bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gender and ecological restoration: time to connect the dots
Authors: Broeckhoven Nicky , Cliquet An
Published: September 2015

Although the human dimension of ecological restoration has increasingly been recognized in recent years, the gender dimension thereof remains largely unexplored. This article aims to fill this gap in the literature by providing an overview of the current knowledge on gender and ecological restoration. Our analysis of selected academic literature on ecological restoration revealed that scholars have only marginally addressed gender issues in their publications. However, in restoration practice, various initiatives that highlight the importance of including a women's rights and gender perspective can be found. These initiatives seem to indicate that applying a gender approach to restoration practice creates a double benefit. First, integrating gender considerations into restoration efforts is desirable from a human rights and gender equality perspective. Second, different case studies suggest that integrating gender considerations can promote the efficiency and effectiveness of restoration work. Integrating a social and gender dimension into restoration policy and practice should therefore be recommended. This integration process can learn from a wide range of literature on gender and the environment, and from existing practices of gender mainstreaming in this field. Furthermore, international law provides useful policy intentions on gender and restoration that could be used as entry points. To conclude, this article summarizes the main challenges for “connecting the dots” between gender and ecological restoration and formulates some recommendations for the Society for Ecological Restoration.
Sex and Sexuality in Buddhism: A Tetralemma
Authors: Langenberg Amy Paris
Published: September 2015

Modern people presume ‘sex’ to be a function of biology and ‘sexuality’ to be a fundamental aspect of identity. Since Buddhist monks and nuns are celibate by definition, many assume a uniform sex‐negativity in Buddhism. But Buddhist teachers and practitioners have thought about, talked about, and performed sex in many modes beyond the negative. Buddhism, a tradition originating in ancient India but straddling tens of centuries and multiple cultural, national, and linguistic boundaries, provides many opportunities for reflection on the putative universality of biological ‘sex’, and the theorized modernity of ‘sexuality’. How, when, and why do Buddhists have sex? Do Buddhists have a sexuality? This article employs the logical formula of the tetralemma to explore the topics of sex and sexuality in various Buddhist traditions, challenge the supposed sex‐negativity of Buddhism, and question the applicability of ‘sexuality’ in its modern usage as a term of critical analysis in Buddhist contexts.
Trauma and Gender
Authors: Segalo Puleng
Published: September 2015

The meaning of trauma within psychology has for a long time been viewed mostly from a ‘pathologising’ standpoint. Viewed as pathology, people's trauma may become understood using a singular lens thereby leaving out broader contextual (social, environmental, political, historical, economical etc.) aspects that have been shown to play a role in the subjective experience of various forms of suffering. Psychology has for a long time been quick to diagnose victims of traumatic experiences from an individualistic perspective, almost always positioning the ‘problem’ within the person. As a result of the Vietnam War, World Wars I and II and the Holocaust, the rise in the diagnosing of PTSD gave way to the labelling of trauma. Within psychology, post‐traumatic stress disorder has become the way to operationalise suffering, and I would like to argue that this occludes how suffering lives in a family, a community and in gendered bodies. The gendering of trauma continues to be a silenced space. There is a need to highlight and acknowledge the gendered nature of suffering which begs for trauma to be understood in context and not as an isolated act or occurrence affecting the individual. Women have remained, and in many ways continue to remain, silenced with minimal opportunities to name the world for themselves. This paper seeks to provide a critical analysis of the notion of trauma (and its intersection with gender) that arises from conflict and post‐conflict situations.
Identity Fusion, Extreme Pro‐Group Behavior, and the Path to Defusion
Authors: Fredman Leah A. , Buhrmester Michael D. , Gomez Angel , Fraser William T. , Talaifar Sanaz , Brannon Skylar M. , Swann William B.
Published: September 2015

Identity fusion refers to a visceral sense of oneness with an ingroup. For fused individuals, group membership is not a means to an end (e.g., a positive social identity). Rather, membership is an all‐absorbing goal in itself; little other than the group matters. Group membership is also seen as enduring, sustained by chronically activated psychological structures as well as features of the context. Fellow group members are likewise seen as permanent members of the group, as they are members of the ingroup “family”. And just as family members are compelled to make extreme sacrifices for their family, so too are highly fused individuals – including even the ultimate sacrifice. These efforts to protect the ingroup can have negative consequences when, for example, people become strongly fused to groups that are devoted to extreme, anti‐social behaviors. In such instances, it may be prudent to encourage “defusion” from the group, but the emotional investment associated with fusion may thwart such efforts. We discuss the implications of these and related considerations.
Getting personal with blood donors – the rationale for, methodology of and an overview of participants in the UK blood donor survey
Authors: Davison K. L. , Reynolds C. A. , Andrews N. , Brailsford S. R. ,   on Behalf of the UK Blood Donor Survey Steering Group
Published: September 2015

Objective

To design and pilot a survey of UK blood donors to assess, on a large scale, their understanding of and compliance with the donor selection guidelines (DSG).

Background

Compliance with the DSG is important for maintaining blood safety, however, little is currently known about the extent of this among UK donors.

Materials and methods

The online, unlinked survey was based on the donor health check form with a focus on behaviours associated with blood borne infections, sexual contact, drug use and travel. The survey materials were reviewed by a donor focus group and the survey was piloted among 2982 UK donors. Percentage responses were calculated, complaints monitored and answers to questions reviewed. The survey went live in 2013; 225 091 donors were invited via email to participate followed by two reminders.

Results

The survey was well received by the focus group, with little concern about the sensitive and personal questions. Their feedback led to important refinement in the survey materials. In the pilots, 21·0% (627/2982) responded, a reminder was necessary to achieve this. Among responders, there was evidence of non‐compliance and test seeking behaviour, and no evidence that intention to donate again was affected. In the live survey, 29% (65 439) responded; responders were generally representative of donors overall.

Conclusion

A large scale survey of donor compliances is feasible, acceptable and effective in ascertaining appropriate information; involving donors and the blood services in the development stages through a focus group and pilots was important to achieve this.
Sodium homeostasis is preserved in a global 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 knockout mouse model
Authors: Christensen Thorbjørn H. , Bailey Matthew A. , Kenyon Christopher J. , Jensen Boye L. , Hunter Robert W.
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Glucocorticoids act in the kidney to promote salt and water retention. Renal 11β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1), by increasing local concentrations of glucocorticoids, may exert an antinatriuretic effect. We hypothesized that global deletion of 11βHSD1 in the mouse would give rise to a salt‐wasting renal phenotype.

What is the main finding and its importance?

We subjected a mouse model of global 11βHSD1 deletion to studies of water and electrolyte balance, renal clearance, urinary steroid excretion, renin–angiotensin system activation and renal sodium transporter expression. We found no significant effects on renal sodium or water excretion. Any effect of renal 11βHSD1 on sodium homeostasis is subtle.

Glucocorticoids act in the kidney to regulate glomerular haemodynamics and tubular sodium transport; the net effect favours sodium retention. 11β‐Hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) is expressed in the renal tubules and the interstitial cells of the medulla, where it is likely to regenerate active glucocorticoids from inert 11‐keto forms. The physiological function of renal 11βHSD1 is largely unknown. We hypothesized that loss of renal 11βHSD1 would result in salt wasting and tested this in a knockout mouse model in which 11βHSD1 was deleted in all body tissues. In balance studies, 11βHSD1 deletion had no effect on water, sodium or potassium metabolism; transition to a low‐sodium diet did not reveal a natriuretic phenotype. Renal clearance studies demonstrated identical haemodynamic parameters (arterial blood pressure, renal blood flow and glomerular filtration rate) in knockout and wild‐type mice, but revealed an augmented kaliuretic response to thiazides in 11βHSD1 knockout animals. There was no effect on the natriuretic response to the amiloride analogue benzamil. Urinary excretion of deoxycorticosterone was higher in 11βHSD1 knockout mice, and there was hypertrophy of cells in the zona fasciculata of the adrenal cortex. There was no difference in the activity of the renin–angiotensin and nitric oxide systems, no difference in renal histology and no difference in the abundance of key tubular transporter proteins. We conclude that any effect of 11βHSD1 on renal sodium excretion is subtle.
Gut microbiome in chronic kidney disease
Authors: Wing Maria R. , Patel Samir S. , Ramezani Ali , Raj Dominic S.
Published: September 2015

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?

This review addresses the contribution of the altered gut microbiome to uraemic syndrome, with specific reference to gut microbiome‐derived uraemic toxins. It also discusses the potential treatment options to normalize the disturbed microbiome in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

What advances does it highlight?

This review highlights the importance of the gut–kidney connection and how the altered microbial landscape in the intestine contributes to dysmetabolism and inflammation in CKD. Recent findings linking gut‐derived uraemic toxins to progression of CKD, cardiovascular disease and mortality are also discussed. Finally, we briefly explain targeted therapies that have been studied to restore intestinal symbiosis in CKD.

The human intestine is now recognized as an important metabolic organ powered by gut microbiota. This review addresses the alteration in the gut microbiome in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and its consequence. We describe the major uraemic toxins, p‐cresol sulfate, indoxyl sulfate and trimethylamine N‐oxide, which are produced by the gut microbiome, and how these metabolites contribute to progression of CKD and associated cardiovascular disease. Translocation of endotoxin from the gut into the systemic circulation contributes to inflammation in CKD. Targeting the gut microbiome to restore symbiosis may prove to be a potent strategy in reducing inflammation and production of these uraemic toxins.
Bioinspired, peg-studded hexagonal patterns for wetting and friction
Authors: Li Meng , Huang Wei , Wang Xiaolei
Published: September 2015

Inspired by peg-studded hexagonal epidermal cells found in biological pad interfaces, biomimic hierarchical surface patterns with different degrees of wettability were fabricated using a new method involving photolithography and wet etching. In order to understand the effects of the peg-studded structures on wettability and frictional properties, varying patterns were studied and compared. Experimental results show that the hierarchical patterns led to a significant increase in wettability and sliding friction forces on hydrophilic surfaces, whereas they resulted in higher apparent static contact angles and lower sliding friction forces on hydrophobic surfaces. This indicates that the hydrophilic hierarchical structure on smooth toe-pads is favorable for keeping the surface moist and increasing the interfacial friction force when climbing in wet conditions.
Effect of horizontal wave barriers on ground vibration propagation
Authors: Grau L. , Laulagnet B.
Published: September 2015

The aim of this article is to introduce a method to mitigate ground surface vibration through a flexural plate coupled to the ground and acting as a horizontal wave barrier. Using the thin plate hypothesis, two flexural plates are coupled to the ground, the first plate being the excited plate and the second plate the horizontal wave barrier. For instance, the first plate may represent a slab track and be excited by the tramway wheels. A solution to the problem can be found using a spatial two-dimensional Fourier transform of the elastodynamics equation for the ground and a modal decomposition for the flexural plate vibration. The authors show that vibration is substantially mitigated by the horizontal wave barrier and depends on its thickness and width. When the top surface wavelength becomes smaller than twice the plate width, the horizontal wave barrier acts as a wave barrier in the frequency range of interest, i.e., from 20 Hz.
Echolocation signals of free-ranging Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) in Sanniang Bay, China
Authors: Fang Liang , Li Songhai , Wang Kexiong , Wang Zhitao , Shi Wenjing , Wang Ding
Published: September 2015

While the low-frequency communication sounds of Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins (Sousa chinensis) have been reported in a number of papers, the high-frequency echolocation signals of Sousa chinensis, especially those living in the wild, have been less studied. In the current study, echolocation signals of humpback dolphins were recorded in Sanniang Bay, Guangxi Province, China, using a cross-type hydrophone array with five elements. In total, 77 candidate on-axis clicks from 77 scans were selected for analysis. The results showed that the varied peak-to-peak source levels ranged from 177.1 to 207.3 dB, with an average of 187.7 dB re: 1 μPa. The mean peak frequency was 109.0 kHz with a −3-dB bandwidth of 50.3 kHz and 95% energy duration of 22 μs. The −3-dB bandwidth was much broader than the root mean square bandwidth and exhibited a bimodal distribution. The center frequency exhibited a positive relationship with the peak-to-peak source level. The clicks of the wild Indo-Pacific humpback dolphins were short-duration, broadband, ultrasonic pulses, similar to those produced by other whistling dolphins of similar body size. However, the click source levels of the Indo-Pacific humpback dolphin appear to be lower than those of other whistling dolphins.
Identification of an oncogenic RAB protein
Authors: Wheeler Douglas B. , Zoncu Roberto , Root David E. , Sabatini David M. , Sawyers Charles L.
Published: September 2015

Cancer as a case of uncontrolled traffic

Healthy cells are like skilled air traffic controllers. They continually move proteins to and from the cellular destinations where they are needed, usually without mishap, through an elaborate system of endomembranes. Wheeler
et al.
show that a glitch in the traffic control system can help propel a cell toward malignancy (see the Perspective by Ferguson). RAB35, a protein previously implicated in endomembrane trafficking, is a key regulator of a well-known oncogenic signaling pathway. Mutations in RAB35 found in certain human tumors aberrantly activate this pathway and cause mislocalization of a factor that promotes cell growth.

Science
, this issue p.
211
, see also p.
162
A near–quantum-limited Josephson traveling-wave parametric amplifier
Authors: Macklin C. , O’Brien K. , Hover D. , Schwartz M. E. , Bolkhovsky V. , Zhang X. , Oliver W. D. , Siddiqi I.
Published: September 2015

Stringing together a powerful amplifier

Amplifying microwave signals with high gain and across a broad range of frequencies is crucial in solid-state quantum information processing (QIP). Achieving broadband operation is especially tricky. Macklin
et al.
engineered an amplifier that contains a long chain of so-called Josephson junctions (see the Perspective by Cleland). The amplifier exhibited high gain over a gigahertz-sized bandwidth and was able to perform high-fidelity qubit readout. Because the amplifier will be capable of reading out as many as 20 qubits simultaneously, it may help to scale up QIP protocols.

Science
, this issue p.
307
; see also p.
280
Identification of active sites in CO oxidation and water-gas shift over supported Pt catalysts
Authors: Ding Kunlun , Gulec Ahmet , Johnson Alexis M. , Schweitzer Neil M. , Stucky Galen D. , Marks Laurence D. , Stair Peter C.
Published: September 2015

Comparing active site reactivity

Noble metal nanoparticles often exhibit behaviors distinct from atomic and bulk versions of the same material. Gold and platinum dispersed on metal oxide supports, for example, show remarkable low-temperature reactivity for carbon monoxide (CO) oxidation by oxygen or water. Ding
et al.
used infrared spectroscopy to identify CO adsorbed on isolated platinum atoms or nanoparticles dispersed on zeolite and oxide supports. Temperature-programmed desorption studies showed that CO reacted at much lower temperatures when adsorbed on nanoparticles versus on isolated metal atoms.

Science
, this issue p.
189
Draft Genome Assembly of Filamentous Brackish Cyanobacterium
Limnoraphis robusta
Strain CS-951
Authors: Willis Anusuya , Parks Matthew , Burford Michele A.
Published: September 2015

Limnoraphis robusta
CS-951 is a sheathed, filamentous benthic, nonheterocystous cyanobacterium. It was isolated from brackish water and identified morphologically as
Lyngbya majuscula
. We report the draft genome of
L. robusta
CS-951, with a genome size of 7,314,117 bp, a 41.6% GC content, and 6,791 putative protein-coding genes assembled into 361contigs.
Draft Genome Sequence of Rhodococcus ruber Strain P25, an Active Polychlorinated Biphenyl Degrader
Authors: Shumkova Ekaterina S. , Olsson Björn E. , Kudryavtseva Anna V. , Plotnikova Elena G.
Published: September 2015

We report the 5,728,255-bp draft genome sequence of
Rhodococcus ruber
P25, isolated from a soil polluted with halogenated aromatic compounds in the city of Perm, Russia. The strain degrades polychlorinated biphenyls and a broad range of aromatic compounds. It possesses genes that mediate the degradation of biphenyls/polychlorinated biphenyls, naphthalene, and monoaromatic compounds.
Complete Genome Sequence of Klebsiella pneumoniae Carbapenemase-Producing K. pneumoniae Siphophage Sushi
Authors: Nguyen Dat T. , Lessor Lauren E. , Cahill Jesse L. , Rasche Eric S. , Kuty Everett Gabriel F.
Published: September 2015

Klebsiella pneumoniae
is a Gram-negative bacterium in the family
Enterobacteriaceae
. It is associated with numerous nosocomial infections, including respiratory and urinary tract infections in humans. The following reports the complete genome sequence of
K. pneumoniae
carbapenemase-producing
K. pneumoniae
T1-like siphophage Sushi and describes its major features.
Draft Genome Sequence of the Bacterium
Gordonia jacobaea
, a New Member of the
Gordonia
Genus
Authors: Jiménez-Galisteo G. , Villa T. G. , Vinuesa T. , Viñas M. , Domínguez A. , Muñoz E.
Published: September 2015

Gordonia jacobaea
was isolated and characterized in the Department of Microbiology, University of Santiago de Compostela, in 2000. Here we present the draft genome sequence of this species, which will improve our understanding of the diversity and the relation of the cell wall proteins of
G. jacobaea
with other mycolata.
Genome Sequences of a Rat Polyomavirus Related to Murine Polyomavirus, Rattus norvegicus Polyomavirus 1
Authors: Ehlers Bernhard , Richter Dania , Matuschka Franz-Rainer , Ulrich Rainer G.
Published: September 2015

We amplified and sequenced six complete genomes of a polyomavirus from feral Norway rats (
Rattus norvegicus
) and from a long-term breeding colony derived from Norway rats. This virus, which is closely related to hamster polyomavirus and murine polyomavirus, may contribute to understanding the evolutionary history of rodent polyomaviruses.
Draft Genome Sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. ME121, Isolated from Soil as a Mixed Single Colony with
Kaistia
sp. 32K
Authors: Fujinami Shun , Takeda-Yano Kiyoko , Onodera Takefumi , Satoh Katsuya , Shimizu Tetsu , Wakabayashi Yuu , Narumi Issay , Nakamura Akira , Ito Masahiro
Published: September 2015

Methylobacterium
sp. ME121 was isolated from soil as a mixed single colony with
Kaistia
sp. 32K, and its growth was enhanced by coculture. Here, we report the draft genome sequence of
Methylobacterium
sp. ME121, which may contribute to the study of the molecular mechanisms underlying this phenomenon.
Urosepsis: Overview of the Diagnostic and Treatment Challenges
Authors: Wagenlehner Florian M. E. , Pilatz Adrian , Weidner Wolfgang , Naber Kurt G.
Published: September 2015

Urosepsis is defined as sepsis caused by an infection in the urogenital tract. In approximately 30% of all septic patients the infectious focus is localized in the urogenital tract, mainly due to obstructions at various levels, such as ureteral stones. Urosepsis may also occur after operations in the urogenital tract. In urosepsis, complete bacteria and components of the bacterial cell wall from the urogenital tract trigger the host inflammatory event and act as exogenous pyrogens on eukaryotic target cells of patients. A burst of second messenger molecules leads to several different stages of the septic process, from hyperactivity to immunosuppression. As pyelonephritis is the most frequent cause for urosepsis, the kidney function is therefore most important in terms of cause and as a target organ for dysfunction in the course of the sepsis.

Since effective antimicrobial therapy must be initiated early during sepsis, the empiric intravenous therapy should be initiated immediately after microbiological sampling. For the selection of appropriate antimicrobials, it is important to know risk factors for resistant organisms and whether the sepsis is primary or secondary and community or nosocomially acquired. In addition, the preceding antimicrobial therapies should be recorded as precisely as possible. Resistance surveillance should, in any case, be performed locally to adjust for the best suitable empiric treatment. Treatment challenges arise from the rapid increase of antibiotic resistance in Gram-negative bacteria, especially extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing bacteria. Treatment of urosepsis comprises four basic strategies I) supportive therapy (stabilizing and maintaining blood pressure), II) antimicrobial therapy, III) control or elimination of the complicating factor, and IV) specific sepsis therapy.
Mapping the risk perception and communication gap between different professions of healthcare providers in cancer care: a cross-sectional protocol
Authors: Stub Trine , Musial Frauke , Quandt Sara A , Arcury Thomas A , Salamonsen Anita , Kristoffersen Agnete , Berntsen Gro
Published: September 2015

Introduction

Studies show that patients with cancer who use complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) have a poorer survival prognosis than those who do not. It remains unclear whether this is due to a priori poorer prognosis that makes patients turn to CAM, or whether there is a factor associated with CAM use itself that influences the prognosis negatively. Healthcare providers should assist patients in safeguarding their treatment decision. However, the current non-communication between CAM and conventional providers leaves it up to the patients themselves to choose how to best integrate the two worlds of therapy. In this study, an interactive shared decision-making (SDM) tool will be developed to enable patients and health professionals to make safe health choices.

Methods and analysis

We will delineate, compare and evaluate perception and clinical experience of communication of risk situations among oncology experts, general practitioners and CAM practitioners. To accomplish this, we will develop a pilot and implement a large-scale survey among the aforementioned health professionals in Norway. Guided by the survey results, we will develop a β-version of a shared decision-making tool for healthcare providers to use in guiding patients to make safe CAM decisions.

Ethics and dissemination

Participants must give their informed and written consent before inclusion. They will be informed about the opportunity to drop out from the study followed by deletion of all data registered. The study needs no approval from The Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics because all participants are healthcare professionals. Results from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed medical journals.
Paediatric palliative care in the Asia Pacific region: where are we now?
Authors: Chong Poh Heng , Hamsah Ednin , Goh Cynthia
Published: September 2015

Paediatric palliative care services have increased both in numbers and capacity around the world in response to the needs of children living with life-limiting conditions. Members of the Asia Pacific Hospice Network, who render care to children, have increasingly realised the need to map existing services for enhanced collaborative, educational and advocacy efforts. An online survey was conducted over 2 months among professionals in the region to document current service provision, and at the same time to explore individual training needs and practice challenges. A questionnaire crafted through consensus by members of a new special interest group within the network was used to collect data. 59 distinct responses from 16 countries were obtained to build a directory, which has already been circulated. Content analyses of narrative responses yield further findings. Half of these services catered to adults as well as to children. Staffing and service provision varied across the region but most members worked in teams consisting of multidisciplinary professionals. Numerous service and funding models were found, reflecting wide differences in local conditions and responses to diverse patient populations unique to paediatric palliative care. The highest training needs centred around bereavement and spiritual care. Capacity and funding issues were expected, but significant lack of support by paediatricians was found to be alarming and warrants further study. Amid the heterogeneity, these services share common struggles and face similar needs. Identifying individual profiles of different services potentially helps to draw everyone together, towards a common vision, and towards creating opportunities for sharing of expertise and experience.
Predictors of restenosis after carotid artery stenting in 241 cases
Authors: Daou Badih , Chalouhi Nohra , Starke Robert M , Dalyai Richard , Polifka Adam , Sarkar Kumar , Jabbour Pascal , Rosenwasser Robert , Tjoumakaris Stavropoula
Published: September 2015

Background

Variable rates of restenosis after carotid artery stenting (CAS) have been reported, and few predictors have been suggested. Because CAS is being performed with increasing frequency, more data are needed to evaluate the rate and predictors of restenosis and possibly identify new risk factors for restenosis after CAS. The aim of this study was to analyze the rate and predictors of restenosis after CAS.

Methods

241 patients with carotid artery stenosis treated with stenting were analyzed retrospectively to identify patients who had restenosis after stenting. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted to determine the predictors of restenosis.

Results

Mean patient age was 67.5 years. 8.3% of patients who underwent CAS had carotid restenosis of ≥50% during follow-up. 3.7% of patients required retreatment. Mean duration from CAS to retreatment was 11 months. In multivariate analysis, the predictors of restenosis included history of cardiovascular disease (OR=8.88, p<0.001) and having a cerebrovascular accident (CVA) prior to stenting (OR=1.87, p=0.034). A higher percentage of preoperative carotid stenosis was associated with higher odds of restenosis in univariate analysis (p=0.04, OR stenosis ≥80%=5.7).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the rate of carotid restenosis after stenting is low. Patients with cardiovascular disease, patients who had a CVA prior to stenting, and patients with higher percentages of preoperative stenosis had higher odds of restenosis. Higher rates of restenosis should be kept in mind when opting for CAS in these patients.
SOME CONCEPTUAL AND METHODOLOGICAL ISSUES ON HAPPINESS: LESSONS FROM EVOLUTIONARY BIOLOGY
Authors: NG YEW-KWANG
Published: September 2015

Despite recent intense interest, happiness studies have been impeded by some conceptual and methodological problems, including viewing happiness (well-being/welfare) as different over different persons, as relative, multi-dimensional, non-cardinally measurable, interpersonally non-comparable and using non-cardinal and interpersonally non-comparable methods of happiness measurement. Using the evolutionary biology of happiness, this paper argues that happiness is absolute, universal, and uni-dimensional and is also cardinally measurable and interpersonally comparable. This is needed to make choices motivated by reward (pleasure) and punishment (pain) consistent with fitness maximization. However, happiness indices obtained by virtually all existing methods of happiness measurement are largely non-cardinal and non-comparable, making the use of averaging in group happiness indices of dubious philosophical validity. A method of measuring happiness to give cardinal and interpersonally comparable indices is discussed. These may contribute towards the more scientific study of happiness that is based on sounder methodological grounds as well as yielding more useful results.
MOTIVATING FACTORS OF REMITTANCES INFLOWS INTO DEVELOPING ASIAN ECONOMIES
Authors: MALLICK HRUSHIKESH , MAHALIK MANTU KUMAR
Published: September 2015

Considering 11 major Asian migrant sending countries during 1975–2012, the study explores the factors that motivate migrants to remit their earnings to home countries. Using panel regressions, it finds that it is primarily the growth rate and interest rate differentials between the home and host, the household consumption and financial sector development at home along with per capita income of host countries which lead to remittances inflows. It concludes that it is not only the altruistic (or consumption) and higher interest income motives; but also the patriotic motives reflected from significant impact of past remittances, are crucial factors of such flows.
EXTENT AND GROWTH EFFECTS OF INFORMALITY IN TURKEY: EVIDENCE FROM A FIRM-LEVEL SURVEY
Authors: CANTEKIN KEREM , ELGIN CEYHUN
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we provide a measure for both the prevalence and growth effects of informality in Turkey using firm-level data from the Turkish Economy. The survey is conducted in April–May 2013 covering 1000 representative firms interviewing owners/head managers of the firms. Based on the information given by these owners and managers, the survey makes a complete characterization of several firm characteristics, provides complete information on the extent of informality as well as its effects on various economic outcomes of these firms. The cross-sectional econometric analysis we conduct using the survey data shows that there is an inverted-U relationship between a specific measure of informality and growth expectations of firms. These results shed light on our understanding of the specific channels through which informality affects firms’ growth not only in Turkey but in other emerging markets as well.
UNEMPLOYMENT DYNAMICS IN THE ASIA-PACIFIC REGION: A PRELIMINARY INVESTIGATION
Authors: FURUOKA FUMITAKA
Published: September 2015

This study empirically examined unemployment dynamics in 12 countries in the Asia-Pacific region, namely, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Australia and New Zealand. It used quarterly data on the unemployment rates from the first quarter of 1980 to the first quarter of 2013. This paper employed three different econometric methods, including the recently-developed powerful unit root test with structural break (Lee and Strazicich, 2003, 2004) and the nonlinear unit root test (Enders and Lee, 2012). The findings indicated that the unemployment rates in five countries of the region, namely, China, Taiwan, South Korea, the Philippines and Thailand, had highly dynamic labor markets in which higher-than-normal unemployment rates would revert to the normal level. The other seven Asia-Pacific countries had less dynamic labor markets. The findings of this study have some important policy implications.
SAVING–INVESTMENT DYNAMICS AND CAPITAL MOBILITY IN THE NEWLY INDUSTRIALIZED COUNTRIES
Authors: BEHERA SMRUTI RANJAN
Published: September 2015

This paper examines the dynamics of saving–investment (S–I) relationship in a group of 10 newly industrialized countries (NICs) over the period from 1970 to 2010 using a panel error correction model. By applying the Pedroni and Westerlund cointegration tests, we find that the saving and investment are cointegrated. We apply the fully modified OLS and dynamic OLS to a set of panel error correction models to estimate the short-and long-run relationship between S–I rates and interest rate differentials. We find that the degree of capital mobility is higher when the NICs are more open to their capital control policies after 1980s.
Enhancement of critical current of SiC and malic acid codoped MgB2∕Fe wires
Authors: Li W. X. , Chen R. H. , Xu X. , Hu Y. M. , Zhu M. Y. , Li Y. , Dou S. X.
Published: September 2015

The influences of microstructure, connectivity, and disorder on the critical current density, [Formula: see text], are discussed to clarify the different mechanisms of [Formula: see text] in different magnetic field ranges for in situ and combined in situ/ex situ [Formula: see text] wires with nano SiC and malic acid codoping. Sintering temperature plays a very important role in the electromagnetic properties at different temperatures and under various magnetic fields. Connectivity, upper critical field, [Formula: see text], and irreversibility field, [Formula: see text], are studied to demonstrate the mechanism of [Formula: see text] dependence on magnetic field. The combined in situ/ex situ process is proved to be a promising technique for fabrication of practical [Formula: see text] wires.
Magnetic ordering and electronic structure of the ternary iron arsenide BaFe2As2
Authors: El-Kelma R. Zine , Beldi L. , El Haj Hassan F. , Murtaza G. , Khenata R. , Abu-Jafar M. S. , Omran S. Bin , Bouhafs B.
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we report structural parameters, magnetic ordering and the electronic structure of the tetragonal and orthorhombic ternary iron arsenide compound [Formula: see text]. Ab initio calculations are performed by the means of full-potential linearized augmented plane waves plus local orbitals method for both spin states. The local spin density plus Hubbard potential ([Formula: see text]) and generalized gradient plus Hubbard potential ([Formula: see text]) approximations are used to treat the exchange and correlation potentials. The results mainly show that orthorhombic [Formula: see text] compound has an antiferromagnetic spin ordering. Both spin-up and spin-down polarizations are considered to investigate the band structure, density of states and electron charge density. High density of states population at the Fermi level reveals metallic character of this material. The magnetism property arises essentially from the [Formula: see text] orbital of iron atom.
Qualitative Analysis of a Predator–Prey Model with Crowley–Martin Functional Response
Authors: Dong Yaying , Zhang Shunli , Li Shanbing , Li Yanling
Published: September 2015

In this paper, we are concerned with positive solutions of a predator–prey model with Crowley–Martin functional response under homogeneous Dirichlet boundary conditions. First, we prove the existence and reveal the structure of the positive solutions by using bifurcation theory. Then, we investigate the uniqueness and stability of the positive solutions for a large key parameter. In addition, we derive some sufficient conditions for the uniqueness of the positive solutions by using some specific inequalities. Moreover, we discuss the extinction and persistence results of time-dependent positive solutions to the system. Finally, we present some numerical simulations to supplement the analytic results in one dimension.
Control and Synchronization of Julia Sets in the Forced Brusselator Model
Authors: Sun Weihua , Zhang Yongping
Published: September 2015

The forced Brusselator model is investigated from the fractal viewpoint. A Julia set of the discrete version of the Brusselator model is introduced and control of the Julia set is presented by using feedback control. In order to discuss the relations of two different Julia sets, a coupled item is designed to realize the synchronization of two Julia sets with different parameters, which provides a method to discuss the relation and the changing of two different Julia sets, one Julia set can be changed to be the other. Numerical simulations are used to verify the effectiveness of these methods.
Accurate Approximation of Homoclinic Solutions in Gray–Scott Kinetic Model
Authors: Kuznetsov Yu. A. , Meijer H. G. E. , Al-Hdaibat B. , Govaerts W.
Published: September 2015

The second-order predictor for the homoclinic orbit is applied to the Gray–Scott model. The problem is used to illustrate the approximation of the homoclinic orbits near a generic Bogdanov–Takens bifurcation in n-dimensional systems of differential equations. In the process, we show that it is necessary to take (usually ignored) cubic terms in the Bogdanov–Takens normal form into account to derive a correct second-order prediction for the homoclinic bifurcation curve. The analytic solutions are compared with those obtained by numerical continuation.
Computational Methods for Simulating Some Typical Problems in Computational Geosciences
Authors: Zhao Chongbin
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of this paper is to present computational methods for simulating some typical problems in the emerging computational geoscience field. Due to remarkable differences between engineering systems and Earth ones, existing computational methods, which are designed for solving engineering problems, cannot be directly used to solve geoscience problems without any modification. However, the fundamental philosophy of developing computational methods is applicable to the computational simulation of both geoscience and engineering problems. Because of their inherent approximation, computational methods must be verified before putting into application. After several computational methods and algorithms, which are developed for simulating some typical problems in the emerging computational geoscience field, are briefly introduced, a typical geoscience problem, known as the chemical dissolution-front instability problem in ore-forming systems of supercritical Zhao numbers, is selected to demonstrate how computational methods can be used to solve geoscience problems.
Superlogic manifolds and geometric approach to quantum logic
Authors: da Costa Newton , Kouneiher Joseph
Published: September 2015

The main purpose of this paper is to present a new approach to logic or what we will call superlogic. This approach constitutes a new way of looking at the connection between quantum mechanics and logic. It is a geometrization of the quantum logic. Note that this superlogic is not distributive reflecting a good propriety to describe quantum mechanics, non-commutative spaces and contains a nilpotent element.
Assessing effective provenance methods for fluvial sediment in the South China Sea
Authors: Clift Peter D.
Published: September 2015

Sediment is delivered by the rivers of SE Asia to the South China Sea where it provides an archive of continental environmental conditions since the Eocene. Interpreting this archive is complicated because sediment may be derived from a number of unique sources and the rivers themselves have experienced headwater capture that also affects their composition. A number of methods exist to constrain provenance, but not all work well in this area. Anthropogenic impacts, most notably agriculture, mean that the modern rivers contain more weathered materials than they did up until about 3000 years ago. The rivers have also changed their bulk chemistry and clay mineralogy in response to climate change, so that these proxies, as well as Sr isotopes, are generally unreliable provenance indicators. Nd isotopes resolve influx from Luzon, but many other sources in SE Asia have similar values and clear resolution of end members can be difficult. Instead, thermochronology methods are best suited, especially apatite fission track, which shows more diversity in the sources than either U–Pb zircon or Ar/Ar muscovite dating. Nonetheless, even fission track is best used as part of a multiproxy approach if a robust quantitative budget is desired.
RhoA enhances store-operated Ca2+entry and intestinal epithelial restitution by interacting with TRPC1 after wounding
Authors: Chung Hee Kyoung , Rathor Navneeta , Wang Shelley R. , Wang Jian-Ying , Rao Jaladanki N.
Published: September 2015

Early mucosal restitution occurs as a consequence of epithelial cell migration to resealing of superficial wounds after injury. Our previous studies show that canonical transient receptor potential-1 (TRPC1) functions as a store-operated Ca2+channel (SOC) in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs) and plays an important role in early epithelial restitution by increasing Ca2+influx. Here we further reported that RhoA, a small GTP-binding protein, interacts with and regulates TRPC1, thus enhancing SOC-mediated Ca2+entry (SOCE) and epithelial restitution after wounding. RhoA physically associated with TRPC1 and formed the RhoA/TRPC1 complexes, and this interaction increased in stable TRPC1-transfected IEC-6 cells (IEC-TRPC1). Inactivation of RhoA by treating IEC-TRPC1 cells with exoenzyme C3transferase (C3) or ectopic expression of dominant negative RhoA (DNMRhoA) reduced RhoA/TRPC1 complexes and inhibited Ca2+influx after store depletion, which was paralleled by an inhibition of cell migration over the wounded area. In contrast, ectopic expression of wild-type (WT)-RhoA increased the levels of RhoA/TRPC1 complexes, induced Ca2+influx through activation of SOCE, and promoted cell migration after wounding. TRPC1 silencing by transfecting stable WT RhoA-transfected cells with siRNA targeting TRPC1 (siTRPC1) reduced SOCE and repressed epithelial restitution. Moreover, ectopic overexpression of WT-RhoA in polyamine-deficient cells rescued the inhibition of Ca2+influx and cell migration induced by polyamine depletion. These findings indicate that RhoA interacts with and activates TRPC1 and thus stimulates rapid epithelial restitution after injury by inducing Ca2+signaling.
Induction of activating transcription factor 3 limits survival following infarct-induced heart failure in mice
Authors: Brooks Alan C. , DeMartino Angelica M. , Brainard Robert E. , Brittian Kenneth R. , Bhatnagar Aruni , Jones Steven P.
Published: September 2015

Numerous fibrotic and inflammatory changes occur in the failing heart. Recent evidence indicates that certain transcription factors, such as activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), are activated during heart failure. Because ATF3 may be upregulated in the failing heart and affect inflammation, we focused on the potential role of ATF3 on postinfarct heart failure. We subjected anesthetized, wild-type mice to nonreperfused myocardial infarction and observed a significant induction in ATF3 expression and nuclear translocation. To test whether the induction of ATF3 affected the severity of heart failure, we subjected wild-type and ATF3-null mice to nonreperfused infarct-induced heart failure. There were no differences in cardiac function between the two genotypes, except at the 2-wk time point; however, ATF3-null mice survived the heart failure protocol at a significantly higher rate than the wild-type mice. Similar to the slight favorable improvements in chamber dimensions at 2 wk, we also observed greater cardiomyocyte hypertrophy and more fibrosis in the noninfarcted regions of the ATF3-null hearts compared with the wild-type. Nevertheless, there were no significant group differences at 4 wk. Furthermore, we found no significant differences in markers of inflammation between the wild-type and ATF3-null hearts. Our data suggest that ATF3 suppresses fibrosis early but not late during infarct-induced heart failure. Although ATF3 deficiency was associated with more fibrosis, this did not occur at the expense of survival, which was higher in the ATF3-null mice. Overall, ATF3 may serve a largely maladaptive role during heart failure.
A porcine model of hypertensive cardiomyopathy: implications for heart failure with preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Schwarzl Michael , Hamdani Nazha , Seiler Sebastian , Alogna Alessio , Manninger Martin , Reilly Svetlana , Zirngast Birgit , Kirsch Alexander , Steendijk Paul , Verderber Jochen , Zweiker David , Eller Philipp , Höfler Gerald , Schauer Silvia , Eller Kathrin , Maechler Heinrich , Pieske Burkert M. , Linke Wolfgang A. , Casadei Barbara , Post Heiner
Published: September 2015

Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFPEF) evolves with the accumulation of risk factors. Relevant animal models to identify potential therapeutic targets and to test novel therapies for HFPEF are missing. We induced hypertension and hyperlipidemia in landrace pigs ( n = 8) by deoxycorticosteroneacetate (DOCA, 100 mg/kg, 90-day-release subcutaneous depot) and a Western diet (WD) containing high amounts of salt, fat, cholesterol, and sugar for 12 wk. Compared with weight-matched controls ( n = 8), DOCA/WD-treated pigs showed left ventricular (LV) concentric hypertrophy and left atrial dilatation in the absence of significant changes in LV ejection fraction or symptoms of heart failure at rest. The LV end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship was markedly shifted leftward. During simultaneous right atrial pacing and dobutamine infusion, cardiac output reserve and LV peak inflow velocities were lower in DOCA/WD-treated pigs at higher LV end-diastolic pressures. In LV biopsies, we observed myocyte hypertrophy, a shift toward the stiffer titin isoform N2B, and reduced total titin phosphorylation. LV superoxide production was increased, in part attributable to nitric oxide synthase (NOS) uncoupling, whereas AKT and NOS isoform expression and phosphorylation were unchanged. In conclusion, we developed a large-animal model in which loss of LV capacitance was associated with a titin isoform shift and dysfunctional NOS, in the presence of preserved LV ejection fraction. Our findings identify potential targets for the treatment of HFPEF in a relevant large-animal model.