bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamic identification of H2 epitopes from Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis cysteine proteinase B with potential immune activity during murine infection
Authors: Souza‐Silva Franklin , Pereira Bernardo A. S. , Finkelstein Léa C. , Zucolotto Valtencir , Caffarena Ernesto R. , Alves Carlos R.
Published: January 2014

Peptides from the COOH‐terminal extension of cysteine proteinase B from Leishmania (Leishmania) amazonensis (cyspep) can modulate immune responses in vertebrate hosts. With this hypothesis as base, we used the online analysis tool SYFPEITHI to predict seven epitopes from this region with potential to bind H2 proteins. We performed proliferation tests and quantified reactive T lymphocytes applying a cytometry analysis, using samples from draining lymph node of lesions from L. (L.) amazonensis‐infected mice. To define reactivity of T cells, we used complexes of DimerX (H2 Db:Ig and H2 Ld:Ig) and the putative epitopes. Additionally, we applied surface plasmon resonance to verify real time interactions between the putative epitopes and DimerX proteins. Five peptides induced blastogenesis in BALB/c cells, while only two presented the same property in C57BL/6 mouse cells. In addition, our data indicate the existence of CD8+ T lymphocyte populations able to recognize each tested peptide in both murine strains. We observed an overlapping of results between the peptides that induced lymphocyte proliferation and those capable of binding to the DimerX in the surface plasmon resonance assays thus indicating that using these recombinant proteins in biosensing analyses is a promising tool to study real time molecular interactions in the context of major histocompatibility complex epitopes. The data gathered in this study reinforce the hypothesis that cyspep‐derived peptides are important factors in the murine host infection by L. (L.) amazonensis. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Applying models of employee identity management across cultures: Christianity in the USA and South Korea
Authors: Lyons Brent , Wessel Jennifer , Ghumman Sonia , Ryan Ann Marie , Kim Sooyeol
Published: January 2014

Identity management refers to the decisions individuals make about how they present their social identities to others. We examined cross‐cultural differences in distancing and affirming identity management strategies of Christian‐identified employees utilizing samples from the USA and South Korea. Religious centrality, risks of disclosure, pressure to assimilate to organizational norms, and nation were key antecedents of chosen identity management strategies. Risks of disclosure and pressure to assimilate related to more distancing and less affirming strategies when religious centrality was low, but nation served as a boundary condition for the moderating effects of religious centrality. Distancing strategies related to negative outcomes regardless of religious centrality, but affirming strategies only related to positive outcomes when religious centrality was low. We discuss how this work contributes to theoretical and practical understanding of identity management in the workplace and across cultures. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Early detection of factual knowledge deficiency and remediation in otolaryngology residency education
Authors: Platt Michael P. , Davis Elizabeth M. , Grundfast Kenneth , Grillone Gregory
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Within otolaryngology residency training, the annual Otolaryngology Training Examination (OTE) is the primary method used to assess, quantify, and compare the factual knowledge acquired by each resident. The objective of this study was to develop a more frequent method for tracking of factual knowledge to prevent educational delay.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis of educational scores.

Methods

For each didactic lecture within a single otolaryngology residency training program, multiple choice questions were provided before and after each lecture. Questions were based on lecture objectives that were derived from the American Board of Otolaryngology curriculum. Scores were tracked over the course of 1 academic year and compared to the scores of residents on the OTE administered in that year to determine correlation with a validated measure of factual knowledge. The effect of remedial measures on improvement in OTE scores was determined.

Results

Over the course of 1 academic year, there were 328 questions presented to 12 residents before and after 32 lectures in the didactic program. Ten residents completed an average of 244 questions. Overall OTE scores demonstrated a significant and very strong correlation to lecture question scores (Pearson r = 0.86, P = .002). Remedial measures for residents during the previous 5 years who had inadequate OTE scores were successful in improving scores (P = .002).

Conclusions

A structured didactic program that uses review questions to assess knowledge can be used to track acquisition of factual knowledge. Early identification of residents with deficiencies facilitates the development of individualized learning plans that result in successful remediation.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 124:E309–E311, 2014
Nasal nitric oxide is dependent on sinus obstruction in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Suojalehto Hille , Vehmas Tapio , Lindström Irmeli , Kennedy David W. , Kilpeläinen Maritta , Plosila Tuomas , Savukoski Sauli , Sipilä Jukka , Varpula Matti , Wolff Henrik , Alenius Harri , Toskala Elina
Published: January 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The aim of this study was to evaluate the associations between nasal nitric oxide and nasal symptoms, sinus opacification, and markers of allergic inflammation in allergic and in nonallergic rhinitis while taking into account the effect of sinus obstruction.

Study Design

We studied 175 young adult subjects divided into three groups: 1) allergic rhinitis, 2) nonallergic rhinitis, and 3) controls.

Methods

We measured nasal nitric oxide using the breath‐holding method and exhaled nitric oxide and scored semiquantitatively nasal computed tomography scans for opacification and obstruction. We also assessed the visual analogue scores of nasal symptoms, eosinophil count, and interleukin‐13 mRNA levels in nasal biopsies.

Results

The level of nasal nitric oxide correlated with exhaled nitric oxide (r = 0.377, P < .001). In allergic rhinitis, nasal nitric oxide was elevated when compared to the controls, and an inverse correlation existed between the nasal nitric oxide level and sinus ostial obstruction (r = −0.272, P = .013). In nonallergic rhinitis, the level of nasal nitric oxide was similar to that of the controls. In allergic rhinitis, nasal nitric oxide correlated positively with the opacification score (r = 0.250, P = .033) and the nasal eosinophil count (r = 0.293, P = .030) of patients without a marked sinus ostial obstruction.

Conclusions

Sinus ostial obstruction lowers the level of nasal nitric oxide and reduces its value as an indicator of allergic mucosal inflammation. A high nasal nitric oxide level may be a useful marker of eosinophilic inflammation in the nasal cavity and indicate the absence of marked sinus ostial obstruction.

Level of Evidence

3b. Laryngoscope, 124:E213–E218, 2014
Diallyl sulfide as a potential dietary agent to reduce TNF‐α‐ and histamine‐induced proinflammatory responses in A7r5 cells
Authors: Ho Cheng‐Ying , Weng Chia‐Jui , Jhang Jhih‐Jia , Cheng Yu‐Ting , Huang Shang‐Ming , Yen Gow‐Chin
Published: January 2014

Scope

Oxidative stress‐aggravated chronic inflammatory diseases of the airway are well documented; hence, treatment with antioxidants to ameliorate oxidative stress might be an effective strategy to reduce airway complications. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect and molecular mechanism of diallyl sulfide (DAS), which is a natural organosulfuric compound found in garlic, on the inhibition of tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α)‐ or histamine‐induced inflammation in rat aortic smooth muscle A7r5 cells.

Methods and results

A7r5 cells were coincubated with DAS before exposure to TNF‐α or histamine. DAS significantly blocked the accumulation of the nuclear p65 protein in TNF‐α‐induced A7r5 cells by attenuating the TNF‐α receptor complex through the dissociation of the TNF receptor‐associated death domain and TNF receptor‐associated factor 2. Moreover, DAS inhibited histamine‐induced inflammation by decreasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels by enhancing the nuclear factor‐erythroid 2‐related factor 2‐related antioxidative enzyme. DAS also inhibited inflammation by suppressing interleukin‐1β and TNF‐α through the inhibition of ROS‐induced PI3K/Akt and the downstream NF‐κB and activator protein‐1.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrate that DAS is a potential phytochemical to inhibit TNF‐α‐ and histamine‐induced inflammation, suggesting that DAS might be an effective dietary agent for the prevention of oxidative stress‐induced inflammation of the airway.
The association between fasting hypoglycemia and methylated mercaptopurine metabolites in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia
Authors: Melachuri Samyuktha , Gandrud Laura , Bostrom Bruce
Published: January 2014

Background

Symptomatic fasting hypoglycemia has been reported as an unusual side effect in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) on maintenance therapy. We evaluated the relation of the red cell 6‐mercaptopurine (6‐MP) metabolite 6‐methyl‐mercaptopurine (6MMP) with hypoglycemia.

Procedure

We retrospectively reviewed charts of three patients with ALL and symptomatic hypoglycemia while fasting who were noted to have high levels of 6MMP. All patients had an empiric trial of switching from evening to morning 6‐MP administration, and two patients were subsequently switched to twice daily dosing. Patients also received complex carbohydrates at bedtime.

Results

Switching 6‐MP from evening to morning administration reduced 6MMP levels yet preserved adequate levels of the active metabolite red cell 6‐thioguanine nucleotide (6TGN). All patients had decreased hypoglycemic events when changed from evening to morning dosing. Two patients showed a rebound in 6MMP levels with return of hypoglycemic symptoms. Both were then switched to twice daily 6‐MP dosing with one having a decrease in 6MMP and hypoglycemic symptoms.

Conclusions

High levels of 6MMP are associated with symptomatic hypoglycemia which may be mitigated by switching to morning or twice daily 6‐MP dose administration. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2014;61:1003–1006. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Motif‐directed redesign of enzyme specificity
Authors: Borgo Benjamin , Havranek James J.
Published: January 2014

Computational protein design relies on several approximations, including the use of fixed backbones and rotamers, to reduce protein design to a computationally tractable problem. However, allowing backbone and off‐rotamer flexibility leads to more accurate designs and greater conformational diversity. Exhaustive sampling of this additional conformational space is challenging, and often impossible. Here, we report a computational method that utilizes a preselected library of native interactions to direct backbone flexibility to accommodate placement of these functional contacts. Using these native interaction modules, termed motifs, improves the likelihood that the interaction can be realized, provided that suitable backbone perturbations can be identified. Furthermore, it allows a directed search of the conformational space, reducing the sampling needed to find low energy conformations. We implemented the motif‐based design algorithm in Rosetta, and tested the efficacy of this method by redesigning the substrate specificity of methionine aminopeptidase. In summary, native enzymes have evolved to catalyze a wide range of chemical reactions with extraordinary specificity. Computational enzyme design seeks to generate novel chemical activities by altering the target substrates of these existing enzymes. We have implemented a novel approach to redesign the specificity of an enzyme and demonstrated its effectiveness on a model system.
Small‐angle X‐ray scattering of BAMLET at pH 12: A complex of α‐lactalbumin and oleic acid
Authors: Rath Emma M. , Duff Anthony P. , Håkansson Anders P. , Knott Robert B. , Church W. Bret
Published: January 2014

BAMLET (Bovine Alpha‐lactalbumin Made LEthal to Tumors) is a member of the family of the HAMLET‐like complexes, a novel class of protein‐based anti‐cancer complexes that incorporate oleic acid and deliver it to cancer cells. Small angle X‐ray scattering (SAXS) was performed on the complex at pH 12, examining the high pH structure as a function of oleic acid added. The SAXS data for BAMLET species prepared with a range of oleic acid concentrations indicate extended, irregular, partially unfolded protein conformations that vary with the oleic acid concentration. Increases in oleic acid concentration correlate with increasing radius of gyration without an increase in maximum particle dimension, indicating decreasing protein density. The models for the highest oleic acid content BAMLET indicate an unusual coiled elongated structure that contrasts with apo‐α‐lactalbumin at pH 12, which is an elongated globular molecule, suggesting that oleic acid inhibits the folding or collapse of the protein component of BAMLET to the globular form. Circular dichroism of BAMLET and apo‐α‐lactalbumin was performed and the results suggest that α‐lactalbumin and BAMLET unfold in a continuum of increasing degree of unfolded states. Taken together, these results support a model in which BAMLET retains oleic acid by non‐specific association in the core of partially unfolded protein, and represent a new type of lipoprotein structure. Proteins 2014; 82:1400–1408. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Key Predistribution Scheme for Clustered Hierarchical Wireless Sensor Networks based on Combinatorial Designs
Authors: Javanbakht Masoumeh , Erfani Hossein , Javadi Hamid Haj Seyyed , Daneshjoo Parisa
Published: January 2014

Combinatorial designs are powerful mathematical tools with comprehensive and simple algebraic structures. Recently, many researchers have used combinatorial designs as key predistribution schemes in wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Previous studies on security of WSNs are mainly concentrated on those networks containing nodes with the same capabilities. Further, investigations reveal that high reliability and lifetime on networks can be achieved through hierarchical heterogeneous wireless sensor networks, where a small number of sensor nodes have more energy, memory, and transmission capability. Inspired by scheme due to Lee and Stinson, we propose a key predistribution scheme for a clustered heterogeneous WSN using transversal designs. This proposed scheme assigns key chains to sensor nodes before deployment and separates key pool of each cluster by adding a pseudo‐random generated number after deployment. The performance evaluation and security analysis show that our proposed scheme can provide better security with significant reductions on communication overhead and storage space than other key management schemes without compromising connectivity. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Injection of composite with bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells and a novel synthetic hydrogel after myocardial infarction: A protective role in left ventricle function
Authors: Chen Jinling , Guo Ruiqiang , Zhou Qing , Wang Tao
Published: January 2014

A number of studies have shown that the transplantation of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) into the thinned infarct wall improves regional wall motion. In this study, we hypothesized that the injection of biomaterials and MSCs into the infarcted myocardium can preserve left ventricular (LV) function. To test this hypothesis, anterior acute myocardial infarction (AMI) was induced in 34 rabbits and BMSCs with hydrogel composite were prepared. One week after inducing AMI, 28 of the 34 rabbits were divided into four groups (Groups A–D; three rabbits were used for bone marrow aspiration, and three rabbits died) and all received an epicardial injection. Group A received BMSCs with hydrogel composite marked by 5‐bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU); Group B received BMSCs only marked by BrdU; Group C received hydrogel only marked by BrdU; and Group D was the control group, which received fetal bovine serum. Echocardiography was performed before AMI was induced, 1 week after AMI, and 4 weeks after the epicardial injection. The results were compared with those before AMI, and the rabbits of all the four groups had significantly larger LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVDd), thinner anterior wall (AW), lower LV ejection fraction (LVEF), lower VS and VE (p < 0.05) 1 week after AMI, which were more significant in Group A (p < 0.05). Compared with 1 week after AMI, Group A and Group B had significantly smaller LVDd, thicker AW, larger LVEF, larger VS and VE (p < 0.05) 4 weeks after the epicardial injection, which were more significant in Group A (p < 0.05); however, there was no significant difference in Group C and Group D. These results suggested that BMSCs with hydrogel composite could serve as an injectable biomaterial that prevents LV remodeling and dilation, and improves local systolic and diastolic function after AMI.
Representation Theory and Harmonic Analysis of Wreath Products of Finite Groups
Authors: Ceccherini-Silberstein Tullio , Scarabotti Fabio , Tolli Filippo
Published: January 2014

This book presents an introduction to the representation theory of wreath products of finite groups and harmonic analysis on the corresponding homogeneous spaces. The reader will find a detailed description of the theory of induced representations and Clifford theory, focusing on a general formulation of the little group method. This provides essential tools for the determination of all irreducible representations of wreath products of finite groups. The exposition also includes a detailed harmonic analysis of the finite lamplighter groups, the hyperoctahedral groups, and the wreath product of two symmetric groups. This relies on the generalised Johnson scheme, a new construction of finite Gelfand pairs. The exposition is completely self-contained and accessible to anyone with a basic knowledge of representation theory. Plenty of worked examples and several exercises are provided, making this volume an ideal textbook for graduate students. It also represents a useful reference for more experienced researchers.
Greek Vase-Painting and the Origins of Visual Humour
Authors: Mitchell Alexandre G.
Published: January 2014

This book is a comprehensive study of visual humour in ancient Greece, with special emphasis on works created in Athens and Boeotia. Alexandre G. Mitchell brings an interdisciplinary approach to this topic, combining theories and methods of art history, archaeology and classics with the anthropology of humour, and thereby establishing new ways of looking at art and visual humour in particular. Understanding what visual humour was to the ancients and how it functioned as a tool of social cohesion is only one facet of this study. Mitchell also focuses on the social truths that his study of humour unveils: democracy and freedom of expression; politics and religion; Greek vases and trends in fashion; market-driven production; proper and improper behaviour; popular versus elite culture; carnival in situ; and the place of women, foreigners, workers and labourers within the Greek city. Richly illustrated with more than 140 drawings and photographs, this study amply documents the comic representations that formed an important part of ancient Greek visual language from the sixth to the fourth centuries BC.
Oscillation and the mean ergodic theorem for uniformly convex Banach spaces
Authors: AVIGAD JEREMY , RUTE JASON
Published: January 2014

Let $ \mathbb{B} $ be a $p$-uniformly convex Banach space, with $p\geq 2$. Let $T$ be a linear operator on $ \mathbb{B} $, and let ${A}_{n} x$ denote the ergodic average $(1/ n){\mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{i\lt n} {T}^{n} x$. We prove the following variational inequality in the case where $T$ is power bounded from above and below: for any increasing sequence $\mathop{({t}_{k} )}\nolimits_{k\in \mathbb{N} } $ of natural numbers we have ${\mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{k} \mathop{\Vert {A}_{{t}_{k+ 1} } x- {A}_{{t}_{k} } x\Vert }\nolimits ^{p} \leq C\mathop{\Vert x\Vert }\nolimits ^{p} $, where the constant $C$ depends only on $p$ and the modulus of uniform convexity. For $T$ a non-expansive operator, we obtain a weaker bound on the number of $\varepsilon $-fluctuations in the sequence. We clarify the relationship between bounds on the number of $\varepsilon $-fluctuations in a sequence and bounds on the rate of metastability, and provide lower bounds on the rate of metastability that show that our main result is sharp.
Elite Attitudes on the Centralization of Power in Canadian Political Executives: A Survey of Former Canadian Provincial and Federal Cabinet Ministers, 2000–2010
Authors: Lewis J.P.
Published: January 2014

Abstract.In contemporary Canada, the idea of the powerful first minister is widely acknowledged. The recent debate has focused on Donald Savoie's thesis that the concentration of power to the centre has accelerated and ministers have effectively lost their influence on decision making in cabinet. This article identifies two research gaps. First, the study combines both the experiences of federal and provincial cabinet ministers to construct an understanding of Canadian cabinet decision making at both levels of government. Second, the research investigates the new generation of cabinet ministers; no study has yet consulted ministers of the 2000–2010 decade.

Résumé.Dans le Canada contemporain, l'idée du premier ministre puissant est largement reconnue. Le débat récent s'est fixé sur la thèse de Donald Savoie que la concentration de pouvoir au centre a accéléré de le et les ministres ont perdu efficacement leur influence sur la prise de décision dans le cabinet. Cet article identifie deux écarts de recherche. Premièrement, l'étude combine les deux les expériences de ministres fédéraux et provinciaux pour construire une compréhension de prise de décision ministérielle Canadienne aux deux niveaux de gouvernement. Deuxième, la recherche examine la nouvelle génération de ministres – aucune étude a consulté pourtant des ministres de la 2000–2010 décennie.
The Specter of “Godless Jewry”: Secularism and the “Jewish Question” in Late Nineteenth-Century Germany
Authors: Weir Todd H.
Published: January 2014

When asked to provide his own “solution to the Jewish Question” for a 1907 survey, the journalist and philosopher Fritz Mauthner responded, “I do not know how to give an answer to your question, because I do not know which Jewish question you mean. The Jewish question is posed differently by every questioner, differently at every time, differently at every location.” While untypical for its time, Mauthner's viewpoint is shared by many scholars who write today—not one but a myriad of “Jewish Questions” proliferated in nineteenth-century Germany and, indeed, across the globe. The dramas they framed could be transposed onto many stages, because talk about the purported virtues and vices of Jews had the remarkable ability to latch onto and thereby produce meaning for a wide range of public debates. By plumbing this excess of meaning, scholars have teased out some of the key dynamics and antinomies of modern political thought. No longer focusing solely on conservative antisemitism, they have examined the role of the “Jewish Question” in other political movements, such as liberalism and socialism, and in the conceptual elaboration of the state, civil society, and the nation. Cast in ambivalent roles at once powerful and vulnerable, familiar and foreign, the figure of the Jew acted as a lightning rod for imagining such collectivities. Opposing parties shared common assumptions, such as the tacit understanding that integration into the nation, state, or civil society required a self-transformation of Jews, something historians have referred to as the “emancipation contract.” Generally speaking, it was the terms of this contract rather than its form that divided liberals from conservatives, philo- from antisemites, and Jews from non-Jews in the nineteenth-century. Accordingly, scholars now increasingly approach the “Jewish Question” not merely as an example of prejudice, but rather as a framework through which multiple parties elaborated their positions.
Karen ethno-nationalism and the wrist-tying ceremony along the Thai–Burmese border
Authors: Rangkla Prasert
Published: January 2014

This article presents an ethnographic investigation of displaced Karen in a border area of northern Thailand, and in particular, the reasons for their enthusiasm for the wrist-tying ceremony. It examines the way in which Karen ethno-nationalists have both influenced this cultural practice and appropriated it. This study argues that Karen nationalist intellectuals invented and reinvented the tradition of wrist-tying by borrowing structure and content from the use of soul-calling for healing and other purposes. The invented tradition is persuasive and efficacious because of its continuities and ties with existing cultural practices. Ordinary Karen participants utilise vernacular elements of the wrist-tying rite — such as sensory experiences through the handling of ritual objects — to assure a well-balanced life and spiritual security.
The impact of periventricular white matter lesions in patients with bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Serafini Gianluca , Pompili Maurizio , Innamorati Marco , Girardi Nicoletta , Strusi Leonardo , Amore Mario , Sher Leo , Gonda Xenia , Rihmer Zoltan , Girardi Paolo
Published: January 2014

Introduction

White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) are one the most common neuroimaging findings in patients with bipolar disorder (BD). It has been suggested that WMHs are associated with impaired insight in schizophrenia and schizoaffective patients; however, the relationship between insight and WMHs in BD type I has not been directly investigated.

Methods

Patients with BD-I (148) were recruited and underwent brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Affective symptoms were assessed using Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS17); the presence of impaired insight was based on the corresponding items of YMRS and HDRS17.

Results

Multiple punctate periventricular WMHs (PWMHs) and deep WMHs (DWMHs) were observed in 49.3% and 39.9% of the cases, respectively. Subjects with lower insight for mania had significantly more PWMHs (54.6% vs 22.2%;p< 0.05) when compared to BD-I patients with higher insight for mania. The presence of PWMHs was independently associated with lower insight for mania: patients who denied illness according to the YMRS were 4 times more likely to have PWMHs (95% CI: 1.21/13.42) than other patients.

Conclusions

Impaired insight in BD-I is associated with periventricular WMHs. The early identification of BD-I subjects with PWMHs and impaired insight may be crucial for clinicians.
Hierarchical reinforcement learning for situated natural language generation
Authors: DETHLEFS NINA , CUAYÁHUITL HERIBERTO
Published: January 2014

Natural Language Generation systems in interactive settings often face a multitude of choices, given that the communicative effect of each utterance they generate depends crucially on the interplay between its physical circumstances, addressee and interaction history. This is particularly true in interactive and situated settings. In this paper we present a novel approach forsituated Natural Language Generationin dialogue that is based onhierarchical reinforcement learningand learns the best utterance for a context by optimisation through trial and error. The model is trained from human–human corpus data and learns particularly to balance the trade-off betweenefficiencyanddetailin giving instructions: the user needs to be given sufficient information to execute their task, but without exceeding their cognitive load. We present results from simulation and a task-based human evaluation study comparing two different versions of hierarchical reinforcement learning: One operates using a hierarchy of policies with a large state space and local knowledge, and the other additionally shares knowledge across generation subtasks to enhance performance. Results show that sharing knowledge across subtasks achieves better performance than learning in isolation, leading to smoother and more successful interactions that are better perceived by human users.
Wie valide sind Papier-und-Bleistift-Tests zur Erfassung computerbezogener Kompetenzen?
Authors: Senkbeil Martin , Ihme Jan Marten
Published: January 2014

Ziel dieser Untersuchung war es, einen Papier-und-Bleistift-Test zur Erfassung von computerbezogenen Kompetenzen mit einem computerbasierten Performanztest hinsichtlich spezifischer Validitätsaspekte zu vergleichen. Der Papier-und-Bleistift-Test mit 36 Items wurde im Rahmen der National Educational Panel Study (NEPS) für Jugendliche am Ende der Sekundarstufe I entwickelt und an 396 Jugendlichen hinsichtlich seiner psychometrischen Qualität überprüft. Für die Validierung wurde einer Teilstichprobe (n = 133) in einem Within-Persons-Design eine Hälfte des Tests in Form computerbasierter Performanzitems vorgegeben, die andere Hälfte in der ursprünglichen Form, d. h. als Papier-und-Bleistift-Test präsentiert. Neben der Struktur der Zusammenhänge beider Testformen wurden die konvergente und diskriminante Validität beider Testmodi über Zusammenhänge mit theoretisch einschlägigen Referenzkonstrukten (kognitive Grundfähigkeiten, computerbezogene Schülermerkmale) überprüft. Die Ergebnisse weisen für beide Testformen auf eine ausreichende Validität hin. Jedoch ergeben sich für den computerbasierten Performanztest hinsichtlich aller Kriteriumsvariablen signifikant bessere Kennwerte.
Dual epigenetic targeting with panobinostat and azacitidine in acute myeloid leukemia and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Tan P , Wei A , Mithraprabhu S , Cummings N , Liu H B , Perugini M , Reed K , Avery S , Patil S , Walker P , Mollee P , Grigg A , D'Andrea R , Dear A , Spencer A
Published: January 2014

Therapeutic options are limited for elderly patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). A phase Ib/II study was undertaken to evaluate the maximum-tolerated dose (MTD) and preliminary efficacy of the pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor panobinostat (LBH589) in combination with azacitidine in patients with AML or high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) naïve to intensive chemotherapy. Thirty-nine patients (AML=29, MDS=10) received azacitidine 75 mg/m2 subcutaneously (days 1–5) and oral panobinostat (starting on day 5, thrice weekly for seven doses) in 28-day cycles until toxicity or disease progression. Dose-limiting toxicities during the phase Ib stage were observed in 0/4 patients receiving 10 mg panobinostat, in 1/7 patients (fatigue) receiving 20 mg, in 1/6 patients (fatigue) receiving 30 mg and in 4/5 patients (fatigue, syncope, hyponatremia and somnolence) receiving 40 mg. In phase II, an additional 17 patients received panobinostat at a MTD of 30 mg. The overall response rate (ORR=CR+CRi+PR) in patients with AML was 31% (9/29) and that in patients with MDS was 50% (5/10). After a median follow-up of 13 months, the median overall survival was 8 and 16 months in patients with AML and MDS, respectively. Increased histone H3 and H4 acetylation was a useful early biomarker of clinical response. Combining panobinostat with azacitidine was tolerable and clinically active in high-risk MDS/AML patients, warranting further exploration.
Aberrant CDK4 Amplification in Refractory Rhabdomyosarcoma as Identified by Genomic Profiling
Authors: Park Silvia , Lee Jeeyun , Do In-Gu , Jang Jiryeon , Rho Kyoohyoung , Ahn Seonjoo , Maruja Lira , Kim Sung Joo , Kim Kyoung-Mee , Mao Mao , Oh Ensel , Kim Yu Jin , Kim Jhingook , Choi Yoon-La
Published: January 2014

Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is the most commonly occurring type of soft tissue tumor in children. However, it is rare in adults and therefore, very little is known about the most appropriate treatment strategy for adult RMS patients. We performed genomic analysis of RMS cells derived from a 27-year-old male patient whose disease was refractory to treatment. A peritoneal seeding nodule from the primary tumor, pleural metastases, malignant pleural effusion and ascites obtained during disease progression, were analyzed. Whole exome sequencing revealed 23 candidate variants and 10 of 23 mutations were validated by Sanger sequencing. Three of 10 mutations were present in both primary and metastatic tumors and 3 mutations were detected only in metastatic specimens. Comparative genomic hybridization array analysis revealed prominent amplification in the 12q13–14 region and more specifically, the CDK4 proto-oncogene was highly amplified. ALK overexpression was observed at both protein and RNA levels. However, an ALK fusion assay using NanoString technology failed to show any ALK rearrangements. Little genetic heterogeneity was observed between primary and metastatic RMS cells. We propose that CDK4, located at 12q14, is a potential target for drug development for RMS treatment.
Reactive deposition of laser ablated FeS1−xparticles on a copper surface
Authors: Pola J. , Urbanová M. , Pokorná D. , Bezdička P. , Kupčík J. , Křenek T.
Published: January 2014

The reactive deposition of laser ablated FeS1–xparticles on a room-temperature copper surface allows the formation of Cu sulfides.
Genus one open books with non-left-orderable fundamental group
Authors: Li Yu , Watson Liam
Published: January 2014

Let

Y
Y

be a closed, connected, orientable three-manifold admitting a genus one open book decomposition with one boundary component. We prove that if

Y
Y

is an L-space, then the fundamental group of

Y
Y

is not left-orderable. This answers a question posed by John Baldwin.
The Western Maine Coastal Current reduces primary production rates, zooplankton abundance and benthic nutrient fluxes in Massachusetts Bay
Authors: McManus M. Conor , Oviatt Candace A. , Giblin Anne E. , Tucker Jane , Turner Jefferson T.
Published: January 2014

Primary production was measured from 1992–2010 in Massachusetts Bay and just outside Boston Harbor for the Massachusetts Water Resources Authority's outfall monitoring program. In 2003, annual primary production decreased by 221–278 g C m−2 year−1, with decreased rates continuing through 2010. Based on a conceptual model, oceanographic and meteorological variables were analysed with production rates to determine if concurrent environmental changes were responsible for the reduced primary production in Massachusetts Bay. Results indicated that a stronger influx of low salinity water from the Western Maine Coastal Current (WMCC) in recent years might be responsible for the decreases. The WMCC appeared to have become fresher due to increased river discharge in the western Gulf of Maine. Northeasterly winds in recent years promoted the WMCC intrusion into Massachusetts Bay. Correlation between primary production and surface salinities suggested an impact of the WMCC on production rates. We hypothesized that increased stratification resulted in reduced vertical mixing and reduced nutrient concentrations in surface waters for phytoplankton growth. However, no significant correlations were observed between the annual primary production and nutrient concentrations in Massachusetts Bay. Reduced production rates in Massachusetts Bay have, however, been associated with reduced zooplankton abundances, benthic ammonium fluxes and sediment oxygen demand in summer months.
Sediment sulphides and redox potential associated with spatial coverage of Beggiatoa spp. at finfish aquaculture sites in Newfoundland, Canada
Authors: Hamoutene Dounia
Published: January 2014

This study is a description of sediment sulphide levels and redox potential associated with different values of bacterial mats (Beggiatoa) coverage at stations in deep Subarctic finfish sites. Beggiatoa was not observed at reference stations and significant differences were found between geochemical parameters before aquaculture and at-harvest. Beggiatoa coverage should be considered in the light of other evidence gathered through video imaging such as benthic diversity and the presence of other visual indicators and not used as strict regulatory thresholds.
Rhodoferax saidenbachensis sp. nov., a psychrotolerant, very slowly growing bacterium within the family Comamonadaceae, proposal of appropriate taxonomic position of Albidiferax ferrireducens strain T118T in the genus Rhodoferax and emended description of the genus Rhodoferax
Authors: Kaden René , Spröer Cathrin , Beyer Daniel , Krolla-Sidenstein Peter
Published: January 2014

A Gram-stain-negative, oxidase and phosphatase-positive and catalase-negative, short rod-shaped bacterium was isolated from sediment of a drinking water reservoir in Germany. Based on 16S rRNA gene sequence and phenotypic properties, the bacterium belongs to the genus

Rhodoferax

within the family

Comamonadaceae

. The new taxon differed from related species mainly with respect to its fatty acid composition, low growth temperature, lack of pigments in young cultures and ability to utilize glycerol and d-mannose but not urea. The major fatty acids were C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH, C16 : 0, and C18 : 1ω7c. The only ubiquinone detected was ubiquinone Q-8. The DNA G+C content was 60.3–61 mol%. Because of the phenotypic and genotypic differences from the most closely related taxa, the new strain represents a novel species for which the name Rhodoferax saidenbachensis sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is ED16T ( = CCUG 57711T = ATCC BAA-1852T = DSM 22694T). An emended description of the genus Rhodoferax is proposed. Based on the results of this study, strain T118T (Albidiferax ferrireducens) is properly placed in the genus Rhodoferax as Rhodoferax ferrireducens.
Vallitalea pronyensis sp. nov., isolated from a marine alkaline hydrothermal chimney
Authors: Ben Aissa Fatma , Postec Anne , Erauso Gaël , Payri Claude , Pelletier Bernard , Hamdi Moktar , Ollivier Bernard , Fardeau Marie-Laure
Published: January 2014

A novel thermotolerant, anaerobic, Gram-stain-positive, spore-forming bacterium was isolated from a hydrothermal chimney in Prony Bay, New Caledonia. This strain, designated FatNI3T, grew at 15–55 °C (optimum 30 °C) and at pH 5.8–8.9 (optimum 7.7). It was slightly halophilic, requiring at least 0.5 % NaCl for growth (optimum 2.5–3.0 %), and was able to grow at up to 6 % NaCl. Sulfate, thiosulfate, elemental sulfur, sulfite, nitrate and nitrite were not used as terminal electron acceptors. Growth of strain FatNI3T was inhibited in the presence of sulfite (2 mM) or nitrite (2 mM). Strain FatNI3T fermented cellobiose, glucose, mannose, maltose, sucrose, galactose, lactose, ribose, fructose, rhamnose, raffinose, xylose, yeast extract, peptone and biotrypticase. The main fermentation products from glucose metabolism were acetate, ethanol, H2 and CO2. The predominant cellular fatty acids were iso-C15 : 0 and anteiso-C15 : 0. The main polar lipids consisted of diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, and unknown glycolipids and phospholipids. The G+C content of the genomic DNA was 36.6 mol%. On the basis of phylogenetic and physiological properties, strain FatNI3T ( = DSM 25904 = JCM 18391) belonging to the phylum

Firmicutes

, class

Clostridia

, order

Clostridiales

, is proposed as the type strain of a novel species of the genus

Vallitalea

, for which the name Vallitalea pronyensis sp. nov. is proposed.
Rheinheimera hassiensis sp. nov. and Rheinheimera muenzenbergensis sp. nov., two species from the rhizosphere of Hordeum secalinum
Authors: Suarez Christian , Ratering Stefan , Geissler-Plaum Rita , Schnell Sylvia
Published: January 2014

Two motile, Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, rod-shaped bacteria designated strains E48T and E49T were isolated from the rhizosphere of Hordeum secalinum from a natural salt meadow near Münzenberg, Germany. 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity analysis revealed that strains E48T and E49T shared similarities of 97.6 % with

Rheinheimera pacifica

KMM 1406T and 98.5 % with

Rheinheimera nanhaiensis

E407-8T, respectively. Major fatty acids of strain E48T were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C17 : 1ω8c, and of strain E49T were C16 : 0, summed feature 3 (C16 : 1ω7c and/or iso-C15 : 0 2-OH) and C18 : 1ω7c. The DNA G+C contents were 50.5 mol% (E48T) and 50.0 mol% (E49T). Strains E48T and E49T grew at 4–37 °C (optimum 28 °C) and with 0–6 % NaCl (optimum 0–3 %) and 0–5 % NaCl (optimum 0–3 %), respectively. The potential for nitrogen fixation by strains E48T and E49T was evaluated by molecular techniques and the acetylene reduction assay. The DNA–DNA hybridization, physiological and molecular data demonstrated that strains E48T and E49T represent two novel species of the genus

Rheinheimera

, and therefore the names Rheinheimera hassiensis sp. nov. (type strain E48T = LMG 27268T = KACC 17070T) and Rheinheimera muenzenbergensis sp. nov. (type strain E49T = LMG 27269T = KACC 17071T) are proposed.
Ethnicity at work: the case of British minority workers in the long-term care sector
Authors: Hussein Shereen , Manthorpe Jill , Ismail Mohamed
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to explore the effect of ethnicity and separate this from the other dynamics associated with migration among members of the long-term care workforce in England focusing on the nature and structure of their jobs. The analysis examines interactions between ethnicity, gender, and age, and their relations with “meso” factors related to job and organizational characteristics and “macro” level factors related to local area characteristics.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper analyses new national workforce data, the National Minimum Data Set for Social Care (NMDS-SC), n=357,869. The paper employs descriptive statistical analysis and a set of logistic regression models.

Findings

– The results indicate that labour participation of British black and minority ethnic (BME) groups in long-term care work is much lower than previously believed. There are variations in nature of work and possibly job security by ethnicity.

Research limitations/implications

– While the national sample is large, the data were not purposively collected to examine differentials in reasons to work in the care sector by different ethnicity.

Practical implications

– The analysis highlights the potential to actively promote social care work among British BME groups to meet workforce shortages, especially at a time where immigration policies are restricting the recruitment of non-European Economic Area nationals.

Originality/value

– The analysis provides a unique insight into the participation of British BME workers in the long-term care sector, separate from that of migrant workers.
Ageing employees and human resource management – evidence of gender-sensitivity?
Authors: Aaltio Iiris , Maria Salminen Hanna , Koponen Sirpa
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this study is to identify the different research strands concerning studies related to human resource management (HRM) and ageing employees. More specifically, the paper analyses how age and gender are understood and conceptualized in these studies.

Design/methodology/approach

– An integrative literature review concerning ageing employees and HRM with special reference to gender is the approach taken in this paper.

Findings

– Recent studies relating to HRM and ageing employees were categorized and analysed. The paper concludes that there is a need for a more holistic understanding of the concept of age in studies related to ageing employees and HRM and also argues that the intersection of age and gender is under-researched in the field of HRM.

Practical implications

– Based on literature review the paper outlined directions for how gender-neutral age management studies may be extended. A pluralist understanding of age and gender would help to understand the different needs and expectations that ageing employees may have in terms of HR practices and policies. Institutional practices and legislation can promote equality, but organizational contexts, both internal and external, should be scanned in order to recognize possible ageist or age-blind practices. Ageing women in particular have the burden of being recognized in terms of chronological stereotyped changes that might damage their work and career.

Originality/value

– Research on ageing employees and HRM with special reference to gender is limited and therefore an integrative literature review is needed.
SME innovation and learning: the role of networks and crisis events
Authors: N.K. Saunders Mark , E. Gray David , Goregaokar Harshita
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the literature on innovation and entrepreneurial learning by exploring how SMEs learn and innovate, how they use both formal and informal learning and in particular the role of networks and crisis events within their learning experience.

Design/methodology/approach

– Mixed method study, comprising 13 focus groups, over 1,000 questionnaire responses from SME managers, and 20 case studies derived from semi-structured interviews.

Findings

– SMEs have a strong commitment to learning, and a shared vision. Much of this learning is informal through network events, mentoring or coaching. SMEs that are innovative are significantly more committed to learning than those which are less innovative, seeing employee learning as an investment. Innovative SMEs are more likely to have a shared vision, be open-minded and to learn from crises, being able to reflect on their experiences.

Research limitations/implications

– There is a need for further process driven qualitative research to understand the interrelationship between, particularly informal, learning, crisis events and SME innovation.

Practical implications

– SME owners need opportunities and time for reflection as a means of stimulating personal learning – particularly the opportunity to learn from crisis events. Access to mentors (often outside the business) can be important here, as are informal networks.

Originality/value

– This is one of the first mixed method large scale studies to explore the relationship between SME innovation and learning, highlighting the importance of informal learning to innovation and the need for SME leaders to foster this learning as part of a shared organisational vision.
Stories of innovation: roles, perspectives, and players
Authors: Martens Jon
Published: January 2014

Purpose

– This study aims to examine the roles of stories in the innovation process.

Design/methodology/approach

– An integrative literature review was used to identify and analyze studies that examined stories of innovation in various organizational settings. The conceptual framework of the review was based on three perspectives of organizational culture: integration, differentiation, and fragmentation.

Findings

– A typology of the roles of stories of innovation was synthesized from a review of the literature. The major roles in the typology included fostering a culture of innovation, managing product planning and project teams, facilitating idea generation and problem solving, and analyzing failed innovations. These roles were congruent with multiple perspective of organizational culture, including integration, differentiation, and fragmentation.

Research limitations/implications

– Additional research should be conducted to further explore and confirm the study's exploratory typology as a possible extension to the role of organizational narrative in the process of innovation.

Practical implications

– The study's conceptual typology can presently serve as a useful learning tool for HRD practitioners to facilitate an organization's understanding of the innovation process.

Originality/value

– The study presents a new approach to analyzing the roles of stories in innovation with perspectives of organizational culture and provides an initial base for further research that might extend understanding of the types of roles narratives play in innovation.