bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Single camera-based synchronisation within a concept of robotic assembly in motion
Authors: Schmitt Robert , Cai Yu
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Automated robotic assembly on a moving workpiece, referred to as assembly in motion, demands that an assembly robot is synchronised in all degrees of freedom to the moving workpiece, on which assembly parts are installed. Currently, this requirement cannot be met due to the lack of robust estimation of 3D positions and the trajectory of the moving workpiece. The purpose of this paper is to develop a camera system that measures the 3D trajectory of the moving workpiece for robotic assembly in motion.

Design/methodology/approach

– For the trajectory estimation, an assembly robot-guided, monocular camera system is developed. The motion trajectory of a workpiece is estimated, as the trajectory is considered as a linear combination of trajectory bases, such as discrete cosine transform bases.

Findings

– The developed camera system for trajectory estimation is tested within the robotic assembly of a cylinder block in motion. The experimental results show that the proposed method is able to reconstruct arbitrary trajectories of an assembly point on a workpiece moving in 3D space.

Research limitations/implications

– With the developed technology, a point trajectory can be recovered offline only after all measurement images are acquired. For practical assembly tasks in real production, this method should be extended to determine the trajectory online during the motion of a workpiece.

Practical implications

– For practical, robotic assembly in motion, such as assembling tires, wheels and windscreens on conveyed vehicle bodies, the developed technology can be used for positioning a moving workpiece, which is in the distant field of an assembly robot.

Originality/value

– Besides laser trackers, indoor global positioning systems and stereo cameras, this paper provides a solution of trajectory estimation by using a monocular camera system.
Mathematical performance analysis for HCoP-B reactive fast handover mechanisms for the nested mobile networks
Authors: Chang Ing-Chau , Lu Ciou-Song , Wang Sheng-Chih
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– In the past, by adopting the handover prediction concept of the fast mobile IPv6, the authors have proposed a cross-layer architecture, which was called the proactive fast HCoP-B (FHCoP-B), to trigger layer 3 HCoP-B route optimization flow by 802.11 and 802.16 link events before the actual layer 2 handover of a mobile subnet in the nested mobile network (NEMO) occurs. In this way, proactive FHCoP-B has shortened its handover latency and packet loss. However, there are two scenarios where proactive FHCoP-B cannot normally complete its operations due to fast movements of the NEMO during handover. The paper aims to discuss these issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, the authors will propose efficient reactive FHCoP-B flows for these two scenarios to support fast and seamless handovers. The authors will further extend the analytical model proposed for mobile IPv6 to investigate four performance metrics of proactive and reactive FHCoP-B, HCoP-B and two well-known NEMO schemes with the radio link protocol (RLP), which can detect packet losses and performs retransmissions over the error-prone wireless link.

Findings

– Through intensive simulations, the authors conclude that FHCoP-B outperforms HCoP-B and the other two well-known NEMO schemes by achieving the shortest handover latencies, the smallest number of packet losses and the fewest playback interruption time during handover only with few extra buffer spaces, even over error-prone wireless links of the nested NEMO.

Originality/value

– This paper has three major contributions, which are rare in the NEMO literature. First, the proactive FHCoP-B has been enhanced as the reactive one to handle two fast handover scenarios with RLP for the nested NEMO. Second, the reactive FHCoP-B supports seamless reactive handover for the nested NEMO over error-prone wireless links. Third, mathematical performance analyses for two scenarios of reactive FHCoP-B with RLP over error-prone wireless links have been conducted.
Combining a chaos system with an Arnold cat map for a secure authentication scheme in wireless communication networks
Authors: Chen Young-Long , Cheng Chung-Ming
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– Wu et al.'s scheme has a security problem that is related to anonymity: attackers can determine by interception the identity of a legal user. This paper aims to propose a new secure authentication which combines a chaos system with an Arnold cat map. The scheme improves upon that of the Wu et al.'s scheme. The scheme proposed herein provides for full anonymity and improves the security of authentication messages for wireless communications.

Design/methodology/approach

– A novel scheme that integrates a chaos sequence is used with an Arnold cat map for authentication messages. Authentication messages are shuffled using an Arnold cat map to improve the security of authentication in wireless communications. An analytic approach based on a chaos sequence with an Arnold cat map is developed to secure authentication. The proposed scheme is presented in this study to overcome the inherent drawbacks of existing designs.

Findings

– The integrated scheme involves two steps. First, a chaos map is used to generate a set of chaos sequences that is added to the authentication messages. Second, the authentication messages are shuffled using an Arnold cat map. The main feature of the proposed design is such that the chaos systems are sensitive to the initial values of conditions. Sensitivity will lead to long-term behavior unpredictability to reflect the non-linear dynamic systems. Furthermore, to increase the complexity of the authentication message, the authors also use an Arnold cat map.

Originality/value

– The proposed scheme provides functions that include full anonymity properties, protection of the real identity of the user, one-time password properties, timestamp benefits and sufficient complexity of the password. The analysis shows that the proposed scheme exhibits the advantages of the chaos system and is more secure than previous schemes. Notably, the proposed scheme is effective for wireless communications.
Media discourse in a hyper connected society: a comparison between media frame and Twitter discourse during media strike
Authors: Eun Cho Seong , Shin Dong-Hee
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the impact of news frames associated with traditional media and with Twitter discourse on social issues.

Design/methodology/approach

– Using semantic network analysis, it identifies the role of new alternative channels as well as discussing ways of understanding and consuming news content in the changing media environment. Additionally, it focuses on the dominant Twitter communicators who rank high in betweenness centrality.

Findings

– The results confirmed that traditional news media tend to superficially describe main events and media strikes without comment. They tended to consciously or unconsciously favor media corporations by engendering anxiety and conflict or by restraining reports on the rationales of the strike. Twitter discourse, on the contrary, positively represents the striker's arguments and frequently reveals support of the strike.

Research limitations/implications

– The data set of this study was specialized, not generalized. However, the findings extend literature relating to the role of journalism and alternative channel. For example, this study indicated that the change of media environment has reinforced partiality of news, including both traditional and alternative channels.

Practical implications

– The findings imply that the advent of new media does not purely represent a laymen's voice and rather tends to strengthen the partiality of media, including both traditional and new media, beyond selective exposure on content of the receiver.

Originality/value

– By clarifying the influence of alternative channels, this study suggests the counterpart of traditional journalism in the near future.
Impacts of mobile termination rates on retail prices: the implication for regulators
Authors: Kongaut Chatchai , Bohlin Erik
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– There are only a limited number of empirical analyses on the impacts of MTRs. According to the data from 2006-2011 by the European Regulators Group (ERG), many countries have continuously reduced their MTRs. This paper therefore aims to enrich the empirical analysis of the impacts of MTRs according to EC policy on retail prices.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper applies the one-step generalised method of moments (GMM) approach to dynamic panel data.

Findings

– The results support the hypothesis that lower MTRs will reduce consumer retail prices, which is consistent with the EC framework. It is therefore recommended that regulators in the calling party network pays (CPNP) regime reduce MTRs to at least the same level as the operators' cost to raise overall social welfare, especially consumer welfare. However, the approach by each country can differ depending on its situation.

Originality/value

– This study supports the idea that it is appropriate for the EC to regulate MTRs by reducing the rates to at least the same level as the efficient operators' cost, and other regulators with a calling party network pays regime from other regions could also follow this strategy.
Corporate sustainability discourses in a Brazilian business magazine
Authors: Franca Barros Denise , Felipe Rammelt Sauerbronn Joao , Mello da Costa Alessandra
Published: March 2014

Purpose

– This paper seeks to explore corporate social responsibility (CSR) in Brazil through the “evolution” of the sustainability concept in one of the country's leading specialist business publications – the Exame Magazine. The idea is to understand how Exame portrays sustainable development and corporate sustainability in its Sustainable Corporation Guide.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors collected material covering five years of the Exame Sustainable Corporation Guide, from 2005 to 2009. The data were analyzed using discourse analysis.

Findings

– The authors consider that the “evolution” promoted in this particular business media discourse on CSR and sustainability assumes, and stands for the economically dominant paradigm. In this sense, it cannot be viewed as an alternative that can realistically protect local environments. Despite the idea of a neutral journalistic approach, the concerns depicted in the publication still rely on profits and the chase for business opportunities. The authors also discuss to what extent this particular publication supports a specific hegemonic discourse. The different sustainability indexes adopted only reproduce practices that are desired and that align with the realities of the so-called developed nations.

Research limitations/implications

– The paper focuses on what kind of sustainability discourse is propagated by the business media, and more specifically, by a well-known Guide published by a popular Brazilian business magazine. Through this method of diffusion, a specific kind of CSR and sustainability are drawn up that support the capitalist business model. This analysis can raise issues, such as the existence of a “dark side” of sustainability. Further investigation of the diffusion of the CSR and sustainability relationship in business media discourse, as well as of the uncritical adoption of western CSR models, might invigorate the discussion and provide valuable insights.

Originality/value

– There is a distinct lack of studies on sustainability and CSR in emergent economies. Such initiatives can be developed in different ways because emergent countries' contexts may differ. Since Brazil is currently an important player in the economic and political arenas, understanding how the notion of sustainability is being discussed in the Brazilian business media can lead to important implications for corporate practices and organizational relationships with stakeholders, both internally as well as externally.
Current practice in nutrition diagnosis and intervention for the management of Parkinson's disease in Australia and Canada
Authors: Sheard Jamie M. , Ash Susan
Published: March 2014

Aim

To document current practice by dietitians in Australia and Canada in the nutrition management of Parkinson's disease. This will help identify priority areas for review and development of practice guidelines and direct future research.

Methods

Current practice in the phases of the Nutrition Care Plan was captured using an online survey distributed to Dietitians Association of Australia members and Practice‐Based Evidence in Nutrition subscribers through their email newsletters. The results of the diagnosis, intervention and monitoring phases are presented here.

Results

Eighty‐four dietitians responded. There was consistency in practice for nutrition issues that are encountered in other populations, such as malnutrition and constipation. There was more variation in practice in the nutrition issues that are more specific to Parkinson's disease, such as nutrition and meal interactions with medication. A lack of awareness of emerging treatments, such as deep brain stimulation surgery, appears to exist in the responding dietitians.

Conclusions

The variation in practice that was present for the nutrition issues specific to Parkinson's disease may reflect the lack of quality evidence and subsequently evidence‐based guidelines in these areas. Work to provide background information about treatment options and to translate current evidence for the nutrition issues that are specific to Parkinson's disease into practice recommendations should be completed.
Review article: genetic factors that modify the outcome of viral hepatitis
Authors: Stättermayer A. F. , Scherzer T. , Beinhardt S. , Rutter K. , Hofer H. , Ferenci P.
Published: March 2014

Background

Genetic factors can play an important role for treatment response and disease progression in chronic viral hepatitis.

Aim

To review the influence of host genetic factors on the clinical course as well as on treatment response in patients with viral hepatitis.

Methods

Review of the literature.

Results

A landmark genome‐wide association study (GWAS) identified polymorphisms in the IL28B gene on chromosome 19 (19q13.13) associated with response to therapy with pegylated interferon‐α (PEG‐IFN) and ribavirin (RBV) and spontaneous viral clearance in acute hepatitis C. Furthermore, IL28B genotype is associated with changes of lipid metabolism and insulin resistance. A further GWAS demonstrated that ITPA genetic variants protect HCV genotype 1 patients from RBV‐induced anaemia. Another polymorphism in the patatin‐like phospholipase domain containing 3 (PNPLA3) is associated with hepatic steatosis. Difficult‐to‐treat hepatitis C patients homozygous for GG had an up to five‐fold lower chance of viral clearance on PEG/RBV than non‐GG patients.

In chronic hepatitis B patients treated with PEG‐IFN several retrospective analyses of IL28B rs12980275 and rs12979860 genotypes yielded conflicting results which can be explained by the heterogeneity between the study populations. Some variants of the HLA‐DP locus (HLA‐DPA1 A allele and HLA‐DPB1) protect against progression of chronic hepatitis B infection.

Conclusions

The determination of IL28B polymorphisms may be useful to individualise treatment options when using PEG/RBV based therapies for chronic hepatitis C infection. In contrast, so far identified genetic factors play only a minor role in chronic hepatitis B infection.
Impact of renal surgery for cortical neoplasms on lipid metabolism
Authors: Bagrodia Aditya , Kopp Ryan P. , Mehrazin Reza , Lee Hak J. , Liss Michael A. , Jabaji Ramzi , Kane Christopher J. , Wake Robert W. , Patterson Anthony L. , Wan Jim Y. , Derweesh Ithaar H.
Published: March 2014

Objective

To examine the incidence of and risk factors for development of hyperlipidaemia in patients undergoing radical nephrectomy (RN) or partial nephrectomy (PN) for renal cortical neoplasms, as hyperlipidaemia is a major source of morbidity in chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Patients and Methods

We conducted a two‐centre retrospective analysis of 905 patients (mean age 57.5 years, mean follow‐up 78 months), who underwent RN (n = 610) or PN (n = 295) between July 1987 and June 2007. Demographics, preoperative and postoperative hyperlipidaemia were recorded.

De novo hyperlipidaemia was defined as that ocurring ≥6 months after surgery in cases where laboratory values met National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III definitions. The Kaplan–Meier method was used to assess freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia. Multivariable analysis was conducted to determine the risk factors for de novo hyperlipidaemia.

Results

There were no significant differences with respect to demographics, preoperative glomerular filtration rate (GFR) <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (P = 0.123) and hyperlipidaemia (P = 0.144). Tumour size (cm) was significantly larger in the RN group vs the PN group (7.0 vs 3.7; P < 0.001). Significantly greater postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 was noted in the RN group (45.7 vs 18%, P < 0.001). Significantly, more de novo hyperlipidaemia developed in the RN group than in the PN group (23 vs 6.4%; P < 0.001). The mean time to development of hyperlipidaemia was longer for PN than for RN (54 vs 44 months; P = 0.03). Five‐year freedom from de novo hyperlipidaemia probability was 76% for RN vs 96% for PN (P < 0.001). Multivariable analysis showed that RN (odds ratio [OR] 2.93; P = 0.0107), preoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 1.98; P = 0.037) and postoperative GFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 (OR 7.89; P < 0.001) were factors associated with hyperlipidaemia development.

Conclusion

Patients who underwent RN had a significantly higher incidence of and shorter time to development of de novo hyperlipidaemia. RN and pre‐ and postoperative eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2 were associated with development of hyperlipidaemia. Further follow‐up and prospective investigation are necessary to confirm these findings.
Acetylcholinesterase Inhibitory Activity and Molecular Docking Study of 1‐Nitro‐2‐Phenylethane, the Main Constituent of Aniba canelilla Essential Oil
Authors: Silva Nayla N. S. , Silva José R. A. , Alves Claudio N. , Andrade Eloisa H. A. , da Silva Joyce K. R. , Maia José G. S.
Published: March 2014

The odoriferous principle of Aniba canelilla (H.B.K.) Mez is due 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane, the main constituent of its essential oil and also responsible for the plant's cinnamon scent. This nitroderivative was previously reported by their antioxidant, antinociception, cardiovascular, and vasorelaxant properties, and now it was tested as the inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase using bioautography on TLC plates. The oil and a purified fraction containing 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane were analyzed by GC and GC‐MS. The percentage content of 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane in the oil and after fractionation was 70.2% and 98.0%, respectively. The results showed that the oil and 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane are strong acetylcholinesterase inhibitors with the detection limit of 0.01 ng, equivalent to physostigmine used as the positive control. A molecular docking study was used to determine the position and conformation of the 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane inhibitor in the receptor‐binding pocket of the acetylcholinesterase enzyme. The nitrogroup of 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane was positioned near of the catalytic serine residue of acetylcholinesterase, forming strong hydrogen bond with its hydroxyl group. Therefore, the electronegative character of 1‐nitro‐2‐phenylethane may explain the interaction that occurs with the catalytic serine residue and its significant inhibitory activity of acetylcholinesterase.
Susceptibility quantitative trait loci for pathogenic leucocytosis in SCG/Kj mice, a spontaneously occurring crescentic glomerulonephritis and vasculitis model
Authors: Hamano Y , Abe M , Matsuoka S , Zhang D , Kondo Y , Kagami Y , Ishigami A , Maruyama N , Tsuruta Y , Yumura W , Suzuki K
Published: March 2014

The spontaneous crescentic glomerulonephritis-forming/Kinjoh (SCG/Kj) mouse, a model of human crescentic glomerulonephritis (CrGN) and systemic vasculitis, is characterized by the production of myeloperoxidase-specific anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (MPO-ANCA) and marked leucocytosis. This study was performed to identify the specific populations of leucocytes associated with CrGN and susceptibility loci for pathogenic leucocytosis. Four hundred and twenty female (C57BL/6 × SCG/Kj) F2 intercross mice were subjected to serial flow cytometry examination of the peripheral blood (PB). Kidney granulocytes and monocytes were examined histopathologically. Linkage analyses were performed with 109 polymorphic microsatellite markers. Correlation studies revealed that increase of the granulocytes, F4/80+ cells, CD3+CD4−CD8−T cells and dendritic cells (DCs) in peripheral blood (PB) were associated significantly with glomerulonephritis, crescent formation and vasculitis. In kidney sections, F4/80low cells were observed in crescent, while F4/80high cells were around the Bowman's capsules and in the interstitium. Numbers of F4/80+ cells in crescents correlated significantly with F4/80+ cell numbers in PB, but not with numbers of F4/80+ cells in the interstitium. Genome-wide quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping revealed three SCG/Kj-derived non-Fas QTLs for leucocytosis, two on chromosome 1 and one on chromosome 17. QTLs on chromosome 1 affected DCs, granulocytes and F4/80+ cells, but QTL on chromosome 17 affected DCs and granulocytes. We found CrGN-associated leucocytes and susceptibility QTLs with their positional candidate genes. F4/80+ cells in crescents are considered as recruited inflammatory macrophages. The results provide information for leucocytes to be targeted and genetic elements in CrGN and vasculitis.
Complete mesocolic resection and extended lymphadenectomy for colon cancer: a systematic review
Authors: Killeen S. , Mannion M. , Devaney A. , Winter D. C.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Complete mesocolic excision (CME) and extended lympha‐denectomy (EL) have been proposed as safe procedures for improving colon cancer survival outcomes. The aim of this study was to evaluate the evidence regarding oncological outcomes, morbidity and mortality after such techniques for colon cancer.

Method

A systematic review of the literature was conducted to evaluate evidence regarding oncological outcomes, morbidity and mortality after CME or EL. Three major databases (PubMed, MEDLINE and the Cochrane Library) were searched. The review included original articles reporting outcomes after CME or EL from January 1950 to July 2012.

Results

Twenty‐one, predominately retrospective, studies involving 5246 patients (mean age 68.2 years, 56.5% men) were included. Reporting of outcomes was inconsistent. Median follow up was 60 months. The operative mortality rate was 3.2% and the cumulative morbidity rate was 21.5%. The weighted mean local recurrence rate and the 5‐year overall and disease‐free survival rates were 4.5%, 58.1% and 77.4%, respectively.

Conclusion

The available data for CME and EL have numerous fundamental limitations that prohibit adoption. Contemporary controlled studies are required before universal recommendation.
Impact of urinary tract infection on allograft function after kidney transplantation
Authors: Ariza‐Heredia Ella J. , Beam Elena N. , Lesnick Timothy G. , Cosio Fernando G. , Kremers Walter K. , Razonable Raymund R.
Published: March 2014

Objectives

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common infectious complication after kidney transplantation. We aim to determine its impact on allograft function as indicated by several measures such as iothalamate glomerular filtration rate (iGFR), estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), and creatinine value.

Methods

We performed a single‐center retrospective cohort study to determine the impact of UTI on kidney allograft outcome.

Results

The study population consisted of 301 kidney transplant recipients; 84% were living donor transplants. One hundred and one patients (34%) developed at least one episode of UTI and the incidence of UTI during the first year after transplantation was 25%. At the end of the follow‐up, the iGFR was lower among patients who had developed at least one UTI (p = 0.044). However, eGFR and creatinine values were not significantly different between UTI and non‐UTI groups.

Conclusion

When kidney function was measured by eGFR and creatinine, there was no significant difference in allograft function between kidney recipients with or without UTI. However, when kidney function was measured by nuclear studies, there was a tendency toward impairment in allograft function among patients who developed atleast one UTI after transplantation.
Predictive factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes after renal transplantation
Authors: You Ji Yeon , Kim Moon‐Kyung , Choi Suk‐Joo , Oh Soo‐young , Kim Sung‐Joo , Kim Jong‐Hwa , Oh Ha‐Young , Roh Cheong‐Rae
Published: March 2014

Several predictive factors associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in female renal recipients have been suggested. Our study aimed to determine the most important factor for prediction of adverse pregnancy outcomes in female renal recipients. We studied 41 pregnancies in 29 female renal recipients retrospectively. We reviewed pregnancy outcomes and possible predictive factors including pre‐pregnancy serum creatinine (SCr), pre‐pregnancy glomerular filtration rate (GFR), pre‐pregnancy hypertension, pre‐pregnancy proteinuria, transplantation‐pregnancy interval and type of immunosuppressants. We defined an adverse pregnancy‐related outcomes index (APOI) that included the following conditions: (i) preeclampsia; (ii) fetal growth restriction (FGR); (iii) prematurity before 34 wk of gestation; (iv) fetal loss (v) graft dysfunction during pregnancy or within three months from delivery. The cutoff of pre‐pregnancy serum creatinine and GFR was determined by receiver operating characteristics curves for the prediction of each adverse outcome and APOI. Only pre‐pregnancy serum creatinine was associated with adverse pregnancy outcome, and 1 mg/dL was determined to be a useful cutoff for the prediction of each adverse outcomes. Pre‐pregnancy SCr ≥ 1 mg/dL was associated with 7.7 times increased risk of preeclampsia and 6.9 times increased risk of APOI. Pre‐pregnancy serum creatinine is the most powerful predictive factor for adverse pregnancy outcomes, and <1 mg/dL may be used as a screen for successful pregnancy outcome.
Association studies of cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily E, polypeptide 1 (CYP2E1) gene polymorphisms with acute rejection in kidney transplantation recipients
Authors: Kim Su Kang , Park Hae Jeong , Seok Hosik , Jeon Hye Sook , Lee Tae Won , Lee Sang Ho , Moon Ju Young , Ihm Chun Gyoo , Kim Tae Hee , Kim Yeong Hoon , Kang Sun Woo , Park Seok Ju , Jeong Kyung Hwan , Chung Joo‐Ho
Published: March 2014

Recent studies have shown that single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) are associated with allograft rejection in kidney transplantation recipients. We evaluated the possible association between SNPs of the cytochrome P450, family 2, subfamily E, polypeptide 1 (CYP2E1) gene, and acute rejection (AR) among renal transplant patients in a Korean population. We conducted a case–control association study in 63 AR and 284 non‐AR kidney transplant recipients. The SNPs of CYP2E1 were genotyped by direct sequencing. Recipient sex (p = 0.023) and the use of tacrolimus (p = 0.017) were significantly different between the two groups. The use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and antibody induction therapy was significantly lower in the AR group. Multiple logistic regression models (codominant, dominant, recessive, and log‐additive models) adjusted by sex and type of immunosuppressive regimens were applied to determine the odds ratios (ORs), 95% confidence intervals (CIs), and p‐values. The rs2515641 of CYP2E1 showed significant differences between the AR patient group and non‐AR group (p = 0.003, OR = 2.55, 95% CI = 1.37–4.75 in the codominant 1 model; p = 0.002, OR = 2.61, 95% CI = 1.43–4.77 in the dominant model; p = 0.0035, OR = 2.13, 95% CI = 1.29–3.50 in the log‐additive model). The allele of the rs2515641 SNP also showed a significant association (p = 0.004, OR = 1.99, 95% CI = 1.24–3.21). This study suggests that the CYP2E1 polymorphism may be related to the development of AR in Korean kidney transplantation recipients.
Geographical surrogates of genetic variation for selecting island populations for conservation
Authors: Ponce‐Reyes Rocío , Clegg Sonya M. , Carvalho Silvia B. , McDonald‐Madden Eve , Possingham Hugh P.
Published: March 2014

Aim

Threatened species often exist in small numbers in isolated populations. Limited financial resources usually constrain conservationists to allocate funds to a subset of these populations. Because obtaining information required to maximize the amount of genetic and phenotypic variation protected can be costly and time‐consuming, the utility of surrogates should be explored. This study tests the efficacy of three simple and cost‐effective geographical measures in capturing genetic and phenotypic variation in fragmented populations when setting conservation priorities.

Location

Vanuatu archipelago.

Methods

We used neutral genetic data (mtDNAand microsatellites) and morphometric data (a proxy for functional variation) for two bird species displaying different patterns of regional population genetic structure:Zosterops flavifronsandZosterops lateralis. We tested the performance of three geographical surrogates (maximizing: geographical distance between islands; area of islands; geographical representation of islands), in representing divergence between and diversity within populations, constrained to the number of islands being protected.

Results

Maximizing geographical separation of sites provided the best surrogate for a constrained budget (< 50% of the populations) for both species. For a larger protected area system (> 50% of the populations), the spatially most representative sites were often more effective. Selecting islands based on size retained about half of within‐population genetic diversity; however, this was not much higher than selecting the islands randomly.

Main conclusions

The ability of surrogates to capture genetic or phenotypic variation varied depending on the species, genetic markers and number of islands selected. While imperfect, selection of populations based on simple geographical surrogates for genetic and phenotypic variation will generally be better than random selection for conserving the evolutionary potential of threatened populations when time and money limit a more thorough and direct analyses of genetic and phenotypic variation.
Maids, Appliances and Couples' Housework: The Demand for Inputs to Domestic Production
Authors: Stancanelli Elena G. F. , Stratton Leslie S.
Published: March 2014

Maids, household appliances and housework time are key inputs to domestic production. This study uses data from the UK and France to estimate the effects of resource prices on the demand for these inputs. We conclude that higher opportunity costs of time increase the likelihood of having maid services and appliances. Women's time costs are also positively related to his housework time and negatively related to hers. Finally, maid service appears to be a closer substitute for housework time on weekend days than weekdays, suggesting smaller labour supply effects than anticipated by earlier literature.
The health and service needs of older veterans: a qualitative analysis
Authors: Feldman Susan , Dickins Marissa L. , Browning Colette J. , DeSoysa Tiasha S.
Published: March 2014

Background

With substantial numbers of older people within the Australian veteran population continuing to age well within the community, appropriate planning of community support and health services is important for this ageing population.

Objective

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the health and service usage of a group of older Australian war veterans who receive Australian Government support for their health‐care needs and conditions.

Design

This paper reports on qualitative data gathered from the longitudinal MELSHA study. Utilizing thematic analysis and the theoretical framework of locus of control, this article reports on 25 qualitative interviews of veterans and their widows about their DVA‐related health and service usage.

Results

Participants within this study were determined to maintain a sense of control and independence in relation to their living circumstances and service usage. In doing so, they attempted to maintain their current community living circumstances and independence while minimizing their utilization of services and perceived ‘burden’ on family members and friends. Participants accepted that a decline in health status was inevitable, but engaged in a number of different strategies to maintain their current way of life for as long as possible.

Discussion & Conclusion

Participants, while valuing an internal locus of control, generally engaged in an integrative locus of control to maintain a sense of control and independence in their daily lives. In addition, participants were very grateful of the services provided by the DVA and acknowledged their role in maintaining their independence within the community.
Genetic structure in Iberian and Moroccan populations of the globally threatened great bustardOtis tarda: a microsatellite perspective
Authors: Horreo Jose Luis , Alonso Juan Carlos , Palacín Carlos , Milá Borja
Published: March 2014

Patterns of genetic structure and gene flow among populations help us understand population dynamics and properly manage species of concern. Matrilineal mtDNA sequence data have been instrumental in revealing genetic structure at the intraspecific level, but bi‐parentally inherited markers are needed to confirm patterns at the genome level and to assess the potential role of sex‐biased dispersal on gene flow, particularly in species where males are known to be the main dispersing sex. Here we use microsatellite loci to examine patterns of genetic structure across the range of the great bustard in Iberia and Morocco, an area representing 70% of the world population of this globally threatened species. We used population differentiation statistics and Bayesian analysis of population structure to analyse data from 14 microsatellite loci. These data provide greater resolution than mtDNA sequences, and results reveal the existence of three main genetic units corresponding to Morocco, the northeastern part of Spain, and the rest of the Iberian Peninsula. Our results, together with previous mtDNA data, confirm the genetic differentiation of the northern Africa population and the importance of the Strait of Gibraltar as a barrier to gene flow for both males and females, rendering the Moroccan population a separate management unit of high conservation concern.
Cryptolaemus montrouzieri as a predator of the striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata, reared on two hosts
Authors: Wu H. , Zhang Y. , Liu P. , Xie J. , He Y. , Deng C. , De Clercq P. , Pang H.
Published: March 2014

The striped mealybug, Ferrisia virgata (Cockerell) (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae), is a cosmopolitan pest of a variety of agricultural crops including cotton. To investigate the biological control potential of the predatory ladybird Cryptolaemus montrouzieri Mulsant (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) against this pest, we evaluated its developmental and reproductive fitness when feeding on F. virgata reared on pumpkin fruits or on cotton leaves and compared this to a diet of Planococcus citri Risso (Hemiptera: Pseudococcidae) reared on pumpkin fruits. F. virgata and P. citri reared on pumpkins were equally suitable prey for the pre‐imaginal stages of C. montrouzieri. Duration of total immature development was 1 day longer in C. montrouzieri offered F. virgata reared on cotton as compared with F. virgata or P. citri reared on pumpkin, whereas no significant difference was observed in survival rates. Diet significantly influenced the reproductive fitness of C. montrouzieri. Females offered P. citri reared on pumpkin had significantly shorter pre‐oviposition periods and higher fecundity and fertility than those given F. virgata reared on pumpkin or cotton leaves. F. virgata grown on cotton leaves supported the reproduction of C. montrouzieri better than F. virgata reared on pumpkin. Our study established that C. montrouzieri can successfully complete its development and reproduction when fed exclusively on F. virgata and indicates its potential as a biological control agent of this emerging cotton pest.
Perceptions of Legitimacy: The Sex of the Legal Messenger and Reactions to Sexual Harassment Training
Authors: Tinkler Justine , Gremillion Skylar , Arthurs Kira
Published: March 2014

Research shows that exposure to sexual harassment policy sometimes activates traditional gender stereotypes. This article examines whether the sex of the legal messenger moderates reactions to the enforcement of sexual harassment laws. We employ a 2 × 2 experimental design in which we measure the effect of a sexual harassment policy intervention on male participants’ gender beliefs. The design varies whether the person communicating the policy information is male or female. We find that female policy trainers activate implicit gender stereotypes, but explicit gender egalitarian beliefs. Other than improving men's perceptions of women's considerateness, the policy has little effect on beliefs in the conditions with a male trainer. These results suggest that the effect of law on social change is contingent on characteristics of the legal messengers. Findings contribute to our understanding of gender inequality and legitimacy processes and have practical implications for implementing effective policy.
Restriction of parent body heating by metal‐troilite melting: Thermal models for the ordinary chondrites
Authors: Mare Eleanor R. , Tomkins Andrew G. , Godel Belinda M.
Published: March 2014

Ordinary chondrite meteorites contain silicates, Fe,Ni‐metal grains, and troilite (FeS). Conjoined metal‐troilite grains would be the first phase to melt during radiogenic heating in the parent body, if temperatures reached over approximately 910–960 °C (the Fe,Ni‐FeS eutectic). On the basis of two‐pyroxene thermometry of 13 ordinary chondrites, we argue that peak temperatures in some type 6 chondrites exceeded the Fe,Ni‐FeS eutectic and thus conjoined metal‐troilite grains would have begun to melt. Melting reactions consume energy, so thermal models were constructed to investigate the effect of melting on the thermal history of the H, L, and LL parent asteroids. We constrained the models by finding the proportions of conjoined metal‐troilite grains in ordinary chondrites using high‐resolution X‐ray computed tomography. The models show that metal‐troilite melting causes thermal buffering and inhibits the onset of silicate melting. Compared with models that ignore the effect of melting, our models predict longer cooling histories for the asteroids and accretion times that are earlier by 61, 124, or 113 kyr for the H, L, and LL asteroids, respectively. Because the Ni/Fe ratio of the metal and the bulk troilite/metal ratio is higher in L and LL chondrites than H chondrites, thermal buffering has the greatest effect in models for the L and LL chondrite parent bodies, and least effect for the H chondrite parent. Metal‐troilite melting is also relevant to models of primitive achondrite parent bodies, particularly those that underwent only low degrees of silicate partial melting. Thermal models can predict proportions of petrologic types formed within an asteroid, but are systematically different from the statistics of meteorite collections. A sampling bias is interpreted to explain these differences.
The amino acid composition of the Sutter's Mill CM2 carbonaceous chondrite
Authors: Burton Aaron S. , Glavin Daniel P. , Elsila Jamie E. , Dworkin Jason P. , Jenniskens Peter , Yin Qing‐Zhu
Published: March 2014

We determined the abundances and enantiomeric compositions of amino acids in Sutter's Mill fragment #2 (designated SM2) recovered prior to heavy rains that fell April 25–26, 2012, and two other meteorite fragments, SM12 and SM51, that were recovered postrain. We also determined the abundance, enantiomeric, and isotopic compositions of amino acids in soil from the recovery site of fragment SM51. The three meteorite stones experienced terrestrial amino acid contamination, as evidenced by the low d/l ratios of several proteinogenic amino acids. The d/l ratios were higher in SM2 than in SM12 and SM51, consistent with rain introducing additional l‐amino acid contaminants to SM12 and SM51. Higher percentages of glycine, β‐alanine, and γ‐amino‐n‐butyric acid were observed in free form in SM2 and SM51 compared with the soil, suggesting that these free amino acids may be indigenous. Trace levels of d+l‐β‐aminoisobutyric acid (β‐AIB) observed in all three meteorites are not easily explained as terrestrial contamination, as β‐AIB is rare on Earth and was not detected in the soil. Bulk carbon and nitrogen and isotopic ratios of the SM samples and the soil also indicate terrestrial contamination, as does compound‐specific isotopic analysis of the amino acids in the soil. The amino acid abundances in SM2, the most pristine SM meteorite analyzed here, are approximately 20‐fold lower than in the Murchison CM2 carbonaceous chondrite. This may be due to thermal metamorphism in the Sutter's Mill parent body at temperatures greater than observed for other aqueously altered CM2 meteorites.
Particle aggregation in microgravity: Informal experiments on the International Space Station
Authors: Love Stanley G. , Pettit Donald R. , Messenger Scott R.
Published: March 2014

We conducted experiments in space to investigate the aggregation of millimeter‐ and submillimeter‐sized particles in microgravity, an important early step in planet formation. Particulate materials included salt (NaCl), sugar (sucrose), coffee, mica, ice, Bjurböle chondrules, ordinary and carbonaceous chondrite meteorite fragments, and acrylic and glass beads, all triply confined in clear plastic containers. Angular submillimeter particles rapidly and spontaneously formed clusters strong enough to survive turbulence in a protoplanetary nebula. Smaller particles generally aggregated more strongly and quickly than larger ones. We observed only a weak dependence of aggregation time on particle number density. We observed no strong dependence on composition. Round, smooth particles aggregated weakly or not at all. In a mixture of particle types, some phases aggregated more readily than others, creating selection effects that controlled the composition of the growing clumps. The physical process of aggregation appears to be electrostatic in nature.
On the origin of the Norwegian lemming
Authors: Lagerholm Vendela K. , Sandoval‐Castellanos Edson , Ehrich Dorothee , Abramson Natalia I. , Nadachowski Adam , Kalthoff Daniela C. , Germonpré Mietje , Angerbjörn Anders , Stewart John R. , Dalén Love
Published: March 2014

The Pleistocene glacial cycles resulted in significant changes in species distributions, and it has been discussed whether this caused increased rates of population divergence and speciation. One species that is likely to have evolved during the Pleistocene is the Norwegian lemming (Lemmus lemmus). However, the origin of this species, both in terms of when and from what ancestral taxon it evolved, has been difficult to ascertain. Here, we use ancient DNA recovered from lemming remains from a series of Late Pleistocene and Holocene sites to explore the species' evolutionary history. The results revealed considerable genetic differentiation between glacial and contemporary samples. Moreover, the analyses provided strong support for a divergence time prior to the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM), therefore likely ruling out a postglacial colonization of Scandinavia. Consequently, it appears that the Norwegian lemming evolved from a small population that survived the LGM in an ice‐free Scandinavian refugium.
A model of plant isoprene emission based on available reducing power captures responses to atmospheric CO2
Authors: Morfopoulos Catherine , Sperlich Dominik , Peñuelas Josep , Filella Iolanda , Llusià Joan , Medlyn Belinda E. , Niinemets Ülo , Possell Malcolm , Sun Zhihong , Prentice Iain Colin
Published: March 2014

We present a unifying model for isoprene emission by photosynthesizing leaves based on the hypothesis that isoprene biosynthesis depends on a balance between the supply of photosynthetic reducing power and the demands of carbon fixation.

We compared the predictions from our model, as well as from two other widely used models, with measurements of isoprene emission from leaves of Populus nigra and hybrid aspen (Populus tremula × P. tremuloides) in response to changes in leaf internal CO2 concentration (Ci) and photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) under diverse ambient CO2 concentrations (Ca).

Our model reproduces the observed changes in isoprene emissions with Ci and PPFD, and also reproduces the tendency for the fraction of fixed carbon allocated to isoprene to increase with increasing PPFD. It also provides a simple mechanism for the previously unexplained decrease in the quantum efficiency of isoprene emission with increasing Ca.

Experimental and modelled results support our hypothesis. Our model can reproduce the key features of the observations and has the potential to improve process‐based modelling of isoprene emissions by land vegetation at the ecosystem and global scales.
Identifying and Explaining Different Poverty Trajectories Using a Group‐based Trajectory Analysis – A Case Study of South Korea
Authors: Kim Do Han , Shin Dong‐Myeon
Published: March 2014

In this study, we propose a group‐based trajectory analysis to examine why and how people fall into and out of poverty despite spiralling public expenditure on anti‐poverty policies. By analyzing the poverty experiences of 1,001 low‐income households between 1999 and 2008 in Korea, we identify five groups based on their poverty trajectories: exiting, declining, slowly rising, rapidly rising and chronic. Household members in each group demonstrate heterogeneous labour market experiences, educational levels and demographic factors. The exiting group has a high proportion of full‐time workers, high school graduates, and younger and male‐headed households, whereas the chronic group has more part‐time workers, high school dropouts, and older and female‐headed households. Among the declining, slowly rising and rapidly rising groups, educational background, age and sex are factors that differentiate the poverty dynamics of household members. Lastly, a number of social policies for helping low‐income households to leave and stay out of poverty are proposed.
A red and far‐red light receptor mutation confers resistance to the herbicide glyphosate
Authors: Sharkhuu Altanbadralt , Narasimhan Meena L. , Merzaban Jasmeen S. , Bressan Ray A. , Weller Steve , Gehring Chris
Published: March 2014

Glyphosate is a widely applied broad‐spectrum systemic herbicide that inhibits competitively the penultimate enzyme 5‐enolpyruvylshikimate 3‐phosphate synthase (EPSPS) from the shikimate pathway, thereby causing deleterious effects. A glyphosate‐resistant Arabidopsis mutant (gre1) was isolated and genetic analyses indicated that a dysfunctional red (R) and far‐red (FR) light receptor, phytochrome B (phyB), caused this phenotype. This finding is consistent with increased glyphosate sensitivity and glyphosate‐induced shikimate accumulation in lowR:FRlight, and the induction of genes encoding enzymes of the shikimate pathway in highR:FRlight. Expression of the shikimate pathway genes exhibited diurnal oscillation and this oscillation was altered in the phyB mutant. Furthermore, transcript analysis suggested that this diurnal oscillation was not only dependent on phyB but was also due to circadian regulatory mechanisms. Our data offer an explanation of the well documented observation that glyphosate treatment at various times throughout the day, with their specific composition of light quality and intensity, results in different efficiencies of the herbicide.