bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nationalism across Frontiers: The Narratives and Economic Activities of Tongshuntai, an Overseas Chinese Company in Korea during the First Sino-Japanese War (愛國主義在邊境：在甲午戰爭期間旅韓華商同順泰號的故事和經濟活動)
Authors: Kang (姜抮亞) Jin-A
Published: June 2016

This paper analyses the business communications of the Tongshuntai firm in order to examine Cantonese merchants’ attitudes and responses to the first Sino-Japanese War (1894–95). Since Tongshuntai achieved rapid commercial growth in Korea under the auspices of the Qing Empire’s political presence in Korea, Tan Jiesheng, the executive manager of Tongshuntai, kept close eyes on the political evolution of events. While his overriding concern was with preserving property value and maximizing commercial profits, he identified private interest with national interest occasionally. Being part of the commercial diaspora, Cantonese merchants in East Asia, represented by Tan Jiesheng and his trade partners, shared the position that the highest priority should be placed on preserving capital, though they, being as Chinese, wished a Chinese victory as well. For the sake of their economic survival, they regarded the Western powers and their legal protection in the open ports as the last resort. As the war against China was evolving, the assaults on the Chinese in Korea increased considerably. Ironically, while the Cantonese merchants started to despise the Japanese by calling them “Japanese dwarfs” or “Daikon head,” their biggest contempt was directed to Koreans who set fire on Chinese shops and looted them. After the battlefield was shifted into Chinese territory, Tan Jiesheng monopolized the profit of the wartime boom in Korea, taking advantage of the temporary setback of the Shandong merchants. His confidence in economic success in Korea reinforced his cynical and critical attitude toward the Qing dynasty and its bureaucrats who were forced to negotiate a humiliating peace treaty with the Japanese. (This article is in English.)

本文以分析同順泰號的交換書信來探討廣東商人對甲午戰爭的態度和反應。因爲同順泰號在駐韓淸官的保護之下得到迅速發展，同順泰號的經理譚傑生特別關注事態的進展。一方面他的最要關心始終在於保存資産和追求最高利潤，另一方面有時將國家利益視如自己的利益。譚傑生是離散在東亞的廣幇商人群體之一員。這些廣幇商人雖然祈願淸朝的戰勝，但依然優先保全資産的課題。爲了經濟上的生存，他們將西歐列强在開港口的勢力以及法律的規制看做最後的堡壘。戰時出現了朝鮮人對旅韓華商的攻擊。廣幇商人將日本人稱號倭寇或者蘿蔔頭等的蔑稱，而對華商店鋪放火和掠奪的朝鮮人却成爲他們所最蔑視的對象。在戰場轉移爲淸朝領土之後，譚傑生乘山東商人撤退的機會可以獨占戰時好況的利益。他在戰時獲得的營業成功加强了他對淸朝的批判性態度，他看到淸朝官僚在講和談判上堪耐屈辱之情況，更强化了對淸朝和淸官僚的否定態度。
A new species of the genus Glischrochilus Reitter (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae: Cryptarchinae) from China
Authors: LASOŃ ANDRZEJ , MAZUR MIŁOSZ A.
Published: June 2016

The cosmopolitan genus Glischrochilus Reitter, 1873 (Nitidulidae: Cryptarchinae) is distributed in Holarctic and Oriental regions. According to the most recent catalogue (Jelínek & Audisio 2007), 32 species are known from the Palaearctic region. In China the genus is represented by 13 species, most of which were described by Jelínek (1975, 1982, 1999) and Lasoń (2009).
Description of the male of Acentrus boroveci Košťál, 2014 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Acentrusini)
Authors: KOŠŤÁL MICHAEL , KOŠŤÁLOVÁ ZUZANA
Published: June 2016

The male of the recently described Acentrus boroveci Košťál, 2014 is described for the first time, and characters to differentiate it from males of the two other species of Acentrus Desmarest, 1839 are given.
The mistaken manakin: a new genus-group name for Parus pipra Linnaeus, 1758 (Aves: Passeriformes: Pipridae)
Authors: KIRWAN GUY M. , DAVID NORMAND , GREGORY STEVEN M. S. , JOBLING JAMES A. , STEINHEIMER FRANK D. , BRITO GUILHERME RENZO ROCHA
Published: June 2016

The White-crowned Manakin Pipra pipra was long considered congeneric with other members of the genus Pipra, until Prum (1990, 1992, 1994) demonstrated that its display repertoire and syringeal morphology differ considerably from all other members of that genus. Subsequently, three different molecular phylogenies have all indicated that this manakin is more closely related to the genus Machaeropterus than to Pipra. Prum (1992) considered that the name Dixiphia Reichenbach, 1850, was available, and thus the combination Dixiphia pipra has since been in widespread use for this species. However, as first recognized more than 150 years ago, Dixiphia is a junior synonym of Arundinicola d’Orbigny, 1840. We show that no genus-group name is available for the manakin originally described as Parus pipra Linnaeus, 1758, and for which we therefore provide a new genus name.
Novel cellular perlite–epoxy foams: Effect of density on mechanical properties
Authors: Allameh-Haery Haleh , Kisi Erich , Fiedler Thomas
Published: June 2016

A novel type of economical lightweight foam with density from 0.15 to 0.45 g/cm3 was made from a high volume fraction of expanded volcanic glass (perlite) in an epoxy matrix. The compressive strength, effective elastic modulus, and modulus of toughness of the foams all increased with the foam density. The strength increased linearly, peaking at 1.7 MPa whereas the effective elastic modulus and modulus of toughness increased at parabolically increasing and decreasing rates, respectively. The specific compressive stress of the newly developed foam in the density range of 0.3–0.44 g/cm3 is comparable with foams made from alumina, aluminium–silicon carbide, closed cell phenolic resin, and closed cell polypropylene. Post-test SEM observations coupled with photogrammetry during the tests revealed three different failure modes: longitudinal splitting, shear failure, and compression failure were present over the whole density range. The material was found to be a good candidate for the stiffening cores within sandwich panels.
Guided Pathways to Careers
Authors: Van Noy Michelle , Trimble Madeline , Jenkins Davis , Barnett Elisabeth , Wachen John
Published: June 2016

Objective: Some have hypothesized that community college programs are not sufficiently structured to support student success and that students would benefit from more highly structured programs. This study examines the specific ways that structure is expressed in policy and practice at representative community colleges. Method: Using data obtained from interviews and program websites at Washington State community and technical colleges, we examine the structure of community college career-technical programs along four dimensions: program prescription, program alignment, access to information, and active advising and support. Results: We find high levels of structure on all dimensions in the allied health, computer and information science, and mechanics and repair programs. There are moderate levels of structure in the business and marketing programs. Contributions: This study documents the specific ways that community college career-technical programs are structured to support student success, and it provides a framework for examining structure to inform practice and guide future research efforts.
Detection of pulmonary embolism using repeated MRI acquisitions without respiratory gating: a preliminary study
Authors: Nyrén Sven , Nordgren Rogberg Anna , Vargas Paris Roberto , Bengtsson Bonnie , Westerlund Eli , Lindholm Peter
Published: June 2016

Background

Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe medical condition with non-specific clinical findings. Computed tomography angiography (CTA) using iodinated contrast agents is the golden standard for diagnosis, but many patients have contraindications for CTA.

Purpose

To investigate the diagnostic accuracy of repeated acquisitions of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), without respiratory gating or breath holding, in diagnosing PE using CTA as the reference standard.

Material and Methods

Thirty-three patients with clinically suspected PE underwent MRI within 48 h after diagnostic CTA. A control group of 37 healthy participants underwent MRI and was matched with an equal number of negative CTA exams. The MRI protocol was based on free-breathing steady-state free precession producing 4.5 mm slices in axial, sagittal, and coronal planes. Instead of respiratory or cardiac gating five repetitive slices were obtained in each anatomical position to compensate for movement and artifacts. Clinical assessment including d-dimer and Well’s score was performed prior to imaging. One radiologist reviewed the CTA exams and two radiologists reviewed the MRI scans.

Results

All 70 MRI exams were of diagnostic quality and the total acquisition time for each MRI scan was 9 min 34 s. On CTA, 29 patients were diagnosed with PE and the MRI readers detected 26 and 27 of those, respectively. Specificity was 100% for both readers. Sensitivity was 90% and 93%, respectively. Inter-reader agreement using Cohen’s kappa was 0.97.

Conclusion

Our unenhanced MRI protocol shows a high sensitivity and specificity for PE, but further studies are required before considering it as a safe diagnostic test.
Sexual Victimization and Benefit Expectations of Risky Behavior Among Female College Students
Authors: Carlson Gwendolyn C. , Duckworth Melanie P.
Published: June 2016

Sexual victimization has been shown to positively relate to both engagement in risky behavior and subsequent sexual victimization. Research has focused on the degree to which women consider the risks or costs of engaging in risky behaviors. The purpose of the current study was to examine the degree to which women weigh the costs and benefits of engaging in risky behaviors. Using self-report data from 113 female undergraduates, two separate hierarchical regression analyses were performed to examine the contributions of number of sexual victimization experiences, emotion dysregulation, cost expectations of risky behavior, and benefit expectations of risky behavior to latency to exit a risk perception vignette involving a stranger and frequency of engagement in risky behavior. Regression analyses revealed that the full set of predictors accounted for 13% of the variance in latency to exit the risk perception vignette involving a stranger, with emotion dysregulation and benefit expectations making significant and independent contributions. Regression analyses revealed that the same set of predictors accounted for 34% of the variance in frequency of engagement in risky behavior, with number of sexual victimization experiences and benefit expectations making significant and independent contributions. The current findings suggest that sexual victimization risk may be influenced by perceived benefits of risky behavior. Implications of the current findings will be discussed in the context of sexual victimization risk reduction.
Job Content Plateaus
Authors: Hurst Carrie S. , Baranik Lisa E. , Clark Steven
Published: June 2016

The current study examined job content plateaus, which occur when employees perceive a lack of future challenge or responsibility in their jobs. Although previous research has indicated that job content plateaus are related to poor job attitudes and outcomes, few studies have examined mediators of these relationships, a critical step in theory development. In this study, we tested a mediation model to examine the outcomes of job content plateaus among a sample of 118 hospital employees in Kenya. Job content plateaus were negatively related to job satisfaction and organizational citizenship behaviors directed at individuals (OCBIs). Job satisfaction was positively related to OCBIs and organizational citizenship behaviors aimed at organizations (OCBOs) and mediated the relationship between job content plateaus and OCBIs and OCBOs.
Controlling industrial pollution in urban China: Towards a more effective institutional milieu in the Guangzhou Environmental Protection Bureau?
Authors: Lo Carlos Wing-Hung , Liu Ning , Li Pansy Hon Ying , Wang Wei
Published: June 2016

This article traces the institutional development of environmental regulation in urban China, using data from three rounds of surveys of enforcement officials in the Guangzhou Environmental Protection Bureau in 2000, 2006 and 2013. We found that the changes to institutional contexts of regulatory control appear mainly in the fluctuating degree of support from various non-state actors, but not from government entities and regulated industries. While we detected visible organizational changes in local environmental enforcement bureaus, there was also organizational stability. First, the quality of enforcement officials has improved, as reflected by a higher level of education, first from 2000–2006 and then from 2006–2013. Second, the perceived value of enforcement officials in environmental protection was considerably enhanced in the period 2000–2006, and then remained stable from 2006 to 2013. Third, enforcement obstacles in terms of administrative ambiguity remained virtually unchanged from 2000 to 2013, while enforcement power deficit, resource scarcity and procedural ambiguity became more severe. Overall, the general perception of enforcement effectiveness at both the unit and organizational levels has remained the same over the past 13 years, whereas individual-level enforcement was perceived to have become more effective (with significant changes mainly taking place from 2006 to 2013). On the basis of these empirical results, we found that the institutional conditions for stricter enforcement in Guangzhou were visibly improved from 2000 to 2006, but only modestly improved between 2006 and 2013.
Acute onset myopericarditis as unusual presentation of primary HIV infection
Authors: Vandi Giacomo , Calza Leonardo , Girometti Nicolò , Manfredi Roberto , Musumeci Giuseppina , Bon Isabella , Re Maria Carla
Published: June 2016

A 30-year-old man was admitted to hospital after complaining of a retrosternal burning pain, radiating to the jugular region, and to both upper limbs. An electrocardiography examination showed a ST segment elevation involving the lower-lateral leads. A trans-thoracic ultrasonography showed findings compatible with an acute myopericarditis. All performed serological testings excluded other recent infections with cardiac tropism. Among screening tests, a peripheral lymphocyte subset analysis was performed and an inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio was found. Therefore, HIV testing was performed and proved positive for HIV-1 antibodies. The discovery of a primary HIV infection with involvement of a vital organ led us to start HAART. On day 20, our patient underwent a right heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy. During the following days, the clinical conditions of our patient improved, and a further heart ultrasonography documented a mild pericardial thickening as a result of the recent myopericarditis. Also the evolving changes of ECG were compatible with a benign evolution of myopericarditis. The histopathologic studies revealed a mild fibrosis of the myocardial right ventricular tissue, and inflammatory findings compatible with a recent myocarditis. At the real-time PCR analysis on bioptic sample, only HHV6 DNA and HIV-DNA were reactive. An immunofluorescence staining was performed to highlight the HIV p24 protein and a positive signal was detected in myocardial tissue. Considering the low avidity level of the anti-HIV IgG antibodies and the positivity of HIV-DNA in the endomyocardial tissue, we believe that the clinical manifestation presented can be referred to the recent primary HIV-infection.
Theory of mind and Verstehen (understanding) methodology
Authors: Kumazaki Tsutomu
Published: June 2016

Theory of mind is a prominent, but highly controversial, field in psychology, psychiatry, and philosophy of mind. Simulation theory, theory-theory and other views have been presented in recent decades, none of which are monolithic. In this article, various views on theory of mind are reviewed, and methodological problems within each view are investigated. The relationship between simulation theory and Verstehen (understanding) methodology in traditional human sciences is an intriguing issue, although the latter is not a direct ancestor of the former. From that perspective, lessons for current clinical psychiatry are drawn.
Aneurysm of the cranial mesenteric artery as a site of carriage of Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi in the horse
Authors: Niwa Hidekazu , Hobo Seiji , Kinoshita Yuta , Muranaka Masanori , Ochi Akihiro , Ueno Takanori , Oku Kazuomi , Hariu Kazuhisa , Katayama Yoshinari
Published: June 2016

Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serovar Abortusequi is a pathogen restricted to horses. Our investigation targeted 4 draft horses (9–10 months old) kept on a Japanese farm that had suffered an outbreak of S. Abortusequi abortion. The 4 horses were suspected to be carriers of the bacterium owing to their high agglutination titers (≥1:2,560) in tube agglutination testing. The owners’ on-farm observations confirmed that the horses had no apparent abnormalities, and S. Abortusequi was not isolated from their blood, rectal swabs, or sternal bone marrow fluid at antemortem investigation. However, at autopsy, all horses displayed the following: suppurative aneurysm of the cranial mesenteric artery with heavy infection with Strongylus vulgaris larvae; heavy intestinal parasitic infection with Gasterophilus intestinalis, Parascaris equorum, Anoplocephala perfoliata, and S. vulgaris; and enlargement of the systemic lymph nodes. In each case, large numbers of S. Abortusequi were isolated from the anterior mesenteric artery thrombus. The thrombus isolates harbored a single virulence plasmid, and the pulsed-field gel electrophoresis profiles of the isolates were identical not only to each other but also to those of Japanese enzootic strains of S. Abortusequi. These results reveal that parasitic aneurysms of the cranial mesenteric artery should be considered an important possible site of carriage of S. Abortusequi in horses. The results also suggest high clonality of the isolated serovar in the horse population in Japan.
Cost-effective multi-objective optimal positioning of magnetorheological dampers and active actuators in large nonlinear structures
Authors: Askari Mohsen , Li Jianchun , Samali Bijan
Published: June 2016

The optimal number and location of control devices not only play a major role in an effective structural control system but also lead to a cost-effective design. This article presents a multi-objective optimization method based on a new genetic algorithm for simultaneous finding of the optimal number and placement of actuators and magnetorheological dampers, in active and semi-active vibration control of structures. The proposed strategy considers three objective functions to be minimized through optimization, including peak inter-storey drift ratio, peak acceleration and peak base shear force to make sure both human comfort and safety of the structure are guaranteed. Also, by choosing a pre-defined level of performance on dynamic responses of a structure, the designer can decide on decreasing or increasing the number of control devices in a systematic way and minimize the control cost. The approach is then validated through a nonlinear 20-storey benchmark problem. The results from active control system show how a problem that was initially solved with 25 actuators can be solved with less than a quarter of those actuators, having similar results in terms of aforementioned indices. The optimal distribution of different numbers of magnetorheological dampers in the same benchmark building is also studied in this article and compared to those obtained from actuators. Due to highly nonlinear behaviour of these devices, and also the complexity of the under-study benchmark structure, few reported researches have been conducted in this area. Also, the comparison between optimal places of active and semi-active control devices in the same structure has hitherto not been reported in the open literature.
A Study of Negative Reputation in the Workplace
Authors: Zinko Robert , Furner Christopher P. , Prati L. Melita , Heyden Mariano L. M. , Tuchtan Charles
Published: June 2016

In an attempt to better understand how a negative reputation may affect one’s career, a series of hypotheses which offer an overview of negative personal reputation are tested, utilizing both a lab and a field study. Based upon the existing theory, these hypotheses explore negative reputation in the context of employees in organizations, suggesting that although often negative reputations are undesirable, at times individuals may be motivated to develop such reputations because they may confer benefits to one’s career.
Employability: The missing voice: How student and graduate views could be used to develop future higher education policy and inform curricula
Authors: Higdon Rachel Delta
Published: June 2016

The student voice is currently absent from the employability agenda for higher education in the UK. A government-led neo-liberal model of employability, claiming what employers want when employing graduates, has been uncritically adopted by many universities in the UK to inform higher education strategy and policy. Many undergraduates and graduates perceive this employability model as incongruent and disingenuous to their experiences in gaining and sustaining work. The dominant employability discourse masks inequalities in the contemporary labour market. In developing policies for the future of higher education, British government departments should recognise the student lens by researching students’ qualitative experiences and reflections of teaching, learning and work. Students should be a collaborative part of future planning, and their voices should be continuously informing higher education practice. Student and graduate views can be used to inform higher education curricula and develop meaningful future policy relating to higher education.
Dosing Accuracy and Insulin Flow Rate Characteristics of a New Disposable Insulin Pen, FlexTouch, Compared with SoloSTAR
Authors: Bohnet Janine , Schmitz Mario , Kamlot Stefan , Abdel-Tawab Mona
Published: June 2016

Background:

The introduction of the FlexTouch® (FT; Novo Nordisk; insulin aspart), a prefilled insulin pen with a spring-loaded mechanism, has created more insulin pen options. The present study compared the dosing accuracy of the FT with that of the manually operated SoloSTAR® (SS; Sanofi; insulin glulisine). The volumetric flow rate of insulin delivery with the FT was also evaluated.

Methods:

Thirty unused pens from one batch of each pen type were used to test dosing accuracy at minimum (1 U), mid (40 U), and maximum dose (80 U). Statistical analysis was performed using Student's t-test. Insulin flow was determined with 20 FT pens ejecting 80 U three times per pen using a mass flow meter.

Results:

Both insulin pens revealed excellent dosing accuracy, delivering all doses within the limits set by ISO 11608–1:2000. The average relative deviation of the actual dose from the target dose was +6.86% and +3.87% at the minimum, −0.72% and −1.01% at the mid, and −0.68% and −1.06% at the maximum dose for the SS and FT, respectively. The difference at maximum dose was statistically significant ( p = .006) in favor of the SS. The FT showed a mean maximum flow rate of 15.61 U/s, with 80.52% of the total dose delivered at an injection speed exceeding 10 U/s.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrated excellent dosing accuracy for the SS and FT at all tested dosage levels. The average maximum injection speed of the FT was considerably higher than the usual range of 6–10 U/s assumed for a smooth and painless injection. Further investigations should confirm the clinical relevance.
Occupational and Organizational Effects on Wages among College-educated Workers in 2003 and 2010
Authors: Sakamoto Arthur , Wang Sharron Xuanren
Published: June 2016

We investigate the 2003 and 2010 National Survey of College Graduates to study the effects of education, job matching, employer characteristics, and occupation on wage inequality among college-educated workers. Various measures of workers’ bargaining power are considered in conjunction with indicators of employers’ rents. These organizational variables have been mostly ignored in recent research that has emphasized three-digit occupational codes. After controlling for organizational variables, our findings indicate that the incremental R2 uniquely attributable to occupation is small and increased only slightly between 2003 and 2010. As a proportion of the total explained variance, the component attributable to occupation actually declined. By contrast, after controlling for occupation, the incremental R2 attributable to organizational variables increased more substantially. Our results imply that wage inequality among college-educated workers is now more directly affected by employee bargaining power and employer rents than by occupation.
Racial/Ethnic Disparities in Nursing Home Quality of Life Deficiencies, 2001 to 2011
Authors: Campbell Lauren J. , Cai Xueya , Gao Shan , Li Yue
Published: June 2016

Objectives: Racial/ethnic disparities in nursing homes (NHs) are associated with lower quality of care, and state Medicaid payment policies may influence NH quality. However, no studies analyzing disparities in NH quality of life (QoL) exist. Therefore, this study aims to estimate associations at the NH level between average number of QoL deficiencies and concentrations of racial/ethnic minority residents, and to identify effects of state Medicaid payment policies on racial/ethnic disparities. Method: Multivariable Poisson regression with NH random effects was used to determine the association between NH minority concentration in 2000 to 2010 and average number of QoL deficiencies in 2001 to 2011 at the NH level, and the effect of state NH payment policies on QoL deficiencies and racial/ethnic disparities in QoL deficiencies across NH minority concentrations. Results: Racial/ethnic disparities in QoL between high and low minority concentration NHs decrease over time, but are not eliminated. Case mix payment was associated with an increased disparity between high and low minority concentration NHs in QoL deficiencies. Discussion: NH managers and policy makers should consider initiatives targeting minority residents or low-performing NHs with higher minority concentrations for improvement to reduce disparities and address QoL deficiencies.
The Evolution of Lebanese and Syrian State-to-State Relations
Authors: Aboultaif Eduardo Wassim
Published: June 2016

Lebanese and Syrian state-to-state relations have not been studied extensively by researchers despite their importance. This article will evaluate the relationship and will consider three stages for their evolution of the affairs; the first stage demonstrates cooperation and harmony for the sake of independence and managing their differences. The second stage is characterized by the Ba‘ath domination of Lebanon. The third and final stage deals with the search for Lebanese sovereignty after the withdrawal of Syria from Lebanon in 2005.
The formation of a hydrotalcite coating on the aluminium alloy 6060 using a spray system
Authors: Zhou Lingli , Friis Henrik , Roefzaad Melanie , Hansen Kasper Bondo , Eisenhardt Sara , Andersen Asger , Zangenberg Nikolaj
Published: June 2016

Coatings with the composition of Li-Al-NO3 hydrotalcite were formed on the Al alloy 6060 using a spray system. The coatings consist of crystals with a typical hydrotalcite structure. Dense, uniform and blade-like flakes cover completely the surface of the Al substrate. The coatings display a multi-layer structure with average thickness of ∼1000 nm. The hydrotalcite-coated samples performed better than those without coatings in salt-spray and filiform-corrosion tests, and further treatment involving sealing with a Mg acetate solution and dipping in a H2O2 + Ce-based solution improved the corrosion resistance ability.
Mutational hierarchies in myelodysplastic syndromes dynamically adapt and evolve upon therapy response and failure
Authors: Mossner Maximilian , Jann Johann-Christoph , Wittig Janina , Nolte Florian , Fey Stephanie , Nowak Verena , Obländer Julia , Pressler Jovita , Palme Iris , Xanthopoulos Christina , Boch Tobias , Metzgeroth Georgia , Röhl Henning , Witt Stephanie H. , Dukal Helene , Klein Corinna , Schmitt Steffen , Gelß Patrick , Platzbecker Uwe , Balaian Ekaterina , Fabarius Alice , Blum Helmut , Schulze Torsten J. , Meggendorfer Manja , Haferlach Claudia , Trumpp Andreas , Hofmann Wolf-Karsten , Medyouf Hind , Nowak Daniel
Published: June 2016

Key Points

Mutational trajectories are defined by complex patterns of molecular heterogeneity in MDS, including lower-risk cases. Therapeutic intervention dynamically reshapes mutational patterns often resulting in branched or independent evolution of MDS clones.
c-Myb acts in parallel and cooperatively with Cebp1 to regulate neutrophil maturation in zebrafish
Authors: Jin Hao , Huang Zhibin , Chi Yali , Wu Mei , Zhou Riyang , Zhao Lingfeng , Xu Jin , Zhen Fenghua , Lan Yahui , Li Li , Zhang Wenqing , Wen Zilong , Zhang Yiyue
Published: June 2016

Key Points

c-Myb is essential for neutrophil terminal differentiation by targeting granule gene expression. c-Myb and Cebp1 act cooperatively to regulate neutrophil maturation in zebrafish.
Accurate prediction of RNA-binding protein residues with two discriminative structural descriptors
Authors: Sun Meijian , Wang Xia , Zou Chuanxin , He Zenghui , Liu Wei , Li Honglin
Published: June 2016

Background

RNA-binding proteins participate in many important biological processes concerning RNA-mediated gene regulation, and several computational methods have been recently developed to predict the protein-RNA interactions of RNA-binding proteins. Newly developed discriminative descriptors will help to improve the prediction accuracy of these prediction methods and provide further meaningful information for researchers.

Results

In this work, we designed two structural features (residue electrostatic surface potential and triplet interface propensity) and according to the statistical and structural analysis of protein-RNA complexes, the two features were powerful for identifying RNA-binding protein residues. Using these two features and other excellent structure- and sequence-based features, a random forest classifier was constructed to predict RNA-binding residues. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) of five-fold cross-validation for our method on training set RBP195 was 0.900, and when applied to the test set RBP68, the prediction accuracy (ACC) was 0.868, and the F-score was 0.631.

Conclusions

The good prediction performance of our method revealed that the two newly designed descriptors could be discriminative for inferring protein residues interacting with RNAs. To facilitate the use of our method, a web-server called RNAProSite, which implements the proposed method, was constructed and is freely available at http://lilab.ecust.edu.cn/NABind.
Complete genome sequence of Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum KG16-1, isolated from vacuum-packaged vegetable sausages
Authors: Andreevskaya Margarita , Hultman Jenni , Johansson Per , Laine Pia , Paulin Lars , Auvinen Petri , Björkroth Johanna
Published: June 2016

Leuconostoc gelidum subsp. gasicomitatum is a predominant lactic acid bacterium (LAB) in spoilage microbial communities of different kinds of modified-atmosphere packaged (MAP) food products. So far, only one genome sequence of a poultry-originating type strain of this bacterium (LMG 18811T) has been available. In the current study, we present the completely sequenced and functionally annotated genome of strain KG16-1 isolated from a vegetable-based product. In addition, six other vegetable-associated strains were sequenced to study possible “niche” specificity suggested by recent multilocus sequence typing. The genome of strain KG16-1 consisted of one circular chromosome and three plasmids, which together contained 2,035 CDSs. The chromosome carried at least three prophage regions and one of the plasmids encoded a galactan degradation cluster, which might provide a survival advantage in plant-related environments. The genome comparison with LMG 18811T and six other vegetable strains suggests no major differences between the meat- and vegetable-associated strains that would explain their “niche” specificity. Finally, the comparison with the genomes of other leuconostocs highlights the distribution of functionally interesting genes across the L. gelidum strains and the genus Leuconostoc.
Antibacterial potency of different deposition methods of silver and copper containing diamond-like carbon coated polyethylene
Authors: Harrasser Norbert , Jüssen Sebastian , Obermeir Andreas , Kmeth Ralf , Stritzker Bernd , Gollwitzer Hans , Burgkart Rainer
Published: June 2016

Background

Antibacterial coatings of medical devices have been introduced as a promising approach to reduce the risk of infection. In this context, diamond-like carbon coated polyethylene (DLC-PE) can be enriched with bactericidal ions and gain antimicrobial potency. So far, influence of different deposition methods and ions on antimicrobial effects of DLC-PE is unclear.

Methods

We quantitatively determined the antimicrobial potency of different PE surfaces treated with direct ion implantation (II) or plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) and doped with silver (Ag-DLC-PE) or copper (Cu-DLC-PE). Bacterial adhesion and planktonic growth of various strains of
S. epidermidis
were evaluated by quantification of bacterial growth as well as semiquantitatively by determining the grade of biofilm formation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Additionally silver release kinetics of PIII-samples were detected.

Results

(1) A significant (
p
 < 0.05) antimicrobial effect on PE-surface could be found for Ag- and Cu-DLC-PE compared to untreated PE. (2) The antimicrobial effect of Cu was significantly lower compared to Ag (reduction of bacterial growth by 0.8 (Ag) and 0.3 (Cu) logarithmic (log)-levels). (3) PIII as a deposition method was more effective in providing antibacterial potency to PE-surfaces than II alone (reduction of bacterial growth by 2.2 (surface) and 1.1 (surrounding medium) log-levels of PIII compared to 1.2 (surface) and 0.6 (medium) log-levels of II). (4) Biofilm formation was more decreased on PIII-surfaces compared to II-surfaces. (5) A silver-concentration-dependent release was observed on PIII-samples.

Conclusion

The results obtained in this study suggest that PIII as a deposition method and Ag-DLC-PE as a surface have high bactericidal effects.
Cellulose membrane as a biomaterial: from hydrolysis to depolymerization with electron beam
Authors: Eo Mi Young , Fan Huan , Cho Yun Ju , Kim Soung Min , Lee Suk Keun
Published: June 2016

The cellulose membrane (CM) is a major component of plant cell walls and is both a chemically and mechanically stable synthetic polymer with many applications for use in tissue engineering. However, due to its dissolution difficulty, there are no known physiologically relevant or pharmaceutically clinical applications for this polymer. Thus, research is underway on controlled and adjusted forms of cellulose depolymerization.

To advance the study of applying CM for tissue engineering, we have suggested new possibilities for electron beam (E-beam) treatment of CM. Treatment of CM with an E-beam can modify physical, chemical, molecular and biological properties, so it can be studied continuously to improve its usefulness and to enhance value.

We review clinical applications of CM, cellulose binding domains, cellulose crosslinking proteins, conventional hydrolysis of cellulose, and depolymerization with radiation and focus our experiences with depolymerization of E-beam irradiated CM in this article.
Time-lapse monitoring of fluid-induced geophysical property variations within an unstable earthwork using P-wave refraction
Authors: Bergamo Paolo , Dashwood Ben , Uhlemann Sebastian , Swift Russell , Chambers Jonathan E. , Gunn David A. , Donohue Shane
Published: June 2016

A significant portion of the UK’s transportation system relies on a network of geotechnical earthworks (cuttings and embankments) that were constructed more than 100 years ago, whose stability is affected by the change in precipitation patterns experienced over the past few decades. The vulnerability of these structures requires a reliable, cost- and time-effective monitoring of their geomechanical condition. We have assessed the potential application of P-wave refraction for tracking the seasonal variations of seismic properties within an aged clay-filled railway embankment, located in southwest England. Seismic data were acquired repeatedly along the crest of the earthwork at regular time intervals, for a total period of 16 months. P-wave first-break times were picked from all available recorded traces, to obtain a set of hodocrones referenced to the same spatial locations, for various dates along the surveyed period of time. Traveltimes extracted from each acquisition were then compared to track the pattern of their temporal variability. The relevance of such variations over time was compared with the data experimental uncertainty. The multiple set of hodocrones was subsequently inverted using a tomographic approach, to retrieve a time-lapse model of [Formula: see text] for the embankment structure. To directly compare the reconstructed [Formula: see text] sections, identical initial models and spatial regularization were used for the inversion of all available data sets. A consistent temporal trend for P-wave traveltimes, and consequently for the reconstructed [Formula: see text] models, was identified. This pattern could be related to the seasonal distribution of precipitation and soil-water content measured on site.
Common-image gathers using the excitation amplitude imaging condition
Authors: Kalita Mahesh , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: June 2016

Common-image gathers (CIGs) are extensively used in migration velocity analysis. Any defocused events in the subsurface offset domain or equivalently nonflat events in angle-domain CIGs are accounted for revising the migration velocities. However, CIGs from wave-equation methods such as reverse time migration are often expensive to compute, especially in 3D. Using the excitation amplitude imaging condition that simplifies the forward-propagated source wavefield, we have managed to extract extended images for space and time lags in conjunction with prestack reverse time migration. The extended images tend to be cleaner, and the memory cost/disk storage is extensively reduced because we do not need to store the source wavefield. In addition, by avoiding the crosscorrelation calculation, we reduce the computational cost. These features are demonstrated on a linear [Formula: see text] model, a two-layer velocity model, and the Marmousi model.
Q-compensated least-squares reverse time migration using low-rank one-step wave extrapolation
Authors: Sun Junzhe , Fomel Sergey , Zhu Tieyuan , Hu Jingwei
Published: June 2016

Attenuation of seismic waves needs to be taken into account to improve the accuracy of seismic imaging. In viscoacoustic media, reverse time migration (RTM) can be performed with [Formula: see text]-compensation, which is also known as [Formula: see text]-RTM. Least-squares RTM (LSRTM) has also been shown to be able to compensate for attenuation through linearized inversion. However, seismic attenuation may significantly slow down the convergence rate of the least-squares iterative inversion process without proper preconditioning. We have found that incorporating attenuation compensation into LSRTM can improve the speed of convergence in attenuating media, obtaining high-quality images within the first few iterations. Based on the low-rank one-step seismic modeling operator in viscoacoustic media, we have derived its adjoint operator using nonstationary filtering theory. The proposed forward and adjoint operators can be efficiently applied to propagate viscoacoustic waves and to implement attenuation compensation. Recognizing that, in viscoacoustic media, the wave-equation Hessian may become ill-conditioned, we propose to precondition LSRTM with [Formula: see text]-compensated RTM. Numerical examples showed that the preconditioned [Formula: see text]-LSRTM method has a significantly faster convergence rate than LSRTM and thus is preferable for practical applications.
T-Cell Therapy Using Interleukin-21–Primed Cytotoxic T-Cell Lymphocytes Combined With Cytotoxic T-Cell Lymphocyte Antigen-4 Blockade Results in Long-Term Cell Persistence and Durable Tumor Regression
Authors: Chapuis Aude G. , Roberts Ilana M. , Thompson John A. , Margolin Kim A. , Bhatia Shailender , Lee Sylvia M. , Sloan Heather L. , Lai Ivy P. , Farrar Erik A. , Wagener Felecia , Shibuya Kendall C. , Cao Jianhong , Wolchok Jedd D. , Greenberg Philip D. , Yee Cassian
Published: June 2016

Purpose

Peripheral blood–derived antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) provide a readily available source of effector cells that can be administered with minimal toxicity in an outpatient setting. In metastatic melanoma, this approach results in measurable albeit modest clinical responses in patients resistant to conventional therapy. We reasoned that concurrent cytotoxic T-cell lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA-4) checkpoint blockade might enhance the antitumor activity of adoptively transferred CTLs.

Patients and Methods

Autologous MART1-specific CTLs were generated by priming with peptide-pulsed dendritic cells in the presence of interleukin-21 and enriched by peptide-major histocompatibility complex multimer-guided cell sorting. This expeditiously yielded polyclonal CTL lines uniformly expressing markers associated with an enhanced survival potential. In this first-in-human strategy, 10 patients with stage IV melanoma received the MART1-specific CTLs followed by a standard course of anti–CTLA-4 (ipilimumab).

Results

The toxicity profile of the combined treatment was comparable to that of ipilimumab monotherapy. Evaluation of best responses at 12 weeks yielded two continuous complete remissions, one partial response (PR) using RECIST criteria (two PRs using immune-related response criteria), and three instances of stable disease. Infused CTLs persisted with frequencies up to 2.9% of CD8+T cells for as long as the patients were monitored (up to 40 weeks). In patients who experienced complete remissions, PRs, or stable disease, the persisting CTLs acquired phenotypic and functional characteristics of long-lived memory cells. Moreover, these patients also developed responses to nontargeted tumor antigens (epitope spreading).

Conclusion

We demonstrate that combining antigen-specific CTLs with CTLA-4 blockade is safe and produces durable clinical responses, likely reflecting both enhanced activity of transferred cells and improved recruitment of new responses, highlighting the promise of this strategy.
Η συμβολή της μορφολογικής επίγνωσης στα πρώτα στάδια ανάπτυξης της ικανότητας ορθογραφημένης γραφής
Authors: Grigorakis Ioannis , Manolitsis George
Published: June 2016

Recent research studies in several alphabetic orthographic systems have shown a significant contribution of morphological awareness in the development of spelling ability. It is assumed that awareness of morphemes facilitates the application of morphophonemic principles on spelling. However, apart from its effect on understanding the conventions of the general spelling system of a language, morphological awareness seems to facilitate the orthographic performance of specific morphemes as well, especially inflectional suffixes, through their morphemic differentiation. The aim of this longitudinal study was to examine the contribution of morphological awareness in Kindergarten and Grade 1, on children’s spelling ability of inflectional suffixes in both Grades 1 and 2. Two hundred and fifteen Greek – speaking children from Kindergarten up to Grade 1 were assessed on measures of: (a) morphological awareness (e.g., word analogy, decomposition of derivative words, reversing compounds), (b) general cognitive skills (nonverbal intelligence, verbal intelligence, short-term memory, vocabulary), and (c) early literacy skills (phonological awareness, rapid automatized naming, letter knowledge). Also, in both Grades 1 and 2 children were assessed on measures of spelling ability of inflectional suffixes in words and pseudowords. The results of the hierarchical regression analyses showed that the morphological awareness of children in both Kindergarten and Grade 1 predicted significantly their spelling of inflectional suffixes only in words, in Grades 1 and 2 respectively, beyond the effects of cognitive and language skills. Morphological awareness skills did not contribute significantly to children’s spelling of inflectional suffixes in pseudowords. Overall, these findings highlight that early morphological awareness skills contribute significantly to the development of spelling ability even at the early primary school years. Therefore, it is suggested that the teaching of spelling inflectional suffixes has to emphasize the semantic and syntactic role of inflectional suffixes through activities of writing rather than memorizing rules for the correct spelling of each inflectional suffix.
Distance Education: State and Development Prospects
Authors: Гайдученко  , Gayduchenko D. , Терещенко  , Tereshchenko R. , Мишин  , Mishin I. , Исабекова  , Isabekova O. , Карпов  , Karpov I.
Published: June 2016

The present article discusses the principles of distance

education and factors affecting its quality, explores opinions of

Russian residents on distance education and analyses its usage in

the EU countries, and also identifying strengths and weaknesses of

distance education and the effectiveness of its use in Russia.
Methods of Psychological Diagnostics of the Reliability of the Driver on Motor Vehicle Driving
Authors: Петров  , Petrov Vladislav
Published: June 2016

The article is devoted to the study of the possibilities of psychological diagnostics of personal characteristics of drivers. The empirical basis of the study was the phenomenon of secure driving a vehicle. The author´s technique and personality questionnaire assessing the reliability of the driver. The results of the study can be used as in the activities of educational institutions that implement the training of drivers and to investigate the identity of employees (drivers) of internal Affairs bodies. It is assumed that the reliability of psychological diagnosis in conjunction with the Advisory assistance to drivers will reduce the number of road accidents and improve the individual style of safe driving a vehicle.
The changing nature of the district nurse patient relationship
Authors: Griffith Richard
Published: June 2016

In this article Richard Griffith considers three recent developments in policy and law that have changed the nature of the relationship between district nurses and their patients. The traditional, often paternalistic, professional knows best approach must now give way to a patient focused partnership.
Contemporary interpretation of informed consent: autonomy and paternalism
Authors: Robertson Louise
Published: June 2016

The Supreme Court's decision in the Montgomery case has questioned what is meant by ‘informed consent’. Clinicians must establish who is a reasonable patient and exactly what they want to know. Obtaining informed consent requires a relationship to be built between patient and clinician and must respect patient autonomy.
Topical treatments for managing adult acne in women
Authors: Brackenbury Julie
Published: June 2016

Acne is a chronic inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous unit, which results from androgen-induced increased sebum production, altered keratinisation, and inflammation by Propionibacterium acnes. Topical therapies are a common starting point for treatment; however, there are a lack of data and evidence on the comparative effectiveness of common topical and systemic acne therapies. Topical therapies including benzoyl peroxide, retinoids and antibiotics—when used in combination—usually improve control of mild-to-moderate acne. This article will discuss the topical therapies available.