bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Illustrated catalogue of Neotropical Ctenuchina, Euchromiina and Pericopina types (Lepidoptera, Erebidae, Arctiinae, Arctiini) described by Hans Zerny, with discussion on their taxonomic status
Authors: PINHEIRO L. R. , GAAL-HASZLER S.
Published: March 2015

The type material of 54 names of Ctenuchina, Euchromiina and Pericopina proposed by Hans Zerny are treated. Of these, the material belonging to 43 of the 54 names, represented by 118 specimens, are deposited at the Naturhistorisches Museum Wien (NHMW). The remaining are at the BMNH, NMNH, ZMHB or the ZSM, except for one of the species, which material was not traced. Comments on each name and its current taxonomic status, illustrations of holotypes and lectotypes, as well as information about their conservation status are provided. Lectotypes are designated for 23 of the taxa, and two new synonyms are proposed Eucyane variabilis flavofasciata and E. variabilis roseofasciata (=Hypocrita variabilis variabilis). Additionally, nine names have their taxonomic status changed: Correbia columbiana stat. nov., Autochloris jordani comb. nov., Chrostosoma exomelan comb. nov., C. flavothoracides comb. nov., C. pseudothia comb. nov., C. xanthomelan comb. nov., Ecdemus imbecillus comb. nov., Pseudomya clandestina comb. nov., and Uranophora felderi, comb. nov. Illustrations of the genitalia of some of the species are also provided.
New species and new records of bryozoans from shallow waters of Madeira Island
Authors: SOUTO JAVIER , KAUFMANN MANFRED J. , CANNING-CLODE JOÃO
Published: March 2015

Two new species of bryozoans encrusting subtidal rocks are described from the shallow waters of Madeira Island. We describe one cyclostome, Favosipora purpurea sp. nov., which represents the first record of this genus in the Atlantic Ocean, and one cheilostome, Rhynchozoon papuliferum sp. nov. In addition, one species, Beania maxilladentata, is recorded for the first time outside of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Six other species previously recorded in Madeira are redescribed to provide new data and SEM images.
Executive Compensation, Fat Cats, and Best Athletes
Authors: Kim Jerry W. , Kogut Bruce , Yang Jae-Suk
Published: March 2015

Income gains in the top 1 percent are the primary cause for the rapid growth in U.S. inequality since the late 1970s. Managers and executives of firms account for a large proportion of these top earners. Chief executive officers (CEOs), in particular, have seen their compensation increase faster than the growth in firm size. We propose that changes in the macro patterns of the distribution of CEO compensation resulted from a process of diffusion within localized networks, propagating higher pay among corporate executives. We compare three possible explanations for diffusion: director board interlocks, peer groups, and educational networks. The statistical results indicate that corporate director networks facilitate social comparisons that generate the observed pay patterns. Peer and education network effects do not survive a novel endogeneity test that we execute. A key implication is that local diffusion through executive network structures partially explains the changes in macro patterns of income distribution found in the inequality data.
Hannah Arendt in the streets of Athens
Authors: Mavrommatis George
Published: March 2015

Athens for some time now has been an important site for civic protest. From the December 2008 ‘riots’ to the Indignant protests and after the streets of Athens have been flaring up in scenes of turmoil and dissent. This article sheds light on a particular moment of this continuous political upheaval, the 2011 Aganaktismenoi movement that grew massively and disappeared into thin air in all but a few months. These political phenomena are approached by deploying Arendt’s method of hermeneutic phenomenology and by trying to understand these events through a narrative analysis of participants’ stories. Among others, this analysis reveals an emptiness of political narratives (words) that did not correspond with the newness of the political actions (deeds) and allegedly created obstacles for political newness to enter the world of old politics or post-politics. Judging it from the present, political newness as the major political promise of the Syntagma Square occupation did not materialize within the framework of contemporary (democratic) formal politics. Instead, through the passage of time, politics proper found different ways to become enacted through the emergence of a solidarity movement, but also regrettably, through the unimaginable rise of an extreme far-right.
Investigation of Response Changes in the GRE Revised General Test
Authors: Liu Ou Lydia , Bridgeman Brent , Gu Lixiong , Xu Jun , Kong Nan
Published: March 2015

Research on examinees’ response changes on multiple-choice tests over the past 80 years has yielded some consistent findings, including that most examinees make score gains by changing answers. This study expands the research on response changes by focusing on a high-stakes admissions test—the Verbal Reasoning and Quantitative Reasoning measures of the GRE revised General Test. We analyzed data from 8,538 examinees for Quantitative and 9,140 for Verbal sections who took the GRE revised General Test in 12 countries. The analyses yielded findings consistent with prior research. In addition, as examinees’ ability increases, the benefit of response changing increases. The study yielded significant implications for both test agencies and test takers. Computer adaptive tests often do not allow the test takers to review and revise. Findings from this study confirm the benefit of such features.
Dental Abnormalities Caused by Novel Compound Heterozygous CTSK Mutations
Authors: Xue Y. , Wang L. , Xia D. , Li Q. , Gao S. , Dong M. , Cai T. , Shi S. , He L. , Hu K. , Mao T. , Duan X.
Published: March 2015

Cathepsin K (CTSK) is an important protease responsible for degrading type I collagen, osteopontin, and other bone matrix proteins. The mutations in the CTSK gene can cause pycnodysostosis (OMIM 265800), a rare autosomal recessive bone dysplasia. Patients with pycnodysostosis have been reported to present specific dental abnormalities; however, whether these dental abnormalities are related to dysfunctional CTSK has never been reported. Here we investigated the histologic changes of cementum and alveolar bone in a pycnodysostosis patient, caused by novel compound heterozygous mutations in the CTSK gene (c.87 G>A p.W29X and c.848 A>G p.Y283C). The most impressive manifestations in tooth were extensive periradicular high-density clumps with unclear periodontal space by orthopantomography examination and micro–computed tomography scanning analysis. Hematoxylin/eosin and toluidine blue staining and atomic force microscopy analysis showed that the cementum became significantly thickened, softened, and full of cementocytes. The disorganized bone structure was the main character of alveolar bone. The p.W29X mutation may represent the loss-of-function allele with an earlier termination codon in the precursor CTSK polypeptide. Residue Y283 is highly conserved among papain-like cysteine proteases. Three-dimensional structure modeling analysis found that the loss of the hydroxybenzene residue in the Y283C mutation would interrupt the hydrogen network and possibly affect the self-cleavage of the CTSK enzyme. Furthermore, p.Y283C mutation did not affect the mRNA and protein levels of overexpressed CTSK in COS-7 system but did reduce CTSK enzyme activity. In conclusion, the histologic and ultrastructural changes of cementum and alveolar bone might be affected by CTSK mutation via reduction of its enzyme activity (clinical trial registration: ChiCTR-TNC-10000876).
An unusual infection outbreak in rats held in a human hospital research laboratory
Authors: Katzir Z , Biro A , Didkovsky E , Hussain A , Schreiber L , Barnea (Burbea) Z , Cernes R , Briliant A
Published: March 2015

Most animal hazards in laboratories are widely recognized. These, together with zoonoses and other possible insults, are subject to the establishment of guidelines for the operation and maintenance of such facilities. Most of the infectious diseases described among laboratory animals are related to the inadequate implementation of preventive and quality control policies. These included surgical, respiratory and intestinal tract infections, and typically spread between animals. This report is about an outbreak of nosocomial bacterial infection in rats held in the research laboratory of a human hospital. Symptoms of general infection were runny nose and sneezing, excessive lachrymation, dyspnea, loss of appetite, limited activity and disheveled fur, which appeared in two rats initially, and spread to another 60. A common characteristic physical finding observed later was a lump under the skin, with subsequent ulceration. Mortality was 70%. Blood cultures were sterile. Accurate diagnosis was possible only after examination of tissue sampled from the diseased and dead rats. Histology showed an excessive proliferative and inflammatory reaction. Bacteriology analysis revealed the presence of three types of hospital-borne bacteria: enterococcus, coagulase-negative staphylococci and Acinetobacter radioresistens, with common sensitivity to ciprofloxacin and ceftazidime. Empiric antibiotic therapy was switched to a bacteriology-based regimen. Complete recovery was achieved among the diseased rats that survived the previous antibiotic therapy. This is the first written description of a nosocomial infection of laboratory animals caused by bacteria borne in a human hospital. Medical staff-to-animal transmission is suggested. A high index of suspicion and prompt diagnostic evaluation are essential for successful management, and preventive guidelines concerning such events need to be established.
Otto Semmelroth and the Advance of the Church as Sacrament at Vatican II
Authors: Doyle Dennis M.
Published: March 2015

Otto Semmelroth played a major role in advancing the notion of the church as sacrament at Vatican II. His preconciliar works as well as his participation in working groups and committees were instrumental in introducing this systematic concept into the 1963 draft of Lumen gentium. His commentaries on the document disclose how his own understanding of the historical and eschatological dimensions of the church as sacrament was enriched through the process of developing the final 1964 text. Semmelroth’s nuanced treatment of this progressive theme enables him to serve as a mediating figure in the continuing ecclesiological controversies of today.
The Thief With a Thousand Faces and the Victim With None
Authors: Reyns Bradford W. , Henson Billy
Published: March 2015

Available evidence suggests that identity theft is a growing problem that has significant consequences for victims, not the least of which is billions of dollars in financial losses. However, very little is known about the correlates or causes of identity theft victimization. Utilizing a nationally representative sample of individuals from the Canadian General Social Survey, the current study attempts to address this deficiency by examining the link between victims’ online routine activities and their online identity theft victimization. It was found that certain routine activities directly influence the likelihood of experiencing identity theft. Potential research and policy implications also are discussed.
Begging Rome: Norms at the margins, norms of the in-between
Authors: Thomassen Bjørn
Published: March 2015

In this article, I argue that begging and beggary represents and must be analyzed through a twofold prism: as an economic exchange taking place at the margins but amply within the structures of the market economy and as a social relationship and cultural exchange that, due exactly to its in-between liminal nature, touches upon and generate central values; an exchange in which crucial norms are negotiated and established. Begging activities are just one example of how the market oriented economy intertwines with underground networks and “informal economies”, and how these interconnections produce implicit and explicit norms.
Stereotype Threat Among Women in Finance
Authors: von Hippel Courtney , Sekaquaptewa Denise , McFarlane Matthew
Published: March 2015

Because women are in the minority in masculine fields like finance and banking, women in these fields may experience stereotype threat or the concern about being negatively stereotyped in their workplace. Research demonstrates that stereotype threat among women in management and accounting leads to negative job attitudes and intentions to quit via its effects on identity separation, or the perception that one’s gender identity is incompatible with one’s work identity. The current work extends this research to related outcomes among women in finance. In this study, 512 women working in finance completed a survey about their work environment, their well-being at work, and whether they would recommend the field of finance to younger women. Results showed that, to the extent women experienced stereotype threat in their work environment, they reported diminished well-being at work and were less likely to recommend their field to other women, and these outcomes were mediated by identity separation. Recruitment and retention of women into fields where they have been historically underrepresented is key to achieving the “critical mass” of women necessary to reduce perceptions of tokenism as well as stereotyping and devaluing of women. The current work sheds light on psychological factors that affect these outcomes.
The image of crisis
Authors: Schinkel Willem
Published: March 2015

Crisis jargon has become endemic in modernity. Whether in radical or in affirmative versions, the idea that ‘crisis’ offers ‘opportunity’, in accordance with the meaning of crisis as ‘decision’, is widespread. This paper questions the relationship between modernity and crisis, first by highlighting the ways in which modernity itself has been cast as ‘crisis’: first as crisis of tradition, then as crisis of modernity itself. The main part of this paper then consists of a reading of modernity-as-crisis inspired by Walter Benjamin, most notably by his Passagen-Werk. It consists of an attempt to consider ‘crisis’ as what Benjamin calls a ‘wish image’, an image that contains hidden utopian ideals. In invoking ‘crisis’, I argue, a conception of modernity as shock, raised to the level of the collective, becomes apparent. Crisis jargon thereby remains wedded to what Benjamin calls a mythical conception of history. The paper ends with a discussion of the political consequences that follow from this that are grounded in the relation between messianism and profane politics in Benjamin.
Feeding the Body, Feeding the Gender
Authors: Kopczyńska Ewa , Zielińska Katarzyna
Published: March 2015

Food and eating serve as an expression of social relations and roles as well as a mechanism sustaining or challenging social structure and roles. This also includes marking and reproducing gender roles and identities. With the profound social, cultural, and political changes that have taken place there recently, Poland offers an interesting case study for grasping the changing meaning of both food and gender and the relationship between them. The aim of this article is therefore twofold—to present available data on food choices among men and women (mostly dietary choices) and to offer a socio-cultural interpretation of the data by discussing it in the context of emerging food regimes and recent gender transformations. In other words, we will be interested in finding out how food is incorporated in doing gender in the Polish context and how it can be interpreted in the light of scholarly work on both gender and food.
Non-linear optimal control of articulated-vehicle planar motion based on braking utilizing the state-dependent Riccati equation method
Authors: Mobini Farzad , Ghaffari Ali , Alirezaei Mohsen
Published: March 2015

In this paper, a new non-linear optimal controller for the planar motion of an articulated vehicle is proposed. The main goal of the control system is to enhance the planar stability through active braking of the wheels. The controller was designed such that the states of the system are forced to follow the reference values using an input-constrained non-linear model including the longitudinal dynamics, the lateral dynamics and the yaw dynamics of both units. Using the state-dependent Riccati equation method a servomechanism was designed which results in reasonable trade-offs between the control efforts and the allowable state errors while representing the non-linearities of the system. Furthermore, the brake torques were derived from the state-dependent Riccati equation control law by imposing constraints on the control inputs. Through proper selection of a weighting matrix, the control system distributes the brake forces optimally among the axles considering the coupling between the longitudinal tyre forces and the lateral tyre forces. In order to evaluate the performance and the effectiveness of the proposed controller, simulations were performed using the non-linear vehicle model. Additionally, the robustness of the controller is evaluated by analysis of its performance in the presence of parameter uncertainties. The simulation results prove the efficacy of the proposed controller in improving the yaw–roll stability, the handling and the manoeuvrability of the tractor–semitrailer.
Inconsistency between manganese superoxide dismutase expression and its activity involved in the degeneration of recognition function induced by chronic aluminum overloading in mice
Authors: Qiu H-M , Yang J-X , Jiang Q-S , He D , Zhou Q-X
Published: March 2015

Manganese (Mn) superoxide dismutase (SOD) is mainly located in mitochondrial matrix and is responsible for scavenging about 80% free radicals from oxidative and phospharylative process in mitochondria. It was reported that the insufficiency of Mn SOD expression or activity was connected to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. In this article, we investigated the time course related to the changes of Mn SOD expression and its activity from mouse brain as well as the recognition dysfunction in chronic aluminum (Al) overloading mice. Aluminum gluconate solution (equal to Al 400 mg/kg) was given to mice once a day, 6 days per week for 12 weeks via intragastric gavage. The learning and memory function, malondialdehyde (MDA) level as well as expression and activity of Mn SOD in cortex were determined. It was found that function of passive learning and memory and spatial recognition decreased, MDA level and Mn SOD expression increased during the period of chronic Al loading, but the Mn SOD activity rose from the 4th week and then decreased from the 8th week in cortex in Al overloading mice compared with the control. The results indicated that the inconsistency between Mn SOD expression and its activity might contribute to the development of recognition dysfunction induced by chronic Al overload.
Self-modulation of shear waves of deformation propagating in a one-dimensional granular medium with internal stresses
Authors: Erofeev Vladimir I , Pavlov Igor S
Published: March 2015

A one-dimensional model of a granular medium with internal stresses is considered that represents a chain consisting of elastically interacting ellipse-shaped particles, which possess two translational and one rotational degrees of freedom. In the long-wavelength approximation, the set of nonlinear equations in partial derivatives has been derived that describes propagation of longitudinal, transverse and rotational waves in such a medium. Dependences of the velocities of elastic waves and the nonlinearity coefficients on the sizes of particles and the parameters of interactions between them have been found in the analytical form. In the field of low frequencies, when the rotational degree of freedom of particles can be neglected, the obtained three-mode set degenerates into the two-mode system. Within the scope of this system, areas of modulation instability (self-modulation) of the shear wave of deformation in the presence of a static longitudinal strain have been found according to the Lighthill criterion, and the various types of wave packets have been studied in the case of modulation instability.
The role consumerism plays in student learning
Authors: Harrison Laura M , Risler Laura
Published: March 2015

In nations facing austerity measures, students risk diminished quality in their higher education experiences. Universities function increasingly like corporations as they struggle to compensate for budget shortfalls caused by declining public support. As a result, students become positioned as consumers of a private commodity that exists to facilitate their personal economic advantage. The purpose of this piece is to analyze the largely hidden role consumerism plays as an underlying contributor to the issue of diminished student learning in colleges and universities. This article will argue that educational quality is compromised when students are understood as customers to be placated rather than learners to be challenged. Drawing on research about how students learn, this work posits teaching and selling as inherently contradictory processes. Implications for higher education’s future and support as a public good are discussed.
The Michigan Healthy School Action Tools Process Generates Improvements in School Nutrition Policies and Practices, and Student Dietary Intake
Authors: Alaimo Katherine , Oleksyk Shannon , Golzynski Diane , Drzal Nick , Lucarelli Jennifer , Reznar Melissa , Wen Yalu , Krabill Yoder Karen
Published: March 2015

The Michigan Healthy School Action Tools ( HSAT) is an online self-assessment and action planning process for schools seeking to improve their health policies and practices. The School Nutrition Advances Kids study, a 2-year quasi-experimental intervention with low-income middle schools, evaluated whether completing the HSAT with a facilitator assistance and small grant funding resulted in (1) improvements in school nutrition practices and policies and (2) improvements in student dietary intake. A total of 65 low-income Michigan middle schools participated in the study. The Block Youth Food Frequency Questionnaire was completed by 1,176 seventh-grade students at baseline and in eighth grade (during intervention). Schools reported nutrition-related policies and practices/education using the School Environment and Policy Survey. Schools completing the HSAT were compared to schools that did not complete the HSAT with regard to number of policy and practice changes and student dietary intake. Schools that completed the HSAT made significantly more nutrition practice/education changes than schools that did not complete the HSAT, and students in those schools made dietary improvements in fruit, fiber, and cholesterol intake. The Michigan HSAT process is an effective strategy to initiate improvements in nutrition policies and practices within schools, and to improve student dietary intake.
4DCT Simulation With Synchronized Contrast Injection in Liver SBRT Patients
Authors: Helou Joelle , Karotki Aliaksandr , Milot Laurent , Chu William , Erler Darby , Chung Hans T.
Published: March 2015

Background/Purpose:

Delivering stereotactic body radiotherapy for liver metastases remains a challenge because of respiratory motion and poor visibility without intravenous contrast. The purpose of this article is to describe a novel and simple computed tomography (CT) simulation process of integrating timed intravenous contrast that could overcome the uncertainty of target delineation.

Methods and Results:

The simulation involves two 4-dimensional CT (4DCT) scans. The first scan only encompasses the immediate region of the tumor and surrounding tissue, which reduces the 4DCT scan time so that it can be optimally timed with intravenous contrast injection. The second 4DCT scan covers a larger volume and is used as the primary CT data set for dose calculation, as well as patient setup verification on the treatment unit. The combination of the two 4DCT scans allows us to optimally visualize liver metastases over all phases of the breathing cycle while simultaneously acquiring a long enough 4DCT data set that is suitable for planning and patient setup verification.

Conclusion:

This simulation technique allows for a better target definition when treating liver metastases, without being invasive.
The “Iceberg Phenomenon”
Authors: Feussner Hubertus , Fiolka Adam , Schneider Armin , Cuntz Timo , Coy Johannes , von Tiesenhausen Cyrill , Höller Kurt , Weede Oliver , Konietschke Rainer , Borchard Jan-Hinnerk , Ellrichmann Mark , Reiser Silvano , Ortmaier Tobias
Published: March 2015

Purpose. Though already proclaimed about 7 years ago, natural orifice transluminal endoscopic surgery (NOTES) is still in its early stages. A multidisciplinary working team tried to analyze the technical obstacles and identify potential solutions. Methods. After a comprehensive review of the literature, a group of 3 surgeons, 1 gastroenterologist, 10 engineers, and 1 representative of biomedical industry defined the most important deficiencies within the system and then compiled as well as evaluated innovative technologies that could be used to help overcome these problems. These technologies were classified with regard to the time needed for their implementation and associated hindrances, where priority is based on the level of impact and significance that it would make. Results. Both visualization and actuation require significant improvement. Advanced illumination, mist elimination, image stabilization, view extension, 3-dimensional stereoscopy, and augmented reality are feasible options and could optimize visual information. Advanced mechatronic platforms with miniaturized, powerful actuators, and intuitive human–machine interfaces could optimize dexterity, as long as enabling technologies are used. The latter include depth maps in real time, precise navigation, fast pattern recognition, partial autonomy, and cognition systems. Conclusion. The majority of functional deficiencies that still exist in NOTES platforms could be overcome by a broad range of already existing or emerging enabling technologies. To combine them in an optimal manner, a permanent dialogue between researchers and clinicians is mandatory.
A community of communities? Emerging dynamics in the community media paradigm
Authors: Ali Christopher , Conrad David
Published: March 2015

Recent years have seen numerous attempts by community broadcasters around the world to reinvent their practices in an effort to remain relevant and financially sustainable in the digital age. One proposed initiative is to have community programming distributed via satellite, either in the form of a single channel or as a subscription service for local stations to find programming. Combining two case studies and multiple research methods, this article investigates the potential impact of satellite distribution on community broadcasting in Canada and East Africa. We observe that it is often not the community media organizations themselves that are pushing for satellite delivery, but, rather, outside actors such as media corporations and non-governmental organizations. As a result, we argue that a more spirited discussion within the community media sector is warranted to better understand the implications of this technological shift in delivery mechanisms.
Comment: Where is the Theory? A Critical Comment on Multiple Arousal Theory
Authors: Richter Michael
Published: March 2015

Multiple arousal theory suggests that there is more than one arousal system and that the activity of the multiple arousal systems can be observed using electrodermal measures at various body sites. The ideas expressed by multiple arousal theory are interesting but they do not constitute a theory. The absence of a specific definition of arousal and the lack of testable predictions prevent multiple arousal theory from constituting a useful theoretical framework for focussed empirical research.
Organisational aspects and benchmarking of e-learning initiatives: a case study with South African community health workers
Authors: Reisach Ulrike , Weilemann Mitja
Published: March 2015

South Africa desperately needs a comprehensive approach to fight HIV/AIDS. Education is crucial to reach this goal and Internet and e-learning could offer huge opportunities to broaden and deepen the knowledge basis. But due to the huge societal and digital divide between rich and poor areas, e-learning is difficult to realize in the townships. Community health workers often act as mediators and coaches for people seeking medical and personal help. They could give good advice regarding hygiene, nutrition, protection of family members in case of HIV/AIDS and finding legal ways to earn one’s living if they were trained to do so. Therefore they need to have a broader general knowledge. Since learning opportunities in the townships are scarce, a system for e-learning has to be created in order to overcome the lack of experience with computers or the Internet and to enable them to implement a network of expertise. The article describes how the best international resources on basic medical knowledge, HIV/AIDS as well as on basic economic and entrepreneurial skills were benchmarked to be integrated into an e-learning system. After tests with community health workers, researchers developed recommendations on building a self-sustaining system for learning, including a network of expertise and best practice sharing. The article explains the opportunities and challenges for community health workers, which could provide information for other parts of the world with similar preconditions of rural poverty.
The Contingent Value of Embeddedness
Authors: Walker Mark H.
Published: March 2015

Social capital theorists claim that belonging to a densely knit social network creates a shared identity, mutually beneficial exchange, trust, and a sense of belonging in that group. Taken together with the empirical research on the importance of social support and social integration for individuals’ well-being, there is reason to expect that the density of one’s personal social network should be positively related to well-being. However, using a unique data set on extensive personal social networks from a convenience sample of 198 young adults, the author finds that the relationship between network density and well-being is significantly more complex. Specifically, results suggest that the effect of network density on self-evaluations of efficacy and worth depends on whether or not individuals belong to self-affirming social environments. For those who belong to self-affirming social environments, network density increases self-esteem and self-efficacy, which is consistent with social capital theorists’ contention that social closure (network density) results in social integration and a sense of belongingness. Importantly, however, density reduces self-efficacy and has no statistically significant effect on self-esteem for those with disaffirming social environments.
Allelic effects on starch structure and properties of six starch biosynthetic genes in a rice recombinant inbred line population
Authors: Luo Jixun , Jobling Stephen A , Millar Anthony , Morell Matthew K , Li Zhongyi
Published: March 2015

Background

The genetic diversity of six starch biosynthetic genes (Wx, SSI, SSIIa, SBEI, SBEIIa and SBEIIb) in indica and japonica rices opens an opportunity to produce a new variety with more favourable grain starch quality. However, there is limited information about the effects of these six gene allele combinations on starch structure and properties. A recombinant inbred line population from a cross between indica and japonica varieties offers opportunities to combine specific alleles of the six genes.

Results

The allelic (indica vs japonica) effects of six starch biosynthetic genes on starch structure, functional properties, and abundance of granule bound proteins in rice grains were investigated in a common genetic background using a recombinant inbred line population. The indica Wx (Wxi) allele played a major role while indica SSI (SSIi), japonica SSIIa (SSIIaj) and indica SBEI (SBEIi) alleles had minor roles on the increase of amylose content. SSIIaj and japonica SBEIIb (SBEIIbj) alleles had a major and a minor role on high ratio of ∑DP ≤ 10 to ∑DP ≤ 24 fractions (RCL10/24), respectively. Both major alleles (Wxi and SSIIaj) reduced peak viscosity (PV), onset, peak and end gelatinization temperatures (GTs) of amylopectin, and increased amylose-lipid complex dissociation enthalpy compared with their counterpart-alleles, respectively. SBEIIai and SBEIIbj decreased PV, whereas SSIi and SBEIIbj decreased FV. SBEIi reduced setback viscosity and gelatinization enthalpy. RCL10/24 of chain length distribution in amylopectin is negatively correlated with PV and BD of paste property and GTs of thermal properties. We also report RILs with superior starch properties combining Wxi, SSIj, SSIIaj, SBEIi and SBEIIbj alleles. Additionally, a clear relation is drawn to starch biosynthetic gene alleles, starch structure, properties, and abundance of granule bound starch biosynthetic enzymes inside starch granules.

Conclusions

Rice Wxi and SSIIaj alleles play major roles, while SSIi, SBEIi, SBEIIai and SBEIIbj alleles have minor roles in the determination of starch properties between indica and japonica rice through starch structural modification. The combination of these alleles is a key factor for starch quality improvement in rice breeding programs. RCL10/24 value is critical for starch structure and property determination.
Relation of Clinical Response and Minimal Residual Disease and Their Prognostic Impact on Outcome in Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Chen Xueyan , Xie Hu , Wood Brent L. , Walter Roland B. , Pagel John M. , Becker Pamela S. , Sandhu Vicky K. , Abkowitz Janis L. , Appelbaum Frederick R. , Estey Elihu H.
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Both presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) and achievement of complete remission (CR) with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp) rather than CR after induction therapy predict relapse in acute myeloid leukemia (AML). These results suggest a correlation between response (peripheral count recovery) and MRD at the time of morphologic remission. Here we examine this hypothesis and whether MRD and response provide independent prognostic information after accounting for other relevant covariates.

Patients and Methods

We retrospectively analyzed data from 245 adults with AML who achieved CR, CRp, or CR with incomplete blood count recovery (CRi) after induction therapy. Bone marrow samples were collected on or closest to the first date of blood count recovery, and MRD was determined by 10-color multiparameter flow cytometry.

Results

The 71.0% of patients who achieved CR had MRD less frequently and had lower levels of MRD than the 19.6% of patients achieving CRp and 9.4% achieving CRi. Although pretreatment covariates such as cytogenetics, monosomal karyotype, relapsed or refractory rather than newly diagnosed AML, and FLT3 internal tandem duplication were associated with relapse, their prognostic effect was much lower once MRD and response were taken into account, the univariable statistical effect of which was not materially affected by inclusion of pretreatment covariates.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that post-therapy parameters including MRD status and response are important independent prognostic factors for outcome in patients with AML achieving remission. MRD status and type of response (CR v CRp or CRi) should play important, and perhaps dominant, roles in planning postinduction therapy.
Risk and Timing of Cardiovascular Disease After Androgen-Deprivation Therapy in Men With Prostate Cancer
Authors: O'Farrell Sean , Garmo Hans , Holmberg Lars , Adolfsson Jan , Stattin Pär , Van Hemelrijck Mieke
Published: March 2015

Purpose

Findings on the association between risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and the duration and type of androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) in men with prostate cancer (PCa) are inconsistent.

Methods

By using data on filled drug prescriptions in Swedish national health care registers, we investigated the risk of CVD in a cohort of 41,362 men with PCa on ADT compared with an age-matched, PCa-free comparison cohort (n = 187,785) by use of multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models.

Results

From 2006 to 2012, 10,656 men were on antiandrogens (AA), 26,959 were on gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonists, and 3,747 underwent surgical orchiectomy. CVD risk was increased in men on GnRH agonists compared with the comparison cohort (hazard ratio [HR] of incident CVD, 1.21; 95% CI, 1.18 to 1.25; and orchiectomy: HR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.25). Men with PCa on AA were at decreased risk (HR of incident CVD, 0.87; 95% CI, 0.82 to 0.91). CVD risk was highest during the first 6 months of ADT in men who experienced two or more cardiovascular events before therapy, with an HR of CVD during the first 6 months of GnRH agonist therapy of 1.91 (95% CI, 1.66 to 2.20), an HR of CVD with AA of 1.60 (95% CI, 1.24 to 2.06), and an HR of CVD with orchiectomy of 1.79 (95% CI, 1.16 to 2.76) versus the comparison cohort.

Conclusion

Our results support that there should be a solid indication for ADT in men with PCa so that benefit outweighs potential harm; this is of particular importance among men with a recent history of CVD.
Phylogenetic relationships of Coronidium, Xerochrysum and several neglected Australian species of “Helichrysum” (Asteraceae: Gnaphalieae)
Authors: Schmidt-Lebuhn Alexander N. , Bruhl Jeremy J. , Telford Ian R.H. , Wilson Paul G.
Published: March 2015

A molecular phylogeny of selected Australian native Gnaphalieae (Asteraceae) is inferred from nuclear ribosomal ETS and ITS and chloroplast matK‐psbA, psbA‐trnH and ycf6‐psbM sequences to test the reciprocal monophyly of the genera Coronidium and Xerochrysum and to taxonomically place several species currently treated as part of Helichrysum. Ribosomal and chloroplast phylogenies are topologically incongruent, but the latter are poorly resolved and poorly supported. Ribosomal and total evidence data suggest that the C. scorpioides group makes Coronidium in its current circumscription polyphyletic. Even without this species group, remaining Coronidium is inferred to be paraphyletic to Xerochrysum. Helichrysum macranthum and H. milligani are shown to be part of Xerochrysum and formally transferred to that genus. A lectotype is designated for H. milliganii. Helichrysum leucopsideum is shown to be affiliated with C. adenophorum and C. waddelliae while H. rutidolepis is confirmed to be part of the C. scorpioides group. In contrast, the affiliations of H. calvertianum, H. oligochaetum and H. pumilum cannot currently be resolved with confidence.
Using Visual Art Works As a Means for Improving Primary School Students’ Skills to Connected Speech
Authors: Виноградова  , Vinogradova Natalya
Published: March 2015

The article discusses problems of a child’s adaptation to school life and psychological features of first graders. teachersare advised on formingthe

sustained cognitive interestin 7-year old children, developing the motivation to study, and creatingthe conditions for positive emotional attitude

to school.
How to Design Lessons for the Course of “Basics of Religious Cultures and Secular Ethics” (4th grade)
Authors: Пиманова  , Pimanova Lyubov
Published: March 2015

The paper outlines the integrative approach to teaching the course of “Basics of Religious Cultures and Secular Ethics” at primary school.

According to this approach the first steps to be taken in the process of studying religious and secular culture are to get acquainted with traditions

and customs of various peoples, living in Russia. Using one of the course topics as the case study, the author describes possible structures and ways

to organize primary school students to perform various kinds of activities.
Modelling the Сontent of personal and meta-subject results of training (on the example of subject domain “Physical culture”)
Authors: Науменко  , Naumenko Yuriy
Published: March 2015

the article reveals the content of the training that provide implementation of requirements of the Federal state educational standard which

sometimes causes serious difficulties at elementary school. The author offers one of the options of interpreting the content of personal and metasubject

results that can help teachers of physical culture to create conditions for implementing the Standard considering the specifics of P.E. at

elementary school.
Air Force Cyberspace Investment Analysis
Authors: Parnell Gregory S. , Butler Rudolph E. , Wichmann Stephen J. , Tedeschi Mike , Merritt David
Published: March 2015

Space and cyberspace operations are primary missions within the U.S. Armed Forces. Air Force Space Command performs investment planning for Air Force space and cyberspace missions. The command has performed space investment planning for more than 15 years using multiobjective decision analysis to assess the value of space programs for military operations and an optimization model to maximize space capabilities subject to performance, budget, schedule, and programmatic constraints. Air Force cyberspace operations and investment planning were assigned to Air Force Space Command in 2009. We developed an improved cyberspace investment analysis method using decision analysis techniques to support investment planning for the Air Force’s approximately $3.5 billion annual cyberspace investment. We developed four models to assess the value of Air Force cyberspace programs: a multiobjective decision analysis model for information technology infrastructure, a probability model to assess the capability to defend Air Force networks, a probability model to assess the capability to command and control cyberspace assets, and a probability model to assess the capability to perform cyberspace attacks when directed by national command authorities. The models were incorporated into the Air Force Space Command Integrated Planning Process and have been used for three years.
Validation of the translated Oxford ankle foot questionnaire in 82 Danish children aged between five and 16 years
Authors: Martinkevich P. , Møller-Madsen B. , Gottliebsen M. , Kjeldgaard Pedersen L. , Rahbek O.
Published: March 2015

We present the validation of a translation into Danish of the Oxford ankle foot questionnaire (OxAFQ). We followed the Isis Pros guidelines for translation and pilot-tested the questionnaire on ten children and their parents. Following modifications we tested the validity of the final questionnaire on 82 children (36 boys and 45 girls) with a mean age of 11.7 years (5.5 to 16.0) and their parents. We tested the reliability (repeatability (test–retest), child–parent agreement, internal consistency), feasibility (response rate, time to completion, floor and ceiling effects) and construct validity. The generic child health questionnaire was used for comparison. We found good internal consistency for the physical and the school and play domains, but lower internal consistency for the emotional domain. Overall, good repeatability was found within children and parents as well as agreement between children and parents. The OxAFQ was fast and easy to complete, but we observed a tendency towards ceiling effects in the school and play and emotional domains. To our knowledge this is the first independent validation of the OxAFQ in any language. We found it valid and feasible for use in the clinic to assess the impact on children’s lives of foot and/or ankle disorders. It is a valuable research tool.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:420–6.
A self-centring osteotomy of the tibial tubercle for patellar maltracking or instability
Authors: Tigchelaar S. , van Essen P. , Bénard M. , Koëter S. , Wymenga A.
Published: March 2015

An increased tibial tubercle–trochlear groove (TT-TG) distance is related to patellar maltracking and instability. Tibial tubercle transfer is a common treatment option for these patients with good short-term results, although the results can deteriorate over time owing to the progression of osteoarthritis. We present a ten-year follow-up study of a self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy in 60 knees, 30 with maltracking and 30 with patellar instability. Inclusion criteria were a TT-TG ≥ 15 mm and symptoms for > one year. One patient (one knee) was lost to follow-up and one required total knee arthroplasty because of progressive osteoarthritis. Further patellar dislocations occurred in three knees, all in the instability group, one of which required further surgery. The mean visual analogue scores for pain, and Lysholm and Kujala scores improved significantly and were maintained at the final follow-up (repeated measures, p = 0.000, intergroup differences p = 0.449). Signs of maltracking were found in only a minority of patients, with no difference between groups (p > 0.05). An increase in patellofemoral osteoarthritis was seen in 16 knees (31%) with a maximum of grade 2 on the Kellgren–Lawrence scale. The mean increase in grades was 0.31 (0 to 2) and 0.41 (0 to 2) in the maltracking and instability groups respectively (p = 0.2285)

This self-centring tibial tubercle osteotomy provides good results at ten years’ follow-up without inducing progressive osteoarthritis.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015;97-B:329–36.
Treatment of osteochondral lesions in the knee using a cell-free scaffold
Authors: Verdonk P. , Dhollander A. , Almqvist K. F. , Verdonk R. , Victor J.
Published: March 2015

The treatment of osteochondral lesions is of great interest to orthopaedic surgeons because most lesions do not heal spontaneously. We present the short-term clinical outcome and MRI findings of a cell-free scaffold used for the treatment of these lesions in the knee. A total of 38 patients were prospectively evaluated clinically for two years following treatment with an osteochondral nanostructured biomimetic scaffold. There were 23 men and 15 women; the mean age of the patients was 30.5 years (15 to 64). Clinical outcome was assessed using the Knee Injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS), the Tegner activity scale and a Visual Analgue scale for pain. MRI data were analysed based on the Magnetic Resonance Observation of Cartilage Repair Tissue (MOCART) scoring system at three, 12 and 24 months post-operatively. There was a continuous significant clinical improvement after surgery. In two patients, the scaffold treatment failed (5.3%) There was a statistically significant improvement in the MOCART precentage scores. The repair tissue filled most of the defect sufficiently. We found subchondral laminar changes in all patients. Intralesional osteophytes were found in two patients (5.3%). We conclude that this one-step scaffold-based technique can be used for osteochondral repair. The surgical technique is straightforward, and the clinical results are promising. The MRI aspects of the repair tissue continue to evolve during the first two years after surgery. However, the subchondral laminar and bone changes are a concern.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2015; 97-B:318–23.
The new means-tested minimum income in Austria: discretion and regulation in practice
Authors: Leibetseder Bettina , Altreiter Carina , Leitgöb Heinz
Published: March 2015

In 2010, the new means-tested minimum income was implemented by all Austrian provinces. The policy sought to replace the provincial standard benefit rates with a national minimum income threshold and for the job centres to serve as an accessible entry point for claimants. Using qualitative and quantitative data from a study conducted between 2010 and 2012, this paper analyses the implementation of the policy in two provinces, Styria and Upper Austria with a focus on discretion. It is shown that discretion has not been curtailed by the introduction of a national framework, by the provincial legislation nor by managerial reforms.