bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bi-layered PLCL/(PLGA/β-TCP) composite scaffold for osteochondral tissue engineering
Authors: Kim Su Hee , Kim Soo Hyun , Jung Youngmee
Published: January 2015

There have been many studies published on bi-layered osteochondral scaffolds that can induce tissue ingrowth for cartilage and bone. However, delivering different signals to each tissue effectively and enabling maturation into complex composite tissues remain challenging. In this study, an osteochondral composite scaffold was fabricated by combining a sintering method and a gel pressing method with poly(lactide-co-glycolide), beta-tricalcium phosphate, and poly(lactide-co-caprolactone). The composite scaffold constituted a poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/beta-tricalcium phosphate scaffold, which has osteoconduction activity for bone regeneration, and an elastic poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) scaffold, which has mechano-active properties for cartilage regeneration. To examine mechanical and biological properties, tensile tests, porosimetry, electron microscopy, and in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed. From the results, we confirmed that the scaffold had a homogeneously interconnected porous structure without a skin layer that exhibited exposed bioceramics onto the scaffold surface. Furthermore, it was shown that poly(lactide-co-glycolide)/beta-tricalcium phosphate of the osteochondral composite scaffold improved osteogenic differentiation and bone tissue formation. Also, chondrogenic differentiation of seeded cells was sustained on the highly elastic poly(lactide-co-caprolactone) of the osteochondral composite scaffold, and the amount of chondral extracellular matrix was increased significantly. Consequently, our osteochondral composite scaffolds may have the appropriate physiological and biological properties for regeneration of osteochondral composites.
Executive Compensation
Authors: Farris Paul W. , Haskins Mark E. , Lynch Luann J. , Pfeifer Phillip E. , Reynolds Richard S.
Published: January 2015

Economic profit (EP) is often portrayed as a gauge of company and executive performance that can align the interests of shareholders and corporate executives. We report the results of an investigation into the relationship between EP and compensation paid to “named executive officers” (NEOs) for an extensive sample of companies, over several years. Although the original objective was to establish the share of EP that is typically paid as compensation to NEOs, the empirical relationship between the two variables is negligible to nonexistent. Instead, most firm-level NEO compensation is explained by a company size measure, in particular, total assets, with some additional explanatory power added by operating income and industry type.
Belt grinding process with force control system for blade of aero-engine
Authors: Duan Jihao , Zhang Youmin , Shi Yaoyao
Published: January 2015

In abrasive belt grinding process for surface of blade, elasticity, deformation and abrasive belt wear are major factors affecting the machining stability, efficiency and quality. In order to improve the grinding process and realize optimal grinding, a new controllable and flexible belt grinding mechanism is designed and assembled in a special computer numerical control grinding machine, accompanied with a constant grinding force control system. Based on the analysis of proportional valve and cylinder system in this grinding mechanism, a mathematic model of normal grinding force is constructed. Afterward, a fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative control strategy is proposed to deal with the uncertainty and nonlinearity of this system. A Simulink model of force control process is developed, and the good performance is achieved according to the simulation result. Finally, several grinding experiments for an aero-engine fan blade are carried out. The measurements show that the proposed grinding process with fuzzy proportional–integral–derivative force controller enhances the machining stability and efficiency considerably. What is more, the machining qualities, such as surface roughness, form accuracy and consistency, are improved significantly. And all the grinding results satisfy the machining requirements in the manufacturing process of blade.
Information overload: The differences that age makes
Authors: Benselin Jennifer C , Ragsdell Gillian
Published: January 2015

Information overload has long been studied as a phenomenon that causes problems at the personal, social and organisational level. This study investigates overload from a new angle, that of the influence of age on perceptions of information overload. A combination of questionnaires, interviews and diaries were used to gain insight into people’s perceptions towards information overload.

It was found that people of all ages suffer from information overload but young people are primarily affected by information literacy levels while older people are affected by technology. There was evidence of a link between age and technology use. A link was also found between job role and information overload and the impact technology has had on the quantity of information available. This research will benefit anyone, either individually or within an organisation, looking for ways to combat information overload. It identifies the influence of age on various factors and recommends actions that may be taken to reduce information overload. In particular, recommendations were made for further training in technology and information literacy. The paper is based on an approach not seen before in the literature as it investigates the effects of age on information overload by seeking to understand how perceptions towards information overload may differ between different age groups. It is anticipated that this paper will trigger further studies that could focus on the effect of job role on information overload and the likelihood of information addiction becoming a future concern.
Phenomenography: A methodology for information literacy research
Authors: Forster Marc
Published: January 2015

The qualitative methodology phenomenography has been successfully used to determine the range of information literacy experiences of defined groups and professions. Phenomenographic method is believed to yield research findings which give a richer and more accurate picture of what information literacy means in practical terms. The archetypal definitions of the limited but interrelated experiences of information literacy that a phenomenographic study provides have been used as a basis of evidence-based information literacy educational interventions (Andretta, 2007). What are the epistemological ideas behind phenomenography and what are the data collection and analysis procedures based on its philosophical underpinnings? The key principles as described in the literature are discussed in this paper, beginning with the early work of Marton (1986). The use of phenomenography to research information literacy experience began with Christine Bruce’s (1997) seminal work. The value of the work of Bruce and her followers have been recently recognized by ACRL (2014).
Somali Immigrant New Mothers’ Childbirth Experiences in Minnesota
Authors: Missal Bernita , Clark Connie , Kovaleva Mariya
Published: January 2015

Purpose: To explore Somali immigrant new mothers’ experience of childbirth in Minnesota. Design: The ethnonursing research method was used. Semistructured interviews with 12 immigrant Somali mothers in a Midwestern metropolitan area were conducted. Analysis of the data followed Leininger and McFarland’s four-phase ethnonursing data analysis guide. Results: Six themes were identified in relation to Somali immigrant new mothers’ experience of childbirth in the United States: the limitations of support due to separation from family, the importance of cultural and religious beliefs and practices, the desired relationships with nurses, the fear of Cesarean section, the value of education, and views on postpartum blues/depression. Conclusions and Implications for Practice: Nurses should develop trusting relationships with Somali mothers and facilitate cultural and religious practices. Information regarding support resources in the community should be provided to Somali mothers.
Palliative Care Caregivers’ Grief Mediators
Authors: Coelho Alexandra M. , Delalibera Mayra A. , Barbosa António
Published: January 2015

The aim of the study is to identify the mediators of complicated grief in a Portuguese sample of caregivers. Grief mediators were prospectively evaluated using a list of risk factors completed by the palliative care team members, during the predeath and bereavement period. More than 6 months after the death, we applied PG-13 to diagnose prolonged grief disorder (PGD). The sample was composed of 64 family caregivers. Factors associated with PGD were insecure and dependent relationship, unresolved family crisis, and the perceived deterioration and disfigurement of the patient. The results show relational factors are relevant, but we must consider the reciprocal influence among factors, as well as their impact on specific symptoms.
The Effect of High-Dose Vitamin D3 on Soluble P-Selectin and hs-CRP Level in Patients With Venous Thromboembolism
Authors: Gholami Kheirollah , Talasaz Azita Hajhossein , Entezari-Maleki Taher , Salarifar Mojtaba , Hadjibabaie Molouk , Javadi Mohammad Reza , Dousti Samaneh , Hamishehkar Hadi , Maleki Saleh
Published: January 2015

High plasma level of P-selectin is associated with the development of venous thromboembolism (VTE). Furthermore, supplementation of vitamin D could decrease thrombotic events. Hence, this study was designed to examine whether the administration of vitamin D can influence the plasma level of P-selectin in patients with VTE. In the randomized controlled trial, 60 patients with confirmed acute deep vein thrombosis and/or pulmonary embolism (PE) were randomized into the intervention (n = 20) and control (n = 40) groups. The intervention arm was given an intramuscular single dose of 300 000 IU vitamin D3. Plasma level of 25-hydroxy vitamin D, P-selectin, and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) was measured at baseline and 4 weeks after. The plasma level of P-selectin (95% confidence interval = −5.99 to −1.63, P = .022) and hs-CRP ( P = .024) significantly declined in vitamin D-treated group, while only hs-CRP was significantly decreased in the control group ( P = .011). However, the magnitude of these reductions was not statistically significant. This study could not support the potential benefit of the high-dose vitamin D on plasma level of P-selectin and hs-CRP in patients with VTE.
Psychosocial Strength Training
Authors: Subotnik Rena F.
Published: January 2015

Great performance is a wonder to observe. We may notice creativity, excellent technique, or content mastery. What we may not notice is a set of mental and social skills that allow a person to show his or her best work. This article recommends that these psychosocial skills be explicitly and deliberately cultivated via programming, coaching, and counseling of gifted students as part of their talent development in any domain of ability.
Critical Components of a Summer Enrichment Program for Urban Low-Income Gifted Students
Authors: Kaul Corina R. , Johnsen Susan K. , Witte Mary M. , Saxon Terrill F.
Published: January 2015

Effective program models are needed for low-income youth. This article describes one successful summer enrichment program, University for Young People’s Project Promise, and outlines three key components of a Partnership for Promoting Potential in Low-Income Gifted Students (Partnership Model), which is based on Lee, Olszewski-Kubilius, and Peternel’s model. The Partnership Model provides a multi-generational perspective and framework for designing and enhancing summer enrichment programs.
Using QR Codes to Differentiate Learning for Gifted and Talented Students
Authors: Siegle Del
Published: January 2015

QR codes are two-dimensional square patterns that are capable of coding information that ranges from web addresses to links to YouTube video. The codes save time typing and eliminate errors in entering addresses incorrectly. These codes make learning with technology easier for students and motivationally engage them in news ways.
Culturally Responsive Gifted Classrooms for Culturally Different Students
Authors: Ford Donna Y.
Published: January 2015

This article expands the notion of culturally responsive learning environments by including Purkey and Novak’s (1996) work on invitational learning. Their typology of four types of schools is described and applied to gifted education classrooms, along with associated characteristics of each. Specific attention is focused on implications for Black and Hispanic students. The author maintains that all classrooms must be culturally responsive, which will help with recruiting and retaining culturally different students in gifted education.
Haematological and biochemical reference intervals in adult Maine Coon cat blood donors
Authors: Spada Eva , Antognoni Maria Teresa , Proverbio Daniela , Ferro Elisabetta , Mangili Vittorio , Miglio Arianna
Published: January 2015

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to derive Maine Coon haematological and biochemical reference intervals (RIs) from adult healthy blood donors, to validate (or reject) the use of published RIs for the general feline population in this breed, and to evaluate the effects of age, sex and weight on the haematological and biochemical results.

Methods

Haematological and biochemical data were retrieved retrospectively from a database of 81 healthy adult Maine Coon cat blood donors and were analysed to generate normal RIs. RIs were determined and compared with established non-breed-specific feline RIs according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute guidelines and the American Society of Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines using Reference Value-Advisor (version 2.1) software.

Results

The age of the cats ranged from 1–8 years (mean 4.4 years), 42 were female and 39 were male, and weights ranged from 4.9–8.5 kg (mean 6.7 kg). New Maine Coon RIs were proposed for red blood cell count, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration, reticulocyte count and percentage. Haematocrit was higher in male cats (mean HCT 42.9% vs 41% in females; P = 0.001) and in heavier cats ( P = 0.003; slope 1.0, regression equation HCT = 35.1 + 1.0 × weight). New biochemical RIs were proposed for urea, aspartate aminotransferase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase, total protein and albumin in Maine Coons. Females had higher GGT (median GGT value in females 4.0 vs 3.0 in males; P = 0.011) and albumin values (mean albumin value 3.3 in females vs 3.1 in males; P = 0.013).

Conclusions and relevance

Currently published RIs for some haematological and biochemical parameters are not appropriate for use in adult Maine Coon cats. A breed-specific variation could be a plausible explanation for the new haematological and serum biochemical analytes proposed in this study. Breed-specific RIs for Maine Coon cats will help prevent misinterpretation of laboratory results in diagnosis and in the selection of ideal blood donors.
Support for race-targeted affirmative action in Brazil
Authors: Bailey Stanley R. , Fialho Fabrício , Peria Michelle
Published: January 2015

Brazil is undergoing a paradigm shift in its approach to racial inequality. Once eschewing race, legislators and other policy makers are now vigorously implementing racial quotas in public institutions of higher education. In this paper, we explore public opinion on racial quotas using the 2010 and 2012 AmericasBarometer. In 2010, a surprising majority of Brazilians strongly supported these policies. Afro-Brazilians and individuals with lower levels of education were more likely to express strong support compared to whites and those with higher levels of education. In 2012, a question format change that set up a zero-sum game scenario between afro-Brazilians and others resulted in a dramatic fall in that support. Interestingly, those 2012 results show that education, and not race, contours support. We discuss possible explanations for these particular patterns of public opinion on racial quotas in Brazil.
Machiavelli’s il Principe and the Politics of Glory*
Authors: Owen David
Published: January 2015

This article offers a reading of Machiavelli’s il Principe and its relationship to his Discorsi which defends, first, the coherence of Machiavelli’s appeal to the figure of the one-man ordinatore and, second, a republican interpretation of il Principe. Its particular focus is on the pivotal role played in Machiavelli’s text-act by ‘love of worldly glory’. It is argued, first, that it is through love of glory that Machiavelli can coherently aim to produce an effective one-man ordinatore and, second, that the political education that il Principe provides to this figure leads them ineluctably to the conclusion that lasting glory can only be achieved through the foundation of a republic.
“The Terrible Genius of Literature”: Reassessing Reconciliation in Nadine Gordimer’s The House Gun
Authors: Golden Audrey J.
Published: January 2015

During the three years in which Gordimer drafted The House Gun (1998), she relied heavily on South African case law, international jurisprudence, and the discerning editorial eye of Nelson Mandela’s lawyer, George Bizos. As such, my reading of The House Gun brings new attention to the novel’s engagement with the reconciliatory efforts of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the juridical work of the South African Constitutional Court to redefine the terms of reconciliation in the country. Through language in a fictional courtroom, Gordimer’s novel turns the process of repair into one that is always immediate and ongoing. It shifts the primarily retributive focus of the law into a reparative and open-ended endeavor. Justice no longer is something that “is done,” Gordimer explains, but rather is a process equally conceived by law and literature. The novel depicts harm in terms of the interpersonal, spatial, and legal fractures it creates. In this way, it expresses reconciliation in the Commission’s language of bridging an injurious past with a present always open to healing.
Pharmacokinetic considerations and dosing strategies of antibiotics in the critically ill patient
Authors: Shah Snehal , Barton Greg , Fischer Andreas
Published: January 2015

The treatment of sepsis remains a significant challenge and is the cause of high mortality and morbidity. The pathophysiological alterations that are associated with sepsis can complicate drug dosing. Critical care patients often have capillary leak, increased cardiac output and altered protein levels which can have profound effects on the volume of distribution (Vd) and clearance (Cl) of antibacterial agents, both of which may affect the pharmacokinetics (PK) / pharmacodynamics (PD) of the drug. Along with antibacterial factors such as the hydrophilicity and its kill characteristics and the susceptibility and site of action of the microorganism, different dosing and administration strategies may be needed for the different drug classes. In conclusion, developing dosing and administration regimes of antibacterials that adhere to PK/PD principles increase antibacterial exposure. Tailoring therapy to the individual patient combined with TDM may contribute to improved clinical efficacy and contain the spread of resistance.
Clozapine prescribing in the UK: views and experience of consultant psychiatrists
Authors: Tungaraza Tongeji E. , Farooq Saeed
Published: January 2015

Objectives:

It has been repeatedly shown that clozapine is underutilized and there is delayed use of it in clinical practice.

Method:

An online survey was sent to 2771 consultant psychiatrists registered with the Royal College of Psychiatrists in the UK. A total of 243 responded to this survey. The survey elicited their views and experiences in using clozapine as well as to identify what may be the underlying causes for its underutilization.

Results:

Over 75% acknowledged that they had good training in using clozapine and about 56% had clozapine-dedicated service. However, 40.5% preferred to use several other antipsychotics prior to considering clozapine. A third felt it was not safe to start clozapine in the community and 42% had less than five patients on clozapine. Eleven possible reasons for clozapine underutilization were identified including concerns about side effects, patients not wanting to have blood tests and lack of experience or knowledge. Knowledge deficiency in certain aspects of clozapine use were identified, e.g. a third of respondents did not know that the risk of agranulocytosis changes with time, 42.7% did not think that clozapine can reduce substance use, while 20% were not aware of its benefit in reducing suicidal risk.

Conclusions:

Important areas of concern such as managing side effects and deficiency in evidence-based use of clozapine were identified. These can be targeted in training and professional development programme.
Record and remember: Memory and meaning-making practices through mobile media
Authors: Özkul Didem , Humphreys Lee
Published: January 2015

Mobile media have the potential to affect how one remembers and exercises the past as they offer new and creative ways to record and document the current. These new ways of preserving the past could be in the form of sharing locational information (e.g., geotagging, camera phone photos, check-ins), which would remind our future selves where we come from and how we used to be. We sometimes consciously create our everyday life narratives intending to hang onto a moment, or simply because the technology automatically saves our experiences, we unconsciously preserve our pasts. Mobile media can contribute to the existing ways of narrating places and the self because locational information can communicate multiple and different aspects of places. Situating our analysis within the broader literature on memory and media, we draw on three different studies conducted in the UK and the US in order to analyze different uses of mobile media in remembering associations with places, past experiences, and creating a nostalgic sense of place. More specifically we draw on notions of memory work and mediated memories to explore the mutual shaping of media, place, and memory.
Effects of Guided Discovery and Think-Pair-Share Strategies on Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Chemistry
Authors: Bamiro Adekunle Oladipupo
Published: January 2015

This study investigated the effects of three strategies (i.e., guided discovery, think-pair-share, and lecture) on senior secondary school students’ achievement in chemistry. A pretest, posttest, control group quasi-experimental design with a 3 × 3 × 2 factorial matrix was adopted for the study. Treatment was at three levels (guided discovery, think-pair-share, and lecture strategies). Intervening variables were cognitive entry behavior at three levels (high, middle, and low) and gender at two levels (male and female). Two hundred forty-two Senior Secondary 1 students in intact classes from six secondary schools in Ijebu Ode and Odogbolu Local Government Areas of Ogun State were randomly assigned to the treatment and control groups. Three instruments were developed and used to collect data from students during the 8-week treatment program. The data collected were subjected to analysis of covariance and multiple classification analysis. Scheffé test was further used as post hoc measures. Where significant interactions were observed, they were represented with graphical illustrations. It was found that students taught with guided discovery and think-pair-share strategies obtained significantly higher posttest mean scores than those in the lecture strategy, F(4, 223) = 51.66, p < .05. The use of guided discovery and think-pair-share strategies had great potential for improving achievement in chemistry and science learning generally.
The Influence of Aggressive Parenteral Nutrition to Preterm and Very Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Liu Ming-Yi , Chen Yi-Yin , Hu Shu-Hui , Chen Yu-Kuei , Chang Sue-Joan
Published: January 2015

Background. To achieve the weight gain of preterm infants who are appropriate for gestational age without adverse effect, there should be no interruption in delivery of nutrients from time of birth. Methods. Twenty-eight very low birth weight infants were eligible for the study. Those administered conventional nutrition (amino acids 2 g/kg/day started on third day of life) were classified as the conventional support (CVS) group, and those administered aggressive early nutrition (amino acid 2 g/kg/day started on first day of life) were classified as the aggressive support (AGS) group. Results. The days babies took to reach the weight of 2000 g in the AGS group was significantly shorter than for babies in the CVS group, and babies in the AGS group showed better tolerance to enteral nutrition and had shortened neonatal intensive care unit days. Conclusion. The results demonstrated that aggressive early nutrition showed better tolerance to enteral nutrition, higher total calories, and shortened the stay in the neonatal intensive care unit.
Incidence and Interrelated Factors in Patients With Congenital Hypothyroidism as Detected by Newborn Screening in Guangxi, China
Authors: Fan Xin , Chen Shaoke , Qian Jiale , Sooranna Suren , Luo Jingi , Li Chuan , Tang Qin , Lin Caijuan
Published: January 2015

Background. A newborn screening program (NSP) for congenital hypothyroidism (CH) was carried out in Guangxi in order to understand the incidence of CH and the factors interrelated to major types of CH in this region of China. Methods. During 2009 to 2013, data from 930 612 newborns attending NSP in Guangxi were collected. Patients were classified with either permanent CH (PCH) or transient CH (TCH) after 2 years of progressive study. Results. A total of 1210 patients were confirmed with CH with an incidence of 1/769, including 68 PCH and 126 TCH cases with incidences of 1/6673 and 1/3385, respectively. The frequency of thyroid stimulating hormone values greater than 5 mIU/L was 7.2%, which, based on WHO guidelines, suggests that the population was mildly iodine deficient. Conclusions. The incidence of CH was high in Guangxi. Approximately two thirds of CH patients were TCH, which may be due to a deficiency in iodine within the population.
A Follow-up Study on BMI-SDS and Insulin Resistance in Overweight and Obese Children at Risk for Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Fazeli Farsani Soulmaz , van der Aa Marloes P. , Knibbe Catherijne A. J. , de Boer Anthonius , van der Vorst Marja M. J.
Published: January 2015

Objectives. To evaluate body mass index standard deviation score (BMI-SDS), insulin sensitivity, and progression to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in children at risk for T2DM approximately 3 years after being diagnosed with overweight/obesity and insulin resistance (measured by Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance [HOMA-IR]). Methods. Out of 86 invited children, 44 (mean age 15.4 ± 3.6 years) participated. Medical history, physical examination, and laboratory workup were performed. Results. While the mean BMI-SDS significantly increased from 2.9 to 3.4, the mean HOMA-IR significantly decreased from 5.5 to 4.6 (baseline vs follow-up visit). Change in HOMA-IR was only due to a decrease in mean fasting plasma insulin (24.1 vs 21.1, P = .073). Conclusions. Although increase in BMI-SDS in these children is worrisome, the American Diabetes Association recommended screening interval of 3 years for children at risk for T2DM is not too long based on the fact that none of our study participants developed T2DM.
Molecular mechanism and clinical impact of APOBEC3B-catalyzed mutagenesis in breast cancer
Authors: Harris Reuben S
Published: January 2015

Cancer genomic DNA sequences enable identification of all mutations and suggest targets for precision medicine. The identities and patterns of the mutations themselves also provide critical information for deducing the originating DNA damaging agents, causal molecular mechanisms, and thus additional therapeutic targets. A classic example is ultraviolet light, which crosslinks adjacent pyrimidines and leads to C-to-T transitions. A new example is the DNA cytosine deaminase APOBEC3B, which was identified recently as a source of DNA damage and mutagenesis in breast, head/neck, cervix, bladder, lung, ovary, and to lesser extents additional cancer types. This enzyme is normally an effector protein in the innate immune response to virus infection but upregulation in these cancer types causes elevated levels of genomic C-to-U deamination events, which manifest as C-to-T transitions and C-to-G transversions within distinct DNA trinucleotide contexts (preferentially 5’-TCA and 5’-TCG). Genomic C-to-U deamination events within the same trinucleotide contexts also lead to cytosine mutation clusters (kataegis), and may precipitate visible chromosomal aberrations such as translocations. Clinical studies indicate that APOBEC3B upregulation correlates with poorer outcomes for estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer patients, including shorter durations of disease-free survival and overall survival after surgery. APOBEC3B may therefore have both diagnostic and prognostic potential. APOBEC3B may also be a candidate for therapeutic targeting because inhibition of this non-essential enzyme is predicted to decrease tumor mutation rates and diminish the likelihood of undesirable mutation-dependent outcomes such as recurrence, metastasis, and the development of therapy resistant tumors.
Percolation on the Information-Theoretically Secure Signal to Interference Ratio Graph
Authors: Vaze Rahul , Iyer Srikanth
Published: January 2015

We consider a continuum percolation model consisting of two types of nodes, namely legitimate and eavesdropper nodes, distributed according to independent Poisson point processes in R2 of intensities λ and λE, respectively. A directed edge from one legitimate node A to another legitimate node B exists provided that the strength of the signal transmitted from node A that is received at node B is higher than that received at any eavesdropper node. The strength of the signal received at a node from a legitimate node depends not only on the distance between these nodes, but also on the location of the other legitimate nodes and an interference suppression parameter γ. The graph is said to percolate when there exists an infinitely connected component. We show that for any finite intensity λE of eavesdropper nodes, there exists a critical intensity λc < ∞ such that for all λ > λc the graph percolates for sufficiently small values of the interference parameter. Furthermore, for the subcritical regime, we show that there exists a λ0 such that for all λ < λ0 ≤ λc a suitable graph defined over eavesdropper node connections percolates that precludes percolation in the graphs formed by the legitimate nodes.
Dirichlet Random Walks
Authors: Letac Gérard , Piccioni Mauro
Published: January 2015

This paper provides tools for the study of the Dirichlet random walk in Rd. We compute explicitly, for a number of cases, the distribution of the random variable W using a form of Stieltjes transform of W instead of the Laplace transform, replacing the Bessel functions with hypergeometric functions. This enables us to simplify some existing results, in particular, some of the proofs by Le Caër (2010), (2011). We extend our results to the study of the limits of the Dirichlet random walk when the number of added terms goes to ∞, interpreting the results in terms of an integral by a Dirichlet process. We introduce the ideas of Dirichlet semigroups and Dirichlet infinite divisibility and characterize these infinite divisible distributions in the sense of Dirichlet when they are concentrated on the unit sphere of Rd.
Potential Measures of One-Sided Markov Additive Processes with Reflecting and Terminating Barriers
Authors: Ivanovs Jevgenijs
Published: January 2015

Consider a one-sided Markov additive process with an upper and a lower barrier, where each can be either reflecting or terminating. For both defective and nondefective processes, and all possible scenarios, we identify the corresponding potential measures, which help to generalize a number of results for one-sided Lévy processes. The resulting rather neat formulae have various applications in risk and queueing theories, and, in particular, they lead to quasistationary distributions of the corresponding processes.
A plant U-box protein, PUB4, regulates asymmetric cell division and cell proliferation in the root meristem
Authors: Kinoshita Atsuko , ten Hove Colette A. , Tabata Ryo , Yamada Masashi , Shimizu Noriko , Ishida Takashi , Yamaguchi Katsushi , Shigenobu Shuji , Takebayashi Yumiko , Iuchi Satoshi , Kobayashi Masatomo , Kurata Tetsuya , Wada Takuji , Seo Mitsunori , Hasebe Mitsuyasu , Blilou Ikram , Fukuda Hiroo , Scheres Ben , Heidstra Renze , Kamiya Yuji , Sawa Shinichiro
Published: January 2015

The root meristem (RM) is a fundamental structure that is responsible for postembryonic root growth. The RM contains the quiescent center (QC), stem cells and frequently dividing meristematic cells, in which the timing and the frequency of cell division are tightly regulated. In Arabidopsis thaliana, several gain-of-function analyses have demonstrated that peptide ligands of the CLAVATA3 (CLV3)/EMBRYO SURROUNDING REGION-RELATED (CLE) family are important for maintaining RM size. Here, we demonstrate that a plant U-box E3 ubiquitin ligase, PUB4, is a novel downstream component of CLV3/CLE signaling in the RM. Mutations in PUB4 reduced the inhibitory effect of exogenous CLV3/CLE peptide on root cell proliferation and columella stem cell maintenance. Moreover, pub4 mutants grown without exogenous CLV3/CLE peptide exhibited characteristic phenotypes in the RM, such as enhanced root growth, increased number of cortex/endodermis stem cells and decreased number of columella layers. Our phenotypic and gene expression analyses indicated that PUB4 promotes expression of a cell cycle regulatory gene, CYCD6;1, and regulates formative periclinal asymmetric cell divisions in endodermis and cortex/endodermis initial daughters. These data suggest that PUB4 functions as a global regulator of cell proliferation and the timing of asymmetric cell division that are important for final root architecture.
Motivational Strategy for Personnel Management in the System of Innovation-Oriented Human Resource Management
Authors: Борисова  , Borisova N.
Published: January 2015

The paper analyzes motivational personnel management strategy within the conditions of transiting to the innovative economy and evidences the objective

need and nature of the new approach to management. The subject of inquiry is the system of innovation-oriented human resource management (HRM) system,

created with the aim to facilitate sustainable growth of human resources potential. The author’s model of how such a system functions reveals the essence of

managerial activity in the aspect of utilizing and developing personnel innovative potential for the purpose of enhancing competitive stance of the organization.

As the conceptual apparatus of the issue in hand is rather debatable the author fi nds it reasonable to specify meaning of such concepts as «personnel», «human

resources», «innovative potential» and «innovativeness of the personnel». Assuming that in the realities of innovative economy organizational staff ’s innovative

potential is an essential quality, refl ecting the degree of personnel’s innovativeness in terms of capabilities to generate new knowledge, and further to transform

these knowledge in practical innovations, thus contributing to business worth and competitiveness of the employing company. Motivational strategy of

personnel management is considered because it serves as the key element of the innovations-oriented HRM, which is of particular importance for achieving

organization’s strategy goals. To successfully implement motivation strategy of personnel management there should be in place some powerful incentive

system, conducive to systematical growth of workers’ innovation potential based on up-to-date motivational techniques, tools and methods. The paper focuses

mainly on corporate business-training and gives priority to extended forms of training and couching, which, as the author shows, are capable of forging strong

incentives for professional and intellectual development of personnel and enhancing the workers’ competitiveness in terms of innovations. The author presents

fi ndings of her own research, which are helpful in identifying top trends in modern HRM development and ways to improve incentives to motivate personnel

under conditions of building the innovative economy in Russia.
Issues of HR-Experts Professional Development in the USA
Authors: Жильцов  , Zhiltsov Vladimir , Пахомов  , Pakhomov A.
Published: January 2015

The paper is concerns problems of professionalization HR-experts in USA. Information on structure of professional organizations in the ­ eld of HR practices

and ways to outreach HR-experts are described. Of special interest is the assessment of HR-experts performance, undertaken on the basis of Friedson’s model.

Of interest is also description of methods, HR-experts currently use to assess their own performance and speci­ cs of professional training. As the authors show,

the need for entry control to the profession in terms of certi­ cation or acquiring higher education I relatively weak. The very fact of low entry barrier for HR

practices may relate to low recognition of signi­ cance of HR-activities by public and business community. Despite the claims of the US HR-experts that they

enjoy some autonomy of operation, in fact they tend to consider their work as being intrinsically controllable by their professional organization.
Auditing Educational Support Processes at Higher Education Institutions As a Basis for Improving Work Flows and Remuneration of Educational Support Staff
Authors: Поповская  , Popovskaya M.
Published: January 2015

The paper reports on research fi ndings obtained by the Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation within the project on «Improvement

of performance standards and elaboration of new approaches to work fl ows arrangement and remuneration for specifi c categories of higher educational

institutions staff », fi nanced from the budget in terms of Government assignment for 2014. Issues of assessing performance of educational support staff , as one

of the categories of higher educational institutions personnel, are examined through the prism of improving quality of services, rendered by state and municipal

higher educational institutions as well as remuneration system in accordance with normative legal documents of the RF. The paper presents one of available

approaches to achieving goals of higher educational institutions, namely, to enhance quality of educational services and to improve remuneration systems

supposedly based on audit of functions of educational support activities, on foregrounding the set of jobs for educational support staff as well as on assessing

quality of work fl ows of the said category of staff .
Flora da Bahia: Gentianaceae
Authors: Siqueira Gabriela Barros , Do Espirito Santo Fabio Da Silva , Rapini Alessandro
Published: January 2015

This is a taxonomic account of the Gentianaceae of Bahia State, Brazil. We recognized 40 species, distributed among 12 genera: Calolisianthus (2 species), Chelonanthus (4), Coutoubea (2), Curtia (2), Deianira (4), Helia (H. oblongifolia), Macrocarpaea (5), Prepusa (P. montana), Schultesia (12), Symphyllophyton (S. caprifolioides), Tetrapollinia (T. caerulescens) and Voyria (5). Chelonanthus albus, C. viridiflorus and Deianira erubescens are reported for the first time in the State. Descriptions for the family, genus and species, identification keys, geographic distribution maps, illustrations, and general comments about the species are presented.
Flora da Bahia: Pontederiaceae
Authors: Sousa Danilo José Lima , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: January 2015

The floristic survey of the Pontederiaceae from Bahia State, Brazil, is presented. Six species of the genus Eichhornia were recognized: E. azurea, E. crassipes, E. diversifolia, E. heterosperma, E. paniculata and E. paradoxa; seven of Heteranthera: H. multiflora, H. oblongifolia, H. peduncularis, H. reniformis, H. rotundifolia, H. seubertiana and H. zosterifolia; four of Pontederia: P. cordata, P. rotundifolia, P. sagittata and P. subovata; and Hydrothrix gardneri. The treatment includes descriptions and comments for taxa, a key for identification, illustrations and distribution maps for species.
Flora da Bahia: Rhizophoraceae
Authors: Marinho Lucas Cardoso , De Oliveira Reyjane Patrícia , Giulietti Ana Maria
Published: January 2015

This account of the Rhizophoraceae is a further contribution on the ongoing Flora of Bahia project. Only Rhizophora mangle, a widely distributed species in the mangrove areas, was recognized in the state. Description of the family, genus and species, as well as illustration, distribution map and general comments for the species, are presented.
The worst tourists in the world: Gangsters, heterotopia and the space of global capital In Bruges
Authors: Stein Erica
Published: January 2015

Martin McDonagh’s In Bruges (2008) has generated a substantive body of literature that investigates the collision it stages between the conventions of the travelogue and the conventions of the crime narrative. This criticism, however, does not address the way in which Bruges itself is produced and positioned as socio-economic space. This article argues that In Bruges first constructs and then deconstructs the eponymous city as a heterotopia and, in doing so, sheds light on the common heterotopic qualities of both touristic and illegal spaces. More important, the operations of the narrative produce Bruges as a node in an undifferentiated space of global capital, whose primary characteristic is that of criminality.
Alternative sprawls, junkcities: Buenos Aires Libre and horizontal urban epistemologies
Authors: Schifani Allison M.
Published: January 2015

The horizontally organized Buenos Aires Libre is a cadre of new media artists, programmers and technophiles building their own autonomous network, apart from the Internet, in Argentina’s capital city. This network uses line-of-sight connections via directional antennae to link members and users throughout the urban landscape. The following article explores ‘junk’ and ‘sprawl’ as conceptual and material terrain activated by the network and its users. Both sprawl and junk help it to construct alternative epistemologies of urban life and to highlight the centrality of urban space to political, economic and informational systems at work in the contemporary city.
Geographies of street art: Shepard Fairey and the trans-scalar imagination
Authors: Long Mark
Published: January 2015

Street art is an emerging art form that insists on unmediated access to the urban realm. It seeks to reconnect urban populations with their surroundings by unsettling apparently banal landscapes that serve to reinforce dominant world-views. It operates through our reimagining of the urban environment, with designs on broader rethinking of our ways-of-being. This article charts new geographic imaginings through Shepard Fairey’s ‘Power & Glory’ exhibition in Charleston, South Carolina. ‘Power & Glory’ posits a trans-scalar geographical imagination, originating in new senses-of-belonging in the city to describe an arc from local to global; to return, finally, to the city as the immediate scale of existence.
Bodies and sculptures: Moving mountains
Authors: Evans Kate
Published: January 2015

This short-form article examines the relationships between people and place through a case-study of the practice of parkour. In 2009, the sculpture Cader Idris (1999), by William Pye, was removed from its prominent position outside Cardiff Central Railway Station in Wales’s capital city. During the ten years it had occupied this location, the sculpture had become popular amongst practitioners of parkour (known as traceurs). Traceurs aim to move freely along a freely determined trajectory, without inhibition or recourse to prescribed routes, approaching objects as aides to movement rather than obstacles. The incorporation of Cader Idris into such routines was cut short by the sculpture’s relocation away from the central area to become part of an art trail – a move some felt related to concerns over the use of the work. Ongoing cycles of urban redevelopment and regeneration challenge the ability to take for granted the longevity of familiar sites, and traceurs’ focus on mobility offers a novel way of approaching the changing urban landscape. By tracing the movement of a sculpture from its original location to a new site, the short-form article considers how human and non-human bodies in motion might facilitate new ways of defining and engaging with the built environment through notions of materiality and the sensing body.
Evaluation of a low-cost procedure for sampling, long-term storage, and extraction of RNA from blood for qPCR analyses
Authors: Mærkedahl Rasmus B. , Frøkiær Hanne , Lauritzen Lotte , Metzdorff Stine B.
Published: January 2015

In large clinical trials, where RNA cannot be extracted immediately after sampling, preserving RNA in whole blood is a crucial initial step in obtaining robust qPCR data. The current golden standard for RNA preservation is costly and designed for time-consuming column-based RNA-extraction. We investigated the use of lysis buffer for long-term storage of blood samples for qPCR analysis.

Blood was collected from 13 healthy adults and diluted in MagMAX lysis/binding solution or PAXgene Blood RNA tubes and stored at –20 °C for 0, 1, or 4 months before RNA extraction by the matching method. RNA integrity, yield and purity were evaluated and the methods were compared by subsequent analyses of the gene expression levels of

The MagMAX system extracted 2.3–2.8 times more RNA per mL blood, with better performance in terms of purity, and with comparable levels of integrity relative to the PAXgene system. Gene expression analysis using qPCR of

: The MagMAX system can be used for storage of human blood for up to 4 months and is equivalent to the PAXgene system for RNA extraction. It furthermore, provides a means for significant cost reduction in large clinical trials.
Dispersion Compensation for High-Speed and Long-Distance Transmission of CSRZ-DQPSK Optical Signal
Authors: Feng Dejun , Zhang Peipei , Liu Guanxiu , Jia Dongfang
Published: January 2015

This paper compares the performances of 100 Gbit/s carrier-suppressed return-to-zero differential quadrature phase shift keying coded modulation signal through 3,600 km both in optical and photoelectric dispersion compensation schemes. Different dispersion compensation fiber methods are adopted in optical compensation while the photoelectric compensation is the combination of electronic dispersion compensation and optical compensation. It is shown that pre-compensation of DCFs and mixed (pre- and post-) compensation of DCFs are more excellent than the other two schemes in optical compensation, corresponding to mixed (pre- and post-) compensation of DCFs method, while pre-compensation of DCFs method is the best strategy in photoelectric compensation.
Reception of Polarization-Multiplexed QPSK Using Different Receivers with and without Differential Decoding
Authors: Kaur Iqbal , Singh Bhatia Kamaljit , Kaur Harsimrat
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we analyze polarization-multiplexed quadrature phase shift keying (PM-QPSK) signals using different receiver with and without differential decoding for PM-QPSK modulation and reception using training sequence-based least mean square (LMS) receiver, PM-QPSK with external local oscillator, PM-QPSK modulation and LMS dynamic receiver and compare their results for bit error rate.