bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Description, appropriation, transformation: Fascist rhetoric and colonial nature
Authors: Polezzi Loredana
Published: August 2014

During the period of Fascism, a variety of discourses and representations were attached to colonial landscapes and to their uses. African nature was the subject of diverse rhetorical strategies, which ranged from the persistence of visions of wilderness as the locus of adventure to the domesticating manipulations of an incipient tourist industry aiming to familiarise the Italian public with relatively tame forms of the exotic. Contrasting images of bareness and productivity, primitivism and modernisation, resistance to change and dramatic transformation found their way into accounts of colonial territories ranging from scientific and pseudo-scientific reports to children's literature, from guidebooks to travel accounts, all of which were sustained not just by written texts but also by iconographic representations. This article will look at the specific example of accounts of Italian Somalia in order to explore Fascist discourses regarding colonial nature and its appropriation. Documents examined will include early guidebooks to the colonies, a small selection of travel accounts aimed at the general public, as well as the works of a number of geographers and geologists who were among the most active polygraphs of the period, and whose writings addressed a wide range of Italian readers.
Environment and leisure in Italy during Fascism
Authors: Dogliani Patrizia
Published: August 2014

While vacation colonies, camps for children and young people, well-equipped beaches and playgrounds, and the first national parks were conceived in Italy during the Liberal period, it was not until the late 1920s/1930s that they were created and transformed by the Fascist regime. This article will analyse the purposes of the use of the environment and protected areas by Fascist organisations during the Fascist regime by different social groups and classes. It will try to answer several questions: how did Fascist mass organisations (youth organisations such as the Opera Nazionale Balilla (ONB) and Gioventò Italiana del Littorio (GIL), leisure organisations like the Opera Nazionale Dopolavoro (OND), sports associations) relate to environmental space? Which popular activities were conceived for open-air, urban and national parks? How did the relationship between outdoor leisure and the environment develop in the ‘new’ middle class in the 1930s? How did Fascism conceive of the relationship between human beings and nature? The Nazi regime and the US New Deal were the strongest models at that time in terms of the politics of land conservation and leisure time. Did Fascism look to those experiments; did Fascism find its own modern ‘conservative’ relationship with the environment? This article will try to answer some of these questions, mindful of the lack of studies on Italy in comparison with the expanding historiography on the German and American cases.
Single-molecule tracking of tau reveals fast kiss-and-hop interaction with microtubules in living neurons
Authors: Janning Dennis , Igaev Maxim , Sündermann Frederik , Brühmann Jörg , Beutel Oliver , Heinisch Jürgen J. , Bakota Lidia , Piehler Jacob , Junge Wolfgang , Brandt Roland
Published: August 2014

The microtubule-associated phosphoprotein tau regulates microtubule dynamics and is involved in neurodegenerative diseases collectively called tauopathies. It is generally believed that the vast majority of tau molecules decorate axonal microtubules, thereby stabilizing them. However, it is an open question how tau can regulate microtubule dynamics without impeding microtubule-dependent transport and how tau is also available for interactions other than those with microtubules. Here we address this apparent paradox by fast single-molecule tracking of tau in living neurons and Monte Carlo simulations of tau dynamics. We find that tau dwells on a single microtubule for an unexpectedly short time of ∼40 ms before it hops to the next. This dwell time is 100-fold shorter than previously reported by ensemble measurements. Furthermore, we observed by quantitative imaging using fluorescence decay after photoactivation recordings of photoactivatable GFP–tagged tubulin that, despite this rapid dynamics, tau is capable of regulating the tubulin–microtubule balance. This indicates that tau's dwell time on microtubules is sufficiently long to influence the lifetime of a tubulin subunit in a GTP cap. Our data imply a novel kiss-and-hop mechanism by which tau promotes neuronal microtubule assembly. The rapid kiss-and-hop interaction explains why tau, although binding to microtubules, does not interfere with axonal transport.
The role of mass communication methods in the development of tourism industry in Iran
Authors: Zamani Mahmoud , Valmohammadi Changiz
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to investigate the role of new methods of mass communication (employing customer relationship management (CRM) software and web site) in the development of tourism industry in Iran.

Design/methodology/approach

– Data were collected from managers and experts of companies involving in tourism field in Iran through survey questionnaire. The SPSS 17 and LISREL 8 statistical programs were used for the data analysis.

Findings

– The results reveal that using CRM application is significantly correlated with the development of tourism industry. In addition, the findings indicated that using web site has a positive and significant relationship with the development of tourism.

Research limitations/implications

– As this study is limited to Iran and given cultural differences among various nations cautions should be taken in generalizability of the obtained results. Also, to better clarify the role of mass communication methods, it is recommended similar study in other countries to be carry out in order to be able to compare the results.

Originality/value

– To the best of knowledge of the authors this is the first endeavor toward the survey of the relationship and the effects of CRM application and internet advertisement on the development of tourism in the context of Iran. Also, the results obtained could act as a good guidance for Iranian tourism policy makers to make more effective decisions.
Estimating cross-sectional regressions in event studies with conditional heteroskedasticity and regression designs that have leverage
Authors: Karafiath Imre
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– In the finance literature, fitting a cross-sectional regression with (estimated) abnormal returns as the dependent variable and firm-specific variables (e.g. financial ratios) as independent variables has becomede rigueurfor a publishable event study. In the absence of skewness and/or kurtosis the explanatory variable, the regression design does not exhibit leverage – an issue that has been addressed in the econometrics literature on the finite sample properties of heteroskedastic-consistent (HC) standard errors, but not in the finance literature on event studies. The paper aims to discuss this issue.

Design/methodology/approach

– In this paper, simulations are designed to evaluate the potential bias in the standard error of the regression coefficient when the regression design includes “points of high leverage” (Chesher and Jewitt, 1987) and heteroskedasticity. The empirical distributions of test statistics are tabulated from ordinary least squares, weighted least squares, and HC standard errors.

Findings

– None of the test statistics examined in these simulations are uniformly robust with regard to conditional heteroskedasticity when the regression includes “points of high leverage.” In some cases the bias can be quite large: an empirical rejection rate as high as 25 percent for a 5 percent nominal significance level. Further, the bias in OLS HC standard errors may be attenuated but not fully corrected with a “wild bootstrap.”

Research limitations/implications

– If the researcher suspects an event-induced increase in return variances, tests for conditional heteroskedasticity should be conducted and the regressor matrix should be evaluated for observations that exhibit a high degree of leverage.

Originality/value

– This paper is a modest step toward filling a gap on the finite sample properties of HC standard errors in the event methodology literature.
Wear behaviour of PMMA against 316L stainless steel under dry and lubricated conditions
Authors: Liza S. , Haseeb A.S.M.A. , Masjuki H.H.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to gain a better understanding of wear behaviour of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). PMMA is commonly used in low-stress sliding application against metal. The effects of applied load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel were examined.

Design/Methodology/Approach

– Tests were conducted under dry condition, in distilled water and in Ringer’s solution by using reciprocating wear machine. Worn surface morphology and composition was evaluated by scanning electron microscopy.

Findings

– PMMA wear rate increases with the increase in applied load, naturally. An increase in sliding frequency increases the wear rate under dry condition, but it decreases the wear rate in water and in Ringer’s solution.

Originality value

– The objective of the present work was to gain a better understanding of the wear behaviour of PMMA in contact with 316L stainless steel under different conditions (dry condition, distilled water and Ringer's solution). The effects of applied normal load and frequency on the wear rate of PMMA against 316L stainless steel at various conditions were examined experimentally. This information may have future implications for the design of materials which have a contact with physiological fluid in orthopeadic implants.
Development of a model on profit orientation with organizational variables in the context of emerging economies
Authors: Sekhar Bhattacharyya Som , Jha Sumi
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of the study was to develop a model on profit orientation (PRO) with organizational variables, learning orientation practises (LOP), empowerment self-determination (ESD), organization citizenship behaviour altruism (OCBA), customer orientation (CO), professional development (PD) and performance orientation (PO).

Design/methodology/approach

– The research was conducted by using a structured survey questionnaire on 411 Indian managers engaged in various public and private manufacturing and services firms. The data were analyzed using SPSS 20 and AMOS 18 for structured equation modelling.

Findings

– The results of this research imply that the exogenous variables were LOP, ESD and OCBA. The intervening variables were CO, PD and PO. The endogenous variable was PRO. LOP showed significant positive relationship with CO and PD. ESD had significant positive relationship with CO, PD and PO. OCBA showed significant positive relationship with CO and PO. PD had significant positive relationship with CO and PO. PO had significant positive relationship with CO. PRO had significant positive relationship with LOP, OCBA, CO, PD and PO.

Research limitations/implications

– This research attempt is one of the first of its kind which developed a model relating PRO with three internal organizational exogenous variables: LOP, ESD and OCBA. The model also had three intervening variables: CO, PD and PO.

Practical implications

– In the context of emerging economies characterized by high potentiality for market growth and increased competition, the human resource managers involved in developing PRO culture can take the inputs from this study to design elements of LOP, ESD, OCBA, CO, PD and PO among the employees.

Originality/value

– The model on PRO is one of its kind relating PRO with LOP, ESD, OCBA, CO, PD and PO in the context of emerging economy markets.
Organizational learning culture and psychological empowerment as antecedents of employees’ job related attitudes: a mediation model
Authors: Islam Talat , Ur Rehman Khan Saif , Norulkamar Bt. Ungku Ahmad Ungku , Ali Ghulam , Ahmed Ishfaq
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper was to investigate the relationship among organizational learning culture (OLC), psychological empowerment (PE), job satisfaction, affective organizational commitment and turnover intention, as very little has been conducted in this regard.

Design/methodology/approach

– A quantitative research design was used via a questionnaire among 412 Malay-Chinese working in the banking and insurance sector of Malaysia.

Findings

– OLC and PE were found to influence positively on job satisfaction and affective commitment, but negatively on turnover intention. In addition, job satisfaction was found to perform the role of mediator.

Research limitations/implications

– The study used self-reported data based on cross-sectional survey.

Practical implications

– OLC and PE were found to influence affective commitment and turnover intention directly and indirectly, providing an avenue of approach for managers to retain their key employees.

Originality/value

– The paper examines OLC and PE as antecedents of employees’ attitudes (i.e. job satisfaction, affective commitment and turnover intention), neglected variables along with the mediation of job satisfaction.
Satisfaction of first-time residential clients with architectural services
Authors: Adewunmi Oluwatayo Adedapo , Ibem Eziyi , Amole Dolapo
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The aim of this study was to investigate the factors which define and predict the satisfaction of first-time residential clients of architects in Nigeria using Lagos as a case study.

Design/methodology/approach

– The study was based on the notion that satisfaction of first-time residential clients with architectural services is a combination of satisfaction with service, design and relationship qualities as well as reputation of the architect. A cross-sectional survey of randomly selected first-time residential clients of architects in the study area was conducted using pre-tested questionnaire as the principal data gathering instrument. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, factor and regression analyses.

Findings

– Of the seven factors identified, the factors which best define the satisfaction of the first-time residential clients were personalization of service, reliability of, confidence inspired by and personality of the architect. The best predictors of the satisfaction of the first-time residential clients of architects in Nigeria varied with the nature of service. However, it was observed that the experience of the architect cut across all service types as a significant predictor of client satisfaction.

Research limitation/implication

– Only residential clients were considered in the study. Other categories of clients may be considered in further studies.

Practical implications

– There is need for architects to consider the nature of services provided in their quest to satisfy their first-time residential clients.

Originality/value

– Previous studies have focused on experienced and mostly public sector clients. This study provides empirical data on the factors that influence the satisfaction of first-time private clients who engaged the services of architects for their personal homes.
Delay model for dynamically switching coupled on-chip interconnects
Authors: Kumar Sharma Devendra , Kumar Kaushik Brajesh , Sharma R.K.
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to propose an analytical model for estimating propagation delay in coupled resistance-inductance-capacitance (RLC) interconnects.

Design/methodology/approach

– With higher frequency of operation, longer length of interconnect and fast transition time of the signal, the resistor capacitor (RC) models are not sufficient to estimate the delay accurately. To mitigate this problem, accurate delay models for coupled interconnects are required. In this paper, an analytical model for estimation of interconnect delay is developed for simultaneously switching lines. Two distributed RLC lines coupled inductively and capacitively are considered. To validate the proposed model, SPICE results are compared with the proposed analytical results. Each line in the coupled structure is terminated by a capacitive load of 30fF. The driving signal is considered symmetrical with equal rise and fall time of 5 ps and OFF/ON time of 45 ps. The model is validated for both in-phase and out of phase switching of lines.

Findings

– It is observed that the model works well for both the phases of inputs switching. The derived expressions of delay exhibit complete physical insight, and the results obtained are in excellent agreement with SPICE results. Comparison of analytical delay with SPICE delay shows an average error of < 2.7 per cent.

Originality/value

– The analytical expressions for interconnect delay are derived for the first time under simultaneously switching scenario. This model is useful to estimate delay across the inductively and capacitively coupled interconnects.
Do banks propagate debt market shocks?
Authors: Hale Galina , A.C. Santos João
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This paper aims to analyze how banks transmit shocks that hit the debt market to their borrowers. Recent financial crisis demonstrated that the banking system can be a pathway for shock transmission.

Design/methodology/approach

– Bank-level panel regressions.

Findings

– This paper shows that when banks experience a shock to the cost of their bond financing, they pass a portion of their extra costs or savings to their corporate borrowers. While banks do not offer special protection from bond market shocks to their relationship borrowers, they also do not treat all of them equally. Relationship borrowers that are not bank-dependent are the least exposed to bond market shocks via their bank loans. In contrast, banks pass the highest portion of the increase in their cost of bond financing to their relationship borrowers that rely exclusively on banks for external funding.

Research limitations/implications

– These findings show that banks put more weight on the informational advantage they have over their relationship borrowers than on the prospects of future business with these borrowers. They also show a potential side effect of the recent proposals to require banks to use CoCos or other long-term funding.

Originality/value

– The findings are timely, given the ongoing debates on the proposals to introduce bail-in programs and proposals to require banks to use CoCos or other long-term funding.
Mobilizing the technology storm: app-based stress relief – using free or low-cost apps to beat work and personal stress
Authors: Finley Thomas
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– The purpose of this article is to review apps that will enable librarians to take back control of their own mental space and hopefully provide some means to relaxation. Sometimes it is hard to find a soothing space amidst the chaos of the outside world. Our library users turn to the author to provide these spaces in their own lives, but paradoxically, today’s librarian may find little relaxation within their own library’s walls.

Design/methodology/approach

– The author tests and reviews apps designed to help librarians relax.

Findings

– The author reviews various different apps designed to help librarians relax.

Originality/value

– The apps reviewed here will enable librarians to take back control of their own mental space and hopefully, provide some means to relaxation.
Whither the retention schedule in the era of big data and open data?
Authors: McDonald John , Léveillé Valerie
Published: August 2014

Purpose

– This article, which is one of the products of an international collaborative research initiative called iTrust, aims to explore these questions and offer suggestions concerning how the issues they raise can be addressed.

Design/methodology/approach

– The article describes the results of the first stage in a multi-stage research project leading to methods for developing retention and disposition specifications and formal schedules for open data and big data initiatives. A fictitious organization is used to describe the characteristics of open data and big data initiatives, the gap between current approaches to setting retention and disposition specifications and schedules and what is required and how that gap can be closed. The landscape described as a result of this stage in the research will be tested in case studies established in the second stage of the project.

Findings

– The argument is made that the business processes supporting open data and big data initiatives could serve as the basis for developing enhanced standards and procedures that are relevant to the characteristics of these two kinds of initiatives. The point is also made, however, that addressing the retention and disposition issues requires knowledge and leadership, both of which are in short supply in many organizations. The characteristics, the issues and the approaches will be tested through case studies and consultations with those involved with managing and administering big data and open data initiatives.

Originality/value

– There is very little, if any, current literature that addresses the impact of big data and open data on the development and application of retention schedules. The outcome of the research will benefit those who are seeking to establish processes leading to formally approved retention and disposition specifications, as well as an instrument – the approved retention and disposal schedule – designed to ensure the ongoing integrity of the records and data associated with big data and open data initiatives.
Leaf beetle (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) communities of Kovada Lake and Kızıldağ national parks (Isparta, Turkey): assessing the effects of habitat types
Authors: Şen İsmail , Gök Ali
Published: August 2014

Leaf beetle species composition, diversity and community structure were investigated and compared among three different habitat types (herbaceous open area, forest area without shrubs, forest area with shrubs) included in Kovada Lake (KL) and Kızıldağ (KD) national parks in Isparta province, at the Mediterranean region of Turkey. In total, 132 leaf beetle species (88 from KL and 96 from KD) belonging to ten subfamilies were collected. Spatial distribution of the leaf beetles and estimated species number were compared between study sites and some environmental factors affecting the determined species were analyzed. The highest leaf beetle diversity among the habitat types was in the forest areas with abundant shrubby understory at the KL with diversity values of 2.67 (Shannon–Wiener index) and 0.87 (Simpson index). The most similar habitats in terms of the leaf beetle communities were herbaceous open areas at both national parks with similarity values 50% (Sørensen index) and 34% (Jaccard index). Nonparametric estimators ICE, Chao2, Jackknife1 and Jackknife2 show that the percentages of the detected leaf beetle species during field surveys in the KL were between 85% and 93%, and in the KD were between 67% and 78%. Canonical correspondence analysis indicates that the most effective environmental variables on the leaf beetle species diversity were covers of the herbaceous and tree layers. Also, these results show that the most important environmental variable affecting the leaf beetle species diversity was floristic structure of the sites.
Discovery of three new species of the genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae) in Korea
Authors: Kim Yoon‐Ho , Ahn Kee‐Jeong
Published: August 2014

Three new species of the mycophagous aleocharine genus Gyrophaena Mannerheim are described in Korea. The types and paratypes of the new species are designated. Illustrations of the diagnostic characters and habitus photographs of new species are provided with a key to Korean species of Gyrophaena.
In vitro effects of oil's fatty acids on T cell function in gestational diabetic pregnant women and their newborns 油类脂肪酸在体外对妊娠期糖尿病孕妇及其新生儿的T细胞功能的影响
Authors: Djelti Farah , Merzouk Hafida , Merzouk Sid Ahmed , Narce Michel
Published: August 2014

Background

The aim of this investigation was to determine the in vitro effects of linseed, olive and Nigel oils on T cell proliferation and function in gestational diabetes.

Methods

Blood samples were collected from 40 control healthy and 32 gestational diabetic mothers and their newborns. Peripheral blood lymphocytes were isolated using a density gradient of Ficoll. T cell proliferation, interleukin‐2 and ‐4 (IL‐2, IL‐4) secretion, fatty acid composition and intracellular oxidative status were investigated.

Results

Mitogen (Concanavalin A) stimulated lymphocyte proliferation, IL‐2 secretion, intracellular reduced glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were lower while intracellular malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl proteins were higher in diabetic mothers and in their newborns as compared to their respective controls. Linseed oil induced a reduction in T‐lymphocyte proliferation and IL‐2 production, and alpha linolenic acid membrane enrichment in both diabetic and control groups. In the presence of Nigel oil, T‐lymphocyte proliferation and IL‐2 secretion, phospholipid linoleic and oleic acids were enhanced. Olive oil had no effect on lymphocyte proliferation in all groups. Linseed, olive and Nigel oils induced an increase in T cell levels of reduced glutathione levels and in activities of catalase and SOD with a concomitant decrease in MDA and carbonyl protein contents.

Conclusion

Linseed, olive and Nigel oils had beneficial effects on T cell functions in gestational diabetes.
Two New Fossil Sawflies (Hymenoptera, Xyelidae, Xyelinae) from the Middle Jurassic of China
Authors: WANG Mei , RASNITSYN Alexandr P. , REN Dong
Published: August 2014

Two new genera with two new species of sawflies, Cathayxyela extensa gen. et sp. nov. and Aequixyela immensa gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic Jiulongshan Formation of southeastern Inner Mongolia, China, are assigned to the subfamily Xyelinae (Hymenoptera, Xyelidae). Cathayxyela gen. nov. can be distinguished by the third antennal article longer than the head; mesoprescutum and mesoscutellum nearly equal in length; the forewing with Sc meeting C before the junction of 1‐M and 1‐Rs; a weak and narrow pterostigma; and 3‐Cu at least 1.5 times longer than the 1m‐cu. Aequixyela gen. nov. is characterized by the third antennal article nearly as long as the head; the forewing with Rs+M approximately equal to 2‐Rs in length; 2m‐cu inclined toward the wing base and nearly reaching the middle of cell 3rm; 1m‐cu as long as the 2‐Cu and 3‐Cu; and the cell 2cua of regular hexagonal shape.
A New Carcharodontosauria (Theropoda) from the Early Cretaceous of Guangxi, Southern China
Authors: MO Jinyou , ZHOU Fusheng , LI Guangning , HUANG Zhen , CAO Chenyun
Published: August 2014

A new large‐bodied theropod dinosaur, Datanglong guangxiensis gen. et sp. nov., was recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Xinlong Formation of the Datang Basin, Guangxi. It is unique in several features including: posteriormost dorsal vertebra with teardrop‐shaped pneumatic foramen confined by enlarged pcdl, acpl and the centrum; posteriormost dorsal with well‐developed, horizontal prpl; posteriormost dorsal with a parapophysis projecting more laterally than the diapophysis; brevis fossa shallow with short, ridge‐like medial blade; and iliac pubic peduncle with posteroventrally expanded margin. Cladistic analysis supports the idea that this new taxon Datanglong guangxiensis is a primitive member of the Carcharodontosauria in possessing two unambiguous synapomorphies: large external pneumatic foramina and internal spaces present in the lateral surface of ilium, and a peg‐and‐socket ischiac articulation with the ilium. The presence of the new taxon from Guangxi further confirms that Carcharodontosauria were cosmopolitan large‐bodied predators during the Early‐mid Cretaceous.
Bamboo Leaf and Pollen Fossils from the Late Miocene of Eastern Zhejiang, China and their Phytogeological Significance
Authors: WANG Qiujun , MA Fujun , YANG Yi , DONG Junling , WANG Haofei , LI Ruiyun , XU Xiaohui , SUN Bainian
Published: August 2014

Fossil bamboo leaves and pollen from Upper Miocene deposits of the Shengxian Formation in Tiantai and Ninghai counties, eastern Zhejiang, China represent a rare record in Asia. The distinctive pseudopetiole and parallel venation of the leaf blades and the clearly thickened annulus of the pollen aperture place them in the subfamily Bambusoideae. Morphological analysis supports the determination of these fossil leaves as belonging to the genus Bambusium and two new species are described. Bambusium latipseudopetiolus Q.J. Wang et B.N. Sun sp. nov. has a distinctly wide pseudopetiole of 0.23 cm in width and 0.40 cm in length, several vascular bundles on parallel veins, and 5–8 lateral veins on both sides of the midrib. Bambusium longipseudopetiolus Q.J. Wang et B.N. Sun sp. nov. has a distinctly long pseudopetiole of 0.60 cm in length and 0.10 cm in width, several vascular bundles on the pseudopetiole, and 6 lateral veins on both sides of the midrib. Pollen grains from the same layer provide additional evidence of bamboos. They are characterized by 32.0–51.0 μm in diameter, a round pore 3.0–4.0 μm in diameter with a broad thickened annulus 2.5–3.5 μm around, and several conspicuous secondary folds on the exine surface. The morphological analysis leads to their assignment to Graminidites bambusoides Stuchlik. These fossils are important for the study of bamboo phytogeography in China. They demonstrate that there were bamboos growing in southeastern China during the Late Miocene and that bamboos in Zhejiang begin to diversify no later than the Late Miocene. In combination with bamboo fossils from other places, it seems that bamboos had a wide distribution across southern China during the Miocene, ranging from southwestern Yun'nan to southeastern Zhejiang.
Dating Fault Activity Based on Surface Texture of Quartz Grains from the Bailong River Fault
Authors: SHEN Junfeng , YANG Weimin , LIU Ting , HUANG Xiao , ZHENG Weijie , YU Lei , WANG Guoqiang
Published: August 2014

Much important information referring to fault motion (e.g., fault activities period, intensity, frequency, and even dynamic background) can be revealed by resolving fault gouge, which is the result of fault motion while extruding or grinding. The field investigation encompassed sample collecting from the Bailong River fault system of the western segment of the Qinling Orogenic Belt (QOB); 44 samples of fault gouges were collected for quartz micro‐morphology analysis. These samples were analyzed using field emission scanning electron microscopy. In addition, 14 samples were tested for thermo‐luminescence dating. The results showed that most of the surface textures of quartz grains are characterized by fish scale, moss‐like texture, and stalactite. However, a small amount of orange peel‐like fractures and worm‐hole‐like shaped surface texture were observed. Moreover, a few typical conchoids or subconchoidal fractures in quartz grains can be seen. This implies that the Bailong River Fault was active repeatedly during the Quaternary period, but the main motion period is the Pleistocene. The 14 thermo‐luminescence dating values showed two age groups: 343.29–184.06 ka and 92.18–13.87 ka. These study data reveal that fault movement started during the Pliocene, occurred frequently in the early‐middle period of the Pleistocene, and the peak frequency of the motion was reached in the early Pleistocene. The fault motions were stopped terminated in the early Holocene. The results are significant for the natural disaster risk evaluation in the western segment of the QOB.
Enrichment of Platinum‐group Elements (PGE) and Re‐Os Isotopic Tracing for Porphyry Copper (Gold) Deposits
Authors: HE Xiaohu , ZHONG Hong , ZHU Weiguang , BAI Zhongjie , HU Wenjun
Published: August 2014

Platinum‐group elements (PGE) in PGE‐rich porphyry copper (gold) deposits are mainly Pt and Pd, whereas the concentrations of other PGE (Ru, Rh, Os, Ir) are significantly low. Moreover, Pt and Pd mainly exist in sulfides in the forms of crystal lattice or tiny platinum‐group mineral (PGM) inclusions. The present data show that there is a positive relationship between Pt and Pd concentrations and Cu (Au) in porphyry copper (gold) deposits. The comparison of chondrite‐normalized PGE distribution patterns between the ore‐bearing porphyry intrusions and ore‐barren porphyry intrusions in arc setting, 187Os/188Os, 87Sr/86Sr and S isotopes for porphyry copper (gold) deposits shows that PGEs were mainly derived from the mantle, and fluids from subduction zones devoted trivial PGE to the magma. The porphyry copper (gold) deposits associated with subducted events are most probably enriched in PGE, whereas those related to crustal thickening, lithospheric delamination or underplating rarely concentrate PGE. The osmium isotopic compositions in porphyry copper (gold) deposits reveal that (187Os/188Os)i values are highly variable and not lower than those of primitive upper mantle (PUM) and mantle peridotite, however, osmium concentrations are commonly lower than mantle peridotite, suggesting that parental magmas of some porphyry intrusions had experienced crustal contamination during magma evolution. Experimental investigations have proved that PGE exist in the forms of Cl− and HS− complexes during transportation and migration of the ore‐forming fluids. This paper summarizes previous studies including crucial controlling factors and mechanisms for PGE enrichment, and points out that the mantle‐derived magmas parental to porphyry intrusions are the prerequisite for PGE enrichment in porphyry copper (gold) deposits. Favorable physical and chemical conditions (including salinity, temperature, pressure, pH, and oxygen fugacity) in hydrothermal fluids crucially control the PGE enrichment, and sulfur concentrations of melts play important roles in this process as well.
Patterns of diapause frequency and emergence in swede midges of southern Ontario
Authors: Des Marteaux Lauren E. , Schmidt Jonathan M. , Habash Marc B. , Hallett Rebecca H.
Published: August 2014

The swede midge is an invasive pest of crucifers in North America and exhibits temporal plasticity in diapause; diapause frequencies change throughout the growing season and spring emergence is typically bimodal. Factors controlling the timing of swede midge diapause events are not well understood.

Pre‐diapause larval swede midge populations were isolated within cages in the field and tracked for emergence over 3 years.

Diapause frequency was inversely correlated with photoperiod and absolute maximum air temperature, however photoperiod did not influence emergence timing. Emergence from diapause occurred in two large peaks, in mid‐June and early July, with a third, smaller peak in late August. Emergence phenotypes may correspond to different diapause durations from 236 to 296 days, or post‐diapause development requiring between 516 and 1449 degree days. Approximately 2% of swede midges overwintered for 2 years.

Early control efforts would be most effective if they targeted the diapausing cohort (i.e. adults emerging June to July) to prevent damage by subsequent generations. Although few individuals overwintered for 2 years, prolonged diapause should be considered when crop rotation is employed for swede midge management.
Validation of genetic polymorphisms on BTA14 associated with carcass trait in a commercial Hanwoo population
Authors: Sharma A. , Dang C. G. , Kim K. S. , Kim J. J. , Lee H. K. , Kim H. C. , Yeon S. H. , Kang H. S. , Lee S. H.
Published: August 2014

The objective of this study was to validate the association of significant SNPs identified from a previous genome‐wide association study with carcass weight (CWT) in a commercial Hanwoo population. We genotyped 13 SNPs located on BTA14 in 867 steers from Korea Hanwoo feedlot bulls. Of these 13 SNPs, five SNPs, namely rs29021868, rs110061498, rs109546980, rs42404006 and rs42303720, were found to be significantly associated (P < 0.001) with CWT. These five significant markers spanned the 24.3 to 29.4 Mb region of BTA14. The most significant marker (rs29021868) for CWT in this study had a 13.07 kg allele substitution effect and accounted for 2.4% of the additive genetic variance in the commercial Hanwoo population. The SNP marker rs109546980 was found to be significantly associated with both CWT (P < 0.001) and eye muscle area (P < 0.001) and could potentially be exploited for marker‐assisted selection in Hanwoo cattle. We also genotyped the ss319607402 variation, which maps to intron2 of PLAG1 gene and which is already reported to be associated with height, to identify any significant association with carcass weight; however, no such association was observed in this Hanwoo commercial population.
The localization of GATA2 in the nuclear and cytoplasmic regions of ovine conceptuses
Authors: Bai Hanako , Sakurai Toshihiro , Bai Rulan , Godkin James D. , Imakawa Kazuhiko
Published: August 2014

GATA transcription factors are emerging as critical regulators in trophoblast development and its gene regulation. The purpose of this study was to examine the expression and cellular localization of GATA2 in ovine conceptuses during the peri‐implantation period. In Western blot analyses, GATA2 proteins were found in days 15, 17 and 21 ovine conceptuses (day 0 = day of estrus). Using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence analyses, we found that GATA2 was localized in days 15, 17 and 21 ovine conceptuses, and more importantly, GATA2 protein was detected in both nuclear and cytoplasmic regions of the trophectoderm. To our knowledge, the present study is the first to demonstrate that GATA2 is localized in two cellular compartments of the trophectoderm in ovine and many other mammalian species, and suggests that the difference in GATA2 location plays a role in the regulation of down‐stream genes during the early pregnancy period.
Diphenyl Ditelluride‐Induced Cell Cycle Arrest and Apoptosis: A Relation with Topoisomerase I Inhibition
Authors: Jorge Patrícia M. , de Oliveira Iuri M. , Filippi Chiela Eduardo C. , Viau Cassiana M. , Saffi Jenifer , Horn Fabiana , Rosa Renato M. , Guecheva Temenouga N. , Pêgas Henriques João A.
Published: August 2014

The diphenyl ditelluride (DPDT) is a prototype for the development of new biologically active molecules. In previous studies, DPDT showed an elevated cytotoxicity in Chinese hamster fibroblast (V79) cells but the mechanisms for reduction of cell viability still remain unknown. DPDT showed mutagenic properties by induction of frameshift mutations in bacterium Salmonella typhimurium and yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. This organotelluride also induced DNA strand breaks in V79 cells. In this work, we investigated the mechanism of DPDT cytotoxicity by evaluating the effects of this compound on cell cycle progression, apoptosis induction and topoisomerase I inhibition. Significant decrease of V79 cell viability after DPDT treatment was revealed by MTT assay. Morphological analysis showed induction of apoptosis and necrosis by DPDT in V79 cells. An increase of caspase 3/7 activity confirmed apoptosis induction. The cell cycle analysis showed an increase in the percentage of V79 cells in S phase and sub‐G1 phase. The yeast strain deficient in topoisomerase I (Topo I) showed higher tolerance to DPDT compared with the isogenic wild‐type strain, suggesting that the interaction with this enzyme could be involved in DPDT toxicity. The sensitivity to DPDT found in top3∆ strain indicates that yeast topoisomerase 3 (Top3p) could participate in the repair of DNA lesions induced by the DPDT. We also demonstrated that DPDT inhibits human DNA topoisomerase I (Topo I) activity by DNA relaxation assay. Therefore, our results suggest that the DPDT‐induced cell cycle arrest and reduction in cell viability could be attributed to interaction with topoisomerase I enzyme.
Local Anesthetic Lidocaine Inhibits TRPM7 Current and TRPM7‐Mediated Zinc Toxicity
Authors: Leng Tian‐Dong , Lin Jun , Sun Hua‐Wei , Zeng Zhao , O'Bryant Zaven , Inoue Koichi , Xiong Zhi‐Gang
Published: August 2014

Background

Previous study demonstrated that overstimulation of TRPM7 substantially contributes to zinc‐mediated neuronal toxicity. Inhibition of TRPM7 activity and TRPM7‐mediated intracellular Zn2+ accumulation may represent a promising strategy in the treatment of stroke.

Aims

To investigate whether local anesthetics lidocaine could inhibit TRPM7 channel and TRPM7‐mediated zinc toxicity.

Methods

Whole‐cell patch‐clamp technique was used to investigate the effect of local anesthetics on TRPM7 currents in cultured mouse cortical neurons and TRPM7‐overexpressed HEK293 cells. Fluorescent Zn2+ imaging technique was used to study the effect of lidocaine on TRPM7‐mediated intracellular Zn2+ accumulation. TRPM7‐mediated zinc toxicity in neurons was used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect of lidocaine.

Results

(1) Lidocaine dose dependently inhibits TRPM7‐like currents, with an IC50 of 11.55 and 11.06 mM in cultured mouse cortical neurons and TRPM7‐overexpressed HEK293 cells, respectively; (2) Lidocaine inhibits TRPM7 currents in a use/frequency‐dependent manner; (3) Lidocaine inhibits TRPM7‐mediated intracellular Zn2+ accumulation in both cortical neurons and TRPM7‐overexpressed HEK293 cells; (4) TRPM7‐mediated Zn2+ toxicity is ameliorated by lidocaine in cortical neurons; (5) QX‐314 has a similar inhibitory effect as lidocaine on TRPM7 currents when applied extracellularly; (6) Procaine also shows potent inhibitory effect on the TRPM7 currents in cortical neurons.

Conclusion

Our data provide the first evidence that local anesthetic lidocaine inhibits TRPM7 channel and TRPM7‐mediated zinc toxicity.
Prioritizing islands for the eradication of invasive vertebrates in the United Kingdom overseas territories
Authors: Dawson Jeffrey , Oppel Steffen , Cuthbert Richard J. , Holmes Nick , Bird Jeremy P. , Butchart Stuart H. M. , Spatz Dena R. , Tershy Bernie
Published: August 2014

Invasive alien species are one of the primary threats to native biodiversity on islands worldwide. Consequently, eradicating invasive species from islands has become a mainstream conservation practice. Deciding which islands have the highest priority for eradication is of strategic importance to allocate limited resources to achieve maximum conservation benefit. Previous island prioritizations focused either on a narrow set of native species or on a small geographic area. We devised a prioritization approach that incorporates all threatened native terrestrial vertebrates and all invasive terrestrial vertebrates occurring on 11 U.K. overseas territories, which comprise over 2000 islands ranging from the sub‐Antarctic to the tropics. Our approach includes eradication feasibility and distinguishes between the potential and realistic conservation value of an eradication, which reflects the benefit that would accrue following eradication of either all invasive species or only those species for which eradication techniques currently exist. We identified the top 25 priority islands for invasive species eradication that together would benefit extant populations of 155 native species including 45 globally threatened species. The 5 most valuable islands included the 2 World Heritage islands Gough (South Atlantic) and Henderson (South Pacific) that feature unique seabird colonies, and Anegada, Little Cayman, and Guana Island in the Caribbean that feature a unique reptile fauna. This prioritization can be rapidly repeated if new information or techniques become available, and the approach could be replicated elsewhere in the world.

Priorización de Islas para la Erradicación de Vertebrados Invasores en los Territorios Exteriores del Reino Unido
An improved method for measuring soil N2O fluxes using a quantum cascade laser with a dynamic chamber
Authors: Cowan N. J. , Famulari D. , Levy P. E. , Anderson M. , Bell M. J. , Rees R. M. , Reay D. S. , Skiba U. M.
Published: August 2014

A dynamic chamber method was developed to measure fluxes of N2O from soils with greater accuracy than previously possible, through the use of a quantum cascade laser (QCL). The dynamic method was compared with the conventional static chamber method, where samples are analysed subsequently on a gas chromatograph. Results suggest that the dynamic method is capable of measuring soil N2O fluxes with an uncertainty of typically less than 1–2 µg N2O‐N m−2 hour−1 (0.24–0.48 g N2O‐N ha−1 day−1), much less than the conventional static chamber method, because of the greater precision and temporal resolution of the QCL. The continuous record of N2O and CO2 concentration at 1 Hz during chamber closure provides an insight into the effects that enclosure time and the use of different regression methods may introduce when employed with static chamber systems similar in design. Results suggest that long enclosure times can contribute significantly to uncertainty in chamber flux measurements. Non‐linear models are less influenced by effects of long enclosure time, but even these do not always adequately describe the observed concentrations when enclosure time exceeds 10 minutes, especially with large fluxes.
Competitive exclusion, beta diversity, and deterministic vs. stochastic drivers of community assembly
Authors: Segre Hila , Ron Ronen , De Malach Niv , Henkin Zalmen , Mandel Micha , Kadmon Ronen
Published: August 2014

Species diversity has two components – number of species and spatial turnover in species composition (beta‐diversity). Using a field experiment focusing on a system of Mediterranean grasslands, we show that interspecific competition may influence the two components in the same direction or in opposite directions, depending on whether competitive exclusions are deterministic or stochastic. Deterministic exclusions reduce both patch‐scale richness and beta‐diversity, thereby homogenising the community. Stochastic extinctions reduce richness at the patch scale, but increase the differences in species composition among patches. These results indicate that studies of competitive effects on beta diversity may help to distinguish between deterministic and stochastic components of competitive exclusion. Such distinction is crucial for understanding the causal relationship between competition and species diversity, one of the oldest and most fundamental questions in ecology.
Experimental parasite infection reveals costs and benefits of paternal effects
Authors: Kaufmann Joshka , Lenz Tobias L. , Milinski Manfred , Eizaguirre Christophe
Published: August 2014

Forces shaping an individual's phenotype are complex and include transgenerational effects. Despite low investment into reproduction, a father's environment and phenotype can shape its offspring's phenotype. Whether and when such paternal effects are adaptive, however, remains elusive. Using three‐spined sticklebacks in controlled infection experiments, we show that sperm deficiencies in exposed males compared to their unexposed brothers functionally translated into reduced reproductive success in sperm competition trials. In non‐competitive fertilisations, offspring of exposed males suffered significant costs of reduced hatching success and survival but they reached a higher body condition than their counterparts from unexposed fathers after experimental infection. Interestingly, those benefits of paternal infection did not result from increased resistance but from increased tolerance to the parasite. Altogether, these results demonstrate that parasite resistance and tolerance are shaped by processes involving both genetic and non‐genetic inheritance and suggest a context‐dependent adaptive value of paternal effects.