bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Supplementation of culture media with vitamin E improves mouse antral follicle maturation and embryo development from vitrified ovarian tissue
Authors: Farzollahi Masomeh , Tayefi‐Nasrabadi Hamid , Mohammadnejad Daryosh , Abedelahi Ali
Published: February 2016

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of preventive vitamin E (α‐tocopherol) on antral follicle development and embryogenesis of oocytes obtained after vitrification of mouse ovarian tissue.

Methods

Female Balb/c mice were killed by cervical dislocation after the injection of pregnant mare's serum gonadotrophin (10 IU) and their ovaries were randomly divided into three groups: control or non‐vitrified (n = 10), vitrification 1 (5, 10% ethylene glycol + 5, 10% dimethylsulfoxide) (n = 15), and vitrification 2 (10, 15% ethylene glycol + 10, 15% dimethylsulfoxide) (n = 15) with ascending concentration of cryoprotectants. After toxicity tests and vitrification–warming, mechanically isolated antral follicles were cultured in α‐minimum essential medium, which was supplemented with or without α‐tocopherol (100 μM). The follicular maturation rates and embryo development were collected and assessed. Also, the viability, morphology and ultrastructure of derived antral follicles from vitrified ovaries were analyzed.

Results

The morphology and ultrastructure of follicles were well preserved in the vitrified groups and α‐tocopherol supplementation of culture media significantly increased the proportion of oocytes that reached metaphase II blastocyst rates compared to non‐α‐tocopherol supplemented media (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Vitamin E improves in vitro maturation rates and blastocyst rates of oocytes that are isolated from vitrified ovarian tissue.
Cleaning Methods for Zirconia Following Salivary Contamination
Authors: Angkasith Pattarika , Burgess John O. , Bottino Marco C. , Lawson Nathaniel C.
Published: February 2016

Purpose

To determine the best method of cleaning saliva‐contaminated zirconia in preparation for resin bonding.

Material and Methods

Flat blocks of zirconia were particle abraded with aluminum oxide and divided into eight groups (n = 10). Groups 1 to 4 were first treated with one coat of an MDP primer (Z‐prime Plus) and groups 5 to 8 were left untreated. A thin coat of fresh whole saliva was painted on all specimens (except the control, group 1) and left in contact for 3 minutes. The specimens were then cleaned by rinsing with water for 20 seconds (groups 2 and 5), or cleaned with 35% phosphoric acid for 20 seconds and rinsed (groups 3 and 6), or cleaned with a zirconia cleaning solution (Ivoclean) for 20 seconds and rinsed (groups 4 and 7), or abraded with aluminum oxide particles and rinsed (group 5). Following the cleaning procedure, groups 5 to 8 were treated with one coat of Z‐prime Plus. A 2.5 mm diameter tube was filled with composite (Z100), affixed to the zirconia surface, and light‐cured. Specimens were stored in water (37°C for 24 hours) followed by thermocycling (5°C to 55°C for 10,000 cycles). Shear bond strength testing was performed at a crosshead speed of 1 mm/min. Bond strength values were compared to the control using a Dunnett's test (alpha = 0.05). Contact angles of the zirconia specimens with and without Z‐prime Plus were measured with water using a goniometer.

Results

Groups 2, 5, and 8 were not significantly different from the control. Application of Z‐prime made the zirconia surface more hydrophobic.

Conclusions

If salivary contamination occurs after MDP application, rinsing off the saliva with water will preserve bond strength. If salivary contamination occurs prior to MDP application, particle abrasion or cleaning with Ivoclean will preserve bond strength.
Sixty Minutes of Physical Activity per Day Included Within Preschool Academic Lessons Improves Early Literacy
Authors: Kirk Stacie M. , Kirk Erik P.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The effects of increases in physical activity (PA) on early literacy skills in preschool children are not known.

METHODS

Fifty‐four African‐American preschool children from a low socioeconomic urban Head Start participated over 8 months. A 2‐group, quasi‐experimental design was used with one preschool site participating in the PA intervention and a second site participating as the control site. The PA program was designed to promote 300 minutes/week of moderate to vigorous PA academic lessons. Academic achievement related to early literacy and phonological awareness in the areas of rhyming and alliteration were assessed at baseline, 4 and 8 months.

RESULTS

Over 8 months, rhyming significantly (p < .01) improved in the PA group (173±12%) compared with the controls (28 ± 8%) resulting in between group differences at 8 months (p < .01). Alliteration significantly (p < .01) improved in the PA group (52 ± 16%) compared with controls (13 ± 5%), resulting in between group differences at 8 months (p < .01). As minutes of exposure to moderate to vigorous PA increased, the change in picture naming (R2 = .35, p < .05), alliteration (R2 = .38, p < .05), and rhyming (R2 = .42, p < .05), increased.

CONCLUSION

A teacher‐directed PA program is effective at increasing PA and improving early literacy.
Rebound Body Mass Index Growth in Year‐Round Elementary Education Students of Largely Hispanic Descent Undergoing Obesity Interventions
Authors: Alexander Andrew G. , Lyons Paul E.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Body mass index (BMI) increases when students are away on summer vacation. Evaluation of serial BMI measurements on year‐round students allows new insight into the reasons children gain weight seasonally.

METHODS

The 206 first and second graders of 2‐year‐round elementary schools with obesity intervention programs were weighed and measured every 6 months from April 2011 until April 2013. BMI and BMI percentiles were recorded.

RESULTS

Children <50th, 50th to 85th, and 85th to 95th BMI percentiles showed significant accelerated winter gains in BMI (p = 2.6 × 10−7, p = 6.8 × 10−10, and p = .0007, respectively) compared with the previous summers. Accelerated BMI growth of the second summer was absent when compared with the previous winter BMI changes in children <95th percentile (p = .48, p = .81, and p = .93). For children >95th percentile, BMI gain continued without significant changes year‐round.

CONCLUSIONS

School‐wide interventions to induce BMI growth limitations are associated with significant rebound BMI gain with possible wintertime augmentation in nonobese children of year‐round education programs. Obese children do not display rebound BMI gain, BMI seasonal change, or BMI limitations in response to school‐based interventions. School weight control programs should consider off‐campus sources of weight gain and be vigilant for rebound and delayed seasonal BMI gains.
Barriers, Benefits, and Behaviors Related to Breakfast Consumption Among Rural Adolescents
Authors: Hearst Mary O. , Shanafelt Amy , Wang Qi , Leduc Robert , Nanney Marilyn S.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

We sought to determine if perceived barriers, benefits, and modifiable behaviors support or interfere with breakfast consumption in a racially and economically diverse rural high school population.

METHODS

The participants were 832 Minnesota adolescents from 16 rural high schools. We used baseline data from a group randomized trial aimed at increasing school breakfast participation through policy and environmental‐level school changes. Students completed an online survey asking about demographics, breakfast eating behaviors, and the barriers and benefits of eating as it relates to school performance. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression, accounting for clustering by school, was performed using SAS. Each scale was modeled independently.

RESULTS

Participants were 9th and 10th grade students, 36% free/reduced‐price lunch (FRL), 30% non‐White, and 55% female. Breakfast skippers compared to nonbreakfast skippers reported fewer school related benefits and beliefs and more barriers to eating breakfast (p < .01). Adjusted models revealed students reported more positive beliefs (OR = 0.78, 95% CI = 0.73‐0.83), more benefits (OR = 0.95, 95% CI = 0.93‐0.97) and fewer barriers (OR = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.82‐0.87) and were less likely to skip breakfast.

CONCLUSIONS

Future intervention research should focus on alleviating barriers and enhancing education around the school related benefits of eating breakfast.
Biological and Sociocultural Factors During the School Years Predicting Women's Lifetime Educational Attainment
Authors: Hendrick C. Emily , Cohen Alison K. , Deardorff Julianna , Cance Jessica D.
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Lifetime educational attainment is an important predictor of health and well‐being for women in the United States. In this study, we examine the roles of sociocultural factors in youth and an understudied biological life event, pubertal timing, in predicting women's lifetime educational attainment.

METHODS

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 cohort (N = 3889), we conducted sequential multivariate linear regression analyses to investigate the influences of macro‐level and family‐level sociocultural contextual factors in youth (region of country, urbanicity, race/ethnicity, year of birth, household composition, mother's education, and mother's age at first birth) and early menarche, a marker of early pubertal development, on women's educational attainment after age 24.

RESULTS

Pubertal timing and all sociocultural factors in youth, other than year of birth, predicted women's lifetime educational attainment in bivariate models. Family factors had the strongest associations. When family factors were added to multivariate models, geographic region in youth, and pubertal timing were no longer significant.

CONCLUSION

Our findings provide additional evidence that family factors should be considered when developing comprehensive and inclusive interventions in childhood and adolescence to promote lifetime educational attainment among girls.
Emotional Arousal and Regulation: Further Evidence of the Validity of the “How I Feel” Questionnaire for Use With School‐Age Children
Authors: Ciucci Enrica , Baroncelli Andrea , Grazzani Ilaria , Ornaghi Veronica , Caprin Claudia
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The ability to understand and manage emotional experience is critical to children's health. This study confirmed the validity of the How I Feel (HIF) Questionnaire, a measure of children's emotional arousal and regulation, exploring its associations with measures of emotional and social functioning.

METHODS

The sample was comprised of 1379 Italian students (aged 8 to 12 years) who attended schools interested in the study aims. Participants completed the 30‐item HIF scale, and measures of emotional self‐efficacy and social desirability (SD). Factor structures were assessed using confirmatory factor analysis. Invariance by age and gender, internal consistency, temporal stability, and concurrent validity were also tested.

RESULTS

A 3‐factor model was identified: frequency and intensity of (1) positive emotion – PE (8 items, α = .82), (2) negative emotion – NE (12 items, α = .86), and (3) positive and negative emotion control – EC (10 items, α = .77). This factor structure was invariant across age and gender groups. The HIF displayed moderate longitudinal stability over a 15‐month period and a low social desirability effect. Positive emotion was positively associated with social acceptance and visibility, and negatively with social withdrawal.

CONCLUSIONS

The HIF is a reliable and valid measure for research and school intervention promoting students' emotional and mental health.
Acute liver injury and acute liver failure from mushroom poisoning in North America
Authors: Karvellas Constantine J. , Tillman Holly , Leung Alexander A. , Lee William M. , Schilsky Michael L. , Hameed Bilal , Stravitz R. Todd , McGuire Brendan M. , Fix Oren K. ,   the United States Acute Liver Failure Study Group
Published: February 2016

Background & Aims

Published estimates of survival associated with mushroom (amatoxin)‐induced acute liver failure (ALF) and injury (ALI) with and without liver transplant (LT) are highly variable. We aimed to determine the 21‐day survival associated with amatoxin‐induced ALI (A‐ALI) and ALF (A‐ALF) and review use of targeted therapies.

Methods

Cohort study of all A‐ALI/A‐ALF patients enrolled in the US ALFSG registry between 01/1998 and 12/2014.

Results

Of the 2224 subjects in the registry, 18 (0.8%) had A‐ALF (n = 13) or A‐ALI (n = 5). At admission, ALF patients had higher lactate levels (5.2 vs. 2.2 mm, P = 0.06) compared to ALI patients, but INR (2.8 vs. 2.2), bilirubin (87 vs. 26 μm) and MELD scores (28 vs. 24) were similar (P > 0.2 for all). Of the 13 patients with ALF, six survived without LT (46%), five survived with LT (39%) and two died without LT (15%). Of the five patients with ALI, four (80%) recovered and one (20%) survived post‐LT. Comparing those who died/received LT (non‐spontaneous survivors [NSS]) with spontaneous survivors (SS), N‐acetylcysteine was used in nearly all patients (NSS 88% vs. SS 80%); whereas, silibinin (25% vs. 50%), penicillin (50% vs. 25%) and nasobiliary drainage (0 vs. 10%) were used less frequently (P > 0.15 for all therapies).

Conclusion

Patients with mushroom poisoning with ALI have favourable survival, while around half of those presenting with ALF may eventually require LT. Further study is needed to define optimal management (including the use of targeted therapies) to improve survival, particularly in the absence of LT.
Effect of parenchymal uptake of perfluorobutane microbubbles (Sonazoid®) on radiofrequency ablation of the liver: in vivo experimental study
Authors: Min Ji Hye , Kim Young‐sun , Rhim Hyunchul , Lee Min Woo , Kang Tae Wook , Song Kyoung Doo , Lim Hyo Keun
Published: February 2016

Background & Aims

To investigate the differences in mechanical effects and ablation zone between radiofrequency (RF) ablation with and without Sonazoid uptake in an in vivo rabbit liver model.

Methods

Our study was approved by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Twenty‐five rabbits were randomly allotted to one of five ablation durations (i.e., 1, 2, 3, 6 and 12 min). For each rabbit, RF ablation was performed twice, before and 10 min after Sonazoid administration (i.e. control group vs. Sonazoid group), using a 1‐cm internally cooled electrode (40W) equipped with a parallelly fixed pressure‐monitoring device. During ablation, a ‘popping’ sound was perceived and recorded along with tissue pressure changes and RF ablation parameters. Then, the ablation volume and microscopic changes were compared.

Results

Popping sounds were more frequently perceived in the control group (21/25 vs. 1/25, P < 0.001). The time to first pressure peak was shorter in the Sonazoid group (22.3 ± 1.1 s vs. 46.3 ± 4.4 s, P < 0.001) with similar pressures (39.8 ± 4.2 mmHg vs. 35.6 ± 4.1 mmHg, P = 0.350). Time to first roll‐off and mean power output were significantly less in the Sonazoid group (17.6 ± 1.2 s vs. 71.2 ± 8.2 s, P < 0.001; 9.4 ± 0.3 W vs. 12.8 ± 0.5 W, P < 0.001). Consequently, the Sonazoid group had lower total energy and ablation volumes for all durations. Microscopically, the control group showed larger conflu‐ent disruptions, whereas the Sonazoid group showed many smaller disruptions scattered throughout the ablation zones.

Conclusions

Radiofrequency ablation after Sonazoid uptake induces a smaller ablation zone than conventional RF ablation. However, it appears to ablate the liver tissue with less mechanical effects.
A phase 3b study of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in Taiwanese patients with chronic genotype 2 hepatitis C virus infection
Authors: Kao Jia‐Horng , Chien Rong‐Nan , Chang Ting‐Tsung , Peng Cheng‐Yuan , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Lo Gin‐Ho , Wang Horng‐Yuan , Chen Jyh‐Jou , Yang Jenny C. , Knox Steven J. , Han Lingling , Mo Hongmei , Mathias Anita , Brainard Diana M. , Sheen I‐Shyan , Hsu Yu‐Chun , Chu Chi‐Jen , Chuang Wan‐Long
Published: February 2016

Background & Aims

In Taiwan, patients with chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection are currently treated with pegylated interferon‐alpha plus ribavirin, but interferon‐based regimens can be poorly tolerated, especially by those with advanced liver disease and the elderly. Sofosbuvir, an oral nucleotide analogue inhibitor of HCV NS5B polymerase, is approved in Europe, the USA and Japan for treating chronic HCV infection. This phase 3b study examined the efficacy and safety of sofosbuvir plus ribavirin in Taiwanese patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection ± compensated cirrhosis.

Methods

In this multicentre, open‐label, phase 3b (NCT02021643) study, 87 patients (n = 43, treatment‐naive; n = 44, treatment‐experienced) received 12 weeks of treatment with sofosbuvir plus weight‐based ribavirin. The primary efficacy endpoint was the proportion of patients with sustained virological response 12 weeks after treatment discontinuation (SVR12). Safety and pharmacokinetic data were also collected.

Results

All 87 patients (100%; 95% confidence interval, 92–100%) achieved SVR12, including the 13 patients with compensated cirrhosis. The most common treatment‐emergent adverse events (AEs) were insomnia (16%, 14/87) and upper respiratory tract infection (16%, 14/87). No grade 3 or grade 4 AE was reported. There was one serious AE (biliary colic), which was deemed unrelated to study treatment. Laboratory abnormalities other than ribavirin‐related reductions in haemoglobin were uncommon.

Conclusions

The results from this phase 3b study demonstrate that 12 weeks of treatment with the interferon‐free regimen sofosbuvir plus ribavirin is effective and well tolerated in both treatment‐naive and treatment‐experienced Taiwanese patients with chronic genotype 2 HCV infection.
The mammalian complement system as an epitome of host–pathogen genetic conflicts
Authors: Cagliani Rachele , Forni Diego , Filippi Giulia , Mozzi Alessandra , De Gioia Luca , Pontremoli Chiara , Pozzoli Uberto , Bresolin Nereo , Clerici Mario , Sironi Manuela
Published: February 2016

The complement system is an innate immunity effector mechanism; its action is antagonized by a wide array of pathogens and complement evasion determines the virulence of several infections. We investigated the evolutionary history of the complement system and of bacterial‐encoded complement‐interacting proteins. Complement components targeted by several pathogens evolved under strong selective pressure in primates, with selection acting on residues at the contact interface with microbial/viral proteins. Positively selected sites in CFH and C4BPA account for the human specificity of gonococcal infection. Bacterial interactors, evolved adaptively as well, with selected sites located at interaction surfaces with primate complement proteins. These results epitomize the expectation under a genetic conflict scenario whereby the host's and the pathogen's genes evolve within binding avoidance‐binding seeking dynamics. In silico mutagenesis and protein–protein docking analyses supported this by showing that positively selected sites, both in the host's and in the pathogen's interacting partner, modulate binding.
The Role of Imagination in Decision‐Making
Authors: Nanay Bence
Published: February 2016

The psychological mechanism of decision‐making has traditionally been modeled with the help of belief‐desire psychology: the agent has some desires (or other pro‐attitudes) and some background beliefs and deciding between two possible actions is a matter of comparing the probability of the satisfaction of these desires given the background beliefs in the case of the performance of each action. There is a wealth of recent empirical findings about how we actually make decisions that seems to be in conflict with this picture. My aim is to outline an alternative model that is consistent with these empirical findings. This alternative model emphasizes the role imagination plays in our decisions: when we decide between two possible actions, we imagine ourselves in the situation that we imagine to be the outcome of these two actions and then compare these two imaginings.
Myeloperoxidase anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody affinity is associated with the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps in the kidney and vasculitis activity in myeloperoxidase anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody‐associated microscopic polyangiitis
Authors: Yoshida Masaharu , Yamada Muneharu , Sudo Yasuyo , Kojima Tadasu , Tomiyasu Tomohiro , Yoshikawa Noriko , Oda Takashi , Yamada Michiyuki
Published: February 2016

Anti‐neutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) is associated with small‐vessel vasculitis particularly in the kidneys and can induce the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) from primed neutrophils. Recently we have reported that the induction of NETs correlates with ANCA affinity for myeloperoxidase (MPO) and disease activity in patients with MPO‐ANCA‐associated microscopic polyangiitis. To investigate whether MPO‐ANCA affinity is associated with the formation of NETs in vivo, we examined the occurrence of NETs in the renal tissues of patients with MPO‐ANCA‐associated microscopic polyangiitis and ANCA affinity by double immunofluorescence staining for NET components of citrullinated histone, MPO and PAD4 and by ELISA competition with MPO, respectively. We divided 30 MPO‐ANCA‐associated microscopic polyangiitis patients into 2 groups based on their ANCA affinity levels (IC50 for the high: 0.11 ± 0.04 µg/mL (Group1) and IC50 for the low: 0.66 ± 0.24 µg/mL (Group2)). Group1 showed a higher Birmingham vasculitis activity score (15.6 ± 5.7) and 73% of the patients presented clinically with rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis and histologically with focal/crescentic glomerulonephritis (GN). Group 2 showed a lower Birmingham vasculitis activity score (9.2 ± 4.9) and 73% of the patients presented clinically with chronic renal failure and histologically with mixed/sclerotic GN. Group 1 showed a much higher occurrence of NETs than Group 2. Our findings indicate that ANCA affinity was associated with the in vivo formation of NETs, which might be involved in the pathophysiology of patients with MPO‐ANCA‐associated microscopic polyangiitis.
Dead fungal mycelium in forest soil represents a decomposition hotspot and a habitat for a specific microbial community
Authors: Brabcová Vendula , Nováková Monika , Davidová Anna , Baldrian Petr
Published: February 2016

Turnover of fungal biomass in forest litter and soil represents an important process in the environment. To date, knowledge of mycelial decomposition has been derived primarily from short‐term studies, and the guild of mycelium decomposers has been poorly defined.

Here, we followed the fate of the fruiting bodies of an ectomycorrhizal fungus in litter and soil of a temperate forest over 21 wk. The community of associated microbes and enzymatic processes in this specific substrate were described.

The decomposition of fungal fruiting bodies exhibited biphasic kinetics. The rapid initial phase, which included the disappearance of DNA, was followed by a slower turnover of the recalcitrant fraction. Compared with the surrounding litter and soil, the mycelium represented a hotspot of activity of several biopolymer‐degrading enzymes and high bacterial biomass. Specific communities of bacteria and fungi were associated with decomposing mycelium. These communities differed between the initial and late phases of decomposition. The bacterial community associated with decomposing mycelia typically contained the genera Pedobacter, Pseudomonas, Variovorax, Chitinophaga, Ewingella and Stenotrophomonas, whereas the fungi were mostly nonbasidiomycetous r‐strategists of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Mortierella, Cladosporium and several others.

Decomposing ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium exhibits high rates of decomposition and represents a specific habitat supporting a specific microbial community.
Evidence for the long‐term maintenance of a rare self‐incompatibility system in Oleaceae
Authors: Vernet Philippe , Lepercq Pierre , Billiard Sylvain , Bourceaux Angélique , Lepart Jacques , Dommée Bertrand , Saumitou‐Laprade Pierre
Published: February 2016

A rare homomorphic diallelic self‐incompatibility (DSI) system discovered in Phillyrea angustifolia (family Oleaceae, subtribe Oleinae) can promote the transition from hermaphroditism to androdioecy. If widespread and stable in Oleaceae, DSI may explain the exceptionally high rate of androdioecious species reported in this plant family. Here, we set out to determine whether DSI occurs in another Oleaceae lineage.

We tested for DSI in subtribe Fraxininae, a lineage that diverged from subtribe Oleinae c. 40 million yr ago. We explored the compatibility relationships in Fraxinus ornus using 81 hermaphrodites and 25 males from one natural stand and two naturalized populations using intra‐ and interspecific stigma tests performed on F. ornus and P. angustifolia testers.

We uncovered a DSI system with hermaphrodites belonging to one of two self‐incompatibility (SI) groups and males compatible with both groups, making for a truly androdioecious reproductive system. The two human‐founded populations contained only one of the two SI groups.

Our results provide evidence for the evolutionary persistence of DSI. We discuss how its stability over time may have affected transitions to other sexual systems, such as dioecy.
Growth temperature impact on leaf form and function in Arabidopsis thaliana ecotypes from northern and southern Europe
Authors: Stewart Jared J. , Demmig‐Adams Barbara , Cohu Christopher M. , Wenzl Coleman A. , Muller Onno , Adams William W.
Published: February 2016

The plasticity of leaf form and function in European lines of Arabidopsis thaliana was evaluated in ecotypes from Sweden and Italy grown under contrasting (cool versus hot) temperature regimes. Although both ecotypes exhibited acclimatory adjustments, the Swedish ecotype exhibited more pronounced responses to the two contrasting temperature regimes in several characterized features. These responses included thicker leaves with higher capacities for photosynthesis, likely facilitated by a greater number of phloem cells per minor vein for the active loading and export of sugars, when grown under cool temperature as opposed to leaves with a higher vein density and a greater number of tracheary elements per minor vein, likely facilitating higher rates of transpirational water loss (and thus evaporative cooling), when grown under hot temperature with high water availability. In addition, only the Swedish ecotype exhibited reduced rosette growth and greater levels of foliar tocopherols under the hot growth temperature. These responses, and the greater responsiveness of the Swedish ecotype compared with the Italian ecotype, are discussed in the context of redox signalling networks and transcription factors, and the greater range of environmental conditions experienced by the Swedish versus the Italian ecotype during the growing season in their native habitats.
Status Incongruence and Supervisor Gender as Moderators of the Transformational Leadership to Subordinate Affective Organizational Commitment Relationship
Authors: Triana María Del Carmen , Richard Orlando C. , Yücel İlhami
Published: February 2016

Grounded in role congruity theory, we examine how status incongruence (when the subordinate is older, has more education, work experience, and/or organizational tenure than the supervisor) in subordinate–supervisor dyads affects transformational leaders’ ability to foster affective organizational commitment among their subordinates. Across two field studies, our findings show that the relationship between transformational leadership and subordinate affective organizational commitment is less positive when status incongruence is high. Furthermore, in both field studies we found a 3‐way interaction among transformational leadership, status incongruence, and supervisor gender predicting subordinate affective organizational commitment. Specifically, in Study 1 (pink‐collar employees in Turkey), low status incongruence strengthened the positive relationship between transformational leadership and subordinate affective organizational commitment for male leaders. In Study 2 (pink‐collar employees in the United States), low status incongruence strengthened the positive relationship between transformational leadership and subordinate affective organizational commitment for female leaders. Furthermore, Study 2 also revealed that collective identity was a mediator of both the significant 2‐ and 3‐way interaction effects on subordinate affective organizational commitment.
Who Is to Blame? Official Discourse and Ethnic Diversity Attitudes During the 2011 Riots in England
Authors: Fasel Nicole , Sarrasin Oriane , Green Eva G. T. , Mayor Eric
Published: February 2016

In 2011, the killing of a Black man by a police officer triggered violent riots across England. In a context where ethnic minorities are rarely openly blamed, we examined the lens through which the events were interpreted in the official discourses of the British Prime Minister. A thematic content analysis (Study 1) revealed that, without explicitly blaming ethnic minorities, the discourses built on antagonistic normative references opposing a virtuous majority to threatening minorities. Then, based on online survey data of self‐declared Londoners (N = 223) during the riots, we analyzed (Study 2) how agreement with the discourses related to individuals’ ethnocentrism and their understanding of the causes underlying the events. Results of regression analyses showed how agreement with the discourses related to blaming ethnic diversity for the riots and to higher ethnocentrism, especially among individuals least likely to discriminate against minorities (i.e., low in social dominance orientation). Agreement with the discourses was also linked to reduced blame of authorities. To conclude, we discuss the mobilization potential of political discourses on ingroup virtue and outgroup threat.
Hip joint pathology: relationship between patient history, physical tests, and arthroscopy findings in clinical practice
Authors: Tijssen M. , van Cingel R. E. H. , de Visser E. , Hölmich P. , Nijhuis‐van der Sanden M. W. G.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this retrospective cohort study was to (a) describe the clinical presentation of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and hip labral pathology; (b) describe the accuracy of patient history and physical tests for FAI and labral pathology as confirmed by hip arthroscopy. Patients (18–65 years) were included if they were referred to a physical therapist to gather pre‐operative data and were then diagnosed during arthroscopy. Results of pre‐operative patient history and physical tests were collected and compared to arthroscopy. Data of 77 active patients (mean age: 37 years) were included. Groin as main location of pain, the Anterior Impingement test (AIT), Flexion‐Abduction‐External Rotation (FABER) test, and Fitzgerald test had a high sensitivity (range 0.72–0.91). Sensitivity increased when combining these tests (0.97) as either groin as main location of pain and a positive FABER test or a positive AIT and a positive FABER test were the shortest most sensitive combinations. The results of this study point out that in clinical practice absence of groin as main location of pain combined with a negative FABER test or the combination of a negative AIT and a negative FABER test are suggested to rule out the diagnosis of symptomatic FAI and/or labral pathology.
The Kaplan–Meier theatre
Authors: Gerds Thomas A.
Published: February 2016

Survival is difficult to estimate when observation periods of individuals differ in length. Students imagine sailing the Titanic and then recording whether they "live" or "die". A clever algorithm is performed which results in the Kaplan‐Meier estimate of survival.
Somaclonal variation does not preclude the use of rice transformants for genetic screening
Authors: Wei Fu‐Jin , Kuang Lin‐Yun , Oung Hui‐Min , Cheng Sin‐Yuan , Wu Hshin‐Ping , Huang Lin‐Tzu , Tseng Yi‐Tzu , Chiou Wan‐Yi , Hsieh‐Feng Vicki , Chung Cheng‐Han , Yu Su‐May , Lee Lan‐Ying , Gelvin Stanton B. , Hsing Yue‐Ie C.
Published: February 2016

Rice (Oryza sativa) is one of the world's most important crops. Rice researchers make extensive use of insertional mutants for the study of gene function. Approximately half a million flanking sequence tags from rice insertional mutant libraries are publicly available. However, the relationship between genotype and phenotype is very weak. Transgenic plant assays have been used frequently for complementation, overexpression or antisense analysis, but sequence changes caused by callus growth, Agrobacterium incubation medium, virulence genes, transformation and selection conditions are unknown. We used high‐throughput sequencing of DNA from rice lines derived from Tainung 67 to analyze non‐transformed and transgenic rice plants for mutations caused by these parameters. For comparison, we also analyzed sequence changes for two additional rice varieties and four T‐DNA tagged transformants from the Taiwan Rice Insertional Mutant resource. We identified single‐nucleotide polymorphisms, small indels, large deletions, chromosome doubling and chromosome translocations in these lines. Using standard rice regeneration/transformation procedures, the mutation rates of regenerants and transformants were relatively low, with no significant differences among eight tested treatments in the Tainung 67 background and in the cultivars Taikeng 9 and IR64. Thus, we could not conclusively detect sequence changes resulting from Agrobacterium‐mediated transformation in addition to those caused by tissue culture‐induced somaclonal variation. However, the mutation frequencies within the two publically available tagged mutant populations, including TRIM transformants or Tos17 lines, were about 10‐fold higher than the frequency of standard transformants, probably because mass production of embryogenic calli and longer callus growth periods were required to generate these large libraries.
Eradication of feral goats enhances expansion of the invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala on Nakoudo‐jima, an oceanic island
Authors: Osawa T , Hata K , Kachi N
Published: February 2016

Many introduced species can co‐exist within the same ecosystem and sometimes interact with each other. Under such situations, eradication of one species may cause unexpected negative effects. Nakoudo‐jima in the Ogasawara (Bonin) Islands is an oceanic island that had feral goats that were introduced in the 1880s, but eradicated in 1999. Following their eradication, the alien invasive shrub Leucaena leucocephala (Fabaceae) was predicted to increase drastically. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that the eradication of feral goats enhanced the expansion of L. leucocephala using four time‐series aerial photographs and validation work based on current field surveys of Nakoudo‐jima. Our results showed that following feral goat elimination, bare ground areas decreased and forest cover increased. This was particularly true of areas dominated by L. leucocephala. Thus, feral goats appear to have limited the expansion of L. leucocephala on Nakoudo‐jima. Grassland cover also increased following feral goat elimination, but this may have occurred prior to L. leucocephala expansion. These results suggest that L. leucocephala‐dominated forest might invade grassland areas and that grasslands may have mediated the expansion of L. leucocephala after feral goat elimination. Future management of L. leucocephala should target the species in the high‐risk expansion zones adjacent to grasslands.
Upper semi-continuity of the Hilbert–Kunz multiplicity
Authors: Smirnov Ilya
Published: February 2016

We prove that the Hilbert–Kunz multiplicity is upper semi-continuous in F-finite rings and algebras of essentially finite type over an excellent local ring.
Identification of HIV Dynamic System in the Case of Incomplete Experimental Data
Authors: Mathye Peter , Fedotov Igor , Shatalov Michael
Published: February 2016

In this paper we apply an inverse method that estimates parameters of deterministic mathematical models to an HIV model. We consider the case where experimental data concerning the values of some variables is incomplete or unknown. The objective is to estimate the parameters and to restore the information concerning the behaviour of the incomplete data. The method is based on integrating both sides of equations of a dynamic system, and applying some minimization methods (for example least square method). Such an approach was first suggested in [7] and [8]. Analysis of the HIV model and corresponding numerical example is presented.
Voxelized Model of Brain Infusion That Accounts for Small Feature Fissures: Comparison With Magnetic Resonance Tracer Studies
Authors: Dai Wei , Astary Garrett W. , Kasinadhuni Aditya K. , Carney Paul R. , Mareci Thomas H. , Sarntinoranont Malisa
Published: February 2016

Convection enhanced delivery (CED) is a promising novel technology to treat neural diseases, as it can transport macromolecular therapeutic agents greater distances through tissue by direct infusion. To minimize off-target delivery, our group has developed 3D computational transport models to predict infusion flow fields and tracer distributions based on magnetic resonance (MR) diffusion tensor imaging data sets. To improve the accuracy of our voxelized models, generalized anisotropy (GA), a scalar measure of a higher order diffusion tensor obtained from high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) was used to improve tissue segmentation within complex tissue regions of the hippocampus by capturing small feature fissures. Simulations were conducted to reveal the effect of these fissures and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) boundaries on CED tracer diversion and mistargeting. Sensitivity analysis was also conducted to determine the effect of dorsal and ventral hippocampal infusion sites and tissue transport properties on drug delivery. Predicted CED tissue concentrations from this model are then compared with experimentally measured MR concentration profiles. This allowed for more quantitative comparison between model predictions and MR measurement. Simulations were able to capture infusate diversion into fissures and other CSF spaces which is a major source of CED mistargeting. Such knowledge is important for proper surgical planning.
A Stiffness Formulation for Spline Joints
Authors: Hong J. , Talbot D. , Kahraman A.
Published: February 2016

Due to the lack of knowledge in terms of their flexibility and deformation, spline joints are typically assumed to be rigid in dynamic models of gearboxes, transmissions, and drivetrains. As various dynamic phenomena are associated with the stiffness of a spline joint, any high-fidelity dynamic model of drivetrains must properly capture the stiffness of spline joints. In this study, a general analytical stiffness formulation for spline joints is proposed based on a semi-analytical spline load distribution model. This formulation defines a fully populated stiffness matrix of a spline joint including radial, tilting, and torsional stiffness values as well as off-diagonal coupling terms. A blockwise inversion method is proposed and implemented with this analytical formulation to reduce computational time required. At the end, a detailed parametric study is presented to demonstrate the sensitivity of the spline stiffness matrix to torque level, tooth modifications, misalignments, and tooth indexing errors.
Aerodynamic Design of Separate-Jet Exhausts for Future Civil Aero-engines—Part I: Parametric Geometry Definition and Computational Fluid Dynamics Approach
Authors: Goulos Ioannis , Stankowski Tomasz , Otter John , MacManus David , Grech Nicholas , Sheaf Christopher
Published: February 2016

This paper presents the development of an integrated approach which targets the aerodynamic design of separate-jet exhaust systems for future gas-turbine aero-engines. The proposed framework comprises a series of fundamental modeling theories which are applicable to engine performance simulation, parametric geometry definition, viscous/compressible flow solution, and design space exploration (DSE). A mathematical method has been developed based on class-shape transformation (CST) functions for the geometric design of axisymmetric engines with separate-jet exhausts. Design is carried out based on a set of standard nozzle design parameters along with the flow capacities established from zero-dimensional (0D) cycle analysis. The developed approach has been coupled with an automatic mesh generation and a Reynolds averaged Navier–Stokes (RANS) flow-field solution method, thus forming a complete aerodynamic design tool for separate-jet exhaust systems. The employed aerodynamic method has initially been validated against experimental measurements conducted on a small-scale turbine powered simulator (TPS) nacelle. The developed tool has been subsequently coupled with a comprehensive DSE method based on Latin-hypercube sampling. The overall framework has been deployed to investigate the design space of two civil aero-engines with separate-jet exhausts, representative of current and future architectures, respectively. The inter-relationship between the exhaust systems' thrust and discharge coefficients has been thoroughly quantified. The dominant design variables that affect the aerodynamic performance of both investigated exhaust systems have been determined. A comparative evaluation has been carried out between the optimum exhaust design subdomains established for each engine. The proposed method enables the aerodynamic design of separate-jet exhaust systems for a designated engine cycle, using only a limited set of intuitive design variables. Furthermore, it enables the quantification and correlation of the aerodynamic behavior of separate-jet exhaust systems for designated civil aero-engine architectures. Therefore, it constitutes an enabling technology toward the identification of the fundamental aerodynamic mechanisms that govern the exhaust system performance for a user-specified engine cycle.
Effect of Partially Filled Spherical Cargo Tanks on the Roll Response of a Bargelike Vessel
Authors: Zhao Wenhua , McPhail Finlay , Efthymiou Mike
Published: February 2016

Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) is an offshore structure which enables liquefaction, storage, and offloading of natural gas. It is a game changer in offshore hydrocarbon development. Side-by-side offloading is a promising way of transferring liquefied natural gas (LNG) from FLNG to an LNG carrier. The roll response of LNG carriers, which plays a critical role, has been observed to be influenced by the liquid cargo motion inside the tanks. Therefore, the operational window for side-by-side offloading may not be estimated robustly using a simplified method which ignores the liquid cargo and considers only the ballast condition. This necessitates a scientific understanding of the roll responses of an LNG carrier at different load conditions. In this study, a series of model tests are conducted on a bargelike vessel with two spherical tanks. The response amplitude operators (RAOs) and response spectra of the vessel in different load conditions and different headings are investigated. The effect of intermediate cargo volumes on global roll response is, for the first time, examined for spherical cargo tanks. It is suggested that intermediate loading conditions with explicit inclusion of the effects of cargo sloshing is utilized in side-by-side operability studies to robustly ascertain offloading availability.
Experimental Validation of the Simulated Steady-State Behavior of Porous Journal Bearings1
Authors: Neacşu Ioana Adina , Scheichl Bernhard , Vorlaufer Georg , Eder Stefan J. , Franek Friedrich , Ramonat Lutz
Published: February 2016

This study deals with a comparison between new experiments on the frictional behavior of porous journal bearings and its prediction by previous numerical simulations. The tests were carried out on bearings lubricated with polyalphaolefin (PAO)-based oils of distinct viscosities. The theoretical model underlying the simulations includes the effects of cavitation by vaporization and accounts for the sinter flow by virtue of Darcy's law. The effective eccentricity ratio corresponding to the experimentally imposed load is estimated by an accurate numerical interpolation scheme. The comparison focuses on the hydrodynamic branches of the Stribeck curve by dimensional analysis (DA), where the variations of the lubricant viscosity with temperature are of main interest. The numerically calculated values of the coefficient of friction are found to reproduce the experimentally obtained ones satisfactorily well in terms of overall trends; yet, the former lie predominantly below the measured ones, which results in a low-positive correlation between the two.
Mechanical properties and oxidation behavior of ZrNx thin films fabricated through high-power impulse magnetron sputtering deposition
Authors: Chang Li-Chun , Chang Ching-Yen , Chen Yung-I , Kao Hsuan-Ling
Published: February 2016

ZrNx thin films were deposited on silicon substrates using novel high-power impulse magnetron sputtering. The films were annealed at 600 °C in an atmosphere of 15 ppm O2–N2, and their performance as a protective hard coating on glass molding dies was evaluated. The as-deposited ZrNx thin films were characterized by a high nanohardness of 26–27 GPa and low surface roughness of approximately 0.5 nm. However, the mechanical properties of the ZrNx thin films declined after they were annealed owing to the formation of ZrO2 scales.
Single vacuum chamber with multiple close space sublimation sources to fabricate CdTe solar cells
Authors: Swanson Drew E. , Kephart Jason M. , Kobyakov Pavel S. , Walters Kevin , Cameron Kevan C. , Barth Kurt L. , Sampath Walajabad S. , Drayton Jennifer , Sites James R.
Published: February 2016

Photovoltaic technologies have shown efficiencies of over 40%, however, manufacturing costs have prevented a more significant energy market penetration. To bridge the gap between the high efficiency technology and low cost manufacturing, a research and development tool and process was built and tested. This fully automated single vacuum photovoltaic manufacturing tool utilizes multiple inline close space sublimation (CSS) sources with automated substrate control. This maintains the proven scalability of the CSS technology and CSS source design but with the added versatility of independent substrate motion. This combination of a scalable deposition technology with increased cell fabrication flexibility has allowed for high efficiency cells to be manufactured and studied. The single vacuum system is capable of fabricating a 3.1 × 3.6 in. substrate every 45 min with a cell efficiency of 12% with a standard deviation of 0.6% as measured over 36 months. The substrate is generally scribed into 25 small area devices allowing for over 250 small area devices to be fabricated each day. The system can operate uninterrupted for maintenance for over 21 days.
Context-specific flow through the MEK/ERK module produces cell- and ligand-specific patterns of ERK single and double phosphorylation
Authors: Iwamoto Nao , D’Alessandro Lorenza A. , Depner Sofia , Hahn Bettina , Kramer Bernhard A. , Lucarelli Philippe , Vlasov Artyom , Stepath Markus , Böhm Martin E. , Deharde Daniela , Damm Georg , Seehofer Daniel , Lehmann Wolf D. , Klingmüller Ursula , Schilling Marcel
Published: February 2016

ERK phosphorylated on a single residue of the activation motif may be a sign of dysregulated proliferation.
The adhesion GPCR BAI1 mediates macrophage ROS production and microbicidal activity against Gram-negative bacteria
Authors: Billings Emily A. , Lee Chang Sup , Owen Katherine A. , D’Souza Ryan S. , Ravichandran Kodi S. , Casanova James E.
Published: February 2016

A macrophage adhesion receptor that mediates internalization of Gram-negative bacteria also stimulates the machinery that kills them.
Science Signaling
Podcast for 2 February 2016: Engulf and Kill
Authors: Casanova James E. , VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: February 2016

In macrophages, an adhesion receptor both mediates phagocytosis of bacteria and triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species to kill them.