bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of initial teamwork capability and initial relational capability on the development of new technology‐based firms
Authors: Brinckmann Jan , Hoegl Martin
Published: March 2011

New technology‐based firms face substantial resource constraints. This study examines how teamwork capability and relational capability of the entrepreneurial team affects the development of new firms. Teamwork capabilities are captured by the quality of collaboration of the entrepreneurial team members among themselves. Relational capabilities are analyzed based on the collaboration of the entrepreneurial team members with partners external to the focal firm. Our findings show that teamwork and relational capabilities, while theoretically originating from social capabilities, can have diverging effects on the development of a new organization. We find that relational capabilities lead to founding team member additions as well as sales and employment growth. In contrast, teamwork capabilities lead to a reduced likelihood to add founding team members and do not affect sales and employment growth. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed. Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
Complementary effects of network range and tie strength in enhancing transnational venture performance
Authors: Patel Pankaj C. , Terjesen Siri
Published: March 2011

We examine the complementary effects of network range and tie strength on the performance of ventures in the context of the transnational entrepreneur (TE). Network range facilitates access to a broad set of knowledge and resources; however these resources may be activated only in the presence of strong ties. Alternatively, a network heavy in strong ties provides reliable connections, but a lack of range can lead to network closure. Using a sample of 452 TE ventures, we find that tie strength enhances venture performance, but network range does not have a significant effect. Furthermore, taken together, tie strength and network range significantly enhance TE venture performance. Supermodularity and linear restriction tests indicate asymmetric complementarity between network range and tie strength. Tie strength is a critical input and network range plays a supporting role in a TE's venture performance. Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
The mediating role of knowledge‐based capital for corporate entrepreneurship effects on performance: A study of small‐ to medium‐sized firms
Authors: Simsek Zeki , Heavey Ciaran
Published: March 2011

Even though research suggests that a firm's pursuit of corporate entrepreneurship directly contributes to its performance, we develop a deeper explanation, based on the insight that this pursuit develops and extends the firm's knowledge‐based capital. Specifically, we first demonstrate that the pursuit of corporate entrepreneurship enhances the firm's knowledge‐based capital residing in people (human capital), relationships (social capital), and systems (organizational capital). Then, we examine the mediating role of each capital type for corporate entrepreneurship effects on performance. We test our hypotheses using multisource data from a sample of CEOs and their top management teams in 125 firms, including a time‐lagged measurement of knowledge‐based capital and performance. Our findings provide general support for this theory and indicate that corporate entrepreneurship is positively associated with knowledge‐based capital and through this, with performance. Copyright © 2011 Strategic Management Society.
Direct Control of the Spatial Arrangement of Gold Nanoparticles in Organic–Inorganic Hybrid Superstructures
Authors: Hermes Jens P. , Sander Fabian , Peterle Torsten , Cioffi Carla , Ringler Philippe , Pfohl Thomas , Mayor Marcel
Published: March 2011

The directed assembly of gold nanoparticles is essential for their use in many kinds of applications, such as electronic devices, biological labels, and sensors. Herein an atomic alteration in the molecular structure of ligand‐stabilized gold nanoparticles that can shift the interparticle distance up to 1 nm upon covalent coupling to organic–inorganic superstructures is presented. Gold nanoparticles are stabilized by two octadentate thioether ligands and have a mean diameter of 1.1 nm. The ligands contain a central rigid rod varying in length and terminally functionalized with a protected acetylene. The two peripheral functional groups on each particle enable the directed assembly of nanoparticles to dimers, trimers, and tetramers by oxidative acetylene coupling. This is a wet chemical protocol resulting in covalently bound nanoparticles. These organic–inorganic hybrid superstructures are analyzed by transmission electron microscopy, small angle X‐ray scattering, and UV/vis spectroscopy. The focus of the comparison here is the subunit, which is anchoring the bridgehead, either a pyridine or benzene moiety. The pyridine‐based ligands reflect the calculated length of the rigid‐rod spacer in their interparticle distances in the obtained hybrid structures. This suggests a perpendicular arrangement that results from the coordination of the pyridine’s lone pair to the gold surface. An atomic variation in the ligand’s center leads to smaller interparticle distances in the case of hybrid structures obtained from benzene ligands. This large difference in the spatial arrangement suggests a tangential arrangement of the interparticle bridging structure in the latter case. Consequently a rather flat arrangement parallel to the particle surface must be assumed for the central benzene unit of the benzene‐based ligand.
Influence of Relative Humidity on the Nanoscopic Topography and Dielectric Constant of Thin Films of PPy:PSS
Authors: Sun Ling , Wang Jianjun , Butt Hans‐Jürgen , Bonaccurso Elmar
Published: March 2011

The morphological, electric, and dielectric properties of water‐based conjugated polymer blends, such as polypyrrole:polystyrene sulfonate (PPy:PSS) or poly(3,4‐ethylenedioxythiophene):polystyrene sulfonate (PEDOT:PSS), are known to be influenced by the water content. These properties also influence the macroscopic performance when the conjugated polymer blends are employed in a device. An in situ humidity‐dependence study on thin films of PPy:PSS by Kelvin probe force microscopy (KPFM) is presented. A particular KPFM mode, dielectric imaging, is used, which detects the second harmonic electrostatic force. Thin PPy:PSS films are drop‐coated on hydrophobic graphite substrates. Upon increasing the relative humidity, the hydrophilic PSS is swelled and dewetted on the substrate, while the hydrophobic PPy remains almost unchanged. The swelling and dewetting of PSS results in irreversible morphological changes in the thin films, as well as nanoscopic rearrangement on the surface of the PPy:PSS films. The nanoscopic rearrangement can only be detected by dielectric imaging. It is also observed that relative humidity affects unannealed and thermally annealed PPy:PSS thin films differently.
Toward rational design of complex nanostructured liquid crystals
Authors: Yoneya Makoto
Published: March 2011

An analogy of block copolymer micro‐segregation as a low‐molecular weight nanostructured liquid crystal (LC) was tested with recently found columnar and cubic phase‐forming LC molecules, to clarify the broader applicability of the analogy as a molecular design principle. We found that the copolymer analogy principle also works well for new micellar cubic phase‐forming molecules. For bicontinuous cubic phase‐forming 1,2‐bis(4′‐n‐alkoxybenzoyl)hydrazines (BABH‐n) compounds that cover a much broader core fraction range than that predicted by the copolymer analogy, we propose hierarchical preferential orientation as an additional mechanism for their cubic range broadening. For azo‐dichiral molecules that also do not fit with the above principle, we propose chiral segregation as an alternative origin for their cubic phase formation. DOI 10.1002/tcr.201000025
Impact of bias in serum free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin and pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A multiples of the median levels on first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21
Authors: Wright D. , Abele H. , Baker A. , Kagan K. O.
Published: March 2011

Objective

To examine the effect of bias in median multiples of the median (MoM) levels of pregnancy‐associated plasma protein‐A (PAPP‐A) and free beta‐human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) on first‐trimester combined screening for trisomy 21.

Methods

The effects of deviations in the MoM levels of free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A were investigated by simulating nuchal translucency (NT) at 12 weeks and MoM values for PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG for 500 000 euploid and 500 000 trisomy 21 pregnancies at 9 and at 12 weeks of gestation. Likelihoods were calculated using the mixture model for NT and the standard Gaussian model for log MoM PAPP‐A and free β‐hCG values. Deviations in MoM marker levels were simulated by applying percentage changes of 5% to 20% to MoM values. Detection and false‐positive rates were calculated with and without adjustments of the maternal serum marker levels by taking the proportion of euploid and aneuploid cases above given thresholds for each maternal age and then taking a weighted average with respect to the maternal age distribution.

Results

With median MoM levels on target, the modeled detection and false‐positive rates in combined screening for trisomy 21 at 12 weeks of gestation with a fixed risk cut‐off of 1 in 100 were 85% and 2.5%, respectively. For median MoM levels of free β‐hCG and PAPP‐A between 0.8 and 1.2 MoM, detection rates ranged from 77% to 91%, with corresponding false‐positive rates ranging from 1.0% to 6.1%.

Conclusion

In first‐trimester screening for trisomy 21, biases in the serum marker MoM levels of 10% can increase false‐positive rates by over 50%, whilst biases of 20% can more than double false‐positive rates. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Identification of submicroscopic chromosomal aberrations in fetuses with increased nuchal translucency and apparently normal karyotype
Authors: Leung T. Y. , Vogel I. , Lau T. K. , Chong W. , Hyett J. A. , Petersen O. B. , Choy K. W.
Published: March 2011

Objective

Fetal nuchal translucency (NT) is assessed by ultrasonography as a screening tool for aneuploidy at 11 to 13 + 6 weeks' gestation. Fetuses with increased NT but apparently normal karyotype are still at higher risk of structural abnormality and a range of genetic syndromes, which may be related to major and submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities. The aim of this study was to report the prevalence of submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities in a cohort of apparently euploid fetuses that presented with increased NT.

Methods

DNA was extracted from stored chorionic villus samples from fetuses found to have increased NT (> 3.5 mm) during first‐trimester screening. These samples were examined by microarray‐based comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) using a 44K oligonucleotide array specifically constructed for prenatal screening. Variations in copy number (CNVs) were reported after excluding known non‐pathogenic variants and after validation with multiplex ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MLPA) or real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). The prevalence of pathogenic CNVs is reported and the association with NT and other ultrasound findings described.

Results

CNVs were reported in 6/48 (12.5%) cases by aCGH and the microdeletions or microduplications ranged from 1.1 to 7.9 Mb. Five of these were validated by MLPA/real‐time qPCR and four (8.3%) were considered to be pathogenic and clinically significant. The incidence of pathogenic CNVs was 20.0% (2/10) among those cases with other sonographic anomalies and 5.3% (2/38) among those without.

Conclusion

aCGH allows detection of submicroscopic chromosomal abnormalities, the prevalence of which may be increased in fetuses with NT > 3.5 mm and an apparently normal karyotype. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparison of cardiac Z‐score with cardiac asymmetry for prenatal screening of congenital heart disease
Authors: Riggs T. , Saini A. P. , Comstock C. H. , Lee W.
Published: March 2011

Objective

To determine the best screening tests for discriminating early indicators of cardiac hypoplasia in congenital heart disease (CHD) from normal variations in fetal cardiac growth.

Methods

We retrospectively examined fetal echocardiograms from 90 infants with confirmed CHD: Group 1 (n = 35) with right‐sided obstructive lesions and Group 2 (n = 55) with left‐sided obstructive lesions. Our control group comprised 2735 normal fetuses, from which we determined fetal cardiac Z‐scores of right ventricle (RV), left ventricle (LV), aorta (Ao) and pulmonary artery (PA) diameters and ratios of right to left ventricle (RV:LV) and pulmonary artery to aorta (PA:Ao) size. We compared our control group to Groups 1 and 2 using ANOVA and area under receiver–operating characteristics curve (AUC) analysis.

Results

For Group 1, RV:LV ratio, RV‐Z‐score and PA:Ao ratio were the best screening tests, with highest AUCs (0.879, 0.868 and 0.832, respectively). For Group 2, the Ao‐Z‐score, PA:Ao and RV:LV ratios were the best screening tests, with AUCs of 0.770, 0.723 and 0.716, respectively.

Conclusion

None of the screening tests was found to be a perfect early discriminator for the cardiac lesions tested. Although ratios of PA:Ao and RV:LV are useful, they should be combined with fetal cardiac Z‐scores to maximize screening sensitivity. Copyright © 2011 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Utilisation of Solvent‐Free Synthesis for the Reaction of Cobalt with Imidazole: MOF Conversion from $^3_{\infty}$[Co3(Im)6(ImH)2] via $^3_{\infty}$[Co4(Im)8(ImH)] to $^3_{\infty}$[Co(Im)2]
Authors: Müller‐Buschbaum Klaus , Schönfeld Fabian
Published: March 2011

The redox potential of cobalt metal proves sufficient to oxidise the metal with a melt of imidazole. Depending on the temperature of the organic melt different three‐dimensional cobalt imidazolate frameworks and hydrogen form. The initial product is $^3_{\infty}$[Co3(Im)6(ImH)2], which transforms under release of imidazole at 210 °C into $^3_{\infty}$[Co4(Im)8(ImH)]. The latter releases the remaining imidazole at temperatures >225 °C and forms homoleptic $^3_{\infty}$[Co(Im)2], which is thermally stable up to 550 °C. Thereby, a direct reaction route starting from the metal was established that prevents the use of toxic and sensitive metallocenes.
Is Para‐aortic Lymph Node Metastasis a Contraindication for Radical Resection in Biliary Carcinoma?
Authors: Murakami Yoshiaki , Uemura Kenichiro , Sudo Takeshi , Hashimoto Yasushi , Nakashima Akira , Kondo Naru , Sakabe Ryutaro , Kobayashi Hironori , Sueda Taijiro
Published: March 2011

Background

Para‐aortic nodal dissection in patients with biliary carcinoma has not been performed routinely worldwide. Therefore, the prognostic impact of para‐aortic lymph node metastasis in biliary carcinoma has not yet been evaluated. The aim of this study was to clarify the prognostic impact of para‐aortic lymph node metastasis in biliary carcinoma.

Methods

Of 113 patients with biliary adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection with regional and para‐aortic lymph node dissection, para‐aortic lymph node metastasis was found in 17 patients (15%) by final pathological examination. Relationships between clinicopathological factors, including para‐aortic lymph node metastasis, and survival were analyzed by univariate and multivariate analyses.

Results

Overall survival rates for the 113 patients were 82% at 1 year, 65% at 2 years, 58% at 3 years, and 52% at 5 years. Univariate analysis revealed that better tumor differentiation (P = 0.044), negative lymph node metastasis (P < 0.001), negative para‐aortic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.007), negative surgical margin status (P < 0.001), lower UICC pT factor (P = 0.009), and earlier UICC stage (P < 0.001) were associated significantly with longer survival. Lymph node metastasis (P = 0.004) but not para‐aortic lymph node metastasis (P = 0.323) remained associated independently with longer survival by multivariate analysis. Five‐year survival rates for node‐negative patients, node‐positive patients without para‐aortic lymph node metastasis, and node‐positive patients with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis were 72, 31, and 24%, respectively.

Conclusion

Radical resection should not be abandoned for patients with para‐aortic lymph node metastasis in biliary adenocarcinoma.
Palynological Dating and Correlation of Surface and Subsurface Sediments from Wardha Valley Coalfield, Maharashtra
Authors: Jha Neerja , Pauline Sabina.K. , Tewari Rajni , Mehrotra N.C.
Published: March 2011

42 genera of palynomorphs have been reported from the qualitative and quantitative analysis of the palynoflora from both open cast mine and bore holes viz., Ballarpur open cast mine, Durgapur open cast mine and Bore hole CMWNM-57 on barrier between Kawadi/Majri open cast and Hindustan Lalpeth Colliery from the Wardha valley coalfield of Wardha basin. Two palynoassemblages have been recorded i.e., an Upper Karharbari palynoassemblage comprising dominance of radial monosaccate genus Parasaccites and subdominance of nonstriate disaccate genus Scheuringipollenites and a Lower Barakar palynoassemblage consisting of dominance of Scheuringipollenites and subdominance of striate disaccates chiefly Faunipollenites, suggesting an Early Permian age (Late Sakmarian to Early Artinskian) to the sediments. It is further authenticated by the occurrence of palynotaxa viz., Crucisaccites, Caheniasaccites, Indotriradites and Tiwariasporis. Upper Karharbari Formation has been demarcated for the first time in lithologically designated Barakar Formations in Ballarpur, Durgapur, Majri and Hindustan Lalpeth Colliery while the sample 57/2 of bore hole CMWNM from Kawadi area may belong to the Kamthi Formation on the basis of pinkish yellowish coarse grained to medium grained sandstone. An attempt has been made to correlate these palynoassemblages with other Lower Gondwana basins of Early Permian affinity.
Rb-Sr Direct Dating of Pyrite from the Pipela VMS Zn-Cu Prospect, Rajasthan, NW India
Authors: Ravikant Vadlamani , Golani P. R.
Published: March 2011

In unaltered volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) ore deposits, variable Rb/Sr ratios in the ore mineral permits application of the Rb–Sr isotopic method to directly date the time of ore formation. In contrast, post–crystallization deformation and metamorphism would open the system to metamorphic fluids that would alter elemental ratios. To test whether the Rb–Sr isotopic systematics in the ore minerals had preserved the formation time in the ~800 Ma metamorphosed VMS ores within the ~1 Ga Ambaji–Sendra arc terrain, Rajasthan, NW India, common sulfides, pyrite and sphalerite from the Pipela Cu-Zn prospect, were analyzed for their geochemistry and Rb–Sr isotopic systematics. Trace and rare earth elements in these minerals are resident probably at crystal defects, whereas all inclusions (including those from metamorphic fluids) were removed by a simple crush leach method. Results of direct dating by the Rb-Sr method to the hydrothermal pyrite yielded an isochron age of 1025±76 Ma with an initial Sr ratio of 0.7051±0.0006, similar to previously determined zircon U-Pb age of 987 Ma from associated rhyolites. This suggests the applicability of the crush leach method to date formation time of metamorphosed pyrite ores.
Occurrence of Fluoride in the Drinking Water Sources from Gad River Basin, Maharashtra
Authors: Duraiswami Raymond A , Patankar Uday
Published: March 2011

High fluoride content in the groundwater is reported from parts of the Gad River Basin, Sindhudurg district, coastal Maharashtra, India. The fluoride content of up to 5 mg/l has been found in the groundwater in laterite, basalt and the Precambrian basement (gneiss) aquifers in the region. The presence of high fluoride in groundwater well above the permissible levels for consumption poses a serious health threat to the rural populace in the region. The presence of tourmaline bearing pegmatites in the Precambrian basement is considered as a potential fluorine source. Deep circulation of fluoride rich groundwater between the latetritised basalts and the underlying crystalline basement could be responsible for the occurrence of fluoride in both the shallow and deeper aquifers of the region.
Peperite Occurrence and its Implications on Origin and Temporal Development of the Proterozoic Dhala Basin, Mohar Area, Shivpuri District, Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Sinha K.K. , Pandey Pradeep , Bhairam C.L. , Parihar P.S.
Published: March 2011

In the western part of Bundelkhand massif, a caldera with intra-caldera sediments, known as Dhala Formation, occurs as an outlier in and around Mohar village of Shivpuri district, Madhya Pradesh. For the first time, occurrence of peperite is being reported from the basal part of the Dhala sediment. Two types of peperites have been recognized: blocky and fluidal or globular with variable morphology. In peperitic zones, features like soft sediment deformations, presence of sediment into the rhyolite along cracks, vesiculation of the sediments and other evidences suggestive of sediment fluidization are some definite characteristics of interaction of hot magma with wet sediments forming peperite. The occurrence of peperites reflects the contemporaniety of deposition of the Dhala sediments and volcanism, which is well in accordance to the volcanic origin of Dhala structure. Further, the nature of unconformity between the Dhala and overlying Kaimur which is characterized by merely a few centimeter thick pebbly/conglomeratic bed does not appear to represent a large hiatus as expected between the Semri and Kaimur of Vindhyan Supergroup. So, the contemporaniety of the Dhala Formation (at least the lower part) as reflected by occurrence of peperites, coupled with the available age of the rhyolite and the nature of the unconformity between the Dhala and overlying Kaimur provide convincing evidence to correlate the Dhala Formation with the Lower part of the Kaimur and unlikely with the Semri Group or Bijawar as proposed earlier.
The Role of Marketing in Social Media: How Online Consumer Reviews Evolve
Authors: Chen Yubo , Fay Scott , Wang Qi
Published: March 2011

Social media provide an unparalleled platform for consumers to publicize their personal evaluations of purchased products and thus facilitate word-of-mouth communication. This paper examines relationships between consumer posting behavior and marketing variables—such as product price and quality—and explores how these relationships evolve as the Internet and consumer review websites attract more universal acceptance. Based on automobile-model data from several leading online consumer review sources that were collected in 2001 and 2008, this study demonstrates that the relationships between marketing variables and consumer online-posting behavior are different at the early and mature stages of Internet usage. For instance, in the early stage of consumer Internet usage, price is negatively correlated with the propensity to post a review. As consumer Internet usage becomes prevalent, however, the relationship between price and the number of online consumer reviews shifts to a U-shape. In contrast, in the early years, price has a U-shaped relationship with overall consumer rating, but this correlation between price and overall rating becomes less significant in the later period. Such differences at the two different stages of Internet usage can be driven by different groups of consumers with different motivations for online review posting.
Development of an Automated Platform for High-Throughput P1-Phage Transduction of Escherichia Coli
Authors: Donath Michael J. , Dominguez Miguel A. , Withers Sydnor T.
Published: March 2011

Synthetic biology depends on the ability to rapidly produce strains with improved phenotypes but is limited by the ability to rapidly produce strain collections with directed mutations. Here, we present a system capable of overcoming this limitation through automated P1-phage transductions of Escherichia coli. By combining the Keio collection of single-gene deletion E. coli mutants with P1-phage, it is possible to generate an engineered host-strain collection consisting of every possible gene deletion mutant. This strategy was tested by transducing 355 genetic markers from the Keio collection into five different host strains, and it achieved a 98% success rate. This method offers an improved mechanism for rapidly engineering collections of microbes and provides one method for rapidly deploying a broader synthetic biology effort.
Regional mapping and characterisation of old landslides in hilly regions using LiDAR-based imagery in Southern Flanders
Authors: Van Den Eeckhaut M. , Poesen Jean , Gullentops Frans , Vandekerckhove Liesbeth , Hervás Javier
Published: March 2011

Analysis of LiDAR-derived imagery led to the discovery of more than 330 pre-Holocene to recent landslides in Southern Flanders (4850 km2). The morphology of three landslides, including the 266.5 ha deep-seated gravitational slope deformation in Alden Biesen, was investigated in more detail. The analysis of the morphological and topographical characteristics (width–length relation, frequency–area distribution and topographical threshold) of the landslides revealed important differences compared to the characteristics reported in other landslide studies, and helped understanding possible landslide triggering mechanisms. Especially the possibility of a seismic origin of the landslides was investigated. Finally, a heuristic model for region-wide landslide susceptibility mapping was successfully tested. The susceptibility model and map allow prediction of future landslide locations and contribute to better understanding the role of individual causal factors on landslide location and spatial density. The results suggest that landslides on low-gradient, soil-mantled hills are a more important contributor to landscape evolution of hilly areas than was hitherto thought. The morphology of all hilly regions of Flanders is clearly marked by landslide processes and higher landslide densities often coincide with the presence of quaternary active faults. This study further shows that high-resolution topographical data such as LiDAR significantly contributes to a better detection of old, previously unknown landslides.
Holocene East Asian monsoon variation inferred from species assemblage and shell chemistry of the ostracodes from Hulun Lake, Inner Mongolia
Authors: Zhai Dayou , Xiao Jule , Zhou Lang , Wen Ruilin , Chang Zhigang , Wang Xu , Jin Xindi , Pang Qiqing , Itoh Shigeru
Published: March 2011

A sediment core from Hulun Lake, Inner Mongolia was analyzed for species assemblages and shell chemistry of ostracodes to investigate changes in the hydrology and climate of the East Asian summer monsoon margin during the Holocene. Darwinula stevensoni was abundant, Ilyocypris spp. scarce, littoral ostracodes absent and Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca and δ18O were low 11,100 to 8300 yr ago, indicating high lake levels and cool/fresh waters. Darwinula stevensoni declined largely, Ilyocypris spp. throve, littoral ostracodes were rare and chemical indicators remained in low values 8300 to 6200 yr ago, suggesting that the lake continued high stands but water became warm. The lake then contracted and water became cool/brackish 6200 to 4300 yr ago. Littoral ostracodes flourished 4300 to 3350 yr ago, marking the lowest lake levels of the entire Holocene. The lake level recovered and water salinity decreased 3350 to 1900 yr ago. From 1900 to 500 yr ago, the lake maintained the preceding status albeit lowered stands and increased salinities 1100 to 800 yr ago. During the recent 500 yr, the lake expanded and water salinity decreased. The data imply that the East Asian summer monsoon did not intensify until 8300 yr ago and weakened dramatically 4300 to 3350 yr ago.
Estimating the extent of degradation of ruminant feeds from a description of their gas production profiles observedin vitro: comparison of models
Authors: Dhanoa M. S. , Lopez S. , Dijkstra J. , Davies D. R. , Sanderson R. , Williams B. A. , Sileshi Z. , France J.
Published: March 2011

An evaluation of general models that describe gas production profiles is presented. The models are derived from first principles by considering a simple three-pool scheme and permit the extent of ruminal degradation to be calculated, as described in the companion paper. The models evaluated were the generalized Mitscherlich, simple Mitscherlich, generalized Michaelis–Menten, simple Michaelis–Menten, Gompertz, and logistic. Five sets of gas production data consisting of 216 curves, obtained using a wide range of feeds (including straw, hay, silage, grain and various byproducts), were analysed to study the performance of these gas production models. Application of the non-sigmoidal models (simple Mitscherlich and Michaelis–Menten) to the data resulted in convergence problems and these models were found to be inadequate in many cases. Based on results of a pairwise comparison between models (variance ratio test), ranking of residual mean squares, lack-of-fit test, and of analyses of residuals, the generalized Mitscherlich and the generalized Michaelis–Menten models seemed particularly suited because of their flexibility to encompass sigmoidal and non-sigmoidal shapes of gas production profiles, whether symmetrical or not.
Preliminary findings on the role ofPLIN1polymorphisms on body composition and energy metabolism response to energy restriction in obese women
Authors: Ruiz J. R. , Larrarte E. , Margareto J. , Ares R. , Alkorta P. , Labayen I.
Published: March 2011

The aim of the present study was to investigate the association ofPLIN111482G>A (rs894160) andPLIN113041A>G (rs2304795) polymorphisms with body composition, energy and substrate metabolism, and the metabolic response to a 12-week energy-restricted diet in obese women. The study comprised a total of seventy-eight obese (BMI 34·0 (sd2·8) kg/m2) women (age 36·7 (sd7) years). We measured weight, height and waist circumference before and after a 12-week controlled energy-restricted diet intervention. Body fat mass and lean mass were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. RMR and lipid oxidation rate were measured by indirect calorimetry. We also analysed fasting plasma glucose, insulin, cholesterol and leptin. Women carrying the 11482A allele had a lower reduction in waist circumference than non-A allele carriers (3·2 (sd0·5)v.4·6 (sd0·6) %, respectively,P = 0·047;Pfor gene–diet interaction = 0·064). Moreover, women with the 11482A allele had a higher decrease in lipid oxidation rate than non-A allele carriers (58·9 (sd6·7)v. 31·3 (sd8·2) %, respectively,P = 0·012;Pfor gene–diet interaction = 0·004). There was no interaction effect between the 13041A>G polymorphism and diet-induced changes on the outcome variables (allP>0·1). These results confirm and extend previous findings suggesting that thePLIN111482G>A polymorphism plays a modulating role on diet-induced changes in body fat and energy metabolism in obese women.
On the structure of simplicial categories associated to quasi-categories
Authors: RIEHL EMILY
Published: March 2011

The homotopy coherent nerve from simplicial categories to simplicial sets and its left adjoint are important to the study of (∞, 1)-categories because they provide a means for comparing two models of their respective homotopy theories, giving a Quillen equivalence between the model structures for quasi-categories and simplicial categories. The functor also gives a cofibrant replacement for ordinary categories, regarded as trivial simplicial categories. However, the hom-spaces of the simplicial category X arising from a quasi-category X are not well understood. We show that when X is a quasi-category, all Λ21 horns in the hom-spaces of its simplicial category can be filled. We prove, unexpectedly, that for any simplicial set X, the hom-spaces of X are 3-coskeletal. We characterize the quasi-categories whose simplicial categories are locally quasi, finding explicit examples of 3-dimensional horns that cannot be filled in all other cases. Finally, we show that when X is the nerve of an ordinary category, X is isomorphic to the simplicial category obtained from the standard free simplicial resolution, showing that the two known cofibrant “simplicial thickenings” of ordinary categories coincide, and furthermore its hom-spaces are 2-coskeletal.
The application of image analysis in monitoring the imbibition process of white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) seeds
Authors: Dell'Aquila A. , van Eck J.W. , van der Heijden G.W.A.M.
Published: March 2011

An image analysis system is described to study the process of imbibition in white cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) seeds. The system consists of two components: 1) an environmental system where seeds germinate; 2) a computer imaging system, composed of a Charged Coupled Device (CCD)-imaging sensor, an image frame grabber, a computer and a video monitor. The measurement software can determine area, perimeter, width, length and eccentricity as descriptors of changes in seed size during swelling. The captured images of imbibing seeds allowed estimation of timing of ‘visible germination’ occurrence without any subjective evaluation. Using the area parameter, the imbibition process can be described graphically by a series of curves similar to the triphasic pattern of water uptake, with extension and rate depending on the degree of seed viability and germination medium conditions. Imbibitional osmotic stress, provided by -1.5 MPa mannitol, induced a large delay in germination and, upon stress removal, a more uniform radicle emergence. The versatility and the sensitivity of the method, together with the feasibility to investigate germination rate in individual seeds within a population, suggest that image analysis techniques have high potential in seed biology studies.
Molecular mobility in the cytoplasm of lettuce radicles correlates with longevity
Authors: Buitink Julia , Hoekstra Folkert A. , Hemminga Marcus A.
Published: March 2011

Molecular mobility is hypothesised to be a key factor influencing storage stability of seeds because it may control the rate of deteriorative reactions responsible for reduced shelf life. The relationship between the longevity of lettuce seeds and the molecular mobility was investigated in the cytoplasm of lettuce radicles. Longevity of lettuce seeds was predicted using the viability equation of Ellis and Roberts, and the molecular mobility was determined by saturation transfer electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy measurements of rotational motion of a polar spin probe inserted into the cytoplasm. Increasing the temperature resulted in faster rotational motion and shorter longevity. There was a linear relationship between the logarithms of rotational motion and estimated seed longevity for temperatures above 5°C. Below 5°C, there was a deviation from linearity. Based on the hypothesis that the molecular mobility in the cytoplasm determines the rate of detrimental reactions, seed longevity at sub-zero temperatures was predicted by extrapolation of the rotational motion using the linear relationship. Predictions of longevity at sub-zero temperatures based on rotational motion indicated longer survival times than those based on the viability equation. A kinetic approach to ageing using molecular mobility measurements is expected to improve our understanding of seed storage stability and might eventually lead to realistic predictions of longevity at low temperatures.
Programmed cell death or desiccation tolerance: two possible routes for wheat endosperm cells
Authors: Golovina Elena A. , Hoekstra Folkert A. , van Aelst Adriaan C.
Published: March 2011

The fate of cells in the endosperm of developing wheat kernels was investigated under normal conditions and upon premature slow drying on the cut ear. To follow the changes in membrane integrity and cellular ultrastructure, an electron spin resonance (ESR) spin probe technique and low temperature scanning electron microscopy (LTSEM) were used. ESR data indicated that during development, the relative amount of cells with intact membranes decreased and became almost zero at the stage of mass maturity, i.e. several days before the onset of maturation drying. This suggests that the death of starchy endosperm cells is a developmental phenomenon rather than one induced by water loss. Even at 8 days after anthesis (daa), early in the differentiation phase, a considerable proportion of endosperm cells had already lost plasma membrane integrity. Comparison of ESR data with LTSEM micrographs revealed that the loss of plasma membrane integrity occurred early in the starch accumulation process, from which it was concluded that the programmes of starch accumulation and developmental death are simultaneously switched on. When the differentiation into starchy endosperm was arrested by premature slow drying of kernels on the cut ear, meristematic cells (aleurone initials) acquired desiccation tolerance as assessed by the combination of the spin probe technique and LTSEM. In contrast, fast drying caused immediate death of these cells. Thus, meristematic endosperm cells have the competence to acquire desiccation tolerance. This occurs upon premature slow drying or during normal differentiation into aleurone cells, but is lost when the cells differentiate into starchy endosperm.
Cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) seed performance as influenced by ovary and ovule position
Authors: Jing Hai-Chun , Bergervoet Jan H.W. , Jalink Henk , Klooster Meindert , Du Sheng-Li , Bino Raoul J. , Hilhorst Henk W.M. , Groot Steven P.C.
Published: March 2011

The performance of cucumber (Cucumis sativusL.) seeds in relation to ovary and ovule position was monitored during seed production. Seeds from three (first, seventh and tenth nodes) fruit positions and three (stylar, intermediate and peduncular) ovule positions were harvested serially during development and characterized with physiological and cellular markers. Seed moisture contents declined to 30%approx. 35 d after pollination (DAP) and remained constant thereafter. At 42 DAP the maximum dry weight was acquired in seeds except those from peduncular segments, whose dry weight accumulation lagged behind. The onset of germinability and desiccation tolerance occurred before the attainment of maximum dry weight, whereas seed performance, as shown by laboratory germination and greenhouse emergence, was largely improved after the completion of seed development. Cell cycle activities (DNA per nucleus and β-tubulin content) ceased by 28 DAP, whereas the degradation of seed chlorophyll continued during the entire maturation period. Seeds from the top fruit and from the peduncular fruit segments were delayed in reaching maximum quality compared with seeds from other positions, and this was correlated with a slower decline of chlorophyll fluorescence.
Effect of harvest time and soaking treatment on cell cycle activity in sugarbeet seeds
Authors: Ś;liwiń;ska Elwira , Jing Hai-Chun , Job Claudette , Job Dominique , Bergervoet Jan H.W. , Bino Raoul J. , Groota Steven P.C.
Published: March 2011

Cell cycle activity in dry and germinating untreated and treated (soaked in water and subsequently in fungicide) seeds of two sugarbeet cultivars, collected at commercial harvest time (late mature seeds) and about 2 weeks before this (immature seeds), was investigated by flow cytometry, and by immuno-detection of β-tubulin and the B-subunit of the 11 S globulin. Germination capacity and field emergence were tested. With dry seeds of both cultivars, higher G2/ G1ratios were observed in the radicle tips of late mature seeds, as compared with those from immature seeds. The late mature seeds contained more partly degraded (soluble) B-subunit of 11 S globulin, typical of germinating or primed sugarbeet seeds. Thus events associated with the onset of germination had occurred in the seed lots collected at commercial harvest time. The cytoskeleton protein β-tubulin was not detectable in dry seeds from either harvest. Western blotting revealed an accumulation of β-tubulin during germination and this was faster in the late mature harvested seeds which was correlated with the onset of DNA replication. Soaking enhanced the rate of cell cycle activation during germination as well as vigour, germination capacity, and field emergence. There was positive correlation between the G2/ G1ratio and the traits examined in laboratory and field tests. It is concluded that a combined analysis of proteins and cell-cycle-related events can be used in understanding and predicting sugarbeet seed quality.
A hierarchical approach to mood classification in blogs
Authors: KESHTKAR FAZEL , INKPEN DIANA
Published: March 2011

In this article, we explore the task of mood classification for blog postings. We propose a novel approach that uses the hierarchy of possible moods to achieve better results than a standard machine learning approach. We also show that using sentiment orientation features improves the performance of classification. We used the Livejournal blog corpus as a data set to train and evaluate our method. We present extensive error analysis and discuss the difficulty of the task.
Does CBT Facilitate Emotional Processing?
Authors: Baker Roger , Owens Matthew , Thomas Sarah , Whittlesea Anna , Abbey Gareth , Gower Phil , Tosunlar Lara , Corrigan Eimear , Thomas Peter W.
Published: March 2011

Background: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is not primarily conceptualized as operating via affective processes. However, there is growing recognition that emotional processing plays an important role during the course of therapy. Aims: The Emotional Processing Scale was developed as a clinical and research tool to measure emotional processing deficits and the process of emotional change during therapy. Method: Fifty-five patients receiving CBT were given measures of emotional functioning (Toronto Alexithymia Scale [TAS-20]; Emotional Processing Scale [EPS-38]) and psychological symptoms (Brief Symptom Inventory [BSI]) pre- and post-therapy. In addition, the EPS-38 was administered to a sample of 173 healthy individuals. Results: Initially, the patient group exhibited elevated emotional processing scores compared to the healthy group, but after therapy, these scores decreased and approached those of the healthy group. Conclusions: This suggests that therapy ostensibly designed to reduce psychiatric symptoms via cognitive processes may also facilitate emotional processing. The Emotional Processing Scale demonstrated sensitivity to changes in alexithymia and psychiatric symptom severity, and may provide a valid and reliable means of assessing change during therapy.
Development and Pilot Evaluation of a Manualized Cognitive-Behavioural Treatment Package for Adolescent Self-Harm
Authors: Taylor Lucy M. W. , Oldershaw Anna , Richards Clair , Davidson Kate , Schmidt Ulrike , Simic Mima
Published: March 2011

Background: Manualized cognitive-behavioural therapy (MCBT) approaches to treating adolescent anxiety and depression have been shown to be effective in recent years, as have MCBT for adult self-harm (SH). Aims: This paper describes the rationale for, development and pilot evaluation of the efficacy of a novel manualized CBT package for adolescent self-harm (SH). It also addresses the acceptability of this treatment package to therapists and patients. Method: Twenty-five adolescents (aged 12–18 years) presenting to a Community Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) in Greater London with SH behaviour began the “Cutting Down” programme and 16 (64%) completed the treatment. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, at the end of treatment and at 3 month follow up. Results: Significant reductions in self-harm behaviour, depression symptoms and trait anxiety were reported. There was no change in state anxiety or in levels of parental expressed emotion as perceived by the adolescent. Conclusion: These pilot findings provide preliminary support for the efficacy and acceptability of this time-limited CBT package for adolescents who self-harm.
Management Actions in a With-Profits Fund Discussion held at the Faculty of Actuaries
Authors: Tuley P. J.
Published: March 2011

The text of this paper, together with the abstract of the discussion held by the Institute of Actuaries on 24 November 2008, are printed in British Actuarial Journal, 15, II.
Spanish-speaking students' use of cognate knowledge to infer the meaning of English words
Authors: DRESSLER CHERYL , CARLO MARIA S. , SNOW CATHERINE E. , AUGUST DIANE , WHITE CLAIRE E.
Published: March 2011

This research examines the processes which native Spanish-speaking learners of English and English-only students engage in when inferring meaning for unknown English words that have Spanish cognates. Conducted within the context of a large-scale vocabulary intervention that taught word inferencing strategies, including a cognate strategy, this qualitative study describes cognate strategy use among a small sample of participants. The data suggest that explicit instruction, students' metalinguistic and metacognitive skills, and the structural characteristics of cognate pairs are associated with cognate recognition.
Emotionale Befindlichkeit und dysfunktionale Stressverarbeitung bei Personen mit Internetsucht
Authors: Wölfling Klaus , Müller Kai W. , Giralt Sebastian , Beutel Manfred E.
Published: March 2011

Ziele: Die suchtartige Nutzung des Internet ist ein Phänomen, das immer stärker in das öffentliche Bewusstsein vordringt. Eine hinreichende klinische Charakterisierung, wie auch Befunde zu ätiopathologischen Faktoren fehlen bislang jedoch. In der vorliegenden Studie wurden zwei verschiedene Klientengruppen hinsichtlich Symptombelastung, Coping und Affektivität mit gesunden Kontrollprobanden verglichen. Methodik: Es nahmen insgesamt 45 Personen an der Studie teil; jeweils zu gleichen Teilen Personen, die wegen des Verdachts auf Internetsucht regionale Beratungsstellen aufsuchten bzw. Personen, die in einer spezialisierten Spielsuchtambulanz vorstellig wurden, sowie gesunde Kontrollpersonen. Alle Probanden füllten standardisierte psychometrische Inventare zur Diagnostik der Internetsucht, der psychischen Symptombelastung, Coping und zur Affektivität aus. Ergebnisse: Personen mit Internetsucht zeichnen sich durch den Einsatz dysfunktionaler Stressbewältigungsstrategien und erhöhter Negativer Affektivität aus. Darüber hinaus liegt eine deutliche psychische Symptombelastung (SCL-90R) in multiplen Bereichen vor. Schlussfolgerungen: Die Ergebnisse verdeutlichen, dass Internetsucht mit erheblichen psychopathologischen Beeinträchtigungen einher geht. Dysfunktionale Stressverarbeitung und erhöhte Negative Affektivität sind als prädisponierende bzw. aufrechterhaltende Faktoren zu diskutieren und lassen den Einsatz entsprechender Interventionsstrategien notwendig erscheinen.
Patterns of Multilevel Variance in Psycho-Educational Phenomena: Comparing Motivation, Engagement, Climate, Teaching, and Achievement Factors
Authors: Martin Andrew J. , Bobis Janette , Anderson Judy , Way Jennifer , Vellar Rosemary
Published: March 2011

Abstract. The present study explored multilevel variance for a range of salient psycho-educational factors in mathematics. With a sample of 4,383 students (Years 5–8) in 257 classrooms and 47 schools, data indicated patterns of variance across the selection of psycho-educational factors. For all factors, the bulk of variance resided at the student (and residual) level. In ascending order of upper-level variance were motivation, perceived motivational ‘climate’, homework completion, teacher-student relationships, and achievement – with motivation and perceived ‘climate’ yielding very little upper-level variance. Hence, although there is usually a hierarchical structure in which psycho-educational factors are situated, there is variation in patterns of multilevel variance across the range of factors. In exploring a range of psycho-educational phenomena from a multilevel perspective, the present study offers further direction for researchers selecting and operationalizing psycho-educational phenomena in multilevel research. Implications for pedagogy, classroom climate, and separating teaching effects from teacher effects and schooling effects from school effects are also discussed.