bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resonant quantum efficiency enhancement of midwave infrared nBn photodetectors using one-dimensional plasmonic gratings
Authors: Nolde Jill A. , Kim Mijin , Kim Chul Soo , Jackson Eric M. , Ellis Chase T. , Abell Joshua , Glembocki Orest J. , Canedy Chadwick L. , Tischler Joseph G. , Vurgaftman Igor , Meyer Jerry R. , Aifer Edward H.
Published: June 2015

We demonstrate up to 39% resonant enhancement of the quantum efficiency (QE) of a low dark current nBn midwave infrared photodetector with a 0.5 μm InAsSb absorber layer. The enhancement was achieved by using a 1D plasmonic grating to couple incident light into plasmon modes propagating in the plane of the device. The plasmonic grating is composed of stripes of deposited amorphous germanium overlaid with gold. Devices with and without gratings were processed side-by-side for comparison of their QEs and dark currents. The peak external QE for a grating device was 29% compared to 22% for a mirror device when the illumination was polarized perpendicularly to the grating lines. Additional experiments determined the grating coupling efficiency by measuring the reflectance of analogous gratings deposited on bare GaSb substrates.
Optimum direct current magnetic bias in ferromagnetic phase for improvement of magnetoelectric effect
Authors: Xue Fen , Hu Jun , Wang Shan X. , He Jinliang
Published: June 2015

To improve the direct and converse magnetoelectric effects, a magnetic bias field is essential to first excite the magnetization and then determine its sensitivity to a large extent. Based on the minimum energy principle, a ferromagnetic phase model is constructed and amorphous and nanocrystalline alloys are then adopted as example materials to perform numerical calculations to optimize the magnetoelectric effect. Experimental verification of the model showed that the mechanical tensile strain determines the optimum bias in a nonlinear but bijection-type correlation. To improve the magnetoelectric effect in general terms, different ranges of induced strain require a specific optimum bias that can be precisely calculated using the model solution derived in this letter.
Quasi-resonant enhancement of a grazing diffracted wave and deep suppression of specular reflection on shallow metal gratings in terahertz
Authors: Tymchenko M. , Gavrikov V. K. , Spevak I. S. , Kuzmenko A. A. , Kats A. V.
Published: June 2015

We report on a previously unexamined anomaly at diffraction of THz radiation on metal gratings. This anomaly consists in a nearly complete redirection of energy to a non-specular homogeneous diffraction order propagating at a specific grazing angle and deep suppression of the specular reflection. We show that this anomaly is located far enough from the well-known one caused by the resonant excitation of the surface plasmon-polariton. The effect under consideration is of general nature and can exist in all spectrum regions; however, it is especially pronounced in THz region, where it should be taken into account when analyzing relevant experimental results.
Quantum efficiency harmonic analysis of exciton annihilation in organic light emitting diodes
Authors: Price J. S. , Giebink N. C.
Published: June 2015

Various exciton annihilation processes are known to impact the efficiency roll-off of organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs); however, isolating and quantifying their contribution in the presence of other factors such as changing charge balance continue to be a challenge for routine device characterization. Here, we analyze OLED electroluminescence resulting from a sinusoidal dither superimposed on the device bias and show that nonlinearity between recombination current and light output arising from annihilation mixes the quantum efficiency measured at different dither harmonics in a manner that depends uniquely on the type and magnitude of the annihilation process. We derive a series of analytical relations involving the DC and first harmonic external quantum efficiency that enable annihilation rates to be quantified through linear regression independent of changing charge balance and evaluate them for prototypical fluorescent and phosphorescent OLEDs based on the emitters 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(4-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran and platinum octaethylporphyrin, respectively. We go on to show that, in most cases, it is sufficient to calculate the needed quantum efficiency harmonics directly from derivatives of the DC light versus current curve, thus enabling this analysis to be conducted solely from standard light-current-voltage measurement data.
Soil fertility characterisation of teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) plantations in Central America
Authors: Fernández-Moya Jesús , Alvarado Alfredo , Mata Rafael , Thiele Helga , Segura Jose Manuel , Vaides Edwin , San Miguel-Ayanz Alfonso , Marchamalo-Sacristán Miguel
Published: June 2015

Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) is an important species in the worldwide quality tropical hardwood sector, which has gained significance in Central America since the first large plantations were established in the 1980s. The present work is a descriptive study that aims to: (1) analyse and characterise the general soil patterns which may be influencing teak plantations in Central America; (2) assess differences between countries and sub-regions; (3) create a global framework to help contextualise the soil fertility analyses conducted at sub-regional or farm level, and (4) determine the main problems associated with soil fertility in the region. Soil fertility was measured at 684 sites in Costa Rica, Guatemala and Panama. Although teak is considered to be a species with high soil nutrient requirements, and high fertility is usually assumed in teak plantations, the results show that this species has been planted in a wide variety of soils, including many with serious fertility problems (e.g. Ultisols and perhaps Oxisols) or with added difficulties due to their physical properties (e.g. Vertisols). The present analysis reveals a general K deficiency in the Central American teak plantations, where P deficiency and acidity toxicity are also relatively common problems. These soil fertility problems probably stem from poor site selection by forest managers in the 80s and 90s. Hence, although soil fertility is carefully evaluated when most teak plantations are established today, managers have to deal with soil fertility deficiencies in many sites where teak was established some years ago.
Tracking ongoing cognition in individuals using brief, whole-brain functional connectivity patterns
Authors: Gonzalez-Castillo Javier , Hoy Colin W. , Handwerker Daniel A. , Robinson Meghan E. , Buchanan Laura C. , Saad Ziad S. , Bandettini Peter A.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Recently, it was shown that functional connectivity patterns exhibit complex spatiotemporal dynamics at the scale of tens of seconds. Of particular interest is the observation of a limited set of quasi-stable, whole-brain, recurring configurations—commonly referred to as functional connectivity states (FC states)—hypothesized to reflect the continuous flux of cognitive processes. Here, to test this hypothesis, subjects were continuously scanned as they engaged in and transitioned between mental states dictated by tasks. We demonstrate that there is a strong relationship between FC states and ongoing cognition that permits accurate tracking of mental states in individual subjects. We also demonstrate how informative changes in connectivity are not restricted solely to those regions with sustained elevations in activity during task performance.
CB2 cannabinoid receptor agonist enantiomers HU-433 and HU-308: An inverse relationship between binding affinity and biological potency
Authors: Smoum Reem , Baraghithy Saja , Chourasia Mukesh , Breuer Aviva , Mussai Naama , Attar-Namdar Malka , Kogan Natalya M. , Raphael Bitya , Bolognini Daniele , Cascio Maria G. , Marini Pietro , Pertwee Roger G. , Shurki Avital , Mechoulam Raphael , Bab Itai
Published: June 2015

Significance

The significance of the results reported is in two areas. (
i
) Because the cannabinoid receptor type 2 (CB2) agonists seem to be general protective agents, HU-433, a new specific CB2 agonist, may be of major therapeutic importance. (
ii
) Enantiomers usually have different activity profiles. We report now that HU-433 and its enantiomer HU-308 are both specific CB2 agonists, but whereas HU-433 is much more potent than HU-308 in the rescue of ovariectomy-induced bone loss and ear inflammation, its binding to the CB2 receptor (through which the activity of both enantiomers takes place) is substantially lower compared with HU-308. This situation questions the usefulness of universal radioligands for comparative binding studies.
Synchronizing theta oscillations with direct-current stimulation strengthens adaptive control in the human brain
Authors: Reinhart Robert M. G. , Zhu Julia , Park Sohee , Woodman Geoffrey F.
Published: June 2015

Significance

The ability to exert control over our behavior is fundamental to human cognition, and is impaired in many neuropsychiatric disorders. Here, we show evidence for the neural mechanisms of adaptive control that distinguish healthy people from people who have schizophrenia. We found that the noninvasive electrical stimulation phase aligns low-frequency brain rhythms and enhances functional connectivity. This brain stimulation modulated the temporal structure of low-frequency oscillations and synchrony, improving adaptive control. Moreover, we found that causal changes in the low-frequency oscillations improved behavioral responses to errors and long-range connectivity at the single-trial level. These results implicate theories of executive control and cortical dysconnectivity, and point to the possible development of nonpharmacological treatment alternatives for neuropsychiatric conditions.
New Age of Fishes initiated by the Cretaceous−Paleogene mass extinction
Authors: Sibert Elizabeth C. , Norris Richard D.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Ray-finned fishes are the most diverse and ecologically dominant group of vertebrates on the planet. Previous molecular phylogenies and paleontological studies have shown that modern ray-finned fishes (crown teleosts) radiated sometime in the Late Cretaceous or early Paleogene. Our data suggest that crown teleosts came into their current dominant ecological role in pelagic ecosystems immediately following the Cretaceous−Paleogene mass extinction 66 million years ago by filling newly vacated ecological niches and marking the beginning of an “age of ray-finned fishes.” Our study is, to our knowledge, the first geographically comprehensive, high-resolution study of marine vertebrate communities across the extinction.
Sex hormone-dependent tRNA halves enhance cell proliferation in breast and prostate cancers
Authors: Honda Shozo , Loher Phillipe , Shigematsu Megumi , Palazzo Juan P. , Suzuki Ryusuke , Imoto Issei , Rigoutsos Isidore , Kirino Yohei
Published: June 2015

Significance

Although transfer RNAs (tRNAs) are best known as adapter molecules essential for translation, recent biochemical and computational evidence has led to a previously unexpected conceptual consensus that tRNAs are not always end products but can further serve as a source of small functional RNAs. Here we report that a novel type of tRNA-derived small RNA, termed SHOT-RNAs, are specifically and abundantly expressed in sex hormone-dependent breast and prostate cancers. SHOT-RNAs are produced from aminoacylated mature tRNAs by angiogenin-mediated cleavage of the anticodon loop, which is promoted by sex hormones and their receptors. We identified the complete repertoire of SHOT-RNAs, and also found their functional significance in cell proliferation. These results have unveiled a novel tRNA-engaged pathway in tumorigenesis.
Pre- and postexposure efficacy of fully human antibodies against Spike protein in a novel humanized mouse model of MERS-CoV infection
Authors: Pascal Kristen E. , Coleman Christopher M. , Mujica Alejandro O. , Kamat Vishal , Badithe Ashok , Fairhurst Jeanette , Hunt Charleen , Strein John , Berrebi Alexander , Sisk Jeanne M. , Matthews Krystal L. , Babb Robert , Chen Gang , Lai Ka-Man V. , Huang Tammy T. , Olson William , Yancopoulos George D. , Stahl Neil , Frieman Matthew B. , Kyratsous Christos A.
Published: June 2015

Significance

Traditional approaches for development of antibodies are poorly suited to combating the emergence of novel pathogens, as they require multiple steps of laborious optimization and process adaptation for clinical development. Here, we describe the simultaneous use of two state-of-the-art technologies to rapidly generate and validate antibodies against Middle East Respiratory Syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), following a highly optimized process that links immunization to production of clinical material grade antibodies and developed promising clinical candidates for prophylaxis and treatment of MERS-CoV, and a humanized mouse model of infection that was used to evaluate our therapeutics. This study forms the basis for a rapid response to address the public threat resulting from emerging coronaviruses or other pathogens that pose a serious threat to human health in the future.
Antimicrobial activity of the synthesized non-allergenic urushiol derivatives
Authors: Cho Jeong-Yong , Park Keun Young , Kim Seon-Jae , Oh Sejong , Moon Jae-Hak
Published: June 2015

Synthesized urushiol derivatives possessing different carbon atomic length in the alkyl side chain inhibited the growth of food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms. Particularly, non-allergenic 3-pentylcatechol showed a broad antimicrobial spectrum on an agar plate. Most food spoilage and pathogenic microorganisms were sensitive to urushiol derivatives in the liquid culture. The morphologies of the microorganisms were changed after treatment of 3-pentylcatechol.
Lexical organization of language-ambiguous and language-specific words in bilinguals
Authors: Casaponsa Aina , Duñabeitia Jon Andoni
Published: June 2015

Previous research has shown the importance of sublexical orthographic cues in determining the language of a given word when the two languages of a bilingual reader share the same script. In this study, we explored the extent to which cross-language sublexical characteristics of words—measured in terms of bigram frequencies—constrain selective language activation during reading. In Experiment 1, we investigated the impact of language-nonspecific and language-specific orthography in letter detection using the Reicher–Wheeler paradigm in a seemingly monolingual experimental context. In Experiment 2, we used the masked translation priming paradigm in order to better characterize the role of sublexical language cues during lexical access in bilinguals. Results show that bilinguals are highly sensitive to statistical orthographic regularities of their languages and that the absence of such cues promotes language-nonspecific lexical access, whereas their presence partially reduces parallel language activation. We conclude that language coactivation in bilinguals is highly modulated by sublexical processing and that orthographic regularities of the two languages of a bilingual are a determining factor in lexical access.
Combining Kuhn and Jung: outlining a ‘step ladder model’ (SLM) for scientific discovery and paradigm shift research
Authors: Keenan Sam
Published: June 2015

This paper provides the outline of a ‘step ladder model’ (SLM) comprising 12 steps of scientific discovery making. It incorporates both a ‘leap-off point’ from Kuhn'sStructure of Scientific Revolutions, and ideas from Jungian psychology to reveal patterns in the way in which scientific discoveries are made, across 40 examples from the history of science. The current consensus is that these discoveries are accidental. This paper aims to provide a model for deliberately making dream-based scientific discoveries. The key to this model is intrapsychic patterns in how discoveries of this kind can be made. As these patterns become gradually clearer, greater understanding of the dream-based scientific discovery-making process can develop. Gradually as a collective endeavour, as the SLM develops, the dream-based scientific discovery process can by degrees become less accidental, and progressively more deliberate.
The ciliary transition zone functions in cell adhesion but is dispensable for axoneme assembly in C. elegans
Authors: Schouteden Clementine , Serwas Daniel , Palfy Mate , Dammermann Alexander
Published: June 2015

Cilia are cellular projections that perform sensory and motile functions. A key ciliary subdomain is the transition zone, which lies between basal body and axoneme. Previous work in Caenorhabditis elegans identified two ciliopathy-associated protein complexes or modules that direct assembly of transition zone Y-links. Here, we identify C. elegans CEP290 as a component of a third module required to form an inner scaffolding structure called the central cylinder. Co-inhibition of all three modules completely disrupted transition zone structure. Surprisingly, axoneme assembly was only mildly perturbed. However, dendrite extension by retrograde migration was strongly impaired, revealing an unexpected role for the transition zone in cell adhesion.
Polarizability of ultracold
molecules in the rovibrational ground state of
Authors: Deiß Markus , Drews Björn , Denschlag Johannes Hecker , Bouloufa-Maafa Nadia , Vexiau Romain , Dulieu Olivier
Published: June 2015

We study, both theoretically and experimentally, the dynamical polarizability

of

molecules in the rovibrational ground state of

. Taking all relevant excited molecular bound states into account, we compute the complex-valued polarizability

for wave numbers up to 20 000

. Our calculations are compared to experimental results at

(

) as well as at

(

). Here, we discuss the measurements at

. The ultracold Rb2 molecules are trapped in the lowest Bloch band of a 3D optical lattice. Their polarizability is determined by lattice modulation spectroscopy which measures the potential depth for a given light intensity. Moreover, we investigate the decay of molecules in the optical lattice, where lifetimes of more than

are observed. In addition, the dynamical polarizability for the

state is calculated. We provide simple analytical expressions that reproduce the numerical results for

for all vibrational levels of

as well as

. Precise knowledge of the molecular polarizability is essential for designing experiments with ultracold molecules as lifetimes and lattice depths are key parameters. Specifically the wavelength at

is of interest, since here, ultrastable high power lasers are available.
A Fourier analytic proof of the Blaschke-Santaló Inequality
Authors: Bianchi Gabriele , Kelly Michael
Published: June 2015

The Blaschke-Santaló Inequality is the assertion that the volume product of a centrally symmetric convex body in Euclidean space is maximized by (and only by) ellipsoids. In this paper we give a Fourier analytic proof of this fact.
Identification of a novel MKS locus defined byTMEM107mutation
Authors: Shaheen Ranad , Almoisheer Agaadir , Faqeih Eissa , Babay Zainab , Monies Dorota , Tassan Nada , Abouelhoda Mohamed , Kurdi Wesam , Al Mardawi Elham , Khalil Mohamed M.I. , Seidahmed Mohammed Zain , Alnemer Maha , Alsahan Nada , Sogaty Samira , Alhashem Amal , Singh Ankur , Goyal Manisha , Kapoor Seema , Alomar Rana , Ibrahim Niema , Alkuraya Fowzan S.
Published: June 2015

Meckel–Gruber syndrome (MKS) is a perinatally lethal disorder characterized by the triad of occipital encephalocele, polydactyly and polycystic kidneys. Typical of other disorders related to defective primary cilium (ciliopathies), MKS is genetically heterogeneous with mutations in a dozen genes to date known to cause the disease. In an ongoing effort to characterize MKS clinically and genetically, we implemented a gene panel and next-generation sequencing approach to identify the causal mutation in 25 MKS families. Of the three families that did not harbor an identifiable causal mutation by this approach, two mapped to a novel disease locus in which whole-exome sequencing revealed the likely causal mutation as a homozygous splicing variant in TMEM107, which we confirm leads to aberrant splicing and nonsense-mediated decay. TMEM107 had been independently identified in two mouse models as a cilia-related protein and mutant mice display typical ciliopathy phenotypes. Our analysis of patient fibroblasts shows marked ciliogenesis defect with an accompanying perturbation of sonic hedgehog signaling, highly concordant with the cellular phenotype in Tmem107 mutants. This study shows that known MKS loci account for the overwhelming majority of MKS cases but additional loci exist including MKS13 caused by TMEM107 mutation.
Locally covariant quantum field theory and the problem of formulating the same physics in all space–times
Authors: Fewster Christopher J.
Published: June 2015

The framework of locally covariant quantum field theory is discussed, motivated in part using ‘ignorance principles’. It is shown how theories can be represented by suitable functors, so that physical equivalence of theories may be expressed via natural isomorphisms between the corresponding functors. The inhomogeneous scalar field is used to illustrate the ideas. It is argued that there are two reasonable definitions of the local physical content associated with a locally covariant theory; when these coincide, the theory is said to be dynamically local. The status of the dynamical locality condition is reviewed, as are its applications in relation to (i) the foundational question of what it means for a theory to represent the same physics in different space–times and (ii) a no-go result on the existence of natural states.
Quantum theory with bold operator tensors
Authors: Hardy Lucien
Published: June 2015

In this paper, we present a formulation of quantum theory in terms of
bold operator tensors
. A circuit is built up of operations where an operation corresponds to a use of an apparatus. We associate collections of operator tensors (which together comprise a bold operator) with these apparatus uses. We give rules for combining bold operator tensors such that, for a circuit, they give a probability distribution over the possible outcomes. If we impose certain physicality constraints on the bold operator tensors, then we get exactly the quantum formalism. We provide both symbolic and diagrammatic ways to represent these calculations. This approach is manifestly covariant in that it does not require us to foliate the circuit into time steps and then evolve a state. Thus, the approach forms a natural starting point for an operational approach to quantum field theory.
High-resolution crystal structures of the solubilized domain of porcine cytochromeb5
Authors: Hirano Yu , Kimura Shigenobu , Tamada Taro
Published: June 2015

Mammalian microsomal cytochromeb5has multiple electron-transfer partners that function in various electron-transfer reactions. Four crystal structures of the solubilized haem-binding domain of cytochromeb5from porcine liver were determined at sub-angstrom resolution (0.76–0.95 Å) in two crystal forms for both the oxidized and reduced states. The high-resolution structures clearly displayed the electron density of H atoms in some amino-acid residues. Unrestrained refinement of bond lengths revealed that the protonation states of the haem propionate group may be involved in regulation of the haem redox properties. The haem Fe coordination geometry did not show significant differences between the oxidized and reduced structures. However, structural differences between the oxidized and reduced states were observed in the hydrogen-bond network around the axial ligand His68. The hydrogen-bond network could be involved in regulating the redox states of the haem group.
SEC Muni enforcement chief offers her views on Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation initiative (MCDC)
Authors: Goldberger M. Norman , Grugan John C. , Patterson Bradley D. , Rhodes William C. , Stanley Tesia N.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To explain the current status of the SEC’s year-old Municipalities Continuing Disclosure Cooperation (MCDC) initiative, which encourages municipal securities issuers, borrowers, and underwriters to self-report possible securities law violations related to inaccurate representations in offering documents concerning an issuer’s prior continuing disclosure compliance.

Design/methodology/approach

– Discusses the purpose of the MCDC, recent remarks by the chief of the SEC’s Municipal Securities and Public Pensions Unit, the SEC’s first cease-and-desist order, and the independent consultant compliance review required by MCDC settlement terms. Recommends how an MCDC self-reporter should respond to a call from the SEC.

Findings

– Thus far, the SEC has provided little detail regarding the MCDC enforcement process. Members of the SEC enforcement staff have said that underwriter MCDC cease-and-desist orders will be announced in the “coming months” and that issuers will not be named in these enforcement actions.

Originality/value

– Practical guidance from experienced financial services lawyers.
SEC issues cybersecurity exam observations
Authors: Kuhlman Richard , Kempf Jason
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To summarize and comment on a Risk Alert issued on February 3, 2015 by the SEC’s Office of Compliance Inspections and Examinations (OCIE) to summarize its findings following examination of the preparedness of 57 broker-dealers and 49 investment advisory firms to address legal, regulatory and compliance challenges related to cybersecurity.

Design/methodology/approach

– Comments on the meaning of the Risk Alert and summarizes OCIE’s exam observations.

Findings

– These examinations grew out of the SEC’s Cybersecurity Examination Initiative which began last year. Cybersecurity is an Exam Priority for the SEC in 2015. Perhaps most reflective of the magnitude of this particular issue, 88 per cent of the broker-dealers and 74 per cent of the examined advisers reported that they have been the subject of a cyber-related incident.

Originality/value

– Expert guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
2014 FINRA analysis: a blockbuster year for fines
Authors: Rubin Brian , McCormick Andrew M.
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– To analyze the cases and sanctions FINRA reported in 2014 and prior years to evaluate what issues may be important for broker-dealers and their representatives in the future.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article discusses the overall statistics for cases reported by FINRA in 2014 and then focuses on the top enforcement issues for FINRA and some of the key cases. All of this analysis includes a comparison to enforcement statistics from prior years to help identify potential trends.

Findings

– This article concludes that 2014 was a blockbuster year for FINRA as the fines imposed by the regulator increased by 125 per cent. This article also finds that while FINRA is still focusing on many of the same issues as before, including advertising and trade reporting, other issues, such as anti-money laundering, received a significant spike in attention in 2014.

Originality/value

– This article contains valuable information about recent FINRA enforcement activity and practical guidance from experienced securities lawyers.
Student-centred approach to teaching large classes: friend or foe?
Authors: Kirstein Marina , Kunz Rolien
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to report on the development and implementation of two student-centred teaching approaches, not usually thought to be appropriate for large group situations. These projects involved adapting teaching methods to facilitate a move away from the conventional lecturer-centred approach (the “chalk-and-talk” of earlier generations) and to respond to an environment challenged by the perpetually changing requirements of professional bodies, increasingly large classes and high student-staff ratios.

Design/methodology/approach

– Two student-centred projects were implemented at a South African residential university in the discipline of auditing, and the topic of general controls in the information technology (IT) environment was addressed. This study reports on two cycles of the development and implementation of the projects following an action research methodology.

Findings

– It was found that “non-standard” teaching practices can be implemented successfully and that active student involvement, even in a large class environment, is achievable and is therefore recommended, not least because this could positively impact on students’ overall skills development. The action research methodology was successfully used to incorporate changes, enforced by the challenges accounting academics are faced with.

Research limitations/implications

– Limitations associated with this study are that it was conducted at only one South African university, and that it was in a specific and technical topic within the single field of auditing. The study also did not measure whether deep or surface learning had taken place. As various factors contribute to learning, it was also not possible to report on whether positive changes to students’ normal learning processes have been achieved as a result of the initiatives.

Originality/value

– The contribution this study makes is twofold. First, it adds to the field of accounting education research by indicating that student-centred projects can successfully address the abovementioned challenges faced by accounting academics. Second, it demonstrates that action research, as a methodology for examining and developing accounting education, can be used effectively by academics to improve their teaching practices.
The frontiers of auditing research
Authors: Hay David
Published: June 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to examine issues at the frontiers of auditing research. After the global financial crisis and the earlier round of reforms, there are many opportunities for research, some driven by current proposals for reforms and some by fundamental research issues. Research can contribute to the development of policy in response to current issues. Research can also be valuable in exploring issues raised in past research.

Design/methodology/approach

– Issues that are currently of concern to regulators and for which research would be of value are reviewed, together with fundamental issues arising from previous research.

Findings

– The introduction of independent regulation, increasing levels of globalization and increased attention to research by regulatory bodies have drawn attention to some research issues, especially auditors providing non-audit services, rotation of audit firms, joint audits and ways to provide increased competition. In addition, there are a number of areas in which there seems to be an obvious need for auditing research, but surprisingly little research is being done. These topics include the impact of higher-quality auditing in developing economies, and assurance for other entities such as charities and small companies. As more attention is now being given to auditing research, there are opportunities in established areas of research as well.

Originality/value

– Research is starting to make a contribution in policy making with relation to auditing, but there is still a need for much more research. The paper provides guidance on areas where further research will be valuable.
Deconstructing and developing the attitudes of primary school readers
Authors: Ortileb Evan
Published: June 2015

Improving student attitudes toward reading remains of particular concern to elementary school teachers. The development of students' demeanour toward reading is as important, if not more so, than skill enhancement. Unless reading attitudes are maintained and even bolstered, content instruction will not always reach the learner, nor will students use reading as an independent learning tool. Categorising attitudes is much more dynamic than grouping by those who like or dislike reading. Through discovery‐oriented, naturalistic inquiry, data were collected and analysed, resulting in emergent themes of student attitudes toward reading. This article will discuss six clusters of reading attitudes/behaviours found in elementary schools, and provide practical teacher tips to be used for reading development with each type of learner.
The effects of choice in the classroom: Is there too little or too much choice?
Authors: Beymer Patrick N. , Thomson Margareta Maria
Published: June 2015

Motivation is a subject that is constantly discussed in the field of education. Teachers are taught not only to teach their students, but to motivate them to want to learn. As students get older, intrinsic motivation tends to decrease; therefore it becomes more difficult for teachers to motivate students (Ryan and Deci, 2000a). According to self‐determination theory (Ryan and Deci, 2000a, 2000b), students' needs for autonomy, competence and relatedness must be met in order to experience positive social development and growth. When these needs are met, students experience high levels of self‐motivation. Offering choice in the classroom is one way to increase student motivation by appealing to students' needs for autonomy and competence. In the fields of marketing, economics and social psychology, decision‐making research is examined as a way to shape consumers' preferences. This literature review will aim to utilise and possibly translate some of these findings to an educational setting. By examining the aspect of choice in separate fields, it can be seen that there is still much to be researched in the field of education. Recommendations for future research on choice in the field of education are made.
Camphor Tree Seed Kernel Oil Reduces Body Fat Deposition and Improves Blood Lipids in Rats
Authors: Fu Jing , Wang Baogui , Gong Deming , Zeng Cheng , Jiang Yihao , Zeng Zheling
Published: June 2015

The total and positional fatty acid composition in camphor tree (Cinnamomum camphora) seed kernel oil (CKO) were analyzed, and for the first time, the effect of CKO on body fat deposition and blood lipids in rats was studied. The major fatty acids in CKO were determined to be decanoic acid (C10:0, 51.49%) and dodecanoic acid (C12:0, 40.08%), and uniformly distributed at Sn‐1, 3, and Sn‐2 positions in triglyceride (TG). Rats were randomly divided into control, CKO, lard, and soybean oil groups. At the end of the experiment, levels of blood lipids and the fats of abdomen in the rats were measured. The main organ were weighted and used for the histological examination. The results showed that body weight and fat deposition in CKO group were significantly lower than the lard and soybean groups. Moderate consumption of CKO was found to improve the levels of blood TG and low density lipoprotein cholesterol.
Characterization of Osmotolerant Yeasts and Yeast‐Like Molds from Apple Orchards and Apple Juice Processing Plants in China and Investigation of Their Spoilage Potential
Authors: Wang Huxuan , Hu Zhongqiu , Long Fangyu , Niu Chen , Yuan Yahong , Yue Tianli
Published: June 2015

Yeasts and yeast‐like fungal isolates were recovered from apple orchards and apple juice processing plants located in the Shaanxi province of China. The strains were evaluated for osmotolerance by growing them in 50% (w/v) glucose. Of the strains tested, 66 were positive for osmotolerance and were subsequently identified by 26S or 5.8S‐ITS ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene sequencing. Physiological tests and RAPD‐PCR analysis were performed to reveal the polymorphism of isolates belonging to the same species. Further, the spoilage potential of the 66 isolates was determining by evaluating their growth in 50% to 70% (w/v) glucose and measuring gas generation in 50% (w/v) glucose. Thirteen osmotolerant isolates representing 9 species were obtained from 10 apple orchards and 53 target isolates representing 19 species were recovered from 2 apple juice processing plants. In total, members of 14 genera and 23 species of osmotolerant isolates including yeast‐like molds were recovered from all sources. The commonly recovered osmotolerant isolates belonged to Kluyveromyces marxianus, Hanseniaspora uvarum, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Candida tropicalis, and Pichia kudriavzevii. The polymorphism of isolates belonging to the same species was limited to 1 to 3 biotypes. The majority of species were capable of growing within a range of glucose concentration, similar to sugar concentrations found in apple juice products with a lag phase from 96 to 192 h. Overall, Z. rouxii was particularly the most tolerant to high glucose concentration with the shortest lag phase of 48 h in 70% (w/v) glucose and the fastest gas generation rate in 50% (w/v) glucose.
Spontaneous generation of functional osteoclasts from synovial fluid mononuclear cells as a model of inflammatory osteoclastogenesis
Authors: Greisen Stinne R. , Einarsson Halldór Bjarki , Hvid Malene , Hauge Ellen‐Margrethe , Deleuran Bent , Kragstrup Tue Wenzel
Published: June 2015

In osteoimmunology, osteoclastogenesis is understood in the context of the immune system. Today, the in vitro model for osteoclastogenesis necessitates the addition of recombinant human receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa‐B ligand (RANKL) and macrophage colony‐stimulating factor (M‐CSF). The peripheral joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA) are characterized by an immune‐mediated inflammation that can lead to bone destruction. Here, we evaluate spontaneous in vitro osteoclastogenesis in cultures of synovial fluid mononuclear cells (SFMCs) activated only in vivo. SFMCs were isolated and cultured for 21 days at 0.5–1.0 × 106 cells/mL in culture medium. SFMCs and healthy control peripheral blood monocytes were cultured with RANKL and M‐CSF as controls. Tartrate‐resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) positive multinucleated cells were found in the SFMC cultures after 21 days. These cells expressed the osteoclast genes calcitonin receptor, cathepsin K, and integrin β3, formed lacunae on dentin plates and secreted matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and TRAP. Adding RANKL and M‐CSF potentiated this secretion. In conclusion, we show that SFMCs from inflamed peripheral joints can spontaneously develop into functionally active osteoclasts ex vivo. Our study provides a simple in vitro model for studying inflammatory osteoclastogenesis.
Association between the polymorphism of C861G (rs6296) in the serotonin 1B receptor gene and Tourette syndrome in Han Chinese people
Authors: Yi Mingji , Zhang Ying , Wang Yujie , Su Nailun , Liu Shiguo
Published: June 2015

Introduction

Clinical, neuroimaging and other studies provided evidence that the dysfunction of the serotonin neurotransmitter system were found in Tourette syndrome (TS). This study is to explore the association between the polymorphism of C861G (rs6296) in HTR1B and TS in Han Chinese people.

Methods

Two hundred ninety‐nine TS patients (260 TS trios and 39 TS patients) and 388 healthy controls were collected. The genotype of HTR1B C861G was detected using Taqman probes. The case‐control study and family‐based study was used separately to study association between HTR1B C861G and TS in Han Chinese people.

Results

In case‐control study, no statistically significant difference was found in the distribution of HTR1B C861G polymorphism between TS patients and controls (for genotype: χ2 = 3.408, P = 0.182; for allele: χ2 = 0.395, P = 0.530, OR = 0.934, 95%CI: 0.754–1.156). In family‐based study, we observed nonsignificant over‐transmission of the G861 allele in HTR1B to TS offspring using the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT), haplotype relative risk (HRR) and haplotype‐based HRR (HHRR) (TDT χ2 = 0.410, P = 0.560; HRR = 1.151, χ2 = 0.421, P = 0.517, 95% CI: 0.753–1.759; HHRR = 0.919, χ2 = 0.467, P = 0.495, 95%CI: 0.720–1.172).

Discussion

Our study suggested that the polymorphism of HTR1B C861G is not a risk factor for TS in Han Chinese population. However, the result should be replicated in larger sample and different population.
Island city formation and urban island studies
Authors: Grydehøj Adam
Published: June 2015

Regional, national and global cities are disproportionately located on small islands and archipelagos. The ‘spatial turn’ within island and urban geography increasingly privileges abstract notions of space, yet the prevalence of big cities on small islands suggests that sensitivity to place‐specific spatial factors is necessary if we are to understand both islands and the urban. Whereas previous studies of island cities have tended to underplay the effect of either the island or the urban, the present paper advocates an urban island studies that seeks to explain why islands and cities are so strongly associated. The paper argues that benefits of island spatiality encourage the establishment of seats of government and trading posts on small islands: Territoriality benefits assist political and economic elites in maintaining local authority and projecting power outwards, defence benefits help protect local powerholders from external military threat and transport benefits make strategically located small islands ideal sites for port industries. Land scarcity caused by island spatiality subsequently leads to urban densification and powerful agglomeration economies, resulting in the formation and growth of island cities. Examples from island cities and urban archipelagos such as Copenhagen, Guangzhou, Hong Kong, Lagos, Macau, Mexico City, Mumbai, New York City, Paris, Tokyo and Zhoushan demonstrate that urbanisation and city formation occur in place as well as in space. Orienting toward urban island studies provides insight into both island and urban processes.
Linking sedimentation rates and large‐scale architecture for facies prediction in nonmarine basins (Paleogene, Almazán Basin, Spain)
Authors: Valero Luis , Huerta Pedro , Garcés Miguel , Armenteros Ildefonso , Beamud Elisabet , Gómez‐Paccard Miriam
Published: June 2015

This article focuses on the relationships between the large‐scale stratigraphic architecture of the Almazán basin infill and the sedimentation rates (SR) calculated for precise time intervals. Our aim was to improve the understanding of the timing and causes of the architectural changes, their significance in terms of accommodation space and sediment supply and their relationship with climate and tectonics. The study area includes the Gómara fluvial fan, the main sediment transfer system of the Almazán basin during Paleogene times. Its large‐scale architecture shifted through time between a stacking pattern of low density ribbon‐like and high density sheet‐like channel fills. Laterally to the fluvial system, mudstone and evaporitic mudstone units represented evaporitic mudflats which passed laterally into palustrine/lacustrine limestone units interpreted as lakes and ponds. Stacked calcretes occurred in distal alluvial and distal floodplain settings. A magnetostratigraphy encompassing 2600 m guided by available fossil mammal biochronology has provided a temporal framework that spans the complete Paleogene infill of the basin, from Late Lutetian to Late Oligocene, filling a gap in the Cenozoic chronostratigraphy of Spanish basins. This permits to constrain the kinematics of the structures both in the basin and in its margins, and to provide the timing for the depositional sequences. These data, combined with a magnetostratigraphic map, where magnetic reversals were traced through the Gómara monocline, allow a detailed analysis of the SR variability across the fluvial system and its adjacent depositional environments. The results show that high sedimentation rates (around 30–40 cm kyr−1) are related to fluvial environments with low density ribbon‐shaped channels, while low SR (around or below 10 cm kyr−1) are related to high density sheet‐like channels. Laterally, mud dominated environments with high SR (15–20 cm kyr−1) grade into palustrine/lacustrine carbonated environments with low SR (around 9 cm ky−1). The lowest SR (about 3 cm kyr−1) are related to the development of stacked calcrete profiles in distal floodplain and in the connection of distal alluvial and palustrine/lacustrine units.
Haptoglobin genotype is associated with increased endothelial dysfunction serum markers in type 1 diabetes
Authors: Llauradó Gemma , Gutiérrez Cristina , Giménez‐Palop Olga , Cano Albert , Pareja Rocío , Berlanga Escalera Eugenio , González‐Sastre Montse , Vendrell Joan , González‐Clemente José‐Miguel
Published: June 2015

Background

To evaluate the genotype‐driven effect of haptoglobin (Hp) in patients with type 1 diabetes without clinical cardiovascular (CV) disease, considering endothelial dysfunction (ED) and arterial stiffness (AS).

Material and methods

About 137 patients with type 1 diabetes (duration ≥ 5 years) and 68 age‐ and sex‐matched controls were evaluated for the following: (i) smoking, alcohol intake, BMI, blood pressure, fasting plasma glucose, HbA1c and lipid profile; (ii) microvascular complications; (iii) serum markers of ED (ICAM‐1, VCAM‐1 and E‐selectin); (iv) AS, assessed as aortic pulse wave velocity (aPWV); and (v) Hp genotype.

Results

The prevalence of the 1/1, 2/1 and 2/2 Hp genotypes was 28·5%, 46·7% and 24·8% in patients with type 1 diabetes and 20·9%, 38·8% and 40·3% in controls, respectively. No differences were found in classical CV risk factors between patients homozygous for allele 2 and the remaining genotypes, both in patients with type 1 diabetes and controls. Patients with type 1 diabetes carrying the Hp2/2 genotype had higher concentrations of ICAM‐1 (65·1 (56·7–76·0) ng/mL vs. 59·0 (51·7–69·3) ng/mL; P = 0·033) and sVCAM‐1 (1133·1 (884·6–1458·6) ng/mL vs. 956·4 (738·5–1206·1) ng/mL; P = 0·040) than those without it. The Hp2/2 genotype remained independently associated with ED after adjusting for CV risk factors (P = 0·038). No significant differences were found for aPWV between Hp genotypes.

Conclusions

Endothelial dysfunction may be influenced by Hp2/2 genotype in patients with type 1 diabetes with independence of classical CV risk factors.
hCAS/CSE1L regulates RAD51 distribution and focus formation for homologous recombinational repair
Authors: Okimoto Satoshi , Sun Jiying , Fukuto Atsuhiko , Horikoshi Yasunori , Matsuda Shun , Matsuda Tomonari , Ikura Masae , Ikura Tsuyoshi , Machida Shinichi , Kurumizaka Hitoshi , Miyamoto Yoichi , Oka Masahiro , Yoneda Yoshihiro , Kiuchi Yoshiaki , Tashiro Satoshi
Published: June 2015

Homologous recombinational repair (HR) is one of the major repair systems for DNA double‐strand breaks. RAD51 is a key molecule in HR, and the RAD51 concentration in the cell nucleus increases after DNA damage induction. However, the mechanism that regulates the intracellular distribution of RAD51 is still unclear. Here, we show that hCAS/CSE1L associates with RAD51 in human cells. We found that hCAS/CSE1L negatively regulates the nuclear protein level of RAD51 under normal conditions. hCAS/CSE1L is also required to repress the DNA damage‐induced focus formation of RAD51. Moreover, we show that hCAS/CSE1L plays roles in the regulation of the HR activity and in chromosome stability. These findings suggest that hCAS/CSE1L is responsible for controlling the HR activity by directly interacting with RAD51.