bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental evolution of nodule intracellular infection in legume symbionts
Authors: Guan Su Hua , Gris Carine , Cruveiller Stéphane , Pouzet Cécile , Tasse Lena , Leru Aurélie , Maillard Aline , Médigue Claudine , Batut Jacques , Masson-Boivin Catherine , Capela Delphine
Published: February 2013

Soil bacteria known as rhizobia are able to establish an endosymbiosis with legumes that takes place in neoformed nodules in which intracellularly hosted bacteria fix nitrogen. Intracellular accommodation that facilitates nutrient exchange between the two partners and protects bacteria from plant defense reactions has been a major evolutionary step towards mutualism. Yet the forces that drove the selection of the late event of intracellular infection during rhizobium evolution are unknown. To address this question, we took advantage of the previous conversion of the plant pathogen Ralstonia solanacearum into a legume-nodulating bacterium that infected nodules only extracellularly. We experimentally evolved this draft rhizobium into intracellular endosymbionts using serial cycles of legume-bacterium cocultures. The three derived lineages rapidly gained intracellular infection capacity, revealing that the legume is a highly selective environment for the evolution of this trait. From genome resequencing, we identified in each lineage a mutation responsible for the extracellular–intracellular transition. All three mutations target virulence regulators, strongly suggesting that several virulence-associated functions interfere with intracellular infection. We provide evidence that the adaptive mutations were selected for their positive effect on nodulation. Moreover, we showed that inactivation of the type three secretion system of R. solanacearum that initially allowed the ancestral draft rhizobium to nodulate, was also required to permit intracellular infection, suggesting a similar checkpoint for bacterial invasion at the early nodulation/root infection and late nodule cell entry levels. We discuss our findings with respect to the spread and maintenance of intracellular infection in rhizobial lineages during evolutionary times.
Mitochondrial association, protein phosphorylation, and degradation regulate the availability of the active Rab GTPase Ypt11 for mitochondrial inheritance
Authors: Lewandowska Agnieszka , Macfarlane Jane , Shaw Janet M.
Published: February 2013

The Rab GTPase Ypt11 is a Myo2-binding protein implicated in mother-to-bud transport of the cortical endoplasmic reticulum (ER), late Golgi, and mitochondria during yeast division. However, its reported subcellular localization does not reflect all of these functions. Here we show that Ypt11 is normally a low-abundance protein whose ER localization is only detected when the protein is highly overexpressed. Although it has been suggested that ER-localized Ypt11 and ER–mitochondrial contact sites might mediate passive transport of mitochondria into the bud, we found that mitochondrial, but not ER, association is essential for Ypt11 function in mitochondrial inheritance. Our studies also reveal that Ypt11 function is regulated at multiple levels. In addition to membrane targeting and GTPase domain–dependent effector interactions, the abundance of active Ypt11 forms is controlled by phosphorylation status and degradation. We present a model that synthesizes these new features of Ypt11 function and regulation in mitochondrial inheritance.
Integrating multi-scale data to create a virtual physiological mouse heart
Authors: Land Sander , Niederer Steven A. , Louch William E. , Sejersted Ole M. , Smith Nicolas P.
Published: February 2013

While the virtual physiological human (VPH) project has made great advances in human modelling, many of the tools and insights developed as part of this initiative are also applicable for facilitating mechanistic understanding of the physiology of a range of other species. This process, in turn, has the potential to provide human relevant insights via a different scientific path. Specifically, the increasing use of mice in experimental research, not yet fully complemented by a similar increase in computational modelling, is currently missing an important opportunity for using and interpreting this growing body of experimental data to improve our understanding of cardiac function. This overview describes our work to address this issue by creating a virtual physiological mouse model of the heart. We describe the similarities between human- and mouse-focused modelling, including the reuse of VPH tools, and the development of methods for investigating parameter sensitivity that are applicable across species. We show how previous results using this approach have already provided important biological insights, and how these can also be used to advance VPH heart models. Finally, we show an example application of this approach to test competing multi-scale hypotheses by investigating variations in length-dependent properties of cardiac muscle.
Flexible composition and execution of high performance, high fidelity multiscale biomedical simulations
Authors: Groen D. , Borgdorff J. , Bona-Casas C. , Hetherington J. , Nash R. W. , Zasada S. J. , Saverchenko I. , Mamonski M. , Kurowski K. , Bernabeu M. O. , Hoekstra A. G. , Coveney P. V.
Published: February 2013

Multiscale simulations are essential in the biomedical domain to accurately model human physiology. We present a modular approach for designing, constructing and executing multiscale simulations on a wide range of resources, from laptops to petascale supercomputers, including combinations of these. Our work features two multiscale applications, in-stent restenosis and cerebrovascular bloodflow, which combine multiple existing single-scale applications to create a multiscale simulation. These applications can be efficiently coupled, deployed and executed on computers up to the largest (peta) scale, incurring a coupling overhead of 1–10% of the total execution time.
Gold-containing bioactive glasses: a solid-state synthesis to produce alternative biomaterials for bone implantations
Authors: Aina Valentina , Cerrato Giuseppina , Martra Gianmario , Bergandi Loredana , Costamagna Costanzo , Ghigo Dario , Malavasi Gianluca , Lusvardi Gigliola , Menabue Ledi
Published: February 2013

A new melted bioactive system containing gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) was prepared exploiting a post-synthesis thermal treatment that allows one to modify crystal phases and nature, shape and distribution of the gold species in the glass-ceramic matrix as evidenced by UV–visible spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy and powder X-ray diffraction analysis. In human MG-63 osteoblasts the presence of Au

n

+
species caused an increase of lactate dehydrogenase leakage and malonyldialdehyde production, whereas Hench's Bioglass HAu-600-17 containing only AuNPs did not cause any effect. In addition, HAu-600-17 caused
in vitro
hydroxyapatite formation and an increase of specific surface area with a controlled release of gold species; this material is then suitable to be used as a model system for the controlled delivery of nanoparticles.
The Hippo pathway: regulators and regulations
Authors: Yu Fa-Xing , Guan Kun-Liang
Published: February 2013

Control of cell number is crucial in animal development and tissue homeostasis, and its dysregulation may result in tumor formation or organ degeneration. The Hippo pathway in both Drosophila and mammals regulates cell number by modulating cell proliferation, cell death, and cell differentiation. Recently, numerous upstream components involved in the Hippo pathway have been identified, such as cell polarity, mechanotransduction, and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling. Actin cytoskeleton or cellular tension appears to be the master mediator that integrates and transmits upstream signals to the core Hippo signaling cascade. Here, we review regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo pathway and discuss potential implications involved in different physiological and pathological conditions.
Self‐employment as a career strategy for ethnic minorities
Authors: Inal Gözde , Al Ariss Akram , Forson Cynthia
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the self‐employment process of Turkish‐Cypriot restaurateurs and lawyers in the UK, in particular the way they mobilize resources as a strategic choice for their career transition.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper draws on a qualitative empirical research consisting of semi‐structured in‐depth interviews from two different sectors with 20 restaurateurs and lawyers in London.

Findings

Findings indicate that Turkish‐Cypriots in Britain deliberately draw on social, economic, cultural, and symbolic forms of capital in order to pursue their career projects. The impact of the interconnectedness and availability of one resource on the participants’ ability to acquire other resources is shown to have a key role in developing and transitioning into careers in self‐employment.

Research limitations/implications

The number of participants interviewed (20) is limited for the purposes of making generalizations and the paper has a main focus on micro‐individual experiences of individuals.

Originality/value

The limited literature on self‐employment for ethnic minorities is often conceptualized as an option to avoid employment inequalities. This paper offers an understanding of self‐employment as a career strategy for Turkish‐Cypriots in Britain.
Fatigue performance of additive manufactured metallic parts
Authors: Spierings A.B. , Starr T.L. , Wegener K.
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Additive manufacturing technologies such as, for example, selective laser melting (SLM) offer new design possibilities for a wide range of applications and industrial sectors. Whereas many results have been published regarding material options and their static mechanical properties, the knowledge about their dynamic mechanical behaviour is still low. The purpose of this paper is to deal with the measurement of the dynamic mechanical properties of two types of stainless steels.

Design/methodology/approach

Specimens for dynamic testing were produced in a vertical orientation using SLM. The specimens were turned to the required end geometry and some of them were polished in order to minimise surface effects. Additionally, some samples were produced in the end geometry (“near net shape”) to investigate the effect of the comparably rough surface quality on the lifetime. The samples were tension‐tested and the results were compared to similar conventional materials.

Findings

The SLM‐fabricated stainless steels show tensile and fatigue behaviour comparable to conventionally processed materials. For SS316L the fatigue life is 25 per cent lower than conventional material, but lifetimes at higher stress amplitudes are similar. For 15‐5PH the endurance limit is 20 per cent lower than conventional material. Lifetimes at higher stress also are significantly lower for this material although the surface conditions were different for the two tests. The influence of surface quality was investigated for 316L. Polishing produced an improvement in fatigue life but lifetime behaviour at higher stress amplitudes was not significantly different compared to the behaviour of the as‐fabricated material.

Originality/value

In order to widen the field of applications for additive manufacturing technologies, the knowledge about the materials properties is essential, especially about the dynamic mechanical behaviour. The current study is the only published report of fatigue properties of SLM‐fabricated stainless steels.
Study of the inter‐particle necks in selective laser sintering
Authors: Jhabvala Jamasp , Boillat Eric , Glardon Rémy
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Since pulsed lasers are mainly used in selective laser sintering (SLS) – contrarily to selective laser melting (SLM) – only the exterior of the powder particles is molten while their core stays solid. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the binding mechanism between two particles of titanium powder.

Design/methodology/approach

A dedicated experimental setup is used to isolate the particles. They are then irradiated by the laser. SEM micrographs are taken at each step and image analysis is performed. The obtained results are compared with the predictions of a thermal model allowing for the incorporation of the latent heat of fusion and for a realistic surrounding. The absorbed laser intensity is modeled by means of the Mie theory.

Findings

The growing of the interparticular necks and the volume of liquid formed for different repetition rates are measured and compared with numerical simulations. A good agreement is found. A new method to easily find the absorption coefficient of the laser into the grain and the heat exchange coefficient with the exterior is developed.

Originality/value

This paper leads to a better understanding of the necking phenomena involved in the SLS consolidation process. An experimental set‐up has been developed to observe and quantify the final state of a small amount of laser sintered grains. This process has been shown to be replicable and trustful. The thermal model leads to good predictions of the particle final sintering state.
Implementation of Hyogo Framework for Action in Makati City, Philippines
Authors: Matsuoka Yuki , Takeuchi Yukiko , Shaw Rajib
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review the challenges for disaster risk reduction (DRR) by local governments and local implementation of the Hyogo Framework for Action (HFA) as the global DRR guideline.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on a survey on 20 tasks identified in “A guide for implementing HFA by local stakeholders”, HFA implementation by local government is analyzed to identify priorities and the gaps. The target group for the detail analysis was the Makati city DRR coordinating council (MCDRRCC).

Findings

The survey reviewed how multi‐stakeholders involved in local DRR perceive these HFA 20 tasks, which revealed trends and gaps within their work. The result showed that Makati currently places more emphasis on HFA 1, but revealed some gaps in the area of HFA 4. While suggesting a set of recommended actions for Makati, the analysis also revealed how these gaps were addressed in its recent action plan. MDRRCC demonstrated a case for local platform for DRR in terms implementing the actions and addressing the challenges through proper coordination among stakeholders.

Research limitations/implications

Since local HFA implementation is relevantly new area, its applicability needs to be examined further considering linkages between national and local governments.

Originality/value

This paper is unique since the original data were collected from the survey. Makati city case proposes a model of local platform for comprehensive DRR actions along with HFA, which provides value added approach contributing to the ISDR Campaign. The case of Makati provides an on‐going model process of a local platform for DRR which can be leant by other local government for possible replication.
A framework to construct post‐disaster housing
Authors: Patel Saumyang , Hastak Makarand
Published: February 2013

Purpose

Natural disasters often destroy hundreds of homes that leave victims homeless and leads to community displacement. In the USA, such disasters happen over 60 times per year. This leads to logistical and contractual nightmare for the planning agencies and political/community leaders required to provide shelter for displaced citizens. One of the most important challenges for the policy makers and aid providers is to make homes available to the homeless victims in as short a period as possible. Temporary shelter is costly and often excessively delayed. Also quality and long stay (more than four years for the Katrina victims) in temporary shelter affected victims both mentally and physically. The aim of this paper is to propose a strategic framework that assists responsible entities to provide housing to the disaster victims in a short period of time, for example to construct 200 homes in 30 days after disaster (representing a subdivision).

Design/methodology/approach

The main objective of this research is to perform feasibility study of implementing such a strategy that would enable agencies to provide better solutions for post disaster housing assistance. This paper mainly explains four phases that constitute the development of the strategic framework. The first two phases of the framework carry out pre‐disaster planning and establish relationships among the participating entities. Whereas, the third phase includes simulating post disaster processes identified in the previous phases to evaluate response trade‐offs. The last phase is about the real implementation of this strategy after disaster that also incorporates its outcomes and experiences into previously planned strategy.

Findings

It was found through second part of research, simulation studies, that such a strategy can be prepared before the disaster and activated when needed. This would drastically reduce the housing response time.

Originality/value

This would help in improving the strategy for future disasters. Successful execution would facilitate opportunities to reduce stress for the victims and encourage faster recovery.
The effect of organizational environment on engineering project cost management
Authors: Mao Hongtao , Zhu Bo , Wang Tian'an
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The aim of this paper is to examine the effect of organizational environment on engineering project cost management.

Design/methodology/approach

Taking China Railway Engineering Corporation 2nd Bureau (CREC 2nd Bureau for short) as an example, the authors conduct lots of semi‐structured interviews in its group corporation, company limited, two subsidiaries and two project departments, and finally collect textual data which include 30 paragraphs and more than 120,000 words. The authors then encode those interview data step by step for further analysis under the research paradigm of grounded theory.

Findings

Based on these encoded data, the paper builds concept, basic categories, main categories, which could be the factors affecting the engineering project cost management, the evidence chain and the complete story clue among these categories. Then finally constructs a theoretical framework called “3S” for short, which is comprised of the organizational structure supporting system, the control procedure supporting system and the social relation supporting system.

Research limitations/implications

Because of the insufficient importance placed on engineering project cost management by academics and few theoretical papers, this paper provides a new method for exploring the engineering project cost management and a theoretical reference for further research.

Practical implications

In this paper, the authors discuss the action mechanism of organizational environment in the engineering project cost management and provide for Chinese construction enterprises more explicit guidance on their cost management practice.

Originality/value

There is little research on determinants of engineering project cost by Chinese scholars, which is mainly shown as normative research. There is no perfect theoretical framework on the determinants of engineering project cost management, which is not beneficial to the knowledge of engineering project cost management and is not comprehensive and in depth enough for academics and practitioners. This paper conducts a field study in CREC 2nd Bureau based on grounded theory. At last, “3S” theoretical framework is established. This paper is embodied in using reality as the accordance, scientifically carding and spreading the theory and translating the practical experience into theory, so that it is beneficial for the engineering project cost management.
Anti‐Catholicism, Incorrigibility and Credulity in the Warming‐Pan Scandal of 1688‐9
Authors: MCTAGUE JOHN
Published: February 2013

Exploring the conspiratorial fictions surrounding the birth of James Francis Edward Stuart, prince of Wales, in 1688, this article argues for the centrality of confessional language and feeling in the representation of the revolution of 1688‐9. The warming‐pan scandal and related fictions, I argue, use obscurity and a (perceived) lack of evidence as the starting‐point for a kind of propaganda that relies heavily on the suspension of disbelief, ironically demanding readerly faith in a sceptical, satirical, iconoclastic and pseudo‐scientific deconstruction of an invented plot which ridicules Catholics for their implicit faith.
Cost analysis of intracranial aneurysmal repair by endovascular coiling versus flow diversion: At what size should we use which method?
Authors: Chiu Albert H , Nadarajah Mahen , Wenderoth Jason D
Published: February 2013

Introduction

Flow diverters enable intracranial aneurysmal repair without the need to enter the aneurysm sac. Concerns, however, have been raised regarding the cost compared with coiling techniques. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relative costs for different aneurysm sizes to ascertain if different sizes are more cost‐effectively treated by a particular method.

Methods

Patients undergoing aneurysmal repair at two neurovascular referral centres between September 2005 and August 2010 were included; patients who underwent coiling for recurrences of prior microneurosurgical clipping were excluded. These aneurysms were stratified into three size groups. The average and median number of coils or flow diverters and the average and median costs of treatment of each size category were calculated.

Results

Four hundred twenty‐nine aneurysms were treated. Of these, 409 were coiled with or without assist devices. Forty‐eight per cent fell under Group A (<7 mm), 36% under Group B (7–12 mm) and 16% under Group C (>12 mm). Twenty aneurysms were flow diverted. Of these, 14 were treated de novo, five previously coiled and one previously clipped. Twenty per cent belonged in Group A, 25% in Group B and 55% in Group C. The highest procedural costs in the coiling group were Group C aneurysms requiring stent assistance, with an average of $24 563 (median $23 860). Using flow diversion, the average was $24 650 (median $16 490).

Conclusion

Given the price parity threshold crossed for aneurysms >12 mm requiring stent assistance and the relative ease of the flow diverter technique, we suggest that flow diversion should be considered the first‐line treatment for aneurysms in this category.
Competing tadpoles: Australian native frogs affect invasive cane toads (Rhinella marina) in natural waterbodies
Authors: Cabrera‐Guzmán Elisa , Crossland Michael R. , Shine Richard
Published: February 2013

The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is one of the most successful invasive species worldwide, and has caused significant negative impacts on Australian fauna. Experimental work in the laboratory and in mesocosms has shown that tadpoles of native frogs can affect survival, size at metamorphosis and duration of larval period of cane toad tadpoles. To test if these effects occur in nature, we conducted a field experiment using two temporary ponds where we set up enclosures with tadpoles of native green tree frogs (Litoria caerulea) and cane toads in treatments with a range of densities and combinations. The presence of green tree frog tadpoles significantly decreased the growth rate of toad tadpoles and increased the duration of their larval period in both ponds; in one pond, frog tadpoles also significantly reduced the body length and mass of metamorph toads. Toad tadpoles did not have any significant negative effects on green tree frog tadpoles, but there was strong intraspecific competition within the latter species: increased frog tadpole density resulted in increased larval period and reduced survival, growth rate and size at metamorphosis for frogs at one or both ponds. Our results are encouraging for the possibility of using native frogs as one component of an integrated approach to the biological control of cane toads.
Dexamethasone iontophoresis for the treatment of nail psoriasis
Authors: Van Le Quynh , Howard Anne
Published: February 2013

Background

Severe nail psoriasis can impact significantly on quality of life and is difficult to treat.

Methods

This is a retrospective study of all patients treated with dexamethasone iontophoresis weekly for at least 3 months at our specialist nail clinic between 1996 and 2011. Response to treatment was assessed on clinical photographs using the nail psoriasis severity index (NAPSI) scoring.

Results

In all, 27 patients were assessed, of whom 81 per cent showed an improvement in their nails. The treatment was well tolerated, with only one patient reporting fissuring of the fingertips.

Conclusions

Dexamethasone iontophoresis may be a useful treatment of this generally recalcitrant condition.
The Right to the City and Critical Reflections on China's Property Rights Activism
Authors: Shin Hyun Bang
Published: February 2013

Wholesale clearance and eviction that typify China's urban development have often resulted in discontents among urban residents, giving rise to what critics refer to as property rights activism. This paper is an attempt to critically revisit the existing debates on the property rights activism in China. The paper refers to the perspective of the “right to the city” to examine whose rights count in China's urban development contexts and proposes a cross‐class alliance that engages both migrants and local citizens. The alliance itself will have substantial political implications, overcoming the limited level of rights awareness that mainly rests on distributional justice in China. The discussions are supported by an analysis of empirical data from the author's field research in Guangzhou, which examines how local and non‐local (migrant) residents view nail‐households resisting demolition and forced eviction.
Pottery Manufacturing during the Neolithic in the North of Spain: Raw Material Procurement and Modification in the Cave of Los Gitanos (Castro Urdiales, Spain)
Authors: Cubas M. , Doherty C. , García‐Heras M. , De Pedro I. , Méndez D. , Ontañón R.
Published: February 2013

Mineralogical and geochemical results derived from analyses of the pottery ensemble documented in the Cave of Los Gitanos (Castro Urdiales, Spain) are presented in this paper. This site contains an archaeological deposit formed in the mid‐fifth millennium cal bc, which has yielded one of the oldest pottery assemblages in northern Spain. The analysis of the pottery remains has focused on both petrographic (thin‐section and XRD) and geochemical characterization (SEM–EDS) of samples selected after a macroscopic study. The mineralogical analysis has revealed procurement of raw materials from different sources, as well as different manufacturing processes. In addition, the petrographic analysis has shown different methods of manufacture, such as pottery tempered with calcite, limestone, ophite (ophitic dolerite) and grog, and fabrics with non‐modified clays. Variations observed between the oldest assemblage (Sub‐levels A4 and A3) and the most recent one (Sub‐level A2) suggest a modification in pottery‐making practices between the fifth and the third millennia cal bc.
Novel mutations of the PRKAR1A gene in patients with acrodysostosis
Authors: Muhn F , Klopocki E , Graul‐Neumann L , Uhrig S , Colley A , Castori M , Lankes E , Henn W , Gruber‐Sedlmayr U , Seifert W , Horn D
Published: February 2013

Acrodysostosis is characterized by a peripheral dysostosis that is accompanied by short stature, midface hypoplasia, and developmental delay. Recently, it was shown that heterozygous point mutations in the PRKAR1A gene cause acrodysostosis with hormone resistance. By mutational analysis of the PRKAR1A gene we detected four different mutations (p.Arg368Stop, p.Ala213Thr, p.Tyr373Cys, and p.Arg335Cys) in four of seven affected patients with acrodysostosis. The combination of clinical results, endocrinological parameters and in silico mutation analysis gives evidence to suppose a pathogenic effect of each mutation. This assumption is supported by the de novo origin of these mutations. Apart from typical radiological abnormalities of the hand bones, elevated thyroid stimulating hormone and parathyroid hormone values as well as short stature are the most common findings. Less frequent features are characteristic facial dysmorphisms, sensorineural hearing loss and mild intellectual disability. These results lead to the conclusion that mutations of PKRAR1A are the major molecular cause for acrodysostosis with endocrinological abnormalities. In addition, in our cohort of 44 patients affected with brachydactyly type E (BDE) we detected only one sequence variant of PRKAR1A (p.Asp227Asn) with an unclear effect on protein function. Thus, we conclude that PRKAR1A mutations may play no major role in the pathogenesis of BDE.
Regional scale gradients of climate and nitrogen deposition drive variation in ectomycorrhizal fungal communities associated with native Scots pine
Authors: Jarvis S. , Woodward S. , Alexander I. J. , Taylor A. F. S.
Published: February 2013

Ectomycorrhizal fungi commonly associate with the roots of forest trees where they enhance nutrient and water uptake, promote seedling establishment and have an important role in forest nutrient cycling. Predicting the response of ectomycorrhizal fungi to environmental change is an important step to maintaining forest productivity in the future. These predictions are currently limited by an incomplete understanding of the relative significance of environmental drivers in determining the community composition of ectomycorrhizal (ECM) fungi at large spatial scales. To identify patterns of community composition in ECM fungi along regional scale gradients of climate and nitrogen deposition in Scotland, fungal communities were analysed from 15 seminatural Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) forests. Fungal taxa were identified by sequencing of the ITS rDNA region using fungal‐specific primers. Nonmetric multidimensional scaling was used to assess the significance of 16 climatic, pollutant and edaphic variables on community composition. Vector fitting showed that there was a strong influence of rainfall and soil moisture on community composition at the species level, and a smaller impact of temperature on the abundance of ectomycorrhizal exploration types. Nitrogen deposition was also found to be important in determining community composition, but only when the forest experiencing the highest deposition (9.8 kg N ha−1 yr−1) was included in the analysis. This finding supports previously published critical load estimates for ectomycorrhizal fungi of 5–10 kg N ha−1 yr−1. This work demonstrates that both climate and nitrogen deposition can drive gradients of fungal community composition at a regional scale.
Impacts of ocean acidification on marine organisms: quantifying sensitivities and interaction with warming
Authors: Kroeker Kristy J. , Kordas Rebecca L. , Crim Ryan , Hendriks Iris E. , Ramajo Laura , Singh Gerald S. , Duarte Carlos M. , Gattuso Jean‐Pierre
Published: February 2013

Ocean acidification represents a threat to marine species worldwide, and forecasting the ecological impacts of acidification is a high priority for science, management, and policy. As research on the topic expands at an exponential rate, a comprehensive understanding of the variability in organisms' responses and corresponding levels of certainty is necessary to forecast the ecological effects. Here, we perform the most comprehensive meta‐analysis to date by synthesizing the results of 228 studies examining biological responses to ocean acidification. The results reveal decreased survival, calcification, growth, development and abundance in response to acidification when the broad range of marine organisms is pooled together. However, the magnitude of these responses varies among taxonomic groups, suggesting there is some predictable trait‐based variation in sensitivity, despite the investigation of approximately 100 new species in recent research. The results also reveal an enhanced sensitivity of mollusk larvae, but suggest that an enhanced sensitivity of early life history stages is not universal across all taxonomic groups. In addition, the variability in species' responses is enhanced when they are exposed to acidification in multi‐species assemblages, suggesting that it is important to consider indirect effects and exercise caution when forecasting abundance patterns from single‐species laboratory experiments. Furthermore, the results suggest that other factors, such as nutritional status or source population, could cause substantial variation in organisms' responses. Last, the results highlight a trend towards enhanced sensitivity to acidification when taxa are concurrently exposed to elevated seawater temperature.
Determination of Density Variation and Microstructure in Reaction‐sintered SiC Ceramics Using Ultrasonic Time‐of‐Flight
Authors: Kesharaju Manasa , Nagarajah Romesh
Published: February 2013

Ultrasonic time‐of‐flight (TOF) is investigated as a predictor of density variation across reaction‐sintered silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics. The importance of this research is heightened by the fact that the reaction‐sintered SiC ceramic tiles being investigated are manufactured using the reaction sintering process that involves the infusion of liquid silicon into a porous ceramic preform. This can potentially lead to the formation of islands of free silicon, small closed areas of un‐sintered silicon material as well as conventional porosity. All these defects can result in local variations of density which cannot be detected by conventional bulk density measurement techniques. To study the microstructural differences, the porosity dependence of ultrasonic TOF of the reflected signals was investigated to establish a correlation between the velocity and density across the ceramic tile that aids in characterizing the material. The data suggest that for these ceramic tiles, TOF C‐scan mapping surfs as a much better indicator of sample homogeneity than the amplitude of the back wall echo. At the current time, ceramic tiles are inspected offline and this takes time and effort and is very expensive. In particular, this study contains the procedure followed to establish a quantitative method to quantify density variation across selected ceramic tile.
SnO2 Nanosheet–assembled Graded Continuous Film
Authors: Masuda Yoshitake , Kato Kazumi
Published: February 2013

SnO2 nanosheet–assembled graded continuous films were successfully fabricated in aqueous solutions containing SnF2 of 250 mM at 90°C. Thickness reached 1200 nm after immersion for 24 h. The nanosheets were 100–500 nm in in‐plane sheet size and 5–20 nm in thickness. The graded structures were caused by gradual change in supersaturation degree of the solutions. The films had a‐axis orientation, antireflective effect, band gap of 3.63 eV, and superhydrophilic surfaces. In contrast, the films immersed for 20 m showed band gap of 4.04 eV and contact angle of 58°.
Consumer interpretation of ready to drink orange juice and nectar labelling
Authors: Alessandra Ferrarezi , Karina Olbrich dos Santos , Magali Monteiro
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study was to evaluate consumers' use and interpretation of ready to drink orange juice and nectar label information and its influence on the purchase decision. One hundred and sixty‐seven consumers of ready to drink orange juice and nectar were interviewed. The labels were analysed to evaluate their conformance to Brazilian legislation. The manufacturing and shelf life date were the information most often checked, followed by health related issues. Brand, price and flavour were the most important factors for purchase decision. Brand and flavour showed significant association with consumer age. For most interviewed, ‘nectar’, ‘whole’ and ‘natural’ or ‘100% natural’ were not well understood; they were not in accordance with the Brazilian legislation. ‘Nectar’, ‘whole’ and ‘natural’ or ‘100% natural’ received a positive interpretation, whereas ‘reconstituted juice’ was considered a negative expression. Nevertheless, none of the labels completely conformed to the specific nutritional labelling legislation.
Effect of carp (Cyprinus carpio) oil incorporation on water vapour permeability, mechanical properties and transparency of chitosan films
Authors: Souza Vanderlei C. , Monte Micheli L. , Pinto Luiz A. A.
Published: February 2013

The effect of carp oil incorporation on properties of chitosan films was evaluated. Chitosan and carp oil were obtained from shrimp wastes and viscera respectively. Tests were performed with different values of chitosan: oil ratios, agitation rates, homogenisation times and pH. The optimum conditions for stability of the film–forming dispersions were of 20,000 rpm at 10 min, and 10:1 ratio of chitosan:oil. The highest values of tensile strength and elongation percentage (%E) of films were obtained at pH 3.5. The addition of carp oil in the chitosan films (10:1 ratio) showed an increase in the resistance to diffusion of water vapour (1.7 g mm m−2 day−1 kPa−1) in relation to pure chitosan films (4.1 g mm m−2 day−1 kPa−1). However, pure chitosan films showed better mechanical properties (38 MPa and%E 18%) and transparency than films of chitosan:oil (20.4 MPa and 8.8%).
An Investigation Into Second Language Aptitude for Advanced Chinese Language Learning
Authors: Winke Paula
Published: February 2013

In this study I examine the construct of aptitude in learning Chinese as a second language (L2) to an advanced level. I test 2 hypotheses: first, that L2 aptitude comprises 4 components—working memory, rote memory, grammatical sensitivity, and phonemic coding ability—and second, that L2 aptitude affects learning both directly and indirectly (mediated by strategy use and motivation). Native speakers of English (n = 96) studying advanced Chinese took the Modern Language Aptitude Test and a phonological working memory test and responded to motivation and strategy use questionnaires. Using end‐of‐course listening, reading, and speaking proficiency test results as measures of Chinese learning, I constructed a structural equation model to test the hypotheses. The model fit the observed data. Of the 4 components foreseen to comprise L2 aptitude, rote memory contributed the most and working memory the least. Aptitude, strategy use, and motivation had about the same impact on learning but varied in how well they predicted the individual skills of listening, reading, and speaking. The results shed light on L2 aptitude in the particular context of an advanced L2 Chinese course.
Factors Influencing the Use of Captions by Foreign Language Learners: An Eye‐Tracking Study
Authors: Winke Paula , Gass Susan , Sydorenko Tetyana
Published: February 2013

This study investigates caption‐reading behavior by foreign language (L2) learners and, through eye‐tracking methodology, explores the extent to which the relationship between the native and target language affects that behavior. Second‐year (4th semester) English‐speaking learners of Arabic, Chinese, Russian, and Spanish watched 2 videos differing in content familiarity, each dubbed and captioned in the target language. Results indicated that time spent on captions differed significantly by language: Arabic learners spent more time on captions than learners of Spanish and Russian. A significant interaction between language and content familiarity occurred: Chinese learners spent less time on captions in the unfamiliar content video than the familiar, while others spent comparable times on each. Based on dual‐processing and cognitive load theories, we posit that the Chinese learners experienced a split‐attention effect when verbal processing was difficult and that, overall, captioning benefits during the 4th semester of language learning are constrained by L2 differences, including differences in script, vocabulary knowledge, concomitant L2 proficiency, and instructional methods. Results are triangulated with qualitative findings from interviews.
Exploring trust of mobile applications based on user behaviors: an empirical study
Authors: Yan Zheng , Dong Yan , Niemi Valtteri , Yu Guoliang
Published: February 2013

This paper explores trust of mobile applications based on users' behaviors. It proposes a trust behavior construct through principal component analysis, reliability analysis, and confirmatory factor analysis based on the data collected from a questionnaire survey with more than 1,500 participants. It is indicated that a user's trust behavior is composed of three principal constructs: using behavior, reflection behavior, and correlation behavior. They are further delineated into 12 measurable sub‐constructs and relate to a number of external factors. The data analysis showed that the questionnaire has positive psychometric properties with respect to construct validity and reliability. We also discuss the practical significance and limitations of our work toward usable trust management.
Shaping Citizen Perceptions of Police Legitimacy: A Randomized Field Trial of Procedural Justice
Authors: Mazerolle Lorraine , Antrobus Emma , Bennett Sarah , Tyler Tom R.
Published: February 2013

Exploring the relationship between procedural justice and citizen perceptions of police is a well‐trodden pathway. Studies show that when citizens perceive the police acting in a procedurally just manner—by treating people with dignity and respect, and by being fair and neutral in their actions—they view the police as legitimate and are more likely to comply with directives and cooperate with police. Our article examines both the direct and the indirect outcomes of procedural justice policing, tested under randomized field trial conditions. We assess whether police can enhance perceptions of legitimacy during a short, police‐initiated and procedurally just traffic encounter and how this single encounter shapes general views of police. Our results show significant differences between the control and experimental conditions: Procedurally just traffic encounters with police (experimental condition) shape citizen views about the actual encounter directly and general orientations toward the police relative to business‐as‐usual traffic stops in the control group. The theorized model is supported by our research, demonstrating that the police have much to gain from acting fairly during even short encounters with citizens.
Controlled attenuation parameter for non‐invasive assessment of hepatic steatosis: Does etiology affect performance?
Authors: Kumar Manoj , Rastogi Archana , Singh Tarandeep , Behari Chhagan , Gupta Ekta , Garg Hitendra , Kumar Ramesh , Bhatia Vikram , Sarin Shiv K
Published: February 2013

Background

Hepatic steatosis is an important parameter to assess in chronic liver disease patients. The controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) assesses liver steatosis using transient elastography.

Aim

To determine the accuracy of CAP for evaluation of hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis B virus (CHBV)‐infected, chronic hepatitis C virus (CHCV)‐infected, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) patients and to determine the influence of etiology on the diagnostic accuracy of CAP.

Methods

One hundred forty‐six CHBV patients, 108 CHCV‐infected patients and 63 patients with NAFLD, who underwent both liver biopsy and successful CAP measurements within the study period, were assessed. Area under the receiver operating characteristics was used to evaluate performance of CAP for diagnosing steatosis compared with biopsy.

Results

Multivariate analysis found that CAP correlated with body mass index (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 4.09 [1.2–6.8] for CHBV; 4.7 [1.1–8.4] for CHCV, and 16.2 [9.1–24.5] for NAFLD patients respectively) and hepatic steatosis score on biopsy (odds ratio, 95% confidence interval = 30.7 [19.2–42.2] for CHBV; 24.2 [11.5–37.3] for CHCV, and 21.8 [10.1–45.0] for NAFLD patients respectively). Area under the receiver operating characteristics for CAP was 0.683 (0.601–0.757) for steatosis (S) ≥ 6%, 0.793 (0.718–0.856) for S > 33%, and 0.841 (0.771–0.896) for S > 66% respectively for CHBV‐infected patients. There was no difference in accuracy of CAP for assessing liver fat among CHBV, CHCV, and NAFLD patients.

Conclusions

CAP is a novel, non‐invasive tool that can detect and quantify steatosis accurately among CHBV, CHCV, and NAFLD patients, the accuracy being similar for all the three groups of patients.
Serum endotoxin, inflammatory mediators, and magnetic resonance spectroscopy before and after treatment in patients with minimal hepatic encephalopathy
Authors: Jain Lokesh , Sharma Barjesh Chander , Srivastava Siddharth , Puri Sunil Kumar , Sharma Praveen , Sarin Shiv
Published: February 2013

Background

Minimal hepatic encephalopathy (MHE) represents the mildest form of hepatic encephalopathy (HE), with abnormal neuropsychologic findings. Inflammatory response may be important in the pathogenesis of MHE. On magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), improvement of metabolic ratios after liver transplantation suggests an important role of myoinositol (mI) and choline (cho) in the development of MHE.

Aims

To investigate arterial ammonia, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐6, IL‐18, serum endotoxin, and MRS before and after treatment in MHE.

Patients and Methods

Sixty patients of cirrhosis with MHE were randomized to two groups, Gr. MHE‐L (n = 30), treated with lactulose for 3 months, and Gr. MHE‐NL (n = 30), who did not received lactulose. Arterial ammonia, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐18, serum endotoxin, and MRS were performed in all patients at baseline and at 3 months and 20 patients of cirrhosis without MHE and 20 healthy controls.

Results

After 3 months, median arterial ammonia (69.4 vs 52.7 mcg/dL), TNF‐α (26.6 vs 22 pg/mL), IL‐6 (17.6 vs 12.4 pg/mL), IL‐18 (42.5 vs 29 pg/mL), and serum endotoxin (0.68 vs 0.43 EU/mL) significantly decreased in Gr. MHE‐L compared with baseline (P < 0.0001), while no change was seen in Gr. MHE‐NL patients. On MRS, compared with patients of cirrhosis without MHE, mI and cho were significantly lower (P < 0.001) and glutamine (Glx) was significantly higher in both MHE groups (P < 0.001). After 3 months, mI and cho increased and Glx decreased significantly in Gr. MHE‐L (P < 0.001), without changes in Gr. MHE‐NL patients. Psychometric hepatic encephalopathic score (PHES) correlated well with arterial ammonia, TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐18, serum endotoxin, and metabolic parameters on MRS.

Conclusions

Arterial ammonia, inflammatory mediators (TNF‐α, IL‐6, IL‐18), and serum endotoxin reduce and MRS abnormalities improve after treatment with lactulose in patients with MHE.