bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Discovery of a new family of amphibians from northeast India with ancient links to Africa
Authors: Kamei Rachunliu G. , Mauro Diego San , Gower David J. , Van Bocxlaer Ines , Sherratt Emma , Thomas Ashish , Babu Suresh , Bossuyt Franky , Wilkinson Mark , Biju S. D.
Published: February 2012

The limbless, primarily soil-dwelling and tropical caecilian amphibians (Gymnophiona) comprise the least known order of tetrapods. On the basis of unprecedented extensive fieldwork, we report the discovery of a previously overlooked, ancient lineage and radiation of caecilians from threatened habitats in the underexplored states of northeast India. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomic and nuclear DNA sequences, and comparative cranial anatomy indicate an unexpected sister-group relationship with the exclusively African family Herpelidae. Relaxed molecular clock analyses indicate that these lineages diverged in the Early Cretaceous, about 140 Ma. The discovery adds a major branch to the amphibian tree of life and sheds light on both the evolution and biogeography of caecilians and the biotic history of northeast India—an area generally interpreted as a gateway between biodiversity hotspots rather than a distinct biogeographic unit with its own ancient endemics. Because of its distinctive morphology, inferred age and phylogenetic relationships, we recognize the newly discovered caecilian radiation as a new family of modern amphibians.
Discrimination of Arabidopsis PAD4 Activities in Defense against Green Peach Aphid and Pathogens
Authors: Louis Joe , Gobbato Enrico , Mondal Hossain A. , Feys Bart J. , Parker Jane E. , Shah Jyoti
Published: February 2012

The Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) lipase-like protein PHYTOALEXIN DEFICIENT4 (PAD4) is essential for defense against green peach aphid (GPA; Myzus persicae) and the pathogens Pseudomonas syringae and Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis. In basal resistance to virulent strains of P. syringae and H. arabidopsidis, PAD4 functions together with its interacting partner ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY1 (EDS1) to promote salicylic acid (SA)-dependent and SA-independent defenses. By contrast, dissociated forms of PAD4 and EDS1 signal effector-triggered immunity to avirulent strains of these pathogens. PAD4-controlled defense against GPA requires neither EDS1 nor SA. Here, we show that resistance to GPA is unaltered in an eds1 salicylic acid induction deficient2 (sid2) double mutant, indicating that redundancy between EDS1 and SID2-dependent SA, previously reported for effector-triggered immunity conditioned by certain nucleotide-binding-leucine-rich repeat receptors, does not explain the dispensability of EDS1 and SID2 in defense against GPA. Mutation of a conserved serine (S118) in the predicted lipase catalytic triad of PAD4 abolished PAD4-conditioned antibiosis and deterrence against GPA feeding, but S118 was dispensable for deterring GPA settling and promoting senescence in GPA-infested plants as well as for pathogen resistance. These results highlight distinct molecular activities of PAD4 determining particular aspects of defense against aphids and pathogens.
Chain formation by disordered, but correlated, hydrogen bonds incis-(2RS,4SR)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol andcis-(2RS,4SR)-2-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol
Authors: Blanco Maria Camila , Palma Alirio , Cobo Justo , Glidewell Christopher
Published: February 2012

The closely related compoundscis-(2RS,4SR)-2-(thiophen-2-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol, C14H15NOS, (I), andcis-(2RS,4SR)-2-(5-methylthiophen-2-yl)-2,3,4,5-tetrahydro-1H-1-benzazepin-4-ol, C15H17NOS, (II), both crystallize withZ′ = 2 in the space groupP\overline{1}. In (I), the thienyl substituent in one of the two independent molecules is disordered over two sets of atomic sites having occupancies of 0.856 (2) and 0.144 (2). In both compounds, the two independent hydroxy O atoms are both within 2.8 Å of the hydroxy O atoms of two neighbouring molecules, and all of the hydroxy H atoms are disordered, each over two sites. The resulting O—H...O hydrogen bonds generate two similar but distinctC44(8) chains, depending upon which hydroxy H-atom sites are occupied or vacant, with full correlation of the hydroxy H-atom occupancies within each chain. Comparisons are made with the supramolecular assembly in some related compounds.
2-[2-(Pyrrolidin-2-yl)propan-2-yl]-1H-pyrrole and its amide derivative 1-{2-[2-(1H-pyrrol-2-yl)propan-2-yl]pyrrolidin-1-yl}ethanone
Authors: Journot Guillaume , Neier Reinhard , Stoeckli-Evans Helen
Published: February 2012

In the title compounds, C11H18N2, (II), and C13H20N2O, (III), the pyrrolidine rings have twist conformations. Compound (II) crystallizes with two independent molecules (AandB) in the asymmetric unit. The mean planes of the pyrrole and pyrrolidine rings are inclined to one another by 89.99 (11) and 89.35 (10)° in moleculesAandB, respectively. In (III), the amide derivative of (II), the same dihedral angle is much smaller, at only 13.42 (10)°. In the crystal structure of (II), the individual molecules are linkedviaN—H...N hydrogen bonds to form inversion dimers, each with anR22(12) graph-set motif. In the crystal structure of (III), the molecules are linkedviaN—H...O hydrogen bonds to form inversion dimers with anR22(16) graph-set motif.
Isolation of filamentous fungi from sputum in asthma is associated with reduced post‐bronchodilator FEV1
Authors: Agbetile J. , Fairs A. , Desai D. , Hargadon B. , Bourne M. , Mutalithas K. , Edwards R. , Morley J. P. , Monteiro W. R. , Kulkarni N. S. , Green R. H. , Pavord I. D. , Bradding P. , Brightling C. E. , Wardlaw A. J. , Pashley C. H.
Published: February 2012

Background

Fungal sensitization is common in severe asthma, but the clinical relevance of this and the relationship with airway colonization by fungi remain unclear. The range of fungi that may colonize the airways in asthma is unknown.

Objective

To provide a comprehensive analysis on the range of filamentous fungi isolated in sputum from people with asthma and report the relationship with their clinico‐immunological features of their disease.

Methods

We recruited 126 subjects with a diagnosis of asthma, 94% with moderate‐severe disease, and 18 healthy volunteers. At a single stable visit, subjects underwent spirometry; sputum fungal culture and a sputum cell differential count; skin prick testing to both common aeroallergens and an extended fungal panel; specific IgE to Aspergillus fumigatus. Fungi were identified by morphology and species identity was confirmed by sequencing. Four patients had allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis.

Results

Forty‐eight percent of asthma subjects were IgE‐sensitized to one fungal allergen and 22% to ≥ 2. Twenty‐seven different taxa of filamentous fungi were isolated from 54% of their sputa, more than one species being detected in 17%. This compared with 3 (17%) healthy controls culturing any fungus (P < 0.01). Aspergillus species were most frequently cultured in isolation followed by Penicillium species. Post‐bronchodilator FEV
1 (% predicted) in the subjects with asthma was 71(± 25) in those with a positive fungal culture vs. 83 (± 25) in those culture‐negative, (P < 0.01).

Conclusion and Clinical Relevance

Numerous thermotolerant fungi other than A. fumigatus can be cultured from sputum of people with moderate‐to‐severe asthma; a positive culture is associated with an impaired post‐bronchodilator FEV
1, which might be partly responsible for the development of fixed airflow obstruction in asthma. Sensitization to these fungi is also common.
Why should we care about quality of life in persons with haemophilia?
Authors: ALEDORT L. , BULLINGER M. , VON MACKENSEN S. , WASSERMAN J. , YOUNG N. L. , GLOBE D. ,   ON BEHALF OF THE HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE EXPERT WORKING GROUP OF THE INTERNATIONAL PROPHYLAXIS STUDY GROUP
Published: February 2012

Summary.  The very high cost of haemophilia care, including the increase in use of factor prophylaxis in both children and adults requires that funders of clotting factor concentrates require objective measures of health, such as joint status and quality of life (QOL). Many clinical trials, especially those for licensing of new products, are including QOL instruments in their protocols to evaluate the patients’ perspective of wellbeing before and during therapy. This article gives a perspective on QOL the importance of QOL measurement in the field of haemophilia and its impact on patient outcome.
Effect of sonication on the bioactive, quality and rheological characteristics of fruit smoothies
Authors: Keenan Derek F. , Tiwari Brijesh K. , Patras Ankit , Gormley Ronan , Butler Francis , Brunton Nigel P.
Published: February 2012

Power ultrasound was investigated as a nonthermal processing technique for fruit smoothies. Smoothies were sonicated at different amplitude levels (24.4–61.0 μm) for processing times (3–10 min). Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total phenolics (TP), colour parameters, particle size and rheological characteristics were assessed. Sensory evaluation was conducted on selected samples for acceptability. Highest reductions in TAC (P < 0.001) and TP (P < 0.001) were observed at the maximum amplitude level (61.0 μm). Sonication reduced colour and rheological parameters and shortened particle size compared with fresh and thermal smoothies. However, sonicated samples received satisfactory (>3) sensory acceptability scores. Response surface methodology was applied to determine the effect of amplitude level and processing time on TP, TAC and colour parameters. A second‐order polynomial model fitted well to TP (R2 = 0.74) and TAC (0.79) experimental data. Lower values were obtained for colour parameters, possibly because of processing limitations. Alternatives to overcome these limitations are discussed.
Climate change, breeding date and nestling diet: how temperature differentially affects seasonal changes in pied flycatcher diet depending on habitat variation
Authors: Burger Claudia , Belskii Eugen , Eeva Tapio , Laaksonen Toni , Mägi Marko , Mänd Raivo , Qvarnström Anna , Slagsvold Tore , Veen Thor , Visser Marcel E. , Wiebe Karen L. , Wiley Chris , Wright Jonathan , Both Christiaan
Published: February 2012

1. Climate warming has led to shifts in the seasonal timing of species. These shifts can differ across trophic levels, and as a result, predator phenology can get out of synchrony with prey phenology. This can have major consequences for predators such as population declines owing to low reproductive success. However, such trophic interactions are likely to differ between habitats, resulting in differential susceptibility of populations to increases in spring temperatures. A mismatch between breeding phenology and food abundance might be mitigated by dietary changes, but few studies have investigated this phenomenon. Here, we present data on nestling diets of nine different populations of pied flycatchers Ficedula hypoleuca, across their breeding range. This species has been shown to adjust its breeding phenology to local climate change, but sometimes insufficiently relative to the phenology of their presumed major prey: Lepidoptera larvae. In spring, such larvae have a pronounced peak in oak habitats, but to a much lesser extent in coniferous and other deciduous habitats.

2. We found strong seasonal declines in the proportions of caterpillars in the diet only for oak habitats, and not for the other forest types. The seasonal decline in oak habitats was most strongly observed in warmer years, indicating that potential mismatches were stronger in warmer years. However, in coniferous and other habitats, no such effect of spring temperature was found.

3. Chicks reached somewhat higher weights in broods provided with higher proportions of caterpillars, supporting the notion that caterpillars are an important food source and that the temporal match with the caterpillar peak may represent an important component of reproductive success.

4. We suggest that pied flycatchers breeding in oak habitats have greater need to adjust timing of breeding to rising spring temperatures, because of the strong seasonality in their food. Such between‐habitat differences can have important consequences for population dynamics and should be taken into account in studies on phenotypic plasticity and adaptation to climate change.
Sowing the seeds of algebraic generalization: designing epistemic affordances for an intelligent microworld
Authors: Mavrikis M. , Noss R. , Hoyles C. , Geraniou E.
Published: February 2012

This paper describes the design of a mathematical microworld to tackle the persistent difficulties that secondary school students have with the idea of algebraic generalization, which is a key stumbling block in secondary‐school mathematics classrooms. Our focus is to characterize algebraic ways of thinking and to design both affordances of the system as well as suitable tasks and pedagogies that provide a substrate of activity and experience for the teaching and learning of algebraic generalizations. Using as reference illustrative cases of 12 to 13‐year‐old students' interaction with the microworld, we demonstrate the strong interplay between epistemology and the design of the microworld and draw conclusions regarding its potential to support the development of algebraic ways of thinking.
Supporting self‐regulated learning in computer‐based learning environments: systematic review of effects of scaffolding in the domain of science education
Authors: Devolder A. , van Braak J. , Tondeur J.
Published: February 2012

Despite the widespread assumption that students require scaffolding support for self‐regulated learning (SRL) processes in computer‐based learning environments (CBLEs), there is little clarity as to which types of scaffolds are most effective. This study offers a literature review covering the various scaffolds that support SRL processes in the domain of science education. Effective scaffolds are categorized and discussed according to the different areas and phases of SRL. The results reveal that most studies on scaffolding processes focus on cognition, whereas few focus on the non‐cognitive areas of SRL. In the field of cognition, prompts appear to be the most effective scaffolds, especially for processes during the control phase. This review also shows that studies have paid little attention to scaffold designs, learner characteristics, or various task characteristics, despite the fact that these variables have been found to have a significant influence. We conclude with the implications of our results on future design and research in the field of SRL using CBLEs.
Diversification of egg‐deposition behaviours and the evolution of male parental care in darters (Teleostei: Percidae: Etheostomatinae)
Authors: KELLY N. B. , NEAR T. J. , ALONZO S. H.
Published: February 2012

Male‐only care is the most frequent parental care behaviour in teleost fishes, but little is known about its evolutionary origins and patterns of diversity in species‐rich lineages. Darters are a clade of North American freshwater fishes that contain both nonparental care species and species with male‐only care. In darters, paternal care takes the form of egg‐guarding and other egg‐tending behaviours that are dependent on the female mode of egg deposition. Male care has been hypothesized to evolve independently in darters at least three times, and it has been thought to be irreversible. We investigated the diversification of egg‐deposition behaviours and the evolution of complex male care using published descriptions of darter reproductive behaviours and a multilocus molecular phylogeny that included all 146 species for which reproductive behaviours are known. We find support for two origins of male‐only care behaviour. One origin of paternal care occurred relatively early in the radiation of Etheostoma and is characteristic of a recently discovered clade, Goneaperca. The other origin of male‐only care occurred much more recently in a derived clade of Nothonotus. Our analyses of character diversification demonstrate reversals from care to noncare and multiple transitions between egg‐deposition behaviours that are not associated with parental care.
Accuracies of estimated breeding values from ordinary genetic evaluations do not reflect the correlation between true and estimated breeding values in selected populations
Authors: Bijma P.
Published: February 2012

The accuracy of estimated breeding values (EBVs) is an important parameter in livestock genetic improvement. It is used to calculate response to selection and to express the credibility of individual EBVs. Although it is well‐known that selection reduces accuracy, this effect is not well‐studied and accuracies from genetic evaluations are not adjusted for selection. This work investigates the effect of selection on accuracy of EBVs estimated using best linear unbiased predictors. Results show that accuracies in a selected population may be considerably smaller than the ordinary accuracy from genetic evaluation. Accuracy of the parent average is dramatically reduced by selection, up to a factor of three. Expressions for equilibrium accuracies in selected populations are presented and depend only on the unselected accuracy and the intensity of selection. Thus, schemes with the same unselected accuracy and intensity of selection also have the same equilibrium accuracy and response to selection. At the same unselected accuracy, therefore, schemes based on between‐family information do not show greater reduction in response and accuracy because of the Bulmer effect. An example shows that benefit of genomic selection may be underestimated when the effect of selection on accuracy is ignored. Finally, this work argues that the SE of an EBV and the correlation between true and EBVs are different things, and that accuracies should not be adjusted for selection when they primarily serve to indicate the SEs of EBVs.
Occurrence of mycotoxins in Polish animal feed in years 2006–2009
Authors: Grajewski J. , Błajet‐Kosicka A. , Twarużek M. , Kosicki R.
Published: February 2012

We performed a 4‐year survey (2006–2009, 1255 samples) of fungal secondary metabolites in feed material (cereal and corn grains) and feedstuffs (silages, mixed feeds). Five major mycotoxin groups were studied, including aflatoxins (AF), ochratoxin A (OTA), trichothecenes [deoxynivalenol (DON), nivalenol (NIV), T‐2 toxin, HT‐2 toxin], zearalenone (ZEA) and fumonisins (FUM). The metabolites were identified using HPLC methods with fluorescent, UV and MS/MS detection. Both immunoaffinity and SPE columns were used for sample preparation. In eleven samples, the concentration of several mycotoxins exceeded the recommended guidelines for feedstuffs. DON was detected at the highest concentration in the majority of analysed samples (cereal grains, silages and mixed feeds, maximum values ranged from 409 to 14 470 ng/g). Corn grains also contained other Fusarium toxins (FUM) at maximum levels ranging from 435 to 9409 ng/g. The highest averagepositive concentration of the other trichothecenes (NIV, T‐2 and HT‐2 toxins) was <5.0–139 ng/g. ZEA was found at the highest concentration in corn grains and silages (maximum values ranging from 292 to 603 ng/g and 116 to 1150 ng/g, respectively). The highest averagepositive concentration and the maximum level of OTA were detected in cereal grains (33.0 ng/g in 2009 and 760 ng/g in 2007, respectively). Less than 7% of the 557 samples were contaminated with AF at low levels (maximum of 0.61 ng/g). Our results support the need for further monitoring of mycotoxins in Polish feedstuffs and their components.
Definition of glaucoma: clinical and experimental concepts
Authors: Casson Robert J , Chidlow Glyn , Wood John PM , Crowston Jonathan G , Goldberg Ivan
Published: February 2012

Abstract

Glaucoma is a term describing a group of ocular disorders with multi‐factorial etiology united by a clinically characteristic intraocular pressure‐associated optic neuropathy. It is not a single entity and is sometimes referred to in the plural as the glaucomas. All forms are potentially progressive and can lead to blindness. The diverse conditions that comprise glaucoma are united by a clinically characteristic optic neuropathy: glaucomatous optic neuropathy (GON). Evidence suggests that the primary site of neurological injury is at the optic nerve head. This fact enables the conditions to be grouped, irrespective of the causal mechanism(s). The term experimental glaucoma implies model resemblance to the human condition. We propose that ‘experimental glaucoma’ be restricted to animal models with demonstrable features of GON and/or evidence of a primary axonopathy at the optic nerve head. A fundamental inadequacy in this framework is any reference to the pathogenesis of GON, which remains unclear.
New HIV diagnosis after occupational exposure screening: the importance of reporting needlestick injuries
Authors: Upjohn L. M. , Stuart R. L. , Korman T. M. , Woolley I. J.
Published: February 2012

We describe three new diagnosis of HIV infection as a direct result of testing following occupational exposures (NSIs) in a low‐prevalence setting. In each case the finding was unexpected. Our series provides a reminder of the importance of prompt reporting of NSIs by healthcare workers, access to rapid HIV testing and post‐exposure prophylaxis with antiretrovirals to prevent transmission.
Adenocarcinoma metastatic to the uterine cervix: A case series
Authors: Pérez‐Montiel Delia , Serrano‐Olvera Alberto , Salazar Luz Calderón , Cetina‐Pérez Lucely , Candelaria Myrna , Coronel Jaime , Herrera Montalvo Luis Alonso , Cantú de León David
Published: February 2012

Aims:  The objectives of this report are, first, to describe the clinical behavior of cases of carcinoma metastatic to the uterine cervix treated at our institution in order to carry out a systematic review to establish the behavioral patterns of the most frequent metastases to the cervix and, second, to generate guidelines for their diagnosis and treatment.

Methods:  At the National Institute of Cancer of Mexico (INCan), we performed a review of the clinical files with a diagnosis of malignant neoplasm metastatic to the uterine cervix between 1990 and 2009. For a systematic review, we conducted a PubMed search between the years 1970 and 2009 of case reports and series of cases of patients with metastatic gastric, breast, ovarian and colorectal cancer. We analyzed each report individually and extracted the patients' clinical data from our cases and reports, including the primary tumor, cervical metastases and survival rates.

Results:  There were 10 cases of tumors metastatic to the uterine cervix. Metastasis was documented in one‐half of the patients during follow up, with two of these cases having the cervix as the only site. We included the following reports in the systematic review: 13 reports of gastric‐associated cancer, 30 related to breast cancer, nine with ovarian‐associated cancer and 10 related to colorectal cancer.

Conclusions:  Metastatic cervical activity is an infrequent event. The prognosis of survival is poor in the presence of gastric or ovarian cancer and cervical metastases.
Heterogeneity in sex differences in the metabolic syndrome in Dutch white, Surinamese African and South Asian populations
Authors: Agyemang C. , van Valkengoed I. G. , van den Born B. J. , Bhopal R. , Stronks K.
Published: February 2012

Diabet. Med. 29, 1159‐1164 (2012)

Aim  To determine whether sex differences in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome and its components differ among different ethnic groups.

Methods  A random sample of non‐institutionalized adults aged 35–60 years in Amsterdam, the Netherlands (white Dutch men n = 242, women n = 244; African‐Surinamese men n = 193, women n = 399, Hindustani‐Surinamese men n = 149, women n = 186). The metabolic syndrome was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria.

Results  In all ethnic groups, the prevalence of central obesity and reduced HDL cholesterol were higher in women than in men, but the prevalence of elevated blood pressure, fasting glucose and triglycerides were lower in women than in men. However, the magnitude of the differences varied. The sex differences in the prevalence of central obesity and reduced HDL cholesterol were particularly larger in ethnic minority groups, especially in African‐Surinamese than in white Dutch. After adjustment for education, smoking, alcohol intake and physical activity, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was lower in white Dutch women than in white Dutch men (adjusted prevalence ratio 0.70, 95% CI 0.52–0.94). By contrast, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was higher in African‐Surinamese women than in African‐Surinamese men (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.56, 95% CI 1.12–2.18). Among Hindustani‐Surinamese, men and women had a similar prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (adjusted prevalence ratio 1.00, 95% CI 0.76–1.31).

Conclusions  Our findings suggest different patterns in sex differences in the metabolic syndrome among the ethnic groups. The relatively high prevalence of central obesity in African‐Surinamese women may underlie their higher prevalence of the metabolic syndrome. Strategies to improve metabolic profiles among African‐Surinamese and white Dutch people need to take sex differences into account.
Networks for Innovation – But What Networks and What Innovation?
Authors: Hemphälä Jens , Magnusson Mats
Published: February 2012

Innovation is a social and interactive process in which collaboration and exchange of knowledge and information play crucial roles. Two conflicting hypotheses have been raised in previous research: Burt's structural hole hypothesis and the density hypothesis. In brief, the former of these hypotheses builds upon arguments for open network structures in the acquisition of innovation; the latter one builds upon arguments for closed network structures for innovation. To shed some light on this state of confusion, this paper tests these two conflicting hypotheses on two separate measures of innovation in a service industry setting. One innovation measure is more incremental in nature and regards the implementation of employees' ideas. The other innovation measure is more radical in nature and regards new services. Findings suggest that social network measures are, indeed, powerful predictors of innovation and, further, that the impact of these are likely to be radically different depending upon the type and measure of innovation. Consequently, this paper recommends caution when studying the impact of social network measures upon innovation, and that more fine‐grained measurements in particular are needed rather than focusing upon inter‐relationships of an overly general and superficial nature.
Knowledge Domain Spanners in Ideation
Authors: Björk Jennie
Published: February 2012

Ideation is increasingly receiving attention as a management issue, and we can at present witness the emergence and diffusion of a range of different proactive approaches towards ideation. This development is hardly surprising in the light of the changed nature of innovation activities, including a higher reliance also on external sources for innovation and more focus on non‐technological types of innovation, such as business model innovations. Firms need to handle both a larger number of sources for innovation and more different types of innovations. This article investigates how spanning different knowledge domains influences individuals' ideation performance. A study has been performed using data on all ideas created within an organization during three years. From this data, two broad set of knowledge domains are identified and the influence on ideation of the individuals spanning these domains – the knowledge domain spanners in ideation – are investigated. The empirical results show that knowledge domain spanners in ideation have higher ideation performance than individuals engaged in only one knowledge domain.
Public Political Narratives: Developing a Neglected Source through the Exploratory Case of Russia in the Putin-Medvedev Era
Authors: Bacon Edwin
Published: February 2012

The place of narrative in political science is an issue that resurfaces with regularity, usually focusing on the questions of generalisability, evidence and causality which lie at the heart of the discipline. Most such debate concerns the use of narrative by political scientists. Far less attention has been devoted to the use of narrative by political actors, despite its relative ubiquity. Even where such attention has been given, it concentrates less on the narrative per se, and more on its performance and impact. However, the nature of public political narratives means that analysis of them facilitates a holistic understanding of their narrators' politics. A public political narrative consists of a sequential account given by political actors connecting selected, specific developments so as to impose a desired order on them. Taking contemporary Russia as an exploratory case, narrative analysis draws out the motivations, world view and inconsistencies within the Putin-Medvedev regime. Recurring motifs and symbols identify the regime's political priorities, explaining policy choices and revealing future concerns. Narrative has a predictive aspect, identifying likely policy responses to unexpected events. Narratives capture time, and shifts in their temporalities indicate changes in self-conceptualisation and political priorities. Temporal appropriations include or exclude particular agential and causal explanations. The relationship between their plots and subplots represents a political signalling process. Public political narratives provide temporally and spatially specific exceptionalist accounts, but their combinatory quality also facilitates comparative analysis. The approach essayed here provides methodological generalisability, arguing that the neglect of public political narratives merits correcting.
Green innovation in technology and innovation management – an exploratory literature review
Authors: Schiederig Tim , Tietze Frank , Herstatt Cornelius
Published: February 2012

The importance of green innovation management is growing both in practice and in academia. This paper provides a current overview of the existing body of literature in the field of green innovations, identifying the most active scholars, institutions and relevant publications. It also contributes to a clarification of the concept ‘green innovation’. The review explains that three different notions of green, eco/ecological and environmental innovation are used largely synonymously, while the notion of sustainable innovation broadens the concept and includes a social dimension. According to this review, the most active scholars are situated in Europe (especially the Netherlands, Italy and Germany). A ranking is provided of innovation management journals by their total number of green innovation publications. The paper stimulates discussion about the adequacy of research in this subject area (managing green innovation) and the dearth of comprehensive literature reviews.
Value creation by knowledge‐based ecosystems: evidence from a field study
Authors: van der Borgh Michel , Cloodt Myriam , Romme A. Georges L.
Published: February 2012

A growing number of research and development‐driven companies are located in knowledge‐based ecosystems. Value creation by these ecosystems draws on the dynamics of single firms (interacting and partnering) as well as the ecosystem at large. Drawing on a field study of a Dutch high‐tech campus, two key sources of value creation are identified: (1) facilitation of the innovation process for individual companies and (2) creation of an innovation community. Furthermore, the coevolution of the ecosystem's business model with firm‐level business models explains why technology‐based firms join, stay in, or leave the ecosystem at a certain point in time. A remarkable finding is that ecosystem managers have to deliberately facilitate exit routes for companies that no longer fit the ecosystem in order to enhance and reinforce its business model. As such, this study suggests a dynamic capability perspective on knowledge‐based ecosystems that need to develop a business model at the ecosystem level to create sufficient innovative capacity and entrepreneurial fitness.
English in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: ADRIEN KASANGA LUANGA
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT: D R Congo is an Expanding Circle space where English as a foreign language, mainly a school subject, has been used for special‐purpose needs. However, spurred by the irrepressible globalization wind and the influx of foreign multinationals and fortune‐seekers, its prestige has increased significantly. One result is its high visibility in the French‐dominated linguistic landscape, mainly in advertising. While English in D R Congo's linguistic landscape is a growth area, its use in the main domains of socio‐economic and political life remains infinitesimal. This paper discusses this apparent paradox and attempts to explain the motivations for the surging presence of English in one specific domain. It is a contribution to the study of how languages interact in their relevant social contexts and how they are selected for use. It also offers a glimpse into the under‐documented presence of English in a strongly Francophone space of the African Expanding Circle.
English in the Thai linguistic netscape
Authors: TROYER ROBERT A.
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT:  Previous work on the role of English in multilingual advertising has shown that the language is used to index concepts of cosmopolitanism, globalization and modernity. The growing field of linguistic landscape studies (or geosemiotics or semiotic landscapes) has combined sociolinguistics with concerns of place and space in the public sphere to demonstrate the functional and symbolic uses of English in a variety of public discourses. This paper builds on Huebner's study of public signage and English in Bangkok by expanding the landscape covered to include Thai online newspapers, which have increased in numbers of publications and viewership. Approaching these web sites as spaces in the public sphere that engage millions of Thai Internet users reveals the multilingual character of this online environment. The results show that Thai website advertising often favors the use of English over other languages in interesting and perhaps surprising fashion.
Commercial discourses, gentrification and citizens’ protest: The linguistic landscape of Prenzlauer Berg, Berlin1
Authors: Papen Uta
Published: February 2012

Since reunification in 1990, Prenzlauer Berg, located in the former East Berlin, has turned from a cheap and neglected area into a popular middle‐class neighbourhood. The area's new character is reflected in its linguistic landscape. These days the signs of posh shops and trendy bars adorn its streets. But alternative views are noticeable too. Graffiti is present even on the most expensively refurbished buildings and residents put up slogans to protest against their flats being refurbished and sold to new owners. This case study of the changing graphic environment of Prenzlauer Berg shows that, despite the strong influence of commercial discourses, the public space remains an area of contestation between civil society, private businesses and the state. The particular approach to linguistic landscape I developed combines textual and visual analysis with interviews with sign producers. This has enabled me to show how the linguistic landscape both reflects as well as shapes social change and urban development in Berlin since reunification.

Seit der Wende ist der Prenzlauer Berg, zu DDR Zeiten vernachlässigt und heruntergekommen, zu einem der beliebtesten Stadtteile des neuen Berlins geworden. Der neue Charakter des Kiez, sichtbar an seinen renovierten Häusern und steigenden Mietpreisen, lässt sich auch anhand seiner sprachlichen Landschaft (linguistic landscape) erkennen. Heutzutage bestimmen die aufwendig gestalteten Schilder teurer Geschäfter und schicker Bars Prenzlauer Bergs Strassenbild. Es gibt aber auch andere Stimmen. Bewohner von Häusern, die an Investoren verkauft wurden und denen nun gesteigerte Mieten drohen, protestieren mit Plakaten gegen die Politik der Ankäufer. Fast keine der neu gestrichenen Fassaden ist frei von Graffiti und überall findet man Poster, die zu Demonstrationen und Unterschriftenaktionen aufforden. Ausgehend von Fotografien und Interviews mit den Autoren von Schildern, Plakaten und Transparenten zeigt der vorliegende Artikel, dass der öffentliche Raum – die Strasse – trotz der Dominanz kommerziellen Diskurse, ein Bereich bleibt, in dem Staat, private Inverstoren und bürgerliche Gesellschaft aufeinander treffen und ihre – oftmals im Konflikt zueinander stehenden – Meinungen zum Ausdruck bringen. [German]
The Identification of a Mixture of First‐Order Binary Markov Chains*
Authors: Browning Martin , Carro Jesus M.
Published: February 2012

Let S be the number of components in a finite discrete mixing distribution. We prove that the number of waves of panel being greater than or equal to 2S is a sufficient condition for global identification of a dynamic binary choice model in which all the parameters are heterogeneous. This model results in a mixture of S binary first‐order Markov Chains.
ACQUISITION OF INFORMATION TO DIVERSIFY CONTRACTUAL RISK*
Authors: Çelen Boğaçhan , Özertürk Saltuk
Published: February 2012

Are hedging transactions that diversify a manager’s compensation risk detrimental to incentives, or can they improve contracting efficiency? If hedging provides efficiency benefits, should the manager or the firm undertake it? In our model, both the firm and the manager can trade financial portfolios to diversify the manager’s compensation risk. Prior to the portfolio selection, the parties need to acquire information on how different financial portfolios fit their diversification purposes. We illustrate that financial portfolios correlated with firm‐specific risk improve contracting efficiency. For equal information costs, it is optimal for the firm to undertake the hedging on the manager’s behalf.
LIQUIDITY CONSTRAINTS IN A MONETARY ECONOMY*
Authors: Ferraris Leo , Watanabe Makoto
Published: February 2012

This article presents a microfounded model of money with a consumption and an investment market. We consider an economy in which only part of the investment returns can be pledged. A liquidity constraint arises when the pledgeable part of the returns are not enough to pay for investment costs. We show that when the liquidity constraint is binding, agents may make a cash downpayment and money can perform two roles—as a provider of liquidity services and exchange services. The liquidity constraint constitutes a channel though which underinvestment occurs even at low inflation rates.
Geobiological constraints on Earth system sensitivity to CO2 during the Cretaceous and Cenozoic
Authors: ROYER D. L. , PAGANI M. , BEERLING D. J.
Published: February 2012

Earth system climate sensitivity (ESS) is the long‐term (>103 year) response of global surface temperature to doubled CO2 that integrates fast and slow climate feedbacks. ESS has energy policy implications because global temperatures are not expected to decline appreciably for at least 103 year, even if anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions drop to zero. We report provisional ESS estimates of 3 °C or higher for some of the Cretaceous and Cenozoic based on paleo‐reconstructions of CO2 and temperature. These estimates are generally higher than climate sensitivities simulated from global climate models for the same ancient periods (approximately 3 °C). Climate models probably do not capture the full suite of positive climate feedbacks that amplify global temperatures during some globally warm periods, as well as other characteristic features of warm climates such as low meridional temperature gradients. These absent feedbacks may be related to clouds, trace greenhouse gases (GHGs), seasonal snow cover, and/or vegetation, especially in polar regions. Better characterization and quantification of these feedbacks is a priority given the current accumulation of atmospheric GHGs.
Lifting the lid on GPCRs: the role of extracellular loops
Authors: Wheatley M , Wootten D , Conner MT , Simms J , Kendrick R , Logan RT , Poyner DR , Barwell J
Published: February 2012

GPCRs exhibit a common architecture of seven transmembrane helices (TMs) linked by intracellular loops and extracellular loops (ECLs). Given their peripheral location to the site of G‐protein interaction, it might be assumed that ECL segments merely link the important TMs within the helical bundle of the receptor. However, compelling evidence has emerged in recent years revealing a critical role for ECLs in many fundamental aspects of GPCR function, which supported by recent GPCR crystal structures has provided mechanistic insights. This review will present current understanding of the key roles of ECLs in ligand binding, activation and regulation of both family A and family B GPCRs.

LINKED ARTICLES This article is part of a themed section on the Molecular Pharmacology of G Protein‐Coupled Receptors (GPCRs). To view the other articles in this section visit http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/bph.2012.165.issue‐6. To view the 2010 themed section on the same topic visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.2010.159.issue‐5/issuetoc
Ketamine‐induced ventricular structural, sympathetic and electrophysiological remodelling: pathological consequences and protective effects of metoprolol
Authors: Li Y , Shi J , Yang BF , Liu L , Han CL , Li WM , Dong DL , Pan ZW , Liu GZ , Geng JQ , Sheng L , Tan XY , Sun DH , Gong ZH , Gong YT
Published: February 2012

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Growing evidence suggests that long‐term abuse of ketamine does harm the heart and increases the risk of sudden death. The present study was performed to explore the cardiotoxicity of ketamine and the protective effects of metoprolol.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Rats and rabbits were divided into control, ketamine, metoprolol alone and ketamine plus metoprolol groups. Ketamine (40 mg·kg−1·day−1, i.p.) and metoprolol (20 mg·kg−1·day−1, p.o.) were administered continuously for 12 weeks in rats and 8 weeks in rabbits. Cardiac function, electrophysiological disturbances, cardiac collagen, cardiomyocte apoptosis and the remodelling‐related proteins were evaluated.

KEY RESULTS Rabbits treated with ketamine showed decreased left ventricular ejection fraction, slowed ventricular conduction velocity and increased susceptibility to ventricular arrhythmia. Metoprolol prevented these pathophysiological alterations. In ketamine‐treated rats, cardiac collagen volume fraction and apoptotic cell number were higher than those of control animals; these effects were prevented by co‐administration of metoprolol. Consistently, the expressions of poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerases‐1, apoptosis‐inducing factor and NF‐κB‐light‐chain‐enhancer of activated B cells were all increased after ketamine treatment and sharply reduced after metoprolol administration. Moreover, ketamine enhanced sympathetic sprouting, manifested as increased growth‐associated protein 43 and tyrosine TH expression. These effects of ketamine were prevented by metoprolol.

CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS Chronic treatment with ketamine caused significant ventricular myocardial apoptosis, fibrosis and sympathetic sprouting, which altered the electrophysiological properties of the heart and increased its susceptibility to malignant arrhythmia that may lead to sudden cardiac death. Metoprolol prevented the cardiotoxicity of ketamine, indicating a promising new therapeutic strategy.
The Role of Therapeutic Plasma Exchange in Poisonings and Intoxications
Authors: Schutt Robert Clark , Ronco Claudio , Rosner Mitchell H.
Published: February 2012

Poisonings, intoxications, and drug overdoses are common occurrences and rapid lowering of the toxin level is a cornerstone of all effective therapies. Therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) has several unique characteristics that allow it to be a potentially effective therapy in rapidly achieving this goal. Specifically, TPE allows for the removal of large molecular weight, protein‐bound molecules that have a small volume of distribution. Due to the nature of poisonings, intoxications, and drug overdoses, no randomized controlled trials studying the efficacy of TPE in these situations exist. Thus, careful interpretation and analysis of case reports and series are required to assess the potential efficacy of this therapy. Recent data suggest that TPE may also be effective in the therapy of patients receiving biologic treatments who develop life‐threatening complications due to therapy.
Prosthetic Rehabilitation of an Orbital and Facial Defect: A Clinical Report
Authors: Padmanabhan T. V. , Mohamed Kasim , Parameswari Devi , Nitin Sumathi K.
Published: February 2012

For patients undergoing radical head and neck surgery, the deformity or physical defect adds to the agony. Rehabilitation of patients with such deformities is a challenge for the maxillofacial prosthodontist to enhance the esthetics and give psychological strength to the patient. This clinical report describes the rehabilitation, using a silicone prosthesis, of a large facial and orbital defect due to mucoepidermoid carcinoma.
Extinctions, traits and phylogenetic community structure: insights from primate assemblages in Madagascar
Authors: Razafindratsima Onja H. , Mehtani Siya , Dunham Amy E.
Published: February 2012

Understanding the origin and maintenance of community composition through ecological and evolutionary time has been a central challenge in ecology. However little is known about how extinction may alter patterns of phylogenetic and phenotypic structure within communities. To address this, we used past and present primate communities in Madagascar as our model system to explore how a large extinction event within a taxon may alter evolutionary relationships and phenotypic distributions within communities. We also explored the influence of environment on the structure of present‐day lemur communities. We found a phylogenetic pattern of overdispersion in both past and present‐day communities. However, trait structures, including relative dispersion of body masses and trophic niches were altered following extinction. We posit that the overdispersed phylogenetic patterns have resulted from the unique ecological and evolutionary history of Madagascar's primates including a rapid adaptive radiation in the presence of a broad niche‐space available during colonization. Differences in trait structures between present and past primate communities may be reflective of the selective extinction process that eliminated the largest primates from the island. Habitat also appeared to influence the structure of present‐day lemur communities. Lower divergence in patterns of phylogeny, body mass and activity rhythms were found in dry relative to wet habitats. This may be due to potential advantages of being small and nocturnal in environments with low productivity and hot dry climates. We suggest current studies exploring community processes should consider potential effects of past extinction events. Such work is important for understanding community assembly, coexistence, and mechanisms driving extinctions, particularly given the current extinction crisis facing ecosystems globally.