bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficient Particle Swarm Optimized Particle Filter Based Improved Multiple Model Tracking Algorithm
Authors: Chen Zhimin , Qu Yuanxin , Xi Zhengdong , Bo Yuming , Liu Bing
Published: January 2016

To meet the requirements of modern radar maneuvering target tracking system and remedy the defects of interacting multiple model based on particle filter, noninteracting multiple model (NIMM) and enhanced particle swarm optimized particle filter (EPSO‐PF) are proposed. The improved maneuvering target tracking algorithm (NIMM‐EPSO‐PF) in this article combines the advantages of NIMM with those of EPSO‐PF. NIMM is used to figure out the index of particles to avoid the high computing complexity resulting from particle interaction, and EPSO‐PF can not only improve the equation of particle update through the rules individuals develop an understanding of group but also enhance particle diversity and accuracy of particle filter through the small variation probability of superior velocity. Besides, the random assignment of inferior velocity is capable of upgrading filter efficiency. As shown by the experimental result, the NIMM‐EPSO‐PF not only improves target tracking accuracy but also maintains high real‐time performance. Therefore, the improved algorithm can be applied to modern radar maneuvering target tracking field efficiently.
The terminology of pre‐invasive cervical lesions in the UK cervical screening programme
Authors: Herrington C. S.
Published: January 2016

The terminology of non‐invasive epithelial abnormalities associated with an elevated risk of having or developing invasive cervical carcinoma (pre‐invasive lesions) has been modified frequently over time as understanding of the underlying biology, and approaches to disease management, have changed. The arguments are now converging on the conclusion that the most appropriate terminology for cervical squamous intraepithelial abnormalities should be two‐tier rather than three‐tier. Given the findings of the Lower Anogenital Squamous Terminology (LAST) project in the USA, which have recently been endorsed by the World Health Organisation classification of tumours of female reproductive organs, the recommended terms are low‐grade and high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (SIL), with the option of including the relevant cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) grade in parentheses. Although, at first sight, this appears to represent only a small change, there is a fundamental conceptual difference between the systems. The CIN system requires, first, the identification of a CIN lesion and, second, the determination of its grade on a continuum, with subsequent division into three grades. The SIL system is based on the existence of two different forms of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection, with productive infection leading to low‐grade SIL and transforming infection leading to high‐grade SIL.
Does the Entry of Third‐Party Remanufacturers Always Hurt Original Equipment Manufacturers?
Authors: Wu Xiaole , Zhou Yu
Published: January 2016

Researchers and managers broadly agree that the entry of third‐party remanufacturers (TPRs) hurts original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) because of the cannibalization problem. Thus, OEMs should always try to deter the entry of TPRs. In this article, we present a contrasting view: Competing OEMs without remanufacturing capacities sometimes benefit from the entry of TPRs. The key feature of our model is that there exists a group of newness‐conscious consumers in the market who do not buy the remanufactured product regardless of the price, whereas a group of functionality‐oriented consumers (FOCs) may buy a remanufactured one at a low price. In a steady‐state‐period setting, we investigate how the number of TPRs affects the OEMs’ profits. We find that, from the perspective of two competing OEMs: (i) The entry of one or many TPRs may lead to a higher profit; (ii) The entry of many TPRs may be better than the entry of one TPR; and (iii) The impact of the entry of one or many TPRs may be reversed as FOCs’ willingness‐to‐pay for the remanufactured product increases.
Intact FGF23 and α‐klotho during acute inflammation/sepsis in CKD patients
Authors: Dounousi Evangelia , Torino Claudia , Pizzini Patrizia , Cutrupi Sebastiano , Panuccio Vincenzo , D'Arrigo Graziella , Abd ElHafeez Samar , Tripepi Giovanni , Mallamaci Francesca , Zoccali Carmine
Published: January 2016

Background

High FGF23 and low α‐Klotho levels associate with systemic inflammation and reduced nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, but the dynamics of this relationship in patients with CKD has not been investigated.

Methods

We sequentially measured serum intact FGF23 and carboxyl‐terminal (iFGF23, cFGF23), the iFGF23/cFGF23 ratio, αKlotho, biomarkers of inflammation (hs‐CRP, IL‐6 and TNF‐α) and sepsis (procalcitonin), nitrotyrosine (reflecting NO synthesis and oxidative stress), serum iron and ferritin and CKD‐MBD biomarkers, PTH, 25(OH)VD, 1,25(OH)2VD at peak of intercurrent sepsis and after complete resolution in a series of 17 patients with CKD.

Results

At peak infection, biomarkers of inflammation/sepsis, ferritin and nitrotyrosine were all very high (all P < 0·01) and declined towards the normal range thereafter (P < 0·01). iFGF23 was 191 ± 10 pg/ml (geometric mean, SD) and doubled to 371 ± 8 pg/ml (P = 0·003) after the resolution of infection, while cFGF23 did not change (246 ± 5 pg/mL vs. 248 ± 5 pg/mL, P = 0·50). As a consequence, the iFGF23/cFGF23 ratio, an indicator of the proteolytic cleavage of the FGF23 molecule, was 0·78 ± 3·87 at peak infection and increased to 1·49 ± 3·00 after resolution of infection (P < 0·001). In contrast, serum α‐Klotho levels were upregulated at peak infection (peak infection: 526 ± 4 pg/ml, postinfection: 447 ± 4 pg/ml, P = 0·001). The eGFR, PTH and vitamin D did not change significantly throughout.

Conclusions

Acute inflammation/sepsis suppresses the active form of FGF23 and activates α‐Klotho, the latter effect being likely attributable to enhance proteolysis of FGF23 molecule. iFGF23 downregulation and α‐Klotho upregulation during acute sepsis may participate into the counter‐regulatory response to severe inflammation in CKD patients with sepsis.
Progranulin and short‐term outcome in patients with acute ischaemic stroke
Authors: Xie S. , Lu L. , Liu L. , Bi G. , Zheng L.
Published: January 2016

Background and purpose

Stroke is a leading cause of death and severe disability worldwide. Serum biomarkers play a critical role in the assessment of the severity and prognosis in stroke patients.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study, the measurement of serum progranulin (PGRN) was conducted in 316 participants, including 216 patients with an identified diagnosis of acute ischaemic stroke and 100 normal control subjects. The primary end‐point was defined as all‐cause mortality for a short‐term follow‐up of 6 months. Adverse functional outcome (modified Rankin Scale score ≥3) was considered as the secondary end‐point.

Results

The median value of serum PGRN for patients with acute ischaemic stroke was 64.2 ng/ml (interquartile range 54.6–73.7), which was significantly higher than the control group [59.7 (54.4–64.4) ng/ml; P < 0.001]. Multivariable linear regression suggested that PGRN levels were significantly correlated with body mass index, alcohol consumption, fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score and high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol. Serum PGRN concentrations were independently associated with increased risks of all‐cause mortality and adverse functional outcome after adjustment for clinical variables. In Cox proportional hazards models, PGRN levels were associated with the risk of mortality (hazard ratio 1.090, 95% confidence interval 1.033–1.150, P = 0.002). The net reclassification improvement of the model with added PGRN was 0.1902 (P = 0.0234) after adjustment for the variables in the Cox regression model for predicting all‐cause mortality, and the integrated discrimination improvement was 0.1052 (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Serum PGRN levels independently predicted all‐cause mortality and adverse functional outcome in the short term in stroke patients. The discriminative power was improved by PGRN on the basis of NIHSS score.
Gaming, Accountability and Trust: DRGs and Activity‐Based Funding in Norway
Authors: Lægreid Per , Neby Simon
Published: January 2016

This paper examines a particular performance management instrument in Norway: DRGs used in conjunction with activity‐based funding of hospitals. We ask whether this system creates opportunities for undesirable gaming practices, how accountability arrangements deal with gaming, and how trust and institutional logic may help to explain anomalies and their resolve. From an instrumental and cultural perspective, we examine six Norwegian cases of gaming and two governmental assessments of coding and activity‐based funding. Current solutions do provide gaming opportunities, in a highly complex accountability setting. Accountability arrangements highlight tensions between trust and distrust, rather than resolving the balance between individual goals and collective norms.
How willing are landowners to supply land for bioenergy crops in the Northern Great Lakes Region?
Authors: Swinton Scott M. , Tanner Sophia , Barham Bradford L. , Mooney Daniel F. , Skevas Theodoros
Published: January 2016

Land to produce biomass is essential if the United States is to expand bioenergy supply. Use of agriculturally marginal land avoids the food vs. fuel problems of food price rises and carbon debt that are associated with crop and forestland. Recent remote sensing studies have identified large areas of US marginal land deemed suitable for bioenergy crops. Yet the sustainability benefits of growing bioenergy crops on marginal land only pertain if land is economically available. Scant attention has been paid to the willingness of landowners to supply land for bioenergy crops. Focusing on the northern tier of the Great Lakes, where grassland transitions to forest and land prices are low, this contingent valuation study reports on the willingness of a representative sample of 1124 private, noncorporate landowners to rent land for three bioenergy crops: corn, switchgrass, and poplar. Of the 11% of land that was agriculturally marginal, they were willing to make available no more than 21% for any bioenergy crop (switchgrass preferred on marginal land) at double the prevailing land rental rate in the region. At the same generous rental rate, of the 28% that is cropland, they would rent up to 23% for bioenergy crops (corn preferred), while of the 55% that is forestland, they would rent up to 15% for bioenergy crops (poplar preferred). Regression results identified deterrents to land rental for bioenergy purposes included appreciation of environmental amenities and concern about rental disamenities. In sum, like landowners in the southern Great Lakes region, landowners in the Northern Tier are reluctant to supply marginal land for bioenergy crops. If rental markets existed, they would rent more crop and forestland for bioenergy crops than they would marginal land, which would generate carbon debt and opportunity costs in wood product and food markets.
Use of an Artificial Sweetener to Identify Sources of Groundwater Nitrate Contamination
Authors: Robertson W.D. , Van Stempvoort D.R. , Roy J.W. , Brown S.J. , Spoelstra J. , Schiff S.L. , Rudolph D.R. , Danielescu S. , Graham G.
Published: January 2016

The artificial sweetener acesulfame (ACE) is a potentially useful tracer of waste water contamination in groundwater. In this study, ACE concentrations were measured in waste water and impacted groundwater at 12 septic system sites in Ontario, Canada. All samples of septic tank effluent (n = 37) had ACE >6 µg/L, all samples of groundwater from the proximal plume zones (n = 93) had ACE >1 µg/L and, almost all samples from the distal plume zones had ACE >2 µg/L. Mean mass ratios of total inorganic nitrogen/ACE at the 12 sites ranged from 680 to 3500 for the tank and proximal plume samples. At five sites, decreasing ratio values in the distal zones indicated nitrogen attenuation. These ratios were applied to three aquifers in Canada that are nitrate‐stressed and an urban stream where septic systems are present nearby to estimate the amount of waste water nitrate contamination. At the three aquifer locations that are agricultural, low ACE values (<0.02‐0.15 µg/L) indicated that waste water contributed <15% of the nitrate in most samples. In groundwater discharging to the urban stream, much higher ACE values (0.2‐11 µg/L) indicated that waste water was the likely source of >50% of the nitrate in most samples. This study confirms that ACE is a powerful tracer and demonstrates its use as a diagnostic tool for establishing whether waste water is a significant contributor to groundwater contamination or not.
Ink‐Jet Printing of Aqueous Inks for Single‐Layer Deposition of Al‐Doped ZnO Thin Films
Authors: Vernieuwe Kenny , Feys Jonas , Cuypers Dieter , De Buysser Klaartje
Published: January 2016

In this article, Al‐doped ZnO thin films deposited by a one single‐layer approach are studied. An aqueous precursor solution was prepared for the deposition of Al‐doped ZnO thin film via ink‐jet printing. The physical properties of the ink were studied in detail by rheology measurement and drop visualization. The wetting of the ink with the substrate was studied by the use of wetting envelopes. A single layer of the ink was deposited on the substrate and fully processed. The thin films were studied by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, resistivity measurements, and optical transmission measurements. The optimal dopant concentration was set at 3 at.%, which resulted in thin films with a resistivity of 2.54 cΩ cm and an optical transmission larger than 90% over the visible range of the electromagnetic spectrum.
Evolutionary implications of mitochondrial genetic variation: mitochondrial genetic effects on OXPHOS respiration and mitochondrial quantity change with age and sex in fruit flies
Authors: Wolff J. N. , Pichaud N. , Camus M. F. , Côté G. , Blier P. U. , Dowling D. K.
Published: January 2016

The ancient acquisition of the mitochondrion into the ancestor of modern‐day eukaryotes is thought to have been pivotal in facilitating the evolution of complex life. Mitochondria retain their own diminutive genome, with mitochondrial genes encoding core subunits involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Traditionally, it was assumed that there was little scope for genetic variation to accumulate and be maintained within the mitochondrial genome. However, in the past decade, mitochondrial genetic variation has been routinely tied to the expression of life‐history traits such as fertility, development and longevity. To examine whether these broad‐scale effects on life‐history trait expression might ultimately find their root in mitochondrially mediated effects on core bioenergetic function, we measured the effects of genetic variation across twelve different mitochondrial haplotypes on respiratory capacity and mitochondrial quantity in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster. We used strains of flies that differed only in their mitochondrial haplotype, and tested each sex separately at two different adult ages. Mitochondrial haplotypes affected both respiratory capacity and mitochondrial quantity. However, these effects were highly context‐dependent, with the genetic effects contingent on both the sex and the age of the flies. These sex‐ and age‐specific genetic effects are likely to resonate across the entire organismal life‐history, providing insights into how mitochondrial genetic variation may contribute to sex‐specific trajectories of life‐history evolution.
A multigenerational effect of parental age on offspring size but not fitness in common duckweed (Lemna minor)
Authors: Barks P. M. , Laird R. A.
Published: January 2016

Classic theories on the evolution of senescence make the simplifying assumption that all offspring are of equal quality, so that demographic senescence only manifests through declining rates of survival or fecundity. However, there is now evidence that, in addition to declining rates of survival and fecundity, many organisms are subject to age‐related declines in the quality of offspring produced (i.e. parental age effects). Recent modelling approaches allow for the incorporation of parental age effects into classic demographic analyses, assuming that such effects are limited to a single generation. Does this ‘single‐generation’ assumption hold? To find out, we conducted a laboratory study with the aquatic plant Lemna minor, a species for which parental age effects have been demonstrated previously. We compared the size and fitness of 423 laboratory‐cultured plants (asexually derived ramets) representing various birth orders, and ancestral ‘birth‐order genealogies’. We found that offspring size and fitness both declined with increasing ‘immediate’ birth order (i.e. birth order with respect to the immediate parent), but only offspring size was affected by ancestral birth order. Thus, the assumption that parental age effects on offspring fitness are limited to a single generation does in fact hold for L. minor. This result will guide theorists aiming to refine and generalize modelling approaches that incorporate parental age effects into evolutionary theory on senescence.
Concentration of Polyphenolic Compounds in Blackberry (Rubus Adenotrichos Schltdl.) Juice by Nanofiltration
Authors: Acosta Oscar , Vaillant Fabrice , Pérez Ana M. , Dornier Manuel
Published: January 2016

Nanofiltration membranes with molecular weight cut‐off around 200 Da were evaluated to concentrate anthocyanins and ellagitannins in a blackberry juice. Temperature was 30°C and cross‐flow velocity 0.3 m/s. Transmembrane pressures varied from 0.5 to 3 MPa. At volumetric reduction ratio (VRR) of 1, higher transmembrane pressures caused an increase of permeate flux and of retention of total anthocyanins (>94%) and total soluble solids (44–97%). Every membrane presented 100% of total ellagitannin retention. Results were represented using the solution‐diffusion model. NF270 membrane at 3 MPa showed the highest potential for concentration of blackberry's main polyphenolic compounds (highest permeate flux and solute retention). Nevertheless, a simulated increase of VRR showed that permeate flux declined as the concentration of the feed solution increased. NF270 membrane may also be of interest to deacidify the juice, since at high pressures, sugars were completely retained and retention of acids was under 90%.

Practical Applications

The concentration of phytochemicals by means of membrane technologies is of interest to the food industry, because the operations replace evaporation processes that are energy‐intensive and use high temperatures that can reduce the compounds’ bioactivities. The results presented in this study may be valuable for processors that aim to concentrate fruit juices and extracts enriched with phytochemicals (such as anthocyanins and ellagitannins), by using nanofiltration. Furthermore, results show that nanofiltration membranes at specific operating conditions may not only be employed to concentrate, but also to deacidify fruit juices and extracts. This operation provides advantages when compared to other technologies such as calcium salt precipitation, ion‐exchange resins and electrodialysis.
The impact of research education on student nurse attitude, skill and uptake of evidence‐based practice: a descriptive longitudinal survey
Authors: Leach Matthew J , Hofmeyer Anne , Bobridge Amanda
Published: January 2016

Aims and Objectives

To measure the impact of an undergraduate research education program on the attitude, skill and uptake of evidence‐based practice among undergraduate student nurses.

Background

The contribution of evidence‐based practice to clinical decision‐making, quality of care and patient outcomes is well‐documented. One approach to improving evidence‐based practice uptake in clinical practice is through the provision of undergraduate research education; notwithstanding, the impact of research training on nursing practice is poorly established.

Design

Descriptive longitudinal survey.

Methods

Three hundred and fifty four third‐year nursing students enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing program of a large Australian University were invited. Pre‐ (Phase 1) and post‐completion (Phase 2) of a 16‐week research education program, participants were asked to complete the Evidence‐Based Practice Attitude and Utilization Survey; an 82‐item online questionnaire measuring attitudes, skills and use of evidence‐based practice, and barriers and facilitators of evidence‐based practice uptake.

Results

The survey was completed by 84 (24%) participants in Phase 1 and 33 (39% of Phase 1) participants in Phase 2. Program exposure resulted in a significant improvement in median skill and use subscores, but not median attitude subscore. Participants perceived inadequate skills in the interpretation, appraisal and application of research findings to clinical practice as being less of a barrier to evidence‐based practice uptake posteducation, and access to online critical appraisal tools as being significantly more useful in facilitating evidence‐based practice uptake posteducation.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that undergraduate research education may have a significant effect on nursing students' research skills and use of evidence‐based practice, and minimise barriers to evidence‐based practice uptake posteducation.

Relevance to clinical practice

Undergraduate research education may play an important role in improving student nurse uptake of evidence‐based practice; whether these changes can be sustained when transitioning from student nurse to registered nurse is a question for further research.
Conglomerate Investment, Skewness, and the CEO Long‐Shot Bias
Authors: SCHNEIDER CHRISTOPH , SPALT OLIVER
Published: January 2016

Do behavioral biases of executives matter for corporate investment decisions? Using segment‐level capital allocation in multisegment firms (“conglomerates”) as a laboratory, we show that capital expenditure is increasing in the expected skewness of segment returns. Conglomerates invest more in high‐skewness segments than matched stand‐alone firms, and trade at a discount, which indicates overinvestment that is detrimental to shareholder wealth. Using geographical variation in gambling norms, we find that the skewness‐investment relation is particularly pronounced when CEOs are likely to find long shots attractive. Our findings suggest that CEOs allocate capital with a long‐shot bias.
Clinical Outcomes of Bioresorbable Scaffold in Coronary Artery Disease: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Keh Yann Shan , Yap Jonathan , Yeo Khung Keong , Koh Tian Hai , Eeckhout Eric
Published: January 2016

Objectives

We aim to perform a systematic literature review on all studies reporting the clinical outcomes of the use of bioresorbable scaffolds (BRS) in different settings of coronary artery disease (CAD).

Background

BRS are designed to provide early support of the vessel wall postangioplasty, deliver antiproliferative agents to prevent excessive hyperplastic healing responses and finally “disappear” when no longer required. Emerging data have provided evidence of their use in specific clinical scenarios.

Methods

A comprehensive literature search was performed by 2 independent reviewers utilizing MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library databases. The only 2 CE marked BRS: everolimus‐eluting Bioresorbable vascular scaffold ABSORB BVS and the myolimus‐eluting DESolve Bioresorbable Coronary Scaffold (BCS) System were included.

Results

The studies were categorized into: ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), stable CAD, and “all‐comers” group. Thirty‐one studies were included; 8 in STEMI patients (all ABSORB), 15 in stable CAD patients. In the STEMI group (n = 606), acute procedural success ranged from 96% to 100%, cardiac mortality 0–9.1%, recurrent MI and stent thrombosis rates were 0–4.3%. In the stable CAD group, the 13 ABSORB studies (n = 3259) demonstrated cardiac mortality rate of 0–0.6%, recurrent MI rate 0–4.5%, and stent thrombosis rate 0–4.3%

Conclusions

Current clinical data suggest the BRS, especially the ABSORB BVS, may represent a reasonable alternative to DES in uncomplicated coronary anatomy. (J Interven Cardiol 2016;29:57–69)
Comparative Institutional Analysis and Institutional Complexity
Authors: Ahmadjian Christina L.
Published: January 2016

For multinational corporations (MNEs), the ability to navigate institutional complexity is a key to success or failure. MNEs face a complex landscape of national institutional differences in the countries in which they do business, and decisions on how to respond to these differences are very much strategic ones, reflecting agency and management skill. To understand how institutional complexity affects MNE behaviour, it is necessary to examine how institutions vary on a national or societal level and how these affect firm structure and capabilities in both home and host countries.
The politics of identity, recognition and multiculturalism: the Kurds in Turkey
Authors: Kuzu Durukan
Published: January 2016

The politics of identity and recognition regarding the Kurds in Turkey has gained momentum since 2002 but has never been implemented fully. The rightful critics emphasising the continuity of the State's authoritarian character, however, have not so far analysed if their own normative suggestions are theoretically consistent and sociologically grounded. Based on the Author's fieldwork and contemporary social surveys, this article shows that there are conflicting views within the Kurdish community about the forms that the politics of recognition could take. By exploring the conflicts of interest within the Kurdish community from a bottom‐up approach, the article concludes that the recognition of an authentic Kurdish identity is problematic sociologically. It is also more likely to harm than help the Kurds in the country from a normative perspective. The article explains how the quest for an authentic Kurdish political identity and attempts to generate it actually limit the individual autonomy and exacerbate the disparity between the Turks and the Kurds in the country.
Loss of miR‐125b contributes to upregulation of CYP24 in uraemic rats
Authors: Wang Lihua , Gao Zhiying , Wang Lili , Gao Yongning
Published: January 2016

Aim

Abnormal upregulation of CYP24 contributes to vitamin D insufficiency and resistance to vitamin D therapy in chronic kidney disease (CKD), because human CYP24 is a key enzyme involved in the inactivation of 1a,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1a,25(OH)2D3; calcitriol) and 1,25(OH)2D3. There are multiple mechanisms regulating CYP24 in a variety of types of tissues and diseases. An increasing body of evidence suggests that microRNA‐125b (miR‐125b) plays an important role in post‐transcriptional regulation of CYP24 mRNA.

Methods

We sought to test hypothesis that abnormal elevation of CYP24 in CKD is a consequence of loss of miR‐125b in CKD in a uraemia rat model.

Results

We found that expression of miR‐125b was significantly inhibited in uraemic rats coupled with increased CYP24 at both protein and mRNA levels compared with normal controls. In NRK‐52 kidney cells, we further found that miR‐125b antagomirs increased CYP24 but miR‐125b mimics decreased CYP24, and luciferase assay confirmed that CYP24 is a direct target of miR‐125b. Vitamin D status exerted no significant effects on expression of both miR‐125b and CYP24 in uraemic rats.

Conclusion

These results suggest that modulation of miR‐125b may be used for treatment of Vitamin D insufficiency in CKD.
Modulation of vagal tone enhances gastroduodenal motility and reduces somatic pain sensitivity
Authors: Frøkjær J. B. , Bergmann S. , Brock C. , Madzak A. , Farmer A. D. , Ellrich J. , Drewes A. M.
Published: January 2016

Background

The parasympathetic nervous system, whose main neural substrate is the vagus nerve, exerts a fundamental antinociceptive role and influences gastrointestinal sensori‐motor function. Our research question was to whether combined electrical and physiological modulation of vagal tone, using transcutaneous electrical vagal nerve stimulation (t‐VNS) and deep slow breathing (DSB) respectively, could increase musculoskeletal pain thresholds and enhance gastroduodenal motility in healthy subjects.

Methods

Eighteen healthy subjects were randomized to a subject‐blinded, sham‐controlled, cross‐over study with an active protocol including stimulation of auricular branch of the vagus nerve, and breathing at full inspiratory capacity and forced full expiration. Recording of cardiac derived parameters including cardiac vagal tone, moderate pain thresholds to muscle, and bone pressure algometry, conditioned pain modulation using a cold pressor test and a liquid meal ultrasonographic gastroduodenal motility test were performed.

Key Results

Cardiac vagal tone increased during active treatment with t‐VNS and DSB compared to sham (p = 0.009). In comparison to sham, thresholds to bone pain increased (p = 0.001), frequency of antral contractions increased (p = 0.004) and gastroduodenal motility index increased (p = 0.016) with active treatment. However, no effect on muscle pain thresholds and conditioned pain modulation was seen.

Conclusions & Inferences

This experimental study suggests that this noninvasive approach with combined electrical and physiological modulation of vagal tone enhances gastroduodenal motility and reduces somatic pain sensitivity. These findings warrant further investigation in patients with disorders characterized with chronic pain and gastrointestinal dysmotility such as functional dyspepsia and irritable bowel syndrome.
The Macro‐Regional Scale of Silver Production in Iberia During the First Millennium BC in the Context of Mediterranean Contacts
Authors: Murillo‐Barroso Mercedes , Montero‐Ruiz Ignacio , Rafel Nuria , Hunt Ortiz Mark A. , Armada Xosé‐Lois
Published: January 2016

The extraction of silver has traditionally been considered as one of the main incentives for the Phoenician expansion throughout the Mediterranean and their settlement in Iberia. In this paper, we approach the organization of silver production in Iberia during the Early Iron Age through the study of the evidence of production currently available and the development of Lead Isotope Analysis (LIA). Previous results (Hunt 2003; Stos Gale 2001; Kassianidou 1992) are considered in the light of new data.

The extraction of silver from complex minerals noticeably intensifies in south‐west Iberia. Imports of exogenous lead, needed for the extraction of silver from these complex minerals, are evident. Supplies of lead come in from other regions of Iberia, such as Gádor, Cartagena/Mazarrón, Linares or even the mining district of Molar‐Belmunt‐Falset (MBF) in Catalonia. This picture reveals that the organization of silver production was much more complex than initially thought, with the articulation of an exchange network of raw materials at a macro‐territorial scale embracing almost all Iberia. The socioeconomic implications that control of these networks of lead distribution could have had are also discussed.
New QTLs for lint percentage and boll weight mined in introgression lines from two feral landraces into Gossypium hirsutum acc TM‐1
Authors: Zhang Shuwen , Feng Liuchun , Xing Luting , Yang Biao , Gao Xiang , Zhu Xiefei , Zhang Tianzhen , Zhou Baoliang
Published: January 2016

Overuse of a small number of Upland cotton cultivars has narrowed cotton's genetic base, leading to major difficulties in developing cotton cultivars with diverse genetic backgrounds that are able to adapt to adverse conditions. To effectively broaden the genetic base, chromosome introgression lines (ILs) were developed, where TM‐1, the genetic standard of Upland cotton, was used as the common recipient and its two feral landraces, TX‐256 and TX‐1046, were used as the donors. A total of 115 ILs, with an average segment length of 11.15 cM, were first developed via intraspecific hybridization by marker‐assisted selection (MAS) in BC3F2 generations, spanning 3887.75 cM of the cotton genome. Association analysis showed that 63 markers were found to be associated with boll weight (BW), lint percentage (LP) and seed index. The percent of phenotypic variance explained by 148 QTLs detected was 4.12% on average. Eleven and five new QTLs for BW and LP (one stable QTL identified for LP in all environments) were detected, respectively, which can be used for efficiently pyramiding favourable alleles into one cultivar by MAS.
Illogic and polemic: The coq‐à‐l’âne during the Wars of Religion*
Authors: Holtz Grégoire
Published: January 2016

This article seeks to show how the genre of the coq‐à‐l’âne created by Clément Marot regained popularity at the end of the sixteenth century in the midst of the Wars of Religion. These poems are usually anonymous, composed by members of one or another of the three warring groups (Catholics, Protestants, and ‘Politiques’). They create an impression of absurdity that is nonetheless militant. Characterized by a loose structure and the use of animal metaphors, they employ a form of partisan rhetoric that is both aggressive and comic. The vogue for coq‐à‐l’âne, which were frequently set to music and sung, can also be seen as proof that the religious and political arguments were by now exhausted: all that remained was the desire to ridicule one's enemy, to destroy him with word games. This strategy was typical of French writing in the late Renaissance: when used in militant and comic texts the vernacular could reach out to the entire nation.
Improving Catastrophe Modeling for Business Interruption Insurance Needs
Authors: Rose Adam , Huyck Charles K.
Published: January 2016

While catastrophe (CAT) modeling of property damage is well developed, modeling of business interruption (BI) lags far behind. One reason is the crude nature of functional relationships in CAT models that translate property damage into BI. Another is that estimating BI losses is more complicated because it depends greatly on public and private decisions during recovery with respect to resilience tactics that dampen losses by using remaining resources more efficiently to maintain business function and to recover more quickly. This article proposes a framework for improving hazard loss estimation for BI insurance needs. Improved data collection that allows for analysis at the level of individual facilities within a company can improve matching the facilities with the effectiveness of individual forms of resilience, such as accessing inventories, relocating operations, and accelerating repair, and can therefore improve estimation accuracy. We then illustrate the difference this can make in a case study example of losses from a hurricane.
Included but Invisible? Subtle Bias, Common Identity, and the Darker Side of “We”
Authors: Dovidio John F. , Gaertner Samuel L. , Ufkes Elze G. , Saguy Tamar , Pearson Adam R.
Published: January 2016

This article discusses how seemingly well‐intended policies and interventions to reduce intergroup bias by emphasizing colorblindness through overarching commonalities between groups may, either unintentionally or strategically, inhibit efforts to address group‐based inequities. First, we discuss the roots of bias in social categorization process, and how changing the way people think about group memberships from separate groups to members of the same group with shared identity improves intergroup attitudes. Second, we describe the subtle nature of contemporary biases, which can help obscure group‐based inequities. Third, we explain how and why majority and minority groups may have different preferences for recategorization and consider the potential consequences of these different perspectives for recognizing and addressing disparity and discrimination. We conclude by considering the policy and structural implications of these processes for achieving more equitable societies, not only in principle but also in practice.
Taking Turns at the Ballot Box: Selective Participation as a New Perspective on Low Turnout
Authors: Dermont Clau
Published: January 2016

Participation research on voting usually considers only one vote or election, and therefore separates citizens into the categories of participants and absentees. Consequently, low turnout often is discussed to mean that citizens are either not interested in or fed up with the political system. This paper argues that this cross‐sectional perspective severely underestimates political participation particularly in democracies in which citizens regularly are asked to vote using direct democratic ballot measures. Taking into account not just one but 15 ballot decisions simultaneously, this paper demonstrates that a majority of citizens participates only selectively, and therefore voluntarily chooses to abstain. Using official turnout data, which enables the tracking of individuals’ participative behaviour over time in a Swiss commune, this paper demonstrates that selective participation is indeed a relevant empirical phenomenon and presents first conclusions about who participates selectively and when these individuals are mobilized.
Bragg Edge Neutron Transmission Strain Tomography in Granular Systems
Authors: Wensrich C. M. , Hendriks J. N. , Meylan M. H.
Published: January 2016

The advent of pixelated detectors for time‐of‐flight neutron transmission experiments has raised significant interest in terms of the potential for tomographic reconstructions of triaxial strain distributions. A recent publication by Lionheart and Withers [WRB Lionheart and PJ Withers, “Diffraction tomography of strain”, Inverse Problems, v31:045005, 2015] has demonstrated that reconstruction is not possible in the general sense; however, various special cases may exist. In this paper, we outline a process by which it is possible to tomographically reconstruct average triaxial elastic strains within individual particles in a granular assembly from a series of Bragg edge strain measurements. This algorithm is tested on simulated data in two and three dimensions and is shown to be capable of rejecting Gaussian measurement noise. Sources of systematic error that may present problems in an experimental implementation are briefly discussed.
Whose Place is This Anyway? Reflecting upon Hospitality and Higher Education
Authors: Loewen Nathan
Published: January 2016

In this essay I propose that using online tools to connect geographically‐separated classrooms for real‐time collaborative learning experiences may effectively develop intercultural competency in the religious studies classroom. I explore personal examples from several international and inter‐institutional collaborations with Jacques Derrida's reflections on hospitality to explain how using online tools in this way productively puts into question conventions about place, host, and guest. This engagement of students in collaboration with others beyond their classroom is effective because it takes the focus of learning past facts students might learn towards how they are communicating to learn.
An Intriguing Third Way: Mapping Contextual Education for Curricular Integration
Authors: Wigg‐Stevenson Natalie
Published: January 2016

This article emerges from the experience of incorporating doctoral students into our Contextual Education (CXE) Program at Emmanuel College (Toronto). This change, I argue, helped us to distinguish more clearly among and thus distinctly orient the different kinds of relationships and theological practices that make up our program towards the often‐elusive goal of curricular integration. After outlining a definition of integration, I contextualize that definition in our particular practices at Emmanuel College using Kathryn Tanner's (1997) understanding of theology as a cultural practice as my guide. I then offer a brief overview of our CXE Programs to demonstrate how nurturing strategic partnerships within them has made certain forms of integration possible for our students. I close with some activities for practical application in other CXE contexts.
Differential Targeting of SLC30A10/ZnT10 Heterodimers to Endolysosomal Compartments Modulates EGF‐Induced MEK/ERK1/2 Activity
Authors: Zhao Yitong , Feresin Rafaela G. , Falcon‐Perez Juan M. , Salazar Gloria
Published: January 2016

The solute carrier 30A (SLC30A) family of zinc exporters transports zinc into the lumen of intracellular organelles in order to prevent zinc toxicity. We reported that formation of tyrosine dimers is required for ZnT3 (zinc transporter 3) zinc transport activity and targeting to synaptic‐like microvesicles (SLMVs) in PC12 cells and the formation of ZnT3/ZnT10 heterodimers. Here, we focused on ZnT10 to determine the role of heterodimerization in the sorting of ZnTs in the endolysosomal pathway. Using cell fractionation, immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence approaches, we found that ZnT10 resides in transferrin receptor and Rab5‐positive endosomes and forms covalent heterodimers and oligomers with ZnT2, ZnT3 and ZnT4. The interaction of ZnT10 with ZnT3, mediated by dityrosine bonds, was unable to target ZnT10 into SLMVs in vitro or into synaptic vesicles isolated from mouse brain in vivo. However, ZnT3/ZnT10 heterodimers regulate epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF‐R) signaling by increasing the phosphorylation of mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase (MEK) and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK1/2), but not EGF‐R, C‐Raf or Akt phosphorylation in response to EGF. Further, mutation of tyrosine 4 in ZnT10 reduced ZnT3/ZnT10 dityrosine‐mediated heterodimerization and zinc transport, as well as MEK and ERK1/2 phosphorylation, which were also reduced by the zinc chelator TPEN. Phosphorylation of these kinases is likely to occur in the cytosol as no differences in phosphorylation were observed in membrane fractions of control and ZnT3/ZnT10‐expressing cells. We propose that ZnT10 plays a role in signal transduction, which is mediated by homo and heterodimerization with other ZnTs.
Novel soft stamp development for direct micro- and nano-patterning of macroscopic curved surfaces
Authors: Lim Su Hui , Low Hong Yee , Tan Wui Siew
Published: January 2016

Surface topographical patterning is a simple way to functionalize surfaces without changing material chemistry. Topographical patterning of nonplanar surfaces has remained a challenge, despite sought after applications in microfluidics, optics, and biomedical technologies. Here the authors develop transparent, reusable soft molds that allow facile micro- and nanopatterning of macroscopically curved surfaces. The authors use bilayer molds with a soft backing and a hard pattern carrying layer to overcome challenges that arise from the opposing need for mold compliance (to allow conformal contact with nonflat substrates) and rigidity (to maintain patterned feature resolution and fidelity). With our approach, high yield curved surface patterning (>98%) over large (2 × 1 cm) area can be effectively achieved. Structure replication down to 80 nm resolution is demonstrated.
Transmission beam characteristics of a Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus)
Authors: Smith Adam B. , Kloepper Laura N. , Yang Wei-Cheng , Huang Wan-Hsiu , Jen I-Fan , Rideout Brendan P. , Nachtigall Paul E.
Published: January 2016

The echolocation system of the Risso's dolphin (Grampus griseus) remains poorly studied compared to other odontocete species. In this study, echolocation signals were recorded from a stationary Risso's dolphin with an array of 16 hydrophones and the two-dimensional beam shape was explored using frequency-dependent amplitude plots. Click source parameters were similar to those already described for this species. Centroid frequency of click signals increased with increasing sound pressure level, while the beamwidth decreased with increasing center frequency. Analysis revealed primarily single-lobed, and occasionally vertically dual-lobed, beam shapes. Overall beam directivity was found to be greater than that of the harbor porpoise, bottlenose dolphin, and a false killer whale. The relationship between frequency content, beam directivity, and head size for this Risso's dolphin deviated from the trend described for other species. These are the first reported measurements of echolocation beam shape and directivity in G. griseus.
2015: Signaling Breakthroughs of the Year
Authors: Adler Elizabeth M.
Published: January 2016

Signaling research advances aid in understanding cellular and organismal regulation, as well as having biomedical, agricultural, and industrial implications.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 5 January 2016: New directions in signaling research
Authors: Yaffe Michael B. , Gough Nancy R. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: January 2016

Science Signaling
editors discuss the current state of signal transduction research and the journal's place in this dynamic landscape.
Papers of note in
Science Translational Medicine
Authors: Gough Nancy R.
Published: January 2016

This week’s articles feature insights into TRP channels in preterm labor and an antibody treatment for diabetes.
Diversity and Evolution of the Tn
5801-tet
(M)-Like Integrative and Conjugative Elements among Enterococcus, Streptococcus, and Staphylococcus
Authors: León-Sampedro Ricardo , Novais Carla , Peixe Luísa , Baquero Fernando , Coque Teresa M.
Published: January 2016

This work describes the diversity and evolution of Tn
5801
among enterococci, staphylococci, and streptococci based on analysis of the 5,073 genomes of these bacterial groups available in gene databases. We also examined 610 isolates of
Enterococcus
(from 10 countries, 1987 to 2010) for the presence of this and other known CTn-
tet
(M) elements due to the scarcity of data about Tn
5801
among enterococci. Genome location (by I
Ceu
-I–pulsed-field gel electrophoresis [PFGE] hybridization/integration site identification), conjugation and fitness (by standard methods), Tn
5801
characterization (by long-PCR mapping/sequencing), and clonality (by PFGE/multilocus sequence typing [MLST]) were studied. Twenty-three Tn
5801
variants (17 unpublished) clustered in two groups, designated “A” (25 kb;
n
= 14; predominant in
Staphylococcus aureus
) and “B” (20 kb;
n
= 9; predominant in
Streptococcus agalactiae
). The percent GC content of the common backbone suggests a streptococcal origin of Tn
5801
group B, with further acquisition of a 5-kb fragment that resulted in group A. Deep sequence analysis allowed identification of variants associated with clonal lineages of
S. aureus
(clonal complex 8 [CC8], sequence type 239 [ST239]),
S. agalactiae
(CC17),
Enterococcus faecium
(ST17/ST18), or
Enterococcus faecalis
(ST8), local variants, or variants located in different species and geographical areas. All Tn
5801
elements were chromosomally located upstream of the
guaA
gene, which serves as an integration hot spot. Transferability was demonstrated only for Tn
5801
type B among
E. faecalis
clonal backgrounds, which eventually harbored another Tn
5801
copy. The study documents early acquisition of Tn
5801
by
Enterococcus
,
Staphylococcus
, and
Streptococcus
. Clonal waves of these pathogens seem to have contributed to the geographical spread and local evolution of the transposon. Horizontal transfer, also demonstrated, could explain the variability observed, with the isolates often containing sequences of different origins.
Kinetics of the Interaction between BAL29880 and LK157 and the Class C β-Lactamase CHE-1
Authors: Fernea Adriana , Galleni Moreno , Frère Jean-Marie
Published: January 2016

The chromosome-encoded class C β-lactamase CHE-1 produced by
Enterobacter cloacae
exhibits a lower sensitivity to avibactam than the P99 enzyme from which it is derived by a 6-residue deletion in the H-10 helix. In the present study, we investigated the sensitivity of CHE-1 to two other β-lactamase inhibitors: LK-157 (or Lek 157), a tricyclic β-lactam, and BAL29880, a bridged monobactam. With both compounds, the second-order rate constants for inactivation were significantly lower for CHE-1, which can thus be considered an inactivator-resistant mutant of P99. However, the second-order rate constant for the inactivation by BAL29880 probably remains adequate for a rather rapid reaction with CHE-1 in the absence of protection by the substrate.