bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interactive effects of acclimation temperature and short‐term stress exposure on resistance traits in the butterfly Bicyclus anynana
Authors: Karl Isabell , Becker Marlen , Hinzke Tjorven , Mielke Melanie , Schiffler Maria , Fischer Klaus
Published: June 2014

The ability to buffer detrimental effects of environmental stress on fitness is of great ecological importance because, in nature, pronounced environmental variation may regularly induce stress. Furthermore, several stressors may interact in a synergistic manner. In the present study, plastic responses in cold, heat and starvation resistance are investigated in the tropical butterfly Bicyclus anynana Butler, 1879, using a full factorial design with two acclimation temperatures (20 and 27 °C) and four short‐term stress treatments (control, cold, heat, starvation). Warm‐acclimated butterflies are more heat‐ but less cold‐tolerant as expected. Short‐term cold and starvation exposure reduce cold and heat resistance, and short‐term heat exposure decreases cold but increases heat resistance. Starvation resistance is not affected by any of the short‐term treatments. Thus, the effects of short‐term stress exposure are either neutral or negative, except for a positive effect of heat exposure on heat resistance, indicating the negative effects of pre‐exposure to stress. Interestingly, significant interactions between acclimation temperature and short‐term stress exposure for heat and cold resistance are found, demonstrating that larger temperature differences incur more damage. Therefore, animals may not generally be able to benefit from pre‐exposure to stress (through ‘hardening’), depending on their previously experienced conditions. The complex interactions between environmental variation, stress and resistance are highlighted, warranting further investigations.
Application of the nameLemna punctataG. Mey., the type ofLandoltiaLes & D. J. Crawford
Authors: Wiersema J. H.
Published: June 2014

A recent (2011) attempt to change the previously designated type of the name of a duckweed species is discussed.Lemna punctatawas first applied by Meyer in 1818 to a plant collected from South America, but original specimens have not been located. A prior neotype designation associated this name with a species native to parts of Asia, Australia and the Pacific, and widely introduced elsewhere, including South America. The species is generally treated by taxonomists in the genusSpirodela(either asS. punctataor the synonymS. oligorrhiza) or, more recently, as the sole member of the new (1999) genusLandoltia(asL. punctata). If accepted, this 2011 attempt to re‐neotypifyL. punctatawould disrupt the names of two duckweed species as well as that ofLandoltia. Nomenclatural arguments against accepting this new typification are provided, thereby supporting the continued usage ofLandoltiain the sense intended by its original authors.
Profiles of embryonic nuclear protein binding to the proximal promoter region of the soybean β‐conglycinin α subunit gene
Authors: Yoshino M. , Tsutsumi K. , Kanazawa A.
Published: June 2014

β‐Conglycinin, a major component of seed storage protein in soybean, comprises three subunits: α, α′ and β. The expression of genes for these subunits is strictly controlled during embryogenesis. The proximal promoter region up to 245 bp upstream of the transcription start site of the α subunit gene sufficiently confers spatial and temporal control of transcription in embryos. Here, the binding profile of nuclear proteins in the proximal promoter region of the α subunit gene was analysed. DNase I footprinting analysis indicated binding of proteins to the RY element and DNA regions including box I, a region conserved in cognate gene promoters. An electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) using different portions of box I as a probe revealed that multiple portions of box I bind to nuclear proteins. In addition, an EMSA using nuclear proteins extracted from embryos at different developmental stages indicated that the levels of major DNA–protein complexes on box I increased during embryo maturation. These results are consistent with the notion that box I is important for the transcriptional control of seed storage protein genes. Furthermore, the present data suggest that nuclear proteins bind to novel motifs in box I including 5′‐TCAATT‐3′ rather than to predicted cis‐regulatory elements.
Changes in resting heart rate variability across the menstrual cycle
Authors: Tenan Matthew S. , Brothers R. Matthew , Tweedell Andrew J. , Hackney Anthony C. , Griffin Lisa
Published: June 2014

Heart rate variability (HRV) is a noninvasive indicator of autonomic control. This study examines HRV changes across a normal menstrual cycle and proposes a novel piecewise function controlling for the effects of breathing on HRV spectral parameters. A resting ECG was collected from 13 women at five points in their menstrual cycle. Both heart rate and breathing rate increased across the cycle (p < .01) while time‐domain variability decreased (p = .04). Use of the piecewise function for breathing rate in HRV spectral analysis was confirmed by a substantial increase in model goodness‐of‐fit. HRV spectral parameters, controlled for breathing with the piecewise function, confirm that the decrease in variability is likely due to a parasympathetic withdrawal, since high frequency HRV decreases (p = .02).
The persistence of socially instructed threat: Two threat‐of‐shock studies
Authors: Bublatzky Florian , Gerdes Antje B. M. , Alpers Georg W.
Published: June 2014

Learning to anticipate threat is crucial in guiding protective behavior. In classical conditioning, single trial learning can result in long‐lasting fear associations. To examine whether threat learned through social communication is equally stable, an instructed fear paradigm was used with two repeated sessions on 1 day (Study 1; N = 43) and with separate sessions on 3 consecutive days (Study 2; N = 30). Startle EMG, skin conductance level (SCL), and self‐report data were recorded during alternating periods of instructed threat and safety. Within 1 day, threat‐potentiated startle was present across sessions but threat‐enhanced SCL decreased (Study 1). Across days, threat effects subsided with different timing for startle EMG, SCL, and self‐report (Study 2). The present findings are a laboratory analog for the persistence of socially transmitted fear, which can be amazingly resistant to extinction (e.g., in specific phobias) even in the absence of aversive experiences.
Efficacy of Low and High Complexity Vegetation Treatments for Reestablishing Terrestrial Arthropod Assemblages during Montane Wetland Restoration
Authors: Holmquist Jeffrey G. , Schmidt‐Gengenbach Jutta , Demetry Athena
Published: June 2014

Assessments of faunal reassembly during wetland restorations have typically been derived from relatively benign, lower‐elevation environments. We investigated recovery of terrestrial arthropod assemblages in conjunction with restoration of a montane wet meadow in Sequoia National Park (Sierra Nevada, California, U.S.A.). Our goal was to assess response of arthropod assemblages to wetland restoration in this winter‐dominated environment, including comparison of faunal reassembly in (1) areas of sparse plugs (planted over several years) and (2) dual‐density plantings with additional heterogeneity, complexity, and connectance to source habitats provided by high‐density bands running through sparsely planted habitat (final study year only). Results across all restoration treatments indicated varying levels of faunal reassembly, but convergence of faunal assemblages with reference habitat had not occurred after recovery periods as long as 5 years. Similarity indices and multivariate compositional results indicated a slower recovery than did univariate trends for assemblage metrics and abundances for some individual taxa, highlighting the utility of assessments using a range of taxa and analytical approaches. Faunal recovery did not appear to lag behind that of vegetation structure, despite the short growing season. The dual‐density plantings indicated faster recovery after 1 year, across almost all metrics, than was observed after several years for the sparse plantings. Restoration configurations that increase habitat complexity, heterogeneity, and/or connectance may disproportionately increase rates of passive faunal reassembly and prove to be cost‐effective approaches for promoting recovery of ecosystem function.
The effects of age and emotional valence on recognition memory: An ex‐Gaussian components analysis
Authors: Moret‐Tatay Carmen , Moreno‐Cid Amparo , Argimon Irani Iracema de Lima , Quarti Irigaray Tatiana , Szczerbinski Marcin , Murphy Mike , Vázquez‐Martínez Andrea , Vázquez‐Molina Joan , Sáiz‐Mauleón Begoña , Navarro‐Pardo Esperanza , Fernández de Córdoba Castellá Pedro
Published: June 2014

The aim of this work was to study the effects of valence and age on visual image recognition memory. The International Affective Picture System (IAPS) battery was used, and response time data were analyzed using analysis of variance, as well as an ex‐Gaussian fit method. Older participants were slower and more variable in their reaction times. Response times were longer for negative valence pictures, however this was statistically significant only for young participants. This suggests that negative emotional valence has a strong effect on recognition memory in young but not in old participants. The τ parameter, often related to attention in the literature, was smaller for young than old participants in an ex‐Gaussian fit. Differences on the τ parameter might suggest poorer attentional performance in old participants.
Psychopathy and the ability to read the “language of the eyes”: Divergence in the psychopathy construct
Authors: Sandvik Asle M. , Hansen Anita L. , Johnsen Bjørn Helge , Laberg Jon Christian
Published: June 2014

The capacity to interpret others people's behavior and mental states is a vital part of human social communication. This ability, also called mentalizing or Theory of Mind (ToM), may also serve as a protective factor against aggression and antisocial behavior. This study investigates the relationship between two measures of psychopathy (clinical assessment and self‐report) and the ability to identify mental states from photographs of the eye region. The participants in the study were 92 male inmates at Bergen prison, Norway. The results showed some discrepancy in connection to assessment methodology. For the self‐report (SRP‐III), we found an overall negative association between mental state discrimination and psychopathy, while for the clinical instrument (PCL‐R) the results were more mixed. For Factor 1 psychopathic traits (interpersonal and affective), we found positive associations with discrimination of neutral mental states, but not with the positive or negative mental states. Factor 2 traits (antisocial lifestyle) were found to be negatively associated with discrimination of mental states. The results from this study demonstrate a heterogeneity in the psychopathic construct where psychopathic traits related to an antisocial and impulsive lifestyle are associated with lower ability to recognize others' mental states, while interpersonal and affective psychopathic traits are associated with a somewhat enhanced ability to recognize others' emotional states.
Fly on the wall – attachment structures in lower Diptera
Authors: FRIEDEMANN KATRIN , SCHNEEBERG KATHARINA , BEUTEL ROLF G.
Published: June 2014

Pretarsal attachment structures of representatives of the megadiverse Diptera are examined and documented, mainly using scanning electron microscopy. The focus is on the basal ‘nematoceran’ lineages. The diversity in structures is much higher than suggested by brief summarizing accounts in earlier studies. Both hairy and smooth attachment structures occur. A well‐developed, pad‐like empodium with its ventral surface covered with adhesive hairs is arguably a groundplan feature of Diptera. Very often this pad is combined with the presence of hairy pulvilli. However, smooth pulvilli occur in two of the examined groups. A smooth arolium is present in Tipulomorpha and likely an autapomorphy of this clade, suggesting that it was acquired secondarily. Evolutionary transformations are interpreted based on recently published dipteran phylogenies.
Strategies for Human‐Driven Robot Comprehension of Spatial Descriptions by Older Adults in a Robot Fetch Task
Authors: Carlson Laura , Skubic Marjorie , Miller Jared , Huo Zhiyu , Alexenko Tatiana
Published: June 2014

This contribution presents a corpus of spatial descriptions and describes the development of a human‐driven spatial language robot system for their comprehension. The domain of application is an eldercare setting in which an assistive robot is asked to “fetch” an object for an elderly resident based on a natural language spatial description given by the resident. In Part One, we describe a corpus of naturally occurring descriptions elicited from a group of older adults within a virtual 3D home that simulates the eldercare setting. We contrast descriptions elicited when participants offered descriptions to a human versus robot avatar, and under instructions to tell the addressee how to find the target versus where the target is. We summarize the key features of the spatial descriptions, including their dynamic versus static nature and the perspective adopted by the speaker. In Part Two, we discuss critical cognitive and perceptual processing capabilities necessary for the robot to establish a common ground with the human user and perform the “fetch” task. Based on the collected corpus, we focus here on resolving the perspective ambiguity and recognizing furniture items used as landmarks in the descriptions. Taken together, the work presented here offers the key building blocks of a robust system that takes as input natural spatial language descriptions and produces commands that drive the robot to successfully fetch objects within our eldercare scenario.
The powdery mildew resistance protein RPW8.2 is carried on VAMP721/722 vesicles to the extrahaustorial membrane of haustorial complexes
Authors: Kim Hyeran , O'Connell Richard , Maekawa‐Yoshikawa Makoto , Uemura Tomohiro , Neumann Ulla , Schulze‐Lefert Paul
Published: June 2014

Plants employ multiple cell‐autonomous defense mechanisms to impede pathogenesis of microbial intruders. Previously we identified an exocytosis defense mechanism in Arabidopsis against pathogenic powdery mildew fungi. This pre‐invasive defense mechanism depends on the formation of ternary protein complexes consisting of the plasma membrane‐localized PEN1 syntaxin, the adaptor protein SNAP33 and closely sequence‐related vesicle‐resident VAMP721 or VAMP722 proteins. The Arabidopsis thaliana resistance to powdery mildew 8.2 protein (RPW8.2) confers disease resistance against powdery mildews upon fungal entry into host cells and is specifically targeted to the extrahaustorial membrane (EHM), which envelops the haustorial complex of the fungus. However, the secretory machinery involved in trafficking RPW8.2 to the EHM is unknown. Here we report that RPW8.2 is transiently located on VAMP721/722 vesicles, and later incorporated into the EHM of mature haustoria. Resistance activity of RPW8.2 against the powdery mildew Golovinomyces orontii is greatly diminished in the absence of VAMP721 but only slightly so in the absence of VAMP722. Consistent with this result, trafficking of RPW8.2 to the EHM is delayed in the absence of VAMP721. These findings implicate VAMP721/722 vesicles as key components of the secretory machinery for carrying RPW8.2 to the plant–fungal interface. Quantitative fluorescence recovery after photobleaching suggests that vesicle‐mediated trafficking of RPW8.2–yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) to the EHM occurs transiently during early haustorial development and that lateral diffusion of RPW8.2–YFP within the EHM exceeds vesicle‐mediated replenishment of RPW8.2–YFP in mature haustoria. Our findings imply the engagement of VAMP721/722 in a bifurcated trafficking pathway for pre‐invasive defense at the cell periphery and post‐invasive defense at the EHM.
Precise spatio‐temporal modulation of ACC synthase by MPK6 cascade mediates the response of rose flowers to rehydration
Authors: Meng Yonglu , Ma Nan , Zhang Qian , You Qi , Li Na , Ali Khan Muhammad , Liu Xiaojing , Wu Lin , Su Zhen , Gao Junping
Published: June 2014

Drought is a major abiotic stress that affects the development and growth of most plants, and limits crop yield worldwide. Although the response of plants to drought has been well documented, much less is known about how plants respond to the water recovery process, namely rehydration. Here, we describe the spatio‐temporal response of plant reproductive organs to rehydration using rose flowers as an experimental system. We found that rehydration triggered rapid and transient ethylene production in the gynoecia. This ethylene burst serves as a signal to ensure water recovery in flowers, and promotes flower opening by influencing the expression of a set of rehydration‐responsive genes. An in‐gel kinase assay suggested that the rehydration‐induced ethylene burst resulted from transient accumulation of RhACS1/2 proteins in gynoecia. Meanwhile, RhMPK6, a rose homolog of Arabidopsis thaliana MPK6, is rapidly activated by rehydration within 0.5 h. Furthermore, RhMPK6 was able to phosphorylate RhACS1 but not RhACS2 in vitro. Application of the kinase inhibitor K252a suppressed RhACS1 accumulation and rehydration‐induced ethylene production in gynoecia, and the protein phosphatase inhibitor okadaic acid had the opposite effect, confirming that accumulation of RhACS1 was phosphorylation‐dependent. Finally, silencing of RhMPK6 significantly reduced ethylene production in gynoecia when flowers were subjected to rehydration. Taken together, our results suggest that temporal‐ and spatial‐specific activation of an RhMPK6‐RhACS1 cascade is responsible for rehydration‐induced ethylene production in gynoecia, and that the resulting ethylene‐mediated signaling pathway is a key factor in flower rehydration.
Transport of rice cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer photolyase into mitochondria relies on a targeting sequence located in its C‐terminal internal region
Authors: Takahashi Sayaka , Teranishi Mika , Izumi Masanori , Takahashi Masaaki , Takahashi Fumio , Hidema Jun
Published: June 2014

The cyclobutane pyrimidine dimer (CPD), which represents a major type of DNA damage induced by ultraviolet‐B (UVB) radiation, is a principal cause of UVB‐induced growth inhibition in plants. CPD photolyase is the primary enzyme for repairing CPDs and is crucial for determining the sensitivity of Oryza sativa (rice) to UVB radiation. CPD photolyase is widely distributed among species ranging from eubacteria to eukaryotes, and is classified into class I or II based on its primary structure. We previously demonstrated that rice CPD photolyase (OsPHR), which belongs to class II and is encoded by a single‐copy gene, is a unique nuclear/mitochondrial/chloroplast triple‐targeting protein; however, the location and nature of the organellar targeting information contained within OsPHR are unknown. Here, the nuclear and mitochondrial targeting signal sequences of OsPHR were identified by systematic deletion analysis. The nuclear and mitochondrial targeting sequences are harbored within residues 487–489 and 391–401 in the C‐terminal region of OsPHR (506 amino acid residues), respectively. The mitochondrial targeting signal represents a distinct topogenic sequence that differs structurally and functionally from classical N‐terminal pre‐sequences, and this region, in addition to its role in localization to the mitochondria, is essential for the proper functioning of the CPD photolyase. Furthermore, the mitochondrial targeting sequence, which is characteristic of class‐II CPD photolyases, was acquired before the divergence of class‐II CPD photolyases in eukaryotes. These results indicate that rice plants have evolved a CPD photolyase that functions in mitochondria to protect cells from the harmful effects of UVB radiation.
Phospholipid Transport via Mitochondria
Authors: Tamura Yasushi , Sesaki Hiromi , Endo Toshiya
Published: June 2014

In eukaryotic cells, complex membrane structures called organelles are highly developed to exert specialized functions. Mitochondria are one of such organelles consisting of the outer and inner membranes (OM and IM) with characteristic protein and phospholipid compositions. Maintaining proper phospholipid compositions of the membranes is crucial for mitochondrial integrity, thereby contributing to normal cell activities. As cellular locations for phospholipid synthesis are restricted to specific compartments such as the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane and the mitochondrial inner membrane, newly synthesized phospholipids have to be transported and distributed properly from the ER or mitochondria to other cellular membranes. Although understanding of molecular mechanisms of phospholipid transport are much behind those of protein transport, recent studies using yeast as a model system began to provide intriguing insights into phospholipid exchange between the ER and mitochondria as well as between the mitochondrial OM and IM. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of phospholipid transport via mitochondria and discuss the implicated molecular mechanisms.
Similar dynamics of intraapheresis autologous CD34+ recruitment and collection efficiency in patients undergoing mobilization with or without plerixafor
Authors: Schade Henning , Chhabra Saurabh , Kang Yubin , Stuart Robert K. , Edwards Kathy H. , Kramer Cindy , Butcher Coleen , Littleton Amanda , Schneider Molly , Budisavljevic Milos N. , Costa Luciano J.
Published: June 2014

Background

Compared with growth factor (G) alone, the combination of G with plerixafor (G + P) increases peripheral blood CD34+ count (PB‐CD34+) and improves CD34+ collection yield (yCD34+) in multiple myeloma and lymphoma patients undergoing autologous hematopoietic progenitor cell (AHPC) mobilization. It is unknown whether the improved yCD34+ with G + P results entirely from expansion of PB‐CD34+ or also from increased intraapheresis CD34+ recruitment and collection efficiency.

Study Design and Methods

We retrospectively studied 192 patients who underwent AHPC mobilization and collection with G (n = 73) or G + P (n = 119) to compare the adjusted relative efficiency (aRE), the proportion of the circulating CD34+ pool that is captured for each blood volume processed. Additionally, in a prospective cohort of nine patients mobilizing with G and 11 with G + P, PB‐CD34+ after leukapheresis allowed calculation of the recruitment coefficient (RC), proportion of the initial CD34+ pool recruited from the marrow into peripheral blood for each blood volume processed.

Results

There was no difference in aRE between G and G + P (0.50 vs. 0.46; p = 0.37) and no substantial decline in aRE with higher blood volumes processed in either group. RC was also not different between G and G + P (median, 0.39 and 0.38, respectively; p = 0.7). Prediction of yCD34+ was determined essentially by PB‐CD34+ and not affected independently by plerixafor.

Conclusion

Kinetics of intraapheresis CD34+ recruitment and collection is proportional to PB‐CD34+ but not influenced further by plerixafor.
Characterization of the Campylobacter jejuni Population in the Barnacle Geese Reservoir
Authors: Llarena A.‐K. , Skarp‐de Haan C. P. A. , Rossi M. , Hänninen M.‐L.
Published: June 2014

Campylobacter spp. are the most common cause of bacterial gastroenteritis worldwide and have been isolated from a wide number of different hosts and environmental sources. Waterfowl is considered a natural reservoir for this zoonotic bacterium and may act as a potential infection source for human campylobacteriosis. In this study, faecal samples from 924 barnacle geese were tested for the presence of C. jejuni and C. coli. The resulting C. jejuni and C. coli populations were characterized by multilocus sequence typing (MLST), structure analysis by BAPS and phylogenetic analysis based on full genome sequences. The prevalences of C. jejuni in barnacle geese faeces were 11.5% and 23.1% in 2011 and 2012, respectively, and only 0.2% of the samples were positive for C. coli in both years. Furthermore, a possible adaption of the clonal complexes (CCs) ST‐702 and ST‐1034 to the barnacle geese reservoir was found, as these two CCs represented the majority of the typed isolates and were repeatedly isolated from different flocks at several time‐points. Further core genome phylogenetic analysis using ClonalFrame revealed a formation of a distinct monophyletic lineage by these two CCs, suggesting a certain degree of clonality of the C. jejuni population adapted to barnacle geese. Therefore, although STs also commonly found in humans patients (e.g. ST‐45) were among the barnacle geese C. jejuni isolates, this reservoir is probably an infrequent source for human campylobacteriosis.
A Computer Architecture for the Automatic Design of Modular Systems With Application to Photovoltaic Reverse Osmosis
Authors: Bilton Amy M. , Dubowsky Steven
Published: June 2014

Systems such as electronics, cars, computers, and robots are assembled from modular components for specific applications. Photovoltaic reverse osmosis (PVRO) systems, which can be custom-tailored for the water demands and solar properties of particular communities, are an important potential application of modular systems. Clearly, to be financially viable, such systems must be assembled from commercially available components and subsystems (modules). Designing a system from modular components for a specific application is not simple. Even for a relatively small inventory of modular components, the number of possible system configurations that exist is extremely large. For a small community, determining the best system configuration is an overwhelming task due to lack of expertise. This paper presents a modular design architecture that can be implemented on a laptop so nonexperts can configure systems from modular components. The method uses a hierarchy of filters, which can be provided from an expert system, to limit the large design space. Optimization methods and detailed models are then used to configure the location-specific system from the reduced design space. The method is applied here to community-scale PVRO systems and example cases demonstrate the effectiveness of the approach.
An electronic quantum eraser
Authors: Weisz E. , Choi H. K. , Sivan I. , Heiblum M. , Gefen Y. , Mahalu D. , Umansky V.
Published: June 2014

Creating and erasing quantum knowledge

Particles in the quantum world can also assume wavelike properties. Researchers often use photons to illustrate this particle/wave duality, but electrons interact with each other, which might make them a better choice. Weisz
et al.
used electrons to create a “quantum eraser” (see the Perspective by Feldman). By taking advantage of the electrons' interaction, the researchers first acquired information about the electrons' path—a process that destroys their wavelike properties. Next, they deliberately erased this information in order to recover the electrons' wave nature.

Science
, this issue p.
1363
; see also p.
1344
Nanoscale imaging and control of domain-wall hopping with a nitrogen-vacancy center microscope
Authors: Tetienne J.-P. , Hingant T. , Kim J.-V. , Diez L. Herrera , Adam J.-P. , Garcia K. , Roch J.-F. , Rohart S. , Thiaville A. , Ravelosona D. , Jacques V.
Published: June 2014

Observing jumping domain walls

Domain walls, which separate regions of opposite magnetization in a ferromagnet, have rich dynamics that are difficult to characterize in small samples. Tetienne
et al.
imaged the magnetization of a thin ferromagnetic wire and observed the jumping of a domain wall between different positions along the wire. They used a scanning magnetic microscope based on a defect in diamond. The laser light needed to operate the microscope also enabled the control of the domain wall motion by causing local heating, which made the illuminated position more likely to contain a domain wall.

Science
, this issue p.
1366
Power of the Young—New Stem Cell Source for Treating Autoimmune Disease
Authors: Tesar Paul J.
Published: June 2014

Human pluripotent stem cell–derived mesenchymal stem cells are more effective than adult bone marrow–derived cells in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.
Complete Genome Sequences of the Prototype Isolates of Genotypes 2, 3, and 4 of Murray Valley Encephalitis Virus
Authors: Williams David T. , Diviney Sinéad M. , Corscadden Karli J. , Chua Beng Hooi , Mackenzie John S.
Published: June 2014

Murray Valley encephalitis virus (MVEV) (
Flaviviridae
family,
Flavivirus
genus), a mosquito-borne pathogen of humans and horses, is endemic to the Australasian region. We report here the complete genomes of the prototype strains of MVEV genotypes 2, 3, and 4.
Draft Genome Sequence of “
Candidatus
Cronobacter colletis” NCTC 14934
T
, a New Species in the Genus
Cronobacter
Authors: Masood Naqash , Jackson Emily , Moore Karen , Farbos Audrey , Paszkiewicz Konrad , Dickins Ben , McNally Alan , Forsythe Stephen
Published: June 2014

Members of the
Cronobacter
genus are associated with serious infections in neonates. This is the first report of the draft genome sequence for the newly proposed species
Cronobacter colletis
.
Quality of Reporting of Randomised Controlled Trials of Acupuncture for Neurological Diseases Conducted in China
Authors: Luo Gaoquan , Lu Liming , Zeng Jingchun
Published: June 2014

Objectives

To investigate the quality of reporting for randomised controlled trials of acupuncture for neurological disorders conducted in China before and after the implementation of the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) and Standards for Reporting Interventions in Controlled Trials of Acupuncture (STRICTA) guidelines.

Methods

The quality of reporting for included papers was assessed against a subset of criteria adapted from CONSORT and STRICTA. CONSORT and STRICTA were developed in 1996 and 2001, respectively. Thus, for the date of publication we selected 2-year periods, at 5-yearly intervals: 1994–1995; 1999–2000; 2004–2005 and 2009–2010. These selections cover the periods before the publication dates of both guidelines (1996, 2001) and at least 3 years afterwards, and provide reasonably up-to-date data. We calculated the total score for each guideline and compared reported differences during different date ranges.

Results

For CONSORT items (maximum score 8), there was evidence of a slight improvement in reporting between 1994–1995 and 1999–2000 combined (2.5±0.6) and 2004–2005 and 2009–2010 combined (3.0±0.9) (difference 0.5, 95% CI 0.2 to 0.8). For STRICTA items (maximum score 17), there was evidence of a slight improvement in reporting between 1994–1995 and 1999–2000 combined (8.9±1.8) and 2004–2005 and 2009–2010 combined (10.3±1.6) (difference 1.4, 95% CI 0.9 to 1.9).

Conclusions

The quality of reporting for studies of acupuncture for neurological disorders has generally improved since the implementation of STRICTA and CONSORT guidelines.
The curious case of free-floating pelvic cysts
Authors: Watson Hannah Isabella , Borovickova Marie , Shetty Ashalatha
Published: June 2014

The case of a healthy 33-year-old woman who underwent an elective caesarean section with incidental finding of small free-floating cysts within the pelvic peritoneum is presented. Gross examination could not identify the specimens. Histopathological investigation was necessary to classify the specimens as benign mesothelial cysts. The patient had no medical or surgical history and no other risk factors. The presented case is particularly interesting as the cysts were non-adherent to any pelvic or abdominal structure, as is commonly described. Similarly, there are few descriptions of mesothelial cyst diagnosis during pregnancy.
The prevalence of type 2 diabetes mellitus among older people in Africa: a systematic review study protocol
Authors: Werfalli Mahmoud , Musekiwa Alfred , Engel Mark E , Ross Ian , Kengne Andre P , Levitt Naomi S
Published: June 2014

Introduction

The number of people with diabetes in Africa is projected to increase substantially in the next two decades, due to factors including rapid urbanisation, adoption of unhealthy diets and exercise patterns and the ageing of the population. There are currently uncertainties regarding the incidence, prevalence and management patterns of diabetes in older people across the diversity of African countries. We wish to perform a systematic review to determine the prevalence of type 2 diabetes in Africa in the older individual, over the age of 55 years, reported in studies from 2000 to 2013.

Methods and analyses

A comprehensive literature search among a number of databases will be undertaken, using an African search filter to identify diabetes prevalence studies that were published from 2000 to 2013. Full copies of articles identified by the search, and considered to meet the inclusion criteria, will be obtained for data extraction and synthesis. Statistical analysis of the primary measures, fasting plasma glucose (FPG) and oral glucose tolerance test will include two steps: (1) identification of data sources and documenting estimates and (2) application of the random-effects meta-analysis model to aggregate prevalence estimates and account for between study variability in calculating the overall pooled estimates and 95% CI for diabetes prevalence. Heterogeneity will be evaluated using the I2statistic to determine the extent of variation in effect estimates that is due to heterogeneity rather than chance. This systematic review will be reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics is not required for this study, given that this is a protocol for a systematic review, which utilises published data. The findings of this study will be widely disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Exploring perceived barriers, drivers, impacts and the need for evaluation of public involvement in health and social care research: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Snape D , Kirkham J , Britten N , Froggatt K , Gradinger F , Lobban F , Popay Jennie , Wyatt K , Jacoby Ann
Published: June 2014

Objective

To explore areas of consensus and conflict in relation to perceived public involvement (PI) barriers and drivers, perceived impacts of PI and ways of evaluating PI approaches in health and social care research.

Background

Internationally and within the UK the recognition of potential benefits of PI in health and social care research is gathering momentum and PI is increasingly identified by organisations as a prerequisite for funding. However, there is relatively little examination of the impacts of PI and how those impacts might be measured.

Design

Mixed method, three-phase, modified Delphi technique, conducted as part of a larger MRC multiphase project.

Sample

Clinical and non-clinical academics, members of the public, research managers, commissioners and funders.

Findings

This study found high levels of consensus about the most important barriers and drivers to PI. There was acknowledgement that tokenism was common in relation to PI; and strong support for the view that demonstrating the impacts and value of PI was made more difficult by tokenistic practice. PI was seen as having intrinsic value; nonetheless, there was clear support for the importance of evaluating its impact. Research team cohesion and appropriate resources were considered essential to effective PI implementation. Panellists agreed that PI can be challenging, but can be facilitated by clear guidance, together with models of good practice and measurable standards.

Conclusions

This study is the first to present empirical evidence of the opinions voiced by key stakeholders on areas of consensus and conflict in relation to perceived PI barriers and drivers, perceived impacts of PI and the need to evaluate PI. As such it further contributes to debate around best practice in PI, the potential for tokenism and how best to evaluate the impacts of PI. These findings have been used in the development of the Public Involvement Impact Assessment Framework (PiiAF), an online resource which offers guidance to researchers and members of the public involved in the PI process.
Kinematical measurement of hydraulic tortuosity of fluid flow in porous media
Authors: Jin Y. , Dong J. B. , Li X. , Wu Y.
Published: June 2014

It is hard to experimentally or analytically derive the hydraulic tortuosity (τ) of porous media flow because of their complex microstructures. In this work, we propose a kinematical measurement method for τ by introducing the concept of local tortuosity, which is defined as the ratio of fluid particle velocity to its component along the macro flow. And then, the calculation model of τ is analytically deduced in terms of that τ is the mean value of the local tortuosity. To avoid the impact from the singularity of local tortuosity, the velocity is normalized, and τ is then approximated by the ratio of the mean normalized velocity to the average value of its component along the macro-flow direction. The new estimation method is verified by flow through different types of porous media via the lattice Boltzmann method, and the relationships between permeabilities and tortuosities obtained by different methods are examined. The numerical results show that tortuosity by the novel approach is in good agreement with the existing theory, and the kinematic definition of hydraulic tortuosity is also proven.
COMPARATIVE LEARNING APPLIED TO INTENSITY RATING OF FACIAL EXPRESSIONS OF PAIN
Authors: WERNER PHILIPP , AL-HAMADI AYOUB , NIESE ROBERT
Published: June 2014

Together with classification of facial expressions, the rating of their intensities is of major interest. Classical supervised learning techniques require labeling of the intensities, which is labor intensive and requires expert knowledge, but nevertheless is not guaranteed to be objective. We propose a new approach to learn an intensity rating function which does not require expert knowledge, because it simplifies the labeling task by avoiding the difficulty of selecting an absolute intensity value and to keep the labeling consistent for the whole dataset. It is based on a novel kind of ground truth which we call Comparative Labeling. It specifies sample pairs for which the first element is desired to have a lower intensity than the second. We introduce a learning scheme to find an optimal intensity function in respect of the Comparative Labeling and propose performance measures to assess the quality of the learned function. The technique is applied to rate the intensity of facial expressions of posed pain. The evaluation results show that the learned function is well suited for determining dynamic intensity variation over time. We also assess the suitability of the rating as an inter-individual intensity measure by comparing it to the intensity ratings given by human observers.
EFFECTS OF TiOx INTERLAYER ON RESISTANCE SWITCHING OF Pt/TiOx/ZnO/n+-Si STRUCTURES
Authors: LI HONGXIA , LV XIAOJUN , XI JUNHUA , WU XIN , MAO QINAN , LIU QINGMIN , JI ZHENGUO
Published: June 2014

In this paper, we fabricated Pt / TiO x/ ZnO / n +- Si structures by inserting TiO x interlayer between Pt top electrode (TE) and ZnO thin film for non-volatile resistive random access memory (ReRAM) applications. Effects of TiO x interlayer with different thickness on the resistance switching of Pt / TiO x/ ZnO / n +- Si structures were investigated. Conduction behaviors in high and low resistance state (HRS and LRS) fit well with the trap-controlled space-charge-limited conduction (SCLC) and Ohmic behavior, respectively. Variations of set and reset voltages and HRS and LRS resistances of Pt / TiO x/ ZnO / n +- Si structures were investigated as a function of TiO x thickness. Switching cycling tests were attempted to evaluate the endurance reliability of Pt / TiO x/ ZnO / n +- Si structures. Additionally, the switching mechanism was analyzed by the filament model.
Guest Editorial
Authors: Stasse Olivier , Bennewitz Maren
Published: June 2014

Humanoid robots have become more and more popular, which is illustrated by the increasing number of available platforms and the huge number of high-quality publications in the research area of navigation and motion planning for humanoids. Recently, a lot of progress has been made in the areas of 3D perception, efficient environment representation, fast collision checking, as well as motion planning for navigation and manipulation with humanoids, also under uncertainty and real-time constraints. All these techniques work well for their independent application scenario, however, currently no system exists that combines the individual approaches. Thus, we are still far from the deployment of a humanoid robot in the real world. The goal of this special issue is to identify gaps in the research directions and to discuss which aspect need to be considered for combining the different approaches so as to enable humanoids to reliably act and navigate in real environments for an extended period of time.
Motion Planning of a Humanoid Robot in a Complex Environment Using RRT and Spatiotemporal Post-Processing Techniques
Authors: Nishi Toshiya , Sugihara Tomomichi
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a motion planning method which provides a complete whole body trajectory of a humanoid robot traveling in a complex environment with various life items, steps, slopes, gates, walls, etc. A two-stage planning scheme is employed to simplify the problem of discontinuously changing dynamical constraints, where a sequence of double-support postures is planned in the first stage, and a continuous and smooth trajectory interpolates it in the second stage. RRT is utilized in the both stages in order to exploit the whole body with a large degree-of-freedom and perform in such a three-dimensionally intricate field. An inevitable issue of that random-sampling-based approach is that the searched trajectory is necessarily jaggy and detouring. The proposed method includes effective post-processing techniques for each stage, which are mandatory in practice. In the first stage, a necessary condition is that any pair of adjacent postures has to share one supporting foot as the pivot. A key idea is to insert intermediate postures between a pair of non-adjacent milestones with a cross-combination of the support feet to bypass and average a sequence of double-support transitions. The optimal sequence of the possible transitions is found by applying Dijkstra's method. In the second stage, an idea of the center of mass (COM)-enforcement to artificially constrain the trajectory of COM on one based on the mass-concentrated approximation is proposed, expecting that a solution can be found on this manifold. A continuous and smooth trajectory which satisfies the geometric constraint is planned by RRT and NURBS interpolation, and then, the temporal property of the trajectory is adjusted based on the dynamic programming to satisfy the dynamical constraint without breaking the geometric constraint. The performance was examined in a mock field of a living room. Comparing with a naive method only with RRT-connect, it substantially shortened the total travel distance in many cases. It also succeeded to plan dynamically feasible walking trajectories on that complex terrain.
ORGANISATIONAL CSR PRACTICES: EMPLOYEES' PERCEPTIONS AND IMPACT ON INDIVIDUAL PERFORMANCE
Authors: GAUDÊNCIO PEDRO , COELHO ARNALDO , RIBEIRO NEUZA
Published: June 2014

The study aims to show how organisation's corporate ethics and social responsibility have influence on satisfaction with management and workers' attitudes and behaviours, especially in terms of organisational commitment (OC), innovative behaviour (IB) and performance. To systematise this reality, was used a self-reported sample of 223 Portuguese individuals. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to test the hypotheses. On the influence on satisfaction with management, the results showed that employees value the ethical component and also workforce social responsibility practices. Concerning OC, statistical evidence was found on the influence of satisfaction with management, ethical values and also workforce practices. It was also found that OC influences IB, and that this attitude had strong positive relationships with in-role performance. The empirical evidence suggests that organisation's corporate ethics and social responsibility are important to workers, so should be taken in account by managers and be subject of research by academics.
FACILE SYNTHESIS OF VARIOUS MANGANESE OXIDES NANO/MICRO-CRYSTALS BY A LIGNOSULFANATE-MEDIATED HYDROTHERMAL PROCESS: EFFECT OF THE REACTANT CONCENTRATION AND SOLUTION MEDIA
Authors: MA ZICHUAN , WEI XIAORU , CHANG YONGFANG , XING SHENGTAO , WU YINSU
Published: June 2014

Various manganese oxides nano/micro-crystals, including Mn 3 O 4 octahedrons, hierarchical flower-like K -δ- MnO 2 microspheres, multi-branch and strip-shaped γ- MnOOH , have been prepared by a lignosulfanate (LSN)-mediated hydrothermal process. The effect of LSN on the structure and morphology has been thoroughly investigated by X-ray powder diffraction and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The results indicated that stepwise reduction and Ostwald's ripening occurred simultaneously in this hydrothermal process, and LSN could serve as both reducing agent and growth modifier. The appropriate reducing capacity and selective absorption ability of LSN played an important role for the formation of various manganese oxides nano/micro-crystals. The catalytic performance of the products for the oxidation of o-xylene has been also investigated. The result showed that the MnO 2 crystals prepared with LSN exhibited the highest catalytic activity.
SUNKEN HOLLOW CARBON SPHERES SUPPORTED Pt ELECTROCATALYST FOR EFFICIENT METHANOL OXIDATION AND OXYGEN REDUCTION REACTION
Authors: ZHAO XINHONG , WANG PENG , REN NAIFEI
Published: June 2014

Sunken hollow carbon spheres (SHCs) are prepared by using glucose as carbon source and polystyrene spheres (PSs) as templates. Pt particles are then loaded on the SHCs as electrocatalyst and used for catalyzing both methanol oxidation and oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) in acidic media. Physical measurements show that the SHCs are formed due to sinking of hollow carbon spheres. It can be imagined that the SHCs have the similar specific surface area as hollow carbon spheres with reduced volume. Moreover, the SHCs have high surface area (786.3 m2 ⋅ g-1) with hollow and sunken structure are beneficial for the uniform dispersion of the noble metal particles and efficiently improve the mass transfer in catalytic reactions. The cyclic voltammogram measurements show that the current densities on Pt /SHC electrocatalyst are 2.1 times [Formula: see text]) that on commercial Pt / C for methanol oxidation and 1.5 times ([Formula: see text]) that on Pt / C for ORR at the same Pt loadings, being promising candidate for fuel cell electrocatalyst.
An upper bound to the nonlinear functional for certain subclasses of analytic functions associated with Hankel determinant
Authors: Krishna D. Vamshee , Ramreddy T.
Published: June 2014

The objective of this paper is to obtain an upper bound to the second Hankel determinant [Formula: see text] for the functions belonging to strongly starlike and convex functions of order α(0 < α ≤ 1). Further, we introduce a subclass of analytic functions and obtain the same coefficient inequality for the functions in this class, using Toeplitz determinants.
Dominator and closure ideals in almost distributive lattices
Authors: Rafi N. , Bandaru Ravi Kumar , Rao G. C.
Published: June 2014

Characterized Quasi-complemented Almost Distributive Lattice (ADL) in terms of dominator ideals. By using the closure operator on the set of all ideals of an ADL introduced the concept of closure ideals and studied their important results. Finally, the class of all closure ideals of ADL are isomorphic to the class of all ideals of [Formula: see text].