bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autobiography
Authors: Matthews Samantha
Published: June 2013

The Victorian period was a golden age of English autobiography, inseparable from the great flowering of nonfictional prose and developments in the novel, particularly the bildungsroman. Many definitions of autobiography have been forged and debated: a working definition is that autobiography is a retrospective prose narrative by a real person about his or her individual life and personality. Autobiography is a distinct subgenre of life writing, distinguished from autobiographical writing (self-representation in letters, journals, travel writings, etc.). In Roy Pascal’s view, “In the autobiography proper, attention is focused on the self, in the memoir or reminiscence on others” (Pascal 1960, p. 5; cited under General Overviews). Romantic emphases on individualism and processes of self-discovery shifted in the Victorian period to a focus on personal development. There was a growing market for memoirs and autobiographical writings. Autobiography’s increasingly public status responded to calls for heroes in a time of spiritual crisis, yet its drive toward introspection and self-examination was also a symptom of that crisis. The typical narrative describes a process of personal transformation founded on belief in personal progress; the narrative goal is spiritual, aesthetic, intellectual, or vocational development. Yet the overdetermined progressive narrative, by which the life story works toward the achieved “I” writing the autobiography, threatens to fix the subject in a deathly stasis. There were different approaches in autobiographies written from socially marginal positions (working class, female, homosexual, colonial), with more overt awareness of social division and its effects on the self. Although Victorian autobiographers often adopted a confident persona, modern critics find much ambivalence, conflict, and self-doubt in self-representation. The interior self is at once sacred and dangerous; introspection creates self-division and alienation; the unified self is itself revealed as fiction. Since the birth of modern Victorian studies in the 1950s, literary scholars have found autobiography a rich resource for understanding relations between private and public, self and society, religion and science, women and men, children and parents, domestic and professional life, and between classes. Autobiography is also a litmus test for changing methodologies and interpretive approaches in Victorian studies.
Chimú Art and Architecture
Authors: Pillsbury Joanne
Published: June 2013

The Chimú culture flourished on what is now the north coast of Peru from around 1000 ce to c. 1470, when the polity was conquered by the Inca. The Chimú state, sometimes referred to in the historical sources as Chimor, dominated a length of approximately one thousand kilometers of the coast, from nearly what is now the border between Peru and Ecuador to just north of the modern capital of Lima. The Chimú were the most powerful entity in the period known as the Late Intermediate period but drew upon cultural traditions developed in the same region in earlier periods, particularly the Moche and the Lambayeque (also known as Sicán). Indeed, the capital of the Chimú state, Chan Chan, was constructed just a few kilometers away from the earlier Moche center of Huaca de la Luna and Huaca del Sol, in what is now the outskirts of the modern city of Trujillo. There is a fair amount of published archaeological research on the Chimú, although in recent years, in the wake of the spectacular finds at the Moche site of Sipán, Chimú studies have been eclipsed by Moche-focused projects. The literature specifically on Chimú art and architecture, however, is far less abundant. As yet there are no dedicated journals to Chimú studies, nor are there specific bibliographies, anthologies, reference works, or textbooks.
Adaptation
Authors: Losos Jonathan B.
Published: June 2013

Adaptation—the fit of organisms to their environments—has been a central focus in scientific research for centuries, predating even the rise of evolutionary biology. At its core, the study of adaptation is the study of natural selection—how is it that populations become so well suited to survive and reproduce in the environment in which they occur? Nonetheless, the topic of adaptation has many wrinkles and nuances. Even the definition of adaptation is not agreed on by all. The manner in which adaptations evolve (or fail to evolve) and the consequences they have for the evolutionary history of a lineage have been the subjects of considerable scientific research and discussion for more than a century.
Fungicides Used Alone, in Combinations, and in Rotations for Managing Gladiolus Rust in Mexico
Authors: Valencia-Botín A. J. , Jeffers S. N. , Palmer C. L. , Buck J. W.
Published: June 2013

Gladiolus rust, caused by Uromyces transversalis, is a quarantine-significant pathogen in the United States. However, the fungus is endemic to commercial gladiolus-producing areas in Mexico and has been intercepted frequently on gladiolus plants entering the United States for the cut-flower market. The present study assessed 15 fungicide active ingredients (five quinone outside inhibitors: azoxystrobin, fluoxastrobin, kresoxim-methyl, pyraclostrobin, and trifloxystrobin; six triazoles: cyproconazole, difenoconazole, epoxiconazole, myclobutanil, propiconazole, and tebuconazole; three succinate dehydrogenase inhibitors: boscalid, flutolanil, and oxycarboxin; and one broad-spectrum protectant: chlorothalonil) and one plant activator, acibenzolar-S-methyl, applied alone, in combinations, and in various rotations for efficacy against U. transversalis on field-grown gladiolus plants in Mexico. Experiments were conducted in 2010, 2011, and 2012 in commercial fields in Atlixco and Santa Isabel Cholula in Puebla and Cuautla and Tlayacapan in Morelos. Fungicides were applied at 2-week intervals starting when plants had three full leaves. Disease severity was recorded each week for at least 7 weeks after the first application. Under high disease pressure in 2010, fungicides were less effective than in 2011 and 2012, when disease pressure was not as high. In all 3 years, most fungicide treatments significantly reduced disease severity. Triazoles were more effective than quinone outside inhibitors when applied as individual products in 2010, and combinations of two fungicides in different mode-of-action groups were more effective than fungicides applied individually in 2011. In 2012, rotations of fungicides, either with individual products or with combinations of two products, provided excellent rust management. Reducing disease development by U. transversalis on commercial gladiolus plants in Mexico will reduce the potential for introducing this pathogen on cut flowers into the United States.
Colonization Patterns of an mCherry-Tagged Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense Strain in Potato Plants
Authors: Kubheka Gugulethu C. , Coutinho Teresa A. , Moleleki Ntsane , Moleleki Lucy N.
Published: June 2013

Pectobacterium carotovorum subsp. brasiliense is a newly identified member of the potato soft rot enterobacteriaceae. The pathogenesis of this pathogen is still poorly understood. In this study, an mCherry-P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense-tagged strain was generated to study P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense—potato plant interactions. Prior to use, the tagged strain was evaluated for in vitro growth, plasmid stability, and virulence on potato tubers and shown to be similar to the wild type. Four potato cultivars were evaluated for stem-based resistance against P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense. Confocal laser-scanning microscopy and in vitro viable cell counts showed that P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense is able to penetrate roots of a susceptible potato cultivar as early as 12 h postinoculation and migrate upward into aerial stem parts. Due to the phenotypic differences observed between tolerant and susceptible cultivars, a comparison of P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense colonization patterns in these cultivars was undertaken. In the susceptible cultivar, P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense cells colonized the xylem tissue, forming “biofilm-like” aggregates that led to occlusion of some of the vessels. In contrast, in the tolerant cultivar, P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense appeared as free-swimming planktonic cells with no specific tissue localization. This suggests that there are resistance mechanisms in the tolerant cultivar that limit aggregation of P. carotovorum subsp. brasiliense in planta and, hence, the lack of symptom development in this cultivar.
Segregation and Mapping in the Root-Knot NematodeMeloidogyne haplaof Quantitatively Inherited Traits Affecting Parasitism
Authors: Thomas Varghese P. , Williamson Valerie M.
Published: June 2013

The root-knot nematode Meloidogyne hapla can reproduce on a wide range of crop species but there is variability in host range and pathogenicity both within and between isolates. The inbred strain VW9 causes galling but does not reproduce on Solanum bulbocastanum clone SB22 whereas strain VW8 causes little galling and reproduces poorly on this host. Comparison of reproduction on SB22 of nematode F2 lines generated from hybrids between strains VW8 and VW9 revealed that, whereas over half the lines produced no progeny, some lines reproduced to higher levels than did either parental strain. Using a genetic map previously generated using the same set of F2 lines, three quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified and positioned on linkage groups. A combination of two QTL alleles from one parent and one from the other was highly represented in F2 lines that exhibited higher reproduction than either parental strain but was absent from lines that failed to reproduce on SB22. This result suggests that sexual hybridization and assortment of opposing alleles leads to segregation of individuals with improved reproductive ability on a particular host. The genome sequence and integrated genetic and physical linkage map of M. hapla provide resources for identification of genes responsible for the identified QTL.
Laminin drives survival signals to promote a contractile smooth muscle phenotype and airway hyperreactivity
Authors: Tran Thai , Teoh Chun Ming , Tam John Kit Chung , Qiao Yongkang , Chin Chin Yein , Chong Oi Khuan , Stewart Alastair G. , Harris Trudi , Wong Wai Shiu Fred , Guan Shou Ping , Leung Bernard P. , Gerthoffer William T. , Unruh Helmut , Halayko Andrew J.
Published: June 2013

Increased airway smooth muscle (ASM) mass is believed to underlie the relatively fixed airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in asthma. Developments of therapeutic approaches to reverse airway remodeling are impeded by our lack of insight on the mechanisms behind the increase in mass of contractile ASM cells. Increased expression of laminin, an extracellular matrix protein, is associated with asthma. Our studies investigate the role of laminin‐induced ASM survival signals in the development of increased ASM and AHR. Antagonizing laminin integrin binding using the laminin‐selective competing peptide, YIGSR, and mimicking laminin with exogenous α2‐chain laminin, we show that laminin is both necessary and sufficient to induce ASM cell survival, concomitant with the induction of ASM contractile phenotype. Using siRNA, we show that the laminin‐binding integrin α7β1 mediates this process. Moreover, in laminin‐211‐deficient mice, allergen‐induced AHR was not observed. Notably, ASM cells from asthmatic airways express a higher abundance of intracellular cell survival proteins, consistent with a role for reduced rates of cell apoptosis in development of ASM hyperplasia. Targeting the laminin‐integrin α7β1 signaling pathway may offer new avenues for the development of therapies to reduce the increase in mass of contractile phenotype ASM cells that underlie AHR in asthma.—Tran, T., Teoh, C. M., Tam, J. K. C., Qiao, Y., Chin, C. Y., Chong, O. K., Stewart, A. G., Harris, T., Wong, W. S. F., Guan, S. P., Leung, B. P., Gerthoffer, W. T., Unruh, H., and Halayko, A J. Laminin drives survival signals to promote a contractile smooth muscle phenotype and airway hyperreactivity. FASEB J. 27, 3991–4003 (2013). www.fasebj.org
Revisiting the impacts of non-random extinction on the tree-of-life
Authors: Davies T. Jonathan , Yessoufou Kowiyou
Published: June 2013

The tree-of-life represents the diversity of living organisms. Species extinction and the concomitant loss of branches from the tree-of-life is therefore a major conservation concern. There is increasing evidence indicating that extinction is phylogenetically non-random, such that if one species is vulnerable to extinction so too are its close relatives. However, the impact of non-random extinctions on the tree-of-life has been a matter of recent debate. Here, we combine simulations with empirical data on extinction risk in mammals. We demonstrate that phylogenetically clustered extinction leads to a disproportionate loss of branches from the tree-of-life, but that the loss of their summed lengths is indistinguishable from random extinction. We argue that under a speciational model of evolution, the number of branches lost might be of equal or greater consequences than the loss of summed branch lengths. We therefore suggest that the impact of non-random extinction on the tree-of-life may have been underestimated.
Age-dependent stochastic models for understanding population fluctuations in continuously cultured cells
Authors: Stukalin Evgeny B. , Aifuwa Ivie , Kim Jin Seob , Wirtz Denis , Sun Sean X.
Published: June 2013

For symmetrically dividing cells, large variations in the cell cycle time are typical, even among clonal cells. The consequence of this variation is important in stem cell differentiation, tissue and organ size control, and cancer development, where cell division rates ultimately determine the cell population. We explore the connection between cell cycle time variation and population-level fluctuations using simple stochastic models. We find that standard population models with constant division and death rates fail to predict the level of population fluctuation. Instead, variations in the cell division time contribute to population fluctuations. An age-dependent birth and death model allows us to compute the mean squared fluctuation or the population dispersion as a function of time. This dispersion grows exponentially with time, but scales with the population. We also find a relationship between the dispersion and the cell cycle time distribution for synchronized cell populations. The model can easily be generalized to study populations involving cell differentiation and competitive growth situations.
Effects of allometry, productivity and lifestyle on rates and limits of body size evolution
Authors: Okie Jordan G. , Boyer Alison G. , Brown James H. , Costa Daniel P. , Ernest S. K. Morgan , Evans Alistair R. , Fortelius Mikael , Gittleman John L. , Hamilton Marcus J. , Harding Larisa E. , Lintulaakso Kari , Lyons S. Kathleen , Saarinen Juha J. , Smith Felisa A. , Stephens Patrick R. , Theodor Jessica , Uhen Mark D. , Sibly Richard M.
Published: June 2013

Body size affects nearly all aspects of organismal biology, so it is important to understand the constraints and dynamics of body size evolution. Despite empirical work on the macroevolution and macroecology of minimum and maximum size, there is little general quantitative theory on rates and limits of body size evolution. We present a general theory that integrates individual productivity, the lifestyle component of the slow–fast life-history continuum, and the allometric scaling of generation time to predict a clade's evolutionary rate and asymptotic maximum body size, and the shape of macroevolutionary trajectories during diversifying phases of size evolution. We evaluate this theory using data on the evolution of clade maximum body sizes in mammals during the Cenozoic. As predicted, clade evolutionary rates and asymptotic maximum sizes are larger in more productive clades (e.g. baleen whales), which represent the fast end of the slow–fast lifestyle continuum, and smaller in less productive clades (e.g. primates). The allometric scaling exponent for generation time fundamentally alters the shape of evolutionary trajectories, so allometric effects should be accounted for in models of phenotypic evolution and interpretations of macroevolutionary body size patterns. This work highlights the intimate interplay between the macroecological and macroevolutionary dynamics underlying the generation and maintenance of morphological diversity.
Experimental and bioinformatic evidence that raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus P4 is a movement protein of the 30K superfamily
Authors: Yu Chulang , Karlin David G. , Lu Yuwen , Wright Kathryn , Chen Jianping , MacFarlane Stuart
Published: June 2013

Emaravirus is a recently described genus of negative-strand RNA plant viruses. Emaravirus P4 protein localizes to plasmodesmata, suggesting that it could be a viral movement protein (MP). In the current study, we showed that the P4 protein of raspberry leaf blotch emaravirus (RLBV) rescued the cell-to-cell movement of a defective potato virus X (PVX) that had a deletion mutation in the triple gene block 1 movement-associated protein. This demonstrated that RLBV P4 is a functional MP. Sequence analyses revealed that P4 is a distant member of the 30K superfamily of MPs. All MPs of this family contain two highly conserved regions predicted to form β-strands, namely β1 and β2. We explored by alanine mutagenesis the role of two residues of P4 (Ile106 and Asp127) located in each of these strands. We also made the equivalent substitutions in the 29K MP of tobacco rattle virus, another member of the 30K superfamily. All substitutions abolished the ability to complement PVX movement, except for the I106A substitution in the β1 region of P4. This region has been shown to mediate membrane association of 30K MPs; our results show that it is possible to make non-conservative substitutions of a well-conserved aliphatic residue within β1 without preventing the membrane association or movement function of P4.
Rap1 relocalization contributes to the chromatin-mediated gene expression profile and pace of cell senescence
Authors: Platt Jesse M. , Ryvkin Paul , Wanat Jennifer J. , Donahue Greg , Ricketts M. Dan , Barrett Steven P. , Waters Hannah J. , Song Shufei , Chavez Alejandro , Abdallah Khaled Omar , Master Stephen R. , Wang Li-San , Johnson F. Brad
Published: June 2013

Cellular senescence is accompanied by dramatic changes in chromatin structure and gene expression. Using Saccharomyces cerevisiae mutants lacking telomerase (tlc1Δ) to model senescence, we found that with critical telomere shortening, the telomere-binding protein Rap1 (repressor activator protein 1) relocalizes to the upstream promoter regions of hundreds of new target genes. The set of new Rap1 targets at senescence (NRTS) is preferentially activated at senescence, and experimental manipulations of Rap1 levels indicate that it contributes directly to NRTS activation. A notable subset of NRTS includes the core histone-encoding genes; we found that Rap1 contributes to their repression and that histone protein levels decline at senescence. Rap1 and histones also display a target site-specific antagonism that leads to diminished nucleosome occupancy at the promoters of up-regulated NRTS. This antagonism apparently impacts the rate of senescence because underexpression of Rap1 or overexpression of the core histones delays senescence. Rap1 relocalization is not a simple consequence of lost telomere-binding sites, but rather depends on the Mec1 checkpoint kinase. Rap1 relocalization is thus a novel mechanism connecting DNA damage responses (DDRs) at telomeres to global changes in chromatin and gene expression while driving the pace of senescence.
Structural basis for R-spondin recognition by LGR4/5/6 receptors
Authors: Wang Dongli , Huang Binlu , Zhang Senyan , Yu Xiaojuan , Wu Wei , Wang Xinquan
Published: June 2013

The R-spondin (RSPO) family of secreted proteins (RSPO1–RSPO4) has pleiotropic functions in development and stem cell growth by strongly enhancing Wnt pathway activation. Recently, leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptor 4 (LGR4), LGR5, and LGR6 have been identified as receptors for RSPOs. Here we report the complex structure of the LGR4 extracellular domain (ECD) with the RSPO1 N-terminal fragment (RSPO1-2F) containing two adjacent furin-like cysteine-rich domains (FU-CRDs). The LGR4-ECD adopts the anticipated TLR horseshoe structure and uses its concave surface close to the N termini to bind RSPO1-2F. Both the FU-CRD1 and FU-CRD2 domains of RSPO1 contribute to LGR4 interaction, and binding and cellular assays identified critical RSPO1 residues for its biological activities. Our results define the molecular mechanism by which the LGR4/5/6 receptors recognize RSPOs and also provide structural insights into the signaling difference between the LGR4/5/6 receptors and other members in the LGR family.
Export of Salicylic Acid from the Chloroplast Requires the Multidrug and Toxin Extrusion-Like Transporter EDS5
Authors: Serrano Mario , Wang Bangjun , Aryal Bibek , Garcion Christophe , Abou-Mansour Eliane , Heck Silvia , Geisler Markus , Mauch Felix , Nawrath Christiane , Métraux Jean-Pierre
Published: June 2013

Salicylic acid (SA) is central for the defense of plants to pathogens and abiotic stress. SA is synthesized in chloroplasts from chorismic acid by an isochorismate synthase (ICS1); SA biosynthesis is negatively regulated by autoinhibitory feedback at ICS1. Genetic studies indicated that the multidrug and toxin extrusion transporter ENHANCED DISEASE SUSCEPTIBILITY5 (EDS5) of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) is necessary for SA accumulation after biotic and abiotic stress, but so far it is not understood how EDS5 controls the biosynthesis of SA. Here, we show that EDS5 colocalizes with a marker of the chloroplast envelope and that EDS5 functions as a multidrug and toxin extrusion-like transporter in the export of SA from the chloroplast to the cytoplasm in Arabidopsis, where it controls the innate immune response. The location at the chloroplast envelope supports a model of the effect of EDS5 on SA biosynthesis: in the eds5 mutant, stress-induced SA is trapped in the chloroplast and inhibits its own accumulation by autoinhibitory feedback.
The first uranyl complexes with valerate ions
Authors: Savchenkov Anton V. , Vologzhanina Anna V. , Serezhkina Larisa B. , Pushkin Denis V. , Serezhkin Viktor N.
Published: June 2013

FT–IR spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray structure analysis were used to characterize the discrete neutral compound diaquadioxidobis(n-valerato-κ2O,O′)uranium(VI), [UO2(C4H9COO)2(H2O)2], (I), and the ionic compound potassium dioxidotris(n-valerato-κ2O,O′)uranium(VI), K[UO2(C4H9COO)3], (II). The UVIcation in neutral (I) is at a site of 2/msymmetry. Potassium salt (II) has two U centres and two K+cations residing on twofold axes, while a third independent formula unit is on a general position. The ligands in both compounds were found to suffer severe disorder. The FT–IR spectroscopic results agree with the X-ray data. The composition and structure of the ionic potassium uranyl valerate are similar to those of previously reported potassium uranyl complexes with acetate, propionate and butyrate ligands. Progressive lengthening of the alkyl groups in these otherwise similar compounds was found to have an impact on their structures, including on the number of independent U and K+sites, on the coordination modes of some of the K+centres and on the minimum distances between U atoms. The evolution of the KUO6frameworks in the four homologous compounds is analysed in detail, revealing a new example of three-dimensional topological isomerism in coordination compounds of UVI.
Autoindexing diffraction images withiMosflm
Authors: Powell Harold R. , Johnson Owen , Leslie Andrew G. W.
Published: June 2013

An overview of autoindexing diffraction images based on one-dimensional fast Fourier transforms is presented. The implementation of the algorithm in theMosflm/iMosflmprogram suite is described with a discussion of practical issues that may arise and ways of assessing the success or failure of the procedure. Recent developments allow indexing of images that show multiple lattices, and several examples demonstrate the success of this approach in real cases.
Robust structural analysis of native biological macromolecules from multi-crystal anomalous diffraction data
Authors: Liu Qun , Liu Qinglian , Hendrickson Wayne A.
Published: June 2013

Structure determinations for biological macromolecules that have no known structural antecedents typically involve the incorporation of heavier atoms than those found natively in biological molecules. Currently, selenomethionyl proteins analyzed using single- or multi-wavelength anomalous diffraction (SAD or MAD) data predominate for suchde novoanalyses. Naturally occurring metal ions such as zinc or iron often suffice in MAD or SAD experiments, and sulfur SAD has been an option since it was first demonstrated using crambin 30 years ago; however, SAD analyses of structures containing only light atoms (Zmax≤ 20) have not been common. Here, robust procedures for enhancing the signal to noise in measurements of anomalous diffraction by combining data collected from several crystals at a lower than usual X-ray energy are described. This multi-crystal native SAD method was applied in five structure determinations, using between five and 13 crystals to determine substructures of between four and 52 anomalous scatterers (Z≤ 20) and then the full structures ranging from 127 to 1200 ordered residues per asymmetric unit at resolutions from 2.3 to 2.8 Å. Tests were devised to assure that all of the crystals used were statistically equivalent. Elemental identities for Ca, Cl, S, P and Mg were proven byf′′ scattering-factor refinements. The procedures are robust, indicating that truly routine structure determination of typical native macromolecules is realised. Synchrotron beamlines that are optimized for low-energy X-ray diffraction measurements will facilitate such direct structural analysis.
Vague reliability assessment of combustion system using Petri nets and vague lambda‐tau methodology
Authors: Verma Manjit , Kumar Amit , Singh Yaduvir
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a new methodology, named vague lambda‐tau, used for reliability analysis of a combustion system, which could be used for managerial decision making and future system maintenance strategy.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper involves the qualitative and quantitative analysis of a combustion system. In qualitative analysis, the Petri net model is obtained from its equivalent fault tree and in quantitative analysis, the reliability parameters are evaluated using vague lambda‐tau methodology. Further, a decision support system based on vague sets is developed to overcome the limitations of traditional risk analysis.

Findings

The reliability parameters (such as expected number of failures, mean time between failures, availability, and reliability) of the compressor system are evaluated. The proposed, vague sets‐based reliability analysis and risk analysis not only overcome the limitations associated with traditional approaches but also integrate the confidence level of domain experts and expert's experience, in a more flexible and realistic manner.

Originality/value

Instead of fuzzy sets, this paper used vague sets for reliability analysis with Petri net modelling because in real life problems, there may be hesitation regarding the belongingness of an object to a set or not. In fuzzy set theory, there is no means to incorporate such type of hesitation.
Transforming nationalism into social action with teachers from Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Leticia Pérez‐Rodríguez Irma , Sánchez‐Escobedo Pedro , Hollingworth Liz
Published: June 2013

Purpose

National basic education curriculum in Mexico emphasizes the need for the construction of a positive national identity. The purpose of this paper is to describe the perceptions, expectations and views of pre‐service Mexican teachers about Mexico as a country.

Design/methodology/approach

Participants were 193 in‐training teachers in the last semester of study from the four normal schools (3 public, 1 private, Catholic) in the state of Yucatan who participated voluntarily in the study. From these, 44 (23 per cent) were men and 149 (77 per cent) were women, with a modal age of 21 years old.

Findings

Opinions extracted from a paper and pencil survey administered to 193 pre‐service teachers from Yucatan showed that the new teacher training curriculum has succeeded in creating a sense of nationalism and promoting feelings of pride and positive national identity, with the construct of Mexico as a motherland.

Research limitations/implications

This research suggests training must include activities in community service projects that effectively teach the value of actual work and involvement in the community: all this beyond existing sublime feelings of belonging. Teacher candidates seem to have an increased drive to participate in social and community projects, despite the fact it is not currently formally fostered in the national teacher training curriculum. Further research in these important aspects of traditional teacher training education is needed to better understand the role of nationalism and the values and tradition of the teaching profession in Mexico.

Originality/value

The study found a lack of criticism and reflection about the disadvantages and limitations of a unique orientation to the countries' symbols and rituals. Do teachers need to be a mere reproductive force of values and identities? Or, should teachers be expected to be reflective, critical and aware of the risks and dangers of blind loyalty to the country's policies and government dictates? Teacher training national guidelines should be revised and perhaps an effort to go beyond ideological issues should be considered, posting the concept of performance standards and other forms of accountability whilst in the schools.
Unpaid work among children currently attending school in Nigeria
Authors: Kazeem Aramide
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the associations of gender, ethnicity, urban‐rural residence, and poverty, on children's unpaid work. It examines whether the Nigerian experience parallels previous research in India and Latin America, which finds an ethnic gap in children's unpaid work.

Design/methodology/approach

To achieve the stated objectives, the 2004 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey EdData Survey (2004 NDES) were analyzed.

Findings

The series of logistic regression results confirm the existence of gender, urban‐rural residence, and wealth inequalities in children's unpaid work. For example, girls, children in rural areas and poor children conduct more unpaid work than boys, urban children, and non‐poor children, respectively. In addition, the series of logistic regression results indicate that an ethnic inequality persists in children's unpaid work only when religion, parental attitude on child labor and gender bias in schooling, and region of the country in which the child resides are not controlled for in the analysis.

Originality/value

While previous research in India and Latin America finds an ethnic divide in children's unpaid work, this research contributes to knowledge by discovering that the ethnic gap in children's unpaid work that exists in Nigeria is mediated by a regional effect/variable.
China: the next ten years?
Authors: Miniesy R. , Adams J.
Published: June 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to be a “thought piece”. It is not based upon rigorous empirical research supported by focused economic theory. Rather it presents a view of where China is likely to see its economic expansion under a new leadership and at the same time how Egypt could be very much part of this.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors have set out a number of arguments that show the potential for stronger economic relations between these two economies over the next decade. These include arguments for a change by both countries in their traditional export market focus towards the EU and the USA.

Findings

– Specific sectors are identified as the key strategic areas in which both could and should cooperate while it is also emphasised that Egypt is now viewed as a 3G country (one of only 11) that China could benefit from due to its location at the nexus of three continents. The paper is to some extent “crystal ball” gazing but within the context of available information and a set of forecasts that are not themselves unrealistic.

Originality/value

– The paper argues that China's future growth options are in fact connected to those of Egypt in several respects and both countries can mutually benefit from the suggestions made in the paper.
Why is productivity falling in 2013? The role of leadership in creating growth during the recession
Authors: Denton Alan
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the role of leadership in business growth and productivity.

Design/methodology/approach

It does this through reference to coaching activity, drawing on practical, real life experience. The productivity source is quarterly reports from the Office for National Statistics. Research from the Bank of England suggests that decreased productivity is more of a contributory factor to the recession than previously thought.

Findings/research

Productivity in British industry has fallen. Thinking short‐term and cutting costs hinders long‐term growth.

Practical implications

Leaders need to evaluate their practice, asking questions of themselves and look at making more long‐term plans. They need to involve and engage key personnel now and in the future.

Originality/value

This paper examines the role of leadership in business growth and productivity, finds that productivity in British industry has fallen, and outlines what actions leaders need to take.
Adoption of sustainable retrofit in UK social housing
Authors: Swan William , Ruddock Les , Smith Luke , Fitton Richard
Published: June 2013

Purpose

The study was designed to assess the knowledge, adoption and perceived effectiveness of sustainable retrofit technologies within the UK social housing sector.

Design/methodology/approach

The study was undertaken using a structured questionnaire that was completed by 130 providers of social housing.

Findings

The study showed that social housing providers were evenly split in their reliance on internal or external information for sustainable retrofit knowledge. In terms of adoption identified that this was strongly driven by government‐funded programmes, leading to widespread adoption of low technology solutions. The respondents identified that many leading edge technologies were perceived to be less effective.

Research limitations/implications

The study represents a snap‐shot of adoption and effectiveness issues, therefore does not show the trajectory of adoption which should be addressed in a follow‐up study.

Practical implications

The social housing sector has been viewed as a market maker for some of the newer technologies. It indicates that some of the newer technologies, such as heat pumps are viewed as less effective than more established technologies.

Social implications

The study has implications for the adoption of technology to address fuel poverty and climate change, as well as informing future policy such as Green Deal.

Originality/value

The study includes 130 responses from the social housing stock and gives a perspective of current views on adoption and effectiveness of retrofit technologies within the social housing sector. This is useful for both other social housing providers and policy makers.
Plants are least suppressed by their frequent neighbours: the relationship between competitive ability and spatial aggregation patterns
Authors: Semchenko Marina , Abakumova Maria , Lepik Anu , Zobel Kristjan
Published: June 2013

Previous studies have concluded that spatial aggregation of conspecifics should benefit weak competitors and put stronger competitors at a disadvantage, thus promoting plant species coexistence. However, if competitive ability is viewed as a behavioural trait, it becomes evident that traits determining spatial patterns and competitive ability could co‐evolve, resulting in greater dispersal in stronger competitors and reduced competitive ability in spatially aggregated species.

To test this prediction, we combined spatial data from a field survey of seven temperate grassland communities with the results of a common‐garden competition experiment involving 28 focal species.

We found that species exhibiting strong conspecific aggregation and infrequent heterospecific encounters in the field maintained greater growth in competition with conspecifics than with heterospecifics. In contrast, species that mostly encountered heterospecific neighbours in the field achieved greater growth when surrounded by heterospecific than conspecific neighbours, indicating greater competitive ability. The observed patterns of conspecific aggregation were related to variation in clonal dispersal characteristics and there was a direct positive relationship between clonal dispersal distance and competitive ability.

Synthesis. Our study demonstrates that viewing competitive ability as a behavioural trait that imposes different costs and benefits on an individual depending on the identity of its neighbours can provide new insights into the long‐debated topic of mechanisms promoting plant species coexistence.
Functional group dominance and identity effects influence the magnitude of grassland invasion
Authors: Longo Grisel , Seidler Tristram G. , Garibaldi Lucas A. , Tognetti Pedro M. , Chaneton Enrique J.
Published: June 2013

Variation in functional community composition is expected to influence the extent of exotic species invasions. Yet, whether resident functional groups control invasion through their relative biomass (mass ratio hypothesis) or by traits other than biomass (identity hypothesis) remains poorly understood.

We performed a 6‐year experiment to determine the effects of removing different functional groups on exotic species biomass in a Flooding Pampa grassland, Argentina. Functional groups were defined by life‐form (grasses or forbs), phenology (winter or summer) and origin (native or exotic). Removal of each functional group was compared against the removal of an equivalent amount of random biomass. Exotic group responses were monitored over 4 years of continuous removals, and after 2 years of recovery without manipulations.

Removal of dominant native summer grasses caused the greatest impact on exotic species and overall community composition. Native summer‐grass removal significantly increased exotic grass (120%) and forb (730%) biomass beyond the level (46% and 180%, respectively) expected from deleting a similar amount of biomass at random. Exotic annual grasses showed only a transient increase, whereas exotic forb invasion persisted even after 2 years without removals.

Removing subordinate, native or exotic winter grasses, and rare native forbs significantly promoted exotic forbs, but to the same level (300%) as random biomass removals. Total grass removal increased exotic forbs to half the extent expected from adding the effects of single grass group removals. Dispersal limitation and harsh abiotic conditions may constrain exotic forb spread into such heavily grass‐depleted patches.

Synthesis. The impact of losing a functional group on the magnitude and persistence of invasion reflected its relative contribution to community biomass. Identity attributes other than biomass (e.g. phenological niche) further enhanced the biotic control that dominant native grasses exerted on established exotic species. Our findings highlight the community legacies of past disturbances to dominant functional groups.
Root and shoot competition: a meta‐analysis
Authors: Kiær Lars Pødenphant , Weisbach Anne Nygaard , Weiner Jacob
Published: June 2013

We review the effects of root and shoot competition on plant biomass by meta‐analysis of 38 published studies, each reporting on the factorial effects of root‐competition and shoot‐competition on herbaceous plants.

There were significant differences in the overall effects of root, shoot and full competition. Root competition generally resulted in larger biomass reduction than shoot competition, particularly among the smaller of the two competitors. An interaction between root and shoot competition was observed in some experiments but was generally not significant.

While root competition was generally stronger than shoot competition at lower nutrient levels, there was no overall difference at higher nutrient levels due to much lower levels of root competition. In contrast, the overall effect of full competition increased considerably with nutrient level.

Root competition was generally more important when the neighbour was a grass as compared with a herb or a legume, and when domesticated plants competed with wild neighbours, suggesting that wild genotypes are stronger competitors for below‐ground resources than are crop plants.

Effects of competition were generally stronger in experiments with additive designs than in those with substitutive designs. Also, experiments using single target individuals showed stronger effects of competition, root competition in particular, than did experiments using groups targets.

Synthesis. Despite large variation among experiments, some general patterns were supported: effects of root competition are generally stronger than shoot competition, particularly (i) for smaller competitors, (ii) at low fertility levels, (iii) when the competitor is a grass rather than an herb, (iv) when the competitor is a wild rather than a domesticated species, and (v) in additive design experiments. The effects of root and shoot competition appear to be additive under many conditions. Whereas root competition may often be the primary limitation on mean plant performance, shoot competition will influence the variation around this mean and may determine which individuals or species dominate.
Old Norse as anNPLanguage: With Observations on the Common Norse and Northwest Germanic Runic Inscriptions
Authors: Lander Eric T. , Haegeman Liliane
Published: June 2013

The differences between languages with definite determiners and those without definite determiners have been the object of much research. Recently, Bošković has uncovered a number of one‐ and two‐way syntactic generalizations which serve to set these two typological groups apart. He accounts for the contrasts observed by proposing that languages with definite determiners (‘DP’ languages) have aDPlayer, while determiner‐less languages (‘NP’ languages) lack thisDPprojection altogether. Since the Old Germanic languages did not have fully grammaticalized definite articles, a reasonable hypothesis to explore might be that they wereNPlanguages in Bošković's sense. In this paper we explore this hypothesis, focusing mainly on Old Norse; where possible we also discuss Old Norse's historical predecessors Common Norse and Northwest Germanic (both of which are attested exclusively in runic inscriptions). The specificNPproperties considered in this paper are (A) the absence of a fully grammaticalized definite article, (B) syntactic discontinuities and free word order, (C) the absence of double adnominal genitives with transitive deverbal nouns, (D) the absence of clitic doubling and (E) the presence of radical argument drop. The paper's approach is guided by basic generative assumptions, but its focus is descriptive rather than theoretical.
Preservation of precut white cheese by modified atmosphere packaging
Authors: Kirkin Celale , Gunes Gurbuz , Kilic‐Akyilmaz Meral
Published: June 2013

Effects of modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) on storage stability and quality of precut fresh and aged white cheese were investigated. Fresh or aged white cheese was cut into small cubes and packaged in five different atmospheres [0% O2 + 0% CO2 + 100% N2 (MAP1), 10% O2 + 0% CO2 + 90% N2 (MAP2), 0% O2 + 75% CO2 + 25% N2 (MAP3), 10% O2 + 75% CO2 + 15% N2 (MAP4) and aerobic (air)]. Control samples were packaged in brine and vacuum for fresh and aged white cheese, respectively. Changes in gas composition, total plate count, lactococci, lactobacilli, yeast and mould counts, proteolysis, lipolysis, pH, colour, texture and sensory properties were investigated during refrigerated storage. The best packaging treatment for the fresh cheese was MAP3, as it inhibited mould growth and protected the hardness. MAP2 can be recommended for the packaging of the aged cheese, as it decreased lipolysis.
Identification of Bioactive Peptides from Cereal Storage Proteins and Their Potential Role in Prevention of Chronic Diseases
Authors: Cavazos Ariel , Gonzalez de Mejia Elvira
Published: June 2013

Cereal grains, such as wheat, barley, rice, rye, oat, millet, sorghum, and corn, have been staples in human diets since ancient times. At present, there is a significant body of scientific evidence showing the health benefits of consuming whole grains in chronic disease prevention, particularly in regards to diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. The objective was to determine bioactive peptides in cereal grains that may prevent cardiovascular disease, cancer, inflammation, and diabetes. Bioactive peptides that may be obtained from cereal grains, particularly wheat, oat, barley, and rice, were identified. Bioactive peptides that play a role in chronic disease prevention have been found primarily in legumes and dairy products; although research connecting cereal grains with potential bioactive peptide activity is limited. In this review, 4 cereal grains, wheat, oat, barley, and rice, were evaluated for bioactive peptide potential using the BIOPEP database. In addition, research information was compiled for each grain regarding evidence about the effect of their proteins in prevention of chronic diseases. All 4 grains showed high occurrence frequencies of angiotensin‐converting enzyme‐inhibitor peptides (A = 0.239 to 0.511), as well as of dipeptidyl peptidase‐inhibitor and antithrombotic, antioxidant, hypotensive, and opioid activity. Wheat and rice proteins had anticancer sequences present. Wheat and barley showed the greatest diversity and abundance of potential biological activity among the cereal proteins. Further research needs to be conducted to learn how these biologically active peptide sequences are released from cereal grains. This study supports the notion that cereal grains are a nutritious part of a healthy diet by preventing chronic diseases.
Nutritional Components of Amaranth Seeds and Vegetables: A Review on Composition, Properties, and Uses
Authors: Venskutonis Petras R. , Kraujalis Paulius
Published: June 2013

A few decades agoAmaranthuswas rediscovered as a most promising plant genus that may provide high‐quality protein, unsaturated oil, and various other valuable constituents. Since then research has focused on variousAmaranthusspp. and has been rapidly expanding, and a large number of reports have been published. Several review articles focusing on different aspects, such as botanical, agrotechnological, compositional, biological, chemical, and technological properties, as well as applications and health effects, have also been published since then. This comprehensive review is focused on amaranth composition, antioxidant properties, applications, and processing. The composition includes macrocomponets (lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and dietary fiber) and other important constituents, such as squalene, tocopherols, phenolic compounds, phytates, and vitamins. These aspects of amaranth studies have not been comprehensively reviewed for a long time.
Duboisia ingestion: An unusual cause of anticholinergic poisoning
Authors: Pellowe Elizabeth , Poncia Hugo DM
Published: June 2013

A male landscaper presented with an acute confusional state following intentional ingestion of Duboisia myoporoides. With supportive care, he made an uneventful recovery after 24 h. Clinical features, investigation and management of Duboisia poisoning are discussed.