bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Repeated Exposures on Word Learning in Quiet and Noise
Authors: Blaiser Kristina M. , Nelson Peggy B. , Kohnert Kathryn
Published: November 2014

This study examines the impact of repeated exposures on word learning of preschool children with and without hearing loss (HL) in quiet and noise conditions. Participants were 19 children with HL and 17 peers with normal hearing (NH). Children were introduced to 16 words: 8 in quiet and 8 in noise conditions. Production and identification scores were collected after single exposures to words and following three exposures through individual training sessions. A significant main effect for Exposure was found for identification with significant Hearing Status × Exposure interaction, with children in the NH outperforming the HL group when only one exposure to the target words was provided. Repeated exposures to target words provide benefits to both groups of preschool children, but offer additional benefits to children with HL, particularly younger children. This provides additional support for speech–language pathologists to preview and review vocabulary introduced in classroom settings.
Pharmaco-EEG
Authors: Swatzyna Ronald J. , Kozlowski Gerald P. , Tarnow Jay D.
Published: November 2014

Pharmaco-electroencephalography (Pharmaco-EEG) studies using clinical EEG and quantitative EEG (qEEG) technologies have existed for more than 4 decades. This is a promising area that could improve psychotropic intervention using neurological data. One of the objectives in our clinical practice has been to collect EEG and quantitative EEG (qEEG) data. In the past 5 years, we have identified a subset of refractory cases (n = 386) found to contain commonalities of a small number of electrophysiological features in the following diagnostic categories: mood, anxiety, autistic spectrum, and attention deficit disorders, Four abnormalities were noted in the majority of medication failure cases and these abnormalities did not appear to significantly align with their diagnoses. Those were the following: encephalopathy, focal slowing, beta spindles, and transient discharges. To analyze the relationship noted, they were tested for association with the assigned diagnoses. Fisher’s exact test and binary logistics regression found very little (6%) association between particular EEG/qEEG abnormalities and diagnoses. Findings from studies of this type suggest that EEG/qEEG provides individualized understanding of pharmacotherapy failures and has the potential to improve medication selection.
A reliability assessment method based on an accelerated testing under thermal cycling environment
Authors: Yu Zongyue , Ren Zhiqian , Tao Junyong , Chen Xun
Published: November 2014

This article proposes a reliability assessment method based on an accelerated testing under thermal cycling environment to assess the reliability of an electronic device with multiple failure modes. First, two typical failure modes of the electronic devices in the thermal environment are analyzed. It is concluded that the reliability of a complicated electronic device (with both the two typical failure modes) is difficult to assess through the existing accelerated testing methods. Second, an acceleration model is established by combining the Arrhenius model with the Norris–Landzberg model. The influences of the thermal cycling environment on both the typical failures are taken into account in this model. Third, a thermal cycling test plan is developed, and a new approach is proposed to evaluate the reliability of an electronic device with multiple failure modes. Finally, a numerical example is illustrated to demonstrate the feasibility of proposed method, and the calculation results show the efficiency of the proposed method.
Papillon-Lefèvre Syndrome
Authors: Jose Jean , Bartlett Kyle , Salgado Christopher , Gutierrez Nicholas M.
Published: November 2014

Papillon-Lefèvre syndrome (PLS) is a rare autosomal recessive condition that causes palmoplantar keratoderma and premature exfoliation of primary and secondary dentition. There are several diseases that can mimic PLS, and it is estimated that the disease is far more prevalent than documented but may either be misdiagnosed or not acknowledged. Radiological exams can provide important clues to differentiate between these syndromes and make an accurate diagnosis.
Manic Monday to Fabulous Friday
Authors: Schwind Karen S. , Freeman Sally Ann , Garcia Molly , Roberts Ruth
Published: November 2014

School nurses across the United States continue to see an increase in the number of children and families with behavioral and mental health issues that affect many aspects of overall health and education. When referral to a mental health professional is indicated, there are often few available community mental health providers, long waits for appointments, or both. This article describes how school nurses can leverage school district and community resources and increase their capacity to meet the behavioral and mental health needs of children in the school setting.
Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Implicit Age and Race Bias
Authors: Lueke Adam , Gibson Bryan
Published: November 2014

Research has shown that mindfulness can positively affect peoples’ lives in a number of ways, including relying less on previously established associations. We focused on the impact of mindfulness on implicit age and racial bias as measured by implicit association tests (IATs). Participants listened to either a mindfulness or a control audio and then completed the race and age IATs. Mindfulness meditation caused an increase in state mindfulness and a decrease in implicit race and age bias. Analyses using the Quad Model showed that this reduction was due to weaker automatically activated associations on the IATs.
How to Make a Grateful Child? Reflection on Gratitude Campaigns in China in Recent Years
Authors: Li Shi
Published: November 2014

Only-child generations in China are widely perceived as self-centered and lacking a grateful heart. Edward Gibbon says that gratitude may sometimes be costly. This article argues that family responsibility education with a focus on a sense of justice is a key solution for this social problem. The article examines the correlation between justice, responsibility, and gratitude by looking into the existing conceptual works on these aspects.
Facilitating Student Involvement in Transition Assessment
Authors: Collier Margo L. , Griffin Megan M. , Wei Yonghua
Published: November 2014

This article describes the pilot study of an informal assessment, the Student Transition Questionnaire (STQ). The STQ is a 38-item assessment designed to elicit student perspectives on transition-related topics. In this mixed-methods study, we piloted the STQ with 186 participants, and then conducted focus groups with various stakeholders. A factor analysis revealed STQ items grouped together around five factors. We found that the STQ was useful in distinguishing students’ perceptions of personal strengths and needs. Focus group participants considered the STQ to be user-friendly and helpful in promoting student engagement in transition planning; participants also identified several areas needing improvement. Implications for revising the STQ, its application in transition planning, and future research are discussed.
Union Bank of India: Initiatives towards IT-enabled Financial Inclusion
Authors: Gautam Taruna , Garg Kapil
Published: November 2014

The economy is on the path of growth trajectory as a result of vibrancy in all-round economic activities. At present, the financial depth in Indian economic scenario is not that encouraging as in other Asian countries, although it has demonstrated gains in momentum. There is a strong interrelationship between economic growth and financial growth through financial inclusion. Financial inclusion involves the concerns related to the operating costs that are inherent in wider expansion. Similarly, the charges levied are an important aspect, along with the inability to reach rural and unbanked areas. Here, information technology (IT) can play an important role not only in reducing the operating cost but also in covering most of the regions which are unbanked. IT provides various solutions for financial services to the people devoid of banking facilities in the form of mobile banking and micro ATM. This case highlights the various IT measures and schemes launched by Union Bank of India towards financial inclusion as per the guidelines of Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
Implementing Corporate Sustainable Development: A Case of an SME from India
Authors: Krishnan M. Rakesh , Ganesh C.
Published: November 2014

Studies have repeatedly illustrated how institutions struggle to implement sustainable development models, even when their formal claims indicate strict adoption of principles of sustainable development ( Sean Markey, 2010 ). Relevance of innovative and feasible projects for sustainable development is escalating rapidly among the business community ( Brower, 2011 ). The efforts of many organizations to recognize sustainable development principles as an important community vision is encouraging, but only very few of them have proved themselves in successfully translating their goals into actionable strategies ( Sean Markey, 2010 ). Extra Weave Pvt. Ltd, a small and medium enterprise (SME) in Allapuzha district of the state of Kerala, India, stands out from the crowd in its remarkable achievements in sustainability, overcoming initial challenges and issues in implementation of a sound sustainability development model. This article is a case study of the implementation issues of sustainable development practices at Extra Weave Pvt. Ltd. The study focuses on how communication plays a role in the implementation of sustainable development practices in Extra Weave. The study also discusses how soft system methodology (SSM) was used to identify the issues in implementation and facilitate for appropriate solutions.
The Village Farm Resort and Winery
Authors: Lao-Hakosol Wilaiporn , Walsh John
Published: November 2014

The Village Farm Resort and Winery is an integrated winemaking vineyard with wine tasting house, restaurant, spa and guest house located in the north-east of Thailand. It has achieved success both through the quality of its Chateau des Brumes brand of wines and for the conviviality available at the country retreat. These market sectors have become feasible in Thailand because of large-scale social and economic changes which have completely disrupted the marketing environment in the country. The sector is rapidly developing based on an expanding market and the passion and enthusiasm of investor-entrepreneurs. However, there are certain to be new challenges to be faced as the market matures.
Diversification in Emergent Markets: Possibility for Transferring Technological Core Competencies
Authors: Seidenstricker Sven , Linder Christian , Schmitz Michael
Published: November 2014

The company (name disguised) started out as a coppersmith workshop over 100 years ago and is today a leader in the technology of plant engineering and construction for the beverage industries. However, competition has increased heavily in this area over the last decade, while advances in knowledge have correspondingly declined, particularly in producing technology systems, and there is now a discernible knowledge gap. In addressing this situation, the company has recognized that the business must find other markets and its technology core competencies, as well as the existing manufacturing facilities, should be a part of the evolving business. The diversification should be based on new products as well as focused on emergent markets. The case points out the need to identify current core competencies and assess relevant fields of potential diversification from an outside-in perspective as a realization of the first steps in establishing a completely new business portfolio in the long run.
Human Capital Creation: Innovative Practices by an Indian Bank
Authors: Goel Alok Kumar , Rana Geeta
Published: November 2014

Employee retention was a big challenge at YES Bank, an emerging Indian bank. The main objective of the study is to identify innovative steps taken by the management in their human resource (HR) practices to enhance employee retention and to create a conducive environment for human capital creation in the YES Bank. The case explores and provides useful insights as to how YES Bank has successfully transformed its working environment for human capital creation through innovative HR practices. The case concludes with questions to provoke discussion to understand the importance of various HR management initiatives. This case is recommended for study and analytical discussion for practicing managers, researchers and management students in HR management, organizational behaviour and industrial relations.
Board Composition and Governance Dilemma at Magna International
Authors: Schiehll Eduardo , Turgut Gokhan , Demers Elise
Published: November 2014

The primary subject matter of this case study is board composition and the governance roles of the board of directors in publicly traded companies. It is designed to supplement a text chapter or other material on the monitoring and advisory roles of directors and how board structure and composition impact these roles. The case is also designed to allow students to identify and assess governance issues related to firm ownership structures, family-owned or controlled companies, ethical conduct of the board of directors and conflicts between majority and minority shareholders. The case is sufficiently detailed to allow discussing the multidimensional aspects of board composition (or board diversity), including gender, ethnicity, expertise, experience and prestige. It is structured as a chronological description of the controversy generated by a proposed related party transaction (a buyout transaction) designed to dismantle a dual-share capital structure that allowed the Stronach family to control the company (Magna International Inc.) with just a fraction of its equity. The case can serve as the basis for both short case assignments and class discussions. It is appropriate for undergraduate and graduate courses in strategic management, leadership, corporate governance and financial accounting. The topic is relevant and current, as it can be related to the ongoing reforms of Canadian corporate governance practices for controlling shareholders and related party transactions.
Countering Disruptive Innovation Strategy in Indian Passenger Car Industry: A Case of Maruti Suzuki India Limited
Authors: Jha H.M. , Srivastava Ashish K. , Bokad P.V. , Deshmukh L.B. , Mishra S.M.
Published: November 2014

Origin of Indian passenger car industry dates back to the year 1928. First 55 years saw negligible to slow growth in this industry till Maruti Udyog Ltd, later named as Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL), was incorporated in 1983. The MSIL, through its wide range of cars across different segments spread over 15 brands and over 150 variants, became the leader of the Indian car market during the next two-and-a-half decades. Suddenly, the MSIL showed a significant fall from over half of its share (53.13 per cent) of Indian car market to a market share of 44.9 per cent in the fiscal year 2010–2011, despite robust growth of 21.6 per cent of MSIL in the fiscal year 2010–2011 and a faster industry growth at 34.3 per cent during this fiscal. This declining market share of the leader of Indian car market has been investigated by the authors using industry analysis and reports, Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers’ reports and publications, media coverage and other secondary sources available in print and web media, and MSIL’s own source for the last five years from 2006–2007 to 2010–2011. The article thus tries to bring out the strategic perspectives of MSIL that helped it reach the top of Indian car market segment and does the environmental scanning to identify factors that dipped it to low. It is found that in the last three years has come about what has been popularized as the ‘disruptive innovation strategy’ in the passenger car industry of India occupying the centre of the wheel. With increasing loss in its market prominence and market share, how does MSILpropose to meet the challenges of survival and sustainability on product price, customization and customer service is the issue of this case.
Histological Regression of Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Following RANK Ligand Inhibition
Authors: Dietrich Martin F. , Cavuoti Dominick , Landay Michael , Arriaga Yull E.
Published: November 2014

Lung metastases are a rare complication of giant cell tumors of bone. We herein describe an interesting case of histological regression and size reduction of lung metastases originating from a primary giant cell tumor of bone in response to the RANK ligand inhibitor denosumab.
Self-Report Measures in the Assessment of Antiretroviral Medication Adherence
Authors: Kabore Lassane , Muntner Paul , Chamot Eric , Zinski Anne , Burkholder Greer , Mugavero Michael J.
Published: November 2014

Background:

Adherence is a major determinant of the effectiveness of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We determined the association between self-reported adherence (SRA) and medication possession ratio (MPR), a pharmacy-based adherence measure, and their respective associations with viral load.

Methods:

Adherence to ART was assessed by MPR over 6 months and by self-report which included a question with a Likert-type scale response, a visual analogue scale (VAS), and an inquiry about the last time the patients skipped any prescribed medications.

Results:

Taking MPR as the “gold standard,” all 3 SRA measures displayed high specificity but low sensitivity. The prevalence ratio (95% confidence interval) for viral load ≥50 copies/mL was 2.19 (1.07-4.50) for MPR <90%, 1.98 (1.04-3.78) for poor/fair/good versus excellent/very good ability to take antiretroviral drugs, 1.47 (0.79-2.75) for skipping medications within the past 2 weeks, and 2.51 (1.39-4.53) for VAS <95%.

Conclusion:

These data suggest various SRA measures hold clinical value in screening for poor ART adherence.
Treatment of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries by Major League Soccer Team Physicians
Authors: Farber Joseph , Harris Joshua D. , Kolstad Kaare , McCulloch Patrick C.
Published: November 2014

Background:

The treatment and rehabilitation procedures of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in elite soccer players are controversial. Points of debate include surgical timing, technique, graft choice, rehabilitation, and return-to-sport criteria and timing.

Purpose:

To identify practice preferences among current Major League Soccer (MLS) team orthopaedic surgeons for ACL injuries.

Study Design:

Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 4.

Methods:

The survey was administered at the MLS team physician annual meeting in January 2013. At least 1 orthopaedic surgeon representative from each of the 19 clubs (16 from the United States, 3 from Canada) was in attendance. Teams with more than 1 affiliated orthopaedic surgeon were given an additional survey to be completed either at the meeting or returned via e-mail. Descriptive statistics, Wilcoxon Mann-Whitney (return-to-play parameters, running, and ball drills), and Fisher exact tests (graft selection, bracing, continuous passive motion) were applied to the various data sets from the survey responses.

Results:

A 100% survey participation rate was achieved (22 team orthopaedic surgeons representing 19 MLS teams). A single-incision, arthroscopically assisted, single-bundle reconstruction was the most common technique (91%). Surgeons were split regarding femoral tunnel drilling (50% transtibial, 46% accessory medial). Autograft bone–patellar tendon–bone (BPTB) was the most common preferred graft choice (68%). The biggest concerns about BPTB autograft and hamstring autograft were anterior knee pain (76%) and hamstring weakness (46%), respectively. Most surgeons did not recommend postoperative continuous passive motion (64%) or functional bracing (68%). Most surgeons permitted return to sport without restrictions at 6 to 8 months following surgery (82%). Surgeons who routinely used functional bracing after ACL surgery more frequently used hamstring autograft than those who used BPTB autograft ( P = .04).

Conclusion:

This article successfully describes current management of ACL injuries among MLS team orthopaedic surgeons. The preference for single-bundle BPTB autograft is similar to published data in the National Football League and National Basketball Association.
Reconsidering the Teaching–Research Nexus in Higher Education
Authors: Musthafa M.N. Mohamedunni Alias , Sajila K.M.
Published: November 2014

One of the important goals of the universities and other higher education institutions (HEIs) in India must be the improvement of the teaching–research (T&R) nexus, which relates to the ways in which research supports teaching and teaching supports research. ‘Teaching–research nexus’ can be used to describe the multiple links that can be made between T&R to benefit student learning and outcomes. Improving the T&R nexus undoubtedly contributes towards quality teaching and learning. This article seeks to consider on reconsidering the T&R nexus in the Indian higher education (HE) system to bring about and ensure quality and excellence in all its academic endeavours. It focuses on different strategies for improving the T&R nexus and also designing a curriculum for transmitting research-based knowledge for effective teaching and learning in HEIs. The article also throws light on ‘Scholarship’, the missing link between T&R. In addition to this, it suggests ways of motivating students in practising research in learning, as student involvement in research is an efficient way to educate throughout the education system—the great mass of students as well as the elite performers, for the inquiring society into which the academic community is rapidly moving. The article puts forth an agenda for constructive synergies between T&R to be pursued by individuals and institutions for advancing in this area.
Women’s Declining Employment with Access to Higher Education
Authors: Sangar Sunita
Published: November 2014

Access to higher education opened up avenues for more women workforce in decent employment contributing to the national economy. Government policies/schemes played a significant role in improving this significant indicator of women empowerment. This access also had an impact on their enrolment and choice of subjects but was accompanied by several challenges. More women in higher education were not accompanied by increase in employment for women, and have remained vastly inadequate. This is evident from the declining workforce participation rate for women in the country. This article attempts to analyze this disconnect or mismatch between higher education and employment for women despite phenomenal improvements in their access to higher education in India especially in the urban context. It highlights the key reasons pertaining to this disconnect and emphasizes that the quest of women’s declining employment can only be resolved by plugging the gap between higher education and employment for women in future.
Social Symmetry through Participatory Education
Authors: Najeeb P.M.
Published: November 2014

In India, most of the deliberations on social inclusion in higher education focus on enhancing the gross enrolment ratio (GER) among socially disadvantaged people. New colleges and universities are started in backward areas which are diagnosed with low GER and more deprived students get access to higher learning. A quantitative approach which merely focuses on increasing the number of students would not be sufficient in order to really effectuate an equitable society. A qualitative paradigm which addresses the content part of education too is necessary. Though the authorities enthusiastically work on renovating higher education, adequate attention is not given to reform the curricula in a representative/participatory manner. The article argues that the very concept of inclusive education is faulty and substitutes it with participatory education. Evoking Paulo Freire, the article sums up that authentic education is not carried on by ‘A’ for ‘B’ or by ‘A’ about ‘B’, but rather by ‘A’ with ‘B’.
Education Loans and Financing Higher Education in India
Authors: Rani P. Geetha
Published: November 2014

The education loan programme since its inception has been rapidly growing both in terms of number of students who have taken education loans for pursuing higher education and the amount of education loans released. Nevertheless, these financing mechanisms of higher education do not appear to improve access and equity in the higher education system as evidenced from the National Sample Survey Organization (NSSO) and bank data. Given this, the main thrust of the article is to recognize why and how to identify the threshold level of loans that need to be converted into grants; for addressing the objective of access and equity and for indirectly facilitating education loans to target the affluent and privileged for cost recovery. Accordingly, the article explicates the rationale and the mechanism through which loan can be converted into grants.
A Study of Effective Team Building in Relation to Organizational Culture and Organizational Climate in Universities in Delhi
Authors: Banerjee Priyanka
Published: November 2014

Educational organizations are facing severe problems in terms of competition, quality degradation and deteriorating standards. There is a need to identify, define, develop strategy, initiate action and solve the problem. The present research holds significance in the rapidity of changing environment that affects our educational organizations today, which need to be continuously assessed for future requirements so that they can meet the demands of the changing world and remain inqstitutes of excellence by maintaining their standards. To establish the importance of organizational development (OD) interventions in the education arena was the primary aim of conducting this research so that education sector too is able to reap benefits as all others, be it industrial, business, scientific, etc.

 Descriptive research method was employed wherein three variables—organizational culture, organizational climate and effective team building—were juxtaposed between one central and one state university in New Delhi. Sample was drawn from 10 academic departments of the universities and 10 teachers from each department; thus, the total sample size comprised 100 teachers. Results revealed that central universities have bureaucratic and autocratic culture with moderately favourable organizational climate and team effectiveness being high, while state university was diametrically opposite with technical, entrepreneurial culture, more favourable organizational climate and very high team effectiveness. This study proves to be an eye-opener for educationists, administrators, policy planners and academicians so as to help them understand the principles, practices, diagnose problems and bring about a paradigmatic shift in policy structures by accommodating the innovative changes for building empires out of organizations.
Enhanced photovoltaic property by forming p-i-n structures containing Si quantum dots/SiC multilayers
Authors: Cao Yunqing , Lu Peng , Zhang Xiaowei , Xu Jun , Xu Ling , Chen Kunji
Published: November 2014

Si quantum dots (Si QDs)/SiC multilayers were fabricated by annealing hydrogenated amorphous Si/SiC multilayers prepared in a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition system. The thickness of amorphous Si layer was designed to be 4 nm, and the thickness of amorphous SiC layer was kept at 2 nm. Transmission electron microscopy observation revealed the formation of Si QDs after 900°C annealing. The optical properties of the Si QDs/SiC multilayers were studied, and the optical band gap deduced from the optical absorption coefficient result is 1.48 eV. Moreover, the p-i-n structure with n-a-Si/i-(Si QDs/SiC multilayers)/p-Si was fabricated, and the carrier transportation mechanism was investigated. The p-i-n structure was used in a solar cell device. The cell had the open circuit voltage of 532 mV and the power conversion efficiency (PCE) of 6.28%.

PACS

81.07.Ta; 78.67.Pt; 88.40.jj
Compensatory growth responses to food restriction in the Chinese three-keeled pond turtle, Chinemys reevesii
Authors: Xu Chunxia , Xu Wei , Lu Hongliang
Published: November 2014

Juvenile Chinese three-keeled pond turtles (Chinemys reevesii) were subjected to one of four different feeding regimens: ad libitum (AL), restricted (R), ad libitum-restricted (AL-R), or restricted-ad libitum (R-AL) for 13 weeks, to assess the compensatory growth (CG) response to food restriction and subsequent re-alimentation. After switching to ad libitum feeding, the turtles in R-AL group ate more food and grew faster than those in other groups. At the end of the trial, R-AL turtles achieved the comparable body weight as AL turtles, indicating that a complete CG response occurred. Cumulative food consumption over the entire period did not differ between R-AL turtles and AL turtles. Experimental treatment affected carcass composition. Carcass lipid content of AL turtles was greater than that of R and AL-R turtles, with R-AL turtles in between. Carcass protein content of R-AL turtles was slightly greater than that of other groups without statistical differences. Stored lipids might be consumed firstly when animals underwent food restriction. Our results reconfirmed the CG of C. reevesii after food restriction. However, it is still difficult to achieve a reduction in the cost of farm-raised turtle production by adopting a restricted–satiation feeding protocol.
Sensitivity of a harbor seal (Phoca vitulina) to coherent visual motion in random dot displays
Authors: Weiffen Michael , Mauck Björn , Dehnhardt Guido , Hanke Frederike D
Published: November 2014

Motion vision is one of the fundamental properties of the visual system and is involved in numerous tasks. Previous work has shown that harbor seals are able to perceive visual motion. Tying in with this experimental finding, we assessed the sensitivity of harbor seals to visual motion using random dot displays. In these random dot displays, either all or a percentage of the dots plotted in the display area move into one direction which is referred to as percent coherence. Using random dot displays allows determining motion sensitivity free from form or position cues. Moreover, when reducing the lifetime of the dots, the experimental subjects need to rely on the global motion over the display area instead of on local motion events, such as the streaks of single dots. For marine mammals, the interpretation of global motion stimuli seems important in the context of locomotion, orientation and foraging. The first experiment required the seal to detect coherent motion directed upwards in one out of two stimulus displays and psychophysical motion coherence detection thresholds were obtained ranging from 5% to 35% coherence. At the beginning of the second experiment, which was conducted to reduce the differential flickering of the motion stimulus as secondary cue, the seal was directly able to transfer from coherent motion detection to a discrimination of coherent motion direction, leftward versus rightward. The seal performed well even when the duration of the local motion event was extremely short in the last experiment, in which noise was programmed as random position noise. Its coherence threshold was determined at 23% coherence in this experiment. This motion sensitivity compares well to the performance of most species tested so far excluding monkeys, humans and cats. To conclude, harbor seals possess an effective global motion processing system. For seals, the interpretation of global and coherent motion might e. g. play a role in the interpretation of optic flow information or when breaking the camouflage of cryptic prey items.
Statistical design and optimization of single cell oil production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by an oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula sp. IIP-33 using response surface methodology
Authors: Bandhu Sheetal , Dasgupta Diptarka , Akhter Jawed , Kanaujia Pankaj , Suman Sunil K. , Agrawal Deepti , Kaul Savita , Adhikari Dilip K. , Ghosh Debashish
Published: November 2014

Single cell oil production from sugarcane bagasse hydrolysate by oleaginous yeast Rhodotorula sp. IIP-33 was analyzed using a two stage statistical design approach based on Response Surface Methodology. Variables like pentose sugar, (NH4)2SO4, KH2PO4, yeast extract, pH and temperature were found to influence lipid production significantly. Under optimized condition in a shake flask, yield of lipid was 2.1199 g with fat coefficient of 7.09 which also resembled ~99% similarity to model predicted lipid production. In this paper we are presenting optimized results for production of non polar lipid which could be later deoxygenated into hydrocarbon. A qualitative analyses of selective lipid samples yielded a varying distribution of free acid ranging from C6 to C18, majoring C16:0, C18:0 and C18:1 under different fermentation conditions.
The small molecule C-6 is selectively cytotoxic against breast cancer cells and its biological action is characterized by mitochondrial defects and endoplasmic reticulum stress
Authors: Vaden Rachel M , Gligorich Keith M , Jana Ranjan , Sigman Matthew S , Welm Bryan E
Published: November 2014

Introduction

The establishment of drug resistance following treatment with chemotherapeutics is strongly associated with poor clinical outcome in patients, and drugs that target chemoresistant tumors have the potential to increase patient survival. In an effort to identify biological pathways of chemoresistant breast cancers that can be targeted therapeutically, a small molecule screen utilizing metastatic patient-derived breast cancer cells was conducted; from this previous report, the cytotoxic small molecule, C-6, was identified for its ability to selectively kill aggressive breast cancer cells in a caspase-independent manner. Here, we describe the cellular and molecular pathways induced following C-6 treatment in both normal and breast cancer cell lines.

Methods

Transcriptome analyses and protein expression experiments were used to measure endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress following C-6 treatment. Studies utilizing transmission electron microscopy and metabolomic profiling were conducted to characterize mitochondrial morphology and function in C-6-treated cells. Oxygen consumption rates and oxidative stress were also measured in breast cancer and normal mammary epithelial cells following treatment with the small molecule. Finally, structural modifications were made to the molecule and potency and cancer selectivity were evaluated.

Results

Treatment with C-6 resulted in ER stress in both breast cancer cells and normal mammary epithelial cells. Gross morphological defects were observed in the mitochondria and these aberrations were associated with metabolic imbalances and a diminished capacity for respiration. Following treatment with C-6, oxidative stress was observed in three breast cancer cell lines but not in normal mammary epithelial cells. Finally, synthetic modifications made to the small molecule resulted in the identification of the structural components that contribute to C-6’s cancer-selective phenotype.

Conclusions

The data reported here implicate mitochondrial and ER stress as a component of C-6’s biological activity and provide insight into non-apoptotic cell death mechanisms; targeting biological pathways that induce mitochondrial dysfunction and ER stress may offer new strategies for the development of therapeutics that are effective against chemoresistant breast cancers.
Applying a cumulative deficit model of frailty to dementia: progress and future challenges
Authors: Anstey Kaarin J , Dixon Roger A
Published: November 2014

The article by Song and colleagues presents findings from the Canadian Study of Health and Aging showing that the accumulation of health deficits, defined dichotomously and unqualified by severity or domain, predicted late-life dementia independent of chronological age. We identify strengths of this model, and also areas for future research. Importantly, this article broadens the perspective of research into measuring risk of dementia from focusing on specific neuropathological markers of dementia subtypes, to mechanisms underlying more general bodily vitality and health, as well as dysfunctions in repair. This work places late-life dementia in a new context, influenced more broadly by health maintenance, and less by specific neurological disease. While useful at a global level, the lack of specificity of this approach may ultimately limit its application to individual patients because without linking risk to etiology, assessment does not indicate an intervention. Ultimately, the article has value for stimulating debate about approaches to risk identification and risk reduction, suggesting that the current focus on cardiometabolic risk factors may be too limited.
Light and anoxia fading of Prussian blue dyed textiles
Authors: Gervais Claire , Languille Marie-Angélique , Reguer Solenn , Garnier Chantal , Gillet Martine
Published: November 2014

Although Prussian blue is a popular pigment, its stability has been questioned since its discovery in 1704. Its stability upon exposure to light and anoxia remains difficult to apprehend. The present paper focuses on the relative influences of light, anoxia and type of substrate on the discoloration of Prussian blue dyed textiles. Spectrophotometry and X-ray absorption spectroscopy measurements of samples artificially aged by light in air or anoxia show that both the extent of the reduction process at the origin of Prussian blue discoloration and the aging of the textile substrate are linked and strongly differ with the environment. The complex inter-relationship existing between Prussian blue discoloration and textile degradation and the final impact it may have on the conservation of the entire system is discussed.
DCMS: A data analytics and management system for molecular simulation
Authors: Kumar Anand , Grupcev Vladimir , Berrada Meryem , Fogarty Joseph C , Tu Yi-Cheng , Zhu Xingquan , Pandit Sagar A , Xia Yuni
Published: November 2014

Molecular Simulation (MS) is a powerful tool for studying physical/chemical features of large systems and has seen applications in many scientific and engineering domains. During the simulation process, the experiments generate a very large number of atoms and intend to observe their spatial and temporal relationships for scientific analysis. The sheer data volumes and their intensive interactions impose significant challenges for data accessing, managing, and analysis. To date, existing MS software systems fall short on storage and handling of MS data, mainly because of the missing of a platform to support applications that involve intensive data access and analytical process. In this paper, we present the database-centric molecular simulation (DCMS) system our team developed in the past few years. The main idea behind DCMS is to store MS data in a relational database management system (DBMS) to take advantage of the declarative query interface (i.e., SQL), data access methods, query processing, and optimization mechanisms of modern DBMSs. A unique challenge is to handle the analytical queries that are often compute-intensive. For that, we developed novel indexing and query processing strategies (including algorithms running on modern co-processors) as integrated components of the DBMS. As a result, researchers can upload and analyze their data using efficient functions implemented inside the DBMS. Index structures are generated to store analysis results that may be interesting to other users, so that the results are readily available without duplicating the analysis. We have developed a prototype of DCMS based on the PostgreSQL system and experiments using real MS data and workload show that DCMS significantly outperforms existing MS software systems. We also used it as a platform to test other data management issues such as security and compression.
Shape of mole nose providing minimum axial resistance
Authors: Shen Yi , Hou Xuyan , Qin Yiwei , Jiang Shengyuan , Deng Zongquan
Published: November 2014

Introduction

As a carrier of different sensors, moles can penetrate into the regolith automatically and keep investigating the subsurface environment continuously. In this section, features of several moles with different applications are introduced to explain why we choose a hammer-driven mole to study.

Mole driven by a hammer

In this section, the penetrating principle of a hammer-driven mole is illustrated and a circular arc shape for the front nose is proposed. Moreover, applying the penetrating principle, experiments of the mole with an arc-shaped nose are performed to observe the penetration phenomena in a simulated lunar regolith.

Mechanics analysis

According to soil mechanics theory, regions of soil failure are divided and a mechanics model is established between soil and mole with an arc-shaped nose. The work is done to get approximate axial resistance equations which are analyzed with the defined geometric parameters caliber-radius-head.

EDEM simulations

EDEM is leading global software based on discrete element method, whose main function is to analyze and observe the movement of particles. Lunar soil simulacrum is established to simulate axial resistance. Eventually, the theoretical results are validated by simulation.
Peptidylarginine deiminase inhibition impairs Toll-like receptor agonist-induced functional maturation of dendritic cells, resulting in the loss of T cell–proliferative capacity: a partial mechanism with therapeutic potential in inflammatory settings
Authors: Jang Byungki , Kim Ho Won , Kim Jong-Seok , Kim Woo Sik , Lee Bo Ryeong , Kim Sojeong , Kim Hongmin , Han Seung Jung , Ha Sang-Jun , Shin Sung Jae
Published: November 2014

Cl-amidine, which is a small-molecule inhibitor of PAD, has therapeutic potential for inflammation-mediated diseases. However, little is known regarding the manner by which PAD inhibition by Cl-amidine regulates inflammatory conditions. Here, we investigated the effects of PAD inhibition by Cl-amidine on the functioning of DCs, which are pivotal immune cells that mediate inflammatory diseases. When DC maturation was induced by TLR agonists, reduced cytokine levels (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-12p70) were observed in Cl-amidine-treated DCs. Cl-amidine-treated, LPS-activated DCs exhibited alterations in their mature and functional statuses with up-regulated antigen uptake, down-regulated CD80, and MHC molecules. In addition, Cl-amidine-treated DCs dysregulated peptide-MHC class formations. Interestingly, the decreased cytokines were independent of MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathways and transcription levels, indicating that PAD inhibition by Cl-amidine may be involved in post-transcriptional steps of cytokine production. Transmission electron microscopy revealed morphotypical changes with reduced dendrites in the Cl-amidine-treated DCs, along with altered cellular compartments, including fragmented ERs and the formation of foamy vesicles. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo Cl-amidine treatments impaired the proliferation of nai¨ve CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Overall, our findings suggest that Cl-amidine has therapeutic potential for treating inflammation-mediated diseases.
Distinct role of FoxO1 in M-CSF- and GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages contributes LPS-mediated IL-10: implication in hyperglycemia
Authors: Chung Sangwoon , Ranjan Ravi , Lee Yong Gyu , Park Gye Young , Karpurapu Manjula , Deng Jing , Xiao Lei , Kim Ji Young , Unterman Terry G , Christman John W
Published: November 2014

Macrophages are a heterogeneous population of immune cells that are essential for the initiation and containment inflammation. There are 2 well-established populations of inflammatory macrophages: classically activated M1 and alternatively activated M2 macrophages. The FoxO family of transcription factors plays key roles in a number of cellular processes, including cell growth, metabolism, survival, and inflammation. In this study, we determined whether the expression of FoxO1 contributes polarization of macrophages toward the M2-like phenotype by enhancing IL-10 cytokine expression. We identified that FoxO1 is highly expressed in M-CSF-derived (M2-like) macrophage subsets, and this M2-like macrophages showed a preferential FoxO1 enrichment on the IL-10 promoter but not in GM-CSF-derived (M1-like) macrophages during classic activation by LPS treatment, which suggests that FoxO1 enhances IL-10 by binding directly to the IL-10 promoter, especially in BMMs. In addition, our data show that macrophages in the setting of hyperglycemia contribute to the macrophage-inflammatory phenotype through attenuation of the contribution of FoxO1 to activate IL-10 expression. Our data identify a novel role for FoxO1 in regulating IL-10 secretion during classic activation and highlight the potential for therapeutic interventions for chronic inflammatory conditions, such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease, and arthritis.
Induction of indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase by Borrelia burgdorferi in human immune cells correlates with pathogenic potential
Authors: Love Andrea C , Schwartz Ira , Petzke Mary M
Published: November 2014

Borrelia burgdorferi, the bacterial agent of Lyme disease, induces the production of type I IFNs by human DCs through TLR7 and TLR9 signaling. This type I IFN response occurs in a genotype-dependent manner, with significantly higher levels of IFN-α elicited by B. burgdorferi strains that have a greater capacity for causing disseminated infection. A B. burgdorferi strain that was previously shown to induce IFN-α was found to elicit significantly higher levels of IDO1 protein and its downstream metabolite, kynurenine, compared with a B. burgdorferi mutant that lacks a single linear plasmid (lp36); this mutant is unable to induce IFN-α and is severely attenuated for infectivity in mice. Production of IDO by mDC and pDC populations, present within human PBMCs, was concomitant with increased expression of the DC maturation markers, CD83 and CCR7. The defects in IDO production and expression of CD83 and CCR7 could be restored by complementation of the mutant with lp36. Maximal IDO production in response to the wild-type strain was dependent on contributions by both type I IFN and IFN-γ, the type II IFN. Induction of IDO was mediated by the same TLR7-dependent recognition of B. burgdorferi RNA that contributes to the production of type I IFNs by human DCs. The ability of IFN-α-inducing B. burgdorferi strains to stimulate production of IDO and kynurenines may be a mechanism that is used by the pathogen to promote localized immunosuppression and facilitate hematogenous dissemination.
JAM-A and ALCAM are therapeutic targets to inhibit diapedesis across the BBB of CD14+CD16+ monocytes in HIV-infected individuals
Authors: Williams Dionna W , Anastos Kathryn , Morgello Susan , Berman Joan W
Published: November 2014

Monocyte transmigration across the BBB is a critical step in the development of cognitive deficits termed HAND that affect 40–70% of HIV-infected individuals, even with successful antiretroviral therapy. The monocyte subsets that enter the CNS during HIV infection are not fully characterized. We examined PBMC from HIV-positive individuals from 2 distinct cohorts and enumerated monocyte populations, characterized their transmigration properties across an in vitro human BBB model, and identified surface proteins critical for the entry of these cells into the CNS. We demonstrated that the frequency of peripheral blood CD14+CD16+ and CD14lowCD16+ monocytes was increased in HIV-seropositive compared with -seronegative individuals, despite virologic control. We showed that CD14+CD16+ monocytes selectively transmigrated across our BBB model as a result of their increased JAM-A and ALCAM expression. Antibody blocking of these proteins inhibited diapedesis of CD14+CD16+ monocytes but not of T cells from the same HIV-infected people across the BBB. Our data indicate that JAM-A and ALCAM are therapeutic targets to decrease the entry of CD14+CD16+ monocytes into the CNS of HIV-seropositive individuals, contributing to the eradication of neuroinflammation, HAND, and CNS viral reservoirs.