bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why and How Combining Strong and Weak Ties within a Single InterorganizationalR&DCollaboration Outperforms Other Collaboration Structures
Authors: Michelfelder Ingo , Kratzer Jan
Published: June 2013

The purpose of this paper is to demonstrate why and how an ambidextrous interorganizationalR&Dcollaboration outperforms other collaboration structures in the creation of innovation. This research effort contributes to a growing stream of research in social network theory suggesting that the contradictory theories of the strength of weak ties and weak network structures on the one hand and the theory of strong ties and closed network structures on the other have a mutually reinforcing effect on innovation outcomes if combined rather than considered separately. An in‐depth exploratory single case study approach within an innovatively organized nationalR&Dcollaboration allowed giving further evidence for such a superior innovation performance and for this research to contribute to theory by demonstrating why and how such a combination may lead to higher innovation output and how this effect can be actively reinforced. It is suggested that the combination of strong and weak ties should occur at the individual rather than at the project or firm level. The authors distinguish between the additive effects of the respective innovation benefits of strong and weak ties, a positive interaction effect in the portfolio of dyadic ties of an individual and a second multilevel interaction effect of weak ties embedded in the ambidextrous network structure. Referring to previous empirical findings, intellectual property regulation and structural interdependency between network members showed a higher impact than trust with regard to leveraging weak ties and are important sources for achieving the multilevel interaction effect. Managerial implications of this research are that a large network will outperform several smaller, independent networks given that the right structure and processes are in place. Direct implications for the architecture of an ambidextrousR&Dcollaboration are discussed, and a framework for a new form of technologyR&Dcollaboration called “semi‐open organization” is presented, which places itself between the extremes of traditionalR&Din closed organizations and completely “open innovation” approaches.
Sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) sexual maturation and caviar quality
Authors: Lu Xiaonan , Rasco Barbara A.
Published: June 2013

Numerous studies about sturgeon reproductive physiology over the past twenty years have helped researchers to understand the relationship between how sexual maturation in female sturgeon may affect the quality and yield of caviar. Here, works about white sturgeon (Acipenser transmontanus) female reproductive physiology relating to egg harvest and roe quality are summarized.
Answering the Ethical Question
Authors: Nye Sebastian
Published: June 2013

Many philosophers have attempted to answer the ‘ethical question’: can the ethical value of an artwork ever contribute to its aesthetic value, and if so, how? In this paper, I consider a methodological question that arises out of this discussion: should attempts to address the ethical question use analytic tools found in contemporary philosophical literature, art criticism, or some combination of the two? I concur with arguments proposed elsewhere, which suggest that art criticism has an important role to play in addressing the ethical question. However, I argue that any fruitful attempt to answer the question must defend some particular way of understanding the ethical value of artworks, which suggests that we should address what I label the ‘art question’: what is the role and importance of art? This question, I suggest, is one with which philosophers can usefully engage. This division of labour offers a way forward in addressing this important issue.
Solitary (primary) uvealT‐cell lymphoma in a horse
Authors: Trope Gareth D. , McCowan Christina I. , Tyrrell Dayle , Lording Peter M. , Maggs David J.
Published: June 2013

A 22‐year‐old Australian stockhorse gelding was presented with anterior uveitis in the right eye which was nonresponsive to anti‐inflammatory therapy. Clinical examination revealed corneal edema and vascularization, marked hypopyon, and thickening of the dorsal iris, which was confirmed by ultrasonography. Hematologic and biochemical analyses, abdominal and thoracic ultrasonography, and abdominocentesis with cytologic and biochemical analysis revealed no significant abnormalities. Cytological examination of an aqueous humor sample revealed a population of predominantly large lymphoblasts with high nuclear‐to‐cytoplasmic ratio, round or irregular nuclei, clumped nuclear chromatin, multiple large prominent nucleoli, and a small volume of basophilic cytoplasm. The cytologic diagnosis was intraocular lymphoma. Biopsy of the right submandibular lymph node revealed no evidence of neoplastic invasion. Euthanasia and a complete necropsy were performed and revealed no evidence of neoplasia in any tissue other than the right eye, which had an extensive, well‐defined infiltrate of neoplastic lymphocytes expanding the ciliary body and iris, infiltrating the ciliary epithelium, and extending into the pars plana and peripheral choroid. Immunohistochemistry confirmed that neoplastic cells expressed the T‐cell markerCD3. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first description of primary, solitary uveal T‐cell lymphoma in a horse. Although apparently rare, lymphoma should be considered in horses with uveitis, even when inflammation is unilateral and in the absence of extraocular signs of neoplasia. Aqueocentesis and cytological examination provided an antemortem diagnosis in this case and should be considered as a diagnostic tool for investigation of uveal thickening and hypopyon.
Iron status in infants with alloimmune haemolytic disease in the first three months of life
Authors: Rath M. E. A. , Smits‐Wintjens V. E. H. J. , Oepkes D. , Walther F. J. , Lopriore E.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Ferritin levels are often highly elevated at birth in neonates with alloimmune haemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). Data on ferritin levels in these infants in the first 3 months of life are lacking. Objective of this study was to examine the course of iron status and incidence of iron deficiency and overload in neonates with alloimmune HDFN up to 3 months of age. Secondary objective was to analyse bilirubin levels, liver enzymes and red‐blood‐cell indices in the same time period and the association with intrauterine transfusion (IUT).

Materials and Methods

Observational study of neonates with alloimmune HDFN admitted to our centre between November 2010 and March 2012. Data on iron status, bilirubin levels, liver enzymes and red‐blood‐cell indices up to 3 months of age were routinely collected and compared between neonates treated with and without IUT.

Results

Thirty‐five infants with alloimmune HDFN were included. Iron overload occurred in 70% of neonates at birth and in 50% and 18% at the age of 1 and 3 months, respectively. No cases of iron deficiency at birth and only one case of iron deficiency at 3 months of age were found. No infants received iron therapy. Infants who received IUT had a significantly lower haemoglobin level and reticulocyte count and higher ferritin level at birth.

Conclusion

The vast majority of neonates with alloimmune HDFN have iron overload at birth. Incidence of iron overload gradually decreases within the first 3 months without iron supplementation.
Allergic transfusion reactions to platelets are more commonly associated with prepooled than apheresis components
Authors: Xiao W. , Tormey C. A. , Capetillo A. , Maitta R. W.
Published: June 2013

Background and Objectives

Transfusions of pooled or apheresis platelets are seen as equally effective in increasing platelet counts with similar rates of transfusion reactions. It has been suggested that allergic transfusion reactions (ATRs) to platelets are associated with recipient and donor factors. In this study, we assessed differences in ATR rates among individuals who received platelet components at two academic medical centres.

Materials and Methods

A total of 45 189 leukoreduced platelet products were transfused during the study period of which 31 748 were apheresis units and 13 441 were pooled units.

Results

Transfusion reactions were reported in 0·6% (277 of 45 189) of platelet transfusions. The reaction rate was significantly higher in pooled (102 of 13 441) than in apheresis (175 of 31 748) (0·76% vs. 0·55%, respectively, P = 0·01) components. However, an analysis of reactions by categories indicated that only the ATR rate was significantly higher in pooled (55 of 13 441) products as compared with apheresis (76 of 31 748) (0·41% vs. 0·24%, respectively, P = 0·0029) platelets. Moreover, there was no difference in the rate of ABO mismatch between pooled and apheresis products.

Conclusion

Our data indicate that pooled platelet components are associated with higher ATR rates than apheresis platelets, suggesting that these components may not be completely equivalent from the standpoint of adverse events. Further investigation is needed to address whether differences in ATRs are related to the pooling process or the extent of donor antigen exposure.
MICRONODULAR ULTRASOUND LESIONS IN THE COLONIC SUBMUCOSA OF 42 DOGS AND 14 CATS
Authors: Citi Simonetta , Chimenti Tommaso , Marchetti Veronica , Millanta Francesca , Mannucci Tommaso
Published: June 2013

Micronodular ultrasound lesions have been detected in the colonic submucosa of dogs and cats at our hospital. The lesions had rounded/oval shapes, measured 1–3 mm in size, and exhibited a hypo/anechoic ultrasonographic pattern. To our knowledge, these lesions have not been previously reported in human or veterinary patients. The purpose of this retrospective study was to determine whether micronodular lesions were associated with other abdominal ultrasound abnormalities or clinical findings. Medical records of dogs and cats with sonographic reports describing micronodular lesions within the colonic submucosa were reviewed. Concurrent ultrasonographic abnormalities were recorded and compared with clinical sidgns and follow‐up data. A total of 42 dogs and 14 cats met inclusion criteria. Concurrent sonographic abnormalities included the following: increased colon wall thickness (12.5%); small bowel wall thickening, altered layering, and/or hyperechoic mucosa (45%); abdominal effusion (29%); caudal mesenteric lymphadenopathy (46%); mesenteric lymphadenopathy (27%); and pericolic peritoneal fat reactivity (9%). Fifty of 56 animals presented with diarrhea. Twenty‐seven cases had clinical signs of colitis and ultrasonographic lesions were limited to the colonic submucosa. In nine cases, follow‐up examination at 6–8 weeks showed resolution of clinical and ultrasonographic signs. Ultrasonographic and clinical examinations in 17 patients at 12–18 months and in 20 patients at 18–30 months from initial diagnosis showed resolution of submucosal lesions and clinical signs of enteropathy. The authors propose that micronodular submucosal ultrasound lesions may represent reactive intraparietal lymphoid follicles and may be indicators of colonic inflammatory diseases in dogs and cats.
Observability and Distinguishability Properties and Stability of Arbitrarily Fast Switched Systems
Authors: Jasim Najah F.
Published: June 2013

This paper addresses sufficient conditions for asymptotic stability of classes of nonlinear switched systems with external disturbances and arbitrarily fast switching signals. It is shown that asymptotic stability of such systems can be guaranteed if each subsystem satisfies certain variants of observability or 0-distinguishability properties. In view of this result, further extensions of LaSalle stability theorem to nonlinear switched systems with arbitrary switching can be obtained based on these properties. Moreover, the main theorems of this paper provide useful tools for achieving asymptotic stability of dynamic systems undergoing Zeno switching.
Investigating Ecosystems as a Blended Learning Experience
Authors: Pedaste Margus , de Jong Ton , Sarapuu Tago , Piksööt Jaanika , van Joolingen Wouter R. , Giemza Adam
Published: June 2013

The SCY ECO mission, an IBI prize–winning module, fosters inquiry learning, collaboration, and design for ecology following a blended learning approach.
Transcription Under Torsion
Authors: Ma Jie , Bai Lu , Wang Michelle D.
Published: June 2013

Keeping Transcription Going

In cells, the DNA double-stranded helix (dsDNA) is mostly supercoiled—either under- or overwound. RNA polymerase (RNAP) must transcribe though this supercoiled DNA. Furthermore, the act of transcription, which involves opening the double helix and threading the separated strands through the enzyme, generates supercoiling ahead and behind the polymerase.

Ma
et al.

(p.
1580
) used single-molecule methods to measure the upstream and downstream torque forces of
Escherichia coli
RNAP. The upstream torque was sufficient to disrupt dsDNA structure, and the stalled RNAP could also backtrack along the DNA. Release of the torsional stress allowed RNAP to resume transcription in vitro.
Continuous Permeability Measurements Record Healing Inside the Wenchuan Earthquake Fault Zone
Authors: Xue Lian , Li Hai-Bing , Brodsky Emily E. , Xu Zhi-Qing , Kano Yasuyuki , Wang Huan , Mori James J. , Si Jia-Liang , Pei Jun-Ling , Zhang Wei , Yang Guang , Sun Zhi-Ming , Huang Yao
Published: June 2013

Water at the Bottom of a Well

Earthquakes generate numerous fractures as they propagate through an underground fault zone. These fractures strongly influence the way in which fluids flow in the subsurface, and the permeability of fault zones is often used as a proxy for the extent of fracturing. Following the 2008
M
w
7.9 Wenchuan earthquake in central China, several wells were drilled in and around the fault zone to understand the mechanics of the earthquake. Because the bottoms of these deep boreholes were open, the water levels in the wells were sensitive to tidal forces acting on the surrounding rock. Through continuous measurements of water levels over 1.5 years,

Xue
et al.

(p.
1555
) found that the rate at which water was pumped in and out of the borehole was proportional to the permeability of the fault zone, providing a direct way to measure the evolution of the hydrologic properties of a fault zone following a major earthquake. Permeability decreased ∼25% during that time, suggesting that fractures generated in fault zones heal relatively rapidly.
Some Like It Hot, Some Not
Authors: Belnap Jayne
Published: June 2013

The microorganism composition of dryland soils depends on regional climate.

[Also see Report by

Garcia-Pichel
et al.

]
Chimeric Embryos May Soon Get Their Day in the Sun
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: June 2013

Japan took a step last week toward lifting a ban on experiments that could pave the way for the use of human-pig chimeric embryos in generating human organs for transplantation.
Genetic Distribution of Noncapsular Meningococcal Group B Vaccine Antigens in Neisseria lactamica
Authors: Lucidarme Jay , Gilchrist Stefanie , Newbold Lynne S. , Gray Stephen J. , Kaczmarski Edward B. , Richardson Lynne , Bennett Julia S. , Maiden Martin C. J. , Findlow Jamie , Borrow Ray
Published: June 2013

The poor immunogenicity of the meningococcal serogroup B (MenB) capsule has led to the development of vaccines targeting subcapsular antigens, in particular the immunodominant and diverse outer membrane porin, PorA. These vaccines are largely strain specific; however, they offer limited protection against the diverse MenB-associated diseases observed in many industrialized nations. To broaden the scope of its protection, the multicomponent vaccine (4CMenB) incorporates a PorA-containing outer membrane vesicle (OMV) alongside relatively conserved recombinant protein components, including factor H-binding protein (fHbp),
Neisseria
adhesin A (NadA), and neisserial heparin-binding antigen (NHBA). The expression of PorA is unique to meningococci (
Neisseria meningitidis
); however, many subcapsular antigens are shared with nonpathogenic members of the genus
Neisseria
that also inhabit the nasopharynx. These organisms may elicit cross-protective immunity against meningococci and/or occupy a niche that might otherwise accommodate pathogens. The potential for 4CMenB responses to impact such species (and vice versa) was investigated by determining the genetic distribution of the primary 4CMenB antigens among diverse members of the common childhood commensal,
Neisseria lactamica
. All the isolates possessed
nhba
but were devoid of
fhbp
and
nadA
. The
nhba
alleles were mainly distinct from but closely related to those observed among a representative panel of invasive MenB isolates from the same broad geographic region. We made similar findings for the immunogenic typing antigen, FetA, which constitutes a major part of the 4CMenB OMV. Thus, 4CMenB vaccine responses may impact or be impacted by nasopharyngeal carriage of commensal neisseriae. This highlights an area for further research and surveillance should the vaccine be routinely implemented.
Role of Antilipopolysaccharide Antibodies in Serum Bactericidal Activity against Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium in Healthy Adults and Children in the United States
Authors: Trebicka Estela , Jacob Susan , Pirzai Waheed , Hurley Bryan P. , Cherayil Bobby J.
Published: June 2013

Recent observations from Africa have rekindled interest in the role of serum bactericidal antibodies in protecting against systemic infection withSalmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium. To determine whether the findings are applicable to other populations, we analyzed serum samples collected from healthy individuals in the United States. We found that all but 1 of the 49 adult samples tested had robust bactericidal activity againstS. Typhimurium in a standardin vitroassay. The activity was dependent on complement and could be reproduced by immunoglobulin G (IgG) purified from the sera. The bactericidal activity was inhibited by competition with soluble lipopolysaccharide (LPS) fromS. Typhimurium but not fromEscherichia coli, consistent with recognition of a determinant in the O-antigen polysaccharide. Sera from healthy children aged 10 to 48 months also had bactericidal activity, although it was significantly less than in the adults, correlating with lower levels of LPS-specific IgM and IgG. The lone sample in our collection that lacked bactericidal activity was able to inhibit killing ofS. Typhimurium by the other sera. The inhibition correlated with the presence of an LPS-specific IgM and was associated with decreased complement deposition on the bacterial surface. Our results indicate that healthy individuals can have circulating antibodies to LPS that either mediate or inhibit killing ofS. Typhimurium. The findings contrast with the observations from Africa, which linked bactericidal activity to antibodies against anS. Typhimurium outer membrane protein and correlated the presence of inhibitory anti-LPS antibodies with human immunodeficiency virus infection.
Evaluation of a New Automated Homogeneous PCR Assay, GenomEra C. difficile, for Rapid Detection of Toxigenic Clostridium difficile in Fecal Specimens
Authors: Hirvonen Jari J. , Mentula Silja , Kaukoranta Suvi-Sirkku
Published: June 2013

We evaluated a new automated homogeneous PCR assay to detect toxigenic
Clostridium difficile
, the GenomEra
C. difficile
assay (Abacus Diagnostica, Finland), with 310 diarrheal stool specimens and with a collection of 33 known clostridial and nonclostridial isolates. Results were compared with toxigenic culture results, with discrepancies being resolved by the GeneXpert
C. difficile
PCR assay (Cepheid). Among the 80 toxigenic culture-positive or GeneXpert
C. difficile
assay-positive fecal specimens, 79 were also positive with the GenomEra
C. difficile
assay. Additionally, one specimen was positive with the GenomEra assay but negative with the confirmatory methods. Thus, the sensitivity and specificity were 98.8% and 99.6%, respectively. With the culture collection, no false-positive or -negative results were observed. The analytical sensitivity of the GenomEra
C. difficile
assay was approximately 5 CFU per PCR test. The short hands-on (<5 min for 1 to 4 samples) and total turnaround (<1 h) times, together with the high positive and negative predictive values (98.8% and 99.6%, respectively), make the GenomEra
C. difficile
assay an excellent option for toxigenic
C. difficile
detection in fecal specimens.
New Rapid Scheme for Distinguishing the Subspecies of the Mycobacterium abscessus Group and Identifying Mycobacterium massiliense Isolates with Inducible Clarithromycin Resistance
Authors: Shallom Shamira J. , Gardina Paul J. , Myers Timothy G. , Sebastian Yinong , Conville Patricia , Calhoun Leslie B. , Tettelin Hervé , Olivier Kenneth N. , Uzel Gulbu , Sampaio Elizabeth P. , Holland Steven M. , Zelazny Adrian M.
Published: June 2013

Mycobacterium abscessus
(
M. abscessus
sensu lato, or the
M. abscessus
group) comprises three closely related taxa whose taxonomic statuses are under revision, i.e.,
M. abscessus
sensu stricto,
Mycobacterium bolletii
, and
Mycobacterium massiliense
. We describe here a simple, robust, and cost-effective PCR-based method for distinguishing among
M. abscessus
,
M. massiliense
, and
M. bolletii
. Based on the
M. abscessus
ATCC 19977
T
genome, regions that discriminated between
M. abscessus
and
M. massiliense
were identified through array-based comparative genomic hybridization. A typing scheme using PCR primers designed for four of these locations was applied to 46 well-characterized clinical isolates comprising 29
M. abscessus
, 15
M. massiliense
, and 2
M. bolletii
isolates previously identified by multitarget sequencing. Interestingly, 2 isolates unequivocally identified as
M. massiliense
were shown to have a full-length
erm
(41) gene instead of the expected gene deletion and showed inducible clarithromycin resistance after 14 days. We propose using this PCR-based typing scheme combined with
erm
(41) PCR for straightforward identification of
M. abscessus
,
M. massiliense
, and
M. bolletii
and the assessment of inducible clarithromycin resistance. This method can be easily integrated into a routine workflow to provide subspecies-level identification within 24 h after isolation of the
M. abscessus
group.
Complex Reassortment of Multiple Subtypes of Avian Influenza Viruses in Domestic Ducks at the Dongting Lake Region of China
Authors: Deng Guohua , Tan Dan , Shi Jianzhong , Cui Pengfei , Jiang Yongping , Liu Liling , Tian Guobin , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Li Chengjun , Chen Hualan
Published: June 2013

To gain insight into the ecology of avian influenza viruses (AIV), we conducted active influenza virus surveillance in domestic ducks on farms located on the flyway of migratory birds in the Dongting Lake region of Hunan Province, China, from winter 2011 until spring 2012. Specimens comprising 3,030 duck swab samples and 1,010 environmental samples were collected from 101 duck farms. We isolated AIV of various HA subtypes, including H3, H4, H5, H6, H9, H10, H11, and H12. We sequenced the entire coding sequences of the genomes of 28 representative isolates constituting 13 specific subtypes. When the phylogenetic relationships among these isolates were examined, we observed that extensive reassortment events had occurred. Among the 28 Dongting Lake viruses, 21 genotypes involving the six internal genes were identified. Furthermore, we identified viruses or viral genes introduced from other countries, viral gene segments of unknown origin, and a novel HA/NA combination. Our findings emphasize the importance of farmed domestic ducks in the Dongting Lake region to the genesis and evolution of AIV and highlight the need for continued surveillance of domestic ducks in this region.
A Cholesterol Tag at the N Terminus of the Relatively Broad-Spectrum Fusion Inhibitory Peptide Targets an Earlier Stage of Fusion Glycoprotein Activation and Increases the Peptide's Antiviral Potency
In Vivo
Authors: Li Chuan-Gen , Tang Wang , Chi Xiao-Jing , Dong Zhi-Ming , Wang Xi-Xi , Wang Xiao-Jia
Published: June 2013

In previous work, we designed peptides that showed potent inhibition of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) infections in chicken embryos. In this study, we demonstrate that peptides modified with cholesterol or 3 U of polyethylene glycol (PEG
3
) conjugated to the peptides' N termini showed even more promising antiviral activities when tested in animal models. Both cholesterol- and cholesterol-PEG
3
-tagged peptides were able to protect chicken embryos from infection with different serotypes of NDV and IBV when administered 12 h prior to virus inoculation. In comparison, the untagged peptides required intervention closer to the time of viral inoculation to achieve a similar level of protection. Intramuscular injection of cholesterol-tagged peptide at 1.6 mg/kg 1 day before virus infection and then three times at 3-day intervals after viral inoculation protected 70% of the chickens from NDV infection. We further demonstrate that the cholesterol-tagged peptide has an
in vivo
half-life greater than that of untagged peptides. It also has the potential to cross the blood-brain barrier to enter the avian central nervous system (CNS). Finally, we show that the cholesterol-tagged peptide could play a role before the viral fusion peptide's insertion into the host cell and thereby target an earlier stage of fusion glycoprotein activation. Our findings are of importance for the further development of antivirals with broad-spectrum protective effects.
Latent HIV-1 Can Be Reactivated by Cellular Superinfection in a Tat-Dependent Manner, Which Can Lead to the Emergence of Multidrug-Resistant Recombinant Viruses
Authors: Donahue Daniel A. , Bastarache Sophie M. , Sloan Richard D. , Wainberg Mark A.
Published: June 2013

The HIV-1 latent reservoir represents an important source of genetic diversity that could contribute to viral evolution and multidrug resistance following latent virus reactivation. This could occur by superinfection of a latently infected cell. We asked whether latent viruses might be reactivated when their host cells are superinfected, and if so, whether they could contribute to the generation of recombinant viruses. Using populations of latently infected Jurkat cells, we found that latent viruses were efficiently reactivated upon superinfection. Pathways leading to latent virus reactivation via superinfection might include gp120-CD4/CXCR4-induced signaling, modulation of the cellular environment by Nef, and/or the activity of Tat produced upon superinfection. Using a range of antiviral compounds and genetic approaches, we show that gp120 and Nef are not required for latent virus reactivation by superinfection, but this process depends on production of functional Tat by the superinfecting virus. In a primary cell model of latency in unstimulated CD4 T cells, superinfection also led to latent virus reactivation. Drug-resistant latent viruses were also reactivated following superinfection in Jurkat cells and were able to undergo recombination with the superinfecting virus. Under drug-selective pressure, this generated multidrug-resistant recombinants that were identified by unique restriction digestion band patterns and by population-level sequencing. During conditions of poor drug adherence, treatment interruption or treatment failure, or in drug-impermeable sanctuary sites, reactivation of latent viruses by superinfection or other means could provide for the emergence or spread of replicatively fit viruses in the face of strong selective pressures.
Theoretical study on thermochemical parameters and IR spectra of chlorinated isomers of nitrobenzene
Authors: Altarawneh Ibrahem , Altarawneh Mohammednoor , Rawadieh Saleh
Published: June 2013

Thermochemical and geometrical parameters and internal rotation barriers of all chlorinated nitrobenzene isomers were calculated with the G3MP2B3 composite method. Standard entropies, standard Gibbs free energies of formation, standard enthalpies of formation, and heat capacities were calculated and compared with their corresponding available experimental data. Our calculated enthalpy values agree well with the corresponding experimental data. The temperature dependence of entropy and heat capacity has been analysed. All isomers with ortho-chlorine substituents were found to be less stable than other corresponding isomers. Rotational barriers and distortions of the benzene rings were incorporated in the calculations of values for entropy and heat capacity. The IR spectra were calculated and found to be in reasonable agreement with the experimental spectra.
Effects of planting density and site quality on mean tree size and total stand growth of Eucalyptus globulus plantations
Authors: Forrester David I. , Wiedemann John C. , Forrester Robert I. , Baker Thomas G.
Published: June 2013

The choice of planting density is a primary silvicultural decision in plantation management which considers the trade-off between individual tree size and total stand production, affecting the type, quantity and quality of products throughout the rotation. Trends in size and production with planting density are generally well known, however, less so is the interacting effect of site quality. Consequently, a case study in which basal area and basal area growth of Eucalyptus globulus Labill. plantations on five site qualities (122–435 m3·ha−1) planted at six densities (625 trees·ha−1, 4 m × 4 m; 833 trees·ha−1, 3 m × 4 m; 1000 trees·ha−1, 4 m × 2.5 m; 1250 trees·ha−1, 4 m × 2 m; 1667 trees·ha−1, 3 m × 2 m; and 2000 trees·ha−1, 3 m × 1.75 m) were used to investigate this interaction. As expected, both mean tree diameter of the whole stand and the basal area of the largest diameter 200 trees·ha−1 (D200 trees) were higher at lower planting densities, whereas whole stand basal area was greater at higher planting densities. However, there were no significant (P > 0.32) interactions between planting density and site quality for D200 or stand basal area, which contrasts with thinning responses in similar stands. This simplifies management considerations and suggests that trials at a given site quality may provide useful information about responses to planting density at other site qualities for the studied species.
The GacS-regulated sigma factor RpoS governs production of several factors involved in biocontrol activity of the rhizobacterium Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6
Authors: Oh Sang A. , Kim Ji Soo , Han Song Hee , Park Ju Yeon , Dimkpa Christian , Edlund Chet , Anderson Anne J. , Kim Young Cheol
Published: June 2013

Pseudomonas chlororaphis O6 possesses many beneficial traits involved in biocontrol of plant diseases. In this paper, we examined the effect of a mutation in rpoS encoding a stress-related alternative sigma factor to better understand the regulation of these traits. Biochemical studies indicated that production of acyl homoserine lactones was altered and phenazine was increased in the P. chlororaphis O6 rpoS mutant. The rpoS mutation reduced hydrogen cyanide levels, but the rpoS mutant still displayed a level of in vitro antifungal activity against Fusarium graminearum and Alternaria alternata. Tomato root colonization by the rpoS mutant was lower than that by the wild type at 5, 7, and 13 days after inoculation. The rpoS mutant was less effective than the wild type in induction of systemic resistance to two foliar pathogens after root inoculation of the tomato plants. Our findings demonstrate that the stationary-phase sigma factor RpoS regulates production of several key factors involved in the biocontrol potential of P. chlororaphis O6, some independently of the global regulator GacS.
A SMOOTHING PENALIZED SAMPLE AVERAGE APPROXIMATION METHOD FOR STOCHASTIC PROGRAMS WITH SECOND-ORDER STOCHASTIC DOMINANCE CONSTRAINTS
Authors: SUN HAILIN , XU HUIFU , WANG YONG
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we propose a smoothing penalized sample average approximation (SAA) method for solving a stochastic minimization problem with second-order dominance constraints. The basic idea is to use sample average to approximate the expected values of the underlying random functions and then reformulate the discretized problem as an ordinary nonlinear programming problem with finite number of constraints. An exact penalty function method is proposed to deal with the latter and an elementary smoothing technique is used to tackle the nonsmoothness of the plus function and the exact penalty function. We investigate the convergence of the optimal value obtained from solving the smoothed penalized sample average approximation problem as sample size increases and show that with probability approaching to one at exponential rate with the increase of sample size the optimal value converges to its true counterpart. Some preliminary numerical results are reported.
A PROGRESSIVE EQUILIBRATION ALGORITHM FOR GENERAL MARKET EQUILIBRIUM PROBLEMS UNDER CONSTRAINTS
Authors: QIAN GANG , HE HONGJIN , HAN DEREN
Published: June 2013

This paper considers the general Spatial Price Equilibrium (SPE) problem under constraints of supply-guarantee at demand markets and, in the meantime, protecting the scarce resources at supply markets. We first formulate the equilibrium problem as a variational inequality (VI) problem with partially unknown mapping. Then, we propose a progressive equilibration algorithm for solving the problem under consideration. The global convergence of the proposed method is proved under suitable assumptions. Some preliminary numerical results demonstrate the reliability of the proposed algorithm.
ON THE GENERALIZED MIRRORED SCHEME FOR DOUBLE ROUND ROBIN TOURNAMENTS IN SPORTS SCHEDULING
Authors: ZENG LISHUN , MIZUNO SHINJI
Published: June 2013

In this paper we propose the generalized mirrored scheme for scheduling double round robin tournaments (DRRTs), a common topic in sports scheduling, to deal with the conflicting constraints of breaks and separation. In practice, usually a small number of breaks and a large separation are desirable, but typical methods of scheduling DRRTs cannot obtain both a minimum number of breaks and a positive separation. We firstly consider DRRTs by this scheme with a separation of two slots and a minimum number of breaks. In case the number of teams is a multiple of four, we show that such DRRTs could be generated by a constructive method; we also propose a model and find such DRRTs for any other numbers of teams up to 90. Secondly, we consider those with a separation of more than two. We show that if a minimum number of breaks is required, DRRTs with a separation of any number of slots could be obtained by a constructive method, for some large number of teams; otherwise, a tradeoff for a large separation at the cost of only four additional breaks exists for any number of teams.
AN APPLICATION OF A DISCRETE FIXED POINT THEOREM TO A GAME IN EXPANSIVE FORM
Authors: KAWASAKI HIDEFUMI , KIRA AKIFUMI , KIRA SHINPEI
Published: June 2013

In this paper, we first present a discrete fixed point theorem for contraction mappings from the product set of integer intervals into itself, which is an extension of Robert's discrete fixed point theorem. Next, we derive an existence theorem of a pure-strategy Nash equilibrium for a noncooperative n-person game from our fixed point theorem. Finally, we show that Kuhn's theorem for a game in expansive form can be explained by our existence theorem.
AN EFFICIENT POST PROCESSING ALGORITHM FOR ONLINE HANDWRITING GURMUKHI CHARACTER RECOGNITION USING SET THEORY
Authors: KUMAR RAVINDER , SHARMA RAJENDRA KUMAR
Published: June 2013

In this paper, a post processor for accuracy of character recognition of real-time online Gurmukhi script has been developed. Our analysis is based on dataset consisting of 184 samples of each 45 characters of Gurmukhi script collected from four different categories of writers. Based on this extensive study, we propose an efficient algorithm for online handwritten Gurmukhi character recognition that achieves promising recognition accuracy of 95.6% for single character stroke sequencing. Beside character recognition the contribution in this paper is summarized in two folds as (i) the proposed scheme resolves stroke sequencing, (ii) overwritten strokes are identified and resolved. Moreover, for every stroke, complexity of adding new stroke for Gurmukhi character formation has been computed to be O(n).
ARBITRARY l-WAVE SOLUTIONS OF THE SCHRÖDINGER EQUATION FOR THE SCREEN COULOMB POTENTIAL
Authors: DONG SHISHAN , SUN GUO-HUA , DONG SHI-HAI
Published: June 2013

Using improved approximate schemes for centrifugal term and the singular factor 1/r appearing in potential itself, we solve the Schrödinger equation with the screen Coulomb potential for arbitrary angular momentum state l. The bound state energy levels are obtained. A closed form of normalization constant of the wave functions is also found. The numerical results show that our results are in good agreement with those obtained by other methods. The key issue is how to treat two singular points in this quantum system.
HOW FAR AND HOW FAST CAN ONE MOVE ON NEUTRAL NETWORK?
Authors: DU CHENGHANG , CHEN HAO , ZHAO YUNJIE , ZENG CHEN
Published: June 2013

A central theme in systems biology is to reveal the intricate relationship between structure and dynamics of many complex biological networks. Using Boolean models that describe yeast cell cycle process, we developed a unique logic-based theoretical framework to quantitatively determine the structure-dynamics mapping, also known as genotype–phenotype mapping. Moreover, under the dominant inhibition condition, we used a superposition property to show rigorously that the neutral network — the network of all possible structures that encode the same dynamics and are connected via single interaction mutations — forms one giant connected and conductive component. This may help shed light on the evolution landscape of biological networks based on the distance and speed a network can evolve on this neutral network.
MOLECULAR SIMULATION OF α-TOCOPHEROL PASSING ACROSS DPPC LIPID USING POTENTIAL OF MEAN FORCE AND ACCELERATED MOLECULAR DYNAMICS METHOD
Authors: MENG FANCUI
Published: June 2013

In this paper the process of α-tocopherol (TCP) passing across DPPC membrane was simulated using both the potential of mean force (PMF) and the accelerated molecular dynamics (aMD) methods, respectively. Energy properties, hydrogen bonds and orientation have been compared between these two methods and several conclusions have been obtained. The results indicate that TCP tends to stay at z = 1.2 nm of lipid bilayer. The binding free energy profiles of these two methods are alike. All these show that aMD could obtain comparable results as PMF method, while needs less computation time and resources. Therefore, aMD method could be used as an alternative method for prediction of transport properties of drug-lipid system.
AN EXAMINATION OF THE COMPETITIVE ATTITUDES OF ENTREPRENEURS: IMPLICATIONS FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL ORIENTATION AT THE INDIVIDUAL LEVEL
Authors: ANDRÉ RAE
Published: June 2013

This study examined the competitive attitudes of entrepreneurs using the psychological theory of hyper-competitiveness versus personal development competitiveness in data from a cross-section of small business entrepreneurs. Results suggest most entrepreneurs view themselves, and their cohort, as personal development (e. g., growth oriented) competitors rather than as hypercompetitors (e. g., dominant individuals). The analysis suggests that, when applied at the individual level, the entrepreneurial orientation dimension of competitive aggressiveness should be reconceptualized to include not only hyper-competitiveness but also personal development competitiveness. Implications for the theories of entrepreneurial gender, affective engagement, interactional competitiveness and self-actualization are discussed.
SOCIAL VALUE CREATION: A QUALITATIVE STUDY OF INDIAN SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS
Authors: SUNDARAMURTHY CHAMU , MUSTEEN MARTINA , RANDEL AMY E.
Published: June 2013

Social entrepreneurship is emerging as an important field of study within business disciplines. There is significant social entrepreneurship activity in emerging economies but little systematic research of the phenomenon in this context. The purpose of this study is to generate a deeper understanding of how social value is created in India (one of the largest emerging economies). Using a multiple historical case study design and systematic coding techniques, we uncover distinct types of social entrepreneurship activities in India and identify intriguing common, conceptual themes across types. These insights pointedly illustrate how social entrepreneurs successfully blend social and economic imperatives of social entrepreneurship. Based on our findings, we present four testable propositions.
Syntheses and characterization of a series of asymmetric porphyrins containing an 8-ethoxycarbonyl-1-naphthyl group
Authors: Xu Gaohui , Jiang Jiaxun , Hu Chuanjiang
Published: June 2013

Using aldehydes with different substituents of the aryl groups, we have synthesized a series of asymmetric porphyrins containing an 8-ethoxycarbonyl-1-naphthyl group by one-pot reactions. Our studies suggest the steric property of substituents is the major factor to affect the reaction yields, the steric hindrance is unfavorable for such reaction. Compared with those para-substituted species, NMR studies of 2,6-substituted species show upfield shifts for their NH and ethyl protons, downfield shifts for their pyrrole protons, which is probably due to the decrease of porphyrin ring current. Three of them have been characterized by X-ray crystallography. Structures show that the ester group is hanging over the porphyrin plane, compound 3 and 4 have much different core conformations from compound 2, which is probably due to the π–π interactions in the solid state.
The synthesis of sugar-decorated hydrophilic porphyrins
Authors: Wyrębek Przemysław , Osuch-Kwiatkowska Anna , Pakulski Zbigniew , Jarosz Sławomir , Ostrowski Stanisław
Published: June 2013

The synthesis of porphyrins conjugated with sugar moieties is described. meso-Aminophenyl-substituted and β-amino-substituted porphyrin derivatives reacted with benzyl protected glucuronic acid leading to gluco-conjugated hybrids, which after reductive deprotection of OH groups ( H2, 10% Pd/C ) gave the desired target products of increased hydrophilicity. Alternatively, this type of similar conjugates were obtained through SNAr reaction of meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin with aminomethyl sacharides. The substitution took place selectively in para-position of meso-perfluorophenyl rings, thus giving rise to one, two, or three times substituted products carrying N-linked glucoside residues.
FLUORESCENCE ENHANCEMENT FROM SELF-ASSEMBLED AGGREGATES II: FACTORS INFLUENCING FLORESCENCE COLOR FROM AZOBENZENE AGGREGATES
Authors: HAN MINA
Published: June 2013

We have chosen two types of azobenzene derivatives to elucidate the correlation between molecular structure and fluorescence color of light-driven azobenzene-based aggregates. The fluorescence color from azobenzene molecules (1 and 2), adopting a planar structure, was obviously red-shifted from that of the corresponding twisted ortho-alkylated azobenzene 3. The steric hindrance resulting from bulky alkyl groups at the ortho position of the azo linkage was considered to lessen the intermolecular π – π stacking between aromatic rings, leading to the relatively smaller spectral shift in fluorescence from the absorption band of the initial azobenzene solution. The substitution of electron-withdrawing groups into the azobenzene core gave rise to a blue-shift in fluorescence wavelength. That is, the extended π-conjugated system consisting of a planar azobenzene core as well as the electronic properties of the substituents are key factors influencing the fluorescence color from the light-driven azobenzene aggregates. Moreover, we could prepare fluorescent polymer films by mixing fluorescent azobenzene aggregates with polymers. The fluorescence colors from the polymer films were comparable to those from the azobenzene aggregates.
Lichen monitoring as a potential tool in environmental forensics: case study of the Cu smelter and former mining town of Karabash, Russia
Authors: Purvis O. W. , Williamson B. J. , Spiro B. , Udachin V. , Mikhailova I. N. , Dolgopolova A.
Published: June 2013

The aim of this paper is to showcase the use of lichens in environmental forensics from an assessment of atmospheric deposition in and around the Cu smelter and former mining town of Karabash, Ural Mountains of Russia.
Hypogymnia physodes
was collected on its bark substrate in July 2001 from a ‘reference’ site (
c.
25 km SW of Karabash) and transplanted to 10 stations along an approximately 60 km SSW–NNE transect centred on Karabash. Transplants were collected after 2 and 3 month exposure periods. The elemental compositions of
Hypogymnia
and potential sources of particulates in the study area (smelter blast furnace and converter dusts, wastes, tailings, road dusts, metallurgical slags and top soils) were determined by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and quadrupole ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and the Pb isotope compositions of the lichens and smelter dusts by multicollector ICP-MS. Particulates on lichen surfaces were analysed by scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis (SEM-EDX).

The method of lichen transplantation, combined with multi-element and surface particle elemental analysis, high-precision Pb isotope ratio determinations and modelling, was shown to be useful for the tracing of the smelter signal, and components from different smelter processes, for more than 25 km from Karabash town. The lichen monitoring methodology is discrete and comparatively low cost, enabling atmospheric deposition from natural and anthropogenic sources to be determined over short (<3 month) periods, and is therefore a valuable qualitative tool for environmental forensics.
Mechanisms underlying activation of transient BK current in rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells and its modulation by IP3-generating agonists
Authors: Kyle Barry D. , Bradley Eamonn , Large Roddy , Sergeant Gerard P. , McHale Noel G. , Thornbury Keith D. , Hollywood Mark A.
Published: June 2013

We used the perforated patch-clamp technique at 37°C to investigate the mechanisms underlying the activation of a transient large-conductance K+ (tBK) current in rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells. The tBK current required an elevation of intracellular Ca2+, resulting from ryanodine receptor (RyR) activation via Ca2+-induced Ca2+ release, triggered by Ca2+ influx through L-type Ca2+ (CaV) channels. Carbachol inhibited tBK current by reducing Ca2+ influx and Ca2+ release and altered the shape of spike complexes recorded under current-clamp conditions. The tBK currents were blocked by iberiotoxin and penitrem A (300 and 100 nM, respectively) and were also inhibited when external Ca2+ was removed or the CaV channel inhibitors nifedipine (10 μM) and Cd2+ (100 μM) were applied. The tBK current was inhibited by caffeine (10 mM), ryanodine (30 μM), and tetracaine (100 μM), suggesting that RyR-mediated Ca2+ release contributed to the activation of the tBK current. When IP3 receptors (IP3Rs) were blocked with 2-aminoethoxydiphenyl borate (2-APB, 100 μM), the amplitude of the tBK current was not reduced. However, when Ca2+ release via IP3Rs was evoked with phenylephrine (1 μM) or carbachol (1 μM), the tBK current was inhibited. The effect of carbachol was abolished when IP3Rs were blocked with 2-APB or by inhibition of muscarinic receptors with the M3 receptor antagonist 4-diphenylacetoxy- N-methylpiperidine methiodide (1 μM). Under current-clamp conditions, bursts of action potentials could be evoked with depolarizing current injection. Carbachol reduced the number and amplitude of spikes in each burst, and these effects were reduced in the presence of 2-APB. In the presence of ryanodine, the number and amplitude of spikes were also reduced, and carbachol was without further effect. These data suggest that IP3-generating agonists can modulate the electrical activity of rabbit urethral smooth muscle cells and may contribute to the effects of neurotransmitters on urethral tone.