bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raltegravir monohydrate
Authors: Yamuna Thammarse S. , Jasinski Jerry P. , Anderson Brian J. , Yathirajan H. S. , Kaur Manpreet
Published: November 2013

The hydrated title compound [systematic name:N-(4-fluorobenzyl)-5-hydroxy-1-methyl-2-{1-methyl-1-[(5-methyl-1,3,4-oxadiazol-2-ylcarbonyl)amino]ethyl}-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyrimidine-4-carboxamide monohydrate], C20H21FN6O5·H2O, is recognised as the first HIV integrase inhibitor. In the molecule, the dihedral angles between the mean planes of the pyrimidine ring and the phenyl and oxadiazole rings are 72.0 (1) and 61.8 (3)°, respectively. The mean plane of the oxadiazole ring is twisted by 15.6 (3)° from that of the benzene ring, while the mean plane of amide group bound to the oxadiaole ring is twisted by 18.8 (3)° from its mean plane. Intramolecular O—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds are observed in the molecule. The crystal packing features O—H...O hydrogen bonds, which include bifurcated O—H...(O,O) hydrogen bonds from one H atom of the water molecule. In addition, N—H...O hydrogen bonds are observed involving the two amide groups. These interactions link the molecules into chains along [010].
N,N,N′,N′-Tetramethylethylenediammonium tetrachloridozincate
Authors: Akhtar Muhammad , Fettouhi Mohammed , Ahmed Maqsood , Khan Islam Ullah , Ahmad Saeed
Published: November 2013

The asymmetric unit of the title compound, (C6H18N2)[ZnCl4], consists of one tetrachloridozincate anion and two half-N,N,N′N′-tetramethylethylenediammonium cations. Each of the two diammonium cations is located about an inversion center and one of them is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.780 (17):0.220 (17) ratio. The ZnIIatom has a slightly distorted tetrahedral coordination environment. The cations and anions are connectedviaN—H...Cl hydrogen bonds into chains extending along [0-11].
2,2,2-Trifluoro-N-(2-iodophenyl)acetamide
Authors: Ruchun Yang , Hui Zhang , BanPeng Cao
Published: November 2013

The three F atoms in the title compound, C8H5F3INO, are disordered over two sets of sites [relative occupancies = 0.615 (14):0.385 (14)]. In the crystal, molecules are linked by N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming chains running along thec-axis direction. The dihedral angle between the ring and the amide group is 62.1 (3)°.
N-(4-Acetylphenyl)-4-methoxybenzenesulfonamide
Authors: Kobkeatthawin Thawanrat , Chantrapromma Suchada , Chidan Kumar C. S. , Fun Hoong-Kun
Published: November 2013

The title compound, C15H15NO4S, was obtained by the condensation of 4-aminoacetophenone and 4-methoxybenzenesulfonyl chloride. The dihedral angle between the benzene rings is 86.56 (9)° and the molecule has an approximate V-shaped conformation. The C atom of the methoxy group is roughly coplanar with its attached ring [deviation = 0.177 (3) Å], as is the methyl C atom of the acetyl group with its ring [deviation = 0.065 (2) Å]. An intramolecular C—H...O interaction generates anS(6) ring. In the crystal, N—H...O and C—H...O hydrogen bonds link the molecules into [010] chains. Weak C—H...π interactions are also observed.
Broker-dealer e-mail systems must keep pace with firm growth, FINRA says
Authors: A. Nathan Daniel , A. Howes Kelley
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to explain the implications of a FINRA disciplinary action and recommend ways for broker-dealers to assess their compliance with supervisory and recordkeeping obligations related to electronic communications.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper explains supervisory failures related to e-mail retention leading to a FINRA disciplinary action, discusses lessons learned, and recommends best practices that broker-dealers should consider implementing to ensure their systems are consistent with relevant FINRA rules including compliance audits, remediation of identified issues, training, and disciplinary actions.

Findings

– FINRA is clearly signaling that directing firm resources to the building of a business without a similar commitment to compliance will not be tolerated.

Originality/value

– The paper provides expert guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
FCPA broker-dealer case highlights compliance risks for financial institutions
Authors: Urofsky Philip , Newcomb Danforth
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to provide suggestions to the banking and finance sectors on managing FCPA risks in light of a May 2013 FCPA enforcement action against employees of a US broker-dealer.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper provides details of the May 2013 enforcement action, cites other FCPA enforcement actions in financial services, discusses various types of FCPA risks for financial services firms, lists elements the US and UK governments have considered in evaluating companies' anti-bribery compliance policies and controls, and recommends measures for financial services firms to limit FCPA risks.

Findings

– The early May FCPA enforcement action makes clear that the financial services industry is very much on the radar screen of the US Securities and Exchange Commission and Department of Justice.

Practical implications

– A general response to limiting FCPA risk should include the development of an effective FCPA compliance program and adequate due diligence into potential third-party partners and target companies. Recent industry experience shows the potential protection in careful and comprehensive FCPA risk identification and risk management efforts.

Originality/value

– The paper provides practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
Competence or flexibility? Survival and growth implications of competitive strategy preferences among small US businesses
Authors: E. Armstrong Craig
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Research in strategic management has provided a wealth of contributions to the study of competition between firms, yet most strategic management theories were developed and refined for large firm contexts. This suggests the assumed theoretical relationships between strategy preference and performance may break down in the small business setting.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper uses a data set from the National Federation of Independent Businesses to test hypotheses relating the strategy preferences of 754 small firms with the performance outcomes of survival and expected growth.

Findings

– Small businesses can focus on both survival and growth when they pursue competency-based strategies, but they risk their very survival when pursuing flexibility-based strategies. Virtually all small firms pursue strategies to compete, but some of the strategies they follow to pursue growth endanger their survival.

Research limitations/implications

– Because of life-cycle and resource endowment factors, researchers should carefully parse differences between large and small firms when studying the relationship between strategy preferences and organizational performance.

Practical implications

– Small business owners should be aware that their choices of strategies to pursue growth may lead to unintended consequences, such as the demise of their firms.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates to researchers and practitioners how strategic preferences that presumably allow larger firms both to survive and grow do not have the same effects for smaller firms. The paper establishes boundary conditions for the effectiveness of flexibility strategies on performance in terms of firm size.
Use of SNSs by the researchers in India
Authors: Mahajan Preeti , Singh Har , Kumar Anil
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The paper aims to study the purpose of using social networking sites (SNSs) among the research scholars of Panjab University (PU), Chandigarh and Kurukshetra University (KU), Kurukshetra in India.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was conducted through a questionnaire administered to the research scholars in two universities in India. The questionnaire was distributed among the randomly selected research scholars of the two universities in India.

Findings

– It is observed that the majority of the research scholars from both the universities are aware of the SNSs and have their accounts on them. Facebook is the most popularly accessed SNS both in PU (83 per cent) and KU (77 per cent) followed by Orkut (46 per cent) in PU and Research Gate (38 per cent) at KU. The majority of the research scholars who use SNSs for various purposes from both the universities are in the age group of 20-30 years. 46 per cent of the researchers surveyed from PU do not have any publications and only 5 per cent have more than ten publications so far, whereas 54 per cent research scholars do not have any publications to their credit in KU.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to two universities in India, namely PU, Chandigarh and KU, Kurukshetra. There are a total of 75 teaching departments at PU and 46 departments at KU. The present study is limited to 20 departments each of both the universities. The PU has approximately 500 research scholars and KU has approximately 450 research scholars. The representative sample was formed by taking approximately 15 per cent of respondents (i.e. 65) from 20 departments of each university. 130 questionnaires were received and analyzed for the present study.

Originality/value

– The paper attempts to find out the awareness and use of SNSs among the research scholars perusing their research in different disciplines in PU, Chandigarh and KU, Kurukshetra in India. It is the first of its kind survey to find out the purpose of using the SNSs by the researchers of this region.
Continuous usage of social networking sites
Authors: Chiang Hsiu-Sen
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– Although increasing numbers of users have begun to use social networking sites (SNSs), the user growth of a few SNSs continues to decrease. Therefore identifying factors that influence users' intention to adopt and continuously use a particular SNS is a critical issue. To explore the factors, this study aims to apply the theories of reasoned action, uses and gratifications, and innovation diffusion to explain why people continue to join SNSs.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study participants were members of Facebook in Taiwan. An online questionnaire was used to conduct empirical research, and the data of 348 respondents were analysed using the partial least squares regression approach.

Findings

– It was found that the reasons why people continuously use SNSs vary with different innovation diffusion stages. In particular attitude toward SNSs had the strongest direct effect on continuous intention while the impact of social norms was not significant in the different innovation diffusion stages.

Practical implications

– From a practical perspective, insights provided by the study can help SNS developers understand user motivation and thus design more effective marketing strategies.

Originality/value

– The proposed model provides an improved understanding of the needs of different SNS users, and testing verified the effects of the factors related to gratification and innovation diffusion.
Workforce assessment method for an urban police department
Authors: Srinivasan Sudharshana , P. Sorrell Toni , Paul Brooks J. , J. Edwards David , Diehl McDougle Robyn
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this research paper is to describe quantitative methods that assist police administrators with evaluating current staffing and justifying to local governing bodies the size of the patrol workforce required to meet performance benchmarks.

Design/methodology/approach

– A discrete-event simulation model is developed to analyze various staffing levels and alternative scheduling scenarios. Input distributions are based on computer-aided dispatch (CAD) data from an urban police department. The results can be used to estimate the size of the patrol force needed to meet performance objectives.

Findings

– The simulation model produces an estimate of the number of officers required to staff the department in order to meet benchmark goals. The output also indicates when and where patrol officers need to be added and shows performance plateaus where staffing increases only marginally improve performance. Observations on the trade-offs between meeting budget (via staffing) and benchmark goals are also provided.

Research limitations/implications

– Assuming that the quality of CAD data is reliable, our model requires data for one year to generate the distributions needed for the simulation. The computation of staffing estimates requires a shift-relief factor, calculated by the department to account for times when officers cannot be scheduled.

Practical implications

– This study suggests that the department should hire additional patrol officers or increase overtime hours in order to meet performance benchmarks.

Originality/value

– In contrast to previous modeling approaches, our simulation does not rely on the assumption that the policing system is static or in a steady state.
Prevention is better than cure…
Authors: Ward Cally , Cooper Vivien
Published: November 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to provide a perspective from family carers on the promotion of independence and the prevention of avoidable dependency.

Design/methodology/approach

– Narrative review and discussion.

Findings

– Family carers frequently experience their own or their relatives’ needs being met only when they have reached crisis point. A shift to a more preventive approach, delivered in a personalised and family-centred manner, could transform the experiences of people with learning disabilities and their families.

Originality/value

– Attention is drawn to the importance of strengthening the case for a preventive approach and the role of co-ordinated and strategic leadership in its delivery.
Heat and immunity: an experimental heat wave alters immune functions in three‐spined sticklebacks (Gasterosteus aculeatus)
Authors: Dittmar Janine , Janssen Hannah , Kuske Andra , Kurtz Joachim , Scharsack Jörn P.
Published: November 2013

Global climate change is predicted to lead to increased temperatures and more extreme climatic events. This may influence host–parasite interactions, immunity and therefore the impact of infectious diseases on ecosystems. However, little is known about the effects of rising temperatures on immune defence, in particular in ectothermic animals, where the immune system is directly exposed to external temperature change.

Fish are ideal models for studying the effect of temperature on immunity, because they are poikilothermic, but possess a complete vertebrate immune system with both innate and adaptive immunity. We used three‐spined sticklebacks (
Gasterosteus aculeatus) originating from a stream and a pond, whereby the latter supposedly were adapted to higher temperature variation. We studied the effect of increasing and decreasing temperatures and a simulated heat wave with subsequent recovery on body condition and immune parameters.

We hypothesized that the immune system might be less active at low temperatures, but will be even more suppressed at temperatures towards the upper tolerable temperature range.

Contrary to our expectation, we found innate and adaptive immune activity to be highest at a temperature as low as 13 °C. Exposure to a simulated heat wave induced long‐lasting immune disorders, in particular in a stickleback population that might be less adapted to temperature variation in its natural environment.

The results show that the activity of the immune system of an ectothermic animal species is temperature dependent and suggest that heat waves associated with global warming may immunocompromise host species, thereby potentially facilitating the spread of infectious diseases.
The Common Operational Picture as Collective Sensemaking
Authors: Wolbers Jeroen , Boersma Kees
Published: November 2013

The common operational picture is used to overcome coordination and information management problems during emergency response. Increasingly, this approach is incorporated in more advanced information systems. This is rooted in an ‘information warehouse’ perspective, which implies information can be collected, sorted and exchanged in an accessible and univocal form. In practice, however, professionals interpret similar information differently. Therefore, we focus on how emergency responders develop collective sensemaking from information. We employ a ‘trading zone’ perspective, in which information is negotiated, to study information management in an ethnographic study of disaster exercises in the Netherlands. Our analysis shows how professionals attribute different meanings to information that distorts the coordination process. We end by stressing the importance of actionable knowledge and reflexivity.
Survival to metamorphosis is positively related to genetic variability in a critically endangered amphibian species
Authors: Richter S. C. , Nunziata S. O.
Published: November 2013

Isolated small populations typically have reduced genetic variation and are more susceptible to local extinction. Examining the relationship between genetic variability and survival is important for conservation because it provides insight on evolutionary potential and population viability. We studied genetic associations of survival from egg to metamorphosis in the largest population of critically endangered dusky gopher frogs Lithobates sevosus. This approach allowed us to examine whether heterozygosity‐fitness correlations (HFCs) existed in an r‐selected species with large effect size, whereas previous research on HFCs has largely focused on k‐selected species often with low effect sizes. Our objectives were to determine if genetic‐fitness associations exist, if associations are a result of inbreeding and if natural selection against inbreeding has occurred. Specifically, we examined averaged population responses and HFC in relation to (1) mortality within egg clutches and (2) differential survival of offspring through metamorphosis. To do so, we used eight microsatellite DNA markers to compare genotypes across three life‐history stages from a single year in the following temporal order: adults, eggs and metamorphs. We discovered a strong genetic association with survival in early life stages. In terms of average population responses, we documented a within‐cohort decrease in FIS with life‐history stage progression (adults: FIS = 0.067; eggs: FIS = 0.063; metamorphs: FIS = −0.134), high FST between eggs and metamorphs (FST = 0.113), and a locus that had larger than expected FST. We found positive genetic‐fitness associations for survival of egg clutches and for survival to metamorphosis. We believe that inbreeding is the primary cause; however, we also found evidence suggesting existence of purging selection against a deleterious mutant linked to a microsatellite locus. Survival of individuals with greater genetic variability should prolong persistence of this isolated population. Our study underscores the importance of species management focused on preservation of genetic diversity.
Increased plasma osteopontin in frequent exacerbator and acute exacerbation of COPD
Authors: Lee Seung Jun , Kim Sung Hwan , Kim Wanchul , Lim Sujin , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Yu Eun , Cho Yu Ji , Jeong Yi Yeong , Kim Ho Cheol , Lee Jong Deog , Hwang Young Sil
Published: November 2013

Introduction

Osteopontin (OPN) is a phosphorylated glycoprotein expressed by diverse tissues including bone, brain, kidney, liver and lung. Limited data exist regarding OPN in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and the exacerbation of this condition.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to evaluate plasma OPN levels and investigate the clinical usefulness of plasma OPN measurement in patients with COPD.

Methods

Plasma OPN levels were measured and compared in patients with COPD exacerbation (n = 64), patients with stable COPD (n = 68) and healthy controls (n = 30). In patients with COPD exacerbation, plasma OPN levels were measured repeatedly in convalescence. Patients with stable COPD were categorized into frequent and infrequent exacerbators according to their frequency of exacerbation, and plasma OPN levels were compared between these two groups. Plasma OPN levels were determined by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Patients with COPD exacerbation had increased plasma OPN levels compared with those with stable COPD and healthy controls (32.6 ± 29.6, 17.6 ± 11.1, 8.4 ± 6.1 ng/mL, respectively; P < 0.001). In patients with COPD exacerbation, plasma OPN levels were significantly decreased in convalescence (44.8 ± 43.5 vs 24.6 ± 13.6 ng/mL; P = 0.034). Frequent exacerbators had higher plasma OPN levels compared with infrequent exacerbators (22.5 ± 12.0 vs 15.0 ± 9.8 ng/mL; P = 0.008).

Conclusions

Plasma OPN levels were increased in patients with COPD exacerbation and frequent exacerbators, which suggests a possible role for OPN as a biomarker of COPD exacerbation.
Colonisation of toxic environments drives predictable life‐history evolution in livebearing fishes (Poeciliidae)
Authors: Riesch Rüdiger , Plath Martin , Schlupp Ingo , Tobler Michael , Brian Langerhans R.
Published: November 2013

New World livebearing fishes (family Poeciliidae) have repeatedly colonised toxic, hydrogen sulphide‐rich waters across their natural distribution. Physiological considerations and life‐history theory predict that these adverse conditions should favour the evolution of larger offspring. Here, we examined nine poeciliid species that independently colonised toxic environments, and show that these fishes have indeed repeatedly evolved much larger offspring size at birth in sulphidic waters, thus uncovering a widespread pattern of predictable evolution. However, a second pattern, only indirectly predicted by theory, proved additionally common: a reduction in the number of offspring carried per clutch (i.e. lower fecundity). Our analyses reveal that this secondary pattern represents a mere consequence of a classic life‐history trade‐off combined with strong selection on offspring size alone. With such strong natural selection in extreme environments, extremophile organisms may commonly exhibit multivariate phenotypic shifts even though not all diverging traits necessarily represent adaptations to the extreme conditions.
Incorporating LGBTQ Issues into Family Courses: Instructor Challenges and Strategies Relative to Perceived Teaching Climate
Authors: Kuvalanka Katherine A. , Goldberg Abbie E. , Oswald Ramona F.
Published: November 2013

This study investigated the experiences of 42 college/university‐level instructors with regard to incorporating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) content into their family‐oriented courses. Based on how supportive they rated their colleagues, departments, and institutions for their teaching about LGBTQ issues, and how open they deemed their students to learning about such perspectives, participants were categorized as working in one of three teaching climates: the least positive, moderately positive, or the most positive. Notably, the authors found that educators faced resistance from other faculty members in addition to students. Further, most faculty assessed their students as open to learning about LGBTQ issues, yet teaching about transgender and queer issues appeared to be particularly challenging for some. Perceived challenges varied by the teaching climates in which participants reportedly worked. The challenges and strategies shared by participants have implications for both faculty and administrators concerned with creating more inclusive classrooms and departments.
Telmisartan prevents angiotensin II‐induced endothelial dysfunction in rabbit aorta via activating HGF/Met system and PPARγ pathway
Authors: Hu Ze‐Ping , Fang Xiao‐Ling , Qian Hai‐Yan , Fang Nan , Wang Bang‐Ning , Wang Yuan
Published: November 2013

Telmisartan with partial activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPARγ) powerfully reduces blood pressure, improves endothelial function and lipid metabolism. Hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal‐epithelial transition factor (HGF/Met) system in the local vasculature plays a pivotal role in maintaining normal endothelial function. This study is aimed to evaluate whether telmisartan directly prevents angiotensin II (Ang II)‐induced endothelial dysfunction (ED) via activating HGF/Met system and/or PPARγ pathway. The isolated aortic rings of rabbits were incubated with Ang II (0.01–1 μm), telmisartan (0.1–10 μm), SU11274 (5 μm) as a specific Met inhibitor, GW9662 (10 μm) as a PPARγ antagonist alone or a combination for 6 h. Ang II obviously inhibited the mRNA and protein expression of HGF, Met and PPARγ, and the accumulative concentration–relaxation of the aortic rings to acetylcholine, among which the inhibitory effect of 1 μm Ang II was most significant. By contrast, telmisartan significantly increased the mRNA and protein expression of HGF, Met, and PPARγ, thus preventing Ang II‐induced ED in a dose‐dependent pattern. However, SU11274, GW9662 or a combination of both partially abolished the protective effects derived from telmisartan, with the effect of SU11274 exceeding that of GW9662. These results demonstrate that Ang II‐induced ED in rabbit aortic rings in vitro can be prevented by telmisartan through selective PPARγ‐modulating pathway. Moreover, this study indicates for the first time that activating HGF/Met system in the local vasculature is involved in the protective mechanism of telmisartan.
Global diversity of marine macroalgae: environmental conditions explain less variation in the tropics
Authors: Keith Sally A. , Kerswell Ailsa P. , Connolly Sean R.
Published: November 2013

Aim

Marine macroalgae provide an excellent opportunity to test hypotheses about latitudinal diversity gradients because macroalgal richness decreases towards the tropics, contrary to classic patterns, and because three evolutionarily distinct macroalgal clades (Rhodophyta, Chlorophyta, Phaeophyceae) have converged ecologically. Specifically, we determine the extent to which environmental conditions can predict genus richness in macroalgae. We also evaluate whether the magnitude or direction of the effect of environmental factors, or their ability to explain variation in macroalgal diversity, varies geographically.

Location

Global oceans.

Methods

We formulated and fitted global spatial regression models and geographically weighted regression (GWR) models to determine the extent to which environmental conditions could predict genus richness in macroalgae. GWR allowed us to determine how the role of environmental conditions varied amongst geographical regions.

Results

The global regression model showed that sea surface temperature and nutrients were important predictors of macroalgal genus richness at a global scale. However, GWR revealed that environmental factors explained less variability in richness in the tropics than elsewhere.

Main conclusions

Our results show that whilst environmental conditions influence marine macroalgal diversity, the strength of this influence shows considerable geographical variation. In particular, environmental conditions explain more of the observed variation in diversity at high latitudes than at low latitudes. This finding is consistent with the hypothesis that environmental tolerances influence species distributions more strongly at high latitudes, whereas other factors, such as biotic interactions, play a more prominent role in the tropics.
Application of edible coatings in minimally processed sweet potatoes (Ipomoea batatas L.) to prevent enzymatic browning
Authors: Ojeda Gonzalo A. , Sgroppo Sonia C. , Zaritzky Noemí E.
Published: November 2013

To control browning phenomenon, an edible coating of cassava starch along with ascorbic acid (AA) (combined treatment) was applied to minimally processed sweet potatoes var cv. ‘Blanca Correntina’. The samples were stored at 4 °C for 16 days, and the activities of polyphenol oxidase, peroxidase and phenylalanine ammonia lyase were studied; also, surface colour, antioxidant capacity, ascorbic acid, chlorogenic acid content were evaluated. The combined treatment showed a beneficial impact on the quality of the product, avoiding browning when compared with untreated samples and individual treatments (coating without AA or immersion in AA solution). The improvements were evidenced by the absence of changes in hue, minor changes in a* parameter and a major inhibitory effect of AA on the activity of the three enzymes. Ascorbic acid content and antioxidant capacity increased (P < 0.05). The combined treatment not only was effective in preventing enzymatic browning but also retained freshness and improved nutritional value.
Membrane‐disruptive property of a novel antimicrobial peptide from anchovy (Engraulis japonicus) hydrolysate
Authors: Tang Wenting , Zhang Hui , Wang Li , Qian Haifeng
Published: November 2013

A novel antimicrobial peptide named Pep39 has been isolated from anchovy hydrolysate using ÄKTA protein liquid chromatography and reverse‐phase high‐performance liquid chromatography. Its amino acid sequence was RLFRHAFKAVLRL with a molecular weight of 1626.92. Pep39 demonstrated antimicrobial ability against Escherichia coli ATCC 25922, Salmonella typhi ATCC 50013, Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and Bacillus subtilis ATCC 9372, with minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) ranging from 4 to 32 μg mL−1. No cytotoxicity to mouse red blood cells was observed when its concentration was lower than 30 μg mL−1. Pep39 induced the influx of fluorescent probe 8‐Anilino‐1‐naphthalenesulfonic acid and the outflow of β‐galactosidase by increasing E. coli outer and inner membrane permeabilities, respectively. Flow cytometric analysis also demonstrated that Pep39 disrupted E. coli cell membrane. These results suggested that the antimicrobial mechanism of Pep39 involved cytoplasmic membrane damage.
Job‐related stress, social support, and work–family conflict among Mexican workers in a multinational company: A case study of a Korean‐owned, US‐branded former “sweatshop” in Mexico
Authors: Hsiao Hsin‐Yi , Mor Barak Michàlle E.
Published: November 2013

Due to globalization and outsourcing of commodity production, an estimated 60 million workers are employed in the garment industry by multinational corporations, yet relatively little is known about the work–family tensions experienced by these workers. Building on role stress and job demands–resources theories, this study employed mixed methods to examine job stressors, support, and work–family conflict (WFC) in a sample of 168 Mexican workers in a multinational factory, a rarely studied and underserved population. As hypothesized, results of hierarchical regression analyses indicated that workers experienced high job stress and WFC. Social support from spouses, family, and friends increased the positive association between job stress and WFC, suggesting that culturally relevant obligations increased WFC. This study highlights the need for multinational corporations to implement culturally adaptive, family‐friendly policies. Implications for social workers in multinational work organizations and for future research are discussed.
Equality and Regional Finance in the Americas
Authors: Armijo Leslie Elliott
Published: November 2013

This article explores competing definitions of equality embedded in contending visions for regional finance in the Americas. The U.S. free market–oriented project envisions extension of a NAFTA-like regulatory framework hemispherewide, promising Latin Americans better financial services, credit, and investment in exchange for strong financial property protections and (implicitly) dramatically reduced financial policy autonomy for their governments. Venezuela's vision of “Bolivarian” finance, exported to the Caribbean and the upper Andes, promotes assertive state management of both foreign and domestic investors, populist redistribution, and increasing reliance on nonmarket financial transactions. Brazil's regional financial project would unite South America through continentwide physical infrastructure and capitalist financial markets while retaining a role for public sector banks responsive to central government priorities. Brazil's approach shares with Venezuela's an emphasis on governments' need for financial policy authority and with the U.S. approach a concern for regulatory predictability and financial deepening.
Differential predation drives overyielding of prey species in a patchy environment
Authors: Weis Jerome J. , Vasseur David A.
Published: November 2013

In environments characterized by regional heterogeneity among patches, competitor diversity can enhance ecosystem functions such as biomass production. Studies that have addressed the strength of diversity effects in heterogeneous environments have primarily considered a patchy distribution of resources. However, in many systems, top–down effects influence competitor productivity and composition. We use a three‐trophic level consumer–resource model to ask how differential responses to predation influence consumer diversity effects at two scales; 1) in patches with and without predator populations, and 2) at a ‘regional’ scale, consisting of one patch with‐ and one patch without a predator population. At the local scale, the strength and direction of consumer diversity effects depended on the strength of the differential response to predation. Positive or negative influences of consumer richness on equilibrium consumer biomass were the result of a selection effect of diversity. At the regional scale, we observed transgressive overyielding driven by a positive complementarity effect for parameters that define a strong differential response to predation. Given the prevalence of spatially and temporally heterogeneous top–down effects on competitor composition in many ecosystems and trophic levels, we advocate consideration of differential predation as an important step towards incorporating realistic trophic complexity into diversity–function studies.
Shifts in trophic interactions with forest type in soil generalist predators as indicated by complementary analyses of fatty acids and stable isotopes
Authors: Ferlian Olga , Scheu Stefan
Published: November 2013

Human impact on structure and functioning of ecosystems is rapidly increasing. Virtually all European forests are managed with major implications for diversity and structure of food webs. Centipedes (Chilopoda: Lithobiidae) are abundant arthropod predators in European temperate forest soils with a generalistic feeding behaviour. However, little is known on the variability in the prey spectrum of centipedes with land use and the responsible factors. Combining fatty acid (FA) analysis, which allows determination of the relative contribution of different prey to predator nutrition, and stable isotope analysis, providing insight into the trophic structure of decomposer food webs, we investigated variations in trophic niches of two dominant centipede species,Lithobius mutabilisandLithobius crassipes, in differently aged beech and spruce forests. FA composition of the two centipede species differed significantly with bacterial marker FAs being more abundant inL. crassipesas compared toL. mutabilis. Differences were most pronounced in spruce as compared to beech forests. The results suggest that dense needle litter in coniferous forests may restrict prey availability to the largerL. mutabilisand confine foraging to the litter surface whereas the smallerL. crassipesis able to also exploit prey of deeper litter layers.Lithobius crassipeswas significantly more enriched in15N and13C compared toL. mutabilissuggesting that, compared toL. mutabilis, the smallerL. crassipesoccupies higher trophic levels and relies more on root derived carbon. The results indicate that trophic niches of centipedes vary in a species specific way between forest types with body size and habitat structure being major determinants of the variations in the prey spectrum. Combining techniques for delineating predator–prey interactions allowed insights into variations in trophic interrelationships and their driving forces in temperate forest soil food webs.
Are There Height‐Dependent Differences in Subclinical Vascular Disease in Hypertensive Patients?
Authors: Ferriol Caterina , Tremols Susanna , Jimenez Carmen , Tura Anna , Sanmartín Maria , Pagès Núria , Rodríguez‐Poncelas Antonio , Paz‐Bermejo Marco , Saez Marc , Coll‐de‐Tuero Gabriel
Published: November 2013

The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in subclinical vascular disease (SVD) in hypertensive patients in relation to height. A total of 922 hypertensive, newly diagnosed, treatment‐naive patients were included. Physical examination was conducted, with renal function, electrocardiography, and retinography. Patients were distributed according to quartiles of height and sex. Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and body mass index showed an association between height above the mean and fasting glucose (odds ratio [OR], 1.04; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02–1.06), high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (OR, 0.96; CI, 0.92–0.99), triglycerides (OR, 1.07; CI, 1.01–1.15), and left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) (OR, 1.57; CI, 1.10–2.24). The authors found an inverse association between arteriole‐to‐venule ratio and height above the mean (OR, 0.97; CI, 0.94–0.99). There are differences in the SVD of hypertensive patients in relation to height. Tall stature is associated with LVH while short stature is associated with increased microvascular involvement. Detection of SVD in hypertensive patients should consider the height.
PAX3 in neuroblastoma: oncogenic potential, chemosensitivity and signalling pathways
Authors: Fang Wen‐Hui , Wang Qiuyu , Li Hong‐Mei , Ahmed Mashud , Kumar Patricia , Kumar Shant
Published: November 2013

Transcription factor PAX3/Pax3 contributes to diverse cell lineages during embryonic development and is important in tumourigenesis. We found that PAX3 is re‐expressed in neuroblastoma and malignant neuroblastic (N‐type) neuroblastoma cells had significantly higher PAX3 protein expression than their benign substrate‐adherent (S‐type) counterparts. Knock‐down of PAX3 expression by siRNA transfection resulted in persistent cell growth inhibition in both types of neuroblastoma cell, owing to G1 cell cycle arrest and progressive apoptosis. Inhibition of PAX3 expression significantly decreased the attachment of S‐type SH‐EP1 cells to extra‐cellular matrix proteins, fibronectin, laminin and collagen IV. Migration and invasion of both neuroblastoma cell types were markedly reduced after PAX3 down‐regulation. PAX3 knock‐down significantly augmented the cytotoxic effect of chemotherapeutic agents, etoposide, vincristine and cisplatin, commonly used to treat neuroblastoma. Microarray analyses revealed that particularly signalling pathways involving cell cycle, apoptosis, cell adhesion, cytoskeletal remodelling and development were altered by PAX3 down‐regulation. Changes in PAX3 downstream genes identified by microarray analyses were validated in 47 genes by quantitative PCR. These novel findings lead us to propose that PAX3 might contribute to oncogenic characteristics of neuroblastoma cells by regulating a variety of crucial signalling pathways.
Associations between birth weight and attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptom severity: indirect effects via primary neuropsychological functions
Authors: Hatch Burt , Healey Dione M. , Halperin Jeffrey M.
Published: November 2013

Background

Attention‐deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) has a range of aetiological origins which are associated with a number of disruptions in neuropsychological functioning. This study aimed to examine how low birth weight, a proxy measure for a range of environmental complications during gestation, predicted ADHD symptom severity in preschool‐aged children indirectly via neuropsychological functioning.

Methods

A total of 197 preschool‐aged children were recruited as part of a larger longitudinal study. Two neuropsychological factors were derived from NEPSY domain scores. One, referred to as ‘Primary Neuropsychological Function,’ was loaded highly with Sensorimotor and Visuospatial scores. The other, termed ‘Higher‐Order Function’ was loaded highly with Language and Memory domain scores. Executive functioning split evenly across the two. Analyses examined whether these neuropsychological factors allowed for an indirect association between birth weight and ADHD symptom severity.

Results

As both factors were associated with symptom severity, only the Primary Neuropsychological Factor was associated with birth weight. Furthermore, birth weight was indirectly associated to symptom severity via this factor.

Conclusions

These data indicate that birth weight is indirectly associated with ADHD severity via disruption of neuropsychological functions that are more primary in function as opposed to functions that play a higher‐order role in utilising and integrating the primary functions.
Benefits of Multimodal Exercise Intervention for Postural Control and Frontal Cognitive Functions in Individuals with Alzheimer's Disease: A Controlled Trial
Authors: de Andrade Larissa P. , Gobbi Lilian T. B. , Coelho Flávia G. M. , Christofoletti Gustavo , Riani Costa José L. , Stella Florindo
Published: November 2013

Objective

To verify the effects of a systematized multimodal exercise intervention program on frontal cognitive function, postural control, and functional capacity components of individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Design

Nonrandomized controlled trial with pre‐ and posttraining tests in a training group and a control group.

Setting

Kinesiotherapy program for seniors with AD, São Paulo State University.

Participants

Convenience sample of older adults with AD (n = 30) were assigned to a training (n = 14; aged 78.6 ± 7.1) and a control (n = 16; aged 77.0 ± 6.3) group.

Intervention

The intervention program was structured with the aim of simultaneously promoting better balance and frontal cognitive capacity. The participants attended a 1‐hour session three times a week for 16 weeks, whereas the control group did not participate in any activity during the same period.

Measurements

Frontal cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment, the Clock Drawing Test, the Frontal Assessment Battery, and the Symbol Search Subtest. Postural control (center of pressure area) was analyzed under four dual‐task conditions. Functional capacity components were analyzed using the Timed Up and Go Test, the 30‐second sit‐to‐stand test, the sit‐and‐reach test, and the Berg Functional Balance Scale.

Results

Intervention group participants showed a significant increase in frontal cognitive function (P < .001, partial η2 = 0.838), with less body sway (P = .04, partial η2 = 0.04) during the dual tasks, and greater functional capacity (P = .001, partial η2 = 0.676) after the 16‐week period.

Conclusion

Intervention participants performed better on dual‐task activities and had better postural balance and greater functional capacity than controls.
Molecular Characterization and Distribution of Apple Chlorotic Leaf Spot Virus on Apple in China
Authors: Duan Hao , Ji Zhirui , Wang Shutong , Hu Tongle , Wang Yanan , Cao Keqiang
Published: November 2013

Apple chlorotic leaf spot virus (ACLSV) is one of the most economically important latent viruses infecting apple in China. This is the first report of the almost complete nucleotide sequence and the characterization of the genome of a Chinese isolate (ACLSV‐MS, GenBank Accession Number KC847061) from apple. Based on the genome nucleotide sequence, ACLSV‐MS showed the highest identity (99.4%) to isolate ACLSV‐B6 (GenBank Accession Number AB326224) from apple in Japan and the least identity (69.5%) with isolate TaTao5 (GenBank Accession Number: EU223295) from peach in the USA. The occurrence and distribution of ACLSV in China were also recorded. Three hundred and twenty‐seven apple samples (40 different cultivars) collected from 56 sites in 13 provinces of China were tested by RT‐PCR. The virus was detected in all regions surveyed (the provinces of Heilongjiang, Liaoning, Hebei, Beijing, Henan, Shanxi, Shaanxi, Shandong, Gansu, Ningxia, Xinjiang, Sichuan and Yunnan), with an average incidence of 69.7%. The positive samples in Heilongjiang province were highest with an incidence of 100% followed by Henan province with an incidence of 86.7%. The positive samples in Liaoning and Shanxi were the lowest with an incidence of 50%. The occurrence of virus in five common cultivars was determined. The percentage of ACLSV was highest in cv. Gala with an incidence of 33.3%, while lowest in cv. Starking with an incidence of 18.2%. It was also found in younger (≤20 years) apple orchards the occurrence of ACLSV decreased with the increase of tree age, but when trees were more than 20 years old, the occurrence of ACLSV increased. This is the first extensive survey in the last decade in China for monitoring ACLSV, which provides important information for ACLSV control in China.
Lynx predation on semi‐domestic reindeer: do age and sex matter?
Authors: Mattisson J. , Arntsen G. B. , Nilsen E. B. , Loe L. E. , Linnell J. D. C. , Odden J. , Persson J. , Andrén H.
Published: November 2013

The Eurasian lynx is an efficient stalking predator mainly selecting small‐sized ungulates. In northern Scandinavia, semi‐domestic reindeer are the only ungulate species available for Eurasian lynx year round and consequently constitute their main prey. Selective predation patterns by a predator on a domestic prey are likely to be influenced by husbandry practices and may have consequences for harvest strategies. We used data on 795 lynx‐killed reindeer from northern Scandinavia collected in 2008–2011 to determine whether male and female Eurasian lynx preyed selectively on different age and sex classes of reindeer and how this was influenced by human‐controlled seasonal changes in the composition of the reindeer herds. Lynx of both sexes were selected for reindeer calves year round although the proportions fluctuated seasonally, with peaks during summer and a drop after harvest. Male lynx switched to kill more adult reindeer in winter. There were no differences between the sexes of reindeer calves killed by lynx, but among adult reindeer male lynx selected for bulls over cows. We suggest that human‐controlled seasonal variation in reindeer abundance is a main driver of prey selection by Eurasian lynx on semi‐domestic reindeer.
Planet of Slums
Authors: DAVIS MIKE
Published: November 2013

The megacities arising around the planet are like the Internet where many events are taking place simultaneously. The urban scape today is becoming more a space of flows—migrants, trade, capital, information, microbes—than a space of places rooted in an historical identity.

The megaurban condition today encompasses many realities, from the glittering generic city‐state of Singapore to the slums climbing up the hillsides around Mexico City or Sao Paulo. In these spaces we work, love and live out the intimate moments of our lives. In these spaces we consume and spew out climate warming gases.

In this section, two of the world's “star architects”—Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry—the visionary “arcologist” Paolo Soleri and the Turkish novelist and Nobel laureate, Orhan Pamuk, grasp at chronicling the reality of where we live.
The Past Is Too Small to Inhabit
Authors: KOOLHAAS REM
Published: November 2013

The megacities arising around the planet are like the Internet where many events are taking place simultaneously. The urban scape today is becoming more a space of flows—migrants, trade, capital, information, microbes—than a space of places rooted in an historical identity.

The megaurban condition today encompasses many realities, from the glittering generic city‐state of Singapore to the slums climbing up the hillsides around Mexico City or Sao Paulo. In these spaces we work, love and live out the intimate moments of our lives. In these spaces we consume and spew out climate warming gases.

In this section, two of the world's “star architects”—Rem Koolhaas and Frank Gehry—the visionary “arcologist” Paolo Soleri and the Turkish novelist and Nobel laureate, Orhan Pamuk, grasp at chronicling the reality of where we live.