bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One–pot Selective Dihydroxylation of Limonene Combining Metal and Enzyme Catalysis
Authors: Palumbo Chiara , Ferrandi Erica E. , Marchesi Carlotta , Monti Daniela , Riva Sergio , Psaro Rinaldo , Guidotti Matteo
Published: June 2016

A one‐pot sequential epoxidation‐hydrolysis reaction was developed by a combination of heterogeneous chemical and enzymatic catalysis, resulting in the selective dihydroxylation of (+)‐ and (‐)‐limonene. Highly enantioenriched 1,2‐diols were obtained with good overall yields by applying a titanium‐grafted silica catalyst and the enzyme limonene 1,2‐epoxide hydrolase, with no need to purify the reaction intermediate or to tune the reaction conditions to the enzymatic step.
Folate Receptor Alpha Upregulates Oct4, Sox2 and Klf4 and Downregulates miR-138 and miR-let-7 in Cranial Neural Crest Cells
Authors: Mohanty Vineet , Shah Amar , Allender Elise , Siddiqui M. Rizwan , Monick Sarah , Ichi Shunsuke , Mania-Farnell Barbara , G. McLone David , Tomita Tadanori , Mayanil Chandra Shekhar
Published: June 2016

Prenatal folic acid (FA) supplementation prevents neural tube defects. Folate receptor alpha (FRα) is critical for embryonic development, including neural crest (NC) development. Previously we showed that FRα translocates to the nucleus in response to FA, where it acts as a transcription factor. In this study, we examined if FA through interaction with FRα regulates stem cell characteristics of cranial neural crest cells (CNCCs)-critical for normal development. We hypothesized that FRα upregulates coding genes and simultaneously downregulates non-coding miRNA which targets coding genes in CNCCs. Quantitative RT-PCR and chromatin immunoprecipitation showed that FRα upregulates Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 by binding to their cis-regulator elements-5′ enhancer/promoters defined by H3K27Ac and p300 occupancy. FA via FRα downregulates miRNAs, miR-138 and miR-let-7, which target Oct4 and Trim71 (an Oct4 downstream effector), respectively. Co-immunoprecipitation data suggests that FRα interacts with the Drosha-DGCR8 complex to affect pre-miRNA processing. Transfecting anti-miR-138 or anti-miR-let-7 into non-proliferating neural crest cells (NCCs) derived from Splotch (Sp−/−), restored their proliferation potential. In summary, these results suggest a novel pleiotropic role of FRα: (a) direct activation of Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4 genes; and (b) repression of biogenesis of miRNAs that target these genes or their effector molecules.
Histone H3K9 Acetyltransferase PCAF Is Essential for Osteogenic Differentiation Through Bone Morphogenetic Protein Signaling and May Be Involved in Osteoporosis
Authors: Zhang Ping , Liu Yunsong , Jin Chanyuan , Zhang Min , Lv Longwei , Zhang Xiao , Liu Hao , Zhou Yongsheng
Published: June 2016

Human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent progenitor cells that can differentiate into osteoblasts, chondrocytes, and adipocytes. The importance of epigenetic regulation for osteogenic differentiation of MSCs is widely accepted. However, the molecular mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we show that histone H3K9 acetyltransferase PCAF plays a critical role in osteogenic differentiation of MSCs. Knockdown of PCAF significantly reduced the bone formation both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, PCAF controls BMP signaling genes expression by increasing H3K9 acetylation. Most importantly, PCAF expression is significantly decreased in bone sections of ovariectomized or aged mice. Histone modification enzyme is chemically modifiable; therefore, PCAF may represent a novel therapeutic target for stem cell-mediated regenerative medicine and the treatment of osteoporosis.
COX-2 Induces Breast Cancer Stem Cells via EP4/PI3K/AKT/NOTCH/WNT Axis
Authors: Majumder Mousumi , Xin Xiping , Liu Ling , Tutunea-Fatan Elena , Rodriguez-Torres Mauricio , Vincent Krista , Postovit Lynne-Marie , Hess David , Lala Peeyush K.
Published: June 2016

Cancer stem-like cells (SLC) resist conventional therapies, necessitating searches for SLC-specific targets. We established that cyclo-oxygenase(COX)-2 expression promotes human breast cancer progression by activation of the prostaglandin(PG)E-2 receptor EP4. Present study revealed that COX-2 induces SLCs by EP4-mediated NOTCH/WNT signaling. Ectopic COX-2 over-expression in MCF-7 and SKBR-3 cell lines resulted in: increased migration/invasion/proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), elevated SLCs (spheroid formation), increased ALDH activity and colocalization of COX-2 and SLC markers (ALDH1A, CD44, β-Catenin, NANOG, OCT3/4, SOX-2) in spheroids. These changes were reversed with COX-2-inhibitor or EP4-antagonist (EP4A), indicating dependence on COX-2/EP4 activities. COX-2 over-expression or EP4-agonist treatments of COX-2-low cells caused up-regulation of NOTCH/WNT genes, blocked with PI3K/AKT inhibitors. NOTCH/WNT inhibitors also blocked COX-2/EP4 induced SLC induction. Microarray analysis showed up-regulation of numerous SLC-regulatory and EMT-associated genes. MCF-7-COX-2 cells showed increased mammary tumorigenicity and spontaneous multiorgan metastases in NOD/SCID/IL-2Rγ-null mice for successive generations with limiting cell inocula. These tumors showed up-regulation of VEGF-A/C/D, Vimentin and phospho-AKT, down-regulation of E-Cadherin and enrichment of SLC marker positive and spheroid forming cells. MCF-7-COX-2 cells also showed increased lung colonization in NOD/SCID/GUSB-null mice, an effect reversed with EP4-knockdown or EP4A treatment of the MCF-7-COX-2 cells. COX-2/EP4/ALDH1A mRNA expression in human breast cancer tissues were highly correlated with one other, more marked in progressive stage of disease. In situ immunostaining of human breast tumor tissues revealed co-localization of SLC markers with COX-2, supporting COX-2 inducing SLCs. High COX-2/EP4 mRNA expression was linked with reduced survival. Thus, EP4 represents a novel SLC-ablative target in human breast cancer.
Distinct Responses of Stem Cells to Telomere Uncapping—A Potential Strategy to Improve the Safety of Cell Therapy
Authors: Liu Chang Ching , Ma Dong Liang , Yan Ting-Dong , Fan XiuBo , Poon Zhiyong , Poon Lai-Fong , Goh Su-Ann , Rozen Steve G. , Hwang William Ying Khee , Tergaonkar Vinay , Tan Patrick , Ghosh Sujoy , Virshup David M. , Goh Eyleen L. K. , Li Shang
Published: June 2016

In most human somatic cells, the lack of telomerase activity results in progressive telomere shortening during each cell division. Eventually, DNA damage responses triggered by critically short telomeres induce an irreversible cell cycle arrest termed replicative senescence. However, the cellular responses of human pluripotent stem cells to telomere uncapping remain unknown. We generated telomerase knockout human embryonic stem (ES) cells through gene targeting. Telomerase inactivation in ES cells results in progressive telomere shortening. Telomere DNA damage in ES cells and neural progenitor cells induces rapid apoptosis when telomeres are uncapped, in contrast to fibroblast cells that enter a state of replicative senescence. Significantly, telomerase inactivation limits the proliferation capacity of human ES cells without affecting their pluripotency. By targeting telomerase activity, we can functionally separate the two unique properties of human pluripotent stem cells, namely unlimited self-renewal and pluripotency. We show that the potential of ES cells to form teratomas in vivo is dictated by their telomere length. By controlling telomere length of ES cells through telomerase inactivation, we can inhibit teratoma formation and potentially improve the safety of cell therapies involving terminally differentiated cells as well as specific progenitor cells that do not require sustained cellular proliferation in vivo, and thus sustained telomerase activity.
Utility of ultrasound examination at 10–14 weeks prior to cell‐free DNA screening for fetal aneuploidy
Authors: Vora N. L. , Robinson S. , Hardisty E. E. , Stamilio D. M.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To estimate the frequency of unexpected first‐trimester ultrasound findings that would alter prenatal management in pregnant women eligible for cell‐free (cf) DNA screening because of advanced maternal age (AMA).

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of all AMA women at a tertiary care center who had a 10–14‐week ultrasound examination between 1 January 2012 and 27 April 2015. Information on pregnancy dating, obstetric ultrasound examination, prenatal screening and genetic testing were collected from a perinatal database. The primary outcome was an unexpected ultrasound finding in the first trimester that would alter the prenatal screening/testing strategy.

Results

In total, 2337 women met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 2462 fetuses. Sixty‐eight (2.9%) women had an anomalous fetus, of which 44 (64.7%) had diagnostic testing. In the entire cohort, a non‐viable pregnancy was identified in 153 (6.5%) women. Multiple gestation was identified in 32 (1.4%) women; five had a cotwin demise. Gestational dating was revised for 126 (5.4%) women. Among those who opted for aneuploidy screening (n = 1806), 68.5% had cfDNA screening and 31.5% had first‐trimester screening by analysis of maternal serum biomarkers and nuchal translucency thickness. Among those eligible for cfDNA screening, 16.1% (95% CI, 15.0–18.0%; 377/2337) had an ultrasound finding (anomaly, incorrect dating, multiple gestation, non‐viable pregnancy) at the time of testing that would have altered the provider's counseling regarding the prenatal screening/testing strategy.

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of AMA women eligible for cfDNA screening have fetal ultrasound findings that could alter genetic testing strategy and clinical management. This study recommends ultrasound examination prior to cfDNA screening in AMA women. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio test for pre‐eclampsia: an economic assessment for the UK
Authors: Vatish M. , Strunz‐McKendry T. , Hund M. , Allegranza D. , Wolf C. , Smare C.
Published: June 2016

Objectives

To assess the economic impact of introducing into clinical practice in the UK the soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase (sFlt‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) ratio test for guiding the management of pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

We used an economic model estimating the incremental value of information, from a UK National Health Service payer's perspective, generated by the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio test, compared with current diagnostic procedures, in guiding the management of women with suspected pre‐eclampsia. The economic model estimated costs associated with the diagnosis and management of pre‐eclampsia in pregnant women between 24 + 0 and 36 + 6 weeks' gestation, managed in either a ‘test’ scenario in which the sFlt‐1/PlGF test is used in addition to current diagnostic procedures, or a ‘no‐test’ scenario in which clinical decisions are based on current diagnostic procedures alone. Test characteristics and resource use were derived from PROGNOSIS, a non‐interventional study in women presenting with clinical suspicion of pre‐eclampsia. The main outcome measure from the economic model was the cost per patient per episode of care, from first suspicion of pre‐eclampsia to birth.

Results

Introduction of the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio test into clinical practice is expected to result in cost savings of £344 per patient compared with a no‐test scenario. Savings are generated primarily through an improvement in diagnostic accuracy and subsequent reduction in unnecessary hospitalization.

Conclusions

Introducing the sFlt‐1/PlGF ratio test into clinical practice in the UK was shown to be cost‐saving by reducing unnecessary hospitalization of women at low risk of developing pre‐eclampsia. In addition, the test ensures that those women at higher risk are identified and managed appropriately. © 2016 Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Perioperative Complications are Associated With Adverse Long‐Term Prognosis and Affect the Cause of Death After General Surgery
Authors: Tjeertes Elke K.M. , Ultee K. H. J. , Stolker R. J. , Verhagen H. J. M. , Bastos Gonçalves F. M. , Hoofwijk A. G. M. , Hoeks S. E.
Published: June 2016

Background

It is unclear how mortality and causes of death vary between patients and surgical procedures and how occurrence of postoperative complications is associated with prognosis. This study describes long‐term mortality rates and causes of death in a general surgical population. Furthermore, we explore the effect of postoperative complications on mortality.

Methods

A single‐centre analysis of postoperative complications, with mortality as primary endpoint, was conducted in 4479 patients undergoing surgery. We applied univariate and multivariable regression models to analyse the effect of risk factors, including surgical risk and postoperative complications, on mortality. Causes of death were also explored.

Results

75 patients (1.7 %) died within 30 days after surgery and 730 patients (16.3 %) died during a median follow‐up of 6.3 years (IQR 5.8–6.8). Significant differences in long‐term mortality were observed with worst outcome for patients undergoing high‐risk vascular surgery (HR 1.5; 95 % CI 1.2–1.9). When looking at causes of death, high‐risk surgery was associated with a twofold higher risk of cardiovascular death (HR 1.9; 95 % CI 1.2–3.1), whereas the intermediate‐risk group had a higher risk of dying from cancer‐related causes (HR 1.5; 95 % CI 1.1–2.0). Occurrence of complications—particularly of cardiovascular nature— was associated with worse survival (HR 1.9; 95 % CI 1.3–2.7).

Conclusion

High‐risk vascular surgery and occurrence of postoperative complications are important predictors of late mortality. Further focus on these groups of patients can contribute to reduced morbidity. Improvement in quality of care should be aimed at preventing postoperative complications and thus a better outcome in a general surgical population.
Men's Knowledge About Maternal Serum Screening for Down Syndrome and their Attitude Towards Amniocentesis
Authors: Brajenović‐Milić Bojana , Dorčić Tamara Martinac
Published: June 2016

The present study aimed to assess (i) the impact of screening consultation on male partner's knowledge about second trimester maternal serum screening for Down syndrome and on their attitudes toward amniocentesis, and (ii) the concomitant effect of men's involvement in pregnancy on both knowledge and attitudes. The study included 164 men who accompanied their partners to the screening appointment. Knowledge Questionnaire and Partner's Involvement in Pregnancy Scale with two dimensions, support and distance, were administered. Involvement in pregnancy was determined using two factors; support and distance. Findings revealed a significant post‐consultation improvement in men's knowledge about the test, but less‐educated men and those who were more distanced from partner and pregnancy were less knowledgeable even post‐consultation. Compared to before the consultation, most men had a positive attitude toward amniocentesis and were willing to suggest it to their partners in case of positive test results (77 % and 42 %, respectively). The remainder would either leave the decision to their partners (20 %) or were undecided (3 %). Higher perception of distance was associated with men's unwillingness to be involved in amniocentesis decisions, particularly before consultation. However, the consultation had considerable potential to engage men with this attitude in the decision‐making process. The study highlights the need to change woman‐oriented prenatal screening practices for Down syndrome to involve their male partners in the consultation.
Effect of Inorganic Salts on the Aggregation Behavior of AOT at the Air/Water Interface
Authors: Pang Jinyu , Zhao Taotao , Xin Xia , Chen Yijian , Tan Yebang , Xu Guiying
Published: June 2016

The aggregation behavior of sodium bis‐(2‐ethylhexyl)‐sulfosuccinate (AOT) at the air/water interface in the absence and presence of inorganic salts was investigated by molecular dynamics simulation. Both monovalent and divalent ions were studied, such as LiCl, NaCl, KCl, MgCl2 and CaCl2. It has been proved that these inorganic ions have great influence on the structure of the AOT monolayer and water molecules around its headgroup. In the presence of inorganic salts, AOT molecules are relatively ordered at the interface and water around the headgroups of AOT shows a lower diffusion coefficient compared with the situation without inorganic salts. All the counterions are prone to move toward the headgroups and locate at the interface. Divalent ions have a strong interaction with AOT, thus they affect the aggregation behavior of AOT remarkably.
Drag reduction characteristics and flow field analysis of textured surface
Authors: Bai Qingshun , Bai Jinxuan , Meng Xiangpan , Ji Chengcheng , Liang Yingchun
Published: June 2016

A textured surface with a micro-groove structure exerts a distinct characteristic on drag reduction behavior. The fluid dynamic models of four textured surfaces are constructed in various profile geometries. Computational fluid dynamics is used to study the friction factors and drag reduction properties with various flow speeds on the textured surfaces. The friction coefficient varieties in the interface between the fluid and the textured surface are examined according to the simulation of the four geometries with V-shaped, saw tooth, rectangular, and semi-circular sections. The drag reduction efficiencies decrease with the increase in water velocity while it is less than a certain value. Moreover, the simulation results of the velocity, shear stress, energy, and turbulence effect on the V-shaped groove surface are presented in comparison with those of the smooth surface to illustrate the drag reduction mechanism. The results indicate that the peaks of the V-shaped grooves inhibit the lateral movement of the turbulent flow and generate the secondary vortex, which plays a key role in the impeding momentum exchange, thereby decreasing turbulent bursting intensity and reducing shear stress in the near-wall flow field. The kinetic energy and turbulence analysis shows that the vortex in the near-wall flow field on the textured surface is more stable compared to that on the smooth surface.
Selection of micro-fabrication techniques on stainless steel sheet for skin friction
Authors: Zhang S. , Zeng X. , Matthews D. T. A. , Igartua A. , Rodriguez-Vidal E. , Contreras Fortes J. , Saenz de Viteri V. , Pagano F. , Wadman B. , Wiklund E. D. , van der Heide E.
Published: June 2016

This review gives a concise introduction to the state-of-art techniques used for surface texturing, e.g., wet etching, plasma etching, laser surface texturing (LST), 3D printing, etc. In order to fabricate deterministic textures with the desired geometric structures and scales, the innovative texturing technologies are developed and extended. Such texturing technology is an emerging frontier with revolutionary impact in industrial and scientific fields. With the help of the latest fabrication technologies, surface textures are scaling down and more complex deterministic patterns may be fabricated with desired functions, e.g., lotus effect (hydrophobic), gecko feet (adhesive), haptic tactile, etc. The objective of this review is to explore the surface texturing technology and its contributions to the applications.
Early-life metal exposure and schizophrenia: A proof-of-concept study using novel tooth-matrix biomarkers
Authors: Modabbernia A. , Velthorst E. , Gennings C. , De Haan L. , Austin C. , Sutterland A. , Mollon J. , Frangou S. , Wright R. , Arora M. , Reichenberg A.
Published: June 2016

Background

Despite evidence for the effects of metals on neurodevelopment, the long-term effects on mental health remain unclear due to methodological limitations. Our objective was to determine the feasibility of studying metal exposure during critical neurodevelopmental periods and to explore the association between early-life metal exposure and adult schizophrenia.

Methods

We analyzed childhood-shed teeth from nine individuals with schizophrenia and five healthy controls. We investigated the association between exposure to lead (Pb2+), manganese (Mn2+), cadmium (Cd2+), copper (Cu2+), magnesium (Mg2+), and zinc (Zn2+), and schizophrenia, psychotic experiences, and intelligence quotient (IQ). We reconstructed the dose and timing of early-life metal exposures using laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

Results

We found higher early-life Pb2+exposure among patients with schizophrenia than controls. The differences in log Mn2+and log Cu2+changed relatively linearly over time to postnatal negative values. There was a positive correlation between early-life Pb2+levels and psychotic experiences in adulthood. Moreover, we found a negative correlation between Pb2+levels and adult IQ.

Conclusions

In our proof-of-concept study, using tooth-matrix biomarker that provides direct measurement of exposure in the fetus and newborn, we provide support for the role of metal exposure during critical neurodevelopmental periods in psychosis.
Comparison of Diaphragm Thickness Measurements Among Postures Via Ultrasound Imaging
Authors: Hellyer Nathan J. , Andreas Nicholas M. , Bernstetter Andrew S. , Cieslak Kathryn R. , Donahue Gerad F. , Steiner Elizabeth A. , Hollman John H. , Boon Andrea J.
Published: June 2016

Background

Assessment of diaphragm contraction may be useful for identifying impairments in patients with movement dysfunction involving trunk stabilization, respiration, or both. Real‐time ultrasound imaging is a readily available technology that can be used to quickly assess this aspect of diaphragm activity. Although previous studies have examined diaphragm contraction in the supine posture, a comparison of measurements between supine and upright postures has not been made.

Objective

To examine whether diaphragm thickness measurements differ among 3 different body postures in healthy subjects.

Design

Descriptive repeated measures.

Setting

Clinical laboratory.

Patients (or Participants)

Twenty‐four healthy subjects (12 male and 12 female) aged 22‐35 years old were recruited and completed the study.

Method

Diaphragm thickness was assessed in via B‐mode ultrasound imaging in supine, seated, and standing postures. Measurements of diaphragm thickness were taken in the zone of apposition during maximal inspiration to total lung capacity (TLC) and end‐tidal expiratory lung volume (EELV). A thickness ratio (inspiration thickness/expiration thickness) was calculated to compare relative diaphragm contraction during each condition.

Main Outcome Measurements

The primary dependent variable was diaphragm thickness (mm).

Results

Average diaphragm thickness at EELV and maximum TLC were more than 20% greater in the seated and standing postures than in supine (P < .05). Moreover, the diaphragm was approximately 205% thicker at TLC than at EELV (P < .05). Relative inspiratory to expiratory thickness ratios (TLC/EELV) did not differ among postures (P = .24).

Conclusions

The diaphragm is thicker when the body is in more upright postures (standing and sitting versus supine) perhaps due to greater vertical gravitational load on the muscle and associated change in the resting length of the muscle fibers. Thus it appears that ultrasound imaging may be a sensitive tool to examine changes in diaphragm contraction during varying postural tasks.

Level of Evidence

IV
What is Bayesian statistics?
Authors: Marrero Osvaldo
Published: June 2016

Bayesian statistics is included in few elementary statistics courses, and many mathematicians have heard of it, perhaps through collateral readings from popular literature or [1], selected as an Editor's Choice in the New York Times Book Review. ‘Bayesian statistics’ provides for a way to incorporate prior beliefs, experience, or information into the analysis of data. Bayesian thinking is natural, and that is an advantage. For example, on a summer morning, if we see dark rain clouds up in the sky, we leave home for work with an umbrella because prior experience tells us that doing so is beneficial. In general, the idea is simple; schematically, it looks like this:

(prior belief) + (data: new information) ⇒ (posterior belief).

Thus, we begin with a prior belief that we allow to be modified or informed by new data to produce a posterior belief, which then becomes our new prior, and this process is never-ending. We are always willing to update our beliefs according to new information.
Euler, the clothoid and
Authors: Lord Nick
Published: June 2016

One of the many definite integrals that Euler was the first to evaluate was

(1)

He did this, almost as an afterthought, at the end of his short, seven-page paper catalogued as E675 in [1] and with the matter-of-fact title, On the values of integrals from x = 0 to x = ∞. It is a beautiful Euler miniature which neatly illustrates the unexpected twists and turns in the history of mathematics. For Euler's derivation of (1) emerges as the by-product of a solution to a problem in differential geometry concerning the clothoid curve which he had first encountered nearly forty years earlier in his paper E65, [1]. As highlighted in the recent Gazette article [2], E675 is notable for Euler's use of a complex number substitution to evaluate a real-variable integral. He used this technique in about a dozen of the papers written in the last decade of his life. The rationale for this manoeuvre caused much debate among later mathematicians such as Laplace and Poisson and the technique was only put on a secure footing by the work of Cauchy from 1814 onwards on the foundations of complex function theory, [3, Chapter 1]. Euler's justification was essentially pragmatic (in agreement with numerical evidence) and by what Dunham in [4, p. 68] characterises as his informal credo, ‘Follow the formulas, and they will lead to the truth.’ Smithies, [3, p. 187], contextualises Euler's approach by noting that, at that time, ‘a function was usually thought of as being defined by an analytic expression; by the principle of the generality of analysis, which was widely and often tacitly accepted, such an expression was expected to be valid for all values, real or complex, of the independent variable’. In this article, we examine E675 closely. We have tweaked notation and condensed the working in places to reflect modern usage. At the end, we outline what is, with hindsight, needed to make Euler's arguments watertight: it is worth noting that all of his conclusions survive intact and that the intermediate functions of one and two variables that he introduces in E675 remain the key ingredients for much subsequent work on these integrals.
A simple proof of Euler's continued fraction of e1/M
Authors: Tonien Joseph
Published: June 2016

A continued fraction is an expression of the form

and we will denote it by the notation [f0, (g0, f1), (g1, f2), (g2, f3), … ]. If the numerators gi are all equal to 1 then we will use a shorter notation [f0, f1, f2, f3, … ]. A simple continued fraction is a continued fraction with all the gi coefficients equal to 1 and with all the fi coefficients positive integers except perhaps f0.

The finite continued fraction [f0, (g0, f1), (g1, f2),…, (gk–1, fk)] is called the k th convergent of the infinite continued fraction [f0, (g0, f1), (g1, f2),…]. We define

if this limit exists and in this case we say that the infinite continued fraction converges.
The influence of volatile semiochemicals from stink bug eggs and oviposition-damaged plants on the foraging behaviour of the egg parasitoidTelenomus podisi
Authors: Michereff M.F.F. , Borges M. , Aquino M.F.S. , Laumann R.A. , Mendes Gomes A.C.M. , Blassioli-Moraes M.C.
Published: June 2016

During host selection, physical and chemical stimuli provide important cues that modify search behaviours of natural enemies. We evaluated the influence of volatiles released by eggs and egg extracts of the stink bugEuschistus herosand by soybean plants treated with the eggs and egg extracts onTelenomus podisiforaging behaviour. Responses to volatiles were evaluated in Y-tube olfactometers after exposure to (1) one egg cluster for 24 h; (2) plants with eggs laid by the stink bug, tested at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment; (3) plants with eggs laid artificially, tested at 24, 48, and 72 h after treatment; and (4) plants treated with acetone or hexane extracts of eggs.Telenomus podisiwas attracted to volatiles emitted by one egg cluster and to acetone extracts of one egg cluster, but not to air or acetone controls. There were no responses to odours of plants treated with eggs or egg extracts. Analysis of acetone extracts of egg clusters by gas chromatography revealed the major components were saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, including hexadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, and (Z)-9-octadecenoic acid. Our results suggest that one egg cluster and the acetone extract of one egg cluster contain volatile compounds that can modifyT. podisiforaging behaviour, and that the amounts of these compounds, probably together with some minor compounds, are important for host recognition byT. podisi. Also, the oviposition damage or egg extracts on the plant did not elicit indirect defences that attractedTelenomus podisi.
Distribution and conservation status of the Endangered pepperbark tree Warburgia salutaris (Canellaceae) in Swaziland
Authors: Dludlu Meshack N. , Dlamini Priscilla S. , Sibandze Gugu F. , Vilane Vusumuzi S. , Dlamini Cliff S.
Published: June 2016

The Endangered Warburgia salutaris (Bertol. f.) Chiov. (Canellaceae), a sought-after medicinal plant in southern Africa, is on the verge of extinction as a result of overexploitation for illegal trade. As part of formulating a conservation strategy for the species in Swaziland we sought to determine its distribution and population status and to revise its national conservation status. Field surveys were conducted in all physiographic regions of Swaziland. Eighteen locations of species presence were found, of which 14 were new records. Three were within protected areas, and seven were in areas worthy of protection. The largest subpopulations occurred in two of the latter areas, Ngudzeni and Sitsatsaweni (351 and 230 individuals, respectively), and one unprotected area, Bulunga (250 individuals). Warburgia salutaris has a severely fragmented distribution and an area of occupancy of 192 km2. Of 700 mature individuals 38% were ring-barked and 7% felled, and some subpopulations had ring-barked juveniles. This indicates a plausible decline in number of mature individuals. Most localities in unprotected areas are eroded and invaded by alien plants, indicating a decline in habitat quality. Our findings indicate that W. salutaris should be categorized as Endangered nationally based on criteria B2ab (iii,v). Although this status implies a lower level of threat than the previous national categorization as Critically Endangered, it does not imply an improved conservation effort in the country, but rather a more accurate assessment based on more data. We have clarified the conservation status of W. salutaris in Swaziland, discovered some previously undocumented subpopulations and identified potential conservation interventions. We recommend that this information be used in setting priorities to ensure conservation of the species.
BEYOND BUTRINT: THE ‘MURSI SURVEY’, 2008
Authors: Hodges Richard , Carr Erika , Sebastiani Alessandro , Vaccaro Emanuele
Published: June 2016

This article provides a short report on a survey of the region to the east of the ancient city of Butrint, in south-west Albania. Centred on the modern villages of Mursi and Xarra, the field survey provides information on over 80 sites (including standing monuments). Previous surveys close to Butrint have brought to light the impact of Roman Imperial colonisation on its hinterland. This new survey confirms that the density of Imperial Roman sites extends well to the east of Butrint. As in the previous surveys, pre-Roman and post-Roman sites are remarkably scarce. As a result, taking the results of the Butrint Foundation's archaeological excavations in Butrint to show the urban history of the place from the Bronze Age to the Ottoman period, the authors challenge the central theme of urban continuity and impact upon Mediterranean landscapes posited by Horden and Purcell, inThe Corrupting Sea(2000). Instead, the hinterland of Butrint, on the evidence of this and previous field surveys, appears to have had intense engagement with the town in the Early Roman period following the creation of the Roman colony. Significant engagement with Butrint continued in Late Antiquity, but subsequently in the Byzantine period, as before the creation of the colony, the relationship between the town and its hinterland was limited and has left a modest impact upon the archaeological record.
OPTIMAL PORTFOLIO AND CONSUMPTION MODELS UNDER LOSS AVERSION IN INFINITE TIME HORIZON
Authors: Song Jingjing , Bi Xiuchun , Zhang Shuguang
Published: June 2016

This paper investigates continuous-time optimal portfolio and consumption problems under loss aversion in an infinite time horizon. The investor's goal is to choose the optimal portfolio and consumption policies to maximize total discounted S-shaped utility from consumption. The problems are solved under two different situations respectively for the reference level: exogenous or endogenous. For the case of exogenous reference level, which is independent of the consumption policy, the optimal consumption policy and wealth process are obtained through the martingale method and replicating technique. For the case of endogenous reference level, which is related to the past actual consumption, the optimization problem with stochastic reference level is first transformed into an equivalent optimization problem with zero reference point, the corresponding relationship between them is proved, and then the relevant optimal consumption policy and wealth process are also obtained. When the investment opportunity sets are constants, the closed-form solutions of the portfolio and consumption policies are derived under two different situations respectively.
ON WEIGHTED K-OUT-OF-N SYSTEMS WITH STATISTICALLY DEPENDENT COMPONENT LIFETIMES
Authors: Li Xiaohu , You Yinping , Fang Rui
Published: June 2016

For the weighted k-out-of-n system with statistically dependent component lifetimes, we have a discussion on the system performance through investigating the ordering properties of the total system weight with respect to component weight vector. Applications of the present ordering results to signature of coherent systems are presented as well.
An outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli serogroup O157 linked to a lamb-feeding event
Authors: ROWELL S. , KING C. , JENKINS C. , DALLMAN T. J. , DECRAENE V. , LAMDEN K. , HOWARD A. , FEATHERSTONE C. A. , CLEARY P.
Published: June 2016

Fifteen confirmed cases and 15 possible cases of Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) O157 phage type 21/28 were linked to direct contact with lambs at a ‘Lambing Live’ event in the North West of England between 29 March and 21 April 2014. Twenty-one (70%) of the cases were female, 23 (77%) were children aged <16 years, of whom 14 (46%) were in the 0–5 years age group. Five children developed haemolytic uraemic syndrome. Multilocus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) profiles on 14 human cases were indistinguishable, and 6/10 animal isolates had a MLVA profile identical to the outbreak profile. Whole-genome sequencing analysis revealed that all isolates, both human and animal, fell within a 5-single nucleotide polymorphism cluster indicating the isolates belonged to the same point source. On inspection of the premises, extensive and uncontrolled physical contact between visitors and animals was occuring within the animal pens and during bottle-feeding. Public areas were visibly contaminated with animal faeces. Information to visitors, and the infection control awareness demonstrated by staff, was inadequate. Managing the risk to visitors of STEC O157 infection at animal petting events and open farms requires implementation of stringent control measures by the operator, as outlined in the industry code of practice. Enforcement action is sometimes required to prevent high-risk activities taking place at both permanent and temporary attractions.
Fast-food exposure around schools in urban Adelaide
Authors: Coffee Neil T , Kennedy Hannah P , Niyonsenga Theo
Published: June 2016

Objective

To assess whether exposure to fast-food outlets around schools differed depending on socio-economic status (SES).

Design

Binary logistic regression was used to investigate the presence and zero-inflated Poisson regression was used for the count (due to the excess of zeroes) of fast food within 1000 m and 15000 m road network buffers around schools. The low and middle SES tertiles were combined due to a lack of significant variation as the ‘disadvantaged’ group and compared with the high SES tertile as the ‘advantaged’ group. School SES was expressed using the 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics, socio-economic indices for areas, index of relative socio-economic disadvantage. Fast-food data included independent takeaway food outlets and major fast-food chains.

Setting

Metropolitan Adelaide, South Australia.

Subjects

A total of 459 schools were geocoded to the street address and 1000 m and 1500 m road network distance buffers calculated.

Results

There was a 1·6 times greater risk of exposure to fast food within 1000 m (OR=1·634; 95 % 1·017, 2·625) and a 9·5 times greater risk of exposure to a fast food within 1500 m (OR=9·524; 95 % CI 3·497, 25·641) around disadvantaged schools compared with advantaged schools.

Conclusions

Disadvantaged schools were exposed to more fast food, with more than twice the number of disadvantaged schools exposed to fast food. The higher exposure to fast food near more disadvantaged schools may reflect lower commercial land cost in low-SES areas, potentially creating more financially desirable investments for fast-food developers.
A mowing strategy to convert red clover to annual crops in organic farming
Authors: Anderson Randy L.
Published: June 2016

Organic producers are interested in no-till cropping systems. In this study, we found that perennial clover can be converted to corn without tillage. Conversion tactics involved fall mowing in the third year of red clover, followed by between-row mowing of weeds and volunteer red clover in corn grown during the fourth year. Corn yielded 85% of the weed-free control with mowing conversion. In contrast, weed interference in tillage-based conversion and between-row tillage reduced corn yield 53%. Weed emergence was sixfold greater in the tilled conversion. Weeds were present in the corn row with mowing, but recently developed implements could control these weeds and further support a no-till conversion method.
THE AMBIGUITY OF KNOWABILITY
Authors: KOOI BARTELD
Published: June 2016

In this paper it is shown that the Verification Thesis (all truths are knowable) is only susceptible to Fitch’s Paradox if one conflates the de re and de dicto interpretation of knowability. A formalisation shows that if one treats knowability as a complex second-order predicate, then the paradox falls apart.
Fetale Alkoholspektrumstörungen – Diagnose, neuropsychologische Testung und symptomorientierte Förderung
Authors: Landgraf Mirjam N. , Giese Renate M. , Heinen Florian
Published: June 2016

Zusammenfassung. Laut den aktuellen Studien zur Gesundheit in Deutschland (GEDA) haben knapp 20 % der schwangeren Frauen einen „moderaten Alkoholkonsum“ und knapp 8 % einen riskanten Alkoholkonsum. 12 % der Schwangeren geben ein Rauschtrinken (≥ 5 Getränke pro Gelegenheit) seltener als einmal pro Monat, knapp 4 % jeden Monat und 0.1 % mindestens jede Woche an. Zurückhaltende, strenge Schätzungen ergeben, dass ca. 1 % aller Kinder intrauterin durch Alkohol geschädigt werden. Extrapoliert aus dieser Schätzung bedeutet dies, dass in Deutschland ca. 0.8 Millionen Menschen, davon 130 000 Kinder, mit einer Fetalen Alkoholspektrumstörung (FASD) leben. Die Mehrzahl der betroffenen Kinder werden nicht oder erst spät richtig diagnostiziert. Professionelle Helfer im Gesundheits- und Sozialsystem sind bislang über die Symptome und die notwendige Diagnostik der FASD nur unzureichend informiert. Ziel dieses Übersichtsartikels ist die Erläuterung der ärztlichen und psychologischen diagnostischen Möglichkeiten und Notwendigkeiten bei Kindern und Jugendlichen mit FASD. Eine frühzeitige Diagnose und ein konstantes förderndes und gewaltfreies Umfeld sind als wichtigste protektive Faktoren für den Langzeit-Outcome von Menschen mit FASD identifiziert worden.
The Role of Morningness and Endurance in Mood and Attention During	Morning and Evening Hours
Authors: Jankowski Konrad S. , Zajenkowski Marcin
Published: June 2016

Abstract. This study aimed at testing the effects of morningness-eveningness and endurance on mood and selective attention during morning and evening hours. University students (N = 80) completed the Polish version of the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire, the Formal Characteristics of Behaviour-Temperament Inventory, and two testing sessions scheduled during the morning and evening hours. Each testing session consisted of completing the UWIST Mood Adjective Checklist composed of three scales: energetic arousal (EA), tense arousal (TA), and hedonic tone (HT), and a computerized visual search task. Without consideration of morningness and endurance, a time-of-day effect appeared in the visual attention but not in affect: participants were more accurate and faster in the evening than in the morning. Considering morningness and endurance, neither of them influenced the selective attention but they did influence mood. Morningness influenced diurnal variations in EA and HT in such a way that from morning to evening hours, morning chronotypes showed a decrease and evening types an increase in EA and HT. During morning hours, morningness was related to higher EA and HT and lower TA, but endurance was not. During evening hours, morningness was unrelated to mood, but endurance was linked to higher EA. It is concluded that morningness and endurance impact mood differently throughout the day, with the role of morningness decreasing and the role of endurance increasing as the day progresses.
Self- and External-Rated Emotional Competence
Authors: Nizielski Sophia , Rindermann Heiner
Published: June 2016

Abstract. There is a persistent discussion on the overlap between emotional intelligence and personality. This article focuses on relations between the Big Five and emotional competence (EC; comprising the perceived abilities to recognize own and others’ emotions, regulate own emotions, and express emotions). In a sample of 92 apprentices and working persons, EC was assessed by self- and external-ratings, using the Emotionale-Kompetenz-Fragebogen (EKF; Rindermann, 2009 ). The Big Five were measured with a German version of the NEO-FFI ( Borkenau & Ostendorf, 1993 ) by self- and other-reports. Using different measurement approaches to both constructs, we found that the Big Five only predicted some of the EC facets. We argue that EC is related to, but more than personality.
Exposure to an Infidelity Threat Manipulation
Authors: Cater Tamra , Zeigler-Hill Virgil , Besser Avi
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The associations between adult attachment dimensions and responses to romantic relationship threats have been investigated in recent years. The present study extended the results of previous studies by examining whether attachment dimensions moderated the anticipated responses that individuals had to the imagined infidelity of their romantic partners. College student participants (N = 243) were randomly assigned to imagine either a high threat scenario (i.e., finding their partner having sex with someone else) or a low threat scenario (i.e., hearing a couple on television having sex) and report their anticipated responses to these scenarios. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed that the attachment dimensions moderated the anticipated responses of participants to the imagined infidelity of their romantic partners but the exact patterns of these results were different than we expected. For example, individuals with low levels of attachment avoidance provided more positive evaluations of their romantic relationships than individuals with high levels of attachment avoidance in the low threat condition but this difference did not emerge in the high threat condition. These findings suggest that low levels of attachment avoidance may be most beneficial for romantic relationships when there is relatively little threat to the relationship. Further, men with high levels of attachment anxiety reported relatively positive evaluations of their relationships in the high threat condition compared to men with low levels of attachment anxiety or women (regardless of their level of attachment anxiety). Discussion focuses on the implications these results may have for understanding the connections between attachment and relationship evaluations under conditions of threat.
Psychometric Properties of the French Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI)
Authors: Storme Martin , Tavani Jean-Louis , Myszkowski Nils
Published: June 2016

Abstract. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychometric properties of the Ten-Item Personality Inventory (TIPI) in a French-speaking sample (1,554 participants, 59.3% of women). Our results showed that the French version of the TIPI has acceptable psychometric properties with satisfactory levels of temporal stability (after three and six weeks), satisfactory convergent and divergent construct validity in relationship with the Big Five Inventory (BFI), emotional intelligence, and self-esteem. As in the other translations of the TIPI, the limitation of our adaptation is the low level of internal consistency, especially concerning agreeableness, as in the Spanish version. The French TIPI is a promising scale that should be used preferably for exploratory purposes.
"Sunken City" Was Really Made by Microbes
Authors: Deatrick Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

What scientists thought was a sunken Greek city turns out to be the fossils of an ancient hydrocarbon seep from several million years ago.
Intronic cleavage and polyadenylation regulates gene expression during DNA damage response through U1 snRNA
Authors: Devany Emral , Park Ji Yeon , Murphy Michael R , Zakusilo George , Baquero Jorge , Zhang Xiaokan , Hoque Mainul , Tian Bin , Kleiman Frida E
Published: June 2016

The DNA damage response involves coordinated control of gene expression and DNA repair. Using deep sequencing, we found widespread changes of alternative cleavage and polyadenylation site usage on ultraviolet-treatment in mammalian cells. Alternative cleavage and polyadenylation regulation in the 3ʹ untranslated region is substantial, leading to both shortening and lengthening of 3ʹ untranslated regions of genes. Interestingly, a strong activation of intronic alternative cleavage and polyadenylation sites is detected, resulting in widespread expression of truncated transcripts. Intronic alternative cleavage and polyadenylation events are biased to the 5ʹ end of genes and affect gene groups with important functions in DNA damage response and cancer. Moreover, intronic alternative cleavage and polyadenylation site activation during DNA damage response correlates with a decrease in U1 snRNA levels, and is reversible by U1 snRNA overexpression. Importantly, U1 snRNA overexpression mitigates ultraviolet-induced apoptosis. Together, these data reveal a significant gene regulatory scheme in DNA damage response where U1 snRNA impacts gene expression via the U1-alternative cleavage and polyadenylation axis.