bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do greater mouse-eared bats experience a trade-off between energy conservation and learning?
Authors: Ruczyński Ireneusz , Clarin Theresa M. A. , Siemers Bjoern M.
Published: November 2014

Bats, some species of rodents and some birds are able to save energy during the summer period by decreasing their body temperature and falling into torpor. Some studies indicate that torpor prevents sleeping and causes effects similar to sleep deprivation. Impairment of processes stabilizing memory slows down learning accuracy and speed. We conducted two experiments to test whether greater mouse-eared bats, Myotis myotis, which commonly use torpor during the summer period, experience a trade-off between energy savings and learning abilities. We compared learning speed and accuracy in bats that were exposed to low (7°C) and higher ambient temperatures (22°C) between training and experimental sessions. Tests were conducted in experiments with food reward (food search) and without food reward (perch search). Time spent with the skin temperature above 30°C was significantly longer for bats exposed to 22°C than for those exposed to 7°C, and longer in experiments with food reward than without food reward. We observed only a very weak tendency for better accuracy and shorter search times in bats exposed to 22°C than in those exposed to 7°C. Our data indicate that memory consolidation of bats under natural conditions is not affected by daily torpor when bats are in good condition and may therefore defend against a rapid fall into torpor. We suggest that homeostatic processes connected with the circadian rhythm allow protection of the consolidation of memory for relatively simple tasks despite time spent in torpor.
Gravity anomalies without geomagnetic disturbances interfere with pigeon homing – a GPS tracking study
Authors: Blaser Nicole , Guskov Sergei I. , Entin Vladimir A. , Wolfer David P. , Kanevskyi Valeryi A. , Lipp Hans-Peter
Published: November 2014

The gravity vector theory postulates that birds determine their position to set a home course by comparing the memorized gravity vector at the home loft with the local gravity vector at the release site, and that they should adjust their flight course to the gravity anomalies encountered. As gravity anomalies are often intermingled with geomagnetic anomalies, we released experienced pigeons from the center of a strong circular gravity anomaly (25 km diameter) not associated with magnetic anomalies and from a geophysical control site, equidistant from the home loft (91 km). After crossing the border zone of the anomaly – expected to be most critical for pigeon navigation – they dispersed significantly more than control birds, except for those having met a gravity anomaly en route. These data increase the credibility of the gravity vector hypothesis.
Taxing across Borders: Tracking Personal Wealth and Corporate Profits
Authors: Zucman Gabriel
Published: November 2014

This article attempts to estimate the magnitude of corporate tax avoidance and personal tax evasion through offshore tax havens. US corporations book 20 percent of their profits in tax havens, a tenfold increase since the 1980; their effective tax rate has declined from 30 to 20 percent over the last 15 years, and about two-thirds of this decline can be attributed to increased international tax avoidance. Globally, 8 percent of the world's personal financial wealth is held offshore, costing more than $200 billion to governments every year. Despite ambitious policy initiatives, profit shifting to tax havens and offshore wealth are rising. I discuss the recent proposals made to address these issues, and I argue that the main objective should be to create a world financial registry.
The Wages of Sinistrality: Handedness, Brain Structure, and Human Capital Accumulation
Authors: Goodman Joshua
Published: November 2014

Left- and right-handed individuals have different neurological wiring, particularly with regard to language processing. Multiple datasets from the United States and the United Kingdom show that lefties exhibit significant human capital deficits relative to righties. Lefties score 0.1 standard deviations lower on cognitive skill measures, have more behavioral problems, have more learning disabilities such as dyslexia, complete less schooling, and work in occupations requiring less cognitive skill. Most strikingly, lefties have 10–12 percent lower annual earnings than righties, much of which can be explained by observable differences in cognitive skills and behavioral problems. Lefties work in more manually intensive occupations than do righties, further suggesting their primary labor market disadvantage is cognitive rather then physical. I argue here that handedness can be used to explore the long-run impacts of differential brain structure generated in part by genetics and in part by poor infant health.
Networks in the Understanding of Economic Behaviors
Authors: Jackson Matthew O.
Published: November 2014

As economists endeavor to build better models of human behavior, they cannot ignore that humans are fundamentally a social species with interaction patterns that shape their behaviors. People's opinions, which products they buy, whether they invest in education, become criminals, and so forth, are all influenced by friends and acquaintances. Ultimately, the full network of relationships—how dense it is, whether some groups are segregated, who sits in central positions—affects how information spreads and how people behave. Increased availability of data coupled with increased computing power allows us to analyze networks in economic settings in ways not previously possible. In this paper, I describe some of the ways in which networks are helping economists to model and understand behavior. I begin with an example that demonstrates the sorts of things that researchers can miss if they do not account for network patterns of interaction. Next I discuss a taxonomy of network properties and how they impact behaviors. Finally, I discuss the problem of developing tractable models of network formation.
Why Do Developing Countries Tax So Little?
Authors: Besley Timothy , Persson Torsten
Published: November 2014

Low-income countries typically collect taxes of between 10 to 20 percent of GDP while the average for high-income countries is more like 40 percent. In order to understand taxation, economic development, and the relationships between them, we need to think about the forces that drive the development process. Poor countries are poor for certain reasons, and these reasons can also help to explain their weakness in raising tax revenue. We begin by laying out some basic relationships regarding how tax revenue as a share of GDP varies with per capita income and with the breadth of a country's tax base. We sketch a baseline model of what determines a country's tax revenue as a share of GDP. We then turn to our primary focus: why do developing countries tax so little? We begin with factors related to the economic structure of these economies. But we argue that there is also an important role for political factors, such as weak institutions, fragmented polities, and a lack of transparency due to weak news media. Moreover, sociological and cultural factors—such as a weak sense of national identity and a poor norm for compliance—may stifle the collection of tax revenue. In each case, we suggest the need for a dynamic approach that encompasses the two-way interactions between these political, social, and cultural factors and the economy.
F1000Research: Tics welcomes you to 21st century biomedical publishing
Authors: Black Kevin J.
Published: November 2014

Tics are repeated, usually suppressible movements or vocalizations. They are the defining features of tic disorders including Tourette syndrome, but many people have them for shorter durations at some point in childhood. This editorial marks the beginning of the F1000Research: Tics specialty section, an effort to provide a single portal to modern research on tics and tic disorders. Publications in F1000Research: Tics benefit from F1000Research’s novel approach to publishing, in which articles can be published within days of submission. Peer review happens after publication and is fully open. When the submitted article or a revision is approved, it is promptly submitted to repositories including NIH’s PubMed Central. In addition to research articles and reviews, F1000Research: Tics will publish study protocols, clinical practice articles, case reports, and data notes. The home page will also provide links to expert recommendations of articles that have appeared elsewhere, and to relevant posters from scientific meetings (http://f1000.com/posters/). F1000Research’s approach is enabled by the capabilities of internet publication, including space to publish the full results of a study rather than just a few graphs selected from the data. Publishing methodologically sound studies without requiring subjective editorial judgments of novelty or broad appeal brings numerous advantages, including minimizing publication bias and shining the light of openness on peer review. To celebrate the launch of the Tics section, F1000Research is offering discounted article processing charges for manuscripts submitted by March 1st 2015. I have had good experiences publishing in F1000Research, and look forward to seeing a wide range of tic-related manuscripts submitted.
The importance of effective catheter securement
Authors: Payne Drew
Published: November 2014

With the number of catheter users increasing in an ageing population with increased comorbidities, Drew Payne argues that understanding catheter securement is paramount to good care
The use of patient management systems in the community
Authors: Dewsbury Guy
Published: November 2014

The role of community nursing services is changing and the ability to adapt to the new roles and challenges using technology is becoming increasingly important. This article considers the positive role that using patient management systems and care registers can play in improving and developing new work patterns through the use of online, shared working practices.-
The role and organisation of community palliative specialist nursing teams in rural England
Authors: Leadbeater Maria , Staton Wendy
Published: November 2014

This article describes a study that used a qualitative approach, purposive sampling and semi-structured telephone interviews conducted with specialist palliative care nurses from six rural community teams in England. The study investigated how services were organised and the issues of delivering specialist palliative nursing care in a rural area. Qualitative content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings showed many similarities in that the majority of patients in rural areas were not accessing hospice services and there was a greater reliance on care at home. However, the challenges in delivering care ranged from managing patient expectations, geographical distance, lack of technology to support remote working and education for the specialist palliative care teams. The study makes specific recommendations for rural community specialist palliative care teams.
Older carers in the UK: who cares?
Authors: Dury Rona
Published: November 2014

Long-term care in the UK relies heavily on informal and unpaid carers. Statistical data regarding the number of carers in the 2001 Census compared with the 2011 Census identify an increase of around 600 000 carers. It is also significant that many of these carers are themselves in their late middle age. The reasons for taking on the caring role are varied, but there are significant potential physical, mental and financial issues associated with taking on the caring role. Positive benefits in terms of support provision for the carer do exist, but support services across the UK are variable. This article outlines the problems that may be faced by carers and provides directions for future developments and research into how this situation might be improved.
Interpreting guidance on prosecution for assisted dying for district nurses
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: November 2014

Following a ruling by the House of Lords in 2009, the Director of Public Prosecutions issued guidance setting out the circumstances that would be likely to lead to the prosecution of a person for encouraging or assisting suicide under the Suicide Act 1961, section 2. In that guidance, a district nurse assisting a person to commit suicide would be one of the circumstances that would lead to prosecution. The Director of Public Prosecutions recently unexpectedly amended her guidance in relation to health professionals. This article discusses the implications of the amendment and argues that it will cause confusion among district nurses and give rise to an unrealistic expectation about the role a district nurse can lawfully take in assisting a person to die.
Evaluating a pressure-redistribution mattress replacement system
Authors: Newton Heather
Published: November 2014

Pressure ulcer prevention is high on the quality agenda and provision of pressure-relieving equipment to meet patients' needs is an essential part of this process. This can be challenging in today's NHS and this article explores the evaluation process that supported the procurement of the AtmosAir™ 4000 pressure-redistributing mattress replacement system. Outcomes suggest that, when combined with a robust repositioning and skin assessment regime, the AtmosAir 4000 performed well and dynamic mattress usage was reduced. Further evaluation over a longer period of time will be undertaken in future.
Polymeric membrane dressing for radiotherapy-induced skin reactions
Authors: Hegarty Fionnula , Wong Michelle
Published: November 2014

Post-radiotherapy treatment depends on how the skin within the treatment field has reacted during radiotherapy for cancer. Skin reactions can range from mild dull erythema and tightening of the skin to severe moist desquamation, which may result in wounds that can be painful and sloughy. It is estimated that approximately 87% of patients will experience a moderate-to-severe skin reaction. This article discusses an evaluation of the use of a polymeric membrane dressing (PolyMem®, Aspen Medical) in 23 patients with skin reactions following radiotherapy. A purpose-designed evaluation form was completed over a period of 4 weeks or until healed. Patients were asked to complete both qualitative descriptions and numerical scores of pain for symptoms and procedural pain. Skin healing, pain and sleep patterns were all evaluated, with additional qualitative input on the patient experience. Successful symptom management regarding pain, exudate control and patient comfort was documented in both clinical observations and patient diaries.
Reflections on ourselves: family identities and transient encounters on holiday
Authors: Finch Janet
Published: November 2014

This article explores the significance of encounters that are fleeting or transient, with people who were previously unknown, in holiday settings. The transient nature of an encounter does not necessarily render it trivial, it is argued; rather, it can give it real potency and have enduring implications for constructing identities over time. The particular focus is on family identities, and on how transient encounters can refashion concepts of social class positioning in relation to one’s own family. Holiday settings provide many opportunities for encounters, in public spaces, with a different range of people from those normally encountered. These issues are explored using data from a Mass Observation directive in 2010.
Understanding the Roles of FAK in Cancer
Authors: Yoon Hyunho , Dehart Joshua P. , Murphy James M. , Lim Ssang-Taek Steve
Published: November 2014

Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) is a protein tyrosine kinase that regulates cellular adhesion, motility, proliferation and survival in various types of cells. Interestingly, FAK is activated and/or overexpressed in advanced cancers, and promotes cancer progression and metastasis. For this reason, FAK became a potential therapeutic target in cancer, and small molecule FAK inhibitors have been developed and are being tested in clinical phase trials. These inhibitors have demonstrated to be effective by inducing tumor cell apoptosis in addition to reducing metastasis and angiogenesis. Furthermore, several genetic FAK mouse models have made advancements in understanding the specific role of FAK both in tumors and in the tumor environment. In this review, we discuss FAK inhibitors as well as genetic mouse models to provide mechanistic insights into FAK signaling and its potential in cancer therapy.
Exploring how users make sense of virtual worlds using the symbolic interaction theory
Authors: Olasina Gbolahan
Published: November 2014

The aim of this study is to explore user experiences in virtual worlds (VWs), patterns of interaction and exchanges of meanings and symbols by using the symbolic interaction theory (SIT) as a theoretical lens. The SIT is built on the assumption that symbolic meaning which users develop and rely upon in the process of social interaction affects the users’ perceptions, in this case of VWs. The study presents an exploratory qualitative analysis of data collected from in-depth interviews and focus group sessions conducted with 25 students from South Africa and Nigeria. The study finds that subjective meanings are given primacy because of the beliefs that people hold about VWs that are crucial, and perhaps not people’s beliefs of what is objectively true of VWs. Users’ adaptation of VWs is thought to be socially constructed through human interpretation of the VW objects and experiences. The results show that user interpretations of each other’s behaviour help to form social bonds that exist in VWs. The results show reflection on social interaction theory and improve current understanding of human behaviour in VWs.
Review
Authors: Mertens Jacob
Published: November 2014

Go tell it on the digital mountain: How Journey transcends religious boundaries to communicate the kinship of faith Journey, thatgamecompany (2012), Los Angeles, CA (USA): thatgamecompany/Santa Monica, CA: SCE Santa Monica Studio, $14.99 (USD)
Fashion Trends Always Come Back in Style
Authors: Namora Ricardo
Published: November 2014

Review of Johanna Drucker, What Is? Nine Epistemological Essays. Cuneiform Press, 2013, 127 pp. ISBN 978-0-9860040-2-5. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_2-1_10
Superfícies em Desconstrução: Uma Arqueologia Crítica das Interfaces da Literatura
Authors: Bettencourt Sandra
Published: November 2014

Recensão de Lori EMERSON, Reading Writing Interfaces: From the Digital to the Bookbound, Minneapolis, University of Minnesota Press, 2014, 225 pp. [1ª ed.]. ISBN 978-0-8166-9125-8 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_2-1_14
Pessoas-livros: O Arquivo Bibliográfico de Fernando Pessoa
Authors: Sepúlveda Pedro
Published: November 2014

Apesar de a obra de Fernando Pessoa estar contida principalmente nos quase 30000 papéis que compõem o arquivo hoje à guarda da Biblioteca Nacional de Portugal, é possível demonstrar como este arquivo é composto por materiais de cariz bibliográfico, que o associam ao suporte do livro. Contrariamente a uma ideia corrente de Pessoa como alguém que não escreveu livros e deixou apenas papéis avulsos, esta evidência material mostra que o poeta concebia uma ideia de livro e de conjunto de livros que condicionava o seu modo de escrita. Este artigo tem como propósito contextualizar e precisar as preocupações de Pessoa com a materialidade de um suporte distinto daquele em que se encontra a maior parte da sua obra, analisando diversos testemunhos desta dimensão bibliográfica da sua escrita. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_2-1_3
Past’s Present: Artist’s Books by José Oliveira
Authors: Cardoso Catarina Figueiredo
Published: November 2014

José Oliveira is a book artist who takes inspiration from the history and evolution of the Western book and of Western writing. His artist’s books take the form of codices, scrolls and leporellos and embody the beliefs, grief and hopes of their author. They ask us about our conceptions of the book and the nature of reading. They are evidences of their author’s resolute rejection of contemporary techniques applied to books. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.14195/2182-8830_2-1_7
Schreiben am Rand
Authors: Wernli Martina
Published: November 2014

Was wird wann, wie und warum in einer geschlossenen Anstalt zu einer bestimmten Zeit geschrieben? Das bunte Gewirk ausgewählter Texte aus der »Bernischen kantonalen Irrenanstalt Waldau« aus dem Zeitraum 1895-1936 ist die Grundlage dieser Studie, die den ›Schreib-Ort Waldau‹ ersichtlich werden lässt. Die plurilaterale Betrachtung umfasst so berühmte Patienten der Anstalt wie Adolf Wölfli, Friedrich Glauser und Robert Walser, aber auch Texte unbekannter Schreibender. Sie zeigt auf, wie durch den performativen Akt des Schreibens die Klinik erst sicht- und lesbar wird und dadurch die Bedingungen geschaffen - aber auch thematisiert - werden, die ein weiteres Schreiben im Setting einer geschlossenen Anstalt prägen.
Securitization of Islam: A Vicious Circle
Authors: Lenz-Raymann Kathrin
Published: November 2014

Diverse Islamic groups have triggered a »revival of Islam« in Central Asia in the last decades. As a result, there has been a general securitization of Islam by the governments: not only do they combat the terrorist Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan but also outlaw popular groups such as the Gülen movement. However, strong repression of religion might lead to radicalization. Kathrin Lenz-Raymann tests this hypothesis with an agent-based computer simulation and enriches her study with interviews with international experts, leaders of political Islam and representatives of folk Islam. She concludes that ensuring religious rights is essential for national security.
Plato on Geometrical Hypothesis in the Meno
Authors: Iwata Naoya
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the second geometrical problem in the
Evaluation of a novel noninvasive continuous core temperature measurement system with a zero heat flux sensor using a manikin of the human body
Authors: Brandes Ivo F. , Perl Thorsten , Bauer Martin , Bräuer Anselm
Published: November 2014

Reliable continuous perioperative core temperature measurement is of major importance. The pulmonary artery catheter is currently the gold standard for measuring core temperature but is invasive and expensive. Using a manikin, we evaluated the new, noninvasive SpotOn™ temperature monitoring system (SOT). With a sensor placed on the lateral forehead, SOT uses zero heat flux technology to noninvasively measure core temperature; and because the forehead is devoid of thermoregulatory arteriovenous shunts, a piece of bone cement served as a model of the frontal bone in this study. Bias, limits of agreements, long-term measurement stability, and the lowest measurable temperature of the device were investigated. Bias and limits of agreement of the temperature data of two SOTs and of the thermistor placed on the manikin’s surface were calculated. Measurements obtained from SOTs were similar to thermistor values. The bias and limits of agreement lay within a predefined clinically acceptable range. Repeat measurements differed only slightly, and stayed stable for hours. Because of its temperature range, the SOT cannot be used to monitor temperatures below 28°C. In conclusion, the new SOT could provide a reliable, less invasive and cheaper alternative for measuring perioperative core temperature in routine clinical practice. Further clinical trials are needed to evaluate these results.
Laser-based 3D cell printing for tissue engineering
Authors: Koch Lothar , Deiwick Andrea , Chichkov Boris
Published: November 2014

Currently, different 3D printing techniques are investigated for printing biomaterials and living cells. An ambitious aim is the printing of fully functional tissue or organs. Furthermore, for manifold applications in biomedical research and in testing of pharmaceuticals or cosmetics, printed tissue could be a new method, partly substituting test animals. Here we describe a laser-based printing technique applied for the arrangement of vital cells in two and three-dimensional patterns and for tissue engineering. First printed tissue, tested in vitro and in vivo, and printing of cell patterns for investigating cell-cell interactions are presented.
A stability result of a Timoshenko system in thermoelasticity of second sound with a delay term in the internal feedback
Authors: Ouchenane Djamel
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we consider a one-dimensional linear thermoelastic system of Timoshenko type with a delay term in the feedback. The heat conduction is given by Cattaneo's law. Under an appropriate assumption between the weight of the delay and the weight of the damping, we prove the well-posedness of the problem. Furthermore, an exponential stability result is shown without the usual assumption on the wave speeds. To achieve our goals, we make use of the semigroup method and the energy method.
Variations on romance themes in the Historia Meriadoci
Authors: Archibald Elizabeth
Published: November 2014

The little known Latin Arthurian narrative Historia Meriadoci presents many challenges. Was it written in the twelfth century, in which case it is an early example of Arthurian romance, or is it later, in which case it reflects already developed motifs? It uses numerous romance themes – separated family, dispossessed heir, young knight arriving at Arthur’s court – but the protagonist leaves the Arthurian milieu quite early on, and pursues a military career more characteristic of epic on the continent. Arthur is presented in a rather disparaging light, as an unjust ruler (there is considerable emphasis on legal issues). This may reflect Welsh traditions in which he is not always an idealized king. But the story is written in Latin: who was the author, and what was the target audience? Does the fact that it was written in Latin, presumably for a largely clerical audience, explain the lack of interest in love, and in detailed accounts of courtly life, which one might expect to find in a vernacular romance? The author seems to draw on historical accounts of European wars as well as more legendary material. The mixture of romance and epic in this text may be compared with the Latin verse narrative Ruodlieb, produced in Germany in the late eleventh century. The Ruodlieb is much more elaborate in style and in plot, but also draws on a wide range of sources to produce a hybrid narrative which might be aimed at a similar audience, well-educated but ready to enjoy a range of heroic adventures, aware of Arthur but not averse to criticism of him.
A New Arthurian Text: the Tuscan translation of the Lancelot en prose
Authors: Cadioli Luca
Published: November 2014

This article is a commentary of an important recent find, namely fiftysix folios from a manuscript of the second half of the fourteenth century, containing a long passage from a hitherto unknown Tuscan version of the Prose Lancelot.
Dynamic changes in the hypothalamic- pituitary-adrenal axis during growth hormone therapy in children with growth hormone deficiency: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Wang Limin , Wang Qian , Li Guimei , Liu Wendong
Published: November 2014

The objective of this study was to investigate changes in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis after recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) therapy.

Subjects included children with growth hormone deficiency (GHD).

We conducted a multicenter, retrospective study that assessed 72 GHD patients treated with rhGH during 6 months. Patients were classified into two groups: isolated GHD (IGHD; n=20) and multiple pituitary hormone deficiencies (MPHD; n=52). The HPA axis and other hormones were evaluated at baseline and every 3 months.

In the MPHD group, 32 patients had adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency and received hydrocortisone before rhGH therapy. In the other 20/52 MPHD patients, the cortisol (COR) level was significantly reduced after rhGH therapy. Moreover, 10 patients showed low COR levels. In the IGHD group, COR levels also decreased, but remained within the normal range.

During rhGH therapy, COR levels were reduced, particularly in patients with MPHD. HPA axis should be monitored during rhGH therapy.
Language, employment, and settlement: Temporary meat workers in Australia
Authors: Piller Ingrid , Lising Loy
Published: November 2014

Australia is one of the world’s largest beef exporters. However, meat processing jobs are widely considered undesirable and are increasingly filled with employer-sponsored migrant workers on temporary long-stay visas. Against this background, our paper explores the role of language in the employment and migration trajectories of a group of meat processing workers from the Philippines in a small town in rural Australia. Methodologically, we employ a case study approach combining macro-data from language and migration policy documents and media reports with micro-data from ethnographic fieldwork. We explore the role of language in recruitment, in the workplace, during leisure time, and in gaining permanent residence in Australia. To begin with, language is not a recruitment criterion as the primary visa holder is hired on the basis of a so-called ‘trade test,’ i.e., observed at butchering work in the Philippines by an Australian recruiter. Spouses of the primary visa holder are also issued a temporary visa and are offered unskilled employment in the same plant. Once in Australia, the participants had few opportunities to practice English at work or in the community. In this way, temporary migrants came to Australia with limited English and had limited opportunities to improve their English in the country. However, visa extensions or the conversion of their temporary visa to a permanent residency visa is contingent upon their English language proficiency and only granted if they achieve a score of Level 5 or above on the IELTS (International English Language Testing System). Because of their limited education and limited practice opportunities, this proficiency level was out of the reach of most of our participants. We conclude by arguing that – in a context where
Nucleic acid electrochemical and electromechanical biosensors: a review of techniques and developments
Authors: Rosario Ruben , Mutharasan Raj
Published: November 2014

This review comprises the last decade’s development on experimental techniques for electrochemical and electromechanical sensing of nucleic acids, which originate from pathogenic bacteria, parasites, and viruses commonly found in food, water, and medical context. The electrochemical devices that are of primary interest are those that use voltammetry for detecting DNA and RNA-associated electrochemically active molecules at the working electrode. Attograms of nucleic acids have been reported to be detectable with electrochemical sensors in a batch-mode measurement arrangement. The mass-sensing electromechanical devices sense nucleic acids at the femtogram levels in a flow format without a molecular technique for amplifying target strand using polymerase chain reaction. Both underlying physics and methods of various studies are summarized, with discussion on limitations and potentials. We call attention to the need for sensors that not only detect but also confirm detection, as false negatives are not acceptable when one measures pathogenic species.
Effects of Curing Time, Temperature, and Vacuum Pressure on Asphalt Emulsion Residue Recovered by Vacuum Drying Method
Authors: Islam Readul Mohammad , Ashani Saeid Salehi , Wasiuddin Nazimuddin M. , King William “Bill”
Published: November 2014

This study included five different recovery methods for six emulsions (CRS-2, CRS-2P, CRS-2L, SS-1, SS-1L, and SS-1H) and their corresponding unaged base binders. These five recovery methods consisted of different curing times, temperatures, and vacuum pressures. The goal of this study was to understand the effect of these variables on the rheological properties of the recovered asphalt emulsion residue during the recovery process. Rheological properties such as G*/sin δ, phase angle, and average percent strain recovery were determined to quantify stiffness, oxidative aging, and change in creep recovery due to polymer modification. One new recovery method using a vacuum drying oven was explored in this study. This method reduced the effects of oxidative aging and reduced the recovery time to 6 h. The results show that this newly proposed vacuum drying method ensured better drying of the sample and produced residue that was not unnecessarily aged and was similar to unaged base binder in stiffness, whereas with ASTM D7497 oxidative aging plays a significant role in residue stiffness by almost doubling the stiffness relative to unaged base binder. Also, this 6-h vacuum drying method allowed us to clearly identify the presence of polymer. Overall, this report explains the reasons for the differences between the stiffnesses of unaged base binder and emulsion residue, considering oxidative aging, remaining moisture, emulsifier, and polymer modification.
Application of Direct Current Potential Drop for the J-Integral vs. Crack Growth Resistance Curve Characterization
Authors: Chen Xiang (Frank) , Nanstad Randy K. , Sokolov Mikhail A.
Published: November 2014

The dc potential drop (DCPD) technique has been applied to derive the J-integral versus crack growth resistance curve (J–R curve) for fracture toughness characterization of structural materials. The test matrix covered three materials including type 316LN stainless steels, Ni-based alloy 617, and one ferritic-martensitic steel, three specimen configurations including standard compact, single edge bend, and disk-shaped compact specimens, and temperatures ranging from 20 to 650°C. When compared with baseline J–R curves derived from the ASTM E1820-13 normalization method, the original J–R curves from the DCPD technique yielded much smaller JQ values due to the influence of crack blunting, plastic deformation, etc., on potential drop. To compensate these effects, a new procedure for adjusting DCPD J–R curves was proposed. After applying the new adjustment procedure, the average difference in JQ between the DCPD technique and the normalization method was only 5.2 % and the difference in tearing modulus was 7.4 %. These promising results demonstrate the applicability of the DCPD technique for J–R curve characterization especially in extreme environments, such as elevated temperatures, where the conventional elastic unloading compliance method faces considerable challenges.
Accelerated Changes in White Matter Microstructure during Aging: A Longitudinal Diffusion Tensor Imaging Study
Authors: Sexton Claire E. , Walhovd Kristine B. , Storsve Andreas B. , Tamnes Christian K. , Westlye Lars T. , Johansen-Berg Heidi , Fjell Anders M.
Published: November 2014

It is well established that human brain white matter structure changes with aging, but the timescale and spatial distribution of this change remain uncertain. Cross-sectional diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) studies indicate that, after a period of relative stability during adulthood, there is an accelerated decline in anisotropy and increase in diffusivity values during senescence; and, spatially, results have been discussed within the context of several anatomical frameworks. However, inferring trajectories of change from cross-sectional data can be challenging; and, as yet, there have been no longitudinal reports of the timescale and spatial distribution of age-related white matter change in healthy adults across the adult lifespan. In a longitudinal DTI study of 203 adults between 20 and 84 years of age, we used tract-based spatial statistics to characterize the pattern of annual change in fractional anisotropy, axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity and examined whether there was an acceleration of change with age. We found extensive and overlapping significant annual decreases in fractional anisotropy, and increases in axial diffusivity, radial diffusivity, and mean diffusivity. Spatially, results were consistent with inferior-to-superior gradients of lesser-to-greater vulnerability. Annual change increased with age, particularly within superior regions, with age-related decline estimated to begin in the fifth decade. Charting white matter microstructural changes in healthy aging provides essential context to clinical studies, and future studies should compare age trajectories between healthy participants and at-risk populations and also explore the relationship between DTI rates of change and cognitive decline.
Control of Food Intake and Energy Expenditure by Nos1 Neurons of the Paraventricular Hypothalamus
Authors: Sutton Amy K. , Pei Hongjuan , Burnett Korri H. , Myers Martin G. , Rhodes Christopher J. , Olson David P.
Published: November 2014

The paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH) contains a heterogeneous cluster ofSim1-expressing cell types that comprise a major autonomic output nucleus and play critical roles in the control of food intake and energy homeostasis. The roles of specific PVH neuronal subtypes in energy balance have yet to be defined, however. The PVH contains nitric oxide synthase-1 (Nos1)-expressing (Nos1PVH) neurons of unknown function; these represent a subset of the larger population ofSim1-expressing PVH (Sim1PVH) neurons. To determine the role of Nos1PVHneurons in energy balance, we used Cre-dependent viral vectors to both map their efferent projections and test their functional output in mice. Here we show that Nos1PVHneurons project to hindbrain and spinal cord regions important for food intake and energy expenditure control. Moreover, pharmacogenetic activation of Nos1PVHneurons suppresses feeding to a similar extent as Sim1PVHneurons, and increases energy expenditure and activity. Furthermore, we found that oxytocin-expressing PVH neurons (OXTPVH) are a subset of Nos1PVHneurons. OXTPVHcells project to preganglionic, sympathetic neurons in the thoracic spinal cord and increase energy expenditure upon activation, though not to the same extent as Nos1PVHneurons; their activation fails to alter feeding, however. Thus, Nos1PVHneurons promote negative energy balance through changes in feeding and energy expenditure, whereas OXTPVHneurons regulate energy expenditure alone, suggesting a crucial role for non-OXT Nos1PVHneurons in feeding regulation.
PICK1 Mediates Synaptic Recruitment of AMPA Receptors at Neurexin-Induced Postsynaptic Sites
Authors: Xu Junyu , Kam Chuen , Luo Jian-hong , Xia Jun
Published: November 2014

In the CNS, synapse formation and maturation play crucial roles in the construction and consolidation of neuronal circuits. Neurexin and neuroligin localize on the opposite sides of synaptic membrane and interact with each other to promote the assembly and specialization of synapses. However, the excitatory synapses induced by the neurexin–neuroligin complex are initially immature synapses that lack AMPA receptors. Previously, PICK1 (protein interacting with C kinase 1) was shown to cluster and regulate the synaptic localization of AMPA receptors. Here, we report that during synaptogenesis induced by neurexin in cultured neurons from rat hippocampus, PICK1 recruited AMPA receptors to immature postsynaptic sites. This synaptic recruitment of AMPA receptors depended on the interaction between GluA2 and PICK1, and on the lipid-binding ability of PICK1, but not the interaction between PICK1 and neuroligin. Last, our results demonstrated that the recruitment of GluA2 to synapses could be prevented by ICA69 (islet cell autoantigen 69 kDa), a key binding partner of PICK1. Our study showed that PICK1, being negatively regulated by ICA69, could facilitate synapse maturation.
Regulation of Neuronal Gene Expression and Survival by Basal NMDA Receptor Activity: A Role for Histone Deacetylase 4
Authors: Chen Yelin , Wang Yuanyuan , Modrusan Zora , Sheng Morgan , Kaminker Joshua S.
Published: November 2014

Neuronal gene expression is modulated by activity via calcium-permeable receptors such as NMDA receptors (NMDARs). While gene expression changes downstream of evoked NMDAR activity have been well studied, much less is known about gene expression changes that occur under conditions of basal neuronal activity. In mouse dissociated hippocampal neuronal cultures, we found that a broad NMDAR antagonist, AP5, induced robust gene expression changes under basal activity, but subtype-specific antagonists did not. While some of the gene expression changes are also known to be downstream of stimulated NMDAR activity, others appear specific to basal NMDAR activity. The genes altered by AP5 treatment of basal cultures were enriched for pathways related to class IIa histone deacetylases (HDACs), apoptosis, and synapse-related signaling. Specifically, AP5 altered the expression of all three class IIa HDACs that are highly expressed in the brain, HDAC4, HDAC5, and HDAC9, and also induced nuclear accumulation of HDAC4. HDAC4 knockdown abolished a subset of the gene expression changes induced by AP5, and led to neuronal death under long-term tetrodotoxin or AP5 treatment in rat hippocampal organotypic slice cultures. These data suggest that basal, but not evoked, NMDAR activity regulates gene expression in part through HDAC4, and, that HDAC4 has neuroprotective functions under conditions of low NMDAR activity.
Endothelial Dysfunction Abrogates the Efficacy of Normobaric Hyperoxia in Stroke
Authors: Shin Hwa Kyoung , Oka Fumiaki , Kim Ji Hyun , Atochin Dmitriy , Huang Paul L. , Ayata Cenk
Published: November 2014

Hyperoxia has been uniformly efficacious in experimental focal cerebral ischemia. However, pilot clinical trials have showed mixed results slowing its translation in patient care. To explain the discordance between experimental and clinical outcomes, we tested the impact of endothelial dysfunction, exceedingly common in stroke patients but under-represented in experimental studies, on the neuroprotective efficacy of normobaric hyperoxia. We used hyperlipidemic apolipoprotein E knock-out and endothelial nitric oxide synthase knock-out mice as models of endothelial dysfunction, and examined the effects of normobaric hyperoxia on tissue perfusion and oxygenation using high-resolution combined laser speckle and multispectral reflectance imaging during distal middle cerebral artery occlusion. In normal wild-type mice, normobaric hyperoxia rapidly and significantly improved tissue perfusion and oxygenation, suppressed peri-infarct depolarizations, reduced infarct volumes, and improved neurological function. In contrast, normobaric hyperoxia worsened perfusion in ischemic brain and failed to reduce infarct volumes or improve neurological function in mice with endothelial dysfunction. These data suggest that the beneficial effects of hyperoxia on ischemic tissue oxygenation, perfusion, and outcome are critically dependent on endothelial nitric oxide synthase function. Therefore, vascular risk factors associated with endothelial dysfunction may predict normobaric hyperoxia nonresponders in ischemic stroke. These data may have implications for myocardial and systemic circulation as well.
Dnmt3a in Sim1 Neurons Is Necessary for Normal Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Kohno Daisuke , Lee Syann , Harper Matthew J. , Kim Ki Woo , Sone Hideyuki , Sasaki Tsutomu , Kitamura Tadahiro , Fan Guoping , Elmquist Joel K.
Published: November 2014

Obesity rates continue to rise throughout the world. Recent evidence has suggested that environmental factors contribute to altered energy balance regulation. However, the role of epigenetic modifications to the central control of energy homeostasis remains unknown. To investigate the role of DNA methylation in the regulation of energy balance, we investigated the role of thede novoDNA methyltransferase, Dnmt3a, in Single-minded 1 (Sim1) cells, including neurons in the paraventricular nucleus of the hypothalamus (PVH). Dnmt3a expression levels were decreased in the PVH of high-fat-fed mice. Mice lacking Dnmt3a specifically in the Sim1 neurons, which are expressed in the forebrain, including PVH, became obese with increased amounts of abdominal and subcutaneous fat. The mice were also found to have hyperphagia, decreased energy expenditure, and glucose intolerance with increased serum insulin and leptin. Furthermore, these mice developed hyper-LDL cholesterolemia when fed a high-fat diet. Gene expression profiling and DNA methylation analysis revealed that the expression of tyrosine hydroxylase and galanin were highly upregulated in the PVH of Sim1-specific Dnmt3a deletion mice. DNA methylation levels of the tyrosine hydroxylase promoter were decreased in the PVH of the deletion mice. These results suggest that Dnmt3a in the PVH is necessary for the normal control of body weight and energy homeostasis and that tyrosine hydroxylase is a putative target of Dnmt3a in the PVH. These results provide evidence for a role for Dnmt3a in the PVH to link environmental conditions to altered energy homeostasis.
The Transcription Factor GTF2IRD1 Regulates the Topology and Function of Photoreceptors by Modulating Photoreceptor Gene Expression across the Retina
Authors: Masuda Tomohiro , Zhang Xiaodong , Berlinicke Cindy , Wan Jun , Yerrabelli Anitha , Conner Elizabeth A. , Kjellstrom Sten , Bush Ronald , Thorgeirsson Snorri S. , Swaroop Anand , Chen Shiming , Zack Donald J.
Published: November 2014

The mechanisms that specify photoreceptor cell-fate determination, especially as regards to short-wave-sensitive (S) versus medium-wave-sensitive (M) cone identity, and maintain their nature and function, are not fully understood. Here we report the importance of general transcription factor II-I repeat domain-containing protein 1 (GTF2IRD1) in maintaining M cone cell identity and function as well as rod function. In the mouse, GTF2IRD1 is expressed in cell-fate determined photoreceptors at postnatal day 10. GTF2IRD1 binds to enhancer and promoter regions in the mouse rhodopsin, M- and S-opsin genes, but regulates their expression differentially. Through interaction with the transcription factors CRX and thyroid hormone receptor β 2, it enhances M-opsin expression, whereas it suppresses S-opsin expression; and with CRX and NRL, it enhances rhodopsin expression. In an apparent paradox, although GTF2IRD1 is widely expressed in multiple cell types across the retina, knock-out of GTF2IRD1 alters the retinal expression of only a limited number of annotated genes. Interestingly, however, the null mutation leads to altered topology of cone opsin expression in the retina, with aberrant S-opsin overexpression and M-opsin underexpression in M cones.Gtf2ird1-nullmice also demonstrate abnormal M cone and rod electrophysiological responses. These findings suggest an important role for GTF2IRD1 in regulating the level and topology of rod and cone gene expression, and in maintaining normal retinal function.