bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Why the apparent order of bimolecular recombination in blend organic solar cells can be larger than two: A topological consideration
Authors: Nenashev A. V. , Wiemer M. , Dvurechenskii A. V. , Gebhard F. , Koch M. , Baranovskii S. D.
Published: July 2016

The apparent order δ of non-geminate recombination higher than δ = 2 has been evidenced in numerous experiments on organic bulk heterojunction (BHJ) structures intensively studied for photovoltaic applications. This feature is claimed puzzling, since the rate of the bimolecular recombination in organic BHJ systems is proportional to the product of the concentrations of recombining electrons and holes and therefore the reaction order δ = 2 is expected. In organic BHJ structures, electrons and holes are confined to two different material phases: electrons to the acceptor material (usually a fullerene derivative) while holes to the donor phase (usually a polymer). The non-geminate recombination of charge carriers can therefore happen only at the interfaces between the two phases. Considering a simple geometrical model of the BHJ system, we show that the apparent order of recombination can deviate from δ = 2 due solely to the topological structure of the system.
DgSMC-B code: A robust and autonomous direct simulation Monte Carlo code for arbitrary geometries
Authors: Kargaran H. , Minuchehr A. , Zolfaghari A.
Published: July 2016

In this paper, we describe the structure of a new Direct Simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) code that takes advantage of combinatorial geometry (CG) to simulate any rarefied gas flows Medias. The developed code, called DgSMC-B, has been written in FORTRAN90 language with capability of parallel processing using OpenMP framework. The DgSMC-B is capable of handling 3-dimensional (3D) geometries, which is created with first-and second-order surfaces. It performs independent particle tracking for the complex geometry without the intervention of mesh. In addition, it resolves the computational domain boundary and volume computing in border grids using hexahedral mesh. The developed code is robust and self-governing code, which does not use any separate code such as mesh generators. The results of six test cases have been presented to indicate its ability to deal with wide range of benchmark problems with sophisticated geometries such as airfoil NACA 0012. The DgSMC-B code demonstrates its performance and accuracy in a variety of problems. The results are found to be in good agreement with references and experimental data.
Surface roughness estimation of MBE grown CdTe/GaAs(211)B by ex-situ spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Karakaya Merve , Bilgilisoy Elif , Arı Ozan , Selamet Yusuf
Published: July 2016

Spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE) ranging from 1.24 eV to 5.05 eV is used to obtain the film thickness and optical properties of high index (211) CdTe films. A three-layer optical model (oxide/CdTe/GaAs) was chosen for the ex-situ ellipsometric data analysis. Surface roughness cannot be determined by the optical model if oxide is included. We show that roughness can be accurately estimated, without any optical model, by utilizing the correlation between SE data (namely the imaginary part of the dielectric function, <ε2 > or phase angle, ψ) and atomic force microscopy (AFM) roughness. <ε2 > and ψ values at 3.31 eV, which corresponds to E1 critical transition energy of CdTe band structure, are chosen for the correlation since E1 gives higher resolution than the other critical transition energies. On the other hand, due to the anisotropic characteristic of (211) oriented CdTe surfaces, SE data (<ε2 > and ψ) shows varieties for different azimuthal angle measurements. For this reason, in order to estimate the surface roughness by considering these correlations, it is shown that SE measurements need to be taken at the same surface azimuthal angle. Estimating surface roughness in this manner is an accurate way to eliminate cumbersome surface roughness measurement by AFM.
Conservation law for self-paced movements
Authors: Huh Dongsung , Sejnowski Terrence J.
Published: July 2016

Significance

Most of our day-to-day movements are carried out spontaneously at a comfortable pace. A leading theory for how movements are generated cannot model such self-paced movements because it requires external factors to determine the pace, such as reward or a deadline to complete a movement. We show that the dual form of this existing theory implies a conserved quantity, called “drive,” that accounts for the regular features in self-paced movements without assuming any external factors. Drive complements the current theory based on external tasks by formalizing the influence of internal motivation on biological motor control.
Gender Features in German
Authors: Opitz Andreas , Pechmann Thomas
Published: July 2016

Current theoretical approaches to inflectional morphology make extensive use of the two concepts of abstract feature decomposition and underspecification. Psycholinguistic models of inflection, in contrast, generally lack such more differentiated morphological analyses. This paper reports a series of behavioral experiments that investigate the processing of grammatical gender of nouns in German. The results of these experiments support the idea that elements in the mental lexicon may be underspecified with regard to their grammatical features. However, contrary to all established morphological and psycholinguistic approaches, we provide evidence that even the lexical representation of bare noun stems is characterized by underspecified gender information. The observation that the domain of underspecification of grammatical features extends from inflectional markers to noun stems, supports the idea that underspecification is a more general characteristic of the mental lexicon. We conclude that this finding is mainly driven by economical reasons: a feature (or feature value) that is never used for grammatical operations (e.g., inflectional marking or evaluation of agreement) is not needed in the language system at all.
The Morpheme Interference Effect in Hebrew
Authors: Yablonski Maya , Ben-Shachar Michal
Published: July 2016

An extensive body of psycholinguistic research suggests that word reading involves morphological decomposition: Individual morphemes are extracted and lexically accessed when skilled readers are presented with multi-morphemic orthographic stimuli. This view is supported by the Morpheme Interference Effect (MIE): Responses to pseudowords that contain real morphemes are slower and less accurate than responses to pseudowords that contain invented morphemes. The MIE was previously demonstrated in several languages with linear morphologies. Here, we examined whether the MIE applies to Hebrew, a language with an interleaved morphology, and whether it generalizes across the nominal and verbal domains. Participants performed a lexical decision task on visually presented Hebrew words and pseudowords derived from real or invented roots. The results showed robust MIEs in both the verbal and nominal domains. Specifically, pseudowords derived from real roots induced significantly lower accuracy and longer response times compared to pseudowords derived from invented roots. Participants’ verbal and nominal MIEs were significantly correlated, suggesting that the MIE captures a general sensitivity to morphological structure.
The processing of morphologically complex words in a specific speaker group
Authors: Jacob Gunnar , Kırkıcı Bilal
Published: July 2016

The present study investigates to what extent morphological priming varies across different groups of native speakers of a language. In two masked-priming experiments, we investigate the processing of morphologically complex Turkish words in Turkish heritage speakers raised and living in Germany. Materials and experimental design were based on Kırkıcı and Clahsen’s (2013) study on morphological processing in Turkish native speakers and L2 learners, allowing for direct comparisons between the three groups. Experiment 1 investigated priming effects for morphologically related prime-target pairs. Heritage speakers showed a similar pattern of results as the L1 comparison group, with significant priming effects for prime-target pairs with inflected primes (e.g. ‘sorar-sor’ asks-ask) as well as for prime-target pairs with derived primes (e.g. ‘sağlık-sağ’ health-healthy). In Experiment 2, we measured priming effects for prime-target pairs which were semantically and morphologically unrelated, but only related with regard to orthographic overlap (e.g. ‘devre-dev’ period-giant). Unlike both L1 speakers raised in Turkey and highly proficient L2 learners, heritage speakers also showed significant priming effects in this condition. Our results suggest that heritage speakers differ from both native speakers and L2 learners in that they rely more on (orthographic) surface form properties of the stimulus during early stages of word recognition, at the expense of morphological decomposition.
Academic potential beliefs and feelings and life satisfaction: the mediator role of social self-efficacy / Creencias y sentimientos sobre el potencial académico y satisfacción vital: el rol mediador de la autoeficacia social
Authors: Akin Ahmet , Akin Umran
Published: July 2016

The aim of the present study is to examine the mediating role of social self-efficacy on the relationship between academic potential beliefs and feelings and life satisfaction. Participants were 332 university students who completed a questionnaire package that included the Academic Potential Beliefs and Feelings Scale, Cognitive and Behavioural Social Self-efficacy Scale and the Satisfaction with Life Scale. To determine the relationships among academic potential beliefs and feelings, social self-efficacy and life satisfaction, the Pearson correlation coefficient and regression analyses were used. In order to test whether social self-efficacy mediated the link between academic potential beliefs and feelings and life satisfaction with regression analyses, Preacher and Hayes macros for SPSS were used. According to the results, social self-efficacy and life satisfaction were predicted positively by academic potential beliefs and feelings. On the other hand, life satisfaction was predicted positively by social self-efficacy. In addition, the association between academic potential beliefs and feelings and life satisfaction was fully mediated by social self-efficacy. Together, the findings illuminate the social processes underlying the association of academic potential beliefs and feelings with life satisfaction.
The emergence of a knowledge-based theory of internationalisation
Authors: Welch Lawrence S.
Published: July 2016

This paper charts the development of the knowledge-based theory of internationalisation, driven particularly by early research at the University of Uppsala, led by Sune Carlson. Information and knowledge, allied with an interest in the associated effect on risk and uncertainty, were components of a process perspective. Its essence was a focus on the restraining effects of a lack of knowledge as decision-makers contemplated international market entry or expansion requiring a commitment of resources in various forms, in different types of foreign operations (such as exporting, licensing and foreign direct investment). Lack of knowledge of a prospective foreign market (of its characteristics, culture, ways of doing business) was seen to create uncertainty so that firm decision-makers would be less prepared to commit resources. This situation was bound to change as a firm conducted operations in the foreign market and acquired experiential knowledge (learning by doing), which made the foreign market less of a mystery, in the process lowering uncertainty. As the learning process unfolded, and expanded opportunities were perceived, at some stage the firm might be prepared to undertake additional commitments to the foreign market. Empirical research at Uppsala, and in Finland, had shown a pattern of gradual expansion of foreign commitments by internationalising firms. In terms of theoretical development, a key step was relaxation of the assumption of perfect knowledge used in economics (not without critique), noted by Don Lamberton in 1974. Following the development of internationalisation theory in the 1970s, there was a range of extensions to the basic theory, such as the role of networks, the nature of inward–outward connections, and the need for knowledge to pass over language hurdles in the process of international transmission – within and outside the firm. In one sense, the internationalisation of companies was a perfect research site for an exploration of the role of information and knowledge in firm behaviour, given the additional exigencies of the diverse and demanding information environment that is the international arena.
A USP28–53BP1–p53–p21 signaling axis arrests growth after centrosome loss or prolonged mitosis
Authors: Lambrus Bramwell G. , Daggubati Vikas , Uetake Yumi , Scott Phillip M. , Clutario Kevin M. , Sluder Greenfield , Holland Andrew J.
Published: July 2016

Precise regulation of centrosome number is critical for accurate chromosome segregation and the maintenance of genomic integrity. In nontransformed cells, centrosome loss triggers a p53-dependent surveillance pathway that protects against genome instability by blocking cell growth. However, the mechanism by which p53 is activated in response to centrosome loss remains unknown. Here, we have used genome-wide CRISPR/Cas9 knockout screens to identify a USP28–53BP1–p53–p21 signaling axis at the core of the centrosome surveillance pathway. We show that USP28 and 53BP1 act to stabilize p53 after centrosome loss and demonstrate this function to be independent of their previously characterized role in the DNA damage response. Surprisingly, the USP28–53BP1–p53–p21 signaling pathway is also required to arrest cell growth after a prolonged prometaphase. We therefore propose that centrosome loss or a prolonged mitosis activate a common signaling pathway that acts to prevent the growth of cells that have an increased propensity for mitotic errors.
Cliff Brangwynne: All the right materials
Authors: Jordan Shawn
Published: July 2016

Brangwynne’s work centers on the phase transitions that underlie various aspects of cell biology.
E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b negatively regulates C-type lectin receptor–mediated antifungal innate immunity
Authors: Zhu Le-Le , Luo Tian-Ming , Xu Xia , Guo Ya-Hui , Zhao Xue-Qiang , Wang Ting-Ting , Tang Bing , Jiang Yuan-Ying , Xu Jin-Fu , Lin Xin , Jia Xin-Ming
Published: July 2016

Activation of various C-type lectin receptors (CLRs) initiates potent proinflammatory responses against various microbial infections. However, how activated CLRs are negatively regulated remains unknown. In this study, we report that activation of CLRs Dectin-2 and Dectin-3 by fungi infections triggers them for ubiquitination and degradation in a Syk-dependent manner. Furthermore, we found that E3 ubiquitin ligase Casitas B–lineage lymphoma protein b (Cbl-b) mediates the ubiquitination of these activated CLRs through associating with each other via adapter protein FcR-γ and tyrosine kinase Syk, and then the ubiquitinated CLRs are sorted into lysosomes for degradation by an endosomal sorting complex required for transport (ESCRT) system. Therefore, the deficiency of either Cbl-b or ESCRT subunits significantly decreases the degradation of activated CLRs, thereby resulting in the higher expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inflammation. Consistently, Cbl-b–deficient mice are more resistant to fungi infections compared with wild-type controls. Together, our study indicates that Cbl-b negatively regulates CLR-mediated antifungal innate immunity, which provides molecular insight for designing antifungal therapeutic agents.
Représentations localement analytiques de 𝐺𝐿₂(𝐐_{𝐩}) et (𝜑,Γ)-modules
Authors: Colmez Pierre
Published: July 2016

We extend thepp-adic local Langlands correspondence forGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p)to a correspondenceΔ↦Π(Δ)\Delta \mapsto \Pi (\Delta )between(φ,Γ)(\varphi ,\Gamma )-modules of rank 22over the Robba ring and certain locally analytic representations ofGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p). IfΔ\Deltais isocline, one uses the existing correspondence; in the remaining cases one builds aGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p)-module from parabolically induced locally analytic representations and their duals. This construction extends toGL2(F)\textbf {GL}_2(F)ifFFis a finite extension ofQp\mathbf {Q}_p, which suggests that the same should be true for the correspondenceΔ↦Π(Δ)\Delta \mapsto \Pi (\Delta ).

Résumé.Nous étendons la correspondance de Langlands localepp-adique pourGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p)en une correspondanceΔ↦Π(Δ)\Delta \mapsto \Pi (\Delta )entre les(φ,Γ)(\varphi ,\Gamma )-modules de rang 2 sur l’anneau de Robba et certaines représentations localement analytiques deGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p). SiΔ\Deltaest isocline, on se ramène à la correspondance déjà établie ; dans le cas contraire, on construit unGL2(Qp)\textbf {GL}_2(\mathbf {Q}_p)-module formé d’induites paraboliques localement analytiques et de leurs duales. Cette construction s’étend àGL2(F)\textbf {GL}_2(F), siFFest une extension finie deQp\mathbf {Q}_p, ce qui suggère qu’il en est de même de la correspondanceΔ↦Π(Δ)\Delta \mapsto \Pi (\Delta ).
Specific effect of a dopamine partial agonist on counterfactual learning: evidence from Gilles de la Tourette syndrome
Authors: Salvador Alexandre , Worbe Yulia , Delorme Cécile , Coricelli Giorgio , Gaillard Raphaël , Robbins Trevor W. , Hartmann Andreas , Palminteri Stefano
Published: July 2016

The dopamine partial agonist aripiprazole is increasingly used to treat pathologies for which other antipsychotics are indicated because it displays fewer side effects, such as sedation and depression-like symptoms, than other dopamine receptor antagonists. Previously, we showed that aripiprazole may protect motivational function by preserving reinforcement-related signals used to sustain reward-maximization behaviour in a simple action-outcome learning task. However, the effect of aripiprazole on more cognitive facets of human reinforcement learning, such as learning from the hypothetical outcomes of alternative courses of action (i.e., counterfactual learning), is unknown.

To test the influence of aripiprazole on counterfactual learning, we administered a reinforcement-learning task that involves both direct learning from obtained outcomes and indirect learning from forgone outcomes to two groups of Gilles de la Tourette (GTS) patients, one consisting of patients who were completely unmedicated and the other consisting of patients who were receiving aripiprazole monotherapy, and to healthy subjects. We replicated a previous finding showing that aripiprazole does not affect direct learning from obtained outcomes in GTS. We also found that whereas learning performance improved in the presence of counterfactual feedback in both healthy controls and unmedicated GTS patients, this was not the case in aripiprazole-medicated GTS patients.

Our results suggest that whereas aripiprazole preserves direct learning of action-outcome associations, it may impair more complex inferential processes, such as counterfactual learning, from forgone outcomes.
Improving the efficiency of molecular replacement by utilizing a new iterative transform phasing algorithm
Authors: He Hongxing , Fang Hengrui , Miller Mitchell D. , Phillips George N. , Su Wu-Pei
Published: July 2016

An iterative transform method proposed previously for direct phasing of high-solvent-content protein crystals is employed for enhancing the molecular-replacement (MR) algorithm in protein crystallography. Target structures that are resistant to conventional MR due to insufficient similarity between the template and target structures might be tractable with this modified phasing method. Trial calculations involving three different structures are described to test and illustrate the methodology. The relationship of the approach toPHENIX Phaser-MRandMR-Rosettais discussed.
5,7,12,14-Tetrahydro-5,14:7,12-bis([1,2]benzeno)pentacene-6,13-diol dimethylformamide disolvate
Authors: Nozari Mohammad , Kaur Manpreet , Jasinski Jerry P. , Addison Anthony W. , Arabi Shamsabadi Ahmad , Soroush Masoud
Published: July 2016

The crystal lattice of the title compound, C34H22O2·2C3H7NO, at 173 K has monoclinic (P21/n) symmetry. Molecules are located on crystallographic centers of symmetry and have approximate non-crystallographicmmmsymmetry, indicating that in solution the chemical and spectroscopic behavior would be that of aD2hmolecule. The compound has applications in gas-separation membranes fabricated from polymers of intrinsic microporosity (PIM). The compound is the product of reduction of the corresponding quinone by Na2S2O4in DMF/NaHCO3.
2-[(5-Amino-1,3,4-thiadiazol-2-yl)sulfanyl]-N-(4-chlorophenyl)acetamide
Authors: Madan Kumar S. , Madhu Kumar D. J. , Harish K. S. , Jagadeesha Prasad D. , Byrappa K. , Abdoh M. M. M.
Published: July 2016

In the title compound, C10H9ClN4OS2, the dihedral angle between the planes of the chlorophenyl and thiadiazole groups is 32.93 (16)°. The molecules are connected through intermolecular N—H...N and N—H...O hydrogen bonds. An N—H...N hydrogen bond formsR22(8) ring motifs.
The significance of definitional dimensions of luxury food
Authors: Hartmann Laura Helena , Nitzko Sina , Spiller Achim
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– An observable shift in food consumption motives for some German consumer segments has created new market potentials for high-priced food items. The purpose of this paper is to empirically show whether and to what extent financial, functional, individual and social dimensions as well as sustainability and authenticity contribute to consumers’ perception of the luxury value of food.

Design/methodology/approach

– The effects of seven exploratory value dimensions on a perceived luxury value for foods were measured using a partial least squares structural equation analysis of a database generated by a survey done on 936 German consumers in summer 2014.

Findings

– Luxury food was found to serve as a suitable setting to investigate both old and new motives for luxury consumption. The analyses revealed that all factors contribute significantly to luxury value, with functional and individual luxury facets having the strongest effects. Practical and methodological implications can be derived from the results.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations are due to the applied methodology.

Practical implications

– The definitional dimensions of a luxury food value correspond to those for a general luxury good. The significance of two new luxury values, sustainability and authenticity, was confirmed for luxury food. The functional and individual luxury values were found to be the most significant. This supports the previously postulated change in motives for luxury consumption and also mirrors the new emphasis on quality and self-identity in the German food sector. These findings can be utilised in practical food marketing.

Originality/value

– Although there are major similarities between food and luxury good consumption patterns, how luxury can be defined in the context of food had not been previously investigated empirically. This paper is the first to study the factors that contribute to the luxury value of food.
Enhanced pretreatment, characterization and utilization of Prosopis juliflora stem for bioethanol production
Authors: Sivarathnakumar S. , Baskar G. , Praveen Kumar R. , Bharathiraja B.
Published: July 2016

Purpose

–Prosopis juliflora is a raw material for long-term sustainable production of bioethanol. The purpose of this paper is to identify the best combination of pre-treatment strategy implemented on the lignocellulosic biomass Prosopis juliflora for bioethanol production.

Design/methodology/approach

– Pre-treatment of lignocellulosic material was carried out using acid, alkali and sonication in order to characterize the biomass for bioethanol production. Prosopis juliflora stem was subjected to steam at reduce temperature (121°C) for one hour residence time initially. Further acid and alkali treatment was carried out individually followed by combinations of acid and sonication, alkali and sonication. Sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, hydrochloric acid, sulphuric acid and nitric acid were used with 3 per cent (w/v) and 3 per cent (v/v) concentration under temperature range of 60-90°C for 60 min incubation time. Sonication under 60°C for 5 min and 40 KHz frequency was carried out. Pre-treated sample were further characterised using field emission scanning electron microscope and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy to understand the changes in surface morphology and functional characteristics.

Findings

– In sono assisted acid treatment-based method, nitric acid yields better cellulose content at 70°C and removes lignin that even at increased temperatures no burning was observed.

Originality/value

– The paper adds to the scarce research available on the combination of auto hydrolysis coupled with sono assisted acid/alkali hydrolysis which is yet to be practiced.
A perceptual study of users’ expectations of urban green infrastructure in Kalamaria, municipality of Greece
Authors: Karanikola Paraskevi , Panagopoulos Thomas , Tampakis Stilianos , Karipidou-Kanari Aikaterini
Published: July 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate residents’ perceptions, preferences and satisfaction concerning the urban green infrastructure of Kalamaria, Greece, to evaluate the importance of urban parks for residents’ well-being and to suggest management improvements.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a random sampling method, 385 residents were interviewed. Green infrastructure number and size, design suitability, safety, variety and care of plants, noise pollution, facilities for people with disabilities and duration and frequency of visits to green areas were among the considered parameters. Factor and hierarchical log-linear analyses were conducted.

Findings

– The existing green spaces were insufficient in number, size and design, and their distribution was unsatisfactory. The facilities and equipment in the green spaces were evaluated as rather mediocre, and most respondents were unsatisfied with the overall planning and management of the green infrastructure in the municipality of Kalamaria. The results indicate that resident’s well-being relates to their satisfaction with urban green infrastructure. Frequent and longer visits of green spaces significantly improved the perceived well-being. The residents expressed an intention to pay 20-40 percent more than the average price for a house with a view of a green area.

Originality/value

– Public perception surveys enable green infrastructure managers to identify preferred management alternatives and to use this information in an urban planning framework. Local authorities can use the results of the present survey to manage the city’s green infrastructure, enhance the city’s resilience and anticipate climate change challenges and the future needs of residents.
The research productivity of new Brazilian PhDs in management
Authors: Falaster Christian , Ferreira Manuel Portugal , Serra Fernando Ribeiro
Published: July 2016

Purpose

Doctoral programs are primarily intended to train new professors and researchers to take positions requiring research competency. This paper aims to observe the scientific production of 734 Brazilian new PhDs in management and the possible link between the scientific output of the graduates and doctoral program rank.

Design/methodology/approach

Methodologically, the authors built a database collecting the journal publications of the first six years after doctoral degree of all PhDs in management graduated by Brazilian doctoral programs during the period of 1998-2008. The authors use cluster and descriptive analysis to explore PhD publication.

Findings

Results show a great disparity of productivity, where 10 per cent of all new PhDs account for most of the Brazilian research productivity, while most of the PhDs have a very low performance – and that the CAPES (the Brazilian institutional system) qualification of doctoral programs is not a good predictor of the performance of the future graduates. Results are discussed to understand this productivity gap among researchers in a context of a developing country where support institutions are working to improve quantity and quality of publication.

Practical implications

The results are useful for recruiters that need to decide between hiring new PhDs with low productivity graduated from high-ranked programs or new PhDs with high productivity from programs with more modest ranking. At least in part, the authors’ results question the real impact that the doctoral program’s prestige has on the performance of its graduates.

Social implications

There are implications for the future candidates to a management PhD program, for the Directors of these programs and for the institutional agencies that regulate and promote science and that establish the prevailing rules and norms that researchers and institutions follow.

Originality/value

The results are adamant in pointing out that there is a small group of highly productive new PhDs – that the authors called “stars”. Generally speaking, they may find these “star” new PhDs in several doctoral programs. They have also found that some of the new PhDs have a relatively higher level of international papers published, but not necessarily a larger volume of publications. Meanwhile, most PhDs present a very low level of performance. This has important contributions to the way they perceive the doctoral education in management, especially in Ibero-America, revealing insights about the quality of PhDs and PhD courses.
Mammalian engineers drive soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions across a disturbance gradient
Authors: Eldridge David J. , Delgado‐Baquerizo Manuel , Woodhouse Jason N. , Neilan Brett A.
Published: July 2016

The effects of mammalian ecosystem engineers on soil microbial communities and ecosystem functions in terrestrial ecosystems are poorly known. Disturbance from livestock has been widely reported to reduce soil function, but disturbance by animals that forage in the soil may partially offset these negative effects of livestock, directly and/or indirectly by shifting the composition and diversity of soil microbial communities. Understanding the role of disturbance from livestock and ecosystem engineers in driving soil microbes and functions is essential for formulating sustainable ecosystem management and conservation policies.

We compared soil bacterial community composition and enzyme concentrations within four microsites: foraging pits of two vertebrates, the indigenous short‐beaked echidna (Tachyglossus aculeatus) and the exotic European rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus), and surface and subsurface soils along a gradient in grazing‐induced disturbance in an arid woodland.

Microbial community composition varied little across the disturbance gradient, but there were substantial differences among the four microsites. Echidna pits supported a lower relative abundance of Acidobacteria and Cyanobacteria, but a higher relative abundance of Proteobacteria than rabbit pits and surface microsites. Moreover, these microsite differences varied with disturbance. Rabbit pits had a similar profile to the subsoil or the surface soils under moderate and high, but not low disturbance.

Overall, echidna foraging pits had the greatest positive effect on function, assessed as mean enzyme concentrations, but rabbits had the least. The positive effects of echidna foraging on function were indirectly driven via microbial community composition. In particular, increasing activity was positively associated with increasing relative abundance of Proteobacteria, but decreasing Acidobacteria.

Our study suggests that soil disturbance by animals may offset, to some degree, the oft‐reported negative effects of grazing‐induced disturbance on soil function. Further, our results suggest that most of this effect will be derived from echidnas, with little positive effects due to rabbits. Activities that enhance the habitat for echidnas or reduce rabbit populations are likely to have a positive effect on soil function in these systems.
Effects of permafrost thaw on nitrogen availability and plant–soil interactions in a boreal Alaskan lowland
Authors: Finger Rebecca A. , Turetsky Merritt R. , Kielland Knut , Ruess Roger W. , Mack Michelle C. , Euskirchen Eugénie S.
Published: July 2016

Increasing rates of permafrost thaw in boreal peatlands are converting conifer forests to waterlogged open wetlands. Permafrost thaw increases soil nitrogen (N) availability, but it is unclear whether such changes are due solely to changes in surface soil N mineralization or N mobilization from thawing permafrost soils at depth.

We examined plant species composition and N availability along triplicate permafrost thaw gradients in Alaskan peatlands. Each gradient comprised four community types including: (i) a permafrost peatland with intact permafrost, (ii) a drunken forest experiencing active thaw, (iii) a moat representing initial complete thaw and (iv) a collapse scar bog representing several decades of post‐thaw succession.

Concentrations of dissolved organic (DON) and inorganic N (DIN) in the upper 60 cm of soil increased along the permafrost thaw gradients. The drunken forest had the greatest mean concentrations of total dissolved N relative to the other community types, primarily due to greater concentrations of large molecular DON. The moat and collapse bog had significantly greater inorganic N concentrations than the permafrost or drunken forest, suggesting that changes in N availability are not a short‐term effect, but can be sustained for decades or centuries. Across all plant community types, DIN and DON concentrations increased with soil depth during maximum seasonal ice thaw (September), suggesting that deeper soil horizons are important reservoirs of N post‐thaw.

Vegetation responses to permafrost thaw included changes in plant community composition shifting from upland forest species to hydrophilic vegetation with deeper rooting profiles in the collapse scar bogs and changes in foliar N and δ15N values. N concentrations in plant foliage and litterfall increased with concentrations of DIN during collapse bog succession, suggesting that plants are utilizing additional mineralized N.

Synthesis. Our results suggest that the conversion of forest to wetlands associated with permafrost thaw in boreal lowlands increases N availability, at least in part by increasing turnover of deep soil organic matter. Plants appear to utilize these additional deeper N sources over timescales of years to centuries following permafrost thaw.
Chronic mercury exposure impairs the sympathovagal control of the rat heart
Authors: Simões MR , Azevedo BF , Fiorim J , Jr Freire DD , Covre EP , Vassallo DV , dos Santos L
Published: July 2016

Mercury is known to cause harmful neural effects affecting the cardiovascular system. Here, we evaluated the chronic effects of low‐dose mercury exposure on the autonomic control of the cardiovascular system. Wistar rats were treated for 30 days with HgCl2 (1st dose 4.6 μg/kg followed by 0.07 μg/kg per day, intramuscular) or saline. The femoral artery and vein were then cannulated for evaluation of autonomic control of the hemodynamic function, which was evaluated in awake rats. The following tests were performed: baroreflex sensitivity, Von Bezold‐Jarisch reflex, heart rate variability (HRV) and pharmacological blockade with methylatropine and atenolol to test the autonomic tone of the heart. Exposure to HgCl2 for 30 days slightly increased the mean arterial pressure and heart rate (HR). There was a significant reduction in the baroreflex gain of animals exposed to HgCl2. Moreover, haemodynamic responses to the activation of the Von Bezold‐Jarisch reflex were also reduced. The changes in the spectral analysis of HRV suggested a shift in the sympathovagal balance toward a sympathetic predominance after mercury exposure, which was confirmed by autonomic pharmacological blockade in the HgCl2 group. This group also exhibited reduced intrinsic HR after the double block suggesting that the pacemaker activity of the sinus node was also affected. These findings suggested that the autonomic modulation of the heart was significantly altered by chronic mercury exposure, thus reinforcing that even at low concentrations such exposure might be associated with increased cardiovascular risk.
Engineering Pseudomonas putida KT2440 for simultaneous degradation of carbofuran and chlorpyrifos
Authors: Gong Ting , Liu Ruihua , Che You , Xu Xiaoqing , Zhao Fengjie , Yu Huilei , Song Cunjiang , Liu Yanping , Yang Chao
Published: July 2016

Currently, chlorpyrifos (CP) and carbofuran are often applied together to control major agricultural pests in many developing countries, in most cases, they are simultaneously detected in agricultural soils. Some cost‐effective techniques are required for the remediation of combined pollution caused by multiple pesticides. In this work, we aim at constructing a detectable recombinant microorganism with the capacity to simultaneously degrade CP and carbofuran. To achieve this purpose, CP/carbofuran hydrolase genes and gfp were integrated into the chromosome of a biosafety strain Pseudomonas putida KT2440 using a chromosomal scarless modification strategy with upp as a counter‐selectable marker. The toxicity of the hydrolysis products was significantly lower compared with the parent compounds. The recombinant strain could utilize CP or carbofuran as the sole source of carbon for growth. The inoculation of the recombinant strain to soils treated with carbofuran and CP resulted in a higher degradation rate than in noninoculated soils. Introduced green fluorescent protein can be employed as a biomarker to track the recombinant strain during bioremediation. Therefore, the recombinant strain has potential to be applied for in situ bioremediation of soil co‐contaminated with carbofuran and CP.
High‐throughput SNP genotyping of historical and modern samples of five bird species via sequence capture of ultraconserved elements
Authors: Lim Haw Chuan , Braun Michael J.
Published: July 2016

Sample availability limits population genetics research on many species, especially taxa from regions with high diversity. However, many such species are well represented in museum collections assembled before the molecular era. Development of techniques to recover genetic data from these invaluable specimens will benefit biodiversity science. Using a mixture of freshly preserved and historical tissue samples, and a sequence capture probe set targeting >5000 loci, we produced high‐confidence genotype calls on thousands of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in each of five South‐East Asian bird species and their close relatives (N = 27–43). On average, 66.2% of the reads mapped to the pseudo‐reference genome of each species. Of these mapped reads, an average of 52.7% was identified as PCR or optical duplicates. We achieved deeper effective sequencing for historical samples (122.7×) compared to modern samples (23.5×). The number of nucleotide sites with at least 8× sequencing depth was high, with averages ranging from 0.89 × 106 bp (Arachnothera, modern samples) to 1.98 × 106 bp (Stachyris, modern samples). Linear regression revealed that the amount of sequence data obtained from each historical sample (represented by per cent of the pseudo‐reference genome recovered with ≥8× sequencing depth) was positively and significantly (P ≤ 0.013) related to how recently the sample was collected. We observed characteristic post‐mortem damage in the DNA of historical samples. However, we were able to reduce the error rate significantly by truncating ends of reads during read mapping (local alignment) and conducting stringent SNP and genotype filtering.
A Cross‐National Examination of Differences in Classification of Lifetime Alcohol Use Disorder Between DSM‐IV and DSM‐5: Findings from the World Mental Health Survey
Authors: Slade Tim , Chiu Wai‐Tat , Glantz Meyer , Kessler Ronald C. , Lago Luise , Sampson Nancy , Al‐Hamzawi Ali , Florescu Silvia , Moskalewicz Jacek , Murphy Sam , Navarro‐Mateu Fernando , Torres de Galvis Yolanda , Viana Maria Carmen , Xavier Miguel , Degenhardt Louisa
Published: July 2016

Background

The current study sought to examine the diagnostic overlap in DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 alcohol use disorder (AUD) and determine the clinical correlates of changing diagnostic status across the 2 classification systems.

Methods

DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 definitions of AUD were compared using cross‐national community survey data in 9 low‐, middle‐, and high‐income countries. Participants were 31,367 respondents to surveys in the World Health Organization's World Mental Health Survey Initiative. The Composite International Diagnostic Interview, version 3.0, was used to derive DSM‐IV and DSM‐5 lifetime diagnoses of AUD. Clinical characteristics, also assessed in the surveys, included lifetime DSM‐IV anxiety; mood and drug use disorders; lifetime suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt; general functional impairment; and psychological distress.

Results

Compared with DSM‐IV AUD (12.3%, SE = 0.3%), the DSM‐5 definition yielded slightly lower prevalence estimates (10.8%, SE = 0.2%). Almost one‐third (n = 802) of all DSM‐IV abuse cases switched to subthreshold according to DSM‐5 and one‐quarter (n = 467) of all DSM‐IV diagnostic orphans switched to mild AUD according to DSM‐5. New cases of DSM‐5 AUD were largely similar to those who maintained their AUD across both classifications. Similarly, new DSM‐5 noncases were similar to those who were subthreshold across both classifications. The exception to this was with regard to the prevalence of any lifetime drug use disorder.

Conclusions

In this large cross‐national community sample, the prevalence of DSM‐5 lifetime AUD was only slightly lower than the prevalence of DSM‐IV lifetime AUD. Nonetheless, there was considerable diagnostic switching, with a large number of people inconsistently identified across the 2 DSM classifications.
Effect of Acute Ethanol Administration on the Hippocampal Region Neural Activity Using a Microelectrode Array
Authors: Zhang Yameng , Yu Hejuan , Li Weitao , Yang Yamin , Wang Xiao , Qian Zhiyu
Published: July 2016

Background

Because acute ethanol (EtOH) administration is known to influence cognitive processes by impairing hippocampal function, electrophysiological responses of the hippocampus following EtOH exposure warrant investigation. To mimic in vivo conditions, we recorded and analyzed critical firing characteristics of the neuronal population dynamically, particularly in the hippocampal region, before and after acute EtOH administration.

Methods

Microelectrodes were inserted in the hippocampus CA1 region of 21 Institute of Cancer Research mice. The mice were divided into 3 groups, including an EtOH injection group (1.5 g/kg), a saline injection group (1.5 g/kg), and a negative control group that received no injection. A data acquisition system was employed to detect the local field potentials (LFPs) and spike potentials following acute EtOH administration. Various multichannel electrophysiological signals were collected in vivo in each group at 60 minutes, from which the firing rate and wavelet entropy (WE) were analyzed further.

Results

Firing rates began to decline at 20 minutes postinjection and then gradually recovered from 40 to 60 minutes. In contrast, 20 minutes post‐injection, WE increased maximally and then returned to normal from 40 to 60 minutes (p < 0.05). Pronounced changes in the relative energy of theta and alpha oscillations were also observed after 20 minutes of alcohol exposure and recovery occurred by 60 minutes (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

A major mechanism of EtOH's action on the hippocampus is neurotransmitter blocking in the form of excitatory neuron inhibition in vivo. Changes in hippocampal spikes coincided with changes in LFPs during the entire time course of acute EtOH administration. The correlation between spikes and LFPs suggests that they jointly affect encoding in hippocampus.
Multiple Microanalyses of a Sample from the Vinland Map
Authors: Sommer D. V. P. , Mühlen Axelsson K. , Collins M. J. , Fiddyment S. , Bredal‐Jørgensen J. , Simonsen K. P. , Lauridsen C. B. , Larsen R.
Published: July 2016

A sample of the Vinland Map remaining from the radiocarbon dating was analysed with the purpose of identifying the post‐1950 contaminant and establishing other evidence on the material composition, identity and condition. The analyses revealed that the parchment originates from a bovid and contains hair remnants. The fibre structure was in poor condition, with fragmented collagen fibres and a low hydrothermal stability. Greenish and reddish particles were observed on the parchment. The greenish particles were identified as basic copper(II) chloride, most probably atacamite, and the reddish particles as rust; that is, various iron(III) oxides. The extracted modern contaminant was identified as being naturally produced glycerol monostearate.
The connection between teaching and learning: Linking teaching quality and metacognitive strategy use in primary school
Authors: Rieser Svenja , Naumann Alexander , Decristan Jasmin , Fauth Benjamin , Klieme Eckhard , Büttner Gerhard
Published: July 2016

Background

In order for teaching to be successful, students need to be actively involved in learning. However, research on teaching effectiveness often neglects students’ learning activities. Although it is assumed that effective teaching promotes the use of beneficial learning activities, empirical evidence for this connection is still limited.

Aims

This study aimed to investigate the connection between effective teaching and reported learning activities. We hypothesize specific relations between a three‐dimensional model of teaching quality (i.e., cognitive activation, supportive climate, and classroom management) and students’ reported use of metacognitive strategies. Students’ intrinsic motivation is considered as a mediator and a moderator of this connection.

Sample

N = 1,052 students from 53 German primary school classes and their science teachers participated.

Methods

Data were collected through classroom or video observation and questionnaires over a period of approximately 2 months. Multilevel analysis was utilized to test our hypotheses.

Results

Each dimension of teaching quality positively predicted students’ reported use of metacognitive strategies. For supportive climate, this connection was mediated by students’ intrinsic motivation. Cognitive activation negatively predicted the slopes between students’ reported metacognitive strategy use and motivation.

Conclusions

The results support the notion that effective teaching is connected to learning activities and stress the importance of students’ learning motivation. Results from the cross‐level interaction could indicate that especially less motivated students’ reported metacognitive strategy use might be supported by cognitively activating teaching.