bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser parameters on dentin bond strength and interface morphology
Authors: Ayar Muhammet Kerim , Yildirim Tahsin , Yesilyurt Cemal
Published: October 2015

Previous studies have shown the effects of Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation on the dentin bond strength; but there are few reports that show the significance of the irradiation with different laser parameters on dentin bond strength and interface morphology. This in‐vitro study attempted to evaluate the microtensile bond strength (μTBS) and interface morphology of resin‐dentin interfaces, either followed by treatment with Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation with different parameters or not. The flattened dentin samples of 35 bovine teeth were embedded into acrylic blocks and randomly divided into seven groups according to surface treatments using Er,Cr:YSGG lasers with different parameters: 3 W/20 Hz, 3 W/35 Hz, 3 W/50 Hz, 1.5 W/20 Hz, 1.5 W/35 Hz, 1.5 W/50 Hz, or no laser treatment (n = 5). Composite buildups were done over bonded surfaces and stored in water (24 hours at 37°C). Specimens were sectioned into sticks that were subjected to μTBS testing and observed under FE‐SEM. Control groups (27.70 ± 7.0) showed statistically higher values than laser‐irradiated groups. There were no significant differences among laser groups. Despite that, increasing the pulse frequency yielded slightly higher bond strength. Depending on laser settings, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation caused interfacial gaps and resin tags with wings morphology. With the parameters used in this study, Er,Cr:YSGG laser irradiation promoted morphological changes within resin‐dentin interfaces and negatively influenced the bond strength of adhesive systems. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1104–1111, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ultrastructure of bovine sperm chromatin
Authors: Filho Romualdo Morandi , Beletti Marcelo Emilio , de Oliveira Fabio
Published: October 2015

Mammalian semen chromatin comprises DNA, protamine, and, at lower levels, other proteins. This constitution confers intense compaction to the chromatin, helping to protect the DNA and causing the head of the sperm to be very small, facilitating the safe transport of its genetic contents. It is known that changes in the sperm chromatin compaction lead to fertility problems in bulls, justifying studies of this structure. Although there are theoretical models of sperm chromatin because of its high compaction, there is no morphological evidence of such models. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the ultrastructure of bovine sperm chromatin in an attempt to corroborate the theoretical chromatin models existing today. The isolated bull sperm heads had their chromatin partially unpacked by chemical treatment using sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and dithiothreitol (DTT) and were then embedded in Epon resin. Using an ultramicrotome, ultrathin sections were obtained, which were contrasted with uranyl acetate and lead citrate, and then viewed under transmission electron microscopy. The methodology used allowed the visualization of toroidal structures interconnected by a filamentous nuclear matrix, which is entirely consistent with the most current theoretical models. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1117–1120, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Super‐resolution optical microscopy based on scannable cantilever‐combined microsphere
Authors: Wang Shuying , Zhang Dongxian , Zhang Haijun , Han Xu , Xu Rui
Published: October 2015

We report an ingenious method of super‐resolution optical microscopy utilizing scannable cantilever‐combined microsphere. By scanning the microsphere over the sample surface in a cantilever‐combined microsphere‐sample contact state, super‐resolution images can be acquired at arbitrary sample regions through near‐field information collection by the microsphere. In addition, such a state can effectively reduce the possibility of breaking the cantilever and damaging the microsphere or sample surface. This work has developed a new method and technique of sub‐diffraction‐limit optical microscopy, and can be practically applied in various fields of micro/nanoscopy. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1128–1132, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Cryo‐scanning electron microscopy investigation of the Octopus Vulgaris arm structures for the design of an octopus‐like arm artefact
Authors: Minnocci Antonio , Cianchetti Matteo , Mazzolai Barbara , Sebastiani Luca , Laschi Cecilia
Published: October 2015

Octopus vulgaris is a cephalopod of the Octopodidae family. It has four pairs of arms and two rows of suckers which perform many functions, including bending and elongation. For this reason the octopus was chosen as model to develop a new generation of soft‐body robots. In order to explain some of the fine structures of the octopus arm in relation to its specific ability, we examined the external and internal structures of O. vulgaris arms in a frozen‐hydrated state using cryo‐scanning electron microscopy. The arms showed skin with a very complex design that is useful to elongation, and a pore pattern distribution on their surface which is functional to cutaneous oxygen uptake. The analysis of freeze‐fractured frozen‐hydrated arm samples allowed us to describe the developmental differences in the relative proportion of the areas of axial nerve cord, intrinsic and extrinsic musculature, in relation to the growth of the arms and of the increase in functional capability. In the suckers, we analyzed the shedding mechanisms in the outer part of the infundibulum and described the outer and inner characteristics of the denticles, showing in detail their pore system, which is fundamental for their ability to explore the environment. These results are discussed by considering their possible application in the design of new octopus‐like artefacts, which will be able to take advantage of some of these ultrastructure characteristics and achieve advanced bioinspired functionalities. Microsc. Res. Tech. 78:1133–1145, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Beneficial effect of D‐allose for isolated islet culture prior to islet transplantation
Authors: Kashiwagi Hirotaka , Asano Eisuke , Noguchi Chisato , Sui Li , Hossain Akram , Akamoto Shintaro , Okano Keiichi , Tokuda Masaaki , Suzuki Yasuyuki
Published: October 2015

Background

Pretransplant restoration of islets damaged during isolation remains to be solved. In this study, we examined the effect of D‐allose on islets isolated from rat pancreata prior to islet transplantation.

Methods

Rat islets isolated from fresh pancreata were cultured overnight in Roswell Park Memorial Institute 1640 solution in the absence (group 1) or presence (group 2) of D‐allose. Then we assessed stimulation index of insulin, and cure rate after islet transplantation to diabetic nude mice. We also measured malondialdehyde level and caspase 3 activity of islets after the overnight culture for assessment of the oxidative stress and the apoptosis.

Results

D‐allose significantly improved insulin secretion of islets. The stimulation index in group 2 was significantly higher than in group 1. Cure rate after transplantation in group 2 was higher than in group 1 especially in the first week. The malondialdehyde level in group 2 was significantly lower than in group 1. But the caspase 3 activities in both groups did not differ.

Conclusions

D‐allose treatment of isolated islet culture prior to transplantation restored islet function and increased successful transplant rate. The results of this study suggested that D‐allose improved function of damaged islets through its anti‐oxidative activity.
Synthesis of New 1,3‐Benzoxazines from Ketimines and Their Bioevaluation
Authors: Borgaonkar Vikas V. , Patil Bhagwan R.
Published: October 2015

A new series of 1,3‐Benzoxazines were synthesized from ketimines and triphosgene. The synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1HNMR, and mass spectral data. The synthesized compounds on bioevaluation indicated significant antifungal activity.
Reaction of 6‐Methyl‐2‐Thiouracil and 6‐Phenyl‐2‐Thiouracil with Chloro‐β‐Dicarbonyl and Bromo‐β‐Dicarbonyl Compounds and Their Nitrile Analogs
Authors: Yavolovskii A. A. , Ivanov Yu. E. , Fonari M. S. , Croitor L. , Grishchuk L. V. , Ivanova R. Yu. , Kamalov G. L.
Published: October 2015

Derivatives of 2‐methylidene‐1,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐4‐ones 2a, 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g were synthesized by interaction of 6‐methyl‐2‐thiouracil and 6‐phenyl‐2‐thiouracil 1a, 1b with some activated halogenides: diethyl bromomalonate, ethyl 2‐chloro‐3‐oxobutanoate, ethyl 2‐bromocyanoacetate, 2‐bromo‐5,5‐dimethylcyclohexan‐1,3‐dione, and bromomalononitrile. The boiling of 1a with ethyl 2‐bromocyanoacetate in mixture of ethanol and EtONa results in intramolecular cyclization and formation of thiazolo[3,2‐a]pyrimidin‐5‐one 3. Interaction of 1a with 3‐chloropentane‐2,4‐dione and 2‐bromo‐1,3‐diphenylpropane‐1,3‐dione yielded corresponding S‐substituted thiopyrimidines 4a,4b. In general, the products of 1b S‐alkylation are less prone to sulfur extrusion. Reaction of 1b with diethyl bromomalonate in the absence of EtONa stops at the S‐alkylation step, while in the presence of EtONa in ethanol or PPh3 in dioxane 2‐(ethoxycarbonylmethyl)thio‐6‐phenyl‐1,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐4(1H)‐one 6 is formed exclusively. Molecular structure and crystal structure of 2‐(1,1‐diethoxycarbonylmethyliden)‐6‐methyl‐1,3‐dihydropyrimidin‐4(1H)‐one 2a are discussed.
Diagnosis of nitrogen status in Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis) using the ratio of amide II to amide I in leaves based on mid‐infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy
Authors: Li Chunyang , Du Changwen , Ma Fei , Zhou Jianmin
Published: October 2015

In order to quickly diagnose the nitrogen status of Chinese cabbage (Brassica rapa chinensis), Fourier transform mid‐infrared photoacoustic spectroscopy, a nondestructive and rapid approach was used. Two clear stable peaks, in the range 1680–1650 cm−1 associated with amide I and in the range of 1530–1520 cm−1 associated with amide II, were observed and responded positively to nitrogen treatments. The characteristic bands of amide I and amide II were also accurately separated by curve‐fitting via deconvolution using a Gauss expansion function. The ratio of the photoacoustic intensities of amide II to amide I was used for correlation analysis with nitrogen treatment, and the correlation coefficients (R2, n = 59) at seedling and growth stage were 0.9769 (P ≤ 5%) and 0.9884 (P ≤ 5%), respectively. The ratio of the amide II and amide I peaks was found to be an indicator of nitrogen input during the seedling stage such that a ratio of less than 0.9 indicated a low nitrogen input, a ratio between 0.9 and 1.0 indicated a moderate nitrogen input, and a ratio of more than 1.0 implied an excessive N input.
Adsorption efficiency of a continuous trapping system and its use for the collection of root exudates from cucumber
Authors: Li Xun , Dong Jinlong , Chu Wenying , Duan Zengqiang
Published: October 2015

Root exudates comprising soluble low‐molecular‐weight organic compounds (LMWOCs) play a crucial role in the rhizosphere processes. Therefore, accurate determination of the composition and quantity of these compounds is of importance. A continuous trapping system (CTS) with XAD‐4 macroporous resin is widely used for collecting root exudates in hydroponics, and ion exchange resins are used in the separation of root exudates into neutral, acid and basic fractions. Here, we studied the adsorption equilibrium isotherms and dynamic adsorption properties of 27 standard LMWOCs on XAD‐4 resin. The adsorption isotherms of most LMWOCs matched the Langmuir isotherm equations. Furthermore, we investigated the adsorption efficiency of the CTS for LMWOCs and the recovery ratios during fractionation by ion exchange resins. The adsorption capacities of the CTS for LMWOCs which are non‐polar or having large non‐polar moieties were higher. The recovery ratios of most LMWOCs were larger than 80% during fractionation. The overall recovery ratios of LMWOCs were ca. 10, 20, and 30% for sugars, organic acids, and amino acids, respectively. Using this collection method, we present the composition and quantity of root exudates of cucumber (Cumumis sativus L.) at four different growth stages. The major components of root exudates were similar to previous works, whereas the quantities were different. The various collection methods may be the main reason for these differences. Therefore, it is necessary to study the overall recovery ratios when the compositions of root exudates via different collection methods are compared.
Comparative evaluation of cerium oxide primers electrodeposited on AA2024‐T3 and D16 AM aircraft alloys
Authors: Kozhukharov S. , Milanes M. , Girginov C. , Machkova M.
Published: October 2015

As a common practice, the metallic alloys are always protected by multilayer coating systems against environmental corrosive impact. The primer layers of these coating systems serve for improvement of the adhesion between the upper and finishing coating layers and the metallic substrate (cerium oxide primer (CeOP) layers). Furthermore, the structural and morphological features possessed by the coating primers strongly depend on the metallic surface roughness, and composition. In the present research work, cerium conversion coatings were electrodeposited on two different aircraft alloys, with identical chemical compositions (AA2024‐T3, and D16 AM). The relation between the protective capabilities of the obtained layers and the structural features of the respective alloys was elucidated by electrochemical measurements, via linear voltammetry (LVA) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), combined with SEM/EDX observations.
Traveling waves in a generalized nonlinear dispersive–dissipative equation
Authors: Shang Xiaohui , Du Zengji
Published: October 2015

D. Zeidan In this paper, we consider the existence of traveling waves in a generalized nonlinear dispersive–dissipative equation, which is found in many areas of application including waves in a thermoconvective liquid layer and nonlinear electromagnetic waves. By using the theory of dynamical systems, specifically based on geometric singular perturbation theory and invariant manifold theory, Fredholm theory, and the linear chain trick, we construct a locally invariant manifold for the associated traveling wave equation and use this invariant manifold to obtain the traveling waves for the nonlinear dispersive–dissipative equation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
On the complete group classification of the one‐dimensional nonlinear Klein–Gordon equation with a delay
Authors: Long Feng‐Shan , Meleshko S. V.
Published: October 2015

This research gives a complete Lie group classification of the one‐dimensional nonlinear delay Klein–Gordon equation. First, the determining equations are derived and their complete solutions are found. Then the complete group classification and representations of all invariant solutions are obtained. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Global dynamics of a delayed SEIS infectious disease model with logistic growth and saturation incidence
Authors: Xu Rui , Zhang Shihua , Zhang Fengqin
Published: October 2015

In this paper, a delayed Susceptible‐Exposed‐Infectious‐Susceptible (SEIS) infectious disease model with logistic growth and saturation incidence is investigated, where the time delay describes the latent period of the disease. By analyzing corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of a disease‐free equilibrium and an endemic equilibrium is discussed. The existence of Hopf bifurcations at the endemic equilibrium is established. By using the persistence theory for infinite dimensional dynamic systems, it is proved that if the basic reproduction number is greater than unity, the system is permanent. By means of suitable Lyapunov functionals and LaSalle's invariance principle, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global stability of the disease‐free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium, respectively. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the theoretical results. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fetal brain‐sparing after laser surgery for twin‐twin transfusion syndrome appears associated with two‐year neurodevelopmental outcomes
Authors: Chmait Ramen H. , Chon Andrew H. , Schrager Sheree M. , Llanes Arlyn , Hamilton Anita , Vanderbilt Douglas L.
Published: October 2015

Objective

The cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) is a semi‐quantitative marker for fetal brain‐sparing. Our purpose was to measure the CPR at the time of treatment with selective laser photocoagulation of communicating vessels in gestations with twin‐twin transfusion syndrome (TTTS) to test its association with neurological outcomes at approximately 2 years.

Methods

One‐hundred children treated for TTTS with laser surgery underwent neurodevelopmental assessment at age 2 years (within 6 weeks) via the Battelle Developmental Inventory 2nd Edition (BDI‐2). The CPR was obtained 24 h before and after laser surgery. An abnormal CPR was categorically defined at <1.0. Multilevel linear regression was used to evaluate associations between CPR and neurodevelopment as assessed by the BDI‐2.

Results

Ninety‐nine children had data available for analysis: 55 (56%) had normal CPR prior to laser surgery, and 62 (63%) had normal CPR following surgery. Post‐laser CPR <1.0 was a risk factor for lower BDI‐2 scores at age 2 years [98.1 (SD 11.5) vs 103.4 (SD 12.3) vs β = −0.23, p = 0.01]; this relationship remained significant after controlling for pre‐surgical CPR and Quintero stage (adjusted β = −0.25, p = 0.01).

Conclusions

In this population, an abnormal CPR was associated with poorer 2‐year neurodevelopmental outcomes. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hemodynamic studies of isolated absent ductus venosus
Authors: Jatavan Phudit , Kemthong Walairat , Charoenboon Chitrakan , Tongprasert Fuanglada , Sukpan Kornkanok , Tongsong Theera
Published: October 2015

Objective

The objective of this article is to evaluate hemodynamic changes among fetuses with isolated absent ductus venosus (IADV) diagnosed by prenatal ultrasonography.

Patients and Methods

Fetuses with prenatal diagnosis of IADV were recruited and followed. Hemodynamic assessment was performed in all cases, including measurement of cardiac dimensions, shortening fraction, myocardial performance index, preload index in the inferior vena cava and the presence of venous pulsations in the umbilical vein (UV).

Results

Nine fetuses of IADV were assessed, including six cases with extra‐hepatic UV drainage and three with intra‐hepatic drainage. All fetuses with extra‐hepatic UV drainage showed an elevated preload index in the inferior vena cava, venous pulsations in the UV and cardiomegaly. Of them, four had hydrops, two showed poor cardiac function and three resulted in perinatal mortality. Three cases with intra‐hepatic drainage had continuous flow in the UV, normal in all hemodynamic parameters and all survived.

Conclusion

Hemodynamic assessment of fetuses with IADV was helpful in predicting the development of hydrops and perinatal mortality. The poor prognostic factors included cardiac overload, cardiomegaly, poor myocardial performance, increased preload, the presence of venous pulsations and extra‐hepatic UV drainage. © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Influence of light on the magneto­electric effect in Cr‐doped Bi12TiO20
Authors: Filar Krzysztof P. , Gajda Grzegorz P. , Nizhankovskii Victor I.
Published: October 2015

Sillenites are well known and promising materials for holographic memory, because of a significant photorefractive effect. We have investigated Cr‐doped BTO, pure BSO, and BGO single crystals for the magnetoelectric properties. Using light, an oxidation state of chromium dopant in sillenite Bi12TiO20 was manipulated that resulted in a sign change of the magnetoelectric effect. This change of sign correlates with different transformation properties of spinors corresponding to the states with integer and half‐integer spins.
On the possibility of quantum‐chemical cluster approach to the description of structural phase transition in H‐bonded materials on the example of KDP
Authors: Dolin S. P. , Mikhailova T. Yu. , Breslavskaya N. N. , Levin A. A.
Published: October 2015

Vibronic theory of heteroligand systems is applied to deal with the model pseudospin Hamiltonian (PSH) that describes structural phase transitions of the KDP‐family ferroelectrics. In this approach, the PSH consists of three terms, describing proton–proton interactions, the potential energy of lattice oscillators, and the interaction between these two subsystems. The Ising form for the configuration energies of the Bethe cluster method (where the PSH's parameters depend explicitly on electronic structure and on vibronic constants of the AO4‐containing structural units) remains valid up to the second order of perturbation theory. The Ising theory with the PSH parameters calculated by means of quantum chemical methods is applied further to obtain the estimates of thermodynamic characteristics, in particular, the critical temperature Tc of the structural phase transition. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
SDN‐based Sensitive Information (SI) protection: sensitivity‐degree measurement in software and data lifetime supervisor in software defined network
Authors: Sha Letian , He Liwen , Fu Jianming , Sun Jing , Li Pengwei
Published: October 2015

With the big‐data and mobile Internet era coming, sensitive information (SI) in various applications plays a key role; even more, they can be an important part of the authentication between clients and servers. However, how to measure security or sensitivity degrees of SI is an open issue. Furthermore, no effective method can detect covert channel of SI thieves in Advanced Persistent Threat attacks. To deal with these problems, we propose a new design, called software‐defined networking (SDN)‐based SI Protection, in which sensitivity degree can be measured by using Analytic Hierarchy Process and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to an Ideal Solution, and SI covert channel can be detected based on OpenFlow in SDN. To our best knowledge, it is the first defined sensitivity degree for SI and novel flow‐table design in SI data flow switch. Most significantly, our proposal can apply integrated semantics of leakage points and accident attacks into security analysis and switch protocol in Operating System or network. To verify our proposal, experimental tests are performed in social network platforms, field test results have demonstrated that this proposal can capture security level for SI as expected, detect any kinds of potential leakage points in data lifetime, describe fine‐grained semantics of accidental attacks, and detect illegal data flow of SI in network layer. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Layered Metal Nanoparticle Structures on Electrodes for Sensing, Switchable Controlled Uptake/Release, and Photo‐electrochemical Applications
Authors: Tel‐Vered Ran , Kahn Jason S. , Willner Itamar
Published: October 2015

Layered metal nanoparticle (NP) assemblies provide highly porous and conductive composites of unique electrical and optical (plasmonic) properties. Two methods to construct layered metal NP matrices are described, and these include the layer‐by‐layer deposition of NPs, or the electropolymerization of monolayer‐functionalized NPs, specifically thioaniline‐modified metal NPs. The layered NP composites are used as sensing matrices through the use of electrochemistry or surface plasmon resonance (SPR) as transduction signals. The crosslinking of the metal NP composites with molecular receptors, or the imprinting of molecular recognition sites into the electropolymerized NP matrices lead to selective and chiroselective sensing interfaces. Furthermore, the electrosynthesis of redox‐active, imprinted, bis‐aniline bridged Au NP composites yields electrochemically triggered “sponges” for the switchable uptake and release of electron‐acceptor substrates, and results in conductive surfaces of electrochemically controlled wettability. Also, photosensitizer‐relay‐crosslinked Au NP composites, or electrochemically polymerized layered semiconductor quantum dot/metal NP matrices on electrodes, are demonstrated as functional nanostructures for photoelectrochemical applications.
CXCR‐4 Targeted, Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) Emitting Nanoprobes for Enhanced Deep Tissue Imaging and Micrometastatic Cancer Lesion Detection
Authors: Zevon Margot , Ganapathy Vidya , Kantamneni Harini , Mingozzi Marco , Kim Paul , Adler Derek , Sheng Yang , Tan Mei Chee , Pierce Mark , Riman Richard E. , Roth Charles M. , Moghe Prabhas V.
Published: October 2015

Realizing the promise of precision medicine in cancer therapy depends on identifying and tracking cancerous growths to maximize treatment options and improve patient outcomes. This goal of early detection remains unfulfilled by current clinical imaging techniques that fail to detect lesions due to their small size and suborgan localization. With proper probes, optical imaging techniques can overcome this by identifying the molecular phenotype of tumors at both macroscopic and microscopic scales. In this study, the first use of nanophotonic short wave infrared technology is proposed to molecularly phenotype small lesions for more sensitive detection. Here, human serum albumin encapsulated rare‐earth nanoparticles (ReANCs) with ligands for targeted lesion imaging are designed. AMD3100, an antagonist to CXCR4 (a classic marker of cancer metastasis) is adsorbed onto ReANCs to form functionalized ReANCs (fReANCs). fReANCs are able to preferentially accumulate in receptor positive lesions when injected intraperitoneally in a subcutaneous tumor model. fReANCs can also target subtissue microlesions at a maximum depth of 10.5 mm in a lung metastatic model of breast cancer. Internal lesions identified with fReANCs are 2.25 times smaller than those detected with ReANCs. Thus, an integrated nanoprobe detection platform is presented, which allows target‐specific identification of subtissue cancerous lesions.
Sampling inspection to prevent the invasion of alien pests: statistical theory of import plant quarantine systems in Japan
Authors: Yamamura Kohji , Katsumata Hajime , Yoshioka Junji , Yuda Tatsuya , Kasugai Kenji
Published: October 2015

The establishment of appropriate import quarantine systems is the best known method for preventing the unintentional introduction of invasive alien pests. However, quarantine systems are sometimes judged as non‐tariff barriers against trade by the World Trade Organization. The construction of a common scientific theory for quarantine systems is thus extremely important to prevent invasion without causing international conflict. We explain several statistical theories that have been adopted in import plant quarantine systems in Japan. Quarantine systems include three major components: (1) import sampling inspection, (2) early detection procedures, and (3) emergency control. We first explain the principle of risk management that was commonly adopted in these components. Then, we explain the method for calculating the required sample size in the import sampling inspection. We then explain hierarchical sampling inspection for detecting alien pests inside Japan. We further explain the theory for declaring the eradication of invasive alien pests as an emergency control. Actual examples of quarantine actions against the invasion of plum pox virus disease and citrus huanglongbing are discussed.
Moderate solutions of semilinear elliptic equations with Hardy potential
Authors: Marcus Moshe , Nguyen Phuoc-Tai
Published: October 2015

Let

Ω

be a bounded smooth domain in

\mathbb{R}^{N}

. We study positive solutions of equation (E)

−L_{\mu }u + u^{q} = 0

in

Ω

where

L_{\mu } = \mathrm{\Delta } + \frac{\mu }{\delta ^{2}}

,

0 < \mu

,

q > 1

and

\delta (x) = \mathrm{dist}\:(x,\partial \mathrm{\Omega })

. A positive solution of (E) is moderate if it is dominated by an

L_{\mu }

-harmonic function. If

\mu < C_{H}(\mathrm{\Omega })

(the Hardy constant for

Ω

) every positive

L_{\mu }

-harmonic function can be represented in terms of a finite measure on

∂Ω

via the Martin representation theorem. However the classical measure boundary trace of any such solution is zero. We introduce a notion of normalized boundary trace by which we obtain a complete classification of the positive moderate solutions of (E) in the subcritical case,

1 < q < q_{\mu ,c}

. (The critical value depends only on

N

and

μ

.) For

q \geq q_{\mu ,c}

there exists no moderate solution with an isolated singularity on the boundary. The normalized boundary trace and associated boundary value problems are also discussed in detail for the linear operator

L_{\mu }

. These results form the basis for the study of the nonlinear problem.
Introduction
Authors: Cooley Alexander
Published: October 2015

The emergence of China, Korea and Japan as major external powers in Central Asia challenges our Eurocentric scholarly biases about the region's natural orientation and introduces new network ties, norms and organizations that will profoundly transform the region.
The effectiveness of a program of physical activity and diet to modify cardiovascular risk factors in patients with severe mental illness after 3-month follow-up: CAPiCOR randomized clinical trial
Authors: Masa-Font R. , Fernández-San-Martín M.I. , Martín López L.M. , Alba Muñoz A.M. , Oller Canet S. , Martín Royo J. , San Emeterio Echevarría L. , Olona Tabueña N. , Ibarra Jato M. , Barroso García A. , González Tejón S. , Tajada Vitales C. , Díaz Mújica B. , Viñas Cabrera L. , Sanchís Catalán R. , Salvador Barbarroja T.
Published: October 2015

Background

The aim of this randomized clinical trial follow-up at three months was to evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention with a focus on diet and physical activity (PA) to change the amount of PA, body mass index (BMI) and the waist circumference (WC) in patients with severe mental illness.

Methods

We recruited 332 outpatients with severe mental disorders undergoing treatment with antipsychotic medication from Mental Healthcare Centers of Barcelona. They were randomly assigned to an intervention or a control group. The patients in the intervention group participated in a group PA and diet educational program. The blinded measurements at 0 and 3 months were: the level of PA (IPAQ questionnaire), BMI, WC, blood pressure, dietary habits (PREDIMED questionnaire), quality of life (SF-36 questionnaire) and laboratory parameters (cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose).

Results

The average age was 46.7 years and 55% were males. Schizophrenia had been diagnosed in 67.1% of them. At 3 months, the average weekly walking METs rose significantly in the IG 266.05 METs (95%CI: 16.86 to 515.25; P = 0.036). The total MET average also rose although not significantly: 191.38 METs (95%CI: 1.38 to 381.38; P = 0.086). However, the BMI decreased significantly more in the CG, by 0.26 kg/m2 (95%CI: 0.02 to 0.51; P = 0.038), than in the IG. There were no significant differences in the WC.

Conclusions

The short-term results suggest that the intervention increases the level of PA, but does not improve physical or laboratory parameters.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT01729650 (effectiveness of a physical activity and diet program in patients with psychotic disorder [CAPiCOR]).
Michael addition of dehydroalanine‐containing MAPK peptides to catalytic lysine inhibits the activity of phosphothreonine lyase
Authors: Zhang Yuan , Yang Ru , Huang Juan , Liang Qiujin , Guo Yanmin , Bian Weixiang , Luo Lingfei , Li Hongtao
Published: October 2015

The phosphothreonine lyases OspF and SpvC irreversibly inactivate host dual‐phosphorylated mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs) [pThr‐X‐pTyr motif] through β‐elimination. We found that dual‐phosphorylated (pSer‐X‐pTyr) MAPK substrate peptides and their resulting catalytic products cross‐link to OspF and SpvC. Mass spectrometry results revealed that these linkages form between lysine, which acts as a general base, and dehydroalanine (Dha) on catalytic products. The nucleophilic addition efficiency is dependent on the K136 residue being in a deprotonated state. Peptide cross‐linking inhibits the activity of SpvC and blocks the inactivation of MAPK signaling by SpvC. Small compounds mimicking these sequences may act as phosphothreonine lyase inhibitors.
Isolated brain metastasis – A rare site of recurrence in a recurrent epithelial carcinoma ovary
Authors: Talwar Vineet , Dodagoudar Chandragouda , Rajpurohit Sajjan , Raina Shubhra , Talwar Jyoti , Chauhan Deepika
Published: October 2015

A 40-year-old lady presented with 15 months after completion of adjuvant chemotherapy with headache and impaired memory. MRI brain revealed isolated frontal lobe metastasis. She underwent surgical excision, whole brain RT followed by six cycles of chemotherapy.
Enhancing the role of health professionals in the advancement of adolescent sexual health and rights in Africa
Authors: Kangaude Godfrey
Published: October 2015

To realize adolescents’ right to sexual health, state parties’ implementation of the obligations stipulated under Article 14 of the Protocol to the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights on the Rights of Women in Africa should reflect the key principles of the rights of the child, articulated under the Convention on the Rights of the Child and the African Charter on the Welfare and Rights of the Child. However, societal norms that stigmatize adolescent sexual conduct constitute barriers to adolescents’ sexual health care, including their access to contraceptives to avoid unwanted pregnancies and protect themselves from STIs and HIV. States should sensitize and train health professionals to provide sexual health services and care in accordance with the principles of the rights of the child, and create enabling laws and policies to facilitate their work with adolescents.
Solving the annuity puzzle: The role of mortality salience in retirement savings decumulation decisions
Authors: Salisbury Linda Court , Nenkov Gergana Y.
Published: October 2015

We propose mortality salience – increased accessibility of death‐related thoughts – as one previously unexplored explanation for the annuity puzzle, the low rate at which retirees buy annuities even though economists recommend annuities as an optimal decision. Across four studies we show that mortality salience decreases how likely individuals are to put savings into an annuity. By forcing consumers to consider their own death, the annuity decision makes mortality salient, motivating them to avoid the annuity option as a proximal defense against the death‐related thoughts triggered by considering an annuity. Moreover, we demonstrate the robustness of the mortality salience effect through measurement and manipulation of the underlying process, and we estimate an overall mean effect size using meta‐analysis. With this research, psychological theory can inform economic theory by helping to explain the annuity puzzle phenomenon that has challenged economists for decades. This research also has important implications for consumer welfare by offering insights into annuity choice and helping to inform the increasingly complex financial decisions facing individuals as they navigate the retirement savings decumulation process.
Do less ethical consumers denigrate more ethical consumers? The effect of willful ignorance on judgments of others
Authors: Zane Daniel M. , Irwin Julie R. , Reczek Rebecca Walker
Published: October 2015

This research shows that consumers who willfully ignore ethical product attributes denigrate other, more ethical consumers who seek out and use this information in making purchase decisions. Across three studies, willfully ignorant consumers negatively judge ethical others they have never met across various disparate personality traits (e.g., fashionable, boring). The denigration arises from the self‐threat inherent in negative social comparison with others who acted ethically instead of choosing not to do so. In addition, this denigration has detrimental downstream consequences, undermining the denigrator's commitment to ethical values, as evidenced by reduced anger toward firms who violate the ethical principle in question and reduced intention to behave ethically in the future. There are two moderators of the effect: Denigration becomes less strong if willfully ignorant consumers have a second opportunity to act ethically after initially ignoring the ethical product information and also significantly weakens if initially ignoring the ethical attribute is seen as justifiable. These results have implications for understanding ethical consumption behavior, perceptions of ethical consumerism in general, and marketing of ethical products.
Transport equation for the isotropic turbulent energy dissipation rate in the far-wake of a circular cylinder
Authors: Tang S. L. , Antonia R. A. , Djenidi L. , Zhou Y.
Published: October 2015

The transport equation for the isotropic turbulent energy dissipation rate $\overline{{\it\epsilon}}_{iso}$ along the centreline in the far-wake of a circular cylinder is derived by applying the limit at small separations to the two-point energy budget equation. It is found that the imbalance between the production and the destruction of $\overline{{\it\epsilon}}_{iso}$, respectively due to vortex stretching and viscosity, is governed by both the streamwise advection and the lateral turbulent diffusion (the former contributes more to the budget than the latter). This imbalance differs intrinsically from that in other flows, e.g. grid turbulence and the flow along the centreline of a fully developed channel, where either the streamwise advection or the lateral turbulent diffusion of $\overline{{\it\epsilon}}_{iso}$ governs the imbalance. More importantly, the different types of imbalance represent different constraints on the relation between the skewness of the longitudinal velocity derivative $S$ and the destruction coefficient of enstrophy $G$. This results in a non-universal approach of $S$ towards a constant value as the Taylor microscale Reynolds number $R_{{\it\lambda}}$ increases. For the present flow, the magnitude of $S$ decreases initially ($R_{{\it\lambda}}\leqslant 40$) before increasing ($R_{{\it\lambda}}>40$) towards this constant value. The constancy of $S$ at large $R_{{\it\lambda}}$ violates the modified similarity hypothesis introduced by Kolmogorov (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 13, 1962, pp. 82–85) but is consistent with the original similarity hypotheses (Kolmogorov, Dokl. Akad. Nauk SSSR, vol. 30, 1941b, pp. 299–303 (see also 1991 Proc. R. Soc. Lond. A, vol. 434, pp. 9–13)) ($K41$), and, more importantly, with the almost completely self-preserving nature of the plane far-wake.
Folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intakes and risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma in Chinese adults: a matched case–control study
Authors: Zeng Fang-fang , Liu Yuan-ting , Lin Xiao-ling , Fan Yu-ying , Zhang Xing-lan , Xu Chun-hua , Chen Yu-ming
Published: October 2015

Many studies have suggested that folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients may play a role in certain cancer risks, but few studies have assessed their associations with the risk for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). In this study, we investigated the association between four folate-related one-carbon metabolism-related nutrients (folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine) and NPC risk in Chinese adults. A total of 600 patients newly diagnosed (within 3 months) with NPC were individually matched with 600 hospital-based controls by age, sex and household type (urban v. rural). Folate, vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and methionine intakes were measured using a validated seventy-eight-item FFQ. A higher dietary folate or vitamin B6 intake was associated with a lower NPC risk after adjusting for potential confounders. The adjusted OR of NPC for quartiles 2–4 (v. 1) were 0·66 (95 % CI 0·48, 0·91), 0·52 (95 % CI 0·37, 0·74) and 0·34 (95 % CI 0·23, 0·50) (Ptrend<0·001) for folate and 0·72 (95 % CI 0·52, 1·00), 0·55 (95 % CI 0·39, 0·78) and 0·44 (95 % CI 0·30, 0·63) (Ptrend<0·001) for vitamin B6. No significant association with NPC risk was observed for dietary vitamin B12 or methionine intake. The risk for NPC with dietary folate intake was more evident in the participants who were not exposed to toxic substances than in those who were exposed (Pinteraction=0·014). This study suggests that dietary folate and vitamin B6 may be protective for NPC in a high-risk population.
WILKINSON V DOWNTON REVISITED
Authors: Hunt Chris D.L.
Published: October 2015

IN OPO v Rhodes [2015] UKSC 32, the Supreme Court clarified the elements of the tort of intentional infliction of harm. Created in Wilkinson v Downton [1897] 2 Q.B. 57, the tort has long attracted the attention of academic commentators, but has rarely been argued successfully in English courts. In Wilkinson, the jury awarded the plaintiff damages for the physical suffering she endured as a result of severe shock that was caused when the defendant, playing a practical joke, falsely informed her that her husband had been injured in an accident. Wright J. held that the tort required an act be done “wilfully”, that is “calculated to cause physical harm”, and which does in fact cause “physical harm” (at 58–59). The Wilkinson formulation was subsequently endorsed by the Court of Appeal in Javier v Sweeney [1919] 2 K.B. 316 and again, 70 years later, in Khorasandjian v Bush [1993] Q.B. 727. In the latter case, the Court of Appeal emphasised that the wrongful conduct must cause “physical injury” – as distinct from “mere emotional distress” – and it must also be “calculated to cause” the same (at 735–36). Later, in Wong v Parkside Health NHS Trust [2001] EWCA Civ 172; [2003] 3 All E.R. 932, Hale L.J. appeared to qualify the mental element of the tort, observing that Wilkinson does not require actual subjective intent to cause physical harm; rather, according to her Ladyship, “calculated” means deliberately doing an act that is “likely”, all things considered, to result in the degree of physical harm that was in fact suffered (at [10]–[11]). Subsequently, Lord Hoffmann, writing the principal judgment for the House of Lords in Wainwright v Home Office [2003] UKHL 53; [2004] 2 A.C. 406, revisited both elements of the tort. He affirmed that, traditionally, it requires proof of actual harm, such as psychiatric illness, as distinct from mere distress (at [45]); and, consistently with Lady Hale's judgment in Wong, he interpreted Wilkinson as providing that the intent to cause such harm can be “imputed” to the defendant if it is an obvious consequence of a deliberate act, even though such harm may not have been subjectively appreciated or intended (at [37], [40]). Additionally, His Lordship contemplated expanding the tort to capture mere distress short of physical harm, but cautioned that, if the law was to expand to such cases (which he left to future courts to decide), “imputed intention will not do” (at [45]). Rather, mere distress should in His Lordship's view only be recoverable (if at all) where the defendant had a “genuine intention to cause distress” (at [46]).
STRASBOURG'S U-TURN ON INDEPENDENCE AS PART OF AN EFFECTIVE INVESTIGATION UNDER ARTICLE 2
Authors: Kukavica Jaka , Fikfak Veronika
Published: October 2015

AFTER McCann and Others v the United Kingdom (Application no. 18984/91) (1995) ECHR 31, in which the European Court of Human Rights first read into Article 2 the procedural obligation of effective investigation, Mustafa Tunç and Fecire Tunç (Application no. 24014/05), 14 April 2015, is perhaps one the most interesting decisions on the nature of the obligation to conduct an effective investigation in the Court's recent history. The Court, through its case law, has clarified that, when individuals have been killed by the state or a private party, the Contracting Parties have to undertake an investigation under Article 2, which has to be independent, adequate, prompt, and publicly scrutinised. It has been unclear, however, whether the element of independence had to meet criteria similar to those under Article 6, which guarantees a fair trial, or whether a lower standard was sufficient for an investigation to be considered effective in the context of Article 2. The Strasbourg court went back and forth on the issue (even adopting an absolutist approach in Al-Skeini and Others v the United Kingdom (Application no. 55721/07) (2011) ECHR 1093) and it was not until Mustafa Tunç that the issue of independence under Article 2 was addressed head-on.
Internal Trade Agreements in Canada: Progress, Complexity and Challenges
Authors: Kukucha Christopher J.
Published: October 2015

Despite criticism of ongoing protectionism, this study argues that Canada's internal trade regime has evolved significantly since the implementation of the original Agreement on Internal Trade (AIT). This includes thirteen formal amendments to the AIT and numerous regional agreements in Western, Central, and Atlantic Canada. Borrowing from the liberal International Political Economy (IPE) literature it argues that existing regional agreements complement and offer a potential framework for broader internal trade reforms at the national level. Of these the New West Partnership Trade Agreement (NWPTA) offers a promising model for Canada's internal market, with revised rules and norms related to negative lists, labour mobility, procurement, and investment and dispute settlement. Ongoing efforts to remove barriers will also be linked to a strengthened Internal Trade Secretariat, confidence-building measures, increased transparency and further reform of technical language.
« Faire la politique soi-même » : le cas des mobilisations contre le gaz de schiste au Québec
Authors: Dufour Pascale , Bherer Laurence , Rothmayr Allison Christine
Published: October 2015

La littérature sur l'engagement militant a caractérisé les transformations récentes du militantisme comme faisant partie d'un processus de « personnalisation du politique ». Pour des raisons structurelles et/ou culturelles, les citoyens engagés développeraient un nouveau rapport au politique, recherchant une satisfaction personnelle dans leur engagement. Nous proposons une lecture alternative, interprétant plutôt cette transformation comme dudo-it-yourself (DIY) politics, soit le fait de « faire la politique soi-même ». À partir des mobilisations contre le gaz de schiste au Québec, nous montrons que leDIY politicsest le résultat « logique » (au sens de rationnel) et nécessaire du fait que ces citoyens s'opposent à des manques institutionnels qui menacent leurs conditions de vie. Ainsi, plus que la recherche d'un plaisir personnel, il s'agit plus prosaïquement de réactions contingentes à une situation, une réponse à la fois individuelle et collective à une situation vécue et perçue comme problématique. Dans le conflit sur le gaz de schiste au Québec, notre cas d’étude, nous montrons : 1) que le motif premier de l'engagement peut être compris comme le passage d'un « territoire du moi » à un « territoire du nous » et 2) que c'est une double insuffisance de représentation qui a soutenu l'engagement citoyen : défaut de la représentation institutionnelle et défaut de la représentation par les acteurs collectifs déjà en place.