bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-charge energetic ions generated by intersecting laser pulses
Authors: Yang L. , Deng Z. G. , Yu M. Y. , Wang X. G.
Published: August 2016

Ion acceleration from the interaction of two intersecting intense laser pulses with an overdense plasma is investigated using a three-dimensional particle-in-cell simulation. It is found that, comparing with the single-pulse case, the charge of the resulting energetic ion bunch can be increased by more than an order of magnitude without much loss of quality. Dependence of the ion charge on the interaction parameters, including separation distance and incidence angles of the lasers, is considered. It is shown that the charge of the accelerated ion bunch can be optimized by controlling the degree of laser overlapping. The improved performance can be attributed to the enhanced laser intensity as well as stochastic heating of the accelerated electrons. Since at present the intensity of readily available lasers is limited, the two pulse scheme should be useful for realizing higher laser intensity in order to achieve higher-energy target normal sheath acceleration ions.
Influence of external magnetic field on laser-induced gold nanoparticles fragmentation
Authors: Serkov A. A. , Rakov I. I. , Simakin A. V. , Kuzmin P. G. , Shafeev G. A. , Mikhailova G. N. , Antonova L. Kh. , Troitskii A. V. , Kuzmin G. P.
Published: August 2016

Laser-assisted fragmentation is an efficient method of the nanoparticles size and morphology control. However, its exact mechanisms are still under consideration. One of the remaining problems is the plasma formation, inevitably occurring upon the high intensity laser irradiation. In this Letter, the role of the laser-induced plasma is studied via introduction of high-intensity external magnetic field (up to 7.5 T). Its presence is found to cause the plasma emission to start earlier regarding to a laser pulse, also increasing the plume luminosity. Under these conditions, the acceleration of nanoparticles fragmentation down to a few nanometers is observed. Laser-induced plasma interaction with magnetic field and consequent energy transfer from plasma to nanoparticles are discussed.
Pressure induced Ag2Te polymorphs in conjunction with topological non trivial to metal transition
Authors: Zhu J. , Oganov A. R. , Feng W. X. , Yao Y. G. , Zhang S. J. , Yu X. H. , Zhu J. L. , Yu R. C. , Jin C. Q. , Dai X. , Fang Z. , Zhao Y. S.
Published: August 2016

Silver telluride (Ag2Te) is well known as superionic conductor and topological insulator with polymorphs. Pressure induced three phase transitions in Ag2Te have been reported in previous. Here, we experimentally identified high pressure phase above 13 GPa of Ag2Te by using high pressure synchrotron x ray diffraction method in combination with evolutionary crystal structure prediction, showing it crystallizes into a monoclinic structure of space group C2/m with lattice parameters a = 6.081Å, b = 5.744Å, c = 6.797 Å, β = 105.53°. The electronic properties measurements of Ag2Te reveal that the topologically non-trivial semiconducting phase I and semimetallic phase II previously predicated by theory transformed into bulk metals for high pressure phases in consistent with the first principles calculations.
Fishers' and scientific histories: an example of consensus from an inland fishery
Authors: Strieder Philippsen Juliana , Minte-Vera Carolina Viviana , Okada Edson Kiyoshi , Carvalho Adriana Rosa , Angelini Ronaldo
Published: August 2016

In this study we tested the basic premise that fishers’ knowledge provides similar perceptions about exploited stocks to data gathered by standardised monitoring in a small-scale commercial fishery. To that end, we compared temporal trends in catch and individual size for fish species between data obtained from interviews with fishers and a 25-year dataset from a landing monitoring program in the Itaipu Reservoir (Brazil). Fishers described with accuracy changes in species composition of the catches, from large migratory species of high commercial value (common before impoundment) to migratory species of low commercial value and sedentary species following damming. Temporal trends in catches reported by fishers and documented in the landing data matched for most species. Histories diverge when absolute values are involved, such as when fishers were asked to recall their largest catch. Fishers were homogeneous in their reports, indicating that instead of individual opinions, they revealed knowledge resulting from their observation and fishery experience. Fishers can be a reliable source of information for detecting changes in catches over time, especially when large-scale habitat changes have occurred within the time scale of a fisher career. Fishers may be key partners to be considered by managers in information gathering for effective management.
Wavy membranes and the growth rate of a planar chemical garden: Enhanced diffusion and bioenergetics
Authors: Ding Yang , Batista Bruno , Steinbock Oliver , Cartwright Julyan H. E. , Cardoso Silvana S. S.
Published: August 2016

Significance

In hydrothermal vents on the ocean floor, precipitation membranes grow at the boundary between seawater and mineral-rich liquid flowing out of the vent. Such membranes are increasingly viewed as having played a vital role in the emergence of life on Earth, but their bioenergetics is unclear. Here, we present a laboratory and theoretical study that quantifies ionic transport across an analog membrane. We demonstrate that flow over a growing, wavy-membrane topography enhances diffusive transport across its surface. This enhanced diffusion helps to explain the “leakiness” present in early protocells from chemical gardens. More generally, the work is of interest in fluid-flow control via surface topography, and the opposite: predesigned flow perturbations to shape membrane formation, in biology, chemistry, and physics.
A putative adenosine kinase family protein possesses adenosine diphosphatase activity
Authors: Tomoike Fumiaki , Tsunetou Akiko , Kim Kwang , Nakagawa Noriko , Kuramitsu Seiki , Masui Ryoji
Published: August 2016

Adenosine kinase is a potential target for development of new types of drugs. The COG1839 family has been defined as “adenosine-specific kinase” family based on structural analysis and the adenosine-binding ability of a family member, PAE2307. However, there has been no experimental evidence with regard to the enzymatic function of this protein family. Here we measured the enzymatic activity of TTHA1091, a COG1839 family protein from Thermus thermophilus HB8. The phosphorylation of adenosine by TTHA1091 was undetectable when ATP or ADP were used as phosphate donor. However, the degradation of ADP to AMP was detected, indicating that this protein possessed adenosine diphosphatase (ADPase) activity. The (ADPase) activity was inhibited by divalent cations and was specific to ADP and CDP. Thus, this study provides the first experimental evidence for the enzymatic function of the “adenosine-specific kinase” family and suggests a need to reexamine its functional annotation.
Intercontinental-wide consequences of compromise-breaking adaptations: the case of desert rodents
Authors: Kotler Burt P. , Brown Joel S. , Bleicher Sonny S. , Embar Keren
Published: August 2016

Desert rodent assemblages from around the world provide convergent, but independent crucibles for testing theory and deducing general ecological principles. The heteromyid rodents of North America and the gerbils of the Middle East and their predators provide such an example. Both sets of rodents face predation from owls and vipers, but the North American species possess unique traits that may represent macroevolutionary breakthroughs: rattlesnakes have infra-red sensitive sensory pits, and heteromyids have cheek pouches. To test their significance, we brought together two gerbils (Middle East), two heteromyid rodents (a kangaroo rat and a pocket mouse; North America) in a common setting (a vivarium in the Negev Desert), and quantified the “opinions” of the rodents towards the North American sidewinder rattlesnake and the Middle Eastern Saharan horned viper and the foraging behavior of each in the face of these snake predators plus owl predators. Gerbils are fairly evenly matched in their anti-predator abilities, while the heteromyids differ widely, and these seem to match well with and may determine the types of mechanisms of species coexistence that operate in the communities of each continent. Evolutionary history, macroevolutionary traits, and risk management therefore combine to determine the characteristics of the organisms and the organization of their communities.
Order Information in Verbal Working Memory Shifts the Subjective Midpoint in Both the Line Bisection and the Landmark Tasks
Authors: Antoine Sophie , Ranzini Mariagrazia , Gebuis Titia , van Dijck Jean-Philippe , Gevers Wim
Published: August 2016

A largely substantiated view in the domain of working memory is that the maintenance of serial order is achieved by generating associations of each item with an independent representation of its position, so-called position markers. Recent studies reported that the ordinal position of an item in verbal working memory interacts with spatial processing. This suggests that position markers might be spatial in nature. However, these interactions were so far observed in tasks implying a clear binary categorization of space (i.e., with left and right responses or targets). Such binary categorizations leave room for alternative interpretations, such as congruency between non-spatial categorical codes for ordinal position (e.g., begin and end) and spatial categorical codes for response (e.g., left and right). Here we discard this interpretation by providing evidence that this interaction can also be observed in a task that draws upon a continuous processing of space, the line bisection task. Specifically, bisections are modulated by ordinal position in verbal working memory, with lines bisected more towards the right after retrieving items from the end compared to the beginning of the memorized sequence. This supports the idea that position markers are intrinsically spatial in nature.
Zariski decompositions of numerical cycle classes
Authors: Fulger Mihai , Lehmann Brian
Published: August 2016

We construct a Zariski decomposition for cycle classes of arbitrary codimension. This decomposition is an analogue of well-known constructions for divisors. Examples illustrate how Zariski decompositions of cycle classes reflect the geometry of the underlying space. We also analyze the birational behavior of Zariski decompositions, leading to a Fujita approximation-type result for curve classes.
Modeling and testing maternal and newborn care mHealth interventions: a pilot impact evaluation and follow-up qualitative study in Guatemala
Authors: Prieto José Tomás , Zuleta Clara , Rodríguez Jorge Tulio
Published: July 2016

Objective: To develop a descriptive model of structural characteristics of mHealth in the context of newborn nutrition, and to assess the effects of illustrative interventions through a mixed-methods study consisting of an impact evaluation and a qualitative assessment.

Materials and Methods: We conducted a 23-week intervention with 100 mothers in rural Guatemala in 2013 and 2014. In group 1 (n = 24), participants received health-promoting text messages. In group 2 (n = 32), peer-to-peer groups were formed. In group 3 (n = 30), peer-to-peer groups were formed, a health professional participated in the discussions, and participants received health-promoting messages. In the control group (n = 14), participants were simply given a mobile phone. We measured changes in knowledge and self-reported behavior. Four focus groups in 2015 showed the perceptions of 44 additional women and the potential of the previously tested interventions in other marginalized areas.

Results: Significant relationships were found between group membership and changes in knowledge (P < .001), and between changes in knowledge and self-reported behavior (P = .010). Within peer-to-peer groups, 3665 text messages were shared; discussions covered topics such as breastfeeding practices, health concerns, and emotional issues. Focus groups revealed a deficit of support for mothers, a precariousness of public services, different cultural barriers affecting access to care, and the potential for scaling up.

Discussion: The complementarity of structural arrangements of mHealth interventions can play an important role in helping to encourage recommended breastfeeding attitudes along with providing rich information about challenges in rural areas.

Conclusion: A mixed-methods study was appropriate to compare the effects and assess the potential of mHealth strategies in a complex rural setting.
Successful Treatment of Disseminated Anncaliia algerae Microsporidial Infection With Combination Fumagillin and Albendazole
Authors: Boileau Mélissa , Ferreira José , Ahmad Imran , Lavallée Christian , Qvarnstrom Yvonne , Dufresne Simon F.
Published: July 2016

Anncaliia algerae myositis is a life-threatening, emerging microsporidiosis among immunocompromised hosts. We report a case of disseminated A algerae infection in a man previously treated with alemtuzumab. Due to failure of albendazole-based therapy, fumagillin was added as a novel approach to management, with a good clinical response and patient survival.
David Hunter Hubel. 27 February 1926 — 22 September 2013
Authors: Wurtz Robert H.
Published: August 2016

David Hunter Hubel was one of the great neuroscientists of the twentieth century. His experiments revolutionized our understanding of the brain mechanisms underlying vision. His 25-year collaboration with Torsten N. Wiesel revealed the beautifully ordered activity of single neurons in the visual cortex, how innate and learned factors shape its development, and how these neurons might be assembled to ultimately produce vision. Their work ushered in the current era of analyses of neurons at multiple levels of the cerebral cortex that seek to parse out the functional brain circuits underlying behaviour. For these achievements, Hubel and Wiesel, along with Roger W. Sperry, shared the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine in 1981.
Anisotropic linear elastic parameter estimation using error in the constitutive equation functional
Authors: Guchhait Shyamal , Banerjee Biswanath
Published: August 2016

A modified error in the constitutive equation-based approach for identification of heterogeneous and linear anisotropic elastic parameters involving static measurements is proposed and explored. Following an alternating minimization procedure associated with the underlying optimization problem, the new strategy results in an explicit material parameter update formula for general anisotropic material. This immediately allows us to derive the necessary constraints on measured data and thus restrictions on physical experimentation to achieve the desired reconstruction. We consider a few common materials to derive such conditions. Then, we exploit the invariant relationships of the anisotropic constitutive tensor to propose an identification procedure for space-dependent material orientations. Finally, we assess the numerical efficacy of the developed tools against a few parameter identification problems of engineering interest.
Dispersal propensity, but not flight performance, explains variation in dispersal ability
Authors: Steyn Vernon M. , Mitchell Katherine A. , Terblanche John S.
Published: August 2016

Enhanced dispersal ability may lead to accelerated range expansion and increased rates of population establishment, thereby affecting population genetic structure and evolutionary potential. Morphological, behavioural and physiological traits that characterize dispersive individuals from residents are poorly understood for many invertebrate systems, especially in non-polymorphic pterygote species. Here we examined phenotypic differences between dispersal-prone and philopatric individuals from repeated mark-release-recapture (MRR) experiments using an invasive agricultural pest,Ceratitis capitata. Comprehensive morphometric assessment and subsequent minimal adequate modelling using an information theoretic approach identified thorax mass : body mass ratio as a key predictor of disperser flies under semi-natural conditions. Performance differences in flight ability were then examined under controlled laboratory conditions to assess whether greater thorax mass : body mass ratio was associated with enhanced flight ability. The larger thorax : body mass ratio was associated with measurable differences in mean flight duration, most predominantly in males, and also by their willingness to disperse, scored as the number and duration of voluntary flights. No other measures of whole-animal flight performance (e.g. mean and peak vertical force, total or maximum flight duration) differed. Variation in voluntary behaviour may result in significant alterations of movement behaviour and realized dispersal in nature. This phenomenon may help explain intraspecific variation in the dispersal ability of insects.
Pigmented anatomy in Carboniferous cyclostomes and the evolution of the vertebrate eye
Authors: Gabbott Sarah E. , Donoghue Philip C. J. , Sansom Robert S. , Vinther Jakob , Dolocan Andrei , Purnell Mark A.
Published: August 2016

The success of vertebrates is linked to the evolution of a camera-style eye and sophisticated visual system. In the absence of useful data from fossils, scenarios for evolutionary assembly of the vertebrate eye have been based necessarily on evidence from development, molecular genetics and comparative anatomy in living vertebrates. Unfortunately, steps in the transition from a light-sensitive ‘eye spot’ in invertebrate chordates to an image-forming camera-style eye in jawed vertebrates are constrained only by hagfish and lampreys (cyclostomes), which are interpreted to reflect either an intermediate or degenerate condition. Here, we report—based on evidence of size, shape, preservation mode and localized occurrence—the presence of melanosomes (pigment-bearing organelles) in fossil cyclostome eyes. Time of flight secondary ion mass spectrometry analyses reveal secondary ions with a relative intensity characteristic of melanin as revealed through principal components analyses. Our data support the hypotheses that extant hagfish eyes are degenerate, not rudimentary, that cyclostomes are monophyletic, and that the ancestral vertebrate had a functional visual system. We also demonstrate integument pigmentation in fossil lampreys, opening up the exciting possibility of investigating colour patterning in Palaeozoic vertebrates. The examples we report add to the record of melanosome preservation in Carboniferous fossils and attest to surprising durability of melanosomes and biomolecular melanin.
Optimizing for generalization in the decoding of internally generated activity in the hippocampus
Authors: van der Meer Matthijs A.A. , Carey Alyssa A. , Tanaka Youki
Published: July 2016

The decoding of a sensory or motor variable from neural activity benefits from a known ground truth against which decoding performance can be compared. In contrast, the decoding of covert, cognitive neural activity, such as occurs in memory recall or planning, typically cannot be compared to a known ground truth. As a result, it is unclear how decoders of such internally generated activity should be configured in practice. We suggest that if the true code for covert activity is unknown, decoders should be optimized for generalization performance using cross-validation. Using ensemble recording data from hippocampal place cells, we show that this cross-validation approach results in different decoding error, different optimal decoding parameters, and different distributions of error across the decoded variable space. In addition, we show that a minor modification to the commonly used Bayesian decoding procedure, which enables the use of spike density functions, results in substantially lower decoding errors. These results have implications for the interpretation of covert neural activity, and suggest easy-to-implement changes to commonly used procedures across domains, with applications to hippocampal place cells in particular.
Characterizing polymorphic inversions in human genomes by single-cell sequencing
Authors: Sanders Ashley D. , Hills Mark , Porubský David , Guryev Victor , Falconer Ester , Lansdorp Peter M.
Published: July 2016

Identifying genomic features that differ between individuals and cells can help uncover the functional variants that drive phenotypes and disease susceptibilities. For this, single-cell studies are paramount, as it becomes increasingly clear that the contribution of rare but functional cellular subpopulations is important for disease prognosis, management, and progression. Until now, studying these associations has been challenged by our inability to map structural rearrangements accurately and comprehensively. To overcome this, we coupled single-cell sequencing of DNA template strands (Strand-seq) with custom analysis software to rapidly discover, map, and genotype genomic rearrangements at high resolution. This allowed us to explore the distribution and frequency of inversions in a heterogeneous cell population, identify several polymorphic domains in complex regions of the genome, and locate rare alleles in the reference assembly. We then mapped the entire genomic complement of inversions within two unrelated individuals to characterize their distinct inversion profiles and built a nonredundant global reference of structural rearrangements in the human genome. The work described here provides a powerful new framework to study structural variation and genomic heterogeneity in single-cell samples, whether from individuals for population studies or tissue types for biomarker discovery.
How effective are interface organizations in the promotion of university-industry links? Evidence from a regional innovation system
Authors: Fernández-Esquinas Manuel , Merchán-Hernández Carmen , Valmaseda-Andía Oihana
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of the interface organizations of a regional innovation system on the dynamics of knowledge transfer between universities and firms.

Design/methodology/approach

– The Triple Helix approach is used as a heuristic tool. The paper is based on a face-to-face survey to a sample of 800 innovative firms in Andalusia (Spain). The analysis focusses on the effectiveness attributed by the firms to technology transfer offices (TTOs), science parks and the regional innovation agency.

Findings

– Different organizations have different roles in the relationships that firms maintain with universities in a regional innovation system. Firm’s positive perceptions of TTOs, science parks and the innovation agency in the promotion of knowledge transfer are associated to the kind of relationships maintained with universities.

Research limitations/implications

– The research focusses on the region of Andalusia. Further studies could consider the applicability of the findings in other regional innovation systems.

Practical implications

– The paper helps governments and managers of TTOs, science parks and innovation agencies to understand the real use that interface organizations have for the industrial tissue of a regional innovation system.

Originality/value

– There have been few studies that observe together the value attributed by firms to the several interface organizations in a specific innovation system. The analysis contributes to the debate on the adjustment of the different roles of interface organizations in the promotion of knowledge transfer and innovation dynamics.
Types of proximity in knowledge access by science-based start-ups
Authors: Fontes Margarida , Sousa Cristina
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to address the strategies adopted by science-based start-ups to gain access to knowledge resources at diverse spatial levels. It investigates the presence and relative importance of ties endowed with different types of proximity in firms’ knowledge networks, and the role played by non-geographical proximity in gaining access to knowledge sources, both nearby and distant.

Design/methodology/approach

– An analytical framework is proposed that distinguishes between two dimensions of proximity – geographical and relational – leading to different forms of proximity, which are further linked with modes of knowledge interaction (formal or informal). A methodology for network reconstruction is developed and applied to Portuguese molecular biology firms, permitting to identify the origin, location and nature of the ties and to position them along forms of proximity.

Findings

– The results show that the incidence and mix of the different forms of proximity vary in firms’ individual networks, being possible to identify several patterns. They also uncover the relevance of relational proximity, whether or not coexisting with geographical proximity and often compensating for its absence.

Research limitations/implications

– This approach needs to be complemented with further research that refines the operationalization of relational proximity, by attempting to disentangle the influence of different types of non-geographical proximity. Further research will also explore in greater detail the factors that may explain variety in the proximity mix of firms’ networks.

Practical implications

– The paper offers insights into the knowledge sourcing strategies adopted by science-based firms located outside the main concentrations of knowledge in their field.

Originality/value

– The paper contributes to the literature on the role of proximity in knowledge access, by developing and empirically testing a taxonomy of forms of proximity, considering the characteristics of science-based firms. It uncovers the mechanisms through which relational proximity can contribute to span spatial boundaries, highlighting the role played by entrepreneurs’ personal networks.
Russian way to the knowledge-based society
Authors: Kulikov Sergey B.
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the modeling of industrial–postindustrial transition in Russian society. The very special part of this process concerns the relations between lordship and bondage. The relations between Lordship and Bondage in a context of so-called Master–Slave dialectic can elucidate a way to the knowledge-based society as a kind of modern capitalistic society.

Design/methodology/approach

An author uses a complex of methods. He applies a phenomenological approach, mixed with the dialectics and analytical approach. Phenomenological approach presupposes the neediness of attention on a work of the conscious actions within formation of the social experiences. The modification of dialectics helps to make the comprehension of the history of social relations as a game of forces in self-consciousness, which nowadays bases on the attitudes between leaders and led people. A variant of analytic methodology helps to understand each problem as a puzzle.

Findings

As a result, author finds a spirit of the processes within development of knowledge-based society and innovative economy depends on so-called Master–Slave dialectic. In Europe, Master–Slave dialectic caused the leading role of scientists. In Russia, scientists depended on the Government and played secondary role in economy.

Research limitations/implications

Research is the philosophical treatise, which demonstrates the speculative evaluation of industrial–postindustrial transition in Russian society.

Practical implications

Practical implications is the constructing the prognosis of the development of the Russian society.

Social implications

Research can help to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of leadership in society.

Originality/value

Originality of the paper is the reconstruction of social forms, which caused the social progress in Russia.
Lebanese cherishing a transformational educational leader
Authors: Mattar Dorine Maurice
Published: August 2016

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to find out if the characteristics, traits and leadership style of an effective university leader in Lebanon match those of a transformational one. Moreover, it is intended to shed light on the possible transferability of the transformational leadership’s success to the Middle-Eastern society where norms and values differ significantly from the North-American context where research extensively supported its positive effect.

Design/methodology/approach

– Qualitative data were collected from semi-structured interviews conducted with eight faculty and two staff members chosen based on the purposiveness sampling technique. The researcher tape-recorded the interviews, then transcribed and coded the data before analyzing it.

Findings

– Results revealed that the director demonstrated to a great extent all the characteristics that define a transformational leader, except when it comes to nepotism and to the lower level employees who are not usually invited to share in the decision-making process. He was able to successfully challenge the process, inspire and motivate all the campus’s employees. However, in order to generalize and conclude that the whole Lebanese higher educational setting encompasses and cherishes the transformational leadership style, additional research is to be undertaken.

Originality/value

– Although Lebanon has long been a pioneer in the education field in the Middle-East, however, not enough studies are found on the various leadership styles exhibited by Lebanese university leaders, and here lies this research’s value.
Changing the face of reference and user services
Authors: Ahenkorah-Marfo Michael , Akussah Harry
Published: August 2016

Purpose

Social media allows collaboration, participation and sharing in libraries with users. The purpose of this study is to examine the response of academic librarians in Ghana to the use of social media in reference and user services.

Design/methodology/approach

It is a quantitative study that used the Likert type of questionnaire in soliciting the views of academic librarians from six public and private universities in Ghana on their knowledge and use of social media in providing reference and user services.

Findings

The findings of the study indicate that majority of academic librarians are knowledgeable and use social media for both personal and work-related purposes. They, however, lack adequate skills to use the array of social media tools to make remarkable difference in service delivery. For this reason, they find the traditional mode of service delivery a comfort zone.

Practical implications

Higher education policy makers in Ghana and elsewhere would find the results useful in decisions on the types of social media tools to use in universities and colleges.

Originality/value

The study provides in-depth analysis of the impact of social media on reference and user services in Ghanaian libraries, which is deficient in literature. It also recommends change in policy direction and training to whip up interest in librarians to use social media.
Studying the impact of blended learning that uses the online PBwiki guided by activity theory on LIS students’ knowledge management
Authors: Barhoumi Chokri
Published: August 2016

Purpose

This research paper aims to explore the impact of using wiki activities to support a blended learning course (70 per cent in-class and 30 per cent PBwiki activities) on the knowledge management of library and information science (LIS) students compared to 100 per cent in-class learning.

Design/methodology/approach

In the 2015 academic year, the researcher compared an experimental group (41 students) and a control group (41 students). Instruction of the experimental group was based on combining 2 h (70 per cent) of in-class learning and 1 h (30 per cent) of wiki-based learning activities each week. The control group’s experience was 100 per cent in a physical classroom without the use of a wiki. The researcher used a t-test to compare the means of the control and experimental groups in achievement tests and the students’ attitudes based on principles of activity theory (technological, individual and community levels) at 0.05 alpha levels.

Findings

The principal results of the study are that students in the experimental group perform better than those in the control group on the achievement test, learning tracks and attitudes. Learning tracks analysis shows that students in the experimental group had greater participation in different topics of discussion in the PBwiki than did the control group. The first topic discussed by students in the wiki is related to exam revision, and the second topic is related to the course content.

Originality/value

This research paper is useful for readers, parents, students and schools to explore the effectiveness of PBwiki activities to support blended courses in LIS education.
Are reference pop-up widgets welcome or annoying? A usability study
Authors: Imler Bonnie Brubaker , Garcia Kathryn Rebecca , Clements Nina
Published: August 2016

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to investigate user reaction to pop-up chat widgets for possible use as a promoter of online reference services in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

Librarians at three different campuses of the Pennsylvania State University interviewed ten students at each campus. Librarians used a script to ask students to respond to various library websites and the potential utility of a pop-up widget. Students also responded to a sample chat widget and were asked to evaluate the timing of its appearance on the page.

Findings

All participants indicated on a timeline their preferred time for a pop-up to appear on a web page. Only 16 per cent of study participants had used the “Ask a Librarian” reference service from its current access point as a linked button on the libraries’ web pages. However, 83 per cent indicated that they would be more likely to use the Ask service if the widget appeared on the screen.

Originality/value

This research is unique, as there are no other studies in the library literature that explore pop-up chat widgets.
A mammoth undertaking: harnessing insight from functional ecology to shape de‐extinction priority setting
Authors: McCauley Douglas J. , Hardesty‐Moore Molly , Halpern Benjamin S. , Young Hillary S.
Published: August 2016

De‐extinction, or the process of resurrecting extinct species, has been advanced as a promising new tool in conservation biology. Most scientific discussion of de‐extinction has thus far focused on the methodology and ethics of bringing once‐extinct species back to life. We ask: How can de‐extinction be strategically shaped into a service that maximally benefits ecological communities and ecosystems?

Ecologists often indicate that the worst facet of extinction is the associated loss of ecological function. Several decades of research on defining, classifying and tracking changes in portfolios of ecological function have generated a rich repository of information that should be mined to help guide de‐extinction towards a future where its products can meaningfully restore extinction‐induced loss of function.

Classifications of ecological function remain more subjective than other biological taxonomies. Yet, there is a clear consensus among ecologists that the functions of certain species are less ecologically redundant than others. The loss of such functionally unique species can have proximate and cascading effects on community and ecosystem functioning.

We review, from an ecologist's vantage point, efforts underway to use de‐extinction to resurrect the woolly mammoth and the passenger pigeon. These iconic case studies illustrate the opportunities and challenges ahead for restoring ecological function using de‐extinction.

There is great risk that de‐extinction could limit itself to the fabrication of products that mimic the biology of extinct species, but fail to resurrect their ecology. We suggest three ways that de‐extinction may more meaningfully restore the functioning of once‐extinct species: (i) select target species from guilds with low functional redundancy; (ii) concentrate on species that went extinct recently rather than older extinctions; and (iii) only work with species that can be restored to levels of abundance that meaningfully restore ecological function.

A lay summary is available for this article.
Bipartite graph analyses reveal interdomain LGT involving ultrasmall prokaryotes and their divergent, membrane‐related proteins
Authors: Jaffe Alexander L. , Corel Eduardo , Pathmanathan Jananan Sylvestre , Lopez Philippe , Bapteste Eric
Published: August 2016

Based on their small size and genomic properties, ultrasmall prokaryotic groups like the Candidate Phyla Radiation have been proposed as possible symbionts dependent on other bacteria or archaea. In this study, we use a bipartite graph analysis to examine patterns of sequence similarity between draft and complete genomes from ultrasmall bacteria and other complete prokaryotic genomes, assessing whether the former group might engage in significant gene transfer (or even endosymbioses) with other community members. Our results provide preliminary evidence for many lateral gene transfers with other prokaryotes, including members of the archaea, and report the presence of divergent, membrane‐associated proteins among these ultrasmall taxa. In particular, these divergent genes were found in TM6 relatives of the intracellular parasite Babela massiliensis.
Trait values and not invasive status determine competitive outcomes between native and invasive species under varying soil nutrient availability
Authors: Tabassum Samiya , Leishman Michelle R.
Published: August 2016

Invasion by exotic plants is often associated with nutrient enrichment of soils, particularly on soils of naturally low fertility. As a consequence, it is likely that the outcome of competitive interactions between native and invasive plants may be mediated by soil nutrient availability. We independently investigated competitive effect and response as well as the occurrence of asymmetric competition among native and invasive plants on soils of varying nutrient availability, using a glasshouse experiment. Seedlings of eight co‐occurring pairs of invasive and native species from low fertility Hawkesbury Sandstone‐derived soil were grown under low and high nutrient availability. We tested the hypotheses that native species would be competitively superior at low nutrient availability and have trait values associated with a resource conservation strategy while invasive species would be competitively superior at high nutrient availability and have trait values associated with a resource acquisition strategy. We found that nutrient availability did not mediate competitive interactions between invasive and native species. Instead, two invasive and one native species were always competitively superior irrespective of nutrient availability. Competitively superior species displayed a mixture of both resource conservation and acquisition strategies at low and high nutrient availability. In support of previous studies, we found that the a priori classification of invasive and native species does not predict competitive superiority at varying nutrient levels. Rather, species specific differences in trait values provide a competitive advantage in response to nutrient availability.
Similar biological activity in skin prick test for Oralair® (8200 BAU) and Grazax® (6200 BAU) reinforces effective SLIT dosing level
Authors: Larenas Linnemann D. E. S. , Singh J. , Rosario N. , Esch R. , Matta J. J. , Maspero J. , Michels A. , Mösges R.
Published: August 2016

In Europe, allergen extracts are standardized based on skin prick wheal size in 20–30 allergic subjects. To understand the biological activity of clinically effective Sublingual immunotherapy, we used this method to determine the biological activity of solution and tablet Timothy grass pollen (TIM) extracts, compared to an FDA‐approved extract (Reference) of 10 000 BAU/ml. Blinded, quadruplicate skin prick tests with concentrate and three serial half‐log dilutions allowed the construction of a semilogarithmic regression line per extract. Bioequivalent allergy units (BAU) values were obtained from the comparison with reference. Extracts and dilutions showed a neat linear dose response (all: R2 > 0.98) in 33 rhinitis patients. Relative potencies: Staloral® 12 000 BAU/ml, Soluprick® 10 300 BAU/ml, Oralair® 8200 BAU, and Grazax® 6200 BAU. Even though all extract concentrates differed in wheal size (P = 0.01–0.001), Grazax® producing a 25% smaller wheal size than Oralair®, and the biological activity of these clinically effective TIM tablets led in the same range (6200–8200 BAU; 0.92–1.23 cm2). SLIT dose‐finding studies for other pollens might start with allergen extracts producing 1.1 cm2 wheal surface.
The grey fovea sign of macular oedema or subfoveal fluid on non‐stereoscopic fundus photographs
Authors: Hasler Pascal W. , Soliman Wael , Sander Birgit , Haamann Per , Larsen Michael
Published: August 2016

Purpose

To describe the grey fovea sign of fovea‐involving macular oedema or subretinal fluid accumulation in red‐free fundus photography.

Methods

A test set of 91 digital fundus photographs of good quality from 100 consecutive eyes in 72 patients with diabetic retinopathy or central serous chorioretinopathy was composed by one of the investigators and evaluated by four masked observers. The photographs were graded as to whether a normal dark fovea was present or absent. The reference method was foveal thickness measurement using optical coherence tomography (OCT).

Results

Eyes graded as having a grey fovea on fundus photographs (n = 67) had a median foveal thickness of 279 μm (interquartile range 130 μm), whereas eyes graded as having a normal dark fovea (n = 24) had a median foveal thickness of 238 μm (interquartile range 44.5 μm, p = 0.025).

Conclusion

The absence of a dark fovea on red‐free greyscale fundus photographs is a sign of foveal thickening or detachment that can be reliably recognized by graders when using OCT as the reference diagnostic method. Awareness of the grey fovea sign may facilitate fundus photographic screening for maculopathy because its absence is a reliable sign that no foveal oedema or detachment is present. Its presence may indicate that such conditions are present, but it can also be induced by various other conditions, for which reason it should prompt further investigations by OCT.
THE TRANSMISSION OF THE MONETARY POLICY IN THE EURO AREA: THE ROLE OF THE BANKS’ BUSINESS MODEL
Authors: MIGLIORELLI Marco , BRUNELLI Sandro
Published: August 2016

This paper sheds some new light on the incidence of the banks’ business model as a component of the bank lending channel in the euro area. Differently from existing literature, the analysis is led on the basis of the two main macroeconomic regions that today characterize the euro area: its north‐east (German‐centric) and south‐west halves. The observation period is 2008–2013, mainly featured by the financial and economic crisis. The empirical findings evidence that in the north‐east half of the euro area the cooperative banks leveraged the effects of the reduction in the interest rates in terms of new lending. In this respect, they differentiated from commercial and savings banks, which showed a more neutral impact on the transmission of the monetary policy decisions. These results highlight the distinctive role of the cooperative banks in terms of credit provision in Germany and in the whole north‐east half of the euro area. Nevertheless, this cooperative banking effect did not emerge for the south‐west half of the continent, particularly hit by the crisis. This may suggest that the bank's business model tend to be neutral to the transmission of the monetary policy in economies characterized by prolonged recessions.
Generation of rats from vitrified oocytes with surrounding cumulus cells via in vitro fertilization with cryopreserved sperm
Authors: Fujiwara Katsuyoshi , Kamoshita Maki , Kato Tsubasa , Ito Junya , Kashiwazaki Naomi
Published: August 2016

The objective of this study was to evaluate fertility and full‐term development of rat vitrified oocytes after in vitro fertilization (IVF) with cryopreserved sperm. Oocytes with or without surrounding cumulus cells were vitrified with 30% ethylene glycol + 0.5 mol/L sucrose + 20% fetal calf serum by using the Cryotop method. The warmed oocytes were co‐cultured with sperm. Although the denuded/vitrified oocytes were not fertilized, some of the oocytes vitrified with cumulus cells were fertilized (32.7%) after IVF with fresh sperm. When IVF was performed with cryopreserved sperm, vitrified or fresh oocytes with cumulus cells were fertilized (62.9% or 41.1%, respectively). In addition, to confirm the full‐term development of the vitrified oocytes with surrounding cumulus cells after IVF with cryopreserved sperm, 108 vitrified oocytes with two pronuclei (2PN) were transferred into eight pseudopregnant females, and eight pups were obtained from three recipients. The present work demonstrates that vitrified rat oocytes surrounded by cumulus cells can be fertilized in vitro with cryopreserved sperm, and that 2PN embryos derived from cryopreserved gametes can develop to term. To our knowledge, this is the first report of successful generation of rat offspring derived from vitrified oocytes that were fertilized in vitro with cryopreserved sperm.
A Matter of Speculation: British Representations of Argentina, Chile and Perú during the Wars of Independence
Authors: SOMARRIVA Q. MARCELO
Published: August 2016

This article examines how newspapers, periodicals and books represented the southern part of America between 1810 and 1820. Although the region made up of Argentina, Chile and Perú was important for British trade, this article proposes that there was a considerable lack of first‐hand information about it during that decade. Most of the material then printed in Britain regarding these countries was speculative or propagandistic, while at the same time British trade carried out in the area was mostly by ‘speculators’, who profited from general ignorance about the actual situation of those markets. This article suggests that speculation is a word that is key to understanding these representations.
Can we improve parent attitudes and intentions to access computer‐based therapies for their children and adolescents?
Authors: Sweeney Grace M. , Donovan Caroline L. , March Sonja , Laurenson Sandra D.
Published: August 2016

Background

As gatekeepers, parents can improve the uptake of mental health services among youth. This article asked whether providing parents with a presentation on computer‐based therapies is a feasible strategy to improve their knowledge, attitudes and uptake intentions.

Method

Parents completed a survey before, and immediately after, viewing a presentation on computer‐based therapies or an active control.

Results

Parents who viewed the computer‐based presentation reported significantly greater improvements in knowledge, perceived helpfulness, perceived benefits and intentions to access computer‐based therapies; and a significantly greater reduction in perceived problems, compared to active controls.

Conclusions

Information‐ and demonstration‐based presentations are a feasible method for improving attitudes towards computer‐based therapies for youth among parents in the community.