bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Approaching the ineffable: Synthesizing discursive and nondiscursive approaches in the study of religion
Authors: Beckstead Zachary
Published: February 2016

Religion is a fascinating, complex, and relatively neglected topic in the field of psychology. It is a topic that is challenging for psychologists, who have historically tended to be less religious than the world’s population on average, and the wider public to feel neutral about. The resurgence of interest in religion in the field of psychology not coincidently matches the interest of religion and spirituality in wider society, especially in the United States and even in secular Europe. Yet in spite of the need to study religious phenomena because of their relevance to the wider population and its centrality to human experience, the study of religion has been hampered and remains a tricky enterprise for many reasons. Scardigno, Manuti, and Mininni offer a rich cultural psychological approach for examining how the elderly make sense and give voice to their religious experiences and how they articulate and construct their stories of commitment and conversion. Yet cultural psychology must also understand the nondiscursive and difficult-to-articulate facets of religious experience and belief. Following Jacob Belzen (1999), this commentary argues for a plurality of approaches and one that synthesizes both discursive and nondiscursive approaches and examines rituals and, in particular, the phenomenon of pilgrimage to elucidate this argument.
Implementation of electronically controlled pneumatic brake formulation in longitudinal train dynamics algorithms
Authors: Aboubakr Ahmed K , Volpi Martino , Shabana Ahmed A , Cheli Federico , Melzi Stefano
Published: February 2016

The main goal of this investigation is to integrate an electronically controlled pneumatic (ECP) brake model with efficient longitudinal train force algorithms based on the trajectory coordinate formulations. The ECP brake model, developed in this investigation consists of the train line (cable), locomotive automatic brake valve, air brake pipe, and ECP manifold. The train line, which covers the entire length of the train, allows the brake commands to be received by the car simultaneously. While pneumatic pressure is used to generate the braking forces, the brake pipe is no longer used to provide the brake level commands. Instead, the brake pipes are used to provide a continuous supply of compressed air stored in a reservoir mounted on each railcar. Using the ECP system to apply the brakes uniformly and instantaneously gives better train control, shortens the stopping distances, and leads to a lower risk of derailment. In this investigation, the fluid continuity and momentum equations are used to develop the governing air pressure flow equations. These partial differential equations are converted to a set of ordinary differential equations using the finite element method leading to an air brake force model that accounts for the effect of the air flow in long train pipes as well as the effect of leakage and branch pipe flows. The car brake forces are applied to the wheels using the ECP manifold located in each car. The ECP manifold used in this investigation has four valves: cut-off valve, vent valve, auxiliary valve, and emergency valve. The ECP manifold is connected to three main pneumatic components: the auxiliary reservoir, the emergency reservoir, and the brake cylinder. The reservoirs serve as the main storage of the pressurized air, while the brake cylinder and other mechanical components such as the rigging and the brake shoes transmit the brake force to the wheels. In this investigation, a mathematical model of the ECP manifold and its components is developed. The relationship between the main components of the ECP brake system and the train dynamics is discussed, and the final set of differential equations that integrates the ECP brake and train dynamics is presented. Different simulation scenarios are considered in this study in order to investigate the effect of the brake forces on the train longitudinal dynamics in the case of different braking scenarios. The performance of the developed ECP brake system is compared with the Association of American Railroads safety and operation standards, and with experimental results published in the literature.
By the beard of the Prophet: Imitation, reflection and world transformation among Sufis in Denmark
Authors: Rytter Mikkel
Published: February 2016

This article discusses the significance of growing large beards among the young Danish Pakistani members of a newly established Naqshbandi Sufi order in Copenhagen, where the beard is not simply an imitation but a reflection of the Prophet Muhammad. Exploring emic understandings of emulation and embodiment, the article suggests that a conceptual displacement from imitation to reflection enables our analytical framework to move beyond the ‘self-cultivation paradigm’ that has dominated recent writings in the anthropology of Islam, so that it can accommodate the numerous ways in which devoted Sufis are being acted upon; a change from ‘technology of self’ to ‘technology of Other’ enables connections between this world and Elsewhere to be included in the analytical framework. The article further discusses how the beard is significant in the brotherhood’s attempts at sacralization and world transformation based on nur (light) and love.
Playing “Anne”: Red braids, Green Gables, and literary tourists on Prince Edward Island
Authors: Gothie Sarah Conrad
Published: February 2016

For nearly a century, literary tourists have sought the settings of L.M. Montgomery’s novel Anne of Green Gables on picturesque Prince Edward Island, Canada. As tourism infrastructure on the Island developed in the latter twentieth century, tourists’ whimsical wearing of red braids to emulate the novel’s girl protagonist became a popular practice. Playing “Anne,” while certainly a different experience depending on whether one is a little girl, an adult woman, or an adult man, is today a widely practiced performance of tourist identity. Through close readings of visitor comment cards, tourism promotions, souvenir hats, and the Green Gables Heritage Place historic site operated by Parks Canada, this article argues that the desire to play “Anne” rehearses themes of Anne’s anticipation, arrival, child-like wonder, and outsider status, all of which resonate with a touristic perception of place.
Disrupting household food consumption through experimental HomeLabs: Outcomes, connections, contexts
Authors: Devaney Laura , Davies Anna R.
Published: February 2016

This article explores the implications of conceptualising, designing and implementing experimental sites seeking to support more sustainable home-based eating practices, or HomeLabs for brevity. Building on earlier phases of practice-oriented participatory backcasting and transition framework construction, the HomeLabs involved collaboration with public, private and civil society sectors and with the members of participating households. These collaborations identified a suite of supportive socio-technological, informational and governance interventions that mimicked, as far as possible, the characteristics of promising practices for sustainable eating developed through backcasting and transition planning. The implemented interventions enabled householders to question, disassemble and reconfigure their eating practices onto more sustainable pathways across the integrated practices of food acquisition, storage, preparation and waste management. This process generated manifold insights into household eating practices, and this article focuses specifically on key outcomes of the HomeLabs, and the significance of social context, social relations and micropolitics of everyday life in shaping those outcomes. In particular, the HomeLabs findings reinforce calls to connect, combine and align product, regulatory, informational and motivational supports across the interdependent practices of eating (acquisition, storage and preparation and waste recovery) to optimise transitions towards sustainability. Offering a lens to interrogate interventions for sustainable food consumption in the home, this article provides a novel exercise in operationalising social practice theory.
Effect of Adding Online Social Support Tools to an Adult Walking Program
Authors: Monroe Courtney M. , Bassett David R. , Fitzhugh Eugene C. , Raynor Hollie A. , Thompson Dixie L.
Published: February 2016

This pilot study examined the efficacy of providing access to online social support tools on adults’ step counts during a technology-mediated walking intervention. Sixty-three insufficiently active adults were randomized to a 12-week walking intervention with (SUPPORT) or without (NO SUPPORT) access to online social support tools. Both groups received a pedometer, step goals, and access to relevant websites. The SUPPORT group also received access to online social support tools. A mixed-factor analysis of variance was conducted to examine within- and between-group differences in measures of daily steps, psychosocial indicators, and health. Both groups significantly (p < .05) increased their daily steps over time from baseline by 1,401 (SUPPORT) and 2,461 (NO SUPPORT), with no significant differences between groups. Psychosocial and health improvements were no greater for SUPPORT versus NO SUPPORT. The SUPPORT group’s use of the online social support tools was low. Results suggest that giving adults access to online social support tools during a technology-mediated walking program did not lead to an enhanced increase in daily steps versus an identical program without these tools; however, the low use of these tools may have weakened their effect. Future studies should examine SUPPORT versus NO SUPPORT among groups with preexisting social ties.
Carbon Dioxide Flushing Technique to Prevent Cerebral Arterial Air Embolism and Stroke During TEVAR
Authors: Kölbel Tilo , Rohlffs Fiona , Wipper Sabine , Carpenter Sebastian W. , Debus Eike Sebastian , Tsilimparis Nikolaos
Published: February 2016

Purpose: To describe the technique of carbon dioxide (CO2) flushing of thoracic stent-grafts to reduce the risk of cerebral air embolism. Technique: To remove room air, thoracic stent-grafts were preoperatively flushed 2 minutes with carbon dioxide from a cylinder connected to the flushing chamber of the captor valves of Zenith custom-made endografts; this was followed by the standard saline flush. Thirty-six patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repairs (TEVAR) involving the ascending aorta and the aortic arch received CO2-flushed Zenith endografts. One patient with a highly calcified arch experienced a minor stroke. Conclusion: Arterial air embolism is a potentially underappreciated problem of aortic endografting, especially in the proximal segments of the aorta. CO2 flushing may have the potential to reduce air embolization during TEVAR.
Endovascular Treatment of 2 Synchronous Extracranial Carotid Artery Aneurysms Using Stent-Assisted Coil Embolization and Double Bare-Metal Stenting
Authors: Han Daniel K. , Tadros Rami O. , Chung Christine , Patel Aman , Marin Michael L. , Faries Peter L.
Published: February 2016

Extracranial carotid artery aneurysms located in the cervical region in close proximity to the skull are difficult to access using open surgical methods. Endovascular treatment has emerged as an alternative option for anatomically challenging internal carotid artery aneurysms. However, data comparing various endovascular techniques including stent grafting, coil embolization, double stenting, and stent-assisted coil embolization are lacking, making it difficult to determine the optimal treatment. We present a case of a patient with 2 fusiform extracranial carotid artery aneurysms treated successfully with a combination of double stenting and stent-assisted coil embolization. We also discuss technical considerations for selecting the appropriate endovascular intervention.
Psychological Ownership, Job Satisfaction, and Middle Manager Entrepreneurial Behavior
Authors: Mustafa Michael , Martin Lee , Hughes Mathew
Published: February 2016

Despite the importance of middle managers’ entrepreneurial behavior for corporate entrepreneurship, there is still a lack of knowledge about its determinants. Knowledge of the role of individual psychological states and work attitudes remains particularly thin. Through an empirical investigation into 136 middle managers in a large Singapore telecommunications firm, this study finds that psychological ownership is positively related to entrepreneurial behavior and job satisfaction within these middle managers. The study further finds that job satisfaction is positively related to entrepreneurial behavior and mediates the relationship between psychological ownership and entrepreneurial behavior. This study contributes to the literature by demonstrating the relationship between psychological ownership and pro-organizational behavior, extending psychological ownership research into the field of corporate entrepreneurship via middle managers’ entrepreneurial behavior.
Corporate Ethical Values and Turnover Intention
Authors: Liu Chu-Mei , Lin Chieh-Peng
Published: February 2016

Corporate ethical values have been studied in a number of ways to understand how they influence the behavioral intention or actions of employees to achieve organizational survival and success. Nevertheless, they have not been considered as much within international business organizations, specifically around the issue of turnover which is important for those concerned with retaining knowledgeable staff in the organization. This study develops a model that explains how corporate ethical values influence turnover intention based on social identity theory and ethical principled theory. The empirical results find that career satisfaction directly relates to turnover intention whereas corporate ethical values indirectly relate to turnover intention through the full mediation of organizational identification. Meanwhile, the effects of career satisfaction on turnover intention and on organizational identification are positively moderated by corporate ethical values. Last, managerial implications and research limitations are discussed.
Bio-absorbable antibiotic impregnated beads for the treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infections
Authors: Genovese Elizabeth A , Avgerinos Efthymios D , Baril Donald T , Makaroun Michel S , Chaer Rabih A
Published: February 2016

Objective

There is limited investigation into the use of bio-absorbable antibiotic beads for the treatment of prosthetic vascular graft infections. Our goal was to investigate the rates of infection eradication, graft preservation, and limb salvage in patients who are not candidates for graft explant or extensive reconstruction.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients implanted with antibiotic impregnated bio-absorbable calcium sulfate beads at a major university center was conducted.

Results

Six patients with prosthetic graft infections were treated with bio-absorbable antibiotics beads from 2012–2014. Grafts included an aortobifemoral, an aorto-hepatic/superior mesenteric artery, and four extra-anatomic bypasses. Pathogens included Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Half of the patients underwent graft explant with reconstruction and half debridement of the original graft, all with antibiotic bead placement around the graft. Mean follow-up was 7.3 ± 8.3 months; all patients had infection resolution, healed wounds, and 100% graft patency, limb salvage, and survival.

Conclusion

This report details the successful use of bio-absorbable antibiotic beads for the treatment prosthetic vascular graft infections in patients at high risk for graft explant or major vascular reconstruction. At early follow-up, we demonstrate successful infection suppression, graft preservation, and limb salvage with the use of these beads in a subset of vascular patients.
Post-Bourdieusian Moments and Methods in Music Sociology: Toward a Critical, Practice-Based Approach
Authors: de Boise Sam
Published: February 2016

Bourdieu’s work has been hugely influential in sociological research on music and society, especially in shaping research on the relationship between social inequalities and music. Recent sociological work has also ‘updated’ his approach in order to demonstrate how his central insights are still relevant today, demonstrating strong links between music and social inequalities. Despite a move toward a ‘post-Bourdieu moment’ in the sociology of music (Prior, 2011), few have attempted to outline empirical strategies which are critically sensitive to social inequalities, whilst addressing questions of aesthetics, value, resistance and social change. This article acknowledges Bourdieusian contributions to the sociology of music as well as attempts to ‘update’ Bourdieu’s initial approach. However, it argues that a new understanding of musical subjectivity, a broader focus on music engagement, as well as greater methodological flexibility, are required in order to help us explore increasingly complex relationships between music and social inequalities today.
The timing of terrorist attacks: An optimal stopping approach
Authors: Jensen Thomas
Published: February 2016

I use a simple optimal stopping model to derive policy relevant insights on the timing of one-shot attacks by small autonomous terrorist units or “lone wolf” individuals. A main insight is that an increase in proactive counterterrorism measures can lead to a short term increase in the number of attempted terrorist attacks because it makes it more risky for existing terrorist units to pursue further development of capabilities. This is consistent with the events in London in 2005 where a terrorist attack on 7 July was followed by a similar but unsuccessful attack two weeks later.
The Prevalence of Obesity and Elevated Blood Pressure in Adolescent Student Athletes From the State of Mississippi
Authors: Stiefel Eric C. , Field Larry , Replogle William , McIntyre Louis , Igboechi Oduche , Savoie Felix H.
Published: February 2016

Background:

Over the past 30 years, there has been a dramatic increase in the prevalence of childhood obesity and hypertension in the United States. The prevalence of these diagnoses among individuals participating in school-sanctioned sports has not been clearly defined.

Purpose:

To identify the prevalence of obesity and elevated blood pressure (BP) among student athletes and investigate associations between race, sex, type and number of sports played, and the prevalence of these diseases.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Pre–sports participation medical examinations (N = 7705) performed between 2009 and 2013 were reviewed to identify the prevalence of obesity and elevated BP and examine relationships between the type of sports played, participation in multiple sports versus a single sport, and the athlete’s body weight and body mass index (BMI).

Results:

The prevalence of obesity was 23.5%. There was a significant association ( P < .001) between the number of sports played by the student and BMI. The risk of obesity among single-sport athletes was more than 2-fold the risk (relative risk [RR], 2.13) compared with ≥3-sport athletes and 1.42 times greater compared with 2-sport athletes (RR, 1.42). The prevalence of elevated BP was 21.2%. There was a significant association ( P < .001) between the number of sports played by the student and elevated BP. The risk of elevated BP among single-sport athletes was 1.59 times greater (RR, 1.59) than ≥3-sport athletes and 1.30 times greater compared with 2-sport athletes (RR, 1.30). Finally, obese students were 2.40 times more likely to have elevated BP compared with nonobese students ( P < .001).

Conclusion:

The result of this study confirms the progressive nature of the obesity epidemic and identifies the contribution of obesity to the worsening cardiometabolic profiles in student athletes. The study also identifies that participation in multiple sports and running sports decreases the individual’s risk for obesity and hypertension.

Clinical Relevance:

The present study emphasizes the importance of screening for obesity and elevated blood pressure during the athlete’s preparticipation physical examination.
Browder and Göhde fixed point theorem for monotone nonexpansive mappings
Authors: Bin Dehaish Buthinah Abdullatif , Khamsi Mohamed Amine
Published: February 2016

Let X be a Banach space or a complete hyperbolic metric space. Let C be a nonempty, bounded, closed, and convex subset of X and $T: C \rightarrow C$
T
:
C
→
C
be a monotone nonexpansive mapping. In this paper, we show that if X is a Banach space which is uniformly convex in every direction or a uniformly convex hyperbolic metric space, then T has a fixed point. This is the analog to Browder and Göhde’s fixed point theorem for monotone nonexpansive mappings.
Post-transcriptional regulation mediated by specific neurofilament introns in vivo
Authors: Wang Chen , Szaro Ben G.
Published: February 2016

Neurons regulate genes post-transcriptionally to coordinate the supply of cytoskeletal proteins, such as the medium neurofilament (NEFM), with demand for structural materials in response to extracellular cues encountered by developing axons. By using a method for evaluating functionality of cis-regulatory gene elements in vivo through plasmid injection into Xenopus embryos, we discovered that splicing of a specific nefm intron was required for robust transgene expression, regardless of promoter or cell type. Transgenes utilizing the nefm 3′-UTR but substituting other nefm introns expressed little or no protein owing to defects in handling of the messenger (m)RNA as opposed to transcription or splicing. Post-transcriptional events at multiple steps, but mainly during nucleocytoplasmic export, contributed to these varied levels of protein expression. An intron of the β-globin gene was also able to promote expression in a manner identical to that of the nefm intron, implying a more general preference for certain introns in controlling nefm expression. These results expand our knowledge of intron-mediated gene expression to encompass neurofilaments, indicating an additional layer of complexity in the control of a cytoskeletal gene needed for developing and maintaining healthy axons.
Effect of body mass and melanism on heat balance inLiolaemuslizards of thegoetschiclade
Authors: Azócar Débora Lina Moreno , Bonino Marcelo Fabián , Perotti María Gabriela , Schulte James A. , Abdala Cristian Simón , Cruz Félix Benjamín
Published: February 2016

Body temperature of ectotherms depends on the environmental temperatures and behavioral adjustments, but morphology may also affect it. For example, in colder environments animals tend to be larger and show higher thermal inertia, as proposed by Bergmann's rule and the heat balance hypothesis (HBH). Additionally, dark coloration increases solar radiation absorption and should accelerate heat gain (Thermal melanism hypothesis, TMH).

We tested Bergmann's rule, HBH and TMH within the Liolaemus goetschi lizards clade that show variability in body size and melanic coloration. We measured heating and cooling rates of live and euthanized animals, and tested how morphology and color affect these rates. Live organisms show less variable and faster heating rates, compared to cooling rates, suggesting behavioral and/ or physiological adjustments.

Our results support Bergmann's rule and the HBH, as larger species show slower heating and cooling rates. However, we did not find a clear pattern to support TMH. The influence of dorsal melanism on heating by radiation was masked by body size effect in live animals, while results from euthanized individuals show no clear effects of melanism on heating rates either. However, when compared three groups of live individuals with different degree of melanism we found that that darker euthanized animals actually heat faster than lighter ones, favoring TMH. Although unresolved aspects remain, body size and coloration influenced heat exchange suggesting complex thermoregulatory strategies in these lizards, probably regulated through physiology and behavior, what may allow these small lizards to inhabit harsh weather environments.
Musculoskeletal modeling of the dragonfly mandible system as an aid to understanding the role of single muscles in an evolutionary context
Authors: David Sina , Funken Johannes , Potthast Wolfgang , Blanke Alexander
Published: February 2016

Insects show a high variety of mouthpart and muscle configurations, however, their mouthpart kinematics and muscle activation patterns are known fragmentary. Understanding the role of muscle groups during movement and comparing them between insect groups could yield insights into evolutionary patterns and functional constraints. Here, we develop a mathematical inverse dynamic model including distinct muscles for an insect head-mandible-muscle complex based on micro computed tomography (µCT) data and bite force measurements. With the advent of µCT it is now possible to obtain precise spatial information about muscle attachment areas and head capsule construction in insects. Our model shows a distinct activation pattern for certain fiber groups potentially related to a geometry dependent optimization. Muscle activation patterns suggest that intramandibular muscles play a minor role for bite force generation which is a potential reason for their loss in several lineages of higher insects. Our model is in agreement with previous studies investigating fast and slow muscle fibers and is able to resolve the spatio-temporal activation patterns of these different muscle types in insects. The model used here has a high potential for comparative large scale analyses on the role of different muscle setups and head capsule designs in the megadiverse insects in order to aid our understanding of insect head capsule and mouthpart evolution under mechanical constraints.
CHH binding protein (CHHBP): a newly identified receptor of crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH)
Authors: Li Ran , Tian Jin-Ze , Zhuang Cui-Heng , Zhang Yi-Chen , Geng Xu-Yun , Zhu Li-Na , Sun Jin-Sheng
Published: February 2016

Crustacean hyperglycemic hormone (CHH) is a neurohormone found only in arthropods that plays a pivotal role in the regulation of hemolymph glucose levels, molting, and stress responses. Although it was determined that a membrane guanylyl cyclase (GC) acts as the CHH receptor in the Y-organ during ecdysteroidogenesis, the identity of the CHH receptor in the hepatopancreas has not been established. In this study, we identified a new molecular, CHH binding protein (CHHBP), as a potential receptor by screening the annotated unigenes from the transcriptome of Eriocheir sinensis, after removal of eyestalk. Analysis of the binding affinity between CHH and CHHBP provided direct evidence that CHH interacts with CHHBP in a specific binding mode. Subsequent analysis showed that CHHBP was expressed primarily in the hepatopancreas and localized on cell membrane. In addition, real-time PCR analysis showed that CHHBP transcript levels gradually increased in the hepatopancreas following eyestalk ablation. RNAi-mediated suppression of CHHBP expression resulted in decreased glucose levels. Furthermore, the reduction of blood glucose induced by CHHBP RNAi reached the same degree as that observed in the eyestalk ablation group, suggesting that CHHBP contributes to glucose metabolism regulated by CHH. Besides, compared to the control group, injection of CHH was unable to rescue the decreased glucose levels in CHHBP RNAi crabs. CHH induced transport of 2-NBDG to the outside of cells, with indispensable assist from CHHBP. Taken together, these findings imply that CHHBP probably acts as one type of the primary signal processor of CHH-mediated regulation of cellular glucose metabolism.
Dynamic changes in scope for heart rate and cardiac autonomic control during warm acclimation in rainbow trout
Authors: Ekström Andreas , Hellgren Kim , Gräns Albin , Pichaud Nicolas , Sandblom Erik
Published: February 2016

Time course studies are critical to understand regulatory mechanisms and temporal constraints in ectothermic animals acclimating to warmer temperatures. Therefore, we investigated the dynamics of heart rate and its neuro-humoral control in rainbow trout (Onchorhynchus mykiss L.) acclimating to 16°C for 39 days after being acutely warmed from 9°C. Resting heart rate was 39 bpm at 9°C, and increased significantly when acutely warmed to 16°C (Q10: 1.9), but then declined during acclimation (Q10 of 1.2 at day 39); mainly due to increased cholinergic inhibition while the intrinsic heart rate and adrenergic tone were little affected. Maximum heart rate also increased with warming, although a partial modest decrease occurred during the acclimation period. Consequently, heart rate scope exhibited a complex pattern with an initial increase with acute warming, followed by a steep decline and then a subsequent increase, which was primarily explained by cholinergic inhibition of resting heart rate.
Forces generated during stretch in the heart of the lobsterHomarus americanusare anisotropic and are altered by neuromodulators
Authors: Dickinson E. S. , Johnson A. S. , Ellers O. , Dickinson P. S.
Published: February 2016

Mechanical and neurophysiological anisotropies mediate three-dimensional responses of the heart of Homarus americanus. Although hearts in vivo are loaded multi-axially by pressure, studies of invertebrate cardiac function typically use uniaxial tests. To generate whole heart length-tension curves, stretch pyramids at constant lengthening and shortening rates were imposed uniaxially and biaxially along longitudinal and transverse axes of the beating, whole heart. To determine whether neuropeptides that are known to modulate cardiac activity in H. americanus affect the active or passive components of these length-tension curves, we also performed these tests in the presence of SGRNFLRFamide (SGRN) and GYSNRNYLRFamide (GYS). In uniaxial and biaxial tests, both passive and active forces increased with stretch along both measurement axes. The increase in passive forces was anisotropic, with greater increases along the longitudinal axis. Passive forces showed hysteresis and active forces were higher during lengthening than shortening phases of the stretch pyramid. Active forces at a given length were increased by both neuropeptides. To exert these effects, neuropeptides might have acted indirectly on the muscle via their effects on the cardiac ganglion, directly on the neuromuscular junction, or directly on the muscles. Because increases in response to stretch were also seen in stimulated motor nerve-muscle preparations, at least some of the effects of the peptides are likely peripheral. Taken together, these findings suggest that flexibility in rhythmic cardiac contractions results from the amplified effects of neuropeptides interacting with the length-tension characteristics of the heart.
Low cost of pulmonary ventilation in American alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) stimulated with doxapram
Authors: Skovgaard Nini , Crossley Dane A. , Wang Tobias
Published: February 2016

To determine the costs of pulmonary ventilation without imposing severe oxygen limitations or acidosis that normally accompany exposures to hypoxia or hypercapnia, we opted to pharmacologically stimulate ventilation with doxapram (5 and 10 mg kg−1) in alligators. Doxapram is used clinically to alleviate ventilatory depression in response to anaesthesia and acts primarily on the peripheral oxygen sensitive chemoreceptors. Using this approach, we investigate the hypothesis that pulmonary ventilation is relatively modest in comparison to resting metabolic rate in crocodilians and equipped seven juvenile alligators with masks for concurrent determination of ventilation and oxygen uptake. Doxapram elicited a dose-dependent and up to four-fold rise in ventilation, primarily by increasing ventilatory frequency. The attending rise in oxygen uptake was very small; ventilation in resting animals constitutes no more than 5 % of resting metabolic rate. The conclusion that pulmonary ventilation is energetically cheap is consistent with earlier studies on alligators where ventilation has been stimulated by hypoxia, hypercapnia.
Typification of the names Centaurea aspera, C. nudicaulis and C. uniflora (Asteraceae)
Authors: Iamonico Duilio , Peruzzi Lorenzo
Published: February 2016

The typifications of the Linnaean names Centaurea aspera and C. nudicaulis are discussed. Specimens from the Linnaean Herbarium (LINN) are designated as the neotype (No. 1030.49) and lectotype (No. 1030.72) of the names C. aspera and C. nudicaulis, respectively. Centaurea uniflora was first published by Turra (1765) rendering "C. uniflora L." (1767) a later isonym. Centaurea uniflora is lectotypified using an illustration from Boccone.
E-Learning as a Teaching Strategy Actively Used in FATIH Project
Authors: Eryilmaz Selami , Adalar Hayati , Icinak Abdullah
Published: February 2016

The changes and innovations in information and communication technologies influence the economic and social lives of the societies to a great degree. The countries accordingly take new decisions to benefit effectively from these technologies. The new media system scrolling traditional educational paradigms has also required changes in educational systems. Thanks to the new media-equipped education system in which equality of facility and opportunity parallel to world standards is provided and technologic improvement is individualized, a new generation student profile will emerge who has global competitive skill and individual conscious and awareness. The new generation student profile has to carry the skills of problem solving, using the language eloquently, creativity, critical thinking, life-long learning, media, technology and information literacy, social responsibility and teamwork. Notebooks, projectors and internet infrastructure are aimed to provide for the six hundred thousand classes of all the schools in preschools, primary-elementary and high schools to ensure equality of opportunity, amend the technology in schools and make it possible to use more effective use of CT media in teaching-learning process, which will address more senses. The studies on the issue are still continuing. This study is based on qualitative research methods and techniques in which scanning model is used. The actual case has been presented by doing examinations on FATIH project, Turkish education system, teaching strategies used, e-learning and management information systems and a study is executed on teaching strategies of FATIH project in the light of this information.
Teaching English Phrases Through SMS
Authors: Cig Enes Kurtay , Guvercin Selim , Bayimbetov Berdak , Dos Bulent
Published: February 2016

Achieving the maximum efficiency in teaching a second language (L2) has always been an important issue for educators. Current globalization processes, development of international business relations, political integrations among the various countries throughout the world, and the abilities of latest information and communications technologies (ICT) dictate the more significance of knowledge of foreign languages. All living conditions should be constructed according to the mentioned surrounding changes during the ICT era. Correspondingly, teaching methodologies are also being adapted in order to teach people more efficiently. This paper studies how cellular phones (cell phones) can be used in learning English phrases. In order to examine the impact of cell phones on learning a language an experiment was run among the college and university students in Kazakhstan, supported by GSM Network of KCell (Kazakhstan). This paper discusses the experiment results, in which 126 college and university students participated, and makes some suggestions based on the experimental mobile learning. Study reveals that users could make noticeable improvements learning through their cell phones after the conducted experiment. Positive improvements were noticed on the results of general tests of English language those conducted among all participants of the research.
Unpacking the Discrepancy between Learner and Teacher Beliefs: What should be the Role of Grammar in Language Classes?
Authors: Hos Rabia , Kekec Mustafa
Published: February 2016

Learner and teacher beliefs play an important role in second language (L2) learning. Furthermore, the role of grammar instruction and error correction in the L2 classroom is a topic that is still debated in the literature. This study explored the beliefs of EFL learners and teachers regarding the controversial role of grammar instruction and error correction. A total of 17 instructors and 60 students at a private Turkish university participated in the study. The participants completed an open-ended questionnaire and interviewed regarding their beliefs about grammar instruction and error correction. Themes emerging from the qualitative data were identified. As a result of this study, it can be said that both learners and teachers believed in the importance of grammar in language and error correction, however there were some differences between the learners and teachers regarding the use of native language in grammar teaching and other areas of grammar teaching.
Consolidation of Science Education in Ethnically Divided Postwar Bosnia and Herzegovina
Authors: Sorgo Andrej , Zivkovic Mate
Published: February 2016

Because of war and civil war on the territory of Bosnia and Herzegovina, education in ethnically divided country has become fragmented. Because of postwar divisions thirteen different ministries of education or similar bodies are responsible for education, resulting in inefficiency and low quality. To overcome differences, a committee of experts has prepared an outcome-based common core curriculum for science education from preschool to the upper secondary school level. Since the working group comprised representatives from all major entities, ethnic and religious groups, and school levels, as well as teachers from Biology, Chemistry, Geography and Physics, a positive outcome for the consolidation of science education can be expected.
Effect of Emotional Intelligence and Gender on Job Satisfaction of Primary School Teachers
Authors: Singh Bhagat , Kumar Arun
Published: February 2016

The objective of the study was to find out the effect of EI and gender on job satisfaction of primary school teachers. A total of 300 (150 male and 150 female) primary school teachers were selected randomly for the study. Emotional Intelligence Scale (EIS) and Teachers’ Job Satisfaction Scale (TJSS) were used to collect the data. The study found a significant positive relationship between emotional intelligence and job satisfaction. Regression analysis showed that emotional management and emotional maturity significantly predicted the job satisfaction. The results of the two-way ANOVA showed that the interaction effect of gender and EI was not significant. Results also showed that level of EI significantly affected the job satisfaction of primary school teachers. However, there is no significant difference between male and female teachers regarding the level of job satisfaction. There are other factors which affect job satisfaction but the role of EI cannot be neglected. So the level of EI must be taken into consideration in order to select the best teachers.
Teachers' Attitudes toward the Usage of Mobile Devices in EFL Classroom
Authors: Dogan Ali , Akbarov Azamat
Published: February 2016

Nowadays, technology is developing in a geometrically progressive manner. Its usage in different social areas is an imperative, rather than a choice. As expected, digital devices are applicable in the educational context, as well. Hence, the scope of the present study is to examine attitudes toward mobile learning among English teachers. For this purpose, we conducted a survey with 159 teachers from both state and private schools as well as universities in Turkey. In general, our results showed that teachers have positive attitudes toward the usage of mobile devices in the ESL learning context. However, there is an almost equal number of teachers who use and who do not use mobile devices and other digital contents in their classrooms. In addition, and according to teachers, there were two main obstacles to using mobile devices in teaching processes – lack of training and students' attitudes. On the other hand, the lowest ranked obstacles were school administrations and pedagogical justification.
Circulating Tumor Cells: A Review of Non–EpCAM-Based Approaches for Cell Enrichment and Isolation
Authors: Gabriel Marta Tellez , Calleja Lidia Rodriguez , Chalopin Antoine , Ory Benjamin , Heymann Dominique
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are biomarkers for noninvasively measuring the evolution of tumor genotypes during treatment and disease progression. Recent technical progress has made it possible to detect and characterize CTCs at the single-cell level in blood.

CONTENT

Most current methods are based on epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) detection, but numerous studies have demonstrated that EpCAM is not a universal marker for CTC detection because it fails to detect both carcinoma cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and CTCs of mesenchymal origin. Moreover, EpCAM expression has been found in patients with benign diseases. A large proportion of the current studies and reviews about CTCs describe EpCAM-based methods, but there is evidence that not all tumor cells can be detected using this marker. Here we describe the most recent EpCAM-independent methods for enriching, isolating, and characterizing CTCs on the basis of physical and biological characteristics and point out the main advantages and disadvantages of these methods.

CTCs offer an opportunity to obtain key biological information required for the development of personalized medicine. However, there is no universal marker of these cells. To strengthen the clinical utility of CTCs, it is important to improve existing technologies and develop new, non–EpCAM-based systems to enrich and isolate CTCs.
Quality of Heliconia psittacorum seedlings grown on different substrates
Authors: Santos Raimundo Luiz Laurinho dos , Grossi José Antonio Saraiva , Pêgo Rogério Gomes , Barbosa José Geraldo
Published: February 2016

The production of good seedlings depends on the quality of the matrix and propagation techniques used. In choosing a substrate should be particularly observed physical and chemical characteristics. The objective of this study was to assess the development and vigor of heliconia seedlings from Heliconia psittacorum species, grown on different substrates and mixtures. The materials that form the treatments were: burnt rice husk (RHB), vermiculite (VC), sugarcane waste burnt (SWB), subsoil (S), chicken bedding (CB), cattle manure (CM), earthworm humus (EH), coconut husk powder (CSP) and Horticultural Plantmax (HP). The treatments chosen were: 1( ⅔ CM + ⅓ CSP), 2( ⅔CM + ⅓RHB), 3( ⅔CB + ⅓ SWB), 4(CSP), 5(½VC+ ½SWB), 6(⅔ S + ⅓ CB), 7(⅓CM + ⅔SWB), 8(⅔ CM + ⅓SWB), 9(⅔CB + ⅓RHB), 10(⅓CM + ⅔RHB), 11(⅓CB + ⅔SWB), 12(⅔CB + ⅓CSP), 13(⅔EH + ⅓CSP), 14(⅔EH + ⅓SWB), 15(⅓CB + ⅔RHB), 16(⅓EH + ⅔SWB), 17(⅔EH + ⅓RHB), 18( ½VC + ½RHB), 19(S), 20(⅔ S + ⅓ CM), 21(⅔ S + ⅓ EH), 22(EH), 23(HP), 24(⅓EH + ⅔RHB). Samples of all treatment compositions were taken and carried out chemical and physical analysis. A set of ten treatments (1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 10, 14, 16, 20 and 22) basically consisting of CM EH, RHB, CSP and SWB produced the best seedlings and treatment with CB as a main component or not produced the worst seedlings due to high electrical conductivity
Structural mechanism of ATP‐dependent DNA binding and DNA end bridging by eukaryotic Rad50
Authors: Seifert Florian Ulrich , Lammens Katja , Stoehr Gabriele , Kessler Brigitte , Hopfner Karl‐Peter
Published: February 2016

The Mre11–Rad50–Nbs1 (MRN) complex is a central factor in the repair of DNA double‐strand breaks (DSBs). The ATP‐dependent mechanisms of how MRN detects and endonucleolytically processes DNA ends for the repair by microhomology‐mediated end‐joining or further resection in homologous recombination are still unclear. Here, we report the crystal structures of the ATPγS‐bound dimer of the Rad50NBD (nucleotide‐binding domain) from the thermophilic eukaryote Chaetomium thermophilum (Ct) in complex with either DNA or CtMre11RBD (Rad50‐binding domain) along with small‐angle X‐ray scattering and cross‐linking studies. The structure and DNA binding motifs were validated by DNA binding experiments in vitro and mutational analyses in Saccharomyces cerevisiae in vivo. Our analyses provide a structural framework for the architecture of the eukaryotic Mre11–Rad50 complex. They show that a Rad50 dimer binds approximately 18 base pairs of DNA along the dimer interface in an ATP‐dependent fashion or bridges two DNA ends with a preference for 3′ overhangs. Finally, our results may provide a general framework for the interaction of ABC ATPase domains of the Rad50/SMC/RecN protein family with DNA.
Starting too soon: upstream reading frames repress downstream translation
Authors: McGeachy Anna M , Ingolia Nicholas T
Published: February 2016

Upstream open reading frames (uORFs) are known to regulate a few specific transcripts, and recent computational and experimental studies have suggested candidate uORF regulation across the genome. In this issue, Johnstone et al (2016) use ribosome profiling to identify translated uORFs and measure their effects on downstream translation. Furthermore, they show that regulatory uORFs are conserved across species and subject to selective constraint. Recognizing the potential of uORFs in regulating translation expands our understanding of the dynamic regulation of gene expression.
The Genetic Basis of Haploid Induction in Maize Identified with a Novel Genome-Wide Association Method
Authors: Hu Haixiao , Schrag Tobias A , Peis Regina , Unterseer Sandra , Schipprack Wolfgang , Chen Shaojiang , Lai Jinsheng , Yan Jianbing , Prasanna Boddupalli M , Nair Sudha K , Chaikam Vijay , Rotarenco Valeriu , Shatskaya Olga A , Zavalishina Alexandra , Scholten Stefan , Schön Chris-Carolin , Melchinger Albrecht E
Published: February 2016

In vivo haploid induction (HI) triggered by pollination with special intraspecific genotypes, called inducers, is unique to Zea mays L. within the plant kingdom and has revolutionized maize breeding during the last decade. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying HI in maize are still unclear. To investigate the genetic basis of HI, we developed a new approach for genome-wide association studies (GWAS), termed conditional haplotype extension (CHE) test that allows detection of selective sweeps even under almost perfect confounding of population structure and trait expression. Here, we applied this test to identify genomic regions required for HI expression and dissected the combined support interval (50.34 Mb) of the QTL qhir1, detected in a previous study, into two closely linked genomic segments relevant for HI expression. The first, termed qhir11 (0.54 Mb), comprises an already fine-mapped region but was not diagnostic for differentiating inducers and noninducers. The second segment, termed qhir12 (3.97 Mb), had a haplotype allele common to all 53 inducer lines but not found in any of the 1482 noninducers. By comparing resequencing data of one inducer with 14 noninducers, we detected in the qhir12 region three candidate genes involved in DNA or amino acid binding, however, none for qhir11. We propose that the CHE test can be utilized in introgression breeding and different fields of genetics to detect selective sweeps in heterogeneous genetic backgrounds.