bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic capacity investment under uncertainty
Authors: Huisman Kuno J.M. , Kort Peter M.
Published: April 2015

This article considers investment decisions within an uncertain dynamic and duopolistic framework. Each investment decision involves to determine the timing and the capacity level. The simultaneous analysis of timing and capacity decisions extends work on entry deterrence/accommodation to consider a timing/delay element. We find that, when applying an entry deterrence policy, the first investor, or incumbent, overinvests in capacity for two reasons. First, it delays the investment of the second investor, or entrant. Second, the entrant will invest in less capacity. We also find that greater uncertainty makes entry deterrence more likely.
Midregional Proadrenomedullin Predicts Mortality and Major Adverse Cardiac Events in Patients Presenting With Chest Pain: Results From the CHOPIN Trial
Authors: Shah Kevin S. , Marston Nicholas A. , Mueller Christian , Neath Sean‐Xavier , Christenson Robert H. , McCord James , Nowak Richard M. , Vilke Gary M. , Daniels Lori B. , Hollander Judd E. , Apple Fred S. , Cannon Chad M. , Nagurney John , Schreiber Donald , deFilippi Christopher , Hogan Christopher J. , Diercks Deborah B. , Limkakeng Alexander , Anand Inder S. , Wu Alan H. B. , Clopton Paul , Jaffe Allan S. , Peacock W. Frank , Maisel Alan S.
Published: April 2015

Objectives

Chest pain is a common complaint to emergency departments (EDs) and clinical risk factors are used to predict which patients are at risk for worse outcomes and mortality. The goal was to assess the novel biomarker midregional proadrenomedullin (MR‐proADM) in prediction of mortality and major adverse cardiac events (MACE).

Methods

This was a subanalysis of the CHOPIN study, a 16‐center prospective trial that enrolled 2,071 patients presenting with chest pain within 6 hours of onset. The primary endpoint was 6‐month all‐cause mortality and the secondary endpoint was 30‐day and 6‐month MACE: ED visits or hospitalization for acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, reinfarction, revascularization, and heart failure.

Results

MR‐proADM performed similarly to troponin (cTnI; c‐statistic = 0.845 and 0.794, respectively) for mortality prediction in all subjects and had similar results in those with noncardiac diagnoses. MR‐proADM concentrations were stratified by decile, and the cohort in the top decile had a 9.8% 6‐month mortality risk versus 0.9% risk for those in the bottom nine deciles (p < 0.0001). MR‐proADM, history of coronary artery disease (CAD), and hypertension were predictors of short‐term MACE, while history of CAD, hypertension, cTnI, and MR‐proADM were predictors of long‐term MACE.

Conclusions

In patients with chest pain, MR‐proADM predicts mortality and MACE in all‐comers with chest pain and has similar prediction in those with a noncardiac diagnosis. This exploratory analysis is primarily hypotheses‐generating and future prospective studies to identify its utility in risk stratification should be considered.
Role of immunotherapy in lung cancer: Preliminary results of new vaccines and immune checkpoint inhibitors
Authors: John Thomas
Published: April 2015

The two dominant approaches to manipulating cancer immunotherapeutics are active, where the immune system is directly stimulated, and passive, where antitumor antibodies stimulate an indirect immune response. At this point, the active approach is receiving more attention in the arena of lung cancer, with ongoing vaccine clinical trials and studies investigating the role of immune checkpoint inhibitors, in particular those that block the programmed death 1(PD‐1) receptor and its ligands. Early results from trials of PD‐1/PD‐L1 ligand inhibitors in nonsmall cell lung cancer are promising, with patients experiencing rapid and durable responses in the first‐, second‐ and third‐line setting as well as in combination with chemotherapy and other immune checkpoint inhibitors. Although the number of patients in these trials is small and the results are preliminary, lung cancer physicians are encouraged that they may soon have agents that confer benefits in excess of those seen with chemotherapy to offer their patients. Further results of ongoing trials are highly anticipated.
Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty: are we all really on the same page?
Authors: Adam Ahmed , Smith Grahame H. H.
Published: April 2015

Background

The Anderson–Hynes pyeloplasty (AHP) is a surgical technique used in the management of pelvi‐ureteric junction obstruction. This operation has been performed for over six decades and has etched its name in the annals of urology. But are we all really referring to the same procedure?

Methods

A systematic review of the Ovid MEDLINE(R) and Ovid OLDMEDLINE(R) database from 1946 to 20 June 2014 was performed for the terms ‘Anderson and Hynes’ and ‘Anderson–Hynes’, with later restriction to the title of journal article. Each respective author's descriptive images (figures/photographic) of technique performed was compared with the original procedure. Non‐English figure legends were translated using online translational tools.

Results

In total, 242 articles were retrieved. Streamlining this search to articles with the above search terms restricted to article title revealed 58 (34 English/24 non‐English) articles. Only 29/58 papers had referenced the original procedure. Operative images were present in 17/58 of the articles claiming to have performed the AHP. Within these papers, only 7/17 articles depicted both the L‐shaped cut and pelvic flap. Diverse variations were observed in the remainder 10/17 articles. This was a worldwide phenomenon, observed more commonly in recent decades and when minimally invasive techniques were used.

Conclusion

The AHP is often not performed as was originally described. Over the decades, surgeons have unknowingly attributed variations to this procedure. Based on this review, a novel ‘geometric classification’ system has been proposed to better define the dismembered pyeloplasty.
Laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery: an Australian experience
Authors: Roberts Jay , Wong Jason , Haxhimolla Hodo , Kua Boon
Published: April 2015

Background

The objective of this study was to evaluate clinical outcomes from our initial experience with laparoscopic nephron sparing surgery (LNSS) for small renal masses in Australian practice.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on an initial 50 patients undergoing LNSS. All procedures performed between April 2006 and September 2012 were included with median follow‐up of 30 months. Outcomes measured were: positive surgical margin, warm ischaemic time, total operative time, blood transfusion and complications in the first 30 days after surgery.

Results

The mean age of patients was 57 years. The mean pre‐operative creatinine was 85 μmol/L and the mean post‐operative creatinine was 89 μmol/L. Sixty‐four per cent of the tumours were malignant tumours. The mean size of tumours was 2.5 cm. There were two malignant positive surgical margins on histology. The mean total operative time was 224 min and the mean warm ischaemic time was 24 min. Nine patients had complications with Clavien–Dindo grade III or lower. There was no grade IV or V complication. No patients were lost to follow‐up and there have been no tumour recurrences to date.

Conclusions

LNSS is emerging as a viable alternative to open NSS for small renal tumours with lower morbidity and equivalent oncological and functional outcomes. There is, however, a steep learning curve associated with the procedure.
Retracted: MicroRNA‐218 increases cellular sensitivity to Rapamycin via targeting Rictor in cervical cancer
Authors: Li Jing , Li Xiaocui , Wang Jingpu , Wang Yuan , Qiu Haifeng
Published: April 2015

We previously reported that microRNA‐218 was frequently lost in cervical cancer and restoration of microRNA‐218 increased cellular radio‐sensitivity via inhibiting. Herein, we aim to investigate the effects of microRNA‐218 on cellular response to mTOR inhibition. The expression of microRNA‐218 and Rictor were measured by Taqman PCR and real time PCR in a panel of 15 cervical cancer tissues. MicroRNA‐218 was stably overexpressed in four cervical cancer cell lines and a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments were performed to investigate cellular sensitivity to Rapamycin. In primary cultured cervical cancer cells, the expression of microRNA‐218 was negatively correlated with the mRNA level of Rictor, which predicted cellular sensitivity to Rapamycin (p = 0.002, R2 = 0.6810). In vitro, overexpression of microRNA‐218 significantly reduced the level of Rictor and enhanced the growth‐inhibition, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis induced by Rapamycin. In vivo, overexpression of microRNA‐218 further enhanced the suppressive effects of Rapamycin on tumor growth. In conclusion, we demonstrated that microRNA‐218 could re‐sensitize cervical cancer to Rapamycin through targeting Rictor. Moreover, patients with loss of microRNA‐218 presented notable resistance to Rapamycin, indicating that microRNA‐218 might be a valid marker for patients‐stratification in future clinical trials.
Profiling peripheral microRNAs in obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Wu Liangping , Dai Xiaojiang , Zhan Junfang , Zhang Yuxin , Zhang Hongbin , Zhang Hongbing , Zeng Songhua , Xi Wenbin
Published: April 2015

Mechanisms of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) remain elusive, in which obesity (OB) is considered as one of the major risk factors for the disease. A microRNA (miRNA) is a small non‐coding RNA molecule functioning in RNA silencing and post‐transcriptional regulation of gene expression. It has been demonstrated that some miRNAs can exist in serum stably and is closely related to various diseases. The goal of our study was to identify whether the deregulation of serum miRNAs was associated with T2DM and obesity. Twenty‐five subjects with T2DM2, 25 healthy controls, 25 subjects with obesity, and 25 subjects with T2DM combined with obesity were included in the study. A total of 536 miRNA serum samples from these four groups were studied by miRNA polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panels. Data showed that miR‐152 and miR‐17 were significantly elevated in the OB group, whereas miR‐138 was significantly decreased in OB group when compared to controls, T2DM, or T2DM+obesity group. In addition, level of MiR‐593 was significantly lower in T2DM group and T2DM+obesity group when compared with controls. Further analysis revealed that the four miRNAs can be used as potential biomarkers to distinguish obesity from T2DM, OB+T2DM, and healthy subjects. Our study is one of the pioneer studies showing the differences in peripheral miRNA level in obesity, T2DM and T2DM combined with obesity. The study results suggest the potential utility of miRNAs in the prediction for obesity and T2DM.
Laparoscopic repair of Morgagni hernia with composite mesh in an elderly woman: Report of a case
Authors: Ikarashi Masahito , Matsuda Minoru , Murayama Isao , Fujii Masashi , Takayama Tadatoshi
Published: April 2015

A 78‐year‐old woman was admitted to another hospital with vomiting. Chest X‐ray showed an abnormal shadow in the lower right lung field, and CT indicated a Morgagni hernia containing the stomach and transverse colon. The patient was transferred to our hospital and underwent laparoscopic surgery. After the hernia contents were repositioned into the abdominal cavity, we repaired the hernia orifice with a prosthetic mesh to achieve a tension‐free repair. There were no complications after the surgery, and there has been no recurrence. The patient has remained free of clinical symptoms since 10 months after the surgery. Laparoscopic repair with a prosthetic mesh for Morgagni hernia is a simple and safety procedure for elderly patients.
Homemade specimen retrieval bag for laparoscopic cholecystectomy: A solution in the time of fiscal crisis
Authors: Stavrou George , Fotiadis Kyriakos , Panagiotou Dimitrios , Faitatzidou Afroditi , Kotzampassi Katerina
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Due to the current economic crisis in Greece, major cutbacks on healthcare costs have been imposed, resulting in a shortage of surgical supplies, including laparoscopic materials. In an attempt to reduce costs, we developed a homemade specimen retrieval bag for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.

Materials and Surgical Technique

We used the polyethylene bag containing the catheter of a Redon drainage set. The bag was cut in half and pleated longitudinally; then, the gallbladder was placed in the bag and removed through the umbilicus with a grasping forceps.

Discussion

From September 2011 to June 2012, we used our homemade bag on 85 patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. No rupture, accidental opening, or bile leak was observed. The learning curve was found to be five cases. Our homemade specimen retrieval bag seems to be a safe, effective, and easy tool for tissue extraction. Further studies need to be conducted to evaluate its full potential.
Validation of the revised international prognostic scoring system (IPSS‐R) in patients with lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndromes: a report from the prospective European LeukaemiaNet MDS (EUMDS) registry
Authors: de Swart Louise , Smith Alex , Johnston Thomas W. , Haase Detlef , Droste Jackie , Fenaux Pierre , Symeonidis Argiris , Sanz Guillermo , Hellström‐Lindberg Eva , Cermák Jaroslav , Germing Ulrich , Stauder Reinhard , Georgescu Otilia , MacKenzie Marius , Malcovati Luca , Holm Mette S. , Almeida Antonio M. , Mądry Krzysztof , Slama Borhane , Guerci‐Bresler Agnes , Sanhes Laurence , Beyne‐Rauzy Odile , Luño Elisa , Bowen David , de Witte Theo
Published: April 2015

Baseline characteristics, disease‐management and outcome of 1000 lower‐risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) patients within the European LeukaemiaNet MDS (EUMDS) Registry are described in conjunction with the validation of the revised International Prognostic Scoring System (IPSS‐R). The EUMDS registry confirmed established prognostic factors, such as age, gender and World Health Organization 2001 classification. Low quality of life (EQ‐5D visual analogue scale score) was significantly associated with reduced survival. A high co‐morbidity index predicted poor outcome in univariate analyses. The IPSS‐R identified a large group of 247 patients with Low (43%) and Very low (23%) risk score within the IPSS intermediate‐1 patients. The IPSS‐R also identified 32 High or Very high risk patients within the IPSS intermediate‐1 patients. IPSS‐R was superior to the IPSS for predicting both disease progression and survival. Seventy percent of patients received MDS‐specific treatment or supportive care, including red blood cell transfusions (51%), haematopoietic growth factors (58%) and iron chelation therapy (8%), within 2 years of diagnosis; while 30% of the patients only required active monitoring. The IPSS‐R proved its utility as a more refined risk stratification tool for the identification of patients with a very good or poor prognosis and in this lower‐risk MDS population.
Responder and health‐related quality of life analyses in men with lower urinary tract symptoms treated with a fixed‐dose combination of solifenacin and tamsulosin oral‐controlled absorption system: results from the NEPTUNE study
Authors: Drake Marcus J. , Sokol Roman , Coyne Karin , Hakimi Zalmai , Nazir Jameel , Dorey Julie , Klaver Monique , Traudtner Klaudia , Odeyemi Isaac A. , Oelke Matthias , van Kerrebroeck Philip ,   the NEPTUNE study group
Published: April 2015

Objective

To evaluate the effect of a fixed‐dose combination (FDC) of solifenacin and an oral‐controlled absorption system (OCAS™) formulation of tamsulosin (TOCAS) on health‐related quality of life (HRQoL) in men with lower urinary tract symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (LUTS/BPH).

Patients and methods

Men with moderate‐to‐severe storage symptoms and voiding symptoms were treated for 12 weeks with a FDC of solifenacin 6 or 9 mg plus TOCAS (0.4 mg), TOCAS monotherapy (0.4 mg) or placebo in a randomised, double‐blind study (NEPTUNE). The co‐primary endpoints were Total Urgency Frequency Score (TUFS) and total International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS). HRQoL was assessed by several secondary endpoints: IPSS QoL index, overactive bladder questionnaire (OAB‐q), and Patient Global Impression (PGI) scale. The correlation between symptom improvement (TUFS) and HRQoL was assessed by Spearman rank correlation coefficients. Single and double responder analyses, using subjective and objective measures, were also performed.

Results

In the responder analyses, men treated with a FDC of solifenacin 6 mg plus TOCAS consistently had significantly improved outcomes compared with placebo (8/8 responder analyses performed) and TOCAS (6/8 responder analyses performed). There was a significant correlation (P < 0.001) between the reduction in TUFS and the improvement in HRQoL defined by IPSS QoL score, OAB‐q symptom bother score, PGI overall bladder symptoms and PGI general health.

Conclusions

In men with LUTS/BPH who have moderate‐to‐severe storage symptoms and voiding symptoms, the reduction in symptoms with a once‐daily FDC of solifenacin and TOCAS was associated with consistent patient‐relevant improvements in HRQoL compared with placebo and TOCAS monotherapy.
Public Debt and Growth
Authors: Woo Jaejoon , Kumar Manmohan S.
Published: April 2015

The recent global financial crisis has led to an unprecedented increase in public debt across the world, raising serious concerns about its economic impact. This paper examines the impact of high public debt on long‐run economic growth in a large panel of countries over the last four decades. High initial public debt is found to be significantly associated with slower subsequent growth. Non‐linearities, currency denomination of debt and differences between advanced and emerging market economies are explored. The adverse effect largely reflects a slowdown in labour productivity growth mainly due to slower capital accumulation. Extensive robustness checks confirm the results.
“A War of Ideas”: The Rise of Conservative Teachers in Wartime New York City, 1938–1946
Authors: Burkholder Zoë
Published: April 2015

On the evening of May 17, 1946, more than 1,200 festive supporters streamed into the Brooklyn Academy of Music to honor a New York City teacher who had survived, by the skin of her teeth, charges of “un-American” teaching. Since 1935, New York City's public school teachers faced the threat of investigation and dismissal for potentially subversive radical political beliefs or affiliations. Tonight, however, the audience breathed a collective sigh of relief that the Board of Education hearing had turned out well and that the teacher in question would retain her position.
Immunogenetic control of the intestinal microbiota
Authors: Marietta Eric , Rishi Abdul , Taneja Veena
Published: April 2015

All vertebrates contain a diverse collection of commensal, symbiotic and pathogenic microorganisms, such as bacteria, viruses and fungi, on their various body surfaces, and the ecological community of these microorganisms is referred to as the microbiota. Mucosal sites, such as the intestine, harbour the majority of microorganisms, and the human intestine contains the largest community of commensal and symbiotic bacteria. This intestinal community of bacteria is diverse, and there is a significant variability among individuals with respect to the composition of the intestinal microbiome. Both genetic and environmental factors can influence the diversity and composition of the intestinal bacteria with the predominant environmental factor being diet. So far, studies have shown that diet‐dependent differences in the composition of intestinal bacteria can be classified into three groups, called enterotypes. Other environmental factors that can influence the composition include antibiotics, probiotics, smoking and drugs. Studies of monozygotic and dizygotic twins have proven that genetics plays a role. Recently, MHC II genes have been associated with specific microbial compositions in human infants and transgenic mice that express different HLA alleles. There is a growing list of genes/molecules that are involved with the sensing and monitoring of the intestinal lumen by the intestinal immune system that, when genetically altered, will significantly alter the composition of the intestinal microflora. The focus of this review will be on the genetic factors that influence the composition of the intestinal microflora.
Nucleopolyhedrovirus infection and/or parasitism by Microplitis pallidipes affected haemolymph titre of 20‐hydroxyecdysone in Spodoptera exigua larvae
Authors: Ji X.‐Y. , Wan N.‐F. , Liu J. , Jiang J.‐X.
Published: April 2015

This study examined the physiological effects of joint and separate parasitism and infection by the endoparasitoid Microplitis pallidipes Szépligeti and the nucleopolyhedrovirus (NPV), respectively, on haemolymph 20‐hydroxyecdysone (20‐E) titre in Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) larvae. The results indicated that in parasitized larvae, virus‐infected larvae (5.7 × 103 and 5.7 × 105 OB/ml) and parasitized larvae infected with virus at 5.7 × 105 OB/ml, compared to healthy larvae, the 20‐E all declined during the first 3 days but began to increase from day 4 after treatment, while in jointly parasitized and infected larvae (5.7 × 103 OB/ml), the 20‐E declined during the first 4 days but began to increase on day 5 after treatment. Meanwhile, compared to parasitized larvae, the 20‐E declined during the first 4 days but significantly increased on day 5 in jointly parasitized and infected larvae (5.7 × 103 OB/ml), while significantly increased during the first 2 days but began to decrease from day 3 after treatment in jointly parasitized and infected larvae (5.7 × 105 OB/ml). Finally, in larvae that were both parasitized and virus infected (5.7 × 103 OB/ml), compared to just virus‐infected larvae (5.7 × 103 OB/ml), the 20‐E was lower on days 3 and 4 but higher on other days after treatment; in larvae that were both parasitized and virus infected (5.7 × 105 OB/ml), compared to just virus‐infected larvae (5.7 × 105 OB/ml), the 20‐E was significantly higher at the first 2 days but lower from day 3 after treatment. Our results revealed that 2nd instar larval M. pallidipes in host bodies may release 20‐E into the haemolymph of S. exigua larvae and that NPV infection may stimulate S. exigua to release more 20‐E during its third to fourth instar larval moulting. We found that this stimulatory effect was greater with higher virus concentrations.
Post‐hatchling cranial ontogeny in the Early Triassic diapsid reptile Proterosuchus fergusi
Authors: Ezcurra Martín D. , Butler Richard J.
Published: April 2015

The phylogenetic position of Proterosuchus fergusi (Lower Triassic of South Africa) as one of the most basal archosauriforms means that it is critically important for understanding the successful evolutionary radiation of archosaurs during the Mesozoic. The excellent sample of the species provides a unique opportunity to understand early archosauriform ontogeny. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of cranial ontogenetic variation were conducted on an ontogenetic sequence, in which the smallest individual is 37% of the size of the largest one and osteohistological evidence suggests that four of 11 collected specimens had not reached sexual maturity. Through ontogeny the skull of Proterosuchus became proportionally taller, the infratemporal fenestra larger, and the teeth more isodont and numerous but with smaller crowns. The sequence of somatic maturity supports relatively high growth rates during early ontogeny. The skull of juvenile specimens of Proterosuchus closely resembles adults of the basal archosauromorph Prolacerta, whereas adult specimens resemble adults of more derived archosauriforms. As a result, a plausible hypothesis is that ontogenetic modification events (e.g. heterochrony) may have been key drivers of the evolution of the general shape of the skull at the base of Archosauriformes. These changes may have contributed to the occupation of a new morphospace by the clade around the Permo‐Triassic boundary.
Impure Agency and the Just War
Authors: Kellison Rosemary B.
Published: April 2015

Feminist critiques of intention challenge some aspects of traditional just war reasoning, including the criteria of right intention and discrimination (particularly as interpreted using the doctrine of double effect). I take note of these challenges and propose some directions just war reasoners might take in response. First, right intention can be evaluated more accurately by judging what actors in war actually do than by attempting to uncover inward dispositions. Assessing whether agents in war have taken due care to minimize foreseeable collateral damage, avoided intentional targeting of noncombatants, corrected previous mistakes in their later actions, and taken responsibility to repair unintended damage they cause are examples of ways in which just war reasoners can evaluate intention by looking at actions.
Determinants of the Annual Duration of Sickness Presenteeism: Empirical Evidence from European Data
Authors: Arnold Daniel
Published: April 2015

Sickness presenteeism, i.e. going to work while sick, can cause substantial productivity losses. Focusing on work‐related characteristics, we investigate the determinants of the annual duration of sickness presenteeism using representative European cross‐sectional data. We find work autonomy, workload, tenure, and the work environment to be the quantitatively most relevant determinants of sickness presenteeism days. Work autonomy (control over one's work, being supervisor), workload (weekly working hours, time pressure), and tenure are positively related to the number of sickness presenteeism days. In contrast, a good work environment (good working conditions and social support) comes along with fewer presenteeism days.
Multiple Objectives in Monetary Policy: A De Facto Analysis for ‘Advanced’ Countries
Authors: Cobham David
Published: April 2015

A statistical methodology is developed to identify when policymakers in ‘advanced’ economies have successfully pursued different single objectives or multiple objectives. Multiple objectives pure and simple are distinguished from multiple objectives subject to a price stability constraint. The overall and individual country results seem plausible. Unconditional and conditional analyses reveal that constrained multiple objectives are associated with roughly as good economic performance (inflation, economic growth) as the single objective of inflation. Finally the paper shows how the remit of an inflation‐targeting central bank could be adjusted to allow it to pursue other objectives in extremis without losing the credibility effects associated with inflation targeting.
Integration of Random Forest with population‐based outlier analyses provides insight on the genomic basis and evolution of run timing in Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Authors: Brieuc Marine S. O. , Ono Kotaro , Drinan Daniel P. , Naish Kerry A.
Published: April 2015

Anadromous Chinook salmon populations vary in the period of river entry at the initiation of adult freshwater migration, facilitating optimal arrival at natal spawning. Run timing is a polygenic trait that shows evidence of rapid parallel evolution in some lineages, signifying a key role for this phenotype in the ecological divergence between populations. Studying the genetic basis of local adaptation in quantitative traits is often impractical in wild populations. Therefore, we used a novel approach, Random Forest, to detect markers linked to run timing across 14 populations from contrasting environments in the Columbia River and Puget Sound, USA. The approach permits detection of loci of small effect on the phenotype. Divergence between populations at these loci was then examined using both principle component analysis and FST outlier analyses, to determine whether shared genetic changes resulted in similar phenotypes across different lineages. Sequencing of 9107 RAD markers in 414 individuals identified 33 predictor loci explaining 79.2% of trait variance. Discriminant analysis of principal components of the predictors revealed both shared and unique evolutionary pathways in the trait across different lineages, characterized by minor allele frequency changes. However, genome mapping of predictor loci also identified positional overlap with two genomic outlier regions, consistent with selection on loci of large effect. Therefore, the results suggest selective sweeps on few loci and minor changes in loci that were detected by this study. Use of a polygenic framework has provided initial insight into how divergence in a trait has occurred in the wild.
Bacterial symbiont sharing in Megalomyrmex social parasites and their fungus‐growing ant hosts
Authors: Liberti Joanito , Sapountzis Panagiotis , Hansen Lars H. , Sørensen Søren J. , Adams Rachelle M. M. , Boomsma Jacobus J.
Published: April 2015

Bacterial symbionts are important fitness determinants of insects. Some hosts have independently acquired taxonomically related microbes to meet similar challenges, but whether distantly related hosts that live in tight symbiosis can maintain similar microbial communities has not been investigated. Varying degrees of nest sharing between Megalomyrmex social parasites (Solenopsidini) and their fungus‐growing ant hosts (Attini) from the genera Cyphomyrmex, Trachymyrmex and Sericomyrmex allowed us to address this question, as both ant lineages rely on the same fungal diet, interact in varying intensities and are distantly related. We used tag‐encoded FLX 454 pyrosequencing and diagnostic PCR to map bacterial symbiont diversity across the Megalomyrmex phylogenetic tree, which also contains free‐living generalist predators. We show that social parasites and hosts share a subset of bacterial symbionts, primarily consisting of Entomoplasmatales, Bartonellaceae, Acinetobacter, Wolbachia and Pseudonocardia and that Entomoplasmatales and Bartonellaceae can co‐infect specifically associated combinations of hosts and social parasites with identical 16S rRNA genotypes. We reconstructed in more detail the population‐level infection dynamics for Entomoplasmatales and Bartonellaceae in Megalomyrmex symmetochus guest ants and their Sericomyrmex amabilis hosts. We further assessed the stability of the bacterial communities through a diet manipulation experiment and evaluated possible transmission modes in shared nests such as consumption of the same fungus garden food, eating of host brood by social parasites, trophallaxis and grooming interactions between the ants, or parallel acquisition from the same nest environment. Our results imply that cohabiting ant social parasites and hosts may obtain functional benefits from bacterial symbiont transfer even when they are not closely related.
Predicting Participation in a Victim–Offender Conference
Authors: Paul Gregory D.
Published: April 2015

According to restorative justice practitioners, participating in a victim–offender conference (VOC) can lead to a number of positive consequences for the parties. For victims in particular, participating in a VOC ostensibly provides a way to talk directly with the offender about the harm done, hold the person accountable, and achieve restoration. Lacking, however, is an understanding of what motivates victim participation. This study investigates how the desire to obtain offender‐related outcome goals, victim‐related outcome goals, process goals, and information goals influence individuals’ willingness to participate in a VOC. The study tested a hypothesized model of VOC participation to understand how goals influenced each other and willingness to participate in a VOC. Several factors, reflecting a helping motivation overall, shaped willingness to participate in a VOC. The manuscript concludes with a discussion of implications for restorative justice researchers and practitioners.
Writing difference differently
Authors: Fisher Karen , Williams Miriam , FitzHerbert Stephen , Instone Lesley , Duffy Michelle , Wright Sarah , Suchet‐Pearson Sandie , Lloyd Kate , Burarrwanga Laklak , Ganambarr Ritjilili , Ganambarr‐Stubbs Merrkiyawuy , Ganambarr Banbapuy , Maymuru Djawundil , Country Bawaka
Published: April 2015

This paper investigates the writing of situated knowledge and explores the possibilities of enacting difference by writing differently. We present a selection of research stories in which carrier bags, sounds, baskets, gardens and potatoes are interpreted less as objects of research or metaphors to aid in analysing phenomena, than as mediators of the stories. Our stories emphasise the ontological politics of engaging with and representing the relational, the messy, the spontaneous, the unpredictable, the non‐human and bodily experiences. These stories demonstrate how writing is performative and how it is integral to the production of knowledge.
Synthesis of oleyl oleate wax esters in Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa seed oil
Authors: Iven Tim , Hornung Ellen , Heilmann Mareike , Feussner Ivo
Published: April 2015

Seed oil composed of wax esters with long‐chain monoenoic acyl moieties represents a high‐value commodity for industry. Such plant‐derived sperm oil‐like liquid wax esters are biodegradable and can have excellent properties for lubrication. In addition, wax ester oil may represent a superior substrate for biodiesel production. In this study, we demonstrate that the low‐input oil seed crop Camelina sativa can serve as a biotechnological platform for environmentally benign wax ester production. Two biosynthetic steps catalysed by a fatty alcohol‐forming acyl‐CoA reductase (FAR) and a wax ester synthase (WS) are sufficient to achieve wax ester accumulation from acyl‐CoA substrates. To produce plant‐derived sperm oil‐like liquid wax esters, the WS from Mus musculus (MmWS) or Simmondsia chinensis (ScWS) were expressed in combination with the FAR from Mus musculus (MmFAR1) or Marinobacter aquaeolei (MaFAR) in seeds of Arabidopsis thaliana and Camelina sativa. The three analysed enzyme combinations Oleo3:mCherry:MmFAR1∆c/Oleo3:EYFP:MmWS, Oleo3:mCherry:MmFAR1∆c/ScWS and MaFAR/ScWS showed differences in the wax ester molecular species profiles and overall biosynthetic performance. By expressing MaFAR/ScWS in Arabidopsis or Camelina up to 59% or 21% of the seed oil TAGs were replaced by wax esters, respectively. This combination also yielded wax ester molecular species with highest content of monounsaturated acyl moieties. Expression of the enzyme combinations in the Arabidopsis fae1 fad2 mutant background high in oleic acid resulted in wax ester accumulation enriched in oleyl oleate (18:1/18:1 > 60%), suggesting that similar values may be obtained with a Camelina high oleic acid line.
Constitutive expression of the Poplar FD‐like basic leucine zipper transcription factor alters growth and bud development
Authors: Parmentier‐Line Cécile M. , Coleman Gary D.
Published: April 2015

In poplar, the CO/FT regulatory module mediates seasonal growth cessation. Although FT interacts with the basic leucine zipper transcription factor FD, surprisingly little is known about the possible role of FD in bud development and growth cessation in trees. In this study, we examined the expression and localization of the poplar FD homolog, PtFD1, during short‐day (SD)‐induced bud development, and the consequences of overexpressing PtFD1 on bud development and shoot growth. PtFD1 was primarily expressed in apical and axillary buds and exhibited a transient increase in expression during the initial stages of SD‐induced bud development. This transient increase declined with continued SD treatment. When PtFD1 was overexpressed in poplar, SD‐induced growth cessation and bud formation were abolished. PTFD1 overexpression also resulted in precocious flowering of juvenile plants in long‐day (LD) photoperiods. Because the phenotypes associated with overexpression of PtFD1 are similar to those observe when poplar FT1 is overexpressed (Science, 312, 2006, 1040), the expression and diurnal patterns of expression of both poplar FT1 and FT2 were characterized in PtFD1 overexpression poplars and found to be altered. DNA microarray analysis revealed few differences in gene expression between PtFD1 overexpressing poplars in LD conditions while extensive levels of differential gene expression occur in SD‐treated plants. These results enforce the connection between the regulation of flowering and the regulation of growth cessation and bud development in poplar.
A ‘Gigantic Struggle Between Believers and Those Without God’? Catholicism in the Spanish Second Republic, 1931–1939
Authors: Ryan Richard
Published: April 2015

In Spain today, the place of the Catholic Church and the role of the Catholic faith under the Spanish Second Republic (1931–1939) remain one of the most bitterly contested aspects in recent history and memory. Behind that confrontation is the Catholic Church hierarchy's continued support for a narrative of ‘good versus evil,’ carried over from the 1930s and portraying the Church as a passive and helpless victim of Republican persecution. But as this article shows, far from a confrontation between ‘good and evil’, the Republic was an arena of social change in which debates around religion and the place of the Church became the lens through which larger political, social, and cultural clashes played out. It suggests that historians must begin to pay much more attention to the reality experienced by many Catholics during the 1930s in order to fully understand the complexities of the Second Republic in peacetime and civil war.
Social Psychological Processes that Facilitate Sexual Assault within the Fraternity Party Subculture
Authors: Boyle Kaitlin M.
Published: April 2015

Rape on the college campus has gained increasing amounts of attention in higher education, mainstream news, and public policy. The prevalence rates of rape are especially high among students who frequent campus parties, such as those hosted by fraternities. Researchers have described this increased risk by focusing on individual attitudes and behaviors of fraternity members or on the organizational norms and practices within the fraternity party subculture. To incorporate these studies into a single theoretical framework, this essay uses a social psychological approach to connect individual‐level attitudes, (sub)culture, and behavior. I describe and apply identity theory and affect control theory, two structural symbolic interactionist theories, to explain why certain men are drawn to high‐risk fraternities and how membership reinforces hostility toward and abuse of women. In doing so, I suggest several avenues for future research that would increase social psychological understanding of the heightened prevalence of sexual victimization within the fraternity party subculture.
Vulnerability and Resilience: Two Dimensions of Rurality
Authors: Freshwater David
Published: April 2015

The idea of resilience seems to be replacing sustainability as a defining concept for rural development. And, like sustainability, resilience is a vague concept that has many definitions and implications. It captures the idea that rural regions are exposed to shocks that require a mix of efforts both to mitigate their impact and incidence, and to adapt to a new environment after a shock event. In this respect resilience has much in common with the concept of risk management, which is pervasive in economics. In the article concepts from risk management are linked to four categories of risk to demonstrate that the type of risk can suggest specific ways to think about resilience strategies. Because rural regions are inherently exposed to high levels of risk, and have significant constraints on their ability to mitigate it, developing a way to achieve greater resilience is both crucial and difficult. This suggests that many rural regions may remain vulnerable, despite efforts to mitigate risk and buffer its impacts.
Mass Deportations and the Future of Latino Partisanship
Authors: Street Alex , Zepeda‐Millán Chris , Jones‐Correa Michael
Published: April 2015

Objective

The U.S. government continues to deport large numbers of undocumented Latino immigrants. We address the likely effects of these policies on Latino partisanship.

Methods

We use a survey experiment to test the effects of information about mass deportations on partisan evaluations among young second‐generation Latinos.

Results

Young U.S.‐born Latinos view the Democratic Party as less welcoming when informed that deportations have been higher under President Obama than under his predecessor. Because most young U.S.‐born Latinos are either weak partisans or political independents, there is wide scope for information effects among these potential voters.

Conclusion

Mass deportation policies have the potential to reshape the partisanship and politics of Latinos for years to come.
Eigenvalue Assignment for Control of Time-Delay Systems Via the Generalized Runge–Kutta Method
Authors: Niu JinBo , Ding Ye , Zhu LiMin , Ding Han
Published: April 2015

This paper presents an eigenvalue assignment method for the time-delay systems with feedback controllers. A new form of Runge–Kutta algorithm, generalized from the classical fourth-order Runge–Kutta method, is utilized to stabilize the linear delay differential equation (DDE) with a single delay. Pole placement of the DDEs is achieved by assigning the eigenvalue with maximal modulus of the Floquet transition matrix obtained via the generalized Runge–Kutta method (GRKM). The stabilization of the DDEs with feedback controllers is studied from the viewpoint of optimization, i.e., the DDEs are controlled through optimizing the feedback gain matrices with proper optimization techniques. Several numerical cases are provided to illustrate the feasibility of the proposed method for control of linear time-invariant delayed systems as well as periodic-coefficient ones. The proposed method is verified with high computational accuracy and efficiency through comparing with other methods such as the Lambert W function and the semidiscretization method (SDM).
Data Validity Criteria for Supersonic Axial Compressors
Authors: Paulon J. , Reboux J.
Published: April 2015

A method is presented for experimental data verification on axial supersonic compressors. The actual data are submitted to thoroughly analyzed validity criteria and then accepted, corrected or rejected. An example of experimental results obtained on a rotating supersonic cascade and the final processed data are also shown.
NOx Emission From Experimental Compact Combustors
Authors: Hazard H. R.
Published: April 2015

NOx emission characteristics of four basic types of experimental burners firing kerosene-type fuel at rates up to 110 lb/hr were investigated experimentally. Emission levels were found to be highly dependent upon primary-zone temperature and air-fuel ratio, but independent of firing rate and residence time over a 10:1 ratio. This independence of residence time is in marked contrast with results from simple burners used in fundamental research. The burner with the lowest NOx emission level used a cooled, rich primary zone and a lean secondary zone. Although the work was aimed at automotive Rankine-cycle systems it appears applicable to other compact combustors.
Proposed Gas Turbine Procurement Standard
Authors: Broderick J. J. , Nelsen J. C.
Published: April 2015

This paper describes the specific procurement information required from the purchaser and corresponding information required from the gas turbine manufacturer in the various phases of procurement. Through the guidelines presented the preparation of procurement specifications and manufacturer’s response will be facilitated and mutual understanding promoted. In sequence, the paper deals with: (a) the purchaser’s inquiry, (b) the manufacturer’s proposal or bid tendering and (c) required after order information: Specimen data sheets are included to illustrate in detail the material presented. This paper is one of a series of ASME papers which present a Proposed Gas Turbine Procurement Standard.
Turbotip Lift Fan Design
Authors: Thomas W. W.
Published: April 2015

This paper discusses the basic design approach and features of the turbotip lift fan concept, initially developed for application in the XV-5 VTOL research aircraft. Design changes necessary to meet the requirements of the proposed NASA V/STOL transport research aircraft and future commercial transport systems are reviewed. Emphasis is placed on the effects of acoustic, installation, control response and life/maintenance objectives on component design and lift fan geometry.
Hot Pressed Silcon Nitride for Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Torti M. L. , Weaver G. Q. , Richerson D. W.
Published: April 2015

The high strengths now attainable with hot pressed silicon nitride combined with its good oxidation and thermal shock resistance make it a most promising candidate for advanced gas turbine hot components. This form of silicon nitride has flexural strengths of 110,000 psi at room temperature and 60,000 psi at 1200 C. A recent experimental version of the system has exhibited room temperature strength of 145,000 psi and elevated temperature (1200 C) strength of 100,000 psi. This may be the highest strength reported on any material at this elevated temperature.
Reaction Bonded Silicon Carbide and Silicon Nitride for Gas Turbine Applications
Authors: Alliegro R. A. , Coes S. H.
Published: April 2015

Two unique ceramic materials offer the gas turbine designer the opportunity to substitute uncooled high temperature components for the presently cooled metal and alloy ones. Recrystallized silicon carbide made by a casting process and reaction bonded silicon nitride shaped by a simple machining process before firing, offer not only high temperature materials capable of living in the gas turbine environment, but also an intricacy of shape consistent with combustor, shroud and associated high temperature component needs. Silicon carbide’s 3200 F capability and its thermal shock resistance makes it a sound choice; silicon nitride’s low expansion coefficient, thermal shock resistance, and 2900 F capability make it a material of real merit. The properties of these materials are discussed in detail along with potential areas of application and design capabilities.
Modification of Jet Fuels to Decrease the Fire Hazard in Survivable Aircraft Crashes
Authors: Erickson R. E. , Krajewski R. M. , Cohrs W. E.
Published: April 2015

This paper is directed to the modification of jet fuels to reduce the inherent fire hazard of such fuels. Some of the problems and compromises involved in this development program are discussed. The theoretical concept pursued is outlined and some of the physical properties of the final compromise modified fuel are shown.
Development of Crash-Safe Turbine Fuels
Authors: Russell R. A. , Salmon R. F.
Published: April 2015

The Federal Aviation Administration is engaged in programs to reduce the probability and/or severity of fire in commercial jet transport aircraft that are involved in ground crash situations. One of the approaches being taken is the development of a modified aviation turbine fuel that will provide a significant reduction in the crash-fire hazard. The modified fuels program, initiated in 1964, brought to light that under small-scale simulated crash conditions the fire reduction benefits of fuel thickeners result from their ability to physically bind the fuel and thus reduce the rate of vaporization and the exposed surface area available to support a fire. Dozens of thickened fuel candidates have undergone cursory screening, and a small percentage of those that looked promising have been subjected to a crash fire rating system designed to provide relative values of candidate fuels. Chemical and physical studies, completed in 1971, on two of the leading fuel candidates greatly improved their fluidic property with no adverse affect on their fire retardative properties, while in mist form. The agency’s plans, to demonstrate the safe operation of aircraft using a modified fuel and to demonstrate the improvement in crash fire safety by conducting full-scale crash tests, are proceeding to take shape due primarily to the continued progress being made by the developers of the gelled fuels.