bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Explaining Terrorism: Leadership Deficits and Militant Group Tactics
Authors: Abrahms Max , Potter Philip B.K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractCertain types of militant groups—those suffering from leadership deficits—are more likely to attack civilians. Their leadership deficits exacerbate the principal-agent problem between leaders and foot soldiers, who have stronger incentives to harm civilians. We establish the validity of this proposition with a tripartite research strategy that balances generalizability and identification. First, we demonstrate in a sample of militant organizations operating in the Middle East and North Africa that those lacking centralized leadership are prone to targeting civilians. Second, we show that when the leaderships of militant groups are degraded from drone strikes in the Afghanistan-Pakistan tribal regions, the selectivity of organizational violence plummets. Third, we elucidate the mechanism with a detailed case study of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a Palestinian group that turned to terrorism during the Second Intifada because pressure on leadership allowed low-level members to act on their preexisting incentives to attack civilians. These findings indicate that a lack of principal control is an important, underappreciated cause of militant group violence against civilians.
A world key to species of the genus Bactrospora (Roccellaceae) with a new species from Brazil
Authors: Sobreira Priscylla Nayara Bezerra , Aptroot André , Cáceres Marcela Eugenia da Silva 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe new corticolous lichen species Bactrospora angularis is described from Brazil. It has apothecia that are usually irregular in outline and transversely (19–)28–35-septate, filiform ascospores (85–)120–150 × 5–7 μm with some constrictions. A revised world key is given to all currently known species of Bactrospora.
A Combinatorial Approach to a Model of Constrained Random Walkers
Authors: ESPINASSE T. , GUILLOTIN-PLANTARD N. , NADEAU P. 
Published: March 2015

In [1], the authors consider a random walk (Zn,1, . . ., Zn,K+1) ∈ ${\mathbb{Z}}$K+1 with the constraint that each coordinate of the walk is at distance one from the following coordinate. A functional central limit theorem for the first coordinate is proved and the limit variance is explicited. In this paper, we study an extended version of this model by conditioning the extremal coordinates to be at some fixed distance at every time. We prove a functional central limit theorem for this random walk. Using combinatorial tools, we give a precise formula of the variance and compare it with that obtained in [1].
Comparative Tissue Stainability of Lawsonia inermis (Henna) and Eosin as Counterstains to Hematoxylin in Brain Tissues
Authors: Alawa Judith N. , Gideon Gbenga O. , Adetiba Bamidele , Alawa Clement B. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe hyposthesized that henna staining could provide an alternative to eosin when used as a counterstain to hematoxylin for understanding basic neurohistological principles. Therefore, this study was aimed at investigating the suitability of henna as counterstain to hematoxylin for the demonstration of the layer stratification and cellular distribution in the brain tissue. Henna stained nervous tissue by reacting with the basic elements in proteins via its amino groups. It stained the neuropil and connective tissue membranes brown and effectively outlined the perikarya of neurons with no visible nuclei demonstrating that it is an acidic dye. Henna as a counterstain to hematoxylin demonstrated reliability as a new neurohistological stain. It facilitated identification of cortical layer stratification and cellular distribution in brain tissue sections from Wistar rats. This was comparable to standard hematoxylin and eosin staining as morphological and morphometrical analyses of stained cells did not show significant differences in size or number. This study presents a method for staining with henna and demonstrates that although henna and eosin belong to different dye groups (anthraquinone and xanthenes, respectively) based on their chromophores, they share similar staining techniques and thus could be used interchangeably in neurohistology.
Analysis of Grayscale Characteristics in Images of Labeled Microtubules from Cultured Cardiac Myocytes
Authors: Dang Yongming , Lan Xiaodong , Zhang Qiong , Li Lingfei , Huang Yuesheng 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMicrotubules of cardiac myocytes depolymerize after a hypoxic insult or treatment with colchicine. However, little attention has been paid to quantifying changes in microtubule distribution when using fluorescent images. We converted fluorescence images of labeled microtubules in H9C2 cardiac myocytes to grayscale images, then filtered the images to remove any noise, and used grayscale histograms to quantify features of the images. The results show that parameters such as the mean, variance, skewness, kurtosis, energy, and entropy can be used to quantitatively describe the distribution of microtubules in cells. Quantitative characteristics of microtubule distribution were similar after culturing cells under hypoxic conditions or after treatment with colchicine. These results parallel those described for neonatal rat cardiac myocytes following ischemia and hypoxia. In addition, we provide a method for internal segmentation of the cells, which revealed that microtubular depolymerization was more evident near the cell membrane following hypoxia or colchicine treatment.
Relatives of patients with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: Their experience of care and support
Authors: Larsson Birgitta Jakobsson , Fröjd Camilla , Nordin Karin , Nygren Ingela 
Published: March 2015

AbstractObjective:The purpose of this study was to describe relatives' experience of patient care and the support they themselves received during the course of disease progression.Method:A total of 15 relatives were included from two neurology clinics in Sweden: 7 wives, 4 husbands, and 4 daughters. Data were collected through qualitative interviews 6 to 12 months after the patient had died. Content analysis was performed to analyze the interviews.Result:The results showed that patient care was experienced as positive and as being based on the patient's needs and desires. Treatment from the staff, support and help, knowledge, availability, and continuity among the team were important reasons for the relations to feel secure. In addition, support for relatives was available, but different factors influenced its use. Most relatives did not think about their own needs but focused on the patient.Significance of Results:It is important that care and support for both patients and relatives be based on individual needs. The staff members responsible for providing this care and support must have knowledge and experience of the disease and its specific care. If they do not belong to an ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis) team, they may require further education and support. The relatives focus on the patient's situation and do not think of their own needs. It is therefore important that health professionals be observant of the relatives and offer them help and support to better manage their situation.
Caracterización de ovinos en el litoral sur del Perú
Authors: Montesinos I.S. , Catachura A. , Sánchez J. , Franco J.L. , Arnhold E. , McManus C. , Fioravanti M.C.S. , Sereno J.R.B. 
Published: March 2015

ResumenEn Perú la ovinocultura es una actividad tradicional para pequeños productores, que generalmente poseen animales criollos, los cuales son ignorados por políticas públicas y la comunidad científica, no estando reconocidos como raza, mostrando baja productividad y sufriendo cruzas con razas exóticas. Este estudio objetivó caracterizar fenotípicamente ovejas criollas y mestizas Hampshire Down, para uso en la conservación y mejoramiento del ovino criollo peruano. El año 2012, en el municipio rural de Ite, litoral sur del Perú, fueron evaluadas 200 ovejas adultas, clasificadas por posible genotipo (criollo o mestizo) y ambiente de crianza (humedales o chacras). Se analizaron medidas morfológicas y morfométricas; elaboraron índices, así como un análisis canónico y discriminante, utilizando el programa estadístico R. Los resultados mostraron ovejas mestizas con mayor aptitud cárnica que las criollas, ambas influenciadas por el ambiente, manejo, y mestizaje que amenazaría la conservación del ovino nativo. La adaptación de los rebaños fue vista en diferentes condiciones, pero algunas características deben mejorarse, requiriendo adecuada orientación técnica y servicios de extensión rural.
Oriented cell division shapes carnivorous pitcher leaves of Sarracenia purpurea
Authors: Fukushima Kenji , Fujita Hironori , Yamaguchi Takahiro , Kawaguchi Masayoshi , Tsukaya Hirokazu , Hasebe Mitsuyasu 
Published: March 2015

AbstractComplex morphology is an evolutionary outcome of phenotypic diversification. In some carnivorous plants, the ancestral planar leaf has been modified to form a pitcher shape. However, how leaf development was altered during evolution remains unknown. Here we show that the pitcher leaves of Sarracenia purpurea develop through cell division patterns of adaxial tissues that are distinct from those in bifacial and peltate leaves, subsequent to standard expression of adaxial and abaxial marker genes. Differences in the orientation of cell divisions in the adaxial domain cause bifacial growth in the distal region and adaxial ridge protrusion in the middle region. These different growth patterns establish pitcher morphology. A computer simulation suggests that the cell division plane is critical for the pitcher morphogenesis. Our results imply that tissue-specific changes in the orientation of cell division underlie the development of a morphologically complex leaf.
The reason why thin-film silicon grows layer by layer in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition
Authors: Kuwahara Takuya , Ito Hiroshi , Kawaguchi Kentaro , Higuchi Yuji , Ozawa Nobuki , Kubo Momoji 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThin-film Si grows layer by layer on Si(001)-(2 × 1):H in plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Here we investigate the reason why this occurs by using quantum chemical molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations. We propose a dangling bond (DB) diffusion model as an alternative to the SiH3 diffusion model, which is in conflict with first-principles calculation results and does not match the experimental evidence. In our model, DBs diffuse rapidly along an upper layer consisting of Si-H3 sites and then migrate from the upper layer to a lower layer consisting of Si-H sites. The subsequently incident SiH3 radical is then adsorbed onto the DB in the lower layer, producing two-dimensional growth. We find that DB diffusion appears analogous to H diffusion and can explain the reason why the layer-by-layer growth occurs.
Abnormal Magnetic Field Effects on Electrogenerated Chemiluminescence
Authors: Pan Haiping , Shen Yan , Wang Hongfeng , He Lei , Hu Bin 
Published: March 2015

AbstractWe report abnormal magnetic field effects on electrogenerated chemiluminescence (MFEECL) based on triplet emission from the Ru(bpy)3Cl2-TPrA electrochemical system: the appearance of MFEECL after magnetic field ceases. In early studies the normal MFEECL have been observed from electrochemical systems during the application of magnetic field. Here, the abnormal MFEECL suggest that the activated charge-transfer [Ru(bpy)33+ … TPrA•] complexes may become magnetized in magnetic field and experience a long magnetic relaxation after removing magnetic field. Our analysis indicates that the magnetic relaxation can gradually increase the density of charge-transfer complexes within reaction region due to decayed magnetic interactions, leading to a positive component in the abnormal MFEECL. On the other hand, the magnetic relaxation facilitates an inverse conversion from triplets to singlets within charge-transfer complexes. The inverse triplet → singlet conversion reduces the density of triplet light-emitting states through charge-transfer complexes and gives rise to a negative component in the abnormal MFEECL. The combination of positive and negative components can essentially lead to a non-monotonic profile in the abnormal MFEECL after ceasing magnetic field. Nevertheless, our experimental studies may reveal un-usual magnetic behaviors with long magnetic relaxation from the activated charge-transfer [Ru(bpy)33+ … TPrA•] complexes in solution at room temperature.
An Unprecedented alteration in mode of action of IsCT resulting its translocation into bacterial cytoplasm and inhibition of macromolecular syntheses
Authors: Tripathi Jitendra K. , Kathuria Manoj , Kumar Amit , Mitra Kalyan , Ghosh Jimut K. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractIsCT, a 13-residue, non-cell-selective antimicrobial peptide is comprised of mostly hydrophobic residues and lesser cationic residues. Assuming that placement of an additional positive charge in the non-polar face of IsCT could reduce its hydrophobic interaction, resulting in its reduction of cytotoxicity, an analog, I9K-IsCT was designed. Two more analogs, namely, E7K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT, were designed to investigate the impact of positive charges in the polar face as well as polar and non-polar faces at a time. These amino acid substitutions resulted in a significant enhancement of therapeutic potential of IsCT. IsCT and E7K-IsCT seem to target bacterial membrane for their anti-bacterial activity. However, I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT inhibited nucleic acid and protein syntheses in tested E. coli without perturbing its membrane. This was further supported by the observation that NBD-IsCT localized onto bacterial membrane while NBD-labeled I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT translocated into bacterial cytoplasm. Interestingly, IsCT and E7K-IsCT were significantly helical while I9K-IsCT and E7K,I9K-IsCT were mostly unstructured with no helix content in presence of mammalian and bacterial membrane-mimetic lipid vesicles. Altogether, the results identify two novel cell-selective analogs of IsCT with new prototype amino acid sequences that can translocate into bacterial cytoplasm without any helical structure and inhibit macromolecular syntheses.
Metagenomic sequencing reveals altered metabolic pathways in the oral microbiota of sailors during a long sea voyage
Authors: Zheng Weiwei , Zhang Ze , Liu Cuihua , Qiao Yuanyuan , Zhou Dianrong , Qu Jia , An Huaijie , Xiong Ming , Zhu Zhiming , Zhao Xiaohang 
Published: March 2015

AbstractSeafaring is a difficult occupation and sailors face higher health risks than individuals on land. Commensal microbiota participates in the host immune system and metabolism, reflecting the host's health condition. However, the interaction mechanisms between the microbiota and the host's health condition remain unclear. This study reports the influence of long sea voyages on human health by utilising a metagenomic analysis of variation in the microbiota of the buccal mucosa. Paired samples collected before and after a sea-voyage were analysed. After more than 120 days of ocean sailing, the oral microbial diversity of sailors was reduced by approximately 5 fold and the levels of several pathogens (e.g., Streptococcus pneumonia) increased. Moreover, 69.46% of the identified microbial sequences were unclassified microbiota. Notably, several metabolic pathways were dramatically decreased, including folate biosynthesis, carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid pathways. Clinical examination of the hosts confirmed the identified metabolic changes, as demonstrated by decreased serum levels of haemoglobin and folic acid, a decreased neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and increased levels of triglycerides, cholesterol and homocysteine, which are consistent with the observed microbial variation. Our study suggests that oral mucosal bacteria may reflect host health conditions and could provide approaches for improving the health of sailors.
Canine helper-dependent vectors production: implications of Cre activity and co-infection on adenovirus propagation
Authors: Fernandes Paulo , Almeida Ana I. , Kremer Eric J. , Alves Paula M. , Coroadinha Ana S. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractThe importance of Cre recombinase to minimize helper vector (HV) contamination during helper-dependent adenovirus vectors (HDVs) production is well documented. However, Cre recombinase, by inducing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), can cause a reduced proliferation and genotoxic effects in cultured cells. In this work, Cre-expressing cell stability, co-infection and their relation to adenovirus amplification/HV contamination were evaluated to develop a production protocol for HD canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) vectors. Long-term Cre expression reduced the capacity of MDCK-E1-Cre cells to produce CAV-2 by 7-fold, although cell growth was maintained. High HDV/HV MOI ratio (5:0.1) led to low HV contamination without compromising HDV yields. Indeed, such MOI ratio was sufficient to reduce HV levels, as these were similar either in MDCK-E1 or MDCK-E1-Cre cells. This raises the possibility of producing HDVs without Cre-expressing cells, which would circumvent the negative effects that this recombinase holds to the production system. Here, we show how Cre and MOI ratio impact adenovirus vectors yields and infectivity, providing key-information to design an improved manufacturing of HDV. Potential mechanisms to explain how Cre is specifically impacting cell productivity without critically compromising its growth are presented.
A Green Solvent Induced DNA Package
Authors: Satpathi Sagar , Sengupta Abhigyan , Hridya V. M. , Gavvala Krishna , Koninti Raj Kumar , Roy Bibhisan , Hazra Partha 
Published: March 2015

AbstractMechanistic details of DNA compaction is essential blue print for gene regulation in living organisms. Many in vitro studies have been implemented using several compaction agents. However, these compacting agents may have some kinds of cytotoxic effects to the cells. To minimize this aspect, several research works had been performed, but people have never focused green solvent, i.e. room temperature ionic liquid as DNA compaction agent. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first ever report where we have shown that guanidinium tris(pentafluoroethyl)trifluorophosphate (Gua-IL) acts as a DNA compacting agent. The compaction ability of Gua-IL has been verified by different spectroscopic techniques, like steady state emission, circular dichroism, dynamic light scattering and UV melting. Notably, we have extensively probed this compaction by Gua-IL through field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM) and fluorescence microscopy images. We also have discussed the plausible compaction mechanism process of DNA by Gua-IL. Our results suggest that Gua-IL forms a micellar kind of self aggregation above a certain concentration (≥1 mM), which instigates this compaction process. This study divulges the specific details of DNA compaction mechanism by a new class of compaction agent, which is highly biodegradable and eco friendly in nature.
Amide-controlled, one-pot synthesis of tri-substituted purines generates structural diversity and analogues with trypanocidal activity
Authors: Pineda de las Infantas y Villatoro Maria J. , Unciti-Broceta Juan D. , Contreras-Montoya Rafael , Garcia-Salcedo Jose A. , Gallo Mezo Miguel A. , Unciti-Broceta Asier , Diaz-Mochon Juan J. 
Published: March 2015

AbstractA novel one-pot synthesis of tri-substituted purines and the discovery of purine analogues with trypanocidal activity are reported. The reaction is initiated by a metal-free oxidative coupling of primary alkoxides and diaminopyrimidines with Schiff base formation and subsequent annulation in the presence of large N,N-dimethylamides (e.g. N,N-dimethylpropanamide or larger). This synthetic route is in competition with a reaction previously-reported by our group1, allowing the generation of a combinatorial library of tri-substituted purines by the simple modification of the amide and the alkoxide employed. Among the variety of structures generated, two purine analogues displayed trypanocidal activity against the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei with IC50 < 5 μM, being each of those compounds obtained through each of the synthetic pathways.
Nr0b1 is a negative regulator of Zscan4c in mouse embryonic stem cells
Authors: Fujii Setsuko , Nishikawa-Torikai Satomi , Futatsugi Yoko , Toyooka Yayoi , Yamane Mariko , Ohtsuka Satoshi , Niwa Hitoshi 
Published: March 2015

AbstractNuclear receptor subfamily 0, group B, member 1 (Nr0b1, also known as Dax1) is regarded as an important component of the transcription factor network that governs pluripotency in mouse embryonic stem (ES) cells. Here we generated inducible knockout ES cells for Nr0b1 using the Cre-loxP system and analyzed its precise function. We succeeded in establishing the Nr0b1-null ES cells and confirmed their pluripotency by showing their contribution to chimeric embryos. However, they proliferated slowly with over-expression of 2-cell stage specific transcripts including Zscan4c, which is known to be involved in telomere elongation in ES cells. We revealed that over-expression of Zscan4c prevents normal self-renewal by inducing arrest at G2 phase followed by cell death and that Nr0b1 directly represses the Zscan4c promoter. These data indicated that Nr0b1 is not essential to maintain pluripotency but is involved in the proper activation of 2-cell specific transcripts for self-renewal.
Cost-Effectiveness of Injectable Extended-Release Naltrexone Compared with Methadone Maintenance and Buprenorphine Maintenance Treatment for Opioid Dependence
Authors: Jackson Heide , Mandell Kara , Johnson Kimberly , Chatterjee Debanjana , Vanness David J. 
Published: March 2015

Background The aim of this study was to estimate the cost-effectiveness of injectable extended-release naltrexone (XR-NTX) compared with methadone maintenance and buprenorphine maintenance treatment (MMT and BMT, respectively) for adult males enrolled in treatment for opioid dependence in the United States from the perspective of state-level addiction treatment payers. Methods A Markov model with daily time cycles was used to estimate the incremental cost per opioid-free day in a simulated cohort of adult males aged 18–65 over a 6-month period from the state health program perspective. Results XR-NTX is predicted to be more effective and more costly than methadone or buprenorphine in our target population, with an incremental cost per opioid-free day gained relative to the next-most effective treatment (MMT) of $72. The cost-effectiveness of XR-NTX relative to MMT was driven by its effectiveness in deterring opioid use while receiving treatment. Conclusions XR-NTX is a cost-effective medication for treating opioid dependence if state addiction treatment payers are willing to pay at least $72 per opioid-free day.