bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Stock Liquidity Enhance or Impede Firm Innovation?
Authors: FANG VIVIAN W. , TIAN XUAN , TICE SHERI
Published: June 2014

We aim to tackle the longstanding debate on whether stock liquidity enhances or impedes firm innovation. This topic is of interest because innovation is crucial for firm‐ and national‐level competitiveness and stock liquidity can be altered by financial market regulations. Using a difference‐in‐differences approach that relies on the exogenous variation in liquidity generated by regulatory changes, we find that an increase in liquidity causes a reduction in future innovation. We identify two possible mechanisms through which liquidity impedes innovation: increased exposure to hostile takeovers and higher presence of institutional investors who do not actively gather information or monitor.
Genetic and Molecular Mapping of Stripe Rust Resistance Genes in Wheat Cultivar Zhongliang 12
Authors: Ma Dongfang , Peng Fei , Fang Zhengwu , Chao Kaixiang , Jing Jinxue , Zhang Changqing
Published: June 2014

Stripe rust, caused by Puccinia striiformis f.sp. tritici (Pst), is one of the most widespread and destructive diseases of wheat worldwide. Resistance breeding is constantly pursued for decades to tackle the variations of prevalent Pst races. Zhongliang 12 has strong resistance to abiotic stresses, wide adaptability, higher resistance to stripe rust and excellent biological characteristics. To identify the resistance gene(s) against stripe rust, Zhongliang 12 was crossed with stripe rust susceptible genotype Mingxian 169, and F1, F2, F2 : 3 and BC1 progenies were tested with Chinese Pst race CYR30 and CYR31 in seedling stage in greenhouse. Zhongliang 12 possessed different dominant genes for resistance to each race. Linkage maps were constructed with four simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers, Xwmc695, Xcfd20, Xbarc121 and Xbarc49, for the gene on wheat chromosome 7AL conferring resistance to CYR30 (temporarily designated as Yrzhong12‐1) with genetic distance ranging from 3.1 to 10.8 cM and four SSR markers, Xpsp3003, Xcfd2129, Xwmc673 and Xwmc51, for the gene on wheat chromosome 1AL conferring resistance to CYR31 (temporarily designated as Yrzhong12‐2) with genetic distance ranging from 3.9 cM to 9.3 cM. The molecular markers closely linked to each gene should be useful in marker‐assisted selection in breeding programmes for against stripe rust.
Rapid evolutionary divergence of an invasive weed from its crop ancestor and evidence for local diversification
Authors: BURGER Jutta C. , ELLSTRAND Norman C.
Published: June 2014

Feral rye is an invasive North American weed that evolved from domesticated rye in the last century. In order to determine how this weed diverged from its cultivated ancestor and whether it has evolved regional differences across its new range in the western United States, we planted both feral rye from different regions and its progenitor in three common garden sites spanning the North‐South axis of that range (eastern Washington, northern California, and southern California, respectively). We measured seedling emergence, survival, vegetative growth, flowering phenology, and reproductive output concurrently across sites over a single growing season. All traits were found to be genetically based. All feral populations were typically shattering contrasting with domesticated rye's typically non‐shattering seed head. They also flowered later, tillered more, grew shorter, and produced smaller seeds in at least one population. Near the center and proposed origin of its introduced range, all feral rye populations produced significantly more seed than cultivars. Northern feral populations flowered later than southern populations and cultivars. Shifts were not symmetrical: southern populations performed well at all sites. But northern populations showed more evidence of local adaptation, faring poorly in southern California. Clearly, feral rye has evolved from its cultivated progenitor by more than just acquiring shattering. Furthermore, it has diverged regionally, although not all populations are fully locally adapted. Notably, feral rye populations exhibited a greater range of phenotypes than rye cultivars, suggesting that its evolution is not simply due to selection acting on existing variation within individual cultivars.
A Manufactu(RED) Ethics: Labor, HIV, and the Body in Lesotho's “Sweat‐free” Garment Industry
Authors: Kenworthy Nora J.
Published: June 2014

Employing mostly women and producing for major U.S. labels, Lesotho's primarily foreign‐owned garment industry undertook efforts to become “sweat‐free” in 2006; simultaneously, it also began producing for the Product(RED) campaign. This article explores the parameters and ethical challenges of an industry‐wide, public–private partnership providing HIV prevention and treatment services in this industry. Here, HIV services are intimately bound up in emerging patterns of humanitarian consumption and the production of an ethical industry. Within this ethical production zone, all is not what it seems: Labor violations persist, workers confront occupational hazards, and an elaborate theatrics of ethical practice plays out on the factory floor during routine inspections. This article explores the place and purpose of HIV treatment in the context of such humanitarian fetishism, highlighting the uses to which worker bodies are put and the conceptions of bodily well‐being that prevail in these new “moral” economies.
“I Swear to God, I Only Want People Here Who Are Losers!” Cultural Dissonance and the (Problematic) Allure ofAzeroth
Authors: Snodgrass Jeffrey G. , Dengah H. J. François , Lacy Michael G.
Published: June 2014

We use ethnographically informed survey and interview data to explore therapeutic and problematic play in the onlineWorld of Warcraft (WoW). We focus on how game‐play inWoWis driven by shared and socially transmitted models of success that we conceptualize as cultural ideals. Our research reveals associations between having higher online compared to offline success, on the one hand, and gamers’ reports about how their play both adds to and subtracts from their mental wellness, on the other. Fusing William Dressler's notion of “cultural consonance” (an individual's relative consistency with his or her culture) with Leon Festinger's “cognitive dissonance” (the tendency of individuals to suffer distress when they cannot eliminate incompatibilities in conflicting beliefs and attitudes), we develop the notion of “cultural dissonance,” which in this context refers to how conflicts between online and offline lives, and also subsequent attempts to minimize the conflicts through psychological negotiations, impact gamers’ mental health.
Lower serum fibroblast growth factor‐23 levels may suggest malnutrition in maintenance haemodialysis patients
Authors: Mizuiri Sonoo , Nishizawa Yoshiko , Yamashita Kazuomi , Ono Kyoka , Oda Maya , Usui Kohji , Shigemoto Kenichiro
Published: June 2014

Aim

It is reported that high serum fibroblast growth factor‐23 (FGF‐23) levels are associated with increased mortality in haemodialysis patients, and can be caused by hyperphosphataemia and loss of residual renal function. However, hypophosphataemia is also associated with increased mortality in maintenance haemodialysis (MHD) patients. We studied the determinants of the serum FGF‐23 levels in MHD patients, focusing on nutritional status and residual renal function.

Methods

A total of 332 Japanese MHD patients with a median age of 69 years, and median dialysis vintage of 66 months, were studied. The serum levels of intact FGF‐23, albumin, phosphate, and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH), corrected serum calcium (Ca) levels, urine volume, (creatinine clearance + urea clearance)/2, phosphate clearance, Kt/Vurea, body mass index (BMI), normalized protein catabolic rate (nPCR), normalized protein equivalent of nitrogen appearance (nPNA), geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), and the prescribed dosages of active vitamin D and phosphate binders were assessed.

Results

The significant independent factors for InFGF‐23 by multivariate analysis were age, GNRI, serum phosphate, Ca, iPTH levels and dosage of active vitamin D in patients without residual renal function (P < 0.05). Among all MHD patients, the lowest BMI, nPNA, nPCR, GNRI, serum albumin, creatinine, phosphate, Ca, Ca x P product and iPTH values were seen in the lowest serum FGF‐23 quartile (FGF‐23 < 311 pg/mL).

Conclusions

The determinants of the serum FGF‐23 level in MHD patients without residual renal function were age, serum phosphate, Ca, iPTH levels, the active vitamin D dose and the GNRI. The lower serum FGF‐23 levels may suggest malnutrition in MHD patients.
Modelling the root system architecture of Poaceae. Can we simulate integrated traits from morphological parameters of growth and branching?
Authors: Pagès Loïc , Picon‐Cochard Catherine
Published: June 2014

Our objective was to calibrate a model of the root system architecture on several Poaceae species and to assess its value to simulate several ‘integrated’ traits measured at the root system level: specific root length (SRL), maximum root depth and root mass.

We used the model ArchiSimple, made up of sub‐models that represent and combine the basic developmental processes, and an experiment on 13 perennial grassland Poaceae species grown in 1.5‐m‐deep containers and sampled at two different dates after planting (80 and 120 d).

Model parameters were estimated almost independently using small samples of the root systems taken at both dates. The relationships obtained for calibration validated the sub‐models, and showed species effects on the parameter values. The simulations of integrated traits were relatively correct for SRL and were good for root depth and root mass at the two dates. We obtained some systematic discrepancies that were related to the slight decline of root growth in the last period of the experiment.

Because the model allowed correct predictions on a large set of Poaceae species without global fitting, we consider that it is a suitable tool for linking root traits at different organisation levels.
Interpretation of lung function in infants and young children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Ramsey Kathryn A. , Ranganathan Sarath
Published: June 2014

The last decade has seen a significant advance in understanding about early lung disease in cystic fibrosis (CF). As studies that have measured lung function in preschool years are conducted in association with surveillance of infection, inflammation and early structural changes, and emerging longitudinal data become available, a better insight into the very early onset and nature of such lung disease is emerging. Interventions during the preschool years are increasingly viewed as being crucial to delaying and minimizing disease progression as this is the most important period of postnatal life in terms of lung development and airway remodelling. Lung function measurement in CF is potentially an important assessment tool and is used in routine clinical practice in several centres already. Results of studies from lung function tests that, on the basis of their underpinning physiology, are viewed as being best suited currently for the early detection of lung disease in CF are reviewed.
Effect of ground‐cover type on surface runoff and subsequent soil erosion in Champagne vineyards in France
Authors: Morvan X. , Naisse C. , Malam Issa O. , Desprats J. F. , Combaud A. , Cerdan O.
Published: June 2014

This study was conducted in Champagne vineyards in France, and the objectives were to compare the main cultivation practices in Champagne vineyards and to specify the conditions required for the optimum effect of inter‐row grass cover on runoff and erosion in experimental plots of 0.25 m² under simulated rainfall. Three types of ground cover were studied. In the bark‐and‐vine‐prunings plots, the runoff coefficient (RC) ranged from 1.3 to 4.0% and soil losses were <1 g/m2/h. In the bare soil (BS) plot, the highest RC of the study was found (80.0%) and soil losses reached 7.4 g/m2/h. In the grass cover plots, the RC and amount of eroded soil were highly variable: the RCs ranged from 0.4 to 77.0%, and soil losses were between less than 1 and 13.4 g/m2/h. Soil type, soil moisture, slope and agricultural practices did not account for the variability. In fact, the density of grass cover in the wheel tracks explained a portion of this variability. The lack of grass in the centre of the inter‐row allowed for a preferential flow and created an erosion line in the wheel tracks where the soil was compacted. This study showed that grass cover in a vineyard was not necessarily sufficient to reduce surface runoff and prevent soil erosion. To be effective, the grass cover must be dense enough in the wheel tracks of agricultural machinery to avoid RCs close to the RC achieved with BS.
The low‐recombining pericentromeric region of barley restricts gene diversity and evolution but not gene expression
Authors: Baker Katie , Bayer Micha , Cook Nicola , Dreißig Steven , Dhillon Taniya , Russell Joanne , Hedley Pete E , Morris Jenny , Ramsay Luke , Colas Isabelle , Waugh Robbie , Steffenson Brian , Milne Iain , Stephen Gordon , Marshall David , Flavell Andrew J.
Published: June 2014

The low‐recombining pericentromeric region of the barley genome contains roughly a quarter of the genes of the species, embedded in low‐recombining DNA that is rich in repeats and repressive chromatin signatures. We have investigated the effects of pericentromeric region residency upon the expression, diversity and evolution of these genes. We observe no significant difference in average transcript level or developmental RNA specificity between the barley pericentromeric region and the rest of the genome. In contrast, all of the evolutionary parameters studied here show evidence of compromised gene evolution in this region. First, genes within the pericentromeric region of wild barley show reduced diversity and significantly weakened purifying selection compared with the rest of the genome. Second, gene duplicates (ohnolog pairs) derived from the cereal whole‐genome duplication event ca. 60MYa have been completely eliminated from the barley pericentromeric region. Third, local gene duplication in the pericentromeric region is reduced by 29% relative to the rest of the genome. Thus, the pericentromeric region of barley is a permissive environment for gene expression but has restricted gene evolution in a sizeable fraction of barley's genes.
PIRIN2 stabilizes cysteine proteaseXCP2 and increases susceptibility to the vascular pathogenRalstonia solanacearumin Arabidopsis
Authors: Zhang Bo , Tremousaygue Dominique , Denancé Nicolas , van Esse H. Peter , Hörger Anja C. , Dabos Patrick , Goffner Deborah , Thomma Bart P. H. J. , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. , Tuominen Hannele
Published: June 2014

PIRIN(PRN) is a member of the functionally diverse cupin protein superfamily. There are four members of theArabidopsis thalianaPRNfamily, but the roles of these proteins are largely unknown. Here we describe a function of the ArabidopsisPIRIN2 (PRN2) that is related to susceptibility to the bacterial plant pathogenRalstonia solanacearum. Twoprn2mutant alleles displayed decreased disease development and bacterial growth in response toR.  solanacearuminfection. We elucidated the underlying molecular mechanism by analyzingPRN2 interactions with the papain‐like cysteine proteases (PLCPs)XCP2,RD21A, andRD21B, all of which bound toPRN2 in yeast two‐hybrid assays and in Arabidopsis protoplast co‐immunoprecipitation assays. We show thatXCP2 is stabilized byPRN2 through inhibition of its autolysis on the basis ofPLCPactivity profiling assays and enzymatic assays with recombinant protein. The stabilization ofXCP2 byPRN2 was also confirmedin planta. Likeprn2mutants, anxcp2single knockout mutant andxcp2 prn2double knockout mutant displayed decreased susceptibility toR. solanacearum, suggesting that stabilization ofXCP2 byPRN2 underlies susceptibility toR. solanacearumin Arabidopsis.
Training practices of hematopoietic progenitor cell–apheresis and –cord blood collection staff: analysis of a survey by the Alliance for Harmonisation of Cellular Therapy Accreditation
Authors: Celluzzi Christina M. , Keever‐Taylor Carolyn , Alurf Mahmoud , Koh Mickey B.C. , Rabe Fran , Rebulla Paolo , Sacchi Nicoletta , Sanders Jean , McGrath Eoin , Loper Kathy ,   The Alliance for Harmonisation of Cellular Therapy Accreditation (AHCTA)
Published: June 2014

Background

As hematopoietic stem cell transplantation expands globally, identification of the key elements that make up high‐quality training programs will become more important to optimizing collection practices and quality of the products collected.

Study Design and Methods

Multiple‐choice and open questions to identify training practices of those collecting hematopoietic progenitor cell–apheresis [HPC(A)] and –cord blood [HPC(CB)] products were distributed via an electronic survey tool worldwide. Data were collected on facility demographics, job descriptions, and the content of training programs including general practices, staff assessment, retraining, and unique program features.

Results

Respondents from more than 50 countries predominantly associating with facilities in North America and Europe represented transplant centers or transfusion services also performing collections. For the majority of staff performing HPC(A) collections (50%), initial training required as many procedures as necessary be done until competency was achieved. Competency was evaluated by direct observation comparing performance to written procedures or protocol steps (47%), combination of written assessment and observation (45%), evaluation of product quality (40%), and written assessment alone (12%). Staff retraining was customized on a case‐by‐case basis (42%). Similar criteria were placed on HPC(CB) training, with an emphasis on product quality measured by sterility, CD34+ cell collection efficiency, hematocrit, volume, and mononuclear cell count.

Conclusion

Observation, practice, evaluation, and retraining until competency is achieved marked the training programs. Success was based on the ability of staff to execute procedures ultimately measured in product quality. Identified features may assist facilities in further developing and strengthening their own training programs.
The biological activity of soil in Norway spruce forests and in fern Athyrium distentifolium Tausch ex Opiz stands on deforested polluted sites in the Beskydy Mts.
Authors: Tůma I. , Tůmová D. , Záhora J.
Published: June 2014

The study is focussed on the biological activity of acid forest soil with aim to characterize some of its parameters. Activity of acidic soil phosphatase, basal and potentional respiration were compared and viable plate counts of microorganism colonies were evaluated. The soils of the Kněhyně region in the Moravian-Silesian Beskids Mts. are intensively influenced by acid deposition. They were sampled from area where often occurrence of fernAthyrium distentifoliumTausch ex Opiz was recorded. Above mentioned characteristics (values of parameters) were determined in soil samples collected in fern stands (close to the periphery of fern individuals with rich root system), from site between individual ferns and from the rest of neighbouring spruce community without distinct herbage layer. In majority of studied cases, increased values of all monitored parameters were found in space ofA. distentifoliumroots accumulated close by fern base. Bare soil between individual fern plants often shows on a lower biological soil activity, however these differences were mostly not statistically significant. On the contrary, values of studied soil parameters recorded in the rest of neighbouring forest community without distinct herbage layer, reached mostly the lowest values and they often differ significantly from values assessed in soil taken near theA. distentifoliumroots.
Local outbreak of the spruce needle tortricid Epinotia tedella Clerk (Lepidoptera, Tortricidae) in the Sudetes in Poland
Authors: Kosibowicz M. , Grodzki W. , Jachym M.
Published: June 2014

In 2004–2006 a local outbreak of Epinotia tedella was recorded on an area of 1,371 ha in Middle and Eastern Sudetes (Sowie and Bialskie Mts.) in Poland. In Bialskie Mts. slight damage dominated, while in Sowie Mts. more concentrated but moderate damage prevailed. The damage on older trees was limited to the lower half of the crowns, while on younger trees the middle parts of the crowns were more affected. The results of one-year field experiments towards the development of monitoring and forecast tools are presented in the paper. The results from ground emergence traps reflected phenology of butterflies’ emergence and the species preferences regarding older stands. The pheromone traps demonstrated the insect concentration on higher (above 900 m a.s.l.) elevations and confirmed the preference of older stands. Field observations revealed that a part of caterpillars can overwinter in the feeding places in tree crowns. The outbreak was incidental, with no effect on trees and stands. No new damage was recorded after 2006. The use of emergence traps and pheromone traps can be an interesting perspective, but further experiments concerning the interpretation of results are needed.
An Iterative Learning Control Approach to Improving Fidelity in Internet-Distributed Hardware-in-the-Loop Simulation
Authors: Ersal Tulga , Brudnak Mark , Salvi Ashwin , Kim Youngki , Siegel Jason B. , Stein Jeffrey L.
Published: June 2014

One of the main challenges of cosimulating hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) systems in real-time over the Internet is the fidelity of the simulation. The dynamics of the Internet may significantly distort the dynamics of the network-integrated system. This paper presents the development and experimental validation of an iterative learning control (ILC) based approach to improve fidelity of such networked system integration. Toward this end, a new metric for characterizing coupling fidelity is proposed, which, unlike some existing metrics, enables the formulation of the problem of improving system fidelity without requiring any knowledge about the reference dynamics (i.e., dynamics that would be observed, if the system was physically connected). Next, using this metric, the problem of improving fidelity is formulated as an ILC problem. The proposed approach is illustrated on an experimental setup simulating a hybrid electric powertrain distributed across three different sites with a real engine and battery in the loop. The conclusion is that the proposed approach holds significant potential for achieving high fidelity in Internet-distributed HIL (ID-HIL) simulation setups.
New and Extended Applications of the Divide-and-Conquer Algorithm for Multibody Dynamics
Authors: Laflin Jeremy J. , Anderson Kurt S. , Khan Imad M. , Poursina Mohammad
Published: June 2014

This work presents a survey of the current and ongoing research by the authors who use the divide-and-conquer algorithm (DCA) to reduce the computational burden associated with various aspects of multibody dynamics. This work provides a brief discussion of various topics that are extensions of previous DCA-based algorithms or novel uses of this algorithm in the multibody dynamics context. These topics include constraint error stabilization, spline-based modeling of flexible bodies, model fidelity transitions for flexible-body systems, and large deformations of flexible bodies. It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the “Advances in the Application of the DCA to Multibody System Dynamics” text as the notation used in this work is explained therein and provides a summary of how the DCA has been used previously.
Optimal Design of Compound Parabolic Concentrator Solar Collector System
Authors: Rao Singiresu S. , Lee Hoe-Gil , Hu Yi
Published: June 2014

The multi-objective optimum design of stationary compound parabolic concentrator (CPC) solar collectors is considered. The clear day solar beam radiation and diffuse radiation at the location of the solar collector are estimated. Three objectives are considered in the optimization problem formulation: maximization of the annual average incident solar energy, maximization of the lowest month incident solar energy and minimization of the cost. A modified game theory (MGT) methodology is used for the solution of the three-objective constrained optimization problems. When compared to the optimum results of flat plate solar collectors, the CPC solar collector could significantly reduce the value of cost per unit energy ratio. Parametric studies are conducted with respect to changes in land price. The present study is expected to help designers in creating optimized solar collectors based on specified requirements.
In Situ Deformation of Silicon Cantilever Under Constant Stress as a Function of Temperature
Authors: Gan Ming , Zhang Yang , Tomar Vikas
Published: June 2014

This research reports in situ creep properties of silicon microcantilevers at temperatures ranging from 25 °C to 100 °C under uniaxial compressive stress. Results reveal that in the stress range of 50–150 MPa, the strain rate of the silicon cantilever increases linearly as a function of applied stress. The strain rate (0.2–2.5 ×10-6s-1) was comparable to literature values for bulk silicon reported in the temperature range of 1100–1300 °C at one tenth of the reported stress level. The experiments quantify the extent of the effect of surface stress on uniaxial creep strain rate by measuring surface stress values during uniaxial temperature dependent creep.
Facial Expression Analysis for Content-Based Video Retrieval
Authors: Geetha P. , Narayanan Vasumathi
Published: June 2014

In this work, we propose a technique for facial expression recognition to bridge the semantic gap among the features that can be extracted in a content-based video retrieval system. The paper aims to provide accurate and reliable facial expression recognition of a dominant person in video frames using deterministic binary cellular automata (DBCA). Both geometric and appearance-based features are used. Efficient dimension reduction techniques for face detection and recognition are applied. Using the facial action coding system (FACS), one can code automatically nearly any anatomically possible facial expression, deconstructing it into what are called as action units (AUs). By employing two-dimensional deterministic binary cellular automaton systems (2D-DBCA), a scheme is developed to classify the facial expressions representing various emotions to retrieve video scenes/shots. Extensive experiments on Cohn–Kanade database, Yale database, and large movie videos show the superiority of the proposed method, in comparison with support vector machines (SVMs), hidden Markov models (HMMs), and neural network (NN) classifiers.
Optimal Setpoints for HVAC Systems via Iterative Cooperative Neighbor Communication
Authors: Elliott Matthew , Rasmussen Bryan P.
Published: June 2014

Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems in large buildings frequently feature a network topology wherein the outputs of each dynamic subsystem act as disturbances to other subsystems. The distributed optimization technique presented in this paper leverages this topology without requiring a centralized controller or widespread knowledge of the interaction dynamics between subsystems. Each subsystem's controller calculates an optimal steady state condition. The output corresponding to this condition is then communicated to downstream neighbors only. Similarly, each subsystem communicates to its upstream neighbors the predicted costs imposed by the neighbors' own calculated outputs. By judicious construction of the cost functions, all of the cost information is propagated through the network, allowing a Pareto optimal solution to be reached. The novelty of this approach is that communication between all plants is not necessary to achieve a global optimum. Since each optimizer does not require knowledge of its neighbors' dynamics, changes in one controller do not require changes to all controllers in the network. Proofs of convergence to Pareto optimality under certain conditions are presented, and convergence under the approach is demonstrated with a simulation example. The approach is also applied to a laboratory-based water chiller system; several experiments demonstrate the features of the approach and potential for energy savings.
Periodic-Node Graph-Based Framework for Stochastic Control of Small Aerial Vehicles
Authors: Agha-mohammadi Ali-akbar , Agarwal Saurav , Chakravorty Suman
Published: June 2014

This paper presents a strategy for stochastic control of small aerial vehicles under uncertainty using graph-based methods. In planning with graph-based methods, such as the probabilistic roadmap method (PRM) in state space or the information roadmaps (IRM) in information-state (belief) space, the local planners (along the edges) are responsible to drive the state/belief to the final node of the edge. However, for aerial vehicles with minimum velocity constraints, driving the system belief to a sampled belief is a challenge. In this paper, we propose a novel method based on periodic controllers, in which instead of stabilizing the belief to a predefined probability distribution, the belief is stabilized to an orbit (periodic path) of probability distributions. Choosing nodes along these orbits, the node reachability in belief space is achieved and we can form a graph in belief space that can handle higher order dynamics or nonstoppable systems (whose velocity cannot be zero), such as fixed-wing aircraft. The proposed method takes obstacles into account and provides a query-independent graph, since its edge costs are independent of each other. Thus, it satisfies the principle of optimality. Therefore, dynamic programming (DP) can be utilized to compute the best feedback on the graph. We demonstrate the method's performance on a unicycle robot and a six degrees of freedom (DoF) small aerial vehicle.
Effects of Attentional Focusing Strategies on Muscular Power in Older Women
Authors: Makaruk Hubert , Porter Jared M. , Długołęcka Barbara , Parnicka Urszula , Makaruk Beata
Published: June 2014

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of different foci of attention on parameters related to maximum muscular power in older women. Using a counterbalanced within-participant design, 23 physically active young-old women (age 59-69) completed a maximum effort cycle ergometer test following three types of verbal instructions. The external instruction (EXF) was designed to focus attention on moving the pedals as fast as possible, internal instruction (INF) directed attention toward moving the legs as fast as possible, and a control condition (CON) was created in which participants were instructed to perform the task to the best of their abilities. Results indicated that the EXF and CON conditions resulted in greater muscular power compared with the INF condition. Results also indicated that directing attention internally hindered muscular power performance in older women, which is consistent with the predictions of the constrained action hypothesis.
The cultural evolution of mind reading
Authors: Heyes Cecilia M. , Frith Chris D.
Published: June 2014

Learning to read minds starts early

No parent needs reminding that children are born with a surprising set of abilities. But children still need many hours of guidance and instruction. Heyes and Frith review one particular social cognitive skill: reading the minds of others (or at least working out what other people are thinking and feeling). An unrefined capacity for “mind reading” is present in infants, but teaching is necessary to develop the full-blown capacity seen in adults. The authors draw parallels between learning to read and learning to read minds.

Science
, this issue p.
10.1126/science.1243091
Ultralight, ultrastiff mechanical metamaterials
Authors: Zheng Xiaoyu , Lee Howon , Weisgraber Todd H. , Shusteff Maxim , DeOtte Joshua , Duoss Eric B. , Kuntz Joshua D. , Biener Monika M. , Ge Qi , Jackson Julie A. , Kucheyev Sergei O. , Fang Nicholas X. , Spadaccini Christopher M.
Published: June 2014

Microlattices make marvelous materials

Framework or lattice structures can be remarkably strong despite their very low density. Using a very precise technique known as projection microstereolithography, Zheng
et al.
fabricated octet microlattices from polymers, metals, and ceramics. The design of the lattices meant that the individual struts making up the materials did not bend under pressure. The materials were therefore exceptionally stiff, strong, and lightweight.

Science
, this issue p.
1373
Electro-optical frequency division and stable microwave synthesis
Authors: Li Jiang , Yi Xu , Lee Hansuek , Diddams Scott A. , Vahala Kerry J.
Published: June 2014

A more simple route to metrology standards

The time standards set by atomic clocks are usually the domain of national metrology laboratories. Li
et al.
modulated the phase of two closely spaced laser lines to generate a comb of stable and equally spaced frequencies. They then used that comb to generate stable microwaves. Being somewhat simpler than existing optical comb generation techniques and also tunable, the approach may offer a new era of metrology and precision timekeeping.

Science
, this issue p.
309
Ultrafast optical control by few photons in engineered fiber
Authors: Nissim R. , Pejkic A. , Myslivets E. , Kuo B. P. , Alic N. , Radic S.
Published: June 2014

Toward the control of light with light

Optic fibers form the backbone of the communications sector and carry huge amounts of data around the globe. Nissim
et al.
show that small perturbations within the core of a fiber give rise to interactions between photons. The strength of the interaction could be controlled by carefully characterizing and splicing together different lengths of fiber. The interactions between the photons were enhanced so that a strong signal beam could be switched off with just a few photons.

Science
, this issue p.
417
A fast and long-lived outflow from the supermassive black hole in NGC 5548
Authors: Kaastra J. S. , Kriss G. A. , Cappi M. , Mehdipour M. , Petrucci P.-O. , Steenbrugge K. C. , Arav N. , Behar E. , Bianchi S. , Boissay R. , Branduardi-Raymont G. , Chamberlain C. , Costantini E. , Ely J. C. , Ebrero J. , Di Gesu L. , Harrison F. A. , Kaspi S. , Malzac J. , De Marco B. , Matt G. , Nandra K. , Paltani S. , Person R. , Peterson B. M. , Pinto C. , Ponti G. , Nuñez F. Pozo , De Rosa A. , Seta H. , Ursini F. , de Vries C. P. , Walton D. J. , Whewell M.
Published: June 2014

Gas jets block extragalactic x-rays

Supermassive black holes at the heart of active galaxies produce powerful gas outflows. NGC 5548 is one such source known to sustain a persistent outflow of ionized gas. However, its associated x-ray and ultraviolet (UV) emission seem to have been suppressed in recent years. Kaastra
et al.
conducted a multiwavelength monitoring campaign throughout 2013 to characterize the system's behavior. They suggest that an additional faster jet component has been launching clumps of gas that obscure both the x-ray and UV radiation. The timing of this phenomenon indicates a source only a few light-days away from the nucleus. This proximity suggests that the outflow could be associated with a wind from the supermassive black hole's accretion disk. Even more powerful outflows could also influence their host galaxies, and this finding demonstrates how that feedback might work.

Science
, this issue p.
64
Activation of cytoplasmic dynein motility by dynactin-cargo adapter complexes
Authors: McKenney Richard J. , Huynh Walter , Tanenbaum Marvin E. , Bhabha Gira , Vale Ronald D.
Published: June 2014

How dynein makes the right moves

The molecular motor cytoplasmic dynein moves a wide range of different intracellular cargoes. Dynein's activity in vivo requires another protein, dynactin, but exactly why that should be has been very unclear. Although in vitro experiments have provided some evidence that dynactin increases dynein's processivity, the resulting dynein motility has never come close to matching dynein's cargo-transporting activity in living cells. Now, McKenney
et al.
show that tripartite complexes of dynein, dynactin, and an adaptor molecule are highly processive in vitro, moving the sort of distances that dynein transports cargo in vivo (see the Perspective by Allan).

Science
, this issue p.
337
; see also p.
271
How carrion and hooded crows defeat Linnaeus's curse
Authors: de Knijff Peter
Published: June 2014

How two crow species maintain their identity raises questions about species concepts.

[Also see Report by

Poelstra
et al.

]
A cell death avenue evolved from a life-saving path
Authors: Kampinga Harm H.
Published: June 2014

Altruistic cell suicide model is challenged.

[Also see Report by

Malmgren Hill
et al.

]
Just one proposal per year, please, NSF tells astronomers
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2014

As success rates drop, agency seeks to limit applications.
Secret bundles of profit
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: June 2014

Study lifts veil on journal price negotiations.
Xiburema Virus, a Hitherto Undescribed Virus within the Family
Rhabdoviridae
Isolated in the Brazilian Amazon Region
Authors: Wanzeller Ana Lucia M. , Martins Lívia C. , Diniz Júnior José Antonio P. , de Almeida Medeiros Daniele Barbosa , Cardoso Jedson F. , da Silva Daisy E. A. , de Oliveira Layanna F. , de Vasconcelos Janaina M. , Nunes Márcio R. T. , Vianez Júnior João Lídio da S. G. , Vasconcelos Pedro F. C.
Published: June 2014

We report here the first complete open reading frame (ORF) genome sequence of Xiburema virus (XIBV), that of strain BE AR362159, isolated from mosquitoes (
Sabethes intermedius
) in Sena Madureira, Acre state, northern Brazil. All genes showed similarities with those belonging to members of the family
Rhabdoviridae
.
First Full Genome Sequence of a Human Enterovirus A120, Isolated in Madagascar
Authors: Razafindratsimandresy Richter , Joffret Marie-Line , Delpeyroux Francis , Heraud Jean-Michel
Published: June 2014

We report the first complete genome sequence of an enterovirus isolate belonging to the human enterovirus A species of the
Picornaviridae
family and to type A120 (EV-A120). The EV-A120 isolate MAD-2741-11 was obtained from the stool of a healthy child living on Madagascar Island. The isolate genome was amplified by a reverse transcription-PCR method, and the consensus sequence was determined.
Draft Genome Sequence of Kitasatospora cheerisanensis KCTC 2395, Which Produces Plecomacrolide against Phytopathogenic Fungi
Authors: Hwang Jae Yoon , Kim Soo Hee , Oh Hye Ryeung , Cho Yong-Joon , Chun Jongsik , Chung Young Ryun , Nam Doo Hyun
Published: June 2014

Kitasatospora cheerisanensis
KCTC 2395, which produces antifungal metabolites with bafilomycin derivatives, including bafilomycin C1-amide, was isolated from a soil sample at Mt. Jiri, South Korea. Here, we report its draft genome sequence, which contains 8.04 Mb with 73.6% G+C content and 7,810 protein-coding genes.
Draft Genome Sequences of
Vibrio
sp. Strains Isolated from Tetrodotoxin-Bearing Scavenging Gastropod
Authors: Kudo Toshiaki , Kawauchi Ayumi , Nakahara Tomomi , Zhang Xiaochi , Taniyama Shigeto , Takatani Tomohiro , Arakawa Osamu , Oshima Kenshiro , Suda Wataru , Kitamura Keiko , Iida Toshiya , Iino Takao , Inoue Tetsushi , Hongoh Yuichi , Hattori Masahira , Ohkuma Moriya
Published: June 2014

Vibrio
sp. strains JCM 18905 and JCM 19053 were isolated from a tetrodotoxin (TTX)-bearing scavenging gastropod, and
Vibrio
sp. strain JCM 18904 was isolated from a sea cucumber. All these are closely related to
Vibrio alginolyticus
. Their comparative genome information is useful for studies of TTX production in bacteria.
A rare complication of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis: parathyroid hormone-related peptide-induced hypercalcaemia
Authors: O Sullivan Eoin , Plant William
Published: June 2014

We describe a rare occurrence of parathyroid hormone-related peptide (PTHrp) associated hypercalcaemia with a recurrence of transitional cell carcinoma of the renal pelvis. Our patient presented with serum calcium of 3.9 mmol/L, PTH of 5 ng/L and a PTHrp of 9.8 pmol/L (<2 pmol/L). He had no evidence of metastatic disease. His hypercalcaemia responded to bisphosphonate therapy. He chose to be treated conservatively and died 5 weeks after presentation. This is the seventh such case described in the literature. PTHrp-induced hypercalcaemia is associated with a grave prognosis, with a mean survival of 65 days from presentation.
A thalassaemia intermedia case with concomitant left atrial thrombus
Authors: Sahin Cem , Basaran Ozcan , Topal Yasar , Akin Fatih
Published: June 2014

Although marked improvements have been observed in the life expectancy of patients with thalassaemia by regular blood transfusion and strict iron chelation therapies in recent years, these patients still have to deal with several complications, mainly cardiovascular. One of the life-threatening complications is the chronic hypercoagulable state and thromboembolic events which develop due to haemostatic alterations in patients with thalassaemia, although they are more frequently seen in those with thalassaemia intermedia. Many thromboembolic complications, mainly deep venous thrombosis and cerebral thrombosis, have been reported in thalassaemia. However, intracardiac thrombosis is rarely seen. In this manuscript, we presented a case that underwent splenectomy 6 years ago but not regularly attended the control visits and presented to our clinic with gradually increasing exercise dyspnoea for 2 months.
Chronic dacryocystitis secondary toStenotrophomonas maltophiliaandStaphylococcus aureusmixed infection
Authors: Taskiran Comez Arzu , Koklu Asiye , Akcali Alper
Published: June 2014

A 40-year-old woman with a history of recurrent attacks of dacryocystitis for 2 years developed a lacrimal sac abscess. β-Lactam antibiotics, considered the first-line treatment for dacryocystitis, were ineffective. She underwent dacryocystorhinostomy. Cultures from the lacrimal sac demonstrated the presence ofStenotrophomonas maltophiliaand methicillin-sensitiveStaphylococcus aureus, both of which are sensitive to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. This rare and antibiotic-resistant bacterial species should be considered in atypical cases of dacryocystitis, and appropriate antibiotics should be started immediately.
Epigastric pain…it's not always alcohol! An unusual presentation of caecal intussusception
Authors: Doherty J , Ahmed I
Published: June 2014

Our patient is a 19-year-old man who presented to the emergency department after consuming 50–60 units of alcohol over a weekend. He presented with a 2-day history of right-upper quadrant (RUQ) and epigastric pain radiating to the back. On examination he was haemodynamically stable. His abdomen was soft with minimal tenderness in the RUQ, epigastric and right-iliac fossa areas. Laboratory results showed a slightly raised erythrocyte sedimentation rate. Amylase and white cell count were normal. Ultrasound was performed raising the suspicion of intussusception. A CT scan was recommended and confirmed the presence of an intussusception. Once diagnosis was established, the patient had an emergency laparotomy and right hemicoloectomy, with per-operative findings consistent with the CT findings. This case illustrates the importance of keeping an open approach to all differentials while considering a diagnosis along with the importance of recognising intussusception when it occurs as complications can each represent a cause of mortality on their own.
Reduced glenohumeral rotation, external rotation weakness and scapular dyskinesis are risk factors for shoulder injuries among elite male handball players: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Clarsen Benjamin , Bahr Roald , Andersson Stig Haugsboe , Munk Rikke , Myklebust Grethe
Published: June 2014

Aim

To determine whether rotator cuff strength, glenohumeral joint range of motion and scapular control are associated with shoulder injuries among elite male handball players.

Methods

A total of 206 players in the Norwegian elite handball league for men were tested prior to the 2011–2012 season. Measures included: (1) glenohumeral internal and external rotation range of motion, (2) isometric internal rotation, external rotation and abduction strength and (3) assessment of scapular dyskinesis. Players were followed prospectively for the entire regular season (30 weeks), with shoulder problems registered bi-weekly using the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Overuse Injury Questionnaire. A cumulative severity score was calculated for each player based on their questionnaire responses. This was used as the outcome measure in risk factor analyses.

Results

The average prevalence of shoulder problems throughout the season was 28% (95% CI 25% to 31%). The prevalence of substantial shoulder problems, defined as those leading to moderate or severe reductions in handball participation or performance, or to time loss, was 12% (95% CI 11% to 13%). Significant associations were found between obvious scapular dyskinesis (OR 8.41, 95% CI 1.47 to 48.1, p<0.05), total rotational motion (OR 0.77 per 5° change, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.995, p<0.05) and external rotation strength (OR 0.71 per 10 Nm change, 95% CI 0.44 to 0.99, p<0.05) and shoulder injury.

Conclusions

Injury prevention programmes should incorporate interventions aimed at improving glenohumeral rotational range of motion, external rotation strength and scapular control.
Job burnout among critical care nurses from 14 adult intensive care units in northeastern China: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Chun , Huang De-Sheng , Guan Peng
Published: June 2014

Objectives

The shortage of qualified nurses is one of the critical challenges in the field of healthcare. Among the contributing factors, job burnout has been indicated as a risk factor for the intention to leave. The purpose of this study was to provide a better understanding of the local status and reference data for coping strategies for intensive care unit (ICU)-nurse burnout among Liaoning ICU nurses.

Design

Observational study.

Setting

17 ICUs from 10 tertiary-level hospitals in Liaoning, China.

Participants

431 ICU nurses from 14 ICUs nested in 10 tertiary-level hospitals in Liaoning, China, were invited during October and November 2010.

Primary measures

Burnout was measured using the 22-item Chinese version of Maslach Burnout Inventory-Health Service Survey (MBI-HSS) questionnaires.

Results

14 ICUs responded actively and were included; the response rate was 87.7% among the 486 invited participants from these 17 ICUs. The study population was a young population, with the median age 25 years, IQR 23–28 years and female nurses accounted for the major part (88.5%). 68 nurses (16%) were found to have a high degree of burnout, earning high emotional exhaustion and depersonalisation scores together with a low personal accomplishment score.

Conclusions

The present study indicated a moderate distribution of burnout among ICU nurses in Liaoning, China. An investigation into the burnout levels of this population could bring more attention to ICU caregivers.