bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Corporate respect for human rights: meaning, scope, and the shifting order of discourse
Authors: McPhail Ken , Adams Carol A
Published: May 2016

Purpose

– Drawing on Fairclough (1989, 2005), the purpose of this paper is to explore how respect for human rights is emerging and being operationalized in the discourse of 30 Fortune 500 companies in the mining, pharmaceutical and chemical industries at two key points in the recent evolution of the UN’s business and human rights agenda. Specifically the paper explores the scope of rights for which corporations are accountable and, more specifically, the degree of responsibility a company assumes for enacting these rights.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors draw on Fairclough (1992) and Mashaw (2007) in a critical discourse analysis of corporate human rights disclosures of ten companies in each of the chemical, mining and pharmaceutical industries at two points in time coinciding with: first, the publication in 2008 of the Protect, Respect, Remedy policy framework; and second, the endorsement by the UN in 2011, of a set of Guiding Principles designed to implement this framework.

Findings

– The study finds four grammars of respect and three different scopes of rights within specific corporate accountably disclosures on their responsibility to respect rights. Corporate constructions of human rights are broad: from labour rights, through social and political rights, to the right to health and a clean environment. The corporate discourse is one of promoting, realizing and upholding rights that construct the corporation as an autonomous source of power beyond the state.

Practical implications

– The paper contends that the structuring of this emerging discourse is important, not only because the meaning and scope of corporate respect for rights affects the lived experience of some of the most vulnerable in society, but also because it reflects a shifting the relationship between the state, business and society (Muchlinski 2012).

Originality/value

– The authors develop a way of conceptualizing business human rights responsibilities and contend that the corporate human rights discourse of respect reflects a significant reconfiguration of political power.
Underestimation of ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria abundance by amplification bias in amoA‐targeted qPCR
Authors: Dechesne Arnaud , Musovic Sanin , Palomo Alejandro , Diwan Vaibhav , Smets Barth F.
Published: May 2016

Molecular methods to investigate functional groups in microbial communities rely on the specificity and selectivity of the primer set towards the target. Here, using rapid sand filters for drinking water production as model environment, we investigated the consistency of two commonly used quantitative PCR methods to enumerate ammonia‐oxidizing bacteria (AOB): one targeting the phylogenetic gene 16S rRNA and the other, the functional gene amoA. Cloning‐sequencing with both primer sets on DNA from two waterworks revealed contrasting images of AOB diversity. The amoA‐based approach preferentially recovered sequences belonging to Nitrosomonas Cluster 7 over Cluster 6A ones, while the 16S rRNA one yielded more diverse sequences belonging to three AOB clusters, but also a few non‐AOB sequences, suggesting broader, but partly unspecific, primer coverage. This was confirmed by an in silico coverage analysis against sequences of AOB (both isolates and high‐quality environmental sequences). The difference in primer coverage significantly impacted the estimation of AOB abundance at the waterworks with high Cluster 6A prevalence, with estimates up to 50‐fold smaller for amoA than for 16S rRNA. In contrast, both approaches performed very similarly at waterworks with high Cluster 7 prevalence. Our results highlight that caution is warranted when comparing AOB abundances obtained using different qPCR primer sets.
ΔNp63α controls YB‐1 protein stability: evidence on YB‐1 as a new player in keratinocyte differentiation
Authors: di Martino Orsola , Troiano Annaelena , Guarino Andrea M. , Pollice Alessandra , Vivo Maria , La Mantia Girolama , Calabrò Viola
Published: May 2016

Y‐box binding protein 1 (YBX‐1 or YB‐1) is an oncoprotein that promotes replicative immortality, tumor cell invasion and metastasis. The increase in the abundance of YB‐1 in the cell or YB‐1 translocation from the cytoplasm to the nucleus is characteristic of malignant cell growth. We have previously reported that ΔNp63α, a transcription factor that is known to play a pivotal role in keratinocyte proliferation and differentiation, promotes YB‐1 nuclear accumulation. Here, we show that YB‐1 is highly expressed in proliferating keratinocytes and is down‐regulated during keratinocyte differentiation. ΔNp63α reduces YB‐1 protein turnover and leads to accumulation of ubiquitin‐conjugated YB‐1 into the nucleus. Reduction of YB‐1 protein level, following treatment with a DNA‐damaging agent, is inhibited by ΔNp63α suggesting that YB‐1 and ΔNp63α interplay can support keratinocyte proliferation and protect cells from apoptosis under genotoxic stress.
Adherence to Biobehavioral Recommendations in Pediatric Migraine as Measured by Electronic Monitoring: The Adherence in Migraine (AIM) Study
Authors: Kroon Van Diest Ashley M. , Ramsey Rachelle , Aylward Brandon , Kroner John W. , Sullivan Stephanie M. , Nause Katie , Allen Janelle R. , Chamberlin Leigh A. , Slater Shalonda , Hommel Kevin , LeCates Susan L. , Kabbouche Marielle A. , O'Brien Hope L. , Kacperski Joanne , Hershey Andrew D. , Powers Scott W.
Published: May 2016

Objective

The purpose of this investigation was to examine treatment adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations among pediatric migraine patients using electronic monitoring systems.

Background

Nonadherence to medical treatment is a significant public health concern, and can result in poorer treatment outcomes, decreased cost‐effectiveness of medical care, and increased morbidity. No studies have systematically examined adherence to medication and lifestyle recommendations in adolescents with migraine outside of a clinical trial.

Methods

Participants included 56 adolescents ages 11‐17 who were presenting for clinical care. All were diagnosed with migraine with or without aura or chronic migraine and had at least 4 headache days per month. Medication adherence was objectively measured using electronic monitoring systems (Medication Event Monitoring Systems technology) and daily, prospective self‐report via personal electronic devices. Adherence to lifestyle recommendations of regular exercise, eating, and fluid intake were also assessed using daily self‐report on personal electronic devices.

Results

Electronic monitoring indicates that adolescents adhere to their medication 75% of the time, which was significantly higher than self‐reported rates of medication adherence (64%). Use of electronic monitoring of medication detected rates of adherence that were significantly higher for participants taking once daily medication (85%) versus participants taking twice daily medication (59%). Average reported adherence to lifestyle recommendations of consistent noncaffeinated fluid intake (M = 5 cups per day) was below recommended levels of a minimum of 8 cups per day. Participants on average also reported skipping 1 meal per week despite recommendations of consistently eating three meals per day.

Conclusions

Results suggest that intervention focused on adherence to preventive treatments (such as medication) and lifestyle recommendations may provide more optimal outcomes for children and adolescents with migraine and their families. Once daily dosing of medication may be preferred to twice daily medication for increased medication adherence among children and adolescents.
Skill gaps in the workplace: measurement, determinants and impacts
Authors: McGuinness Seamus , Ortiz Luis
Published: May 2016

Optimal training decisions require employers to have accurate information about their workers’ training needs. However, little is known with regard to the key factors determining the accurate transmission of worker training requirements. Using one of the few linked employer–employee surveys in the world, the 2006 Irish National Employment Survey, this article identifies the key factors determining the correct identification of skill gaps within firms. The impact of skill gaps on average training expenditures and labour costs is also measured. The research finds that both HRM and collective bargaining arrangements are important factors in facilitating the accurate identification of skill gaps within firms. The analysis confirms that skill gaps are a key determinant of training expenditures and tend to raise average labour costs. Finally, the evidence suggests that employee perceptions of skill gaps may be prone to higher levels of subjective bias relative to those based on the employers’ views.
Groups for Parents with Intellectual Disabilities: A Qualitative Analysis of Experiences
Authors: Gustavsson Marie , Starke Mikaela
Published: May 2016

Background

Parents with intellectual disabilities (IDs) are often socially isolated and need support.

Materials and Methods

This qualitative study is based on participant observations of a group for parents with with intellectual disabilities. Data were categorized and interpreted in the framework of social capital and symbolic interactionism.

Results

Being a part of the parent group provided parents with a social network, which had the potential to be supportive in everyday life. The social workers in the group were seen as allies, and parents appeared to trust them and felt they could seek advice and tell them about their personal problems. The parents sometimes asked for advice about how to handle contacts with other professionals in their everyday life. The parents valued the social contact with the other parents.

Conclusions

The group provided the parents with the opportunity to meet both other parents and two social workers. The group gave a greater number of social relations, adding to the parents' social capital and helping to reduce social isolation.
Nutritional supplementation to reduce child aggression: a randomized, stratified, single‐blind, factorial trial
Authors: Raine Adrian , Cheney Rose A. , Ho Ringo , Portnoy Jill , Liu Jianghong , Soyfer Liana , Hibbeln Joseph , Richmond Therese S.
Published: May 2016

Background

While some studies suggest that nutritional supplementation may reduce aggressive behavior in children, they have not examined whether its efficacy may be enhanced in conjunction with other treatment approaches. This study tests the hypothesis that a nutritional supplementation of omega‐3, multivitamins, and minerals over 3 months, combined with cognitive behavior therapy, will reduce childhood aggression.

Methods

In this randomized, single‐blind, stratified, factorial trial, a high‐risk community sample of 290 children aged 11–12 years were randomized into Nutrition only, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) only, Nutrition + CBT, and Control groups. The primary outcome measures of child‐ and parent‐reported aggressive and antisocial behavior were collected at 0 months (baseline), 3 months (end of treatment), 6 months (3 months posttreatment), and 12 months (9 months posttreatment). The trial (‘Healthy Brains & Behavior: Understanding and Treating Youth Aggression (HBB)’ was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT00842439

Results

For child self‐reports, children in the Nutrition only group showed reduced externalizing behavior compared to Controls at 3 months. At 6 months, the Nutrition + CBT group scored lower on externalizing behavior compared to both CBT only and Control groups. Findings were more in evidence for an Aggressive‐Reactive form of antisocial behavior than for a Callous‐Proactive form. Effect sizes were in the small‐to‐medium range (d = −.33 to −.37). Group differences were not sustained 9 months posttreatment, and no other effects were significant.

Conclusions

Findings provide some limited support for the efficacy of omega‐3, vitamin, and mineral supplementation in reducing aggressive behavior in children, and represent the first evaluation of nutritional supplements in conjunction with CBT.
Environmental Pressures Embodied in the French Cereals Supply Chain
Authors: Courtonne Jean‐Yves , Longaretti Pierre‐Yves , Alapetite Julien , Dupré Denis
Published: May 2016

France is the second largest exporter of cereals in the world. Although the cereal supply chain is an asset to the country's economy and employment, it is at the same time responsible for a number of pressures on the local and global environment including greenhouse gases (GHG) emissions and stresses on water quality and quantity. This article aims at evaluating this situation from an environmental point of view by linking production occurring in French regions with consumption occurring in France and abroad. Based on previous work on material flow analysis, we use an absorbing Markov chain model to study the fate of French cereals and link worldwide consumption to environmental pressures along the supply chain, that is, induced by production, transformation, or transport. The model is based on physical supply and use tables and distinguishes between 21 industries, 22 products, 38 regions of various spatial resolution (22 French regions, ten countries, six continents), and four modes of transport. Energy use, GHG emissions, land use, use of pesticides, and blue water footprint are studied. Illustrative examples are given in order to demonstrate the versatility of the results produced, for instance: Where and in what form does local production end up? How do regions compare relative to their production and consumption footprints? These results are designed to be a first step toward scenario analysis for decision‐aiding that would also include socio‐economic indicators. Examples of such scenarios are discussed in the conclusion.
Behavioral Interventions to Increase Tax‐Time Saving: Evidence from a National Randomized Trial
Authors: Grinstein‐Weiss Michal , Russell Blair D. , Gale William G. , Key Clinton , Ariely Dan
Published: May 2016

We provide new large‐scale experimental evidence on policies that aim to boost household saving out of income tax refunds. Households that filed income tax returns with an online tax preparer and chose to receive their refund electronically were randomized into eight treatment groups, which received different combinations of motivational saving prompts and suggested shares of the refund to save—25% and 75%—and a control group, which received neither. In treatment conditions where they were presented, motivational prompts focused on various savings goals: general, retirement, or emergency. Analysis reveals that higher suggested that allocations generated increased allocations of the refund to savings but that prompts for different reasons to save did not. These interventions, which draw on lessons from behavioral economics, represent potentially low‐cost, scalable tools for policy makers interested in helping low‐ and moderate‐income households build savings.
AnAGAMOUSintron‐driven cytotoxin leads to flowerless tobacco and produces no detrimental effects on vegetative growth of either tobacco or poplar
Authors: Li Wei , Hu Wei , Fang Chu , Chen Longzheng , Zhuang Weibing , Katin‐Grazzini Lorenzo , McAvoy Richard J. , Guillard Karl , Li Yi
Published: May 2016

Flowerless trait is highly desirable for poplar because it can prevent pollen‐ and seed‐mediated transgene flow. We have isolated the second intron ofPTAG2, anAGAMOUS(AG) orthologue fromPopulus trichocarpa. By fusing this intron sequence to a minimal35Spromoter sequence, we created two artificial promoters,fPTAG2I(forward orientation of thePTAG2intron sequence) andrPTAG2I(reverse orientation of thePTAG2intron sequence). In tobacco, expression of the β‐glucuronidase gene (uidA) demonstrates that thefPTAG2Ipromoter is non‐floral‐specific,while therPTAG2Ipromoter is active in floral buds but with no detectable vegetative activity. Under glasshouse conditions, transgenic tobacco plants expressing theDiphtheria toxin A(DT‐A) gene driven by therPTAG2Ipromoter produced three floral ablation phenotypes: flowerless, neuter (stamenless and carpel‐less) and carpel‐less. Further, the vegetative growth of these transgenic lines was similar to that of the wild‐type plants. In field trials during 2014 and 2015, the flowerless transgenic tobacco stably maintained its flowerless phenotype, and also produced more shoot and root biomass when compared to wild‐type plants. In poplar, therPTAG2I::GUSgene exhibited no detectable activity in vegetative organs. Under field conditions over two growing seasons (2014 to the end of 2015), vegetative growth of therPTAG2I::DT‐Atransgenic poplar plants was similar to that of the wild‐type plants. Our results demonstrate that therPTAG2Iartificial promoter has no detectable activities in vegetative tissues and organs, and therPTAG2I::DT‐Agene may be useful for producing flowerless poplar that retains normal vegetative growth.
Determinants of Organizational Failure in the Milwaukee School Voucher Program
Authors: Ford Michael R. , Andersson Fredrik O.
Published: May 2016

In this article, we utilize 25 years of data on the Milwaukee voucher program to test the relationships among organizational liabilities of newness, institutional affiliation, market‐share, and regulatory environment on the cumulative risk of school failure. Overall, we find that 41 percent of all private voucher schools operating in Milwaukee between 1991 and 2015 failed. Start‐up voucher schools, and those unaffiliated with a larger institution, have comparatively higher failure risk over time. The results of our analysis shed light onto one of the long‐term impacts of a public policy reform premised on social entrepreneurship. We conclude that policymakers should consider the consequences of organizational failure when utilizing nongovernment entities in the provision of public goods, and that scholars focus increased attention to understanding the negative externalities created by public entrepreneurship.
Retracted: Influence of Glutamine Supplementation on Motility and Fertilization Success of Frozen–Thawed Persian Sturgeon (Acipenser persicus) Sperm
Authors: Aramli MS , Golshahi K , Nazari RM , Golpour A , Aramli S
Published: May 2016

Contents

Amino acids have an important biological role for the prevention of cell damage during cryopreservation. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of glutamine on post‐thaw sperm motility and fertilization success in the Persian sturgeon (Acipenser persicus). Sperm collected from six fish was cryopreserved in extenders containing different glutamine concentrations (2.5, 5 and 10 mm). Sperm samples diluted at the ratio of 1 : 1 using the extenders were subjected to cryopreservation. After dilution, the sperm suspensions were sucked into 250‐μl straws; the straws were placed on the tray, frozen in nitrogen vapour and plunged into liquid nitrogen. Then, sperm were thawed in a water bath at 40°C for 5 s and used for analysis. Our results revealed that an increase in the concentration of glutamine caused a significant increase in the motility percentage, curvilinear velocity (VCL) and also fertilization success in the Persian sturgeon (p < 0.05). Comparing all concentrations of glutamine, the best concentration for sperm motility and fertilization rate was 10 mm. In addition, higher post‐thaw motility percentage, VCL, and fertilization and hatching rates were obtained with the extender at the concentration of 10 mm (p < 0.05). The findings of this study showed that glutamine was of greater benefit to Persian sturgeon sperm motility during frozen–thawed process.
Bioavailability and biochemical effects of diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution in the domestic chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Authors: Griggs Angela N. , Yaw Taylor J. , Haynes Joseph S. , Ben‐Shlomo Gil , Tofflemire Kyle L. , Allbaugh Rachel A.
Published: May 2016

Objective

To determine if topical ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% solution alters renal parameters in the domestic chicken, and to determine if the drug is detectable in plasma after topical ophthalmic administration.

Animals

Thirty healthy domestic chickens.

Procedures

Over 7 days, six birds were treated unilaterally with one drop of artificial tear solution (group 1), 12 birds were treated unilaterally (group 2) and 12 bilaterally (group 3) with diclofenac sodium 0.1% ophthalmic solution. Treatments were provided every 12 h in all groups. Pre‐ and post‐treatment plasma samples from all birds were evaluated for changes in albumin, total protein, and uric acid. Post‐treatment samples of all birds, collected 15 min post‐administration, were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry for diclofenac sodium detection. A randomly selected renal sample from each group was submitted for histopathologic review.

Results

Changes in pre‐ and post‐treatment plasma albumin were significant (P < 0.05) in groups 2 and 3, but not for group 1. Pre‐ and post‐treatment changes in total protein and uric acid were not significant for any group. Diclofenac sodium was not detectable (limit of detection = 0.10 ng/mL) in plasma samples from birds in group 1. Post‐treatment concentration of diclofenac in group 3 was statistically greater than group 2 (P = 0.0008). Histopathologic changes did not identify diclofenac‐induced acute renal tubular necrosis.

Conclusions

Ophthalmic diclofenac sodium 0.1% administered topically every 12 h in one or both eyes for 7 days is detectable in systemic circulation in the domestic chicken, but does not cause overt significant changes in plasma uric acid or total protein.
Functional and structural properties of ion channels at the nerve terminal depends on compact myelin
Authors: Berret Emmanuelle , Kim Sei Eun , Lee Seul Yi , Kushmerick Christopher , Kim Jun Hee
Published: May 2016

Key points

In the present study, we document the role of compact myelin in regulating the structural and functional properties of ion channels at the nerve terminals, using electrophysiology, dynamic Na+ imaging and immunohistochemistry.

The subcellular segregation of Na+ channel expression and intracellular Na+ dynamics at the heminode and terminal was lost in the dysmyelinated axon from Long–Evans shaker rats, which lack compact myelin.

In Long–Evans shaker rats, loss of the Navβ4 subunit specifically at the heminode reduced resurgent and persistent Na+ currents, whereas K+ channel expression and currents were increased.

The results of the present study suggest that there is a specific role for compact myelin in dictating protein expression and function at the axon heminode and in regulating excitability of the nerve terminal.

Axon myelination increases the conduction velocity and precision of action potential propagation. Although the negative effects of demyelination are generally attributed to conduction failure, accumulating evidence suggests that myelination also regulates the structural properties and molecular composition of the axonal membrane. In the present study, we investigated how myelination affects ion channel expression and function, particularly at the last axon heminode before the nerve terminal, which regulates the presynaptic excitability of the nerve terminal. We compared the structure and physiology of normal axons and those of the Long–Evans shaker (LES) rat, which lacks compact myelin. The normal segregation of Na+ channel expression and dynamics at the heminode and terminal was lost in the LES rat. Specifically, NaV‐α subunits were dispersed and NaVβ4 subunit was absent, whereas the density of K+ channels was increased at the heminode. Correspondingly, resurgent and persistent Na+ currents were reduced and K+ current was increased. Taken together, these data suggest a specific role for compact myelin in the orchestration of ion channel expression and function at the axon heminode and in regulating excitability of the nerve terminal.
Inteligencia emocional y emprendimiento: posibles líneas de trabajo
Authors: García-Cabrera Antonia Mercedes , Déniz-Déniz María Cruz , Cuéllar-Molina Deybbi
Published: May 2016

Muchos estudios han intentado identificar los factores que explican la
decisión emprendedora atendiendo a criterios racionales –desde la Teoría
económica y la visión basada en los recursos– que ignoran el componente
no racional inherente. El presente trabajo acude a la inteligencia emocional
(IE) para explicar por qué algunos individuos son emprendedores
mientras que otros no lo son, y encuentra que la investigación en este
campo es escasa, fragmentada y, en algunos casos, contradictoria. Para
avanzar en esta línea de investigación deben desarrollarse investigaciones
empíricas sustentadas en diseños longitudinales y basadas en técnicas
de medición de la IE trianguladas y, por tanto, más objetivas y fiables.
Analysis of Influence of Fast-Cut-Back Test on 1000-MW Steam Turbine Safety
Authors: Xie Dan-mei , Yang Yi , Chen Chang , Hu Peng-fei , Guo Jie , Jiang Wei
Published: May 2016

The capacity of the power grid in China is increasing rapidly. Because of the reliability of the multi-infeed direct current (DC) system in the grid, power-system damping is relatively weak. Realizing isolated island operation of thermal power units with fast-cut-back (FCB) ability is considered to be the best solution for the quick restoration of the power grid. Taking a 1000-MW ultra-supercritical (USC) unit as an example, based on the field-test data of load rejection, this paper studies the dynamic responses of the turbine side during the FCB process. First, the maximum speed increase of the rotor during the FCB process with different loads is simulated using software. Second, the water levels of the deaerator and condenser during the FCB process are predicted with different loads using the same method. Third, the highest exhaust steam temperature of the high-pressure (HP) cylinder during the FCB process is calculated and predicted with different loads using finit-element modeling (FEM). Fourth, these key parameters are compared with the field FCB test data, and the comparison shows that the predicted results agree with the field-test data very well. Finally, the influence of the FCB test on the safety and life loss of the turbine side is analyzed.
Statistical Comparison of Feature Sets for Time Series Classification of Dynamic System Response
Authors: Banerjee Amit , Quiroz Juan C. , Abu-Mahfouz Issam
Published: May 2016

The use of classification techniques for machine health monitoring and fault diagnosis has been popular in recent years. System response in the form of time series data can be used to identify the type of defect and severity of defect. However, a central issue with time series classification is that of identifying appropriate features for classification. In this paper, we explore a new feature set based on delay differential equations (DDEs). DDEs have been used recently for extracting features for classification but have never been used to classify system responses. The Duffing oscillator, Van der Pol–Duffing (VDP-D) oscillator, Lu oscillator, and Chen oscillator are used as examples for dynamic systems, and the responses are classified into self-similar groups. Responses with the same period should belong to the same group. Misclassification rate is used as an indicator of the efficacy of the feature set. The proposed feature set is compared to a statistical feature set, a power spectral coefficient feature set, and a wavelet coefficient feature set. In the work described in this paper, a density-estimation algorithm called DBSCAN is used as the classification algorithm. The proposed DDE-based feature set is found to be significantly better than the other feature sets for classifying responses generated by the Duffing, Lu, and Chen systems. The wavelet and power spectral coefficient data sets are not found to be significantly better than the statistical feature set for these systems. None of the feature sets tested is discerning enough on the VDP-D system.
Structural, mechanical, and magnetic properties of GaFe3N thin films
Authors: Junaid Muhammad , Music Denis , Hans Marcus , Schneider Jochen M. , Scholz Tanja , Dronskowski Richard , Primetzhofer Daniel
Published: May 2016

Using the density-functional theory, the structural, mechanical, and magnetic properties were investigated for different GaFe3N configurations: ferromagnetic, ferrimagnetic, paramagnetic, and nonmagnetic. Ferrimagnetic and high-spin ferromagnetic states exhibit the lowest energy and are the competing ground states as the total energy difference is 0.3 meV/atom only. All theoretically predicted values could be fully confirmed by experiments. For this, the authors synthesized phase pure, homogeneous, and continuous GaFe3N films by combinatorial reactive direct current magnetron sputtering. Despite the low melting point of gallium, the authors succeeded in the growth of GaFe3N films at a temperature of 500 °C. Those thin films exhibit a lattice parameter of 3.794 Å and an elastic modulus of 226 ± 20 GPa. Magnetic susceptibility measurements evidence a magnetic phase transitions at 8.0 ± 0.1 K. The nearly saturated magnetic moment at ±5 T is about 1.6 μB/Fe and is close to the theoretically determined magnetic moment for a ferrimagnetic ordering (1.72 μB/Fe).
Direct observation of x-ray radiation-induced damage to SiO2/Si interface using multiwavelength room temperature photoluminescence
Authors: Kim Jae Hyun , Park Je Young , Lee Chang Hwan , Yoon Yeo Jin , Yoo Jin San , Ishigaki Toshikazu , Kang Kitaek , Yoo Woo Sik
Published: May 2016

Higher failure rates have been observed for devices at or adjacent to areas that have been measured or inspected by in-line x-ray during front end of line process steps. The failures are thought to be related to SiO2/Si interface damage caused by x-ray radiation during routine in-line element, material, and process monitoring. This issue has been noted for highly advanced integrated semiconductor devices following device failure mode analysis of Si wafers, with and without x-ray in-line inspection. A multiwavelength room-temperature photoluminescence (RTPL) study was performed to identify the presence of such damage in x-ray irradiated wafers from various types of x-ray inspection steps during device fabrication processes. It was found that x-ray radiation as low as 16 keV induced damage at the SiO2/Si interface. The damage to the SiO2/Si interface was successfully observed by using multiwavelength RTPL wafer mapping.
Size-isolation of ultrasound-mediated phase change perfluorocarbon droplets using differential centrifugation
Authors: Mercado Karla P. , Radhakrishnan Kirthi , Stewart Kyle , Snider Lindsay , Ryan Devin , Haworth Kevin J.
Published: May 2016

Perfluorocarbon droplets that are capable of an ultrasound-mediated phase transition have applications in diagnostic and therapeutic ultrasound. Techniques to modify the droplet size distribution are of interest because of the size-dependent acoustic response of the droplets. Differential centrifugation has been used to isolate specific sizes of microbubbles. In this work, differential centrifugation was employed to isolate droplets with diameters between 1 and 3 μm and 2 and 5 μm from an initially polydisperse distribution. Further, an empirical model was developed for predicting the droplet size distribution following differential centrifugation and to facilitate the selection of centrifugation parameters for obtaining desired size distributions.
The prostaglandin transporter (PGT) as a potential mediator of ovulation
Authors: Yerushalmi Gil M. , Markman Svetlana , Yung Yuval , Maman Ettie , Aviel-Ronen Sarit , Orvieto Raoul , Adashi Eli Y. , Hourvitz Ariel
Published: May 2016

The prostaglandin transporter is a mediator of ovulation, and inhibiting it blocks ovulation in mice.
Delayed globin synthesis leads to excess heme and the macrocytic anemia of Diamond Blackfan anemia and del(5q) myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Yang Zhantao , Keel Siobán B. , Shimamura Akiko , Liu Li , Gerds Aaron T. , Li Henry Y. , Wood Brent L. , Scott Bart L. , Abkowitz Janis L.
Published: May 2016

When heme synthesis exceeds globin synthesis, red blood cell differentiation fails, resulting in severe anemia.
A Retrospective Examination of Two Professional Society–Sponsored Fellowships for Predoctoral Microbiology Students
Authors: Chang Amy L.
Published: May 2016

At the American Society for Microbiology (ASM), fellowships are a key means of providing immersive research opportunities for the student sector. To assess the impact of ASM student activities and inform their planning, the Society commissioned a study of two long-standing initiatives in 2015, namely the ASM Undergraduate Research Fellowship (URF), established in 1993, and the ASM Robert D. Watkins Graduate Research Fellowship (Watkins) Program, established in 1980. A mixed-methods approach was used to collect data about the participants’ fellowship experience, track educational and employment status, and determine program impacts from 325 individuals (223 URF and 73 Watkins fellows). Challenges presented by the study include the fact that inherent in fellowships is the provision of financial support that affords participants opportunities that might otherwise be unavailable to them. As a result, participant feelings of indebtedness to the Society may have introduced biased study responses. In addition, some respondents were asked to reflect on experiences from 20 to 30 years ago—a lapse in time that may have challenged their memories. Based on measures such as enrollment in or completion of advanced degree programs, employment in science, and publication and presentation history, project participants show evidence of accomplishment. Participants also reported gains in affective behaviors such as confidence and belonging.
Beautiful Images and Practical Examples Found in
Idaho Microbes
Review of
Idaho Microbes: How Tiny Single-Celled Organisms Can Harm, or Save, our World.
Steve Stuebner with Todd Shallat; (2015). Boise State University Press, Boise, ID. 168 pages.
Authors: Rediske Andrea M.
Published: May 2016

Author Steve Steubner explores the micobes native to the state of Idaho and their impact on the environment, citizens, and businesses of the state. An excellent resource for K-12 teachers, introductory biology and microbiology instructors, microbe enthusiasts, and denizens of the Pacific Northwest alike.

Review of: Idaho Microbes: How Tiny Single-Celled Organisms Can Harm, or Save, our World. Steve Stuebner with Todd Shallat; (2015). Boise State University Press, Boise, ID. 168 pages.
Species-Recognition Program: A Computer-Assisted Approach to Recognizing Species
Authors: Kelsch Steven , Carmichael Jeffrey
Published: May 2016

Species recognition is a crucial component for many types of biological studies. To that end, broadly trained students must be able to accurately identify many different types of organisms. Courses that focus on learning the names of different species traditionally rely on preserved specimens viewed during class or laboratory time. Unfortunately, reliance on preserved specimens comes with many challenges in providing students with an optimal learning experience. The curriculum activity described here uses a modified PowerPoint file (species-recognition program—SRP) as a means of helping students learn to recognize and identify fishes based on subtle visual cues. Our results indicate that students were better able to identify fish species when using the SRP as a learning approach than when using preserved specimens. We suggest that the SRP approach to species recognition is an effective, viable alternative or supplement to preserved specimens that can be easily implemented in any course that emphasizes species identification. Information and materials are provided to enable instructors to create their own species-recognition programs. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
Evolution across the Curriculum: Microbiology
Authors: Burmeister Alita R. , Smith James J.
Published: May 2016

An integrated understanding of microbiology and evolutionary biology is essential for students pursuing careers in microbiology and healthcare fields. In this Perspective, we discuss the usefulness of evolutionary concepts and an overall evolutionary framework for students enrolled in microbiology courses. Further, we propose a set of learning goals for students studying microbial evolution concepts. We then describe some barriers to microbial evolution teaching and learning and encourage the continued incorporation of evidence-based teaching practices into microbiology courses at all levels. Next, we review the current status of microbial evolution assessment tools and describe some education resources available for teaching microbial evolution. Successful microbial evolution education will require that evolution be taught across the undergraduate biology curriculum, with a continued focus on applications and applied careers, while aligning with national biology education reform initiatives. Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education
The Toxoplasma gondii Rhoptry Kinome Is Essential for Chronic Infection
Authors: Fox Barbara A. , Rommereim Leah M. , Guevara Rebekah B. , Falla Alejandra , Hortua Triana Miryam Andrea , Sun Yanbo , Bzik David J.
Published: May 2016

Ingestion of the obligate intracellular protozoan parasiteToxoplasma gondiicauses an acute infection that leads to chronic infection of the host. To facilitate the acute phase of the infection,T. gondiimanipulates the host response by secreting rhoptry organelle proteins (ROPs) into host cells during its invasion. A few key ROP proteins with signatures of kinases or pseudokinases (ROPKs) act as virulence factors that enhance parasite survival against host gamma interferon-stimulated innate immunity. However, the roles of these and other ROPK proteins in establishing chronic infection have not been tested. Here, we deleted 26ROPKgene loci encoding 31 unique ROPK proteins of type IIT. gondiiand show that numerous ROPK proteins influence the development of chronic infection. Cyst burdens were increased in the Δrop16knockout strain or moderately reduced in 11ROPKknockout strains. In contrast, deletion ofROP5,ROP17,ROP18,ROP35, orROP38/29/19(ROP38,ROP29, andROP19) severely reduced cyst burdens. Δrop5and Δrop18knockout strains were less resistant to host immunity-related GTPases (IRGs) and exhibited >100-fold-reduced virulence. ROP18 kinase activity and association with the parasitophorous vacuole membrane were necessary for resistance to host IRGs. The Δrop17strain exhibited a >12-fold defect in virulence; however, virulence was not affected in the Δrop35or Δrop38/29/19strain. Resistance to host IRGs was not affected in the Δrop17, Δrop35, or Δrop38/29/19strain. Collectively, these findings provide the first definitive evidence that the type IIT. gondiiROPK proteome functions as virulence factors and facilitates additional mechanisms of host manipulation that are essential for chronic infection and transmission ofT. gondii.

IMPORTANCEReactivation of chronicToxoplasma gondiiinfection in individuals with weakened immune systems causes severe toxoplasmosis. Existing treatments for toxoplasmosis are complicated by adverse reactions to chemotherapy. Understanding key parasite molecules required for chronic infection provides new insights into potential mechanisms that can interrupt parasite survival or persistence in the host. This study reveals that key secreted rhoptry molecules are used by the parasite to establish chronic infection of the host. Certain rhoptry proteins were found to be critical virulence factors that resist innate immunity, while other rhoptry proteins were found to influence chronic infection without affecting virulence. This study reveals that rhoptry proteins utilize multiple mechanisms of host manipulation to establish chronic infection of the host. Targeted disruption of parasite rhoptry proteins involved in these biological processes opens new avenues to interfere with chronic infection with the goal to either eliminate chronic infection or to prevent recrudescent infections.
Geology and geologic history of the Moscow-Pullman basin, Idaho and Washington, from late Grande Ronde to late Saddle Mountains time
Authors: Bush John H. , Garwood Dean L. , Dunlap Pamela
Published: May 2016

The Moscow-Pullman basin, located on the eastern margin of the Columbia River flood basalt province, consists of a subsurface mosaic of interlayered Miocene sediments and lava flows of the Imnaha, Grande Ronde, Wanapum, and Saddle Mountains Basalts of the Columbia River Basalt Group. This sequence is ~1800 ft (550 m) thick in the east around Moscow, Idaho, and exceeds 2300 ft (700 m) in the west at Pullman, Washington. Most flows entered from the west into a topographic low, partially surrounded by steep mountainous terrain. These flows caused a rapid rise in base level and deposition of immature sediments. This field guide focuses on the upper Grande Ronde Basalt, Wanapum Basalt, and sediments of the Latah Formation.

Late Grande Ronde flows terminated midway into the basin to begin the formation of a topographic high that now separates a thick sediment wedge of the Vantage Member to the east of the high from a thin layer to the west. Disrupted by lava flows, streams were pushed from a west-flowing direction to a north-northwest orientation and drained the basin through a gap between steptoes toward Palouse, Washington. Emplacement of the Roza flow of the Wanapum Basalt against the western side of the topographic high was instrumental in this process, plugging west-flowing drainages and increasing deposition of Vantage sediments east of the high. The overlying basalt of Lolo covered both the Roza flow and Vantage sediments, blocking all drainages, and was in turn covered by sediments interlayered with local Saddle Mountains Basalt flows. Reestablishment of west-flowing drainages has been slow.

The uppermost Grande Ronde, the Vantage, and the Wanapum contain what is known as the upper aquifer. The water supply is controlled, in part, by thickness, composition, and distribution of the Vantage sediments. A buried channel of the Vantage likely connects the upper aquifer to Palouse, Washington, outside the basin. This field guide locates outcrops; relates them to stratigraphic well data; outlines paleogeographic basin evolution from late Grande Ronde to the present time; and notes structures, basin margin differences, and features that influence upper aquifer water supply.
Metamorphic history of the Belt Supergroup and underlying Paleoproterozoic basement rocks in the western part of the Clearwater complex, Idaho
Authors: Baldwin Julia A. , Lewis Reed S. , Vervoort Jeffrey D. , McDonie Clay D.
Published: May 2016

This field guide covers the Precambrian geology of the western portion of the Clearwater complex and surrounding area in north-central Idaho in the vicinity of Marble Creek within the St. Joe National Forest. The regional geology of the Marble Creek area includes Precambrian basement orthogneisses, possible basement metasupracrustal rocks, and overlying metamorphosed Belt Supergroup strata. These rocks are exhumed within the western portion of the Cretaceous-Eocene Clearwater metamorphic core complex. This guide focuses on the western part of the Clearwater complex in the vicinity of Marble Creek. Outcrops of Paleoproterozoic basement and overlying Mesoproterozoic metasedimentary units provide a better understanding of the Precambrian magmatic and metamorphic history of this region. The road log in this guide describes the regional geology in a south to north transect from Clarkia, Idaho, to the confluence of Marble Creek with the St. Joe River.
Acute pulmonary oedema due to single dose acetazolamide taken after cataract surgery
Authors: Guven Yilmaz Suzan , Palamar Melis , Gurgun Cemil
Published: May 2016

An increase in intraocular pressure following cataract surgery is very common. The main reason for this condition is viscoelastic agent remaining in the eye, which leads to mechanical obstruction of the trabecular meshwork. Prophylaxis with oral acetazolamide is frequently practised to prevent this early rise in intraocular pressure in the preoperative and postoperative periods. We report a case of an 81-year-old man with acute pulmonary oedema due to prophylactic acetazolamide intake after cataract surgery. The case is presented in order to draw attention to this serious complication.
Systemic BCG infection in a patient with pancytopaenia and fever 9 years after intravesical BCG administration for bladder cancer
Authors: Westhovens Ine M , Vanden Abeele Marie-Elena , Messiaen Peter E , van der Hilst Jeroen CH
Published: May 2016

BCG is an attenuated live strain ofMycobacterium bovisthat is used as an intravesical immunotherapy for superficial bladder cancer. Although generally well tolerated, BCG instillation can lead to systemic diseases. We present a case of a 75-year-old man who was treated for recurrent localised transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder with intravesical instillation of BCG in 2006. His medical history included Parkinson's disease. The patient reported worsening of Parkinson symptoms in the preceding month. In addition, he had progressive pancytopaenia and a bone marrow biopsy showed a granulomatous inflammatory infiltrate. Cultures from bone marrow aspiration grewM. bovis. He was successfully treated with tuberculostatic drugs and made a full recovery. In addition, there was partial amelioration of the Parkinson symptoms. This case shows that physicians should be aware that BCG instillation for TCC can cause systemic disease even years after treatment.
Use of novel psychoactive substances by inpatients on general adult psychiatric wards
Authors: Stanley Jack L , Mogford Daniel V , Lawrence Rebecca J , Lawrie Stephen M
Published: May 2016

Objectives

Non-illicit alternatives to controlled drugs, known as novel psychoactive substances (NPS), have recently risen to prominence. They are readily available, with uncertain pharmacology and no widely available assay. Given that psychiatric patients are at risk of comorbid substance abuse, we hypothesised that NPS use would be present in the psychiatric population, and sought to determine its prevalence and investigate the characteristics of those who use these drugs with a retrospective review of discharge letters.

Setting

General adult inpatient wards of a psychiatric hospital in a Scottish city.

Participants

All adult inpatients (18–65) discharged from general psychiatric wards between 1 July 2014 and 31 December 2014. Of the 483 admissions identified, 46 were admissions for maintenance electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) and were excluded. Of the remaining 437 admissions, 49 discharge letters were unobtainable, leaving 388 admissions to analyse.

Primary outcome measure

The mention, or lack thereof, of NPS use in discharge letters was our planned primary outcome measure and was also the primary outcome measure we used in our analysis.

Results

NPS use was identified in 22.2% of admissions, contributing to psychiatric symptoms in 59.3%. In comparison to non-users, NPS users were younger (p<0.01), male and more likely to have a forensic history ((p<0.001) for both). The diagnosis of drug-induced psychosis was significantly more likely in NPS users (p<0.001, OR 18.7, 95% CI 8.1 to 43.0) and the diagnosis of depression was significantly less likely (p<0.005, OR 0.133, CI 0.031 to 0.558). Use of cannabis was significantly more likely in NPS users (p<0.001, OR 4.2, CI 2.5 to 7.1), as was substitute opiate prescribing (p<0.001, OR 3.7, CI 1.8 to 7.4).

Conclusions

NPS use was prevalent among young, male psychiatric inpatients, in particular those with drug-induced psychosis and often occurred alongside illicit drug use.