bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterizations of natalisin and its roles in modulating mating in the oriental fruit fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel)
Authors: Gui S.‐H. , Jiang H.‐B. , Liu X.‐Q. , Xu L. , Wang J.‐J.
Published: November 2016

Initially, natalisin (NTL) was identified from three holometabolous insect species, Drosophila melanogaster, Tribolium castaneum and Bombyx mori, and was documented to regulate reproductive behaviours in D. melanogaster and T. castaneum. In this study, we report the sequences of the NTL precursor and its receptor (NTLR) from an important agricultural pest, Bactrocera dorsalis (Hendel). NTLR is a typical G‐protein coupled receptor and phylogenetic analysis showed that B. dorsalis NTLR was closely related to insect natalisin receptors from other species. A functional assay of NTLR transiently expressed in Chinese hamster ovary cells showed that it was activated by putative natalisin mature peptides in a concentration‐dependent manner, with 50% effective concentrations (EC50) at nanomolar or micromolar levels. As indicated by quantitative real‐time PCR, both NTL and NTLR had the highest expression in the central nervous system of B. dorsalis compared with the other tested tissues. Three pairs of adult brain neurones of B. dorsalis were identified with immunohistochemical antibody staining against D. melanogaster NTL4, and in situ hybridization with specific DNA probes. Moreover, RNA interference mediated by double‐stranded RNA injection in adults provided evidence for the important roles of NTL in regulating both male and female mating frequencies in this fly.
Intestinal mononuclear cells primed by systemic interleukin‐12 display long‐term ability to aggravate colitis in mice
Authors: Pedrotti Luciano P. , Sena Angela A. , Rodriguez Galán María Cecilia , Cejas Hugo , Correa Silvia G.
Published: November 2016

To address whether the burst of systemic interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) influences intestinal inflammation elicited by luminal stimuli, we induced IL‐12 release by cDNA injection in C57BL/6 mice and simultaneously started dextran sulphate sodium administration. The sequence of the inflammatory response triggered by IL‐12 release was characterized by assessing myeloperoxidase activity and histological damage in colon samples on days 1, 3, 5 and 7 after colitis induction. To evaluate the persistence of IL‐12 priming, colitis was induced in mice 7 or 60 days after cDNA injection. Under IL‐12 influence, the development of acute colitis presented a faster and selective infiltration of inflammatory mononuclear cells in the lamina propria. Recruitment was driven by systemic cytokines rather than luminal antigens. Interestingly, when colitis was triggered 7 or 60 days after the cytokine storm, cells maintained the ability to worsen clinical signs of intestinal inflammation. Together, a systemic IL‐12 burst effectively primed intestinal cells that became more prone to develop inflammatory responses. Activation was long‐lasting because intestinal cells maintained their inflammatory potential and their ability to aggravate colitis.
Getting into the Groove: The Development of Tempo‐Flexibility Between 10 and 18 Months of Age
Authors: Rocha Sinead , Mareschal Denis
Published: November 2016

Despite good early rhythm processing abilities, and clear enjoyment of music, infants appear not to be able to spontaneously synchronize their movement to the beat of a song (Zentner and Eerola, Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 107, 2010, 5768). We present a new social bell‐ringing task designed to facilitate synchronous movement to music in infants. Ten‐month‐olds, 18‐month‐olds, and adults were played musical tracks of various tempos and given handheld bells to ring, in the presence of either a live experimenter or an animated nonsocial stimulus. Surface electromyography (EMG) was used to measure the timing of arm movements during periods of bell ringing. Infants showed no evidence of synchronous bell ringing at any tempo. However, while the 10‐month‐olds did not modulate their ringing to the music tempo, the 18‐month‐olds showed tempo‐flexibility. Moreover, 18‐month‐olds displayed more associated behaviors such as bouncing and rocking in the absence (rather than presence) of a social partner, whereas the behavior of the 10‐month‐olds was not modulated by the presence or absence of a social partner. The results suggest a distinction between “moving together” and “moving to the beat,” which may have separate underlying mechanisms and developmental trajectories.
The Ethics of Germline Gene Editing
Authors: Gyngell Christopher , Douglas Thomas , Savulescu Julian
Published: November 2016

Germline Gene Editing (GGE) has enormous potential both as a research tool and a therapeutic intervention. While other types of gene editing are relatively uncontroversial, GGE has been strongly resisted. In this article, we analyse the ethical arguments for and against pursuing GGE by allowing and funding its development. We argue there is a strong case for pursuing GGE for the prevention of disease. We then examine objections that have been raised against pursuing GGE and argue that these fail. We conclude that the moral case in favour of pursuing GGE is stronger than the case against. This suggests that pursuing GGE is morally permissible and indeed morally desirable.
Obesity‐related male genital lichen sclerosus
Authors: Doiron P.R. , Bunker C.B.
Published: November 2016

Background

Obesity is increasing. Male genital lichen sclerosus (MGLSc) is almost exclusively a disease of the uncircumcised. An apparent increasing challenge is MGLSc in previously circumcised obese males.

Objectives

To characterise patients with obesity‐related MGLSc.

Methods

Case chart review of patients managed in specialist clinics.

Results

Nineteen patients with obesity‐related MGLSc were identified. All had been previously circumcised. 16 (84%) acknowledged urinary microincontinence (‘dribbling’). 14 (74%) remitted with medical treatment and 5 (26%) needed specialised surgery.

Conclusions

Male genital lichen sclerosus can complicate obesity in previously circumcised patients. Management requires dermatological and specialist urological input, and can be challenging, but effective. The phenomenon increases the evidence for the role of the occlusive influence of urine in the pathogenesis of MGLSc.
Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB) binds amyloid β‐protein protofibrils
Authors: Yamin Ghiam , Teplow David B.
Published: November 2016

The neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD) includes amyloid plaque formation by the amyloid β‐protein (Aβ) and intracellular paired helical filament formation by tau protein. These neuropathogenetic features correlate with disease progression and have been revealed in brains of AD patients using positron emission tomography (PET). One of the most useful positron emission tomography imaging agents has been Pittsburgh Compound‐B (PiB). However, since its introduction in 2002, substantial evidence has accumulated suggesting that Aβ oligomerization and protofibril formation, rather than fibril formation per se, may be the more important pathogenetic event in AD. Detecting protofibrils and oligomeric forms of Aβ thus may be of value. We report here the results of experiments to determine whether PiB binds to oligomers or protofibrils formed by Aβ40 and Aβ42. We observed strong binding to Aβ42 fibrils, significant binding to protofibrils, and weaker binding to Aβ42 oligomers. PiB also binds Aβ40 fibrils, but its binding to Aβ40 protofibrils and oligomers is substantially lower than for that observed for Aβ42.

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Beyond Punishment: The Penal State's Interventionist, Covert, and Negligent Modalities of Control
Authors: Kaufman Nicole , Kaiser Joshua , Rumpf Cesraéa
Published: November 2016

This article investigates the involvement of the penal state in the lives of criminalized people as a controlling force that takes multiple forms. We offer the concept of modalities of penal control and identify three such modalities in addition to expressive punishment: interventionist penal control is accomplished in extralegal ways; covert penal control is hidden from public view; and negligent penal control is characterized by the absence of action by state actors. This article illustrates empirical cases of each modality, using data from three distinct projects based in Chicago, southern Wisconsin, and nationwide. The data include observations of post-prison groups and homes, interviews with criminalized people and nongovernmental organizational (NGO) staff, statutes, and regulations. This expanded understanding of penal state involvement extends beyond the understanding that characterizes discussions of mass incarceration and highlights the need for comprehensive reform.
Are Judges Street-Level Bureaucrats? Evidence from French and Canadian Family Courts
Authors: Biland Émilie , Steinmetz Hélène
Published: November 2016

Although judges were included in the street-level-bureaucracy (SLB) group by Lipsky (1980), sociolegal scholars have barely used this theoretical framework to study them. This article aims to specify their position with respect to SLB in order to bridge the gap between public administration and sociolegal research. Specifically, using a cross-national ethnography of judicial institutions, it compares family trial judges' practice on the ground in France and Canada. General conditions separate them from the core SLB group: encounters with clients are less direct; discretion is more legitimate. However, French judges are far closer to the SLB group than their Canadian counterparts regarding public encounters and case processing. As such, the accuracy of the SLB framework depends on professional and cultural patterns that combine differently in these two national contexts.
Tadalafil 5 mg Once Daily Improves Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms and Erectile Dysfunction: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: WANG Yilin , BAO Yiping , LIU Jie , DUAN Lijun , CUI Yuanshan
Published: November 2016

Objectives

We carried out a systematic review and meta‐analysis to assess tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily for the treatment of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and erectile dysfunction (ED).

Methods

A literature review was performed to identify all published randomized double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trials of tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily for the treatment of LUTS and ED. The search included the following databases: MEDLINE, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. The reference lists of the retrieved studies were also investigated.

Results

Thirteen publications involving a total of 3973 patients were used in the analysis, including 13 RCTs that compared tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily with placebo. We found that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was effective in improving LUTS suggestive of BPH and treating ED over 12 weeks in our meta‐analysis. Total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) (SMD = − 2.02, 95% CI = − 2.52 to −1.53, P < 0.00001); Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Impact Index (BPH‐II) (SMD = −0.58, 95% CI = −0.84 to −0.33, P < 0.00001); International Index of Erectile Function‐erectile function (IIEF) domain (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 5.18, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 4.13–6.23, P < 0.00001) indicated that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was more effective than the placebo. Safety assessments included discontinuations due to adverse event (odds ratio (OR) = 1.79, 95% CI = 1.12–2.85, P = 0.01) indicated that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily was well tolerated.

Conclusions

This meta‐analysis indicates that tadalafil 5 mg once‐daily to be an effective treatment for LUTS and ED with a low occurrence of side effects.
Evaluation of Usefulness of Propiverine Hydrochloride in Poor Responders to Previous Anticholinergics
Authors: MASUMORI Naoya , FUNATO Yuya , YAMAGUCHI Yasunobu , ITOH Kunio
Published: November 2016

Objectives

In recent years, some patients have been unresponsive to anticholinergics used in the treatment of pollakisuria/urinary incontinence. It has been suggested that propiverine hydrochloride, which has not only anticholinergic activity, but also calcium antagonistic activity, may be useful in poor responders to other anticholinergics. In this study, a specific drug use–results survey was conducted in poor responders to other anticholinergics to evaluate the usefulness of propiverine hydrochloride.

Methods

In this survey, propiverine hydrochloride was administered for 12 weeks to poor responders to previous anticholinergics, and its usefulness was evaluated by the overactive bladder symptom score (OABSS).

Results

A total of 3851 subjects at 680 institutions were enrolled in the survey. Of the 3624 subjects included in the safety evaluation (male 1899, female 1725, mean age 73.4 years), 2932 were included in the efficacy evaluation (male 1610, female 1322, mean age 73.8 years). Propiverine hydrochloride significantly improved the OABSS without any safety concerns in poor responders to previous anticholinergics (OABSS, 8.22 at baseline, 6.50 at Week 4, 5.87 at Week 8, and 5.57 at Week 12, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The present findings indicate that propiverine hydrochloride may be a useful therapeutic option for poor responders to previous anticholinergics.
Testing of a New Portable Device for Dynamic Bladder Pressure Monitoring
Authors: LIU Lingfeng , ZHAO Kang , CHEN Fan , WU Jian , YANG Zhaofeng , CHEN Ming , MAO Linbo , HAN Jiurong
Published: November 2016

Objective

To develop a portable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device for facilitating the monitoring of bladder detrusor pressure in patients with neurogenic bladder (NB) caused by spinal cord injury and further compared the effect with traditional urodynamics devices.

Methods

Portable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device was implemented by software and hardware. The hardware was mainly composed of seven parts, such as micro liquid pressure sensor, electric bridge amplifying circuit, clock module, SD card storage circuit, liquid crystal display circuit, touch circuit, controller circuit and so on. The main program of the software included system initialization, data acquisition, storage, display, alarm, etc. A total of 45 patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury were enrolled in the study. Detrusor pressure was measured with the portable device and traditional urodynamics device.

Results

The test‐retest reliability of the portable device was modest in two times test (intra‐class correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.852), no significant difference was found in the results of volume perfusion evaluation between our device and conventional urodynamic (each P > 0.05).

Conclusion

The portable dynamic bladder pressure monitoring device is conducive to the dynamic monitoring of bladder pressure in patients with neurogenic bladder caused by spinal cord injury.
Serum Testosterone Levels Are Negatively Correlated with International Prostate Symptom Score and Transitional Prostate Volume
Authors: SHIM Ji S. , KIM Jae H. , YOON Yong S. , CHOI Hoon , PARK Jae Y. , BAE Jae H.
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To investigate the correlation of serum total testosterone levels with International Prostate Symptom Score and prostate volume in aging men.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 50 men who had participated in a medical examination. Prostate specific antigen levels, International Prostate Symptom Score, total/transitional prostate volume, body mass index, maximal flow rate, and serum total testosterone levels were evaluated. The correlation between serum total testosterone levels and additional parameters was statistically analyzed.

Results

The median age and total testosterone levels were 60.4 years (interquartile range: 55.0–68.0 years) and 4.3 ng/mL (interquartile range: 3.6–5.1 ng/mL), respectively. Total testosterone levels showed a significant negative correlation with body mass index, transitional prostate volume, International Prostate Symptom Score (including voiding/storage sub scores). On multivariate linear regression models, the total testosterone level was associated with body mass index and total International Prostate Symptom Score.

Conclusions

As total testosterone levels decrease, both International Prostate Symptom Score and transitional prostate volume increase significantly. These findings provide evidence of the presence of more severe lower urinary tract symptoms and larger transitional prostate volume in aging men.
Kv1.3 channels facilitate the connection between metabolism and blood flow in the heart
Authors: Ohanyan Vahagn , Yin Liya , Bardakjian Raffi , Kolz Christopher , Enrick Molly , Hakobyan Tatevik , Luli Jordan , Graham Kathleen , Khayata Mohamed , Logan Suzanna , Kmetz John , Chilian William M.
Published: November 2016

The connection between metabolism and flow in the heart, metabolic dilation, is essential for cardiac function. We recently found redox‐sensitive Kv1.5 channels play a role in coronary metabolic dilation; however, more than one ion channel likely plays a role in this process as animals null for these channels still showed limited coronary metabolic dilation. Accordingly, we examined the role of another Kv1 family channel, the energetically linked Kv1.3 channel, in coronary metabolic dilation. We measured myocardial blood flow (contrast echocardiography) during norepinephrine‐induced increases in cardiac work (heart rate x mean arterial pressure) in WT, WT mice given correolide (preferential Kv1.3 antagonist), and Kv1.3‐null mice (Kv1.3−/−). We also measured relaxation of isolated small arteries mounted in a myograph. During increased cardiac work, myocardial blood flow was attenuated in Kv1.3−/− and in correolide‐treated mice. In isolated vessels from Kv1.3−/− mice, relaxation to H2O2 was impaired (vs WT), but responses to adenosine and acetylcholine were equivalent to WT. Correolide reduced dilation to adenosine and acetylcholine in WT and Kv1.3−/−, but had no effect on H2O2‐dependent dilation in vessels from Kv1.3−/− mice. We conclude that Kv1.3 channels participate in the connection between myocardial blood flow and cardiac metabolism.
Robust Min‐system oscillation in the presence of internal photosynthetic membranes in cyanobacteria
Authors: MacCready Joshua S. , Schossau Jory , Osteryoung Katherine W. , Ducat Daniel C.
Published: November 2016

The oscillatory Min system of Escherichia coli defines the cell division plane by regulating the site of FtsZ‐ring formation and represents one of the best‐understood examples of emergent protein self‐organization in nature. The oscillatory patterns of the Min‐system proteins MinC, MinD and MinE (MinCDE) are strongly dependent on the geometry of membranes they bind. Complex internal membranes within cyanobacteria could disrupt this self‐organization by sterically occluding or sequestering MinCDE from the plasma membrane. Here, it was shown that the Min system in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942 oscillates from pole‐to‐pole despite the potential spatial constraints imposed by their extensive thylakoid network. Moreover, reaction‐diffusion simulations predict robust oscillations in modeled cyanobacterial cells provided that thylakoid network permeability is maintained to facilitate diffusion, and suggest that Min proteins require preferential affinity for the plasma membrane over thylakoids to correctly position the FtsZ ring. Interestingly, in addition to oscillating, MinC exhibits a midcell localization dependent on MinD and the DivIVA‐like protein Cdv3, indicating that two distinct pools of MinC are coordinated in S. elongatus. Our results provide the first direct evidence for Min oscillation outside of E. coli and have broader implications for Min‐system function in bacteria and organelles with internal membrane systems.
Staphylococcus aureus requires at least one FtsK/SpoIIIE protein for correct chromosome segregation
Authors: Veiga Helena , Pinho Mariana G.
Published: November 2016

Faithful coordination between bacterial cell division and chromosome segregation in rod‐shaped bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis, is dependent on the DNA translocase activity of FtsK/SpoIIIE proteins, which move DNA away from the division site before cytokinesis is completed. However, the role of these proteins in chromosome partitioning has not been well studied in spherical bacteria. Here, it was shown that the two Staphylococcus aureus FtsK/SpoIIIE homologues, SpoIIIE and FtsK, operate in independent pathways to ensure correct chromosome management during cell division. SpoIIIE forms foci at the centre of the closing septum in at least 50% of the cells that are close to complete septum synthesis. FtsK is a multifunctional septal protein with a C‐terminal DNA translocase domain that is not required for correct chromosome management in the presence of SpoIIIE. However, lack of both SpoIIIE and FtsK causes severe nucleoid segregation and morphological defects, showing that the two proteins have partially redundant roles in S. aureus.
Discourses with potential to disrupt traditional nursing education: Nursing teachers’ talk about norm‐critical competence
Authors: Tengelin Ellinor , Dahlborg‐Lyckhage Elisabeth
Published: November 2016

This paper describes the discourses underlying nursing teachers’ talk about their own norm‐critical competence. Norm criticism is an approach that promotes awareness and criticism of the norms and power structures that exert an excluding effect in society in general and in the healthcare encounter in particular. Given the unequal relationships that can exist in healthcare, for example relationships shaped by racism, sexism and classism, a norm‐critical approach to nursing education would help illuminate these matters. The studied empirical material consisted of focus group interviews. Nursing teachers discussed their norm‐critical competence based on the university course “Norm‐Aware Caring” in which they had recently participated. Through a critical discourse analysis, three discourses were identified in their talk, all of which had the potential to disrupt traditional, normative nursing education. However, in all three discourses there was an underlying discourse of normality, clearly positioning the teachers as exemplifying the “normal.” The binary constructed between normality and otherness contradicts a basic tenet of the norm‐critical approach and may hamper the development of genuine norm‐critical competence in nursing education.
RT‐PCR quantification of periodontal pathogens in crack users and non‐users
Authors: Casarin M , Antoniazzi RP , Vaucher RA , Feldens CA , Zanatta FB
Published: November 2016

Objective

To compare counts of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Prevotella intermedia, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Fusobacterium nucleatum between crack users and non‐users.

Materials and methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted involving seventy‐four crack cocaine users and eighty‐one non‐users matched for age, gender and tobacco use. Demographic and clinical variables were analysed. Subgingival bacterial samples were collected from four sites with the greatest probing depths and were analysed using real‐time polymerase chain reaction.

Results

No significant difference was found in the prevalence of total counts for each bacterial species analysed between groups. However, crack users had a 1.85 (95% CI: 1.03–3.31), 2.19 (95% CI 1.24–3.88), 2.53 (95% CI 1.27–5.04) and 2.40 (95% CI 1.22–4.75) greater probability of having the higher counts (≥75th percentile) for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum, respectively.

Conclusion

Although some crack users had higher (>75th percentile) bacterial counts for Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Prevotella intermedia and Fusobacterium nucleatum, total counts did not differ between crack users and non‐users, leading to the hypothesis that the higher occurrence of periodontitis on crack users may be related to other non‐bacterial factors.
Shell composition of Terreneuvian tubular fossils from north‐east Sichuan, China
Authors: Pang Yanchun , Steiner Michael , Shen Cen , Feng Mingshi , Lin Li , Liu Dingkun
Published: November 2016

Identification of the primary constituents of small shelly fossil (SSF) shells is important for explaining the evolution of SSF faunas. The characteristics and constituents of Terreneuvian tubular SSFs found in north‐east Sichuan, China, are revealed using light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy. Petrographic thin sections indicate that the chemical composition of the shells is mainly calcium carbonate with smaller amounts of phosphorus, silica and pyrite. Most of the tubular shells composed of calcium carbonate have a distinct layered structure. Evidence of replacement of the original shell by phosphatization, pyritization and silicification, and recrystallization of calcium carbonate have been found, all of which destroyed the shell's original layered structure. Most fossils treated with acetic acid are phosphatic casts or steinkerns, with some preserving organic textures of the shell as phosphatic casts. We conclude that the Terreneuvian tubular SSFs from north‐east Sichuan were originally composed mainly of calcium carbonate; indeed, most Terreneuvian small skeletal fossils appear to have had an originally calcareous composition. The fossil casts or internal core fossils are composed of phosphate, which is related to local taphonomic processes.
The influence of leaf size and shape on leaf thermal dynamics: does theory hold up under natural conditions?
Authors: Leigh A. , Sevanto S. , Close J.D. , Nicotra A.B.
Published: November 2016

Laboratory studies on artificial leaves suggest that leaf thermal dynamics are strongly influenced by the two‐dimensional size and shape of leaves and associated boundary layer thickness. Hot environments are therefore said to favour selection for small, narrow or dissected leaves. Empirical evidence from real leaves under field conditions is scant and traditionally based on point measurements that do not capture spatial variation in heat load. We used thermal imagery under field conditions to measure the leaf thermal time constant (τ) in summer and the leaf‐to‐air temperature difference (∆T) and temperature range across laminae (Trange) during winter, autumn and summer for 68 Proteaceae species. We investigated the influence of leaf area and margin complexity relative to effective leaf width (we), the latter being a more direct indicator of boundary layer thickness. Normalized difference of margin complexity had no or weak effects on thermal dynamics, but we strongly predicted τ and ∆T, whereas leaf area influenced Trange. Unlike artificial leaves, however, spatial temperature distribution in large leaves appeared to be governed largely by structural variation. Therefore, we agree that small size, specifically we, has adaptive value in hot environments but not with the idea that thermal regulation is the primary evolutionary driver of leaf dissection.
The use of NH4+ rather than NO3− affects cell stoichiometry, C allocation, photosynthesis and growth in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. UTEX LB 2380, only when energy is limiting
Authors: Ruan Zuoxi , Giordano Mario
Published: November 2016

The assimilation of N‐NO3− requires more energy than that of N‐NH4+. This becomes relevant when energy is limiting and may impinge differently on cell energy budget depending on depth, time of the day and season. We hypothesize that N‐limited and energy‐limited cells of the oceanic cyanobacterium Synechococcus sp. differ in their response to the N source with respect to growth, elemental stoichiometry and carbon allocation. Under N limitation, cells retained almost absolute homeostasis of elemental and organic composition, and the use of NH4+ did not stimulate growth. When energy was limiting, however, Synechococcus grew faster in NH4+ than in NO3− and had higher C (20%), N (38%) and S (30%) cell quotas. Furthermore, more C was allocated to protein, whereas the carbohydrate and lipid pool size did not change appreciably. Energy limitation also led to a higher photosynthetic rate relative to N limitation. We interpret these results as an indication that, under energy limitation, the use of the least expensive N source allowed a spillover of the energy saved from N assimilation to the assimilation of other nutrients. The change in elemental stoichiometry influenced C allocation, inducing an increase in cell protein, which resulted in a stimulation of photosynthesis and growth.
Moral Indeterminacy, Normative Powers and Convention
Authors: Dougherty Tom
Published: November 2016

Moral indeterminacy can be problematic: prospectively it can give rise to deliberative anguish, and retrospectively, it can leave us in a limbo as to what attitudes it is appropriate to form with respect to past actions with indeterminate moral status. These problems give us reason to resolve ethical indeterminacy. One mechanism for doing so involves the use of our normative powers to place obligations on ourselves and to waive our claims against others. This mechanism could operate through an explicit agreement, but could also operate through implicit endorsement of a social convention. However, there are important limits on when the mechanism can eliminate moral indeterminacy.
Short‐term releases of CO2 from newly mixed biochar and calcareous soil
Authors: Cardelli R. , Becagli M. , Marchini F. , Saviozzi A.
Published: November 2016

The work aimed to quantify native organic C mobilized in one calcareous soil in the 21 days after addition of biochar at a range of large to very large applications. The experiment was carried out in unplanted microcosms, and CO2 flux was used as a measure of net mineralization. A rapid methodological approach, which does not require 13C as a tracer, was used to assess any priming effects induced by the biochar. The amount of CO2‐C mobilized was small relative to the amount of biochar C and proportional to the amount of the biochar added. The additional CO2‐C was similar to the content of the water‐soluble organic carbon in the biochar added with each application. No interaction with native soil C, that is priming effect, was observed.
Internal migration and maternal health service utilisation in Jiangsu, China
Authors: Gu Hai , You Hua , Ning Weiqing , Zhou Hua , Wang Jianming , Lu Ying , Sun Jun , Kou Yun , Dong Hengjin
Published: November 2016

Objectives

To investigate the use of maternal health care services by internal migrants in view of their migration status.

Methods

Cross‐sectional household survey in two cities of Jiangsu Province. Questions elicited data on socioeconomic information and MHC service use (pre‐natal examination, post‐natal visit, pre‐natal health education). Chi‐square tests and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with MHC service use.

Results

A total of 946 married women were recruited, of whom 22.3% were internal migrants. Compared to local residents, migrants were five times less likely to attend pre‐natal examinations (84.4%vs. 91.7%; OR = 0.49,P= 0.002), three times less likely to have post‐natal visits (15.6%vs. 50.2%; OR = 0.18,P< 0.001) and less likely to attend health education during pregnancy (87.0%vs. 95.7%; OR = 0.30,P< 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression also revealed a lower proportion of MHC use among migrants (ORm 0.52, 0.16, and 0.3, respectively).

Conclusions

Internal migrants in Jiangsu Province underuse MHC services to a significant degree. More attention needs to be paid to pregnant migrant women, as they are vulnerable group in society.
Improving quality of care through payment for performance: examining effects on the availability and stock‐out of essential medical commodities in Tanzania
Authors: Binyaruka Peter , Borghi Josephine
Published: November 2016

Objective

To evaluate the effects of payment for performance (P4P) on the availability and stock‐out rate of reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) medical commodities in Tanzania and assess the distributional effects.

Methods

The availability of RMNCH commodities (medicines, supplies and equipment) on the day of the survey, and stock‐outs for at least one day in the 90 days prior to the survey, was measured in 75 intervention and 75 comparison facilities in January 2012 and 13 months later. Composite scores for each subgroup of commodities were generated. A difference‐in‐differences linear regression was used to estimate the effect of P4P on outcomes and differential effects by facility location, level of care, ownership and socio‐economic status of the catchment population.

Results

We estimated a significant increase in the availability of medicines by 8.4 percentage points (P = 0.002) and an 8.3 percentage point increase (P = 0.050) in the availability of medical supplies. P4P had no effect on the availability of functioning equipment. Most items with a significant increase in availability also showed a significant reduction in stock‐outs. Effects were generally equally distributed across facilities, with effects on stock‐outs of many medicines being pro‐poor, and greater effects in facilities in rural compared to urban districts.

Conclusion

P4P can improve the availability of medicines and medical supplies, especially in poor, rural areas, when these commodities are incentivised at both facility and district levels, making services more acceptable, effective and affordable, enhancing progress towards universal health coverage.
Environmental Kuznets curve and the water footprint: an empirical analysis
Authors: Paolo Miglietta Pier , De Leo Federica , Toma Pierluigi
Published: November 2016

Water is an essential element for life, playing an important role in economic development, although it is threatened by negative externalities that do not make it available for everyone. The main purpose of this article is to offer insightful empirical evidence of the nexus between economic growth and water usage. In this article we investigate the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis using a country's water footprint as an indicator of water impact. Using linear and nonlinear models we estimate, through the ordinary least square, the relationship between water impact and gross national income (GNI) per capita for 94 Countries. Our study shows an N‐shape curve, which does not confirm the EKC hypothesis, both for the relationship between Water Footprint per capita and GNI per capita and Grey Water Footprint per capita and GNI per capita. From this results, a number of recommendations can be provided to strengthen the water resources policies and management.
Development of retrocorneal membrane following pig‐to‐monkey penetrating keratoplasty
Authors: Lee Whayoung , Mammen Alex , Dhaliwal Deepinder K. , Long Cassandra , Miyagawa Yuko , Ayares David , Cooper David K.C. , Hara Hidetaka
Published: November 2016

Recent reports of long‐term survival after wild‐type (WT) pig‐to‐monkey corneal xenotransplantation are encouraging. We experienced the rapid development of retrocorneal membranes, a rare complication after corneal allotransplantation (although seen in infants and young children). The original specific aim of the study was to determine the factors associated with successful (young) pig corneal transplantation in monkeys. However, when it was obvious that retrocorneal membranes rapidly developed, our aims became to determine the factors involved in its development after both WT and Genetically engineered (GE ) pig corneal xenotransplantation and to investigate the characteristics of the retrocorneal membrane. Rhesus monkeys were recipients of penetrating keratoplasty using WT and GE pigs (n=2, respectively, 1‐3 months old). Local/systemic steroids were administered for 3 months. Grafts were evaluated by slit lamp for corneal transparency, edema, and neovascularization. Hematoxylin and eosin, Masson trichrome staining, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. Gal staining was also carried out to distinguish the origin of the membrane. All penetrating keratoplasty recipients developed fibrous retrocorneal membranes in the early post‐transplantation period, regardless of whether the graft was from a WT or GE pig. There were no features of rejection, with no cell infiltrate in the graft or anterior chamber during the three‐month follow‐up. There was no difference in the clinical course between the two groups (WT or GE corneas). Immunohistochemistry indicated that the retrocorneal membranes were CK negative, α‐SMA positive, and vimentin positive, suggesting that they were of fibrous (keratocytic) origin. Also, the membrane was Gal positive, suggesting that it is derived from pig cornea. Following pig‐to‐monkey corneal xenotransplantation, we report that retrocorneal membranes are derived from donor pig keratocytes. Prevention of retrocorneal membranes will be necessary to achieve successful corneal xenotransplantation.
Mathematical Modelling and Scientific Computing (MMSC 2016)
Authors: Ivanov Ivan , Markov Svetoslav , Pesheva Nina
Published: November 2016

The international conference on Mathematical ModellingВ and Scientific Computing (MMSC 2016), took place in CollegeВ Dobrich, 18--24 September 2016. The conference website is: ...
Experimental Investigation and Discussion of Heat Transfer Mechanisms During Flow Boiling in Mini-Channels Using Refrigerant R134a
Authors: La Forgia Nicolas , Dorao Carlos A. , Fernandino Maria
Published: November 2016

The main objective of this work was to investigate the heat transfer characteristics of elongated bubbles in 0.5mm diameter mini-channels using R134a as working fluid. In particular to identify the contribution of the nucleate and film boiling to the heat transfer mechanism at low thermodynamical qualities. The measurements were performed in a glass test section with several diabatic and adiabatic regions. The adiabatic region was heated by Joule effect using an ITO coating as heater.

The measurement of heat transfer coefficient for elongated bubbles without the presence of bubble nucleation were compared with the case with nucleation showing that heat transfer in elongated bubbles is only larger than the case with nucleation at very small heat fluxes. In addition, heat transfer coefficient showed a dependence with the thermodynamic quality.
Preliminary Results of Pool Boiling of Seawater
Authors: Raghupathi Pruthvik A. , Kandlikar Satish G.
Published: November 2016

As the availability of fresh water is becoming scarce, desalination of seawater is increasingly important to meet the fresh water (portable water) requirements of the world. Thermal distillation continues to be one of the most important and widely used methods of desalination currently used. Scale formation and corrosion of the heater surface are some of the challenges in thermal desalination. In this paper, pool boiling of seawater is characterized using standard artificial sea water. The nature of the scales formed on the heater surface and its effect on the heat transfer efficiency is studied. A passive method to reduce the rate of scale formation during boiling is studied. Particularly, steel beads are introduced to prevent the growth of scales on the heater surface and the corresponding boiling performance is evaluated.
Ultrathin Membrane Fouling Mechanism Transitions in Dead-End Filtration of Protein
Authors: Smith Karl J. P. , Winans Joshua , McGrath James
Published: November 2016

Ultrathin membranes will likely see great utility in future membrane-based separations, but key aspects of the performance of these membranes, especially when they are used to filter protein, remain poorly understood. In this work we perform protein filtrations using new nanoporous silicon nitride (NPN) membranes. Several concentrations of protein are filtered using dead end filtration in a benchtop centrifuge, and we track fouling based on the amount of filtrate passed over time. A modification of the classic fouling model that includes the effects of using a centrifuge and allow for the visualization of a transition between pore constriction and cake filtration demonstrate that for a range of protein concentrations, cake filtration supersedes pore constriction after ∼30 seconds at 690 g.
Micro-/Milli-Fluidic Heat-Exchanger Characterization by Non-Invasive Temperature Sensors
Authors: Hohmann Lukas , Kurt Safa Kutup , Pouya Far Naser , Vieth Daniel , Kockmann Norbert
Published: November 2016

A micro-structured tubular reactor and a milli-structured tubular cooling crystallizer were equipped with thermocouples to observe the axial temperature profiles along the tubes. In order to avoid interactions of the temperature sensors with the fluid inside the channel, the sensors were fixed on the outside of the tube wall. By attaching polymeric foam insulation on the temperature sensors, the influences of surrounding heating/cooling agents on the measurement were dampened. The remaining error on the measurement was characterized experimentally. Simplified 1D simulation models were subsequently used to estimate the overall heat transfer coefficients in the devices. The influences on the remaining error in the temperature measurement on the estimated heat transfer coefficient was discussed.
Investigation of Bubble Break-Up in Microchannel Orifices
Authors: Reichmann Felix , Tollkötter Alexander , Kockmann Norbert
Published: November 2016

Two-phase gas-liquid reactions often occur in chemical processes such as hydrogenation or oxidation. The flow of microbubbles in millichannels offers large specific contact surface for enhanced mass transfer and intensified chemical reactions. For low pressure loss, a combination of micro nozzles and millistructured channels is an alternative equipment design. Continuous dispersion flow through micro orifices with high flow velocity and pressure gradient deforms the phase boundary of bubbles triggering their break-up. In the nozzle’s outlet larger eddies are generated close to the wall disintegrating into smaller vortices with high flow oscillation. This has a major impact since eddies equaling bubble sizes initiate their break-up.

In this work bubble break-up and its location in micro nozzles is studied in a flexible microchannel reactor concept. The dependence of the break-up location is investigated related to hydraulic diameter of the orifice, gas content, flow rate, and energy dissipation rate and its related volume. Regions of backflow increase energy loss; hence, the nozzle’s outlet angle was optimized reducing recirculation zones. Bubble dispersion and bubbly flow are studied in different orifices and channel elements with widths up to 7 mm. The outlet angle was varied between 6 and 45° to investigate different backflow regions. The effect of orifice dimensions on bubble sizes is evaluated for hydraulic diameters of 0.25 to 0.5 mm. The channel elements are fixed under a view glass enabling optical investigation of bubble size, first break-up points, and recirculation zones via high-speed camera. Analysis of bubble diameters and tracking of suspended particles was carried out by GIMP and ImageJ software. Generated bubble diameters are in the range of less than 0.1 mm up to 0.7 mm with narrow size distribution depending on the total flow rate through the channel. First break-up points; hence, the maximum energy input location are shifted closer to the outlet of the orifice with increasing velocities and smaller hydraulic diameters. However, the entire break-up region stays nearly constant for each orifice indicating stronger velocity oscillations acting on the bubble surface. A relation between smaller bubble diameter and larger energy dissipation was identified. Orifice outlet angles above 6° resulted in flow detachments and recirculation zones around the effluent jet. Ongoing investigation is carried out to further understand the mechanism and the influence of various parameters.
Ultrathin Silicon Membranes for Improving Extracorporeal Blood Therapies
Authors: Burgin Tucker , Johnson Dean , Chung Henry , Clark Alfred , McGrath James
Published: November 2016

Extracorporeal blood therapies such as hemodialysis and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation supplement or replace organ function by the exchange of molecules between blood and another fluid across a semi-permeable membrane. Traditionally, these membranes are made of polymers with large surface areas and thicknesses on the scale of microns. Therapeutic gas exchange or toxin clearance in these devices occurs predominantly by diffusion, a process that is described by an inverse square law relating a distance to the average time a diffusing particle requires to travel that distance. As such, small changes in membrane thickness or other device dimensions can have significant effects on device performance — and large changes can cause dramatic paradigm shifts. In this work, we discuss the application of ultrathin nanoporous silicon membranes (nanomembranes) with thicknesses on the scale of tens of nanometers to diffusion-mediated medical devices. We discuss the theoretical consequences of nanomembrane medical devices for patients, analyzing several notable benefits such as reduced device size (enabling wearability, for instance) and improved clearance specificity. Special attention is paid to computational and analytical models that describe real experimental behavior, and that in doing so provide insights into the relevant parameters governing the devices.
Visual-tactile integration in speech perception: Evidence for modality neutral speech primitives
Authors: Bicevskis Katie , Derrick Donald , Gick Bryan
Published: November 2016

Audio-visual [McGurk and MacDonald (1976). Nature 264, 746–748] and audio-tactile [Gick and Derrick (2009). Nature 462(7272), 502–504] speech stimuli enhance speech perception over audio stimuli alone. In addition, multimodal speech stimuli form an asymmetric window of integration that is consistent with the relative speeds of the various signals [Munhall, Gribble, Sacco, and Ward (1996). Percept. Psychophys. 58(3), 351–362; Gick, Ikegami, and Derrick (2010). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 128(5), EL342–EL346]. In this experiment, participants were presented video of faces producing /pa/ and /ba/ syllables, both alone and with air puffs occurring synchronously and at different timings up to 300 ms before and after the stop release. Perceivers were asked to identify the syllable they perceived, and were more likely to respond that they perceived /pa/ when air puffs were present, with asymmetrical preference for puffs following the video signal—consistent with the relative speeds of visual and air puff signals. The results demonstrate that visual-tactile integration of speech perception occurs much as it does with audio-visual and audio-tactile stimuli. This finding contributes to the understanding of multimodal speech perception, lending support to the idea that speech is not perceived as an audio signal that is supplemented by information from other modes, but rather that primitives of speech perception are, in principle, modality neutral.
Multicolor 3D meta-holography by broadband plasmonic modulation
Authors: Li Xiong , Chen Lianwei , Li Yang , Zhang Xiaohu , Pu Mingbo , Zhao Zeyu , Ma Xiaoliang , Wang Yanqin , Hong Minghui , Luo Xiangang
Published: November 2016

High-quality multicolor 2D and 3D meta-holography is realized based on broadband plasmonic modulation.
Dysfunctional MnSOD leads to redox dysregulation and activation of prosurvival AKT signaling in uterine leiomyomas
Authors: Vidimar Vania , Gius David , Chakravarti Debabrata , Bulun Serdar E. , Wei Jian-Jun , Kim J. Julie
Published: November 2016

Acetylation-mediated inactivation of MnSOD triggers activation of prosurvival AKT signaling in uterine smooth muscle tumors.
Hindered cytoplasmic diffusion of inositol trisphosphate restricts its cellular range of action
Authors: Dickinson George D. , Ellefsen Kyle L. , Dawson Silvina Ponce , Pearson John E. , Parker Ian
Published: November 2016

Slow diffusion of IP
3
in mammalian cells results in a local rather than a global signal.
Coordinating differentiation with bacterial division
Authors: Mushegian Alexandra A.
Published: November 2016

A localized signaling complex couples cell cycle progression to differentiation in bacterial cells.
Snail and HDAC1 target p53 for degradation
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2016

A Snail/HDAC complex that represses transcription also posttranslationally targets p53 to promote breast cancer progression.