bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extending the reverberation chamber using a channel emulator for characterisation of over‐the‐air performance of multiple‐input–multiple‐output wireless devices
Authors: Patané Lötbäck Christian S. , Skårbratt Anton , Orlenius Charlie
Published: April 2015

The reverberation chamber (RC) is a common tool in the wireless industry for evaluating the performance of wireless devices. In its standalone configuration, it provides an accurate and efficient test setup widely accepted for performance evaluation for R&D, acceptance testing purposes and similar. This study describes how a channel emulator can be integrated into the RC setup and in this way extend the inherent channel model of the standalone RC. It is shown that this combined setup provides a flexible solution with high accuracy for emulating various test scenarios, thus enabling comprehensive over‐the‐air performance evaluation of multiple‐input–multiple‐output wireless devices. The properties for two examples of test scenarios are described in details. These scenarios are further utilised for obtaining the data throughput performance for commercially available devices, in order to illustrate the value of multi‐scenario testing.
Method for the estimation of soil structure in the vicinity of a grounding system
Authors: Sima Wenxia , Wu Peng , Yuan Tao , Yang Qing , Zhu Bin , Bai Yang
Published: April 2015

This study presents a method for the estimation of soil structure based on genetic algorithm (GA), which can reveal actual soil structures through the experimental curve of apparent resistivity that was measured near the ground grid. GA involves the use of the errors produced by the experimental and theoretical curve of soil apparent resistivity to achieve soil structure optimisation. In this study, new soil structures were generated by GA, and finite element method (FEM) was used to compute the theoretical curve of apparent resistivity under these soil structures. The relative position of ground grid and the measurement profiles was considered in FEM, which can reveal the true measurement site. Compared with present methods, the proposed method that combines FEM and GA can adapt to a solution domain of complex geometry shape while ground grid and soil exist simultaneously. Thus, the proposed method can handle the experimental curve which is influenced by the grounding system. In addition, the solution accuracy of the soil parameters was reasonably established and thus allowed the algorithm to exhibit convergence within 50 generations.
Preparation and photocatalytic properties of a visible light responsive and magnetically separated photocatalyst of γ‐Fe2O3/SiO2/GSs/TiO2
Authors: Chen Deqiang , Chen Yiqun , Li Yang , Ye Shaonan
Published: April 2015

A graphene sheet (GS) synthetised from natural graphite powder was doped in titanium dioxide (TiO2) through the sol–gel method to improve the photocatalytic activity and magnetic γ‐Fe2O3/SiO2 particles were added subsequently to improve recycling and reduce the waste of the catalyst. The morphology, microstructure, absorption spectrum and magnetic property of the γ‐Fe2O3/SiO2/GSs/TiO2 composites were characterised via X‐ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, diffuse‐reflectance spectra and a vibrating sample magnetometer, respectively. The result revealed that (i) the nanocrystalline structure of γ‐Fe2O3/SiO2/GSs/TiO2 composites is nearly unchanged compared with pure P25 nanoparticles; (ii) there was a redshift in the absorption edge of the photocatalyst composite; (iii) the photocatalyst composites displayed good superparamagnetism which was in favour of the reclamation of the catalyst; (iv) the adsorption and visible light photocatalytic activity of the composite is enhanced greatly on decomposition of methylene blue and (v) the photocatalysts maintained high photocatalytic activity after being reused several times.
Current transport mechanisms in plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposited AlN thin films
Authors: Altuntas Halit , Ozgit-Akgun Cagla , Donmez Inci , Biyikli Necmi
Published: April 2015

Here, we report on the current transport mechanisms in AlN thin films deposited at a low temperature (i.e., 200 °C) on p-type Si substrates by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition. Structural characterization of the deposited AlN was carried out using grazing-incidence X-ray diffraction, revealing polycrystalline films with a wurtzite (hexagonal) structure. Al/AlN/ p-Si metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) capacitor structures were fabricated and investigated under negative bias by performing current-voltage measurements. As a function of the applied electric field, different types of current transport mechanisms were observed; i.e., ohmic conduction (15.2–21.5 MV/m), Schottky emission (23.6–39.5 MV/m), Frenkel-Poole emission (63.8–211.8 MV/m), trap-assisted tunneling (226–280 MV/m), and Fowler-Nordheim tunneling (290–447 MV/m). Electrical properties of the insulating AlN layer and the fabricated Al/AlN/p-Si MIS capacitor structure such as dielectric constant, flat-band voltage, effective charge density, and threshold voltage were also determined from the capacitance-voltage measurements.
Effects of discharge voltage waveform on the discharge characteristics in a helium atmospheric plasma jet
Authors: Uchida Giichiro , Takenaka Kosuke , Setsuhara Yuichi
Published: April 2015

We present here an analysis of the discharge characteristics of a He plasma jet operating under three different types of applied voltage waveform: (a) a μs-pulse voltage waveform with a slow voltage rise time, (b) ns-pulse, and (c) rectangular voltage waveforms with fast voltage rise time. Optical emission measurements show that the application of a voltage with a fast voltage rise time induces rapid discharge growth and, consequently, produces an abundance of energetic electrons, which in turn leads to high optical emission from the O atoms. We also estimate the optical emission efficiency of the O atom (ηo), which corresponds roughly to the production efficiency of the reactive O species. ηo increases with increasing applied voltage, and the highest value of ηo is obtained in the shortest pulse discharge, which was ignited by a ns-pulse voltage waveform with a fast voltage rise time and short pulse width.
Hue Contrast and the Sense of Space
Authors: Koenderink Jan , van Doorn Andrea , Albertazzi Liliana , Wagemans Johan
Published: April 2015

Does human vision deploy a generic template for open landscapes that might fit the gist of current optical input? In an experiment, participants judged depth order in split-field images in which the two fuzzily delineated half-images were filled with different hues. For the majority of observers, we find a systematic dependence of depth order of these half-images on their hue and/or brightness difference. After minor cleaning of the data, we are left with two mutually well-separated clusters. Correlation with the statistical distribution of hue and brightness in generic “open landscape” photographs reveals that one cluster correlates with hue, the other with brightness. This suggests that human observers indeed at least partly rely on “generic landscape” templates in the psychogenesis of their visual awareness.
Triethylenetetramine-Modified P123-Occluded Zr-SBA-15 Molecular Sieve for CO2 Adsorption
Authors: Yang Fan-Ming , Liu Ying , Chen Lang , Au Chak-Tong , Yin Shuang-Feng
Published: April 2015

A pluronic 123 (P123)-occluded mesoporous molecular sieve Zr-SBA-15, Zr-SBA(P) was modified with triethylenetetramine (TETA) and tested for CO2 adsorption. The synthesized materials were characterized by powder X-ray diffraction, N2 adsorption–desorption, dispersive spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, temperature-programmer desorption of CO2, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The results of CO2 adsorption show that the TETA and P123 species have positive effects on the CO2 adsorption capacity of the adsorbent, and the performance of the as-prepared adsorbent in a stream of low CO2 concentration is excellent. At 50 wt-% TETA loading, Zr-SBA(P) has a maximum capacity of 4.27 mmol g–1 in a stream of 5 % CO2 at 50°C, ~33.5 % higher than the adsorbent prepared in the absence of P123. In addition, the adsorbent is superior in reusability. It is envisaged that the adsorbent will find wide application in CO2 capture.
Repression across borders: homeland response to anti-regime mobilization among Syrians in Sweden
Authors: Jörum Emma Lundgren
Published: April 2015

Within social movement studies, it is often argued that a state’s capabilities of hindering mobilization can be outmanoeuvred through transnational mobilization. The same way, within diaspora studies, it has been suggested that homeland repression can be avoided through diaspora mobilization. In both cases, it is argued, activists outside of the target state may put pressure on it without having to fear its repression. Based on the case of Syrian anti-regime activists in Sweden, this article argues that for activists with roots in the target state, this is not necessarily the case. Through surveillance, intelligence reports and threats against both activists abroad and their families still in the state of origin, the target state may continue to hamper and discourage mobilization abroad. The theoretical idea that so-called domestic opportunity structures are territorially contained is thereby questioned and the article argues that homeland repression across borders may explain why some diaspora groups mobilize in order to draw attention to homeland conditions while others, with clear reasons to do so, refrain from such activities. Based on in-depth interviews with 30 Syrian anti-regime activists in Sweden 2012–2014, the article suggests that a third identity category be added to Earl’s [(2003). “Tanks, Tear Gas, and Taxes: Toward a Theory of Movement Repression.” Sociological Theory 21 (1): 44–68] typology of repression, through the distinction between states repressing within their territorial jurisdiction and states repressing outside of their territorial jurisdiction. Transterritorial repression is a problem not only for the individuals affected but also for the states where they reside, as citizens with roots in certain authoritarian states are effectively discouraged from exercising their constitutional rights.
Democracy, poverty and civil society in Mozambique
Authors: Virtanen Pekka
Published: April 2015

National elections were held in Mozambique for the fifth time in October 2014. As a state, Mozambique – like many ‘fourth-wave’ transition countries – fulfils the formal criteria of democracy. But to what extent are the mechanisms of accountability implemented? In Africa, two issues have been identified as key impediments for successful democratic transition: failure to improve the welfare of the poor and the ‘pre-modern’ character of civil society. In Mozambique, robust economic growth has been accompanied by growing inequality, while traditional civil society organisations (CSOs) have become increasingly visible on local level since the political transition in 1994. Based on the analysis of Afrobarometer data in comparative context, the study examines whether the poor are less supportive of liberal democracy than other citizens, as well as the role of traditional vs. modern CSOs in strengthening vertical accountability. The results show that the main threat to democracy does not come from the poor, who feel healthy scepticism towards the way the regime implements democracy while being supportive of democratic values. Neither are traditional CSOs incompatible with democratic values. The problems are caused by the way key provisions in the democratic constitution are translated to practice – or undermined – by the political elite.
Live-cell multiphoton fluorescence correlation spectroscopy with an improved large Stokes shift fluorescent protein
Authors: Guan Yinghua , Meurer Matthias , Raghavan Sarada , Rebane Aleksander , Lindquist Jake R. , Santos Sofia , Kats Ilia , Davidson Michael W. , Mazitschek Ralph , Hughes Thomas E. , Drobizhev Mikhail , Knop Michael , Shah Jagesh V.
Published: April 2015

We report an improved variant of mKeima, a monomeric long Stokes shift red fluorescent protein, hmKeima8.5. The increased intracellular brightness and large Stokes shift (∼180 nm) make it an excellent partner with teal fluorescent protein (mTFP1) for multiphoton, multicolor applications. Excitation of this pair by a single multiphoton excitation wavelength (MPE, 850 nm) yields well-separable emission peaks (∼120-nm separation). Using this pair, we measure homo- and hetero-oligomerization interactions in living cells via multiphoton excitation fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (MPE-FCS). Using tandem dimer proteins and small-molecule inducible dimerization domains, we demonstrate robust and quantitative detection of intracellular protein–protein interactions. We also use MPE-FCCS to detect drug–protein interactions in the intracellular environment using a Coumarin 343 (C343)-conjugated drug and hmKeima8.5 as a fluorescence pair. The mTFP1/hmKeima8.5 and C343/hmKeima8.5 combinations, together with our calibration constructs, provide a practical and broadly applicable toolbox for the investigation of molecular interactions in the cytoplasm of living cells.
Aurora B–mediated localized delays in nuclear envelope formation facilitate inclusion of late-segregating chromosome fragments
Authors: Karg Travis , Warecki Brandt , Sullivan William
Published: April 2015

To determine how chromosome segregation is coordinated with nuclear envelope formation (NEF), we examined the dynamics of NEF in the presence of lagging acentric chromosomes in Drosophila neuroblasts. Acentric chromosomes often exhibit delayed but ultimately successful segregation and incorporation into daughter nuclei. However, it is unknown whether these late-segregating acentric fragments influence NEF to ensure their inclusion in daughter nuclei. Through live analysis, we show that acentric chromosomes induce highly localized delays in the reassembly of the nuclear envelope. These delays result in a gap in the nuclear envelope that facilitates the inclusion of lagging acentrics into telophase daughter nuclei. Localized delays of nuclear envelope reassembly require Aurora B kinase activity. In cells with reduced Aurora B activity, there is a decrease in the frequency of local nuclear envelope reassembly delays, resulting in an increase in the frequency of acentric-bearing, lamin-coated micronuclei. These studies reveal a novel role of Aurora B in maintaining genomic integrity by promoting the formation of a passageway in the nuclear envelope through which late-segregating acentric chromosomes enter the telophase daughter nucleus.
Did a “perfect storm” of oceanic changes and continental anthropogenic impacts cause northern hemisphere anguillid recruitment reductions?
Authors: Miller Michael J. , Feunteun Eric , Tsukamoto Katsumi
Published: April 2015

The three northern hemisphere anguillid eel species experienced recruitment declines at similar times beginning in the 1970s and 1980s, but the exact causes of the declines have remained unclear. Attention focused on two categories of possible causes that included (i) anthropogenic impacts on eel growth habitats, such as dam construction, degradation and pollution of habitats, introduction of parasites, overfishing and (ii) changes in ocean-atmospheric conditions affecting their marine life-history stages. The cumulative effects of reaching peaks in dam construction, levels of pollution, and eutrophication just before the eel declines likely had reduced eel production in many areas, and contamination by metallic and organic compounds and parasites may have reduced reproductive success. Shifts in ocean-atmospheric conditions also occurred just before the eel declines that could have reduced feeding success of larvae or disrupted larval transport. If oceanic regime shifts reduced production of the marine snow food of eel larvae, it may have affected larval survival and recruitment success, especially if there is a critical time-window for successful larval first feeding when marine snow particles need to be abundant. A reduction of these particles could result in density-dependent early mortality of the larvae of each spawning event, and competition for marine snow particles with sympatrically spawning mesopelagic eel larvae would amplify this effect. Nutrient reductions causing shifts in the relative abundance of phytoplankton contributing to marine snow production and of ubiquitous cyanobacteria may mediate levels of larval survival in areas with high spawning activity. Reductions of eels reaching the spawning area from species range margins that spawn outside of peak spawning periods could have reduced recruitment further. It appears likely that a variety of impacts, oceanic and anthropogenic occurred simultaneously causing sudden declines of these eel populations.
Attention and Working Memory in Female Adolescents With Chronic Pain and Pain-free Female Adolescents
Authors: Mifflin Katherine , Chorney Jill , Dick Bruce
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Adolescents with chronic pain often report inattention and poor memory. There has been little research on cognitive function in this population. The goal of this preliminary pilot study was to examine differences in cognitive function between adolescents with chronic pain to pain-free adolescents.

Materials and Methods:

All participants completed baseline assessments of pain, school absences, depression, anxiety, and sleep habits. Standardized neurocognitive tests were used to examine cognitive function with a focus on working memory and attention.

Results:

Recruitment from the chronic pain clinic resulted in a female sample of 13 individuals (largely reflective of the clinical population). Pain-free age-matched and sex-matched individuals (n=12) were therefore also recruited as controls. Individuals with chronic pain had significantly lower working memory scores than controls. Differences were found between groups on the most difficult selective attention task and not on tests of sustained attention, divided attention, or attentional switching. In a stepwise regression with baseline characteristics entered in the first step, pain accounted for approximately 15% of the variance in working memory and medication score counted for 49% of the variance.

Discussion:

This pilot study is the first study to examine differences in working memory and attention between participants with chronic pain and pain-free adolescents. Our findings suggest that chronic pain may negatively affect adolescents’ working memory function and highlights the risk for cognitive difficulties and problems with educational progression in addition to negative health and social effects associated with chronic pain. The study provides a starting point for more research and has the potential to direct better identification and treatment of these cognitive deficits.
Adherence to Infliximab Treatment in a Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease Cohort
Authors: Vitale David S. , Greenley Rachel N. , Lerner Diana G. , Mavis Alisha M. , Werlin Steven L.
Published: April 2015

The aims of the study were to describe infliximab adherence in a pediatric inflammatory bowel disease cohort, to identify demographic and disease factors associated with adherence, and to examine differences in acute care use among adherent and nonadherent patients. Charts of patients who received infliximab at the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin (CHW) between October 2010 and October 2012 were retrospectively reviewed. A total of 151 patients met the inclusion criteria; 91.4% of the patients were adherent. Nonadherent patients had more emergency room visits and hospitalizations than adherent patients. The study is the first to show high adherence rates to infliximab in a pediatric cohort.
Rac1 Polymorphisms and Thiopurine Efficacy in Children With Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Lev‐Tzion Raffi , Renbaum Paul , Beeri Rachel , Ledder Oren , Mevorach Raphael , Karban Amir , Koifman Eduard , Efrati Edna , Muise Aleixo M. , Chowers Yehuda , Turner Dan
Published: April 2015

Objectives:

Thiopurines are effective for maintenance of remission in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in only about half of patients. Predictors of response may assist in selecting the most appropriate patients for thiopurine therapy. Thiopurines inhibit Rac1, a GTPase that exerts an antiapoptotic effect on T‐lymphocytes. A genetic association was recently demonstrated between a Rac1 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and poorer response to thiopurines in adult patients with Crohn disease. We aimed to determine whether Rac1 SNPs are associated with response to thiopurines in children with IBD.

Methods:

Children with IBD treated with thiopurines were prospectively followed for 1 year and were genotyped for 3 Rac1 SNPs previously found to be relevant to IBD: rs10951982, rs4720672, and rs34932801. The rate of sustained steroid‐free remission (SSFR) without treatment escalation by 12 months was compared between wild types (WTs) and heterozygotes.

Results:

A total of 59 patients were studied (63% boys, 80% having Crohn disease, mean age 13 ± 4.1). Nineteen of the 41 WT (46%) and 9 of the 15 (60%) heterozygotes for rs10951982 were in SSFR (P = 0.55). Similarly, 21 of the 45 (47%) WT and 8 of the 12 (67%) heterozygotes for rs4720672 were in remission (P = 0.33). Finally, 21 of the 45 (47%) WT and 3 of the 5 (60%) heterozygotes for rs34932801 were in remission (P = 0.66). All of the 3 comparisons remained nonsignificant in a sensitivity analysis of only the patients with Crohn disease.

Conclusions:

We did not find an association between 3 Rac1 SNPs and thiopurine effectiveness by 12 months in a prospective study of children with IBD. Other predictors of response should be sought to optimize patient selection for thiopurine therapy.
Cost of flight and the evolution of stag beetle weaponry
Authors: Goyens Jana , Van Wassenbergh Sam , Dirckx Joris , Aerts Peter
Published: April 2015

Male stag beetles have evolved extremely large mandibles in a wide range of extraordinary shapes. These mandibles function as weaponry in pugnacious fights for females. The robust mandibles of
Cyclommatus metallifer
are as long as their own body and their enlarged head houses massive, hypertrophied musculature. Owing to this disproportional weaponry, trade-offs exist with terrestrial locomotion: running is unstable and approximately 40% more costly. Therefore, flying is most probably essential to cover larger distances towards females and nesting sites. We hypothesized that weight, size and shape of the weaponry will affect flight performance. Our computational fluid dynamics simulations of steady-state models (without membrane wings) reveal that male stag beetles must deliver 26% more mechanical work to fly with their heavy weaponry. This extra work is almost entirely required to carry the additional weight of the massive armature. The size and shape of the mandibles have only negligible influence on flight performance (less than 0.1%). This indicates that the evolution of stag beetle weaponry is constrained by its excessive weight, not by the size or shape of the mandibles and head as such. This most probably paved the way for the wide diversity of extraordinary mandible morphologies that characterize the stag beetle family.
Renault Duster: dusting away competition or facing a dust storm?
Authors: Mohapatra Subhalaxmi , Roy Subhadip
Published: April 2015

Subject area

The major issues discussed in the case are related to first-mover advantage, segmenting, targeting and positioning and marketing strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case could be discussed in a postgraduate program for marketing and brand management and also for strategic management. It could also be used for an executive development program for marketing and business strategy.

Case overview

The present case is on the Renault Duster, a compact SUV (sports utility vehicle) launched by Renault India in 2012. Equipped with attractive design, innovative features and smart technology, the company used buzz marketing and social media marketing to promote the brand. Competitive pricing of Duster attracted both premium hatchback and sedan buyers in India as the company realized both sales and awards. However, sales started declining from the second half of 2013, and competition used both pricing strategy and exhaustive mass media advertising to compete with the Duster. The other cars from Renault India could not replicate the success of the Duster, which was contributing to around 80 per cent of the total sales of the company in India. Renault thus faced the challenge of losing their ground in the Indian market if they could not revive the sales of the Duster.

Expected learning outcomes

Product differentiation and brand positioning (the case is a good example of first-mover advantage); market segmentation and creating a new segment; branding strategy and the role of marketing communications in the same; analyze the role of a long term growth strategy and how it influences product/marketing strategy (business strategy course); understand the probable threats of business due to overdependence on one product (business strategy course); understand the impact of inter-firm rivalry on brandsuccess (business strategy course).

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes areavailable for educators only. Please contact your library to gain login details or email support@emeraldinsight.com to request teaching notes.
Effects of “owned by” versus “made in” for willingness to buy Australian brands
Authors: Cheah Isaac , Phau Ian
Published: April 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine the effects of economic nationalism and consumer ethnocentrism in the form of country of origin (COO) cues specifically “Made in […]” and “Owned by […]” on the product judgement of bi-national wine brands (brands with multiple country affiliations). Further, the role of consumer product knowledge is examined as a moderator of these xenophobia attitudes.

Design/methodology/approach

– A self-administered questionnaire was designed using established scales. A convenience sample was drawn from participants attending a major wine trade exhibition in Western Australia and university students. A variety of statistical techniques were used to analyse the data.

Findings

– High levels of economic nationalism and anti-foreign sentiment was so strong that respondents did not want products that had any association with a foreign country, regardless of whether the products are directly or indirectly related to a foreign origin. This suggests that Australian consumers are not any more receptive to bi-national brands; as such domestic affiliations have not diluted the economic nationalistic sentiment. Further, results confirm that Australian consumers use COO cues as part of wine evaluations. Consumers with low product knowledge are likely to rely on extrinsic country cues to reinforce their brand evaluation, whereas consumers who are more knowledgeable are found to base evaluations on intrinsic attributes rather than extrinsic cues.

Research limitations/implications

– Only respondents from Perth, Western Australia were chosen, thus limiting the representativeness of the sample. Other cultural contexts and product categories based on a larger sample size should be investigated in the future.

Practical implications

– This research provides useful consumer insights and new market entry implications in terms of advertising and branding strategies for international wine manufacturers and distributors who wish to expand globally. In addition, there are managerial implications for domestic market where local retailers, merchandisers, importers can avoid importing products originating from offending countries and take on opportunity to exploit and promote “buy domestic campaigns”.

Originality/value

– Conceptually, this study extends the existing COO literature by introducing bi-national brands into the model; expanding on country of ownership appeals in evaluating bi-national brands; and identifying the correlation between the economic nationalism and consumer ethnocentrism constructs. Further, this research can significantly help wine marketers to develop more effective positioning strategies. It will also help in the development of pricing and promotional decisions.
Abundance of volatile organic compounds in white ash phloem and emerald ash borer larval frass does not attractTetrastichus planipennisiin a Y‐tube olfactometer
Authors: Chen Yigen , Ulyshen Michael D. , Poland Therese M.
Published: April 2015

Many natural enemies employ plant‐ and/or herbivore‐derived signals for host/prey location. The larval parasitoidTetrastichus planipennisiYang (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae) is 1 of 3 biocontrol agents currently being released in an effort to control the emerald ash borer (EAB),Agrilus planipennisFairmaire (Coloeptera: Burprestidae) in North America. To enhance its efficiency, allelochemicals that attract it need to be assessed. In this study, ash phloem volatile organic compounds (VOCs) of black, green, and white ash, and EAB larval frass were compared. Foraging behavior ofT. planipennisifemales in response to VOCs of white ash or frass from EAB larvae feeding on white ash phloem was tested using a Y‐tube olfactometer. Results indicated that the 3 ash species had similar VOC profiles. EAB larval frass generally contained greater levels of VOCs than phloem. Factor analysis indicated that the 11 VOCs could be broadly divided into 2 groups, withα‐bisabolol,β‐caryophyllene, (E)‐2‐hexenal, (Z)‐3‐hexenal, limonene, methyl benzoate, methyl indole‐3‐acetic acid, methyl jasmonate, methyl salicylate as the first group and the rest (i.e., methyl linoleate and methyl linolenate) as a second. Abundance of VOCs in white ash phloem tissue and frass, nevertheless, did not attractT. planipennisifemales. The concealed feeding of EAB larvae might explain the selection for detectable and reliable virbrational signals, instead of undetectable and relatively unreliable VOC cues from phloem and frass, in short‐range foraging byT. planipennisi. Alternatively, it is possible thatT. planipennisiis not amenable to the Y‐tube olfactometer assay employed.
Comparative transcriptome resources of two Dysosma species (Berberidaceae) and molecular evolution of the CYP719A gene in Podophylloideae
Authors: Mao Yunrui , Zhang Yonghua , Xu Chuan , Qiu Yingxiong
Published: April 2015

Dysosma species (Berberidaceae, Podophylloideae) are of great medicinal pharmacogenetic importance and used as model systems to study the drivers and mechanisms of species diversification of temperate plants in East Asia. Recently, we have sequenced the transcriptome of the low‐elevation D. versipellis. In this study, we sequenced the transcriptome of the high‐elevation D. aurantiocaulis and used comparative genomic approaches to investigate the transcriptome evolution of the two species. We retrieved 53 929 unigenes from D. aurantiocaulis by de novo transcriptome assemblies using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 platform. Comparing the transcriptomes of both species, we identified 4593 orthologs. Estimation of Ka/Ks ratios for 3126 orthologs revealed that none had a Ka/Ks significantly greater than 1, whereas 1273 (Ka/Ks < 0.5, P < 0.05) were inferred to be under purifying selection. A total of 51 primer pairs were successfully designed from 461 EST‐SSRs contained in 4593 orthologs. Marker validation assay revealed that 26 (51%) and 41 (80.4%) produced clear fragments with the expected sizes in all Podophylloideae species. Specifically, 19 different sequences of CYP719A were identified from PCR‐amplified genomic DNA of all 12 species of Podophylloideae using primers designed from the assembled transcripts. The data further indicated that CYP719A was likely subject to strong selective constraints maintaining only one copy per genome. In Dysosma, there was relaxed purifying selection or more positive selection for high‐elevation species. Overall, this study has generated a wealth of molecular resources potentially useful for pharmacogenetic and evolutionary studies in Dysosma and allied taxa.
Distribution, demography and dispersal model of spatial spread of invasive plant populations with limited data
Authors: Adams Vanessa M. , Petty Aaron M. , Douglas Michael M. , Buckley Yvonne M. , Ferdinands Keith B. , Okazaki Tomoko , Ko Dongwook W. , Setterfield Samantha A.
Published: April 2015

Invasive weeds are a major cause of biodiversity loss and economic damage world‐wide. There is often a limited understanding of the biology of emerging invasive species, but delay in action may result in escalating costs of control, reduced economic returns from management actions and decreased feasibility of management. Therefore, spread models that inform and facilitate on‐ground control of invasions are needed.

We developed a spatially explicit, individual‐based spread model that can be applied to both data‐poor and data‐rich situations to model future spread and inform effective management of the invasion. The model is developed using a minimum of two mapped distributions for the target species at different times, together with habitat suitability variables and basic population data. We present a novel method for internally calibrating the reproduction and dispersal distance parameters. We use a sensitivity analysis to identify variables that should be prioritized in future research to increase robustness of model predictions.

We apply the model to two case studies, gamba grass and para grass, to provide management advice on emerging weed priorities in northern Australia. For both species, we find that the current extent of invasion in our study regions is expected to double in the next 10 years in the absence of management actions. The predicted future distribution identifies priority areas for eradication, control and containment to reduce the predicted increase in infestation.

The model was built for managers and policymakers in northern Australia working on species where expert knowledge and environmental data are often lacking, but is flexible and can be easily adapted for other situations, for example where good data are available. The model provides predicted probability of occurrence over a user‐specified, typically short‐term, time horizon. This output can be used to direct surveillance and management actions to areas that have the highest likelihood of rapid invasion and spread. Directing efforts to these areas provides the greatest likelihood of management success and maximizes the return on investment in management response.
Functional interplay between MYCN, NCYM, and OCT4 promotes aggressiveness of human neuroblastomas
Authors: Kaneko Yoshiki , Suenaga Yusuke , Islam S. M. Rafiqul , Matsumoto Daisuke , Nakamura Yohko , Ohira Miki , Yokoi Sana , Nakagawara Akira
Published: April 2015

Neuroblastoma is a pediatric solid tumor that originates from embryonic neural crest cells. The MYCN gene locus is frequently amplified in unfavorable neuroblastomas, and the gene product promotes the progression of neuroblastomas. However, the molecular mechanisms by which MYCN amplification contributes to stem cell‐like states of neuroblastoma remain elusive. In this study, we show that MYCN and its cis‐antisense gene, NCYM, form a positive feedback loop with OCT4, a core regulatory gene maintaining a multipotent state of neural stem cells. We previously reported that NCYM is co‐amplified with the MYCN gene in primary human neuroblastomas and that the gene product promotes aggressiveness of neuroblastoma by stabilization of MYCN. In 36 MYCN‐amplified primary human neuroblastomas, OCT4 mRNA expression was associated with unfavorable prognosis and was correlated with that of NCYM. The OCT4 protein induced both NCYM and MYCN in human neuroblastoma cells, whereas NCYM stabilized MYCN to induce OCT4 and stem cell‐related genes, including NANOG, SOX2, and LIN28. In sharp contrast to MYCN, enforced expression of c‐MYC did not enhance OCT4 expression in human neuroblastoma cells. All‐trans retinoic acid treatment reduced MYCN, NCYM, and OCT4 expression, accompanied by the decreased amount of OCT4 recruited onto the intron 1 region of MYCN. Knockdown of NCYM or OCT4 inhibited formation of spheres of neuroblastoma cells and promoted asymmetric cell division in MYCN‐amplified human neuroblastoma cells. These results suggest that the functional interplay between MYCN, NCYM, and OCT4 contributes to aggressiveness of MYCN‐amplified human neuroblastomas.
Defective trained immunity in patients with STAT-1-dependent chronic mucocutaneaous candidiasis
Authors: Ifrim D C , Quintin J , Meerstein-Kessel L , Plantinga T S , Joosten L A B , van der Meer J W M , van de Veerdonk F L , Netea M G
Published: April 2015

Patients with signal transducer and activator of transcription-1 (STAT1)-dependent chronic mucocutaneous candidiasis (CMC) and patients with STAT3-dependent hyper-immunoglobulin (Ig)E syndrome (HIES) display defects in T helper type 17 (Th17) cytokine production capacity. Despite this similar immune defect in Th17 function, they show important differences in the type of infections to which they are susceptible. Recently, our group reported differential regulation of STAT-1 and STAT-3 transcription factors during epigenetic reprogramming of trained immunity, an important host defence mechanism based on innate immune memory. We therefore hypothesized that STAT1 and STAT3 defects have different effects on trained immunity, and this may partly explain the differences between CMC and HIES regarding the susceptibility to infections. Indeed, while trained immunity was normally induced in cells isolated from patients with HIES, the induction of innate training was defective in CMC patients. This defect was specific for training with Candida albicans, the main pathogen encountered in CMC, and it involved a type II interferon-dependent mechanism. These findings describe the role of STAT-1 for the induction of trained immunity, and may contribute to the understanding of the differences in susceptibility to infection between CMC and HIES patients. This study could also provide directions for personalized immunotherapy in patients suffering from these immunodeficiencies.
Effects of a metabolic syndrome self‐management programme for women with pre‐diabetes
Authors: Youngwanichsetha Sununta , Phumdoung Sasitorn , Cersosimo Eugenio
Published: April 2015

Background

Metabolic syndrome is known to be a risk factor for developing type‐2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and several health complications.

Objective

To examine the effects of a metabolic syndrome self‐management programme for women with pre‐diabetes.

Methods

The study was an RCT. Data were analysed for 170 participants, who had been randomly assigned to either an intervention (n = 85) or a control (n = 85) group. The participants in the intervention group practised a self‐management programme composed of eating traditional southern Thai foods and 30‐min brisk walking each day for 24 weeks; the control group received usual care. Main outcomes were evaluated at 12 and 24 weeks.

Results

At 12 weeks, there was a significant decrease in fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides in the intervention group (P < 0.05). At 24 weeks, there were statistically significant reductions in body‐weight, body‐mass index, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose and triglycerides among participants in the intervention group (P < 0.05). No significant difference in HDL‐cholesterol levels was found.

Conclusions

Traditional southern Thai foods and brisk walking appear to benefit glycaemic control and lipid profiles among women with pre‐diabetes and metabolic syndrome.
CARD‐ and pyrin‐only proteins regulating inflammasome activation and immunity
Authors: Matusiak Magdalena , Van Opdenbosch Nina , Lamkanfi Mohamed
Published: April 2015

Membrane‐bound and intracellular immune receptors respond to microbial pathogens by initiating signaling cascades that result in production of inflammatory cytokines and antimicrobial factors. These host responses need to be tightly regulated to prevent tissue damage and other harmful consequences of excessive inflammation. CARD‐only proteins (COPs) and Pyrin‐only proteins (POPs) are human‐ and primate‐specific dominant negative inhibitors that modulate inflammatory and innate immune responses. In addition, several poxviruses encode POPs that interfere with inflammatory and host defense responses. COPs and POPs modulate inflammatory signaling at several checkpoints by sequestering key components of the inflammasome and NF‐κB signaling cascades, thus hampering downstream signal transduction. Here, we review and discuss current understanding of the evolutionary history and molecular mechanisms by which roles of host‐ and virus‐encoded COPs and POPs may regulate inflammatory and immune responses. In addition, we address their (patho)physiological roles and highlight topics for further research.
Managing uncertainty in diagnostic practice
Authors: Kennedy Ashley Graham
Published: April 2015

In spite of the large medical literature devoted to a discussion of the topic, uncertainty, particularly in diagnostic practice, is sometimes mishandled by clinicians. This, I will argue, can in turn lead to medical and ethical problems in patient care. Via the analysis of two recent case studies, I will propose an explanation for why this kind of uncertainty is sometimes not appropriately dealt with during the process of differential diagnosis in the clinic. Furthermore, I will also give recommendations for improving diagnostic practice by highlighting some representative elements of diagnostic uncertainty and reminding clinicians to be aware of the tendency to overlook this uncertainty in routine clinical cases.
Neuroprotective effects of Argon are mediated via an ERK‐1/2 dependent regulation of heme‐oxygenase‐1 in retinal ganglion cells
Authors: Ulbrich Felix , Kaufmann Kai B. , Coburn Mark , Lagrèze Wolf Alexander , Roesslein Martin , Biermann Julia , Buerkle Hartmut , Loop Torsten , Goebel Ulrich
Published: April 2015

Retinal ischemia and reperfusion injuries (R‐IRI) damage neuronal tissue permanently. Recently, we demonstrated that Argon exerts anti‐apoptotic and protective properties. The molecular mechanism remains unclear. We hypothesized that Argon inhalation exert neuroprotective effects in rats retinal ganglion cells (RGC) via an ERK‐1/2 dependent regulation of heat‐shock proteins. Inhalation of Argon (75 Vol%) was performed after R‐IRI on the rats′ left eyes for 1 h immediately or with delay. Retinal tissue was harvested after 24 h to analyze mRNA and protein expression of heat‐shock proteins −70, −90 and heme‐oxygenase‐1, mitogen‐activated protein kinases (p38, JNK, ERK‐1/2) and histological changes. To analyze ERK dependent effects, the ERK inhibitor PD98059 was applicated prior to Argon inhalation. RGC count was analyzed 7 days after injury. Statistics were performed using anova. Argon significantly reduced the R‐IRI‐affected heat‐shock protein expression (p < 0.05). While Argon significantly induced ERK‐1/2 expression (p < 0.001), inhibition of ERK‐1/2 before Argon inhalation resulted in significantly lower vital RGCs (p < 0.01) and increase in heme‐oxygenase‐1 (p < 0.05). R‐IRI‐induced RGC loss was reduced by Argon inhalation (p < 0.001). Immunohistochemistry suggested ERK‐1/2 activation in Müller cells. We conclude, that Argon treatment protects R‐IRI‐induced apoptotic loss of RGC via an ERK‐1/2 dependent regulation of heme‐oxygenase‐1.

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We proposed the following possible mechanism for Argon‐mediated neuroprotection: Argon exerts its protective effects via an induction of an ERK with subsequent suppression of the heat shock response. In conclusion, ischemia and reperfusion injuries and subsequent neuronal apoptosis are attenuated. These novel findings may open up new opportunities for Argon as a therapeutic option, especially since Argon is not toxic.
Non‐total body irradiation myeloablative conditioning with intravenous busulfan and cyclophosphamide in hematopoietic stem cell transplantation for malignant infantile osteopetrosis
Authors: Behfar Maryam , Dehghani S. Sharareh , Hosseini Ashraf Sadat , Jalali Arash , Hamidieh Amir Ali , Ghavamzadeh Ardeshir
Published: April 2015

HSCT is the only curative treatment for MIOP. We prospectively investigated the outcome of HSCT using intravenous busulfan‐based conditioning regimen from 2008 to 2013. Nineteen patients (median age = 17 months) underwent transplantation from HLA‐matched related donors (n = 14), HLA‐haploidentical related donors (n = 2), partially matched cord blood donors (n = 2), and HLA‐matched unrelated donor (n = 1). Bone marrow (n = 9), peripheral blood (n = 8), and cord blood (n = 2) were used as stem cell sources. All but one patient demonstrated primary engraftment. Two patients experienced secondary graft failure. During the follow‐up period, three patients showed mixed chimerism (45%, 45%, and 70% of donor cells were engrafted in each one of these patients) but are disease free. Two‐yr OS and DFS were 84.2% and 73.7%, respectively. Improvement of visual acuity and partial reversal of mild conductive hearing loss occurred in two and four patients, respectively. The causes of death among three patients were infection, GvHD, and disease progression. In conclusion, due to major side effects of MIOP such as visual and hearing loss, early treatment using myeloablative conditioning without irradiation HSCT is suggested. The use of an HLA‐matched related donor seems to be highly successful in this regard. Also, according to results of our study, mixed chimerism may be sufficient to resolve symptoms of disease.
MRI of the wrist is not recommended for age determination in female football players of U‐16/U‐17 competitions
Authors: Tscholl P. M. , Junge A. , Dvorak J. , Zubler V.
Published: April 2015

Age determination on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the wrist is a reliable method in male football players to evaluate their eligibility to participate in Under 17 tournaments. MRI of the wrist was performed in 487 female volunteers aged 13–19 years from Brazil, Germany, Malaysia, and Tanzania, and in 139 female football players participating in Under‐16 and Under‐17 football tournaments. A previously validated method for grading fusion of the distal radial epiphysis in male adolescent was used. Moderate correlation of chronological age and epiphyseal fusion was found in the normative control group (r = .59) and weak correlation in female football players (r = .27). Complete fusion of the distal radial epiphysis was observed in two 15‐year‐old volunteers of the control group (1.7%) and in 17.6% (3 of 17) of 14‐year‐old football players. Up to 10.8% (47 of 437) in the control group and 14.4% (20 of 139) of the football players 17 years or younger had complete fused epiphysis. Because of earlier osseous maturity in female adolescents, the grade of fusion of the distal radial epiphysis on MRI is not recommended for pretournament age determination for the age of 17 and younger in female.
Unresponsive primipara after rupture of membranes
Authors: Buechel Johanna , Berset Andreas , Lehmann Michael A , Lapaire Olav
Published: April 2015

Amniotic fluid embolism, also called anaphylactoid syndrome of pregnancy, is a rare but severe problem in obstetrics. It occurs in 8/100 000 births and the maternal mortality is up to 90%. We report the case of a patient with amniotic fluid embolism who was transferred to our hospital. The initial presentation was an unresponsive patient after spontaneous rupture of the membranes. The massive hypotension and coagulopathy as well as fetal bradycardia of 60 bpm led, after stabilisation of the mother, to an emergency caesarean section. The neonate expired hours later, despite neonatological intensive care. During the operation, we had to deal with massive bleeding due to the coagulopathy. Through interdisciplinary teamwork including Bakri postpartum balloon insertion through the obstetrics team, uterine artery embolism by the interventional radiologists and transfusion of blood products, the maternal life was saved and the patient was discharged 9 days after admission.