bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cerebral and lung effects of a new generation synthetic surfactant with SP‐B and SP‐C analogs in preterm lambs
Authors: Rey‐Santano Carmen , Mielgo Victoria E. , Murgia Xabier , Gomez‐Solaetxe Miguel Angel , Salomone Fabrizio , Bianco Federico , Pelizzi Nicola , Loureiro Begoña , López de Heredia y Goya Jon
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

Though natural surfactants (SF) are clinically superior to protein‐free synthetic preparations, CHF‐5633, a synthetic SF containing SP‐B and SP‐C analog peptides is a potential alternative to natural SF for treating neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). Nevertheless, information is lacking regarding the safety of this new treatment for the neonatal brain. We sought to compare the cerebral and pulmonary effects of this new synthetic surfactant (CHF5633) with those of natural porcine surfactant (Cursosurf) in premature lambs with RDS.

METHODS

Twenty‐one preterm lambs were randomly assigned to receive CHF5633, Curosurf, or no treatment (control). Pulmonary (gas exchange, lung mechanics) and cerebral (carotid artery blood flow, cerebral oxygen metabolism) effects were measured every 30 min for 6 h. Pulmonary and cerebral histological analysis were also performed.

RESULTS

After delivery, lambs developed severe RDS (FIO2:1, pH < 7.15, PaCO2 > 70 mmHg, PaO2 < 40 mmHg, Cdyn < 0.1 mL/cmH2O/kg). By 30 min after treatment, animals in both SF‐treated groups had consistently better gas exchange and lung mechanics than controls. After CHF5633 administration, PaCO2, carotid artery blood flow, and cerebral oxygen delivery tended to slowly decrease compared to other groups. By 2 h, SF‐treated groups had similar values of all parameters studied, these remaining steady for the rest of the experiment. Lambs administered CHF5633 obtained better lung and brain injury scores than controls.

CONCLUSION

Intratracheal administration of a bolus of CHF5633 improves pulmonary status in preterm lambs with severe RDS, obtaining better lung and brain injury scores than controls and favorable cerebral hemodynamics, comparable to those with gold standard Curosurf treatment.
Identification of laminin α5 short arm peptides active for endothelial cell attachment and tube formation
Authors: Kikkawa Yamato , Sugawara Yumika , Harashima Nozomi , Fujii Shogo , Ikari Kazuki , Kumai Jun , Katagiri Fumihiko , Hozumi Kentaro , Nomizu Motoyoshi
Published: February 2017

Laminin‐511, a major component of endothelial basement membrane, consists of α5, β1, and γ1 chains. The short arm region of the α5 chain is a structural feature of endothelial laminins. In this study, we identified active sequences for human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using recombinant proteins and synthetic peptides. The short arm of the α5 chain contains three globular domains [laminin N‐terminal globular domain, laminin 4 domain a, and laminin 4 domain b (LN, L4a, and L4b)] and three rod‐like elements [laminin epidermal growth factor‐like domain a, b, and c (LEa, LEb, and LEc)]. The cell attachment assay using recombinant proteins showed that RGD‐independent cell attachment sites were localized in the α5LN‐LEa domain. Further, we synthesized 70 peptides covering the amino acid sequences of the α5LN‐LEa domain. Of the 70 peptides, A5‐16 (mouse laminin α5 230–243: LENGEIVVSLVNGR) potently exhibited endothelial cell attachment activity. An active sequence analysis using N‐terminally and C‐terminally truncated A5‐16 peptides showed that the nine‐amino acid sequence IVVSLVNGR was critical for the endothelial cell attachment activity. Cell adhesion to the peptides was dependent on both cations and heparan sulfate. Further, the A5‐16 peptide inhibited the capillary‐like tube formation of HUVECs with the cells forming small clumps with short tubes. The eight‐amino acid sequence EIVVSLVN in the A5‐16 peptide was critical to inhibit HUVEC tube formation. This amino acid sequence could be useful for grafts and thus modulate endothelial cell behavior for vascular surgery. Copyright © 2017 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Entanglement‐symmetry control in a quantum‐dot Cooper‐pair splitter
Authors: Hussein Robert , Braggio Alessandro , Governale Michele
Published: February 2017

The control of nonlocal entanglement in solid state systems is a crucial ingredient of quantum technologies. We investigate a Cooper‐pair splitter based on a double quantum dot realized in a semiconducting nanowire. In the presence of interdot tunneling the system provides a simple mechanism to develop spatial entanglement even in absence of nonlocal coupling with the superconducting lead. We discuss the possibility to control the symmetry (singlet or triplet) of spatially separated, entangled electron pairs taking advantage of the spin‐orbit coupling of the nanowire. We also demonstrate that the spin‐orbit coupling does not impact over the entanglement purity of the nonlocal state generated in the double quantum dot system.

Cooper‐pair splitter realized in a nanowire acting as double quantum dot which is coupled to one superconductor (S) and two normal leads (N). Electron singlets in the superconductor are split nonlocally into the different dots as schematically shown in the figure. The entangled electrons in the two quantum dots are then transferred by tunneling, with rate , to the normal leads.
Transporting and manipulating single electrons in surface‐acoustic‐wave minima
Authors: Ford Christopher J. B.
Published: February 2017

A surface acoustic wave (SAW) can produce a moving potential wave that can trap and drag electrons along with it. We review work on using a SAW to create moving quantum dots containing single electrons, with the aims of developing a current standard, emitting single photons, transferring single electrons between static quantum dots, and investigating non‐adiabatic effects.
Create an advocate program to assist student‐veterans
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2017

When Adam Crawford, counselor for student life disability services at The Ohio State University, agreed to attend a meeting about the Student Veteran Community Advocate Program, he thought it was a training session. But it turned out to be much more and led to improvements in services for student‐veterans with disabilities from his office. The program provides a scholarship/internship to a student‐veteran who works with a campus office, with the goal of making the office more veteran‐friendly. The interns receive a stipend of $1,000 a semester and a $1,000 budget for the academic year to create programming. Amanda Hostetter, a senior major in nursing with about 13 years of military service, was placed in the Disability Services Office as its intern. Crawford is the advocate program's liaison in disability services.
Get the best from your most valuable asset: Your staff
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: February 2017

SAN ANTONIO — “Your most competitive weapon is your people,” said Monique Perry, dean for enrollment services at York Technical College in North Carolina.
Support students and staff through their successes and their ‘stumbles’
Authors: McCarthy Claudine
Published: February 2017

Student affairs professionals usually know how to resolve even the most challenging situations. But some challenges trigger pervasive sadness or become a long‐term barrier to a student's success, such as a very serious mental health issue or the death of a student or loved one, leaving even the most experienced student affairs professionals without a solution to the situation.
Cultural Influences on Choosing Green Products: An Empirical Study in MALAYSIA
Authors: Ghazali Ihwan , Abdul‐Rashid Salwa Hanim , Dawal Siti Zawiah Md , Aoyama Hideki , Tontowi Alva Edy , Sakundarini Novita
Published: February 2017

Over the past few years, there have been increasing efforts to promote green products in developing nations. However, evaluating customer preferences when it comes to choosing green products is a rather complex task, which is perhaps due to the influence of cultural values on customer preferences. Hence, the objective of this study is to examine the influence of cultural value dimensions on customer preferences for green products in Malaysia. The sample consists of 615 Malaysian citizens and the data were analysed using the structural modelling approach. Based on the results, there are three cultural value dimensions that have a significant influence on customer preferences for green products in Malaysia: (1) uncertainty avoidance, (2) long‐term orientation and (3) power distance. The implications of this study and recommendations for public policy and business orientation are also discussed in this paper in order to accelerate the attainment of sustainable development. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd and ERP Environment
Auckland district health board radiology service improvement: An after hours ultrasound service pilot study
Authors: Gerrie Samantha , Sim Jenny , Winstone Tim , Milne David , Modahl Lucy , Bagnall Carol , Curin Raewyn , Metcalfe Julia , O'Carroll Nicola
Published: February 2017

Introduction

The aim of the study was to improve acute diagnostic workflow by provision of a dedicated sonographer‐lead after hours ultrasound (US) service.

Methods

Data on patients referred for the four most common referrals was obtained retrospectively over a 3‐month period both prior to, and during, a 6‐month sonographer‐lead after hours US service. The primary outcome measure was mean time from referral to US exam. The secondary outcome measure was the mean number of days between US referral and discharge.

Results

There was a statistically significant decrease in the mean referral to exam time of three of the four referral groups and a statistically significant decrease in the number of days between US referral and discharge in the post‐intervention group compared with the pre‐intervention group.

Discussion

There was a clear early indication of improvement in patient safety and ability to provide effective and efficient care. Our recommendation is to use this data to provide the basis for application for funding for a permanent sonographer‐lead after hours US service.
Generation of Storable Retinal Organoids and Retinal Pigmented Epithelium from Adherent Human iPS Cells in Xeno-Free and Feeder-Free Conditions
Authors: Reichman Sacha , Slembrouck Amélie , Gagliardi Giuliana , Chaffiol Antoine , Terray Angélique , Nanteau Céline , Potey Anais , Belle Morgane , Rabesandratana Oriane , Duebel Jens , Orieux Gael , Nandrot Emeline F. , Sahel José-Alain , Goureau Olivier
Published: February 2017

Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) are potentially useful in regenerative therapies for retinal disease. For medical applications, therapeutic retinal cells, such as retinal pigmented epithelial (RPE) cells or photoreceptor precursors, must be generated under completely defined conditions. To this purpose, we have developed a two-step xeno-free/feeder-free (XF/FF) culture system to efficiently differentiate hiPSCs into retinal cells. This simple method, relies only on adherent hiPSCs cultured in chemically defined media, bypassing embryoid body formation. In less than 1 month, adherent hiPSCs are able to generate self-forming neuroretinal-like structures containing retinal progenitor cells (RPCs). Floating cultures of isolated structures enabled the differentiation of RPCs into all types of retinal cells in a sequential overlapping order, with the generation of transplantation-compatible CD73+ photoreceptor precursors in less than 100 days. Our XF/FF culture conditions allow the maintenance of both mature cones and rods in retinal organoids until 280 days with specific photoreceptor ultrastructures. Moreover, both hiPSC-derived retinal organoids and dissociated retinal cells can be easily cryopreserved while retaining their phenotypic characteristics and the preservation of CD73+ photoreceptor precursors. Concomitantly to neural retina, this process allows the generation of RPE cells that can be effortlessly amplified, passaged, and frozen while retaining a proper RPE phenotype. These results demonstrate that simple and efficient retinal differentiation of adherent hiPSCs can be accomplished in XF/FF conditions. This new method is amenable to the development of an in vitro GMP-compliant retinal cell manufacturing protocol allowing large-scale production and banking of hiPSC-derived retinal cells and tissues.
Disappearing giants: a review of threats to freshwater megafauna
Authors: He Fengzhi , Zarfl Christiane , Bremerich Vanessa , Henshaw Alex , Darwall William , Tockner Klement , Jähnig Sonja C.
Published: February 2017

Charismatic megafauna species may act as both flagship and umbrella species. They influence local environments and biotas, determine related ecosystem processes and functions, and are associated with high levels of biodiversity. However, the intrinsic characteristics of megafauna species including long lifespan, large body size, sparseness and/or rarity, late maturity, and low fecundity, as well as high market value, make them very prone to extinction. Up to now, scientific interest and conservation efforts have mainly focused on terrestrial and marine megafauna, while freshwater species have received comparatively little attention, despite evidence suggesting that freshwaters are losing species faster than marine or terrestrial realms. The high susceptibility of freshwater megafauna to multiple threats, coupled with immense human pressure on freshwater ecosystems, places freshwater megafauna amongst the most threatened species globally. The main threats include overexploitation, dam construction, habitat degradation, pollution, and species invasion. These threats increase mortality, decrease productivity, and reduce fitness, causing the decline of populations and the extinction of freshwater megafauna species. Given the essential ecological and biological roles of freshwater megafauna, further research should focus on their distribution patterns, extinction risks, and population dynamics, thereby improving the knowledge base for conservation planning. Finally, freshwater megafauna‐based conservation strategies may raise public awareness for freshwater conservation and therefore benefit a broader range of freshwater species and functions. WIREs Water 2017, 4:e1208. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1208

This article is categorized under:

Water and Life > Conservation, Management, and Awareness

Water and Life > Nature of Freshwater Ecosystems

Water and Life > Stresses and Pressures on Ecosystems
Trends in high‐throughput and functional neuroimaging in Caenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Cho Yongmin , Zhao Charles L. , Lu Hang
Published: February 2017

The nervous system of Caenorhabditis elegans is an important model system for understanding the development and function of larger, more complex nervous systems. It is prized for its ease of handling, rapid life cycle, and stereotyped, well‐cataloged development, with the development of all 302 neurons mapped all the way from zygote to adult. The combination of easy genetic manipulation and optical transparency of the worm allows for the direct imaging of its interior with fluorescent microscopy, without physically compromising the normal physiology of the animal itself. By expressing fluorescent markers, biologists study many developmental and cell biology questions in vivo; by expressing genetically encoded fluorescent calcium indicators within neurons, it is also possible to monitor their dynamic activity, answering questions about the structure and function of neural microcircuitry in the worm. However, to successfully image the worm it is necessary to overcome a number of experimental challenges. It is necessary to hold worms within the field of view, collect images efficiently and rapidly, and robustly analyze the data obtained. In recent years, a trend has developed toward imaging a large number of worms or neurons simultaneously, directly exploiting the unique properties of C. elegans to acquire data on a scale, which is not possible in other organisms. Doing this has required the development of new experimental tools, techniques, and data analytic approaches, all of which come together to open new perspectives on the field of neurobiology in C. elegans, and neuroscience in general. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1376. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1376

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Analytical Methods

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Organismal Models
Intraoperative PTH May Not Be Necessary in the Management of Primary Hyperparathyroidism Even with Only One Positive or Only Indeterminate Preoperative Localization Studies
Authors: Najafian Alireza , Kahan Stacie , Olson Matthew T. , Tufano Ralph P. , Zeiger Martha A.
Published: February 2017

Background

Intraoperative PTH (IOPTH) monitoring has been widely used to confirm the removal of the culprit lesion during operation. However, the true benefit of IOPTH in patients with preoperatively well‐localized single adenoma has been questioned. The aim of this study was to examine how or if IOPTH changes the surgical management and outcomes in patients with only one positive or only indeterminate localization studies.

Methods

This is a retrospective review of data from a parathyroid surgery database and patient records from July 2004 to June 2014, including patients with primary hyperparathyroidism with a planned MIP by two experienced endocrine surgeons after ≥1 positive/indeterminate preoperative localization study by ultrasound and/or sestamibi.

Results

A total of 482 patients with positive (342: 259 only 1, 83 with ≥2) or indeterminate (140: 105 only 1, 35 with ≥2) preoperative imaging studies were included. IOPTH changed the management in only 16 (3%) patients, with an additional lesion found in 12 of them. Surgical cure was achieved in 471 (98%) of patients (98% in the positive vs. 97% in the indeterminate group, p 0.58). With or without IOPTH, the cure rate would not have been significantly different in patients with only 1 positive preoperative imaging (96 vs. 98%, p 0.12). Similar results were seen in those with ≥2 indeterminate (100% cure rate with or without IOPTH).

Conclusion

Our study suggests that MIP may be safely and successfully performed without IOPTH for patients with ≥1 positive or ≥2 indeterminate preoperative imaging studies. This study is retrospective within inherent biases, and future prospective study is warranted.
Appendicitis in pregnancy: Difficulties in diagnosis and management. Guidance for the emergency general surgeon: A systematic review
Authors: Tase Arkeliana , Kamarizan Mohamad Fathul Aizat , Swarnkar Keshav
Published: February 2017

Highlights
How to handle adsorption of cerebrospinal fluid amyloid β (1–42) in laboratory practice? Identifying problematic handlings and resolving the issue by use of the Aβ42/Aβ40 ratio
Authors: Willemse Eline , van Uffelen Kees , Brix Britta , Engelborghs Sebastiaan , Vanderstichele Hugo , Teunissen Charlotte
Published: February 2017

Introduction

We aimed to investigate factors defining amyloid β (1–42) (Aβ1–42) adsorption during preanalytical workup of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).

Methods

CSF was transferred to new tubes ≤4 times. Variables tested were different polypropylene tube brands, volumes, CSF Aβ1–42 concentrations, incubation times, pipettes, vortex intensities, and other CSF proteins, including hyperphosphorylated tau and Interleukin 1 Receptor Accessory Protein (IL‐1RAcP). An enquiry assessed the number of transfers in current practice.

Results

In diagnostic practice, the number of transfers varied between 1 and 3. Every tube transfer resulted in 5% loss of Aβ1–42 concentration, even 10% in small volumes. Adsorption was observed after 30 seconds and after contact with the pipette tip. Tube brand, vortexing, or continuous tube movement did not influence adsorption. Adsorption for Aβ1–40 was similar, resulting in stable Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratios over multiple tube transfers.

Discussion

We confirmed that adsorption of CSF Aβ1–42 during preanalytical processing is an important confounder. However, use of the Aβ1–42/Aβ1–40 ratio overcomes this effect and can therefore contribute to increased diagnostic accuracy.
“I will not mention controversial issues unless they are in the textbook”: An exploration of curriculum instructional gatekeeping in Taiwan
Authors: Misco Thomas , Tseng Jung-Hua
Published: February 2017

We conducted this study in order to understand the extent to which Taiwanese social studies teachers are prepared to grapple with controversial issues in their classrooms. To do so, we employed a curricular-instructional gatekeeping framework to make meaning of teacher decisions and the contexts in which they work. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 18 preservice teachers and five university professors of teacher education in Taiwan. The findings suggest that writ large, social studies education in Taiwan is largely social science education and within this context, preservice teachers have variable conceptualizations of controversial issues which are shaped by a wide variety of external forces that ultimately serve to undermine enactment of discussion.
Stability, intermittency and universal Thorpe length distribution in a laboratory turbulent stratified shear flow
Authors: Odier Philippe , Ecke Robert E.
Published: February 2017

Stratified shear flows occur in many geophysical contexts, from oceanic overflows and river estuaries to wind-driven thermocline layers. We explore a turbulent wall-bounded shear flow of lighter miscible fluid into a quiescent fluid of higher density with a range of Richardson numbers$0.05\lesssim Ri\lesssim 1$. In order to find a stability parameter that allows close comparison with linear theory and with idealized experiments and numerics, we investigate different definitions of$Ri$. We find that a gradient Richardson number defined on fluid interface sections where there is no overturning at or adjacent to the maximum density gradient position provides an excellent stability parameter, which captures the Miles–Howard linear stability criterion. For small$Ri$the flow exhibits robust Kelvin–Helmholtz instability, whereas for larger$Ri$interfacial overturning is more intermittent with less frequent Kelvin–Helmholtz events and emerging Holmboe wave instability consistent with a thicker velocity layer compared with the density layer. We compute the perturbed fraction of interface as a quantitative measure of the flow intermittency, which is approximately 1 for the smallest$Ri$but decreases rapidly as$Ri$increases, consistent with linear theory. For the perturbed regions, we use the Thorpe scale to characterize the overturning properties of these flows. The probability distribution of the non-zero Thorpe length yields a universal exponential form, suggesting that much of the overturning results from increasingly intermittent Kelvin–Helmholtz instability events. The distribution of turbulent kinetic energy, conditioned on the intermittency fraction, has a similar form, suggesting an explanation for the universal scaling collapse of the Thorpe length distribution.
Anisotropic Helmholtz and wave–vortex decomposition of one-dimensional spectra
Authors: Bühler Oliver , Kuang Max , Tabak Esteban G.
Published: February 2017

We present an extension to anisotropic flows of the recently developed Helmholtz and wave–vortex decomposition method for one-dimensional spectra measured along ship or aircraft tracks in Bühler et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 756, 2014, pp. 1007–1026). Here, anisotropy refers to the statistical properties of the underlying flow field, which in the original method was assumed to be homogeneous and isotropic in the horizontal plane. Now, the flow is allowed to have a simple kind of horizontal anisotropy that is chosen in a self-consistent manner and can be deduced from the one-dimensional power spectra of the horizontal velocity fields and their cross-correlation. The key result is that an exact and robust Helmholtz decomposition of the horizontal kinetic energy spectrum can be achieved in this anisotropic flow setting, which then also allows the subsequent wave–vortex decomposition step. The anisotropic method is as easy to use as its isotropic counterpart and it robustly converges back to it if the observed anisotropy tends to zero. As a by-product of our analysis we also found a simple test for statistical correlation between rotational and divergent flow components. The new method is developed theoretically and tested with encouraging results on challenging synthetic data as well as on ocean data from the Gulf Stream.
Linear and nonlinear dynamics of pulsatile channel flow
Authors: Pier Benoît , Schmid Peter J.
Published: February 2017

The dynamics of small-amplitude perturbations, as well as the regime of fully developed nonlinear propagating waves, is investigated for pulsatile channel flows. The time-periodic base flows are known analytically and completely determined by the Reynolds number $Re$ (based on the mean flow rate), the Womersley number $Wo$ (a dimensionless expression of the frequency) and the flow-rate waveform. This paper considers pulsatile flows with a single oscillating component and hence only three non-dimensional control parameters are present. Linear stability characteristics are obtained both by Floquet analyses and by linearized direct numerical simulations. In particular, the long-term growth or decay rates and the intracyclic modulation amplitudes are systematically computed. At large frequencies (mainly $Wo\geqslant 14$), increasing the amplitude of the oscillating component is found to have a stabilizing effect, while it is destabilizing at lower frequencies; strongest destabilization is found for $Wo\simeq 7$. Whether stable or unstable, perturbations may undergo large-amplitude intracyclic modulations; these intracyclic modulation amplitudes reach huge values at low pulsation frequencies. For linearly unstable configurations, the resulting saturated fully developed finite-amplitude solutions are computed by direct numerical simulations of the complete Navier–Stokes equations. Essentially two types of nonlinear dynamics have been identified: ‘cruising’ regimes for which nonlinearities are sustained throughout the entire pulsation cycle and which may be interpreted as modulated Tollmien–Schlichting waves, and ‘ballistic’ regimes that are propelled into a nonlinear phase before subsiding again to small amplitudes within every pulsation cycle. Cruising regimes are found to prevail for weak base-flow pulsation amplitudes, while ballistic regimes are selected at larger pulsation amplitudes; at larger pulsation frequencies, however, the ballistic regime may be bypassed due to the stabilizing effect of the base-flow pulsating component. By investigating extended regions of a multi-dimensional parameter space and considering both two-dimensional and three-dimensional perturbations, the linear and nonlinear dynamics are systematically explored and characterized.
Shore protection by oblique seabed bars
Authors: Couston Louis-Alexandre , Jalali Mir Abbas , Alam Mohammad-Reza
Published: February 2017

Shore protection by small seabed bars was once considered possible because seafloor undulations strongly reflect surface waves of twice the wavelength by the so-called Bragg resonance mechanism. The idea, however, proved ‘unreliable’ when it was realized that a patch of longshore seabed bars adjacent to a reflective shore could result in larger waves at the shoreline than for the case of a flat seabed. Here we propose to revamp the Bragg resonance mechanism as a means of coastal protection by considering oblique seabed bars that divert, rather than reflect, shore-normal incident waves to the shore-parallel direction. We show, via multiple-scale analysis supported by direct numerical simulations, that the creation of a large protected wake near the shoreline requires a bi-chromatic patch to deflect the incident waves to the shore-parallel direction. With two superposed sets of oblique seabed bars, the incident wave energy becomes efficiently deflected far to the sides, leaving a wake of decreased wave activity downstream of the patch. We demonstrate that the shore protection efficiency provided by this novel arrangement is not affected by reflection of leaked waves at the shoreline, and that it is relatively robust against small frequency detuning.
Isotaphonomy in concept and practice: an exploration of vertebrate microfossil bonebeds in the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) Judith River Formation, north-central Montana
Authors: Rogers Raymond R. , Carrano Matthew T. , Curry Rogers Kristina A. , Perez Magaly , Regan Anik K.
Published: February 2017

Vertebrate microfossil bonebeds (VMBs)—localized concentrations of small resilient vertebrate hard parts—are commonly studied to recover otherwise rarely found small-bodied taxa, and to document relative taxonomic abundance and species richness in ancient vertebrate communities. Analyses of taphonomic comparability among VMBs have often found significant differences in size and shape distributions, and thus considered them to be non-isotaphonomic. Such outcomes of “strict” statistical tests of isotaphonomy suggest discouraging limits on the potential for broad, comparative paleoecological reconstruction using VMBs. Yet it is not surprising that sensitive statistical tests highlight variations among VMB sites, especially given the general lack of clarity with regard to the definition of “strict” isotaphonomic comparability. We rigorously sampled and compared six VMB localities representing two distinct paleoenvironments (channel and pond/lake) of the Upper Cretaceous Judith River Formation to evaluate biases related to sampling strategies and depositional context. Few defining distinctions in bioclast size and shape are evident in surface collections, and most site-to-site comparisons of sieved collections are indistinguishable (p≤0.003). These results provide a strong case for taphonomic equivalence among the majority of Judith River VMBs, and bode well for future studies of paleoecology, particularly in relation to investigations of faunal membership and community structure in Late Cretaceous wetland ecosystems. The taphonomic comparability of pond/lake and channel-hosted VMBs in the Judith River Formation is also consistent with a formative model that contends that channel-hosted VMBs were reworked from pre-existing pond/lake assemblages, and thus share taphonomic history.
Predation on feather stars by regular echinoids as evidenced by laboratory and field observations and its paleobiological implications
Authors: Stevenson Angela , Gahn Forest J. , Baumiller Tomasz K. , Sevastopulo George D.
Published: February 2017

Among extant crinoids, the feather stars are the most diverse and occupy the greatest bathymetric range, being especially common in reef environments. Feather stars possess a variety of morphological, behavioral and physiological traits that have been hypothesized to be critical to their success, especially in their ability to cope with predation. However, knowledge of their predators is exceptionally scant, consisting primarily of circumstantial evidence of attacks by fishes. In this study the question whether regular echinoids, recently shown to consume stalked crinoids, also consume feather stars is explored. Aquarium observations indicate that regular echinoids find feather stars palatable, including feather stars known to be distasteful to fish, and that regular echinoids can capture and eat live feather stars, including those known to swim. Gut-content analyses of the echinoidAraeosoma fenestratum(Thomson, 1872), which is commonly observed with large populations of the feather starKoehlermetra porrecta(Carpenter, 1888) in video transects from marine canyons off the coast of France, revealed elements of feather stars in the guts of 6 of 13 individuals. The high proportion of crinoid material (up to 90%), and the presence of articulated crinoid skeletal elements in the gut ofA. fenestratum, suggest that these echinoids consumed at least some live crinoids, although they may have also ingested some postmortem remains found in the sediment. Additionally, photographic evidence from the northeast Atlantic suggests that another regular echinoid,Cidaris cidaris(Linnaeus, 1758), preys on feather stars. Thus in spite of the broad suite of antipredatory adaptations, feather stars are today subject to predation by regular echinoids and may have been since the Mesozoic, when this group of crinoids first appeared.
Needham at the crossroads: history, politics and international science in wartime China (1942–1946)
Authors: MOUGEY THOMAS
Published: February 2017

In 1946, the British biochemist Joseph Needham returned from a four-year stay in China. Needham scholars have considered this visit as a revelatory period that paved the way for his famous book seriesScience and Civilization in China(SCC). Surprisingly, however, Needham's actual time in China has remained largely unstudied over the last seventy years. As director of the Sino-British Scientific Cooperation Office, Needham travelled throughout Free China to promote cooperation between British and Chinese scientists to contain the Japanese invasion during the Second World War. By rediscovering Needham's peregrinations, this paper re-examines the origins of his fascination for China. First, it contests the widely held idea that this Chinese episode is quite separate and different from Needham's first half-life as a leftist scientist. Second, it demonstrates how the political and philosophical commitments he inherited from the social relations of science movement, and his biochemical research, shaped his interest in China's past. Finally, this paper recounts these forgotten years to reveal their implications for his later pursuits as historian of science and as director of the natural-science division of UNESCO. It highlights how, while in China, Needham co-constituted the philosophical tenets of his scientific programme at UNESCO and the conceptual foundations of hisSCC.
Life Office Property Investments
Authors: Read E. Kingsley
Published: February 2017

It will no doubt be readily admitted that in these days investment profit makes the greatest contribution to surplus in life funds and it is not surprising, therefore, that many actuaries are called upon to devote a great deal of their time to investment problems. What is surprising, however, is the fact that property has so rarely been discussed at this Institute despite the large amount of life funds now invested therein.
Pension Fund Valuations in Modern Conditions
Authors: Heywood Geoffrey , Lander Maxwell
Published: February 2017

Although pensions have been discussed at the Institute on many occasions in recent years, the papers submitted have generally been limited to some particular aspect of the subject, such as the preservation of pension rights, the position of pension funds in the national economy, or the influence of State pensions, whereas the subject of the valuation process has been to some extent neglected.
Technology and Geography in the Second Industrial Revolution: New Evidence from the Margins of Trade
Authors: Huberman Michael , Meissner Christopher M. , Oosterlinck Kim
Published: February 2017

Belle Époque Belgium recorded an unprecedented trade boom. Exploiting a new granular trade dataset, we find that the number of products delivered abroad and destinations serviced more than doubled in less than 40 years. To explain this remarkable achievement, we study the relationship between trade costs and the intensive and extensive margins of trade. The establishment of a foreign diplomatic network that lowered beachhead costs and enabled the entry of new products was an essential fact of the trade boom. Interestingly, the expansion in trade in certain sectors did not translate into faster productivity growth. We offer some explanations.
Jeans-Alfvén instability in quantum dusty magnetoplasmas
Authors: Jamil M. , Rasheed A. , Amir M. , Abbas G. , Jung Young-Dae
Published: February 2017

The Jeans instability is examined in quantum dusty magnetoplasmas due to low-frequency magnetosonic perturbations. The fluid model consisting of the momentum balance equation for quantum plasmas, Poisson’s equation for the gravitational potential and Maxwell’s equations for electromagnetic magnetosonic perturbations is solved. The numerical analysis elaborates the significant contribution of magnetic field, electron number density and variable dust mass to the Jeans instability.
Alternating direction implicit type preconditioners for the steady state inhomogeneous Vlasov equation
Authors: Gasteiger Markus , Einkemmer Lukas , Ostermann Alexander , Tskhakaya David
Published: February 2017

The purpose of the current work is to find numerical solutions of the steady state inhomogeneous Vlasov equation. This problem has a wide range of applications in the kinetic simulation of non-thermal plasmas. However, the direct application of either time stepping schemes or iterative methods (such as Krylov-based methods such as the generalized minimal residual method (GMRES) or relaxation schemes) is computationally expensive. In the former case the slowest time scale in the system forces us to perform a long time integration while in the latter case a large number of iterations is required. In this paper we propose a preconditioner based on an alternating direction implicit type splitting method. This preconditioner is then combined with both GMRES and Richardson iteration. The resulting numerical schemes scale almost ideally (i.e. the computational effort is proportional to the number of grid points). Numerical simulations conducted show that this can result in a speed-up of close to two orders of magnitude (even for intermediate grid sizes) with respect to the unpreconditioned case. In addition, we discuss the characteristics of these numerical methods and show the results for a number of numerical simulations.
Tracking and predicting hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics in China by Baidu queries
Authors: XIAO Q. Y. , LIU H. J. , FELDMAN M. W.
Published: February 2017

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is highly prevalent in China, and more efficient methods of epidemic detection and early warning need to be developed to augment traditional surveillance systems. In this paper, a method that uses Baidu search queries to track and predict HFMD epidemics is presented, and the outbreaks of HFMD in China during the 60-month period from January 2011 to December 2015 are predicted. The Pearson correlation coefficient (R) of the predictive model and the mean absolute percentage errors between observed HFMD case counts and the predicted number show that our predictive model gives excellent fit to the data. This implies that Baidu search queries can be used in China to track and reliably predict HFMD epidemics, and can serve as a supplement to official systems for HFMD epidemic surveillance.
The Concept of Art as Archaeologically Applicable
Authors: Sjöstrand Ylva
Published: February 2017

In this article I review arguments in favour of the need and possibility of importing a revitalized concept of art in archaeological reasoning. By comprehending the concept of art as a function, rather than as a property inherent within particular kinds of objects or events, I offer a way of understanding art as the mode in which a phenomenon operates when its ontological multiplicity, its variety of equally real modes of being, becomes exposed. Seen in this vein, art emerges as an entity both created and experienced when several potential versions of a thing or event are laid bare. I emphasize that an element's capacity to communicate such factual intersectionality requires effort in order to endure; and argue that it is the formats for such ‘practices of maintenance’ that constitute art-worlds situated in culture. I also assert that these strategies, like all formalized engagements with material culture, generate traces, and accordingly can be grasped by analyses of an archaeological record. To illustrate this idea, I discuss the red ochre rock paintings from Neolithic northern Sweden made between approximately 6000 and 4000 bp by hunter-gatherer communities that were also producing petroglyphs.
Towards consumer-driven meat supply chains: opportunities and challenges for differentiation by taste
Authors: Schulze-Ehlers Birgit , Anders Sven
Published: February 2017

This paper investigates the state of pork supply as to its neglect of developing innovations and mechanisms for delivering superior eating quality to consumers. We explore reasons behind pork supply chains’ predominant focus on mass production combined with traceability and food safety, while only little attention has been given to potentially lucrative niche markets focused on intrinsic quality cues. Using established analytical frameworks of hedonic pricing and transactions costs economics we discuss alternative strategies for the segregation and promotion of intrinsic sensory differentiated pork. Growing empirical evidence in the literature underpins the importance of eating experience in delivering utility to consumers and in stabilizing declining demand trends in major markets. Building on current consumer behavioral literature and organizational developments in meat supply chains in Europe and Australia, we critically discuss opportunities to overcome this supposedly suboptimal situation.
The case for taking account of labor in sustainable food systems in the United States
Authors: Minkoff-Zern Laura-Anne
Published: February 2017

This commentary argues for strengthening research and analysis of food workers' rights as part of a more comprehensive sustainable food systems approach. Starting with a broad definition of sustainability, one which includes social, as well as ecological, and economic elements, the author outlines current critiques of alternative food movement actors. She then looks at existing food labor activism and successes, providing them as examples for how sustainable food movement actors and researchers should move forward.
Automatic Retrieval of Newly Instructed Cue-Task Associations Seen in	Task-Conflict Effects in the First Trial after Cue-Task	Instructions
Authors: Meiran Nachshon , Pereg Maayan
Published: February 2017

Abstract. Novel stimulus-response associations are retrieved automatically even without prior practice. Is this true for novel cue-task associations? The experiment involved miniblocks comprising three phases and task switching. In the INSTRUCTION phase, two new stimuli (or familiar cues) were arbitrarily assigned as cues for up-down/right-left tasks performed on placeholder locations. In the UNIVALENT phase, there was no task cue since placeholder’s location afforded one task but the placeholders were the stimuli that we assigned as task cues for the following BIVALENT phase (involving target locations affording both tasks). Thus, participants held the novel cue-task associations in memory while executing the UNIVALENT phase. Results show poorer performance in the first univalent trial when the placeholder was associated with the opposite task (incompatible) than when it was compatible, an effect that was numerically larger with newly instructed cues than with familiar cues. These results indicate automatic retrieval of newly instructed cue-task associations.
Individual Differences in the Flexibility of Peripersonal	Space
Authors: Hunley Samuel B. , Marker Arwen M. , Lourenco Stella F.
Published: February 2017

Abstract. The current study investigated individual differences in the flexibility of peripersonal space (i.e., representational space near the body), specifically in relation to trait claustrophobic fear (i.e., fear of suffocating or being physically restricted). Participants completed a line bisection task with either a laser pointer (Laser condition), allowing for a baseline measure of the size of one’s peripersonal space, or a stick (Stick condition), which produces expansion of one’s peripersonal space. Our results revealed that individuals high in claustrophobic fear had larger peripersonal spaces than those lower in claustrophobic fear, replicating previous research. We also found that, whereas individuals low in claustrophobic fear demonstrated the expected expansion of peripersonal space in the Stick condition, individuals high in claustrophobic fear showed less expansion, suggesting decreased flexibility. We discuss these findings in relation to the defensive function of peripersonal space and reduced attentional flexibility associated with trait anxieties.
Exercise-induced irisin in bone and systemic irisin administration reveal new regulatory mechanisms of bone metabolism
Authors: Zhang Jin , Valverde Paloma , Zhu Xiaofang , Murray Dana , Wu Yuwei , Yu Liming , Jiang Hua , Dard Michel M , Huang Jin , Xu Zhiwei , Tu Qisheng , Chen Jake
Published: February 2017

Irisin is a polypeptide hormone derived from the proteolytic cleavage of fibronectin-type III domain-containing 5 (FNDC5) protein. Once released to circulation upon exercise or cold exposure, irisin stimulates browning of white adipose tissue (WAT) and uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) expression, leading to an increase in total body energy expenditure by augmented UCP1-mediated thermogenesis. It is currently unknown whether irisin is secreted by bone upon exercise or whether it regulates bone metabolism in vivo. In this study, we found that 2 weeks of voluntary wheel-running exercise induced high levels of FNDC5 messenger RNA as well as FNDC5/irisin protein expression in murine bone tissues. Increased immunoreactivity due to exercise-induced FNDC5/irisin expression was detected in different regions of exercised femoral bones, including growth plate, trabecular bone, cortical bone, articular cartilage, and bone–tendon interface. Exercise also increased expression of osteogenic markers in bone and that of UCP1 in WAT, and led to bodyweight loss. Irisin intraperitoneal (IP) administration resulted in increased trabecular and cortical bone thickness and osteoblasts numbers, and concurrently induced UCP1 expression in subcutaneous WAT. Lentiviral FNDC5 IP administration increased cortical bone thickness. In vitro studies in bone cells revealed irisin increases osteoblastogenesis and mineralization, and inhibits receptor activator of nuclear factor-kB ligand (RANKL)-induced osteoclastogenesis. Taken together, our findings show that voluntary exercise increases irisin production in bone, and that an increase in circulating irisin levels enhances osteogenesis in mice.
C-edge loops of arrestin function as a membrane anchor
Authors: Lally Ciara C M. , Bauer Brian , Selent Jana , Sommer Martha E
Published: February 2017

G-protein-coupled receptors are membrane proteins that are regulated by a small family of arrestin proteins. During formation of the arrestin–receptor complex, arrestin first interacts with the phosphorylated receptor C terminus in a pre-complex, which activates arrestin for tight receptor binding. Currently, little is known about the structure of the pre-complex and its transition to a high-affinity complex. Here we present molecular dynamics simulations and site-directed fluorescence experiments on arrestin-1 interactions with rhodopsin, showing that loops within the C-edge of arrestin function as a membrane anchor. Activation of arrestin by receptor-attached phosphates is necessary for C-edge engagement of the membrane, and we show that these interactions are distinct in the pre-complex and high-affinity complex in regard to their conformation and orientation. Our results expand current knowledge of C-edge structure and further illuminate the conformational transitions that occur in arrestin along the pathway to tight receptor binding.