bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Limited influence of local and landscape factors on finescale gene flow in two pond‐breeding amphibians
Authors: Coster Stephanie S. , Babbitt Kimberly J. , Cooper Andrew , Kovach Adrienne I.
Published: January 2015

Dispersal and gene flow within animal populations are influenced by the composition and configuration of the landscape. In this study, we evaluated hypotheses about the impact of natural and anthropogenic factors on genetic differentiation in two amphibian species, the spotted salamander (Ambystoma maculatum) and the wood frog (Lithobates sylvaticus) in a commercial forest in central Maine. We conducted this analysis at two scales: a local level, focused on factors measured at each breeding pond, and a landscape level, focused on factors measured between ponds. We investigated the effects of a number of environmental factors in six categories including Productivity, Physical, Land Composition, Land Configuration, Isolation and Location. Embryos were sampled from 56 spotted salamander breeding ponds and 39 wood frog breeding ponds. We used a hierarchical Bayesian approach in the program GESTE at each breeding pond and a random forest algorithm in conjunction with a network analysis between the ponds. We found overall high genetic connectivity across distances up to 17 km for both species and a limited effect of natural and anthropogenic factors on gene flow. We found the null models best explained patterns of genetic differentiation at a local level and found several factors at the landscape level that weakly influenced gene flow. This research indicates multiscale investigations that incorporate local and landscape factors are valuable for understanding patterns of gene flow. Our findings suggest that dispersal rates in this system are high enough to minimize genetic structuring and that current forestry practices do not significantly impede dispersal.
Cyanobacteria drive community composition and functionality in rock–soil interface communities
Authors: Valverde Angel , Makhalanyane Thulani P. , Seely Mary , Cowan Don A.
Published: January 2015

Most ecological research on hypoliths, significant primary producers in hyperarid deserts, has focused on the diversity of individual groups of microbes (i.e. bacteria). However, microbial communities are inherently complex, and the interactions between cyanobacteria, heterotrophic bacteria, protista and metazoa are likely to be very important for ecosystem functioning. Cyanobacterial and heterotrophic bacterial communities were analysed by pyrosequencing, while metazoan and protistan communities were assessed by T‐RFLP analysis. Microbial functionality was estimated using carbon substrate utilization. Cyanobacterial community composition was significant in shaping community structure and function in hypoliths. Ecological network analysis showed that most significant co‐occurrences were positive, representing potential synergistic interactions. There were several highly interconnected associations (modules), and specific cyanobacteria were important in driving the modular structure of hypolithic networks. Together, our results suggest that hypolithic cyanobacteria have strong effects on higher trophic levels and ecosystem functioning.
The genetic basis of population fecundity prediction across multiple field populations of Nilaparvata lugens
Authors: Sun Zhong Xiang , Zhai Yi Fan , Zhang Jian Qing , Kang Kui , Cai Jing Heng , Fu Yonggui , Qiu Jie Qi , Shen Jia Wei , Zhang Wen Qing
Published: January 2015

Identifying the molecular markers for complex quantitative traits in natural populations promises to provide novel insight into genetic mechanisms of adaptation and to aid in forecasting population dynamics. In this study, we investigated single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) using candidate gene approach from high‐ and low‐fecundity populations of the brown planthopper (BPH) Nilaparvata lugens Stål (Hemiptera: Delphacidae) divergently selected for fecundity. We also tested whether the population fecundity can be predicted by a few SNPs. Seven genes (ACE, fizzy, HMGCR, LpR, Sxl, Vg and VgR) were inspected for SNPs in N. lugens, which is a serious insect pest of rice. By direct sequencing of the complementary DNA and promoter sequences of these candidate genes, 1033 SNPs were discovered within high‐ and low‐fecundity BPH populations. A panel of 121 candidate SNPs were selected and genotyped in 215 individuals from 2 laboratory populations (HFP and LFP) and 3 field populations (GZP, SGP and ZSP). Prior to association tests, population structure and linkage disequilibrium (LD) among the 3 field populations were analysed. The association results showed that 7 SNPs were significantly associated with population fecundity in BPH. These significant SNPs were used for constructing general liner models with stepwise regression. The best predictive model was composed of 2 SNPs (ACE‐862 and VgR‐816) with very good fitting degree. We found that 29% of the phenotypic variation in fecundity could be accounted for by only two markers. Using two laboratory populations and a complete independent field population, the predictive accuracy was 84.35–92.39%. The predictive model provides an efficient molecular method to predict BPH fecundity of field populations and provides novel insights for insect population management.
Global variability in leaf respiration in relation to climate, plant functional types and leaf traits
Authors: Atkin Owen K. , Bloomfield Keith J. , Reich Peter B. , Tjoelker Mark G. , Asner Gregory P. , Bonal Damien , Bönisch Gerhard , Bradford Matt G. , Cernusak Lucas A. , Cosio Eric G. , Creek Danielle , Crous Kristine Y. , Domingues Tomas F. , Dukes Jeffrey S. , Egerton John J. G. , Evans John R. , Farquhar Graham D. , Fyllas Nikolaos M. , Gauthier Paul P. G. , Gloor Emanuel , Gimeno Teresa E. , Griffin Kevin L. , Guerrieri Rossella , Heskel Mary A. , Huntingford Chris , Ishida Françoise Yoko , Kattge Jens , Lambers Hans , Liddell Michael J. , Lloyd Jon , Lusk Christopher H. , Martin Roberta E. , Maksimov Ayal P. , Maximov Trofim C. , Malhi Yadvinder , Medlyn Belinda E. , Meir Patrick , Mercado Lina M. , Mirotchnick Nicholas , Ng Desmond , Niinemets Ülo , O'Sullivan Odhran S. , Phillips Oliver L. , Poorter Lourens , Poot Pieter , Prentice I. Colin , Salinas Norma , Rowland Lucy M. , Ryan Michael G. , Sitch Stephen , Slot Martijn , Smith Nicholas G. , Turnbull Matthew H. , VanderWel Mark C. , Valladares Fernando , Veneklaas Erik J. , Weerasinghe Lasantha K. , Wirth Christian , Wright Ian J. , Wythers Kirk R. , Xiang Jen , Xiang Shuang , Zaragoza‐Castells Joana
Published: January 2015

Leaf dark respiration (Rdark) is an important yet poorly quantified component of the global carbon cycle. Given this, we analyzed a new global database of Rdark and associated leaf traits.

Data for 899 species were compiled from 100 sites (from the Arctic to the tropics). Several woody and nonwoody plant functional types (PFTs) were represented. Mixed‐effects models were used to disentangle sources of variation in Rdark.

Area‐based Rdark at the prevailing average daily growth temperature (T) of each site increased only twofold from the Arctic to the tropics, despite a 20°C increase in growing T (8–28°C). By contrast, Rdark at a standard T (25°C, Rdark25) was threefold higher in the Arctic than in the tropics, and twofold higher at arid than at mesic sites. Species and PFTs at cold sites exhibited higher Rdark25 at a given photosynthetic capacity (Vcmax25) or leaf nitrogen concentration ([N]) than species at warmer sites. Rdark25 values at any given Vcmax25 or [N] were higher in herbs than in woody plants.

The results highlight variation in Rdark among species and across global gradients in T and aridity. In addition to their ecological significance, the results provide a framework for improving representation of Rdark in terrestrial biosphere models (TBMs) and associated land‐surface components of Earth system models (ESMs).
HbNIN2, a cytosolic alkaline/neutral‐invertase, is responsible for sucrose catabolism in rubber‐producing laticifers of Hevea brasiliensis (para rubber tree)
Authors: Liu Shujin , Lan Jixian , Zhou Binhui , Qin Yunxia , Zhou Yihua , Xiao Xiaohu , Yang Jianghua , Gou Jiqing , Qi Jiyan , Huang Yacheng , Tang Chaorong
Published: January 2015

In Hevea brasiliensis, an alkaline/neutral invertase (A/N‐Inv) is responsible for sucrose catabolism in latex (essentially the cytoplasm of rubber‐producing laticifers, the source of natural rubber) and implicated in rubber yield. However, neither the gene encoding this enzyme nor its molecular and biochemical properties have been well documented.

Three Hevea A/N‐Inv genes, namely HbNIN1, 2 and 3, were first cloned and characterized in planta and in Escherichia coli. Cellular localizations of HbNIN2 mRNA and protein were probed. From latex, active A/N‐Inv proteins were purified, identified, and explored for enzymatic properties.

HbNIN2 was identified as the major A/N‐Inv gene functioning in latex based on its functionality in E. coli, its latex‐predominant expression, the conspicuous localization of its mRNA and protein in the laticifers, and its expressional correlation with rubber yield. An active A/N‐Inv protein was partially purified from latex, and determined as HbNIN2. The enhancement of HbNIN2 enzymatic activity by pyridoxal is peculiar to A/N‐Invs in other plants.

We conclude that HbNIN2, a cytosolic A/N‐Inv, is responsible for sucrose catabolism in rubber laticifers. The results contribute to the studies of sucrose catabolism in plants as a whole and natural rubber synthesis in particular.
Bone marrow stem cells: current and emerging concepts
Authors: Méndez‐Ferrer Simón , Scadden David T. , Sánchez‐Aguilera Abel
Published: January 2015

The interactions of stromal cells with hematopoietic cells in the bone marrow have long been a subject of research, but only recently have technologies allowed us to dissect them at the stem cell level. On the other hand, limitations of these technical tools might explain numerous discrepancies in this field. It is becoming increasingly clear that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) represent an important component of the hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) niche in the bone marrow. However, there is heterogeneity among HSCs, and many putatively different mesenchymal progenitors identified in the bone marrow using Cre recombinase–driven mouse lines seem to exhibit HSC niche properties. Development of better reporter lines has demonstrated that some of these Cre lines do not always specifically mark the expected cells. Also, characterization of different cell populations has often been partial, and issues of redundancy and compensation might explain apparently contradictory results. Recognizing and overcoming these limitations, while also clearly defining the distinctions between subgroups of mesenchymal cells, will be essential to advance the field.
Evaluation of the pediatric post anesthesia discharge scoring system in an ambulatory surgery unit
Authors: Moncel Jean Benoit , Nardi Nicolas , Wodey Eric , Pouvreau Aline , Ecoffey Claude
Published: January 2015

Introduction

To optimize the care pathway for children scheduled for ambulatory surgery, a pediatric postanesthetic discharge scoring system (Ped‐PADSS) was developed from a score used in adults. The objective of this study was to evaluate this score prospectively on a cohort of children who had a day case surgical procedure.

Materials and methods

This was a single center prospective observational study. Inclusion criteria were predefined as follows: children aged 6 months–16 years at the time of the study, with a scheduled day surgery. Discharge was validated by Ped‐PADSS scores ≥9, obtained at one hour intervals, after the return from the operating room and with the agreement of the surgeon. The duration of postoperative hospitalization was compared with data collected before the implementation of the score using the Student's t‐test.

Results

From February to July 2012, 1060 children were included. One hour after the return from the operating room, 97.2% of children were dischargeable using Ped‐PADSS. Two hours after the return from the operating room, 99.8% of children were dischargeable. The median postoperative hospital stay (n = 1041) was reduced by 69 min compared to the median stay before using the output score (n = 150) (P < 0.01).

Conclusion

The Ped‐PADSS score allows for the majority of children to be discharged 1 h after their return from the postanesthesia care unit. Children who were discharged using the Ped‐PADSS score returned home in safe and optimal conditions.
Not all ideals are equal: Intrinsic and extrinsic ideals in relationships
Authors: RODRIGUEZ LINDSEY M. , HADDEN BENJAMIN W. , KNEE C. RAYMOND
Published: January 2015

The ideal standards model suggests that greater consistency between ideal standards and actual perceptions of one's relationship predicts positive relationship evaluations; however, no research has evaluated whether this differs across types of ideals. A self‐determination theory perspective was derived to test whether satisfaction of intrinsic ideals buffers the importance of extrinsic ideals. Participants (N = 195) in committed relationships directly and indirectly reported the extent to which their partner met their ideal on two dimensions: intrinsic (e.g., warm, intimate) and extrinsic (e.g., attractive, successful). Relationship need fulfillment and relationship quality were also assessed. Hypotheses were largely supported, such that satisfaction of intrinsic ideals more strongly predicted relationship functioning, and satisfaction of intrinsic ideals buffered the relevance of extrinsic ideals for outcomes.
Overweight, central obesity, and cardiometabolic risk factors in pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Dagher Marc , Ng Vicky L. , Carpenter Andrea , Rankin Stephanie , De Angelis Maria , Avitzur Yaron , Mouzaki Marialena
Published: January 2015

PTMS describes the presence of ≥3 cardiometabolic risk factors that include obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, and IR. The prevalence of the clustering of ≥3 cardiometabolic risk factors or central obesity has not been studied in pediatric LT recipients. Single‐center, cross‐sectional study. Inclusion criteria: LT recipients 2–18 yr‐old, at least one yr post‐LT. Exclusion criteria: recipients of liver retransplants or multivisceral transplants. Eighty‐seven patients were identified. Median age was 9.8 yr (range 2–18), median time since LT was 6.9 yr (range 1–17). The most common indication for LT was biliary atresia (56%), and the most frequently used immunosuppressant was tacrolimus (80%). The prevalence of overweight and obesity was 21% and 5%, respectively. Central obesity affected 14%, hypertension 44%, IR 27%, low HDL 20%, and hypertriglyceridemia 39% of patients. The prevalence of ≥3 cardiometabolic risk factors was 19%. Fifty percent of the overweight/obese patients had ≥3 risk factors. Time since transplant, immunosuppression and renal function were not different between those with <3 or ≥3 risk factors. Clustering of cardiometabolic risk factors is prevalent in pediatric LT recipients, suggesting an increased risk of future CV events.
The dependability of electrophysiological measurements of performance monitoring in a clinical sample: A generalizability and decision analysis of the ERN and Pe
Authors: Baldwin Scott A. , Larson Michael J. , Clayson Peter E.
Published: January 2015

Psychometric studies of the ERN, CRN, Pe, and Pc ERPs are increasing. Coherent integration of these results is difficult with classical test theory because the definition of error depends on the measure of reliability. This study used generalizability theory, which extends the ideas of classical test theory, as a framework for evaluating the influence of psychopathology and number of trials on dependability of measurement. Participants included 34 people meeting criteria for major depression, 29 meeting criteria for an anxiety disorder, and 319 controls. For all ERPs, within‐person variance was larger than between‐person variance across groups, indicating many trials are needed for adequate dependability (at least 13). Slightly fewer trials were needed to achieve adequate dependability in the control group than the pathology groups. Regions of interest had higher dependability than single sensors.
Characterization of gene mutations and phenotypes of cystic fibrosis in Chinese patients
Authors: Liu Yaping , Wang Lianqing , Tian Xinlun , Xu Kai‐Feng , Xu Wenbing , Li Xue , Yue Cai , Zhang Peng , Xiao Yi , Zhang Xue
Published: January 2015

Background and objective

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is a relatively common autosomal recessive disorder in Caucasians. CF is considered a very rare disease in Asians, and fewer than 30 Chinese CF patients are reported in the literature. We enrolled seven patients of Chinese Han origin diagnosed with CF at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital, to characterize gene mutations and phenotypes of CF in Chinese patients.

Methods

We analysed the clinical presentation and screened the coding region of the CFTR gene for each patient.

Results

Patients were 0–6 years old at onset of symptoms and were 10–28 years old at the time of diagnosis with CF. None of the seven patients had a family history of CF, and only one patient had parents who were consanguineous. Two patients had gastrointestinal symptoms but stool Sudan III results were normal. Four of the seven CF patients also had allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis. The concentration of chloride in patients' sweat ranged from 66 mmol/l to 154 mmol/l. In total, we identified 11 different mutations in seven CF patients, including one novel mutation (△E7‐E11). Only one of these mutations (R553X) is present in the Caucasian CFTR common mutation‐screening panel; and none of the 11 mutations are common in Caucasian CF patients.

Conclusions

CF in China is difficult to diagnose because of a combination of low awareness, atypical clinical symptoms, and a lack of sweat and genetic testing facilities in most hospitals. The mutations identified in Chinese CF patients are different from the common Caucasian gene mutations.
MUC5B promoter polymorphism in Japanese patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Horimasu Yasushi , Ohshimo Shinichiro , Bonella Francesco , Tanaka Sonosuke , Ishikawa Nobuhisa , Hattori Noboru , Kohno Nobuoki , Guzman Josune , Costabel Ulrich
Published: January 2015

Background and objective

A single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs35705950 in the promoter of Mucin 5B (MUC5B) has been reported to be associated with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) mainly in Caucasian populations. This study was conducted to confirm the association between rs35705950 and IPF in a Japanese population.

Methods

Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples in 384 Japanese and 137 German subjects, and rs35705950 was detected by commercially available genotyping assay.

Results

The genotype distributions of rs35705950 in Japanese patients with IPF, nonspecific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and healthy subjects (HS) were significantly different from those in the German counterparts (P < 0.001, P < 0.001 and P = 0.010, respectively). The rs35705950 T allele frequencies in patients with IPF, NSIP and HS were 3.4%, 1.7% and 0.8%, respectively in the Japanese, while they were 33.1%, 27.4% and 4.3%, respectively in the German cohort. The T allele frequencies in patients with IPF were significantly higher than those in HS both in the Japanese (P = 0.031) and German (P < 0.001) cohorts.

Conclusions

The association between rs35705950 and IPF was also present in this Japanese cohort, but was not as strong as the German counterpart. To our knowledge, this is the first study to successfully validate the association between rs35705950 and IPF in a Japanese ethnicity.
Differentiating benign from malignant mediastinal lymph nodes visible at EBUS using grey‐scale textural analysis
Authors: Edey Anthony J. , Pollentine Adrian , Doody Claire , Medford Andrew R.L.
Published: January 2015

Background and objective

Recent data suggest that grey‐scale textural analysis on endobronchial ultrasound (EBUS) imaging can differentiate benign from malignant lymphadenopathy. The objective of studies was to evaluate grey‐scale textural analysis and examine its clinical utility.

Methods

Images from 135 consecutive clinically indicated EBUS procedures were evaluated retrospectively using MATLAB software (MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA). Manual node mapping was performed to obtain a region of interest and grey‐scale textural features (range of pixel values and entropy) were analysed. The initial analysis involved 94 subjects and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated. The ROC thresholds were then applied on a second cohort (41 subjects) to validate the earlier findings.

Results

A total of 371 images were evaluated. There was no difference in proportions of malignant disease (56% vs 53%, P = 0.66) in the prediction (group 1) and validation (group 2) sets. There was no difference in range of pixel values in group 1 but entropy was significantly higher in the malignant group (5.95 vs 5.77, P = 0.03). Higher entropy was seen in adenocarcinoma versus lymphoma (6.00 vs 5.50, P < 0.05). An ROC curve for entropy gave an area under the curve of 0.58 with 51% sensitivity and 71% specificity for entropy greater than 5.94 for malignancy. In group 2, the entropy threshold phenotyped only 47% of benign cases and 20% of malignant cases correctly.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that use of EBUS grey‐scale textural analysis for differentiation of malignant from benign lymphadenopathy may not be accurate. Further studies are required.
Income Inequality and Political Polarization: Time Series Evidence Over Nine Decades
Authors: Duca John V. , Saving Jason L.
Published: January 2015

Rising income inequality and political polarization have led some to hypothesize that the two are causally linked. Properly interpreting such correlations is complicated by multiple factors driving these phenomena, potential feedback between inequality and polarization, measurement issues, and the statistical challenges of modeling non‐stationary variables. We find that a more precise measure of inequality (the invertedPareto–Lorenz coefficient) is more consistently and statistically related to polarization in the short and long runs than the less precise top 1 percent share of income. We find bi‐directional causality between polarization and inequality, consistent with theoretical conjecture and less formal evidence in previous studies.
Estimating Consumption Responses to Income Shocks of Different Persistence Using Self‐Reported Income Measures
Authors: Kukk Merike , Kulikov Dmitry , Staehr Karsten
Published: January 2015

Models of intertemporal consumption choice posit that consumption reacts more strongly to income shocks with persistent effects than to shocks with temporary effects. This prediction is tested using data from the Estonian Household Budget Surveys for 2002–07. Questions in the survey make it possible to distinguish between two income components of different persistence, using the individual households’ subjective income classification. Estimations confirm that households distinguish income components of different persistence and react to these differently; the consumption response to income shocks with persistent effects is significantly higher than the response to shocks with only temporary effects. Further analysis reveals, however, that consumption also reacts to lagged shocks to temporary income even when the households are not liquidity constrained, suggesting that their behavior is not fully consistent with the standard forward‐looking unconstrained consumption models.
Precautionary Savings in Mexico: Evidence From the Mexican Health and Aging Study
Authors: Naranjo Durfari Velandia , van Gameren Edwin
Published: January 2015

Precautionary saving is the additional saving done by individuals to protect them financially in situations of uncertainty and reduce their vulnerability for negative shocks that may affect their consumption levels. This paper investigates the existence and extent of savings motivated by precaution in Mexico for people aged between 50 and 75, using data from the Mexican Health and Ageing Study 2003. The empirical strategy is based on a test of the direct relationship between the accumulated wealth and the uncertainty generated by the social security status, in particular the availability of health insurance, accounting also for the expectation to receive a retirement pension. The endogeneity‐corrected estimates do not yield results that unequivocally support the existence of private savings as a risk protection mechanism, implying that the public protection system has an important role in reducing the vulnerability of the population studied.
The International Joint Commission, Water Levels, and Transboundary Governance in the Great Lakes
Authors: Clamen Murray , Macfarlane Daniel
Published: January 2015

This article provides a historical background of the evolution of transboundary water governance and environmental diplomacy in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence basin, with a focus on the International Joint Commission (IJC), during the twentieth century. This study focuses on water quantity issues, such as diversions, canals, hydroelectric developments, control works, and water levels, revealing the range of artificial and natural impacts on water levels in the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence basin. Doing so provides for a revealing examination of the IJC, which has traditionally been the main forum in which Canada and the United States manage their environmental relations and border water issues, which allows for an engagement with a range of North American transboundary governance theories. While the IJC is often lauded as a model of transnational environmental cooperation, this paper demonstrates that the evolution of this bilateral institution up to the 1960s is more complicated.
Bilateral and Trilateral Natural Resource and Biodiversity Governance inNorthAmerica: Organizations, Networks, and Inclusion
Authors: Stoett Peter , Temby Owen
Published: January 2015

This special issue represents an assessment of international organizations and transboundary networks governing natural resource and biodiversity issues in and amongCanada,Mexico, and theUnitedStates. The management of natural resources and protection of biodiversity is a highly technocratic process requiring collaboration and information sharing among a diversity of actors to facilitate the development and coordination of policy addressing complex and multisectoral issues. Numerous bilateral and trilateral organizations exist to ostensibly facilitate transboundary governance, yet the scholarly knowledge of their respective roles has many gaps. In this introductory article, we propose a typology of international environmental organizations based on two dimensions: (1) whether their activities center primarily on capacity building or regulation, and (2) the extent to which they exemplify the “bureaucratic” or “post‐bureaucratic” model of governance. Using this typology we provide an overview of the special issue's contributions in terms of their assessment ofNorthAmerican bilateral and trilateral environmental organizations and transboundary networks.
Scale and Subnational Resource Management: Transnational Initiatives in the Salish Sea Region
Authors: Brown Christopher
Published: January 2015

Transboundary water resources are very challenging to manage, generating numerous unresolved management issues. North America possesses two different spatial contexts in which transboundary water resource management issues exist, the arid U.S.–Mexico border region and the humid U.S.–Canada border region. Past work on the U.S.–Mexico border has explored a range of institutional arrangements by which resources are managed, with a special focus on both existing and new institutions and how the locus of policy formulation may vary across scale. In this article, I explore water resource issues in the U.S.–Canadian transboundary context through a comparative examination of management frameworks in the westernmost section on the U.S.–Canada border. Specifically, I examine the Cascadia Corridor region within which the Salish Sea and smaller nested watersheds lie, exploring how concepts of devolution, regionalization, subnational participation, and spatial scale have unfolded in transboundary management efforts in the region.
Resistance and Reform: Transboundary Water Governance in the Colorado River Delta
Authors: Gerlak Andrea K.
Published: January 2015

Bilateral governance of transboundary water resources between the United States and Mexico is in flux today. Historically, the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC), the joint commission by which the two countries jointly manage shared rivers, has dominated decision making and policy in the border region by defining problems and framing knowledge. However, over the past two decades, a transnational network has been emerging to restore the Colorado River Delta. In this paper, we explore how a transnational network has been operating collaboratively to shift transboundary water governance in the Colorado River Delta region toward greater participatory, science‐based governance. We explore the IBWC in this context of governance change to reveal the adoption of institutional and policy reforms, along with some resistance to this change.
A Swedish validation of the Berlin Numeracy Test
Authors: Lindskog Marcus , Kerimi Neda , Winman Anders , Juslin Peter
Published: January 2015

Recent research has highlighted the importance of considering an individual's level of numeracy, that is their numerical abilities, in a vast variety of judgment and decision making tasks. To accurately evaluate the influence of numeracy requires good and valid measures of the construct. In the present study we validate a Swedish version of the Berlin Numeracy Test (Cokely, Galesic, Schulz, Ghazal & Garcia‐Retamero, 2012). The validation was carried out on both a student sample and a sample representative of the Swedish population. The Swedish BNT showed sound psychometrical properties in both samples. Further, in both samples the BNT had satisfactory convergent and discriminant validity when correlating with other measures of numeracy, while not being significantly related to measures of personality. With respect to predictive validity the results indicated divergent patterns in the two samples. In the student sample, participants scoring highest on the BNT outperformed those in the other three levels, which did not differ in performance. In contrast, in the population sample participants scoring lowest on the BNT performed worse than those in the other three levels, which did not differ in performance. Taken together, however, the results suggest that the Swedish version of the BNT should be considered a valid measure of numeracy in both Swedish student and population representative samples.
Affective Topologies of Rural Youth Embodiment
Authors: Farrugia David , Smyth John , Harrison Tim
Published: January 2015

This article explores the affective, embodied dimensions of young rural people's relationship with space and place. Relationship with space and place has been recognised as a significant dimension of rural youths' subjectivities but it has been primarily understood through representational perspectives which focus on young people's perceptions, images, or discursive constructions of their local places. In contrast, this article draws on non‐representational approaches to subjectivity and space to highlight the embodied, sensuous entanglements between young people's subjectivities and the spaces they have inhabited and experienced. Qualitative data gathered as part of a project exploring youths' subjectivities in regional Australia shows that young people's experience of their rural locale, as well as their relationship to the city, reflect an affective topology of relations of proximity and rhythmic tempo which emerges from the relationship between the space of their bodily hexis and the spaces and places they are situated within. These non‐representational, embodied processes are intrinsic to rural youths' subjectivities and structure how young people approach and navigate their futures.
Motion Planning for an Underactuated Planar Robot in a Viscous Environment
Authors: Shammas Elie , Asmar Daniel
Published: January 2015

In this paper, we solve the motion planning problem for a class of underactuated multibodied planar mechanical systems. These systems interact with the environment via viscous frictional forces. The motion planning problem is solved by specifying the location of friction pads on the robot as well as by specifying the input of the actuated degrees of freedom. Moreover, through the proposed novel motion planning analysis, we identify the simplest planar swimming robot, the two-link swimmer.
Systematic Design Optimization of the Metamaterial Shear Beam of a Nonpneumatic Wheel for Low Rolling Resistance
Authors: Czech Christopher , Guarneri Paolo , Thyagaraja Niranjan , Fadel Georges
Published: January 2015

Systematic engineering of components that employ metamaterials has expanded the mechanical design field in recent years. Yet, topology optimization remains a burdensome tool to utilize within a systematic engineering paradigm. In this work, the design of a metamaterial shear beam for a nonpneumatic wheel using a systematic, two-level design approach is discussed. A top-level design process is used to determine the geometric and effective material properties of the shear beam, and linking functions are established and validated for the design of a shear layer mesoscale structure. At the metamaterial design level, innovative homogenization and topology optimization methods are employed to determine a set of locally optimal geometric designs for the shear layer. One geometry, the auxetic honeycomb, is shown to be an optimum to the minimum volume topology optimization problem for materials subjected to pure shear boundary conditions. As such, this geometry is identified as a candidate for the shear layer.
Collective Effect of Fluid's Coriolis Force and Nanoscale's Parameter on Instability Pattern and Vibration Characteristic of Fluid-Conveying Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Ghasemi Arman , Dardel Morteza , Ghasemi Mohammad Hassan
Published: January 2015

In the present work, the effects of nanoscale parameter and Coriolis force together are investigated on vibrating eigenvalues of fluid-conveying carbon nanotube (CNT). A nonlocal Timoshenko beam and a plug flow model are implemented to derive fluid–structure interaction (FSI) governing equations of motion. These equations solved by Galerkin to obtain instability pattern, critical fluid velocities (CFVs), frequency and damping at different nanoscale parameter, boundary conditions, and aspect ratios. The results demonstrate existence of multiple types of instabilities and bifurcations, which are deviated from classic FSI buckling and flutters' instabilities, and caused by damping from coalition of nanoscale effect and fluid's Coriolis force, this phenomena are more noticeable in the CNTs with asymmetrical boundary conditions and smaller size.
Local Limit Load Analytical Model for Thick-Walled Pipe With Axial Surface Defect
Authors: Orynyak Igor , Ageiev Sergii , Radchenko Sergii , Zarazovskii Maksym
Published: January 2015

Based on the previous limit load analytical modeling for cracked thin-walled pipe (Orynyak, I. V., 2006, “Leak and Break Models of Pressurized Pipe With Axial Defects,” Proceedings of the 6th International Pipeline Conference (IPC), Calgary, Alberta, Canada, Paper No. IPC2006-10066, pp. 41–56), the limit load model for thick-walled pipe had developed. There are some additional peculiarities included in the proposed model. First, the distribution of radial stresses is taken into consideration in the limit state formulation using Tresca's criterion. Second, related to the crack location and interaction of hoop stresses (due to the inner pressure) and axial ones (caused by local bending moment) have been assessed in the limit state. Third, hoop stresses redistribution with possibility of plastic hinge formation in zone opposite to the crack is taken into account. Finally, the proposed easy to use analytical formulas have been verified by comparing with full-scale burst tests.
Operational Space Prescribed Tracking Performance and Compliance in Flexible Joint Robots
Authors: Atawnih Abdelrahem , Doulgeri Zoe , Rovithakis George A.
Published: January 2015

In this work, an admittance control scheme is proposed utilizing a highly robust prescribed performance position tracking controller for flexible joint robots which is designed at the operational space. The proposed control scheme achieves the desired impedance to the external contact force as well as superior position tracking in free motion without any robot model knowledge, as opposed to the torque based impedance controllers. Comparative simulation results on a three degrees-of-freedom (3DOF) flexible joint manipulator, illustrate the efficiency of the approach.
Experimental Evaluation of the Ultimate Bending Moment of a Slender Thin-Walled Box Girder
Authors: Gordo José Manuel , Guedes Soares C.
Published: January 2015

The results of a four points bending test on a box girder are presented. The experiment is part of series of tests with similar configuration but with different thickness and span between frames. The present work refers to the slenderest plate box girder with a plate's thickness of 2 mm but with a short span between frames. The experiment includes initial loading cycles allowing for partial relief of residual stresses. The moment curvature relationship is established for a large range of curvature. The ultimate bending moment (UM) of the box is evaluated and compared with the first yield moment and the plastic moment allowing the evaluation of the efficiency of the structure. The postbuckling behavior and collapse mode are characterized. Comparison of the experiment with a progressive collapse analysis method is made taking into consideration the effect of residual stresses on envelop of the moment curvature curve of the structure.
Simulation Methods for Guided Wave-Based Structural Health Monitoring: A Review
Authors: Willberg C. , Duczek S. , Vivar-Perez J. M. , Ahmad Z. A. B.
Published: January 2015

This paper reviews the state-of-the-art in numerical wave propagation analysis. The main focus in that regard is on guided wave-based structural health monitoring (SHM) applications. A brief introduction to SHM and SHM-related problems is given, and various numerical methods are then discussed and assessed with respect to their capability of simulating guided wave propagation phenomena. A detailed evaluation of the following methods is compiled: (i) analytical methods, (ii) semi-analytical methods, (iii) the local interaction simulation approach (LISA), (iv) finite element methods (FEMs), and (v) miscellaneous methods such as mass–spring lattice models (MSLMs), boundary element methods (BEMs), and fictitious domain methods. In the framework of the FEM, both time and frequency domain approaches are covered, and the advantages of using high order shape functions are also examined.
Photovoltaic Technology Selection Using Analytical Hierarchical Process
Authors: Muhammad Shafique , Mahmood Tahir , Ahmad Choudhry Muhammad
Published: January 2015

While suffering from looming power crisis, high level of annual average solar irradiance makes the Pakistan ideally suitable for photovoltaic technologies. Deciding for a photovoltaic (PV) technology definitely requires a comprehensive research because output characteristics of each of the five major PV technologies depend on different technical as well as environmental characteristics (including solar irradiation, cell’s temperature, humidity, dust accumulation, angle of incidence, solar spectrum, wind’s speed, wind’s direction, and shading). Only one technology can perform best in a specific geographical location. In addition, before installing any PV generation facility, preferences of the decision-making authority and the attributes of the selected installation area must be considered. To address such a complex decision making problem, PV technology alternatives are ranked by use of an analytical hierarchical process (AHP) in which all the decision-making factors are arranged in a hierarchical tree showing their level of influence in the decision-making. A PV technology for installation is devised after a detailed pairwise comparison, for a specific location of Pakistan with respect to (w.r.t.) the government’s perspective. Useful guidelines with detailed comparison among five major PV technologies make this work a reference guide for the policy making institutes in particular and customer/entrepreneur in general.
Killing adherent and nonadherent cancer cells with the plasma pencil
Authors: Laroussi Mounir , Mohades Soheila , Barekzi Nazir
Published: January 2015

The application of low temperature plasmas in biology and medicine may lead to a paradigm shift in the way various diseases can be treated without serious side effects. Low temperature plasmas generated in gas mixtures that contain oxygen or air produce several chemically reactive species that have important biological implications when they interact with eukaryotic or prokaryotic cells. Here, a review of the effects of low temperature plasma generated by the plasma pencil on different cancerous cells is presented. Results indicate that plasma consistently shows a delayed killing effect that is dose dependent. In addition, there is some evidence that apoptosis is one of the pathways that leads to the death of the cells, indicating that plasma initiates cell signaling pathways.
Lysosomal amino acid transporter SLC38A9 signals arginine sufficiency to mTORC1
Authors: Wang Shuyu , Tsun Zhi-Yang , Wolfson Rachel L. , Shen Kuang , Wyant Gregory A. , Plovanich Molly E. , Yuan Elizabeth D. , Jones Tony D. , Chantranupong Lynne , Comb William , Wang Tim , Bar-Peled Liron , Zoncu Roberto , Straub Christoph , Kim Choah , Park Jiwon , Sabatini Bernardo L. , Sabatini David M.
Published: January 2015

Sensing amino acids at the lysosome

The mTORC1 protein kinase is a complex of proteins that functions to regulate growth and metabolism. Activity of mTORC1 is sensitive to the abundance of amino acids, but how the sensing of amino acids is coupled to the control of mTORC1 has been unclear. Wang
et al.
searched for predicted membrane proteins that interacted with regulators of mTORC1. They identified a protein currently known only as SLC38A9. Interaction of SLC38A9 with mTORC1 regulators was sensitive to the presence of amino acids. SLC38A9 has sequence similarity to amino acid transporters. Effects of modulation of SLC38A9 in cultured human cells indicate that it may be the sensor that connects the abundance of arginine and leucine to mTORC1 activity.

Science
, this issue p.
188
Differential regulation of mTORC1 by leucine and glutamine
Authors: Jewell Jenna L. , Kim Young Chul , Russell Ryan C. , Yu Fa-Xing , Park Hyun Woo , Plouffe Steven W. , Tagliabracci Vincent S. , Guan Kun-Liang
Published: January 2015

Getting specific about amino acid sensing

The protein kinase complex mTORC1 regulates growth and metabolism, and its activity is controlled in response to the abundance of cellular amino acids. Jewell
et al.
report that control of mTORC1 in response to glutamine does not require the Rag guanosine triphosphatase (GTPase) implicated in the sensing of other amino acids such as leucine (see the Perspective by Abraham). For sensing of glutamine, another GTPase, Arf1, was required. Distinct mechanisms thus appear to couple various amino acids to signaling by the mTORC1 complex.

Science
, this issue p.
194
; see also p.
128
The human IgG anti-carbohydrate repertoire exhibits a universal architecture and contains specificity for microbial attachment sites
Authors: Schneider Christoph , Smith David F. , Cummings Richard D. , Boligan Kayluz Frias , Hamilton Robert G. , Bochner Bruce S. , Miescher Sylvia , Simon Hans-Uwe , Pashov Anastas , Vassilev Tchavdar , von Gunten Stephan
Published: January 2015

The IgG anti-carbohydrate repertoire reveals potential glycan antigen determinants relevant to vaccine design.
Effect of bipolar androgen therapy for asymptomatic men with castration-resistant prostate cancer: Results from a pilot clinical study
Authors: Schweizer Michael T. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S. , Wang Hao , Ajiboye A. Seun , Spitz Avery , Cao Haiyi , Luo Jun , Haffner Michael C. , Yegnasubramanian Srinivasan , Carducci Michael A. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Isaacs John T. , Denmeade Samuel R.
Published: January 2015

Intermittent treatment with high-dose testosterone shows therapeutic potential in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer.
Resident memory T cells in human health and disease
Authors: Clark Rachael A.
Published: January 2015

Resident memory T cells contribute to healthy immune function and human inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.
Targeting the Host to Curb the Flu
Authors: Dela Cruz Charles S.
Published: January 2015

Viral infection can be blocked by targeting the host factors involved in viral survival.
HDL Cholesterol: Form Versus Function
Authors: Haldar Saptarsi M.
Published: January 2015

An assay of HDL function that reflects capacity for reverse cholesterol transport predicts future cardiovascular events in human subjects.
Awakening the Beast: Chemotherapeutic Activation of Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Lathia Justin D.
Published: January 2015

Blocking prostaglandin E
2
signaling attenuates chemotherapy-induced activation of cancer stem cells in bladder cancer.
Molecular Epidemiology of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Isolates in the Gulf Cooperation Council States: Dominance of OXA-23-Type Producers
Authors: Zowawi Hosam M. , Sartor Anna L. , Sidjabat Hanna E. , Balkhy Hanan H. , Walsh Timothy R. , Al Johani Sameera M. , AlJindan Reem Y. , Alfaresi Mubarak , Ibrahim Emad , Al-Jardani Amina , Al Salman Jameela , Dashti Ali A. , Johani Khalid , Paterson David L.
Published: January 2015

The molecular epidemiology and mechanisms of resistance of carbapenem-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
(CRAB) were determined in hospitals in the states of the Cooperation Council for the Arab States of the Gulf (Gulf Cooperation Council [GCC]), namely, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, and Kuwait. Isolates were subjected to PCR-based detection of antibiotic resistance genes and repetitive sequence-based PCR (rep-PCR) assessments of clonality. Selected isolates were subjected to multilocus sequence typing (MLST). We investigated 117 isolates resistant to carbapenem antibiotics (either imipenem or meropenem). All isolates were positive for OXA-51. The most common carbapenemases were the OXA-23-type, found in 107 isolates, followed by OXA-40-type (OXA-24-type), found in 5 isolates; 3 isolates carried the IS
Aba1
element upstream of
bla
OXA-51-type
. No OXA-58-type, NDM-type, VIM-type, or IMP-type producers were detected. Multiple clones were detected with 16 clusters of clonally related CRAB. Some clusters involved hospitals in different states. MLST analysis of 15 representative isolates from different clusters identified seven different sequence types (ST195, ST208, ST229, ST436, ST450, ST452, and ST499), as well as three novel STs. The vast majority (84%) of the isolates in this study were associated with health care exposure. Awareness of multidrug-resistant organisms in GCC states has important implications for optimizing infection control practices; establishing antimicrobial stewardship programs within hospital, community, and agricultural settings; and emphasizing the need for establishing regional active surveillance systems. This will help to control the spread of CRAB in the Middle East and in hospitals accommodating transferred patients from this region.