bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Invasive species and their impacts on agri-ecosystems: issues and solutions for restoring ecosystem processes
Authors: Fleming Peter J. S. , Ballard Guy , Reid Nick C. H. , Tracey John P.
Published: November 2017

Humans are the most invasive of vertebrates and they have taken many plants and animals with them to colonise new environments. This has been particularly so in Australasia, where Laurasian and domesticated taxa have collided with ancient Gondwanan ecosystems isolated since the Eocene Epoch. Many plants and animals that humans introduced benefited from their pre-adaptation to their new environments and some became invasive, damaging the biodiversity and agricultural value of the invaded ecosystems. The invasion of non-native organisms is accelerating with human population growth and globalisation. Expansion of trade has seen increases in purposeful and accidental introductions, and their negative impacts are regarded as second only to activities associated with human population growth. Here, the theoretical processes, economic and environmental costs of invasive alien species (i.e. weeds and vertebrate pests) are outlined. However, defining the problem is only one side of the coin. We review some theoretical underpinnings of invasive species science and management, and discuss hypotheses to explain successful biological invasions. We consider desired restoration states and outline a practical working framework for managing invasive plants and animals to restore, regenerate and revegetate invaded Australasian ecosystems.
Kinematics of flagellar swimming in
Euglena gracilis
: Helical trajectories and flagellar shapes
Authors: Rossi Massimiliano , Cicconofri Giancarlo , Beran Alfred , Noselli Giovanni , DeSimone Antonio
Published: November 2017

Significance

Active flagella provide the propulsion mechanism for a large variety of swimming eukaryotic microorganisms, from protists to sperm cells. Planar and helical beating patterns of these structures are recurrent and widely studied. The fast spinning motion of the locomotory flagellum of the alga
Euglena gracilis
constitutes a remarkable exception to these patterns. We report a quantitative description of the 3D flagellar beating in swimming
E. gracilis
. Given their complexity, these shapes cannot be directly imaged with current microscopy techniques. We show how to overcome these limitations by developing a method to reconstruct in full the 3D kinematics of the cell from conventional 2D microscopy images, based on the exact characterization of the helical motion of the cell body.
A STAT3-dependent transcriptional circuitry inhibits cytotoxic gene expression in T cells
Authors: Ciucci Thomas , Vacchio Melanie S. , Bosselut Rémy
Published: November 2017

Significance

The acquisition of cytotoxic function by CD8
+
T cells is critical for antiviral and antitumor responses. While cytotoxic differentiation is preprogrammed during CD8
+
T-cell development in the thymus, the regulation of T-cell cytotoxic capacities by inflammatory cues is poorly understood, notably in cases of immune dysfunction observed in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes or during chronic infections. Here, we demonstrate that the program underlying IL-17 production dampens cytotoxic function in both CD4
+
and CD8
+
T cells. Specifically, we show that two transcription factors involved in IL-17 production, STAT3 and RORγt, repress cytotoxic differentiation. These results highlight the role of the inflammatory environment on T-cell responses and have implications for the development of T cell-based immunotherapies.
Fluid-driven origami-inspired artificial muscles
Authors: Li Shuguang , Vogt Daniel M. , Rus Daniela , Wood Robert J.
Published: November 2017

Significance

Artificial muscles are flexible actuators with capabilities similar to, or even beyond, natural muscles. They have been widely used in many applications as alternatives to more traditional rigid electromagnetic motors. Numerous studies focus on rapid design and low-cost fabrication of artificial muscles with customized performances. Here, we present an architecture for fluidic artificial muscles with unprecedented performance-to-cost ratio. These artificial muscles can be programed to produce not only a single contraction but also complex multiaxial actuation, and even controllable motion with multiple degrees of freedom. Moreover, a wide variety of materials and fabrication processes can be used to build the artificial muscles with other functions beyond basic actuation.
Structures and enzymatic mechanisms of phycobiliprotein lyases CpcE/F and PecE/F
Authors: Zhao Cheng , Höppner Astrid , Xu Qian-Zhao , Gärtner Wolfgang , Scheer Hugo , Zhou Ming , Zhao Kai-Hong
Published: November 2017

Significance

Cyanobacteria contribute significantly to global primary production. Huge photosynthetic light-harvesting complexes, phycobilisomes, constitute up to 50% of the cellular protein. Their assembly, restructuring, and disassembly are major metabolic activities. Light is absorbed by chromophores related to animal bile pigments; they are attached to apoproteins by a complex set of enzymes. Two such lyases have previously been identified as β-barrel proteins. We report the structure of a third type that also catalyzes chromophore detachment and isomerization. CpcE/F belongs to a completely different protein family, α-solenoids, but also forms a cavity that transiently hosts the chromophore. Two other proteins were modeled on this structure: an isomerizing E/F-type lyase and the poorly characterized NblB for which we propose chromophore detaching function.
Protective effects of agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) in early experimental diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Thounaojam Menaka C. , Powell Folami L. , Patel Sagar , Gutsaeva Diana R. , Tawfik Amany , Smith Sylvia B. , Nussbaum Julian , Block Norman L. , Martin Pamela M. , Schally Andrew V. , Bartoli Manuela
Published: November 2017

Significance

The studies described here are relevant to the cure of diabetic retinopathy, a leading cause of blindness with currently limited therapeutic options. Here we provided evidence showing that agonists of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH) can significantly diminish retinal neurovascular injury characterizing the early stages of diabetic retinopathy through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The results of the presented studies provide information on the potential therapeutic effects of GHRH agonists and shed light on the role of hypothalamic hormones in retinal physiology and their effect on visual disorders. In addition, our findings suggest protective effects of GHRH analogs in other disease conditions affecting retinal neuronal cells and, possibly, other nonretinal neurons.
Dialogue, dialogicality and interactivity
Authors: Linell Per
Published: November 2017

This paper discusses about twenty approaches to the study of dialogue or interaction. The literature shows different foci in and understandings of these phenomena. There is a basic distinction between dialogue – in the sense ofovert exchangesof sequentialised utterances or contributions by two or more participants who are co-present in particular situated encounters – anddialogicality, which is taken to be a moregeneral capacitythat enables individuals or constellations of individualsto make sensein and through interactions with others, artefacts and environments. There are also “interactivity”approaches that appear to broaden the scope to encompass more of non-linguistic and often material aspects of human sense-making.
Expanding factors in threat to face
Authors: Feldman Ofer , Kinoshita Ken
Published: November 2017

This paper details aspects related to the “face” – one’s social standing, reputation, and dignity – during interactions between interviewers and interviewees (both politicians and nonpoliticians) in more than 5,000 questions posed during three different broadcast interview programs aired throughout 2012–2013 in Japan. The interactions between interviewers and interviewees are also considered as a dialogic phenomenon in which interlocutors are actors who act and react. By examining the toughness of questions posed in these programs the paper explores their extent of threat to face of the interviewees and the facets associated with this threat, including features related to the interviewees themselves. The results indicate strong evidence of socio-cultural norms and values that affect interviewers’ relationship with politicians and other sources.
Enzymatically synthesized megalo-type isomaltosaccharides enhance the barrier function of the tight junction in the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Hara Hiroshi , Kume Shunsuke , Iizuka Takahisa , Fujimoto Yoshinori , Kimura Atsuo
Published: November 2017

Megalo-type isomaltosaccharides are an enzymatically synthesized foodstuff produced by transglucosylation from maltodextrin, and they contain a mid-chain length polymer of D-glucose with α-1,6-glycoside linkages. The injection of a solution of megalo-type isomaltosaccharides (1–4%(w/v), average DP = 12.6), but not oligo-type isomaltosaccharides (average DP = 3.3), into the intestinal lumen dose-dependently reduced the transport rates of tight junction permeable markers in a ligated loop of the anesthetized rat jejunum. Application of the megalosaccharide also suppressed the transport of tight junction markers and enhanced transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) in Caco-2 cell monolayers. Cholesterol sequestration by methyl-β-cyclodextrin in the Caco-2 monolayers abolished the effect of megalosaccharide. Treatment with anti-caveolin-1 and a caveolae inhibitor, but not clathrin-dependent endocytosis and macropinocytosis inhibitors, suppressed the increase in TEER. These results indicate that isomaltosaccharides promote the barrier function of tight junctions in the intestinal epithelium in a chain-length dependent manner and that caveolae play a role in the effect.
Development and application of oxidative stress biomarkers
Authors: Osawa Toshihiko
Published: November 2017

Oxidative stress may cause a wide variety of free radical reactions to produce deleterious modifications in membranes, proteins, enzymes, and DNA. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) generated by myeloperoxidase (MPO) can induce lipid peroxidation and also play an important role in the generation of reactive chlorinating and brominating species. As the universal biomarkers, chemical, and immunochemical approach on oxidatively modified and halogenated tyrosines has been carried out. As amido-type adduct biomarkers, chemical, and immunochemical evaluation of hexanoyl- and propanoyl-lysines, hexanoyl- and propanoyl-dopamines and phospholipids were prepared and developed for application of evaluation of novel antioxidative functional food factors. We have also involved in application of oxidatively modified DNAs such as 8-hydroxy- and 8-halogenated deoxyguanosines as the useful biomarkers for age-related diseases using both in vitro and in vivo systems. Application of these oxidative stress biomarkers for novel type of functional food development and recent approach for development of novel evaluation systems are also discussed.
The City-Logic of Resistance: Subverting Urbicide in the Middle East City
Authors: Stanley Bruce
Published: November 2017

Most armed conflict today takes place within urban terrain or within an urbanised context. An extreme variant of such armed conflict is violence perpetrated by external state and non-state forces within the city, known as urbicide. Urbicidal violence deliberately strives to kill, discipline or deny the city to its inhabitants by targeting and then reordering the sociomaterial urban assemblage. Civil resistance within urbicidal violence seeks to subvert the emerging alternative sovereign order sought by such forces. It does so by using the inherent logic of the city in order to maintain/restore the community's social cohesion, mitigate the violence, affirm humanity, and claim the right to the city. This paper investigates the city-logic of civil resistance through examples drawn from the recent urbicidal experiences of Middle East cities such as Gaza, Aleppo, Mosul, and Sana'a. Theoretical insights from the conflict resolution literature, critical urban theory, and assemblage thinking inform the argument.
Highlights of the São Paulo ISEV workshop on extracellular vesicles in cross‐kingdom communication
Authors: Soares Rodrigo P. , Xander Patrícia , Costa Adriana Oliveira , Marcilla Antonio , Menezes‐Neto Armando , Del Portillo Hernando , Witwer Kenneth , Wauben Marca , Nolte‐'T Hoen Esther , Olivier Martin , Criado Miriã Ferreira , da Silva Luis Lamberti P. , Abdel Baqui Munira Muhammad , Schenkman Sergio , Colli Walter , Alves Maria Julia Manso , Ferreira Karen Spadari , Puccia Rosana , Nejsum Peter , Riesbeck Kristian , Stensballe Allan , Hansen Eline Palm , Jaular Lorena Martin , Øvstebø Reidun , de la Canal Laura , Bergese Paolo , Pereira‐Chioccola Vera , Pfaffl Michael W. , Fritz Joëlle , Gho Yong Song , Torrecilhas Ana Claudia
Published: November 2017

In the past years, extracellular vesicles (EVs) have become an important field of research since EVs have been found to play a central role in biological processes. In pathogens, EVs are involved in several events during the host–pathogen interaction, including invasion, immunomodulation, and pathology as well as parasite–parasite communication. In this report, we summarised the role of EVs in infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, protozoa, and helminths based on the talks and discussions carried out during the International Society for Extracellular Vesicles (ISEV) workshop held in São Paulo (November, 2016), Brazil, entitled Cross‐organism Communication by Extracellular Vesicles: Hosts, Microbes and Parasites.
Study of lateral distribution of impurities on samples exposed in the ASDEX Upgrade using microbeam of 3He and 1H
Authors: Kelemen M , Založnik A , Vavpetič P , Pelicon P , Hakola A , Meisl G , Oberkofler M , Krieger K , Brezinsek S , Markelj S
Published: November 2017

In this paper, we present the use of focused MeV ion beams to study the distribution of deuterium (D), boron (B) and nitrogen (N) on tungsten (W) samples exposed in the divertor region of the ASDEX Upgrade tokamak during 15N-seeded L-mode discharges in deuterium and during non-seeded H-mode discharges in helium. In both experiment samples of various surface roughness were exposed and analyzed: W coatings on milled or polished graphite substrates and bulk W samples, ranging from the roughest (milled) to the smoothest (bulk W), to study the effects of surface roughness on deposition profiles of D, B and N. In the case of samples from the 15N experiment, we found that D, N and B are distributed quite homogeneously over the sample on the micrometer scale with some small variation inside the analysed area. The surface densities show strong variations in the poloidal direction, with maximum values slightly above the strike point. The amounts of the retained (D, B, N) were strongly correlated with the surface roughness of the samples, being the highest on the rough samples. Samples originating from the He campaign showed inhomogeneous distribution of impurities with a distinct micro-scale structure, which is most pronounced on pre-damaged W samples, where a rough fuzz-like surface is created during the exposure in the GLADIS machine. We observe a distinct difference in behavior of deposited B profiles from both experiments with higher retention of B in the He experiment.
Analyzes of students’ higher-order thinking skills of heat and temperature concept
Authors: Budiarti Indah Slamet , Suparmi A. , Sarwanto  , Harjana
Published: November 2017

High order thinking skills refer to three highest domains of the revised Bloom Taxonomy. The aims of the research were to analyze the student’s higher-order thinking skills of heat and temperature concept. The samples were taken by purposive random sampling technique consisted of 85 high school students from 3 senior high schools in Jayapura city. The descriptive qualitative method was employed in this study. The data were collected by using tests and interviews regarding the subject matters of heat and temperature. Based on the results of data analysis, it was concluded that 68.24% of the students have a high order thinking skills in the analysis, 3.53% of the students have a high order thinking skills in evaluating, and 0% of the students have a high order thinking skills in creation.
Relative energy gap for harmonic maps of Riemann surfaces into real analytic Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Feehan Paul
Published: November 2017

We extend the well-known Sacks–Uhlenbeck energy gap result for harmonic maps from closed Riemann surfaces into closed Riemannian manifolds from the case of maps with small energy (thus near a constant map), to the case of harmonic maps with high absolute energy but small energy relative to a reference harmonic map.
A multivariate integral representation on 𝐺𝐿₂×𝐺𝑆𝑝₄ inspired by the pullback formula
Authors: Pollack Aaron , Shah Shrenik
Published: November 2017

We give a two variable Rankin–Selberg integral inspired by consideration of Garrett’s pullback formula. For a globally generic cusp form on

G
L

2

×

G
S
p

4

\mathrm {GL}_2\times \mathrm {GSp}_4

, the integral represents the product of the

S
t
d

×

S
p
i
n

\mathrm {Std}\times \mathrm {Spin}

and

1

×

S
t
d

\mathbf {1} \times \mathrm {Std}

L
L

-functions. We prove a result concerning an Archimedean principal series representation in order to verify a case of Jiang’s first-term identity relating certain non-Siegel Eisenstein series on symplectic groups. Using it, we obtain a new proof of a known result concerning possible poles of these

L
L

-functions.
Redistributive Land Reform and Structural Change in Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan
Authors: İşcan Talan B.
Published: November 2017

Redistributive land reforms implemented in post‐WWII Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan have often been considered a substantial stimulus for these countries’ subsequent economic growth. Before the reforms, there were a small number of large landlords and many small tenant cultivators, but after the reforms, tenancy effectively disappeared. This article assesses the impact of reforms on structural change and income per capita, and shows that reforms were responsible for at least half of the actual reallocation of labor out of agriculture in each of these countries in the aftermath of the reforms. By contrast, their impact on income per capita was small.
Characterization of a New Tymovirus Causing Stunting and Chlorotic Mosaic in Naranjilla (Solanum quitoense)
Authors: Green Kelsie J. , Mollov Dimitre , Tran Lisa T. , Alvarez-Quinto Robert A. , Ochoa Jose B. , Quito-Avila Diego F. , Karasev Alexander V.
Published: November 2017

Naranjilla (“little orange”), also known as lulo (Solanum quitoense Lam.), is a perennial shrub species cultivated in the Andes for fresh fruit and juice production. In 2015, a naranjilla plant exhibiting stunting, mosaic, and chlorotic spots was sampled in the Pastaza province of Ecuador and maintained under greenhouse conditions. An infectious agent was mechanically transmitted to indicator plants and was subjected to biological and molecular characterization. Spherical particles approximately 30 nm in diameter, composed of a single 20-kDa capsid protein, were observed under an electron microscope in infected naranjilla plants. High-throughput sequencing conducted on inoculated Nicotiana benthamiana plants produced a single sequence contig sharing the closest relationship with several tymoviruses. The entire 6,245-nucleotide genome of a new tymovirus was amplified using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and resequenced with the Sanger methodology. The genome had three open reading frames typical of tymoviruses, and displayed a whole-genome nucleotide identity level with the closest tymovirus, Eggplant mosaic virus, at 71% (90% coverage). This tymovirus from naranjilla was able to systemically infect eggplant, tamarillo, N. benthamiana, and naranjilla. In naranjilla, it produced mosaic, chlorotic spots, and stunting, similar to the symptoms observed in the original plant. The virus was unable to infect potato and tobacco and unable to systemically infect pepper plants, replicating only in inoculated leaves. We concluded that this virus represented a new tymovirus infecting naranjilla, and proposed the tentative name Naranjilla chlorotic mosaic virus (NarCMV).
Deep coverage whole genome sequences and plasma lipoprotein(a) in individuals of European and African ancestries
Authors: Zekavat Seyedeh M. , Ruotsalainen Sanni , Handsaker Robert E. , Alver Maris , Bloom Jonathan , Poterba Tim , Seed Cotton , Ernst Jason , Chaffin Mark , Engreitz Jesse , Correa Adolfo , Metspalu Andres , Salomaa Veikko , Kellis Manolis , Daly Mark J. , Wilson James G. , Neale Benjamin M. , McCaroll Steven , Surakka Ida , Esko Tonu , Ganna Andrea , Ripatti Samuli , Kathiresan Sekar , Natarajan Pradeep ,   NHLBI TOPMed Lipids Working Group
Published: November 2017

Lipoprotein(a), Lp(a), is a modified low-density lipoprotein particle where apolipoprotein(a) (protein product of theLPAgene) is covalently attached to apolipoprotein B. Lp(a) is a highly heritable, causal risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and varies in concentrations across ancestries. To comprehensively delineate the inherited basis for plasma Lp(a), we performed deep-coverage whole genome sequencing in 8,392 individuals of European and African American ancestries. Through whole genome variant discovery and direct genotyping of all structural variants overlappingLPA, we quantified the 5.5kb kringle IV-2 copy number (KIV2-CN), a knownLPAstructural polymorphism, and developed a model for its imputation. Through common variant analysis, we discovered a novel locus (SORT1) associated with Lp(a)-cholesterol, and also genetic modifiers of KIV2-CN. Furthermore, in contrast to previous GWAS studies, we explain most of the heritability of Lp(a), observing Lp(a) to be 85% heritable among African Americans and 75% among Europeans, yet with notable inter-ethnic heterogeneity. Through analyses of aggregates of rare coding and non-coding variants with Lp(a)-cholesterol, we found the only genome-wide significant signal to be at a non-codingSLC22A3intronic window also previously described to be associated with Lp(a); however, this association was mitigated by adjustment with KIV2-CN. Finally, using an additional imputation dataset (N=27,344), we performed Mendelian randomization ofLPAvariant classes, finding that genetically regulated Lp(a) is more strongly associated with incident cardiovascular diseases than directly measured Lp(a), and is significantly associated with measures of subclinical atherosclerosis in African Americans.
Genomic and geographic footprints of differential introgression between two highly divergent fish species
Authors: Souissi Ahmed , Bonhomme François , Manchado Manuel , Bahri-Sfar Lilia , Gagnaire Pierre-Alexandre
Published: November 2017

Investigating variation in gene flow across the genome between closely related species is important to understand how reproductive isolation builds up during the speciation process. An efficient way to characterize differential gene flow is to study how the genetic interactions that take place in hybrid zones selectively filter gene exchange between species, leading to heterogeneous genome divergence. In the present study, genome-wide divergence and introgression patterns were investigated between two sole species,Solea senegalensisandSolea aegyptiaca, using a restriction-associated DNA sequencing (RAD-Seq) approach to analyze samples taken from a transect spanning the hybrid zone. An integrative approach combining geographic and genomic clines methods with an analysis of individual locus introgression taking into account the demographic history of divergence inferred from the joint allele frequency spectrum was conducted. Our results showed that only a minor fraction of the genome can still substantially introgress between the two species due to genome-wide congealing. We found multiple evidence for a preferential direction of introgression in theS. aegyptiacagenetic background, indicating a possible recent or ongoing movement of the hybrid zone. Deviant introgression signals found in the opposite direction supported that the Mediterranean populations ofS. senegalensiscould have benefited from adaptive introgression. Our study thus illustrates the varied outcomes of genetic interactions between divergent gene pools that recently met after a long history of divergence.
Refactoring gene sequences for broad assembly standards compatibility
Authors: Shepherd Tyson R.
Published: November 2017

Four cloning standards in synthetic biology are BioBrick, BglBrick, MoClo and GoldenBraid, with each requiring their constitutive parts be compatible with the associated restriction enzymes. To standardize parts for the broadest usage, it would be useful to synthesize genes that are simultaneously compatible with all 4 popular assembly strategies. Here it is shown that using a defined set of rules, implemented in a computational program, any protein coding sequence can be made compatible with all four standards by silent mutations. Using a coding sequence as an input, all BioBrick, BglBrick, MoClo, and GoldenBraid restriction sites and chi recombination hot spots can be destroyed with silent mutations that approximate the codon usage of the organism. As an application, all open reading frames in the model organisms Escherichia Coli and Bacillus Subtilis are computationally refactored, showing the feasibility of implementing this umbrella strategy for synthesizing genes with the broadest compatibility.
The mediating role of absorptive capacity on the relationship between entrepreneurial orientation and technological innovation capabilities
Authors: Aljanabi AbdulQadir Rahomee Ahmed
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to empirically examine the relationships between entrepreneurial orientation (EO), absorptive capacity (ACAP), and technological innovation capabilities (TIC) among industrial SMEs operating in an unstable environment. The research also aims to determine whether ACAP has a mediating role in the relation between EO and TIC.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model was designed to examine the relationships. On the basis of a research framework, a self-administered questionnaire was used to gather data from SMEs owners in the Kurdistan region of Iraq. There were 432 out of 676 questionnaires returned and subsequently used for statistical analysis.

Findings

The outcomes of the present research indicate both EO and ACAP have significant effects on TIC. Furthermore, the outcomes suggest that ACAP has a mediation role in the nexus between EO and TIC and that indicates the ability of EO to strengthen TIC via ACAP.

Originality/value

The research contributes to the literature through three aspects. First, it provides some empirical evidence on the relationships between EO, ACAP and TIC of SMEs. Second, the research sheds light on the insights that firms can use externally generated knowledge as a mechanism to enhance their proactivity and willingness toward innovation. Third, for the innovation literature, it is valuable contribution to placing ACAP within the frame of EO. Thus, they can be advantageous to more development in innovation literature.
District stressors and teacher evaluation ratings
Authors: Lenhoff Sarah Winchell , Pogodzinski Ben , Mayrowetz David , Superfine Benjamin Michael , Umpstead Regina R.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

Federal and state policymakers in the USA have sought to better differentiate the performance of K-12 teachers by enacting more rigorous evaluation policies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether these policies are working as intended and explore whether district stressors such as funding, enrollment, and governance are associated with outcomes.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors examined teacher evaluation ratings from 687 districts in Michigan to identify the relationship between district stressors and two outcomes of interest to policymakers: frequency of high ratings and variation of ratings within districts. A qualitative index of variation was used to measure variation of the categorical rating variable.

Findings

About 97 percent of teachers in Michigan are rated effective or highly effective, and variation measures indicate overwhelming use of only two ratings. Charter school districts have fewer teachers rated highly than traditional districts, and districts with higher fund balances have more teachers rated highly. Districts with increasing fund balances have higher variation.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that district stressors presumably unrelated to teacher performance may influence teacher evaluation ratings. State teacher evaluation reforms that give districts considerable discretion in designing their teacher evaluation models may not be sufficient for differentiating the performance of teachers.

Originality/value

This research is important as policymakers refine state systems of support for teacher evaluation and provides new evidence that current enactment of teacher evaluation reform may be limiting the value of evaluation ratings for use in personnel decisions.
Live long and prosper: the search for business longevity
Authors: Sharma Kamal , Dixit Mukund R.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

This paper aims to discuss key aspects of the longevity of business enterprises across the world. It explores the parameters that set apart a company which had survived for more than 1,400 years from most large companies which survive for a fraction of this time.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper integrates observations from two important research papers on the topic, and from the author’s own research.

Findings

Contrary to expectations, long-surviving firms are usually conservative about change, exploit their opportunities rather than explore more, diversify in relevant areas, and co-operate even with their competitors to live long.

Research limitations/implications

To those companies that live long, age becomes a valuable resource in itself. Consumers see a continuous track record of a firm as a proxy for good quality, and long history can provide managers institutional memory to leverage toward further sustainability. “Long history” not only can provide anecdotes and stories to employees that exemplify the tacit core values of the firm but also, quite counter-intuitively, could be useful in transforming cultures and traditions.

Practical implications

Longevity challenge encompasses both continuity and change, but the experience filtered from many long-lived firms across the globe provides companies with insights that could inspire many more to live long and prosper.
Posturing your firm for the future: considering environmental uncertainty and managerial sentiment
Authors: Carini Gary R. , Norman Patricia M.
Published: November 2017

Purpose

All leaders must position their firms for future success. However, not all firms should search for information and craft their strategies in the same way. This paper aims to provide a framework, which suggests that firms should adopt different postures depending on extent of environmental uncertainty and whether leaders are optimistic or pessimistic about their firms’ abilities and futures.

Design/methodology/approach

This framework was designed by two strategy professors based on both strategy theory and their experience working with and observing firms over many years.

Findings

The framework’s four postures – versatile (high uncertainty, positive sentiment), inquisitive (high uncertainty, negative sentiment), focused (low uncertainty, positive sentiment), and vigilant (low uncertainty, negative sentiment) – call for different behavior as firms seek to understand environmental trends and take strategic actions. The dangers of each posture are briefly discussed.

Originality/value

This paper provides a simple framework to help executives better understand how their firms should search for and implement strategic actions for future success.
Dementia-friendly housing charter
Authors: Miles Sara , Pritchard-Wilkes Vanessa
Published: November 2017

Purpose

The dementia-friendly housing charter was developed by the sector in response to the Prime Minister’s challenge on dementia and a need for this resource within the housing sector. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the positive impact the housing sector can have on people living with dementia and identify resources available which the sector can use to support this.

Design/methodology/approach

The charter identifies relevant resources and examples of good practice to encourage their integration into all aspects of people, places and processes, the three “pillars” which the charter is built around. To develop the charter, people with dementia were engaged to identify the challenges they face and potential solutions that could be provided. The feedback of people with dementia highlighted the importance of design in housing to ensure it meets an individual’s needs as their dementia progresses. This could include adaptations such as sensor lights, plug sockets at arm level, wet rooms and open plan living. The importance of good quality training for staff was also highlighted.

Findings

There are a number of areas that were not included in the housing charter. Some were consciously not included, such as care homes, while others such as issues apparent when considering the wider agenda of equality are now being explored and will be incorporated.

Originality/value

In the first three months, over 600 copies of the charter were downloaded by a range of organisations including housing with care providers, local authorities and housing associations. An evaluation of the effectiveness of the charter will take place during Autumn 2017 to understand more about the success and limitations of the charter after which amends will be made if required.
Soil gross N ammonification and nitrification from tropical to temperate forests in eastern China
Authors: Wang Changhui , Wang Nannan , Zhu Jianxing , Liu Yuan , Xu Xiaofeng , Niu Shuli , Yu Guirui , Han Xingguo , He Nianpeng
Published: November 2017

Nitrogen (N) ammonification and nitrification are two primary microbial processes controlling the availability of soil ammonium (NH4+), a key nutrient for vegetative growth. The large‐scale patterns of gross ammonification (GA) and gross nitrification (GN) rates represent soil microbial adaptations to different vegetative and environmental conditions. In this study, we investigated GA and GN rates in nine forest soils along a 3,700‐km north–south transect in eastern China.

We used 15N‐labelling techniques, along with field experiments and laboratory incubations, to assess in situ and potential rates of the GA and GN. The mean in situ GA rate was 4.9 ± 0.5 mg N kg−1 day−1, whereas the mean potential rate of GA was 32.0 ± 8.6 mg N kg−1 day−1. The mean in situ GN rate was 1.7 ± 0.3 mg N kg−1 day−1 (potential GN rate: 3.2 ± 0.6 mg N kg−1 day−1). GA was significantly higher than GN along the transect, and there were high variations in GA and GN among different forests. Significant relationships were identified between meteorological factors (temperature and precipitation) and the GA and GN rates during the sampling month (August 2013). However, the mean GA rate in primary forest was significantly lower in the Huzhong (HZ), Dongling (DL), Taiyue (TY) and Dinghu (DH) sites compared with other sites, whereas with the exception of the Liangshui (LS) sampling site, the mean GN rate in primary and secondary forests showed the same trends. Significant differences in GA rates were found between primary and secondary forests at the LS and Changbai (CB) sites, and differences were detected in GN rate at the HZ, LS and Jiulian (JL) sites.

Structural equation modelling analysis suggested that soil N contents, microbial biomass N pool sizes and bacterial abundance are the primary determinants of the in situ rates of GA and GN. The strong control of edaphic factors on GA and GN indicates a need to improve soil N models with more explicit representation of edaphic factors and their control on soil N transformations.

A plain language summary is available for this article.
Spousal recollections of early signs of primary progressive aphasia
Authors: Pozzebon Margaret , Douglas Jacinta , Ames David
Published: November 2017

Background

Although primary progressive aphasia (PPA) is characterized by progressive loss of language and communication skills, knowledge about the earliest emerging signs announcing the onset of this condition is limited.

Aims

To explore spousal recollections regarding the earliest signs of PPA and to compare the nature of the earliest perceived symptoms across the three PPA variants.

Methods & Procedures

In‐depth interviews focusing on the earliest signs of illness onset were conducted with 13 spouses whose partners were diagnosed with PPA. The earliest recollections and observations described by the spouses were analyzed and coded according to the DSM‐5 criteria for a mild neurocognitive disorder. These data were then compared across and within each of the three PPA variants.

Outcomes & Results

Spousal retrospective accounts indicated the three PPA variants (semantic, logopenic and non‐fluent) had a signature profile announcing illness onset. Changes in social cognition presented in all three variants of PPA, but at different points in the illness trajectory. In particular, the findings suggest the possibility that PPA initially presents as subtle changes in social cognition for semantic variant PPA (svPPA) and logopenic variant PPA (IvPPA) rather than overt language impairments as defined in the current diagnostic criteria.

Conclusions & Implications

: Understanding the nature of symptoms perceived in the earliest stages of PPA has potential to inform earlier and accurate diagnosis and interventions to assist those living with the illness.
Contactless Visualization of Latent Fingerprints on Nonporous Curved Surfaces of Circular Cross Section—A Statistical Evaluation on the Materials as Plane Mirror
Authors: Low Wei Zeng , Khoo Bee Ee , Abdullah Ahmad Fahmi Lim bin
Published: November 2017

A new contactless technique for latent fingerprint visualization on nonporous curved surfaces of circular cross section was introduced by Low et al. (1). The technique utilizes a plane mirror to convey the light rays toward the inspected surfaces for latent fingerprint visualization. This research activity came up as an extension of the previous study which utilized an aluminum plate as the plane mirror to illuminate the inspected surfaces. Dulling spray was used to increase the diffuse component of the reflective aluminum plate. However, the amount of dulling spray will affect the uniformity of the illumination on the inspected curved surfaces. In this study, a study on the new materials for the plane mirror was carried out. Coated aluminum, opal, and ground glass diffusers were selected as the new materials. The performance of the new materials was compared to the aluminum based on the quality of the captured images on various nonporous cylindrical surfaces. A statistical approach known as randomized complete block design was used to design the experiment. The quality of the captured images was obtained using Spectral Image Validation and Verification. Two‐way analysis of variance and Fisher's least significant difference test were used to analyze the quality of the images. From the results of the statistical analysis, coated aluminum has the best performance compared to aluminum, opal, and ground glass diffusers.
Insane Sex Offenders: Psychiatric and Legal Characteristics of Sexual Offenders Found Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity
Authors: Holoyda Brian J. , McDermott Barbara E. , Newman William J.
Published: November 2017

There is little known about sexual offenders hospitalized under forensic commitment statutes such as not guilty by reason of insanity (NGRI). We conducted a chart review to delineate the demographic, clinical, and legal characteristics of NGRI sexual offenders (n = 68) committed to the California Department of State Hospitals—Napa, including 41 found NGRI for a sexual offense and 27 found NGRI for a nonsexual offense. The two groups did not differ significantly in their demographics, psychiatric diagnoses, victim characteristics, or recidivism risk as measured by the Static‐99R. Those found NGRI for a sexual offense were older at the time of their first criminal and first violent offense, younger at the time of their committing offense, and had fewer prior total convictions and sexual offense convictions. These findings may indicate that sexual offenders found NGRI for a sexual offense are less antisocial than those found NGRI for a nonsexual offense.
Identification of a sugar gustatory receptor and its effect on fecundity of the brown planthopper Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Chen Wei‐Wen , Kang Kui , Yang Pan , Zhang Wen‐Qing
Published: November 2017

In insects, the gustatory system plays a crucial role in multiple physiological behaviors, including feeding, toxin avoidance, courtship, mating and oviposition. Gustatory stimuli from the environment are recognized by gustatory receptors. To date, little is known about the function of gustatory receptors in agricultural pest insects. In this study, we cloned a sugar gustatory receptor gene, NlGr11, from the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens (Stål), a serious pest of rice in Asia; we then identified its ligands, namely, fructose, galactose and arabinose, by calcium imaging assay. After injection of NlGr11 double‐stranded RNA, we found that the number of eggs laid by BPH decreased. Moreover, we found that NlGr11 inhibited the phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and promoted the phosphorylation of protein kinase B (AKT). These findings demonstrated that NlGr11 could accelerate the fecundity of BPH through AMPK‐ and AKT‐mediated signaling pathways. This is the first report to indicate that a gustatory receptor modulates the fecundity of insects and that the receptor could be a potential target for pest control.
Influence of Images on the Evaluation of Jams Using Conjoint Analysis Combined with Check‐All‐That‐Apply (CATA) Questions
Authors: Miraballes Marcelo , Gámbaro Adriana
Published: November 2017

A study of the influence of the use of images in a conjoint analysis combined with check‐all‐that apply (CATA) questions on jams was carried out. The relative importance of flavor and the information presented in the label in the willingness to purchase and the perception of how healthy the product is has been evaluated. Sixty consumers evaluated the stimuli presented only in text format (session 1), and another group of 60 consumers did so by receiving the stimuli in text format along with an image of the product (session 2). In addition, for each stimulus, consumers answered a CATA question consisting of 20 terms related to their involvement with the product. The perception of healthy increased when the texts were accompanied with images and also increased when the text included information. Willingness to purchase was only influenced by the flavor of the jams. The presence of images did not influence the CATA question's choice of terms, which were influenced by the information presented in the text. The use of a check‐all‐that‐apply question in concepts provided an interesting possibility when they were combined with the results from the conjoint analysis, improving the comprehension of consumers’ perception. Using CATA questions as an alternative way of evaluating consumer involvement seems to be beneficial and should be evaluated much further.
Warm‐Up Effect in Panelist‐Articulated‐2‐Alternative Forced Choice Test
Authors: Bloom David J. , Baik Hwa‐Young , Lee Soo‐Yeun
Published: November 2017

Panelist performance in discrimination tests has been shown to increase when warm‐up samples are provided prior to the actual test. Samples are used prior to the actual test for the attribute articulation process of a panelist‐articulated‐2‐alternative forced choice (PA‐2‐AFC) procedure; however, it is yet unknown if the pretest articulation phase adds to the power of this testing method as with the warm‐up. The goal of the study was to determine if a “warm‐up” effect was displayed in the PA‐2‐AFC test resulting in greater power compared to the researcher‐designated‐2‐AFC (RD‐2‐AFC) test. A RD‐2‐AFC test, with and without warm‐up samples, and a PA‐2‐AFC test were performed by 61 panelists. A reduced calorie, citrus‐flavored, and carbonated beverage was used in the tests. During RD‐2‐AFC testing, panelists were asked to identify which sample was more sour. For PA‐2‐AFC testing, panelists individually articulated the nature and direction of the difference between the 2 samples through a pretesting articulation procedure. The articulated difference was, then, used in standard 2‐AFC test procedure. A warm‐up effect was observed when comparing the standard RD‐2‐AFC with and without warm‐up samples. The addition of warm up samples significantly increased the power of the test, in addition, the PA‐2‐AFC method had lower power than the RD‐2‐AFC method. The increase in power with the addition of warm‐up samples for the RD‐2‐AFC procedure supports literature findings on the benefit of providing warm‐up samples. No warm‐up effect can be attributed to the PA‐2‐AFC method evidenced by the overall low power observed, which may be attributed to sample complexity.

Practical Application

Selecting a specified discrimination testing method is advantageous and can reduce costs of sensory testing, but has been considered unpractical when samples may differ in unknown ways. This research explores the use of panelist derived terms to circumvent the need for researchers to identify these differences and compares the results to using research designated terms in discrimination testing. Results from this study can be utilized in creating ways to incorporate more powerful methods into sensory discrimination testing plans and provides researchers with a means for selecting terms for use in specified discrimination testing methods.
County‐Scale Rainwater Harvesting Feasibility in the United States: Climate, Collection Area, Density, and Reuse Considerations
Authors: Ennenbach Mounir William , Concha Larrauri Paulina , Lall Upmanu
Published: November 2017

Roof rainwater harvesting (RWH) has the potential to augment water supplies for urban and suburban uses throughout the United States (U.S.). Studies of the performance of RWH at the building and city scales in the U.S. are available, but a countrywide overview of the potential performance of RWH at the county scale has not been done before. Three approaches were taken: (1) assess the viability of RWH in terms of the rainfall that could be captured in relation to the water demand in each county (excluding agriculture), (2) evaluate the performance of a “typical” domestic RWH system across all counties with metrics related to its ability to supply the potable and nonpotable demand, and (3) evaluate the effect of adding a 50% rainwater reuse component to the analysis. We find RWH could be a viable supplemental water source in the U.S., particularly in counties of the Pacific Northwest, Central, and Eastern regions (percent demand covered >50%). Low population density counties have the potential to meet their annual water needs with RWH, while high‐density counties could only source a small portion (~20%) of their annual demand with RWH. Typical RWH systems in counties in the Central and Eastern U.S. performed better than in Western counties. Adding a reuse component can be a key factor in making RWH attractive in many areas of the country. This work can inform future water infrastructure investment and planning in the U.S.