bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Penser les liens entre éthique et politique de la littérature : un dialogue entre Martha Nussbaum et Jacques Rancière
Authors: Brousseau Simon
Published: November 2015

Cet article se propose de comparer la politique de la littérature de Jacques Rancière et l’éthique de la littérature de Martha Nussbaum. Il s’agit d’éclairer comment ces deux approches de la littérature, même si elles s’ancrent dans des traditions théoriques différentes, se recoupent grâce à l’idée fondamentale selon laquelle la littérature serait l’occasion d’acquérir des connaissances pratiques. La lecture littéraire, chez Rancière comme chez Nussbaum, permet d’affiner notre attention au monde et met ainsi en jeu la perceptibilité des sujets. En cela, ils affirment tous deux avec force que la littérature, loin d’être coupée du monde, n’a de sens qu’au coeur même de l’existence, puisque le texte situe le lecteur devant l’altérité et l’enjoint silencieusement à pratiquer l’attention délicate qui incombe à ceux et celles qui souhaitent vivre ensemble.
The Perceived Deficits Questionnaire
Authors: Strober Lauren B. , Binder Allison , Nikelshpur Olga M. , Chiaravalloti Nancy , DeLuca John
Published: November 2015

Background: Cognitive dysfunction affects approximately 43% to 70% of individuals with multiple sclerosis (MS) and is an important determinant of several functional outcomes in MS and quality of life. Brief neuropsychological test batteries have been developed specifically for use in MS and are widely used to aid clinicians in assessing levels of cognitive impairment in MS. Neuropsychologists and neurologists also frequently use briefer screening measures, such as the Perceived Deficits Questionnaire (PDQ), to assist in determining whether a more extensive neuropsychological evaluation is warranted. However, despite the ease of such measures, the relationship between self-report and objective cognitive impairment has been inconsistent, at best. Moreover, factors such as depression, fatigue, anxiety, and personality have been found to be more related to reports of cognitive difficulties. The purpose of the present study was to clarify the relationship between subjective cognitive concerns and objective cognitive impairment while accounting for related symptoms.

Methods: We examined the association of self-reported cognitive concerns on the PDQ with objective cognitive measures, as well as depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy.

Results: There was no relationship between self-reported cognitive concerns and objective performance. Rather, reports on the PDQ were more correlated with reports of depression, anxiety, fatigue, and self-efficacy.

Conclusions: Depression and poor self-efficacy can contribute to reports of cognitive difficulties. Effective treatment to improve these factors seems warranted given the impact of perceived cognitive impairment on outcomes in MS and the potential for more accurate self-reports.
Management Strategies for Flu-Like Symptoms and Injection-Site Reactions Associated with Peginterferon Beta-1a
Authors: Halper June , Centonze Diego , Newsome Scott D. , Huang DeRen , Robertson Christopher , You Xiaojun , Sabatella Guido , Evilevitch Vladimir , Leahy Leslie
Published: November 2015

Background: Flu-like symptoms (FLSs) and injection-site reactions (ISRs) have been reported with interferon beta treatments for multiple sclerosis (MS). We sought to obtain consensus on the characteristics/management of FLSs/ISRs in patients with relapsing-remitting MS based on experiences from the randomized, placebo-controlled ADVANCE study of peginterferon beta-1a.

Methods: ADVANCE investigators with a predefined number of enrolled patients were eligible to participate in a consensus-generating exercise using a modified Delphi method. An independent steering committee oversaw the development of two sequential Delphi questionnaires. An average rating (AR) of 2.7 or more was defined as consensus a priori.

Results: Thirty and 29 investigators (ie, responders) completed questionnaires 1 and 2, respectively, representing 374 patients from ADVANCE. Responders reported that the incidence/duration of FLSs/ISRs in their typical patient generally declined after 3 months of treatment. Responders reached consensus that FLSs typically last up to 24 hours (AR = 3.17) and have mild/moderate effects on activities of daily living (AR = 3.34). Patients should initiate acetaminophen/nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug treatment on a scheduled basis (AR = 3.31) and change the timing of injection (AR = 3.28) to manage FLSs. Injection-site rotation/cooling and drug administration at room temperature (all AR ≥ 3.10) were recommended for managing ISRs. Patient education on FLSs/ISRs was advocated before treatment initiation.

Conclusions: Delphi responders agreed on the management strategies for FLSs/ISRs and agreed that patient education is critical to set treatment expectations and promote adherence.
Reasons for late presentation to HIV care in Switzerland
Authors: Hachfeld Anna , Ledergerber Bruno , Darling Katharine , Weber Rainer , Calmy Alexandra , Battegay Manuel , Sugimoto Kiyoshi , Di Benedetto Caroline , Fux Christoph A , Tarr Philip E , Kouyos Roger , Furrer Hansjakob , Wandeler Gilles ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Published: November 2015

Introduction

Late presentation to HIV care leads to increased morbidity and mortality. We explored risk factors and reasons for late HIV testing and presentation to care in the nationally representative Swiss HIV Cohort Study (SHCS).

Methods

Adult patients enrolled in the SHCS between July 2009 and June 2012 were included. An initial CD4 count <350 cells/µl or an AIDS‐defining illness defined late presentation. Demographic and behavioural characteristics of late presenters (LPs) were compared with those of non‐late presenters (NLPs). Information on self‐reported, individual barriers to HIV testing and care were obtained during face‐to‐face interviews.

Results

Of 1366 patients included, 680 (49.8%) were LPs. Seventy‐two percent of eligible patients took part in the survey. LPs were more likely to be female (p<0.001) or from sub‐Saharan Africa (p<0.001) and less likely to be highly educated (p=0.002) or men who have sex with men (p<0.001). LPs were more likely to have their first HIV test following a doctor's suggestion (p=0.01), and NLPs in the context of a regular check‐up (p=0.02) or after a specific risk situation (p<0.001). The main reasons for late HIV testing were “did not feel at risk” (72%), “did not feel ill” (65%) and “did not know the symptoms of HIV” (51%). Seventy‐one percent of the participants were symptomatic during the year preceding HIV diagnosis and the majority consulted a physician for these symptoms.

Conclusions

In Switzerland, late presentation to care is driven by late HIV testing due to low risk perception and lack of awareness about HIV. Tailored HIV testing strategies and enhanced provider‐initiated testing are urgently needed.
Globalização e novos atores: a paradiplomacia das cidades brasileiras
Authors: Clotilde Meirelles Ribeiro Maria
Published: November 2015

O objetivo central do livro é conhecer e analisar as estratégias de inserção internacional municípios brasileiros, promovendo preliminarmente uma visão geral do fenômeno paradiplomático e apresentando algumas linhas gerais e distinções verificadas nos vários continentes. O livro apresenta elementos que pretendem contribuir ainda para o aumento do interesse sobre a atuação internacional dos governos subnacionais brasileiros, fomentando novas pesquisas no campo.
Ser-Tão baiano: o lugar da sertanidade na configuração da identidade baiana
Authors: Pereira Vasconcelos Cláudia
Published: November 2015

Nesta obra, a autora investiga o conceito de baianidade, centrado na cidade de Salvador e em seu Recôncavo. Problematiza a visão da “cultura baiana” amplamente divulgada, inclusive pelas agências de políticas culturais do estado. Compreende a ideia de sertão e os possíveis motivos para a negação de uma tradição sertaneja na Bahia. Tem a obra de Jorge Amado como referência para a construção da ideia de baianidade, o autor Gilberto Freyre como referência da nordestinidade e, por fim, o trabalho de Eurico Alves como principal discurso de afirmação da sertanidade.
Influence of varying upper ocean stratification on coastal near‐inertial currents
Authors: Kim Sung Yong , Kurapov Alexander L. , Kosro P. Michael
Published: November 2015

The influence of varying horizontal and vertical stratification in the upper layer (
m) associated with riverine waters and seasonal atmospheric fluxes on coastal near‐inertial currents is investigated with remotely sensed and in situ observations of surface and subsurface currents and realistic numerical model outputs off the coast of Oregon. Based on numerical simulations with and without the Columbia River (CR) during summer, the directly wind‐forced near‐inertial surface currents are enhanced by 30%–60% when the near‐surface layer has a stratified condition due to riverine water inputs from the CR. Comparing model results without the CR for summer and winter conditions indicates that the directly wind‐forced near‐inertial surface current response to a unit wind forcing during summer are 20%–70% stronger than those during winter depending on the cross‐shore location, which is in contrast to the seasonal patterns of both mixed‐layer depth and amplitudes of near‐inertial currents. The model simulations are used to examine aspects of coastal inhibition of near‐inertial currents, manifested in their spatial coherence in the cross‐shore direction, where the phase propagates upward over the continental shelf, bounces at the coast, and continues increasing upward offshore (toward surface) and then downward offshore at the surface, with magnitudes and length scales in the near‐surface layer increasing offshore. This pattern exhibits a particularly well‐organized structure during winter. Similarly, the raypaths of clockwise near‐inertial internal waves are consistent with the phase propagation of coherence, showing the influence of upper layer stratification and coastal inhibition.
Immunology of Fish
Authors: Fletcher Thelma C , Secombes Christopher J
Published: November 2015

Innate immunity provides some form of defence against pathogens in all multicellular organisms but with cartilaginous and bony fish, although the lowest group of jawed vertebrates, the addition of a classic adaptive immune response becomes apparent. This provides the refinements of specificity for antigen recognition and memory. The T and B lymphocytes are the effector leucocytes, acquiring their antigen‐specific receptors (immunoglobulin for B cells and T‐cell receptor for T cells) in the anterior kidney (bone marrow being absent) and thymus. The B cells are responsible for the production of antibodies that function as different immunoglobulin classes, whereas subsets of T lymphocytes are capable of killing target cells or helping with B‐ and other T‐cell functions. Knowledge of these mechanisms is important for the use and design of vaccines, now so essential for the aquaculture industry, whereas studies of fish immunology contribute to the understanding of the evolution of adaptive immunity.

Key Concepts

Fish possess innate and adaptive immune responses, with classical adaptive immunity present only in jawed vertebrates.

Adaptive immunity allows memory of prior exposure to foreign molecules (antigens), so that on subsequent contact protective mechanisms are more rapidly mobilised: the basis of vaccination.

Lymphocytes mediate adaptive immunity and have surface receptors that recognise antigens, initiating the production of circulating antibodies and the activation of cell‐mediated responses.

The functions of the immune system are similar in fish and mammals although there are differences owing to the aquatic physiology and ectothermic nature of fish that provide evolutionary interest.

Leucocyte–antigen interactions take place in immune sites, such as the kidneys, spleen, gills and intestine. Bone marrow and lymph nodes are lacking.

Knowledge of fish immunology is proving essential for the development of vaccines for the expanding aquaculture industry.
Tombusviridae
Authors: Sit Tim L , Lommel Steven A
Published: November 2015

The
Tombusviridae
is a relatively large and diverse family of plant viruses that have small single‐stranded, positive‐sense,
RNA
(ribonucleic acid) genomes which have been grouped together owing to the high degree of sequence identity displayed by their
RNA
‐dependent
RNA
polymerases. Tombusvirid virion structures, gene expression strategies, replication,
RNA
recombination, virus movement and the support of satellite viruses/defective‐interfering
RNAs
have been particularly well characterised. All genera (with the exception of the
Umbraviruses
) produce spherical virions with capsid proteins that can be subdivided by the presence (or absence) of a
C
‐terminal protruding domain. Transmission of several members by fungal zoospores in a species‐specific manner has been reported while aphid transmission of
Umbraviruses
is completely dependent on a helper virus from the
Luteoviridae
. The virions of several members have been utilised for biotechnology purposes.

Key Concepts

Various genera most likely arose through RNA recombination.

Tombusviridae
species replicate to high titres within their host cells.

RNA genomes are small with a limited number of gene products that serve multiple functions.

RNA–RNA interactions control gene expression in several genera.

Viral‐encoded suppressors of RNA silencing act at several different stages in the response cascade.

Virions (if present) are non‐enveloped and extremely stable.

Several members are transmitted through soil by specific fungal zoospores.
B
Lymphocytes: Receptors
Authors: DeFranco Anthony L
Published: November 2015

B lymphocytes can synthesise Ig heavy chains that are either secreted or membrane‐bound, the latter having a transmembrane domain and a short cytoplasmic domain. Membrane‐bound Ig heavy chains and Ig light chains assemble in the ER with each other and with a heterodimer of Igα and Igβ, which mediate signalling and internalisation functions. The complex of these four polypeptides is called the B cell antigen receptor (BCR). BCR signalling occurs via three types of tyrosine kinases. Src‐family kinases phosphorylate the two tyrosine‐containing motif in the cytoplasmic domains of Igα and Igβ (the ITAMs), which recruits a second type of tyrosine kinase Syk. Syk is responsible for most downstream signalling, although calcium and diacylglycerol also require a third tyrosine kinase Btk. BCR signalling pathways are central to virtually all aspects of B cell biology, as they are required for B cell development, tolerance induction, survival and activation.

Key Concepts

Naïve B cells express their immunoglobulin as a cell surface receptor for antigen, called the BCR (B cell receptor for antigen).

In developing precursors of B cells, the successful generation of an immunoglobulin heavy chain is sensed by the incorporation of that heavy chain into pre‐BCR molecules, which exhibit constitutive signalling.

Signalling by the BCR controls development, survival and activation of B cells in a manner that is dependent on the developmental stage or activation state of the B cell. This signalling is important both for tolerisation of self‐reactive B cells and for activation of B cells recognising foreign antigen.

Co‐receptors that recognise complement components, sialic acid residues, or IgG bound to antigens strongly enhance or inhibit signalling by the BCR to aid in self‐non‐self‐discrimination.

The BCR is also an endocytic receptor that delivers antigen to internal compartments where protein antigens are processed into peptides and loaded onto MHC class II molecules to facilitate interactions with T cells, which are essential for production of high‐affinity antibodies.

Defects in generation of BCRs or signalling components of the BCR result in B cell immunodeficiencies, the most common of which is due to loss‐of‐function mutations of the intracellular protein tyrosine kinase Btk, referred to as X‐linked agammaglobulinemia.

B cell malignancies often have activated BCR signalling as a driver of their proliferation and/or survival, and selective Btk inhibitors are now approved therapeutics for some types of B cell malignancies.
Leishmania
Authors: Bates Paul A
Published: November 2015

Leishmania
are vector‐borne parasitic protozoa that cause the human tropical disease leishmaniasis. Over 30 species have been described, with 11 of these being important pathogens. The disease has three main forms: cutaneous, mucocutaneous and visceral leishmaniasis. The parasites undergo a complex developmental cycle in their phlebotomine sand fly vectors leading to the differentiation of infectious metacyclic promastigote forms, and are transmitted by bite. Many species are zoonotic, being maintained in domestic or wild animal reservoir hosts, and the others are anthroponotic and transmitted from human to human. In their mammalian hosts they live as intracellular amastigote forms inside macrophages. There are relatively few drugs available to treat leishmaniasis, and control of the sand fly vectors or reservoir hosts is difficult. The best long‐term solution to the public health challenge of leishmaniasis will be vaccines, and progress is being made, but an effective vaccine for human usage has not been developed yet.

Key Concepts

Leishmania
are intracellular parasites that live in the phagolysosomes of macrophages, a unique location for a eukaryotic pathogen.

The different forms of leishmaniasis result from infection of differently located populations of macrophages and the human response to infection.

Leishmaniasis is a chronic infection that can be treated, but limited drugs are available and no prophylactic vaccine is yet available for human use.

There are many species of
Leishmania
but all share a common set of molecular, biochemical and cell biological features along with species‐specific properties.

There are more sand fly vectors than
Leishmania
species, but they exist in specific pairs, each parasite being transmitted by one or more particular species of sand fly.
Plant Breeding and Crop Improvement
Authors: Caligari Peter DS , Forster Brian P
Published: November 2015

To respond to the increasing need to feed the world's population, standing at 7.1–7.2 billion in 2013 and predicted to reach over 9 billion by 2050, as well as an ever greater demand for a balanced and healthy diet, there is a continuing need to produce improved new cultivated varieties of crop plants. Land available for crop production is limited and has stayed at 660 million hectares for the past 50 years. Much of the world's best soils are already in use and others are protected, for example, for environmental concerns. The demand for food brings marginal lands into play for which stress‐tolerant crops need to be developed. Climate variation is yet another challenge breeders have to respond to. In short, more food, fibre, fuel and forage need to be produced per unit of land, and time is of the essence. The strategies used to meet these demands are increasingly based on our knowledge of relevant science, particularly genetics and reproductive biology. Success is gained by a multidisciplinary understanding and the deployment of relevant science and technology.

Key Concepts

Plant breeders must have access to genetic variation in crop species.

Plant breeders must be equipped with the tools to respond quickly to new demands by developing accelerated breeding techniques and the ability to screen for traits of interest rapidly among progeny.

Yield and yield stability remain the top priorities for breeders.

Increasing production of plant products is essential for food, feed and fibre for the increasing World population.

Breeders must be visionary in planning for requirements in the future, at least 7–20 years ahead, as this is the timescale from initiating the breeding programme to release cultivars.
Chromosomal Instability (
CIN
) in Cancer
Authors: Horne Steven D , Ye Christine J , Heng Henry HQ
Published: November 2015

Chromosomal instability (
CIN
) represents a common feature in the majority of cancers. Despite that the search for specific molecular mechanisms linked to the causation or consequences of cancer has become very popular in cancer research, there is no general conceptual framework that unifies the observed diverse molecular findings. By applying the genome theory of cancer evolution, we briefly define and clarify
CIN
, synthesise its importance in macro‐cellular evolutionary selection, unify diverse molecular mechanisms under the evolutionary mechanism of cancer and discuss its potential implications. Understanding the relationship of stress,
CIN
and genome‐mediated cancer evolution offers clarity and direction to researchers, and monitoring
CIN
within an evolutionary context can provide valuable clinical information for determining treatment administration and patient prognosis.

Key Concepts

Chromosomal aberrations exist in the majority of cancers, suggesting the importance of understanding CIN in cancer.

Cancer genome evolution exists in two cyclical phases: a genome replacement mediated punctuated (macro‐cellular) phase and a gene/epigene‐mediated stepwise (micro‐cellular) phase; triggering CIN is the key to entering the macro‐cellular evolutionary phase.

CIN represents the key driver of cancer, as high levels rapidly produce wide varieties of new genome systems, providing necessary heterogeneity (and ample opportunity) for evolutionary selection.

Understanding the relationship among CIN, different genetic level dynamics and macro‐cellular evolution can be accomplished using multiple level landscape models.

Application of the evolutionary mechanism of cancer in understanding CIN offers clarity by unifying the wide variety of involved genetic and non‐genetic mechanisms and factors.

The consequences of high stress‐induced CIN (e.g. genome chaos, adaptation and accelerated macro‐cellular evolution) hold high implications in cancer treatment and drug resistance.

Fuzzy inheritance, which also reflects as elevated CIN at the genome level, represents a major mechanism of cancer evolution.

Monitoring CIN within an evolutionary context can provide valuable information for both cancer research and treatment.
Plant Responses to Phosphorus Availability
Authors: Hodge Angela
Published: November 2015

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for normal plant growth and function. However, acquisition of sufficient P from the soil environment is often problematic for the plant owing to the tendency for P to react with the principal cations in most soils and its low rates of diffusive supply. Thus, a marked P depletion zone forms around the root. Plants can enhance their P acquisition by modifying their root system architecture through increasing the number and length of lateral roots and root hairs. Plants can also chemically modify the soil environment close to their roots through the release of protons and organic acids. These chemical modifications are particularly well developed in ‘cluster‐rooted’ plant species and help these plants extract P from otherwise poorly available sources. Finally, plants can form symbiotic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, an ancient symbiosis that likely evolved to help solve the P problem for plants.

Key Concepts

Phosphorus (P) is an essential macronutrient for healthy plant growth and development.

Phosphorus ions react with a number of charged surfaces in the soil environment and phosphate ions are poorly mobile in soils.

Small, but sharply defined, phosphate depletion zones rapidly develop at the root surface.

Mycorrhizal hyphae and/or root hairs can extend outside these depletion zones to explore a larger soil volume for P uptake.

Mycorrhizal fungi can also down‐regulate the root (i.e. direct) P uptake pathway.

In extremely nutrient impoverished soils, some plant species have developed cluster roots to aid P acquisition.

Cluster roots release compounds, notably citrate, into the soil to help chemically extract P from charged surfaces and their large surface area further aids uptake of the P forms released.
Drosophila
as a Model to Study Intestinal Stem Cells
Authors: Takashima Shigeo
Published: November 2015

Although there were several old reports described proliferating stem‐like cells in adult intestinal tissue of insects,
Drosophila
digestive tract has not been drawing attention from intestinal stem cell (ISC) scientists. In 2006, two studies (Micchelli and Perrimon, 2006; Ohlstein and Spradling, 2006) revisited this issue. As they clearly pointed out active stem cell population in this organ and evidenced the usefulness of
Drosophila
digestive tract as an ideal model system to study ISCs, the fly intestine was finally brought into the light of stem cell science. Fly ISCs require multiple signals to maintain their proper function similar to their mammalian counterparts do. Notch, Wnt, JAK/STAT and EGFR signals are initially reported as the key players but many other genes and signals are also listed up to date. In this article, a landscape of the network comprised with a variety of signals and genes controlling ISC behaviour (i.e. self‐renewal, proliferation and differentiation) is observed.

Key Concepts

Drosophila
intestinal stem cell (ISC) research provides essential ideas to understand how stem cells keep organ integrity throughout life.

Precision and robust regulation of ISC functions by a variety of signalling activities ensures constant tissue renewal and recovery from severe injury.

The functions of ISC include self‐renewal, proliferation, cell‐fate choice and differentiation into mature intestinal cells.

Each function is regulated by distinct molecular signals with multiple mutual interactions.

The aim of this article is to provide current knowledge about
Drosophila
ISCs and the idea how rapidly this research area expands using molecular genetics‐friendly
Drosophila
as a model organism.
E
duard
A
.
S
trasburger (1844–1912)
Authors: Nickelsen Kärin
Published: November 2015

Eduard A. Strasburger (1844–1912) was a German plant cytologist. From 1880, he was Director of the Botany Institute and the Botanical Garden at the University of Bonn. Strasburger is particularly noted for discovering the stages of nuclear and cellular division in algae and higher plants. He first observed how the pollen tube grows into the embryo sac, he explained the structure and function of plasmodesmata and contributed a great number of important elements to the cytological and histological knowledge of plants. Strasburger was the author of a seminal textbook in botany which, up to this day, is published in revised editions and still connected with his name.
RIG
‐
I
‐Like Receptors
Authors: Yong Hui Yee , Luo Dahai
Published: November 2015

The RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs), RIG‐I (retinoic acid inducible gene 1), MDA5 (melanoma differentiation‐associated gene 5) and LGP2 (laboratory of genetics and physiology 2) play an essential role in sensing viral infection and initiating interferon‐mediated antiviral immune response. RLRs share similar domain architecture to support specific detection of viral RNA (ribonucleic acid). RIG‐I has an auto‐inhibitory conformation and upon binding of RNA ligand undergoes conformational changes to expose
N
‐terminal CARDs (caspase activation and recruitment domains) for interaction with the adaptor protein MAVS (mitochondrial antiviral‐signalling protein) for signalling. MDA5 adopts an open but inactive conformation and is able to oligomerise on long RNA duplexes to bring its CARDs into close proximity to MAVS. The downstream signalling cascade up‐regulates the type I interferon expression. Post‐translational modifications, alternative splicing and translational variants as well as several regulatory proteins play important roles in the regulation of RLRs signalling. Although robust activation of RLRs is essential for clearance of viral infection, uncontrolled activation of RLR signalling could potentially trigger or exacerbate pre‐existing autoimmune conditions.

Key Concepts

RIG‐I‐like receptors (RLRs) are pattern recognition receptor (PRR) which specifically recognise viral RNAs

RLRs undergo conformational changes leading to activation when bound to viral RNA

RLRs relay signal to a common signalling adaptor MAVS (mitochondrial antiviral‐signalling protein) leading to activation of transcription factors promoting the expression of interferons and pro‐inflammatory cytokines which reduces initial viral replication and spread

RLRs are tightly regulated by various proteins and post‐translational modifications to prevent undesired auto‐activation
Plasmonic Backscattering Effect in High‐Efficient Organic Photovoltaic Devices
Authors: Kakavelakis George , Vangelidis Ioannis , Heuer‐Jungemann Amelie , Kanaras Antonios G. , Lidorikis Elefterios , Stratakis Emmanuel , Kymakis Emmanuel
Published: November 2015

A universal strategy for efficient light trapping through the incorporation of gold nanorods on the electron transport layer (rear) of organic photovoltaic devices is demonstrated. Utilizing the photons that are transmitted through the active layer of a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic device and would otherwise be lost, a significant enhancement in power conversion efficiency (PCE) of poly[N‐9′‐heptadecanyl‐2,7‐carbazole‐alt‐5,5‐(4′,7′‐di‐2‐thienyl‐2′,1′,3′‐benzothiadiazole)]:phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PCDTBT:PC71BM) and poly[[4,8‐bis[(2‐ethylhexyl)oxy]benzo[1,2‐b:4,5‐b′]dithiophene‐2,6‐diyl][3‐fluoro‐2‐[(2‐ethylhexyl)carbonyl]thieno[3,4‐b] thiophenediyl]] (PTB7):PC71BM by ≈13% and ≈8%, respectively. PCEs over 8% are reported for devices based on the PTB7:PC71BM blend. A comprehensive optical and electrical characterization of our devices to clarify the influence of gold nanorods on exciton generation, dissociation, charge recombination, and transport inside the thin film devices is performed. By correlating the experimental data with detailed numerical simulations, the near‐field and far‐field scattering effects are separated of gold nanorods (Au NRs), and confidently attribute part of the performance enhancement to the enhanced absorption caused by backscattering. While, a secondary contribution from the Au NRs that partially protrude inside the active layer and exhibit strong near‐fields due to localized surface plasmon resonance effects is also observed but is minor in magnitude. Furthermore, another important contribution to the enhanced performance is electrical in nature and comes from the increased charge collection probability.
Covalently Attached Liquids: Instant Omniphobic Surfaces with Unprecedented Repellency
Authors: Wang Liming , McCarthy Thomas J.
Published: November 2015

Recent strategies to prepare “omniphobic” surfaces have demonstrated that minimizing contact angle hysteresis (CAH) is the key criterion for effectiveness. CAH is affected by chemistry and topography defects at the molecular and higher levels, thus most surfaces exhibit significant CAH. Preparative methods for stable coatings on smooth substrates with negligible CAH (<2°) for a broad range of liquids have not been reported. In this work, we describe a simple and rapid procedure to prepare omniphobic surfaces that are stable under pressure and durable at elevated temperatures. Consistent with theory, they exhibit sliding angles that decrease with liquid surface tension. Slippery omniphobic covalently attached liquid (SOCAL) surfaces are obtained through acid‐catalyzed graft polycondensation of dimethyldimethoxysilane. The smooth, stable, and temperature‐resistant coatings show extremely low CAH (≤1°) and low sliding angles for liquids that span surface tensions from 78.2 to 18.4 mN m−1.
A Computational Method for Stochastic Optimal Control Problems in Financial Mathematics
Authors: Kafash Behzad , Delavarkhalafi Ali , Karbassi Seyed Mehdi
Published: November 2015

Principle of optimality or dynamic programming leads to derivation of a partial differential equation (PDE) for solving optimal control problems, namely the Hamilton‐Jacobi‐Bellman (HJB) equation. In general, this equation cannot be solved analytically; thus many computing strategies have been developed for optimal control problems. Many problems in financial mathematics involve the solution of stochastic optimal control (SOC) problems. In this work, the variational iteration method (VIM) is applied for solving SOC problems. In fact, solutions for the value function and the corresponding optimal strategies are obtained numerically. We solve a stochastic linear regulator problem to investigate the applicability and simplicity of the presented method and prove its convergence. In particular, for Merton's portfolio selection model as a problem of portfolio optimization, the proposed numerical method is applied for the first time and its usefulness is demonstrated. For the nonlinear case, we investigate its convergence using Banach's fixed point theorem. The numerical results confirm the simplicity and efficiency of our method.
Rethinking “mutualism” in diverse host‐symbiont communities
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A. , Ebert Dieter
Published: November 2015

While examples of bacteria benefiting eukaryotes are increasingly documented, studies examining effects of eukaryote hosts on microbial fitness are rare. Beneficial bacteria are often called “mutualistic” even if mutual reciprocity of benefits has not been demonstrated and despite the plausibility of other explanations for these microbes' beneficial effects on host fitness. Furthermore, beneficial bacteria often occur in diverse communities, making mutualism both empirically and conceptually difficult to demonstrate. We suggest reserving the terms “mutualism” and “parasitism” for pairwise interactions where the relationship is largely independent of other species and can be verified by measuring the fitness effect experienced by both partners. In hosts with diverse microbial communities, we propose re‐formulating some of the essential questions of symbiosis research – e.g. concerning specificity, transmission mode, and common evolutionary fates – as questions of community ecology and ecosystem function, allowing important biological interactions to be investigated without making assumptions about reciprocity. Understanding the fitness of host‐associated bacteria is a crucial component of investigations into the role of microbes in eukaryote evolution.
Genome mining of astaxanthin biosynthetic genes from Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 55669 for heterologous overproduction in Escherichia coli
Authors: Ma Tian , Zhou Yuanjie , Li Xiaowei , Zhu Fayin , Cheng Yongbo , Liu Yi , Deng Zixin , Liu Tiangang
Published: November 2015

As a highly valued keto‐carotenoid, astaxanthin is widely used in nutritional supplements and pharmaceuticals. Therefore, the demand for biosynthetic astaxanthin and improved efficiency of astaxanthin biosynthesis has driven the investigation of metabolic engineering of native astaxanthin producers and heterologous hosts. However, microbial resources for astaxanthin are limited. In this study, we found that the α‐Proteobacterium Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 55669 could produce astaxanthin naturally. We used whole‐genome sequencing to identify the astaxanthin biosynthetic pathway using a combined PacBio‐Illumina approach. The putative astaxanthin biosynthetic pathway in Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 55669 was predicted. For further confirmation, a high‐efficiency targeted engineering carotenoid synthesis platform was constructed in E. coli for identifying the functional roles of candidate genes. All genes involved in astaxanthin biosynthesis showed discrete distributions on the chromosome. Moreover, the overexpression of exogenous E. coli idi in Sphingomonas sp. ATCC 55669 increased astaxanthin production by 5.4‐fold. This study described a new astaxanthin producer and provided more biosynthesis components for bioengineering of astaxanthin in the future.
Clinical Audit of Children's Missed Dental Appointments in a City‐Wide Salaried Community Dental Service in Relation to Guidance on When to Suspect Child Maltreatment
Authors: Harris Jennifer C. , Firth Lauren M. , Chadwick Barbara L.
Published: November 2015

Children's missed healthcare appointments may be an alerting feature of neglect so it is essential that concerns are shared with other professionals. The aim of this clinical audit was to investigate the management of missed dental appointments for children in a city‐wide salaried community dental service. Standards for communication with (a) the family, (b) other professionals and (c) child protection referral to social care were developed using NICE Clinical Guidance 89: When to suspect child maltreatment and the British Society of Paediatric Dentistry's policy document on dental neglect. Information collected from a random sample of 100 clinical records included communication actions within six months of a missed appointment and dental outcome. After reporting the first‐cycle (C1) results, procedures were modified and staff training provided. Sampling and data collection were repeated annually for two further cycles (C2, C3). Communication standards were not fully met in any cycle. The missed appointment rate was 11–12 per cent. An initial small increase in interprofessional communication, including two child protection referrals to social care, was achieved in C2 together with a reduction in unresolved dental outcomes. However, omissions still occurred and improvements were not maintained in the third cycle, demonstrating insufficient consistency to ensure the protection of vulnerable children.

‘The aim of this clinical audit was to investigate the management of missed dental appointments for children’

Key Practitioner Messages

This paper describes a method of auditing the management of missed dental appointments in relation to maltreatment guidance.

We achieved initial small improvements in interprofessional communication and dental outcomes but also identified lapses which might indicate children at risk of neglect who could ‘slip through the net’.

Dental services, other healthcare services and children's social care must work together to develop better communication pathways.

‘Dental services, other healthcare services and children's social care must work together to develop better communication pathways’
Infant Trafficking and Baby Factories: A New Tale of Child Abuse in Nigeria
Authors: Makinde Olusesan Ayodeji
Published: November 2015

Baby factories are new systematic abuse structures that are promoting infant trafficking, neo‐slavery and the exploitation of young women with unwanted pregnancies in Nigeria. Since this practice was first described in 2006, it has been growing rather than abating. This paper reviews the scientific literature, along with media reports, and critiques this phenomenon from a children's rights' perspective. Children born into baby factories are denied various civil rights. They also suffer abuse in the baby factories and as a consequence of being born in such places. This abuse can be classified into immediate and long term. Immediate abuse includes inadequate care and its repercussions, denial of birth registration, illegal adoption and murder. Long‐term or delayed abuse that they may be exposed to includes health‐related consequences, neglect, death, child labour, prostitution and other sexual abuse, organ trafficking and recruitment as child soldiers. Various factors are thought to drive the baby factory phenomenon which include poverty, high infertility rates and the profitability of local and inter‐country adoptions. Programmes directed at addressing the root cause of the problem are needed in order to eliminate infant trafficking. Also, clear laws that delineate inter‐country adoption and infant trafficking need to be enacted. Most importantly, baby factories need to be recognised as child trafficking routes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

‘New systematic abuse structures that are promoting infant trafficking, neo‐slavery and the exploitation of young women’

Key Practitioner Messages:

A new type of child abuse and human trafficking that targets infants has emerged in Nigeria in what are described as ‘baby factories’.

Baby factories are criminal entities that exploit young girls with unwanted pregnancies and the practice is growing.

Children born in baby factories suffer a range of immediate abuses and are exposed to long-term abuses.

Baby factories violate several articles in the Convention on the Rights of a Child.

‘Criminal entities that exploit young girls with unwanted pregnancies’
Netamines O–S, Five New Tricyclic Guanidine Alkaloids from the Madagascar Sponge Biemna laboutei, and Their Antimalarial Activities
Authors: Gros Emmanuelle , Martin Marie‐Thérèse , Sorres Jonathan , Moriou Céline , Vacelet Jean , Frederich Michel , Aknin Maurice , Kashman Yoel , Gauvin‐Bialecki Anne , Al‐Mourabit Ali
Published: November 2015

In our continuing program to isolate new compounds from the Madagascar sponge Biemna laboutei, five new tricyclic guanidine alkaloids, netamines O – S (1–5, resp.), have been identified together with the known compounds netamine E (6) and mirabilin J (7). The structures of all new netamines were assigned on the basis of spectroscopic analyses. Their relative configurations were established by analysis of ROESY data and comparison with literature data. Netamines O, P, and Q, which were isolated in sufficient quantities, were tested for their cytotoxic activities against KB cells and their activities against the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum. Netamines O and Q were found to be moderately cytotoxic. Netamines O, P, and Q exhibited antiplasmodial activities with IC50 values of 16.99±4.12, 32.62±3.44, and 8.37±1.35 μM, respectively.
A Comparative Analysis of the ‘Green’ Techniques Applied for Polyphenols Extraction from Bioresources
Authors: Talmaciu Adina Iulia , Volf Irina , Popa Valentin I.
Published: November 2015

From all the valuable biomass extractives, polyphenols are a widespread group of secondary metabolites found in all plants, representing the most desirable phytochemicals due to their potential to be used as additives in food industry, cosmetics, medicine, and others fields. At present, there is an increased interest to recover them from plant of spontaneous flora, cultivated plant, and wastes resulted in agricultural and food industry. That is why many efforts have been made to provide a highly sensitive, efficiently, and eco‐friendly methods, for the extraction of polyphenols, according to the green chemistry and sustainable development concepts. Many extraction procedures are known with advantages and disadvantages. From these reasons, the aim of this article is to provide a comparative analysis regarding technical and economical aspects related to the most innovative extraction techniques studied in the last time: microwave‐assisted extraction (MAE), supercritical fluid extraction (SFE), and ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE).
Chemical Composition of Juniperus communis L. Cone Essential Oil and Its Variability among Wild Populations in Kosovo
Authors: Hajdari Avni , Mustafa Behxhet , Nebija Dashnor , Miftari Elheme , Quave Cassandra L. , Novak Johannes
Published: November 2015

Ripe cones of Juniperus communis L. (Cupressaceae) were collected from five wild populations in Kosovo, with the aim of investigating the chemical composition and natural variation of essential oils between and within wild populations. Ripe cones were collected, air dried, crushed, and the essential oils obtained by hydrodistillation. The essential‐oil constituents were identified by GC‐FID and GC/MS analyses. The yield of essential oil differed depending on the population origins and ranged from 0.4 to 3.8% (v/w, based on the dry weight). In total, 42 compounds were identified in the essential oils of all populations. The principal components of the cone‐essential oils were α‐pinene, followed by β‐myrcene, sabinene, and D‐limonene. Taking into consideration the yield and chemical composition, the essential oil originating from various collection sites in Kosovo fulfilled the minimum requirements for J. communis essential oils of the European Pharmacopoeia. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) were used to determine the influence of the geographical variations on the essential‐oil composition. These statistical analyses suggested that the clustering of populations was not related to their geographic location, but rather appeared to be linked to local selective forces acting on the chemotype diversity.
Four New Flavonoids with α‐Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities from Morus alba var. tatarica
Authors: Zhang Ya‐Long , Luo Jian‐Guang , Wan Chuan‐Xing , Zhou Zhong‐Bo , Kong Ling‐Yi
Published: November 2015

Four new flavonoids, mortatarins A–D (1–4, resp.), along with eight known flavonoids (5–12) were isolated from the root bark of Morus alba var. tatarica. Their structures were established on the basis of spectroscopic data analysis, and the absolute configuration of 4 was determined by analysis of its CD spectrum. All isolates were tested for inhibitory activities against α‐glucosidase. Compounds 4, 7, and 8 exhibited a significant degree of inhibition with IC50 values of 5.0±0.3, 7.5±0.5, and 5.9±0.2 μM, respectively.
Your child's first pet: Some advice from the American Academy of Pediatrics
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: November 2015

There are so many reasons for having pets around the house, especially if you have children as well. The family dog, the cats cuddling on the couch, the chirping parakeet — all become a part of the family. But what about actually making your child be the main owner of the pet? That has its definite benefits: a great companion, plus a way to learn responsibility. But before you do this, the American Academy of Pediatrics has some important recommendations.
Activity of Transition‐Metal (Manganese, Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel) Phosphates for Oxygen Electrocatalysis in Alkaline Solution
Authors: Zhan Yi , Lu Meihua , Yang Shiliu , Xu Chaohe , Liu Zhaolin , Lee Jim Yang
Published: November 2015

Although transition‐metal oxides are common non‐platinum group metal catalysts for the industrially important oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER), the performance gap between transition‐metal oxides and platinum group metal catalysts is still substantial and there is a continuing need to search for alternatives. In this study, transition‐metal (Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni) phosphates prepared by a solution chemistry method under ambient conditions are found to display interesting electrocatalytic properties for the ORR and OER in alkaline solution. Among them, manganese phosphate is more active than most state‐of‐the‐art manganese oxides for the ORR, and nickel phosphate is as active as the best Ni‐based catalysts for the OER. Hence these phosphates can be used as tandem catalysts for rechargeable metal–air batteries in which both the ORR and OER take place. The good performance may be attributed to the stabilization of the catalytic centers by the phosphate framework. This study establishes phosphates as yet another class of highly active low‐cost non‐platinum group metal alternatives for oxygen electrocatalysis in alkaline solution.