bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategic Mobsters or Deprived Migrants? Testing the Transplantation and Deprivation Models of Organized Crime in an Effort to Understand Criminal Mobility and Diversity in the United States
Authors: Arsovska Jana
Published: November 2015

The aim of this research is to study the emergence and mobility of organized crime in the United States. Focusing on Albanian organized crime in New York City, it investigates whether organized crime groups move abroad easily and reproduce their territorial control in a foreign country. This research explores the relevance of two perspectives on organized crime: the transplantation/importation model, and the deprivation model. Findings are based on analysis of court documents, interviews with law enforcement officials, Albanian immigrants, and Albanian offenders. The study did not find strong support for either the transplantation or the deprivation model of organized crime. There is no evidence of strategic organized crime transplantation. The findings suggest that the mobility of organized crime groups is functional and varies across criminal markets, and that not only economic foundations but also social forces and symbolic rewards of criminal migration need to be examined for better government policies.
Genetic testing of aetiology of intellectual disability in a dedicated physical healthcare outpatient clinic for adults with intellectual disability
Authors: Wallace R. A.
Published: November 2015

Background

No guidelines exist for assessment of aetiology of intellectual disability in adults with intellectual disability by adult physicians, although robust guidelines exist for paediatric populations. It was speculated that the paediatric guidelines would also be suitable for adults.

Aims

In rural/regional setting with limited clinical genetics, to perform a quality assurance evaluation on genetics assessment of aetiology of developmental disability in adults attending a dedicated healthcare clinic for adults with intellectual disability, compared results with paediatric standards, speculates if these seem appropriate for adults and speculates on a role for clinical genetics services.

Methods

Retrospective chart audit of eligible patients looking at genetic clinical assessment, tests selected (molecular karyotype, G banding, metabolics), and yields of positive results. The results were compared with the recommended paediatric guidelines.

Results

Of 117 eligible adult patients, ideal genetic history was incomplete for 40% of patients without Down syndrome because of physician cause and lack of information. The number of abnormal genetic results increased from 46% to 66%, mainly from the molecular karyotype, though not all may have been clinically relevant. The improved yield from this test was similar to that in paediatric studies. Use of G banding and metabolic testing could be refined.

Conclusion

Improvement can be made in clinical genetic assessment, but results generally support use of molecular karyotyping as first tier testing of cause of unknown intellectual disability in adults, as in the case for paediatric populations. The study highlights a necessary complementary role for clinical geneticists to interpret abnormal results.
Being in a Bubble: the experience of loneliness among frail older people
Authors: Taube Elin , Jakobsson Ulf , Midlöv Patrik , Kristensson Jimmie
Published: November 2015

Aim

The aim of this study was to explore the experience of loneliness among frail older people living at home.

Background

Loneliness is a threat to the physical and psychological well‐being with serious consequences if left unattended. There are associations between frailty and poor psychological well‐being, implying that frail older people who experience loneliness are vulnerable.

Design

Qualitative content analysis, focusing on both latent and manifest content.

Method

Frail older people (65+ years), living at home and who have experienced various levels in intensity of loneliness, were purposively selected from a larger interventional study (N = 12). For this study, ‘frail’ means being dependent in activities of daily life and having repeated contacts with healthcare services. Data were collected between December 2009–August 2011. Semi‐structured interviews were performed, audio recorded and transcribed verbatim.

Findings

The analysis resulted in the overall theme ‘Being in a Bubble’, which illustrates an experience of living in an ongoing world, but excluded because of the participants' social surroundings and the impossibility to regain losses. The theme ‘Barriers’ was interpreted as facing physical, psychological and social barriers for overcoming loneliness. The theme ‘Hopelessness’ reveals the experience when not succeeding in overcoming these barriers, including seeing loneliness as a constant state. A positive co‐existing dimension of loneliness, offering independence, was reflected in the theme ‘Freedom’.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that future strategies for intervening should target the frail older persons' individual barriers and promoting the positive co‐existing dimension of loneliness. When caring, a person centred approach, encompassing knowledge regarding physical and psychological aspects, including loneliness, is recommended.
Screening Prisoners for Intellectual Disabilities in Three English Prisons
Authors: Murphy Glynis H. , Gardner Jeff , Freeman Mark J.
Published: November 2015

Background

Prisoners with intellectual disabilities are known to be disadvantaged in prisons and to be more susceptible to bullying, segregation, depression and anxiety than other prisoners.

Method

In this study, nearly 3000 new prisoners entering three English prisons were offered screening for intellectual disabilities, using the LDSQ.

Results

On average, 75% of all new prisoners entering prison were offered screening, and only 14% refused screening. Overall, just less than 7% were screened positive on the LDSQ and prisons made some reasonable adjustments as a result.

Conclusions

It is argued that it is feasible to screen for intellectual disabilities in prisons and, given the inequalities to which prisoners with intellectual disabilities are subject in prison, it is time for such screening to be rolled out to all prisons.
Improving the Quality of Fresh Rainbow Trout by Sage Essential Oil and Packaging Treatments
Authors: Çoban Ozlem Emir , Patir Bahri , Özpolat Emine , Kuzgun Nermin Karaton
Published: November 2015

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of addition of sage oil in different packaging conditions on the quality of fresh trout fillets during storage at 4C. Six different treatments were tested: A; (without sage oil, air packaged), A1; (added sage oil 2% v/wt, air packaged), A2; (added sage oil 4% v/wt, air packaged), VP; (without sage oil, vacuum packaged), VP1 (added sage oil 2% v/wt, vacuum packaged) and VP2 (added sage oil 4% v/wt, vacuum packaged). The results indicated that total mesophilic aerobe, psychrophile, yeast–mold and lipolytic bacteria reached higher populations in A, A1 and A2 groups (as compared to VP groups). In addition, significant differences were determined among groups in terms of total volatile basic nitrogen, Thiobarbituric acid, peroxide value and free fatty acid values (P < 0.05) during the storage period. Based primarily on sensory evaluation, the use of VP, VP1 and VP2 extended the shelf life of fresh trout by ca. 14, 19 and 29 days, respectively.

Practical Applications

Essential oils derived from spices and herbs have a wide application in food flavoring and preservation. Moreover, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of essential oils are well‐known. We hypothesized that vacuum packaged fresh trout with the addition of sage oil would increase shelf life. This work demonstrates that sage essential oil together with vacuum packaging treatments could be used to improving the quality of fresh rainbow trout.
Testosterone regulation of cyclin E kinase: A key factor in determining gender differences in hepatocarcinogenesis
Authors: Pok Sharon , Barn Vanessa A , Wong Heng Jian , Blackburn Anneke C , Board Philip , Farrell Geoffrey C , Teoh Narci C
Published: November 2015

Background and Aim:

While gender differences in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are profound, the mechanism is unclear. Using castration and hormone replacement strategies, we tested whether these gender differences are attributable to testosterone or estradiol/progesterone effects on cell cycle regulators and p53.

Methods:

We studied dysplastic liver and HCCs in intact and castrated diethylnitrosamine‐injected C57BL/6J male and female mice, with or without hormonal replacement. Effects of sex steroids on proliferation and survival of primary hepatocytes and primary HCC cells were also characterized.

Results:

Diethylnitrosamine‐injected female mice displayed fewer dysplastic foci and slower onset of HCC than male mice, with smaller/more differentiated tumors and fewer metastases. Castration of diethylnitrosamine‐injected male mice reduced cyclin E kinase and augmented hepatocyte apoptosis compared with intact male mice; estradiol/progesterone enhanced these effects. In intact female mice, cyclin E kinase activity was less than in males; testosterone administered to ovariectomized female mice upregulated cyclin E, increased cyclin E kinase, and accelerated hepatocarcinogenesis. In vitro, testosterone increased expression of cell cycle regulators (cyclin D1, cyclin E, and cyclin‐dependent kinase 2) and reduced p53 and p21, which enhanced hepatocyte viability. In contrast, estradiol both suppressed hepatocyte cell cycle markers, upregulated p53 and reduced viability of hepatocytes and HCC cells.

Conclusions:

Testosterone is the positive regulator of hepatocyte cell cycle via cyclin E, while estradiol plays a negative role by effects of p53 and p21. Together, both sex hormones determine the male predominance of gender differences in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Localizing Land Governance, Strengthening the State: Decentralization and Land Tenure Security in Uganda
Authors: van Leeuwen Mathijs
Published: November 2015

Decentralization of land governance is expected to significantly improve land tenure security of small‐scale farmers in Africa, through ensuring better protection of their assets and reducing land‐related conflicts. This paper, however, cautions not to have too high expectations of transferring responsibilities for land administration and dispute resolution to local government bodies. Field research in Mbarara District in south‐western Uganda brings out how decentralization has limited impacts in terms of localizing land services provision. Nonetheless, local land governance has transformed in important ways, as decentralization adds to institutional multiplicity, and fuels competition among state and non‐state authorities, and about the rules they apply. Rather than strengthening local mechanisms for securing tenure, the reforms introduce new forms of tenure insecurity, fail to transform local conventions of dealing with land disputes and delegitimize local mechanisms for securing tenure. In practice, decentralization has had limited effects in securing tenure for the rural poor, yet reinforces the presence of the state at the local level in diverse ways.
Parametric and Semi‐Parametric Efficient Tests for Parameter Instability
Authors: Lee Dong Jin
Published: November 2015

This article examines asymptotically point optimal tests for parameter instability in realistic circumstances when little information about the unstable parameter process and error distribution is available. We first show that, under a correctly specified error distribution, if the unstable parameter processes converge weakly to a Wiener process, then any asymptotic optimal tests for structural breaks and time‐varying parameters are asymptotically equivalent. Our finding is then extended to a semi‐parametric set‐up in which the error distribution is treated as an unknown infinite‐dimensional nuisance parameter. We find that semi‐parametric tests can be adaptive without further restrictive conditions on the error distribution.
Women's Literacies and Social Hierarchy in Early Modern England
Authors: Ferguson Margaret W. , Suzuki Mihoko
Published: November 2015

This article argues for a historically contextualized investigation of literacy that attends to early modern literacies in different and mixed media and to literacy as a complex set of practices and theories. Early modern literacy, for example, does not necessarily include both reading and writing: the criterion of measuring literacy by the signature is biased against women of various ranks as well as against poor men. Therefore, literacy rates of women should not be measured solely by means of their ability to sign their names but also by evidence provided by books dedicated to noblewomen or addressed to women of different ranks. A more expansive conception of authorship that includes anonymously, pseudonymously, and collectively written documents, as well as translations, can give a more accurate idea of the literacy of women of different social groups. Future research on literacy will be advanced by the discovery of hitherto unknown writings, and scholars will need to work on cultural documents of many kinds to gather evidence on the so‐called “unlettered women,” and thereby to focus our attention on the negatively charged side of the literacy/illiteracy dyad.
Atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor involving the nasal cavities and anterior skull base
Authors: Barresi Valeria , Branca Giovanni , Raso Alessandro , Mascelli Samantha , Caffo Maria , Tuccari Giovanni
Published: November 2015

Rhabdoid tumors are a spectrum of neoplasias composed of cells which show rhabdoid morphology but are devoid of skeletal muscle differentiation. These tumors are characterized by inactivation of the INI1/SMARCB1 gene and they have been described in virtually every anatomical site, including the central nervous system (CNS) and sinonasal tract. Rhabdoid tumor of the CNS was named atypical teratoid rhabdoid tumor (ATRT) and it mainly affects children under the age of 3 years with supra‐ or infra‐tentorial location.Herein we report the first case of ATRT infiltrating the nasal cavities and skull base in an adolescent. Due to its unusual location, differential diagnosis was challenging and included several other entities such as sinonasal carcinoma or meningioma. Awareness that ATRT may infiltrate the nasal tract and knowledge of its clinico‐pathological, immunohistochemical and biomolecular features are essential for its distinction from other rhabdoid tumors which more frequently involve this anatomical site and for appropriate therapeutic management.
Does an ‘oversupply’ of ovules cause pollen limitation?
Authors: Rosenheim Jay A. , Schreiber Sebastian J. , Williams Neal M.
Published: November 2015

Lifetime seed production can be constrained by shortfalls of pollen receipt (‘pollen limitation’). The ovule oversupply hypothesis states that, in response to unpredictable pollen availability, plants evolve to produce more ovules than they expect to be fertilized, and that this results in pollen limitation of seed production.

Here, we present a cartoon model and a model of optimal plant reproductive allocations under stochastic pollen receipt to evaluate the hypothesis that an oversupply of ovules leads to increased pollen limitation.

We show that an oversupply of ovules has two opposing influences on pollen limitation of whole‐plant seed production. First, ovule oversupply increases the likelihood that pollen receipt limits the number of ovules that can be fertilized (‘prezygotic pollen limitation’). Second, ovule oversupply increases the proportion of pollen grains received that are used to fertilize ovules (‘pollen use efficiency’). As a result of these opposing influences, ovule oversupply has only a modest effect on the degree to which lifetime seed production is constrained by pollen receipt, producing a small decrease in the incidence of pollen limitation.

Ovule oversupply is not the cause of the pollen limitation problem, but rather is part of the evolutionary solution to that problem.
Novel roles for phytosulfokine signalling in plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Hammes Ulrich Z.
Published: November 2015

This article comments on: Evolutionarily distant pathogens require the Arabidopsis phytosulfokine signalling pathway to establish disease
Identification and characterization of bacteria isolated from crown galls on stone fruits in Poland
Authors: Puławska J. , Warabieda W. , Ismail E.
Published: November 2015

Eighty stone fruit nurseries located in different regions of Poland were examined for the presence of crown gall affected plants. The disease was observed in 39 nurseries, and galls were sampled for bacterial isolation. Out of 1213 isolates, 409 were pre‐identified as Agrobacterium/Rhizobium spp. with 23S rDNA‐based multiplex PCR, and out of these, 315 were pathogenic when tested on sunflowers. Sequence analysis of three housekeeping genes (fusA, recA, rpoD) revealed that 366 strains belonged to Rhizobium rhizogenes, 23 to Agrobacterium tumefaciens species complex, and the rest of the strains were allocated to new phylogenetic lineages. Of these, the most numerous was the lineage allocated in the Pararhizobium genus. Positive results obtained from pathogenicity tests were generally in agreement with results obtained by PCR with primers complementary to T‐DNA except for two strains, which were positive for PCR but negative for the pathogenicity test. All detected Ti plasmids were nopaline‐type. Independent of their pathogenicity, 59% of tested strains were not sensitive to agrocin 84 in in vitro tests. Analysis of biochemical and physiological features distinguished 50 groups with different phenotypic profiles, but the tested traits were not consistent for strains classified to one taxon. This finding shows limited value of biochemical tests in identification procedures. The bacteria causing tumours were heterogeneous and strains classified to different taxa were found even in a single tumour.
Prenatal Stress as a Modifier of Associations between Phthalate Exposure and Reproductive Development: results from a Multicentre Pregnancy Cohort Study
Authors: Barrett Emily S. , Parlett Lauren E. , Sathyanarayana Sheela , Redmon J. Bruce , Nguyen Ruby H. N. , Swan Shanna H.
Published: November 2015

Background

Prenatal phthalate exposure is associated with altered male reproductive tract development, and in particular, shorter anogenital distance (AGD). AGD, a sexually dimorphic index of prenatal androgen exposure, may also be altered by prenatal stress. How these exposures interact to impact AGD is unknown. Here, we examine the extent to which associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and infant AGD are modified by prenatal exposure to stressful life events (SLEs).

Methods

Phthalate metabolites [including those of diethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) and their molar sum (ΣDEHP)] were measured in first trimester urine from 738 pregnant women participating in The Infant Development and the Environment Study (TIDES). Women completed questionnaires on SLEs, and permitted infant AGD measurements at birth. Subjects were classified as ‘lower’ and ‘higher’ stress (0 first trimester SLEs vs. 1+).We estimated relationships between phthalate concentrations and AGD (by infant sex and stress group) using adjusted multiple regression interaction models.

Results

In the lower stress group, first trimester ΣDEHP was inversely associated with two measures of male AGD: anoscrotal distance (AGD‐AS; β = −1.78; 95% CI −2.97, −0.59) and anopenile distance (AGD‐AP; β = −1.61; 95% CI −3.01, −0.22). By contrast, associations in the higher stress group were mostly positive and non‐significant in male infants. No associations were observed in girls.

Conclusions

Associations between prenatal phthalate exposure and altered genital development were only apparent in sons of mothers who reported no SLEs during pregnancy. Prenatal stress and phthalates may interact to shape fetal development in ways that have not been previously explored.
Identifying and ameliorating nutrient limitations to reconstructing a forest ecosystem on mined land
Authors: Nussbaumer Yvonne , Cole Michael A. , Offler Christina E. , Patrick John W.
Published: November 2015

Nutrient deficiency is commonly a limiting factor in reconstructing ecosystems on disturbed areas such as mines, quarries, and construction sites. An open‐cut coal mine in southeastern Australia is being used as a model to explore strategies for reconstructing a sustainable forest ecosystem on a spoil substrate. This study aimed to identify the nutrients limiting forest establishment and ways of ameliorating these. A pot trial, using two endemic Myrtaceae tree species, found that nitrogen was the most growth‐limiting nutrient followed by phosphorus. To overcome these spoil nutrient deficiencies, a field trial compared the application of forest topsoil to the addition of two rates of inorganic fertilizer, gypsum, or biosolids on the response of a range of native forest plant species directly seeded into the substrate. Only biosolids significantly increased total nitrogen levels in the spoil. However, all treatments significantly decreased spoil pH, thereby increasing nutrient availability. Topsoil produced the highest plant density of native species due to contributions from its seed bank. Biosolids increased growth of Corymbia maculata. The higher rate of fertilizer addition improved seedling establishment of Mimosaceae and the survival of Myrtaceae species. High nutrient treatments increased weed and grass densities, which may have reduced the nutrient benefit for native species. In conclusion, biosolids and the high rate of fertilizer application ameliorated the nitrogen and phosphorus deficiency of spoil to support growth and survival of reintroduced native species. However, potential benefits were attenuated by competition from accompanying weed growth that could be managed by implementing a control program.
The Guarani Aquifer Agreement and Transboundary Aquifer Law in the SADC: Comparing Apples and Oranges?
Authors: Sindico Francesco , Hawkins Stephanie
Published: November 2015

International law governing transboundary aquifers is considerably underdeveloped, with only a handful of bilateral and multilateral agreements governing specific aquifer systems to date. However, the significance of transboundary aquifers in addressing water security concerns is gaining recognition, and dialogue discussing the future of the international legal framework is growing in importance. Contributing to this dialogue, we seek to compare different legal instruments applicable to the management of transboundary aquifers in different regions. We draw from the experience of the processes that led to an established transboundary agreement in one region, and compare it to another region that is yet to establish a formal legal instrument. Specifically, we compare the Guarani Aquifer System in Latin America with international legal instruments applicable to the management of transboundary aquifers in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). We identify several trends arising from the management of the Guarani Aquifer System that could have potentially valuable input for SADC countries currently embarking upon the initial stages of the management of a transboundary aquifer. Central to this article is the underlying question of whether these international legal instruments, which are placed in dramatically different contexts, can be compared in the first place. We conclude that such a comparison is useful only if undertaken as a process of knowledge acquisition, as such a broad comparative exercise is limited in its ability to produce direct policy recommendations. Gaining knowledge of regional governance practices in relation to differing aquifer characteristics is particularly important in this underdeveloped area, especially as discussions regarding the future for transboundary aquifer law are gaining momentum at the international level.
The Need for an Interdisciplinary Approach to Norm Diffusion: The Case of Fair and Equitable Benefit‐sharing
Authors: Parks Louisa , Morgera Elisa
Published: November 2015

No systematic study discusses the evolution of fair and equitable benefit‐sharing across various areas of international law (environment, human rights, oceans), as well as at different levels of regulation (regional and national laws and guidelines, private law contracts, transboundary codes of conduct, customary laws of indigenous peoples and local communities). This article explores the usefulness of an interdisciplinary approach to the study of norm diffusion for understanding how and why fair and equitable benefit‐sharing is articulated in different sites. The article discusses mechanisms, actors and frames in norm diffusion, drawing on literature from sociology, international relations and law. The article uncovers underlying similarities in scholarship on norm diffusion across the disciplines considered. It also reflects on the value of an interdisciplinary approach that encourages legal scholars to consider the implications of power structures in the diffusion of law, while the nuances of legal knowledge may lead other social scientists to revisit accepted findings on norm diffusion. These findings appear particularly useful for informing an assessment of the potential of fair and equitable benefit‐sharing to promote the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources in a fair and equitable manner in the face of power asymmetries.
Progressive Hemodialysis: Is It The Future?
Authors: Libetta Carmelo , Nissani Peni , Dal Canton Antonio
Published: November 2015

Progressive hemodialysis is based on the simple idea of adjusting its dose according to residual renal function (RRF). The progressive, infrequent paradigm is slowly gaining a foothold among nephrologists, despite a lot of skepticism in the scientific world. Given the importance of RRF preservation in conservative therapy, it seems a contradiction to ignore the contribution of RRF when patients initiate hemodialysis (HD), especially when it is routinely considered with peritoneal dialysis. While a three‐times‐weekly HD regimen is broadly considered the standard starting regimen for new patients, twice‐weekly HD has been used in selected patients and is currently a common practice in South‐East Asia. Small studies indicate that a once‐weekly HD regimen may be a viable starting option as well. Progressive hemodialysis still requires validation, yet it is promising. We share the belief that a randomized clinical trial to investigate progressive hemodialysis is much needed, but we also strongly recommend including a once‐weekly HD starting dose as part of any such investigation.
A New Kid in Town? Active Inclusion Elements in European Minimum Income Schemes
Authors: Marchal Sarah , van Mechelen Natascha
Published: November 2015

This article assesses the current variation in activation strategies directed towards able‐bodied persons of working age relying on a minimum income guarantee in 19 EU member states. First, we argue that the active inclusion notion developed by the European Commission in its Recommendation on the active inclusion of persons excluded from the labour market provides a useful tool to categorize current activation strategies towards minimum income protection (MIP) recipients. Consequently, we assess the empirical viability of active inclusion strategies in a fuzzy set ideal type analysis of purpose‐collected institutional data. We find that there are only few countries where the activation discourse has remained a dead letter. Most countries implement policy measures that aim to discourage benefit dependency among MIP recipients. Nevertheless, behind the realities of activation strategies towards MIP recipients seldom lies the notion of active inclusion as defined by the European Commission. Particularly, many countries focus predominantly on incentives to increase labour market participation rates of MIP recipients, rather than enabling measures.
The impact of fertilizer management on the oxidation status of terrestrial organic matter
Authors: Worrall F. , Clay G. D. , Macdonald A.
Published: November 2015

The oxidative ratio (the ratio of moles of O2 produced per mole CO2 sequestered – OR) of the organic matter in the terrestrial biosphere governs the ability of the terrestrial biosphere to uptake CO2. The value of OR is known to vary between environments, but it would also be expected to vary with management. This study measured the OR of plant and soil samples from the long‐term grassland plots on the Park Grass experiment at Rothamsted (SE England). The selected plots included those with different fertilizer inputs, including farmyard manure or inorganic fertilizers and an unfertilized control, each with and without lime. The measurements show that: (i) Use of inorganic fertilizer caused the OR of soil organic matter to increase. (ii) Farmyard manure (FYM) caused OR of the soil to increase but that of the vegetation decreased. (iii) Liming had the effect of decreasing OR and counteracting effects of fertilizer. (iv) The OR of the ecosystem increased with FYM application but decreased with inorganic fertilizer application. The global pattern in the use of organic amendments and inorganic fertilizers suggests that the likely impact of the predicted increase in global inorganic fertilizer use will result in a net decrease in the OR of the organic matter of the terrestrial biosphere, and an increase in its ability to act as a carbon sink. Corresponding increases in global FYM use and its impact upon global OR are unlikely to be large enough to counteract this effect.
The ability of the DGT soil phosphorus test to predict pasture response in Australian pasture soils – a preliminary assessment
Authors: Burkitt L. L. , Mason S. D. , Dougherty W. J. , Sale P. W. G.
Published: November 2015

Diffusive gradients in thin‐films (DGT) technology provides an alternative assessment of available phosphorus (P) for a range of crops, suggesting a preliminary examination of the performance of the new DGT‐P test, compared to existing bicarbonate extractable Olsen and Colwell P tests, for pastures is justified. This study utilized historic data from the Australian National Reactive Phosphate Rock (NRPR) study (1992–1994) that included 25 experimental sites representing a wide range of soil types and climates used for pasture production. Stored (~19 yr) soil samples were analysed for DGT‐P, Olsen P and a single point P buffering index (PBI) and re‐analysed for Colwell P. Results showed the traditional bicarbonate extractable Colwell (r2 = 0.45, P < 0.001) and Olsen P (r2 = 0.27, P < 0.001) methods predicted relative pasture P response more accurately, compared to the novel DGT‐P test (r2 = 0.09, P = 0.03) when all 3 yr of data were examined. We hypothesize that the harsher bicarbonate extraction used for the Olsen and Colwell methods more accurately reflects the ability of perennial pasture roots to access less labile forms of P, in contrast to the DGT‐P test, which does not change the soil pH or dilute the soil and appears unable to fully account for a plants ability to solubilize P. Further studies are needed to compare the capacity of DGT‐P to measure P availability in perennial pasture systems and to better understand the soil chemical differences between pasture and cropping systems.
Re‐evolution of a morphological precursor of crypsis investment in the newly revised horned praying mantises (Insecta, Mantodea, Vatinae)
Authors: SVENSON GAVIN J. , MEDELLIN CAROLINA , SARMIENTO CARLOS E.
Published: November 2015

The Neotropical praying mantis tribe Vatini Stål is revised using total evidence phylogenetic analysis based on molecular and coded morphological data. The subfamily Vatinae is redefined to only include Neotropical taxa with the removal of distantly related African and Asian lineages. A new tribe is erected under Vatinae (Heterovatini trib.n.) for two unique genera with historically unstable taxonomic placement (Heterovates Saussure and Chopardiella Giglio‐Tos). Phylogenetic results and morphology support the synonymy of three genera (Lobovates Deeleman‐Reinhold, Phyllovates Kirby, and Hagiotata Saussure & Zehntner) and the validity of Chopardiella Giglio‐Tos, Heterovates Saussure, Callivates Roy, Pseudovates Saussure, Vates Burmeister, and Zoolea Audinet Serville. A new genus (Alangularis gen.n.) is created for a former species of Vates with unique morphology and separate phylogenetic placement. All genera are redescribed based on external morphology and the male genital complex. A key to genera for Vatinae is provided with dorsal habitus images of representatives for each genus. A distinct pattern of correlated evolution of morphological characters linked to crypsis was uncovered. Cuticular leg lobes within single leg segments are evolving as sets, and serially homologous lobes appear simultaneously or in close succession. The posteroventral lobes in the apical position on thoracic femora appear to be the precursors to multiple positive rate shifts in the evolutionary accumulation of cryptic features. One shift occurred early in the evolution of Vatinae while the second occurred much later, after the loss and re‐evolution of the posteroventral lobes in the apical position on thoracic femora, a violation of Dollo's law.

This published work has been registered in ZooBank, http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:724C16AF-069A-46A1-B66C-007D8DE18C68.
Promoting brain health through exercise and diet in older adults: a physiological perspective
Authors: Jackson Philippa A. , Pialoux Vincent , Corbett Dale , Drogos Lauren , Erickson Kirk I. , Eskes Gail A. , Poulin Marc J.
Published: November 2015

The rise in incidence of age‐related cognitive impairment is a global health concern. Ageing is associated with a number of changes in the brain that, collectively, contribute to the declines in cognitive function observed in older adults. Structurally, the ageing brain atrophies as white and grey matter volumes decrease. Oxidative stress and inflammation promote endothelial dysfunction thereby hampering cerebral perfusion and thus delivery of energy substrates and nutrients. Further, the development of amyloid plaques and neurofibrillary tangles contributes to neuronal loss. Of interest, there are substantial inter‐individual differences in the degree to which these physical and functional changes impact upon cognitive function as we grow older. This review describes how engaging in physical activity and cognitive activities and adhering to a Mediterranean style diet promote ‘brain health’. From a physiological perspective, we discuss the effects of these modifiable lifestyle behaviours on the brain, and how some recent human trials are beginning to show some promise as to the effectiveness of lifestyle behaviours in combating cognitive impairment. Moreover, we propose that these lifestyle behaviours, through numerous mechanisms, serve to increase brain, cerebrovascular and cognitive reserve, thereby preserving and enhancing cognitive function for longer.

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Concurrent Design of Assembly Plans and Supply Chain Configurations Using AND/OR Graphs and Dynamic Programing
Authors: Kuang Heng , Jack Hu S. , Ko Jeonghan
Published: November 2015

Making concurrent decisions on assembly plans and supply chain configurations (SCCs) is a desirable strategy in today's competitive global market. Such concurrent decisions help reduce decision iterations for shortened lead time and lower the total cost for manufacturers and their supply chains. However, there lacks deep understanding of the interaction between assembly plans and SCCs, as well as methodologies for integrating them. In this paper, we consider an assembly planning problem that simultaneously decomposes an assembly product to modules and assigns the modules to suppliers. The joint decision is formulated as an optimization problem of finding the assembly decomposition and the corresponding supply chain network with the lowest total supply chain cost. We develop a coordinated decision-making method by integrating assembly AND/OR graphs with supply chain cost information. A dynamic programing (DP) based algorithm is developed to efficiently solve the combined optimization problem. Case studies demonstrate that the proposed method can find optimal solutions for the integrated decision-making problem efficiently and provide a tool to plan assemblies from the perspective of the total supply chain cost in the early stages of product development.
Fast spatial atomic layer deposition of Al2O3 at low temperature (<100 °C) as a gas permeation barrier for flexible organic light-emitting diode displays
Authors: Choi Hagyoung , Shin Seokyoon , Jeon Hyeongtag , Choi Yeongtae , Kim Junghun , Kim Sanghun , Chung Seog Chul , Oh Kiyoung
Published: November 2015

The authors developed a high throughput (70 Å/min) and scalable space-divided atomic layer deposition (ALD) system for thin film encapsulation (TFE) of flexible organic light-emitting diode (OLED) displays at low temperatures (<100 °C). In this paper, the authors report the excellent moisture barrier properties of Al2O3 films deposited on 2G glass substrates of an industrially relevant size (370 × 470 mm2) using the newly developed ALD system. This new ALD system reduced the ALD cycle time to less than 1 s. A growth rate of 0.9 Å/cycle was achieved using trimethylaluminum as an Al source and O3 as an O reactant. The morphological features and step coverage of the Al2O3 films were investigated using field emission scanning electron microscopy. The chemical composition was analyzed using Auger electron spectroscopy. These deposited Al2O3 films demonstrated a good optical transmittance higher than 95% in the visible region based on the ultraviolet visible spectrometer measurements. Water vapor transmission rate lower than the detection limit of the MOCON test (less than 3.0 × 10−3 g/m2 day) were obtained for the flexible substrates. Based on these results, Al2O3 deposited using our new high-throughput and scalable spatial ALD is considered a good candidate for preparation of TFE films of flexible OLEDs.
Direction-of-arrival estimation of passive acoustic sources in reverberant environments based on the Householder transformation
Authors: Huang Gongping , Chen Jingdong , Benesty Jacob
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an approach to the direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation problem in acoustic environments using microphone arrays. It works in the short-time Fourier transform (STFT) domain. It first transforms the noisy speech signals received at the array into the STFT domain. A Householder transformation is then constructed and applied to the multichannel STFT coefficients in each subband. This transformation converts the multichannel STFT coefficients into two components: one is a single coefficient that is dominated by the signal of interest and the other consists of the M − 1 coefficient that is dominated by noise (or even consists of noise-only if there is no reverberation), where M is the number of sensors. A cost function is then formed from the outputs of the Householder transformation and the DOA information can subsequently be obtained by searching the extremum value of this cost function in the angle range between 0° and 180°. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the performance of this approach.
Does Short-Term High Dose Probiotic Supplementation Containing Lactobacillus casei Attenuate Exertional-Heat Stress Induced Endotoxaemia and Cytokinaemia?
Authors: Gill Samantha K. , Allerton Dean M. , Ansley-Robson Paula , Hemmings Krystal , Cox Martin , Costa Ricardo J.S.
Published: November 2015

The study aimed to determine if short-term high dose probiotic supplementation containing Lactobacillus casei (L.casei) attenuates the commonly reported exertional-heat stress (EHS) induced endotoxinaemia and cytokinaemia. Eight endurance trained male volunteers (mean± SD: age 26 ± 6 y, nude body mass 70.2 ± 8.8 kg, height 1.75 ± 0.05 m, VO2max 59 ± 5 ml·kg-1·min-1) completed a blinded randomized cross-over design, whereby oral ingestion of a commercially available probiotic beverage containing L.casei (volume equivalent for ×1011 colony forming units·day-1) (PRO) or placebo (PLA) was consumed for 7 consecutive days before exposure to EHS, which comprised of 2h running exercise at 60% VO2max in hot ambient conditions (34.0 °C and 32% RH). Blood samples were collected at baseline (7 days before EHS), pre-EHS, post-EHS (1 hr, 2 hr, 4 hr, and at 24 hr). Plasma samples were analyzed for gram-negative bacterial endotoxin, cytokine profile (IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, IL-8, and IL-10) and plasma osmolality. Plasma osmolality did not differ between trials. Seven days of L.casei supplementation did not show significant changes in resting circulatory endotoxin concentration or plasma cytokine profile compared with PLA. A main effect of time was observed for IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10 and IL-8; whereby levels increased in response to EHS (p < .05). Relative to pre-EHS concentrations, higher plasma concentrations of endotoxin (p = .05), and a trend for higher plasma TNF-α concentration (p = .09) was observed on PRO compared with PLA throughout recovery. Short-term high dose supplementation of a probiotic beverage containing L.casei before EHS did not attenuate EHS induced endotoxaemia and cytokinaemia; nor is it more positively favorable over a placebo.
The interaction of uPAR with VEGFR2 promotes VEGF-induced angiogenesis
Authors: Herkenne Stéphanie , Paques Cécile , Nivelles Olivier , Lion Michelle , Bajou Khalid , Pollenus Thomas , Fontaine Marie , Carmeliet Peter , Martial Joseph A. , Nguyen Ngoc-Quynh-Nhu , Struman Ingrid
Published: November 2015

uPAR enhances the internalization and thus the signaling downstream of a proangiogenic receptor.
Cell type–specific abundance of 4EBP1 primes prostate cancer sensitivity or resistance to PI3K pathway inhibitors
Authors: Hsieh Andrew C. , Nguyen Hao G. , Wen Lexiaochuan , Edlind Merritt P. , Carroll Peter R. , Kim Won , Ruggero Davide
Published: November 2015

Abundance of the protein synthesis inhibitor 4EBP1 in prostate cancer cells mediates resistance to PI3K pathway inhibitors.
Without merlin, YAP drives RAS
Authors: Ferrarelli Leslie K.
Published: November 2015

NF2
loss in thyroid cancer reveals a transcriptional link showing that YAP promotes
RAS
expression.
Drug Susceptibility and Viral Fitness of HIV-1 with Integrase Strand Transfer Inhibitor Resistance Substitution Q148R or N155H in Combination with Nucleoside/Nucleotide Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitor Resistance Substitutions
Authors: Andreatta Kristen N. , Miller Michael D. , White Kirsten L.
Published: November 2015

In clinical trials of coformulated elvitegravir (EVG), cobicistat (COBI), emtricitabine (FTC), and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), emergent drug resistance predominantly involved the FTC resistance substitution M184V/I in reverse transcriptase (RT), with or without the tenofovir (TFV) resistance substitution K65R, accompanied by a primary EVG resistance substitution (E92Q, N155H, or Q148R) in integrase (IN). We previously reported that the RT-K65R, RT-M184V, and IN-E92Q substitutions lacked cross-class phenotypic resistance and replicative fitness compensation. As a follow-up, the
in vitro
characteristics of mutant HIV-1 containing RT-K65R and/or RT-M184V with IN-Q148R or IN-N155H were also evaluated, alone and in combination, for potential interactions. Single mutants displayed reduced susceptibility to their corresponding inhibitor classes, with no cross-class resistance. Viruses with IN-Q148R or IN-N155H exhibited reduced susceptibility to EVG (137- and 40-fold, respectively) that was not affected by the addition of RT-M184V or RT-K65R/M184V. All viruses containing RT-M184V were resistant to FTC (>1,000-fold). Mutants with RT-K65R had reduced susceptibility to TFV (3.3- to 3.6-fold). Without drugs present, the viral fitness of RT and/or IN mutants was diminished relative to that of the wild type in the following genotypic order: wild type > RT-M184V ≥ IN-N155H ≈ IN-Q148R ≥ RT-M184V + IN-N155H ≥ RT-M184V + IN-Q148R ≥ RT-K65R/M184V + IN-Q148R ≈ RT-K65R/M184V + IN-N155H. In the presence of drug concentrations approaching physiologic levels, drug resistance counteracted replication defects, allowing single mutants to outcompete the wild type with one drug present and double mutants to outcompete single mutants with two drugs present. These results suggest that during antiretroviral treatment with multiple drugs, the development of viruses with combinations of resistance substitutions may be favored despite diminished viral fitness.
Distinctive Binding of Avibactam to Penicillin-Binding Proteins of Gram-Negative and Gram-Positive Bacteria
Authors: Asli Abdelhamid , Brouillette Eric , Krause Kevin M. , Nichols Wright W. , Malouin François
Published: November 2015

Avibactam is a novel non-β-lactam β-lactamase inhibitor that covalently acylates a variety of β-lactamases, causing inhibition. Although avibactam presents limited antibacterial activity, its acylation ability toward bacterial penicillin-binding proteins (PBPs) was investigated.Staphylococcus aureuswas of particular interest due to the reported β-lactamase activity of PBP4. The binding of avibactam to PBPs was measured by adding increasing concentrations to membrane preparations of a variety of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria prior to addition of the fluorescent reagent Bocillin FL. Relative binding (measured here as the 50% inhibitory concentration [IC50]) to PBPs was estimated by quantification of fluorescence after gel electrophoresis. Avibactam was found to selectively bind to some PBPs. InEscherichia coli,Pseudomonas aeruginosa,Haemophilus influenzae, andS. aureus, avibactam primarily bound to PBP2, with IC50s of 0.92, 1.1, 3.0, and 51 μg/ml, respectively, whereas binding to PBP3 was observed inStreptococcus pneumoniae(IC50, 8.1 μg/ml). Interestingly, avibactam was able to significantly enhance labeling ofS. aureusPBP4 by Bocillin FL. In PBP competition assays withS. aureus, where avibactam was used at a fixed concentration in combination with varied amounts of ceftazidime, the apparent IC50of ceftazidime was found to be very similar to that determined for ceftazidime when used alone. In conclusion, avibactam is able to covalently bind to some bacterial PBPs. Identification of those PBP targets may allow the development of new diazabicyclooctane derivatives with improved affinity for PBPs or new combination therapies that act on multiple PBP targets.
Control of equine nematodes: making the most of faecal egg counts
Authors: Matthews Jacqui , Lester Hannah
Published: November 2015

Helminths are important and highly prevalent pathogens of horses and other Equidae worldwide, particularly nematodes belonging to the cyathostomin group. Helminths have been controlled for over 40 years using broad‐spectrum anthelmintics that are often administered in interval treatment programmes, but long‐term, frequent use of these drugs has led to the development of drug resistance, particularly in cyathostomins. As helminth infections and worm egg excretion are highly overdispersed among horses within populations, targeted treatment programmes have been promoted to reduce anthelmintic use and, hence, selection pressure for resistance. As part of these programmes, faecal worm egg count (FWEC) analysis is increasingly being used to direct treatment decisions. This article reviews the use of FWECs in equine practice and highlights how FWEC analysis can be optimised to maximise its value in the field.