bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Some Preliminary Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Imaging Experiments on Maternal and Fetal Sides of Human Placenta
Authors: Roverso Marco , Lapolla Annunziata , Cosma Chiara , Seraglia Roberta , Galvan Elisa , Visentin Silvia , Cosmi Eric , Desoye Gernot , Traldi Pietro
Published: August 2014

An investigation on placenta proteins has been carried out by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) ion imaging (II) experiments. This was performed by laser irradiation of the maternal and fetal sides of placenta tissue. To investigate the possible changes in protein profile due to the development of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), five placenta samples from GDM patients and five placenta samples from healthy pregnant women were analyzed. An extensive optimization of the tissue slice treatment and of the matrix deposition method was performed. As already observed in MALDI spectra of placenta homogenates, and also in the MALDI-II condition, the most abundant peaks are due to hemoglobin α chain, hemoglobin β chain and hemoglobin γ chain. However, higher molecular weight protein species were detected in the m/z range 20,000–47,000. The species at m/z 30335, m/z 31235 and m/z 32000 show some differences in their abundance in the maternal and fetal sides of the tissue in both classes of subjects under investigation. Comparison with the literature data suggest that they can result from the presence of mitochondrial proteins at tissue level.
Inosine Octamer Stabilized by Alkali Earth Metal Cations—As Studied by Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Frańska Magdalena
Published: August 2014

By using electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, inosine was found to be able to form an octamer stabilized by alkali earth metal cation, namely Ca2+, Sr2+ and Ba2+, of which the most stable is that stabilized by Ca2+ (ion [I8 + Ca]2+). It was established that 9-methylhypoxanthine (M) did not form an analogical octamer, since ion [M8 + Ca]2+ was not detected. On the other hand, 9-methylhypoxanthine can form “mixed” octamers together with inosine (ions [I nM m + Ca]2+, n + m = 8, were detected).
Electrochemical Simulation of Cocaine Metabolism—A Step toward Predictive Toxicology for Drugs of Abuse
Authors: Mielczarek Przemyslaw , Raoof Hana , Kotlinska Jolanta H. , Stefanowicz Piotr , Szewczuk Zbigniew , Suder Piotr , Silberring Jerzy
Published: August 2014

Knowledge of the metabolic pathways and biotransformation of the most popular drugs, such as cocaine, amphetamine, morphine and others, is crucial for the elucidation of their possible toxicity and mechanism of action in the human body. In vitro studies on metabolism are mainly based on the incubation of drugs with liver cell homogenate and utilizing living animals. These methods need to be followed by isolation and detection of metabolic products, which makes these techniques time-consuming and technically demanding. We show here that the oxidative metabolism that occurs in the liver cells and is mainly caused by cytochrome P450 can be successfully mimicked with the electrochemical system (EC) connected on-line with electrospray ionization mass spectrometry. Cocaine was chosen as a model drug for these studies and was analyzed with a previously described system under various conditions using the boron-doped diamond working electrode. The results were compared with the number of metabolites generated by a standard procedure based on the reaction with the rat liver microsomes. Two electrochemical products of cocaine oxidation were created, of which one was a natural metabolite of cocaine in the human body—norcocaine. The EC provides a promising platform for the screening of the addictive drug phase I metabolism. The metabolites can be directly analyzed by mass spectrometry or collected and separated by liquid chromatography. No liver cell homogenate or microsome is necessary to generate these metabolites, which simplifies separation of the mixtures and reduces time and costs of all experiments.
Annual Distribution Budget in the Beverage Industry: A Case Study
Authors: Guimarães Luis , Amorim Pedro , Sperandio Fabrício , Moreira Fabío , Almada-Lobo Bernardo
Published: August 2014

Unicer, a major Portuguese beverage company, improved its tactical distribution planning decisions and study alternative scenarios for its supply strategies and network configuration as result of an operations research (OR)-driven process. In this paper, we present the decision support system responsible for this new methodology. At the core of this system is a mathematical programming-based heuristic that includes decision variables that address transportation and inventory management problems. Unicer runs a set of production and distribution platforms with various characteristics to fulfill customers demand. The main challenge of our work was to develop a tactical distribution plan, which Unicer calls an annual distribution budget, as realistically as possible without jeopardizing the nature of the strategic and tactical tool. The company had a complex tactical distribution planning problem because of the increasing variety of its stock-keeping units and its need for a flexible distribution network to satisfy its customers, who demand a very fragmented set of products. Atypical flows of finished products from Unicer's distribution centers to its production platforms are a major cause of this complexity, which yields an intricate supply chain. The quality of the solutions we provided and the implementation of a user-friendly interface and editable inputs and outputs for our decision support system motivated company practitioners to use it. Unicer saves approximately two million euros annually and provides better information to its decision makers. As a result, these decision makers now view their operations from a more OR-based perspective.
Signature Provisions in the Amended Indian Information Technology Act 2000: Legislative Chaos
Authors: Shah Hemali , Srivastava Aashish
Published: August 2014

The Indian Parliament enacted the Information Technology Act (ITA) in 2000 to provide legal recognition to e-commerce and e-governance. The ITA, however, was heavily criticized for being technology-specific in nature and was therefore amended in 2008 to give it a technology-neutral status. The aim of this paper is to examine critically the provisions related to electronic signatures in the amended legislation by comparing them with the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL) model laws, the European Union Directive on Electronic Signatures and other electronic signatures legislation across the world. The paper concludes that, despite the amendments, the ITA is still a weak legislation, complex to understand, ambiguous and fails to address many aspects of electronic signatures usage. It is also an over-regulated legislation compared with similar legislation in other developing countries such as China and developed countries such as Australia, the UK and Singapore. Finally, the authors provide some recommendations, which can potentially address the shortcomings of the ITA.
Reform of Irish Rape Law: The Need for a Legislative Definition of Consent
Authors: Leahy Susan
Published: August 2014

Perhaps the most challenging aspect of the prosecution's task in a rape trial is proving that consent was absent. Despite the centrality of consent, the concept is not legislatively defined in Irish law. In this respect, Ireland has lagged considerably behind other comparable common law jurisdictions. Irish guidance on consent continues to be gleaned from common law rules and is generally not sufficiently developed to contribute to minimizing the prosecution's difficulties in proving an absence of consent in rape trials. This paper argues for the introduction of a statutory definition of consent in Irish law and considers the form that a prospective definition should take.
Train the Trainer Effectiveness Trials of Behavioral Intervention for Individuals With Autism: A Systematic Review
Authors: Shire Stephanie Yoshiko , Kasari Connie
Published: August 2014

This systematic review examines train the trainer (TTT) effectiveness trials of behavioral interventions for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Published methodological quality scales were used to assess studies including participant description, research design, intervention, outcomes, and analysis. Twelve studies including 9 weak quality quasi-experimental studies, 2 single-subject experimental design studies of moderate and weak quality, and 1 high quality randomized control trial were included. Overall, author reported effect sizes and calculation of improvement rate difference for SSRDs indicate positive effects of intervention across participant outcomes including cognition, language, and autism symptoms postcommunity delivered interventions primarily based in applied behavior analysis. Effects varied by children's developmental level.
The Purported Association Between Depression, Aggression, and Self-Injury in People With Intellectual Disability: A Critical Review of the Literature
Authors: Davies Louise Ellen , Oliver Chris
Published: August 2014

The prevalence of depression in individuals with an intellectual disability is estimated to lie between 3% and 6%. It has been suggested that symptoms of depression in this population might be atypical and include unusual features such as challenging behavior. However, there is significant disagreement regarding the use of challenging behavior as “depressive equivalent” symptomatology. The aim of this review is to evaluate published research reporting on the association between challenging behavior, specifically aggression and self-injury, and depression in people with an intellectual disability as a first step toward evaluating whether challenging behaviors might be considered as depressive equivalent symptoms. The results of the studies identified indicated that the association between depression and aggression, and depression and self-injury are equivocal and the interpretations of the results limited by threats to validity. Based on this analysis, there is insufficient evidence to support the use of challenging behavior as a depressive equivalent symptom. Further research to examine potentially confounding variables and the association between challenging behaviour and depression using methodologically robust designs and measures is clearly warranted.
A Saturated Genetic Linkage Map of Autotetraploid Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) Developed Using Genotyping-by-Sequencing Is Highly Syntenous with the Medicago truncatula Genome
Authors: Li Xuehui , Wei Yanling , Acharya Ananta , Jiang Qingzhen , Kang Junmei , Brummer E Charles
Published: August 2014

A genetic linkage map is a valuable tool for quantitative trait locus mapping, map-based gene cloning, comparative mapping, and whole-genome assembly. Alfalfa, one of the most important forage crops in the world, is autotetraploid, allogamous, and highly heterozygous, characteristics that have impeded the construction of a high-density linkage map using traditional genetic marker systems. Using genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS), we constructed low-cost, reasonably high-density linkage maps for both maternal and paternal parental genomes of an autotetraploid alfalfa F1 population. The resulting maps contain 3591 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers on 64 linkage groups across both parents, with an average density of one marker per 1.5 and 1.0 cM for the maternal and paternal haplotype maps, respectively. Chromosome assignments were made based on homology of markers to the M. truncatula genome. Four linkage groups representing the four haplotypes of each alfalfa chromosome were assigned to each of the eight Medicago chromosomes in both the maternal and paternal parents. The alfalfa linkage groups were highly syntenous with M. truncatula, and clearly identified the known translocation between Chromosomes 4 and 8. In addition, a small inversion on Chromosome 1 was identified between M. truncatula and M. sativa. GBS enabled us to develop a saturated linkage map for alfalfa that greatly improved genome coverage relative to previous maps and that will facilitate investigation of genome structure. GBS could be used in breeding populations to accelerate molecular breeding in alfalfa.
Crossability ofTriticum urartuandTriticum monococcumWheats, Homoeologous Recombination, and Description of a Panel of Interspecific Introgression Lines
Authors: Fricano Agostino , Brandolini Andrea , Rossini Laura , Sourdille Pierre , Wunder Joerg , Effgen Sigi , Hidalgo Alyssa , Erba Daniela , Piffanelli Pietro , Salamini Francesco
Published: August 2014

Triticum monococcum (genome Am) and T. urartu (genome Au) are diploid wheats, with the first having been domesticated in the Neolithic Era and the second being a wild species. In a germplasm collection, rare wild T. urartu lines with the presence of T. monococcum alleles were found. This stimulated our interest to develop interspecific introgression lines of T. urartu in T. monococcum, a breeding tool currently implemented in several crop species. Moreover, the experiments reported were designed to reveal the existence in nature of Am/Au intermediate forms and to clarify whether the two species are at least marginally sexually compatible. From hand-made interspecific crosses, almost-sterile F1 plants were obtained when the seed-bearing parent was T. monococcum. A high degree of fertility was, however, evident in some advanced generations, particularly when T. urartu donors were molecularly more related to T. monococcum. Analysis of the marker populations demonstrated chromosome pairing and recombination in F1 hybrid plants. Forty-six introgression lines were developed using a line of T. monococcum with several positive agronomic traits as a recurrent parent. Microsatellite markers were tested on Au and Am genomes, ordered in a T. monococcum molecular map, and used to characterize the exotic DNA fragments present in each introgression line. In a test based on 28 interspecific introgression lines, the existence of genetic variation associated with T. urartu chromosome fragments was proven for the seed content of carotenoids, lutein, β-cryptoxanthin, and zinc. The molecular state of available introgression lines is summarized.
The Alternative Oxidase AOX Does Not Rescue the Phenotype oftko25tMutant Flies
Authors: Kemppainen Kia K , Kemppainen Esko , Jacobs Howard T
Published: August 2014

A point mutation [technical knockout25t (tko25t)] in the Drosophila gene coding for mitoribosomal protein S12 generates a phenotype of developmental delay and bang sensitivity. tko25t has been intensively studied as an animal model for human mitochondrial diseases associated with deficiency of mitochondrial protein synthesis and consequent multiple respiratory chain defects. Transgenic expression in Drosophila of the alternative oxidase (AOX) derived from Ciona intestinalis has previously been shown to mitigate the toxicity of respiratory chain inhibitors and to rescue mutant and knockdown phenotypes associated with cytochrome oxidase deficiency. We therefore tested whether AOX expression could compensate the mutant phenotype of tko25t using the GeneSwitch system to activate expression at different times in development. The developmental delay of tko25t was not mitigated by expression of AOX throughout development. AOX expression for 1 d after eclosion, or continuously throughout development, had no effect on the bang sensitivity of tko25t adults, and continued expression in adults older than 30 d also produced no amelioration of the phenotype. In contrast, transgenic expression of the yeast alternative NADH dehydrogenase Ndi1 was synthetically semi-lethal with tko25t and was lethal when combined with both AOX and tko25t. We conclude that AOX does not rescue tko25t and that the mutant phenotype is not solely due to limitations on electron flow in the respiratory chain, but rather to a more complex metabolic defect. The future therapeutic use of AOX in disorders of mitochondrial translation may thus be of limited value.
Competence for Chemical Reprogramming of Sexual Fate Correlates with an Intersexual Molecular Signature inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Sorokin Elena P , Gasch Audrey P , Kimble Judith
Published: August 2014

In multicellular organisms, genetic programs guide cells to adopt cell fates as tissues are formed during development, maintained in adults, and repaired after injury. Here we explore how a small molecule in the environment can switch a genetic program from one fate to another. Wild-type Caenorhabditis elegans XX adult hermaphrodites make oocytes continuously, but certain mutant XX adults make sperm instead in an otherwise hermaphrodite soma. Thus, puf-8; lip-1 XX adults make only sperm, but they can be switched from sperm to oocyte production by treatment with a small-molecule MEK inhibitor. To ask whether this chemical reprogramming is common, we tested six XX sperm-only mutants, but found only one other capable of cell fate switching, fbf-1; lip-1. Therefore, reprogramming competence relies on genotype, with only certain mutants capable of responding to the MEK inhibitor with a cell fate change. To gain insight into the molecular basis of competence for chemical reprogramming, we compared polyadenylated transcriptomes of competent and noncompetent XX sperm-only mutants in the absence of the MEK inhibitor and hence in the absence of cell fate reprogramming. Despite their cellular production of sperm, competent mutants were enriched for oogenic messenger RNAs relative to mutants lacking competence for chemical reprogramming. In addition, competent mutants expressed the oocyte-specific protein RME-2, whereas those lacking competence did not. Therefore, mutants competent for reprogramming possess an intersexual molecular profile at both RNA and protein levels. We suggest that this intersexual molecular signature is diagnostic of an intermediate network state that poises the germline tissue for changing its cellular fate in response to environmental cues.
Food Will Win the War: The Politics, Culture, and Science of Food on Canada’s Home Front
Authors: Brady Jennifer
Published: August 2014

When most of us think of Canadian history, particularly Canada’s involvement in the Second World War, it is unlikely that food is what first comes to mind. However, Ian Mosby’s new—and first—book, Food Will Win the War: The Politics, Culture, and Science of Food on Canada’s Home Front, invites readers to consider the primacy of food in the war effort in Canada. Mosby’s detailed and thoroughly researched account explores food as a material and symbolic resource that was instrumental in marshalling Canadians’ support for the war. Mosby also shows how the social, political, and economic changes related to food shaped the everyday lives of Canadians—particularly Canadian women—throughout the Second World War. Food Will Win the War is an important volume that fills a significant gap in the small, but growing, literature on Canada’s food history.
Alternative Trade: Legacies for the Future by Gavin Fridell
Authors: Tansey Geoff
Published: August 2014

A long, long time ago, in a world where ‘free trade’ market fundamentalism was not the only economic religion, I helped start a journal called Food Policy—economics, planning and politics of food and agriculture. Well, actually, not that long ago, in the mid 1970s. It just seems a world away. The journal’s sub-title betrays the fact that it was a different world. Governments had a role in planning for food and agriculture—what Fridell calls ‘the social regulation of agri-food commodities’. Issues to do with the most fundamental aspect of human well-being—the ability of everyone to eat a safe, secure, sufficient, nutritious diet—were not seen as something left to the mythical abstraction of ‘The Market’, but a matter of politics and power that shaped political economies and market structures.
Effect of Ca and Ag doping on the functional properties of BiFeO3 nanocrystalline powders and films
Authors: Albino Gina Montes , Perales-Pérez Oscar , Renteria-Beleño Boris , Cedeño-Mattei Yarilyn
Published: August 2014

The present work addresses the systematic evaluation of the influence of the incorporation of dopant species (Ca+2, Ag+1) on the structural and functional properties of bismuth ferrite (BFO) nanocrystalline powders and films. Pure and doped BFO powders and thin films were synthesized by a modified sol-gel method. The concentration of the doping species varied from 0 up to 7 at %. The development of the host BFO structure was confirmed by XRD analyses of samples annealed at 700°C for one hour in air and nitrogen atmosphere. Thicknesses of films varied between 80 and 200 nm, depending on the concentration of Ca+2 species. Doped BFO exhibited a magnetic behavior that turned from paramagnetic into ferrimagnetic with the increase of Ca+2 concentrations.
Tailoring of Nanotextured Zinc Oxide Thin Films for Enhanced Biosensing
Authors: Jacobs Michael , Munje Rujuta , Quadri Bilal , Muthukumar Sriram , Prasad Shalini
Published: August 2014

This study demonstrates the development of a zinc oxide (ZnO) based microelectrode sensor for the ultra-sensitive detection of protein biomarkers. Our research focuses on utilizing a materials-based approach to achieve this objective by utilizing ZnO as part of our biosensor for (1) improved surface binding to enhance sensitivity and (2) creating a nanotextured surface for enhanced output signal response. Nanotextured ZnO thin films were integrated onto printed circuit boards using RF magnetron sputter deposition. Films sputtered with and without the presence of oxygen were examined for possible differences in biosensor efficacy. These fabrication conditions not only dictate the number of oxygen vacancies within the film but also regulate the amount of zinc and oxygen terminated ends occurring on the material surface. The correlation between the surface terminations of the nanotextured ZnO to its performance as a biosensor was evaluated using two cross-linker molecules, dithiobis succinimidyl propionate and (3-aminopropyl)triethoxysilane, that maintain different binding chemistries to ZnO. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of cross-linker binding was accomplished using fluorescent microscopy and fluorescent intensity measurements. Electrical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) was used as the transduction mechanism for detection of the well-established cardiac biomarker, troponin-T. Utilizing EIS with a functionalized immunoassay on the ZnO surface, troponin-T was detected as low as 10 fg/mL using ZnO films sputtered without oxygen. This enhanced detection of the cardiac biomarker can be directly attributed to 1) oxygen vacancies within the metal oxide film, 2) the nanotexturing of the sensing site surface, and 3) the ability to bind a significant amount of cross-linker molecules for immobilizing capture antibodies.
Absorption Saturation and Two-Photon Absorption in Graphene
Authors: Chen Weiqiang , Wang Yu , Ji Wei
Published: August 2014

We have investigated the photon-energy dependence of nonlinear optical absorption in graphene in the near infrared (NIR) and visible range (1.13 – 3.1 eV). Two nonlinear processes, namely one-photon interband absorption saturation and two-photon absorption (2PA), have been unambiguously determined in high-quality, CVD-grown, multilayer graphene films with using femtosecond Z-scan technique. The absorption saturation is found to have a square dependence on the photon energy. The 2PA spectrum is measured to be close to the theoretical prediction of ω-4 dependence at NIR wavelengths. In the visible range, however, the photon-energy dependence of 2PA is dominated by the excitonic Fano resonance.
Briefing: Demonstrating the circular resource economy – the Zerowin approach
Authors: den Boer Emilia , Williams Ian D. , Curran Tony , Kopacek Bernd
Published: August 2014

Zerowin is an ambitious European Union funded project researching and trialling methods and strategies to eliminate the wasteful consumption of resources in key industrial sectors in Europe, primarily by way of the formation of industrial networks. The project has run from 2009 to 2014. This paper reports on the completion of the project, which through demonstration activities has shown that society can solve its current industrial pollution and resource problems in a sustainable way if it is willing to change its business practices and culture.
Using plant traits to explain plant–microbe relationships involved in nitrogen acquisition
Authors: Cantarel Amélie A. M. , Pommier Thomas , Desclos-Theveniau Marie , Diquélou Sylvain , Dumont Maxime , Grassein Fabrice , Kastl Eva-Maria , Grigulis Karl , Laîné Philippe , Lavorel Sandra , Lemauviel-Lavenant Servane , Personeni Emmanuelle , Schloter Michael , Poly Franck
Published: August 2014

It has long been recognized that plant species and soil microorganisms are tightly linked, but understanding how different species vary in their effects on soil is currently limited. In this study, we identified those plant characteristics (identity, specific functional traits, or resource acquisition strategy) that were the best predictors of nitrification and denitrification processes. Ten plant populations representing eight species collected from three European grassland sites were chosen for their contrasting plant trait values and resource acquisition strategies. For each individual plant, leaf and root traits and the associated potential microbial activities (i.e., potential denitrification rate [DEA], maximal nitrification rate [NEA], and NH4+ affinity of the microbial community [NHScom]) were measured at two fertilization levels under controlled growth conditions. Plant traits were powerful predictors of plant–microbe interactions, but relevant plant traits differed in relation to the microbial function studied. Whereas denitrification was linked to the relative growth rate of plants, nitrification was strongly correlated to root trait characteristics (specific root length, root nitrogen concentration, and plant affinity for NH4+) linked to plant N cycling. The leaf economics spectrum (LES) that commonly serves as an indicator of resource acquisition strategies was not correlated to microbial activity. These results suggest that the LES alone is not a good predictor of microbial activity, whereas root traits appeared critical in understanding plant–microbe interactions.
Multivariate Analysis: Greater Insights into Complex Systems
Authors: Yeater Kathleen M. , Duke Sara E. , Riedell Walter E.
Published: August 2014

Many agronomic researchers measure and collect multiple response variables in an effort to understand the more complex nature of the system being studied. Multivariate (MV) statistical methods encompass the simultaneous analysis of all random variables measured on each experimental or sampling unit. Many agronomic research systems studied are, by their very nature, MV; however, most analyses reported are univariate (analysis of one response at a time). The objective of this review is to outline a statistical foundation of applications of MV methods and techniques for the agronomic sciences. By utilizing two agronomic data sets, both typical in dimension and structure, we discuss three classes of MV techniques based on the research question and characteristics of the data: (i) hypothesis driven, such as MV analysis of variance; (ii) dimension reduction, such as principal components analysis; and (iii) classification and discrimination, which includes canonical discriminant analysis. Several advantages and disadvantages of the MV tools are explained. This review will provide researchers with a beginning framework of MV generalizations of univariate techniques, and methods that are unique to MV dimension analysis. It is important for researchers to capture the concept of variability within a MV data set to better understand the complex system.
Rotational Effects of Legumes and Non‐Legumes on Hybrid Canola and Malting Barley
Authors: O'Donovan John T. , Grant Cynthia A. , Blackshaw Robert E. , Harker K. Neil , Johnson Eric. N. , Gan Yantai , Lafond Guy P. , May William E. , Turkington T. Kelly , Lupwayi Newton Z. , Stevenson F. Craig , McLaren Debra L. , Khakbazan Mohammad , Smith Elwin G.
Published: August 2014

High costs of fertilizer in western Canada have generated interest in alternative N sources. Legumes produce N through fixation, and may increase soil residual and mineralizable N, thus reducing the need for fertilizer N in subsequent crops. Hybrid canola (Brassica napus L.) has a high N requirement for optimum yield, but knowledge of rotational effects of legumes on canola is limited. The objective was to determine the effects of legume and non‐legume preceding crops on yield and quality of canola grown the following year and malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) grown after canola. Field pea (Pisum sativum L.), lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.), faba bean (Vicia faba L.), canola, and wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) harvested for grain, and faba bean grown as a green manure were direct‐seeded at seven locations in 2009. Canola was seeded in 2010 and barley in 2011, with fertilizer N applied at 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 kg ha−1. On average, all legumes, except faba bean for seed, produced higher canola and barley yields than when wheat was the preceding crop. Faba bean green manure produced the highest yields, while canola on canola produced the lowest canola yield. The legumes had little negative effect on canola oil or barley protein concentration. Yields of both crops increased with increasing N rate, but canola oil concentration decreased, and barley protein increased. The results indicate that growing legumes for seed before hybrid canola can improve canola and subsequent barley yield without negatively affecting canola oil or malting barley protein.
Evaluation of Elite Southern Maturity Soybean Breeding Lines for Drought‐Tolerant Traits
Authors: Devi Jyostna Mura , Sinclair Thomas R. , Chen Pengyin , Carter Thomas E.
Published: August 2014

Breeding efforts in soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] have addressed the challenge of water‐limited yields by incorporating parental stocks which exhibit drought‐tolerant traits. Multiple cycles of empirical selection for improved yielding ability in water‐deficient field environments have produced new generations of adapted breeding lines. However, the impact of this selection process on specific putative drought‐tolerant traits is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if breeders’ selection of 10 elite lines for high seed yield under dry conditions is associated with the presence of physiological expression of three putative drought‐tolerant traits: (i) limited transpiration rate under high vapor pressure deficit (VPD), (ii) early decrease in transpiration rate with soil drying, and (iii) drought‐tolerant N2 fixation. Greenhouse experiments were undertaken to characterize each genotypes for their phenotype of each of these three traits. Unlike most soybean cultivars, 9 of the 10 elite lines expressed a limited transpiration rate under elevated VPD. The VPD at which transpiration rate became limited was 1.9 kPa or less. There was no difference among genotypes in the threshold for decline in transpiration rate with soil drying, although all genotypes expressed high thresholds indicating an ability to conserve soil water. All lines expressed drought tolerance in their N2 fixation rates, which was superior to that commonly observed in soybean. This study demonstrated that mating of parents that expressed a drought trait and multiple rounds of progeny selection based on improved yield under water‐limited conditions resulted in the elite lines expressing improved drought traits.
The Influence of Prohibitive Voice on Proactive Personality Traits of Extraversion, Conscientiousness, and Neuroticism
Authors: Liu Sheng-Min , Liao Jian-Qiao , Liao Shudi , Wei Hongguo
Published: August 2014

We investigated the influence of prohibitive voice on the proactive personality traits of extraversion, conscientiousness, and neuroticism, by applying the theory of planned behavior. Participants were 203 employee–supervisor dyads from an information technology corporation in
China. The results indicated that both extraversion and conscientiousness were positively correlated with prohibitive voice, and neuroticism was a negative predictor of prohibitive voice. In this study we have bridged the gap in existing research on the relationship between proactive personality
and prohibitive voice.
Absolute and Relative Judgments in Relation to Strength of Belief in Good Luck
Authors: Murakami Koshi
Published: August 2014

The Belief in Good Luck scale is used to measure strength of belief in good luck, which is perceived as a personal ability. However, in this scale those who recognize individual differences but have only a weak belief in their own good luck (weak group) are not taken into account. In
this study, I defined the weak group in terms of social comparison. Respondents answered questionnaires regarding possibility in 2 types of scenario: a) when the objective probability was the same, but the probability assigned to others differed, and b) for the occurrence of an uncertain event.
The results indicated that, compared with those in the strong group, the weak group tended to elevate the likelihood of success based on the assigned probability of others. I also found differences in assessments for the occurrence of an uncertain event. The results point to the difficulty
in measuring the idea of strength of belief in good luck as only a single factor linked to strength or weakness.
Anxiety, Depression, and a Sense of Acceptance in Female Japanese University Students
Authors: Asai Miho , Kato Daiki
Published: August 2014

We examined the relationships among anxiety, depression, and a sense of acceptance (Ibasho) in a group of female Japanese undergraduate students (N = 194). The results showed that their scores for state anxiety, trait anxiety, and depression differed significantly according to
their Ibasho scores. In addition, multiple comparisons showed that the values for the group with a low Ibasho score were significantly higher than those for groups with Ibasho scores in the middle and high range, and that the values for the middle group were higher than those for the high
group.
How Do Journalists Express Their Perceptions of Public Relations on Twitter?
Authors: Yoo Jae-Woong , Jo Samsup
Published: August 2014

We examined journalists' perceptions of the term public relations (PR) as indicated by their Twitter messages, taking into consideration variables such as media type, and the journalists' followers. The findings suggested that journalists generally used the term PR in a neutral sense,
rather than a negative or positive one. As they largely understood PR to be an image-building and/or persuasion effort, journalists were likely to refer in their tweets to PR publicity, image, persuasion campaigns, and marketing efforts to promote an organization's position. A salient finding
was that more journalists perceived PR more neutrally or positively than previously. The results suggest a need for systematic and continual efforts to deliver an accurate picture of PR geared to media journalists.
First-Generation Students in East and West Germany: Theoretical Concepts and Initial Results
Authors: Miethe Ingrid , Soremski Regina
Published: August 2014

This article argues that the chances of successful educational upward mobility are more clearly assessed when educational decisions are interpreted not as isolated individual or family decisions, but in relation to their societal and political context. In order to do this, the authors propose a combination of Bourdieu's conception of habitus with the political process approach. In an ongoing biographical investigation concerned with first-generation students in East and West Germany, the author presents initial results which show the benefit of this theoretical concept.
Application of Formalised Developmental Feedback for Feed-Forward to Foster Student Ownership of the Learning Process
Authors: Todd Valerie J. , McIlroy David
Published: August 2014

There has been considerable criticism of assessment methods because of inconsistencies across modules and a focus on the measurement of learning rather than assessment for learning. The aim of the current study was to formalise the process of assessment feedback to feed-forward, and assess the impact on student learning. A cohort of undergraduate students ( N = 33) took part in a test-retest study on coursework assessment across 2 consecutive modules. They were assessed using generic academic criteria and instructed to use the grid from the previous feedback as a checklist to inform any amendments to their work. Findings demonstrated statistically significant improvements across 4 out of 5 domains of generic criteria, which improved the overall quality of the work. Active use of a consistent generic marking grid across modules enabled students to learn from feedback and apply that learning appropriately.
Perceived Helpfulness of Peer Editing Activities: First-Year Students' Views and Writing Performance Outcomes
Authors: Ludemann Pamela M. , McMakin Deborah
Published: August 2014

The perceived value of peer editing to students is unclear. To investigate, first-year students ( N = 35) completed a writing attitudes scale and first writing assignment in September 2012. The expected writing requirements were explained and handouts provided, as well as subsequent instructor feedback and grades. A second writing assignment was completed in October with peer editing taking place before the due date. Perceived helpfulness of giving and receiving peer feedback was evaluated. This was repeated in November for a third writing assignment. Rating means for both assignments indicated that students viewed editing a peer's paper as more helpful in improving their own writing than receiving a peer's feedback. For the first assignment, acting as peer editor was negatively correlated with the assignment grades, but not for the second assignment. With repeated assignments of similar format, perhaps a single peer editing experience is sufficient for building students' understanding of expectations and confidence.
Case-control study of the effects of pimobendan on survival time in cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and congestive heart failure
Authors: Reina-Doreste Yamir , Stern Joshua A. , Keene Bruce W. , Tou Sandra P. , Atkins Clarke E. , DeFrancesco Teresa C. , Ames Marisa K. , Hodge Timothy E. , Meurs Kathryn M.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To assess survival time and adverse events related to the administration of pimobendan to cats with congestive heart failure (CHF) secondary to hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) or hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy (HOCM).

Design—Retrospective case-control study.

Animals—27 cats receiving treatment with pimobendan and 27 cats receiving treatment without pimobendan.

Procedures—Medical records between 2003 and 2013 were reviewed. All cats with HCM or HOCM treated with a regimen that included pimobendan (case cats) were identified. Control cats (cats with CHF treated during the same period with a regimen that did not include pimobendan) were selected by matching to case cats on the basis of age, sex, body weight, type of cardiomyopathy, and manifestation of CHF. Data collected included signalment, physical examination findings, echocardiographic data, serum biochemical values, and survival time from initial diagnosis of CHF. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were constructed and compared by means of a log rank test.

Results—Cats receiving pimobendan had a significant benefit in survival time. Median survival time of case cats receiving pimobendan was 626 days, whereas median survival time for control cats not receiving pimobendan was 103 days. No significant differences were detected for any other variable.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—The addition of pimobendan to traditional treatment for CHF may provide a substantial clinical benefit in survival time for HCM-affected cats with CHF and possibly HOCM-affected cats with CHF.
Analysis of the relationship of extrahepatic portosystemic shunt morphology with clinical variables in dogs: 53 cases (2009–2012)
Authors: Kraun Michael B. , Nelson Laura L. , Hauptman Joseph G. , Nelson Nathan C.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To investigate differences in clinical variables among dogs with extrahepatic portosystemic shunts (EHPSSs) of various morphologies.

Design—Retrospective case series.

Animals—53 dogs with EHPSSs.

Procedures—Medical records of dogs undergoing preoperative CT angiography of an EHPSS over a 3-year period were reviewed. Analysis was performed to investigate relationships of clinical variables with shunt morphology. Morphologies were analyzed individually as well as in several groups.

Results—Shunt morphologies included 10 splenocaval, 9 splenophrenic, 11 splenoazygos, 10 right gastric-caval, 12 right gastric-caval with a caudal loop, and 1 right gastric-azygos with a caudal loop. Several biochemical variables associated with EHPSS were lowest in dogs with splenocaval shunts. Preoperative clinical signs were more common in dogs that had shunts with vena caval than right azygos vein insertion (36/41 [88%] vs 7/12 [58%]) and insertion caudal to the liver than diaphragmatic insertion (29/32 [91%] vs 14/21 [67%]). Neurologic signs were more common when shunts inserted into the vena cava caudal to the liver than in other locations (21/32 [66%] vs 6/21 [29%]) and were most frequent with splenocaval shunts. Urinary tract signs were more common when shunts had right gastric vein origin than gastrosplenic vein origin (14/23 [61%] vs 10/30 [33%]).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Splenocaval shunts caused more clinical abnormalities than did other shunt morphologies. Results suggested that dogs with shunt insertion in the caudal vena cava, especially caudal to the liver, were most likely to have clinical signs.
Meta-analysis of the effects of sometribove zinc suspension on the production and health of lactating dairy cows
Authors: St-Pierre Normand R. , Milliken George A. , Bauman Dale E. , Collier Robert J. , Hogan Joseph S. , Shearer Jan K. , Smith K. Larry , Thatcher William W.
Published: August 2014

Objective—To provide an updated evaluation of the efficacy and safety of sometribove zinc suspension (rbST-Zn), a form of recombinant bovine somatotropin, in lactating dairy cows.

Design—Meta-analysis.

Sample—26 studies published in peer-reviewed journals or reviewed by a regulatory agency.

Procedures—To be included, a study had to involve the use of the rbST-Zn formulation available to US producers in accordance with the label instructions for treatment initiation (57 to 70 days postpartum), dose (500 mg, q 14 d), and route (SC).

Results—For cows treated with rbST-Zn, mean milk, 3.5% fat-corrected milk, fat, and protein yields were increased by 4.00, 4.04, 0.144, and 0.137 kg/d (8.8, 8.89, 0.32, and 0.30 lb/d), respectively; however, the concentration of milk components did not change. Pregnancy proportion for the first 2 breeding cycles was increased by 5.4%, and pregnancy proportion for the duration of the trial was reduced by 5.5% for rbST-Zn–treated cows, compared with proportions for untreated cows. Mean body condition score (1 to 5 scale) was reduced by 0.06 points during the period of rbST-Zn use for treated cows. Administration of rbST-Zn had no effect on milk somatic cell count, the number of days to pregnancy, or inseminations per pregnancy; rates of fetal loss, twins, cystic ovaries, clinical lameness, lameness lesions, or traumatic lesions of the integumentary system; and odds of clinical mastitis or culling.

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance—Results indicated that rbST-Zn administration to dairy cows effectively increases milk production with no adverse effects on cow health and well-being.
Regional Disparities in the Slovak Republic from the Point of View of Structural Employment
Authors: Poláková Zuzana , Sojková Zlata , Obtulovič Peter
Published: August 2014

Recently, much attention has been paid to the topic of employment in Slovakia and regional disparities. The aim of this paper is, on the basis of available data from regional databases and through the use of appropriate methodological apparatus, to draw attention to the development of Slovak regions’ structural employment proportion on the total employment according to the sectors of agriculture, industry, construction and services in the time period from 2004 to 2012. The article examined the similarity of regions in terms of structural employment through cluster analysis at NUTS 2 level. Counties are grouped into four mutually similar clusters.
Possibile Applications of Magnetic Microwires in Aviation
Authors: Draganová Katarína , Blažek Josef , Praslička Dušan , Kmec František
Published: August 2014

Magnetic microwires have been rediscovered due to a number of the unusual magnetic properties and their potential applications. The paper concerns glass-coated magnetic microwires composed of a ferromagnetic metallic core with a diameter of 0.6 - 30 jj.m and of a glass coat with a thickness of 2 - 20 jj.m. The fabrication process and magnetic properties of these microwires are described. Due to their unique properties microwires can be used as a sensing element of sensors. Microwire-based sensors can be used in a wide range of aviation applications as magnetic field sensors, tensile stress sensors or temperature sensors. The main advantages of microwire-based sensors are associated with their small dimensions and weight, which play a very important role in aviation.
Local Phenomena During Riveting Process
Authors: Kaniowski Jerzy , Wronicz Wojciech
Published: August 2014

The paper presents experimental and numerical study of the local phenomena during the riveting process.

It is commonly accepted that technological factors of the riveting process has a strong influence on the fatigue life of riveted joints. The authors analysed the papers concerned the experimental researches of the riveting force influence on fatigue life. The magnitude of the life increase caused by the riveting force increase suggests the authors that this is not only the result of beneficial stress system but the change of the joint formation mechanism has taken place. This was an inspiration to undertake more detailed researches of the riveting process.

The strain progress during the riveting process has been experimentally investigated for four types of aluminium rivets used in airframes. Measurements confirm very high strains near the driven head. For some types of rivets the reversal strain signal has been recorded. Several FE model has been use to investigate the riveting process. The axisymmetric and solid models were used. The agreement of experimental and numerical results in some cases were good, in other cases the numerical models demand further development. In any calculations, the reversal strain effect has not been obtained, This suggest that it is result of the phenomenon which has not been taken into account in numerical modelling.

The working hypothesis has been assumed that during the riveting process adhesive joints (called cold welding) were formed and destroyed during the process, what was the reason of the observed reversal strain signal. The authors are going to continue this investigation.