bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyhedral units and network connectivity in GeO2 glass at high pressure: An X-ray total scattering investigation
Authors: Hong Xinguo , Ehm Lars , Duffy Thomas S.
Published: August 2014

We report a pressure-induced dense tetrahedral intermediate state via Ge–O–Ge rotation formed at 3–5 GPa and the polyhedral relations in GeO2 glass up to 17.5 GPa using in situ X-ray total scattering and X-ray absorption (XAFS) techniques. It was found that the nearest-neighbor Ge-Ge correlations show a decrease reaching a minimum between 4 and 6 GPa, and exhibit negative compression behavior at 7–17.5 GPa. The Ge–Ge distance determined by XAFS shows a substantial reduction, i.e., normal compression behavior, at 7–17.5 GPa. The comparison with the theoretical g(r) function for rutile-type GeO2 (16.1 GPa) indicates that the negative compression of intermediate range order reflects the direct formation of GeO6 octahedral units. Results of coordination number analysis show that GeO2 glass undergoes a transition from tetrahedral GeO4, to GeO5 units (possibly triangular bipyramidal), and finally to octahedral GeO6 units. The present investigation provides the structural details of the polyhedral units and their relationships in GeO2 glass at high pressure.
Loparite-(Ce), a natural ferroelectric with the perovskite-type structure
Authors: Popova E. A. , Zalessky V. G. , Yakovenchuk V. N. , Krivovichev S. V. , Lushnikov S. G.
Published: August 2014

We report on the results of studies of dielectric properties of loparite-(Ce), a naturally occurring member of the perovskite-type family of materials, in the temperature range of 80–400 K. A strong frequency dispersion attributable to disorder and a dielectric anomaly have been observed in the vicinity of T = 157 K. The behavior of the inverse dielectric permittivity 1/ε′(T) has been found to be well described by the Curie–Weiss law with parameters C = 2.2 × 105 K−1 and Tm = 157 K. Studies of a dielectric hysteresis demonstrated the presence of ferroelectric loops below Tm ≈ 157 K, which points to the existence of a ferroelectric phase transition at Tm. The behaviors of spontaneous polarization, remanent polarization, and coercive field indicate that the ferroelectric phase transition is of the first-order type.
Strain and morphology compliance during the intentional doping of high-Al-content AlGaN layers
Authors: Nilsson D. , Janzén E. , Kakanakova-Georgieva A.
Published: August 2014

This study presents analysis of the residual strain and related surface morphology of high-Al-content Al0.82Ga0.18N layers doped by silicon up to the level of 3 × 1019 cm−3. We focus on understanding the basic mechanisms which underlie the formation of the distinct surface morphology of the Al0.82Ga0.18N:Si layers and their conductivity. We discuss the development of certain facet structure (nanopipes) within the doped layers, which is apparent at the high Si doping levels. The formation of nanopipes influences the conductivity of the layers. It is anticipated to give rise to facets with SiN-related coverage, outcompeting the incorporation of Si at substitutional donor sites in the lattice. We do not find evidence for kinetic stabilization of preferential crystallographic facets when a dopant flow of bis(cyclopentadienyl)magnesium (Cp2Mg), instead of silane (SiH4), is implemented in the doping process.
HDAC3 controls gap 2/mitosis progression in adult neural stem/progenitor cells by regulating CDK1 levels
Authors: Jiang Yindi , Hsieh Jenny
Published: August 2014

Significance

Cell cycle regulation is one of the most fundamental mechanisms to control various biological processes, including the proliferation of neural stem/progenitor cells (NSPCs) in adult mouse brain. This study shows that histone deacetylase 3 (HDAC3), a well-studied epigenetic factor, is required for the proliferation of neural stem cells. We also demonstrate that HDAC3 controls gap 2 and mitosis phase of cell cycle through stabilization of cell cycle protein cyclin-dependent kinase 1. These findings suggest an important role for HDAC3 in NSPC proliferation, and modulation of HDAC3 activity pharmacologically may be beneficial for tissue regeneration and cancer therapy.
Gender Transitions in Later Life: A Queer Perspective on Successful Aging
Authors: Fabbre Vanessa D.
Published: August 2014

Purpose of the Study:

Most understandings of successful aging are developed within a heteronormative cultural framework, leading to a dearth of theoretical and empirical scholarship relevant to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults. This study explores the experiences of transgender persons who contemplate or pursue a gender transition in later life in order to develop culturally diverse conceptualizations of health and wellness in older age.

Design and Methods:

Using the extended case method, in-depth interviews were conducted with male-to-female-identified persons (N = 22) who have seriously contemplated or pursued a gender transition past the age of 50. In addition, 170hr of participant observation was carried out at 3 national transgender conferences generating ethnographic field notes on the topics of aging and gender transitions in later life.

Results:

Interpretive analyses suggest that many transgender older adults experience challenges to their gender identities that put their emotional and physical well-being at risk. Contemporary queer theory is used to understand these experiences and argue that greater attention to experiences of queer “failure” and negotiating “success on new terms” may be integral aspects of growth and development for transgender older adults.

Implications:

The Baby Boom generation is aging in a post-Stonewall, LGBTQ civil rights era, yet gerontology’s approach to gender and sexual identity has largely been formulated from a heteronormative perspective. A framework for understanding older transgender persons’ experiences informed by queer theory offers a new orientation for conceptualizing successful aging in the lives of marginalized gender and sexual minorities.
“Successful Aging,” Gerontological Theory and Neoliberalism: A Qualitative Critique
Authors: Rubinstein Robert L. , de Medeiros Kate
Published: August 2014

This article is a critique of the successful aging (SA) paradigm as described in the Rowe and Kahn book, Successful Aging (1998). The major point of this article is that two key ideas in the book may be understood as consonant with neoliberalism, a social perspective that came into international prominence at the same time the SA paradigm was initially promoted. These two key ideas are (a) the emphasis on individual social action applied to the nature of the aging experience and (b) the failure to provide a detailed policy agenda for the social and cultural change being promoted and, particularly, for older adults who may be left behind by the approach to change the book suggests. The article provides no evidence for a direct connection between SA and neoliberalism, but rather shows how similarities in their approaches to social change characterize both of them. In sum, the article shows (a) how the implicit social theory developed in the book, in a manner similar to neoliberalism, elevates the individual as the main source of any changes that must accompany the SA paradigm and (b) the focus on SA as individual action does not provide for those older adults who do not or will not age “successfully.” This, we conclude, implicitly sets up a two-class system of older adults, which may not be an optimal means of addressing the needs of all older adults. The article also reviews a number of studies about SA and shows how these, too, may emphasize its similarities to neoliberalism and other issues that the SA paradigm does not adequately address.
Evaluating stock structure hypotheses using genetically determined close relatives: a simulation study on North Atlantic fin whales
Authors: Elvarsson Bjarki Þór
Published: August 2014

Certain facets of the population dynamics of a species are hard to quantify, including stock structure. In particular, geographical boundaries of stocks or populations are often hard to estimate. This document discusses the application of a recent tagging method, applicable when breeding populations overlap on feeding grounds. The tagging efficiency is augmented with information on genetically determined close relatives. The proposed tagging method is studied using simulations. Statistics which can be used to compare rivalling stock structure hypotheses are introduced and contrasted. The simulation emulates competing stock structure hypotheses for North Atlantic fin whales (Balaenoptera physalus). The results indicate that, in the case of North Atlantic fin whales, a considerable improvement can be made in terms discriminatory power using information on close relatives when compared with more conventional tag-recapture experiments.
The Profits–Leverage Puzzle Revisited
Authors: Frank Murray Z. , Goyal Vidhan K.
Published: August 2014

The inverse relation between leverage and profitability is widely regarded as a serious defect of the trade-off theory. We show that the defect is not with the theory but with the use of a leverage ratio in which profitability affects both the numerator and the denominator. Profitability directly increases the value of equity. Firms do take the predicted offsetting actions. They issue debt and repurchase equity when profitability rises, and retire debt and issue equity when profitability falls. Consistent with variable transactions costs, the adjustment is not generally sufficient to fully undo the profitability shocks. Accordingly, on average the leverage ratio falls as profitability rises.
Arbuscular Mycorrhiza-Induced Shifts in Foliar Metabolism and Photosynthesis Mirror the Developmental Stage of the Symbiosis and Are Only Partly Driven by Improved Phosphate Uptake
Authors: Schweiger Rabea , Baier Markus C. , Müller Caroline
Published: August 2014

In arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) plants, the plant delivers photoassimilates to the arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF), whereas the mycosymbiont contributes, in addition to other beneficial effects, to phosphate (PO43−) uptake from the soil. Thereby, the additional fungal carbon (C) sink strength in roots and improved plant PO43−nutrition may influence aboveground traits. We investigated how the foliar metabolome of Plantago major is affected along with the development of root symbiosis, whether the photosynthetic performance is affected by AM, and whether these effects are mediated by improved PO43−nutrition. Therefore, we studied PO43−-limited and PO43−-supplemented controls in comparison with mycorrhizal plants at 20, 30, and 62 days postinoculation with the AMF Rhizophagus irregularis. Foliar metabolome modifications were determined by the developmental stage of symbiosis, with changes becoming more pronounced over time. In a well-established stage of mature mutualism, about 60% of the metabolic changes and an increase in foliar CO2assimilation were unrelated to the significantly increased foliar phosphorus (P) content. We propose a framework relating the time-dependent metabolic changes to the shifts in C costs and P benefits for the plant. Besides P-mediated effects, the strong fungal C sink activity may drive the changes in the leaf traits.
Fusarium Head Blight Development and Deoxynivalenol Accumulation in Wheat as Influenced by Post-Anthesis Moisture Patterns
Authors: Andersen Kelsey F. , Madden Laurence V. , Paul Pierce A.
Published: August 2014

Mist chamber experiments were conducted to quantify and model the effects of post-anthesis moisture on Fusarium head blight (FHB) index (IND) and deoxynivalenol (DON). Four mist treatments, one daily and three intermittent, were applied during an 8-day window immediately after anthesis, plus an untreated check. All intermittent mist treatments received moisture on 4 of the 8 days, but the distribution of the supplemental moisture during the treatment window varied among the treatments. Separate sets of spikes in each treatment were either spray or point inoculated with a spore suspension of Fusarium graminearum. Based on results from linear mixed-model analyses, mist treatment had a significant effect on arcsine-square root-transformed IND (arcIND) and log-transformed DON (logDON) in spray-inoculated spikes but only a marginal effect on DON in point-inoculated spikes. The daily mist treatments (Mist1) consistently had the highest mean IND and DON but several of the 4-day intermittent mist treatments were not significantly different, particularly for point inoculations. Only Mist1 and one of the intermittent mist treatments (Mist2; 2 days of mist at the beginning and end of the treatment window) had significantly higher infection efficiency (estimated diseased spikelets per spore) than the check; however, none of the treatments increased the rate of disease spread within the spike (based on visual symptoms) relative to the check. For all treatments, there was a significant, positive linear relationship between IND and logDON, with estimated mean regression slopes (rates of logDON increase per unit increase in IND) of 0.04 and 0.02 logDON %−1 IND for the point- and spray-inoculated experiments, respectively. Mist treatment did not have a significant effect on the slope but had a significant effect on the intercept. The height of the regression line (logDON after adjusting for IND) was consistently higher for Mist2 than for Mist1 for both point- and spray-inoculated spikes. Estimated mean back-transformed DON at a fixed level of IND was 4.9 and 2.9 ppm higher for Mist2 than Mist1 in the spray- and point-inoculation experiments, respectively. Generalized linear mixed models were used to estimate the risk of IND and DON exceeding critical thresholds, showing similar results among treatments in terms of estimated probabilities. The estimated probabilities of IND ≥ 10% at 20 days after inoculation and DON ≥ 2, 5, and 10 ppm were not significantly different between Mist1 and Mist2. These results suggest that post-anthesis moisture patterns may play a role in DON exceeding critical thresholds even when FHB level are relatively low.
Development of an Electronic Pediatric All-Cause Harm Measurement Tool Using a Modified Delphi Method
Authors: Stockwell David Christopher , Bisarya Hema , Classen David C. , Kirkendall Eric S. , Lachman Peter I. , Matlow Anne G. , Tham Eric , Hyman Dan , Lehman Samuel M. , Searles Elizabeth , Muething Stephen E. , Sharek Paul J.
Published: August 2014

Objectives

To have impact on reducing harm in pediatric inpatients, an efficient and reliable process for harm detection is needed. This work describes the first step toward the development of a pediatric all-cause harm measurement tool by recognized experts in the field.

Methods

An international group of leaders in pediatric patient safety and informatics were charged with developing a comprehensive pediatric inpatient all-cause harm measurement tool using a modified Delphi technique. The process was conducted in 5 distinct steps: (1) literature review of triggers (elements from a medical record that assist in identifying patient harm) for inclusion; (2) translation of triggers to likely associated harm, improving the ability for expert prioritization; (3) 2 applications of a modified Delphi selection approach with consensus criteria using severity and frequency of harm as well as detectability of the associated trigger as criteria to rate each trigger and associated harm; (4) developing specific trigger logic and relevant values when applicable; and (5) final vetting of the entire trigger list for pilot testing.

Results

Literature and expert panel review identified 108 triggers and associated harms suitable for consideration (steps 1 and 2). This list was pared to 64 triggers and their associated harms after the first of the 2 independent expert reviews. The second independent expert review led to further refinement of the trigger package, resulting in 46 items for inclusion (step 3). Adding in specific trigger logic expanded the list. Final review and voting resulted in a list of 51 triggers (steps 4 and 5).

Conclusions

Application of a modified Delphi method on an expert-constructed list of 108 triggers, focusing on severity and frequency of harms as well as detectability of triggers in an electronic medical record, resulted in a final list of 51 pediatric triggers. Pilot testing this list of pediatric triggers to identify all-cause harm for pediatric inpatients is the next step to establish the appropriateness of each trigger for inclusion in a global pediatric safety measurement tool.
Efficacy and Cost-Benefit Analysis of a Global Environmental Cleaning Algorithm on Hospital-Acquired Infection Rates
Authors: Everett Barbara R. , Sitton J. Tracy , Wilson Marlene
Published: August 2014

Objective

This study evaluates clinical outcomes and cost-benefit analysis before and after implementation of a global environmental cleaning algorithm on all hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rates.

Methods

A retrospective, quasi-experimental study design was used to review the hospital's procedure and infection rate database for all HAIs from January 1, 2009, through June 30, 2011. We calculated the infection rates and did a cost-benefit analysis before and after the environmental cleaning algorithm was instituted on July 19, 2010.

Results

The methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus rates per 1000 patient days decreased 63%. The central line–associated bloodstream infection rate had a 72% reduction. The catheter-associated urinary tract infection rate dropped 79%. The vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus rate went down 53%. The hospital-acquired Acinetobacter baumanii infection rate had a 65% reduction. The medical intensive care unit ventilator-associated pneumonia rate was reduced 72%. Cardiothoracic sternal wound surgical site infection (SSI) rate dropped 93%, spinal fusion SSI decreased 56%, and total knee arthroplasty SSI was eliminated with a 100% reduction. The hospital avoided an estimated 13 deaths and $5,800,526 in costs during a 1-year period.

Conclusions

This global environmental cleaning protocol was associated with decreased HAIs and hospital costs.
Reward context determines risky choice in pigeons and humans
Authors: Ludvig Elliot A. , Madan Christopher R. , Pisklak Jeffrey M. , Spetch Marcia L.
Published: August 2014

Whereas humans are risk averse for monetary gains, other animals can be risk seeking for food rewards, especially when faced with variable delays or under significant deprivation. A key difference between these findings is that humans are often explicitly told about the risky options, whereas non-human animals must learn about them from their own experience. We tested pigeons (
Columba livia
) and humans in formally identical choice tasks where all outcomes were learned from experience. Both species were more risk seeking for larger rewards than for smaller ones. The data suggest that the largest and smallest rewards experienced are overweighted in risky choice. This observed bias towards extreme outcomes represents a key step towards a consilience of these two disparate literatures, identifying common features that drive risky choice across phyla.
Blood flow dynamics reflect degree of outflow tract banding in Hamburger–Hamilton stage 18 chicken embryos
Authors: Midgett Madeline , Goenezen Sevan , Rugonyi Sandra
Published: August 2014

Altered blood flow during embryonic development has been shown to cause cardiac defects; however, the mechanisms by which the resulting haemodynamic forces trigger heart malformation are unclear. This study used heart outflow tract banding to alter normal haemodynamics in a chick embryo model at HH18 and characterized the immediate blood flow response versus the degree of band tightness. Optical coherence tomography was used to acquire two-dimensional longitudinal structure and Doppler velocity images from control (
n
= 16) and banded (
n
= 25, 6–64% measured band tightness) embryos, from which structural and velocity data were extracted to estimate haemodynamic measures. Peak blood flow velocity and wall shear rate (WSR) initially increased linearly with band tightness (
p
< 0.01), but then velocity plateaued between 40% and 50% band tightness and started to decrease with constriction greater than 50%, whereas WSR continued to increase up to 60% constriction before it began decreasing with increased band tightness. Time of flow decreased with constriction greater than 20% (
p
< 0.01), while stroke volume in banded embryos remained comparable to control levels over the entire range of constriction (
p
> 0.1). The haemodynamic dependence on the degree of banding reveals immediate adaptations of the early embryonic cardiovascular system and could help elucidate a range of cardiac adaptations to gradually increased load.
Collective foraging in heterogeneous landscapes
Authors: Bhattacharya Kunal , Vicsek Tamás
Published: August 2014

Animals foraging alone are hypothesized to optimize the encounter rates with resources through Lévy walks. However, the issue of how the interactions between multiple foragers influence their search efficiency is still not completely understood. To address this, we consider a model to study the optimal strategy for a group of foragers searching for targets distributed heterogeneously. In our model, foragers move on a square lattice containing immobile but regenerative targets. At any instant, a forager is able to detect only those targets that happen to be in the same site. However, we allow the foragers to have information about the state of other foragers. A forager who has not detected any target walks towards the nearest location, where another forager has detected a target, with a probability exp(−
αd
), where
d
is the distance between the foragers and
α
is a parameter characterizing the propensity of the foragers to aggregate. The model reveals that neither overcrowding (
α
→ 0) nor independent searching (
α
→ ∞) is beneficial for the foragers. For a patchy distribution of targets, the efficiency is maximum for intermediate values of
α
. In addition, in the limit
α
→ 0, the length of the walks can become scale-free.
Mesoscale fronts as foraging habitats: composite front mapping reveals oceanographic drivers of habitat use for a pelagic seabird
Authors: Scales Kylie L. , Miller Peter I. , Embling Clare B. , Ingram Simon N. , Pirotta Enrico , Votier Stephen C.
Published: August 2014

The oceanographic drivers of marine vertebrate habitat use are poorly understood yet fundamental to our knowledge of marine ecosystem functioning. Here, we use composite front mapping and high-resolution GPS tracking to determine the significance of mesoscale oceanographic fronts as physical drivers of foraging habitat selection in northern gannets
Morus bassanus
. We tracked 66 breeding gannets from a Celtic Sea colony over 2 years and used residence time to identify area-restricted search (ARS) behaviour. Composite front maps identified thermal and chlorophyll-
a
mesoscale fronts at two different temporal scales—(i) contemporaneous fronts and (ii) seasonally persistent frontal zones. Using generalized additive models (GAMs), with generalized estimating equations (GEE-GAMs) to account for serial autocorrelation in tracking data, we found that gannets do not adjust their behaviour in response to contemporaneous fronts. However, ARS was more likely to occur within spatially predictable, seasonally persistent frontal zones (GAMs). Our results provide proof of concept that composite front mapping is a useful tool for studying the influence of oceanographic features on animal movements. Moreover, we highlight that frontal persistence is a crucial element of the formation of pelagic foraging hotspots for mobile marine vertebrates.
Solving the shepherding problem: heuristics for herding autonomous, interacting agents
Authors: Strömbom Daniel , Mann Richard P. , Wilson Alan M. , Hailes Stephen , Morton A. Jennifer , Sumpter David J. T. , King Andrew J.
Published: August 2014

Herding of sheep by dogs is a powerful example of one individual causing many unwilling individuals to move in the same direction. Similar phenomena are central to crowd control, cleaning the environment and other engineering problems. Despite single dogs solving this ‘shepherding problem’ every day, it remains unknown which algorithm they employ or whether a general algorithm exists for shepherding. Here, we demonstrate such an algorithm, based on adaptive switching between collecting the agents when they are too dispersed and driving them once they are aggregated. Our algorithm reproduces key features of empirical data collected from sheep–dog interactions and suggests new ways in which robots can be designed to influence movements of living and artificial agents.
When phenology matters: age–size truncation alters population response to trophic mismatch
Authors: Ohlberger Jan , Thackeray Stephen J. , Winfield Ian J. , Maberly Stephen C. , Vøllestad L. Asbjørn
Published: August 2014

Climate-induced shifts in the timing of life-history events are a worldwide phenomenon, and these shifts can de-synchronize species interactions such as predator–prey relationships. In order to understand the ecological implications of altered seasonality, we need to consider how shifts in phenology interact with other agents of environmental change such as exploitation and disease spread, which commonly act to erode the demographic structure of wild populations. Using long-term observational data on the phenology and dynamics of a model predator–prey system (fish and zooplankton in Windermere, UK), we show that age–size truncation of the predator population alters the consequences of phenological mismatch for offspring survival and population abundance. Specifically, age–size truncation reduces intraspecific density regulation due to competition and cannibalism, and thereby amplifies the population sensitivity to climate-induced predator–prey asynchrony, which increases variability in predator abundance. High population variability poses major ecological and economic challenges as it can diminish sustainable harvest rates and increase the risk of population collapse. Our results stress the importance of maintaining within-population age–size diversity in order to buffer populations against phenological asynchrony, and highlight the need to consider interactive effects of environmental impacts if we are to understand and project complex ecological outcomes.
From global change to a butterfly flapping: biophysics and behaviour affect tropical climate change impacts
Authors: Bonebrake Timothy C. , Boggs Carol L. , Stamberger Jeannie A. , Deutsch Curtis A. , Ehrlich Paul R.
Published: August 2014

Difficulty in characterizing the relationship between climatic variability and climate change vulnerability arises when we consider the multiple scales at which this variation occurs, be it temporal (from minute to annual) or spatial (from centimetres to kilometres). We studied populations of a single widely distributed butterfly species,Chlosyne lacinia, to examine the physiological, morphological, thermoregulatory and biophysical underpinnings of adaptation to tropical and temperate climates. Microclimatic and morphological data along with a biophysical model documented the importance of solar radiation in predicting butterfly body temperature. We also integrated the biophysics with a physiologically based insect fitness model to quantify the influence of solar radiation, morphology and behaviour on warming impact projections. While warming is projected to have some detrimental impacts on tropical ectotherms, fitness impacts in this study are not as negative as models that assume body and air temperature equivalence would suggest. We additionally show that behavioural thermoregulation can diminish direct warming impacts, though indirect thermoregulatory consequences could further complicate predictions. With these results, at multiple spatial and temporal scales, we show the importance of biophysics and behaviour for studying biodiversity consequences of global climate change, and stress that tropical climate change impacts are likely to be context-dependent.
Colony size predicts division of labour in attine ants
Authors: Ferguson-Gow Henry , Sumner Seirian , Bourke Andrew F. G. , Jones Kate E.
Published: August 2014

Division of labour is central to the ecological success of eusocial insects, yet the evolutionary factors driving increases in complexity in division of labour are little known. The size–complexity hypothesis proposes that, as larger colonies evolve, both non-reproductive and reproductive division of labour become more complex as workers and queens act to maximize inclusive fitness. Using a statistically robust phylogenetic comparative analysis of social and environmental traits of species within the ant tribe Attini, we show that colony size is positively related to both non-reproductive (worker size variation) and reproductive (queen–worker dimorphism) division of labour. The results also suggested that colony size acts on non-reproductive and reproductive division of labour in different ways. Environmental factors, including measures of variation in temperature and precipitation, had no significant effects on any division of labour measure or colony size. Overall, these results support the size–complexity hypothesis for the evolution of social complexity and division of labour in eusocial insects. Determining the evolutionary drivers of colony size may help contribute to our understanding of the evolution of social complexity.
Prauserella shujinwangii sp. nov., from a desert environment
Authors: Liu Mei , Zhang Li , Ren Biao , Yang Na , Yu Xiaoyun , Wang Jian , Ding Linxian , Liu Xueting , Liu Zhiheng , Goodfellow Michael , Zhang Lixin
Published: August 2014

A Gram-positive, spore-forming, rod-shaped actinomycete, designated XJ46T, was isolated from Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, China and subjected to a polyphasic taxonomic analysis. Morphological and chemotaxonomic characteristics of XJ46T were identified as being similar to those of members of the genus

Prauserella

. The phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that XJ46T shared the highest similarity (95.9 %) with

Prauserella marina

MS498T. Based on its phenotypic characteristics, chemotaxonomic analysis and 16S rRNA gene sequence analysis, strain XJ46T is proposed to represent a novel species of the genus

Prauserella

, named Prauserella shujinwangii sp. nov. The type strain is XJ46T ( = CGMCC 4.7125T = JCM 19736T).
ReNette: a web-infrastructure for reproducible network analysis
Authors: Filosi M. , Droghetti S. , Arbitrio E. , Visintainer R. , Riccadonna S. , Jurman G. , Furlanello C.
Published: August 2014

Here we introduce a novel web-infrastructure for differential network analysis. The aim of the web-site is to provide a comprehensive collection of tools for network inference, network comparison and network reproducibility analysis. Four main processes are available through the web service: the network inference process which include 11 reconstruction algorithms, the network distance process with 3 available metrics, the network stability process which includes all the network reconstruction methods and network distances and the netwok statistic process which computes the most common measures for network characterization. We introduce here a novel infrastructure which allows the user-interface logic to be separated from computing services and the asynchronous task management. Task submission is implemented mimicking the high performance computing queue submission system which allows to run multiple jobs without affecting the front-end server.

Availability and Implementation

The web-site is available athttps://renette.fbk.eu, the implementation is based on the django framework and Apache, with all major browsers supported. Furthermore, the whole project is Open Source underGPLv2and the code is available on GitHub athttps://github.com/MPBA/renettefor local installation.

Contact

jurman@fbk.eu;
The downward spiral: eco-evolutionary feedback loops lead to the emergence of ‘elastic’ ranges
Authors: Kubisch Alexander , Winter Anna-Marie , Fronhofer Emanuel A.
Published: August 2014

In times of severe environmental changes and resulting shifts in the geographical distribution of animal and plant species it is crucial to unravel the mechanisms responsible for the dynamics of species’ ranges. Without such a mechanistic understanding, reliable projections of future species distributions are difficult to derive. Species’ ranges may be highly dynamic. One particularly interesting phenomenon is range contraction following a period of expansion, referred to as ‘elastic’ behaviour. It has been proposed that this phenomenon occurs in habitat gradients, which are characterized by a negative cline in selection for dispersal from the range core towards the margin, as one may find, for example, with increasing patch isolation. Using individual-based simulations and numerical analyses we show that Allee effects are an important determinant of range border elasticity. If only intra-specific processes are considered, Allee effects are even a necessary condition for ranges to exhibit elastic behavior. The eco-evolutionary interplay between dispersal evolution, Allee effects and habitat isolation leads to lower colonization probability and higher local extinction risk after range expansions, which result in an increasing amount of marginal sink patches and consequently, range contraction. We also demonstrate that the nature of the gradient is crucial for range elasticity. Gradients which do not select for lower dispersal at the margin than in the core (especially gradients in patch size, demographic stochasticity and extinction rate) do not lead to elastic range behavior. Thus, we predict that range contractions are likely to occur after periods of expansion for species living in gradients of increasing patch isolation, which suffer from Allee effects.
Corporate governance of Islamic banks
Authors: Grassa Rihab , Matoussi Hamadi
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to understand the current governance practices and governance structure of Islamic banks (IBs) in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and Southeast Asia countries with the purpose of providing relevant information in guiding the future development of the governance system for IBs. As well, the paper discusses and compares the state of the governance system in GCC countries (Kuwait, Bahrain, United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia) and Southeast Asia countries (Malaysia and Indonesia).

Design/methodology/approach

– The study utilizes descriptive analysis approach in extracting and analyzing data collected for 83 IBs observed for the period 2002-2011. The authors test for differences in means and medians of corporate governance attributes between a sample of IBs in GCC countries and another one for Southeast Asia countries. They use selected variables of corporate governance of different governance structures, namely, the ownership structure, the board of directors, the Shariah board and the CEO attributes.

Findings

– The paper findings argue that there are significant differences and divergence of corporate governance structure of IBs in GCC countries and those in Southeast Asia countries. This position acknowledges that there are shortcomings to the existing governance framework for IBs which needs further improvement and standardization.

Practical implications

– The paper is a very useful source of information that may provide relevant guidelines in guiding the future development of corporate governance of IBs. As well, the paper provides relevant guidelines for improving regulations and laws covering the governance of IBs.

Originality/value

– This paper provides fresh data and recent information on the actual corporate governance system in IBs in GCC and Southeast Asia countries. As well, the paper discusses a significant shortage in corporate governance literature of Islamic finance.
Value of analyst recommendations
Authors: Farooq Omar , Id Ali Latifa
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to document performance of analysts’ recommendations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region during the period between 1999 and 2010.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper uses post-announcement market-adjusted returns as a measure of performance and computes returns for different holding periods. Significant positive (negative) returns following buy (sell) recommendation will indicate value relevance of these recommendations.

Findings

– The authors show that analysts’ buy recommendations have significant information in them, while their sell recommendations contain no significant information. Significant positive returns are reported following analysts’ buy recommendations and insignificant returns following their sell recommendations. Furthermore, it is also shown that these results hold true only in markets where institutions are relatively strong (common law countries and countries with stronger property rights) and for firms which have lower agency conflicts (firms that pay dividends and have concentrated ownership). For markets where institutions are relatively weak and for firms which have greater agency conflicts, these results show no value in analysts’ recommendations.

Practical implications

– These results imply that investors should not blindly follow analyst recommendations while making their investment decisions in the MENA region.

Originality/value

– This paper makes detailed analysis of analyst recommendations in previously unexplored MENA region. Some conditions under which analyst recommendation have no value and some conditions under which they have partial value have also been identified.
Physiological Factors Influencing Toughness in Cooked Saddletail Snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus)
Authors: Forrest Andrew John , Exley Paul , Mayze John , Paulo Carl , Williams David , Sikes Anita , Poole Susan Elizabeth
Published: August 2014

Saddletail snapper (Lutjanus malabaricus) is a commercially significant tropical species in Australia and has been the subject of consumer complaints of extreme toughness in cooked fillets. Textural and biochemical analyses including collagen and hydroxylysyl pyridinoline (PYD) cross‐links concentrations were conducted on 101 commercially harvested Saddletail snapper to identify causes of toughness. Fish age was found to account for 75.6% of observed variation in cooked muscle texture (work done) of Saddletail snapper. A significant linear relationship (P < 0.001) between PYD content and cooked muscle texture was also identified accounting for 50.3% of observed variation. The concentration ratio of PYD to total collagen (TC) ranged from 0.04 to 0.38 mol PYD per mol of TC. Fish size was also found to be a poor indicator of fish age and therefore a poor indicator of the potential risk of toughness of the cooked muscle.
Transcriptome annotation and marker discovery in white bass (Morone chrysops) and striped bass (Morone saxatilis)
Authors: Li Chao , Beck Benjamin H. , Fuller S. Adam , Peatman Eric
Published: August 2014

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) and white bass (Morone chrysops) are the parental species of the hybrid striped bass, a major U.S. aquaculture species. Currently, genomic resources for striped bass, white bass, and their hybrid lag behind those of other aquaculture species. Current resources consist of a medium‐density genetic linkage map and a well‐annotated ovarian transcriptome. A well‐annotated transcriptome from across striped bass and white bass tissues is needed to advance both broad‐based RNA‐seq studies of gene expression as well as aid in more targeted studies of important genes and pathways critical for reproductive physiology and immunity. Here, we carried out Illumina‐based transcriptome sequencing and annotation in both species utilizing the trinity and trinotate packages. The assembled Moronid reference transcriptomes and identified SSRs and SNPs should advance ongoing studies of reproduction, physiology, and immunology in these species and provide markers for broodstock management and selection.
Toxic optic neuropathies: an updated review
Authors: Grzybowski Andrzej , Zülsdorff Magdalena , Wilhelm Helmut , Tonagel Felix
Published: August 2014

Toxic optic neuropathy (TON) is caused by the damage to the optic nerve through different toxins, including drugs, metals, organic solvents, methanol and carbon dioxide. A similar clinical picture may also be caused by nutritional deficits, including B vitamins, folic acid and proteins with sulphur‐containing amino acids. This review summarizes the present knowledge on disease‐causing factors, clinical presentation, diagnostics and treatment in TON. It discusses in detail known and hypothesized relations between drugs, including tuberculostatic drugs, antimicrobial agents, antiepileptic drugs, antiarrhythmic drugs, disulfiram, halogenated hydroquinolones, antimetabolites, tamoxifen and phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors and optic neuropathy.
Index of contrast sensitivity (ICS) in pseudophakic eyes with different intraocular lens designs
Authors: Eppig Timo , Filser Eva , Goeppert Hanno , Schroeder Andreas C. , Seitz Berthold , Langenbucher Achim
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To evaluate the index of contrast sensitivity (ICS) in eyes after cataract surgery with various intraocular lens designs and to compare with the area under log contrast sensitivity curve (AULCSF).

Methods

The study comprised 395 eyes of 198 patients in the age of 73.1 ± 7.86 years receiving 11 different aspheric IOL designs (aberration‐free and correcting) and a spherical (IOL) as control group. Follow‐up examination after bilateral cataract surgery was completed within 71 ± 21.4 days after second IOL implantation. Patients underwent complete examination and biometry before surgery. The follow‐up examination included visual acuity, pupil diameter, residual spherical aberration and mesopic as well as photopic contrast sensitivity (CS) measured with the Optec 6500 Functional Vision Analyzer. From the contrast sensitivity, we calculated the ICS according to Haughom and Strand.

Results

The median mesopic ICS was −144, −131 and −85, and the median photopic ICS was −289, −285 and −212 for the spherical, aberration‐free and aberration‐correcting IOL group, respectively. While we could not detect a significant difference between the aberration groups in some spatial frequencies, the ICS showed a significant difference between the aberration‐correcting and the aberration‐free or the spherical group, respectively. No significant difference was found between the aberration‐free and the spherical group.

Conclusions

The ICS is a useful index for evaluation of overall CS and comparison of different patient groups. With aberration‐correcting IOLs, ICS was statistically better than with aberration‐free or spherical IOLs, whereas the latter two showed no significant difference.
Review of Italian primary care paediatricians identifies 38 commonly prescribed drugs for children
Authors: Piovani Daniele , Clavenna Antonio , Bonati Maurizio ,   PeFAB group
Published: August 2014

Aim

Most Italian children are cared for by a family paediatrician until they are 14 years old, and their duties include prescribing drugs recommended by specialists so that they are free. This study aimed to draw up a list of the drugs most commonly prescribed by family paediatricians.

Methods

We surveyed 64 experienced family paediatricians to find out what drugs they prescribed over an 8‐week period, including those recommended by a specialist, using cartons of drugs as the unit of measurement. A list of commonly prescribed drugs was then drawn up.

Results

A total of 381 active substances were prescribed. The most commonly prescribed drugs were amoxicillin (25.8% of the cartons), amoxicillin clavulanate (9.2%) and cetirizine (9.0%). The most commonly prescribed drug classes were antibiotics (43.8%), anti‐asthmatics (12.9%) and antihistamines (11.8%). A list of 38 commonly prescribed drugs belonging to 16 therapeutic subgroups and covering 83.1% of cartons was identified. Of these, 33 were prescribed by 50% or more of the paediatricians and five were mainly prescribed following the recommendation of a specialist.

Conclusion

Our review of the prescribing habits of family paediatricians showed that 38 commonly prescribed drugs were sufficient to treat most common diseases in children under 15 years of age.
Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor accelerates gut motility in slow‐transit constipation
Authors: Chen F. , Yu Y. , Wang P. , Dong Y. , Wang T. , Zuo X. , Li Y.
Published: August 2014

Background & Aims

Brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) may play a critical role in gut motility. We aimed to investigate BDNF's physiologic effects on gut motility in slow‐transit constipation (STC) and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

BDNF expression and alterations of colonic nerve fibre density in STC patients were first investigated. BDNF's effects on gastrointestinal motility of both BDNF+/− mice and loperamide‐induced constipation mice were then examined in vivo and in vitro. Smooth muscle α‐actin (α‐SMA) expression, and nerve fibre, neuromuscular junction (NMJ) and smooth muscle cell (SMC) alterations were investigated. Finally, the effects of BDNF‐induced TrkB‐phospholipase C/inositol trisphosphate (TrkB‐PLC/IP3) pathway activation on gut motility were investigated.

Results

In STC patients, BDNF expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and mucosal nerve fibre ultrastructural degenerations were demonstrated. Gut motility was decreased in vivo and in vitro in BDNF+/− and constipation mice, with BDNF dose‐dependently increasing gut motility. In BDNF+/− mice, α‐SMA expression and nerve fibre density were decreased, and nerve fibre, NMJ and SMC ultrastructural degenerations were observed. Finally, TrkB‐PLC/IP3 pathway antagonists dramatically attenuated BDNF's excitatory effect on gut motility, and exogenous BDNF induced an obvious increase in IP3 expression.

Conclusions

BDNF plays an important regulatory role in gut motility in STC. It was mediated by altering the intestinal innervation structure, as well as smooth muscle secondary degeneration through a mechanism involving TrkB‐PLC/IP3 pathway activation.
Phase II study of targeted therapy with temozolomide in acute myeloid leukaemia and high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome patients pre‐screened for low O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase expression
Authors: Brandwein Joseph M. , Kassis Jeannine , Leber Brian , Hogge Donna , Howson‐Jan Kang , Minden Mark D. , Galarneau André , Pouliot Jean‐François
Published: August 2014

Resistance to temozolomide is largely mediated by the DNA repair enzyme O6‐methylguanine DNA methyltransferase (MGMT). We conducted a prospective multicentre study of patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) or high‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) who were not candidates for intensive therapy. Patient selection was based on MGMT expression by Western blot. Patients with MGMT:ACTB (β‐actin) ratio <0·2 were eligible to receive temozolomide 200 mg/m2/d ×7 d. Patients achieving a complete response (CR) could receive up to 12 monthly cycles of temozolomide ×5/28 d. Of 166 patients screened, 81 (49%) demonstrated low MGMT expression; 45 of these were treated with temozolomide. The overall response rate was 53%; 36% achieved complete clearance of blasts, with 27% achieving a CR/CR with incomplete platelet recovery (CRp). Factors associated with a trend toward a higher response rate included MDS, methylated MGMT promoter and standard cytogenetic risk group. Induction and post‐remission cycles were well‐tolerated and most patients were treated on an outpatient basis. Patient who achieved CR/CRp had a superior overall survival compared to partial or non‐responders. In conclusion, targeted therapy based on pre‐selection for low MGMT expression was associated with a higher response rate to temozolomide compared to previous reports of unselected patients.