bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse drug events in patients admitted to an emergency department: an analysis of direct costs
Authors: Meier Florian , Maas Renke , Sonst Anja , Patapovas Andrius , Müller Fabian , Plank‐Kiegele Bettina , Pfistermeister Barbara , Schöffski Oliver , Bürkle Thomas , Dormann Harald
Published: June 2014

Purpose

Several economic evaluations of adverse drug events (ADEs) exist, but the underlying methodology has not been standardized so far. The aim of the study was to combine prospective, intensive pharmacovigilance methods, and standardized accounting data to calculate direct costs of community‐acquired ADEs (caADEs) contributing to emergency department (ED) admission and subsequent hospitalization.

Methods

A prospective observational study with three phases extending over 2 years was implemented in a 749 bed tertiary care hospital with an annual ED census of approximately 45 000 patients. The patient records of all adult non‐trauma ED admissions were systematically analyzed by a team of emergency physicians, clinical pharmacologists, and pharmacists for potential ADE. Associated diagnosis related group costs were extracted from standardized accounting data.

Results

Of 2262 patients attending the ED during the study periods, the hospitalization of 366 patients (16.2%) was related to one or more caADEs of which 97.5% were considered predictable and 62.0% were classified as preventable. The mean caADE‐related diagnosis related group costs were €2743 (95% bias‐corrected and accelerated CI: €2498 to €3018). Extrapolated to a national scale, this corresponds to caADE‐related costs of €2.245bn for the German health insurance funds, annually. Costs of €1.310bn could be attributed to events classified as predictable and preventable.

Conclusions

In an ED, caADEs are frequent, and a significant proportion of these events and their related costs appear to be predictable and preventable. The ED as a first‐line provider for ADE cases appears to be an appropriate environment to implement strategic and operative improvements for enhanced patient safety. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Binary hairy nanoparticles: Recent progress in theory and simulations
Authors: Chen Cangyi , Tang Ping , Qiu Feng
Published: June 2014

Binary polymer brushes, including mixed homopolymer brushes and diblock copolymer brushes, are an attractive class of environmentally responsive nanostructured materials. Owing to microphase separation of the two chemically distinct components in the brush, multifaceted nanomaterials with functionalized and patterned surfaces can be obtained. This review summarizes recent progress on the theory and simulations related to binary polymer brushes grafted to flat, spherical, and cylindrical substrates, with a focus on patterned morphologies of multifaceted hairy nanoparticles, an intriguing class of hybrid nanostructured particles (e.g., nanospheres and nanorods). In particular, powerful field theory and particle‐based simulations suitable for revealing novel structures on these patterned surfaces, including self‐consistent field theory and dissipative particle dynamics simulations, are emphasized. The unsolved yet critical issues in this research field, such as dynamic response of binary polymer brushes to environmental stimuli and the hierarchical self‐assembly of binary hairy nanoparticles, are briefly discussed. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1583–1599
An actuator line method with novel blade flow field coupling based on potential flow equivalence
Authors: Schluntz Justine , Willden Richard H. J.
Published: June 2014

A Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes‐embedded actuator line model for wind and tidal turbine simulation has been implemented and validated using the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Phase VI wind tunnel experimental results. Actuator line models, first introduced by Sørensen and Shen, represent the blades virtually, enabling time‐resolved rotor simulations without requiring blade boundary layer discretization. This results in a lower computational cost than blade‐resolved simulations while preserving the predominant features of the rotor flow. The present method introduces a novel technique, based on potential flow equivalence, to determine the local flow velocity at the blade, and a method of projecting the resulting momentum sources to the flow field. These methods circumvent the requirement for smearing techniques used in other actuator line models. In addition, the model is adapted for use with an unstructured mesh, thereby enabling turbine components such as the tower and nacelle to be explicitly included in the domain. The model is validated through comparison of computed integrated loads and local force coefficients with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory Phase VI experimental results. Results for local force coefficients indicate general agreement with experiment, although discrepancies associated with three‐dimensional flow effects are observed at the tips. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The dream and reality of histology agnostic cancer clinical trials
Authors: Lacombe Denis , Burock Susen , Bogaerts Jan , Schoeffski Patrick , Golfinopoulos Vassilis , Stupp Roger
Published: June 2014

Emerging technologies and progress in data processing allowed for new insights on gene expression, genomics and epigenomics, and mechanisms of cancer genesis and progression. The development of new therapeutic strategies should therefore be triggered by the understanding of the underlying biology through sophisticated clinical trials. Therefore, the methodology and the design of cancer clinical trials as well as the methods of their implementation are under profound changes. Targeting specific pathways has open the hope of a more focused and personalized medicine which has the potential to bring more efficient and tailored treatments to patients. It has been questioned therefore whether clinical trials traditionally designed for specific tumor types could not re‐visited towards trials gathering patients based on molecular features rather than pure pathology criteria. The complexity of the cancer biology being the result of so many different interactive mechanisms whether driving or not the process of cancer cells is an additional level of complexity to approach more inclusive clinical trial access. Nevertheless, a number of innovative solutions to address biological challenges across histologies have been initiated and the question of whether histology agnostic trials could be conceived is a logical next question. This paper questions the advantages and the limits of clinical trials performed across tumor types bearing similar selected molecular features and looks further into the feasibility of such histology agnostic trials.
The Industrial Revolution Reconsidered
Authors: Nef John U.
Published: June 2014

Economic history, as a subject of separate study, is now nearly a hundred years old. No other idea which has emerged from it has gained a tithe of the attention that scholars, teachers, and the general public have focused on the “industrial revolution.” Yet there is scarcely a conception in economic history more misleading than one which relates all the important problems of our modern civilization to economic changes that are represented as taking place in England between 1760 and 1832. There is scarcely a conception that rests on less secure foundations than one which finds the key to an understanding of the modern industrialized world in these seventy-two years of English economic history.
MACROPRUDENTIAL POLICY AND FORECASTING USING HYBRID DSGE MODELS WITH FINANCIAL FRICTIONS AND STATE SPACE MARKOV-SWITCHING TVP-VARS
Authors: Bekiros Stelios D. , Paccagnini Alessia
Published: June 2014

We focus on the interaction of frictions both at the firm level and in the banking sector in order to examine the transmission mechanism of the shocks and to reflect on the response of the monetary policy to increases in interest rate spreads, using DSGE models with financial frictions. However, VAR models are linear and the solutions of DSGEs are often linear approximations; hence they do not consider time variation in parameters that could account for inherent nonlinearities and capture the adaptive underlying structure of the economy, especially in crisis periods. A novel method for time-varying VAR models is introduced. As an extension to the standard homoskedastic TVP-VAR, we employ a Markov-switching heteroskedastic error structure. Overall, we conduct a comparative empirical analysis of the out-of-sample performance of simple and hybrid DSGE models against standard VARs, BVARs, FAVARs, and TVP-VARs, using data sets from the U.S. economy. We apply advanced Bayesian and quasi-optimal filtering techniques in estimating and forecasting the models.
Efficient genetic manipulation of the NOD-Rag1-/-IL2RgammaC-null mouse by combining in vitro fertilization and CRISPR/Cas9 technology
Authors: Li Feng , Cowley Dale O. , Banner Debra , Holle Eric , Zhang Liguo , Su Lishan
Published: June 2014

Humanized mouse models have become increasingly important and widely used in modeling human diseases in biomedical research. Immunodeficient mice such as NOD-Rag1-/-IL2RgammaC-null (NRG) or NOD-SCID-IL2RgammaC-null (NSG) mice are critical for efficient engraftment of human cells or tissues. However, their genetic modification remains challenging due to a lack of embryonic stem cells and difficulty in the collection of timed embryos after superovulation. Here, we report the generation of gene knockout NRG mice by combining in vitro fertilization (IVF) and CRISPR/Cas9 technology. Sufficient numbers of fertilized embryos were produced through IVF and a high rate of Fah gene targeting was achieved with microinjection of Cas9 mRNA, gRNA and single strand oligonucleotide DNA (ssDNA) into the embryos. The technology paves the way to construct NRG or NSG mutant mice to facilitate new humanized mouse models. The technology can also be readily adapted to introduce mutations in other species such as swine and non-human primates.
Surface stabilities and NO oxidation kinetics on hexagonal-phase LaCoO3 facets: a first-principles study
Authors: Liu Xiao , Chen Zhengzheng , Wen Yanwei , Chen Rong , Shan Bin
Published: June 2014

The surface stability of hexagonal-phase LaCoO3 has been studied and the LaO3-terminated surface is catalytically most active towards NO oxidation.
Bare magnetic nanoparticles: sustainable synthesis and applications in catalytic organic transformations
Authors: Hudson Reuben , Feng Yuting , Varma Rajender S. , Moores Audrey
Published: June 2014

Naked magnetic nanoparticles are successfully used as magnetically recoverable catalysts for organic transformations; this review highlights recent progress in this rapidly growing field.
RAFT-derived antimicrobial polymethacrylates: elucidating the impact of end-groups on activity and cytotoxicity
Authors: Michl Thomas D. , Locock Katherine E. S. , Stevens Natalie Emilia , Hayball John D. , Vasilev Krasimir , Postma Almar , Qu Yue , Traven Ana , Haeussler Matthias , Meagher Laurence , Griesser Hans J.
Published: June 2014

We report the use of RAFT polymerization to obtain eight cationic methacrylate polymers bearing amine or guanidine pendant groups, while varying the R- and Z-RAFT end-groups.
Site occupations of Zn in AgInSe2-based chalcopyrites responsible for modified structures and significantly improved thermoelectric performance
Authors: Wang Li , Ying Pengzhan , Deng Yuan , Zhou Hong , Du Zhengliang , Cui Jiaolin
Published: June 2014

Site occupations of Zn in AgInSe2-based chalcopyrites, which leads to the formation of the defects ZnAg1+ and ZnIn1−, are directly responsible for modified structures and significantly improved thermoelectric performance.
Highly robust SiCOH/mesoporous SiO2 ultralow dielectric films with heterostructures
Authors: Park Jong-Min , Kim Kyoung Hwan , An Cheng Jin , Jin Ming Liang , Hahn Jun-Hee , Kong Byung-Seon , Jung Hee-Tae
Published: June 2014

We report here a new dual-coating method for the deposition of SiCOH (elementally descriptive but not representing the stoichiometry) ATMS (allyltrimethylsilane) low-k films on mesoporous SiO2 (SBA-15)/PEG (polyethylene glycol) composite films to improve the dielectric constant and mechanical properties of SiCOH/SBA-15 dual forms.
N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed oxidation of aldehydes for the synthesis of amides via phenolic esters
Authors: Ji Miran , Lim Seungyeon , Jang Hye-Young
Published: June 2014

Carbene-catalyzed TEMPO-mediated oxidative coupling conditions were used to convert the aldehydes to amides via phenolic ester intermediates.
The first zinc-catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfones using H2O2as green oxidant
Authors: Feng Jian-Bo , Gong Jin-Long , Wu Xiao-Feng
Published: June 2014

The first example of the zinc-catalyzed oxidation of sulfides to sulfones has been developed. By using a catalytic amount of zinc salt as the catalyst, DBU as the ligand, various sulfones were produced in good yields with hydrogen peroxide as the terminal green oxidant.
Quinoidal diindenothienoacenes: synthesis and properties of new functional organic materials
Authors: Rudebusch Gabriel E. , Fix Aaron G. , Henthorn Hillary A. , Vonnegut Chris L. , Zakharov Lev N. , Haley Michael M.
Published: June 2014

The synthesis and characterization of a series of quinoidal diindeno(thieno)thiophenes (DI[n]Ts) are reported. NIR absorption, deep LUMO energy levels and progressively tighter solid-state packing allude to organic materials applications.
Hammett correlations as test of mechanism of CO-induced disulfide elimination from dinitrosyl iron complexes
Authors: Pulukkody Randara , Kyran Samuel J. , Drummond Michael J. , Hsieh Chung-Hung , Darensbourg Donald J. , Darensbourg Marcetta Y.
Published: June 2014

The use of Hammett correlations provide experimental evidence for an unusual role of the frontier molecular orbitals of an iron dinitrosyl unit in CO induced reductive elimination of disulfide.
Self-propelled droplets for extracting rare-earth metal ions
Authors: Ban Takahiko , Tani Kentaro , Nakata Hiroki , Okano Yasunori
Published: June 2014

We have developed self-propelled droplets having the abilities to detect a chemical gradient, to move toward a higher concentration of a specific metal ion (particularly the dysprosium ion), and to extract it.
Effects of particle softness on shear thickening of microgel suspensions
Authors: Zhou Zhi , Hollingsworth Javoris V. , Hong Song , Wei Guangmin , Shi Yu , Lu Xi , Cheng He , Han Charles C.
Published: June 2014

A series of microgel particles composed of a polystyrene (PS) core and a thermo-sensitive poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) shell with different shell thicknesses were investigated to elucidate the effect of microgel softness on its shear thickening behavior.
NOD1 receptor is up-regulated in diabetic human and murine myocardium
Authors: Prieto Patricia , Vallejo-Cremades María Teresa , Benito Gemma , González-Peramato Pilar , Francés Daniel , Agra Noelia , Terrón Verónica , Gónzalez-Ramos Silvia , Delgado Carmen , Ruiz-Gayo Mariano , Pacheco Ivette , Velasco-Martín Juan P. , Regadera Javier , Martín-Sanz Paloma , López-Collazo Eduardo , Boscá Lisardo , Fernández-Velasco María
Published: June 2014

Type 2 diabetes has a complex pathology that involves a chronic inflammatory state. Emerging evidence suggests a link between the innate immune system receptor NOD1 (nucleotide-binding and oligomerization domain 1) and the pathogenesis of diabetes, in monocytes and hepatic and adipose tissues. The aim of the present study was to assess the role of NOD1 in the progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy. We have measured NOD1 protein in cardiac tissue from Type 2 diabetic (db) mice. Heart and isolated cardiomyocytes from db mice revealed a significant increase in NOD1, together with an up-regulation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) and increased apoptosis. Heart tissue also exhibited an enhanced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Selective NOD1 activation with C12-γ-D-glutamyl-m-diaminopimelic acid (iEDAP) resulted in an increased NF-κB activation and apoptosis, demonstrating the involvement of NOD1 both in wild-type and db mice. Moreover, HL-1 cardiomyocytes exposed to elevated concentrations of glucose plus palmitate displayed an enhanced NF-κB activity and apoptotic profile, which was prevented by silencing of NOD1 expression. To address this issue in human pathology, NOD1 expression was evaluated in myocardium obtained from patients with Type 2 diabetes (T2DMH) and from normoglycaemic individuals without cardiovascular histories (NH). We have found that NOD1 was expressed in both NH and T2DMH; however, NOD1 expression was significantly pronounced in T2DMH. Furthermore, both the pro-inflammatory cytokine tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α) and the apoptosis mediator caspase-3 were up-regulated in T2DMH samples. Taken together, our results define an active role for NOD1 in the heightened inflammatory environment associated with both experimental and human diabetic cardiac disease.
Minimax robust jamming techniques based on signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio and mutual information criteria
Authors: Wang Lulu , Wang Hongqiang , Wong Kai‐Kit , Brennan Paul V.
Published: June 2014

Jamming in defence applications is increasingly difficult because of advanced signal processing countermeasures. In this study, task‐dependent power‐constraint optimal jamming techniques are investigated. To prevent the target from being detected, a novel jamming technique is proposed to minimise the signal‐to‐interference‐plus‐noise ratio (SINR) of the radar for extended known and stochastic target. To impair the parameter estimation performance, another jamming technique is proposed which minimises the mutual information (MI) between the radar return and the stochastic target impulse response. The optimal jamming spectrum is obtained assuming that the jammer has intercepted the radar waveform generally. However, the precise characteristic of radar waveform is impossible to capture in practice. To model this, it is considered that the waveform spectrum lies in an uncertainty class confined by known upper and lower bounds. Then, the minimax robust jamming is designed based on the SINR and MI criteria, which optimises the worst‐case performance. Results demonstrate that the two criteria lead to different optimal jamming results but they have a close relationship from the Shannon's capacity equation which provides useful guidance on jamming power allocation for different jamming tasks. However, their behaviour with respect to the waveform uncertainty is the same.
Cell commitment motif composed of progenitor‐specific transcription factors and mutual‐inhibition regulation
Authors: Wang Tongpeng , Li Shanshan , Liu Yanwei , Wang Ruiqi
Published: June 2014

Simple mutual‐inhibition networks are frequently occurring motifs in transcriptional regulatory networks for cell lineage commitment. Stable attractors represent cell commitment states. However, how progenitor‐specific transcription factors stabilise progenitor cells and commit them to different cell fates remains unexplained. In this study, the authors represent the cell commitment motifs composed of mutual‐inhibition regulation and progenitor‐specific transcription factors, and develop associated mathematical model to understand how specific cell fate decisions are made. Bifurcation analysis and numerical simulation show that the model could exhibit multiple stable steady states corresponding to progenitor and committed cell states. The transitions between different cell states correspond to different commitment processes. Furthermore, the authors demonstrate that different commitment patterns, for example, haematopoietic and neural fate decisions fall within the scope of proposed framework.
Half-metallicity modulation of hybrid BN-C nanotubes by external electric fields: A first-principles study
Authors: Liang Yunye , Kawazoe Yoshiyuki
Published: June 2014

On the basis of density functional theory, we systematically investigate the electronic and magnetic properties of hybrid BN-C nanotubes, Cx(BN)y where x + y = 12, with and without an external electric field. The BN-C nanotubes are totally distinct from pristine boron-nitride and carbon nanotubes. The electronic properties of Cx(BN)y change significantly with composition: from the nonmagnetic semiconductors to the half-metals. The half-metallicity is attributed to the competition among the band gap, which is related to the width of C domain, the width of BN domain, and the intrinsic polarization field. Application of the external fields can enhance or counterbalance the polarization fields and change the band gaps. The half-metallicity can be modulated. In BN-rich tubes, such as C2(BN)10, the energy gap can be engineered from 0.50 eV to 0.95 eV and in C3(BN)9, the ground state is converted from the nonmagnetic state into the anti-ferro-magnetic one. In other tubes, the half-metallicity can be enhanced or destroyed by different external fields. The modulation indicates that hybrid BN-C nanotubes can work as the components of the spin-filter devices.
Stable chemical bonding of porous membranes and poly(dimethylsiloxane) devices for long-term cell culture
Authors: Sip Christopher G. , Folch A.
Published: June 2014

We have investigated the bonding stability of various silane treatments for the integration of track-etched membranes with poly(dimethylsiloxane) (PDMS) microfluidic devices. We compare various treatments using trialkoxysilanes or dipodal silanes to determine the effect of the organofunctional group, cross-link density, reaction solvent, and catalyst on the bond stability. We find that devices made using existing silane methods delaminated after one day when immersed in cell culture medium at 37 °C. In contrast, the dipodal silane, bis[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]amine, is shown to yield stable and functional integration of membranes with PDMS that is suitable for long-term cell culture. To demonstrate application of the technique, we fabricated an open-surface device in which cells cultured on a track-etched membrane can be stimulated at their basal side via embedded microfluidic channels. C2C12 mouse myoblasts were differentiated into myotubes over the course of two weeks on these devices to demonstrate biocompatibility. Finally, devices were imaged during the basal-side delivery of a fluorescent stain to validate the membrane operation and long-term stability of the bonding technique.
Flux-flow behavior in high Tc superconductors
Authors: Raissi F. , Hassani F.
Published: June 2014

We have been exploring flux-flow behavior in high temperature superconductor material by numerically solving Ginzburg-Landau (GL) equation and comparing it to experimental results. Surprisingly, without incorporating phenomenological activation energy and pinning force models and despite the approximate nature of GL equation, the power law IV curves with different exponents are obtained based on the relative magnitudes of normal conductivity σ and κ, the ratio between the London penetration depth (λ) and the coherence length (ξ). Simulations demonstrate that, for typical σ and κ values, vortices of opposite magnetic field polarity are created at two boundaries of the high Tc material and when they reach the center, they pass through and are injected into opposite polarity sides. Injection and what it entails shed light on unexplained high Tc behavior, open ways for practical applications, eliminate the need for phenomenological models, help us to understand and predict high Tc flux-flow properties.
Magnetocaloric properties of distilled gadolinium: Effects of structural inhomogeneity and hydrogen impurity
Authors: Burkhanov G. S. , Kolchugina N. B. , Tereshina E. A. , Tereshina I. S. , Politova G. A. , Chzhan V. B. , Badurski D. , Chistyakov O. D. , Paukov M. , Drulis H. , Havela L.
Published: June 2014

High-purity Gd prepared by distillation is a structurally inhomogeneous system consisting of needle-shaped crystals of cross section 0.5–2.5 μm with near-c-axis orientation embedded in a matrix of nanosized (30–100 nm) grains. By measuring the magnetocaloric effect (MCE) directly, we find that the MCE values differ markedly for the plate-shaped samples cut out of a distillate along and perpendicular to the crystals. The effect of small controlled amounts of impurity (hydrogen) on the properties of distilled Gd is further studied. We observe opposite trends in the MCE response to hydrogen charging with respect to the crystal's orientation within the samples and discuss mechanisms interrelating the unique structural morphology with the impurity behavior. As an overall assessment, the Curie temperatures of α-GdHx solid solutions increase from 291 K up to 294 K when increasing hydrogen concentration x from 0 to 0.15. Hydrogenation is found to broaden the ferromagnetic-to-paramagnetic phase transition. Hydrogen-containing specimens demonstrate reversibility of MCE at these temperatures.
Residue-free fabrication of high-performance graphene devices by patterned PMMA stencil mask
Authors: Shih Fu-Yu , Chen Shao-Yu , Liu Cheng-Hua , Ho Po-Hsun , Wu Tsuei-Shin , Chen Chun-Wei , Chen Yang-Fang , Wang Wei-Hua
Published: June 2014

Two-dimensional (2D) atomic crystals and their hybrid structures have recently attracted much attention due to their potential applications. The fabrication of metallic contacts or nanostructures on 2D materials is very common and generally achieved by performing electron-beam (e-beam) lithography. However, e-beam lithography is not applicable in certain situations, e.g., cases in which the e-beam resist does not adhere to the substrates or the intrinsic properties of the 2D materials are greatly altered and degraded. Here, we present a residue-free approach for fabricating high-performance graphene devices by patterning a thin film of e-beam resist as a stencil mask. This technique can be generally applied to substrates with varying surface conditions, while causing negligible residues on graphene. The technique also preserves the design flexibility offered by e-beam lithography and therefore allows us to fabricate multi-probe metallic contacts. The graphene field-effect transistors fabricated by this method exhibit smooth surfaces, high mobility, and distinct magnetotransport properties, confirming the advantages and versatility of the presented residue-free technique for the fabrication of devices composed of 2D materials.
Stable Aesthetic Standards Delusion: Changing ‘Artistic Quality’ by Elaboration
Authors: Carbon Claus-Christian , Hesslinger Vera M
Published: June 2014

The present study challenges the notion that judgments of artistic quality are based on stable aesthetic standards. We propose that such standards are a delusion and that judgments of artistic quality are the combined result of exposure, elaboration, and discourse. We ran two experiments using elaboration tasks based on the repeated evaluation technique in which different versions of the Mona Lisa had to be elaborated deeply. During the initial task either the version known from the Louvre or an alternative version owned by the Prado was elaborated; during the second task both versions were elaborated in a comparative fashion. After both tasks multiple blends of the two versions had to be evaluated concerning several aesthetic key variables. Judgments of artistic quality of the blends were significantly different depending on the initially elaborated version of the Mona Lisa, indicating experience-based aesthetic processing, which contradicts the notion of stable aesthetic standards.
Conflicting selection from fire and seed predation drives fine-scaled phenotypic variation in a widespread North American conifer
Authors: Talluto Lauren , Benkman Craig W.
Published: June 2014

Recent work has demonstrated that evolutionary processes shape ecological dynamics on relatively short timescales (eco-evolutionary dynamics), but demonstrating these effects at large spatial scales in natural landscapes has proven difficult. We used empirical studies and modeling to investigate how selective pressures from fire and predispersal seed predation affect the evolution of serotiny, an ecologically important trait. Serotiny is a highly heritable key reproductive trait in Rocky Mountain lodgepole pine (
Pinus contorta
subsp.
latifolia
), a conifer that dominates millions of hectares in western North America. In these forests, the frequency of serotiny determines postfire seedling density with corresponding community- and ecosystem-level effects. We found that serotinous individuals have a selective advantage at high fire frequencies and low predation pressure; however, very high seed predation shifted the selective advantage to nonserotinous individuals even at high fire frequencies. Simulation modeling suggests that spatial variation in the frequency of serotiny results from heterogeneity in these two selective agents. These results, combined with previous findings showing a negative association between the density of seed predators and the frequency of serotiny at both landscape and continental scales, demonstrate that contemporary patterns in serotiny reflect an evolutionary response to conflicting selection pressures from fire and seed predation. Thus, we show that variation in the frequency of a heritable polygenic trait depends on spatial variation in two dominant selective agents, and, importantly, the effects of the local trait variation propagate with profound consequences to the structure and function of communities and ecosystems across a large landscape.
Ecological dynamics of continuous and categorical decision‐making: The regatta start in sailing
Authors: Araújo Duarte , Davids Keith , Diniz Ana , Rocha Luis , Santos João Coelho , Dias Gonçalo , Fernandes Orlando
Published: June 2014

Ecological dynamics of decision‐making in the sport of sailing exemplifies emergent, conditionally coupled, co‐adaptive behaviours. In this study, observation of the coupling dynamics of paired boats during competitive sailing showed that decision‐making can be modelled as a self‐sustained, co‐adapting system of informationally coupled oscillators (boats). Bytracing the spatial–temporal displacements of the boats, time series analyses (autocorrelations, periodograms and running correlations) revealed that trajectories of match racing boats are coupled more than 88% of the time during a pre‐start race, via continuous, competing co‐adaptions between boats. Results showed that both the continuously selected trajectories of the sailors (12 years of age) and their categorical starting point locations were examples of emergent decisions. In this dynamical conception of decision‐making behaviours, strategic positioning (categorical) and continuous displacement of a boat over the course in match‐race sailing emerged as a function of interacting task, personal and environmental constraints. Results suggest how key interacting constraints could be manipulated in practice to enhance sailors' perceptual attunement to them in competition.
Imaging P2X4 receptor subcellular distribution, trafficking, and regulation using P2X4-pHluorin
Authors: Xu Ji , Chai Hua , Ehinger Konstantin , Egan Terrance M. , Srinivasan Rahul , Frick Manfred , Khakh Baljit S.
Published: June 2014

P2X4 receptors are adenosine triphosphate (ATP)-gated cation channels present on the plasma membrane (PM) and also within intracellular compartments such as vesicles, vacuoles, lamellar bodies (LBs), and lysosomes. P2X4 receptors in microglia are up-regulated in epilepsy and in neuropathic pain; that is to say, their total and/or PM expression levels increase. However, the mechanisms underlying up-regulation of microglial P2X4 receptors remain unclear, in part because it has not been possible to image P2X4 receptor distribution within, or trafficking between, cellular compartments. Here, we report the generation of pH-sensitive fluorescently tagged P2X4 receptors that permit evaluations of cell surface and total receptor pools. Capitalizing on information gained from zebrafish P2X4.1 crystal structures, we designed a series of mouse P2X4 constructs in which a pH-sensitive green fluorescent protein, superecliptic pHluorin (pHluorin), was inserted into nonconserved regions located within flexible loops of the P2X4 receptor extracellular domain. One of these constructs, in which pHluorin was inserted after lysine 122 (P2X4-pHluorin123), functioned like wild-type P2X4 in terms of its peak ATP-evoked responses, macroscopic kinetics, calcium flux, current–voltage relationship, and sensitivity to ATP. P2X4-pHluorin123 also showed pH-dependent fluorescence changes, and was robustly expressed on the membrane and within intracellular compartments. P2X4-pHluorin123 identified cell surface and intracellular fractions of receptors in HEK-293 cells, hippocampal neurons, C8-B4 microglia, and alveolar type II (ATII) cells. Furthermore, it showed that the subcellular fractions of P2X4-pHluorin123 receptors were cell and compartment specific, for example, being larger in hippocampal neuron somata than in C8-B4 cell somata, and larger in C8-B4 microglial processes than in their somata. In ATII cells, P2X4-pHluorin123 showed that P2X4 receptors were secreted onto the PM when LBs undergo exocytosis. Finally, the use of P2X4-pHluorin123 showed that the modulator ivermectin did not increase the PM fraction of P2X4 receptors and acted allosterically to potentiate P2X4 receptor responses. Collectively, our data suggest that P2X4-pHluorin123 represents a useful optical probe to quantitatively explore P2X4 receptor distribution, trafficking, and up-regulation.
Evolutionary Archaeologies
Authors: Shennan Stephen
Published: June 2014

This chapter starts by distinguishing the Darwinian evolutionary approach from other meanings of the word ‘evolution’ in archaeology. It goes on to distinguish three different strands of Darwinian evolution in the social sciences—evolutionary psychology, human behavioural ecology, and dual inheritance theory—the first of which has seen relatively limited application in archaeology. It is only the latter that gives a significant role to culture, distinguishing as it does between people’s genetic inheritance and what is transmitted to them culturally. Culture is regarded as a domain in which evolutionary processes operate at least semi-independently from their operation on genes. The chapter then describes these processes, explaining how some of them have no analogy in genetic evolution. The methodology for the archaeological application of the ideas is then outlined, and examples are presented. The chapter goes on to outline the theoretical framework of human behavioural ecology, a version of rational choice theory assuming that humans, like other animals, have evolved under the pressure of natural selection to maximize their reproductive success, and that behavioural plasticity enables them to respond speedily and adaptively to changes in the environment. This provides a basis for setting up cost–benefit models of what is optimal in specific circumstances. The theory has been extensively used by archaeologists, especially optimal foraging theory, but increasingly other areas as well, and examples are given. Finally, niche construction theory and gene-culture co-evolution, topics that have emerged more recently in archaeology, are presented.
How Abstract is Arithmetic?
Authors: Campbell Jamie I.D.
Published: June 2014

What is the nature of the cognitive architecture that subserves memory for elementary arithmetic facts, such as 4 + 5 = 9 and 6 × 2 = 12? This article reviews research that has investigated the degree of dependence or independence of calculation processes on the conditions of problem encoding (e.g. by varying problem surface notation or semantic context). It also reviews evidence about the role of linguistic factors in the representation and performance of elementary arithmetic (e.g. transfer of practice within and between languages in bilinguals; effects of the linguistic structure for numbers). The evidence runs contrary to the view that arithmetic is essentially an abstract process that operates independently of encoding context or response output conditions. Instead, the evidence points to a cognitive architecture in which problem encoding and calculation processes are highly interactive and where linguistic codes provide an important, but not exclusive medium for arithmetic.
Contributions from Anthropology
Authors: Coleman Simon , Stewart Anna
Published: June 2014

This chapter provides an overview of anthropological research on the ways in which religions both construct and constrain gender and sexuality. Using examples drawn from a wide range of cultures, we divide our overview into three main sections, dealing with issues of ‘discipline’, ‘reproduction’, and ‘protest and change’ respectively. We therefore show how these themes raise questions relating to reinforcement or challenges to social and political systems, as well as to biological necessity. We explore reasons why gender and sexuality may be both linked and distinguished from each other. Some reflections on the role of gender in the writing of ethnographic texts are also provided, alongside considerations of the complementary roles of anthropology and theology in analysing gender and sexuality.
Buddhism
Authors: Gross Rita M.
Published: June 2014

Because Buddhism is a non-theistic religion, its concepts of ultimate reality do not include the kind of deity familiar from most religions. Instead, one does find anthropomorphic representations of key Buddhist virtues, such as wisdom and compassion, but they have no independent, eternal existence. As a religion that has always valued celibate monasticism, Buddhism has multiple evaluations of sexuality. For monastics, it must be avoided because of the imprisoning entanglements to which it leads, but laypeople can enjoy the pleasures of sexuality without guilt so long as they observe basic sexual ethics. Regarding gender, Buddhism has always had male-dominated institutions, but its philosophy or world view is completely gender-neutral and gender-free. Modern commentators on Buddhism and gender are seeking to alleviate this internal contradiction by changing Buddhism’s institutions.
Triple-deck analysis of transonic high Reynolds number flow through slender channels
Authors: Kluwick A. , Kornfeld M.
Published: June 2014

In this work, laminar transonic weakly three-dimensional flows at high Reynolds numbers in slender channels, as found in microsupersonic nozzles and turbomachines of micro-electro-mechanical systems, are considered. The channel height is taken so small that the viscous wall layers forming at the channel walls start to interact strongly rather than weakly with the inviscid core flow and, therefore, the classical boundary layer approach fails. The resulting viscous–inviscid interaction problem is formulated using matched asymptotic expansions and found to be governed by a triple-deck structure. As a consequence, the properties of the predominantly inviscid core region and the viscous wall layers have to be calculated simultaneously in the interaction region. Weakly three-dimensional effects caused by surface roughness, upstream propagating flow perturbations, boundary layer separation as well as bifurcating solutions are discussed. Representative results for subsonic as well as supersonic conditions are presented, and the importance of these flow phenomena in technical applications as, for example, a means to reduce shock losses through the use of deformed geometry is addressed.
Bridging didactic, interdisciplinary service learning and practice in health professions education
Authors: St Hill Halcyon , Julie Yazici Hulya
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present an integrated model of didactic, practice and interdisciplinary service learning in healthcare education, and determine the students’ perceptions on the benefits of this integration.

Design/methodology/approach

– A pre and post survey design was utilized to examine health professions students’ perspectives with respect to learning outcomes relevant to professional benefits of a service learning capstone. The surveys consisted of 36 items for measuring the interdisciplinary course characteristics and perceived benefits of the integrated approach. The required interdisciplinary (used interchangeably with interprofessional) course was constructed as an integrated didactic, practice interdisciplinary service learning model. The sample consisted of undergraduate students (n=53) who completed the interdisciplinary senior seminar capstone course taught by one faculty member in one of three course sections. Structural equation modeling based on partial least squares was used to analyze the significance of constructs. Students’ reflections on interdisciplinary service learning were also collected and summarized.

Findings

– The study demonstrated the significance of interdisciplinary course and team preparation on perceived professional benefits and positive community service learning experience.

Research limitations/implications

– Further studies are needed and being pursued to address practitioners’ perceptions of interdisciplinary education. To fully complete the assessment of interdisciplinary education, longitudinal studies must be pursued with graduates and their employers. A larger sample size could be used to repeat this study.

Practical implications

– The model employed in this study may be utilized as a component of practice education and clinical practice to address accreditation requirements, quality patient-centred care, and engaging students in valuing interprofessionalism and service.

Originality/value

– This study presents an integrated model of didactic, practice and interdisciplinary service learning in health professions education, and demonstrates the benefits of the model with health profession students’ perceptions of interprofessional education (IPE). This study contributes to professional learning research as the impact of IPE has been questionable due to lack of rigorous evidence.
Snakes and ladders for digital natives: information security education for the youth
Authors: Reid Rayne , Van Niekerk Johan
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to educate the youth about information security. Cyber technologies and services are increasingly becoming integrated into individual’s daily lives. As such, individuals are constantly being exposed to the benefits and risks of these technologies. Cyber security knowledge and skills are becoming fundamental life skills for today’s users. This is particularly true for the current generation of digital natives.

Design/methodology/approach

– Within the design science paradigm, several case studies are used to evaluate the research artefact.

Findings

– The authors believe that the presented artefact could effectively convey basic information security concepts to the youth.

Research limitations/implications

– This study had a number of limitations. First, all the learner groups who participated in this study were too small to enable analysis of findings for statistical significance. Second, the data compiled on the long-term effectiveness of the game for Group B was incomplete. This limitation was the result of School B’s ethical concerns regarding learners being a vulnerable target audience.

Originality/value

– This paper presents and evaluates a brain-compatible, information security educational game that can be used to introduce information security concepts to the youth from a very young age.
Adapting educational programmes according to e-competence needs
Authors: Gourova Elissaveta , Kadrev Vassil , Stancheva Anushka , Kostadinov Petrov Georgi , Dragomirova Mila
Published: June 2014

Purpose

– The aim of the paper is to present the experience of New Bulgarian University (NBU) and the methodology followed for changing its educational programmes and developing new ones according to the labour market needs.

Design/methodology/approach

– Initially, the paper focuses on the need for adapting curricula for meeting the labour market demands for information and communication technologies (ICT) professional skills. It provides an overview of the ICT skills supply and demand trends in Europe. A special emphasis is made on the dialogue of leading stakeholders in Europe for developing European E-Competence Framework. After introducing the overall picture in Europe, the paper presents the environment in Bulgaria for higher education, research and innovation and the ICT skills challenges in the country. The last part of the paper is based on the project methodology and its results. First, the methodology behind the design of a new Masters programme is given, and next, the concepts for adapting NBU educational programmes according to the labour market needs are presented.

Findings

– Bulgarian universities seldom introduce multidisciplinary educational programmes. Generally, industry involvement in higher education is at low level, and university programmes are not linked to skills needs of future employees. Some good examples exist in the ICT university – business collaboration.

Originality/value

– The development of information economy depends on the existence of adequate skills for using and developing ICT. In the last decades, ICT skills supply and demand remains an evergreen issue in many European Union Member States. Bulgaria also faces the challenges of meeting industrial demands for e-competences of its workforce. The paper presents an approach which could be followed by other university teams in designing or changing their educational programmes. At the same time, it provides insight on the overall environment in the country, and the challenges which different stakeholders face in the development of the knowledge-based economy.