bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What is yet to come? Three propositions on the future of educational research as a common good
Authors: Decuypere Mathias
Published: February 2015

This paper offers some explorative notes accompanying the issues I addressed in the journal’s moot, which took place at the ECER 2014 conference (Porto, September 1-5). The notes that follow are explicitly written through the eyes of an emerging researcher, and offer three propositions regarding the future of educational research. These three propositions, which could be conceived as focal issues that I deem of paramount importance regarding the future of educational research, are centered around one general conviction, that is, that education in general and educational research in particular should be conceived in terms of being a common good - something of and for everybody, but not owned by anybody in particular. Based on this conception, the first proposition advances the importance of domain-oriented research next to approach-oriented research; the second proposition offers some thoughts on how to recompose the current publishing model; and the third proposition advances the idea that the European Conference on Educational Research itself could perhaps be partly conceived as and designed in terms of being a moot as well.
On organizing educational research communication in Europe: Past experiences and possible futures
Authors: Lindblad Sverker
Published: February 2015

In this note I will comment on the development of the European Educational Research Association (EERA) as a European educational research organization and the current situation. In doing so I will put forward a few matters concerning the social and intellectual organization of the EERA and the visibility of educational research in Europe.
On the two cultures of educational research, and how we might move ahead: Reconsidering the ontology, axiology and praxeology of education
Authors: Biesta Gert
Published: February 2015

In this paper I focus on a split within the field of educational research between those who approach education as an activity or practice governed by cause–effect relationships and those who see education as a human event of communication, meaning making and interpretation. Rather than just arguing against the former and in favour of the latter view, I outline a way forward in which the question of how education works and how it can be made to work better is considered a legitimate question, but where the answer to this question takes into consideration the specific nature of educational processes and practices. In order to do so I explore the ontology, the axiology and the praxeology of education through a discussion of the question of how education actually works (ontology), the question of what education might work for (axiology), and the question of what this means for making education work and making it work better in the everyday practice of teaching (praxeology). I preface this discussion with observations about the differing ways in which education as a field of academic scholarship has developed in Europe, in order to highlight that ‘educational research’ exists in at least two distinctively different configurations, and to show how the way in which the field has established itself in the German-speaking world might provide helpful resources for conceiving of educational research in a more educational manner.
Novel forms of research governance and their possible impact on the future of educational research
Authors: Pataki Gyöngyvér
Published: February 2015

This article sets out to contribute to the current debate on the transformation of educational research with regard to global transitions and challenges. Nation-centred hierarchical organizations in Europe have increasingly failed to address emergent processes. And in contrast novel forms of governance have gained prevalence in controlling uncertainty and contingency in the transforming European Educational Research Space. The paper addresses one particular dimension of current educational research – that of the mechanisms by which transnational research operates within the European Educational Research space. Within this framework special attention is given to the issue of the governance, as a specific process shaping research cultures in the past, present and future, and to the role of European research associations as a system of evolving networks of ‘knowledge spaces’. The article problematizes assumptions about the potential of European research associations to construct vocabularies, perspectives and applications in an attempt to open up dialogues, discipline narrativity and create a new sovereign actor. The paper concludes with proposals for possible future visions based on the outcomes of the analysis of the nature of the current educational research governance.
Our Deliberate Success
Authors: Rodríguez Louie F. , Oseguera Leticia
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this article is to identify the best practices across the K-20 pipeline that work for Latina/o students for the purposes of developing a framework for Latina/o student success. The authors suggest that the field needs to be explicit when it comes to recognizing “what works” and encourage researchers, practitioners, and policymakers to embrace an additive approach when examining and creating future directions for Latina/o student success.
Data-Based Personnel Decisions
Authors: Hewitt Kimberly Kappler , Chopin Scarlet Lilian
Published: February 2015

Focused on the use of teacher evaluation data, this case was designed for use in two principal licensure courses, one on data literacy and the other on supervision and personnel. The principal of Baker Middle School has been instructed by the superintendent to use data from the state’s new teacher evaluation system to determine which teachers should be placed on the district’s Intensive Support List (ISL). Those on the list receive additional support but are subject to termination proceedings if they do not evidence sufficient growth. Students must analyze available data, identify which teachers should be on the ISL, and defend their decisions or alternatively craft an advocacy plan in objection to the ISL.
Separate and Unequal at Hillsborough High
Authors: Malin Joel R. , Hackmann Donald G.
Published: February 2015

Dr. Edward White, Hillsborough High School principal, has decided to allocate faculty in-service time to address an unproductive chasm between academic and career and technical education programming within the school, which has created tensions among the faculty. On returning to his office after the professional development session, which was generally positive, he is confronted by his associate principal for curriculum, who is upset because she was excluded from the process. This case provides an opportunity for students to explore the importance of developing a college- and career-readiness curriculum, as well as to strategize mechanisms to resolve conflicts among colleagues.
Standing at the Crossroads
Authors: King Jeffry
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this case is to examine the connection between the pedagogical practices of standards and relationships. Although research supports the importance of both practices, current efforts often construct a situation where educators must choose between the two. This perception pits one practice against the other, demanding educators choose a side without first reflecting on the validity of the dichotomy. Instead of forcing a choice between standards and relationships, this case explores alternatives for administrators to construct a more holistic pedagogical approach to learning that begins at the intersection of the two practices.
Site-Based Management Versus Systems-Based Thinking
Authors: Mette Ian M. , Bengtson Ed
Published: February 2015

This case was written to help prepare building-level and central office administrators who are expected to effectively lead schools and systems in an often tumultuous world of educational accountability and reform. The intent of this case study is to allow educators to examine the impact data management has on the types of thinking required when leading school systems, particularly in larger school districts. Educators studying this case should examine the strengths and weaknesses of site-based management as well as systems-based thinking—specifically how both can play a role in how schools and school systems are led in the age of accountability and reform.
Adolescent knowledge and attitudes related to clinical trials
Authors: Brown Devin L , Cowdery Joan E , Jones Toni Stokes , Langford Aisha , Gammage Catherine , Jacobs Teresa L
Published: February 2015

Background or aims

Poor enrollment plagues most clinical trials. Furthermore, despite mandates to improve minority representation in clinical trial participation, little progress has been made. We investigated the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents related to clinical trials and made race/ethnicity comparisons in an attempt to identify a possible educational intervention target.

Methods

Students aged 13–18 years in southeast Michigan were offered participation through a class at one high school or two academic summer enrichment programs that drew from multiple high schools (73% response). Questionnaires previously validated in adults were administered. Non-Hispanic whites were compared with minorities using Wilcoxon rank-sum tests.

Results

Of the 82 respondents, the median age was 16 years (interquartile range: 15–17 years); 22 (28%) were white, 41 (51%) were African American, 11 (14%) were multiracial, 2 (2%) were American Indian or Alaska Native, 1 (1%) was Asian, 3 (4%) were Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, and 2 respondents did not report a race (but did report Hispanic ethnicity). Nine (12%) were Hispanic. Only 27 (33%) had ever heard of a clinical trial. On a scale from 1 (most receptive) to 5 (least receptive) for learning more about a clinical trial for a relevant medical condition, the median score was 2 (interquartile range: 1–3) and for participating in a clinical trial for a relevant medical condition was 2 (interquartile range: 2–3). Overall knowledge was poor, with a median of 46% (interquartile range: 23%−62%) of knowledge answers correct. Knowledge was reduced (p = 0.0006) and attitudes were more negative (p = 0.05) in minorities than non-Hispanic whites, while minorities also endorsed more substantial barriers to trial participation (p = 0.0002). Distrust was similar between minority students and non-Hispanic whites (p = 0.15), and self-efficacy was greater in non-Hispanic whites (p = 0.05).

Conclusion

Educational interventions directed toward adolescents that address knowledge, attitudes, and distrust in order to improve clinical trial awareness and receptivity overall are needed and may represent a tool to address disparities in minority enrollment in clinical trials.
Clinical trial awareness: Changes over time and sociodemographic disparities
Authors: Leiter Amanda , Diefenbach Michael A , Doucette John , Oh William K , Galsky Matthew D
Published: February 2015

Background or aims:

Lack of clinical trial awareness is a known obstacle to clinical trial enrollment. We sought to define the prevalence of clinical trial awareness in the US population, determine characteristics associated with increased trial awareness, and explore potential disparities in trial awareness.

Methods:

We utilized data from the Health Information National Trends Survey from 2008 and 2012. Logistic regression was utilized to assess predictors of clinical trial awareness, particularly sociodemographic variables and information-seeking preferences. Trial awareness and information-seeking preferences were compared in patient subgroups and between the two time periods.

Results:

Clinical trial awareness increased from 68% to 74% between 2008 and 2012. In the 2012 dataset, higher education level (odds ratio: 3.52, 95% confidence interval: 2.16–5.74), higher yearly income category (odds ratio: 1.84, 95% confidence interval: 1.17–2.89), and Internet use (odds ratio: 2.13, 95% confidence interval: 1.52–3.00) were significantly associated with clinical trial awareness. Hispanic ethnicity (odds ratio: 0.41, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.68) was significantly associated with decreased awareness. Clinical trial awareness increased in African-American/Blacks (Δ10.6%) and Hispanics (Δ10.7%) between 2008 and 2012, as did Internet use in both subgroups (Δ14.2%, Δ18.1%, respectively).

Conclusion:

Overall clinical trial awareness has increased between 2008 and 2012, although a large subset of the population still lacks general awareness of clinical trials. Racial and ethnic disparities in trial awareness exist, although disparities may be decreasing among the Black population. These findings may help target educational efforts and inform approaches to increasing trial awareness.
The role of first line managers in healthcare organisations – a qualitative study on the work life experience of ward managers
Authors: Ericsson Ulf , Augustinsson Sören
Published: February 2015

The role of a first line manager (FLM) in Swedish healthcare has gone through major changes, from a divided role involving both nursing work and supervision to a pure management role. Along with these changes, the experienced core work and meaning of work have been altered. This also means that conditions for work that could regenerate the invested resources of the FLMs have been altered as well. The aim of this study was to describe the ward managers’ experiences of their professional role, their work and how they are handling their everyday practice. Furthermore, the aim has been to interpret these experiences through the lens of regenerative work. Five ward managers at a Swedish hospital setting were followed for approximately four years. The study has had an interactive and pragmatic approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations and a continuous dialogue forum (three years). Four themes are presented in this paper: from supervisor to manager; loyalty; talking about it and dialogue forum. These themes are then discussed in order to understand basic conditions for the regenerative work of the FLM. The most central finding is the importance for the FLMs to make sense of their world through narratives and that the organisation does not provide for this.
Classic cases revisited: Baby Theresa and the definition of death
Authors: Szawarski Piotr , Oram John
Published: February 2015

As our medical knowledge grows the criteria for the diagnosis of death continue to evolve. The criteria tend to be pragmatic, and are designed to serve the needs of the society. They are however, only a set of tools and as such they fail to address the question of what death actually is. More importantly, a question remains as to what does death mean to us, human beings. The historical case of Baby Theresa challenges the way we think about death, life and organ transplantation.
Effectiveness of balance exercises in the acute post-operative phase following total hip and knee arthroplasty: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Jogi Pankaj , Overend Tom J , Spaulding Sandi J , Zecevic Aleksandra , Kramer John F
Published: February 2015

Objectives:

To determine the effectiveness of balance exercises in the acute post-operative phase following total hip arthroplasty or total knee arthroplasty.

Methods:

Patients who had total hip arthroplasty ( n = 30) or total knee arthroplasty ( n = 33) were seen in their residence 1–2 times per week for 5 weeks. At the first post-operative home visit, patients were randomly assigned to either typical (TE, n = 33) or typical plus balance (TE + B, n = 30) exercise groups. The TE group completed seven typical surgery-specific joint range-of-motion and muscle strengthening exercises, while the TE + B group completed the typical exercises plus three balance exercises. Patients were assessed before and 5 weeks after administering the rehabilitation program using four outcome measures: (1) the Berg Balance Scale, (2) the Timed Up and Go test, (3) the Western Ontario McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index, and (4) the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale.

Results:

Post-intervention scores for all four outcome measures were significantly improved ( p < 0.01) over baseline scores. Patients who participated in the TE + B group demonstrated significantly greater improvement on the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go tests ( p < 0.01).

Conclusion:

Balance exercises added to a typical rehabilitation program resulted in significantly greater improvements in balance and functional mobility compared to typical exercises alone.
Emotional Intelligence and At-Risk Students
Authors: Chong Abdullah Maria , Lee Phaik Gaik , Roslan Samsilah , Baba Maznah
Published: February 2015

This study examined the relationships between emotional intelligence (EI) and the delinquent behavior (DB) of the students. The level of DB reported by the students is categorized under the headings of crime, drugs, vandalism, pornography and sexual behavior, other misbehavior, and dishonesty. Meanwhile, EI is investigated by looking at the level of EI domains, such as self-awareness, self-regulation, self-motivation, empathy, social skills, maturity, and spiritual awareness. Data were gathered from a sample of 300 secondary school students aged 15 to 18 years in Selangor. The schools they attended were selected from the so-called “hardcore schools,” which were identified by Schools Division in the State of Selangor. Two instruments, namely, surveys on the “Behavior of Students” and “Malaysian Emotional Quotient Inventory (R)–Adolescence (MEQI),” were utilized to collect the research data and were analyzed using SPSS 19.0. The data showed that the highest delinquency among the adolescents was misbehavior in school, followed by crime, vandalism, pornography, dishonesty, and drugs. Results also revealed a negative linear relationship between EI ( r = −.208, n = 300, p = .001) and DB, implying that adolescents with better EI had lower levels of delinquency. Multiple regression analysis revealed that EI is a significant predictor of DB and self-awareness is the main factor of DB. This study contributes to the knowledge of the importance of EI in understanding DB. EI can be used to identify and discriminate emotional skills among those adolescents who exhibit DB. Addressing the role of EI as a predictor would probably prove to be effective in reducing DB.
Modeling Employee Social Responsibility as an Antecedent to Competitiveness Outcomes
Authors: Cheruiyot Thomas Kimeli , Tarus Daniel Kipkirong
Published: February 2015

The study explained a model of employee social responsibility (ESR) as an antecedent to corporate competitiveness. It hypothesizes that ESR has significant effect on employee competitiveness (EC). Questionnaires were administered to a sample of 700 employees selected from a population of 5,595 from 20 classified hotels in the coastal region of Kenya using proportionate and systematic random sampling methods. Structural equation model was used for model specification and hypotheses testing. Confirmatory factor analysis was performed on six and four constructs representing ESR and EC, respectively. Overall, a negative effect of ESR on EC was found with un-standardized β estimates = −.516; SE = .071, p = .000. Accordingly, increase in employee corporate social responsibility (CSR) is associated with decline in EC. This was potentially paradoxical because employees demonstrated job and organization commitment and retention intention despite poor ESR practices.
Microstructure and mechanical properties of cold metal transfer welded aluminium/nickel lap joints
Authors: Liu Y.B. , Sun Q.J. , Sang H.B. , Feng J.C.
Published: February 2015

Cold metal transfer (CMT) welding aluminium alloy to pure nickel using AlSi5 filler wire was investigated in this work. A characterisation of microstructure reveals that Al and Ni could be successfully jointed by the CMT welding process. From the Ni side to the Al side, the interfacial structure consisted of Ni substrate, Ni3Al–Ni0·9Al1·1–Ni2Al3 intermetallic compound layer, NiAl3 layer and Al–Si solid solution four parts. Moreover, the welding velocity had a significant influence on the interfacial morphology of the Ni/Al joints. Shear tensile testing shows that maximum shear strength of 42 MPa was obtained at a welding velocity of 15 mm s− 1. Brittle fractures were observed in all of the lap joint specimens, with fractures located mainly at the NiAl and NiAl3 intermetallic compound layer.
von Willebrand factor propeptide and the phenotypic classification of von Willebrand disease
Authors: Sanders Yvonne V. , Groeneveld Dafna , Meijer Karina , Fijnvandraat Karin , Cnossen Marjon H. , van der Bom Johanna G. , Coppens M. , de Meris Joke , Laros-van Gorkom Britta A. P. , Mauser-Bunschoten Eveline P. , Leebeek Frank W. G. , Eikenboom Jeroen ,   the WiN study group
Published: February 2015

Key Points

VWFpp discriminates between type 3 VWD patients and severe type 1 VWD patients with very low VWF levels. The pathophysiological mechanisms of all types of VWD can be defined by the combined ratios of VWFpp/VWF:Ag and FVIII:C/VWF:Ag.
The diagnostic and prognostic significance of monitoring blood levels of immature neutrophils in patients with systemic inflammation
Authors: Mare Tracey Anne , Treacher David Floyd , Shankar-Hari Manu , Beale Richard , Lewis Sion Marc , Chambers David John , Brown Kenneth Alun
Published: February 2015

Introduction

In this cohort study, we investigated whether monitoring blood levels of immature neutrophils (myelocytes, metamyelocytes and band cells) differentiated patients with sepsis from those with the non-infectious (N-I) systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS). We also ascertained if the appearance of circulating immature neutrophils was related to adverse outcome.

Methods

Blood samples were routinely taken from 136 critically ill patients within 48 hours of ICU entry and from 20 healthy control subjects. Clinical and laboratory staff were blinded to each other’s results, and patients were retrospectively characterised into those with SIRS (n = 122) and those without SIRS (n = 14). The patients with SIRS were further subdivided into categories of definite sepsis (n = 51), possible sepsis (n = 32) and N-I SIRS (n = 39). Two established criteria were used for monitoring immature white blood cells (WBCs): one where band cells >10% WBCs and the other where >10% of all forms of immature neutrophils were included but with a normal WBC count. Immature neutrophils in blood smears were identified according to nuclear morphology and cytoplasmic staining.

Results

With the first criterion, band cells were present in most patients with SIRS (mean = 66%) when compared with no SIRS (mean = 29%; P <0.01) and with healthy subjects (0%). The prevalence of band cells was higher in definite sepsis (mean = 82%) than in patients with possible sepsis (mean = 63%; P <0.05) or with N-I SIRS (mean = 39%; P <0.001), and they had a sensitivity of 84% and a specificity of 71% for the detection of definite sepsis. With the second criterion (that is, patients with normal WBC counts), we noted that immature neutrophils did not differentiate any of the patient groups from one another. Patients who died within 1 week of blood sample provision had higher levels of myelocytes and metamyelocytes (median = 9%; P <0.05) than patients who died at 2 to 4 weeks (median =0.5%).

Conclusions

Raised blood levels of band cells have diagnostic significance for sepsis, provided that measurements are not confined to patients with normal WBC counts, whereas an increased prevalence of myelocytes and metamyelocytes may have prognostic application.
Endotracheal tube biofilm translocation in the lateral Trendelenburg position
Authors: Li Bassi Gianluigi , Fernandez-Barat Laia , Saucedo Lina , Giunta Valeria , Marti Joan Daniel , Tavares Ranzani Otavio , Aguilera Xiol Eli , Rigol Montserrat , Roca Ignasi , Muñoz Laura , Luque Nestor , Esperatti Mariano , Saco Maria Adela , Ramirez Jose , Vila Jordi , Ferrer Miguel , Torres Antoni
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Laboratory studies demonstrated that the lateral Trendelenburg position (LTP) is superior to the semirecumbent position (SRP) in the prevention of ventilator-associated pulmonary infections. We assessed whether the LTP could also prevent pulmonary colonization and infections caused by an endotracheal tube (ETT) biofilm.

Methods

Eighteen pigs were intubated with ETTs colonized by Pseudomonas aeruginosa biofilm. Pigs were positioned in LTP and randomized to be on mechanical ventilatin (MV) up to 24 hour, 48 hour, 48 hour with acute lung injury (ALI) by oleic acid and 72 hour. Bacteriologic and microscopy studies confirmed presence of biofilm within the ETT. Upon autopsy, samples from the proximal and distal airways were excised for P.aeruginosa quantification. Ventilator-associated tracheobronchitis (VAT) was confirmed by bronchial tissue culture ≥3 log colony forming units per gram (cfu/g). In pulmonary lobes with gross findings of pneumonia, ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) was confirmed by lung tissue culture ≥3 log cfu/g.

Results

P.aeruginosa colonized the internal lumen of 16 out of 18 ETTs (88.89%), and a mature biofilm was consistently present. P.aeruginosa colonization did not differ among groups, and was found in 23.6% of samples from the proximal airways, and in 7.1% from the distal bronchi (P = 0.001). Animals of the 24 hour group never developed respiratory infections, whereas 20%, 60% and 25% of the animals in group 48 hour, 48 hour-ALI and 72 hour developed P.aeruginosa VAT, respectively (P = 0.327). Nevertheless, VAP never developed.

Conclusions

Our findings imply that during the course of invasive MV up to 72 hour, an ETT P.aeruginosa biofilm hastily colonizes the respiratory tract. Yet, the LTP compartmentalizes colonization and infection within the proximal airways and VAP never develops.
BitPhylogeny: a probabilistic framework for reconstructing intra-tumor phylogenies
Authors: Yuan Ke , Sakoparnig Thomas , Markowetz Florian , Beerenwinkel Niko
Published: February 2015

Cancer has long been understood as a somatic evolutionary process, but many details of tumor progression remain elusive. Here, we present , a probabilistic framework to reconstruct intra-tumor evolutionary pathways. Using a full Bayesian approach, we jointly estimate the number and composition of clones in the sample as well as the most likely tree connecting them. We validate our approach in the controlled setting of a simulation study and compare it against several competing methods. In two case studies, we demonstrate how reconstructs tumor phylogenies from methylation patterns in colon cancer and from single-cell exomes in myeloproliferative neoplasm.
An improved kilogram-scale preparation of atorvastatin calcium
Authors: Novozhilov Yuri V , Dorogov Mikhail V , Blumina Maria V , Smirnov Alexey V , Krasavin Mikhail
Published: February 2015

Background

If literature protocols are followed, conversion of an advanced ketal ester intermediate (available in kilogram quantities via a published Paal-Knorr synthesis) to cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin calcium is hampered by several process issues, particularly at the final stage where the hemi-calcium salt is obtained.

Results

We developed a high-yielding synthesis of atorvastatin calcium salt on 7 kg scale that affords >99.5% product purities by introducing the following key improvements: i. isolating the pure product of the ketal deprotection step as crystalline solid, and ii. using a convenient ethyl acetate extraction procedure to isolate the pure atorvastatin calcium at the ester hydrolysis and counter-ion exchange step.

Conclusion

The convenient and operationally simple conversion of an advanced intermediate of atorvastatin to the clinically used hemi-calcium salt form of the drug that is superior to the methods obtainable from the literature is now available to facilitate the production of atorvastatin calcium on industrial scale.
When drug discovery meets web search: Learning to Rank for ligand-based virtual screening
Authors: Zhang Wei , Ji Lijuan , Chen Yanan , Tang Kailin , Wang Haiping , Zhu Ruixin , Jia Wei , Cao Zhiwei , Liu Qi
Published: February 2015

Background

The rapid increase in the emergence of novel chemical substances presents a substantial demands for more sophisticated computational methodologies for drug discovery. In this study, the idea of Learning to Rank in web search was presented in drug virtual screening, which has the following unique capabilities of 1). Applicable of identifying compounds on novel targets when there is not enough training data available for these targets, and 2). Integration of heterogeneous data when compound affinities are measured in different platforms.

Results

A standard pipeline was designed to carry out Learning to Rank in virtual screening. Six Learning to Rank algorithms were investigated based on two public datasets collected from Binding Database and the newly-published Community Structure-Activity Resource benchmark dataset. The results have demonstrated that Learning to rank is an efficient computational strategy for drug virtual screening, particularly due to its novel use in cross-target virtual screening and heterogeneous data integration.

Conclusions

To the best of our knowledge, we have introduced here the first application of Learning to Rank in virtual screening. The experiment workflow and algorithm assessment designed in this study will provide a standard protocol for other similar studies. All the datasets as well as the implementations of Learning to Rank algorithms are available at http://www.tongji.edu.cn/~qiliu/lor_vs.html.
Viscosity approximation methods for asymptotically nonexpansive mapping in CAT(0) spaces
Authors: Wangkeeree Rabian , Boonkong Uraiwan , Preechasilp Pakkapon
Published: February 2015

Let C be a nonempty, closed, and convex subset of a complete CAT(0) space X and let T be an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping of C into itself such that the set of common fixed points of T is nonempty. We introduce the iterative schemes for finding the common fixed point of an asymptotically nonexpansive mapping which is the unique solution of some variational inequalities. The strong convergence theorem of the proposed iterative schemes is established. Our result improves and generalizes several other results in the literature.
RNA-Seq analysis and annotation of a draft blueberry genome assembly identifies candidate genes involved in fruit ripening, biosynthesis of bioactive compounds, and stage-specific alternative splicing
Authors: Gupta Vikas , Estrada April D , Blakley Ivory , Reid Rob , Patel Ketan , Meyer Mason D , Andersen Stig Uggerhøj , Brown Allan F , Lila Mary Ann , Loraine Ann E
Published: February 2015

Background

Blueberries are a rich source of antioxidants and other beneficial compounds that can protect against disease. Identifying genes involved in synthesis of bioactive compounds could enable the breeding of berry varieties with enhanced health benefits

Results

Toward this end, we annotated a previously sequenced draft blueberry genome assembly using RNA-Seq data from five stages of berry fruit development and ripening. Genome-guided assembly of RNA-Seq read alignments combined with output from ab initio gene finders produced around 60,000 gene models, of which more than half were similar to proteins from other species, typically the grape Vitis vinifera. Comparison of gene models to the PlantCyc database of metabolic pathway enzymes identified candidate genes involved in synthesis of bioactive compounds, including bixin, an apocarotenoid with potential disease-fighting properties, and defense-related cyanogenic glycosides, which are toxic. Cyanogenic glycoside (CG) biosynthetic enzymes were highly expressed in green fruit, and a candidate CG detoxification enzyme was up-regulated during fruit ripening. Candidate genes for ethylene, anthocyanin, and 400 other biosynthetic pathways were also identified. Homology-based annotation using Blast2GO and InterPro assigned Gene Ontology terms to around 15,000 genes. RNA-Seq expression profiling showed that blueberry growth, maturation, and ripening involve dynamic gene expression changes, including coordinated up- and down-regulation of metabolic pathway enzymes and transcriptional regulators. Analysis of RNA-seq alignments identified developmentally regulated alternative splicing, promoter use, and 3′ end formation.

Conclusions

We report genome sequence, gene models, functional annotations, and RNA-Seq expression data that provide an important new resource enabling high throughput studies in blueberry.
Humic substances stimulate maize nitrogen assimilation and amino acid metabolism at physiological and molecular level
Authors: Vaccaro Silvia , Ertani Andrea , Nebbioso Antonio , Muscolo Adele , Quaggiotti Silvia , Piccolo Alessandro , Nardi Serenella
Published: February 2015

Background

The effects of a humic substance (HS) extracted from a volcanic soil on the nitrate assimilation pathway of Zea mays seedlings were thoroughly examined using physiological and molecular approaches. Plant growth, the amount of soluble proteins and amino acids, as well as the activities of the enzymes involved in nitrogen metabolism and Krebs cycle, were evaluated in response to different HS concentrations (0, 1 and 5 mg C L−1) supplied to maize seedlings for 48 h. To better understand the HS action, the transcript accumulation of selected genes encoding enzymes involved in nitrogen assimilation and Krebs cycle was additionally evaluated in seedlings grown for 2 weeks under nitrogen (N) sufficient condition and N deprivation.

Results

HS at low concentration (1 mg C L−1) positively influenced nitrate metabolism by increasing the content of soluble protein and amino acids synthesis. Furthermore, the activity and transcription of enzymes functioning in N assimilation and Krebs were significantly stimulated.

Conclusions

HS treatment influenced the gene expression of Zea mays plants at transcriptional level and this regulation was closely dependent on the availability of nitrate in the growth medium.
Regulation and function of interleukin-36 cytokines in homeostasis and pathological conditions
Authors: Gabay Cem , Towne Jennifer E
Published: February 2015

IL-36α, IL-36β, and IL-36γ are members of the IL-1 family of cytokines that signal through a common receptor composed of IL-36R and IL-1R/AcP to activate NF-κB and MAPKs, such as p38 and JNK, and promote inflammatory responses. IL-36Ra is a natural antagonist of the 3 IL-36 agonists that binds to IL-36R and inhibits binding of the agonistic ligands. These cytokines are expressed predominantly by epithelial cells and act on a number of cells, including immune cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Processing of the N terminus is required for full agonist or antagonist activity for all IL-36 members. The role of IL-36 has been demonstrated extensively in the skin, where it can act on keratinocytes and immune cells to induce a robust inflammatory response and is implicated strongly through functional and genetic evidence in the pathology of psoriatic disorders. Emerging data also suggest a role for this cytokine family in pulmonary physiology and pathology. Although much has been learned about the biochemistry of IL-36 and its role in various tissues, it is clear that we are at an early stage in our understanding of the full biology of these cytokines.
RM-493, a Melanocortin-4 Receptor (MC4R) Agonist, Increases Resting Energy Expenditure in Obese Individuals
Authors: Chen Kong Y. , Muniyappa Ranganath , Abel Brent S. , Mullins Katherine P. , Staker Pamela , Brychta Robert J. , Zhao Xiongce , Ring Michael , Psota Tricia L. , Cone Roger D. , Panaro Brandon L. , Gottesdiener Keith M. , Van der Ploeg Lex H.T. , Reitman Marc L. , Skarulis Monica C.
Published: February 2015

Context:

Activation of the melanocortin-4 receptor (MC4R) with the synthetic agonist RM-493 decreases body weight and increases energy expenditure (EE) in nonhuman primates. The effects of MC4R agonists on EE in humans have not been examined to date.

Objective, Design, and Setting:

In a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study, we examined the effects of the MC4R agonist RM-493 on resting energy expenditure (REE) in obese subjects in an inpatient setting.

Study Participants and Methods:

Twelve healthy adults (6 men and 6 women) with body mass index of 35.7 ± 2.9 kg/m2 (mean ± SD) received RM-493 (1 mg/24 h) or placebo by continuous subcutaneous infusion over 72 hours, followed immediately by crossover to the alternate treatment. All subjects received a weight-maintenance diet (50% carbohydrate, 30% fat, and 20% protein) and performed 30 minutes of standardized exercise daily. Continuous EE was measured on the third treatment day in a room calorimeter, and REE in the fasting state was defined as the mean of 2 30-minute resting periods.

Results:

RM-493 increased REE vs placebo by 6.4% (95% confidence interval, 0.68–13.02%), on average by 111 kcal/24 h (95% confidence interval, 15–207 kcal, P = .03). Total daily EE trended higher, whereas the thermic effect of a test meal and exercise EE did not differ significantly. The 23-hour nonexercise respiratory quotient was lower during RM-493 treatment (0.833 ± 0.021 vs 0.848 ± 0.022, P = .02). No adverse effect on heart rate or blood pressure was observed.

Conclusions:

Short-term administration of the MC4R agonist RM-493 increases REE and shifts substrate oxidation to fat in obese individuals.
Human FAM154A (SAXO1) is a microtubule-stabilizing protein specific to cilia and related structures
Authors: Dacheux Denis , Roger Benoit , Bosc Christophe , Landrein Nicolas , Roche Emmanuel , Chansel Lucie , Trian Thomas , Andrieux Annie , Papaxanthos-Roche Aline , Marthan Roger , Robinson Derrick R. , Bonhivers Mélanie
Published: February 2015

Cilia and flagella are microtubule-based organelles present at the surface of most cells, ranging from protozoa to vertebrates, in which these structures are implicated in processes from morphogenesis to cell motility. In vertebrate neurons, microtubule-associated MAP6 proteins stabilize cold-resistant microtubules through their Mn and Mc modules, and play a role in synaptic plasticity. Although centrioles, cilia and flagella have cold-stable microtubules, MAP6 proteins have not been identified in these organelles, suggesting that additional proteins support this role in these structures. Here, we characterize human FAM154A (hereafter referred to as hSAXO1) as the first human member of a widely conserved family of MAP6-related proteins specific to centrioles and cilium microtubules. Our data demonstrate that hSAXO1 binds specifically to centriole and cilium microtubules. We identify, in vivo and in vitro, hSAXO1 Mn modules as responsible for microtubule binding and stabilization as well as being necessary for ciliary localization. Finally, overexpression and knockdown studies show that hSAXO1 modulates axoneme length. Taken together, our findings suggest a fine regulation of hSAXO1 localization and important roles in cilium biogenesis and function.
Transbilayer lipid distribution in nano scale
Authors: Murate Motohide , Abe Mitsuhiro , Kasahara Kohji , Iwabuchi Kazuhisa , Umeda Masato , Kobayashi Toshihide
Published: February 2015

There are a limited number of methods to examine transbilayer lipid distribution in biomembranes. We employed freeze-fracture replica labelling immunoelectron microscopy in combination with multiple lipid-binding peptide/proteins to examine both transbilayer and lateral distribution of various phospholipids in mammalian cells. Our results indicate that phospholipids are exclusively distributed either in the outer or inner leaflet of human red blood cell (RBC) membranes. In contrast, in nucleated cells such as human skin fibroblasts and neutrophils, sphingomyelin was distributed in both leaflets while exhibiting characteristic lipid domains in the inner leaflet. Similar to RBC, lipid asymmetry was maintained both in resting and thrombin-activated platelets. However, the microparticles released from thrombin-activated platelets lost membrane asymmetry. Our results suggest that the microparticles were shed from platelet plasma membrane domains enriched with phosphatidylserine/phosphatidylinositol at the outer leaflet. These findings underscore the strict regulation and cell-type specificity of lipid asymmetry in the plasma membrane.
Rab11a regulates Syntaxin 3 localization and microvillus assembly in enterocytes
Authors: Knowles Byron C. , Weis Victoria G. , Yu Shiyan , Roland Joseph T. , Williams Janice A. , Alvarado Gabriela S. , Lapierre Lynne A. , Shub Mitchell D. , Gao Nan , Goldenring James R.
Published: February 2015

Rab11a is a key component of the apical recycling endosome that aids in the trafficking of proteins to the luminal surface in polarized epithelial cells. Utilizing conditional intestinal epithelial cell-specific Rab11a knockout mice and human colonic epithelial CaCo2-BBE cells with stable Rab11a knockdown, we examined the molecular and pathological impact of Rab11a deficiency on the establishment of apical cell polarity and microvillus morphogenesis. We demonstrate that loss of Rab11a induced alterations in enterocyte polarity, shortened microvillar length and the formation of microvilli along the lateral membranes. Rab11a deficiency in enterocytes altered the apical localization of Syntaxin 3. These data affirmed the role of Rab11a in apical membrane trafficking and the maintenance of apical microvilli in enterocytes.
The Rho-specific GAP protein DLC3 coordinates endocytic membrane trafficking
Authors: Braun Anja C. , Hendrick Janina , Eisler Stephan A. , Schmid Simone , Hausser Angelika , Olayioye Monilola A.
Published: February 2015

Membrane trafficking is known to be coordinated by small GTPases, but the identity of their regulators, the guanine nucleotide exchange factors (GEFs) and GTPase-activating proteins (GAPs) that ensure balanced GTPase activation at different subcellular sites is largely elusive. Here, we show in living cells that deleted in liver cancer 3 (DLC3, also known as STARD8) is a functional Rho-specific GAP protein, the loss of which enhances perinuclear RhoA activity. DLC3 is recruited to Rab8-positive membrane tubules and is required for the integrity of the Rab8 and Golgi compartments. Depletion of DLC3 impairs the transport of internalized transferrin to the endocytic recycling compartment (ERC), which is restored by the simultaneous downregulation of RhoA and RhoB. We further demonstrate that DLC3 loss interferes with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) degradation associated with prolonged receptor signaling. Taken together, these findings identify DLC3 as a novel component of the endocytic trafficking machinery, wherein it maintains organelle integrity and regulates membrane transport through the control of Rho activity.
Honeybees (Apis mellifera) exhibit flexible visual search strategies for vertical targets presented at various heights
Authors: Morawetz Linde , Chittka Lars , Spaethe Johannes
Published: February 2015

When honeybees are presented with a colour discrimination task, they tend to choose swiftly and accurately when objects are presented in the ventral part of their frontal visual field. In contrast, poor performance is observed when objects appear in the dorsal part. Here we investigate if this asymmetry is caused by fixed search patterns or if bees can increase their detection ability of objects in search scenarios when targets appear frequently or exclusively in the dorsal area of the visual field.

We trained individual honeybees to choose an orange rewarded target among blue distractors. Target and distractors were presented in the ventral visual field, the dorsal field or both. Bees presented with targets in the ventral visual field consistently had the highest search efficiency, with rapid decisions, high accuracy and direct flight paths. In contrast, search performance for dorsally located targets was inaccurate and slow at the beginning of the experimental phase, but bees increased their search performance significantly after a few foraging bouts: they found the target faster, made fewer errors and flew in a straight line towards the target. However, bees needed thrice as long to improve the search for a dorsally located target when the target’s position changed randomly between the ventral and the dorsal visual field. We propose that honeybees form expectations of the location of the target’s appearance and adapt their search strategy accordingly. A variety of possible mechanisms underlying this behavioural adaptation, for example spatial attention, are discussed.
Guiding Ebola patients to suitable health facilities: an SMS-based approach
Authors: Trad Mohamad-Ali , Jurdak Raja , Rana Rajib
Published: February 2015

Access to appropriate health services is a fundamental problem in developing countries, where patients do not have access to information and to the nearest health service facility. We propose building a recommendation system based on simple SMS text messaging to help Ebola patients readily find the closest health service with available and appropriate resources. The system will map people’s reported symptoms to likely Ebola case definitions and suitable health service locations. In addition to providing a valuable individual service to people with curable diseases, the proposed system will also predict population-level disease spread risk for infectious diseases using crowd-sourced symptoms from the population. Health workers will be able to better plan and anticipate responses to the current Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Patients will have improved access to appropriate health care. This system could also be applied in other resource poor or rich settings.
Accounting for the Gap: A Firm Study Manipulating Organizational Accountability and Transparency in Pay Decisions
Authors: Castilla Emilio J.
Published: February 2015

Great progress has been made in documenting how employer practices may shape workplace inequality. Less research attention, however, has been given to investigating which organizational strategies are effective at addressing gender and racial inequality in labor markets. Using a unique field study design, this article identifies and tests, for the first time, whether accountability and transparency in pay decisions—two popular organizational initiatives discussed among scholars and practitioners—may reduce the pay gap by employee gender, race, and foreign nationality. Through a longitudinal analysis of a large private company, I study the performance-based reward decisions concerning almost 9,000 employees before and after high-level management adopted a set of organizational procedures, introducing accountability and transparency into the company’s performance-reward system. Before such procedures were introduced, there was an observed gap in the distribution of performance-based rewards where women, ethnic minorities, and non-U.S.-born employees received lower monetary rewards compared with U.S.-born white men having the same performance evaluation scores and working in the same job and work unit with the same manager and the same human capital characteristics. Analyses of the company’s employee performance-reward data after the adoption of accountability and transparency procedures show a reduction in this pay gap. I conclude by discussing the implications of this study for future research about employer strategies targeting workplace inequality and diversity.