bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Is Community Management an Efficient and Effective Model of Public Service Delivery? Lessons from the Rural Water Supply Sector in Malawi
Authors: Chowns Ellie 
Published: December 2015

SummaryReform of the rural water supply sector occurred widely in the 1990s, when many low‐income countries replaced state‐led service provision with decentralized community management in the hope of generating improved technical and financial performance. This article asks whether these expected benefits have materialized in practice, and whether community management has strengthened institutional capacity at local, district and national level. Findings from a mixed‐methods study in four districts of Malawi show that both technical and financial performance under community management is weak. Maintenance is rarely done, repairs are slow and sub‐standard, and user committees are unable to collect and save funds: Average savings are just 2% of expected levels. Despite these failures, community management has ‘worked’ for the state (and donors) as a means of offloading responsibility for public service provision. The article suggests elements of an alternative framework for rural water supply that would tackle the technical and financial failures of community management, and notes that efforts to promote ‘local ownership’ in development must be undertaken with care. © 2015 The Authors. Public Administration and Development published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Doing Complex Reform Through PDIA: Judicial Sector Change in Mozambique
Authors: Andrews Matt 
Published: December 2015

SummaryMany public sector reforms change governmental forms without improving functionality. Recent work suggests this is because countries adopt mechanisms that do not fit their contexts, without an effective adaptation strategy. The work posits that reforms could be more effective if they were introduced through more adaptive processes, like problem‐driven iterative adaptation (PDIA). This approach has deep roots in various literatures but many observers still ask how it actually works in practice. This paper responds to such question by describing an action research study where PDIA was used to facilitate process reform in Mozambique's judicial sector. It shows how the approach (i) revealed contextual factors that often limit reform success and (ii) fostered adaptive progress around these factors, towards a functional solution. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Placental endoplasmic reticulum stress negatively regulates transcription of placental growth factor via ATF4 and ATF6β: implications for the pathophysiology of human pregnancy complications
Authors: Mizuuchi Masahito , Cindrova‐Davies Tereza , Olovsson Matts , Charnock‐Jones D Stephen , Burton Graham J , Yung Hong Wa 
Published: December 2015

AbstractLow maternal circulating concentrations of placental growth factor (PlGF) are one of the hallmarks of human pregnancy complications, including fetal growth restriction (FGR) and early‐onset pre‐eclampsia (PE). Currently, PlGF is used clinically with other biomarkers to screen for high‐risk cases, although the mechanisms underlying its regulation are largely unknown. Placental endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress has recently been found to be elevated in cases of FGR, and to an even greater extent in early‐onset PE complicated with FGR. ER stress activates the unfolded protein response (UPR); attenuation of protein translation and a reduction in cell growth and proliferation play crucial roles in the pathophysiology of these complications of pregnancy. In this study, we further identified that ER stress regulates release of PlGF. We first observed that down‐regulation of PlGF protein was associated with nuclear localization of ATF4, ATF6α and ATF6β in the syncytiotrophoblast of placentae from PE patients. Transcript analysis showed a decrease of PlGF mRNA, and an increase from genes encoding those UPR transcription factors in placentae from cases of early‐onset PE, but not of late‐onset (>34 weeks) PE, compared to term controls. Further investigations indicated a strong correlation between ATF4 and PlGF mRNA levels only (r = − 0.73, p < 0.05). These results could be recapitulated in trophoblast‐like cells exposed to chemical inducers of ER stress or hypoxia–reoxygenation. The stability of PlGF transcripts was unchanged. The use of small interfering RNA specific for transcription factors in the UPR pathways revealed that ATF4 and ATF6β, but not ATF6α, modulate PlGF transcription. To conclude, ATF4 and ATF6β act synergistically in the negative regulation of PlGF mRNA expression, resulting in reduced PlGF secretion by the trophoblast in response to stress. Therefore, these results further support the targeting of placental ER stress as a potential new therapeutic intervention for these pregnancy complications. © 2015 The Authors. Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Artificial domain duplication replicates evolutionary history of ketol‐acid reductoisomerases
Authors: Cahn Jackson K.B. , Brinkmann‐Chen Sabine , Buller Andrew R. , Arnold Frances H. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractThe duplication of protein structural domains has been proposed as a common mechanism for the generation of new protein folds. A particularly interesting case is the class II ketol‐acid reductoisomerase (KARI), which putatively arose from an ancestral class I KARI by duplication of the C‐terminal domain and corresponding loss of obligate dimerization. As a result, the class II enzymes acquired a deeply embedded figure‐of‐eight knot. To test this evolutionary hypothesis we constructed a novel class II KARI by duplicating the C‐terminal domain of a hyperthermostable class I KARI. The new protein is monomeric, as confirmed by gel filtration and X‐ray crystallography, and has the deeply knotted class II KARI fold. Surprisingly, its catalytic activity is nearly unchanged from the parent KARI. This provides strong evidence in support of domain duplication as the mechanism for the evolution of the class II KARI fold and demonstrates the ability of domain duplication to generate topological novelty in a function‐neutral manner.
Chimeric human mitochondrial PheRS exhibits editing activity to discriminate nonprotein amino acids
Authors: Kartvelishvili Ekaterine , Peretz Moshe , Tworowski Dmitry , Moor Nina , Safro Mark 
Published: December 2015

AbstractMitochondria are considered as the primary source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in nearly all eukaryotic cells during respiration. The harmful effects of these compounds range from direct neurotoxicity to incorporation into proteins producing aberrant molecules with multiple physiological problems. Phenylalanine exposure to ROS produces multiple oxidized isomers: tyrosine, Levodopa, ortho‐Tyr, meta‐Tyr (m‐Tyr), and so on. Cytosolic phenylalanyl‐tRNA synthetase (PheRS) exerts control over the translation accuracy, hydrolyzing misacylated products, while monomeric mitochondrial PheRS lacks the editing activity. Recently we showed that “teamwork” of cytosolic and mitochondrial PheRSs cannot prevent incorporation of m‐Tyr and l‐Dopa into proteins. Here, we present human mitochondrial chimeric PheRS with implanted editing module taken from EcPheRS. The monomeric mitochondrial chimera possesses editing activity, while in bacterial and cytosolic PheRSs this type of activity was detected for the (αβ)2 architecture only. The fusion protein catalyzes aminoacylation of tRNAPhe with cognate phenylalanine and effectively hydrolyzes the noncognate aminoacyl‐tRNAs: Tyr‐tRNAPhe and m‐Tyr‐tRNAPhe.
Luminescent activity of two‐level molecule with population inversion
Authors: Hata Ryosuke , Ajiki Hiroshi , Yokoshi Nobuhiko , Ishihara Hajime 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA novel technique for up‐converted luminescence generation from a two‐level molecule via population inversion is studied using the quantum toy model; this model is used to represent a coupled‐molecule and metallic nano‐antenna system sustaining a localized surface plasmon polariton (LSPP). The metallic nano‐antenna is assumed to have anharmonicity, reflecting experimentally observed results. The system is driven by a strong, offresonant, and Gaussian pulse laser so that the LSPP exhibits a Mollow triplet spectrum. When the two‐level molecular resonance is tuned to the upper Mollow triplet sideband, the molecular‐level population is inverted. We discuss the population dynamics, the Purcell effect, and the up‐converted luminescence activity of the two‐level molecule. These results indicate the potential applications of the present system in novel coherent light sources. (© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
High transmission nanowire contact arrays with subwavelength spacing
Authors: Román Etor San , Vitrey Alan , Buencuerpo Jerónimo , Fernández Iván , Prieto Iván , Alén Benito , García‐Martín Antonio , Llorens José M. , Brueck S. R. J. , Ripalda José M. 
Published: December 2015

We demonstrate high optical transmission in solar cell contacts based on nanowire arrays with subwavelength spacing. The photocurrent results obtained from fabricated devices are compared with numerical simulations. The proposed contact design leads to optical losses significantly smaller than the fraction of the top surface taken up by the metallic contact (<10% vs. 36%). The resulting sheet resistance of the contact is 46.7 Ω/square, comparing favourably with transparent conductive oxides.
magnified imageNormalized electric field magnitude at λ = 887 nm, polarization perpendicular to the nanowires. The black contours indicate the position of the nanowires and the GaAs surface. The reflected wave‐front is undisturbed by the subwavelength array (period = 250 nm), but the transmitted light is strongly scattered in a Talbot effect pattern.(© 2016 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH &Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Suggested spontaneous resolution of possible paediatric hydrosalpinx: a case report with discussion
Authors: Kazmi Zainab , Gupta Sujata , Dobson Michael 
Published: December 2015

AbstractHydrosalpinx is a rare cause of abdominal pain in paediatric patients, though cases are documented in the literature. Its aetiology differs considerably from traditional hydrosalpinx due to ascending sexually transmitted infection. Hydrosalpinx can resent mimicking an acute abdomen or can be asymptomatic. Management of paediatric hydrosalpinx varies but often involves surgical removal of the affected tube. A 12-year-old girl presented with left-sided acute abdominal pain setting within 24 h. Initial ultrasound scan suggested presence of hydrosalpinx. Post-discharge follow-up appointment with a consultant paediatric gynaecologist demonstrated no symptomology, but repeated scan by another sonographer showed continued presence of possible hydrosalpinx, which had since grown. Later, MRI was performed to confirm site of the lesion. However, MRI revealed no tubal masses, suggesting spontaneously resolved hydrosalpinx. Consultant-administered ultrasound scan confirm no tubal abnormalities. Our case suggests spontaneous resolution in possible paediatric hydrosalpinx. Our recommendation is for conservative management of asymptomatic paediatric and adolescent hydrosalpinges, with emergency surgery offered if symptoms indicative of tubal or adnexal torsion.
Enzymatic Modification of Anhydrous Milkfat with n‐3 and n‐6 Fatty Acids for Potential Use in Infant Formula: Comparison of Methods
Authors: Sproston Molly J. , Akoh Casimir C. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractA structured lipid (SL) with a high amount of sn‐2 palmitic acid was synthesized from anhydrous milkfat and was then enriched with docosahexaenoic (DHA) and arachidonic (ARA) acids using an immobilized lipase. Three different methods were compared including physical blending, enzymatic interesterification, and enzymatic acidolysis. Products were compared with respect to differences in fatty acid profiles, reaction times, antioxidant contents, oxidative stability, melting and crystallization profiles, and reaction yields. The acidolysis method was the least suitable for the synthesis of desired product because of a low reaction yield, low incorporation of DHA, low oxidative stability, and the extra processing steps required. The physical blending and interesterification methods were suitable, but the interesterification product (IE‐SL) had higher amounts of ARA at the sn‐2 position. The IE‐SL contained total ARA and DHA of 0.63 and 0.50 mol%, and 0.55 and 0.46 mol% at the sn‐2 position, respectively. The IE‐SL also contained 44.97 mol% sn‐2 palmitic acid. The reaction yield for the IE‐SL was 91.84 %, and its melting completion and crystallization onset temperatures were 43.1 and 27.1 °C, respectively. This SL might be totally or partially used in commercial fat blends for infant formula.
Influence of host diet and phylogeny on parasite sharing by fish in a diverse tropical floodplain
Authors: LIMA L. B. , BELLAY S. , GIACOMINI H. C. , ISAAC A. , LIMA-JUNIOR D. P. 
Published: December 2015

SUMMARYThe patterns of parasite sharing among hosts have important implications for ecosystem structure and functioning, and are influenced by several ecological and evolutionary factors associated with both hosts and parasites. Here we evaluated the influence of fish diet and phylogenetic relatedness on the pattern of infection by parasites with contrasting life history strategies in a freshwater ecosystem of key ecological importance in South America. The studied network of interactions included 52 fish species, which consumed 58 food types and were infected with 303 parasite taxa. Our results show that both diet and evolutionary history of hosts significantly explained parasite sharing; phylogenetically close fish species and/or species sharing food types tend to share more parasites. However, the effect of diet was observed only for endoparasites in contrast to ectoparasites. These results are consistent with the different life history strategies and selective pressures imposed on these groups: endoparasites are in general acquired via ingestion by their intermediate hosts, whereas ectoparasites actively seek and attach to the gills, body surface or nostrils of its sole host, thus not depending directly on its feeding habits.
Effect of dc-magnetic field on the growth rate of Raman backscattering of X-mode laser in magnetized collisional plasma
Authors: Paknezhad Alireza 
Published: December 2015

AbstractStimulated Raman backward scattering of an X-mode laser beam propagating in a homogenous plasma is studied in the presence of a transverse magnetic field. As the laser propagates in its X-mode in plasma, it decays into an upper hybrid wave and a down-shifted sideband wave. Beating the incident laser with the sideband exerts a nonlinear ponderomotive force acting on plasma electrons driving the excited upper hybrid wave. The incident wave then parametrically couples with the upper hybrid wave to drive the sideband. Using the fluid model and nonlinear current density, the nonlinear ponderomotive force is obtained to find the dispersion relation of the scattered sideband wave and the growth rate of the instability in the weakly relativistic regime. It is shown that the growth rate decreases and the cut-off points in the normalized wave number of the upper-hybrid wave become smaller by increasing the static magnetic field.
INTERACTION BETWEEN OBJECTIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES AND SUBJECTIVE USER PERCEPTIONS IN THE EVALUATION OF MEDICAL DEVICES: A CASE STUDY
Authors: Haydock Matthew D. , Mittal Anubhav , Wilkes Carissa F. , Lim David H. , Broadbent Elizabeth , Windsor John A. 
Published: December 2015

Objectives: Medical technology is a large and expanding industry. Introducing new medical devices is important but several challenges exist in implementing the optimal method of evaluation. Both objective and subjective measures can be used for evaluation. The former is the mainstay of evaluation, yet subjective assessment is often the basis for the introduction of new medical technology. The aim of this study was to determine the interaction and concordance between objective and subjective assessment of new medical technology.Methods: This study used both objective performance measures and subjective user perceptions in the evaluation of a new medical device designed to improve the accuracy of gravity-assisted delivery of intravenous fluids, compared with the current, widely used “roller-clamp” device. The concordance of objective and subjective assessments was evaluated using comparative analysis.Results: Objective assessment of the accuracy of intravenous fluid delivery revealed no difference between the two devices (p = .636). Subjective assessment revealed that the new device was perceived to be significantly more accurate (p = .001). This lack of concordance can be partially explained by both device and demand characteristics.Conclusions: This case study reveals a significant discordance between the objective and subjective assessments. It provides some explanation for why new medical devices are adopted without objective evidence of benefit. This phenomenon has been termed “persuasive design” and its influence should be controlled for in the evaluation, purchase and introduction of new medical devices. This should help reduce the risk and associated cost of premature introduction.
Predictors of change in depressive symptoms from preschool to first grade
Authors: Reinfjell Trude , Kårstad Silja Berg , Berg-Nielsen Turid Suzanne , Luby Joan L. , Wichstrøm Lars 
Published: December 2015

AbstractChildren's depressive symptoms in the transition from preschool to school are rarely investigated. We therefore tested whether children's temperament (effortful control and negative affect), social skills, child psychopathology, environmental stressors (life events), parental accuracy of predicting their child's emotion understanding (parental accuracy), parental emotional availability, and parental depression predict changes in depressive symptoms from preschool to first grade. Parents of a community sample of 995 4-year-olds were interviewed using the Preschool Age Psychiatric Assessment. The children and parents were reassessed when the children started first grade (n= 795). The results showed that DSM-5 defined depressive symptoms increased. Child temperamental negative affect and parental depression predicted increased, whereas social skills predicted decreased, depressive symptoms. However, such social skills were only protective among children with low and medium effortful control. Further, high parental accuracy proved protective among children with low effortful control and high negative affect. Thus, interventions that treat parental depression may be important for young children. Children with low effortful control and high negative affect may especially benefit from having parents who accurately perceive their emotional understanding. Efforts to enhance social skills may prove particularly important for children with low or medium effortful control.
The cognitive developmental profile associated with fragile X syndrome: A longitudinal investigation of cognitive strengths and weaknesses through childhood and adolescence
Authors: Quintin Eve-Marie , Jo Booil , Hall Scott S. , Bruno Jennifer L. , Chromik Lindsay C. , Raman Mira M. , Lightbody Amy A. , Martin Arianna , Reiss Allan L. 
Published: December 2015

AbstractFew studies have investigated developmental strengths and weaknesses within the cognitive profile of children and adolescents with fragile X syndrome (FXS), a single-gene cause of inherited intellectual impairment. With a prospective longitudinal design and using normalized raw scores (Zscores) to circumvent floor effects, we measured cognitive functioning of 184 children and adolescents with FXS (ages 6 to 16) using the Wechsler Scale of Intelligence for Children on one to three occasions for each participant. Participants with FXS received lower raw scores relative to the Wechsler Scale of Intelligence for Children normative sample across the developmental period. Verbal comprehension, perceptual organization, and processing speedZscores were marked by a widening gap from the normative sample, while freedom from distractibilityZscores showed a narrowing gap. Key findings include a relative strength for verbal skills in comparison with visuospatial–constructive skills arising in adolescence and a discrepancy between working memory (weakness) and processing speed (strength) in childhood that diminishes in adolescence. Results suggest that the cognitive profile associated with FXS develops dynamically from childhood to adolescence. Findings are discussed within the context of aberrant brain morphology in childhood and maturation in adolescence. We argue that assessing disorder-specific cognitive developmental profiles will benefit future disorder-specific treatment research.
The fate of proteins in outer space
Authors: Seddon Gavin M. , Bywater Robert Paul 
Published: December 2015

AbstractIt is well established that any properly conducted biophysical studies of proteins must take appropriate account of solvent. For water-soluble proteins it has been an article of faith that water is largely responsible for stabilizing the fold, a notion that has recently come under increasing scrutiny. Further, there are some instances when proteins are studied experimentally in the absence of solvent, as in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization or electrospray mass spectrometry, for example, or in organic solvents for protein engineering purposes. Apart from these considerations, there is considerable speculation as to whether there is life on planets other than Earth, where conditions including the presence of water (both in liquid or vapour form and indeed ice), temperature and pressure may be vastly different from those prevailing on Earth. Mars, for example, has only 0.6% of Earth's mean atmospheric pressure which presents profound problems to protein structures, as this paper and a large corpus of experimental work demonstrate. Similar objections will most likely apply in the case of most exoplanets and other bodies such as comets whose chemistry and climate are still largely unknown.This poses the question, how do proteins survive in these different environments? In order to cast some light on these issues we have conducted a series of molecular dynamics simulations on protein dehydration under a variety of conditions. We find that, while proteins undergoing dehydration can retain their integrity for a short duration they ultimately become disordered, and we further show that the disordering can be retarded if superficial water is kept in place on the surface. These findings are compared with other published results on protein solvation in an astrobiological and astrochemical setting. Inter alia, our results suggest that there are limits as to what to expect in terms of the existence of possible extraterrestrial forms as well to what can be achieved in experimental investigations on living systems despatched from Earth. This finding may appear to undermine currently held hopes that life will be found on nearby planets, but it is important to be aware that the presence of ice and water are by themselves not sufficient; there has to be an atmosphere which includes water vapour at a sufficiently high partial pressure for proteins to be active. A possible scenario in which there has been a history of adequate water vapour pressure which allowed organisms to prepare for a future desiccated state by forming suitable protective capsules cannot of course be ruled out.