bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Full-waveform based microseismic source mechanism studies in the Barnett Shale: Linking microseismicity to reservoir geomechanics
Authors: Song Fuxian , Warpinski Norm R. , Toksöz M. Nafi
Published: February 2014

Seismic moment tensors (MTs) of microearthquakes contain important information on the reservoir and fracturing mechanisms. Difficulties arise when attempting to retrieve complete MT with conventional amplitude inversion methods if only one well is available. With the full-waveform approach, near-field information and nondirect waves (i.e., refracted/reflected waves) help stabilize the inversion and retrieve complete MT from the single-well data set. However, for events which are at far field from the monitoring well, a multiple-well data set is required. In this study, we perform the inversion with a dual-array data set from a hydrofracture stimulation in the Barnett Shale. Determining source mechanisms from the inverted MTs requires the use of a source model, which in this case is the tensile earthquake model. The source information derived includes the fault plane solution, slip direction, VP/VS ratio in the focal area and seismic moment. The primary challenge of extracting source parameters from MT is to distinguish the fracture plane from auxiliary plane. We analyze the microseismicity using geomechanical analysis to determine the fracture plane. Furthermore, we investigate the significance of non-DC components by F-test. We also study the influence of velocity model errors, event mislocations, and data noise using synthetic data. The results of source mechanism analysis are presented for the events with good signal-to-noise ratios and low condition numbers. Some events have fracture planes with similar orientations to natural fractures delineated by core analysis, suggesting reactivation of natural fractures. Other events occur as predominantly tensile events along the unperturbed maximum horizontal principal stress direction, indicating an opening mode failure on hydraulic fractures. Microseismic source mechanisms not only reveal important information about fracturing mechanisms, but also allow fracture characterization away from the wellbore, providing critical constraints for understanding fractured reservoirs.
Consequences of the disease-related L78R mutation for dimerization and activity of STAT3
Authors: Domoszlai Tamás , Martincuks Antons , Fahrenkamp Dirk , Schmitz-Van de Leur Hildegard , Küster Andrea , Müller-Newen Gerhard
Published: February 2014

STAT3 (signal transducer and activator of transcription 3) is a transcription factor centrally involved in diverse processes including hematopoiesis, immunity and cancer progression. In response to cytokine stimulation STAT3 is activated through phosphorylation of a single tyrosine residue. The phosphorylated STAT3 dimers are stabilized by intermolecular SH2 domain/phosphotyrosine interactions. These activated dimers accumulate in the nucleus and bind to specific DNA sequences resulting in target gene expression. We analysed and compared the structural organizations of the unphosphorylated latent and phosphorylated activated STAT3 dimers using Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) in fixed and living cells. The latent dimers are stabilized by homotypic interactions between the N-terminal domains. A somatic mutation (L78R) found in inflammatory hepatocellular adenomas (IHCA) which is located in the N-terminal domain of STAT3 disturbs latent dimer formation. Applying intramolecular FRET we verify a functional role of the SH2 domain in latent dimer formation suggesting the parallel orientation of the protomers in the latent STAT3 dimer similar to activated STAT3 dimers but in contrast to the latent dimers of STAT1 and STAT5. Our findings reveal unique structural characteristics of STAT3 within the STAT family and contribute to the understanding of the L78R mutation found in IHCA.
Insulin elicits a ROS-activated and an IP3-dependent Ca2+ release; both impinge on GLUT4 translocation
Authors: Contreras-Ferrat Ariel , Llanos Paola , Vásquez César , Espinosa Alejandra , Osorio-Fuentealba César , Arias-Calderon Manuel , Lavandero Sergio , Klip Amira , Hidalgo Cecilia , Jaimovich Enrique
Published: February 2014

Insulin signaling includes generation of low levels of H2O2; however, its origin and contribution to insulin-stimulated glucose transport are unknown. We tested the impact of H2O2 on insulin-dependent glucose transport and GLUT4 translocation in skeletal muscle cells. H2O2 increased GLUT4myc translocation, an effect additive to that of insulin. The anti-oxidants N-acetyl L-cysteine and Trolox, the p47phox/NOX2 NADPH oxidase inhibitory peptide gp91-ds-tat or p47phox knockdown each reduced insulin-dependent GLUT4myc translocation. Importantly, gp91-ds-tat suppressed insulin-dependent H2O2 production. A ryanodine-receptor (RyR) channel agonist stimulated GLUT4myc translocation and insulin stimulated RyR1-mediated Ca2+ release by promoting RyR1 S-glutathionylation.

This pathway acts in parallel to insulin-mediated stimulation of inositol-1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) activated Ca2+ channels, enacted through activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and its downstream target phospholipase C, resulting in Ca2+ transfer to the mitochondria. An inhibitor of IP3 receptors, Xestospongin B, reduced both insulin-dependent IP3 production and GLUT4myc translocation. We propose that, in addition to the canonical α,β phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase to Akt pathway, insulin engages both RyR-mediated Ca2+ release and IP3 receptor-mediated mitochondrial Ca2+ uptake, and that these signals jointly stimulate glucose uptake.
The polysome-associated proteins Scp160 and Bfr1 prevent P body formation under normal growth conditions
Authors: Weidner Julie , Wang Congwei , Prescianotto-Baschong Cristina , Estrada Alejandro F. , Spang Anne
Published: February 2014

Numerous mRNAs are degraded in processing bodies (P bodies) in S. cerevisiae. In logarithmically growing cells only 0–1 P bodies per cell are detectable. However, the number and appearance of P bodies change once the cell encounters stress. The polysome-associated mRNA binding protein Scp160 interacts with P body components such as the decapping protein Dcp2 and the scaffold protein Pat1, presumably on polysomes. Loss of either Scp160 or its interaction partner Bfr1 caused the formation of Dcp2-positive structures. These Dcp2-positive foci contained mRNA, since their formation was inhibited by the presence of cycloheximide. In addition, Scp160 was required for proper P body formation because only a subset of bona fide P body components could assemble into the Dcp2-positive foci in Δscp160 cells. In either Δbfr1 or Δscp160, P body formation was uncoupled from translational attenuation as the polysome profile remained unchanged. Collectively, our data suggest that Bfr1 and Scp160 prevent P body formation under normal growth conditions.
Notch signaling regulates neural crest differentiation from human pluripotent stem cells
Authors: Noisa Parinya , Lund Carina , Kanduri Kartiek , Lund Riikka , Lähdesmäki Harri , Lahesmaa Riitta , Lundin Karolina , Chokechuwattanalert Hataiwan , Otonkoski Timo , Tuuri Timo , Raivio Taneli
Published: February 2014

Neural crest (NC) cells are specified at the border of neural plate and epiderm. They are capable of differentiating into various somatic cell types, including craniofacial and peripheral nerve tissues. Notch signaling plays significant roles during neurogenesis; however, its function during human NC development is poorly understood. Here, we generated self-renewing premigratory NC-like cells (pNCCs) from human pluripotent stem cells and investigated the roles of Notch signaling during the NC differentiation. pNCCs expressed various NC specifier genes, including SLUG, SOX10 and TWIST1, and were able to differentiate into most NC derivatives. Blocking Notch signaling during the pNCC differentiation suppressed the expression of NC specifier genes. In contrast, ectopic expression of activated Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) augmented the expression of NC specifier genes, and NICD1 was found to bind at their promoter regions. Notch activity was also required for the maintenance of premigratory NC state, and suppression of Notch led to generation of NC-derived neurons. Taken together, we provide a protocol for the generation of pNCCs, and show that Notch signaling regulates the formation, migration and differentiation of NC from hPSCs.
Epigenetics as a source of variation in comparative animal physiology – or – Lamarck is lookin' pretty good these days
Authors: Burggren Warren W.
Published: February 2014

Considerable variation is inherent both within and between comparative physiological data sets. Known sources for such variation include diet, gender, time of day and season of experiment, among many other factors, but a meta-analysis of physiological studies shows that surprisingly few studies report controlling for these factors. In fact, less than 3% of comparative physiological papers mention epigenetics. However, our understanding of epigenetic influences on physiological processes is growing rapidly, and it is highly likely that epigenetic phenomena are an additional ‘hidden’ source of variation, particularly in wild-caught specimens. Recent studies have shown epigenetic inheritance of commonly studied traits such as metabolic rate (water fleas Daphnia magna; emu, Dromaius novaellandiae), hypoxic tolerance, cardiac performance (zebrafish, Danio rerio), as well as numerous morphological effects. The ecological and evolutionary significance of such epigenetic inheritance is discussed in a comparative physiological context. Finally, against this context of epigenetic inheritance of phenotype, this essay also provides a number of caveats and warnings regarding the interpretation of transgenerational phenotype modification as a true epigenetic phenomenon. Parental effects, sperm storage, multiple paternity and direct gamete exposure can all be confounding factors. Epigenetic inheritance may best be studied in animal models that can be maintained in the laboratory over multiple generations, to yield parental stock that themselves are free of epigenetic effects from the historical experiences of their parents.
Ontogeny of O2 and CO2//H+ chemosensitivity in adrenal chromaffin cells: role of innervation
Authors: Salman Shaima , Buttigieg Josef , Nurse Colin A.
Published: February 2014

The adrenal medulla plays a key role in the physiological responses of developing and mature mammals by releasing catecholamines (CAT) during stress. In rodents and humans, the innervation of CAT-producing, adrenomedullary chromaffin cells (AMCs) is immature or absent during early postnatal life, when these cells possess ‘direct’ hypoxia- and CO2/H+-chemosensing mechanisms. During asphyxial stressors at birth, these mechanisms contribute to a CAT surge that is critical for adaptation to extra-uterine life. These direct chemosensing mechanisms regress postnatally, in parallel with maturation of splanchnic innervation. Here, we review the evidence that neurotransmitters released from the splanchnic nerve during innervation activate signaling cascades that ultimately cause regression of direct AMC chemosensitivity to hypoxia and hypercapnia. In particular, we consider the roles of cholinergic and opioid receptor signaling, given that splanchnic nerves release acetylcholine and opiate peptides onto their respective postsynaptic nicotinic and opioid receptors on AMCs. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies in the rat suggest that interactions involving α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs), the hypoxia inducible factor (HIF)-2α signaling pathway, protein kinases and ATP-sensitive K+ (KATP) channels contribute to the selective suppression of hypoxic chemosensitivity. In contrast, interactions involving μ- and/or δ-opiod receptor signaling pathways contribute to the suppression of both hypoxic and hypercapnic chemosensitivity, via regulation of the expression of KATP channels and carbonic anhydrase (CA I and II), respectively. These data suggest that the ontogeny of O2 and CO2/H+ chemosensitivity in chromaffin cells can be regulated by the tonic release of presynaptic neurotransmitters.
The physiology of fish at low pH: the zebrafish as a model system
Authors: Kwong Raymond W. M. , Kumai Yusuke , Perry Steve F.
Published: February 2014

Ionic regulation and acid–base balance are fundamental to the physiology of vertebrates including fish. Acidification of freshwater ecosystems is recognized as a global environmental problem, and the physiological responses to acid exposure in a few fish species are well characterized. However, the underlying mechanisms promoting ionic and acid–base balance for most fish species that have been investigated remain unclear. Zebrafish (Danio rerio) has emerged as a powerful model system to elucidate the molecular basis of ionic and acid–base regulation. The utility of zebrafish is related to the ease with which it can be genetically manipulated, its suitability for state-of-the-art molecular and cellular approaches, and its tolerance to diverse environmental conditions. Recent studies have identified several key regulatory mechanisms enabling acclimation of zebrafish to acidic environments, including activation of the sodium/hydrogen exchanger (NHE) and H+-ATPase for acid secretion and Na+ uptake, cortisol-mediated regulation of transcellular and paracellular Na+ movements, and ionocyte proliferation controlled by specific cell-fate transcription factors. These integrated physiological responses ultimately contribute to ionic and acid–base homeostasis in zebrafish exposed to acidic water. In the present review, we provide an overview of the general effects of acid exposure on freshwater fish, the adaptive mechanisms promoting extreme acid tolerance in fishes native to acidic environments, and the mechanisms regulating ionic and acid–base balance during acid exposure in zebrafish.
Preparation of Polyimide–Cellulose Composite Using Oligoimide with Ethynyl Terminals
Authors: Shirata Tomoya , Kon Tatsuki , Sasaki Keiko , Oishi Yoshiyuki , Shibasaki Yuji
Published: February 2014

A soluble imide oligomer (IO) (repeating number; 2 and 4) having N-phenylated melamine units and phenylethynyl terminals was prepared, and the application to polyimide composites with cellulose (CEL) crystals derived from pulp (CELp) or Halocynthia (CELh) with or without a modifier was investigated. The CELh additive up to 0.5 wt % was easily dispersed in IO matrix in solution, and thermostable (glass-transition temperature, ca. 285 °C) transparent tough film (tensile strength, ca. 169 MPa; elongation at break, ca. 8.9%; tensile modulus, ca. 4.6 GPa) was obtained, while the addition of a modifier such as cetyltrimethylammonium bromide and poly(ethylene glycol) derivatives was necessary to obtain a similar tough film for the CELp additive.
A single inhibitory upstream open reading frame (uORF) is sufficient to regulateCandida albicans GCN4translation in response to amino acid starvation conditions
Authors: Sundaram Arunkumar , Grant Chris M.
Published: February 2014

Candida albicansis a major fungal pathogen that responds to various environmental cues as part of its infection mechanism. We show here that the expression ofC. albicans GCN4, which encodes a transcription factor that regulates morphogenetic and metabolic responses, is translationally regulated in response to amino acid starvation induced by exposure to the histidine analog 3-aminotriazole (3AT). However, in contrast to the well-known translational control mechanisms that regulate yeastGCN4and mammalianATF4expression via multiple upstream open reading frames (uORFs) in their 5′-leader sequences, a single inhibitory uORF is necessary and sufficient forC. albicans GCN4translational control. The 5′-leader sequence ofGCN4contains three uORFs, but uORF3 alone is sufficient for translational regulation. Under nonstress conditions, uORF3 inhibitsGCN4translation. Amino acid starvation conditions promote Gcn2-mediated phosphorylation of eIF2α and leaky ribosomal scanning to bypass uORF3, inducingGCN4translation.GCN4expression is also transcriptionally regulated, although maximal induction is observed at higher concentrations of 3AT compared with translational regulation.C. albicans GCN4expression is therefore highly regulated by both transcriptional and translational control mechanisms. We suggest that it is particularly important that Gcn4 levels are tightly controlled since Gcn4 regulates morphogenetic changes during amino acid starvation conditions, which are important determinants of virulence in this fungus.
An RNA aptamer possessing a novel monovalent cation-mediated fold inhibits lysozyme catalysis by inhibiting the binding of long natural substrates
Authors: Padlan Camille S. , Malashkevich Vladimir N. , Almo Steve C. , Levy Matthew , Brenowitz Michael , Girvin Mark E.
Published: February 2014

RNA aptamers are being developed as inhibitors of macromolecular and cellular function, diagnostic tools, and potential therapeutics. Our understanding of the physical nature of this emerging class of nucleic acid–protein complexes is limited; few atomic resolution structures have been reported for aptamers bound to their protein target. Guided by chemical mapping, we systematically minimized an RNA aptamer (Lys1) selected against hen egg white lysozyme. The resultant 59-nucleotide compact aptamer (Lys1.2minE) retains nanomolar binding affinity and the ability to inhibit lysozyme's catalytic activity. Our 2.0-Å crystal structure of the aptamer–protein complex reveals a helical stem stabilizing two loops to form a protein binding platform that binds lysozyme distal to the catalytic cleft. This structure along with complementary solution analyses illuminate a novel protein–nucleic acid interface; (1) only 410 Å2of solvent accessible surface are buried by aptamer binding; (2) an unusually small fraction (∼18%) of the RNA-protein interaction is electrostatic, consistent with the limited protein phosphate backbone contacts observed in the structure; (3) a single Na+stabilizes the loops that constitute the protein-binding platform, and consistent with this observation, Lys1.2minE–lysozyme complex formation takes up rather than displaces cations at low ionic strength; (4) Lys1.2minE inhibits catalysis of large cell wall substrates but not catalysis of small model substrates; and (5) the helical stem of Lys1.2minE can be shortened to four base pairs (Lys1.2minF) without compromising binding affinity, yielding a 45-nucleotide aptamer whose structure may be an adaptable protein binding platform.
Study protocol for examining job strain as a risk factor for severe unipolar depression in an individual participant meta-analysis of 14 European cohorts
Authors: Madsen Ida E. H. , Hannerz Harald , Nyberg Solja T. , Magnusson Hanson Linda L. , Ahola Kirsi , Alfredsson Lars , Batty G. David , Bjorner Jakob B. , Borritz Marianne , Burr Hermann , Dragano Nico , Ferrie Jane E. , Hamer Mark , Jokela Markus , Knutsson Anders , Koskenvuo Markku , Koskinen Aki , Leineweber Constanze , Nielsen Martin L. , Nordin Maria , Oksanen Tuula , Pejtersen Jan H. , Pentti Jaana , Salo Paula , Singh-Manoux Archana , Suominen Sakari , Theorell Töres , Toppinen-Tanner Salla , Vahtera Jussi , Väänänen Ari , Westerholm Peter J. M , Westerlund Hugo , Fransson Eleonor , Heikkilä Katriina , Virtanen Marianna , Rugulies Reiner , Kivimäki Mika ,   for the IPD-Work Consortium
Published: February 2014

Background: Previous studies have shown that gainfully employed individuals with high work demands and low control at work (denoted “job strain”) are at increased risk of common mental disorders, including depression. Most existing studies have, however, measured depression using self-rated symptom scales that do not necessarily correspond to clinically diagnosed depression. In addition, a meta-analysis from 2008 indicated publication bias in the field.

Methods: This study protocol describes the planned design and analyses of an individual participant data meta-analysis, to examine whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression based on hospital treatment registers.  The study will be based on data from approximately 120,000 individuals who participated in 14 studies on work environment and health in 4 European countries. The self-reported working conditions data will be merged with national registers on psychiatric hospital treatment, primarily hospital admissions. Study-specific risk estimates for the association between job strain and depression will be calculated using Cox regressions. The study-specific risk estimates will be pooled using random effects meta-analysis.

Discussion: The planned analyses will help clarify whether job strain is associated with an increased risk of clinically diagnosed unipolar depression. As the analysis is based on pre-planned study protocols and an individual participant data meta-analysis, the pooled risk estimates will not be influenced by selective reporting and publication bias. However, the results of the planned study may only pertain to severe cases of unipolar depression, because of the outcome measure applied.
Rapid and inexpensive body fluid identification by RNA profiling-based multiplex High Resolution Melt (HRM) analysis
Authors: Hanson Erin K. , Ballantyne Jack
Published: February 2014

Positive identification of the nature of biological material present on evidentiary items can be crucial for understanding the circumstances surrounding a crime. However, traditional protein-based methods do not permit the identification of all body fluids and tissues, and thus molecular based strategies for the conclusive identification of all forensically relevant biological fluids and tissues need to be developed. Messenger RNA (mRNA) profiling is an example of such a molecular-based approach. Current mRNA body fluid identification assays involve capillary electrophoresis (CE) or quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) platforms, each with its own limitations. Both platforms require the use of expensive fluorescently labeled primers or probes. CE-based assays require separate amplification and detection steps thus increasing the analysis time. For qRT-PCR assays, only 3-4 markers can be included in a single reaction since each requires a different fluorescent dye.

To simplify mRNA profiling assays, and reduce the time and cost of analysis, we have developed single- and multiplex body fluid High Resolution Melt (HRM) assays for the identification of common forensically relevant biological fluids and tissues. The incorporated biomarkers include IL19 (vaginal secretions), IL1F7 (skin), ALAS2 (blood), MMP10 (menstrual blood), HTN3 (saliva) and TGM4 (semen).  The HRM assays require only unlabeled PCR primers and a single saturating intercalating fluorescent dye (Eva Green). Each body-fluid-specific marker can easily be identified by the presence of a distinct melt peak. Usually, HRM assays are used to detect variants or isoforms for a single gene target. However, we have uniquely developed duplex and triplex HRM assays to permit the simultaneous detection of multiple targets per reaction. Here we describe the development and initial performance evaluation of the developed HRM assays. The results demonstrate the potential use of HRM assays for rapid, and relatively inexpensive, screening of biological evidence.
Learning intrinsic excitability in medium spiny neurons
Authors: Scheler Gabriele
Published: February 2014

We present an unsupervised, local activation-dependent learning rule for intrinsic plasticity (IP) which affects the composition of ion channel conductances for single neurons in a use-dependent way. We use a single-compartment conductance-based model for medium spiny striatal neurons in order to show the effects of parameterization of individual ion channels on the neuronal membrane potential-curent relationship (activation function). We show that parameter changes within the physiological ranges are sufficient to create an ensemble of neurons with significantly different activation functions. We emphasize that the effects of intrinsic neuronal modulation on spiking behavior require a distributed mode of synaptic input and can be eliminated by strongly correlated input. We show how modulation and adaptivity in ion channel conductances can be utilized to store patterns without an additional contribution by synaptic plasticity (SP). The adaptation of the spike response may result in either "positive" or "negative" pattern learning. However, read-out of stored information depends on a distributed pattern of synaptic activity to let intrinsic modulation determine spike response. We briefly discuss the implications of this conditional memory on learning and addiction.
Predictions and Risks in the Legal Sphere
Authors: Tikhomirov YUriy
Published: February 2014

The article is devoted to the concept of advanced legal effect, targets of legal prognosis, such as scientific prognostication of dynamics of legal conditions, optimal legal effect on social and politic processes, avoidance of possible deviations. Elements of juridical prognosis are determined: borders and contents of perspective legal regulation, means of correlation of social development processes and their legal reverberation. Theses correlation could help to ascertain cause-and-effect relations in the legal system, dynamics of legal regulations in national and international law, dynamics of statutes and functions of subjects of law, legal risks. All these elements would stimulate minimizing of negative consequences. Methods of prognostication and a range of criteria for an estimation of results are also considered in the article.
Questions of Requisition in the Russian Civil Legislation
Authors: Obolonkova Elena
Published: February 2014

The article analyses the issues of recovery of property from private owners as a result of requisition by the state. In particular, the author considers the circumstances that may serve as a basis for requisition and the issue of payment to the owner compensation for confiscated property. Analyzes the current legislation, judicial practice, international conventions, literature sources and on the basis of their analysis, some recommendations on the improvement of the current legislation.
Nature of Intangible Benefits and Their Protection
Authors: Andryeyev Vladimir
Published: February 2014

In article according to standards of the Federal law of July 2, 2013 No. 142-FZ “On modification of subsection 3 of the section I of part one of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation” are studied a being of the intangible benefits and their protection. Properties of the intangible benefit as right subject form of the person and citizen, other than a common property right are established. Classification of the intangible benefits is given, specific ways of their protection are considered.
International Law Models of Implementation of Anti-Corruption Conventions
Authors: Kashirkina Anna
Published: February 2014

The article deals with current issues in modern jurisprudence of the theoretical approaches to the implementation of international legal standards and anti-corruption standards. On the basis of comparative legal analysis of the legislative anti-corruption regulation in more than 20 countries, scientific modeling and organizing the author identifies four theoretical models of implementation of international anti-corruption law. An assessment of problematic issues of implementation of anti-corruption conventions in the Russian Federation, as well as suggestions for improving the mechanism.
Agency Agreements and Contracts of Commission in Foreign Trade Turnover
Authors: Kanashevskiy Vladimir
Published: February 2014

The author analyzes the issues of conflict of law regulation of agency and commission agency agreements in Russia and foreign countries, examines the notion and characteristics of such contracts, gives the examples of consideration of the disputes arising from agency and commission agency agreements from Russian and foreign case law and arbitration practice.
On the Draft Federal Law “On Normative Legal Acts in the Russian Federation”
Authors: Cherepanov Viktor
Published: February 2014

Problems of legislative process are considered and methods of dealing with these problems are proposed in the article.
Criminal Liability for Theft with Use of Computer Equipment
Authors: Khilyuta Vadim
Published: February 2014

In article questions of qualification of the plunders made with use of the computer technics are considered. The author proves necessity of introduction of the independent criminal liability for “computer plunder” and the variant given criminally-rule of law is offered.
Legal Interests in the System of Civil Law
Authors: Ulyanov Aleksey
Published: February 2014

This article covers such important problem of civil law, as nature of legal interest in the civil law system. The author regards the legal interest as a specific legal form, argues his own novel attitude that the legal interest is legal bound between the subjects of civil law, which contains their expectations regarding the acquisition of civi rights or other benefits.
Talking Universal Credit: in conversation with Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform
Authors: Sainsbury Roy
Published: February 2014

This article draws on an interview with Lord Freud, Minister for Welfare Reform since May 2010, and explores the origins of Universal Credit and how it was turned over the course of five years or so from an aspirational idea into a detailed blueprint for change and finally into legislation in the form of the Welfare Reform Act 2012. What emerges is an intriguing case study in British policy making. At the time of the interview in July 2013 the implementation of Universal Credit had just begun in a small number of pilot areas. Lord Freud also discusses the objectives of Universal Credit and when and how we will know whether these are being met.
Benefits, poverty and social justice
Authors: McKay Stephen
Published: February 2014

The ongoing austerity policies combined with increasingly negative public views about benefits are generating the current crisis of social security benefits. Whilst in previous years there might have been greater concerns about administrative issues and take-up, at present increasing proportions of the public are sceptical about the positive aspects to social security. Strategies to defend social security appear to have gained limited political traction. This time of change for income maintenance, is also a time of change for the editorial team at this journal, and I briefly reflect on 18 years on the editorial board.
The evolution of lactase persistence
Authors: Rocha Jorge
Published: February 2014

Lactase persistence has long been recognized as a striking example of human dietary adaptation to changes in food production habits. The observation that the prevalence of lactase persistence is positively correlated with the cultural history of dairying in human populations has led to the formulation of an evolutionary interpretation that became known as the culture-historical hypothesis. This hypothesis emphasizes the influence that culturally derived selection can have on human genes by assuming that the nutritional benefits of milk drinking during adult life are selectively advantageous in groups that rely on dairying to subsist. The recent demonstration of the molecular basis of lactase persistence provided a unique opportunity to test the basic predictions of the culture-historical hypothesis and to evaluate its merit relative to alternative explanations. Here, I present an overview of the evolutionary history of lactase persistence by focusing on the predictions of the culture-historical hypothesis, including the correlation between lactase persistence and pastoralism, the age of lactase persistence mutations and molecular evidences for natural selection. The places of origin and geographic diffusion of lactase persistence mutations are also discussed in the context of the population movements associated with the spread of pastoralism.
Guest Editorial: The James Bay Hydroelectric Project - Issue of the Century
Authors: Linton J.I.
Published: February 2014

... The James Bay project has become a major issue because it involves a number of factors that represent a critical change in our outlook over the past twenty years. The first of these is the growth in popularity and scientific credibility of the environmental movement. Environmental awareness has flowered since the first phase of the James Bay project was begun. The environmental impact of the project was not a matter of great debate in the early '70s and no formal environmental assessment was ever done prior to construction of the first phase. It has only been since the mid-1970s that environmental impact assessments of major government projects have been performed on a regular basis in Canada. A surge in public concern about the state of the environment in the late 1980s came at the time Hydro-Quebec began preparations for the Great Whale phase of the project. As a result, the environmental impacts of the first phase have come under close scrutiny, and many of the concerns expressed by opponents in the 1970s have been substantiated. It has been shown that environmental impacts of the first phase include: methyl mercury contamination of water in reservoirs and downstream rivers and mercury accumulation in fish; reversal of the natural seasonal flow patterns of rivers; conversion of La Grande estuary from a saltwater environment to a freshwater one because of regulated peak flow in winter; changes in water temperatures in affected rivers; loss of wetland productivity; production of greenhouse gases by the decomposition of vegetation in inundated areas; destruction of shoreline and shoreline habitat (creation of dead zones) around reservoirs due to fluctuating water levels; riverbank erosion downstream from dams; and interference with animal migration routes. This presents a far different picture from the one advanced in the past of hydroelectricity as a clean, environmentally safe energy source. A second factor has been the internationalization of environmental issues. ... A third factor is our growing understanding of, and respect for, native peoples. ... Today, the idea of progress is undergoing a massive shift away from material and economic growth for growth's sake and toward what has come to be known as "sustainable development." The James Bay project might have been considered "the project of the century" in an earlier era. However, in the era of sustainable development, it must be regarded as something quite different.
The Mandarin LVS construction: Verb lexical semantics and grammatical aspect
Authors: Chen Ying , Jing-Schmidt Zhuo
Published: February 2014

Two empirical studies – a verb elicitation experiment and a collostructional analysis – were conducted to investigate the Mandarin LVS construction with respect to the lexical semantics of the verb and its collocation with grammatical aspect. Converging evidence from both studies indicates strong schematicity and productivity in the verb category of the LVS construction. Although most exemplars fall into a few major lexical semantic clusters, there are more low-frequency marginal exemplars than previously recognized, reinforcing the constructional schema in an essentially radial category. In addition to the lexical semantic regularity of the verb slot, both studies showed the existence of high-frequency tokens with prototype status. As far as grammatical aspect is concerned, the converging evidence indicates that the LVS category is compatible not only with the durative aspect, but also with the perfective as well as the resultative and directional lexical aspect. The attraction of grammatical aspect to the verb of LVS is graded rather than absolute, with some mutual selection patterns more typical than others. The two grammatical aspects as marked by the durative -zhe and the perfective -le are non-interchangeable.
Unpacking noun-noun compounds: Interpreting novel and conventional foodnames in isolation and on food labels
Authors: Smith Viktor , Barratt Daniel , Zlatev Jordan
Published: February 2014

In two complementary experiments we took an integrated approach to a set of tightly interwoven, yet rarely combined questions concerning the spontaneous interpretation of novel (unfamiliar) noun-noun compounds (NNCs) when encountered in isolation, and possible (re)interpretations of novel as well as conventional (familiar) NNCs when encountered in verbo-visual context. To enhance ecological validity, we mirrored our research questions in real-life concerns on the naming of commercial food products and the risk of consumers being misled by the names that producers give to them, focusing on the Danish food market and using Danish NNCs. Specifically, we addressed a highly productive type of compound food names where the modifier denotes a geographical entity and the head denotes a type of food, e.g. Hawaii pizza. Our findings contribute new evidence to central issues of (cognitive) linguistic theory concerning the relations between semantics and pragmatics, as well as system and usage, and psycholinguistic issues concerning the processing of NNCs. New insights and methodological tools are also provided for supporting future best practices in the field of food naming and labelling.
Influence of toasting treatment on permeability of six wood species for enological use
Authors: Acuña Luis , Gonzalez Daniel , de la Fuente Javier , Moya Laura
Published: February 2014

The major physical properties and permeability of six wood species, namely, Castanea sativa, Prunus avium, Robinia pseudoacacia, Fraxinus excelsior, Quercus alba, and Quercus petraea, have been investigated from the enological point of view. With permeability studies in focus, impregnation and evaporation losses were assessed by means of a hydroalcoholic solution similar to wine. Both native and toasted woods were tested, as toasting is a common pretreatment for barrels destined to be used in wine aging. Evaporation losses of all species, with and without treatment, follow a positively sloped linear model with R
2 adjusted ≥90%, whereas losses by impregnation followed an asymptotic model with R
2 values ≥80%. The effects of toasting are species specific. It was observed that the impregnation and evaporation losses decrease significantly in the species C. sativa, R. pseudoacacia, Q. alba, and P. avium. It is remarkable that toasted F. excelsior has total losses much higher than the other woods tested; thus, toasting of this type of wood is not recommendable for manufacturing wood staves for winemaking.
Risk behaviors related to violence and injury among school-going adolescents in Karnataka, Southern India
Authors: Swain Subhashisa , Mohanan Padma , Sanah Noore , Sharma Vikram , Ghosh Deboporna
Published: February 2014

Background: Adolescence is a crucial stage of life. The development and practice of various risk behaviors predisposes the risk of getting injured and consequences in later life.

Study methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted among 381 adolescents (15–19 years) studying in different schools and colleges of Udupi. The Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS), Center for Disease Control (CDC) Questionnaire and the Atlanta Questionnaire and Guidelines was adopted for data collection. Behaviors such as poor obeying traffic rules while driving, violence at school premises, and suicidal thoughts of the participants were explored. Univariate analysis followed by multivariate logistic regression was done to estimate the predictors of violence-related behavior using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) v. 20.

Results: In our study, 27.03% of students (total=381) had knowledge of traffic rules in detail, where 65% drove a motorized vehicle. Nearly 75% of students did not use a helmet or seatbelt while driving and 17% used a mobile phone for either talking or texting while driving. Considering all violence risk behaviors, 33.07% of students had at least and 18% had at least two violence-related risk behaviors. Nearly 21.78% thought of hitting somebody, 16.34% of boys and 9.5% of girls carried sharp objects to school, 18.81% of boys and 10.39% of girls damaged or stole other students’ property, 18.37% bullied others in the past month at the school campus, and 11.32% were involved in serious fights. Out of 381 students, 114 (30.32%) were bullied, 10% had been slapped intentionally, and 18% of girls felt unsafe to go out of their home because of threat compared with 15% of boys. In total, 71 (18.93%) students thought of suicide and 22 of them attempted it. Logistic regression showed that boys [odds ratio (OR): 1.72, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.02–2.93) and students of 16 years of age (OR: 3.02, 95% CI: 1.06–9.02) affected or victimized by violent activities at school (OR: 3.23, 95% CI: 1.76–5.93) and bullied by others (OR: 2.6, 95% CI: 1.55–4.36) were determining factors for violence-related behaviors after adjusting for other variables.

Conclusion: There is a need to identify students at risk and for intervention addressing the risk factors. Further qualitative studies could provide more insight.
Effect of life skills training on physical activity patterns amongst school adolescents in Delhi: a non-randomized interventional study
Authors: Anand Tanu , Ingle Gopal Krishna , Meena Gajendra Singh , Kishore Jugal , Yadav Sangita
Published: February 2014

Background: Effect of life skills on physical activity behavior of adolescents is little explored.

Objective: To assess impact of life-skills training on the level of physical activity amongst adolescents.

Methods: A nonrandomized interventional study with a control group. All students studying in Class IX and XI of two schools in Delhi were included. Data was collected at baseline, 15 days and 3 months after the life-skills training. Two life-skills training sessions were conducted for each standard following collection of baseline data.

Results: There were 180 students in the intervention and 183 students in the control group. A significant increase was noted in the level of light-moderate, vigorous physical activity, and stretching and strengthening exercises (p<0.001) in an intervention group over the period of 3 months following the training. The number of students enrolled in physical education classes also increased.

Conclusions: A skills-based approach helped to improve the level of physical activity amongst the school adolescents.
Absence of antibodies against Bordetella pertussis in pregnant women and newborns in the state of Nuevo Leon
Authors: Villarreal-Pérez Jesús Zacarías , Ramírez-Aranda José Manuel , Rodríguez-Rodríguez Irasema , Perales-Dávila José , García-Elizondo Francisco Javier , Gómez-Gómez Celina , Galindo-Galindo Edgar , Rodríguez-Moreno Marco Antonio , Ballesteros-Elizondo Romelia
Published: February 2014

Aims: To assess placental transfer of antibodies to the child at birth and at 2 months of age.

Materials and methods: For the quantification of anti-PT IgG antibodies, we used an indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay standardized by The National Institute of Epidemiologic Diagnosis and Reference (InDRE). Samples were considered negative from 0 to 48 IU/mL, indeterminate from 49 to 93 IU/mL and positive at ≥94 IU/mL. We performed a cross-sectional assessment of anti-PT IgG antibody levels in the mother, umbilical cord, and child.

Results: There was a higher concentration of IgG anti-TP in the umbilical cord (4.3%) and in the mother (1.4%), but a total absence was observed in the child (0%).

Conclusion: The vulnerability of children to Bordetella pertussis shows the need to implement effective immunization strategies, whether actively, in the child, or passively through the mother, adolescents, and adults who are in contact with the child.
The Emotional Homunculus: ERP Evidence for Independent Somatosensory Responses during Facial Emotional Processing
Authors: Sel Alejandra , Forster Bettina , Calvo-Merino Beatriz
Published: February 2014

Current models of face perception propose that initial visual processing is followed by activation of nonvisual somatosensory areas that contributes to emotion recognition. To test whether there is a pure and independent involvement of somatosensory cortex (SCx) during face processing over and above visual responses, we directly measured participants' somatosensory-evoked activity by tactually probing (105 ms postvisual facial stimuli) the state of SCx during an emotion discrimination task while controlling for visual effects. Discrimination of emotional versus neutral expressions enhanced early somatosensory-evoked activity between 40 and 80 ms after stimulus onset, suggesting visual emotion processing in SCx. This effect was source localized within primary, secondary, and associative somatosensory cortex. Emotional face processing influenced somatosensory responses to both face (congruent body part) and finger (control site) tactile stimulation, suggesting a general process that includes nonfacial cortical representations. Gender discrimination of the same facial expressions did not modulate somatosensory-evoked activity. We provide novel evidence that SCx activation is not a byproduct of visual processing but is independently shaped by face emotion processing.
α1F64 Residue at GABAAReceptor Binding Site Is Involved in Gating by Influencing the Receptor Flipping Transitions
Authors: Szczot Marcin , Kisiel Magdalena , Czyzewska Marta M. , Mozrzymas Jerzy W.
Published: February 2014

GABA receptors (GABAARs) mediate inhibition in the adult brain. These channels are heteropentamers and their ligand binding sites are localized at the β(+)/α(−) interfaces. As expected, mutations of binding-site residues affect binding kinetics but accumulating evidence indicates that gating is also altered, although the underlying mechanisms are unclear. We investigated the impact of the hydrophobic box residue localized at α1(−), F64 (α1F64), on the binding and gating of rat recombinant α1β1γ2receptors. The analysis of current responses to rapid agonist applications confirmed a marked effect of α1F64 mutations on agonist binding and revealed surprisingly strong effects on gating, including the disappearance of rapid desensitization, the slowing of current onset, and accelerated deactivation. Moreover, nonstationary variance analysis revealed that the α1F64C mutation dramatically reduced the maximum open probability without altering channel conductance. Interestingly, for wild-type receptors, responses to saturating concentration of a partial agonist, P4S, showed no rapid desensitization, similar to GABA-evoked responses mediated by α1F64C mutants. For the α1F64L mutation, the application of the high-affinity agonist muscimol partially rescued rapid desensitization compared with responses evoked by GABA. These findings suggest that α1F64 mutations do not disrupt desensitization mechanisms but rather affect other gating features that obscure it. Model simulations indicated that all of our observations related to α1F64 mutations could be properly reproduced by altering the flipped state transitions that occurred after agonist binding but preceded opening. In conclusion, we propose that the α1F64 residue may participate in linking binding and gating by influencing flipping kinetics.