bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A burning desire
Authors: Curtis Williams Clifford
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This article purports to show that an adequate anti-money laundering (AML) regime must be integrated into the carbon emissions market industry in order for it to function effectively, meet its intended goals, and prevent criminals from developing innovative methods to take advantage of particular vulnerabilities this unique market type has created.

Design/methodology/approach

– This article discusses the formation of the international carbon emissions marketplace. It posits that critical to the formation and effective operation of any carbon emissions trading market is the simultaneous coexistence of an AML regime preventing criminals from taking advantage of legislative deficiencies. Lastly, the article formulates and analyzes emerging criminal typology threats to which current, developing, and future carbon emissions markets are and will be subject.

Findings

– Under the EU ETS, effective AML safeguards were not initially included in the implementation and formation of the EU's carbon emissions trading market, subjecting it to numerous threats and abuses from criminals. The lack of an effective AML regime has resulted in novel and unique criminal typology threats that are currently emerging and need to be addressed to prevent abuses in new and existing carbon emissions trading markets.

Research limitations/implications

– The EU has recently started addressing its lack of effective AML safeguards in its carbon emissions trading market. As such, the adequacy of legislative developments needs to be examined over time. Additionally, because many of the emerging criminal typologies identified are based on recent and limited data, further research on the extent of criminality that is actually occurring is recommended.

Originality/value

– Because emerging criminal typology threats in carbon emissions trading markets has not been researched at the scholarly level, this article is unique and has substantial value to the AML community.
Instruments and methods for the integration of company's strategic goals and key performance indicators
Authors: Janeš Aleksander , Faganel Armand
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore and clarify the cause and effect relations between key performance indicators (KPIs) which significantly contribute to the benefits of the business processes exploitation in the Luka Koper, d.d. Company.

Design/methodology/approach

– The paper developed a single equation microeconomic error correction model (ECM) with the Engle and Granger two-step method. With the ECM approach, the paper performed application on the KPIs and estimated short- and long-term effects between them.

Findings

– From the final ECM model, it can be recognized that the total turnover has been increased, by increased maritime throughput. Increasing the maritime throughput means a reduction in electricity consumption per tonne reloaded and increasing consumption of fossil fuels and water. Revenue per unit of maritime throughput has a negative regression coefficient, which may lead to an increase in income or increased amount of maritime throughput and simultaneously reducing the cost per tonne reloaded. Results are reflecting the impact of sharp declining in maritime throughput with the greatest added value in the years 2007 and 2008. All these results and observations suggest that an error correction mechanism exists and that the paper set up a stable model, which describes the dynamics of short-term determinants of the long-term service performance.

Research limitations/implications

– The following limitations exist to this study: sample size and quality of the data that were available and the quantitative analysis in the four perspectives of the Kaplan and Norton's balanced scorecard (BSC). Since this is the case study that investigates the impact of the KPIs' on the results and causalities between them, the paper also encountered the data, which are treated as a business secret. Further research into the impact of introducing the four perspectives of the BSC to monitor the implementation of strategies and strategic projects is recommended.

Practical implications

– The presented quantitative approach is useful in combination with a qualitative approach, which is a common practice in determining the causal relations resulting in the strategic map of BSC. Simulations of the developed model are possible on all levels of management, by combining the KPIs, and consecutively acquire new knowledge about their relations. Developed quantitative approach supports improving the monitoring of operational efficiency of an organization, improving business processes, project efficiency and achievement of the strategic goals.

Originality/value

– Developed approach supports identification and classification of strategic goals and their KPIs that are best suited for inclusion in the BSC strategic map, improvements to the monitoring of implemented strategic initiatives and achievement of strategic goals.
The influence of personal and environmental factors on entrepreneurs' performance
Authors: Omerzel Gomezelj Doris , Kušce Irena
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyse the determinants of business start-ups and their impact on entrepreneurial performance. The theoretical part indicates that the importance of small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) considers the role of entrepreneur in the business process and provides an overview of theoretical and empirical findings in the main determinants of business start-ups.

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical part is based on quantitative survey results from a model of business start-up factors and relations with the entrepreneurs' performance. The data were analysed using the statistical package for data analysis SPSS for Windows. The factor analysis was performed separately for the set of variables that have measured the reasons for founding the start-up, the personality traits, environmental factors and performance. The paper used a multiple linear regression model to identify the strength, direction and impact of different factors on the start-up performance.

Findings

– In general, the study identifies which indicators influence entrepreneurs' performance (personal and business) in the first years of their companies. The paper revealed the heterogeneity of the measures for performance and their different natures (from financial indicators to those related to the entrepreneur satisfaction). Consequently, one of the most significant findings of the research is that, in spite of the fact that the most commonly used indicators for the firm performance in the literature are financial, the paper should not neglect the so-called perceived performance. This is how entrepreneurs are satisfied with their success.

Research limitations/implications

– The study is limited to Slovenian SMEs, but can be generalised to other regions. The study offers notable contributions for research and practice (improvements in SME environmental factors).

Practical implications

– The personal traits and appropriate business environments can have beneficial effects on the entrepreneur's perceived performance. The findings can be used to guide the government in efficient management of different dimensions of entrepreneur environment.

Originality/value

– This study proved the existence of latent elements of the entrepreneur's perceived performance. It gives valuable information, which hopefully will help the policy makers and entrepreneurs to give greater respect to the meaning of critical personal and environmental factors.
Validation and use of the CEQ in The Netherlands
Authors: Jansen Ellen , van der Meer Jacques , Fokkens-Bruinsma Marjon
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to validate the course experience questionnaire (CEQ) for possible use in Dutch universities.

Design/methodology/approach

– A 23 item CEQ was administered and the data analysed using confirmatory factor analysis.

Findings

– Confirmatory factor analysis provided a good fit for the CEQ's five-factor structure, and the scales showed good reliabilities. Validation with external criterion and discriminant validation between faculties with different teaching environments demonstrated the CEQ's potential for use in Dutch universities.

Research limitations/implications

– A limitation of this study was the convenience sample and the number of students included (n=956).

Originality/value

– The results of this validation exercise suggest that the use of the CEQ in Dutch universities could be useful. This could be of benefit for these universities in being able to initiate discussions with other universities, both in The Netherlands and beyond, about possible enhancement initiatives.
Death and dying in residential care: a matter of concern
Authors: Smith Randall
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to trace the history of official policy on the regulation of care homes in respect of end of life care and to contrast this with the results of research on this important theme, not least in terms of what is required to support care home staff in relation to dying residents and their relatives. A central concern is to argue for the open recognition that care homes now cater primarily for frail people towards the end of their lives. Good end of life care and a good death could become a positive “selling point”. The author concludes that the system of regulation has broadly failed to address a good death or good end of life care in a residential home. Death talk should no longer need to be avoided in care homes. The research suggests that appropriate support for care home staff in relation to dying residents needs careful identification and investment. A cultural shift is required.

Design/methodology/approach

– Following a review of policy documents on regulation and standards of care in residential homes and a subsequent review of the research literature on death and dying in care homes, the paper illuminates the contrast between the ambitious aims in policy documents with very varied practice in everyday care of frail residents.

Findings

– The recent systems of regulation have broadly failed to address a good death or good end of life care in residential homes. Open acknowledgement of death and dying should not be avoided in care homes. Appropriate support for care home staff in relation to dying residents needs careful identification and investment.

Originality/value

– The focus of this paper is to contrast official policy with everyday practice. Whilst policy documents suggest recognition of the importance of dignity and respect from dying residents, the research literature indicates great variation in the practice of everyday care.
When care is needed: the role of whistleblowing in promoting best standards from an individual and organizational perspective
Authors: Kelly Daniel , Jones Aled
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The aim of this paper is to scan the evidence and to make sense of the processes underpinning the maintenance of care standards and the meaning and significance of whistleblowing in the available literature. It formed part of a project examining attitudes to whistleblowing in the care of older people in Wales. The paper focusses on the actions of employees within organizations (such as hospitals or domiciliary care organizations) or professional groups (such as nurses and doctors) but does not include reference to whistleblowing or the raising of concerns by members of the public (such as relatives or patients).

Design/methodology/approach

–Published literature concerning whistleblowing in the UK and internationally was considered. Health and social care databases were searched (including PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, BNI, PsychLit, ERIC) and a wide variety of opinion pieces, research and theoretical explorations were accessed. Additionally, because whistleblowing occurs in workplaces other than health and social care, databases in the humanities, law and business were also searched. Other useful documents included public inquiry reports on matters both of public concern occurring in health and social care (e.g. The Shipman Inquiry, The Bristol Inquiry) as well as inquiries into events outside of this sector where whistleblowing was significant.

Findings

–There is no widely accepted theoretical framework or universally accepted conceptual underpinning for whistleblowing in the literature. This paper reveals various associated meanings, but all sources agree that whistleblowing is an imposed, rather than a chosen, situation and that whistleblowers are usually ordinary people who become aware of negative situations forcing them into a decision to remain silent, or to speak out. Another area of agreement within the literature is that the term whistleblowing has attracted overwhelmingly negative connotations. The simple choice between taking action or remaining silent belies the complexity of workplace cultures; including the care of older people.

Originality/value

–The paper explores a range of published sources from health care as well as other sectors. Although whistleblowing has been recognized as making an important contribution to patient safety, and the saving of lives, it has also had a somewhat tortured history in the health and social care sector, as well as in other industries. This paper explores whistleblowing in the context of recent UK policy developments and suggests the need for workplace cultures to be better understood; as well as promotion of open communication regarding concerns or unsafe practices.
Understanding contextual factors in falls in long-term care facilities
Authors: Sixsmith Andrew , Woolrych Ryan , Schonnop Rebecca , Robinovitch Stephen , Chaudhury Habib , Feldman Fabio
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– Despite the growing area of research involving falls in the residential care setting, the link between contextual and environmental factors in falls is poorly understood. This paper aims to draw upon existing research being undertaken in long-term care (LTC) in Metro Vancouver, Canada, with a particular focus on identifying contextual factors contributing to fall events.

Design/methodology/approach

– This paper presents the results of a qualitative observational analysis of video-captured data collected through a network of high-quality video systems in two LTC facilities. The research comprised workshops involving experienced researchers who reviewed six video sequences of fall events. The outcome of the workshops was a written narrative summarizing the discussion and researchers’ interpretation of fall sequences.

Findings

– The analysis indicates that there are a broad range of environmental, behavioral and situational factors that contribute to falls in LTC. This suggests that a limited conceptualization of a fall as an outcome of the person's impairment and environmental hazards fails to convey the complexity of potential contributory factors typical of most fall incidents.

Research limitations/implications

– Broadening our understanding of falls provides the potential to make recommendations for falls prevention practice across multiple levels, including the individual, social and organizational context.

Originality/value

– The paper evaluates the potential of video-based data in fall analysis and points to the development of a case study approach to analyzing fall incidents to capture the complex nature of contributory factors beyond research that focuses solely on intrinsic and extrinsic risk factors.
Loneliness amongst older people: findings from a survey in Coventry, UK
Authors: Woolham John , Daly Guy , Hughes Elizabeth
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate factors associated with loneliness amongst people aged 55 and over living in Coventry, a medium-sized city in the Midlands, UK.

Design/methodology/approach

– Quantitative community survey of residents, involving postal and online questionnaire and distribution of questionnaire to local community resources used by older people and “ballot boxes” for completed questionnaires in these locations.

Findings

– Using multivariate regression analysis the study found that living alone, not enjoying life, needing help with personal care and not being in touch with people as often as liked all predicted loneliness.

Research limitations/implications

– Survey was commissioned by a range of local statutory and voluntary sector providers and had a wider focus than loneliness. Some evidence of under-representation of males, minority ethnic groups and possibly people from lower socio-economic groups is reported. Further qualitative research is needed to better understand consequences and causes of loneliness.

Practical implications

– The study identified factors associated with loneliness that could be used to identify people who may be lonely in general or, for example, NHS or social care service populations.

Originality/value

– Loneliness is slowly becoming more recognised as a social problem in its own right and a contributory factor in poor health and well-being. This paper explores a the relationship between lonely and “not lonely” people and a range of factors clustered within the four thematic areas of demographic background, reported health and well-being, access to personal resources and use of community resources of survey participants.
Dressing professional, an aesthetic experience of professions
Authors: Bazin Yoann , Aubert-Tarby Clémence
Published: September 2013

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to explore the phenomenon of dress codes in professions. Since they can be considered as carriers of both organizational communication and individual identity, they will be central in professions as communities and through the professionalization process. Therefore, we will ask the following question: what is the role of understanding and complying with dress codes in becoming a professional?

Design/methodology/approach

– The empirical study consists in a series of ethnographic interviews and observations aiming at understanding dress codes' roles and dynamics in financial professions.

Findings

– Exploring dress codes in three typical professions in finance, we have discovered that they also are mediums of communication within the group, strengthening a certain aesthetic sense of belonging and of presenting the self.

Originality/value

– In this, becoming a professional can be understood as an aesthetic experience through which all senses are involved. Considering professions as being also aesthetic communities shifts the focus – or rather enlarges it – toward symbolic, corporeal and sensorial elements.
Our limited ability to predict vegetation dynamics under water stress
Authors: Xu Chonggang , McDowell Nate G. , Sevanto Sanna , Fisher Rosie A.
Published: September 2013

Featured paper: See also the Editorial by McDowell et al
Thirsty roots and hungry leaves: unravelling the roles of carbon and water dynamics in tree mortality
Authors: O'Grady Anthony P. , Mitchell Patrick J. M. , Pinkard Elizabeth A. , Tissue David T.
Published: September 2013

Featured paper: See also the Editorial by McDowell et al
Economic Chances and Technical Risks of the Internal Direct Absorption Receiver
Authors: Singer Csaba , Buck Reiner , Pitz-Paal Robert , Müller-Steinhagen Hans
Published: September 2013

Increased receiver temperatures of solar tower power plants are proposed to decrease the plants levelized electricity costs (LEC) due to the utilization of supercritical steam power plants and thus higher overall plant efficiency. Related to elevated receiver temperatures preliminary concept studies show a distinct LEC reduction potential of the internal direct absorption receiver (IDAR), if it is compared to liquid in tube (LIT) or beam-down (BD) receiver types. The IDAR is characterized by a downward oriented aperture of a cylindrical cavity, whose internal lateral area is illuminated from the concentrator field and cooled by a liquid molten salt film. The objective is the further efficiency enhancement, as well as the identification and assessment of the technical critical aspects. For this a detailed fluid mechanic and thermodynamic receiver model of the novel receiver concept is developed to be able to analyze the IDAR's operating performance at full size receiver geometries. The model is used to analyze the open parameters concerning the feasibility, functionality and performance of the concept. Hence, different system management strategies are examined and assessed, which lead to the proposal of a cost optimized lead-concept. This concept involves a rotating receiver system with inclined absorber walls. The spatial arrangements of the absorber walls minimize thermal losses of the receiver and enhance film stability. The centrifugal forces acting on the liquid salt film are essential to realize the required system criteria, which are related to the maximal molten salt temperature, film stability and droplet ejection. Compared to the state of the art at a 200 MWel power level the IDAR concept can lead to a LEC reduction of up to 8%. The cost assumptions made for the assessment are quantified with sensitivity analysis.
Modification of Surface Properties on Cemented Carbide Alloys Through Mirror-Quality Finish Grinding
Authors: Katahira Kazutoshi , Komotori Jun
Published: September 2013

In this study, efficient, high-precision grinding of cemented carbide alloys using a specific grinding wheel was performed, and the ground surface characteristics were investigated in detail. The results showed that final finishing using a chromium-bonded wheel produced an extremely smooth surface with an average roughness Ra of 4 nm. The grinding process produced a chromium- and copper-rich surface layer, as well as a large amount of diffusion of oxygen. Adhesive strength tests using a microscratching method were also carried out on ground substrates coated with diamond-like carbon (DLC) films. The surface ground by the chromium-bonded wheel exhibited superior adhesive strength due to its strong chemical affinity with the DLC film.
Forces and Flow Structures on a Simplified Car Model Exposed to an Unsteady Harmonic Crosswind
Authors: Ferrand Valérie
Published: September 2013

A ground vehicle traveling along a road is subject to unsteady crosswinds in a number of situations. In windy conditions, for example, the natural atmospheric wind can exhibit strong lateral gusts. Other situations, such as tunnel exits or overtaking induce sudden changes in crosswinds, as well. The interaction of this unsteady oncoming flow with the vehicle and the resulting aerodynamic forces and moments affect the vehicle stability and comfort. The objectives of the current study are to improve the understanding of flow physics of such transient flow and ultimately to develop measurement techniques to quantify the vehicle’s sensitivity to unsteady crosswind. A square back simplified car model is exposed to a forced oscillating yaw and results are compared to static measurements. Tests are conducted at Reynolds number Re = 3.7 × 105 and reduced frequencies ranging from 0.265 × 10−2 to 5.3 × 10−2. Unsteady side force and yawing moment measurements are associated with particle image velocimetry flow fields to interpret dynamic loads in link with flow topology evolution. Phase average force and moment measurements are found to exhibit a phase shift between static and dynamic tests that increases with oscillating frequency. Velocity fields reveal that the phase-shift seems to originate from the rear part of the car model. Moreover, lateral vortical structures appearing on the lee side from β = 15 deg increase this phase-shift and consequently appear to be favorable to the lateral stability of the vehicle.
The Effect of Stem Circumferential Grooves on the Stability at the Implant-Cement Interface
Authors: Hosein Yara K. , King Graham J. W. , Dunning Cynthia E.
Published: September 2013

The application of stem surface treatments and finishes are common methods for improving stem-cement interface stability in joint replacement systems; however, success of these surfaces has been variable. As opposed to applying a treatment or finish, altering stem design through changing the surface topography of the base stem material may offer some advantages. This study compared the effect of stem circumferential grooving on the torsional and axial stability of cemented stems. Fifteen metal stems were machined from cobalt chrome to have smooth (n = 5) or circumferential-grooved surfaces, where groove depth and spacing was either 0.6 mm (n = 5) or 1.1 mm (n = 5). Stems were potted in aluminum tubes using bone cement, left 24 h to cure, and placed in a materials testing machine for testing using a cyclic staircase loading protocol at 1.5 Hz. All stems were tested independently in compression and torsion on separate testing days, using the same stems repotted with new cement. Motion of the stem was tracked, and failure was defined either as rapid increase in stem motion, or completion of the loading protocol. Statistical analysis was used to compare interface strength and stem motion prior to failure. Grooved stems demonstrated increased interface strength (p < 0.001) and reduced motion (p < 0.01) compared to smooth stems under compression. In torsion, no significant difference was found in strength among the grooved and smooth stems (p = 0.10); however, grooved 1.1 mm demonstrated greatest interface motion prior to catastrophic failure (p < 0.01). Overall, circumferential-grooved stems offered improved stability under compression, and comparable stability in torsion, relative to the smooth stems.
A Spatial Eight-Bar Linkage and Its Association With the Deployable Platonic Mechanisms
Authors: Wei Guowu , Dai Jian S.
Published: September 2013

This paper presents for the first time a novel two degrees of freedom (2-DOF) single-looped dual-plane-symmetric spatial eight-bar linkage with exact straight-line motion. Geometry and kinematics of the eight-bar linkage are investigated and closed-form equations are presented revealing the exact straight-line motion feature of the linkage on the condition that two symmetric inputs are given. In order to secure two symmetric inputs, a geared eight-bar linkage is then proposed converting the linkage into a 1-DOF linkage of exact straight-line motion. The direction of the straight-line motion produced by the proposed eight-bar linkage is changeable and is only dependent on the structure parameters of the two pairs of V-shaped R-R dyads of the linkage. Further, the proposed eight-bar linkage is applied to the synthesis and construction of a group of deployable Platonic mechanisms with radially reciprocating motion. The virtual-center-based (VCB) method is presented for the synthesis and prototypes of the deployable Platonic mechanisms are fabricated verifying the mobility and motion of the proposed mechanisms.
Vibration Analysis of Postbuckled Timoshenko Beams Using a Numerical Solution Methodology
Authors: Shojaei M. Faghih , Ansari R. , Mohammadi V. , Rouhi H.
Published: September 2013

In this article, a numerical solution methodology is presented to study the postbuckling configurations and free vibrations of Timoshenko beams undergoing postbuckling. The effect of geometrical imperfection is taken into account, and the analysis is carried out for different types of boundary conditions. Based on Hamilton's principle, the governing equations and corresponding boundary conditions are derived. After introducing a set of differential matrix operators that is used to discretize the governing equations and boundary conditions, the pseudo-arc length continuation method is applied to solve the postbuckling problem. Then, the problem of free vibration around the buckled configurations is solved as an eigenvalue problem using the solution obtained from the nonlinear problem in the previous step. This study shows that, when the axial load in the postbuckling domain increases, the vibration mode shape of buckled beam corresponding to the fundamental frequency may change. Another finding that can be of great technical interest is that, for all types of boundary conditions and in both prebuckling and postbuckling domains, the natural frequency of imperfect beam is higher than that of ideal beam. Also, it is observed that, by increasing the axial load, the natural frequency of both ideal and imperfect beams decreases in the prebuckling domain, while it increases in the postbuckling domain. The reduction of natural frequency in the transition area from the prebuckling domain to the postbuckling domain is due to the severe instability of the structure under the axial load.
Teaching Metathesis “Simple” Stereochemistry
Authors: Fürstner Alois
Published: September 2013

Background

Transition metal–catalyzed alkene metathesis has revolutionized organic synthesis during the last two decades, even though the commonly used catalysts do not provide kinetic control over the stereochemistry of the newly formed double bonds. It is of utmost importance to fix this shortcoming, because the olefin geometry not only determines the physical and chemical properties of the alkene products but is also innately linked to any biological activities that the olefins may have.

Advances

Recent progress in catalyst design led to the development of a first set of metal alkylidene complexes of ruthenium, molybdenum, and tungsten that allow a host of inter- and intramolecular alkene metathesis reactions to be performed with good to excellent levels of
Z
selectivity (see the figure). This marks a considerable advancement over prior art, even though inherently
E
-selective catalysts remain elusive. In the case of disubstituted olefins, this gap in coverage can be filled by a sequence of alkyne metathesis followed by stereoselective semi-reduction of the resulting acetylene derivatives, which provides highly selective access to either geometrical series. Because the required alkylidyne catalysts have also been greatly improved in terms of activity, functional group tolerance, and user-friendliness, this method constitutes a valuable preparative complement.

Outlook

It is expected that the new catalysts will be rapidly embraced by the synthetic community. Because the as-yet limited number of published case studies is very encouraging, it is reasonable to believe that more sophisticated applications to polyfunctionalized and/or industrially relevant targets will follow shortly. Such investigations will allow the selectivity and performance of the stereoselective metathesis catalysts to be scrutinized in great detail. In parallel, growing mechanistic insights into their mode of action will almost certainly be forthcoming that can then be translated into refined ligand design. The resulting feedback loops will likely result in the evolution of ever more selective and practical catalysts, the long-term impact of which on organic synthesis and materials science will surely be profound and lasting.
Constitutive μ-Opioid Receptor Activity Leads to Long-Term Endogenous Analgesia and Dependence
Authors: Corder G. , Doolen S. , Donahue R. R. , Winter M. K. , Jutras B. L. , He Y. , Hu X. , Wieskopf J. S. , Mogil J. S. , Storm D. R. , Wang Z. J. , McCarson K. E. , Taylor B. K.
Published: September 2013

Pain and Dependence

The properties and functions of µ-opioid receptors have been studied intensively with respect to the binding of endogenous or exogenous ligands. However, much less is known about the constitutive, ligand-independent, activation of opioid receptors. Working in mice,

Corder
et al.

(p.
1394
) observed the prolonged constitutive activation of µ-opioid receptors in the spinal dorsal horn after transient peripheral inflammation. The results suggest that constitutive activation of µ-opioid receptors depresses nociception—the perception of pain—for long periods of time and induces cellular and physical dependence on endogenous opioid signaling.
Deep-Focus Earthquake Analogs Recorded at High Pressure and Temperature in the Laboratory
Authors: Schubnel Alexandre , Brunet Fabrice , Hilairet Nadège , Gasc Julien , Wang Yanbin , Green Harry W.
Published: September 2013

Delineating Deep Faults

Most large, damaging earthquakes initiate in Earth's crust where friction and brittle fracture control the release of energy. Strong earthquakes can occur in the mantle too, but their rupture dynamics are difficult to determine because higher temperatures and pressures play a more important role.

Ye
et al.

(p.
1380
) analyzed seismic
P
waves generated by the 2013
M
w
8.3 Sea of Okhotsk earthquake—the largest deep earthquake recorded to date—and its associated aftershocks. The earthquake ruptured along a fault over 180-kilometer-long and structural heterogeneity resulted in a massive release of stress from the subducting slab. In a set of complementary laboratory deformation experiments,

Schubnel
et al.

(p.
1377
) simulated the nucleation of acoustic emission events that resemble deep earthquakes. These events are caused by an instantaneous phase transition from olivine to spinel, which would occur at the same depth and result in large stress releases observed for other deep earthquakes.
Comment on “Invasive Harlequin Ladybird Carries Biological Weapons Against Native Competitors”
Authors: Solter Leellen F. , Kyei-Poku George K. , Johny Shajahan
Published: September 2013

Conclusions about the nontarget effects of putatively invasive pathogens should be based on biologically relevant data. We disagree that the research experiments on a microsporidium isolated from
Harmonia axyridis
conducted by Vilcinskas
et al
. (Reports, 17 May 2013, p. 862) can explain the decline of native coccinellid species in the absence of such data.
Human LilrB2 Is a β-Amyloid Receptor and Its Murine Homolog PirB Regulates Synaptic Plasticity in an Alzheimer’s Model
Authors: Kim Taeho , Vidal George S. , Djurisic Maja , William Christopher M. , Birnbaum Michael E. , Garcia K. Christopher , Hyman Bradley T. , Shatz Carla J.
Published: September 2013

Amyloid Binding Partners

Amyloid-β (Aβ) is critical to the pathology of Alzheimer's disease (AD), but its role in normal physiology remains unclear.

Kim
et al.

(p.
1399
; see the Perspective by

Benilova and De Strooper

) found that murine-paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PirB) and its human ortholog, leukocyte immunoglobulin-like receptor B2 (LilrB2) both bound to oligomerized Aβ. Early in mouse development, ocular dominance plasticity was affected by interactions between oligomeric Aβ and PirB. In hippocampal brain slices from a mouse model of AD, reductions in long-term potentiation induced by Aβ required PirB. Furthermore, the memory defects characteristic of a mouse model of AD were dependent on function of PirB. Many binding partners for Aβ have been identified, and so the extent to which these findings can be exploited therapeutically remains unclear.
Concentrating (on) Native Proteins to Control Cell Fate
Authors: Sarkar Casim A.
Published: September 2013

Synthetic genetic controllers modulate endogenous signaling networks to route cells toward desired behaviors.

[Also see Research Article by

Galloway
et al.

]
Standing Up for GMOs
Authors: Alberts Bruce , Beachy Roger , Baulcombe David , Blobel Gunter , Datta Swapan , Fedoroff Nina , Kennedy Donald , Khush Gurdev S. , Peacock Jim , Rees Martin , Sharp Phillip
Published: September 2013

On 8 August 2013, vandals destroyed a Philippine “Golden Rice” Field Trial. Officials and staff of the Philippine Department of Agriculture that conduct rice tests for the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) and the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) had gathered for a peaceful dialogue. They were taken by surprise when protesters invaded the compound, overwhelmed police and village security, and trampled the rice. Billed as an uprising of farmers, the destruction was actually carried out by protesters trucked in overnight in a dozen jeepneys.
Kenyan Find Heralds New Era in Water Prospecting
Authors: Gramling Carolyn
Published: September 2013

Major groundwater discovery in Kenya highlights advances in water prospecting.
What Happens When Weed Killers Stop Killing?
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: September 2013

An American Chemical Society symposium in Indianapolis spotlighted a looming crisis for North American agriculture: Weeds are evolving resistance to herbicides more quickly than researchers can supply farmers with effective new chemicals to combat them.
Development and Validation of a Liquid Medium (M7H9C) for Routine Culture of Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis To Replace Modified Bactec 12B Medium
Authors: Whittington Richard J. , Whittington Ann-Michele , Waldron Anna , Begg Douglas J. , de Silva Kumi , Purdie Auriol C. , Plain Karren M.
Published: September 2013

Liquid culture of
Mycobacterium avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
from clinical samples, such as feces, is the most sensitive antemortem test for the diagnosis of Johne's disease in ruminants. In Australia, New Zealand, the United States, and some other countries, the Bactec 460 system with modified Bactec 12B medium (Becton, Dickinson) has been the most commonly used liquid culture system, but it was discontinued in 2012. In this study, a new liquid culture medium, M7H9C, was developed. It consists of a Middlebrook 7H9 medium base with added Casitone, albumin, dextrose, catalase, egg yolk, mycobactin J, and a cocktail of antibiotics. We found that polyoxyethylene stearate (POES) was not essential for the cultivation of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
in either the Bactec 12B or the M7H9C medium. The limit of detection determined using pure cultures of the C and S strains of
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
was 7 bacilli per 50 μl inoculum in the two media. The new medium was validated using 784 fecal and tissue samples from sheep and cattle, >25% of which contained viable
M. avium
subsp.
paratuberculosis
. Discrepant results for the clinical samples between the two media were mostly associated with samples that contained <10 viable bacilli per gram, but these results were relatively uncommon, and the performances of the two media were not significantly different. M7H9C medium was less than half the cost of the Bactec 12B medium and did not require regular examination during incubation, but a confirmatory IS
900
PCR test had to be performed on every culture after the predetermined incubation period.
Advantages of Using Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization–Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry as a Rapid Diagnostic Tool for Identification of Yeasts and Mycobacteria in the Clinical Microbiological Laboratory
Authors: Chen Jonathan H. K. , Yam Wing-Cheong , Ngan Antonio H. Y. , Fung Ami M. Y. , Woo Wai-Lan , Yan Mei-Kum , Choi Garnet K. Y. , Ho Pak-Leung , Cheng Vincent C. C. , Yuen Kwok-Yung
Published: September 2013

Yeast and mycobacteria can cause infections in immunocompromised patients and normal hosts. The rapid identification of these organisms can significantly improve patient care. There has been an increasing number of studies on using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) for rapid yeast and mycobacterial identifications. However, studies on direct comparisons between the Bruker Biotyper and bioMérieux Vitek MS systems for the identification of yeast and mycobacteria have been limited. This study compared the performance of the two systems in their identification of 98 yeast and 102 mycobacteria isolates. Among the 98 yeast isolates, both systems generated species-level identifications in >70% of the specimens, of whichCandida albicanswas the most commonly cultured species. At a genus-level identification, the Biotyper system identified more isolates than the Vitek MS system forCandida(75/78 [96.2%]versus 68/78 [87.2%], respectively;P= 0.0426) and non-Candidayeasts (18/20 [90.0%]versus 7/20 [35.0%], respectively;P= 0.0008). For mycobacterial identification, the Biotyper system generated reliable identifications for 89 (87.3%) and 64 (62.8%) clinical isolates at the genus and species levels, respectively, from solid culture media, whereas the Vitek MS system did not generate any reliable identification. The MS method differentiated 12/21 clinical species, despite the fact that no differentiation betweenMycobacterium abscessusandMycobacterium chelonaewas found by using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. In summary, the MALDI-TOF MS method provides short turnaround times and a standardized working protocol for the identification of yeast and mycobacteria. Our study demonstrates that MALDI-TOF MS is suitable as a first-line test for the identification of yeast and mycobacteria in clinical laboratories.
First Case of Streptococcus lutetiensis Bacteremia Involving a Clindamycin-Resistant Isolate Carrying the
lnuB
Gene
Authors: Almuzara M. , Bonofiglio L. , Cittadini R. , Vera Ocampo C. , Montilla A. , del Castillo M. , Ramirez M. S. , Mollerach M. , Vay C.
Published: September 2013

Here, we describe the first case of a
Streptococcus lutetiensis
isolate harboring the
lnuB
gene.
Epstein-Barr Virus and Human Herpesvirus 6 Detection in a Non-Hodgkin's Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Cohort by Using RNA Sequencing
Authors: Strong Michael J. , O'Grady Tina , Lin Zhen , Xu Guorong , Baddoo Melody , Parsons Chris , Zhang Kun , Taylor Christopher M. , Flemington Erik K.
Published: September 2013

Comprehensive virome analysis of RNA sequence (RNA-seq) data sets from 118 non-Hodgkin's B-cell lymphomas revealed a small subset that is positive for Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or human herpesvirus 6B (HHV-6B), with one coinfection. EBV transcriptome analysis revealed expression of the latency genes RPMS1, LMP1, and LMP2, with one sample additionally showing a high level of early lytic expression and another sample showing a high level of EBNA2 expression. HHV-6B transcriptome analysis revealed that the majority of genes were transcribed.
The Protein Interaction Network of Bacteriophage Lambda with Its Host, Escherichia coli
Authors: Blasche Sonja , Wuchty Stefan , Rajagopala Seesandra V. , Uetz Peter
Published: September 2013

Although most of the 73 open reading frames (ORFs) in bacteriophage λ have been investigated intensively, the function of many genes in host-phage interactions remains poorly understood. Using yeast two-hybrid screens of all lambda ORFs for interactions with its host
Escherichia coli
, we determined a raw data set of 631 host-phage interactions resulting in a set of 62 high-confidence interactions after multiple rounds of retesting. These links suggest novel regulatory interactions between the
E. coli
transcriptional network and lambda proteins. Targeted host proteins and genes required for lambda infection are enriched among highly connected proteins, suggesting that bacteriophages resemble interaction patterns of human viruses. Lambda tail proteins interact with both bacterial fimbrial proteins and
E. coli
proteins homologous to other phage proteins. Lambda appears to dramatically differ from other phages, such as T7, because of its unusually large number of modified and processed proteins, which reduces the number of host-virus interactions detectable by yeast two-hybrid screens.
What about temperature? Haloperidol-induced hypotermia
Authors: Signorelli Maria Salvina , Nalis Federico , Battiato Mariacatena , Aguglia Eugenio
Published: September 2013

The use of treatment with antipsychotic drugs highlights the difficulty of finding the right balance between the benefit on psychotic symptoms and the risk of the occurrence of adverse reactions. There is a strong genetic and pharmacological evidence supporting the hypothesis that activation of D2 receptors could lead to hypothermia and that the treatment haloperidol is capable of inducing hypothermia apomorfino similarily in laboratory animals. It also seems that, haloperidol is not the only antipsychotic able to determine this type of reaction, as some evidence suggests that other drugs such as reserpine, chlorpromazine would be capable of inducing hypothermia. Finally, while some studies suggest the possible occurrence of haloperidol-induced hypothermia only in laboratory animals, other authors argue that this same reaction can occur in humans as well. In this report, we describe the cases, rarely witnessed in the literature, of three patients in whom the administration of haloperidol caused hypothermia.
A rare association of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula with venous aneurysm and contralateral flow-related middle cerebral artery aneurysm
Authors: Onu David O , Hunn Andrew W , Harle Robin A
Published: September 2013

The association of cerebral dural arteriovenous fistula (DAVF) and ipsilateral flow related aneurysm has infrequently been reported. We describe a male patient who presented with an acute haemorrhagic stroke and was found to have a large right fronto-parietal intra-parenchymal haemorrhage from the ruptured Borden type II DAVF in addition to a large venous aneurysm and a flow related intraosseous aneurysm of the contralateral middle meningeal artery (MMA) all clearly delineated by CT and DSA. He underwent emergency stereotactic evacuation of the intraparenchymal haemorrhage and successful surgical treatment of all the vascular lesions at the same time with residual neurological deficit. To our knowledge, this is the first such reported case. We discuss the challenging surgical treatment, emphasising the role of CT/DSA in management, and provide a literature review.
Effect of rapid weight loss on performance in combat sport male athletes: does adaptation to chronic weight cycling play a role?
Authors: Mendes Sandro H , Tritto Aline C , Guilherme João Paulo L F , Solis Marina Y , Vieira Douglas E , Franchini Emerson , Lancha Antonio H , Artioli Guilherme G
Published: September 2013

Background

Studies failing to show a negative effect of rapid weight loss (RWL) on performance have been conducted in athletes who have been cycling weight for years. It has been suggested that chronic weight cycling could lead combat athletes to become resistant to the stresses associated with weight loss. To investigate the effects of RWL up to 5% of body mass on high-intensity intermittent performance in weight cyclers (WC) and non-weight cyclers (non-WC).

Methods

Eighteen male combat athletes (WC: n=10; non-WC: n=8) reduced up to 5% of their body mass in 5 days. Body composition, high-intensity performance and plasma lactate were assessed preweight loss and postweight loss. Athletes had 4 h to re-feed and rehydrate following the weigh-in. Food intake was recorded during the weight loss and the recovery periods.

Results

Athletes significantly decreased body mass, lean body mass (most likely due to fluid loss) and fat mass following weight loss. No significant changes in performance were found from preweight loss to postweight loss in both groups. Plasma lactate was significantly elevated after exercise in both groups, but no differences were found between groups and in response to RWL. For all these variables no differences were observed between groups. Athletes from both groups ingested high amounts of energy and carbohydrates during the recovery period after the weigh-in.

Conclusions

Chronic weight cycling does not protect athletes from the negative impact of RWL on performance. The time to recover after weigh-in and the patterns of food and fluid ingestion during this period is likely to play the major role in restoring performance to baseline levels.