bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Franklin Delano Roosevelt: The Diagnosis of Poliomyelitis Revisited
Authors: Ditunno John F. , Becker Bruce E. , Herbison Gerald J.
Published: May 2016

Revisiting the ailments of famous historical persons in light of contemporary medical understanding has become a common academic hobby. Public discussion of Franklin Delano Roosevelt's (FDR) diagnosis of poliomyelitis after his sudden onset of paralysis in 1921 has received just such a revisitation. Recently, this 2003 historical analysis has been referenced widely on the Internet and in biographies, raising speculation that his actual diagnosis should have been Guillain‐Barré Syndrome, a noncontagious disease of the peripheral nervous system rather than poliomyelitis. The authors of that 2003 analysis used a statistical analysis of his case by selectively choosing some of his reported symptoms. FDR's diagnosis of poliomyelitis, however, was fully supported by the findings of leading expert physicians of that time, who were very knowledgeable in the then‐common disease and who periodically examined him during the period of 1921‐1924. The most significant diagnostic features of polio are the absence of objective sensory findings in the presence of flaccid motor paralysis. These features are consistent with diagnostic criteria extant during the periods of major poliomyelitis epidemics as well as those of the Center for Disease Control 90 years later. Additional findings of fever, prodromal hyperesthesia, more severe residual proximal muscle weakness, and extensive lower extremity impairment requiring mobility with long leg braces or a wheelchair give further evidence for the diagnosis in FDR's case. Nonbulbar Guillain‐Barré Syndrome, which shares the features of a flaccid paralysis and thus mimicking the initial presentation of poliomyelitis, has more than an 80% complete recovery with no reported cases of eventual wheelchair use. The most severe cases of Guillain‐Barré Syndrome often have persistent objective sensory loss, associated with greater weakness in the feet and hands, which show no resemblance to FDR's impairment and disability. In light of the expert initial assessments by physicians completely familiar with the signs and symptoms of the then‐common disease, review of his initial and subsequent disease course, and residual symptoms in comparison with those of Guillain‐Barré syndrome, we find no reason to question the diagnostic accuracy of poliomyelitis and wish to put this debate to rest.
Intellectuals, journals, and the legitimisation of political power: the case of the Italian intellectual group ofIl Mulino(1950s and 1960s)
Authors: Maccaferri Marzia
Published: May 2016

This article explores the intellectual discourse ofIl Mulino’s intellectual group in relation to the transformation of Italian politics during the period leading up to the centre-left governments. First, it investigatesIl Mulino’s cultural project of overcoming the hegemony of idealism by endorsing the empiricist approach favoured by Anglo-American social sciences, while establishing a new role for intellectuals. Then, it focuses on the group’s political agenda aimed at rationalising Italy’s ‘imperfect two-party system’. We argue that, within the Italian intellectual-political scenario,Il Mulino’s intellectual discourse sought to establish a new relationship between culture and politics. It tried to do so both by anchoring Italian political culture to the liberal- and social-democratic European tradition and by contributing to the stabilisation of Italian democracy, while proposing a reduction in the number of political parties.
Impegno, national and transnational identities inIl PolitecnicoandSud(1945–1947)
Authors: Milani Mila
Published: May 2016

Long neglected by critical literature and historians, the Neapolitan journalSud(1945–1947) shared similar aims and objectives with the more famousIl Politecnico, although the two journals were inserted into and connected with lively yet different cultural environments and networks, which crucially influenced their outputs. Most notably, both journals paid significant attention to politically committed literary and essay translations. By combining an analysis of the journals’ articles and translations with the editors’ published and unpublished correspondence, the article reassesses the journals’ relationship and illuminates theengagementof the two editorial boards through translations. The analysis of the two intellectual networks and projects will re-establish the relevance ofSudin stimulating a transnational dialogue and will reconsider the role of translation in shaping the editors’ political identities. Finally, the article offers a geo-cultural perspective on post-war Italianimpegnoby charting its multiple, both national and transnational, identities.
Vocabulary size and auditory word recognition in preschool children
Authors: LAW FRANZO , MAHR TRISTAN , SCHNEEBERG ALISSA , EDWARDS JAN
Published: May 2016

Recognizing familiar words quickly and accurately facilitates learning new words, as well as other aspects of language acquisition. This study used the visual world paradigm with semantic and phonological competitors to study lexical processing efficiency in 2- to 5-year-old children. Experiment 1 found this paradigm was sensitive to vocabulary-size differences. Experiment 2 included a more diverse group of children who were tested in their native dialect (either African American English or mainstream American English). No effect of stimulus dialect was observed. The results showed that vocabulary size was a better predictor of eye gaze patterns than was maternal education, but that maternal education level had a moderating effect; as maternal education level increased, vocabulary size was less predictive of lexical processing efficiency.
‘The Basilica after the Primitive Christians’: Liturgy, Architecture and Anglican Identity in the Building of the Fifty New Churches
Authors: Moody Christopher
Published: May 2016

The London churches built by Nicholas Hawksmoor – the architect required by the Commission for the Fifty New Churches to provide a template for the new churches according to the principles laid down in 1712 – are often regarded as the idiosyncratic creations of the architect’s individual genius. They were, however, as much the creation of the particular intellectual, theological and political context of the late Stuart period, an expression of a high church attempt to reconnect the Church of England with the early centuries of the Christian Church, particularly the great basilicas built under Constantine and Justinian. Conservative in intent, they were at the same time fed by the new spirit of intellectual enquiry led by the Royal Society and the expansion of global trade at the start of the eighteenth century. These express a new Anglican denominational identity as the inheritor of the ‘purest’ traditions of the ‘primitive’ church, ancient yet modern, orthodox and, at the same time, reformed: one that still influences discussion across the Communion today.
How Much Dissolved Mercury Is Present in Streams?
Authors: Cook Terri
Published: May 2016

The results of a new study suggest that an improved understanding of the processes mobilizing mercury in soils will be necessary to predict water quality impacts.
Gore Upbeat on Climate Stabilizing; Question Is, How Soon?
Authors: Showstack Randy
Published: May 2016

Former U.S. vice president says that responding to climate change "is the biggest business opportunity in the history of the world."
Low temperature plasma enhanced CVD epitaxial growth of silicon on GaAs: a new paradigm for III-V/Si integration
Authors: Cariou Romain , Chen Wanghua , Maurice Jean-Luc , Yu Jingwen , Patriarche Gilles , Mauguin Olivia , Largeau Ludovic , Decobert Jean , Roca i Cabarrocas Pere
Published: May 2016

The integration of III-V semiconductors with silicon is a key issue for photonics, microelectronics and photovoltaics. With the standard approach, namely the epitaxial growth of III-V on silicon, thick and complex buffer layers are required to limit the crystalline defects caused by the interface polarity issues, the thermal expansion and lattice mismatches. To overcome these problems, we have developed a reverse and innovative approach to combine III-V and silicon: the straightforward epitaxial growth of silicon on GaAs at low temperature by plasma enhanced CVD (PECVD). Indeed we show that both GaAs surface cleaning by SiF4 plasma and subsequent epitaxial growth from SiH4/H2 precursors can be achieved at 175 °C. The GaAs native oxide etching is monitored with in-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry and Raman spectroscopy is used to assess the epitaxial silicon quality. We found that SiH4 dilution in hydrogen during deposition controls the layer structure: the epitaxial growth happens for deposition conditions at the transition between the microcrystalline and amorphous growth regimes. SIMS and STEM-HAADF bring evidences for the interface chemical sharpness. Together, TEM and XRD analysis demonstrate that PECVD enables the growth of high quality relaxed single crystal silicon on GaAs.
Association of polymorphisms at the microRNA binding site of the caprine KITLG 3′-UTR with litter size
Authors: An Xiaopeng , Song Yuxuan , Bu Shuhai , Ma Haidong , Gao Kexin , Hou Jinxing , Wang Shan , Lei Zhang , Cao Binyun
Published: May 2016

This study identified three novel single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) (c.1389C > T, c.1457A > C and c.1520G > A) in the caprine KITLG 3′-UTR through DNA sequencing. The three SNP loci were closely linked in Guanzhong dairy (GD) goats. Two alleles of the c.1457A > C SNP introduced two miRNA sites (chi-miR-204-5p and chi-miR-211). Individuals with combined genotype TT-CC-AA had a higher litter size compared with those with combined genotypes CC-AA-GG, TC-CC-GA and CC-AC-GG (P < 0.05). Luciferase assays showed that chi-miR-204-5p and chi-miR-211 suppressed luciferase expression in the presence of allele 1457A compared with negative control (NC) and allele 1457C (P < 0.05). Western blot revealed that KITLG significantly decreased in the granulosa cells (GCs) of genotype AA compared with that in the GCs of genotype CC and NC (P < 0.05). The KITLG mRNA levels of the CC-AA-GG carriers significantly decreased compared with those of the TT-CC-AA, TC-CC-GA and CC-AC-GG carriers. In addition, cell proliferation was reduced in haplotype C-A-G GCs compared with that in haplotype T-C-A GCs. These results suggest that SNPs c.1389C > T, c.1457A > C and c.1520G > A account for differences in the litter size of GD goats because chi-miR-204-5p and chi-miR-211 could change the expression levels of the KITLG gene and reduce GC proliferation.
Bacterial fermentation platform for producing artificial aromatic amines
Authors: Masuo Shunsuke , Zhou Shengmin , Kaneko Tatsuo , Takaya Naoki
Published: May 2016

Aromatic amines containing an aminobenzene or an aniline moiety comprise versatile natural and artificial compounds including bioactive molecules and resources for advanced materials. However, a bio-production platform has not been implemented. Here we constructed a bacterial platform for para-substituted aminobenzene relatives of aromatic amines via enzymes in an alternate shikimate pathway predicted in a Pseudomonad bacterium. Optimization of the metabolic pathway in Escherichia coli cells converted biomass glucose to 4-aminophenylalanine with high efficiency (4.4 g L−1 in fed-batch cultivation). We designed and produced artificial pathways that mimicked the fungal Ehrlich pathway in E. coli and converted 4-aminophenylalanine into 4-aminophenylethanol and 4-aminophenylacetate at 90% molar yields. Combining these conversion systems or fungal phenylalanine decarboxylases, the 4-aminophenylalanine-producing platform fermented glucose to 4-aminophenylethanol, 4-aminophenylacetate and 4-phenylethylamine. This original bacterial platform for producing artificial aromatic amines highlights their potential as heteroatoms containing bio-based materials that can replace those derived from petroleum.
Highly Conductive In-SnO2/RGO Nano-Heterostructures with Improved Lithium-Ion Battery Performance
Authors: Liu Ying , Palmieri Alessandro , He Junkai , Meng Yongtao , Beauregard Nicole , Suib Steven L. , Mustain William E.
Published: May 2016

The increasing demand of emerging technologies for high energy density electrochemical storage has led many researchers to look for alternative anode materials to graphite. The most promising conversion and alloying materials do not yet possess acceptable cycle life or rate capability. In this work, we use tin oxide, SnO2, as a representative anode material to explore the influence of graphene incorporation and In-doping to increase the electronic conductivity and concomitantly improve capacity retention and cycle life. It was found that the incorporation of In into SnO2 reduces the charge transfer resistance during cycling, prolonging life. It is also hypothesized that the increased conductivity allows the tin oxide conversion and alloying reactions to both be reversible, leading to very high capacity near 1200 mAh/g. Finally, the electrodes show excellent rate capability with a capacity of over 200 mAh/g at 10C.
Fabrication and adsorption characterization of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) buckypaper (BP) for use in air samplers
Authors: Oh J. , Floyd E. L. , Watson T. C. , Lungu C. T.
Published: May 2016

Single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) have been investigated as a promising sorbent for volatile organic compound (VOC) sampling.
Integrated chemical profiling of Zhi-Zi-Hou-Po decoction by liquid chromatography-diode array detector-time of flight mass analyzer and liquid chromatography-triple stage quadrupole mass analyzer combined with chemometrics
Authors: Liu Yuan , Yang Gongjun , Feng Fang
Published: May 2016

An effective strategy using LC-DAD-TOF/MS and LC-MS/MS based chemometrics for identification and difference analysis of herb formulae is proposed.
Synthesis and piezochromic luminescence study of a coumarin hydrozone compound
Authors: Yu Haiyan , Ren Wang , Lu Hongguang , Liang Yanan , Wang Qiusheng
Published: May 2016

A novel coumarin hydrozone compound which exhibits piezochromic luminescence upon grinding was prepared.
The effect of the olive fruit fly (Bactrocera oleae) on quality parameters, and antioxidant and antibacterial activities of olive oil
Authors: Medjkouh Lynda , Tamendjari Abderezak , Keciri Sonia , Santos Joana , Nunes M. Antónia , Oliveira M. B. P. P.
Published: May 2016

This study shows the importance of controlling the fly attack because it causes a decrease in the beneficial health effects of olive oils.
A Co(ii) complex of a vitamer of vitamin B6acts as a sensor for Hg2+and pH in aqueous media
Authors: Sing Nilam , Roy Sanjay , Guin Partha Sarathi , Mahali Kalachand , Majee Prakash , Mondal Sudip Kumar , Mahata Partha , Sengupta Partha Sarathi , Mondal Palash
Published: May 2016

A new Co(ii) complex was prepared by template reaction, acting as a dual fluorescent sensor for Hg2+ions and pH in aqueous solution.
Simple and cost-effective polycondensation routes to antimicrobial consumer products
Authors: Zhang Musan , Teo Jye Jyn , Liu Shaoqiong , Liang Zhen Chang , Ding Xin , Ono Robert J. , Breyta Gregory , Engler Amanda C. , Coady Daniel J. , Garcia Jeanette , Nelson Alshakim , Yang Yi Yan , Hedrick James L.
Published: May 2016

Cost-effective macromolecular antimicrobials were synthesized to explore a variety of chemical functional groups that target antimicrobial performance and reduce cytotoxicity.
Influence of aromatic heterocycle of conjugated side chains on photovoltaic performance of benzodithiophene-based wide-bandgap polymers
Authors: Xue Xiaonan , Fan Bingbing , Liu Tao , Sun Xiaobo , Huo Lijun , Ha Su Ryong , Choi Hyosung , Kim Taehyo , Kim Jin Young , Wei Donghui , Yu Mingming , Jin Qionghua , Sun Yanming
Published: May 2016

The influence of conjugated side chains on photovoltaic performance of benzodithiophene-based wide-bandgap polymers is studied by traversing chalcogen heterocycles.
Demonstration of a high-speed electro-optic switch with passive-to-active integrated waveguide based on SU-8 material
Authors: Wang Xi-Bin , Jiang Ming-Hui , Sun Shi-Qi , Sun Jing-Wen , Yi Yun-Ji , Chen Chang-Ming , Sun Xiao-Qiang , Wang Fei , Cui Zhan-Chen , Zhang Da-Ming
Published: May 2016

A Mach–Zehnder interferometer type of electro-optic switch with passive-to-active integrated waveguides was fabricated based on SU-8 material, which exhibited low insertion loss and high-speed switching response.
Determination of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors in biological samples via magnetic stirring-assisted dispersive liquid–liquid microextraction followed by high performance liquid chromatography
Authors: Golbabanezhadazizi A. , Ranjbari E. , Hadjmohammadi M. R. , Daneshinejad H.
Published: May 2016

This work reports an efficient, quick and low-cost procedure for the determination of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in low concentration levels in biological fluids.
Detection of Salmonella bacteria in milk using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle clusters and lateral flow filters
Authors: Hwang Jeongin , Kwon Donghoon , Lee Sanghee , Jeon Sangmin
Published: May 2016

A novel method was developed for the detection of Salmonella bacteria using gold-coated magnetic nanoparticle clusters (Au/MNCs) and lateral flow filters.
Fe3+-induced bioinspired chitosan hydrogels for the sustained and controlled release of doxorubicin
Authors: Zhang Jinmao , Tao Xinyi , Liu Jianwen , Wei Dongzhi , Ren Yuhong
Published: May 2016

A novel Fe3+-induced mussel-inspired CCS–NACCS hydrogel was developed for the sustained and controlled release of doxorubicin (DOX).
Targeted design of water-based humic substances-silsesquioxane soft materials for nature-inspired remedial applications
Authors: Volikov Alexander B. , Ponomarenko Sergei A. , Gutsche Alexander , Nirschl Hermann , Hatfield Kirk , Perminova Irina V.
Published: May 2016

Water-based humic substances-silsesquioxane (HS-SQ) soft materials are synthesized by hydrolysis of (3-aminopropyl-triethoxy)-silane in the HS solution, ​immobilized onto sand columns, and used for intercepting azo dye from water.
Vertically-aligned graphene@Mn3O4 nanosheets for a high-performance flexible all-solid-state symmetric supercapacitor
Authors: Liao Q. Y. , Li S. Y. , Cui H. , Wang Chengxin
Published: May 2016

We have made a supercapacitor electrode based on carbon fabric, vertically aligned graphene nanosheets (VAGN) and Mn3O4 nanoparticles.
The conserved protein Dre2 uses essential [2Fe–2S] and [4Fe–4S] clusters for its function in cytosolic iron–sulfur protein assembly
Authors: Netz Daili J.A. , Genau Heide M. , Weiler Benjamin D. , Bill Eckhard , Pierik Antonio J. , Lill Roland
Published: May 2016

The cytosolic iron–sulfur (Fe–S) protein assembly (CIA) machinery comprises 11 essential components and matures Fe–S proteins involved in translation and genome maintenance. Maturation is initiated by the electron transfer chain NADPH–diflavin reductase Tah18–Fe–S protein Dre2 that facilitates the de novo assembly of a [4Fe–4S] cluster on the scaffold complex Cfd1-Nbp35. Tah18-Dre2 also play a critical role in the assembly of the diferric tyrosyl radical cofactor of ribonucleotide reductase. Dre2 contains eight conserved cysteine residues as potential co-ordinating ligands for Fe–S clusters but their functional importance and the type of bound clusters is unclear. In the present study, we use a combination of mutagenesis, cell biological and biochemical as well as UV–visible, EPR and Mössbauer spectroscopic approaches to show that the yeast Dre2 cysteine residues Cys252, Cys263, Cys266 and Cys268 (motif I) bind a [2Fe–2S] cluster, whereas cysteine residues Cys311, Cys314, Cys322 and Cys325 (motif II) co-ordinate a [4Fe–4S] cluster. All of these residues with the exception of Cys252 are essential for cell viability, cytosolic Fe–S protein activity and in vivo55Fe–S cluster incorporation. The N-terminal methyltransferase-like domain of Dre2 is important for proper Fe–S cluster assembly at motifs I and II, which occurs in an interdependent fashion. Our findings further resolve why recombinant Dre2 from Arabidopsis, Trypanosoma or humans has previously been isolated with a single [2Fe–2S] instead of native [2Fe–2S] plus [4Fe–4S] clusters. In the presence of oxygen, the motif I-bound [2Fe–2S] cluster is labile and the motif II-bound [4Fe–4S] cluster is readily converted into a [2Fe–2S] cluster.
Energieaudit: Aufwand, der sich lohnt
Authors: Igel Sebastian
Published: May 2016

Viele Krankenhäuser sehen ein Energieaudit lediglich als zeitraubende Pflicht. Dabei bieten die Verfahren erhebliche Chancen, die Ausgabenlast zu mindern – insbesondere, wenn sie mit einer energiesteuerlichen Analyse verbunden werden.
Ökologie und Ökonomie von Netzersatzanlagen: Mit Notstromaggregaten Geld verdienen
Authors: Thalmayr Maria
Published: May 2016

Betreiber von Netzersatzanlagen können mit ihren eigentlich nur zur Absicherung bei einem Stromausfall gedachten Aggregaten neuerdings gutes Geld verdienen und so Betriebskosten senken oder sogar die Anschaffung amortisieren. Ganz einfach, indem sie ihre Stromaggregate in der Regelenergie vermarkten, mit dem Ziel bei Frequenzabweichungen das Netz zu stabilisieren.
Schwappt der VW-Skandal ins Krankenhaus?
Authors: Flügel Thomas
Published: May 2016

„Rußpartikelfilter, Biodiesel, VW-Skandal – Dieselmotoren sind in Verruf.
Rifat Kacapor: „Fortbildungen sind strukturiert und praxisbezogen“
Authors: Sickinger Nina
Published: May 2016

Eine traurige Realität: Der Krieg in meiner Heimat Jugoslawien zwang mich zur Flucht nach Deutschland.
Study on the electromagnetic waves propagation characteristics in partially ionized plasma slabs
Authors: Wang Zhi-Bin , Li Bo-Wen , Nie Qiu-Yue , Wang Xiao-Gang , Kong Fan-Rong
Published: May 2016

Propagation characteristics of electromagnetic (EM) waves in partially ionized plasma slabs are studied in this paper. Such features are significant to applications in plasma antennas, blackout of re-entry flying vehicles, wave energy injection to plasmas, and etc. We in this paper developed a theoretical model of EM wave propagation perpendicular to a plasma slab with a one-dimensional density inhomogeneity along propagation direction to investigate essential characteristics of EM wave propagation in nonuniform plasmas. Particularly, the EM wave propagation in sub-wavelength plasma slabs, where the geometric optics approximation fails, is studied and in comparison with thicker slabs where the geometric optics approximation applies. The influences of both plasma and collisional frequencies, as well as the width of the plasma slab, on the EM wave propagation characteristics are discussed. The results can help the further understanding of propagation behaviours of EM waves in nonuniform plasma, and applications of the interactions between EM waves and plasmas.
Prominin-1 glycosylation changes throughout early pregnancy in uterine epithelial cells under the influence of maternal ovarian hormones
Authors: Dowland Samson N. , Madawala Romanthi J. , Poon Connie E. , Lindsay Laura A. , Murphy Christopher R.
Published: May 2016

In preparation for uterine receptivity, the uterine epithelial cells (UECs) exhibit a loss of microvilli and glycocalyx and a restructuring of the actin cytoskeleton. The prominin-1 protein contains large, heavily glycosylated extracellular loops and is usually restricted to apical plasma membrane (APM) protrusions. The present study examined rat UECs during early pregnancy using immunofluorescence, western blotting and deglycosylation analyses. Ovariectomised rats were injected with oestrogen and progesterone to examine how these hormones affect prominin-1. At the time of fertilisation, prominin-1 was located diffusely in the apical domain of UECs and 147- and 120-kDa glycoforms of prominin-1 were identified, along with the 97-kDa core protein. At the time of implantation, prominin-1 concentrates towards the APM and densitometry revealed that the 120-kDa glycoform decreased (P < 0.05), but there was an increase in the 97-kDa core protein (P < 0.05). Progesterone treatment of ovariectomised rats resulted in prominin-1 becoming concentrated towards the APM. The 120-kDa glycoform was increased after oestrogen treatment (P < 0.0001), whereas the 97-kDa core protein was increased after progesterone treatment (P < 0.05). Endoglycosidase H analysis demonstrated that the 120-kDa glycoform is in the endoplasmic reticulum, undergoing protein synthesis. These results indicate that oestrogen stimulates prominin-1 production, whereas progesterone stimulates the deglycosylation and concentration of prominin-1 to the apical region of the UECs. This likely presents the deglycosylated extracellular loops of prominin-1 to the extracellular space, where they may interact with the implanting blastocyst.
Evaluation of a temperature measurement method developed for laser metal deposition
Authors: Segerstark Andreas , Andersson Joel , Svensson Lars-Erik
Published: May 2016

Measuring temperatures in the material during laser metal deposition (LMD) has an inherent challenge caused by the laser. When thermocouples are radiated by the high intensity laser light overheating occurs which causes the thermocouple to fail. Another identified difficulty is that when the laser passes a thermocouple, emitted light heats the thermocouple to a higher temperature than the material actually experience. In order to cope with these challenges, a method of measuring temperatures during LMD of materials using protective sheets has been developed and evaluated as presented in this paper. The method has substantially decreased the risk of destroying the thermocouple wires during laser deposition. Measurements using 10 mm2 and 100 mm2 protective sheets have been compared. These measurements show small variations in the cooling time (∼0.1 s from 850°C to 500°C) between the small and large protective sheets which indicate a negligible effect on the temperature measurement.
A time course of orchestrated endophilin action in sensing, bending, and stabilizing curved membranes
Authors: Poudel Kumud R. , Dong Yongming , Yu Hang , Su Allen , Ho Thuong , Liu Yan , Schulten Klaus , Bai Jihong
Published: May 2016

Numerous proteins act in concert to sculpt membrane compartments for cell signaling and metabolism. These proteins may act as curvature sensors, membrane benders, and scaffolding molecules. Here we show that endophilin, a critical protein for rapid endocytosis, quickly transforms from a curvature sensor into an active bender upon membrane association. We find that local membrane deformation does not occur until endophilin inserts its amphipathic helices into lipid bilayers, supporting an active bending mechanism through wedging. Our time-course studies show that endophilin continues to drive membrane changes on a seconds-to-minutes time scale, indicating that the duration of endocytosis events constrains the mode of endophilin action. Finally, we find a requirement of coordinated activities between wedging and scaffolding for endophilin to produce stable membrane tubules in vitro and to promote synaptic activity in vivo. Together these data demonstrate that endophilin is a multifaceted molecule that precisely integrates activities of sensing, bending, and stabilizing curvature to sculpt membranes with speed.
Probing the early chemical evolution of the Sculptor dSph with purely old stellar tracers
Authors: Martínez-Vázquez C. E. , Monelli M. , Gallart C. , Bono G. , Bernard E. J. , Stetson P. B. , Ferraro I. , Walker A. R. , Dall'Ora M. , Fiorentino G. , Iannicola G.
Published: May 2016

We present the metallicity distribution of a sample of 471 RR Lyrae (RRL) stars in the Sculptor dSph, obtained from the I-band period–luminosity relation. It is the first time that the early chemical evolution of a dwarf galaxy is characterized in such a detailed and quantitative way, using photometric data alone. We find a broad metallicity distribution (full width at half-maximum equals to 0.8 dex) that is peaked at [Fe/H] ≃ −1.90 dex, in excellent agreement with literature values obtained from spectroscopic data. Moreover, we are able to directly trace the metallicity gradient out to a radius of ∼55 arcmin. We find that in the outer regions (r > ∼32 arcmin) the slope of the metallicity gradient from the RRLs (−0.025 dex arcmin−1) is comparable to the literature values based on red giant (RG) stars. However, in the central part of Sculptor, we do not observe the latter gradients. This suggests that there is a more metal-rich and/or younger population in Sculptor that does not produce RRLs. This scenario is strengthened by the observation of a metal-rich peak in the metallicity distribution of RG stars by other authors, which is not present in the metallicity distribution of the RRLs within the same central area.
Management of primary thalamic low-grade glioma in pediatric patients: results of the multicenter treatment studies HIT-LGG 1996 and SIOP-LGG 2004
Authors: Boesten Tineke , Gerber Nicolas U. , Kandels Daniela , Azizi Amedeo A. , Schmidt Rene , Warmuth-Metz Monika , Pietsch Torsten , Kortmann Rolf-Dieter , Gnekow Astrid , Grotzer Michael A.
Published: May 2016

Background

Thalamic low-grade glioma (LGG) poses a special therapeutic challenge, as complete resection is often not possible. To determine the survival outcomes of mono- and bithalamic LGG, we analyzed a large cohort of pediatric patients.

Methods

From 1996 until 2012, 2618 patients were registered in the HIT-LGG 1996 and the SIOP-LGG 2004 studies. A total of 102 of these 2618 patients (3.9%) were diagnosed with a thalamic LGG with a median age at diagnosis of 8.0 years (range, 0.4–17.5 years); 87 patients (85%) had monothalamic and 15 patients (15%) had bithalamic LGG.

Results

Ninety patients received at least one surgical procedure. Thirty-one patients received radiotherapy and 24 patients received chemotherapy as a first-line, nonsurgical treatment indicated by radiological tumor progression or severe/progressive clinical symptoms. Patients with monothalamic tumors showed a 10-year overall survival (OS) rate of 91%, whereas patients with bithalamic tumors only reached 65% (P = .001). Bithalamic tumors more frequently showed diffuse histology than monothalamic tumors. Patients with diffuse astrocytoma had a lower 10-year OS (68%) than those with pilocytic astrocytoma (93%). The 10-year progression-free survival rate after the start of first nonsurgical treatment was 53% in the radiotherapy group and 34% in the chemotherapy group.

Conclusions

Thalamic glioma was manageable using a strategy that included surgery, observation, chemotherapy, and/or radiotherapy. Radiotherapy could be successfully deferred or obviated in a number of patients. Survival was high in among patients with monothalamic tumors. The worse prognosis associated with bithalamic tumors correlates with the higher rate of diffuse histology in this subgroup, precluding total or near-total resection.
Re-emergence of Tobacco streak virus Infecting Soybean in the United States and Canada
Authors: Irizarry Melissa D. , Groves Carol L. , Elmore Manjula G. , Bradley Carl A. , Dasgupta Ranjit , German Thomas L. , Jardine Douglas J. , Rojas Erika Saalau , Smith Damon L. , Tenuta Albert U. , Whitham Steven A. , Mueller Daren S.
Published: May 2016

Tobacco streak virus (TSV) has an extensive plant host range, but until recently has not been a common problem in North American soybean. TSV is associated with bud blight and yield loss due to reduced plant height and density, and delayed seed development and plant maturity. TSV has been reported in recent years in Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, and Wisconsin, as well as Ontario, Canada. Presence of the virus was confirmed by ELISA. In an Iowa field with high incidence, regression analysis indicated a significant positive relationship between incidence and seed moisture. TSV is seed and pollen transmitted, as well as being spread by thrips. Increasingly variable weather creating favorable conditions for thrips may be facilitating the rise of TSV. The combination of increased incidence of TSV with associated potential for yield loss and few known management methods brings attention to the need for further research.

Accepted for publication 14 April 2016. Published 26 April 2016.
Characterization of Lygus hesperus (Hemiptera: Miridae) Feeding and Oviposition Injury on Celery Seedlings
Authors: Joseph Shimat V. , Ahedo Ramon , de la Fuente Maria
Published: May 2016

The western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus Knight (Hemiptera: Miridae), can be a serious pest of celery, Apium graveolens dulce (Mill.) Pers. in the Central Coast region of California. Little is known about injury symptoms caused by L. hesperus adults on celery. When celery seedlings were exposed to L. hesperus adults, their crown area was found destroyed with necrotic dead tissue. Destroyed crowns of dead seedlings were observed when seedlings were exposed to five or more L. hesperus adults for ≥24 h but was not observed on seedlings exposed ≤12 h. In addition, elongated lesions were noticed on the celery petiole and were significantly greater when exposed to five or more L. hesperus adults for as little as 4 h. Number of elongated lesion injuries and number of eggs recovered from elongated lesions was correlated (r = 0.66; P < 0.001). Data provide key diagnostic symptoms of L. hesperus feeding and ovipositional injury on celery seedlings. Also, this study expands our understandings on the effects of L. hesperus adult density and duration of exposure which reinforces the need for regular scouting, and immediate management decisions and action to reduce losses from L. hesperus injury in both celery seedlings and mature plants in greenhouse and field settings, respectively

Accepted for publication 27 April 2016. Published 4 May 2016.
Crack nucleation using combined crystal plasticity modelling, high-resolution digital image correlation and high-resolution electron backscatter diffraction in a superalloy containing non-metallic inclusions under fatigue
Authors: Zhang Tiantian , Jiang Jun , Britton Ben , Shollock Barbara , Dunne Fionn
Published: May 2016

A crystal plasticity finite-element model, which explicitly and directly represents the complex microstructures of a non-metallic agglomerate inclusion within polycrystal nickel alloy, has been developed to study the mechanistic basis of fatigue crack nucleation. The methodology is to use the crystal plasticity model in conjunction with direct measurement at the microscale using high (angular) resolution-electron backscatter diffraction (HR-EBSD) and high (spatial) resolution-digital image correlation (HR-DIC) strain measurement techniques. Experimentally, this sample has been subjected to heat treatment leading to the establishment of residual (elastic) strains local to the agglomerate and subsequently loaded under conditions of low cyclic fatigue. The full thermal and mechanical loading history was reproduced within the model. HR-EBSD and HR-DIC elastic and total strain measurements demonstrate qualitative and quantitative agreement with crystal plasticity results. Crack nucleation by interfacial decohesion at the nickel matrix/agglomerate inclusion boundaries is observed experimentally, and systematic modelling studies enable the mechanistic basis of the nucleation to be established. A number of fatigue crack nucleation indicators are also assessed against the experimental results. Decohesion was found to be driven by interface tensile normal stress alone, and the interfacial strength was determined to be in the range of 1270–1480 MPa.
Efficient molecular dynamics using geodesic integration and solvent–solute splitting
Authors: Leimkuhler Benedict , Matthews Charles
Published: May 2016

We present an approach to Langevin dynamics in the presence of holonomic constraints based on decomposition of the system into components representing geodesic flow, constrained impulse and constrained diffusion. We show that a particular ordering of the components results in an integrator that is an order of magnitude more accurate for configurational averages than existing alternatives. Moreover, by combining the geodesic integration method with a solvent–solute force splitting, we demonstrate that stepsizes of at least 8 fs can be used for solvated biomolecules with high sampling accuracy and without substantially altering diffusion rates, approximately increasing by a factor of two the efficiency of molecular dynamics sampling for such systems. The methods described in this article are easily implemented using the standard apparatus of modern simulation codes.
Coral mass spawning predicted by rapid seasonal rise in ocean temperature
Authors: Keith Sally A. , Maynard Jeffrey A. , Edwards Alasdair J. , Guest James R. , Bauman Andrew G. , van Hooidonk Ruben , Heron Scott F. , Berumen Michael L. , Bouwmeester Jessica , Piromvaragorn Srisakul , Rahbek Carsten , Baird Andrew H.
Published: May 2016

Coral spawning times have been linked to multiple environmental factors; however, to what extent these factors act as generalized cues across multiple species and large spatial scales is unknown. We used a unique dataset of coral spawning from 34 reefs in the Indian and Pacific Oceans to test if month of spawning and peak spawning month in assemblages of
Acropora
spp. can be predicted by sea surface temperature (SST), photosynthetically available radiation, wind speed, current speed, rainfall or sunset time. Contrary to the classic view that high mean SST initiates coral spawning, we found rapid increases in SST to be the best predictor in both cases (month of spawning:
R
2
= 0.73, peak:
R
2
= 0.62). Our findings suggest that a rapid increase in SST provides the dominant proximate cue for coral mass spawning over large geographical scales. We hypothesize that coral spawning is ultimately timed to ensure optimal fertilization success.
A reduced propensity to cooperate under enhanced exploitation risk in a social mammal
Authors: Ferrari Manuela , Lindholm Anna K. , König Barbara
Published: May 2016

Conditional adjustment of cooperativeness to the expected pay-off might be a useful strategy to avoid being exploited in public good situations. Parental care provided towards all offspring in a communal nest (containing offspring of several females) resembles a public good. Females indiscriminately caring for all young share the costs equally, but the pay-off may vary depending on their contribution to the joint nest (number of own offspring). Females with fewer offspring in the joint nest will be exploited and overinvest relative to their contribution. We experimentally created a situation of high conflict in communally nursing house mice, by using a genetic tool to create a difference in birth litter sizes. Females in the high conflict situation (unequal litter sizes at birth) showed a reduced propensity to give birth as part of a communal nest, therefore adjusting their cooperativeness to the circumstances.
The Trivers–Willard hypothesis: sex ratio or investment?
Authors: Veller Carl , Haig David , Nowak Martin A.
Published: May 2016

The Trivers–Willard hypothesis has commonly been considered to predict two things. First, that a mother in good condition should bias the sex ratio of her offspring towards males (if males exhibit greater variation in reproductive value). Second, that a mother in good condition should invest more per son than per daughter. These two predictions differ empirically, mechanistically and, as we demonstrate here, theoretically too. We construct a simple model of sex allocation that allows simultaneous analysis of both versions of the Trivers–Willard hypothesis. We show that the sex ratio version holds under very general conditions, being valid for a large class of male and female fitness functions. The investment version, on the other hand, is shown to hold only for a small subset of male and female fitness functions. Our results help to make sense of the observation that the sex ratio version is empirically more successful than the investment version.
Epidemiological analysis of the Eyam plague outbreak of 1665–1666
Authors: Whittles Lilith K. , Didelot Xavier
Published: May 2016

Plague, caused by the bacterium
Yersinia pestis
, is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in human history, and still causes worrying outbreaks in Africa and South America. Despite the historical and current importance of plague, several questions remain unanswered concerning its transmission routes and infection risk factors. The plague outbreak that started in September 1665 in the Derbyshire village of Eyam claimed 257 lives over 14 months, wiping out entire families. Since previous attempts at modelling the Eyam plague, new data have been unearthed from parish records revealing a much more complete record of the disease. Using a stochastic compartmental model and Bayesian analytical methods, we found that both rodent-to-human and human-to-human transmission played an important role in spreading the infection, and that they accounted, respectively, for a quarter and three-quarters of all infections, with a statistically significant seasonality effect. We also found that the force of infection was stronger for infectious individuals living in the same household compared with the rest of the village. Poverty significantly increased the risk of disease, whereas adulthood decreased the risk. These results on the Eyam outbreak contribute to the current debate on the relative importance of plague transmission routes.
Chromatin variation associated with liver metabolism is mediated by transposable elements
Authors: Du Juan , Leung Amy , Trac Candi , Parks Brian W. , Lusis Aldons J. , Natarajan Rama , Schones Dustin E.
Published: May 2016

Background

Functional regulatory regions in eukaryotic genomes are characterized by the disruption of nucleosomes leading to accessible chromatin. The modulation of chromatin accessibility is one of the key mediators of transcriptional regulation and variation in chromatin accessibility across individuals has been liked to complex traits and disease susceptibility. While mechanisms responsible for chromatin variation across individuals have been investigated, the overwhelming majority of chromatin variation remains unexplained. Furthermore, the processes through which the variation of chromatin accessibility contributes to phenotypic diversity remain poorly understood.

Results

We profiled chromatin accessibility in liver from seven strains of mice with phenotypic diversity in response to a high-fat/high-sucrose (HF/HS) diet and identified reproducible chromatin variation across the genome. We found that sites of variable chromatin accessibility were more likely to coincide with particular classes of transposable elements (TEs) than sites with common chromatin features. Evolutionarily younger long interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs) are particularly enriched for variable chromatin sites. These younger LINEs are enriched for binding sites of immune-associated transcription factors, whereas older LINEs are enriched for liver-specific transcription factors. Genomic region enrichment analysis indicates that variable chromatin sites at TEs contribute to liver metabolic pathways. Finally, we show that polymorphism of TEs and differential DNA methylation at TEs can both contribute to chromatin variation.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate specific classes of TEs contribute to chromatin accessibility variation across strains of mice that display phenotypic diversity in response to a HF/HS diet. These results indicate that regulatory variation at TEs is an important contributor to phenotypic variation among populations.
Human rights, accounting, and the dialectic of equality and inequality
Authors: Li Yingru , McKernan John
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The United Nations Guiding Principles locate human rights at the centre of the corporate social responsibility agenda and provide a substantial platform for the development of business and human rights policy and practice. The initiative gives opportunity and focus for the rethinking and reconfiguration of corporate accountability for human rights. It also presents a threat: the danger, as we see it, is that the Guiding Principles are interpreted and implemented in an uncritical way, on a “humanitarian” model of imposed expertise. The critical and radical democratic communities have tended to be, perhaps rightly, suspicious of rights talk and sceptical of any suggestion that rights and the discourse of human rights can play a progressive role. The purpose of this paper is to explore these issues from a radical perspective.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses insights taken from Jacques Rancière’s work to argue that there is vital critical potential in human rights. There is an obvious negativity to Rancière’s thought insofar as it conceives of the political as a challenge to the existing social order. The positive dimension to his work, which has its origins in his commitment to and tireless affirmation of the fact of equality, is equally important, if perhaps less obvious. Together the negative and positive moments provide a dynamic conception of human rights and a dialectical view of the relation between human rights and the social order, which enables us to overcome much of the criticism levelled at human rights by certain theorists.

Findings

– Rancière’s conception of the political puts human rights inscriptions, and the traces of equality they carry, at the heart of progressive politics. The authors close the paper with a discussion of the role that accounting for human rights can play in such a democratic politics, and by urging, on that basis, the critical accounting community to cautiously embrace the opportunity presented by the Guiding Principles.

Originality/value

– This paper has some novelty in its application of Rancière’s thinking on political theory to the problems of critical accounting and in particular the critical potential of accounting and human rights. The paper makes a theoretical contribution to a critical understanding of the relationship between accounting, human rights, and democracy.
The corporate responsibility to respect human rights: a status review
Authors: Methven O'Brien Claire , Dhanarajan Sumithra
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to discuss a wide range of significant developments that have emerged in the wake of the UNs endorsement of the Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights (GPs) in June 2011. In particular, the paper offers a preliminary assessment of how the GPs’ corporate responsibility to respect human rights has been interpreted and to what extent it has been operationalised through government action, business behaviour and the praxis of other social actors.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides a comprehensive assessment of a number of key developments related to Pillar 2 of the GPs – concerned with the corporate responsibility to respect human rights. More specifically, the paper considers a range of elements relating to corporate human rights due diligence, including: establishing a corporate human rights policy; the undertaking of human rights impact assessment; integrating findings of impact assessment, and; corporate human rights reporting.

Findings

– Based on the assessment of recent developments and initiatives, the paper suggests that the corporate responsibility to respect human rights, as expressed in Pillar 2 of the GPs, embodies the culmination of significant progress in the sphere of corporate accountability. In doing so, the paper documents a plethora of innovations in regulation and praxis, led by actors in government and the corporate sector, civil society organisations, labour unions and others, in the areas of human rights due diligence, impact assessment and reporting. Yet overall, change is slow and partial and the results achieved are still unsatisfactory. Severe business-related human rights abuses remain endemic in many industry sectors and in many countries.

Research limitations/implications

– The implementation of the GPs is at a key stage of development, with a multitude of initiatives and actors attempting to develop and influence new forms of corporate governance. This paper provides an overview and assessment of these key developments.

Originality/value

– This paper provides an important assessment and synthesis of key developments related to corporate responsibility for human rights.