bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does experience imply learning?
Authors: Anand Jaideep , Mulotte Louis , Ren Charlotte R.
Published: May 2015

Research summary: Research traditionally uses experiential learning arguments to explain the existence of a positive relationship between repetition of an activity and performance. We propose an additional interpretation of this relationship in the context of discrete corporate development activities. We argue that firms choose to repeat successful activities, thereby accumulating high experience with them. Data on 437 aircraft projects introduced through three governance modes show that the positive performance effect of the firm's experience with the focal mode becomes insignificant after accounting for experience endogeneity. We suggest that in a general case, experience with corporate development activities may be tinged with both learning and selection effects. Therefore, omitting to account for experience endogeneity may lead to incorrect conclusions from an “empirically observed” positive experience–performance relationship.

Managerial summary: This paper emphasizes that firms generally choose to undertake the corporate development activities (new product introductions, diversification moves, international expansions, alliances, acquisitions, etc.) with which they have been the most successful in the past and that they expect to be the most successful in the future. Hence, if a firm possesses certain capabilities, it will repeatedly engage in certain activities corresponding to those capabilities, thereby simultaneously achieving high levels of activity experience as well as superior activity performance. This view suggests that an “empirically observed” positive experience–performance relationship may not be due solely to learning‐based enhanced capabilities but may also be driven by astute self‐selection. Overall, we provide a new interpretation of the relationship between experience and performance in the context of infrequent, heterogeneous, and causally‐ambiguous corporate development activities. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The impact of software process consistency on residual defects
Authors: Huang Fuqun , Liu Bin , Wang Shihai , Li Qiuying
Published: May 2015

Residual defects at the time of delivery are an important concern for safety critical software systems. Suppliers and customers are urged to get evidence for what they can do to reduce residual defects. Thus, it is meaningful to learn from historical data concerning the kinds of defects that have escaped from the existing quality assurance approaches and the factors that lead to the residual defects. A total of 3747 defects from 70 software systems developed by 29 Chinese aviation organizations were collected from acceptance tests during the last 5 years. For all these organizations, 38 domain experts from the industry assessed the process consistency to the standard built in the framework of Capability Maturity Model (CMM). Results demonstrate that the process improvement in the range of high consistency is effective in reducing total defects, as well as the minor and severe defects. The high consistency adoption of the practices in CMM Level 1 to Level 3 is more effective in reducing minor defects than severe defects. Causal analysis was performed to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Results reveal that individual cognitive failures cause 87% of severe defects. More approaches to help software developers manage their interior cognitive process are needed for improving software quality in the future. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving the virtualization of rich applications by combining VNC and streaming protocols at the hypervisor layer
Authors: Rodríguez‐Silva Daniel A. , Loureiro‐Acuña Jaime , González‐Castaño Francisco J. , López‐Bravo Cristina
Published: May 2015

Virtual desktop infrastructure (VDI) solutions seek to provide a satisfactory user experience at the client side when accessing remote desktop applications, even from mobile devices with limited capabilities. This paper presents a new approach, improving on previous work by the authors, in which a combination of Virtual Network Computing (VNC) and streaming protocols allowed efficient remote web access to virtualized applications within a cloud architecture. The new approach simplifies virtual machine templates, from which virtual machine instances are deployed, by centralizing software modules, greatly simplifying their management. Our new contribution consists of an integrated solution with specific WebM video encoding modules in charge of application visual output processing, an Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) streaming server, and a VNC server. The solution can be installed in the hypervisor of the host machines instead of replicating the servers and modules throughout the guest (virtual) machines that run the virtualized applications. Consequently, their implementations are unique and independent of the operating system of the virtual machines. In short, it is not necessary to provide different implementations for different operating systems, which reduces the complexity of virtual machine templates and greatly simplies platform management. To demonstrate our solution, we have modified the Quick Emulator (QEMU)‐Kernel‐based Virtual Machine (KVM) hypervisor source code accordingly. We also present qualitative and quantitative analyses that demonstrate that the new approach is advantageous in terms of software management and quality of experience, compared with our previous work and other well‐known thin clients, contributing to the enhancement of VDI systems. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Efficiency of high hydrostatic pressure in preparing amorphous granular starches
Authors: Song Mi‐Ra , Choi Seung‐Hyun , Kim Hyun‐Seok , Kim Byung‐Yong , Baik Moo‐Yeol
Published: May 2015

To investigate the possibility of amorphous granular starch (AGS) preparation from corn, tapioca, potato, sweet potato, waxy rice, and normal rice starches with non‐thermal HHP treatment, all starches were treated at 20°C for 30 min at 550 MPa. Ethanol (EtOH) and distilled water) were used to wash the high hydrostatic pressure (HHP)‐treated starches, and the microscopic and macroscopic properties of the resultant starches were investigated. EtOH washing after HHP treatment allowed HHP‐treated starch to retain the granular shape similar to that of its native form. HHP‐treated corn, tapioca, and normal rice starches completely gelatinized but maintained granular structures, successfully achieving AGSs. Although HHP‐treated potato and sweet potato starches exhibited their granular structures, gelatinization became incomplete. Waxy rice starch no longer exhibited its granular structure after HHP treatment. HHP‐treated starches (forming AGSs) from corn, tapioca, and normal rice exhibited different microscopic and macroscopic properties compared to their respective native ones and non‐AGSs.
Impacts of climate change on agricultural water management: a review
Authors: Cai Ximing , Zhang Xiao , Noël Paul H. , Shafiee‐Jood Majid
Published: May 2015

This study provides an overview on the impacts of climate change on agricultural water management, including agricultural water requirement, water availability and water quality, and the transition of those impacts to crop yield, agricultural land suitability and livestock production systems, considering both long‐term trends of climate and extreme climatic events. A synthesis of findings from local, regional, and global studies guides this article's discussion of scientifically based information, implications for managing the risk of water scarcity and food insecurity, and future research. Negative and positive climate change impacts occurring at the local scale may counteract each other at the global scale (e.g., those on irrigation requirement and arable land availability); the impacts from the various factors can be counter‐balanced too (e.g.,CO2and water deficit impact on crop yield). Meanwhile, the shocks at the local and regional levels have been or will be caused by water quantity and quality problems and are pressing concerns for decision making. Although uncertainty in climate change predictions remains a critical issue for decision making, certain knowledge about the impact on crop production has been obtained from historical data. Finally, future research needs to focus on gaining a more detailed understanding of climate change (especially extreme events), climate change impacts, both natural and social response mechanisms, and adaptation measures of agricultural water management. More focus should be laid on improving impact assessment via the various methods such as retrospective analysis, monitoring, prediction, and strategic risk management. Moreover, planned adaptations in agricultural water management will be needed to facilitate more consistent and more effective responses to climate change, with consideration of the linkage with nonagricultural water uses.WIREs Water2015, 2:439–455. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1089

This article is categorized under:

Engineering Water > Planning Water

Science of Water > Water and Environmental Change
Retained satellite information influences performance of GPS devices in a forested ecosystem
Authors: Moriarty Katie M. , Epps Clinton W.
Published: May 2015

Global Positioning System (GPS) units used in animal telemetry often suffer from nonrandom data loss and location error. GPS units use stored satellite information to estimate locations, including almanac and ephemeris data reflecting satellite positions at weekly and at <4‐hr temporal scales, respectively. Using the smallest GPS collars (45–51 g) available for mammals, we evaluate how satellite information and environmental conditions affected GPS performance in 27 mobile trials, and field reliability during 56 deployments on Pacific marten (Martes caurina). We conducted trials in Lassen National Forest, California, USA, during March 2011–January 2012. We programmed GPS units to retain or remove satellite data (i.e., continuous or cold‐start mode) before attempting a location (fix), thereby mimicking differing fix intervals. In continuous mode, fix success was 2.2× higher, was not influenced by environmental obstructions, and improved after a location with ≥4 satellites (3 ‐D). In cold‐start mode, fix success was negatively correlated with vegetation cover. Location error was lower for 3‐D fixes. Censoring cold‐start fixes with only 3 satellites (2‐D) and 2‐D locations prior to the first 3‐D fix in continuous mode decreased location error by 91% and 55%, ensuring <50 m accuracy. The significance of previous fix success and reduced battery expenditure underscores the benefits of ephemeris data and short fix intervals. Only 66% of 56 units functioned upon delivery for field deployment. Once tested and deployed, 28% malfunctioned. This study demonstrates that GPS tests should use the same fix schedules as field deployments, and GPS data quality in dense cover improves with short fix intervals. Miniature GPS units are a promising tool, but the study design should be carefully considered. © 2015 The Wildlife Society.
Inspiring and Equipping Students to Be Ethical Leaders
Authors: Schwartz Arthur J.
Published: May 2015

This chapter describes the behaviors of the ethical leader and explores the reasons why leaders do not always act ethically. The chapter also offers five recommendations to help educators integrate the practices of ethical leadership into their work with student leaders.
Making Moral Mistakes: What Ethical Failure Can Teach Students About Life and Leadership
Authors: Dalton Jon C.
Published: May 2015

Learning from ethical failures is critical for overall character development as well as an important aspect in the formation of student leaders. This chapter examines types of ethical failure that students often confront in college. The author includes a personal moral failure that occurred when he was a student leader.
Managing the Colorado potato beetle; the need for resistance breeding
Authors: Maharijaya Awang , Vosman Ben
Published: May 2015

The Colorado potato beetle (CPB) is one of the pest insects that significantly can decrease the production of potato when no control measures are taken. The fast, flexible and diverse life cycle of the CPB, its highly destructive feeding habits, and high adaptability to a variety of environment stresses, have made the control of CPB a difficult task. This paper briefly reviews the information on all aspects of CPB management to come to an integrated pest management approach: the biology of the CPB, management practices including their limitations and drawbacks, as well as the need to incorporate host plant resistance into potato varieties. Several aspects of potato breeding for resistance to CPB are discussed. We evaluate the availability of natural variation present in potato wild relatives, the considerations in choosing a specific wild relative, and constraints in using them from biological, environmental and genetic point of view, in which newly developed technologies play an important role. We also consider recently developed GM approaches. We conclude that varieties resistant to CPB are desperately needed by farmers and demanded by society, and that the means to develop them are available.
Decreases in Phospholipids Containing Adrenic and Arachidonic Acids Occur in the Human Hippocampus over the Adult Lifespan
Authors: Hancock Sarah E. , Friedrich Michael G. , Mitchell Todd W. , Truscott Roger J. W. , Else Paul L.
Published: May 2015

One of the biggest risk factors for developing Alzheimer's disease is advanced age. Despite several studies examining changes to phospholipids in the hippocampus during the pathogenesis of Alzheimer's disease, little is known regarding changes to phospholipids in this region during normal adult aging. This study examined the phospholipid composition of the mitochondrial and microsomal membranes of the human hippocampus from post‐mortem tissue of neurologically normal subjects aged between 18 and 104 years. Many of the age‐related changes found were in low‐to‐moderately abundant phospholipids in both membrane fractions, with decreases with age being seen in many phospholipids containing either adrenic or arachidonic acid. The most abundant phospholipid of this type was phosphatidylethanolamine 18:0_22:4, which decreased in both the mitochondrial and microsomal membranes by approximately 20 % from ages 20 to 100. Subsequent decreases with age were seen in total adrenic and arachidonic acid in the phospholipids of both membrane fractions, but not in either fatty acid specifically within the phosphatidylethanolamine class. Increases with age were seen in the hippocampus for mitochondrial phosphatidylserine 18:0_22:6. This is the first report of changes to molecular phospholipids of the human hippocampus over the adult lifespan, with this study also providing a comprehensive profile of the phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine and phosphatidylserine phospholipids of the human hippocampus.
Comparing the associations between three types of adolescents' romantic involvement and their engagement in substance use
Authors: Beckmeyer Jonathon J.
Published: May 2015

Using data on 838 middle adolescents, the current study compared the associations between three types of romantic involvement and alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Off‐time (i.e., serious romantic relationships) but not on‐time (i.e., romantic socializing and dating) types of involvement were expected to be associated with increased odds of using each substance. Participating in romantic socializing was unrelated to substance use and dating was only positively associated with alcohol use. Participation in serious romantic relationships, however, was associated with an increased likelihood of having used each substance. Associations did not differ between males and females. Based on these results some but not all forms of romantic involvement may place middle adolescents at risk for substance use. Implications for parents and relationship education are discussed.
Stigma and treatment of eating disorders in Ireland: healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes
Authors: McNicholas F. , O’Connor C. , O’Hara L. , McNamara N.
Published: May 2015

Objectives

This study examines aspects of healthcare professionals’ knowledge and attitudes about eating disorders (EDs), which might impede the effective detection or treatment of EDs in Ireland.

Methods

A total of 1,916 healthcare professionals were invited to participate in a web-based survey. Participants were randomly allocated to view one of five vignettes depicting a young person with symptoms consistent with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, binge-eating disorder, depression or type 1 diabetes. Study-specific questions examined participants’ responses to the vignettes and ED knowledge and experience.

Results

In total, 171 clinicians responded (9% response rate). Participants had an average of 15.8 years of clinical experience (s.d.=9.2) and included psychiatrists, GPs, psychologists and counsellors. Although participants’ knowledge of EDs was moderately good overall, responses showed poor recognition of the symptoms of EDs compared with depression [χ2(4,n=127)=20.17,p<0.001]. Participants viewed EDs as chronic disorders that primarily affected females. Participants believed that clinicians like working with patients with depression and diabetes more than with AN patients [F(4,101)=5.11,p=0.001]. Among the professionals surveyed, psychiatrists were the most knowledgeable about EDs [F(4,82)=9.18,p<0.001], and were more confident in their ability to diagnose and treat EDs than professionals of all other disciplines, except psychologists [F(4,85)=8.99,p<0.001]. Psychiatrists were also the most pessimistic about ED patients’ long-term life prospects [χ2(4,n=65)=15.84,p=0.003].

Conclusions

This study recommends that specific attention should be given to EDs in professional educational programmes across healthcare disciplines. This training should not be restricted to improving healthcare professionals’ knowledge of EDs, but should also strive to increase service-providers’ awareness of how their own potentially stigmatising attitudes can undermine engagement with treatment.
A TRIPTYCH IN PLATO'S TIMAEUS: A NOTE ON THE RECEPTACLE PASSAGE (TIMAEUS 48E–52D)
Authors: Johansen T.K.
Published: May 2015

At Timaeus 48e2–52d4 Timaeus sets out to establish that there are three principles or kinds (γένη) underlying the creation of the cosmos, not just the two he acknowledged earlier (27d–28a). The way he does so is not simply by adding an account of the third kind to the accounts of being and becoming that he has already given. Rather he does so by showing how each of the three differs from the others. It has not been noticed how this procedure structures the receptacle passage. The passage divides up into three parts, each punctuated by a list of the three kinds in a significant order. If we take X, Y and Z to stand for ‘becoming’, ‘being’ and ‘receptacle’ (or ‘space’, χώρα)’ respectively, the structure is (1) X≠Z, (2) X≠Y, (3) Y≠Z. By showing the distinctness of each pair, Timaeus demonstrates that all the kinds are distinct and that they are indeed three in number.
CAESAR CRISS-CROSSING THE RUBICON: A PALINDROMIC ACROSTIC IN LUCAN (1.218–22)
Authors: Giusti E.
Published: May 2015

Lucan's account of Caesar crossing the Rubicon (1.213–22) is dense with metapoetic allusion. Although the river has been specified as a small stream at Caesar's arrival (ut uentum est parui Rubiconis ad undas, 1.185), it becomes swollen, tumidus, as soon as Caesar ‘breaks the delay of war’ and ‘carries his standards in haste over the [now] swollen river’ (inde moras soluit belli tumidumque per amnem | signa tulit propere, 1.204-5). This has been pinpointed both as a metapoetic signpost of Lucan's engagement with the anti-Callimachean swollen river of grandiose epic (Callim. Hymn 2.108-9) at the outbreak of (his) Civil War, and as a programmatic statement that the whole Bellum Ciuile will set up a series of contrasts between Caesar's urgency in crossing boundaries and Lucan's narrative obstructions to or compliances with Caesar's progress. In fact, as Jamie Masters notes, ‘in spite of the “undoing of delay,” the perfect “tulit” and the adverb “propere,” Caesar has not crossed the river yet; or if he has, he must do it again’, precisely at 1.213–22. Within this densely self-reflexive passage, Lucan inserts a palindromic acrostic which signals both the doubling of Caesar's action (or at least the poet's double mention of the action) and Lucan's poetic representation of Caesar taming the forces of nature.
Specific IgG and immune complex responses to parthenogenetic females and eggs of nematodeStrongyloides venezuelensisfor the diagnosis of immunosuppression in infected rats
Authors: Gonçalves A.L.R. , de Araújo K.C.L. , Carvalho E.F.G. , Ueta M.T. , Costa-Cruz J.M.
Published: May 2015

In the present study, antigens from parthenogenetic females and eggs ofStrongyloides venezuelensis, or anti-parthenogenetic-female and anti-egg antigens were used to detect specific IgG and immune complex responses, respectively. Serum samples from experimentally infected immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rats were analysed on days 5, 8, 13 and 21 post-infection (dpi). An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed using alkaline parasite extract for specific IgG detection, and anti-parthenogenetic-female or anti-egg antigens for immune complex detection. The data were analysed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by a Bonferroni test. When parthenogenetic female or egg extracts were used as antigens, specific IgGs were not detected in either immunocompetent or immunosuppressed rats. When anti-parthenogenetic-female or anti-S. venezuelensis-eggs were used, immune complexes were detected for the duration of the infection in immunosuppressed animals and were only detected between 5 and 13 dpi in immunocompetent animals. The duration of infection was not significantly different between the immunocompetent and immunosuppressed groups when anti-parthenogenetic-female or anti-S. venezuelensis-eggs were used. Parthenogenetic female extracts yielded significant differences between antibody and immune complex responses in immunocompetent rats from 5 to 13 dpi, but only on day 5 dpi in immunosuppressed rats. Exposure toS. venezuelensisegg extract yielded significant differences in both antibody and immune complex detection between immunocompetent and immunosuppressed rats for the duration of the infection. In conclusion, ELISA using alternative antigens may be a successful strategy for identifying immune complexes in serum samples and diagnosing active strongyloidiasis, particularly under conditions of immunosuppression.
An assessment of the natural marking patterns used for photo-identification of common minke whales and white-beaked dolphins in Icelandic waters
Authors: Bertulli Chiara G. , Rasmussen Marianne H. , Rosso Massimiliano
Published: May 2015

Natural marks occurring in cetaceans are used to measure population parameters, social structure and movements. However, the changeable nature of these marks can originate bias in these estimates. The aim of this work was to calculate abundance and prevalence of 28 mark types observed in common minke whales and white-beaked dolphins photographed in Icelandic waters for 11 years (2002–2013) in order to identify reliable markings which could be suitable for capture-mark-recapture studies. In the common minke whale subsample the most prevalent occurring marks were cookie-cutter shark bite, notch and lamprey bite, and herpes-like lesions and blisters were the most abundant. White-beaked dolphins had notch, fin patches and fine scrape as the most prevalent, and black mark and fine scrape were the most abundant. Loss and gain rates were also estimated resulting in eight mark types with no losses in common minke whales including fin outline and injury marks. In white-beaked dolphins there were 13 mark types with null loss rate among which there were notch, distinct notch and amputation. Our findings confirm that fin and injury marks are among the most accurate features to use for capture-mark-recapture studies as noted for other cetacean species. We also suggest including cookie-cutter shark bites for common minke whales and fin patches for white-beaked dolphins due to their low loss rate. These two mark types were amongst the most prevalent in both species, so their addition will be pivotal in increasing the power of analysis conducted using photo-identification data obtaining more accurate population estimates.
Rescuing Magnolia sinica (Magnoliaceae), a Critically Endangered species endemic to Yunnan, China
Authors: Wang Bin , Ma Yongpeng , Chen Gao , Li Congren , Dao Zhiling , Sun Weibang
Published: May 2015

Magnolia sinica, a Critically Endangered tree endemic to Yunnan, China, is one of the 20 plant species with extremely small populations approved by the Yunnan government for urgent rescue action before 2015. Information on the geographical distribution and population size of this species had not previously been reported, hindering effective conservation. We therefore carried out a survey of the literature and of herbarium specimens, followed by a detailed field survey and morphological measurements and observations of surviving individuals. We located 52 individuals in the wild, in eight localities. Two distinguishing morphological characters (tepal colour and tepal number) were revised based on observations of all remaining wild individuals that produced flowers and on one 30-year-old flowering plant in Kunming Botanical Garden. The survival rate of individuals propagated from seed for ex situ conservation at the Garden was 100% over 5 years; of 100 individuals transplanted to each of two reinforcement sites, 20 and 18, respectively, were alive after 6 years. We propose two groups of measures to protect M. sinica: (1) in situ conservation, population monitoring, and public engagement, and (2) ex situ conservation with reinforcement or reintroduction.
Logic is a Moral Science
Authors: Slater Hartley
Published: May 2015

Because of the communicative function of propositions, Logic is a moral science about what ought to be said. The association with morality derives from the connection between Logic and Truth, and the social value of speaking the truth. Propositions are used rather than mentioned sentences, and so are not the platonically abstract objects they have often been taken to be. Instead they are social objects formed by a community's employment of language. So it is the public use of sentences that settles what they mean, and thereby their logic. The matter has a particular relevance to Graham Priest's non-classical views.
The American Ballet's Caravan
Authors: Steichen James
Published: May 2015

This article chronicles the formation and first season of the dance company Ballet Caravan (1936–1940) with a special focus on the role of Lincoln Kirstein in the troupe's founding. This account of the Caravan's early history draws upon an array of primary sources to offer new perspectives on the company's relationship to modern dance circles and its parent organizations (the American Ballet and School of American Ballet, co-founded by Kirstein and George Balanchine in 1934). It traces Ballet Caravan's touring activities during 1936 (including its debut at Bennington College) and details ballets created for the company by Lew Christensen, Eugene Loring, and William Dollar, as well as previously unknown early choreographic work by Erick Hawkins. This account reveals that Ballet Caravan was initially conceived of neither as a dancer-driven initiative nor a deliberate attempt by Kirstein to pursue an American artistic agenda (as it has been previously understood by scholars), but rather was a practical response to institutional crises in the larger Balanchine–Kirstein ballet enterprise. The American Ballet and Ballet Caravan thus reveal themselves in 1936 as more contiguous than distinct, sharing personnel and aesthetic values, as well as the involvement of Balanchine himself.
Aisthesis: Scenes from the Aesthetic Regime of Art
Authors: Williams Seth
Published: May 2015

By many recent accounts, dance and theory are natural bedfellows—an art form and a form of critique that are inherently unstable, difficult to discuss. Both are notoriously impervious to systematic accounts because they are in states of physical and conceptual motion, perpetually underdetermined.
Serotonin and impulsive aggression
Authors: Coccaro Emil F. , Fanning Jennifer R. , Phan K. Luan , Lee Royce
Published: May 2015

Aggression is a behavior with evolutionary origins, but is often both destructive and maladaptive in today’s society. Research over the past several decades has confirmed the involvement of neurotransmitter function in aggressive behavior. This research has centered around the “serotonin hypothesis.” As this literature continues to grow, guided by pre-clinical research and aided by the application of increasingly sophisticated neuroimaging methodology, a more complex picture has emerged. As current pharmacological and therapeutic interventions are effective but imperfect, it is hoped that new insights into the neurobiology of aggression will reveal novel avenues for treatment of this destructive and costly behavior.
PARETO OPTIMALITY OF THE GOLDEN RULE EQUILIBRIUM IN AN OVERLAPPING GENERATIONS MODEL WITH PRODUCTION AND TRANSFERS
Authors: Mertens Jean-François , Rubinchik Anna
Published: May 2015

The main result is that the golden rule equilibrium (GRE) is Pareto optimal (in the classical sense) in an overlapping generations (OG) model with constant-returns-to-scale production, transfers, arbitrary life-time productivity and homogeneous instantaneous felicity. In addition, we extend Cass and Yaari's equivalence between efficiency (aggregate consumption dominance) and present value dominance (with evaluation made using a candidate equilibrium price path).
Calbindin-D28k immunoreactivity in the mice thoracic spinal cord after space flight
Authors: Porseva Valentina V. , Shilkin Valentin V. , Krasnov Igor B. , Masliukov Petr M.
Published: May 2015

The aim of the work was to analyse changes in the location and morphological characteristics of calbindin (CB)-immunoreactive (IR) neurons of the thoracic spinal cord of C57BL/6N male mice after completion of a 30-day space flight on board the BION-M1 biosatellite (Russia, 2013). Space flight induced multidirectional changes of the number and morphological parameters of CB-positive neurons. The number of IR neurons increased in laminae I (from 10 to 17 neurons per section), II (from 42 to 67 cells per section) and IX (from two neurons per segment to two neurons per section), but CB disappeared in neurons of lamina VIII. Weightlessness did not affect the number of CB-IR neurons in laminae III–V and VII, including preganglionic sympathetic neurons. The cross-sectional area of CB-IR neurons decreased in lamina II and VII (group of partition cells) and increased in laminae III–V and IX. After a space flight, few very large neurons with long dendrites appeared in lamina IV. The results obtained give evidence about substantial changes in the calcium buffer system and imbalance of different groups of CB-IR neurons due to reduction of afferent information under microgravity.
Listening to parents: The role of symptom perception in pediatric palliative home care
Authors: Vollenbroich René , Borasio Gian Domenico , Duroux Ayda , Grasser Monika , Brandstätter Monika , Führer Monika
Published: May 2015

Objective:

This study analyzes symptom perception by parents and healthcare professionals and the quality of symptom management in a pediatric palliative home care setting and identifies which factors contribute to a high quality of palliative and end-of-life care for children.

Methods:

In this retrospective, cross-sectional study, parents were surveyed at the earliest three months after their child's death. All children were cared for by a specialized home pediatric palliative care team that provides a 24/7 medical on-call service. Questionnaires assessed symptom prevalence and intensity during the child's last month of life as perceived by parents, symptom perception, and treatment by medical staff. The responses were correlated with essential palliative care outcome measures (e.g., satisfaction with the care provided, quality-of-life of affected children and parents, and peacefulness of the dying phase).

Results:

Thirty-eight parent dyads participated (return rate 84%; 35% oncological disorders). According to parental report, dyspnea (61%) and pain (58%) were the dominant symptoms with an overall high symptom load (83%). Pain, agitation, and seizures could be treated more successfully than other symptoms. Successful symptom perception was achieved in most cases and predicted the quality of symptom treatment (R2, 0.612). Concordant assessment of symptom severity between parents and healthcare professionals (HCPs) improved the satisfaction with the care provided (p = 0.037) as well as the parental quality-of-life (p = 0.041). Even in cases with unsuccessful symptom control, parents were very satisfied with the SHPPC team's care (median 10; numeric rating scale 0–10) and rated the child's death as highly peaceful (median 9).

Significance of the results:

The quality and the concordance of symptom perception between parents and HCPs essentially influence parental quality-of-life as well as parental satisfaction and constitute a predictive factor for the quality of symptom treatment and palliative care.
Genetic diversity ofSorghumhalepense(L.) Pers. in Iran as revealed by IRAP markers
Authors: Karimi Azimeh , Saeidi Hojjatollah
Published: May 2015

Sorghum halepensegrows in a vast range of ecological regions of Iran. In this study, inter-retrotransposon amplified polymorphism (IRAP) markers were used to assess the genetic diversity of 38 accessions ofS. halepenseand two accessions ofSorghum bicolor(used as out groups) collected from different regions of Iran. In total, 180 DNA fragments were amplified from eight combinations of IRAP primers, from which 178 (98.9%) were polymorphic. The IRAP-based trees and two-dimensional plot of principal coordinate analysis demonstrated six different groups corresponding to their geographical origin in Iranian germplasm ofS. halepense: (1) in the south-west region; (2) in the west along the Zagros Mountains; (3) in the north-west of the country; (4) in the centre of the country; (5) and (6) in the northern region along the eastern and western coast of Caspian Sea. The most variable populations were found in the centre and the west of Iran. The results showed high gene flow among different regions, although the south-western accessions were well differentiated from those growing in other regions. The accessions collected from western coast of Caspian Sea were differentiated from neighbouring regions in both morphological characters and IRAP data. The measured genetic distances were independent of geographical distances. This survey demonstrates high genetic dynamism in Iranian germplasm ofS. halepenseand indicates that the present germplasm is of great value in terms of sampling for new alleles for crop improvement.
Growth retardation at early life and metabolic adaptation among North Korean children
Authors: Lee S.-K. , Nam S.-Y. , Hoffman D. J.
Published: May 2015

The high prevalence of obesity is a major public health issue and contributes to the ‘double burden’ of disease in developing countries. Early exposure to poor nutrition may cause metabolic adaptations that, when accompanied by exposure to ‘affluent’ nutrition, may increase the risk for obesity and other metabolic disorders. The aim of this study was to determine differences in energy metabolism and nutritional status between normal-height and growth-retarded North Korean children living in South Korea. A total of 29 children were recruited and underwent measurements of resting energy expenditure (REE), respiratory quotient (RQ), anthropometrics and dietary intake. There was no difference in REE or any assessment of obesity between the growth-retarded and normal-height children. Children who were classified as growth retarded (HAZ<−1.0) or stunted (HAZ<−2.0) had a significantly higher RQ (β=0.036 or 0.060, respectively, P=0.018 or 0.016), independent of sex, age, fat-free mass, fat mass and food quotient, compared with children with normal height. The results from this study, the first from an Asian population, add to the growing body of literature suggesting that undernutrition early in life results in adaptations in energy metabolism that favor fat deposition, increasing the risk of stunted children becoming overweight or obese later in life. Continued research on this topic is warranted, given the continued rise in the prevalence of the double burden in transitional countries.
Metabolic potential of fatty acid oxidation and anaerobic respiration by abundant members of Thaumarchaeota and Thermoplasmata in deep anoxic peat
Authors: Lin Xueju , Handley Kim M , Gilbert Jack A , Kostka Joel E
Published: May 2015

To probe the metabolic potential of abundant Archaea in boreal peats, we reconstructed two near-complete archaeal genomes, affiliated with Thaumarchaeota group 1.1c (bin Fn1, 8% abundance), which was a genomically unrepresented group, and Thermoplasmata (bin Bg1, 26% abundance), from metagenomic data acquired from deep anoxic peat layers. Each of the near-complete genomes encodes the potential to degrade long-chain fatty acids (LCFA) via β-oxidation. Fn1 has the potential to oxidize LCFA either by syntrophic interaction with methanogens or by coupling oxidation with anaerobic respiration using fumarate as a terminal electron acceptor (TEA). Fn1 is the first Thaumarchaeota genome without an identifiable carbon fixation pathway, indicating that this mesophilic phylum encompasses more diverse metabolisms than previously thought. Furthermore, we report genetic evidence suggestive of sulfite and/or organosulfonate reduction by Thermoplasmata Bg1. In deep peat, inorganic TEAs are often depleted to extremely low levels, yet the anaerobic respiration predicted for two abundant archaeal members suggests organic electron acceptors such as fumarate and organosulfonate (enriched in humic substances) may be important for respiration and C mineralization in peatlands.
Antimony-doped graphene nanoplatelets
Authors: Jeon In-Yup , Choi Min , Choi Hyun-Jung , Jung Sun-Min , Kim Min-Jung , Seo Jeong-Min , Bae Seo-Yoon , Yoo Seonyoung , Kim Guntae , Jeong Hu Young , Park Noejung , Baek Jong-Beom
Published: May 2015

Heteroatom doping into the graphitic frameworks have been intensively studied for the development of metal-free electrocatalysts. However, the choice of heteroatoms is limited to non-metallic elements and heteroatom-doped graphitic materials do not satisfy commercial demands in terms of cost and stability. Here we realize doping semimetal antimony (Sb) at the edges of graphene nanoplatelets (GnPs) via a simple mechanochemical reaction between pristine graphite and solid Sb. The covalent bonding of the metalloid Sb with the graphitic carbon is visualized using atomic-resolution transmission electron microscopy. The Sb-doped GnPs display zero loss of electrocatalytic activity for oxygen reduction reaction even after 100,000 cycles. Density functional theory calculations indicate that the multiple oxidation states (Sb3+ and Sb5+) of Sb are responsible for the unusual electrochemical stability. Sb-doped GnPs may provide new insights and practical methods for designing stable carbon-based electrocatalysts.
Self-assembly of dynamic orthoester cryptates
Authors: Brachvogel René-Chris , Hampel Frank , von Delius Max
Published: May 2015

The discovery of coronands and cryptands, organic compounds that can accommodate metal ions in a preorganized two- or three-dimensional environment, was a milestone in supramolecular chemistry, leading to countless applications from organic synthesis to metallurgy and medicine. These compounds are typically prepared via multistep organic synthesis and one of their characteristic features is the high stability of their covalent framework. Here we report the use of a dynamic covalent exchange reaction for the one-pot template synthesis of a new class of coronates and cryptates, in which acid-labile O,O,O-orthoesters serve as bridgeheads. In contrast to their classic analogues, the compounds described herein are constitutionally dynamic in the presence of acid and can be induced to release their guest via irreversible deconstruction of the cage. These properties open up a wide range of application opportunities, from systems chemistry to molecular sensing and drug delivery.
Experimental demonstration of a non-resonant hyperlens in the visible spectral range
Authors: Sun Jingbo , Shalaev Mikhail I. , Litchinitser Natalia M.
Published: May 2015

A metamaterial hyperlens offers a solution to overcome the diffraction limit by transforming evanescent waves responsible for imaging subwavelength features of an object into propagating waves. However, the first realizations of optical hyperlenses were limited by significant resonance-induced losses. Here we report the experimental demonstration of a non-resonant waveguide-coupled hyperlens operating in the visible wavelength range. A detailed investigation of various materials systems proves that a radial fan-shaped configuration is superior to the concentric layer-based configuration in that it relies on non-resonant negative dielectric response, and, as a result, enables low-loss performance in the visible range.
PI3K/mTORC2 regulates TGF-β/Activin signalling by modulating Smad2/3 activity via linker phosphorylation
Authors: Yu Jason S. L. , Ramasamy Thamil Selvee , Murphy Nick , Holt Marie K. , Czapiewski Rafal , Wei Shi-Khai , Cui Wei
Published: May 2015

Crosstalk between the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the transforming growth factor-β signalling pathways play an important role in regulating many cellular functions. However, the molecular mechanisms underpinning this crosstalk remain unclear. Here, we report that PI3K signalling antagonizes the Activin-induced definitive endoderm (DE) differentiation of human embryonic stem cells by attenuating the duration of Smad2/3 activation via the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2). Activation of mTORC2 regulates the phosphorylation of the Smad2/3-T220/T179 linker residue independent of Akt, CDK and Erk activity. This phosphorylation primes receptor-activated Smad2/3 for recruitment of the E3 ubiquitin ligase Nedd4L, which in turn leads to their degradation. Inhibition of PI3K/mTORC2 reduces this phosphorylation and increases the duration of Smad2/3 activity, promoting a more robust mesendoderm and endoderm differentiation. These findings present a new and direct crosstalk mechanism between these two pathways in which mTORC2 functions as a novel and critical mediator.
LAPTM4b recruits the LAT1-4F2hc Leu transporter to lysosomes and promotes mTORC1 activation
Authors: Milkereit Ruth , Persaud Avinash , Vanoaica Liviu , Guetg Adriano , Verrey Francois , Rotin Daniela
Published: May 2015

Mammalian target of rapamycin 1 (mTORC1), a master regulator of cellular growth, is activated downstream of growth factors, energy signalling and intracellular essential amino acids (EAAs) such as Leu. mTORC1 activation occurs at the lysosomal membrane, and involves V-ATPase stimulation by intra-lysosomal EAA (inside-out activation), leading to activation of the Ragulator, RagA/B-GTP and mTORC1 via Rheb-GTP. How Leu enters the lysosomes is unknown. Here we identified the lysosomal protein LAPTM4b as a binding partner for the Leu transporter, LAT1-4F2hc (SLC7A5-SLAC3A2). We show that LAPTM4b recruits LAT1-4F2hc to lysosomes, leading to uptake of Leu into lysosomes, and is required for mTORC1 activation via V-ATPase following EAA or Leu stimulation. These results demonstrate a functional Leu transporter at the lysosome, and help explain the inside-out lysosomal activation of mTORC1 by Leu/EAA.
Swirl Flow Bioreactor coupled with Cu-alginate beads: A system for the eradication of Coliform and Escherichia coli from biological effluents
Authors: Atkinson Sov , Thomas Simon F. , Goddard Paul , Bransgrove Rachel M. , Mason Paul T. , Oak Ajeet , Bansode Anand , Patankar Rohit , Gleason Zachary D. , Sim Marissa K. , Whitesell Andrew , Allen Michael J.
Published: May 2015

It is estimated that approximately 1.1 billion people globally drink unsafe water. We previously reported both a novel copper-alginate bead, which quickly reduces pathogen loading in waste streams and the incorporation of these beads into a novel swirl flow bioreactor (SFB), of low capital and running costs and of simple construction from commercially available plumbing pipes and fittings. The purpose of the present study was to trial this system for pathogen reduction in waste streams from an operating Dewats system in Hinjewadi, Pune, India and in both simulated and real waste streams in Seattle, Washington, USA. The trials in India, showed a complete inactivation of coliforms in the discharged effluent (Mean Log removal Value (MLRV) = 3.51), accompanied by a total inactivation ofE. coliwith a MLRV of 1.95. The secondary clarifier effluent also showed a 4.38 MLRV in viable coliforms during treatment. However, the system was slightly less effective in reducingE. coliviability, with a MLRV of 1.80. The trials in Seattle also demonstrated the efficacy of the system in the reduction of viable bacteria, with a LRV of 5.67 observed of viableRaoultella terrigenacells (100%).
Pressure-induced normal-incommensurate and incommensurate-commensurate phase transitions in CrOCl
Authors: Bykov Maxim , Bykova Elena , Dubrovinsky Leonid , Hanfland Michael , Liermann Hanns-Peter , van Smaalen Sander
Published: May 2015

The high-pressure behavior of layered CrOCl is shown to be governed by non-bonded interactions between chlorine atoms in relation to a rigid framework composed of Cr and O atoms. The competition between optimizing intra- and interlayer Cl–Cl distances and the general trend towards denser packing defines a novel mechanism for high-pressure phase transitions of inorganic materials. CrOCl possesses an incommensurate phase for 16–51 GPa. Single-crystal x-ray diffraction in a diamond anvil cell provides an accurate description of the evolution of the incommensurate wave with pressure. It thus demonstrates a continuous increase of the amplitude up to 30 GPa, followed by a decrease of the wavelength until a lock-in transition occurs at 51 GPa.
Increased production of BDNF in colonic epithelial cells induced by fecal supernatants from diarrheic IBS patients
Authors: Wang Peng , Chen Fei-Xue , Du Chao , Li Chang-Qing , Yu Yan-Bo , Zuo Xiu-Li , Li Yan-Qing
Published: May 2015

Colonic brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) plays an essential role in pathogenesis of abdominal pain in diarrhea-predominant irritable bowel syndrome (IBS-D), but regulation on its expression remains unclear. We investigated the role of fecal supernatants (FSN) from IBS-D patients on regulating BDNF expression in colonic epithelial cells of human and mice. Using human Caco-2 cells, we found that IBS-D FSN significantly increased BDNF mRNA and protein levels compared to control FSN, which were remarkably suppressed by the serine protease inhibitor. To further explore the potential mechanisms, we investigated the impact of protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR-2) on BDNF expression. We found a significant increase in PAR-2 expression in Caco-2 after IBS-D FSN stimulation. Knockdown of PAR-2 significantly inhibited IBS-D FSN-induced upregulation of BDNF. Moreover, we found that phosphorylation of p38 MAPK, not NF-κB p65, contributed to PAR-2-mediated BDNF overexpression. To confirm these results, we intracolonically infused IBS-D or control FSN in mice and found that IBS-D FSN significantly elevated colonic BDNF and visceral hypersensitivity in mice, which were both suppressed by the inhibitor of serine protease or antagonist of PAR-2. Together, our data indicate that activation of PAR-2 signaling by IBS-D FSN promotes expression of colonic BDNF, thereby contributing to IBS-like visceral hypersensitivity.