bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perceptions and Attitudes About Genetic Counseling Among Residents of a Midwestern Rural Area
Authors: Riesgraf Rachel J. , Veach Patricia McCarthy , MacFarlane Ian M. , LeRoy Bonnie S.
Published: October 2014

Relatively few investigations of the public's perceptions and attitudes about genetic counseling exist, and most are limited to individuals at‐risk for a specific disease. In this study 203 individuals from a Midwest rural area completed an anonymous survey assessing their familiarity with genetic counseling; perceptions of genetic counseling purpose, scope, and practice; attitudes toward genetic counseling/counselors; and willingness to use genetic counseling services. Although very few respondents were familiar with genetic counseling, most reported accurate perceptions and positive attitudes; mean ratings, however, showed less endorsement of trust in information provided by genetic counselors and less agreement that genetic counseling aligns with their values. Logistic regression indicated reported willingness to use genetic counseling services increased if respondents: had completed some college; rated their familiarity with genetic counseling as high; agreed with the statements: genetic counseling may be useful to someone with cancer in their family, genetic counseling is in line with my values, and genetic counselors advise women to get abortions when there is a problem; and disagreed with the statements: genetic counseling is only useful to a small group of people with rare diseases, and genetic counselors must receive a lot of special training. Additional findings, practice implications, and research recommendations are presented.
Association between mammographic features and response to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in locally advanced breast carcinoma
Authors: Castaneda Carlos A , Flores Raymundo , Rojas Katerin , Flores Claudio , Castillo Miluska , Milla Esperanza
Published: October 2014

PURPOSE:

Mammography is the cornerstone of breast cancer (BC) evaluation. This report investigates whether breast density (BD) and mammographic features of the tumor can provide information on both BC susceptibility to chemotherapy and other clinicopathologic features of locally advanced BC (LA BC).

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

We evaluated mammography films and clinicopathological information of patients with LA BC who received neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) followed by tumor resection at the Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Neoplásicas (INEN) from 2000 to 2011.

RESULTS:

We selected 494 LA BC cases. Most cases were at clinical tumor stage 4 (48.5%), node stage 1 (58.8%) and had high histologic grade (53.3%). BI-RADS 1, 2, 3, and 4 BD were found in 16.9%, 22%, 35.7% and 25.1% of patients, respectively. High BD has been associated with younger age (p < 0.001), obesity (p = 0.017) and no skin infiltration (T3 vs T4) (p = 0.018). An association between dusty microcalcifications and HER2 group, as well as between casting microcalcifications and TN BC group (p = 0.05) was found. NAC included anthracyclines and taxanes in 422 (85.5%) cases. Miller-Payne pathologic responses 4 and 5 (pCR) in the primary lesion and absence of axillary lymph nodes involvement were found in 15.3% of cases and were associated with younger age (p < 0.001) and HG-3 lesions (p < 0.001), but not with mammographic images.

CONCLUSION:

Mammographic features are associated with specific clinicopathological features of pre-NAC BC lesions but do not predict pCR. The implications and biological reasons for these findings require further study.
Characterization, treatment, and outcome of uveal melanoma in the first two years of life
Authors: Yousef Yacoub A , Alkilany Mais
Published: October 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Features and characteristics of uveal melanoma are well described in adults, but little is known about the presentation of uveal melanoma in infancy.

DESIGN:

Systematic literature review.

METHODS:

A review of published, peer-reviewed literature reporting on uveal melanoma presenting during the first two years of life. Outcome measures included demographics, clinical features, histopathological findings, extent of the disease, therapeutic interventions, management outcomes, association with skin lesions or systemic diseases, and survival data.

RESULTS:

This review revealed 13 reported cases (seven boys and six girls) of uveal melanoma diagnosed within the first two years of life. The median age at diagnosis was seven months. Orbital mass and proptosis were the most common presentations (38%); only one tumor (8%) was melanotic, and pathologically 10 tumors (77%) had epithelioid component. Associated pigmented skin lesions (cutaneous disease) were seen in six cases (46%). All affected eyes were surgically removed; three patients received chemotherapy, and one received radiotherapy. At a median follow-up of 25 months, two patients (15%) had metastasis, and one of them (8%) was dead at six months' follow-up with liver and multi-organ metastasis.

CONCLUSIONS:

Uveal melanoma can present within the first two years of life. In very rare cases, it can present as an intraocular tumor that simulates retinoblastoma, but it can also present as an orbital tumor. It has a tendency to affect patients with cutaneous diseases like familial atypical mole, melanoma syndrome, and dysplastic nevus syndrome. Despite this, uveal melanoma in this group has a more favorable prognosis than adult melanoma.
TEXTS, PERFORMANCE, AND SPECTACLE: THE FUNERAL PROCESSION OF MARQUIS YI OF ZENG, 433 B.C.E.
Authors: Habberstad Luke
Published: October 2014

This article analyzes the bamboo strips recovered from the northern chamber of the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng (d. 433b.c.e.). It argues that the strips comprised at least two separate texts that were integral to the organization and performance of the Marquis's funerary cortège. One text lists on individual strips the chariots and horse teams used in the procession, as well as their donors, categorizing them under bureaucratic offices. A second text describes these same chariots one after another, along with their drivers, decorations, and armor. Counting marks next to each of the chariot names appear to have verified the written totals found in the text. This evidence demonstrates that the director of the cortège combined together donated materials from a vast geographic area in order to create a distinctive funerary spectacle that displayed the wealth, status, and power of the Marquis and the state of Zeng. The article further argues that characterizing the Zeng texts as “inventories” (qian'ce遣策)—so often analyzed for evidence of ideas about the afterlife—hardly does justice to the complex role that the texts played in the funeral procession and Zeng royal display. It concludes that this political display function drove the production of the texts and the organization of the funeral, not least because Marquis Yi's heir and Zeng state officials would have wanted to ensure a smooth transfer of power.
Graph covers and ergodicity for zero-dimensional systems
Authors: SHIMOMURA TAKASHI
Published: October 2014

Bratteli–Vershik systems have been widely studied. In the context of general zero-dimensional systems, Bratteli–Vershik systems are homeomorphisms that have Kakutani–Rohlin refinements. Bratteli diagrams are well suited to analyzing such systems. Besides this approach, general graph covers can be used to represent any zero-dimensional system. Indeed, all zero-dimensional systems can be described as certain kinds of sequences of graph covers that may not be brought about by Kakutani–Rohlin partitions. In this paper, we follow the context of general graph covers to analyze the relations between ergodic measures and circuits of graph covers. First, we formalize the condition for a sequence of graph covers to represent minimal Cantor systems. In constructing invariant measures, we deal with general compact metrizable zero-dimensional systems. In the context of Bratteli diagrams with finite rank, it has previously been mentioned that all ergodic measures should be limits of some combinations of towers of Kakutani–Rohlin refinements. We demonstrate this for the general zero-dimensional case, and develop a theorem that expresses the coincidence of the time average and the space average for ergodic measures. Additionally, we formulate a theorem that signifies the old relation between uniform convergence and unique ergodicity in the context of graph circuits for general zero-dimensional systems. Unlike previous studies, in our case of general graph covers there arises the possibility of the linear dependence of circuits. We give a condition for a full circuit system to be linearly independent. Previous research also showed that the bounded combinatorics imply unique ergodicity. We present a lemma that enables us to consider unbounded ranks of winding matrices. Finally, we present examples that are linked with a set of simple Bratteli diagrams having the equal path number property.
Doubly localized states in plane Couette flow
Authors: Eckhardt Bruno
Published: October 2014

Much of our understanding of the transition to turbulence in flows without a linear instability came with the discovery and characterization of fully three-dimensional solutions to the Navier–Stokes equation. The first examples in plane Couette flow were periodic in both spanwise and streamwise directions, and could explain the transitions in small domains only. The presence of localized turbulent spots in larger domains, the spatiotemporal decoherence on larger scales and the ability to trigger turbulence with pointwise perturbations require solutions that are localized in both directions, like the one presented by Brand & Gibson (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 750, 2014, R3). They describe a steady solution of the Navier–Stokes equations and characterize in unprecedented detail, including an analytic computation of its localization properties. The study opens up new ways to describe localized turbulent patches.
Noise generation by turbulence–propeller interaction in asymmetric flow
Authors: Robison Rosalyn A. V. , Peake N.
Published: October 2014

This paper is concerned with a particular source of both broadband and tonal aeroengine noise, termed unsteady distortion noise. This noise arises from the interaction between turbulent eddies, which occur naturally in the atmosphere or are shed from the fuselage, and the rotor. This interaction produces broadband noise across a broad frequency spectrum. In cases in which there is strong streamtube contraction, which is especially true for open rotors at low-speed conditions (such as at take-off or for static testing), tonal noise at frequencies equal to multiples of the blade passing frequency are also produced, owing to the enhanced axial coherence caused by eddy stretching. In a previous paper (Majumdar & Peake, J. Fluid Mech., vol. 359, 1998, pp. 181–216), a model for unsteady distortion noise was developed in axisymmetric flow. However, asymmetric situations are also of much interest, and in this paper we consider two cases of asymmetric distortion: firstly that induced by the proximity of a second rotor, and secondly that caused by non-zero inclination to the flight direction, as found at take-off. This requires significant extension of the previous axisymmetric analysis. We find that the introduction of asymmetric flow features can have a significant decibel effect on the radiated sound power. For instance, in low-speed conditions we find that the tonal level is reduced significantly by the proximity of a second rotor, compared to the axisymmetric case, while the effect on the broadband levels is rather modest.
Dynamics of viscous liquid within a closed elastic cylinder subject to external forces with application to soft robotics
Authors: Elbaz S. B. , Gat A. D.
Published: October 2014

Viscous flows in contact with elastic structures apply both pressure and shear stress at the solid–liquid interface and thus create internal stress and deformation fields within the solid structure. We study the interaction between the deformation of elastic structures, subject to external forces, and an internal viscous liquid. We neglect inertia in the liquid and solid and focus on viscous flow through a thin-walled slender elastic cylindrical shell as a basic model of a soft robot. Our analysis yields an inhomogeneous linear diffusion equation governing the coupled viscous–elastic system. Solutions for the flow and deformation fields are obtained in closed analytical form. The functionality of the viscous–elastic diffusion process is explored within the context of soft-robotic applications, through analysis of selected solutions to the governing equation. Shell material compressibility is shown to have a unique effect in inducing different flow and deformation regimes. This research may prove valuable to applications such as micro-swimmers, micro-autonomous systems and soft robotics by allowing for the design and control of complex time-varying deformation fields.
Transient growth in strongly stratified shear layers
Authors: Kaminski A. K. , Caulfield C. P. , Taylor J. R.
Published: October 2014

We investigate numerically transient linear growth of three-dimensional perturbations in a stratified shear layer to determine which perturbations optimize the growth of the total kinetic and potential energy over a range of finite target time intervals. The stratified shear layer has an initial parallel hyperbolic tangent velocity distribution with Reynolds number $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\mathit{Re}=U_0 h/\nu =1000$ and Prandtl number $\nu /\kappa =1$, where $\nu $ is the kinematic viscosity of the fluid and $\kappa $ is the diffusivity of the density. The initial stable buoyancy distribution has constant buoyancy frequency $N_0$, and we consider a range of flows with different bulk Richardson number ${\mathit{Ri}}_b=N_0^2h^2/U_0^2$, which also corresponds to the minimum gradient Richardson number ${\mathit{Ri}}_g(z)=N_0^2/(\mathrm{d}U/\mathrm{d} z)^2$ at the midpoint of the shear layer. For short target times, the optimal perturbations are inherently three-dimensional, while for sufficiently long target times and small ${\mathit{Ri}}_b$ the optimal perturbations are closely related to the normal-mode ‘Kelvin–Helmholtz’ (KH) instability, consistent with analogous calculations in an unstratified mixing layer recently reported by Arratia et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 717, 2013, pp. 90–133). However, we demonstrate that non-trivial transient growth occurs even when the Richardson number is sufficiently high to stabilize all normal-mode instabilities, with the optimal perturbation exciting internal waves at some distance from the midpoint of the shear layer.
How Do Mafias Organize?
Authors: Catino Maurizio
Published: October 2014

This article looks at three Italian mafia organizations (Cosa Nostra, Camorra, and ‘Ndrangheta). It applies an organizational approach to the understanding of violence in mafia organizations by studying the relationship between their organizational orders and their criminal behavior. The article identifies two different organizational orders, vertical and horizontal, and demonstrates that Italian mafias, although operating in similar environments, can greatly differ from each other, and over time, in terms of their organizational model. Findings suggest that mafias with a vertical organizational order, due to the presence of higher levels of coordination, (1) have greater control over conflict, as proved by the lower number of “ordinary” murders; and (2) have greater capacity to fight state repression, as testified by the greater number of “high-profile” assassinations (e.g. politicians, magistrates, and other institutional members) that they carry out. Evidence is provided using a mixed-methods approach that combines a qualitative, organizational analysis of historical and judiciary sources, in order to reconstruct the organizational models and their evolution over time, with a quantitative analysis of assassination trends, in order to relate organizational orders to the use of violence.
Exceptional Cases: Epistemic Contributions and Normative Expectations
Authors: Ermakoff Ivan
Published: October 2014

Exceptional cases are at odds with the typical: they stand out as bizarre and rare. What then could justify their systematic analysis? Elaborating the analytical distinction between anomalies, exceptions and outliers, this paper outlines three potential epistemic contributions of exceptional cases. First, exceptional cases reveal the limits of standard classification categories. In so doing, they problematize usual classificatory grids. Their input is critical. Second, exceptional cases point to new classes of objects. They acquire paradigmatic status when they exemplify the characteristic features of these new classes with utmost clarity. Third, exceptional cases magnify relational patterns that in more mundane contexts lack visibility. Here their contribution is heuristic. These three contributions become possible when we put at bay normative expectations of what should happen, and specify cases by reference to an analytical space of constitutive dimensions. To underscore the general significance of these observations, I draw on examples borrowed from different quarters of the social sciences: the sociology of organizations, ethnomethodology, comparative historical sociology and the history of science.
Accommodating Religious Pluralism in Denmark
Authors: Nielsen Anne Mark
Published: October 2014

This article discusses the room for accommodating religious diversity offered by the particular configuration of secularity existing in Denmark. Theoretically, the article adopts Jose Casanova and Mark Chaves’ proposals to separate analytically between the core elements of secularisation, and to leave open for empirical analyses the development and potential connections between these in different geographical and geo-political contexts.

From this perspective, the article discusses the conditions for accommodating religious diversity offered by the peculiar combination prevailing in Denmark of a low level of structural differentiation combined with a high level of rationalisation, generalisation, and privatisation of religion. The article argues that the legal inequality existing in Denmark between religious communities stemming from the existence of a state supported church (i.e. a low level of differentiation) matters less for the accommodation of religious diversity than do widely held and strongly embedded popular sentiments and imaginations of the public sphere as strictly secular (i.e. a high level of rationalisation, generalisation and privatisation of religion).
Hydrophobicity of whey protein hydrolysates enhances the protective effect against oxidative damage on PC 12 cells
Authors: Zhang Qiu-Xiang , Jin Man-Man , Zhang Li , Yu Hui-Xin , Sun Zhen , Lu Rong-Rong
Published: October 2014

The relationship between hydrophobicity and the protective effect of whey protein hydrolysates (WPHs) against oxidative stress was studied. Whey protein was first hydrolysed by pepsin and trypsin to obtain WPHs. After absorbed by macroporous adsorption resin DA201-C, three fractions named as M20, M40, and M60 were eluted by various concentrations of ethanol. The hydrophobicity showed a trend of increase from M20 to M60. Antioxidant ability test in vitro indicated that all the three components of WPHs displayed reasonably good antioxidant ability. Moreover, with the increase of hydrophobicity, antioxidant ability of WPHs improved significantly. Then rat pheochromocytoma line 12 (PC12) cells oxidative model was built to evaluate the suppression of oxidative stress of three components on PC12 cells induced by H2O2. Morphological alterations, cell viability, apoptosis rate, and intracellular antioxidase system tests all indicated that WPHs exert significant protection on PC cells against H2O2-induced damage. Among them, M60 had the highest protective effect by increasing 19·3% cell survival and reducing 28·6% cell apoptosis. These results suggested hydrophobicity of WPHs was contributing to the antioxidant ability and the protective effect against oxidative damage.
Population genetics ofCerastoderma edulein Ria Formosa (southern Portugal): the challenge of understanding an intraspecific hotspot of genetic diversity
Authors: Vergara-Chen Carlos , Rodrigues Fernanda , González-Wangüemert Mercedes
Published: October 2014

Coastal lagoons are highly variable environments that may act as hotspots of genetic diversity as a consequence of their ecological role as nursery habitats of marine species with both ecological and fisheries importance. The edible cockle(Cerastoderma edule)is a commercially important shellfish resource inhabiting coastal lagoons in Europe and their fisheries management urgently needs genetic studies to design appropriate strategies to promote the recovery of exploited populations. The aim of this study was to assess theC. edulegenetic diversity and population structure at a small geographic scale, inside Ria Formosa coastal lagoon (southern Portugal) using mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I sequences in six locations. Outcomes pointed to a common pattern of high haplotype diversity and non-significant genetic structuring inside the Ria Formosa lagoon. A high level of gene flow was detected between all localities and the presence of a single stock from a genetic point of view may be considered for fisheries management purposes. The existence of a high number of haplotypes and high values of haplotype diversity ofC. edulein Ria Formosa lagoon could be consistent with the hypothesis that higher genetic diversity is expected in populations occurring in coastal lagoons, suggesting that lagoons could increase standing genetic variation and an adaptive potential of lagoon populations as an ecological response to a highly variable environment.
Quantification and distribution ofAnisakis simplexsensu stricto in wild, one sea winter Atlantic salmon,Salmo salar, returning to Scottish rivers
Authors: Noguera Patricia , Pert Campbell , Collins Catherine , Still Nichola , Bruno David
Published: October 2014

Red vent syndrome (RVS) has previously been reported in returning wild Atlantic salmon,Salmo salarfrom Canada, Iceland, Ireland, Norway and the UK. Affected fish show reddening and swelling in the perianal/vent area, with scale loss, ulceration and bleeding in severe cases. Studies in the UK and elsewhere report the condition to be induced byAnisakis simplexsensu stricto (s.s.) larvae. This parasite, commonly reported in several marine fish species, is typically found in the body cavity and the skeletal muscle, but has recently been reported within the vent tissues of salmon. This latter finding may reflect greater efforts in examining this body portion due to current awareness of the parasite presence in this atypical location. Based on clinical observations, affected fish are classified into three categories according to the severity of the external lesions, but quantification of the vent parasite numbers in relation to the categories, and assessment of the relative importance of this area as a site of infestation, are missing to date. This investigation aimed to provide data on parasite number and distribution in the viscera, skeletal muscle, peduncle and vent area and to confirm the identity of the larvae found in the vent and the viscera. The study showed the perianal/vent region harbours the highest total number ofA. simplexlarvae per fish and, proportionally to fish biomass, is the most heavily infested body location irrespective of external severity levels of RVS.
Challenges to sustainable Arctic tourist lodging: a proposed solution for Greenland
Authors: Qu Jing , Villumsen Arne , Villumsen Ole
Published: October 2014

The beauty of nature in Greenland and the selling point of Greenlandic tourism ‘Our ice is melting, yet it is still here’ have been attracting more tourists in recent years. Therefore, demand for tourist accommodation is expected to grow in the future. Staying overnight in small huts is a traditional way for nomadic Greenlanders and for tourists. However, the austere condition of the existing huts cannot meet requirements nowadays. Meanwhile, climate change is causing retreat of ice, so tourist attractions might change in the future. Therefore the contradiction of ‘improved lodging’, ‘environmental friendliness’ and ‘flexibility of location’ raise the problem for the future development of tourist accommodation. The aim of this work is to explore a desirable solution by developing stand-alone mobile tourist huts with light and heating based on renewable energy supply, and sustainable black waste water management. The cabin can be disassembled into pieces and transported to new areas by trucks, snow scooters, boats or dog-sledges with almost no disturbance to the environment of the original location. In addition, cultural sustainability is also taken into account.
Density dependence in flower visitation rates of cockroach-pollinatedClusia blattophilaon the Nouragues inselberg, French Guiana
Authors: Vlasáková Blanka
Published: October 2014

The effective floral neighbourhood is the radius around a plant where the density of flowering plants and other factors affect visitation rates and pollination success of plants. This study aims to determine this radius and focuses on the effects of conspecific plant density, plant sex and the amount of shrub vegetation on visitation rates ofClusia blattophila, a dioecious bush pollinated byAmazonina platystylatacockroaches. The number of visits did not differ between flower sexes but cockroaches spent less time on the rewardless female flowers. The density effect was scale dependent. The distribution of flowering individuals within the 15-m radius had a significant positive effect on flower visitation rates. At a larger scale (35–45-m radius), an increase in density of male plants led to a decrease in visitation rates, indicating competition for pollinators. Within the smaller radius, the facilitative effect was probably induced by elevated floral advertisement and high mobility of cockroaches at this scale. Within the larger radii, the results indicated that cockroach mobility was restricted and population density was stable at this scale. Density of male plants affected visitation rates because only male plants reward pollinators. Hence, male plants were the true competitors.
Balancing effective conservation with sustainable resource use in protected areas: precluded by knowledge gaps
Authors: VAN WILGEN NICOLA J. , MCGEOCH MELODIE A.
Published: October 2014

Despite significant expansion of the global protected area (PA) network, this investment has not commonly been matched by investment in their management. This includes managing trade-offs between social and biodiversity goals, including resource use in PAs. While some resource-use activities receive significant attention, the full suite of resources extracted from PA systems is rarely documented. This paper illustrates the potential risk of resource use to PA ecological performance through a survey of resources harvested in South Africa's national parks. Even for this comparatively well-managed suite of parks, significant data gaps preclude assessments of harvest sustainability. Harvest quantities were known for < 8% of the 341 used resources, while 23% were not identified to species level. International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List conservation status had not been evaluated for 78% of species, and 31% of all species (83% of marine species) had not been evaluated nationally. Protected areas face ongoing pressure to balance people-based and biodiversity outcomes, but whether or not both objectives can be achieved cannot be assessed without adequate data. Managing PAs in future will require consideration of trade-offs between investing in PA expansion, increasing the monitoring and management capacity of PA agencies, and investing in the research needed to support decision making.
One-step synthesis of Ag–reduced graphene oxide nanocomposites and their surface-enhanced Raman scattering activity
Authors: Lin S. , Zhao X. S. , Li Y. F. , Liang C. , Huang K. , Sheng Y. , Wang H. , Ye C. X. , Xu X. , Zhou Y. F. , Fan D. Y. , Shang Y. F. , Yang H. J. , Zhang R. , Wang Y. G. , Lei M.
Published: October 2014

Ag–reduced graphene oxide (Ag/rGO) nanoparticle composites were synthesized through a facile one-step hydrothermal reaction using GO and silver carbonate (Ag2CO3) as raw materials. The homogeneous silver nanospheres with an average size of 50 nm well dispersed on the surface of rGO were obtained without other additives. During the formation process, GO both promotes the dispersion of Ag2CO3 in aqueous solution and acts as the substrate of silver cations, and the hydrolysis of Ag2CO3 provides silver cations and alkaline condition. Moreover, GO further serves as reducing agent to generate elemental silver in the alkaline condition. The as-prepared materials exhibit excellent surface-enhanced Raman scattering activities when used to detect the Raman signals of R6G absorbed on the Ag/rGO substrate.
Epidemiology of human infections with avian influenza A(H7N9) virus in the two waves before and after October 2013 in Zhejiang province, China
Authors: WANG X. Y. , CHAI C. L. , LI F. D. , HE F. , YU Z. , WANG X. X. , SHANG X. P. , LIU S. L. , LIN J. F.
Published: October 2014

We compared the epidemiological and clinical features of avian influenza A(H7N9) virus infections in the population in Zhejiang province, China, between March and April 2013 (first wave) and October 2013 and February 2014 (second wave). No statistical difference was found for age, sex, occupation, presence of underlying conditions, exposure history, white blood cell count, lymphocyte percentage and illness timeline and duration (allP> 0·05). The virus spread to 30 new counties compared to the first wave. The case-fatality rate was 22% in the first wave and 42% in the second (P= 0·023). Of those infected, 66% in the first wave and 62% in the second wave had underlying conditions. The proportion of those exposed to live poultry markets were 80% and 66%, respectively. We recommend permanent closure of live poultry markets and reformation of poultry supply and sales.
A Binary Deletion Channel With a Fixed Number of Deletions
Authors: GRAHAM BENJAMIN
Published: October 2014

Suppose a binary string x = x1 . . . xn is being broadcast repeatedly over a faulty communication channel. Each time, the channel delivers a fixed number m of the digits (m < n) with the lost digits chosen uniformly at random and the order of the surviving digits preserved. How large does m have to be to reconstruct the message?
A decade of nutrition research in Africa: assessment of the evidence base and academic collaboration
Authors: Lachat Carl , Roberfroid Dominique , Van den Broeck Lien , Van den Briel Natalie , Nago Eunice , Kruger Annamarie , Holdsworth Michelle , Garimoi Orach Christopher , Kolsteren Patrick
Published: October 2014

Objective

Malnutrition in Africa has not improved compared with other regions in the world. Investment in the build-up of a strong African research workforce is essential to provide contextual solutions to the nutritional problems of Africa. To orientate this process, we reviewed nutrition research carried out in Africa and published during the last decade.

Design

We assessed nutrition research from Africa published between 2000 and 2010 from MEDLINE and EMBASE and analysed the study design and type of intervention for studies indexed with major MeSH terms for vitamin A deficiency, protein–energy malnutrition, obesity, breast-feeding, nutritional status and food security. Affiliations of first authors were visualised as a network and power of affiliations was assessed using centrality metrics.

Setting

Africa.

Subjects

Africans, all age groups.

Results

Most research on the topics was conducted in Southern (36 %) and Western Africa (34 %). The intervention studies (9 %;n95) mainly tested technological and curative approaches to the nutritional problems. Only for papers on protein–energy malnutrition and obesity did lead authorship from Africa exceed that from non-African affiliations. The 10 % most powerfully connected affiliations were situated mainly outside Africa for publications on vitamin A deficiency, breast-feeding, nutritional status and food security.

Conclusions

The development of the evidence base for nutrition research in Africa is focused on treatment and the potential for cross-African networks to publish nutrition research from Africa remains grossly underutilised. Efforts to build capacity for effective nutrition action in Africa will require forging a true academic partnership between African and non-African research institutions.
Implementing Co-Production in Adult Social Care: An Example of Meta-Governance Failure?
Authors: Scourfield Peter
Published: October 2014

The idea of ‘co-production’ has been promoted by both New Labour and Coalition governments as a means to help ‘transform’ adult social care. With its emphasis on active citizenship, community support networks, voluntary effort and power sharing, the idea might have been expected to have been received more enthusiastically by those expected to put it into practice and benefit from it. However, unlike other ‘big ideas’ intended to ‘transform’ adult social care, such as ‘personal budgets’, co-production has gained comparatively little traction with either local authorities or service users. Despite the publication of much promotional literature in recent years, co-production has not yet become a significant part of either official or lay discourse on adult social care. It is concluded that apart from definitional problems and conceptual ambiguity, the inability of successive governments to effectively deploy common techniques of meta-governance might also be contributory factors to its sluggish take up.
A survey of cover crop practices and perceptions of sustainable farmers in North Carolina and the surrounding region
Authors: O'Connell S. , Grossman J.M. , Hoyt G.D. , Shi W. , Bowen S. , Marticorena D.C. , Fager K.L. , Creamer N.G.
Published: October 2014

The environmental benefits of cover cropping are widely recognized but there is a general consensus that adoption levels are still quite low among US farmers. A survey was developed and distributed to more than 200 farmers engaged in two sustainable farming organizations in NC and the surrounding region to determine their level of utilization, current practices and perceptions related to cover cropping. The majority of farms surveyed had diverse crop production, production areas <8 ha, and total gross farm incomes <US$50,000. Approximately one-third of the survey population had an organic production component. Eighty-nine percent of participants had a crop rotation plan and 79% of the total survey population utilized cover cropping. More than 25 different cool- and warm-season cover crops were reported. The statements that generated the strongest agreement about cover crop benefits were that cover crops: increase soil organic matter, decrease soil erosion, increase soil moisture, contribute nitrogen to subsequent cash crops, suppress weeds, provide beneficial insect habitat and break hard pans with their roots. Economic costs associated with cover cropping were not viewed as an obstacle to implementation. A factor analysis was conducted to identify underlying themes from a series of positive and negative statements about cover crops. Pre- and post-management challenges were able to explain the most variability (30%) among participant responses. Overall, participants indicated that the incorporation of residues was their greatest challenge and that a lack of equipment, especially for no-till systems, influenced their decisions about cover cropping. Farmers did not always appear to implement practices that would maximize potential benefits from cover crops.
The bullseye synapse formed between CD4+ T‐cell and staphylococcal enterotoxin B‐pulsed dendritic cell is a suppressive synapse in T‐cell response
Authors: Lin Wei , Fan Zhichao , Suo Yuanzhen , Deng Yuting , Zhang Min , Wang Jiyang , Wei Xunbin , Chu Yiwei
Published: October 2014

The immunological synapse (IS) is a supermolecular activation cluster formed between T cells and antigen‐presenting cells. Although diverse IS structures have been reported, the function of the IS in T‐cell activation remains unclear. Here, we found that the bullseye IS, one of IS types at the interface of CD4+ T cells and staphylococcal enterotoxin B‐pulsed dendritic cells, suppressed CD4+ T‐cell activation, whereas multifocal IS, another synapse type, stimulated CD4+ T‐cell activation. Consistent with these results, bullseye IS formation was accompanied by a low‐level calcium response in T cells and a loss of T‐cell receptor signalling molecules from the synapse, whereas multifocal IS exhibited the opposite. Furthermore, we found that CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells (Tregs) more efficiently formed bullseye IS and promoted bullseye IS formation in CD4+ CD25− T cells. Cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), an inhibitory molecule expressed continuously on Tregs, was localised in bullseye IS. Moreover, blocking CTLA‐4 reduced the percentage of bullseye IS formation and promoted T‐cell activation. Our data thus indicate that bullseye IS formation is mediated by CTLA‐4, and may negatively control T‐cell activation as a suppressive synapse.
Autophagy in T‐cell development, activation and differentiation
Authors: Bronietzki Alisha W , Schuster Marc , Schmitz Ingo
Published: October 2014

Autophagy is a vital catabolic process for degrading bulky cytosolic contents, which cannot be resorbed via the proteasome. First described as a survival mechanism during nutrient starvation conditions, recent reports have demonstrated that autophagy supports metabolic functions of T cells at various stages of maturation and effector function. Autophagy is crucial for T‐cell development at the precursor stage as self‐renewability and quiescence of hematopoietic stem cells depend on autophagy of the mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. Later, during development in the thymus, autophagy regulates peptide presentation in stromal cells and professional antigen‐presenting cells, which mediate thymocyte selection. Furthermore, the metabolic changes when mature T cells enter the periphery and when they are activated are both dependent on autophagy. Lastly, autophagy prevents early aging and, thus, ensures maintenance of memory T cells.
Tubulin‐ and actin‐associating GIMAP4 is required for IFN‐γ secretion during Th cell differentiation
Authors: Heinonen Mirkka T , Kanduri Kartiek , Lähdesmäki Harri J , Lahesmaa Riitta , Henttinen Tiina A
Published: October 2014

Although GTPase of the immunity‐associated protein (GIMAP) family are known to be most highly expressed in the cells of the immune system, their function and role remain still poorly characterized. Small GTPases in general are known to be involved in many cellular processes in a cell type‐specific manner and to contribute to specific differentiation processes. Among GIMAP family, GIMAP4 is the only member reported to have true GTPase activity, and its transcription is found to be differentially regulated during early human CD4+ T helper (Th) lymphocyte differentiation. GIMAP4 has been previously connected mainly with T‐ and B‐cell development and survival and T‐cell apoptosis. Here we show GIMAP4 to be localized into cytoskeletal elements and with the component of the trans golgi network, which suggests it to have a function in cellular transport processes. We demonstrate that depletion of GIMAP4 with RNAi results in downregulation of endoplasmic reticulum localizing chaperone VMA21. Most importantly, we discovered that GIMAP4 regulates secretion of cytokines in early differentiating human CD4+ Th lymphocytes and in particular the secretion of interferon‐γ also affecting its downstream targets.
The association between the rs6495309 polymorphism in CHRNA3 gene and lung cancer risk in Chinese: a meta-analysis
Authors: Xiao Min , Chen Lei , Wu Xiaoling , Wen Fuqiang
Published: October 2014

The association between the rs6495309 polymorphism in CHRNA3 gene and lung cancer risk has been studied in Chinese by several number case-control control studies with small number of cases and controls and these studies might be underpowered to reveal the true association. Thus we sought to investigate the association with the risk of lung cancer by performing a comprehensive meta-analysis on the polymorphism. Five case-control studies were extracted from 3 articles on the polymorphism involving 4608 lung cancer cases and 4617 controls. The results of meta-analysis showed that significant increased risk were found for the polymorphism with the risk of lung cancer in Chinese: OR = 1.47, 95%CI = 1.33–1.63, P < 0.00001 for CC + TC vs. TT; OR = 1.24, 95%CI = 1.07–1.44, P = 0.005 for CC vs. TT + TC; OR = 1.62, 95%CI = 1.32–2.00, P < 0.00001 for CC vs. TT; OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.26–1.61, P < 0.00001 for CT vs. TT; OR = 1.42, 95%CI = 1.26–1.61, P < 0.00001. No significant publication bias was found for the five genetic models. Our findings demonstrated that CHRNA3 gene rs6495309 polymorphism might be a risk factor for the development of lung cancer in Chinese.
FFLO Superfluids in 2D Spin-Orbit Coupled Fermi Gases
Authors: Zheng Zhen , Gong Ming , Zhang Yichao , Zou Xubo , Zhang Chuanwei , Guo Guangcan
Published: October 2014

We show that the combination of spin-orbit coupling and in-plane Zeeman field in a two-dimensional degenerate Fermi gas can lead to a larger parameter region for Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) phases than that using spin-imbalanced Fermi gases. The resulting FFLO superfluids are also more stable due to the enhanced energy difference between FFLO and conventional Bardeen-Cooper-Schrieffer (BCS) excited states. We clarify the crucial role of the symmetry of Fermi surface on the formation of finite momentum pairing. The phase diagram for FFLO superfluids is obtained in the BCS-BEC crossover region and possible experimental observations of FFLO phases are discussed.
The effect of sample storage on the Peroxidation of Leukocytes Index Ratio (PLIR) measure
Authors: Peluso Ilaria , Manafikhi Husseen , Altieri Fabio , Zanza Christian , Palmery Maura
Published: October 2014

Delays in processing are frequent because of problems associated with transporting the samples to the laboratory. Thus, we aimed to evaluate the effect of sample storage on the Peroxidation of Leukocytes Index Ratio (PLIR). Differences between PLIR values of lymphocytes (PLIR-L), monocytes (PLIR-M) and granulocytes (PLIR-G) were observed in fresh samples. Sample storage affected the evaluation of PLIR. In particular, PLIR-L was lower in stored samples compared to fresh samples. In conclusion, our results suggest that fresh samples are recommended for assessing the PLIR.
Surface enhanced Raman scattering with gold nanoparticles: effect of particle shape
Authors: Tian Furong , Bonnier Franck , Casey Alan , Shanahan Anne E. , Byrne Hugh J.
Published: October 2014

The dependence of the Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) by gold nanoparticles on their shape is examined using the organic dye, rhodamine 6G (R6G) as probe molecule.
Adjusting the inter-particle spacing of a nanoparticle array at the sub-nanometre scale by thermal annealing
Authors: Zhou J. , Liu H. , Wang T. , Li Y. , Zhang J. , Lu Z. , Fu Y. , Li F.
Published: October 2014

A successful attempt to fabricate nanoparticle arrays with sub-nanometre spacing by thermal annealing of the prepared nanoparticle self-assembly was made.
Spontaneous formation of organic helical architectures through dynamic covalent chemistry
Authors: Li Wenfang , Dong Zeyuan , Zhu Junyan , Luo Quan , Liu Junqiu
Published: October 2014

Using dynamic covalent chemistry, achiral and chiral building blocks are capable of self-organizing into organic helical structures, accompanied with chiral amplification.
Water interactions in metal organic frameworks
Authors: Tan Kui , Nijem Nour , Gao Yuzhi , Zuluaga Sebastian , Li Jing , Thonhauser Timo , Chabal Yves J
Published: October 2014

Insight into the structural variation of metal organic framework materials upon hydration.
Surfactant-directed syntheses of mesostructured zinc imidazolates: formation mechanism and structural insights
Authors: Flügel E. A. , Aronson M. T. , Junggeburth S. C. , Chmelka B. F. , Lotsch B. V.
Published: October 2014

A detailed study on the formation mechanism, local and long-range structures of surfactant-directed lamellar zinc imidazolates is presented.
A theoretical study of the intramolecular charge transfer in 4-(dimethylamino)benzethyne
Authors: Segarra-Martí Javier , Coto Pedro B.
Published: October 2014

The intramolecular charge transfer process in DMABE is investigated using multireference perturbation theory methods.
Optical activity in the scattering of structured light
Authors: Cameron Robert P. , Barnett Stephen M.
Published: October 2014

We observe that optical activity in light scattering can be probed using types of illuminating light other than single plane (or quasi plane) waves and that this introduces new possibilities for the study of molecules and atoms.
A continuous mixture of two different dimers in liquid water
Authors: Pardo L. C. , Henao A. , Busch S. , Guàrdia E. , Tamarit J. Ll.
Published: October 2014

Liquid water is formed by a continuous mixture of two different dimers (cis and trans) with distinct energies related to different relative water molecule orientations.
Promoting alkali and alkaline-earth metals on MgO for enhancing CO2capture by first-principles calculations
Authors: Kim Kiwoong , Han Jeong Woo , Lee Kwang Soon , Lee Won Bo
Published: October 2014

Among 9 alkali and alkaline-earth metal promoters, Li, Ca, and Sr were identified as adequate promoters.
Dynamics of capillary-driven liquid–liquid displacement in open microchannels
Authors: Yang D. , Krasowska M. , Priest C. , Ralston J.
Published: October 2014

For capillary-driven liquid–liquid displacement in rectangular open microchannels, the square of the position of the liquid–liquid front increases linearly with time, whereas the flow velocity decreases with increasing channel width.
Fully relativistic self-consistent field under a magnetic field
Authors: Reynolds Ryan D. , Shiozaki Toru
Published: October 2014

Four-component Dirac–Hartree–Fock method with gauge-including atomic orbitals.
Advances in the theoretical understanding of photon upconversion in rare-earth activated nanophosphors
Authors: Liu Guokui
Published: October 2014

A comprehensive review of the theoretical background is provided for understanding photon upconversion with particular attention to assessing photoluminescence dynamics in rare-earth activated nanophosphors.
Nitrate pollution and its transfer in surface water and groundwater in irrigated areas: a case study of the Piedmont of South Taihang Mountains, China
Authors: Li Jing , Li Fadong , Liu Qiang , Suzuki Yoshimi
Published: October 2014

The yellow river irrigation practice was a critical factor impacting the spatial distribution of nitrate in surface water and groundwater in a yellow river alluvial fan.
Geochemical recovery of the Torna–Marcal river system after the Ajka red mud spill, Hungary
Authors: Anton Á. D. , Klebercz O. , Magyar Á. , Burke I. T. , Jarvis A. P. , Gruiz K. , Mayes W. M.
Published: October 2014

Rapid recovery of rivers contaminated by largest recorded release of red mud to the environment is apparent due to fine-grained nature of spill material and remedial efforts.
Upgrading biomass-derived furans via acid-catalysis/hydrogenation: the remarkable difference between water and methanol as the solvent
Authors: Hu Xun , Westerhof Roel J. M. , Wu Liping , Dong Dehua , Li Chun-Zhu
Published: October 2014

Water and methanol affect the acid-catalysis conversion and the hydrogenation of the biomass derived furans via very different ways.