bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lack of Galanin 3 Receptor Aggravates Murine Autoimmune Arthritis
Authors: Botz Bálint , Kemény Ágnes , Brunner Susanne M. , Sternberg Felix , Csepregi Janka , Mócsai Attila , Pintér Erika , McDougall Jason J. , Kofler Barbara , Helyes Zsuzsanna
Published: March 2016

Neurogenic inflammation mediated by peptidergic sensory nerves has a crucial impact on the pathogenesis of various joint diseases. Galanin is a regulatory sensory neuropeptide, which has been shown to attenuate neurogenic inflammation, modulate neutrophil activation, and be involved in the development of adjuvant arthritis, but our current understanding about its targets and physiological importance is incomplete. Among the receptors of galanin (GAL1–3), GAL3 has been found to be the most abundantly expressed in the vasculature and on the surface of some immune cells. However, since there are minimal in vivo data on the role of GAL3 in joint diseases, we analyzed its involvement in different inflammatory mechanisms of the K/BxN serum transfer-model of autoimmune arthritis employing GAL3 gene-deficient mice. After arthritis induction, GAL3 knockouts demonstrated increased clinical disease severity and earlier hindlimb edema than wild types. Vascular hyperpermeability determined by in vivo fluorescence imaging was also elevated compared to the wild-type controls. However, neutrophil accumulation detected by in vivo luminescence imaging or arthritic mechanical hyperalgesia was not altered by the lack of the GAL3 receptor. Our findings suggest that GAL3 has anti-inflammatory properties in joints by inhibiting vascular hyperpermeability and consequent edema formation.
Investigating Early Childhood Teachers’ Understandings of and Practices in Education for Sustainability in Queensland: A Japan-Australia Research Collaboration
Authors: Inoue Michiko , O'Gorman Lyndal , Davis Julie
Published: March 2016

In a study undertaken in Queensland, Australia, analysis of a survey that included both qualitative and quantitative questions revealed that, like their Japanese counterparts, early childhood teachers do not have well-developed ideas and practices in education for sustainability (EfS). Instead, they mainly practise traditional nature-based activities, such as gardening or playing outdoors, and teaching about resource conservation through books, posters or fact sheets. Teachers’ understandings of nature education, environmental education, and education for sustainability seem to influence their educational practices. Deeper understandings about sustainability are necessary to extend beyond such traditional practices. Even though national curriculum frameworks and guidelines point to the importance of sustainability within early childhood curriculum, these appear to be insufficient in strengthening early childhood teachers’ ideas of sustainability and how to practise it effectively. We suggest that it would be beneficial for early childhood teachers, both preservice and inservice, to have professional development opportunities that build deeper understandings of sustainability and its implementation in their settings.
THE EFFICIENT COMPUTATION AND THE SENSITIVITY ANALYSIS OF FINITE-TIME RUIN PROBABILITIES AND THE ESTIMATION OF RISK-BASED REGULATORY CAPITAL
Authors: Joshi Mark S. , Zhu Dan
Published: March 2016

Solvency regulations require financial institutions to hold initial capital so that ruin is a rare event. An important practical problem is to estimate the regulatory capital so the ruin probability is at the regulatory level, typically with less than 0.1% over a finite-time horizon. Estimating probabilities of rare events is challenging, since naive estimations via direct simulations of the surplus process is not feasible. In this paper, we present a stratified sampling algorithm for estimating finite-time ruin probabilities. We further introduce a sequence of measure changes to remove the pathwise discontinuities of the estimator, and compute unbiased first and second-order derivative estimates of the finite-time ruin probabilities with respect to both distributional and structural parameters. We then estimate the regulatory capital and its sensitivities. These estimates provide information to insurance companies for meeting prudential regulations as well as designing risk management strategies. Numerical examples are presented for the classical model, the Sparre Andersen model with interest and the periodic risk model with interest to demonstrate the speed and efficacy of our methodology.
Numerical analysis of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability in an electric field
Authors: Yang Qingzhen , Li Ben Q. , Zhao Zhengtuo , Shao Jinyou , Xu Feng
Published: March 2016

A numerical analysis is presented of the Rayleigh–Taylor instability (RTI) in the presence of an external electric field, with an emphasis on nonlinear phenomena associated with the evolution of complex interfacial morphology. The Poisson equation for the electric field and the Navier–Stokes equation for fluid flow field are solved simultaneously along with the Cahn–Hilliard phase field equation for interface deformation and morphology development. Numerical model is validated against the existing data and the results of linear analysis. Extensive numerical simulations are carried out for a wide range of fluid flow and electric field conditions. Computed results show that, in both linear and nonlinear regimes, a horizontal field suppresses the RTI, while a vertical electric field aggravates it. However, the vertical field does not affect the secondary instability; specifically, it does not contribute to the baroclinical generation of vorticity and consequently does not affect the roll-up formation. Linear analysis predicts that the RTI remains the same with the interchange of the dielectric constants of the two fluids, which is also confirmed by the numerical model for small interface deformations. This prediction, however, does not hold true in the nonlinear regimes in that complex interfacial morphology may evolve quite differently if the dielectric constants of two fluids are interchanged.
Uniform electric-field-induced lateral migration of a sedimenting drop
Authors: Bandopadhyay Aditya , Mandal Shubhadeep , Kishore N. K. , Chakraborty Suman
Published: March 2016

We investigate the motion of a sedimenting drop in the presence of an electric field in an arbitrary direction, otherwise uniform, in the limit of small interface deformation and low-surface-charge convection. We analytically solve the electric potential in and around the leaky dielectric drop, and solve for the Stokesian velocity and pressure fields. We obtain the correction in drop velocity due to shape deformation and surface-charge convection considering small capillary number and small electric Reynolds number which signifies the importance of charge convection at the drop surface. We show that tilt angle, which quantifies the angle of inclination of the applied electric field with respect to the direction of gravity, has a significant effect on the magnitude and direction of the drop velocity. When the electric field is tilted with respect to the direction of gravity, we obtain a non-intuitive lateral motion of the drop in addition to the buoyancy-driven sedimentation. Both the charge convection and shape deformation yield this lateral migration of the drop. Our analysis indicates that depending on the magnitude of the tilt angle, conductivity and permittivity ratios, the direction of the sedimenting drop can be controlled effectively. Our experimental investigation further confirms the presence of lateral migration of the drop in the presence of a tilted electric field, which is in support of the essential findings from the analytical formalism.
The dynamics of dense particle clouds subjected to shock waves. Part 1. Experiments and scaling laws
Authors: Theofanous Theo G. , Mitkin Vladimir , Chang Chih-Hao
Published: March 2016

We quantify experimentally the dispersal characteristics of dense particle clouds in high-speed interactions with an atmosphere. Focused on the fundamentals, the experiments, conducted in a large-scale shock tube, involve a well-characterized ‘curtain’ of (falling) particles that fully occupies the cross-sectional area of the expansion section. The particle material (glass) and size (${\sim}$1 mm) are fixed, as is the curtain thickness (${\sim}$30 mm) and the particle volume fractions in it, varying from ${\sim}$58 % at the top of the curtain to ${\sim}$24 % near the bottom. Thus, the principal experimental variable is the impacting shock strength, with Mach numbers varying from 1.2 to 2.6, and flow speeds that cover from subsonic ($M_{IS}\sim 0.3$) to transonic and supersonic ($M_{IS}\sim 1.2$). The peak shock pressure ratio, 7.6, yields a flow speed of ${\sim}\!630~\text{m}~\text{s}^{-1}$, and a curtain expansion rate at ${\sim}$20 000 g. We record visually (high-speed, particle-resolving shadowgraphic method) the reflected/transmitted pressure waves and the transmitted contact wave, as well as the curtain displacements, and we measure the reflected/transmitted pressure transients. Data analysis yields simple rules for the amplitudes of the reflected pressure waves and the rapid cloud expansions observed, and we discover a time scaling that hints at a universal regime for cloud expansion. The data and these data-analysis results can provide the validation basis for numerical simulations meant to enable a deeper understanding of the key physics that drive this rather complex dispersal process.
Forming associations between language and sensorimotor traces during novel word learning
Authors: ÖTTL BIRGIT , DUDSCHIG CAROLIN , KAUP BARBARA
Published: March 2016

abstract

Embodied models of language comprehension are based on the assumption that words become associated with sensorimotor experiences during initial word learning. To test this hypothesis, adult participants learned artificial words as labels for novel objects in a multisensory environment. In a word learning phase, novel objects were located in the participant’s upper or lower visual field and participants learned the objects’ names by interacting with them. In a test phase, participants responded to the color of the words with either an upwards or a downwards directed arm movement in a Stroop-like paradigm. Responses were fastest when the movement direction was compatible with the word’s referent location (i.e., the location of the novel object in vertical space) during the learning phase. This finding suggests that sensorimotor experiences become associated with words during initial word learning. The results of the current study and implications for language learning are discussed.
A law made by Italian mothers for Italian mothers? Women politicians and the 1950 law on maternity rights
Authors: Schievenin Pamela
Published: March 2016

The development of welfare policies aimed at mothers and children has been deeply influenced by women’s agency. This article explores the role played by Italian women politicians in the passing of the 1950 law on maternity rights. It examines the campaigns conducted by both left-wing and Catholic women,1 and discusses the arguments and strategies they used to ensure that this gendered issue was on the political agenda. Particular attention is given to the parliamentary history of this legislation. While the law was being debated antagonism between the parties was at its height, and competition between the opposing women’s organisations was fierce. Despite this, at a parliamentary level cross-party collaboration between women politicians was possible on this specific issue and was a crucial factor in the law being passed.
‘Undesirable Italians’: prolegomena for a history of the Calabrian ’Ndrangheta in Australia
Authors: Bennetts Stephen
Published: March 2016

Although Italian mafia scholars have recently been turning their attention to the Calabrian mafia (known as the ’Ndrangheta) diaspora in Australia, their efforts have been limited by conducting research remotely from Italy without the benefit of local knowledge. Australian journalists and crime writers have long played an important role in documenting ’Ndrangheta activities, but have in turn been limited by a lack of expertise in Italian language and culture, and knowledge of the Italian scholarly literature. As previously in the US, Australian scholarly discussion of the phenomenon has been inhibited, especially since the 1970s, by a ‘liberal progressive’ ‘negationist’ discourse, which has led to a virtual silence within the local scholarly literature. This paper seeks to break this silence by bringing the Italian scholarly and Australian journalistic and archival sources into dialogue, and summarising the clear evidence for the presence in Australia since the early 1920s of criminal actors associated with a well-organised criminal secret society structured along lines familiar from the literature on the ’Ndrangheta.
Application of Braiding Sequences. II. Polynomial Invariants of Positive Knots
Authors: Stoimenow A.
Published: March 2016

We apply the concept of braiding sequences to link polynomials to show polynomial growth bounds on the derivatives of the Jones polynomial evaluated onS1and of the Brandt–Lickorish–Millett–Ho polynomial evaluated on [–2, 2] on alternating and positive knots of given genus. For positive links, boundedness criteria for the coefficients of the Jones, HOMFLY and Kauffman polynomials are derived. (This is a continuation of the paper ‘Applications of braiding sequences. I’:Commun. Contemp. Math.12(5) (2010), 681–726.)
Iron and silica enrichments in the middle Albian neptunian dykes from the High-Tatric Unit, Central Western Carpathians: an indication of hydrothermal activity for an extensional tectonic regime
Authors: BĄK KRZYSZTOF , KOWALCZYK JOANNA , WOLSKA ANNA , BĄK MARTA , NATKANIEC-NOWAK LUCYNA
Published: March 2016

Studies dealing with the response of subaqueous volcanic and hydrothermal activities to carbonate sedimentation in hemipelagic environments affected by tectonic processes are comparatively rare. Here, a microfacies record with combined chemical data from the neptunian dykes found at an intrabasinal ridge (Tatric Ridge; Carpathian domain of the Western Tethys), close to a source of alkaline volcanism with possible hydrothermal vents (Zliechov Basin), is presented. The characteristic features of the neptunian dykes, up to 20 cm thick, in the middle Albian echinoderm-foraminiferal limestones (Tatra Mountains, Inner Carpathians) are their red fillings. Microprobe and x-ray diffraction analyses show that this reddish material, partly mixed with sparitic clasts coming from the host limestone, consists mainly of hematite crystals which are associated with low crystalline silica and quartz. The microfacies data suggest that the reddish infillings of the dykes is partly related to dissolution processes inside the fissures that could have taken place during the transport of FeCl3 fluids together with silica gel. The fluids could have been derived from hydrothermal vents occurring along the extensional faults in the neighbouring Zliechov Basin. Rare Earth element (REE) signatures of the reddish infill (i.e. low values of total REE content, chondrite- and Post-Archean Australian Shale-normalized REE + Y patterns with negative Ce anomaly) and a high Y/Ho ratio suggest authigenic removal of REEs from the water column. This suggests that the fissures were open to the sea bottom and were in contact with sea water during their filling.
Penance in the Jesuit Mission to Japan, 1549–1562
Authors: FUJITANI JAMES
Published: March 2016

The early modern Japanese Church developed syncretistic practices in which Roman Catholicism came to function similarly to Buddhism and Shintō. This study examines the development of such practices, with particular focus on penitential rituals. It argues that certain of these rites were produced in the very early years of the mission through extensive discussions between European priests and Japanese Christians. They were compromises that were both hard-fought and intentional.
Athanasius' ‘Vita Antonii’ as Political Theology: The Call of Heavenly Citizenship
Authors: CARTWRIGHT SOPHIE
Published: March 2016

This article explores the political theology of Athanasius' ‘Life of Antony’. It argues that the work is profoundly concerned with the relationship between the Church and the empire, which it treats as a component of the relationship between the Church and the fallen world order. Athanasius explores this issue through Antony, striving to live as a citizen of heaven within the fallen world. Athanasius sees allegiance to earthly authority as problematising allegiance to the heavenly kingdom, which is bound up with a concern for the Christian's identity: the Christian must understand himself and the world in relation to the kingdom of heaven, rather than the earthly kingdom.
Impact of anti-inflammatory nutrients on obesity-associated metabolic-inflammation from childhood through to adulthood
Authors: Connaughton Ruth M. , McMorrow Aoibheann M. , McGillicuddy Fiona C. , Lithander Fiona E. , Roche Helen M.
Published: March 2016

Obesity-related metabolic conditions such as insulin resistance (IR), type 2 diabetes and CVD share a number of pathological features, one of which is metabolic-inflammation. Metabolic-inflammation results from the infiltration of immune cells into the adipose tissue, driving a pro-inflammatory environment, which can induce IR. Furthermore, resolution of inflammation, an active process wherein the immune system counteracts pro-inflammatory states, may be dysregulated in obesity. Anti-inflammatory nutritional interventions have focused on attenuating this pro-inflammatory environment. Furthermore, with inherent variability among individuals, establishing at-risk populations who respond favourably to nutritional intervention strategies is important. This review will focus on chronic low-grade metabolic-inflammation, resolution of inflammation and the putative role anti-inflammatory nutrients have as a potential therapy. Finally, in the context of personalised nutrition, the approaches used in defining individuals who respond favourably to nutritional interventions will be highlighted. With increasing prevalence of obesity in younger people, age-dependent biological processes, preventative strategies and therapeutic options are important to help protect against development of obesity-associated co-morbidities.
The fine structure of sexual stage development and sporogony ofCryptosporidium parvumin cell-free culture
Authors: ALDEYARBI HEBATALLA M. , KARANIS PANAGIOTIS
Published: March 2016

The sexual stages and new oocysts development ofCryptosporidium parvumwere investigated in a cell-free culture system using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Sexual development was extremely rapid after inoculation of oocysts into the medium. The process began within 1/2–12 h and was completed with new oocyst formation 120 h post-inoculation. The macrogamonts were bounded by two membranes and had amylopectin granules and two distinct types of wall-forming bodies. The microgamonts had a large nucleus showing lobe projections and condensation of chromatin, giving rise to peripherally budding microgametes. The microgametes contained a large area of granular substance containing groups of microtubules surrounding the electron-dense nucleus. In some instances, the dividing microgamy was observed in cell-free cultures with no preceding merogonic process. Fertilization was observed with the bullet-shaped microgamete penetrating an immature macrogamont at 24 and 216 h. The new thin- and thick-walled oocysts had a large residuum with polysaccharide granules and sporogony noted inside these oocysts. Novel immature four-layer walled thick oocysts with irregular knob-like protrusions on the outer layer resembling the immatureEimeriaoocysts were also observed. The present study confirms the gametogony and sporogony ofC. parvumin cell-free culture and describes their ultra-structure for the first time.
Nitrous oxide speeds the reduction of distressing intrusive memories in an experimental model of psychological trauma
Authors: Das R. K. , Tamman A. , Nikolova V. , Freeman T. P. , Bisby J. A. , Lazzarino A. I. , Kamboj S. K.
Published: March 2016

Background

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) involves maladaptive long-term memory formation which underlies involuntary intrusive thoughts about the trauma. Preventing the development of such maladaptive memory is a key aim in preventing the development of PTSD. We examined whether the N-methyl d-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) antagonist gas nitrous oxide (N2O) could reduce the frequency of intrusive memories by inhibiting NMDAR-dependent memory consolidation in a laboratory analogue of psychological trauma.

Method

Participants were randomized to inhale N2O (N = 25) or medical air (N = 25) after viewing a negatively valenced emotional film clip (‘trauma film’). Participants subsequently completed a daily diary assessing frequency of intrusive thoughts relating to the film clip. A week later, participants completed an explicit memory recall task related to the film.

Results

Post-encoding N2O sped the reduction in intrusive memory frequency, with a significant reduction by the next day in the N2O group compared to 4 days later in the air group. N2O also interacted with post-film dissociation, producing increased intrusion frequency in those who were highly dissociated at baseline. Sleep length and quality the night after viewing the film did not differ between the groups.

Conclusion

N2O speeds the reduction of intrusive analogue trauma memory in a time-dependent manner, consistent with sleep-dependent long-term consolidation disruption. Further research with this drug is warranted to determine its potential to inoculate against enduring effects of psychological trauma; however, caution is also urged in dissociated individuals where N2O may aggravate PTSD-like symptomatology.
MENTALISM VERSUS BEHAVIOURISM IN ECONOMICS: A PHILOSOPHY-OF-SCIENCE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Dietrich Franz , List Christian
Published: March 2016

Behaviourism is the view that preferences, beliefs and other mental states in social-scientific theories are nothing but constructs re-describing people’s behaviour. Mentalism is the view that they capture real phenomena, on a par with the unobservables in science, such as electrons and electromagnetic fields. While behaviourism has gone out of fashion in psychology, it remains influential in economics, especially in ‘revealed preference’ theory. We defend mentalism in economics, construed as a positive science, and show that it fits best scientific practice. We distinguish mentalism from, and reject, the radical neuroeconomic view that behaviour should be explained in terms of brain processes, as distinct from mental states.
‘An incredibly vile sport’: Campaigns against Otter Hunting in Britain, 1900–39
Authors: ALLEN DANIEL , WATKINS CHARLES , MATLESS DAVID
Published: March 2016

Otter hunting was a minor field sport in Britain but in the early years of the twentieth century a lively campaign to ban it was orchestrated by several individuals and anti-hunting societies. The sport became increasingly popular in the late nineteenth century and the Edwardian period. This paper examines the arguments and methods used in different anti-otter hunting campaigns 1900–1939 by organisations such as the Humanitarian League, the League for the Prohibition of Cruel Sports and the National Association for the Abolition of Cruel Sports.
Well-founded recursion with copatterns and sized types
Authors: ABEL ANDREAS , PIENTKA BRIGITTE
Published: March 2016

In this paper, we study strong normalization of a core language based on System ${\mathsf{F}_\omega}$ which supports programming with finite and infinite structures. Finite data such as finite lists and trees is defined via constructors and manipulated via pattern matching, while infinite data such as streams and infinite trees is defined by observations and synthesized via copattern matching. Taking a type-based approach to strong normalization, we track size information about finite and infinite data in the type. We exploit the duality of pattern and copatterns to give a unifying semantic framework which allows us to elegantly and uniformly support both well-founded induction and coinduction by rewriting. The strong normalization proof is structured around Girard's reducibility candidates. As such, our system allows for non-determinism and does not rely on coverage. Since System ${\mathsf{F}_\omega}$ is general enough that it can be the target of compilation for the Calculus of Constructions, this work is a significant step towards representing observation-based infinite data in proof assistants such as Coq and Agda.
The importance of spring hunting in Malta on European Turtle-Dove Streptopelia turtur and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix populations
Authors: CARUANA-GALIZIA PAUL , FENECH NATALINO
Published: March 2016

The European Commission’s 1979 Wild Birds Directive bans member states from hunting wild birds during spring, the period during which they are breeding or migrating, as hunting wild birds before they have reproduced is perceived to have a greater effect on bird populations than it would in autumn or winter. Malta is the only European Union member state to allow recreational wild bird hunting in spring, when birds migrate over the country to their European breeding grounds. Malta’s derogation of the European Commission’s ban can only be legally permissible if no alternative solutions to spring hunting exist. Using figures provided by hunters, we show that greater numbers of European Turtle-dove Streptopelia turtur and Common Quail Coturnix coturnix – the two species for which spring hunting is allowed – are hunted in autumn than in spring. We show that statistics on the number of birds hunted in spring, which hunters are legally obliged to provide to authorities, are under-reported: they are not correlated, at times negatively correlated, with data on the daily influxes of birds, and they spike in the final week of the season, consistent with the hypothesis that hunters under-report to avoid reaching quotas which would result in an early season closure. Finally, while there are wide error margins around the numbers, independent annual estimates of turtle-doves hunted in Malta imply spring hunting is a conservation concern beyond the country itself. Each spring, hunters in Malta kill the equivalent of between 2.4% and 4.4% of Europe’s turtle-dove population and 0.4% and 0.5% of its quail population.
On the Normalized Shannon Capacity of a Union
Authors: KEEVASH PETER , LONG EOIN
Published: March 2016

Let G1 × G2 denote the strong product of graphs G1 and G2, that is, the graph on V(G1) × V(G2) in which (u1, u2) and (v1, v2) are adjacent if for each i = 1, 2 we have ui = vi or uivi ∈ E(Gi). The Shannon capacity of G is c(G) = limn → ∞ α(Gn)1/n, where Gn denotes the n-fold strong power of G, and α(H) denotes the independence number of a graph H. The normalized Shannon capacity of G is
$$C(G) = \ffrac {\log c(G)}{\log |V(G)|}.$$
Alon [1] asked whether for every ε < 0 there are graphs G and G′ satisfying C(G), C(G′) < ε but with C(G + G′) > 1 − ε. We show that the answer is no.
Ensembles Asia: Mapping experimental practices in music in Asia
Authors: Lippit Takuro Mizuta
Published: March 2016

In Western countries and in Japan, experimental practices of music have developed into larger communities that share a common musical aesthetic and language, and are generally associated with genres such as noise music, free improvisation, or experimental music. However in South East Asia, and particularly in Indonesia, these categories are of little use for finding artists making unique music. Instead, distinctly individualistic styles and a form of musical experimentalism is found at the edge of more popular genres such as punk, metal, or as a result of incorporating traditional and indigenous musical influences. Ensembles Asia is project that aims to explore these forms of musical experimentations that slip through conventional categorisations of music. The project also tries to cultivate a new network of musicians through playing together in a large improvising ensemble.
Sonic Explorations of the Southernmost Continent: Four composers’ responses to Antarctica and climate change in the twenty-first century
Authors: Philpott Carolyn
Published: March 2016

Composers have been drawn to the world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica, for creative inspiration since the so-called ‘Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration’ in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. However, it has only been since the final few years of the twentieth century that professional composers have had opportunities to travel to the far south as part of arts residency programmes to experience its environment – and its unique soundscapes – first-hand. Most composers who have visited Antarctica to date have utilised sound recording technologies to document their journeys sonically and have subsequently created compositions that feature their soundscape recordings. Typically, such compositions include biological sounds, such as vocalisations of penguins and seals (both on the ice and underwater); non-biological or ‘geophysical’ ambient sounds that emanate from the natural landscape, such as those created by wind, blizzards, and ice cracking and calving; and/or anthropogenic (human) sounds recorded within the Antarctic environment.

This article examines a series of recent compositions by four established composers who have visited Antarctica and used their experiences and field recordings to inform their creative work: Douglas Quin, Jay Needham, Lawrence English and Philip Samartzis. The primary aim of this research is to investigate what these composers’ Antarctica-related works reveal about their individual encounters with and perceptions of the frozen continent, as well as to consider the role of such compositions in conveying messages related to climate change to listeners around the globe – the vast majority of whom are unlikely to ever see orhearthe place in person.
Combination of high resolution melting (HRM) analysis and SSR molecular markers speeds up plum genotyping: case study genotyping the Greek plum GeneBank collection
Authors: Merkouropoulos Georgios , Ganopoulos Ioannis , Tsaftaris Athanasios , Papadopoulos Ioannis , Drogoudi Pavlina
Published: March 2016

In a germplasm bank collection the conservation and characterization of genetic resources is a prerequisite in order to use the material in breeding projects aiming the creation of new cultivars. In the present study, 54Prunus salicina domesticaandPrunus domesticagenotypes (including seven Greek cultivars), maintained in theex situNational Genebank Collection of Greece, were classified using microsatellite (simple sequence repeat, SSR) markers on high resolution melting (HRM) analysis. The SSR primer pairs were chosen from the published literature as originally designed onPrunusspecies. This combined approach was used to genotype all plum accessions of the collection highlighting the benefits of either method (HRM and SSRs) for cultivar identification. Dendrograms forP. domesticaandP. salicinaand a combined one with all the genotypes assayed were produced. A total of 15 from the 19P. domesticaaccessions analysed, including all the Greek accessions but ‘Avgati Skopelou’, were grouped into the same clade in the combined dendrogram, whereas the remaining four were dispersed into theP. salinicaclades. Bayesian structure analysis confirmed that ‘Avgati Skopelou’ differs from the rest of the Greek plum cultivars since it was not grouped into the same cluster. The combination of HRM and SSRs, provided a considerably faster, cost-effective, closed-tube microsatellite genotyping method for molecular characterization of plum cultivars.
Quarter cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna in multi-element composite form for wideband applications
Authors: Ranjan Pinku , Gangwar Ravi Kumar
Published: March 2016

A novel quarter cylindrical dielectric resonator antenna (q-CDRA) has been introduced by splitting four uniform quarters from a cylinder. q-CDRA has been designed and validated with theoretical analysis. Two and four element q-CDRAs have been proposed in composite forms through Ansoft high-frequency structure simulator simulation software and fabricated for experimental investigation. The input characteristics and radiation patterns of the proposed antennas have been studied through simulation and compared with the measured ones. The |S11| characteristics of the proposed antennas have been compared with each other. The four-element composite q-CDRA has wide impedance bandwidth (|S11| ≤ −10 dB) of 58.15% with monopole-like radiation pattern as compared with other q-CDRAs. The two and four elements q-CDRAs have symmetric monopole-like radiation patterns with linear polarization for whole operating bandwidth (4.5–8.6 GHz). The proposed composite q-CDRAs may find suitable applications in WLAN and WiMAX band.
Microwave photonic network for active electronically scanned array radar
Authors: Mathur Manisha , Rai Jaynendra Kumar , Sridhar Nilakantan
Published: March 2016

Active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar has large number oftransmit/Receive (T/R) modules which require multiple microwave and digital signals. Distribution of these signals through conventional method such as coaxial cable, twisted pair, etc. not only introduces engineering complexities and signal loss but also have limitation of bandwidth, data rate, transmission distance, etc. This paper addresses design and implementation of microwave photonic network for distribution of microwave and digital signals over single optical fiber using wavelength division multiplexing for AESA radars. The design challenge is to limit the variation in output radio frequency power within ±1 dB over full operational band of radar from 2 to 4 GHz and functionality under hostile military environment. Optical amplifiers have been used in all channels to stabilize optical output independent of wavelength with automatic light control. The optical signal is split into 64 identical parts to feed multiplexed signal into different digital receivers physically spread across the antenna array. It is an additional challenge to normalize performance as all 64 receivers show variation in output in spite of identical electronic circuitry. Experimental results validate the feasibility of microwave photonic network for wide branching distribution of multiple microwave and digital signals for AESA radar.
The Moderator Role of Perceived Emotional Intelligence in the Relationship between Sources of Stress and Mental Health in Teachers
Authors: Pulido-Martos Manuel , Lopez-Zafra Esther , Estévez-López Fernando , Augusto-Landa José María
Published: March 2016

This study analyzes the role of Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI) on sources of job stress and mental health in 250 elementary school teachers from Jaén (Spain). The aim of the study was two-fold: (1) to analyze the associations between Perceived Emotional Intelligence (PEI), sources of occupational stress and mental health; and (2) to determine whether PEI moderates the relationship between sources of occupational stress and mental health. An initial sample of 250 teachers was assessed Three questionnaires, the Trait Meta-Mood Scale, the Sources of Stress Scale in Teachers and the Medical Outcomes Study 36-item Short Form Health Survey, were used to evaluate PEI, sources of occupational stress and mental health, respectively. Teachers with higher levels of emotional attention reported lower levels of mental health (r= –.30;p< .001), while teachers showing high emotional clarity reported better emotional role (r= .14;p< .05) and social functioning (r= .15;p< .05). Moreover, PEI components moderate the relationship between sources of occupational stress and emotional role. Specifically, each significant interaction (i.e., deficiencies x attention, adaptation x attention, and adaptation x clarity) made a small and unique contribution in the explanation of emotional role (allp< .05, allsr2∼ .02). Finally, our results imply that PEI is an important moderator of teachers´ occupational stressors on mental health.
Necroptosis in acute kidney injury: a shedding light
Authors: Wang S , Zhang C , Hu L , Yang C
Published: March 2016

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common and severe clinical condition with a heavy healthy burden around the world. In spite of supportive therapies, the mortality associated with AKI remains high. Our limited understanding of the complex cell death mechanism in the process of AKI impedes the development of desirable therapeutics. Necroptosis is a recently identified novel form of cell death contributing to numerable diseases and tissue damages. Increasing evidence has suggested that necroptosis has an important role in the pathogenesis of various types of AKI. Therefore, we present here the signaling pathways and main regulators of necroptosis that are potential candidate for therapeutic strategies. Moreover, we emphasize on the potential role and corresponding mechanisms of necroptosis in AKI based on recent advances, and also discuss the possible therapeutic regimens based on manipulating necroptosis. Taken together, the progress in this field sheds new light into the prevention and management of AKI in clinical practice.
Mechanism of intermediate filament recognition by plakin repeat domains revealed by envoplakin targeting of vimentin
Authors: Fogl Claudia , Mohammed Fiyaz , Al-Jassar Caezar , Jeeves Mark , Knowles Timothy J. , Rodriguez-Zamora Penelope , White Scott A. , Odintsova Elena , Overduin Michael , Chidgey Martyn
Published: March 2016

Plakin proteins form critical connections between cell junctions and the cytoskeleton; their disruption within epithelial and cardiac muscle cells cause skin-blistering diseases and cardiomyopathies. Envoplakin has a single plakin repeat domain (PRD) which recognizes intermediate filaments through an unresolved mechanism. Herein we report the crystal structure of envoplakin’s complete PRD fold, revealing binding determinants within its electropositive binding groove. Four of its five internal repeats recognize negatively charged patches within vimentin via five basic determinants that are identified by nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Mutations of the Lys1901 or Arg1914 binding determinants delocalize heterodimeric envoplakin from intracellular vimentin and keratin filaments in cultured cells. Recognition of vimentin is abolished when its residues Asp112 or Asp119 are mutated. The latter slot intermediate filament rods into basic PRD domain grooves through electrosteric complementarity in a widely applicable mechanism. Together this reveals how plakin family members form dynamic linkages with cytoskeletal frameworks.
Elimination of HIV-1-infected cells by broadly neutralizing antibodies
Authors: Bruel Timothée , Guivel-Benhassine Florence , Amraoui Sonia , Malbec Marine , Richard Léa , Bourdic Katia , Donahue Daniel Aaron , Lorin Valérie , Casartelli Nicoletta , Noël Nicolas , Lambotte Olivier , Mouquet Hugo , Schwartz Olivier
Published: March 2016

The Fc region of HIV-1 Env-specific broadly neutralizing antibodies (bNAbs) is required for suppressing viraemia, through mechanisms which remain poorly understood. Here, we identify bNAbs that exert antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in cell culture and kill HIV-1-infected lymphocytes through natural killer (NK) engagement. These antibodies target the CD4-binding site, the glycans/V3 and V1/V2 loops on gp120, or the gp41 moiety. The landscape of Env epitope exposure at the surface and the sensitivity of infected cells to ADCC vary considerably between viral strains. Efficient ADCC requires sustained cell surface binding of bNAbs to Env, and combining bNAbs allows a potent killing activity. Furthermore, reactivated infected cells from HIV-positive individuals expose heterogeneous Env epitope patterns, with levels that are often but not always sufficient to trigger killing by bNAbs. Our study delineates the parameters controlling ADCC activity of bNAbs, and supports the use of the most potent antibodies to clear the viral reservoir.
Correction: Corrigendum: DICER1 and microRNA regulation in post-traumatic stress disorder with comorbid depression
Authors: Wingo Aliza P. , Almli Lynn M. , Stevens Jennifer S. , Klengel Torsten , Uddin Monica , Li Yujing , Bustamante Angela C. , Lori Adriana , Koen Nastassja , Stein Dan J. , Smith Alicia K. , Aiello Allison E. , Koenen Karestan C. , Wildman Derek E. , Galea Sandro , Bradley Bekh , Binder Elisabeth B. , Jin Peng , Gibson Greg , Ressler Kerry J.
Published: March 2016

Nature Communications 6: Article number: 10106 (2015); Published: 3 December 2015; Updated: 3 March 2016 The original version of this Article contained an error in the spelling of the author Jennifer S. Stevens, which was incorrectly given as Jennifer J. Stevens. Furthermore, in Fig. 5, the titles for panels a and b were inadvertently switched.
Inequality in mortality by occupation related to economic crisis from 1980 to 2010 among working-age Japanese males
Authors: Wada Koji , Gilmour Stuart
Published: March 2016

The mortality rate for Japanese males aged 30–59 years in managerial and professional spiked in 2000 and remains worse than that of other occupations possibly associated with the economic downturn of the 1990s and the global economic stagnation after 2008. The present study aimed to assess temporal occupation-specific mortality trends from 1980 to 2010 for Japanese males aged 30–59 years for major causes of death. We obtained data from the Occupation-specific Vital Statistics. We calculated age-standardized mortality rates for the four leading causes of death (all cancers, suicide, ischaemic heart disease and cerebrovascular disease). We used a generalized estimating equation model to determine specific effects of the economic downturn after 2000. The age-standardized mortality rate for the total working-age population steadily declined up to 2010 in all major causes of death except suicide. Managers had a higher risk of mortality in all leading causes of death compared with before 1995. Mortality rates among unemployed people steadily decreased for all cancers and ischaemic heart disease. Economic downturn may have caused the prolonged increase in suicide mortality. Unemployed people did not experience any change in mortality due to suicide and cerebrovascular disease and saw a decline in cancer and ischemic heart disease mortality, perhaps because the basic properties of Japan’s social welfare system were maintained even during economic recession.
Experimental demonstration of topological effects in bianisotropic metamaterials
Authors: Slobozhanyuk Alexey P. , Khanikaev Alexander B. , Filonov Dmitry S. , Smirnova Daria A. , Miroshnichenko Andrey E. , Kivshar Yuri S.
Published: March 2016

Existence of robust edge states at interfaces of topologically dissimilar systems is one of the most fascinating manifestations of a novel nontrivial state of matter, a topological insulator. Such nontrivial states were originally predicted and discovered in condensed matter physics, but they find their counterparts in other fields of physics, including the physics of classical waves and electromagnetism. Here, we present the first experimental realization of a topological insulator for electromagnetic waves based on engineered bianisotropic metamaterials. By employing the near-field scanning technique, we demonstrate experimentally the topologically robust propagation of electromagnetic waves around sharp corners without backscattering effects.
A targeted next-generation sequencing method for identifying clinically relevant mutation profiles in lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Shao Di , Lin Yongping , Liu Jilong , Wan Liang , Liu Zu , Cheng Shaomin , Fei Lingna , Deng Rongqing , Wang Jian , Chen Xi , Liu Liping , Gu Xia , Liang Wenhua , He Ping , Wang Jun , Ye Mingzhi , He Jianxing
Published: March 2016

Molecular profiling of lung cancer has become essential for prediction of an individual’s response to targeted therapies. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) is a promising technique for routine diagnostics, but has not been sufficiently evaluated in terms of feasibility, reliability, cost and capacity with routine diagnostic formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) materials. Here, we report the validation and application of a test based on Ion Proton technology for the rapid characterisation of single nucleotide variations (SNVs), short insertions and deletions (InDels), copy number variations (CNVs), and gene rearrangements in 145 genes with FFPE clinical specimens. The validation study, using 61 previously profiled clinical tumour samples, showed a concordance rate of 100% between results obtained by NGS and conventional test platforms. Analysis of tumour cell lines indicated reliable mutation detection in samples with 5% tumour content. Furthermore, application of the panel to 58 clinical cases, identified at least one actionable mutation in 43 cases, 1.4 times the number of actionable alterations detected by current diagnostic tests. We demonstrated that targeted NGS is a cost-effective and rapid platform to detect multiple mutations simultaneously in various genes with high reproducibility and sensitivity.
Fully analogue photonic reservoir computer
Authors: Duport François , Smerieri Anteo , Akrout Akram , Haelterman Marc , Massar Serge
Published: March 2016

Introduced a decade ago, reservoir computing is an efficient approach for signal processing. State of the art capabilities have already been demonstrated with both computer simulations and physical implementations. If photonic reservoir computing appears to be promising a solution for ultrafast nontrivial computing, all the implementations presented up to now require digital pre or post processing, which prevents them from exploiting their full potential, in particular in terms of processing speed. We address here the possibility to get rid simultaneously of both digital pre and post processing. The standalone fully analogue reservoir computer resulting from our endeavour is compared to previous experiments and only exhibits rather limited degradation of performances. Our experiment constitutes a proof of concept for standalone physical reservoir computers.
All trans-retinoic acid analogs promote cancer cell apoptosis through non-genomic Crabp1 mediating ERK1/2 phosphorylation
Authors: Persaud Shawna D. , Park Sung Wook , Ishigami-Yuasa Mari , Koyano-Nakagawa Naoko , Kagechika Hiroyuki , Wei Li-Na
Published: March 2016

All trans retinoic acid (atRA) is one of the most potent therapeutic agents, but extensive toxicity caused by nuclear RA receptors (RARs) limits its clinical application in treating cancer. AtRA also exerts non-genomic activities for which the mechanism remains poorly understood. We determine that cellular retinoic acid binding protein 1 (Crabp1) mediates the non-genomic activity of atRA, and identify two compounds as the ligands of Crabp1 to rapidly and RAR-independently activate extracellular signal regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2). Non-canonically activated ERK activates protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) and lengthens cell cycle duration in embryonic stem cells (ESC). This is abolished in Crabp1-null ESCs. Re-expressing Crabp1 in Crabp1-negative cancer cells also sensitizes their apoptotic induction by atRA. This study reveals a physiological relevance of the non-genomic action of atRA, mediated by Crabp1, in modulating cell cycle progression and apoptosis induction, and provides a new cancer therapeutic strategy whereby compounds specifically targeting Crabp1 can modulate cell cycle and cancer cell apoptosis in a RAR-independent fashion, thereby avoiding atRA’s toxicity caused by its genomic effects.