bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Environmental Adaptations Improve Everyday Action in Schizophrenia
Authors: Kessler Rachel K. , Rhodes Emma , Giovannetti Tania 
Published: June 2015

AbstractCognitive functioning, particularly executive functioning, is a strong predictor of functional outcomes in people with schizophrenia. Cognitive remediation has been shown to improve specific cognitive processes, but adjunctive interventions are required for meaningful gains in adaptive functioning, particularly in people with chronic illness. This study examined whether (and how) environmental adaptations, used without training, may circumvent cognitive difficulties and facilitate everyday task performance in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Forty-two individuals with chronic schizophrenia/schizoaffective disorder were administered cognitive measures and two versions of the Naturalistic Action Test (NAT)—a standard version (ST-NAT), and a user-centered version (UC-NAT) that incorporated environmental adaptations designed to facilitate task performance. The NAT conditions were counterbalanced across participants. Analyses compared performance between the NAT versions and examined the cognitive correlates of each NAT condition. Individuals with schizophrenia made fewer errors on the UC-NAT as compared to the ST-NAT; this between-group difference was significant for all error types. Compared to the ST-NAT, the UC-NAT performance was not significantly associated with an executive function measure of planning. Environmental adaptations may be implemented without extensive training to improve everyday action in individuals with chronic schizophrenia. Environmental adaptations that reduce planning demands may be most effective in this population. (JINS, 2015, 21, 319–329)
Unemployment and household food hardship in the economic recession
Authors: Huang Jin , Kim Youngmi , Birkenmaier Julie 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectiveThe present study examined the association between unemployment and household food insecurity during the 2007–2009 economic recession in the USA.DesignLongitudinal survey of the Survey of Income and Program Participation (SIPP; 2008–2011). Food insecurity was measured by five questions excerpted from an eighteen-item Food Security Scale. Unemployment was measured by a dichotomous indicator, the number of job losses and the total duration of all episodes in the observation period.SettingAs nationally representative data, the SIPP interviewed respondents in multiple waves with a time interval of four months.SubjectsThe study created two analytic samples including working-age household heads employed at the beginning of the observation period. The size of the two samples was 14 417 and 13 080.ResultsUnemployment was positively associated with food insecurity (OR=1·55; 95 % CI 1·32, 1·83;P<0·001). Similar results were obtained when the analysis controlled for food insecurity status measured before unemployment (OR=1·54; 95 % CI 1·27, 1·88;P<0·001). For households with the same duration of unemployment, one more episode of unemployment increased the odds of food insecurity by 8 % (OR=1·08; 95 % CI 1·00, 1·18;P<0·001).ConclusionsMore in-depth understanding of the relationship between unemployment and food insecurity is useful to better identify and serve the at-risk population. Connecting unemployment assistance closely to nutrition assistance could lower the prevalence of food insecurity among unemployed households. Public policy should better account for both episodes and duration of unemployment to reduce food insecurity.
Severe iron-deficiency anaemia and feeding practices in young children
Authors: Parkin Patricia C , DeGroot Julie , Maguire Jonathon L , Birken Catherine S , Zlotkin Stanley 
Published: June 2015

AbstractObjectivesFe-deficiency anaemia (IDA) occurs in 1–2 % of infants in developed countries, peaks at 1–3 years of age and is associated with later cognitive deficits. The objectives of the present study were to describe the characteristics of young children with severe IDA and examine modifiable risk factors in a developed-country setting.DesignTwo prospective samples: a national surveillance programme sample and a regional longitudinal study sample.SettingCanada, 2009–2011.SubjectsTwo samples of young children recruited from community-based health-care practices: a national sample with severe anaemia (Hb<80 g/l) due to Fe deficiency and a regional sample with non-anaemic Fe sufficiency.ResultsChildren with severe IDA (n201, mean Hb 55·1 g/l) experienced substantial morbidity (including developmental delay, heart failure, cerebral thrombosis) and health-care utilization (including a 42 % hospitalization rate). Compared with children with Fe sufficiency (n597, mean Hb 122·4 g/l), children with severe IDA consumed a larger volume of cow’s milk daily (median 1065 mlv. 500 ml,P<0·001) and were more likely to be using a bottle during the day (78 %v. 43 %, OR=6·0; 95 % CI 4·0, 8·9) and also in bed (60 %v. 21 %, OR=6·5; 95 % CI 4·4, 9·5).ConclusionsSevere IDA is associated with substantial morbidity and may be preventable. Three potentially modifiable feeding practices are associated with IDA: (i) cow’s milk consumption greater than 500 ml/d; (ii) daytime bottle use beyond 12 months of age; and (iii) bottle use in bed. These feeding practices should be highlighted in future recommendations for public health and primary-care practitioners.
A new haplolepid fauna (Osteichthyes: Actinopterygii) from the Lower Coal Measures of Scotland: Westphalian A; Langsettian,Carbonicola communischronozone (Bashkirian)
Authors: Elliott Francis M. 
Published: June 2015

ABSTRACTSeven new species and one new genus of the family Haplolepidae (Actinopterygii: Palaeonisciformes) are described from new material obtained from the Drumgray coal shales, North Lanarkshire: Westphalian A (Bashkirian):Protohaplolepis isabellae; Protohaplolepis limnades;Protohaplolepis traquairi; Parahaplolepis alexandrae; Parahaplolepis elenae; Pyritocephalus youngiiandMillerolepis eleionomae. The discovery of these new taxa increases the number of haplolepid species found in Europe to 16, thus producing a faunal count more than comparable to that of North America. This high concentration of haplolepid remains in limnic deposits is also a strong indication that these fish were not only adapted to a coastal paralic basin, but also well-adapted to a freshwater brackish environment. A comprehensive description of the skull roof morphology, including a short description of some of the larger dermal bones, is given of seven new haplolepid species obtained from the coal shale tips at Wester Bracco and Shotts in North Lanarkshire. In consequence, a revised table of the stratigraphical distribution of the Haplolepidae in Europe is provided. Furthermore, the new genusMillerolepisis assigned to the subfamily Parahaplolepinae and the generic position of the problematicHaplolepis attheyifrom Newsham, Northumberland is discussed, with the taxonomic position ofProtohaplolepisproposed.
Valley polarization assisted spin polarization in two dimensions
Authors: Renard V. T. , Piot B. A. , Waintal X. , Fleury G. , Cooper D. , Niida Y. , Tregurtha D. , Fujiwara A. , Hirayama Y. , Takashina K. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractValleytronics is rapidly emerging as an exciting area of basic and applied research. In two-dimensional systems, valley polarization can dramatically modify physical properties through electron–electron interactions as demonstrated by such phenomena as the fractional quantum Hall effect and the metal-insulator transition. Here, we address the electrons’ spin alignment in a magnetic field in silicon-on-insulator quantum wells under valley polarization. In stark contrast to expectations from a non-interacting model, we show experimentally that less magnetic field can be required to fully spin polarize a valley-polarized system than a valley-degenerate one. Furthermore, we show that these observations are quantitatively described by parameter-free ab initio quantum Monte Carlo simulations. We interpret the results as a manifestation of the greater stability of the spin- and valley-degenerate system against ferromagnetic instability and Wigner crystalization, which in turn suggests the existence of a new strongly correlated electron liquid at low electron densities.
Scanning precession electron tomography for three-dimensional nanoscale orientation imaging and crystallographic analysis
Authors: Eggeman Alexander S. , Krakow Robert , Midgley Paul A. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThree-dimensional (3D) reconstructions from electron tomography provide important morphological, compositional, optical and electro-magnetic information across a wide range of materials and devices. Precession electron diffraction, in combination with scanning transmission electron microscopy, can be used to elucidate the local orientation of crystalline materials. Here we show, using the example of a Ni-base superalloy, that combining these techniques and extending them to three dimensions, to produce scanning precession electron tomography, enables the 3D orientation of nanoscale sub-volumes to be determined and provides a one-to-one correspondence between 3D real space and 3D reciprocal space for almost any polycrystalline or multi-phase material.
Cooperative folding of intrinsically disordered domains drives assembly of a strong elongated protein
Authors: Gruszka Dominika T. , Whelan Fiona , Farrance Oliver E. , Fung Herman K. H. , Paci Emanuele , Jeffries Cy M. , Svergun Dmitri I. , Baldock Clair , Baumann Christoph G. , Brockwell David J. , Potts Jennifer R. , Clarke Jane 
Published: June 2015

AbstractBacteria exploit surface proteins to adhere to other bacteria, surfaces and host cells. Such proteins need to project away from the bacterial surface and resist significant mechanical forces. SasG is a protein that forms extended fibrils on the surface of Staphylococcus aureus and promotes host adherence and biofilm formation. Here we show that although monomeric and lacking covalent cross-links, SasG maintains a highly extended conformation in solution. This extension is mediated through obligate folding cooperativity of the intrinsically disordered E domains that couple non-adjacent G5 domains thermodynamically, forming interfaces that are more stable than the domains themselves. Thus, counterintuitively, the elongation of the protein appears to be dependent on the inherent instability of its domains. The remarkable mechanical strength of SasG arises from tandemly arrayed ‘clamp’ motifs within the folded domains. Our findings reveal an elegant minimal solution for the assembly of monomeric mechano-resistant tethers of variable length.
Regulation of lipid synthesis by the RNA helicase Mov10 controls Wnt5a production
Authors: Wang W , Snyder N , Worth A J , Blair I A , Witze E S 
Published: June 2015

AbstractExpression of the Wnt ligand Wnt5a is frequently elevated in melanoma and is thought to be a critical regulator of cell movement during metastasis. However, the mechanisms regulating its expression are unknown. We find that the level of secreted Wnt5a varies by as much as 10-fold between cell lines and correlates more strongly with invasion than total cellular levels. Our results indicate that the RNA helicase Mov10 plays a role in Wnt5a synthesis and secretion. Inhibition of Mov10 increases secreted Wnt5a levels in melanoma cells by increasing Wnt5a synthesis and acylation. This is achieved by increasing fatty acid synthase (FASN) and stearoyl-CoA desaturase expression, leading to elevated levels of palmitoleoyl-CoA, required for Wnt ligand lipid modification and secretion. Melanoma tumors exhibit reduced expression of Mov10 compared with benign nevi and Mov10 levels inversely correlate with FASN levels in primary tumors. These results reveal a previously unappreciated role for aberrant lipid metabolism in regulating Wnt5a signaling that may be a critical step in melanoma progression.
High numerical aperture multilayer Laue lenses
Authors: Morgan Andrew J. , Prasciolu Mauro , Andrejczuk Andrzej , Krzywinski Jacek , Meents Alke , Pennicard David , Graafsma Heinz , Barty Anton , Bean Richard J. , Barthelmess Miriam , Oberthuer Dominik , Yefanov Oleksandr , Aquila Andrew , Chapman Henry N. , Bajt Saša 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe ever-increasing brightness of synchrotron radiation sources demands improved X-ray optics to utilise their capability for imaging and probing biological cells, nanodevices and functional matter on the nanometer scale with chemical sensitivity. Here we demonstrate focusing a hard X-ray beam to an 8 nm focus using a volume zone plate (also referred to as a wedged multilayer Laue lens). This lens was constructed using a new deposition technique that enabled the independent control of the angle and thickness of diffracting layers to microradian and nanometer precision, respectively. This ensured that the Bragg condition is satisfied at each point along the lens, leading to a high numerical aperture that is limited only by its extent. We developed a phase-shifting interferometric method based on ptychography to characterise the lens focus. The precision of the fabrication and characterisation demonstrated here provides the path to efficient X-ray optics for imaging at 1 nm resolution.
Performance Boost in Industrial Multifilamentary Nb3Sn Wires due to Radiation Induced Pinning Centers
Authors: Baumgartner T. , Eisterer M. , Weber H. W. , Flükiger R. , Scheuerlein C. , Bottura L. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe report non-Cu critical current densities of 4 . 09 ⋅ 109 A/m2 at 12 T and 2.27 ⋅ 109 A/m2 at 15 T obtained from transport measurements on a Ti-alloyed RRP Nb3Sn wire after irradiation to a fast neutron fluence of 8.9 ⋅ 1021 m−2. These values are to our knowledge unprecedented in multifilamentary Nb3Sn and they correspond to a Jc enhancement of approximately 60% relative to the unirradiated state. Our magnetometry data obtained on short wire samples irradiated to fast neutron fluences of up to 2.5 ⋅ 1022 m−2 indicate the possibility of an even better performance, whereas earlier irradiation studies on bronze-processed Nb3Sn wires with a Sn content further from stoichiometry attested a decline of the critical current density at such high fluences. We show that radiation induced point-pinning centers rather than an increase of the upper critical field are responsible for this Jc enhancement and argue that these results call for further research on pinning landscape engineering.
Effect of aqueous and ambient atmospheric environments on plasmon-driven selective reduction reactions
Authors: Ding Qianqian , Chen Maodu , Li Yuanzuo , Sun Mengtao 
Published: June 2015

AbstractWe successfully realised plasmon-driven selective reduction reactions of 2-amino-5-nitrobenzenethiol (2A-5-NBT) to 3,3’-dimercapto-4,4’-diaminoazobenzene , an azobenzene derivative, using surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy and supported by the theoretical calculations. The SERS spectra demonstrated that two 5-nitro groups of 2A-5-NBTs were selectively reduced to the –N=N– chemical bond of 3,3’-dimercapto-4,4’-diaminoazobenzene, whereas the 2-amine group of 2A-5-NBT remained unchanged. Our experimental results revealed that aqueous environments were preferable to ambient atmospheric environments for this selective reduction reaction. The product is very stable in aqueous environments. However, in ambient atmosphere environments, the product is not stable and can revert back to 2A-5-NBT, where the –N=N– chemical bond can be broken by plasmon scissors. The plasmon-induced catalytic reactions in aqueous environments could be used for the efficient synthesis of aromatic azobenzene derivative compounds, which are valuable chemicals that are widely used in the chemical industry as dyes, food additives and drugs.
Optimal Learning Paths in Information Networks
Authors: Rodi G. C. , Loreto V. , Servedio V. D. P. , Tria F. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractEach sphere of knowledge and information could be depicted as a complex mesh of correlated items. By properly exploiting these connections, innovative and more efficient navigation strategies could be defined, possibly leading to a faster learning process and an enduring retention of information. In this work we investigate how the topological structure embedding the items to be learned can affect the efficiency of the learning dynamics. To this end we introduce a general class of algorithms that simulate the exploration of knowledge/information networks standing on well-established findings on educational scheduling, namely the spacing and lag effects. While constructing their learning schedules, individuals move along connections, periodically revisiting some concepts and sometimes jumping on very distant ones. In order to investigate the effect of networked information structures on the proposed learning dynamics we focused both on synthetic and real-world graphs such as subsections of Wikipedia and word-association graphs. We highlight the existence of optimal topological structures for the simulated learning dynamics whose efficiency is affected by the balance between hubs and the least connected items. Interestingly, the real-world graphs we considered lead naturally to almost optimal learning performances.
Quantitatively mimicking wet colloidal suspensions with dry granular media
Authors: Messina René , Aljawhari Sarah , Bécu Lydiane , Schockmel Julien , Lumay Geoffroy , Vandewalle Nicolas 
Published: June 2015

AbstractAthermal two-dimensional granular systems are exposed to external mechanical noise leading to Brownian-like motion. Using tunable repulsive interparticle interaction, it is shown that the same microstructure as that observed in colloidal suspensions can be quantitatively recovered at a macroscopic scale. To that end, experiments on granular and colloidal systems made up of magnetized particles as well as computer simulations are performed and compared. Excellent agreement throughout the range of the magnetic coupling parameter "Equation missing" is found for the pair distribution as well as the bond-orientational correlation functions. This finding opens new ways to efficiently and very conveniently explore phase transitions, crystallization, nucleation, etc in confined geometries.
Epitaxial growth of highly-crystalline spinel ferrite thin films on perovskite substrates for all-oxide devices
Authors: Moyer Jarrett A. , Gao Ran , Schiffer Peter , Martin Lane W. 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe potential growth modes for epitaxial growth of Fe3O4 on SrTiO3 (001) are investigated through control of the energetics of the pulsed-laser deposition growth process (via substrate temperature and laser fluence). We find that Fe3O4 grows epitaxially in three distinct growth modes: 2D-like, island and 3D-to-2D, the last of which is characterized by films that begin growth in an island growth mode before progressing to a 2D growth mode. Films grown in the 2D-like and 3D-to-2D growth modes are atomically flat and partially strained, while films grown in the island growth mode are terminated in islands and fully relaxed. We find that the optimal structural, transport and magnetic properties are obtained for films grown on the 2D-like/3D-to-2D growth regime boundary. The viability for including such thin films in perovskite-based all-oxide devices is demonstrated by growing a Fe3O4/La0.7Sr0.3MnO3 spin valve epitaxially on SrTiO3.
Self-organized criticality in cortical assemblies occurs in concurrent scale-free and small-world networks
Authors: Massobrio Paolo , Pasquale Valentina , Martinoia Sergio 
Published: June 2015

AbstractThe spontaneous activity of cortical networks is characterized by the emergence of different dynamic states. Although several attempts were accomplished to understand the origin of these dynamics, the underlying factors continue to be elusive. In this work, we specifically investigated the interplay between network topology and spontaneous dynamics within the framework of self-organized criticality (SOC). The obtained results support the hypothesis that the emergence of critical states occurs in specific complex network topologies. By combining multi-electrode recordings of spontaneous activity of in vitro cortical assemblies with theoretical models, we demonstrate that different ‘connectivity rules’ drive the network towards different dynamic states. In particular, scale-free architectures with different degree of small-worldness account better for the variability observed in experimental data, giving rise to different dynamic states. Moreover, in relationship with the balance between excitation and inhibition and percentage of inhibitory hubs, the simulated cortical networks fall in a critical regime.
Molecular pathway of near-infrared laser phototoxicity involves ATF-4 orchestrated ER stress
Authors: Khan Imran , Tang Elieza , Arany Praveen 
Published: June 2015

AbstractHigh power lasers are used extensively in medicine while lower power applications are popular for optical imaging, optogenetics, skin rejuvenation and a therapeutic modality termed photobiomodulation (PBM). This study addresses the therapeutic dose limits, biological safety and molecular pathway of near-infrared (NIR) laser phototoxicity. Increased erythema and tissue damage were noted in mice skin and cytotoxicity in cell cultures at phototoxic laser doses involving generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) coupled with a rise in surface temperature (>45 °C). NIR laser phototoxicity results from Activating Transcription Factor-4 (ATF-4) mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy. Neutralizations of heat or ROS and overexpressing ATF-4 were noted to rescue NIR laser phototoxicity. Further, NIR laser mediated phototoxicity was noted to be non-genotoxic and non-mutagenic. This study outlines the mechanism of NIR laser phototoxicity and the utility of monitoring surface temperature and ATF4 expression as potential biomarkers to develop safe and effective clinical applications.
Incubation temperature affects the immune function of hatchling soft-shelled turtles, Pelodiscus sinensis
Authors: Dang Wei , Zhang Wen , Du Wei-Guo 
Published: June 2015

AbstractIdentifying how developmental temperature affects the immune system is critical for understanding how ectothermic animals defend against pathogens and their fitness in the changing world. However, reptiles have received little attention regarding this issue. We incubated eggs at three ecologically relevant temperatures to determine how incubation temperature affects the immune function of hatchling soft-shelled turtles,Pelodiscus sinensis. When exposed to bacterial infections, hatchlings from 24 °C had lower cumulative mortalities (55%, therefore, higher immunocompetence) than those from 28 °C (85%) or 32 °C (100%). Consistent with higher immunocompetence, hatchlings from low incubation temperature had higher IgM, IgD and CD3γ expressions than their counterparts from the other two higher incubation temperatures. Conversely, the activity of immunity-related enzymes did not match the among-temperature difference in immune function. Specifically, enzyme activity was higher at intermediate temperatures (alkaline phosphatase) or was not affected by incubation temperature (acid phosphatase, lysozyme). Our study is the first to provide unequivocal evidence (at the molecular and organismal level) about the significant effect of incubation temperature on offspring immunity in reptiles. Our results also indicate that the reduced immunity induced by high developmental temperatures might increase the vulnerability of reptiles to the outbreak of diseases under global warming scenarios.