bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis, Structure, and Ligand‐Centered Catalytic Properties of MII Coordination Polymers (M=ZnII, CdII, HgII) with Open Pyridyl N‐Oxide Sites
Authors: Cheng Jun‐Yan , Ding Feng‐Wen , Wang Peng , Zhao Chao‐Wei , Dong Yu‐Bin
Published: March 2016

Four MII (M=ZnII, CdII, HgII) coordination polymers were designed and synthesized based on two pyridine N‐oxide bridging ligands: 3,5‐bis(4‐pyridyl)pyridine N‐oxide and 2,6‐bis(3‐pyridyl)pyridine N‐oxide. The resulting polymers all feature a one‐dimensional chain motif and contain free pyridyl moieties. More importantly, they exhibit interesting ligand‐centered (pyridyl N‐oxide) catalytic behavior, and can be used as highly heterogeneous catalysts to promote the Knoevenagel condensation reaction under ambient conditions.
IT'S IN MY HOOD: UNDERSTANDING AFRICAN AMERICAN BOYS’ PERCEPTION OF SAFETY IN THEIR NEIGHBORHOODS
Authors: Thomas Alvin , Caldwell Cleopatra H. , Jagers Robert J. , Flay Brian R.
Published: March 2016

Youths' perceptions of their neighborhood are shaped by continued exposure to neighborhood influences. African‐American boys in poor, urban contexts are more directly affected by their neighborhoods and are more likely to develop related difficulties such as victimization experiences, and exposure to violence. This study examines African‐American boys' perceptions of safety in their neighborhood. Data were collected in 1994 from 553 African‐American males at the baseline of an intervention study ‐ the Aban Aya Youth Project (AAYP) ‐ among inner city youth in 12 schools from poor, metropolitan Chicago neighborhoods. We found a significant influence for the interaction between collective efficacy and violent experiences on perception of neighborhood safety. The findings highlight how both neighborhood strengths and risks interact to influence the functioning of African‐American boys in disadvantaged communities. More importantly the study demonstrates how neighborhood support or neighborhood collective efficacy can be especially protective to African‐American boys in high‐risk urban settings.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF SENSE OF COMMUNITY AND TRUST TO HOPE
Authors: Jason Leonard A. , Stevens Ed , Light John M.
Published: March 2016

Settings that have ecological variables that instill hope might be particularly effective for treating individuals with substance use disorders. More specifically, trust and sense of community could be of importance in the fostering of hope among individuals in recovery from substance use disorders. Our study included a sample of individuals who were living in or had lived in Oxford House recovery homes. We found that both sense of community and trust are ecological aspects of settings that had important influences on hope, because an engaged individual tends to value trust relationships. Perceptions of the house operating effectively was positively related to individuals’ assessment of the house as a good setting, but the house was not perceived to be as effective when the residents were not invested in the setting. The sense of community self factor was the best predictor of hope, suggesting that individuals’ personal investment in their house community are related to their hopefulness in terms of goal attainment and opportunities. Associations of hopefulness, personal commitment, and a supportive ecology provide evidence that an individual's perspective on recovery encompasses personal, environmental, and temporal perceptions.
Ion exchange defines the biological activity of titanate nanotubes
Authors: Rónavári Andrea , Kovács Dávid , Vágvölgyi Csaba , Kónya Zoltán , Kiricsi Mónika , Pfeiffer Ilona
Published: March 2016

One‐dimensional titanate nanotubes (TiONTs) were subjected to systematic ion exchange to determine the impact of these modifications on biological activities. Ion exchanged TiONTs (with Ag, Mg, Bi, Sb, Ca, K, Sr, Fe, and Cu ions) were successfully synthesized and the presence of the substituted ions was verified by energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDS). A complex screening was carried out to reveal differences in toxicity to human cells, as well as in antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral activities between the various modified nanotubes. Our results demonstrated that Ag ion exchanged TiONTs exerted potent antibacterial and antifungal effects against all examined microbial species but were ineffective on viruses. Surprisingly, the antibacterial activity of Cu/TiONTs was restricted to Micrococcus luteus. Most ion exchanged TiONTs did not show antimicrobial activity against the tested bacterial and fungal species. Incorporation of various ions into nanotube architectures lead to mild, moderate, or even to a massive loss of human cell viability; therefore, this type of biological effect exerted by TiONTs can be greatly modulated by ion exchange. These findings further emphasize the contribution of ion exchange in determining not only the physical and chemical characteristics but also the bioactivity of TiONT against different types of living cells.
WHAT EVERY CEO NEEDS TO KNOW ABOUT THE VAPORIZED ECONOMY
Authors: Tercek Robert
Published: March 2016

Tercek shows how organizations that once produced solid, tangible products have consistently been “vaporized,” turned into digital bits. Familiar examples include physical books, newspapers, and music. The “widespread take‐up of smartphone apps means that consumers can now use a downloadable app to replace physical things like cameras, GPS units, DVD players, game consoles, even keys and credit cards.” Managers must give much more thought to software and proprietary data assets, and companies should consider the roles they play, and their leadership within, mobile ecosystems, marketplaces, and platforms. As Tercek writes, the “switch from physical to vaporized versions of products requires every business to recast itself as a software company.”
THE POWER OF ADDING VALUE
Authors: Temple Inés
Published: March 2016

Everyone working in an organization must continually prove, Temple asserts, how they add value. This requires knowing how your actions contribute to the success of your organization, and how your daily behaviors support value creation. Beyond the necessary functional/technical knowledge; she points to three factors that help ensure one's competitive strength in the workplace, described in detail in the article. In her words, the factors are: (1) having a clear idea of the value we add, (2) always being up to date on the latest trends, and (3) being bilingual and proficient in technology. And remember that the concept of a job for life is “virtually extinct.”
Identification of metabolites of the novel anti‐tumor drug candidate MDH‐7 in rat urine by liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole linear ion trap mass spectrometry
Authors: Li Juan , Chen Yu , Diao Yanyan , Su Yingqian , Wang Qingli , Yao Zhicun , Yi Tianxiang , Jin Wenting , Zhao Dan , Wang Caihong , Liu Mengru , Liu Hongmin
Published: March 2016

Rationale

Our previous preliminary pharmacokinetic study demonstrated that the novel double pyrimidine tricyclic nucleoside MDH‐7 in rats had a very short half‐life (<30 min) after oral administration. As a result, the in vivo metabolic profile of MDH‐7 should be investigated during early stages of drug development to better select drug candidates.

Methods

In this study, a rapid method was developed to identify the metabolites of MDH‐7 in rat urine by means of ultra‐performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) coupled with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI‐MS) using a triple quadrupole linear ion trap instrument. MDH‐7 and its metabolites were detected and characterized by the combined use of the multiple reaction monitoring–information‐dependent acquisition–enhanced product ion (MRM‐IDA‐EPI) mode and the precursor scan information–dependent acquisition–enhanced product ion (PREC‐IDA‐EPI) mode.

Results

Ten novel metabolites of MDH‐7 were identified and characterized in rat urine by LC/ESI‐MS and collision‐induced dissociation tandem mass spectrometry (CID‐MS/MS) analyses. M1 was identified as 5‐fluoro‐N4‐[(pentyloxy)carbonyl]cytosine; M2 and M3 were formed by hydroxylation products of M1. Metabolites M4–M10 were formed by a series of degradation reactions such as: deacetylation, hydroxylation, loss of the defluorocytosine base, oxidative‐deamination, loss of the defluorouracil base, N‐dealkylation and amide hydrolysis.

Conclusions

Based on the profiles of the metabolites, possible metabolic pathways of MDH‐7 in rats were proposed for the first time. This study provides new and available information on the metabolism of MDH‐7 which is very useful to further understand its in vivo metabolic fate. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model-driven synthesis of formally precise, stylized software architectures
Authors: Bagheri Hamid , Sullivan Kevin
Published: March 2016

Reliably producing software architectures in selected architectural styles requires significant expertise yet remains difficult and error-prone. Our research goals are to better understand the nature of style-specific architectures, and relieve architects of the need to produce such architectures by hand. To achieve our goals, this paper introduces a formally precise approach to separate architectural style design decisions from application-specific decisions, and then uses these separate decisions as inputs to an automated synthesizer. This in effect supports a model-driven development (MDD) approach to architecture synthesis with style as a separate design variable. We claim that it is possible to formalize this separation of concerns, long implicit in software engineering research; to automatically synthesize style-specific architectures; and thereby to improve software design productivity and quality. To test these claims, we employed a combination of experimental systems and case study methods: we developed an MDD tool and used it to carry out case studies using Kitchenham’s methods. Our contributions include: a theoretical framework formalizing our separation of concerns and synthesis approach; an MDD framework, Monarch; and results of case studies that we interpret as supporting our claims. This work advances our understanding of software architectural style as a formal refinement; makes application descriptions an explicit subject of study; and suggests that synthesis of architectures can improve software productivity and quality.
Sulfosuccination of Methyl Ricinoleate and Methyl 12‐Hydroxy Stearate Derived from Renewable Castor Oil and Evaluation of Their Surface Properties
Authors: Kumar Pandari Phani , Ramesh Peketi , Kanjilal Sanjit
Published: March 2016

Sulfosuccination of castor oil‐derived methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12‐hydroxy stearate have been carried out in the present work. Synthesis involves malenization of secondary alcohol of methyl ricinoleate/methyl 12‐hydroxy stearate followed by sulfonation of maleic monoester to generate double‐headed dianionic surfactant with carboxylate and sulfosuccinate functionalities in the head group region. Various reaction conditions were optimized for maximum production of these two sulfosuccinates. Both compounds were evaluated for surface and detergency properties. The surface tension study indicated that the critical micelle concentration of sulfosuccinated methyl ricinoleate and methyl 12‐hydroxy stearate is 0.26 and 0.11 mM, respectively. The detergency property of these two surfactants indicated that they were excellent in wetting time emulsification and Ca‐tolerance. However, these two surfactants exhibited very poor foam height and foam stability.
Sources and Bioactive Properties of Conjugated Dietary Fatty Acids
Authors: Hennessy Alan A. , Ross Paul R. , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Stanton Catherine
Published: March 2016

The group of conjugated fatty acids known as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) isomers have been extensively studied with regard to their bioactive potential in treating some of the most prominent human health malignancies. However, CLA isomers are not the only group of potentially bioactive conjugated fatty acids currently undergoing study. In this regard, isomers of conjugated α‐linolenic acid, conjugated nonadecadienoic acid and conjugated eicosapentaenoic acid, to name but a few, have undergone experimental assessment. These studies have indicated many of these conjugated fatty acid isomers commonly possess anti‐carcinogenic, anti‐adipogenic, anti‐inflammatory and immune modulating properties, a number of which will be discussed in this review. The mechanisms through which these bioactivities are mediated have not yet been fully elucidated. However, existing evidence indicates that these fatty acids may play a role in modulating the expression of several oncogenes, cell cycle regulators, and genes associated with energy metabolism. Despite such bioactive potential, interest in these conjugated fatty acids has remained low relative to the CLA isomers. This may be partly attributed to the relatively recent emergence of these fatty acids as bioactives, but also due to a lack of awareness regarding sources from which they can be produced. In this review, we will also highlight the common sources of these conjugated fatty acids, including plants, algae, microbes and chemosynthesis.
Dolichol: A Component of the Cellular Antioxidant Machinery
Authors: Cavallini Gabriella , Sgarbossa Antonella , Parentini Ilaria , Bizzarri Ranieri , Donati Alessio , Lenci Francesco , Bergamini Ettore
Published: March 2016

Dolichol, an end product of the mevalonate pathway, has been proposed as a biomarker of aging, but its biological role, not to mention its catabolism, has not been fully understood. UV‐B radiation was used to induce oxidative stress in isolated rat hepatocytes by the collagenase method. Effects on dolichol, phospholipid‐bound polyunsaturated fatty acids (PL‐PUFA) and known lipid soluble antioxidants [coenzyme Q (CoQ) and α‐tocopherol] were studied. The increase in oxidative stress was detected by a probe sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Peroxidation of lipids was assessed by measuring the release of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). Dolichol, CoQ, and α‐tocopherol were assessed by high‐pressure liquid chromatography (HPLC), PL‐PUFA by gas–liquid chromatography (GC). UV‐B radiation caused an immediate increase in ROS as well as lipid peroxidation and a simultaneous decrease in the levels of dolichol and lipid soluble antioxidants. Decrease in dolichol paralleled changes in CoQ levels and was smaller to that in α‐tocopherol. The addition of mevinolin, a competitive inhibitor of the enzyme 3‐hydroxy‐3‐methylglutaryl CoA reductase (HMG‐CoAR), magnified the loss of dolichol and was associated with an increase in TBARS production. Changes in PL‐PUFA were minor. These findings highlight that oxidative stress has very early and similar effects on dolichol and lipid soluble antioxidants. Lower levels of dolichol are associated with enhanced peroxidation of lipids, which suggest that dolichol may have a protective role in the antioxidant machinery of cell membranes and perhaps be a key to understanding some adverse effects of statin therapy.
Anti‐arrhythmic medications increase non‐cardiac mortality – A meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Pandya Bhavi , Spagnola Jonathan , Sheikh Azfar , Karam Boutros , Anugu Viswajit Reddy , Khan Asif , Lafferty James , Kenigsberg David , Kowalski Marcin
Published: March 2016

Introduction

Anti‐arrhythmic medications (AAMs) are known to increase cardiac mortality significantly due to their pro‐arrhythmic effects. However, the effect of AAMs on non‐cardiac mortality has not been evaluated.

Methods

Trials published in English language journals from 1990 to 2015 were thoroughly retrieved by searching websites such as PubMed, Medline, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Randomized controlled trials reporting non‐cardiac deaths as primary or secondary outcomes were used to compare AAMs to non‐arrhythmic therapy (AV nodal blocking agents, implantable cardiovascular defibrillation (ICD), or placebo). Information regarding the sample size, treatment type, baseline characteristics, and outcomes was obtained by using a standardized protocol. The fixed effect model was used to perform meta‐analysis, and results were expressed in terms of odds ratio (OR) with confidence interval (CI) of 95%, inter study heterogeneity was assessed using I2. Intention to treat principle was applied to extract data.

Results

Total of 18,728 patients were enrolled in 15 trials; 9359 patients received AAMs and 9369 received non‐arrhythmic therapy. AAMs were associated with an increased risk of non‐cardiac mortality (OR=1.30, [95% CI: 1.12, 1.50], p=0.0005, I2 index=24%) and all‐cause mortality (OR=1.09, [95% CI: 1.01, 1.18], p=0.04, I2=54%) as compared to non‐arrhythmic therapy. There was no difference in the cardiac mortality (OR=1.01, [95% CI: 0.92, 1.11], p=0.82, I2=53%) or arrhythmic mortality (OR=1.00, [95% CI: 0.89, 1.13], p=0.94, I2=64%) between the two groups.

Conclusion

AAMs are associated with an increased risk of non‐cardiac and all‐cause mortality. The effect of AAMs, especially amiodarone, on non‐cardiac mortality requires further evaluation.
Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Causing Phantom Hand Pain in a Person With a Transradial Amputation: A Case Presentation
Authors: Hanlan Amy , Finlayson Heather C. , Grant Chris
Published: March 2016

In this case, a 47‐year‐old commercial truck driver with a remote right transradial amputation presented with pain in the medial aspect of his right phantom hand. He was diagnosed with thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS). This was attributed to the muscular demands associated with using his body‐powered prosthesis for many years. TOS remains a controversial diagnosis in the able‐bodied population and a unique diagnostic challenge in a patient with a transradial amputation. In this case, consideration of TOS guided the rehabilitation and treatment plan. His pain improved with a conservative stretching program.
Unusual Electromyographic Findings Associated With Colchicine Neuromyopathy: A Case Report
Authors: Marciniak Christina , Babu Ashwin , Ghannad Leda , Burnstine Richard , Keeshin Susan
Published: March 2016

An 83‐year‐old man with multiple medical problems, including gout, pseudogout, and renal insufficiency, presented with more than a year of proximal weakness. He had an extensive previous medical workup, including a normal creatinine kinase. His weakness persisted despite endurance and strength training. Electrodiagnostic findings were consistent with a myopathy, although without abnormal spontaneous activity and a length‐dependent neuropathy. On the basis of these findings, colchicine was discontinued. The patient experienced marked symptomatic improvement within a week. Myopathies with neuropathies may be found with the use of colchicine. This case was unusual because of the absence of abnormal spontaneous activity and increased creatinine kinase, as typically reported with colchicine myopathy.

Level of Evidence

V
The London Auction Mart and the Marketability of Real Estate in England, 1808–1864
Authors: Fitz-Gibbon Desmond
Published: March 2016

This article considers the cultural work of commoditization through the example of the London Auction Mart and the market for real estate in early nineteenth-century England. The auctioneers who founded this exchange sought to reconfigure the organization of property sales in an institution that would bring order and transparency to a world of informal institutions, local markets, and private exchange. The Auction Mart made visible the idea of a universal, abstract property market. At the same time, it offered a new social and cultural space in which to negotiate the often contradictory meanings of marketable property. This work of making the property market meaningful is told through institutional archives, published accounts, diaries, and estate correspondence.
Fighting Thatcher with Comedy: What to Do When There Is No Alternative
Authors: Schaffer Gavin
Published: March 2016

This article offers a history of British alternative comedy as a case study of political challenge and opposition in the 1980s and considers the role of humor in political campaigning more broadly. It explores left-wing thinking on culture as a potential political weapon, and questions how this informed the development and impact of alternative comedy as a genre. The article observes that pioneering alternative comedians went some way to change British comedy values and inform political discussions. However, it also argues that the complex operation of jokes and the tendency of comedians to become “incorporated” within the political and cultural mainstream ensured that the impacts of radical alternative material were limited and ambiguous. It contends that the practice of alternative comedy was undermined by business and political values that were often influenced by Thatcherism, and that alternative comedians mostly failed to capture the imaginations of working-class Britons. These communities retained instead an affection for more traditional, differently rebellious, comedic voices. Ultimately, this article frames alternative comedy within a longer history of radical humor, drawing out broader lessons concerning the revolutionary potential of jokes and the relationship between comedians, their audiences, and politics.
Drivers of ASCAT C band backscatter variability in the dry snow zone of Antarctica
Authors: FRASER ALEXANDER D. , NIGRO MELISSA A. , LIGTENBERG STEFAN R. M. , LEGRESY BENOIT , INOUE MANA , CASSANO JOHN J. , KUIPERS MUNNEKE PETER , LENAERTS JAN T. M. , YOUNG NEAL W. , TREVERROW ADAM , VAN DEN BROEKE MICHIEL , ENOMOTO HIROYUKI
Published: March 2016

C band backscatter parameters contain information about the upper snowpack/firn in the dry snow zone. The wide incidence angle diversity of the Advanced Scatterometer (ASCAT) gives unprecedented characterisation of backscatter anisotropy, revealing the backscatter response to climatic forcing. TheA(isotropic component) andM2(bi-sinusoidal azimuth anisotropy) parameters are investigated here, in conjunction with data from atmospheric and snowpack models, to identify the backscatter response to surface forcing parameters (wind speed and persistence, precipitation, surface temperature, density and grain size). The long-term meanAparameter is successfully recreated with a regression using these drivers, indicating strong links between theAparameter and precipitation on long timescales. While the ASCAT time series is too short to determine which factors drive observed trends, factors influencing the seasonal and short timescale variability are revealed. On these timescales,Astrongly responds to the propagation of surface temperature cycles/anomalies downward through the firn, via direct modulation of the dielectric constant. The influence of precipitation onAis small at shorter timescales. TheM2parameter is controlled by wind speed and persistence, through modification of monodirectionally-aligned surface roughness. This variability indicates that throughout much of coastal Antarctica, a microwave ‘snapshot’ is generally not representative of longer-term conditions.
Temporal variation in body-size spectrum of biofilm-dwelling protozoa during the colonization process in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China
Authors: Wang Zheng , Xu Guanjian , Xu Henglong
Published: March 2016

As an inherent function of a community, body-size spectrum has been increasingly used as a useful indicator in global ecological research. The colonization dynamics of biofilm-dwelling protozoa with regard to body-size spectrum were studied based on a 1-month baseline survey in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China. Samples were collected at time intervals of 1, 3, 7, 10, 14, 21 and 28 days from depths of 1 and 3 m. A total of seven body-size ranks were identified based on a trait hierarchy. The individual abundance of the protozoa at each body-size rank was well fitted to the logistic model equation. The body-size spectra showed a clear shift in probability density during the colonization period at both depths. The multivariate approach demonstrated that the temporal dynamics in body-size spectra of the protozoa may be divided into initial (1 day), transitional (3–7 days) and stable (10–28 days) stages during the colonization period. These results provide useful information for ecological research and monitoring programmes using biofilm-dwelling protozoa in marine ecosystems.
Temporal variation in taxonomic distinctness of biofilm-associated diatoms within the colonization process in coastal ecosystems
Authors: Yang Zhongwen , Xu Yuping , Xu Guangjian , Xu Henglong
Published: March 2016

The temporal variation in the taxonomic distinctness of biofilm-associated diatom microflora within the colonization process was studied in coastal waters of the Yellow Sea, northern China from May to June 2014. Samples were collected at depths of 1 and 3 m, using glass slides as an artificial substratum. The colonization dynamics of diatom microflora showed similar species composition at both depths. In the young communities (1–7 days), the taxonomic patterns showed high variability compared with those in the mature ones (10 days and more). However, taxonomic distinctness indices at the two depths differed during early stages (e.g. 1–3 days). The taxonomic diversity (Δ) represented a high variability (coefficients of variation >10%) over all colonization periods, whereas the taxonomic distinctness (Δ*), average taxonomic distinctness (Δ+) and variation in taxonomic distinctness (Λ+) showed high stability (coefficients of variation <10%) after 7 days. Based on these findings, we suggest that the exposure time of more than 7 days may be sufficient to identify the taxonomic distinctness of biofilm-associated diatom microflora for both community research and monitoring programmes in marine ecosystems.
Meta-analysis of executive functioning in ecstasy/polydrug users
Authors: Roberts C. A. , Jones A. , Montgomery C.
Published: March 2016

Ecstasy/3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA) use is proposed to cause damage to serotonergic (5-HT) axons in humans. Therefore, users should show deficits in cognitive processes that rely on serotonin-rich, prefrontal areas of the brain. However, there is inconsistency in findings to support this hypothesis. The aim of the current study was to examine deficits in executive functioning in ecstasy users compared with controls using meta-analysis. We identifiedk= 39 studies, contributing 89 effect sizes, investigating executive functioning in ecstasy users and polydrug-using controls. We compared function-specific task performance in 1221 current ecstasy users and 1242 drug-using controls, from tasks tapping the executive functions – updating, switching, inhibition and access to long-term memory. The significant main effect demonstrated overall executive dysfunction in ecstasy users [standardized mean difference (SMD) = −0.18, 95% confidence interval (CI) −0.26 to −0.11,Z= 5.05,p< 0.001,I2= 82%], with a significant subgroup effect (χ2= 22.06, degrees of freedom = 3,p< 0.001,I2= 86.4%) demonstrating differential effects across executive functions. Ecstasy users showed significant performance deficits in access (SMD = −0.33, 95% CI −0.46 to −0.19,Z= 4.72,p <0.001,I2= 74%), switching (SMD = −0.19, 95% CI −0.36 to −0.02,Z= 2.16,p <0.05,I2= 85%) and updating (SMD = −0.26, 95% CI −0.37 to −0.15,Z= 4.49,p <0.001,I2= 82%). No differences were observed in inhibitory control. We conclude that this is the most comprehensive analysis of executive function in ecstasy users to date and provides a behavioural correlate of potential serotonergic neurotoxicity.
Music education in a time of austerity
Authors: FAUTLEY MARTIN , MURPHY REGINA
Published: March 2016

We have discussed in these editorials before the broad range of interests that music education encompasses (Fautley and Murphy, 2015a). The range that we described therein is a strength of our discipline. We are, however, now living in troubling times, and the global downturn in the economy is having effects in all sorts of ways on many aspects of our lives, both personal and professional. Music education is not immune from these changes. We are living through a time of austerity, and in many jurisdictions, the refrain has been ‘we're all in this together’ as a way of explaining away government decisions or unpopular economic strategies. But are we? It is in times of austerity that we often feel that we need to make the case for music education even louder than we have done before. Yet herein lies one of our problems. Many music educators feel in these times of austerity that music education is under threat, and that the proper course of action under such circumstances to take is to increase activities related to advocacy. This is problematic in a number of ways, as we shall now discuss.
Quantifying the incidence and cost of acute gastrointestinal illness in Sweden, 2013–2014
Authors: EDELSTEIN M. , MERK H. , DEOGAN C. , CARNAHAN A. , WALLENSTEN A.
Published: March 2016

In Sweden, acute gastrointestinal illness (AGI) incidence, severity, impact on productivity, related healthcare usage and associated costs are not ascertained. We measured these in 2013–2014 using a population-based cohort reporting weekly. We defined AGI as ⩾3 episodes of loose stools or vomiting/24 h; or loose stools or vomiting with ⩾2 other gastrointestinal symptoms. After each AGI episode, we collected information about perceived severity, healthcare use and absenteeism. We calculated incidence rates, AGI absenteeism and costs comprising direct healthcare costs and productivity loss due to work/school absenteeism. A total of 3241 participants reported 1696 AGI episodes [incidence 360/1000 person-years, 95% confidence interval (CI) 326–395; highest in the <5 years age group]. In the <5 years age group, 31% of episodes were perceived as mild, 61% as moderate and 8% as severe; 9·4% led to primary-care consultations, and 1·4% to hospital admissions. In the ⩾5 years age group, 18% of episodes were perceived as mild, 64% as moderate and 18% as severe; 6·4% led to primary-care consultations, and 1·9% to hospital admissions. AGI caused 8 891 000 days of absenteeism (95% CI 6 009 000–12 780 000). AGI cost €1 005 885 000 (95% CI 754 309 000–1 257 195 000) nationally for the year. In Sweden, a minority of cases perceive AGI as a mild illness. AGI is a burden on the healthcare system and causes productivity loss, with high costs. Countries may consider these estimates when prioritizing health interventions.
Executive control in bilinguals: A concise review on fMRI studies
Authors: PLIATSIKAS CHRISTOS , LUK GIGI
Published: March 2016

The investigation of bilingualism and cognition has been enriched by recent developments in functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Extending how bilingual experience shapes cognition, this review examines recent fMRI studies adopting executive control tasks with minimal or no linguistic demands. Across a range of studies with divergent ages and language pairs spoken by bilinguals, brain regions supporting executive control significantly overlap with brain regions recruited for language control (Abutalebi & Green). Furthermore, limited but emerging studies on resting-state networks are addressed, which suggest more coherent spatially distributed functional connectivity in bilinguals. Given the dynamic nature of bilingual experience, it is essential to consider both task-related functional networks (externally-driven engagement), and resting-state networks, such as default mode network (internal control). Both types of networks are important elements of bilingual language control, which relies on domain-general executive control.
A unified mechanism for proteolysis and autocatalytic activation in the 20S proteasome
Authors: Huber Eva M. , Heinemeyer Wolfgang , Li Xia , Arendt Cassandra S. , Hochstrasser Mark , Groll Michael
Published: March 2016

Biogenesis of the 20S proteasome is tightly regulated. The N-terminal propeptides protecting the active-site threonines are autocatalytically released only on completion of assembly. However, the trigger for the self-activation and the reason for the strict conservation of threonine as the active site nucleophile remain enigmatic. Here we use mutagenesis, X-ray crystallography and biochemical assays to suggest that Lys33 initiates nucleophilic attack of the propeptide by deprotonating the Thr1 hydroxyl group and that both residues together with Asp17 are part of a catalytic triad. Substitution of Thr1 by Cys disrupts the interaction with Lys33 and inactivates the proteasome. Although a Thr1Ser mutant is active, it is less efficient compared with wild type because of the unfavourable orientation of Ser1 towards incoming substrates. This work provides insights into the basic mechanism of proteolysis and propeptide autolysis, as well as the evolutionary pressures that drove the proteasome to become a threonine protease.
ACEMg Diet Supplement Modifies Progression of Hereditary Deafness
Authors: Green Kari L. , Swiderski Donald L. , Prieskorn Diane M. , DeRemer Susan J. , Beyer Lisa A. , Miller Josef M. , Green Glenn E. , Raphael Yehoash
Published: March 2016

Dietary supplements consisting of beta-carotene (precursor to vitamin A), vitamins C and E and the mineral magnesium (ACEMg) can be beneficial for reducing hearing loss due to aminoglycosides and overstimulation. This regimen also slowed progression of deafness for a boy with GJB2 (CONNEXIN 26) mutations. To assess the potential for treating GJB2 and other forms of hereditary hearing loss with ACEMg, we tested the influence of ACEMg on the cochlea and hearing of mouse models for two human mutations: GJB2, the leading cause of childhood deafness, and DIAPH3, a cause of auditory neuropathy. One group of mice modeling GJB2 (Gjb2-CKO) received ACEMg diet starting shortly after they were weaned (4 weeks) until 16 weeks of age. Another group of Gjb2-CKO mice received ACEMg in utero and after weaning. The ACEMg diet was given to mice modeling DIAPH3 (Diap3-Tg) after weaning (4 weeks) until 12 weeks of age. Control groups received food pellets without the ACEMg supplement. Hearing thresholds measured by auditory brainstem response were significantly better for Gjb2-CKO mice fed ACEMg than for the control diet group. In contrast, Diap3-Tg mice displayed worse thresholds than controls. These results indicate that ACEMg supplementation can influence the progression of genetic hearing loss.
FADD regulates NF-κB activation and promotes ubiquitination of cFLIPL to induce apoptosis
Authors: Ranjan Kishu , Pathak Chandramani
Published: March 2016

Tumor Necrosis Factor-α canonically induces the activation of NF-κB and associated gene product cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein (cFLIPL) to promote cell survival. Previously, we demonstrated that ectopic expression of the Fas associated death domain (FADD) diminishes the expression of cFLIPL and transduces caspases-8 mediated apoptosis, independent of FasL stimulation in HEK 293T cells. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of FADD mediated ablation of cFLIP and NF-κB signaling to determining the fate of cell death or survival remains elusive. Here, we explored a novel molecular mechanism of FADD mediated apoptotic cell death that was directed by ubiquitination of cFLIPL and inhibition of NF-κB activation, independent of TNF-α stimulation. We found that induced expression of FADD firmly interacts with procaspase-8 and precludes cFLIPL to from the death inducing signaling complex (DISC). In addition, FADD negatively regulates cellular inhibitor of apoptosis protein 2 (cIAP2) and Bcl-2. Furthermore, FADD restrains cIAP2 expression and interacts with RIP1 and procaspase-8 to accomplish apoptotic cell death signaling. Interestingly, FADD was also found to promote JNK1 mediated activation of E3 ubiquitin ligase ITCH to degrade cFLIPL that may lead to commencement of apoptosis. Thus, FADD is an important regulator for determining the fate of cell death or survival.
An exceptional fossil skull from South America and the origins of the archosauriform radiation
Authors: Pinheiro Felipe L. , França Marco A. G. , Lacerda Marcel B. , Butler Richard J. , Schultz Cesar L.
Published: March 2016

Birds, dinosaurs, crocodilians, pterosaurs and their close relatives form the highly diverse clade Archosauriformes. Archosauriforms have a deep evolutionary history, originating in the late Permian, prior to the end-Permian mass extinction and radiating in the Triassic to dominate Mesozoic ecosystems. However, the origins of this clade and its extraordinarily successful body plan remain obscure. Here, we describe an exceptionally preserved fossil skull from the Lower Triassic of Brazil, representing a new species, Teyujagua paradoxa, transitional in morphology between archosauriforms and more primitive reptiles. This skull reveals for the first time the mosaic assembly of key features of the archosauriform skull, including the antorbital and mandibular fenestrae, serrated teeth and closed lower temporal bar. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Teyujagua as the sister taxon to Archosauriformes and is congruent with a two-phase model of early archosauriform evolution, in response to two mass extinctions occurring at the end of the Guadalupian and the Permian.
Holliday Junction Thermodynamics and Structure: Coarse-Grained Simulations and Experiments
Authors: Wang Wujie , Nocka Laura M. , Wiemann Brianne Z. , Hinckley Daniel M. , Mukerji Ishita , Starr Francis W.
Published: March 2016

Holliday junctions play a central role in genetic recombination, DNA repair and other cellular processes. We combine simulations and experiments to evaluate the ability of the 3SPN.2 model, a coarse-grained representation designed to mimic B-DNA, to predict the properties of DNA Holliday junctions. The model reproduces many experimentally determined aspects of junction structure and stability, including the temperature dependence of melting on salt concentration, the bias between open and stacked conformations, the relative populations of conformers at high salt concentration and the inter-duplex angle (IDA) between arms. We also obtain a close correspondence between the junction structure evaluated by all-atom and coarse-grained simulations. We predict that, for salt concentrations at physiological and higher levels, the populations of the stacked conformers are independent of salt concentration and directly observe proposed tetrahedral intermediate sub-states implicated in conformational transitions. Our findings demonstrate that the 3SPN.2 model captures junction properties that are inaccessible to all-atom studies, opening the possibility to simulate complex aspects of junction behavior.
Establishment of a cone photoreceptor transplantation platform based on a novel cone-GFP reporter mouse line
Authors: Smiley Sheila , Nickerson Philip E. , Comanita Lacrimioara , Daftarian Narsis , El-Sehemy Ahmed , Tsai En Leh Samuel , Matan-Lithwick Stuart , Yan Keqin , Thurig Sherry , Touahri Yacine , Dixit Rajiv , Aavani Tooka , De Repentigny Yves , Baker Adam , Tsilfidis Catherine , Biernaskie Jeff , Sauvé Yves , Schuurmans Carol , Kothary Rashmi , Mears Alan J. , Wallace Valerie A.
Published: March 2016

We report successful retinal cone enrichment and transplantation using a novel cone-GFP reporter mouse line. Using the putative cone photoreceptor-enriched transcript Coiled-Coil Domain Containing 136 (Ccdc136) GFP-trapped allele, we monitored developmental reporter expression, facilitated the enrichment of cones, and evaluated transplanted GFP-labeled cones in wildtype and retinal degeneration mutant retinas. GFP reporter and endogenous Ccdc136 transcripts exhibit overlapping temporal and spatial expression patterns, both initiated in cone precursors of the embryonic retina and persisting to the adult stage in S and S/M opsin+ cones as well as rod bipolar cells. The trapped allele does not affect cone function or survival in the adult mutant retina. When comparing the integration of GFP+ embryonic cones and postnatal Nrl−/− ‘cods’ into retinas of adult wildtype and blind mice, both cell types integrated and exhibited a degree of morphological maturation that was dependent on donor age. These results demonstrate the amenability of the adult retina to cone transplantation using a novel transgenic resource that can advance therapeutic cone transplantation in models of age-related macular degeneration.
Masculinised Behaviour of XY Females in a Mammal with Naturally Occurring Sex Reversal
Authors: Saunders Paul A. , Franco Thomas , Sottas Camille , Maurice Tangui , Ganem Guila , Veyrunes Frédéric
Published: March 2016

Most sex differences in phenotype are controlled by gonadal hormones, but recent work on laboratory strain mice that present discordant chromosomal and gonadal sex showed that sex chromosome complement can have a direct influence on the establishment of sex-specific behaviours, independently from gonads. In this study, we analyse the behaviour of a rodent with naturally occurring sex reversal: the African pygmy mouse Mus minutoides, in which all males are XY, while females are of three types: XX, XX* or X*Y (the asterisk represents an unknown X-linked mutation preventing masculinisation of X*Y embryos). X*Y females show typical female anatomy and, interestingly, have greater breeding performances. We investigate the link between sex chromosome complement, behaviour and reproductive success in females by analysing several behavioural features that could potentially influence their fitness: female attractiveness, aggressiveness and anxiety. Despite sex chromosome complement was not found to impact male mate preferences, it does influence some aspects of both aggressiveness and anxiety: X*Y females are more aggressive than the XX and XX*, and show lower anxiogenic response to novelty, like males. We discuss how these behavioural differences might impact the breeding performances of females, and how the sex chromosome complement could shape the differences observed.
Experimental phase determination of the structure factor from Kossel line profile
Authors: Faigel G. , Bortel G. , Tegze M.
Published: March 2016

Kossel lines are formed when radiation from point x-ray sources inside a single crystal are diffracted by the crystal itself. In principle, Kossel line patterns contain full information on the crystalline structure: phase and magnitude of the structure factors. The phase is coded into the profile of the lines. Although this was known for a long time, experimental realization has not been presented. In this work we demonstrate experimentally that phases can be directly determined from the profile of the Kossel lines. These measurements are interesting not only theoretically, but they would facilitate structure solution of samples within extreme conditions, such as high pressure, high and low temperatures, high magnetic fields and extremely short times. The parallel measurement of many diffraction lines on a stationary sample will allow a more efficient use of the new generation of x-ray sources the X-ray free electron lasers (XFELs).
DTDP-rhamnosyl transferase RfbF, is a newfound receptor-related regulatory protein for phage phiYe-F10 specific for Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3
Authors: Liang Junrong , Li Xu , Zha Tao , Chen Yuhuang , Hao Huijing , Liu Chang , Duan Ran , Xiao Yuchun , Su Mingming , Wang Xin , Jing Huaiqi
Published: March 2016

Bacteriophages and their hosts are continuously engaged in evolutionary competition. Here we isolated a lytic phage phiYe-F10 specific for Yersinia enterocolitica serotype O:3. We firstly described the phage receptor was regulated by DTDP-rhamnosyl transferase RfbF, encoded within the rfb cluster that was responsible for the biosynthesis of the O antigens. The deletion of DTDP-rhamnosyl transferase RfbF of wild type O:3 strain caused failure in phiYe-F10 adsorption; however, the mutation strain retained agglutination with O:3 antiserum; and complementation of its mutant converted its sensitivity to phiYe-F10. Therefore, DTDP-rhamnosyl transferase RfbF was responsible for the phage infection but did not affect recognition of Y. enterocolitica O:3 antiserum. Further, the deletions in the putative O-antigen biosynthesis protein precursor and outer membrane protein had no effect on sensitivity to phiYe-F10 infection. However, adsorption of phages onto mutant HNF10-ΔO-antigen took longer time than onto the WT, suggesting that deletion of the putative O-antigen biosynthesis protein precursor reduced the infection efficiency.
Directly tailoring photon-electron coupling for sensitive photoconductance
Authors: Huang Zhiming , Zhou Wei , Huang Jingguo , Wu Jing , Gao Yanqing , Qu Yue , Chu Junhao
Published: March 2016

The coupling between photons and electrons is at the heart of many fundamental phenomena in nature. Despite tremendous advances in controlling electrons by photons in engineered energy-band systems, control over their coupling is still widely lacking. Here we demonstrate an unprecedented ability to couple photon-electron interactions in real space, in which the incident electromagnetic wave directly tailors energy bands of solid to generate carriers for sensitive photoconductance. By spatially coherent manipulation of metal-wrapped material system through anti-symmetric electric field of the irradiated electromagnetic wave, electrons in the metals are injected and accumulated in the induced potential well (EIW) produced in the solid. Respective positive and negative electric conductances are easily observed in n-type and p-type semiconductors into which electrons flow down from the two metallic sides under light irradiation. The photoconductivity is further confirmed by sweeping the injected electrons out of the semiconductor before recombination applied by sufficiently strong electric fields. Our work opens up new perspectives for tailoring energy bands of solids and is especially relevant to develop high effective photon detection, spin injection and energy harvesting in optoelectronics and electronics.
Hot electron induced NIR detection in CdS films
Authors: Sharma Alka , Kumar Rahul , Bhattacharyya Biplab , Husale Sudhir
Published: March 2016

We report the use of random Au nanoislands to enhance the absorption of CdS photodetectors at wavelengths beyond its intrinsic absorption properties from visible to NIR spectrum enabling a high performance visible-NIR photodetector. The temperature dependent annealing method was employed to form random sized Au nanoparticles on CdS films. The hot electron induced NIR photo-detection shows high responsivity of ~780 mA/W for an area of ~57 μm2. The simulated optical response (absorption and responsivity) of Au nanoislands integrated in CdS films confirms the strong dependence of NIR sensitivity on the size and shape of Au nanoislands. The demonstration of plasmon enhanced IR sensitivity along with the cost-effective device fabrication method using CdS film enables the possibility of economical light harvesting applications which can be implemented in future technological applications.