bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Cultural Mission of Premier Universities in East Asia
Authors: Yang Rui
Published: December 2018

Over the past few decades East Asia has made remarkable progress in highereducation development in both quantity and quality. Yet, an assessment regarding itsfuture development is less certain. Adopting a cultural perspective, this article reportssome findings from a recent research project financed by the Hong Kong ResearchGrants Council. It argues that the gap between Western and East Asian ideas of auniversity is narrowing. East Asian premier universities are making a cultural experimentto achieve an integration of both. Their efforts have global significance.
“Free Speech” and “Offensive” Speech on Campus
Authors: Scott Peter
Published: December 2018

Debates about free speech and academic freedom—and their limits—have become sharper but also more confused. Conservatives demand greater restrictions, but so too do radicals worried that offensive speech may disrupt campus communities. Universities have a special responsibility to secure the right balance between free expression and offensive speech.
Is the Public Good Role of Higher Education Under Attack?
Authors: Hazelkorn Ellen
Published: December 2018

Higher education has long argued that it is a public good because of its contributionto societal goals. These assumptions are coming under growing public scrutiny asuniversities seek to pursue their own agenda, at home and increasinglyinternationally. This article looks at some of the issues.
The Slow Path to General Education in Chinese Universities
Authors: Dunrong Bie
Published: December 2018

In recent years, many Chineseuniversities have launched general educationprograms. This piece explores the history of general education in China and outlines innovative gen ed programs in development.
Globalizing the Academic Presidency: Competing for Talented Leadership
Authors: Skinner Richard A.
Published: December 2018

For more than half a century, globalization has been a powerful force in almost every aspect of contemporary life. The search for talent in some sectors is now global in scope. Higher education shows signs of the same force at work in some universities’ searches for leadership. Two examples are provided and conjectures offered as to why this may continue with academic presidents.
Mapping Internationalization on US Campuses
Authors: Brajkovic Lucia , Matross Helms Robin
Published: December 2018

This article summarizes the results of the American Council on Education’s (ACE) 2016 Mapping Internationalization on U.S. Campuses survey, and explores their implications. Conducted every five years, Mapping assesses the current state of internationalization at American colleges and universities, analyzes progress and trends over time, and identifies future priorities. The 2016 Mapping survey addressed the six key areas that comprise CIGE’s Model for Comprehensive Internationalization: articulated commitment; administrative structures and staffing; curriculum, cocurriculum, and learning outcomes; faculty policies and practices; student mobility; and collaboration and partnerships.
Training Administrative Staff to Become Key Players in the Internationalization of Higher Education
Authors: Hunter Fiona
Published: December 2018

A recent survey has sought to understand the current and potential roles that administrative staff might play in internationalization and to identify relevant training provision that could enable them to become more active in, and committed to, the internationalization strategies of their institutions. It reveals that there is still much that needs to be done and that the learning needs to take place both at individual andinstitutional levels.
Disparities and Parallels in Internationalization: The Ethiopian Experience
Authors: Tamrat Wondwosen , Teferra Damtew
Published: December 2018

This article examines the ways in which internationalization is expressed in developed and developing countries. Specifically, we discuss factors such as motives, approaches, policies, strategies, and the nature of institutional relationships in the Ethiopian context.
Imbalanced Student Mobility in India: A Serious Concern
Authors: Wadhwa Rashim
Published: December 2018

A major challenge that India is facing is the existing imbalance between inbound and outbound student mobility. The inflow–outflow ratio of about 1:10 is a matter of concern. Evidence shows that it is not only the human capital that is flowing out of India, but also a substantial amount of revenue. In connection with this, concerns have been raised, which need immediate attention from Indian policy makers.
Conflict of Interest in Eastern Europe: “Academic Capture”
Authors: Milovanovitch Mihaylo , Denisova-Schmidt Elena , Anapiosyan Arevik
Published: December 2018

Lobbying public officials is common practice, but becomes problematic when officials have a financial interest in the sector that lobbies them and for which they are responsible. This article explores such cases, with a particular focus on Eastern Europe.
English-medium Instruction and the Information Technology Parallel in Japanese Higher Education
Authors: Bradford Annette , Brown Howard
Published: December 2018

As English-medium instruction expands in the higher education sector in Japan, stakeholders are experiencing frustration. However, these are not new problems; we have seen these roadblocks before in the implementation of information technology in the 1990s.
Have Chinese Universities Hit a Plateau?
Authors: Usher Alex
Published: December 2018

Top Chinese universities have grown to have enormous financial clout, rivalling that of some top American institutions. But their rapid rise may be coming to an end as their sheer size precludes further major increases. Scientific output at these universities is now very high, though there remains room to improve in terms of impact.
The Growth of International Student Mobility Is Faltering
Authors: Van Damme Dirk
Published: December 2018

After years of impressive growth, the number of international students seems to stabilize around 4.6 million. No further increase has been observed in recent years. Possible explanations include changes on the demand side, in particular the quantitative and qualitative growth of domestic higher education in countries such as China and India. Also, recent evolutions in the political climate in destination countries seem to have a deterring effect. International students are confronted with a less welcoming environmentand generally hostile attitudes toward immigration. As a result, international competition for fee-paying international students seems to slow down significantly.
Sexual Harassment at African Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Dranzoa Christine
Published: December 2018

In most African states, joining higher education institutions (HEIs) is, for students, an investment in their own economic progress. Yet, HEIs are sites where sexual harassment and gender-based violence (GBV) occur, increasing the vulnerability of newly enrolled female students and of women in general. A strong gender policy environment, a clear stand by senior management at HEIs, and the empowerment ofmen with respect to gender equity issues are remedies to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), especially goal 3 (Good Health and Well-being), goal 4 (Quality Education), goal 5 (Gender Equality), and goal 10 (Reduced Inequality).
Inclusive Internationalization: Improving Access and Equity
Authors: De Wit Hans , Jones Elspeth
Published: December 2018

In higher education, we are faced with two main paradoxes. First, while we may be striving to increase internationalization and global engagement, in many countries isolationist and nationalist trends result in a disconnect between local and global. Second, while credit and degree mobility is increasing globally, this billion-dollar industry reaches only a small student elite, leaving 99 percent of the world’s student population behind. An inclusive approach must address the issue that current internationalizationpolicies and practices leave out the great majority of students in the world. Internationalization for all should be the starting point for institutional strategies, reflecting an awareness that all students must be engaged in this agenda to prepare for their future lives as citizens and as professionals.
Student Mobility and Employability: The Ethiopian Experience
Authors: Tamrat Wondwosen , Teferra Damtew
Published: December 2018

This article reports the findings of a larger study conducted on international students from Ethiopia to gauge their views on the impact of their training on employability. For those who can afford or have the chance, international studies are perceived as mechanisms of improving one’s employability due to the various advantages they can offer. This has become one of the major pull factors in student mobility.
Quality Assurance in Ghana: Accomplishments and Challenges
Authors: Swanzy Patrick , Langa Patricio V. , Ansah Francis
Published: December 2018

This article examines Ghana’s efforts to revitalize its higher education system using quality assurance (QA). Specifically, we discuss the accomplishments and challenges of the QA system. Ghana has one of the oldest QA systems in Africa, so lessons learned there are worth sharing with scholars and practitioners.
Academic Drift in China’s Universities of Applied Technology
Authors: Jing Wei , Welch Anthony
Published: December 2018

The priority attached to innovation in China means that its universities are seen as a major pillar of innovation. But with respect to the new Universities of Applied Technology (UATs), their original mission of strengthening industry collaboration is subverted by the persistence of perverse incentives, whichmake them emulate research universities rather than fulfil their original purpose.
Forget the Competition Trope
Authors: Sá Creso M.
Published: December 2018

The current debate on internationalization has revolved around the impacts of nationalist politics in many countries on student mobility. In recent research, we have questioned the usual assumption that major host countries have been engaged in an ongoing “brain race.” Through an analysis of the politics and public policies impacting international students in Australia, Canada, England, and the United States during a sixteen year period, we show that there is no clear pattern of “competition” among countries, but rather uncoordinated and inconsistent actions.
World-Class Universities and the Common Good
Authors: Tian Lin , Yan Wu , Liu Nian Cai
Published: December 2018

Based on UNESCO’s report Rethinking Education towards a Global Common Good (2015) and developments in higher education, this article explores the reasons behind the shift from “public good” to “common good” in higher education. It focuses on the special role of world-class universities (WCUs) with regard to the global common good, as a result of their international orientation and emphasis on global development and the well-being of global communities. WCUs deliver advanced knowledge and research outputs and, more importantly, help shape and realize the global common good (i.e., the promotion of peace) shared by all mankind.
Tegning som trædesten til at nærme os svære og tabubelagte emner i forskningsprojekter med børn
Authors: Søndergaard Elisabeth , Reventlow Susanne
Published: December 2018

Studier af belastende socioøkonomiske forhold i barndommen peger på en sammenhæng mellem dette og en øget risiko for at udvikle sygdomme senere i livet. Forskning peger desuden på, at børn af syge forældre både er mere syge og mere ensomme end jævnaldrene med raske forældre. Sammenhængen støttes af studier, som viser, at børns sociale relationer har afgørende betydning både for oplevelsen af deres barndom og for deres aktuelle og senere sundhedsprofil. Med afsæt i de sociale relationers betydning for børnenes sundhed har vi ønsket at undersøge, hvordan børn i ressourcesvage familier oplever deres relationer og familieliv, men hvordan undersøger man det metodisk? Denne artikel viser gennem eksempler fra et feltarbejde blandt socioøkonomisk udsatte børnefamilier med en multisyg forælder på Lolland-Falster, hvordan tegning som metode kan være med til at facilitere samtaler om svære og tabubelagte emner med børn. Metodens styrker ligger dels i den konkretiserende form, der er med til at materialisere tanker og følelser, dels i måden den muliggør et fællesskab mellem barn og forsker, der ofte er udfordret i etnografisk børneforskning. Støttet af tegningerne var børnene i stand til at give udtryk for følelser, stemninger og oplevelser, som indholdsmæssigt var vanskelige at sætte ord på, men som ikke på samme måde var svære at genkalde sig i kroppen eller at tegne på papir. Bl.a. hjalp tegningerne med at illustrere et gennemgående ønske blandt de deltagende børn, der centrerer sig om normalitet, rutiner og stabilitet i familien. Artiklen understreger, at det er vigtigt, at tolkningen af det tegnede akkompagneres af feltarbejdets anden data og et velfunderet kontekstindblik.
Questionnaire d’aiguillage pour dépister les besoins de formation quant à l’offre active de services en français
Authors: Casimiro Lynn , Savard Jacinthe , Sauvé-Schenk Katrine , Atchessi Nicole
Published: December 2018

Des recherches antérieures montrent que certaines caractéristiques personnelles influencent la fréquence des comportements d’offre active des professionnelles et professionnels de la santé et du travail social. Un nouveau questionnaire d’aiguillage rempli par des étudiantes et étudiants de ces domaines aux niveaux collégial et universitaire a permis de déterminer leurs caractéristiques (profil sociolangagier) et de cibler des besoins en formation à l’offre active. Des formations en ligne, repérées parmi les formations déjà sur le Web, leur ont ensuite été proposées, en fonction de leur profil. Nos données montrent qu’il est possible de dresser des profils sociolangagiers utiles pour identifier des besoins de formation d’une manière acceptable pour les répondantes et répondants. Le type de formation qui répondra le mieux aux besoins de chaque profil reste à évaluer1.
Pharaoh’s Dance: the oak genomic mosaic
Authors: Hipp Andrew L
Published: December 2018

When we look at an oak, we see one organism, despite the fact that each of the estimated 25,808 genes in the oak genome has a unique history. Here I review why the evolutionary history of oaks comprises a variety of phylogenetic histories that trace disparate histories of introgression, stochastic allele extinction, and population divergence. I describe recent phylogenomic work that dissects the multiple phylogenetic histories constituting the history of white oak movements between the Americas and Eurasia. Finally, I argue that the patterns and causes of genomic mosaicism should be a central focus of inquiry for oak phylogenetic work in the coming decade.
Integrated Health Post for Child Health (Posyandu) As A Community-Based Program in Indonesia: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Setiawan Agus , Christiani Yodi
Published: December 2018

Integrated Health Post for Child Health (Posyandu) has been endorsed since 1984 as a community-based health program in Indonesia. Despite its potential in improving child health outcomes, evidence related to its current implementation is lacking. This study aimed to explore the current implementation of posyandu in the country. Data of 638 posyandu surveyed in the 5th wave of Indonesia Family Life Survey (IFLS-5) located in urban and rural areas were analyzed, applying chi-square and independent t-test method. Posyandu surveyed run a number of activities (mean type of activities=8.1 in rural vs. 7.4 in urban areas, p<0.001), focusing on weight monitoring, supplementary food provision, and vitamin A supplementation. Approximately 38% of Community Health Workers (CHWs) has never been trained in posyandu’s management nor child health care. Financial barriers, medicine and equipment supplies, and location to conduct posyandu’s activities remained as challenges in the implementation. While posyandu has been implemented for decades, the study found that its implementation has not been optimal. Actions should be taken to improve posyandu’s implementation. These include strengthening collaboration to address the problems and improving CHWs activities.  Keywords: posyandu, child health, community-based health program
Use of GBT013, a Collagen-Based Dressing, for the Healing of Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: Dumont Isabelle J. , Lepeut Marc , Segalen Coralie , Guillemin Yannis , Gouze Jean Noel
Published: December 2018

The number of people with diabetes is expected to reach 592 million in the year 2035. Diabetic foot lesions are responsible for more hospitalizations than any other complication of diabetes. The aims of this study were to examine for the first time a new biocompatible and biodegradable tridimensional collagen-based matrix, GBT013, in humans for diabetic foot ulcer wound healing and to evaluate its ease of use to better define a protocol for a future clinical trial. Seven adult patients with a diabetic foot ulcer of grade 1A to 3D (University of Texas Diabetic Wound Classification) were treated using GBT013, a new collagen-based advance dressing and were monitored in two specialized foot care units for a maximum of 9 weeks. Five of seven wounds achieved complete healing in 4 to 7 weeks. Nonhealed ulcers showed a significant reduction of the wound surface (>44%). GBT013 was well tolerated and displayed positive wound healing outcomes as a new treatment strategy of chronic foot ulcers in diabetic patients.
Atypical Vascularity Within a Schwannoma
Authors: Wright James A. , Bezhani Hariklia , Troia Rosanna , Ratzon Fanni
Published: December 2018

We report on the unusual presentation of a schwannoma. Aside from the aberrant dorsolateral anatomical presentation, ultrasonography revealed not only peripheral vascularity but also internal vascularity. Internal vascularity often suggests a malignant process as opposed to a benign one; however, in the presented case, the diagnosis of a benign lesion was confirmed with S100 immunohistochemical staining. In this study, we review the literature on this pathology and present an uncommon presentation of a benign nerve tumor.
The Effect of Toe Flexion Exercises on Grip
Authors: Branthwaite Helen , Grabtree Gemma , Chockalingam Nachiappan , Greenhalgh Andrew
Published: December 2018

Background:

Weakness of the toe flexor muscles has been attributed to the development of toe pathologies, and it responds well in the clinic to toe grip exercises. However, it is unknown whether exercising the toe flexor muscles improves the ability to grip and alter function. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of toe flexor exercises on apical plantar pressure, as a measure of grip, while seated and during gait.

Methods:

Twenty-three individuals with no known toe pathologies were recruited. Static peak pressure, time spent at peak pressure, and pressure-time integral while seated, as well as dynamic forefoot maximal force, contact area, and percentage contact time, were recorded before and after exercise. Toe grip exercises with a therapy ball were completed daily for 6 weeks.

Results:

Static peak pressure significantly increased after exercise on the apex of the second and third digits, as did the pressure-time integral. Dynamic peak force and contact area did not alter after exercise around the metatarsals and toes, yet percentage contact time significantly increased for each metatarsal after completing daily toe grip exercises.

Conclusions:

Exercises to improve the grip ability of the toes increased the static peak pressure on the apex of the second and third digits as well as the percentage contact time of the metatarsals during gait. The ability to increase apical peak pressure and contact time after exercises could assist in improving forefoot stability and gait efficiency and in reducing toe pathology progression.
Associations Between Obesity and Pediatric Foot Dimensions
Authors: Morrison Stewart C. , McCarthy David , Mahaffey Ryan
Published: December 2018

Background:

The influence of childhood obesity on shape and structure of the pediatric foot remains poorly understood. The purpose of this work was to determine associations between obesity and pediatric foot dimensions.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of pediatric foot dimensions (foot length [FL] and foot width [FW]) in 3,713 children aged 3 to 18 years was undertaken. Logistic regression was used to determine relationships between FL, FW, and weight category.

Results:

Compared with obese peers, typical weight (FL, P < .05 [odds ratio (OR)] = .83; FW, P < .05 [OR = .56]) and underweight (FL, P < .05 [OR = .76]; FW, P < .05 [OR = .41]) boys had significantly shorter and narrower feet. Overweight (FL, P = .02 [OR = .88]; FW, P = .02 [OR = .72]), typical weight (FL, P < .05 [OR = .77]; FW, P < .05 [OR = .47]), and underweight (FL, P < .05 [OR = .70]; FW, P < .05 [OR = .33]) girls had significantly shorter and narrower feet.

Conclusions:

These findings suggest that obesity is an important determinant of pediatric foot dimensions. Given the current prevalence of obesity in children and young people, these findings may have population-wide implications for pediatric foot health.
Wnt11 directs nephron progenitor polarity and motile behavior ultimately determining nephron endowment
Authors: O'Brien Lori L , Combes Alexander N , Short Kieran M , Lindström Nils O , Whitney Peter H , Cullen-McEwen Luise A , Ju Adler , Abdelhalim Ahmed , Michos Odyssé , Bertram John F , Smyth Ian M , Little Melissa H , McMahon Andrew P
Published: December 2018

A normal endowment of nephrons in the mammalian kidney requires a balance of nephron progenitor self-renewal and differentiation throughout development. Here, we provide evidence for a novel action of ureteric branch tip-derived Wnt11 in progenitor cell organization and interactions within the nephrogenic niche, ultimately determining nephron endowment. In Wnt11 mutants, nephron progenitors dispersed from their restricted niche, intermixing with interstitial progenitors. Nephron progenitor differentiation was accelerated, kidneys were significantly smaller, and the nephron progenitor pool was prematurely exhausted, halving the final nephron count. Interestingly, RNA-seq revealed no significant differences in gene expression. Live imaging of nephron progenitors showed that in the absence of Wnt11 they lose stable attachments to the ureteric branch tips, continuously detaching and reattaching. Further, the polarized distribution of several markers within nephron progenitors is disrupted. Together these data highlight the importance of Wnt11 signaling in directing nephron progenitor behavior which determines a normal nephrogenic program.
Yrkesrelevant og meningsfull opplæring for elever med ulike utdanningsplaner i VG1
Authors: Nedrebø Bruvik Åse Norunn
Published: December 2018

Nasjonale retningslinjer er tydelige på at demokrati, medvirkning, relevans, samt helhet og sammenheng skal være sentralt i yrkesopplæringen. Nyere forskning viser at opplæringen er generell og lik for alle, uavhengig interesser eller yrkesplaner. Bredden i de yrkesfaglige utdanningsprogrammene blir presentert og tilbudt som en introduksjon til yrkene for alle elever, uavhengig om de har bestemt seg for yrke eller ikke (Dahlback, Hansen, Haaland, & Sylte, 2011; Hiim, 2013; Hovland, 2015). Som disse studiene viser, er det behov for å undersøke hvordan yrkesopplæringen kan videreutvikles og identifisere lærerpraksis som ivaretar elevenes individuelle interesser og yrkesplaner. I artikkelen blir det presentert fire eksempler, to fra Bygg og anleggsfag og to fra Design og håndverk. Det empiriske materialet som ligger til grunn er innhentet gjennom, fokusgruppeintervjuer, tiltak i form av oppgavetekster, undervisningsplaner, dokumentasjon av elevarbeider, samt spørreundersøkelser. Tiltakene ble gjennomført i et aksjonsforskningsforløp i tett sammarbeid med forsker.

Funnene fra forskningsarbeidet viser at elevenes involvering i utvikling av opplæring og undervisning er avgjørende for å sikre at opplæringen oppleves relevant og meningsfull samt at den blir tilpasset den enkeltes interesser og/eller yrkesplan.Nøkkelord: relevans, meningsfull, yrkesretting, demokrati og elevinvolvering
Molecular evolution and expression divergence of three key Met biosynthetic genes in plants:CGS,HMTandMMT
Authors: Zhao Man , Wang Wenyi , Wei Lei , Chen Peng , Yuan Fengjie , Wang Zhao , Ying Xiangxian
Published: December 2018

Methionine (Met) is an essential sulfur-containing amino acid in animals. Cereal and legume crops with limiting levels of Met represent the major food and feed sources for animals. In plants, cystathionine gamma-synthase (CGS), methionine methyltransferase (MMT) and homocysteine methyltransferase (HMT) are committing enzymes synergistically synthesizing Met through the aspartate (Asp) family pathway and the S-methylmethionine (SMM) cycle. The biological functions ofCGS,MMTandHMTgenes have been respectively studied, whereas their evolution patterns and their contribution to the evolution of Met biosynthetic pathway in plants are unknown. In the present study, to reveal their evolution patterns and contribution, the evolutionary relationship ofCGS,MMTandHMTgene families were reconstructed. The results showed thatMMTs began in the ancestor of the land plants and kept conserved during evolution, while theCGSs andHMTs had diverged. TheCGSgenes were divided into two branches in the angiosperms, Class 1 and Class 2, of which Class 2 only contained the grasses. However, theHMTgenes diverged into Class 1 and Class 2 in all of the seed plants. Further, the gene structure analysis revealed that theCGSs,MMTs andHMTs were relatively conserved except for theCGSs in Class 2. According to the expression ofCGS,HMTandMMTgenes in soybeans, as well as in the database of soybean, rice andArabidopsis, the expression patterns of theMMTs were shown to be consistently higher in leaves than in seeds. However, the expression ofCGSs andHMTs had diverged, either expressed higher in leaves or seeds, or showing fluctuated expression. Additionally, the functions ofHMTgenes had diverged into the repair ofS-adenosylmethionine and SMM catabolism during the evolution. The results indicated that theCGSandHMTgenes have experienced partial subfunctionalization. Finally, given the evolution and expression of theCGS,HMTandMMTgene families, we built the evolutionary model of the Met biosynthetic pathways in plants. The model proposed that the Asp family pathway existed in all the plant lineages, while the SMM cycle began in the ancestor of land plants and then began to diverge in the ancestor of seed plants. The model suggested that the evolution of Met biosynthetic pathway is basically consistent with that of plants, which might be vital to the growth and development of different botanical lineages during evolution.
Comprehensive tissue-specific transcriptome profiling of pineapple (Ananas comosus) and building an eFP-browser for further study
Authors: Mao Qi , Chen Chengjie , Xie Tao , Luan Aiping , Liu Chaoyang , He Yehua
Published: December 2018

Pineapple is one of the most economically important tropical or subtropical fruit trees. However, few studies focus on the development of its unique collective fruit. In this study, we generated a genome-wide developmental transcriptomic profile of 14 different tissues of the collective fruit of the pineapple covering each of the three major fruit developmental stages. In total, 273 tissue-specific and 1,051 constitutively expressed genes were detected. We also performed gene co-expression analysis and 18 gene modules were classified. Among these, we found three interesting gene modules; one was preferentially expressed in bracts and sepals and was likely involved in plant defense; one was highly expressed at the beginning of fruit expansion and faded afterward and was probably involved in endocytosis; Another gene module increased expression level with pineapple fruit development and was involved in terpenoid and polyketide metabolism. In addition, we built a pineapple electronic fluorescent pictograph (eFP) browser to facilitate exploration of gene expression during pineapple fruit development. With this tool, users can visualize expression data in this study in an intuitive way. Together, the transcriptome profile generated in this work and the corresponding eFP browser will facilitate further study of fruit development in pineapple.
Increased presence of mammal-eating killer whales in the Salish Sea with implications for predator-prey dynamics
Authors: Shields Monika W. , Hysong-Shimazu Sara , Shields Jason C. , Woodruff Julie
Published: December 2018

The inland waters of Washington State and southern British Columbia, collectively known as the Salish Sea, comprise key habitat for two regional populations of killer whales (Orcinus orca): the mammal-eating West Coast Transients and the endangered fish-eating Southern Residents. These two populations are genetically distinct and may avoid each other. Transient killer whale usage of the Salish Sea has been previously assessed over two seven-year time periods, showing an increase from 1987 to 2010. We documented a continued significant increase in mammal-eating killer whale presence in the Salish Sea from 2011 to 2017, with intra- and inter-annual variability and with record sightings in 2017. This continued increase, likely in response to abundant marine mammal prey, is related to both a growing population and an increase in the number of West Coast Transients visiting the area. Additionally, a negative binomial regression shows that absence of Southern Residents is correlated to transient presence. Finally, both populations of killer whales have been linked to regional harbor seal populations; harbor seals are salmonid-eating competitors of the Southern Residents and are prey for the mammal-eating transients. With Southern Residents listed as endangered, culling harbor seals has been proposed as a measure to help in their recovery. With this in mind, we developed an energetic model to assess the minimum number of harbor seals consumed by transient killer whales. Using the actual number of whales present in each age-sex class for each day of the year, we estimate that, at a minimum, transients in the Salish Sea consumed 1090 seals in 2017. This is more than 2% of the 2014 estimated harbor seal population the Salish Sea. The population controlling effects of transient killer whale predation on harbor seals should be considered when evaluating any pinniped management actions in the Salish Sea.
COI barcoding of plant bugs (Insecta: Hemiptera: Miridae)
Authors: Kim Junggon , Jung Sunghoon
Published: December 2018

The family Miridae is the most diverse and one of the most economically important groups in Heteroptera. However, identification of mirid species on the basis of morphology is difficult and time-consuming. In the present study, we evaluated the effectiveness of COI barcoding for 123 species of plant bugs in seven subfamilies. With the exception of threeApolygusspecies—A. lucorum,A. spinolae, andA. watajii(subfamily Mirinae)—each of the investigated species possessed a unique COI sequence. The average minimum interspecific genetic distance of congeners was approximately 37 times higher than the average maximum intraspecific genetic distance, indicating a significant barcoding gap. Despite having distinct morphological characters,A. lucorum,A. spinolae, andA. watajiimixed and clustered together, suggesting taxonomic revision. Our findings indicate that COI barcoding represents a valuable identification tool for Miridae and can be economically viable in a variety of scientific research fields.
Sustainable entrepreneurship: the scientific production of the 21st century
Authors: Silveira Amelia , Backes Danieli Artuzi Pes , Kobayashi Andréa Regina Kaneko
Published: December 2018

Sustainable entrepreneurship emerges as one of the economically viable alternatives, with products and processes geared to the creation of solutions allied to social and environmental responsibility. The behavior of this literature arouses increasing interest. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the scientific production on sustainable entrepreneurship, on Web of Science, from 2000 to 2016. The study was exploratory, qualitative, inductive, documental, and bibliographic. The discourse analysis technique was adopted. Web of Science database was chosen due to the relevance and impact in the dissemination of science, and the categories “Management” and “Business” and the filters “Articles” and “Review” were considered for the study. Thirty articles were identified as “corpus” of research and composed the intentional sample. The results indicate that 2010 and 2011 were the most productive years. Journal of Business Venturing, Impact Factor of 3,678, published seven articles, including the two most cited in this literature. It was possible to notice the increasing tendency of citation of the articles researched and the increase of the scientific production in the area, each year, in high Impact Factor journals. The results allowed to identify, characterize, report, and classify this literature. It was also possible to confirm the maturity rise of the authors in 2015 and 2016 regarding the most specific considerations presented in researches carried out in environmental or social contexts. Current and relevant, sustainable entrepreneurship is considered important for the Administration area of study.
Sustainability, Retail and Supply Chains: Twenty Years of Research
Authors: Graciola Ana Paula , Rizzon Fernanda , Milan Gabriel Sperandio , De Toni Deonir , Da Rocha Jefferson Marçal , Olea Pelayo Munhoz
Published: December 2018

Retailers play the role of intermediaries between suppliers and customers. As key players in the market, retail managers, pressured to change their business based on sustainable development principles, they need to adjust their daily practices and disseminate information about their impacts and contributions to the sustainable development of their companies. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to understand the relations between the terms: sustainability, retail and supply chains by reviewing the literature in two databases: Scopus and Science Direct. As results, there has been an increase in studies related to the themes in the last 20 years. The areas with the highest concentration of studies are: Operations, Marketing, Consumer Behavior, Government Policies and Certifications. As contributions of the study, the following topics were highlighted for future research: Collaboration, Waste, Consumer Behavior, Value Creation, Communication, On-line Commerce, Retail Planning, Logistics, Product Lifecycle, Remanufacturing, Gas Emission, Certifications, Technology and Information Systems, and Environmental Policies.
Age‐related phenotype and biomarker changes in SSADH deficiency
Authors: DiBacco Melissa L. , Roullet Jean‐Baptiste , Kapur Kush , Brown Madalyn N. , Walters Dana C. , Gibson K. Michael , Pearl Phillip L.
Published: December 2018

Objective

Succinic Semialdehyde Dehydrogenase (SSADH) deficiency is a disorder of elevated gamma‐amino butyric acid (GABA) and gamma hydroxybutyric acid (GHB) and a complex neuropsychiatric profile. Adult reports suggest worsening epilepsy and high SUDEP risk.

Methods

Subjects with confirmed SSADH deficiency were recruited into a longitudinal study. Plasma thyroid hormone and total GABA/GHB were quantified by standard clinical chemistry methodologies and mass spectrometry, respectively.

Results

A total of 133 subjects with SSADH deficiency are enrolled in the registry; 49 participated in the longitudinal study. The age range of the population is 8 weeks to 63 years (median 7.75 year; 44% male). There is a significant difference in proportions among the age groups in subjects affected with hypotonia, compulsive behavior, sleep disturbances, and seizures. Epilepsy is present in 50% of the total population, and more prevalent in subjects 12 years and older (P = 0.001). The median age of onset for absence seizures was 2 years, and 12 years for generalized tonic‐clonic seizures (P < 0.01). The SUDEP rate in adults was 12% (4/33). There was a significant age‐dependent negative correlation between GABA and T3 levels.

Interpretation

There is an age‐dependent association with worsening of epilepsy, behavioral disturbances including obsessive‐compulsive behavior, and sleep disturbances with age in SSADH deficiency. There is a high risk of SUDEP. We have observed more absence seizures in younger patients, compared to tonic‐clonic in the older cohort, which correlates with age‐related changes in GABA and GHB concentration and thyroid function, as well as the natural history of seizures in the murine model.
Photonic Organolead Halide Perovskite Artificial Synapse Capable of Accelerated Learning at Low Power Inspired by Dopamine‐Facilitated Synaptic Activity
Authors: Ham Seonggil , Choi Sanghyeon , Cho Haein , Na Seok‐In , Wang Gunuk
Published: December 2018

The ability of high‐order tuning of the synaptic plasticity in an artificial synapse can offer significant improvement in the processing time, low‐power recognition, and learning capability in a neuro‐inspired computing system. Inspired by light‐assisted dopamine‐facilitated synaptic activity, which achieves rapid learning and adaptation by lowering the threshold of the synaptic plasticity, a two‐terminal organolead halide perovskite (OHP)‐based photonic synapse is fabricated and designed in which the synaptic plasticity is modified by both electrical pulses and light illumination. Owing to the accelerated migration of the iodine vacancy inherently existing in the coated OHP film under light illumination, the OHP synaptic device exhibits light‐tunable synaptic functionalities with very low programming inputs (≈0.1 V). It is also demonstrated that the threshold of the long‐term potentiation decreases and synaptic weight further modulates when light illuminates the device, which is phenomenologically analogous to the dopamine‐assisted synaptic process. Notably, under light exposure, the OHP synaptic device achieves rapid pattern recognition with ≈81.8% accuracy after only 2000 learning phases (60 000 learning phases = one epoch) with a low‐power consumption (4.82 nW/the initial update for potentiation), which is ≈2.6 × 103 times lower than when the synaptic weights are updated by only high electrical pulses.
Belowground annual ring growth coordinates with aboveground phenology and timing of carbon storage in two tallgrass prairie forb species
Authors: Dee Justin R. , Adams Henry D. , Palmer Michael W.
Published: December 2018

Premise of the Study

Herb chronology, the study of belowground annual growth rings in perennial forbs, has much potential as a tool for monitoring plant growth as a function of environment. To harness this potential, understanding of the coordination between ring ontogeny, aboveground phenology, and the temporal allocation of carbon products belowground in herbaceous forbs must be improved.

Methods

We investigated these relationships in two southern United States tallgrass prairie perennial forb species, Asclepias viridis and Lespedeza stuevei, making monthly excavations for a year.

Key Results

Belowground xylogenesis began when starch reserves were at their seasonal low in the spring as shoots reached maximum height. The highest relative radial growth of the ring occurred concurrently with replenishment of root starch reserves in early summer. Xylogenesis concluded with leaf senescence in late summer and belowground starch reserves near saturation.

Conclusions

By demonstrating that ring ontogeny is tied to early summer starch replenishment, our results illustrate the mechanisms behind previous findings where ring width was highly correlated with summer climatic conditions for these two species. This study provides a new physiological link between how ring chronologies in herbs often accord with growing‐season environment; further dissecting this phenomenon is vital in unlocking the potential of herb chronology.
Microdialysis in awake macaque monkeys for central nervous system pharmacokinetics
Authors: Thiollier Thibaud , Wu Caisheng , Porras Gregory , Bezard Erwan , Li Qin , Zhang Jinlan , Contamin Hugues
Published: December 2018

Background

The brain bioavailability of novel small molecules developed to address central nervous system disease is classically documented through ex vivo or in vivo analyses conducted in rodent models. Data acquired in rodent models are, however, not easily transferrable to human as the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics profiles of the species are quite different.

Methods

Using drugs selected for their differential transport across the blood‐brain barrier, we here demonstrate the feasibility of brain microdialysis in normal vigil macaque monkey by measuring brain extracellular fluid bioavailability of carbamazepine, digoxin, oxycodone, and quinidine.

Results

All drugs, but digoxin, were found in dialysate samples. Drugs that are substrate of P‐glycoprotein show a difference of bioavailability or brain pharmacokinetic parameters between rodents and primates.

Conclusion

Data suggest that brain microdialysis in vigil macaque monkey, the species of choice for classic pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamics studies could help predicting human brain bioavailability of a small molecule depending on the protein involved in the efflux transport from the brain.
Visible‐Light‐Driven MADIX Polymerisation via a Reusable, Low‐Cost, and Non‐Toxic Bismuth Oxide Photocatalyst
Authors: Hakobyan Karen , Gegenhuber Thomas , McErlean Christopher S. P. , Müllner Markus
Published: December 2018

The continuous amalgamation of photocatalysis into existing reversible deactivation radical polymerisation (RDRP) processes has initiated a rapidly propagating area of polymer research in recent years. We introduce bismuth oxide (Bi2O3) as a heterogeneous photocatalyst for polymerisations, operating at room temperature with visible light. We demonstrate formidable control over degenerative chain‐transfer polymerisations, such as macromolecular design by interchange of xanthate (MADIX) and reversible addition‐fragmentation chain‐transfer (RAFT) polymerisation. We achieved narrow molecular weight distributions and attribute the excellent temporal control of a photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) process. This methodology was employed to synthesise diblock copolymers combining differently activated monomers. The Bi2O3 catalyst system has the additional benefits of low toxicity, reusability, low‐cost, and ease of removal from the reaction mixture.
External Reversal of Chirality Transfer in Photoswitches
Authors: Jurissek Christoph , Berger Fabian , Eisenreich Fabian , Kathan Michael , Hecht Stefan
Published: December 2018

The transfer of stereoinformation is at the heart of asymmetric reactions. By incorporating the natural monoterpenel‐menthone into the backbone of a diarylethene, we achieved efficient chirality transfer upon photocyclization, resulting in the preferred formation of one major closed isomer in a diastereomeric ratio (d.r.) of 85:15. More significantly, we were able to completely reverse the diastereomeric outcome of the ring closure simply by altering the chemical environment or the irradiation conditions. As a result, we could selectively accumulate the less favored minor closed isomer, with remarkable d.r. values of >99:1 and 74:26, respectively. Computations revealed that a stability inversion after photocyclization is the basis for the observed unprecedented control over diastereoselectivity.
Preparation of activated carbon from spent catalyst with mercury by microwave‐induced CO2 activation
Authors: Liu Jian , Liu Chenhui , Zhang Libo , Liu Chao , Cheng Song , Chandrasekar Srinivasa Kannan
Published: December 2018

This study reported the regeneration of mercury‐loaded porous carbon catalyst utilized in the manufacture of PVC (Polyvinyl chloride) resin using the combined effect of microwave heating and CO2 purging. The porosity, functional, and surface chemistry was featured by means of low‐temperature nitrogen adsorption, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The result showed that the iodine number, methylene blue adsorption, and yield of FMC were 791.64 mg/g, 270 mg/g, and 84.2%, respectively, under the best conditions. Additionally, the mercury removal rates were above 99.5% at different temperatures. The regenerated samples at different temperatures were characterized to assess their physical binding capability and chemisorption abilities, which further revealed the impact of regeneration temperature on the improvement in the porosity of the regenerated catalyst. The findings revealed the potential of microwave heating for the regeneration of FMCs.
Redox‐responsive Fluorescent Nanoparticles Based on Diselenide‐containing AIEgens for Cell Imaging and Selective Cancer Therapy
Authors: Han Wenkun , Zhang Song , Qian Jingyu , Zhang Jianxu , Wang Xuanhang , Xie Zhigang , Xu Bin , Han Yanqiu , Tian Wenjing
Published: December 2018

A fluorescent, diselenide‐containing 9,10‐distyrylanthracene (DSA) derivative (SeDSA) with aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) characteristic was successfully synthesized and SeDSA nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared through a nanoprecipitation method. SeDSA could coassemble with an antitumor prodrug, diselenide‐containing paclitaxel (SePTX), which could be obtained by precipitation, to form SeDSA‐SePTX Co‐NPs (Co‐NPs). Molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal that the driving forces for the self‐assembly behaviors of SeDSA NPs and SePTX NPs are π–π interactions and hydrophobic interactions, respectively, while the driving forces for Co‐NPs include hydrophobic interactions between SeDSA and SePTX, π–π interactions between SeDSA molecules and hydrophobic interactions between SePTX molecules. Meanwhile, Se‐Se bonds play a crucial role in balancing the intramolecular forces. These diselenide‐containing nanoparticles (SeDSA NPs, SePTX NPs and Co‐NPs) exhibit a high stability under physiological conditions and excellent reduction‐sensitivity in the presence of the redox agent glutathione (GSH) because of the selenium‐sulfur exchange reaction between diselenide and GSH. Both SeDSA NPs and Co‐NPs show strong orange fluorescence emissions on the account of the AIE feature of SeDSA and they were easily internalized by HeLa and HepG2 cells. Distinctively, the Co‐NPs combine the advantage of SeDSA and SePTX for cell imaging and antineoplastic activity, and exhibit selectivity of cytotoxicities between neoplasia cells and normal cells. This study highlights the development of diselenide‐containing AIEgens as a unique approach to prepare uniform and stable fluorescent nanoparticles for the application in cell imaging and tumor treatment.