bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Respiratory burst oxidase homologue‐dependent H2O2 and chloroplast H2O2 are essential for the maintenance of acquired thermotolerance during recovery after acclimation
Authors: Sun Mintao , Jiang Fangling , Cen Benjian , Wen Junqin , Zhou Yanzhao , Wu Zhen
Published: May 2018

Thermotolerance is improved by heat stress (HS) acclimation, and the thermotolerance level is “remembered” by plants. However, the underlying signalling mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we showed NADPH oxidase‐mediated H2O2 (NADPH‐H2O2), and chloroplast‐H2O2 promoted the sustained expression of HS‐responsive genes and programmed cell death (PCD) genes, respectively, during recovery after HS acclimation. When spraying the NADPH oxidase inhibitor, diphenylene iodonium, after HS acclimation, the NADPH‐H2O2 level significantly decreased, resulting in a decrease in the expression of HS‐responsive genes and the loss of maintenance of acquired thermotolerance (MAT). In contrast, compared with HS acclimation, NADPH‐H2O2 declined but chloroplast‐H2O2 further enhanced during recovery after HS over‐acclimation, resulting in the reduced expression of HS‐responsive genes and substantial production of PCD. Notably, the further inhibition of NADPH‐H2O2 after HS over‐acclimation also inhibited chloroplast‐H2O2, alleviating the severe PCD and surpassing the MAT of HS over‐acclimation treatment. Due to the change in subcellular H2O2 after HS acclimation, the tomato seedlings maintained a constant H2O2 level during recovery, resulting in stable and lower total H2O2 levels during a tester HS challenge conducted after recovery. We conclude that tomato seedlings increase their MAT by enhancing NADPH‐H2O2 content and controlling chloroplast‐H2O2 production during recovery, which enhances the expression of HS‐responsive genes and balances PCD levels, respectively.
Why Can't a Pastor Be President of a “Christian Nation”? Pentecostal Politics as Religious Mediation
Authors: Haynes Naomi
Published: May 2018

Why has Nevers Mumba, one of Zambia's most famous Pentecostal leaders, been so unsuccessful in his two presidential bids? Previous analyses have blamed Mumba's political woes on a presumed Pentecostal belief that politics is a lesser vocation than the pastorate. In contrast to these interpretations, I argue that Pentecostals in Zambia are very committed to the notion that, at least ideally, their leaders should be pastors, and more specifically that they should be effective mediators of the divine covenant established when Zambia was declared a “Christian nation.” The problem with Mumba is, therefore, not that pastors are not supposed to be politicians, but rather that he has failed to convince believers that he is a good mediator. This article opens up new horizons in the study of Pentecostal politics, suggesting that populism in countries with high Pentecostal populations is increasingly defined by the capacity for religious mediation.
Sleep disorders in the elderly: a growing challenge
Authors: Gulia Kamalesh K. , Kumar Velayudhan Mohan
Published: May 2018

In contrast to newborns, who spend 16–20 h in sleep each day, adults need only about sleep daily. However, many elderly may struggle to obtain those 8 h in one block. In addition to changes in sleep duration, sleep patterns change as age progresses. Like the physical changes that occur during old age, an alteration in sleep pattern is also a part of the normal ageing process. As people age, they tend to have a harder time falling asleep and more trouble staying asleep. Older people spend more time in the lighter stages of sleep than in deep sleep. As the circadian mechanism in older people becomes less efficient, their sleep schedule is shifted forward. Even when they manage to obtain 7 or 8 h sleep, they wake up early, as they have gone to sleep quite early. The prevalence of sleep disorders is higher among older adults. Loud snoring, which is more common in the elderly, can be a symptom of obstructive sleep apnoea, which puts a person at risk for cardiovascular diseases, headaches, memory loss, and depression. Restless legs syndrome and periodic limb movement disorder that disrupt sleep are more prevalent in older persons. Other common medical problems of old age such as hypertension diabetes mellitus, renal failure, respiratory diseases such as asthma, immune disorders, gastroesophageal reflux disease, physical disability, dementia, pain, depression, and anxiety are all associated with sleep disturbances.
A threshold stochastic volatility model with explanatory variables
Authors: Li Han , Yang Kai , Wang Dehui
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we introduce a threshold stochastic volatility model with explanatory variables. The Bayesian method is considered in estimating the parameters of the proposed model via the Markov chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm. Gibbs sampling and Metropolis–Hastings sampling methods are used for drawing the posterior samples of the parameters and the latent variables. In the simulation study, the accuracy of the MCMC algorithm, the sensitivity of the algorithm for model assumptions, and the robustness of the posterior distribution under different priors are considered. Simulation results indicate that our MCMC algorithm converges fast and that the posterior distribution is robust under different priors and model assumptions. A real data example was analyzed to explain the asymmetric behavior of stock markets.
Teaching the Whole Story: Examining the Shoah in Intermediate German Language Courses
Authors: Rubin‐McGregor Jordan , Rubin Beth
Published: May 2018

This article addresses how to include instruction about the Holocaust (Shoah) in intermediate German world language classes in the United States. Scholarly inquiry into teaching of the Shoah has produced pedagogical frameworks, and Lindquist's () guidelines are recommended along with additional instructional resources and suggestions. The appropriateness and value of teaching the Shoah are described by means of a series of detailed activities that can be used in intermediate classes. These activities integrate the development of language skills with effective instruction in the Shoah and include a timeline activity, supplemental guidance for analysis of the book Damals war es Friedrich, and an analysis of propaganda posters from the period. Finally, a call is made for the development of additional resources to support instruction of the Shoah in the German language curriculum.
German Day: A Practical Guide to Connecting High School and Post‐Secondary Programs
Authors: Howards Alyssa , Rinner Susanne , Gulewich Beth
Published: May 2018

An annual German Day event can be a powerful tool to motivate students, increase visibility of state and local German programs, and, ultimately, boost enrollments. However, it can also be a daunting undertaking that is often orchestrated by a single person. This article offers a user guide that can help others plan their own German Day, be it a university‐hosted statewide event or contained within a single school district and offered at a high school. Written from the dual perspective of hosts and participating teachers, this article provides instructions and insights into the basics of the event and its composite parts as well as logistical information. Sample events and schedules are included for those who wish to host their own German Day. States with existing German Days might learn from the experiences described and use new ideas to invigorate their own events.
Genomic characterization of recurrent mold infections in thoracic transplant recipients
Authors: Messina Julia A. , Wolfe Cameron R. , Hemmersbach‐Miller Marion , Milano Carmelo , Todd Jamie L. , Reynolds John , Alexander Barbara D. , Schell Wiley A. , Cuomo Christina A. , Perfect John R.
Published: May 2018

Invasive mold disease in thoracic organ transplant recipients is a well‐recognized complication, but the long‐term persistence of molds within the human body and evasion of host defenses has not been well‐described. We present 2 cases of invasive mold disease (Verruconis gallopava and Aspergillus fumigatus) in thoracic transplant recipients who had the same mold cultured years prior to the invasive disease presentation. The paired isolates from the index and recurrent infections in both patients were compared using whole‐genome sequencing to determine if the same strain of mold caused both the index and recurrent infections. In Case 1, the isolates were found to be of the same strain indicating that the initial colonizing isolate identified pre‐transplant eventually caused invasive mold disease post‐transplant while in Case 2, the 2 isolates were not of the same strain. These results demonstrate the distinct possibility of molds both persisting within the human body for years prior to invasive mold disease or the long‐term risk of recurrent, persistent infection with more than one strain. Further studies of long‐term molecular epidemiology of IMD and risk factors for mold persistence in transplant recipients are encouraged.
How affordable is TB care? Findings from a nationwide TB patient cost survey in Ghana
Authors: Pedrazzoli Debora , Siroka Andrew , Boccia Delia , Bonsu Frank , Nartey Kenneth , Houben Rein , Borghi Josephine
Published: May 2018

Objectives

Tuberculosis (TB) is known as a disease of the poor. Despite TB diagnosis and care usually being offered for free, TB patients can still face substantial costs, especially in the context of multi‐drug resistance (MDR). The End TB Strategy calls for zero TB‐affected families incurring ‘catastrophic’ costs due to TB by 2025. This paper examines, by MDR status, the level and composition of costs incurred by TB‐affected households during care seeking and treatment; assesses the affordability of TB care using catastrophic and impoverishment measures; and describes coping strategies used by TB‐affected households to pay for TB care.

Methods

A nationally representative survey of TB patients at public health facilities across Ghana.

Results

We enrolled 691 patients (66 MDR). The median expenditure for non‐MDR TB was US$429.6 during treatment, vs. US$659.0 for MDR patients (P‐value = 0.001). Catastrophic costs affected 64.1% of patients. MDR patients were pushed significantly further over the threshold for catastrophic payments than DS patients. Payments for TB care led to a significant increase in the proportion of households in the study sample that live below the poverty line at the time of survey compared to pre‐TB diagnosis. Over half of patients undertook coping strategies.

Conclusion

TB patients in Ghana incur substantial costs, despite free diagnosis and treatment. High rates of catastrophic costs and coping strategies in both non‐MDR and MDR patients show that new policies are urgently needed to ensure TB care is actually affordable for TB patients.
Features of Successful and Unsuccessful Collaborative Memory Conversations in Long‐Married Couples
Authors: Harris Celia B. , Barnier Amanda J. , Sutton John , Savage Greg
Published: May 2018

While we often engage in conversational reminiscing with loved ones, the effects of these conversations on our memory performance remain poorly understood. On the one hand, Wegner's transactive memory theory predicts that intimate groups experience benefits from remembering together. On the other hand, research on collaborative recall has shown costs of shared remembering in groups of strangers—at least in terms of number of items recalled—and even in intimate groups there is heterogeneity in outcomes. In the current research, we studied the effects of particular communicative features in determining the outcomes of collaborative recall in intimate groups. We tested 39 older, long‐married couples. They completed a non‐personal recall task (name all the countries in Europe) and a personal recall task (name all your mutual friends), both separately and together. When they collaborated, we recorded their conversation. We coded for specific “communication variables” and obtained measures of “conversational style.” Overall, we found two clusters of communication variables positively associated with collaborative success: (a) cuing each other, responding to cues, and repeating each other; and (b) making positive statements about memory performance and persisting with the task. A negative cluster of behaviors—correcting each other, having uneven expertise, and strategy disagreements—was associated with less interactive, more “monologue” style of collaboration, but not with overall recall performance. We discuss our results in terms of the importance of different conversational processes in driving the heterogeneous outcomes of group remembering in intimate groups, suggesting that a focus on recall output alone limits our understanding of conversational remembering.
Protocol changes to reduce implant‐associated infection rate after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy: 703 dogs, 811 TPLO (2006‐2014)
Authors: Stine Samantha L. , Odum Susan M. , Mertens W. Daniel
Published: May 2018

Objective

To determine the influence of a stricter aseptic protocol on implant‐associated infection (IAI) rates after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO).

Study design

Retrospective cohort study.

Sample population

Seven hundred three dogs (811 TPLO).

Methods

Medical records (2006‐2014) of dogs with TPLO with a ≥18‐month follow‐up were reviewed. An established TPLO protocol was altered to include an iodophore‐impregnated adhesive drape, cefazolin administration every 90 minutes intraoperatively and then every 4 hours until hospital discharge, orthopedic surgical gloves, triclosan‐coated intradermal sutures (instead of staples), soft‐padded bandage with mupirocin ointment, use of single‐use gloves while handling treated dogs, and placement of an Elizabethan collar. Signalment, affected limb, protocol changes, IAI, time to explant, and culture and susceptibility results were recorded. Data were analyzed by using Fisher's exact test, Wilcoxon rank‐sum test, and a multivariable logistic regression model.

Results

TPLO plates were removed from 31 dogs (8.5% prechange, 1.3% postchange) because of a suspected IAI. Bacterial culture results from an explanted screw were positive in 26 dogs (7.4% prechange, 0.94% postchange). The odds ratio (OR) of IAI in the postchange cohort was decreased by 88% (OR 0.12, 95% CI 0.05‐0.33) compared with the prechange cohort, after controlling for variables. Staphylococcus spp. were isolated from all implants removed from IAI‐positive postchange dogs, 4/5 of which were methicillin resistant. No methicillin‐resistant isolates were grown from the prechange cohort implants.

Conclusion

The protocol tested here decreased IAI rates after TPLO, but most infections diagnosed after its implementation involved methicillin‐resistant isolates.

Clinical significance

The protocol reported here may be used as a guide in clinics seeking to reduce their IAI rates after TPLO. Postoperative infections after implementation of this protocol should be monitored to evaluate its potential impact on the emergence of antibiotic resistance.
The Recognition and Behavior Management of Students With Talented and Gifted in an Inclusive Education Environment
Authors: Sabancı Osman , Bulut Safiye Sarıcı
Published: May 2018

During student development, enriching academic and psychosocial activities in accordance with different educational needs of students is important. This study aims to identify primary school teachers’ opinions in Turkey, Czech Republic, Italy, and Germany. The opinions of teachers were investigated and compared on the individual skills, interests, intelligence, and abilities of students in the inclusive education environment with talented and gifted students. Moreover, methods, techniques and strategies they implemented in behavioral management, development and the bonding of the students to each other were analyzed. The study is a descriptive qualitative research. Layered sampling was used from the purpose sampling methods. The study group consisted of 248 elementary school teachers. In data analysis, content analysis was used. To ensure validity and reliability of the study, the coder reliability coefficient, the expert opinion, the confirmability strategy techniques were used. In Czech Republic, Turkey and Italy the teaching dimension for determining the students' interests, abilities and intelligence was emphasized, while Germany the dimensions of co-operation with parents and stakeholders was highlighted. Teachers participating in the development of positive behavior prioritised the communication process, stimulating educational activities in the management of unwanted behavior and the bonding of students with each other. Teachers' educational effectiveness-based responses in relation to the management of students' interests, skills and intelligence, development and behaviour revealed that teachers cannot parse the approaches that correspond to different problem areas. It was observed that there were not enough applications to contribute to the psychosocial development of students with different developmental characteristics.
Rank 3 rigid representations of projective fundamental groups
Authors: Langer Adrian , Simpson Carlos
Published: June 2018

Let$X$be a smooth complex projective variety with basepoint$x$. We prove that every rigid integral irreducible representation$\unicode[STIX]{x1D70B}_{1}(X\!,x)\rightarrow \operatorname{SL}(3,\mathbb{C})$is of geometric origin, i.e., it comes from some family of smooth projective varieties. This partially generalizes an earlier result by Corlette and the second author in the rank 2 case and answers one of their questions.
Optical properties of soda lime float glass from 3 mm to 148 nm (0.41 meV to 8.38 eV) by spectroscopic ellipsometry
Authors: Junda Maxwell M. , Podraza Nikolas J.
Published: May 2018

The optical properties of soda lime float glass (SLG) have been characterized over a wide spectral range from 0.41 meV to 8.38 eV using spectroscopic ellipsometry and from 0.74 to 4.80 eV by unpolarized transmittance spectroscopy to retain sensitivity to the onset of high photon energy absorption. In all, the raw measured spectra are collected using four separate instruments, each covering different portions of the full measured spectrum. The glass is modeled as two separate surface layers on either side of a bulk SLG slab to account for variations in surface properties arising from the float glass fabrication process. The measurements are sensitive to the thicknesses of each of these layers and to the optical properties of each, which are reported as both the complex dielectric function (ε = ε1 + iε2) and complex index of refraction (N = n + ik). Despite the measurements being collected on multiple instruments, the optical properties of each layer are represented as single, continuous parametric functions.
Feeling That In-Group Feeling at a Sponsored Sporting Event: Links to Memory and Future Attendance
Authors: Cornwell T. Bettina , Jahn Steffen , Xie Hu , Suh Wang Suk
Published: May 2018

Sports, the arts, and events are products in their own right, and when sponsored, they become marketing and communication platforms. The current research examines the role of event emotions on sponsor recall and intent to attend the event in the future. An important theoretical argument is that feeling to be part of an in-group, measured as in-group entitativity, moderates the relationship between emotions and outcomes of memory and intentions. To test our theoretical model, we surveyed attendees at a multiday international track and field event. A total of 282 individuals were surveyed, and 232 of these attendees qualified as audience members and were included in the analysis. Moderated regression analyses revealed that excitement, joy, boredom, and overall tone of the group atmosphere impact event outcomes for the sport and the sponsor, and furthermore, that in-group entitativity can function as an important moderator. Contributions to theory and practice are discussed.
Normative brain size variation and brain shape diversity in humans
Authors: Reardon P. K. , Seidlitz Jakob , Vandekar Simon , Liu Siyuan , Patel Raihaan , Park Min Tae M. , Alexander-Bloch Aaron , Clasen Liv S. , Blumenthal Jonathan D. , Lalonde Francois M. , Giedd Jay N. , Gur Ruben C. , Gur Raquel E. , Lerch Jason P. , Chakravarty M. Mallar , Satterthwaite Theodore D. , Shinohara Russell T. , Raznahan Armin
Published: May 2018

Shifts in brain regions with brain size

Brain size among normal humans varies as much as twofold. Reardonet al.surveyed the cortical and subcortical structure of more than 3000 human brains by noninvasive imaging (see the Perspective by Van Essen). They found that the scaling of different regions across the range of brain sizes is not consistent: Some brain regions are metabolically costly and are favored in larger brains. This shifts the balance between associative and sensorimotor brain systems in a brain size–dependent way.

Science, this issue p.1222; see also p.1184
Late inception of a resiliently oxygenated upper ocean
Authors: Lu Wanyi , Ridgwell Andy , Thomas Ellen , Hardisty Dalton S. , Luo Genming , Algeo Thomas J. , Saltzman Matthew R. , Gill Benjamin C. , Shen Yanan , Ling Hong-Fei , Edwards Cole T. , Whalen Michael T. , Zhou Xiaoli , Gutchess Kristina M. , Jin Li , Rickaby Rosalind E. M. , Jenkyns Hugh C. , Lyons Timothy W. , Lenton Timothy M. , Kump Lee R. , Lu Zunli
Published: May 2018

The rise of oxygen

To understand the evolution of the biosphere, we need to know how much oxygen was present in Earth's atmosphere during most of the past 2.5 billion years. However, there are few proxies sensitive enough to quantify O
2
at the low levels present until slightly less than 1 billion years ago. Lu
et al.
measured iodine/calcium ratios in marine carbonates, which are a proxy for dissolved oxygen concentrations in the upper ocean. They found that a major, but temporary, rise in atmospheric O
2
occurred at around 400 million years ago and that O
2
levels underwent a step change to near-modern values around 200 million years ago.

Science
, this issue p.
174
Characterization of Plasmodium berghei Pbg37 as Both a Pre- and Postfertilization Antigen with Transmission-Blocking Potential
Authors: Liu Fei , Li Li , Zheng Wenqi , He Yiwen , Wang Yaru , Zhu Xiaotong , Tsuboi Takafumi , Cui Liwang , Wang Meilian , Cao Yaming
Published: May 2018

Transmission-blocking vaccines (TBVs) interrupting malaria transmission are an integrated tool for malaria eradication. We characterized a sexual-stage-specific gene (PBANKA_060330) from
Plasmodium berghei
and studied its potential for use as a TBV.
Self-managed abortion in urban Haiti: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Berry-Bibee Erin Nicole , St Jean Clotilde Josamine , Nickerson Nathan M , Haddad Lisa B , Alcime Manuchca Marc , Lathrop Eva H
Published: May 2018

Objective

Although illegal abortion is believed to be widely practised in Haiti, few data exist on such practices. We aimed to learn about illegal abortion access, methods, and perceived barriers to abortion-related care. Additionally, we aimed to identify the proportion of unscheduled antepartum visits to a public hospital that were attributable to unsafe abortion in Cap Haitien, Haiti.

Study design

We conducted eight focus groups with women (n=62) and 13 interviews with women’s health providers and subsequently administered a survey to pregnant or recently pregnant women (20 weeks of gestation or less) presenting to the hospital from May 2013 to January 2014 (n=255).

Results

Among the focus groups, there was widespread knowledge of misoprostol self-managed abortion. Women described use of multiple agents in combination with misoprostol. Men played key roles in abortion decision-making and in accessing misoprostol.

Among the 255 pregnant or recently pregnant women surveyed, 61.2% (n=150) reported the current pregnancy was unintended and 30% (n=78) reported attempting an induced abortion. The majority of women used misoprostol either alone or as a part of the medication/herb regimen for their self-managed abortion (85.1%, n=63).

Conclusions

Awareness of methods to induce abortion is high among women in urban Haiti and appears widely practised; yet knowledge of the safest self-managed abortion options remains incomplete. Access to safer abortion services could improve maternal health in Haiti.
Interpretation and visualisation of data from dairy herds
Authors: Hermans Kristof , Opsomer Geert , Waegeman Willem , Moerman Sander , De Koster Jenne , Van Eetvelde Mieke , Van Ranst Bonifacius , Hostens Miel
Published: May 2018

Vets often use key performance indicators (KPIs) to evaluate the actual performance status of a dairy herd. Basic knowledge of data analysis is necessary to interpret these KPIs correctly, but unfortunately vets often lack the training and knowledge required to do this. This article aims to make vets aware of common data interpretation errors and discusses four data misinterpretation pitfalls – variation, momentum, lag and bias – as well as introduces the concept of data visualisation, such as the use of graphs and charts, to help vets avoid these pitfalls.
123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy for the diagnosis of DLB: a multicentre 3-year follow-up study
Authors: Komatsu Junji , Samuraki Miharu , Nakajima Kenichi , Arai Heii , Arai Hiroyuki , Arai Tetsuaki , Asada Takashi , Fujishiro Hiroshige , Hanyu Haruo , Iizuka Osamu , Iseki Eizo , Kashihara Kenichi , Kosaka Kenji , Maruno Hirotaka , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Mizuno Yoshikuni , Mori Etsuro , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Nakano Seigo , Nakashima Kenji , Nishio Yoshiyuki , Orimo Satoshi , Takahashi Akira , Taki Junichi , Tokuda Takahiko , Urakami Katsuya , Utsumi Kumiko , Wada Kenji , Washimi Yukihiko , Yamashina Shouhei , Yamasaki Junichi , Yoshita Mitsuhiro , Yamada Masahito
Published: May 2018

Background and purpose

We previously reported the usefulness of iodine-123 metaiodobenzylguanidine (123I-MIBG) myocardial scintigraphy for differentiation of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in a cross-sectional multicentre study. The aim of this study was, by using reassessed diagnosis after 3-year follow-up, to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy in differentiation of probable DLB from probable AD.

Methods

We undertook 3-year follow-up of 133 patients with probable or possible DLB or probable AD who had undergone 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy at baseline. An independent consensus panel made final diagnosis at 3-year follow-up. Based on the final diagnosis, we re-evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of 123I-MIBG scintigraphy performed at baseline.

Results

Sixty-five patients completed 3-year follow-up assessment. The final diagnoses were probable DLB (n=30), possible DLB (n=3) and probably AD (n=31), and depression (n=1). With a receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of heart-to-mediastinum (H/M) ratios for differentiating probable DLB from probable AD, the sensitivity/specificity were 0.77/0.94 for early images using 2.51 as the threshold of early H/M ratio, and 0.77/0.97 for delayed images using 2.20 as the threshold of delayed H/M ratio. Five of six patients who were diagnosed with possible DLB at baseline and with probable DLB at follow-up had low H/M ratio at baseline.

Conclusions

Our follow-up study confirmed high correlation between abnormal cardiac sympathetic activity evaluated with 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy at baseline and the clinical diagnosis of probable DLB at 3-year follow-up. Its diagnostic usefulness in early stage of DLB was suggested.

Trial registration number

UMIN00003419.
Evaluation of a graded exercise test to determine peak fat oxidation in individuals with low cardiorespiratory fitness
Authors: Chrzanowski-Smith Oliver J. , Edinburgh Robert M. , Betts James A. , Stokes Keith A. , Gonzalez Javier T.
Published: May 2018

The maximal capacity to utilise fat (peak fat oxidation, PFO) may have implications for health and ultra-endurance performance and is commonly determined by incremental exercise tests employing 3-min stages. However, 3-min stages may be insufficient to attain steady-state gas kinetics, compromising test validity. We assessed whether 4-min stages produce steady-state gas exchange and reliable PFO estimates in adults with peak oxygen consumption < 40 mL·kg−1·min−1. Fifteen participants (9 females) completed a graded test to determine PFO and the intensity at which this occurred (FATMAX). Three short continuous exercise sessions (SCE) were then completed in a randomised order, involving completion of the graded test to the stage (i) preceding, (ii) equal to (SCEequal), or (iii) after the stage at which PFO was previously attained, whereupon participants then continued to cycle for 10 min at that respective intensity. Expired gases were sampled at minutes 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10. Individual data showed steady-state gas exchange was achieved within 4 min during SCEequal. Mean fat oxidation rates were not different across time within SCEequal nor compared with the graded test at FATMAX (both p > 0.05). However, the graded test displayed poor surrogate validity (SCEequal, minutes 3–4 vs. 5–6, 7–8, and 9–10) and day-to-day reliability (minutes 3–4, SCEequal vs. graded test) to determine PFO, as evident by correlations (range: 0.47–0.83) and typical errors and 95% limits of agreement (ranges: 0.03–0.05 and ±0.09–0.15 g·min−1, respectively). In conclusion, intraindividual variation in PFO is substantial despite 4-min stages establishing steady-state gas exchange in individuals with low fitness. Individual assessment of PFO may require multiple assessments.
Performance assessment of Darrieus wind turbines with symmetric and cambered airfoils
Authors: Paraschivoiu Ion , Shams Shahrokh , Dy Norbert V.
Published: June 2018

During the operation of a Darrieus type vertical axis wind turbine (VAWT), the blade sections are subjected to different flow velocities and incidences that can be converted to mechanical power with varying efficiency depending on the airfoil. The goal of the present study is to emphasize the advantages and the drawbacks of the use of symmetrical, cambered, and laminar airfoil for a typical Darrieus type VAWT. The NACA 0018, FX63-137 and SNLA 18/50 airfoils were selected for this study.
Experimental Study on High-Performance Buckling-Restrained Braces with Perforated Core Plates
Authors: Jia Liang-Jiu , Dong Yang , Ge Hanbin , Kondo Kana , Xiang Ping
Published: June 2018

The compressive deformation is mainly contributed by axial compressive deformation and high-order in-plane and out-of-plane global buckling deformation for conventional buckling-restrained braces (BRBs). A novel type of all-steel BRBs with perforated core plates, termed as perforated BRBs (PBRBs), are proposed in this study, where shear deformation can occur in addition to the aforementioned deformations in a conventional BRB under compression. Experimental study was carried out using five specimens with different configurations of holes under cyclic loading. Stable hysteretic properties, high ductility, and energy dissipation capacity were obtained for the PBRBs. The effects of two parameters, i.e. the slenderness ratio of the chord and hole spacing factor defined as the ratio of the hole length to the hole spacing, on seismic performance of the specimens were investigated. The compressive deformation mechanisms of the PBRBs were further investigated through a numerical study. The compressive deformation was found to be composed of axial compressive deformation, flexural deformation owing to in-plane and out-of-plane global buckling, and in-plane shear deformation of the latticed core plate.
The flat topology on the minimal and maximal prime spectrum of a commutative ring
Authors: Rostami Esmaeil , Hedayati Masoumeh , Poursalavati Nosratollah Shajareh
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we investigate connections between some algebraic properties of commutative rings and topological properties of their minimal and maximal prime spectrum with respect to the flat topology. We show that for a commutative ring [Formula: see text], the ascending chain condition on principal annihilator ideals of [Formula: see text] holds if and only if [Formula: see text] is a Noetherian topological space as a subspace of [Formula: see text] with respect to the flat topology and we give a characterization for a topological space [Formula: see text] for which [Formula: see text] is a Noetherian topological space as a subspace of [Formula: see text] with respect to the flat topology. Also, we give a characterization for rings whose maximal prime spectrum is a compact topological space with respect to the flat topology. Some other results are obtained too.
ORGANISATIONAL LEARNING AS AN INNOVATIVE DETERMINANT OF ORGANISATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY: AN EVIDENCE BASED APPROACH
Authors: VIHARI NITIN SIMHA , RAO M. K. , DOLIYA PRINCE
Published: May 2018

The aim of this paper is to investigate the importance of organisational learning (OL) in achieving organisational sustainability (OS) with respect to select pharmaceutical companies in India. Using descriptive research design tests, the causation and primary data are collected with the help of a survey questionnaire on a five-point Likert scale. A total of 198 responses were collected out of 344 respondents to whom the questionnaire was sent to, resulting in a response rate of 57.55%. In addition to the direct effects between OL and OS, the present study also tests for the indirect effect using a moderating variable such as Institutional Pressures between the two main constructs. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis is used to test the predictability of the direct and indirect effects. The findings of the study append the academic literature of OL and OS practices.
Ternary Resistive Switching Memory Behavior in Graphene Oxide Layer
Authors: Lu Junguo , Sun Yanmei , Wen Dianzhong
Published: May 2018

We report the application of graphene oxide (GO) as the active layer of memory devices. The indium-tin-oxide/GO/Al devices present the ternary write-once-read-many times resistive switching memory, and retain the data information for [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]s. In the OFF states, the [Formula: see text]–[Formula: see text] characteristics in the applied voltage dominantly followed the space-charge-limited-current behaviors. The intermediate resistance state was attributed to the thermionic emission mechanism. In the ON state, the curve in the applied voltage range was related to an Ohmic mechanism.
Tapping Opportunity of Tiny-Shaped Particles and Role of Precursor in Developing Shaped Particles
Authors: Ali Mubarak , Lin I-N. , Yeh Chien-Jui
Published: May 2018

Metallic colloids are frequently used in industry and provide understanding of science at microns to nanometers scales along with their applicability for various technologically important applications. Present investigations deal with morphology and structure of gold, silver and their binary composition while processing certain amounts of their solutions in a newly designed process and tapping opportunities of developing tiny-shaped particles. At tuned ratio of pulse OFF to ON time and when gold solution was processed, several tiny-shaped particles developed at the solution’s surface. Such tiny particles exert force at the tip of each converting their structure of smooth element where steady-state immersing behavior directed them toward a common centre resulting into bind them for developing different geometric anisotropic shaped particles. Under identical parameters along with pulse time, processing solutions of silver nitrate and binary composition of chloroauric acid-silver nitrate result in the development of tiny particles having no specific shape where their assembling is under the mixed behavior of forces resulting in distorted particles. Elongation and deformation of gold and silver atoms while developing different structures are because of the plastically driven behavior of their electrons. In three-dimensional structures where atoms do not undergo transition to elongate, they retain the structure as it is, which is known as hcp structure or two-dimensional structure. Different nature of precursors along with morphology and structure of particles are discussed in this paper opening abundant avenues for research.
新经济政策，族群关系均衡与马来西亚华商
Authors: 黄 锦荣 , 黄 玉琪
Published: May 2018

文献广泛地记载着，拥有多元种族的国家一般上难逃经济增长乏力的厄运。相对而言，自1957年独立以来马来西亚所经历的长时间稳定且快速的增长就显得特别惊人。是什么因素让马来西亚这长期以种族划界收入差距的国家得以免于诅咒？作为马来西亚第二大族群，马来西亚华人曾经主导策略性工商业活动。虽然面临着种族比例逐渐下降的窘境，华人在很大程度上仍然主导着中小企业的生产和商业活动。尽管学界存有大量历史性质的和非量化的讨论，至今仍少见针对中小型华企于马来西亚经济成长的贡献而做出的正规的量化考核。有鉴于此，本文旨在建构一个新古典增长模型，并纳入具有“马来西亚特色”的政经面貌及内生企业进入，以量化中小型华企对马来西亚经济增长的贡献。新经济政策的实行固然对当时的经济表现带来直接的冲击，但受惠的马来族群人数庞大。随着收入改善而产生的马来中产和小资带来了消费潜能，为华人中小型企业提供生产诱因。华企的创业精神与投入推动了经济及就业的增长，而消费/生产此经济均衡也为族群间的关系取得均衡。但经济/族群均衡建立于最优扶弱政策的基础上。当扶弱政策成了争取选票的分肥政治，收入再分配和经济成长的努力将遭遇挫折。
Do Capital Adequacy and Credit Quality Affect Systematic Risk? Investigation of a Sample of European Listed Banks in Light of EBA Stress Tests
Authors: Miani Stefano , Floreani Josanco , Paltrinieri Andrea
Published: May 2018

Based on a sample of 59 European listed banks, we employ an event study analysis to investigate the impact of the European Banking Authority (EBA) stress tests on systematic risk measured by market betas. We further investigate the drivers of systematic risk taking into account bank-specific variables, which include credit quality, accounting policies, bank loan loss provisions (LLPs) and capital ratios, along with supervisory assessments of bank vulnerability to stressed scenarios. Finally, we assess the impact of credit quality and capital adequacy variables on the systematic risk associated with growth opportunities.

Our results suggest that stress tests act as a credible anchor to market expectations leading betas to decline. The effect is more pronounced for banks involved in multiple stress tests over time. Our second finding shows a significant and positive impact of Tier 1 capital ratios on betas, i.e., higher capitalization levels contribute to reducing the exposure to systematic risk. Moreover, market betas are responsive to bank vulnerability to stress scenario, in particular, regarding asset riskiness. Finally, betas of growth opportunities are affected by provisioning policies in the sense that conservative provisioning policies impair the ability to invest in growing assets.
The Politics of Climate Change Adaptation
Authors: Dolšak Nives , Prakash Aseem
Published: May 2018

Climate action has two pillars: mitigation and adaptation. Mitigation faces collective action issues because its costs are focused on specific locations/actors but benefits are global and nonexcludable. Adaptation, in contrast, creates local benefits, and therefore should face fewer collective action issues. However, governance units vary in the types of adaptation policies they adopt. To explain this variation, we suggest conceptualizing adaptation-as-politics because adaptation speaks to the issues of power, conflicting policy preferences, resource allocation, and administrative tensions. In examining who develops and implements adaptation, we explore whether adaptation is the old wine of disaster management in the new bottle of climate policy, and the tensions between national and local policy making. In exploring what adaptation policies are adopted, we discuss maladaptation and the distinction between hard and soft infrastructure. Finally, we examine why politicians favor visible, hard adaptation over soft adaptation, and how international influences shape local policy.
Above and Beyond Watson and Crick: Guanine Quadruplex Structures and Microbes
Authors: Seifert H Steven
Published: May 2018

Advances in understanding mechanisms of nucleic acids have revolutionized molecular biology and medicine, but understanding of nontraditional nucleic acid conformations is less developed. The guanine quadruplex (G4) alternative DNA structure was first described in the 1960s, but the existence of G4 structures (G4-S) and their participation in myriads of biological functions are still underappreciated. Despite many tools to study G4s and many examples of roles for G4s in eukaryotic molecular processes and issues with uncontrolled G4-S formation, there is relatively little knowledge about the roles of G4-S in viral or prokaryotic systems. This review summarizes the state of the art with regard to G4-S in eukaryotes and their potential roles in human disease before discussing the evidence that G4-S have equivalent importance in affecting viral and bacterial life.
Joining the Crowd: Integrating Plant Virus Proteins into the Larger World of Pathogen Effectors
Authors: Leisner Scott M. , Schoelz James E.
Published: May 2018

The first bacterial and viral avirulence ( avr) genes were cloned in 1984. Although virus and bacterial avr genes were physically isolated in the same year, the questions associated with their characterization after discovery were very different, and these differences had a profound influence on the narrative of host-pathogen interactions for the past 30 years. Bacterial avr proteins were subsequently shown to suppress host defenses, leading to their reclassification as effectors, whereas research on viral avr proteins centered on their role in the viral infection cycle rather than their effect on host defenses. Recent studies that focus on the multifunctional nature of plant virus proteins have shown that some virus proteins are capable of suppression of the same host defenses as bacterial effectors. This is exemplified by the P6 protein of Cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV), a multifunctional plant virus protein that facilitates several steps in the infection, including modulation of host defenses. This review highlights the modular structure and multifunctional nature of CaMV P6 and illustrates its similarities to other, well-established pathogen effectors.
Visual Function, Organization, and Development of the Mouse Superior Colliculus
Authors: Cang Jianhua , Savier Elise , Barchini Jad , Liu Xiaorong
Published: May 2018

The superior colliculus (SC) is the most prominent visual center in mice. Studies over the past decade have greatly advanced our understanding of the function, organization, and development of the mouse SC, which has rapidly become a popular model in vision research. These studies have described the diverse and cell-type-specific visual response properties in the mouse SC, revealed their laminar and topographic organizations, and linked the mouse SC and downstream pathways with visually guided behaviors. Here, we summarize these findings, compare them with the rich literature of SC studies in other species, and highlight important gaps and exciting future directions. Given its clear importance in mouse vision and the available modern neuroscience tools, the mouse SC holds great promise for understanding the cellular, circuit, and developmental mechanisms that underlie visual processing, sensorimotor transformation, and, ultimately, behavior.
Human soluble phospholipase A2 receptor is an inhibitor of the integrin-mediated cell migratory response to collagen-I
Authors: Watanabe Kazunori , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Watanabe Yosuke , Fujioka Daisuke , Nakamura Takamitsu , Nakamura Kazuto , Obata Jun-ei , Kugiyama Kiyotaka
Published: May 2018

Murine membrane-bound phospholipase A2 receptor 1 (PLA2R) is shed and released into plasma in a soluble form that retains all of the extracellular domains. Relatively little is known about human PLA2R. This study examined whether human soluble PLA2R has biological functions and whether soluble PLA2R exists in human plasma. Here, we showed that human recombinant soluble PLA2R (rsPLA2R) bound to collagen-I and inhibited interaction of collagen-I with the extracellular domain of integrin β1 on the cell surface of human embryonic kidney 293 (HEK293) cells. As a result, rsPLA2R suppressed integrin β1-mediated migratory responses of HEK293 cells to collagen-I in Boyden chamber experiments. Inhibition of phosphorylation of FAK Tyr397 was also observed. Similar results were obtained with experiments using soluble PLA2R released from HEK293 cells transfected with a construct encoding human soluble PLA2R. rsPLA2R lacking the fibronectin-like type II (FNII) domain had no inhibitory effects on cell responses to collagen-I, suggesting an important role of the FNII domain in the interaction of rsPLA2R with collagen-I. In addition, rsPLA2R suppressed the migratory response to collagen-IV and binding of collagen-IV to the cell surface of human podocytes that endogenously express membrane-bound, full-length PLA2R. Immunoprecipitation and Western blotting showed the existence of immunoreactive PLA2R in human plasma. In conclusion, human recombinant soluble PLA2R inhibits integrin β1-mediated cell responses to collagens. Further studies are warranted to elucidate whether immunoreactive PLA2R in human plasma has the same properties as rsPLA2R.
Insulin transport into the brain
Authors: Gray Sarah M. , Barrett Eugene J.
Published: May 2018

While there is a growing consensus that insulin has diverse and important regulatory actions on the brain, seemingly important aspects of brain insulin physiology are poorly understood. Examples include: what is the insulin concentration within brain interstitial fluid under normal physiologic conditions; whether insulin is made in the brain and acts locally; does insulin from the circulation cross the blood-brain barrier or the blood-CSF barrier in a fashion that facilitates its signaling in brain; is insulin degraded within the brain; do privileged areas with a “leaky” blood-brain barrier serve as signaling nodes for transmitting peripheral insulin signaling; does insulin action in the brain include regulation of amyloid peptides; whether insulin resistance is a cause or consequence of processes involved in cognitive decline. Heretofore, nearly all of the studies examining brain insulin physiology have employed techniques and methodologies that do not appreciate the complex fluid compartmentation and flow throughout the brain. This review attempts to provide a status report on historical and recent work that begins to address some of these issues. It is undertaken in an effort to suggest a framework for studies going forward. Such studies are inevitably influenced by recent physiologic and genetic studies of insulin accessing and acting in brain, discoveries relating to brain fluid dynamics and the interplay of cerebrospinal fluid, brain interstitial fluid, and brain lymphatics, and advances in clinical neuroimaging that underscore the dynamic role of neurovascular coupling.