bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improvement of electron field emission properties of nanocrystalline diamond films by a plasma post-treatment process for cathode application in microplasma devices
Authors: Lin Sheng-Chang , Yeh Chien-Jui , Leou Keh-Chyang , Manoharan Divinah , Lin I-Nan
Published: March 2016

The electron field emission (EFE) properties of nanocrystalline diamond (NCD) films were markedly enhanced when prepared with a plasma post-treatment on the ultra-small-grain granular-structured diamond films, as compared with conventional NCD films directly grown on Si using CH4/Ar/H2 plasma. Transmission electron microscopy reveals that the primary influence for the improvement of the EFE properties of these films was owing to an induction of the nanographitic phase in the films, while the ultrasmall diamond grains (∼5 nm) coalesced to form large diamond grains (∼hundreds of nanometers) during the plasma post-treatment process. This modification of the granular structure of the NCD films was greatly enhanced when a negative bias voltage (−300 V) was applied during the plasma post-treatment process. Moreover, three-electrode microplasma devices performed overwhelmingly better than two-electrode devices, exhibiting a higher plasma current density with a longer lifetime stability. These microplasma devices emit ultraviolet emissions efficiently. Such conductive NCD films offer an improvement as cathode materials for microplasma devices compared with the conventional electrode materials such as Mo metal.
MBE grown GaN/AlGaN lateral Schottky barrier diodes for high frequency applications
Authors: Cywiński Grzegorz , Szkudlarek Krzesimir , Kruszewski Piotr , Yahniuk Ivan , Yatsunenko Sergey , Muzioł Grzegorz , Siekacz Marcin , Skierbiszewski Czesław , Rumyantsev Sergey , Knap Wojciech
Published: March 2016

The authors report the results of studies of lateral and vertical Schottky barrier diodes (SBD) based on molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown GaN/AlGaN heterostructures with two dimensional electron gas (2DEG) present at the heterostructure interface. The epilayers were grown by plasma assisted molecular beam epitaxy under metal-rich conditions on commercially available freestanding (0001) GaN substrates. Here, the authors present detailed results for two structures with electron sheet density (N2DEG) of 4.6 × 1012 and 1 × 1013 cm−2 and room temperature mobility of μ2DEG = 1925 cm2/V s and μ2DEG = 1760 cm2/V s, respectively. The processing of lateral and vertical Schottky barrier diodes was performed by laser writer using shallow mesas and Ni/Au metallization for Schottky barriers. The direct current electrical tests performed on lateral and vertical Schottky barrier diodes yielded a turn-on voltage of 0.6 and 1 V, respectively. For both cases, the reverse current registered in the experiment was very low and did not exceed 1 μA/mm for reverse voltage VR = −5 V while the breakdown voltage for both structures was approximately VB = −90 V, which is a good result for nonpassivated surface and anode/cathode distance of the order of a few micrometers. The comparison of current–voltage characteristics for lateral devices with different electron sheet densities shows significant disparity in differential resistances at on-state, which is attributed to the increase of ohmic contact resistance with aluminum mole fraction increase in the AlGaN epilayer. Lateral Schottky diodes demonstrated the low frequency noise amplitude comparable with that reported for regular GaN-based Schottky diodes of much larger area. Low frequency noise characterization on our SDBs is presented. Additionally, the authors present as an example our first result of 140 GHz radiation detection/rectification experiment done on the SBD grown by MBE on (0001) GaN/sapphire. The similar experiments on the SBD freestanding samples will be the subject of forthcoming studies.
Sclerostin inhibition promotes TNF-dependent inflammatory joint destruction
Authors: Wehmeyer Corinna , Frank Svetlana , Beckmann Denise , Böttcher Martin , Cromme Christoph , König Ulrich , Fennen Michelle , Held Annelena , Paruzel Peter , Hartmann Christine , Stratis Athanasios , Korb-Pap Adelheid , Kamradt Thomas , Kramer Ina , van den Berg Wim , Kneissel Michaela , Pap Thomas , Dankbar Berno
Published: March 2016

Blocking the Wnt inhibitor sclerostin leads to inflammatory joint destruction through enhanced activation of TNF receptor–mediated signaling, implicating sclerostin as protective in TNFα-dependent chronic inflammation.
Bad plumbing benefits nanoparticles
Authors: Wang Andrew Z.
Published: March 2016

Tumor vasculature undergo vascular “bursts” that enable large particles to flow into the tumor interstitium.
Early Interactions of Murine Macrophages with Francisella tularensis Map to Mouse Chromosome 19
Authors: Fink Avner , Hassan Musa A. , Okan Nihal A. , Sheffer Michal , Camejo Ana , Saeij Jeroen P. J. , Kasper Dennis L.
Published: March 2016

Differences among individuals in susceptibility to infectious diseases can be modulated by host genetics. Much of the research in this field has aimed to identify loci within the host genome that are associated with these differences. In mice, A/J (AJ) and C57BL/6J (B6) mice show differential susceptibilities to various pathogens, including the intracellular pathogen
Francisella tularensis
. Because macrophages are the main initial target during
F. tularensis
infection, we explored early interactions of macrophages from these two mouse strains with
F. tularensis
as well as the genetic factors underlying these interactions. Our results indicate that bacterial interactions with bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) during early stages of infection are different in the AJ and B6 strains. During these early stages, bacteria are more numerous in B6 than in AJ macrophages and display differences in trafficking and early transcriptional response within these macrophages. To determine the genetic basis for these differences, we infected BMDMs isolated from recombinant inbred (RI) mice derived from reciprocal crosses between AJ and B6, and we followed early bacterial counts within these macrophages. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed a locus on chromosome 19 that is associated with early differences in bacterial counts in AJ versus B6 macrophages. QTL analysis of published data that measured the differential susceptibilities of the same RI mice to an
in vivo
challenge with
F. tularensis
confirmed the
F. tularensis
susceptibility QTL on chromosome 19. Overall, our results show that early interactions of macrophages with
F. tularensis
are dependent on the macrophage genetic background.

IMPORTANCE
Francisella tularensis
is a highly pathogenic bacterium with a very low infectious dose in humans. Some mechanisms of bacterial virulence have been elucidated, but the host genetic factors that contribute to host resistance or susceptibility are largely unknown. In this work, we have undertaken a genetic approach to assess what these factors are in mice. Analyzing early interactions of macrophages with the bacteria as well as data on overall susceptibility to infection revealed a locus on chromosome 19 that is associated with both phenotypes. In addition, our work revealed differences in the early macrophage response between macrophages with different genetic backgrounds. Overall, this work suggests some intriguing links between
in vitro
and
in vivo
infection models and should aid in further elucidating the genetic circuits behind the host response to
Francisella tularensis
infection.
Prehospital antiplatelet use and functional status on admission of patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease: a nationwide retrospective cohort study (J-ASPECT study)
Authors: Onozuka Daisuke , Hagihara Akihito , Nishimura Kunihiro , Kada Akiko , Nakagawara Jyoji , Ogasawara Kuniaki , Ono Junichi , Shiokawa Yoshiaki , Aruga Toru , Miyachi Shigeru , Nagata Izumi , Toyoda Kazunori , Matsuda Shinya , Suzuki Akifumi , Kataoka Hiroharu , Nakamura Fumiaki , Kamitani Satoru , Nishimura Ataru , Kurogi Ryota , Sayama Tetsuro , Iihara Koji ,   the J-ASPECT Study Collaborators
Published: March 2016

Objectives

To elucidate the association between antiplatelet use in patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease before hospital admission and good functional status on admission in Japan.

Design

Retrospective, multicentre, non-randomised, observational study.

Setting

Nationwide registry data in Japan.

Participants

A total of 1925 patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease admitted between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2014 in Japan.

Main outcome measure

We performed propensity score-matched analysis to examine the association between prehospital antiplatelet use and no significant disability on hospital admission, as defined by a modified Rankin Scale score of 0 or 1.

Results

Propensity-matched patients who received prehospital antiplatelet drugs were associated with a good outcome on hospital admission (OR adjusted for all covariates, 3.82; 95% CI 1.22 to 11.99) compared with those who did not receive antiplatelet drugs prior to hospital admission.

Conclusions

Prehospital antiplatelet use was significantly associated with good functional status on hospital admission among patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease in Japan. Our results suggest that prehospital antiplatelet use should be considered when evaluating outcomes of patients with non-haemorrhagic moyamoya disease.
Cross-sectional study of diet, physical activity, television viewing and sleep duration in 233 110 adults from the UK Biobank; the behavioural phenotype of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Cassidy Sophie , Chau Josephine Y , Catt Michael , Bauman Adrian , Trenell Michael I
Published: March 2016

Objectives

Simultaneously define diet, physical activity, television (TV) viewing, and sleep duration across cardiometabolic disease groups, and investigate clustering of non-diet lifestyle behaviours.

Design

Cross-sectional observational study.

Setting

22 UK Biobank assessment centres across the UK.

Participants

502 664 adults aged 37–63 years old, 54% women. 4 groups were defined based on disease status; ‘No disease’ (n=103 993), ‘cardiovascular disease’ (CVD n=113 469), ‘Type 2 diabetes without CVD’ (n=4074) and ‘Type 2 diabetes + CVD’ (n=11 574).

Main outcomes

Diet, physical activity, TV viewing and sleep duration.

Results

People with ‘CVD’ report low levels of physical activity (<918 MET min/week, OR (95% CI) 1.23 (1.20 to 1.25)), high levels of TV viewing (>3 h/day; 1.42 (1.39 to 1.45)), and poor sleep duration (<7, >8 h/night; 1.37 (1.34 to 1.39)) relative to people without disease. People with ‘Type 2 diabetes + CVD’ were more likely to report low physical activity (1.71 (1.64 to 1.78)), high levels of TV viewing (1.92 (1.85 to 1.99)) and poor sleep duration (1.52 (1.46 to1.58)) relative to people without disease. Non-diet behaviours were clustered, with people with ‘CVD’ or ‘Type 2 diabetes + CVD’ more likely to report simultaneous low physical activity, high TV viewing and poor sleep duration than those without disease (2.15 (2.03 to 2.28) and 3.29 (3.02 to 3.58), respectively). By contrast, 3 in 4 adults with ‘Type 2 diabetes’, and 2 in 4 adults with ‘CVD’ have changed their diet in the past 5 years, compared with only 1 in 4 in the ‘No disease’ group. Models were adjusted for gender, age, body mass index, Townsend Deprivation Index, ethnicity, alcohol intake, smoking and meeting fruit/vegetable guidelines.

Conclusions

Low physical activity, high TV and poor sleep duration are prominent unaddressed high-risk characteristics of both CVD and type 2 diabetes, and are likely to be clustered together.
Evidence for hybridization and introgression in two Canadian Arctic louseworts: Pedicularis langsdorffii subsp. arctica and Pedicularis hirsuta
Authors: Sokoloff Paul C. , Chapman Colin J. , Gillespie Lynn J.
Published: March 2016

Hybridization and introgression between two closely related but taxonomically distinct Arctic lousewort species — the circumpolar Pedicularis hirsuta L. (predominantly eastern Arctic in Canada) and the amphi-Beringian, western Canadian Pedicularis langsdorffii Fisch. ex Steven subsp. arctica (R. Br.) Pennell ex Hultén — is documented here for the first time; only the second confirmed case of introgression in this widespread genus. Multivariate and univariate analysis of morphological characters successfully delineate the two species as morphologically similar but distinct taxa. Analysis of nrDNA ITS sequences likewise differentiate the two taxa in all sampled instances. Analysis of cpDNA atpI–atpH sequences also separate these taxa, except in 12 individuals of P. langsdorffii subsp. arctica, which possess the same haplotype as P. hirsuta. Where these two species overlap in range in the Canadian High Arctic, chloroplast transfer from P. hirsuta to P. langsdorffii subsp. arctica is detected, and morphologically intermediate hybids have been identified, indicating hybridization and subsequent backcrossing. Here we discuss the relationships between these two species, and provide a key that is useful for differentiating them.
1,2-Dicyanoferrocene: synthesis and characterization
Authors: Abdulmalic Mohammad A. , Lehrich Steve W. , Lang Heinrich , Rüffer Tobias
Published: March 2016

A convenient synthesis of 1,2-dicyanoferrocene (3) was developed by using 2,4-dinitrofluorobenzene as a dehydrating agent for the treatment of 1,2-ferrocenedicarbaldehyde dioxime (2) to give 3 in yields exceeding 80%. Compounds 2 and 3 have been characterized by IR and NMR (1H, 13C{1H}) spectroscopy and by electrochemistry (cyclic voltammetry and square-wave voltammetry). Furthermore, the molecular structures of 2 and 3 in the solid state have been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies.
Biodegradation of waste greases and biochemical properties of a novel lipase from Pseudomonas synxantha PS1
Authors: Cai Xianghai , Chen Siqi , Yang Hong , Wang Wei , Lin Lin , Shen Yaling , Wei Wei , Wei Dong-zhi
Published: March 2016

A lipase-producing bacterial strain was isolated from oil-well-produced water in Shengli oilfield (Shandong province, China) and was identified as Pseudomonas synxantha by 16S rDNA sequence analysis (named Pseudomonas synxantha PS1). Strain PS1 showed a maximum lipase activity of 10.8 U/mL after culturing for 48 h at 30 °C, with lactose (4 g/L) as carbon source, tryptone (8 g/L) as nitrogen source, olive oil (0.5%, v/v) as inductor, and the initial pH 8.0. Meanwhile, the lipase gene from P. synxantha PS1 was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 with the vector pET28a. The novel gene (lipPS1) has an open reading frame of 1425 bp and encodes a 474 aa lipase (LipPS1) sharing the most identity (87%) with the lipase in Pseudomonas fluorescens. LipPS1 preferably acted on substrates with a long chain (C10–C18) of fatty acids. The optimum pH and temperature of the recombinant enzyme were 8.0 and 40 °C, respectively, towards the optimum substrate p-nitrophenyl palmitate. The LipPS1 showed remarkable stability under alkaline conditions and was stable at pH 7.0–10.0 (retaining more than 60% activity). From the organic solvents tests, the lipase was activated by 15% (v/v) methanol (112%), 15% ethanol (127%), and 15% n-butyl alcohol (116%). LipPS1 presented strong biodegradability of waste grease; 93% of waste grease was hydrolyzed into fatty acid after 12 h at 30 °C. This is the first report of the lipase activity and lipase gene obtained from P. synxantha (including wild strain and recombinant strain) and of the recombinant LipPS1 with the detailed enzymatic properties. Also a preliminary study of the biodegradability of waste greases shows the potential value in industry applications.
Comparison of Design Models: A Systematic Mapping Study
Authors: Gonçales Lucian José , Farias Kleinner , Scholl Murilo , Roberto Veronez Mauricio , de Oliveira Toacy Cavalcante
Published: March 2016

Context: Model comparison plays a central role in many software engineering activities. However, a comprehensive understanding about the state-of-the-art is still required. Goal: This paper aims at classifying and performing a thematic analysis of the current literature. Method: For this, we have followed well-established empirical guidelines to define and perform a systematic mapping study. Results: Some studies (14 out of 40) provide generic model comparison techniques, rather than specific ones for UML diagrams. Conclusion: Fine-grained techniques are still required to support ever-present and complex model comparison tasks during the evolution of design models.
TUBERCULOUS KYPHOSIS — EVOLVING CONCEPTS IN PREVENTION AND TREATMENT
Authors: Moon Myung-Sang , Kim Sung-Soo , Sihn Jang-Cheol
Published: March 2016

In spinal tuberculosis, children bone is easily destroyed, and as a result spinal deformity complicates in higher rates in comparison with the adult tuberculous spine. However, the pediatric spine with tuberculosis is more flexible than those of the adult-spine, because spontaneous intercorporal fusion of the diseased segments in children never occur. Thus, prevention and/or correction of the tuberculous kyphosis is easier than those of the adults. Also in particular by posterior tethering instrumentation surgery the formed kyphosis can be corrected gradually during growth period. The key message is that in pediatric spinal tuberculosis, spontaneous intercorporal fusion of the diseased segment hardly takes place even under the posterior instrument-aided stabilization and the coverage of antituberculous chemotherapy. Therefore, tuberculous spine in children even after cure should be observed until growth maturity.
Charged Polymer Membranes for Environmental/Energy Applications
Authors: Kamcev Jovan , Freeman Benny D.
Published: March 2016

Ion exchange membranes are used in various membrane-based processes (e.g., electrodialysis, fuel cells). Charged solute transport is largely governed by the charged groups on the polymer backbone. In this review, fundamental relationships describing salt permeability and ionic conductivity, as well as water permeability, in charged polymers are developed within the framework of the Nernst-Planck and solution-diffusion models. The influence of fixed charge groups and polymer structure on water sorption and diffusion is discussed. Current understanding of ion partitioning in charged polymers, focusing on the use of thermodynamic models (i.e., Donnan theory) to describe such phenomena, is summarized. Ion diffusivity data from the literature are interpreted using a model developed by Mackie and Meares to assess relative and absolute effects of the polymer and fixed charge groups on ion diffusivity. Furthermore, membrane requirements for several important technologies are listed. Knowledge gaps and opportunities for fundamental research are also discussed.
Remote Sensing and Reflectance Profiling in Entomology
Authors: Nansen Christian , Elliott Norman
Published: March 2016

Remote sensing describes the characterization of the status of objects and/or the classification of their identity based on a combination of spectral features extracted from reflectance or transmission profiles of radiometric energy. Remote sensing can be benchtop based, and therefore acquired at a high spatial resolution, or airborne at lower spatial resolution to cover large areas. Despite important challenges, airborne remote sensing technologies will undoubtedly be of major importance in optimized management of agricultural systems in the twenty-first century. Benchtop remote sensing applications are becoming important in insect systematics and in phenomics studies of insect behavior and physiology. This review highlights how remote sensing influences entomological research by enabling scientists to nondestructively monitor how individual insects respond to treatments and ambient conditions. Furthermore, novel remote sensing technologies are creating intriguing interdisciplinary bridges between entomology and disciplines such as informatics and electrical engineering.
The Molecular Evolution of Xenobiotic Metabolism and Resistance in Chelicerate Mites
Authors: Van Leeuwen Thomas , Dermauw Wannes
Published: March 2016

Chelicerate mites diverged from other arthropod lineages more than 400 million years ago and subsequently developed specific and remarkable xenobiotic adaptations. The study of the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, for which a high-quality Sanger-sequenced genome was first available, revealed expansions and radiations in all major detoxification gene families, including P450 monooxygenases, carboxyl/cholinesterases, glutathione-S-transferases, and ATP-binding cassette transporters. Novel gene families that are not well studied in other arthropods, such as major facilitator family transporters and lipocalins, also reflect the evolution of xenobiotic adaptation. The acquisition of genes by horizontal gene transfer provided new routes to handle toxins, for example, the β-cyanoalanine synthase enzyme that metabolizes cyanide. The availability of genomic resources for other mite species has allowed researchers to study the lineage specificity of these gene family expansions and the distinct evolution of genes involved in xenobiotic metabolism in mites. Genome-based tools have been crucial in supporting the idiosyncrasies of mite detoxification and will further support the expanding field of mite-plant interactions.
Biosynthesis, Turnover, and Functions of Chitin in Insects
Authors: Zhu Kun Yan , Merzendorfer Hans , Zhang Wenqing , Zhang Jianzhen , Muthukrishnan Subbaratnam
Published: March 2016

Chitin is a major component of the exoskeleton and the peritrophic matrix of insects. It forms complex structures in association with different assortments of cuticle and peritrophic matrix proteins to yield biocomposites with a wide range of physicochemical and mechanical properties. The growth and development of insects are intimately coupled with the biosynthesis, turnover, and modification of chitin. The genes encoding numerous enzymes of chitin metabolism and proteins that associate with and organize chitin have been uncovered by bioinformatics analyses. Many of these proteins are encoded by sets of large gene families. There is specialization among members within each family, which function in particular tissues or developmental stages. Chitin-containing matrices are dynamically modified at every developmental stage and are under developmental and/or physiological control. A thorough understanding of the diverse processes associated with the assembly and turnover of these chitinous matrices offers many strategies to achieve selective pest control.
Real-Time Probing of Electron Dynamics Using Attosecond Time-Resolved Spectroscopy
Authors: Ramasesha Krupa , Leone Stephen R. , Neumark Daniel M.
Published: March 2016

Attosecond science has paved the way for direct probing of electron dynamics in gases and solids. This review provides an overview of recent attosecond measurements, focusing on the wealth of knowledge obtained by the application of isolated attosecond pulses in studying dynamics in gases and solid-state systems. Attosecond photoelectron and photoion measurements in atoms reveal strong-field tunneling ionization and a delay in the photoemission from different electronic states. These measurements applied to molecules have shed light on ultrafast intramolecular charge migration. Similar approaches are used to understand photoemission processes from core and delocalized electronic states in metal surfaces. Attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy is used to follow the real-time motion of valence electrons and to measure the lifetimes of autoionizing channels in atoms. In solids, it provides the first measurements of bulk electron dynamics, revealing important phenomena such as the timescales governing the switching from an insulator to a metallic state and carrier-carrier interactions.
Interfacial Charge Transfer States in Condensed Phase Systems
Authors: Vandewal Koen
Published: March 2016

Intermolecular charge transfer (CT) states at the interface between electron-donating (D) and electron-accepting (A) materials in organic thin films are characterized by absorption and emission bands within the optical gap of the interfacing materials. CT states efficiently generate charge carriers for some D–A combinations, and others show high fluorescence quantum efficiencies. These properties are exploited in organic solar cells, photodetectors, and light-emitting diodes. This review summarizes experimental and theoretical work on the electronic structure and interfacial energy landscape at condensed matter D–A interfaces. Recent findings on photogeneration and recombination of free charge carriers via CT states are discussed, and relations between CT state properties and optoelectronic device parameters are clarified.
Enhancing Important Fluctuations: Rare Events and Metadynamics from a Conceptual Viewpoint
Authors: Valsson Omar , Tiwary Pratyush , Parrinello Michele
Published: March 2016

Atomistic simulations play a central role in many fields of science. However, their usefulness is often limited by the fact that many systems are characterized by several metastable states separated by high barriers, leading to kinetic bottlenecks. Transitions between metastable states are thus rare events that occur on significantly longer timescales than one can simulate in practice. Numerous enhanced sampling methods have been introduced to alleviate this timescale problem, including methods based on identifying a few crucial order parameters or collective variables and enhancing the sampling of these variables. Metadynamics is one such method that has proven successful in a great variety of fields. Here we review the conceptual and theoretical foundations of metadynamics. As demonstrated, metadynamics is not just a practical tool but can also be considered an important development in the theory of statistical mechanics.
Gas-Phase Femtosecond Particle Spectroscopy: A Bottom-Up Approach to Nucleotide Dynamics
Authors: Stavros Vasilios G. , Verlet Jan R.R.
Published: March 2016

We summarize how gas-phase ultrafast charged-particle spectroscopy has been used to provide an understanding of the photophysics of DNA building blocks. We focus on adenine and discuss how, following UV excitation, specific interactions determine the fates of its excited states. The dynamics can be probed using a systematic bottom-up approach that provides control over these interactions and that allows ever-larger complexes to be studied. Starting from a chromophore in adenine, the excited state decay mechanisms of adenine and chemically substituted or clustered adenine are considered and then extended to adenosine mono-, di-, and trinucleotides. We show that the gas-phase approach can offer exquisite insight into the dynamics observed in aqueous solution, but we also highlight stark differences. An outlook is provided that discusses some of the most promising developments in this bottom-up approach.
Rethinking Dimensions of Democracy for Empirical Analysis: Authenticity, Quality, Depth, and Consolidation
Authors: Fishman Robert M.
Published: March 2016

This article analyzes the scholarship on variation among democracies and offers a proposal intended to address the relative lack of consensus over the fundamental conceptual infrastructure underpinning this literature. The framework introduced here differentiates between four dimensions of democracy: authenticity, quality, depth and consolidation—arguing that they may vary with some independence from one another. This approach simultaneously addresses concerns of normative and empirical democratic theory, rooting the conceptualization of democracy's dimensions in central aspirations that motivate normative theorists and political actors. The distinction between authenticity and quality as formulated here centers on the difference between standards understood to be required for membership in the democratic genus and normatively valued goals that surpass such standards. Work on democratic depth, as formulated here, addresses concerns over the possible tension between “minimalist” operational definitions and the underlying idea of democracy with its emphasis on political equality and rule by the people.
Transparency, Replication, and Cumulative Learning: What Experiments Alone Cannot Achieve
Authors: Dunning Thad
Published: March 2016

Replication of simple and transparent experiments should promote the cumulation of knowledge. Yet, randomization alone does not guarantee simple analysis, transparent reporting, or third-party replication. This article surveys several challenges to cumulative learning from experiments and discusses emerging research practices—including several kinds of prespecification, two forms of replication, and a new model for coordinated experimental research—that may partially overcome the obstacles. I reflect on both the strengths and limitations of these new approaches to doing social science research. NOTE: This article has been corrected and republished as doi:10.1146/annurev-polisci-072516-014127 .
Public Support for European Integration
Authors: Hobolt Sara B. , de Vries Catherine E.
Published: March 2016

Public opinion is increasingly at the heart of both political and scholarly debates on European integration. This article reviews the large literature on public support for, and opposition to, European integration, focusing on conceptualization, causes, and consequences: What is public support for European integration? How can we explain variation in support and Euroskepticism? What are the consequences of public support for elections and policy making in the European Union? The review reveals that although a growing literature has sought to explain individual support for European integration, more work is needed to understand the ways in which opinions are shaped by their national context and how increasing public contestation of the European Union poses a challenge to, and an opportunity for, the future of the integration project.
Statistical Model Choice
Authors: Claeskens Gerda
Published: March 2016

Variable selection methods and model selection approaches are valuable statistical tools that are indispensable for almost any statistical modeling question. This review first considers the use of information criteria for model selection. Such criteria provide an ordering of the considered models where the best model is selected. Different modeling goals might require different criteria to be used. Next, the effect of including a penalty in the estimation process is discussed. Third, nonparametric estimation is discussed; it contains several aspects of model choice, such as the choice of the estimator to use and the selection of tuning parameters. Fourth, model averaging approaches are reviewed in which estimators from different models are weighted to provide one final estimator. There are several ways to choose the weights, and most of them result in data-driven, hence random, weights. Challenges for inference after model selection and inference for model-averaged estimators are discussed.
SCAR Marker for Identification and Discrimination of Commiphora wightii and C. myrrha
Authors: Sairkar Pramod Kumar , Sharma Anjana , Shukla N. P.
Published: March 2016

Commercially important Commiphora species are drought-tolerant plants and they are leafless for most of the year. Therefore, it is necessary to develop some molecular marker for the identification. Intended for that, in the present study, species-specific, sequence-characterized amplified regions (SCAR) markers were developed for proficient and precise identification of closely related species Commiphora wightii and C. myrrha, which may ensure the quality, safety, and efficacy of medicines made from these plants through adulterous mixing of these plants. Two species-specific RAPD amplicons were selected, gel-purified, cloned, and sequenced after screening of 20 RAPD primers. The sequence of 979 and 590 nucleotides (Genebank accession numbers K90051 and K90052) was used for development of 4 SCAR markers, namely, Sc1P, Sc1Pm, Sc2P, and Sc2Pm. Out of them, the Sc1Pm was specific for C. wightii, while Sc2P discriminated both the Commiphora species. These markers are first reported and will be useful for rapid identification of closely related Commiphora wightii and C. myrrha species.
Photopsias during Systemic Bevacizumab Therapy
Authors: Leisy Heather , Ahmad Meleha , Smith R. Theodore
Published: March 2016

Background.The authors describe a case of recurrent photopsias in a 56-year-old woman following repeat treatments with systemic intravenous bevacizumab for stage IV ovarian cancer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of photopsias following systemic bevacizumab treatments in a patient with a normal eye exam.Case Presentation.A 56-year-old Caucasian female complained of onset of floaters and flashes in the temporal peripheral field of the right eye 1 day after receiving intravenous of 30 g of 25 mg/mL of systemic bevacizumab for treatment of stage IV ovarian cancer. Ophthalmic examination, including dilated fundus exam, spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) of the optic nerve head, and enhanced depth imaging SD-OCT of the macula, revealed no significant abnormalities. Possible mechanisms are reviewed.Conclusion.We propose that patients who undergo intravenous bevacizumab treatments are questioned for any ocular symptoms and that more systematic evaluations of retinal nerve fiber layer and choroidal effects are obtained in those patients who are on long-term treatment at high doses.
Plant Leaf Recognition through Local Discriminative Tangent Space Alignment
Authors: Zhang Chuanlei , Zhang Shanwen , Fang Weidong
Published: March 2016

Manifold learning based dimensionality reduction algorithms have been payed much attention in plant leaf recognition as the algorithms can select a subset of effective and efficient discriminative features in the leaf images. In this paper, a dimensionality reduction method based on local discriminative tangent space alignment (LDTSA) is introduced for plant leaf recognition based on leaf images. The proposed method can embrace part optimization and whole alignment and encapsulate the geometric and discriminative information into a local patch. The experiments on two plant leaf databases, ICL and Swedish plant leaf datasets, demonstrate the effectiveness and feasibility of the proposed method.
Cefazolin Irreversibly Inhibits Proliferation and Migration of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells
Authors: Pilge Hakan , Fröbel Julia , Lensing-Höhn Sabine , Zilkens Christoph , Krauspe Rüdiger
Published: March 2016

Drugs may have a significant effect on postoperative bone healing by reducing the function of human mesenchymal stromal cells (hMSC) or mature osteoblasts. Although cefazolin is one of the most commonly used antibiotic drugs in arthroplasty to prevent infection worldwide, there is a lack of information regarding how cefazolin affects hMSC and therefore may have an effect on early bone healing. We studied the proliferation and migration capacity of primary hMSC during cefazolin treatment at various doses for up to 3 days, as well as the reversibility of the effects during the subsequent 3 days of culture without the drug. We found a time- and dose-dependent reduction of the proliferation rate and the migratory potential. Tests of whether these effects were reversible revealed that doses ≥250 μg/mL or treatments longer than 24 h irreversibly affected the cells. We are the first to show that application of cefazolin irreversibly inhibits the potential of hMSC for migration to the trauma site and local proliferation. Cefazolin should be administered only at the required dosage and time to prevent periprosthetic infection. If long-term administration is required and delayed bone healing is present, cefazolin application must be considered as a cause of delayed bone healing.
Hybrid Composites from Wheat Straw, Inorganic Filler, and Recycled Polypropylene: Morphology and Mechanical and Thermal Expansion Performance
Authors: Yu Min , Huang Runzhou , He Chunxia , Wu Qinglin , Zhao Xueni
Published: March 2016

Reinforcing effect of hybrid filler including wheat straw (WS) and inorganic filler (heavy calcium carbonate, silicon dioxide, and fly ash) in recycled polypropylene (R-PP) has been investigated. The effects of individual filler (WS) and combined fillers (WS and inorganic filler) on morphological, mechanical, and thermal expansion and water absorption properties of hybrid composites were investigated. The flexural modulus and flexural strength were both reduced when reinforced with three kinds of inorganic fillers, respectively, which was possibly due to the poor interphase adhesion as observed in SEM. The high surface energy of heavy calcium carbonate due to its high acidic character provides an opportunity of better PP-heavy calcium carbonate interfacial interactions compared to PP-straw, PP-fly ash, and PP-SiO2interface. The water absorption at saturation increased markedly by introduction of WS in it. The hybrid composites from WS and inorganic fillers showed better water absorption compared to those WS/PP composites. The thermal expansion of composites decreased with the increase of WS loading. Heavy calcium and SiO2can obviously reduce the LCTE value of composite. At the 25% inorganic filler content, composites had the smallest LCTE values.
An Adaptive Object Tracking Using Kalman Filter and Probability Product Kernel
Authors: Ait Abdelali Hamd , Essannouni Fedwa , Essannouni Leila , Aboutajdine Driss
Published: March 2016

We present a new method for object tracking; we use an efficient local search scheme based on the Kalman filter and the probability product kernel (KFPPK) to find the image region with a histogram most similar to the histogram of the tracked target. Experimental results verify the effectiveness of this proposed system.
Approximation of a Common Element of the Fixed Point Sets of Multivalued Strictly Pseudocontractive-Type Mappings and the Set of Solutions of an Equilibrium Problem in Hilbert Spaces
Authors: Isiogugu F. O.
Published: March 2016

The strong convergence of a hybrid algorithm to a common element of the fixed point sets of multivalued strictly pseudocontractive-type mappings and the set of solutions of an equilibrium problem in Hilbert spaces is obtained using a strict fixed point set condition. The obtained results improve, complement, and extend the results on multivalued and single-valued mappings in the contemporary literature.
Coadministration of Resveratrol and Rice Oil Mitigates Nociception and Oxidative State in a Mouse Fibromyalgia-Like Model
Authors: Peres Klein Caroline , Rodrigues Cintra Marcos , Binda Nancy , Montijo Diniz Danuza , Gomez Marcus Vinicius , Souto Andre Arigony , de Souza Alessandra Hubner
Published: March 2016

The mechanism underlying pain symptoms in fibromyalgia (FM) is not fully understood. Oxidative stress has emerged as pathophysiological event occurring during the development of the disease. The present study aimed at investigating the efficacy of resveratrol associated with rice bran oil on fibromyalgia-like mice model. Subcutaneous injection of reserpine (0.25 mg/Kg) during 3 days produced fibromyalgia-like symptoms. Resveratrol and/or rice oil or pregabalin were administered through oral route in therapeutic (single dose) and preventive (four doses) schemes. In both schemes, treatment with resveratrol associated with rice bran oil and pregabalin significantly reduced mechanical allodynia and thermal hyperalgesia in animals. The preventive scheme displayed antidepressant effect which was demonstrated by the forced swimming test as well as reduced reactive species in the cerebrospinal fluid of reserpinized animals. Taken together, our data provide evidences that the intake of resveratrol associated with rice bran oil plays antinociceptive and antidepressant actions probably through reducing reactive species and suggests the involvement of oxidative stress in this model of FM as possible underlying mechanism of pathogenesis of the disease.
Prediction of Dynamic Milling Stability considering Time Variation of Deflection and Dynamic Characteristics in Thin-Walled Component Milling Process
Authors: Zhang Li , Gao Weiguo , Zhang Dawei , Tian Yanling
Published: March 2016

The milling stability of thin-walled component is an important problem in the aviation manufacturing industry. The milling stability is influenced by both deflection characteristic and dynamic characteristic of workpiece. Moreover, in the material removal, the deflection and dynamic characteristics of workpiece are time-variant on the change of machining positions. Thus, the milling stability is also time-variant. In order to investigate the time variation of deflection and dynamic characteristics of workpiece, a new computational model was established in this paper. Based on the influences of the deflection and the dynamic characteristics of workpiece, a new stability lobes diagram which can show different stability domains and chatter domains in different process positions was obtained. Experimental testing has been conducted to validate the established new model.
Searching for an Added Value of Precipitation in Downscaled Seasonal Hindcasts over East Africa: COSMO-CLM Forced by MPI-ESM
Authors: Cheneka Bedassa R. , Brienen Susanne , Fröhlich Kristina , Asharaf Shakeel , Früh Barbara
Published: March 2016

Downscaling of seasonal hindcasts over East Africa with the regional climate model (RCM) COSMO-CLM (CCLM), forced by the global climate model (GCM) and MPI-ESM, is evaluated. The simulations are done for five months (May to September) for a ten-year period (2000–2009), with the evaluation performed only for June to September. The dry years, 2002 and 2009, and the wet years, 2006 and 2007, are well captured by the models. By using ground based and satellite gridded observation data for evaluation it is found that both COSMO-CLM and MPI-ESM overestimate June to September precipitation over the Ethiopian highlands and in parts of the lowland with respect to all reference datasets. In addition we investigated the potential and real added value for both the RCM and the GCM hindcasts by upscaling (arithmetic mean) the precipitation resolution both in temporal and in spatial scales, over North Ethiopia (EN), South Ethiopia (ES), South Sudan (SS), and Sudan (S). Results inferred that using the RCM for seasonal forecast adds value in capturing extreme precipitation years, especially in the Ethiopian highlands. It is also found that the potential and relative potential added value decrease with decreasing the temporal resolution.
Role of Forest Resources to Local Livelihoods: The Case of East Mau Forest Ecosystem, Kenya
Authors: Langat D. K. , Maranga E. K. , Aboud A. A. , Cheboiwo J. K.
Published: March 2016

Forests in Kenya are threatened by unsustainable uses and conversion to alternative land uses. In spite of the consequences of forest degradation and biodiversity loss and reliance of communities on forests livelihoods, there is little empirical data on the role of forest resources in livelihoods of the local communities. Socioeconomic, demographic, and forest use data were obtained by interviewing 367 households. Forest product market survey was undertaken to determine prices of various forest products for valuation of forest use. Forest income was significant to households contributing 33% of total household income. Fuel wood contributed 50%, food (27%), construction material (18%), and fodder, and thatching material 5% to household forest income. Absolute forest income and relative forest income (%) were not significantly different across study locations and between ethnic groups. However, absolute forest income and relative forest income (%) were significantly different among wealth classes. Poor households were more dependent on forests resources. However, in absolute terms, the rich households derived higher forest income. These results provide valuable information on the role of forest resources to livelihoods and could be applied in developing forest conservation policies for enhanced ecosystem services and livelihoods.
Spectrum of Maternofetal Outcomes during Dengue Infection in Pregnancy: An Insight
Authors: Sharma Swati , Jain Sandhya , Rajaram Shalini
Published: March 2016

Dengue is a vector transmitted viral infection; tropical and subtropical countries see outbreaks of dengue each year. There is a paucity of literature on effects of dengue infection on pregnancy outcome and this prompted us to undertake a study for better understanding of pregnancy implications with dengue infection. Pregnant women admitted during the seasonal outbreak of dengue between September 2015 and October 2015 were studied and maternal and fetal outcomes in sixteen NS1Ag positive women were analysed. Out of sixteen women diagnosed with dengue fever, three had dengue shock syndrome (DSS) and eight had dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF). The most common obstetric complication seen in 43% of the cases was oligohydramnios. Bleeding manifestations occurred in seven women and there were three maternal deaths. Perinatal complications included three intrauterine deaths, six nursery admissions, and one neonatal death. Thus dengue infection was associated with high maternal and perinatal mortality. In view of poor obstetric outcomes, this viral infection warrants early admission and prompt management.
Protective Effect of Tempol on Buthionine Sulfoximine‐Induced Mitochondrial Impairment in Hippocampal Derived HT22 Cells
Authors: Salvi Ankita , Patki Gaurav , Khan Eisha , Asghar Mohammad , Salim Samina
Published: March 2016

Using a simulated oxidative stress model of hippocampus‐derived immortalized cell line (HT22), we report that prooxidant buthionine sulfoximine (BSO, 1 mM, 14 h), without adversely affecting cell viability or morphology, induced oxidative stress by inhibiting glutathione synthesis. BSO treatment also significantly reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity (p < 0.05) and significantly lowered total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.001) in HT22 cells when compared to vehicle treated control cells. Antioxidant tempol, a piperidine nitroxide considered a SOD mimetic, reversed BSO‐induced decline in SOD activity (p < 0.01) and also increased BSO‐induced decline in total antioxidant capacity (p < 0.05). Interestingly, BSO treatment significantly reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption (p < 0.05), decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (p < 0.05), and lowered ATP production (p < 0.05) when compared to vehicle treated control cells, collectively indicative of mitochondrial impairment. Antioxidant tempol treatment mitigated all three indicators of mitochondrial impairment. We postulate that BSO‐induced oxidative stress in HT22 cells caused mitochondrial impairment, and tempol by increasing SOD activity and improving antioxidant capacity presumably protected the cells from BSO‐induced mitochondrial impairment. In conclusion, present study provides an interesting simulation of oxidative stress in hippocampal cells, which will serve as an excellent model to study mitochondrial functions.
A Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (Clarkson Syndrome) in a Patient with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia: A Case Report in an Out-of-Hospital Setting
Authors: Durand Bechu Manon , Rouget Antoine , Recher Christian , Azoulay Elie , Bounes Vincent
Published: March 2016

Systemic Capillary Leak Syndrome (SCLS) is a rare disease with poor prognosis, characterized by the occurrence of mucocutaneous and visceral edema with hypotension, hemoconcentration, and unexpected hypoalbuminemia. The disease can be idiopathic (Clarkson syndrome) or secondary to other diseases and treatments. We describe this syndrome in a prehospitalized, 63-year-old patient with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and an idiopathic form of SCLS manifesting as hypovolemic shock. Initial care is hospitalization in intensive care. In addition to etiological treatment if fluid replacement is necessary, treatment must be closely monitored for secondary overload complications. Catecholamine rather than arrhythmogenic support may be associated.