bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Redesigning Public Organizational Change with Care
Authors: Tsai‐Hsun Lin
Published: June 2017

This article explores how design might be able to contribute to scaling and sustaining innovation in the public sector. It argues that nurturing capabilities of design in public administrators will be beneficial because they are change agents for social innovation, and they need higher contextual intelligence and communication skills to deliver efficient and effective policy outcomes. We analyze public organizational complexities and capabilities to identify different opportunities in managing large‐scale organizational change. We examine existing case studies of collaboration between design communities and the public sector and identify that establishing lab‐like space or pilot programs is insufficient for sustaining and scaling innovation in the public sector. We then propose that deep‐level issues lie within public administrators' mindsets and public organizational capabilities, to which redefining public personnel training and development programs would be a possible point of intervention. In the networked environment, the role of public administrators at every level is different from pure conformity; they should be cross‐pollinators who have strong contextual intelligence and influence that enable all actors in the public policy network to collaborate. The vision of this research is not to turn public administrators into professional designers, but to provide different approaches for observing, making sense of, and communicating public policy narratives to address the challenges of responsiveness and adaptability in the public sector in the 21st century.
Educating for Appropriate Design Practice: Insights from Design Innovation
Authors: Dixon Brian , Murphy Emma
Published: June 2017

With design disciplines and territories expanding rapidly and design being positioned as a potential means of responding to grand global challenges, graduates of today are increasingly expected to work in dynamic and fluid ways, able to approach any wicked problem creatively. We contend that a design innovation approach is about developing agility and flexibility to be able to respond to any complex scenario where design could be employed or required. Using an action research approach within a single case study, which draws upon a current PGT program in design innovation, we propose that there is value in training students in four key areas: (1) understanding a context before responding, (2) engendering empathy, (3) crafting appropriate research methods, and (4) bringing form to the intangible complex. To illustrate how this is operationalized, we draw on the experiences of a residential student trip, where design innovation master's students worked with cohorts from two international schools. We fully acknowledge that one learning experience, despite being shared by three institutions, does not mean that solid and scalable conclusions can be drawn, but we offer our insights to date for discussion and to inform future learning activities and curriculum designs.
The impact of Chinese competition on third markets: An analysis by region and technological category
Authors: Módolo Débora Bellucci , Hiratuka Celio
Published: June 2017

This article seeks, through the use of a gravity model, to verify if in the 2000‐2009 years Chinese exports have displaced exports from other countries in third markets. The contribution of this article is to provide an overview of Chinese competition, covering different regions and technology categories in a comparative way. The evidence shows that the effect of Chinese exports on global exports is mainly negative. The medium technology manufacturing sector is the segment most affected by Chinese competition. The results also indicate that developing economies are experiencing the most negative effect of Chinese competition, especially the emerging Asian countries.
Shakeout in the early commercial airframe industry
Authors: Jaworski Taylor , Smyth Andrew
Published: June 2017

The commercial airframe industry in the US experienced a shakeout from the early 1930s into the post‐Second World War period. Unlike shakeouts in automobiles, tyres, or televisions, the commercial airframe industry's early life cycle was affected by external factors, particularly government demand. Using newly digitized data on all planes introduced in the commercial market between 1926 and 1965, we find that commercial airframe manufacturers with bomber contracts during the Second World War were more likely to have postwar market share than firms without such contracts, controlling for plane characteristics and other forms of government contracting. We attribute the effect of bomber contracts to advantages in R&D learning capacity acquired by firms with military airframe contracts. Despite low (or zero) initial presence in the commercial market, these learning capacity advantages allowed such firms to survive the early period of the shakeout, and later to thrive.
Microstructural evolution and thermal fatigue resistance of grey cast iron
Authors: Casati R. , Faccin R. , Vedani M.
Published: June 2017

In the present work, thermal fatigue in grey cast iron has been investigated by means of a numerical and an experimental approach. Temperature gradients were generated within the material by means of a testing rig specifically designed for the experiments. The temperature gradients were responsible for the formation of severe stress fields that led to the failure of the specimens after a fairly low number of cycles. Crack growth was monitored during the tests, and the microstructure and hardness of samples were analysed after failure and compared with those of untested alloy. The repeated thermal cycles at peak temperatures of 600, 700, and 800°C led to important microstructural alterations of cast iron and to a drop in material hardness. The pearlite lamellae lost their original shape and became more fragmented. Oxygen‐rich regions surrounding the graphite flakes were produced by microgalvanic corrosion mechanism.
Towards a Higher Comparability of Geothermometric Data Obtained by Raman Spectroscopy of Carbonaceous Material. Part 2: A Revised Geothermometer
Authors: Lünsdorf N. Keno , Dunkl István , Schmidt Burkhard C. , Rantitsch Gerd , von Eynatten Hilmar
Published: June 2017

The estimation of the peak metamorphic temperature by Raman spectroscopy of carbonaceous material (RSCM) is influenced by several bias sources grouped in measuring conditions, spectral processing and sample heterogeneity. The measuring conditions (selected excitation wavelength) and the operator bias during spectral processing have a pronounced impact on the temperature estimate and thus on the comparability and portability of thermometric data obtained by RSCM. Several calibration lines of RSCM geothermometers are published already, but no standardised approach exists. Samples of carbonaceous material bearing metasediments with well‐established metamorphic conditions of the central and western Alps compile a reference series. By applying an automated, iterative and randomised curve‐fitting approach, a consistent and user input‐independent RSCM geothermometer is presented, which covers peak metamorphic temperatures from ca. 160 to 600 °C. The method is hardware independent because the measuring conditions bias is excluded by the use of the reference series and the automated curve‐fitting approach reduces the spectral processing bias effectively, increasing the method's comparability and portability. By distributing the reference series and the automated curve‐fitting software, a laboratory will be able to derive a laboratory specific calibration line for the RSCM geothermometer.
Genetic loss of the muscarinic M3 receptor markedly alters bile formation and cholestatic liver injury in mice
Authors: Durchschein Franziska , Krones Elisabeth , Pollheimer Marion J. , Zollner Gernot , Wagner Martin , Raufman Jean‐Pierre , Fickert Peter
Published: June 2017

Aim

Hepatic innervation represents a potentially underestimated regulator of liver function and regeneration. The muscarinic 3 receptor (M3‐R) is the primary cholangiocyte receptor for the afferent parasympathetic innervation of bile ducts. We aimed to determine the specific role of the M3‐R in bile formation and models for cholestatic liver disease in mice.

Methods

We compared bile flow and composition in M3‐R knock‐out mice (M3‐R−/−) and wild type littermates (WT). Furthermore, we compared liver inury of M3‐R−/− and WT mice after 3,5‐diethoxycarbonyl‐1,4‐dihydrocollidine (DDC) feeding, a well‐characterized preclinical model of cholestatic liver disease. To analyze the possible role of the M3‐R as a therapeutic target, we treated 4‐week‐old Mdr2−/− mice, a preclinical model for sclerosing cholangitis, with the M3‐R agonist bethanechol for 4 weeks.

Results

M3‐R−/− mice showed significantly reduced bile flow compared to WT mice, most likely due to decreased biliary HCO3− secretion. However, even aged M3‐R−/− mice did not spontaneously develop liver injury or cholestasis. Challenging M3‐R−/− and WT littermates with DDC feeding showed substantially aggravated liver injury in M3‐R−/− mice. After 4 weeks bethanechol treatment, Mdr2−/− mice showed less liver injury compared to controls.

Conclusion

Our experimental findings suggest that M3‐R‐signalling significantly influences bile formation. Loss of the M3‐R increases susceptibility to cholestatic injury in DDC‐fed mice. Since treatment of Mdr2−/− mice with a M3‐R agonist decreases liver injury, M3‐R signaling may represent a therapeutic target in specific cholangiopathies.
Arabidopsis shaker pollen inward K+ channel SPIK functions in SnRK1 complex‐regulated pollen hydration on the stigma
Authors: Li Dan‐Dan , Guan Huan , Li Fei , Liu Chang‐Zhen , Dong Yu‐Xiu , Zhang Xian‐Sheng , Gao Xin‐Qi
Published: June 2017

Pollen hydration is a critical step that determines pollen germination on the stigma. KINβγ is a plant‐specific subunit of the SNF1‐related protein kinase 1 complex (SnRK1 complex). In pollen of the Arabidopsis kinβγ mutant, the levels of reactive oxygen species were decreased which lead to compromised hydration of the mutant pollen on the stigma. In this study, we analyzed gene expression in kinβγ mutant pollen by RNA‐seq and found the expression of inward shaker K+ channel SPIK was down‐regulated in the kinβγ pollen. Furthermore, we showed that the pollen hydration of the Arabidopsis spik mutant was defective on the wild‐type stigma, although the mutant pollen demonstrated normal hydration in vitro. Additionally, the defective hydration of spik mutant pollen could not be rescued by the wild‐type pollen on the stigma, indicating that the spik mutation deprived the capability of pollen absorption on the stigma. Our results suggest that the Arabidopsis SnRK1 complex regulates SPIK expression, which functions in determining pollen hydration on the stigma.
Microperforate hymen presenting with incomplete abortion: A case report
Authors: Padhi Maya , Tripathy Priyadarshini , Sahu Asutosh
Published: June 2017

A 20‐year‐old patient with 3 months of amenorrhea presented in the labor room with bleeding per vaginum and having experienced lower abdominal pain for 2 h. She had a history of difficult intercourse and prolonged menstrual flow. Inspection revealed a bleeding point over an obstructing membrane at the level of the vaginal introitus. Subsequent vaginal examination confirmed the diagnosis of microperforate hymen. Her urine pregnancy test was positive and an ultrasound examination revealed the presence of retained products of conception in the endometrial cavity. Hymenectomy was carried out to evacuate the retained products of conception and the margins of the hymen were sutured to prevent restenosis. The outcome was uneventful. This case study suggests that even though subocclusive hymenal anomalies, such as microperforate hymen, can interfere with normal vaginal intercourse, it does not lead to infertility and can permit pregnancy. Hence, awareness about this rare entity may lead to early detection and improvement in the patient's quality of life.
Could intradialytic nutrition improve refractory anaemia in patients undergoing haemodialysis?
Authors: Thabet Ahmad F. , Moeen Sawsan M. , Labiqe Mohammed O. , Saleh Medhat A.
Published: June 2017

Background

This prospective randomised study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of intradialytic parenteral nutrition (IDPN) therapy in malnourished patients with refractory anaemia.

Methods

Forty patients who were malnourished with a BMI not greater than 23 (17–23) kg/m2, undergoing regular HD were included. Of those, 20 patients received 500–1000 ml of IDPN at a rate of 250–300 ml/h at each HD session three days per week for six consecutive months. The other 20 patients did not receive IDPN infusion. The malnutrition inflammation score (MIS) and haematological parameters were recorded at baseline and after three and six months.

Results

Mean haemoglobin levels, BMI and serum albumin were significantly increased while MIS was significantly decreased after the 3rd and 6th months of IDPN.

Conclusion

IDPN has a good role in improving refractory anaemia by significantly increasing haemoglobin levels, body weight, and serum albumin levels. The intervention also significantly decreases the MIS of patients.
Transfer pricing regulation and taxation of royalty payments
Authors: Juranek Steffen , Schindler Dirk , Schjelderup Guttorm
Published: June 2017

The digital economy is characterized by the use of intellectual property such as software, patents, and trademarks. The pricing of such intangibles is widely used to shift profits to low‐tax countries. We analyze the implications of different OECD methods to regulate transfer pricing and the role of a source tax on royalty payments for abusive transfer pricing. First, we show that under the traditional transfer pricing methods mispricing of royalty payments does not affect investment behavior. In contrast, the Transactional Profit Split Method that is promoted by the OECD for evaluating firms in the digital economy triggers higher investment in order to facilitate higher profit shifting. Second, royalty taxation is effective in reducing (such) abusive profit shifting, but always reduces investment. Third, a royalty tax rate below the corporate tax rate leads to overinvestment in a tax system with allowance for corporate equity (ACE).
Little differences in digestive efficiency for protein and fat in mammals of different trophic guilds and digestive strategies: data constraints or fundamental functional similarity?
Authors: Richard O. K. , Codron D. , Hagen K. B. , Südekum K.‐H. , Clauss M.
Published: June 2017

Carnivores do not vary markedly in their digestive efficiency for protein and fat, but whether they resemble other trophic guilds (omnivores and herbivores) in this respect has not been evaluated. We collated data on apparent crude protein (CP) and crude fat (ether extracts,EE) digestibility in 157 mammal species, applying the Lucas principle of regressing digestible nutrient content against nutrient content, where the slope of the regression equation represents the true digestibility and the intercept the metabolic losses per unit dry matter intake. The data collection is marked by the evident uneven distribution of dietary nutrient contents across trophic guilds and differences in the nutrient range by which different species have been evaluated, making statistical interpretation difficult. Results indicate a lower true digestibility ofCPin herbivores compared to carnivores, most likely due to a lower digestibility of fibre‐bound protein in herbivore diets. MetabolicCPlosses did not appear to differ between trophic guilds, but herbivores had higher metabolicEElosses, compatible with the hypothesis that a higher proportion of metabolicCPlosses were bound in microbes that also contain lipids in herbivores. Among herbivores, no clear pattern was evident that would indicate a difference in metabolic losses associated with microbes between digestive strategies (coprophagy, foregut/hindgut fermentation). Foregut fermenters had a lower trueEEdigestibility, possibly linked to the hydrogenation of lipids in their forestomach prior to digestion. The results do not demonstrate clear differences in digestive efficiency and metabolic losses for protein and fat between mammalian trophic guilds and digestive strategies, leading to the hypothesis that the process ofCPandEEdigestion is not physiologically challenging and hence does not lead to a noticeable differentiation between species or species groups.
Changing trends in complications of chronic hepatitis C
Authors: Lu Mei , Li Jia , Rupp Loralee B. , Zhou Yueren , Holmberg Scott D. , Moorman Anne C. , Spradling Philip R. , Teshale Eyasu H. , Boscarino Joseph A. , Daida Yihe G. , Schmidt Mark A. , Trudeau Sheri , Gordon Stuart C.
Published: June 2017

Background & Aims

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV)‐related complications have increased over the past decade.

Methods

We used join‐point regression modelling to investigate trends in these complications from 2006 to 2015, and the impact of demographics on these trends. Using data from the Chronic Hepatitis Cohort Study (CHeCS), we identified points at which the trend significantly changed, and estimated the annual percent change (APC) in rates of cirrhosis, decompensated cirrhosis and all‐cause mortality, adjusted by race, sex and age.

Results

Among 11,167 adults with chronic HCV infection, prevalence of cirrhosis increased from 20.8% to 27.6% from 2006 to 2015, with adjusted annual percentage change (aAPC) of 1.2 (p <. 01). Although incidence of all‐cause mortality increased from 1.8% in 2006 to 2.9% in 2015, a join‐point was identified at 2010, with aAPCs of 9.6 before (2006 < 2010; p < .01) and −5.2 after (2010 ≤ 2015; p < .01), indicating a decrease in mortality from 2010 and onward. Likewise, overall prevalence of decompensated cirrhosis increased from 9.3% in 2006 to 10.4% in 2015, but this increase was confined to patients 60 or older (aAPC = 1.5; p = .023). Asian American and Black/African American patients demonstrated significantly higher rates of cirrhosis than White patients, while older patients and men demonstrated higher rates of cirrhosis and mortality.

Conclusions

Although cirrhosis and mortality among HCV‐infected patients in the US have increased over the past decade, all‐cause mortality has decreased in recent years.
Early pregnancy body mass index modifies the association of pre‐pregnancy dietary patterns with serum polyunsaturated fatty acid concentrations throughout pregnancy in Brazilian women
Authors: Benaim Camila , Freitas‐Vilela Ana Amélia , Pinto Thatiana de Jesus Pereira , Lepsch Jaqueline , Farias Dayana Rodrigues , dos Santos Vaz Juliana , El‐Bacha Tatiana , Kac Gilberto
Published: June 2017

Dietary patterns (DPs) have been described as an important factor that may influence polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA) concentrations and body mass index (BMI) during pregnancy. We aim to evaluate the association between pre‐pregnancy DPs and serum PUFA percentages throughout pregnancy considering early pregnancy BMI as a possible effect modifier. A prospective cohort of 154 pregnant women was followed (5th–13th, 20th–26th, and 30th–36th gestational weeks). Serum PUFA concentrations (total n‐3 and total n‐6, eicosapentaenoic + docosahexaenoic acids) were measured in each trimester and expressed as percentages. The n‐6/n‐3 ratio was calculated. Longitudinal linear mixed‐effects models including interaction terms between DPs and early pregnancy BMI were employed. Serum PUFA percentages declined, whereas the n‐6/n‐3 ratio, monounsaturated, and saturated percentages increased throughout pregnancy for all BMI categories. Three pre‐pregnancy DPs were identified by principal component analysis (common Brazilian, healthy, and processed). Overweight women with higher adherence to the common‐Brazilian and to the healthy DPs presented reduced n‐3 PUFA percentage and increased n‐6 percentages and n‐6/n‐3 ratio compared to under or normal weight women. Obese women with higher adherence to the processed DP presented a more pronounced decrease of total n‐3 percentage compared to under or normal weight women. Early pregnancy BMI modified the effect of pre‐pregnancy DPs on PUFA profile throughout gestation. Higher adherence to the healthy pattern was associated with increased n‐3 percentage, except for overweight women. Only for processed DP was the behaviour of PUFA the same for all BMI categories, showing a worse evolution profile, that is, increased n‐6 and reduced n‐3 fractions.
New insights into global biogeography, population structure and natural selection from the genome of the epipelagic copepod Oithona
Authors: Madoui Mohammed‐Amin , Poulain Julie , Sugier Kevin , Wessner Marc , Noel Benjamin , Berline Leo , Labadie Karine , Cornils Astrid , Blanco‐Bercial Leocadio , Stemmann Lars , Jamet Jean‐Louis , Wincker Patrick
Published: June 2017

In the epipelagic ocean, the genus Oithona is considered as one of the most abundant and widespread copepods and plays an important role in the trophic food web. Despite its ecological importance, little is known about Oithona and cyclopoid copepods genomics. Therefore, we sequenced, assembled and annotated the genome of Oithona nana. The comparative genomic analysis integrating available copepod genomes highlighted the expansions of genes related to stress response, cell differentiation and development, including genes coding Lin12‐Notch‐repeat (LNR) domain proteins. The Oithona biogeography based on 28S sequences and metagenomic reads from the Tara Oceans expedition showed the presence of O. nana mostly in the Mediterranean Sea (MS) and confirmed the amphitropical distribution of Oithona similis. The population genomics analyses of O. nana in the Northern MS, integrating the Tara Oceans metagenomic data and the O. nana genome, led to the identification of genetic structure between populations from the MS basins. Furthermore, 20 loci were found to be under positive selection including four missense and eight synonymous variants, harbouring soft or hard selective sweep patterns. One of the missense variants was localized in the LNR domain of the coding region of a male‐specific gene. The variation in the B‐allele frequency with respect to the MS circulation pattern showed the presence of genomic clines between O. nana and another undefined Oithona species possibly imported through Atlantic waters. This study provides new approaches and results in zooplankton population genomics through the integration of metagenomic and oceanographic data.
Sperm competition suppresses gene drive among experimentally evolving populations of house mice
Authors: Manser Andri , Lindholm Anna K. , Simmons Leigh W. , Firman Renée C.
Published: June 2017

Drive genes are genetic elements that manipulate the 50% ratio of Mendelian inheritance in their own favour, allowing them to rapidly propagate through populations. The action of drive genes is often hidden, making detection and identification inherently difficult. Yet drive genes can have profound evolutionary consequences for the populations that harbour them: most known drivers are detrimental to organismal gamete development, reproduction and survival. In this study, we identified the presence of a well‐known drive gene called t haplotype post hoc in eight replicate selection lines of house mice that had been evolving under enforced monandry or polyandry for 20 generations. Previous work on these selection lines reported an increase in sperm competitive ability in males evolving under polyandry. Here, we show that this evolutionary response can be partly attributed to gene drive. We demonstrate that drive‐carrying males are substantially compromised in their sperm competitive ability. As a consequence, we found that t frequencies declined significantly in the polyandrous lines while remaining at stable, high levels in the monandrous lines. For the first time in a vertebrate, we thus provide direct experimental evidence that the mating system of a species can have important repercussions on the spread of drive genes over evolutionary relevant timescales. Moreover, our work highlights how the covert action of drive genes can have major, potentially unintended impact on our study systems.
Public Perception of the Presidential Toolkit
Authors: Lowande Kenneth , Gray Thomas
Published: June 2017

Studies of unilateral power typically analyze a single tool of presidential action (e.g., executive orders, memoranda, proclamations, and signing statements) in relative isolation. But scholars have long recognized that presidents boast a diverse toolkit with particular actions possessing variable suitability for a given political circumstance. We investigate one mechanism by which presidents may choose one tool over another: political cost. Specifically, we ask: does public perception of policy movement vary with the means used to alter the status quo? Leveraging a survey experiment conducted after the 2014 midterm elections, we find support for the idea that presidents have strong incentives to take action—any action—but that more salient means like executive orders have the potential to damage respondents’ evaluations of policy change. We report initial evidence that the means of unilateral action are endogenous to political circumstances and that studies that analyze them in isolation may be vulnerable to bias.
Geochemistry, Zircon U–Pb Analysis, and Biotite 40Ar/39Ar Geochronology of the Maoling Gold Deposit, Liaodong Rift, NE China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Zhao Yan , Chai Peng , Yang Hong‐Zhi , Na Fu‐Chao
Published: June 2017

The Maoling gold deposit is located in the southwestern part of the Liaodong rift, NE China, and has estimated reserves of 25 t. In this paper we present the results of an investigation into the geochronology and geodynamic mechanisms of igneous activity and metallogenesis within the Maoling gold deposit. New zircon U–Pb age data, biotite 40Ar/39Ar age data, whole‐rock geochemistry, and Hf isotopic analyses are presented in order to constrain the petrogenesis and mineralization of the deposit. Zircon U–Pb dating of the Wolongquan biotite monzogranite and Maoling biotite granite yielded mean ages of 194.0 ± 1.1 Ma and 196.1 ± 1.1 Ma, respectively. All the granites are characteristically high‐K calc‐alkaline, enriched in light rare earth elements and large ion lithophile elements, and depleted in high field strength elements, which is consistent with the geochemical characteristics of arc‐type magmas. The Hf isotope characteristics indicate that the granites formed by partial melting of early Paleoproterozoic crustal material. In addition, biotite 40Ar/39Ar dating indicates that the Maoling gold deposit formed at 188.9 ± 1.2 Ma, implying that the mineralization was related to both the granite intrusions. Taking into account previous data on S–Pb–O–H isotopes and our new age data, the Maoling deposit can be classified as an intrusion‐related gold deposit. Taking into account the geology of the study area and adjacent regions, we propose that the Maoling gold deposit and its associated granitic intrusions formed in a geodynamic setting that was dominated by subduction of the Paleo‐Pacific Plate beneath the Eurasian continent.
Representation and Computation in Cognitive Models
Authors: Forbus Kenneth D. , Liang Chen , Rabkina Irina
Published: June 2017

One of the central issues in cognitive science is the nature of human representations. We argue that symbolic representations are essential for capturing human cognitive capabilities. We start by examining some common misconceptions found in discussions of representations and models. Next we examine evidence that symbolic representations are essential for capturing human cognitive capabilities, drawing on the analogy literature. Then we examine fundamental limitations of feature vectors and other distributed representations that, despite their recent successes on various practical problems, suggest that they are insufficient to capture many aspects of human cognition. After that, we describe the implications for cognitive architecture of our view that analogy is central, and we speculate on roles for hybrid approaches. We close with an analogy that might help bridge the gap.
Tetratricopeptide repeat protein Pyg7 is essential for photosystem I assembly by interacting with PsaC in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yang Huixia , Li Pin , Zhang Aihong , Wen Xiaogang , Zhang Lixin , Lu Congming
Published: June 2017

Although progress has been made in determining the structure and understanding the function of photosystem I (PSI), the PSI assembly process remains poorly understood. PsaC is an essential subunit of PSI and participates in the transfer of electrons to ferredoxin. However, how PsaC is assembled during accumulation of the PSI complex is unknown. In the present study, we showed that Pyg7 localized to the stromal thylakoid and associated with the PSI complex. We also showed that Pyg7 interacted with PsaC. Furthermore, we found that the PSI assembly process was blocked following formation of the PsaAB heterodimer in the pyg7 mutant. In addition, the analyses of PSI stability in Pyg7RNAi plants showed that Pyg7 is involved in maintaining the assembled PSI complex under excess‐light conditions. Moreover, we demonstrated that decreased Pyg7 content resulted in decreased efficiency of PSI assembly in Pyg7RNAi plants. These findings suggest that the role of Pyg7 in PSI biogenesis has evolved as an essential assembly factor by interacting with PsaC in Arabidopsis, in addition to being a stability factor for PSI as seen in Synechocystis.
The Arl3 and Arl1 GTPases co‐operate with Cog8 to regulate selective autophagy via Atg9 trafficking
Authors: Wang I‐Hao , Chen Yi‐Jie , Hsu Jia‐Wei , Lee Fang‐Jen S.
Published: June 2017

The Arl3‐Arl1 GTPase cascade plays important roles in vesicle trafficking at the late Golgi and endosomes. Subunits of the conserved oligomeric Golgi (COG) complex, a tethering factor, are important for endosome‐to‐Golgi transport and contribute to the efficient functioning of the cytoplasm‐to‐vacuole targeting (Cvt) pathway, a well‐known selective autophagy pathway. According to our findings, the Arl3‐Arl1 GTPase cascade co‐operates with Cog8 to regulate the Cvt pathway via Atg9 trafficking. arl3cog8Δ and arl1cog8Δ exhibit profound defects in aminopeptidase I maturation in rich medium. In addition, the Arl3‐Arl1 cascade acts on the Cvt pathway via dynamic nucleotide binding. Furthermore, Atg9 accumulates at the late Golgi in arl3cog8Δ and arl1cog8Δ cells under normal growth conditions but not under starvation conditions. Thus, our results offer insight into the requirement for multiple components in the Golgi‐endosome system to determine Atg9 trafficking at the Golgi, thereby regulating selective autophagy.
Prothrombin complex concentrate for emergent reversal of warfarin: an international survey of hospital protocols
Authors: Gorlin J. , Kinney S. , Fung M. K. , Tinmouth A. ,   the BEST Collaborative
Published: June 2017

For emergent warfarin reversal, four‐factor prothrombin complex concentrates (4FPCCs) are recommended by many international guidelines. We surveyed international clinical sites including members of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative. Most sites have emergent warfarin reversal protocols (53% use PCC, 25% use PCC+ plasma and 2% use plasma alone); however, variation between adjusted dosing and fixed dosing was observed.
ANTIOXIDANT ACTIVITY OF LEAF EXTRACTS OF GLOBIMETULA BRAUNII (ENGLER) VAN TIEGH PARASITIZING ON PILIOSTIGMA THONNINGII AND PARKIA BIGLOBOSA
Authors: Ja’afar Muhammad Kamal , Jamil Shajarahtunnur , Basar Norazah
Published: June 2017

The dried leaves of Globimetula braunii parasitizing on Piliostigma thonningii and Parkia biglobosa were successively extracted using n-hexane, dichloromethane, ethyl acetate and methanol by cold extraction method. All the extracts were evaluated for antioxidant activities using FRAP, ABTS and DPPH assays. The MeOH extract of G. braunii parasitizing on P. thonningii displayed the highest DPPH scavenging activity with SC50 value 2.82 µg/mL while the EtOAc extract of G. braunii parasitizing on P. biglobosa showed highest antioxidant scavenging capacity in the ABTS assay with SC50 value of 138.9 µg/mL. The MeOH extract of G. braunii parasitizing on P. biglobosa showed the highest FRAP equivalent value of 9.68 ± 0.14 mM. These results showed that EtOAc and MeOH are suitable solvents for extraction of active antioxidant agents from the leaves of G. braunii parasitizing on both hosts.
Pencapaian Pelajar dalam Mata Pelajaran Geografi Sekolah Menengah di Sabah – Analisis Awal
Authors: Mahat Hanifah , Poh Ling Paulin Chang , Nayan Nasir , Hashim Mohmadisa , Saleh Yazid
Published: June 2017

This study intends to examine student achievement in subject of geography. This studyinvolves variables of attitudes, interest, teacher’s role and parents’ role with student achievement. This is a preliminary study involved only one district in Sabah, Kota Marudu district. Data were collected through a questionnaire which contains 40 items to measure, attitude, interest, teacher’s role and parents’ roles. Meanwhile, final examination results year 2015 used to measure student achievement for geography subject. A total of 257 Form Five students representing six schools that took geography involved in this study were selected through random sampling. Data were analysed using SPSS software by selecting the Pearson correlation analysis. Research finding showed that students’ attitude has a significant relationship with student achievement. Meanwhile, interest, teacher’s roles and parents' roles have no relationship with student achievement. The findings gave implications for the abolition of geography subjects if student achievement still remained in low-level. Hence, teachers and parents play an important role to form a high interest and a more positive attitude towards students in order to improve their achievement in subject of geography.
Construction of Quantitative Transaction Strategy Based on LASSO and Neural Network
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Zi-Yu , Zhong Jia-Yu
Published: June 2017

Since the establishment of the securities market, there has been a continuous search for the prediction of stock price trend. Based on the forecasting characteristics of stock index futures, this paper combines the variable selection in the statistical field and the machine learning to construct an effective quantitative trading strategy. Firstly, the LASSO algorithm is used to filter a large number of technical indexes to obtain reasonable and effective technical indicators. Then, the indicators are used as input variables, and the average expected return rate is predicted by neural network. Finally, based on the forecasting results, a reasonable quantitative trading strategy is constructed. We take the CSI 300 stock index futures trading data for empirical research. The results show that the variables selected by LASSO are effective and the introduction of LASSO can improve the generalization ability of neural network. At the same time, the quantitative trading strategy based on LASSO algorithm and neural network can achieve good effect and robustness at different times.
Constraints and Facilitators for Successful Integration: How Bureaucratic Contacts Affects Migrants’ Pathways
Authors: Belabas Warda , Gerrits Lasse
Published: June 2017

Integration of migrants in Dutch society is a continuous political concern. The regulations governing the immigrant integration processes, and the formal demands to the migrants have been revised several times. Inevitably, the process requires the immigrant to engage in bureaucratic contacts. We postulate that these bureaucratic contacts have a reinforcing or a dampening effect on the integration process, hence on its success. We deployed a grounded research approach in order to investigate this assumption. Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with 51 migrants. We conclude that bureaucratic contacts have considerable impact on many aspects of the migrants' lives. The observed patterns of positive and negative loops with both favorable and unfavorable consequences for migrants demonstrate the systematic reality in which integration processes develop. The bureaucratic contacts – or lack thereof – are constantly used by migrants to evaluate their situation and to decide on new actions. This in turn sets off a chain reaction that impacts both bureaucratic contacts later on and the way migrants integrate in Dutch society.
Absence of conformational change in complement factor 3 and factor XII adsorbed to acrylate polymers is related to a high degree of polymer backbone flexibility
Authors: Fromell Karin , Yang Yi , Nilsson Ekdahl Kristina , Nilsson Bo , Berglin Mattias , Elwing Hans
Published: June 2017

In previous investigations, the authors have examined the adsorption of albumin, immunoglobulin, and fibrinogen to a series of acrylate polymers with different backbone and side-group flexibility. The authors showed that protein adsorption to acrylates with high flexibility, such as poly(lauryl methacrylate) (PLMA), tends to preserve native conformation. In the present study, the authors have continued this work by examining the conformational changes that occur during the binding of complement factor 3 (C3) and coagulation factor XII (FXII). Native C3 adsorbed readily to all solid surfaces tested, including a series of acrylate surfaces of varying backbone flexibility. However, a monoclonal antibody recognizing a “hidden” epitope of C3 (only exposed during C3 activation or denaturation) bound to the C3 on the rigid acrylate surfaces or on polystyrene (also rigid), but not to C3 on the flexible PLMA, indicating that varying degrees of conformational change had occurred with binding to different surfaces. Similarly, FXII was activated only on the rigid poly(butyl methacrylate) surface, as assessed by the formation of FXIIa-antithrombin (AT) complexes; in contrast, it remained in its native form on the flexible PLMA surface. The authors also found that water wettability hysteresis, defined as the difference between the advancing and receding contact angles, was highest for the PLMA surface, indicating that a dynamic change in the interface polymer structure may help protect the adsorbed protein from conformational changes and denaturation.
Investigation of low-fluence hydrogen implantation-induced cracking in B doped Si0.70Ge0.30
Authors: Chen Da , Guo Qinglei , Zhang Nan , Wang Bei , Xu Anli , Li Ya , Yang Siwei , Wang Gang
Published: June 2017

The splitting kinetics of B doped Si0.70Ge0.30 layers with low-fluence hydrogen implantation (3 × 1016/cm2) was investigated. For H-implanted Si/Si0.70Ge0.30/Si structures without B doping, no cracking was observed in the Si0.70Ge0.30 layer. Upon increasing the B concentration in the buried Si0.70Ge0.30 layer to 3 × 1019/cm3, a continuous cracking was observed parallel to the surface. A series of analyses indicate that B doping can greatly promote the evolution of hydrogen related defects, which in turn enhances H diffusion to form cracks. Since the hydrogen fluence (3 × 1016/cm2) is only half of the typical fluence required for a conventional ion-cut process, our research may bring an alternative path for SiGe on insulator (SGOI) fabrication technique in manufacturing and enable the subsequent application in postsilicon era.
Acoustic radiation force on a fluid cylindrical particle immersed in water near an impedance boundary
Authors: Qiao Yupei , Zhang Xiaofeng , Zhang Guangbin
Published: June 2017

This work presents a theoretical model to calculate the acoustic radiation force of a fluid cylindrical particle immersed in water near a boundary. A solution of the acoustic radiation force function, which is the radiation force per unit energy density and unit cross-sectional surface area, is derived for a cylinder near a boundary in normal incident plane wave by applying the translation addition theorem of cylindrical function. The effects of impedance boundary on acoustic radiation force of a fluid oleic acid cylinder and a mixture fluid cylinder immersed in water are analyzed with particular emphasis on the radius of fluid cylinder and the distance from its center to the impedance boundary. The results reveal that the existence of particle trapping behavior depends on the choice of the nondimensional frequency ka as well as the offset distance from the impedance boundary. This study provides a theoretical basis for acoustic manipulation, which may be of benefit to the improvement and development of the acoustic control technology.
Psl Produced by Mucoid
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Contributes to the Establishment of Biofilms and Immune Evasion
Authors: Jones Christopher J. , Wozniak Daniel J.
Published: June 2017

Despite years of research and clinical advances, chronic pulmonary infections with mucoid
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
remain the primary concern for cystic fibrosis patients. Much of the research on these strains has focused on the contributions of the polysaccharide alginate; however, it is becoming evident that the neutral polysaccharide Psl also contributes to biofilm formation and the maintenance of chronic infections. Here, we demonstrate that Psl produced by mucoid strains has significant roles in biofilm structure and evasion of immune effectors. Though mucoid strains produce less Psl than nonmucoid strains, the Psl that is produced is functional, since it mediates adhesion to human airway cells and epithelial cell death. Additionally, Psl protects mucoid bacteria from opsonization and killing by complement components in human serum. Psl production by mucoid strains stimulates a proinflammatory response in the murine lung, leading to reduced colonization. To determine the relevance of these data to clinical infections, we tested Psl production and biofilm formation of a panel of mucoid clinical isolates. We demonstrated three classes of mucoid isolates, those that produce Psl and form robust biofilms, those that did not produce Psl and have a poor biofilm phenotype, and exopolysaccharide (EPS) redundant strains. Collectively, these experimental results demonstrate that Psl contributes to the biofilm formation and immune evasion of many mucoid strains. This is a novel role for Psl in the establishment and maintenance of chronic pulmonary infections by mucoid strains.

IMPORTANCE
Cystic fibrosis patients are engaged in an ongoing battle against chronic lung infections by the bacterium
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. One key factor contributing to the maintenance of chronic infections is the conversion to a mucoid phenotype, where the bacteria produce copious amounts of the polysaccharide alginate. Once the bacteria become mucoid, existing treatments are poorly effective. We proposed that mucoid bacteria produce an additional polysaccharide, Psl, which is important for their establishment and maintenance of chronic infections. This work demonstrates that Psl enhances attachment of mucoid bacteria to lung surfaces and leads to inflammation and damage in the lung. Additionally, we find that 50% of mucoid bacteria isolated from patients with chronic infections rely on Psl for the structure of their biofilm communities, suggesting that treatments against Psl should be investigated to enhance the success of current therapies.
Acute pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis with atrophic desmosis of the colon in a child
Authors: Schuster Blanca , Mayr Johannes
Published: June 2017

Acute pneumatosis cystoides intestinalis (PCI) has been described after bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Several case series have demonstrated successful conservative treatment of PCI in children. We present a child with Fanconi anaemia, who developed severe graft versus host disease of the gastrointestinal tract, skin and liver after BMT and an acute, severe form of PCI. Our case report illustrates the complexity of diagnostic and therapeutic procedures in PCI in immunocompromised children.
Trend of declining stroke mortality in China: reasons and analysis
Authors: Wang Wenzhi , Wang David , Liu Hongmei , Sun Haixin , Jiang Bin , Ru Xiaojuan , Sun Dongling , Chen Zhenghong , Wang Yongjun
Published: June 2017

Introduction

There is a downward trend of stroke-related mortality in the USA. By reviewing all published articles on stroke mortality in China, we analysed its trend and possible factors that have influenced the trend.

Methods

Both English and Chinese literatures were searched on the mortality of stroke or cerebrovascular diseases in China. Potential papers related to this topic were identified from PubMed, Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library, Wanfang Database, SINOMED and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases.

Results

Comparing the results from the most recent population-based epidemiological survey and databank from the national Center for Disease Control and Prevention, the age-adjusted stroke mortality rate has shown a downward trend among both urban and rural population in the past 30 years in China. Comparing with 30 years ago, the rate of stroke mortality has decreased by more than 31% in urban/suburban population and 11% in rural population. In men, the age-adjusted stroke mortality rate decreased by 18.9% and in women by 24.9% between 1994 and 2013. Factors that may have contributed to the trend of decreased stroke mortality rate include (1) improved healthcare coverage and healthcare environment; (2) improved treatment options and medical technology; (3) support by government to educate the public on stroke and stroke prevention; and (4) improved public knowledge on stroke.

Conclusions

The age-adjusted stroke mortality rate in China has shown a downward trend among both urban and rural population in the past 30 years. The major influencing factors that helped in reducing stroke mortality in China included improved healthcare coverage, healthcare environment, the updated treatment options and modern medical technology.
Characterization of Pinus ectomycorrhizas from mixed conifer and pygmy forests using morphotyping and molecular methods
Authors: Wurzburger Nina , Bidartondo Martin I , Bledsoe Caroline S
Published: June 2017

We used morphotyping and molecular methods to characterize ectomycorrhizas of bishop pine (Pinus muricata D. Don) and Bolander pine (Pinus contorta ssp. bolanderi (Parl.) Critchf.) from mixed conifer and hydric pygmy forests on the northern California coast. Sixteen ectomycorrhizal morphotypes were described, producing 15 internal transcribed spacer restriction fragment length polymorphism (ITS-RFLP) types, and 12 were identified via ITS sequencing. From a given site, all root tips of a specific morphotype produced identical ITS-RFLP patterns. However, sometimes two morphotypes produced the same ITS-RFLP type, and sometimes samples of the same morphotype from two different sites produced two different ITS-RFLP types. These results indicate that surveys of ectomycorrhizal fungi based on morphology alone are not sufficient, and that grouping morphotypes prior to molecular analysis can expedite the process. Ectomycorrhizas from mixed conifer included Russuloid sp., Tomentella sublilacina (Ellis & Holw.) Wakef., Tuber sp., and two Thelephoroid species. Ectomycorrhizas from hydric pygmy included two Dermocybe spp., a Cortinarius sp., two Thelephoroid spp., and Suillus tomentosus (Kauffman) Singer. Both plant communities contained Cenococcum geophilum Fr.:Fr. The hydric pygmy sites were more similar to each other than to the mixed conifer site (Jaccard similarity). The presence of ectomycorrhizal taxa in one plant community type may reflect biotic (host specificity) or abiotic (soil fertility or hydrology) adaptation.Key words: ectomycorrhiza, bishop pine, Pinus muricata, Bolander pine, Pinus contorta ssp. bolanderi, morphotyping, ITS-RFLP.