bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surviving in Europe: geopolitics of biodiversity conservation illustrated by a proxy species Viola uliginosa
Authors: Ranta Pertti , Jokinen Ari , Laaka‐Lindberg Sanna
Published: September 2016

Building strategies for continental‐scale conservation is challenging due to evolutionary and geopolitical problems. How do policy choices arise from this setting? In this study, we integrate ecological research with policy analysis to examine the problem field with a case study research. We use a violet species endemic to Europe, Viola uliginosa, as a proxy for a significant European Union (EU)–Russian biodiversity pattern and its conservation. The violet's core populations locate in Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia, and all populations in the EU are peripheral. The species is endangered in 12 EU member states and in decline in many places elsewhere. To analyze the choices of conservation, we gathered data on its ecology, distribution, and conservation mechanisms across Europe, putting additional emphasis on the EU enlargement and long‐term site histories in Finland. We found that the survival of the species in the EU depends on the enlargement negotiations, conflicts between the EU biodiversity and agricultural policies, selection of the species to national Red Lists and the Habitats Directive, and contingent site histories depending on the conservation activities by civic actors and the member states. While the evolutionary aspect emphasizes the genetic differentiation potential of peripheral populations, the geopolitical aspect characterizes the EU as simultaneous spaces of a monotopia, borderlands, and polycentric development. We conclude that intersections between these geopolitical spaces can be used with evolutionary perspectives to identify local, European, and network‐driven policy choices of conservation.
Understanding the activation mechanism of Thermomyces lanuginosus lipase using rational design and tryptophan‐induced fluorescence quenching
Authors: Skjold‐Jørgensen Jakob , Vind Jesper , Svendsen Allan , Bjerrum Morten J.
Published: September 2016

The attractiveness of lipases as industrial biocatalysts underlines the importance of understanding their molecular action in detail, helping future efforts to improve performance and applicability. Lipases represent a special class of carboxyl ester hydrolases, which act on long‐chained water insoluble acyl‐glycerols at the water‐lipid interface. This heterogeneous catalysis makes it very difficult to monitor the structural changes taking place in the enzyme during activation in its preferred milieu. In this review, we cover recent developments toward a deeper understanding of the interfacial activation phenomenon of lipases and discuss a selection of biophysical methods suitable for studying lipase activation. For many lipases, such as that from Thermomyces lanuginosus, a structural domain called the “lid” is directly involved in the activation process. This has been shown through alteration of the lid‐residue composition using rational design. The resulting lid‐mutants have highlighted the lid's role in governing enzymatic activity and interfacial activation. Moreover, a recently developed fluorescence‐based technique called the Tryptophan Induced Quenching method has proved to enable the direct measurement of lipase activation in water‐ethanol mixtures, and thus represents an intriguing method to gain further insight into the structural movements taking place at the water‐lipid interface.

Practical applications: Lipases are important industrial biocatalysts widely used in industrial applications including detergent, leather, paper, fuel, fine chemicals, baking, cosmetics, and food. Knowledge of structural changes of lipase upon activation and identification of the amino acids involved in lipase activation is crucial for design of new variants with improved or new properties. Rational design of the lid‐region in lipases has an interesting potential for optimization of lipase function and adapting them to different environments. In order to leverage on the design of new lipase variants and their altered function, methods that enable direct measurement of lipase action directly in solution, in real time, are desired. In this context, fluorescence based methods have shown great potential and provides interesting perspectives for probing the delicate movements occurring in lipases upon activation.

Interfacial activation of lipases and the lid movements studied by rational design, fluorescence quenching methods, and solvent effect – polarity driven activation.
Hemolysis as a rapid screening technique for assessing the toxicity of native surfactin and a genetically engineered derivative
Authors: Colonna William J. , Martı Mustafa E. , Nyman John A. , Green Chris , Glatz Charles E.
Published: September 2016

If biosurfactants are to achieve their promise in environmental oil‐spill remediation, their toxicity to marine life must be assessed. A killifish larvae assay is commonly used as a measure of toxicity but is difficult and nonlinear in response. Red blood cell (RBC) hemolysis has also been the basis for assays of some surfactant levels. Here we present a modified sheep RBC suspension assay and compare its response to that of the fish assay for surfactin and its genetically modified variant fatty‐acyl‐glutamate (FA‐Glu). This is the first report of hemolytic activity as a property of FA‐Glu. The method's potential for screening for toxicity against marine organisms is demonstrated. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 505–510, 2017
Chemosensory cues alter earthworm (Eisenia fetida) avoidance of lead-contaminated soil
Authors: Syed Zuby , Alexander Dana , Ali Jasmine , Unrine Jason , Shoults-Wilson W. Aaron
Published: September 2016

Earthworms were shown to significantly avoid soils spiked with Pb at concentrations lower than or comparable to concentrations that demonstrate significant effects for other endpoints. It was also shown that inclusion of a microorganism-produced volatile compound that attracts earthworms, ethyl valerate, decreased avoidance of spiked soils. These findings suggest that care should be taken when analyzing earthworm avoidance of soils in which microorganism communities are not controlled. Environ Toxicol Chem 2017;36:999–1004. © 2016 SETAC
Dose‐dependent effects of alpha‐naphthylisothiocyanate disconnect biliary fibrosis from hepatocellular necrosis
Authors: Joshi Nikita , Ray Jessica L. , Kopec Anna K. , Luyendyk James P.
Published: September 2016

Exposure of rodents to the xenobiotic α‐naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) is an established model of experimental intrahepatic bile duct injury. Administration of ANIT to mice causes neutrophil‐mediated hepatocellular necrosis. Prolonged exposure of mice to ANIT also produces bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis. However, the mechanistic connection between ANIT‐induced hepatocellular necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and fibrosis is not well characterized. We examined impact of two different doses of ANIT, by feeding chow containing ANIT (0.05%, 0.1%), on the severity of various liver pathologies in a model of chronic ANIT exposure. ANIT‐elicited increases in liver inflammation and hepatocellular necrosis increased with dose. Remarkably, there was no connection between increased hepatocellular necrosis and bile duct hyperplasia and peribiliary fibrosis, as these pathologies increased similarly in mice exposed to either dose of ANIT. The results indicate that the severity of hepatocellular necrosis does not dictate the extent of bile duct hyperplasia/fibrosis in ANIT‐exposed mice.
Acute Ethanol Increases IGF‐I‐Induced Phosphorylation of ERKs by Enhancing Recruitment of p52‐Shc to the Grb2/Shc Complex
Authors: Dean Matthew , Lassak Adam , Wilk Anna , Zapata Adriana , Marrero Luis , Molina Patricia , Reiss Krzysztof
Published: September 2016

Ethanol plays a detrimental role in the development of the brain. Multiple studies have shown that ethanol inhibits insulin‐like growth factor I receptor (IGF‐IR) function. Because the IGF‐IR contributes to brain development by supporting neural growth, survival, and differentiation, we sought to determine the molecular mechanism(s) involved in ethanol's effects on this membrane‐associated tyrosine kinase. Using multiple neuronal cell types, we performed Western blot, immunoprecipitation, and GST‐pulldowns following acute (1–24 h) or chronic (3 weeks) treatment with ethanol. Surprisingly, exposure of multiple neuronal cell types to acute (up to 24 h) ethanol (50 mM) enhanced IGF‐I‐induced phosphorylation of extracellular regulated kinases (ERKs), without affecting IGF‐IR tyrosine phosphorylation itself, or Akt phosphorylation. This acute increase in ERKs phosphorylation was followed by the expected inhibition of the IGF‐IR signaling following 3‐week ethanol exposure. We then expressed a GFP‐tagged IGF‐IR construct in PC12 cells and used them to perform fluorescence recovery after photobleaching (FRAP) analysis. Using these fluorescently labeled cells, we determined that 50 mM ethanol decreased the half‐time of the IGF‐IR‐associated FRAP, which implied that cell membrane‐associated signaling events could be affected. Indeed, co‐immunoprecipitation and GST‐pulldown studies demonstrated that the acute ethanol exposure increased the recruitment of p52‐Shc to the Grb2‐Shc complex, which is known to engage the Ras‐Raf‐ERKs pathway following IGF‐1 stimulation. These experiments indicate that even a short and low‐dose exposure to ethanol may dysregulate function of the receptor, which plays a critical role in brain development. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 1275–1286, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Overexpression of Large‐Conductance Calcium‐Activated Potassium Channels in Human Glioblastoma Stem‐Like Cells and Their Role in Cell Migration
Authors: Rosa Paolo , Sforna Luigi , Carlomagno Silvia , Mangino Giorgio , Miscusi Massimo , Pessia Mauro , Franciolini Fabio , Calogero Antonella , Catacuzzeno Luigi
Published: September 2016

Glioblastomas (GBMs) are brain tumors characterized by diffuse invasion of cancer cells into the healthy brain parenchyma, and establishment of secondary foci. GBM cells abundantly express large‐conductance, calcium‐activated potassium (BK) channels that are thought to promote cell invasion. Recent evidence suggests that the GBM high invasive potential mainly originates from a pool of stem‐like cells, but the expression and function of BK channels in this cell subpopulation have not been studied. We investigated the expression of BK channels in GBM stem‐like cells using electrophysiological and immunochemical techniques, and assessed their involvement in the migratory process of this important cell subpopulation. In U87‐MG cells, BK channel expression and function were markedly upregulated by growth conditions that enriched the culture in GBM stem‐like cells (U87‐NS). Cytofluorimetric analysis further confirmed the appearance of a cell subpopulation that co‐expressed high levels of BK channels and CD133, as well as other stem cell markers. A similar association was also found in cells derived from freshly resected GBM biopsies. Finally, transwell migration tests showed that U87‐NS cells migration was much more sensitive to BK channel block than U87‐MG cells. Our data show that BK channels are highly expressed in GBM stem‐like cells, and participate to their high migratory activity. J. Cell. Physiol. 232: 2478–2488, 2017. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Association between LEKR1‐CCNL1 and IGSF21‐KLHDC7A gene polymorphisms and diabetic retinopathy of type 2 diabetes mellitus in the Chinese Han population
Authors: Lin Xiaohui , Wang Jihong , Yun Lixia , Jiang Shuhong , Li Langen , Chen Xiaohai , Li Zhen , Lu Qiang , Zhang Yihui , Ma Xiaocheng
Published: September 2016

Background

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes. The present study aimed to identify a possible connection between gene polymorphisms and the risk of developing DR.

Materials and methods

A total of 319 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were selected. All patients underwent a complete eye examination. Based on this, the patients with T2DM were divided into two subgroups: 175 patients with retinopathy (DR) and 144 patients without retinopathy (NDR). We calculated the genotype frequencies of case and control subjects using the chi‐squares test. The odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated by unconditional logistic regression adjusted for age and sex.

Results

The finding by analysis is that the mean of duration of diabetes, total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low‐density lipoprotein (LDL), glomerular filtration rate and C‐peptide were significantly different between DR and NDR. We found significant differences in cystatin‐C concentrations with LEKR1‐CCNL1 rs13064954 and NOS3 rs3918227 of different genotypes. Significant differences in serum TG levels were seen among the three genotypes of MTHFR rs1537516. Subjects carried the T allele of IGSF21‐KLHDC7A rs3007729 had higher serum LDL concentrations (p = 0.015). In the allele model, LEKR1‐CCNL1 rs13064954 decreased the risk of DR (OR =0.57, 95% CI = 0.34–0.96, p = 0.032). Under the dominant model, the IGSF21‐KLHDC7A rs3007729 CT‐TT genotype increased the risk of DR (OR =1.84, 95% CI = 1.14–2.99, p = 0.013).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that LEKR1‐CCNL1 and IGSF21‐KLHDC7A influence the development of DR.
Assessment of Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats Using Quantitative Dynamic Contrast‐Enhanced MRI
Authors: Wu Zhuo , Cheng Zi‐Liang , Yi Zhi‐Long , Xie Ming‐Wei , Zeng Hong , Lu Lie‐Jing , Xu Xiao , Shen Jun
Published: September 2016

Purpose

To evaluate the usefulness of dynamic contrast‐enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE‐MRI) in the assessment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) severity.

Materials and Methods

Liver DCE‐MRI at 3.0T was performed in 36 adult Sprague–Dawley rats with methionine choline‐deficient diet‐induced NAFLD and 10 untreated control rats. Pharmacokinetic parameters of DCE‐MRI including Ktrans, Kep, Ve, Vp, and hepatic portal index (HPoI) were measured using the dual‐input extended Tofts model. Animals were categorized as normal (n = 10), simple steatosis (SS, n = 11), borderline nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (bNASH, n = 20), and NASH (n = 5) subgroups according to the NAFLD activity score system, and classified into F0 (n = 24), F1 (n = 11), F2 (n = 7), and F3 (n = 4) subgroups according to an established scoring system. DCE‐MRI parameters were compared. Receiver operating characteristic analyses were performed to assess the diagnostic performance of various DCE‐MRI parameters in grading NAFLD activity and staging liver fibrosis.

Results

Ktrans and HPoI were elevated with increasing severity of NAFLD activity and increased fibrosis stage. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROCs) of HPoI ranged from 0.895–0.951 for discriminating between different grades of NAFLD activity, and the AUROC was 0.852 for discriminating F0 stage from overall F1–F3 stages. The AUROC of Ktrans for discriminating non‐NASH from bNASH and NASH groups was 0.968, and 0.898 for discriminating between normal and overall fibrosis groups.

Conclusion

DCE‐MRI may play a role in assessing NAFLD severity.

Level of Evidence: 1

J. MAGN. RESON. IMAGING 2017;45:1485–1493
Identification of lignin‐deficient Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv. mutants induced by gamma radiation
Authors: Lee Man Bo , Kim Jae Yoon , Seo Yong Weon
Published: September 2016

BACKGROUND

Brachypodium distachyon (L.) Beauv. is a monocotyledonous model plant that has been studied to understand a range of biological phenomena for lignocellulosic bioethanol feedstocks and other cereal crops. The lignin makes its cell walls recalcitrant to saccharification, constituting the main barrier to lignocellulosic bioethanol production. In this study, lignin‐deficient mutants of B. distachyon induced by chronic radiation were selected and the effects of the mutants on fermentable glucose production were identified.

RESULTS

Brachypodium distachyon M2 mutants induced by chronically irradiated gamma radiation were screened by the Wiesner test. Lignin‐deficient M2 mutants were further confirmed in subsequent M3 and M4 generations by determining acetyl bromide‐soluble lignin. The lignin content was significantly reduced in mutant plants 135‐2 (by 7.99%), 142‐3 (by 13.8%) and 406‐1 (by 8.13%) compared with the wild type. Moreover, fermentable glucose was significantly higher in 135‐2 (by 23.91%) and 142‐3 (by 36.72%) than in the wild type after 72 h of enzymatic hydrolysis.

CONCLUSION

Three lignin‐deficient B. distachyon mutants induced by chronically irradiated gamma radiation were obtained. This study will provide fundamental understanding of the B. distachyon cell wall and could contribute to increases in bioethanol production using bioenergy crops. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Hippies, Greenies, and Tree Huggers: How the “Warmth” Stereotype Hinders the Adoption of Responsible Brands
Authors: Antonetti Paolo , Maklan Stan
Published: September 2016

Past research has highlighted the difficulty faced by responsible consumers, individuals who wish to make environmentally and socially responsible consumption choices. Individual buyers, it is argued, act within a network of structural and social relationships that make responsible alternatives intrinsically hard to pursue. This paper maintains that one such barrier is the perception that users of responsible brands are not worthy of social emulation. Consumers are less likely to adopt brands positioned explicitly on their positive environmental or social credentials because of the stereotypes attached to the users of these products. Two empirical studies demonstrate that users of responsible brands are perceived as stereotypically warm. Warmth, however, is not an appealing feature in a consumption context. Warm groups are not envied and envy plays a central role in fueling a desire to emulate a consumption group. The study is the first to examine the possibility that a group‐level stereotype limits the potential attractiveness of responsible brands. The significant implications of this insight for both scholarly research and marketing practice are examined in detail. The presence of a warmth stereotype, which has a negative influence on the social perception of responsible brands, suggests that the development of niches of responsible or ethical consumers is intrinsically problematic.
The Skin and Parkinson's Disease: Review of Clinical, Diagnostic, and Therapeutic Issues
Authors: Skorvanek Matej , Bhatia Kailash P.
Published: September 2016

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) and the skin are related in a number of ways, including clinical abnormalities of the disease itself and skin‐related side effects of dopaminergic medication, pumps, and surgical therapies. Recent advances in understanding the role of α‐synuclein suggest skin biopsies as a potential diagnostic or even a premotor marker ofPD.

Methods

The PubMed database was searched for publications up to October 2015, and the current evidence on skin‐related issues inPDwas comprehensively summarized.

Results

The evidence was summarized on the prevalence, etiology, and management of seborrheic dermatitis, sweating dysfunctions, bullous pemphigoid, and malignant melanoma, as well as therapy‐related skin disorders, especially those observed in amantadine, rotigotine, apomorphine, and levodopa/carbidopa intestinal gel therapies and deep‐brain stimulation. Skin biopsies evaluating the presence of α‐synuclein, the density and morphology of cutaneous nerves, and skin fibroblast functions also are discussed.

Conclusions

Skin disorders are a common manifestation ofPD. However, the exact pathophysiology and prevalence of these disorders are not well understood, and more systematic research is needed in this regard. Peripheral tissue biopsies as a diagnostic marker ofPDare an exciting avenue in futurePDresearch, although multiple caveats and pending issues need to be solved before they can be used in routine clinical practice.
Advocating social marketing as ultimate weapon to fighting HIV/AIDS propagation, and related discrimination and stigmatisation
Authors: Ayikwa Lutete Christian , de Jager Johan W.
Published: September 2016

The spreading of HIV/AIDS in the African continent and related discrimination and stigmatisation towards people living with the virus have become a major issue to be addressed by communities, health organisations and governments in Africa. An effective way to successfully overcome these plagues necessitates the application of social marketing techniques and campaigns. However, when it comes to funding and supporting social marketing activities, African leaders deny the important role that the government could play in achieving the ‘HIV/AIDS free generation goal’ as well as making African societies a non‐discriminative and stigmatisation places for infected people. The present study intend to demonstrate through analysis of empirical data that social marketing is crucial in changing people's sexual behaviour and battling misconceptions that lead to discrimination and stigmatisation of infected people. In this light, African political authorities such as Congolese leaders need to understand the relevancy of this discipline in their HIV/AIDS policy.
Polycarbonate composites: Effect of filler type and melt‐blending process on the light diffusion properties
Authors: Song Na , Hou Xingshuang , Cui Siqi , Ba Chaoqun , Jiao Dejin , Ding Peng , Shi Liyi
Published: September 2016

Transmittance and haze are key properties of light diffusion materials. Hybrid light diffusion agents (LDAs) and melt‐blending process are introduced to study optical performance and mechanical properties of polycarbonate (PC) light diffusion materials. Optical properties of PC composites prepared by two‐step melt‐blending process has better repeatability compared to one‐step method due to the better dispersion state of hybrid fillers in PC matrix. The hybrid fillers silicate microspheres (SMS)/nano titania particles (nTiO2) are more suitable for PC matrix compared to cross‐linked poly(methyl methacrylate) microspheres (PMMA)/nTiO2, for the reason that the PC/SMS/nTiO2 composites exhibit favorable optical performance and almost no deterioration of mechanical properties. The good balance between high transmittance and substantial haze can be achieved when the SMS/nTiO2 content is 1.2 wt% (the transmittance and haze are 60.97% and 88.73%, respectively). POLYM. ENG. SCI., 57:374–380, 2017. © 2016 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation of glycopolypeptides bearing mannose moieties and biphenyl pendants and their upper‐critical‐solution‐temperature‐type thermoresponsive properties in alcohol/water solvent mixtures
Authors: Li Minjie , Wang Xi , Xu Yanzhi , Ling Ying , Tang Haoyu
Published: September 2016

A series of glycopolypeptides with constant main‐chain lengths and various compositions of mannose moieties and biphenyl pendants were synthesized by copper‐mediated 1,3‐dipolar cycloadditions. 1H NMR and Fourier transform IR (FTIR) analysis confirmed the molecular structures of the resulting polypeptides. FTIR analysis characterized the molar contents of the mannose pendants and α‐helical conformations in the solid state. Glycopolypeptides conjugated with tetra‐O‐acetyl‐d‐(+)‐mannopyranoside showed a reversible upper‐critical‐solution‐temperature‐type (UCST‐type) phase behavior both in MeOH/H2O and EtOH/H2O binary solvent mixtures depending on the weight percentage of alcohols (fw). Incorporation of a low content of biphenyl pendants (≤0.20) can broaden the range of fw at which polymers showed UCST‐type phase behaviors. The UCST‐type transition temperature (Tpt) was highly related to the incorporation of biphenyl pendants, polymer concentrations, and the nature and weight percentage of alcohols. It decreased as the polymer concentration decreased and increased on incorporation of biphenyl groups. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry
Decursin in Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN) Enhances Doxorubicin Chemosensitivity in NCI/ADR‐RES Ovarian Cancer Cells via Inhibition of P‐glycoprotein Expression
Authors: Choi Hyeong Sim , Cho Sung‐Gook , Kim Min Kyoung , Kim Min Soo , Moon Seung Hee , Kim Il Hwan , Ko Seong‐Gyu
Published: September 2016

Angelica gigas Nakai (AGN, Korean Dang‐gui) is traditionally used for the treatment of various diseases including cancer. Here, we investigated multidrug‐resistant phenotype‐reversal activities of AGN and its compounds (decursin, ferulic acid, and nodakenin) in doxorubicin‐resistant NCI/ADR‐RES ovarian cancer cells. Our results showed that a combination of doxorubicin with either AGN or decursin inhibited a proliferation of NCI/ADR‐RES cells. These combinations increased the number of cells at sub‐G1 phase when cells were stained with Annexin V‐fluorescein isothiocyanate. We also found that these combinations activated caspase‐9, caspase‐8, and caspase‐3 and increased cleaved PARP level. Moreover, an inhibition of P‐glycoprotein expression by either AGN or decursin resulted in a reduction of its activity in NCI/ADR‐RES cells. Therefore, our data demonstrate that decursin in AGN inhibits doxorubicin‐resistant ovarian cancer cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in the presence of doxorubicin via blocking P‐glycoprotein expression. Therefore, AGN would be a potentially novel treatment option for multidrug‐resistant tumors by sensitizing to anticancer agents. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Separation and molecular characterization of the amylose‐ and amylopectin‐fraction from native and partially hydrolyzed potato starch
Authors: Ulbrich Marco , Salazar Mariana León , Flöter Eckhard
Published: September 2016

The polysaccharide fractions amylose (AM) and amylopectin (AP) were obtained from both a native and an acid‐thinned potato starch sample. The starches were dissolved using an autoclaving and an alkaline dissolution process and fractionated by complexing the AM with 1‐butanol. The fractions were comprehensively characterized by means of size exclusion chromatography‐multi angle laser light scattering (SEC‐MALS) and iodine binding experiments. The fractions’ high purity was generally proved. Molecular degradation of both starch fractions due to autoclaving was evident and more pronounced for the acid modified sample by trend. The SEC‐chromatograms confirmed the elution of the linear AM‐fractions entirely accompanied by branched AP. Complete enzymatic debranching the starch sample prior to chromatography and mathematical peak separation was an alternative method for the molecular characterization of the AM‐fraction. However, this procedure is restricted to the non‐branched AM and found particularly suitable for partial molecular degraded starch (acid‐thinned).
A Short Story Approach to Analyzing Teacher (Imagined) Identities Over Time
Authors: Barkhuizen Gary
Published: September 2016

In this article the researcher reports on a longitudinal study which investigated the imagined identities of a preservice English teacher in New Zealand and compared these with the identities she negotiated in her teacher education and then teaching practice nearly nine years later. The teacher, an immigrant from the Pacific Island of Tonga, imagined herself working amongst members of her immigrant community but ended up teaching English at a privileged high school. The researcher used a short story analytical approach to analyze her narratives. Short stories are excerpts of data extracted from a larger set of data such as conversations, interviews, written narratives, and multimodal digital stories. In this case, short stories from a series of interviews were analyzed for both their content and the varying scales of context in which the short stories were constructed and interpreted. The analysis is informed theoretically by recent developments of the concept of investment (Darvin & Norton, 2015). The researcher includes reflexive personal commentary on his own positioning throughout the article, which concludes with suggestions for the use of short story analysis in teacher reflection and research.
(Non)native Speakered: Rethinking (Non)nativeness and Teacher Identity inTESOLTeacher Education
Authors: Aneja Geeta A.
Published: September 2016

Despite its imprecision, the native–nonnative dichotomy has become the dominant paradigm for examining language teacher identity development. The nonnative English speaking teacher (NNEST) movement in particular has considered the impact of deficit framings of nonnativeness on “NNEST” preservice teachers. Although these efforts have contributed significantly towards increasing awareness ofNNEST‐hood, they also risk reifying the notion that nativeness and nonnativeness are objectively distinct categories. This article adopts a poststructuralist lens to reconceptualize native and nonnative speakers as complex, negotiated social subjectivities that emerge through a discursive process that the author terms(non)native speakering. It then applies this dynamic framework to analyze “narrative portraits” of four different archetypical language teachers, two of whom seem to fit neatly into (non)native speakerist frames of language and culture and two of whom deviate from them. It then reflects on how these preservice teachers negotiate, re‐create, and resist the produced (non)native speaker subjectivities, and considers the complexity, fluidity, and heterogeneity within each archetype. In the conclusion, the author consider implications of (non)native speakering as a theoretical and analytical frame, as well as possible applications of the data for teacher education.
Ethnic differences in the levator hiatus and pelvic organ descent: a prospective observational study
Authors: Abdool Z. , Dietz H. P. , Lindeque B. G.
Published: September 2016

Objective

To date, most studies on functional anatomy of the pelvic floor have focused on Caucasian women. There is scant information on this topic involving other ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to investigate levator hiatal area and pelvic organ descent in three racially diverse ethnic groups of healthy nulliparous South Asian, Caucasian and black South African women, using three/four‐dimensional (3D/4D) transperineal ultrasound (TPS).

Methods

Nulliparous women aged 18–40 years from three different ethnic groups were recruited for this prospective observational study between June 2012 and April 2015. After informed consent and clinical examination of the pelvic floor, all patients underwent a 3D/4D‐TPS examination. Ultrasound volumes were captured at rest, on maximum pelvic floor muscle contraction (PFMC) and on maximal Valsalva maneuver. Analyses of variance and covariance were performed to compare the three ethnic groups, and a post‐hoc Bonferroni pairwise test was applied.

Results

A total of 207 nulliparous women were recruited, comprising 41 South Asian, 69 Caucasian and 97 black women. After controlling for age and body mass index, all measurements of mean levator hiatal area at rest, on PFMC and on Valsalva were higher in black women (all P < 0.0001). Post‐hoc Bonferroni pairwise comparison revealed that black women had greater pelvic organ descent and levator hiatal area compared with South Asian and Caucasian women (P < 0.0001).

Conclusion

This comparative study indicates that there are significant differences in levator hiatal area and pelvic organ mobility between Caucasian, South Asian and black ethnic groups. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Measured acoustic intensities for clinical diagnostic ultrasound transducers and correlation with thermal index
Authors: Retz K. , Kotopoulis S. , Kiserud T. , Matre K. , Eide G. E. , Sande R.
Published: September 2016

Objectives

To investigate if the thermal index for bone (TIB) displayed on screen is an adequate predictor for the derated spatial‐peak temporal‐average (ISPTA.3) and spatial‐peak pulse‐average (ISPPA.3) acoustic intensities in a selection of clinical diagnostic ultrasound machines and transducers.

Methods

We calibrated five clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanners and 10 transducers, using two‐dimensional grayscale, color Doppler and pulsed‐wave Doppler, both close to and far from the transducer, with a TIB between 0.1 and 4.0, recording 103 unique measurements. Acoustic measurements were performed in a bespoke three‐axis computer‐controlled scanning tank, using a 200‐μm‐diameter calibrated needle hydrophone.

Results

There was significant but poor correlation between the acoustic intensities and the on‐screen TIB. At a TIB of 0.1, the ISPTA.3 range was 0.51–50.49 mW/cm2 and the ISPPA.3 range was 0.01–207.29 W/cm2. At a TIB of 1.1, the ISPTA.3 range was 19.02–309.44 mW/cm2 and the ISPPA.3 range was 3.87–51.89 W/cm2.

Conclusions

TIB is a poor predictor for ISPTA.3 and ISPPA.3 and for the potential bioeffects of clinical diagnostic ultrasound scanners. Copyright © 2016 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Enhanced processing of coatings on glass surfaces
Authors: Gerhard Christoph , Gredner Alexander , Mainusch Nils , Viöl Wolfgang
Published: September 2016

In this contribution, basic technically usable interactions of atmospheric pressure plasmas (APP), laser irradiation and solids as well as a technique which combines such plasmas and laser irradiation are introduced. Two examples for plasma‐enhanced laser processing of coatings on glass surfaces are presented in more detail. First, APP‐assisted annealing of amorphous silicon layers is discussed. It is shown that the crystallised area is notably increased by assisting plasmas where the particular improvement factor depends on the particularly applied type of plasma. Second, the impact of assisting plasmas on laser removal of lacquers and varnishes from glass surfaces is presented. By introducing a plasma jet to the laser removal process, the laser energy required for cleaning or delamination is notably reduced.
Recent Developments in the Field of Precision Optical Coatings
Authors: Frank Marcus
Published: September 2016

This contribution discusses a choice of high‐precision interference coatings which are customized for specific applications in different photonic marketplaces:

Individually marked wafers with AR coatings and patterned chrome layers which are used as base substrates for biochip applications.

High transmission, low‐loss UV‐filters to select specific UV wavelengths from illumination sources like mercury arc lamps.

A high reflective broadband all dielectric mirror for applications in harsh environments.

Miniaturized polarizing beamsplitter cubes for micro‐projection and Near‐Eye Displays.
Benefit of Modern Arc Management in MF Dual Magnetron Sputtering Power Supplies
Authors: Heintze Moritz , Kroyer Thomas
Published: September 2016

For modern large area coatings reactive dual magnetron sputtering (DMS) is a widespread technology. Economic constraints and advanced technology calls for increasing process flexibility regarding target utilization as well as the use of new materials. This in turn raises demands to the arc handling capabilities of the power supplies. On the one hand, a stable process at high arcing rates demands short arc blanking times and fast recovery to full output power. On the other hand, some materials tend to the formation of so‐called “hard” arcs, with hot cathode spots. In this case, longer treatment times are needed. The benefit of modern arc handling capabilities is demonstrated for reactive SiO2 deposition from heavily used targets. For other demanding materials with low melting point, favourable operating modes are investigated.
From color to chemometrics
Authors: Hellwig Chris , Büttner Torsten , Krause Mario
Published: September 2016

In‐line and in‐situ process control for thin‐film properties during the production is an important factor to improve and stabilize the product quality. Furthermore machine set‐up times can be reduced significantly. ZEISS provides a variety of methods to fulfill this need. The article shows how a combination of different process capable methods — color, physical, and chemometric models — helps the operator to stabilize coating processes and control the final product quality with a single equipment.
Protective Role of PPARdelta in Lipoapoptosis of Pancreatic β Cells
Authors: Yang Yan , Ren Jiangong , Tong Yuzhen , Hu Xuejian , Lv Qingguo , Tong Nanwei
Published: September 2016

Lipoapoptosis plays an important role in the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetes. Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor delta (PPARdelta), a vital regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism, may reduce fatty acid‐induced pancreatic β cell lipotoxicity in diabetes. However, the detailed molecular mechanisms underlying this process are not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the effect of activation of PPARdelta on palmitate‐induced β cell apoptosis, and we explored the potential mechanism of the antiapoptotic effect. The cell apoptosis was determined by DNA fragmentation analysis and Hoechst 33342 staining. The expressing of glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor (GLP‐1R) in INS‐1 cells was assessed by Western blotting, quantification of PCR, and was further confirmed by immunofluorescence staining. The potential of PPARdelta to interact with homologous PPRE in the GLP‐1R gene was determined by Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Our results showed that exposure of INS‐1 cells to palmitate for 24 h caused a significant increase in cell apoptosis, which was inhibited by GW501516. PPARdelta exerted anti‐apoptotic effects in pancreatic β cells via the PI3 K/PKB/FoxO1 signaling pathway. Moreover, PPARdelta upregulated the GLP‐1R expression under lipotoxic conditions. The ChIP assay revealed a direct binding of PPARdelta to a noncanonical PPRE motif of the GLP‐1R gene in INS‐1 cells. Our study suggested that the anti‐apoptotic action of PPARdelta may involve its transcriptional regulation of GLP‐1R and PI3 K/PKB/FoxO1 signaling. GW501516 and possible other GW‐based strategies may confer additional benefit beyond improved glycemic control.
Neural Representation of Subjective Sexual Arousal in Men and Women
Authors: Parada Mayte , Gérard Marina , Larcher Kevin , Dagher Alain , Binik Yitzchak M.
Published: September 2016

Introduction

Studies investigating brain indices of sexual arousal have begun to elucidate the brain's role in processing subjective arousal; however, most research has focused on men, used discrete ratings of subjective arousal, and used stimuli too short to induce significant arousal in women.

Aim

To examine brain regions modulated by changes in subjective sexual arousal (SSA) rating intensity in men and women.

Methods

Two groups (20 men, 20 women) viewed movie clips (erotic or humorous) while continuously evaluating changes in their SSA using a Likert-like scale (0 = not aroused, 10 = most aroused) and answering discrete questions about liking the movies and wanting sexual stimulation. Brain activity was measured using functional magnetic resonance imaging.

Main Outcome Measures

Blood oxygen level-dependent responses and continuous and discrete measurements of sexual arousal.

Results

Erotic movies induced significant SSA in men and women. No sex difference in mean SSA was found in response to the erotic movies on continuous or discrete measurements. Several brain regions were correlated with changes in SSA. Parametric modulation with rating intensity showed a specific group of regions within the parietal lobe that showed significant differences in activity among low, medium, and high SSA.

Conclusion

Multiple regions were concordant with changes in SSA; however, a subset of regions in men and women was modulated by SSA intensity, a subset previously linked to attentional processes, monitoring of internal body representation, and processing of sensory information from the genitals. This study highlights that similar brain regions are activated during subjective assessment of sexual arousal in men and women. The data further highlight the fact that SSA is a complex phenomenon made up of multiple interoceptive and attentional processes.
Unpacking cyberterrorism discourse: Specificity, status, and scale in news media constructions of threat
Authors: Jarvis Lee , Macdonald Stuart , Whiting Andrew
Published: September 2016

This article explores original empirical findings from a research project investigating representations of cyberterrorism in the international news media. Drawing on a sample of 535 items published by 31 outlets between 2008 and 2013, it focuses on four questions. First, how individuated a presence is cyberterrorism given within news media coverage? Second, how significant a threat is cyberterrorism deemed to pose? Third, how is the identity of ‘cyberterrorists’ portrayed? And, fourth, who or what is identified as the referent – that which is threatened – within this coverage? The article argues that constructions of specificity, status, and scale play an important, yet hitherto under-explored, role within articulations of concern about the threat posed by cyberterrorism. Moreover, unpacking news coverage of cyberterrorism in this way leads to a more variegated picture than that of the vague and hyperbolic media discourse often identified by critics. The article concludes by pointing to several promising future research agendas to build on this work.
Turbulent flow over transitionally rough surfaces with varying roughness densities
Authors: MacDonald M. , Chan L. , Chung D. , Hutchins N. , Ooi A.
Published: September 2016

We investigate rough-wall turbulent flows through direct numerical simulations of flow over three-dimensional transitionally rough sinusoidal surfaces. The roughness Reynolds number is fixed at $k^{+}=10$, where $k$ is the sinusoidal semi-amplitude, and the sinusoidal wavelength is varied, resulting in the roughness solidity $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ (frontal area divided by plan area) ranging from 0.05 to 0.54. The high cost of resolving both the flow around the dense roughness elements and the bulk flow is circumvented by the use of the minimal-span channel technique, recently demonstrated by Chung et al. (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 773, 2015, pp. 418–431) to accurately determine the Hama roughness function, $\unicode[STIX]{x0394}U^{+}$. Good agreement of the second-order statistics in the near-wall roughness-affected region between minimal- and full-span rough-wall channels is observed. In the sparse regime of roughness ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\lesssim 0.15$) the roughness function increases with increasing solidity, while in the dense regime the roughness function decreases with increasing solidity. It was found that the dense regime begins when $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\gtrsim 0.15{-}0.18$, in agreement with the literature. A model is proposed for the limit of $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}\rightarrow \infty$, which is a smooth wall located at the crest of the roughness elements. This model assists with interpreting the asymptotic behaviour of the roughness, and the rough-wall data presented in this paper show that the near-wall flow is tending towards this modelled limit. The peak streamwise turbulence intensity, which is associated with the turbulent near-wall cycle, is seen to move further away from the wall with increasing solidity. In the sparse regime, increasing $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ reduces the streamwise turbulent energy associated with the near-wall cycle, while increasing $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6EC}$ in the dense regime increases turbulent energy. An analysis of the difference of the integrated mean momentum balance between smooth- and rough-wall flows reveals that the roughness function decreases in the dense regime due to a reduction in the Reynolds shear stress. This is predominantly due to the near-wall cycle being pushed away from the roughness elements, which leads to a reduction in turbulent energy in the region previously occupied by these events.
Differential analysis of capillary breakup rheometry for Newtonian liquids
Authors: McCarroll Louise L. , Solomon Michael J. , Schultz William W.
Published: September 2016

We present a Newtonian, one-dimensional, differential analysis for capillary breakup rheometry (CBR) to determine the surface tension to viscosity ratio $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$. Our local differential analysis does not require specific assumptions for the axial force to preclude its measurement. Our analysis indicates that measuring gradients in filament curvature is necessary to accurately determine $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FC}$ when axial force is not measured. CBR experiments were performed on five silicone oils ($0.35~\text{Pa}~\text{s}<\unicode[STIX]{x1D707}<10~\text{ Pa}~\text{s}$), three sample volumes, and three strains to evaluate the operating range of the differential analysis and compare its performance to that of a standard integral method from literature. We investigate the role of filament asymmetry, caused mainly by gravity, on the performance of the differential method for the range of conditions studied. Experimental and analytical details for resolving gradients of curvature are also given.
Resources for Becoming Culturally Competent in a Multijurisdictional Practice: G20 Nations and Associated Legal Traditions
Authors: Kuehl Heidi Frostestad
Published: September 2016

This article provides an overview of the importance of cultural competency skills for multijurisdictional practice and a comprehensive list of resources for international business law for G20 nations. Law students today are certain to confront issues of cultural competency in both clinical settings during law school and also during their legal careers as a result of the increasingly global practice of law. This article focuses on cultural competency as an essential lawyering skill in the context of private international law. First, the article will provide a brief history of cultural competency and its inclusion as a type of skills training in a clinical legal education setting at some law schools. Then, the article includes a brief survey of current globalization offerings and initiatives at U.S. law schools. Finally, the article provides a comprehensive list of resources to aid cultural competency and understanding of the legal systems and, further, an authoritative survey of international business resources for G20 countries.
Soluble transferrin receptor levels are positively associated with insulin resistance but not with the metabolic syndrome or its individual components
Authors: Suárez-Ortegón Milton Fabian , McLachlan Stela , Wild Sarah H. , Fernández-Real José Manuel , Hayward Caroline , Polašek Ozren
Published: September 2016

The metabolic syndrome (MetS) is known to be associated with elevated serum ferritin levels. The possible association with other Fe markers has been less well studied. We aimed to investigate the cross-sectional association of soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) and ferritin levels with the MetS components, insulin resistance and glycosylated Hb (HbA1C). The sample consisted of 725 adults, aged 19–93 years (284 men, 151 premenopausal and 290 postmenopausal women), from the Croatian island of Vis. Serum sTfR and ferritin levels were measured by immunoturbidimetry and electrochemiluminescence assays, respectively. The MetS was defined using modified international consensus criteria. Logistic and linear regression analyses were conducted to investigate the associations adjusting for age, fibrinogen, smoking status, alcohol consumption and BMI. Prevalence of the MetS was 48·7 %. Standardised values of ferritin were positively associated with all of the MetS components (except high blood pressure and waist circumference) in men (P<0·05). Ferritin was significantly associated with the MetS in men (adjusted OR 1·78 (95 % CI 1·31, 2·42)) and postmenopausal women (1·71 (95 % CI 1·12, 2·62)). Interestingly, sTfR was independently and positively associated with homoeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance in men (adjusted β=0·44 (95 % CI 0·14, 0·75), P=0·004) and postmenopausal women (adjusted β coefficient=0·34 (95 % CI 0·05, 0·63), P=0·020). However, there was no significant relationship between serum sTfR levels and the MetS or its components. Neither ferritin nor sTfR was significantly associated with HbA1C (P>0·05). sTfR levels could be spuriously elevated in subjects with insulin resistance and without association with the MetS or its components. We conclude that different markers of Fe metabolism are not consistently associated with cardiometabolic risk.