bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Initial effects of woody biomass removal and intercropping of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) on herpetofauna in eastern north Carolina
Authors: Homyack Jessica A. , Aardweg Zachary , Gorman Thomas A. , Chalcraft David R.
Published: February 2013

Forests are potential sources for a wide range of alternative fuels, which could reduce dependency on fossil fuels and carbon emissions, but sustainability of producing biofuels from forests has not been well‐studied. Therefore, we investigated effects of woody biomass harvest, intercropping perennial grasses, and combinations of these treatments on herpetofauna in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) plantations in a randomized and replicated field experiment in eastern North Carolina, USA. We sampled amphibians and small reptiles with drift fence arrays from April to July during 1 and 2 years after treatment establishment. We had 425 captures of 15 species of herpetofauna across the 2 sampling seasons, but did not observe large general effects of biomass removal or planting of switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in pine plantations on detection, diversity, or relative abundance. However, planned contrasts indicated Simpson's index of diversity was greater in plots managed for switchgrass only compared with pine plantations during year 2, and that captures of southern toads (Anaxyrus terrestris) were less common in switchgrass plots than in pine plantations intercropped with switchgrass. Neither intercropping switchgrass with pine nor removal of harvest residuals caused herpetofauna diversity or abundance of common species to differ from traditional plantation management during the first 2 years following treatment establishment. With the exception of switchgrass‐only plots, which had lower herpetofauna species evenness, the potential practices we considered for biofuels production are unlikely to have short‐term effects on herpetofauna relative to traditional pine management. Future research should monitor herpetofauna through succession and consider landscape‐scale effects and other potential feedstock sources. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
GABA shunt mediates thermotolerance in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by reducing reactive oxygen production
Authors: Cao Juxiang , Barbosa Jose M. , Singh Narendra K. , Locy Robert D.
Published: February 2013

The GABA shunt pathway involves three enzymes, glutamate decarboxylase (GAD), GABA aminotransferase (GAT) and succinate semialdehyde dehydrogenase (SSADH). These enzymes act in concert to convert glutamate (α‐ketoglutarate) to succinate. Deletion mutations in each of these genes in Saccharomyces cerevisiae resulted in growth defects at 45°C. Double and triple mutation constructs were compared for thermotolerance with the wild‐type and single mutant strains. Although wild‐type and all mutant strains were highly susceptible to brief heat stress at 50°C, a non‐lethal 30 min at 40°C temperature pretreatment induced tolerance of the wild‐type and all of the mutants to 50°C. The mutant strains collectively exhibited similar susceptibility at 45°C to the induced 50°C treatments. Intracellular reactive oxygen intermediate (ROI) accumulation was measured in wild‐type and each of the mutant strains. ROI accumulation in each of the mutants and in various stress conditions was correlated to heat susceptibility of the mutant strains. The addition of ROI scavenger N‐tert‐butyl‐α‐phenylnitrone (PBN) enhanced survival of the mutants and strongly inhibited the accumulation of ROI, but did not have significant effect on the wild‐type. Measurement of intracellular GABA, glutamate and α‐ketoglutarate during lethal heat exposure at 45°C showed higher levels of accumulation of GABA and α‐ketoglutarate in the uga1 and uga2 mutants, while glutamate accumulated at higher level in the gad1 mutant. These results suggest that the GABA shunt pathway plays a crucial role in protecting yeast cells from heat damage by restricting ROI production involving the flux of carbon from α‐ketoglutarate to succinate during heat stress. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fluorinated Weakly Coordinating Anions [M(hfip)6]– (M = Nb, Ta): Syntheses, Structural Characterizations and ­Computations
Authors: Preiss Ulrich P. , Steinfeld Gunther , Scherer Harald , Erle Anna M. T. , Benkmil Boumahdi , Kraft Anne , Krossing Ingo
Published: February 2013

The synthesis, spectroscopic and structural characterisation of a series of [M(hfip)6]– (M = Nb, Ta; hfip = O–C(H)(CF3)2) salts that are the typical starting materials to introduce these weakly coordinating anions by metathesis reactions into a given system is described. The salts Li[Nb(hfip)6] and Li[Ta(hfip)6] formed in 65 to 77 % yield from freshly sublimed MCl5 and Li[hfip]. By contrast, several attempts to synthesize Li[Sb(hfip)6] on the similar route (replace NbCl5 by SbCl5) failed to yield a pure product. Upon metathesis of the Li‐niobate with AgF in CH2Cl2, the pure Ag[Nb(hfip)6] formed. Mixing Li[Nb(hfip)6] with an equimolar amount of Cl–CPh3 in CH2Cl2 gave the yellow [CPh3][Nb(hfip)6]. Several of the compounds were characterized by X‐ray analysis. Thus, the crystal structures of the Li+‐ and Ag+‐solvates 1, 2‐C6H4F2{LiNb(hfip)6}2, [Li(H2O)][Ta(hfip)6], and [Ag(C6H5F)][Nb(hfip)6] as well as that of [CPh3][Nb(hfip)6] were solved and are described in this work.
The relationship between substance use and delinquency among high‐school students in Cape Town, South Africa
Authors: Carney Tara , Myers Bronwyn J. , Louw Johann , Lombard Carl , Flisher Alan J.
Published: February 2013

Research has shown a positive relationship between substance use and delinquent‐type behaviours among adolescents. The aim of this study is to explore the temporal relationships between these outcomes through secondary data analysis of a longitudinal study of high‐school students' risk behaviours. Two regression models were compared and gender, socioeconomic status and repeating a grade were found to be consistent predictors of delinquent‐type behaviour. Alcohol (OR: 1.26, CI: 1.02–1.55, p = 0.03) and drug use (OR: 1.10, CI: 1.03–1.16, p = 0.002) in the ordinal regression models were significantly associated with delinquent‐type behaviours at Time 2 only. A transition model use was then used to measure delinquent‐type behaviours as predicted by the previous time period, and results indicated that gender and delinquency were predictive of delinquency. Smoking also significantly interacted with delinquent‐type behaviour to increase future risk of this behaviour. The findings point to the need for intervening early with adolescents who show delinquent‐type behaviour.
Business History: A Cultural and Narrative Approach
Authors: Hansen Per H.
Published: February 2013

This article argues that a cultural and narrative perspective can enrich the business history field, encourage new and different questions and answers, and provide new ways of thinking about methods and empirical material. It discusses what culture is and how it relates to narratives. Taking a cultural and narrative approach may affect questions, sources, and methodologies, as well as the status of our results. Finally, a narrative approach may contribute to our historical understanding of entrepreneurship and globalization.
Coping with Competition: Cooperation and Collusion in the US Stove Industry, c.1870–1930
Authors: Harris Howell
Published: February 2013

This article examines the attempts of several generations of manufacturers of cooking and heating appliances to manage competition in their very unconcentrated industry. They started with overt price-fixing, which soon failed, then moved on to a variety of more effective techniques—particularly joint regulation with the aid of a strong craft union, and the adoption of uniform cost-accounting and price-setting systems. The article illuminates the numerous ways in which a trade association could make cartel-like behavior work in an industry whose structural characteristics were apparently unfavorable and also the importance of state intervention to shaping and eventually limiting this strategy.
Interfirm Cooperation in Japan's Integrated Circuit Industry, 1960s–1970s
Authors: Kim Yongdo
Published: February 2013

In Japan, the integrated circuit (IC) industry has led the way technologically for many other manufacturing industries. According to interviews with key persons at NEC, Tōshiba, and Fujitsu, IC firms' codevelopment with calculator and communication equipment companies greatly contributed to the strong competitiveness of the Japanese IC industry. However, the codevelopment between IC suppliers and their customers in the Japanese calculator markets also helps explain why the competitiveness of Japanese IC industry has been weakened since the late 1990s. The interfirm relations between Japanese IC suppliers and customers and its effects were not so simple and one-sided. The case of Japan's IC industry can be applied to other Japanese industries.
Trophic ecology of a coastal fish assemblage in Portuguese waters
Authors: Castro Nuno , Costa José Lino , Domingos Isabel , Angélico Maria Manuel
Published: February 2013

The diets and trophic ecology of the dominant fish species from the marine coastal region of Aveiro (north-western Portugal) caught during a summer survey were studied. Mysids were the most important prey group for the fish assemblage analysed. As a consequence, there was a high dietary overlap between species and a low incidence of piscivory. Nevertheless, a clear segregation of trophic niches was observed, with one group (comprising the species Chelidonichthys cuculus, Callionymus lyra, Dicologlossa cuneata and Pomatoschistus lozanoi) showing a stronger preference for infaunal epibenthic prey, such as polychaetes and amphipods, another group (including Arnoglossus imperialis, Arnoglossus laterna, Chelidonichthys obscurus, Chelidonichthys lucernus, Echiichthys vipera, Pagellus acarne and Trisopterus luscus) preying mostly upon suprabenthic prey, mainly mysids, and a third group (Engraulis encrasicolus and Trachurus trachurus) feeding largely on planktonic prey like copepods. Some species, including A. imperialis, C. lyra, E. vipera, T. trachurus and T. luscus, showed ontogenic diet shifts that may be related to the habitat occupied by different size-classes and/or to their ability to capture prey of different size.
Rural Settlement in Late Iron Age and Roman Britain: a Review of Three Recent Archaeological Fieldwork Reports and their Wider Implications
Authors: Rogers Adam
Published: February 2013

All three well-produced reports, two excavation and one fieldwalking and magnetometry, deal with rural settlement in Iron Age and Roman Britain. They demonstrate the huge amount of information that can be gathered from such work with implications not only for our understanding of their local area but also many themes relevant to Iron Age and Roman Britain as a whole, as well as beyond. It is useful to review these reports not just in relation to the immense value that each site brings but also in terms of current knowledge and approaches taken to studying rural settlement.
An epidemiological survey of Mycoplasma hominis and Ureaplasma urealyticum in gynaecological outpatients, Rome, Italy
Authors: VERTERAMO R. , PATELLA A. , CALZOLARI E. , RECINE N. , MARCONE V. , OSBORN J. , CHIARINI F. , DEGENER A. M.
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of Ureaplasma urealyticum and Mycoplasma hominis infections and to investigate associations between their presence in the lower female genital tract and lifestyle characteristics. The study was performed on a population of 3115 women, comparing the demographic and behavioural characteristics of 872 women with U. urealyticum infection and 142 women with M. hominis with uninfected women, using univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis. The prevalence of infection with U. urealyticum was 28% and M. hominis was 4·6%. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, intrauterine device, number of sexual partners and age (<35 years) were significantly associated with U. urealyticum while previous induced abortion, condom use and young age at first intercourse (<16 years) were associated with M. hominis infection. U. urealyticum infection presents the same demographic and behavioural characteristics of a sexually transmitted disease. The unprotective role of condom use suggests a non-sexual mode of transmission of M. hominis infection.
A bio-economic model for the ecosystem-based management of the coastal fishery in French Guiana
Authors: Cissé A.A. , Gourguet S. , Doyen L. , Blanchard F. , Péreau J.-C.
Published: February 2013

This paper offers a theoretical and empirical model of ecosystem-based fishery management. A multi-species and multi-fleet model integrating Lotka–Volterra trophic dynamics as well as production and profit assessments is developed and applied to the coastal fishery of French Guiana. This small-scale fishery constitutes a challenging example with high fish biodiversity, several non-selective fleets and a potentially increasing local food demand due to demographic growth. The dynamic model is calibrated with 13 species and four fleets using monthly catch and effort data from 2006 to 2009. Several contrasted fishing scenarios including status quo, total closure, economic and viable strategies are then simulated. They are compared from the viewpoints of both biodiversity preservation and socioeconomic performance, assuming fixed landing prices and fixed costs. We show that fishing outputs, including food supply and fleet profitability, can be sustained on average but a loss of species cannot be avoided.
Dual tasking in Alzheimer’s disease and depression
Authors: Foley Jennifer A. , Kaschel Reiner , Sala Sergio Della
Published: February 2013

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is associated with a marked impairment in the ability to do two things at once, or ‘dual task’. Several studies have reported that depression is also associated with impairments in cognitive functioning, particularly executive functioning, but it remains unclear if depression also leads to impairments in dual tasking ability. Therefore, this paper describes two experiments, assessing (1) dual tasking ability in 50 people with AD and 50 healthy controls, and (2) dual tasking and planning ability, as assessed using the Tower of Hanoi task, in 24 people with depression and 21 healthy controls. The AD group showed marked impairment in dual tasking ability, but the depressed group showed impairment on the Tower of Hanoi task, but preserved performance on the measure of dual tasking. This shows that shows that whereas AD is associated with gross impairment in dual tasking ability, depression is associated with a patchy pattern of impairment across the different cognitive functions, but, importantly, preserved dual tasking ability.
Maintaining a Sense of Control in the Context of Cognitive Challenge
Authors: Agrigoroaei Stefan , Neupert Shevaun D. , Lachman Margie E.
Published: February 2013

We considered the functional role of control beliefs for cognitive performance by focusing on patterns of stability across multiple trials increasing in level of difficulty. We assessed 56 adults aged 18–88 on working memory tasks. We examined stability vs. lability (intraindividual variability, IIV) in control beliefs and the relationships with anxiety, distraction, and performance. Age was positively associated with IIV in control and performance, and IIV increased with task difficulty. Those maintaining stable control beliefs had better performance and showed less anxiety and distraction. Those with lower stability and less control showed steeper declines in performance and increases in distraction. The findings suggest that stability of control beliefs may serve a protective function in the context of cognitively challenging tasks.
Stability of Personality Traits in Adulthood
Authors: Allemand Mathias , Steiger Andrea E. , Hill Patrick L.
Published: February 2013

Stability represents a fundamental concept in developmental theory and research. In this article we give an overview of recent work on personality traits and their stability in adulthood. First, we define personality traits and stability. Second, we present empirical evidence supporting change and stability of personality traits across the adult years with respect to conceptually and statistically different forms of stability. Third, we describe mechanisms and processes that enable trait stability. Finally, we discuss implications of trait stability for theory, research, and application.
Metabolic model for the filamentous ‘Candidatus Microthrix parvicella’ based on genomic and metagenomic analyses
Authors: Jon McIlroy Simon , Kristiansen Rikke , Albertsen Mads , Michael Karst Søren , Rossetti Simona , Lund Nielsen Jeppe , Tandoi Valter , James Seviour Robert , Nielsen Per Halkjær
Published: February 2013

‘Candidatus Microthrix parvicella’ is a lipid-accumulating, filamentous bacterium so far found only in activated sludge wastewater treatment plants, where it is a common causative agent of sludge separation problems. Despite attracting considerable interest, its detailed physiology is still unclear. In this study, the genome of the RN1 strain was sequenced and annotated, which facilitated the construction of a theoretical metabolic model based on available in situ and axenic experimental data. This model proposes that under anaerobic conditions, this organism accumulates preferentially long-chain fatty acids as triacylglycerols. Utilisation of trehalose and/or polyphosphate stores or partial oxidation of long-chain fatty acids may supply the energy required for anaerobic lipid uptake and storage. Comparing the genome sequence of this isolate with metagenomes from two full-scale wastewater treatment plants with enhanced biological phosphorus removal reveals high similarity, with few metabolic differences between the axenic and the dominant community ‘Ca. M. parvicella’ strains. Hence, the metabolic model presented in this paper could be considered generally applicable to strains in full-scale treatment systems. The genomic information obtained here will provide the basis for future research into in situ gene expression and regulation. Such information will give substantial insight into the ecophysiology of this unusual and biotechnologically important filamentous bacterium.
Pyrvinium pamoate does not activate protein kinase CK1, but promotes Akt/PKB down-regulation and GSK3 activation
Authors: Venerando Andrea , Girardi Cristina , Ruzzene Maria , Pinna Lorenzo A.
Published: February 2013

It has been reported that pyrvinium pamoate (PyrPam), an FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)-approved anthelminthic drug, is a potent inhibitor of Wnt signalling by a mechanism which implies the direct activation of protein kinase CK1α. In the present paper, we provide data ruling out any direct stimulatory effect of PyrPam on CK1, by showing that the catalytic activity of CK1α and those of its isoforms δ and γ1 are not significantly affected by PyrPam when tested with the aid of specific peptide and protein substrates. Accordingly, cell treatment with PyrPam has no significant effect on the phosphorylation of β-catenin Ser45. By contrast, the phosphorylation of β-catenin Thr41 is increased upon cell treatment with PyrPam, through a mechanism that implies the upstream dephosphorylation of Akt/PKB (protein kinase B) and of GSK3 (glycogen synthase kinase 3). It can be concluded from the present study that PyrPam is not a bona fide activator of CK1, its perturbation of cell signalling pathways being mediated by a complex mechanism initiated by a fall in Akt phosphorylation whose down-regulation promotes reduced phosphorylation and activation of GSK3. Consistent with this, lysates of cells treated with PyrPam display enhanced protein phosphorylation which is unaffected by CK1 inhibition, while disappearing upon inhibition of GSK3. Our data are consistent with the observation that PyrPam ultimately inhibits Wnt signalling despite its lack of efficacy on CK1.
G-protein-coupled receptor structure, ligand binding and activation as studied by solid-state NMR spectroscopy
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Zhao Xin , Watts Anthony
Published: February 2013

GPCRs (G-protein-coupled receptors) are versatile signalling molecules at the cell surface and make up the largest and most diverse family of membrane receptors in the human genome. They convert a large variety of extracellular stimuli into intracellular responses through the activation of heterotrimeric G-proteins, which make them key regulatory elements in a broad range of normal and pathological processes, and are therefore one of the most important targets for pharmaceutical drug discovery. Knowledge of a GPCR structure enables us to gain a mechanistic insight into its function and dynamics, and further aid rational drug design. Despite intensive research carried out over the last three decades, resolving the structural basis of GPCR function is still a major activity. The crystal structures obtained in the last 5 years provide the first opportunity to understand how protein structure dictates the unique functional properties of these complex signalling molecules. However, owing to the intrinsic hydrophobicity, flexibility and instability of membrane proteins, it is still a challenge to crystallize GPCRs, and, when this is possible, it is no longer in its native membrane environment and no longer without modification. Furthermore, the conformational change of the transmembrane α-helices associated with the structure activation increases the difficulty of capturing the activation state of a GPCR to a higher resolution by X-ray crystallography. On the other hand, solid-state NMR may offer a unique opportunity to study membrane protein structure, ligand binding and activation at atomic resolution in the native membrane environment, as well as described functionally significant dynamics. In the present review, we discuss some recent achievements of solid-state NMR for understanding GPCRs, the largest mammalian proteome at ~1% of the total expressed proteins. Structural information, details of determination, details of ligand conformations and the consequences of ligand binding to initiate activation can all be explored with solid-state NMR.
How Sox2 maintains neural stem cell identity
Authors: Thiel Gerald
Published: February 2013

The transcription factor Sox2 [SRY (sex-determining region Y)-box 2] is expressed at the earliest developmental stages in the nervous system and functions as a marker protein for neural development. Sox2 is found in embryonic neural stem cells as well as in virtually all adult neural stem cells of the subventricular region and the subgranular zone of the hippocampus. Gain-of-function and loss-of-function experiments in transgenic animals revealed a key role for Sox2 in the maintenance of neural stem cell properties, including proliferation/survival, self-renewal and neurogenesis. A limited set of Sox2-responsive target genes have been identified, including the genes encoding the neural stem cell marker nestin and the signalling molecule sonic hedgehog. In this issue of the Biochemical Journal, Feng et al. identified the survivin gene as a target for Sox2 in neural stem cells. Survivin protects cells from programmed cell death and functions as a regulator of cell division. The regulation of survivin expression by Sox2 explains why the reduction of the Sox2 concentration in neural stem cells is accompanied by a reduced proliferation of the cells and an induction of apoptosis. It would be of interest to know whether the Sox2–survivin connection is a common scheme to maintain the ‘stemness’ identity of other stem/progenitor cells.
Pinning features of the magnetic flux trapped by YBCO single crystals in weak constant magnetic fields
Authors: Monarkha V. Yu. , Paschenko V. A. , Timofeev V. P.
Published: February 2013

The dynamics of Abrikosov vortices and their bundles was experimentally investigated in weak constant magnetic fields, in the range of Earth's magnetic field. Characteristics of the isothermal magnetization relaxation in YBCO single-crystal samples with strong pinning centers were studied for different sample-field orientation. The obtained values of normalized relaxation rate S allowed us to estimate the effective pinning potential U in the bulk of the YBCO sample and its temperature dependence, as well as the critical current density Jc. A comparison between the data obtained and the results of similar measurements in significantly higher magnetic fields was performed. To compare different techniques for evaluation of Jc, the magnetization loop measurements M(H), which relate the loop width to the critical current, were carried out. These measurements provided important parameters of the samples under study (penetration field Hp and first critical field Hc1), which involve the geometrical configuration of the samples.
Determination of coordinate dependence of a pinning potential from a microwave experiment with vortices
Authors: Shklovskij V. A. , Dobrovolskiy O. V.
Published: February 2013

The measurement of the complex impedance response accompanied by power absorption P(ω) in the radiofrequency and microwave ranges represents a most popular experimental method for the investigation of pinning mechanisms and vortex dynamics in type-II superconductors. In the theory, the pinning potential (PP) well for a vortex must be a priori specified in order to subsequently analyze the measured data. We have theoretically solved the inverse problem at T = 0 K and exemplify how the coordinate dependence of a PP can be determined from a set of experimental curves P(ω|j0) measured at subcritical dc currents 0 < j0 < jc under a small microwave excitation j1 ≪ jc with frequency ω. We furthermore elucidate how and why the depinning frequency ωp, which separates the non-dissipative (quasi-adiabatic) and the dissipative (high-frequency) regimes of small vortex oscillations in the PP, is reduced with increasing j0. The results can be directly applied to a wide range of conventional superconductors with a PP subjected to superimposed dc and small microwave ac currents at T ≪ Tc.
Phase transitions in two-dimensional ferromagnetic Potts model with q = 3 on a triangular lattice
Authors: Murtazaev A. K. , Babaev A. B. , Ataeva G. Ya.
Published: February 2013

Phase transitions in the two-dimensional ferromagnetic Potts model with the number of spin states q = 3 on a triangular lattice were studied using Monte-Carlo method. The systems of linear size L = 20–120 were considered. Using the method of the fourth-order Binder cumulants, it was demonstrated that the second order phase transition is observed in the two-dimensional ferromagnetic Potts model. The static critical exponents for the heat capacity α, susceptibility γ, magnetization β and correlation radius ν were calculated based on the finite-dimensional scaling theory.
Exciton luminescence in krypton cryocrystals with an admixture of molecular deuterium
Authors: Belov A. G. , Bludov M. A.
Published: February 2013

Data on the VUV and UV cathodoluminescence spectra of the Kr-based solid solutions, Kr-D2, Kr-D2-O2, and Kr-Xe-O2, as functions of dopant concentration are presented. Introducing deuterium impurity into krypton crystals produces no new spectral features, which indicates that electron bombardment of these crystals does not cause excitation or dissociation of D2. The intensity of the intrinsic emission from the matrix increases substantially, the more so for higher concentrations of D2. The observed intensity increase is found to be caused by localization of matrix excitons within a limited volume of the crystal as they undergo quasielastic scattering by impurity deuterium molecules, which leads to a substantial reduction in the mean free path and diffusion length for the excitons, as well as to their faster self-localization. Possible mechanisms for luminescence quenching in pure krypton cryocrystals are discussed. It is shown that quenching is caused by annihilation of excitons as they interact among themselves or with other electronic excitations of the crystal.
Interrelation of structural and magnetic order parameters in crystals
Authors: Zavorotnev Yu. D.
Published: February 2013

The paper presents a theoretical definition of conditions for which the change of the type of magnetic phase transition (PT) from a disordered state to an ordered magnetic state becomes possible, when the temperatures of the structural and magnetic phase transitions are close. We have found the dependence of the magnitude of the magnetization jump and the transition temperature on the parameters of phenomenological potential at superposition of the structural and magnetic PT. Forced reconstruction of the structural order parameter (OP) under periodic changes of the magnetic OP modulus in phase with a spiral structure has been studied.
Dwarf galaxies orbit Andromeda in a surprisingly thin plane
Authors: Schwarzschild Bertram M.
Published: February 2013

The Milky Way’s nearby twin is a good place to look for evidence of how galaxies form.
Momentum grows to build International Linear Collider in Japan
Authors: Feder Toni
Published: February 2013

Signals from high-energy physics communities in other regions are key to Japan’s going forward with a proposal to host the particle accelerator.
The Effect of “Anatomical Plausibility” of Hand Angle on the Rubber-Hand Illusion
Authors: Ide Masakazu
Published: February 2013

In the rubber-hand illusion (RHI), when an actual hand hidden from view and a rubber hand in view are simultaneously stimulated, participants mistakenly perceive tactile sensation as arising from the rubber hand, not from the actual hand. Some studies have revealed that the magnitude of RHI decreases when the actual and rubber hand are incongruent in terms of hand angle. However, the acceptable range of angular deviations between the actual and rubber hand and its determination factor has not been investigated so far. I attempt to examine the angle-congruency effect between the actual and rubber hands on RHI. The left rubber hand simulated by 3-D computer graphics was rotated at 8 angles. Participants perceived higher ownership of the stimulated rubber hand when the angles were at 0°, 45°, 90°, and 315° (these are easy to mimic with the actual hand) than at 180°, 225°, and 270° (these are difficult to mimic with the actual hand). The perceived location of the actual hand became closer to that of the simulated rubber hand with increased perception of ownership of the rubber hand. Moreover, the onset duration of RHI became shorter, especially for the angles of 0°, 45°, and 315°. These results suggest that RHI occurs mainly within the range where people usually rotate their hand and that body representation might include the knowledge of “anatomical plausibility”.
Changes in Angular Size and Speed Affect the Judged Height of Objects Moving over a Ground Surface
Authors: Zhang Junjun , Braunstein Myron L , Andersen George J
Published: February 2013

Kersten et al (1997, Perception26 171–192) showed that the perceived path of an object moving over a ground surface can be manipulated by changing the path of a shadow. Using a scene similar to Kersten's “ball-in-a-box” scene, we investigated the effect of angular size and angular speed in determining the perceived height of a moving sphere when optical contact (the position at which the object contacted the ground in the image) indicated that the sphere was receding in depth. In four experiments we examined both the effects of changes in size and speed, and the effects of constant levels of size and speed. Increases in angular size or speed during a motion sequence resulted in judgments of increased height above the ground plane. The angular size at the end of the motion sequence was also important in determining judged height, with greater height judged with larger final sizes.
Evidence for a Positive Relationship between Working-Memory Capacity and Detection of Low-Prevalence Targets in Visual Search
Authors: Schwark Jeremy , Sandry Joshua , Dolgov Igor
Published: February 2013

Our ability to detect a target in visual search relates to the prevalence of the target, whereby rare targets are missed more than common targets. The current study sought to identify operator characteristics that could account for the higher miss rates associated with rare targets. The results found that working-memory capacity, which is strongly related to attentional control and inhibition of irrelevant information, was significantly correlated with the ability to detect low-prevalence targets. High-capacity observers also exhibited lengthened target-absent responses with rare targets, suggesting that the high-capacity observers were more persistent in their searches than others.
BCL2A1
is a lineage-specific antiapoptotic melanoma oncogene that confers resistance to BRAF inhibition
Authors: Haq Rizwan , Yokoyama Satoru , Hawryluk Elena B. , Jönsson Göran B. , Frederick Dennie Tompers , McHenry Kevin , Porter Dale , Tran Thanh-Nga , Love Kevin T. , Langer Robert , Anderson Daniel G. , Garraway Levi A. , Duncan Lyn McDivitt , Morton Donald L. , Hoon Dave S. B. , Wargo Jennifer A. , Song Jun S. , Fisher David E.
Published: February 2013

Although targeting oncogenic mutations in the BRAF serine/threonine kinase with small molecule inhibitors can lead to significant clinical responses in melanoma, it fails to eradicate tumors in nearly all patients. Successful therapy will be aided by identification of intrinsic mechanisms that protect tumor cells from death. Here, we used a bioinformatics approach to identify drug-able, “driver” oncogenes restricted to tumor versus normal tissues. Applying this method to 88 short-term melanoma cell cultures, we show that the antiapoptotic BCL2 family member
BCL2A1
is recurrently amplified in ∼30% of melanomas and is necessary for melanoma growth. BCL2A1 overexpression also promotes melanomagenesis of BRAF-immortalized melanocytes. We find that high-level expression of
BCL2A1
is restricted to melanoma due to direct transcriptional control by the melanoma oncogene MITF. Although BRAF inhibitors lead to cell cycle arrest and modest apoptosis, we find that apoptosis is significantly enhanced by suppression of
BCL2A1
in melanomas with
BCL2A1
or
MITF
amplification. Moreover, we find that
BCL2A1
expression is associated with poorer clinical responses to BRAF pathway inhibitors in melanoma patients. Cotreatment of melanomas with BRAF inhibitors and obatoclax, an inhibitor of BCL2A1 and other BCL2 family members, overcomes intrinsic resistance to BRAF inhibitors in BCL2A1-amplified cells in vitro and in vivo. These studies identify MITF-BCL2A1 as a lineage-specific oncogenic pathway in melanoma and underscore its role for improved response to BRAF-directed therapy.
Tales of volcanoes and El-Niño southern oscillations with the oxygen isotope anomaly of sulfate aerosol
Authors: Shaheen Robina , Abauanza Mariana , Jackson Teresa L. , McCabe Justin , Savarino Joel , Thiemens Mark H.
Published: February 2013

The ability of sulfate aerosols to reflect solar radiation and simultaneously act as cloud condensation nuclei renders them central players in the global climate system. The oxidation of S(IV) compounds and their transport as stable S(VI) in the Earth’s system are intricately linked to planetary scale processes, and precise characterization of the overall process requires a detailed understanding of the linkage between climate dynamics and the chemistry leading to the product sulfate. This paper reports a high-resolution, 22-y (1980–2002) record of the oxygen-triple isotopic composition of sulfate (SO4) aerosols retrieved from a snow pit at the South Pole. Observed variation in the O-isotopic anomaly of SO4aerosol is linked to the ozone variation in the tropical upper troposphere/lower stratosphere via the Ozone El-Niño Southern Oscillations (ENSO) Index (OEI). Higher ∆17O values (3.3‰, 4.5‰, and 4.2‰) were observed during the three largest ENSO events of the past 2 decades. Volcanic events inject significant quantities of SO4aerosol into the stratosphere, which are known to affect ENSO strength by modulating stratospheric ozone levels (OEI = 6 and ∆17O = 3.3‰, OEI = 11 and ∆17O = 4.5‰) and normal oxidative pathways. Our high-resolution data indicated that ∆17O of sulfate aerosols can record extreme phases of naturally occurring climate cycles, such as ENSOs, which couple variations in the ozone levels in the atmosphere and the hydrosphere via temperature driven changes in relative humidity levels. A longer term, higher resolution oxygen-triple isotope analysis of sulfate aerosols from ice cores, encompassing more ENSO periods, is required to reconstruct paleo-ENSO events and paleotropical ozone variations.
ATF6α/β-mediated adjustment of ER chaperone levels is essential for development of the notochord in medaka fish
Authors: Ishikawa Tokiro , Okada Tetsuya , Ishikawa-Fujiwara Tomoko , Todo Takeshi , Kamei Yasuhiro , Shigenobu Shuji , Tanaka Minoru , Saito Taro L. , Yoshimura Jun , Morishita Shinichi , Toyoda Atsushi , Sakaki Yoshiyuki , Taniguchi Yoshihito , Takeda Shunichi , Mori Kazutoshi
Published: February 2013

ATF6α and ATF6β are membrane-bound transcription factors activated by regulated intramembrane proteolysis in response to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress to induce various ER quality control proteins. ATF6α- and ATF6β single-knockout mice develop normally, but ATF6α/β double knockout causes embryonic lethality, the reason for which is unknown. Here we show in medaka fish that ATF6α is primarily responsible for transcriptional induction of the major ER chaperone BiP and that ATF6α/β double knockout, but not ATF6α- or ATF6β single knockout, causes embryonic lethality, as in mice. Analyses of ER stress reporters reveal that ER stress occurs physiologically during medaka early embryonic development, particularly in the brain, otic vesicle, and notochord, resulting in ATF6α- and ATF6β-mediated induction of BiP, and that knockdown of the α1 chain of type VIII collagen reduces such ER stress. The absence of transcriptional induction of several ER chaperones in ATF6α/β double knockout causes more profound ER stress and impaired notochord development, which is partially rescued by overexpression of BiP. Thus ATF6α/β-mediated adjustment of chaperone levels to increased demands in the ER is essential for development of the notochord, which synthesizes and secretes large amounts of extracellular matrix proteins to serve as the body axis before formation of the vertebra.
The nucleolus stress response is coupled to an ATR-Chk1–mediated G2 arrest
Authors: Ma Hanhui , Pederson Thoru
Published: February 2013

We report experiments on the connection between nucleolar stress and cell cycle progression, using HeLa cells engineered with the fluorescent ubiquitinylation-based cell cycle indicator. Nucleolar stress elicited by brief exposure of cells to a low concentration of actinomycin D that selectively inhibits rRNA synthesis had no effect on traverse of G1 or S, but stalled cells in very late interphase. Additional experiments revealed that a switch occurs during a specific temporal window during nucleolar stress and that the subsequent cell cycle arrest is not triggered simply by the stress-induced decline in the synthesis of rRNA or by a ribosome starvation phenomenon. Further experiments revealed that this nucleolus stress-induced cell cycle arrest involves the action of a G2 checkpoint mediated by the ataxia telangiectasia and Rad3-related protein (ATR)–checkpoint kinase 1 (Chk1) pathway. Based on analysis of the cell cycle stages at which this nucleolar stress effect is put into action, to become manifest later, our results demonstrate a feedforward mechanism that leads to G2 arrest and identify ATR and Chk1 as molecular agents of the requisite checkpoint.
Rts1-protein phosphatase 2A antagonizes Ptr3-mediated activation of the signaling protease Ssy5 by casein kinase I
Authors: Omnus Deike J. , Ljungdahl Per O.
Published: February 2013

Ligand-induced conformational changes of plasma membrane receptors initiate signals that enable cells to respond to discrete extracellular cues. In response to extracellular amino acids, the yeast Ssy1-Ptr3-Ssy5 sensor triggers the endoproteolytic processing of transcription factors Stp1 and Stp2 to induce amino acid uptake. Activation of the processing protease Ssy5 depends on the signal-induced phosphorylation of its prodomain by casein kinase I (Yck1/2). Phosphorylation is required for subsequent Skp1/Cullin/Grr1 E3 ubiquitin ligase–dependent polyubiquitylation and proteasomal degradation of the inhibitory prodomain. Here we show that Rts1, a regulatory subunit of the general protein phosphatase 2A, and Ptr3 have opposing roles in controlling Ssy5 prodomain phosphorylation. Rts1 constitutively directs protein phosphatase 2A activity toward the prodomain, effectively setting a signaling threshold required to mute Ssy5 activation in the absence of amino acid induction. Ptr3 functions as an adaptor that transduces conformational signals initiated by the Ssy1 receptor to dynamically induce prodomain phosphorylation by mediating the proximity of the Ssy5 prodomain and Yck1/2. Our results demonstrate how pathway-specific and general signaling components function synergistically to convert an extracellular stimulus into a highly specific, tuned, and switch-like transcriptional response that is critical for cells to adapt to changes in nutrient availability.
Modulation of the phenotype and function ofMycobacterium tuberculosis-stimulated dendritic cells by adrenal steroids
Authors: Angerami Matias , Suarez Guadalupe , Pascutti Maria Fernanda , Salomon Horacio , Bottasso Oscar , Quiroga Maria Florencia
Published: February 2013

Cell-mediated immunity, cytokines induced during the specific immune response and T-cell populations are crucial factors for containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. Recent reports suggest a cross-regulation between adrenal steroids (glucocorticoids and dehydroepiandrosterone, DHEA) and the function of antigen-presenting cells (APCs). Therefore, we investigated the role of adrenal hormones on the functional capacity of M. tuberculosis-induced dendritic cells (DCs). Cortisol significantly inhibited the functions of M. tuberculosis-induced DCs. Interestingly, the presence of DHEA enhanced the M. tuberculosis-induced expression of MHC I, MHC II and CD86 and also increased ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, DHEA improved the production of IL-12 in response to M. tuberculosis stimulation, diminished IL-10 secretion and could not modify TNF-α synthesis. Importantly, we observed that DHEA enhanced the antigen-specific T-cell proliferation and IFN-γ production induced by M. tuberculosis-stimulated DC. These data show for the first time the relevance of the adrenal axis (especially of DHEA) in the modulation of DC function in the context of tuberculosis, a disease where the induction of a Th1 environment by APCs is crucial for the development of an effective immune response to the mycobacteria.
An asymptotic decoupling method for waves in layered media
Authors: Chapman C. J.
Published: February 2013

This paper presents a technique, asymptotic decoup- ling, for analysing wave propagation in multi-layered media. The technique leads to a hierarchy of approximations to the exact dispersion relation, obtained from finite-product approximations to low-order dispersion relations appearing as factors in the asymptotically decoupled limits. Levels of refinement may be added or removed according to the frequency range of interest, the degree of accuracy required, and the material and geometrical parameters of the different layers. This is shown to be particularly useful in stiff problems, because unlimited accuracy is obtainable without redundancy even when Young's moduli and the thicknesses of the layers differ by many orders of magnitude, for example in a stiff sandwich plate with a very soft core. Full details are presented for a non-trivial example, that of antisymmetric waves in a three-layered planar elastic waveguide. Comparisons are made with two widely used approximations, Tiersten's thin-skin approximation and the composite Timoshenko approximation. The mathematical basis of the paper is the asymptotic decoupling of the wave motion in different layers in the limit of indefinitely large or small density ratio.
A universal form for the emergence of the Korteweg–de Vries equation
Authors: Bridges Thomas J.
Published: February 2013

A new perspective on the emergence of the Korteweg–de Vries (KdV) equation is presented. The conventional view is that the KdV equation arises as a model when the dispersion relation of the linearization of some system of partial differential equations has the appropriate form, and the nonlinearity is quadratic. The assumptions of this paper imply that the usual spectral and nonlinearity assumptions for the derivation of the KdV equation are met. In addition to a new mechanism, the theory shows that the emergence of the KdV equation always takes a universal form, where the coefficients in the KdV equation are completely determined from the properties of the background state—even an apparently trivial background state. Moreover, the mechanism for the emergence of the KdV equation is simplified, reducing it to a single condition. Well-known examples, such as the KdV equation in shallow-water hydrodynamics and in the emergence of dark solitary waves, are predicted by the new theory for emergence of KdV.
Strikingly dissimilar effect of Mn and Zn dopants imposed on local structural distortion of Ba0.5K0.5Fe2As2superconductor
Authors: Cheng Jie , Dong Peng , Chu Wangsheng , Xu Wei , Wen Haihu , Marcelli Augusto , Wu Ziyu
Published: February 2013

To clarify the contrasting impurity effects of Mn and Zn dopants on the critical temperature of optimally doped Ba0.5K0.5Fe2As2superconductors, extended X-ray absorption fine-structure spectroscopy was implemented at the Fe and AsK-edge. In Mn-doped compounds a gradual deviation of the symmetric FeAs4tetrahedron and weakening of the Fe—As bond was observed. Conversely, in Zn-doped compounds the perfect FeAs4tetrahedron is maintained and the Fe—As bond is rigid. The local structural details are consistent with the development of superconductivity in these two systems, suggesting a significant role played by the topology of the FeAs4tetrahedron and rigidness of the Fe—As bond in Mn/Zn-doped Ba0.5K0.5Fe2As2superconductors.
Understanding the role of social media in bank marketing
Authors: Mitic Miljana , Kapoulas Alexandros
Published: February 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of Web 2.0 and social media in relationship marketing (RM) in banking. The aim is to understand why some banks resist the Web 2.0 trend, how this is aligned with their RM approaches and what the alternative paths for advancing customer relations could be. The paper focuses on the practices of banks in the less‐researched yet dynamically evolving South East European (SEE) region.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative case study approach was employed for this study. In total, three case studies were constructed, describing practices and RM approaches of retail banks in SEE. Data used for the construct of case studies were collected through in‐depth interviews with top management, documentation and banks’ official web sites.

Findings

Primary reasons for refraining from social media included: low customer demand for such form of interaction with banks; concerns over safety of Web 2.0 for banking; and lack of alignment with current RM strategies. While social media were not discarded for the future, they were deemed more appropriate for smaller or younger banks seeking innovative ways to capture market share.

Practical implications

The paper identifies requirements for the adoption of social media in bank marketing and offers insights on possible alternative RM strategies that combine electronic channels with a personal approach to banking.

Originality/value

Case studies offer insights on marketing practices of banks in the SEE region. The paper unveils challenges banks encounter in their RM efforts and their vision of the future of RM in a contemporary online setting.