bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Glycolytic metabolite methylglyoxal inhibits cold and menthol activation of the transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 channel
Authors: Ciobanu A.C. , Selescu T. , Gasler I. , Soltuzu L. , Babes A.
Published: December 2015

Methylglyoxal (MG) is a reactive dicarbonyl compound involved in protein modifications linked to diabetes mellitus. The plasma level of MG is elevated in diabetic patients, particularly those with painful diabetic neuropathy. Diabetic neuropathy is often associated with spontaneous pain and altered thermal perception. This study assesses effects of MG on TRPM8, an ion channel involved in innocuous cold sensing and cold allodynia and also in cold‐mediated analgesia. Acute treatment with MG inhibited the activation of recombinant rat and human transient receptor potential melastatin type 8 (TRPM8) by cold and chemical agonists. A similar effect was observed when native TRPM8 was investigated in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons. DRG neurons treated with MG for 16–24 hr displayed a significant reduction in the fraction of cold‐ and menthol‐sensitive neurons, most likely expressing TRPM8. The fraction of allyl isothiocyanate‐sensitive neurons was also reduced, and the coexpression among different neuronal populations was affected. The same prolonged exposure to MG significantly reduced the expression of TRPM8 at the mRNA level. Overall, our data provide evidence for decreased activity and expression level of TRPM8 in the presence of MG, which may be linked to some of the alterations in pain and temperature sensing reported by diabetic patients. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Age‐related synaptic dysfunction in Tg2576 mice starts as a failure in early long‐term potentiation which develops into a full abolishment of late long‐term potentiation
Authors: Fernández‐Fernández Diego , Dorner‐Ciossek Cornelia , Kroker Katja S. , Rosenbrock Holger
Published: December 2015

Tg2576 mice are widely used to study amyloid‐dependent synaptic dysfunction related to Alzheimer's disease. However, conflicting data have been reported for these mice with regard to basal transmission as well as the in vitro correlate of memory, long‐term potentiation (LTP). Some studies show clear impairments, whereas others report no deficiency. The present study uses hippocampal slices from 3‐, 10‐, and 15‐month‐old wild‐type (WT) and Tg2576 mice to evaluate synaptic function in each group, including experiments to investigate basal synaptic transmission, short‐ and long‐term plasticity by inducing paired‐pulse facilitation, and both early and late LTP. We show that synaptic function remains intact in hippocampal slices from Tg2576 mice at 3 months of age. However, both early and late LTP decline progressively during aging in these mice. This deterioration of synaptic plasticity starts affecting early LTP, ultimately leading to the abolishment of both forms of LTP in 15‐month‐old animals. In comparison, WT littermates display normal synaptic parameters during aging. Additional pharmacological investigation into the involvement of NMDA receptors and L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channels in LTP suggests a distinct mechanism of induction among age groups, demonstrating that both early and late LTP are differentially affected by these channels in Tg2576 mice during aging. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Oncologic outcomes after nipple‐sparing mastectomy: A single‐institution experience
Authors: Frey Jordan D. , Alperovich Michael , Kim Jennifer Chun , Axelrod Deborah M. , Shapiro Richard L. , Choi Mihye , Schnabel Freya R. , Karp Nolan S. , Guth Amber A.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Long‐term oncologic outcomes in nipple‐sparing mastectomy (NSM) continue to be defined. Rates of locoregional recurrence for skin‐sparing mastectomy (SSM) and NSM in the literature range from 0% to 14.3%. We investigated the outcomes of NSM at our institution.

Methods

Patients undergoing NSM at our institution from 2006 to 2014 were identified and outcomes were analyzed.

Results

From 2006 to 2014, 319 patients (555 breasts) underwent NSM. One‐hundered and fourty‐one patients (237 breasts) had long‐term follow‐up available. Average patient age and BMI were 47.78 and 24.63. Eighty‐four percent of patients underwent mastectomy primarily for a therapeutic indication. Average tumor size was 1.50 cm with the most common histologic type being invasive ductal carcinoma (62.7%) followed by DCIS (23.7%). Average patient follow‐up was 30.73 months. There was one (0.8%) incidence of ipsilateral chest‐wall recurrence. There were 0.37 complications per patient.

Conclusions

We examined our institutional outcomes with NSM and found a locoregional recurrence rate of 0.8% with no nipple‐areolar complex recurrence. This rate is lower than published rates for both NSM and SSM. J. Surg. Oncol. 2016;113:8–11. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Including Consumers in the Organisational Knowledge Network
Authors: Perrott Bruce
Published: December 2015

This article is intended to build a better understanding of the knowledge dynamics in organisations and the role communities of practice play in facilitating the effective flow and application of knowledge.

Exploring the dimensions of knowledge dynamics in organisations, this article highlights the critical role communities of practice play in healthcare organisation operations. Readers will gain new insights into the role they play in the knowledge dynamics of organisations. From the insights gained from pilot studies in health care, the article suggests that the concept of communities of practice can be extended to include customers, thus building knowledge management efficiency and effectiveness of the organisation. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Dietary polyphenol morin rescues endothelial dysfunction in a diabetic mouse model by activating the Akt/eNOS pathway
Authors: Taguchi Kumiko , Hida Mari , Hasegawa Mami , Matsumoto Takayuki , Kobayashi Tsuneo
Published: December 2015

Scope

Endothelial dysfunction is a critical factor during the initiation of diabetic cardiovascular complications. Polyphenols may represent beneficial dietary components eliciting cardiovascular protection. Although we previously reported that the polyphenol morin (MO) ameliorated diabetes‐induced endothelial dysfunction, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we investigated protective effects and mechanisms of MO in streptozotocin STZ induced diabetic aorta endothelial dysfunction.

Methods and results

Diabetes was induced by tail vein injection of STZ (200 mg/kg). At 12 wk after injection, the thoracic aorta was isolated and endothelial function was assessed by acetylcholine (ACh) induced, endothelial‐dependent vasorelaxation in aortas. Nitric oxide (NO) levels and endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), phosphorylated‐eNOS (p‐eNOS), Akt, and phosphorylated‐Akt (p‐Akt) levels were also evaluated in aortas. Diabetic aortas showed attenuated endothelial function, which was improved by MO treatment. MO treatment alone increased NO levels and endothelial‐dependent relaxation responses via Akt signaling, although ACh did not activate this pathway. Moreover, MO upregulated p‐Akt (at Ser473 and Thr308) and p‐eNOS (at Ser1177) expression in diabetic aortas, but ACh stimulation had no effect on p‐Akt and p‐eNOS levels.

Conclusion

These results indicate a novel role for MO in protection against endothelial dysfunction in diabetes. The protective effects of MO are dependent on Akt‐dependent activation of eNOS signaling.
Random styrenic copolymers with pendant pyrene moieties: Synthesis and applications in organic field‐effect transistor memory
Authors: Chung Fei‐Jan , Liu Hsin‐Yu , Jiang Bo‐Yi , He Guan‐Yu , Wang Shi‐Hao , Wu Wen‐Chung , Liu Cheng‐Liang
Published: December 2015

Three random copolymers comprised pendant styrene and 4‐(1‐pyrenyl)‐styrene (PyS) moieties in different molar ratios (21.4:1 (P1), 3.9:1 (P2), and 1.4:1 (P3)) were synthesized and employed as charge storage polymeric electret for nonvolatile organic field‐effect transistor (OFET) memory application. The impact of varying the molar ratio in side‐chain electron‐donating pyrene moieties on the thermal, optical, photophysical, electrochemical, and electrical properties of the resulting pendant copolymers was evaluated to establish structure–property relationship. The OFET memory with P3 electret layer exhibits a largest memory window of 41.8 V, long retention time of 104 s with memory ratio of 105, and stable reversibility of at least 100 cycles due to enhanced field‐induced holes trapping ability from higher PyS composition ratio. Therefore, polymer electret with pendant functional moieties shows potential for use as trapping layer in OFET memory devices. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2016, 54, 910–917
Plasma Blood Coagulation Without Involving the Activation of Platelets and Coagulation Factors
Authors: Ikehara Sanae , Sakakita Hajime , Ishikawa Kenji , Akimoto Yoshihiro , Yamaguchi Takashi , Yamagishi Masahiro , Kim Jaeho , Ueda Masashi , Ikeda Jun‐ichiro , Nakanishi Hayao , Shimizu Nobuyuki , Hori Masaru , Ikehara Yuzuru
Published: December 2015

The objective of this study is to determine whether there is a pathway different from the natural blood coagulation process involved in the plasma‐induced activation of platelets and coagulation factors. Plasma treatment of bleeding wounds generated glomerular structures, which could be detected in high‐magnification scanning electron microscopy images, and plasma flares produced aggregation on the surface of solutions containing bovine serum albumin, ovalbumin (OVA), or similar protein material. Ultramicroscopic analysis of the plasma‐generated aggregation of OVA indicated a possible mechanism to explain the particle formation and fusion as a monotonous solid appearance. This study suggests that plasma coagulation involves aggregations of materials in blood in addition to the activation of platelets and coagulation factors by plasma treatment.
Evaluation of Mechanical Properties of Solid Propellants in Rocket Motors by Indentation Technique
Authors: Rao Nettula Pandarinath , Solanke Chetan , Bihari Bipin Kumar , Singh Praveen Prakash , Bhattacharya Bikash
Published: December 2015

It is essential to evaluate the mechanical properties of propellants in a solid propellant rocket motor (SPRM) for structural integrity and its performance evaluation before the flight test. Conventionally, uni‐axial tensile testing on an universal testing machine (UTM) is used to evaluate the mechanical properties of solid propellant carton which is cast along with SPRM. Propellants in rocket motors experience various types of loading during storage, transportation, and environmental conditions over the period of time before actual flight whereas the propellant carton doesn’t experience the same as it is stored in magazine. At present, the mechanical properties of propellant cast in a carton are considered to be the mechanical properties of propellant in a rocket motor, which is not truly representative. Therefore, a non‐destructive indentation technique has been used to establish a method for evaluating the mechanical properties of solid propellants in rocket motors based on hydroxyl terminated polybutadiene. The test results obtained using the penetrometer indentation technique was analyzed comprehensively and compared with UTM results. The mathematical correlations were also developed using least square method and established by conducting the penetrometer indentation test on similar propellant composition. Further, the developed correlation was used to evaluate the mechanical properties of propellant in flight SPRM by penetrometer indentation technique.
Language Games and Meaning as Used in Student Encounters With Scientific Literacy Test Items
Authors: SERDER MARGARETA , JAKOBSSON ANDERS
Published: December 2015

Previous research in science education has suggested that difficulties among students learning science relate to challenges in framing its discourse. This article examines the role that language plays in a scientific literacy test for which everyday life is an augmented aspect. Video‐recorded data was collected in four ninth‐grade science classes in a Swedish compulsory school as small groups of students discussed and collaboratively solved Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) science test items. The theoretical framework assumes sociocultural perspectives as well as that of Wittgenstein's later works on language. The study involves an analysis of students’ meaning making of specific words that occur in the test and the various language games to which these words contribute. Specifically, we analyzed the students’ use of four different words: reference, constant, pattern, and factor. We found that the students use these words in everyday or mathematical language games; for example, understanding the word “pattern” as a mathematical regularity rather than a result of a scientific experiment. The results were analyzed in relation to the specific illustrations and wording that contextualize the items. We argue that a crucial part of being scientifically literate is privileging science content over other possible disciplines and contexts and ignoring the everyday perspective.
Re: Prenatal features of isolated subependymal pseudocysts associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. H. Esteban, E. Blondiaux, E. Audureau, C. Sileo, M. L. Moutard, A. Gelot, J. M. Jouannic, H. Ducou le Pointe and C. Garel. Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 46: 678–687
Authors: Goncalves L.
Published: December 2015

Linked Comment: Ultrasound Obstet Gynecol 2015; 46: 678–687
Terrestrial Gravity Fluctuations
Authors: Harms Jan
Published: December 2015

Different forms of fluctuations of the terrestrial gravity field are observed by gravity experiments. For example, atmospheric pressure fluctuations generate a gravity-noise foreground in measurements with super-conducting gravimeters. Gravity changes caused by high-magnitude earthquakes have been detected with the satellite gravity experiment GRACE, and we expect high-frequency terrestrial gravity fluctuations produced by ambient seismic fields to limit the sensitivity of ground-based gravitational-wave (GW) detectors. Accordingly, terrestrial gravity fluctuations are considered noise and signal depending on the experiment. Here, we will focus on ground-based gravimetry. This field is rapidly progressing through the development of GW detectors. The technology is pushed to its current limits in the advanced generation of the LIGO and Virgo detectors, targeting gravity strain sensitivities better than 10−23Hz−1/2above a few tens of a Hz. Alternative designs for GW detectors evolving from traditional gravity gradiometers such as torsion bars, atom interferometers, and superconducting gradiometers are currently being developed to extend the detection band to frequencies below 1 Hz. The goal of this article is to provide the analytical framework to describe terrestrial gravity perturbations in these experiments. Models of terrestrial gravity perturbations related to seismic fields, atmospheric disturbances, and vibrating, rotating or moving objects, are derived and analyzed. The models are then used to evaluate passive and active gravity noise mitigation strategies in GW detectors, or alternatively, to describe their potential use in geophysics. The article reviews the current state of the field, and also presents new analyses especially with respect to the impact of seismic scattering on gravity perturbations, active gravity noise cancellation, and time-domain models of gravity perturbations from atmospheric and seismic point sources. Our understanding of terrestrial gravity fluctuations will have great impact on the future development of GW detectors and high-precision gravimetry in general, and many open questions need to be answered still as emphasized in this article.
The Global Burden of Esophageal Cancer: A Disability‐Adjusted Life‐Year Approach
Authors: Di Pardo Benjamin J. , Bronson Nathan W. , Diggs Brian S. , Thomas Charles R. , Hunter John G. , Dolan James P.
Published: December 2015

Introduction

Esophageal cancer is the eighth most common cancer worldwide and the sixth leading cause of cancer‐related deaths. As a significant cause of morbidity and mortality, its burden on society has yet to be fully characterized. The aim of this study is to examine its global burden through estimation of the disability‐adjusted life years (DALYs) attributable to it.

Methods

Global incidence and mortality estimates for esophageal cancer were obtained from the International Agency for Research on Cancer GLOBOCAN 2008 database. DALYs were calculated, using methodology established by the World Health Organization.

Results

In 2008, 3,955,919 DALYs were attributed to esophageal cancer, at a global rate of 0.58 DALYs per 1000 people annually. Years of life lost (YLL) accounted for 96.8 % of DALYs, while years lived with disability (YLD) accounted for 3.2 %. 83.8 % of the global DALYs occurred in less‐developed countries, with most accrued in Eastern Asia, comprising 50.9 % of the total. The highest rate of DALY accrual was in Southern Africa, at 1.62 DALYs per 1000 people annually.

Conclusions

A substantial number of years of life were lost or affected by esophageal cancer worldwide in 2008, with the burden resting disproportionately on less‐developed countries. Geographically, the greatest burden is in Eastern Asia. The vast majority of DALYs were due to YLL, rather than YLD, indicating the need to focus resources on disease prevention and early detection. Our findings provide an additional basis upon which to formulate global priorities for interventions that affect DALY reduction in esophageal cancer.
Clinicopathologic Differences in Patients with Gallbladder Cancer According to the Presence of Anomalous Biliopancreatic Junction
Authors: Chang Jihoon , Jang Jin‐Young , Kang Mee Joo , Jung Woohyun , Shin Yong Chan , Kim Sun‐Whe
Published: December 2015

Background

Anomalous biliopancreatic junction (ABPJ) is a risk factor for gallbladder cancer (GBC). This study investigated the significance of ABPJ in patients with GBC.

Methods

Of the 453 patients with GBC underwent surgery at Seoul National University Hospital between 2000 and 2014, the 401 patients who can be assessed for the presence of ABPJ with radiologic image were analyzed.

Results

The 401 patients with GBC included 183 (45.6 %) males and 218 (54.4 %) females. ABPJ was identified in 69 (17.2 %) patients, 22 (31.9 %) males and 47 (68.1 %) females. Choledochal cyst (CC) was identified in 18 (4.5 %) patients, all of whom had ABPJ. Curative surgery was accomplished in 68.1 %. A comparison of patients with and without ABPJ showed that mean age (59.9 vs. 65.1 years, p < 0.001) and association with gallbladder stone (8.7 vs. 24.7 %, p = 0.002) were significantly lower in the ABPJ group, while the proportion of female (68.1 vs. 51.5 %, p = 0.012), bile duct resection rate (47.8 vs. 18.4 %, p < 0.001), and curative resection rate (81.1 vs. 65.7 %, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the ABPJ group. Overall 5‐year survival rates were similar in the ABPJ and non‐ABPJ groups (74.4 vs. 69.0 %, p = 0.533). In patients with ABPJ, the presence of CC did not have a significant effect on survival (p = 0.099).

Conclusions

ABPJ was found in 17.2 % of patients with GBC. ABPJ is associated with younger age, female gender, absence of gallbladder stones, higher BDR rate, and higher curative resection rate. However, neither ABPJ nor CC was prognostic of survival in curatively treated patients with GBC.
Epidemiological Trends in Search and Rescue Incidents Documented by the Alpine Club of Canada From 1970 to 2005
Authors: Curran-Sills Gwynn M. , Karahalios Amalia
Published: November 2015

Objective

To provide a descriptive review of the epidemiology of search and rescue (SAR) incidents across Canada as documented in the Alpine Club of Canada (ACC) database.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional review of SAR reports collected by the ACC with incidents dating from January 1, 1970 to June 12, 2005, was analyzed.

Results

The ACC database contained 1088 incidents with 1377 casualties. Casualties had 944 (68.6%; 95% CI, 64.2 to 73.1) injuries or illness, and 433 (31.4%; 95% CI, 28.6 34.6) fatalities. Males accounted for 76.1% of all casualties and 82.3% of the fatalities when sex was reported. A bimodal distribution of casualties was seen, with the peaks around February and August. Hiking and mountaineering resulted in more than half of all casualties that yielded any type of morbidity, whereas mountaineering and skiing, ski mountaineering, or snowboarding accounted for almost two thirds of all fatalities. Human error and slips and falls were the major contributors to the presumptive cause of incidents. The lower limb was the most common anatomic location of traumatic injury, accounting for 41.6% (95% CI, 37.6 to 45.9) of these injuries. Hypothermia, exhaustion, frostbite, and dehydration represented the majority of all nontraumatic conditions. British Columbia and Alberta accounted for 91.6% (95% CI, 86.0 to 97.5) of the incidents in the database.

Conclusions

The study serves to illustrate trends in SAR epidemiology that may be encountered by SAR personnel within British Columbia and Alberta. Furthermore, it highlights the need for additional Canadian-based studies to better understand this area of prehospital medical encounters.
Utilization of Health Care Coalitions and Resiliency Forums in the United States and United Kingdom: Different Approaches to Strengthen Emergency Preparedness
Authors: Walsh John , Swan Allan Graeme
Published: December 2015

The process for developing national emergency management strategies for both the United States and the United Kingdom has led to the formulation of differing approaches to meet similar desired outcomes. Historically, the pathways for each are the result of the enactment of legislation in response to a significant event or a series of events. The resulting laws attempt to revise practices and policies leading to more effective and efficient management in preparing, responding, and mitigating all types of natural, manmade, and technological hazards. Following the turn of the 21st century, each country has experienced significant advancements in emergency management including the formation and utilization of 2 distinct models: health care coalitions in the United States and resiliency forums in the United Kingdom. Both models have evolved from circumstances and governance unique to each country. Further in-depth study of both approaches will identify strengths, weaknesses, and existing gaps to meet continued and future challenges of our respective disaster health care systems. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2016;10:161–164)
Quaternary Ammonium Disinfectant Issues Encountered in an Environmental Services Department
Authors: Boyce John M. , Sullivan Linda , Booker Arica , Baker James
Published: December 2015

We identified several factors affecting the use of quaternary ammonium-based (Quat) disinfectant in our facility. Microfiber wipers, cotton towels, and 1 of 2 types of disposable wipes soaked in a Quat disinfectant revealed significant binding of the disinfectant. Concentrations of Quat delivered by automated disinfectant dispensers varied widely.

Infect. Control Hosp. Epidemiol. 2016;37(3):340–342
Experimental observation of a near-motion-trapped mode: free motion in heave with negligible radiation
Authors: Wolgamot H. A. , Taylor P. H. , Eatock Taylor R. , van den Bremer T. S. , Raby A. C. , Whittaker C.
Published: December 2015

A simple geometry that exhibits near motion trapping is tested experimentally, along with perturbed versions of the structure. The motion of the freely floating structure and the surrounding wave field is tracked and the near-motion-trapped mode is found, characterised by a slowly decaying heave motion with very small linear radiation of energy. It is found that the latter property is a better discriminator of the perturbed geometries as viscous damping masks fine differences in radiation damping as far as the motion of the structure is concerned. The magnitude of this viscous damping is reasonably well predicted by a simple Stokes oscillatory boundary layer analysis.
Scale-to-scale energy and enstrophy transport in two-dimensional Rayleigh–Taylor turbulence
Authors: Zhou Quan , Huang Yong-Xiang , Lu Zhi-Ming , Liu Yu-Lu , Ni Rui
Published: December 2015

We apply a recently developed filtering approach, i.e. filter-space technique (FST), to study the scale-to-scale transport of kinetic energy, thermal energy, and enstrophy in two-dimensional (2D) Rayleigh–Taylor (RT) turbulence. Although the scaling laws of the energy cascades in 2D RT systems follow the Bolgiano–Obukhov (BO59) scenario due to buoyancy forces, the kinetic energy is still found to be, on average, dynamically transferred to large scales by an inverse cascade, while both the mean thermal energy and the mean enstrophy move towards small scales by forward cascades. In particular, there is a reasonably extended range over which the transfer rate of thermal energy is scale-independent and equals the corresponding thermal dissipation rate at different times. This range functions similarly to the inertial range for the kinetic energy in the homogeneous and isotropic turbulence. Our results further show that at small scales the fluctuations of the three instantaneous local fluxes are highly asymmetrically distributed and there is a strong correlation between any two fluxes. These small-scale features are signatures of the mixing and dissipation of fluids with steep temperature gradients at the fluid interfaces.
Comparing different methods of human breast milk fortification using measuredv. assumed macronutrient composition to target reference growth: a randomised controlled trial
Authors: McLeod Gemma , Sherriff Jill , Hartmann Peter E. , Nathan Elizabeth , Geddes Donna , Simmer Karen
Published: December 2015

The variable content of human breast milk suggests that its routine fortification may result in sub-optimal nutritional intakes and growth. In a pragmatic trial, we randomised infants born below 30 weeks of gestation to either the intervention (Igp) of fortifying milk on measured composition according to birth weight criteria and postmenstrual age (PMA) or our routine practice (RPgp) of fortifying on assumed milk composition to target 3·8–4·4 g protein/kg per d and 545–629 kJ/kg per d. Milk composition was measured using the MIRIS® Human Milk Analyser. Percentage fat mass (%FM) was measured using PEA POD (COSMED). The effects of macronutrient intakes and clinical variables on growth were assessed using mixed model analysis. Mean measured protein content (1·6 g/100 ml) was higher than the assumed value (1·4 g/100 ml), often leading to lower amounts of fortifier added to the milk of intervention infants. At discharge (Igpv.RPgp), total protein (3·2 (sd0·3)v. 3·4 (sd0·4) g;P=0·067) and energy (456 (sd39)v.481 (sd48) kJ;P=0·079) intakes from all nutrition sources, weight gain velocity (11·4 (sd1·4)v.12·1 (sd1·6) g/kg per d;P=0·135) and %FM (13·7 (sd3·6)v.13·6 (sd3·5) %;P=0·984) did not significantly differ between groups. A protein intake >3·4 g/kg per d reduced %FM by 2 %. Nutrition and growth was not improved by targeting milk fortification according to birth weight criteria and PMA using measured milk composition, compared with routine practice. Targeting fortification on measured composition is labour intensive, requiring frequent milk sampling and precision measuring equipment, perhaps reasons for its limited practice. Guidance around safe upper levels of milk fortification is needed.
The Shogun's Chinese Partners: The Alliance between Tokugawa Japan and the Zheng Family in Seventeenth-Century Maritime East Asia
Authors: Hang Xing
Published: December 2015

During the seventeenth century, an alliance took shape between Japan's Tokugawabakufuand the Zheng organization of southeastern China and Taiwan. The Zheng, especially under the half-Japanese Koxinga in the 1650s, were ideal partners because of their domination of maritime East Asian trade, privileged access to much-coveted Chinese goods, and commitment to Ming restoration against the Manchu Qing, a popular stance in Japan. The organization jointly administered the Chinese community at Nagasaki with thebakufu, and received aid in Japanese armaments and probably mercenaries. Starting in the 1660s, the alliance unraveled amid the depletion of silver to purchase Chinese goods, the rise of a robust domestic market in Japan, and the destruction of the Zheng by the Qing. This article portrays Japan's “isolation policy” (sakoku) as a dynamic process, from active involvement overseas to withdrawal, based upon rational assessments of the international climate and subject to contestation from local and foreign players.
Approaches for the vaccination and treatment ofNeospora caninuminfections in mice and ruminant models
Authors: HEMPHILL ANDREW , AGUADO-MARTÍNEZ ADRIANA , MÜLLER JOACHIM
Published: December 2015

Neospora caninumis a leading cause of abortion in cattle, and is thus an important veterinary health problem of high economic significance. Vaccination has been considered a viable strategy to prevent bovine neosporosis. Different approaches have been investigated, and to date the most promising results have been achieved with live-attenuated vaccines. Subunit vaccines have also been studied, and most of them represented components that are functionally involved in (i) the physical interaction between the parasite and its host cell during invasion or (ii) tachyzoite-to-bradyzoite stage conversion. Drugs have been considered as an option to limit the effects of vertical transmission ofN. caninum.Promising results with a small panel of compounds in small laboratory animal models indicate the potential value of a chemotherapeutical approach for the prevention of neosporosis in ruminants. For both, vaccines and drugs, the key for success in preventing vertical transmission lies in the application of bioactive compounds that limit parasite proliferation and dissemination, without endangering the developing fetus not only during an exogenous acute infection but also during recrudescence of a chronic infection. In this review, the current status of vaccine and drug development is presented and novel strategies against neosporosis are discussed.
Homology stability for symmetric diffeomorphism and mapping class groups
Authors: TILLMANN ULRIKE
Published: December 2015

For any smooth compact manifoldWwith boundary of dimension of at least two we prove that the classifying spaces of its group of diffeomorphisms which fix a set ofkpoints orkembedded disks (up to permutation) satisfy homology stability. The same is true for so-called symmetric diffeomorphisms ofWconnected sum withkcopies of an arbitrary compact smooth manifoldQof the same dimension. The analogues for mapping class groups as well as other generalisations will also be proved.
Exploring data assimilation and forecasting issues for an urban crime model
Authors: LLOYD DAVID J. B. , SANTITISSADEEKORN NARATIP , SHORT MARTIN B.
Published: December 2015

In this paper, we explore some of the various issues that may occur in attempting to fit a dynamical systems (either agent- or continuum-based) model of urban crime to data on just the attack times and locations. We show how one may carry out a regression analysis for the model described by Shortet al.(2008,Math. Mod. Meth. Appl. Sci.) by using simulated attack data from the agent-based model. It is discussed how one can incorporate the attack data into the partial differential equations for the expected attractiveness to burgle and the criminal density to predict crime rates between attacks. Using this predicted crime rate, we derive a likelihood function that one can maximise in order to fit parameters and/or initial conditions for the model. We focus on carrying out data assimilation for two different parameter regions, namely in the case where stationary and non-stationary crime hotspots form. It is found that the likelihood function is ‘flat’ for large ranges of parameters, and that this has major implications for crime forecasting. Hence, we look at how one might carry out a goodness-of-fit and forecasting analysis for crime rates given the range of parameter fits. We show how one can use the Kolmogorov–Smirnov statistic to assess the goodness-of-fit. The dynamical systems analysis of the partial differential equations proves invaluable to understanding how the crime rate forecasts depend on the parameters and their sensitivity. Finally, we outline several interesting directions for future research in this area where we believe that the combination of dynamical systems modelling, analysis, and data assimilation can prove effective in developing policing strategies for urban crime.
A simple model of magnetic fields associated with outflow from a source; new orthogonal polynomials
Authors: FORBES LAWRENCE K.
Published: December 2015

Outflow from a young star might be regarded as approximately equivalent to flow from a point source. If the fluid consists of charged particles, then the magnetic fields produced are governed by Faraday's law. This simple first approximation yields a linear partial differential equation in spherical polar coordinates, and its solution may be represented as the product of a Legendre polynomial with some function of the radial coordinate. This radial function is shown to involve orthogonal polynomials. Their properties are investigated and recurrence formulae for them are derived. Some of the magnetic fields generated by this simple model are illustrated.
Stratification, Normative Discontinuity and Metaphor: Archaeology of the Middle Ground
Authors: Webster Gary S.
Published: December 2015

Normative discontinuity is little studied by archaeologists although its importance for understanding diachronic phenomena like social stratification is obvious. Cognitive research provides the ground for a Weberian theory of normative change as the outcome of contestations between competing social myths. These conflicts arise from incongruities between metaphorically-structured conceptualizations of social reality and experienced social reality. To facilitate the archaeological inference of normative change, a typology of generative rules is suggested by which normative concepts might be expressed as substantive metaphors. The methodology is applied to a pilot study of temporal covariation in pottery design imagery within three major ceramic traditions of late Nuragic Sardinia. When ‘read’ as substantive metaphorical expressions of past social experiences, late Nuragic ceramic imagery suggests a coherent set of normative concepts ‘structured’ in terms of a central ontological metaphor of the general ‘vessel-as-social-landscape’ type. Moreover, variations in that material imagery make sense in terms of normative changes conducive to the emergence of class relations.
Evaluating the Economic Impact of Farmers' Markets Using an Opportunity
Cost Framework
Authors: Hughes David W. , Brown Cheryl , Miller Stacy , McConnell Tom
Published: December 2015

Farmers' markets presumably benefit local economies through enhanced
retention of local dollars. Unlike other studies, the net impact of farmers'
markets on the West Virginia economy is examined. Producer survey results
are used in estimating annual direct sales ($1,725 million). Using an
IMPLAN-based input-output model, gross impacts are 119 jobs (69 full-time
equivalent jobs) and $2,389 million in output including $1.48 million in
gross state product (GSP). When the effect of direct revenue losses are
included (primarily for grocery stores), the impact is reduced to 82 jobs
(43 full-time equivalent jobs), $1,075 million in output, and $0,653 million
in GSP.
Recent Advances in Understanding and Treating Social Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Westenberg Herman G. M.
Published: December 2015

The common occurrence and high level of morbidity and burden associated with social anxiety disorder (SAD) are gaining widespread recognition. Interest in understanding and treating the disorder has also grown in response to large-scale investigations that have demonstrated high levels of efficacy with both pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic treatments. Such trials indicate that many patients with generalized SAD (roughly 40% to 60%) respond (eg, Clinical Global Impressions–Improvement rating 1 or 2) after an adequate treatment trial, despite having suffered with disabling symptoms for most of their adult lives. First-line therapy options include the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and the dual-acting serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor venlafaxine. Second-line options consist of anticonvulsants (gabapentin, pregabalin, valproic acid) and benzodiazepines (clonazepam). Reversible and irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitors (moclobemide and phenelzine, respectively), while effective, are not widely used. Nonpharmacologic approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), are also effective for SAD. Newer treatment strategies such as levetiracetam, atypical antipsychotics, or D-cycloserine in combination with CBT appear promising but require further investigation. Finding a well-tolerated, safe, and effective treatment for each individual patient is crucial as most will require ongoing treatment in order to maintain benefits, prevent SAD relapse, and to experience optimal outcomes in the long term.
Executive Function Deficits in Patients after Cerebellar Neurosurgery
Authors: Mak Monika , Tyburski Ernest , Madany Łukasz , Sokołowski Andrzej , Samochowiec Agnieszka
Published: December 2015

The cerebellum has long been perceived as a structure responsible for the human motor function. According to the contemporary approach, however, it plays a significant role in complex behavior regulatory processes. The aim of this study was to describe executive functions in patients after cerebellar surgery. The study involved 30 patients with cerebellar pathology. The control group comprised 30 neurologically and mentally healthy individuals, matched for sex, age, and number of years of education. Executive functions were measured by the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test (WCST), Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT), Trail Making Test (TMT), and working memory by the Digit Span. Compared to healthy controls, patients made more Errors and Perseverative errors in the WCST, gave more Perseverative responses, and had a lower Number of categories completed. The patients exhibited higher response times in all three parts of the SCWT and TMT A and B. No significant differences between the two groups were reported in their performance of the SCWT and TMT with regard to the measures of absolute or relative interference. The patients had lower score on the backward Digit Span. Patients with cerebellar pathology may exhibit some impairment within problem solving and working memory. Their worse performance on the SCWT and TMT could, in turn, stem from their poor motor–somatosensory control, and not necessarily executive deficits. Our results thus support the hypothesis of the cerebellum’s mediating role in the regulation of the activity of the superordinate cognitive control network in the brain. (JINS, 2016, 22, 47–57)
The ideational foundations of coercion: political culture and policies towards North Korea
Authors: Onderco Michal , Wagner Wolfgang
Published: December 2015

The notion that states’ foreign and security policies are not exclusively driven by material interests is now firmly established. Whose ideas matter and in what way, however, has remained subject to debate. We advance this debate by studying the crisis diplomacy of liberal democracies towards North Korea during four crises around the country’s violation of international norms between 1993 and 2009. Although liberal democracies share a common perception of North Korea’s nuclear programme as a threat to international peace and security, they differ widely in either confronting or accommodating North Korea. We examine the explanatory power of two ideational driving forces behind the foreign policy of liberal democracies: the ideological orientation of the government, on the one hand, and a country’s political culture, on the other. Our analysis of 22 liberal democracies demonstrates that different domestic cultures of dealing with norm violations have a significant impact on crisis diplomacy: countries with punitive domestic cultures tend to adopt confrontational policies towards international norm violators; while left governments are not more accommodationist than right governments. Ideational differences across states are thus more pronounced than those within states.
Emotional Reactivity to Visual Content as Revealed by ERP Component Clustering
Authors: Wyczesany Miroslaw , Grzybowski Szczepan J. , Kaiser Jan
Published: December 2015

Abstract. In the study, the neural basis of emotional reactivity was investigated. Reactivity was operationalized as the impact of emotional pictures on the self-reported ongoing affective state. It was used to divide the subjects into high- and low-responders groups. Independent sources of brain activity were identified, localized with the DIPFIT method, and clustered across subjects to analyse the visual evoked potentials to affective pictures. Four of the identified clusters revealed effects of reactivity. The earliest two started about 120 ms from the stimulus onset and were located in the occipital lobe and the right temporoparietal junction. Another two with a latency of 200 ms were found in the orbitofrontal and the right dorsolateral cortices. Additionally, differences in pre-stimulus alpha level over the visual cortex were observed between the groups. The attentional modulation of perceptual processes is proposed as an early source of emotional reactivity, which forms an automatic mechanism of affective control. The role of top-down processes in affective appraisal and, finally, the experience of ongoing emotional states is also discussed.
High-efficiency polymer solar cells with small photon energy loss
Authors: Kawashima Kazuaki , Tamai Yasunari , Ohkita Hideo , Osaka Itaru , Takimiya Kazuo
Published: December 2015

A crucial issue facing polymer-based solar cells is how to manage the energetics of the polymer/fullerene blends to maximize short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage at the same time and thus the power conversion efficiency. Here we demonstrate that the use of a naphthobisoxadiazole-based polymer with a narrow bandgap of 1.52 eV leads to high open-circuit voltages of approximately 1 V and high-power conversion efficiencies of ∼9% in solar cells, resulting in photon energy loss as small as ∼0.5 eV, which is much smaller than that of typical polymer systems (0.7–1.0 eV). This is ascribed to the high external quantum efficiency for the systems with a very small energy offset for charge separation. These unconventional features of the present polymer system will inspire the field of polymer-based solar cells towards further improvement of power conversion efficiencies with both high short-circuit current density and open-circuit voltage.
Structured line illumination Raman microscopy
Authors: Watanabe Kozue , Palonpon Almar F. , Smith Nicholas I. , Chiu Liang-da , Kasai Atsushi , Hashimoto Hitoshi , Kawata Satoshi , Fujita Katsumasa
Published: December 2015

In the last couple of decades, the spatial resolution in optical microscopy has increased to unprecedented levels by exploiting the fluorescence properties of the probe. At about the same time, Raman imaging techniques have emerged as a way to image inherent chemical information in a sample without using fluorescent probes. However, in many applications, the achievable resolution is limited to about half the wavelength of excitation light. Here we report the use of structured illumination to increase the spatial resolution of label-free spontaneous Raman microscopy, generating highly detailed spatial contrast from the ensemble of molecular information in the sample. Using structured line illumination in slit-scanning Raman microscopy, we demonstrate a marked improvement in spatial resolution and show the applicability to a range of samples, including both biological and inorganic chemical component mapping. This technique is expected to contribute towards greater understanding of chemical component distributions in organic and inorganic materials.
Suppressing molecular motions for enhanced room-temperature phosphorescence of metal-free organic materials
Authors: Kwon Min Sang , Yu Youngchang , Coburn Caleb , Phillips Andrew W. , Chung Kyeongwoon , Shanker Apoorv , Jung Jaehun , Kim Gunho , Pipe Kevin , Forrest Stephen R. , Youk Ji Ho , Gierschner Johannes , Kim Jinsang
Published: December 2015

Metal-free organic phosphorescent materials are attractive alternatives to the predominantly used organometallic phosphors but are generally dimmer and are relatively rare, as, without heavy-metal atoms, spin–orbit coupling is less efficient and phosphorescence usually cannot compete with radiationless relaxation processes. Here we present a general design rule and a method to effectively reduce radiationless transitions and hence greatly enhance phosphorescence efficiency of metal-free organic materials in a variety of amorphous polymer matrices, based on the restriction of molecular motions in the proximity of embedded phosphors. Covalent cross-linking between phosphors and polymer matrices via Diels–Alder click chemistry is devised as a method. A sharp increase in phosphorescence quantum efficiency is observed in a variety of polymer matrices with this method, which is ca. two to five times higher than that of phosphor-doped polymer systems having no such covalent linkage.
Collaborative regulation of CO2 transport and fixation during succinate production in Escherichia coli
Authors: Zhu Li-Wen , Zhang Lei , Wei Li-Na , Li Hong-Mei , Yuan Zhan-Peng , Chen Tao , Tang Ya-Ling , Liang Xin-Hua , Tang Ya-Jie
Published: December 2015

In Escherichia coli, succinic acid is synthesized by CO2 fixation-based carboxylation of C3 metabolites. A two-step process is involved in CO2 integration: CO2 uptake into the cell and CO2 fixation by carboxylation enzymes. The phosphoenolpyruvate (PEP) carboxylase (PPC) and carboxykinase (PCK) are two important carboxylation enzymes within the succinate synthetic pathway, while SbtA and BicA are two important bicarbonate transporters. In this study, we employed a dual expression system, in which genes regulating both CO2 uptake and fixation were co-overexpressed, or overexpressed individually to improve succinate biosynthesis. Active CO2 uptake was observed by the expression of SbtA or/and BicA, but the succinate biosynthesis was decreased. The succinate production was significantly increased only when a CO2 fixation gene (ppc or pck) and a CO2 transport gene (sbtA or bicA) were co-expressed. Co-expression of pck and sbtA provided the best succinate production among all the strains. The highest succinate production of 73.4 g L−1 was 13.3%, 66.4% or 15.0% higher than that obtained with the expression of PCK, SbtA alone, or with empty plasmids, respectively. We believe that combined regulation of CO2 transport and fixation is critical for succinate production. Imbalanced gene expression may disturb the cellular metabolism and succinate production.