bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pressure and Expertise: Explaining the Information Supply of Interest Groups in EU Legislative Lobbying
Authors: De Bruycker Iskander
Published: July 2015

EU politics has long been portrayed as an elite affair in which technocratic deliberation prevails. As a consequence, information supply by interest groups has typically been viewed as part of an expertise‐based exchange with policy‐makers. Less attention has been devoted to whether the supply of information is also used to exert political pressure. In addition to expertise‐based exchanges between interest groups and policy‐makers, can we identify the prevalence of information supply that aims to put pressure on EU policy‐makers? And under what conditions are different modes of information supply likely to occur? My analysis relies on interviews with 143 lobbyists who were active on a set of 78 legislative proposals submitted by the European Commission between 2008 and 2010. The results demonstrate that expertise‐based exchanges are dominant in interactions with civil servants, while political information is predominantly communicated to political officials and often the key substance in outside lobbying tactics.
Reproductive biology of the Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera, with comments on an intersexual individual
Authors: Matta M. E.
Published: July 2015

A total of 1357 specimens of Alaska skate Bathyraja parmifera were collected in the eastern Bering Sea by fisheries observers and during scientific groundfish surveys from 2003 to 2005. Male and female gonads were examined for maturity stage and seasonal reproductive timing. Based on seasonal reproductive data, including the occurrence of egg cases, ovum size, ovum number, shell‐gland width and gonado‐somatic index, this species appears to reproduce continually throughout the year. Potential effects of maternal size upon the size and number of mature oocytes were also investigated, with total length having a significant, although weak, influence on both. Morphology of a single intersexual individual encountered during the collection period is also described.
Multiple growth of garnet, sillimanite/kyanite and monazite during amphibolite facies metamorphism: implications for theP–T–tand tectonic evolution of the western Altai Range, Mongolia
Authors: Nakano N. , Osanai Y. , Owada M. , Satish‐Kumar M. , Adachi T. , Jargalan S. , Yoshimoto A. , Syeryekhan K. , Boldbaatar CH.
Published: July 2015

Four amphibolite facies pelitic gneisses from the western Mongolian Altai Range exhibit multistage aluminosilicate formation and various chemical‐zoning patterns in garnet. Two of them contain kyanite in the matrix and sillimanite inclusions in garnet, and the others have kyanite inclusions in garnet with sillimanite or kyanite in the matrix. The Ca‐zoning patterns of the garnet are different in each rock type. U–Th–Pb monazite geochronology revealed that all rock units experienced ac. 360 Ma event, and three of them were also affected by ac. 260 Ma event. The variations in the microstructures and garnet‐zoning profiles are caused by the differences in the (i) whole‐rock chemistry, (ii) pressure conditions during garnet growth atc. 360 Ma and (iii) equilibrium temperatures atc. 260 Ma. The garnet with sillimanite inclusions records an increase in pressure at low‐P(~5.2–7.2 kbar) and moderate temperature conditions (~620–660 °C) atc. 360 Ma. The garnet with kyanite inclusions in the other rock types was also formed during an increase in pressure but at higher pressure conditions (~7.0–8.9 kbar at ~600–640 °C). The detrital zircon provenance of all the rock types is similar and is consistent with that from the sedimentary rocks in the Altai Range, suggesting that the provenance of all the rock types was a surrounding accretionary wedge. One possible scenario for the different thermal gradient is Devonian ridge subduction beneath the Altai Range, as proposed by several researchers. The subducting ridge could have supplied heat to the accretionary wedge and elevated the geotherm atc. 360 Ma. The differences in the thermal gradients that resulted in varying progradeP–Tpaths might be due to variations in the thermal regimes in the upper plate that were generated by the subducting ridge. Thec. 260 Ma event is characterized by a relatively high‐T/Pgradient (~25 °C km−1) and may be due to collision‐related granitic activity and re‐equilibrium at middle crustal depths, which caused the variations in the aluminosilicates in the matrix between the rock units.
Local sample thickness determination via scanning transmission electron microscopy defocus series
Authors: BEYER A. , STRAUBINGER R. , BELZ J. , VOLZ K.
Published: July 2015

The usable aperture sizes in (scanning) transmission electron microscopy ((S)TEM) have significantly increased in the past decade due to the introduction of aberration correction. In parallel with the consequent increase of convergence angle the depth of focus has decreased severely and optical sectioning in the STEM became feasible. Here we apply STEM defocus series to derive the local sample thickness of a TEM sample. To this end experimental as well as simulated defocus series of thin Si foils were acquired. The systematic blurring of high resolution high angle annular dark field images is quantified by evaluating the standard deviation of the image intensity for each image of a defocus series. The derived dependencies exhibit a pronounced maximum at the optimum defocus and drop to a background value for higher or lower values. The full width half maximum (FWHM) of the curve is equal to the sample thickness above a minimum thickness given by the size of the used aperture and the chromatic aberration of the microscope. The thicknesses obtained from experimental defocus series applying the proposed method are in good agreement with the values derived from other established methods. The key advantages of this method compared to others are its high spatial resolution and that it does not involve any time consuming simulations.
Phosphorus detection in vitrified bacteria by cryo‐STEM annular dark‐field analysis
Authors: WOLF SHARON GRAYER , REZ PETER , ELBAUM MICHAEL
Published: July 2015

Bacterial cells often contain dense granules. Among these, polyphosphate bodies (PPBs) store inorganic phosphate for a variety of essential functions. Identification of PPBs has until now been accomplished by analytical methods that required drying or chemically fixing the cells. These methods entail large electron doses that are incompatible with low‐dose imaging of cryogenic specimens. We show here that Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) of fully hydrated, intact, vitrified bacteria provides a simple means for mapping of phosphorus‐containing dense granules based on quantitative sensitivity of the electron scattering to atomic number. A coarse resolution of the scattering angles distinguishes phosphorus from the abundant lighter atoms: carbon, nitrogen and oxygen. The theoretical basis is similar to Z contrast of materials science. EDX provides a positive identification of phosphorus, but importantly, the method need not involve a more severe electron dose than that required for imaging. The approach should prove useful in general for mapping of heavy elements in cryopreserved specimens when the element identity is known from the biological context.
Identification of long noncoding RNAs dysregulated in the midbrain of human cocaine abusers
Authors: Bannon Michael J. , Savonen Candace L. , Jia Hui , Dachet Fabien , Halter Steven D. , Schmidt Carl J. , Lipovich Leonard , Kapatos Gregory
Published: July 2015

Maintenance of the drug‐addicted state is thought to involve changes in gene expression in different neuronal cell types and neural circuits. Midbrain dopamine (DA) neurons in particular mediate numerous responses to drugs of abuse. Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate CNS gene expression through a variety of mechanisms, but next to nothing is known about their role in drug abuse. The proportion of lncRNAs that are primate‐specific provides a strong rationale for their study in human drug abusers. In this study, we determined a profile of dysregulated putative lncRNAs through the analysis of postmortem human midbrain specimens from chronic cocaine abusers and well‐matched control subjects (n = 11 in each group) using a custom lncRNA microarray. A dataset comprising 32 well‐annotated lncRNAs with independent evidence of brain expression and robust differential expression in cocaine abusers is presented. For a subset of these lncRNAs, differential expression was validated by quantitative real‐time PCR and cellular localization determined by in situ hybridization histochemistry. Examples of lncRNAs exhibiting DA cell‐specific expression, different subcellular distributions, and covariance of expression with known cocaine‐regulated protein‐coding genes were identified. These findings implicate lncRNAs in the cellular responses of human DA neurons to chronic cocaine abuse.

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Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) regulate the expression of protein‐coding genes, but little is known about their potential role in drug abuse. In this study, we identified lncRNAs differentially expressed in human cocaine abusers' midbrains. One up‐regulated antisense lncRNA, tumor necrosis factor receptor‐associated factor 3‐interacting protein 2‐antisense 1 (TRAF3IP2‐AS1), was found predominantly in the nucleus of human dopamine (DA) neurons, whereas the related TRAF3IP2 protein‐coding transcript was distributed throughout these cells. The abundances of these transcripts were significantly correlated (left) suggesting that TRAF3IP2‐AS1 may regulate TRAF3IP2 gene expression, perhaps through local chromatin changes at this locus (right).
Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) in comparison with stimulated emission depletion (STED) and other imaging methods
Authors: Tam Johnny , Merino David
Published: July 2015

Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED) microscopy are two super‐resolution optical microscopy approaches that have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. Both modalities offer super‐resolution imaging capabilities with the potential for imaging in multiple colors, three‐dimensions, and the possibility to image in live cells. In this review, we focus on the specific advantages and disadvantages of each technique in the context of each other. STORM has been reported to achieve higher spatial resolution when compared to STED, but a lengthy acquisition may be required. STED utilizes relatively higher laser intensities, but is able to generate a super‐resolution image immediately after acquisition without the need for any additional data processing. Ultimately, the choice between STORM and STED will depend not only on the specific application, but also on the users' ability to understand and optimize the various parameters ranging from sample preparation to image acquisition, which determine the quality of the final image.

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Stochastic optical reconstruction microscopy (STORM) and stimulated emission depletion (STED) are two super‐resolution microscopy approaches that have rapidly gained popularity in recent years. STORM is based on the precise localization of a large number of individual molecules that together form a super‐resolved image (bottom), whereas STED is based on the scanning of two super‐imposed light sources which together allow for a super‐resolved spot on the sample to be imaged (top). We discuss the specific advantages and disadvantages of each technique and explain the various parameters that affect image quality, which should be taken into consideration when planning experiments.
Single and the City: State Influences on Intimate Relationships of Young, Single, Well‐Educated Women in Singapore
Authors: Strijbosch Karlien
Published: July 2015

Low fertility rates and an aging population challenge the city‐state of Singapore. The Singaporean government therefore encourages singles to marry and have children. Using ethnographic data and interviews (N = 28), collected between August and December 2012, this explorative study examined the relationship between government interference and the love lives of young, well‐educated, single women in Singapore. Getting married is expected not only by the state, friends, and family members but also by singles themselves. The author examined how young women view and experience these social ideals in their daily lives. Foucault's (1982, 1984) idea of governmentality and Budgeon's (2008) idea of couple culture were used to investigate how government policies intervene in the romantic relationships of individuals through various channels, such as the housing policy, matchmaking initiatives, and social norms. The government may effectively affect individuals in certain ways, whereas at other times individuals may act in a manner that is opposite to what the government expects.
Asian Families at the Crossroads: A Meeting of East, West, Tradition, Modernity, and Gender
Authors: Ji Yingchun
Published: July 2015

East Asian societies have undergone major changes in the past few decades, including substantial declines in marriage and fertility. This article introduces the special section of Asian Families in Context by sketching commonalities and variations in patterns of marriage and family behavior in this region. A discussion of relevant theoretical frameworks from the Western literature follows. The final section briefly introduces the 6 empirical studies that comprise this section and discusses their relevance for developing and refining theory relevant to understanding family change in East Asia.
Gender and Children's Housework Time in China: Examining Behavior Modeling in Context
Authors: Hu Yang
Published: July 2015

Differentiated gender roles in adulthood are rooted in one's gender role socialization. In order to understand the persistence of gender inequalities in the domestic sphere, we need to examine the gendered patterns of children's housework time. Although researchers have identified behavior modeling as a major mechanism of gender role reproduction and characterized gender socialization as a contextually embedded process, few have investigated contextual variation in behavior modeling, particularly in non‐Western developing countries. Analyzing data from the China Family Panel Studies 2010, the author examined the differences in behavior modeling between boys and girls age 10–15 from 2‐parent families (N = 1,903) in rural and urban China. The results revealed distinctive gendered interplays in the way parental housework and employment behavior helps shape children's housework time. This analysis is a crucial illustration of how the distinctive sociocultural contexts of rural and urban China moderate the effects of housework‐behavior modeling on intergenerational gender role socialization.
Environmental correlates of phenotypic variation: do variable tidal regimes influence morphology in intertidal seaweeds?
Authors: Mueller Rebecca , Fischer Andrew M. , Bolch Christopher J. S. , Wright Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2015

Seaweed morphology is often shaped by the hydrodynamic environment. However, exposure to air at low tide represents an additional factor potentially affecting the morphology of intertidal species. Here, we examined the relationships between the morphology of Hormosira banksii, an important intertidal habitat‐forming seaweed in southern Australia, and environmental factors across multiple spatial scales around the island of Tasmania, Australia. Tasmania is surrounded by a diverse coastline with differences in wave exposure, tidal parameters, and temperature. We sampled Hormosira from four regions (100s km apart), three sites (10s km apart) within each region, and two zones (meters apart; eulittoral and sublittoral) at each site, and measured multiple morphological variables to test for differences in morphology at those different spatial scales. Thirteen environmental variables reflecting wave exposure, tidal conditions, and temperature for each site were generated to assess the relationship between Hormosira morphology and environmental variation. Morphology varied at all spatial scales examined. Most notably, north coast individuals had a distinct morphology, generally having smaller vesicles and shorter fronds, compared to other regions. Tidal conditions were the main environmental factors separating north coast sites from other sites and tidal regime was identified as the best predictor of morphological differences between regions. In contrast to other studies, we found little evidence that wave exposure was associated with morphological variation. Overall, our study emphasizes the role of tidal conditions, associated with emersion stress during low tide, in affecting the morphology of intertidal seaweeds.
Economic Development and the Effectiveness of Foreign Aid: A Historical Perspective
Authors: Edwards Sebastian
Published: July 2015

In this paper I discuss the effectiveness of foreign aid from a historical perspective. I show that foreign aid is a relatively new concept in economics, and I emphasize the role of exchange rate policies in the foreign aid controversies of the 1970s through 1990s. I show that in the early 1980s there were major changes in views regarding aid and agriculture. I emphasize the role of “ownership” of aid programs by the recipient countries as a way of increasing effectiveness. I argue that there is little hope of making progress in these debates if the economics profession continues to rely, almost exclusively, on cross section regressions. In order to move forward, these analyses need to be supplemented by in depth case studies that follow a country's history for many decades.
Happy Moves? Assessing the Link between Life Satisfaction and Emigration Intentions
Authors: Ivlevs Artjoms
Published: July 2015

It has been shown that higher levels of subjective well‐being lead to greater work productivity, better physical health and enhanced social skills. Because of these positive externalities, policymakers across the world should be interested in attracting and retaining happy and life‐satisfied migrants. This paper studies the link between life satisfaction and one's intentions to move abroad. Using survey data from 35 European and Central Asian countries, I find a U‐shaped association between life satisfaction and emigration intentions: it is the most and the least life‐satisfied people who are the most likely to express intentions to emigrate. This result is found in countries with different levels of economic development and institutional quality. The instrumental variable results suggest that higher levels of life satisfaction have a positive effect on the probability of reporting intentions to migrate. The findings of this paper raise concerns about possible ‘happiness drain’ in migrant‐sending countries.
SMART‐1 end of life shallow regolith impact simulations
Authors: Burchell M. J. , Cole M. J. , Ramkissoon N. K. , Wozniakiewicz P. J. , Price M. C. , Foing B.
Published: July 2015

The SMART‐1 end‐of‐life impact with the lunar surface was simulated with impacts in a two stage light‐gas gun onto inclined basalt targets with a shallow surface layer of sand. This simulated the probable impact site, where a loose regolith will have overlaid a well consolidated basaltic layer of rock. The impact angles used were at 5° and 10° from the horizontal. The impact speed was ~2 km s−1 and the projectiles were 2.03 mm diameter aluminum spheres. The sand depth was between approximately 0.8 and 1.8 times the projectile diameter, implying a loose lunar surface regolith of similar dimensions to the SMART‐1 spacecraft. A crater in the basement rock itself was only observed in the impact at 10° incidence, and where the depth of loose surface material was less than the projectile diameter, in which case the basement rock also contained a small pit‐like crater. In all cases, the projectile ricocheted away from the impact site at a shallow angle. This implies that at the SMART‐1 impact site the crater will have a complicated structure, with exposed basement rock and some excavated rock displaced nearby, and the main spacecraft body itself will not be present at the main crater.
Rome III functional dyspepsia subdivision in PDS and EPS: recognizing postprandial symptoms reduces overlap
Authors: Carbone F. , Holvoet L. , Tack J.
Published: July 2015

Background

The Rome III consensus proposed to subdivide functional dyspepsia (FD) into two groups: meal‐related dyspepsia or postprandial distress syndrome (PDS), and meal‐unrelated dyspepsia or epigastric pain syndrome (EPS). However, in clinical practice, overlap between both has been reported to be as high as 50%, thereby hampering clinical applicability. Although EPS is referred to as meal‐unrelated dyspepsia, relationship of symptoms to meal ingestion in this category is not formally addressed in the Rome III criteria. The aim of our study was to investigate whether taking into account the relationship of epigastric pain and nausea to meal ingestion may help to improve separation between EPS and PDS.

Methods

Consecutive ambulatory tertiary‐care patients with epigastric symptoms filled out Rome III gastro‐duodenal questionnaires with supplementary questions. Those fulfilling Rome III FD criteria and a negative endoscopy were identified and subdivided into ‘pure’ PDS patients (i.e., meeting criteria for PDS without EPS symptoms), ‘pure’ EPS (i.e., meeting criteria for EPS without PDS symptoms), and overlapping PDS‐EPS (i.e., symptoms of both PDS and EPS).

Key Results

Out of 1029 patients coming to endoscopy, 199 patients (73% females, 45.9 ± 1.0 years, BMI: 23.7 ± 0.35) fulfilled Rome III FD diagnostic criteria, and could be subdivided into pure PDS (69% females, 49 ± 2 years, BMI: 24.2 ± 0.61), pure EPS (59% females, 47.4 ± 2 years, BMI: 23.2 ± 0.97) and overlapping PDS‐EPS (64% females, age 43 ± 5 years, BMI: 26 ± 0.46). Compared with pure EPS patients, the overlap PDS‐EPS patients were characterized by a higher occurrence of postprandial epigastric pain (70% vs 31%, p < 0.0001), while the occurrence of epigastric pain in between meals was borderline (48% vs 38%, p = 0.05). In addition, the overlap PDS‐EPS patients reported a higher occurrence of postprandial nausea (23% vs 0%, p < 0.0001), and bloating (79% vs 28%, p = 0.0001). When postprandial epigastric pain and postprandial nausea were considered as PDS symptoms, the ‘adapted’ subdivision identified 48% pure PDS, 16% pure EPS, and 36% overlapping PDS‐EPS patients.

Conclusions & Inferences

EPS and PDS symptoms frequently coexist in FD patients, with postprandial symptoms substantially contributing to the overlap. A more rigorous linking of postprandially occurring symptoms to PDS, regardless of their qualitative nature, may improve the separation between PDS and EPS.
Widespread flower color convergence in Solanaceae via alternate biochemical pathways
Authors: Ng Julienne , Smith Stacey D.
Published: July 2015

Phenotypic convergence is rampant throughout the tree of life. While recent studies have made significant progress in ascertaining the proximate mechanisms underlying convergent phenotypes, less is known about the frequency and predictability with which convergent phenotypes arise via the same or multiple pathways at the macroevolutionary scale.

We investigated the proximate causes and evolutionary patterns of red flower color in the tomato family, Solanaceae, using large‐scale data mining and new sequence data to reconstruct a megaphylogeny of 1341 species. We then combined spectral and anatomical data to assess how many times red flowers have evolved, the relative contribution of different pathways to independent origins of red, and whether the underlying pathway is predicted by phylogenetic relatedness.

We estimated at least 30 relatively recent origins of red flowers using anthocyanins, carotenoids, or a dual production of both pigments, with significant phylogenetic signal in the use of anthocyanins and dual production, indicating that closely related red‐flowered species tend to employ the same mechanism for coloration.

Our study is the first to test whether developmental pathways exhibit phylogenetic signal and implies that historical contingency strongly influences the evolution of new phenotypes.
Windows of opportunity for physical activity in the prevention of obesity
Authors: Street S. J. , Wells J. C. K. , Hills A. P.
Published: July 2015

Tackling increasing rates of obesity is likely to be a defining feature of health care over the next several decades. Adult obesity is a persistent and treatment‐resistant problem. Consequently, an emerging theme in the literature is to commence prevention efforts earlier in the developmental time course. This view is based primarily on epidemiological data demonstrating a link between traits manifesting early during development and increased obesity risk in adulthood. Physical activity is a perennial factor in discussions of obesity prevention. However, the optimal timing and type of physical activity interventions to commence remains unclear. Critical developmental windows of plasticity may afford time‐limited opportunities to shape body composition across the life course; however, physical activity has not been explicitly considered in these discussions. Although animal models suggest that physical activity commenced earlier in development has differential effects on obesity onset compared to physical activity commenced in adulthood, human research is lacking. In this conceptual review, we consider physical activity during critical developmental periods as a way to mitigate obesity risk later in life.
‘On one's own strength’ Healthcare providers’ experience with introducing Marte Meo Counselling in dementia care
Authors: Lykkeslet Else , Gjengedal Eva , Skrondal Torill , Storjord May‐Britt
Published: July 2015

Aim

The aim of the present action research study was to investigate the healthcare providers’ experiences with introducing Marte Meo Counselling (MMC) in a dementia‐specific care unit.

Background

Research on the use of MMC shows that healthcare providers saw the patients’ resources and needs more clearly and achieved increased awareness of their own skills.

Design and method

An action‐oriented research including a three‐phase strategy was applied: the mapping phase, the intervention phase and the evaluation phase. During the 5‐month mapping phase, two researchers conducted participant observation of a total of 50 hours. The intervention phase consisted of lectures, clinical supervision in MMC and seven reflection groups and lasted 12 months. In the six‐month evaluation phase, participant observation of a total of 48 hours was conducted. Four focus group interviews took place during the whole study period of 2 years.

Results

The staff went through a process of change described by the following themes: from challenging behaviour to challenging interaction; from generalised skills to contextualised relational care; and from personal challenges to a professional community.

Conclusions

As a result of MMC, the healthcare providers realised the value of taking into account the patients’ context in dementia care and of being active participants in the patients’ world. The focus changed from regarding challenging behaviour as symptoms of a disorder to being a challenge to interaction.

Implications for practice

Marte Meo Counselling should be combined with continuous reflection to improve healthcare providers’ interaction with people who live with dementia. The reflection groups gave the caregivers an opportunity for discussions that would otherwise be impossible in their busy everyday life.
Clinicopathological features of double‐hit B‐cell lymphomas with MYC and BCL2, BCL6 or CCND1 rearrangements
Authors: Yoshida Maki , Ichikawa Ayako , Miyoshi Hiroaki , Kiyasu Junichi , Kimura Yoshizo , Arakawa Fumiko , Niino Daisuke , Ohshima Koichi
Published: July 2015

Double‐hit (DH) lymphomas are B‐cell lymphomas characterized by chromosomal rearrangements, specifically of MYC and either BCL2, BCL6 or CCND1. We reviewed 22 cases of DH lymphomas. BCL2/MYC DH lymphomas constituted the majority of these DH lymphomas (17 cases; 77%), followed by BCL6/MYC (2 cases; 9%) lymphomas. Assessing morphological features using the 2008 World Health Organization classification system, 15 cases (68%) were determined to be B‐cell lymphoma, unclassifiable with features intermediate between diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and Burkitt lymphoma (BCLU) (10 cases; 45%), or as DLBCL (5 cases; 23%), and 2 cases (9%) were classified as morphologically untransformed follicular lymphoma. Burkitt lymphoma was rare (1 case; 5%) among DH lymphomas. Nineteen cases were treated with R‐CHOP or a high dose chemotherapy regimen. After a median follow‐up of 11 months, 7 patients had died, and the 1‐year survival rate was 62.5%. High dose chemotherapy did not improve the outcome. We suggest that screening of genetic variations to detect DH lymphomas is required in diagnosing all lymphomas, even those determined morphologically to be follicular lymphoma.
Risk factors for service use and trends in coverage of different HIV testing and counselling models in northwest Tanzania between 2003 and 2010
Authors: Cawley Caoimhe , Wringe Alison , Todd Jim , Gourlay Annabelle , Clark Benjamin , Masesa Clemens , Machemba Richard , Reniers Georges , Urassa Mark , Zaba Basia
Published: July 2015

Objectives

To investigate the relative effectiveness of different HIV testing and counselling (HTC) services in improving HIV diagnosis rates and increasing HTC coverage in African settings.

Methods

Patient records from three HTC services [community outreach HTC during cohort study rounds (CO‐HTC), walk‐in HTC at the local health centre (WI‐HTC) and antenatal HIV testing (ANC‐HTC)] were linked to records from a community cohort study using a probabilistic record linkage algorithm. Characteristics of linked users of each HTC service were compared to those of cohort participants who did not use the HTC service using logistic regression. Data from three cohort study rounds between 2003 and 2010 were used to assess trends in the proportion of persons testing at different service types.

Results

The adjusted odds ratios for HTC use among men with increasing numbers of sexual partners in the past year, and among HIV‐positive men and women compared to HIV‐negative men and women, were higher at WI‐HTC than at CO‐HTC and ANC‐HTC. Among sero‐survey participants, the largest numbers of HIV‐positive men and women learned their status via CO‐HTC. However, we are likely to have underestimated the numbers diagnosed at WI‐HTC and ANC‐HTC, due to low sensitivity of the probabilistic record linkage algorithm.

Conclusions

Compared to CO‐HTC or ANC‐HTC, WI‐HTC was most likely to attract HIV‐positive men and women, and to attract men with greater numbers of sexual partners. Further research should aim to optimise probabilistic record linkage techniques, and to investigate which types of HTC services most effectively link HIV‐positive people to treatment services relative to the total cost per diagnosis made.
Critical limb ischemia: thrombogenic evaluation of two autologous cell therapy products and biologic profile in treated patients
Authors: Tournois Claire , Pignon Bernard , Sevestre Marie‐Antoinette , Djerada Zoubir , Capiod Jean‐Claude , Poitevin Gaël , Delloup Anne‐Marie , Nguyen Philippe
Published: July 2015

BACKGROUND

Cell therapy has been proposed as a salvage limb procedure in critical limb ischemia (CLI). Autologous cell therapy products (CTP) are obtained from patients with advanced peripheral arterial disease to be injected at the site of ischemia. Thrombogenicity of CTPs has not yet been assessed. The objectives were: 1) to assess thrombotic risk in candidates for cell therapy, 2) to evaluate two different CTPs in terms of thrombogenic potential, and 3) to evaluate clinical thrombotic events.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

In this ancillary study of a Phase I and II clinical trial, bone marrow (BM)‐CTPs (n = 20) and CTPs obtained by cytapheresis (peripheral blood [PB]‐CTPs; n = 20) were compared. Inflammatory and coagulation markers were measured at baseline and 24 hours after CTP implantation. CTP cell content and tissue factor (TF) expression (mRNA and protein) were analyzed. Thrombin generation assessed CTP‐related thrombogenicity.

RESULTS

All patients presented cardiovascular risk factors. At baseline, the patients’ biologic profile was characterized by high levels of fibrinogen, C‐reactive protein (CRP), D‐dimer, interleukin (IL)‐6, and plasmatic TF, whereas IL‐10 was low. Although different in terms of cell composition, both BM‐ and PB‐CTPs support low thrombin generation. Twenty‐four hours after implantation, biologic markers remained stable in the PB‐CTP group, except for IL‐6. In the BM‐CTP group, a significant increase of IL‐6 but also of CRP and D‐dimer was observed. Clinically, one single patient developed deep vein thrombosis 24 hours after the implantation of autologous PB‐CTP.

CONCLUSION

CTPs supported low thrombin generation and were well tolerated after calf implantation.
Atmospheric circulation patterns influencing variations in organic carbon fluxes in the River Oulujoki, Finland
Authors: Marttila Hannu , Irannezhad Masoud , Saukkoriipi Jaakko , Kløve Bjørn
Published: July 2015

Atmospheric circulation generally influences regional climate variability and thereby controls catchment hydrology and consequently transport of elements in natural riverine systems. This study examined dependencies between total organic carbon (TOC) variability in the River Oulujoki (Finland) during 1963–2011 and prominent atmospheric circulation patterns (ACPs), which manifest natural climatic conditions over Finland and control hydrological processes in the river catchment. North Atlantic Oscillation, Scandinavia, East Atlantic and East Atlantic/West Russia patterns were statistically significant ACPs affecting variations in TOC export at River Oulujoki lower basin area. In the River Oulujoki, TOC export was largely controlled by changes in TOC fluxes generated from tributaries of river and near areas to its main channel. Besides, runoff from Lake Oulujärvi slightly influenced TOC export variability in the River Oulujoki. Understanding such responses of TOC fluxes to ACPs is a useful tool for sustainable water resources planning and management on regional and local scales.
Measurement of Dynamic Modulus and Master Curve Modeling of Hot Mix Asphalt from Senegal (West Africa)
Authors: Aidara Mouhamed Lamine Chérif , Ba Makhaly , Carter Alan
Published: July 2015

The main purpose of this paper is to model the master curve of dynamic modulus |E*| for Hot Mix Asphalt mix designed with aggregate from Senegal named basalt of Diack and quartzite of Bakel. The prediction model used is the Witczak model, used in the Mechanistic-Empirical Pavement Design Guide. A study has been conducted in the Laboratory of Pavements and Bituminous Materials. Six different HMA (BBSG 0/14 mm) were subjected to complex modulus test by tension-compression according to the European or Canadian procedure using the same range of temperatures and frequencies. For each mixture studied the uniqueness of modulus curves in the Cole-Cole or in Black diagrams have shown that the asphalt mixes are thermorheologically simple materials and the Canadian test process is suitable for determining the HMA complex modulus mix designed with the aggregates from Senegal. This implies their tender with the principle of time-temperature equivalence. The test results were used to model the master curves of HMA studied. A correlation with the results of dynamic modulus measured have shown an accuracy of R2 = 0,99 and p = 0,00 in STATISTICA software, which allows to conclude that the sigmoidal model has good modeling of the dynamic modulus.
Zhang-Gradient Controllers for Tracking Control of Multiple-Integrator Systems
Authors: Zhang Yunong , Ding Sitong , Chen Dechao , Mao Mingzhi , Zhai Keke
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the tracking-control problem of multiple-integrator (MI) systems is considered and investigated by combining Zhang dynamics (ZD) and gradient dynamics (GD). Several novel types of Zhang-gradient (ZG) controllers are proposed for the tracking control of MI systems (e.g., triple-integrator (TI) systems). As an example, the design processes of ZG controllers for TI systems with a linear output function (LOF) and/or a nonlinear output function (NOF) are presented. Besides, the corresponding theoretical analyses are elaborately given to guarantee the convergence performance of both z3g0 controllers (ZG controllers obtained by utilizing the ZD method thrice) and z3g1 controllers (ZG controllers obtained by utilizing the ZD method thrice and the GD method once) for TI systems. Numerical simulations concerning the tracking control of MI systems with different types of output functions are further performed to substantiate the feasibility and effectiveness of ZG controllers for tracking-control problems solving. Besides, comparative simulation results of the tracking control for MI systems with NOFs (e.g., y=cos(x1), y=x12+x22) substantiate that controllers of zmg1 type can resolve the singularity problem effectively with m being the times of using the ZD method.
(Re)Designing for Part Consolidation: Understanding the Challenges of Metal Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Schmelzle John , Kline Eric V. , Dickman Corey J. , Reutzel Edward W. , Jones Griffin , Simpson Timothy W.
Published: July 2015

Additive manufacturing (AM) of metallic parts provides engineers with unprecedented design freedom. This enables designers to consolidate assemblies, lightweight designs, create intricate internal geometries for enhanced fluid flow or heat transfer performance, and fabricate complex components that previously could not be manufactured. While these design benefits may come “free” in many cases, it necessitates an understanding of the limitations and capabilities of the specific AM process used for production, the system-level design intent, and the postprocessing and inspection/qualification implications. Unfortunately, design for additive manufacturing (DfAM) guidelines for metal AM processes are nascent given the rapid advancements in metal AM technology recently. In this paper, we present a case study to provide insight into the challenges that engineers face when redesigning a multicomponent assembly into a single component fabricated using laser-based powder bed fusion for metal AM. In this case, part consolidation is used to reduce the weight by 60% and height by 53% of a multipart assembly while improving performance and minimizing leak points. Fabrication, postprocessing, and inspection issues are also discussed along with the implications on design. A generalized design approach for consolidating parts is presented to help designers realize the freedoms that metal AM provides, and numerous areas for investigation to improve DfAM are also highlighted and illustrated throughout the case study.
Scatter in Dwell Time Cracking for a Ni-Based Superalloy in Combination With Overloads
Authors: Storgärds Erik , Saarimäki Jonas , Simonsson Kjell , Sjöström Sören , Gustafsson David , Månsson Tomas , Moverare Johan
Published: July 2015

In this paper, scatter in crack growth for dwell time loadings in combination with overloads has been investigated. Multiple tests were performed for surface cracks at 550 °C in the commonly used high temperature material Inconel 718. The test specimens originate from two different batches which also provide for a discussion of how material properties affect the dwell time damage and overload impact. In combination with these tests, an investigation of the microstructure was also carried out, which shows how it influences the growth rate. The results from this study show that, in order to take overloads into consideration when analyzing spectrum loadings containing dwell times, one needs a substantial amount of material data available as the scatter seen from one batch to the other are of significant proportions.
Thermomechanical Fatigue Crack Growth Modeling in a Ni-Based Superalloy Subjected to Sustained Load
Authors: Storgärds Erik , Simonsson Kjell , Sjöström Sören , Moverare Johan
Published: July 2015

Thermomechanical fatigue (TMF) crack growth modeling has been conducted on Inconel 718 with dwell time at maximum load. A history dependent damage model taking dwell damage into account, developed under isothermal conditions, has been extended for TMF conditions. Parameter determination for the model is carried out on isothermal load controlled tests at 550–650 °C for surface cracks, which later have been used to extrapolate parameters used for TMF crack growth. Further, validation of the developed model is conducted on a notched specimen subjected to strain control at 50–550 °C. Satisfying results are gained within reasonable scatter level compared for test and simulated number of cycles to failure.
Method for Calculating Normal Pressure Distribution of High Resolution and Large Contact Area
Authors: Brecher C. , Renkens D. , Löpenhaus C.
Published: July 2015

The exact calculation of contact stresses below the surface is the basis for optimizing load capacity of heavily loaded rolling–sliding contacts. The level of stress is significantly influenced by the normal pressure distribution within the contact area, which occurs as a result of the transferred normal force and the contact geometry. In this paper, a new method for high resolution pressure calculation of large contact areas is presented. By this, measured surface topography can be taken into account. The basis of the calculation method is the half-space theory according to Boussinesq/Love. Instead of regular grids, optimized meshing strategies are applied to influence the calculation efforts for large contact areas. Two objectives are pursued with the targeted meshing strategy: on the one hand, the necessary resolution for measured surface structures can be realized; while on the other hand, the total number of elements is reduced by a coarse grid in the surrounding areas. In this way, rolling–sliding contacts with large contact areas become computable with conventional simulation computers. Using the newly developed “method of combined solutions,” the overall result is finally composed by the combination of section of separate solutions, which are calculated by consecutively shifting the finely meshed segment over the entire contact area. The vital advancement in this procedure is the introduction of irregular grids, through which the cross influences are not neglected and fully regarded for every separate calculation. The presented methodology is verified stepwise in comparison to the Hertzian theory. The influence of irregular grids on the calculation quality is examined in particular. Finally, the calculation approach is applied to a real disk-on-disk rolling contact based on measured surface topography.
An Actively Controlled Shape-Morphing Compliant Microarchitectured Material
Authors: Shaw Lucas A. , Hopkins Jonathan B.
Published: July 2015

The purpose of this paper is to introduce a new kind of microarchitectured material that utilizes active control to alter its bulk shape through the deformation of its compliant elements. This new kind of microarchitectured material achieves its reconfigurable shape capabilities through a new control strategy that utilizes linearity and closed-form analytical tools to rapidly calculate the optimal internal actuation effort necessary to achieve a desired bulk surface profile. The kind of microarchitectured materials introduced in this paper is best suited for high-precision applications that would benefit from materials that can be programed to rapidly alter their surface or shape by small repeatable amounts in a controlled manner. Examples include distortion-correcting surfaces on which precision optics are mounted, airplane wings that deform to increase maneuverability and fuel efficiency, and surfaces that rapidly reconfigure to alter their texture. In this paper, the principles are provided for optimally designing 2D or 3D versions of the new kind of microarchitectured material such that they exhibit desired material property directionality. The mathematical theory is provided for modeling and calculating the actuation effort necessary to drive these materials such that their lattice shape comes closest to achieving a desired profile. Case studies are provided to demonstrate the utility of this theory and finite-element analysis (FEA) is used to verify the results.
Environmental, thermal, and electrical susceptibility of black phosphorus field effect transistors
Authors: Wang Zenghui , Islam Arnob , Yang Rui , Zheng Xuqian , Feng Philip X.-L.
Published: July 2015

Atomic layers of black phosphorus (P) isolated from its layered bulk make a new two-dimensional (2D) semiconducting crystal with sizable direct bandgap, high carrier mobility, and promises for 2D electronics and optoelectronics. However, the integrity of black P crystal could be susceptible to a number of environmental variables and processes, resulting in degradation in device performance even before the device optical image suggests so. Here, the authors perform a systematic study of the environmental effects on black P electronic devices through continued measurements over a month under a number of controlled conditions, including ambient light, air, and humidity, and identify evolution of device performance under each condition. The authors further examine effects of thermal and electrical treatments on inducing morphology and performance changes and failure modes in black P devices. The results suggest that procedures well established for nanodevices in other 2D materials may not directly apply to black P devices, and improved procedures need to be devised to attain stable device operation.
Tyrosine kinase inhibitor–induced CD70 expression mediates drug resistance in leukemia stem cells by activating Wnt signaling
Authors: Riether Carsten , Schürch Christian M. , Flury Christoph , Hinterbrandner Magdalena , Drück Linda , Huguenin Anne-Laure , Baerlocher Gabriela M. , Radpour Ramin , Ochsenbein Adrian F.
Published: July 2015

CD70 expression induced by tyrosine kinase inhibitors mediates drug resistance in leukemia stem cells.
Quality and quantity of T
FH
cells are critical for broad antibody development in SHIV
AD8
infection
Authors: Yamamoto Takuya , Lynch Rebecca M. , Gautam Rajeev , Matus-Nicodemos Rodrigo , Schmidt Stephen D. , Boswell Kristin L. , Darko Sam , Wong Patrick , Sheng Zizhang , Petrovas Constantinos , McDermott Adrian B. , Seder Robert A. , Keele Brandon F. , Shapiro Lawrence , Douek Daniel C. , Nishimura Yoshiaki , Mascola John R. , Martin Malcolm A. , Koup Richard A.
Published: July 2015

T follicular helper cells associate with development of highly mutated neutralizing antibodies against SHIV.
Endotoxemia-mediated inflammation potentiates aminoglycoside-induced ototoxicity
Authors: Koo Ja-Won , Quintanilla-Dieck Lourdes , Jiang Meiyan , Liu Jianping , Urdang Zachary D. , Allensworth Jordan J. , Cross Campbell P. , Li Hongzhe , Steyger Peter S.
Published: July 2015

Endotoxemia-mediated inflammation potentiates cochlear uptake of aminoglycosides and subsequent cochleotoxicity.
Cutting down on sense makes sense for gene silencing
Authors: Dalkara Deniz
Published: July 2015

An RNA decoy trick alleviates off-target effects of RNA interference, increasing specificity and safety for clinical translation
Leptin rocks around the circadian CLOCK
Authors: Lalazar Gadi
Published: July 2015

Central leptin resistance plays a key role in obesity and the metabolic syndrome associated with circadian dysfunction.