bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
cAMP-induced phosphorylation of 26S proteasomes on Rpn6/PSMD11 enhances their activity and the degradation of misfolded proteins
Authors: Lokireddy Sudarsanareddy , Kukushkin Nikolay Vadimovich , Goldberg Alfred Lewis
Published: December 2015

Significance

This report describes an important new mechanism regulating protein degradation in mammalian cells through phosphorylation of the 26S proteasome. Treatments that raise cAMP and activate PKA cause phosphorylation of Rpn6/PSMD11, a subunit of the 19S regulatory complex. This modification enhances the proteasome’s capacity to hydrolyze ubiquitinated proteins, ATP, and small peptides, and in cells stimulates the degradation of aggregation-prone proteins, including ones that cause neurodegenerative diseases (tau, SOD1, TDP43, and FUS). Our related collaborative study demonstrated that raising cAMP in brain promotes the clearance of aggregated tau in a mouse tauopathy model. This enhancement of proteasome activity and breakdown of misfolded proteins represents a new function of the cAMP/PKA pathway that offers a promising approach to treat proteotoxic diseases.
The real puzzle of the self-torturer: uncovering a new dimension of instrumental rationality
Authors: Andreou Chrisoula
Published: December 2015

The puzzle of the self-torturer raises intriguing questions concerning rationality, cyclic preferences, and resoluteness. Interestingly, what makes the case puzzling has not been clearly pinpointed. The puzzle, it seems, is that a series of rational choices foreseeably leads the self-torturer to an option that serves his preferences worse than the one with which he started. But this is a very misleading way of casting the puzzle. I pinpoint the real puzzle of the self-torturer and, in the process, reveal a neglected but crucial dimension of instrumental rationality.
Comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K8 of high dose-rate Ir-192 brachytherapy standards for reference air kerma rate of the NMIJ and the BIPM
Authors: Kessler C , Kurosawa T , Mikamoto T
Published: December 2015

An indirect comparison of the standards for reference air kerma rate for 192Ir high dose rate (HDR) brachytherapy sources of the National Metrology Institute of Japan (AIST-NMIJ), Japan, and of the Bureau International des Poids et Mesures (BIPM) was carried out at the Japan Radioisotope Association (JRIA) in April 2015. The comparison result, based on the calibration coefficients for a transfer standard and expressed as a ratio of the NMIJ and the BIPM standards for reference air kerma rate, is 1.0036 with a combined standard uncertainty of 0.0054.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Key comparison BIPM.RI(I)-K3 of the air-kerma standards of the NMIJ, Japan and the BIPM in medium-energy x-rays
Authors: Burns D T , Kessler C , Tanaka T , Kurosawa T , Saito N
Published: December 2015

A key comparison has been made between the air-kerma standards of the NMIJ, Japan and the BIPM in the medium-energy x-ray range. The results show the standards to be in agreement at the level of the standard uncertainty of the comparison of 3.1 parts in 103. A trend is evident in the results for the different radiation qualities. The results are analysed and presented in terms of degrees of equivalence, suitable for entry in the BIPM key comparison database.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCRI, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Final report of supplementary comparison AFRIMETS.AUV.A-S1: primary pressure calibration of LS2aP microphones according to IEC 61094-2, over the frequency range 1 Hz to 31.5 kHz.
Authors: Nel R , Barrera-Figueroa S , Dobrowolska D , Soares Z M Defilippo , Maina A K , Hof C
Published: December 2015

This is the final report of the AFRIMETS.AUV-S1 comparison of the pressure sensitivity, modulus and phase, of LS2aP microphones in the frequency range 1 Hz to 31.5 kHz in accordance with IEC 61094-2. Six national metrology institutes from three different regional metrology organisations participated in the comparison for which two LS2aP microphones were circulated simultaneously to all the participants in a hybrid-star configuration. The comparison reference values were calculated as the weighted mean for modulus and phase for each individual microphone.

Main text

To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm.org/.

The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by the CCAUV, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (CIPM MRA).
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and molecular hydrogen in oxygen-rich planetary nebulae: the case of NGC 6720
Authors: Cox N. L. J. , Pilleri P. , Berné O. , Cernicharo J. , Joblin C.
Published: December 2015

Evolved stars are primary sources for the formation of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and dust grains. Their circumstellar chemistry is usually designated as either oxygen rich or carbon rich, although dual-dust chemistry objects, whose infrared spectra reveal both silicate- and carbon-dust features, are also known. The exact origin and nature of this dual-dust chemistry is not yet understood. Spitzer–Infrared Spectrograph (IRS) mid-infrared spectroscopic imaging of the nearby, oxygen-rich planetary nebula NGC 6720 reveals the presence of the 11.3 μm aromatic (PAH) emission band. It is attributed to emission from neutral PAHs, since no band is observed in the 7–8 μm range. The spatial distribution of PAHs is found to closely follow that of the warm clumpy molecular hydrogen emission. Emission from both neutral PAHs and warm H2 is likely to arise from photodissociation regions associated with dense knots that are located within the main ring. The presence of PAHs together with the previously derived high abundance of free carbon (relative to CO) suggest that the local conditions in an oxygen-rich environment can also become conducive to in situ formation of large carbonaceous molecules, such as PAHs, through a bottom-up chemical pathway. In this scenario, the same stellar source can enrich the interstellar medium with both oxygen-rich dust and large carbonaceous molecules.
Advancing Competency-Based Medical Education: A Charter for Clinician–Educators
Authors: Carraccio Carol , Englander Robert , Van Melle Elaine , ten Cate Olle , Lockyer Jocelyn , Chan Ming-Ka , Frank Jason R. , Snell Linda S.
Published: December 2015

The International Competency-Based Medical Education (ICBME) Collaborators have been working since 2009 to promote understanding of competency-based medical education (CBME) and accelerate its uptake worldwide. This article presents a charter, supported by a literature-based rationale, which is meant to provide a shared mental model of CBME that will serve as a path forward in its widespread implementation.

At a 2013 summit, the ICBME Collaborators laid the groundwork for this charter. Here, the fundamental principles of CBME and professional responsibilities of medical educators in its implementation process are described. The authors outline three fundamental principles: (1) Medical education must be based on the health needs of the populations served; (2) the primary focus of education and training should be the desired outcomes for learners rather than the structure and process of the educational system; and (3) the formation of a physician should be seamless across the continuum of education, training, and practice.

Building on these principles, medical educators must demonstrate commitment to teaching, assessing, and role modeling the range of identified competencies. In the clinical setting, they must provide supervision that balances patient safety with the professional development of learners, being transparent with stakeholders about level of supervision needed. They must use effective and efficient assessment strategies and tools for basing transition decisions on competence rather than time in training, empowering learners to be active participants in their learning and assessment. Finally, advancing CBME requires program evaluation and research, faculty development, and a collaborative approach to realize its full potential.
Transforming Medical Education: Is Competency-Based Medical Education the Right Approach?
Authors: Whitcomb Michael E.
Published: December 2015

There is growing recognition within the medical education community that medical education in this country needs to be changed to better prepare doctors for the challenges they will face in providing their patients high-quality medical care. A competency-based medical education (CBME) approach was endorsed by the Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education and the American Board of Medical Specialties approximately 15 years ago, and a self-designated group—the International Competency-Based Medical Education (ICBME) Collaborators—is now calling on members of the medical education community to join them in their effort to establish CBME as the approach to be used in transforming medical education, not only in the United States but also around the world.

In response to an article in this issue by a group of ICBME Collaborators, the author argues that more evidence about the effectiveness of CBME is needed before a global shift to this approach is undertaken. It is time for major organizations and foundations that are committed to improving medical education to step forward and take the lead in partnering with the medical education community to conduct a critical evaluation of CBME. In addition, maintenance of certification, relicensure, and continuing medical education programs should be evaluated for their effectiveness in ensuring that physicians are clinically competent not only at the beginning of their career but also until the end.
SURGICAL EMBOLECTOMY FOR FOVEA-THREATENING ACUTE RETINAL ARTERY OCCLUSION
Authors: Almeida David R.P. , Mammo Zaid , Chin Eric K. , Mahajan Vinit B.
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To describe a technique of surgical intraocular embolectomy in patients with acute fovea-threatening branch retinal artery occlusion.

Methods:

Pars plana vitrectomy with embolectomy involving embolus isolation, dissection, and removal in patients with an acute fovea-threatening arterial occlusion without a patent cilioretinal artery.

Results:

The surgical technique involves a core vitrectomy. The blocked artery is incised using a microvitreoretinal blade, and microsurgical forceps are used to retrieve the embolus. No significant complications were noted. The study technique offers an excellent safety profile and minimizes the risk of vitreous hemorrhage by carefully dissecting the vascular adventitial sheath and isolating the embolus.

Conclusion:

Surgical embolectomy is a viable technique for patients with acute fovea-threatening arterial occlusions without patent cilioretinal artery. Careful dissection and retrieval of the embolus minimizes the risk of vitreous hemorrhage, which is an important improvement in previous techniques for management of acute retinal arterial occlusions.
MYCOBACTERIUM MANITOBENSE MASQUERADING AS CORYNEBACTERIUM PSEUDODIPHTHERITICUM IN A CASE OF POSTCATARACT SURGERY ENDOPHTHALMITIS
Authors: Dave Vivek P. , Ambiya Vikas , Nirmalkar Khemlal , Reddy Gundlapally S. , Sharma Savitri
Published: December 2015

Purpose:

To describe a case of postoperative Mycobacterium manitobense endophthalmitis with good visual outcome that is the first report of endophthalmitis by this organism.

Methods:

Clinical and microbiological description of a patient with postoperative endophthalmitis.

Results:

A 50-year-old chronic alcoholic man was referred to us with decreased vision in his right eye for 4 days. He had undergone cataract surgery with intraocular lens implantation in his right eye a month ago. The presenting vision in his right eye was counting fingers close to face. He was diagnosed as a case of postoperative endophthalmitis. Subsequently, the patient underwent pars plana vitrectomy and vitreous biopsy. The microbiologic investigation of the vitreous biopsy showed poorly stained gram-positive beaded bacilli that were acid fast, and growth in culture was identified as Corynebacterium pseudodiphtheriticum by Vitek 2 bacterial identification system. However, DNA analysis confirmed the organism to be M. manitobense. The patient responded well to repeat interventions with intravitreal antibiotics with a final reported visual acuity of 20/30 at 4 months after first intervention.

Conclusion:

Although known to be an organism causing soft-tissue infections, M. manitobense can also cause postsurgical endophthalmitis. The diagnosis can be confused with Corynebacterium sp. on smear and culture. Subsequent DNA sequencing of the culture provides definite identification of the organism.
Quality of HIV Testing Data Before and After the Implementation of a National Data Quality Assessment and Feedback System
Authors: Beltrami John , Wang Guoshen , Usman Hussain R. , Lin Lillian S.
Published: December 2015

Context:

In 2010, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) implemented a national data quality assessment and feedback system for CDC-funded HIV testing program data.

Objective:

Our objective was to analyze data quality before and after feedback.

Design:

Coinciding with required quarterly data submissions to CDC, each health department received data quality feedback reports and a call with CDC to discuss the reports. Data from 2008 to 2011 were analyzed.

Setting:

Fifty-nine state and local health departments that were funded for comprehensive HIV prevention services.

Participants:

Data collected by a service provider in conjunction with a client receiving HIV testing.

Intervention:

National data quality assessment and feedback system.

Main Outcome Measures:

Before and after intervention implementation, quality was assessed through the number of new test records reported and the percentage of data values that were neither missing nor invalid. Generalized estimating equations were used to assess the effect of feedback in improving the completeness of variables.

Results:

Data were included from 44 health departments. The average number of new records per submission period increased from 197 907 before feedback implementation to 497 753 afterward. Completeness was high before and after feedback for race/ethnicity (99.3% vs 99.3%), current test results (99.1% vs 99.7%), prior testing and results (97.4% vs 97.7%), and receipt of results (91.4% vs 91.2%). Completeness improved for HIV risk (83.6% vs 89.5%), linkage to HIV care (56.0% vs 64.0%), referral to HIV partner services (58.9% vs 62.8%), and referral to HIV prevention services (55.3% vs 63.9%). Calls as part of feedback were associated with improved completeness for HIV risk (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.75-2.96), linkage to HIV care (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI, 1.31-1.96), referral to HIV partner services (AOR = 1.73; 95% CI, 1.43-2.09), and referral to HIV prevention services (AOR = 1.74; 95% CI, 1.43-2.10).

Conclusions:

Feedback contributed to increased data quality. CDC and health departments should continue monitoring the data and implement measures to improve variables of low completeness.
A novel form of spontaneous tool use displayed by several captive greater vasa parrots (Coracopsis vasa)
Authors: Lambert Megan L. , Seed Amanda M. , Slocombe Katie E.
Published: December 2015

Parrots are frequently cited for their sophisticated problem-solving abilities, but cases of habitual tool use among psittacines are scarce. We report the first evidence, to our knowledge, of tool use by greater vasa parrots (Coracopsis vasa). Several members of a captive population spontaneously adopted a novel tool-using technique by using pebbles and date pits either (i) to scrape on the inner surface of seashells, subsequently licking the resulting calcium powder from the tool, or (ii) as a wedge to break off smaller pieces of the shell for ingestion. Tool use occurred most frequently just prior to the breeding season, during which time numerous instances of tool transfer were also documented. These observations provide new insights into the tool-using capabilities of parrots and highlight the greater vasa parrot as a species of interest for studies of physical cognition.
Design of a bistable switch to control cellular uptake
Authors: Oyarzún Diego A. , Chaves Madalena
Published: December 2015

Bistable switches are widely used in synthetic biology to trigger cellular functions in response to environmental signals. All bistable switches developed so far, however, control the expression of target genes without access to other layers of the cellular machinery. Here, we propose a bistable switch to control the rate at which cells take up a metabolite from the environment. An uptake switch provides a new interface to command metabolic activity from the extracellular space and has great potential as a building block in more complex circuits that coordinate pathway activity across cell cultures, allocate metabolic tasks among different strains or require cell-to-cell communication with metabolic signals. Inspired by uptake systems found in nature, we propose to couple metabolite import and utilization with a genetic circuit under feedback regulation. Using mathematical models and analysis, we determined the circuit architectures that produce bistability and obtained their design space for bistability in terms of experimentally tuneable parameters. We found an activation–repression architecture to be the most robust switch because it displays bistability for the largest range of design parameters and requires little fine-tuning of the promoters' response curves. Our analytic results are based on on–off approximations of promoter activity and are in excellent qualitative agreement with simulations of more realistic models. With further analysis and simulation, we established conditions to maximize the parameter design space and to produce bimodal phenotypes via hysteresis and cell-to-cell variability. Our results highlight how mathematical analysis can drive the discovery of new circuits for synthetic biology, as the proposed circuit has all the hallmarks of a toggle switch and stands as a promising design to control metabolic phenotypes across cell cultures.
Crafting the microworld: how Robert Hooke constructed knowledge about small things
Authors: Lawson Ian
Published: December 2015

This paper investigates the way in which Robert Hooke constructed his microscopical observations. His
Micrographia
is justifiably famous for its detailed engravings, which communicated Hooke's observations of tiny nature to his readers, but less attention has been paid to how he went about making the observations themselves. In this paper I explore the relationship between the materiality of his instrument and the epistemic images he produced. Behind the pictures lies an array of hidden materials, and the craft knowledge it took to manipulate them. By investigating the often counter-theoretical and conflicting practices of his ingenious microscope use, I demonstrate the way in which Hooke crafted the microworld for his readers, giving insight into how early modern microscopy was understood by its practitioners and audience.
Transcriptional and phenotypical heterogeneity of
Trypanosoma cruzi
cell populations
Authors: Seco-Hidalgo Víctor , De Pablos Luis Miguel , Osuna Antonio
Published: December 2015

Trypanosoma cruzi
has a complex life cycle comprising pools of cell populations which circulate among humans, vectors, sylvatic reservoirs and domestic animals. Recent experimental evidence has demonstrated the importance of clonal variations for parasite population dynamics, survival and evolution. By limiting dilution assays, we have isolated seven isogenic clonal cell lines derived from the Pan4 strain of
T. cruzi
. Applying different molecular techniques, we have been able to provide a comprehensive characterization of the expression heterogeneity in the mucin-associated surface protein (MASP) gene family, where all the clonal isogenic populations were transcriptionally different. Hierarchical cluster analysis and sequence comparison among different MASP cDNA libraries showed that, despite the great variability in MASP expression, some members of the transcriptome (including MASP pseudogenes) are conserved, not only in the life-cycle stages but also among different strains of
T. cruzi.
Finally, other important aspects for the parasite, such as growth, spontaneous metacyclogenesis or excretion of different catabolites, were also compared among the clones, demonstrating that
T. cruzi
populations of cells are also phenotypically heterogeneous. Although the evolutionary strategy that sustains the MASP expression polymorphism remains unknown, we suggest that MASP clonal variability and phenotypic heterogeneities found in this study might provide an advantage, allowing a rapid response to environmental pressure or changes during the life cycle of
T. cruzi
.
Ewing sarcoma breakpoint region 1 prevents transcription-associated genome instability
Authors: Mittal Nitish , Kunz Christophe , Gypas Foivos , Kishore Shivendra , Martin Georges , Wenzel Friedel , Nimwegen Erik van , Schaer Primo , Zavolan Mihaela
Published: December 2015

Ewing Sarcoma break point region 1 (EWSR1) is a multi-functional RNA-binding protein that is involved in many cellular processes, from gene expression to RNA processing and transport. Translocations into its locus lead to chimeric proteins with tumorigenic activity, that lack the RNA binding domain. With crosslinking and immunoprecipitation we have found that EWSR1 binds to intronic regions that are present in polyadenylated nuclear RNAs, which include the translocation-prone region of its own locus. Reduced EWSR1 expression leads to gene expression changes that indicate reduced proliferation. By fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) with break-apart probes that flanked the translocation-prone region within the EWSR1 locus we found that reduced EWSR1 expression increases the frequency of split signals, indicative of DNA double strand breaks (DSB). The response in phosphorylated histone H2AX and p53-binding protein 1 (53BP1) double-stained foci to the topoisomerase poison camptothecin in cells treated with a control shRNA and with sh-EWSR1 further suggests that EWSR1 functions in the prevention of DNA DSBs. Our data reveal a new function of the EWSR1 member of the FET family and suggest a connection between the RNA-binding activity of EWSR1 and the instability of its own locus that may play a role in malignancy-associated translocations.
TheDrosophilaNeurogenin, Tap, controls axonal growth through the Wnt adaptor protein Dishevelled
Authors: Yuan Liqun , Hu Shu , Okray Zeynep , Ren Xi , De Geest Natalie , Claeys Annelies , Yan Jiekun , Bellefroid Eric , Hassan Bassem A. , Quan Xiao-Jiang
Published: December 2015

The Neurogenin (Ngn) transcription factors control early neurogenesis and neurite outgrowth in mammalian cortex. In contrast to their proneural activity, their function in neurite growth is poorly understood.Drosophilahas a single predicted Ngn homologue called Tap, whose function is completely unknown. Here we show that Tap is not a proneural protein inDrosophilabut is required for proper axonal growth and guidance of neurons of the mushroom body (MB), a neuropile required for associative learning and memory. Genetic and expression analyses suggest that Tap inhibits excessive axonal growth by fine regulation of the levels of the Wnt signaling adaptor protein, Dishevelled.

TheDrosophilaNeurogenin homologue, Target of Pox neuro (Tap), prevents axonal overgrowth by regulating the Wnt Planar Cell Polarity pathway adaptor protein Dishevelled.
Effects of post-encoding stress on performance in the DRM false memory paradigm
Authors: Pardilla-Delgado Enmanuelle , Alger Sara E. , Cunningham Tony J. , Kinealy Brian , Payne Jessica D.
Published: December 2015

Numerous studies have investigated how stress impacts veridical memory, but how stress influences false memory formation remains poorly understood. In order to target memory consolidation specifically, a psychosocial stress (TSST) or control manipulation was administered following encoding of 15 neutral, semantically related word lists (DRM false memory task) and memory was tested 24 h later. Stress decreased recognition of studied words, while increasing false recognition of semantically related lure words. Moreover, while control subjects remembered true and false words equivalently, stressed subjects remembered more false than true words. These results suggest that stress supports gist memory formation in the DRM task, perhaps by hindering detail-specific processing in the hippocampus.
Job satisfaction, blat and intentions to leave among blue-collar employees in contemporary Russia
Authors: Balabanova Evgeniya , Efendiev Azer , Ehrnrooth Mats , Koveshnikov Alexei
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine antecedents of intentions to leave among blue-collar employees in domestic Russian organizations.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study is based on a sample of 1,210 blue-collar employees in 80 domestic organizations across 14 industries and eight regions in Russia.

Findings

– The analysis shows that wage satisfaction is the strongest negative predictor of Russian employees’ intentions to leave compared to core job-related and interpersonal relations satisfaction. For non-blat employees, the relationships with intentions to leave are negative and significant for all three types of satisfactions, whereas for employees with blat only the relationship between core job-related satisfaction and intentions to leave is significant.

Originality/value

– The present study, first, reveals that wage satisfaction is the most important but not the only way to retain blue-collar employees in Russia and, second, points toward the complex nature of blat’s influence on employees’ organizational behavior in contemporary Russian organizations. By so doing, the analysis provides a still rare empirical illustration of how relationships and variables explaining turnover intentions and its antecedents are contingent on economic, cultural and institutional contexts.
Entrepreneurial experience and access to critical resources: a learning perspective
Authors: Aarstad Jarle , Pettersen Inger Beate , Henriksen Karl-Erik
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– Previous studies demonstrate that novice entrepreneurs access fewer resources than experienced portfolio entrepreneurs. From an entrepreneurial learning perspective, the purpose of this paper is to investigate why they differ in terms of accessing critical resources.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors studied entrepreneurs in the Norwegian offshore petroleum industry, which is conservative with strict regulatory regimes and overall high-entry barriers, and in which a good reputation is crucial. Hence, the authors argue that the industry is well suited for a study of the research questions.

Findings

– The novices’ mind-sets were anchored in technological ideas and they had problems in prioritizing the critical business relationships and market opportunities. They were also unwilling to compromise on ownership control and to disclose business secrets. Portfolio entrepreneurs, on the other hand, acknowledged that technology had had little value if they could not convince market actors. Therefore, they proactively aimed to establish business relations early in the process. They emphasized that a major lesson was to avoid developing excessive attachment to the product but to be willing to share the risks and profits with other industry and market actors.

Research limitations/implications

– The authors had a limited number of cases, and future contributions should aim to study a larger pool of enterprises, preferably in different industries and national contexts.

Practical implications

– The findings indicate that novices can learn from the willingness to compromise, in terms of ownership control and disclosure of confidential information to business partners, shown by experienced entrepreneurs. They should also be more willing to involve potential customers at an early stage to gain market knowledge and access.

Originality/value

– From a learning perspective, this is the first study investigating why novice and experienced entrepreneurs differ in terms of accessing critical resources.
Paradigms in information science
Authors: Adriaenssen Daniel J. , Johannessen Jon-Arild
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is the conceptual expansion of the science-theoretical foundations of information science, i.e. to develop new thought schemes for information science.

Design/methodology/approach

– The design of the paper is as follows: first, the paper will discuss the foundation of the systemic paradigm (SP). Then the authors will consider the history of information science related to the philosophy of science. In the remaining part of the paper, the authors will investigate information science and its relation to the philosophy of science, focusing on SP.

Findings

– In conclusion, the authors will summarise the seven criteria for the application of SP in information science.

Research limitations/implications

– Paradigms in information science have rarely reflected upon the use of a SP in information science.

Practical implications

– The practical use of the seven criteria in information science Criterion 1: make your premises, suppositions, prerequisites and motives explicit. Criterion 2: make your moral/ethical results and consequences explicit. Criterion 3: research should be evaluated in relation to the transcendence of knowledge. Criterion 4: emphasise methodical pluralism, i.e. empirical generalisations and conceptual generalisations. Criterion 5: emphasise proximity and in-depth studies. Criterion 6: look for patterns and patterns which combine. Criterion 7: look for the power behind the patterns.

Social implications

– The opinion is that scientists to a great extent should seek knowledge on the basis of a belief, a specific way of thinking, and by means of specific methods. To make the authors belief explicit makes the way of thinking visible. What the authors achieve, and possibly the only thing the authors can achieve, is to reaffirm the conscious belief. This does not make reality more real, but it could put the authors in a better position to see through the authors way of thinking when faced with scientific problems. This indicates that a scientific study should emphasise all three entities: “The Context of Discovery”, “The Context of Justification” and “The Context of Solution”. These three entities, according to SP, make up the unity of the scientific process.

Originality/value

– The seven criteria entail that Kuhn’s argumentative chain (where he tries to find out why theory A is preferred to theory B on a rational pretext) does not concur with SP. This indicates that a scientific study should emphasise all three entities: “The Context of Discovery”, “The Context of Justification” and “The Context of Solution”. These three entities, according to SP, make up the unity of the scientific process.
A new method for multi-attribute group decision making with triangular intuitionistic fuzzy numbers
Authors: Dong Jiuying , Wan Shuping
Published: December 2015

Purpose

– The triangular intuitionistic fuzzy number (TIFN) is very useful for expressing ill-known quantity. The purpose of this paper is to develop a new method for multi-attribute group decision-making (MAGDM) problems, in which the attribute values are the TIFNs, the attribute weights are completely unknown and the weights of decision makers are given by linguistic variables.

Design/methodology/approach

– A new method is given to rank TIFNs based on the weighted possibility mean and standard deviation of TIFNs. The weighted Minkowski distance of TIFNs is defined by using the weighted lower and upper possibility means of TIFNs. The weights of experts are determined in terms of the voting model of intuitionistic fuzzy set (IFS). The weights of attributes can be objectively determined through utilizing the information entropy defined by weighted Minkowski distance of TIFNs. Through integrating the attribute weights and expert weights, the collective comprehensive ranking values of alternatives are obtained and used to rank the alternatives.

Findings

– The stock selection example and comparison analysis show the validity and applicability of the method proposed in this paper.

Originality/value

– The paper presents a new ranking method of TIFNs and defines the weighted Minkowski distance of TIFNs. The weights of experts are determined in terms of the voting model of IFS. The weights of attributes can be objectively determined through utilizing the information entropy. The proposed method can greatly enhance the flexibility and agility of decision-making process.
Effect of pore geometry on Gassmann fluid substitution
Authors: Yan Fuyong , Han De‐Hua
Published: December 2015

Although there is no assumption of pore geometry in derivation of Gassmann's equation, the pore geometry is in close relation with hygroscopic water content and pore fluid communication between the micropores and the macropores. The hygroscopic water content in common reservoir rocks is small, and its effect on elastic properties is ignored in the Gassmann theory. However, the volume of hygroscopic water can be significant in shaly rocks or rocks made of fine particles; therefore, its effect on the elastic properties may be important. If the pore fluids in microspores cannot reach pressure equilibrium with the macropore system, assumption of the Gassmann theory is violated. Therefore, due to pore structure complexity, there may be a significant part of the pore fluids that do not satisfy the assumption of the Gassmann theory. We recommend that this part of pore fluids be accounted for within the solid rock frame and effective porosity be used in Gassmann's equation for fluid substitution. Integrated study of ultrasonic laboratory measurement data, petrographic data, mercury injection capillary pressure data, and nuclear magnetic resonance T2 data confirms rationality of using effective porosity for Gassmann fluid substitution. The effective porosity for Gassmann's equation should be frequency dependent. Knowing the pore geometry, if an empirical correlation between frequency and the threshold pore‐throat radius or nuclear magnetic resonance T2 could be set up, Gassmann's equation can be applicable to data measured at different frequencies. Without information of the pore geometry, the irreducible water saturation can be used to estimate the effective porosity.
Initial disturbance intensity affects recovery rates and successional divergence on abandoned ski slopes
Authors: Burt Jennifer W. , Clary Jeffrey J.
Published: December 2015

The importance of site history (including initial disturbance intensity and propagule arrival) in determining successional trajectories is a key theoretical and applied line of research in ecology.

Abandoned ski slopes provide an opportunity to study successional processes following differing initial disturbance intensities. Some ski slopes are graded with heavy equipment when constructed (‘graded’, severe initial disturbance), while others are simply cleared of tall woody vegetation (‘cleared’, lesser initial disturbance).

In a blocked chronosequence study of graded and cleared ski slopes abandoned 10–43 years previously, we found that graded ski slopes did not show predictable recovery trajectories over many decades. In contrast, cleared ski runs showed significant convergence with adjacent reference forest communities.

Convergence in community composition on cleared ski runs was driven by trees, though understorey species were more numerous and dominant during succession. Understorey communities did not predictably change in species or life‐form composition over time, regardless of ski run type.

Graded ski runs exhibited little or no edaphic recovery over time, showing neither reductions in bare ground and visible soil erosion, nor increases in soil depth. Cleared ski runs, in contrast, showed evidence of recovery in all of these variables except soil depth, which remained uniformly high.

Synthesis and applications. The creation of new ski slopes by tree clearing is preferable to the grading of new slopes with heavy machinery, because grading reduces ecosystem function and decreases the predictability of soil and vegetation recovery decades after abandonment. Existing graded ski slopes (both operational and abandoned) may benefit from restoration of soils and vegetation.
Meat and Milk Consumption 2050: the Potential for Demand‐side Solutions to Greenhouse Gas Emissions Reduction
Authors: Revell Brian
Published: December 2015

The contribution of meat consumption to global warming is discussed. The IPCC Climate Change 2014 report recognised that meat demand oriented measures could contribute to GHG mitigation, though by excluding meat market adjustments it overstated the potential. Results are presented from a partial equilibrium model of global meat and milk sectors which examines the impact of projected population and economic growth on global meat consumption for the major regions of the world to 2050. A range of market and policy scenarios linked to meat demand reduction are then analysed, especially for ruminant meats which have the highest GHG emissions intensities. These scenarios include the impact of a continuing long‐term downward trend in red meat consumption in developed economies, impacts of carbon taxes on meat demand, and reductions in GHG emissions intensities for all meats. The modelling projects a 21 per cent increase in global per capita meat consumption and a 63 per cent increase in global meat consumption and GHG emissions without any mitigation measures. Mitigation scenarios, however, only generate a maximum 22 per cent reduction in total livestock and a 26 per cent reduction in ruminant global emissions relative to the Baseline 2050 projection, still well above base period 2010 emission levels.
A systematic review of ultrasound‐guided methods for brachial plexus blockade
Authors: Albrecht E. , Mermoud J. , Fournier N. , Kern C. , Kirkham K. R.
Published: December 2015

We systematically reviewed 25 randomised controlled trials of ultrasound‐guided brachial plexus blockade that recruited 1948 participants: either one approach vs another (axillary, infraclavicular or supraclavicular); or one injection vs multiple injections. There were no differences in the rates of successful blockade with approach, relative risk (95% CI): axillary vs infraclavicular, 1.0 (1.0–1.1), p = 0.97; axillary vs supraclavicular, 1.0 (1.0–1.1), p = 0.68; and infraclavicular vs supraclavicular, 1.0 (1.0–1.1), p = 0.32. There was no difference in the rate of successful blockade with the number of injections, relative risk (95% CI) 1.0 (1.0–1.0), p = 0.69, for one vs multiple injections. The rate of procedural paraesthesia was less with one injection than multiple injections, relative risk (95% CI) 0.6 (0.4–0.9), p = 0.004.
Optimal Designs for the Carryover Model with Random Interactions Between Subjects and Treatments
Authors: Bludowsky Andrea , Kunert Joachim , Stufken John
Published: December 2015

The paper considers a model for crossover designs with carryover effects and a random interaction between treatments and subjects. Under this model, two observations of the same treatment on the same subject are positively correlated and therefore provide less information than two observations of the same treatment on different subjects. The introduction of the interaction makes the determination of optimal designs much harder than is the case for the traditional model. Generalising the results of Bludowsky's thesis, the present paper uses Kushner's method to determine optimal approximate designs. We restrict attention to the case where the number of periods is less than or equal to the number of treatments. We determine the optimal designs in the important special cases that the number of periods is 3, 4 or 5. It turns out that the optimal designs depend on the variance of the random interactions and in most cases are not binary. However, we can show that neighbour balanced binary designs are highly efficient, regardless of the number of periods and of the size of the variance of the interaction effects.
Elective ventilation to facilitate organ donation in infants with anencephaly: perinatal professionals’ views and an ethical analysis
Authors: Jivraj Alisa , Scales Angie , Brierley Joe
Published: December 2015

Aim

Following the elective ventilation and referral for organ donation of an infant with anencephaly, we sought local perinatal professionals’ views of this practice.

Methods

Anonymous online survey: demographics, ethical viewpoints and potential public/maternal perceptions (standard 5‐part Likert scale and free text).

Results

Demographics: 49 replies (38 female): 4 obstetricians, 14 neonatologists, 6 foetal clinicians, 23 nurses, 1 anaesthetist and 1 reproductive specialist. Experience: 0.5–33 years (average 12). Twenty‐one had experience of anencephalic delivery, and 10 reported pregnancy continued for religious reasons. Ethics: (i) 73% thought anencephalic donation acceptable, of which 64% supported elective ventilation, 20% neutral and 16% disagreed. (ii) Provision of treatments not in infant's strict best interest to facilitate donation: 22% strongly agreed, 36% agreed, 33% neutral and 9% disagreed. (iii) Accept ventilation to permit donation if societal benefit: 53% agreed, 33% neutral and 13% disagreed. (iv) Public opinion: 59% disagreed anencephalic donation would harm public opinion about donation and 19% agreed.

Conclusion

We found a supportive local environment for donation in the setting of anencephaly, including support for elective ventilation. Given this, and our ethical analysis, we recommend provision of organ donation information as part of palliative care counselling for women carrying a foetus with a condition likely to be fatal in infancy.
Perceptions towards electronic cigarettes for smoking cessation among Stop Smoking Service users
Authors: Sherratt Frances C. , Newson Lisa , Marcus Michael W. , Field John K. , Robinson Jude
Published: December 2015

Objectives

Electronic cigarettes (e‐cigarettes) are promoted as smoking cessation tools, yet they remain unavailable from Stop Smoking Services in England; the debate over their safety and efficacy is ongoing. This study was designed to explore perceptions and reasons for use or non‐use of electronic cigarettes as smoking cessation tools, among individuals engaged in Stop Smoking Services.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were undertaken with twenty participants engaged in Stop Smoking Services in the north‐west of England. Participants comprised of both individuals who had tried e‐cigarettes (n = 6) and those who had not (n = 14). Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. The transcripts were subject to thematic analysis, which explored participants' beliefs and experiences of e‐cigarettes.

Results

A thematic analysis of transcripts suggested that the following three superordinate themes were prominent: (1) self‐efficacy and beliefs in e‐cigarettes; (2) e‐cigarettes as a smoking cessation aid; and (3) cues for e‐cigarette use. Participants, particularly never users, were especially concerned regarding e‐cigarette efficacy and safety. Overall, participants largely expressed uncertainty regarding e‐cigarette safety and efficacy, with some evidence of misunderstanding.

Conclusions

Evidence of uncertainty and misunderstanding regarding information on e‐cigarettes highlights the importance of providing smokers with concise, up‐to‐date information regarding e‐cigarettes, enabling smokers to make informed treatment decisions. Furthermore, identification of potential predictors of e‐cigarette use can be used to inform Stop Smoking Services provision and future research.

Statement of contribution

What is already known on this subject?

Research suggests that e‐cigarettes may help smokers quit smoking, but further studies are needed.

Electronic cigarette use in Stop Smoking Services has increased substantially in recent years, although e‐cigarettes are currently not regulated.

There is debate within the academic community regarding e‐cigarette efficacy and safety.

What does this study add?

Service users interviewed in the current study felt uncertain regarding e‐cigarette efficacy and safety.

E‐cigarette ever users viewed e‐cigarettes as effective and safe, more often than never users.

Accurate and up‐to‐date education will enable service users to make informed treatment decisions.
What was the ancestral sex‐determining mechanism in amniote vertebrates?
Authors: Pokorná Martina Johnson , Kratochvíl Lukáš
Published: December 2015

Amniote vertebrates, the group consisting of mammals and reptiles including birds, possess various mechanisms of sex determination. Under environmental sex determination (ESD), the sex of individuals depends on the environmental conditions occurring during their development and therefore there are no sexual differences present in their genotypes. Alternatively, through the mode of genotypic sex determination (GSD), sex is determined by a sex‐specific genotype, i.e. by the combination of sex chromosomes at various stages of differentiation at conception. As well as influencing sex determination, sex‐specific parts of genomes may, and often do, develop specific reproductive or ecological roles in their bearers. Accordingly, an individual with a mismatch between phenotypic (gonadal) and genotypic sex, for example an individual sex‐reversed by environmental effects, should have a lower fitness due to the lack of specialized, sex‐specific parts of their genome. In this case, evolutionary transitions from GSD to ESD should be less likely than transitions in the opposite direction. This prediction contrasts with the view that GSD was the ancestral sex‐determining mechanism for amniote vertebrates. Ancestral GSD would require several transitions from GSD to ESD associated with an independent dedifferentiation of sex chromosomes, at least in the ancestors of crocodiles, turtles, and lepidosaurs (tuataras and squamate reptiles). In this review, we argue that the alternative theory postulating ESD as ancestral in amniotes is more parsimonious and is largely concordant with the theoretical expectations and current knowledge of the phylogenetic distribution and homology of sex‐determining mechanisms.