bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
College Admissions, International Competition, and the Cold War in Asia: The Case of Overseas Chinese Students in Taiwan in the 1950s
Authors: Wong Ting-Hong
Published: April 2016

Focusing only on education exchanges between the United States and other countries, existing scholarship fails to illuminate how American-sponsored student migrations between other countries helped expand U.S. hegemony. This article attempts to rectify this limitation by looking at Taiwan's policies on overseas Chinese students (qiaosheng) in the 1950s. After the debacle of the Chinese Civil War and its retreat to Taiwan, the Kuomintang (KMT) sought to solicit overseas Chinese support and to counter Communist China's drive for “returning students.” The KMT-developed qiaosheng program faced difficulties until 1954, when the United States, seeing that Taiwan's project could serve its anti-Communist plan, started bankrolling the qiaosheng program, thereby enabling the KMT to lure more students away from Communist China. These findings suggest that overlooking U.S.-sponsored student migrations between nations outside the United States renders our analysis of international education exchanges and American imperialism incomplete.
MARRIAGE, MARKETS, AND MONEY: A COASIAN THEORY OF HOUSEHOLD FORMATION
Authors: Burdett Kenneth , Dong Mei , Sun Ling , Wright Randall
Published: April 2016

This article integrates search‐based models of marriage and money. We think about households as organizations, the way Coase thinks about firms, as alternatives to markets that become more attractive when transactions costs increase. In the model, individuals consume market‐ and home‐produced goods, and home production is facilitated by marriage. Market frictions, including taxes, search, and bargaining problems, increase the marriage propensity. The inflation tax encourages marriage because being single is cash intensive. Microdata confirm singles use cash more than married people. We use macrodata over many countries to investigate how marriage responds to inflation, taxation, and other variables.
CONSISTENT VARIANCE OF THE LAPLACE‐TYPE ESTIMATORS: APPLICATION TO DSGE MODELS
Authors: Kormilitsina Anna , Nekipelov Denis
Published: April 2016

The Laplace‐type estimator has become popular in applied macroeconomics, in particular for estimation of dynamic stochastic general equilibrium (DSGE) models. It is often obtained as the mean and variance of a parameter's quasi‐posterior distribution, which is defined using a classical estimation objective. We demonstrate that the objective must be properly scaled; otherwise, arbitrarily small confidence intervals can be obtained if calculated directly from the quasi‐posterior distribution. We estimate a standard DSGE model and find that scaling up the objective may be useful in estimation with problematic parameter identification. It this case, however, it is important to adjust the quasi‐posterior variance to obtain valid confidence intervals.
Association between interleukin‐21 gene polymorphisms (rs12508721) and HBV‐related hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Q. X. , Li S. L. , Yao Y. Q. , Li T. J.
Published: April 2016

Interleukin‐21 (IL‐21), as a multifunctional cytokine, plays an important role in many diseases, such as cancer, inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. We aimed to investigate the relationship between polymorphisms of IL‐21 gene and susceptibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in a Chinese population. Studied subjects were divided into three groups: 100 patients with HBV‐related HCC, 115 patients with chronic HBV infection and 127 healthy controls. Genomic DNA was isolated from peripheral blood, and the polymerase chain reaction–ligase detection reaction (PCR‐LDR) method was used to genotype the SNPs (rs2221903, rs907715 and rs12508721) within IL‐21 gene. Our results showed that IL‐21 polymorphisms were associated with the risk of HCC and chronic HBV infection when compared with healthy controls. The rs2221903A/G AG genotype was associated with a higher risk of chronic HBV infection when compared with healthy controls [AG versus AA + GG, P = 0.036, OR = 1.898, 95%CI = 1.038–3.471]. The rs12508721C/T TT genotype was related with a lower risk of chronic HBV infection and HBV‐related HCC than in healthy controls [TT versus CT + CC, P = 0.026, OR = 0.451, 95%CI = 0.221–0.920; P = 0.049, OR = 0.482, 95%CI = 0.231–1.005]. No significant difference in the genotype and allele distrubutions of rs907715G/A SNP was observed in the HBV‐related HCC group, chronic HBV‐infected group and the healthy control group when compared to each other. Our findings suggest that the rs12508721T/C and rs2221903A/G polymorphisms of IL‐21 gene are associated with the susceptibility of HBV‐related HCC and chronic HBV infection. The genetic variant may in fact cause protection against the HBV‐related HCC. However, the function in these SNPs of IL‐21 gene needs to clarify the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of HBV‐related HCC further.
Drought Tolerance and Water‐Use Efficiency of Biogas Crops: A Comparison of Cup Plant, Maize and Lucerne‐Grass
Authors: Schoo B. , Wittich K. P. , Böttcher U. , Kage H. , Schittenhelm S.
Published: April 2016

The cup plant (Silphium perfoliatum L.) is discussed as an alternative energy crop for biogas production in Germany due to its ecological benefits over continuously grown maize. Moreover, a certain drought tolerance is assumed because of its intensive root growth and the dew water collection by the leaf cups, formed by fused leaf pairs. Therefore, the aim of this study was to estimate evapotranspiration (ET), water‐use efficiency (WUE) and the relevance of the leaf cups for the cup plant's water balance in a 2‐year field experiment. Parallel investigations were conducted for the two reference crops maize (high WUE) and lucerne‐grass (deep and intensive rooting) under rainfed and irrigated conditions. Root system performance was assessed by measuring water depletion at various soil depths. Transpiration‐use efficiency (TUE) was estimated using a model approach. Averaged over the 2 years, drought‐related above‐ground dry matter reduction was higher for the cup plant (33 %) than for the maize (18 %) and lucerne‐grass (14 %). The WUE of the cup plant (33 kg ha−1 mm−1) was significantly lower than for maize (50 kg ha−1 mm−1). The cup plant had a lower water uptake capacity than lucerne‐grass. Cup plant dry matter yields as high as those of maize will only be attainable at sites that are well supplied with water, be it through a large soil water reserve, groundwater connection, high rainfall or supplemental irrigation.
Effect of Microwave Assisted Baking on Quality of Rice Flour Bread
Authors: Therdthai Nantawan , Tanvarakom Thitima , Ritthiruangdej Pitiporn , Zhou Weibiao
Published: April 2016

To develop gluten free bread, rice flour dough with the addition of whey protein concentrate (WPC, 0–6 g/100 g flour) was baked under three conditions – hot air baking (HA), microwave baking (MW) and microwave‐assisted hot air baking (HA‐MW). An increase in the WPC content increased the volume and the moisture content of the bread (P ≤ 0.05). The MW and HA‐MW methods increased the hardness of bread crumbs and the L* value of the bread crust (P ≤ 0.05). The estimated glycemic index (GI) of the HA bread was 80.34 ± 0.88. With the addition of 6 g WPC/100 g flour, the GI was reduced to 70.46 ± 1.70. By changing from HA to MW, the GI was further reduced to 61.67 ± 0.69. Without the addition of WPC, enthalpy of retrogradation (ΔH) of the freshly baked bread using MW was higher than from HA and HA‐MW. The enthalpy tended to increase with increased storage time.

Practical Applications

Microwave could increase the heating rate during baking and affect the protein‐starch matrix in gluten free bread made from rice flour. Consequently, bread made using the microwave baking method has low starch digestibility and a high enthalpy of retrogradation with increased volume. Therefore, MW with the addition of whey protein concentrate is recommended to develop crustless, gluten‐free bread with a reduced glycemic index, which is good for people who suffer from obesity, diabetes and celiac disease.
Individual, parent and social–environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Burke M. , Heller T.
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Compared to parents of adults with other types of disabilities, parents of adults with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience worse well‐being. Thus, it is crucial to identify the individual, parent and social–environmental correlates of caregiving experiences among parents of adults with ASD.

Method

For this study, 130 parents of adults with ASD responded to a survey about caregiving satisfaction, self‐efficacy and burden.

Results

Greater future planning and community involvement related to more caregiving satisfaction and increased caregiving self‐efficacy, respectively. Less choicemaking of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving satisfaction and self‐efficacy. Maladaptive behaviours and poor health of the adult with ASD related to greater caregiving burden.

Conclusions

Implications for policymakers, practitioners and future research are discussed.
Consonant differentiation mediates the discrepancy between non‐verbal and verbal abilities in children with ASD
Authors: Key A. P. , Yoder P. J. , Stone W. L.
Published: April 2016

Background

Many children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) demonstrate verbal communication disorders reflected in lower verbal than non‐verbal abilities. The present study examined the extent to which this discrepancy is associated with atypical speech sound differentiation.

Methods

Differences in the amplitude of auditory event‐related potentials elicited by contrasting consonant–vowel syllables during a passive listening paradigm were used to assess speech sound differentiation in 24 children with ASD and 18 chronological age‐matched children with typical development (TD), M age 6.90 years (SD = 1.39).

Results

Results revealed that compared with TD peers, children with ASD showed reduced consonant differentiation in the 84‐ to 308‐ms period. Brain responses indexing consonant differentiation were negatively related to the degree of discrepancy in non‐verbal and verbal abilities and mediated the relationship between diagnostic group membership and the greater discrepancy.

Conclusions

We discuss the theoretical and clinical implications of the brain's response to speech sound contrasts possibly explaining the greater non‐verbal versus language ability in children with ASD compared with that in typically developing children.
South African families raising children with autism spectrum disorders: relationship between family routines, cognitive appraisal and family quality of life
Authors: Schlebusch L. , Samuels A. E. , Dada S.
Published: April 2016

Background

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family routines, cognitive appraisal of the impact of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) on the family and family quality of life (FQOL) in families raising children with ASD in South Africa.

Methods

A sample of 180 families of young children with ASD who were receiving disability‐related services in the Gauteng province of South Africa completed a self‐administered survey. Structural equation modelling was used to examine the direct relationship between the regularity of family routines and FQOL, and the mediating effect of cognitive appraisal on this relationship.

Results

The results suggested a direct, positive relationship between the regularity of family routines and families' satisfaction with their FQOL. Furthermore, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD on the family mediated this relationship in a partial manner.

Conclusion

A higher frequency of regular family routines was strongly associated with a higher satisfaction level of FQOL. Also, cognitive appraisal of the impact of ASD acted as a mechanism through which the regularity of family routines influenced FQOL. We discuss the research and clinical implications of these findings.
Elemental mapping of Neuromelanin organelles of human Substantia Nigra: correlative ultrastructural and chemical analysis by analytical transmission electron microscopy and nano‐secondary ion mass spectrometry
Authors: Biesemeier Antje , Eibl Oliver , Eswara Santhana , Audinot Jean‐Nicolas , Wirtz Tom , Pezzoli Gianni , Zucca Fabio A. , Zecca Luigi , Schraermeyer Ulrich
Published: April 2016

Neuromelanin (NM) is a compound which highly accumulates mainly in catecholamine neurons of the substantia nigra (SN), and is contained in organelles (NM‐containing organelles) with lipid bodies and proteins. These neurons selectively degenerate in Parkinson's disease and NM can play either a protective or toxic role. NM‐containing organelles of SN were investigated by Analytical Electron Microscopy (AEM) and Nano‐Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (NanoSIMS) within human tissue sections with respect to ultrastructure and elemental composition. Within the NM‐containing organelle, the single NM granules and lipid bodies had sizes of about 200–600 nm. Energy‐Dispersive X‐ray microanalysis spectra of the NM granules and lipid bodies were acquired with 100 nm beam diameter in AEM, NanoSIMS yielded elemental maps with a lateral resolution of about 150 nm. AEM yielded the quantitative elemental composition of NM granules and bound metals, e.g., iron with a mole fraction of about 0.15 atomic percent. Chemical analyses by AEM and NanoSIMS were consistent at the subcellular level so that nanoSIMS measurements have been quantitated. In NM granules of SN from healthy subjects, a significant amount of S, Fe, and Cu was found. In lipid bodies an amount of P consistent with the presence of phospholipids was measured. The improved detection limits of nanoSIMS offer new possibilities for chemical mapping, high‐sensitivity trace element detection, and reduced acquisition times. Variations between individual NM granules can now be investigated effectively and quantitatively by NanoSIMS mapping Cu and Fe. This should yield new insight into the changes in chemical composition of NM pigments during healthy aging and disease.

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Neuromelanin‐containing organelles of dopamine neurons in normal human substantia nigra were investigated by analytical electron mircoscopy and secondary ion mass spectroscopy (NanoSIMS) yielding the ultrastructure and elemental composition. In neuromelanin granules a significant amount of S, Fe and Cu was found. In lipid bodies an amount of P consistent with the presence of phospholipids was measured. The improved sensitivity of NanoSIMS shows differences in chemical composition between individual neuromelanin granules and allows to study chemical changes of neuromelanin organelles during aging and disease.
Health Promotion Efforts as Predictors of Physical Activity in Schools: An Application of the Diffusion of Innovations Model
Authors: Glowacki Elizabeth M. , Centeio Erin E. , Van Dongen Daniel J. , Carson Russell L. , Castelli Darla M.
Published: April 2016

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND

Implementing a comprehensive school physical activity program (CSPAP) effectively addresses public health issues by providing opportunities for physical activity (PA). Grounded in the Diffusion of Innovations model, the purpose of this study was to identify how health promotion efforts facilitate opportunities for PA.

METHODS

Physical and health education teachers (N = 256) nationwide were surveyed using a CSPAP Index to identify teacher's efforts for providing opportunities for PA within a school setting.

RESULTS

A hierarchical regression analysis revealed total number of PA opportunities was significantly predicted by teachers' health promotion efforts, p < .001. Sex and years of experience were not significant covariates, p = .35, in the final step of the model. Accounting for teaching environments, the model was significant, p < .001. The strongest predictors were the promotional efforts of PA for family and community, p < .001, PA for staff members, p < .01, PA during the school day, p < .05, and PA before school, p < .05.

CONCLUSIONS

To increase PA opportunities for children in schools, emphasis should be placed on health promotion. This study confirms the importance of teachers involving family, community, and staff members as co‐health promoters when trying to increase PA engagement surrounding schools.
Melatonin inhibits tumorigenicity of glioblastoma stem‐like cells via the AKT–EZH2–STAT3 signaling axis
Authors: Chen Xueran , Hao Aijun , Li Xian , Du Zhaoxia , Li Hao , Wang Hongzhi , Yang Haoran , Fang Zhiyou
Published: April 2016

Glioblastoma stem‐like cells (GSCs) displaying self‐renewing and tumor‐propagating capacity play a particularly important role in maintaining tumor growth, therapeutic resistance, and tumor recurrence. Therefore, new therapeutic strategies focusing on impairing GSC maintenance are urgently needed. Here, we used GSCs isolated from surgical specimens from patients with glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) to study the roles and underlying mechanisms associated with melatonin in GSC biology. The results showed that melatonin directly targeted glioma tumor cells by altering GSC biology and inhibiting GSC proliferation. Additionally, melatonin altered profile of transcription factors to inhibit tumor initiation and propagation. Furthermore, EZH2 S21 phosphorylation and EZH2–STAT3 interaction in GSCs were impaired following melatonin treatment. These results suggested that melatonin attenuated multiple key signals involved in GSC self‐renewal and survival, and further supported melatonin as a promising GBM therapeutic.
The pharmacokinetics of transdermal flunixin meglumine in Holstein calves
Authors: Kleinhenz M. D. , Van Engen N. K. , Gorden P. J. , KuKanich B. , Rajewski S. M. , Walsh P. , Coetzee J. F.
Published: April 2016

This study describes the pharmacokinetics of topical and intravenous (IV) flunixin meglumine in Holstein calves. Eight male Holsteins calves, aged 6 to 8 weeks, were administered flunixin at a dose of 2.2 mg/kg intravenously. Following a 10‐day washout period, calves were dosed with flunixin at 3.33 mg/kg topically (transdermal). Blood samples were collected at predetermined times from 0 to 48 h for the intravenous portions and 0 to 72 h following topical dosing. Plasma drug concentrations were determined using liquid chromatography with mass spectroscopy. Pharmacokinetic analysis was completed using noncompartmental methods. The mean bioavailability of topical flunixin was calculated to be 48%. The mean AUC for flunixin was determined to be 13.9 h × ug/mL for IV administration and 10.1 h × ug/mL for topical administration. The mean half‐life for topical flunixin was 6.42 h and 4.99 h for the intravenous route. The Cmax following topical application of flunixin was 1.17 μg/mL. The time to maximum concentration was 2.14 h. Mean residence time (MRT) following IV injection was 4.38 h and 8.36 h after topical administration. In conclusion, flunixin when administered as a topical preparation is rapidly absorbed and has longer half‐life compared to IV administration.
Who Files Suit? Legal Mobilization and Torture Violations in Europe
Authors: Conant Lisa
Published: April 2016

The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) is the most active international court. After decades with few allegations of human rights abuses, the ECHR docket expanded in the 1990s. Paradoxically, long‐standing democracies can have standardized violation rates of the prohibition against torture that compare to transitional democracies that struggle to protect rights. Yet it is implausible that human rights abuses increased or that established democracies engage in more torture than new democracies. Instead variations in legal mobilization generate the surge and puzzling distribution of European judgments. I argue that discrepancies between the incidence of torture and litigation reflect variations in support structures, where declared violations can reflect the level of support that individuals receive in pursuing claims rather than the incidence of torture. This dynamic is most pronounced for foreign nationals, who typically possess fewer resources than citizens to access legal institutions and encounter popular and official hostility. As a result, much European litigation concerning torture in long‐standing democracies is transnational in character.
Practical measures for improving the ecological state of Lake Marken using in‐depth system knowledge
Authors: Genseberger Menno , Noordhuis Ruurd , Thiange Christophe , Boderie Pascal
Published: April 2016

High suspended sediment concentrations in Lake Marken in the Netherlands result in reduced ecological values and prevent goals and standards from being met (Water Framework Directive, Natura 2000). A practical measure to improve the ecology currently being studied is the construction of sheltered areas in the north‐west part of Lake Marken. A strategy is being followed for implementation of these measures that combines in‐depth system knowledge with stakeholder aspects. This study discussed what knowledge of the underlying physical and ecological processes was needed and how it was applied, in the strategy. A coupled silt model for Lake Marken was used to study the effects of the structures on hydrodynamics, waves and sediments. The results of the silt model simulations were interpreted with in‐depth ecological expert knowledge to assess the ecological impacts of the structures. The effects of the considered sheltered areas on water transparency and wave and silt dynamics are limited, compared to the scale of the lake. These changes nevertheless provide local opportunities for ecology, and its effectiveness may be enhanced by local undeepening.
Formation of fibroblastic reticular network in the brain after infection with neurovirulent murine coronavirus
Authors: Watanabe Rihito , Kakizaki Masatoshi , Ikehara Yuzuru , Togayachi Akira
Published: April 2016

cl‐2 virus is an extremely neurovirulent murine coronavirus. However, during the initial phase of infection between 12 and 24 h post‐inoculation (hpi), the viral antigens are detected only in the meninges, followed by viral spread into the ventricular wall before invasion into the brain parenchyma, indicating that the viruses employ a passage between the meninges and ventricular wall as an entry route into the brain parenchyma. At 48 hpi, the passage was found to be constructed by ER‐TR7 antigen (ERag)‐positive fibers (ERfibs) associated with laminin and collagen III between the fourth ventricle and meninges at the cerebellopontine angle. The construct of the fibers mimics the reticular fibers of the fibroblastic reticular network, which comprises a conduit system in the lymphoid organs. In the meninges, ERfibs together with collagen fibers, lining in a striped pattern, made up a pile of thin sheets. In the brain parenchyma, mature ERfibs associated with laminin were found around blood vessels. Besides mature ERfibs, immature Erfibs without associations with other extracellular matrix components like laminin and collagen appeared after infection, suggesting that the CNS creates a unique conduit system for immune communication triggered by viral invasion.
Genetic diversity and biogeography of native and introduced populations of Ulva pertusa (Ulvales, Chlorophyta)
Authors: Hanyuda Takeaki , Heesch Svenja , Nelson Wendy , Sutherland Judy , Arai Shogo , Boo Sung Min , Kawai Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

Genetic diversity of native and introduced populations of Ulva pertusa (Ulvales, Chlorophyta) was examined using genetic markers of chloroplast, mitochondria and nuclear non‐coding region sequences. In the preliminary investigations to genetically identify the species for further analyses, U. pertusa was found only from temperate coasts of the more extensive collection sites including tropical coasts suggesting that it is a temperate species and basically not distributed in tropical regions. For chloroplast and mitochondrial sequences, repeating patterns of short tandem repeat sequences and nucleotide substitutions were used to recognize the haplotypes (genetic types). A total of 48 haplotypes based on combinations of chloroplast and mitochondrial haplotypes were recognized in the 244 specimens collected in the presumptive native range (Northeast Asia) and introduced populations (North America, Australia, New Zealand, Chile and Europe). Among them, 46 haplotypes (H1–H8 and H11–H48) were recognized in Northeast Asia, whereas only 1–5 haplotypes were recognized in the other areas. Nuclear microsatellite sequences were also analyzed. The lengths of the PCR products including the nuclear microsatellite region of 234 specimens were determined, and a total of 17 genotypes were recognized. Among them, 14 genotypes were found in Northeast Asia, whereas 1–7 genotypes were recognized in the other areas. Based on the results, the hypothesis that the native range of the species is in Northeast Asia was supported, and the populations outside this range were concluded to be non‐indigenous populations.
Phylogeography of Asparagopsis taxiformis revisited: Combined mtDNA data provide novel insights into population structure in Japan
Authors: Kurihara Akira , Horiguchi Hanna , Hanyuda Takeaki , Kawai Hiroshi
Published: April 2016

Six intraspecific lineages (Lineages 1–6) of Asparagopsis taxiformis have been previously established based on mitochondrial cox2‐cox3 intergenic spacer and a partial cox1 sequences. ‘Lineage 2’ (L2) was suggested to be a recent introduction to the Mediterranean Sea, but its source population has not yet been identified. In order to clarify the nature of northwestern Pacific populations, we performed extensive sampling in Japan (60 individuals from 16 locations) and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial sequences. Sixteen additional individuals, collected from eight locations in the Indo‐Pacific, Caribbean, and Mediterranean regions, were also analyzed. Combined sequence analyses revealed that the Japanese populations only consisted of L2. Out of 19 combined haplotypes identified within L2, two are shared between Japan and the Mediterranean Sea and the Hawaiian Islands, and 12 were identified as endemic to Japan. Genetic analyses of population differentiation suggested that Japanese populations are genetically isolated from the Mediterranean and the Hawaiian populations. A genetic disjunction appears to separate two subpopulations within Japan: one between Toi and Kagoshima and the other between Ojikajima Island and Kagoshima in the Kyushu area.
Major International Information Flows Across the Safex Wheat Market
Authors: Motengwe Chris , Pardo Angel
Published: April 2016

We study information flows across four wheat futures markets on four continents: Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange (ZCE), South African Futures Exchange (SAFEX), Euronext/Liffe and Kansas City Board of Trade (KCBT). Three approaches for studying information flows among non‐synchronous markets are applied: cointegration techniques, vector autoregressive analysis and multiple regression proposed. Although comparable underlying assets are traded in the four markets, our results indicate that no long‐run links exist among them. ZCE is by far the most endogenous market, and Euronext/Liffe is the most exogenous one. Finally, the model points to KCBT as the most influential and sensitive wheat market. Our findings indicate that the relative openness of the SAFEX wheat market supports information flows and linkages from KCBT and Euronext/Liffe. Therefore, our results suggest that more supportive policies to incentivise higher wheat production in South Africa are required to mitigate the impact of price shocks emanating from the global wheat markets.
Bending but Not Breaking?: Foreign Investor Pressure and Dividend Payouts by Japanese Firms
Authors: Jung Jiwook , Mun Eunmi
Published: April 2016

This article examines the global diffusion of shareholder‐oriented governance practices, using the case of dividend payouts by Japanese firms. While Japanese firms previously retained profits for rainy days or new ventures, their dividend payouts began to increase in the 1990s, rapidly catching up with the levels prevailing in the United States. Following prior research, we focus on the role of foreign investors in this process but provide a more nuanced account of their influence, using panel data on 2,036 publicly traded Japanese firms from 1990 to 2005. First, we show that pressure from foreign investors increased dividends by Japanese firms not only directly but also indirectly, by extending the cognitive boundaries of organizational fields of Japanese firms beyond their local peers and toward their global competitors. Second, we show that although Japanese firms that remained deeply embedded in the traditional, stakeholder‐oriented governance system resisted shareholder‐oriented governance practices, even such firms yielded under pressure from both foreign and domestic investors. We conclude with theoretical implications of our findings for the literature on the global diffusion of shareholder value and its broader political and social consequences.
The virtuous woman and the holy nation: Femininity in the context of Pentecostal Christianity in Vanuatu
Authors: Eriksen Annelin
Published: April 2016

In this paper I connect an anthropology of Christianity to an anthropology of the body and an anthropology of the nation. I try to achieve this by looking at changing notions of femininity in the Pentecostal context of Vanuatu. I do this on two different levels; on the one hand I show how the meaning of womanhood is changed in what I call the ‘pentecostalised’ neighborhoods of the capital Port Vila, and on the other I show how the household and the nation become contexts into which this new notion of femininity is played. Thus, in the first part of the paper I look at the ways in which Pentecostal Christianity change the meaning of gender, whereas in the second part of the paper I look at how this new form of gendered meaning has relevance for our understanding of wider social contexts.
Analysis of gemini pollen 3 mutant suggests a broad function of AUGMIN in microtubule organization during sexual reproduction in Arabidopsis
Authors: Oh Sung‐Aeong , Jeon Jien , Park Hyo‐Jin , Grini Paul Eivind , Twell David , Park Soon Ki
Published: April 2016

In flowering plants, male gametes arise via meiosis of diploid pollen mother cells followed by two rounds of mitotic division. Haploid microspores undergo polar nuclear migration and asymmetric division at pollen mitosis I to segregate the male germline, followed by division of the germ cell to generate a pair of sperm cells. We previously reported two gemini pollen (gem) mutants that produced twin‐celled pollen arising from polarity and cytokinesis defects at pollen mitosis I in Arabidopsis. Here, we report an independent mutant, gem3, with a similar division phenotype and severe genetic transmission defects through pollen. Cytological analyses revealed that gem3 disrupts cell division during male meiosis, at pollen mitosis I and during female gametophyte development. We show that gem3 is a hypomorphic allele (aug6‐1) of AUGMIN subunit 6, encoding a conserved component in the augmin complex, which mediates microtubule (MT)‐dependent MT nucleation in acentrosomal cells. We show that MT arrays are disturbed in gem3/aug6‐1 during male meiosis and pollen mitosis I using fluorescent MT‐markers. Our results demonstrate a broad role for the augmin complex in MT organization during sexual reproduction, and highlight gem3/aug6‐1 mutants as a valuable tool for the investigation of augmin‐dependent MT nucleation and dynamics in plant cells.
Geometric models for measuring sediment wedge volume in retention check dams
Authors: Ramos‐Diez Iván , Navarro‐Hevia Joaquín , Fernández Roberto San Martín , Díaz‐Gutiérrez Virginia , Mongil‐Manso Jorge
Published: April 2016

Check dams play an important role worldwide in sediment retention, although their effectiveness is currently the subject of debate. In this study, 11 geometric models with their field methodology and equations are proposed to estimate the retained sediment quickly, easily and with a sufficient degree of approximation. The models were applied to a sample of check dams in the Saldaña badlands (Spain) in accordance with the shape of the valley to determine the volume of retained sediment and compare them with other widely used methods. Our geometric method gave lower volumes than topographic methods, but higher volumes than simple methods. This method is thus useful as a first approximation to estimate the sediment trapped by check dams and small silted dams, minimizing fieldwork, calculations and cost. Furthermore, it allows the selection of a better fit to the sediment wedge shape and higher accuracy than the simple methods used until now.
Effects of acute aerobic exercise on a task‐switching protocol and brain‐derived neurotrophic factor concentrations in young adults with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Tsai Chia‐Liang , Pan Chien‐Yu , Chen Fu‐Chen , Wang Chun‐Hao , Chou Feng‐Ying
Published: April 2016

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Neurocognitive functions can be enhanced by acute aerobic exercise, which could be associated with changes in serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations. We aimed to explore acute exercise‐induced changes in BDNF concentrations, neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances when individuals with different levels of cardiorespiratory fitness performed a cognitive task.

What is the main finding and its importance?

Only young adults with higher cardiorespiratory fitness could attain switching cost and neurophysiological benefits via acute aerobic exercise. The mechanisms might be fitness dependent. Although acute aerobic exercise could enhance serum BDNF concentrations, changes in peripheral BDNF concentrations could not be the potential factor involved in the beneficial effects on neurocognitive performance.

This study investigated the effects of acute aerobic exercise on neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances in young adults with different cardiorespiratory fitness levels when performing a task‐switching protocol and explored the potential associations between acute aerobic exercise‐induced changes in serum brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) concentrations and various neurocognitive outcomes. Sixty young adults were categorized into one control group (i.e. non‐exercise‐intervention; n = 20) and two exercise‐intervention (EI) groups [i.e. higher (EIH, n = 20) and lower (EIL, n = 20) cardiorespiratory fitness] according to their maximal oxygen consumption. At baseline and after either an acute bout of 30 min of moderate‐intensity aerobic exercise or a control period, the neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances and serum BDNF concentrations were measured when the participants performed a task‐switching protocol involving executive control and greater demands on working memory. The results revealed that although acute aerobic exercise decreased reaction times across three (i.e. pure, switching and non‐switching) conditions in both EI groups, only the EIH group showed a smaller switching cost and larger P3 amplitudes after acute exercise, supporting the view that the mechanisms of neural functioning that underlie the effects of such exercise may be fitness dependent. In addition, serum BDNF concentrations were elevated after acute exercise for both EI groups, but there were no significant correlations between the changes in BDNF concentrations and changes in neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances for either group, suggesting that serum BDNF could not be the potential factor involved in the beneficial effects on neuropsychological and neurophysiological performances seen in young adults after acute aerobic exercise.
DISC1 is a coordinator of intracellular trafficking to shape neuronal development and connectivity
Authors: Devine M. J. , Norkett R. , Kittler J. T.
Published: April 2016

The long, asymmetric and specialised architecture of neuronal processes necessitates a properly regulated transport network of molecular motors and cytoskeletal tracks. This allows appropriate distribution of cargo for correct formation and activity of the synapse, and thus normal neuronal communication. This communication is impaired in psychiatric disease, and ongoing studies have proposed that Disrupted in schizophrenia 1 (DISC1) is an important genetic risk factor for these disorders. The mechanisms by which DISC1 dysfunction might increase propensity to psychiatric disease are not completely understood; however, an emerging theme is that DISC1 can function as a key regulator of neuronal intracellular trafficking. Transport of a wide range of potential cargoes – including mRNAs, neurotransmitter receptors, vesicles and mitochondria – can be modulated by DISC1, and therefore is susceptible to DISC1 dysfunction. This theme highlights the importance of understanding precisely how DISC1 can regulate intracellular trafficking, and suggests that a novel approach to the treatment of psychiatric disorders could be provided by targeting this protein and the trafficking machinery with which it interacts.

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Synthesis and characterization of MoB2−x thin films grown by nonreactive DC magnetron sputtering
Authors: Malinovskis Paulius , Palisaitis Justinas , Persson Per O. Å. , Lewin Erik , Jansson Ulf
Published: April 2016

DC magnetron sputtering was used to deposit molybdenum boride thin films for potential low-friction applications. The films exhibit a nanocomposite structure with ∼10 nm large MoB2−x (x > 0.4) grains surrounded by a boron-rich tissue phase. The preferred formation of the metastable and substoichiometric hP3-MoB2 structure (AlB2-type) is explained with kinetic constraints to form the thermodynamically stable hR18-MoB2 phase with a very complex crystal structure. Nanoindentation revealed a relatively high hardness of (29 ± 2) GPa, which is higher than bulk samples. The high hardness can be explained by a hardening effect associated with the nanocomposite microstructure where the surrounding tissue phase restricts dislocation movement. A tribological study confirmed a significant formation of a tribofilm consisting of molybdenum oxide and boron oxide, however, without any lubricating effects at room temperature.
Critics complain as U.S. shops in Iran's nuclear bazaar
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: April 2016

Heavy water purchase will benefit science, industry.
Mexico struggles to woo expat genome jocks
Authors: Wade Lizzie
Published: April 2016

Young guns flocking back to their homeland face a daunting bureaucracy.
Who's downloading pirated papers? Everyone
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: April 2016

Data from the controversial website Sci-Hub reveal that the whole world turns to it for journal articles.
The frustrated science student behind Sci-Hub
Authors: Bohannon John
Published: April 2016

Alexandra Elbakyan founded Sci-Hub to thwart journal paywalls.
Broken detailed balance at mesoscopic scales in active biological systems
Authors: Battle Christopher , Broedersz Chase P. , Fakhri Nikta , Geyer Veikko F. , Howard Jonathon , Schmidt Christoph F. , MacKintosh Fred C.
Published: April 2016

Identifying nonequilibrium dynamics

Living systems clearly operate out of thermodynamic equilibrium at the molecular scale. How these activities are manifest at the cellular scale, however, has been unclear. Battle
et al.
use video microscopy together with statistical thermodynamics to unambiguously identify which random fluctuations at the cellular scale are out of equilibrium (see the Perspective by Rupprecht and Prost). Transitions between states obey a detailed balance in equilibrium, whereas imbalanced transitions point to nonequilibrium dynamics. For instance, nonequilibrium dynamics can be identified in the periodic beating of a flagellum and in the nonperiodic fluctuations of primary cilia.

Science
, this issue p.
604
; see also p.
514
Durable coexistence of donor and recipient strains after fecal microbiota transplantation
Authors: Li Simone S. , Zhu Ana , Benes Vladimir , Costea Paul I. , Hercog Rajna , Hildebrand Falk , Huerta-Cepas Jaime , Nieuwdorp Max , Salojärvi Jarkko , Voigt Anita Y. , Zeller Georg , Sunagawa Shinichi , de Vos Willem M. , Bork Peer
Published: April 2016

Persistence of fecal transplants

Fecal microbiota transplantation is a successful way of treating the distressing symptoms of irritable bowel disease or
Clostridium difficile
infection. The procedure is done by administering a concentrate of colonic bacteria from a healthy donor. Li
et al.
used metagenomic data to look at single-nucleotide variants after transplants in humans. Donor and recipient strains coexisted for at least 3 months. Some donor strains replaced related strains of the same species, but totally novel species from a donor were unlikely to thrive in a recipient. Rational design of personalized fecal transplant “cocktails” will therefore rely on resolution beyond the species level.

Science
, this issue p.
586
Liquidity in immune cell signaling
Authors: Dustin Michael L. , Muller James
Published: April 2016

Phase separation of proteins into liquid-like microclusters promotes T cell receptor signaling
Multisite Evaluation of Cepheid Xpert Carba-R Assay for Detection of Carbapenemase-Producing Organisms in Rectal Swabs
Authors: Tato M. , Ruiz-Garbajosa P. , Traczewski M. , Dodgson A. , McEwan A. , Humphries R. , Hindler J. , Veltman J. , Wang H. , Cantón R.
Published: April 2016

Rapid identification of patients who are colonized with carbapenemase-producing organisms (CPO) is included in multiple national guidelines for containment of these organisms. In a multisite study, we evaluated the performance of the Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay, a qualitative diagnostic test that was designed for the rapid detection and differentiation of the
bla
KPC
,
bla
NDM
,
bla
VIM
,
bla
OXA-48
, and
bla
IMP-1
genes from rectal swab specimens. A double rectal swab set was collected from 383 patients admitted at four institutions (2 in the United States, 1 in the United Kingdom, 1 in Spain). One swab was used for reference culture (MacConkey broth containing 1 mg/liter of meropenem and subcultured to a MacConkey agar plate with a 10-μg meropenem disk) and for sequencing of DNA obtained from carbapenem-nonsusceptible isolates for carbapenemase identification. The other swab was used for the Xpert Carba-R assay. In addition to the clinical rectal swabs, 250 contrived specimens (108 well-characterized CPO and 142 negative controls spiked onto negative rectal swabs) were tested. Overall, 149/633 (23.5%) samples were positive by the Xpert Carba-R assay. In 6 samples, multiple targets were detected (4 VIM/OXA-48, 1 IMP-1/NDM, and 1 NDM/KPC). The Xpert Carba-R assay detected 155 targets (26 IMP-1, 30 VIM, 27 NDM, 33 KPC, 39 OXA-48) within a time range of 32 to 48 min. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Xpert Carba-R assay compared to those of the reference culture and sequencing results were 96.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 92.2% to 98.9%), 98.6% (95% CI, 97.1% to 99.4%), 95.3%, and 99.0%, respectively. The Cepheid Xpert Carba-R assay is an accurate and rapid test to identify rectal colonization with CPO, which can guide infection control programs to limit the spread of these organisms.
Comparison of ESwab and Wound Fiber Swab Specimen Collection Devices for Use with Xpert SA Nasal Complete Assay
Authors: Beck Eric T. , Buchan Blake W. , Reymann Garrett C. , Ledeboer Nathan A.
Published: April 2016

Paired nasal swab specimens were collected from patients who were undergoing routine methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) screening prior to elective cardiac or orthopedic procedures. Each patient was swabbed using a traditional wound fiber liquid Stuart swab and an ESwab device, a flocked swab with a modified liquid Amies microbiology transport medium. The two specimens were tested using the Cepheid Xpert SA Nasal Complete assay. Results demonstrated a 95.5% agreement between the ESwab and the FDA-cleared wound fiber swab collection device.
Clinical Evaluation of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel
Authors: Tang Yi-Wei , Gonsalves Sarah , Sun Janet Y. , Stiles Jeffrey , Gilhuley Kathleen A. , Mikhlina Albina , Dunbar Sherry A. , Babady N. Esther , Zhang Hongwei
Published: April 2016

An evaluation of the Luminex NxTAG Respiratory Pathogen Panel was performed on 404 clinical respiratory specimens. Clinical sensitivities and specificities of the assay compared to those of the reference methods were 80.0% to 100.0% and 98.9% to 100.0%, respectively. Correct genotyping information was provided for 95.5% of influenza virus A specimens. The closed-tube format of the assay simplified the workflow and minimized carryover contamination.
Long-Term Spontaneous Control of HIV-1 Is Related to Low Frequency of Infected Cells and Inefficient Viral Reactivation
Authors: Noel Nicolas , Peña Ruth , David Annie , Avettand-Fenoel Veronique , Erkizia Itziar , Jimenez Esther , Lecuroux Camille , Rouzioux Christine , Boufassa Faroudy , Pancino Gianfranco , Venet Alain , Van Lint Carine , Martinez-Picado Javier , Lambotte Olivier , Sáez-Cirión Asier , Prado Julia G.
Published: April 2016

HIV establishes reservoirs of infected cells that persist despite effective antiretroviral therapy (ART). In most patients, the virus begins to replicate soon after treatment interruption. However, a low frequency of infected cells at the time of treatment interruption has been associated with delayed viral rebound. Likewise, individuals who control the infection spontaneously, so-called HIV-1 controllers (HICs), carry particularly low levels of infected cells. It is unclear, however, whether and how this small number of infected cells contributes to durable viral control. Here we compared 38 HICs with 12 patients on effective combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) and found that the low frequency of infected cells in the former subjects was associated both with less efficient viral reactivation in resting CD4
+
T cells and with less efficient virion production
ex vivo
. We also found that a potent HIV-specific CD8
+
T cell response was present only in those HICs whose CD4
+
T cells produced virus
ex vivo
. Long-term spontaneous control of HIV infection in HICs thus appears to be sustained on the basis of the inefficient reactivation of viruses from a limited number of infected cells and the capacity of HICs to activate a potent HIV-specific CD8
+
T cell response to counteract efficient viral reactivation events.

IMPORTANCE
There is a strong scientific interest in developing strategies to eradicate the HIV-1 reservoir. Very rare HIV-1-infected patients are able to spontaneously control viremia for long periods of time (HIV-1 controllers [HICs]) and are put forward as a model of HIV-1 remission. Here, we show that the low viral reservoirs found in HICs are a critical part of the mechanisms underlying viral control and result in a lower probability of HIV-1 reactivation events, resulting in limited HIV-1 release and spread. We found that those HICs in whom viral reactivation and spread from CD4
+
T cells
in vitro
were the most difficult were those with diminished CD8
+
T cell responses. These results suggest that, in some settings, low HIV-1 reservoirs decisively contribute to at least the temporary control of infection without antiretroviral therapy. We believe that this work provides information of relevance in the context of the search for HIV-1 remission.