bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Differentiation of zebrafish spermatogonial stem cells to functional sperm in culture
Authors: Kawasaki Toshihiro , Siegfried Kellee Renee , Sakai Noriyoshi
Published: December 2015

Molecular dissection and chemical screening on a complex process such as spermatogenesis could be facilitated by cell culture approaches that allow easy access for experimental manipulation and live imaging of specific molecules; however, technical limitations have thus far prevented the complete reconstruction of spermatogenic events in cell culture. Here, we describe production of functional sperm from self-renewing spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) in cell culture conditions, using zebrafish testicular hyperplasia cells that accumulate early stage spermatogonia. By serially transplanting hyperplasias into immuno-deficient rag1 mutant zebrafish, we succeeded in long-term maintenance and efficient production of starting material for SSC culture. Through improvements of culture conditions, we achieved efficient propagation of SSCs derived from the hyperplasia. When SSCs that underwent the SSC-propagating step for 1 month were transferred onto Sertoli feeder cells, they differentiated to functional sperm that gave rise to offspring. Oxygen at the concentration of air proved to be detrimental for sperm differentiation from SSCs, but not for propagation of SSCs. These results indicate that the whole spermatogenic process can be represented in cell culture in zebrafish, facilitating analyses of molecular mechanisms of spermatogenesis in vertebrates.
Formin-2 regulates stabilization of filopodial tip adhesions in growth cones and affects neuronal outgrowth and pathfinding in vivo
Authors: Sahasrabudhe Abhishek , Ghate Ketakee , Mutalik Sampada , Jacob Ajesh , Ghose Aurnab
Published: December 2015

Growth cone filopodia are actin-based mechanosensory structures essential for chemoreception and generation of contractile forces necessary for directional motility. However, little is known about the influence of filopodial actin structures on substrate adhesion and filopodial contractility.

Formin-2 (Fmn2) localizes along filopodial actin bundles and its depletion does not affect filopodia initiation or elongation. However, Fmn2 activity is required for filopodial tip adhesion maturation and the ability of filopodia to generate traction forces. Dysregulation of filopodia in Fmn2 depleted neurons leads to compromised growth cone motility. Additionally, in fibroblasts, Fmn2 regulates ventral stress fiber assembly and affects the stability of focal adhesions. In the developing spinal cord, Fmn2 activity is required cell autonomously for the outgrowth and pathfinding of spinal commissural neurons.

Our results reveal an unanticipated function for Fmn2 in neural development. Fmn2 regulates structurally diverse bundled actin structures, parallel filopodial bundles in growth cones and anti-parallel stress fibers in fibroblasts, in turn modulating the stability of substrate adhesions. We propose Fmn2 as a mediator of actin bundle integrity enabling efficient force transmission to the adhesion sites.
Hoxb6 can interfere with somitogenesis in the posterior embryo through a mechanism independent of its rib-promoting activity
Authors: Casaca Ana , Nóvoa Ana , Mallo Moisés
Published: December 2015

Formation of the vertebrate axial skeleton requires coordinated Hox gene activity. Hox group 6 genes are involved in the formation of the thoracic area due to their unique rib-promoting properties. We show here that the linker region (LR) connecting the homeodomain and the hexapeptide is essential for Hoxb6 rib-promoting activity. The LR-defective Hoxb6 protein was still able to bind a target enhancer together with Pax3 producing a dominant negative effect, indicating that the LR brings additional regulatory factors to target DNA elements. We also found an unexpected association between Hoxb6 and segmentation in the paraxial mesoderm. In particular, Hoxb6 can disturb somitogenesis and anterior-posterior somite patterning by deregulating Lfng expression. Interestingly, this interaction occurred differently in thoracic and more caudal embryonic areas, indicating functional differences in somitogenesis before and after the trunk to tail transition. Our results suggest the requirement of precisely regulated Hoxb6 expression for proper segmentation at tailbud stages.
A classification of Selaginella (Selaginellaceae) based on molecular (chloroplast and nuclear), macromorphological, and spore features
Authors: Zhou Xin-Mao , Zhang Li-Bing
Published: December 2015

The largest genus of seed‐free vascular plants Selaginella alone constitutes t he family Selaginellaceae, the largest of the lycophyte families. The genus is estimated to contain ca. 800 species distributed on all continents except Antarctica, with the highest species diversity in tropical and subtropical regions. The monophyly of Selaginella has rarely been doubted, in contrast its infrageneric classification has been contentious. In the present study, based on chloroplast and nuclear DNA evidence, macromorphology, spore features, and/or distribution information, Selaginella is classified into six subgenera: S. subg. Selaginella, S. subg. Boreoselaginella, S. subg. Pulviniella, S. subg. Ericetorum, S. subg. Heterostachys, and S. subg. Stachygynandrum. The latter three subgenera are further classified into six, five, and seven sections, respectively. All of these infrageneric divisions, identified with molecular data, are supported by non‐molecular features. A key to infrageneric taxa is given. Thirty‐seven infrageneric taxa published in earlier literature are lectotypified and classified into those infrageneric taxa here recognized. A nomenclatural account of each infrageneric taxon is given.
Molecular phylogenetics, morphology and a revised classification of the complex genus Saxifraga (Saxifragaceae)
Authors: Tkach Natalia , Röser Martin , Miehe Georg , Muellner-Riehl Alexandra N. , Ebersbach Jana , Favre Adrien , Hoffmann Matthias H.
Published: December 2015

Saxifraga, the most species‐rich and taxonomically complex genus of Saxifragaceae, is a characteristic component of temperate to polar climatic zones and of montane to alpine vegetation belts in mountain ranges of the Northern Hemisphere. The genus encompasses more than 440 species, which display notable diversity in growth form, vegetative and reproductive characters, as well as in micromorphology of pollen grains and seeds. Using a large taxon set including representatives attributed to nearly all recognised subgenera, sections and subsections of Saxifraga (altogether 254 species), as well as a broad coverage of outgroup taxa, we inferred evolutionary relationships within Saxifraga, explored the reasons of the striking inconsistencies between previous taxonomic treatments of Saxifraga, estimated the degree of homoplasy in characters frequently employed for classification, assessed the role of hybridisation in the evolution of the genus and, finally, provided a phylogeny‐based framework upon which to revise its taxonomy. The phylogenetic trees based on nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and plastid trnL‐trnF DNA markers, including more than 460 newly generated sequences, were generally highly congruent, except within a single clade (sect. Saxifraga), in which incomplete lineage sorting and presumably allopolyploid speciation plays an important evolutionary role. Major lineages of Saxifraga are concordantly resolved by the DNA markers from both organelles with mostly strong node support. Our molecular phylogenetic results support the recognition of at least 13 sections and 9 subsections within Saxifraga. A part of these lineages agrees well with previously recognised infrageneric groupings, whereas others are differently delineated. Some of the groups identified by molecular phylogenetics are characterised only by the combination of different morphological characters. Frequently, micromorphological characters support the clades in the phylogenetic tree comparatively well. We here provide new ranks for three infrageneric epithets, namely for sect. Saxifragasubsect. Androsaceae and subsect. Arachnoideae and sect. Porphyrion subsect. Squarrosae. Finally, our study identifies remaining taxonomic uncertainties within Saxifraga.
Entangled evolutionary history of Cuscuta pentagona clade: A story involving hybridization and Darwin in the Galapagos
Authors: Costea Mihai , García Miguel A. , Baute Kurtis , Stefanović Saša
Published: December 2015

The distribution of Cuscuta subg. Grammica sect. Cleistogrammica (Cuscuta pentagona clade) is centered in North America (C. campestris, C. glabrior, C. harperi, C. pentagona, C. obtusiflora, C. plattensis, C. polygonorum, C. runyonii); however, long ‐distance dispersal was documented to Hawaii (C. sandwichiana), South America (C. gymnocarpa, C. stenolepis, and in part C. obtusiflora), Africa (C. bifurcata, C. schlechteri), Eurasia, and Australia (C. australis). Hybrid speciation has already been documented for some members of sect. Cleistogrammica (C. sandwichiana, C. bifurcata) but previous studies strongly suggested that the extent of reticulate evolution is underestimated in Cuscuta generally, and in this section in particular. Sequence data from the nuclear internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and the plastid trnL‐F region were used to reconstruct the phylogeny and gain a better understanding of the evolutionary history within the clade. Additionally, a morphometric analysis was conducted to test the phenetic distinctiveness of a select number of species with taxonomic problems: C. campestris, C. glabrior, C. gymnocarpa, and C. pentagona. Discordances between phylogenies derived from plastid and nuclear data showed that C. campestris is a hybrid, likely involving the C. runyonii / glabrior lineage as a maternal progenitor and an undiscovered species as a paternal progenitor. This latter species, an extinct or unsampled lineage, was itself inferred to be a hybrid between C. pentagona / harperi and C. australis / obtusiflora / polygonorum lineages. Both the evolutionary and morphometric results clearly showed that C. campestris is a distinct species and the negative consequences of its amalgamation with C. pentagona during the last decades are discussed. Cuscuta gymnocarpa, an enigmatic species described from specimens collected by Darwin from the Galapagos, was inferred as conspecific with C. campestris and proposed as a variety of the latter. Because C. gymnocarpa is only a form of C. campestris, the possible means of dispersal of the latter species to the Galapagos are discussed. Cuscuta modesta, a new species discovered while studying the systematics of the clade, is described and illustrated.
Streptocarpus redefined to include all Afro‐Malagasy Gesneriaceae: Molecular phylogenies prove congruent with geographical distribution and basic chromosome numbers and uncover remarkable morphological homoplasies
Authors: Nishii Kanae , Hughes Mark , Briggs Marie , Haston Elspeth , Christie Frieda , DeVilliers Margaret J. , Hanekom Thea , Roos Wiets G. , Bellstedt Dirk U. , Möller Michael
Published: December 2015

The taxonomy of the African, Madagascan and Comoro Island (Afro‐Malagasy) Gesneriaceae attracts a large amount of interest given the horticultural importance of Cape Primroses (Streptocarpus) and African Violets (Saintpaulia). Earlier studies indicated that the Afro‐Malagasy genera form a strongly supported clade, and recent classifications have included some of the genera within an expanded Streptocarpus. Given the global importance of this group, we carried out a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic analysis of all Afro‐Malagasy genera in subfamily Didymocarpoideae, tribe Trichosporeae, subtribe Streptocarpinae, to investigate species relationships in these genera as the basis for a new classification. Phylogenetic analyses of the nuclear ribosomal spacer (ITS, 5S NTS) and chloroplast intron and spacer regions (rpl20‐rps12 spacer, trnL intron, trnLF spacer) of 226 samples were performed, including all Streptocarpinae genera, except the monotypic Nodonema. The molecular phylogenies demonstrate that the genera with non‐twisted fruits are nested within Streptocarpus which has twisted fruits. Two main clades were found, one comprising herbaceous caulescent Streptocarpus that also included Saintpaulia, the caulescents Hovanella and Schizoboea, and the unifoliates Acanthonema and Trachystigma. The second clade comprises the woody caulescents and acaulescent Streptocarpus, Colpogyne and Linnaeopsis. Altogether, twelve well‐supported subclades can be recognized, each with a combination of distinct morphological characteristics. A new classification of tribe Streptocarpinae, de facto Streptocarpus, is presented, retaining the two subgenera, Streptocarpus and Streptocarpella, and dividing them into five and seven sections respectively. Nodonema is attributed to subg. Streptocarpus for morphological reasons. The former genus Saintpaulia is classified as Streptocarpus subg. Streptocarpella sect. Saintpaulia with ten species recognized.
Shainin Methodology: An Alternative or an Effective Complement to Six Sigma?
Authors: Kosina Jan
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to provide a brief overview of Six Sigma and Shainin RedX® methodology and to propose the modification of Six Sigma methodology in order to achieve the improved efficiency of DMAIC in the diagnostic journey using some of the approaches of Shainin RedX® methodology.

 

Methodology/Approach: The diagnostic journey of Six Sigma has been revised by bringing key elements of Shainin RedX® methodology into DMAIC: task domain character of the method, focus on the dominant root-cause, use of the progressive elimination method and the application of a problem-solving strategy.

 

Findings: This paper presents a proposal of DMAIC framework modification using selected tools and procedures of Shainin RedX® methodology in the diagnostic phase.

 

Research Limitation/implication: Although the improved methodology is used in the environment of the automotive supplier, in this paper, practical examples are not included in order not to violate the licensing rules applied by Shainin LLC.

 

Originality/Value of paper: The contribution of this article is the proposal of modified methodology, which should improve the effectiveness of problem-solving.
Management Development Programs and the Aspired Management Style: A Study in Malaysia
Authors: Nurita Juhdi , Wan Jusoh Wan Jamaliah , Supar Norizah , Juhdi Noor Hasni
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The study was to examine the relationship between management development programs and the management styles used by junior executives and young managers.

 

Design/methodology/approach: Data was collected using survey forms and all the respondents were below 45 years old. They were either professionals or holding middle to higher level positions.

 

Findings: Only mentoring had significant relationships with all the seven management styles. Mentoring was also found as the only program which was significant predictor to all the management styles. Assessment programs were found having significant relationship with participative style with negative relationship. On-the-job development programs were only significantly related to two management styles. Delegating style was significantly related to all the management development programs. Ethical management style was only significant to mentoring.

 

Research implications: HR practitioners should emphasize the use of mentoring with systematic mentoring programs.

 

Research limitations: The correlation values among variables were weak-to-moderate and some variables suffered from low Cronbach’s alpha values.

 

Originality/value: The paper researched on the outcomes of management development programs by measuring the management styles as perceived by the program participants.  
Taking a Holistic Perspective on Technical Communication and Lean
Authors: Ingelsson Pernilla , Löfstedt Ulrika , Bäckström Ingela , Öberg Lena-Maria
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present best practices and areas of improvement in Technical Communication (TC) analyzed with Lean values as a base. The purpose is also to analyze the results from a holistic perspective using the Synergy-4 model, a multi-perspective approach which considers four different spheres of an organization at a time in order to discover synergies.

 

Methodology/Approach: To fulfill the purpose, 15 interviews in four different companies were conducted. These were then analyzed and the results were categorized into a number of predefined Lean areas. The results from the Lean values were then further analyzed with the Synergy-4 model as a base. 

 

Findings: Taking a Lean perspective could enhance the status of TC with regard to finding ways to incorporate the customer’s voice more clearly when it comes to strengthening the role of TC. The result from the analyses indicates that Lean and Synergy-4 can enrich each other.
Enhancement of the Quality Assurance Model at the Slovak University: Case Study
Authors: Zgodavova Kristina , Urbancikova Natasa , Kisela Matus
Published: December 2015

Purpose: The aim of the paper is to present an enhanced internal quality assurance model based on the requirements of ISO 9001:2015 European Standards and Guidelines (ESG) principles, criteria for accreditation, and data management support in the web-based environment developed within the European Structural Fund (ESF) project.

 

Methodology/Approach: A literary survey and personal interviews with university representatives and ICT professionals have been conducted to evaluate and analyse the possibility of the enhanced internal quality assurance model implementation at the university. The SWOT analysis and TELOS framework feasibility study have been used to design the proposal for the decision makers.

 

Findings: A case study confirmed the feasibility of an enhanced quality assurance model utilisation and also revealed the possibility of the existing system of quality management improvement concerning the teaching and learning process.

 

Research Limitation/implication: The study is the output of an ESF project and is supposed to be implemented by top management in the very near future.

 

Originality: The originality of the solution is that it connects the existing university QMS to the ESG standards and evaluation criteria for the internal system of quality assurance in Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in Slovakia. The case study showed that the utilisation of a web-based quality management system has many advantages in comparison to the existing decentralised data management system.  
Optimal Dynamic Pricing with Patient Customers
Authors: Liu Yan , Cooper William L.
Published: December 2015

We consider an infinite-horizon single-product pricing problem in which a fraction of customers is patient and the remaining fraction is impatient. A patient customer will wait up to some fixed number of time periods for the price of the product to fall below his or her valuation at which point the customer will make a purchase. If the price does not fall below a patient customer’s valuation at any time during those periods, then that customer will leave without buying. In contrast, impatient customers will not wait, and either buy immediately or leave without buying. We prove that there is an optimal dynamic pricing policy comprised of repeating cycles of decreasing prices. We obtain bounds on the length of these cycles, and we exploit these results to produce an efficient dynamic programming approach for computing such an optimal policy. We also consider problems in which customers have variable levels of patience. For such problems, cycles of decreasing prices may no longer be optimal, but numerical experiments nevertheless suggest that such a decreasing cyclic policy (suitably chosen) often performs quite well.
Comparative Study Between Internal Ohmic Resistance and Capacity for Battery State of Health Estimation
Authors: Ramadan M. Nisvo , Pramana Bhisma Adji , Widayat Sigit Agung , Amifia Lora Khaula , Cahyadi Adha , Wahyunggoro Oyas
Published: December 2015

In order to avoid battery failure, a battery management system (BMS) is necessary. Battery state of charge (SOC) and state of health (SOH) are part of information provided by a BMS. This research analyzes methods to estimate SOH based lithium polymer battery on change of its internal resistance and its capacity. Recursive least square (RLS) algorithm was used to estimate internal ohmic resistance while coloumb counting was used to predict the change in the battery capacity. For the estimation algorithm, the battery terminal voltage and current are set as the input variables. Some tests including static capacity test, pulse test, pulse variation test and before charge-discharge test have been conducted to obtain the required data. After comparing the two methods, the obtained results show that SOH estimation based on coloumb counting provides better accuracy than SOH estimation based on internal ohmic resistance. However, the SOH estimation based on internal ohmic resistance is faster and more reliable for real application
Estimating Power Needed to Fuel Electric Paratransits in Bandung
Authors: Huda Naili , Hassall Kim Peter , Muharam Aam , Ismail Kristian
Published: December 2015

This is the preliminary finding of a study elaborating the total energy consumption when paratransits in Bandung are altered into electric and the scenario to fulfill it. Therefore, there are lots to be done further concerning result of this initial research, of which will be discussed in another publication. In this paper calculation was done to find out the volume of power needed to fuel electric paratransits in Bandung. Steps carried out include computing total energy consumption for all paratransits, clustering stations from classified routes established by local Department of Transport, and estimating the electricity demand in every clustered station. Data used for this study was acquired from Badan Pusat Statistik Kota Bandung and PT PLN DJA APD Jawa Barat and Banten. A total demand of 61.12 MWh per month will surface to charge the total of 5,521 paratransits from 38 available routes in 15 clustered stations under the assumptions that all paratransits only make 6 return travels per day, operate 30 days per month, and use batteries with 50% State of Charge.
Algorithm of 32-bit Data Transmission Among Microcontrollers Through an 8-bit Port
Authors: Mirdanies Midriem , Saputra Hendri Maja , Rijanto Estiko
Published: December 2015

This paper proposes an algorithm for 32-bit data transmission among microcontrollers through one 8-bit port. This method was motivated by a need to overcome limitations of microcontroller I/O as well as to fulfill the requirement of data transmission which is more than 10 bits. In this paper, the use of an 8-bit port has been optimized for 32-bit data transmission using unsigned long integer, long integer, and float types. Thirty-two bit data is extracted intobinary number, then sent through a series of 8-bit ports by transmitter microcontroller. At receiver microcontroller, the binary data received through 8-bit port is reconverted into 32 bits with the same data type. The algorithm has been implemented and tested using C language in ATMega32A microcontroller. Experiments have been done using two microcontrollers as well as four microcontrollers in the parallel, tree, and series connections. Based on the experiments, it is known that the data transmitted can be accurately received without data loss. Maximum transmission times among two microcontrollers for unsigned long integer, long integer, and float are 630 μs, 1,880 μs, and 7,830 μs, respectively. Maximum transmission times using four microcontrollers in parallel connection are the same as those using two microcontrollers, while in series connection are 1,930 μs for unsigned long integer, 5,640 μs for long integer, and 23,540 μs for float. The maximum transmission times of tree connection is close to those of the parallel connection. These results prove that the algorithm works well.
Development of a Fixed Wing Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) for Disaster Area Monitoring and Mapping
Authors: Nugroho Gesang , Taha Zahari , Nugraha Tedy Setya , Hadsanggeni Hatyo
Published: December 2015

The development of remote sensing technology offers the ability to perform real-time delivery of aerial video and images. A precise disaster map allows a disaster management to be done quickly and accurately. This paper discusses how a fixed wing UAV can perform aerial monitoring and mapping of disaster area to produce a disaster map. This research was conducted using a flying wing, autopilot, digital camera, and data processing software. The research starts with determining the airframe and the avionic system then determine waypoints. The UAV flies according to the given waypoints while taking video and photo. The video is transmitted to the Ground Control Station (GCS) so that an operator in the ground can monitor the area condition in real time. After obtaining data, then it is processed to obtain a disaster map. The results of this research are: a fixed wing UAV that can monitor disaster area and send real-time video and photos, a GCS equipped with image processing software, and a mosaic map. This UAV used a flying wing that has 3 kg empty weight, 2.2 m wingspan, and can fly for 12-15 minutes. This UAV was also used for a mission at Parangtritis coast in the southern part of Yogyakarta with flight altitude of 150 m, average speed of 15 m/s, and length of way point of around 5 km in around 6 minutes. A mosaic map with area of around 300 m x 1500 m was also obtained. Interpretation of the mosaic led to some conclusions including: lack of evacuation routes, residential area which faces high risk of tsunami, and lack of green zone around the shore line.
Study on Performance Improvement and Economical Aspect of Gas Turbine Power Plant Using Evaporative Cooling System
Authors: Alam Hilman Syaeful , Sasso John , Djunaedi Imam
Published: December 2015

The study is intended to improve the performance of gas turbine engines in order to meet both electrical power demand and peak load in the power plant. In this paper, evaporative cooling system had been applied to improve the performance of gas turbine in Pesanggaran power plant in southern Bali Island, Indonesia. Moreover, the economic analysis was conducted to determine the capacity cost, operating cost and payback period due to the investment cost of the system. Based on the evaluation results, the power improvement for the three gas turbine units (GT1, GT2 and GT3) are 2.09%, 1.38%, and 1.28%, respectively. These results were not very significant when compared to the previous studies as well as on the aspects of SFC (Specific Fuel Consumption), heat rate and thermal efficiency. Based on the evaluation of the economic aspects, the reduction of production costs due to the application of evaporative cooling system was not economical, because it could not compensate the investment cost of the system and it resulted a very long payback period. These unsatisfactory results could be caused by the high relative humidity. Therefore, further studies are needed to investigate the other alternative technologies which are more suitable to the climate conditions in Indonesia.
Yong-Shik Lee, “Call for a New Analytical Model for Law and Development”: A Comment
Authors: Hubbard William H. J.
Published: December 2015

In his recent article, “Call for a New Analytical Model for Law and Development,” Yong-Shik Lee undertakes an ambitious pair of tasks: to redefine the field of law and development, and to provide a guiding framework for future work on law and development. In this short comment, I argue that, with some qualifications, Lee’s efforts promise to provide a healthy degree of coherence to an inevitably eclectic field.
Redefining and Analyzing “Development” and the Role and Rule of Law
Authors: Crawford Colin
Published: December 2015

This article introduces a series of articles prepared in connection with an April 2015 conference jointly sponsored by the Law & Development Institute and the Payson Center for International Development at Tulane University Law School. The introduction first surveys the uncertain and chaotic terrain of current and competing definitions of development and then introduces the articles in this special volume, identifying common themes and differences. In the process, the introduction suggests, law and development studies present great promise to provide greater coherence to development studies and practice going ahead, providing the approach is pluralist and inclusive.
Stimulant Medication and Psychotic Symptoms in Offspring of Parents With Mental Illness
Authors: MacKenzie Lynn E. , Abidi Sabina , Fisher Helen L. , Propper Lukas , Bagnell Alexa , Morash-Conway Jessica , Glover Jacqueline M. , Cumby Jill , Hajek Tomas , Schultze-Lutter Frauke , Pajer Kathleen , Alda Martin , Uher Rudolf
Published: December 2015

BACKGROUND:

Stimulants, such as methylphenidate, are among the most commonly used medications in children and adolescents. Psychotic symptoms have been reported as rare adverse reactions to stimulants but have not been systematically inquired about in most previous studies. Family history of mental illness may increase the vulnerability to drug-induced psychotic symptoms. We examined the association between stimulant use and psychotic symptoms in sons and daughters of parents with major mood and psychotic disorders.

METHODS:

We assessed psychotic symptoms, psychotic-like experiences, and basic symptoms in 141 children and youth (mean ± SD age: 11.8 ± 4.0 years; range: 6–21 years), who had 1 or both parents with major depressive disorder, bipolar disorder, or schizophrenia, and of whom 24 (17.0%) had taken stimulant medication.

RESULTS:

Psychotic symptoms were present in 62.5% of youth who had taken stimulants compared with 27.4% of participants who had never taken stimulants. The association between stimulant use and psychotic experiences remained significant after adjustment for potential confounders (odds ratio: 4.41; 95% confidence interval: 1.82–10.69; P = .001) and was driven by hallucinations occurring during the use of stimulant medication. A temporal relationship between use of stimulants and psychotic symptoms was supported by an association between current stimulant use and current psychotic symptoms and co-occurrence in cases that were assessed on and off stimulants.

CONCLUSIONS:

Psychotic symptoms should be monitored during the use of stimulants in children and adolescents. Family history of mood and psychotic disorders may need to be taken into account when considering the prescription of stimulants.
Crab Supernova Rock Art
Authors: Krupp E. C.
Published: December 2015

“Star” and crescent combinations in rock art in the American Southwest were first interpreted in 1955 as eyewitness depictions of the 1054 AD supernova explosion that produced the Crab nebula. While the Crab nebula is visible only telescopically, the event that generated it was brilliant, and for a time, only the sun and moon were brighter. Additional Crab supernova candidates in California and Southwest rock art were suggested 20 years later, and they included Chaco Canyon’s Penasco Blanco pictograph panel, which became the poster child for Crab supernova rock art and is now called “Supernova” on signage at the site. By 1979, a list of 21 Crab supernova rock art sites was assembled, and the inventory has continued to expand more slowly since then. This critical review of the supernova interpretation of star/crescent rock art, the product of 35 years of fieldwork, required an independent re-examination of all of the primary sites in person. That enterprise has already demonstrated that the Tenabo, New Mexico panel does not illustrate the Crab supernova and that the two Arizona sites on which the entire supernova rock art premise is based (White Mesa and “Navaho Canyon”) are unlikely records of the event. This detailed evaluation of the primary proposed star/crescent images indicates none is a satisfactory portrayal of the striking 1054 AD supernova.
The Mesopotamian Wind-Star Directions and a Compass Card from Uruk
Authors: Horowitz Wayne
Published: December 2015

This paper looks at Ancient Mesopotamian cultural geography and asks how the Babylonians used the winds, rivers, Sun and stars to determine what we call the cardinal directions and hence, to determine their place in the universe. The two main sources considered here are the British Museum tablet BM 92687, better known as “The Babylonian Map of the World” and what has been called “The Uruk Compass Card”, from the Persian or Hellenistic period. Our discussion will ultimately lead us away from maps on clay into the realm of Ancient Mesopotamian instruments that may be compared with modern sundials, weathervanes and other such apparatuses for determining the place of the “rising of the winds”.
Continuity or change?
Authors: Henty Liz
Published: December 2015

General archaeological accounts of Scotland tend to demonstrate broad ideas of the Neolithic transition to farming and the subsequent economic changes in the Bronze Age. Whilst they concentrate on important economic and cultural advancement they tend to lack discussions on cosmological change. This paper looks at one small area in Aberdeenshire to examine four different classes of monument that are found there: long mounds and long cairns; Recumbent Stone Circles; henges and Beaker burial sites. It argues that skyscape archaeology, through the use of archaeoastronomical techniques, can provide clues to cosmological change.
Clive L. N. Ruggles, editor, Handbook of Archaeoastronomy and Ethnoastronomy. Part I (pp. 1–311): “Themes and Issues”
Authors: Henty Liz
Published: December 2015

New York, Heidelberg, Dordrecht, London: Springer Science+Business Media New York (2015). Hardback, XXXVI, 2297pp, 597 illus., 372 in colour ISBN 9781461461401. £773.50. eBook. ISBN 978-1-4614-6141-8. £928.20.
Análise De Seio Frontal Para Uso Em Identificação Humana
Authors: Isamara Geandra Cavalcanti Caputo  , Felippe Bevilacqua Prado  , Valdair Francisco Muglia
Published: December 2015

Identificação é o conjunto de procedimentos diversos para individualizar uma pessoa ou objeto1. A observação do padrão dos seios frontais é uma técnica utilizada para estabelecer a identificação de uma pessoa. As variações em tamanho, forma, simetria, bordas externas, presença e número de septos e células são únicos para cada indivíduo, sendo comparados através de radiografias de face antes e após a morte com a finalidade de equiparação e uma correta identificação do indivíduo2. Entretanto, existem poucos estudos na literatura sobre o uso da tomografia computadorizada para esta finalidade, bem como uma padronização adequada de suas características para possível arquivamento e posterior levantamento. Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo, onde foram realizadas aferições métricas e volumétricas em exames tomográficos nos três planos anatômicos. Tais medidas foram correlacionadas com sexo e idade, a fim de, estabelecer a influência destes no seio frontal. Para o estudo foram utilizados exames realizados previamente, sendo 49,8% feminino e 50,2% masculino, com idades de 7 a 66 anos. Encontramos 21,18% de agenesia, com maior incidência para o sexo feminino. O sexo masculino apresentou as maiores medidas e em relação à idade, não foi estabelecida influência nas aferições realizadas.
A new family of primitive serphitoid wasps in Lebanese amber (Hymenoptera: Serphitoidea)
Authors: Engel Michael S.
Published: December 2015

A new family of serphitoid wasps (Bipetiolarida: Serphitoidea) is described and figured as Archaeoserphitidae Engel, new family.  The family is based on Archaeoserphites melqarti Engel, new genus and species, preserved in Early Cretaceous amber from Lebanon, and shares with Serphitidae a two-segmented, tubular petiole.  Archaeoserphites have several primitive features relative to Serphitidae (e.g., reduced pterostigma, similar to many chalcidoids; a greater number of flagellomeres; a distinct malar sulcus), while simultaneously exhibiting its own derived features (e.g., angulate lower face, with clypeus downward; smaller mandibles; large pronotum; fused propleura).  Diagnoses of and keys to the higher taxa of Bipetiolarida are provided, and the subfamily Microserphitinae Engel, new subfamily, is established.
Navigating the Trilemma - Capital Flows and Policy Response of the RBI
Authors: Chakravarty Suvojit Lahiri
Published: December 2015

The theory of ‘Impossible Trinity’ says that if a country, having a fixed exchange rate and open capital account, tries to have an independent monetary policy (like setting higher interest rates than overseas) then it will be frustrated. This paper is an attempt to analyse how the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) navigated the trilemma from 2003-04 to 2011-12 when capital flows surged. Firstly, the RBI used extensive capital controls post 2004 to regulate the capital flows. However it is seen in the paper that although there were a lot of de jure controls, de facto these controls were weakened due to increased pace of financial liberalisation. Secondly, the RBI switched from a monetary targeting framework to a ‘multiple indicator’ approach. Here monetary policy signals were largely transmitted through modulations in policy rates (repo/reverse rates under the daily Liquidity Adjustment Facility). In addition, the RBI used a combination of instruments such as the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), open market operations (OMO), Market Stabilization Scheme (MSS) to modulate liquidity in the system. Thirdly our results from the GARCH analysis show that RBI's policy intervention increased volatility. The reason may be that RBI typically intervened in the forex market during times of high volatility and so there was a possibility of RBI's actions adding to the volatility in the market due to uncertainty.
OFDI between India and the Latin American Region - A Firm Level Motive Analysis
Authors: Varma Sumati , Nayyar Rishika
Published: December 2015

India and the Latin America and Caribbean (LAC) region have emerged as major growth drivers of the world economy in the last couple of decades. Trade and investment relations between these regions have traditionally been rather insignificant but have picked up in recent years. Since 2000, Indian companies have invested about $12 billion in the LAC region across various industries. This paper examines the important issue of the motives driving OFDI between the two regions. It uses content analysis to identify the motives of the FDI transactions and the Chi Square test to find out the dominant motives driving investment from India to the LAC region across industries between 2000-2012. The study finds that Indian OFDI into the LAC is market-seeking in nature and thus makes a significant contribution to the literature on FDI in the emerging markets context.
Testing Stolper-Samuelson Theorem in the Indian Context
Authors: Murthy K V Bhanu , Kharbanda Ekta
Published: December 2015

The purpose of this paper is to examine the Stolper-Samuelson Theorem in the context of India which is one of the central results of Heckscher-Ohlin theory. This theorem provides a definite way of analysing the effect of change in the prices of goods on the prices of factors of production due to tariffs. Since the theorem has been couched in terms of increasing tariffs however, the paper attempts to look for obverse of this theorem by emphasising on a certain issue. Since tariffs are declining, then it is argued that import-substituting industries would suffer at the cost of export-promoting industries. The study deals with three variables-Factor Price Ratio (FPR), Terms of Trade (TOT) and Wholesale Price Index (WPI) covering period 1992-2010. Year has been taken as the exogenous variable. The methodology has been developed for the construction of semi-log and multiple regression models to analyse the impact of Terms of Trade on Factor Price Ratio. The paper shows that Stolper-Samuelson Theorem does not hold good in the case of India and it is the Wholesale Price Index which actually shows a favourable impact on FPR.
Impact of Globalisation on India’s exports with special reference to Regional Trade Agreements
Authors: Bhasin Niti , Manocha Rinku
Published: December 2015

Coinciding with the era of globalisation, there has been a rise in the number and depth of Regional Trade Agreements (RTAs) in the Asian region. As India has also been a part of this growing trend, this paper attempt to identify the determinants of India’s exports with special focus on the role of globalisation and RTAs of India. We employ panel data regression on an augmented gravity model to examine the effects of these variables. To capture the globalisation effect, we have included trade openness of the host country. For RTAs, we have taken two variables; one which indicates the presence or absence of an RTA in a given year; and second is the number of RTAs between India and its partner country. Using data for nine countries which are India’s trading partners over the period 1991-2012, we find that GDP and GDP per capita of the host country are significant determinants of India’s exports. Trade openness which is an indicator of globalisation is positive and highly significant indicating that trade openness of the partner country has resulted in increased Indian exports to that country. Of the two variables capturing the impact of RTAs, the variable defining the number of RTAs negotiated with trading partners is positive and significant. The results show that while presence of an RTA may have a positive impact on Indian exports, they are still not a prime consideration. At the same time, the width of integration is having a significant positive impact on India’s export.
Discrimination and Determinants of Wage in India: An Analysis from NSSO 66 Round Data
Authors: Soni Amit , Goel Deepti
Published: December 2015

This paper analyses determinants of wage in India using NSSO socio-economic survey 66th round (July 2009-June 2010) data and Heckman two step regression procedure. On the basis of results, it attempts to find out the extent of gender discrimination and discrimination due to urban-rural divide applying Oaxaca-Blinder decomposition technique. Results show that socio-economic, demographic, location, and job attributes are significant determinants of wage in India. However, when cost of living index was added as a control along with others, urban-rural divide in wage became marginal (8%) and in decomposition most of the differentials in wage is due to the explained component. However, this study found that wage of an average male is 33.43% higher than wage of an average female, almost all due to unexplained factors indicating substantially high degree of wage discrimination in India even after discounting the role of omitted variables.
South Asia in the 21st Century Global Order: Problems, Promises and Positioning
Authors: Barai Munim Kumar
Published: December 2015

The world is passing through a crossroad as the multipolarity in the world order is now a distinctive possibility in the 21st Century. In that emergence, the center of global economic gravity is seemingly moving toward the Asia Pacific zone. The USA, the sole superpower in the present order, is increasingly facing challenges from China, Russia and other rising powers like India and Brazil. The success of the EU as an economic and political experiment will determine its role in the future context. This paper tries to assess a place for South Asia as a unit in the 21 century global order and finds a number of persisting problems like poverty, population, corruption, poor quality of education, disruptive political discourse, weak democratic governance, indiscipline, religious and ethnic tensions that impede their future progress. At the same time, the paper sees immense future potentials for South with their growing economies, demographics, diversity, diasporas, IT knowledge, and dynamism. However, the Indo-centric geographic identity of South Asia is both a problem as well as a promise. This paper argues that to reap the benefits of commonality, they need to approach their future collectively and cohesively.
Policies, Pattern and Marketing Determinants of Handloom Exports from India
Authors: Zohair Mohammad
Published: December 2015

Handloom is one of the oldest existing industries in India, which had attained a high degree of recognition in the world market for the textiles requirements through the ages. It is known for its employment potential to the rural population, product varieties and unmatched craftsmanship. After globalisation, the industry is facing variety of challenges. The present study is an attempt to review the policy initiatives and institutional framework established by the Government of India. Further the export performance of the sector is analysed. An attempt has also been made to look at the problem from a marketing perspective by using multiple regression analysis. It also suggests the export marketing strategies to the firms engaged in export of handloom goods. The growth and prosperity of such firms will ensure the prosperity of the handloom weavers, who are the most important stakeholders of this decentralised industry.
Does Institutional Integration lead to Economic Integration? A Case Study on India-ASEAN Free Trade Agreements
Authors: Singh Mayengbam Lalit
Published: December 2015

Regionalism has become one of the most debated issues on international trade. Under the umbrella of GATT article XXIV, many countries across the globe are rushing themselves into the formation of regional economic integration. Despite the strong favouritism of multilateral trading by WTO, many of such regional economic arrangements have mushroomed. The present paper deals with successive India-ASEAN agreements and their impact on bilateral trade openness and deepening in many sections using Granger Causality test. Our results show that institutional integration has brought about many positive changes in the socio-economic conditions of member countries.
Environmental Kuznets Curve: A Critical Review
Authors: Gambhir Sakshi
Published: December 2015

The relationship between economic growth and environmental quality has been under much dispute. Over the years, several studies have identified inverted-U shaped relationships between per capita income and some measure of environmental degradation. This has led to the emergence of a burgeoning literature on what has come to be known about as the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC). According to the EKC hypothesis, environmental damage increases in the early stages of economic growth, but diminishes once nations reach higher levels of income. This literature is important as it acknowledges the possibility of trade and growth being good for the environment. Against this backdrop, we have attempted to give an overview of some of the studies published on EKC and subsequently critically appraised the same. The EKC has been criticised for its simplified assumptions and the literature appears to be largely econometrically weak. It has been shown to apply to select environmental indicators for certain countries; hence its validity as a universal phenomenon remains questionable. Owing to global implications of environmental degradation, more efforts are required to examine the validity of EKC as a global phenomenon by relating a composite index of environmental degradation to a better measure of economic development across nations.