bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negligible Sr segregation on SrTiO3(001)-(13×13)-R33.7° reconstructed surfaces
Authors: Ohsawa Takeo , Shimizu Ryota , Iwaya Katsuya , Shiraki Susumu , Hitosugi Taro
Published: April 2016

We compare the extent of Sr segregation on buffered-HF (BHF)-etched and (13×13)-R33.7° reconstructed SrTiO3(001) surfaces, and reveal that Sr segregation is suppressed on the reconstructed surface. Scanning tunneling microscopy and photoemission studies of both surfaces show distinct differences in terms of atomic arrangements, electronic structures, and chemical states. The emission-angle-dependent Sr 3d core-level spectra indicate that the amount of Sr is low at the surface of the reconstructed surfaces, while the amount increases near the surface of the BHF-etched surface. Our investigations would facilitate the preparation of a compositionally well-defined SrTiO3 surface that is of significant importance to accelerate oxide electronics research.
Effects of enzyme products in the diet on growth, dressing-out percent and organ weights of light pigs fed copra-meal-based diets
Authors: Diarra S. S.
Published: April 2016

The effect of different enzyme products on the utilisation of high copra meal (CPM)-based diets by growing pigs was investigated in two experiments (1 and 2). Four diets containing 0, 150, 300 and 450 g CPM/kg were fed in Experiment 1. Feed intake and bodyweight gain were depressed (P < 0.05) above 150 g/kg inclusion but final bodyweight was maintained (P > 0.05) up to 300 g/kg dietary CPM. Dressing percentage improved (P < 0.05) on 150 compared with the control and 450 g/kg diets. In Experiment 2, four diets based on 300 g CPM/kg unsupplemented/supplemented with Allzyme, β-mannanase or their combinations were fed. Feed intake reduced on the control compared with Allzyme supplementation (P < 0.05). Bodyweight gain was improved with Allzyme supplementation. Pigs fed diets supplemented with Allzyme and mannanase converted their feed into weight better (P < 0.05). Growth rates decreased when CPM was included in the diet at levels greater than 150 g/kg, but at 300 g/kg the decrease in growth rate was much less when supplemented with Allzyme or β-mannanase.
Quantitative genetic analysis of grain yield in an Australian Brassica napus doubled-haploid population
Authors: Raman Rosy , Diffey Simon , Carling Jason , Cowley Ray B. , Kilian Andrzej , Luckett David J. , Raman Harsh
Published: April 2016

High yield is a major objective in canola-breeding programs. We analysed the genetic determinants controlling variation in grain yield in a doubled-haploid (DH) breeding population derived from a single BC1F1 plant from the cross Skipton/Ag-Spectrum//Skipton (designated as the SAgS population). DH lines were evaluated for flowering time and yield in two replicated trials and exhibited significant genetic variation for both traits. Yield showed negative correlation with flowering time; lines that flowered earlier had higher yield than late-flowering lines. A genetic linkage map comprising 7716 DArTseq markers was constructed for the SAgS population, and a ‘bin’ map based on 508 discrete single-position (non-co-segregating) marker loci was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis. We identified 20 QTLs (LOD ≥2) associated with variation in flowering time and grain yield. Two QTLs (Qy.wwai-A7/Qdtf.wwai-A7/Qfs.wwai-A7 and Qy.wwai-C3a/Qfs.wwai-C3a) appeared repeatedly across experiments, accounting for 4.9–19% of the genotypic variation in flowering time and yield and were located on chromosomes A07 and C03. We identified 22 putative candidate genes for flowering time as well as grain yield, and all were located in a range of 935 bp to 2.97 Mb from markers underlying QTLs. This research provides useful information to be used for breeding high-yielding canola varieties by combining favourable alleles for early flowering and higher grain yield at loci on chromosomes A07, C03 and possibly on A06.
Noncanonical DNA-binding mode of repressor and its disassembly by antirepressor
Authors: Kim Minsik , Kim Hee Jung , Son Sang Hyeon , Yoon Hye Jin , Lim Youngbin , Lee Jong Woo , Seok Yeong-Jae , Jin Kyeong Sik , Yu Yeon Gyu , Kim Seong Keun , Ryu Sangryeol , Lee Hyung Ho
Published: April 2016

Significance

The canonical method of inactivating DNA-binding repressors is through the competitive binding of an antirepressor to the operator-binding site of the repressor. Here, structural and functional studies of a homotetrameric repressor (Rep 92–198) and a hetero-octameric complex between the repressor and its antirepressor (Ant) from the temperate
Salmonella
phage SPC32H revealed a noncanonical mechanism of repressor-operator disassembly. Notably, Ant does not compete for the DNA-binding region of Rep. Instead, the tetrameric Ant binds to the N-terminal and C-terminal domains of two asymmetric Rep dimers, causing the stably bound Rep to detach from the DNA. These studies also suggested that the dimer pairs of the N-terminal DNA-binding domains of Rep originate from different dimers of a Rep tetramer.
Nasals and Nasalization in Spanish and Portuguese
Authors: Goodin-Mayeda C. Elizabeth
Published: April 2016

Nasality, whether part of a consonant or vowel, has certain phonetic and phonological characteristics that lead to outcomes seen time and again in languages with and without common ancestries. Spanish and Portuguese constitute a particularly fruitful language pairing for studying phonological aspects of synchronic and diachronic variation, given their intimate relationship as well as the array of dialectal variation in each. This research monograph offers a comprehensive exploration of nasals and nasalization in Spanish and Portuguese with a special focus on the role of perception in order to provide insight into how perception informs models of phonetics, phonology and language change. Of interest to researchers and advanced students alike, this volume integrates phonetic and phonological models of speech perception and production, and discusses these with regards to original empirical research on the perception of nasal place features and vowel nasalization by listeners of Peninsular Spanish, Cuban Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese.
Yuki, Pomoan, Wintun, and Athabaskan
Authors: Balodis Uldis
Published: April 2016

Northern California is an area of profound linguistic diversity and is home to more than twenty language families. Round Valley, located within Mendocino County, is the home territory of the Yuki people and the site of extended language contact between speakers of Yuki and the languages of the Pomoan, Wintun, and Athabaskan language families. In the nineteenth century, speakers of languages from other language families came into contact with the communities of Round Valley due to forced relocation. This article explores the history and effects of contact between the language groups that had long-standing and also more recent contact with Yuki speakers. Special attention is given to the contributions by Mithun regarding borrowing among the Yukian and Pomoan languages.
Assessing the effects of language contact on Northeastern Pomo
Authors: Walker Neil Alexander
Published: April 2016

Northeastern Pomo is one of seven mutually unintelligible Pomoan languages of California. It was the last Pomoan language identified by academia and the first to become extinct. No publications are devoted solely to it, and what little documentation exists is of varied quality. Scholars have nevertheless sought to determine the place of Northeastern Pomo within Pomoan for more than a century. This paper examines aspects of Northeastern Pomo phonology and grammar and categorizes them as retentions from Proto Pomo, language-internal innovations, or contact-induced changes. On the basis of the large number of retentions and language-internal innovations, Northeastern Pomo is proposed to be a relictual speech community that separated from Proto Pomo earlier than its westernmost congeners.
Contact and change in Oneida
Authors: Abbott Clifford
Published: April 2016

Oneida is the highly endangered Iroquoian language of several communities of Oneida people in Wisconsin, Ontario, and New York. It is most closely related to Mohawk and then to the languages of the other five nations of the League of the Iroquois, whose homelands stretched across New York from Mohawk near the Hudson west through the territories in the order of Oneida, Onondaga, Cayuga, and Seneca near Lake Erie. Over the last four centuries the Oneida speakers have had increasing contact with speakers of other languages. An initial inspection of the language suggests that it has been remarkably resistant to borrowing from these other languages; that deserves an explanation. This paper reviews the history of language contact for Oneida with a focus on the opportunities and pressures for bilingualism and how that bilingualism may have effected change in Oneida.
The Jakaltek Popti’ noun classifier system
Authors: Grinevald Colette
Published: April 2016

After having resisted adaptation in the 70s, the Jakaltek Popti’ (of the Q’anjob’alan branch of the Mayan family) noun classifier system has recently undergone extensive restructuring. These changes are largely due to the need that was felt to classify nouns for artifacts made of untraditional or new materials that have been incorporated into the culture, particularly nouns of Spanish origin. The absence of classifiers for these nouns meant an absence of anaphoric pronouns, in contrast to the obligatory article and pronominal forms organizing the vocabulary of the dominant colonial Spanish language through gender-marking. Discussions with the local branch of the Academy of Mayan Languages of Guatemala, the Jakaltek linguistic community, reveal their concern with revitalizing and standardizing the now clearly endangered Jakaltek Popti’.
Words for ‘dog’ as a diagnostic of language contact in the Americas
Authors: Pache Matthias , Wichmann Søren , Zhivlov Mikhail
Published: April 2016

Words for ‘dog’ are frequently borrowed in several parts of the world, including the Americas. Often words for ‘dog’ are borrowed along with other lexical material. The study of the distribution of these borrowed words can serve as a first step towards the identification of evidence for linguistic and cultural contact. We offer three case studies from the Americas that illustrate how the identification of borrowings of ‘dog’ can lead to discoveries of intricate networks of interaction and provide surprising evidence for prehistorical commercial relations. The three areas studied are: Native California, the U. S. Southeast together with Mesoamerica, and the central Andes together with the eastern lowlands of South America.
The role of tone and segmental information in visual-word recognition in Thai
Authors: Winskel Heather , Ratitamkul Theeraporn , Charoensit Akira
Published: April 2016

Tone languages represent a large proportion of the spoken languages of the world and yet lexical tone is understudied. Thai offers a unique opportunity to investigate the role of lexical tone processing during visual-word recognition, as tone is explicitly expressed in its script. We used colour words and their orthographic neighbours as stimuli to investigate facilitation (Experiment 1) and interference (Experiment 2) Stroop effects. Five experimental conditions were created: (a) the colour word (e.g., ขาว /khã:w/ [white]), (b) tone different word (e.g., ข่าว /khà:w/[news]), (c) initial consonant phonologically same word (e.g., คาว /kha:w/ [fishy]), where the initial consonant of the word was phonologically the same but orthographically different, (d) initial consonant different, tone same word (e.g., หาว /hã:w/ yawn), where the initial consonant was orthographically different but the tone of the word was the same, and (e) initial consonant different, tone different word (e.g., กาว /ka:w/ glue), where the initial consonant was orthographically different, and the tone was different. In order to examine whether tone information per se had a facilitative effect, we also included a colour congruent word condition where the segmental (S) information was different but the tone (T) matched the colour word (S–T+) in Experiment 2. Facilitation/interference effects were found for all five conditions when compared with a neutral control word. Results of the critical comparisons revealed that tone information comes into play at a later stage in lexical processing, and orthographic information contributes more than phonological information.
The multisensory basis of the self: From body to identity to others
Authors: Tsakiris Manos
Published: April 2016

By grounding the self in the body, experimental psychology has taken the body as the starting point for a science of the self. One fundamental dimension of the bodily self is the sense of body ownership that refers to the special perceptual status of one's own body, the feeling that “my body” belongs to me. The primary aim of this review article is to highlight recent advances in the study of body ownership and our understanding of the underlying neurocognitive processes in three ways. I first consider how the sense of body ownership has been investigated and elucidated in the context of multisensory integration. Beyond exteroception, recent studies have considered how this exteroceptively driven sense of body ownership can be linked to the other side of embodiment, that of the unobservable, yet felt, interoceptive body, suggesting that these two sides of embodiment interact to provide a unifying bodily self. Lastly, the multisensorial understanding of the self has been shown to have implications for our understanding of social relationships, especially in the context of self–other boundaries. Taken together, these three research strands motivate a unified model of the self inspired by current predictive coding models.
Conclusion
Authors: Jaffe Audrey
Published: April 2016

This chapter engages with contemporary critical claims to relocate the meaning of literary works in references to concrete objects, replacing a so-called “suspicious” mode of interpretation that looks for buried meanings with a “surface reading” that promises to read what is out in the open. The chapter argues that these arguments recapitulate but fail to acknowledge the Victorian desire for the real expressed by Matthew Arnold and Victorian science, reproducing the desire—and realist fantasy—I have traced in Victorian fiction. The chapter includes readings of faces—by Darwin, Trollope, and Virginia Woolf—that illustrate the novelistic quality of the desire to read the surface and demonstrate its indeparability from the genre I have called realist fantasy.
Factalism
Authors: Turner Jason
Published: April 2016

According to Factalism, the world consists ultimately of facts. Tractarian factalism adds that the facts are atomic, that they are structureless, and that they are arranged in a logical space. This chapter argues that, if we are to be factalists, we ought to be Tractarian factalists. The argument proceeds by noting first that if facts are not atomic, we face a puzzle of inferential systematicity: we lack an explanation for the success of our inferential practices. It then argues that the most natural solution includes some surprising phenomena—the Problem of the Patterns—and that the best explanation for the phenomena has it that there are only atomic facts arranged in a logical space.
Grounding Stories
Authors: Turner Jason
Published: April 2016

According to the factalist, the appearances of non-facts are grounded in the facts and their Tractarian geometry. This chapter describes two ways in which those appearances must be grounded. On both ways, quality spaces act as proxies for properties and relations, and hypersurfaces act as proxies for individuals. The first way involves a representation theorem, which shows that each geometry licenses a first-order model, which can be thought of as representing a world of objects instantiating properties and relations. The second way paraphrases claims about objects as claims about hypersurfaces and quality spaces. The chapter concludes by proving that the two ways are extensionally equivalent, and using a squeezing argument to show they are both inferentially systematic.
Labelling Stories
Authors: Turner Jason
Published: April 2016

The factalist’s grounding stories rely on the idea that our ordinary thought and talk assigns names to hypersurfaces and predicates to quality-spaces. This chapter aims to tell a story about how this might work in a non-circular way—a way that does not assume there are people thinking and talking in addition to facts. To do so, it must rely on some assumptions: That truth supervenes on being and that semantic relations are structural, in the sense that ‘quidditistic swaps’ do not disturb semantic relations. These assumptions are then used to show that there is a sense in which the distribution of truth across facts can suffice for words labelling quality spaces and hypersurfaces.
Advertising, Habit Formation, and U.S. Tobacco Product Demand
Authors: Zheng Yuqing , Zhen Chen , Nonnemaker James , Dench Daniel
Published: April 2016

The U.S. tobacco market has experienced a shift toward noncigarette tobacco products. We examined the degree of habit formation and the role of advertising for cigarettes, little cigars/cigarillos, large cigars, e‐cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco using market‐level scanner data for convenience stores from 2009 to 2013. Results based on a dynamic demand system show that while all tobacco products are habitual, e‐cigarettes are the most habitual product. More choices of flavors, less restrictions on its use in public places, less documented harmful effects, and a higher upfront cost might explain the higher degree of habit formation for e‐cigarettes. We also find that e‐cigarettes did not substitute for or complement cigarettes. The results imply that e‐cigarettes may serve as a gateway to nicotine addiction but not necessarily to cigarette smoking. Regarding advertising, cigarette magazine advertising did not affect cigarette demand, while e‐cigarette TV advertising increased e‐cigarette demand with a positive spillover to cigarette demand. Such results may help explain e‐cigarettes' recent success in sales and imply that e‐cigarette TV advertising might undermine efforts to reduce cigarette smoking. Advertising was also found to affect the degree of habit formation for cigarettes, large cigars, and e‐cigarettes.
Fishery-dependent and -independent data lead to consistent estimations of essential habitats
Authors: Pennino Maria Grazia , Conesa David , López-Quílez Antonio , Muñoz Facundo , Fernández Angel , Bellido Jose Maria
Published: April 2016

Species mapping is an essential tool for conservation programmes as it provides clear pictures of the distribution of marine resources. However, in fishery ecology, the amount of objective scientific information is limited and data may not always be directly comparable. Information about the distribution of marine species can be derived from two main sources: fishery-independent data (scientific surveys at sea) and fishery-dependent data (collection and sampling by observers in commercial vessels). The aim of this paper is to compare whether these two different sources produce similar, complementary, or different results. We compare them in the specific context of identifying the Essential Fish Habitats of three elasmobranch species (S. canicula, G. melastomus, and E. spinax). Similarity and prediction statistics are used to compare the two different spatial patterns obtained by applying the same Bayesian spatio-temporal modelling approach in the two sources. Results showed that the spatial patterns obtained are similar, although differences are present. In particular, models based on fishery-dependent data are better able to identify temporal relationships between the probability of presence of the species and seasonal environmental variables. In contrast, fishery-independent data better discriminate spatial locations where a species is present or absent. Besides the spatial and temporal differences of the two datasets, the consistency of habitat results highlights the inclusion in each dataset of most of the environmental envelope of each species, both in time and space. Consequently, sampling data should be adapted to each species to reasonably cover their environmental envelope, and a combination of datasets will likely provide a better habitat estimation than using each dataset independently. These findings can be useful in helping fishery managers improve definition of survey design and analyses.
Surgical Treatment of Adolescent Clavicle Fractures: Results and Complications
Authors: McIntosh Amy L.
Published: April 2016

No level 1 evidence is available to guide the surgical treatment of adolescent clavicle fractures. Adult literature is not applicable as adolescent mid-diaphyseal clavicle fractures do not develop nonunions, and only a small percentage (10% to 20%) are symptomatic from malunions. Current indications for operative fixation are: (1) completely displaced midshaft fracture with shortening of >2 cm; (2) superior displacement with skin tenting and/or an impending open fracture; (3) associated neurovascular injury; (4) open clavicular fracture; and (5) floating shoulder with a completely displaced clavicular fracture. Future large prospective randomized studies will need to be performed to accurately define which adolescent patients will “truly” benefit from surgical intervention.
Management of Syndesmotic Ankle Injuries in Children and Adolescents
Authors: Shore Benjamin J. , Kramer Dennis E.
Published: April 2016

Pediatric ankle injuries are common, especially in athletes; however, the incidence of syndesmosis injuries in children has been scarcely reported. Injuries to the ankle syndesmosis, termed “high ankle sprains,” can affect high-level and recreational athletes and have been related to delayed return to play, persistent pain, and adult injuries have been associated with long-term disability. Syndesmotic injuries do occur in children, especially those who participate in sports that involve cutting and pivoting (football, soccer) or sports with rigid immobilization of the ankle (skiing, hockey). Unstable pediatric syndesmosis injuries requiring surgical fixation are often associated with concomitant fibular fracture in skeletally mature children. Physician vigilance and careful clinical examination coupled with appropriate radiographs can determine the extent of the injury in the majority of circumstances.
Utility of the ACE Inhibitor Captopril in Mitigating Radiation-associated Pulmonary Toxicity in Lung Cancer
Authors: Small William , James Jennifer L. , Moore Timothy D. , Fintel Dan J. , Lutz Stephen T. , Movsas Benjamin , Suntharalingam Mohan , Garces Yolanda I. , Ivker Robert , Moulder John , Pugh Stephanie , Berk Lawrence B.
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

The primary objective of NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0123 was to test the ability of the angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor captopril to alter the incidence of pulmonary damage after radiation therapy for lung cancer; secondary objectives included analyzing pulmonary cytokine expression, quality of life, and the long-term effects of captopril.

Materials and Methods:

Eligible patients included stage II-IIIB non–small cell lung cancer, stage I central non–small cell lung cancer, or limited-stage small cell. Patients who met eligibility for randomization at the end of radiotherapy received either captopril or standard care for 1 year. The captopril was to be escalated to 50 mg three times a day. Primary endpoint was incidence of grade 2+ radiation-induced pulmonary toxicity in the first year.

Results:

Eighty-one patients were accrued between June 2003 and August 2007. Given the low accrual rate, the study was closed early. No significant safety issues were encountered. Eight patients were ineligible for registration or withdrew consent before randomization and 40 patients were not randomized postradiation. Major reasons for nonrandomization included patients’ refusal and physician preference. Of the 33 randomized patients, 20 were analyzable (13 observation, 7 captopril). The incidence of grade 2+ pulmonary toxicity attributable to radiation therapy was 23% (3/13) in the observation arm and 14% (1/7) in the captopril arm.

Conclusions:

Despite significant resources and multiple amendments, NRG Oncology Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0123 was unable to test the hypothesis that captopril mitigates radiation-induced pulmonary toxicity. It did show the safety of such an approach and the use of newer angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors started during radiotherapy may solve the accrual problems.
Breaking bad news in the emergency department: a comparative analysis among residents, patients and family members’ perceptions
Authors: Toutin-Dias Gabriela , Daglius-Dias Roger , Scalabrini-Neto Augusto
Published: April 2016

Objective

Our main objective was to assess patient and family members’ perception of bad news communication in the emergency department (ED) and compare these with physicians’ perceptions.

Methods

This is a cross-sectional study carried out at the ED of a tertiary teaching hospital. To compare physicians’ and receivers’ (patient and/or family member) perceptions, we created a survey based on the six attributes derived from the SPIKES protocol. The surveys were applied immediately after communication of bad news occurred in the ED. We analyzed agreement among participants using κ-statistics and the χ
2-test to compare proportions.

Results

A total of 73 bad news communication encounters were analyzed. The survey respondents were 73 physicians, 69 family members, and four patients. In general, there is a low level of agreement between physicians’ and receivers’ perceptions of how breaking bad news transpired. The satisfaction level of receivers, in terms of breaking bad news by doctors, presented a mean of 3.7±0.6 points. In contrast, the physicians’ perception of the communication was worse (2.9±0.6 points), with P value less than 0.001.

Conclusion

Doctors and receivers disagree in relation to what transpired throughout bad news communications. Discrepancies were more evident in issues involving emotion, invitation, and privacy. An important agreement between perceptions was found in technical and knowledge-related aspects of the communication.
Emergency department resource utilization during Ramadan: distinct and reproducible patterns over a 4-year period in Abu Dhabi
Authors: Balhara Kamna S. , Levin Scott , Cole Gai , Scheulen James , Anton Xavier P. , Rahiman Hameed Ali Fazlur , Stewart de Ramirez Sarah A.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

Emergency Department (ED) patient arrivals vary daily and change considerably during holidays, posing challenges to resource allocation. Ramadan, during which observant Muslims follow a daily fasting period for ∼30 days, could represent a unique annual circumstance that predictably alters ED arrivals in predominantly Muslim populations. Our study examined an adult and pediatric ED in the United Arab Emirates to determine whether arrival patterns and patient characteristics differed during Ramadan.

Methods

Hourly arrivals, census (number of patients in ED at any given time), and visit characteristics were retrospectively compared for Ramadan versus non-Ramadan periods over 4 years (2010–2013). Hourly arrivals and census were plotted using two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance. Differences in characteristics were examined using the χ
2-test and Wilcoxon rank sum tests.

Results

Ramadan adult and pediatric ED arrival patterns differed significantly (P<0.001) from non-Ramadan days, with sharp decreases after the fast was broken around 6 p.m. (sunset), followed by steep increases by 8:30 pm. The median daily adult arrivals were similar [143 (Ramadan) vs. 148 (non-Ramadan); P=0.060], with slightly decreased length-of-stay (7%; P<0.001) during Ramadan. The median daily pediatric arrivals were lower during Ramadan (43 vs. 57; P<0.001), with decreased length-of-stay (20%; P<0.001). Arrival pattern shifts led to significant census redistribution to evening hours. Patient characteristics were similar during both periods.

Conclusion

A distinct, predictable pattern of arrivals emerged during Ramadan. EDs serving predominantly Muslim populations or anticipating increases in Muslim patients in their catchment region may benefit from advanced planning for efficient distribution of provider hours during Ramadan.
Anemia and Iron Deficiency in Children With Potential Celiac Disease
Authors: Repo Marleena , Lindfors Katri , Mäki Markku , Huhtala Heini , Laurila Kaija , Lähdeaho Marja‐Leena , Saavalainen Päivi , Kaukinen Katri , Kurppa Kalle
Published: April 2016

Objectives:

Active screening for celiac disease frequently detects seropositive children with normal villous morphology (potential celiac disease). It remains unclear whether these subjects should be treated. We here investigated the prevalence of anemia and iron deficiency in children with potential and mucosal atrophy celiac disease.

Methods:

The prospective study involved 19 children with potential disease, 67 with partial or subtotal villous atrophy (P/SVA), and 16 with total villous atrophy (TVA). Twenty‐three healthy children comprised the control group. The groups were compared for various clinical, histological, and laboratory parameters and hepcidin.

Results:

The prevalence of abnormal parameters was as follows (controls, potential celiac disease, P/SVA, and TVA, respectively): anemia 0%, 15%, 22%, and 63%; low iron 5%, 0%, 14%, and 50%; increased transferrin receptor 1 5%, 16%, 20%, and 47%; low ferritin 0%, 21%, 35%, and 87%; and low transferrin saturation 10%, 11%, 41%, and 71%. One subject had low folate and none had low vitamin B12. The median values for hemoglobin, total iron, ferritin, and transferrin saturation were significantly lower and transferrin receptor 1 values higher in TVA group compared with other groups. After a median of 7 months on a gluten‐free diet hemoglobin, total iron, ferritin, and albumin in children with P/SVA exceeded the baseline values in the potential celiac disease group.

Conclusions:

The development of anemia and iron deficiency in celiac disease is a continuum and may already be present in children with normal villous morphology, advocating an early diagnosis and possible dietary treatment of these patients.
Soft Tissue Myoepithelial Carcinoma in a Child: Case Report
Authors: Fedhila Ben Ayed Faten , Douira Khomsi Wiem , Rhayem Samar , Doghri Raoudha , Khemiri Monia , Barsaoui Sihem
Published: April 2016

Background:

Myoepithelial carcinoma was only recently recognized to occur primarily in soft tissue. Only a small number has been reported in children.

Observation:

We report a rare case of myoepithelial carcinoma of the leg in a 4-month-old boy with a good response to chemotherapy initially. However, he presented secondarily during chemotherapy a local and metastatic progression.

Conclusions:

The rarity of the tumor and unusual age of discovery have prompted us to report this case. Our case suggests that this disease can have an aggressive behavior. This is why we advise a rapid and correct diagnosis followed by an aggressive treatment.
Transcription enhancers as major determinants of SV40 polyomavirus growth efficiency and host cell tropism
Authors: Schmidt Katharina , Keiser Simon , Günther Viola , Georgiev Oleg , Hirsch Hans H. , Schaffner Walter , Bethge Tobias
Published: April 2016

The non-coding control region (NCCR) of polyomaviruses includes the promoters for early and late genes, a transcription enhancer and the origin of DNA replication. Particularly virulent variants of the human pathogens BKPyV and JCPyV, as well as of simian virus 40 (SV40), occur in vitro and in vivo. These strains often harbour rearrangements in their NCCR, typically deletions of some DNA segment(s) and/or duplications of others. Using an SV40-based model system we provide evidence that duplications of enhancer elements, whether from SV40 itself or from the related BKPyV and JCPyV, increase early gene transcription and replicative capacity. SV40 harbouring subsegments of the strong cytomegalovirus (HCMV) enhancer replicated better than the common ‘wild-type’ SV40 in the human cell lines HEK293 and U2OS. In conclusion, replacing the SV40 enhancer with heterologous enhancers can profoundly influence SV40’s infective capacity, underscoring the potential of small DNA viruses to overcome cell type and species barriers.
Power and sample size calculations for fMRI studies based on the prevalence of active peaks
Authors: Durnez Joke , Degryse Jasper , Moerkerke Beatrijs , Seurinck Ruth , Sochat Vanessa , Poldrack Russell A. , Nichols Thomas E.
Published: April 2016

Highlights

The manuscript presents a method to calculate sample sizes for fMRI experiments

The power analysis is based on the estimation of the mixture distribution of null and active peaks

The methodology is validated with simulated and real data.

1

Mounting evidence over the last few years suggest that published neuroscience research suffer from low power, and especially for published fMRI experiments. Not only does low power decrease the chance of detecting a true effect, it also reduces the chance that a statistically significant result indicates a true effect (Ioannidis, 2005). Put another way, findings with the least power will be the least reproducible, and thus a (prospective) power analysis is a critical component of any paper. In this work we present a simple way to characterize the spatial signal in a fMRI study with just two parameters, and a direct way to estimate these two parameters based on an existing study. Specifically, using just (1) the proportion of the brain activated and (2) the average effect size in activated brain regions, we can produce closed form power calculations for given sample size, brain volume and smoothness. This procedure allows one to minimize the cost of an fMRI experiment, while preserving a predefined statistical power. The method is evaluated and illustrated using simulations and real neuroimaging data from the Human Connectome Project. The procedures presented in this paper are made publicly available in an online web-based toolbox available atwww.neuropowertools.org.
Inferring expressed genes by whole-genome sequencing of plasma DNA
Authors: Ulz Peter , Thallinger Gerhard G. , Auer Martina , Graf Ricarda , Kashofer Karl , Jahn Stephan W. , Abete Luca , Pristauz Gunda , Petru Edgar , Geigl Jochen B. , Heitzer Ellen , Speicher Michael R.
Published: April 2016

The analysis of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma represents a rapidly advancing field in medicine. cfDNA consists predominantly of nucleosome-protected DNA shed into the bloodstream by cells undergoing apoptosis. We performed whole-genome sequencing (WGS) of plasma DNA and identified two discrete regions at transcription start sites (TSS) where the nucleosome occupancy results in different read-depth coverage patterns in expressed and silent genes. By employing machine learning for gene classification, we found that the plasma DNA read depth patterns from healthy donors reflected the expression signature of hematopoietic cells. In cancer patients with metastatic disease, we were able to classify expressed cancer driver genes in regions with somatic copy number gains with high accuracy. We could even determine the expressed isoform of genes with several TSSs as confirmed by RNA-Seq of the matching primary tumor. Our analyses provide functional information about the cells releasing their DNA into the circulation.
A knowledge-based theory of the firm: managing innovation in biotechnology
Authors: Chen Jin , Jiao Hao , Zhao Xiaoting
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Based on the knowledge-based view (KBV), the purpose of this study is to explore the impact of scientific knowledge resources on innovative performance, as well as the mechanisms, in the science-based innovation practice of biotechnological industry. How scientific knowledge influences the firms’ innovative performance and how external scientific knowledge flows into the firms efficiently are important issues every high-tech firms must consider.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors chose biopharmaceutical firms in China as the sample of this study to empirically test the hypotheses.

Findings

The study introduces a framework combining scientific knowledge resources, technological capabilities and innovative performance and, then, follows with an empirical investigation on firms in Chinese biotechnological industry. Survey data from biopharmaceutical firms in China prove the significantly positive impact of both stocks and flows of scientific knowledge on firms’ innovative performance, as well as the significant mediation effect, of technological capability.

Practical implications

From the results of this study, the authors derive the important managerial implications that talent exchange, purchasing external knowledge directly and establishing R&D alliances are three effective ways leading external scientific knowledge to flow into the firms.

Originality/value

The study finds that technological capability plays an intermediary role between scientific knowledge resource and innovative performance; tacit scientific knowledge stock and R&D alliance influence innovative performance through technological capability totally among them.
A reversal theory in internationalization: case of Korean jewelry inside China
Authors: Hwang Yong-Sik , Chen Dong
Published: April 2016

Purpose

This paper aims to examine Korean jewelry manufacturers operating in China to assess the relationship between their perceptions of external risks and their intentions to relocate. The authors hypothesize that foreign firms finding risk in the current external environment are more likely to consider moving their facilities outside China. In particular, this paper explores whether firm performance and technological capability moderate the relationship between perceived external risk and relocation intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

Korean jewelry manufacturers were among the first Korean firms entering China in the early 1990s to avoid Korea’s rising labor costs. After 20 years, they face similar external risks in China. The authors collected and analyzed 238 survey samples from Korean jewelry manufacturers operating in China to determine whether perceived external risks affect decisions to relocate. Logistic regression was used to examine the hypotheses. In addition to an empirical method, five case studies related to empirical results have been included.

Findings

Analysis results suggest that firms perceiving riskier managerial and competitive environments are more likely to have relocation intentions. Perceptions of risks from the governmental/political environment and macroeconomic environment have no significant relationship with relocation intentions. Also, firms’ performance and technological capability negatively moderate the relationship between perceptions of managerial competitive environment risks and relocation intentions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature on international business relocation strategies by examining perceptions of external risks that determine whether foreign manufacturing firms will relocate. In addition, the research sheds light on the transformation of Chinese economics from labor-intensive to capital-, technological- and knowledge-intensive structures. By applying multi-methods, this research further elaborates empirical results with five case studies.
The influence of organisational commitment and corporate ethical values on non-public accountants’ whistle-blowing intentions in Barbados
Authors: Alleyne Philmore
Published: April 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of organisational commitment (OC) and corporate ethical values (CEV) on the whistle-blowing intentions of non-public accountants in Barbados.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study uses a sample of 236 self-administered questionnaires from non-public accountants working in corporate organisations.

Findings

– OC and CEV significantly influence internal and external whistle-blowing intentions. Non-public accountants with high OC, who also operate in organisations with strong perceived CEV, are more likely to exhibit high internal whistle-blowing intentions and low external whistle-blowing intentions. Non-public accountants with high perceived personal costs, low OC and a low degree of trust and confidence in the reporting systems, cite a general reluctance to whistle-blow internally and externally.

Research limitations/implications

– The findings may not be generalisable to other professions. In addition, it utilises a quantitative survey method, which does not allow for further investigation of non-public accountants’ perceptions and feelings.

Practical implications

– The study can assist firms in developing effective whistle-blowing mechanisms. The findings show the importance of high OC, strong CEV and reduced personal costs in a whistle-blowing framework.

Originality/value

– This study provides evidence of the influence of OC and CEV on whistle-blowing among members of the accounting profession in an emerging economy. The study also provides a whistle-blowing matrix and discusses the unique social and cultural factors influencing the whistle-blowing process in Barbados.
Flexibility in use
Authors: Hoendervanger Jan Gerard , De Been Iris , Van Yperen Nico W. , Mobach Mark P. , Albers Casper J.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Despite their growing popularity among organisations, satisfaction with activity-based work (ABW) environments is found to be below expectations. Research also suggests that workers typically do not switch frequently, or not at all, between different activity settings. Hence, the purpose of this study is to answer two main questions: Is switching behaviour related to satisfaction with ABW environments? Which factors may explain switching behaviour?

Design/methodology/approach

Questionnaire data provided by users of ABW environments (n= 3,189) were used to carry out ANOVA and logistic regression analyses.

Findings

Satisfaction ratings of the 4 per cent of the respondents who switched several times a day appeared to be significantly above average. Switching frequency was found to be positively related to heterogeneity of the activity profile, share of communication work and external mobility.

Practical implications

Our findings suggest that satisfaction with ABW environments might be enhanced by stimulating workers to switch more frequently. However, as strong objections against switching were observed and switching frequently does not seem to be compatible with all work patterns, this will presumably not work for everyone. Many workers are likely to be more satisfied if provided with an assigned (multifunctional) workstation.

Originality/value

In a large representative sample, clear evidence was found for relationships between behavioural aspects and appreciation of ABW environments that had not been studied previously.
Molecular mechanisms for tumour resistance to chemotherapy
Authors: Pan Shu‐Ting , Li Zhi‐Ling , He Zhi‐Xu , Qiu Jia‐Xuan , Zhou Shu‐Feng
Published: April 2016

Chemotherapy is one of the prevailing methods used to treat malignant tumours, but the outcome and prognosis of tumour patients are not optimistic. Cancer cells gradually generate resistance to almost all chemotherapeutic drugs via a variety of distinct mechanisms and pathways. Chemotherapeutic resistance, either intrinsic or acquired, is caused and sustained by reduced drug accumulation and increased drug export, alterations in drug targets and signalling transduction molecules, increased repair of drug‐induced DNA damage, and evasion of apoptosis. In order to better understand the mechanisms of chemoresistance, this review highlights our current knowledge of the role of altered drug metabolism and transport and deregulation of apoptosis and autophagy in the development of tumour chemoresistance. Reduced intracellular activation of prodrugs (e.g. thiotepa and tegafur) or enhanced drug inactivation by Phase I and II enzymes contributes to the development of chemoresistance. Both primary and acquired resistance can be caused by alterations in the transport of anticancer drugs which is mediated by a variety of drug transporters such as P‐glycoprotein (P‐gp), multidrug resistance associated proteins, and breast cancer resistance protein. Presently there is a line of evidence indicating that deregulation of programmed cell death including apoptosis and autophagy is also an important mechanism for tumour resistance to anticancer drugs. Reversal of chemoresistance is likely via pharmacological and biological approaches. Further studies are warranted to grasp the full picture of how each type of cancer cells develop resistance to anticancer drugs and to identify novel strategies to overcome it.
The role of the seed coat in adaptation of dimorphic seeds of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa to salinity
Authors: Song Jie , Shi Weiwei , Liu Ranran , Xu Yange , Sui Na , Zhou Jiachao , Feng Gu
Published: April 2016

The role of the seed coat in adaptation of dimorphic seeds of the euhalophyte Suaeda salsa to salinity was investigated during germination and early seedling growth. Black and brown seeds were treated with chloroform for 1 min before the extract was used to analyze waxes and the seeds to investigate the protective role of the seed coat under saline conditions. Waxes in black seed coats were more abundant than those in brown seed coats. Salinity (500 mM NaCl) increased the concentration of Na+
and decreased the concentration of K+ in both black and brown seeds regardless of chloroform treatment. Chloroform treatment alone (in the absence of NaCl) had no effect on the concentration of Na+
or K+
in black or brown seeds and in the presence of 500 mM NaCl had no effect on the concentration of Na+
or K+
in brown seeds. However, chloroform treatment increased Na+
and decreased K+
in black seeds with 500 mM NaCl. A change of MDA (malondialdehyde) concentration in black and brown seeds treated with or without chloroform was similar to the change of Na+ concentration. High salinity (1500 mM NaCl) pretreatment for 40 days had a less adverse effect on germination of black seeds compared with brown seeds after they were transferred to fresh water regardless of chloroform treatment. Similar results were found for seedling emergence. In conclusion, a black seed coat may be more protective than a brown seed coat, probably by shielding the embryo from ion toxicity, because of its higher content of waxes. Thus black seeds can better maintain seed viability than brown seeds for extended periods under hypersaline conditions.
Adherence of probiotic bacteria to human colon epithelial cells and inhibitory effect against enteric pathogens – In vitro study
Authors: Adriana Nowak , Ilona Motyl , Katarzyna Śliżewska , Zdzisława Libudzisz , Elżbieta Klewicka
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the anti‐adherence properties of three probiotic lactobacillus strains (Lb. rhamnosus 0900, Lb. rhamnosus 0908 and Lb. casei 0919), and their mixture against pathogens: Escherichia coli ATCC 10536, Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium ATCC 14028 and Candida albicans ATCC 10231 using Caco‐2 human colon adenocarcinoma cells. All strains of lactobacilli and the probiotic mixture to the greatest extent inhibited adherence of S. Typhimurium, up to 91%. Lb. rhamnosus 0900 inhibited E. coli by 75.9%, and Lb. casei 0919 decreased adherence of C. albicans by 49%. All pathogens activated the adherence of the mixture of probiotic bacteria.