bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Satellite RNA pathogens of plants: impacts and origins—an RNA silencing perspective
Authors: Wang Ming‐Bo , Smith Neil A.
Published: October 2015

Viral satellite RNAs (satRNAs) are among the smallest RNA pathogens in plants. They have little or no protein‐coding capacity but can have a major impact on the host plants through trilateral interactions with helper viruses and host plants. Studies around the 1980s revealed much of what we know about satRNAs: they can affect helper virus accumulation, modulate helper virus‐induced disease symptoms, and induce their own symptoms with the assistance of helper viruses which depend on specific nucleotide sequences of their genome and host species. The molecular basis of these satRNA‐caused impacts and the origin of satRNAs have yet to be fully understood and revealed, but recent understanding of the antiviral RNA silencing pathways and advancement in RNA and DNA sequencing technologies have provided new avenues and opportunities to examine these unanswered questions. These RNA silencing‐based studies have revealed the existence of cross silencing between some satRNAs and helper viruses, the downregulation of helper virus‐encoded suppressor (VSR) of RNA silencing or inhibition/enhancement of VSR activity by satRNAs, the silencing of host‐encoded genes by satRNA‐derived small interfering RNA (siRNAs), and the presence of satRNA‐like small RNAs in uninfected host plants. These findings have provided alternative RNA silencing‐based models to explain the pathogenicity and origin of satRNAs. WIREs RNA 2016, 7:5–16. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1311

This article is categorized under:

Regulatory RNAs/RNAi/Riboswitches > RNAi: Mechanisms of Action

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease
Biopsychology
Authors: Hayward Sheila
Published: October 2015

Biopsychology provides an examination of the human physiological mechanisms and structures and the influence that these have over the thoughts and behaviours of the individual. In addition, it discusses the influence of the mind over the body. The text is well-illustrated and clearly presents the student with topics covered by A-level syllabuses..
Les couples non-mariés ont-ils des droits ? Comment juristes, intellectuels et journalistes ont construit l’affaire Éric c Lola
Authors: Biland Emilie , Schütz Gabrielle
Published: October 2015

Portant sur une affaire relative aux droits des couples non mariés qui agite le Québec depuis 2009, cet article compare son traitement par les tribunaux, l’expertise académique et la presse. S’inspirant du cadre d’analyse de la « forme affaire », il étudie le processus par lequel ce conflit privé hors-normes devient un problème public, mobilisant une rhétorique des droits, en l’occurrence celui des couples non mariés à être traités également aux couples mariés. Son analyse discute les travaux sur la « politique des droits », en interrogeant les conditions de succès des stratégies judiciaires pour la réduction des inégalités, dans un contexte où la mise à l’agenda échappe en large part aux mouvements sociaux, en particulier féministes. Les luttes définitionnelles entre les fractions des élites issues des trois espaces sociaux étudiés construisent de nouveaux cadres cognitifs et moraux d’appréhension des droits des conjoints de fait, rendant pensable le changement social.
Coupling methods for random topological Markov chains
Authors: STADLBAUER MANUEL
Published: October 2015

We apply coupling techniques in order to prove that the transfer operators associated with random topological Markov chains and non-stationary shift spaces with the big images and preimages property have a spectral gap.
Personality disorder in DSM-5: an oral history
Authors: Zachar P. , Krueger R. F. , Kendler K. S.
Published: October 2015

As the revision process leading to DSM-5 began, the domain of personality disorder embodied the highest aspirations for major change. After an initial prototype-based proposal failed to gain acceptance, the Personality and Personality Disorders Work Group (P&PDWG) developed a hybrid model containing categorical and dimensional components. A clash of perspectives both within the P&PDWG and between the P&PDWG and DSM-5 oversight committees led to the rejection of this proposal from the main body of DSM-5. Major issues included conflicting ways of conceptualizing validation, differences of opinion from personality disorder experts outside the P&PDWG, divergent concepts of the magnitude of evidence needed to support substantial changes, and the disagreements about clinical utility of the hybrid model. Despite these setbacks, the ‘Alternative DSM-5 Model of Personality Disorder’ is presented in Section III of the DSM-5. Further research should clarify its performance relative to the DSM-IV criteria reprinted in the main DSM-5 text.
A waterborne norovirus gastroenteritis outbreak in a school, eastern China
Authors: ZHOU N. , ZHANG H. , LIN X. , HOU P. , WANG S. , TAO Z. , BI Z. , XU A.
Published: October 2015

In late 2014, a gastroenteritis outbreak occurred in a school in Shandong Province, eastern China. Hundreds of individuals developed the symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting. Epidemiological investigation showed that food consumption was not linked to this outbreak, and unboiled direct drinking water was identified as the independent risk factor with a relative risk of 1·37 (95% confidence interval 1·03–1·83). Furthermore, examination of common bacterial and viral gastroenteritis pathogens was conducted on different specimens. Norovirus GI.1, GI.2, GI.6, GII.4, GII.6 and GII.13 were detected in clinical specimens and a water sample. GII.4 sequences between clinical specimens and the water sample displayed a close relationship and belonged to GII.4 variant Sydney 2012. These results indicate that direct drinking water contaminated by norovirus was responsible for this gastroenteritis outbreak. This study enriches our knowledge of waterborne norovirus outbreaks in China, and presents valuable prevention and control practices for policy-makers. In future, strengthened surveillance and supervision of direct drinking-water systems is needed.
First records of small-sized young giant squid Architeuthis dux from the coasts of Kyushu Island and the south-western Sea of Japan
Authors: Wada Toshifumi , Kubodera Tsunemi , Yamada Morihiko , Terakado Hiroyoshi
Published: October 2015

Three individuals of small, young giant squidArchiteuthis duxwere caught in or near Japanese coastal waters during April–June 2013. The first occurrence of a young individual of 140.8 mm dorsal mantle length with a total weight of 44.81 g was recorded on the coast off Uchinoura, Kagoshima, Kyushu Island, southern Japan. The remaining two young individuals, both measuring 332.0 mm in dorsal mantle length with total weights of 390.63 and 356.95 g respectively, were caught on the coast off Hamada, Shimane, south-western Sea of Japan. Most morphological traits of all the specimens were consistent with those ofA. dux, which was supported by further genetic analysis. Here we present some morphological traits of young giant squids with morphometric data and photographs.
Like a Horse and Carriage?
Authors: Birnbaum Gurit E.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Sexual urges and emotional attachments are not necessarily interrelated. Still, within romantic relationships, intimates typically function as both attachment figures and sexual partners, such that the attachment and sexual systems may influence one another. The present article reviews the reciprocal relation between these two systems. Specifically, previous studies have demonstrated the contribution of attachment processes to the appraisal of sexual interactions in adolescence and adulthood. Other studies have considered the reverse causal direction, focusing on the function of sex as a promoter of emotional bonds and on the circumstances under which this function is more pronounced. In doing so, some of these studies have investigated the role of attachment processes in linking sexuality with relationship quality and in shaping sexual responses to relationship-threatening events. More research is needed to explore the dual potential of sex as a relationship maintenance mechanism and as a force motivating people to pursue alternative partners.
Correlating Monsoon Strength with Boron Isotopes
Authors: Minnehan Catherine
Published: October 2015

Scientists tell the story of the past monsoon by measuring boron isotopes in organisms in the Arabian Sea.
Electromechanical oscillations in bilayer graphene
Authors: Benameur Muhammed M. , Gargiulo Fernando , Manzeli Sajedeh , Autès Gabriel , Tosun Mahmut , Yazyev Oleg V. , Kis Andras
Published: October 2015

Nanoelectromechanical systems constitute a class of devices lying at the interface between fundamental research and technological applications. Realizing nanoelectromechanical devices based on novel materials such as graphene allows studying their mechanical and electromechanical characteristics at the nanoscale and addressing fundamental questions such as electron–phonon interaction and bandgap engineering. In this work, we realize electromechanical devices using single and bilayer graphene and probe the interplay between their mechanical and electrical properties. We show that the deflection of monolayer graphene nanoribbons results in a linear increase in their electrical resistance. Surprisingly, we observe oscillations in the electromechanical response of bilayer graphene. The proposed theoretical model suggests that these oscillations arise from quantum mechanical interference in the transition region induced by sliding of individual graphene layers with respect to each other. Our work shows that bilayer graphene conceals unexpectedly rich and novel physics with promising potential in applications based on nanoelectromechanical systems.
Spatiotemporal progression of metastatic breast cancer: a Markov chain model highlighting the role of early metastatic sites
Authors: Newton Paul K , Mason Jeremy , Venkatappa Neethi , Jochelson Maxine S , Hurt Brian , Nieva Jorge , Comen Elizabeth , Norton Larry , Kuhn Peter
Published: October 2015

Background:

Cancer cell migration patterns are critical for understanding metastases and clinical evolution. Breast cancer spreads from one organ system to another via hematogenous and lymphatic routes. Although patterns of spread may superficially seem random and unpredictable, we explored the possibility that this is not the case.

Aims:

Develop a Markov based model of breast cancer progression that has predictive capability.

Methods:

On the basis of a longitudinal data set of 446 breast cancer patients, we created a Markov chain model of metastasis that describes the probabilities of metastasis occurring at a given anatomic site together with the probability of spread to additional sites. Progression is modeled as a random walk on a directed graph, where nodes represent anatomical sites where tumors can develop.

Results:

We quantify how survival depends on the location of the first metastatic site for different patient subcategories. In addition, we classify metastatic sites as “sponges” or “spreaders” with implications regarding anatomical pathway prediction and long-term survival. As metastatic tumors to the bone (main spreader) are most prominent, we focus in more detail on differences between groups of patients who form subsequent metastases to the lung as compared with the liver.

Conclusions:

We have found that spatiotemporal patterns of metastatic spread in breast cancer are neither random nor unpredictable. Furthermore, the novel concept of classifying organ sites as sponges or spreaders may motivate experiments seeking a biological basis for these phenomena and allow us to quantify the potential consequences of therapeutic targeting of sites in the oligometastatic setting and shed light on organotropic aspects of the disease.
Substitute sweeteners: diverse bacterial oligosaccharyltransferases with unique N-glycosylation site preferences
Authors: Ollis Anne A. , Chai Yi , Natarajan Aravind , Perregaux Emily , Jaroentomeechai Thapakorn , Guarino Cassandra , Smith Jessica , Zhang Sheng , DeLisa Matthew P.
Published: October 2015

The central enzyme in the Campylobacter jejuni asparagine-linked glycosylation pathway is the oligosaccharyltransferase (OST), PglB, which transfers preassembled glycans to specific asparagine residues in target proteins. While C. jejuni PglB (CjPglB) can transfer many diverse glycan structures, the acceptor sites that it recognizes are restricted predominantly to those having a negatively charged residue in the −2 position relative to the asparagine. Here, we investigated the acceptor-site preferences for 23 homologs with natural sequence variation compared to CjPglB. Using an ectopic trans-complementation assay for CjPglB function in glycosylation-competent Escherichia coli, we demonstrated in vivo activity for 16 of the candidate OSTs. Interestingly, the OSTs from Campylobacter coli, Campylobacter upsaliensis, Desulfovibrio desulfuricans, Desulfovibrio gigas and Desulfovibrio vulgaris, exhibited significantly relaxed specificity towards the −2 position compared to CjPglB. These enzymes glycosylated minimal N-X-T motifs in multiple targets and each followed unique, as yet unknown, rules governing acceptor-site preferences. One notable example is D. gigas PglB, which was the only bacterial OST to glycosylate the Fc domain of human immunoglobulin G at its native ‘QYNST’ sequon. Overall, we find that a subset of bacterial OSTs follow their own rules for acceptor-site specificity, thereby expanding the glycoengineering toolbox with previously unavailable biocatalytic diversity.
Evaluation and Validation of the Detection of soluble Triggering Receptor Expressed on Myeloid Cells 1 by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent Assay
Authors: Hasibeder Astrid , Stein Pamela , Brandwijk Ricardo , Schild Hansjörg , Radsak Markus P.
Published: October 2015

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 plays an important role in innate immune responses and is upregulated under infectious as well as non-infectious conditions. In addition, a soluble TREM-1 variant (sTREM-1) is detectable in sera or bronchoalveolar-lavage fluids from patients. Currently, various studies are difficult to compare, since the methods of detection by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) vary among different research groups. In this study, we compared three different s-TREM-1 specific ELISAs and identified individual assay characteristics finding notable differences in sTREM-1 concentrations in part depending on the employed buffers. Investigating potential confounding factors for sTREM-1 detection, serum heat-inactivation (HI) showed improved recovery compared to non-HI (NHI) serum, reproducible by addition of complement and re-heat-inactivation. Hence we identified complement as a heat-sensitive confounder in some sTREM-1 ELISAs. We conclude that it is difficult to directly compare data of several studies, in particular if different ELISAs are engaged. Immunoassays for research use only are in general hampered by lack of standardization. Further standardization is needed until sTREM-1 ELISA is capable for better reproducibility of studies and clinical application.
Genome-wide differential expression of synaptic long noncoding RNAs in autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Wang Y , Zhao X , Ju W , Flory M , Zhong J , Jiang S , Wang P , Dong X , Tao X , Chen Q , Shen C , Zhong M , Yu Y , Brown W T , Zhong N
Published: October 2015

A genome-wide differential expression of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) was identified in blood specimens of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). A total of 3929 lncRNAs were found to be differentially expressed in ASD peripheral leukocytes, including 2407 that were upregulated and 1522 that were downregulated. Simultaneously, 2591 messenger RNAs (mRNAs), including 1789 upregulated and 821 downregulated, were also identified in ASD leukocytes. Functional pathway analysis of these lncRNAs revealed neurological pathways of the synaptic vesicle cycling, long-term depression and long-term potentiation to be primarily involved. Thirteen synaptic lncRNAs, including nine upregulated and four downregulated, and 19 synaptic mRNAs, including 12 upregulated and seven downregulated, were identified as being differentially expressed in ASD. Our identification of differential expression of synaptic lncRNAs and mRNAs suggested that synaptic vesicle transportation and cycling are important for the delivery of synaptosomal protein(s) between presynaptic and postsynaptic membranes in ASD. Finding of 19 lncRNAs, which are the antisense, bi-directional and intergenic, of HOX genes may lead us to investigate the role of HOX genes involved in the development of ASD. Discovery of the lncRNAs of SHANK2-AS and BDNF-AS, the natural antisense of genes SHANK2 and BDNF, respectively, indicates that in addition to gene mutations, deregulation of lncRNAs on ASD-causing gene loci presents a new approach for exploring possible epigenetic mechanisms underlying ASD. Our study also opened a new avenue for exploring the use of lncRNA(s) as biomarker(s) for the early detection of ASD.
Proximity hybridization-regulated electrochemical stripping of silver nanoparticles via nanogold induced deposition for immunoassay
Authors: Li Jie , Wu Jie , Cui Lin , Liu Mengmeng , Yan Feng , Ju Huangxian
Published: October 2015

An electrochemical immunosensor was developed for detection of a biomarkerviatarget-induced proximity hybridization and electrochemical stripping analysis of silver nanoparticles.
Nanoparticle-assisted laser desorption/ionization using sinapic acid-modified iron oxide nanoparticles for mass spectrometry analysis
Authors: Komori Hanaka , Hashizaki Riho , Osaka Issey , Hibi Takao , Katano Hajime , Taira Shu
Published: October 2015

We describe the synthesis of new sinapic acid-functionalized iron oxide nanoparticles as a replacement for conventional chemical matrices to promote the ionization of small and large molecules such as pesticides, plant hormones, peptides, and proteins.
Chemical processing of three-dimensional graphene networks on transparent conducting electrodes for depleted-heterojunction quantum dot solar cells
Authors: Tavakoli Mohammad Mahdi , Simchi Abdolreza , Fan Zhiyong , Aashuri Hossein
Published: October 2015

The improvement of device performance by using a 3DGN structure as a fast extraction layer for electrons is shown.
A magnetooptical study of (4-(2-dibutylaminoethanolato-N,O,O,O) chlorido copper(ii)): a cubane complex with dominant ferromagnetic interactions
Authors: Ostrovsky Serghei M. , Tomkowicz Zbigniew , Haase Wolfgang
Published: October 2015

A tetranuclear Cu complex is studied by magnetic and magnetic circular dichroism measurements accompanied by theoretical simulations.
Experimental evaluation of elemental behavior during LA-ICP-MS: influences of plasma conditions and limits of plasma robustness
Authors: Fietzke J. , Frische M.
Published: October 2015

Hot plasma conditions stabilize elemental fractionation and provide matrix-tolerant operating conditions for LA-ICP-MS.
An electrochemical sensing strategy for the detection of the hepatitis B virus sequence with homogenous hybridization based on host–guest recognition
Authors: Zheng Jing , Hu Liping , Zhang Min , Xu Jingli , He Pingang
Published: October 2015

Schematic for electrochemically sensing DNA with hybridization in homogeneous solutionviahost–guest recognition based on MNPs/β-CD.
11C-carbonylation reactions using gas–liquid segmented microfluidics
Authors: Dahl Kenneth , Schou Magnus , Ulin Johan , Sjöberg Carl-Olof , Farde Lars , Halldin Christer
Published: October 2015

A novel gas–liquid segmented microfluidic platform has been developed, allowing for the direct access to11C-labelled drug-like molecules.
Design optimization of RF lines in vacuum environment for the MITICA experiment
Authors: De Muri Michela , Pavei Mauro , Rossetto Federico , Marcuzzi Diego , Miorin Enrico , Deambrosis Silvia M.
Published: October 2015

This contribution regards the Radio Frequency (RF) transmission line of the Megavolt ITER Injector and Concept Advancement (MITICA) experiment. The original design considered copper coaxial lines of 1″ 5/8, but thermal simulations under operating conditions showed maximum temperatures of the lines at regime not compatible with the prescription of the component manufacturer. Hence, an optimization of the design was necessary. Enhancing thermal radiation and increasing the conductor size were considered for design optimization: thermal analyses were carried out to calculate the temperature of MITICA RF lines during operation, as a function of the emissivity value and of other geometrical parameters. Five coating products to increase the conductor surface emissivity were tested, measuring the outgassing behavior of the selected products and the obtained emissivity values.
Accessibility condition of wave propagation and multicharged ion production in electron cyclotron resonance ion source plasma
Authors: Kato Yushi , Yano Keisuke , Nishiokada Takuya , Nagaya Tomoki , Kimura Daiju , Kumakura Sho , Imai Youta , Hagino Shogo , Otsuka Takuro , Sato Fuminobu
Published: October 2015

A new tandem type source of electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) plasmas has been constructing for producing synthesized ion beams in Osaka University. Magnetic mirror field configuration with octupole magnets can be controlled to various shape of ECR zones, namely, in the 2nd stage plasma to be available by a pair mirror and a supplemental coil. Noteworthy correlations between these magnetic configurations and production of multicharged ions are investigated in detail, as well as their optimum conditions. We have been considering accessibility condition of electromagnetic and electrostatic waves propagating in ECR ion source plasma, and then investigated their correspondence relationships with production of multicharged ions. It has been clarified that there exits efficient configuration of ECR zones for producing multicharged ion beams experimentally, and then has been suggested from detail accessibility conditions on the ECR plasma that new resonance, i.e., upper hybrid resonance, must have occurred.
Self-focusing and defocusing of Gaussian laser beams in collisional underdense magnetized plasmas with considering the nonlinear ohmic heating and ponderomotive force effects
Authors: Ettehadi Abari Mehdi , Sedaghat Mahsa , Shokri Babak
Published: October 2015

The propagation characteristics of a Gaussian laser beam in collisional magnetized plasma are investigated by considering the ponderomotive and ohmic heating nonlinearities. Here, by taking into account the effect of the external magnetic field, the second order differential equation of the dimensionless beam width parameter is solved numerically. Furthermore, the nonlinear dielectric permittivity of the mentioned plasma medium in the paraxial approximation and its dependence on the propagation characteristics of the Gaussian laser pulse is obtained, and its variation in terms of the dimensionless plasma length is analyzed at different initial normalized plasma and cyclotron frequencies. The results show that the dimensionless beam width parameter is strongly affected by the initial plasma frequency, magnetic strength, and laser pulse intensity. Furthermore, it is found that there exists a certain intensity value below which the laser pulse tends to self focus, while the beam diverges above of this value. In addition, the results confirm that, by increasing the plasma and cyclotron frequencies (plasma density and magnetic strength), the self-focusing effect can occur intensively.
Nanopurification of silicon from 84% to 99.999% purity with a simple and scalable process
Authors: Zong Linqi , Zhu Bin , Lu Zhenda , Tan Yingling , Jin Yan , Liu Nian , Hu Yue , Gu Shuai , Zhu Jia , Cui Yi
Published: October 2015

Significance

Achieving precise purity control in semiconductors is a crucial step in the development of semiconductor devices. However, the production of high-purity semiconductors, including Si, is still of high capital cost, high energy consumption, and heavy pollution. Taking advantage of small size and large surface to volume ratio of nanomaterials, we develop a scalable and low-cost nanopurification process to produce and purify Si directly from low-grade ferrosilicon [84% (wt %) Si; ∼$1/kg]. Purity as high as 99.999% (wt %) is achieved, making it one of few techniques that can achieve this high purity without any high-temperature (energy-intensive) processes. This nanopurification process opens tremendous opportunities to recover low-quality materials for commercially viable materials through an energy-efficient and inexpensive path.
Survival of human lymphoma cells requires B-cell receptor engagement by self-antigens
Authors: Young Ryan M. , Wu Tianyi , Schmitz Roland , Dawood Moez , Xiao Wenming , Phelan James D. , Xu Weihong , Menard Laurence , Meffre Eric , Chan Wing-Chung C. , Jaffe Elaine S. , Gascoyne Randy D. , Campo Elías , Rosenwald Andreas , Ott German , Delabie Jan , Rimsza Lisa M. , Staudt Louis M.
Published: October 2015

Significance

Signals emanating from the B-cell receptor (BCR) promote survival of malignant B cells, such as the activated B-cell–like subtype of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Although there is evidence that many lymphoid cancers arise from antigen selected B cells, it is not known whether these malignant cells require ongoing antigenic engagement of the BCR for their survival. In activated B-cell–like DLBCL, we identified key determinants of self-antigen recognition by the BCR that are required to augment the relative viability of these malignant cells. Our findings imply that similar mechanisms may contribute to other B-cell malignancies and suggest precision medicine strategies to identify patients whose cancers may respond to BCR pathway inhibitors, such as ibrutinib.
Oct1 and OCA-B are selectively required for CD4 memory T cell function
Authors: Shakya Arvind , Goren Alon , Shalek Alex , German Cody N. , Snook Jeremy , Kuchroo Vijay K. , Yosef Nir , Chan Raymond C. , Regev Aviv , Williams Matthew A. , Tantin Dean
Published: October 2015

Epigenetic changes are crucial for the generation of immunological memory. Failure to generate or maintain these changes will result in poor memory responses. Similarly, augmenting or stabilizing the correct epigenetic states offers a potential method of enhancing memory. Yet the transcription factors that regulate these processes are poorly defined. We find that the transcription factor Oct1 and its cofactor OCA-B are selectively required for the in vivo generation of CD4+ memory T cells. More importantly, the memory cells that are formed do not respond properly to antigen reencounter. In vitro, both proteins are required to maintain a poised state at the Il2 target locus in resting but previously stimulated CD4+ T cells. OCA-B is also required for the robust reexpression of multiple other genes including Ifng. ChIPseq identifies ∼50 differentially expressed direct Oct1 and OCA-B targets. We identify an underlying mechanism involving OCA-B recruitment of the histone lysine demethylase Jmjd1a to targets such as Il2, Ifng, and Zbtb32. The findings pinpoint Oct1 and OCA-B as central mediators of CD4+ T cell memory.
Improving the Quality of Survey Data Using CAPI Systems in Developing Countries
Authors: Seligson Mitchell , Morales Daniel E.  Moreno
Published: October 2015

Controlling field interview quality is a major challenge in survey research. Even in high-quality surveys, interviewers often make mistakes that ultimately result in added error in results, including visiting the wrong locations, skipping questions or entire pages, failing to read the complete wording of the questions, or even committing fraud while filling out responses. Survey research conducted in developing countries has to deal with these problems more frequently than research conducted in advanced industrial countries. Computer assisted personal interview (CAPI) systems provide an ideal opportunity for improving the quality of the data by eliminating many sources of error and allowing unprecedented control of the field process. The Latin American Public Opinion Project’s (LAPOP) experience using ADGYS, an Android-based CAPI system, provides useful information on how this technology reduces interviewer-related error, offers opportunities to control the field process, and ultimately significantly improves the reliability and validity of survey data.
The Compliance Function
Authors: Miller Geoffrey Parsons
Published: October 2015

This chapter discusses the compliance function, a form of internalized law enforcement employed by corporations and other complex organizations to ensure that employees and others associated with the firm do not violate applicable rules, regulations or norms. It first examines compliance within a general theory of enforcement. It considers the concept of internal control, the development of the compliance function and its distribution among control personnel, and compliance programs, policies, and contracts within an organization. It then analyzes the oversight obligations of the board of directors and the management team including the chief executive officer, the chief financial officer, the chief compliance officer, the chief legal officer, and the chief risk officer. It also outlines the elements of a robust compliance program and concludes by considering internal investigations, whistleblowers, criminal enforcement, compliance outside the firm, and business ethics beyond formal compliance.
Deep Morality and the Laws of War
Authors: Waldron Jeremy
Published: October 2015

It is important to reflect on the way we evaluate the laws and customs of armed conflict and the responsibilities we take on when we criticize and propose possible changes to them. These laws are not robust, and there is a danger that criticism may undermine their force while not providing effective alternatives. Moreover, in the area of armed conflict, it is easy to underestimate the pressures that a satisfactory set of norms has to respond to and easy to exaggerate the “merely” conventional character of such norms. Laws of war must be administrable in circumstances of fear, confusion, and violence and must include elements of technicality difficult to understand in philosophical terms. One of the most influential of recent laws of war revisionists, Jeff McMahan, acknowledges that his deep moral critique of existing norms of armed conflict does not necessarily yield a set of prescriptions for legal reform. This chapter extends McMahan’s and counsels the utmost caution in these critiques and re-examinations.
Hepatoblastoma in Children With Congenital Portosystemic Shunts
Authors: Lautz Timothy B. , Shah Sonam A. , Superina Riccardo A.
Published: October 2015

Two children developed hepatoblastoma concurrent with congenital portosystemic shunts (PSSs) (Abernethy malformations). Both underwent operative ligation of their PSSs. One received concurrent tumor resection, whereas the other was deemed initially unresectable and underwent biopsy followed by neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Although benign hepatic masses, such as focal nodular hyperplasia and nodular regenerative hyperplasia, are common in patients with Abernethy malformations, malignant tumors have also been documented and should always be considered in the differential diagnosis of a patient with a congenital PSS and a hepatic mass.
Entrepreneurship education evaluation: revisiting Storey to hunt for the heffalump
Authors: Henry Colette
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to consider entrepreneurship education (EE) evaluation. Specifically, it explores some of the challenges involved in applying the HEInnovate tool, and considers ways in which its accuracy and value might be strengthened. Using Storey (2000) by way of reflective critique, the paper proposes an augmented framework to support the application of HEInnovate. It provides a further framework to help signpost those involved in EE towards a more robust consideration of EE evaluation. In so doing, the paper aims to contribute to extant theory in the field of EE by: raising awareness of the continued need for evaluation, highlighting the potential benefits as well as the associated challenges of applying a self-assessment framework such as the HEInnovate and finally, proposing an augmented framework, which enhances the accuracy and value of the HEInnovate tool. Some avenues worthy of future research are identified.

Design/methodology/approach

– This is a conceptual paper that draws on extant EE evaluation frameworks, specifically Storey’s “Six steps” to Heaven (2000), to explore how a more robust application of the HEInnovate self-evaluation tool might be achieved.

Findings

– The HEInnovate framework is an easily accessible and widely applicable self-evaluation tool that higher education institutions (HEIs) are encouraged to use to determine their level of innovativeness and entrepreneurialism and, as a proxy, their preparedness to deliver EE programmes. The paper highlights the inherent challenges involved in administering self-evaluation frameworks of this nature, and uses Storey to identify areas for consideration so that the framework’s overall reliability and robustness can be enhanced, and findings rendered more accurate. The search for the “flawless” evaluative framework is likened to that of “Hunting the heffalump”.

Research limitations/implications

– As a conceptual, perspective paper, the paper is limited by personal opinion. The focus on a single self-assessment institutional evaluative framework is a further limiting factor. That said, this approach prompts those using the HEInnovate framework to reflect on ways in which its application can be rendered more accurate and reliable.

Practical implications

– The findings offer practical guidelines to enhance the overall robustness and accuracy of the HEInnovate framework. The paper will be of value to HEIs seeking to introduce or increase their EE provision.

Originality/value

– The paper demonstrates a novel application of Storey’s evaluative framework, allowing users of the HEInnovate tool to greatly enhance its robustness and value. It also provides two new frameworks signposting entrepreneurship educators towards more a more robust consideration of EE evaluation.
Addressing Educational Accountability and Political Legitimacy with Citizen Responsibility
Authors: Stitzlein Sarah M.
Published: October 2015

In this essay, Sarah Stitzlein addresses a key current crisis in public education: accountability. Rather than centrally being about poor performance of teachers or inefficiency of schools, as we most often hear in media outlets and in education reform speeches, Stitzlein argues the crisis is at heart one about citizen responsibility and political legitimacy. She claims that the recent accountability movement has shifted the onus of curing society's problems almost exclusively onto schools, but contends that these burdens should not just be unidirectional. There is, Stitzlein maintains, a corresponding obligation on the part of citizens to public schools. This includes all citizens, not just those closely tied to schools through their children or employment. Moreover, this obligation entails a robust commitment that extends beyond merely supporting public schools through taxes, voting for levies, and choosing to send one's children to them. The responsibility of citizens includes upholding a commitment to schools as a central institution of democracy — something that sustains democracy but also, in its best forms, is democracy in action.
Buried together, buried alone: Christian commemoration and kinship in the early Middle Ages
Authors: Barbiera Irene
Published: October 2015

This essay explores the ways in which strategies of commemoration elaborated by kin groups changed after the end of the western Roman empire and what role Christianity played in these transformations. In order to shed some light on the situation, a broad sample of cemeteries dating from late antiquity and the early Middle Ages was analysed, focusing on the spatial organization of the individuals within the cemeteries and around cult places. For this purpose archaeological, physical anthropological and epigraphic data were studied and juxtaposed with the theoretical debates expressed by Christian writers. The data at hand seem to suggest that rather than radically transforming kinship commemoration strategies, Christianity added new ideological layers, making its use and display multidimensional.
Contextualizing marriage: conjugality and Christian life in Jonas of Orléans' De institutione laicali
Authors: Veronese Francesco
Published: October 2015

The De institutione laicali by Jonas of Orléans has frequently been examined as a source for conjugal life in the Carolingian period, but rarely analysed in its entirety. In this article I propose an overall reading of the text, based on the version addressed to Count Matfrid before 828, in order to place the chapters about marriage in their context. I will formulate new interpretations of its purposes – arguing that Book II was configured as a speculum comitale – and of Jonas's view of marriage. The De institutione laicali will therefore be shown to have served the needs of Carolingian representations of society and public power.
Bonsai of the consanguinities: cultivation and control of incest regulation in the works of Bonizo of Sutri
Authors: North William L.
Published: October 2015

This paper examines the particular ways in which reformer and bishop Bonizo of Sutri's (c.1045–c.1094) treatment of degrees of consanguinity in both his Liber de Vita Christiana and De arbore parentele modified, reframed, and cut authorities on consanguinity and introduced an explicit power of episcopal dispensation to guide the application of these limitations. In this task, Bonizo's treatment reveals that the central problem in consanguinity rules was knowledge: knowledge of the grades, knowledge of how to match real kinship lines to theoretical structures, and how to cope with the ignorance of consanguinity. The following therein offers a specific case study of efforts to implement reformed ideas of consanguinity rules in a pastoral context.
Validation of the Asia Pacific Colorectal Screening (APCS) score in a Western population: An alternative screening tool
Authors: Corte Crispin , Zhang Lora , Chen Ji , Westbury Sean , Shaw James , Yeoh Khay Guan , Leong Rupert
Published: October 2015

Background and Aim

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening is based on colonoscopy or fecal occult blood tests, but is imperfect and costly. The Asia Pacific Colorectal Screening Score (APCS) is derived from age, sex, family history of CRC, and smoking history and has been validated in Asian populations. Validation in a Western population is, however, yet to be tested.

Methods

In a teaching hospital, patients underwent colonoscopy for standard indications and screening over 18 months. Data was collected on age, sex, family history of CRC, smoking, weight, ethnicity, and symptoms. Evaluation of the APCS to predict colonoscopy findings (polyps, adenoma, high risk adenoma, and CRC) was performed.

Results

A total of 645 patients were prospectively recruited (46.7% male, median age 57 years); 17.8% were average risk (AR), 50.9% were moderate risk (MR), and 31.3% high risk (HR) on APCS. High risk adenomas (AA) were seen in 14.9% of the HR, 5.2% MR, and 0.9% LR patients, P < 0.0001. Comparing HR and MR to AR patients demonstrated significantly elevated relative risk (RR) for AA: 17.1 (95% confidence interval [CI] 2.4–123; P = 0.0001), and adenoma 6.0 (0.80–44.3; P = 0.044). Comparing HR to MR groups for AA, the RR was 2.87 (1.62–5.06; P = 0.0001). Symptoms did not predict findings (odds ratio [OR]: 1.06 [0.75–1.48]; P = 0.75). Body mass index (BMI) <20 kg/m2 was protective against colonic polyps (OR: 0.28, 95%CI: 0.11–0.74; P = 0.010), adenoma (0.08, 0.01–0.62; P = 0.015), and AA (perfect prediction, OR 2.35 × 10−8).

Conclusions

APCS predicts colonic findings in a Western population, to a greater extent than in Asians, independent to symptoms. Low body weight carries a strong protective effect against colonic neoplasia.
Effect of Physician Delegation to Other Healthcare Providers on the Quality of Care for Geriatric Conditions
Authors: Lichtenstein Brian J. , Reuben David B. , Karlamangla Arun S. , Han Weijuan , Roth Carol P. , Wenger Neil S.
Published: October 2015

The quality of care of older adults in the United States has been consistently shown to be inadequate. This gap between recommended and actual care provides an opportunity to improve the value of health care for older adults. Prior work from the Assessing Care of Vulnerable Elders (ACOVE) investigators first defined, and then sought to improve, clinical practice for common geriatric conditions. A critical component of the ACOVE intervention for practice improvement was an emphasis on the delegation of specific care processes, but the independent effect of delegation on the quality of care has not been evaluated. This study analyzed the pooled results of prior ACOVE projects from 1998 to 2010. Totaled, these studies included 4,776 individuals aged 65 and older of mixed demographic backgrounds and 16,204 ACOVE quality indicators (QIs) for three geriatric conditions: falls, urinary incontinence, and dementia. In unadjusted analyses, QI pass probabilities were 0.36 for physician‐performed tasks, 0.55 for nurse practitioner (NP)‐, physician assistant (PA)‐, and registered nurse (RN)‐performed tasks; and 0.61 for medical assistant– and licensed vocational nurse–performed tasks. In multiply adjusted models, the independent pass‐probability effect of delegation to NPs, PAs, and RNs was 1.37 (P = .05). These findings suggest that delegation of selected tasks to nonphysician healthcare providers is associated with higher quality of care for these geriatric conditions in community practices and supports the value of interdisciplinary team management for common outpatient conditions in older adults.
The transcription factor Pax6 contributes to the induction of GLT‐1 expression in astrocytes through an interaction with a distal enhancer element
Authors: Ghosh Mausam , Lane Meredith , Krizman Elizabeth , Sattler Rita , Rothstein Jeffrey D. , Robinson Michael B.
Published: October 2015

The Na+‐dependent glutamate transporter GLT‐1 (EAAT2) shows selective expression in astrocytes, and neurons induce the expression of GLT‐1 in astrocytes. In an unpublished analysis of GLT‐1 promoter reporter mice, we identified an evolutionarily conserved domain of 467 nucleotides ~ 8 kb upstream of the GLT‐1 translation start site that is required for astrocytic expression. Using in silico approaches, we identified Pax6 as a transcription factor that could contribute to the control of GLT‐1 expression by binding within this region. We demonstrated the expression of Pax6 protein in astrocytes in vivo. Lentiviral transduction of astrocytes with exogenous Pax6 increased the expression of enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) in astrocytes prepared from transgenic mice that use a bacterial artificial chromosome containing a large genomic region surrounding the GLT‐1 gene to control expression of eGFP. It also increased GLT‐1 protein and GLT‐1‐mediated uptake, whereas there was no effect on the levels of the other astroglial glutamate transporter, glutamate aspartate transporter (GLAST). Transduction of astrocytes with an shRNA directed against Pax6 reduced neuron‐dependent induction of GLT‐1 or eGFP. Finally, we confirmed Pax6 interaction with the predicted DNA‐binding site in electrophoretic mobility assays and chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP). Together, these studies show that Pax6 contributes to the regulation of GLT‐1 through an interaction with these distal elements and identify a novel role of Pax6 in astrocyte biology.

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The astroglial glutamate transporter GLT‐1 shows selective expression in astrocytes and its expression can be induced by neurons. In this study, we demonstrate that Pax6 is expressed in astrocytes and binds to the GLT‐1 promoter in vitro and in vivo. Exogenous expression of Pax6 increases GLT‐1 and enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP) expression in astrocytes from a transgenic mouse line that uses the GLT‐1 gene to drive eGFP expression, and an shRNA directed against Pax6 attenuates neuron‐dependent induction of GLT‐1/eGFP. We therefore conclude that Pax6 contributes to the neuron‐dependent induction of GLT‐1.
Balechina and the new genus Cucumeridinium gen. nov. (Dinophyceae), unarmored dinoflagellates with thick cell coverings
Authors: Gómez Fernando , López‐García Purificación , Takayama Haruyoshi , Moreira David
Published: October 2015

The genus Balechina (=subgenus Pachydinium) was established for heterotrophic gymnodinioid dinoflagellates with a thick cell covering. The type species, B. pachydermata (=Gymnodinium pachyderm‐atum), showed numerous fine longitudinal striae, whereas B. coerulea (=G. coeruleum) showed ~24 prominent longitudinal surface ridges or furrows and a distinctive blue pigmentation. We have investigated the morphology and molecular phylogeny of these taxa and the species Gymnodinium cucumis, G. lira and G. amphora from the western Mediterranean, Brazil and Japan. Sudden contractions at the cingulum level were seen in B. pachydermata, which also showed a high morphological variability which included morphotypes that have been described as Amphidinium vasculum, G. amphora, G. dogielii and G. gracile sensu Kofoid and Swezy. Molecular phylogeny based on small subunit rRNA gene sequences revealed that Balechina coerulea, G. cucumis and G. lira formed a clade distantly related to the clade of the type species, B. pachydermata, and G. amphora. We propose the new genus Cucumeridinium for the species with longitudinal ridges and a circular apical groove (Cucumeridinium coeruleum comb. nov., C. lira comb. nov. and C. cucumis comb. nov.), and Gymnodinium canus and G. costatum are considered synonyms of C. coeruleum. The genus Balechina remains for the species with a double‐layer cell covering, bossed surface with fine striae, and an elongated elliptical apical groove. At present, the genus is monotypic containing only B. pachydermata.
Do Interactions between Finance and Labour Market Institutions Affect the Income Distribution?
Authors: Darcillon Thibault
Published: October 2015

This article analyses the linkages between financial development, labour market institutions and market income inequality for 18 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development countries over the 1980 to 2012 period. With the help of a dynamic panel data model with an interacted term, one crucial contribution of this article is to analyse the interacted impact of labour market institutions (i.e. union density and employment protection legislation) on the one hand and financial development on the other hand on the income distribution. Our results indicate that changes in the financial/credit and labour market regulation affect the income distribution. Estimates of the marginal effects show that by increasing labour market regulation one also weakens the impact of the flexibilization in the financial/credit market on the increase in income inequality.