bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Better for Baby? The Retreat From Mid-Pregnancy Marriage and Implications for Parenting and Child Well-being
Authors: Su Jessica Houston , Dunifon Rachel , Sassler Sharon
Published: June 2015

Recent decades have seen a significant decline in mid-pregnancy (“shotgun”) marriage, particularly among disadvantaged groups, which has contributed to increasing nonmarital birth rates. Despite public and political concern about this shift, the implications for parenting and child well-being are not known. Drawing on a sample of U.S. black and white mothers with nonmarital conceptions from the NLSY79, our study fills this gap. Using propensity score techniques to address concerns about selection bias, we found that mid-pregnancy marriages were associated with slightly better parenting quality relative to remaining single, although effect sizes were small and limited to marriages that remained intact at the time of child assessment. Mid-pregnancy marriages were not associated with improved children’s behavior or cognitive ability. These findings suggest that the retreat from mid-pregnancy marriage may contribute to increasing inequality in parenting resources for children.
Students’ perceptions of plagiarism and relevant policies in Cyprus
Authors: Kokkinaki Angelika I , Demoliou Catherine , Iakovidou Melpo
Published: June 2015

Background

Effective plagiarism deterrence in the Republic of Cyprus, requires the identification of any gaps, best practices and case studies relating to plagiarism across the Higher Educational Institutions in the country. This paper discusses the findings of the first research conducted among university students and faculty in Cyprus and focuses on students’ awareness of and perceptions towards academic plagiarism.

Methodology

The research instrument for students was initially designed based on experts’ feedback, as part of the IPPHEAE project. It was translated into the national language and pilot tested. The questionnaire included 33 questions of the following types: i) open-ended questions; ii) multiple choice questions in two variations: those requiring mutually exclusive options and single response and those permitting multiple selected answers and iii) Likert-type scale questions. The target population of the study included all students, undergraduate and graduate, pursuing an academic degree, in public and private universities in Cyprus. A total of 318 correctly completed questionnaires were collected.

Results

It is clear from the findings of this study that there is a need for a clear and uniform definition and understating of the terms “plagiarism” and “academic dishonesty”. There is also a need to develop mechanisms for communicating these definitions both to students and to faculty, in addition to ensuring that these terms have been understood. In the setting up of policies, procedures and penalties for plagiarism and academic dishonesty, it is necessary to have uniformity and consistency in both implementation and especially in the imposition of penalties. The results also indicate that the use of tools, such as software for the detection or discourage of plagiarism, would definitely contribute positively to reducing plagiarism.

Conclusions

Findings and recommendations outlined in this paper have been included to a national report distributed to interested stakeholders and it may contribute towards improved perceptions of students regarding plagiarism and relevant policies in Cyprus.
Plagiarism in five universities in Mozambique: Magnitude, detection techniques, and control measures
Authors: Coughlin Peter E
Published: June 2015

Hugely facilitated by the Internet, plagiarism by students threatens educational quality and professional ethics worldwide. Plagiarism reduces learning and is correlated with increased fraud and inefficiency on the job, thus lessening competitiveness and hampering development.

In this context, the present research examines 48licenciaturatheses and 102 masters theses from five of Mozambique’s largest universities. Of the 150 theses, 75% contained significant plagiarism (>100 word equivalents) and 39%, very much (>500 word equivalents). Significant plagiarism was detected in bothlicenciaturaand masters theses. By using both Turnitin and Urkund to identify potentially plagiarized passages, professionally verifying whether those passages contain plagiarism, and, if confirmed, counting the words involved, the study presents a new method for classifying the quantity and significance of plagiarism. The use of two text-similarity-recognition programs also improved the rate of detection and, in some theses, significantly increased the classification of the gravity of the plagiarism encountered.

Based on a broad review of the literature, the article argues that, to combat wide-scale plagiarism, academic institutions need to cultivate a consensus among faculty and students about the definition and types of plagiarism, the appropriate penalties, and the paramount professional and economic need to nurture professional ethics. However, to achieve even partial success requires significant involvement by administrators, faculty, students and student leaders guided by a holistic strategy using technological, pedagogical, administrative and legal components to prevent and detect plagiarism and then reeducate or discipline students caught plagiarizing.
Transport and modification of glaciovolcanic glass from source to sink on Mars
Authors: de Vet S.J.
Published: June 2015

Spectral observations show that volcanic glass is the dominant ingredient of the aeolian landforms which cover the northern lowlands on Mars. Surface winds subject these sands to physical alteration processes in the present-day surface environment. This work highlights the role of glaciovolcanism throughout Mars’ geologic history and the parallels with landforms and materials found in Iceland. As the physical properties of Martian volcanic glass particles are difficult to constrain from orbit, Icelandic materials can provide valuable insights in their transport and modification characteristics. The processing of glass grains by environmental processes by means of the dune transport cycle is discussed. Experiments targeted the grain-size alteration effects experienced during the dune transport cycle, including the effect of ‘low-energy’ avalanching and ‘high-energy’ aeolian regimes (i.e. particle rolling and saltation). Saltation transport was found to rapidly alter grains and particle size distributions, which contributes to a positive feedback loop where the new smaller grains are mobilised more easily after fracturing and surficial abrasion. Post-depositional physical alteration therefore needs to be reconciled with the present-day silicic spectral signatures of these glasses in order to infer the relevant landform genetic. This effort is especially relevant in respect to the loss of possible signatures of biochemical alteration from microbial interactions, as glaciovolcanic environments are favourable habitats for life. As chemical and physical weathering is limited to the grain exterior, the grain interior may still retain a geochemical record of the subglacial eruption environment in which these grains were formed. Quantification of the volatiles sequestered in the glass can therefore be used to identify the formative conditions of the amorphous component in aeolian sediments.
Australia's nutrition transition 1961–2009: a focus on fats
Authors: Naughton Shaan S. , Mathai Michael L. , Hryciw Deanne H. , McAinch Andrew J.
Published: June 2015

Since the 1960s, Australian diets have changed considerably, influenced by a burgeoning multicultural cuisine, increase in urbanisation and food technology advances. This has been described as a ‘nutrition transition’, resulting in the adoption of a Western diet pattern, with a shift away from unrefined foods towards a diet higher in both plant-derived high PUFA and total fats and refined carbohydrates. Utilising the 1961–2009 annual food supply data from the UN FAO, the present study investigated changes in the intake of macronutrient and specific fatty acid in the Australian population, including that of the PUFA linoleic acid (LA), due to its hypothesised role in inflammation and risk for obesity. Cumulative change over time for the contribution of specific nutrients to total available energy (TAE) was calculated, as was linearity of change. Over the time period analysed, the cumulative change in TAE from carbohydrate was − 9·35 and +16·67 % from lipid. The cumulative change in TAE from LA was +120·48 %. Moreover, the cumulative change in the contribution of LA to total PUFA availability was +7·1 %. Utilising the average g/d per capita of LA from selected dietary sources, the change in the contribution of specific foodstuffs was assessed, with total plant oils having a cumulative change of +627·19 % to LA availability, equating to a cumulative change of +195·61 % in contribution to total LA availability. The results of the present study indicate that LA availability in Australia has increased over the previous five decades as a result of the availability of increased plant oils, as has total fat, possibly contributing to the increasing rates of obesity and obesity-associated co-morbidities.
Taxes and Capital Structure
Authors: Faccio Mara , Xu Jin
Published: June 2015

We use nearly 500 shifts in statutory corporate and personal income tax rates as natural experiments to assess the effect of corporate and personal taxes on capital structure. We find both corporate and personal income taxes to be significant determinants of capital structure. Based on ex post observed summary statistics, across Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) countries, taxes appear to be as important as other traditional variables in explaining capital structure choices. The results are stronger among corporate tax payers, dividend payers, and companies that are more likely to have an individual as the marginal investor.
Molecular and phylogenetic analysis of the filarial nematode Micipsella numidica from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy
Authors: Gabrielli S. , Galuppi R. , Fraulo M. , Savini F. , Morandi B. , Cancrini G. , Poglayen G.
Published: June 2015

The genus Micipsella comprises three species of filariae to date identified in lagomorphs only, whereas the other genera belonging to the subfamily Splendidofilariinae are described as parasites of birds, reptiles and mammals. In the present study seven specimens of Micipsella numidica (Seurat, 1917), collected from the hare Lepus europaeus in Italy, were characterized genetically by molecular amplification of the mitochondrial genes (12S rDNA; cox1) and the 5S rDNA gene spacer region. Phylogenetic trees inferred using available sequences from filariae and those identified in this study evidenced a close relationship between M. numidica and Splendidofilariinae of other mammals and reptiles (Rumenfilaria andersoni and Madathamugadia hiepei). The present findings, apart from adding new data about the hosts in Italy, support the taxonomic position of M. numidica and highlight the substantial biological and molecular differences existing between Splendidofilariinae and other Onchocercidae. The study also contributes to our knowledge of the molecular/genetic diagnosis of filarial parasites of veterinary and medical concern in any vertebrate or invertebrate host.
Stimulated Brillouin backscattering of a ring-rippled laser beam in collisionless plasma
Authors: Purohit Gunjan , Rawat Priyanka
Published: June 2015

The effect of the propagation of a ring-rippled laser beam in the presence of relativistic and ponderomotive non-linearities on the excitation of ion-acoustic wave (IAW) and resulting stimulated Brillouin backscattering in collisionless plasma at relativistic powers is studied. To understand the nature of propagation of the ring ripple-like instability, a paraxial-ray approach has been invoked in which all the relevant parameters correspond to a narrow range around the irradiance maximum of the ring ripple. Modified coupled equations for growth of ring ripple in the plasma, generations of IAW and back-stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) are derived from fluid equations. These coupled equations are solved analytically and numerically to study the intensity of ring-rippled laser beam and excited IAW as well as back reflectivity of SBS in the plasma for various established laser and plasma parameters. It is found that the back reflectivity of SBS is enhanced due to the strong coupling between ring-rippled laser beam and the excited IAW. The results also show that the back reflectivity of SBS reduce for higher intensity of the laser beam.
Ethical Dilemmas of Sociability
Authors: BROWNLEE KIMBERLEY
Published: June 2015

There is a tension between our need for associative control and our need for social connections. This tension creates ethical dilemmas that we can call each-we dilemmas of sociability. To resolve these dilemmas, we must prioritize either negative moral rights to dissociate or positive moral rights to social inclusion. This article shows that we must prioritize positive social rights. This has implications both for personal morality and for political theory. As persons, we must attend to each other's basic social needs. As a society, we must adopt a sufficientarian approach to the regulation of social resources.
Shadow boundary effects in hybrid numerical-asymptotic methods for high-frequency scattering
Authors: HEWETT D. P.
Published: June 2015

The hybrid numerical-asymptotic (HNA) approach aims to reduce the computational cost of conventional numerical methods for high-frequency wave scattering problems by enriching the numerical approximation space with oscillatory basis functions, chosen based on partial knowledge of the high-frequency solution asymptotics. In this paper, we propose a new methodology for the treatment of shadow boundary effects in HNA boundary element methods, using the classical geometrical theory of diffraction phase functions combined with mesh refinement. We develop our methodology in the context of scattering by a class of sound-soft non-convex polygons, presenting a rigorous numerical analysis (supported by numerical results) which proves the effectiveness of our HNA approximation space at high frequencies. Our analysis is based on a study of certain approximation properties of the Fresnel integral and related functions, which govern the shadow boundary behaviour.
Modes and nodes explain the mechanism of action of vortioxetine, a multimodal agent (MMA): blocking 5HT3 receptors enhances release of serotonin, norepinephrine, and acetylcholine
Authors: Stahl Stephen M.
Published: June 2015

Vortioxetine is an antidepressant with multiple pharmacologic modes of action at targets where serotonin neurons connect with other neurons. 5HT3 receptor antagonism is one of these actions, and this leads to increased release of norepinephrine (NE), acetylcholine (ACh), and serotonin (5HT) within various brain circuits.
THE SPIRIT OF CAPITALISM AND RATIONAL BUBBLES
Authors: Zhou Ge
Published: June 2015

This study provides an infinite-horizon model of rational bubbles in a production economy. A bubble can arise when the pursuit of status is modeled explicitly, capturing the notion of “the spirit of capitalism.” Using a parameterized model, I demonstrate the specific conditions for the existence of bubbles and their implications. Bubbles crowd out investment, stimulate consumption, and slow economic growth. I also discuss a stochastic bubble that bursts with an exogenous probability. I show that there could be multiple stochastic bubbly equilibria. Moreover, I suggest that taxing wealth properly can eliminate bubbles and achieve the social optimum.
What is Kantian Gesinnung? On the Priority of Volition over Metaphysics and Psychology in Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason
Authors: Palmquist Stephen R.
Published: June 2015

Kant’s enigmatic term Gesinnung baffles many readers of Religion within the Bounds of Bare Reason. This study clarifies the notion in Kant’s theories of both general moral decision-making and specifically religious conversion. It is argued that Kantian Gesinnung is volitional, referring to a person’s principle-based choice to live a certain way. More specifically, interpreted as principled ‘conviction’, Kantian Gesinnung is a religiously manifested, moral form of Überzeugung (‘convincing’). This is confirmed by a detailed analysis of the 169 occurrences of Gesinnung and cognate words in Religion. It contrasts with what is suggested by translating Gesinnung as ‘disposition’, which reinforces a tendency to interpret the notion more metaphysically, and also with Pluhar’s translation as ‘attitude’, which has too strongly psychological connotations.
Circularly polarized microstrip antenna arrays with reduced mutual coupling using metamaterial
Authors: Hafezifard R. , Rashed-Mohassel Jalil , Naser-Moghadasi Mohammad , Sadeghzadeh R. A.
Published: June 2015

A circularly polarized (CP) and high gain Microstrip antenna is designed in this paper using metamaterial concepts. The antenna, built on a metamaterial substrate, showed significant size reduction and less mutual coupling in an array compared with similar arrays on conventional substrates. Demonstrated to have left-handed magnetic characteristics, the methodology uses complementary split-ring resonators (SRRs) placed horizontally between the patch and the ground plane. In order to reduce mutual coupling in the array structure, hexagonal-SRRs are embedded between antenna elements. The procedure is shown to have great impact on the antenna performance specifically its bandwidth which is broadened from 400 MHz to 1.2 GHz for X-band and as well as its efficiency. The structure has also low loss and improved standing wave ratio and less mutual coupling. The results show that a reduction of 26.6 dB in mutual coupling is obtained between elements at the operation frequency of the array. Experimental data show a reasonably good agreement between simulation and measured results.
Zur Wirksamkeit von psychotherapeutischen Interventionen bei jungen Flüchtlingen und Binnenvertriebenen mit posttraumatischen Symptomen
Authors: Eberle-Sejari Rima , Nocon Agnes , Rosner Rita
Published: June 2015

Trotz hoher Zahlen junger Flüchtlinge und der häufig hohen Belastung mit Symptomen einer Posttraumatischen Belastungsstörung (PTBS) gibt es Unsicherheiten über Therapiemöglichkeiten und deren Effektivität in dieser Patientengruppe. Zur Untersuchung der Wirksamkeit unterschiedlicher Interventionen wurde ein systematischer Review durchgeführt. Nach einer Literaturrecherche mit 798 Treffern erfüllten zehn Studien die Einschlusskriterien. Acht Studien konnten signifikante Reduktionen der PTBS-Symptomatik feststellen. Vielversprechend erscheinen dabei folgende Therapien: Narrative Expositionstherapie für Kinder, „Meditation-Relaxation”, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing und „Rapid-Ed-Therapie”. Aufgrund der dürftigen Studienlage und methodischer Mängel ist eine genauere Empfehlung allerdings schwierig.
Exekutive Funktionen bei Kindern mit motorischen Auffälligkeiten
Authors: Molitor Sabine , Michel Eva , Schneider Wolfgang
Published: June 2015

Zunehmend wird die Rolle exekutiver Funktionen bei motorischen Entwicklungsstörungen diskutiert. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden kognitive und motorisch-koordinative Fähigkeiten von Kindergartenkindern mit und ohne motorische Auffälligkeiten verglichen (N = 96). Die parallelisierte Stichprobe bestand aus je n = 48 auffälligen Kindern und der Kontrollgruppe. Die motorisch auffälligen Kinder zeigten im Mittel deutliche Defizite in exekutiven Funktionen, insbesondere im Bereich der Inhibition und Interferenzkontrolle. Allerdings zeigte eine Subgruppe dieser Kinder keine kognitiv-exekutiven Probleme. Diese Kinder waren den übrigen motorisch auffälligen Kindern vor allem im Bereich der Handgeschicklichkeit überlegen. Die Ergebnisse werden vor dem Hintergrund möglicher zugrunde liegender Prozesse und Interventionsansätze diskutiert.
Messung der Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität mit dem BSA-Fragebogen
Authors: Fuchs Reinhard , Klaperski Sandra , Gerber Markus , Seelig Harald
Published: June 2015

Im vorliegenden Beitrag wird der neu entwickelte „Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität Fragebogen” (kurz: BSA-Fragebogen oder BSA-F) vorgestellt und hinsichtlich seiner Validität überprüft. Methode: Als Validierungskriterium dienten fahrradergometrische Parameter der Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit (u. a. Leistung an der Individuellen Anaeroben Schwelle p [IAS] und errechnete VO2max), die im Rahmen einer randomisiert kontrollierten Interventionsstudie (N = 118) erhoben wurden. Ergebnisse: Der Index zur Gesamtaktivität korrelierte mit r = .32 bzw. r =.34 signifikant mit den Leistungsparametern VO2max bzw. p [IAS] (konkurrente Validität); der Index zur Sportaktivität trug signifikant (p < .01) zur Vorhersage der 12 Wochen später gemessenen Ausdauerleistungsfähigkeit bei (prognostische Validität); und die Interventionsstudie zeigte, dass die mit dem Modifikationsprogramm provozierten Verhaltensänderungen mit dem BSA-F sensitiv abgebildet werden konnten (Konstruktvalidität). Diskussion: Die Resultate unterstützen–zusammen mit den Ergebnissen früherer Studien–die Annahme, dass mit dem BSA-Fragebogen eine hinreichend valide Messung der Bewegungs- und Sportaktivität möglich ist. Das Instrument empfiehlt sich auch wegen seiner Ökonomie (zeit- und platzsparend) und klaren Struktur (leicht verständlich, einfach ausfüllbar) zum Einsatz in der gesundheits- und sportwissenschaftlichen Forschung.
Is Case Management Effective for Long-Lasting Suicide Prevention?
Authors: Wang Liang-Jen , Wu Ya-Wen , Chen Chih-Ken
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Background: Case management services have been implemented in suicide prevention programs. Aims: To investigate whether case management is an effective strategy for reducing the risks of repeated suicide attempts and completed suicides in a city with high suicide rates in northern Taiwan. Method: The Suicide Prevention Center of Keelung City (KSPC) was established in April 2005. Subjects included a consecutive sample of individuals (N = 2,496) registered in KSPC databases between January 1, 2006, and December 31, 2011, with at least one episode of nonfatal self-harm. Subjects were tracked for the duration of the study. Results: Of all the subjects, 1,013 (40.6%) received case management services; 416 (16.7%) had at least one other deliberate self-harm episode and 52 (2.1%) eventually died by suicide. No significant differences were found in the risks of repeated self-harm and completed suicides between suicide survivors who received case management and those who refused the services. However, a significant reduction in suicide rates was found after KSPC was established. Conclusion: Findings suggest that case management services might not reduce the risks of suicide repetition among suicide survivors during long-term follow-up. Future investigation is warranted to determine factors impacting the downward trend of suicide rates.
Individual Differences in Conceptions of Soul, Mind, and Brain
Authors: Lindeman Marjaana , Riekki Tapani , Svedholm-Häkkinen Annika M.
Published: June 2015

We examined how people see the role of the brain, the mind, and the soul in biological, psychobiological, and mental states. Three clusters of participants were identified. The monists attributed biological, psychobiological, and mental processes only to the brain, the emergentists attributed the processes to the brain and to the mind, and the spiritualists attributed the processes to the brain, the mind, and the soul. Most participants attributed all states more to the brain than to the mind or soul. Beliefs, desires, and emotions were thought of as more likely to continue after death than other states, but belief in immortal souls was rare and only found among those who also held religious and paranormal beliefs. The results indicate that laypeople may see beliefs, desires, and emotions as both states of the mind, of the soul, and of the brain; that there are large individual differences in how the concept of the soul is understood, and that in lay conceptions, the idea that the processes of mind are processes of brain does not exclude supernatural brain-soul dualism.
Parenting Behaviors and Anxiety in Young Adults
Authors: Stevens Erin N. , Bardeen Joseph R. , Murdock Kyle W.
Published: June 2015

Parenting behaviors – specifically behaviors characterized by high control, intrusiveness, rejection, and overprotection – and effortful control have each been implicated in the development of anxiety pathology. However, little research has examined the protective role of effortful control in the relation between parenting and anxiety symptoms, specifically among adults. Thus, we sought to explore the unique and interactive effects of parenting and effortful control on anxiety among adults (N = 162). Results suggest that effortful control uniquely contributes to anxiety symptoms above and beyond that of any parenting behavior. Furthermore, effortful control acted as a moderator of the relationship between parental overprotection and anxiety, such that overprotection is associated with anxiety only in individuals with lower levels of effortful control. Implications for potential prevention and intervention efforts which specifically target effortful control are discussed. These findings underscore the importance of considering individual differences in self-regulatory abilities when examining associations between putative early-life risk factors, such as parenting, and anxiety symptoms.
Environmental stability affects phenotypic evolution in a globally distributed marine picoplankton
Authors: Schaum C-Elisa , Rost Björn , Collins Sinéad
Published: June 2015

Marine phytoplankton can evolve rapidly when confronted with aspects of climate change because of their large population sizes and fast generation times. Despite this, the importance of environment fluctuations, a key feature of climate change, has received little attention—selection experiments with marine phytoplankton are usually carried out in stable environments and use single or few representatives of a species, genus or functional group. Here we investigate whether and by how much environmental fluctuations contribute to changes in ecologically important phytoplankton traits such as C:N ratios and cell size, and test the variability of changes in these traits within the globally distributed species Ostreococcus. We have evolved 16 physiologically distinct lineages of Ostreococcus at stable high CO2 (1031±87 μatm CO2, SH) and fluctuating high CO2 (1012±244 μatm CO2, FH) for 400 generations. We find that although both fluctuation and high CO2 drive evolution, FH-evolved lineages are smaller, have reduced C:N ratios and respond more strongly to further increases in CO2 than do SH-evolved lineages. This indicates that environmental fluctuations are an important factor to consider when predicting how the characteristics of future phytoplankton populations will have an impact on biogeochemical cycles and higher trophic levels in marine food webs.
Secret key exchange in ultralong lasers by radiofrequency spectrum coding
Authors: Tonello Alessandro , Barthélémy Alain , Krupa Katarzyna , Kermène Vincent , Desfarges-Berthelemot Agnès , Shalaby Badr Mohamed , Boscolo Sonia , Turitsyn Sergei K , Ania-Castañón Juan Diego
Published: June 2015

We propose a new approach to the generation of an alphabet for secret key exchange relying on small variations in the cavity length of an ultralong fiber laser. This new concept is supported by experimental results showing how the radiofrequency spectrum of the laser can be exploited as a carrier to exchange information. The test bench for our proof of principle is a 50-km-long fiber laser linking two users, Alice and Bob, where each user can randomly add an extra 1-km-long segment of fiber. The choice of laser length is driven by two independent random binary values, which makes such length become itself a random variable. The security of key exchange is ensured whenever the two independent random choices lead to the same laser length and, hence, to the same free spectral range.
Microvascular dysfunction in schizophrenia: a case–control study
Authors: Vetter Martin W , Martin Billie-Jean , Fung Marinda , Pajevic Milada , Anderson Todd J , Raedler Thomas J
Published: June 2015

Background:

Schizophrenia is a mental illness associated with cardiovascular disease at a younger age than in the general population. Endothelial dysfunction has predictive value for future cardiovascular events; however, the impact of a diagnosis of schizophrenia on this marker is unknown.

Aims:

We tested the hypothesis that subjects with schizophrenia have impaired endothelial function.

Methods:

A total of 102 subjects (34.5±7.5 years) participated in this study. This sample consisted of 51 subjects with a diagnosis of schizophrenia and 51 healthy subjects, who were matched for age (P=0.442), sex (P>0.999), and smoking status (P=0.842). Peripheral artery microvascular and conduit vessel endothelial function was measured using hyperemic velocity time integral (VTI), pulse arterial tonometry (PAT), and flow-mediated dilation (FMD).

Results:

Significantly lower values of VTI were noted in subjects with schizophrenia (104.9±33.0 vs. 129.1±33.8 cm, P<0.001), whereas FMD (P=0.933) and PAT (P=0.862) did not differ between the two groups. A multivariable-linear-regression analysis, built on data from univariate and partial correlations, showed that only schizophrenia, sex, lipid-lowering medications, antihypertensive medications, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol were predictive of attenuated VTI, whereas age, ethnicity, family history of cardiovascular disease, smoking status, systolic blood pressure, waist circumference, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, and homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR), antidiabetic medications, antidepressant medications, mood stabilizers, benzodiazepines, and anticholinergic medications did not predict VTI in this model (adjusted R2=0.248).

Conclusions:

Our findings suggest that a diagnosis of schizophrenia is associated with impaired microvascular function as indicated by lower values of VTI, irrespective of many other clinical characteristics. It might be an early indicator of cardiovascular risk in schizophrenia, and might help to identify high-risk individuals.
Helix 8 of the angiotensin- II type 1A receptor interacts with phosphatidylinositol phosphates and modulates membrane insertion
Authors: Hirst Daniel J. , Lee Tzong-Hsien , Pattenden Leonard K. , Thomas Walter G. , Aguilar Marie-Isabel
Published: June 2015

The carboxyl-terminus of the type 1 angiotensin II receptor (AT1A) regulates receptor activation/deactivation and the amphipathic Helix 8 within the carboxyl-terminus is a high affinity interaction motif for plasma membrane lipids. We have used dual polarisation interferometry (DPI) to examine the role of phosphatidylinositdes in the specific recognition of Helix 8 in the AT1A receptor. A synthetic peptide corresponding to Leu305 to Lys325 (Helix 8 AT1A) discriminated between PIPs and different charges on lipid membranes. Peptide binding to PtdIns(4)P-containing bilayers caused a dramatic change in the birefringence (a measure of membrane order) of the bilayer. Kinetic modelling showed that PtdIns(4)P is held above the bilayer until the mass of bound peptide reaches a threshold, after which the peptides insert further into the bilayer. This suggests that Helix 8 can respond to the presence of PI(4)P by withdrawing from the bilayer, resulting in a functional conformational change in the receptor.
Consequences of Nosema apis infection for male honey bees and their fertility
Authors: Peng Yan , Baer-Imhoof Barbara , Harvey Millar A. , Baer Boris
Published: June 2015

The queens of eusocial bees, ants and wasps mate only during a very short period early in life and males therefore produce ejaculates consisting of large numbers of high quality sperm. Such extreme selection for high fecundity resulted in males investing minimally into their somatic survival, including their immune system. However, if susceptible males are unable to protect their reproductive tissue from infections, they compromise queen fitness if they transfer pathogens during mating. We used the honey bee Apis mellifera and investigated the course of infection of the sexually transmitted pathogen Nosema apis. We predicted that honey bee males are susceptible but protect their reproductive tissues from infections. We investigated the effects of N. apis infections on the midgut, the accessory glands and the accessory testes and quantified the consequences of infection on male survival and fecundity. We found that N. apis is able to infect males and as infections progressed, it significantly impacted fertility and survival in older males. Even though we confirm males to be able to minimize N. apis infections of their reproductive tissues, the parasite is present in ejaculates of older males. Consequently N. apis evolved alternative routes to successfully infect ejaculates and get sexually transmitted.
Transmission of scrapie prions to primate after an extended silent incubation period
Authors: Comoy Emmanuel E. , Mikol Jacqueline , Luccantoni-Freire Sophie , Correia Evelyne , Lescoutra-Etchegaray Nathalie , Durand Valérie , Dehen Capucine , Andreoletti Olivier , Casalone Cristina , Richt Juergen A. , Greenlee Justin J. , Baron Thierry , Benestad Sylvie L. , Brown Paul , Deslys Jean-Philippe
Published: June 2015

Classical bovine spongiform encephalopathy (c-BSE) is the only animal prion disease reputed to be zoonotic, causing variant Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (vCJD) in humans and having guided protective measures for animal and human health against animal prion diseases. Recently, partial transmissions to humanized mice showed that the zoonotic potential of scrapie might be similar to c-BSE. We here report the direct transmission of a natural classical scrapie isolate to cynomolgus macaque, a highly relevant model for human prion diseases, after a 10-year silent incubation period, with features similar to those reported for human cases of sporadic CJD. Scrapie is thus actually transmissible to primates with incubation periods compatible with their life expectancy, although fourfold longer than BSE. Long-term experimental transmission studies are necessary to better assess the zoonotic potential of other prion diseases with high prevalence, notably Chronic Wasting Disease of deer and elk and atypical/Nor98 scrapie.
Linking Precursor Alterations to Nanoscale Structure and Optical Transparency in Polymer Assisted Fast-Rate Dip-Coating of Vanadium Oxide Thin Films
Authors: Glynn Colm , Creedon Donal , Geaney Hugh , Armstrong Eileen , Collins Timothy , Morris Michael A. , Dwyer Colm O’
Published: June 2015

Solution processed metal oxide thin films are important for modern optoelectronic devices ranging from thin film transistors to photovoltaics and for functional optical coatings. Solution processed techniques such as dip-coating, allow thin films to be rapidly deposited over a large range of surfaces including curved, flexible or plastic substrates without extensive processing of comparative vapour or physical deposition methods. To increase the effectiveness and versatility of dip-coated thin films, alterations to commonly used precursors can be made that facilitate controlled thin film deposition. The effects of polymer assisted deposition and changes in solvent-alkoxide dilution on the morphology, structure, optoelectronic properties and crystallinity of vanadium pentoxide thin films was studied using a dip-coating method using a substrate withdrawal speed within the fast-rate draining regime. The formation of sub-100 nm thin films could be achieved rapidly from dilute alkoxide based precursor solutions with high optical transmission in the visible, linked to the phase and film structure. The effects of the polymer addition was shown to change the crystallized vanadium pentoxide thin films from a granular surface structure to a polycrystalline structure composed of a high density of smaller in-plane grains, resulting in a uniform surface morphology with lower thickness and roughness.
Nanodomained Nickel Unite Nanocrystal Strength with Coarse-Grain Ductility
Authors: Wu Xiaolei , Yuan Fuping , Yang Muxin , Jiang Ping , Zhang Chuanxin , Chen Liu , Wei Yueguang , Ma Evan
Published: June 2015

Conventional metals are routinely hardened by grain refinement or by cold working with the expense of their ductility. Recent nanostructuring strategies have attempted to evade this strength versus ductility trade-off, but the paradox persists. It has never been possible to combine the strength reachable in nanocrystalline metals with the large uniform tensile elongation characteristic of coarse-grained metals. Here a defect engineering strategy on the nanoscale is architected to approach this ultimate combination. For Nickel, spread-out nanoscale domains (average 7 nm in diameter) were produced during electrodeposition, occupying only ~2.4% of the total volume. Yet the resulting Ni achieves a yield strength approaching 1.3 GPa, on par with the strength for nanocrystalline Ni with uniform grains. Simultaneously, the material exhibits a uniform elongation as large as ~30%, at the same level of ductile face-centered-cubic metals. Electron microscopy observations and molecular dynamics simulations demonstrate that the nanoscale domains effectively block dislocations, akin to the role of precipitates for Orowan hardening. In the meantime, the abundant domain boundaries provide dislocation sources and trapping sites of running dislocations for dislocation multiplication and the ample space in the grain interior allows dislocation storage; a pronounced strain-hardening rate is therefore sustained to enable large uniform elongation.
A Herpesvirus Specific Motif of Epstein-Barr Virus DNA Polymerase Is Required for the Efficient Lytic Genome Synthesis
Authors: Narita Yohei , Sugimoto Atsuko , Kawashima Daisuke , Watanabe Takahiro , Kanda Teru , Kimura Hiroshi , Tsurumi Tatsuya , Murata Takayuki
Published: June 2015

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several malignancies, including Burkitt lymphoma and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. To overcome such disorders, understanding the molecular mechanisms of the EBV replication is important. The EBV DNA polymerase (Pol) is one of the essential factors for viral lytic DNA replication. Although it is well known that its C-terminal half, possessing DNA polymerase and 3’-5’ exonuclease activity, is highly conserved among Family B Pols, the NH2-terminal half has yet to be characterized in detail. In this study, we show that a stretch of hydrophobic amino acids within the pre-NH2-terminal domain of EBV Pol plays important role. In addition, we could identify the most essential residue for replication in the motif. These findings will shed light on molecular mechanisms of viral DNA synthesis and will help to develop new herpesviruses treatments.
Extrapolating Dynamic Leidenfrost Principles to Metallic Nanodroplets on Asymmetrically Textured Surfaces
Authors: Horne Joseph E. , Lavrik Nickolay V. , Terrones Humberto , Fuentes-Cabrera Miguel
Published: June 2015

In an effort to enhance our knowledge on how to control the movement of metallic nanodroplets, here we have used classical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate whether Cu nanostructures deposited on nanopillared substrates can be made to jump at desired angles. We find that such control is possible, especially for Cu nanostructures that are symmetric; for asymmetric nanostructures, however, control is more uncertain. The work presented here borrows ideas from two seemingly different fields, metallic droplets and water droplets in the dynamic Leidenfrost regime. Despite the differences in the respective systems, we find common ground in their behavior on nanostructured surfaces. Due to this, we suggest that the ongoing research in Leidenfrost droplets is a fertile area for scientists working on metallic nanodroplets.
Cytoplasmic nucleophosmin has elevated T199 phosphorylation upon which G2/M phase progression is dependent
Authors: Chan Narisa , Meng Lim Tit
Published: June 2015

The cytoplasmic mutant of nucleophosmin (NPMc) is found approximately in one-third of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cases and is highly associated with normal karyotype. Whereas previous studies have focused on wtNPM in centrosome duplication, we further elucidate the role of NPM in the cell cycle by utilizing the increased cytoplasmic load of NPMc. Overexpression of NPMc causes increased phosphorylation of NPM on T199 and, to a lesser degree, S4. T199 phosphorylation is dependent on cdk2 but activators of cdk2 were not elevated. Upon inhibition of cdk2, NPMc-overexpressing cells demonstrate a greater G2/M phase arrest than wtNPM or GFP counterparts. However, the number of cells with 2 centrosomes did not increase concordantly. This suggests that the arrest was caused by a delay in centrosome duplication, most likely due to the inhibition of centrosome duplication caused by unphosphorylated NPMc. Overall, these results suggest that the phosphorylation of T199 is important in the mitotic progression of NPMc-expressing cells. This further supports the hypothesis that NPMc is associated with normal karyotypes in AML because the higher cytoplasmic load of NPM can better suppress centrosome overduplication which would otherwise result in unequal segregation of chromosomes during mitosis, leading to aneuploidy and other genomic instabilities.
Anion exchange membranes (AEMs) based on poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) and its derivatives
Authors: Ran Jin , Wu Liang , Ru Yanfei , Hu Min , Din Liang , Xu Tongwen
Published: June 2015

Poly(2,6-dimethyl-1,4-phenylene oxide) (PPO) is considered to be a promising candidate since it enables versatile routes to obtain high performance anion exchange membranes (AEMs).
Shape-encoded silica microparticles for multiplexed bioassays
Authors: Kim Lily Nari , Kim Mira , Jung Keumsim , Bae Hyung Jong , Jang Jisung , Jung Yushin , Kim Jiyun , Kwon Sunghoon
Published: June 2015

Shape-encoded silica microparticles for use in multiplexed bioassays were fabricated by using optofluidic maskless lithography (OFML) and tetraethylorthosilicate (TEOS) polymerization.
Plasmonic Ge-doped ZnO nanocrystals
Authors: Della Gaspera Enrico , Duffy Noel W. , van Embden Joel , Waddington Lynne , Bourgeois Laure , Jasieniak Jacek J. , Chesman Anthony S. R.
Published: June 2015

The first colloidal synthesis of Ge-doped ZnO nanocrystals is presented. Ge dopants induce a surface plasmon resonance in the infrared and affect the ZnO nanocrystal morphology.
Synthesis of self-reporting polymeric nanoparticles for in situ monitoring of endocytic microenvironmental pH
Authors: Qiao Zeng-Ying , Hou Chun-Yuan , Zhao Wen-Jing , Zhang Di , Yang Pei-Pei , Wang Lei , Wang Hao
Published: June 2015

Ultra-sensitive self-reporting nanoparticles for in situ monitoring of microenvironmental pH in the endocytosis process based on dual wavelength fluorescence changes.
Stacking interactions of hydrogen-bridged rings – stronger than the stacking of benzene molecules
Authors: Blagojević Jelena P. , Zarić Snežana D.
Published: June 2015

Planar hydrogen-bridged rings form parallel interactions in crystal structures. The interactions can be as strong as −4.89 kcal mol−1.
Antifogging antireflective thin films: does the antifogging layer have to be the outmost layer?
Authors: Zhang Xiaojie , He Junhui
Published: June 2015

Antifogging antireflective thin films: the antifogging layer does not have to be the outmost layer.
Protoisomerization of indigo di- and monoimines
Authors: Nicholls-Allison Emma C. , Nawn Graeme , Patrick Brian O. , Hicks Robin G.
Published: June 2015

Indigo di- and monoimines are reversibly protonated to form salts in which the central CC bond has isomerized from a trans to cis configuration.
Nanoscale Kirkendall growth of silicalite-1 zeolite mesocrystals with controlled mesoporosity and size
Authors: Cui Tian-Lu , Li Xin-Hao , Lv Li-Bing , Wang Kai-Xue , Su Juan , Chen Jie-Sheng
Published: June 2015

Mesoporous silicalite-1 nanocrystals with controlled mesoporosity and size were synthesizedviananoscale Kirkendall growth without involving additional templates.
A FRET-based carbon dot–MnO2nanosheet architecture for glutathione sensing in human whole blood samples
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Jiang Kai , Zhu Jiali , Zhang Ling , Lin Hengwei
Published: June 2015

A novel FRET model employing fluorescent carbon dots and MnO2nanosheets as donor–acceptor pairs is built for GSH sensing.
Correction: Combination of inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction with highly efficient oxime ligation expands the toolbox of site-selective peptide conjugations
Authors: Hörner S. , Uth C. , Avrutina O. , Frauendorf H. , Wiessler M. , Kolmar H.
Published: June 2015

Correction for ‘Combination of inverse electron-demand Diels–Alder reaction with highly efficient oxime ligation expands the toolbox of site-selective peptide conjugations’ by S. Hörner, et al., Chem. Commun., 2015, DOI: 10.1039/c5cc03434e.
Synthesis, X-ray characterization and DFT studies of N-benzimidazolyl-pyrimidine–M(ii) complexes (M = Cu, Co and Ni): the prominent role of π-hole and anion–π interactions
Authors: Cañellas Santiago , Bauzá Antonio , Lancho Aïda , García-Raso Angel , Fiol Joan J. , Molins Elies , Ballester Pablo , Frontera Antonio
Published: June 2015

Five Cu(ii), Co(ii) and Ni(ii) complexes with 2-(N-benzimidazolyl)-pyrimidine and nitrate co-ligands have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction.
An auxilliary grid method for the calculation of electrostatic terms in density functional theory on a real-space grid
Authors: Zuzovski Michael , Boag Amir , Natan Amir
Published: June 2015

The calculation of electrostatic integrals is performed using domain decomposition and auxiliary non-uniform grids for density functional theory real-space implementation.
Synthesis of functional xLayMn/KIT-6 and features in hot coal gas desulphurization
Authors: Xia Hong , Zhang Fengmei , Zhang Zhaofei , Liu Bingsi
Published: June 2015

A 3La97Mn/KIT-6 sorbent showed excellent performance for hot coal gas desulphurization due to its novel structure, which overcame the low utilization and pulverization observed with pure 3La97Mn.
Porphyrin-based graphene oxide frameworks with ultra-large d-spacings for the electrocatalyzation of oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Yao Bowen , Li Chun , Ma Jun , Shi Gaoquan
Published: June 2015

Graphene oxide frameworks with ultralarge d-spacings of up to 26 Å were synthesized by using porphyrins as molecular pillars of graphene sheets, showing potential applications as electrocatalysts for oxygen reduction reaction.
P-Trifluoromethyl ligands derived from Josiphos in the Ir-catalysed hydrogenation of 3,4-dihydroisoquinoline hydrochlorides
Authors: Schwenk R. , Togni A.
Published: June 2015

Ferrocenyl phosphines containing a stereogenic P-CF3 group show improved selectivities in the Ir-catalysed hydrogenation of dihydroisoquinolinium derivatives.
Advances in cobalt complexes as anticancer agents
Authors: Munteanu Catherine R. , Suntharalingam Kogularamanan
Published: June 2015

This perspective describes the advances in cobalt-containing compounds as anticancer agents. Cobalt, being an essential trace element, offers a less toxic alternative to traditional platinum-based anticancer drugs.
Carbon capture turned upside down: high-temperature adsorption & low-temperature desorption (HALD)
Authors: Joos Lennart , Lejaeghere Kurt , Huck Johanna M. , Van Speybroeck Veronique , Smit Berend
Published: June 2015

Screening the international zeolite database identified the most promising materials for high-temperature adsorption & low-temperature desorption.
An electrochemical engineering assessment of the operational conditions and constraints for solar-driven water-splitting systems at near-neutral pH
Authors: Singh Meenesh R. , Papadantonakis Kimberly , Xiang Chengxiang , Lewis Nathan S.
Published: June 2015

Identified operating conditions and constraints for efficient operation of solar-driven water-splitting systems at near-neutral pH.