bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation study of the ability of a computationally‐designed peptide to recognize target tRNALys3 and other decoy tRNAs
Authors: Xiao Xingqing , Zhao Binwu , Agris Paul F. , Hall Carol K.
Published: September 2016

In this paper, we investigate the ability of our computationally‐designed peptide, Pept10 (PNWNGNRWLNNCLRG), to recognize the anticodon stem and loop (ASL) domain of the hypermodified tRNALys3 (mcm5s2U34,ms2t6A37), a reverse transcription primer of HIV replication. Five other ASLs, the singly modified ASLLys3(ms2t6A37), ASLLys3(s2U34), ASLLys3(Ψ39), ASLLys1,2(t6A37), and ASLGlu(s2U34), were used as decoys. Explicit‐solvent atomistic molecular dynamics simulations were performed to examine the process of binding of Pept10 with the target ASLLys3(mcm5s2U34,ms2t6A37) and the decoy ASLs. Simulation results demonstrated that Pept10 is capable of recognizing the target ASLLys3(mcm5s2U34,ms2t6A37) as well as one of the decoys, ASLLys3(Ψ39), but screens out the other four decoy ASLs. The interchain van der Waals (VDW) and charge–charge (ELE + EGB) energies for the two best complexes were evaluated to shed light on the molecular recognition mechanism between Pept10 and ASLs. The results indicated that Pept10 recognizes and binds to the target ASLLys3 (mcm5s2U34,ms2t6A37) through residues W3 and R7 which interact with the nucleotides mcm5s2U34, U35, and ms2t6A37 via the interchain VDW energy. Pept10 also recognizes the decoy ASLLys3(Ψ39) through residue R14 which contacts the nucleotide U36 via the interchain VDW energy. Regardless of the type of ASL, the positively charged arginines on Pept10 are attracted to the negatively charged phosphate linkages on the ASL via the interchain ELE + EGB energy, thereby enhancing the binding affinity.
Advanced analysis to supplement HAZOP/LOPA for effective process design
Authors: Banick William R. , Wei Cindy
Published: September 2016

The HAZOP and LOPA methods are commonly used for qualitative hazard identification and semi‐quantitative assessment of risk in the process industries. Integration of HAZOP and LOPA techniques into a single study has provided the practical advantage of utilizing the same team of subject matter experts to complete evaluation of hazard scenarios, identify needs for further risk reduction, recommend specific safeguards required and confirm resulting residual risk is acceptable. While practical and efficient, the one‐step comprehensive integrated HAZOP/LOPA method can have pitfalls. In particular, use of LOPA alone to confirm risk acceptability can lead to complex solutions to meet order‐of‐magnitude threshold requirements for risk reduction and restrictive requirements for independent protection layers (IPLs). Quantitative methods are sometimes required beyond HAZOP/LOPA to obtain a more precise evaluation of identified hazards and benefits of the associated safeguards. This article presents a risk assessment approach incorporating advanced analysis, including human factors task, fault tree and cost‐benefit analysis, following HAZOP/LOPA analysis. To illustrate this approach, an example is shown on the selection of appropriate engineering design options for cyclic regeneration of dense phase ethylene treaters, which have unique safety concerns. Using advanced analysis, a cost effective design solution is developed and is shown to reduce risk to as low as reasonably practicable (ALARP). © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 36: 192–201, 2017
Establishment of in vitro soybean aphids, Aphis glycines (Hemiptera: Aphididae): a tool to facilitate studies of aphid symbionts, plant–insect interactions and insecticide efficacy
Authors: Gunadi Andika , Bansal Raman , Finer John J , Michel Andy
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Studies on plant–insect interactions of the soybean aphid, Aphis glycines (Matsumura), can be influenced by environmental fluctuations, status of the host plant and variability in microbial populations. Maintenance of aphids on in vitro‐grown plants minimizes environmental fluctuations, provides uniform host materials and permits the selective elimination of aphid‐associated microbes for more standardized controls in aphid research.

RESULTS

Aphids were reared on sterile, in vitro‐grown soybean seedlings germinated on plant tissue culture media amended with a mixture of antimicrobials. For initiation and maintenance of in vitro aphid colonies, single aphids were inoculated onto single in vitro seedlings. After three rounds of transfer of ‘clean’ aphids to fresh in vitro seedlings, contamination was no longer observed, and aphids performed equally well when compared with those reared on detached leaves. The addition of the insecticides thiamethoxam and chlorantraniliprole to the culture medium confirmed uptake and caused significant mortality to the in vitro aphids. The use of the antimicrobial mixture removed the associated bacteria Arsenophonus but retained Buchnera and Wolbachia within the in vitro aphids.

CONCLUSION

The in vitro aphid system is a novel and highly useful tool to understand insecticidal efficacy and expand our knowledge of tritrophic interactions among plants, insects and symbionts. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Vibrational band structure of nanoscale phononic crystals
Authors: Meyer R.
Published: September 2016

The vibrational properties of two‐dimensional phononic crystals are studied with large‐scale molecular dynamics simulations and finite element method calculation. The vibrational band structure derived from the molecular dynamics simulations shows the existence of partial acoustic band gaps along the –M direction. The band structure is in excellent agreement with the results from the finite element model, proving that molecular dynamics simulations can be used to study the vibrational properties of such complex systems. An analysis of the structure of the vibrational modes reveals how the acoustic modes deviate from the homogeneous bulk behavior for shorter wavelengths and hints toward a decoupling of vibrations in the phononic crystal.
Antiinflammatory Effects of Functionally Active Compounds Isolated from Aged Black Garlic
Authors: Kim Dong‐gyu , Kang Min Jung , Hong Seong Su , Choi Yun‐Hyeok , Shin Jung Hye
Published: September 2016

The antiinflammatory effects of functionally active compounds isolated from aged black garlic (AGE‐1 and AGE‐2) were investigated using a lipopolysaccharide‐induced inflammatory response model. To examine the potential antiinflammatory properties of AGE‐1 and AGE‐2, cell viability as well as nitric oxide, prostaglandin E2, and pro‐inflammatory cytokine [interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), TNF‐α, and IL‐1β] levels were measured. The mRNA and protein expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 were detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. The results indicated that AGE‐1 and AGE‐2 were not cytotoxic to macrophages. Nitric oxide and prostaglandin E2 levels decreased significantly with increasing concentration of AGE‐1 (IC50 = 29.6 and 1.41 µg/mL, respectively), but not AGE‐2. The secretion of IL‐6, TNF‐α, and IL‐1β was also suppressed by AGE‐1 in a dose‐dependent manner, and inducible nitric oxide synthase and cyclooxygenase‐2 mRNA, and protein expression decreased with AGE‐1 treatment. Furthermore, AGE‐1 attenuated the phosphorylation of the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase, p38, and c‐Jun terminal kinase in lipopolysaccharide‐induced RAW264.7 cells. These results suggested that compound AGE‐1 may have significant effects on inflammatory factors and could potentially be used as an antiinflammatory therapeutic agent. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Hybrid Exponentially Weighted Moving Average Control Chart for Monitoring Process Mean: Discussion
Authors: Haq Abdul
Published: September 2016

A new hybrid exponentially weighted moving average (HEWMA) control chart has been proposed in the literature for efficiently monitoring the process mean. In that paper, the computed variance of the HEWMA statistic was, unfortunately, not correct! In this discussion, the correct variance of the HEWMA statistic is given, and the run length characteristics of the HEWMA control chart are studied and explored. It is noticed that not only the superiority of the HEWMA control chart remains over the existing (considered before) charts but also the new results based on the corrected control limits are more profound and reflective. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
In Situ Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy to Monitor Oxidative Polymerization of Aniline by HAuCl4 in Nanochannels of Track‐Etched Membrane
Authors: Sharma Manoj K. , Agarwal Rahul
Published: September 2016

Oxidative polymerisation of aniline by HAuCl4 to form gold‐polyaniline (Au‐PANI) nanocomposite in nanochannels of track‐etched membrane is monitored in situ by electrochemical impedance spectroscopy.
Facile Preparation of Fe3O4 from Fe2O3 via Reduction of Mixed Vapors Containing Lactic Acid and Water: Catalytic Deoxygenation of Lactic Acid into Propionic Acid
Authors: Zhang Yu , Li Xinli , Sun Liangwei , Tang Congming
Published: September 2016

An efficient and simple method for reduction of Fe2O3 into Fe3O4 using the mixed vapors including lactic acid‐water has been developed. Various characterizations such as XRD, FT‐IR, XPS, TG, BET and SEM were used to investigate in the process of Fe2O3 converted into Fe3O4. An interesting result was found: Fe2O3 is easily reduced into Fe3O4, and it stays in the state of Fe3O4 even if the time for its reduction further lengthened. The as‐prepared Fe3O4 was used to catalyze deoxygenation of lactic acid into propionic acid. Reaction temperature, residence time and stability were also discussed. It was found that enhancing reaction temperature favors deoxygenation of lactic acid into propionic acid, and shortening residence time also favors the formation of propionic acid. Especially, it offered an excellent adaptability for fluctuation of lactic acid feed flow rate.
Fused Dihydrodibenzobarrelene (Dibenzobicylco[2.2.2]octadiene) and Lactone Rings via Tandem Diels‐Alder and Condensation Reactions of Dialkyl Fumarates and 9‐Anthracenemethanol
Authors: Rowlett Jarrett R. , Plenk Christian , Deglmann Peter , Sprafke Johannes , Mülhaupt Rolf , Bruchmann Bernd
Published: September 2016

A series of fused dihydrodibenzobarrelene (dibenzobicyclo[2.2.2]octadiene) and lactone rings were prepared from dialkyl fumarates and 9‐anthracenemethanol. These products were prepared via a one‐pot synthesis in which a Diels‐Alder reaction occurred followed by an intramolecular transesterification to form the lactone ring. A key feature of this synthetic methodology is the straightforward purification of the reaction products, in most cases without the need for chromatography. The ease of work‐up along with the simple setup of the reaction (no catalysts or other reagents needed) make this methodology a convenient and potentially scalable route to complex, multicyclic structures. Molecular modeling of the transition structures for Diels‐Alder reaction suggested that transesterification could precede cycloaddition, but NMR in situ studies confirmed the opposite occurrence. Product formed exclusively in the trans configuration for all alkyl fumarates used.
Evaluation of Antioxidant and Antitrypanosomal Properties of a Selected Series of Synthetic 3‐Carboxamidocoumarins
Authors: Muñoz Andrea , Fonseca André , Matos Maria J. , Uriarte Eugenio , Santana Lourdes , Borges Fernanda , Figueroa Roberto , Olea Azar Claudio
Published: September 2016

Oxidative stress is involved in several parasitic diseases such as Chagas. Agents able to selectively modulate biochemical processes involved in the disease represent promising multifunctional agents for the delay or abolishment of the progression of this pathology. In the current work, differently substituted 3‐carboxamidocoumarins exerting both antioxidant and trypanocidal activities are described. Among the compounds synthesized, compound 3 (N‐(4‐hydroxyphenyl)coumarin‐3‐carboxamide) showed the most interesting antioxidant profile, presenting 53.2 % superoxide radical scavenging and the highest ORAC‐FL value (ORAC‐FL=1.87) of the series. In the trypanocidal study, compounds 9 (N‐(quinolin‐6‐yl)coumarin‐3‐carboxamide) and 10 (N‐(quinolin‐3‐yl)coumarin‐3‐carboxamide) presented high activity in epimastigote stage and low activity in trypomastigote stage, as well as low cytotoxic effects. Additionally, these compounds decreased mitochondrial transmembrane potential in epimastigote Dm28c. Based on these results, compounds 9 and 10 proved to be good candidates for further studies. Interestingly, the current study revealed that small structural changes in this scaffold allow modulating both activities, suggesting that these molecules present the desirable properties for the development of promising classes of antichagasic compounds.
Data and syntax centric anomaly detection for relational databases
Authors: Sallam Asmaa , Fadolalkarim Daren , Bertino Elisa , Xiao Qian
Published: September 2016

Recent studies show that insider attacks that aim at exfiltrating data are very common and that these attacks are performed according to specific patterns. Protecting against such threats requires complementing existing security techniques, such as access control and encryption, with tools able to detect anomalies in data accesses. In this paper, we present a technique specifically tailored for detecting anomalous database accesses. Our technique extracts users’ access patterns based on both the syntax of the input queries and the amount of data in their output results. Our technique is based on miningSQLqueries in database audit logs in order to form profiles of the normal users’ access patterns. New queries are checked upon these profiles, and deviations from these profiles are considered anomalous and thus indicative of possible attempts to exfiltrate or misuse the data. Our technique works under two application scenarios. The first is when the database has role‐based access control (RBAC) in place. Under anRBACsystem, users belong to roles and privileges are associated with roles rather than individual users. For this scenario, we form profiles of roles which make our approach usable for database management systems(DBMSs)that have a large user population; in this scenario, we apply the naive Bayesian classifier which shows accurate results in practice. We also employ multilabeling classification to enhance accuracy when the access patterns are common to multiple roles. The second application scenario is when theDBMSdoes not applyRBAC. In this scenario, we apply theCOBWEBclustering method. Experimental results indicate that our techniques are very effective.WIREs Data Mining Knowl Discov2016, 6:231–239. doi: 10.1002/widm.1195

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Science and Technology
Bioproduction of riboflavin: a bright yellow history
Authors: Revuelta José Luis , Ledesma-Amaro Rodrigo , Lozano-Martinez Patricia , Díaz-Fernández David , Buey Rubén M , Jiménez Alberto
Published: September 2016

Riboflavin (vitamin B2) is an essential nutrient for humans and animals that must be obtained from the diet. To ensure an optimal supply, riboflavin is used on a large scale as additive in the food and feed industries. Here, we describe a historical overview of the industrial process of riboflavin production starting from its discovery and the need to produce the vitamin in bulk at prices that would allow for their use in human and animal nutrition. Riboflavin was produced industrially by chemical synthesis for many decades. At present, the development of economical and eco-efficient fermentation processes, which are mainly based on Bacillus subtilis and Ashbya gossypii strains, has replaced the synthetic process at industrial scale. A detailed account is given of the development of the riboflavin overproducer strains as well as future prospects for its improvement.
Pathogenic variants in HTRA2 cause an early‐onset mitochondrial syndrome associated with 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria
Authors: Oláhová Monika , Thompson Kyle , Hardy Steven A. , Barbosa Inês A. , Besse Arnaud , Anagnostou Maria‐Eleni , White Kathryn , Davey Tracey , Simpson Michael A. , Champion Michael , Enns Greg , Schelley Susan , Lightowlers Robert N. , Chrzanowska‐Lightowlers Zofia M. A. , McFarland Robert , Deshpande Charu , Bonnen Penelope E. , Taylor Robert W.
Published: September 2016

Mitochondrial diseases collectively represent one of the most heterogeneous group of metabolic disorders. Symptoms can manifest at any age, presenting with isolated or multiple‐organ involvement. Advances in next‐generation sequencing strategies have greatly enhanced the diagnosis of patients with mitochondrial disease, particularly where a mitochondrial aetiology is strongly suspected yet OXPHOS activities in biopsied tissue samples appear normal. We used whole exome sequencing (WES) to identify the molecular basis of an early‐onset mitochondrial syndrome—pathogenic biallelic variants in the HTRA2 gene, encoding a mitochondria‐localised serine protease—in five subjects from two unrelated families characterised by seizures, neutropenia, hypotonia and cardio‐respiratory problems. A unifying feature in all affected children was 3‐methylglutaconic aciduria (3‐MGA‐uria), a common biochemical marker observed in some patients with mitochondrial dysfunction. Although functional studies of HTRA2 subjects’ fibroblasts and skeletal muscle homogenates showed severely decreased levels of mutant HTRA2 protein, the structural subunits and complexes of the mitochondrial respiratory chain appeared normal. We did detect a profound defect in OPA1 processing in HTRA2‐deficient fibroblasts, suggesting a role for HTRA2 in the regulation of mitochondrial dynamics and OPA1 proteolysis. In addition, investigated subject fibroblasts were more susceptible to apoptotic insults. Our data support recent studies that described important functions for HTRA2 in programmed cell death and confirm that patients with genetically‐unresolved 3‐MGA‐uria should be screened by WES with pathogenic variants in the HTRA2 gene prioritised for further analysis.
Perioperative Heat Loss Prevention‐A Feasibility Trial
Authors: Kurnat‐Thoma Emma L. , Roberts Mary M. , Corcoran Eleanor B.
Published: September 2016

Preventing unplanned perioperative hypothermia is crucial. Thermal reflective blankets may reduce heat loss, promote normothermia, increase patient comfort, and decrease cotton blanket expenses. Our purpose was to determine whether a thermal reflective blanket plus one warmed cotton blanket provides better temperature control and thermal comfort than warmed cotton blankets only. We compared two groups of perioperative patients who received a thermal reflective blanket plus one warmed cotton blanket (n = 110) or warmed cotton blankets only (n = 114) for temperature control and comfort, and we evaluated outcomes in the preoperative holding area, the OR, and the postanesthesia care unit. There were no significant differences in patient temperature or comfort between groups. Use of thermal reflective blankets led to significantly reduced use of warmed cotton blankets (t209 = −10.51, P < .001), and a cost threshold for clinical adoption was identified. The hospital opted not to purchase thermal reflective blankets because of equivalent performance and minimal cost savings.
Clinical Issues‐October 2016
Authors: Wood Amber
Published: September 2016

This Month

Wearing nail polish

Key words: nail, polish, UV‐cured, gel nail, Shellac.

Preventing dry skin

Key words: dry skin, chapped, dermatitis, hand hygiene.

Wearing rings

Key words: ring, jewelry, wedding ring, band, hand hygiene.
Association of blood lipids with Alzheimer's disease: A comprehensive lipidomics analysis
Authors: Proitsi Petroula , Kim Min , Whiley Luke , Simmons Andrew , Sattlecker Martina , Velayudhan Latha , Lupton Michelle K. , Soininen Hillka , Kloszewska Iwona , Mecocci Patrizia , Tsolaki Magda , Vellas Bruno , Lovestone Simon , Powell John F. , Dobson Richard J.B. , Legido-Quigley Cristina
Published: September 2016

Introduction

The aim of this study was to (1) replicate previous associations between six blood lipids and Alzheimer's disease (AD) (Proitsi et al 2015) and (2) identify novel associations between lipids, clinical AD diagnosis, disease progression and brain atrophy (left/right hippocampus/entorhinal cortex).

Methods

We performed untargeted lipidomic analysis on 148 AD and 152 elderly control plasma samples and used univariate and multivariate analysis methods.

Results

We replicated our previous lipids associations and reported novel associations between lipids molecules and all phenotypes. A combination of 24 molecules classified AD patients with >70% accuracy in a test and a validation data set, and we identified lipid signatures that predicted disease progression (R2 = 0.10, test data set) and brain atrophy (R2 ≥ 0.14, all test data sets except left entorhinal cortex). We putatively identified a number of metabolic features including cholesteryl esters/triglycerides and phosphatidylcholines.

Discussion

Blood lipids are promising AD biomarkers that may lead to new treatment strategies.
Amyloid tracers binding sites in autosomal dominant and sporadic Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Ni Ruiqing , Gillberg Per‐Göran , Bogdanovic Nenad , Viitanen Matti , Myllykangas Liisa , Nennesmo Inger , Långström Bengt , Nordberg Agneta
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Amyloid imaging has been integrated into diagnostic criteria for Alzheimer's disease (AD). How amyloid tracers binding differ for different tracer structures and amyloid‐β aggregates in autosomal dominant AD (ADAD) and sporadic AD is unclear.

Methods

Binding properties of different amyloid tracers were examined in brain homogenates from six ADAD with APPswe, PS1 M146V, and PS1 EΔ9 mutations, 13 sporadic AD, and 14 control cases.

Results

3H‐PIB, 3H‐florbetaben, 3H‐AZD2184, and BTA‐1 shared a high‐ and a varying low‐affinity binding site in the frontal cortex of sporadic AD. AZD2184 detected another binding site (affinity 33 nM) in the frontal cortex of ADAD. The 3H‐AZD2184 and 3H‐PIB binding were significantly higher in the striatum of ADAD compared to sporadic AD and control. Polyphenol resveratrol showed strongest inhibition on 3H‐AZD84 binding followed by 3H‐florbetaben and minimal on 3H‐PIB.

Discussion

This study implies amyloid tracers of different structures detect different sites on amyloid‐β fibrils or conformations.
LOCAL ECONOMIC VOTING AND RESIDENCE-BASED REGIONALISM IN SOUTH KOREA: EVIDENCE FROM THE 2007 PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION
Authors: Kang Woo Chang
Published: September 2016

Regional bloc voting in South Korea has been ascribed to voters’ psychological attachments to birthplace. This article seeks to expand the existing discussion of regionalism by showing that economic conditions in voters’ places of residence affect vote choices at the individual level and produce clustering of votes at the aggregate level in South Korea. While the idea of residence-based regionalism has previously been suggested, empirical scrutiny of the idea has been limited. Exploiting a Bayesian multilevel strategy, this article provides evidence that short-term economic changes at the province level affected voters’ choices in the 2007 presidential election in South Korea, independent of the long-term political affiliation between regional parties and their constituents. The positive association between local economic conditions and vote choices remains significant, controlling for perceptions of national economic conditions and other individual level covariates such as age and political attitudes.
ARGUING ABOUT FAMILY LAW IN JORDAN: DISCONNECTED SPHERES?
Authors: Muhtaseb Lamis El , Brown Nathan J. , Kayyali Abdul-Wahab
Published: September 2016

Do public policy debates between activists from different ideological camps in a nondemocratic and illiberal system bridge social divisions or deepen them? Focusing on three controversies regarding family law in Jordan, we argue that activist groups rarely talk to each other in public, and when they do, their discourses aim primarily at mobilizing support within their own camps rather than addressing each other's concerns. Through media analysis, discourse analysis, and in-depth field interviews, we find much polarization and few attempts to build bridges, but also limited though very suggestive exceptions. Those exceptions rely less on public and democratic mechanisms and more on entrepreneurial state actors working quietly, talking opportunistically to each side, and emerging as powerful institutional actors. Authoritarian states can provide sites of deliberation, but deliberation seems to lead to principled agreement beyond the platitudinous only when an institutional actor within the state takes the initiative to get involved.
Spring Equinox in the Maghrib: Wrecks, People, and Things in the Sea
Authors: Clancy-Smith Julia
Published: September 2016

In 1762, a ghost ship appeared off the Tunisian coast between Tabarka and Bizerte during the spring equinox, notorious for treacherous weather. According to a local chronicler: “Perceived in the distance was a ship with masts but no flag flying that approached the shore, then drew away. It was the month of April [1762] and unusually cold . . . the next morning, we saw the vessel veer toward land while a violent tempest raged.” Wrecked on the rocky shoreline, it funneled unimaginable wealth to pastoralists, villagers, and scavengers from far and wide. The ship proved to be without passengers or crew whose fate remains unknown until this day.
Ships Passing in the Night? Reflections on the Middle East in the Indian Ocean
Authors: Bishara Fahad Ahmad
Published: September 2016

The study of the Middle East is witnessing a sea change (excuse the maritime metaphor). The traditional geographic poles of Middle East studies (Turkey, Egypt, the Levant, and Iraq) stand firm, but are now facing a challenge from places once thought to be peripheral to the historiography: namely, South Arabia and the Gulf. The rising tide of scholarship on those areas is due in large measure to the opportunities that now present themselves in resituating them historically, and thinking about them as part of broader transoceanic worlds. This reorientation has made itself clear in the growing number of publications that wrestle with the Middle East's maritime frontiers—especially in the sister disciplines of history and anthropology. Here I limit myself to just one of those disciplines—history—and chart out the waves of contact between historians of the Middle East and the Indian Ocean. I offer no argument, but rather a survey of where the field has been and the opportunities that lie ahead.
The Holy See, Italian Catholics and Palestine under the British Mandate: Two Turning Points
Authors: ZANINI PAOLO
Published: September 2016

This paper analyses the reactions of the Holy See and Italian Catholic public opinion towards two events which can be considered as turning points in the history of British Palestine: the disturbances of August 1929 and the presentation of the Peel Plan in the summer of 1937. Through this analysis, based on a wide range of sources, it shows how the Vatican attitude towards the Palestinian question changed during the interwar period. At the same time it aims to ascertain whether or not the Holy See and the Catholic hierarchy in Palestine were in accord with the Italian government's Near East initiatives.
The Crusade Against Frederick II: A Neglected Piece of Evidence
Authors: RACCAGNI GIANLUCA
Published: September 2016

This study argues that contemporary historical works are an unparalleled source for charting the neglected subject of the implementation and impact in northern Italy of the crusade that was launched against Frederick II in 1240; and that a mostly uncritical acceptance of that crusade became a topos in works by laymen as well as clerics across the region. Above all, those works reveal that, while pro-papal factions are a fixture of scholarship on the Italian cities during the central and late Middle Ages, adherence to the Church actually became an explicit and distinguishing feature of Lombard factions only when the crusade was launched against Frederick II.
The influence of geographical location, host maturity and sex on intestinal helminth communities of the double-crested cormorantPhalacrocorax auritusfrom the eastern United States
Authors: Sheehan K.L. , Hanson-Dorr K.C. , Dorr B.S. , Yarrow G.K. , Johnson R.J.
Published: September 2016

Here the intestinal helminth infracommunities of 218 double-crested cormorants (Phalacrocorax auritus) from 11 locations in Alabama, Minnesota, Mississippi and Vermont are documented. Trematode infections were present in 98% of hosts; 65% of cormorants carried cestode infections, 4% were infected with acanthocephalans and 66% had nematode intestinal parasites. Parasite infracommunities of hosts collected on wintering grounds had higher richness and diversity than did birds collected on breeding grounds. Differences in parasite richness and diversity between male and femaleP. aurituswere also detected, but not between immature and mature bird hosts. Parasite intensity did not differ by sex, maturity, or between breeding and wintering season. The most common parasite wasDrepanocephalus auritus(spathans), which is recognized as a disease agent that negatively impacts the catfish aquaculture industry in the US.Echinochasmussp. in double-crested cormorants is documented for the first time in the United States. We suggest that the differences observed among parasite infracommunities could be associated with the foraging distances travelled byP. auritusduring breeding and wintering seasons, which is limited by allocation of parental care during the breeding season.
Relationism about Time and Temporal Vacua
Authors: Morganti Matteo
Published: September 2016

This paper examines the discussion concerning temporal vacua, originated by Shoemaker's famous 1969 paper, in connection to relationism about time – roughly, the view that time is nothing over and above a network of relations between things. A novel solution to the problem allegedly constituted by temporal vacua is presented, which turns out to call for, and support, a formulation of relationism that differs from the usual ones. In particular, it is argued that relationism requires neither actual nor merely possible modifications in the qualities or positions of things, and can be made entirely independent of the notion of change.
How not to defend Positive Evidential Atheism
Authors: MOSER PAUL K.
Published: September 2016

In ‘Undermining the case for evidential atheism’,Religious Studies, 48 (2012), 83–93, I challenged positive evidential atheism on the basis of some considerations from divine hiding, if God exists. Scott Aikin, in ‘Does divine hiding undermine Positive Evidential Atheism?’,Religious Studies, 52 (2016), 205–212, attempts to rehabilitate positive evidential atheism in the face of my challenge. I contend that his attempt fails, owing not only to his misunderstanding of my challenge from divine hiding but to also his defective positive case for atheism. The main defect is in his portrait of how evidence would count against God's reality. I explain how a serious epistemic problem for evidential atheism persists, relative to available relevant evidence, despite Aikin's proposed defence.
Shakespeare and Politics in the Time of the Gunpowder Plot
Authors: Hadfield Andrew
Published: September 2016

Shakespeare's plays are best studied in clusters if we want to understand the political thought and preoccupations which inform their action rather than, as has been more usual practice, their generic identity. Plays written around the time of the Gunpowder Plot (1605) and the subsequent imposition of the Oath of Allegiance share common concerns regarding the swearing of oaths, honest speech, trustworthiness, and loyalty—issues that transcend distinctions between tragedies, comedies, histories and Roman Plays. I explore the relationship between political language and ideas inCoriolanusandAll's Well That Ends Well, plays that are rarely analyzed together yet which use similar language, represent related issues, and address similar anxieties. Both are part of a larger group—includingOthelloandMacbeth—which engage a contemporary audience of London citizens, representing the difficulty of life in times of acute paranoia.
SPOR Festival: 12–15 May 2016 ‘The Illusionists’
Authors: Anderberg Sune
Published: September 2016

Halfway through Stefan Prins's Mirror Box Extensions (2015) a guy next to me stretches out his arms to hold up an iPad. I've noticed his fiddling with the gadget throughout the performance, lacking the courage to tell him just how distracting it is. As other iPads emerge in the crowd, all of them making noises and projecting tiny details from the stage, I realize I've been tricked. I never figured he was simply following Prins's instructions and was actually participating in this work that focuses on blurring the borders between the virtual and the real.
PATRIOTIC PURIFICATION: CLEANSING ITALIAN SECULAR VOCAL MUSIC IN THURINGIA, 1575–1600
Authors: Rose Stephen
Published: September 2016

In German-speaking lands until the 1580s, Italian secular vocal music was mainly cultivated by a narrow elite of aristocrats and merchants who valued its exclusivity. Yet some German patriots – teachers, clergy and humanists – regarded such foreign imports as emasculating luxuries that would corrupt their national character. This article examines four collections of contrafacta of Italian villanellas and madrigals that were published in Erfurt and have been neglected by modern scholars: the Cantiones suavissimae (1576 and 1580), Primus liber suavissimas praestantissimorum nostrae aetatis artificum Italianorum cantilenas (1587) and Amorum filii Dei decades duae (1598). According to the prefatory material of these anthologies, their editors were motivated by a patriotic agenda of purifying Italian secular song and by a Lutheran belief in the intrinsic holiness of music. This article provides the first comprehensive identification of the originals of the contrafacta, showing that the latest Italian secular repertory travelled as speedily to Thuringian towns as to the better-known publishing centre of Nuremberg. The process of transformation in the contrafacta is discussed, including examples where church officials ruled that the change of text was insufficient to cleanse the tunes of their lascivious connotations.
Maritime Route Delineation using AIS Data from the Atlantic Coast of the US
Authors: Breithaupt Stephen A. , Copping Andrea , Tagestad Jerry , Whiting Jonathan
Published: September 2016

This study examines maritime routes between ports along the Atlantic coast of the US, utilising Automated Identification System (AIS) data for the years 2010 through 2012. The delineation of vessel routes conducted in this study was motivated by development planned for offshore Wind Energy Areas (WEAs) along the Atlantic coast of the US and the need to evaluate the effect of these development areas on commercial shipping. To this end, available AIS data were processed to generate commercial vessel tracks for individual vessels, though cargo vessels are the focus in this study. The individual vessel tracks were sampled at transects placed along the Atlantic coast. The transect samples were analysed and partitioned by voyages between Atlantic ports to facilitate computation of vessel routes between ports. The route boundary analysis utilised a definition from UK guidance in which routes' boundaries encompassed 95% of the vessel traffic between ports. In addition to delineating route boundaries, we found multi-modal transverse distributions of vessels for well-travelled routes, which indicated preference for lanes of travel within the delineated routes.
Container Shipping Network Optimisation Based on Steering Vector Search Pattern
Authors: Zhou Yong , Wang Wenyuan , Song Xiangqun , Peng Yun
Published: September 2016

Container shipping is one of the most important transport modes in international trade. For a large-scale container shipping network, an optimisation model is proposed to minimise the total shipping cost of container flow. Considering the directional property of the container shipping process, a steering vector search pattern is incorporated in a Max-Min Ant System (MMAS) solving algorithm, and an orthogonal array method is adopted in parameter settings. In numerical experiments, a traditional ant colony algorithm and an MMAS algorithm based on a steering vector search pattern are used respectively to optimise the network of five node scales. The results show that a steering vector search pattern can speed up the computation process and improve the optimisation effect.
Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy in Women With Twin Pregnancy
Authors: Shan Dan , Hu Yayi , Qiu Peiyuan , Mathew Bechu Shelley , Chen Yun , Li Si , Hu Yuan , Lin Lijun , Wang Zhi , Li Luping
Published: September 2016

The aim of the present work was to determine maternal and fetal outcomes of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) in twin pregnancies. All twin pregnancies delivered above 28 gestational weeks in West China Second University Hospital from January 2013 to May 2015 were included. Data on maternal demographics and obstetric complications together with fetal outcomes were collected. The risk of adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were determined in relation to ICP by crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted ORs (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Subgroup analysis concentrated on the effect of assisted reproductive technology (ART), ICP severity, and onset time. A total of 1,472 twin pregnancies were included, of which 362 were cholestasis patients and 677 were conceived by ART. Higher rates of preeclampsia (aOR 1.96; 95% CI 1.35, 2.85), meconium-stained amniotic fluid (aOR 3.10; 95% CI 2.10, 4.61), and preterm deliveries (aOR 3.20; 95% CI 2.35, 4.37) were observed in ICP patients. Subgroup analysis revealed higher incidences of adverse outcomes in severe and early onset ICP groups. In conclusion, adverse maternal and fetal outcomes were strongly associated with ICP in twin patients. Active management and close antenatal monitoring are needed, especially in the early onset and severe groups.
Impact of T‐cell‐specific Smad4 deficiency on the development of autoimmune diabetes in NOD mice
Authors: Kim Donghee , Lee Song Mi , Jun Hee‐Sook
Published: September 2016

Type 1 diabetes results from autoimmune‐mediated pancreatic beta‐cell destruction and transforming growth factor‐beta (TGF‐β) is known to play a preventive role in type 1 diabetes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice. In this study, we investigated the role of Smad4, a key molecule for Smad‐dependent TGF‐β signaling, in T cells of NOD mice in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes. We generated T‐cell‐specific Smad4 knockout (Smad4 tKO) NOD mice and assessed the pathological and immunological changes. Smad4 tKO showed earlier onset and increased incidence of diabetes than wild type (WT) NOD mice. Pathological features such as insulitis, anti‐glutamic acid decarboxylase auto‐antibody levels and serum IFN‐γ levels were significantly increased in Smad4 tKO compared with WT NOD mice. Proportion and number of activated/memory CD4+ T cell were significantly increased in pancreatic lymph nodes of Smad4 tKO compared with WT NOD mice. However, the proportion and function of regulatory T cells was not different. Effector CD4+ T cells from Smad4 tKO were more resistant to suppression by regulatory T cells than effector cells from WT NOD mice. The proliferative potential of effector T cells from Smad4 tKO was significantly elevated compared with WT NOD mice, and activation of sterol regulatory element binding protein‐1c (SREBP‐1c) in T cells of Smad4 tKO NOD mice was correlated with this proliferative activity. We conclude that Smad4 deletion in T cells of NOD mice accelerated the development of autoimmune diabetes and increased the incidence of the disease by dysregulation of T cell activation at least in part via SREBP‐1c activation.
The Google matrix controls the stability of structured ecological and biological networks
Authors: Stone Lewi
Published: September 2016

May’s celebrated theoretical work of the 70’s contradicted the established paradigm by demonstrating that complexity leads to instability in biological systems. Here May’s random-matrix modelling approach is generalized to realistic large-scale webs of species interactions, be they structured by networks of competition, mutualism or both. Simple relationships are found to govern these otherwise intractable models, and control the parameter ranges for which biological systems are stable and feasible. Our analysis of model and real empirical networks is only achievable on introducing a simplifying Google-matrix reduction scheme, which in the process, yields a practical ecological eigenvalue stability index. These results provide an insight into how network topology, especially connectance, influences species stable coexistence. Constraints controlling feasibility (positive equilibrium populations) in these systems are found more restrictive than those controlling stability, helping explain the enigma of why many classes of feasible ecological models are nearly always stable.
Scalable loading of a two-dimensional trapped-ion array
Authors: Bruzewicz Colin D. , McConnell Robert , Chiaverini John , Sage Jeremy M.
Published: September 2016

Two-dimensional arrays of trapped-ion qubits are attractive platforms for scalable quantum information processing. Sufficiently rapid reloading capable of sustaining a large array, however, remains a significant challenge. Here with the use of a continuous flux of pre-cooled neutral atoms from a remotely located source, we achieve fast loading of a single ion per site while maintaining long trap lifetimes and without disturbing the coherence of an ion quantum bit in an adjacent site. This demonstration satisfies all major criteria necessary for loading and reloading extensive two-dimensional arrays, as will be required for large-scale quantum information processing. Moreover, the already high loading rate can be increased by loading ions in parallel with only a concomitant increase in photo-ionization laser power and no need for additional atomic flux.
Switchable electric polarization and ferroelectric domains in a metal-organic-framework
Authors: Jain Prashant , Stroppa Alessandro , Nabok Dmitrii , Marino Antigone , Rubano Andrea , Paparo Domenico , Matsubara Masakazu , Nakotte Heinz , Fiebig Manfred , Picozzi Silvia , Choi Eun Sang , Cheetham Anthony K , Draxl Claudia , Dalal Naresh S , Zapf Vivien S
Published: September 2016

Multiferroics and magnetoelectrics with coexisting and coupled multiple ferroic orders are materials promising new technological advances. While most studies have focused on single-phase or heterostructures of inorganic materials, a new class of materials called metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) has been recently proposed as candidate materials demonstrating interesting new routes for multiferroism and magnetoelectric coupling. Herein, we report on the origin of multiferroicity of (CH3)2NH2Mn(HCOO)3 via direct observation of ferroelectric domains using second-harmonic generation techniques. For the first time, we observe how these domains are organized (sized in micrometer range), and how they are mutually affected by applied electric and magnetic fields. Calculations provide an estimate of the electric polarization and give insights into its microscopic origin.
V2O5-C-SnO2 Hybrid Nanobelts as High Performance Anodes for Lithium-ion Batteries
Authors: Zhang Linfei , Yang Mingyang , Zhang Shengliang , Wu Zefei , Amini Abbas , Zhang Yi , Wang Dongyong , Bao Shuhan , Lu Zhouguang , Wang Ning , Cheng Chun
Published: September 2016

The superior performance of metal oxide nanocomposites has introduced them as excellent candidates for emerging energy sources and attracted significant attention in recent years. The drawback of these materials is their inherent structural pulverization which adversely impacts their performance and makes the rational design of stable nanocomposites a great challenge. In this work, functional V2O5-C-SnO2 hybrid nanobelts (VCSNs) with a stable structure are introduced where the ultradispersed SnO2 nanocrystals are tightly linked with glucose on the V2O5 surface. The nanostructured V2O5 acts as a supporting matrix as well as an active electrode component. Compared with existing carbon-V2O5 hybrid nanobelts, these hybrid nanobelts exhibit a much higher reversible capacity and architectural stability when used as anode materials for lithium-ion batteries. The superior cyclic performance of VCSNs can be attributed to the synergistic effects of SnO2 and V2O5. However, limited data are available for V2O5-based anodes in lithium-ion battery design.
Inhibition of hypothalamic MCT1 expression increases food intake and alters orexigenic and anorexigenic neuropeptide expression
Authors: Elizondo-Vega Roberto , Cortés-Campos Christian , Barahona María José , Carril Claudio , Ordenes Patricio , Salgado Magdiel , Oyarce Karina , García-Robles María de los Angeles
Published: September 2016

Hypothalamic glucosensing, which involves the detection of glucose concentration changes by brain cells and subsequent release of orexigenic or anorexigenic neuropeptides, is a crucial process that regulates feeding behavior. Arcuate nucleus (AN) neurons are classically thought to be responsible for hypothalamic glucosensing through a direct sensing mechanism; however, recent data has shown a metabolic interaction between tanycytes and AN neurons through lactate that may also be contributing to this process. Monocarboxylate transporter 1 (MCT1) is the main isoform expressed by tanycytes, which could facilitate lactate release to hypothalamic AN neurons. We hypothesize that MCT1 inhibition could alter the metabolic coupling between tanycytes and AN neurons, altering feeding behavior. To test this, we inhibited MCT1 expression using adenovirus-mediated transfection of a shRNA into the third ventricle, transducing ependymal wall cells and tanycytes. Neuropeptide expression and feeding behavior were measured in MCT1-inhibited animals after intracerebroventricular glucose administration following a fasting period. Results showed a loss in glucose regulation of orexigenic neuropeptides and an abnormal expression of anorexigenic neuropeptides in response to fasting. This was accompanied by an increase in food intake and in body weight gain. Taken together, these results indicate that MCT1 expression in tanycytes plays a role in feeding behavior regulation.