bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of Barriers to Knowledge Sharing in the Jordanian Hospitality Industry
Authors: Al Hawamdeh Nayel , Al-edenat Malek
Published: June 2019

As well as to examine the differences in attitude of respondents in regard to their demographic characteristic, the purpose of this research is to identify the main barriers to Knowledge Sharing (KS) within the Jordanian hospitality industry; a quantitative approach has been adopted in order to achieve these research objectives, the data being collected via the questionnaire. The sample of this research consisted of 273 managers and employees within ten top hotels in Jordan and the researcher implemented the Statistical Analysis Package (SPSS) so as to analyse the data, the descriptive statistics, mathematical averages, and standard deviations being used to identify the main barriers of KS within the Jordanian hospitality industry. The T-test and One-way ANOVA test were additionally used to examine the hypotheses, the study showcasing that individual and organisational barriers were the main barriers to KS within the Jordanian hospitality industry; meanwhile, technology and knowledge nature were not considered as barriers to KS. The results additionally indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the responses of the sample members at the level of α≤0.05 on the barriers to sharing knowledge from the employees at hospitality industry attributed to the following variables: gender; job; age; years of experiences; qualifications.
Automatic Test Set Generation for Event-Driven Systems in the Absence of Specifications Combining Testing with Model Inference
Authors: Novella Luigi , Tufo Manuela , Fiengo Giovanni
Published: June 2019

The growing dependency of human activities on software technologies is leading to the need for designing more and more accurate testing techniques to ensure the quality and reliability of software components. A recent literature review of software testing methodologies reveals that several new approaches, which differ in the way test inputs are generated to efficiently explore systems behaviour, have been proposed. This paper is concerned with the challenge of automatically generating test input sets for Event-Driven Systems (EDS) for which neither source code nor specifications are available, therefore we propose an innovative fully automatic testing with model learning technique. It basically involves active learning to automatically infer a behavioural model of the System Under Test (SUT) using tests as queries, generates further tests based on the learned model to systematically explore unseen parts of the subject system, and makes use of passive learning to refine the current model hypothesis as soon as an inconsistency is found with the observed behaviour. Our passive learning algorithm uses the basic steps of Evidence-Driven State Merging (EDSM) and introduces an effective heuristic for choosing the pair of states to merge to obtain the target machine. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed testing technique is demonstrated within the context of event-based functional testing of Android Graphical User Interface (GUI) applications and compared with that of existing baseline approaches.
Green Criminology e prevenção à danos ambientais em áreas protegidas na Amazônia
Authors: Flores Cíntia Rosina , Konrad Odorico , Flores Josmar Almeida
Published: June 2019

A era dos extremos foi palco de debates sobre preservação ambiental. As áreas protegidas emergiram nesse cenário como um instrumento protetivo, objetivando resguardar os recursos naturais e o modo de vida das populações tradicionais em uma área geográfica específica. Contudo a simples existência das unidades de conservação não impediram que condutas ilícitas ocasionassem danos a tais espaços. O estudo objetivou a proposição de parâmetros preventivos para controle de infrações ambientais em áreas protegidas análogas, através da identificação do perfil genérico desses espaços protegidos, caracterização das infrações ambientais, e, da identificação dos parâmetros de prevenção à infrações ambientais. A pesquisa possui natureza descritiva, quanto aos seus objetivos, e, documental em relação aos procedimentos metodológicos utilizados, abrangendo cinco Unidades de Conservação federais do Município Amazônico de Guajará-Mirim. O estudo evidenciou que: a irregularidade dos aspectos fundiários constitui fator de conflitos em três áreas analisadas, influenciando diretamente nas pressões e ameaças das unidades de conservação; não há demarcação dos limites físicos nos espaços territoriais especialmente protegidos da amostra; 60% da amostra possui emergências ambientais, totalizando 15.586 hectares de queimadas e 281 hectares de desmatamento; há insuficiência de recursos humanos, pois a gestão das unidades de conservação é realizada em 80% da amostra por uma única pessoa, responsáveis por realizar as ações críticas de proteção e prevenção de atividades ilegais na área protegida; foram lavrados 21 autos de infrações ambientais, motivados por ações planejadas, denúncias e planos de fiscalização estabelecidos; nos registros pesquisados, inexiste autos de infração em três das cinco unidades de conservação da amostra, predominando ilícitos relacionados à fauna; e, quanto a autoria, o gênero masculino predominou em 81% dos registros. Verificou-se três parâmetros de prevenção à infrações ambientais: ações de fiscalização ao capital natural em áreas protegidas; regularização fundiária, enquanto instrumento de justiça ambiental; e educação ambiental enquanto modo de percepção da infração ambiental através da compreensão situacional. Concluiu-se que somente a implantação das unidades de conservação não legitima a preservação ambiental. Prevenção a danos ambientais são e serão, sempre, a forma mais eficaz de controlar os impactos negativos ao ambiente.
Active information maintenance in working memory by a sensory cortex
Authors: Zhang Xiaoxing , Yan Wenjun , Wang Wenliang , Fan Hongmei , Hou Ruiqing , Chen Yulei , Chen Zhaoqin , Ge Chaofan , Duan Shumin , Compte Albert , Li Chengyu T
Published: June 2019

Working memory is a critical brain function for maintaining and manipulating information over delay periods of seconds. It is debated whether delay-period neural activity in sensory regions is important for the active maintenance of information during the delay period. Here, we tackle this question by examining the anterior piriform cortex (APC), an olfactory sensory cortex, in head-fixed mice performing several olfactory working memory tasks. Active information maintenance is necessary in these tasks, especially in a dual-task paradigm in which mice are required to perform another distracting task while actively maintaining information during the delay period. Optogenetic suppression of neuronal activity in APC during the delay period impaired performance in all the tasks. Furthermore, electrophysiological recordings revealed that APC neuronal populations encoded odor information in the delay period even with an intervening distracting task. Thus, delay activity in APC is important for active information maintenance in olfactory working memory.
Glycosylphosphatidylinositol biosynthesis and remodeling are required for neural tube closure, heart development, and cranial neural crest cell survival
Authors: Lukacs Marshall , Roberts Tia , Chatuverdi Praneet , Stottmann Rolf W
Published: June 2019

Glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors attach nearly 150 proteins to the cell membrane. Patients with pathogenic variants in GPI biosynthesis genes develop diverse phenotypes including seizures, dysmorphic facial features and cleft palate through an unknown mechanism. We identified a novel mouse mutant (cleft lip/palate, edema and exencephaly; Clpex) with a hypo-morphic mutation in Post-Glycophosphatidylinositol Attachment to Proteins-2 (Pgap2), a component of the GPI biosynthesis pathway. The Clpex mutation decreases surface GPI expression. Surprisingly, Pgap2 showed tissue-specific expression with enrichment in the brain and face. We found the Clpex phenotype is due to apoptosis of neural crest cells (NCCs) and the cranial neuroepithelium. We showed folinic acid supplementation in utero can partially rescue the cleft lip phenotype. Finally, we generated a novel mouse model of NCC-specific total GPI deficiency. These mutants developed median cleft lip and palate demonstrating a previously undocumented cell autonomous role for GPI biosynthesis in NCC development.
Improved CUT&RUN chromatin profiling tools
Authors: Meers Michael P , Bryson Terri D , Henikoff Jorja G , Henikoff Steven
Published: June 2019

Previously, we described a novel alternative to chromatin immunoprecipitation, CUT&RUN, in which unfixed permeabilized cells are incubated with antibody, followed by binding of a protein A-Micrococcal Nuclease (pA/MNase) fusion protein (Skene and Henikoff, 2017). Here we introduce three enhancements to CUT&RUN: A hybrid protein A-Protein G-MNase construct that expands antibody compatibility and simplifies purification, a modified digestion protocol that inhibits premature release of the nuclease-bound complex, and a calibration strategy based on carry-over of E. coli DNA introduced with the fusion protein. These new features, coupled with the previously described low-cost, high efficiency, high reproducibility and high-throughput capability of CUT&RUN make it the method of choice for routine epigenomic profiling.
Molecular mechanisms of human P2X3 receptor channel activation and modulation by divalent cation bound ATP
Authors: Li Mufeng , Wang Yao , Banerjee Rahul , Marinelli Fabrizio , Silberberg Shai , Faraldo-Gómez José D , Hattori Motoyuki , Swartz Kenton Jon
Published: June 2019

P2X3 receptor channels expressed in sensory neurons are activated by extracellular ATP and serve important roles in nociception and sensory hypersensitization, making them attractive therapeutic targets. Although several P2X3 structures are known, it is unclear how physiologically abundant Ca2+-ATP and Mg2+-ATP activate the receptor, or how divalent cations regulate channel function. We used structural, computational and functional approaches to show that a crucial acidic chamber near the nucleotide-binding pocket in human P2X3 receptors accommodates divalent ions in two distinct modes in the absence and presence of nucleotide. The unusual engagement between the receptor, divalent ion and the γ-phosphate of ATP enables channel activation by ATP-divalent complex, cooperatively stabilizes the nucleotide on the receptor to slow ATP unbinding and recovery from desensitization, a key mechanism for limiting channel activity. These findings reveal how P2X3 receptors recognize and are activated by divalent-bound ATP, aiding future physiological investigations and drug development.
An elusive electron shuttle from a facultative anaerobe
Authors: Mevers Emily , Su Lin , Pishchany Gleb , Baruch Moshe , Cornejo Jose , Hobert Elissa , Dimise Eric , Ajo-Franklin Caroline M , Clardy Jon
Published: June 2019

Some anaerobic bacteria use insoluble minerals as terminal electron acceptors and discovering the ways in which electrons move through the membrane barrier to the exterior acceptor forms an active field of research with implications for both bacterial physiology and bioenergy. A previous study suggested that Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 utilizes a small, polar, redox active molecule that serves as an electron shuttle between the bacteria and insoluble acceptors, but the shuttle itself has never been identified. Through isolation and synthesis, we identify it as ACNQ (2-amino-3-carboxy-1,4-naphthoquinone), a soluble analog of menaquinone. ACNQ is derived from DHNA (1,4-dihydroxy-2-naphthoic acid) in a non-enzymatic process that frustrated genetic approaches to identify the shuttle. Both ACNQ and DHNA restore reduction of AQDS under anaerobic growth in menaquinone-deficient mutants. Bioelectrochemistry analyses reveal that ACNQ (−0.32 VAg/AgCl) contributes to the extracellular electron transfer (EET) as an electron shuttle, without altering menaquinone generation or EET related cytochrome c expression.
OMT for the Prevention and Management of Chronic Constipation and Distal Intestinal Obstructive Syndrome in Cystic Fibrosis: A Pilot Study
Authors: Modlin Sara E. , Borofka Kristian , Franzini Danielle , Klene-Bowns Alaina C. , Nuño Victor A.
Published: June 2019

Context

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disorder primarily affecting the lungs and digestive system. Patients with CF often have multiorgan dysfunction, including chronic lung infections, pancreatic insufficiency, chronic constipation, and distal intestinal obstructive syndrome (DIOS).

Objective

To understand the impact of osteopathic manipulative treatment (OMT) on the prevention and management of gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with CF.

Methods

This study used OMT for physical manipulation of the viscera, spine, and other somatic components to improve bowel symptoms and prevent DIOS. These effects were achieved by releasing myofascial restrictions found in the abdomen and somatic structures with the intent to optimize the autonomic and lymphatic systems and improve range of motion.

Results

Four of 5 participants had a decrease in pain, and 3 participants had a reduced need for laxatives during treatment. Four participants had an overall increase in satisfaction with their bowel movements while being treated with OMT.

Conclusion

These findings support the use of OMT as a method for the management of chronic constipation and DIOS in the CF population. However, because of the small population size, more research with larger populations is needed.
Discrepancies in school staff’s awareness of bullying
Authors: Eriksen Ingunn Marie , Huang Lihong
Published: June 2019

Bullying is a severe problem for school students in many education systems. We know that the role of principals and teachers is vital for detecting and following up on bullying, and for implementing appropriate measures. Staff awareness of bullying in schools is commonly reported to be far lower than students’ own reports, but this is rarely studied from a comparative perspective. This study assesses reported bullying from the perspectives of students, teachers and principals in schools in Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden. We examine the association between the school administration’s awareness of bullying among their pupils, student reports of bullying, and the information and measures put in place at schools in each country. We use comparative analyses of the International Civic and Citizen-ship Education Study (ICCS 2016) data from Denmark, Finland, Norway and Sweden (students, N = 18,962; teachers, N = 6,119; school principals, N = 630). The prevalence of students’ reports of bullying are similar across the four countries, but we find large discrepancies in the prevalence of bullying re-ported by students, teachers and principals. Whereas Norwegian schools are most active in employing measures to inform and raise awareness about bullying for staff, parents and students, Finnish teachers and principals were observed to be far more aware of their students’ bullying than their Nordic counter-parts.
Expression of osteopontin, matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 proteins in vascular instability in brain arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Anbarasen Lalita , Lim Jasmine , Rajandram Retnagowri , Mun Kein Seong , Sia Sheau Fung
Published: June 2019

Background

Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 and -9 are Osteopontin (OPN) dependent molecules implicated in the destabilization of blood vessels. OPN and MMPs have been studied in brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) patients’ tissues and blood samples before intervention. In this study, we compared the serum level of these markers before and after treatment, as well as assessed their protein expressions in BAVM tissues to evaluate their roles in this disease.

Methodology

Serum samples from six BAVM patients and three control subjects were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay (ELISA) for OPN. A total of 10 BAVM patients and five control subjects were analyzed using Multiplex ELISA for MMPs. A total of 16 BAVM tissue samples and two normal brain tissue samples were analyzed using immunohistochemistry.

Result

MMP-2 and -9 were significantly higher in the serum of BAVM patients before and after treatment than in control patients. There were no significant differences of OPN and MMP-9 serum level in BAVM patients before and after treatment. MMP-2 showed a significant elevation after the treatment. Expression of OPN, MMP-2 and -9 proteins were seen in endothelial cells, perivascular cells and brain parenchyma of BAVM tissues.

Conclusion

Findings revealed that the level of MMP-2 and -9 in the serum correlated well with the expression in BAVM tissues in several cases. Knockdown studies will be required to determine the relationships and mechanisms of action of these markers in the near future. In addition, studies will be required to investigate the expression of these markers’ potential applications as primary medical therapy targets for BAVM patients.
Effect of Seed Treatments and Containers on Chilli and Brinjal Seed Viability
Authors: Kumar Sunil , Singh Suryapal , Jakhar S. S.
Published: June 2019

An experiment was conducted to investigate the influence of fungicides and packaging materials on longevity of chilli (variety: RCH-1) and brinjal (variety: Hisar Shyamal) seeds. The seeds were treated with 15 fungicides and were kept in three containers viz. Metal box, Cloth bag and Plastic zipling bag up to 12 months under ambient conditions in seed pathology laboratory of Department of Seed Science & Technology, CCSHAU, Hisar, India. The samples were drawn at quarterly intervals for ascertaining the seed quality parameters. The seeds treated with flusilazole and carbendazim (2 g kg-1 seed) in case of chilli and brinjal and stored in metal-box were found better for maintenance of higher seed quality parameters [electrical conductivity and dehydrogenase activity] during the study period. The study suggested that use of appropriate packaging material and seed treatment could be useful to prolong the storage life of chilli and brinjal seeds.
The Effect of Delayed Scanning of Photostimulable Phosphor Plates on Inter-proximal Caries Detection
Authors: Tavakoli Ehsan , Sabet Jale Shafiei , Entezarghaem Mahjube , Nadaf Fatemeh , Rad Elahe Shafiei
Published: June 2019

Objectives: The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different scan delays and different kVps on the diagnostic accuracy of inter-proximal caries detection in photostimulable phosphor plates (PSPs).

Materials and Methods: 45 non-cavitated extracted human posterior teeth were radiographed using the DIGORA® PSPs (Soredex Corporation, Helsinki, Finland). The plates were exposed at 60 kVp and 70 kVp were scanned immediately, 10 min, 30 min, 1h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h after exposure. In between the exposure and the scan period, the plates were stored in light-tight boxes. The true presence of caries was determined by sectioning the teeth mesiodistally. The accuracy was expressed as the area under ROC curve (AZ). The AZs were compared using SPSS version17 software and repeated measurement test. Kappa was used to measure inter and intra observer agreement.

Results: There was no significant difference between caries detection AZs of the images that were scanned immediately and within 30 min after exposure at 60 kVp and 70 kVp (P >0.05). The immediately scanned AZ at 60 kVp was significantly higher than the AZs with 6 h, 24 h and 48 h scan delays (P <0.05). the immediately scanned AZ at 70Kvp was significantly higher than the AZs of 1 h, 6 h, 24 h and 48 h (P <0.05).

Conclusions: PSP scanning should not be delayed higher than 30 min in order to have an accurate proximal caries detection. Longer delays may cause loss of quality of images.
Obesity, genomic ancestry, and socioeconomic variables in Latin American mestizos
Authors: Ruderman Anahí , Pérez Luis O. , Adhikari Kaustubh , Navarro Pablo , Ramallo Virginia , Gallo Carla , Poletti Giovanni , Bedoya Gabriel , Bortolini Maria C. , Acuña‐Alonzo Victor , Canizales‐Quinteros Samuel , Rothhammer Francisco , Ruiz‐Linares Andres , González‐José Rolando
Published: June 2019

Objectives

This article aims to assess the contribution of genomic ancestry and socioeconomic status to obesity in a sample of admixed Latin Americans.

Methods

The study comprised 6776 adult volunteers from Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Mexico, and Peru. Each volunteer completed a questionnaire about socioeconomic variables. Anthropometric variables such as weight, height, waist, and hip circumference were measured to calculate body indices: body mass index, waist‐to‐hip ratio and waist‐to‐height ratio (WHtR). Genetic data were extracted from blood samples, and ancestry was estimated using chip genotypes. Multiple linear regression was used to evaluate the relationship between the indices and ancestry, educational level, and economic well‐being. The body indices were dichotomized to obesity indices by using appropriate thresholds. Odds ratios were calculated for each obesity index.

Results

The sample showed high percentages of obesity by all measurements. However, indices did not overlap consistently when classifying obesity. WHtR resulted in the highest prevalence of obesity. Overall, women with low education level and men with high economic wellness were more likely to be obese. American ancestry was statistically associated with obesity indices, although to a lesser extent than socioeconomic variables.

Conclusions

The proportion of obesity was heavily dependent on the index and the population. Genomic ancestry has a significant influence on the anthropometric measurements, especially on central adiposity. As a whole, we detected a large interpopulation variation that suggests that better approaches to overweight and obesity phenotypes are needed in order to obtain more precise reference values.
Intentional cranial modification from the Houtaomuga Site in Jilin, China: Earliest evidence and longest in situ practice during the Neolithic Age
Authors: Zhang Qun , Liu Peng , Yeh Hui‐Yuan , Man Xingyu , Wang Lixin , Zhu Hong , Wang Qian , Zhang Quanchao
Published: June 2019

Objectives

Intentional cranial modification (ICM) was a long‐established tradition used to reshape the head. Unfortunately, motivation of the act is unclear. It has been found in recent and contemporary human populations throughout the Old and New Worlds, yet the drawback of the quest into the origin, diffusion, and meanings of ICM is the lack of early materials for scientific examination. This study reports the discovery of ICM from the Neolithic Houtaomuga Site in Northeast China and the importance in deepening our knowledge of this intriguing tradition.

Materials and methods

Twenty‐five skeletons unearthed from the Neolithic cultural Phases 1–4 in the Houtaomuga Site were visually screened for ICM features. Cranial measurements were conducted to quantify the degree of variation in the modified skulls and typical ones were computer tomography (CT) scanned to obtain a diploë structure and 3D model.

Results

Eleven skulls carrying signs of ICM from both sexes varying in age from juveniles to full adults were identified ranging from 12,000 BP to 5,000 BP. Three types of modification patterns were observed and most of them were of typical fronto‐occipital modification pattern. In particular, there were remarkable variations in the curvature of the crania along the sagittal direction.

Discussion

Overall, the antiquity as well as the cultural and genetic continuity of the population in Houtaomuga Site demonstrated the earliest confirmed ICM cases from the easternmost Old World, and the longest in situ duration of ICM practice at one single Neolithic site. This circumstance largely contributes to our understanding of the origins and distribution of ICM in Eurasia and the American continent.
Carbon Molecular Sieve Membrane Preparation by Economical Coating and Pyrolysis of Porous Polymer Hollow Fibers
Authors: Cao Yuhe , Zhang Kuang , Sanyal Oishi , Koros William J.
Published: June 2019

Dip coating and pyrolysis processes are used to create multi‐layer asymmetric carbon molecular sieve (CMS) hollow fiber membranes with excellent gas separation properties. Coating of an economical engineered support with a high‐performance polyimide to create precursor fibers with a dense skin layer reduces material cost by 25‐fold compared to monolithic precursors or ceramic supports. CMS permeation results with CO2/CH4 (50:50) mixed gas feed show attractive CO2/CH4 selectivity of 58.8 and CO2 permeance of 310 GPU at 35 °C.
A Chemo‐Enzymatic Cascade for the Smart Detection of Nitro‐ and Halogenated Phenols
Authors: Watthaisong Pratchaya , Pongpamorn Pornkanok , Pimviriyakul Panu , Maenpuen Somchart , Ohmiya Yoshihiro , Chaiyen Pimchai
Published: June 2019

The flavin‐dependent monooxygenase, HadA, catalyzes the dehalogenation and denitration of the toxicants, nitro‐ and halogenated phenols, to benzoquinone. The HadA reaction can be applied in one‐pot reactions towards the de novo synthesis of d‐luciferin by coupling with d‐Cys condensation. d‐luciferin, a valuable chemical widely used in biomedical applications, can be used as a substrate for the reaction of firefly luciferase to generate bioluminescence. As nitro‐ and halogenated phenols are key indicators of human overexposure to pesticides and pesticide contamination, the technology provides a sensitive and convenient tool for improved biomedical and environmental detection at ppb sensitivity in biological samples without the requirement for any pre‐treatment. This dual‐pronged method combines the advantages of waste biodetoxification to produce a valuable chemical as well as a smart detection tool for environmental and biomedical detection.
Protection of Antioxidants, Vitamins E and C, from Ultraviolet Degradation using Feruloylated Vegetable Oil
Authors: Compton David L. , Evans Kervin O. , Appell Michael , Goodell John R.
Published: June 2019

Natural antioxidants are often used in topical personal care formulations to protect the skin from oxidative stresses but are susceptible to degradation due to ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Feruloyl soy glycerols (FSG) are UV absorbers synthesized from the biocatalytic conversion of soybean oil and ferulic acid ethyl ester that have a total UV absorbance and photostability comparable to the commercial UV absorber, 2‐ethylhexyl‐4‐methoxycinnamate (octinoxate, ONX). We examined the ability of FSG and ONX to photoprotect the antioxidant capacity of Vitamin E (VE), Vitamin C (VC), Vitamin E, and their derivatives, 6‐hydroxy‐2,5,7,8‐tetramethylchroman‐2‐carboxylic acid (Trolox, TLX) and L‐ascorbic acid 6‐palmitate (Vitamin C palmitate, VCP), from UV degradation. VE, VC, TLX, and VCP (100 μM solutions) acted as rapid antioxidants, scavenging >50% of the spontaneously formed free radical, 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH*, 200 μM), within 5 min in acetonitrile solutions. The vitamins and TLX were rendered slow antioxidants in the DDPH* assays, scavenging <50% of DPPH* within 30 min, after exposure of the acetonitrile solutions to UV radiation for 4 hours. VCP solutions were rendered moderate antioxidants, scavenging >50% of DPPH* within 30 min, after 4 hours exposure to UV radiation. FSG (100–1000 μM) was added to acetonitrile solutions of the vitamins and their derivatives to determine if FSG could photoprotect VE, TLX, VC, and VCP, allowing them to retain their antioxidant activities after 4 hours of UV irradiation. The addition of FSG, 500 and 1000 μM, allowed TLX and VE to retain rapid antioxidant activity after 4‐hour UV exposure. VC retained rapid antioxidant capacity with 100 μM FSG after 4 hours of UV exposure. FSG performed comparably to slightly better than the commercial UV absorber, ONX, in protecting the antioxidant activities of vitamins and their derivatives from UV degradation. FSG also possessed intrinsic antioxidant capacity that ONX did not, which may have contributed to its better performance when mixed with the vitamins and their derivatives in the DPPH* assays.
Challenges to traditional management of connected ecosystems within a fractured regulatory landscape: A case study from southern New Zealand
Authors: Hepburn Christopher D. , Jackson Anne‐Marie , Pritchard Daniel W. , Scott Nigel , Vanderburg Patricia H. , Flack Brendan
Published: June 2019

Indigenous people often manage natural environments and resources based on landscape features. Rights and management responsibilities that follow pathways of water from their source in alpine areas down and ultimately into and out to sea are common. Contemporary frameworks that seek to support management of the environment, ecosystems and resources from marine areas to alpine zones are not so connected.

The East Otago Taiāpure and Waikouaiti Mātaitai are Customary Protection Areas (CPAs) that connect from fresh water into the marine environment. These CPAs fall within the cultural landscape of Kāti Huirapa ki Puketeraki, the hapū (sub‐tribe) of Ngāi Tahu, the iwi (tribe) who holds mana whenua (authority) over East Otago. CPAs may provide a way for iwi and hapū to manage a catchment as a whole, and to allow for traditional approaches to management within a contemporary legislative framework.

Despite local successes in restoring habitat, changing legislation, gaining knowledge and building community support for change, fundamental issues remain. Members of the East Otago Taiāpure Committee reflect on the last 15 years of management and identify constraints and enablers of community‐led management across inherently connected ecosystems using a kaupapa Māori approach. A compartmentalized view of connected ecosystems, complex legislation and government‐focused processes emerge as issues that make even seemingly simple issues complicated for community managers.

If locally led management models are to work, continuity of the relationships between government agencies and the community, an understanding of the long‐term and connected view of community groups, resourcing and support beyond the issue of the day, and clear pathways to affect change are key.

For true community‐led ecosystem management to be effective, we must focus on the needs and the perspectives of the community and move away from structures designed to ease the role of government in managing natural resources and the environment.
The Maternal and Paternal Effects on Clinically and Surgically Defined Osteoarthritis
Authors: Weldingh Eirik , Johnsen Marianne Bakke , Hagen Kåre Birger , Østerås Nina , Risberg May Arna , Natvig Bård , Slatkowsky‐Christensen Barbara , Fenstad Anne Marie , Furnes Ove , Nordsletten Lars , Magnusson Karin
Published: June 2019

Objective

It is currently unknown whether osteoarthritis (OA) is inherited mainly from the mother, father, or both. This study was undertaken to explore the effect of maternal and paternal factors on hip, knee, and hand OA in offspring.

Methods

Participants from the Musculoskeletal Pain in Ullensaker Study (MUST) (69% female; mean ± SD age 64 ± 9 years) and a Norwegian OA twin study (Nor‐Twin) (56% female; 49 ± 11 years) reported whether their mother and/or father had OA. Using a recurrence risk estimation approach, we calculated whether maternal and paternal OA increased the risk of 1) surgically defined hip and knee OA (i.e., total joint replacement) and 2) clinically defined hip, knee, and hand OA (i.e., the American College of Rheumatology criteria) using logistic regression. Relative risks (RRs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were calculated.

Results

Maternal OA consistently increased the risk of offspring OA across different OA locations and severities. Having a mother with OA increased the risk of any OA in daughters (RR 1.13 [95% CI 1.02–1.25] in the MUST cohort; RR 1.44 [95% CI 1.05–1.97] in the Nor‐Twin cohort) but not (or with less certainty) in sons (RR 1.16 [95% CI 0.95–1.43] in the MUST cohort; RR 1.31 [95% CI 0.71–2.41] in the Nor‐Twin cohort). Having a father with OA was less likely to increase the risk of any OA in daughters (RR 1.00 [95% CI 0.85–1.16] in the MUST cohort; RR 1.52 [95% CI 0.94–2.46] in the Nor‐Twin cohort) and sons (RR 1.08 [95% CI 0.83–1.41] in the MUST cohort; RR 0.93 [95% CI 0.35–2.48] in the Nor‐Twin cohort).

Conclusion

OA in the mother increased the risk of surgically and clinically defined hip, knee, and hand OA in offspring, particularly in daughters. Our findings imply that heredity of OA may be linked to maternal genes and/or maternal‐specific factors such as the fetal environment.
30‐MN‐Prüfmaschine für quasistatische und zyklische Druck‐ und Zugprüfungen
Authors: Empelmann Martin , Laube Martin , Oettel Vincent , Gutsch Alex W.
Published: June 2019

Weltweit ist ein zunehmender Trend nach immer höher beanspruchten und größer dimensionierten Bauwerken zu beobachten. Des Weiteren werden zunehmend Hochleistungswerkstoffe, wie ultrahochfeste Betone oder hochfeste Stähle, eingesetzt. Um dieser Entwicklung hinsichtlich Forschung und Prüfung von Bauteilen (Stützen, Seilen etc.) mit großen, (nahezu) realmaßstäblichen Abmessungen und den damit verbundenen sehr großen Prüfkräften zu begegnen, wurde vom iBMB, Fachgebiet Massivbau der TU Braunschweig und der Materialprüfanstalt für das Bauwesen Braunschweig (MPA) eine 30‐MN‐Prüfmaschine für quasistatische und zyklische Druck‐ und Zugprüfungen geplant, konstruiert und schließlich errichtet. In diesem Beitrag werden die 30‐MN‐Prüfmaschine mit ihren Kennzahlen und ihr Funktionsprinzip sowie ihr erfolgreicher Einsatz in mehreren Forschungs‐, Prüf‐ und Kalibrierungsaufgaben dargestellt.
Using research to promote equity within education systems: Possibilities and barriers
Authors: Chapman Christopher , Ainscow Mel
Published: June 2019

This article provides an evaluative account of its authors’ involvement in three major national improvement initiatives. Set in the context of three of the countries that make up the UK, these developments were focused in particular on the promotion of educational equity. Unusually, the analysis provided compares evidence collected from an insider perspective with data generated through independent evaluations. In so doing, it considers how research and researchers can contribute to system change by using research evidence to influence policy‐makers and practitioners at all levels of the system. The article argues that this requires the coming together of different perspectives in a process of social learning and knowledge creation within particular settings. This means that researchers have to overcome a number of barriers related to social, cultural and political factors. They therefore have to develop skills in creating collaborative partnerships that span boundaries between actors who have different types of professional experience. It is argued that researchers also need to mobilise support in dealing with the pressures that this involves. The article concludes with the presentation of a strategic framework that can be used to think about how school systems can be helped to make better use of research knowledge.
ICT skills gap in Spain: Before and after a decade of harmonizing the European Higher Education Area
Authors: Llorens Garcia Ariadna , Prat Farran Joana d’Arc , Berbegal‐Mirabent Jasmina
Published: June 2019

This study examines the impact that the implementation of the European Higher Education Area has had on engineers in the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. Specifically, we focus on the case of Spain and compare the key professional skills most demanded by the sector in 2008 and in 2018, coinciding with a decade since its implementation. We also investigate if the skills acquired by students at the university are aligned with those demanded in the marketplace. Therefore, with this study we answer the following question: Are ICT students trained adequately? To do so we conduct an empirical study based on a representative sample of Spanish companies working in the ICT sector. Our results reveal the presence of a skill gap between employers’ expectations and the abilities that are actually acquired by students. Implications for policy and practice are discussed.
Successful staged tricuspid valve replacement following cardiac resynchronization therapy in a congenitally corrected transposition of the great arteries
Authors: Asagai Seiji , Takeuchi Daiji , Sugiyama Hisashi , Nagashima Mitsugi
Published: June 2019

Simple tricuspid valve surgery for complex heart disease with systemic right ventricular dysfunction is a high‐risk procedure; however, staged tricuspid valve surgery following cardiac resynchronization therapy seems to be a beneficial method to expect reverse systemic ventricular remodeling.
Thermochemistry of Surfactant‐Templating of USY Zeolite
Authors: Linares Noemi , De Oliveira Jardim Erika , Sharma Geetu , Serrano Elena , Navrotsky Alexandra , García‐Martínez Javier
Published: June 2019

With the aim of understanding the thermochemistry of the introduction of mesoporosity in zeolites by using surfactants, high temperature oxide melt solution calorimetry was used to determine the change in the enthalpy of formation of USY zeolite before and after the introduction of mesoporosity. Our results confirm that this process only slightly destabilizes the zeolite by the additional surface area. However, this can be overcome by the stabilizing effect of the interactions between the surfactant and the zeolite framework.
Optimizing parameter sensitivity analysis of large‐scale microscopy image analysis workflows with multilevel computation reuse
Authors: Barreiros Willian , Moreira Jeremias , Kurc Tahsin , Kong Jun , Melo Alba C.M.A. , Saltz Joel H. , Teodoro George
Published: June 2019

Parameter sensitivity analysis (SA) is an effective tool to gain knowledge about complex analysis applications and assess the variability in their analysis results. However, it is an expensive process as it requires the execution of the target application multiple times with a large number of different input parameter values. In this work, we propose optimizations to reduce the overall computation cost of SA in the context of analysis applications that segment high‐resolution slide tissue images, ie, images with resolutions of 100k × 100k pixels. Two cost‐cutting techniques are combined to efficiently execute SA: use of distributed hybrid systems for parallel execution and computation reuse at multiple levels of an analysis pipeline to reduce the amount of computation. These techniques were evaluated using a cancer image analysis workflow on a hybrid cluster with 256 nodes, each with an Intel Phi and a dual socket CPU. Our parallel execution method attained an efficiency of over 90% on 256 nodes. The hybrid execution on the CPU and Intel Phi improved the performance by 2×. Multilevel computation reuse led to performance gains of over 2.9×.
Not‐XOR (NXOR) Logic Gate Realized with Enzyme‐Catalyzed Reactions: Optical and Electrochemical Signal Transduction
Authors: Filipov Yaroslav , Bollella Paolo , Katz Evgeny
Published: June 2019

The studied enzyme‐based biocatalytic system mimics NXOR Boolean logic gate, which is a logical operator that corresponds to equality in Boolean algebra. It gives the functional value true (1) if both functional arguments (input signals) have the same logical value (0,0 or 1,1), and false (0) if they are different (0,1 or 1,0). The output signal producing reaction is catalyzed by pyrroloquinoline quinone‐dependent glucose dehydrogenase (PQQ‐GDH), which is inhibited at acidic and basic pH values. Two other reactions catalyzed by esterase and urease produce acetic acid and ammonium hydroxide, respectively, shifting solution pH from the optimum pH for PQQ‐GDH to acidic and basic values (1,0 and 0,1 input combinations, respectively), thus switching the enzyme activity off (output 0). When the input signals are not applied (0,0 combination) or both applied compensating each other (1,1 combination) the optimum pH is preserved, thus keeping PQQ‐GDH running at the high rate (output 1). The biocatalytic cascade mimicking the NXOR gate was characterized optically and electrochemically. In the electrochemical experiments the PQQ‐GDH enzyme communicated electronically with a conducting electrode support, thus resulting in the electrocatalytic current when signal combinations 0,0 and 1,1 were applied. The logic gate operation, when it was realized electrochemically, was also extended to the biomolecular release controlled by the gate. The release system included two electrodes, one performing the NXOR gate and another one activated for the release upon electrochemically stimulated alginate hydrogel dissolution. The studied system represents a general approach to the biocatalytic realization of the NXOR logic gate, which can be included in different catalytic cascades mimicking operation of concatenated gates in sophisticated logic circuitries.
Evolution of vertebrate spinal cord patterning
Authors: Leung Brigid , Shimeld Sebastian M.
Published: June 2019

The vertebrate spinal cord is organized across three developmental axes, anterior‐posterior (AP), dorsal‐ventral (DV), and medial‐lateral (ML). Patterning of these axes is regulated by canonical intercellular signaling pathways: the AP axis by Wnt, fibroblast growth factor, and retinoic acid (RA), the DV axis by Hedgehog, Tgfβ, and Wnt, and the ML axis where proliferation is controlled by Notch. Developmental time plays an important role in which signal does what and when. Patterning across the three axes is not independent, but linked by interactions between signaling pathway components and their transcriptional targets. Combined this builds a sophisticated organ with many different types of cell in specific AP, DV, and ML positions. Two living lineages share phylum Chordata with vertebrates, amphioxus, and tunicates, while the jawless fish such as lampreys, survive as the most basally divergent vertebrate lineage. Genes and mechanisms shared between lampreys and other vertebrates tell us what predated vertebrates, while those also shared with other chordates tell us what evolved early in chordate evolution. Between these lie vertebrate innovations: genetic and developmental changes linked to evolution of new morphology. These include gene duplications, differences in how signals are received, and new regulatory connections between signaling pathways and their target genes.
The conservation value of cacao agroforestry for bird functional diversity in tropical agricultural landscapes
Authors: Rocha Joedison , Laps Rudi Ricardo , Machado Caio Graco , Campiolo Sofia
Published: June 2019

Cacao agroforestry have been considered as biodiversity‐friendly farming practices by maintaining habitats for a high diversity of species in tropical landscapes. However, little information is available to evaluate whether this agrosystem can maintain functional diversity, given that agricultural changes can affect the functional components, but not the taxonomic one (e.g., species richness). Thus, considering functional traits improve the understanding of the agricultural impacts on biodiversity. Here, we measured functional diversity (functional richness‐FD, functional evenness‐FEve, and functional divergence‐Rao) and taxonomic diversity (species richness and Simpson index) to evaluate changes of bird diversity in cacao agroforestry in comparison with nearby mature forests (old‐growth forests) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We used data from two landscapes with constraining areas of mature forest (49% Una and 4.8% Ilhéus) and cacao agroforestry cover (6% and 82%, respectively). To remove any bias of species richness and to evaluate assembly processes (functional overdispersion or clustering), all functional indices were adjusted using null models. Our analyses considered the entire community, as well as separately for forest specialists, habitat generalists, and birds that contribute to seed dispersal (frugivores/granivores) or invertebrate removal (insectivores). Our findings showed that small cacao agroforestry in the forested landscape sustains functional diversity (FD and FEve) as diverse as nearby forests when considering the entire community, forest specialist, and habitat generalists. However, we observed declines for frugivores/granivores and insectivores (FD and Rao). These responses of bird communities differed from those observed by taxonomic diversity, suggesting that even species‐rich communities in agroforestry may capture lower functional diversity. Furthermore, communities in both landscapes showed either functional clustering or neutral processes as the main driver of functional assembly. Functional clustering may indicate that local conditions and resources were changed or lost, while neutral assemblies may reveal high functional redundancy at the landscape scale. In Ilhéus, the neutral assembly predominance suggests an effect of functional homogenization between habitats. Thus, the conservation value of cacao agroforestry to harbor species‐rich communities and ecosystem functions relies on smallholder production with reduced farm management in a forested landscape. Finally, we emphasize that seed dispersers and insectivores should be the priority conservation targets in cacao systems.
Modelling mitigation measures for smolt migration at dammed river sections
Authors: Szabo‐Meszaros Marcell , Forseth Torbjørn , Baktoft Henrik , Fjeldstad Hans‐Petter , Silva Ana T. , Gjelland Karl Øystein , Økland Finn , Uglem Ingebrigt , Alfredsen Knut
Published: June 2019

There is no generic solution to establish safe passage of downstream‐migrating fish passed hydropower facilities, and mitigation measures are species and site specific. Development of solutions is thus often based on “trial and error,” and modelling‐based approaches may significantly reduce cost and time to arrive at successful mitigation. Here, we explore such an approach by combining data on fish migration and hydraulic modelling. First, we performed a positional telemetry study at a dammed section of a Norwegian river, where 100 Atlantic salmon smolts were tagged to track their downstream movement at the vicinity of a hydropower intake channel and bypass gates. An explanatory model was developed to explore mechanisms of migration route, into the intake towards the turbines or through the bypass gates. Next, flow conditions during the smolt run was numerically modelled to explore the physical environment of the tracked smolts. The joint results from the two approaches supported the general assumption that downstream migration is strongly influenced by flow patterns and showed that fish entering the study site closer to the riverbank where the intake channel is located were more likely to enter the intake due to the strong currents towards the intake. Finally, a suite of measures to guide salmon smolts past the hydropower intake were proposed based on the findings and local conditions and tested by hydraulic modelling. We found that most of the measures that were likely candidates for field trials would most likely fail at improving safe passage, and only a rack‐type guiding boom was promising. The presented combination of telemetry migration data and hydraulic modelling illustrates the value of evaluation of mitigation measures prior to implementation.
Adaptable Overhanging Carboxylic Acid Porphyrins: Towards Molecular Assemblies through Unusual Coordination Modes
Authors: Barakat Wael , Hijazi Ismail , Roisnel Thierry , Dorcet Vincent , Boitrel Bernard , Le Gac Stéphane
Published: June 2019

A new family of strap porphyrins exhibiting out/in overhanging carboxylic acid stereoisomerism, has been synthesized and investigated for its coordination properties. Their 5,10 linkage allows a significant flexibility of the strap which exhibits various degrees of angulation relatively to the mean porphyrin plane, making the ligand adjustable to the metal it binds. Notably, in the case of Bi(III), a second sphere of coordination plays a crucial role for the side selective insertion of the large metal ion. As a result, inward and outward orientation of the overhanging carboxylic acid function can be tuned, which is of interest for supramolecular coordination assemblies.