bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Hydroxypropyl Cyclosophoraose/Dextran Microspheres for the Controlled Release of Ciprofloxacin
Authors: Lee Benel , Jeong Daham , Joo Sang‐Woo , Choi Jae Min , Lee Jae Yung , Cho Eunae , Park Seyeon , Jung Seunho
Published: December 2016

Hydroxypropyl cyclosophoraose/dextran (HPCys/dextran) microspheres were prepared using an emulsion polymerization method for use as drug carriers to achieve the controlled release of a poorly water‐soluble antibacterial drug, ciprofloxacin (CFX). Cyclosophoraoses are cyclic (1 → 2)‐β‐d‐glucans isolated from the Rhizobium species. Characteristics of HPCys/dextran microspheres were investigated using Fourier transform infrared analysis, solid‐state
13C nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The amount of CFX released from these microspheres at pH 7.4 (intestinal phase pH) was about two times higher than that released at pH 1.2 (gastric phase pH). Furthermore, HPCys/dextran microspheres did not show any toxicity in human embryonic kidney cells. We propose that HPCys/dextran microspheres could be used as an effective pH‐dependent release system for poorly water‐soluble drugs such as CFX.
Magnetic Pd–Fe3O4 Heterodimer Nanocrystals as Recoverable Catalysts for Ligand‐Free Hiyama Cross‐Coupling Reactions
Authors: Lee Woong‐Sup , Byun Sangmoon , Kwon Jungmin , Kim B. Moon
Published: December 2016

Ligand‐free Hiyama cross‐coupling reaction was achieved through the use of Pd–Fe3O4
heterodimeric nanocrystals (1 mol% in Pd) as recyclable catalysts. The nanocrystal catalysts exhibited good activities accommodating a variety of substrates including aryl bromides and iodides with substituents of varying electronic and steric properties. Furthermore, the nanocrystal catalyst could be conveniently recovered with the aid of an external magnet and recycled five times without the loss of catalytic activity to a considerable degree.
Rh‐Catalyzed Chemo‐ and Enantioselective Hydrogenation of Allylic Hydrazones
Authors: Hu Qiupeng , Hu Yanhua , Liu Yang , Zhang Zhenfeng , Liu Yangang , Zhang Wanbin
Published: December 2016

A highly efficient P‐stereogenic diphosphine–rhodium complex was applied to the chemo‐ and enantioselective hydrogenation of allylic hydrazones for the synthesis of chiral allylic hydrazines in 89–96 % yields and with 82–99 % ee values. This methodology was successfully applied to the preparation of versatile chiral allylic amine derivatives.
Integrating Reverse‐Electrodialysis Stacks with Flow Batteries for Improved Energy Recovery from Salinity Gradients and Energy Storage
Authors: Zhu Xiuping , Kim Taeyoung , Rahimi Mohammad , Gorski Christopher A. , Logan Bruce E.
Published: December 2016

Salinity gradient energy can be directly converted into electrical power by using reverse electrodialysis (RED) and other technologies, but reported power densities have been too low for practical applications. Herein, the RED stack performance was improved by using 2,6‐dihydroxyanthraquinone and ferrocyanide as redox couples. These electrolytes were then used in a flow battery to produce an integrated RED stack and flow battery (RED‐FB) system capable of capturing, storing, and discharging salinity gradient energy. Energy captured from the RED stack was discharged in the flow battery at a maximum power density of 3.0 kW m−2‐anode, which was similar to the flow batteries charged by electrical power and could be used for practical applications. Salinity gradient energy captured from the RED stack was recovered from the electrolytes as electricity with 30 % efficiency, and the maximum energy density of the system was 2.4 kWh m−3‐anolyte. The combined RED‐FB system overcomes many limitations of previous approaches to capture, store, and use salinity gradient energy from natural or engineered sources.
Grainyhead‐like 3 (Grhl3) deficiency in brain leads to altered locomotor activity and decreased anxiety‐like behaviors in aged mice
Authors: Dworkin Sebastian , Auden Alana , Partridge Darren D. , Daglas Maria , Medcalf Robert L. , Mantamadiotis Theo , Georgy Smitha R. , Darido Charbel , Jane Stephen M. , Ting Stephen B.
Published: December 2016

The highly conserved Grainyhead‐like (Grhl) family of transcription factors, comprising three members in vertebrates (Grhl1‐3), play critical regulatory roles during embryonic development, cellular proliferation, and apoptosis. Although loss of Grhl function leads to multiple neural abnormalities in numerous animal models, a comprehensive analysis of Grhl expression and function in the mammalian brain has not been reported. Here they show that only Grhl3 expression is detectable in the embryonic mouse brain; particularly within the habenula, an organ known to modulate repressive behaviors. Using both Grhl3‐knockout mice (Grhl3−/−), and brain‐specific conditional deletion of Grhl3 in adult mice (Nestin‐Cre/Grhl3flox/flox), they performed histological expression analyses and behavioral tests to assess long‐term effects of Grhl3 loss on motor co‐ordination, spatial memory, anxiety, and stress. They found that complete deletion of Grhl3 did not lead to noticeable structural or cell‐intrinsic defects in the embryonic brain; however, aged Grhl3 conditional knockout (cKO) mice showed enlarged lateral ventricles and displayed marked changes in motor function and behaviors suggestive of decreased fear and anxiety. They conclude that loss of Grhl3 in the brain leads to significant alterations in locomotor activity and decreased self‐inhibition, and as such, these mice may serve as a novel model of human conditions of impulsive behavior or hyperactivity. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 775–788, 2017
Mitogenic action of hypoxia upon cutaneous neuroepithelial cells in developing zebrafish
Authors: Dean Benjamin W. , Rashid Thalia J. , Jonz Michael G.
Published: December 2016

In zebrafish, cutaneous neuroepithelial cells (NECs) contain serotonin (5‐HT) and are believed to initiate physiological and behavioral responses to hypoxia during embryonic and early larval development, when mature gills and O2 chemoreceptors are not yet present. The number of skin NECs rapidly declines as embryos develop into larvae, but acclimation to hypoxia leads to retention of a greater number of these cells. We hypothesized that reduction of the partial pressure of oxygen (PO2) in water would stimulate mitosis in cutaneous NECs in zebrafish. Zebrafish were exposed to 5‐bromo‐2′‐deoxyuridine (BrdU) and immunolabeled with antibodies against serotonin and BrdU to identify mitotic skin cells, including NECs. Cells were imaged and quantified using confocal microscopy. From embryonic to larval stages, we observed an overall increase in the number of BrdU‐positive cells in the skin, but a decrease in BrdU‐positive serotonergic NECs. Exposure of larvae to hypoxia (PO2 = 30 mmHg) in vivo for 24 h produced a 1.7‐fold increase in the number of NECs labeled with BrdU. We conclude that under normal environmental PO2 the population of cutaneous NECs declines due to a decrease in mitotic activity. During environmental hypoxia, the number of NECs undergoing cell division in the skin is increased, and this promotes retention of NECs under these conditions. These data demonstrate the direct action of hypoxia upon the cell cycle of cutaneous NECs in developing zebrafish, and support the notion that cutaneous NECs are embryonic O2 chemoreceptors. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol 77: 789–801, 2017
QRS duration versus morphology and survival after cardiac resynchronization therapy
Authors: Khidir Mand J.H. , Delgado Victoria , Ajmone Marsan Nina , Schalij Martin J. , Bax Jeroen J.
Published: December 2016

Aims

The prognostic implications of QRS duration and morphology in heart failure patients treated with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) remains debated. The present evaluation investigated the association between QRS duration (<150 vs. ≥150 ms) and QRS morphology (left bundle brand block [LBBB] vs. non‐LBBB) and long‐term prognosis of a large cohort of unselected heart failure patients treated with CRT according to contemporary guidelines.

Methods and results

Of 973 heart failure patients treated with CRT (mean age 66.1 ± 9.8 years, 76% male), 658 patients (68%) showed QRS duration ≥150 ms, and 772 patients (79%) had LBBB configuration. Compared with patients with QRS duration <150 ms, patients with QRS duration ≥150 ms had less frequently ischaemic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation and showed larger left ventricular volumes and lower left ventricular ejection fraction. Compared with patients with non‐LBBB configuration, patients with LBBB morphology were younger, less often males and less often had ischaemic cardiomyopathy and atrial fibrillation. On multivariable analysis, after correcting for relevant clinical and echocardiographic variables, LBBB morphology was significantly associated with better survival [hazard ratio (HR) 0.737; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.584–0.931; P = 0.010], whereas there was no statistically significant association between QRS duration ≥150 ms and survival (HR 0.889; 95% CI 0.726–1.088; P = 0.252).

Conclusions

In this large population of heart failure patients treated with CRT, QRS morphology was independently associated with long‐term survival. The association between QRS duration and long‐term survival was not statistically significant.
The impact of co‐morbidity burden on appropriate implantable cardioverter defibrillator therapy and all‐cause mortality: insight from Danish nationwide clinical registers
Authors: Ruwald Anne Christine , Vinther Michael , Gislason Gunnar H. , Johansen Jens Brock , Nielsen Jens Cosedis , Petersen Helen Høgh , Riahi Sam , Jons Christian
Published: December 2016

Aims

In a nationwide cohort of primary (PP‐ICD) and secondary prevention (SP‐ICD) implantable cardioverter defibrillator (ICD) patients, we aimed to investigate the association between co‐morbidity burden and risk of appropriate ICD therapy and mortality.

Methods and results

We identified all patients >18 years, implanted with first‐time PP‐ICD (n = 1873) or SP‐ICD (n = 2461) in Denmark from 2007 to 2012. Co‐morbidity was identified in administrative registers of hospitalization and drug prescription from pharmacies. Co‐morbidity burden was defined as the number of pre‐existing non‐ICD indication‐related co‐morbidities including atrial fibrillation, diabetes, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal disease, liver disease, cancer, chronic psychiatric disease, and peripheral and/or cerebrovascular disease, and divided into four groups (co‐morbidity burden 0, 1, 2, and ≥3). Through Cox models, we assessed the impact of co‐morbidity burden on appropriate ICD therapy and mortality. Increasing co‐morbidity burden was not associated with increased risk of appropriate therapy, irrespective of implant indication [all hazard ratios (HRs) 1.0–1.4, P = NS]. Using no co‐morbidities as reference, increasing co‐morbidity burden was associated with increased mortality risk in PP‐ICD patients (co‐morbidity burden 1, HR 2.1; comorbidity burden 2, HR 3.7; co‐morbidity burden ≥3, HR 6.6) (all P < 0.001) and SP‐ICD patients (co‐morbidity burden 1, HR 2.2; co‐morbidity burden 2, HR 3.8; co‐morbidity burden ≥3, HR 5.8). With increasing co‐morbidity burden, an increasing frequency of patients died without having utilized their device, with 72% PP‐ICD and 45% SP‐ICD patients with co‐morbidity burden ≥3 dying without prior appropriate ICD therapy.

Conclusion

Increasing co‐morbidity burden was not associated with increased risk of appropriate ICD therapy. With increasing co‐morbidity burden, mortality increased, and a higher proportion of patients died, without ever having utilized their device.
The effects of cognitive style and emotional trade‐off difficulty on information processing in decision‐making
Authors: Wang Dawei , Hao Leilei , Maguire Phil , Hu Yixin
Published: December 2016

This study investigated the effects of cognitive style and emotional trade‐off difficulty (ETOD) on information processing in decision‐making. Eighty undergraduates (73.75% female, M = 21.90), grouped according to their cognitive style (field‐dependent or field‐independent), conducted an Information Display Board (IDB) task, through which search time, search depth and search pattern were measured. Participants' emotional states were assessed both before and after the IDB task. The results showed that participants experienced significantly more negative emotion under high ETOD compared to those under low ETOD. While both cognitive style and ETOD had significant effects on search time and search depth, only ETOD significantly influenced search pattern; individuals in both cognitive style groups tended to use attribute‐based processing under high ETOD and to use alternative‐based processing under low ETOD. There was also a significant interaction between cognitive style and ETOD for search time and search depth. We propose that these results are best accounted for by the coping behaviour framework under high ETOD, and by the negative emotion hypothesis under low ETOD.
“We're Already Somebody”: High School Students Practicing Critical Media Literacy IRL (in Real Life)
Authors: Saunders Jane M. , Ash Gwynne Ellen , Salazar Isabelle ,   with student authors, Pruitt Rowan , Wallach Daniel , Breed Ellie , Saldana Sean , Szachacz Ana
Published: December 2016

As new media and multiliteracies become an expanding space for reading and writing both in and out of schools, it seems fitting to document events where students are engaged in authentic literacy events. This article tells the story of what happened when a group of news writers chose to publish an editorial in their news magazine critical of an invited speaker. After the story gained momentum through both the traditional press and social media, students experienced a twofold lesson: what it feels like to raise their voices and be heard, and ways to respond to and learn from the backlash of their critique.
The effect of a temporary product distribution channel on supply chain performance
Authors: Khouja Moutaz , Zhou Jing
Published: December 2016

We analyze a supply chain of a manufacturer and two retailers, a permanent retailer who always stocks the manufacturer's product and an intermittent deal‐of‐the day retailer who sells the manufacturer's product online for a short time. We find that without a deal‐of‐the‐day (DOTD) retailer, it is suboptimal for the manufacturer to offer a quantity discount while it is optimal for the retailer to offer periodic price discounts to consumers. With the addition of a DOTD retailer, it is likely to be optimal for the manufacturer to offer a quantity discount. We show that even without market expansion, i.e., no exclusive DOTD retailer consumers, opening the intermittent channel can leave the permanent retailer no worse‐off while increasing the manufacturer's profit. We identify the regular and discounted wholesale prices and the threshold quantity at which the manufacturer should give the discount. We also identify the optimal retail prices. We find that opening the intermittent channel increases the profit of the manufacturer, is likely to decrease the average retail price and to increase sales, and may increase the permanent retailer's profit. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Naval Research Logistics 63: 505–528, 2016
Expertise and individual differences: the search for the structure and acquisition of experts’ superior performance
Authors: Ericsson K. Anders
Published: December 2016

What is expertise and where does it come from? Modern research techniques have made it possible to objectively measure performance in new ways, revealing that expertise derives neither from basic cognitive ability nor from the sheer amount of experience. Rather, it develops—particular forms of training and practice induce cognitive, perceptual, physiological, neurological, and anatomical changes necessary for the acquisition of complex domain‐specific skills. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1382. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1382

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Motor Skill and Performance
What does it take to learn a word?
Authors: Samuelson Larissa K. , McMurray Bob
Published: December 2016

Vocabulary learning is deceptively hard, but toddlers often make it look easy. Prior theories proposed that children's rapid acquisition of words is based on language‐specific knowledge and constraints. In contrast, more recent work converges on the view that word learning proceeds via domain‐general processes that are tuned to richly structured—not impoverished—input. We argue that new theoretical insights, coupled with methodological tools, have pushed the field toward an appreciation of simple, content‐free processes working together as a system to support the acquisition of words. We illustrate this by considering three central phenomena of early language development: referential ambiguity, fast‐mapping, and the vocabulary spurt. WIREs Cogn Sci 2017, 8:e1421. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1421

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Development and Aging
Binary Mixed Micelles of Polyoxyethylene (10) Stearyl Ether with Polysorbate 20 and Polysorbate 60: Thermodynamic Description
Authors: Tepavčević Vesna , Poša Mihalj , Obradović Stoja
Published: December 2016

Comprehension of the nature of the micellisation process is of great importance for the characterisation of micelles and the assessment of their applications. In this research, the influences of temperature and the length of the hydrophobic chain on the micellisation process of polyoxyethylene (10) stearyl ether (PE10) with polysorbate 20 and polysorbate 60 were studied. Values of critical micelle concentrations (CMC) of the individual surfactants and of their binary mixtures were acquired by spectrofluorimetric measurements, in the temperature range 273.15–313.15 K, using pyrene as a probe molecule. Obtained CMC values served for the calculation of interaction parameters and excess Gibbs energies of the mixed micelles. It was found that in PE10—polysorbate 20 mixed micelles (due to a shorter hydrophobic segment of polysorbate 20 molecule) PE10 alkyl chains were more likely to assume globular conformations in the interior of micelles, in comparison to PE10—polysorbate 60 mixed micelles (in which hydrophobic segments had the same lengths). For each analysed binary system, interaction parameter decreased with the rise of temperature. It could be assumed that on higher temperatures the hydrophobic chains of studied surfactants were more likely to take globular conformations, having higher values of conformational freedom. This observation implied that the process of micellisation was followed by an increase in entropy. Accordingly, the excess Gibbs energy of micellisation was determined not only by entropic contributions, but also by enthalpic input.
Viscous effects on the acoustics and stability of a shear layer over an impedance wall
Authors: Khamis Doran , Brambley Edward James
Published: December 2016

The effect of viscosity and thermal conduction on the acoustics in a shear layer above an impedance wall is investigated numerically and asymptotically by solving the linearised compressible Navier–Stokes equations (LNSE). It is found that viscothermal effects can be as important as shear, and therefore including shear while neglecting viscothermal effects by solving the linearised Euler equations (LEE) is questionable. In particular, the damping rate of upstream-propagating waves is found to be under-predicted by the LEE, and dramatically so in certain instances. The effects of viscosity on stability are also found to be important. Short wavelength disturbances are stabilised by viscosity, greatly altering the characteristic wavelength and maximum growth rate of instability. For the parameters considered here (chosen to be typical of aeroacoustic situations), the Reynolds number below which the flow stabilises ranges from$10^{5}$to$10^{7}$. By assuming a thin but non-zero-thickness boundary layer, asymptotic analysis leads to a system of boundary layer governing equations for the acoustics. This system may be solved numerically to produce an effective impedance boundary condition, applicable at the wall of a uniform inviscid flow, that accounts for both the shear and viscosity within the boundary layer. An alternative asymptotic analysis in the high-frequency limit yields a different set of boundary layer equations, which are solved to yield analytic solutions. The acoustic mode shapes and axial wavenumbers from both asymptotic analyses compare well with numerical solutions of the full LNSE. A closed-form effective impedance boundary condition is derived from the high-frequency asymptotics, suitable for application in frequency domain numerical simulations. Finally, surface waves are considered, and it is shown that a viscous flow over an impedance lining supports a greater number of surface wave modes than an inviscid flow.
RANK 3 BINGO
Authors: BOROVIK ALEXANDRE , DELORO ADRIEN
Published: December 2016

We classify irreducible actions of connected groups of finite Morley rank on abelian groups of Morley rank 3.
ARITHMETIC PROPERTIES OF -REGULAR BIPARTITIONS
Authors: WANG LIUQUAN
Published: December 2016

Let$B_{k,\ell }(n)$denote the number of$(k,\ell )$-regular bipartitions of$n$. Employing both the theory of modular forms and some elementary methods, we systematically study the arithmetic properties of$B_{3,\ell }(n)$and$B_{5,\ell }(n)$. In particular, we confirm all the conjectures proposed by Dou [‘Congruences for (3,11)-regular bipartitions modulo 11’,Ramanujan J.40, 535–540].
User participation in the Norwegian Welfare Context: an Analysis of Policy Discourses
Authors: ASKHEIM OLE PETTER , CHRISTENSEN KAREN , FLUGE SYNNØVE , GULDVIK INGRID
Published: December 2016

This article argues that the social construction of user participation policies includes both differences and similarities regarding three user groups: older people, disabled people and people with mental health problems. The article is based on a historical discourse analysis of national documents in Norway. It points at a democracy/social rights discourse, based on the idea of social citizenship, as a common and historically stable discourse for all three user groups and relates this to the specific characteristics of Norwegian welfare policies. A contrasting consumer discourse, stressing users’ consumer role and related to the impact of New Public Management reforms, is only evident in the case of older people and from the 1990s. A co-production/co-partnering discourse, stressing user/professional-partnership, is evident in the current policies directed at older people and those with mental health problems. Both the consumer and co-production discourse remain marginal in the case of disabled people.
Added mass of a pair of disks at small separation
Authors: ATKINSON C. , SHERWOOD J. D.
Published: December 2016

Inviscid irrotational flow around a pair of coaxial disks is considered in the limit in which the distance 2h between the disks is small compared to their radius a. The disks have zero thickness and accelerate away from one another along their common axis. The added mass M of each accelerating disk is increased by the presence of the other disk. Analytic predictions are obtained when h/a ≪ 1, with M ~ πa/(8h)-ln(h/a)/2+0.77875+. . . The term O(a/h) can be obtained by means of an inviscid analysis of approximately unidirectional flow within the gap between the disks, but the correction terms have not been reported previously. The irrotational flow problem satisfies Neumann boundary conditions on the surface of the disks, but is otherwise analogous to the Dirichlet problem of the capacitance of a pair of charged disks, which has been the subject of much study and controversy.
Applying an Evidence-Based Assessment Model to Identify Students at Risk for Perceived Academic Problems following Concussion
Authors: Ransom Danielle M. , Burns Alison R. , Youngstrom Eric A. , Vaughan Christopher G. , Sady Maegan D. , Gioia Gerard A.
Published: December 2016

Objectives: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the utility of an evidence-based assessment (EBA) model to establish a multimodal set of tools for identifying students at risk for perceived post-injury academic problems. Methods: Participants included 142 students diagnosed with concussion (age: M=14.95; SD=1.80; 59% male), evaluated within 4 weeks of injury (median=16 days). Demographics, pre-injury history, self- and parent-report measures assessing symptom severity and executive functions, and cognitive test performance were examined as predictors of self-reported post-injury academic problems. Results: Latent class analysis categorized participants into “high” (44%) and “low” (56%) levels of self-reported academic problems. Receiver operating characteristic analyses revealed significant discriminative validity for self- and parent-reported symptom severity and executive dysfunction and self-reported exertional response for identifying students reporting low versus high academic problems. Parent-reported symptom ratings [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC)=.79] and executive dysfunction (AUC=.74), and self-reported ratings of executive dysfunction (AUC=.84), symptoms (AUC=.80), and exertional response (AUC=.70) each classified students significantly better than chance (ps<.001). Hierarchical logistic regression indicated that, of the above, self-reported symptoms and executive dysfunction accounted for the most variance in the prediction of self-reported academic problems. Conclusions: Post-concussion symptom severity and executive dysfunction significantly predict perceived post-injury academic problems. EBA modeling identified the strongest set of predictors of academic challenges, offering an important perspective in the management of concussion by applying traditional strengths of neuropsychological assessment to clinical decision making. (JINS, 2016, 22, 1038–1049)
Market-based instruments for risk-averse farmers: rubber agroforest conservation in Jambi Province, Indonesia
Authors: Djanibekov Utkur , Villamor Grace B.
Published: December 2016

This paper investigates the effectiveness of different market-based instruments (MBIs), such as eco-certification premiums, carbon payments, Pigovian taxes and their combination, to address the conversion of agroforests to monoculture systems and subsequent effects on incomes of risk-averse farmers under income uncertainty in Indonesia. For these, the authors develop a farm-level dynamic mean-variance model combined with a real options approach. Findings show that the conservation of agroforest is responsive to the risk-aversion level of farmers: the greater the level of risk aversion, the greater is the conserved area of agroforest. However, for all risk-averse farmers, additional incentives in the form of MBIs are still needed to prevent conversion of agroforest over the years, and only the combination of MBIs can achieve this target. Implementing fixed MBIs also contributes to stabilizing farmers’ incomes and reducing income risks. Consequently, the combined MBIs increase incomes and reduce income inequality between hardly and extremely risk-averse farmers.
Some Useful Sources
Authors: Crossley Stephen , Lambert Michael
Published: December 2016

This useful sources section focuses on four key areas related to the Troubled Families Programme: official government documents and sources of information relating to the programme; emerging academic research relating specifically to the implementation of the programme; sources which help to locate the programme in its wider historical context; and international perspectives which provide information on how ‘troubled families’ are viewed in different countries. The sources listed here hopefully add to and complement the bibliographies of the individual articles in this section.
Diffusion of regulatory innovations: the case of corporate governance codes
Authors: GERNER-BEUERLE CARSTEN
Published: December 2016

Since the 1990s, most European countries have adopted detailed corporate governance codes regulating listed companies. Even though the initial codes were designed against the backdrop of a particular jurisdiction, best practice standards have become remarkably similar across legal traditions. This raises the question whether the codes are sufficiently responsive to local conditions, or standard setters are mainly motivated by the concern not to fall behind internationally accepted benchmark standards. The article quantifies central corporate governance provisions and maps their international diffusion. Controlling for differences in legal families and ownership structure, the article shows that the diffusion of best practice standards leads to a statistically significant increase in the likelihood that a foreign standard setter will adopt a broadly similar provision. The findings indicate that codes are often seen as signaling devices, irrespective of whether or not the adopted standards are well aligned with the domestic economic and legal environment.
Outside-in integrin signalling regulates haematopoietic stem cell function via Periostin-Itgav axis
Authors: Khurana Satish , Schouteden Sarah , Manesia Javed K. , Santamaria-Martínez Albert , Huelsken Joerg , Lacy-Hulbert Adam , Verfaillie Catherine M.
Published: December 2016

Integrins play an important role in haematopoietic stem cell (HSC) maintenance in the bone marrow niche. Here, we demonstrate that Periostin (Postn) via interaction with Integrin-αv (Itgav) regulates HSC proliferation. Systemic deletion of Postn results in peripheral blood (PB) anaemia, myelomonocytosis and lymphopenia, while the number of phenotypic HSCs increases in the bone marrow. Postn−/− mice recover faster from radiation injury with concomitant loss of primitive HSCs. HSCs from Postn−/− mice show accumulation of DNA damage generally associated with aged HSCs. Itgav deletion in the haematopoietic system leads to a similar PB phenotype and HSC-intrinsic repopulation defects. Unaffected by Postn, Vav-Itgav−/− HSCs proliferate faster in vitro, illustrating the importance of Postn-Itgav interaction. Finally, the Postn-Itgav interaction inhibits the FAK/PI3K/AKT pathway in HSCs, leading to increase in p27Kip1 expression resulting in improved maintenance of quiescent HSCs. Together, we demonstrate a role for Itgav-mediated outside-in signalling in regulation of HSC proliferation and stemness.
Application of profile fitting method to neutron time-of-flight protein single crystal diffraction data collected at the iBIX
Authors: Yano Naomine , Yamada Taro , Hosoya Takaaki , Ohhara Takashi , Tanaka Ichiro , Kusaka Katsuhiro
Published: December 2016

We developed and employed a profile fitting method for the peak integration of neutron time-of-flight diffraction data collected by the IBARAKI Biological Crystal Diffractometer (iBIX) at the Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex (J-PARC) for protein ribonuclease A and α-thrombin single crystals. In order to determine proper fitting functions, four asymmetric functions were evaluated using strong intensity peaks. A Gaussian convolved with two back-to-back exponentials was selected as the most suitable fitting function, and a profile fitting algorithm for the integration method was developed. The intensity and structure refinement data statistics of the profile fitting method were compared to those of the summation integration method. It was clearly demonstrated that the profile fitting method provides more accurate integrated intensities and model structures than the summation integration method at higher resolution shells. The integration component with the profile fitting method has already been implemented in the iBIX data processing software STARGazer and its user manual has been prepared.
Limitations of MIC as sole metric of pharmacodynamic response across the range of antimicrobial susceptibilities within a single bacterial species
Authors: Wen Xuesong , Gehring Ronette , Stallbaumer Andrea , Riviere Jim E. , Volkova Victoriya V.
Published: December 2016

The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of an antimicrobial drug for a bacterial pathogen is used as a measure of the bacterial susceptibility to the drug. However, relationships between the antimicrobial concentration, bacterial susceptibility, and the pharmacodynamic (PD) inhibitory effect on the bacterial population are more complex. The relationships can be captured by multi-parameter models such as the Emax model. In this study, time-kill experiments were conducted with a zoonotic pathogen Pasteurella multocida and the fluoroquinolone enrofloxacin. Pasteurella multocida isolates with enrofloxacin MIC of 0.01 μg/mL, 1.5 μg/mL, and 2.0 μg/mL were used. An additive inhibitory Emax model was fitted to the data on bacterial population growth inhibition at different enrofloxacin concentrations. The values of PD parameters such as maximal growth inhibition, concentration achieving a half of the maximal inhibition, and Hill coefficient that captures steepness of the relationships between the concentration and effect, varied between the isolate with low MIC and less susceptible isolates. While enrofloxacin PD against the isolate with low MIC exhibited the expected concentration-dependent characteristics, the PD against the less susceptible isolates demonstrated time-dependent characteristics. The results demonstrate that bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility may need to be described by a combination of parameters rather than a single parameter of the MIC.
The correlation between plasma brain-derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive function in bipolar disorder is modulated by the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism
Authors: Lee Sheng-Yu , Wang Tzu-Yun , Chen Shiou-Lan , Chang Yun-Hsuan , Chen Po-See , Huang San-Yuan , Tzeng Nian-Sheng , Wang Liang-Jen , Lee I. Hui , Chen Kao Chin , Yang Yen Kuang , Yang Yi-Hsin , Lu Ru-Band , Chen Cheng-Sheng
Published: December 2016

We explored the effect of the Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism (rs6265) on correlation between changes in plasma BDNF levels with cognitive function and quality of life (QoL) after 12 weeks of treatment in bipolar disorder (BD). Symptom severity and plasma BDNF levels were assessed upon recruitment and during weeks 1, 2, 4, 8 and 12. QoL, the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), and the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT) were assessed at baseline and endpoint. The BDNF Val66Met polymorphism was genotyped. Changes in cognitive function and QoL over 12 weeks were reduced using factor analysis for the evaluation of their correlations with changes in plasma BDNF. Five hundred forty-one BD patients were recruited and 65.6% of them completed the 12-week follow-up. Changes in plasma BDNF levels with factor 1 (WCST) were significantly negatively correlated (r = −0.25, p = 0.00037). After stratification of BD subtypes and BDNF genotypes, this correlation was significant only in BP-I and the Val/Met genotype (r = −0.54, p = 0.008). We concluded that changes in plasma BDNF levels significantly correlated with changes in WCST scores in BD and is moderated by the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and the subtype of BD.
Investigating the highest melting temperature materials: A laser melting study of the TaC-HfC system
Authors: Cedillos-Barraza Omar , Manara Dario , Boboridis K. , Watkins Tyson , Grasso Salvatore , Jayaseelan Daniel D. , Konings Rudy J. M. , Reece Michael J. , Lee William E.
Published: December 2016

TaC, HfC and their solid solutions are promising candidate materials for thermal protection structures in hypersonic vehicles because of their very high melting temperatures (>4000 K) among other properties. The melting temperatures of slightly hypostoichiometric TaC, HfC and three solid solution compositions (Ta1−xHfxC, with x = 0.8, 0.5 and 0.2) have long been identified as the highest known. In the current research, they were reassessed, for the first time in the last fifty years, using a laser heating technique. They were found to melt in the range of 4041–4232 K, with HfC having the highest and TaC the lowest. Spectral radiance of the hot samples was measured in situ, showing that the optical emissivity of these compounds plays a fundamental role in their heat balance. Independently, the results show that the melting point for HfC0.98, (4232 ± 84) K, is the highest recorded for any compound studied until now.
A possible space-based tsunami early warning system using observations of the tsunami ionospheric hole
Authors: Kamogawa Masashi , Orihara Yoshiaki , Tsurudome Chiaki , Tomida Yuto , Kanaya Tatsuya , Ikeda Daiki , Gusman Aditya Riadi , Kakinami Yoshihiro , Liu Jann-Yenq , Toyoda Atsushi
Published: December 2016

Ionospheric plasma disturbances after a large tsunami can be detected by measurement of the total electron content (TEC) between a Global Positioning System (GPS) satellite and its ground-based receivers. TEC depression lasting for a few minutes to tens of minutes termed as tsunami ionospheric hole (TIH) is formed above the tsunami source area. Here we describe the quantitative relationship between initial tsunami height and the TEC depression rate caused by a TIH from seven tsunamigenic earthquakes in Japan and Chile. We found that the percentage of TEC depression and initial tsunami height are correlated and the largest TEC depressions appear 10 to 20 minutes after the main shocks. Our findings imply that Ionospheric TEC measurement using the existing ground receiver networks could be used in an early warning system for near-field tsunamis that take more than 20 minutes to arrive in coastal areas.
Direct Preparation of Carbon Nanotube Intramolecular Junctions on Structured Substrates
Authors: An Jianing , Zhan Zhaoyao , Sun Gengzhi , Mohan Hari Krishna Salila Vijayalal , Zhou Jinyuan , Kim Young-Jin , Zheng Lianxi
Published: December 2016

Leveraging the unique properties of single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) intramolecular junctions (IMJs) in innovative nanodevices and next-generation nanoelectronics requires controllable, repeatable, and large-scale preparation, together with rapid identification and comprehensive characterization of such structures. Here we demonstrate SWNT IMJs through directly growing ultralong SWNTs on trenched substrates. It is found that the trench configurations introduce axial strain in partially suspended nanotubes, and promote bending deformation in the vicinity of the trench edges. As a result, the lattice and electronic structure of the nanotubes can be locally modified, to form IMJs in the deformation regions. The trench patterns also enable pre-defining the formation locations of SWNT IMJs, facilitating the rapid identification. Elaborate Raman characterization has verified the formation of SWNT IMJs and identified their types. Rectifying behavior has been observed by electrical measurements on the as-prepared semiconducting-semiconducting (S-S) junction.
Occurrence, temporal trends, and half-lives of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs) in occupational workers in China
Authors: Fu Jianjie , Gao Yan , Cui Lin , Wang Thanh , Liang Yong , Qu Guangbo , Yuan Bo , Wang Yawei , Zhang Aiqian , Jiang Guibin
Published: December 2016

Paired serum and urine samples were collected from workers in a fluorochemical plant from 2008 to 2012 (n = 302) to investigate the level, temporal trends, and half-lives of PFAAs in workers of a fluorochemical plant. High levels of perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS), perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), and perfluorooctanesulfonate (PFOS) were detected in serum with median concentrations of 764, 427, and 1725 ng mL−1, respectively. The half-lives of PFAAs in workers were estimated by daily clearance rates and annual decline rates of PFAAs in serum by a first-order model. The geometric mean and median value for PFHxS, PFOA, and PFOS were 14.7 and 11.7, 4.1 and 4.0, 32.6 and 21.6 years, respectively, by the daily clearance rates, and they were 3.6, 1.7, and 1.9 years estimated by annual decline rates. The half-lives estimated by the limited clearance route information could be considered as the upper limits for PFAAs, however, the huge difference between two estimated approaches indicated that there were other important elimination pathways of PFAAs other than renal clearance in human. The half-lives estimated by annual decline rates in the present study were the shortest values ever reported, and the intrinsic half-lives might even shorter due to the high levels of ongoing exposure to PFAAs.
Using Baidu Search Index to Predict Dengue Outbreak in China
Authors: Liu Kangkang , Wang Tao , Yang Zhicong , Huang Xiaodong , Milinovich Gabriel J , Lu Yi , Jing Qinlong , Xia Yao , Zhao Zhengyang , Yang Yang , Tong Shilu , Hu Wenbiao , Lu Jiahai
Published: December 2016

This study identified the possible threshold to predict dengue fever (DF) outbreaks using Baidu Search Index (BSI). Time-series classification and regression tree models based on BSI were used to develop a predictive model for DF outbreak in Guangzhou and Zhongshan, China. In the regression tree models, the mean autochthonous DF incidence rate increased approximately 30-fold in Guangzhou when the weekly BSI for DF at the lagged moving average of 1–3 weeks was more than 382. When the weekly BSI for DF at the lagged moving average of 1–5 weeks was more than 91.8, there was approximately 9-fold increase of the mean autochthonous DF incidence rate in Zhongshan. In the classification tree models, the results showed that when the weekly BSI for DF at the lagged moving average of 1–3 weeks was more than 99.3, there was 89.28% chance of DF outbreak in Guangzhou, while, in Zhongshan, when the weekly BSI for DF at the lagged moving average of 1–5 weeks was more than 68.1, the chance of DF outbreak rose up to 100%. The study indicated that less cost internet-based surveillance systems can be the valuable complement to traditional DF surveillance in China.
Immune-responsiveness of CD4+ T cells during Streptococcus suis serotype 2 infection
Authors: Lecours Marie-Pier , Letendre Corinne , Clarke Damian , Lemire Paul , Galbas Tristan , Benoit-Biancamano Marie-Odile , Thibodeau Jacques , Gottschalk Marcelo , Segura Mariela
Published: December 2016

The pathogenesis of Streptococcus suis infection, a major swine and human pathogen, is only partially understood and knowledge on the host adaptive immune response is critically scarce. Yet, S. suis virulence factors, particularly its capsular polysaccharide (CPS), enable this bacterium to modulate dendritic cell (DC) functions and potentially impair the immune response. This study aimed to evaluate modulation of T cell activation during S. suis infection and the role of DCs in this response. S. suis-stimulated total mouse splenocytes readily produced TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, CCL3, CXCL9, and IL-10. Ex vivo and in vivo analyses revealed the involvement of CD4+ T cells and a Th1 response. Nevertheless, during S. suis infection, levels of the Th1-derived cytokines TNF-α and IFN-γ were very low. A transient splenic depletion of CD4+ T cells and a poor memory response were also observed. Moreover, CD4+ T cells secreted IL-10 and failed to up-regulate optimal levels of CD40L and CD69 in coculture with DCs. The CPS hampered release of several T cell-derived cytokines in vitro. Finally, a correlation was established between severe clinical signs of S. suis disease and impaired antibody responses. Altogether, these results suggest S. suis interferes with the adaptive immune response.
Weight prediction in complex networks based on neighbor set
Authors: Zhu Boyao , Xia Yongxiang , Zhang Xue-Jun
Published: December 2016

Link weights are essential to network functionality, so weight prediction is important for understanding weighted networks given incomplete real-world data. In this work, we develop a novel method for weight prediction based on the local network structure, namely, the set of neighbors of each node. The performance of this method is validated in two cases. In the first case, some links are missing altogether along with their weights, while in the second case all links are known and weight information is missing for some links. Empirical experiments on real-world networks indicate that our method can provide accurate predictions of link weights in both cases.
Whole-genome scanning for the litter size trait associated genes and SNPs under selection in dairy goat (Capra hircus)
Authors: Lai Fang-Nong , Zhai Hong-Li , Cheng Ming , Ma Jun-Yu , Cheng Shun-Feng , Ge Wei , Zhang Guo-Liang , Wang Jun-Jie , Zhang Rui-Qian , Wang Xue , Min Ling-Jiang , Song Jiu-Zhou , Shen Wei
Published: December 2016

Dairy goats are one of the most utilized domesticated animals in China. Here, we selected extreme populations based on differential fecundity in two Laoshan dairy goat populations. Utilizing deep sequencing we have generated 68.7 and 57.8 giga base of sequencing data, and identified 12,458,711 and 12,423,128 SNPs in the low fecundity and high fecundity groups, respectively. Following selective sweep analyses, a number of loci and candidate genes in the two populations were scanned independently. The reproduction related genes CCNB2, AR, ADCY1, DNMT3B, SMAD2, AMHR2, ERBB2, FGFR1, MAP3K12 and THEM4 were specifically selected in the high fecundity group whereas KDM6A, TENM1, SWI5 and CYM were specifically selected in the low fecundity group. A sub-set of genes including SYCP2, SOX5 and POU3F4 were localized both in the high and low fecundity selection windows, suggesting that these particular genes experienced strong selection with lower genetic diversity. From the genome data, the rare nonsense mutations may not contribute to fecundity, whereas nonsynonymous SNPs likely play a predominant role. The nonsynonymous exonic SNPs in SETDB2 and CDH26 which were co-localized in the selected region may take part in fecundity traits. These observations bring us a new insights into the genetic variation influencing fecundity traits within dairy goats.
Tissue loading created during spinal manipulation in comparison to loading created by passive spinal movements
Authors: Funabashi Martha , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Vette Albert H. , Goldsmith Peter , Prasad Narasimha
Published: December 2016

Spinal manipulative therapy (SMT) creates health benefits for some while for others, no benefit or even adverse events. Understanding these differential responses is important to optimize patient care and safety. Toward this, characterizing how loads created by SMT relate to those created by typical motions is fundamental. Using robotic testing, it is now possible to make these comparisons to determine if SMT generates unique loading scenarios. In 12 porcine cadavers, SMT and passive motions were applied to the L3/L4 segment and the resulting kinematics tracked. The L3/L4 segment was removed, mounted in a parallel robot and kinematics of SMT and passive movements replayed robotically. The resulting forces experienced by L3/L4 were collected. Overall, SMT created both significantly greater and smaller loads compared to passive motions, with SMT generating greater anterioposterior peak force (the direction of force application) compared to all passive motions. In some comparisons, SMT did not create significantly different loads in the intact specimen, but did so in specific spinal tissues. Despite methodological differences between studies, SMT forces and loading rates fell below published injury values. Future studies are warranted to understand if loading scenarios unique to SMT confer its differential therapeutic effects.