bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding and engineering beneficial plant–microbe interactions: plant growth promotion in energy crops
Authors: Farrar Kerrie , Bryant David , Cope‐Selby Naomi
Published: November 2014

Plant production systems globally must be optimized to produce stable high yields from limited land under changing and variable climates. Demands for food, animal feed, and feedstocks for bioenergy and biorefining applications, are increasing with population growth, urbanization and affluence. Low‐input, sustainable, alternatives to petrochemical‐derived fertilizers and pesticides are required to reduce input costs and maintain or increase yields, with potential biological solutions having an important role to play. In contrast to crops that have been bred for food, many bioenergy crops are largely undomesticated, and so there is an opportunity to harness beneficial plant–microbe relationships which may have been inadvertently lost through intensive crop breeding. Plant–microbe interactions span a wide range of relationships in which one or both of the organisms may have a beneficial, neutral or negative effect on the other partner. A relatively small number of beneficial plant–microbe interactions are well understood and already exploited; however, others remain understudied and represent an untapped reservoir for optimizing plant production. There may be near‐term applications for bacterial strains as microbial biopesticides and biofertilizers to increase biomass yield from energy crops grown on land unsuitable for food production. Longer term aims involve the design of synthetic genetic circuits within and between the host and microbes to optimize plant production. A highly exciting prospect is that endosymbionts comprise a unique resource of reduced complexity microbial genomes with adaptive traits of great interest for a wide variety of applications.
Rice transgene flow: its patterns, model and risk management
Authors: Jia Shirong , Yuan Qianhua , Pei Xinwu , Wang Feng , Hu Ning , Yao Kemin , Wang Zhixing
Published: November 2014

Progress has been made in a 12 year's systemic study on the rice transgene flow including (i) with experiments conducted at multiple locations and years using up to 21 pollen recipients, we have elucidated the patterns of transgene flow to different types of rice. The frequency to male sterile lines is 101 and 103 higher than that to O. rufipogon and rice cultivars. Wind speed and direction are the key meteorological factors affecting rice transgene flow. (ii) A regional applicable rice gene flow model is established and used to predict the maximum threshold distances (MTDs) of gene flow during 30 years in 993 major rice producing counties of southern China. The MTD0.1% for rice cultivars is basically ≤5 m in the whole region, despite climate differs significantly at diverse locations and years. This figure is particularly valuable for the commercialization and regulation of transgenic rice. (iii) The long‐term fate of transgene integrated into common wild rice was investigated. Results demonstrated that the F1 hybrids of transgenic rice/O. rufipogon gradually disappeared within 3–5 years, and the Bt or bar gene was not detectable in the mixed population, suggesting the O. rufipogon may possess a strong mechanism of exclusiveness for self‐protection. (iv) The flowering time isolation and a 2‐m‐high cloth‐screen protection were proved to be effective in reducing transgene flow. We have proposed to use a principle of classification and threshold management for different types of rice.
Genomic selection in hybrid breeding
Authors: Zhao Yusheng , Mette Michael F. , Reif Jochen C.
Published: November 2014

While hybrid breeding is widely applied in outbreeding species, for many self‐pollinating crop plants, it has only recently been established. This may have had its reason in the limitations of methods available for hybrid performance prediction, in particular when established heterotic pools were absent. Genomic selection has been suggested as a promising approach to resolve these limitations. In our review, we briefly introduce the principles of genomic selection as an extension of marker‐assisted selection using genome‐wide high‐density molecular marker data and discuss the advantages and limitations of currently used algorithms. Including the outcome from a recent extended approach to hybrid wheat as a timely example, we summarize current progress in empirical studies on the application of genomic selection for prediction of hybrid performance. Here, we put emphasis on the factors affecting the accuracy of prediction, pointing in particular to the relevance of relatedness, genotype x environment interaction and experimental design. Finally, we discuss future research needs and potential applications.
High‐risk age window for mortality in children with cystic fibrosis after lung transplantation
Authors: Hayes Don , McCoy Karen S. , Whitson Bryan A. , Mansour Heidi M. , Tobias Joseph D.
Published: November 2014

LTx in children with CF remains controversial. The UNOS database was queried from 1987 to 2013 for CF patients <18 yr of age at time of transplant. PCHR model was used to quantify hazard of mortality. 489 recipients were included in the survival analysis. The hazard function of post‐transplant mortality was plotted over attained age to identify age window of highest risk, which was 16–20 yr. Unadjusted PCHR model revealed ages immediately after the high‐risk window were characterized by lower hazard of mortality (HR = 0.472; 95% CI = 0.302, 0.738; p = 0.001). After adjusting for potential confounders, the decline in mortality hazard immediately after the high‐risk window remained statistically significant (HR = 0.394; 95% CI: 0.211, 0.737; p = 0.004). Hazard of mortality in children with CF after LTx was highest between 16 and 20 yr of attained age and declined thereafter.
Effects of Ultraviolet Radiation (UVA+UVB) and Copper on the Morphology, Ultrastructural Organization and Physiological Responses of the Red Alga Pterocladiella capillacea
Authors: Schmidt Éder C. , Kreusch Marianne , Felix Marthiellen R. de L. , Pereira Debora T. , Costa Giulia B. , Simioni Carmen , Ouriques Luciane C. , Farias‐Soares Francine L. , Steiner Neusa , Chow Fungyi , Ramlov Fernanda , Maraschin Marcelo , Bouzon Zenilda L.
Published: November 2014

The effect of ultraviolet (UV) radiation and copper (Cu) on apical segments of Pterocladiella capillacea was examined under two different conditions of radiation, PAR (control) and PAR+UVA+UVB (PAR+UVAB), and three copper concentrations, ranging from 0 (control) to 0.62, 1.25 and 2.50 μm. Algae were exposed in vitro to photosynthetically active radiation (PAR) at 70 μmol photons m−2 s−1, PAR + UVB at 0.35 W m−2 and PAR +UVA at 0.70 W m−2 during a 12‐h photocycle for 3 h each day for 7 days. The effects of radiation and copper on growth rates, content of photosynthetic pigments and photosynthetic performance were analyzed. In addition, samples were processed for light and transmission electron microscopy. The content of photosynthetic pigments decreased after exposure to radiation and Cu. Compared with PAR radiation and copper treatments modified the kinetics patterns of the photosynthesis/irradiance curve. The treatments also caused changes in the ultrastructure of cortical and subcortical cells, including increased cell wall thickness and accumulation of plastoglobuli, as well as changes in the organization of chloroplasts. The results indicate that the synergistic interaction between UV radiation and Cu in P. capillacea, led to the failure of protective mechanisms and causing more drastic changes and cellular imbalances.
Laboratories of (In)equality? Redistributive Policy and Income Inequality in theAmericanStates
Authors: Hatch Megan E. , Rigby Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

Prior literature has emphasized demographic, economic, and political explanations for increasing income inequality in theUnitedStates, with little attention paid to the role of state‐level policy. This is despite great variation across states in both the level of inequality and the rate at which it is rising. This paper asks whether differences in state policy choices can help explain this variation; specifically, we examined a range of state redistributive policies enacted between 1980 and 2005 and identified four common approaches likely to impact inequality: taxes on the wealthy, taxes on the poor, spending on the poor, and labor market policies. We used pooled cross‐sectional time‐series data and a fixed‐effects model to assess the relationship between states’ use of each policy approach and two measures of market income inequality: the Gini coefficient and the income share of the top 1 percent. We find policies played a significant role in shaping income inequality in the states. For three of these four policy approaches, we found less inequality following expansions of state redistributive policy. Yet, for another, we identified the opposite pattern. These findings highlight the importance of state policy choices in shaping market inequality, and have implications for designing state policies to reduce income inequality since the success of these efforts depends on the policy approach used to redistribute income and wealth.
Short‐term food deprivation increases amplitudes of heartbeat‐evoked potentials
Authors: Schulz André , Ferreira de Sá Diana S. , Dierolf Angelika M. , Lutz Annika , van Dyck Zoé , Vögele Claus , Schächinger Hartmut
Published: November 2014

Nutritional state (i.e., fasting or nonfasting) may affect the processing of interoceptive signals, but mechanisms underlying this effect remain unclear. We investigated 16 healthy women on two separate days: when satiated (standardized food intake) and after an 18‐h food deprivation period. On both days, heartbeat‐evoked potentials (HEPs) and cardiac and autonomic nervous system activation indices (heart rate, normalized low frequency heart rate variability [nLF HRV]) were assessed. The HEP is an EEG pattern that is considered an index of cortical representation of afferent cardiovascular signals. Average HEP activity (R wave +455–595 ms) was enhanced during food deprivation compared to normal food intake. Cardiac activation did not differ between nutritional conditions. Our results indicate that short‐term food deprivation amplifies an electrophysiological correlate of the cortical representation of visceral‐afferent signals originating from the cardiovascular system. This effect could not be attributed to increased cardiac activation, as estimated by heart rate and nLF HRV, after food deprivation.
How internal users contribute to corporate product innovation: the case of embedded users
Authors: Schweisfurth Tim G. , Herstatt Cornelius
Published: November 2014

Harnessing tacit knowledge rooted in use experience and exploiting it for innovation is a major challenge for firms. This paper explores ‘embedded users’ as a mechanism to extract and utilize such knowledge for innovation. Embedded users are firm employees, who are also users of the firm's products. They are embedded into the firm and into the use context outside the firm, and also integrate need and solution‐related knowledge. Owing to these characteristics, embedded users are very capable of innovating. We shed light on this hitherto under‐researched phenomenon and explore how embedded users contribute to corporate innovation. More specifically, we explore the resources and capabilities that they deploy during the innovation process. We use interview data from 23 firms (35 interviews) in the sporting, leisure, and individual healthcare industries. Our findings show that embedded users draw on knowledge resources (use knowledge, solution knowledge, and organizational knowledge) and social resources (structural, relational, and cognitive capital) relevant for innovation. They deploy specific capabilities during all phases of the innovation process, that is, during ideation (idea generation, external information absorption, and competitive intelligence), development (specification setting and testing), and marketing (company representation and opinion leadership). We contribute to the literature by showing that user activities are not only relevant outside, but also within the organization. We also show that employees can access use‐related resources for innovation and that they act as boundary spanners for need knowledge.
Tracing an Outline of Legal Complexity
Authors: Webb Thomas E.
Published: November 2014

Autopoiesis and systems theory are terms often treated as synonymous by lawyers. This sleight‐of‐phrase elides the space between autopoiesis and systems theory, removing its content. Within this eliminated space there exist numerous understandings of systems approaches in law; one such understanding is complexity theory. Complexity theory entails a very different systems view of law to that of autopoiesis. In this paperIexplore the concepts of complexity and their relevance to law. In tracing an outline of complexity, a number of contradictions, paradoxes, and additional questions are exposed which require further detailed analysis in the future.
What Is Neutrality?
Authors: Pierik Roland , Van der Burg Wibren
Published: November 2014

This paper reinvestigates the question of liberal neutrality. We contend that current liberal discussions have been dominated—if not hijacked—by one particular interpretation of what neutrality could imply: namely, exclusive neutrality, aiming to exclude religious and cultural expressions from the public sphere. We will argue that this is merely one among several relevant interpretations. To substantiate our claim, we will first elaborate upon inclusive neutrality by formulating two supplementary interpretations: proportional neutrality and compensatory neutrality. Second, we will argue that inclusive proportional neutrality is the most appropriate interpretation in many contexts. Our discussion highlights the fact that some political disputes should not be seen in terms of the antithesis between liberal neutrality and illiberal alternatives but, instead, as a clash between various valid but incompatible interpretations of what liberal neutrality may imply.
New developments and biological insights into the farming of Solea senegalensis reinforcing its aquaculture potential
Authors: Morais Sofia , Aragão Cláudia , Cabrita Elsa , Conceição Luís E.C. , Constenla Maria , Costas Benjamín , Dias Jorge , Duncan Neil , Engrola Sofia , Estevez Alicia , Gisbert Enric , Mañanós Evaristo , Valente Luísa M. P. , Yúfera Manuel , Dinis Maria Teresa
Published: November 2014

Senegalese sole was one of the earliest identified candidate species with high potential for aquaculture diversification in the south of Europe. Its culture has been possible, and commercially attempted, for several decades, but intensive production has been slow to take off. This has been explained mostly by serious disease problems, high mortality at weaning, variable growth and poor juvenile quality. However, a strong and sustained research investment that started in the eighties has led to a better understanding of the requirements and particularities of this species. More recently, better management and technical improvements have been introduced, which have led to important progress in productivity and given a new impetus to the cultivation of Senegalese sole. As a result, the last 5 years have marked a probable turning point in the culture of sole towards the development of a knowledge‐driven, competitive and sustainable industry. This review will focus on the main technical improvements and advances in the state of knowledge that have been made in the last decade in areas as diverse as reproductive biology, behaviour, physiology, nutritional requirements, modulation of the immune system in response to environmental parameters and stress, and characterization and mitigation of the main disease threats. It is now clear that Senegalese sole has important particularities that differentiate it from other current and candidate marine aquaculture species, which bring about important challenges, some still unsolved, but also notable opportunities (e.g. a nutritional physiology that is better adapted to dietary vegetable ingredients), as will be discussed here.
Econometric Analyses of Home Bias in Government Procurement
Authors: Shingal Anirudh
Published: November 2014

The extent of discrimination in government procurement and its impact on economic efficiency has attracted both theoretical and analytical work, but little econometric evidence. We bridge this gap by building a new sector‐level dataset on domestic and foreign purchases by Japanese and Swiss governments over 1990–2003 to undertake “new” econometric analyses. Unlike previous work, we explain home‐bias using variables inspired by the political economy, trade‐macroeconomic and procurement literatures. We also provide “new” econometric evidence for previous theoretical predictions. Our results reveal the importance of domestic‐foreign productivity differences in governments’ cross‐border purchases and also support previous theoretical predictions. However, Membership of the World Trade Organizations's Agreement on Government Procurement is not found to increase market access.
Overcoming the organization–practice barrier in sports injury prevention: A nonhierarchical organizational model
Authors: Dahlström Ö. , Jacobsson J. , Timpka T.
Published: November 2014

The organization of sports at the national level has seldom been included in scientific discussions of sports injury prevention. The aim of this study was to develop a model for organization of sports that supports prevention of overuse injuries. The quality function deployment technique was applied in seminars over a two‐season period to develop a national organizational structure for athletics in Sweden that facilitates prevention of overuse injuries. Three central features of the resulting model for organization of sports at the national level are (a) diminishment of the organizational hierarchy: participatory safety policy design is introduced through annual meetings where actors from different sectors of the sporting community discuss training, injury prevention, and sports safety policy; (b) introduction of a safety surveillance system: a ubiquitous system for routine collection of injury and illness data; and (c) an open forum for discussion of safety issues: maintenance of a safety forum for participants from different sectors of the sport. A nonhierarchical model for organization of sports at the national level – facilitated by modern information technology – adapted for the prevention of overuse injuries has been developed. Further research is warranted to evaluate the new organizational model in prospective effectiveness studies.
Assessment of biodiversity in Chilean cattle using the distribution of major histocompatibility complex class IIBoLA‐DRB3 allele
Authors: Takeshima S.‐N. , Miyasaka T. , Matsumoto Y. , Xue G. , de la Barra Diaz V. , Rogberg‐Muñoz A. , Giovambattista G. , Ortiz M. , Oltra J. , Kanemaki M. , Onuma M. , Aida Y.
Published: November 2014

Bovine leukocyte antigens (BoLAs) are used extensively as markers for bovine disease and immunological traits. In this study, we estimated BoLA‐DRB3 allele frequencies using 888 cattle from 10 groups, including seven cattle breeds and three crossbreeds: 99 Red Angus, 100 Black Angus, 81 Chilean Wagyu, 49 Hereford, 95 Hereford × Angus, 71 Hereford × Jersey, 20 Hereford × Overo Colorado, 113 Holstein, 136 Overo Colorado, and 124 Overo Negro cattle. Forty‐six BoLA‐DRB3 alleles were identified, and each group had between 12 and 29 different BoLA‐DRB3 alleles. Overo Negro had the highest number of alleles (29); this breed is considered in Chile to be an ‘Old type’ European Holstein Friesian descendant. By contrast, we detected 21 alleles in Holstein cattle, which are considered to be a ‘Present type’ Holstein Friesian cattle. Chilean cattle groups and four Japanese breeds were compared by neighbor‐joining trees and a principal component analysis (PCA). The phylogenetic tree showed that Red Angus and Black Angus cattle were in the same clade, crossbreeds were closely related to their parent breeds, and Holstein cattle from Chile were closely related to Holstein cattle in Japan. Overall, the tree provided a thorough description of breed history. It also showed that the Overo Negro breed was closely related to the Holstein breed, consistent with historical data indicating that Overo Negro is an ‘Old type’ Holstein Friesian cattle. This allelic information will be important for investigating the relationship between major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and disease.
Persistence of recipient‐derived as well as donor‐derived clones of cytomegalovirus pp65‐specific cytotoxic T cells long after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Terasako‐Saito K. , Nakasone H. , Tanaka Y. , Yamazaki R. , Sato M. , Sakamoto K. , Ishihara Y. , Kawamura K. , Akahoshi Y. , Hayakawa J. , Wada H. , Harada N. , Nakano H. , Kameda K. , Ugai T. , Yamasaki R. , Ashizawa M. , Kimura S.‐I. , Kikuchi M. , Tanihara A. , Kanda J. , Kako S. , Nishida J. , Kanda Y.
Published: November 2014

Background

Cytomegalovirus (CMV)‐specific CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CMV‐CTLs) play a crucial role in preventing CMV disease. However, the actual in vivo dynamics of CMV‐CTL clones after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (alloHCT) are still unclear.

Methods

Using a single‐cell T‐cell receptor repertoire analysis, we monitored clones and chimerism of CMV‐CTLs in 3 CMV‐seropositive alloHCT recipients from CMV‐seronegative donors, with or without CMV reactivation.

Results

Nearly all of the CMV‐CTLs during follow‐up were CD45RA−CCR7− effector memory/CD45RA+CCR7− effector T cells, and were highly matured. In each case, the use of BV gene families was restricted, especially in BV5, 7, 28, and 29. Although no common predominant CMV‐CTL clones were found, several shared motifs of complementarity‐determining region‐3 were identified among the 3 cases; QGA in all, TGE and TDT in Case 1 and Case 2, and RDRG in Case 2 and Case 3. In all cases, CMV‐CTL clones that were detected for the first time after alloHCT persisted as the dominant clones. In Case 1, without CMV reactivation, recipient‐derived CMV‐CTLs exclusively persisted as a dominant clone, while all CMV‐CTLs in the other 2 cases, with CMV reactivation, were donor derived.

Conclusion

Clone monitoring and chimerism analyses should help to further clarify novel aspects of immuno‐reconstitution after alloHCT.
Hypertension, cardiovascular risk factors and antihypertensive medication utilisation among HIV‐infected individuals in Rakai, Uganda
Authors: Sander Laura D. , Newell Kevin , Ssebbowa Paschal , Serwadda David , Quinn Thomas C. , Gray Ronald H. , Wawer Maria J. , Mondo George , Reynolds Steven
Published: November 2014

Objectives

To assess the prevalence of hypertension, elevated blood pressure and cardiovascular risk factors among HIV‐positive individuals in rural Rakai District, Uganda.

Methods

We assessed 426 HIV‐positive individuals in Rakai, Uganda from 2007 to 2010. Prevalence of hypertension and elevated blood pressure assessed by clinical measurement was compared to clinician‐recorded hypertension in case report forms. Multiple logistic regression and z‐tests were used to examine the association of hypertension and elevated blood pressure with age, sex, body mass index (BMI), CD4 cell count and antiretroviral treatment (ART) use. For individuals on antihypertensives, medication utilisation was reviewed.

Results

The prevalence of hypertension (two elevated blood pressure readings at different time points) was 8.0% (95% CI: 5.4–10.6%), and that of elevated blood pressure (one elevated blood pressure reading) was 26.3% (95% CI: 22.1–30.5%). Age ≥50 years and higher BMI were positively associated with elevated blood pressure. ART use, time on ART and CD4 cell count were not associated with hypertension. Eighty‐three percent of subjects diagnosed with hypertension were on antihypertensive medications, most commonly beta‐blockers and calcium channel blockers.

Conclusions

Hypertension is common among HIV‐positive individuals in rural Uganda.
Porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix grafts (ACell Vet®Corneal Discs) for keratomalacia in 17 equids (2012–2013)
Authors: Mancuso Laura A. , Lassaline Mary , Scherrer Nicole M.
Published: November 2014

Objective

To describe the clinical course, outcomes, and complications associated with use of commercially available porcine urinary bladder extracellular matrix (ECM) grafts (ACell Vet® Corneal Discs) in equid patients with keratomalacia, and to evaluate the efficacy of ECM grafts as a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equid patients.

Animals

Sixteen horses and one donkey (17 eyes) with unilateral keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair between August 2012 and September 2013.

Procedure

Retrospective medical record review to identify equid patients meeting inclusion criteria of (i) diagnosis with keratomalacia severe enough to warrant surgical repair and (ii) surgical repair with an extracellular matrix graft.

Results

Eleven geldings, four mares, and two colts met inclusion criteria. Patients averaged 9 years of age. Twelve of 17 eyes (71%) were considered infected based on either corneal cytology (10/17, or 59%) or corneal culture (12/17, or 71%) positive for bacteria (8/17, or 47%) or fungi (9/17, or 53%). At the time topical medications were discontinued, 16 eyes (94%) were visual. One operated eye ruptured 5 days postoperatively and was enucleated. Keratouveitis developed in 14/14 eyes that underwent regular examinations approximately 2 weeks postoperatively which responded to systemic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug therapy.

Conclusions

Extracellular matrix grafts may be a viable alternative to other biomaterials for corneal grafting in equids. Advantages include commercial availability and shelf storage.
Reviewing change in the arable flora of Europe: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Richner N , Holderegger R , Linder H P , Walter T
Published: November 2014

Changing agricultural practices have dramatically altered the arable flora of Europe since the Second World War. We conducted a meta‐analysis of the available literature to assess the dynamics of species richness and species traits in the arable flora across Europe during this time period. We found a total of 32 publications, yielding 53 data sets with an average number of 252 studied plots per data set. Average species number per plot of arable plants across all data sets declined by about 20%. However, twelve data sets showed an increase in average species number per plot, including all studies starting after 1980. Plant species preferring nutrient‐rich sites, neophytes and monocotyledons generally increased since 1980, while characteristic or threatened species of arable weed communities further declined. This temporal development of the European arable flora suggests that the changes happening in agricultural management since the 1980s, such as organic farming and reduced pesticide input, may have helped slow the decline of the arable flora in terms of species number, but not in terms of characteristic or threatened arable weeds. Hence, more specific measures are necessary to stop decline of the latter, making sure that these measures are advantageous for rare and characteristic arable species, but not for harmful weeds.
Stabilizing Dog Populations and Improving Animal and Public Health Through a Participatory Approach in Indigenous Communities
Authors: Schurer J. M. , Phipps K. , Okemow C. , Beatch H. , Jenkins E.
Published: November 2014

Free‐roaming dog populations are a global concern for animal and human health including transmission of infectious disease (e.g. rabies, distemper and parasites), dog bite injuries/mortalities, animal welfare and adverse effects on wildlife. In Saskatchewan (SK), Canada, veterinary care is difficult to access in the remote and sparsely inhabited northern half of the province, where the population is predominately Indigenous. Even where veterinary clinics are readily available, there are important barriers such as cost, lack of transportation, unique cultural perspectives on dog husbandry and perceived need for veterinary care. We report the effects of introducing a community action plan designed to improve animal and human health, increase animal health literacy and benefit community well‐being in two Indigenous communities where a dog‐related child fatality recently occurred. Initial door‐to‐door dog demographic surveys indicated that most dogs were sexually intact (92% of 382 dogs), and few had ever been vaccinated (6%) or dewormed (6%). Approximately three animal‐related injuries requiring medical care were reported in the communities per 1000 persons per year (95% CL: 1.6–6.6), and approximately 86% of 145 environmentally collected dog faecal samples contained parasites, far above levels reported in other urban or rural settings in SK. Following two subsidized spay/neuter clinics and active rehoming of dogs, parasite levels in dog faeces decreased significantly (P < 0.001), and important changes were observed in the dog demographic profile. This project demonstrates the importance of engaging people using familiar, local resources and taking a community specific approach. As well, it highlights the value of integrated, cross‐jurisdictional cooperation, utilizing the resources of university researchers, veterinary personnel, public health, environmental health and community‐based advocates to work together to solve complex issues in One Health. On‐going surveillance on dog bites, parasite levels and dog demographics are needed to measure the long‐term sustainability of benefits to dog, human and wildlife health.
Thermal Cycling Study of Quilt Packaging
Authors: Ashraf Khan M. , Zheng Quanling , Kopp David , Buckhanan Wayne , Kulick Jason M. , Fay Patrick , Kriman Alfred M. , Bernstein Gary H.
Published: November 2014

The continued progress of micro-electronics often requires functionality that is spread across multiple chips. This need has led to the development of a variety of alternative chip-packaging technologies that offer increased speed and bandwidth, with lower losses, in an increasing number of interchip interconnects. One recent alternative is quilt packaging® (QP), which has already shown promise from a performance perspective. The geometry of QP is essentially lateral: large numbers of ultrawide-bandwidth interchip interconnects (superconnects) are made directly by nodules fabricated along the edges of adjacent chips. Metallurgical bonding of the nodules creates a system in the form of a “quilt” of separately manufactured chips. This new interconnect geometry is subject to stresses that are different from more conventional schemes. For example, the thermal stress that causes fatigue and lead to failure in ball grid arrays is essentially shear stress, whereas the most critical stresses in QP are tensile and compressive. This paper describes studies of fatigue failure in QP, with attention to critical high-stress regions previously identified by finite-element modeling. Nodules were fabricated on silicon chips, and both single and quilted chips were thermally cycled up to 1000 times over a range of − 55 °C to 125 °C. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to detect mechanical failure. Focused-ion-beam cross-sectioning was used to expose the critical interior interfaces of QP structures for SEM examination. QP superconnects were found to be robust under all the test conditions evaluated.
Effect of Precipitates on Mechanical and Tribological Performance of AZ91 Magnesium Alloy–Steel Couple
Authors: Kumar Deepak , Jain Jayant , Bisht Tulsi , Zindal Anuz
Published: November 2014

The present work involves the study of the effect of precipitates on mechanical and tribological properties of AZ91 magnesium alloy. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and nanoindentation were used to characterize the microstructures and mechanical properties of the alloy. In addition, the wear behavior of the alloy was deduced using a pin-on disk tribological configuration under unidirectional sliding against steel (AISI 250). The elastic modulus of AZ91 alloy was found to vary significantly with changing precipitation state. The tribological evaluations showed that the specific wear-rate of solutionized sample is lowest as compared to the aged samples. This was attributed to the absence of γ-Mg17Al12 phase. Examination of worn surfaces suggested that microploughing coupled with the adhesive mode of wear is the main wear mechanism in the aged samples.
Stress Concentration of Periodic Collinear Square Holes in an Infinite Plate in Tension
Authors: Miao Changqing , Wei Yintao , Yan Xiangqiao
Published: November 2014

A numerical approach for the stress concentration of periodic collinear holes in an infinite plate in tension is presented. It involves the fictitious stress method and a generalization of Bueckner's principle. Numerical examples are concluded to show that the numerical approach is very efficient and accurate for analyzing the stress concentration of periodic collinear holes in an infinite plate in tension. The stress concentration of periodic collinear square holes in an infinite plate in tension is studied in detail by using the numerical approach. The calculated stress concentration factor is proven to be accurate.
Computational Analysis of Conjugate Heat Transfer in Gaseous Microchannels
Authors: Croce Giulio , Rovenskaya Olga , D'Agaro Paola
Published: November 2014

A fully conjugate heat transfer analysis of gaseous flow in short microchannels is presented. Navier–Stokes equations, coupled with Maxwell and Smoluchowski slip and temperature jump boundary conditions, are used for numerical analysis. Results are presented in terms of Nusselt number, heat sink thermal resistance, and resulting wall temperature as well as Mach number profiles for different flow conditions. The comparative importance of wall conduction, rarefaction, and compressibility are discussed. It was found that compressibility plays a major role. Although a significant penalization in the Nusselt number, due to conjugate heat transfer effect, is observed even for a small value of solid conductivity, the performances in terms of heat sink efficiency are essentially a function only of the Mach number.
Universal education is key to enhanced climate adaptation
Authors: Lutz Wolfgang , Muttarak Raya , Striessnig Erich
Published: November 2014

Fund more educators rather than just engineers
Commensal microbes and interferon-λ determine persistence of enteric murine norovirus infection
Authors: Baldridge Megan T. , Nice Timothy J. , McCune Broc T. , Yokoyama Christine C. , Kambal Amal , Wheadon Michael , Diamond Michael S. , Ivanova Yulia , Artyomov Maxim , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: November 2014

Turning viral persistence on and off

Norovirus causes >90% of the world's gastroenteritis. Norovirus can establish persistent infections, which may contribute to its spread. How does norovirus establish itself as a permanentw resident of the gut and how can such persistent infections be cured (see the Perspective by Wilks and Golovkina)? Baldridge
et al.
studied mice persistently infected with norovirus and found that viral persistence required the gut microbiota: resident bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics prevented persistent mouse norovirus infection in a way that depended on the secreted antiviral protein interferon λ (IFN-λ). Nice
et al.
report that IFN-λ can cure mice persistently infected with norovirus, independent of the adaptive immune system.

Science
, this issue p.
266
, p.
269
; see also p.
233
Interferon-λ cures persistent murine norovirus infection in the absence of adaptive immunity
Authors: Nice Timothy J. , Baldridge Megan T. , McCune Broc T. , Norman Jason M. , Lazear Helen M. , Artyomov Maxim , Diamond Michael S. , Virgin Herbert W.
Published: November 2014

Turning viral persistence on and off

Norovirus causes >90% of the world's gastroenteritis. Norovirus can establish persistent infections, which may contribute to its spread. How does norovirus establish itself as a permanentw resident of the gut and how can such persistent infections be cured (see the Perspective by Wilks and Golovkina)? Baldridge
et al.
studied mice persistently infected with norovirus and found that viral persistence required the gut microbiota: resident bacteria in the gastrointestinal tract. Antibiotics prevented persistent mouse norovirus infection in a way that depended on the secreted antiviral protein interferon λ (IFN-λ). Nice
et al.
report that IFN-λ can cure mice persistently infected with norovirus, independent of the adaptive immune system.

Science
, this issue p.
266
, p.
269
; see also p.
233
Dynamic mechanical behavior of multilayer graphene via supersonic projectile penetration
Authors: Lee Jae-Hwang , Loya Phillip E. , Lou Jun , Thomas Edwin L.
Published: November 2014

Multilayer graphene is an exceptional anisotropic material due to its layered structure composed of two-dimensional carbon lattices. Although the intrinsic mechanical properties of graphene have been investigated at quasi-static conditions, its behavior under extreme dynamic conditions has not yet been studied. We report the high–strain-rate behavior of multilayer graphene over a range of thicknesses from 10 to 100 nanometers by using miniaturized ballistic tests. Tensile stretching of the membrane into a cone shape is followed by initiation of radial cracks that approximately follow crystallographic directions and extend outward well beyond the impact area. The specific penetration energy for multilayer graphene is ~10 times more than literature values for macroscopic steel sheets at 600 meters per second.
Biosynthesis, regulation, and domestication of bitterness in cucumber
Authors: Shang Yi , Ma Yongshuo , Zhou Yuan , Zhang Huimin , Duan Lixin , Chen Huiming , Zeng Jianguo , Zhou Qian , Wang Shenhao , Gu Wenjia , Liu Min , Ren Jinwei , Gu Xingfang , Zhang Shengping , Wang Ye , Yasukawa Ken , Bouwmeester Harro J. , Qi Xiaoquan , Zhang Zhonghua , Lucas William J. , Huang Sanwen
Published: November 2014

Cucurbitacins are triterpenoids that confer a bitter taste in cucurbits such as cucumber, melon, watermelon, squash, and pumpkin. These compounds discourage most pests on the plant and have also been shown to have antitumor properties. With genomics and biochemistry, we identified nine cucumber genes in the pathway for biosynthesis of cucurbitacin C and elucidated four catalytic steps. We discovered transcription factors
Bl
(
Bitter leaf
) and
Bt
(
Bitter fruit
) that regulate this pathway in leaves and fruits, respectively. Traces in genomic signatures indicated that selection imposed on
Bt
during domestication led to derivation of nonbitter cucurbits from their bitter ancestors.
Discovery of bridgmanite, the most abundant mineral in Earth, in a shocked meteorite
Authors: Tschauner Oliver , Ma Chi , Beckett John R. , Prescher Clemens , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Rossman George R.
Published: November 2014

Meteorites exposed to high pressures and temperatures during impact-induced shock often contain minerals whose occurrence and stability normally confine them to the deeper portions of Earth’s mantle. One exception has been MgSiO
3
in the perovskite structure, which is the most abundant solid phase in Earth. Here we report the discovery of this important phase as a mineral in the Tenham L6 chondrite and approved by the International Mineralogical Association (specimen IMA 2014-017). MgSiO
3
-perovskite is now called bridgmanite. The associated phase assemblage constrains peak shock conditions to ~ 24 gigapascals and 2300 kelvin. The discovery concludes a half century of efforts to find, identify, and characterize a natural specimen of this important mineral.
Bridgmanite—named at last
Authors: Sharp Thomas
Published: November 2014

The most abundant mineral in Earth's interior gets a name

[Also see Report by

Tschauner
et al.

]
Innovating research in China
Authors: Cao Xuetao
Published: November 2014

As the most populated country in the world, China carries an immense disease burden. Thanks to the rising life expectancy of its citizens, urbanization, and lifestyle changes that have accompanied rapid economic growth, the disease spectrum in China has expanded. Noncommunicable chronic conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and cancer are now major contributors to ill health. Fortunately, an overhaul of the national health care system has been under way, with universal health care coverage now available for more than 95% of the population. Such a sea change is also needed in China's biomedical research environment. This requires transforming a system that has existed for decades. The good news is that China is not shying away from this challenge.
Paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration associated with serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary
Authors: Saeed Duaa B , Gupta Limci
Published: November 2014

We report a case of a 68-year-old woman who presented with symptoms of cerebellar degeneration which initiated a suspicion of underlying malignancy. The patient presented with progressive ataxia and dysarthria and after excluding primary cerebellar pathology, paraneoplastic syndrome was suspected and she was investigated for a malignancy. CT scan of the pelvis showed a left-sided ovarian mass later diagnosed as serous adenocarcinoma of the ovary. She underwent surgery and histology of the mass showed poorly-differentiated serous adenocarcinoma. Paraneoplastic neurological syndrome encompasses several neurological disorders including paraneoplastic cerebellar degeneration (PCD) caused by an immune-mediated mechanism in patients with an underlying malignancy. PCD is a rare condition that occurs in less than 1% of patients with cancer and is associated with specific groups of cancer. It is important to identify PCD due to its association with certain cancers and also to limit the disabilities associated with the syndrome.
Outcomes of direct and indirect medical intensive care unit admissions from the emergency department of an acute care hospital: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Molina Joseph Antonio D , Seow Eillyne , Heng Bee Hoon , Chong Wai Fung , Ho Benjamin
Published: November 2014

Objectives

This study aimed to determine if the risk of adverse outcomes (in-hospital and 60-day mortality, intensive care unit (ICU) and total hospital length of stay (LOS)) was greater for medical ICU (MICU) or high dependency unit (HDU) patients indirectly admitted from the emergency department (ED) than for directly admitted patients.

Setting

This study was conducted at a large public acute care hospital in Singapore.

Participants

In this retrospective cohort study, hospital records of patients who were admitted directly from the ED, or initially admitted to the general wards from the ED and subsequently transferred to the MICU/HDU within 24 h, were reviewed. Patients were included if they were: (A) discharged from the MICU/HDU in 2009 and were admitted from the ED and (B) transferred to the MICU/HDU within 24 h of presentation at the ED. Data from 706 patients were analysed; 58.4% were men with a median age of 61 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The following outcomes were compared: in-hospital mortality, 60-day mortality, LOS at the MICU/HDU, as well as total hospital LOS.

Results

Of the 706 patients, 491 (69.5%) were directly admitted to the MICU/HDU. After adjusting for demographics, comorbidities, interventions at the ED and clinical parameters at the ED (heart rate, respiration, oxygen saturation, mean arterial pressure), as well as the Apache II score on arrival at the MICU/HDU, indirectly admitted patients had a higher risk of in-hospital mortality (OR=3.07, 95% CI 1.39 to 6.80), death within 60 days (OR=3.09, 95% CI 1.40 to 6.83) and risk of staying >1 day at the MICU/HDU (OR=2.54, 95% CI 1.48 to 4.36). There was no significant difference in total in-hospital LOS.

Conclusions

Indirectly admitted MICU/HDU patients had generally poorer outcomes. As the magnitude of effect may vary across settings, context-specific studies may be useful for improving outcomes.
A qualitative analysis of messages to promote smoking cessation among pregnant women
Authors: Hoek Janet , Gifford Heather , Maubach Ninya , Newcombe Rhiannon
Published: November 2014

Objectives

Although aware that smoking while pregnant presents serious risks to their unborn children, some women continue to smoke and rationalise their dissonance rather than quit. We explored metaphors women used to frame smoking and quitting, then developed cessation messages that drew on these metaphors and examined the perceived effectiveness of these.

Participants

We used a two-phase qualitative study. Phase one involved 13 in-depth interviews with women who were smoking (or who had smoked) while pregnant. Phase two comprised 22 in-depth interviews with a new sample drawn from the same population.

Analyses

Data were analysed using thematic analysis, which promoted theme identification independently of the research protocol.

Results

Participants often described smoking as a choice, a frame that explicitly asserted control over their behaviour. This stance allowed them to counter-argue messages to quit, and distanced them from the risks they created and faced. Messages tested in phase 2 used strong affective appeals as well as themes that stimulated cognitive reflection. Without exception, the messages depicting unwell or distressed children elicited strong emotional responses, were more powerful cessation stimuli, and elicited fewer counter-arguments.

Conclusions

Cessation messages that evoke strong affective responses capitalise on the dissonance many women feel when smoking while pregnant and stimulate stronger consideration of quitting. Given the importance of promoting cessation among pregnant women, future campaigns could make greater use of emotional appeals and place less emphasis on informational approaches, which often prompt vigorous counter-arguments.
CUPID: a protocol of a randomised controlled trial to identify characteristics of similar Chinese patent medicines
Authors: Cao Hongbo , Zhai Jingbo , Li Nan , Cao Hongxia , Lei Xiang , Mu Wei , Liu Zhi , Wang Hui , Shang Hongcai
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has accumulated some experience in curing stable angina pectoris (SAP) and efficacy has been demonstrated. Chinese patent medicines, known as modern dosage forms of TCM, can attain the desired effect in clinical application only with the guidance of TCM syndrome theory. However, due to their use by a large number of persons with little knowledge of TCM theories and practices, their efficacy and reputation have been seriously affected.

Method and analysis

Two common syndrome types of SAP in TCM, ‘qi deficiency and blood stasis’ and ‘qi stagnation and blood stasis’, will be studied in 144 subjects from four TCM hospitals in Tianjin in China using a partial crossover design. The two syndromes will be broken down into six symptom combinations; patients will select a combination of the most distressing to them, and then will be randomised into two groups. Each group, on the basis of routine medication, will be administered one kind of Chinese patent drug: Qishenyiqi Dripping Pills or Compound Danshen Dripping Pills. The treatment characteristics of the two medicines will be evaluated with the COME-PIO method developed by our research team.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol has been approved by the medical ethics committee of Tianjin University of TCM (registration number TJUTCM-EC20130005). The study is safe and reliable.

Trial registration number

Chinese clinical trials register ChiCTR-TTRCC-14004406.
Harms of CT scanning prior to surgery for suspected appendicitis
Authors: Rogers William , Hoffman Jerome , Noori Naudereh
Published: November 2014

In this brief analysis we compare the risks and benefits of performing a CT scan to confirm appendicitis prior to surgery instead of operating based on the surgeon's clinical diagnosis. We conclude that the benefit of universal imaging is to avoid 12 unnecessary appendectomies but the cost of those 12 avoided surgeries is one cancer death due to the imaging.