bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The mitochondrial kinase PINK1: functions beyond mitophagy
Authors: Voigt Aaron , Berlemann Lena A. , Winklhofer Konstanze F.
Published: June 2016

Mutations in the genes encoding the mitochondrial kinase PINK1 and the E3 ubiquitin ligase Parkin cause autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease (PD). Pioneering work in Drosophila melanogaster revealed that the loss of PINK1 or Parkin function causes similar phenotypes including dysfunctional mitochondria. Further research showed that PINK1 can act upstream of Parkin in a mitochondrial quality control pathway to induce removal of damaged mitochondria in a process called mitophagy. Albeit the PINK1/Parkin‐induced mitophagy pathway is well established and has recently been elucidated in great detail, its pathophysiological relevance is being debated. Mounting evidence indicates that PINK1 has additional functions, for example, in regulating complex I activity and maintaining neuronal viability in response to stress. Here, we discuss mitophagy‐dependent and ‐independent functions of PINK1 and their possible role in PD pathogenesis.

image

Mutations in the PINK1 gene, encoding a mitochondrial kinase, are associated with autosomal recessive Parkinson's disease. In this review, we summarize and discuss the functional roles of PINK1 in maintaining mitochondrial integrity, eliminating damaged mitochondria, and promoting cell survival.

This article is part of a special issue on Parkinson disease.
The effects of intravenous lidocaine before propofol induction in premedicated dogs
Authors: Cerasoli I. , Nannarone S. , Schauvliege S. , Duchateau L. , Bufalari A.
Published: June 2016

OBJECTIVE

The effects of lidocaine, administered before induction of anaesthesia with propofol, on arterial blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, cough reflex, ease of intubation, extrapyramidal signs and required dose of propofol in healthy premedicated dogs were evaluated.

METHODS

Twenty‐four client‐owned dogs were premedicated intramuscularly with 1 µg/kg dexmedetomidine and 0·2 mg/kg methadone, and randomly allocated to receive 2 mg/kg lidocaine (group L) or saline (group P) 120 seconds before induction of anaesthesia with propofol. Heart rate, non‐invasive arterial blood pressure and respiratory rate were assessed at pre‐established intervals. Quality of intubation, cough reflex and the occurrence of adverse effects were scored according to predefined scales. The total amount of propofol administered was also recorded.

RESULTS

Cardiovascular and respiratory variables changed over time but were not significantly different between treatments. No significant differences between groups were found for the incidence of coughing, quality of intubation, adverse effects and propofol intubation dose.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Intravenous administration of lidocaine 2 mg/kg before propofol induction was not associated with significant cardiovascular and respiratory benefits compared to standard induction and did not result in a propofol dose‐sparing effect or improvement of the quality of intubation in dogs premedicated with dexmedetomidine and methadone.
Liver stiffness‐based score in hepatoma risk assessment for chronic hepatitis C patients after successful antiviral therapy
Authors: Wang Jing‐Houng , Yen Yi‐Hao , Yao Chih‐Chien , Hung Chao‐Hung , Chen Chien‐Hung , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Lu Sheng‐Nan
Published: June 2016

Background & Aims

Patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) after successful antiviral therapy remain at risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study was to determine whether liver stiffness measurement (LSM) was useful in HCC risk assessment and to develop a risk‐score system for clinical use.

Methods

This retrospective study enrolled patients with CHC achieving sustained virological response (SVR) after interferon‐based therapy with LSM at/after SVR determination. The demographics, clinical characteristics and HCC development were obtained from medical chart reviews. The diagnosis of HCC was based on recommended criteria.

Results

A total of 376 (M/F: 185/191, mean age: 54.1 years) patients, including 278 with pretreatment liver biopsy specimens, with a median follow‐up period of 7.6 years were enrolled. Twenty‐one patients developed HCC. The 5‐ and 10‐year cumulative HCC incidences were 1.4% and 7.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, diabetes and LSM were associated with HCC developments with odds ratio (OR) of 12.38, 2.80 and 1.01, respectively. For LSM in HCC prediction, the performance and cut‐off were 0.783 and 12 kilopascal (kPa), respectively. For 278 patients with pretreatment biopsy, a risk‐score system (score 0–4) combining advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, diabetes and LSM >12 kPa was developed. With the low‐risk group as a reference, patients in intermediate‐ (OR: 12.57) and high‐risk (OR: 197.33) groups carried higher risk of HCC development.

Conclusions

For patients with CHC achieving SVR, liver stiffness value at/after SVR determination was associated with HCC development independently. Patients with pretreatment advanced fibrosis/cirrhosis, diabetes and LSM >12 kPa after SVR were at high risk of HCC development.
Bilingual Youth: Spanish‐speakers at the Beginning of the 21st Century
Authors: Potowski Kim
Published: June 2016

Spanish is spoken by approximately 406 million people, making it the second most commonly spoken language in the world. A fair estimate is that approximately one‐third of this population is bilingual. This article focuses on Spanish‐speaking bilingual youth in a variety of sociolinguistic situations around the world, summarizing a sample of research in four broad areas – linguistic structure, family language policy, education, and identity – and points out areas for future research.
What Can Neuroimaging Research Tell Us About Inference Generation during Text Comprehension?
Authors: Virtue Sandra , Sundermeier Brian
Published: June 2016

During text comprehension, individuals often need to represent information that is not explicitly stated in a text by generating inferences. To understand what cognitive processes and corresponding neural substrates are involved when individuals generate inferences, researchers have utilized neuroimaging techniques such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). Although relatively few fMRI studies have explicitly investigated inference making, we discuss several neuroimaging findings that we think make unique contributions to the field. Next, we discuss some issues with fMRI that make it challenging for researchers to draw conclusions. Finally, we propose several ideas that researchers could incorporate into future fMRI studies to enhance our understanding of inference generation during text comprehension.
High‐pressure phases in shock‐induced melt of the unique highly shocked LL6 chondrite Northwest Africa 757
Authors: Hu Jinping , Sharp Thomas G.
Published: June 2016

Northwest Africa 757 is unique in the LL chondrite group because of its abundant shock‐induced melt and high‐pressure minerals. Olivine fragments entrained in the melt transform partially and completely into ringwoodite. Plagioclase and Ca‐phosphate transform to maskelynite, lingunite, and tuite. Two distinct shock‐melt crystallization assemblages were studied by FIB‐TEM analysis. The first melt assemblage, which includes majoritic garnet, ringwoodite plus magnetite‐magnesiowüstite, crystallized at pressures of 20–25 GPa. The other melt assemblage, which consists of clinopyroxene and wadsleyite, solidified at ~15 GPa, suggesting a second veining event under lower pressure conditions. These shock features are similar to those in S6 L chondrites and indicate that NWA 757 experienced an intense impact event, comparable to the impact event that disrupted the L chondrite parent body at 470 Ma.
Economic Openness and Subnational Borrowing
Authors: Liu Gao , Sun Rui
Published: June 2016

Using a panel dataset of 206 non‐U.S. subnational governments from 31 countries between 2004 and 2010, this study investigates the relationship between economic openness and sub‐sovereign borrowings. We find that financial openness generates a positive impact on the size of subnational obligations in developing countries but a negative effect in developed countries. It also improves the credit ratings of subnational jurisdictions regardless of the country's development status. However, trade openness does not show any effects on subnational borrowings. To account for these findings that cannot be fully explained by existing theories, we propose a new efficiency hypothesis.
Genomic affinities between Brassica napus and Raphanus raphanistrum as revealed by meiotic GISH
Authors: Singh Satinder , Kaur Gurpreet , Gupta Mehak , Banga Shashi , Banga S. S.
Published: June 2016

An intergeneric hybrid between Brassica napus (AC, n = 19) and Raphanus raphanistrum (Rr, n = 9) was developed using the sequential ovary–ovule culture. Morphological, molecular, cytological studies and fluorescent genomic in situ hybridization were conducted to establish the hybridity and genomic relatedness. F1 hybrid plants were male sterile and morphologically intermediate between the two parents. Cytological analysis of the hybrid plants revealed 10II + 8I as the predominant meiotic configuration with the mean bivalent frequency of 8.83. A maximum of 13II were observed in 8.24% of the pollen mother cells (PMCs). GISH studies facilitated the identification of two allopairs, confirming homoeologous pairing between A/C and Rr genomes. This may have significant implications in terms of transgene flow and possible introgression into R. raphanistrum, which is a common canola weed in Canada and Australia. The intergeneric hybrid B. napus × R. raphanistrum so produced also has the potential to be used as a bridging species for the transfer of desirable genes to amphiploid crop Brassica species carrying A/C genomes.
Detection of additive and additive×environment interaction effects of QTLs for yield‐component traits of rice using single‐segment substitution lines (SSSLs)
Authors: Zhao Fangming , Zhu Haitao , Zeng Ruizhen , Zhang Guiquan , Xu Shizhong
Published: June 2016

Additive effects (A) and additive‐by‐environment interactions (A×E) for five rice yield components were analysed using 20 SSSLs under mixed linear model methodology. Thirty‐one QTLs were detected. Different yield components have different QTL‐by‐environment (Q×E) interaction patterns. No A×E interaction effects were detected for the four QTLs for panicle number (PN). Four QTLs detected for spikelets per panicle (SPP) had A×E interactions. Five of seven QTLs detected for grains per panicle (GPP), two of 10 QTLs detected for 1000‐grains weight (GWT) and three of six QTLs detected for seed set ratio (SSR) showed significant A×E interaction. Most of these QTLs were distributed in clusters across the genome. The complexity of linkage and pleiotropy of these QTLs plus environmental effect may result in the diversity of the yield phenotype in the SSSLs. Only S19 exhibited a significant increase in yield with a predicted gain by 281.58 kg ha−1. The results may be useful to design a better breeding strategy that takes advantage of QTL‐by‐environment interaction effects in each of the SSSLs.
Improved overall survival for pediatric patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation – A comparison of the last two decades
Authors: Svenberg Petter , Remberger Mats , Uzunel Mehmet , Mattsson Jonas , Gustafsson Britt , Fjaertoft Gustav , Sundin Mikael , Winiarski Jacek , Ringdén Olle
Published: June 2016

Pediatric protocols for allogeneic hematopoietic SCT have been altered during the last two decades. To compare the outcomes in children (<18 yr old), who underwent SCT at our center during 1992–2002 (P1) and 2003–2013 (P2). We retrospectively analyzed 188 patients in P1 and 201 patients in P2. The most significant protocol changes during P2 compared with P1 were a decrease in MAC protocols, particularly those containing TBI, an increase in RIC protocols, and altered GvHD prophylaxis. In addition, P2 had more patients with nonmalignant diagnoses (p = 0.002), more mismatched (MM) donors (p = 0.01), and more umbilical CB grafts (p = 0.03). Mesenchymal or DSCs were used for severe acute GvHD during P2. Three‐yr OS in P1 was 58%, and in P2, it was 78% (p < 0.001). Improved OS was seen in both malignant disorders (51% vs. 68%; p = 0.05) and nonmalignant disorders (77% vs. 87%; p = 0.04). Multivariate analysis showed that SCT during P2 was associated with reduced mortality (HR = 0.57; p = 0.005), reduced TRM (HR = 0.57; p = 0.03), unchanged relapse rate, similar rate of GF, less chronic GvHD (HR = 0.49; p = 0.01), and more acute GvHD (HR = 1.77, p = 0.007). During recent years, OS has improved at our center, possibly reflecting the introduction of less toxic conditioning regimens and a number of other methodological developments in SCT.
Diapause induction in Trichogramma telengai: the dynamics of maternal thermosensitivity
Authors: Reznik Sergey Ya. , Voinovich Natalia D.
Published: June 2016

Transferring Trichogramma telengai Sorokina (Hymenoptera: Trichogrammatidae) from 17 to 30 °C or vice versa at different stages of pre‐imaginal development shows that the pupa (particularly late pupa) is a sensitive stage of the maternal thermal response. During this period, even a relatively short period (1–2 days) of cold or heat exposure results, correspondingly, in a marked increase or decrease in the percentage of diapausing progeny. Thus, the maternal thermal response has the same features of sensitivity as those of the previously investigated maternal photoperiodic response, suggesting that photoperiodic and thermal responses share the same mechanism. For the practice of rearing and storage Trichogramma as a biocontrol agent, it is important to note that even relatively short‐term environmental heating (i.e. for one to several days) immediately before adult emergence can drastically decrease the percentage of diapausing progeny.
Amor Fatias Practice: How to Love Fate
Authors: Elgat Guy
Published: June 2016

On the basis of an interpretation of key passages inThe Gay Science, this paper examines Nietzsche's idea ofamor fati—love of fate. Nietzsche's idea ofamor fatiinvolves the wish to be able to learn how to see things as beautiful. This gives the impression thatamor, love, is supposed to play some role in the beautification of fate. But Nietzsche also explainsamor fatiin relation to his desire to be a devoted “Yes‐sayer.” This pulls the interpretation ofamorin a different direction; for now it seems as if the love Nietzsche wants to cultivate is supposed to be expressed in a positive, affirmative attitude toward one's fate. How to think this duality under the single idea ofamor fati? I develop a novel reading ofamor fatias a form of practice, as something that we can do, and explain in its light how the two moments of love are to be brought together. The relation ofamor fatito the “Eternal Recurrence of the Same” is also addressed: mastering the practice ofamor fatican enable one to pass successfully the test of the Eternal Recurrence of the Same.
The Importance of Pleasure in the Moral for Kant's Ethics
Authors: Holberg Erica A.
Published: June 2016

I argue for a new reading of Kant's claim that respect is the moral incentive; this reading accommodates the central insights of the affectivist and intellectualist readings of respect, while avoiding shortcomings of each. I show that within Kant's ethical system, the feeling of respect should be understood as paradigmatic of a kind of pleasure, pleasure in the moral. The motivational power of respect arises from its nature as pleasurable feeling, but the feeling does not directly motivate individual dutiful actions. Rather, the feeling is motivational in the sense that, after an agent has acted in a morally good way, the pleasure that results from that action contributes to the cultivation of virtue in the agent and, consequently, morally good actions in the future. Understanding the feeling of respect to be moral pleasure not only gives us insight into how finite rational beings develop virtue, but also a new way of understanding respect as an incentive.
Resisting Assimilation and Other Forms of Integration
Authors: Garcia Jesus A.
Published: June 2016

This paper discusses a de‐centered and critical examination of race‐relations cycle theory and studies. This assessment of minority integration argues that theorists and researchers continue to estimate the degree of individual and group assimilation in terms of unidirectional conclusions established by the canons of assimilation. From these foundations and into 21st century studies, immigrant and native‐born minority integration are still primarily contextualized as unidirectional despite the reality of modern diversity and the lack of full assimilation among native‐born non‐White minorities. Thus, new subcultural descriptions and discussions for contemporary process of social integration should be developed and grounded in the contemporary empirical experiences of minorities.
An Assortative Adoption Marketplace: Foster Care, Domestic, and Transnational Adoptions
Authors: Raleigh Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Among sociologists of the family, there has been relatively little attention paid to child adoption. When it is mentioned, many characterize the process as a universal family form. The goal of this review is to complicate this subject by disaggregating adoption into three different market segments: foster care, domestic, and transnational. Specifically, the paper argues that adoption is an assortative process that stratifies parents and children. Of the members of the adoption triad (e.g. the birthmother, adoptive parent(s), and adopted child), prospective adoptive parents possess the greatest degree of choice when deciding which market segment to pursue. However, their options are often tempered by strict eligibility requirements and financial restraints. Drawing broadly on the extant sociological and child welfare literature, the bulk of the review is devoted to identifying and analyzing how these social forces funnel parents and children into forever families. I pay particular attention to the demographic profiles of children and adoptive parents, including how transracial adoption factors into foster care, domestic, and intercountry adoptions.
The Impact of Anti‐Gay Politics on the LGBTQ Movement
Authors: Stone Amy L.
Published: June 2016

Since the late 1970s, the Religious Right has mobilized to oppose the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) movement in the United States. Sociologists have studied the relationship between these two movements as a classic movement‐countermovement dynamic, in which the strategies, actions, and framing of one movement impact the other. I analyze the way Religious Right reactive and proactive opposition to gay rights has affected the LGBTQ movement. First, I provide an overview of the literature on the negative impacts of the Religious Right, including the diversion of movement goals, transformation of frames, and marginalization of queer politics. Second, I examine the way Religious Right activism may increase mobilization.
Rethinking Activism and Expertise within Environmental Health Conflicts
Authors: Arancibia Florencia
Published: June 2016

This review presents the contributions of research on the intersection of science and social movements, its theoretical and methodological limitations, and potential solutions for its further development. Three different types of relationships between activism and knowledge have been identified within environmental health conflicts: (i) lay – activists requesting help from sympathetic scientists in order to conduct independent studies; (ii) expert – activists promoting new research agendas and sub‐fields within established scientific disciplines; and (iii) expert – activists acting beyond the limits of the academic community and partnering with social movements. In this review, I argue that much of the existing literature considers expertise as “something” possessed by individuals, and heavily emphasizes the difference between “lay” and “expert” activists. This entails two main theoretical reductionisms: (i) reification of knowledge; and (ii) overlooking the contribution of activism to expertise and vice versa. I propose considering expertise as the property of a network and focusing future research within environmental health conflicts on the co‐emergence and construction of a network of expertise (Eyal 2013) or ethno‐epistemic assemblage (Irwin & Michael 2003) and social movements. Through this symmetrical network approach, we will be able to develop a more consistent theory of the co‐production of activism and expertise, as well as its political implication to fight environmental health injustice.
Policy and Precinct: Citizen Evaluations and Electoral Confidence*
Authors: King Bridgett A.
Published: June 2016

Objective

The objective of this research is to evaluate the role of state policy and election precinct evaluations on citizen confidence in individual and nationwide electoral outcomes.

Methods

Utilizing the 2012 Survey and Performance of American Elections (SPAE) and data from the National Conference of State Legislatures, a series of ordered logistic regression models and probability estimates are presented.

Results

Evaluations of voting precincts, specifically poll workers, polling locations, and voting machines have an effect on electoral confidence. Confidence, however, is not consistent. Racial identification and partisan affiliation continue to shape citizen confidence in American elections. Voter identification requirements, outside of racial considerations, do not affect confidence in individual or nationwide ballot outcomes.

Conclusions

The administration of American elections effects citizen confidence in electoral outcomes. Reforms in this area have the capacity to improve citizen confidence, trust, and potentially political participation.
Digital Image Correlation and Noise‐filtering Approach for the Cracking Assessment of Massive Reinforced Concrete Structures
Authors: Ruocci G. , Rospars C. , Moreau G. , Bisch P. , Erlicher S. , Delaplace A. , Henault J.‐M.
Published: June 2016

This paper describes the use of Digital Image Correlation (DIC) techniques for the cracking assessment of reinforced concrete (RC) massive beams and walls. DIC is known to provide accurate and detailed information on displacement and strain fields. Non‐contact measurements can be used to evaluate concrete cracking of destructive tests carried out on a wide range of specimen scales. When applied to large RC structures tested outdoors or in difficultly controllable conditions, DIC‐based methods may lead to erroneous results. In this study a post‐processing procedure is presented to cope with noisy full‐field measurements. The proposed cracking assessment approach is validated on a large experimental campaign. Four points bending tests are carried out on RC beams: firstly on full‐scale rectangular beams and then on mock‐ups scaled down by 1/3. In addition, fours RC walls are tested under in‐plane cyclic shear up to failure. Digital images taken throughout the tests are processed by DIC techniques to provide in‐plane displacement and strain fields. Full‐field measurements are post‐processed by the noise‐filtering technique and the cracks patterns are identified. Crack widths are measured and compared with measurements obtained from conventional point‐based sensors (linear variable differential transformer LVDT and fibre‐optic FO transducers). The proposed DIC‐based post‐processing provides accurate estimation of cracks width for most of the tests. The analyses carried out on the two groups of RC beams show a scale‐effect on the cracks width.
External Asymmetries in the Euro Area and the Role of Foreign Direct Investment
Authors: Christodoulakis Nicos , Sarantides Vassilis
Published: June 2016

Soon after the introduction of the common currency, a divide emerged between two groups in the Euro area: one comprised of the North European countries achieving external surpluses and the other of the South European countries with large external deficits. This paper shows that different patterns of foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows across the Euro area countries contributed to this divergence. Our theoretical framework shows that if the economy is relatively capital‐intensive in the production of traded (non‐traded) output, FDI will be channelled in greater proportions to the traded (non‐traded) sector, thus improving (deteriorating) the trade balance. Focusing on ten Euro area countries over the period 1980 to 2009, we establish a positive (negative) long‐run effect of FDI inflows on the trade balance in the North (South). In the North, the positive effect stems from the traded sector FDI inflows that were significantly higher in comparison with the South, both before and after the EMU. In contrast, in the South, the increased FDI inflows in the post‐EMU era were dominated by investments in the non‐traded sector. When industry‐level data are employed, a positive (negative) long‐run effect of manufacturing (non‐manufacturing) FDI inflows on the trade balance in the North (South) is further established.
Gross, histologic, and computed tomographic characterization of nonpathological intrascleral cartilage and bone in the domestic goat (Capra aegagrus hircus)
Authors: Tusler Charlotte A. , Good Kathryn L. , Maggs David J. , Zwingenberger Allison L. , Reilly Christopher M.
Published: June 2016

Objective

To characterize grossly, histologically, and via computed tomography (CT) the appearance of intrascleral cartilage, bone, or both in domestic goats with otherwise normal eyes and to correlate this with age, sex, and breed.

Animals studied

Sixty‐eight domestic goats (89 eyes).

Procedures

Forty‐nine formalin‐fixed globes from 38 goats underwent high‐resolution CT, and gross and light microscopic examination. An additional 40 eyes from 30 goats underwent light microscopy only. Age, breed, and sex of affected goats were retrieved from medical records.

Results

Considering all methods of evaluation collectively, cartilage was detected in 42% of eyes (44% of goats) and bone in 11% of eyes (12% of goats); bone was never seen without cartilage. Goats in which bone, cartilage, or both were detected ranged from 0.25 to 13 (median = 3.5) years of age, represented 11 of 12 breeds of the study population, and had a male:female ratio of 11:19. Bone was detected in the eyes of significantly more males (n = 8) than females (n = 2). No sex predilection was noted for cartilage alone. Histology revealed intrascleral chondrocyte‐like cells, hyaline cartilage, and islands of lamellar bone. Some regions of bone had central, adipose‐rich, marrow‐like cavities. CT localized mineralized tissue as adjacent to or partially surrounding the optic nerve head.

Conclusions

This is the first report of intrascleral bone or cartilage in a normal goat and of intrascleral bone in an otherwise normal mammal. The high prevalence of intrascleral cartilage and bone in this study suggests that this finding is normal and likely represents an adaptation in goats.
IMAGING DIAGNOSIS—ENDOMETRIAL MINERALIZATION IN A DOG
Authors: Jeong Eunseok , Tan Rommel M. , Oh Hyunsuk , Kim Kyungeun , Choi Yeji , Kim Min‐su , Kim Namsoo , Lee Kichang
Published: June 2016

A 9‐year‐old intact female mixed breed dog was presented for mammary gland tumor surgery, and preoperative radiographs showed a tubular soft tissue opacity mass with multifocal mineralization in the caudoventral abdominal cavity. Subsequent ultrasonography demonstrated uterine dilation with echogenic fluid and endometrial acoustic shadowing consistent with mineralization. Resection of mammary gland tumors and ovariohysterectomy were performed. Pyometra was diagnosed on cytologic examination of uterine fluid. Histopathology of the uterine tissue confirmed a diagnosis of cystic endometrial hyperplasia with uterine mineralization.
Peristaltic transport of viscoelastic bio-fluids with fractional derivative models
Authors: Bazhlekova Emilia , Bazhlekov Ivan
Published: June 2016

Peristaltic flow of viscoelastic fluid through a uniform channel is considered under the assumptions of long wavelength and low Reynolds number. The fractional Oldroyd-B constitutive viscoelastic law is employed. Based on models for peristaltic viscoelastic flows given in a series of papers by Tripathi et al. (e.g. Appl Math Comput. 215 (2010) 3645–3654; Math Biosci. 233 (2011) 90–97) we present a detailed analytical and numerical study of the evolution in time of the pressure gradient across one wavelength. An analytical expression for the pressure gradient is obtained in terms of Mittag-Leffler functions and its behavior is analyzed. For numerical computation the fractional Adams method is used. The influence of the different material parameters is discussed, as well as constraints on the parameters under which the model is physically meaningful.
Control of bulk and edge screening effects in two-dimensional arrays of ungated field emitters
Authors: Harris John R. , Jensen Kevin L. , Tang Wilkin , Shiffler Donald A.
Published: June 2016

In arrays of ungated field emitters, nearby emitters introduce a screening effect, reducing each emitter's field enhancement factor below its value in isolation. At the edge of the array, however, the strength of this screening effect is reduced because the number of nearby emitters is reduced, leading to a variation in the emitted current with position in the array. This may have detrimental effects on the emitted beam properties and lead to increased damage to the emitters near the edge due to increased current, heating, and ion bombardment. In this work, the authors apply line and point charge models to study the impact of screening on the performance of two-dimensional field emitter arrays, with an emphasis on quantifying the extent of the edge enhancement effect, and on assessing potential means to control it.
Tilted ion implantation as a cost-efficient sublithographic patterning technique
Authors: Kim Sang Wan , Zheng Peng , Kato Kimihiko , Rubin Leonard , King Liu Tsu-Jae
Published: June 2016

Tilted ion implantation (TII) is experimentally demonstrated to be a promising approach to pattern features smaller than pre-existing mask features on the surface of a wafer substrate. A key to this approach is a substantial change in the etch rate of a thin masking layer by TII. Fifteen degrees-tilted Ar+ implantation into a 10 nm-thick thermally grown silicon dioxide (SiO2) masking layer at a dose of 3 × 1014 cm−2 enhances its etch rate in dilute hydrofluoric acid solution by a factor of approximately 9. The features defined by TII are shown to be self-aligned to the pre-existing mask features and to have critical dimensions that can be adjusted by changing the implant tilt angle (θ) and/or geometrical dimensions of the pre-existing mask features. In this work, trenches of width as small as ∼9 nm and sub-20 nm holes are achieved by TII-enhanced patterning.
Barriers to Parent Support for Physical Activity in Appalachia
Authors: Nolan Jill A. , Lilly Christa L. , Leary Janie M. , Meeteer Wesley , Campbell Hugh D. , Dino Geri A. , Cotrell Leslie
Published: June 2016

Background:

Parent support for child physical activity is a consistent predictor of increased childhood activity. Little is known about factors that prevent or facilitate support. The purpose of this research was to identify barriers to parent support for child physical activity in Appalachian parents.

Methods:

A cross-sectional study assessed parents whose children participated in Coronary Artery Risk Detection in Appalachian Communities (CARDIAC) screenings in a rural Appalachian state. Barriers to parental support for physical activity, demographics, geographic location, and parental support for activity were measured.

Results:

A total of 475 parents completed surveys. The majority were mothers (86.7%), parents of kindergarteners (49.5%), white (89.3%), and living in a nonrural area (70.5%). Community-level factors were most frequently cited as barriers, particularly those related to the built environment. Rural and low-income parents reported significantly higher barriers. Community, interpersonal, and intrapersonal barriers were negatively correlated with parent support for child physical activity. Parents of girls reported a higher percentage of barriers related to safety.

Conclusions:

Reported barriers in this sample differed from those reported elsewhere (Davison, 2009). Specific groups such as low-income and rural parents should be targeted in intervention efforts. Future research should explore gender differences in reported barriers to determine the influence of cultural stereotypes.
Parental Perception of Neighborhood Safety and Children’s Physical Activity
Authors: Galaviz Karla I. , Zytnick Deena , Kegler Michelle C. , Cunningham Solveig A.
Published: June 2016

Background:

We examined the relationship between parents’ perception of neighborhood safety and children’s physical activity and use of recreation facilities in a US nationally representative sample of fifth grade children.

Methods:

We used data from the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten cohort, fifth grade sample (N = 9827). Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were used to examine associations between parents’ perception of neighborhood safety for outside play and number of days children engage in physical activity, as well as children’s use of recreational facilities for physical activity.

Results:

Children who used recreational facilities engaged in physical activity on more days of the week compared with children who did not use a facility (3.3 days vs. 3.8 days, P < .0001). Children from neighborhoods perceived as unsafe by parents engaged in almost 1 less day per week in physical activity (β = –.89, P < .0001). Children from neighborhoods perceived as unsafe were less likely to use recreational facilities compared with children from neighborhoods perceived as safe (odds ratio = 0.72, P < .0001). Children from less affluent families across rural and urban areas had half the odds of using recreational facilities compared with children from the wealthiest families living in urban areas.

Conclusions:

Parents’ perception of neighborhood safety for outside play can deter or promote children’s physical activity and use of recreational facilities. Children from less affluent families are less likely to use facilities than children from wealthy families, regardless of place of residence.
Dogs may have been domesticated more than once
Authors: Grimm David
Published: June 2016

But all living dogs have Asian roots.
Telescope and NASA mission get under Jupiter's skin
Authors: Hand Eric
Published: June 2016

Ground-based VLA spies giant wave of ammonia, while the Juno spacecraft gears up to go after the water.
Peace of mind
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: June 2016

A young Palestinian neuroscientist hopes to create a research oasis in the West Bank that transcends politics.
Gatherings aim to bridge a wide divide
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: June 2016

An annual meeting brings together Arab and Israeli neuroscientists.
Stranding sleuth
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: June 2016

Gleaning clues from beached marine mammals, Frances Gulland takes the measure of ocean health.
RETRACTED: Environmentally relevant concentrations of microplastic particles influence larval fish ecology
Authors: Lönnstedt Oona M. , Eklöv Peter
Published: June 2016

Microplastic's triple threat

The billions of tons of plastics that we release into the environment for the most part do not biodegrade. But they do degrade, breaking into ever smaller particles that end up in the oceans. Lönnstedt
et al.
show that the impacts of these microplastics are multifold (see the Perspective by Rochman). Eurasian perch larvae exposed to microplastics were less active, less responsive to predator cues, more likely to be eaten, and less likely to thrive—preferring to eat plastic rather than their natural prey.

Science
, this issue p.
1213
; see also p.
1172
Epigenetic balance of gene expression by Polycomb and COMPASS families
Authors: Piunti Andrea , Shilatifard Ali
Published: June 2016

A balancing act in modifying chromatin

Chromatin modifiers add chemical groups to histones, the proteins that package DNA. These modifications are central to cellular development, and mutations in their molecular machinery are linked to a variety of human diseases. Piunti and Shilatifard review the balance between the prototypic chromatin modifiers Polycomb and COMPASS complexes and their role in gene regulation and normal development. Although originally identified as indispensible regulators of fruit fly development, related roles have been identified in other organisms. Furthermore, mutations in human homologs have been implicated in various cancers. As such, these complexes may serve as effective targets for epigenetic therapies.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.aad9780
TT-seq maps the human transient transcriptome
Authors: Schwalb Björn , Michel Margaux , Zacher Benedikt , Frühauf Katja , Demel Carina , Tresch Achim , Gagneur Julien , Cramer Patrick
Published: June 2016

TT-Seq maps a transient transcriptome

RNA expression is related to protein abundance and cellular function. However, the amounts of RNA generated at any one time-point have been difficult to determine. Schwalb
et al.
developed a method, transient transcriptome sequencing (TT-Seq), to collect and sequence all RNA segments synthesized over 5 minutes. Because 5 minutes is not long enough to fully degrade even the most transient RNA, this method can detect the synthesis of most RNA without bias. Applying this method to human K562 cells, TT-Seq detected thousands of noncoding transcripts, providing a snapshot of RNA synthesis rates and RNA half-lives, and full-length maps of short-lived RNAs such as enhancers and short intergenic noncoding RNAs.

Science
, this issue p.
1225
Peering through Jupiter’s clouds with radio spectral imaging
Authors: de Pater Imke , Sault R. J. , Butler Bryan , DeBoer David , Wong Michael H.
Published: June 2016

A radio view into Jupiter's atmosphere

Jupiter's atmosphere is a complex system of belts, layers, storms, and cloud systems. de Pater
et al.
used Earth-bound radio observations to peer beneath its surface. Previous radio studies have been limited to average properties at each latitude, but the new observations allow a full two-dimensional view. This can be related to features (such as storms) seen in visible or infrared images. The results aid our understanding of gas giant atmospheres and will provide important context for the Juno spacecraft that arrives at Jupiter in July 2016.

Science
, this issue p.
1198
Beyond prebiotic chemistry
Authors: Cronin Leroy , Walker Sara Imari
Published: June 2016

What dynamic network properties allow the emergence of life?
Connecting the dots in magnetic reconnection
Authors: Coates Andrew J.
Published: June 2016

Four formation-flying spacecraft reveal the 3D electron physics of magnetic reconnection
Direct measurement of T cell receptor affinity and sequence from naïve antiviral T cells
Authors: Zhang Shu-Qi , Parker Patricia , Ma Ke-Yue , He Chenfeng , Shi Qian , Cui Zhonghao , Williams Chad M. , Wendel Ben S. , Meriwether Amanda I. , Salazar Mary Alice , Jiang Ning
Published: June 2016

Direct assessment of TCR affinity and correlated TCR sequence from primary human antigen-specific T cells using iTAST reveals a large range of TCR affinity on HCV precursor T cells that varies with age.
Childhood adversity reprograms gene expression
Authors: Etkin Amit
Published: June 2016

Childhood adversity leads to altered stress-induced gene expression even in healthy individuals.
The good and bad of T cell promiscuity
Authors: Lund Amanda W.
Published: June 2016

A conserved minimal binding motif permits promiscuous TCR binding for pathogen/self cross-reactivity.
Failure of aminoglycoside antibiotics to kill anaerobic, low-pH, and resistant cultures
Authors: Schlessinger D
Published: June 2016

The critical inhibition of ribosome function by aminoglycosides has long been established. But the binding of drug to ribosomes is reversible: why then are aminoglycosides bactericidal? Several groups have shown that irreversible action (lethality) results from irreversible uptake into susceptible cells; conversely, resistance in cases such as anaerobiosis is associated with the failure of uptake. Oddly, the pattern of results excludes all traditional transport mechanisms; most unusual is the apparent dependence of uptake on the interaction of drug with ribosomes. A traditional view that ribosomes may function during uptake as a "sink" for aminoglycosides cannot explain all the data. Instead, the alternative is considered that cycling ribosomes at the cell membrane help to induce "one-way endocytic pores." Although no detailed mechanism is formulated, the results do suggest a way that the permeation of antibiotics might be systematically controllable to render them more cidal.
The genus Campylobacter: a decade of progress
Authors: Penner J L
Published: June 2016

In 1977, microbiologists and clinicians were awakened to the importance of the genus Campylobacter when it was learned that one species, Campylobacter jejuni, was a major cause of human enteritis. In the following decade substantial advances were made in diagnosis, isolation technology, identification, classification, serotyping, and epidemiology. The genus has undergone rapid expansion as advantage was taken of the deoxyribonucleic acid-deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization technique in defining new species. The 14 species now included in the genus, however, constitute a widely diverse group, and one species, C. pylori, which is associated with human gastroduodenitis, is under consideration for reassignment to another genus. The nomenclature of the subspecies of C. fetus has been resolved and the role of C. fetus subsp. fetus as an agent of human infections has been more clearly defined. The thermophilic campylobacteria that are etiological agents of human enteritis now include three species, C. jejuni, C. coli, and C. laridis. Recently defined species that have also been implicated as enteritis-causing agents include C. hyointestinalis, "C. upsaliensis," "C. cinaedi," and "C. fennelliae." The aerotolerant campylobacteria are now included in the species C. cryaerophila, and the campylobacteria isolated from salt marshes are included in C. nitrofigilis. The taxonomy and nomenclature of C. sputorum have been revised. C. sputorum now consists of three biovars (biotypes). Two of these, biovar sputorum and biovar bubulus, were previously considered to be separate subspecies and the third, biovar fecalis, was previously regarded as a separate species and known as "C. fecalis." The former subspecies C. sputorum subsp. mucosalis has been elevated to the rank of species. C. mucosalis is metabolically closely related to C. consisus. Human pathogens have not been identified among C. sputorum, C. mucosalis, or C. concisus. The goal of this article is to review developments during the last 10 years with emphasis on changes in taxonomy that are important from the perspective of the clinical microbiologist.
Use of plasmid profiles in epidemiologic surveillance of disease outbreaks and in tracing the transmission of antibiotic resistance
Authors: Mayer L W
Published: June 2016

Plasmids are circular deoxyribonucleic acid molecules that exist in bacteria, usually independent of the chromosome. The study of plasmids is important to medical microbiology because plasmids can encode genes for antibiotic resistance or virulence factors. Plasmids can also serve as markers of various bacterial strains when a typing system referred to as plasmid profiling, or plasmid fingerprinting is used. In these methods partially purified plasma deoxyribonucleic acid species are separated according to molecular size by agarose gel electrophoresis. In a second procedure, plasmid deoxyribonucleic acid which has been cleaved by restriction endonucleases can be separated by agarose gel electrophoresis and the resulting pattern of fragments can be used to verify the identity of bacterial isolates. Because many species of bacteria contain plasmids, plasmid profile typing has been used to investigate outbreaks of many bacterial diseases and to trace inter- and intra-species spread of antibiotic resistance.
Fungal infections of the immunocompromised host: clinical and laboratory aspects
Authors: Musial C E , Cockerill F R , Roberts G D
Published: June 2016

Fungal infections of the immunocompromised host are being seen with greater frequency than ever before. In addition, a growing list of unusual and unexpected etiologic agents presents a unique and difficult challenge to the clinician and microbiologist. The clinical manifestations of opportunistic fungal infections are often not characteristic and, in many instances, may prevent a rapid diagnosis from being made. Clinical microbiology laboratories should consider any organism as a potential etiologic agent. This requires that all fungi recovered from immunocompromised patients be thoroughly identified and reported so that their clinical significance may be assessed. This review presents a brief discussion of the clinical and laboratory aspects of some fungal infections seen in this important group of patients.
Microsporidia and human infections
Authors: Shadduck J A , Greeley E
Published: June 2016

Protozoa of the phylum Microspora are obligate intracellular pathogens that are being detected with increasing frequency in humans, especially in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Organisms from four genera have been reported to date, and serological data suggest the occurrence of latent infections. Sources of human infections are not known, but microsporidia are widespread in lower vertebrates and invertebrates. There is no known treatment. Study of the disease in mammals suggests that infection often will be clinically silent, that intact T-cell-mediated host defenses are required for resistance, and that serious clinical disease may occur under circumstances in which extensive parasite replication can occur.
Human papillomaviruses: are we ready to type?
Authors: Roman A , Fife K H
Published: June 2016

The issue of determining which human papillomavirus (HPV) is present in a clinical specimen (typing specimens for HPVs) is receiving attention because HPVs cause condyloma acuminata and are associated with the continuum of disease which ranges from dysplasia to invasive genital cancer. Morphological inspection of precancerous lesions is not sufficient to determine which lesions will progress and which will not. A number of research tools based primarily on deoxyribonucleic acid hybridization have been developed. These permit identification and typing of HPV in genital tract scrapings or biopsies. Some HPV types (e.g., HPV-16 and HPV-18) have been identified in high-grade dysplasias and carcinomas more commonly than other types (e.g., HPV-6) and have been designated "high risk" types for cervical cancer. Thus, the question arises whether HPV typing would improve patient management by providing increased sensitivity for detection of patients at risk or by providing a prognostic indicator. In this review, the available typing methods are reviewed from the standpoint of their sensitivity, specificity, and ease of application to large-scale screening programs. Data implicating HPVs in the genesis of genital tract cancers are reviewed, as is the association of specific HPV types with specific outcomes. We conclude that there is currently no simple, inexpensive assay for HPV types, although such assays may be developed in the future. Analysis of the typing data indicates that, while HPV types can be designated high risk and low risk, these designations are not absolute and thus the low-risk group should not be ignored. In addition, interpretation of the data is complicated by finding high-risk types in individuals with no indication of disease. Insufficient data exist to indicate whether knowledge of the presence of a given HPV type is a better prognostic indicator than cytological or histological results. Thus, more research is needed before it can be determined whether typing information will augment the method currently in use for deciding treatment regimen and whether it warrants widespread use.