bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Changes of Chemical Structure and Composition of Charcoal by Radiocarbon Pretreatments: Decontamination by ABA and ABOx Treatments
Authors: Tomiyama Shinji , Minami Masayo , Nakamura Toshio , Mimura Koichi , Kagi Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

Charcoal is widely used for radiocarbon dating in archaeological and paleoenvironmental studies. Reliable 14C dating requires appropriate chemical treatment to remove postdeposition contamination from the charcoal samples. This study assesses two pretreatments: acid-base-acid (ABA) and acid-base-oxidation with stepped combustion (ABOx-SC). In addition to 14C, the effects of the treatments on the chemical structure and composition of charcoal were studied using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and C/H/O elemental analysis. Samples of pine wood charred in the laboratory at 270, 300, 400, 500, and 600°C, and environmental samples of charred pine wood from pyroclastic flow deposits in southern Kyushu, Japan, were tested. The laboratory-charred samples showed that NaOH treatment removed highly hydrophilic organic components derived from endogenous and exogenous organic materials in the samples and that oxidation treatment caused the oxidative degradation of molecules in samples starting from its edges. The ABA-treated environmental charcoal yielded younger 14C dates than the ABOx-treated samples, probably owing to the effects of remaining organic contaminants bound to the edges of the aromatic molecular structures produced by the original pyrolysis. Meanwhile, it was found that ABA-SC treatment can reduce contaminants as effectively as ABOx-SC treatment. This implies that the stepped combustion (SC), not the chemical oxidation, is the key to reduce contaminant residue left after ABA and ABOx treatments. The results in this study indicate that the investigation of the structural and compositional changes of charcoal during its pretreatment is useful for assessment of the reliability of the 14C ages.
EVER CLOSER REMOTENESS OF THE PEOPLES OF EUROPE? LIMITS ON THE POWER OF AMENDMENT AND NATIONAL CONSTITUENT POWER
Authors: Cahill Maria
Published: May 2016

It might seem counter-intuitive to suggest that the chasm between Europe and her citizens is partially caused by the weakening of constituent power at the national level. Nonetheless, this article contends that the strength of ever closer union depends partly on the resilience of national constituent power. An insight recovered from French constitutional theory – that respect for constituent power is closely related to respect for limits on the power of amendment – is used as a measure of this resilience. Upon examination of judicial decisions in Germany and Spain in which enumerated substantive limits on the power of amendment have not been satisfactorily enforced, and others in Ireland and France in which the existence of essential limits on the power of amendment has been flatly denied, this article concludes that by debilitating national constituent power, ironically treaty ratifications conduce to ever closer remoteness between the peoples of Europe.
Corruption and Partisanship: Rousseau, Ferguson and Two Competing Models of Republican Revival
Authors: Sparling Robert A.
Published: May 2016

Partisanship inspires a degree of ambivalence. There is a widespread tendency—which has a long history in republican political thought—to decry division and partisanship as corrupting, undermining individual judgment, and promoting clientelism, dependencies and loyalties antithetical to the common good. Yet there is an equally widespread intuition that excessive unity is corrupting, undermining the vigour of civic life. Contemporary political theory remains divided on the normative implications of division and unity—witness the battles between agonistic and consensus-oriented schools of democratic theory. In this article I examine the thought of two eighteenth-century writers who, while often treated as contributing to a common intellectual project of reinvigorating classical civic virtue, took opposite positions on the desirability of division. Jean-Jacques Rousseau and Adam Ferguson offered competing accounts of what corrupts civic virtue, one decrying party divisions and the other lauding them. The article examines the underlying philosophical presuppositions of Rousseau and Ferguson's competing claims and suggests, ultimately, that both positions suffer from neglecting to attend to an important distinction between salutary and harmful divisions.
English article usage as a window on the meanings ofsame,identicalandsimilar
Authors: FILIPOVIĆ LUNA , HAWKINS JOHN A.
Published: May 2016

We propose an explanation for a traditional puzzle in English linguistics involving the use of articles with the nominal modifierssame,identicalandsimilar.Samecan only take the definite articlethe, whereasidenticalandsimilartake eithertheora. We argue that there is a fundamental difference in the manner in which a comparison is made with these modifiers.Identicalandsimilarinvolve direct comparisons between at least two entities and an assertion of either full property matching (identical), or partial property matching (similar). The comparison withsameproceeds differently: what is compared is not linguistic entities directly, but definite descriptions of these entities that can be derived through logical entailments.John and Mary live in the same houseentailsthe house that John lives in is the (same) house that Mary lives in. There must be a pragmatic equivalence between these entailed definite descriptions, ranging from full referential equivalence to a possibly quite minimal overlap in semantic and real-world properties shared by distinct referents. These differences in meaning and article co-occurrence reveal the sensitivity of syntax to semantic and pragmatic properties, without which all and only the grammatical sentences of a language cannot be predicted.
Schlaganfall aus der Perspektive des Neurologen (Teil 2): Neues in der Akutbehandlung
Authors: Schur Patrick , Luft Andreas
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. In der letzten Praxis-Ausgabe (9/2016) wurde im Artikel mit dem Titel «Neues in der Akutdiagnostik» über die relevanten Faktoren zur Erweiterung der thrombolytischen Prozeduren ausserhalb der bisherigen Thrombolyse-Einschlusskriterien berichtet. Die rasche klinische und bildgebende Identifizierung der Patienten, die von einer endovaskulären Therapie anhand des «Target Mismatch» profitieren, ist ein weiterer Schlüssel im Wettlauf mit der Zeit. Trotz der Kontraindikationen für eine IVT (intravenöse Thrombolyse) können die Vorteile der mechanischen devices es erlauben, einen Thrombus rasch, komplett und vor allem mit besserem Outcome zu entfernen. Die IAT (intraarterielle Thrombolyse) hat durch die neuen Resultate in den randomisiert kontrollierten Studien MR-CLEAN, EXTEND-IA, ESCAPE, SWIFT-PRIME und REVASCAT an Bedeutung gewonnen. Im folgenden Artikel werden der state-of-the-art der Basistherapie und die wichtigsten akuten Behandlungspfade besprochen.
Individuelle Koffeinempfindlichkeit: Implikationen für eine personalisierte Schlafmedizin?
Authors: Landolt Hans Peter
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Sowohl die Prävalenz des Insomnie-Syndroms als auch die individuell unterschiedlichen Wirkungen von Koffein auf den Schlaf sind teilweise genetisch bedingt. Pharmakogenetische Studien zeigen, dass genetisch bedingte Unterschiede beim Adenosin-A2A-Rezeptor und beim Dopamin-Transporter zur individuellen Koffeinempfindlichkeit in Bezug auf den Schlaf beitragen. Diese Befunde legen die Schlussfolgerung nahe, dass das Striatum, wo der A2A-Rezeptor und der Dopamin-Transporter hauptsächlich exprimiert werden, eine wichtige Gehirnstruktur für die Schlaf-Wachregulation darstellt. Eine Berücksichtigung der individuellen Koffeinempfindlichkeit und des A2A-Rezeptor-Genotyps bei der Entwicklung von neuen Adenosin-basierten Pharmakotherapien zur Behandlung von Schlaf-Wachstörungen und neurodegenerativen Erkrankungen wie der Parkinson-Krankheit könnte in Zukunft zur Voraussage von individuellen Wirkungen beitragen und die Aussagekraft von klinischen Studien verbessern.
Raumforderung der Glandula parotis
Authors: Pötzl Teresa , Iselin Sabine , Husner Alexander
Published: May 2016

Zusammenfassung. Speicheldrüsentumore sind mit ca. 4–6 % eine seltene, histologisch heterogene Tumorgruppe aller Kopf-Hals-Neoplasien. Hierbei zeigen sich in zwei Drittel der Fälle gutartige Tumoren, vor allem in der Glandula parotis. Wir berichten über einen seltenen Tumor der Glandula parotis in Form eines extraskelettalen Chondroms. Histologisch zeigten sich multiple, für das S-100-Protein positive Chondrozytennester. Die extern durgeführte Zytologie ergab den Verdacht auf ein pleomorphes Adenom, die histopathologische Aufarbeitung zeigte jedoch eine sehr seltene Tumorentität.
Share Your Science with Teachers and the Public at Fall Meeting
Authors: Reardon Tess
Published: May 2016

The American Geophysical Union encourages members to get involved in Exploration Station and the Geophysical Information for Teachers (GIFT) Workshop this December in San Francisco.
0.5-keV Soft X-ray attosecond continua
Authors: Teichmann S. M. , Silva F. , Cousin S. L. , Hemmer M. , Biegert J.
Published: May 2016

Attosecond light pulses in the extreme ultraviolet have drawn a great deal of attention due to their ability to interrogate electronic dynamics in real time. Nevertheless, to follow charge dynamics and excitations in materials, element selectivity is a prerequisite, which demands such pulses in the soft X-ray region, above 200 eV, to simultaneously cover several fundamental absorption edges of the constituents of the materials. Here, we experimentally demonstrate the exploitation of a transient phase matching regime to generate carrier envelope controlled soft X-ray supercontinua with pulse energies up to 2.9±0.1 pJ and a flux of (7.3±0.1) × 107 photons per second across the entire water window and attosecond pulses with 13 as transform limit. Our results herald attosecond science at the fundamental absorption edges of matter by bridging the gap between ultrafast temporal resolution and element specific probing.
A perspective for sequencing familial hypercholesterolaemia in African Americans
Authors: Wright Michelle L , Housman David , Taylor Jacquelyn Y
Published: May 2016

African Americans suffer disproportionately from poor cardiovascular health outcomes despite similar proportions of African Americans and Americans of European ancestry experiencing elevated cholesterol levels. Some of the variation in cardiovascular outcomes is due to confounding effects of other risk factors, such as hypertension and genetic influence. However, genetic variants found to contribute to variation in serum cholesterol levels in populations of European ancestry are less likely to replicate in populations of African ancestry. To date, there has been limited follow-up on variant discrepancies or on identifying variants that exist in populations of African ancestry. African and African-American populations have the highest levels of genetic heterogeneity, which is a factor that must be considered when evaluating genetic variants in the burgeoning era of personalised medicine. Many of the large published studies identifying genetic variants associated with disease risk have evaluated populations of mostly European ancestry and estimated risk in other populations based on these findings. The purpose of this paper is to provide a perspective, using familial hypercholesterolaemia as an exemplar, that studies evaluating genetic variation focused within minority populations are necessary to identify factors that contribute to disparities in health outcomes and realise the full utility of personalised medicine.
New superconductor LixFe1+δSe (x ≤ 0.07, Tc up to 44 K) by an electrochemical route
Authors: Alekseeva Anastasia M. , Drozhzhin Oleg A. , Dosaev Kirill A. , Antipov Evgeny V. , Zakharov Konstantin V. , Volkova Olga S. , Chareev Dmitriy A. , Vasiliev Alexander N. , Koz Cevriye , Schwarz Ulrich , Rosner Helge , Grin Yuri
Published: May 2016

The superconducting transition temperature (Tc) of tetragonal Fe1+δSe was enhanced from 8.5 K to 44 K by chemical structure modification. While insertion of large alkaline cations like K or solvated lithium and iron cations in the interlayer space, the [Fe2Se2] interlayer separation increases significantly from 5.5 Å in native Fe1+δSe to >7 Å in KxFe1−ySe and to >9 Å in Li1−xFex(OH)Fe1−ySe, we report on an electrochemical route to modify the superconducting properties of Fe1+δSe. In contrast to conventional chemical (solution) techniques, the electrochemical approach allows to insert non-solvated Li+ into the Fe1+δSe structure which preserves the native arrangement of [Fe2Se2] layers and their small separation. The amount of intercalated lithium is extremely small (about 0.07 Li+ per f.u.), however, its incorporation results in the enhancement of Tc up to ∼44 K. The quantum-mechanical calculations show that Li occupies the octahedrally coordinated position, while the [Fe2Se2] layers remain basically unmodified. The obtained enhancement of the electronic density of states at the Fermi level clearly exceeds the effect expected on basis of rigid band behavior.
Effective Augmentation of Complex Networks
Authors: Wang Jinjian , Yu Xinghuo , Stone Lewi
Published: May 2016

Networks science plays an enormous role in many aspects of modern society from distributing electrical power across nations to spreading information and social networking amongst global populations. While modern networks constantly change in size, few studies have sought methods for the difficult task of optimising this growth. Here we study theoretical requirements for augmenting networks by adding source or sink nodes, without requiring additional driver-nodes to accommodate the change i.e., conserving structural controllability. Our “effective augmentation” algorithm takes advantage of clusters intrinsic to the network topology, and permits rapidly and efficient augmentation of a large number of nodes in one time-step. “Effective augmentation” is shown to work successfully on a wide range of model and real networks. The method has numerous applications (e.g. study of biological, social, power and technological networks) and potentially of significant practical and economic value.
Origin of the Shape of Current-Voltage Curve through Nanopores: A Molecular Dynamics Study
Authors: Sumikama Takashi
Published: May 2016

Ion transports through ion channels, biological nanopores, are essential for life: Living cells generate electrical signals by utilizing ion permeation through channels. The measured current-voltage (i-V) relations through most ion channels are sublinear, however, its physical meaning is still elusive. Here we calculated the i-V curves through anion-doped carbon nanotubes, a model of an ion channel, using molecular dynamics simulation. It was found the i-V curve reflects the physical origin of the rate-determining step: the i-V curve is sublinear when the permeation is entropy bottlenecked, while it is superlinear in the case of the energy bottlenecked permeation. Based on this finding, we discuss the relation between the molecular mechanism of ion permeation through the biological K+ channels and the shape of the i-V curves through them. This work also provides a clue for a novel design of nanopores that show current rectification.
Gut microbiota composition and Clostridium difficile infection in hospitalized elderly individuals: a metagenomic study
Authors: Milani Christian , Ticinesi Andrea , Gerritsen Jacoline , Nouvenne Antonio , Lugli Gabriele Andrea , Mancabelli Leonardo , Turroni Francesca , Duranti Sabrina , Mangifesta Marta , Viappiani Alice , Ferrario Chiara , Maggio Marcello , Lauretani Fulvio , De Vos Willem , van Sinderen Douwe , Meschi Tiziana , Ventura Marco
Published: May 2016

The gut microbiota composition of elderly hospitalized patients with Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) exposed to previous antibiotic treatment is still poorly investigated. The aim of this study was to compare the microbiota composition by means of 16S rRNA microbial profiling among three groups of hospitalized elderly patients (age ≥ 65) under standard diet including 25 CDI-positive (CDI group), 29 CDI-negative exposed to antibiotic treatment (AB+ group) and 30 CDI-negative subjects not on antibiotic treatment (AB− group). The functional properties of the gut microbiomes of CDI-positive vs CDI-negative subjects were also assessed by shotgun metagenomics. A significantly lower microbial diversity was detected in CDI samples, whose microbiomes clustered separately from CDI-negative specimens. CDI was associated with a significant under-representation of gut commensals with putative protective functionalities, including Bacteroides, Alistipes, Lachnospira and Barnesiella, and over-representation of opportunistic pathogens. These findings were confirmed by functional shotgun metagenomics analyses, including an in-depth profiling of the Peptostreptococcaceae family. In CDI-negative patients, antibiotic treatment was associated with significant depletion of few commensals like Alistipes, but not with a reduction in species richness. A better understanding of the correlations between CDI and the microbiota in high-risk elderly subjects may contribute to identify therapeutic targets for CDI.
Advanced catalyst design induced enhancement of multi-walled nanotube debundling and electrical conductivity of multi-walled nanotube/silicone composites
Authors: Lee Sang-Eui , Cho Shinje , Kim Hajin , Han Intaek , Sohn Yoonchul
Published: May 2016

Density of MWNT bundles can be controlled by synthetic process of metal catalysts. Direct correlation between morphology of MWNT catalysts and electrical conductivity of MWNT/polymer composite was experimentally demonstrated.
β-Perfluoroalkyl-substituted pyrrole as an anion-responsive π-electronic system through a single NH moiety
Authors: Haketa Yohei , Takasago Ryota , Maeda Hiromitsu
Published: May 2016

A pyrrole derivative possessing two perfluorohexyl (C6F13) chains at the β-positions was synthesized. The significant electron-withdrawing properties of the β-perfluoroalkyl chains induced fascinating anion-binding behaviour.
Sunlight as an energetic driver in the synthesis of molecules necessary for life
Authors: Rapf Rebecca J. , Vaida Veronica
Published: May 2016

This review considers how photochemistry and sunlight-driven reactions can abiotically generate prebiotic molecules necessary for the evolution of life.
Tracking dissociation dynamics of strong-field ionized 1,2-dibromoethane with femtosecond XUV transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Chatterley Adam S. , Lackner Florian , Neumark Daniel M. , Leone Stephen R. , Gessner Oliver
Published: May 2016

Using femtosecond time-resolved extreme ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy, the dissociation dynamics of the haloalkane 1,2-dibromoethane (DBE) have been explored following strong field ionization by femtosecond near infrared pulses at intensities between 7.5 × 1013and 2.2 × 1014W cm−2.
Enhancement of photocatalytic H2 production activity of CdS nanorods by cobalt-based cocatalyst modification
Authors: Lang Di , Cheng Feiyue , Xiang Quanjun
Published: May 2016

The excellent photocatalytic H2 production activity of Co3O4–CdS nanocomposite was mainly attributed to the formation of p–n heterojunctions between the p-type Co3O4 nanoclusters and n-type CdS nanorods, which could promote the photoinduced charge transfer and separation.
Room temperature hydroamination of alkynes with anilines catalyzed by anti-Bredt di(amino)carbene gold(i) complexes
Authors: Hu Xingbang , Martin David , Bertrand Guy
Published: May 2016

Anti-Bredt di(amino)carbene gold(i) complexes are excellent precatalysts for the room temperature hydroamination of terminal alkynes with a variety anilines and hydrazines.
Tunable wettability of Si through surface energy engineering by nanopatterning
Authors: Garg S. K. , Datta D. P. , Ghatak J. , Thakur I. , Khare K. , Kanjilal D. , Som T.
Published: May 2016

Schematic diagram of a water droplet on an isotropic (flat) and anisotropic (rippled) surfaces.
A rheological study of reverse vesicles formed by oleic acid and diethylenetriamine in cyclohexane
Authors: Yang Ge , Zhao Jianxi
Published: May 2016

A reverse aggregate system composed of oleic acid and diethylenetriamine in cyclohexane has been studied.
Improving the electrical conductivity and interface properties of carbon fiber/epoxy composites by low temperature flame growth of carbon nanotubes
Authors: Du Xusheng , Xu Feng , Liu Hong-Yuan , Miao Yinggang , Guo Wei-Guo , Mai Yiu-Wing
Published: May 2016

Low temperature flame growth of CNTs on carbon fiber surface without degradation of fibers' tensile strength resulted into the improved interfacial and conductive properties of fiber reinforced composites.
High‐power‐factor dimmable LED driver with low‐frequency pulse‐width modulation
Authors: Cheng Hung‐Liang , Chang Yong‐Nong , Cheng Chun‐An , Chang Chien‐Hsuan , Lin Yu‐Hung
Published: May 2016

A novel dimmable light‐emitting diode (LED) driver is proposed in this study. The circuit topology uses two active switches. One active switch shared by a buck–boost converter and a buck converter is operated at high‐switching frequency while the other one is low‐frequency pulse‐width modulated to dim high‐power LEDs. The buck–boost converter plays the role of a power‐factor corrector. It operates at discontinuous‐conduction mode to waveshape the line current to be sinusoidal and in phase with the input‐line voltage. The buck converter regulates the dc‐link voltage to output a low‐frequency pulse‐width modulation (PWM) voltage to drive high‐brightness LEDs. Since only one power‐conversion process is required, and the buck converter works only when the low‐frequency PWM voltage is at a high level, the proposed LED driver has the advantage of high efficiency. Besides, it achieves unity power factor and low total current harmonic distortion.
Deutscher Ethikrat: „Wir haben Notsignale aus Kliniken erhalten“
Authors: König Romy
Published: May 2016

Der Deutsche Ethikrat bezieht in einem 155-Seiten-Papier klar Stellung: Das Patientenwohl sei in vielen Kliniken gefährdet, so das 26-köpfige Gremium. Gleichzeitig befürworten die Experten die „wirtschaftliche Betriebsführung“ in Kliniken. Ein Überblick.
Interview mit AOK-Chef Litsch: „Bauchläden sind noch immer sehr beliebt“
Authors: Gaede Kirsten
Published: May 2016

Die Räume und Flure hier oben im 13. Stock in Berlin-Mitte sind groß, leer und lichtdurchflutet. Der Schreibtisch von Martin Litsch ist aufgeräumt, er selbst wirkt heiter. Der neue AOK-Chef ist kein Stimmungsmacher. Seine Kritik an den Krankenhäusern äußert er sachlich, aber glasklar.
Energie im Krankenhaus 2016: Diskussionsplattform in Sachen Energiemanagement
Authors: Reschmann Dietmar
Published: May 2016

Bereits zum dritten Mal veranstaltet der ÖVKT heuer gemeinsam mit dem WEKA-Verlag den in den letzten Jahren sehr erfolgreichen Fachkongress „Energie im Krankenhaus“, zu dem wieder über 100 Teilnehmer erwartet werden. Er findet am 31. Mai 2016 in Vösendorf bei Wien satt und steht unter dem Motto „Verbraucher und Potenziale“.
To Share or not to Share: The Effects of Extrinsic and Intrinsic Motivations on Knowledge-sharing in Enterprise Social Media Platforms
Authors: Rode Henning
Published: May 2016

In order to foster knowledge-sharing among employees, an increasing number of companies has recently begun implementing social network-based enterprise social media platforms (ESMPs). Although employees are expected to adopt these platforms quickly and use them as actively as they use public and free social media, patterns of private and corporate usage differ. While some research on the determinants of using public and free social media like Facebook has been conducted, empirical studies on the factors determining active participation in ESMPs is scarce. Based on research derived from a survey of 492 respondents carried out in a large knowledge-intensive firm, this paper addresses this gap. The results of our empirical quantitative study reveal that extrinsic motivation in particular – that is, anticipated gains in reputation and reciprocal benefits – drives employees to share knowledge in ESMPs. Knowledge-sharing self-efficacy also facilitates participation, while the enjoyment in helping others does not. The study contributes to information systems and knowledge management research, as it reveals motivational factors that drive the individual adoption in terms of active use of ESMPs. Managerial implications are derived from these results.
Stomatal conductance scales with petiole xylem traits in Populus genotypes
Authors: Brocious Caroline A. , Hacke Uwe G.
Published: May 2016

Progress has been made in linking water transport in leaves with anatomical traits. However, most of our current knowledge about these links is based on studies that sampled phylogenetically distant species and covered a wide range of leaf size and morphology. Here we studied covariation of leaf anatomical traits and hydraulic capacity in five closely related hybrid poplar genotypes. Variation in stomatal conductance and leaf hydraulic conductance was not linked to vein density or other anatomical lamina properties. A strong correlation was found between stomatal conductance and the transport capacity of the petiole, estimated from the diameter and number of xylem vessels. An inverse relationship existed between leaf size and major vein density. The role of bundle sheath extensions is discussed. Our data suggests that petiole xylem is an important predictor of gas exchange capacity in poplar leaves.
Roles of interferon-stimulated gene 15 protein in bovine embryo development
Authors: Zhao Shuan , Wu Yi , Gao Hui , Evans Alexander , Zeng Shen-Ming
Published: May 2016

Interferon (IFN)-stimulated gene 15 (ISG15) is one of several proteins induced by conceptus-derived Type I or II IFNs in the uterus, and is implicated as an important factor in determining uterine receptivity to embryos in ruminants. But little is known about the role the ISG15 gene or gene product plays during embryo development. In the present study, both the expression profile and function of ISG15 were investigated in early bovine embryos in vitro. ISG15 mRNA was detectable in Day 0, 2, 6 and 8 bovine embryos, but IFN-τ (IFNT) mRNA only appeared from Day 6. This means that embryonic expression of ISG15 on Days 0 and 2 was not induced by embryonic IFNT. However, ISG15 mRNA expression paralleled the expression of IFNT mRNA in Day 6 and 8 embryos. ISG15–lentivirus interference plasmid (ISG15i) was injected into 2-cell embryos to knockdown ISG15 expression. This resulted in decreases in the proportion of hatching blastocysts, the diameter of blastocysts and cell number per diameter of blastocysts compared with control embryos. In addition, ISG15i inhibited IFNT, Ets2 (E26 oncogene homolog 2) mRNA and connexion 43 protein expression in Day 8 blastocysts, whereas exogenous IFNT treatment (100 ng mL–1, from Day 4 to Day 8) improved ISG15 mRNA and connexion 43 protein expression. In conclusion, it appears that ISG15 is involved in early bovine embryo development and that it regulates IFNT expression in the blastocyst.
Fine woody fuel particle diameters for improved planar intersect fuel loading estimates in Southern Rocky Mountain ponderosa pine forests
Authors: Vakili Emma , Hoffman Chad M. , Keane Robert E.
Published: May 2016

Fuel loading estimates from planar intersect sampling protocols for fine dead down woody surface fuels require an approximation of the mean squared diameter (d2) of 1-h (0–0.63 cm), 10-h (0.63–2.54 cm), and 100-h (2.54–7.62 cm) timelag size classes. The objective of this study is to determine d2 in ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) forests of New Mexico and Colorado, USA in natural, partially harvested, and partially harvested and burned sites to improve fine woody fuel loading estimates. Resulting estimates were generally higher in the 1- and 10-h classes and lower in the 100-h classes when compared with previously published values from other regions. The partially harvested and burned values for 1- and 100-h classes were also significantly lower than in the other stand conditions. Using bootstrap analysis, it was determined that 35 samples would be sufficient to create an accurate estimate of d2 values.
Comparative efficacy of levonorgestrel and deslorelin contraceptive implants in free-ranging eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus)
Authors: Wilson Michelle E. , Coulson Graeme
Published: May 2016

Context Fertility control of females with levonorgestrel or deslorelin implants shows promise for managing populations of overabundant eastern grey kangaroos (Macropus giganteus). Although these implants have been tested separately in captive and free-ranging kangaroos, there has been no direct comparison under equivalent field conditions. Aims We investigated the long-term efficacy of levonorgestrel and deslorelin implants, together with the cost of treatment, ease of administration, and the welfare of the animals, in a side-by-side trial under realistic management conditions. Methods We captured 65 adult female kangaroos over 11 days at a golf course in Anglesea, Victoria, Australia. We assigned each female to one of the following three experimental groups: levonorgestrel (210 mg, n = 18), deslorelin (9.4 mg, n = 24) or procedural control (n = 23). We monitored reproductive success for 8 years, by observing young in the pouch in winter and spring. Key results Natural fertility was high; in most years, less than 20% of control females failed to reproduce. For deslorelin-treated females, the odds of failing to reproduce were four times higher than for the control group; for levonorgestrel-treated females, these odds were 74 times higher. Deslorelin was ineffective after 3 years, whereas levonorgestrel was effective for at least 5 years. Conclusions Levonorgestrel was markedly superior in efficacy, as shown by a stronger contraceptive effect persisting for longer. In other respects, the two implants were comparable, being similar in cost and ease of delivery, and equally safe. Implications Only levonorgestrel implants fulfill their promise for non-lethal, long-term control of kangaroo populations. Deslorelin implants cannot be recommended for this purpose.
Dual mechanisms regulate the recruitment of spindle assembly checkpoint proteins to the budding yeast kinetochore
Authors: Aravamudhan Pavithra , Chen Renjie , Roy Babhrubahan , Sim Janice , Joglekar Ajit P.
Published: May 2016

Recruitment of spindle assembly checkpoint (SAC) proteins by an unattached kinetochore leads to SAC activation. This recruitment is licensed by the Mps1 kinase, which phosphorylates the kinetochore protein Spc105 at one or more of its six MELT repeats. Spc105 then recruits the Bub3-Bub1 and Mad1-Mad2 complexes, which produce the inhibitory signal that arrests cell division. The strength of this signal depends, in part, on the number of Bub3-Bub1 and Mad1-Mad2 molecules that Spc105 recruits. Therefore regulation of this recruitment will influence SAC signaling. To understand this regulation, we established the physiological binding curves that describe the binding of Bub3-Bub1 and Mad1-Mad2 to the budding yeast kinetochore. We find that the binding of both follows the mass action law. Mps1 likely phosphorylates all six MELT repeats of Spc105. However, two mechanisms prevent Spc105 from recruiting six Bub3-Bub1 molecules: low Bub1 abundance and hindrance in the binding of more than one Bub3-Bub1 molecule to the same Spc105. Surprisingly, the kinetochore recruits two Mad1-Mad2 heterotetramers for every Bub3-Bub1 molecule. Finally, at least three MELT repeats per Spc105 are needed for accurate chromosome segregation. These data reveal that kinetochore-intrinsic and -extrinsic mechanisms influence the physiological operation of SAC signaling, potentially to maximize chromosome segregation accuracy.
Effect of population structure and migration when investigating genetic continuity using ancient DNA
Authors: Silva NM , Kreutzer S , Papageorgopoulou C , Currat M
Published: May 2016

Recent advances in sequencing techniques provide means to access direct genetic snapshots from the past with ancient DNA data (aDNA) from diverse periods of human prehistory. Comparing samples taken in the same region but at different time periods may indicate if there is continuity in the peopling history of that area or if a large genetic input, such as an immigration wave, has occurred. Here we propose a new modeling approach for investigating population continuity using aDNA, including two fundamental elements in human evolution that were absent from previous methods: population structure and migration. The method also considers the extensive temporal and geographic heterogeneity commonly found in aDNA datasets. We compare our spatially-explicit approach to the previous non-spatial method and show that it is more conservative and thus suitable for testing population continuity, especially when small, isolated populations, such as prehistoric ones, are considered. Moreover, our approach also allows investigating partial population continuity and we apply it to a real dataset of ancient mitochondrial DNA. We estimate that 91% of the current genetic pool in central Europe entered the area with immigrant Neolithic farmers, but a genetic contribution of local hunter-gatherers as large as 83% cannot be entirely ruled out.
Death Due to an Unusual Angio‐Seal‐Related Complication: Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: D'Ovidio Cristian , Sablone Sara , Carnevale Aldo
Published: May 2016

Angio‐SealTM is a vascular closure device (VCD) that can be applied to the femoral artery following cardiac catheterization to achieve hemostasis. Although it has been demonstrated to be superior to conventional manual pressure and to reduce time to hemostasis and patient ambulation, the use of this VCD is not without its complications. In this report, we describe the case of a 55‐year‐old man who died due to an extremely rare event that occurred several hours after the deployment of an Angio‐SealTM VCD: acute complete transverse laceration of the femoral artery that occurred because of the particular fragility of the vessel due to an unrecognized and asymptomatic arteriosclerotic disease. Few data are available in the literature about the incidence of such events, and much more remains to be done to determine how to prevent and manage its occurrence.
Lethal, sublethal and transgenerational effects of the novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide cycloxaprid on demographic and behavioral traits of Aphis gossypii (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Authors: Yuan Hai‐Bin , Li Jin‐Hua , Liu Yong‐Qiang , Cui Li , Lu Yan‐Hui , Xu Xiao‐Yong , Li Zhong , Wu Kong‐Ming , Desneux Nicolas
Published: May 2016

Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae) is a key pest in cotton crops, notably owing to its increasing resistance to commonly used pesticides. Such resistance prompts for the development of integrated pest management (IPM) programs that include novel pesticides being effective against the aphid. In the present study, we assessed lethal and sublethal effects of cycloxaprid, a novel chiral neonicotinoid pesticide developed in China, on A. gossypii. The lethal concentration at 50% (LC50) value of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii was estimated, using the dipping method, at 7.73 mg/L. The impact of a sublethal concentration (LC10) and a lethal concentration (LC40) of cycloxaprid on A. gossypii population growth and feeding behavior (using electrical penetration graph technique [EPG]), and its transgenerational effect were further assessed. Adult longevity and fecundity significantly decreased after exposure to LC40 or LC10 of cycloxaprid. Cycloxaprid with sublethal concentrations (especially LC40) had negative effects on phloem ingestion by A. gossypii. Additionally, the offspring of the adults exposed to LC40 of cycloxaprid had shorter nymphal development duration and adult longevity than the control, and those from LC10 and LC40 treatments had lower adult fecundity and net productive rate. We demonstrated that cycloxaprid is a pesticide showing both lethal and sublethal activities, and transgenerational effects on A. gossypii; it may be useful for implementation in IPM programs against this aphid pest.
Prospective study of the UGT1A1*27 gene polymorphism during irinotecan therapy in patients with lung cancer: Results of Lung Oncology Group in Kyusyu (LOGIK1004B)
Authors: Fukuda Minoru , Suetsugu Takayuki , Shimada Midori , Kitazaki Takeshi , Hashiguchi Kohji , Kishimoto Junji , Harada Taishi , Seto Takashi , Ebi Noriyuki , Takayama Koichi , Sugio Kenji , Semba Hiroshi , Nakanishi Yoichi , Ichinose Yukito
Published: May 2016

Background

Uridine 5′‐diphospho‐glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1*27) is known to impair the effect of UGT in basic research; however, little clinical investigation has been conducted. To evaluate the effect of the UGT1A1*27 polymorphism in irinotecan therapy, we conducted a prospective study.

Methods

Eligibility criteria included: lung cancer patients; scheduled irinotecan therapy doses of single ≥ 80, combination ≥ 50, radiation with single ≥ 50, or radiation with combination ≥ 40 mg/m2; age ≥ 20; and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance score (PS) 0–2. Patients were examined for UGT1A1*28 and *6 polymorphisms and received irinotecan. When the UGT1A1*28 polymorphism was detected, a search for UGT1A1*27 was conducted. Fifty patients were enrolled, with 48 patients determined eligible.

Results

UGT1A1 polymorphisms *28/*28, *6/*6, *28/*6, *28/−, *6/−, −/− observed 0 (0%), 1 (2%), 1 (2%), 7 (15%), 17 (35%) and 22 (46%), respectively. UGT1A1*27 were examined in nine patients including one ineligible patient; however, no polymorphisms were found. The study ceased after interim analysis. In an evaluation of the side effects of irinotecan, patients with UGT1A1*28 and UGT1A1*6 polymorphisms had a higher tendency to experience febrile neutropenia than wild type (25% and 32% vs. 14%). Incidences of grade 3/4 leukopenia and neutropenia were significantly higher in patients with UGT1A1*28 polymorphisms compared with wild type (75% vs. 32%, P = 0.049; 75% vs. 36%, P = 0.039, respectively).

Conclusion

Our prospective study did not locate the UGT1A1*27 polymorphism, suggesting that UGT1A1*27 does not significantly predict severe irinotecan toxicity in cancer patients.
Lung adenocarcinoma with anomalous bronchi and pulmonary veins preoperatively identified by computed tomography
Authors: Tajima Kouhei , Uchida Nobuyuki , Sasamoto Hajime , Okada Toshiyuki , Kohri Takayuki , Mogi Akira , Kuwano Hiroyuki
Published: May 2016

A 69‐year‐old woman visited our hospital complaining of right chest pain. Chest computed tomography showed a 55 × 45 mm tumor in the right upper lobe. Bronchoscopy revealed displaced anomalous B
1 and B
2
+3 arising from the right main bronchus, and the patient was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma by transbronchial lung biopsy from the displaced B
2
+3. Three‐dimensional computed tomography with multiplanar reconstruction revealed a displaced anomalous B
1 and B
2
+3 branching directly from the right main bronchus, respectively, and abnormal distribution of the aberrant pulmonary vein (V
2) descended dorsally to the right main bronchus and emptied into the left atrium. Video‐assisted right upper lobectomy with nodal dissection was successfully performed. Attention should be paid to the anomalous bronchus and pulmonary vessels for safer lung cancer operations, especially for video‐assisted thoracic surgery.
In vivo biometric evaluation of Schlemm's canal with spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography in pseuduexfoliation glaucoma
Authors: Imamoglu Serhat , Sevim Mehmet S. , Alpogan Oksan , Ercalik Nimet Y. , Kumral Esra Turkseven , Pekel Gokhan , Bardak Handan
Published: May 2016

Purpose

To perform in vivo imaging of the Schlemm's canal (SC) with anterior segment spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography [AS‐spectral‐domain (SD)‐OCT] and also to measure its biometric parameters including the SC length and SC area in patients with pseudoexfoliation (PEX) glaucoma.

Methods

Forty‐one consecutive patients with PEX glaucoma and 41 age‐ and sex‐matched normal subjects were enrolled. All subjects underwent imaging with SD‐OCT. The SC length and SC area were examined in the temporal sections and measured with customized software.

Results

The percentages of the temporal sections in which SC was observable were similar between the two groups. Mean SC length was found significantly shorter, and mean SC area was found significantly smaller in patients with PEX glaucoma than in controls (p = 0.044 and p = 0.036, respectively). Mean intra‐ocular pressure (IOP) values were also similar between two groups. No significant correlations were found between SC measurements and IOP.

Conclusions

Anterior segment spectral‐domain optical coherence tomography offers non‐invasive, in vivo measurement of the SC, and it could be used for investigating the SC changes in patients with PEX glaucoma.
Microbiological and clinical outcomes of fixed complete‐arch mandibular prostheses supported by immediate implants in individuals with history of chronic periodontitis
Authors: Gomes Jefferson A. , Sartori Ivete A. M. , Able Francine B. , de Oliveira Silva Thalisson S. , do Nascimento Cássio
Published: May 2016

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the microbiological and clinical outcomes of immediate implants placed in chronically infected sockets for rehabilitation with fixed full‐arch mandibular prostheses.

Material and methods

Fourteen individuals (mean age 60.14 ± 7.69 years) were enrolled in this investigation and followed up until 8 months of function. Microbiological (microbial count and profile) and clinical (probing depth, clinical attachment level, bleeding on probing, and bone resorption) parameters were conducted before teeth extraction (T0 – baseline) and after 4 (T1) and 8 (T2) months of loading. Thirty‐nine microbial species including periodontopathogenic species and Candida spp. were detected and quantified by DNA checkerboard analysis.

Results

Moderate to high levels of pathogenic and non‐pathogenic species were found colonizing teeth and implant‐related sites. No significant differences in total or individual microbial counts and microbial profile were found over time (P = 0.4929). Probing depth values from teeth (T0: 3.05 ± 1.45) were significantly higher when compared with implants (T1: 1.81 ± 0.56; T2: 1.66 ± 0.53; P < 0.0001). High percentages of bleeding sites were found for both teeth and implants, with the highest values recorded for teeth (P < 0.05). No significant differences were detected comparing marginal bone resorption over time.

Conclusions

Total and individual counts of target species did not differ between teeth and implants for 8 months of investigation. The mean proportions of pathogenic and non‐pathogenic species remained unaltered, and no clinical complications were reported over time. Data obtained suggest that immediate loading of complete mandibular prostheses retained by implants placed immediately after extraction may be a viable treatment option for edentulous individuals with previous history of periodontal disease.
Weight bias reduction in health professionals: a systematic review
Authors: Alberga A. S. , Pickering B. J. , Alix Hayden K. , Ball G. D. C. , Edwards A. , Jelinski S. , Nutter S. , Oddie S. , Sharma A. M. , Russell‐Mayhew S.
Published: May 2016

Innovative and coordinated strategies to address weight bias among health professionals are urgently needed. We conducted a systematic literature review of empirical peer‐reviewed published studies to assess the impact of interventions designed to reduce weight bias in students or professionals in a health‐related field. Combination sets of keywords based on three themes (1: weight bias/stigma; 2: obesity/overweight; 3: health professional) were searched within nine databases. Our search yielded 1447 individual records, of which 17 intervention studies satisfied the inclusion criteria. Most studies (n = 15) included medical, dietetic, health promotion, psychology and kinesiology students, while the minority included practicing health professionals (n = 2). Studies utilized various bias‐reduction strategies. Many studies had methodological weaknesses, including short assessment periods, lack of randomization, lack of control group and small sample sizes. Although many studies reported changes in health professionals’ beliefs and knowledge about obesity aetiology, evidence of effectiveness is poor, and long‐term effects of intervention strategies on weight bias reduction remain unknown. The findings highlight the lack of experimental research to reduce weight bias among health professionals. Although changes in practice will likely require multiple strategies in various sectors, well‐designed trials are needed to test the impact of interventions to decrease weight bias in healthcare settings.
Overlapping Land Claims Limit the Use of Satellites to Monitor No‐Deforestation Commitments and No‐Burning Compliance
Authors: Gaveau David L.A. , Pirard Romain , Salim Mohammad A. , Tonoto Prayoto , Yaen Husna , Parks Sean A. , Carmenta Rachel
Published: May 2016

Worldwide many businesses have recently pledged to sourcing agricultural and timber products exclusively from deforestation and fire‐free supply chains. Geoinvestigations—monitoring the activities of plantation companies using satellites and concession maps—are now applied to identify which companies breach their commitments and regulations. We investigate the limitations of geoinvestigations by analyzing land‐use and fire in and around 163 Indonesian concessions of oil‐palm and pulpwood, where recurring forest and peatland fires are a national and international concern.

We reveal a mismatch between de jure and de facto land occupancy inside and outside concessions. Independent farmers are present in concessions while some companies expand outside concessions. Thus, both actors may be responsible for deforestation and fire inside and outside concessions. On peatland, fire can start outside and spread into concessions, while draining in concessions may promote fire outside. These dynamics make attribution of fire and deforestation in Indonesian concessions impossible without detailed field investigations.

This study highlights the need to combine very high‐resolution satellite data with extensive field investigations of de facto land ownership, claims and disputes inside and outside concessions. In Indonesia, such activities could fall under the One Map Policy, whose remit is to identify and resolve overlapping land claims.
Refining Raiffa – Aspiration Adaptation within the Zone of Possible Ag
Authors: Ahlert Marlies , Sträter Katharina Friederike
Published: May 2016

One of the most well-known descriptive bargaining models is Raiffa’s Zone of Possible Agreements (ZOPA). We reinterpret Raiffa’s model of a price negotiation in the realm of bounded rationality by applying Simon’s theory of Satisficing. Afterward we refine Raiffa’s negotiation model using Aspiration Adaptation Theory as suggested by Sauermann, Selten, Tietz and others. We offer a model of a concession process that gives precision to the Dance of Concessions in Raiffa’s model by applying axioms of bounded rationality. Raiffa suggests a solution point derived from equity in price dimension, whereas we propose an area solution defined by equity in aspiration levels.