bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
HOW TO RECOGNIZE A HERO IN EURIPIDES' ELECTRA
Authors: WOHL VICTORIA
Published: June 2015

Why were the heroes of Greek tragedy all elite? Why in the premier genre of democratic Athens should the action always be performed by noblemen and not by, say, a poor farmer? Euripides' Electra raises this question and dramatizes its stakes. It poses the possibility of a non-elite hero – in fact, a farmer – only to show how and why this radical premise fails to pan out. The famous recognition scene compels the audience to recognize Orestes as the play's hero based on literary allusions and theatrical conventions, and in the process to disavow the egalitarian reality the play itself has staged. Electra does not ultimately answer the question why the tragic protagonist has to be elite, but it does reveal the consequences, political and dramatic, of accepting that necessity. In so doing, it exposes both the utopian potential of tragedy and its limits, and challenges us in the audience to acknowledge our role in both.
TEXTUAL NOTES ON HERODAS MIM. 8, ENHYPNION OR THE DREAM
Authors: FURLEY WILLIAM
Published: June 2015

Herodas' Eighth Mime, The Dream (Enhypnion) is a fascinating but unfortunately very poorly preserved account of a dream in which the ‘I’ of the piece encounters Dionysos himself in a revel involving askoliasmos, jumping on an inflated wine-skin. The narrator's success in the competition is equated at the close with a prediction about the future success of Herodas' limping iambics in the literary mêlée. The present piece results from a re-examination of the major papyrus source for this piece in the British Library, proposing new, or possible alternative readings, for lines 15, 44, 45, 70, 72, 76–79. Perhaps the most significant is new evidence for an epithet of Dionysos Lyaios, as the word λύη, commotion, seems preferable to previous editors' λείη, plunder, in line 45.
Critical Evaluation and Thermodynamic Modeling of the MgO–MnO–Mn2O3–SiO2 System
Authors: Panda Sourav Kumar , Cao Zhanmin , Jung In‐Ho
Published: June 2015

A complete literature review, critical evaluation, and thermodynamic optimization of phase diagrams and thermodynamic properties of the MgO–MnO–Mn2O3–SiO2 system at 1 atm pressure are presented. The molten oxide phase was described by the Modified Quasichemical Model considering the short‐range ordering in molten oxide, and the Gibbs energies of solid solutions were described using the Compound Energy Formalism considering the crystal structure of each solid solution. A set of optimized model parameters of all phases was obtained which reproduces all available and reliable thermodynamic data and phase diagrams within experimental error limits from 25°C to above the liquidus temperatures over the entire range of composition under the oxygen partial pressures from metallic saturation to 1 atm. The database of the model parameters can be used along with software for the Gibbs energy minimization to calculate any phase diagram section and thermodynamic property within the present system.
High‐Temperature Aging of Plasma Sprayed Quasi‐Eutectoid LaYbZr2O7‐Part I: Phase Evolution
Authors: Ren Xiaorui , Zhao Meng , Wan Chunlei , Zheng Yixin , Pan Wei
Published: June 2015

Phase and microstructure stability is an important issue for the durability and performance of thermal barrier coating (TBC) materials which have to work at high temperature for long time. In this work, we present a meta‐stable structure LaYbZr2O7 by air plasma spraying process, which can convert into thermodynamically stable fine‐grained quasi‐eutectoid structure with enhanced thermal insulation properties even under high‐temperature annealing. In this part, we first report on the phase composition and relationship in the LaYbZr2O7 coatings. The as‐sprayed LaYbZr2O7 coatings initially exhibited a mixture of amorphous phase and a nonequilibrium fluorite phase. Then it underwent a fast crystallization and a quasi‐eutectoid transformation during the first few hours of annealing at 1300°C. The phase constitution quickly reached an equilibrium state consisting of La‐rich pyrochlore phase and Yb2Zr2O7 fluorite phase after 6 h annealing and kept stable ever since. Coherent phase boundaries were observed between the La‐rich pyrochlore and Yb2Zr2O7 fluorite phase, indicating a lower interface energy, a lower ionic diffusion rate, a higher strength and creeping resistance of this material at high temperature, all of which could be particularly advantageous to a TBC material for high‐temperature gas turbine applications.
Am I covered?': an analysis of a national enquiry database on scope of practice
Authors: Brady Anne‐Marie , Fealy Gerard , Casey Mary , Hegarty Josephine , Kennedy Catriona , McNamara Martin , O'Reilly Pauline , Prizeman Geraldine , Rohde Daniela
Published: June 2015

Aim

Analysis of a national database of enquiries to a professional body pertaining to the scope of nursing and midwifery practice.

Background

Against a backdrop of healthcare reform is a demand for flexibility in nursing and midwifery roles with unprecedented redefinition of role boundaries and/or expansion. Guidance from professional regulatory bodies is being sought around issues of concern that are arising in practice.

Design

Qualitative thematic analysis.

Method

The database of telephone enquiries (n = 9818) made by Registered Nurses and midwives to a national regulatory body (2001–2013) was subjected to a cleaning process and examined to detect those concerns that pertained to scope of practice. A total of 978 enquires were subjected to thematic analysis.

Findings

Enquiries were concerned with three main areas: medication management, changing and evolving scope of practice and professional role boundaries. The context was service developments, staff shortages and uncertainty about role expansion and professional accountability. Other concerns related to expectations around responsibility and accountability for other support staff.

Conclusion

Efforts by employers to maximize the skill mix of their staff and optimally deploy staff to meet service needs and/or address gaps in service represented the primary service context from which many enquiries arose. The greatest concern for nurses arises around medication management but innovation in healthcare delivery and the demands of service are also creating challenges for nurses and midwives. Maintaining and developing competence is a concern among nurses and midwives particularly in an environment of limited resources and where re‐deployment is common.
Effects of an in‐hospital nursing intervention on changing illness perceptions in patients with injury
Authors: Lee Bih‐O. , Chien Chi‐Sheng , Hung Chang‐Chiao , Chou Pi‐Ling
Published: June 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a nursing intervention in changing the illness perceptions of injured patients.

Background

Illness perceptions have been found to be among the important patient outcomes after an injury. Research has suggested that a designed intervention might be an effective means of shaping injured patients' illness perceptions.

Design

An experimental study design was employed.

Methods

A total of 82 injured patients completed this study, with 42 in the experimental group and 40 in the control group. Data were collected from 2011–2013. A trained nurse practitioner delivered an in‐hospital nursing intervention according to self‐regulatory theory. The outcome measure was the change in illness perceptions of injury among the patients as measured by the Chinese Illness Perception Questionnaire Revised‐Trauma (the ChineseIPQ‐R‐Trauma), which comprises eight subscales. The experimental and control groups were followed up via telephone survey 3 months after discharge. The generalized estimating equations were used to analyse the data.

Results

The results showed statistically significant differences on two subscales of the ChineseIPQ‐R‐Trauma, Identity and Controllability, before and after the intervention. Results for the remaining six subscales did not change significantly. The findings indicate that the intervention resulted in a decrease in injury‐related physical symptoms and in increases in positive perceptions among patients about controlling their postinjury condition.

Conclusions

This nursing intervention led to changes in patients' illness perceptions and potentially improved the patients' self‐regulation after their injuries. Future research can be conducted to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention protocol.
A survey on the current status of pediatric nursing human resources in Sichuan province of China
Authors: Wan Xingli , Feng Xianqiong
Published: June 2015

Objective

To investigate the status of pediatric nurses in Sichuan province of China, and to compare the status with the national standards.

Methods

This study used a convenience sample of hospitals with pediatric departments in Sichuan province. A list of hospitals was obtained from the Health and Family Planning Commission of Sichuan province. Fifty hospitals with pediatric departments were selected to receive questionnaires. Thirty‐nine hospitals responded and 38 responses were valid. Bed‐to‐nurse ratios were evaluated. The Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare the bed‐to‐nurse ratios among the studied hospitals and the Chinese national standard.

Results

In the 38 surveyed hospitals, the average bed‐to‐nurse ratio was 1:0.57 and the average physician‐to‐nurse ratio was 1:1.53. The average bed‐to nurse ratio in the pediatric departments was 1:0.51. The average bed‐to‐nurse ratio in the pediatric inpatient wards was 1:0.40. There were significant differences in the average bed‐to‐nurse ratios in the pediatric departments (Z = −2.149, P = 0.032) and the pediatric inpatient wards (Z = −2.328, P = 0.020) between general hospitals and specialty hospitals. There were significant differences between the average bed‐to‐nurse ratios in tertiary‐level hospitals (Z = −4.178, P < 0.0001) and the pediatric inpatient wards of the surveyed hospitals (Z = –4.518, P < 0.0001) and the national standard.

Conclusion

There is a nursing shortage in tertiary‐level hospitals and some grade‐A specialty hospitals in Sichuan, China. The shortage is worse in pediatric inpatient wards, especially in the general hospitals and some grade‐B specialty hospitals. Hospital administrations need to understand the situation and offer strategies to cope for routine nursing management as well as disaster management.
Why do men suffering from LUTS seek primary medical care? A qualitative study
Authors: Lammers Huub A. , van Wijnhoven Roselie , Teunissen Theodora A. M. , Harmsen Sheila , Lagro‐Janssen Antonie L. M.
Published: June 2015

Rationale, aims and objectives

Lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) are common problems among men, but only a small proportion actually visit their general practitioner (GP). This study aims to gain insight into the reasons why men visit a doctor, and their expectations.

Methods

We opted to perform a qualitative study with semi‐structured interviews among men aged over 50 years who consulted their GP because of suffering from LUTS. All interviews were fully transcribed and coded and analysed by two researchers using ATLAS.ti.

Results

We interviewed 18 men between the ages of 52 and 80. Frequently mentioned reasons for seeking help can be grouped under three main themes: a wish for reassurance about not having prostate cancer, the nuisance of symptoms such as nycturia and being triggered by public information about LUTS. Most participants lacked an understanding of the cause and prognosis of their symptoms.

Conclusion

The main reasons to seek primary medical care are the need for reassurance and the nuisance of symptoms, especially nycturia. Overall, the patients show remarkably poor knowledge about their symptoms.
Grace under fire: aesthetic leadership in clinical nursing
Authors: Mannix Judy , Wilkes Lesley , Daly John
Published: June 2015

Aims and objectives

This paper reports the results of an online descriptive survey that sought to determine nurses’ perceptions of aesthetic leadership among clinical leaders in nursing.

Background

Clinical leadership has been identified as an essential component to ensuring the delivery of safe, high‐quality health care. Leadership has been increasingly linked in the literature to aesthetics. However, little consideration has been given to aesthetics in relation to clinical leadership in nursing.

Design

A mixed‐method, online descriptive survey.

Methods

Participants were recruited via e‐learning platforms and social media. A total of 66 surveys were completed, including 31 written accounts of aesthetic leadership in practice.

Results

Aesthetic leadership characteristics in clinical leaders most valued are support, communication and the approach taken to colleagues. Taking risks and challenging processes were least likely to be evident among effective clinical leaders.

Conclusion

Aesthetic leadership is multi‐dimensional and a style of leadership to positively influence the clinical workplace. Support, effective communication and taking into consideration the feelings of colleagues are important dimensions of aesthetic leadership.

Relevance to clinical practice

Aesthetic leadership represents a way for clinical leaders to create and sustain a calm and positive clinical workplace.
Uncovering Micro‐Practices and Pathways of Engagement That Scale Up Social‐Driven Collaborations: A Practice View of Power
Authors: Tello‐Rozas Sonia , Pozzebon Marlei , Mailhot Chantale
Published: June 2015

This paper explores how large‐scale social‐driven collaborations might grow in scale and help promote political change. We present the results of a qualitative investigation of a complex platform where multiple and hybrid collaborations co‐exist and where civil society plays a central role. Based on a longitudinal comparative case study, we draw a processual model describing micro‐practices and pathways of engagement. We show that the emergence of these collaborations requires a new type of convener, one that is able to manage the interplay between the sharing/co‐creation of abundant resources and the coordinated decentralization of informal authority. Our study extends existing debates on the role of resources and authority, showing the complementarity between possession and practice perspectives of power. Finally, we identified synergies between collaboration and social movement literatures, particularly showing that large‐scale collaborations could be mobilized to refine social movement agendas and achieve more purposive collective action.
HYDROCARBON EXPLORATION POTENTIAL OF MONTENEGRO – A BRIEF REVIEW
Authors: Bega Z.
Published: June 2015

Geological and geophysical data generated during the mid‐1990s and early 2000s indicate that the Montenegro – NW Albania area may have hydrocarbon potential. Thrust‐related structures and sub‐thrust autochthonous Mesozoic platform carbonates in the Dinaride‐Albanide fold‐and‐thrust belt are potential exploration targets. Potential play types include structurally inverted autochthonous platform carbonates both on‐ and offshore Montenegro, and platform build‐up closures located offshore. Potential source rocks are of Cretaceous age, analogous to those at oil discoveries in the Southern Apennines, and have been modelled to generate economic volumes of light oils which may be trapped in fractured shallow‐water carbonates and sealed by deep‐water Oligocene shales.

The Neogene succession in Montenegro is dominated by turbidite sandstones which have the potential to contain biogenic gas. Structural and stratigraphic traps have been identified in 2D and 3D seismic reflection profiles but no wells have tested this play to date. However the biogenic gas play is considered to be of less importance than the potential oil play involving Mesozoic carbonates.
Large herbivores change the direction of interactions within plant communities along a salt marsh stress gradient
Authors: Howison Ruth A. , Olff Han , Steever Rutger , Smit Christian
Published: June 2015

Question

How multiple abiotic stress factors combined with herbivory affect interactions within plant communities is poorly understood. We ask how large herbivore grazing affects the direction of plant–plant interactions along an environmental gradient in a salt marsh.

Location

Grazed (cattle) and ungrazed salt marshes of the Dutch Wadden Sea island Schiermonnikoog. Here, patches of tall plant communities, dominated by the tough, unpalatable species Juncus maritimus Lam., are found alternating with low‐statured, intensively grazed plant communities.

Methods

Along the inundation gradient, we measured plant species composition and plant species traits (specific leaf area, specific root length, maximum height and abundance) inside and outside J. maritimus patches in grazed and ungrazed areas. In addition, we measured soil structure parameters (bulk density, soil porosity, clay depth), multiple limiting conditions for plant growth (soil salinity, soil redox, plant canopy light interception), plant biomass, presence of herbivores and abundance of soil macro‐detritivores.

Results

Under grazing, the palatable grasses Elytrigia atherica (Link) Kerguélen and Festuca rubra L. were positively associated with J. maritimus, while shade‐intolerant Puccinellia maritima (Huds.) Parl. and Juncus gerardii  Loisel. were negatively associated with this species. Furthermore, macro‐detritivore presence was higher inside J. maritimus patches. In ungrazed areas E. atherica and F. rubra were negatively associated with J. maritimus, while P. maritima and J. gerardii were rare. In both grazed and ungrazed conditions the directions of species associations were independent of the inundation gradient. Analysis of species traits and abiotic conditions suggested that associational resistance (a facilitation type) was important in grazed areas. In ungrazed areas, light competition was the likely dominant process.

Conclusions

The direction of species associations within these salt marsh communities was strongly affected by grazing, not by the underlying stress gradient. Measurement of species traits indicated that plant–plant interactions shifted from competitive to facilitative under grazing. Besides grazing, cross‐trophic facilitation of soil disturbing macro‐detritivores may play an important – thus far ignored – role in structuring plant communities.
Seed bank of desert annual plants along an aridity gradient in the southern Atacama coastal desert
Authors: Sotomayor Diego A. , Gutiérrez Julio R.
Published: June 2015

Questions

What is the species composition and density of the seed bank in one of the most arid deserts of the world: the Atacama Desert? Do composition and density vary along the aridity gradient? Are they affected by the sampling season and soil nutrient content?

Location

Southern Atacama coastal desert, Chile.

Methods

Seed bank composition and density were estimated via direct counting of seeds extracted from soil samples collected in eight localities separated by 0.5°, between 26–30° S along the study geographic gradient. This sampling protocol was conducted at three different seasons: after seed set and before and after germination in the rainy season. We also estimated soil nutrient content and obtained local climatic data from the WorldClim database to perform an ordination of seed banks along the aridity gradient.

Results

The entire seed bank was composed of 89 species (38 endemic), including 51 annuals (20 endemic). Annuals represented 82.4% of all seeds counted. Exotic plants were represented by 11 species, including nine annuals, with higher seed densities towards the more mesic localities. Aridity was by far the main factor driving seed bank composition and seed density along the study gradient. Seed banks were similar among seasons across all localities. Soil nutrient content played an important, but secondary, role in species‐specific relationships. In comparison to other ecosystems, the seed bank densities found in this study correspond to the lowest figures reported to date.

Conclusions

This study represents the first report on seed banks via direct counting for the southern part of the Atacama coastal desert. The level of aridity mainly determines annual plant communities in this desert, including exotic species. Their responses to the aridity level and soil nutrient content are species‐specific, which allows for species co‐existence under extreme abiotic conditions.
Interclonal proteomic responses to predator exposure in Daphnia magna may depend on predator composition of habitats
Authors: Otte Kathrin A. , Schrank Isabella , Fröhlich Thomas , Arnold Georg J. , Laforsch Christian
Published: June 2015

Phenotypic plasticity, the ability of one genotype to express different phenotypes in response to changing environmental conditions, is one of the most common phenomena characterizing the living world and is not only relevant for the ecology but also for the evolution of species. Daphnia, the water flea, is a textbook example for predator‐induced phenotypic plastic defences; however, the analysis of molecular mechanisms underlying these inducible defences is still in its early stages. We exposed Daphnia magna to chemical cues of the predator Triops cancriformis to identify key processes underlying plastic defensive trait formation. To get a more comprehensive idea of this phenomenon, we studied four genotypes with five biological replicates each, originating from habitats characterized by different predator composition, ranging from predator‐free habitats to habitats containing T. cancriformis. We analysed the morphologies as well as proteomes of predator‐exposed and control animals. Three genotypes showed morphological changes when the predator was present. Using a high‐throughput proteomics approach, we found 294 proteins which were significantly altered in their abundance after predator exposure in a general or genotype‐dependent manner. Proteins connected to genotype‐dependent responses were related to the cuticle, protein synthesis and calcium binding, whereas the yolk protein vitellogenin increased in abundance in all genotypes, indicating their involvement in a more general response. Furthermore, genotype‐dependent responses at the proteome level were most distinct for the only genotype that shares its habitat with Triops. Altogether, our study provides new insights concerning genotype‐dependent and general molecular processes involved in predator‐induced phenotypic plasticity in D. magna.
The Complementary Nature Between Technological Progress and Capital Accumulation in India's Long‐Run Growth Transitions
Authors: Nell Kevin S.
Published: June 2015

This article develops a multiple‐regime, learning‐by‐doing model, in which technological progress and capital accumulation are complementary factors in long‐run growth transitions. The model accurately predicts India's long‐run growth transitions over the period 1953–2007, with the first phase (1980–2002) being ‘technology’ driven and the second phase (2003–2007) capital accumulation driven. Given the complementary nature between technological progress and capital accumulation, one of the main challenges facing Indian policy makers in the aftermath of the 2008 global financial crisis is to maintain high saving/fixed investment rates. The analysis also provides a critique of the ‘total factor productivity view’ of India's growth performance.
Genomics as the key to unlocking the polyploid potential of wheat
Authors: Borrill Philippa , Adamski Nikolai , Uauy Cristobal
Published: June 2015

Polyploidy has played a central role in plant genome evolution and in the formation of new species such as tetraploid pasta wheat and hexaploid bread wheat. Until recently, the high sequence conservation between homoeologous genes, together with the large genome size of polyploid wheat, had hindered genomic analyses in this important crop species. In the past 5 yr, however, the advent of next‐generation sequencing has radically changed the wheat genomics landscape. Here, we review a series of advances in genomic resources and tools for functional genomics that are shifting the paradigm of what is possible in wheat molecular genetics and breeding. We discuss how understanding the relationship between homoeologues can inform approaches to modulate the response of quantitative traits in polyploid wheat; we also argue that functional redundancy has ‘locked up’ a wide range of phenotypic variation in wheat. We explore how genomics provides key tools to inform targeted manipulation of multiple homoeologues, thereby allowing researchers and plant breeders to unlock the full polyploid potential of wheat.

Contents

Summary
1008

I.
Introduction
1008

II.
The NGS revolution in wheat genomics
1010

III.
Accessing variation in polyploid wheat
1012

IV.
Functional genomics
1013

V.
Phenotypic consequences of polyploidy
1014

VI.
Future challenges
1017

VII.
Conclusions
1019

Acknowledgements
1019

References
1019
Resveratrol nanoformulation for cancer prevention and therapy
Authors: Siddiqui Imtiaz A. , Sanna Vanna , Ahmad Nihal , Sechi Mario , Mukhtar Hasan
Published: June 2015

Chemoprevention of human cancer(s) is a viable option for cancer control, especially when chemopreventive intervention is involved during the early stages of the carcinogenesis process. Naturally occurring bioactive food components, such as dietary polyphenols, have shown good antioxidant activity and other beneficial activities. In addition, compounds belonging to the polyphenolic chemical class may play promising roles in cancer prevention. Among them, the phytoalexin resveratrol has demonstrated antiproliferative effects, as well as the ability to inhibit initiation and promotion of induced cancer progression in a wide variety of tumor models. However, resveratrol, like other natural polyphenols, is an extremely photosensitive compound with low chemical stability and limited bioavailibility, which limit the therapeutic application of its beneficial effects. In this context, the development of innovative formulation strategies able to overcome physicochemical and pharmacokinetic limitations of this compound could be beneficial. This may be achieved via nanotechnology approaches utilizing suitable carriers that allow slow, sustained, and controlled release of the encapsulated agent. This review focuses on the recent developments of novel nanoformulations used to deliver sustained levels of resveratrol.
Fast food consumption in pregnancy and subsequent asthma symptoms in young children
Authors: von Ehrenstein O. S. , Aralis H. , Flores M. E. S. , Ritz B.
Published: June 2015

Background

Recent cross‐sectional studies suggested children's current fast food consumption to be related to frequency of asthma and allergies. Maternal prenatal diet has been suspected to contribute to children's asthma and atopic disease risks.

Objectives

We hypothesized that maternal fast food intake during pregnancy increases offspring's risk for asthmatic symptoms.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based study of 1201 mother/child pairs in Los Angeles, California. Detailed information about prenatal fast food intake and other dietary, lifestyle/environmental factors, and pregnancy was collected shortly after birth; further data were retrieved from birth certificates. Using the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood core questions, asthma and rhinitis symptoms were assessed, and doctor's diagnoses were recorded in offspring 3.5 years after birth. Poisson regression with robust error variance using a log link function was used to estimate relative risks (RRs). Models were adjusted using covariates or propensity scores.

Results

Maternal prenatal fast food consumption related to increased relative risks of their children for severe, and current asthma symptoms (wheeze last 12 months combined with doctor's diagnosis) in a dose‐dependent manner: ‘once a month’: RR: 0.99 (95% CI: 0.36, 2.75), ‘once a week’: 1.26 (0.47, 3.34); ‘3–4 days a week’: 2.17 (0.77, 6.12); and ‘every day’ 4.46 (1.36 14.6) compared to ‘never’, adjusting for potential confounders (p for trend = 0.0025). There was also suggestion of increased risks for rhinitis symptoms.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that in utero exposure to frequent fast food through maternal diet may be a risk factor for asthmatic symptoms in young children.
Effects of leaf maturity and wind stress on the nutrition of the generalist caterpillar Lymantria dispar feeding on poplar
Authors: Barbehenn Raymond V. , Haugberg Nola , Kochmanski Joseph , Menachem Brandon
Published: June 2015

The growth rates of insect herbivores commonly decrease when they feed on mature leaves due to the combined effects of several nutritional and physiological mechanisms. Environmental stresses during leaf development may also decrease herbivore performance. The present study tests two main hypotheses to help clarify the importance of these factors for the nutrition and growth of an insect herbivore: (i) decreases in nutrient levels, consumption rates and nutrient assimilation efficiencies impact negatively on herbivores feeding on mature leaves and (ii) wind stress has a negative impact on herbivores feeding on mature leaves. The results show that mature poplar (Populus alba × Populus tremula) leaves have decreased levels of protein and increased levels of fibre, and that growth rates of gypsy moth (Lymantria dispar L.) are decreased on mature leaves in association with decreased consumption rates. However, in contrast to the first hypothesis, protein and carbohydrate are assimilated efficiently (74–82% and 84–87%, respectively) from immature and mature poplar leaves. The larvae are able to chew mature leaves as efficiently as immature leaves, potentially maximizing nutrient extraction. By contrast to the second hypothesis, wind‐stressed leaves have no significant detrimental effects on nutrient assimilation efficiencies, and the lower growth rates of L. dispar larvae feeding on mature wind‐stressed leaves can be explained by lower consumption rates. Therefore, the availability of nutrients to herbivores feeding on mature tree leaves is not necessarily impacted by lower assimilation efficiencies, even when leaves develop under wind stress. These results help explain some of the large variation between the nutritional qualities of trees for forest Lepidoptera.
Real‐time PCR detection of Erwinia amylovora on blossoms correlates with subsequent fire blight incidence
Authors: Hinze M. , Köhl L. , Kunz S. , Weißhaupt S. , Ernst M. , Schmid A. , Voegele R. T.
Published: June 2015

Fire blight is the most devastating bacterial disease of rosaceous plants. Forecasting fire blight infections is important to allow for countermeasures that reduce economic damage in pome fruit production. Current computerized forecasting models are solely based on physical factors such as temperature and moisture, but not on the actual presence of the pathogen Erwinia amylovora. Although the inoculum concentration is considered to be crucial for infection and disease outbreak, most current approaches used for identification of fire blight inoculum including morphological, biochemical, serological, and DNA‐based methods are nonquantitative. Based on a real‐time PCR approach previously published, an improved protocol to be used directly on whole bacteria in the field is described. The method allows for early detection and quantification of the pathogen prior to the occurrence of first symptoms. There is a clear correlation between bacterial abundance and subsequent disease development. However, in some cases, no disease symptoms could be observed despite a pathogen load of up to 3·4 × 106 cells per blossom. Integration of the amount of pathogen detected into refined prediction algorithms may allow for the improvement of applied forecasting models, finally permitting a better abatement of fire blight.
Molecular classification of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Personalized medicine, genetics and biomarkers
Authors: Hambly Nathan , Shimbori Chiko , Kolb Martin
Published: June 2015

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic and progressive fibrotic lung disease associated with high morbidity and poor survival. Characterized by substantial disease heterogeneity, the diagnostic considerations, clinical course and treatment response in individual patients can be variable. In the past decade, with the advent of high‐throughput proteomic and genomic technologies, our understanding of the pathogenesis of IPF has greatly improved and has led to the recognition of novel treatment targets and numerous putative biomarkers. Molecular biomarkers with mechanistic plausibility are highly desired in IPF, where they have the potential to accelerate drug development, facilitate early detection in susceptible individuals, improve prognostic accuracy and inform treatment recommendations. Although the search for candidate biomarkers remains in its infancy, attractive targets such as MUC5B and MPP7 have already been validated in large cohorts and have demonstrated their potential to improve clinical predictors beyond that of routine clinical practices. The discovery and implementation of future biomarkers will face many challenges, but with strong collaborative efforts among scientists, clinicians and the industry the ultimate goal of personalized medicine may be realized.
Influence of physical fitness and activity behavior on retinal vessel diameters in primary schoolchildren
Authors: Imhof K. , Zahner L. , Schmidt‐Trucksäss A. , Faude O. , Hanssen H.
Published: June 2015

Retinal vessel alterations have been shown to be associated with cardiovascular risk factors and physical inactivity as early as childhood. In this context, the analysis of physical activity in children has solely been based on questionnaire assessments. The study aimed to examine the association of physical fitness performance and self‐reported physical activity with retinal vessel diameters in young children. Three hundred ninety‐one primary schoolchildren [7.3 years (SD 0.4)] were examined in this cross‐sectional study. The primary outcome was endurance performance measured with the 20‐m shuttle run. The additional tests consisted of a 20‐m sprint, jumping sidewards and balancing backwards. Retinal microcirculation was assessed using a static retinal vessel analyzer. Parents completed questionnaires about physical and sedentary activities. Endurance performance was associated with narrower retinal venular diameters [−0.9 (95%CI: −1.8; −0.1) measuring units (mu)/ unit shuttle run, P = 0.04] and a higher arteriolar to venular ratio [0.003 (−0.001; 0.006)/unit shuttle run, P = 0.06]. The sprint performance was associated with narrower retinal arterioles [4.7 (0.8; 8.6) mu/unit sprint, P = 0.02]. Indoor playing activity correlated with narrower retinal venules [−0.04 (−0.07; −0.01) mu/per unit, P = 0.02]. Our data suggest that objectively measured endurance performance relates with better retinal vessel health in early childhood.
Deconstructing the power resistance relationship for squats: A joint‐level analysis
Authors: Farris D. J. , Lichtwark G. A. , Brown N. A. T. , Cresswell A. G.
Published: June 2015

Generating high leg power outputs is important for executing rapid movements. Squats are commonly used to increase leg strength and power. Therefore, it is useful to understand factors affecting power output in squatting. We aimed to deconstruct the mechanisms behind why power is maximized at certain resistances in squatting. Ten male rowers (age = 20 ± 2.2 years; height = 1.82 ± 0.03 m; mass = 86 ± 11 kg) performed maximal power squats with resistances ranging from body weight to 80% of their one repetition maximum (1RM). Three‐dimensional kinematics was combined with ground reaction force (GRF) data in an inverse dynamics analysis to calculate leg joint moments and powers. System center of mass (COM) velocity and power were computed from GRF data. COM power was maximized across a range of resistances from 40% to 60% 1RM. This range was identified because a trade‐off in hip and knee joint powers existed across this range, with maximal knee joint power occurring at 40% 1RM and maximal hip joint power at 60% 1RM. A non‐linear system force–velocity relationship was observed that dictated large reductions in COM power below 20% 1RM and above 60% 1RM. These reductions were due to constraints on the control of the movement.
What are the Risk Factors for Antisocial Behavior Among Low‐income Youth inCapeTown?
Authors: Gardner Frances , Waller Rebecca , Maughan Barbara , Cluver Lucie , Boyes Mark
Published: June 2015

Research in high‐income countries has identified an array of risk factors for youth antisocial behavior. However, in low‐ and middle‐income countries, despite higher prevalence of offending and antisocial behavior, there is a paucity of prospective, longitudinal evidence examining predictors. South Africa is a middle‐income country with high rates of violence and crime, and a unique social context, characterized by striking income and gender inequality, and increasing number of children orphaned by AIDS. We tested predictors of antisocial behavior at community, family, and individual levels over four years. One thousand and twenty five adolescents from poor, urban South African settlements were assessed in 2005 (50 percent female; M = 13.4 years) and followed up in 2009. The sample analyzed consisted of the 723 youth (71 percent) assessed at both time points. We employed sociodemographic questionnaires and standardized scales. Validity of our antisocial behavior measure was supported by cross‐sectional associations with well‐evidenced concomitants of youth antisocial behavior, including drug taking and truancy. Regression analysis indicated that male gender and experience of community violence, but not poverty or abuse, predicted antisocial behavior. Despite many South African youth experiencing abuse and poverty at the family level, our findings suggest that high levels of violence in communities may be a more important factor contributing to the development of antisocial behavior, particularly among males.
Dynamics of Young Children's Socially Adaptive Resolutions of Peer Conflict
Authors: Spivak Asha L.
Published: June 2015

How do young children negotiate conflicts with peers that result in mutually beneficial resolution and peaceful interaction after conflict? A few studies suggest that when children use conciliatory strategies in conflict, socially adaptive outcomes are more likely to be achieved. The present study explores the relative associations of types of children's conciliatory conflict resolution strategies (i.e., prosocial, compliance‐oriented, solution‐oriented, and verbal clarification/apology) with conflict outcomes to contribute to knowledge of the discrete behaviors that might have salience for conflict resolution training. Socially adaptive conflict outcomes were expected to strongly relate to children's resolution strategies of a prosocial nature as well as to teacher or peer interventions encouraging prosocial behavior or empathy. Sampled conflicts (N = 521) were collected through field observations of 107 ethnically/racially and socioeconomically diverse four‐ to seven‐year‐old children. Logistic regression analyses with bootstrap‐based inference suggested that children's prosocial behaviors in conflict were most strongly tied to mutually beneficial resolution and peaceful postconflict interaction, when controlling for relevant covariates. Other conciliatory strategies varied in their association with socially adaptive outcomes. The hypothesis regarding third‐party interventions encouraging prosociability or empathy could not be examined due to infrequent occurrence. Insights for future research on children's socially adaptive conflict negotiations are discussed.
Equal But Not Always Fair: Value‐laden Sharing in Preschool‐aged Children
Authors: Chernyak Nadia , Sobel David M.
Published: June 2015

Prior work has shown that preschoolers divide resources fairly and expect others to do the same. The majority of research, however, has focused on how children make distributions with respect to number. Here we explore whether preschoolers attend to the value of the objects being shared. We presented four‐year‐olds and five‐year‐olds with two puppets and four stickers of different values to split between them. Our central question was whether children would share more valuable stickers with their preferred puppets. In Experiments 1–2, value was induced by making one sticker rarer than the others. In Experiments 3–4, value was measured subjectively (by asking the child which sticker s/he personally preferred). Across all experiments, children made fair numerical splits, but showed favoritism according to value. This work supports the hypothesis that young children coordinate number and value to show both fairness and favoritism when making resource distributions.
Two novel alleles, HLA‐B*46:01:11 and HLA‐B*51:01:39 were identified in Chinese bone marrow donors
Authors: Tao S.‐D. , Chen N.‐Y. , Dong L.‐N. , He J. , Zhu F.‐M. , Lv H.‐J.
Published: June 2015

HLA‐B*46:01:11 has 219 G>A compared with HLA‐B*46:01:01, and HLA‐B*51:01:39 shows 561 G>A with HLA‐B*51:01:01.
The Concurrent Impact of Cultural, Political, and Spatial Distances on International Mergers and Acquisitions
Authors: Di Guardo Maria Chiara , Marrocu Emanuela , Paci Raffaele
Published: June 2015

This paper explores the concurrent effects of cultural, political, and spatial distances on mergers and acquisitions (M&A) flows occurring between any two countries belonging to the whole European Union (27 States) or to the European Neighbours group (16 States) over the period 2000–11. In the econometric analysis, based on zero‐inflated models, we simultaneously estimate the probability of engaging in a cross‐border M&A and the intensity of the deals. This allows us to adequately model the two different mechanisms which may result in the absence of deals in the cross‐border bilateral M&A transactions. The absence of deals may be due to either the lack of any transactions or unsuccessful negotiations. Taking into account the effect of population, gross domestic product, technological capital, financial conditions and quality of the institutions, we find robust evidence that the multi‐dimensional distance between two countries negatively affects both the probability and the intensity of M&A deals.
FDI and Financial Market Development in Africa
Authors: Otchere Isaac , Soumaré Issouf , Yourougou Pierre
Published: June 2015

The literature on the relationship between foreign direct investment (FDI), financial market development (FMD) and economic growth focuses mainly on two aspects: the relationship between FDI and economic growth, and the role played by FMD in that linkage. The literature is almost silent on the relationship and the direction of causality between FDI and FMD. Although it has been established that FDI contributes more to growth in countries with a more developed financial market, it is not clear how FDI and FMD interact with each other. The aim of this paper is to fill this gap in the African context. Particularly, in Africa, where stock markets experience low liquidity and less transparency, FDI can be an impetus for financial market reforms and serve as a mechanism to improve the transparency and the depth of the financial markets. Also, well‐functioning financial markets can help channel foreign investments more efficiently into productive sectors, and therefore create more value for investors, hence making the countries more attractive to FDI. In short, both FDI and FMD will impact each other simultaneously, which is confirmed by our findings. We document a bidirectional causality between FDI and FMD. Furthermore, the multivariate regression results of the system of simultaneous equations also confirm the positive relationship between FDI and FMD in Africa. We also find that FDI contributes to economic growth in Africa after controlling for endogeneity between FDI, FMD and economic growth.
Crop type and altitude are the main drivers of species composition of arable weed vegetation in Tajikistan
Authors: Nowak A , Nowak S , Nobis M , Nobis A
Published: June 2015

The influence of broad‐scale environmental factors on the species composition of segetal weed communities in Tajikistan was investigated. The research was conducted throughout the country, analysing plots of root crops as well as cereals from all phytogeographical regions of Tajikistan, with the exception of the eastern Pamir. The study was based on 440 phytosociological relevées sampled between 2009 and 2013 and analysed using direct and indirect ordinations. A set of environmental variables was obtained for each plot: altitude, mean annual precipitation, mean annual temperature, pH, crop type, longitude, latitude and date of sampling (seasonality). Crop type was the major factor determining species composition, which was related to the different farming practices in roots and cereals. Major changes in weed species composition were also driven by altitude and correlated temperatures. The seasonality of weed communities also had a considerable effect on weed community structure. Samples from spring differed significantly from samples from summer and late summer. Only longitude and soil pH were found to be insignificant. The complete set of environmental variables used in a canonical correspondence analysis explained 8.3% of the species variation in sampled plots. The study showed that despite the very diverse climatic conditions and low intensity of agriculture in Tajikistan, agrocoenoses respond mainly to the type of cultivation practised in arable land.
Wound repair during arm regeneration in the red starfish Echinaster sepositus
Authors: Ben Khadra Yousra , Ferrario Cinzia , Di Benedetto Cristiano , Said Khaled , Bonasoro Francesco , Candia Carnevali M. Daniela , Sugni Michela
Published: June 2015

Starfish can regenerate entire arms following their loss by both autotomic and traumatic amputation. Although the overall regenerative process has been studied several times in different asteroid species, there is still a considerable gap of knowledge as far as the detailed aspects of the repair phase at tissue and cellular level are concerned, particularly in post‐traumatic regeneration. The present work is focused on the arm regeneration model in the Mediterranean red starfish Echinaster sepositus; to describe the early cellular mechanisms of arm regeneration following traumatic amputation, different microscopy techniques were employed. In E. sepositus, the repair phase was characterized by prompt wound healing by a syncytial network of phagocytes and re‐epithelialisation followed by a localized subepidermal oedematous area formation. Scattered and apparently undifferentiated cells, intermixed with numerous phagocytes, were frequently found in the wound area during these first stages of regeneration and extensive dedifferentiation phenomena were seen at the level of the stump, particularly in the muscle bundles. A true localized blastema did not form. Our results confirm that regeneration in asteroids mainly relies on morphallactic processes, consisting in extensive rearrangement of the existing tissues which contribute to the new tissues through cell dedifferentiation, redifferentiation, and/or migration.