bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cinderella finds her shoe: the first Vps34 inhibitor uncovers a new PI3K–AGC protein kinase connection
Authors: Bilanges Benoit , Vanhaesebroeck Bart
Published: November 2014

Class II/III PI3Ks (phosphoinositide 3-kinases) produce the PtdIns(3)P lipid that is involved in intracellular vesicular trafficking. In contrast with class I PI3Ks, the potential signalling roles of class II/III PI3Ks are poorly understood. In a recent article in the Biochemical Journal, Bago and co-workers report that Vps34 (vacuolar protein sorting 34), the only class III PI3K, controls the activity of SGK3 (serum- and glucocorticoid-regulated protein kinase 3). Like other AGC kinases, the SGKs (SGK1, SGK2 and SGK3) are activated by dual phosphorylation. Unlike its cousins SGK1 and SGK2, SGK3 contains a PtdIns(3)P-binding domain, providing an additional element of regulation. The study by Bago et al. characterizes and makes extensive use of a Novartis Vps34 inhibitor (VPS34-IN1) that inhibits this PI3K isoform with nanomolar potency, without affecting other lipid kinases or more than 300 protein kinases. The authors show that this compound very rapidly reduced PtdIns(3)P levels at the endosome with concomitant loss of SGK3 phosphorylation. Co-inhibition of class I PI3Ks led to a further reduction in SGK3 activity, indicating that class I PI3Ks may also regulate SGK3 activity through an additional, currently unknown, mechanism. It remains to be assessed whether the novel PI3K–protein kinase connection established by this study is subject to acute cellular stimulation or is part of a constitutive housekeeping function. VPS34-IN1 will provide a useful tool to decipher the kinase-dependent functions of Vps34, with acute changes in SGK3 phosphorylation and subcellular localization being new biomarkers of Vps34 activity.
PKCθ-regulated signalling in health and disease
Authors: Nath Pulak R. , Isakov Noah
Published: November 2014

Protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) is a key enzyme in T-lymphocytes where it plays an important role in signal transduction downstream of the activated T-cell receptor (TCR) and the CD28 co-stimulatory receptor. Antigenic stimulation of T-cells triggers PKCθ translocation to the centre of the immunological synapse (IS) at the contact site between antigen-specific T-cells and antigen-presenting cells (APCs). The IS-residing PKCθ phosphorylates and activates effector molecules that transduce signals into distinct subcellular compartments and activate the transcription factors, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT) and activating protein 1 (AP-1), which are essential for the induction of T-cell-mediated responses. Besides its major biological role in T-cells, PKCθ is expressed in several additional cell types and is involved in a variety of distinct physiological and pathological phenomena. For example, PKCθ is expressed at high levels in platelets where it regulates signal transduction from distinct surface receptors, and is required for optimal platelet activation and aggregation, as well as haemostasis. In addition, PKCθ is involved in physiological processes regulating insulin resistance and susceptibility to obesity, and is expressed at high levels in gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GISTs), although the functional importance of PKCθ in these processes and cell types is not fully clear. The present article briefly reviews selected topics relevant to the biological roles of PKCθ in health and disease.
C1 domain-targeted isophthalates as protein kinase C modulators: structure-based design, structure–activity relationships and biological activities
Authors: Talman Virpi , Provenzani Riccardo , Boije af Gennäs Gustav , Tuominen Raimo K. , Yli-Kauhaluoma Jari
Published: November 2014

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the AGC family. PKC isoenzymes are activated by phospholipid-derived second messengers, transmit their signal by phosphorylating specific substrates and play a pivotal role in the regulation of various cell functions, including metabolism, growth, differentiation and apoptosis. Therefore they represent an interesting molecular target for the treatment of several diseases, such as cancer and Alzheimer's disease. Adopting a structure-based approach on the crystal structure of the PKCδ C1B domain, our team has developed isophthalic acid derivatives that are able to modify PKC functions by binding to the C1 domain of the enzyme. Bis[3-(trifluoromethyl)benzyl] 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate (HMI-1a3) and bis(1-ethylpentyl) 5-(hydroxymethyl)isophthalate (HMI-1b11) were selected from a set of compounds for further studies due to their high affinity for the C1 domains of PKCα and PKCδ. HMI-1a3 showed marked antiproliferative activity in HeLa cells whereas HMI-1b11 induced differentiation and supported neurite growth in SH-SY5Y cells. Our aim in the future is to improve the selectivity and potency of isophthalate derivatives, to clarify their mechanism of action in the cellular environment and to assess their efficacy in cell-based and in vivo disease models. HMI-1a3 has already been selected for a further project and redesigned to function as a probe immobilized on an affinity chromatography column. It will be used to identify cellular target proteins from cell lysates, providing new insights into the mechanism of action of HMI-1a3.
Regulation of neovascularization by S-glutathionylation via the Wnt5a/sFlt-1 pathway
Authors: Murdoch Colin E. , Bachschmid Markus M. , Matsui Reiko
Published: November 2014

S-glutathionylation occurs when reactive oxygen or nitrogen species react with protein-cysteine thiols. Glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx) is a cytosolic enzyme which enzymatically catalyses the reduction in S-glutathionylation, conferring reversible signalling function to proteins with redox-sensitive thiols. Glrx can regulate vascular hypertrophy and inflammation by regulating the activity of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and actin polymerization. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-induced endothelial cell (EC) migration is inhibited by Glrx overexpression. In mice overexpressing Glrx, blood flow recovery, exercise function and capillary density were significantly attenuated after hindlimb ischaemia (HLI). Wnt5a and soluble Fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) were enhanced in the ischaemic-limb muscle and plasma respectively from Glrx transgenic (TG) mice. A Wnt5a/sFlt-1 pathway had been described in myeloid cells controlling retinal blood vessel development. Interestingly, a Wnt5a/sFlt-1 pathway was found also to play a role in EC to inhibit network formation. S-glutathionylation of NF-κB components inhibits its activation. Up-regulated Glrx stimulated the Wnt5a/sFlt-1 pathway through enhancing NF-κB signalling. These studies show a novel role for Glrx in post-ischaemic neovascularization, which could define a potential target for therapy of impaired angiogenesis in pathological conditions including diabetes.
An introduction to protein moonlighting
Authors: Jeffery Constance J.
Published: November 2014

Moonlighting proteins comprise a class of multifunctional proteins in which a single polypeptide chain performs multiple physiologically relevant biochemical or biophysical functions. Almost 300 proteins have been found to moonlight. The known examples of moonlighting proteins include diverse types of proteins, including receptors, enzymes, transcription factors, adhesins and scaffolds, and different combinations of functions are observed. Moonlighting proteins are expressed throughout the evolutionary tree and function in many different biochemical pathways. Some moonlighting proteins can perform both functions simultaneously, but for others, the protein's function changes in response to changes in the environment. The diverse examples of moonlighting proteins already identified, and the potential benefits moonlighting proteins might provide to the organism, such as through coordinating cellular activities, suggest that many more moonlighting proteins are likely to be found. Continuing studies of the structures and functions of moonlighting proteins will aid in predicting the functions of proteins identified through genome sequencing projects, in interpreting results from proteomics experiments, in understanding how different biochemical pathways interact in systems biology, in annotating protein sequence and structure databases, in studies of protein evolution and in the design of proteins with novel functions.
The development of anti-angiogenic heparan sulfate oligosaccharides
Authors: Jayson Gordon C. , Miller Gavin J. , Hansen Steen U. , Barath Marek , Gardiner John M. , Avizienyte Egle
Published: November 2014

Angiogenesis has emerged as a novel target for anti-cancer therapies through randomized clinical trials that tested the benefit of adding vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitors to conventional cytotoxic therapies. However, despite improvements in the progression-free survival, the benefit in overall survival is modest. Tumour angiogenesis is regulated by a number of angiogenic cytokines. Thus innate or acquired resistance to VEGF inhibitors can be caused, at least in part, through expression of other angiogenic cytokines, including fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2), interleukin 8 (IL-8) and stromal-cell-derived factor 1α (SDF-1α), which make tumours insensitive to VEGF signalling pathway inhibition. The majority of angiogenic cytokines, including VEGF-A, FGF2, IL-8 and SDF-1α, manifest an obligate dependence on heparan sulfate (HS) for their biological activity. This mandatory requirement of angiogenic cytokines for HS identifies HS as a potential target for novel anti-angiogenic therapy. Targeting multiple angiogenic cytokines with HS mimetics may represent an opportunity to inhibit tumour angiogenesis more efficiently. Our published studies and unpublished work have demonstrated the feasibility of generating synthetic HS fragments of defined structure with biological activity against a number of angiogenic cytokines.
Protein kinase C in cellular transformation: a valid target for therapy?
Authors: Tarafdar Anuradha , Michie Alison M.
Published: November 2014

The protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine protein kinases share structural homology, while exhibiting substantial functional diversity. PKC isoforms are ubiquitously expressed in tissues which makes it difficult to define roles for individual isoforms, with complexity compounded by the finding that PKC isoforms can co-operate with or antagonize other PKC family members. A number of studies suggest the involvement of PKC family members in regulating leukaemic cell survival and proliferation. Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL), the most common leukaemia in the Western world, exhibits dysregulated expression of PKC isoforms, with recent reports indicating that PKCβ and δ play a critical role in B-cell development, due to their ability to link the B-cell receptor (BCR) with downstream signalling pathways. Given the prognostic significance of the BCR in CLL, inhibition of these BCR/PKC-mediated signalling pathways is of therapeutic relevance. The present review discusses the emerging role of PKC isoforms in the pathophysiology of CLL and assesses approaches that have been undertaken to modulate PKC activity.
Error rate analysis of quasi‐orthogonal space–time block codes with power scaling
Authors: Choi Minhwan , Lee Hoojin , Nam Haewoon
Published: November 2014

The exact pairwise error probability (PEP) of quasi‐orthogonal space–time block codes (QSTBCs) employing the power scaling technique in quasi‐static Rayleigh fading channels is derived. By utilising the derived PEP formula, the tight union upper bound on the bit error rate (BER) for the QSTBC with power scaling (PS‐QSTBC) is evaluated and compared with the Monte Carlo simulation results to verify the analytical results that full diversity rate‐1 transmission can be achieved. Furthermore, considering the closed‐loop system, the optimal value of the power scaling factor is also investigated in terms of minimising the union bound on the BER.
Multilevel driving waveform for electrophoretic displays to improve grey levels and response characteristics
Authors: Kim Jong‐Man , Kim Kwangjoon , Lee Seung‐Woo
Published: November 2014

A driving waveform for electrophoretic displays with high image quality is proposed. The proposed driving waveform shows good performance compared to the conventional waveforms. By adding two voltage levels, the number of grey levels expanded from 8 to 165. In addition, the average response time improved from 90 to 61 ms.
Lessons Learned in Scalp Reconstruction and Tailoring Free Tissue Transfer in the Elderly: A Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Sosin Michael , Chaudhry Arif , Cruz Carla De La , Bojovic Branko , Manson Paul N. , Rodriguez Eduardo D.
Published: November 2014

This article aims to demonstrate an individualized approach to an elderly patient requiring scalp reconstruction, to describe the methodology in flap selection, lessons learned, and report outcomes. A retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience of scalp reconstruction (E. D. R.) using free tissue transfer from 2005 to 2011, in patients older than 70 years, was completed. A total of eight patients met the inclusion criteria, five males and three females, with a mean age of 80.4 years (range, 73–92). Free tissue transfer achieved 100% soft tissue coverage. Six of the eight patients required cranioplasty. The mean size calvarial defect was 92 cm2(range, 35–285 cm2). The mean flap size was 117.6 cm2(range, 42–285 cm2). Free flaps included three ulnar, three anterolateral thigh, one latissimus dorsi, and one thoracodorsal perforator flap. The mean follow-up time was 18.4 months (range, 3–46 months). Donor site morbidity was minimal. Mortality was 0%. Immediate flap failure was 0%. Other complications occurred in six of the eight patients. Mean revisionary procedures were 1.25 procedures per patient. It was concluded that chronological age does not increase mortality or catastrophic flap complications; however, morbidity is increased in the elderly and revisionary surgery is likely.
Splintering Skylines in a Fractured City: High-Rise Geographies in Jerusalem
Authors: Charney Igal , Rosen Gillad
Published: November 2014

This paper examines the production of contested and mundane spaces in Jerusalem. So far, scholarship has focused primarily on the turbulent ethnonational relations in Jerusalem, while paying less attention to struggles over issues of growth and development that do not touch directly upon Israeli—Palestinian controversies. In this paper we consider late entrants to the Jerusalem scene, tall buildings, to investigate how planning policies and practices have shaped some contested and mundane spaces in the city. Through the examination of planning documents and in-depth interviews, we outline the high-rise geographies of ‘Three Jerusalems’: the Old City, Israeli Jerusalem, and Arab Jerusalem. In each of these cities diverse planning approaches, values, and motivations contribute to the transforming cityscape. The Old City remains a protected space of immense significance in the long-lasting visual image of a Holy City. In Israeli Jerusalem, exceptional tall buildings have become more acceptable, as entrepreneurialism gains power; in Arab Jerusalem, enduring exclusion and discrimination against the Palestinian population makes taller buildings possible, provided that they are built within the informal development path. Overall, high-rise geographies demonstrate the different dimensions of Jerusalem relating to ethnonational rifts, capitalistic ambitions, and to formal and informal processes of reproduction and transformation.
Do We Know others' Visual Liking?
Authors: Niimi Ryosuke , Watanabe Katsumi
Published: November 2014

Although personal liking varies considerably, there is a general trend of liking shared by many people (public favour). Visual liking in particular may be largely shared by people, as it is strongly influenced by relatively low-level perceptual factors. If so, it is likely that people have correct knowledge of public favour. We examined the human ability to predict public favour. In three experiments, participants rated the subjective likability of various visual objects (e.g. car, chair), and predicted the mean liking rating by other participants. Irrespective of the object's category, the correlation between individual prediction and actual mean liking of others (prediction validity) was not higher than the correlation between the predictor's own liking and the mean liking of others. Further, individual prediction correlated more with the predictor's own liking than it was with others' liking. Namely, predictions were biased towards the predictor's subjective liking (a variation of the false consensus effect). The results suggest that humans do not have (or cannot access) correct knowledge of public favour. It was suggested that increasing the number of predictors is the appropriate strategy for making a good prediction of public favour.
Penetration ability of echidna spines and porcupine quills
Authors: Gooden B. A. , Augee M. L.
Published: November 2014

The structure and function of 10 echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) spines and 10 cape porcupine (Hystrix africaeaustralis) quills were compared with regard to their ability to penetrate a mammalian muscle tissue analogue (10% gelatine). All specimens showed a significant correlation between the load applied and the depth of penetration into the gel. There was no significant difference between the penetration ability of the echidna spines and the porcupine quills despite the finding that quills had a significantly smaller angle at the tip of the spine (opening angle). The penetration ability of echidna spines was inversely related to the opening angle whereas there was no such correlation in porcupine quills. These findings are discussed in relation to the different response of these two species to possible predators.
Étude sémiotique des techniques de traduction interlinguale
Authors: Kourdis Evangelos
Published: November 2014

The scope of this paper is the semiotic study of the techniques of interlingual translation of French film titles into Greek. Firstly, approaching the film titles as advertisement slogans, we will examine if advertisement characteristics and functions are present into both the French and Greek film titles. Then, we will study the process of translation of connotations of the film titles and the role of non verbal semiotic systems such as numbering and punctuation in translation. Also, we will examine if translation techniques are influenced by extra-linguistic factors such as the period of film production, the film genre, diacritics, and the principle of economy of the words. If a relation does exist between translation techniques and extra-linguistic factors this could be used for a second, a semiotic reading.
The importance of political identification in translation publication
Authors: Yong-jun Dai , Jing-feng Piao
Published: November 2014

Political identification has been generally ignored in Translation Studies, though the correlation of politics and translation has been an interest to many scholars since the late half of last century. An examination of the influence of political identification on translation of the Soviet laws in China in three periods (1917–1927, 1927–1949, and 1950s), offers a model of incorporating political identification in Translation Studies in general and in Pym's ethics of interculturality in particular.

During the period of National Democratic Revolution (1917–1927), Sun Yat-sen's determination of learning from the Soviet Union brings the chance to start over and makes a beginning of translating the Soviet laws in China; the period of Revolutionary Base Areas (1927–1949) sees a large number of the Soviet laws translated and introduced in China due to the influence of the Soviet Union to the CPC and the latter's aspiration to apply the spirit of the Soviet systems in their practice; the years after the founding of PRC in 1950s witnesses a large-scale translation of the Soviet laws in China because of the new China's foreign policy of "leaning to one side" advanced by Chairman Mao Tse-tung.

The analysis of the relationship between China's political identification with the old Soviet bloc and the number of published translations of the Soviet laws in China suggests a possible structural correlation: high political identification will generally result in an increase in the number of published translations in other cultures. This point of view is ignored by so many translation scholars, thus, a blind area, a lacuna, in Translation Studies. Hopefully this paper will serve as an initial step in focusing attention on this important issue, or, make more people interested in it. Of course, the link between these factors needs to be confirmed by studies of other countries.
Journalistic transgression against Classical Arabic via translation
Authors: Al-kuran Mohammad Ahmad
Published: November 2014

Journalistic Arabic appears to be encroaching upon Classical Arabic language in many respects. The former seems to have been influenced by European languages via translation. New construct phrases and idiomatic expressions have come into existence and other classical syntactic structures ceased to exist in journalistic Arabic. The new syntactic modes of expression are not as strict as Classical ones. They seem conformed to the English thought habits and thus retain much less of the rigid Classical Arabic structural particularities. Thus journalistic Arabic is deemed more flexible than Classical Arabic, which enjoys a restricted formal scope of Arabic literary genres that bring about the poetic use of the language. Such use is unwelcome by the media, merely because the focus of the media writing is on communicating the message rather than presenting the aesthetic value of the expression. It is not the intention of the author here to promote Classical language to the detriment of the language of the media, but to show how deviant the modern journalistic language is in relation to the classical Arabic, the most revered and highly respected.
This paper is thus an inquiry into the journalistic transgression against Classical Arabic via translation from European languages, especially English. This transgression is obvious in deviant passive structures, negative constructions, and literal translation of foreign idiomatic expressions. Each of these themes will be discussed, alongside representative examples to elucidate each point in question. The paper ends by discussing the repercussions of this study for journalists and their affinity with Classical Arabic.
Emotional engagement with the plot and characters
Authors: Bae Hyuhn-Suhck , Lee Doohwang , Bae Rosie EunGyuhl
Published: November 2014

Based on the Extended-Elaboration Likelihood Model and the Entertainment Overcoming Resistance Model, this study examines the relationships between several variables believed to moderate or mediate narrative effects, including (a) prior issue/topic involvement; (b) plot engagement (transportation); (c) character affiliation/alignment (sympathy and empathy); and (d) narrative-consistent behavioral intentions. The results based on respondents who viewed a movie detailing the abuse of hearing-impaired individuals indicate that prior involvement predicted narrative transportation and emotions (both sympathy and empathy); narrative transportation predicted emotions; and narrative transportation and sympathy predicted narrative-consistent behavioral intentions. The respondents who viewed the movie (707 respondents) were more likely to show narrative-consistent behavioral intentions than those who did not (323). These results have important theoretical and practical implications.
Positioning oneself in relation to larger collectivities in expatriates’ workplace narratives
Authors: Schnurr Stephanie , Van De Mieroop Dorien , Zayts Olga
Published: November 2014

This article aims to explore narratives as sites for identity construction by employing the concept of positioning to analyse some of the discursive processes through which identity construction is accomplished in institutional contexts. Our specific foci are i) the ways in which individuals position themselves in relation to larger collectivities in their narratives about being expatriates living and working in Hong Kong, and ii) how they construct their professional identities in the tension that may arise due to their membership in different social groups. Drawing on data from a corpus of interviews with professionals in multicultural workplaces in Hong Kong, we provide an in-depth analysis of two case studies of expatriates who take very different stances towards their company and the cultural groups with whom they interact, and who, as a consequence, construct remarkably different identities for themselves, the people they work with and also their organisation. Our analyses illustrate some of the intricate ways in which identities are closely intertwined with and feed off individuals’ membership in different collectivities, which surfaces especially when zooming in on the different levels of positioning in the interviewees’ narratives.
The non-linguistic status of the Symmetry Condition in signed languages
Authors: Kita Sotaro , van Gijn Ingeborg , van der Hulst Harry
Published: November 2014

Since Battison (1978), it has been noted in many signed languages that the Symmetry Condition constrains the form of two-handed signs in which two hands move independently. The Condition states that the form features (e.g., the handshapes and movements) of the two hands are ‘symmetrical’. The Symmetry Condition has been regarded in the literature as a part of signed language phonology. In this study, we examine the linguistic status of the Symmetry Condition by comparing the degree of symmetry in signs from Sign Language of the Netherlands and speech-accompanying representational gestures produced by Dutch speakers. Like signed language, such gestures use hand movements to express concepts, but they do not constitute a linguistic system in their own right. We found that the Symmetry Condition holds equally well for signs and spontaneous gestures. This indicates that this condition is a general cognitive constraint, rather than a constraint specific to language. We suggest that the Symmetry Condition is a manifestation of the mind having one active ‘mental articulator’ when expressing a concept with hand movements.
Disordered interdomain region of Gins is important for functional tetramer formation to stimulate MCM helicase in Thermoplasma acidophilum
Authors: Ogino Hiromi , Ishino Sonoko , Oyama Takuji , Kohda Daisuke , Ishino Yoshizumi
Published: November 2014

The eukaryotic MCM is activated by forming the CMG complex with Cdc45 and GINS to work as a replicative helicase. The eukaryotic GINS consists of four different proteins to form tetrameric complex. In contrast, the TaGins51 protein from the thermophilic archaeon, Thermoplasma acidophilum forms a homotetramer (TaGINS), and interacts with the cognate MCM (TaMCM) to stimulate the DNA-binding, ATPase, and helicase activities of TaMCM. All Gins proteins from Archaea and Eukarya contain α-helical A- and β-stranded B-domains. Here, we found that TaGins51 forms the tetramer without the B-domain. However, the A-domain without the linker region between the A- and B-domains could not form a stable tetramer, and furthermore, the A-domain by itself could not stimulate the TaMCM activity. These results suggest that the formation of the Gins51 tetramer is necessary for MCM activation, and the disordered linker region between the two domains is critical for the functional complex formation.
Discoidin domain receptor 1 controls linear invadosome formation via a Cdc42–Tuba pathway
Authors: Juin Amélie , Di Martino Julie , Leitinger Birgit , Henriet Elodie , Gary Anne-Sophie , Paysan Lisa , Bomo Jeremy , Baffet Georges , Gauthier-Rouvière Cécile , Rosenbaum Jean , Moreau Violaine , Saltel Frédéric
Published: November 2014

Accumulation of type I collagen fibrils in tumors is associated with an increased risk of metastasis. Invadosomes are F-actin structures able to degrade the extracellular matrix. We previously found that collagen I fibrils induced the formation of peculiar linear invadosomes in an unexpected integrin-independent manner. Here, we show that Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 (DDR1), a collagen receptor overexpressed in cancer, colocalizes with linear invadosomes in tumor cells and is required for their formation and matrix degradation ability. Unexpectedly, DDR1 kinase activity is not required for invadosome formation or activity, nor is Src tyrosine kinase. We show that the RhoGTPase Cdc42 is activated on collagen in a DDR1-dependent manner. Cdc42 and its specific guanine nucleotide-exchange factor (GEF), Tuba, localize to linear invadosomes, and both are required for linear invadosome formation. Finally, DDR1 depletion blocked cell invasion in a collagen gel. Altogether, our data uncover an important role for DDR1, acting through Tuba and Cdc42, in proteolysis-based cell invasion in a collagen-rich environment.
Definability via Kalimullin pairs in the structure of the enumeration degrees
Authors: Ganchev Hristo , Soskova Mariya
Published: November 2014

We give an alternative definition of the enumeration jump operator. We prove that the class of total enumeration degrees and the class of low enumeration degrees are first order definable in the local substructure of the enumeration degree, consisting of the elements bounded by

0

e

′

{\mathbf {0}_e}’

.
On representations of rational Cherednik algebras of complex rank
Authors: Entova Aizenbud Inna
Published: November 2014

We study a family of abelian categoriesO_ c,ν\underline {\mathcal {O}}_{\text { } c,\nu }depending on complex parametersc,νc, \nuwhich are interpolations of the categoryO\mathcal {O}for the rational Cherednik algebraHc(ν)H_c(\nu )of typeAA, whereν\nuis a positive integer. We define the notion of a Verma object in such a category (a natural analogue of the notion of Verma module).

We give some necessary conditions and some sufficient conditions for the existence of a non-trivial morphism between two such Verma objects. We also compute the character of the irreducible quotient of a Verma object for sufficiently generic values of parametersc,νc, \nu, and prove that a Verma object of infinite length exists inO c,ν\mathcal {O}_{\text { } c,\nu }only ifc∈Q>0c \in \mathbb {Q}_{>0}. We also show that for everyc∈Q>0c \in \mathbb {Q}_{>0}there existsν∈Q>0\nu \in \mathbb {Q}_{>0}such that there exists a Verma object of infinite length inO c,ν\mathcal {O}_{\text { } c,\nu }.

The latter result is an example of a degeneration phenomenon which can occur in rational values ofν\nu, as was conjectured by P. Etingof.
Xplant: entrepreneurship challenges for student entrepreneurs
Authors: Roy Subhadip , Goenka Sakshi
Published: November 2014

Subject area

The case is aimed at pointing out the basic nuances of entrepreneurship without a profit motive and the challenges faced in the course of achieving the same.

Study level/applicability

This case could be a part of the Entrepreneurship course in a Post-Graduate Program in Business Management. In case of an Executive Education Program, this case can be used to facilitate issues in Entrepreneurship Development and Non-Profit Marketing.

Case overview

The present case is a field-based illustrative study on Xplant, a unit set up by Xavier Research Foundation to promote production and selling of seasonal and ornamental plants with accessories to prospective buyers. The uniqueness about the organization was that it was solely governed and run by the students of Biotechnology Course at Xaviers College, Ahmedabad, India. However, in early 2012, it was found that the organization was facing a lot of issues such as competition, lesser demand and lack of motivation of the employees (students). All of which were taking the unit away from achieving sustainability.

Expected learning outcomes

Understanding the basics of a new venture and entrepreneurship; understanding the role of the team members in promoting the entrepreneurship venture; role of leadership in entrepreneurship; impact of independence of the entrepreneur and transference of business vision on long-term success of the venture; role of environment in success/failure or entrepreneurial ventures; and problems faced by entrepreneurship ventures.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email subhadip.roy@iimu.ac.in to request teaching notes.
Information technologies in contemporary school management system
Authors: Pavlović Miroslava Ivko Jordović , Ranðić Siniša , Paunović Lidija
Published: November 2014

Subject area

Management, Information technologies.

Study level/applicability

Courses at the senior university level in social and organizational sciences.

Case overview

This case aims to observe modes, levels and specific problems in application of information technologies in informing, information sharing and collaboration as important aspects in ensuring quality in control of the processes that occur at school. Some deficiencies in application of information technology within these processes have been identified and alternatives to solving them have been offered. The discussion concerning the solutions was performed according to the parameters that were singled out as important in the analysis of the problems. A school that is recognized in Zlatibor region and elsewhere in Serbia for its advanced development tendencies was selected for the case study. The proposed solutions are practically applicable in any work collective.

Expected learning outcomes

Modern management strategy in education; the importance of process management in insuring quality of whole management system; the importance of implementation of modern information technologies in school management system.

Supplementary materials

Teaching Notes are available for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
An m-learning framework for ERP systems in higher education
Authors: Scholtz Brenda , Kapeso Mando
Published: November 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the factors of m-learning approaches which can be used for enterprise resource planning (ERP) system training and to propose a theoretical framework for m-learning of ERP systems.

Design/methodology/approach

– A literature review of several theories relating to success factors for mobile learning (m-learning) and electronic learning (e-learning) are analysed and a theoretical framework of success factors for m-learning of ERP systems is proposed. Two field studies are undertaken to identify the features of e-learning and m-learning systems which users enjoyed and which related to the factors identified in the theoretical framework. The technology acceptance model (TAM) was used to evaluate the acceptance, usefulness and perceived ease of use (PEOU) of the two systems evaluated in the field study, the openSAP e-learning application and the SAP Learn Now m-learning application.

Findings

– The results confirmed several of the theoretical elements identified in the framework and the m-learning system was rated positively for PEOU and perceived usefulness (PU). The findings confirmed other studies showing the importance of the quality of course content in e-learning and m-learning projects.

Research limitations/implications

– The empirical study was limited to a small number of participants in higher education. However, a deeper understanding of the factors influencing m-learning for ERP systems was obtained.

Practical implications

– The study provides a valuable practical contribution because the framework can be used in the improved design of an ERP m-learning approach, which in turn can lead to an improvement in ERP training and education programmes and ultimately ERP project success.

Originality/value

– Several studies propose the use of m-learning systems. However, research related to the factors impacting on m-learning projects for ERP system training is limited. The paper presents original work and the results provide a valuable contribution to several theories of m-learning.
Land‐use history alters contemporary insect herbivore community composition and decouples plant–herbivore relationships
Authors: Hahn Philip G. , Orrock John L.
Published: November 2014

Past land use can create altered soil conditions and plant communities that persist for decades, although the effects of these altered conditions on consumers are rarely investigated.

Using a large‐scale field study at 36 sites in longleaf pine (Pinus palustris) woodlands, we examined whether historic agricultural land use leads to differences in the abundance and community composition of insect herbivores (grasshoppers, families Acrididae and Tettigoniidae).

We measured the cover of six plant functional groups and several environmental variables to determine whether historic agricultural land use affects the relationships between plant cover or environmental conditions and grasshopper assemblages.

Land‐use history had taxa‐specific effects and interacted with herbaceous plant cover to alter grasshopper abundances, leading to significant changes in community composition. Abundance of most grasshopper taxa increased with herbaceous cover in woodlands with no history of agriculture, but there was no relationship in post‐agricultural woodlands. We also found that grasshopper abundance was negatively correlated with leaf litter cover. Soil hardness was greater in post‐agricultural sites (i.e. more compacted) and was associated with grasshopper community composition. Both herbaceous cover and leaf litter cover are influenced by fire frequency, suggesting a potential indirect role of fire on grasshopper assemblages.

Our results demonstrate that historic land use may create persistent differences in the composition of grasshopper assemblages, while contemporary disturbances (e.g. prescribed fire) may be important for determining the abundance of grasshoppers, largely through the effect of fire on plants and leaf litter. Therefore, our results suggest that changes in the contemporary management regimes (e.g. increasing prescribed fire) may not be sufficient to shift the structure of grasshopper communities in post‐agricultural sites towards communities in non‐agricultural habitats. Rather, repairing degraded soil conditions and restoring plant communities are likely necessary for restoring grasshopper assemblages in post‐agricultural woodlands.
Ecological and economic benefits to cattle rangelands of restoring an apex predator
Authors: Prowse Thomas A. A. , Johnson Christopher N. , Cassey Phillip , Bradshaw Corey J. A. , Brook Barry W.
Published: November 2014

The conservation of terrestrial carnivores is hampered by economic conflicts between predation and livestock production. The dingo Canis dingo is the top predator in Australia's terrestrial ecosystems but its abundance is controlled because it preys on livestock. Dingo control (poisoning, shooting) is associated with increased densities of wild herbivores, which can lead to reduced cattle condition and fertility through competition for pasture. We investigated whether the restoration of dingoes might provide a net benefit for rangeland vegetation and the profit margins of cattle pastoralists.

We developed a dynamic, multi‐species metamodel to represent the trophic linkages and economics of a rangeland cattle enterprise. To estimate the strength of dingo‐mediated trophic cascades, we underpinned the metamodel with a detailed simulation of pasture growth, grazing pressure and cattle live‐weight gain. An economic model that calculated the costs and revenues associated with maintaining the cattle herd was used to examine trade‐offs between livestock density, kangaroo abundance, calf losses and dingo control.

We simulated the effects of dingo abundance on rangeland ecology (pasture biomass, kangaroo density) and enterprise performance (cattle live‐weight gain, gross margin). Assuming a typical stocking density for semi‐arid rangelands, we estimated that kangaroo control by an unbaited dingo population would increase pasture biomass by 53 kg ha−1, improve gross margins by $0·83 ha−1 and reduce inter‐annual variability in profits.

The increase in pasture biomass due to dingoes was greatest at low stocking densities (that permitted high kangaroo abundance in the absence of predation), while improvement in profits was strongest at intermediate stocking densities (when cattle density was high enough to take advantage of the additional pasture biomass). At high stocking densities, the abundance of kangaroos was low, so if dingo abundance exceeded that required to control kangaroos, some dingo baiting could produce small economic gains.

Synthesis and applications. There is little incentive for pastoralists to reduce livestock densities in mixed wildlife–livestock systems unless wildlife grazing can be controlled. Our results demonstrate that top‐down herbivore control by dingoes should allow cattle pastoralists to profit from conservative stocking densities while reducing the risk of pasture over‐utilization.
Campus Politics, Student Societies and Social Media
Authors: Loader Brian D. , Vromen Ariadne , Xenos Michael A. , Steel Holly , Burgum Samuel
Published: November 2014

The university campus has often been seen as an important site for the politicization of young people. Recent explanations for this have focused attention upon the role of the student union as a means to enable a ‘critical mass’ of previously isolated individuals to produce social networks of common interest. What is missing from these accounts, however, and what this article seeks to address, is how these factors actually facilitate the development of political norms and the active engagement of many students. Drawing upon qualitative data from three countries we argue that it is the milieu of the smaller student societies that are crucial for facilitating the habitus of the student citizen. They provide the space for creative development and performance of the political self, affiliations to particular fields and access to cultural and social capital. Moreover, we contend that these processes of politicization are increasingly enacted through social media networks that foreground their importance for developing political habitus in the future.
Distribution of Enantiomers of Methadone and Its Main Metabolite EDDP in Human Tissues and Blood of Postmortem Cases
Authors: Holm Karen Marie Dollerup , Linnet Kristian
Published: November 2014

Knowledge concerning the distribution of methadone in postmortem human tissue and the effect of postmortem redistribution on methadone is today limited making the choice of a suitable substitute for femoral blood difficult when this is not available. Cardiac blood, femoral blood, muscle, and brain tissue concentrations of the enantiomers of methadone and its metabolite 2‐ethyl‐1,5‐dimethyl‐3,3‐diphenylpyrrolinium were recorded for 155 postmortem cases. Brain and muscle tissue concentrations exceeded the femoral blood concentrations with a median fold of 2.3 and 1.6, respectively, but both had a better correlation than cardiac blood to femoral blood concentrations. The Kruskal–Wallis test showed a significant dependency on time and body mass index for some of the matrix ratios over femoral blood. We conclude brain or muscle tissue may constitute a better alternative for measurement of methadone than cardiac blood for situations in which femoral blood is not available, despite concentrations in both matrices being systematically higher.
Choline Partially Prevents the Impact of Ethanol on the Lipid Raft Dependent Functions of L1 Cell Adhesion Molecule
Authors: Tang Ningfeng , Bamford Penny , Jones Jace , He Min , Kane Maureen A. , Mooney Sandra M. , Bearer Cynthia F.
Published: November 2014

Background

Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, the leading known cause of mental retardation, is caused by alcohol exposure during pregnancy. One mechanism of ethanol (EtOH) teratogenicity is the disruption of the functions of L1 cell adhesion molecule (L1). These functions include enhancement of neurite outgrowth, trafficking through lipid rafts, and signal transduction. Recent data have shown that choline supplementation of rat pups reduces the effects of EtOH on neurobehavior. We sought to determine whether choline could prevent the effect of EtOH on L1 function using a simple experimental system.

Methods

Cerebellar granule neurons (CGN) from postnatal day 6 rat pups were cultured with and without supplemental choline, and the effects on L1 signaling, lipid raft distribution, and neurite outgrowth were measured in the presence or absence of EtOH.

Results

Choline significantly reduced the effect of EtOH on L1 signaling, the distribution of L1 in lipid rafts and L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. However, choline supplemented EtOH‐exposed cultures remained significantly different than controls.

Conclusions

Choline pretreatment of CGN significantly reduces the disruption of L1 function by EtOH, but does not completely return L1 function to baseline. This experimental system will enable discovery of the mechanism of the neuroprotective effect of choline.
Effect of Lipid Raft Disruption on Ethanol Inhibition of L1 Adhesion
Authors: Dou Xiaowei , Charness Michael E.
Published: November 2014

Background

Alcohol causes fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in part by disrupting the function of the neural cell adhesion molecule L1. Alcohol inhibits L1‐mediated cell–cell adhesion in diverse cell types and inhibits L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth in cerebellar granule neurons (CGNs). A recent report indicates that ethanol (EtOH) induces the translocation of L1 into CGN lipid rafts and that disruption of lipid rafts prevents EtOH inhibition of L1‐mediated neurite outgrowth. The same butanol–pentanol cutoff was noted for alcohol‐induced translocation of L1 into lipid rafts that was reported previously for alcohol inhibition of L1 adhesion, suggesting that EtOH might inhibit L1 adhesion by shifting L1 into lipid rafts.

Methods

The NIH/3T3 cell line, 2A2‐L1s, is a well‐characterized EtOH‐sensitive clonal cell line that stably expresses human L1. Cells were treated with 25 mM EtOH, 5 μM filipin, or both. Lipid rafts were enriched in membrane fractions by preparation of detergent‐resistant membrane (DRMs) fractions. Caveolin‐1 was used as a marker of lipid rafts, and L1 and Src were quantified by Western blotting in lipid‐raft‐enriched membrane fractions and by immunohistochemistry.

Results

EtOH (25 mM) increased the percentage of L1, but not Src, in 2A2‐L1s membrane fractions enriched in lipid rafts. Filipin, an agent known to disrupt lipid rafts, decreased the percentage of caveolin and L1 in DRMs from 2A2‐L1s cells. Filipin also blocked EtOH‐induced translocation of L1 into lipid rafts from 2A2‐L1s cells but did not significantly affect L1 adhesion or EtOH inhibition of L1 adhesion.

Conclusions

These findings indicate that EtOH does not inhibit L1 adhesion in NIH/3T3 cells by inducing the translocation of L1 into lipid rafts.