bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic Coherence Facilitates Distributional Learning
Authors: Ouyang Long , Boroditsky Lera , Frank Michael C.
Published: March 2016

Computational models have shown that purely statistical knowledge about words’ linguistic contexts is sufficient to learn many properties of words, including syntactic and semantic category. For example, models can infer that “postman” and “mailman” are semantically similar because they have quantitatively similar patterns of association with other words (e.g., they both tend to occur with words like “deliver,” “truck,” “package”). In contrast to these computational results, artificial language learning experiments suggest that distributional statistics alone do not facilitate learning of linguistic categories. However, experiments in this paradigm expose participants to entirely novel words, whereas real language learners encounter input that contains some known words that are semantically organized. In three experiments, we show that (a) the presence of familiar semantic reference points facilitates distributional learning and (b) this effect crucially depends both on the presence of known words and the adherence of these known words to some semantic organization.
Non‐Arbitrariness in Mapping Word Form to Meaning: Cross‐Linguistic Formal Markers of Word Concreteness
Authors: Reilly Jamie , Hung Jinyi , Westbury Chris
Published: March 2016

Arbitrary symbolism is a linguistic doctrine that predicts an orthogonal relationship between word forms and their corresponding meanings. Recent corpora analyses have demonstrated violations of arbitrary symbolism with respect to concreteness, a variable characterizing the sensorimotor salience of a word. In addition to qualitative semantic differences, abstract and concrete words are also marked by distinct morphophonological structures such as length and morphological complexity. Native English speakers show sensitivity to these markers in tasks such as auditory word recognition and naming. One unanswered question is whether this violation of arbitrariness reflects an idiosyncratic property of the English lexicon or whether word concreteness is a marked phenomenon across other natural languages. We isolated concrete and abstract English nouns (N = 400), and translated each into Russian, Arabic, Dutch, Mandarin, Hindi, Korean, Hebrew, and American Sign Language. We conducted offline acoustic analyses of abstract and concrete word length discrepancies across languages. In a separate experiment, native English speakers (N = 56) with no prior knowledge of these foreign languages judged concreteness of these nouns (e.g., Can you see, hear, feel, or touch this? Yes/No). Each naïve participant heard pre‐recorded words presented in randomized blocks of three foreign languages following a brief listening exposure to a narrative sample from each respective language. Concrete and abstract words differed by length across five of eight languages, and prediction accuracy exceeded chance for four of eight languages. These results suggest that word concreteness is a marked phenomenon across several of the world's most widely spoken languages. We interpret these findings as supportive of an adaptive cognitive heuristic that allows listeners to exploit non‐arbitrary mappings of word form to word meaning.
Normative Judgments and Individual Essence
Authors: De Freitas Julian , Tobia Kevin P. , Newman George E. , Knobe Joshua
Published: March 2016

A growing body of research has examined how people judge the persistence of identity over time—that is, how they decide that a particular individual is the same entity from one time to the next. While a great deal of progress has been made in understanding the types of features that people typically consider when making such judgments, to date, existing work has not explored how these judgments may be shaped by normative considerations. The present studies demonstrate that normative beliefs do appear to play an important role in people's beliefs about persistence. Specifically, people are more likely to judge that the identity of a given entity (e.g., a hypothetical nation) remains the same when its features improve (e.g., the nation becomes more egalitarian) than when its features deteriorate (e.g., the nation becomes more discriminatory). Study 1 provides a basic demonstration of this effect. Study 2 shows that this effect is moderated by individual differences in normative beliefs. Study 3 examines the underlying mechanism, which is the belief that, in general, various entities are essentially good. Study 4 directly manipulates beliefs about essence to show that the positivity bias regarding essences is causally responsible for the effect.
Seeking International Agreement on What it Means To be “Native”
Authors: Gilroy James J. , Avery Julian D. , Lockwood Julie L.
Published: March 2016

The management of harmful nonnative species is a priority for governments worldwide. However, confusion concerning what constitutes a “native” species has led to ambiguous or even contradictory wording in adopted legislation. A key issue concerns the treatment of species dispersing beyond their normal ranges in response to global change. Range‐expanding species can have negative impacts on the ecosystems they colonize, prompting some authorities to class them as “nonnatives.” However, range‐shifts are becoming increasingly necessary for species persistence in response to climate and habitat change. Distinguishing these “desirable” range‐shifts from other human‐driven introductions is therefore a core requirement of legislation. Here, we propose a simplified framework that can be applied unambiguously across the policy arena. We suggest that the “nonnative” moniker should apply exclusively to species transported outside their native range by direct transport (defined herein), leaving species moving via unassisted dispersal as “natives,” even if they are responding indirectly to anthropogenic change. We believe that widespread adoption of this simplified approach will facilitate more consistent multinational policies to target problematic invasive species.
Cordoniform morphea: a clinicopathologic study of two cases presenting with the rope sign
Authors: Tomasini Carlo
Published: March 2016

Background

Morphea clinically presenting as cordoniform lesions has not been described previously in the literature.

Objective

Our goal was to describe the clinicopathologic features of morphea presenting with cord‐like cutaneous lesions.

Methods

The clinical notes of 420 patients with a diagnosis of morphea seen during the previous 10 years were reviewed to identify any cases that had cordoniform lesions at presentation.

Results

Two adult patients (one male and one female) were identified. Both patients presented with chronic, slightly burning, bilateral, erythematous, linear or curvilinear elevated cutaneous indurations on the lateral chest wall strikingly reminiscent interstitial granulomatous dermatitis with arthritis. Histopathologically, typical changes of deep morphea with a band‐like involvement only of the lower part of the reticular dermis and the superficial hypodermis and a remarkable perineural arrangement of the lymphoplasmocytic infiltrate were observed. The presence of Borrelia in skin biopsy samples of both patients was shown by immunohistochemistry and focus floating microscopy. In one patient, the presence of Borrelia afzelii DNA in the cutaneous biopsy was shown by polymerase chain reaction.

Conclusions

Cordoniform morphea is an exceedingly unusual and previously undescribed clinicopathologic presentation of morphea where Borrelia infection may play a causal role.
Virtues and humanitarian ethics
Authors: Löfquist Lars
Published: March 2016

This paper analyses the contribution of virtue ethics, the study of good character traits, to the humanitarian context. It argues that a virtue ethics perspective paints a realistic picture of the use of ethical standards in morally complex circumstances. Virtuous relief workers can employ standards in their thinking, but they are also committed to professional excellence that goes beyond any formal code. The concept of virtue ethics places a stress on moral development, which can be facilitated by role models that impart modest and feasible ideals. However, virtue ethics cannot provide simple guidelines on how to resolve difficult situations. It is possible that two virtuous persons can disagree on what should be done in a particular instance. In addition, a virtue ethics perspective emphasises the need for both individuals and organisations to discuss the actual purpose of relief work in order to pinpoint the virtues of a good relief professional.
Exercise as an intervention for first‐episode psychosis: a feasibility study
Authors: Firth Joseph , Carney Rebekah , Elliott Rebecca , French Paul , Parker Sophie , McIntyre Rebecca , McPhee Jamie S. , Yung Alison R.
Published: March 2016

Aim

Exercise can improve psychiatric symptoms, neurocognitive functioning and physical health in schizophrenia. However, the effects in early psychosis have not been explored. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of an exercise intervention for early psychosis and to determine if it was associated with changes in physical and mental health.

Methods

Thirty‐one patients with first‐episode psychosis (FEP) were recruited from early intervention services to a 10‐week exercise intervention. The intervention group received individualized training programmes, aiming to achieve ≥90 min of moderate‐to‐vigorous activity each week, using exercise programmes tailored to individual preferences and needs. A comparison FEP sample from the same services (n = 7) received treatment as usual.

Results

Rates of consent and retention in the exercise group were 94% and 81%, respectively. Participants achieved an average of 107 min of moderate‐to‐vigorous exercise per week. Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale total scores reduced by 13.3 points after 10 weeks of exercise, which was significantly greater than the treatment as usual comparison group (P = 0.010). The greatest differences were observed in negative symptoms, which reduced by 33% in the intervention group (P = 0.013). Significant improvements were also observed in psychosocial functioning and verbal short‐term memory. Increases in cardiovascular fitness and processing speed were positively associated with the amounts of exercise achieved by participants.

Conclusion

Individualized exercise training could provide a feasible treatment option for improving symptomatic, neurocognitive and metabolic outcomes in FEP.
Isothermal Oxidation Behavior of Gd2Zr2O7/YSZ Multilayered Thermal Barrier Coatings
Authors: Mahade Satyapal , Li Ran , Curry Nicholas , Björklund Stefan , Markocsan Nicolaie , Nylén Per
Published: March 2016

Efficiency of a gas turbine can be increased by increasing the operating temperature. Yttria‐stabilized zirconia (YSZ) is the standard thermal barrier coating (TBC) material used in gas turbine applications. However, above 1200°C, YSZ undergoes significant sintering and CMAS (calcium magnesium alumino silicate) infiltration. New ceramic materials of rare earth zirconate composition such as gadolinium zirconate (GZ) are promising candidates for thermal barrier coating applications (TBC) above 1200°C. Suspension plasma spray of single‐layer YSZ, double‐layer GZ/YSZ, and a triple‐layer TBC comprising denser GZ on top of GZ/YSZ TBC was attempted. The overall coating thickness in all three TBCs was kept the same. Isothermal oxidation performance of the three TBCs along with bare substrate and bond‐coated substrate was investigated for time intervals of 10 h, 50 h, and 100 h at 1150°C in air environment. Weight gain/loss analysis was carried out by sensitive weighing balance. Microstructural analysis was carried out using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). As‐sprayed single‐layer YSZ and double‐layer GZ/YSZ showed columnar microstructure, whereas the denser layer in the triple‐layer TBC was not columnar. Phase analysis of the top surface of as‐sprayed TBCs was carried out using XRD. Porosity measurements were made by water intrusion method. In the weight gain analysis and SEM analysis, multilayered TBCs showed lower weight gain and lower TGO thickness compared to single‐layer YSZ.
Roles of the Laodelphax striatellus Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule in Rice stripe virus infection of its insect vector
Authors: Zhang F. , Li Q. , Chen X. , Huo Y. , Guo H. , Song Z. , Cui F. , Zhang L. , Fang R.
Published: March 2016

The arthropod Down syndrome cell adhesion molecule (Dscam) mediates pathogen‐specific recognition via an extensive protein isoform repertoire produced by alternative splicing. To date, most studies have focused on the subsequent pathogen‐specific immune response, and few have investigated the entry into cells of viruses or endosymbionts. In the present study, we cloned and characterized the cDNA of Laodelphax striatellus Dscam (LsDscam) and investigated the function of LsDscam in rice stripe virus (RSV) infection and the influence on the endosymbiont Wolbachia. LsDscam displayed a typical Dscam domain architecture, including 10 immunoglobulin (Ig) domains, six fibronectin type III domains, one transmembrane domain and a cytoplasmic tail. Alternative splicing occurred at the N‐termini of the Ig2 and Ig3 domains, the complete Ig7 domain, the transmembrane domain and the C‐terminus, comprising 10, 51, 35, two and two variable exons, respectively. Potentially LsDscam could encode at least 71 400 unique isoforms and 17 850 types of extracellular regions. LsDscam was expressed in various L. striatellus tissues. Knockdown of LsDscam mRNA via RNA interference decreased the titres of both RSV and Wolbachia, but did not change the numbers of the extracellular symbiotic bacterium Acinetobacter rhizosphaerae. Specific Dscam isoforms may play roles in enhancing the infection of vector‐borne viruses or endosymbionts.
High‐Temperature Multilayer Ceramic Capacitors Based on 100−x(94Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–6BaTiO3)–xK0.5Na0.5NbO3
Authors: Groh Claudia , Kobayashi Keisuke , Shimizu Hiroyuki , Doshida Yutaka , Mizuno Youichi , Patterson Eric A. , Rödel Jürgen
Published: March 2016

The potential high‐temperature dielectric materials 100−x(94Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–6BaTiO3)–xK0.5Na0.5NbO3 with x = 12, 18, and 24 were processed as bulk samples in order to examine the reduction of sintering temperature by means of CuO as sintering aid. Due to the successful reduction of sintering temperature, low cost Ag:Pd could be used as a co‐fired electrode material for multilayer ceramic capacitors (MLCCs). Fabrication of 8 μm thick, dense MLCCs with self‐contained, nonreactive electrodes is reported for a wide range of compositions of Bi1/2Na1/2TiO3–BaTiO3–K0.5Na0.5NbO3. Among the manufactured MLCCs, those with compositions x = 24 showed the most promising dielectric properties for applications where high operating temperatures are needed. The temperature‐dependence of permittivity was quite low, revealing a change of less than ±10% compared to its 150°C‐value in the range of 40°C–225°C. For samples sintered at 1000°C, an RC constant of about 300 s was obtained at 150°C. Furthermore, these x = 24 MLCCs exhibited the finest microstructures among the compositions examined; making it a suitable candidate for further miniaturization of layer thickness as required for state‐of‐the art devices.
Electric Field‐Induced Phase Transition Behaviors, Thermal Depolarization, and Enhanced Pyroelectric Properties of (Pb0.97La0.02)(ZrxSn0.89−xTi0.11)O3 Ceramics
Authors: Zhuo Fangping , Li Qiang , Gao Jinghan , Wang Yujie , Yan Qingfeng , Zhang Yiling , Chu Xiangcheng
Published: March 2016

(Pb0.97La0.02)(ZrxSn0.89−xTi0.11)O3 (x = 0.60, 0.62, 0.64, 0.66, 0.68, 0.70, 0.72, and 0.74) ceramics with the compositions in tetragonal antiferroelectric (AFE) region, near the morphotropic phase boundary, were prepared by using the conventional solid‐state reaction process. Their electric field‐induced phase transitional behaviors, composition‐ and temperature‐dependent dielectric, depolarization, and pyroelectric properties were investigated systematically. The AFE to ferroelectric phase switching field EA‐F decreased with increasing x, while depolarization temperature Td increased with a linear relationship of Td = 842x‐483. Enhanced pyroelectric coefficient with a value of 12.1 μC/cm2/K was obtained at 88°C for the ceramics with x = 0.68, which was four times larger than the reported values. Composition‐dependent pyroelectric response over 24°C–140°C was realized by changing x from 0.60 to 0.74. The results also suggested that the enhanced pyroelectric response near Td was accompanied by a release of large Pr, caused by an induced ferroelectric to AFE phase transition.
Microstructural Control of Colloidal‐Based Ceramics by Directional Solidification Under Weak Magnetic Fields
Authors: Porter Michael M. , Niksiar Pooya , McKittrick Joanna
Published: March 2016

The use of weak magnetic fields to control the microstructural evolution of colloidal‐based systems in conjunction with directional solidification is demonstrated as a convenient processing route to fabricate anisotropic ceramic scaffolds with complex microarchitectures. A variety of graded and aligned microstructures were formed by applying external static magnetic fields oriented radially, axially, and transversely with respect to the solidification direction of freezing slurries containing micro/nanoparticles of ZrO2 and Fe3O4. The graded structures, formed by the radial and axial fields, resemble core–shell architectures composed of dense outer perimeters surrounding porous inner cores. The aligned structures, formed by transverse fields, exhibit two modes of microstructural alignment: lamellar walls aligned by the growing ice crystals and mineral bridges aligned by the magnetic fields. The alignment of mineral bridges that connect adjacent lamellae, provide these scaffolds enhanced strength and stiffness when compressed parallel to their orientation (parallel to the direction of the magnetic field).
Gender‐Related Factors for Depressive Symptoms in Turkish Adolescents
Authors: Alpaslan Ahmet Hamdi , Kocak Ugur , Avci Kadriye
Published: March 2016

PROBLEM

Currently more adolescents suffer from mental health problems than compared to the past.

PURPOSE

This study was designed to extend the knowledge of depressive symptoms in adolescence and to determine the gender‐related factors associated with it.

METHODS

The study sample consisted of (N = 487) adolescents. The Children's Depression Inventory (CDI), Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ‐S), and UCLA loneliness scale (UCLA‐LS) were completed by the participants.

FINDINGS

Among the study population, 26.6% (n = 130) scored ≥19 on the CDI, which was the cut‐off point. UCLA‐LS, hyperactivity and conduct problems, and peer problems subscale scores of SDQ‐S were found significantly higher in males (p < .05). Emotional symptoms, pro‐social behavior subscale scores of SDQ‐S, and a family member, a friend subscale scores of MSPSS were found significantly higher in females (p < .05). For males, loneliness and hyperactivity and conduct problems, while for females, emotional symptoms and loneliness (p < .05) were predictive variables. Pro‐social behavior and perceived family member support were protective variables for females scoring high enough to be diagnosed with depression (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

We suggest further studies to confirm these results as well as establishing strategies for better detection of depressive symptoms when working on adolescents.
Evolutionary routes to stable ownership
Authors: Hare D. , Reeve H. K. , Blossey B.
Published: March 2016

Ownership can evolve in potentially any species. Drawing on insights from across disciplines, we distinguish between possession and ownership and present species‐neutral criteria for ownership, defined as respect for possession. We use a variant of the tug‐of‐war evolutionary game to demonstrate how ownership can evolve in the form of a new, biologically realistic strategy, Restraint With Retaliation (RWR). In our game, resource holding potential (RHP) is assumed to be equal between interactants, and resource holding asymmetry determines whether ownership is adaptive. RWR will be evolutionarily stable when the ratio of resource holdings between interactants is relatively low, but not when this ratio is sufficiently high. We offer RWR as one evolutionary route to ownership among many, and discuss how ownership unites previously described behavioural phenomena across taxa. We propose that some but not all mechanisms of territory formation and maintenance can be considered ownership, and show that territories are not the only resources that can be owned. We argue that ownership can be a powerful cooperative solution to tragedies of the commons and problems of collective action throughout the biological world. We advance recent scholarship that has begun to investigate the biological importance of ownership, and we call for a comprehensive account of its evolutionary logic and taxonomic distribution. We propose that ownership should be considered a fundamental, unifying biological phenomenon.
Energetic Calculation of an Apple Chopper with Zigzagging Knife Location in the Cutting Unit
Authors: Antonov Nikolay M. , Lebed Nikita I. , Makarov Aleksey M.
Published: March 2016

The authors propose an apple chopper with zigzagging location of the knives in the cutting unit, which is designed for obtaining slices with their further processing. The article shows the results of the researches to determine the energy parameters of the cutting process of apple fruits of variety Jonathan by means of the chopper developed in comparison with the traditional location of knives in a single plane. A graphical analysis of the data obtained is given. The comparative parameters obtained characterize, in the full extent, the energy consumption of the cutting process of the chopper proposed in comparison with the traditional location of knives in a single plane, namely: the product frictional force on the knives, the cutting power, the influence of the knife height on the frictional force and the influence of the knife thickness on the frictional force. The analysis of the rated and experimental data results is given.

Practical Application

It is recommended by authors to use the zigzagging cutting unit developed, which allows to eliminate structure destruction of fruits to be processed, with the purpose to increase the quality of the product to be obtained by cutting vegetables and fruits into slices of different thickness. This destruction leads to higher juice separation during the operation process. The use of vegetable and fruit chopper with a zigzagging cutting unit developed by the authors allows to reduce the frictional force on the knives and, consequently, the total energy consumption as well, which is proved by energy calculation.
Optimization of Upstream Process Parameters for Enhanced Production of Thermostable Milk Clotting Enzyme from Bacillus Subtilis MTCC 10422
Authors: Narwal Rajesh Kumari , Bhushan Bharat , Pal Ajay , Malhotra Sarla Popli
Published: March 2016

The process protocol of high titer milk clotting enzyme (MCE) production from Bacillus subtilis was delineated through optimizing different energy sources and growth conditions like incubation period, temperature and pH. The culture broth showed maximum production of MCE at pH 6.0 and temperature 40C after 48 h of incubation with the yield of 191.55 U/mL. Quantitative comparison of MCE activity before and after optimization revealed 7.46‐fold increase in MCE production after the process conditions were standardized. The characteristics of MCE viz. broad pH and temperature stability could make it useful as a new source of milk coagulant in dairy processing.

Practical Applications

Each microbial strain is unique in its molecular, biochemical and metabolic enzyme production properties. These production characteristics would have to offer competitive advantages over the existing products of un‐optimized medium. This warrants thorough study of isolated microbial species under variable growth conditions. Fungal MCEs have been widely reported. The Milk Clotting Activity (MCA) and MCA per Proteolytic Activity (PA) index of the bacterium under study are comparable to that of many fungal reports and better than quite a few bacterial MCEs. Bacillus subtilis can be a promising microorganism for MCE production and has a good probability of successful use in cheese production.
Immunocytochemical localization of kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptor in the primate testis
Authors: Irfan Shahzad , Ehmcke Jens , Shahab Muhammad , Wistuba Joachim , Schlatt Stefan
Published: March 2016

Background

Hypothalamic kisspeptin–kisspeptin receptor signalling in primates ensures the successful progression into puberty during development and maintenance of reproductive capacity during adulthood. Human testis has been shown to express high‐to‐moderate levels of kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptor gene expression. In this study, we aimed at characterizing the localization of kisspeptin and kisspeptin receptor in adult primate testis tissue.

Methods

Immunocytochemistry was performed on paraffin‐embedded testicular sections from adult rhesus monkeys and from common marmoset monkeys.

Results

Kisspeptin receptor was detected in Sertoli cells in the periphery of the seminiferous tubules in adult testes of both species. In contrast, kisspeptin was not localized in the seminiferous epithelium and was detected only in the interstitial compartment of the adult rhesus monkey testis.

Conclusion

Kisspeptin receptor and kisspeptin are localized in the testis of Old World and New World primates.
In vivo assessment of riluzole as a potential therapeutic drug for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3
Authors: Schmidt Jana , Schmidt Thorsten , Golla Matthias , Lehmann Lisa , Weber Jonasz Jeremiasz , Hübener‐Schmid Jeannette , Riess Olaf
Published: March 2016

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) is an autosomal dominantly inherited neurodegenerative disorder for which no curative therapy is available. The cause of this disease is the expansion of a CAG repeat in the so‐called ATXN3 gene leading to an expanded polyglutamine stretch in the ataxin‐3 protein. Although the function of ataxin‐3 has been defined as a deubiquitinating enzyme, the pathogenic pathway underlying SCA3 remains to be deciphered. Besides others, also the glutamatergic system seems to be altered in SCA3. The antiglutamatergic substance riluzole has thus been suggested as a potential therapeutic agent for SCA3. To assess whether riluzole is effective in the treatment of SCA3 in vivo, we used a phenotypically well‐characterized conditional mouse model previously generated by us. Treatment with 10 mg/kg riluzole in the drinking water was started when mice showed impairment in rotarod performance. Post‐symptomatic treatment with riluzole carried out for a period of 10 months led to reduction of the soluble ataxin‐3 level and an increase in ataxin‐3 positive accumulations, but did not improve motor deficits measured by rotarod. There was also no positive effect on home cage behavior or body weight. We even observed a pronounced reduction of calbindin expression in Purkinje cells in riluzole‐treated mice. Thus, long‐term treatment with riluzole was not able to alleviate disease symptoms observed in transgenic SCA3 mice and should be considered with caution in the treatment of human patients.

image

Assessing riluzole as a potential treatment for spinocerebellar ataxia type 3 (SCA3) had no beneficial, but rather a worsening effect on our transgenic SCA3 mouse model. We hypothesize that: Riluzole treatment enhanced glutamate release in ATXN3‐expressing cells leading to an increased Ca2+ influx resulting in Purkinje cell damage shown by loss of calbindin expression.
Titanium ions form particles that activate and execute interleukin‐1β release from lipopolysaccharide‐primed macrophages
Authors: Pettersson M. , Kelk P. , Belibasakis G. N. , Bylund D. , Molin Thorén M. , Johansson A.
Published: March 2016

Background and Objective

Peri‐implantitis is a destructive inflammatory process characterized by destruction of the implant‐supporting bone. Inflammasomes are large intracellular multiprotein complexes that play a central role in innate immunity by activating the release of proinflammatory cytokines. Although inflammasome activation has previously been linked to periodontal inflammation, there is still no information on a potential association with peri‐implantitis. The aim of this study was to examine cytotoxic and proinflammatory effects, including inflammasome activation, of metals used in dental implants, in anin vitromodel, as well as from clinical tissue samples.

Material and methods

Human macrophages were exposed to different metals [titanium (Ti), cobalt, chromium and molybdenum] in a cell‐culture assay. Cytotoxicity was determined using the neutral red uptake assay. Cytokine secretion was quantified using anELISA,and the expression of genes of various inflammasome components was analysed usingquantitative PCR. In addition, the concentrations of interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and Ti in mucosal tissue samples taken in the vicinity of dental implants were determined usingELISAand inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, respectively.

Results

Ti ions in physiological solutions stimulated inflammasome activation in human macrophages and consequentlyIL‐1β release. This effect was further enhanced by macrophages that have been exposed to lipopolysaccharides. The proinflammatory activation caused by Ti ions disappeared after filtration (0.22 μm), which indicates an effect of particles. Ti ions alone did not stimulate transcription of the inflammasome components. The Ti levels of tissue samples obtained in the vicinity of Ti implants were sufficiently high (≥ 40 μm)to stimulate secretion ofIL‐1β from human macrophagesin vitro.

Conclusion

Ti ions form particles that act as secondary stimuli for a proinflammatory reaction.
Trends in autopsy‐verified dementia prevalence over 29 years of the Hisayama study
Authors: Honda Hiroyuki , Sasaki Kensuke , Hamasaki Hideomi , Shijo Masahiro , Koyama Sachiko , Ohara Tomoyuki , Ninomiya Toshiharu , Kiyohara Yutaka , Suzuki Satoshi O. , Iwaki Toru
Published: March 2016

We investigated the trends in dementia over the past 29 years in the town of Hisayama, Japan using 1266 autopsy specimens. The Hisayama study is a prospective cohort study of lifestyle‐related diseases that was started in 1961. Clinical examination of dementia was started in 1985 with five detailed cross‐sectional assessments conducted in 1985, 1992, 1998, 2005 and 2012. To examine the trends in dementia, we divided the 1266 autopsy samples into five groups according to the year of death: I (1986–1991, 257 cases), II (1992–1997, 268 cases), III (1998–2004, 318 cases), IV (2005–2011, 296 cases) and V (2012–2014, 127 cases). The prevalence of all‐cause dementia significantly increased over time (28.4% in group I, 22.4% in group II, 32.1% in group III, 30.1% in group IV, 51.2% in group V; P for trend <0.001). A similar trend was observed for Alzheimer's disease (AD) (15.2%, 11.9%, 17.3%, 20.6% and 33.1%, respectively; P for trend <0.001). A significant increasing trend was observed in both men and women. A rapid increase in senile dementia of the NFT type (SD‐NFT) in recent years was notable. Vascular dementia was the most common type of dementia in men prior to 2004; however, its prevalence decreased over time. Our study revealed that tauopathies, including AD and SD‐NFT, significantly increased in the aged Japanese population over the course of this study. The neuritic plaque pathology of AD was associated with metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and abnormal lipid metabolism, whereas the risk factors for tau pathology remain unclear. Although aging is considered one of the important risk factors accelerating tau pathology, there could be other risk factors associated with lifestyle diseases.
Managing the protein folding demands in the endoplasmic reticulum of plants
Authors: Liu Jian‐Xiang , Howell Stephen H.
Published: March 2016

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress occurs in plants during certain developmental stages or under adverse environmental conditions, as a result of the accumulation of unfolded or misfolded proteins in the ER. To minimize the accumulation of misfolded proteins in the ER, a protein quality control (PQC) system monitors protein folding and eliminates misfolded proteins through either ER‐associated protein degradation (ERAD) or autophagy. ER stress elicits the unfolded protein response (UPR), which enhances the operation in plant cells of the ER protein folding machinery and the PQC system. The UPR also reduces protein folding demands in the ER by degrading mRNAs encoding secretory proteins. In plants subjected to severe or chronic stress, UPR promotes programmed cell death (PCD). Progress in the field in recent years has provided insights into the regulatory networks and signaling mechanisms of the ER stress responses in plants. In addition, novel physiological functions of the ER stress responses in plants for coordinating plant growth and development with changing environment have been recently revealed.
The abiotic and biotic drivers of rapid diversification in Andean bellflowers (Campanulaceae)
Authors: Lagomarsino Laura P. , Condamine Fabien L. , Antonelli Alexandre , Mulch Andreas , Davis Charles C.
Published: March 2016

The tropical Andes of South America, the world's richest biodiversity hotspot, are home to many rapid radiations. While geological, climatic, and ecological processes collectively explain such radiations, their relative contributions are seldom examined within a single clade.

We explore the contribution of these factors by applying a series of diversification models that incorporate mountain building, climate change, and trait evolution to the first dated phylogeny of Andean bellflowers (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae). Our framework is novel for its direct incorporation of geological data on Andean uplift into a macroevolutionary model.

We show that speciation and extinction are differentially influenced by abiotic factors: speciation rates rose concurrently with Andean elevation, while extinction rates decreased during global cooling. Pollination syndrome and fruit type, both biotic traits known to facilitate mutualisms, played an additional role in driving diversification. These abiotic and biotic factors resulted in one of the fastest radiations reported to date: the centropogonids, whose 550 species arose in the last 5 million yr.

Our study represents a significant advance in our understanding of plant evolution in Andean cloud forests. It further highlights the power of combining phylogenetic and Earth science models to explore the interplay of geology, climate, and ecology in generating the world's biodiversity.
Natural antigenic differences in the functionally equivalent extracellular DNABII proteins of bacterial biofilms provide a means for targeted biofilm therapeutics
Authors: Rocco C.J. , Davey M.E. , Bakaletz L.O. , Goodman S.D.
Published: March 2016

Bacteria that persist in the oral cavity exist within complex biofilm communities. A hallmark of biofilms is the presence of an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS), which consists of polysaccharides, extracellular DNA (eDNA), and proteins, including the DNABII family of proteins. The removal of DNABII proteins from a biofilm results in the loss of structural integrity of the eDNA and the collapse of the biofilm structure. We examined the role of DNABII proteins in the biofilm structure of the periodontal pathogen Porphyromonas gingivalis and the oral commensal Streptococcus gordonii. Co‐aggregation with oral streptococci is thought to facilitate the establishment of P. gingivalis within the biofilm community. We demonstrate that DNABII proteins are present in the EPS of both S. gordonii and P. gingivalis biofilms, and that these biofilms can be disrupted through the addition of antisera derived against their respective DNABII proteins. We provide evidence that both eDNA and DNABII proteins are limiting in S. gordonii but not in P. gingivalis biofilms. In addition, these proteins are capable of complementing one another functionally. We also found that whereas antisera derived against most DNABII proteins are capable of binding a wide variety of DNABII proteins, the P. gingivalis DNABII proteins are antigenically distinct. The presence of DNABII proteins in the EPS of these biofilms and the antigenic uniqueness of the P. gingivalis proteins provide an opportunity to develop therapies that are targeted to remove P. gingivalis and biofilms that contain P. gingivalis from the oral cavity.
Relative maturity and the development of immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes in sheep: an overlooked paradigm?
Authors: Greer A. W. , Hamie J. C.
Published: March 2016

Sheep display considerable variation in both the timing and magnitude of development of immunity to gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN). Onset of immunity is dependent on a number of factors, including antigenic stimulus, nutrition supply, age and size of the animals, the latter of which are confounded. Here, we review the factors associated with the development of immunity to GIN in sheep, particularly in the context of the role that relative maturity may have through applying the rules of genetic size scaling based on examples from published literature. Comparing animals based on their metabolic age, rather than chronological age, may provide an explanation for the timing of immune development and may reduce the variation in immune development that frequently is observed both between and within breeds. Further, this approach may help explain the phenotypic differences in animal performance between animals of varying immunological capacity to GIN through influences on mature body weight. As such, when considering factors influencing immune development to GIN, physiological age or relative maturity may be considered an overlooked paradigm. We propose it may be worthwhile to consider metabolic age when comparing the immune competence of animals to ensure the subjects are at an analogous stage of physiological development.
Costs of Health Damage from Atmospheric Emissions of Toxic Metals: Part 2—Analysis for Mercury and Lead
Authors: Nedellec Vincent , Rabl Ari
Published: March 2016

In this part of the series we explain the detailed literature review and the calculations of impacts and damage costs of mercury and lead. Methodology and general assumptions are explained in the companion article, Part 1 of this series, and the spreadsheet with the calculations is available as a supplementary file of Part 1.3 For mercury, the damage cost is 22,937 €2013/kg if there is a no‐effect threshold, 52,129 €2013/kg if there is none; 91% is due to mortality from heart disease, the rest from loss of IQ points. For lead, the damage cost is 29,343 €2013/kg, about 80% due to mortality and 20% due to IQ loss; there does not seem to be a no‐effect threshold. These costs are per kg of emitted pollutant.
End‐of‐life care in residential care homes: a retrospective study of the perspectives of family members using the VOICES questionnaire
Authors: Andersson Sofia , Lindqvist Olav , Fürst Carl‐Johan , Brännström Margareta
Published: March 2016

Background

In Europe, residential care homes (RCHs) are replacing hospitals as the place where death occurs, and they play an important role in end‐of‐life (EOL) care.

Objective

The aim was to describe the quality of care during the last 3 months and last 3 days of life of those who died in RCHs as reported by family members. We also investigated whether there were differences in the EOL care of younger patients (<85 years) vs. the oldest old patients (≥85 years) as reported by family members.

Design

A retrospective survey design.

Methods

Deaths (n = 189) at 19 RCHs in one municipality in Sweden were included. Family members were sent the VOICES questionnaire 1 month after their elderly relative had died. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

In the last 3 days before death, most family members reported there was enough help with nursing (93%) and personal care (78.5%). Among the family members, 86% were told that the resident was likely to die shortly. Most (94.1%) of residents were reported to have died at their preferred place. No significant difference was found between age groups. Family members also reported that about half of the elderly had pain (46.5%) and 86.4% received treatment; 55.9% had breathlessness and 39.7% received treatment. Breathlessness was significantly (p = 0.01) more common in the younger group, and they were treated more often (p = 0.006) than the oldest old.

Conclusion

This study revealed an overall positive picture of personal and nursing care and communication. These findings indicate that the quality of EOL care at RCHs is high. Inadequate management was found for symptom relief the last days of life. This suggests that this subject merits further attention by care professionals. To achieve better quality of EOL care at RCHs, we emphasise the importance of systematically working to improve symptom relief.
Correlates of children's compliance with moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity recommendations: a multilevel analysis
Authors: Pereira S. , Borges A. , Gomes T. N. , Santos D. , Souza M. , dos Santos F. K. , Chaves R. N. , Barreira T. V. , Hedeker D. , Katzmarzyk P. T. , Maia J. A. R.
Published: March 2016

This study aimed to investigate the association between individual and school characteristics associated with the number of school days children comply with moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) recommendations. Sample comprises 612 Portuguese children, aged 9–11 years, from 23 schools. Time spent in MVPA was measured by accelerometry, while individual‐level correlates were obtained by anthropometry and questionnaires. School‐level variables were collected by questionnaire, and accelerometer wear time and season were also considered. Maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters were obtained via a multilevel analysis with children as level‐1, and school as level‐2. Children who spent more time in sedentary activities and girls were less likely to comply with MVPA/daily. More mature children and those who use active transportation to school were more likely to attain the PA recommendation. Furthermore, greater accelerometer wear time and spring season increased the chance to achieve the recommended MVPA. In terms of school‐level correlates, a greater number of available facilities was negatively associated with children MVPA compliance. Given the set of variables, our results showed that individual characteristics seem to be more relevant for children's compliance rates with PA/day than school context variables, which should be taken into account in the implementation of school policies and practices.
Building Information Modelling for High‐rise Land Administration
Authors: Atazadeh Behnam , Kalantari Mohsen , Rajabifard Abbas , Ho Serene , Ngo Tuan
Published: March 2016

Current land administration systems mainly use 2D plans to define and secure ownership rights associated with properties in high‐rise buildings. These 2D plans may not effectively communicate and manage the spatial complexity associated with multi‐layered and stacked properties in such buildings; additionally, multiple pages of plans (representing sections of the building) are required to represent all ownership boundaries. In response, land administration organizations have been investigating a 3D digital approach to managing information about ownership rights in high‐rise building structures. In this article, Building Information Modeling (BIM) is proposed as a feasible approach for managing land and property information in high‐rise buildings. BIM provides a collaborative, digital and intelligent 3D data environment for managing building information throughout the lifecycle of buildings. However, there is currently no capacity in BIM for recording and representing information about ownership and boundaries of properties, which is core land administration information. Therefore, this article proposes an extension to the BIM standard, which is implemented in a prototype BIM model of a complex building to showcase the potential capability of using BIM for high‐rise land administration and for modeling 3D ownership rights.
A Genetic Algorithm for Tributary Selection with Consideration of Multiple Factors
Authors: Zhang Ling , Guilbert Eric
Published: March 2016

Drainage systems are important components in cartography and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and achieve different drainage patterns based on the form and texture of their network of stream channels and tributaries due to local topography and subsurface geology. The drainage pattern can reflect the geographical characteristics of a river network to a certain extent. To preserve the drainage pattern during the generalization process, this article proposes a solution to deal with many factors, such as the tributary length and the order in river tributary selection. This leads to a multi‐objective optimization problem solved with a Genetic Algorithm. In the multi‐objective model, different weights are used to aggregate all objective functions into a fitness function. The method is applied on a case study to evaluate the importance of each factor for different types of drainage and results are compared with a manually generalized network. The result can be controlled by assigning different weights to the factors. From this work, different weight settings according to drainage patterns are proposed for the river network generalization.