bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The modulating effect of light intensity on the response of the coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa oceanica to ocean acidification
Authors: Zhang Yong , Bach Lennart T. , Schulz Kai G. , Riebesell Ulf
Published: September 2015

Global change leads to a multitude of simultaneous modifications in the marine realm among which shoaling of the upper mixed layer, leading to enhanced surface layer light intensities, as well as increased carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration are some of the most critical environmental alterations for phytoplankton. In this study, we investigated the responses of growth, photosynthetic carbon fixation and calcification of the coccolithophore Gephyrocapsa oceanica to elevated
(51 Pa, 105 Pa, and 152 Pa) (1 Pa ≈ 10 μatm) at a variety of light intensities (50–800 μmol photons m−2 s−1). By fitting the light response curve, our results showed that rising
reduced the maximum rates for growth, photosynthetic carbon fixation and calcification. Increasing light intensity enhanced the sensitivity of these rate responses to
, and shifted the
optima toward lower levels. Combining the results of this and a previous study (Sett et al. ) on the same strain indicates that both limiting low
and inhibiting high
levels (this study) induce similar responses, reducing growth, carbon fixation and calcification rates of G. oceanica. At limiting low light intensities the
optima for maximum growth, carbon fixation and calcification are shifted toward higher levels. Interacting effects of simultaneously occurring environmental changes, such as increasing light intensity and ocean acidification, need to be considered when trying to assess metabolic rates of marine phytoplankton under future ocean scenarios.
Characterization of Phase Structures of Novel Metallo‐Polyurethanes
Authors: Lucio Beatriz , de la Fuente José Luis , Cerrada María L.
Published: September 2015

Two series of chemically well‐defined polyurethanes (PUs) have been synthesized containing two different soft segments of interest in aerospace applications. At a given soft fragment, four different hard segments (HSs) based on single diisocyanate molecules with no chain extenders have been incorporated. Both segmented PU series have been prepared by stoichiometric reactions of the macrodiol hydroxyl‐terminated polybutadiene (HTPB), and a metallo‐derived, this being the (ferrocenylbutyl) dimethylsilane grafted on HTPB, so‐called Butacene. Those HSs are isophorone diisocyanate, toluene‐2,4‐diisocyanate, 4,4′‐diphenyl methane diisocyanate, and hexamethylene diisocyanate. Microphase separation and morphology development have been studied at room temperature in these copolymers using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, analyzing the change in the relative intensities of free and hydrogen‐bonded carbonyl peaks. Measurements of wide‐ and small‐angle X‐ray diffraction using synchrotron radiation allow analyzing the morphological and microstructural differences between these two series of samples. In addition, dynamic mechanical analysis and differential scanning calorimetry have been used to learn about the relaxation processes and thermal transitions that are observed in these materials and to confirm the existence or lack of phase segregation. The knowledge of structure–property relationship is very important in these advanced organometallic PUs to get an understanding of their application as solid composite propellants binder.

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Stabilized finite element methods for a blood flow model of arteriosclerosis
Authors: Jing Feifei , Li Jian , Chen Zhangxin
Published: September 2015

In this article, a blood flow model of arteriosclerosis, which is governed by the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations with nonlinear slip boundary conditions, is constructed and analyzed. By means of suitable numerical integration approximation for the nonlinear boundary term in this model, a discrete variational inequality for the model based on
stabilized finite elements is proposed. Optimal order error estimates are obtained. Finally, numerical examples are shown to demonstrate the validity of the theoretical analysis and the efficiency of the presented methods. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 2063–2079, 2015
Heparanase: another renal player controlled by vitamin D
Authors: Masola Valentina , Zaza Gianluigi , Onisto Maurizio , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: September 2015

Vitamin D deficiency is inevitable in chronic kidney diseases. Clinical and experimental therapies with vitamin D supplements or analogues have demonstrated nephroprotective effects, which vitamin D exerts partly by controlling the renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system, but also by modulating other signalling pathways. In recent work published in the Journal of Pathology, Garsen and colleagues identified heparanase as a novel target of vitamin D and its antiproteinuric activity. Heparanase is an endoglycosidase with a role in remodelling the extracellular matrix through its ability to degrade heparan sulphate, and is involved in the pathogenesis of several proteinuric and fibrotic renal diseases. The new evidence that vitamin D inhibits heparanase expression sets the stage for a better understanding of the vitamin's kidney‐protecting effects and its possible application to proteinuric and non‐proteinuric chronic kidney diseases. Copyright © 2015 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Advance care planning for cancer patients: a systematic review of perceptions and experiences of patients, families, and healthcare providers
Authors: Johnson Stephanie , Butow Phyllis , Kerridge Ian , Tattersall Martin
Published: September 2015

Background

Patients with advanced cancer may benefit from end of life (EOL) planning, but there is evidence that their willingness and desire to engage in advance care planning (ACP) varies. The reasons for this remain poorly understood. Previous reviews on ACP most commonly report outcome measures related to medical interventions and type of care. Synthesis of the literature, which aims to illuminate the salient characteristics of ACP and investigates the psychological and social features of preparation for the EOL, is required.

Methods

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsychINFO, CINAHL, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials for studies on perceptions or experiences regarding ACP of adults with cancer, family, friends, or professionals caring for this group. Databases were searched from earliest records to 19 November 2014. A thematic analysis of the literature generated conceptual themes.

Results

Of the 2483 studies identified, 40 were eligible for inclusion. Studies addressed the relational nature of ACP, fear surrounding ACP, the conceptual complexity of autonomy, and the influence of institutional culture and previous healthcare experiences on ACP.

Conclusions

The complex social and emotional environments within which EOL planning is initiated and actioned are not sufficiently embedded within standardized ACP. The notion that ACP is concerned principally with the ‘right’ to self‐determination through control over treatment choices at the EOL may misrepresent the way that ACP actually occurs in cancer care and ultimately conflict with the deeper concerns and needs of patients, who experience ACP as relational, emotional, and social. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neoliberal Reforms in an Emerging Democracy: The Case of the Privatization of Public Enterprises in Nigeria, 1999–2014
Authors: Okpanachi Eyene , Obutte Peter Chukwuma
Published: September 2015

This article critically appraises the political, social, and economic processes of privatization in Nigeria since 1999. A qualitative analysis of the privatization process and outcomes is carried out within the broader state versus market debate in political economy of reforms. It will be revealed that privatization has not produced its purported outcomes of efficiency/consumer satisfaction and social equity, and the privatization process has not been thoroughly transparent and accountable. In explaining the outcomes and process, the article highlights the problems posed for reforms by the weak democratic infrastructure and institutional framework for regulation; the logic of neoliberal ideology, which constrains the space of action for developing countries or forces these countries to act along specific trajectories instead of others in order to be seen as embracing globalization; and above all, the political constraints relating to the opportunistic and self‐interested attitude of political and economic elites who are determined to continue to benefit from privatization as they did during the pre‐reform era of public enterprises.
A Cost‐Effective Workfare System Succeeding in Attracting Applicants to Labor Markets
Authors: Nakamura Yui
Published: September 2015

Poverty alleviation programs are inefficient when the existence of asymmetric information hinders the government from understanding the capabilities of its program participants. Workfare is known as one solution to this problem. This study classifies workfare systems into two types: (1) those that provide unskilled jobs and (2) those that provide a variety of jobs, including both unskilled and skilled jobs. Next, it shows that the latter succeeds in terms of cost‐effectiveness and in attracting participants to the private sector labor market after completion of the program. Moreover, this study indicates that such a policy can increase social welfare when compared with the former type of poverty alleviation program.
Editor's Letter
Authors: Skidmore Max J.
Published: September 2015

Editor‐in‐Chief Max J. Skidmore discusses Volume 7, Issue 3, of Poverty and Public Policy, the third quarterly issue of 2015.
The Effect of Tube Diameter on an Atmospheric‐Pressure Micro‐Plasma Jet
Authors: Cheng He , Lu Xinpei , Liu Dawei
Published: September 2015

The micro‐plasma jet is a unique way of transporting active species of plasma to small targets for applications such as a single cancer cell treatment, and endoscopic surgeries. In this letter, the authors present numerical studies on a single cylindrical electrode micro‐plasma jet. The effect of tube diameter on sustaining voltage, electron density, and the density of reactive species are investigated. The diameter of the dielectric tube was varied in the range between 0.1 and 1mm. A pulsed direct current voltage with rising phase of 50 ns was used to ignite the plasma jet. The sustaining voltage monotonically increased with the decreasing diameter of the tube. More electrons wall losses happened due to the faster drift movement to the inner wall of smaller tube diameter, therefore, the decreasing pre‐avalanche electron density need increasing ignition voltage to facilitate the avalanche‐streamer transition as the tube diameter decreased. The increasing ignition voltage increased the chemical reactivity of plasma jet. The peak density of O2* and O increased more than 20 times as the tube diameter decreased from 1 to 0.1 mm.
CRP testing could reduce antibiotic prescribing
Authors: Chaplin Steve
Published: September 2015

A consensus report sets out how point‐of‐care C‐reactive protein testing could reduce antibiotic prescribing for lower respiratory tract infections with no impact on patients.
Effect of X‐ray irradiation on the blinking of single silicon nanocrystals
Authors: Pevere Federico , Bruhn Benjamin , Sangghaleh Fatemeh , Hormozan Yashar , Sychugov Ilya , Linnros Jan
Published: September 2015

Photoluminescence (PL) intermittency (blinking) observed for single silicon nanocrystals (Si‐NCs) embedded in oxide is usually attributed to trapping/de‐trapping of carriers in the vicinity of the NC. Following this model, we propose that blinking could be modified by introducing new trap sites, for example, via X‐rays. In this work, we present a study of the effect of X‐ray irradiation (up to 65 kGy in SiO) on the blinking of single Si‐NCs embedded in oxide nanowalls. We show that the luminescence characteristics, such as spectrum and life‐time, are unaffected by X‐rays. However, substantial changes in ON‐state PL intensity, switching frequency, and duty cycle emerge from the blinking traces, while the ON‐ and OFF‐ time distributions remain of mono‐exponential character. Although we do not observe a clear monotonic dependence of the blinking parameters on the absorbed dose, our study suggests that, in the future, Si‐NCs could be blinking‐engineered via X‐ray irradiation.
InGaN/AlGaN stress compensated superlattices coherently grown on semipolar () GaN substrates
Authors: Nishinaka Junichi , Funato Mitsuru , Kido Ryohei , Kawakami Yoichi
Published: September 2015

The crystal growth and optical properties of semipolar () InGaN/AlGaN stress‐compensated superlattices (SCSLs) are investigated. X‐ray diffraction and transmission electron microscopy reveal that appropriately designed 125‐period In0.2Ga0.8N (1 nm)/Al0.2Ga0.8N (3 nm) SCSLs grow coherently on () GaN substrates. The refractive index of a fabricated SCSL is lower than that of GaN in the green spectral range; indicating that SCSLs have potential as the cladding layers in green laser diodes (LDs). Photoluminescence appears in the near ultraviolet (UV) range without significant in‐plane optical anisotropy because the two topmost valence bands are close together in coherent semipolar InGaN with an experimentally determined In composition of 28%. This nearly isotropic nature allows photo‐pumped lasing in a cavity with () cleaved mirrors; suggesting potential applications of SCSLs in UV LD active layers.

Schematic of InGaN/AlGaN SCSLs on GaN substrates. Balanced tensile and compressive stresses in AlGaN and InGaN, respectively, realize coherent growth of thick SCSLs.
Well‐Combined Magnetically Separable Hybrid Cobalt Ferrite/Nitrogen‐Doped Graphene as Efficient Catalyst with Superior Performance for Oxygen Reduction Reaction
Authors: Lu Lei , Hao Qingli , Lei Wu , Xia Xifeng , Liu Peng , Sun Dongping , Wang Xin , Yang Xujie
Published: September 2015

Catalysts with low‐cost, high activity and stability toward oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) are extremely desirable, but its development still remains a great challenge. Here, a novel magnetically separable hybrid of multimetal oxide, cobalt ferrite (CoFe2O4), anchored on nitrogen‐doped reduced graphene oxide (CoFe2O4/NG) is prepared via a facile solvothermal method followed by calcination at 500 °C. The structure of CoFe2O4/NG and the interaction of both components are analyzed by several techniques. The possible formation of Co/FeN interaction in the CoFe2O4/NG catalyst is found. As a result, the well‐combination of CoFe2O4 nanoparticles with NG and its improved crystallinity lead to a synergistic and efficient catalyst with high performance to ORR through a four‐electron‐transfer process in alkaline medium. The CoFe2O4/NG exhibits particularly comparable catalytic activity as commercial Pt/C catalyst, and superior stability against methanol oxidation and CO poisoning. Meanwhile, it has been proved that both nitrogen doping and the spinel structure of CoFe2O4 can have a significant contribution to the catalytic activity by contrast experiments. Multimetal oxide hybrid demonstrates better catalysis to ORR than a single metal oxide hybrid. All results make the low‐cost and magnetically separable CoFe2O4/NG a promising alternative for costly platinum‐based ORR catalyst in fuel cells and metal‐air batteries.
Evidence‐based practice in sonography – making sense of diagnostic accuracy studies
Authors: Milanese Steven , Thoirs Kerry , Grimmer Karen
Published: September 2015

Background

The first paper in this series explored the general philosophy of evidence‐based practice for sonographers.

Aims

This paper focuses on a specific type of research question that is of most relevance to the practice of sonography, the diagnostic accuracy study.

Conclusion

As users of the medical literature, it is important that sonographers are able to accurately read and critically review diagnostic accuracy studies.
Intimate Partner Violence and Subsequent Depression: Examining the Roles of Neighborhood Supportive Mechanisms
Authors: Wright Emily M. , Pinchevsky Gillian M. , Benson Michael L. , Radatz Dana L.
Published: September 2015

This study examines the direct effects of neighborhood supportive mechanisms (e.g., collective efficacy, social cohesion, social networks) on depressive symptoms among females as well as their moderating effects on the impact of IPV on subsequent depressive symptoms. A multilevel, multivariate Rasch model was used with data from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods to assess the existence of IPV and later susceptibility of depressive symptoms among 2959 adult females in 80 neighborhoods. Results indicate that neighborhood collective efficacy, social cohesion, social interactions, and the number of friends and family in the neighborhood reduce the likelihood that females experience depressive symptoms. However, living in areas with high proportions of friends and relatives exacerbates the impact of IPV on females’ subsequent depressive symptoms. The findings indicate that neighborhood supportive mechanisms impact interpersonal outcomes in both direct and moderating ways, although direct effects were more pronounced for depression than moderating effects. Future research should continue to examine the positive and potentially mitigating influences of neighborhoods in order to better understand for whom and under which circumstances violent relationships and mental health are influenced by contextual factors.
4‐Hydroxynonenal (HNE), a Toxic Aldehyde in French Fries from Fast Food Restaurants
Authors: Csallany A. Saari , Han I. , Shoeman D. W. , Chen C. , Yuan Jieyao
Published: September 2015

The toxic lipid peroxidation product, α,β,4‐hydroxy‐2‐trans‐nonenal (HNE) concentration, was measured in French fries (FF) from six local fast food restaurants. FF were purchased between 2 and 3 pm from all six restaurants. FF were also purchased at 12, 2, 4, 6 pm from one and at 1, 3, 5, 7 pm from another restaurant. Samples were analyzed for total fat, fatty acid distribution and for HNE by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). HNE was confirmed by HPLC/MS. HNE concentrations in FF from the 6 fast food restaurants were between 7.83 and 32.15 µg HNE/100 g FF and between 0.9 and 4.9 µg HNE/g extracted fat. HNE concentrations in FF purchased at 12, 2, 4, 6 pm were between 19.07 and 32.15 µg/g of FF and purchased at 1, 3, 5, 7 pm were between 7.47 and 10.21 µg HNE/100 g of FF. Differences in FA distribution were observed in the samples from some restaurants. FF which contained higher levels of linoleic acid (LA) also contained more HNE. It is clear that HNE is produced during the heating process of the frying oils and is incorporated into FF. Frequently consumed foods containing considerable amounts of HNE, a toxic aldehyde, may be a public health concern since HNE toxicity is related to a number of common pathological conditions.
Novel Y-Chromosome Short Tandem Repeat Variants Detected through the use of Massively Parallel Sequencing
Authors: Warshauer David H. , Churchill Jennifer D. , Novroski Nicole , King Jonathan L. , Budowle Bruce
Published: September 2015

Massively parallel sequencing (MPS) technology is capable of determining the sizes of short tandem repeat (STR) alleles as well as their individual nucleotide sequences. Thus, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the repeat regions of STRs and variations in the pattern of repeat units in a given repeat motif can be used to differentiate alleles of the same length. In this study, MPS was used to sequence 28 forensically-relevant Y-chromosome STRs in a set of 41 DNA samples from the 3 major U.S. population groups (African Americans, Caucasians, and Hispanics). The resulting sequence data, which were analyzed with STRait Razor v2.0, revealed 37 unique allele sequence variants that have not been previously reported. Of these, 19 sequences were variations of documented sequences resulting from the presence of intra-repeat SNPs or alternative repeat unit patterns. Despite a limited sampling, two of the most frequently-observed variants were found only in African American samples. The remaining 18 variants represented allele sequences for which there were no published data with which to compare. These findings illustrate the great potential of MPS with regard to increasing the resolving power of STR typing and emphasize the need for sample population characterization of STR alleles.
The need for improved brain lesion segmentation techniques for children with cerebral palsy: A review
Authors: Pagnozzi Alex M. , Gal Yaniv , Boyd Roslyn N. , Fiori Simona , Fripp Jurgen , Rose Stephen , Dowson Nicholas
Published: September 2015

Cerebral palsy (CP) describes a group of permanent disorders of posture and movement caused by disturbances in the developing brain. Accurate diagnosis and prognosis, in terms of motor type and severity, is difficult to obtain due to the heterogeneous appearance of brain injury and large anatomical distortions commonly observed in children with CP. There is a need to optimise treatment strategies for individual patients in order to lead to lifelong improvements in function and capabilities. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is critical to non‐invasively visualizing brain lesions, and is currently used to assist the diagnosis and qualitative classification in CP patients. Although such qualitative approaches under‐utilise available data, the quantification of MRIs is not automated and therefore not widely performed in clinical assessment. Automated brain lesion segmentation techniques are necessary to provide valid and reproducible quantifications of injury. Such techniques have been used to study other neurological disorders, however the technical challenges unique to CP mean that existing algorithms require modification to be sufficiently reliable, and therefore have not been widely applied to MRIs of children with CP. In this paper, we present a review of a subset of available brain injury segmentation approaches that could be applied to CP, including the detection of cortical malformations, white and grey matter lesions and ventricular enlargement. Following a discussion of strengths and weaknesses, we suggest areas of future research in applying segmentation techniques to the MRI of children with CP. Specifically, we identify atlas‐based priors to be ineffective in regions of substantial malformations, instead propose relying on adaptive, spatially consistent algorithms, with fast initialisation mechanisms to provide additional robustness to injury. We also identify several cortical shape parameters that could be used to identify cortical injury, and shape modelling approaches to identify anatomical injury. The benefits of automatic segmentation in CP is important as it has the potential to elucidate the underlying relationship between image derived features and patient outcome, enabling better tailoring of therapy to individual patients.
Association between oral contraceptive use and markers of iron deficiency in a cross‐sectional study of Tanzanian women
Authors: Haile Zelalem T. , Teweldeberhan Asli K. , Chertok Ilana R.A.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To analyze the associations between oral contraceptive (OC) use and markers of iron deficiency, objectively measured using hemoglobin and soluble transferrin receptor.

Methods

A secondary data analysis was performed of a population‐based cross‐sectional study using data from the 2010 Tanzania Demographic and Health Survey. Weighted percentages were calculated. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the associations between OC use and iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia.

Results

Of the 4336 participants, only 7.3% reported a history of OC use. The prevalence rates of iron deficiency, anemia, and iron deficiency anemia were 30.3%, 40.9%, and 15.1%, respectively. Use of OCs was negatively associated with anemia and iron deficiency anemia, independent of potential confounders. Compared with OC nonusers, the multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio among OC users was 0.44 (95% confidence interval 0.32–0.59; P < 0.001) for anemia and 0.43 (95% confidence interval 0.27–0.68; P < 0.001) for iron deficiency anemia. A longer duration of OC use was negatively associated with iron deficiency (P = 0.003 for trend), anemia (P < 0.001 for trend), and iron deficiency anemia (P < 0.001 for trend).

Conclusion

The significant association between OC use and iron status has important implications for educating healthcare providers and women about additional nutritional benefits of the use of OCs.
A case of rectal stricture associated with the use of a fecal management system
Authors: Chatterjee Kshitij , Klair Jagpal Singh , Agarwal Abhishek , Aduli Farshad
Published: September 2015

Fecal management systems are widely used to prevent complications of fecal incontinence such as skin breakdown and pressure ulcers. However they are occasionally associated with complications such as bleeding and pressure necrosis of rectal mucosa. We present a patient with Clostridium difficile colitis with a prolonged hospital stay requiring the use of Flexi-Seal Fecal Management System who developed abdominal pain and distention with obstipation. Computed tomography of abdomen showed dilatation of small and large bowel loops with a transition point at rectosigmoid junction. Flexible sigmoidoscopy revealed the presence of a severe stricture at the rectosigmoid junction that was not amenable to endoscopic dilation. Surgical resection with an end-colostomy was performed to relieve the obstruction. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first reported case of a high-grade stricture due to use of bowel management system that needed bowel resection surgery.
Secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices in high-speed boundary layer flows
Authors: Ren Jie , Fu Song
Published: September 2015

Görtler vortices developed in laminar boundary layer experience remarkable changes when the flow is subjected to compressibility effects. In the present study, five $\mathit{Ma}$ numbers, covering incompressible to hypersonic flows, at $\mathit{Ma}=0.015$, 1.5, 3.0, 4.5 and 6.0 are specified to illustrate these effects. Görtler vortices in subsonic and moderate supersonic flows ($\mathit{Ma}=0.015$, 1.5 and 3.0) are governed by the conventional wall-layer mode (mode W). In hypersonic flows ($\mathit{Ma}=4.5$, 6.0), the trapped-layer mode (mode T) becomes dominant. This difference is maintained and intensifies downstream leading to different scenarios of secondary instabilities. The linear and nonlinear development of Görtler vortices which are governed by dominant modal disturbances are investigated with direct marching of the nonlinear parabolic equations. The secondary instabilities of Görtler vortices set in when the resulting streaks are adequately developed. They are studied with Floquet theory at multiple streamwise locations. The secondary perturbations become unstable downstream following the sequence of sinuous mode type I, varicose mode and sinuous mode type II, indicating an increasing threshold amplitude. Onset conditions are determined for these modes. The above three modes can each have the largest growth rate under the right conditions. In the hypersonic cases, the threshold amplitude $A(u)$ is dramatically reduced, showing the significant impact of the thermal streaks. To investigate the parametric effect of the spanwise wavenumber, three global wavenumbers ($B=0.5$, 1.0 and $2.0\times 10^{-3}$) are specified. The relationship between the dominant mode (sinuous or varicose) and the spanwise wavenumber of Görtler vortices found in incompressible flows (Li & Malik, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 297, 1995, pp. 77–100) is shown to be not fully applicable in high-speed cases. The sinuous mode becomes the most dangerous, regardless of the spanwise wavelength when $\mathit{Ma}>3.0$. The subharmonic type can be the most dangerous mode while the detuned type can be neglected, although some of the sub-dominant secondary modes reach their peak growth rates under detuned states.
Synergic hypocholesterolaemic effect ofn-3 PUFA and oestrogen by modulation of hepatic cholesterol metabolism in female rats
Authors: Oh Yuna , Jin Youri , Park Yongsoon
Published: September 2015

n-3 PUFA such as EPA and DHA as well as oestrogen have been reported to decrease blood levels of cholesterol, but their underlying mechanism is unclear. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of the combination ofn-3 PUFA supplementation and oestrogen injection on hepatic cholesterol metabolism. Rats were fed a modified AIN-93G diet with 0, 1 or 2 %n-3 PUFA (EPA+DHA) relative to the total energy intake for 12 weeks. Rats were surgically ovariectomised at week 8, and, after 1-week recovery, rats were injected with 17β-oestradiol-3-benzoate (E2) or maize oil for the last 3 weeks. Supplementation withn-3 PUFA and E2injection significantly increased the ratio of the hepatic expression of phosphorylated AMP activated protein kinase (p-AMPK):AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased sterol regulatory element-binding protein-2, 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase and proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9. Supplementation withn-3 PUFA increased hepatic expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase (CYP7A1), sterol 12α-hydroxylase (CYP8B1) and sterol 27-hydroxylase (CYP27A1); however, E2injection decreased CYP7A1 and CYP8B1 but not CYP27A1. Additionally, E2injection increased hepatic expression of oestrogen receptor-αandβ. In conclusion,n-3 PUFA supplementation and E2injection had synergic hypocholesterolaemic effects by down-regulating hepatic cholesterol synthesis (n-3 PUFA and oestrogen) and up-regulating bile acid synthesis (n-3 PUFA) in ovariectomised rats.
Campaign Perceptions of Electoral Closeness: Uncertainty, Fear and Over-Confidence
Authors: Enos Ryan D. , Hersh Eitan D.
Published: September 2015

In partnership with state Democratic parties and the Obama campaign, the authors surveyed staffers from nearly 200 electoral campaigns in 2012, asking about the expected vote share in their races. Political operatives’ perceptions of closeness can affect how they campaign and represent citizens, but their perceptions may be wildly inaccurate: campaigns may irrationally fear close contests or be unrealistically optimistic. Findings indicate that political operatives are more optimistic than fearful, and that incumbent and higher-office campaigns are more accurate at assessing their chances. While the public may be better served by politicians fearing defeat, campaigns are typically staffed by workers who are over-confident, which may limit the purported benefits of electoral competition.
Curvature measurement of human bilateral cochleae
Authors: Yu J-F , Lee K-C , Wan Y-L , Peng Y-C
Published: September 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to characterise the geometry of the human bilateral spiral cochlea by measuring curvature and length.

Method:

Eight subjects were recruited in this study. Magnetic resonance imaging was used to visualise the right and left cochlea. Visualisation of the cochlear spiral was enhanced by T2 weighting and further processing of the raw images. The spirals were divided into three segments: the basal turn, the middle turn and the apex turn. The length and curvature of each segment were non-invasively measured.

Results:

The mean left and right cochlear lengths were 3.11 cm and 3.95 cm, respectively. The measured lengths of the cochlear spiral are consistent with data in the literature derived from anatomical dissections. Overall, the apex turn segment of the cochlea had the greatest degree of curvature (p< 0.05). The mean apex turn segment curvatures for left and right cochleae were 9.65 cm−1and 10.09 cm−1, respectively.

Conclusion:

A detailed description of the cochlear spiral is provided, using measurements of curvature and length. These data will provide a valuable reference in the development of cochlear implantation procedures for minimising the potential damage during implantation.
A tutorial introduction to the statistical theory of turbulent plasmas, a half-century after Kadomtsev’sPlasma Turbulenceand the resonance-broadening theory of Dupree and Weinstock
Authors: Krommes John A.
Published: September 2015

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the influential review/monograph on plasma turbulence by B. B. Kadomtsev as well as the seminal works of T. H. Dupree and J. Weinstock on resonance-broadening theory, an introductory tutorial is given about some highlights of the statistical–dynamical description of turbulent plasmas and fluids, including the ideas of nonlinear incoherent noise, coherent damping, and self-consistent dielectric response. The statistical closure problem is introduced. Incoherent noise and coherent damping are illustrated with a solvable model of passive advection. Self-consistency introduces turbulent polarization effects that are described by the dielectric function${\mathcal{D}}$. Dupree’s method of using${\mathcal{D}}$to estimate the saturation level of turbulence is described; then it is explained why a more complete theory that includes nonlinear noise is required. The general theory is best formulated in terms of Dyson equations for the covariance$C$and an infinitesimal response function$R$, which subsumes${\mathcal{D}}$. An important example is the direct-interaction approximation (DIA). It is shown how to use Novikov’s theorem to develop an$\boldsymbol{x}$-space approach to the DIA that is complementary to the original$\boldsymbol{k}$-space approach of Kraichnan. A dielectric function is defined for arbitrary quadratically nonlinear systems, including the Navier–Stokes equation, and an algorithm for determining the form of${\mathcal{D}}$in the DIA is sketched. The independent insights of Kadomtsev and Kraichnan about the problem of the DIA with random Galilean invariance are described. The mixing-length formula for drift-wave saturation is discussed in the context of closures that include nonlinear noise (shielded by${\mathcal{D}}$). The role of$R$in the calculation of the symmetry-breaking (zonostrophic) instability of homogeneous turbulence to the generation of inhomogeneous mean flows is addressed. The second-order cumulant expansion and the stochastic structural stability theory are also discussed in that context. Various historical research threads are mentioned and representative entry points to the literature are given. Some outstanding conceptual issues are enumerated.
The merits of ion cyclotron resonance heating schemes for sawtooth control in tokamak plasmas
Authors: Chapman I. T. , Graves J. P. , Lennholm M. , Faustin J. , Lerche E. , Johnson T. , Tholerus S. ,   JET contributors
Published: September 2015

JET experiments have compared the efficacy of low- and high-field side ion cyclotron resonance heating (ICRH) as an actuator to deliberately minimise the sawtooth period. It is found that low-field side ICRH with low minority concentration is optimal for sawtooth control for two main reasons. Firstly, low-field side heating means that any toroidal phasing of the ICRH ($-90^{\circ }$,$+90^{\circ }$or dipole) has a destabilising effect on the sawteeth, meaning that dipole phasing can be employed, since this is preferable due to less plasma wall interaction from Resonant Frequency (RF) sheaths. Secondly, the resonance position of the low-field side ICRH does not have to be very accurately placed to achieve sawtooth control, relaxing the requirement for real-time control of the RF frequency. These empirical observations have been confirmed by hybrid kinetic–magnetohydrodynamic modelling, and suggest that the ICRH antenna design for ITER is well positioned to provide a control actuator capable of having a significant effect on the sawtooth behaviour.
Linear and nonlinear behaviour of two-stream instabilities in collisionless plasmas
Authors: Hou Y. W. , Chen M. X. , Yu M. Y. , Wu B.
Published: September 2015

The transient, growth and nonlinear saturation stages in the evolution of the electrostatic two-stream instabilities as described by the Vlasov–Poisson system are reconsidered by numerically following the evolution of the total wave energy of the plasma oscillations excited from (numerical) noise. Except for peculiarities related to the necessarily finite (even though very small) magnitude of the perturbations in the numerical simulation, the existence and initial growth properties of the instabilities from the numerical results are found to be consistent with those from linear normal mode analysis and the Penrose criteria. However, contradictory to the traditional point of view, the growth of instability before saturation is not always linear. The initial stage of the growth can exhibit fine structures that can be attributed to the harmonics of the excited plasma oscillations, whose wavelengths are determined by the system size and the numerical noise. As expected, saturation of the unstable oscillations is due to electron trapping when they reach sufficiently large amplitudes.
Novel lineage of a green alga and Acremonium stroudii (Ascomycota) sp. nov. reported from Ascension Island
Authors: Fletcher K.I.G. , Sim J. , Williams N. , Weber N. , Küpper F.C. , van West P.
Published: September 2015

Environmental specimens lining seawater blowholes of Whale Point, Ascension Island in the South Atlantic Ocean were collected (August 2012) and investigated by morphological and molecular techniques. Reported here, Acremonium stroudii (Ascomycota) sp. nov., a filamentous conidia-forming fungus, was the only fungus isolated from the samples collected. Molecular analysis of the material also indicates the presence of a novel species of green algae being present, however, isolation of this alga has not been possible. Instead it appears that this specimen, which belongs to a novel lineage within the Ulvales, sister to the Dilabifilum species, encourages fungal growth in culture and has been shown to form a symbiotic relationship on low nutrition agar plates, supported by investigation through electron microscopy. As no holotype of this species could be isolated in an axenic culture it was not suitable at this point to try to define this alga, especially as no established genus could be attributed. We recommend trying to further sample areas of Ascension Island looking for other members of this green algal lineage, both investigating free-living green algae and those which are found as lichenized photobionts.
Morphometric relationships and relative growth ofHexaplex trunculusandBolinus brandaris(Gastropoda: Muricidae) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal)
Authors: Vasconcelos Paulo , Barroso Carlos M. , Gaspar Miguel B.
Published: September 2015

The present study reports morphometric relationships and discusses the relative growth in the banded murex (Hexaplex trunculus) and the purple dye murex (Bolinus brandaris) from the Ria Formosa lagoon (southern Portugal). A total of 11 morphometric parameters (eight linear variables: shell length, shell width, total aperture length, aperture length, aperture width, spire length, spire width and siphonal canal length; three ponderal variables: total weight, soft parts weight and shell weight) were analysed in both species. The analyses comprised numerous individuals of both sexes and with broad size ranges (H. trunculus: 10.7–82.8 mm shell length;B. brandaris: 14.6–107.7 mm shell length), fairly representative of the populations from the Ria Formosa lagoon. In general,B. brandarisexhibited greater morphological plasticity and higher variability in shell shape compared withH. trunculus. In both species, the vast majority of morphometric relationships displayed positive allometries, distantly followed by negative allometries and by isometries. AlthoughH. trunculusandB. brandarisare known to lack external sexual dimorphism, several morphometric relationships revealed significant differences in the type of growth between sexes, which should be further confirmed using more powerful techniques, such as geometric morphometric analyses of shell shape.
Do social values influence levels of conservation effort in threatened species? The case of two Australian chats
Authors: Ainsworth Gillian B. , Aslin Heather J. , Weston Michael A. , Garnett Stephen T.
Published: September 2015

This research aims to understand why one of two almost identical subspecies of the Australian yellow chat Ephthianura crocea has received significantly higher levels of local and institutional support than the other despite both having the same conservation status and taxonomic distinctiveness, factors commonly thought to influence conservation effort. Using a qualitative multiple case study approach we explored how a range of social factors, including stakeholder attitudes and institutional, policy and operational aspects, might have affected conservation efforts for the two taxa. Our results suggest that the conservation trajectories of these two subspecies have diverged since their identification as threatened species in 2000 because of differences in the social landscapes within which they persist. For one subspecies local advocacy was kindled initially by the small number of local endemic bird species but developed into a strong emotional engagement, resulting in increased local awareness, government funding, and effectiveness of conservation action. The other subspecies has had to compete for attention with approximately 200 other threatened taxa occurring in its region. No individual advocate has accorded this subspecies a high priority for action, and none of those responsible for its conservation have seen it or acknowledged an emotional attachment to it. Our findings confirm that initiation of conservation effort is strongly tied to the social values of individuals with power to take action, regardless of legislation.
Historicising Eurocentrism and anti-Eurocentrism in IR: A revisionist account of disciplinary self-reflexivity
Authors: KURU DENIZ
Published: September 2015

The role of Eurocentrism in International Relations (IR) has become a focal point for critical scholarship. However, anti-Eurocentric scholars tend to overlook the extent to which Eurocentrism is a tempo-spatial phenomenon whose roots and development need to be analysed in a way that takes its internal differences into account. This article rejects a single notion of Eurocentrism, proposing instead to understand Eurocentrism through its three forms: historical-contextual, ideological, and residual. This differentiation can provide a means for dealing with the challenges of Eurocentrism in a more self-reflexive manner without seeing it as omnipresent and unchanging. It also offers to approach Eurocentric IR from a perspective that considers the role of historiographical differences in understanding the rise of European powers. This means that IR cannot base its explanatory frameworks on a single (the) historical record. Understanding the limits of Eurocentrism and of anti-Eurocentrism provides a better means for dealing with the formerʼs problematic impact on IR scholarship.
Well-defined atomic hydrogen target driven by electromagnetic shock wave for stopping power measurement
Authors: Kondo Kotaro , Yokozuka Tomohiro , Oguri Yoshiyuki
Published: September 2015

The precise estimation of stopping power is crucial to predict the beam energy loss in the target for heavy-ion fusion and heavy-ion-driven high-energy density physics experiments. The electromagnetic shock wave has been proposed to generate a well-defined atomic hydrogen target for the stopping power measurement with dissociation effects. We measured the angular distribution profile of the discharge plasma and the plasma velocity in the electromagnetic shock tube by high-speed framing cameras. To improve the uniformity of the discharge plasma and the velocity, an external magnetic field was applied in the electromagnetic shock tube. The plasma velocity was up to approximately 40 km/s for an initial hydrogen gas pressure of 100 Pa and the velocity decreased with the initial pressure and the propagation length. The framing cameras showed that angular distributions of the discharge plasmas were not uniform and the initial angular distributions were important for the development of plasma profiles. The interaction of the plasma with the external magnetic field was estimated using the ratio of the plasma dynamic pressure to the magnetic pressure. The estimations offer more magnetic fields to improve the discharge uniformity due to the interaction.
Analysis of QTLs for the micromorphology on the seed coat surface of soybean using recombinant inbred lines
Authors: Otobe Kazunori , Watanabe Satoshi , Harada Kyuya
Published: September 2015

The seed coat of soybean (Glycine max (L.) Merrill) must protect the seed but allow water intake. Overprotection, causing impermeability, is assumed to be due to the presence of an impermeable layer in the seed coat, although validation of this assumption has relied on imbibition testing, which tends to be influenced by microfractures in the seed coat. Recent micromorphological analyses using laser-assisted topography microscopy revealed links to the surface roughness (SR) of the seed coat. To verify genetic links between hardseededness and SR, we analysed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing SR formation using 148 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) with a genetic linkage map covering 2663.6 cM of all 20 linkage groups of soybean, with 355 DNA markers and 5 phenotype markers. Five QTLs were detected, including previously identified hardseededness QTLs for ratio of seeds absorbing water, namely RAS1 and RAS2, which accounted for 20% of the phenotypic variance, and one near a locus inhibiting seed coat colour (I). These results indicate that the impermeability of soybean seed is genetically related to the reduction of SR.
Palliative split-course hypofractionated radiotherapy for incurable mucosal squamous cell head and neck cancer: a 10 year experience
Authors: Ponnusamy S. , Casasola R. J. , Niblock P. G.
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Locally advanced head and neck cancer can be a distressing disease due to a variety of reasons. This retrospective study looks at the tolerability and outcomes for palliative split-course hypofractionated radiotherapy for this group of patients treated in our centre.

Results

A total of 59 patients were treated with hypofractionated split-course radiotherapy for incurable mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck region in our centre over a 10-year period. In all, 71% had stage IV disease. Radiotherapy consisted of three phases of 14·4 Gy/phase, in four to eight fractions over 4 days giving one·8–3·6 Gy/fraction. The phases were separated by 2 weeks. A total of 40 patients (63%) completed all three phases. A total of 72% patients had no acute toxicities and the palliation rate was 83% (complete and partial). Only five patients had no meaningful palliation having completed all three phases. Median duration of local control was 6 months (range: 1–63 months) and median overall survival was 8 months (range: 1–68 months). In five patients, the control was durable with no recurrence at the time of analysis with survival ranging from 6 to 57 months.

Conclusion

We are the first UK centre to report with long-term data, the use of a palliative three phase regime that provides meaningful palliation with acceptable toxicities. In addition, for some patients, it has resulted in durable long-term control.