bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The carboxyl-terminal tail of the stalk of Arabidopsis NACK1/HINKEL kinesin is required for its localization to the cell plate formation site
Authors: Sasabe Michiko , Ishibashi Nanako , Haruta Tsuyoshi , Minami Aki , Kurihara Daisuke , Higashiyama Tetsuya , Nishihama Ryuichi , Ito Masaki , Machida Yasunori
Published: December 2014

Plant cytokinesis is achieved by formation of cell plates in the phragmoplast, a plant-specific cytokinetic apparatus, which consists of microtubules (MTs) and microfilaments. During cytokinesis, the cell plate is expanded centrifugally outward from the inside of cells in a process that is supported by dynamic turnover of MTs. M-phase-specific kinesin NACK1, which comprises the motor domain at the amino-terminal half to move on MT bundles and the stalk region in the carboxyl-terminal half, is a key player in the process of MT turnover. That is, the specific region in the stalk binds the MAP kinase kinase kinase to activate the whole MAP kinase cascade, which stimulates depolymerization of MTs for the MT turnover. The stalk is also responsible for recruiting the activated kinase cascade to the mid-zone of the phragmoplast, which corresponds to the cell-plate formation site. It should be crucial to uncover roles of the NACK1 kinesin stalk as well as the motor domain in the formation of cell plates in order to understand the mechanisms of cell plate formation. Using dissected Arabidopsis NACK1 (AtNACK1/HINKEL) molecules and AtNACK1-fused GFP, we showed that the C-terminal tail of the stalk in addition to the motor domain is critical for its proper localization to the site of cell plate formation in the phragmoplast, probably by affecting its motility activity.
Interactive performances of betaine on the metabolic processes of Pseudomonas denitrificans
Authors: Xia Wei , Peng Wei-fu , Chen Wei , Li Kun-tai
Published: December 2014

The performances of betaine on the metabolic processes of vitamin B12-producing Pseudomonas denitrificans were investigated in this paper. The results showed that betaine was an indispensable methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis, but large amounts of the extracellular glycine accompanied by betaine metabolism would impose a severe restriction on the cell growth of P. denitrificans. By further using a comparative metabolomics approach coupled with intracellular free amino acids analysis for the fermentation processes with betaine addition (10 g/l) or not, it was found that betaine could highly strengthen the formation of some key precursors and intermediates facilitating vitamin B12 biosynthesis, such as δ-aminolevulinic acid (ALA, the first precursor of vitamin B12), glutamate (an intermediate of ALA via C5 pathway), glycine (an intermediate of ALA via C4 pathway), and methionine (directly participating in the methylation reaction involved in vitamin B12 biosynthetic pathway). Therefore, the performances of betaine on P. denitrificans metabolic processes were not only serving as a decisive methyl-group donor for vitamin B12 biosynthesis, but also playing a powerfully promoting role in the generation of vitamin B12 precursors and intermediates.
A mixture of 86% of CO2, 10% of N2O, and 4% of oxygen permits laparoscopy under local anesthesia: a pilot study
Authors: Koninckx Philippe R. , Verguts Jasper , Corona Roberta , Adamyan Leila , Brosens Ivo
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study is to verify that 10 % of N2O in CO2sufficiently reduces pain to permit laparoscopy under local anesthesia. In nine patients undergoing laparoscopy under local anesthesia for tubal sterilization, a mixture of 86 % of CO2, 10 % of N2O, and 4 % of oxygen (the Gas Mixture) was used for the pneumoperitoneum. For CO2, N2O, and for the Gas Mixture, the pain when blowing over the tongue tip and the pH changes of saline and Hartmann’s solution were estimated. In all nine patients, discomfort was minimal and the intervention was well tolerated, similar to 100 % N2O. Tongue tip pain (n = 15), on VAS scale, was lower with 86 % CO2 + 10 % N2O + 4 % O2(2.4 ± 1.4,P = 0.005) and much lower with 100 % N2O (0.3 ± 0.6,P < 0.0007) than with pure CO2(3.6 ± 1.7). The pH of saline (n = 5) decreased from 7.00 ± 0.07 to 4.18 ± 0.04 (P = 0.001), 6.98 ± 0.08 (NS), and 4.28 ± 0.04 (P = 0.01) with 100 % CO2, 100 % N2O and the Gas Mixture,respectively. The pH of Hartmann’s solution (n = 5) decreased similarly from 7.00 ± 0.07 to 5.18 ± 0.04 (P = 0.01), 7.02 ± 0.19 (NS), and 5.3 ± 0.4 (P = 0.01), respectively. These data demonstrate that a mixture with 10 % of N2O and 4 % of O2in CO2permits laparoscopy under local anesthesia. This result cannot be explained by direct irritation estimated by tongue tip pain or by pH changes.
A New Interpretation of the Weighted Kappa Coefficients
Authors: Vanbelle Sophie
Published: December 2014

Reliability and agreement studies are of paramount importance. They do contribute to the quality of studies by providing information about the amount of error inherent to any diagnosis, score or measurement. Guidelines for reporting reliability and agreement studies were recently provided. While the use of the kappa-like family is advised for categorical and ordinal scales, no further guideline in the choice of a weighting scheme is given. In the present paper, a new simple and practical interpretation of the linear- and quadratic-weighted kappa coefficients is given. This will help researchers in motivating their choice of a weighting scheme.
In vitro Transcriptome Analysis of Two Chinese Isolates of Streptococcus Suis Serotype 2
Authors: Zhang Dake , Du Nan , Ma Sufang , Hu Qingtao , Lu Guangwen , Chen Wei , Zeng Changqing
Published: December 2014

The Streptococcus suis serotype 2 (S. suis 2) isolates 05ZYH33 and 98HAH33 have caused severe human infections in China. Using a strand-specific RNA-seq analysis, we compared the in vitro transcriptomes of these two Chinese isolates with that of a reference strain (P1/7). In the 89K genomic island that is specific to these Chinese isolates, a toxin–antitoxin system showed relatively high levels of transcription among the S. suis. The known virulence factors with high transcriptional activity in these two highly-pathogenic strains are mainly involved in adhesion, biofilm formation, hemolysis and the synthesis and transport of the outer membrane protein. Furthermore, our analysis of novel transcripts identified over 50 protein-coding genes with one of them encoding a toxin protein. We also predicted over 30 small RNAs (sRNAs) in each strain, and most of them are involved in riboswitches. We found that six sRNA candidates that are related to bacterial virulence, including cspA and rli38, are specific to Chinese isolates. These results provide insight into the factors responsible for the difference in virulence among the different S. suis 2 isolates.
Vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia including Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Snyder Heather M. , Corriveau Roderick A. , Craft Suzanne , Faber James E. , Greenberg Steven M. , Knopman David , Lamb Bruce T. , Montine Thomas J. , Nedergaard Maiken , Schaffer Chris B. , Schneider Julie A. , Wellington Cheryl , Wilcock Donna M. , Zipfel Gregory J. , Zlokovic Berislav , Bain Lisa J. , Bosetti Francesca , Galis Zorina S. , Koroshetz Walter , Carrillo Maria C.
Published: December 2014

Scientific evidence continues to demonstrate the linkage of vascular contributions to cognitive impairment and dementia such as Alzheimer's disease. In December, 2013, the Alzheimer's Association, with scientific input from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute from the National Institutes of Health, convened scientific experts to discuss the research gaps in our understanding of how vascular factors contribute to Alzheimer's disease and related dementia. This manuscript summarizes the meeting and the resultant discussion, including an outline of next steps needed to move this area of research forward.
Separation of Powers and Legislative Organization
Authors: Sin Gisela
Published: December 2014

This book examines how the constitutional requirements of the lawmaking process, combined with the factional divisions within parties, affect US representatives' decisions about how to distribute power among themselves. The incorporation of the presidential, senatorial, and House factions in the analysis of House rule making marks an important departure from previous theories, which analyze the House as an institution that makes laws in isolation. This book argues that, by constitutional design, the success of the House in passing legislation is highly contingent on the actions of the Senate and the president; and therefore, also by constitutional design, House members must anticipate such actions when they design their rules. An examination of major rule changes from 1879 to 2013 finds that changes in the preferences of constitutional actors outside the House, as well as the political alignment of these political actors vis-à-vis House factions, are crucial for predicting the timing and directionality of rule changes.
Young People in, and Transitioning from, Out-of-home Care and their Mental Health Issues: A Call for Evidence
Authors: Baidawi Susan , Mendes Philip , Snow Pamela C.
Published: December 2014

Young people leaving state out-of-home care are among the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young Australians, and a substantial proportion experience mental health issues. This article reviews the literature relating to the mental health of care leavers, highlighting the gaps in the current Australian research base. Available studies indicate that mental health issues may worsen during the transition from care, yet mental and emotional health may also be neglected during this stressful period. Furthermore, care leavers with mental health issues are highly vulnerable to poor post-care outcomes, particularly homelessness. Implications for policy and research are discussed.
Building an Aboriginal Cultural Model of Therapeutic Residential Care: The Experience of the Victorian Aboriginal Child Care Agency
Authors: Bamblett Muriel , Long Maureen , Frederico Margarita , Salamone Connie
Published: December 2014

The provision of therapeutic residential care offers opportunities for traumatised children and young people to build relationships through establishing a safe and nurturing environment that can facilitate healthy recovery. For the Aboriginal child and young person demonstrating symptoms of trauma, cultural connections have been severed, relationships broken and there can be an overwhelming sense of abandonment. Aboriginal children's experiences of trauma go beyond the individualistic or familial and incorporate pervasive intergenerational trauma. This means that healing for Aboriginal children requires a therapeutic response embedded within an Aboriginal cultural framework. This paper presents the approach undertaken by an Aboriginal community organisation in developing a therapeutic residential care programme for Aboriginal children in their care. The model developed has implications for all therapeutic care programmes.
Lighthouse Foundation Therapeutic Family Model of Care: Stages of Recovery and their Application to Young People in Out-of-home Care
Authors: Hussein Tymur , Cameron Carly
Published: December 2014

The Lighthouse Foundation provides long-term accommodation to young people aged 15–25 at risk of homelessness, through a therapeutic model of care. This paper will explore its application to young people with histories in the out-of-home care system and those who are leaving care, by focusing on a four-stage process of recovery and the unique experiences it raises for this population based on their history. Drawing on themes identified through our practice with vulnerable young people, it is proposed that key elements of the programme and process hold particular relevance to the long-term recovery of this population, including the provision of stable and consistent therapeutic residential workers, an integrated care team, and the capacity to work with the young person beyond his or her eighteenth birthday. (Please note, no specific examples of young people are provided, rather the article will present observed themes at the various stages of the Therapeutic Family Model of Care.)
Editorial
Authors: Lehmann Jennifer
Published: December 2014

As we come to the end of another year that has been as busy and as challenging as ever, Rachael and I – and all those involved in the development of the Journal – would like to wish our readers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to come. We have been fortunate to have Cambridge University Press staff supporting the production of the Journal which is about to move to the ScholarOne system and will be more widely available over the coming years via databases. There will be more news on this in our March issue of 2015. We would also like to thank our editorial consultants, in particular, for the advice and support they offer, and to those who have proposed Special Issues or responded to requests for manuscripts on specific topics.
Quality of relationships with alternative suppliers: The role of supplier resilience and perceived benefits in supply networks
Authors: Yilmaz Börekçi Dilek , Işeri Say Arzu , Kabasakal Hayat , Rofcanin Yasin
Published: December 2014

Supplier–buyer exchange relationship and quality of that relationship (supplier satisfaction and commitment) have been examined from various angles in the extant literature. Yet, there is a paucity of research investigating the influence of supplier characteristics – especially supplier resilience – on relationship quality. Driven to fill this gap, this study aims to develop theory of the influence of perceived benefits from supplier–buyer exchange relationship and supplier resilience on relationship quality. Data drawn from 97 supplier–buyer dyads were used. Hierarchical regression analyses showed the positive influence of both perceived benefits from supplier–buyer exchange relationships and supplier resilience on relationship quality. Further empirical and theoretical implications, as well as the limitations of the study, are discussed.
Leader feedback and knowledge sharing: A regulatory focus theory perspective
Authors: Li Guiquan , Liu Haixin , Shang Yufan , Xi Youmin
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the impact of leader feedback on followers’ knowledge-sharing behavior through a regulatory focus theory perspective. Data were collected through an experiment with 129 college students. Results showed that compared with leader’s prevention feedback style and negative feedback valence, promotion style and positive feedback valence inspire employee knowledge-sharing behavior better. These two positive relationships are mediated by promotion situational regulatory focus. The negative relationship between prevention leader feedback style and knowledge sharing is mediated by prevention situational regulatory focus, while negative leader feedback valence has its negative effect on knowledge sharing directly.
‘I Sat Filling in This Form While Smoking and It Was Divine’. An Analysis of Free-Text Comments from Smokers Who Report They Have No Intention of Quitting in the Next Six Months
Authors: Sweeney-Magee M. , Kale D. , Hamill A. , Gilbert H.
Published: December 2014

Introduction: Smokers unmotivated to quit are neglected by smoking cessation research. Free-text comment analysis is a potentially useful way to gain insight into this group's beliefs.

Aims: To analyse the free-text comments provided by smokers unmotivated to quit as part of a randomized controlled trial of computer-tailored feedback for smoking cessation.

Method: A random sample of 58,660 smokers were sent a smoking behaviour questionnaire (SBQ). The responses and follow-up outcomes of those providing free-text comments were compared to those who did not to assess the representativeness of the former group of smokers. The comments of participants unmotivated to quit (631) were thematically analysed.

Results: Those who provided a comment differed from those who did not on variables including education level and quit attempts at six-month follow-up. Emergent themes included; justification of smoking and restricting smoking instead of quitting.

Conclusions: The findings illustrate the value of free-text comments in identifying issues important to respondents. The identified themes highlight areas for future research in smokers unmotivated to quit including cutting down as a path to quitting and explicit messages regarding the inability of positive health behaviours to balance out the negative impact of smoking on health.

Trial registration: Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN05385712.
TARGUM: TRANSLATION IN HELLENISTIC AND ROMAN IMPERIAL PROSE FICTION
Authors: Selden Daniel L.
Published: December 2014

Hellenistic and Roman Imperial prose fiction sprang from the ashes of the Haxāmanišiyan Empire (c.550-330 BCE). The multicultural autonomy that Iranian regents afforded their subject peoples laid the groundwork for social policy under Alexandros, the Diadokhoi, and Roman governance of the Near East. As literary fiction developed over the course of the ‘long’ Hellenistic period, the diversity of languages and cultures not only shaped the kinds of narratives produced: polyglossia became a subject of representation in and of itself, as did the possibilities of translation between one language and another.
THE TERMΕΛΕΥΘΕΡΙΑIN EURIPIDES'ALCESTIS
Authors: Papadodima Efi
Published: December 2014

The story of Alcestis and Admetus as dramatised in Euripides'Alcestisinvolves the exploration of prominent, as well as interconnected, moral values and cultural norms which affect or define all major parties. The most pertinent ones are those of friendship (φιλία) and guest-friendship (ξενία), goodwill and gratitude (χάρις), nobility (εὐγένεια, γενναιότης), shame or respect (αἰδώς), reverence towards the gods (εὐσέβεια), and honour (τιμή). The notion of ἐλευθερία (‘freedom’) in particular, though not featuring frequently in the play, proves to be a motif which itself works towards the definition or reassessment of the boundaries of friendship (and enmity) within a plot which blurs, complicates or even disturbs the terms of the most familiar and deep-rooted bonds (parentage, marriage, guest-friendship).
Mercury concentrations in invertebrates from Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vent fields
Authors: Martins I. , Costa V. , Porteiro F. , Cravo A. , Santos R.S.
Published: December 2014

Mercury determinations were carried out in mussels (Bathymodiolus azoricus) from three Mid-Atlantic Ridge hydrothermal vents (Lucky Strike, Menez Gwen and Rainbow) and shrimps (Rimicaris exoculata and Mirocaris fortunata) from Rainbow. Among the three hydrothermal vents, mussels of Menez Gwen show the highest levels of total Hg and comparing mussels and shrimps from Rainbow the former show more Hg than shrimps. Mussels from different hydrothermal vents are exposed to different kinds of environment which may result in distinct bioaccumulation processes. Detoxification processes in shrimps are related to the low concentrations found. When compared with coastal species from unpolluted sites, mussels show higher concentrations of total Hg and shrimps lower levels. The methyl-mercury concentrations found were very low, not exceeding the detection limit of the technique.
Algorithm for determining the cantilever load carrying capacity in the 3D manipulation of nanoparticles with geometrical constraints based on FEM simulations
Authors: Korayem A. H. , Hoshiar A. K. , Korayem M. H.
Published: December 2014

Nowadays, with the growing use of atomic force microscope (AFM) nanorobots in the fabrication of nanostructures, research in this area has proliferated. A major limiting factor in the utilization of AFM nanorobots is the lack of real-time monitoring. Computer simulations have been widely used to improve the feasibility of nanoparticles pushing by means of the AFM-based nanorobots. In order to prevent damage to a cantilever during the nanoparticle displacement, it is necessary to come up with an algorithm that can check the feasibility of the manipulation operation with regards to the geometrical constraints of the cantilever and the considered path. The existing models for predicting the feasibility of manipulation processes are limited to 2D manipulation models (spherical nanoparticles), which are incapable of predicting the feasibility of 3D operations (lack of a comprehensive model of 3D cases). In this paper, to predict the feasibility of displacing cylindrical nanoparticles and to consider the path of motion (rough surface), a model has been proposed that can ensure the feasibility of the manipulation operation in advance. Finite element simulation has been employed to obtain the maximum load that can be withstood by a cantilever of a specific geometry. Also, the effect of surface roughness on the critical manipulation force has been explored. Ultimately, an algorithm has been presented for determining the feasibility of the manipulation operation by considering the particle motion path and the cantilever geometry.
Estimating singularity dimension
Authors: POLLICOTT M. , VYTNOVA P.
Published: December 2014

In this paper we address an interesting question on the computation of the dimension of self-affine sets in Euclidean space. A well-known result of Falconer showed that under mild assumptions the Hausdorff dimension of typical self-affine sets is equal to its Singularity dimension. Heuter and Lalley subsequently presented a smaller open family of non-trivial examples for which there is an equality of these two dimensions. In this article we analyse the size of this family and present an efficient algorithm for estimating the dimension.
Genotypes and antibiotic resistance of bovineCampylobacterand their contribution to human campylobacteriosis
Authors: JONAS R. , KITTL S. , OVERESCH G. , KUHNERT P.
Published: December 2014

Campylobacter jejuniandCampylobacter coliare the most important bacterial causes of human gastroenteritis. Chicken has been recognized as a major source for human infection, whereas cattle might also contribute to a lesser extent. However, there is a paucity of information available regardingCampylobacterin Swiss cattle and their role for human campylobacteriosis. To gain more information on genotypes and antibiotic resistance of bovineC. jejuniandC. coliand on their contribution to human disease, 97 cattle isolates were analysed. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) andflaBtyping were applied and thegyrAand 23S rRNA genes were screened for point mutations responsible for quinolone and macrolide resistance, respectively. A total of 37 sequence types (STs) and 44flaBtypes were identified, including two sequence types and fiveflaBtypes not previously described. Most common sequence types were ST21 (21%), ST61 (12%) and ST48 (11%). Only one isolate was macrolide resistant while 31% (n= 30) were quinolone resistant. Source attribution indicated chicken as the main source of human infection with cattle being second. In conclusion, cattle should not be underestimated as a potential source of human campylobacteriosis.
Population and spatial breeding dynamics of a Critically Endangered Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis colony in Sindh Province, Pakistan
Authors: MURN CAMPBELL , SAEED UZMA , KHAN UZMA , IQBAL SHAHID
Published: December 2014

The Critically Endangered Oriental White-backed Vulture Gyps bengalensis has declined across most of its range by over 95% since the mid-1990s. The primary cause of the decline and an ongoing threat is the ingestion by vultures of livestock carcasses containing residues of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, principally diclofenac. Recent surveys in Pakistan during 2010 and 2011 revealed very few vultures or nests, particularly of White-backed Vultures. From 2011 in the Tharparkar District of Sindh Province we monitored a colony of Oriental White-backed Vultures. Between 2011 and 2014 the number of active nests in this colony increased from 11 to 34 while nest density decreased from 13.7 to 9.2 nests km-2, suggesting that the colony is expanding. We conclude that the rate of increase is being subsidised by immigration, as the population demographics do not support the observed rate of increase in nests. We present the first analysis of spatial breeding dynamics for the Oriental White-backed Vulture and describe how a clustered pattern of nest trees in colonies supports a highly clustered pattern of nests. The spatial pattern of nests relies on both the distribution of trees and the ability of trees to support more than one nest. These results highlight that the preservation of larger nest trees and the sustainable management of timber resources are essential components for the conservation management of this species. We emphasise the high importance of this colony and a nearby Long-billed Vulture Gyps indicus colony in this area of Pakistan. Recommended conservation management actions include the continuation of a Vulture Safe Zone established in 2012, measuring breeding success, assessing dispersal and determining the impact of mortality on these populations.
Early-life adversity and adolescent depression: mechanisms involving the ventral striatum
Authors: Goff Bonnie , Tottenham Nim
Published: December 2014

Early-life adversity is a well-established risk factor for the development of depression later in life. Here we discuss the relationship between early-life adversity and depression, focusing specifically on effects of early-life caregiver deprivation on alterations in the neural and behavioral substrates of reward-processing. We also examine vulnerability to depression within the context of sensitive periods of neural development and the timing of adverse exposure. We further review the development of the ventral striatum, a limbic structure implicated in reward processing, and its role in depressive outcomes following early-life adversity. Finally, we suggest a potential neurobiological mechanism linking early-life adversity and altered ventral striatal development. Together these findings may help provide further insight into the role of reward circuitry dysfunction in psychopathological outcomes in both clinical and developmental populations.
Decidability of the Clark's completion semantics for monadic programs and queries
Authors: HAYKAZYAN LEVON
Published: December 2014

There are many different semantics for general logic programs (i.e. programs that use negation in the bodies of clauses). Most of these semantics are Turing complete (in a sense that can be made precise), implying that they are undecidable. To obtain decidability one needs to put additional restrictions on programs and queries. In logic programming it is natural to put restrictions on the underlying first-order language. In this note, we show the decidability of the Clark's completion semantics for monadic general programs and queries.
‘A Re-Specification of the Welfare State’: Conceptual Issues in ‘The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism’
Authors: Powell Martin
Published: December 2014

In his path-breaking account of ‘The Three Worlds of Welfare Capitalism’, Gøsta Esping-Andersen (1990) aimed to provide a ‘re-specification of the welfare state’. This article examines the claim of Esping-Andersen that his account draws on the theoretical work of Polanyi, Marshall and Titmuss. It then explores the conceptual critique of Esping-Andersen which led to his 1999 revision, with its rather different theoretical underpinnings. It concludes that some of the theoretical underpinning of this work is unclear both in the work of Esping-Andersen and in subsequent accounts, resulting in a largely atheoretical debate. Concepts such as de-commodification do not appear to be clearly drawn from their stated ‘parent’ authors, and may not sum up the content or essence of welfare states. The ‘re-specification of the welfare state’ must be a larger part of the strategy of the welfare modelling business in the future.
Trust and prosocial behaviour in a process of state capacity building: the case of the Palestinian territories
Authors: ANDRIANI LUCA , SABATINI FABIO
Published: December 2014

This paper contributes to the literature by conducting the first empirical investigation into the determinants of prosocial behaviour in the Palestinian Territories, with a focus on the role of trust and institutions. Drawing on a unique dataset collected through the administration of a questionnaire to a representative sample of the population of the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, we have found that institutional trust is the strongest predictor of prosociality. This result suggests that, in collectivist societies with low levels of generalized trust, the lack of citizens’ confidence in the fairness and efficiency of public institutions may compromise social order. The strengthening of institutional trust may also reinforce prosocial behaviour in individualist societies, where a decline in generalized trust has been documented by empirical studies.
Incidental Encoding of the Serial Order of Visual-Spatial Events in Working Memory
Authors: Santana Jeanny Joana Rodrigues Alves de , Galera César
Published: December 2014

We investigated the incidental encoding in working memory of event serial order in tasks in which the relevant dimension was visual appearance, spatial location, or visual-spatial conjunction. The participants (n = 60) were asked whether two sequences were identical based on the relevant dimension, and to ignore changes in the irrelevant dimension, that is the order of events. Changes in serial order impaired the performance when sequences were identical; this effect was more pronounced in spatial sequences. It is suggested that the order was incidentally encoded with the relevant information to the task in an earlier stage in the information processing, which explains a different pattern of serial order effect according to the relevant dimension. Although encoded, the serial order may not have affected the visual storage in working memory because it might have been kept in a distinct subcomponent rather than the one that stores the visual characteristic. Moreover, the order may have affected spatial storage because the maintenance of this dimension might be related to a rehearsal mechanism based on serial order of sequence. This conclusion qualifies models that admit the architecture of working memory based on the specificity of encoding and functional interaction between subcomponents of storage.
Effectiveness of Teleassistance at Improving Quality of Life in People with Neuromuscular Diseases
Authors: Martínez Oscar , Jometón Amaia , Pérez Manuel , Lázaro Esther , Amayra Imanol , López-Paz Juan Francisco , Oliva Mireia , Parada Pamela , Berrocoso Sarah , Iglesias Andrea , Caballero Patricia , De Nicolás y Martínez Luis , Bárcena José Eulalio
Published: December 2014

Rare neuromuscular diseases (NDs) are a group of inherited or acquired neurological pathologies affecting the muscles and the nervous system. Their low prevalence and high geographical dispersion can cause isolation and difficulties in social interaction between affected equals. New technologies, such as videoconferencing, offer a complementary option for improving the health of this population. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of a teleassistance program at improving health-related quality of life (HRQoL) through social interaction in adults with NDs. The sample consisted of 45 participants affected by rare NDs. Twenty-four participants were assigned to the experimental group (EG), which participated in the videoconferencing sessions, and 21 to the control group. Three questionnaires were administered: WHO-DAS II, Sickness Impact Profile, and SF-36 Health Survey. Effectiveness was assessed by a pre-post design. An online psychosocial program was applied over three-month period. Data revealed an improvement of the EG in psychosocial variables, e.g. “Getting along with people” (z = –2.289, r = –.47, p ≤ .05) or “Psychosocial Domain” (z = –2.404, r = –.49, p ≤ .05), and in physical variables, e.g. “Life activities” (z = –2.844, r = –.58, p ≤ .05). Social interaction appeared as a relevant factor at improving HRQoL levels. High levels of satisfaction about the teleassistance program were reported.
Personal Eating, Lifestyle, and Family-Related Behaviors Correlate with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption in Adolescents Living in Sicily, Southern Italy
Authors: Grosso Giuseppe , Marventano Stefano , Nolfo Francesca , Rametta Stefania , Bandini Lorenzo , Ferranti Roberta , Bonomo Maria Concetta , Matalone Margherita , Galvano Fabio , Mistretta Antonio
Published: December 2014

Lifestyle habits and parental modeling have been reported to influence adolescents food choices, such as for fruit and vegetable consumption. The aim of this study was to investigate the association be-tween personal eating (i. e. breakfast and snacking behavior), lifestyle (sedentary and physical activity), and family-related (i. e. consuming meals with parents, family rules, and television use) habits and fruit and vegetable consumption among adolescents living in Sicily, southern Italy. A cross-sectional survey was conducted across 14 schools in urban and rural areas, including 1,135 adolescents (12 - 14 years old). Validated instruments were used to assess possible relationships between the study variables and daily fruit and vegetable consumption. Higher parental education, occupation, and rural environment were positively associated with adolescents daily consumption of fruits and vegetables. Both types of food consumption were negatively associated with an increased frequency of between-meal and out-of-home eating, and positively with having meals with parents and higher parental influence in adolescents food choices. Television viewing habits were not related with adolescents vegetable consumption, whereas having a television in their room and commercial advertisings were negatively associated with daily intake of fruits. Although socioeconomic and cultural status may influence fruit and vegetable consumption, personal eating and family-related behaviors may be targeted for implementing recommendations.
Multizentrische Katamnese zur stationären Behandlung von pathologischen Glücksspielern
Authors: Premper Volker , Schwickerath Josef , Missel Peter , Feindel Holger , Zemlin Uwe , Schwarz Susanne , Petry Jörg
Published: December 2014

Fragestellung: Es wurde anhand eines Entlassungsjahrganges stationär behandelter pathologischer Glücksspieler untersucht, wie hoch die katamnestische Erfolgsquote, definiert als Glücksspielfreiheit zum Nachbefragungszeitpunkt, ist. Weiter wurden die Anlässe für erneutes Glücksspielen und Veränderungen der Involvierheit in das Glücksspielen untersucht. Ferner wurde der Frage nachgegangen, wie sich die Lebenssituation der Betreffenden entwickelt hat, und ob sich spezifische Risikofaktoren für die Aufrechterhaltung von Glücksspielfreiheit bestimmen lassen. Methodik: Erhoben wurden soziodemographische Merkmale, Kennzeichen des Störungsverlaufes, die gedankliche und emotionale Involviertheit in das Glücksspielen, komorbide Störungen sowie Behandlungsmerkmale. Datenbasis: Untersucht wurden 617 Patienten, die zwischen dem 01. 10. 2009 und dem 30. 09. 2010 mit der Zuweisungsdiagnose Pathologisches Glücksspielen in fünf Fachkliniken für Psychosomatik und Abhängigkeitserkrankungen behandelt wurden. Die Messungen fanden statt bei Aufnahme (T1), bei Entlassung (T2) und 12 Monate nach der Behandlung (T3). Ergebnisse: Die Rücklaufquote lag bei 55,9 % (N = 345). Die katamnestische Erfolgsquote lag berechnet auf Basis der Gesamtstichprobe bei 39,7 % und berechnet auf Basis der Katamneseantworter bei 71,0 %. Die soziale und ökonomische Situation hat sich für einen erheblichen Teil der Befragten verbessert. Als Risikofaktoren für die Aufrechterhaltung von Glücksspielfreiheit erwiesen sich: Eine geringe Fähigkeit zum Umgang mit negativ getönten Affekten, eine hohe Anzahl von Spieltagen pro Monat, eine hohe kognitive und emotionale Involviertheit in das Glücksspielen, eine geringe Anzahl glücksspielfreier Tage vor Behandlungsbeginn, sowie das Vorliegen von Arbeitslosigkeit. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Rücklaufquote kann als gut bewertet werden. Die katamnestischen Erfolgsquoten sind vergleichbar denen aus der Behandlung alkoholabhängiger Patienten. Sie liegen über denjenigen, die von ambulanten Behandlungsprogrammen berichtet werden. In zukünftigen Katamnesestudien sollten die bisher identifizierbaren Risikofaktoren für die Aufrechterhaltung von Glücksspielfreiheit genauer untersucht werden. Weiter sollten Wege gefunden werden, die Rücklaufquoten noch zu verbessern.
Bacteria–bacteria interactions within the microbiota of the ancestral metazoan Hydra contribute to fungal resistance
Authors: Fraune Sebastian , Anton-Erxleben Friederike , Augustin René , Franzenburg Sören , Knop Mirjam , Schröder Katja , Willoweit-Ohl Doris , Bosch Thomas C G
Published: December 2014

Epithelial surfaces of most animals are colonized by diverse microbial communities. Although it is generally agreed that commensal bacteria can serve beneficial functions, the processes involved are poorly understood. Here we report that in the basal metazoan Hydra, ectodermal epithelial cells are covered with a multilayered glycocalyx that provides a habitat for a distinctive microbial community. Removing this epithelial microbiota results in lethal infection by the filamentous fungus Fusarium sp. Restoring the complex microbiota in gnotobiotic polyps prevents pathogen infection. Although mono-associations with distinct members of the microbiota fail to provide full protection, additive and synergistic interactions of commensal bacteria are contributing to full fungal resistance. Our results highlight the importance of resident microbiota diversity as a protective factor against pathogen infections. Besides revealing insights into the in vivo function of commensal microbes in Hydra, our findings indicate that interactions among commensal bacteria are essential to inhibit pathogen infection.
Correlates of virulence in a frog-killing fungal pathogen: evidence from a California amphibian decline
Authors: Piovia-Scott Jonah , Pope Karen , Joy Worth S , Rosenblum Erica Bree , Poorten Thomas , Refsnider Jeanine , Rollins-Smith Louise A , Reinert Laura K , Wells Heather L , Rejmanek Dan , Lawler Sharon , Foley Janet
Published: December 2014

The fungal pathogen Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (Bd) has caused declines and extinctions in amphibians worldwide, and there is increasing evidence that some strains of this pathogen are more virulent than others. While a number of putative virulence factors have been identified, few studies link these factors to specific epizootic events. We documented a dramatic decline in juvenile frogs in a Bd-infected population of Cascades frogs (Rana cascadae) in the mountains of northern California and used a laboratory experiment to show that Bd isolated in the midst of this decline induced higher mortality than Bd isolated from a more stable population of the same species of frog. This highly virulent Bd isolate was more toxic to immune cells and attained higher density in liquid culture than comparable isolates. Genomic analyses revealed that this isolate is nested within the global panzootic lineage and exhibited unusual genomic patterns, including increased copy numbers of many chromosomal segments. This study integrates data from multiple sources to suggest specific phenotypic and genomic characteristics of the pathogen that may be linked to disease-related declines.
Characterizing inner-shell with spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction
Authors: Mashiko Hiroki , Yamaguchi Tomohiko , Oguri Katsuya , Suda Akira , Gotoh Hideki
Published: December 2014

In many atomic, molecular and solid systems, Lorentzian and Fano profiles are commonly observed in a broad research fields throughout a variety of spectroscopies. As the profile structure is related to the phase of the time-dependent dipole moment, it plays an important role in the study of quantum properties. Here we determine the dipole phase in the inner-shell transition using spectral phase interferometry for direct electric-field reconstruction (SPIDER) with isolated attosecond pulses (IAPs). In addition, we propose a scheme for pulse generation and compression by manipulating the inner-shell transition. The electromagnetic radiation generated by the transition is temporally compressed to a few femtoseconds in the extreme ultraviolet (XUV) region. The proposed pulse-compression scheme may provide an alternative route to producing attosecond pulses of light.
Ultra-responsive soft matter from strain-stiffening hydrogels
Authors: Jaspers Maarten , Dennison Matthew , Mabesoone Mathijs F. J. , MacKintosh Frederick C. , Rowan Alan E. , Kouwer Paul H. J.
Published: December 2014

The stiffness of hydrogels is crucial for their application. Nature’s hydrogels become stiffer as they are strained. This stiffness is not constant but increases when the gel is strained. This stiffening is used, for instance, by cells that actively strain their environment to modulate their function. When optimized, such strain-stiffening materials become extremely sensitive and very responsive to stress. Strain stiffening, however, is unexplored in synthetic gels since the structural design parameters are unknown. Here we uncover how readily tuneable parameters such as concentration, temperature and polymer length impact the stiffening behaviour. Our work also reveals the marginal point, a well-described but never observed, critical point in the gelation process. Around this point, we observe a transition from a low-viscous liquid to an elastic gel upon applying minute stresses. Our experimental work in combination with network theory yields universal design principles for future strain-stiffening materials.
Carrier-dependent magnetic anisotropy of cobalt doped titanium dioxide
Authors: Shao Bin , Feng Min , Zuo Xu
Published: December 2014

Using first-principles calculations, we predict that the magnetic anisotropy energy of Co-doped TiO2 sensitively depends on carrier accumulation. This magnetoelectric phenomenon provides a potential route to a direct manipulation of the magnetization direction in diluted magnetic semiconductor by external electric-fields. We calculate the band structures and reveal the origin of the carrier-dependent magnetic anisotropy energy in k-space. It is shown that the carrier accumulation shifts the Fermi energy and consequently, regulates the competing contributions to the magnetic anisotropy energy. The calculations provide an insight to understanding this magnetoelectric phenomenon and a straightforward way to search prospective materials for electrically controllable spin direction of carriers.
Demonstration of a refractometric sensor based on an optical micro-fiber three-beam interferometer
Authors: Han Chunyang , Ding Hui , Lv Fangxing
Published: December 2014

With diameter close to the wavelength of the guided light and high index contrast between the fiber and the surrounding, an optical micro-fiber shows a variety of interesting waveguiding properties, including widely tailorable optical confinement, strong evanescent fields and waveguide dispersion. Among various micro-fiber applications, optical sensing has been attracting increasing research interest due to its possibilities of realizing miniaturized fiber optic sensors with small footprint, high sensitivity and low optical power consumption. Typical micro-fiber based sensing structures, including Michelson interferometer, Mach-Zenhder interferometer, Fabry-Perot interferometer, micro-fiber ring resonator, have been proposed. The sensitivity of these structures heavily related to the fraction of evanescent field outside micro-fiber. In this paper, we report the first theoretical and experimental study of a new type of refractometric sensor based on micro-fiber three-beam interferometer. Theoretical and experimental analysis reveals that the sensitivity is not only determined by the fraction of evanescent field outside the micro-fiber but also related to the values of interferometric arms. The sensitivity can be enhanced significantly when the effective lengths of the interferometric arms tends to be equal. We argue that this has great potential for increasing the sensitivity of refractive index detection.
SERS detection of expired tetracycline hydrochloride with an optical fiber nano-probe
Authors: Jin Di , Bai Yuxue , Chen Haige , Liu Shupeng , Chen Na , Huang Jing , Huang Sujuan , Chen Zhenyi
Published: December 2014

SERS spectra were used to distinguish tetracycline hydrochloride from the expired ones with an optical fiber nano-probe.
Mössbauer and computational investigation of a functional [NiFe] hydrogenase model complex
Authors: Kochem A. , Bill E. , Neese F. , van Gastel M.
Published: December 2014

Hydrogen splitting in a NiFe hydrogenase model has been investigated by Mössbauer spectroscopy to gain insight into the catalytic mechanism.
Label free detection of nucleic acids by modulating nanochannel surfaces
Authors: Crisalli Pete , McCallum Christopher , Pennathur Sumita
Published: December 2014

Modulating surface charges of nanofluidic channels allows for label-free all-electronic detection of both specific and non-specific nucleic acids.
Structural disordering of de-alloyed Pt bimetallic nanocatalysts: the effect on oxygen reduction reaction activity and stability
Authors: Spanos Ioannis , Dideriksen Knud , Kirkensgaard Jacob J. K. , Jelavic Stanislav , Arenz Matthias
Published: December 2014

We show how alloying and excessive de-alloying affect ORR activity and the structural integrity of PEMFC nanocatalysts.
The chain conformation and relaxation dynamics of poly(acrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide)-graft-dodecyl in water: effect of side-chains and distribution of counterions
Authors: Li Jingliang , Zhao Kongshuang
Published: December 2014

We present a study on the dielectric behavior of aqueous solution of an amphiphilic copolymer, poly(acrylic acid)-graft-poly(ethylene oxide)-graft-dodecyl (PAA-g-PEO-g-dodecyl), in the frequency range of 40 Hz to 110 MHz at varying concentrations and temperatures.
ReaxFF molecular dynamics simulations on lithiated sulfur cathode materials
Authors: Islam Md Mahbubul , Ostadhossein Alireza , Borodin Oleg , Yeates A. Todd , Tipton William W. , Hennig Richard G. , Kumar Nitin , van Duin Adri C. T.
Published: December 2014

Sulfur is a very promising cathode material for rechargeable energy storage devices.
Influence of non-covalent modification of multiwalled carbon nanotubes on the crystallization behaviour of binary blends of polypropylene and polyamide 6
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Nabaneeta , Panwar Ajay S. , Kumar Gulshan , Samajdar I. , Bhattacharyya Arup R.
Published: December 2014

‘Agglomerated’ and ‘individualized’ MWNTs providing varying extent of hetero-nucleation to the polymer chains.
Galvanic deposition of Rh and Ru on randomly structured Ti felts for the electrochemical NH3synthesis
Authors: Kugler Kurt , Luhn Mareike , Schramm Jean André , Rahimi Khosrow , Wessling Matthias
Published: December 2014

Rhodium and ruthenium are each electroplated with current efficiencies of above 90% on titanium support felts to be used as electrodes for the electrochemical ammonia synthesis in the liquid phase.
Solid-phase cyclopalladation in S,C,S′-pincer systems: rising alternative for synthesis in solution
Authors: Aleksanyan Diana V. , Klemenkova Zinaida S. , Vasil'ev Andrei A. , Gorenberg Arkadii Ya. , Nelyubina Yulia V. , Kozlov Vladimir A.
Published: December 2014

Cyclopalladation of pincer ligands can proceed efficiently in the solid state, serving as a powerful alternative for synthesis in solution.
Enhanced action of apigenin and naringenin combination on estrogen receptor activation in non-malignant colonocytes: implications on sorghum-derived phytoestrogens
Authors: Yang Liyi , Allred Kimberly F. , Dykes Linda , Allred Clinton D. , Awika Joseph M.
Published: December 2014

We report unusually strong enhanced effect of apigenin-naringenin combination and natural flavonoid mixtures on estrogenic response in non-malignant young adult mouse colonocytesin vitro.