bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First Report of Black Leaf Spot Caused byAlternaria alternataon Ramie in China
Authors: Yu Yongting , Zeng Liangbin , Huang Lili , Yan Zhun , Sun Kai , Zhu Taotao , Zhu Aiguo
Published: July 2015

In 2012 and 2013, black leaf spot disease was observed on ramie plants in Hunan and Hubei Provinces, China. In the field, the symptoms of this disease included dark green to black big spots on leaves, often resulting in upwardly curled leaf margins. The pathogen isolates were identified asAlternaria alternata(Fr.) Keissler on the basis of morphology and sequence similarity of 99–100% to the published data for internal transcribed spacer (ITS), and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (gdp). To our knowledge, this is the first report ofAlternarialeaf spot of ramie in China.
Identification of the New Pathogen (Stemphylium lycopersici) Causing Leaf Spot on Pepino (Solanum muricatum)
Authors: Nasehi Abbas , Kadir Jugah , Nasr‐Esfahani Mehdi , Abed‐Ashtiani Farnaz , Golkhandan Elham , Ashkani Sadegh
Published: July 2015

Pepino (Solanum muricatumvar. pepino) plants were found affected by an extensive leaf spot caused by plant pathogenic fungi during a survey in the Cameron highlands, Pahang state, Malaysia. Symptomatic leaf samples were collected from infected pepino plants and cultivated onPDAmedium, and the pathogen was isolated and purified; then, consequently, all isolates were identified asStemphylium lycopersicion the basis of their cultural and morphological characteristics and combined sequences of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and glyceraldehyde‐3‐phosphate dehydrogenase (gpd) regions. A pathogenicity assay on detached leaves further confirmed thatS. lycopersicicauses leaf spot disease. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report ofS. lycopersicicausing leaf spot on pepino in Malaysia and worldwide.
Chloroplast DNA variation within prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinataLink) populations in the U.S.
Authors: Graves Hannah , Rayburn A. Lane , Kim Sumin , Lee D. K.
Published: July 2015

Chloroplast DNA (cpDNA) is most often maternally inherited and highly conserved leading to previous observation of little to no sequence variation. Comparing cpDNA haplotypes have provided valuable insight into the establishment and migration of polyploid populations. However, to use chloroplast haplotypes to their full potential intrapopulational variation needs to be addressed. In this study, cpDNA haplotype variation was surveyed within 16 natural populations of prairie cordgrass (Spartina pectinataLink) located east of the 100th west meridian and north of the 35th north parallel in the U.S.A. using two non‐coding, polymorphic chloroplast regions. Two main clades were defined with subclades as follows: haplotype 1 and haplotype 2A and 2B. It was discovered that seven populations showed intrapopulational chloroplast genome variation. Of the total amount of variation, 95.5% occurred within the octoploid populations and 4.5% occurred within the tetraploid populations. Both variant haplotypes, 2A and 2B, were found in a larger sampling of one of the natural populations, but no variation was found in a mixed ploidy population. The intrapopulational cpDNA variation we found in this study cannot directly be related to mechanisms of introduction of the non‐native populations into native populations. Therefore, this cpDNA variation could be novel natural variation that has been fixed as the octoploid populations were established and moved northwest. This analysis provides insight into determining the usefulness of indels and single nucleotide polymorphisms for population identification and may provide information in regards to the origin of chloroplast variation and its subsequent fixation and establishment in natural prairie cordgrass populations.
Examining the Legality of Affordability Requirements as a Substantive Condition for Granting Compulsory Licences Pursuant to the TRIPS Agreement
Authors: Manu Thaddeus
Published: July 2015

This article examines whether the so‐called reasonably affordable requirements of the public remains a valid condition under TRIPS on which World Trade Organisation members can grant compulsory licences. This article frames its analysis around Section 84 of the Indian Patent Act 1970 in relation to the compulsory licencing case between Bayer vs Natco. The author argues that despite the reasonably affordable requirements of the public not one of the common grounds on which members normally pursue for granting compulsory licences the fact that India has used similar provisions under its TRIPS‐compliant patent regime in granting a compulsory licence to Natco significantly validates the affordability requirements of the public as an independent condition that is consistent with TRIPS on which members can grant compulsory licences. This conclusion is premised on the understanding that no member state has even attempted to challenge the legality of India's decision before the WTO, under the dispute settlement understanding system and that paucity is more supportive of the thesis that, nothing in the light of TRIPS would, in fact, preclude the possibility of other developing countries amending their patent laws to demand that as substantive conditions patentees must satisfy the reasonably affordable requirements of the public.
Teaching Early Modern Philosophy as a Bridge between Causal or Naturalistic and Conceptual Thought
Authors: Barris Jeremy , Turner Paul M.
Published: July 2015

It is a challenge in teaching early modern philosophy to balance historical faithfulness to the arguments and concerns of early modern philosophers and interpreting them as relevant to the kinds of thinking that contemporary undergraduate students find plausible. Early modern philosophy is unique, however, in applying modern scientific method directly to problems concerning nonphysical aspects of reality that our contemporary scientific thought, and with it mainstream contemporary culture, no longer find amenable in their own, independent right to reliable reasoned approaches. At the same time, early modern philosophy often also takes seriously purely conceptual or logically consequential thought in the investigation of these topics, as our mainstream contemporary culture does not. This kind of thought, we argue, is distinctive of philosophy in general and appropriate to nonphysical aspects of reality. Early modern philosophy, then, offers a bridge between the kind of reasoned, objective thought our mainstream culture finds plausible and thought about nonphysical reality or, in general, the thought that characterizes philosophy.
Including Early Modern Women Writers in Survey Courses
Authors: Gordon‐Roth Jessica , Kendrick Nancy
Published: July 2015

There are many reasons to include texts written by women in early modern philosophy courses. The most obvious one is accuracy: women helped to shape the philosophical landscape of the time. Thus, to craft a syllabus that wholly excludes women is to give students an inaccurate picture of the early modern period. Since it seems safe to assume that we all aim for accuracy, this should be reason enough to include women writers in our courses. This article nonetheless offers an additional reason: when students are exposed to philosophical texts written by women, they learn that women have been, are, and can be philosophers. Given how underrepresented women are in philosophy, this finding is significant. If we aim to change the face of philosophy—so that it includes more women—we must include texts written by women in our syllabi. The article considers various obstacles faced by those who work to respond to this call to action.
Caricatures, Myths, and White Lies
Authors: Walsh Kirsten , Currie Adrian
Published: July 2015

Pedagogical situations require white lies: in teaching philosophy we make decisions about what to omit, what to emphasise, and what to distort. This article considers when it is permissible to distort the historical record, arguing for a tempered respect for the historical facts. It focuses on the rationalist/empiricist distinction, which still frames most undergraduate early modern courses despite failing to capture the intellectual history of that period. It draws an analogy withMichaelStrevens's view on idealisation in causal explanation to distinguish betweenmythsandcaricatures. Myths are distortions of the historical record that undermine students' understanding of the past, despite having other pedagogical benefits (being illuminative of some other period, or helping uptake of philosophical skills and methods). Caricatures are distortions that either increase or are indifferent to understanding of the past. Mythmaking, the article argues, is unjustified.
Challenging the State: Teaching Alternative Historiographies in Early Modern Politics
Authors: Affolter Jacob
Published: July 2015

This article argues that we can improve the way we teach early modern political philosophy if we introduce students to alternative views about the development of the state. First, it summarizes the work of contemporary philosophers and historians who are critical of the modern state. Second, it points out ways in which early social contract theorists take the state for granted. Third, it argues that alternative views about the development of the state can help students take a more critical perspective on standard works of early modern political philosophy. Fourth, it argues that these alternative views will help students better understand dissenting voices in early modern political philosophy.
Dignity, Capability, and Profound Disability
Authors: Vorhaus John
Published: July 2015

Martha Nussbaum has sought to establish the significance of disability for liberal theories of justice. She proposes that human dignity can serve as the basis of an entitlement to a set of capabilities that all human beings either possess or have the potential to develop. This article considers whether the concept of human dignity will serve as the justification for basic human capabilities in accounting for the demands of justice for people with profound learning difficulties and disabilities. It examines the relationship between dignity and capabilities, suggesting that Nussbaum fails to distinguish between several conceptions of human dignity, whilst also identifying one of these conceptions as coming close to meeting several of her demands. It is difficult enough, however, to show how dignity is related to just one of our basic entitlements, and even that requires more than the resources available in Nussbaum's approach.
Risk
Authors: Pritchard Duncan
Published: July 2015

In this article it is argued that the standard theoretical account of risk in the contemporary literature, which is cast along probabilistic lines, is flawed, in that it is unable to account for a particular kind of risk. In its place a modal account of risk is offered. Two applications of the modal account of risk are then explored. First, to epistemology, via the defence of an anti‐risk condition on knowledge in place of the normal anti‐luck condition. Second, to legal theory, where it is shown that this account of risk can cast light on the debate regarding the extent to which a criminal justice system can countenance the possibility of wrongful convictions.
Nucleoside uptake in Vibrio cholerae and its role in the transition fitness from host to environment
Authors: Gumpenberger Tanja , Vorkapic Dina , Zingl Franz G. , Pressler Katharina , Lackner Stefanie , Seper Andrea , Reidl Joachim , Schild Stefan
Published: July 2015

As it became evident recently, extracellular DNA could be a versatile nutrient source of the facultative pathogen Vibrio cholerae along the different stages of its life cycle. By the use of two extracellular nucleases and periplasmic phosphatases, V. cholerae degrades extracellular DNA to nucleosides. In this study, we investigated the nucleoside uptake via identification and characterization of VCA0179, VC1953 and VC2352 representing the three nucleoside transport systems in V. cholerae. Based on our results VC2352 seems to be the dominant nucleoside transporter. Nevertheless, all three transporters are functional and can contribute to the utilization of nucleosides as a sole source of carbon or nitrogen. We found that the transcriptional activity of these three distal genes is equally promoted or antagonized by CRP or CytR respectively. Finally, mutants impaired for nucleoside uptake exhibit decreased transition fitness from the host into low carbon environments along the life cycle of V. cholerae.
High levels of cyclic‐di‐GMP in plant‐associated Pseudomonas correlate with evasion of plant immunity
Authors: Pfeilmeier Sebastian , Saur Isabel Marie‐Luise , Rathjen John Paul , Zipfel Cyril , Malone Jacob George
Published: July 2015

The plant innate immune system employs plasma membrane‐localized receptors that specifically perceive pathogen/microbe‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs/MAMPs). This induces a defence response called pattern‐triggered immunity (PTI) to fend off pathogen attack. Commensal bacteria are also exposed to potential immune recognition and must employ strategies to evade and/or suppress PTI to successfully colonize the plant. During plant infection, the flagellum has an ambiguous role, acting as both a virulence factor and also as a potent immunogen as a result of the recognition of its main building block, flagellin, by the plant pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), including FLAGELLIN SENSING2 (FLS2). Therefore, strict control of flagella synthesis is especially important for plant‐associated bacteria. Here, we show that cyclic‐di‐GMP [bis‐(3′‐5′)‐cyclic di‐guanosine monophosphate], a central regulator of bacterial lifestyle, is involved in the evasion of PTI. Elevated cyclic‐di‐GMP levels in the pathogen Pseudomonas syringae pv. tomato (Pto) DC3000, the opportunist P. aeruginosa PAO1 and the commensal P. protegens Pf‐5 inhibit flagellin synthesis and help the bacteria to evade FLS2‐mediated signalling in Nicotiana benthamiana and Arabidopsis thaliana. Despite this, high cellular cyclic‐di‐GMP concentrations were shown to drastically reduce the virulence of Pto DC3000 during plant infection. We propose that this is a result of reduced flagellar motility and/or additional pleiotropic effects of cyclic‐di‐GMP signalling on bacterial behaviour.
Unfolded protein response is activated in Lewy body dementias
Authors: Baek Jean‐Ha , Whitfield David , Howlett David , Francis Paul , Bereczki Erika , Ballard Clive , Hortobágyi Tibor , Attems Johannes , Aarsland Dag
Published: July 2015

Aim

The unfolded protein response (UPR) is a pro‐survival defence mechanism induced during periods of endoplasmic reticulum stress, and it has recently emerged as an attractive therapeutic target across a number of neurodegenerative conditions, but has not yet been studied in synuclein disorders.

Methods

The level of a key mediator of the UPR pathway, glucose‐regulated protein 78 (GRP78), also known as binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP), was measured in post mortem brain tissue of patients with dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) in comparison with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and age‐matched controls using Western blot. The UPR activation was further confirmed by immunohistochemical detection of GRP78/BiP and phosphorylated protein kinase RNA‐like endoplasmic reticulum (ER) kinase (p‐PERK).

Results

GRP78/BiP was increased to a greater extent in DLB and PDD patients compared with AD and control subjects in cingulate gyrus and parietal cortex. However, there were no changes in the prefrontal and temporal cortices. There was a significant positive correlation between GRP78/BiP level and α‐synuclein pathology in the cingulate gyrus, while AD‐type pathology showed an inverse correlation relationship in the parietal cortex.

Conclusion

Overall, these results give emphasis to the role of UPR in Lewy body dementias, and suggest that Lewy body degeneration, in combination with AD‐type pathologies, is associated with increased UPR activation to a greater extent than AD alone, possibly as a consequence of the increasing load of ER proteins. This work also highlights a novel opportunity to explore the UPR as a therapeutic target in synuclein diseases.
‘GOING GLOBAL’: POLICY ENTREPRENEURSHIP OF THE GLOBAL COMMISSION ON DRUG POLICY
Authors: ALIMI DEBORAH
Published: July 2015

Changes in policy processes have impacted policy participants and stimulated the development of new patterns of action and entrepreneurship, but also the emergence of new entrants claiming authority on ‘global’ policy terrains. Privately convened ‘global initiatives’ are proliferating while triggering some conceptual puzzles, blurring the already ill‐defined limits of ‘global processes’. To seize the meanings and implications of ‘going global’, this article explores the empirical scope of such global framing of policy entrepreneurship and why such distinction matters for our understanding of global policy processes. To that end, the case of the Global Commission on Drug Policy (GCDP) is examined.
Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant to Analgesic Strategy During Vaso‐Occlusive Episodes in Adolescents with Sickle‐Cell Disease
Authors: Sheehy Kathy A. , Finkel Julia C. , Darbari Deepika S. , Guerrera Michael F. , Quezado Zenaide M. N.
Published: July 2015

Patients with sickle‐cell disease (SCD) can experience recurrent vaso‐occlusive episodes (VOEs), which are associated with severe pain. While opioids are the mainstay of analgesic therapy, in some patients with SCD, increasing opioid use is associated with continued and increasing pain. Dexmedetomidine, an α2‐adrenoreceptor agonist with sedative and analgesic properties, has been increasingly used in the perioperative and intensive care settings and has been shown to reduce opioid requirement and to facilitate opioid weaning. Therefore, there might be a role for dexmedetomidine in pain management during VOEs in patients with SCD. Here, we present the hospital course of 3 patients who during the course of VOEs had severe pain unresponsive to opioids and ketamine and were treated with dexmedetomidine. Dexmedetomidine infusions that lasted for 3 to 6 days were associated with marked reduction in daily oral morphine‐equivalent intake and decreases in pain scores (numeric rating scale). There were no hemodynamic changes that required treatment with vasoactive or anticholinergic agents. These preliminary findings of possible beneficial effects of dexmedetomidine in decreasing opioid requirements support the hypothesis that dexmedetomidine may have a role as a possible analgesic adjuvant to mitigate VOE‐associated pain in patients with SCD.
Process analysis of trauma‐focused cognitive behavioural therapy for individuals with schizophrenia
Authors: O'Driscoll Ciarán , Mason Oliver , Brady Francesca , Smith Ben , Steel Craig
Published: July 2015

Objective

Therapeutic alliance, modality, and ability to engage with the process of therapy have been the main focus of research into what makes psychotherapy successful. Individuals with complex trauma histories or schizophrenia are suggested to be more difficult to engage and may be less likely to benefit from therapy. This study aimed to track the in‐session ‘process’ of working alliance and emotional processing of trauma memories for individuals with schizophrenia.

Design

The study utilized session recordings from the treatment arm of an open randomized clinical trial investigating trauma‐focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF‐CBT) for individuals with schizophrenia (N = 26).

Method

Observer measures of working alliance, emotional processing, and affect arousal were rated at early and late phases of therapy. Correlation analysis was undertaken for process measures. Temporal analysis of expressed emotions was also reported.

Results

Working alliance was established and maintained throughout the therapy; however, agreement on goals reduced at the late phase. The participants appeared to be able to engage in emotional processing, but not to the required level for successful cognitive restructuring.

Conclusion

This study undertook novel exploration of process variables not usually explored in CBT. It is also the first study of process for TF‐CBT with individuals with schizophrenia. This complex clinical sample showed no difficulty in engagement; however, they may not be able to fully undertake the cognitive–emotional demands of this type of therapy. Clinical and research implications and potential limitations of these methods are considered.

Practitioner points

This sample showed no difficulties engaging with TF‐CBT and forming a working alliance.

However, the participants may not have achieved a level of active involvement required for successful cognitive restructuring of trauma memories.

This discrepancy may relate to the mediating role of both working alliance and cognitive–emotional processing.

The results underscore the importance of therapists understanding the relationship between alliance and other process factors which may be implicit in facilitating change.
Infantile Fistula‐in‐Ano: A Report of Two Patients and Review for Dermatologists
Authors: Finelt Nika , Shen Lisa Y. , Chamlin Sarah L. , Browne Marybeth , Mancini Anthony J.
Published: July 2015

Infantile fistula‐in‐ano is a well‐known entity to pediatric surgeons but less recognized by dermatologists. Because these patients may initially present to a dermatologist or pediatric dermatologist, familiarity with the presentation is important. We present two infants with fistula‐in‐ano and review the literature on this condition.
Electrocardiographic Monitoring in Patients with Epidermolysis Bullosa: A New Proposal
Authors: Barcellos Bruno M. , Camelier Pedro da Silva , de Jesus Lisieux Eyer
Published: July 2015

Epidermolysis bullosa causes serious blistering of the skin even with minor trauma. The use of standard electrodes, tapes, and adhesives is restricted in these patients because it exposes the skin to stretching and shearing forces that cause traumatic blister formation. We propose herein an alternative electrocardiographic monitoring technique to minimize cutaneous trauma.
Dermoscopic Visualization of Vellus Hair Involvement in Tinea Corporis: A Criterion for Systemic Antifungal Therapy?
Authors: Knöpfel Nicole , del Pozo Luis Javier , Escudero Maria del Mar , Martín‐Santiago Ana
Published: July 2015

Dermoscopy has been shown to be a valuable tool in the diagnosis and monitoring of several infectious diseases. We report a case of tinea corporis in an infant in whom dermoscopy helped us to determine vellus hair involvement, causing treatment to be switched from topical to systemic antifungal therapy.
The effects of smoke derivatives on in vitro seed germination and development of the leopard orchid Ansellia africana
Authors: Papenfus H. B. , Naidoo D. , Pošta M. , Finnie J. F. , Van Staden J.
Published: July 2015

Plant‐derived smoke and smoke‐isolated compounds stimulate germination in seeds from over 80 genera. It has also been reported that smoke affects overall plant vigour and has a stimulatory effect on pollen growth. The effect of smoke on orchid seeds, however, has not been assessed. In South Africa, orchid seeds from several genera may be exposed to smoke when they are released from their seedpods. It is therefore possible that smoke may affect their germination and growth. Therefore, the effects of smoke [applied as smoke‐water (SW)] and two smoke‐derived compounds, karrikinolide (KAR1) and trimethylbutenolide (TMB), were investigated on the germination and growth of orchid seeds in vitro. The effect of SW, KAR1 and TMB were investigated on the endangered epiphytic orchid, Ansellia africana, which is indigenous to tropical areas of Africa. Smoke‐water, KAR1 and TMB were infused in half‐strength MS medium. The number of germinated seeds and number of seeds and protocorm bodies to reach predetermined developmental stages were recorded on a weekly basis using a dissecting microscope for a 13‐week period. Infusing SW 1:250 (v:v) into half‐strength MS medium significantly increased the germination rate index (GRI) and the development rate index (DRI) of the A. africana seeds. All the SW treatments significantly increased the number of large protocorm bodies at the final stage of development. Infusing KAR1 into the growing medium had no significant effect on germination or development of the seeds. The TMB treatment, however, significantly reduced the GRI and DRI of A. africana seeds.
Eroding the Community in Community Supported Agriculture (CSA): Competition's Effects in Alternative Food Networks in California
Authors: Galt Ryan E. , Bradley Katharine , Christensen Libby , Van Soelen Kim Julia , Lobo Ramiro
Published: July 2015

The effects of competition within alternative food networks (AFNs) remain largely unexplored. Using a study of farms that operate Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) programmes in California, the state in the USA with the most CSAs, we empirically examine the effects of competition within alternative food networks. We conducted a statewide survey of CSA farmers in California, which collected data from 111 CSAs. For this analysis we construct a perceived competition index composed of variables that measure farmers' perceptions of competition with numerous market outlets and their being constrained in raising their prices due to competitive pressures. Our analysis shows that perceived competition is negatively correlated with CSA farms' profitability, farmers' satisfaction on a number of fronts, various indicators of the social embeddedness of CSA, and two community food security strategies. We conclude that competition is a real, although differential, phenomenon experienced by many CSA farmers in California, and that this competition impacts CSA in ways that undermine some of its commonly held values, especially fair farmer compensation and strong member‐farmer relationships.
Understanding Corporate Bonds, Interest Rates, and Issuance Prices
Authors: Joyner Donald T , McGowan Carl B
Published: July 2015

Businesses evolveover time and the degree of risk and the needs for financing evolve, too.  In the early stages of a business, thebusiness is small and most of the financing comes from the entrepreneur andfrom retained earnings of the business. After a business achieves a certain size, external financing is neededsuch as venture capital, new stockholders’ equity, and bonds.  Over the last one hundred years, individualsproviding external funding to businesses have demanded more and betterinformation.  Currently, Sarbanes-Oxley requiresboth information and evidence that the information is correct.  Thus, companies are required to have internalcontrols that validate the information provided to stakeholders and to have theauditors confirm the quality of the internal control mechanisms.
The Envelope of Physiological Motion of the First Carpometacarpal Joint
Authors: Crisco Joseph J. , Patel Tarpit , Halilaj Eni , Moore Douglas C.
Published: July 2015

Much of the hand's functional capacity is due to the versatility of the motions at the thumb carpometacarpal (CMC) joint, which are presently incompletely defined. The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical model to completely describe the envelope of physiological motion of the thumb CMC joint and then to examine if there were differences in the kinematic envelope between women and men. In vivo kinematics of the first metacarpal with respect to the trapezium were computed from computed tomography (CT) volume images of 44 subjects (20M, 24F, 40.3 ± 17.7 yr) with no signs of CMC joint pathology. Kinematics of the first metacarpal were described with respect to the trapezium using helical axis of motion (HAM) variables and then modeled with discrete Fourier analysis. Each HAM variable was fit in a cyclic domain as a function of screw axis orientation in the trapezial articular plane; the RMSE of the fits was 14.5 deg, 1.4 mm, and 0.8 mm for the elevation, location, and translation, respectively. After normalizing for the larger bone size in men, no differences in the kinematic variables between sexes could be identified. Analysis of the kinematic data also revealed notable coupling of the primary rotations of the thumb with translation and internal and external rotations. This study advances our basic understanding of thumb CMC joint function and provides a complete description of the CMC joint for incorporation into future models of hand function. From a clinical perspective, our findings provide a basis for evaluating CMC pathology, especially the mechanically mediated aspects of osteoarthritis (OA), and should be used to inform artificial joint design, where accurate replication of kinematics is essential for long-term success.
Effect of Static Compressive Strain, Anisotropy, and Tissue Region on the Diffusion of Glucose in Meniscus Fibrocartilage
Authors: Kleinhans Kelsey L. , Jaworski Lukas M. , Schneiderbauer Michaela M. , Jackson Alicia R.
Published: July 2015

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a significant socio-economic concern, affecting millions of individuals each year. Degeneration of the meniscus of the knee is often associated with OA, yet the relationship between the two is not well understood. As a nearly avascular tissue, the meniscus must rely on diffusive transport for nutritional supply to cells. Therefore, quantifying structure–function relations for transport properties in meniscus fibrocartilage is an important task. The purpose of the present study was to determine how mechanical loading, tissue anisotropy, and tissue region affect glucose diffusion in meniscus fibrocartilage. A one-dimensional (1D) diffusion experiment was used to measure the diffusion coefficient of glucose in porcine meniscus tissues. Results show that glucose diffusion is strain-dependent, decreasing significantly with increased levels of compression. It was also determined that glucose diffusion in meniscus tissues is anisotropic, with the diffusion coefficient in the circumferential direction being significantly higher than that in the axial direction. Finally, the effect of tissue region was not statistically significant, comparing axial diffusion in the central and horn regions of the tissue. This study is important for better understanding the transport and nutrition-related mechanisms of meniscal degeneration and related OA in the knee.
Comparison of Statistical Methods for Assessing Spatial Correlations Between Maps of Different Arterial Properties
Authors: Rowland Ethan M. , Mohamied Yumnah , Yean Chooi K. , Bailey Emma L. , Weinberg Peter D.
Published: July 2015

Assessing the anatomical correlation of atherosclerosis with biomechanical localizing factors is hindered by spatial autocorrelation (SA), wherein neighboring arterial regions tend to have similar properties rather than being independent, and by the use of aggregated data, which artificially inflates correlation coefficients. Resampling data at lower resolution or reducing degrees-of-freedom in significance tests negated effects of SA but only in artificial situations where it occurred at a single length scale. Using Fourier or wavelet transforms to generate autocorrelation-preserving surrogate datasets, and thus to compute the null distribution, avoided this problem. Bootstrap methods additionally circumvented the errors caused by aggregating data. The bootstrap technique showed that wall shear stress (WSS) was significantly correlated with atherosclerotic lesion frequency and endothelial nuclear elongation, but not with the permeability of the arterial wall to albumin, in immature rabbits.
Center Manifold of Fractional Dynamical System
Authors: Ma Li , Li Changpin
Published: July 2015

Dimension reduction of dynamical system is a significant issue for technical applications, as regards both finite dimensional system and infinite dimensional systems emerging from either science or engineering. Center manifold method is one of the main reduction methods for ordinary differential systems (ODSs). Does there exists a similar method for fractional ODSs (FODSs)? In other words, does there exists a method for reducing the high-dimensional FODS into a lower-dimensional FODS? In this study, we establish a local fractional center manifold for a finite dimensional FODS. Several examples are given to illustrate the theoretical analysis.
The Design of Optimal Lattice Structures Manufactured by Maypole Braiding
Authors: Gurley Austin , Beale David , Broughton Royall , Branscomb David
Published: July 2015

Beginning with the maypole braiding process and its inherent constraints, we develop a design methodology for the realization of optimal braided composite lattice structures. This process requires novel geometric, mechanical, and optimization procedures for comprehensive design-ability, while taking full advantage of the capabilities of maypole braiding. The composite lattice structures are braided using yarns comprised of multiple prepreg carbon fiber (CF) tows that are themselves consolidated in a thin braided jacket to maintain round cross sections. Results show that optimal lattice-structure tubes provide significant improvement over smooth-walled CF tubes and nonoptimal lattices in torsion and bending, while maintaining comparable axial stiffness (AE).
On Integration of Additive Manufacturing During the Design and Development of a Rehabilitation Robot: A Case Study
Authors: Madden Kaci E. , Deshpande Ashish D.
Published: July 2015

The field of rehabilitation robotics has emerged to address the growing desire to improve therapy modalities after neurological disorders, such as a stroke. For rehabilitation robots to be successful as clinical devices, a number of mechanical design challenges must be addressed, including ergonomic interactions, weight and size minimization, and cost–time optimization. We present additive manufacturing (AM) as a compelling solution to these challenges by demonstrating how the integration of AM into the development process of a hand exoskeleton leads to critical design improvements and substantially reduces prototyping cost and time.
Mechanical Properties Variations and Comparative Analysis of Dissimilar Metal Pipe Welds in Pressure Vessel System of Nuclear Plants
Authors: Rathod Dinesh W. , Pandey Sunil , Singh P. K. , Prasad Rajesh
Published: July 2015

The experimental investigations of two dissimilar metal weld (DMW) joints between SA508Gr.3Cl.1 ferritic steel and SS304LN austenitic stainless steel using Inconel 82/182 (ERNiCr-3/ENiCrFe-3) and Inconel 52/152 (ERNiCrFe-7/ENiCrFe-7) filler metals have been conducted in the present work. The integrity assessment of DMW joints and the mechanical properties variations has made pertaining to ASME Section-III and Section-IX. Mechanical tests comprising bend test, transverse tensile test (TTT), tensile test, Charpy impact test, microhardness measurement have been carried out along with microstructural evolution using the standard test specimens according to respective ASTM standards. Bend tests have shown that interfaces of the SA508–Inconel, Inconel–Inconel, and Inconel–SS304LN are free from any lack of fusion or cracks. TTTs have shown that failures of the specimens are from the SS304LN indicating integrity of the weld joint. Tensile tests confirm that tensile strength of the different regions agreed the required strength as per ASME Section-II. The weld strength mismatch and plastic instability strength (PIS) are found to be important factors during integrity assessment of joints. Based on the comparative investigations, owing to better mechanical properties, Inconel 82/182 filler metals could be an optimum choice over Inconel 52/152 filler metals for present DMW joints required in pressure vessel system of nuclear plants.
Effect of Temperature on Mechanical Properties and Torsional Friction Behaviors of Bogie Center Plate
Authors: Wang Shibo , Niu Chengchao , Cao Bo
Published: July 2015

In order to simulating the torsional friction of the center plate during the railcar body traveling on different railway curves at different environmental temperatures, the torsional friction behavior of monomer casting (MC) nylon composites which was used to make center plate, at temperatures of −25 °C to 50 °C was studied. With increasing temperature, the mechanical properties of nylon composites were weakened, whereas the visco-elastic property was boosted. Under torsional angle of 1.8 deg and 0.96 deg, all the torque–angular displacement (T–θ) curves exhibited the quasi-parallelogramic shape at various temperatures. When the temperature was higher than 25 °C under 0.42 deg, the shape transformed from elliptic to parallelogrammic. This indicated that the torsional regime changed from a partial slip to a gross slip. With increasing temperature, the torsional torque decreased and the wear mass loss increased because of weakened mechanical properties. The wear mechanism changed from slight plastic flow at low temperature to serious adhesive and three-body abrasion wear at high temperature.
Tomographic measurement of buried interface roughness
Authors: Hayashida Misa , Ogawa Shinichi , Malac Marek
Published: July 2015

The authors demonstrate that electron tomography allows accurate measurement of roughness of buried interfaces in multilayer samples. The method does not require the interface to be exposed at the surface of the sample, or does it require a laterally extended sample. Therefore, it enables quantitative site specific analysis of individual elements within semiconductor devices. The standard deviation of the interface distance from a plane fitted to an interface is used as a measure of the interface roughness. The roughness is evaluated in three dimensions, eliminating the uncertainties inherent to roughness measurements on cross-sectional images from a single projection. The apparent interface roughness depends on the signal-to-noise ratio (S/N) arising from electron counting statistics in the data. To eliminate the effect of the S/N, multiple images were collected at each tilt. The roughness was extrapolated to an asymptotic value with a high S/N. This value was taken as the true interface roughness. The method was validated on computer generated data by demonstrating a good agreement between known roughness values and asymptotic values obtained using the above method.
Ferroelectric and magnetic properties of Aurivillius Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 thin films
Authors: Jia Tingting , Kimura Hideo , Cheng Zhenxiang , Zhao Hongyang
Published: July 2015

Aurivillius Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 (m = 4, 5, 6) thin films have been deposited by a pulsed laser deposition system. The x-ray diffraction patterns indicate the formation of orthorhombic phase. The remanent polarization (2Pr) of Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 thin films is decreased with the m-number. Positive-up-negative-down measurements indicate the presence of ferroelectric (FE) polarization in as-obtained thin films. Piezoresponse force microscopy investigations confirm the existence of FE domains and the switchable polarization. Weak magnetic moment is detected in the Aurivillius films at room temperature. The present work suggests the possibility of Aurivillius Bim+1Ti3Fem−3O3m+3 (m = 4, 5, 6) materials as potential room-temperature multiferroics.
Sputtering yields and surface chemical modification of tin-doped indium oxide in hydrocarbon-based plasma etching
Authors: Li Hu , Karahashi Kazuhiro , Fukasawa Masanaga , Nagahata Kazunori , Tatsumi Tetsuya , Hamaguchi Satoshi
Published: July 2015

Sputtering yields and surface chemical compositions of tin-doped indium oxide (or indium tin oxide, ITO) by CH+, CH3+, and inert-gas ion (He+, Ne+, and Ar+) incidence have been obtained experimentally with the use of a mass-selected ion beam system and in-situ x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. It has been found that etching of ITO is chemically enhanced by energetic incidence of hydrocarbon (CHx+) ions. At high incident energy incidence, it appears that carbon of incident ions predominantly reduce indium (In) of ITO and the ITO sputtering yields by CH+ and CH3+ ions are found to be essentially equal. At lower incident energy (less than 500 eV or so), however, a hydrogen effect on ITO reduction is more pronounced and the ITO surface is more reduced by CH3+ ions than CH+ ions. Although the surface is covered more with metallic In by low-energy incident CH3+ ions than CH+ ions and metallic In is in general less resistant against physical sputtering than its oxide, the ITO sputtering yield by incident CH3+ ions is found to be lower than that by incident CH+ ions in this energy range. A postulation to account for the relation between the observed sputtering yield and reduction of the ITO surface is also presented. The results presented here offer a better understanding of elementary surface reactions observed in reactive ion etching processes of ITO by hydrocarbon plasmas.
Quantitative correlational study of microbubble‐enhanced ultrasound imaging and magnetic resonance imaging of glioma and early response to radiotherapy in a rat model
Authors: Yang Chen , Lee Dong‐Hoon , Mangraviti Antonella , Su Lin , Zhang Kai , Zhang Yin , Zhang Bin , Li Wenxiao , Tyler Betty , Wong John , Wang Ken Kang‐Hsin , Velarde Esteban , Zhou Jinyuan , Ding Kai
Published: July 2015

Purpose:

Radiotherapy remains a major treatment method for malignant tumors. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the standard modality for assessing glioma treatment response in the clinic. Compared to MRI, ultrasound imaging is low‐cost and portable and can be used during intraoperative procedures. The purpose of this study was to quantitatively compare contrast‐enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) imaging and MRI of irradiated gliomas in rats and to determine which quantitative ultrasound imaging parameters can be used for the assessment of early response to radiation in glioma.

Methods:

Thirteen nude rats with U87 glioma were used. A small thinned skull window preparation was performed to facilitate ultrasound imaging and mimic intraoperative procedures. Both CEUS and MRI with structural, functional, and molecular imaging parameters were performed at preradiation and at 1 day and 4 days postradiation. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the correlations between MRI and CEUS parameters and the changes between pre‐ and postradiation imaging.

Results:

Area under the curve (AUC) in CEUS showed significant difference between preradiation and 4 days postradiation, along with four MRI parameters, T2, apparent diffusion coefficient, cerebral blood flow, and amide proton transfer‐weighted (APTw) (all p < 0.05). The APTw signal was correlated with three CEUS parameters, rise time (r = − 0.527, p < 0.05), time to peak (r = − 0.501, p < 0.05), and perfusion index (r = 458, p < 0.05). Cerebral blood flow was correlated with rise time (r = − 0.589, p < 0.01) and time to peak (r = − 0.543, p < 0.05).

Conclusions:

MRI can be used for the assessment of radiotherapy treatment response and CEUS with AUC as a new technique and can also be one of the assessment methods for early response to radiation in glioma.
Small molecules from the human microbiota
Authors: Donia Mohamed S. , Fischbach Michael A.
Published: July 2015

Microbial bioactive molecules

Human cells are outnumbered by the microbial cells of our commensals by an order of magnitude. All of these organisms are metabolically active and secrete multiple bioactive molecules. Genomics has unveiled a remarkable array of biosynthetic gene clusters in the human microbiota, which encode diverse metabolites. Donia
et al.
review how molecules ranging from lantibiotics and microcins to indoxyl sulfate and immunemodulatory oligosaccharides and lipids could affect the health and physiology of the whole organism, depending on the composition of an individual's microbial community.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.1254766
Scientists ponder an improbably active Pluto
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: July 2015

New Horizons delights researchers with stark vistas and perplexing puzzles.
New mystery for Native American origins
Authors: Balter Michael
Published: July 2015

Rival papers compete to explain surprising link to Australia and Melanesia.
Child fights HIV to a draw
Authors: Cohen Jon
Published: July 2015

After 12 years off treatment, a young woman has had remarkable—and unexplained—control of her infection.
New life for old bones
Authors: Culotta Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

After a stormy adolescence, the field of ancient DNA enters its golden era.
Lost worlds found
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Sugar cubes of buried soil reveal how ecosystems warmed after the last ice age.
Prospecting for genetic gold
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: July 2015

Taking advantage of fossils exposed by miners, an evolutionary biologist probes the adaptations of ancient mammals.
Protein power
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: July 2015

Paleoproteomics hustles to catch up with its more developed cousin.
Patients with LRBA deficiency show CTLA4 loss and immune dysregulation responsive to abatacept therapy
Authors: Lo Bernice , Zhang Kejian , Lu Wei , Zheng Lixin , Zhang Qian , Kanellopoulou Chrysi , Zhang Yu , Liu Zhiduo , Fritz Jill M. , Marsh Rebecca , Husami Ammar , Kissell Diane , Nortman Shannon , Chaturvedi Vijaya , Haines Hilary , Young Lisa R. , Mo Jun , Filipovich Alexandra H. , Bleesing Jack J. , Mustillo Peter , Stephens Michael , Rueda Cesar M. , Chougnet Claire A. , Hoebe Kasper , McElwee Joshua , Hughes Jason D. , Karakoc-Aydiner Elif , Matthews Helen F. , Price Susan , Su Helen C. , Rao V. Koneti , Lenardo Michael J. , Jordan Michael B.
Published: July 2015

Trafficking from bedside to bench

Typically in translational research, a discovery in cell or molecular biology is later exploited to improve patient care. Occasionally, information flows in the opposite direction. Lo
et al.
found that patients with an autoimmune disorder caused by deficiency of a protein called LRBA responded dramatically to the drug abatacept (see the Perspective by Sansom). Abatacept contains a segment of a potent inhibitory immune receptor, CTLA4. Experiments prompted by this observation revealed the relationship between the two proteins: LRBA controls the intracellular trafficking and degradation of CTLA4. This information may further improve patient care, because other clinically approved drugs have the desired mechanism of action with potentially fewer side effects.

Science
, this issue p.
436
; see also p.
377
A four-legged snake from the Early Cretaceous of Gondwana
Authors: Martill David M. , Tischlinger Helmut , Longrich Nicholas R.
Published: July 2015

Snakes' four-legged missing link

It may surprise you to learn that snakes, like us, are tetrapods derived from an ancient four-legged ancestor. Martill
et al.
describe a fossil from the Brazilian Cretaceous period that contains a snakelike species that is elongate and serpentine, with both hind- and forelimbs (see the Perspective by Evans). This species appears to have been a burrower and shows clearly the early transitional stages from a lizardlike body plan to the smooth legless snakes we know today.

Science
, this issue p.
416
; see also p.
374
Comment on “Expectations of brilliance underlie gender distributions across academic disciplines”
Authors: Ginther Donna K. , Kahn Shulamit
Published: July 2015

Leslie
et al
. (Reports, 16 January 2015, p. 262) concluded that “expectations of brilliance” explained the gender makeup of academic disciplines. We reestimated their models after adding measures of disaggregated Graduate Record Examination scores by field. Our results indicated that female representation among Ph.D. recipients is associated with the field’s mathematical content and that faculty beliefs about innate ability were irrelevant.