bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-cycling Irish short fiction as English narratives of community: J. S. Le Fanu’s Chronicles of Golden Friars (1871)
Authors: Ingelbien Raphaël
Published: April 2014

A prolific writer of Gothic shorter fiction, Joseph Sheridan Le Fanu published many of his early tales in an Irish periodical. In later life, he also published in both magazine and book form for a British market, where publishers told him to avoid Irish themes. This article discusses
the process through which Le Fanu recycled some older ‘Irish’ material into a collection of short stories linked by the imaginary English setting of Golden Friars. Drawing on theoretical links between short story collections and the ‘genre’ of the ‘narrative of
community’, the article analyses how Le Fanu set about representing community life while transplanting his material from Irish to English settings, and from magazine to book formats. While the representation of an Irish community would have been ideologically problematic and formally
irrelevant for Le Fanu, his portrayal of an English community in Chronicles of Golden Friars (1871) is characterized by stereotypes and parodic exaggerations that betray its origin in the demands of his English publishers.
Down the road from Winesburg: The spatiotemporal aesthetics of the short story sequence in Donald Ray Pollock’s Knockemstiff and Laura Hendrie’s Stygo
Authors: Luscher Robert M.
Published: April 2014

Two contemporary examples of the short story sequence indebted to Sherwood Anderson’s influential Winesburg, Ohio – Donald Ray Pollock’s Knockemstiff and Laurie Hendrie’s Stygo – illustrate the complex spatiotemporal role of place in the short story sequence.
The reader’s progressive assembly of the imaginative space in these latter-day Winesburgs works in conjunction with other associative configurations to construct macrotexts from the autonomous stories, ones that challenge us to recognize the genre’s formal paradox as we formulate
spaces whose gaps and discontinuities reflect the nature of the communities portrayed, of existence within them, and the nature of the genre used to represent them.
The short story sequence in the ‘Homeland of the novel’: A. S. Byatt’s The Matisse Stories
Authors: Lister Rachel
Published: April 2014

This article delivers a close, textual analysis of A. S. Byatt’s The Matisse Stories ([1993] 1994). It argues that Byatt’s text is an example of the short story sequence, a form that is only beginning to establish itself in England. The analysis demonstrates the benefits
of reading The Matisse Stories ([1993] 1994) as a sequence of autonomous but linked stories. Focusing on a range of themes and formal properties, the article draws connections between Byatt’s poetics and established theories about the form, paying particular attention to her manipulation
of metatextual discourses and her exploration of identity politics in late-twentieth-century England. The article raises issues pertaining to art as well as literature, exploring how Byatt’s engagement with Matissean aesthetics informs her formal strategies and poetics.
Reviews
Authors: Fitzgerald-Hoyt Mary , Staels Hilde
Published: April 2014

The China Factory, Mary Costello (2012) Dublin: Stinging Fly Press, 159pp., ISBN: 9781906539214, p/bk, £10.99.

The Shelter of Neighbours, Éilís Ní Dhuibhne (2012) Belfast: Blackstaff Press, 265pp., ISBN: 9780856408861, p/bk, £12.99.

Critical Insights.
Alice Munro, Charles May (ed.) (2013) Ipswich: Salem Press, 300 pp., ISBN: 9781429837224, h/b, £65.54.
A Case Study of Mentor's “Accompained Growth” in Multicultural Mentoring Program
Authors: Kim Ki Young
Published: April 2014

This study aims to examine the experience of university students participating in a multicultural mentoring program to see how they recognize multicultural family children and also how their attitude changes through that. To attain the goal, the researcher did participatory observation on the implementation of the mentoring program from July till December, 2013 and also conducted in-depth interviewing to 13 out of 18. A University students participating in it as a mentor, the teacher in charge of it at Huimang Elementary School, and the person in charge of mentoring at A University. According to the results of this paper, the mentors did have negative preconceived ideas about multiculture and multicultural family children before they met their mentee; however, having a direct experience to meet the children, they could recognize their own prejudice against them through reflective thinking and also get rid of it. Second, on account of the specific situation that the mentees were in, when the mentors’ educational activity was not performed as intended, they felt disappointed; however, they came to find an effective method of their own by reorganizing the curriculum and inducing methodological diversity. Moreover, after the completion of the 120-hour program, they could realize they had grown for themselves. Therefore, to make a mentoring program successful, it is needed to build a systematic education system, and through that, the mentors can also grow further with that.
Epicurus on the Fear of Death and the Relative Value of Lives
Authors: Rider Benjamin A.
Published: April 2014

Epicurus argued that death is no misfortune, because when a person dies, he no longer has sensation, and sensation is a necessary condition of value for a person. This argument, however, faces a powerful objection. Contemporary philosophers argue that death is bad precisely because it deprives one of good experiences one would have had, had one not died. I analyze and evaluate the Epicurean response to this objection, showing how, according to Epicurus, this objection reflects mistaken and unhealthy ideas about how lives should be evaluated. Uncovering and addressing these modes of evaluation constitutes a central aim of Epicurean therapy.
A solvent free approach for Knoevenagel condensation: facile synthesis of 3-cyano and 3-carbethoxycoumarins
Authors: Kumar Suresh
Published: April 2014

A simple, efficient and solvent free approach for the Knoevenagel condensation has been developed which involves grinding of active methylene compounds with aromatic aldehydes over basic alumina. Using this solvent free Knoevenagel approach, a facile and efficient synthesis of 3-cyano and 3-carbethoxycoumarins has also been developed, which involves the grinding of 2-hydroxybenzaldehydes with malononitrile or ethylcyanoacetate respectively over basic alumina followed by grinding with p-toluenesulphonic acid (PTSA) in the same mortar.
Shortening distance of forward and reverse primers for nucleic acid isothermal amplification
Authors: Haitao Qu , Wenchao Zhang , Xiaohui Zhang , Xiujun Wang , Sulong Li
Published: April 2014

Existent nucleic acid isothermal detection techniques for clinical diseases are difficult to promote greatly due to limitations in such aspects as methodology, costs of detection, amplification efficiency and conditions for operation. There is therefore an urgent need for a new isothermal amplification method with the characteristics of high accuracy, easy operation, short time of detection and low costs. We have devised a new method of nucleic acid isothermal amplification using Bst DNA polymerase under isothermal conditions (60–65°C). We call this method of amplification by shortening the distance between forward and reverse primers for nucleic acid isothermal amplification SDAMP. The results demonstrated that this technique is highly sensitive, specific and has short reaction times (40–60 min). Results of sequencing show that the products of SDAMP amplification are mainly polymers formed by series connection of monomers formed through linkage of forward primer and complementary sequences in reverse primer via a few bases. The method is different from current methods of nucleic acid amplification. Our study shows, however, that it is a specific method of nucleic acid isothermal amplification depending on interactions between primers and DNA template.
Functional aspects of extracellular cyclophilins
Authors: Hoffmann Henrik , Schiene-Fischer Cordelia
Published: April 2014

The cyclophilin family of peptidyl prolyl cis/trans isomerases includes several isoforms found to be secreted in response to different stimuli, thus existing both in the interior and the exterior of cells. The extracellular fractions of the cyclophilins CypA and CypB are involved in the control of cell-cell communication. By binding to the cell membrane receptor CD147 and cell surface heparans they elicit a variety of intracellular signaling cascades involved in inflammatory processes. Increased levels of cyclophilins in inflammatory tissues and body fluids are considered as an inflammatory response to injury. Thus, the extracellular portion of cyclophilins probably plays an important role in human diseases associated with acute or chronic inflammation like rheumatoid arthritis, sepsis, asthma and cardiovascular diseases. Specific inhibition of the cyclophilins in the extracellular space may open an effective therapeutic approach for treating inflammatory diseases.
High Temperature Corrosion Behavior of Cold Deformed 2.25 Cr-1 Mo Steel in SO2 + O2 Atmosphere
Authors: Ghosh D. , Mitra S. K.
Published: April 2014

This investigation is primarily aimed to study the high temperature corrosion behavior of different cold deformed low alloy ferritic 2.25 Cr-1 Mo steel in SO
Interaction of Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate Free Acid and Adenosine Triphosphate on Muscle Mass, Strength, and Power in Resistance Trained Individuals
Authors: Lowery Ryan P. , Joy Jordan M. , Rathmacher John A. , Baier Shawn M. , Fuller John C. , Shelley Mack C. , Jäger Ralf , Purpura Martin , Wilson Stephanie M.C. , Wilson Jacob M.
Published: April 2014

Lowery, RP, Joy, JM, Rathmacher, JA, Baier, SM, Fuller, JC Jr, Shelley, MC II, Jäger, R, Purpura, M, Wilson, SMC, and Wilson, JM. Interaction of beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate free acid and adenosine triphosphate on muscle mass, strength, and power in resistance trained individuals. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 1843–1854, 2016—Adenosine-5′-triphosphate (ATP) supplementation helps maintain performance under high fatiguing contractions and with greater fatigue recovery demands also increase. Current evidence suggests that the free acid form of β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate (HMB-FA) acts by speeding regenerative capacity of skeletal muscle after high-intensity or prolonged exercise. Therefore, we investigated the effects of 12 weeks of HMB-FA (3 g) and ATP (400 mg) administration on lean body mass (LBM), strength, and power in trained individuals. A 3-phase double-blind, placebo-, and diet-controlled study was conducted. Phases consisted of an 8-week periodized resistance training program (phase 1), followed by a 2-week overreaching cycle (phase 2), and a 2-week taper (phase 3). Lean body mass was increased by a combination of HMB-FA/ATP by 12.7% (p < 0.001). In a similar fashion, strength gains after training were increased in HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented subjects by 23.5% (p < 0.001). Vertical jump and Wingate power were increased in the HMB-FA/ATP-supplemented group compared with the placebo-supplemented group, and the 12-week increases were 21.5 and 23.7%, respectively. During the overreaching cycle, strength and power declined in the placebo group (4.3–5.7%), whereas supplementation with HMB-FA/ATP resulted in continued strength gains (1.3%). In conclusion, HMB-FA and ATP in combination with resistance exercise training enhanced LBM, power, and strength. In addition, HMB-FA plus ATP blunted the typical response to overreaching, resulting in a further increase in strength during that period. It seems that the combination of HMB-FA/ATP could benefit those who continuously train at high levels such as elite athletes or military personnel.
The Effect of Music Listening Versus Written Reframing on Mood Management
Authors: Sleigh Merry J. , McElroy Jordan
Published: April 2014

We compared the influence of music listening versus written reframing on mood regulation. Participants (n = 197) were randomly allocated to one of four conditions. A written, self-reflection exercise primed participants to be in either a positive or negative mood, which was assessed with the Multidimensional Mood State Questionnaire (MDMQ, 2011; Steyer, Schwenkmeger, Notz, & Eid, 1997). Half of the participants in the positive prime condition then selected and listened to music opposite of the induced mood. The other half engaged in a written reframing exercise, in which they revisited the event in their original writings but did so by reflecting on the event from the opposite emotional perspective. This process was repeated for participants in the negative prime condition. The MDMQ was used again to assess mood. Results revealed that music and writing changed both men and women’s moods from positive to negative or from negative to positive. Music exerted a more powerful influence than writing and exerted a stronger influence on women than men, especially when lifting participants from a negative mood to a positive mood. Our results also indicated that participants were aware of their mood changes.
Musical Activity Tunes Up Absolute Pitch Ability
Authors: Dohn Anders , Garza-Villarreal Eduardo A. , Ribe Lars Riisgaard , Wallentin Mikkel , Vuust Peter
Published: April 2014

Absolute pitch (AP) is the ability to identify or produce pitches of musical tones without an external reference. Active AP (i.e., pitch production or pitch adjustment) and passive AP (i.e., pitch identification) are considered to not necessarily coincide, although no study has properly compared these abilities. Using a novel computerized pitch adjustment test, we investigated active AP ability in musicians with and without AP (ages 18-43). We found a significant correlation between active and passive AP indicating that AP possessors (APs) identify and produce pitch equally well. Furthermore, we found that APs generally undershoot when adjusting musical pitch, a tendency that decreases when musical activity increases. Finally, APs are less accurate when adjusting the pitch to black key targets than to white key targets. Hence, AP ability may be partly practice-dependent and we speculate that APs may benefit from frequent contact with fixed standard chroma to keep in tune.
Variation in the androgen receptor gene exon 1 CAG repeat correlates with manifestations of autoimmunity in women with lupus
Authors: Olsen Nancy J , Benko Ann L , Kovacs William J
Published: April 2014

Clinical and experimental evidence support a role for gonadal steroids in modulating the expression and course of autoimmune diseases such as lupus. Whether or not inherited variation in sensitivity to circulating androgenic hormones could influence the manifestations of such disease is, however, unknown. We sought to determine whether differences in androgen sensitivity conferred by variation in the exon 1 CAG repeat region of the androgen receptor (AR) gene were associated with differences in the clinical or humoral immune manifestations of lupus in a cohort of female subjects. We found that shorter AR CAG repeat lengths in lupus subjects correlated with a higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index score, higher ANA levels, and expression of a broader array of IgG autoantibodies. Our findings of more severe clinical manifestations and more exuberant humoral autoimmunity in women with a shorter AR exon 1 CAG repeat length suggest a role for genetically determined sensitivity to androgens as a modulator of autoimmune processes.
Maternal Obesity and Infant Mortality: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Meehan Sean , Beck Charles R. , Mair-Jenkins John , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Puleston Richard
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

Despite numerous studies reporting an elevated risk of infant mortality among women who are obese, the magnitude of the association is unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis was undertaken to assess the association between maternal overweight or obesity and infant mortality.

METHODS:

Four health care databases and gray literature sources were searched and screened against the protocol eligibility criteria. Observational studies reporting on the relationship between maternal overweight and obesity and infant mortality were included. Data extraction and risk of bias assessments were performed.

RESULTS:

Twenty-four records were included from 783 screened. Obese mothers (BMI ≥30) had greater odds of having an infant death (odds ratio 1.42; 95% confidence interval, 1.24–1.63; P < .001; 11 studies); these odds were greatest for the most obese (BMI >35) (odds ratio 2.03; 95% confidence interval, 1.61–2.56; P < .001; 3 studies).

CONCLUSIONS:

Our results suggest that the odds of having an infant death are greater for obese mothers and that this risk may increase with greater maternal BMI or weight; however, residual confounding may explain these findings. Given the rising prevalence of maternal obesity, additional high-quality epidemiologic studies to elucidate the actual influence of elevated maternal mass or weight on infant mortality are needed. If a causal link is determined and the biological basis explained, public health strategies to address the issue of maternal obesity will be needed.
Milia en plaque of the Nose: Report of a Case and Successful Treatment With Topical Tretinoin
Authors: Nambudiri Vinod E. , Habib Nancy , Arndt Kenneth A. , Kane Kay S.
Published: April 2014

Milia are benign, superficial keratinaceous cysts that present as fine, small white papules. Milia en plaque is a rare, challenging-to-treat variant most often seen in the posterior auricular region. A total of 9 cases of milia en plaque have been reported in the pediatric literature to date. We report a case of milia en plaque of the nose in a 7-year-old boy, a novel site of involvement in the pediatric population, and successful treatment with the use of topical tretinoin. Topical retinoids offer an effective treatment option for the management of milia en plaque in the pediatric population.
Motor Vehicle-Pedestrian Collisions and Walking to School: The Role of the Built Environment
Authors: Rothman Linda , Macarthur Colin , To Teresa , Buliung Ron , Howard Andrew
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVES:

Initiatives to increase active school transportation are popular. However, increased walking to school could increase collision risk. The built environment is related to both pedestrian collision risk and walking to school. We examined the influence of the built environment on walking to school and child pedestrian collisions in Toronto, Canada.

METHODS:

Police-reported pedestrian collision data from 2002 to 2011 for children ages 4 to 12, proportion of children walking to school, and built environment data were mapped onto school attendance boundaries. Collision rates were calculated by using 2006 census populations and modeled by using negative binomial regression.

RESULTS:

There were 481 collisions with a mean collision rate of 7.4/10 000 children per year. The relationship between walking proportion and collision rate was not statistically significant after adjusting for population density and roadway design variables including multifamily dwelling density, traffic light, traffic calming and 1-way street density, school crossing guard presence, and school socioeconomic status.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pedestrian collisions are more strongly associated with built environment features than with proportions walking. Road design features were related to higher collision rates and warrant further examination for their safety effects for children. Future policy designed to increase children’s active transportation should be developed from evidence that more clearly addresses child pedestrian safety.
Genome-Wide Expression Profiles in Very Low Birth Weight Infants With Neonatal Sepsis
Authors: Cernada María , Serna Eva , Bauerl Christine , Collado María Carmen , Pérez-Martínez Gaspar , Vento Máximo
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND:

Bacterial sepsis is associated with high morbidity and mortality in preterm infants. However, diagnosis of sepsis and identification of the causative agent remains challenging. Our aim was to determine genome-wide expression profiles of very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with and without bacterial sepsis and assess differences.

METHODS:

This was a prospective observational double-cohort study conducted in VLBW (<1500 g) infants with culture-positive bacterial sepsis and non-septic matched controls. Blood samples were collected as soon as clinical signs of sepsis were identified and before antibiotics were initiated. Total RNA was processed for genome-wide expression analysis using Affymetrix gene arrays.

RESULTS:

During a 19-month period, 17 septic VLBW infants and 19 matched controls were enrolled. First, a three-dimensional unsupervised principal component analysis based on the entire genome (28 000 transcripts) identified 3 clusters of patients based on gene expression patterns: Gram-positive sepsis, Gram-negative sepsis, and noninfected control infants. Furthermore, these groups were confirmed by using analysis of variance, which identified a transcriptional signature of 554 of genes. These genes had a significantly different expression among the groups. Of the 554 identified genes, 66 belonged to the tumor necrosis factor and 56 to cytokine signaling. The most significantly overexpressed pathways in septic neonates related with innate immune and inflammatory responses and were validated by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our preliminary results suggest that genome-wide expression profiles discriminate septic from nonseptic VLBW infants early in the neonatal period. Further studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Interventions to Reduce Behavioral Problems in Children With Cerebral Palsy: An RCT
Authors: Whittingham Koa , Sanders Matthew , McKinlay Lynne , Boyd Roslyn N.
Published: April 2014

OBJECTIVE:

To test Stepping Stones Triple P (SSTP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in a trial targeting behavioral problems in children with cerebral palsy (CP).

METHODS:

Sixty-seven parents (97.0% mothers; mean age 38.7 ± 7.1 years) of children (64.2% boys; mean age 5.3 ± 3.0 years) with CP (Gross Motor Function Classification System = 15, 22%; II = 18, 27%; III =12, 18%; IV = 18, 27%; V = 4, 6%) participated and were randomly assigned to SSTP, SSTP + ACT, or waitlist. Primary outcomes were behavioral and emotional problems (Eyberg Child Behavior Inventory [ECBI], Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire [SDQ]) and parenting style (Parenting Scale [PS]) at postintervention and 6-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

SSTP with ACT was associated with decreased behavioral problems (ECBI Intensity mean difference [MD] = 24.12, confidence interval [CI] 10.22 to 38.03, P = .003; ECBI problem MD = 8.30, CI 4.63 to 11.97, P < .0001) including hyperactivity (SDQ MD = 1.66, CI 0.55 to 2.77, P = .004), as well as decreased parental overreactivity (PS MD = 0.60, CI 0.16 to 1.04, P = .008) and verbosity (PS MD = 0.68, CI 0.17 to 1.20, P = .01). SSTP alone was associated with decreased behavioral problems (ECBI problems MD = 6.04, CI 2.20 to 9.89, P = .003) and emotional symptoms (SDQ MD = 1.33, CI 0.45 to 2.21, P = .004). Decreases in behavioral and emotional problems were maintained at follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS:

SSTP is an effective intervention for behavioral problems in children with CP. ACT delivers additive benefits.
Screening for Peripheral Neuropathies in Children With Diabetes: A Systematic Review
Authors: Hirschfeld Gerrit , von Glischinski Michael , Blankenburg Markus , Zernikow Boris
Published: April 2014

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Although guidelines for the management of children with type 1 diabetes include recommendations to screen for diabetic peripheral neuropathies (DPN), the research into the diagnostic utility of screening methods has not been systematically reviewed. The goal of this study was to summarize the findings with regard to the diagnostic accuracy of the Semmes-Weinstein monofilament and the Rydel-Seiffer tuning fork in detecting DPN in children and adolescents compared with the gold standard nerve conduction studies.

METHODS:

Based on a PubMed search (conducted on April 26, 2013) and secondary searching, we identified 72 articles for review. We included studies that: (1) assessed DPN with the gold standard nerve conduction studies; (2) used noninvasive screening for DPN (monofilament, tuning fork, or biothesiometer); and (3) were performed in the relevant population (children with diabetes). Five articles met these criteria. Study quality was assessed by using the revised Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies criteria. Heterogeneous methods precluded a formal meta-analysis of effects.

RESULTS:

Diagnostic accuracies were heterogeneous for the different screening methods. Sensitivities ranged from 1% to 19% for the tuning fork (3 studies); from 61% to 80% for the biothesiometer (2 studies); and from 19% to 73% for the monofilament (2 studies).

CONCLUSIONS:

Data show extremely low diagnostic utility for standard screening methods (tuning fork and 10-g monofilament) but acceptable utilities for biothesiometry and finer (1 g) monofilaments. Data on the diagnostic utility should be used to inform national and international guidelines on diabetes management.
Micro and Nanowrinkled Conductive Polymer Surfaces on Shape-memory Polymer Substrates: Tuning of Surface Microfeatures Towards Smart Biointerfaces.
Authors: Greco Francesco , Fujie Toshinori , Taccola Silvia , Ricotti Leonardo , Menciassi Arianna , Mattoli Virgilio
Published: April 2014

With the aim of providing an easy and versatile method for realizing conductive polymer surfaces with controlled micro and nano-scale topographical cues patterning, we deposited a ultra-thin film of the conductive polymer poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) on a thermo-retractable polystyrene sheet. Biaxial and uniaxial micro and nano-wrinkles were formed with different features depending on clamping geometry during shrinking of the substrate upon heating. Homogeneous nano and micro-patterning of surface topography over large areas (several cm2) was obtained. The formed wrinkles were very robust and adhered strongly to the substrate because of their penetration into the soft substrate during the heat-shrink process. In the case of uniaxial wrinkles a very well aligned quasi-periodic structure is formed with different populations of wavelengths ranging from submicrometric to 10-20 μm, depending on PEDOT:PSS thickness. Surface topography, wrinkles amplitude and wavelength have been evaluated by means of SEM and AFM and the results have been related to sheet resistance as measured with a four point probe technique. The realized conductive surfaces can offer new opportunities in the field of cell stimulation and growth.
Fabrication and Morphological Investigation of Multi-walled Electrospun Polymeric Nanofibers
Authors: Monfared Zanjani Jamal Seyyed , Okan Burcu Saner , Yildiz Mehmet , Menceloglu Yusuf
Published: April 2014

Multi-walled nanofibers with their outstanding properties have found expanding applications on drug delivery systems, biosensors, self-healing materials and many other state-of-the-art technologies. This work investigates the fabrication and morphological control of multi-walled structured electrospun polymeric nanofibers by multi-axial electrospinning system. This process is based on a nozzle allowing multi-axial extrusion of different fluids with concentric orders. Two spinnable polymers of poly(methyl methacrylate) and polyacrylamide are chosen for the fabrication of middle and outer walls of co-axial hollow nanofibers, respectively. Hansen’s solubility parameters are used to systematically optimize the solvent selection for each layer and control the degree of miscibility of layers with the purpose of tailoring the final wall morphology of nanofibers. Characterization studies are performed by Scanning Electron Microscopy, Energy-Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, and Thermal Gravimetric Analyzer.
Revision of the American Species of Genus Xyalaspis (Hymenoptera: Figitidae: Anacharitinae)
Authors: Mata-Casanova Noel , Selfa Jesús , Pujade-Villar Juli
Published: April 2014

A revision of Xyalaspis (Hymenoptera: Anacharitinae) in the American continent is presented. This genus is mentioned for the first time from the Neotropical region. Xyalaspis flavipes Ashmead, 1896 is synonymized with Xyalaspis microstyla Kieffer, 1907 and is found in the Neotropical region. Five new species are described: Xyalaspis aberrans n. sp. (from the Neotropic), Xyalaspis alveolata n. sp. (from the Neotropic), Xyalaspis arapahoe n. sp. (from the Nearctic), Xyalaspis hirsuta n. sp. (from both regions), and Xyalaspis pilosa n. sp. (from the Neotropic). Diagnostic characters of each species are illustrated and data on the biology, distribution, and mesoscutum sculpturing of the genus Xyalaspis are discussed. A key for differentiating the America species of Xyalaspis is presented.
Culture-Independent Analysis of Bacterial Communities in the Gut of Rice Water Weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae)
Authors: Lu Fang , Kang Xiaoying , Lorenz Gus , Espino Luis , Jiang Mingxing , Way Michael O
Published: April 2014

Gut bacteria play important roles in the biology of insects. In this study, gut bacterial communities were investigated in the rice water weevil, Lissorhoptrus oryzophilus Kuschel (Coleoptera: Curculionidae), which is a serious pest in rice growing-areas of the United States and some Asian countries. Overwintered female adults were collected from rice plants in five geographic locations: Beaumont, TX; Colt, AR; and Biggs, CA; in the United States, and Tanghai of Hebei and Yueqing of Zhejiang in China. Using polymerase chain reaction, bacterial 16S rRNA clone libraries were constructed. From the libraries, we identified 19 bacterial phylotypes (operational taxonomic units, OTUs). Of them, only 3–5 OTUs were identified in each population, except in the Beaumont weevils, which had 10 OTUs. The OTUs were affiliated with the bacteria in six classes of four phyla: α-, β-, γ-proteobacteria, Bacilli, Sphingobacteria, and Actinobacteria, with the γ-proteobacteria being the richest. Bacteria of the genera Pantoea and Wolbachia were detected in all weevil populations examined. There were also some bacteria that were specifically detected in certain locations but had a high relative abundance, such as the ones matched to Enterobacter oryzae, Lactococcus lactis, and Rickettsia felis. Geographic variations were found among bacterial communities in their richness, diversity, and evenness. This was the first study depicting a detailed profile of bacterial communities in L. oryzophilus, and the results provide important information for future studies on the bacterial functions, mutual interactions, and use for developing a biocontrol technique against this weevil.
Asian Citrus Psyllid (Hemiptera: Liviidae) Tolerance to Heat
Authors: Hall David G , Hentz Matthew G
Published: April 2014

The Asian citrus psyllid, Diaphorina citri Kuwayama (Hemiptera: Liviidae), is an important citrus pest because it vectors bacteria responsible for a serious citrus disease known as huanglongbing (also called citrus greening disease). We conducted research on Asian citrus psyllid heat tolerance, with special emphasis on identifying heat treatments lethal to adult Asian citrus psyllid. Working with an Asian citrus psyllid colony maintained at 27°C, we assessed survival of adult Asian citrus psyllid exposed to temperatures of 43–60°C for various durations in a laboratory oven. We found under our experimental conditions that adult Asian citrus psyllid cannot survive at 50°C for more than ≈10 min and that death occurred faster at higher temperatures; males tended to be more heat-tolerant than females; young adults were less tolerant of high temperatures than older adults; adult Asian citrus psyllids predisposed to warmer temperatures were more heat-tolerant than those predisposed to cooler temperatures; and heat treatments lethal to adult Asian citrus psyllids were lethal to eggs and usually lethal to nymphs. Adult Asian citrus psyllids were less tolerant of heat treatments in the oven when the humidity level was high than when it was low. A number of heat treatments lethal to adult Asian citrus psyllid in an oven situation can be identified from the results of this research and would be useful to regulatory agencies interested in eliminating adult Asian citrus psyllids from shipments of citrus leaves destined for culinary or medicinal markets. Among a number of candidate treatments, 60°C for at least 10 min would be effective against all Asian citrus psyllid life stages and faster killing than lower temperatures.
Cost-Effectiveness of a 14-Gene Risk Score Assay to Target Adjuvant Chemotherapy in Early Stage Non-Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Roth Joshua A. , Billings Paul , Ramsey Scott D. , Dumanois Robert , Carlson Josh J.
Published: April 2014

Purpose.

Life Technologies has developed a 14-gene molecular assay that provides information about the risk of death in early stage non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer patients after surgery. The assay can be used to identify patients at highest risk of mortality, informing subsequent treatments. The objective of this study was to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of this novel assay.

Patients and Methods.

We developed a Markov model to estimate life expectancy, quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), and costs for testing versus standard care. Risk-group classification was based on assay-validation studies, and chemotherapy uptake was based on pre- and post-testing recommendations from a study of 58 physicians. We evaluated three chemotherapy-benefit scenarios: moderately predictive (base case), nonpredictive (i.e., the same benefit for each risk group), and strongly predictive. We calculated the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) and performed one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses.

Results.

In the base case, testing and standard-care strategies resulted in 6.81 and 6.66 life years, 3.76 and 3.68 QALYs, and $122,400 and $118,800 in costs, respectively. The ICER was $23,200 per QALY (stage I: $29,200 per QALY; stage II: $12,200 per QALY). The ICER ranged from “dominant” to $92,100 per QALY in the strongly predictive and nonpredictive scenarios. The model was most sensitive to the proportion of high-risk patients receiving chemotherapy and the high-risk hazard ratio. The 14-gene risk score assay strategy was cost-effective in 68% of simulations.

Conclusion.

Our results suggest that the 14-gene risk score assay may be a cost-effective alternative to standard guideline-based adjuvant chemotherapy decision making in early stage non-small cell lung cancer.
The study on the dragonfly’s wings and the structural colors
Authors: Liu Dingxin , Gu Jiajun , Li Zhuo , Zhang Yafeng , Zhang Wang , Liu Qinglei , Zhang Di
Published: April 2014

The authors observed the surface and transection of dragonflies and demonstrated that the surface of dragonflies is a submicrometer multilayer system. The authors showed that the different colors of wing are attributed to multilayer interference, which is confirmed by a finite-difference time domain simulation.
Disparate responses of above‐ and belowground properties to soil disturbance by an invasive mammal
Authors: Barrios-Garcia M. Noelia , Classen Aimée T. , Simberloff Daniel
Published: April 2014

Introduced mammalian herbivores can negatively affect ecosystem structure and function if they introduce a novel disturbance to an ecosystem. For example, belowground foraging herbivores that bioturbate the soil, may alter process rates and community composition in ecosystems that lack native belowground mammalian foragers. Wild boar (Sus scrofa) disturb the soil system and plant community via their rooting behavior in their native range. Given their size and the numbers in their populations, this disturbance can be significant in forested ecosystems. Recently, wild boar were introduced to Patagonian forests lacking native mammalian herbivores that forage belowground. To explore how introduced wild boar might alter forested ecosystems, we conducted a large‐scale wild boar exclusion experiment in three different forest types (Austroducedrus chilensis forest, Nothofagus dombeyi forest, and shrublands). Wild boar presence altered plant composition and structure, reducing plant biomass 3.8‐fold and decreasing both grass and herb cover relative to areas where wild boar were excluded. Decomposition rates and soil compaction also declined by 5% in areas where boar had access; however, rooting had no effect on soil nutrient stocks and cycling. Interestingly, there were no differences in wild boar impacts on different forest types. We found that after 3‐years of exclusion, belowground foraging by wild boar had a larger impact on plant community structure and biomass than it did on soil nutrient processes.
L-alaninium perrhenate: crystal structure and non-linear optical properties
Authors: Rodrigues Vitor , Costa Maria , Gomes Etelvina , Isakov Dmitry , Belsley Michael
Published: April 2014

The crystal structure and non-linear optical properties of L-alaninium perrhenate, C3H8NO2+ ReO4
−, are reported. The protonated amino acid and the perrhenate anion have their usual geometries. The three-dimensional hydrogen-bonded network can be seen as a stacking of layers parallel to the (100) planes. Each layer is formed by chains of alternating positive and negative ions along the b and c axes. Hydrogen bonding of adjacent layers forms alternating chains along the a axis. A high damage threshold and a second-harmonic generation efficiency three times that of KDP make this new material potentially useful in non-linear optics.
WDR5, ASH2L, and RBBP5 control the efficiency of FOS transcript processing
Authors: Teoh Peik , Sharrocks Andrew
Published: April 2014

H3K4 trimethylation is strongly associated with active transcription. The deposition of this mark is catalyzed by SET-domain methyltransferases, which consist of a subcomplex containing WDR5, ASH2L, and RBBP5 (the WAR subcomplex); a catalytic SET-domain protein; and additional complexspecific subunits. The ERK MAPK pathway also plays an important role in gene regulation via phosphorylation of transcription factors, co-regulators, or histone modifier complexes. However, the potential interactions between these two pathways remain largely unexplored. We investigated their potential interplay in terms of the regulation of the immediate early gene (IEG) regulatory network. We found that depletion of components of the WAR subcomplex led to increased levels of unspliced transcripts of IEGs that did not necessarily reflect changes in their mature transcripts. This occurs in a manner independent from changes in the H3K4me3 levels at the promoter region. We focused on FOS and found that the depletion of WAR subcomplex components affected the efficiency of FOS transcript processing. Our findings show a new aspect of WAR subcomplex function in coordinating active transcription with efficient pre-mRNA processing.
Aboriginal Early School Leavers On- and Off-Reserve: An Empirical Analysis
Authors: Lamb Danielle
Published: April 2014

The 2001 master file of the Aboriginal Peoples Survey is used to analyze the determinants of leaving school before completing high school for Aboriginal persons, separately for different age cohorts and for those living off-reserve and on-reserve. Relationships that are particularly important from a policy perspective include the fact that rates of leaving school early are negatively related to being able to attend high school in one's community, learning about Aboriginal history and/or about Aboriginal peoples, and having an Aboriginal teacher or teacher's aide. Decomposition analysis of leaving school early by residential status indicated that most of the higher dropout rate for those living on-reserve is attributed to observable characteristics, many of which are subject to a degree of policy control such as through improved employment opportunities and a culturally sensitive curriculum and learning environment.
Toward a Collaborative, Transformative Model of Non-Profit Leadership: Some Conceptual Building Blocks
Authors: Osula Bramwell , Ng Eddie
Published: April 2014

In this paper, the authors propose extending the construct of non-profit leadership to accommodate collaborative and transformational themes. The suggestion is that the resultant broader definition accords with the modern context within which non-profits now operate and feeds into a more resilient model of non-profit leadership. The paper begins with a review of emergent trends in leadership theory and the changing context of the non-profit sector. The argument is made that the extraordinary challenges facing the sector signal the need for fresh new perspectives in leadership. The authors then proceed to examine the significance of a nascent non-profit culture point to a re-alignment of the sector that is informed by transformational principles and a values-orientation. The result is said to be a new model of non-profit and public sector leadership that raises important methodological questions which the authors maintain can inform future analyses of the structure, role, and responsibilities of non-profit leadership. Finally, a world of new possibilities is envisioned, one in which non-profit organizations are strategically repositioned to take advantage of a new values-based ethic that is rooted in principles of integrity, increased self-awareness, a collaborative agenda, intentionality, emphasis of followership, cultural competence, and orientation toward the future.
A Solvent-Free, One-Step, One-Pot Gewald Reaction for Alkyl-aryl Ketones via Mechanochemistry
Authors: Shearouse William , Shumba Maxwell , Mack James
Published: April 2014

Herein, we report on the solvent-free synthesis of 2-aminothiophenes via the Gewald reaction. Utilizing high speed ball milling conditions, we discovered the Gewald reaction can be catalytic in base, and conducted under aerobic conditions. Using thermal heat in tandem with the mixer/mill significantly increases the rate of reaction.
Gene Therapy Used in Cancer Treatment
Authors: Wirth Thomas , Ylä-Herttuala Seppo
Published: April 2014

Cancer has been, from the beginning, a target of intense research for gene therapy approaches. Currently, more than 60% of all on-going clinical gene therapy trials worldwide are targeting cancer. Indeed, there is a clear unmet medical need for novel therapies. This is further urged by the fact that current conventional cancer therapies are frequently troubled by their toxicities. Different gene therapy strategies have been employed for cancer, such as pro-drug activating suicide gene therapy, anti-angiogenic gene therapy, oncolytic virotherapy, gene therapy-based immune modulation, correction/compensation of gene defects, genetic manipulation of apoptotic and tumor invasion pathways, antisense, and RNAi strategies. Cancer types, which have been targeted with gene therapy, include brain, lung, breast, pancreatic, liver, colorectal, prostate, bladder, head and neck, skin, ovarian, and renal cancer. Currently, two cancer gene therapy products have received market approval, both of which are in China. In addition, the stimulation of the host’s immune system, using gene therapeutic approaches, has gained vast interest. The intention of this review is to point out the most commonly viral and non-viral vectors and methods used in cancer gene therapy, as well as highlight some key results achieved in clinical trials.
Matrix Algebraic Properties of the Fisher Information Matrix of Stationary Processes
Authors: Klein André
Published: April 2014

In this survey paper, a summary of results which are to be found in a series of papers, is presented. The subject of interest is focused on matrix algebraic properties of the Fisher information matrix (FIM) of stationary processes. The FIM is an ingredient of the Cram´er-Rao inequality, and belongs to the basics of asymptotic estimation theory in mathematical statistics. The FIM is interconnected with the Sylvester, Bezout and tensor Sylvester matrices. Through these interconnections it is shown that the FIM of scalar and multiple stationary processes fulfill the resultant matrix property. A statistical distance measure involving entries of the FIM is presented. In quantum information, a different statistical distance measure is set forth. It is related to the Fisher information but where the information about one parameter in a particular measurement procedure is considered. The FIM of scalar stationary processes is also interconnected to the solutions of appropriate Stein equations, conditions for the FIM to verify certain Stein equations are formulated. The presence of Vandermonde matrices is also emphasized.
Spatial Variation of Surface Energy Fluxes Due to Land Use Changes across China
Authors: Ma Enjun , Deng Xiangzheng , Zhang Qian , Liu Anping
Published: April 2014

We estimate the heat flux changes caused by the projected land transformation over the next 40 years across China to improve the understanding of the impacts of land dynamics on regional climate. We use the Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model to investigate these impacts in four representative land transformation zones, where reclamation, overgrazing, afforestation, and urbanization dominates the land use and land cover changes in each zone respectively. As indicated by the significant variance of albedo due to different land use and cover changes, different surface properties cause great spatial variance of the surface flux. From the simulation results, latent heat flux increases by 2 and 21 W/m2 in the reclamation and afforestation regions respectively. On the contrary, overgrazing and urban expansion results in decrease of latent heat flux by 5 and 36 W/m2 correspondingly. Urban expansion leads to an average increase of 40 W/m2 of sensible heat flux in the future 40 years, while reclamation, afforestation, as well as overgrazing result in the decrease of sensible heat flux. Results also show that reclamation and overgrazing lead to net radiation decrease by approximately 4 and 7 W/m2 respectively, however, afforestation and urbanization lead to net radiation increase by 6 and 3 W/m2 respectively. The simulated impacts of projected HLCCs on surface energy fluxes will inform sustainable land management and climate change mitigation.
Effect of Pre-Harvest Sprouting on Physicochemical Properties of Starch in Wheat
Authors: Simsek Senay , Ohm Jae-Bom , Lu Haiyan , Rugg Mory , Berzonsky William , Alamri Mohammed , Mergoum Mohamed
Published: April 2014

Pre-harvest sprouting (PHS) in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) occurs when physiologically mature kernels begin germinating in the spike. The objective of this study was to provide fundamental information on physicochemical changes of starch due to PHS in Hard Red Spring (HRS) and Hard White Spring (HWS) wheat. The mean values of α-amylase activity of non-sprouted and sprouted wheat samples were 0.12 CU/g and 2.00 CU/g, respectively. Sprouted samples exhibited very low peak and final viscosities compared to non-sprouted wheat samples. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images showed that starch granules in sprouted samples were partially hydrolyzed. Based on High Performance Size Exclusion Chromatography (HPSEC) profiles, the starch from sprouted samples had relatively lower molecular weight than that of non-sprouted samples. Overall, high α-amylase activity caused changes to the physicochemical properties of the PHS damaged wheat.