bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Drug Exposure on Development
Authors: Bazinet Alissa D. , Squeglia Lindsay , Riley Edward , Tapert Susan F.
Published: December 2014

Exposure to alcohol or other drugs during the prenatal or adolescent stage of life is associated with harmful consequences to cognition, behavior, or brain structure and function of the developing child or adolescent. Resulting impairment, when it exists, can be subtle to severe depending on several moderating factors, such as dose, timing, and frequency of exposure, polysubstance exposure, environmental influences, and genetic predispositions. This chapter reviews the relevant literature to date on the neurodevelopmental effects of prenatal alcohol/drug exposure and adolescent substance use. Neuropsychological, neurobehavioral, and neuroimaging studies utilizing a variety of methodological designs are included to illustrate the wide-ranging impact of early substance exposure on subsequent developmental changes across childhood, adolescence, and young-adulthood.
Evaluation
Authors: Passonneau Rebecca J. , Mani Inderjeet
Published: December 2014

This chapter introduces a conceptual framework for the evaluation of natural language processing systems. It characterizes evaluation in terms of four dimensions: intrinsic versus extrinsic evaluation, stand-alone systems versus components, manual versus automated methods, and laboratory versus real-world conditions. A comparative overview of evaluation methods in major areas of NLP is provided, covering distinct applications such as information extraction, machine translation, automatic summarization, and natural language generation. The discussion of these applications emphasizes commonalities across evaluation methods. Next, evaluation of particular component technologies is discussed, addressing coreference, word sense disambiguation and semantic role labelling, and finally referring-expression generation. The chapter concludes with a brief assessment of the status of evaluation in NLP.
The Economics of Violent Conflict and War in Africa
Authors: Hoeffler Anke
Published: December 2014

During the past 50 years Africa has experienced high levels of violent conflict. Historically, African wars have not led to state formation but have been destructive in character. Resulting weak states have found it difficult to deter rebellions. Since the end of the Cold War the number of conflicts has declined worldwide but Africa has not followed the global trend. Predictions suggest that African conflict levels will remain high. This chapter examines the commonly cited causes of violent conflict, such as historical, geographic, demographic and economic factors. One conclusion is that there is no evidence for an African exceptionalism: the global models explain the African experience; there is no need for an Africa-specific model.
The Causes and Consequences of Terrorism in Africa
Authors: Elu Juliet U. , Price Gregory N.
Published: December 2014

African countries have experienced relatively high levels of terrorism. Terrorism has been linked to the theory of deprivation, but the extent to which terrorism is an economic good can be explained using a rational choice model of economic agents. Terrorism is also possibly motivated largely by existential other-worldly goals. If terrorism reflects a solution to a problem with identifiable costs and benefits that accord with the behavior assumed in economic theory, then it may be possible to contain terrorism by altering those costs and benefits. Terrorism as a manifestation of conflict could be a historically persistent phenomena with roots in the past. This chapter examines the causes and consequences of terrorism in Africa, and considers the extent to which existing evidence rationalizes the various explanations for it, and its implications for counterterrorism policy in Africa.
The Theory of the Firm in the African Context
Authors: Malikane Christopher
Published: December 2014

African firms operate in an extremely challenging business environment. They face domestic markets that are shallow and their capacity to expand into export markets is limited. Their poor performance limits them from accessing credit. They are trapped in a vicious cycle of stagnation. This chapter argues that excessive under-utilization of capacity in African firms can be significantly reduced through improvements in the supply of indirect inputs by governments. Given the endogeneity of total factor productivity, this strategy would lower costs, improve profit margins, increase capacity to extend trade credit, and provide a sound platform to launch into the export market. Through this dynamic process, African firms can get out of the current low-level equilibrium trap, earn foreign exchange, and provide a natural hedge for themselves against currency fluctuations. However, governments should address the infrastructure problems that afflict the African continent.
Hume’s History of England
Authors: Siebert Donald T.
Published: December 2014

This chapter argues for the History of England’s importance in Hume’s overall achievement. The chapter describes the History’s genesis, reception, methods, and aims. In the role of historian, Hume shared with the ancients the assumption that history is an elevated genre functioning as the “Mistress of Wisdom.” Yet this long work is more notable for historiographical innovation. Like William Robertson and Edward Gibbon, Hume wrote conjectural or philosophical history. Like Machiavelli, Voltaire, and Montesquieu, Hume wrote civil or cultural history, including detailed information on political events, law, commerce, and manners. In a larger sense, the History demonstrates a great philosopher leaving his study (or “closet”) to deal with that practical, sometimes intractable world outside the study. A priori reasoning is tested against that a posteriori reality provided by historical evidence. Thus, in writing the History, Hume became an empiricist in an almost literal sense.
Emerging Adults and Work
Authors: Dietrich Julia , Salmela-Aro Katariina
Published: December 2014

The transition from education to work is a key developmental task of emerging adulthood. In this chapter, the authors approach this transition from an engagement perspective, presenting a model of phase-adequate engagement that links career development, developmental regulation, and identity development theories in the context of the education-to-work transition. Taking a phase-adequate engagement perspective, they then review the literature on emerging adults’ transition from education to work and the role of interpersonal contexts. The authors conclude with suggestions for future research, emphasizing that a holistic view is needed in the study of emerging adults’ engagement, one taking more into account the structural, institutional, and cultural contexts that emerging adults are exposed to when transitioning from education to work.
Maturing and Aging Together
Authors: Scharf Miri
Published: December 2014

Relatively little research has examined the grandparent–adult grandchild relationship, although these relationships might play a more significant role than in the past, possibly impacting grandchildren’s development and the adjustment of both parties. This chapter reviews different theoretical perspectives related to this bond and presents the special flavor of this bond during emerging adulthood resulting from the different developmental trajectories of grandparents and grandchildren that mutually influence one another. Empirical findings demonstrating large variation both within and between families regarding frequency of contact and quality of the relations are presented, as well as various contextual and demographic variables that might mediate and moderate these variations. Finally, the importance of studying this bond, future research directions, and possible implications are discussed.
Improvisation in Contemporary Experimental Poetry
Authors: Smith Hazel
Published: December 2014

This chapter characterizes recent developments in improvisation in contemporary experimental poetry. It traces the evolution of improvised poetry from the work of classic improvisers such as David Antin, Steve Benson, and Bob Cobbing to the present day. It argues that poetic improvisation has been marginalized not only within poetic practice but also within theories of poetic performance. It traces the development of poetic improvisation as “new sonic writing” into computerized modes of improvisation, particularly algorithmic text generation. It discusses the impact of social changes, such as increased gender equality, globalization, and transnationalism, on the evolution of poetic improvisation, which has become increasingly populated by women and also more ethnically diverse. It formulates the concept of a “posthuman cosmopolitanism” with regard to computerized improvisation.
Transparency of Human Resource Policy
Authors: Mellander Erik
Published: December 2014

Public human resource policies are motivated by market failures that prevent equal access to education and training and lead to too low investments in skills. The market failures also limit the supply of information about human resources—and, thus, transparency. At the same time, the dynamics of learning impose strong requirements on information, for planning and evaluation purposes. Five aspects of human resource policy relevant for transparency are considered: efficiency and equity, input utilization, learning outcomes, the dimensioning of education, and benefits and costs. The chapter shows that there need not be a tradeoff between equity and efficiency and argued that input use transparency should focus on the teachers. Regarding learning outcomes, needs for better information are identified in the tails of the age distribution. Suggestions for enhanced transparency concern, inter alia, improved benefit–cost analyses through better estimates of educational externalities and extended policy accountability through initial commitment to effect evaluations.
Transparency Differences at the Top of the Organization
Authors: Ruigrok Winfried , Georgakakis Dimitrios , Greve Peder
Published: December 2014

This chapter examines the opposing forces that induce or impede firms to become transparent in terms of their board of directors’ (BoD) and top management teams’ (TMT) demographic characteristics, education, and experiences. Extant literature on governance transparency often draws on a “market-pull perspective” to emphasize the market-level motives that drive organizations toward rising levels of governance transparency. In this chapter we introduce the “strategic hoarding perspective,” which emphasizes the human capital attrition factors that discourage firms to openly report information about their BoD and TMT composition. Our theory and data from 208 large listed firms in Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the Netherlands for the years 2005 and 2009 suggest that organizations’ relative transparency preferences in terms of BoD and TMT characteristics can better be explained based on a combination of market-pull and strategic hoarding perspectives. Implications and directions for further research are discussed.
Transparency and Executive Compensation
Authors: Rau Raghavendra
Published: December 2014

There are two major types of agency problems: adverse selection and moral hazard. Changing the transparency of executive compensation is one solution to reducing the two agency problems. I define transparency as any mechanism that reduces the information asymmetry between executives and investors. In this chapter, I discuss how executive compensation is structured, and discuss major regulations that have affected compensation. Finally, I examine how increasing the transparency of these schemes affects the pay level and performance relationship to the executives and how executives modify their behavior to affect transparency as a result of their pay structure.
Transparency and Disclosure in the Global Microfinance Industry
Authors: Beisland Leif Atle , Mersland Roy , Randøy Trond
Published: December 2014

Over the last couple of decades, the microfinance industry has enjoyed considerable positive public attention; however, more recently, the industry has been criticized for not really “helping the poor” and practicing low standards of transparency. In this chapter we discuss how transparency and disclosure work in relation to the key stakeholders in the microfinance industry: customers, donors, and owners. We provide a framework for assessing the demand for information: the need for transparency—and the corresponding supply of information: what is disclosed. We highlight current, or potential, market failures and their implication for public policy among customers, donors, and microbank owners.
The Case Against Physician-Assisted Suicide and Euthanasia
Authors: Byock Ira
Published: December 2014

This article examines the debate concerning physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia. More specifically, it considers whether doctors should be legally allowed to hasten a patient’s death in light of the statement of principle that they must not kill patients. It begins by discussing fundamental assumptions about the nature of society and the role of professions such as medicine before assessing the arguments of those who are in favor of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia and those who are opposed to it, with emphasis on the tension between principles and pragmatism. Arguing that the acts of physician-assisted suicide and euthanasia weaken the moral grounding and structural integrity of the medical profession in service to society, the article presents a case against such practice based on a worldview and ethical framework built on core social values and principles that doctors can adopt to alleviate the suffering of their patients without resorting to death.
Evaluation and policy learning: The learners' perspective
Authors: Borrás Susana , Højlund Steven
Published: December 2014

This article examines how evaluation induces policy learning – a question largely neglected by the scholarly literature on evaluation and policy learning. Following a learner's perspective, the article attempts to ascertain who the learners are, and what, and how, learners actually learn from evaluations. In so doing, it focuses on what different types of learners actually learn within the context of the evaluation framework (the set of administrative structures defining the evaluation goals and process). Taking the empirical case of threeEUprogramme evaluations, the patterns of policy learning emanating from them are examined. The findings are that only two types of actors involved in the evaluation are actually learning (programme units and external evaluators), that learners learn different things (programme overview, small‐scale programme adjustments, policy change and evaluation methods) and that different learners are in control of different aspects of the evaluation (learning objectives and processes) according to the evaluation framework established by theEuropeanCommission.
The construction of party membership
Authors: Gauja Anika
Published: December 2014

While the collapse of party membership in the last half‐century has consumed much of the focus of party scholarship, the notion of membership itself is surprisingly under‐theorised. This article presents a tripartite framework for understanding party membership as a constructed concept: from the perspective of the state, the individual and the political party. As organisational mediators and strategic electoral actors, political parties construct varying notions of membership in order to mobilise resources and gain legitimacy, while balancing the participatory demands of citizens with the legal and normative expectations imposed by the state. Using a number of illustrative examples fromEurope and beyond, the article analyses the development of supporters' networks and the extension of participatory opportunities to non‐members. Designed in part to address this membership decline and to offer individuals a different way of engaging with political parties, these initiatives are seen as a crucial step in the evolution of modern parties towards looser, more individualised and amorphous networks of affiliation.
Environmental regulation and technology transfers
Authors: Asano Takao , Matsushima Noriaki
Published: December 2014

This paper analyzes the situation in which a national government introduces environmental regulations. Within the framework of an international duopoly with environmental regulations, an environmental tax imposed by the government in the home country can induce a foreign firm with advanced abatement technology to license it to a domestic firm without this technology. Furthermore, when the domestic firm's production technology is less efficient than that of the foreign firm, the foreign firm may freely reveal its technology to the domestic firm. These improvements through the voluntary transfer of technology imply that environmental regulations have positive impacts on innovation.
Neuromodulation using percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation for the management of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking: A safe procedure resulting in medium‐term remission in five of seven horses
Authors: Roberts V. L. H. , Patel N. K. , Tremaine W. H.
Published: December 2014

Reasons for performing study

There are no consistently safe and effective methods for the treatment of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking in horses. In affected horses, the trigeminal nerve is sensitised, appearing to result in neuropathic pain. Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (PENS) therapy is a minimally invasive neuromodulatory treatment used in people to manage neuropathic pain.

Objectives

To determine whether PENS therapy is safe, tolerated and effective for the management of trigeminal‐mediated headshaking in horses.

Study design

Descriptive case series.

Methods

Seven horses diagnosed with trigeminal‐mediated headshaking and currently showing clinical signs were studied. All procedures were carried out in sedated horses with a needle‐prick sized area of skin desensitised with local anaesthetic to facilitate probe insertion. A disposable PENS probe was advanced subcutaneously adjacent to the nerve, rostral to the infraorbital foramen under ultrasonographic guidance. The nerve was stimulated for 25 min following a protocol of alternating frequencies and a perception threshold based on human clinical data. The probe was removed and the procedure repeated on the contralateral side. The protocol used comprised a series of 3 or 4 treatments, with treatments being repeated when signs of headshaking recurred.

Results

All horses tolerated the procedure well. Three horses developed a haematoma at the site on one occasion and 2 had increased clinical signs for up to 3 days following first treatment. Six horses demonstrated a positive response to their first treatment, returning to ridden work at the same level as prior to onset of headshaking, with 5 continuing to respond. Median remission time for first treatment was 3.8 days (range 0–8 days, n = 7), second treatment 2.5 weeks (0–8 weeks, n = 7), third treatment 15.5 weeks (0–24 weeks, n = 5) and fourth treatment 20 weeks (12–28 weeks ongoing, n = 2).

Conclusions

Percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation therapy is a safe, well tolerated, minimally invasive, repeatable management option for trigeminal‐mediated headshaking, with encouraging efficacy for amelioration of clinical signs in the short‐ to medium term.
Arabic‐Hebrew codeswitching: the case of the Druze community in Israel
Authors: Isleem Martin
Published: December 2014

The study is based on Myers‐Scotton's Matrix Language Frame model to examine codeswitching between Arabic and Hebrew, two languages that share significant morphological and syntactic structures. Particularly, this study investigates Druze online communication in the form of face‐to‐face and written talkbacks found on local websites in Israel. The findings show that Arabic sets the morphosyntactic frame of the mixed constituents, whereas Hebrew provides at least as many morphemes as does Arabic. Combined with the fact that both languages have similarities in their morphological and syntactic structures, this may indicate that Myers‐Scotton's model falls short in its sociolinguistic application to Arabic‐Hebrew codeswitching. The sociolinguistic status of the second language, Hebrew, may be far greater than its syntactical status in the Druze sociolinguistic profile.
Consensus guidelines for the use of empiric and diagnostic‐driven antifungal treatment strategies in haematological malignancy, 2014
Authors: Morrissey C. O. , Gilroy N. M. , Macesic N. , Walker P. , Ananda‐Rajah M. , May M. , Heath C. H. , Grigg A. , Bardy P. G. , Kwan J. , Kirsa S. W. , Slavin M. , Gottlieb T. , Chen S.
Published: December 2014

Invasive fungal disease (IFD) causes significant morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing allogeneic haemopoietic stem cell transplantation or chemotherapy for haematological malignancy. Much of these adverse outcomes are due to the limited ability of traditional diagnostic tests (i.e. culture and histology) to make an early and accurate diagnosis. As persistent or recurrent fevers of unknown origin (PFUO) in neutropenic patients despite broad‐spectrum antibiotics have been associated with the development of IFD, most centres have traditionally administered empiric antifungal therapy (EAFT) to patients with PFUO. However, use of an EAFT strategy has not been shown to have an overall survival benefit and is associated with excessive antifungal therapy use. As a result, the focus has shifted to developing more sensitive and specific diagnostic tests for early and more targeted antifungal treatment. These tests, including the galactomannan enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Aspergillus polymerase chain reaction (PCR), have enabled the development of diagnostic‐driven antifungal treatment (DDAT) strategies, which have been shown to be safe and feasible, reducing antifungal usage. In addition, the development of effective antifungal prophylactic strategies has changed the landscape in terms of the incidence and types of IFD that clinicians have encountered. In this review, we examine the current role of EAFT and provide up‐to‐date data on the newer diagnostic tests and algorithms available for use in EAFT and DDAT strategies, within the context of patient risk and type of antifungal prophylaxis used.
Self‐Care Status, Symptom Burden, and Reported Infections in Individuals With Lower‐Extremity Primary Lymphedema
Authors: Deng Jie , Radina Elise , Fu Mei R. , Armer Jane M. , Cormier Janice N. , Thiadens Saskia R.J. , Weiss Jan , Tuppo Catherine M. , Dietrich Mary S. , Ridner Sheila H.
Published: December 2014

Purpose

The purposes of this study were (a) to evaluate self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections among individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema; (b) to examine the differences in self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections between individuals with unilateral and those with bilateral lower‐extremity primary lymphedema; and (c) to examine the associations among self‐care status, symptom burden, and reported infections in individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema.

Design

A secondary data analysis was used. Data were collected from a cross‐sectional survey study supported by the National Lymphedema Network from March 2006 through January 2010. The surveys were available both online and in hard copy in order to increase accessibility.

Methods

Descriptive statistics were conducted and associations between variables were assessed using Mann‐Whitney tests and chi‐square tests of independence. Multiple logistic regression was used to test for associations while controlling for potentially confounding variables.

Findings

A total of 803 participants reported having lower‐extremity primary lymphedema. The majority of the participants were female (82.9%), White (74.2%), and from the United States (90.7%). Approximately two thirds of the respondents conducted some home daily lymphedema self‐care. Over half of the respondents reported experiencing symptom burden and 44.8% reported at least one episode of infection. Compared to individuals with unilateral lower‐extremity primary lymphedema, individuals with bilateral lower‐extremity lymphedema were more likely to conduct skin care (p = .004), use alternative medications (p = .005), more frequently reported symptoms (p < .05), and more likely to report at least one episode of infection (p = .002). Respondents who reported use of compression garments also were less likely to have self‐reported pain (p = .002), poor range of motion (p = .026), and numbness (p = .001). Participants who reported exercising also were less likely to have self‐reported pain (p = .003). Participants who reported at least one episode of infection also reported experiencing more symptoms (p < .001).

Conclusions

Individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema experienced substantial symptom burden and infection episodes. Significant associations were identified among self‐care, symptom burden, and reported infections.

Clinical Relevance

The findings support the need for clinicians to educate patients with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema regarding the importance of self‐care, symptom management, and infection control. It is critically important for clinicians to evaluate symptom burden and reduce infections in individuals with lower‐extremity primary lymphedema.
STRUCTURAL VECTOR AUTOREGRESSIONS: CHECKING IDENTIFYING LONG‐RUN RESTRICTIONS VIA HETEROSKEDASTICITY
Authors: Lütkepohl Helmut , Velinov Anton
Published: December 2014

Long‐run restrictions have been used extensively for identifying structural shocks in vector autoregressive (VAR) analysis. Such restrictions are typically just‐identifying but can be checked by utilizing changes in volatility. This paper reviews and contrasts the volatility models that have been used for this purpose. Three main approaches have been used, exogenously generated changes in the unconditional residual covariance matrix, changing volatility modelled by a Markov switching mechanism and multivariate generalized autoregressive conditional heteroskedasticity models. Using changes in volatility for checking long‐run identifying restrictions in structural VAR analysis is illustrated by reconsidering models for identifying fundamental components of stock prices.
ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 expression in human temporomandibular joint discs with internal derangement, correlates with degeneration
Authors: Leonardi Rosalia , Crimi Salvatore , Almeida Luis Eduardo , Pannone Giuseppe , Musumeci Giuseppe , Castorina Sergio , Rusu Mugurel Constantin , Loreto Carla
Published: December 2014

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) internal derangement (ID) is one of the most common form of temporomandibular disorders. There is evidence showing the increased expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) in the cells from degenerated TMJ disc. ADAMTS are a large family of metalloproteases which are responsible for proteoglycans degradation. The present study aimed to evaluate ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 immunohistochemical expression in human TMJ discs from patients affected by ID, and to find out if there is any correlation with the degree of histopathological changes. Eighteen temporomandibular displaced disc specimens and sixteen TMJ disc control were used for the present study. Specimens were immunohistochemically processed and ADAMTS‐4 and ADAMTS‐5 expression were obtained respectively for the anterior (AB), intermediate (IB) and posterior (PB) bands and compared to the histopathological degeneration score (HDS). Immunoreactivity for ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5, was observed in both not degenerated and degenerated human TMJ discs. Both the percentage of ADAMTS‐4 and ‐5 immunostained cells (ES) and the intensity of staining (IS) were significantly greater in affected specimens compared with those in control discs. The ADAMTS‐5 ES and IS of the 3 bands of the disc correlated to the TMJ disc HDS (0.001 < P < 0.05), on the other hand only AB and IB, ADAMTS‐4 immunostaining scores correlated to HDS. According to these findings it can be assumed in that the more histopathological changes in the disc are detected, the higher levels of ADAMTS are produced. This in turn can lead to ECM breakdown and in turn to a more advanced disc displacement.
Relationship Between Premature Ejaculation and Chronic Prostatitis/Chronic Pelvic Pain Syndrome
Authors: Lee Jun Ho , Lee Sung Won
Published: December 2014

Introduction

Chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS) is a common etiology of premature ejaculation (PE). However, the current data are insufficient to explain this relationship and to support routine screening of men with PE.

Aims

This study aims to evaluate the relationship between PE and CP/CPPS.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted that included 8,261 men who had participated in a health examination. The Premature Ejaculation Diagnostic Tool (PEDT), the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), and the International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF) were used for assessment of symptoms. A full metabolic work-up and serum testosterone level checks were also performed. We then investigated the relationship using the Spearman correlation test, multiple linear regression, and logistic regression analyses.

Main Outcome Measures

Associations of PEDT with NIH-CPSI.

Results

The mean age was 50.4 ± 5.5 years. In total, 2,205 (24.9%) men had prostatitis-like symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥4 and perineal or ejaculatory pain), and 618 (7.0%) men had moderate to severe symptoms (NIH-CPSI pain score of ≥8). Additionally, 2,144 men (24.2%) were classified as demonstrating PE (PEDT > 10). The PEDT score was found to have a significant positive correlation with the NIH-CPSI pain domain score (correlation coefficient = 0.206; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, metabolic syndrome status, testosterone level, and IIEF score, there was no change in the positive correlation between the NIH-CPSI pain domain score and PEDT score (Beta = 0.175; P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, testosterone level, metabolic syndrome, and IIEF score, the odds ratio (OR) for PE significantly increased with the severity of pelvic pain (mild prostatitis-like symptoms, OR for PE: 1.269, 95% confidence interval: 1.113–1.447; moderate to severe symptoms, OR for PE: 2.134: 95% confidence interval: 1.782–2.557).

Conclusions

Our data showed a significant correlation between the PEDT score and the NIH-CPSI score. We suggest routine screening for CP/CPPS in men with PE and PE in men with CP/CPPS.
Targets of the Sex Inducer homeodomain proteins are required for fungal development and virulence in Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Mead Matthew E. , Stanton Brynne C. , Kruzel Emilia K. , Hull Christina M.
Published: December 2014

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, the regulation of cell types by homeodomain transcription factors is a key paradigm; however, many questions remain regarding this class of developmental regulators in other fungi. In the human fungal pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, the homeodomain transcription factors Sxi1α and Sxi2a are required for sexual development that produces infectious spores, but the molecular mechanisms by which they drive this process are unknown. To better understand homeodomain control of fungal development, we determined the targets of the Sxi2a‐Sxi1α heterodimer using whole genome expression analyses paired with in silico and in vitro binding site identification methods. We identified Sxi‐regulated genes that contained a site bound directly by the Sxi proteins that is required for full regulation in vivo. Among the targets of the Sxi2a‐Sxi1α complex were many genes known to be involved in sexual reproduction, as well as several well‐studied virulence genes. Our findings suggest that genes involved in sexual development are also important in mammalian disease. Our work advances the understanding of how homeodomain transcription factors control complex developmental events and suggests an intimate link between fungal development and virulence.
Self‐expansion and flow: The roles of challenge, skill, affect, and activation
Authors: GRAHAM JAMES M. , HARF MIKAELA R.
Published: December 2014

The self‐expansion model posits that engaging in challenging activities with one's romantic partner increases the quality of that romantic relationship. Research on flow suggests that the optimal level of challenge for such experiences is determined by the skill of the individual. In a series of 5 studies spanning experimental, survey, and experience sampling methodologies, we elaborate on the self‐expansion model to describe how activity challenge effects romantic relationship quality. The results suggest that engaging in challenging activities with one's partner results in increases in relationship quality, though this effect is dependent on the skill of the individual. Changes in affect appear to fully mediate this process. We present a theoretical model combining self‐expansion and flow theories.
Macroalgae in biofuel production
Authors: Suutari Milla , Leskinen Elina , Fagerstedt Kurt , Kuparinen Jorma , Kuuppo Pirjo , Blomster Jaanika
Published: December 2014

The conversion processes of macroalgae for biofuels can be divided into thermochemical (dry) and microbiological (wet) processes. The chemical composition of macroalgae together with the pre‐treatment method, conversion conditions, and the characteristics of the microbes involved (wet processes) determine the yield and the properties of the biofuel produced. Macroalgae are often rich in carbohydrates, and therefore well suited for biogas, biobutanol and bioethanol productions. The content of triacylglycerols (TAGs) is the best indicator for the suitability of the alga for biodiesel production. TAGs have a high conversion rate to biodiesel, high percentage of fatty acids, and they lack phosphorus, sulfur and nitrogen. Macroalgae can have high metal concentrations, which can have an impact on conversion processes: metals may inhibit or catalyse the processes. High sulfur (especially in green algae) and nitrogen contents are also characteristic to macroalgae, and may be problematic in the production of biogas (NH3‐toxicity) and the use of the oil and biodiesel (high concentrations of H2S and NOx‐compounds). Macroalgae have proven to be suitable material for conversion processes, but further optimization of the processes is needed. At present, macroalgae are not economically, or in many cases not even environmentally, sustainable material when the whole production chain is considered. In this review we summarize information on the chemical composition of macroalgae in a prospect of biofuel production, and the current situation in the field of macroalgal‐based biofuel production.
Evolving Concepts of Evolution: The Case of Shame and Guilt
Authors: Folger Robert , Johnson Michael , Letwin Chaim
Published: December 2014

Evolutionary biologists often refer to a distinction between ultimate and proximate explanation. On the one hand, such a distinction points to important issues for social psychologists, especially in terms of what it means to say that people experience emotions such as guilt and shame. On the other hand, the value of the ultimate/proximate distinction depends on how it is understood because its application can be problematic. We illustrate the use and possible misuse of the distinction in terms of its application to the differentiation of the self‐conscious emotions guilt and shame.
Phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5‐kinase genes respond to phosphate deficiency for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Wada Yukika , Kusano Hiroaki , Tsuge Tomohiko , Aoyama Takashi
Published: December 2014

Plants drastically alter their root system architecture to adapt to different underground growth conditions. During phosphate (Pi) deficiency, most plants including Arabidopsis thaliana enhance the development of lateral roots and root hairs, resulting in bushy and hairy roots. To elucidate the signal pathway specific for the root hair elongation response to Pi deficiency, we investigated the expression of type‐B phosphatidylinositol phosphate 5‐kinase (PIP5K) genes, as a quantitative factor for root hair elongation in Arabidopsis. At young seedling stages, the PIP5K3 and PIP5K4 genes responded to Pi deficiency in steady‐state transcript levels via PHR1‐binding sequences (P1BSs) in their upstream regions. Both pip5k3 and pip5k4 single mutants, which exhibit short‐root‐hair phenotypes, remained responsive to Pi deficiency for root hair elongation; however the pip5k3pip5k4 double mutant exhibited shorter root hairs than the single mutants, and lost responsiveness to Pi deficiency at young seedling stages. In the tactical complementation line in which modified PIP5K3 and PIP5K4 genes with base substitutions in their P1BSs were co‐introduced into the double mutant, root hairs of young seedlings had normal lengths under Pi‐sufficient conditions, but were not responsive to Pi deficiency. From these results, we conclude that a Pi‐deficiency signal is transferred to the pathway for root hair elongation via the PIP5K genes.
Effect of delayed serum separation and storage temperature on serum glucose concentration in horse, dog, alpaca, and sturgeon
Authors: Collicutt Nancy B. , Garner Bridget , Berghaus Roy D. , Camus Melinda S. , Hart Kelsey
Published: December 2014

Background

Although delays between blood sample collection and analysis are common in veterinary medicine, the effect of prolonged serum‐clot contact time on serum glucose concentration is not well established and species differences have not been elucidated.

Objectives

The objective was to investigate the effect of storage time and temperature on serum glucose concentration in stored whole blood samples from horse, dog, alpaca, and sturgeon.

Methods

Whole blood specimens were divided into 7 no‐additive tubes and serum was separated from one sample within one hour, serving as the reference sample. The remaining samples were stored at 4°C and 25°C, then centrifuged and serum glucose measured by automated analysis at 2, 4, and 8 hours postcollection. Glucose concentrations were compared using linear mixed models.

Results

The decline in serum glucose concentration for all samples stored at 4°C was not statistically significant, except for the 8‐hour samples from sturgeon and dog. At 25°C, serum glucose concentration was comparable to reference values at 2 hours in sturgeon and alpaca, but significantly lower at 4 and 8 hours in those species, and at all time points in equine and canine specimens, being most prominent after 8 hours of storage in canine specimens.

Conclusions

Storage at 4°C limits serum glucose decline for at least 4 hours in all species tested and up to 8 hours in specimens of horse and alpaca. At 25°C, serum‐clot contact time should not exceed 1 hour in equine and canine samples, and 2 hours in specimens from alpaca and sturgeon.
Out-of-Roundness in NPS30 X70 Pipes Subjected to Concentrated Lateral Load
Authors: Ghaednia Hossein , Zohrehheydariha Jamshid , Das Sreekanta , Wang Rick , Kania Richard
Published: December 2014

Pipeline is the common mode for transporting oil, gas, and various petroleum products. Structural integrity of oil and gas transmission pipelines is often threatened by external interferences such as concentrated load, impact load, and external pressure. These external interferences can cause ‘mechanical damage’ leading to structural failure in onshore and offshore linepipes. Lateral load is applied as a concentrated load on a small area of pipe segment and can cause local buckling, bend, dent, or out-of-roundness in the pipe. As an example, a concentrated load in buried onshore linepipe can occur if a segment of the linepipe rests on a narrow rock tip or even a narrow hard surface. Such concentrated lateral load may or may not cause immediate rupture or leak in the linepipe; however, it may produce out-of-roundness with or without a dent in the pipe cross section, which can be detrimental to the structural and/or operational integrity of the pipeline. Hence, the pipeline operator becomes concerned about the performance and safety of the linepipe if a pipe section is subject to a sustained concentrated load. A research work using full-scale tests and finite element method (FEM) was undertaken at the Centre for Engineering Research in Pipelines (CERP), University of Windsor to study the influence of various internal pressures and diameter-to-thickness ratios on the out-of-roundness of 30 in diameter (NPS 30) and X70 grade pipes with D/t of 90 when subjected to a stroke-controlled concentrated load. This paper discusses the test specimens, test setup, test procedure, test results, and FEM results obtained from this study.
Approaches for Evaluating the Vulnerability of Pipelines at Water Crossings
Authors: Dooley Colin , Prestie Zachary , Ferris Gerry , Fitch Murray , Zhang Hua
Published: December 2014

Alliance Pipeline (Alliance), an integrated Canadian and U.S. high-pressure rich natural gas transmission system administers a Geohazard Management Program (GMP) which identifies, investigates, monitors and assesses sites subject to risks from geohazards. Within the pipeline industry, recent flood events have shown that pipelines with a seemingly adequate depth of cover can become exposed and fail in a single flood event. As such, it is important to understand which water crossings could result in a pipeline failure if the pipeline were to become exposed in a flood (termed vulnerability).

Two complimentary methods were developed for evaluating the vulnerability of pipelines at water crossings. The first method is a mechanistic approach that compares the maximum allowable free span length (MAFSL) of an exposed pipeline to simple geomorphic properties of the water crossing. The MAFSL was determined by calculating the strain and fatigue limits of the pipeline from hydrodynamic loading and vortex shedding. The second approach is based on a statistical regression of historical pipeline performance, hydrotechnical inspection records and actual exposure rates to calculate a probabilistic estimate of pipeline vulnerability.

Utilizing the developed approaches, the vulnerabilities were combined with probability of exposure values to provide an improved risk estimation of the water crossings. Further analysis shows the calculated likelihood of failure at the water crossings has no correlation to the depth of cover (DOC). This suggests that the designation of an arbitrary DOC requirement at water crossings is incongruous with risk management principles. Instead, the DOC at water crossings should be maintained at a safe level based on the specific hydraulic and geomorphic characteristics of the site.
Development of In-Service Weld Repair Method for L555 (X80)-Grade Pipeline
Authors: Yano Yoshiaki , Oguchi Noritake , Katsuki Makoto , Mayumi Toshiyuki , Ohtani Yasuhiro
Published: December 2014

This paper deals with the development of the overlay weld repair method and the weld sleeve repair method applicable to L555 (X80) pipeline. Mechanical properties of the repaired pipes were investigated and finally proper welding materials and conditions were determined which could ensure hardness limit, required strength and toughness for in-service weld repair methods. Applicability of the in-service repair methods was validated and it was consequently confirmed that the weld repair methods will be able to apply to the repair of operating or pressurized pipeline ensuring the integrity of pipeline.
Mass Production of X-80 Plate for Bovanenkovo–Ukhta (Yamal-Europe) Gas Pipeline in Russia
Authors: Ebihara Kiyoshi , Sakamoto Shinya , Hara Takuya , Mamada Nobuhiko , Adachi Toshihiko
Published: December 2014

This paper describes metallurgical design concept and mass production result of heavy plates for Bovanenkovo-Ukhta (Yamal-Europe) Gas Pipeline project.

The metallurgical design concept was taken as (1) a dual phase microstructure consisting of fine dispersed ferrite and bainite for high strength and high toughness, (2) control of accelerated cooling stop temperature for achieving high yield strength (YS).

In the mass production, the narrow range of strength and elongation and excellent low temperature toughness was achieved (CVN energy at −40°C, and DWTT shear area at −20°C).
Limit States Design for Onshore Pipelines: Design Rules for Operating Pressure and Equipment Impact Loads
Authors: Nessim Maher A. , Adianto Riski H.
Published: December 2014

Reliability-based design rules have been developed for the key ultimate limit states applicable to onshore pipeline, including burst under operating pressure and failure due to equipment impact. The design rules are characterized by three elements; the formulas used to calculate the characteristic demand and capacity; the criteria used to define the characteristic values of the key input parameters to these formulas (such as diameter, material strength, pressure and impact load); and the safety factors defining the required excess capacity over the demand.

The overall methodology used in developing the design rules and the practical implications of applying them are described in a companion paper. This paper describes the process used to calibrate safety factors and characteristic input parameter values that meet the desired reliability levels. The final design rules are described in the paper and an assessment of their accuracy and consistency in meeting the reliability targets is included.
The Role, Limitations, and Value of Hydrotesting vs In-Line Inspection in Pipeline Integrity Management
Authors: Johnson Joshua , Nannay Steve
Published: December 2014

In-Line Inspection has become the first choice for integrity assessment for most pipeline operators. The data generated from modern ILI tools allows operators a comprehensive assessment of the condition of their pipelines so they can plan out integrity actions based on the condition of the line. In-line inspection vendors continue to upgrade their tools and provide new services to pipeline operators to enhance integrity management programs. The data provided by these tools is relied upon by operators, regulators, and the public to be correct and complete and in most instances it is, but when near critical features are missed or data is used improperly, the results can be catastrophic.

Hydrostatic testing has fallen out of favor with many pipeline operators due to the operational headaches, costs, difficult logistics, and lack of data generated during a hydrotest to conduct future integrity work. However, in light of a number of high profile accidents on pipelines that failed after an ILI run was performed, it may be time to reassess the role that hydrostatic testing plays in modern pipeline integrity management programs.

This paper will explore failures and other case histories that have occurred on lines regulated by PHMSA where ILI results alone have failed to provide all of the necessary information to maintain pipeline integrity and how hydrostatic testing may provide value to integrity management programs. Limitations and misconceptions of ILI and hydrostatic testing will be discussed, particularly for seam defects and similar types of defects. Based on these analyses and observations, the roles of hydrostatic testing and ILI tools in a successful integrity management plan will be discussed along with flaw growth rates, predicted failure pressure calculations, re-inspection intervals, and other elements of successful integrity management programs.