bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of hydrocarbon adsorption on the wettability of rare earth oxide ceramics
Authors: Preston Daniel J. , Miljkovic Nenad , Sack Jean , Enright Ryan , Queeney John , Wang Evelyn N.
Published: July 2014

Vapor condensation is routinely used as an effective means of transferring heat, with dropwise condensation exhibiting a 5 − 7x heat transfer improvement compared to filmwise condensation. However, state-of-the-art techniques to promote dropwise condensation rely on functional hydrophobic coatings, which are often not robust and therefore undesirable for industrial implementation. Natural surface contamination due to hydrocarbon adsorption, particularly on noble metals, has been explored as an alternative approach to realize stable dropwise condensing surfaces. While noble metals are prohibitively expensive, the recent discovery of robust rare earth oxide (REO) hydrophobicity has generated interest for dropwise condensation applications due to material costs approaching 1% of gold; however, the underlying mechanism of REO hydrophobicity remains under debate. In this work, we show through careful experiments and modeling that REO hydrophobicity occurs due to the same hydrocarbon adsorption mechanism seen previously on noble metals. To investigate adsorption dynamics, we studied holmia and ceria REOs, along with control samples of gold and silica, via X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and dynamic time-resolved contact angle measurements. The contact angle and surface carbon percent started at ≈0 on in-situ argon-plasma-cleaned samples and increased asymptotically over time after exposure to laboratory air, with the rare earth oxides displaying hydrophobic (>90°) advancing contact angle behavior at long times (>4 days). The results indicate that REOs are in fact hydrophilic when clean and become hydrophobic due to hydrocarbon adsorption. Furthermore, this study provides insight into how REOs can be used to promote stable dropwise condensation, which is important for the development of enhanced phase change surfaces.
Determination of full set material constants of [011]c poled 0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.28PbTiO3 single crystal from one sample
Authors: Li Shiyang , Zheng Limei , Cao Wenwu
Published: July 2014

0.72Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3-0.28PbTiO3 single crystals poled along [011]c have macroscopic orthorhombic mm2 symmetry. There are total 17 independent material coefficients for this symmetry so that the determination of self-consistent full matrix data is extremely difficult because many samples are needed and there is a large property variation from sample to sample. To overcome this self-consistency difficulty, we have developed a combined ultrasonic pulse-echo and impedance spectroscopy method, which can extract all coefficients from only one small sample. This method is especially useful for piezoelectric materials whose properties are strongly dependent on geometry and for crystals with only limited size available.
Non-covalent functionalization of single wall carbon nanotubes and graphene by a conjugated polymer
Authors: Jilili Jiwuer , Abdurahman Ayjamal , Gülseren Oğuz , Schwingenschlögl Udo
Published: July 2014

We report first-principles calculations on the binding of poly[(9,9-bis-(6-bromohexylfluorene-2,7-diyl)-co-(benzene-1,4-diyl)] to a (8,0) single wall carbon nanotube (SWCNT) and to graphene. Considering different relative orientations of the subsystems, we find for the generalized gradient approximation a non-binding state, whereas the local density approximation predicts reasonable binding energies. The results coincide after inclusion of van der Waals corrections, which demonstrates a weak interaction between the polymer and SWCNT/graphene, mostly of van der Waals type. Accordingly, the density of states shows essentially no hybridization. The physisorption mechanism explains recent experimental observations and suggests that the conjugated polymer can be used for non-covalent functionalization.
Effects of a weakly 3-D equilibrium on ideal magnetohydrodynamic instabilities
Authors: Hegna C. C.
Published: July 2014

The effect of a small three-dimensional equilibrium distortion on an otherwise axisymmetric configuration is shown to be destabilizing to ideal magnetohydrodynamic modes. The calculations assume that the 3-D fields are weak and that shielding physics is present so that no islands appear in the resulting equilibrium. An eigenfunction that has coupled harmonics of different toroidal mode number is constructed using a perturbation approach. The theory is applied to the case of tokamak H-modes with shielded resonant magnetic perturbations (RMPs) present indicating RMPs can be destabilizing to intermediate-n peeling-ballooning modes.
SnTe field effect transistors and the anomalous electrical response of structural phase transition
Authors: Li Haitao , Zhu Hao , Yuan Hui , You Lin , Richter Curt A. , Kopanski Joseph J. , Zhao Erhai , Li Qiliang
Published: July 2014

SnTe is a conventional thermoelectric material and has been newly found to be a topological crystalline insulator. In this work, back-gate SnTe field-effect transistors have been fabricated and fully characterized. The devices exhibit n-type transistor behaviors with excellent current-voltage characteristics and large on/off ratio (>106). The device threshold voltage, conductance, mobility, and subthreshold swing have been studied and compared at different temperatures. It is found that the subthreshold swings as a function of temperature have an apparent response to the SnTe phase transition between cubic and rhombohedral structures at 110 K. The abnormal and rapid increase in subthreshold swing around the phase transition temperature may be due to the soft phonon/structure change which causes the large increase in SnTe dielectric constant. Such an interesting and remarkable electrical response to phase transition at different temperatures makes the small SnTe transistor attractive for various electronic devices.
Digital model for X-ray diffraction with application to composition and strain determination in strained InAs/GaSb superlattices
Authors: Meng Yifei , Kim Honggyu , Rouviére Jean-Luc , Isheim Dieter , Seidman David N. , Zuo Jian-Min
Published: July 2014

We propose a digital model for high quality superlattices by including fluctuations in the superlattice periods. The composition and strain profiles are assumed to be coherent and persist throughout the superlattice. Using this model, we have significantly improved the fit with experimental X-ray diffraction data recorded from the nominal InAs/GaSb superlattice. The lattice spacing of individual layers inside the superlattice and the extent of interfacial intermixing are refined by including both (002) and (004) and their satellite peaks in the fitting. For the InAs/GaSb strained layer superlattice, results show: (i) the GaSb-on-InAs interface is chemically sharper than the InAs-on-GaSb interface, (ii) the GaSb layers experience compressive strain with In incorporation, (iii) there are interfacial strain associated with InSb-like bonds in GaSb and GaAs-like bonds in InAs, (iv) Sb substitutes a significant amount of In inside InAs layer near the InAs-on-GaSb interface. For support, we show that the composition profiles determined by X-ray diffraction are in good agreement with those obtained from atom probe tomography measurement. Comparison with the kinetic growth model shows a good agreement in terms of the composition profiles of anions, while the kinetic model underestimates the intermixing of cations.
External excitation of hybrid plasma resonances in a gated semiconductor slab: An analytical study
Authors: Marinchio H. , Palermo C. , Mahi A. , Varani L. , Korotyeyev V.
Published: July 2014

We derive at first-order the carrier and velocity conservation equations and a pseudo-2D (P2D) Poisson equation in order to obtain an analytical model suitable for the study of the optical and electrical excitations of the plasma modes in a gated semiconductor channel of arbitrary thickness. We calculate the dispersion relation of the plasma waves appearing in the channel and the frequencies of the eigen modes for different boundary conditions (BCs). Then, we obtain and comment different THz-range frequency responses to an uniform optical beating or to an electrical excitation applied on the gate or the drain contacts. The effects of the different stimulations and boundary conditions are compared, and the responses, characterized by sharp resonances in the THz range, are interpreted as the sum of the contribution of the different hybrid plasma modes excited in the slab.
Ultra-low noise high electron mobility transistors for high-impedance and low-frequency deep cryogenic readout electronics
Authors: Dong Q. , Liang Y. X. , Ferry D. , Cavanna A. , Gennser U. , Couraud L. , Jin Y.
Published: July 2014

We report on the results obtained from specially designed high electron mobility transistors at 4.2 K: the gate leakage current can be limited lower than 1 aA, and the equivalent input noise-voltage and noise-current at 1 Hz can reach 6.3 nV/Hz1∕2 and 20 aA/Hz1∕2, respectively. These results open the way to realize high performance low-frequency readout electronics under very low-temperature conditions.
Irrational exuberance and neural crash warning signals during endogenous experimental market bubbles
Authors: Smith Alec , Lohrenz Terry , King Justin , Montague P. Read , Camerer Colin F.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Asset price bubbles are an important example of human group decision making gone awry, but the behavioral and neural underpinnings of bubble dynamics remain mysterious. In multisubject markets determined by 11–23 subjects, with 2–3 subjects simultaneously scanned using functional MRI, we show how behavior and brain activity interact during bubbles. Nucleus accumbens (NAcc) activity tracks the price bubble and predicts future price changes. Traders who buy more aggressively based on NAcc signals earn less. High-earning traders have early warning signals in the anterior insular cortex before prices reach a peak, and sell coincidently with that signal, precipitating the crash. These experiments could help understand other cases in which human groups badly miscompute the value of actions or events.
Improving management of small natural features on private lands by negotiating the science–policy boundary for Maine vernal pools
Authors: Calhoun Aram J. K. , Jansujwicz Jessica S. , Bell Kathleen P. , Hunter Malcolm L.
Published: July 2014

Significance

We address a key sustainability challenge: management of natural resources on private land. Managing small natural features, such as vernal pools, on private land presents unique problems but also unique opportunities to provide benefits to both nature and society. Our innovative approach to management and research described here uses vernal pools as a model system but exemplifies a broader framework for understanding social and ecosystem processes, interactions between them, and how these interactions may facilitate solutions. The challenges and opportunities encountered in navigating the science–policy boundary presented here are not unique to vernal pools: Our findings have wider conservation significance for natural resource management, especially for other small natural features on private lands (e.g., riparian zones, prairie potholes).
Effect of sleep deprivation on the human metabolome
Authors: Davies Sarah K. , Ang Joo Ern , Revell Victoria L. , Holmes Ben , Mann Anuska , Robertson Francesca P. , Cui Nanyi , Middleton Benita , Ackermann Katrin , Kayser Manfred , Thumser Alfred E. , Raynaud Florence I. , Skene Debra J.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Sleep restriction and circadian clock disruption are associated with metabolic disorders including obesity and diabetes; this association can be studied by using the powerful tool of metabolomics. By using liquid chromatography/MS metabolomics, we have characterized plasma metabolites that were significantly affected by acute sleep deprivation (mainly lipids and acylcarnitines), all increasing during sleep deprivation. Observed increased levels of serotonin, tryptophan, and taurine may explain the antidepressive effect of sleep deprivation and deserve further study. Clear daily rhythms were observed in most metabolites, with 24 h wakefulness mainly reducing the amplitude of these rhythms. Our results further the understanding of sleep/wake regulation and the associated metabolic processes, and will be vital when using metabolic profiling to identify robust biomarkers for disease states and drug efficacy.
Mechanisms underlying the activation of G-protein–gated inwardly rectifying K+(GIRK) channels by the novel anxiolytic drug, ML297
Authors: Wydeven Nicole , Marron Fernandez de Velasco Ezequiel , Du Yu , Benneyworth Michael A. , Hearing Matthew C. , Fischer Rachel A. , Thomas Mark John , Weaver C. David , Wickman Kevin
Published: July 2014

Significance

Many neurotransmitters dampen excitability in the heart and brain by activating G-protein–gated inwardly rectifying K+(GIRK) channels. The lack of selective pharmacological tools for GIRK channels has hindered investigations into their physiological and pathophysiological relevance. Here, we examined the mechanisms underlying the activation of GIRK channels by ML297, the prototypical member of a new family of small molecule GIRK channel modulators. ML297 activates GIRK channels via a unique mechanism that requires two amino acids specific to the GIRK1 subunit. In addition, ML297 reduces anxiety-related behavior in mice, in a GIRK1-dependent manner, without triggering sedation or addiction-related behavior. Thus, ML297 is a new tool for probing the therapeutic potential of GIRK channel modulation, which may benefit individuals with anxiety-related disorders.
Detouring of cisplatin to access mitochondrial genome for overcoming resistance
Authors: Marrache Sean , Pathak Rakesh K. , Dhar Shanta
Published: July 2014

Significance

Resistance of aggressive metastatic tumors to cisplatin therapy is partly related to extensive repair of cisplatin-modified DNA in the nucleus by the nucleotide excision repair machinery. Delivering cisplatin to the mitochondria to attack the mitochondrial genome lacking such repair machinery can lead to a rationally designed therapy for metastatic, chemoresistant cancers and might overcome the problems associated with conventional cisplatin treatment.
Optimized CRISPR/Cas tools for efficient germline and somatic genome engineering in
Drosophila
Authors: Port Fillip , Chen Hui-Min , Lee Tzumin , Bullock Simon L.
Published: July 2014

Significance

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated (Cas)-mediated genome engineering promises to revolutionize genetic studies in a variety of systems. Here we describe an optimized set of tools for CRISPR/Cas experiments in the model organism
Drosophila melanogaster
. These tools can be used for remarkably efficient germline transmission of (
i
) loss-of-function insertion and deletion mutations in essential genes or (
ii
) precise changes in the genome sequence introduced by homology-directed repair. These tools also permit efficient biallelic targeting of genes in somatic cells, thereby demonstrating a novel application of CRISPR/Cas in rapidly revealing mutant phenotypes within the organism. Our work also paves the way for high-throughput genetic screens in
Drosophila
with CRISPR/Cas.
Consequences of a mismatch between biological and management units on our perception of Atlantic cod off New England
Authors: Kerr Lisa A. , Cadrin Steven X. , Kovach Adrienne I.
Published: July 2014

A mismatch between the scale of fishery management units and biological population structure can potentially result in a misperception of the productivity and sustainable yield of fish stocks. We used simulation modelling as a tool to compare the perception of productivity, stability, and sustainability of Atlantic cod (Gadus morhua) off New England from an operating model based on the current US management units to a model that more closely reflects the biological complexity of the resource. Two age-structured models were compared: (i) the management unit model, wherein cod were grouped based on the current spatially defined US management areas (Gulf of Maine and Georges Bank), and (ii) the biological unit model, consisting of three genetically defined population components (northern spring spawning, southern winter/spring spawning, and eastern Georges Bank spring-spawning groups). Overall, the regional productivity and maximum sustainable yield of the biological unit model was lower compared with the management unit model. The biological unit model also provided insights on the distribution of productivity in the region, with southern and northern spawning groups being the dominant contributors to the regional spawning–stock biomass and yield and the eastern Georges Bank spawning group being the minority contributor at low to intermediate levels of fishing mortality. The comparison of models revealed that the perception of Atlantic cod derived from the management unit model was of a resource that is more resilient to fishing mortality and not as susceptible to “collapse” as indicated by the biological unit model. For Atlantic cod, one of the main risks of ignoring population structure appears the potential for overexploitation of segments of the population. Consideration of population structure of cod changed our perception of the magnitude and distribution of productivity in the region, suggesting that expectations of sustainable yield of cod in US waters should be reconsidered.
Genetically Improved Crops
Authors: Newell-McGloughlin Martina
Published: July 2014

This article focuses on the technological challenges in developing biotechnology and nutritionally enhanced crops. It discusses how the lack of basic knowledge about plant metabolism has hindered research on improving the nutritional quality of plants. It describes new technologies that seek to counter some of the complex problems in the metabolic engineering of pathways, overcome the limitation of single gene transfers, and facilitate the concomitant transfer of multiple components of metabolic pathways. Sample applications of these technologies are also discussed.
Mathematics Learning in the USA and JAPAN
Authors: Okamoto Yukari
Published: July 2014

This chapter examines the idea that spoken language of mathematics could be a potential factor in explaining variation in mathematics achievement between East Asian and US students. A particular focus was placed on the number naming systems of East Asian languages that are rooted in ancient Chinese. In these languages, the organization of number names follows the rules of the base-ten system. Studies that examined influences of number naming systems on children’s mathematical competence showed that young children speaking East Asian languages prefer to represent two-digit numbers as consisting of tens and ones. Although these results seem limited to specific mathematical competence, it is argued that strong foundations built around base-ten knowledge are likely to contribute to later mathematics performance. Some disadvantages of East Asian languages are also discussed.
The Carceral State and American Political Development
Authors: Lerman Amy E. , Weaver Vesla M.
Published: July 2014

Since mid-century, the capacity of the United States to punish and surveil its citizenry has undergone tremendous expansion. Yet this phenomenal transformation and its repercussions for citizens has engendered surprisingly little discussion among scholars of American political development (APD). Nor have criminal justice scholars been sufficiently attentive to the intersection between democratic development and the carceral state. In this essay, we highlight how several well-worn tools and concepts in APD have begun to pave new understandings in criminal justice. Many of the studies we describe here have profound consequences for how we see American democracy and citizenship today. They require us to attend to the fact that criminal justice is not just one more slice of the American institutional landscape, but is in fact central to the development of the modern American state, its political order, and how the state interacts with its citizens.
Balancing Risk and Benefit
Authors: Glennerster Rachel , Powers Shawn
Published: July 2014

The increasing use of randomized evaluations in economics has brought an increase in discussion about ethical issues. We argue that while there are ethical issues specific to randomization, most important ethical challenges are not unique to this methodology. The rise in direct researcher involvement with antipoverty programs that has accompanied the rise in randomized evaluations has made ethics issues more salient and raised complex regulatory questions. Though the principles of respect for persons, justice, and beneficence outlined by the 1978 Belmont Report continue to provide a useful ethical framework, we note a number of challenging tradeoffs in applying them including those around data confidentiality, informed consent, and misleading research subjects. We conclude by discussing how ethical guidelines are applied in practice, noting a number of gaps, ambiguities, and areas where we believe practice is diverging from the underlying principles. These issues apply with equal force to all empirical methodologies.
Communication Modalities and Political Knowledge
Authors: Eveland William P. , Garrett R. Kelly
Published: July 2014

Recent research has made clear that the process by which individuals obtain information about politics through the media and other communication sources is complex and multifaceted. The effects of communication on knowledge can vary by medium or the mix of sources that individuals choose, by the motivations and background characteristics of the user, and by the type of knowledge being considered. Whether “knowledge” (as opposed to misperceptions or simply beliefs) is the end result of communication depends crucially on the nature of the information being presented and the prior beliefs of the user. The authors review the state of the art research in this domain and offer suggestions for how scholarship must adjust to the changing environment brought about by technological change and increasing partisanship and polarization among politicians, the media, and the public.
Political Communication
Authors: Green Donald P. , Carnegie Allison J. , Middleton Joel
Published: July 2014

In an effort to overcome the limitations of survey research and lab experimentation, researchers studying the effects of communication have increasingly turned to field experimentation, or randomized trials conducted in real-world settings. This essay describes the research designs and findings from illustrative field experiments in three substantive domains. First, the authors consider public information campaigns designed to encourage voters to hold public officials accountable for performance in office. Second, they discuss individually targeted information designed to encourage voters and taxpayers to comply with social norms. Finally, they review recent attempts to study the electoral effects of television and radio advertisements. This array of studies illustrates how field experiments may contribute to a broad range of important theoretical and policy debates.
Homeownership Policy
Authors: Dreier Peter , Schwartz Alex
Published: July 2014

Since the nation’s founding, Americans have generally preferred owning property to renting. Government policy in the U.S. has long supported the goal of increasing homeownership through regulation and support of the financial system to strengthen credit for homeowners, tax subsidies for homeowners, direct subsidies for consumers and developers, local zoning laws, and tenant-landlord law that make renting less favorable. This chapter will briefly describe the history of these policy tools, explain how they work, and explore the strengths and weaknesses of homeownership in general and government policy to encourage Americans to buy rather than rent their homes.
What Is Apocalyptic Literature?
Authors: Collins John J.
Published: July 2014

It is possible to identify a literary genre “apocalypse” along the lines proposed in Semeia 14 (1979), as an account of a revelation mediated by a heavenly being that discloses a transcendent reality, both spatial and temporal. Apocalypticism, the worldview characteristic of apocalypses, can also be found in works that are not formally apocalypses. It is characterized by the belief that human life is largely shaped by supernatural forces, and bounded by the expectation of a final judgment, including the judgment of the dead. This essay responds to various objections that have been raised against this way of viewing the genre. It concludes by considering the modern adaptation of apocalypticism by Dispensationalists and Fundamentalists, and noting continuities and discontinuities with the ancient genre.
Apocalyptic Dualism
Authors: Frey Jörg
Published: July 2014

Dualism, a term first coined in 1700 by the English Orientalist Thomas Hyde, refers to a number of philosophical and religious thought systems characterized by a fundamental physical or metaphysical duality. In the history of religions, dualism was also applied to phenomena and doctrines beyond Zoroastrianism, including Gnosticism or Manichaeism as well as biblical thought patterns. Dualism has also been associated with apocalyptic thought. This article examines apocalyptic dualism in the Hebrew Bible and Second Temple Judaism. It first discusses dualism as a category of scholarship and the emergence of dualistic views in the earliest period of Jewish apocalypticism before turning to the different patterns of dualism represented in the Qumran corpus. It then considers dualism as expressed in the War Scroll from Qumran Cave 1, the pattern of cosmic dualism in the Qumran sectarian texts, eschatological dualism in later apocalyptic literature, and the reception of apocalyptic dualism in early Christian thought.
Emergence of Higher Cognitive Functions
Authors: Paz-Alonso Pedro M. , Bunge Silvia A. , Ghetti Simona
Published: July 2014

In the present chapter, we first provide an overview of neurodevelopmental changes in brain structure and function, which have implications for the development of higher cognitive functions as well as for other areas of research within developmental cognitive neuroscience. Second, we highlight neuroimaging evidence regarding the development of working memory and cognitive control processes, and the main neural mechanisms and brain networks supporting them. Third, we review behavioral and neuroimaging research on the development of memory encoding and retrieval processes, including episodic memory and mnemonic control. Finally, we summarize important current and future directions in the study of the neurocognitive mechanisms supporting the development of higher cognitive functions, noting that multidisciplinary approaches, different level of analyses, and longitudinal designs are needed to shed further light on the emergence and trajectories of these functions over development.
Acute Leukemia Presenting as Acute Hepatitis Without Liver Failure
Authors: Rivet Christine , Leverger Guy , Jacquemin Emmanuel , Bernard Olivier
Published: July 2014

A diagnosis of acute lymphoblastic or myeloblastic leukemia was made in 6 children ages 4 to 14 years who presented with a clinicobiochemical picture of acute hepatitis without liver failure. Standard chemotherapy, including 1 week pretreatment with steroids in children with lymphoblastic leukemia, allowed complete remission of the leukemia and normalization of serum liver tests.
Cardiac alternans and intracellular calcium cycling
Authors: Edwards Joshua N , Blatter Lothar A
Published: July 2014

Cardiac alternans refers to a condition in which there is a periodic beat‐to‐beat oscillation in electrical activity and the strength of cardiac muscle contraction at a constant heart rate. Clinically, cardiac alternans occurs in settings that are typical for cardiac arrhythmias and has been causally linked to these conditions. At the cellular level, alternans is defined as beat‐to‐beat alternations in contraction amplitude (mechanical alternans), action potential duration (APD; electrical or APD alternans) and Ca2+ transient amplitude (Ca2+ alternans). The cause of alternans is multifactorial; however, alternans always originate from disturbances of the bidirectional coupling between membrane voltage (Vm) and intracellular calcium ([Ca2+]i). Bidirectional coupling refers to the fact that, in cardiac cells, Vm depolarization and the generation of action potentials cause the elevation of [Ca2+]i that is required for contraction (a process referred to as excitation–contraction coupling); conversely, changes of [Ca2+]i control Vm because important membrane currents are Ca2+ dependent. Evidence is mounting that alternans is ultimately caused by disturbances of cellular Ca2+ signalling. Herein we review how two key factors of cardiac cellular Ca2+ cycling, namely the release of Ca2+ from internal stores and the capability of clearing the cytosol from Ca2+ after each beat, determine the conditions under which alternans occurs. The contributions from key Ca2+‐handling proteins (i.e. surface membrane channels, ion pumps and transporters and internal Ca2+ release channels) are discussed.
Effects of milk replacer and starter diet provided as creep feed for suckling pigs on pre‐ and post‐weaning growth
Authors: Park Byung‐Chul , Ha Duck‐Min , Park Man‐Jong , Lee Chul Young
Published: July 2014

This study was aimed at investigating the long‐term effects of provision of liquid milk replacer (MR) and solid starter diet (SD) during lactation on post‐weaning (PW) growth of pigs. In experiment 1, 33 cross‐bred litters were allotted to four treatments: no supplement (CON), MR ad libitum, SD ad libitum and 100 g SD/litter/day from lactation day 4 through weaning at day 21 during late fall. In experiment 2, 40 litters received MR or none in July. PW pigs received commercial diets to marketing. In experiment 1, weaning weight (WW), pre‐weaning average daily gain (ADG) and mortality (2.4%) were not influenced by creep‐feeding MR or SD. ADG was greater (P < 0.05) in the MR group versus CON during days 21–54, but did not differ across the treatments during days 54–162. In experiment 2, ADG during lactation and WW were greater in the MR group versus CON, with mortality lower in the former (5.6 vs. 10.3%). However, PW ADG to day 175 did not differ between the two groups. Results suggest that creep‐feeding MR or SD has no effect on PW growth. However, it remains possible that MR reduces PW mortality during the hot season.
Effects of nutritional level of concentrate‐based diets on meat quality and expression levels of genes related to meat quality in Hainan black goats
Authors: Wang Dingfa , Zhou Luli , Zhou Hanlin , Hou Guanyu , Shi Liguang , Li Mao , Huang Xianzhou , Guan Song
Published: July 2014

The present study investigated the effects of the nutritional levels of diets on meat quality and related gene expression in Hainan black goat. Twenty‐four goats were divided into six dietary treatments and were fed a concentrate‐based diet with two levels of crude protein (CP) (15% or 17%) and three levels of digestive energy (DE) (11.72, 12.55 or 13.39 MJ/kg DM) for 90 days. Goats fed the concentrate‐based diet with 17% CP had significantly (P < 0.05) higher average daily gains (ADG) and better feed conversion rates (FCR). The pH 24h value tended to decrease (P < 0.05) with increasing DE levels. The tenderness of Longissimus dorsi muscle (LD) and Semimembranosus muscle (SM) reduced with increasing CP levels (P < 0.05). With increasing DE levels, tenderness was increased (P < 0.05). The heart fatty acid‐binding protein (H‐FABP) mRNA expression levels in LD and SM increased with increasing DE levels (P < 0.05), but decreased with increasing CP levels (P < 0.05). The calpastatin (CAST) and μ‐calpain mRNA expressions levels in LD and SM were affected significantly (P < 0.05) by CP and DE levels in the diet. Therefore, the nutritional levels of diets affect meat quality and expression levels of genes associated with meat quality in Hainan black goats.
A phase 1 clinical trial of vorinostat in combination with decitabine in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia or myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Kirschbaum Mark , Gojo Ivana , Goldberg Stuart L. , Bredeson Christopher , Kujawski Lisa A. , Yang Allen , Marks Peter , Frankel Paul , Sun Xing , Tosolini Alessandra , Eid Joseph E. , Lubiniecki Gregory M. , Issa Jean‐Pierre
Published: July 2014

Patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) may respond to treatment with epigenetic‐modifying agents. Histone deacetylase inhibitors may synergize with hypomethylating agents. This phase 1 dose‐escalation study was designed to determine the maximum tolerated dose, recommended phase 2 dose, safety and tolerability of vorinostat plus decitabine in patients with relapsed/refractory AML, newly‐diagnosed AML, or intermediate‐ to high‐grade MDS. Thirty‐four patients received concurrent therapy with decitabine plus vorinostat and 37 received sequential therapy with decitabine followed by vorinostat. Twenty‐nine patients had relapsed/refractory AML, 31 had untreated AML and 11 had MDS. The target maximum administered dose (MAD) of decitabine 20 mg/m2 daily for 5 d plus vorinostat 400 mg/d for 14 d was achieved for concurrent and sequential schedules, with one dose‐limiting toxicity (Grade 3 QTc prolongation) reported in the sequential arm. Common toxicities were haematological and gastrointestinal. Responses were observed more frequently at the MAD on the concurrent schedule compared with the sequential schedule in untreated AML (46% vs. 14%), relapsed/refractory AML (15% vs. 0%) and MDS (60% vs. 0%). Decitabine plus vorinostat given concurrently or sequentially appears to be safe and well‐tolerated. Concurrent therapy shows promising clinical activity in AML or MDS, warranting further investigation.
Selection for cheating across disparate environments in the legume‐rhizobium mutualism
Authors: Porter Stephanie S. , Simms Ellen L.
Published: July 2014

The primary dilemma in evolutionarily stable mutualisms is that natural selection for cheating could overwhelm selection for cooperation. Cheating need not entail parasitism; selection favours cheating as a quantitative trait whenever less‐cooperative partners are more fit than more‐cooperative partners. Mutualisms might be stabilised by mechanisms that direct benefits to more‐cooperative individuals, which counter selection for cheating; however, empirical evidence that natural selection favours cheating in mutualisms is sparse. We measured selection on cheating in single‐partner pairings of wild legume and rhizobium lineages, which prevented legume choice. Across contrasting environments, selection consistently favoured cheating by rhizobia, but did not favour legumes that provided less benefit to rhizobium partners. This is the first simultaneous measurement of selection on cheating across both host and symbiont lineages from a natural population. We empirically confirm selection for cheating as a source of antagonistic coevolutionary pressure in mutualism and a biological dilemma for models of cooperation.
On the typology of the texts that appear on migration‐era bracteates
Authors: Mees Bernard
Published: July 2014

Historiographically, the main tradition of interpreting the Old Germanic bracteates has been that developed by Karl Hauck in the late 1960s. Much contested by critics, Hauck's bracteate iconology has also influenced the way the runic legends that appear on the golden amulets are understood in much continental scholarship. This paper presents an alternative interpretation of such testimonies of early Nordic language based on a less‐ambitious approach to the decoration and associated epigraphy of the controversial migration‐period finds, grounding its analysis in a more explicitly theorized linguistic and semiotic hermeneutics.
Mating Preferences of the Gynogenetic Amazon Molly Differ Between Populations Sympatric with Different Host Species
Authors: Kim Diana , Waller John , Aspbury Andrea S. , Gabor Caitlin R.
Published: July 2014

Gynogenetic species rely on sperm from heterospecifics for reproduction but do not receive genetic benefits from mating because none of the paternal genome is incorporated into offspring. The gynogenetic Amazon molly (Poecilia formosa) is a species of hybrid origins that are sympatric with one of the two parent species that provide sperm for reproduction, P. latipinna or P. mexicana. Amazons should not prefer to mate with one species over the other because sperm from both species will trigger embryogenesis, but mating preferences may be present in Amazons through other mechanisms. Amazons may prefer the more familiar species (males found in sympatry), or Amazons may prefer males with the greatest lateral projection area (LPA), a preference that is present in the parent species and may be retained within the Amazon hybrid genome. We tested association preferences of two populations of Amazons sympatric with either P. mexicana or P. latipinna. We first performed live trials to test whether Amazons preferred one host species over the other and found that neither population of Amazons showed a preference. We then tested whether Amazons preferred sympatric male (familiar) host or the male with the greatest lateral projection area (LPA) using four animated male models that varied in host species and manipulation of LPA. We found Amazons from a population sympatric with P. latipinna showed no variation in their association preference across the different models. In contrast, Amazons from a population sympatric with P. mexicana (naturally small LPA) spent more time associating with the male models that had smaller LPA, which is more familiar to this population of Amazons. We suggest that Amazons may have population differences in mating preferences, where Amazons sympatric with P. latipinna may not show mating preference for host species, but Amazons sympatric with P. mexicana may show preferences for more familiar‐shaped males.
Environmentally‐mediated consumer control of algal proliferation in Florida springs
Authors: Liebowitz Dina M. , Cohen Matthew J. , Heffernan James B. , Korhnak Lawrence V. , Frazer Thomas K.
Published: July 2014

Reduced grazing can lead to increases in autotroph biomass and changes in taxonomic composition similar to those associated with nutrient enrichment. In Florida's iconic spring ecosystems, algal proliferation has become widespread, yet the causes remain unclear.

We tested three linked hypotheses: (i) loss of top‐down grazer control explains algae proliferation, a change often attributed to nitrate enrichment; (ii) grazer control is mediated by dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration; and (iii) an algal‐dominated state may persist if biomass exceeds a critical level beyond which grazers can no longer constrain accumulation.

We tested these hypotheses using hierarchically nested benthic surveys of algal, vascular plant and gastropod biomasses along with physicochemical measurements in eleven springs spanning gradients in nitrogen enrichment, algal cover and DO.

We observed a significant and temporally consistent negative association between algal and gastropod biomasses (R2 = 0.38), with gastropods displaying the strongest explanatory power in multivariate prediction models that explained 45% of algal variation in the best fitted model.

A modest but significant positive bivariate association was observed between gastropod biomass and DO (R2 = 0.23); a multivariate model including temperature, velocity, canopy cover, submerged aquatic vegetation and conductivity explained 56% of gastropod variation.

Residuals from a linear relationship between gastropod and algal biomasses were strongly bimodal above a threshold grazer biomass of 20 g dry weight m−2 (c. 235 snails m−2) suggesting alternative states of high and low algal abundance.

These observations support the hypothesis that gastropods have the potential to control benthic algae in Florida's springs, identify DO as a partial explanation for variation in grazer abundance and imply potentially important hysteretic behaviour in top‐down algal control.
Distinct claudin expression characterizes BRCA1‐related breast cancer
Authors: Heerma van Voss Marise R , van Diest Paul J , Smolders Yvonne H C M , Bart Joost , van der Wall Elsken , van der Groep Petra
Published: July 2014

Aims

Members of the claudin family are involved in cancer progression and are differentially expressed in subtypes of breast cancer. Breast cancers in BRCA1 germ line mutation carriers have distinct clinicopathological characteristics. Biomarkers that discriminate between BRCA1‐related and sporadic breast cancer cases are needed to improve early identification of mutation carriers. In this study we evaluated protein expression of five major claudins in BRCA1‐related breast cancers in comparison with sporadic controls.

Methods and results

Forty breast cancers in BRCA1 mutation carriers and 40 age‐matched sporadic breast cancers were immunohistochemically stained for claudins 1, 3, 4, 6 and 7. Total intratumoural expression levels were compared to those in the surrounding normal tissue. In addition, subcellular claudin expression was scored. Higher overexpression rates were observed for all five claudins in BRCA1‐related breast cancers when compared to sporadic controls. In multivariate analysis, overexpression of claudin 3, 4, and 7 was mainly dependent on ER‐status, whereas overexpression of claudin 6 and high membranous expression of claudin 1 were independent of other characteristics.

Conclusions

BRCA1‐related breast cancers are characterized by frequent overexpression of claudins. Especially claudin 1 and 6 expression may help to discriminate mutation carriers from sporadic breast cancer cases.
Cost of Stroke in Low and Middle Income Countries: A Systematic Review
Authors: Kaur Paramdeep , Kwatra Gagandeep , Kaur Raminder , Pandian Jeyaraj D.
Published: July 2014

Background

There is limited information available from low and middle-income countries regarding the cost of stroke treatment. Hence, we aimed to review the costs of stroke in low and middle-income countries.

Summary of review

The literature search was done using databases: PubMed/Medline, Ovid, EconLit and Google Scholar from 1966 until January 2014 using key words ‘economic impact of stroke’, ‘cost of illness in low and middle income countries’ and ‘cost of stroke’. With these key words, 10/184 articles were retained for this review. The cost data were converted to 2013 currency values using a web-based tool (CCEMG-EPPI-centre cost converter). Most of the included studies were conducted in Asia. The design of these studies was retrospective and conducted predominantly in multicenter private hospitals. The highest mean direct medical cost of stroke was US$ 8424 in Nigeria. The lowest mean cost of stroke was in Senegal (US$ 416). The average length of hospital stay was longest (20 days) in China. The main predictors of higher costs appeared to be due to differences in length of stay and stroke severity.

Conclusion

Costs of stroke are variable because of heterogeneous healthcare systems prevailing in low and middle-income countries. Length of hospital stay and stroke severity appear to be the main predictors of cost. Understanding the costs of stroke in low and middle-income countries is important. However, the evidence remains limited because there is a lack of standardized research. Future research should focus on using a uniform method across low and middle-income countries for estimating the costs of stroke.
Early vs. late adoption of radical information technology innovations across software development organizations: an extension of the disruptive information technology innovation model
Authors: Carlo Jessica Luo , Gaskin James , Lyytinen Kalle , Rose Gregory M.
Published: July 2014

This paper extends the disruptive information technology innovation model (DITIM) by exploring the impact of adoption timing on innovation outcomes within software development organizations during a disruptive innovation cycle. The DITIM suggests that radical changes in computing platforms result in pervasive and radical innovations in software development organizations across three innovation types: base technologies adopted, services produced and processes adopted. Upstream attributes (amount and radicalness) of the base innovations impact effects in‐kind downstream (a.k.a., strong order effects) on services and processes. Extending these tenets of the DITIM, we posit that during disruptive information technology (IT) innovation, the temporal stage of innovation activity (early vs. late) by software development organizations will significantly impact four innovation characteristics: (1) adoption rate of radical IT innovations, (2) strong order effects on downstream innovations related to the amount of innovation, (3) perceived radicalness of innovations and (4) strong order effects on downstream innovations related to the amount of perceived radicalness of innovation. We examine these impacts by reanalysing a cross‐sectional study of 121 software development organizations that adopted internet computing as reported in the original data analysis of the DITIM. By splitting the data into early and late adopter groups, our moderation analysis shows significant differences between early and late adopting groups in each of the four hypothesized impacts. Specifically, the adoption rate of radical IT innovations, strong order effects on the amount of innovation, perceived radicalness of innovations and strong order effects on perceived radicalness were each found to differ between early and late adopters. However, it is also important to consider innovation type as three significant effects were in the opposite direction for process innovations. These findings suggest that IT‐innovation scholars and practitioners should carefully consider innovation timing and type when studying or managing radical IT innovation.
Severe Hyperthermia, Hypernatremia, and Early Postoperative Death After Transethmoidal Cavitron Ultrasonic Surgical Aspirator (CUSA)‐Assisted Diencephalic Mass Removal in 4 Dogs and 2 Cats
Authors: Marino Dominic J. , Dewey Curtis W. , Loughin Catherine A. , Marino Leonard J.
Published: July 2014

Objective

To report clinical findings including severe hyperthermia and hypernatremia after transethmoidal Cavitron ultrasonic surgical aspirator (CUSA)‐assisted diencephalic mass removal.

Study Design

Retrospective case series.

Animals

Dogs (n = 4) and 2 cats.

Methods

Medical records (1997–2003) of dogs and cats that had transethmoidal CUSA‐assisted diencephalic mass removal were reviewed. Retrieved data were: history, signalment, blood work, neurologic examination findings, MRI results, histopathology, postoperative complications, pre‐ and postoperative medical therapy, and outcome.

Results

Tumor types included: meningioma (n = 3), choroid plexus papilloma (1), astrocytoma (1), and pituitary macroadenoma (1). Median onset of hyperthermia was 3.5 hours (range: 1–6 hours) after extubation; median high temperature at onset was 40.3°C, (range: 39.6–41.7°C). Median onset of hypernatremia (median, 172 mmol/L; range: 168–196 mmol/L) was 4.5 hours (range: 1–9 hours) after extubation. Median time of death after hyperthermia was 10.5 hours (range: 6–13 hours) and after extubation was 13.5 hours (range: 11–15 hours).

Conclusions

Transethmoidal CUSA‐assisted diencephalic mass removal is associated with early postoperative hyperthermia, hypernatremia, and death, and cannot be recommended.