bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Additive roles of PthAs in bacterial growth and pathogenicity associated with nucleotide polymorphisms in effector‐binding elements of citrus canker susceptibility genes
Authors: Abe Valeria Yukari , Benedetti Celso Eduardo
Published: December 2015

Citrus canker, caused by Xanthomonas citri, affects most commercial citrus varieties. All X. citri strains possess at least one transcription activator‐like effector of the PthA family that activates host disease susceptibility (S) genes. The X. citri strain 306 encodes four PthA effectors; nevertheless, only PthA4 is known to elicit cankers on citrus. As none of the PthAs act as avirulence factors on citrus, we hypothesized that PthAs 1–3 might also contribute to pathogenicity on certain hosts. Here, we show that, although PthA4 is indispensable for canker formation in six Brazilian citrus varieties, PthAs 1 and 3 contribute to canker development in ‘Pera’ sweet orange, but not in ‘Tahiti’ lemon. Deletions in two or more pthA genes reduce bacterial growth in planta more pronouncedly than single deletions, suggesting an additive role of PthAs in pathogenicity and bacterial fitness. The contribution of PthAs 1 and 3 in canker formation in ‘Pera’ plants does not correlate with the activation of the canker S gene, LOB1 (LATERAL ORGAN BOUNDARIES 1), but with the induction of other PthA targets, including LOB2 and citrus dioxygenase (DIOX). LOB1, LOB2 and DIOX show differential PthA‐dependent expression between ‘Pera’ and ‘Tahiti’ plants that appears to be associated with nucleotide polymorphisms found at or near PthA‐binding sites. We also present evidence that LOB1 activation alone is not sufficient to elicit cankers on citrus, and that DIOX acts as a canker S gene in ‘Pera’, but not ‘Tahiti’, plants. Our results suggest that the activation of multiple S genes, such as LOB1 and DIOX, is necessary for full canker development.
BLAME AVOIDANCE IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE: REACTIVITY, STAGED RETREAT AND EFFICACY
Authors: HOOD CHRISTOPHER , JENNINGS WILL , COPELAND PAUL
Published: December 2015

Building on blame avoidance analysis, this article develops a method to assess the reactivity, sequencing and efficacy of defensive responses by officeholders facing a crisis of personal blame, analysing cases drawn from four advanced democracies. It tests the hypotheses that officeholders: react by positive action rather than non‐engagement when blame levels are high; respond in a ‘staged retreat’ sequence; and can reduce the level of blame they face from one day to another through choice of presentational strategies. The article applies event history analysis to test the sequencing hypothesis and time series cross‐sectional models to test the reactivity and efficacy hypotheses. The analysis shows that officeholders tend to respond actively when blame levels are high, that to some extent their responses tend to follow a staged retreat pattern, and their interventions have a systematic effect on the next day's media blame level only if they take the form of personal statements.
A Bumpy Road to Cities: Analysis of the Obstacles and Limits of China's New Urbanization
Authors: Kim Jih‐Un
Published: December 2015

In order to increase domestic consumption and thus improve economy, the current regime of China has designed a new urbanization, which is being pursued in two ways: granting urban hukou to rural migrants already in cities and relocating peasants to newly built or sprawled urban areas. In either way, the new urbanization of China faces major obstacles and limits in its implementation stage. For example, local governments, the de facto bearer of the project, seriously lack financial resources; big cities, where a large number of migrants are located, remain far beyond the scope of the hukou reform; the dislocated peasants have not received their full compensation at all; and, migrants or dislocated peasants, they are not guaranteed stable and decent jobs, a most critical source for more domestic consumption. To reach the ultimate goals of the new urbanization, the central government of China should effectively address those issues.
China's Proposed Maritime Silk Road: Challenges and Opportunities with Special Reference to the Bay of Bengal Region
Authors: Karim Mohd Aminul
Published: December 2015

The aim of this article is to explore the challenges and opportunities of the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road – presumably a gigantic economic project launched by China – for better connectivity and economic cooperation in Asia. The article examines the variables that may either limit or bolster its implementation. The project, once implemented, is likely to give rise to both economic and strategic upshots. Economically, it is likely to be win–win for both China and other powers in Asia who are willing to participate. On the other hand, it may get trapped because of the presence of geopolitical issues and great powers rivalry, specifically in the Bay of Bengal region. The article, in the final analysis, attempts to provide certain policy prescriptions, mainly for China, for maximum optimization.
License to learn: an investigation into thin and thick licensing contracts
Authors: Leone Maria Isabella , Reichstein Toke , Boccardelli Paolo , Magnusson Mats
Published: December 2015

This article introduces the distinction between thin and thick contracts to the investigation of licensing‐in as a mechanism for technological learning. Thick contracts include a clause specifying that the licensors are obligated to assist the licensees in assimilating and integrating the technology. Drawing on a sample of 133 licensees and an equal number of matched nonlicensees, we present empirical evidence that thick contracts propel the licensees’ likelihood of introducing new inventions. It is also found that thick contracts act as a substitute for licensees’ absorptive capacity. Licensees that are more familiar with the licensed technology are in less need of assistance from the licensors to assimilate and integrate the knowledge. However, this substitution effect is neutralized once the hurdle of invention has been overcome, meaning that the licensees have succeeded to ignite the invention process, suggesting the exploitation of the learning curve, triggered by their mutual understanding.
Patenting strategies and characteristics of declared inventions in the long term evolution standard
Authors: Caviggioli Federico , De Marco Antonio , Rogo Francesco , Scellato Giuseppe
Published: December 2015

This study provides an empirical analysis of patent declarations at the European Telecommunications Standards Institute concerning the core releases of the Long Term Evolution standard for mobile communications. The analysis of the declared Standard Essential Patents suggests that the distribution of essential inventions across firms is less concentrated than in previous mobile standard generations [Global System for Mobile communications and Universal Mobile Telecommunications System in 1991 and 1999], mainly due to the entry of new global players. We investigated the characteristics of the declared patents and their value as proxied by the number of citations received before and after the declaration. We distinguish between entrant and incumbent firms. The declared patents receive on average more citations than a control sample of nondeclared. However, such citation premium is higher for incumbent firms than entrants. Overall evidence suggests that new global players in the field are more likely to declare patents with a narrower technological scope and that have a relatively lower technological merit as captured by citations.
Hydrothermal Fluid Sources of the Fengjia Barite–fluorite Deposit in Southeast Sichuan, China: Evidence from Fluid Inclusions and Hydrogen and Oxygen Isotopes
Authors: Zou Hao , Zhang Shou‐ting , Chen An‐qing , Fang Yi , Zeng Zhao‐fa
Published: December 2015

The Fengjia barite–fluorite deposit in southeast Sichuan is a stratabound ore deposit which occurs mainly in Lower Ordovician carbonate rocks. Here we present results from fluid inclusion and oxygen and hydrogen isotope studies to determine the nature and origin of the hydrothermal fluids that generated the deposit. The temperature of the ore‐forming fluid shows a range of 86 to 302 °C. Our detailed microthermometric data show that the temperature during mineralization of the fluorite and barite in the early ore‐forming stage was higher than that during the formation of the calcite in the late ore‐forming stage. The salinity varied substantially from 0.18% to 21.19% NaCl eqv., whereas the density was around 1.00 g/cm3. The fluid composition was mainly H2O (>91.33%), followed by CO2, CH4 and traces of C2H6, CO, Ar, and H2S. The dominant cation was Na+ and the dominant anion Cl‐, followed by Ca2+, SO42‐, K+, and Mg2+, indicating a mid–low‐temperature, mid‐low‐salinity, low‐density NaCl–H2O system. Our results demonstrate that the temperature decreased during the ore‐forming process and the fluid system changed from a closed reducing environment to an open oxidizing environment. The hydrogen and oxygen isotope data demonstrate that the hydrothermal fluids in the study area had multiple sources, primarily formation water, as well as meteoric water and metamorphic water. Combined with the geological setting and mineralization features we infer that the stratabound barite–fluorite deposits originated from mid–low‐temperature hydrothermal fluids and formed vein filling in the fault zone.
The Fossils of Atapuerca: Scientific Nationalism and the New Beginning of Spanish History
Authors: Hochadel Oliver
Published: December 2015

Numerous studies have shown how closely nation‐building accompanies research into human prehistory. While these studies primarily focus on the period before 1945, the example of the Spanish site Atapuerca demonstrates that the strong link between hominid fossils and national identity still exists in the twenty‐first century. The article argues that there are different ways of appropriating prehistoric human remains. One may distinguish the concept of ‘biological continuity’ in which the fossils represent some kind of ancestor from the concept of ‘scientific nationalism’. The latter consists in the pride in the scholarly achievement and international recognition of ‘our own’ scientists. The Atapuerca project was crucial in overcoming the Spanish ‘inferiority complex’ with respect to scientific prowess. In Atapuerca we may even discern a third concept: the marketing of origins in order to lure tourists to the site – nationalism enterprised‐up. The Spanish researchers created a multifold ‘popularization industry’ and forged a close alliance with the national media. Thus, this article will try to explain how Atapuerca turned within less than ten years from a little known archaeological site to the – however imaginary – starting point of Spanish history at the turn of the millennium.
Intensive Transnationalism amongst Japanese Migrants after the Great East Japan Earthquake: Voices from Diasporic Blogs
Authors: Takeda Atsushi
Published: December 2015

This article explores how Japanese migrants responded to the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011 by analysing personal weblogs published by Japanese migrants across the globe. The analysis of their blog posts demonstrates the collective response of Japanese overseas citizens to a crisis in their homeland. Their narratives reveal their emotional reactions, such as frustration, heartache, and guilt, and delineate how this catastrophe affected their sense of national identity and solidarity. As well as shedding light on these responses, the data further serve to crystallize the way in which Japanese migrants' transnationalism intensifies following homeland disasters.
Blockade of Interleukin‐17 Restrains the Development of Acute Lung Injury
Authors: Li Q. , Gu Y. , Tu Q. , Wang K. , Gu X. , Ren T.
Published: December 2015

The acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), a clinical complication of severe acute lung injury (ALI) in humans, is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients. Here, we explored the association between IL‐17 and development of ALI using LPS‐induced murine model. We found that IL‐17 level was elevated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid of ALI mice. Upregulation of IL‐17 resulted in increased severity of ALI as evidenced by decreased body weight and survival rate, elevated level of total protein and albumin in BAL fluid, as well as more apparent histopathology changes of lung. Induction of ALI was impaired in IL‐17‐deficient mice. Management of IL‐17 could modulate LPS‐induced pulmonary inflammation, as reflected by the total cell and neutrophil counts, proinflammatory cytokines, as well as chemokines in BAL fluid. Of note, blockade of IL‐17 effectively inhibited the lung inflammation and alleviated ALI severity. Finally, we confirmed the clinical relevance and found that IL‐17 expression was elevated and associated with the disease severity in patients with ARDS. In essence, IL‐17 was crucial for development of ALI, suggesting a potential application for IL‐17‐based therapy in clinical practice.
Playing the Game of Outcomes‐based Performance Management. Is Gamesmanship Inevitable? Evidence from Theory and Practice
Authors: Lowe Toby , Wilson Rob
Published: December 2015

This article presents the case for the need for a re‐think in the prevailing orthodoxy of measurement approaches in the governance and management of public services. The article explores the simplification of complex reality that outcomes‐based performance management (OBPM) requires in order to function, and the consequences of such simplification. It examines the evidence for and against the effectiveness of OBPM, and argues that both sets of evidence can be brought into a single explanatory story by understanding the theory of OBPM. The simplification required to measure and attribute ‘outcomes’ turns the organization and delivery of social interventions into a game, the rules of which promote gamesmanship, distorting the behaviour of organizations, managers and practitioners who undertake it.
Video Data Model and Retrieval Service Framework Using Geographic Information
Authors: Han Zhigang , Cui Caihui , Kong Yunfeng , Qin Fen , Fu Pinde
Published: December 2015

Along with a rapid growth in the volume of user‐generated video clips, efficient video retrieval methods have become one of the most critical challenges in multimedia management. In this article, we propose a service framework using geographic information for retrieval of the videos on the web. The main idea is to describe and query videos by video‐related geographic data such as video location, field of view and trajectory. Based on the point, line and polygon description for videos, we define the commonly used video retrieval methods. A video retrieval service framework and the service interfaces are designed based on the REST architecture. A prototype system is also implemented to test the services. The experiment shows that the proposed video description, retrieval methods and web services are feasible and useful. We believe that the integration of geographical video retrieval methods into existing methods will promote the geo‐tagged video sharing, discovery and consumption in various web applications.
Notifying blood donors of infection: results of a donor satisfaction survey
Authors: Reynolds C. A. , Brailsford S. R. , Hewitt P. E.
Published: December 2015

Background/Objectives:

When NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) confirms a blood donation to have markers of infection, the donor is contacted by letter to arrange a discussion about the test results and onward care. A survey was carried out to assess the level of satisfaction with this process.

Materials/Methods:

A questionnaire was sent to 335 donors who had been notified by NHSBT in 2008 and 2009 that they had tested positive for hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human T‐cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV). Ratings were made using Likert scales, where the respondent indicated the level of agreement or satisfaction with statements about the initial notification letter and the subsequent post‐test discussion (PTD) with the NHSBT clinician.

Results:

There was an overall 47·5% (159/335) response rate. Fifty‐eight percent (91/157) agreed that they were satisfied with the letter, but 30% (46/152) disagreed that it was easy to stay calm (average score 3·2). Scores for the letter were significantly lower in HIV and HTLV than in hepatitis for several questions. Scores for the discussion were in general higher than the initial letter, with 90% (114/127) satisfied overall, although 2 of 19 HIV positive donors remained dissatisfied.

Conclusion:

Overall, most donors were satisfied with the notification process, although scores were slightly lower for HTLV and HIV. Further audit is planned; in particular to remeasure the satisfaction with, and understanding of, the notification letter for HTLV positive donors and the telephone PTD.
Ferlins Show Tissue‐Specific Expression and Segregate as Plasma Membrane/Late Endosomal or Trans‐Golgi/Recycling Ferlins
Authors: Redpath Gregory M. I. , Sophocleous Reece A. , Turnbull Lynne , Whitchurch Cynthia B. , Cooper Sandra T.
Published: December 2015

Ferlins are a family of transmembrane‐anchored vesicle fusion proteins uniquely characterized by 5–7 tandem cytoplasmic C2 domains, Ca2+‐regulated phospholipid‐binding domains that regulate vesicle fusion in the synaptotagmin family. In humans, dysferlin mutations cause limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy type 2B (LGMD2B) due to defective Ca2+‐dependent, vesicle‐mediated membrane repair and otoferlin mutations cause non‐syndromic deafness due to defective Ca2+‐triggered auditory neurotransmission. In this study, we describe the tissue‐specific expression, subcellular localization and endocytic trafficking of the ferlin family. Studies of endosomal transit together with 3D‐structured illumination microscopy reveals dysferlin and myoferlin are abundantly expressed at the PM and cycle to Rab7‐positive late endosomes, supporting potential roles in the late‐endosomal pathway. In contrast, Fer1L6 shows concentrated localization to a specific compartment of the trans‐Golgi/recycling endosome, cycling rapidly between this compartment and the PM via Rab11 recycling endosomes. Otoferlin also shows trans‐Golgi to PM cycling, with very low levels of PM otoferlin suggesting either brief PM residence, or rare incorporation of otoferlin molecules into the PM. Thus, type‐I and type‐II ferlins segregate as PM/late‐endosomal or trans‐Golgi/recycling ferlins, consistent with different ferlins mediating vesicle fusion events in specific subcellular locations.
A novel c.790C>T mutation in RHAG gene encoding the Rhnull phenotype in Japanese
Authors: Tanaka M. , Yamasaki H. , Watanabe S. , Takahashi J. , Matsukura H. , Tani Y.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

Molecular analyses of Rhnull individuals have revealed that abnormalities occur only at the RH or RHAG gene. Rhnull phenotype arises from two distinct genetic mechanisms, the amorph and the regulator type. Here, we genetically analysed a Japanese Rhnull family and identified a novel RHAG mutation.

Materials and Methods

RBC samples from two family members were phenotyped using the standard serological techniques and BLOODchip Reference for the predicted phenotype. Scanning electron micrographs of red blood cells (RBCs) were generated. All 10 RHAG exons were subjected to DNA sequencing.

Results

RBCs in 2 Rhnull samples did not contain Rh or RhAG antigens. The screening tests for irregular RBC antibodies identified anti‐Rh29 in 2 samples and anti‐C+e in the older sister of the proband. A molecular base analysis revealed a novel c.790C>T (p.Arg263X) mutation in exon 5 of RHAG gene.

Conclusion

The samples with the novel c.790C>T (p.Arg263X) mutation in exon 5 of the RHAG gene were identified as regulator type.
Re‐evaluation of HNA‐1 antibodies for their reactivity to different recombinant variants of FcγRIIIb
Authors: Nishizawa K. , Yasui K. , Amakishi E. , Irie Y. , Matsuyama N. , Kamada H. , Nakajima F. , Ishii H. , Matsukura H. , Hirayama F.
Published: December 2015

Background and Objectives

The Fcgamma receptor IIIb (FcγRIIIb) carries the human neutrophil antigen (HNA)‐1 system. The three FCGR3B alleles encode four antigens: one allele encodes HNA‐1a, and two alleles encode two antigens each, HNA‐1b and HNA‐1d and HNA‐1b and HNA‐1c, respectively. Several other non‐synonymous substitutions have also been reported. Little is known about the properties of HNA‐1d antibodies because HNA‐1d was recently discovered, and HNA‐1d antibodies have been reported only in a couple of cases. These findings raise the possibility that the polymorphisms in the HNA‐1 system and spectrum of the specificity of resulting antibodies are more complex than previously thought. We address this possibility in this work.

Materials and Methods

Several HNA‐1 antibodies, which had been classified as HNA‐1a or HNA‐1b before HNA‐1d was discovered, were re‐evaluated for their reactivity to different recombinant variants of FcγRIIIb.

Results

The HNA‐1a antibody, but not the reference HNA‐1a antibody, cross‐reacted to HNA‐1d. Further, nucleotide replacement in FCGR3B alleles *02 at 193G→A (AA position 54 E→K) resulted in the disappearance of HNA‐1d, but not HNA‐1b, antigenicity.

Conclusion

The HNA‐1 system may be more complex than previously understood.
Triple-walled gold surfaces with small-gaps for nonresonance surface enhanced Raman scattering of rhodamine 6G molecules
Authors: Baba Tatsuya , Lee Yaerim , Ueno Ai , Kometani Reo , Maeda Etsuo , Takigawa Ryo
Published: December 2015

To increase the intensity of Raman scattering with surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect, the authors proposed the triple-walled gold (Au) structures on silicon (Si) substrate. High aspect ratio Au nanowalls with nanogaps were realized by two different techniques. One is layer by layer technique. The other is standing high aspect ratio Au wall fabrication technique. Finally, 50 nm-thick Au standing walls and 50 nm gaps were obtained. Through the comparison of bare Si substrate, Au film, single-walled Au structures, and triple-walled Au structures in SERS intensity with 0.020 wt. % rhodamine 6G molecules, it was revealed that the SERS intensity from triple-walled Au structure was 50 times higher than that from Au film. The enhancement factor (EF) of our proposed SERS chip was estimated as 4.7 × 106. The proposed method will allow us to realize multiwalled Au structure, which can increase EF efficiently.
Sports Supplements and Female Athletes: Reality, Risks and Recommendations
Authors: Perko Mike A. , Williams Ronald D. , Evans Marion W.
Published: December 2015

Sports supplements use is reality in the 21st century and the global sports world is enmeshed daily in media coverage and debate. Traditionally much of the focus has been on male athletes but the tide is shifting toward the rapidly evolving culture of the female athlete. Little is known about the use rates, reasons, and effects of sports performance supplements among females. This article examines female athletes and sports supplements with emphasis on historical influence, realities for the female athlete, risks involved in performance enhancement, and future recommendations.
Counseling Injured Female Student-Athletes: A Discussion of Clinical Interventions
Authors: Witt Mildred Mary
Published: December 2015

Sustaining an injury can be traumatic for a collegiate student-athlete. Serious injuries are often accompanied by complex emotional and psychological responses that warrant a mental health consultation and clinical intervention. Anxiety and stress-related concerns are increasingly prevalent in the student-athlete population, particularly among female student-athletes. This paper reviews the relevant injury, sports psychology, and counseling literature pertaining to student-athletes, with a focus on female collegiate athletes. Utilizing a hypothetical case illustration, the counseling needs of the injured female student-athlete are discussed. Three therapeutic interventions: expressive writing, cognitive processing therapy, and Koru Meditation, an evidencedbased curriculum for teaching mindfulness skills, are proposed to reduce anxiety, injury-related stress, and other mental health concerns in this population.
Precise astronomical flux calibration and its impact on studying the nature of the dark energy
Authors: Stubbs Christopher W. , Brown Yorke J.
Published: December 2015

Measurements of the luminosity of Type Ia supernovae versus redshift provided the original evidence for the accelerating expansion of the Universe and the existence of dark energy. Despite substantial improvements in survey methodology, systematic uncertainty in flux calibration dominates the error budget for this technique, exceeding both statistics and other systematic uncertainties. Consequently, any further collection of Type Ia supernova data will fail to refine the constraints on the nature of dark energy unless we also improve the state of the art in astronomical flux calibration to the order of 1%. We describe how these systematic errors arise from calibration of instrumental sensitivity, atmospheric transmission and Galactic extinction, and discuss ongoing efforts to meet the 1% precision challenge using white dwarf stars as celestial standards, exquisitely calibrated detectors as fundamental metrologic standards, and real-time atmospheric monitoring.
Compressive Buckling of Rippled Graphene via Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Xiang Y. , Shen Hui-Shen
Published: December 2015

This paper studies the compressive buckling of near-square rippled monolayer graphene sheets in thermal environments by using molecular dynamics simulations. Armchair and zigzag graphene sheets are both considered and the four edges of a graphene sheet are either simply supported or clamped. Compressive force instead of the commonly used compressive strain is gradually applied to the edges of the graphene sheet until the graphene sheet is crushed. It is found that ripples in the graphene are formed owing to thermal fluctuations even before the compressive force is applied. The amplitude of ripples is reduced when the compressive force is applied to the graphene. The buckling mode of the graphene may show local or global mode shape features, depending on the chirality, the support conditions and the size of the graphene. Most buckling modes of the graphene sheets are very different from the global (1,1) mode of a uniaxially loaded and simply supported or clamped square plate as predicted by continuum mechanics models. A clamped graphene can take significantly more compressive force after the occurrence of initial buckling and before the graphene is completely crushed. A zigzag graphene has a larger initial buckling force than its armchair counterpart. Raising the environmental temperature may either increase or decrease the initial buckling force of the graphene depending on the support conditions and the chirality of the graphene.
A limit law of the return probability for a quantum walk on a hexagonal lattice
Authors: Machida Takuya
Published: December 2015

A return probability of random walks is one of the interesting subjects. As it is well known, the return probability strongly depends on the structure of the space where the random walker moves. On the other hand, the return probability of quantum walks, which are quantum models corresponding to random walks, has also been investigated to some extend lately. In this paper, we take care of a discrete-time three-state quantum walk on a hexagonal lattice from the view point of mathematics. The mathematical result shows a limit of the return probability when the walker starts off at the origin. The result of the limit tells us about a possibility of localization at the position and a dependence of localization on the initial state.
Thermoelastic Response of FGM Plates with Temperature-Dependent Properties Resting on Variable Elastic Foundations
Authors: Sobhy Mohammed
Published: December 2015

This paper deals with thermomechanical bending of functionally graded material (FGM) plates under various boundary conditions and resting on two-layer elastic foundations. One of these layers is Winkler springs with a variable modulus while the other is considered as a shear layer with a constant modulus. The plates are considered of the type having two opposite sides simply-supported, and the two other sides having combinations of simply-supported, clamped, and free boundary conditions. The temperature is obtained by solving the one-dimensional equation of heat conduction. The material properties of the plate are assumed to be graded continuously across the panel thickness. A simple power-law distribution in terms of the volume fractions of the constituents is used for estimating the effective material properties such as temperature-dependent thermoelastic properties. The governing equations are derived based on the sinusoidal shear deformation plate theory including the external load and thermal effects. The results of this theory are compared with those of other shear deformation theories. Various numerical results including the effect of boundary conditions, power-law index, plate aspect ratio, temperature difference, elastic foundation parameters, and side-to-thickness ratio on the bending of FGM plates are presented.
SHOULD THE IPCC ASSESSMENT REPORTS BE AN INTEGRATED ASSESSMENT?
Authors: MENDELSOHN ROBERT
Published: December 2015

The IPCC Report on Climate Change 2014 contains an enormous treasure trove of facts about natural science, mitigation, and potential impacts. However, the components of the report are sufficiently disconnected from each other, that it is not possible to reach policy insights into the merits of alternative mitigation or adaptation actions, where they should occur, when they should begin, and what policy tools are critical. Each Working Group has charged ahead with independent assumptions that obscure any possibility of an integrated assessment. The Report provides an authoritative collection of climate related materials but is organized so poorly that it provides very little insight into how to solve the climate problem. The Working Groups are not coordinated on a common mission to understand policy alternatives. The Reports consequently miss a great opportunity to organize science to inform policy makers of the way forward.
Validation of Urine Test for Detection ofHelicobacter pyloriInfection in Indonesian Population
Authors: Syam Ari Fahrial , Miftahussurur Muhammad , Uwan Willy Brodus , Simanjuntak David , Uchida Tomohisa , Yamaoka Yoshio
Published: December 2015

We measured the accuracy of the urine test (RAPIRUN) for detection ofHelicobacter pyloriinfection in Indonesia (Jakarta, Pontianak, and Jayapura) using histology confirmed by immunohistochemistry and/or culture as gold standards. We also used immunohistochemistry to identify CagA phenotype and analyzedH. pyloriCagA diversity in Indonesia. The overall prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection in 88 consecutive dyspeptic patients based on the urine test was 15.9% (14/88), 38.1% for patients in Jayapura that had higher prevalence ofH. pyloriinfection than that in Jakarta (9.7%,P=0.02) and Pontianak (8.3%,P=0.006). Overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of RAPIRUN were 83.3%, 94.7%, 71.4%, 97.3%, and 93.2%, respectively. All of theH. pylori-positive patients were immunoreactive for anti-CagA antibody but not immunoreactive for East Asian specific anti-CagA antibody in allH. pylori-positive subjects. We confirmed the high accuracy of RAPIRUN in Indonesian population. In general, we found less virulent type ofH. pyloriin Indonesia, which partly explained the low incidence gastric cancer in Indonesia.
P-VCriticality of Conformal Anomaly Corrected AdS Black Holes
Authors: Mo Jie-Xiong , Liu Wen-Biao
Published: December 2015

The effects of conformal anomaly on the thermodynamics of black holes are investigated in this paper from the perspective ofP-Vcriticality of AdS black holes. Treating the cosmological constant as thermodynamic pressure, we extend the recent research to the extended phase space. Firstly, we study theP-Vcriticality of the uncharged AdS black holes with conformal anomaly and find that conformal anomaly does not influence whether there exists Van der Waals like critical behavior. Secondly, we investigate theP-Vcriticality of the charged cases and find that conformal anomaly influences not only the critical physical quantities but also the ratioPcrc/Tc. The ratio is no longer a constant as before but a function of conformal anomaly parameterα~. We also show that the conformal parameter should satisfy a certain range to guarantee the existence of critical point that has physical meaning. Our results show the effects of conformal anomaly.
Application of Microsatellite Loci for Molecular Identification of Elite Genotypes, Analysis of Clonality, and Genetic Diversity in Aspen Populus tremula L. (Salicaceae)
Authors: Politov Dmitry V. , Belokon Maryana M. , Belokon Yuri S. , Polyakova Tatyana A. , Shatokhina Anna V. , Mudrik Elena A. , Azarova Anna B. , Filippov Mikhail V. , Shestibratov Konstantin A.
Published: December 2015

Testing systems for molecular identification of micropropagated elite aspen (Populus tremula L.) genotypes were developed on the base on microsatellite (SSR) loci. Out of 33 tested microsatellite loci, 14 were selected due to sustainable PCR amplification and substantial variability in elite clones of aspen aimed for establishment of fast-rotated forest plantations. All eight tested clones had different multilocus genotypes. Among 114 trees from three reference native stands located near the established plantations, 80 haplotypes were identified while some repeated genotypes were attributed to natural clones which appeared as a result of sprouting. The selected set of SSR markers showed reliable individual identification with low probability of appearance of identical aspen genotypes (a minimum of 4.8·10-10 and 1 × 10−4 for unrelated and related individuals, resp.). Case studies demonstrating practical applications of the test system are described including analysis of clonal structure and levels of genetic diversity in three natural aspen stands growing in the regions where plantations made of elite clones were established.
Maternal Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate Use in Pregnancy and Growth Outcomes among HIV-Exposed Uninfected Infants in Kenya
Authors: Pintye Jillian , Langat Agnes , Singa Benson , Kinuthia John , Odeny Beryne , Katana Abraham , Nganga Lucy , John-Stewart Grace , McGrath Christine J.
Published: December 2015

Background. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is commonly used in antiretroviral treatment (ART) and preexposure prophylaxis regimens. We evaluated the relationship of prenatal TDF use and growth outcomes among Kenyan HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) infants.Materials and Methods.We included PCR-confirmed HEU infants enrolled in a cross-sectional survey of mother-infant pairs conducted between July and December 2013 in Kenya. Maternal ART regimen during pregnancy was determined by self-report and clinic records. Six-week and 9-monthz-scores for weight-for-age (WAZ), weight-for-length (WLZ), length-for-age (LAZ), and head circumference-for-age (HCAZ) were compared among HEU infants with and without TDF exposure usingt-tests and multivariate linear regression models.Results.Among 277 mothers who received ART during pregnancy, 63% initiated ART before pregnancy, of which 89 (32%) used TDF. No differences in birth weight (3.0 kg versus 3.1 kg,p=0.21) or gestational age (38 weeks versus 38 weeks,p=0.16) were detected between TDF-exposed and TDF-unexposed infants. At 6 weeks, unadjusted mean WAZ was lower among TDF-exposed infants (−0.8 versus −0.4,p=0.03), with a trend towards association in adjusted analyses (p=0.06). There were no associations between prenatal TDF use and WLZ, LAZ, and HCAZ in 6-week or 9-month infant cohorts.Conclusion.Maternal TDF use did not adversely affect infant growth compared to other regimens.
Nonlinear Vibrational Analysis of Nanobeams Embedded in an Elastic Medium including Surface Stress Effects
Authors: Azizi S. , Safaei B. , Fattahi A. M. , Tekere M.
Published: December 2015

Due to size-dependent behavior of nanostructures, the classical continuum models are not applicable for the analyses at this submicron size. Surface stress effect is one of the most important matters which make the nanoscale structures have different properties compared to the conventional structures due to high surface to volume ratio. In the present study, nonlinear free vibrational characteristics of embedded nanobeams are investigated including surface stress effects. To this end, a thin surface layer is assumed on the upper and lower surfaces of the cross section to separate the surface and bulk of nanobeams with their own different material properties. Based on harmonic balance method, closed-form analytical solution is conducted for nonlinear vibrations to obtain natural frequencies of embedded nanobeams with and without considerations of surface elasticity and residual surface tension effects corresponding to the various values of nondimensional amplitude, elastic foundation modulus, and geometrical variables of the system. Selected numerical results are given to indicate the influence of each one in detail.
The Need for Biomarkers in Diagnosis and Prognosis of Drug-Induced Liver Disease: Does Metabolomics Have Any Role?
Authors: Iruzubieta Paula , Arias-Loste Maria Teresa , Barbier-Torres Lucía , Martinez-Chantar Maria Luz , Crespo Javier
Published: December 2015

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a potentially fatal adverse event and the leading cause of acute liver failure in the US and in the majority of Europe. The liver can be affected directly, in a dose-dependent manner, or idiosyncratically, independently of the dose, and therefore unpredictably. Currently, DILI is a diagnosis of exclusion that physicians should suspect in patients with unexplained elevated liver enzymes. Therefore, new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers are necessary to achieve an early and reliable diagnosis of DILI and thus improve the prognosis. Although several DILI biomarkers have been found through analytical and genetic tests and pharmacokinetic approaches, none of them have been able to display enough specificity and sensitivity, so new approaches are needed. In this sense, metabolomics is a strongly and promising emerging field that, from biofluids collected through minimally invasive procedures, can obtain early biomarkers of toxicity, which may constitute specific indicators of liver damage.
Adsorption of Phenol from Aqueous Solutions by Carbon Nanomaterials of One and Two Dimensions: Kinetic and Equilibrium Studies
Authors: de la Luz-Asunción M. , Sánchez-Mendieta V. , Martínez-Hernández A. L. , Castaño V. M. , Velasco-Santos C.
Published: December 2015

Carbon nanomaterials have a great potential in environmental studies; they are considered as superior adsorbents of pollutants due to their physical and chemical properties. Functionalization and dimension play an important role in many functions of these nanomaterials including adsorption. In this research, adsorption process was achieved with one‐dimension nanomaterials: single walled and multiwalled carbon nanotubes were used as received and after oxidation treatment also two‐dimensional nanomaterials were used: graphene oxide and reduced graphene oxide. Carbon nanotubes were modified by hydrogen peroxide under microwave irradiation. The reduction of graphene oxide was achieved by using ascorbic acid. R2 values obtained with the pseudo‐second‐order model are higher than 0.99. The results demonstrate that Freundlich isotherm provides the best fit for the equilibrium data (R2 > 0.94). RL values are between 0 and 1; this represents favorable adsorption between carbon nanomaterials and phenol. The adsorption process occurs by π‐π interactions and hydrogen bonding and not by electrostatic interactions. The results indicate that the adsorption of phenol on carbon nanomaterials depends on the adsorbents’ surface area, and it is negatively influenced by the presence of oxygenated groups.
The History, Mechanism, and Clinical Application of Auricular Therapy in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Authors: Hou Pu-Wei , Hsu Hsin-Cheng , Lin Yi-Wen , Tang Nou-Ying , Cheng Chin-Yi , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: December 2015

Auricular therapy includes acupuncture, electroacupuncture, acupressure, lasering, cauterization, moxibustion, and bloodletting in the auricle. For 2500 years, people have employed auricular therapy for treating diseases, but the methods have been limited to bloodletting and cauterization. Only after 1957, the international scientific community became aware that the map of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, its introduction has led to auricular acupuncture (AA) becoming a more systemic approach, and, following the identification and standardization of more precise points, AA has been employed in clinical applications. The mechanisms of AA are considered to have a close relationship with the autonomic nervous system, the neuroendocrine system, neuroimmunological factors, neuroinflammation, and neural reflex, as well as antioxidation. Auricular therapy has been applied, for example, for pain relief, for the treatment of epilepsy, anxiety, and obesity, and for improving sleep quality. However, the mechanisms and evidence for auricular therapy warrant further study.
Influence of the Alcohol Present in a Phytotherapic Tincture on Male Rat Lipid Profiles and Renal Function
Authors: Silva Fernanda Coleraus , de Souza Juliete Gomes de Lara , Reichert Alana Meira , Antonangelo Renata Prestes , Suzuki Rodrigo , Itinose Ana Maria , Marek Carla Brugin
Published: December 2015

This study evaluated the influence of the alcohol present in a formulation of the antiophidic phytotherapic tincture, Específico-Pessôa, on rat blood biochemical and hematological parameters, and on organ histology. Three groups of rats were treated orally for 10, 15, or 30 days; one group received the tincture, the other received alcohol alone, and the third was a control group. The results of this study indicated that cholesterol levels were significantly increased after 10 days in the alcohol and tincture groups, although these decreased after 30 days in the tincture group. Triglyceride levels were significantly reduced after 15 days in the tincture group and after 30 days in the alcohol and tincture groups. A higher creatinine level was observed in the alcohol and tincture groups after 15 and 30 days. The uric acid levels in these groups were reduced at 10 and 30 days, although this metabolite was elevated at 15 days in the alcohol group. Hydropic multifocal degeneration with lymphohistiocytic infiltration and some polymorphonuclear cells was observed in the livers of rats treated with either the tincture or alcohol. These data demonstrate the importance of considering the potential actions of the alcohol present in pharmaceutical formulations.
Salient Region Detection via Feature Combination and Discriminative Classifier
Authors: Kong Deming , Duan Liangliang , Wu Peiliang , Yang Wenji
Published: December 2015

We introduce a novel approach to detect salient regions of an image via feature combination and discriminative classifier. Our method, which is based on hierarchical image abstraction, uses the logistic regression approach to map the regional feature vector to a saliency score. Four saliency cues are used in our approach, including color contrast in a global context, center-boundary priors, spatially compact color distribution, and objectness, which is as an atomic feature of segmented region in the image. By mapping a four-dimensional regional feature to fifteen-dimensional feature vector, we can linearly separate the salient regions from the clustered background by finding an optimal linear combination of feature coefficients in the fifteen-dimensional feature space and finally fuse the saliency maps across multiple levels. Furthermore, we introduce the weighted salient image center into our saliency analysis task. Extensive experiments on two large benchmark datasets show that the proposed approach achieves the best performance over several state-of-the-art approaches.
Generating Diverse Spinal Motor Neuron Subtypes from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Patani Rickie
Published: December 2015

Resolving the mechanisms underlying human neuronal diversification remains a major challenge in developmental and applied neurobiology. Motor neurons (MNs) represent a diverse pool of neuronal subtypes exhibiting differential vulnerability in different human neurodegenerative diseases, including amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). The ability to predictably manipulate MN subtype lineage restriction from human pluripotent stem cells (PSCs) will form the essential basis to establishing accurate, clinically relevant in vitro disease models. I first overview motor neuron developmental biology to provide some context for reviewing recent studies interrogating pathways that influence the generation of MN diversity. I conclude that motor neurogenesis from PSCs provides a powerful reductionist model system to gain insight into the developmental logic of MN subtype diversification and serves more broadly as a leading exemplar of potential strategies to resolve the molecular basis of neuronal subclass differentiation within the nervous system. These studies will in turn permit greater mechanistic understanding of differential MN subtype vulnerability using in vitro human disease models.
Comparing the Efficacy of Concomitant Therapy with Sequential Therapy as the First-Line Therapy ofHelicobacter pyloriEradication
Authors: Jung Sung Min , Cheung Dae Young , Kim Jin Il , Kim Il , Seong Hyeonjin
Published: December 2015

Background. The decline ofHelicobacter pylori(H. pylori) eradication rates with standard triple therapy resulted in a search for novel therapies for first-line therapy ofH. pyloriinfection.Aim. The aim of the study is to compare the efficacy of concomitant therapy with sequential therapy as the first-line therapy ofH. pylorieradication.Methods. We reviewed medical records of patients who were confirmed to haveH. pyloriinfection and received eradication treatment from September 2012 to March 2015. The concomitant group was treated with rabeprazole, amoxicillin, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for 7 days. The sequential group was treated with rabeprazole and amoxicillin for 5 days and then rabeprazole, clarithromycin, and metronidazole for an additional 5 days. Six weeks after the treatment period, patients in both groups underwent 13C-Urea breath test (UBT) to confirmH. pylorieradication.Results. The eradication rate was 90.3% in the concomitant group and 85.5% in the sequential group. However, the eradication rates between the two groups showed no statistical difference (P=0.343).Conclusion. No statistical difference was found in eradication rates between the two groups. However, in areas where antibiotic resistance is high, concomitant therapy may be more effective than sequential therapy forH. pylorieradication.