) patterns of cortisol hyper- and hyporeactivity are differentially associated with internalizing and externalizing problems. The participants were 119 10-year-old children. Their mothers reported their IPV experiences and distress during pregnancy. Child and maternal reports of internalizing and externalizing problems as well as lifetime IPV exposure were obtained. Salivary cortisol was assessed at baseline, 20 min, and 40 min after challenge. The results partially supported our hypotheses: Exposure to IPV during pregnancy predicted child-reported internalizing and externalizing problems, mother ratings of child externalizing problems, and a profile of high cortisol secretion before and after stress challenge. The results were significant above and beyond the influence of maternal distress during pregnancy and IPV that occurred during the child's life. In addition, a profile of high cortisol secretion was associated with maternal reports of child internalizing behaviors. Findings support the growing consensus that prenatal stress can lead to lasting disruptions in adaptation and highlight the need for more longitudinal examinations of prenatal IPV exposure.
Can chlorophyll fluorescence be used to determine the optimal time to harvest rice seeds for long-term genebank storage?
Authors: Hay Fiona R. , Timple Stephen , van Duijn Bert
Published: April 2015

Chlorophyll fluorescence (CF) analysis was explored as a potential tool to identify the optimal time to harvest rice seed germplasm for maximum storage longevity. Seeds of 20 diverse genebank accessions were harvested at 24, 31, 38 and 45 d after peak flowering (DAF) and half of each seed lot was sorted by hand, following normal practice at the T.T. Chang Genetic Resources Center. CF analysis was carried out on both non-sorted and sorted seeds, while storage experiments were carried out on sorted seeds. Seed longevity (the time for viability to fall to 50%, p50) was significantly correlated with the skewness, kurtosis, mode and mean of the CF histograms when the data for every accession at all the harvest times were included in the correlation analysis. However, these correlation coefficients were ≤ 0.481. The correlation coefficient between p50 and DAF was similarly low (0.461). For individual accessions, there was wide variation in the correlation coefficients. While for some accessions, there appeared to be a strong relationship between p50 and mean CF that could be used to guide when to harvest seeds in the field, for other accessions, a unique mean CF to inform when to harvest seeds or for use in seed sorting could not be identified; this was also true for DAF over the harvesting schedule used in this study. Given the number and diversity of accessions managed by a genebank, it seems unlikely that CF analysis would be an appropriate tool to help manage the regeneration or processing of seeds intended for storage in the genebank.
The Sovereignty of God in Modern Islamic Thought
Authors: ZAMAN MUHAMMAD QASIM
Published: April 2015

The sovereignty of God and related ideas have had a prominent place in Islamist discourses. Key figures like Mawdudi of Pakistan and Qutb of Egypt have argued that anything less than exclusive submission to God's law, and all that it necessitates in religious and political terms, is idolatry. Yet the idea of the sovereignty of God has been invoked by many more people than the Islamists, and it has meant quite different things in different quarters. Focusing on South Asia, this paper seeks to shed some new light on the provenance of this idea, on how and to what purpose it has been deployed in religious and political argument, and what the debates on it might tell us about rival conceptions of Islam.
The Nordic Welfare Model in the Twenty-First Century: The Bumble-Bee Still Flies!
Authors: Halvorsen Rune , Hvinden Bjørn , Schoyen Mi Ah
Published: April 2015

The Nordic countries are admired for high employment, low levels of poverty and inequality, encompassing welfare states, and peaceful industrial relations. Yet the model is criticised for hampering the employment opportunities of vulnerable groups. The literature identifies several potential mechanisms of exclusion. Compressed wage structures may make employers reluctant to hire certain workers for fear that their productivity is too low to justify the cost. Second, generous benefits lower individuals’ incentive to work. Third, businesses increasingly specialise in high-skill activities. We explore these arguments comparatively by considering the employment chances of two vulnerable groups: disabled persons and migrants. The Nordic countries are compared with other rich democracies that take different approaches to social protection and wage dispersion. The Nordic countries do not perform systematically worse than other ‘varieties of capitalism’. In line with recent research, we also find that there is considerable intra-Nordic variation, which calls for further study.
Evaluating pension insurance pricing
Authors: BABBEL DAVID F.
Published: April 2015

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation's (PBGC) Pension Insurance Modeling System model has taken on the Herculean task of modeling in detail and under many scenarios the cash outflows associated with the pension obligations, they have assumed. This paper's comments are focused almost entirely upon the PBGC's termination liabilities, and address four pressing issues: (1) the need to discount the liability stream by current riskless interest rates instead of using corporate bond rates that reflect credit risk, call risk, and other risks, or using some ad hoc prescribed average of past rates; (2) the need to use a term structure of interest rates; (3) the need to employ more useful investment management benchmarks; and (4) how to implement a relevant and rigorous liability benchmark.
Joint risk of DB pension underfunding and sponsor termination: incorporating option-based projections and valuations into PIMS
Authors: LUCAS DEBORAH
Published: April 2015

When a private pension plan sponsor with an underfunded plan becomes insolvent, the difference between the value of the plan's assets and its termination liabilities represents a liability for the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation (PBGC). Hence, accurately modeling the joint statistical distribution over time of defined benefit pension underfunding and sponsor terminations is critical for estimating PBGC's prospective cash flows and evaluating its financial position. It appears that the current Pension Insurance Modeling System (PIMS) approach to modeling risk does a reasonable job of capturing its statistical properties effects on PBGC cash flows, although some of the aspects might be improved, and metrics expanded. The present paper outlines, how an option-based approach to modeling the joint distribution of defaults and underfunding in PIMS might be implemented, while preserving the strengths of the current model. Moving to an option-based approach would allow PIMS to be used to estimate the fair values of future liabilities. Such an approach could have a significant effect on the perceived financial position of PBGC.
Abundance and distribution of the rapid expansive coral Oculina patagonica in the Northern Alborán Sea (Western Mediterranean)
Authors: Terrón-Sigler Alejandro , Casado-Amezúa Pilar , Torre Free Espinosa
Published: April 2015

We describe for the first time the distribution and abundance ofOculina patagonicaalong the coasts of the Northern Alborán Sea (Andalusia Region, Southern Iberian Peninsula), which corresponds to the southernmost region of the known distribution range of the coral. After surveying 693 km of the Andalusia coastline, along three different depths, we showed thatO. patagonicawas restricted to the eastern shores of the Alborán Sea. It was only present in 7 out of 195 sampling stations in the eastern region along the studied coasts and at the depth range of 0–3 m. Moreover, we observed that the distribution of the species along the northern coasts of the Alborán Sea might be related to substrate availability and sea surface temperature. In the localities in which its presence was described, the annual mean sea water temperature was in the range of 18–21°C. In relation to substrate availability, it must be noted that the distribution of hard substrata – ideal forO. patagonicasettlement and growth – along the sampling area, is not uniform in the study area; this might affect the continuity of the distribution of the species. Local studies such as this one are of importance as a starting point for delineating the species' relationship with its habitat, population boundaries and population ecology. Given the fast expansion of this species along the Mediterranean coasts, this study could serve as a basis for continuous monitoring of the spread of the species and its long-term effects on the ecosystem.
Circularly polarized beam-steering antenna array with enhanced characteristics using UCEBG structure
Authors: Aribi Tohid , Naser-Moghadasi Mohammad , Sadeghzadeh R. A.
Published: April 2015

A broadband circularly polarized (CP) beam-steering antenna array is presented. CP antenna is composed of four identical CP slot elements with 2 × 2 configuration and a 4 × 4 feeding network. CP slot element is utilized in array form to improve impedance bandwidth and sequentially rotation method is used to increase axial-ratio bandwidth. Moreover, uni-planer compact electromagnetic band-gap structure is applied to enhance the overall performance of antenna array. Measured results depict that the array has impedance bandwidth over a frequency range of 4.1–7 GHz (~53%) for S11 ≤ −10 dB and 3 dB axial-ratio bandwidth of 1.95 GHz that is between 4.6 and 6.55 GHz (~35%). The antenna array has peak gain of 11 dBi at 5.5 GHz.
The Loleva Oral and Written Language Test: Psychometric Properties
Authors: Peralbo Manuel , Mayor María Ángeles , Zubiauz Begoña , Risso Alicia , Fernández-Amado María Luz , Tuñas Alejandro
Published: April 2015

LolEva, a computerized test for ages 3 to 8 years old, identifies issues in the development of skills that can lead to reading acquisition difficulties. Its structure captures two distinct areas: Phonological Awareness (PA, seven subtests: rhyme, identification-addition-omission of syllable and phoneme at the beginning and end of a word), and Initial Reading Competence (IRC, six subtests: reading uppercase and lowercase letters, simple words, complex words, and pseudowords, and word segmentation). With results collected in a sample of 341 children with the target ages and attending public or private schools, the alpha coefficient was .94 for PA, and .92 for IRC. Factor analysis indicated three factors are present (performance on PA and IRC, and word reading times), together explaining 75% of variance, providing evidence to support the construct validity of the test. On the other hand, analysis of variance showed significant differences for year-in-school variable for PA subscale, F(4, 336) = 191.385, p < .001, η2p = .695, 1–β = 1.0, as well as for IRC subscale, both in number of correct answers, which increased as schooling progressed: F(4, 336) = 197.897, p < .001, η2p = .702, 1–β = 1.0, and task completion time, which decreased as education progressed: F(4, 335) = 47.048, p < .001, η2p = .360, 1–β = 1.0. Also, PA repeated measures analysis revealed that was easier Identification than Addition and Omission , F(2, 672) = 31.639, p < .001, η2p = .086, 1–β = 1.0, syllable-related tasks than phoneme-related task, F(1, 336) = 229.000, p < .001, η2p = .405, 1–β = 1.0, and syllable or phoneme at the end of the word than at the beginning, F(1, 336) = 59.201, p < .001, η2p = .150, 1–β = 1.0. Moreover, all items were examined and indexes of difficulty and discrimination were obtained.
Age and Gender as Independent Predictors of Violence under the Influence of Alcohol in Zurich, Switzerland
Authors: Mica Ladislav , Oesterle Linda , Werner Clément M.L. , Simmen Hans-Peter
Published: April 2015

Zunehmendes Trinken, vor allem das Absturztrinken bei Jugendlichen an Wochenenden, beschäftigt die Notfallstationen in steigendem Mass. Es ist belegt, dass 2–40% aller Eintritte in die Notfallstationen aufgrund von übermässigem Alkoholkonsum erfolgen [1]. Die Somatisierungseffekte sind von Patient zu Patient unterschiedlich, äussern sich aber meist in erhöhtem Selbstvertrauen und Aggressivität. Das Absturztrinken wird gemäss einer Konsensus-Konferenz 2004 als das Trinken von vier Getränken bei Frauen und fünf Getränken bei Männern binnen zwei Stunden oder dem Anstieg der Blutaloholkonzentration um mindestens 17 mmol/l definiert [2]. In Anbetracht der Schweizer Situation, die es erlaubt, ab 16 Jahren Alkohol zu konsumieren, und der Tatsache, dass die urbanen Notfallstationen von alkoholisierten Personen an den Wochenenden überrannt werden, war es Ziel dieser Studie, präzise Orientierungspunkte und unabhängige Risikofaktoren bei alkoholisierten Patienten, die Opfer einer Gewalttat wurden, zu präsentieren.
Role of Lipocalin-2 in Brain Injury after Intracerebral Hemorrhage
Authors: Ni Wei , Zheng Mingzhe , Xi Guohua , Keep Richard F , Hua Ya
Published: April 2015

Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is a siderophore-binding protein involved in cellular iron transport and neuroinflammation. Both iron and inflammation are involved in brain injury after intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) and this study examined the role of LCN2 in such injury. Male adult C57BL/6 wild-type (WT) or LCN2-deficient (LCN2-/-) mice had an intracerebral injection of autologous blood or FeCl2. Control animals had a sham operation or saline injection. T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and behavioral tests were performed at days 1, 3, 7, 14, and 28 after injection. In WT mice, brain LCN2 levels were increased in the ipsilateral basal ganglia after ICH or iron injection. Lipocalin-2-positive cells were astrocytes, microglia, neurons, and endothelial cells. Intracerebral hemorrhage resulted in a significant increase in ferritin expression in the ipsilateral basal ganglia. Compared with WT mice, ICH caused less ferritin upregulation, microglia activation, brain swelling, brain atrophy, and neurologic deficits in LCN2-/- mice ( P < 0.05). The size of the lesion induced by FeCl2 injection as well as the degree of brain swelling and blood–brain barrier disruption were also less in LCN2-/- mice ( P < 0.05). These results suggest a role of LCN2 in enhancing brain injury and iron toxicity after ICH.
Tibial Fracture Exacerbates Traumatic Brain Injury Outcomes and Neuroinflammation in a Novel Mouse Model of Multitrauma
Authors: Shultz Sandy R , Sun Mujun , Wright David K , Brady Rhys D , Liu Shijie , Beynon Sinead , Schmidt Shannon F , Kaye Andrew H , Hamilton John A , O'Brien Terence J , Grills Brian L , McDonald Stuart J
Published: April 2015

Multitrauma is a common medical problem worldwide, and often involves concurrent traumatic brain injury (TBI) and bone fracture. Despite the high incidence of combined TBI and fracture, preclinical TBI research commonly employs independent injury models that fail to incorporate the pathophysiologic interactions occurring in multitrauma. Here, we developed a novel mouse model of multitrauma, and investigated whether bone fracture worsened TBI outcomes. Male mice were assigned into four groups: sham-TBI +sham-fracture (SHAM); sham-TBI+fracture (FX); TBI+sham-fracture (TBI); and TBI+fracture (MULTI). The injury methods included a closed-skull weight-drop TBI model and a closed tibial fracture. After a 35-day recovery, mice underwent behavioral testing and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). MULTI mice displayed abnormal behaviors in the open-field compared with all other groups. On MRI, MULTI mice had enlarged ventricles and diffusion abnormalities compared with all other groups. These changes occurred in the presence of heightened neuroinflammation in MULTI mice at 24 hours and 35 days after injury, and elevated edema and blood–brain barrier disruption at 24 hours after injury. Together, these findings indicate that tibial fracture worsens TBI outcomes, and that exacerbated neuroinflammation may be an important factor that contributes to these effects, which warrants further investigation.
Expression of the ALS-Causing Variant hSOD1G93A Leads to an Impaired Integrity and Altered Regulation of Claudin-5 Expression in an in Vitro Blood–Spinal Cord Barrier Model
Authors: Meister Sabrina , Storck Steffen E , Hameister Erik , Behl Christian , Weggen Sascha , Clement Albrecht M , Pietrzik Claus U
Published: April 2015

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a fatal neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive paralysis due to the loss of primary and secondary motor neurons. Mutations in the Cu/Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1) gene are associated with familial ALS and to date numerous hypotheses for ALS pathology exist including impairment of the blood–spinal cord barrier. In transgenic mice carrying mutated SOD1 genes, a disrupted blood–spinal cord barrier as well as decreased levels of tight junction (TJ) proteins ZO-1, occludin, and claudin-5 were detected. Here, we examined TJ protein levels and barrier function of primary blood–spinal cord barrier endothelial cells of presymptomatic hSOD1G93A mice and bEnd.3 cells stably expressing hSOD1G93A. In both cellular systems, we observed reduced claudin-5 levels and a decreased transendothelial resistance (TER) as well as an increased apparent permeability. Analysis of the β-catenin/AKT/forkhead box protein O1 (FoxO1) pathway and the FoxO1-regulated activity of the claudin-5 promoter revealed a repression of the claudin-5 gene expression in hSOD1G93A cells, which was depended on the phosphorylation status of FoxO1. These results strongly indicate that mutated SOD1 affects the expression and localization of TJ proteins leading to impaired integrity and breakdown of the blood–spinal cord barrier.
Mammalian adaptation of influenza A(H7N9) virus is limited by a narrow genetic bottleneck
Authors: Zaraket Hassan , Baranovich Tatiana , Kaplan Bryan S. , Carter Robert , Song Min-Suk , Paulson James C. , Rehg Jerold E. , Bahl Justin , Crumpton Jeri C. , Seiler Jon , Edmonson Michael , Wu Gang , Karlsson Erik , Fabrizio Thomas , Zhu Huachen , Guan Yi , Husain Matloob , Schultz-Cherry Stacey , Krauss Scott , McBride Ryan , Webster Robert G. , Govorkova Elena A. , Zhang Jinghui , Russell Charles J. , Webby Richard J.
Published: April 2015

Human infection with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus is associated mainly with the exposure to infected poultry. The factors that allow interspecies transmission but limit human-to-human transmission are unknown. Here we show that A/Anhui/1/2013(H7N9) influenza virus infection of chickens (natural hosts) is asymptomatic and that it generates a high genetic diversity. In contrast, diversity is tightly restricted in infected ferrets, limiting further adaptation to a fully transmissible form. Airborne transmission in ferrets is accompanied by the mutations in PB1, NP and NA genes that reduce viral polymerase and neuraminidase activity. Therefore, while A(H7N9) virus can infect mammals, further adaptation appears to incur a fitness cost. Our results reveal that a tight genetic bottleneck during avian-to-mammalian transmission is a limiting factor in A(H7N9) influenza virus adaptation to mammals. This previously unrecognized biological mechanism limiting species jumps provides a measure of adaptive potential and may serve as a risk assessment tool for pandemic preparedness.
Hsp90 regulates the dynamics of its cochaperone Sti1 and the transfer of Hsp70 between modules
Authors: Röhl Alina , Wengler Daniela , Madl Tobias , Lagleder Stephan , Tippel Franziska , Herrmann Monika , Hendrix Jelle , Richter Klaus , Hack Gordon , Schmid Andreas B. , Kessler Horst , Lamb Don C. , Buchner Johannes
Published: April 2015

The cochaperone Sti1/Hop physically links Hsp70 and Hsp90. The protein exhibits one binding site for Hsp90 (TPR2A) and two binding sites for Hsp70 (TPR1 and TPR2B). How these sites are used remained enigmatic. Here we show that Sti1 is a dynamic, elongated protein that consists of a flexible N-terminal module, a long linker and a rigid C-terminal module. Binding of Hsp90 and Hsp70 regulates the Sti1 conformation with Hsp90 binding determining with which site Hsp70 interacts. Without Hsp90, Sti1 is more compact and TPR2B is the high-affinity interaction site for Hsp70. In the presence of Hsp90, Hsp70 shifts its preference. The linker connecting the two modules is crucial for the interaction with Hsp70 and for client activation in vivo. Our results suggest that the interaction of Hsp70 with Sti1 is tightly regulated by Hsp90 to assure transfer of Hsp70 between the modules, as a prerequisite for the efficient client handover.
Emergent long-range synchronization of oscillating ecological populations without external forcing described by Ising universality
Authors: Noble Andrew E. , Machta Jonathan , Hastings Alan
Published: April 2015

Understanding the synchronization of oscillations across space is fundamentally important to many scientific disciplines. In ecology, long-range synchronization of oscillations in spatial populations may elevate extinction risk and signal an impending catastrophe. The prevailing assumption is that synchronization on distances longer than the dispersal scale can only be due to environmental correlation (the Moran effect). In contrast, we show how long-range synchronization can emerge over distances much longer than the length scales of either dispersal or environmental correlation. In particular, we demonstrate that the transition from incoherence to long-range synchronization of two-cycle oscillations in noisy spatial population models is described by the Ising universality class of statistical physics. This result shows, in contrast to all previous work, how the Ising critical transition can emerge directly from the dynamics of ecological populations.
PI3Kβ Inhibitor TGX221 Selectively Inhibits Renal Cell Carcinoma Cells with Both VHL and SETD2 mutations and Links Multiple Pathways
Authors: Feng Chenchen , Sun Yang , Ding Guanxiong , Wu Zhong , Jiang Haowen , Wang Lujia , Ding Qiang , Wen Hui
Published: April 2015

We aimed to exploit novel compounds with high selectivity to clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) with common mutations. Using the GDSC databases, we searched for compounds with high selectivity for ccRCC with VHL and/or SETD2 mutations. Clinical impact and gene interactions were analysed using TCGA database. In vitro and in vivo studies were performed to validate the inhibitory effects of the compound. We identified the selective PI3Kβ inhibitor TGX221 as a selective inhibitor for ccRCC with both VHL and SETD2 mutations. TGX221 also targeted cancer cells with CDKN2A and PTEN mutations. Changes in PTEN and CDKN2A gene sets were associated with worsened prognosis of ccRCC. TGX221 substantially and selectively inhibited the down stream products of VHL, SETD2 and PTEN in ccRCC cells with VHL and SETD2 mutations. TGX221 also exhibited significant selectivity in inhibiting cell motility and tumourigenesis of ccRCC cells with VHL and SETD2 mutations. TGX221 is a novel inhibitor with high selectivity for ccRCC with VHL and SETD2 mutations. It also targeted PTEN and CDKN2A mutations. How those genes were associated with PI3Kβ warranted further investigations.
A new insight into ductile fracture of ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloys
Authors: Yu Hailiang , Tieu A. Kiet , Lu Cheng , Liu Xiong , Liu Mao , Godbole Ajit , Kong Charlie , Qin Qinghua
Published: April 2015

It is well known that when coarse-grained metals undergo severe plastic deformation to be transformed into nano-grained metals, their ductility is reduced. However, there are no ductile fracture criteria developed based on grain refinement. In this paper, we propose a new relationship between ductile fracture and grain refinement during deformation, considering factors besides void nucleation and growth. Ultrafine-grained Al-Mg alloy sheets were fabricated using different rolling techniques at room and cryogenic temperatures. It is proposed for the first time that features of the microstructure near the fracture surface can be used to explain the ductile fracture post necking directly. We found that as grains are refined to a nano size which approaches the theoretical minimum achievable value, the material becomes brittle at the shear band zone. This may explain the tendency for ductile fracture in metals under plastic deformation.
Practice explains abolished behavioural adaptation after human dorsal anterior cingulate cortex lesions
Authors: van Steenbergen H. , Haasnoot E. , Bocanegra B. R. , Berretty E. W. , Hommel B.
Published: April 2015

The role of mid-cingulate cortex (MCC), also referred to as dorsal anterior cingulate cortex, in regulating cognitive control is a topic of primary importance in cognitive neuroscience. Although many studies have shown that MCC responds to cognitive demands, lesion studies in humans are inconclusive concerning the causal role of the MCC in the adaptation to these demands. By elegantly combining single-cell recordings with behavioural methods, Sheth et al. [Sheth, S. et al. Human dorsal anterior cingulate cortex neurons mediate ongoing behavioural adaptation. Nature 488, 218–22 (2012).] recently were able to show that neurons in MCC encode cognitive demand. Importantly, this study also claimed that focal lesions of the MCC abolished behavioural adaptation to cognitive demands. Here we show that the absence of post-cingulotomy behavioural adaptation reported in this study may have been due to practice effects. We run a control condition where we tested subjects before and after a dummy treatment, which substituted cingulotomy with a filler task (presentation of a documentary). The results revealed abolished behavioural adaptation following the dummy treatment. Our findings suggest that future work using proper experimental designs is needed to advance the understanding of the causal role of the MCC in behavioural adaptation.
A Photochromic Sensor Microchip for High-performance Multiplex Metal Ions Detection
Authors: Huang Yu , Li Fengyu , Ye Changqing , Qin Meng , Ran Wei , Song Yanlin
Published: April 2015

Current multi-analytes chips are limited with requiring numbers of sensors, complex synthesis and compounds screen. It is expected to develop new principles and techniques to achieve high-performance multi-analytes testing with facile sensors. Here, we investigated the correlative multi-states properties of a photochromic sensor (spirooxazine), which is capable of a selective and cross-reactive sensor array for discriminated multi-analytes (11 metal ions) detection by just one sensing compound. The multi-testing sensor array performed in dark, ultraviolet or visual stimulation, corresponding to different molecular states of spirooxazine metal ions coordination. The facile photochromic microchip contributes a multi-states array sensing method and will open new opportunities for the development of advanced discriminant analysis for complex analytes.
A novel carbamoyl radical based dearomatizing spiroacylation process
Authors: Millán-Ortiz Alejandra , López-Valdez German , Cortez-Guzmán Fernando , Miranda Luis D.
Published: April 2015

An easy access to novel spirodienonamides based on a dearomatizing spiroacylation process is described for the first time.
Sn-doped TiO2 nanotubes as superior anode materials for sodium ion batteries
Authors: Yan Dong , Yu Caiyan , Bai Ying , Zhang Weifeng , Chen Taiqiang , Hu Bingwen , Sun Zhuo , Pan Likun
Published: April 2015

Sn-doped TiO2 nanotubes, synthesized through a sol–gel method and a subsequent hydrothermal process, exhibit excellent electrochemical performance for sodium ion batteries.
NaYF4:Yb,Er–MoS2: from synthesis and surface ligand stripping to negative infrared photoresponse
Authors: Niu Wenbin , Chen Hu , Chen Rui , Huang Jingfeng , Sun Handong , Tok Alfred Iing Yoong
Published: April 2015

The synthesis, surface ligand stripping (SOCl2/DMF treatment), and unusual negative infrared photoresponse of new NaYF4:Yb,Er–MoS2 sheet nanocomposites were reported.