bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downstream Dissipation of Storm Flow Heat Pulses: A Case Study and its Landscape‐Level Implications
Authors: Somers Kayleigh A. , Bernhardt Emily S. , McGlynn Brian L. , Urban Dean L.
Published: January 2016

Storms in urban areas route heat and other pollutants from impervious surfaces, via drainage networks, into streams with well‐described negative consequences on physical structure and biological integrity. We used heat pulses associated with urban storms as a tracer for pavement‐derived stormwater inputs, providing a conservative estimate of the frequency with which these pollutants are transported into and through protected stream reaches. Our study was conducted within a 1.5‐km reach in Durham, North Carolina, whose headwaters begin in suburban stormwater pipes before flowing through 1 km of protected, 100‐year‐old forest. We recorded heat‐pulse magnitudes and distances travelled downstream, analyzing how they varied with storm and antecedent flow conditions. We found heat pulses >1°C traveled more than 1 km downstream of urban inputs in 11 storms over one year. This best‐case management scenario of a reach within a protected forest shows that urban impacts can travel far downstream of inputs. Air temperature and flow intensity controlled heat‐pulse magnitude, while heat‐pulse size, mean flow, and total precipitation controlled dissipation distance. As temperatures and sudden storms intensify with climate change, heat‐pulse magnitude and dissipation distance will likely increase. Streams in urbanized landscapes, such as Durham municipality, where 98.9% of streams are within 1 downstream km of stormwater outfalls, will be increasingly impacted by urban stormwaters.
The Role of Decidual Macrophages During Normal and Pathological Pregnancy
Authors: Ning Fen , Liu Huishu , Lash Gendie E.
Published: January 2016

Macrophages perform many specific functions including host defense, homeostasis, angiogenesis, and tissue development. Macrophages are the second most abundant leukocyte population in the non‐pregnant endometrium and pregnant decidua and likely play a central role in the establishment and maintenance of normal pregnancy. Importantly, aberrantly activated uterine macrophages can affect trophoblast function and placental development, which may result in various adverse pregnancy outcomes ranging from pre‐eclampsia to fetal growth restriction or demise. Only by fully understanding the roles of macrophage in pregnancy will we be able to develop interventions for the treatment of these various pregnancy complications. This review discusses the general origin and classification of monocytes and macrophages and focuses on the phenotype and functional roles of decidual macrophage at the maternal–fetal interface in normal pregnancy, as well as discussing the potential contribution of the abnormal state of these cells to various aspects of pregnancy pathologies.
Significance of amyloid A immunoexpression in the prognosis of renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Oz Atalay Fatma , Aytac Vuruskan Berna , Vuruskan Hakan
Published: January 2016

The study investigated immunoexpression of amyloid A (AA) in clear cell renal cell carcinoma (CCRCC) and evaluated its clinicopathologic correlation, particularly in disease progression. Expression of AA protein was evaluated in patients with CCRCC by immunohistochemistry. 146 cancerous tissue samples from 86 male and 60 female patients were studied. The relationship between AA protein expression and TNM stage, nuclear grade, renal capsule invasion, perirenal invasion, and survival of the patients were assessed. Thirty four percent of CCRCC cases were AA positive. The positive AA immunoexpression was related to higher Fuhrman nuclear grade, presence of perirenal invasion of the tumor, and poor survival of patients with CCRCC. There was not any statistically significant difference between patients' gender, status of capsule invasion, and stages of the tumor in terms of AA immunoexpression. Tumor stage (Hazard ratio (HR) = 7.76 (95% CI: 2.43–24.8) for stage 3 and HR = 29.9 (95% CI: 6.97–128.32) for stage 4) and AA immunoexpression (HR = 2.16 (95% CI: 1.01–4.64) were found to be associated with survival of the patients with CCRCC in Cox regression analysis. Immunoexpression of AA was increased in high grade CCRCCs. Immunoexpression of AA was associated with poor survival in patients with CCRCC. Thus, AA staining might be used as a useful immunohistological marker for the prediction of poor prognosis in renal cell cancer.
Executive functions predict conceptual learning of science
Authors: Rhodes Sinéad M. , Booth Josephine N. , Palmer Lorna Elise , Blythe Richard A. , Delibegovic Mirela , Wheate Nial J.
Published: January 2016

We examined the relationship between executive functions and both factual and conceptual learning of science, specifically chemistry, in early adolescence. Sixty‐three pupils in their second year of secondary school (aged 12–13 years) participated. Pupils completed tasks of working memory (Spatial Working Memory), inhibition (Stop‐Signal), attention set‐shifting (ID/ED), and planning (Stockings of Cambridge), from theCANTAB. They also participated in a chemistry teaching session, practical, and assessment on the topic of acids and alkalis designed specifically for this study. Executive function data were related to (1) the chemistry assessment which included aspects of factual and conceptual learning and (2) a recent school science exam. Correlational analyses between executive functions and both the chemistry assessment and science grades revealed that science achievements were significantly correlated with working memory. Linear regression analysis revealed that visuospatial working memory ability was predictive of chemistry performance. Interestingly, this relationship was observed solely in relation to the conceptual learning condition of the assessment highlighting the role of executive functions in understanding and applying knowledge about what is learned within science teaching.
Anti‐oxidative effect of AST‐120 on kidney injury after myocardial infarction
Authors: Fujii Hideki , Yonekura Yuriko , Yamashita Yusuke , Kono Keiji , Nakai Kentaro , Goto Shunsuke , Sugano Mikio , Goto Sumie , Fujieda Ayako , Ito Yoshiharu , Nishi Shinichi
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a crucial risk factor for cardiovascular disease (CVD), and combined CKD and CVD further increases morbidity and mortality. Here, we investigated effects of AST‐120 on oxidative stress and kidney injury using a model of myocardial infarction (MI) in rats.

Experimental Approach

At 10 weeks, male spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) were divided into three groups: SHR (n = 6), MI (n = 8) and MI + AST‐120 (n = 8). AST‐120 administration was started at 11 weeks after MI. At 18 weeks, the rats were killed, and blood and urine, mRNA expression and renal histological analyses were performed. Echocardiography was performed before and after MI.

Key Results

At 18 weeks, the BP was significantly lower in the MI and MI+AST‐120 groups than in the SHR group. Elevated levels of indoxyl sulfate (IS), one of the uremic toxins, in serum and urine were reduced by AST‐120 treatment, compared with the MI group. Markers of oxidative stress in urine and serum biomarkers of kidney injury were decreased in the MI+AST‐120 group compared with the other two groups. Renal expression of mRNAs for kidney injury related‐markers were decreased in the MI+AST‐120 group, compared with the MI group. In vitro data also supported the influence of IS on kidney injury. Immunohistological analysis showed that intrarenal oxidative stress was reduced by AST‐120 administration.

Conclusions and Implications

Serum IS was increased after MI and treatment with AST‐120 may have protective effects on kidney injury after MI by suppressing oxidative stress.
α1B‐Adrenoceptor signalling regulates bone formation through the up‐regulation of CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein δ expression in osteoblasts
Authors: Tanaka Kenjiro , Hirai Takao , Kodama Daisuke , Kondo Hisataka , Hamamura Kazunori , Togari Akifumi
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose

The sympathetic nervous system regulates bone remodelling, in part, through ß2‐adrenoceptor signalling. However, the physiological role of α1‐adrenoceptor signalling in bone in vivo remains unclear. Therefore, to obtain a deeper understanding of bone remodelling by the sympathetic nervous system, we investigated the role of α1B‐adrenoceptor signalling in bone metabolism.

Experimental Approach

Prazosin, a nonspecific α1‐adrenoceptor antagonist, was administered for 2 weeks in C57BL6 mice, and efficacy was evaluated by bone microarchitecture using microcomputed tomography and determination of bone formation by fluorescent labelling of bone. We also compared the bone phenotype of α1B‐adrenoceptor null mice (α1B−/−) with that of wild‐type littermates.

Key Results

We demonstrated that the systemic administration of prazosin decreased bone formation. In addition, α1B‐adrenoceptor‐deficient mice had a lower bone mass due to decreased bone formation but did not exhibit any changes in bone‐resorbing activity. Furthermore, stimulation with phenylephrine, a non‐specific α1‐adrenoceptor agonist, increased the expression of the transcriptional factor CCAAT/enhancer‐binding protein δ (Cebpd) in MC3T3‐E1 osteoblastic cells. The overexpression of Cebpd induced cellular proliferation in MC3T3‐E1 cells, whereas the silencing of Cebpd suppressed it.

Conclusions and Implications

Taken together, these results suggested that α1B‐adrenoceptor signalling is required for bone formation and regulated cellular proliferation through a mechanism relevant to the up‐regulation of Cebpd in osteoblasts and, thus, provide new evidence for the physiological importance of α1B‐adrenoceptor signalling in bone homeostasis.
Madecassoside ameliorates bleomycin‐induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice through promoting the generation of hepatocyte growth factor via PPAR‐γ in colon
Authors: Xia Ying , Xia Yu‐Feng , Lv Qi , Yue Meng‐Fan , Qiao Si‐Miao , Yang Yan , Wei Zhi‐Feng , Dai Yue
Published: January 2016

Background and Purpose

Madecassoside has potent anti‐pulmonary fibrosis (PF) effects when administered p.o., despite having extremely low oral bioavailability. Herein, we explored the mechanism of this anti‐PF effect with regard to gut hormones.

Experimental Approach

A PF model was established in mice by intratracheal instillation of bleomycin. Haematoxylin and eosin stain and Masson's trichrome stain were used to assess histological changes in the lung. Quantitative‐PCR and Western blot detected mRNA and protein levels, respectively, and cytokines were measured by ELISA. Small interfering RNA was used for gene‐silencing. EMSA was applied to detect DNA‐binding activity.

Key Results

Administration of madecassoside, p.o., but not its main metabolite madecassic acid, exhibited a direct anti‐PF effect in mice. However, i.p. madecassoside had no anti‐PF effect. Madecassoside increased the expression of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in colon tissues, and HGF receptor antagonists attenuated its anti‐PF effect. Madecassoside facilitated the secretion of HGF from colonic epithelial cells by activating the PPAR‐γ pathway, as shown by an up‐regulation of PPAR‐γ mRNA expression, nuclear translocation and DNA‐binding activity both in vitro and in vivo. Also GW9662, a selective PPAR‐γ antagonist, almost completely prevented the madecassoside‐induced increased expression of HGF and amelioration of PF.

Conclusions and Implications

The potent anti‐PF effects induced by p.o. madecassoside in mice are not mediated by its metabolites or itself after absorption into blood. Instead, madecassoside increases the activity of PPAR‐γ, which subsequently increases HGF expression in colonic epithelial cells. HGF then enters into the circulation and lung tissue to exert an anti‐PF effect.
Tectono‐sedimentary evolution of the northern Iranian Plateau: insights from middle–late Miocene foreland‐basin deposits
Authors: Ballato Paolo , Cifelli Francesca , Heidarzadeh Ghasem , Ghassemi Mohammad R. , Wickert Andrew D. , Hassanzadeh Jamshid , Dupont‐Nivet Guillaume , Balling Philipp , Sudo Masafumi , Zeilinger Gerold , Schmitt Axel K. , Mattei Massimo , Strecker Manfred R.
Published: January 2016

Sedimentary basins in the interior of orogenic plateaus can provide unique insights into the early history of plateau evolution and related geodynamic processes. The northern sectors of the Iranian Plateau of the Arabia–Eurasia collision zone offer the unique possibility to study middle–late Miocene terrestrial clastic and volcaniclastic sediments that allow assessing the nascent stages of collisional plateau formation. In particular, these sedimentary archives allow investigating several debated and poorly understood issues associated with the long‐term evolution of the Iranian Plateau, including the regional spatio‐temporal characteristics of sedimentation and deformation and the mechanisms of plateau growth. We document that middle–late Miocene crustal shortening and thickening processes led to the growth of a basement‐cored range (Takab Range Complex) in the interior of the plateau. This triggered the development of a foreland‐basin (Great Pari Basin) to the east between 16.5 and 10.7 Ma. By 10.7 Ma, a fast progradation of conglomerates over the foreland strata occurred, most likely during a decrease in flexural subsidence triggered by rock uplift along an intraforeland basement‐cored range (Mahneshan Range Complex). This was in turn followed by the final incorporation of the foreland deposits into the orogenic system and ensuing compartmentalization of the formerly contiguous foreland into several intermontane basins. Overall, our data suggest that shortening and thickening processes led to the outward and vertical growth of the northern sectors of the Iranian Plateau starting from the middle Miocene. This implies that mantle‐flow processes may have had a limited contribution toward building the Iranian Plateau in NW Iran.
Dysregulation of protein methyltransferases in human cancer: An emerging target class for anticancer therapy
Authors: Hamamoto Ryuji , Nakamura Yusuke
Published: January 2016

Protein methylation is one of the important post‐translational modifications. Although its biological and physiological functions were unknown for a long time, we and others have characterized a number of protein methyltransferases, which have unveiled the critical functions of protein methylation in various cellular processes, in particular, in epigenetic regulation. In addition, it had been believed that protein methylation is an irreversible phenomenon, but through identification of a variety of protein demethylases, protein methylation is now considered to be dynamically regulated similar to protein phosphorylation. A large amount of evidence indicated that protein methylation has a pivotal role in post‐translational modification of histone proteins as well as non‐histone proteins and is involved in various processes of cancer development and progression. As dysregulation of this modification has been observed frequently in various types of cancer, small‐molecule inhibitors targeting protein methyltransferases and demethylases have been actively developed as anticancer drugs; clinical trials for some of these drugs have already begun. In this review, we discuss the biological and physiological importance of protein methylation in human cancer, especially focusing on the significance of protein methyltransferases as emerging targets for anticancer therapy.
De novo loss‐of‐function mutations in X‐linked SMC1A cause severe ID and therapy‐resistant epilepsy in females: expanding the phenotypic spectrum
Authors: Jansen S. , Kleefstra T. , Willemsen M.H. , de Vries P. , Pfundt R. , Hehir‐Kwa J.Y. , Gilissen C. , Veltman J.A. , de Vries B.B.A. , Vissers L.E.L.M.
Published: January 2016

De novo missense mutations and in‐frame coding deletions in the X‐linked gene SMC1A (structural maintenance of chromosomes 1A), encoding part of the cohesin complex, are known to cause Cornelia de Lange syndrome in both males and females. For a long time, loss‐of‐function (LoF) mutations in SMC1A were considered incompatible with life, as such mutations had not been reported in neither male nor female patients. However, recently, the authors and others reported LoF mutations in females with intellectual disability (ID) and epilepsy.

Here we present the detailed phenotype of two females with de novo LoF mutations in SMC1A, including a de novo mutation of single base deletion [c.2364del, p.(Asn788Lysfs*10)], predicted to result in a frameshift, and a de novo deletion of exon 16, resulting in an out‐of‐frame mRNA splice product [p.(Leu808Argfs*6)]. By combining our patients with the other recently reported females carrying SMC1A LoF mutations, we ascertained a phenotypic spectrum of (severe) ID, therapy‐resistant epilepsy, absence/delay of speech, hypotonia and small hands and feet. Our data show the existence of a novel phenotypic entity – distinct from CdLS – and caused by de novo SMC1A LoF mutations.
Aneuploidy: the impact of chromosome imbalance on nuclear organization and overall genome expression
Authors: Hervé B. , Coussement A. , Gilbert T. , Dumont F. , Jacques S. , Cuisset L. , Chicard M. , Hizem S. , Bourdoncle P. , Letourneur F. , Dupont C. , Vialard F. , Choiset A. , Dupont J.‐M.
Published: January 2016

The organization and dynamics of chromatin within the interphase nucleus as chromosome territories (CTs) and the relationship with transcriptional regulation are not fully understood. We studied a natural example of chromosomal disorganization: aneuploidy due to trisomies 13, 18 and 21. We hypothesized that the presence of an extra copy of one chromosome alters the CT distribution, which perturbs transcriptional activity. We used 3D‐FISH to study the position of the chromosomes of interest (18 and 21) in cultured amniocytes and chorionic villus cells from pregnancies with a normal or aneuploid karyotype. We studied the volumes of nuclei and CTs in both conditions and performed a compared transcriptome analysis. We did not observe any differences between euploid and aneuploid cells in terms of the radial and relative CT positions, suggesting that the same rules govern nuclear organization in cases of trisomy. We observed lower volumes for CTs 18 and 21. Overall genome expression profiles highlighted changes in the expression of a subset of genes in trisomic chromosomes, while the majority of transcriptional changes concerned genes located on euploid chromosomes. Our results suggest that a dosage imbalance of the genes on trisomic chromosomes is associated with a disturbance of overall genomic expression.
‘Who is in Your Family?’ Italian Children with Non‐heterosexual Parents Talk about Growing Up in a Non‐conventional Household
Authors: Bosisio Roberta , Ronfani Paola
Published: January 2016

The paper presents findings from explorative research conducted in Italy with seven 9‐ to 12‐year‐old children with non‐heterosexual parents. The aim was to find out how children describe their family structure, how they talk about their family with peers, and how they experience peers' attitudes towards non‐heterosexual families. Findings show that children have a flexible and inclusive representation of family and they disclose selectively with their peers who don't always consider homosexuality normal and homoparental families ‘real families’. The paper concludes by suggesting that institutional recognition for same‐sex parenting would support children in the everyday work of negotiating diversity.
Impact of GGCX, STX1B and FPGS Polymorphisms on Warfarin Dose Requirements in European‐Americans and Egyptians
Authors: Hamadeh IS , Shahin MH , Lima SM , Oliveira F , Wilson L , Khalifa SI , Langaee TY , Cooper‐DeHoff RM , Cavallari LH , Johnson JA
Published: January 2016

Genotype‐based algorithms that include VKORC1 and CYP2C9 genotypes are less predictive of warfarin dose variability in Africans as opposed to Europeans. Polymorphisms in GGCX, FPGS, or STX1B are associated with warfarin dose requirements in African‐Americans. We sought to determine if they influenced warfarin dose in European‐Americans, and another African population, specifically Egyptians. We genotyped 529 adults (n = 325 European‐Americans, 204 Egyptians) on a stable warfarin dose for GGCX rs12714145 and rs10654848, FPGS rs7856096, and STX1B rs4889606. Rs12714145, rs10654848, and rs7856096 were not associated with warfarin dose, whereas STX1B rs4889606 was a significant determinant in univariate analysis (P < 0.0001) in both cohorts. However, STX1B rs4889606 was in high linkage disequilibrium with VKORC1‐1639 G>A, and was no longer significant after including VKORC1‐1639 G>A in the regression model. Based on these data, the polymorphisms do not appear to influence, in a clinically important way, warfarin dose requirements in European‐Americans and Egyptians.
Endoplasmic reticulum stress‐mediated upregulation of miR‐29a enhances sensitivity to neuronal apoptosis
Authors: Nolan Katie , Walter Franziska , Tuffy Liam P. , Poeschel Simone , Gallagher Ross , Haunsberger Stefan , Bray Isabella , Stallings Raymond L. , Concannon Caoimhín G. , Prehn Jochen H. M.
Published: January 2016

Disturbance of homeostasis within the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen leads to the accumulation of unfolded and misfolded proteins. This results in the activation of an evolutionary conserved stress response termed ER stress that, if unresolved, induces apoptosis. Previously the Bcl‐2 homology domain 3‐Only Protein Puma was identified as a mediator of ER stress‐induced apoptosis in neurons. In the search of alternative contributors to ER stress‐induced apoptosis, a downregulation of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein Mcl‐1 was noted during ER stress in both mouse cortical neurons and human SH‐SY5Y neuroblastoma cells. Downregulation of Mcl‐1 was associated with an upregulation of microRNA‐29a (miR‐29a) expression, and subsequent experiments showed that miR‐29a targeted the 3′‐untranslated region of the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 family protein, Mcl‐1. Inhibition of miR‐29a expression using sequence‐specific antagomirs or the overexpression of Mcl‐1 decreased cell death following tunicamycin treatment, while gene silencing of Mcl‐1 increased cell death. miR‐29a did not alter the signalling branches of the ER stress response, rather its expression was controlled by the ER stress‐induced transcription factor activating‐transcription‐factor‐4 (ATF4). The current data demonstrate that the ATF4‐mediated upregulation of miR‐29a enhances the sensitivity of neurons to ER stress‐induced apoptosis.
Activation of medullary dorsal horn γ isoform of protein kinase C interneurons is essential to the development of both static and dynamic facial mechanical allodynia
Authors: Pham‐Dang Nathalie , Descheemaeker Amélie , Dallel Radhouane , Artola Alain
Published: January 2016

The γ isoform of protein kinase C (PKCγ), which is concentrated in a specific class of interneurons within inner lamina II (IIi) of the spinal dorsal horn and medullary dorsal horn (MDH), is known to be involved in the development of mechanical allodynia, a widespread and intractable symptom of inflammatory or neuropathic pain. However, although genetic and pharmacological impairment of PKCγ were shown to prevent mechanical allodynia in animal models of pain, after nerve injury or reduced inhibition, the functional consequences of PKCγ activation alone on mechanical sensitivity are still unknown. Using behavioural and anatomical approaches in the rat MDH, we tested whether PKCγ activation in naive animals is sufficient for the establishment of mechanical allodynia. Intracisternal injection of the phorbol ester, 12,13‐dibutyrate concomitantly induced static as well as dynamic facial mechanical allodynia. Monitoring neuronal activity within the MDH with phospho‐extracellular signal‐regulated kinases 1 and 2 immunoreactivity revealed that activation of both lamina I–outer lamina II and IIi–outer lamina III neurons, including lamina IIi PKCγ‐expressing interneurons, was associated with the manifestation of mechanical allodynia. Phorbol ester, 12,13‐dibutyrate‐induced mechanical allodynia and associated neuronal activations were all prevented by inhibiting selectively segmental PKCγ with KIG31‐1. Our findings suggest that PKCγ activation, without any other experimental manipulation, is sufficient for the development of static and dynamic mechanical allodynia. Lamina IIi PKCγ interneurons have been shown to be directly activated by low‐threshold mechanical inputs carried by myelinated afferents. Thus, the level of PKCγ activation within PKCγ interneurons might gate the transmission of innocuous mechanical inputs to lamina I, nociceptive output neurons, thus turning touch into pain.
The persistence of long‐term potentiation in the projection from ventral hippocampus to medial prefrontal cortex in awake rats
Authors: Taylor Chanel J. , Ohline Shane M. , Moss Timothy , Ulrich Katharina , Abraham Wickliffe C.
Published: January 2016

A potentially vital pathway in the processing of spatial memory is the pathway from ventral hippocampus to medial prefrontal cortex (vHPC–mPFC). To assess long‐term potentiation (LTP) induction and maintenance across days in this pathway, the effects of several induction paradigms were compared in awake, freely moving rats. Two different high‐frequency stimulation (HFS) protocols generated LTP lasting no longer than 1 week. However, after delivering HFS on three consecutive days, LTP lasted an average of 20 days, due mainly to the greater initial induction. Thus the pathway does not require extensive multi‐day stimulation to induce LTP, as for other intra‐neocortical pathways, but also it does not exhibit the extremely long‐lasting and stable LTP previously observed in area CA1 and the dentate gyrus. By using bilaterally placed stimulating and recording electrodes, we found that HFS in one vHPC generated responses and LTP in the contralateral mPFC, even when the ipsilateral mPFC was inactivated by CNQX. We attribute this crossed response to a polysynaptic pathway from the vHPC to the contralateral mPFC. Finally, we found that repeated overnight exposure to an enriched environment also potentiated the vHPC–mPFC response, but this too was a transient effect lasting < 9 days, declining to baseline even before the enriched environment treatment was completed. Overall, these findings are consistent with the view that potentiation of vHPC–mPFC pathway may play a key role in promoting the hippocampus–mPFC interplay that, over days, leads to long‐term storage in the frontal cortex of memories that are independent of the hippocampus.
Measurement equivalence of the newly developed Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐55)
Authors: Ferro Mark A. , Goodwin Shane W. , Sabaz Mark , Speechley Kathy N.
Published: January 2016

Objective

The aim of this study was to examine measurement equivalence of the newly developed Quality of Life in Childhood Epilepsy Questionnaire (QOLCE‐55) across age, sex, and time in a representative sample of children with newly diagnosed epilepsy.

Methods

Data come from 373 children enrolled in the Health‐related Quality of Life in Children with Epilepsy Study (HERQULES), a multisite prospective cohort study. Measurement equivalence was examined using a multiple‐group confirmatory factor analysis framework, whereby increasingly stringent parameter constraints are imposed on the model. Comparison groups were stratified based on age (4–7 years vs. 8–12 years), sex (male vs. female), and time (measurement of health‐related quality of life at diagnosis vs. 24 months later).

Results

The QOLCE‐55 demonstrated measurement equivalence at the level of strict invariance for each model tested—age: χ2 (3,123) = 4,097.3, p < 0.001; Comparative Fit Index (CFI) = 0.968; Root Mean Square Error of Approximation (RMSEA) = 0.042 (0.038, 0.045); sex: χ2 (3,124) = 4,188.3, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.964; RMSEA = 0.044 (0.040, 0.047); and time: χ2 (3,121) = 5,185.0, p < 0.001; CFI = 0.965; RMSEA = 0.046 (0.043, 0.048).

Significance

These findings suggest that items comprising the QOLCE‐55 are perceived similarly among groups stratified by age, sex, and time and provide further evidence supporting the validity of the scale in children with epilepsy. Health professionals and researchers should be confident that group comparisons made using the QOLCE‐55 are unbiased and that any group differences detected are meaningful; that is, not related to differences in the interpretation of items by informants. Future research replicating these findings is encouraged.
Trends toward an earlier peak of the growing season in Northern Hemisphere mid‐latitudes
Authors: Xu Chongyang , Liu Hongyan , Williams A. Park , Yin Yi , Wu Xiuchen
Published: January 2016

Changes in peak photosynthesis timing (PPT) could substantially change the seasonality of the terrestrial carbon cycle. Spring PPT in dry regions has been documented for some individual plant species on a stand scale, but both the spatio‐temporal pattern of shifting PPT on a continental scale and its determinants remain unclear. Here, we use satellite measurements of vegetation greenness to find that the majority of Northern Hemisphere, mid‐latitude vegetated area experienced a trend toward earlier PPT during 1982–2012, with significant trends of an average of 0.61 day yr−1 across 19.4% of areas. These shifts correspond to increased annual accumulation of growing degree days (GDD) due to warming and are most highly concentrated in the eastern United States and Europe. Earlier mean PPT is generally a trait common among areas with summer temperatures higher than 27.6 ± 2.9 °C, summer precipitation lower than 84.2 ± 41.5 mm, and fraction of cold season precipitation greater than 89.2 ± 1.5%. The trends toward earlier PPT discovered here have co‐occurred with overall increases in vegetation greenness throughout the growing season, suggesting that summer drought is not a dominant driver of these trends. These results imply that continued warming may facilitate continued shifts toward earlier PPT and cause these trends to become more pervasive, with important implications for terrestrial carbon, water, nutrient, and energy budgets.
Impacts of willow and miscanthus bioenergy buffers on biogeochemical N removal processes along the soil–groundwater continuum
Authors: Ferrarini Andrea , Fornasier Flavio , Serra Paolo , Ferrari Federico , Trevisan Marco , Amaducci Stefano
Published: January 2016

In this article, the belowground and aboveground biomass production in bioenergy buffers and biogeochemical N removal processes along the soil–groundwater continuum was assessed. In a sandy loam soil with shallow groundwater, bioenergy buffers of miscanthus and willow (5 and 10 m wide) were planted along a ditch of an agricultural field (AF) located in the Po valley (Italy). Mineral N forms and dissolved organic C (DOC) were monitored monthly over an 18‐month period in groundwater before and after the bioenergy buffers. Soil samples were measured for inorganic N, DOC, microbial biomass C (MBC) and N (MBN), and potential nitrate reductase activity (NRA). The results indicated that bioenergy buffers are able to efficiently remove from groundwater the incoming NO3‐N (62% – 5 m and 80% – 10 m). NO3‐N removal rate was higher when nitrate input from AF increased due to N fertilization. Willow performed better than miscanthus in terms of biomass production (17 Mg DM ha−1 yr−1), fine root biomass (5.3 Mg ha−1) and N removal via harvesting (73 kg N ha−1). The negative nonlinear relationship found between NO3‐N and DOC along the soil–groundwater continuum from AF to bioenergy buffers indicates that DOC:NO3‐N ratio is an important controlling factor for promoting denitrification in bioenergy buffers. Bioenergy buffers promoted soil microbial functioning as they stimulated plant–microbial linkages by increasing the easily available C sources for microorganisms (as DOC). First, willow and miscanthus promoted high rates of biological removal of nitrate (NRA) along the soil profile. Second, rhizosphere processes activated the soil microbial community leading to significant increases in MBC and microbial N immobilization. Herbaceous and woody bioenergy crops have been confirmed as providing good environmental performances when cultivated as bioenergy buffers by mitigating the disservices of agricultural activities such as groundwater N pollution.
Nexus between preventive policy inadequacies, workplace bullying, and mental health: Qualitative findings from the experiences of Australian public sector employees
Authors: Hurley John , Hutchinson Marie , Bradbury Joanne , Browne Graeme
Published: January 2016

Public sector organizations have been shown to have high levels of workplace bullying, despite widespread adoption of zero‐tolerance policy. Given the level of harm that stems from bullying, it has been suggested that it might be one of the most serious problems facing modern organizations. The qualitative findings from a large cross sectional study of public servants in Australia are reported in the present study. The results highlight palpable mental distress and illness stemming from exposure to workplace bullying. This distress was exacerbated by failures in prohibitive workplace procedures. Reporting bullying through formal organization processes did not lead to resolution of the problem; it instead highlighted feelings of powerlessness and mistrust. In light of the findings, we suggest that an alternative discourse is required, one that gives attention to enhancing employee resilience and self‐healing behaviours to the emotional trauma of workplaces. Organizations might be better placed investing resources in fostering the resilience and emotional intelligence of their workforce, rather than continuing to invest resources in prohibitive policies that fail to address the problem. Employees should be supported to prioritize responsibility for their own mental health, rather than an overreliance on organizational responses.
Sintering of Ce, Sm, and Pr Oxide Nanorods
Authors: Castkova Klara , Matousek Ales , Bartonickova Eva , Cihlar Jaroslav , Vanysek Petr , Cihlar Jaroslav
Published: January 2016

Synthesis of CeO2, Pr2O3, and Sm2O3 nanorods and their sintering have been investigated. In a strongly alkaline medium, nanorods of CeO2, Pr2O3, and Sm2O3 were prepared from trivalent salts of rare earths (Ce, Pr, Sm) via precipitation synthesis. Nanorods were formed by nanocrystallites of fibrous structure, which were produced by the mechanism of self‐arrangement of hexagonal particles of Re(III) hydroxides. The subsequent transformation of hydroxide into oxide proceeded via self‐preservation of the rod‐like structure. In CeO2, the fibrous structure was noncohesive during thermal treatment at temperature of 500°C and higher. Regardless of the shape of the CeO2 particles (spherical versus rod‐like), sintered ceramic was formed by equiaxial grains. The cohesion of the fibrous structure of Pr and Sm oxides was higher than in CeO2. The rod‐like shape of the particles of Pr and Sm oxides was (partially) preserved during sintering.
In Situ Processing of Graphene/Leucite Nanocomposite Through Graphene Oxide/Geopolymer
Authors: Yan Shu , He Peigang , Jia Dechang , Duan Xiaoming , Yang Zhihua , Wang Shengjin , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2016

Graphene/leucite nanocomposites (rGO/leucite) were prepared through in situ reduction of graphene oxide/geopolymer (rGO/KGP) composites. The effects of rGO on the microstructure and mechanical properties with respect to the geopolymer matrix after the high‐temperature treatment were investigated systematically. The results show that GO is first partially reduced in the geopolymeric solution and then completely under the post high‐temperature treatment. The rGO sheets undergo no interfacial reactions with the matrix even after thermal treatment. The rGO/geopolymer composites fully transform to rGO/leucite composites after being treated at 1000°C for 30 min in an argon atmosphere. Significant improvements in mechanical properties were achieved through rGO reinforcement giving flexural strength, elastic modulus, and fracture toughness of 91.1 MPa, 60.5 GPa, and 2.04 MPa·m1/2, increased by 120%, 8%, and 1.5%, respectively, compared with the leucite matrix alone.
Fabrication of Three‐Dimensional Wavy Single‐Chamber Solid Oxide Fuel Cell by In Situ Observation of Curvature Evolution
Authors: Choi Indae , Ranaweera Manoj , Kim Jung‐Sik
Published: January 2016

This study presents a fabrication process via experimental observations for curved porous multilayer structures with a single‐step, co‐sintering operation. Active monitoring of the shrinkage behavior of each porous layer during the co‐sintering process leads to minimize mismatched stresses along with avoidance of severe warping and cracking. During co‐sintering, in‐plane stresses are developed in each layer due to differing shrinkage behaviors between layers. Analysis of curvature evolution using in situ monitoring of the structure was performed in the design of a curved multilayer structure via the co‐sintering process. Materials used are NiO/CGO for anode; CGO for electrolyte; and LSCF for cathode. These materials are tape casted with 20 μm thickness and stacked to form bi‐ and triple‐layer structures by hot‐pressing. Bilayers, consisting of NiO/CGO‐CGO and CGO‐LSCF, were co‐sintered up to 1200°C. The maximum sintering mismatched stress was calculated at the interface of bilayer structure. In situ observation, to monitor the shrinkage of each material and the curvature evolution of the bi‐ and triple‐layer structures, was performed using a long focus microscope (Infinity K‐2). Thereby, viscosity, shrinkage rate of each material, and curvature rate were calculated to determine the mismatched stresses. The monitored results contributed to development of novel design of curved 3D multilayer structures during co‐sintering.
Phylogeography, population structure and evolution of coral‐eating butterflyfishes (Family Chaetodontidae, genus Chaetodon, subgenus Corallochaetodon)
Authors: Waldrop Ellen , Hobbs Jean‐Paul A. , Randall John E. , DiBattista Joseph D. , Rocha Luiz A. , Kosaki Randall K. , Berumen Michael L. , Bowen Brian W.
Published: January 2016

Aim

This study compares the phylogeography, population structure and evolution of four butterflyfish species in the Chaetodon subgenus Corallochaetodon, with two widespread species (Indian Ocean – C. trifasciatus and Pacific Ocean – C. lunulatus), and two species that are largely restricted to the Red Sea (C. austriacus) and north‐western (NW) Indian Ocean (C. melapterus). Through extensive geographical coverage of these taxa, we seek to resolve patterns of genetic diversity within and between closely related butterflyfish species in order to illuminate biogeographical and evolutionary processes.

Location

Red Sea, Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.

Methods

A total of 632 individuals from 24 locations throughout the geographical ranges of all four members of the subgenus Corallochaetodon were sequenced using a 605 bp fragment (cytochrome b) of mtDNA. In addition, 10 microsatellite loci were used to assess population structure in the two widespread species.

Results

Phylogenetic reconstruction indicates that the Pacific Ocean C. lunulatus diverged from the Indian Ocean C. trifasciatus approximately 3 Ma, while C. melapterus and C. austriacus comprise a cluster of shared haplotypes derived from C. trifasciatus within the last 0.75 Myr. The Pacific C. lunulatus had significant population structure at peripheral locations on the eastern edge of its range (French Polynesia, Johnston Atoll, Hawai'i), and a strong break between two ecoregions of the Hawaiian Archipelago. The Indian Ocean C. trifasciatus showed significant structure only at the Chagos Archipelago in the central Indian Ocean, and the two range‐restricted species showed no population structure but evidence of recent population expansion.

Main conclusions

Patterns of endemism and genetic diversity in Corallochaetodon butterflyfishes have been shaped by (1) Plio‐Pleistocene sea level changes that facilitated evolutionary divergences at biogeographical barriers between Indian and Pacific Oceans, and the Indian Ocean and Red Sea, and (2) semi‐permeable oceanographic and ecological barriers working on a shorter time‐scale. The evolution of range‐restricted species (Red Sea and NW Indian Ocean) and isolated populations (Hawai'i) at peripheral biogeographical provinces indicates that these areas are evolutionary incubators for reef fishes.
Testing dispersal limits in the sea: range‐wide phylogeography of the pronghorn spiny lobster Panulirus penicillatus
Authors: Iacchei Matthew , Gaither Michelle R. , Bowen Brian W. , Toonen Robert J.
Published: January 2016

Aim

To resolve phylogeographical partitions in the pronghorn spiny lobster, Panulirus penicillatus, which has a nine‐month pelagic larval phase and the broadest distribution among spiny lobsters. With samples from the Red Sea to the East Pacific, we test genetic partitions across two‐thirds of the planet, in a species with one of the longest pelagic phases.

Location

Red Sea, Indian and Pacific Oceans.

Methods

A fragment of the mtDNA cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene (COI) was resolved in 774 individuals from 28 locations, plus 55 sequences (10 locations) from public databases. Portions of COI, 12S and 16S mtDNA regions were resolved for phylogenetic analyses on a subset of individuals. Phylogenetic and population‐level analyses were used to detect evolutionary partitions and dispersal barriers.

Results

Significant population structuring was detected (overall ΦST = 0.310, P < 0.001). Samples from the Red Sea and East Pacific Provinces (western and eastern range edges) comprise distinct phylogenetic lineages, divergent at d = 1.1% and 1.8%, respectively, from the Indo‐Pacific. Coalescent analyses indicate a Pleistocene isolation for the Red Sea (0.71 Ma) and East Pacific (1.52 Ma). Excluding the Red Sea and East Pacific, structure across the rest of the range was comparatively low, but significant (ΦST = 0.018, P < 0.001).

Main conclusions

The Red Sea and East Pacific populations are phylogenetically distinct from populations elsewhere in the range. The East Pacific population diverged earliest, and may represent a distinct subspecies. Phylogeographical divisions align with the major Indo‐Pacific biogeographical barriers, and with subsets of provincial designations from two frameworks: one based on levels of endemism and one on species composition. Tropical and temperate regions in the Pacific are significantly differentiated, potentially indicating an ecological partition. Isolation at eastern and western peripheral provinces may serve as a starting point for evolutionary diversification within this group.
From Summitry to EU Government: An Agenda Formation Perspective on the European Council
Authors: Carammia Marcello , Princen Sebastiaan , Timmermans Arco
Published: January 2016

While some observers have claimed that the European Council has become the key institution in European Union politics, others have argued that the Council's role has remained relatively stable over time. In this article, we argue that an analysis of agenda formation dynamics in the European Council may help us understand better how the European Council works and how its role has evolved over time. Building on theories of agenda‐setting, we identify two ideal‐typical modes of agenda formation: selective targeting and routine monitoring. Based on a comprehensive dataset of coded European Council Conclusions in the period 1975–2011, we show that the substantive content of the European Council agenda shows little change over time. However, in terms of agenda formation dynamics, we find a marked shift toward routine monitoring of issues. This supports the claim that the European Council is developing into the EU's de facto government.
Climate change and frequency–intensity–duration (FID) curves for Florya station, Istanbul
Authors: Güçlü Y.S. , Şişman E. , Yeleğen M.Ö.
Published: January 2016

In recent decades, according to Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change reports, the impact of climate change on hydro‐meteorological events has increased substantially. This point is obvious in many rainfall–runoff time series as a negative or positive trend. In this paper, first of all such trend possibilities are searched graphically according to Şen's 1:1 (45°) straight‐line method, which has been proposed instead of the classical methods including Mann–Kendall, Spearman's rho and linear regression approaches. Additionally, these trends are quantified by using frequency–intensity–duration (FID) curves, instead of intensity–duration–frequency (IDF) curves obtained from a set of single storm rainfall records. The FID curves provide practical, easy and clear representation of rainfall intensity variation through fitted exponential curves with coefficient of determination that is almost equal to 1 (R2 ≈ 1). FID curves are drawn on semilogarithmic paper with rainfall intensity estimations from the convenient Gamma probability distribution functions (PDFs) or cumulative distribution functions (CDFs). In this study 46‐year rainfall records are used from Florya station, which is located in Istanbul, Turkey. The comparisons generally indicated that a negative trend is valid at this station, and accordingly, representative FID curves are obtained on ordinary and semilogarithmic papers for this station.
Use of an agent‐based model and Monte Carlo analysis to estimate the effectiveness of emergency management interventions to reduce loss of life during extreme floods
Authors: Lumbroso D. , Davison M.
Published: January 2016

This paper describes the use of an agent‐based model, known as the Life Safety Model (LSM) and a Monte Carlo analysis to assess the effectiveness of emergency management interventions in terms of loss of life, taking into account uncertainties in the physical characteristics of the population at risk, represented by people's height and mass. The work considered Canvey Island as a case study, which is located in the Thames Estuary. The average ground level of the island is 1 m below the mean high tide level. Canvey Island is protected against inundation by a series of flood defences. In 1953, the island was inundated by the Great North Sea Flood that breached the defences and led to the deaths of 58 people. A number of emergency management interventions (e.g. safe havens and flood warnings) were considered to ascertain if the loss of life in 1953 could have been reduced. The LSM was found to be an effective tool to compare different emergency management measures to ensure that loss of life is minimised when an extreme flood event occurs.