bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Impacts of Immigration on an Ageing Welfare State: An Applied General Equilibrium Model for France
Authors: Chojnicki Xavier , Ragot Lionel 
Published: October 2015

AbstractImmigration is often seen as an instrument of adaptation for ageing countries. In this paper, we evaluate, using a dynamic general equilibrium model, the contribution of migration policy in reducing the tax burden associated with the ageing population in France. Four alternative scenarios, compared with a baseline scenario based on official projections, are simulated with the aim of quantifying the effects of immigration on French social protection finances. We show that the age and, to a lesser extent, the skill structure of immigrants are the key features that mainly determine the effects on social protection finances. Overall, these effects are all the more positive in the short to medium term if the migration policy is selective (in favour of more skilled workers). In the long term, the beneficial effects of a selective policy may disappear. But whatever the degree of selectivity of the migration policy, the financial gains from higher consequent migration flows are relatively moderate compared with the demographic changes implied by ageing.
Diffusion Across M/Pb(Zr,Ti)O3 Interfaces (M=Pt3Pb or Pt) Under Different System Conditions
Authors: Lin Fang‐Yin , Chernatynskiy Aleksandr , Nikkel Jason , Bulanadi Ralph , Jones Jacob L. , Nino Juan C. , Sinnott Susan B. 
Published: October 2015

Interfaces between functional ceramics, such as Pb(Zr0.5Ti0.5)O3 or PZT, and metal electrodes, such as Pt, are important for many devices. Maintaining an interface that is free of secondary phases is necessary for the efficient transfer of electrons and device function. However, there are instances where unstable transient phases form at the interface due to atomic diffusion, such as Pt3Pb. Here, we investigate the migration barriers for the diffusion of Pb across the PZT/Pt and PZT/Pt3Pb interfaces using density functional theory (DFT) and the climbing image nudge elastic band (c‐NEB) method. Our calculation models take into account the influence of atmospheric conditions on Pb diffusion through the preferential stabilization of defects near the interface as a result of changes to the Pb and O chemical potentials. In addition, the PZT structures that are stable above and below the Curie temperature are considered. The migration barriers are predicted to be strongly dependent on atmospheric conditions and the phase of the PZT, tetragonal or cubic. In particular, an inversion of the Pb diffusion direction at the PZT/Pt interface is predicted to take place as the oxygen partial pressure increases. This prediction is confirmed by experimental in situ X‐ray diffraction measurements of a PZT/Pt interface.
Preparation of TiO2‐Coated Mo Powders for High Photocatalytic Property
Authors: Li Delong , Wang Miaosheng , Luo Chengzhi , Pan Chunxu 
Published: October 2015

An approach is introduced for fabricating the TiO2‐coated molybdenum (Mo) powders via hydrothermal method, in which the Mo nanopowders were prepared by the electric explosion of wire method. The microstructure and photocatalytic properties of the samples were characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, high‐resolution transmission electron microscopy, Raman spectroscopy (Raman), low temperature sorption of nitrogen (BET), and diffuse reflectance accessory of UV–Vis spectrophotometer. It was revealed that compared with pure TiO2, the TiO2‐coated Mo powders exhibited an improved photocatalytic activity, and the highest photocatalytic activity was achieved at the 1 wt% optimal mass percentage of the Mo nanopowders. The preparation of TiO2‐coated Mo powders involved a relatively simple, economical, scalable, and also environment‐friendly approach.
High‐Temperature Deformation Mechanisms in Monolithic 3YTZP and 3YTZP Containing Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Castillo‐Rodríguez Miguel , Muñoz Antonio , Domínguez‐Rodríguez Arturo 
Published: October 2015

Monolithic 3YTZP and 3YTZP containing 2.5 vol% of single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNT) were fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) at 1250°C. Microstructural characterization of the as‐fabricated 3YTZP/SWCNTs composite shows a homogeneous CNTs dispersion throughout the ceramic matrix. The specimens have been crept at temperatures between 1100°C and 1200°C in order to investigate the influence of the SWCNTs addition on high‐temperature deformation mechanisms in zirconia. Slightly higher stress exponent values are found for 3YTZP/SWCNTs nanocomposites (n~2.5) compared to monolithic 3YTZP (n~2.0). However, the activation energy in 3YTZP (Q = 715 ± 60 kJ/mol) experiences a reduction of about 25% by the addition of 2.5 vol% of SWCNTs (Q = 540 ± 40 kJ/mol). Scanning electron microscopy studies indicate that there is no microstructural evolution in crept specimens, and Raman spectroscopy measurements show that SWCNTs preserved their integrity during the creep tests. All these results seem to indicate that the high‐temperature deformation mechanism is grain‐boundary sliding (GBS) accommodated by grain‐boundary diffusion, which is influenced by yttrium segregation and the presence of SWCNTs at the grain boundary.
Comparing the effectiveness of peer instruction to individual learning during a chromatography course
Authors: Morice J. , Michinov N. , Delaval M. , Sideridou A. , Ferrières V. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractPeer instruction has been recognized as an instructional method having a positive impact on learning compared to traditional lectures in science. This method has been widely supported by the socio‐constructivist approach to learning giving a positive role to interaction between peers in the construction of knowledge. As far as we know, no study has been conducted from the socio‐cognitive approach which suggests that individuals working alone perform better than those interacting with others in groups. Thus, the aim of the present study was to examine whether peer instruction improves learning when compared with an individual learning method that does not require any interaction with peers. After being randomly divided into either a peer instruction or an individual learning condition in a chromatography course, students had to answer to a series of multiple‐choice questions using clickers at the beginning (pre‐test) and end of (post‐test) the session. Results revealed that the percentage of correct answers increased similarly from the pre‐ to the post‐test in both conditions. Nevertheless, students perceived the peer instruction method as being more satisfying, engaging and useful than the individual learning method. The findings revealed that peer instruction provides subjective benefits, but failed to demonstrate a greater learning gain.
Somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography imaging in Merkel cell carcinoma
Authors: Sollini M. , Taralli S. , Milella M. , Erba P.A. , Rubagotti S. , Fraternali A. , Roncali M. , Moscarella E. , Perotti G. , Rufini V. , Versari A. 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundMerkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is an uncommon aggressive primary cutaneous carcinoma with neuroendocrine differentiation. However, literature data about the use of somatostatin receptor positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) imaging in MCC are limited and its role is not clearly stated.ObjectiveTo investigate the role of PET/CT using somatostatin analogues radiolabelled with gallium‐68 in patients with MCC.MethodsAll patients affected by MCC who performed a somatostatin receptor PET/CT imaging from October 2007 to May 2014 were retrospectively analysed. The diagnostic performances of PET/CT were evaluated on a patient‐based analysis and compared to final diagnosis (histology = 3 or clinical/radiological follow‐up = 20).ResultsWe evaluated 23 consecutive MCC patients [18 men; median age 71 years (range 47–87)]. Primary tumour was located in ear (1/23), cheek (3/23), arm (2/23), hand (1/23), back (1/23), anal canal (1/23), gluteus (4/23), thigh (3/23) and popliteal fossa (1/23). In 6/23 patients, the site of primary tumour was unknown. PET/CT was performed to detect primary tumour site (4/23) or to stage (8/23) or re‐stage (11/23) patients. PET/CT resulted positive in 14/23 patients and according to the final diagnosis was defined true positive, true negative, false positive (FP) and false negative in 11/23, 8/23, 3/23 and 1/23 cases respectively. FP PET/CT results were due to unspecific liver uptake, post‐surgical inflammation and pancreatic neuroendocrine tumour. PET/CT was unable to detect primary tumour site in all patients with unknown primary MCC. Sensitivity, specificity and diagnostic accuracy of PET/CT were 92%, 73% and 83% respectively.ConclusionsIn our experience, somatostatin receptor PET/CT imaging resulted useful in patients with MCC and presented high diagnostic performances with a significant impact in disease management although in patients with unknown primary MCC, it was unable to identify the primary tumour site.
Domestic Yttrium Consumption Trends in Japan
Authors: Seo Yuna , Morimoto Shinichirou 
Published: October 2015

SummaryYttrium tends to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides and exhibits similar chemical properties as rare earth elements. Yttrium sources are typically concentrated in China, and there are concerns about supply security. Yttrium is used in small, but essential, quantities in a variety of advanced industrial sectors, for example, in phosphors, advanced ceramics, optical glasses, and batteries. In terms of resource security, it is important to verify the domestic yttrium consumption trends. In order to characterize the domestic yttrium consumption trends in Japan, we tracked the historical yttrium consumption patterns from 2001 to 2011 by applying the bottom‐up approach and illustrated the recent domestic yttrium flow by using a substance flow analysis. The results showed that the total yttrium consumption has remained steady over 10 years, from 1,124 tonnes (t) in 2001 to 967 t in 2011. Recent consumption in 2011 was driven primarily by the use of yttrium in fluorescent lamps (462 t), nickel metal hydride batteries (185 t), and optic glasses (149 t).
Determination of kainate receptor subunit ratios in mouse brain using novel chimeric protein standards
Authors: Watanabe‐Iida Izumi , Konno Kohtarou , Akashi Kaori , Abe Manabu , Natsume Rie , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakimura Kenji 
Published: October 2015

AbstractKainate‐type glutamate receptors (KARs) are tetrameric channels assembled from GluK1‐5. GluK1‐3 are low‐affinity subunits that form homomeric and heteromeric KARs, while GluK4 and GluK5 are high‐affinity subunits that require co‐assembly with GluK1‐3 for functional expression. Although the subunit composition is thought to be highly heterogeneous in the brain, the distribution of KAR subunits at the protein level and their relative abundance in given regions of the brain remain largely unknown. In the present study, we titrated C‐terminal antibodies to each KAR subunit using chimeric GluA2‐GluK fusion proteins, and measured their relative abundance in the P2 and post‐synaptic density (PSD) fractions of the adult mouse hippocampus and cerebellum. Analytical western blots showed that GluK2 and GluK3 were the major KAR subunits, with additional expression of GluK5 in the hippocampus and cerebellum. In both regions, GluK4 was very low and GluK1 was below the detection threshold. The relative amount of low‐affinity subunits (GluK2 plus GluK3) was several times higher than that of high‐affinity subunits (GluK4 plus GluK5) in both regions. Of note, the highest ratio of high‐affinity subunits to low‐affinity subunits was found in the hippocampal PSD fraction (0.32), suggesting that heteromeric receptors consisting of high‐ and low‐affinity subunits highly accumulate at hippocampal synapses. In comparison, this ratio was decreased to 0.15 in the cerebellar PSD fraction, suggesting that KARs consisting of low‐affinity subunits are more prevalent in the cerebellum. Therefore, low‐affinity KAR subunits are predominant in the brain, with distinct subunit combinations between the hippocampus and cerebellum.
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Kainate receptors, an unconventional member of the iGluR receptor family, have a tetrameric structure assembled from low‐affinity (GluK1‐3) and high‐affinity (GluK4 and GluK5) subunits. We used a simple but novel procedure to measure the relative abundance of both low‐ and high‐affinity subunits. This method revealed that the relative amount of GluK2 plus GluK3 subunits was several times higher than that of GluK4 plus GluK5 subunits, in both the hippocampus and cerebellum.
Direct anti‐inflammatory effects of angiotensin‐(1–7) on microglia
Authors: Liu Meng , Shi Peng , Sumners Colin 
Published: October 2015

AbstractMuch evidence indicates that pro‐inflammatory effects of the renin–angiotensin system within the hypothalamus, including microglial activation and production of pro‐inflammatory cytokines, play a role in chronic neurogenic hypertension. Our objective here was to examine whether angiotensin‐(1–7) [Ang‐(1–7)], a protective component of the renin–angiotensin system, exerts direct actions at microglia to counteract these pro‐inflammatory effects. Mas, the Ang‐(1–7) receptor, was shown to be present on cultured hypothalamic microglia. Treatment of these cells with Ang‐(1–7) (100–1000 nM, 3–12 h) elicited significant decreases in basal levels of mRNAs for the pro‐inflammatory cytokines interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β) and tumor‐necrosis factor α (TNFα) and of the microglia‐macrophage marker CD11b, and increases in basal levels of the anti‐inflammatory cytokine interleukin‐10. Incubation of microglial cultures with (pro)renin (PRO) (10–50 nM; 6 h) elicited significant increases in mRNAs for IL‐1β, TNFα and CD11b. The effects of PRO (10 nM) on IL‐1β and TNFα mRNAs, and TNFα protein, were significantly attenuated by co‐treatment with Ang‐(1–7) (100 nM). Lastly, these actions of Ang‐(1–7) were abolished by the Mas antagonist A‐779, and were associated with reductions in NF‐κB subunit expression. Collectively, these data provide the first evidence that Ang‐(1–7) can exert direct effects at microglia to lower baseline and counteract PRO‐induced increases in pro‐inflammatory cytokines.
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Renin‐Angiotensin system mediated microglial activation and pro‐inflammatory cytokine production within the hypothalamus are components of the chronic neuroinflammation associated with ‘neurogenic’ hypertension. We demonstrated that angiotension‐(1–7) acting via its receptor Mas on hypothalamic microglia lessens baseline and (pro)renin‐induced increases in pro‐inflammatory cytokine production by these cells. This is the first evidence that angiotensin‐(1–7) has direct anti‐inflammatory effects via microglia.
Gingival crevicular fluid interleukin‐8 and lipoxin A4 levels of smokers and nonsmokers with different periodontal status: a cross‐sectional study
Authors: Lütfioğlu M. , Aydoğdu A. , Sakallioğlu E. E. , Alaçam H. , Pamuk F. 
Published: October 2015

Background and ObjectiveSmoking is an important risk factor for periodontal disease and effects the pathogenesis of the disease. This study evaluated the impact of smoking on gingival crevicular fluid interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and lipoxin A4 (LxA4) levels in patients with and without periodontal disease.Material and MethodsA total of 122 participants were grouped as follows: smokers with generalized aggressive periodontitis (S‐GAgP, n = 15); smokers with chronic periodontitis (S‐CP, n = 17); smokers with gingivitis (SG, n = 15); smokers classified as periodontally healthy (SH, n = 15); nonsmokers with generalized aggressive periodontitis (N‐GAgP, n = 15); nonsmokers with chronic periodontitis (N‐CP, n = 15); nonsmokers with gingivitis (NG, n = 15); and nonsmokers classified as periodontally healthy (NH, n = 15). Gingival index, plaque index, probing pocket depth and clinical attachment level were recorded. Gingival crevicular fluid IL‐8 and LxA4 levels were analyzed by ELISA.ResultsGingival crevicular fluid IL‐8 levels varied among groups, as follows: S‐GAgP>S‐CP>SG>SH and N‐GAgP>N‐CP>NG>NH. The gingival crevicular fluid IL‐8 levels were significantly higher in the S‐GAgP group compared with the N‐GAgP group and in the S‐CP group compared with the N‐CP group (p < 0.05); differences between the SG and NG and the SH and NH groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Gingival crevicular fluid LxA4 levels also varied among groups, but in an inverse direction when compared with the IL‐8 levels, as follows: S‐GAgP<S‐CP<SG and N‐GAgP<N‐CP<NG. (The gingival crevicular fluid LxA4 levels in SH and NH groups were below the limits of detection.) The gingival crevicular fluid LxA4 levels were significantly lower in the S‐GAgP group than in the N‐GAgP group and in the S‐CP group than in the N‐CP group (p < 0.05); differences between the SG and NG groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe study findings suggest that the observed increases in gingival crevicular fluid IL‐8 levels and decreases in gingival crevicular fluid LxA4 levels reflect changes in immune and inflammatory responses that occur as a result of smoking.
Functional analysis of three topoisomerases that regulate DNA supercoiling levels in Chlamydia
Authors: Orillard Emilie , Tan Ming 
Published: October 2015

SummaryChlamydia is a medically important bacterium that infects eukaryotic cells. Temporal expression of chlamydial genes during the intracellular infection is proposed to be regulated by changes in DNA supercoiling levels. To understand how chlamydial supercoiling levels are regulated, we purified and analyzed three putative Chlamydia trachomatis topoisomerases. As predicted by sequence homology, CT189/190 are the two subunits of DNA gyrase, whereas CT643 is a topoisomerase I. CT660/661 have been predicted to form a second DNA gyrase, but the reconstitute holoenzyme decatenated and relaxed DNA, indicating that the proteins are subunits of topoisomerase IV. Promoter analysis showed that each topoisomerase is transcribed from its own operon by the major chlamydial RNA polymerase. Surprisingly, all three topoisomerase promoters had higher activity from a more supercoiled DNA template. This supercoiling‐responsivesness is consistent with negative feedback control of topoisomerase I and topoisomerase IV expression, which is typical of other bacteria. However, activation of the chlamydial gyrase promoter by increased supercoiling is unorthodox compared with the relaxation‐induced transcription of gyrase in other bacteria. We present a model in which supercoiling levels during the intracellular chlamydial developmental cycle are regulated by unusual positive feedback control of the gyrase promoter and the temporal expression of three topoisomerases.
Development of disease‐resistant rice by pathogen‐responsive expression of WRKY45
Authors: Goto Shingo , Sasakura‐Shimoda Fuyuko , Yamazaki Muneo , Hayashi Nagao , Suetsugu Mai , Ochiai Hirokazu , Takatsuji Hiroshi 
Published: October 2015

SummaryWRKY45 is an important transcription factor in the salicylic acid signalling pathway in rice that mediates chemical‐induced resistance against multiple pathogens. Its constitutive overexpression confers extremely strong resistance against Magnaporthe oryzae and Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae to rice, but has adverse effects on agronomic traits. Here, a new strategy to confer rice with strong disease resistance without any negative effects on agronomic traits was established by expressing WRKY45 under the control of pathogen‐responsive promoters in combination with a translational enhancer derived from a 5′‐untranslated region (UTR) of rice alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH). Rice promoters that responded to M. oryzae and X. oryzae pv. oryzae infections within 24 h were identified, and 2‐kb upstream sequences from nine of them were isolated, fused to WRKY45 cDNA with or without the ADH 5′‐UTR, and introduced into rice. Although pathogen‐responsive promoters alone failed to confer effective disease resistance, the use of the ADH 5′‐UTR in combination with them, in particular the PR1b and GST promoters, enhanced disease resistance. Field trials showed that overall, PR1b promoter‐driven (with ADH 5′‐UTR) lines performed the best and one had agronomic traits comparable to control untransformed rice. Thus, expressing WRKY45 under the control of the PR1b promoter with the ADH 5′‐UTR is an excellent strategy to develop disease‐resistant rice, and the line established could serve as a mother line for breeding disease‐resistant rice.
Parvovirus B19–Associated Microvesicular Eruption
Authors: Martín José M. , Beteta Gerardo , Allende Andrea , Jordá Esperanza 
Published: October 2015

AbstractWe report on a 3‐year‐old girl with a microvesicular generalized rash in whom primary infection by parvovirus B19 was demonstrated by seroconversion. To our knowledge, this is the first instance of an eruption arising from parvovirus B19 with this peculiar clinical pattern.
Transepidermal Water Loss in Neonates: Baseline Values Using a Closed‐Chamber System
Authors: Mathanda Teena R. , M. Bhat Ramesh , Hegde Pavan , Anand Shivaraja 
Published: October 2015

AbstractBackgroundTransepidermal water loss (TEWL) is the normal, constitutive loss of water vapor from the skin in the absence of sweat gland activity. It is regarded as one of the most important parameters for characterizing skin barrier function, and the values are dependent on multiple variables. The objective of this study was to evaluate TEWL in neonates using a closed‐ chamber system, and determine if there is a variation of TEWL with the mode of delivery, pre‐term birth, low birthweight or phototherapy.MethodsThis prospective study was conducted in 104 healthy neonates, 30 neonates in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and 40 adults using a noninvasive, closed‐ chamber system (VapoMeter™).ResultsA statistically significant difference in TEWL was noted between newborns and adults. No remarkable difference in TEWL was seen between boys or men and girls or women or those born via normal vaginal birth and caesarean section, but TEWL was significantly higher in preterm and low birthweight neonates. Significantly higher TEWL was noted from the antecubital fossa of the neonates who received phototherapy when compared with six other sites.ConclusionsThe closed‐ chamber system is an acceptable alternative to the more widely used open‐chamber system. The higher mean TEWL in neonates suggests that the epidermal barrier is still adapting to extrauterine life, making newborn skin more sensitive and requiring appropriate, age adapted care.
Moral Societal Renewal or Getting the Country Back to Work: Welfare State Culture as a Resource and a Constraint for Policy Discourse
Authors: König Pascal D. 
Published: October 2015

This article deals with welfare culture as an ideational constraint for governments’ use of normative ideas and justifications in their policy communication. The analysis is based on a focused comparison of reforms related to the labor market that were passed by the governments under David Cameron (the United Kingdom), Mariano Rajoy (Spain), and Enda Kenny (Ireland). The cases were chosen because of their similar broader context while the welfare regimes and cultures differ between the countries. Based on key speeches by the heads of governments and the responsible ministers, a qualitative content analysis extracts justifications in their communication. As the analysis shows, the three cases differ in both the extent and the content of normative justifications in a way that is in line with the differences in the welfare cultures. Furthermore, the findings from the Irish government suggest that party ideology adds to the welfare culture in shaping a government's policy communication.Related Articles

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