bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐Temperature Synthesis of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 Thin Films Using Selenium‐Containing Precursors
Authors: Chen Fu‐Shan , Wu Chung‐Hsien , Lu Chung‐Hsin
Published: June 2012

Cu(In,Ga)Se2 films were successfully synthesized via employing H2 SeO3 as a new Se source. Direct heating in a reducing atmosphere at 350°C without using Se vapor yielded monophasic Cu(In,Ga)Se2. H2SeO3 was completely dissolved in the starting solution, leading to an improvement in homogeneous mixing and diffusion of selenium atoms with other constituent species in the precursor pastes. The formation processes of Cu(In,Ga)Se2 were investigated, and the related reaction mechanism was proposed in the study. H2SeO3 is first decomposed to yield selenium species at elevated temperatures. Subsequently, In2Se3 is formed from selenium and indium species. Finally, In2Se3 reacts with other species to yield Cu(In,Ga)Se2. In the heating process, decreasing the heating rates resulted in a significant increase in the grain size and the compactness of the prepared films.
Synthesis and Characterization of Silver Indium Diselenide Thin Films Prepared via the Sol‐Gel Assisted Process
Authors: Lu Chung‐Hsin , Chien Szu‐Chia , Lin Shin‐Hom
Published: June 2012

Single‐phased AgInSe2 thin films were successfully prepared via depositing sol‐gel derived precursors, followed by a selenization process. The pure‐phased AgInSe2 thin films were obtained at a selenization temperature as low as 400°C via adding the excess amount of In3+ ions. Adjusting the In3+/Ag+ molar ratios can effectively prevent the formation of impurities Ag2Se and AgIn5Se8 in thin films. A Raman spectrum indicated that the obtained films belonged to chalcopyrite structure. The optical absorption revealed that the obtained AgInSe2 had the band gap of 1.23 eV. According to the GIXD analysis of the prepared films, the formation mechanism of AgInSe2 thin films is proposed. Se vapor reacts with Ag to produce Ag2Se at first, and then Se vapor subsequently reacts with In2O3 and Ag2Se to form AgInSe2. The sol‐gel assisted route with a selenization process was demonstrated to be a potential way for preparing AgInSe2 thin films with densified microstructures.
Spatial Variation in Army Ant Swarm Raiding and its Potential Effect on Biodiversity
Authors: Peters Marcell K. , Fischer Georg , Hita Garcia Francisco , Lung Tobias , Wägele Johann Wolfgang
Published: June 2012

Invertebrate communities of the tropical rain forest floor are highly diverse, characterized by patchy species distribution patterns and high variation in species density. Spatial variation in the foraging activity of swarm raiding army ants, prime invertebrate predators in tropical rain forests, is discussed as a mechanism contributing to these patterns, but highly resolved long‐term data on army ant raiding on the local and landscape scale are hitherto lacking. In this study, 196 positions in 11 study sites in a tropical rain forest in western Kenya were continuously monitored over ~4 mo for the occurrence of swarm raids of army ants. Using population simulation analyses, the consequences of army ant raiding for prey communities were assessed. We found an unexpectedly high variation in raid rates at the study site and landscape scale. The weekly chance of communities to become raided by army ants was on average 0.11, but ranged from 0 to 0.50 among the 196 positions. Simulating population developments of two Lotka–Volterra species—showing slight trade‐offs between competitive strength and resistance to army ant raids—in the real raiding landscapes showed that the observed spatial variation in raid rates may produce high prey diversity at larger spatial scales (due to high β‐diversity) and strong variation in species density. Our results indicate that high spatial variation in army ant swarm raiding is a mechanism capable of generating patchy species distribution patterns and maintaining the high biodiversity of invertebrate communities of the tropical rain forest floor.
Fruit Supplementation Affects Birds but not Arthropod Predation by Birds in Costa Rican Agroforestry Systems
Authors: Peters Valerie E. , Greenberg Russell
Published: June 2012

As the global demand for the reliable provision of virtually all ecosystem services increases, it is imperative to conduct experimental research that tests specific mechanisms or drivers of the ecological processes that link to services, and whether these management actions can affect biodiversity and processes synergistically. Agroforestry systems are ideal for such experiments due to their increased uniformity and the relative ease with which factors can be manipulated and isolated. Manipulating the availability of food resources, we carried out an experimental test of this potential driver on bird diversity measures and the predatory services provided by birds in coffee agroforests. We constructed exclosures over coffee plants to measure arthropod removal intensity by birds comparing coffee agroforests with and without food resource (fruit) enrichment (the driver). Fruit enrichment agroforests had significantly greater bird species density (50%), overall abundance (55%), and abundance of understory insectivore specialists (89%) compared with control agroforests. Although 48 percent more arthropods were aspirated from coffee plants inside exclosures compared to coffee plants outside exclosures, fruit resource enrichment did not influence predatory activity by birds in the agroforests. The results of this study highlight the difficulties associated with managing lands for ecosystem services in complex ecosystems‐ management actions aimed at increasing numbers of the organisms involved in the interactions of ecological processes is not always equivalent to managing for an increase in the process itself.
CrowdHydrology: Crowdsourcing Hydrologic Data and Engaging Citizen Scientists
Authors: Lowry Christopher S. , Fienen Michael N.
Published: June 2012

Spatially and temporally distributed measurements of processes, such as baseflow at the watershed scale, come at substantial equipment and personnel cost. Research presented here focuses on building a crowdsourced database of inexpensive distributed stream stage measurements. Signs on staff gauges encourage citizen scientists to voluntarily send hydrologic measurements (e.g., stream stage) via text message to a server that stores and displays the data on the web. Based on the crowdsourced stream stage, we evaluate the accuracy of citizen scientist measurements and measurement approach. The results show that crowdsourced data collection is a supplemental method for collecting hydrologic data and a promising method of public engagement.
Effect of SO on 1,1,1‐Trichloroethane Degradation by Fe0 in Aqueous Solution
Authors: Yu Jie , Liu Wenxia , Zeng Aibin , Guan Baohong , Xu Xinhua
Published: June 2012

Sulfate in groundwater has been previously shown to change the reactivity of Fe0 in permeable reactive barriers for reducing chlorinated organics. To better understand the effect and mechanism of SO, the degradation of 1,1,1‐trichloroethane (TCA) by Fe0 in unbuffered aqueous solutions with and without SO was investigated. In a Fe0‐TCA‐H2O system with initial pH of 2.0 to 10.0, the maximum removal rate of TCA was achieved at the initial pH 6.0 with pseudo‐first‐order constant Kobs 9.0 × 10−3/min. But in a Fe0‐TCA‐Na2SO4‐H2O system, the removal rate of TCA decreased remarkably with a reduction in Kobs to 1.0 × 10−3/min, and the pH varied from 6.0 to 9.6, indicating an inhibition of TCA dehydrochlorination by SO. Sulfate remarkably inhibited TCA degradation via changing the route of Fe0 dissolution. It accelerated the dissolution of Fe0 and transformed the intermediate form Fe(OH)ads to Fe2(SO4)ads, which weakened the affinity between Fe and TCA, and thus depressed the degradation of TCA by Fe0.
Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of 3‐thiazolocoumarinyl Schiff‐base Derivatives as Cholinesterase Inhibitors
Authors: Raza Rabia , Saeed Aamer , Arif Mubeen , Mahmood Shamsul , Muddassar Muhammad , Raza Ahsan , Iqbal Jamshed
Published: June 2012

On the basis of the observed biological activity of the coumarins, a new set of 3‐thiazolocoumarinyl Schiff‐base derivatives with chlorine, hydroxy and methoxy functional group substitutions were designed and synthesized. These compounds were tested against acetylcholinesterase from Electrophorus electricus and butyrylcholinesterase from horse serum and their structure–activity relationship was established. Studies revealed them as the potential inhibitors of cholinesterase (acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase). The 3f was found to be most potent against acetylcholinesterase with Ki value of 1.05 ± 0.3 μm and 3l showed excellent inhibitory action against butyrylcholinesterase with Ki value of 0.041 ± 0.002 μm. The synthesized compounds were also docked into the active sites of the homology models of acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase to predict the binding modes of these compounds. It was predicted that most of the compounds have similar binding modes with reasonable binding affinities. Our docking studies have also shown that these synthesized compounds have better interaction patterns with butyrylcholinesterase over acetylcholinesterase. The main objective of the study was to develop new potent and selective compounds, which might be further optimized to prevent the progression of the Alzheimer’s disease and could provide symptomatic treatment.
Design, Synthesis, and Evaluation of 2‐(arylsulfonyl)oxiranes as Cell‐permeable Covalent Inhibitors of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases
Authors: Dana Dibyendu , Das Tirtha K. , Kumar Ish , Davalos Anibal R. , Mark Kevin J. , Ramai Daryl , Chang Emmanuel J. , Talele Tanaji T. , Kumar Sanjai
Published: June 2012

A structure‐based design approach has been applied to develop 2‐(arylsulfonyl)oxiranes as potential covalent inhibitors of protein tyrosine phosphatases. A detailed kinetic analysis of inactivation by these covalent inhibitors reveals that this class of compounds inhibits a panel of protein tyrosine phosphatases in a time‐ and dose‐dependent manner, consistent with the covalent modification of the enzyme active site. An inactivation experiment in the presence of sodium arsenate, a known competitive inhibitor of protein tyrosine phosphatase, indicated that these inhibitors were active site bound. This finding is consistent with the mass spectrometric analysis of the covalently modified protein tyrosine phosphatase enzyme. Additional experiments indicated that these compounds remained inert toward other classes of arylphosphate‐hydrolyzing enzymes, and alkaline and acid phosphatases. Cell‐based experiments with human A549 lung cancer cell lines indicated that 2‐(phenylsulfonyl)oxirane (1) caused an increase in intracellular pTyr levels in a dose‐dependent manner thereby suggesting its cell‐permeable nature. Taken together, the newly identified 2‐(arylsulfonyl)oxiranyl moiety could serve as a novel chemotype for the development of activity‐based probes and therapeutic agents against protein tyrosine phosphatase superfamily of enzymes.
Reading Sociology into Scholarship on School‐Based Sex Education: Interaction and Culture
Authors: Smith Sarah H.
Published: June 2012

School‐based sex education (SBSE), an institutional attempt to interrupt and correct the sexual socialization of young people, operates at the levels of structure, interaction, and culture. At the structural level SBSE has been found to endorse a particular set of cultural messages about sex and sexuality that reinforce patterns of inequality. This is often the case regardless of program type (e.g., abstinence versus comprehensive). However, there is little empirical focus on the actual classroom practices and other social interactions that constitute SBSE in the United States. In this paper, I will provide an overview of the field of SBSE research, reading the findings at the interactional level. In particular, I will review findings on curricula, stakeholder perspectives, and effects in a discussion of the importance of both interaction and culture in SBSE practices. Finally, I will use criticisms raised in existing SBSE scholarship to pose opportunities for sociological research into the topic.
For a Social Psychology of Prayer
Authors: Sharp Shane
Published: June 2012

Prayer is one of the most common religious activities practiced by Americans. In this review, I make the argument that prayer is a social psychological phenomenon that scholars should treat as such. After a discussion of the use of prayer as a proxy for overall religiosity and a brief excursus on current typologies of prayer, I provide three main arguments for the claim that prayer is a social psychological phenomenon. First, I review evidence that prayer is a legitimate social interaction with “imagined others” that shares many characteristics with and involves the same cognitive and interactional processes as human‐human interactions. Second, I review evidence that shows that individuals’ social positions influence the frequency of prayer. Third, I review evidence that prayer influences social action through psychological and interactional processes.
Women’s Advantage in Higher Education: Towards Understanding A Global Phenomenon
Authors: McDaniel Anne
Published: June 2012

This article reviews prior and emerging research on the gender gap in higher education using a comparative lens. The article outlines historical trends in the gender gap in higher education, focusing on areas where women are advantaged and disadvantaged. It then reviews prior explanations for women’s increasing enrollment in college and continued sex segregation in fields of study. It suggests three fruitful areas for future research to understand the cross‐national female advantage in the completion of college and university degrees: (1) the female advantage in schooling; (2) male vulnerability to growing up in resource‐deprived homes; and (3) changing incentives for men and women to complete higher education.
Evaluation of the Temporal Transferability of a Model Describing Dissolved Solids in Streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin1
Authors: Kenney Terry A. , Buto Susan G.
Published: June 2012

Kenney, Terry A. and Susan G. Buto, 2012. Evaluation of the Temporal Transferability of a Model Describing Dissolved Solids in Streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(5): 1041‐1053. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00667.x

Abstract:  The application of a nonlinear least‐squares regression model describing the sources and transport of dissolved solids in streams of the Upper Colorado River Basin, and that was calibrated using data from water year 1991, was evaluated for use in predicting annual dissolved‐solids loads for the years 1974 through 1998. Simulations for each water year were run using annual climate data. To evaluate how well the model captures the observed annual variability across the basin, differences in predicted annual dissolved‐solids loads for each simulated year and 1991 were compared with differences in monitored annual loads. The temporal trend of the differences between predicted annual loads for the simulated years and the load for 1991 generally followed the trend of the monitored loads. The model appears to underpredict the largest annual loads and overpredict some of the smaller annual loads. An underprediction bias for wetter years was evident in the residuals as was an overprediction bias, to a lesser degree, for drier years. A regression analysis on the residuals suggests that the underprediction bias is associated with precipitation differences from 1991 and with previously defined downward trends in dissolved‐solids concentrations in the basin. In general, given the representative climatic conditions, the model adequately performs throughout the period examined. However, the model is most transferable to years with climatic conditions similar to 1991.
Modeled Summer Background Concentration of Nutrients and Suspended Sediment in the Mid‐Continent (USA) Great Rivers1
Authors: Angradi Ted R. , Bolgrien David W. , Starry Matt A. , Hill Brian H.
Published: June 2012

Angradi, Ted R., David W. Bolgrien, Matt A. Starry, and Brian H. Hill, 2012. Modeled Summer Background Concentration of Nutrients and Suspended Sediment in the Mid‐Continent (USA) Great Rivers. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(5): 1054‐1070. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00669.x

Abstract:  We used regression models to predict summer background concentration of total nitrogen (N), total phosphorus (P), and total suspended solids (TSS), in the mid‐continent great rivers: the Upper Mississippi, the Lower Missouri, and the Ohio. From multiple linear regressions of water quality indicators with land use and other stressor variables, we determined the concentration of the indicators when the predictor variables were all set to zero — the y‐intercept. Except for total P on the Upper Mississippi River, we could predict background concentration using regression models. Predicted background concentration of total N was about the same on the Upper Mississippi and Lower Missouri Rivers (430 μg l−1), which was lower than percentile‐based values, but was similar to concentrations derived from the response of sestonic chlorophyll a to great river total N concentration. Background concentration of total P on the Lower Missouri (65 μg l−1) was also lower than published and percentile‐based concentrations. Background TSS concentration was higher on the Lower Missouri (40 mg l−1) than the other rivers. Background TSS concentration on the Upper Mississippi (16 mg l−1) was below a threshold (30 mg l−1) designed to protect aquatic vegetation. Our model‐predicted concentrations for the great rivers are an attempt to estimate background concentrations for water quality indicators independent from thresholds based on percentiles or derived from stressor‐response relationships.
Temporal and Spatial Variability of Water Supply Stress in the Haihe River Basin, Northern China1
Authors: Ji Yuhe , Chen Liding , Sun Ranhao
Published: June 2012

Ji, Yuhe, Liding Chen, and Ranhao Sun, 2012. Temporal and Spatial Variability of Water Supply Stress in the Haihe River Basin, Northern China. Journal of the American Water Resources Association (JAWRA) 48(5): 999‐1007. DOI: 10.1111/j.1752‐1688.2012.00671.x

Abstract:  Water resources are becoming increasingly stressed under the influence of climate change and population growth in the Haihe River Basin, Northern China. Assessing the temporal and spatial variability of water supply stress is urgently needed to mitigate water crisis caused by water resource reallocation. Water supply and use data were compiled for the time period of 1998‐2003 in this synthesis study. The Water Supply Stress Index (WSSI) as defined as Water Demand/Water Supply was used to quantitate whether water supply could meet the demand of human activities across the study region. We found a large spatial gradient of water supply stress in the study region, being much higher in the eastern subbasins (ranging from 2.56 to 4.31) than the west subbasins (ranging from 0.56 to 1.92). The eastern plain region not only suffered more serious water supply stress but also had a much higher interannual variability than the western hilly region. The uneven spatial distribution of water supply stress might result from the distribution of land use, population, and climate. Future climate change and rapid economic development are likely to aggravate the existing water crisis in the study region.
A simplified molecular method for distinguishing among species and ploidy levels in European water frogs (Pelophylax)
Authors: HAUSWALDT J. SUSANNE , HÖER MANUELA , OGIELSKA MARIA , CHRISTIANSEN DITTE G. , DZIEWULSKA‐SZWAJKOWSKA DARIA , CZERNICKA ELŻBIETA , VENCES MIGUEL
Published: June 2012

Western Palearctic water frogs in the genus Pelophylax are a set of morphologically similar anuran species that form hybridogenetic complexes. Fully reliable identification of species and especially of hybrid ploidy depends on karyological and molecular methods. In central Europe, native water frog populations consist of the Pelophylax esculentus complex, that is, P. lessonae (LL), P. ridibundus (RR) and the hybrid form P. esculentus that can have different karyotypes (RL, LLR and RRL). We developed existing molecular methods further and propose a simple PCR method based on size‐differences in the length of the serum albumin intron‐1 and the RanaCR1, a non‐LTR retrotransposon of the chicken repeat (CR) family. This PCR yields taxon‐specific banding patterns that can easily be screened by standard agarose gel electrophoresis and correctly identify species in all of the 160 samples that had been identified to karyotype with other methods. To distinguish ploidy levels in LR, LLR and RRL specimens, we used the ratio of the peak heights of the larger (ridibundus specific) to the smaller (lessonae specific) bands of fluorescently labelled PCR products resolved on a capillary DNA sequencer and obtained a correct assignment of the karyotype in 93% of cases. Our new method will cut down time and expenses drastically for a reliable identification of water frogs of the P. esculentus complex and potentially for identification of other hybridogenetic complexes and/or taxa, and it even serves as a good indicator of the ploidy status of hybrid individuals.
Development and annotation of shotgun sequence libraries from New World monkeys
Authors: JAMESON NATALIE M. , XU KE , YI SOOJIN V. , WILDMAN DEREK E.
Published: June 2012

The draft genome sequences of several primates are available, providing insights into evolutionary and anthropological research. However, genomic resources from New World monkeys are conspicuously lacking. To date, the genomes of only two platyrrhine species, the common marmoset and the Bolivian squirrel monkey, have been fully sequenced. This is especially limiting for comparative genomics research, considering that New World monkeys are the most speciose primate group, and platyrrhine genetic diversity is comparable to that of the catarrhines (i.e. apes and Old World monkeys). Here, we present the generation and annotation of numerous sequence reads from the genomes of Spider monkey (Ateles belzebuth), Owl monkey (Aotus lemurinus) and Uakari (Cacajao calvus), representing the three platyrrhine families, Atelidae, Cebidae and Pitheciidae, respectively. These sequencing reads were developed from gDNA shotgun libraries containing over 3000 individual sequences with an average length of 726 bps. Of these sequences, 1220 contain <20% repeats, and thus are potentially highly useful phylogenetic markers for other platyrrhine species. Among them, a large number of sequencing reads were found to match unique regions within the human (2462 sequences) and the marmoset (2829 sequences) genomes. In particular, the majority of these sequencing reads are from putatively neutrally evolving intergenic regions. Thus, they are likely to be highly informative for inferring neutral evolutionary patterns and genomic evolution for other New World monkeys.
Comparative assessment of change in fat mass using dual X‐ray absorptiometry and air‐displacement plethysmography
Authors: Warolin J. , Kantor J. , Whitaker L. E. , Choi L. , Acra S. , Buchowski M. S.
Published: June 2012

What is already known about this subject

Excess fat mass (FM) is believed to be a primary cause of the health risks (e.g. cardiovascular, metabolic) associated with obesity

Dual X‐ray absorptiometry and air‐displacement plethysmography are frequently used in clinical research and practice to measure body composition changes.

There is no accepted single tool for measurement of obesity and change in FM that provides a sufficiently accurate and precise estimate.

What this study adds

The demonstrated accuracy of dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) supports its use as an indirect method for monitoring fat mass (FM) changes associated with clinical interventions for obesity.

DXA is significantly more accurate when compared to air‐displacement plethysmography in recognizing small changes in FM.

The study aims to compare the accuracy of body composition measurements to small, defined changes in fat mass (FM) between dual X‐ray absorptiometry (DXA) and air‐displacement plethysmography (ADP). Fifty‐six healthy adults, 29 women and 27 men (age, 38 ± 12.4 years; body mass index, 27.6 ± 5.8 kg m−2) were included in the study. Exclusion criteria were pregnancy, indwelling metal hardware or pacemakers, or weight exceeding DXA table limit (>350 lb). All individual testing was completed within a 2‐h period. Fat packets were prepared using lard wrapped in plastic and applied exogenously in defined locations. Each participant completed body composition measurements with ADP and DXA (both testing modalities completed with and without 1 kg of exogenously applied FM). Both DXA and ADP were highly accurate in detecting an overall increase in body mass associated with exogenously applied 1 kg of FM (0.99 kg vs. 0.97 kg, respectively). DXA more accurately detected exogenous fat increase as FM compared to ADP (0.93 kg; 90% CI for the mean of the difference: 0.83 to 1.03 kg vs. 0.45 kg; 90% CI: 0.19 to 0.71 kg, respectively). The accuracy of body mass detection was similar for males and females (0.97 vs. 1.02 for DXA and 0.92 vs. 1.02 for ADP, respectively), though accuracy in detecting added mass as fat was less accurate in males than females (0.84 vs. 1.00 for DXA and 0.39 vs. 0.51 for ADP, respectively). Both DXA and ADP are accurate in detecting an overall increase in body mass associated with exogenously applied 1 kg of FM. However, DXA is more accurate than ADP in correctly identifying the increase in body mass as FM, as opposed to fat‐free mass.
Effect of recombinant canine interleukin‐6 and interleukin‐8 on tissue factor procoagulant activity in canine peripheral blood mononuclear cells and purified canine monocytes
Authors: Ogasawara Seigo , Daddona Janelle L. , Trimpert Jakob , Stokol Tracy
Published: June 2012

Background

Inflammation is a major cause of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in dogs, but underlying mechanisms for its initiation are unknown. We hypothesized that pro‐inflammatory cytokines, interleukin (IL)‐6 andIL‐8, induce tissue factor (TF) expression on canine monocyte surfaces, which may contribute toDICinitiation.

Objectives

The objectives of this study were to determine if (1)IL‐6 andIL‐8 would induceTFactivity on canine monocytes, (2) fetal bovine serum or autologous plasma was required forIL‐6– orIL‐8–inducedTFresponses in canine monocytes, and (3) these pro‐inflammatory cytokines would enhanceTFactivity on canine monocytes in response to low concentrations of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods

Canine monocytes were isolated fromEDTA‐anticoagulated blood as peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) by double‐density gradient centrifugation and adhesion to plastic. Adherent cells were stimulated for 4 hours with recombinant canine (rc)‐IL‐6 or rc‐IL‐8 (10–5000 pg/mL) with or without 10% heat‐inactivated (HI) fetal bovine serum, untreated autologous canine plasma (ACP), orHI‐ACP. Lipopolysaccharide (100 ng/mL) served as a positive control. Cells were also costimulated with either cytokine (100 pg/mL) or low concentrations of LPS (0.1 and 1 ng/mL). Monocytes immunopurified fromPBMCwith anti‐CD14 antibodies were also stimulated with both cytokines (100 and 5000 pg/mL). TF activity on cell surfaces was measured by a 2‐stage amidolytic assay, based on activated factorXgeneration.

Results

Neither rc‐IL‐6 nor rc‐IL‐8 consistently stimulatedTFprocoagulant activity in caninePBMCor purified monocytes after 4 hours. Serum, plasma, or low concentrations ofLPSdid not enhance theTFresponse to these cytokines.

Conclusions

IL‐6 orIL‐8 at evaluated concentrations may not play major roles in coagulation activation by induction ofTFexpression on monocytes in dogs with inflammation.
Identification and characterization of novel glycoproteins involved in growth and biofilm formation by Porphyromonas gingivalis
Authors: Kishi M. , Hasegawa Y. , Nagano K. , Nakamura H. , Murakami Y. , Yoshimura F.
Published: June 2012

Porphyromonas gingivalis has been implicated as a major pathogen associated with chronic periodontitis. To extend our knowledge of post‐translational protein glycosylation in P.  gingivalis, a proteomic analysis involving two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis combined with carbohydrate staining and mass spectrometry was performed. Four novel glycoproteins, PGN0743, PGN0876, PGN1513 and PGN0729, in P. gingivalis ATCC 33277 were identified. These four identified glycoproteins possess a range of biochemical activities and cellular localization. PGN0743 contains a sequence motif identifying it as a FKBP‐type cis‐trans isomerase, which has activity usually associated with chaperone functions. PGN0876 and PGN1513 contain tetratricopeptide repeat domains that mediate protein–protein interactions. PGN0729 encodes the outer membrane protein 41 precursor, which was previously identified as Pgm6, and is homologous to the OmpA protein in Escherichia coli. Several different types of glycoprotein were identified, suggesting that P. gingivalis possesses a general mechanism for protein glycosylation. PGN0743‐deficient and PGN0876‐deficient mutants were constructed to examine the role(s) of the two identified glycoproteins. Both mutants showed a decreased growth rate under nutrient‐limited conditions and reduced biofilm formation activity. These results suggest that the novel glycoproteins PGN0743 and PGN0876 play an important role in the growth and colonization of P. gingivalis.
Earnings Manipulation, Corporate Governance and Executive Stock Option Grants: Evidence from Taiwan*
Authors: Wu Ming‐Cheng , Huang Yi‐Ting , Chen Yi‐Jing
Published: June 2012

Executive stock options (ESOs), serving as a compensation mechanism, are widely used in business administration. ESOs link managerial wealth to firm performance and shareholder wealth. The intrinsic value of ESOs is determined by the difference between the stock price and the strike price. Executives, as a result of self‐interested incentives, would therefore manipulate firms’ reported earnings for influencing stock prices. Such conduct may boost the value of ESOs and then benefit managers greatly. This study attempts to explore if earnings had been manipulated before the ESO award date to satisfy some self‐interested managers. In addition, the paper attempts to reveal the cause and effect relationship between executive incentives and earnings management when compensations are linked to stock prices. The empirical results show that there is a significant downward earnings management phenomenon before the ESO award date. Furthermore, quarterly earnings management occurs frequently around the ESO grant date.
Is Business Group Structure Inefficient? A Long‐Term Perspective
Authors: Kim Chang‐Soo
Published: June 2012

This paper investigates the long‐term value implication of business group affiliation. In order to secure comparability between business‐group‐affiliated firms and independent firms we employ the matching estimator technique, which selects firms with business characteristics most similar to chaebol firms to create a control group of firms. We find that the long‐term performance of chaebol‐affiliated firms is superior to that of control firms although the two groups are very similar at the beginning of the sample period. The differential performance between the two groups has been caused by changes in firm characteristics over time. Difference‐in‐difference estimators on important firm characteristics indicate that, over time, chaebol‐affiliated firms become larger and more profitable, grow faster with more investments, have higher debt, and have more foreign ownership, which leads to a larger firm size. Chaebol firms also seem to benefit from tax shield and monitoring effects due to a higher level of debt, and avoid the entrenchment of owner–managers with a higher foreign ownership. However, regressions using difference variables indicate that business group affiliation by itself is not a value‐increasing event.
Post‐Takeover Financing Activities under Financial Repression: Evidence from China*
Authors: Du Julan , Rui Oliver M. , Wong Sonia M. L.
Published: June 2012

In China’s state‐dominated financial system, many firms, especially non‐state‐owned or private organizations, face serious restrictions in gaining access to bank and equity market financing. This kind of highly discriminatory financial repression policy has induced some unique post‐takeover financing activities, which are consistent with the desire to acquire firms in order to capitalize on their privileges in getting access to external finance. Specifically, takeovers by acquirers facing more serious financing obstacles (private acquirers) tend to show less salient symptoms of tunneling and display patterns of more efficient investment than takeovers by acquirers suffering less serious financing obstacles (state acquirers). Market reaction analysis suggests that these takeovers pose different implications for acquirers’ shareholder value, with takeovers by private acquirers being viewed as value enhancing but takeovers by state acquirers being viewed as value reducing.
Maintaining a Consistent Big Picture: Meaningful Use of a Web‐based POC EHR System
Authors: Keenan Gail M. , Yakel Elizabeth , Yao Yingwei , Xu Dianhui , Szalacha Laura , Tschannen Dana , Ford Yvonne , Chen Yu‐Chung , Johnson Andrew , Lopez Karen Dunn , Wilkie Diana J.
Published: June 2012

OBJECTIVE:  To test the hypothesis that Hands‐on Automated Nursing Data System (HANDS) “big picture summary” can be implemented uniformly across diverse settings, and result in positive registered nurse (RN) and plan of care (POC) data outcomes across time.

DESIGN:  In a longitudinal, multisite, full test study, a representative convenience sample of eight medical‐surgical units from four hospitals (one university, two large community, and one small community) in one Midwestern state implemented the HANDS intervention for 24 (four units) or 12 (four units) months.

MEASUREMENTS:  (a) RN outcomes—percentage completing training, satisfaction with standardized terminologies, perception of HANDS usefulness, POC submission compliance rate. (b) POC data outcomes—validity (rate of optional changes/episode); reliability of terms and ratings; and volume of standardized data generated.

RESULTS:  One hundred percent of the RNs who worked on the eight study units successfully completed the required standardized training; all units selected participated for the entire 12‐ or 24‐month designated period; compliance rates for POC entry at every patient hand‐off were 78–92%; reliability coefficients for use of the standardized terms and ratings were moderately strong; the pattern of optional POC changes per episode declined but remained reasonable across time; and the nurses generated a database of 40,747 episodes of care.

LIMITATIONS:  Only RNs and medical‐surgical units participated.

CONCLUSION:  It is possible to effectively standardize the capture and visualization of useful “big picture” healthcare information across diverse settings. Findings offer a viable alternative to the current practice of introducing new health information layers that ultimately increase the complexity and inconsistency of information for frontline users.
Computationally Efficient Combined Plant Design and Controller Optimization Using a Coupling Measure
Authors: Patil Rakesh , Filipi Zoran , Fathy Hosam
Published: June 2012

This paper presents a novel approach to the optimization of a dynamic systems design and control. Traditionally, these problems have been solved either sequentially or in a combined manner. We propose a novel approach that uses a previously derived coupling measure to quantify the impact of plant design variables on optimal control cost. This proposed approach has two key advantages. First, because the coupling term quantifies the gradient of the control optimization objective with respect to plant design variables, the approach ensures combined plant/control optimality. Second, because the coupling term equals the integral of optimal control co-states multiplied by static gradient terms that can be computed a priori, the proposed approach is computationally attractive. We illustrate this approach using an example cantilever beam structural design and vibration control problem. The results show significant computational cost improvements compared to traditional combined plant/control optimization. This reduction in computational cost becomes more pronounced as the number of plant design variables increases.
Kinematic Synthesis of Nonspherical Orientation Manipulators: Maximization of Dexterous Regular Workspace by Multiple Response Optimization
Authors: Rahman Taufiqur , Krouglicof Nicholas , Lye Leonard
Published: June 2012

Kinematic synthesis of a parallel manipulator refers to the systematic determination of the optimum geometry that maximizes a set of kinematic performance characteristics. Essentially, this is an optimization problem where the objective function is composed of certain kinematic performance metrics that encapsulate specific requirements. Additional constraints (e.g., choice of an actuator) limit the parameter space and thus force kinematic synthesis to find a local optimum that is consistent with all design requirements. The volume and the dexterity of the workspace characterize the kinematic performance of an orientation manipulator requiring a small form factor. In this paper, the optimum geometries of two orientation manipulators differing in limb configurations (i.e., kinematic architecture) are synthesized through the application of the efficient and statistically robust response surface methodology (RSM). To this end, a gradient-based iterative technique is employed to estimate the objective function by solving the direct kinematics of each manipulator. The optimization procedure presented in this paper begins with an arbitrarily chosen initial parameter space. A hybrid approach consisting of a space-filling and an IV-optimal (integrated variance) experiment design is employed in order to reduce the initial search space and to find appropriate regression models that adequately fit the objective function. Subsequently, the empirical models thus determined are employed to find an optimum parameter set that maximizes the objective function. This solution approach efficiently identifies the optimal manipulators for both architectures that can accommodate a prospective linear actuator capable of delivering high dynamic performance.
Electrical Wind Force–Driven and Dislocation-Templated Amorphization in Phase-Change Nanowires
Authors: Nam Sung-Wook , Chung Hee-Suk , Lo Yu Chieh , Qi Liang , Li Ju , Lu Ye , Johnson A.T. Charlie , Jung Yeonwoong , Nukala Pavan , Agarwal Ritesh
Published: June 2012

Exploiting Defects in a Jam

Phase-change materials that can readily switch between crystalline and amorphous states are increasingly finding use in nonvolatile memory devices (see the Perspective by

Hewak and Gholipour

). Using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy,

Nam
et al.

(p.
1561
) show that for Ge
2
Sb
2
Te
5
, the application of an electric field drives crystal dislocations in one direction, leading to their accumulation and eventual jamming, which causes the phase transition.

Loke
et al.

(p.
1566
) found that by applying a constant low voltage to Ge
2
Sb
2
Te
5
, they could accelerate its phase-switching speeds, without harming the long-term stability of the switched state.
Engaging Teachers, Scientists, and Multimedia to Promote Learning
Authors: Liu Dennis , Amagai Satoshi , Bricken Jennifer
Published: June 2012

BioInteractive focuses on scientists and their research, while engaging with teachers to improve educational materials and practice.
Response to Comment on “Seroevidence for H5N1 Influenza Infections in Humans: Meta-Analysis”
Authors: Wang Taia T. , Palese Peter
Published: June 2012

We address points made in the comment by Van Kerkhove
et al
. and explain why human H5N1 virus infections are much more common than was previously thought.
Endophytic Insect-Parasitic Fungi Translocate Nitrogen Directly from Insects to Plants
Authors: Behie S. W. , Zelisko P. M. , Bidochka M. J.
Published: June 2012

Plants That Eat Animals

Apart from some spectacular exceptions, such as pitcher plants and Venus fly traps, most plants are thought to acquire nitrogen passively from microbial decomposition and the activities of nitrogen-fixing bacteria.
Metarhizium
species are common endophytes—fungi that live within plant tissues without causing disease. This genus is also found ubiquitously in soil, where they parasitize insects. In a series of microcosm experiments,

Behie
et al.

(p.
1576
) investigated whether these fungi could couple their endophytic life-styles with their parasitic modes and be a conduit by which plants could obtain nitrogen from animals. Radio-labeled moth larvae were added to the microcosms in which bean and grass plants were grown, and when the larvae were inoculated with fungi, it was only a matter of days before the nitrogen label was detected in the plants.
The Potential for Respiratory Droplet–Transmissible A/H5N1 Influenza Virus to Evolve in a Mammalian Host
Authors: Russell Colin A. , Fonville Judith M. , Brown André E. X. , Burke David F. , Smith David L. , James Sarah L. , Herfst Sander , van Boheemen Sander , Linster Martin , Schrauwen Eefje J. , Katzelnick Leah , Mosterín Ana , Kuiken Thijs , Maher Eileen , Neumann Gabriele , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Kawaoka Yoshihiro , Fouchier Ron A. M. , Smith Derek J.
Published: June 2012

Some natural influenza viruses need only three amino acid substitutions to acquire airborne transmissibility between mammals.
Biotic Multipliers of Climate Change
Authors: Zarnetske Phoebe L. , Skelly David K. , Urban Mark C.
Published: June 2012

A focus on species interactions may improve predictions of the effects of climate change on ecosystems.
Entangling Superconductivity and Antiferromagnetism
Authors: Sachdev Subir
Published: June 2012

Common features found in two families of materials may help explain the mechanism of high-temperature superconductivity.
Implementing the New U.S. Dual-Use Policy
Authors: Wolinetz Carrie D.
Published: June 2012

After a decade of intensive policy discussions on the topic of dual-use research of concern (DURC) in the life sciences, there has been a lack of consensus on how to practically define DURC; whether it is feasible to identify and regulate DURC experiments; how to address the risks associated with DURC; and how to balance this risk with the necessity of fostering life sciences research for public health and biodefense. The publication of two avian influenza studies has brought the DURC issue back into sharp focus and has resulted in a new set of federal guidelines. However, the new DURC policy raises questions regarding whether this is the best policy solution to a complicated biosecurity concern.
Securing Medical Research: A Cybersecurity Point of View
Authors: Schneier Bruce
Published: June 2012

The problem of securing biological research data is a difficult and complicated one. Our ability to secure data on computers is not robust enough to ensure the security of existing data sets. Lessons from cryptography illustrate that neither secrecy measures, such as deleting technical details, nor national solutions, such as export controls, will work.
Young Researchers Deserve More Support, Reviews Say
Authors: Price Michael
Published: June 2012

Two new reports say that doctoral students need better mentoring in order for research universities to produce the right mix of skilled workers the nation needs.
Action Urged to Curb Racial Bias in NIH Grants
Authors: Price Michael
Published: June 2012

To counter a racial tilt in the funding of basic research grants, the National Institutes of Health should launch a "continuous" review and take remedial steps against bias, a working group says.
Panel Says More Money, Fewer Rules Are Best Ways to Stay Ahead of Pack
Authors: Mervis Jeffrey
Published: June 2012

A new report repeats what the U.S. higher education establishment has said for years: Research universities are powerful engines of innovation for the U.S. economy.
Public at Last, H5N1 Study Offers Insight Into Virus's Possible Path to Pandemic
Authors: Enserink Martin
Published: June 2012

This week, a paper describing how a few mutations might give the H5N1 avian influenza virus the potential to touch off a human flu pandemic appears after more than 8 months of international debate.
Hang On! Curiosity Is Plunging Onto Mars
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: June 2012

The performance this August of a brand-new system for landing on Mars means life or death for NASA's next rover mission, but future Mars exploration hangs on a perfect touchdown as well.
Could a Whiff of Methane Revive The Exploration of Mars?
Authors: Kerr Richard A.
Published: June 2012

The controversy over claimed detections of martian methane—a possible product of life on Mars—could be settled come August once the Curiosity rover arrives at the Red Planet.
Pharmacodynamics of the Antibacterial Effect of and Emergence of Resistance to Doripenem in Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii in an
In Vitro
Pharmacokinetic Model
Authors: Bowker Karen E. , Noel Alan R. , Tomaselli Sharon G. , Elliott Heather , MacGowan Alasdair P.
Published: June 2012

An
in vitro
dilutional pharmacokinetic model of infection was used to study the pharmacodynamics of doripenem in terms of the ability to kill
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
or
Acinetobacter baumannii
and also changes in their population profiles. In dose-ranging studies, the cumulative percentages of a 24-h period that the drug concentration exceeds the MIC under steady-state pharmacokinetic conditions (
T
MIC
s) required for doripenem to produce a 24-h bacteriostatic effect and a −2-log-unit reduction in viable count were 25% ± 11% and 35% ± 13%, respectively, for
P. aeruginosa
(MIC range, 0.24 to 3 mg/liter) and 20% ± 11% and 33% ± 12%, respectively, for
Acinetobacter
spp. (MIC range, 0.45 to 3.0 mg/liter). A
T
MIC
of >40 to 50% produced a maximum response with both species at 24 h or 48 h of exposure. After 24 h of exposure to doripenem at a
T
MIC
in the range of 12.5 to 37.5%,
P. aeruginosa
and
A. baumannii
population profiles revealed mutants able to grow on 4× MIC-containing medium; such changes were further amplified by 48 h of exposure. Dose-fractionation experiments targeting
T
MIC
s of 12.5%, 25%, or 37.5% as six exposures, two exposures, or a single exposure over 48 h with a single strain of
P. aeruginosa
indicated that changes in population profiles were greatest with multiple exposures at
T
MIC
targets of 12.5 or 25%. In contrast, multiple exposures at 37.5%
T
MIC
most effectively suppressed total bacterial counts and changes in population profiles. Simulations of human doses of doripenem of 500 mg, 1,000 mg, 2,000 mg, and 3,000 mg every 8 h over 96 h showed marked initial killing up to 6 h but growback thereafter. Changes in population profiles occurred only in the regimen of 500 mg every 8 h against
P. aeruginosa
but occurred with all dose regimens for
A. baumannii
strains. A doripenem
T
MIC
of ≥40 to 50% is maximally effective in killing
P. aeruginosa
or
A. baumannii
and suppressing changes in population profiles in short-term experiments for up to 48 h; however, a
T
MIC
of 12.5 to 25% amplifies population changes, especially with exposures every 8 h. In longer-term experiments, up to 96 h, even doripenem doses of 4 to 6 times those used in human studies proved incapable of pathogen eradication and prevention of changes in population profiles. The association of a
T
MIC
of 25 to 37.5% with changes in population profiles has implications in terms of future clinical breakpoint setting.