bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Internal structure of vortex rings and helical vortices
Authors: Blanco-Rodríguez Francisco J. , Le Dizès Stéphane , Selçuk Can , Delbende Ivan , Rossi Maurice
Published: November 2015

The internal structure of vortex rings and helical vortices is studied using asymptotic analysis and numerical simulations in cases where the core size of the vortex is small compared to its radius of curvature, or to the distance to other vortices. Several configurations are considered: a single vortex ring, an array of equally-spaced rings, a single helix and a regular array of helices. For such cases, the internal structure is assumed to be at leading order an axisymmetric concentrated vortex with an internal jet. A dipolar correction arises at first order and is shown to be the same for all cases, depending only on the local vortex curvature. A quadrupolar correction arises at second order. It is composed of two contributions, one associated with local curvature and another one arising from a non-local external 2-D strain field. This strain field itself is obtained by performing an asymptotic matching of the local internal solution with the external solution obtained from the Biot–Savart law. Only the amplitude of this strain field varies from one case to another. These asymptotic results are thereafter confronted with flow solutions obtained by direct numerical simulation (DNS) of the Navier–Stokes equations. Two different codes are used: for vortex rings, the simulations are performed in the axisymmetric framework; for helices, simulations are run using a dedicated code with built-in helical symmetry. Quantitative agreement is obtained. How these results can be used to theoretically predict the occurrence of both the elliptic instability and the curvature instability is finally addressed.
Northeast Pacific record of the Paleogene genusPseudoperissolax(Neogastropoda: Muricidae: Muricinae) and its paleobiogeography
Authors: Squires Richard L.
Published: November 2015

The geologic record of the shallow-marine gastropod genusPseudoperissolaxClark, 1918 is documented in detail for the first time in a region of the northeast Pacific extending from southwestern Washington to northern Baja California, Mexico. This genus, which has been erroneously equated with thenomen dubium PerrisolaxGabb, 1861, comprises a very small group of species whose supra-generic ranking has been inconsistent.Pseudoperissolaxis placed here in family Muricidae Rafinesque, 1815 and subfamily Muricinae Rafinesque, 1815 based on the presence of varices, a club-shaped last whorl with noded carinae, and a long siphonal canal. The genus is represented in the northeast Pacific by the late PaleocenePseudoperissolax tricarnatus(Weaver, 1905) and the late Paleocene to late EocenePseudoperissolax blakei(Conrad, 1855).

Pseudoperissolaxwas a warm-water gastropod that most likely originated during the Late Cretaceous (Maastrichtian) in Madagascar and also questionably spread during this time to southern New Zealand. Its certain geologic range is early Paleocene to earliest Oligocene, with occurrences in western Kamchatka, southern Japan, southwestern Washington, southwestern Oregon, southern California, northern Baja California, Mexico, southern Alabama, and Nuevo León, northeastern Mexico. WhetherPseudoperissolaxmigrated into the northeast Pacific from Kamchatka or from Alabama and Mexico cannot be determined with certainty. The decline and eventual extinction of the genus coincided with the global-cooling event at the end of the Eocene.
The effect of memantine on sleep architecture and psychiatric symptoms in patients with Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Ishikawa Ichiro , Shinno Hideto , Ando Nobuo , Mori Takahiro , Nakamura Yu
Published: November 2015

Objective

Behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are commonly present in patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Disturbed sleep quality is also observed in AD patients. However, the effects of memantine on sleep architecture have not been investigated. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of memantine on polysomnography (PSG) variables and BPSD.

Methods

In total, 12 patients with AD (mean age: 79.0±4.1 years old) were enrolled in this study. The following tests were performed: the Neuropsychiatric Inventory for the assessment of BPSD, the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) for cognitive function, and PSG for evaluation of sleep architecture. After baseline examinations, patients were treated with memantine according to a standard prescription protocol. After being treated with 20 mg/day of memantine for 4 weeks, examinations were carried out again.

Results

All subjects completed the trial. The mean MMSE and NPI scores were 22.6±3.4 and 13.8±12.9, respectively. Treatment with memantine significantly decreased the NPI score (5.8±4.3,p<0.01). There were significant decreases in the scores of subscales for anxiety (p=0.04) and irritability/lability (p=0.04). PSG demonstrated a longer total sleep time (TST) (p<0.01), increases in sleep efficiency (p<0.01) and time spent in stage II (% TST,p=0.02), and decreases in nocturnal awakening (p<0.01), the periodic limb movement index (p<0.01), and time spent in stage I (% TST,p=0.02).

Conclusion

Memantine was effective for reducing fragmented sleep and improving BPSD, and was well tolerated.
Iron intakes of Australian infants and toddlers: findings from the Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial (InFANT) Program
Authors: Atkins Linda A. , McNaughton Sarah A. , Campbell Karen J. , Szymlek-Gay Ewa A.
Published: November 2015

Fe deficiency remains the most common nutritional deficiency worldwide and young children are at particular risk. Preventative food-based strategies require knowledge of current intakes, sources of Fe, and factors associated with low Fe intakes; yet few data are available for Australian children under 2 years. This study’s objectives were to determine intakes and food sources of Fe for Australian infants and toddlers and identify non-dietary factors associated with Fe intake. Dietary, anthropometric and socio-demographic data from the Melbourne Infant Feeding, Activity and Nutrition Trial Program were analysed for 485 infants (mean age: 9·1 (sd1·2) months) and 423 toddlers (mean age: 19·6 (sd2·6) months) and their mothers. Dietary intakes were assessed via 24-h recalls over 3 non-consecutive days. Prevalence of inadequate Fe intake was estimated using the full probability approach. Associations between potential non-dietary predictors (sex, breast-feeding status, age when introduced to solid foods, maternal age, maternal education, maternal employment status and mother’s country of birth) and Fe intakes were assessed using linear regression. Mean Fe intakes were 9·1 (sd4·3) mg/d for infants and 6·6 (sd2·4) mg/d for toddlers. Our results showed that 32·6 % of infants and 18·6 % of toddlers had inadequate Fe intake. Main food sources of Fe were Fe-fortified infant formula and cereals for infants and toddlers, respectively. Female sex and current breast-feeding were negatively associated with infant Fe intakes. Introduction to solid foods at or later than 6 months was negatively associated with Fe intake in toddlers. These data may facilitate food-based interventions to improve Australian children’s Fe intake levels.
Knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices related to chronic suppurative otitis media and hearing impairment in Pokhara, Nepal
Authors: Poole N F , Skilton M K , Martin T C P , Smith M C F
Published: November 2015

Background:

Nepal has a high prevalence of chronic suppurative otitis media and hearing impairment. An improved understanding of patients' knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices is therefore important for effective healthcare planning and intervention.

Method:

Questionnaires designed to explore their current knowledge, attitudes, beliefs and practices were completed by 153 participants: 71 were affected by a known ear disease and 82 were unaffected.

Results:

In the unaffected group, 31.7 per cent considered breast milk to be a risk factor for ear infection. Home remedies (e.g. leaf paste, oils, and urine and/or bodily fluids) had been used by 42.3 per cent of the affected group. Most participants (71.9 per cent) believed that society discriminates against those with hearing impairment.

Conclusion:

Knowledge deficits and false beliefs were found in both groups, along with a significant use of home remedies and a perception of discrimination against people with hearing impairment. These findings are relevant for healthcare providers and may aid the development of policy, interventions and public education initiatives.
Are parasite richness and abundance linked to prey species richness and individual feeding preferences in fish hosts?
Authors: CIRTWILL ALYSSA R. , STOUFFER DANIEL B. , POULIN ROBERT , LAGRUE CLÉMENT
Published: November 2015

Variations in levels of parasitism among individuals in a population of hosts underpin the importance of parasites as an evolutionary or ecological force. Factors influencing parasite richness (number of parasite species) and load (abundance and biomass) at the individual host level ultimately form the basis of parasite infection patterns. In fish, diet range (number of prey taxa consumed) and prey selectivity (proportion of a particular prey taxon in the diet) have been shown to influence parasite infection levels. However, fish diet is most often characterized at the species or fish population level, thus ignoring variation among conspecific individuals and its potential effects on infection patterns among individuals. Here, we examined parasite infections and stomach contents of New Zealand freshwater fish at the individual level. We tested for potential links between the richness, abundance and biomass of helminth parasites and the diet range and prey selectivity of individual fish hosts. There was no obvious link between individual fish host diet and helminth infection levels. Our results were consistent across multiple fish host and parasite species and contrast with those of earlier studies in which fish diet and parasite infection were linked, hinting at a true disconnect between host diet and measures of parasite infections in our study systems. This absence of relationship between host diet and infection levels may be due to the relatively low richness of freshwater helminth parasites in New Zealand and high host–parasite specificity.
Public-sector service provision for older people affected by homelessness in England
Authors: ALDEN SARAH
Published: November 2015

This paper assesses provision for older people affected by homelessness in England, giving regard to research findings, such as those developed through a pathways model, which show that the experiences of this group are qualitatively distinct when compared to younger households. Current conceptualisations of older age held by Local Authority Housing Option Service professionals are considered, alongside factors relating to government policy and resource issues. It was found that some practitioners adopted an age-blind approach when assessing older groups, despite this being contrary to policy guidance on assessing vulnerability in England. Further, services and housing options aimed at older groups were viewed as inadequate due to a mixture of lack of awareness, targeting and resources. It is concluded that assessment of vulnerability based on older age is complex, as whilst gerontological discourse may discourage viewing age as a number, homelessness scholars stress that rooflessness causes poor health conditions consistent with premature ageing. It is therefore asserted that policy makers must focus greater attention to developing suitable provision for older service users and look to incorporate a richer conceptualisation of how older age may impact upon the homelessness experience.
Influence of morphological, chemical and physical leaf traits on food selection of a herbivorous iguana from The Bahamas
Authors: Knapp Charles R. , Alvarez-Clare Silvia
Published: November 2015

Herbivores are predicted to forage on a variety of plants in order to obtain a nutritionally sufficient diet. Most herbivores, however, forage non-randomly and may be influenced by morphological, chemical and physical traits in their food. We examined the influence of several leaf traits on food selection for the Exuma rock iguana (Cyclura cychlura figginsi). We expected the iguana to prefer leaves with higher nutrient concentration and lower physical defences, such as reflected by high N, P, Ca, K, Mg concentrations and low leaf density and per cent concentrations of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, respectively. We quantified selection by examining 30 faecal samples and analysing traits of leaves from the 10 most common plants on the island. Our results showed substantial variability in all measured traits among species but food preference only for less-dense leaves, a good indicator of low leaf toughness. Our results are the first to demonstrate that physical leaf traits can influence food selection in a true herbivorous lizard and offer a basis for future testing.
A connectionist model of the retreat from verb argument structure overgeneralization
Authors: AMBRIDGE BEN , BLYTHING RYAN P.
Published: November 2015

A central question in language acquisition is how children build linguistic representations that allow them to generalize verbs from one construction to another (e.g.,The boy gave a present to the girl→The boy gave the girl a present), whilst appropriately constraining those generalizations to avoid non-adultlike errors (e.g.,I said no to her → *I said her no). Although a consensus is emerging that learners solve this problem using both statistical and semantics-based learning procedures (e.g., entrenchment, pre-emption, and semantic verb class formation), there currently exist few – if any – proposals for a learning model that combines these mechanisms. The present study used a connectionist model to test an account that argues for competition between constructions based on (a) verb-in construction frequency, (b) relevance of constructions for the speaker's intended message, and (c) fit between the fine-grained semantic properties of individual verbs and individual constructions. The model was able not only (a) to simulate the overall pattern of overgeneralization-then-retreat, but also (b) to use the semantics of novel verbs to predict their argument structure privileges (just as real learners do), and (c) to predict the pattern of by-verb grammaticality judgements observed in adult studies.
24/7 Registered Nurse Staffing Coverage in Saskatchewan Nursing Homes and Acute Hospital Use
Authors: McGregor Margaret J. , Murphy Janice M. , Poss Jeffrey W. , McGrail Kimberlyn M. , Kuramoto Lisa , Huang Huei-Chung , Bryan Stirling
Published: November 2015

La législation, dans de nombreuses juridictions, nécessite les établissements des soins de longue durée (SLD) d'avoir une infirmière en service 24 heures par jour, 7 jours par semaine. Bien que la recherche considérable existe sur l'intensité SLD de la dotation en personnel infirmier, il n'existe pas de la recherche empirique relative à cette exigence. Notre étude rétrospectif d'observation a comparé des installations en Saskatchewan avec 24/7 RN couverture aux établissements offrant moins de couverture, complétées par divers modèles de dotation des postes de nuit. Les ratios de risque associés à moins de 24/7 couverture RN complété de la dotation infirmière autorisé de nuit, ajusté pour l'intensité de dotation en personnel infirmier et d'autres facteurs de confusion potentiels, étaient de 1,17, IC 95% [0,91, 1,50] et 1.00, IC à 95% [0,72, 1,39], et avec moins de couverture 24/7 RN complété avec soin par aides personnels de nuit, les ratios de risque étaient de 1,46, IC 95% [1,11, 1,91] et 1,11, IC 95% [0,78, 1,58], pour les patients hospitalisés et de visites aux services d'urgence, respectivement. Ces résultats suggèrent que l'utilisation des soins de courte durée peut être influencée négativement par l'absence de la couverture 24/7 RN.
A dynamic model for the outbreaks of hand, foot, and mouth disease in Taiwan
Authors: LAI C.-C. , JIANG D.-S. , WU H.-M. , CHEN H.-H.
Published: November 2015

The first large outbreak of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) with severe complications primarily caused by enterovirus 71 was reported in Taiwan in 1998. Surveillance of HFMD to evaluate the spread of HFMD with and without infection control policy is needed. We developed a new dynamic epidemic Susceptible-Infected-Recovered (SIR) model to fit the surveillance data on containing valuable information on the severity of HFMD in order to accurately estimate the basic reproductive number (R0) of HFMD. After fitting the empirical data, in conjunction with other relevant parameters extracted from the literature, the estimated transmission coefficients were close to 5 × 10−7 (per day) and the proportion of severe HFMD cases ranged between 0 and 0·0036 (per day). Taking into account the distribution of all parameters considered in our dynamic epidemic model, the R0 computed was 1·37 (95% confidence interval 0·24–5·84), suggesting a higher likelihood of the spread of HFMD if no infection control policy is provided. The isolation strategy against the spread of HFMD not only delayed the epidemic peak with the delayed time ranging from 4 weeks for only 20% isolation to 47 weeks for 100% isolation but also reduced total number of HFMD cases with the percentage of reduction ranging from 1·3% for only 20% isolation to 13·3% for 100% isolation. The proposed model can also be flexible for evaluating the effectiveness of two other possible policies for containing HFMD, quarantine and vaccination (if the vaccine can be developed).
Unsound Phenomenologies: Harrison, Schaeffer and the sound object
Authors: Herrmann Mitchell
Published: November 2015

As Jonty Harrison himself acknowledges, a significant body of acousmatic music exists which has, directly or indirectly, challenged aspects of the Schaefferian theory from which acousmatic music first developed (Harrison 1995). Few pieces, however, have so clearly and deliberately confronted Schaeffer’s notion of the ‘sound object’ as Harrison’sUnsound Objects. Harrison does more than merely reject Schaeffer’s definition of the sound object through the use of expanded compositional strategies. Rather, he both employs Schaeffer’s methodology and subverts it, systematically demonstrating the potential and the limitations of Schaeffer’s epoché and its product, the sound object. The result is what might be aptly termed the ‘unsound object’: a sonic entity which both demonstrates and defies Schaeffer’s ideals, and exemplifies the rich ambiguities which can arise from the compositional exploitation of referentiality and association, in addition to the intrinsic, morphological characteristics emphasised within Schaeffer’s reduced listening. Throughout his engagement with Schaefferian theory, however, Harrison never abandons the fundamental musical radicalism at the heart of Schaeffer’s project: positing ‘concrete sound material’, rather than ‘abstract concept’, as the basis for the language of electroacoustic music (Chion 1983: 37).
A Cross-genre Study of the (Ec)Static Perspective of Today’s Music
Authors: Wanke Riccardo
Published: November 2015

This article explores a particular perspective, shared across various contemporary musical currents, that focuses on sound itself as a complex entity. Through the analysis of certain fundamental musical elements and sonic characteristics, this study develops a new method for comparing different genres characterised by a similar approach to sound. Using the benefits of audio, spectra and score examinations, this strategy is applied to post-spectralist and minimalist compositions (e.g. G. F. Haas, B. Lang, R. Nova, G. Verrando), as well as glitch, electronic and basic-channel style pieces (Pan Sonic, R. Ikeda, Raime). Nine musical attributes are identified that help trace a new outlook on various currents in today’s music. The study’s contribution lies in its revealing of a shared musical perspective between different artistic practices, and in the establishment of new connections between pieces that belong to unrelated contexts.
Nutritional predictors of successful chronic disease prevention for a community cohort in Central Australia
Authors: Luke Joanne N , Ritte Rebecca , O’Dea Kerin , Brown Alex , Piers Leonard S , Jenkins Alicia J , Rowley Kevin G
Published: November 2015

Objective

To investigate biomarkers of nutrition associated with chronic disease absence for an Aboriginal cohort.

Design

Screening for nutritional biomarkers was completed at baseline (1995). Evidence of chronic disease (diabetes, CVD, chronic kidney disease or hypertension) was sought from primary health-care clinics, hospitals and death records over 10 years of follow-up. Principal components analysis was used to group baseline nutritional biomarkers and logistic regression modelling used to investigate associations between the principal components and chronic disease absence.

Setting

Three Central Australian Aboriginal communities.

Subjects

Aboriginal people (n444, 286 of whom were without chronic disease at baseline) aged 15–82 years.

Results

Principal components analysis grouped twelve nutritional biomarkers into four components: ‘lipids’; ‘adiposity’; ‘dietary quality’; and ‘habitus with inverse quality diet’. For the 286 individuals free of chronic disease at baseline, lower adiposity, lower lipids and better dietary quality components were each associated with the absence at follow-up of most chronic diseases examined, with the exception of chronic kidney disease. Low ‘adiposity’ component was associated with absence of diabetes, hypertension and CVD at follow-up. Low ‘lipid’ component was associated with absence of hypertension and CVD, and high ‘dietary quality’ component was associated with absence of CVD at follow-up.

Conclusions

Lowering or maintenance of the factors related to ‘adiposity’ and ‘lipids’ to healthy thresholds and increasing access to a healthy diet appear useful targets for chronic disease prevention for Aboriginal people in Central Australia.
Observation of Fine Distribution of Minor Dopants in an Erbium-Doped Fiber Core using a Sample Thinning Technique for Field Emission Electron Probe Microanalysis
Authors: Kubo Yugo , Kuramochi Koji
Published: November 2015

To observe the fine distribution of minor aluminum and germanium dopants in the erbium-doped fiber (EDF) core of an optical amplifier, a sample thinning technique was applied for field emission electron probe microanalysis (FE-EPMA) together with wavelength-dispersive X-ray spectrometry. This technique significantly improved the spatial resolution without much degradation of the minimum detection limit for FE-EPMA. As such, this enabled us to observe the distribution of minor dopants in EDF. Moreover, we propose a very simple sample preparation to prevent electron-beam radiation damage, a problem involved with FE-EPMA of low-conductivity materials such as SiO2 glass, which is the main component of EDF.
REPRESENTATIONS OF INTEGERS BY THE BINARY QUADRATIC FORM
Authors: CHO BUMKYU
Published: November 2015

In terms of class field theory we give a necessary and sufficient condition for an integer to be representable by the quadratic form$x^{2}+xy+ny^{2}$($n\in \mathbb{N}$arbitrary) under extra conditions$x\equiv 1\;\text{mod}\;m$,$y\equiv 0\;\text{mod}\;m$on the variables. We also give some examples where their extended ring class numbers are less than or equal to$3$.
NORMING SETS AND RELATED REMEZ-TYPE INEQUALITIES
Authors: BRUDNYI A. , YOMDIN Y.
Published: November 2015

The classical Remez inequality [‘Sur une propriété des polynomes de Tchebycheff’,Comm. Inst. Sci. Kharkov13(1936), 9–95] bounds the maximum of the absolute value of a real polynomial$P$of degree$d$on$[-1,1]$through the maximum of its absolute value on any subset$Z\subset [-1,1]$of positive Lebesgue measure. Extensions to several variables and to certain sets of Lebesgue measure zero, massive in a much weaker sense, are available (see, for example, Brudnyi and Ganzburg [‘On an extremal problem for polynomials of$n$variables’,Math. USSR Izv.37(1973), 344–355], Yomdin [‘Remez-type inequality for discrete sets’,Israel. J. Math.186(2011), 45–60], Brudnyi [‘On covering numbers of sublevel sets of analytic functions’,J. Approx. Theory162(2010), 72–93]). Still, given a subset$Z\subset [-1,1]^{n}\subset \mathbb{R}^{n}$, it is not easy to determine whether it is${\mathcal{P}}_{d}(\mathbb{R}^{n})$-norming (here${\mathcal{P}}_{d}(\mathbb{R}^{n})$is the space of real polynomials of degree at most$d$on$\mathbb{R}^{n}$), that is, satisfies a Remez-type inequality:$\sup _{[-1,1]^{n}}|P|\leq C\sup _{Z}|P|$for all$P\in {\mathcal{P}}_{d}(\mathbb{R}^{n})$with$C$independent of$P$. (Although${\mathcal{P}}_{d}(\mathbb{R}^{n})$-norming sets are precisely those not contained in any algebraic hypersurface of degree$d$in$\mathbb{R}^{n}$, there are many apparently unrelated reasons for$Z\subset [-1,1]^{n}$to have this property.) In the present paper we study norming sets and related Remez-type inequalities in a general setting of finite-dimensional linear spaces$V$of continuous functions on$[-1,1]^{n}$, remaining in most of the examples in the classical framework. First, we discuss some sufficient conditions for$Z$to be$V$-norming, partly known, partly new, restricting ourselves to the simplest nontrivial examples. Next, we extend the Turán–Nazarov inequality for exponential polynomials to several variables, and on this basis prove a new fewnomial Remez-type inequality. Finally, we study the family of optimal constants$N_{V}(Z)$in the Remez-type inequalities for$V$, as the function of the set$Z$, showing that it is Lipschitz in the Hausdorff metric.
ANTISLAVERY IMPULSES
Authors: ABZUG ROBERT H.
Published: November 2015

The year 2015 marks not only the sesquicentennial of Appomattox but also the fiftieth anniversary of the publication of Martin Duberman's anthology The Antislavery Vanguard, a collection of essays that set the agenda for an ever-expanding treatment of antislavery that continues to this day. In assessing these new additions to that literature, I began to think about the arc that historians of American abolitionism have traced in the past half-century, and the ways in which Kytle and McDaniel were inheritors and extenders of that historiographical revolution. Duberman defined his purpose as bringing together the work of historians bent on overthrowing a long-prevailing view of abolitionists as “meddlesome fanatics . . . wrapped in their self-righteous fury, who did so much to bring on a needless war.” He initially imagined a volume that would debate abolitionist virtue and vice but could find no scholars who would uphold the older stereotype. Instead, his contributors explored themes largely sympathetic to the reformers.
THE DEVIL IN DISGUISE
Authors: Castro Robert F. , Gao Rihao
Published: November 2015

For generations, Mexican and American Indian populations reciprocally and ritualistically took captives from one another’s societies in what are today the U.S.-Mexico borderlands. These captive-taking wars breached the expansion of the American state into the west (1850s) and tested the ability of the American state to enforce law and policy in a frontier environment. This intriguing history, however, has yet to be addressed in legal and social science research on race. Our goal in this article is two-fold: (1) to determine whether the captive status of individuals taken in these endemic borderland wars is visible within surviving U.S. administrative materials (e.g., census); and (2) to determine whether close analysis of census materials can be used to ascertain whether federal liberators were able to abolish the captive-taking trade relative to their official mandate. The authors analyze a core sample of 1860s-era census materials from the City of Santa Fe, New Mexico—which has a documented history of Indian captivity and enslavement—as well as church records to determine whether these materials indicate the continuance of captivity even after federal liberators had the opportunity to abolish the trade.
MERGING OF OPINIONS AND PROBABILITY KINEMATICS
Authors: HUTTEGGER SIMON M.
Published: November 2015

We explore the question of whether sustained rational disagreement is possible from a broadly Bayesian perspective. The setting is one where agents update on the same information, with special consideration being given to the case of uncertain information. The classical merging of opinions theorem of Blackwell and Dubins shows when updated beliefs come and stay closer for Bayesian conditioning. We extend this result to a type of Jeffrey conditioning where agents update on evidence that is uncertain but solid (hard Jeffrey shifts). However, merging of beliefs does not generally hold for Jeffrey conditioning on evidence that is fluid (soft Jeffrey shifts, Field shifts). Several theorems on the asymptotic behavior of subjective probabilities are proven. Taken together they show that while a consensus nearly always emerges in important special cases, sustained rational disagreement can be expected in many other situations.
Faith and impartiality in humanitarian response: Lessons from Lebanese evangelical churches providing food aid
Authors: Kraft Kathryn
Published: November 2015

This case study of a network of evangelical churches in Lebanon, based on data collected during an evaluation in 2014, presents a critique of common understandings about the humanitarian principle of impartiality, and questions assumptions about the compatibility between religious fervour and humanitarian values. Churches attempting to respect impartiality while implementing a food aid project for Syrian refugees have sought to mitigate potential problems through relationship-building and promotion of human dignity in order to ensure needs-responsiveness. Though many Lebanese Evangelical Christians do continue to engage in evangelistic activity, they benefit from strong community ties and demonstrate a high level of sensitivity to their beneficiaries' urgent needs as well as their sense of dignity.
The Effects of Significant International Sports Events on Hungarian Suicide Rates
Authors: Bozsonyi Karoly , Osvath Peter , Fekete Sandor , Bálint Lajos
Published: November 2015

Abstract. Background: Several studies found a significant relationship between important sport events and suicidal behavior. Aims: We set out to investigate whether there is a significant relationship between the raw suicide rate and the most important international sports events (Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championship) in such an achievement-oriented society as the Hungarian one, where these sport events receive great attention. Method: We examined suicide cases occurring over 15,706 days between January 1, 1970, and December 31, 2012 (43 years), separately for each gender. Because of the age-specific characteristics of suicide, the effects of these sport events were analyzed for the middle-aged (30–59 years old) and the elderly (over 60 years old) generations as well as for gender-specific population groups. The role of international sport events was examined with the help of time-series intervention analysis after cyclical and seasonal components were removed. Intervention analysis was based on the ARIMA model. Results: Our results showed that only the Olympic Games had a significant effect in the middle-aged population. Neither in the older male nor in any of the female age groups was a relationship between suicide and Olympic Games detected. Conclusion: The Olympic Games seem to decrease the rate of suicide among middle-aged men, slightly but significantly.
Graphene liquid crystal retarded percolation for new high-k materials
Authors: Yuan Jinkai , Luna Alan , Neri Wilfrid , Zakri Cécile , Schilling Tanja , Colin Annie , Poulin Philippe
Published: November 2015

Graphene flakes with giant shape anisotropy are extensively used to establish connectedness electrical percolation in various heterogeneous systems. However, the percolation behaviour of graphene flakes has been recently predicted to be far more complicated than generally anticipated on the basis of excluded volume arguments. Here we confirm experimentally that graphene flakes self-assemble into nematic liquid crystals below the onset of percolation. The competition of percolation and liquid crystal transition provides a new route towards high-k materials. Indeed, near-percolated liquid-crystalline graphene-based composites display unprecedented dielectric properties with a dielectric constant improved by 260-fold increase as compared with the polymer matrix, while maintaining the loss tangent as low as 0.4. This performance is shown to depend on the structure of monodomains of graphene liquid-crystalline phases. Insights into how the liquid crystal phase transition interferes with percolation transition and thus alters the dielectric constant are discussed.
Identification and characterization of multiple rubisco activases in chemoautotrophic bacteria
Authors: Tsai Yi-Chin Candace , Lapina Maria Claribel , Bhushan Shashi , Mueller-Cajar Oliver
Published: November 2015

Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (rubisco) is responsible for almost all biological CO2 assimilation, but forms inhibited complexes with its substrate ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) and other sugar phosphates. The distantly related AAA+ proteins rubisco activase and CbbX remodel inhibited rubisco complexes to effect inhibitor release in plants and α-proteobacteria, respectively. Here we characterize a third class of rubisco activase in the chemolithoautotroph Acidithiobacillus ferrooxidans. Two sets of isoforms of CbbQ and CbbO form hetero-oligomers that function as specific activases for two structurally diverse rubisco forms. Mutational analysis supports a model wherein the AAA+ protein CbbQ functions as motor and CbbO is a substrate adaptor that binds rubisco via a von Willebrand factor A domain. Understanding the mechanisms employed by nature to overcome rubisco’s shortcomings will increase our toolbox for engineering photosynthetic carbon dioxide fixation.
Climate-driven environmental changes around 8,200 years ago favoured increases in cetacean strandings and Mediterranean hunter-gatherers exploited them
Authors: Mannino Marcello A. , Talamo Sahra , Tagliacozzo Antonio , Fiore Ivana , Nehlich Olaf , Piperno Marcello , Tusa Sebastiano , Collina Carmine , Di Salvo Rosaria , Schimmenti Vittoria , Richards Michael P.
Published: November 2015

Cetacean mass strandings occur regularly worldwide, yet the compounded effects of natural and anthropogenic factors often complicate our understanding of these phenomena. Evidence of past stranding episodes may, thus, be essential to establish the potential influence of climate change. Investigations on bones from the site of Grotta dell’Uzzo in North West Sicily (Italy) show that the rapid climate change around 8,200 years ago coincided with increased strandings in the Mediterranean Sea. Stable isotope analyses on collagen from a large sample of remains recovered at this cave indicate that Mesolithic hunter-gatherers relied little on marine resources. A human and a red fox dating to the 8.2-kyr-BP climatic event, however, acquired at least one third of their protein from cetaceans. Numerous carcasses should have been available annually, for at least a decade, to obtain these proportions of meat. Our findings imply that climate-driven environmental changes, caused by global warming, may represent a serious threat to cetaceans in the near future.
Nitrogen oxides under pressure: stability, ionization, polymerization and superconductivity
Authors: Li Dongxu , Oganov Artem R. , Dong Xiao , Zhou Xiang-Feng , Zhu Qiang , Qian Guangrui , Dong Huafeng
Published: November 2015

Nitrogen oxides are textbook class of molecular compounds, with extensive industrial applications. Nitrogen and oxygen are also among the most abundant elements in the universe. We explore the N-O system at 0 K and up to 500 GPa though ab initio evolutionary simulations. Results show that two phase transformations of stable molecular NO2 occur at 7 and 64 GPa and followed by decomposition of NO2 at 91 GPa. All of the NO+NO3− structures are found to be metastable at T = 0 K, so experimentally reported ionic NO+NO3− is either metastable or stabilized by temperature. N2O5 becomes stable at 9 GPa and transforms from P-1 to C2/c structure at 51 GPa. NO becomes thermodynamically stable at 198 GPa. This polymeric phase is superconducting (Tc = 2.0 K) and contains a -N-N- backbone.
Quantitative histology analysis of the ovarian tumour microenvironment
Authors: Lan Chunyan , Heindl Andreas , Huang Xin , Xi Shaoyan , Banerjee Susana , Liu Jihong , Yuan Yinyin
Published: November 2015

Concerted efforts in genomic studies examining RNA transcription and DNA methylation patterns have revealed profound insights in prognostic ovarian cancer subtypes. On the other hand, abundant histology slides have been generated to date, yet their uses remain very limited and largely qualitative. Our goal is to develop automated histology analysis as an alternative subtyping technology for ovarian cancer that is cost-efficient and does not rely on DNA quality. We developed an automated system for scoring primary tumour sections of 91 late-stage ovarian cancer to identify single cells. We demonstrated high accuracy of our system based on expert pathologists’ scores (cancer = 97.1%, stromal = 89.1%) as well as compared to immunohistochemistry scoring (correlation = 0.87). The percentage of stromal cells in all cells is significantly associated with poor overall survival after controlling for clinical parameters including debulking status and age (multivariate analysis p = 0.0021, HR = 2.54, CI = 1.40–4.60) and progression-free survival (multivariate analysis p = 0.022, HR = 1.75, CI = 1.09–2.82). We demonstrate how automated image analysis enables objective quantification of microenvironmental composition of ovarian tumours. Our analysis reveals a strong effect of the tumour microenvironment on ovarian cancer progression and highlights the potential of therapeutic interventions that target the stromal compartment or cancer-stroma signalling in the stroma-high, late-stage ovarian cancer subset.
Hepatitis B virus genotype, mutations, human leukocyte antigen polymorphisms and their interactions in hepatocellular carcinoma: a multi-centre case-control study
Authors: Wen Juan , Song Ci , Jiang Deke , Jin Tianbo , Dai Juncheng , Zhu Liguo , An Jiaze , Liu Yao , Ma Shijie , Qin Na , Liang Cheng , Chen Jiaping , Jiang Yue , Yang Linlin , Liu Jibin , Liu Li , Geng Tingting , Chen Chao , Jiang Jie , Chen Jianguo , Zhu Fengcai , Zhu Yefei , Yu Long , Shen Hongbing , Zhai Xiangjun , Xu Jianfeng , Hu Zhibin
Published: November 2015

Three genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have been conducted on the genetic susceptibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), two of which consistently identified tagging single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) around HLA-DQ/DR. In contrast, large multi-centre association studies between HBV genotype, mutations and the risk of HCC are relatively rare and their interactions with host variants are even less. We performed a multi-centre study of 1,507 HBV-related HCC cases and 1,560 HBV persistent carriers as controls to evaluate the effects of HBV genotype, mutations, GWAS-identified HLA-DQ/DR SNPs (rs9272105 and rs9275319) and their interactions on HCC risk. We found HBV genotype C was more frequent in HBV-related HCC. And 11 HBV hotspot mutations were independently and significantly associated with HCC risk. We also detected significant interactions of rs9272105 with both the HBV genotype and mutations. Through stepwise regression analysis, HBV genotype, the 11 mutations, HLA-DQ/DR SNPs and the interaction of rs9272105 with mutation A1752G were all entered into the HCC prediction model and the area under the curve for the panel including the HLA-DQ/DR SNPs, HBV genotype and mutations was 0.840. The HBV genotype, the mutations and the HLA-DQ/DR SNPs may serve as biomarkers for the surveillance of HBV persistent carriers.
Integrated III-V Photonic Crystal – Si waveguide platform with tailored optomechanical coupling
Authors: Tsvirkun Viktor , Surrente Alessandro , Raineri Fabrice , Beaudoin Grégoire , Raj Rama , Sagnes Isabelle , Robert-Philip Isabelle , Braive Rémy
Published: November 2015

Optomechanical systems, in which the vibrations of a mechanical resonator are coupled to an electromagnetic radiation, have permitted the investigation of a wealth of novel physical effects. To fully exploit these phenomena in realistic circuits and to achieve different functionalities on a single chip, the integration of optomechanical resonators is mandatory. Here, we propose a novel approach to heterogeneously integrate arrays of two-dimensional photonic crystal defect cavities on top of silicon-on-insulator waveguides. The optomechanical response of these devices is investigated and evidences an optomechanical coupling involving both dispersive and dissipative mechanisms. By controlling the optical coupling between the waveguide and the photonic crystal, we were able to vary and understand the relative strength of these couplings. This scalable platform allows for an unprecedented control on the optomechanical coupling mechanisms, with a potential benefit in cooling experiments and for the development of multi-element optomechanical circuits in the framework of optomechanically-driven signal-processing applications.
Organ-wide 3D-imaging and topological analysis of the continuous microvascular network in a murine lymph node
Authors: Kelch Inken D. , Bogle Gib , Sands Gregory B. , Phillips Anthony R. J. , LeGrice Ian J. , Rod Dunbar P.
Published: November 2015

Understanding of the microvasculature has previously been limited by the lack of methods capable of capturing and modelling complete vascular networks. We used novel imaging and computational techniques to establish the topology of the entire blood vessel network of a murine lymph node, combining 63706 confocal images at 2 μm pixel resolution to cover a volume of 3.88 mm3. Detailed measurements including the distribution of vessel diameters, branch counts and identification of voids were subsequently re-visualised in 3D revealing regional specialisation within the network. By focussing on critical immune microenvironments we quantified differences in their vascular topology. We further developed a morphology-based approach to identify High Endothelial Venules, key sites for lymphocyte extravasation. These data represent a comprehensive and continuous blood vessel network of an entire organ and provide benchmark measurements that will inform modelling of blood vessel networks as well as enable comparison of vascular topology in different organs.
Dzip3 regulates developmental genes in mouse embryonic stem cells by reorganizing 3D chromatin conformation
Authors: Inoue Daishi , Aihara Hitoshi , Sato Tatsuharu , Mizusaki Hirofumi , Doiguchi Masamichi , Higashi Miki , Imamura Yuko , Yoneda Mitsuhiro , Miyanishi Takayuki , Fujii Satoshi , Okuda Akihiko , Nakagawa Takeya , Ito Takashi
Published: November 2015

In mouse embryonic stem (mES) cells, ubiquitylation of histone H2A lysine 119 represses a large number of developmental genes and maintains mES cell pluripotency. It has been suggested that a number of H2A ubiquitin ligases as well as deubiquitylases and related peptide fragments contribute to a delicate balance between self-renewal and multi-lineage differentiation in mES cells. Here, we tested whether known H2A ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitylases are involved in mES cell regulation and discovered that Dzip3, the E3 ligase of H2AK119, represses differentiation-inducible genes, as does Ring1B. The two sets of target genes partially overlapped but had different spectra. We found that Dzip3 represses gene expression by orchestrating changes in 3D organization, in addition to regulating ubiquitylation of H2A. Our results shed light on the epigenetic mechanism of transcriptional regulation, which depends on 3D chromatin reorganization to regulate mES cell differentiation.
Two-dimensional airflow modeling underpredicts the wind velocity over dunes
Authors: Michelsen Britt , Strobl Severin , Parteli Eric J. R. , Pöschel Thorsten
Published: November 2015

We investigate the average turbulent wind field over a barchan dune by means of Computational Fluid Dynamics. We find that the fractional speed-up ratio of the wind velocity over the three-dimensional barchan shape differs from the one obtained from two-dimensional calculations of the airflow over the longitudinal cut along the dune’s symmetry axis — that is, over the equivalent transverse dune of same size. This finding suggests that the modeling of the airflow over the central slice of barchan dunes is insufficient for the purpose of the quantitative description of barchan dune dynamics as three-dimensional flow effects cannot be neglected.
Catestatin attenuates endoplasmic reticulum induced cell apoptosis by activation type 2 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion
Authors: Liao Feng , Zheng Yang , Cai Junyan , Fan Jinghui , Wang Jing , Yang Jichun , Cui Qinghua , Xu Guoheng , Tang Chaoshu , Geng Bin
Published: November 2015

Catestatin (CST) is a catecholamine secretion inhibiting peptide as non-competitive inhibitor of nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. CST play a protective role in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) but the molecular mechanism remains unclear. Cardiomyocytes endogenously produced CST and its expression was reduced after I/R. CST pretreatment decreased apoptosis especially endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress response during I/R. The protection of CST was confirmed in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts under Anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R). In contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of CST exaggerated ER stress induced apoptosis. The protective effects of CST were blocked by extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2 (ERK1/2) inhibitor PD90895 and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3 K) inhibitor wortmannin. CST also increased ERK1/2 and protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation and which was blocked by atropine and selective type 2 muscarinic acetylcholine (M2) receptor, but not type 1 muscarinic acetylcholine (M1) receptor antagonist. Receptor binding assay revealed that CST competitively bound to the M2 receptor with a 50% inhibitory concentration of 25.7 nM. Accordingly, CST inhibited cellular cAMP stimulated by isoproterenol or forskolin and which was blocked by selective M2 receptor antagonist. Our findings revealed that CST binds to M2 receptor, then activates ERK1/2 and PI3 K/Akt pathway to inhibit ER stress-induced cell apoptosis resulting in attenuation cardiac I/R injury.
The Effect of Rotational Disorder on the Microwave Transmission of Checkerboard Metal Square Arrays
Authors: Tremain B. , Durrant C. J. , Carter I. E. , Hibbins A. P. , Sambles J. R.
Published: November 2015

The effect of rotational disorder on the microwave transmission through thin metallic checkerboard arrays has been experimentally studied. Broad resonant features below the onset of diffraction, attributed to electromagnetic radiation coupling through the structure via the evanescent fields of bound surface waves, are found to be strongly dependent on the electrical connectivity of the surface. By applying rotational disorder to the elements comprising the arrays, with the lattice constant and element size unchanged, the electrical connectivity of the structure can be controlled whilst maintaining periodicity. The results show that rotational disorder can significantly affect transmission only when it changes the structure’s connectivity. When the initial structure is just above the connectivity threshold (where the metallic occupancy is 50%), increasing disorder causes the resonant features in transmission to invert as the structure switches from a predominantly connected array to a disconnected array. When approximately half of the connections are broken, the resonant features are suppressed, with scattering loss shown to dramatically increase to as much as 40% of the incident power over a broad frequency range. The result is a thin, highly effective scatterer of microwaves.