bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finding the Right Value: Framing Effects on Domain Experts
Authors: Andrews Amelia C. , Clawson Rosalee A. , Gramig Benjamin M. , Raymond Leigh
Published: April 2016

By defining the essence of a policy problem, an issue frame shapes how individuals think about a political issue. In this research, we investigate framing effects among domain experts, an understudied yet increasingly important set of individuals in the policymaking process. Because domain experts have extensive and highly structured knowledge on a particular topic, they are likely to actively process issue frames to which they are exposed. Consequently, we hypothesize that frames consistent with experts' values will be particularly influential, whereas frames inconsistent with their values will lead to contrast effects. We test our hypotheses on a unique set of domain experts by examining professional farmers' attitudes toward no‐till agriculture. Using an experimental design, we find evidence that environmental values interact with frames to influence farmers' interest in no‐till, especially when farmers are exposed to a novel frame.
How does a Change in the Excise Tax on Beer Impact Beer Retail Prices in South Africa?
Authors: Russell Caitlan , van Walbeek Corne
Published: April 2016

This article uses price data, collected by Statistics South Africa, to estimate the effect of a change in the excise tax on the retail price of beer. We find strong evidence that the excise tax on beer is overshifted to consumers. The pass‐through coefficient is estimated at 4.83 (95% CI: 4.02; 5.64) for lager, and at 4.77 (95% CI: 4.04; 5.50) for all beer (which includes dark beer). This implies that for every R1/unit increase in the excise tax, the retail price increases by about R4.80/unit. Of the 23 brand‐packaging combinations considered, the pass‐through coefficients vary between 2.39 and 10.05 (median = 5.30). The majority of the price change in response to a tax change occurs immediately, and prices have fully adjusted two months after the excise tax increase becomes effective. Pass‐through differs substantially across packaging types. The pass‐through coefficient on 750 ml bottles is substantially lower than that of 330 ml (or 340 ml) cans and 6 × 330 ml (or 6 × 340 ml) “six‐packs.” The overshifting of the excise tax has positive implications for public health policy, since they increase the effectiveness of alcohol taxes as a tool to reduce the (excessive) consumption of beer.
Voter Competence with Cumulative Voting*
Authors: Kimball David C. , Kropf Martha
Published: April 2016

Objective

This article evaluates the voting experience in the first election using cumulative voting for the Board of Trustees in Port Chester, New York. A growing number of local jurisdictions in the United States are using cumulative voting for multimember elections. While the Port Chester election included some other new features in addition to cumulative voting, the village implemented an extensive voter education program to prepare voters and candidates for the election.

Methods

We conducted an exit poll of 1,946 Port Chester voters in June 2010, more than half of the voters in the local election. We used a variety of survey questions to measure voting experience and voting behavior. We also examined election returns for Port Chester, including the 2010 and 2013 elections using cumulative voting.

Results

We find that the voter education program helped inform residents about casting a ballot with cumulative voting. Port Chester voters, and Hispanic voters in particular, reported a positive experience in the 2010 election. A large majority of voters also indicated that they understood cumulative voting and cast all of the votes allotted to them. Finally, we find evidence of strategic use of cumulative voting in order to help elect a candidate of one's choice.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that voters are capable of effectively participating in elections with cumulative voting. Communities that are weighing the adoption of cumulative voting for local elections should also be prepared to implement a parallel voter education effort.
Capital Freedom, Financial Development and Provincial Economic Growth in China
Authors: Söderlund Bengt , Tingvall Patrik Gustavsson
Published: April 2016

For more than three decades, China has managed to combine rapid economic growth with a strictly regulated financial sector. The discrepancy between economic and financial development has raised the question of whether China might be an exception to the so‐called finance–growth nexus. This study examines the relationship between finance and growth at the provincial level in China using a new set of measures of capital freedom and financial development. The results indicate that capital freedom and financial development are associated with both higher income and growth rates. In particular, we find that the marketisation of financial institutions and strengthening of legal and government institutions have a particularly strong impact on income and growth in low‐income provinces.
Analyses of Simple and Intercooled Recuperated Direct Brayton Helium Gas Turbine Cycles for Generation IV Reactor Power Plants
Authors: Gad-Briggs A. , Pilidis P.
Published: April 2016

As a nongreenhouse gas-emitting source, the benefits of nuclear as a main power-generation alternative are yet to be fully explored; part of the reason is due to the significant implementation costs. However, with cycle efficiencies of 45–50% in current studies, it can be argued that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial costs, if developed under the Generation-IV (Gen-IV) framework. The main objective of this study is to analyze the effects of pressure and temperature ratios (TRs) including sensitivity analyses of component efficiencies, ambient temperature, component losses and pressure losses on cycle efficiency and specific work. The results obtained indicate that pressure losses and recuperator effectiveness have the greatest impact on cycle efficiency and specific work. The analyses intend to aid development of the simple cycle recuperated (SCR) and intercooled cycle recuperated (ICR) cycles, applicable to gas-cooled fast reactors (GFRs) and very-high-temperature reactors (VHTRs), in which helium is the coolant.
Measurements of high-frequency acoustic scattering from glacially eroded rock outcrops
Authors: Olson Derek R. , Lyons Anthony P. , Sæbø Torstein O.
Published: April 2016

Measurements of acoustic backscattering from glacially eroded rock outcrops were made off the coast of Sandefjord, Norway using a high-frequency synthetic aperture sonar (SAS) system. A method by which scattering strength can be estimated from data collected by a SAS system is detailed, as well as a method to estimate an effective calibration parameter for the system. Scattering strength measurements from very smooth areas of the rock outcrops agree with predictions from both the small-slope approximation and perturbation theory, and range between −33 and −26 dB at 20° grazing angle. Scattering strength measurements from very rough areas of the rock outcrops agree with the sine-squared shape of the empirical Lambertian model and fall between −30 and −20 dB at 20° grazing angle. Both perturbation theory and the small-slope approximation are expected to be inaccurate for the very rough area, and overestimate scattering strength by 8 dB or more for all measurements of very rough surfaces. Supporting characterization of the environment was performed in the form of geoacoustic and roughness parameter estimates.
Triple-negative breast cancers with amplification of JAK2 at the 9p24 locus demonstrate JAK2-specific dependence
Authors: Balko Justin M. , Schwarz Luis J. , Luo Na , Estrada Mónica V. , Giltnane Jennifer M. , Dávila-González Daniel , Wang Kai , Sánchez Violeta , Dean Phillip T. , Combs Susan E. , Hicks Donna , Pinto Joseph A. , Landis Melissa D. , Doimi Franco D. , Yelensky Roman , Miller Vincent A. , Stephens Phillip J. , Rimm David L. , Gómez Henry , Chang Jenny C. , Sanders Melinda E. , Cook Rebecca S. , Arteaga Carlos L.
Published: April 2016

JAK2 amplification decreases survival in triple-negative breast cancer but can be targeted with JAK2-specific inhibitors.
Apolipoprotein L1 Variant Associated with Increased Susceptibility to Trypanosome Infection
Authors: Cuypers Bart , Lecordier Laurence , Meehan Conor J. , Van den Broeck Frederik , Imamura Hideo , Büscher Philippe , Dujardin Jean-Claude , Laukens Kris , Schnaufer Achim , Dewar Caroline , Lewis Michael , Balmer Oliver , Azurago Thomas , Kyei-Faried Sardick , Ohene Sally-Ann , Duah Boateng , Homiah Prince , Mensah Ebenezer Kofi , Anleah Francis , Franco Jose Ramon , Pays Etienne , Deborggraeve Stijn
Published: April 2016

African trypanosomes, except
Trypanosoma brucei
gambiense
and
Trypanosoma brucei rhodesiense
, which cause human African trypanosomiasis, are lysed by the human serum protein apolipoprotein L1 (ApoL1). These two subspecies can resist human ApoL1 because they express the serum resistance proteins T. b.
gambiense
glycoprotein (TgsGP) and serum resistance-associated protein (SRA), respectively. Whereas in
T. b. rhodesiense
, SRA is necessary and sufficient to inhibit ApoL1, in
T. b. gambiense
, TgsGP cannot protect against high ApoL1 uptake, so different additional mechanisms contribute to limit this uptake. Here we report a complex interplay between trypanosomes and an ApoL1 variant, revealing important insights into innate human immunity against these parasites. Using whole-genome sequencing, we characterized an atypical
T. b. gambiense
infection in a patient in Ghana. We show that the infecting trypanosome has diverged from the classical
T. b. gambiense
strains and lacks the TgsGP defense mechanism against human serum. By sequencing the ApoL1 gene of the patient and subsequent
in vitro
mutagenesis experiments, we demonstrate that a homozygous missense substitution (N264K) in the membrane-addressing domain of this ApoL1 variant knocks down the trypanolytic activity, allowing the trypanosome to avoid ApoL1-mediated immunity.

IMPORTANCE
Most African trypanosomes are lysed by the ApoL1 protein in human serum. Only the subspecies
Trypanosoma b. gambiense
and
T. b. rhodesiense
can resist lysis by ApoL1 because they express specific serum resistance proteins. We here report a complex interplay between trypanosomes and an ApoL1 variant characterized by a homozygous missense substitution (N264K) in the domain that we hypothesize interacts with the endolysosomal membranes of trypanosomes. The N264K substitution knocks down the lytic activity of ApoL1 against
T. b. gambiense
strains lacking the TgsGP defense mechanism and against
T. b. rhodesiense
if N264K is accompanied by additional substitutions in the SRA-interacting domain. Our data suggest that populations with high frequencies of the homozygous N264K ApoL1 variant may be at increased risk of contracting human African trypanosomiasis.
A Latitudinal Diversity Gradient in Terrestrial Bacteria of the GenusStreptomyces
Authors: Andam Cheryl P. , Doroghazi James R. , Campbell Ashley N. , Kelly Peter J. , Choudoir Mallory J. , Buckley Daniel H.
Published: April 2016

We show thatStreptomycesbiogeography in soils across North America is influenced by the regional diversification of microorganisms due to dispersal limitation and genetic drift.Streptomycesspp. form desiccation-resistant spores, which can be dispersed on the wind, allowing for a strong test of whether dispersal limitation governs patterns of terrestrial microbial diversity. We employed an approach that has high sensitivity for determining the effects of genetic drift. Specifically, we examined the genetic diversity and phylogeography of physiologically similarStreptomycesstrains isolated from geographically distributed yet ecologically similar habitats. We found thatStreptomycesbeta diversity scales with geographic distance and both beta diversity and phylogenetic diversity manifest in a latitudinal diversity gradient. This pattern ofStreptomycesbiogeography resembles patterns seen for diverse species of plants and animals, and we therefore evaluated these data in the context of ecological and evolutionary hypotheses proposed to explain latitudinal diversity gradients. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that niche conservatism limits dispersal, and historical patterns of glaciation have limited the time for speciation in higher-latitude sites. Most notably, higher-latitude sites have lower phylogenetic diversity, higher phylogenetic clustering, and evidence of range expansion from lower latitudes. In addition, patterns of beta diversity partition with respect to the glacial history of sites. Hence, the data support the hypothesis that extant patterns ofStreptomycesbiogeography have been driven by historical patterns of glaciation and are the result of demographic range expansion, dispersal limitation, and regional diversification due to drift.

IMPORTANCEBiogeographic patterns provide insight into the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern biodiversity. However, the evolutionary and ecological processes that govern terrestrial microbial diversity remain poorly characterized. We evaluated the biogeography of the genusStreptomycesto show that the diversity of terrestrial bacteria is governed by many of the same processes that govern the diversity of many plant and animal species. While bacteria of the genusStreptomycesare a preeminent source of antibiotics, their evolutionary history, biogeography, and biodiversity remain poorly characterized. The observations we describe provide insight into the drivers ofStreptomycesbiodiversity and the processes that underlie microbial diversification in terrestrial habitats.
The UK Paediatric Familial Hypercholesterolaemia Register: preliminary data
Authors: Ramaswami Uma , Cooper Jackie , Humphries Steve E
Published: April 2016

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence 2008 guidelines on the treatment and management of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) recommend that children with FH should be considered for statin treatment by the age of 10 years. The Paediatric FH Register was established in 2012 to collect baseline and long-term follow-up data on all children with FH in the UK.

Methods

Paediatricians and adult lipidologists have been invited to enter baseline data on any child with a clinical diagnosis of FH using an electronic capture record.

Results

Baseline data is on 232 children (50% boys, 80% Caucasian), with an untreated mean (SD) total cholesterol of 7.61 (1.48) mmol/L and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) of 5.67 (1.46) mmol/L. Overall 111/232 (47.8%) of the children were on statins. Children over the age of 10 years at the most recent follow-up were twice as likely to be on statin treatment than those under 10 years (57.6% (102/177) vs 23.1% (9/39), p=0.00009). In both age groups, those subsequently on statin treatment had significantly higher diagnostic total and LDL-C (overall 6.01 (1.46) mmol/L vs 5.31 (1.37) mmol/L, p=0.00007), and had stronger evidence of a family history of early coronary heart disease (CHD) in parent or first-degree relative (overall 28.4% vs 19.0%, p=0.09). In statin-treated children LDL-C level was reduced by 35% (2.07 (1.38) mmol/L) compared with a reduction of 5.5% (0.29 (0.87) mmol/L), p=0.0001 in those not treated. None of those on statin had measured plasma levels of creatine kinase, alanine aminotransferase and AST indicative of statin toxicity (ie, >2.5 times the upper limit of the normal range).

Conclusions

The data indicates that treatment decisions in children with FH are appropriately based on a stronger family history of CHD and higher LDL-C.
Is researching adverse events in hospital deaths a good way to describe patient safety in hospitals: a retrospective patient record review study
Authors: Baines Rebecca J , Langelaan Maaike , de Bruijne Martine C , Wagner Cordula
Published: April 2016

Objective

Adverse event studies often use patient record review as a way to assess patient safety. As this is a time-consuming method, hospitals often study inpatient deaths. In this article we will assess whether this offers a representative view of the occurrence of adverse events in comparison to patients who are discharged while still living.

Design

Retrospective patient record review study.

Setting and participants

A total of 11 949 hospital admissions; 50% of inpatient deaths; the other half of patients discharged while alive. The data originated from our two national adverse event studies in 2004 and 2008.

Main outcome measures

Overall adverse events and preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths, and in admissions of patients discharged alive. We looked at size, preventability, clinical process and type of adverse events.

Results

Patients who died in hospital were on an average older, had a longer length of stay, were more often urgently admitted and were less often admitted to a surgical unit. We found twice as many adverse events and preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths than in patients discharged alive. Consistent with the differences in patient characteristics, preventable adverse events in inpatient deaths were proportionally less and were often related to the surgical process. Most types of adverse events and preventable adverse events occur in inpatient deaths as well as in patients discharged alive; however, these occur more often in inpatient deaths and are differently distributed.

Conclusions

Reviewing patient records of inpatient deaths is more efficient in identifying preventable AEs than reviewing records of those discharged alive. Although many of the same types of adverse events are found, it does not offer a representative view of the number or type of adverse events.
Validating a decision tree for serious infection: diagnostic accuracy in acutely ill children in ambulatory care
Authors: Verbakel Jan Y , Lemiengre Marieke B , De Burghgraeve Tine , De Sutter An , Aertgeerts Bert , Bullens Dominique M A , Shinkins Bethany , Van den Bruel Ann , Buntinx Frank
Published: April 2016

Objective

Acute infection is the most common presentation of children in primary care with only few having a serious infection (eg, sepsis, meningitis, pneumonia). To avoid complications or death, early recognition and adequate referral are essential. Clinical prediction rules have the potential to improve diagnostic decision-making for rare but serious conditions. In this study, we aimed to validate a recently developed decision tree in a new but similar population.

Design

Diagnostic accuracy study validating a clinical prediction rule.

Setting and participants

Acutely ill children presenting to ambulatory care in Flanders, Belgium, consisting of general practice and paediatric assessment in outpatient clinics or the emergency department.

Intervention

Physicians were asked to score the decision tree in every child.

Primary outcome measures

The outcome of interest was hospital admission for at least 24 h with a serious infection within 5 days after initial presentation. We report the diagnostic accuracy of the decision tree in sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratios and predictive values.

Results

In total, 8962 acute illness episodes were included, of which 283 lead to admission to hospital with a serious infection. Sensitivity of the decision tree was 100% (95% CI 71.5% to 100%) at a specificity of 83.6% (95% CI 82.3% to 84.9%) in the general practitioner setting with 17% of children testing positive. In the paediatric outpatient and emergency department setting, sensitivities were below 92%, with specificities below 44.8%.

Conclusions

In an independent validation cohort, this clinical prediction rule has shown to be extremely sensitive to identify children at risk of hospital admission for a serious infection in general practice, making it suitable for ruling out.

Trial registration number

NCT02024282.
The frequency of intravenous medication administration errors related to smart infusion pumps: a multihospital observational study
Authors: Schnock Kumiko O , Dykes Patricia C , Albert Jennifer , Ariosto Deborah , Call Rosemary , Cameron Caitlin , Carroll Diane L , Drucker Adrienne G , Fang Linda , Garcia-Palm Christine A , Husch Marla M , Maddox Ray R , McDonald Nicole , McGuire Julie , Rafie Sally , Robertson Emilee , Saine Deb , Sawyer Melinda D , Smith Lisa P , Stinger Kristy Dixon , Vanderveen Timothy W , Wade Elizabeth , Yoon Catherine S , Lipsitz Stuart , Bates David W
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Intravenous medication errors persist despite the use of smart pumps. This suggests the need for a standardised methodology for measuring errors and highlights the importance of identifying issues around smart pump medication administration in order to improve patient safety.

Objectives

We conducted a multisite study to investigate the types and frequency of intravenous medication errors associated with smart pumps in the USA.

Methods

10 hospitals of various sizes using smart pumps from a range of vendors participated. Data were collected using a prospective point prevalence approach to capture errors associated with medications administered via smart pumps and evaluate their potential for harm.

Results

A total of 478 patients and 1164 medication administrations were assessed. Of the observed infusions, 699 (60%) had one or more errors associated with their administration. Identified errors such as labelling errors and bypassing the smart pump and the drug library were predominantly associated with violations of hospital policy. These types of errors can result in medication errors. Errors were classified according to the National Coordinating Council for Medication Error Reporting and Prevention (NCC MERP). 1 error of category E (0.1%), 4 of category D (0.3%) and 492 of category C (excluding deviations of hospital policy) (42%) were identified. Of these, unauthorised medication, bypassing the smart pump and wrong rate were the most frequent errors.

Conclusion

We identified a high rate of error in the administration of intravenous medications despite the use of smart pumps. However, relatively few errors were potentially harmful. The results of this study will be useful in developing interventions to eliminate errors in the intravenous medication administration process.
Building consensus for the future of paediatric simulation: a novel ‘KJ Reverse-Merlin’ methodology
Authors: Hunt Elizabeth A , Duval-Arnould Jordan , Chime Nnenna O , Auerbach Marc , Kessler David , Duff Jonathan P , Shilkofski Nicole , Brett-Fleegler Marissa , Nadkarni Vinay , Cheng Adam
Published: April 2016

Objectives

This project aims to identify guiding strategic principles to optimise simulation-based educational impact on learning, patient safety and child health.

Methods

Study participants included 39 simulation experts who used a novel ‘KJ Reverse-Merlin’ consensus process in the systematic identification of barriers to success in simulation, grouped them in themes and subsequently identified solutions for each theme.

Results

193 unique factors were identified and clustered into 6 affinity groups. 6 key consensus strategies were identified: (1) allocate limited resources by engaging health systems partners to define education and research priorities; (2) conduct and publish rigorous translational and cost-effectiveness research; (3) foster collaborative multidisciplinary research and education networks; (4) design simulation solutions with systems integration and sustainability in mind; (5) leverage partnerships with industry for simulation, medical and educational technology; (6) advocate to engage the education community, research funding agencies and regulatory bodies.

Conclusions

Simulation can be used as a research, quality improvement and or educational tool aimed at improving the quality of care provided to children. However, without organisation, strategy, prioritisation and collaboration, the simulation community runs the risk of wasting resources, duplicating and misdirecting the efforts.
Fatigue in transportation: NTSB investigations and safety recommendations
Authors: Marcus Jeffrey H , Rosekind Mark R
Published: April 2016

Objective

We aim to place into the scientific literature information on the prevalence of operator fatigue as a factor in causing transportation mishaps, and the categories of improvements identified to address fatigue in transportation.

Methods

We analyzed the number of major National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigations that identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor, or a finding. We divided all NTSB recommendations addressing fatigue issued since the agency was founded into 7 subject categories, and placed each recommendation into the appropriate category. This information was then analyzed to determine the number of recommendations in each category, both overall and by transportation mode. Analysis was also performed regarding the types of organizations that received the recommendations, whether the recommended actions have been taken, and the NTSB's evaluation of whether the action taken satisfied a given recommendation.

Results

We reviewed 182 major NTSB investigations completed between 1 January 2001 and 31 December 2012 and found that 20% of these investigations identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor, or a finding. The presence of fatigue varied between among the modes of transportation, ranging from 40% of highway investigations to 4% of marine investigations. The first NTSB recommendation to address the safety risks associated with human fatigue was issued over 40 years ago, in 1972. Since then, the NTSB has issued 205 separate fatigue-specific recommendations. Scheduling policies and practices was the most common subject category accounting for 40% of all recommendations issued. Federal agencies received 54% of all recommendations, with 22% to transportation operators, and 16% to associations. Of all NTSB fatigue recommendations, 24% were open ranging from a low of 9% in highway to 39% in aviation. Overall, only 3% of open recommendations were classified “unacceptable,” whereas 16% of all closed recommendations were classified “unacceptable.”

Conclusions

Although there has been over 100 years of progress in recognizing and addressing the safety risk posed by human fatigue in transportation, 20% of recent NTSB investigations have identified fatigue as a probable cause, contributing factor or finding. This analysis represents the first-ever examination of fatigue identified in major NTSB investigations across modes and of the focus, recipients, and classification status of fatigue-related safety recommendations. It demonstrates that fatigue remains a significant transportation safety risk.
Exercise training characteristics in cardiac rehabilitation programmes: a cross-sectional survey of Australian practice
Authors: Abell Bridget , Glasziou Paul , Briffa Tom , Hoffmann Tammy
Published: April 2016

Introduction

Exercise training is a core component of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), however, little information exists regarding the specific exercise interventions currently provided for coronary heart disease in Australian practice. We aimed to analyse the current status of exercise-based CR services across Australia.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Methods

Australian sites offering exercise-based CR were identified from publically available directories. All sites were invited by email to participate in an online Survey Monkey questionnaire between October 2014 and March 2015, with reminders via email and phone follow-up. Questions investigated the demographics and format of individual programmes, as well as specific exercise training characteristics.

Results

297 eligible programmes were identified, with an 82% response rate. Most sites (82%) were based at hospital or outpatient centres, with home (15%), community (18%) or gym-based options (5%) less common. While CR was most often offered in a comprehensive format (72% of sites), the level of exercise intervention varied greatly among programmes. Most frequently, exercise was prescribed 1–2 times per week for 60 min over 7 weeks. Almost one-quarter (24%) had a sole practitioner supervising exercise, although the majority used a nurse/physiotherapist combination. Low to moderate exercise intensities were used in 60% of programmes, however, higher intensity prescriptions were not uncommon. Few sites (<6%) made use of technology, such as mobile phones or the internet, to deliver or support exercise training.

Conclusions

While advances have been made towards providing flexible and accessible exercise-based CR, much of Australia's service remains within traditional models of care. A continuing focus on service improvement and evidence-based care should, therefore, be considered a core aim of those providing exercise for CR in order to improve health service delivery and optimise outcomes for patients.
Differential enrichment of TTF-I and Tip5 in the T-like promoter structures of the rDNA contribute to the epigenetic response of Cyprinus carpio during environmental adaptation
Authors: Nardocci Gino , Simonet Nicolas G. , Navarro Cristina , Längst Gernot , Alvarez Marco
Published: April 2016

To ensure homeostasis, ectothermic organisms adapt to environmental variations through molecular mechanisms. We previously reported that during the seasonal acclimatization of the common carp Cyprinus carpio, molecular and cellular functions are reprogrammed, resulting in distinctive traits. Importantly, the carp undergoes a drastic rearrangement of nucleolar components during adaptation. This ultrastructural feature reflects a fine modulation of rRNA gene transcription. Specifically, we identified the involvement of the transcription termination factor I (TTF-I) and Tip-5 (member of nucleolar remodeling complex, NoRC) in the control of rRNA transcription. Our results suggest that differential Tip5 enrichment is essential for silencing carp ribosomal genes and that the T0 element is key for regulating the ribosomal gene during the acclimatization process. Interestingly, the expression and content of Tip5 were significantly higher in winter than in summer. Since carp ribosomal gene expression is lower in the winter than in summer, and considering that expression concomitantly occurs with nucleolar ultrastructural changes of the acclimatization process, these results indicate that Tip5 importantly contributes to silencing the ribosomal genes. In conclusion, the current study provides novel evidence on the contributions of TTF-I and NoRC in the environmental reprogramming of ribosomal genes during the seasonal adaptation process in carp.
Syntheses of high-silica zeolites in urea/choline chloride deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Lin Zheng Sonia , Huang Yining
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the first example of high-silica and siliceous zeolite synthesis in the urea/choline chloride mixture as a deep eutectic solvent (DES) using F– as the mineralizing agent. A urea/choline chloride mixture was previously used as solvent to prepare AlPO4-based microporous materials SIZ-2 and AlPO-CJ2. However, generating these materials depends on the formation of ammonium ion as a structure-directing agent (SDA) that is the side product of urea decomposition. In the present study, we show that several highly siliceous zeolites with targeted topologies (MFI, BEA, MEL, and MTN) can be purposely synthesized by adding SDAs of choice rather than relying on solvent decomposition. The Si atoms in zeolite Beta synthesized in a urea/choline chloride mixture exhibit exceptionally high local ordering as shown in a 29Si MAS NMR spectrum. The synthesis of ZSM-11 using eutectic solvents or ionic liquid has not been reported. The major challenge in ZSM-11 synthesis is the intergrown structure formed with ZSM-5 due to the high similarity in their topologies. The present work shows that preparation of pure ZSM-11 can be achieved in urea/choline chloride DES using either DPHMII or DECDMPI as SDA. Using a urea/choline chloride mixture rather than alcohol-based traditional nonaqueous solvents is the key for the success of preparing phase-pure ZSM-11 free of any MFI intergrowths. This is because some alcohols can serve as SDA for MFI. The use of urea/choline chloride based DES eliminates the potential templateing effect of solvent for MFI formation. For MTN zeolite, morphology may be controlled in urea/choline chloride by choosing different SDAs. The disadvantage of this system is the long reaction times.
Development and evaluation of a microscopic overtaking gap acceptance model for two-lane highways
Authors: Ghods Amir H. , Saccomanno Frank F.
Published: April 2016

A microscopic gap acceptance model is presented that simulates overtaking behavior on two-lane highways. The decision to initiate overtaking is expressed as a function of each driver’s perception of the expected time-to-collision (TTC) with the nearest opposing vehicle at the end of maneuver. The available gap is accepted if the driver’s perception of TTC exceeds a predetermined threshold for safe return (critical TTC). The gap acceptance model is calibrated and validated based on overtaking video-recording data for a two-lane highway. The overtaking gap acceptance model is then compared, for consistency and transferability, with independent aggregate field data, as well as with two other simulation models and values given in the Highway Capacity Manual for similar two-lane highways. The gap acceptance simulation demonstrated that the proposed overtaking model is able to provide reliable measures of traffic attributes for two-lane highway operation, as verified experimentally.
Modeling severity of single vehicle run-off-road crashes in rural areas: model comparison and selection
Authors: Gong Linfeng , Fan Wei , Washing E. Matthew
Published: April 2016

Run-off-road (ROR) crashes account for a large proportion of fatalities and serious injuries to vehicle occupants, especially in rural areas. While performing crash severity analysis using discrete choice models (DCMs), researchers may be confused by the following questions: first, should an ordered or unordered model structure be used and secondly, which modeling level is more appropriate, basic or advanced? A model selection framework is developed considering the following factors: (1) model structure — ordered or unordered; (2) intrinsic deficiency of each model; (3) computational burdens; (4) complexity of parameter interpretation; and (5) model fitness. Historical ROR crash data were utilized to illustrate how to choose an appropriate DCM based on the proposed framework. Using statistical tests and comparison of evaluation and validation measurements, both the mixed logit model and the partial proportional odds model yield a reasonable performance. All factors that significantly affect the severity level of a single-vehicle ROR crash were identified as well.
Evaluation of yeast-like fungi to protect Virginia mallow (Sida hermaphrodita) against Sclerotinia sclerotiorum
Authors: Remlein-Starosta Dorota , Krzymińska Joanna , Kowalska Jolanta , Bocianowski Jan
Published: April 2016

Virginia mallow is a plant from the central and eastern states of North America. A large amount of high quality biomass obtained from V. mallow led to interest in this plant for bioenergy purposes. Unfortunately, high incidence of white rot disease caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum destroyed plantations of this plant. In previous attempts, various control strategies were not successful and all treatments failed (including the use of Coniothurium minitans). The aim of the study was to find and evaluate yeast-like fungi for biocontrol of S. sclerotiorum, evaluate the optimal thermal condition for biocontrol efficacy, and describe possible modes of action of potential biocontrol organisms. In dual bioassay test with 19 strains of yeast-like fungi with S. sclerotiorum, antagonistic potential were obtained. At different temperatures variations in antagonistic activity of yeast-like fungi were observed. At all tested temperatures (i.e., 4, 12, and 23°C), positive results were obtained. Extracellular enzymes were produced by the majority of antagonistic yeast, such as: amylases (the most frequent), chitinases, proteases, pectinases and xylanases. In this research, reduction in white rot symptoms on V. mallow stems was significant (P < 0.05). The highest inhibition of disease was observed after treatment with strains (114/64) Candida albidus and (117/10) Pichia anomala.
Application of abscisic acid regulates antioxidant enzymes activities and modulates endosperm cell division in winter wheat
Authors: Yang Dongqing , Peng Dian , Yang Wei , Yin Yanping , Li Yong , Wang Zhen
Published: April 2016

Effects of exogenous abscisic acid (ABA) on antioxidant enzymes activities and endosperm cell division of two wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) cultivars were investigated. Results showed that the superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), and catalase (CAT) activity in flag leaves of both cultivars is elevated by application of ABA and it is correlated with less membrane damage: lower malondialdehyde (MDA). Exogenous ABA significantly increased endosperm cell number and endosperm division rate, finally increased grain weight. Although ABA treatment decreased endogenous zeatin riboside (ZR) content in flag leaves from 7 to 28 days after anthesis (DAA), indole acetic acid (IAA) levels were significantly increased by spraying with ABA. Correlation analysis showed that endogenous contents of ZR, ABA, and IAA in grains were positively and significantly correlated with grain-filling rate. IAA content in leaves was positively and significantly correlated with grain-filling rate. The results suggested that increased grain weight of ABA-treated plants was due to higher antioxidant abilities of flag leaf resulting in longer maintenance of photosynthetic capacity and higher grain-filling rate.
Effect of phenology on agonistic competitive interactions between invasive and native sheet-web spiders
Authors: Houser Jeremy D. , Porter Adam H. , Ginsberg Howard S. , Jakob Elizabeth M.
Published: April 2016

The phenologies of introduced relative to native species can greatly influence the degree and symmetry of competition between them. The European spider Linyphia triangularis (Clerck, 1757) (Linyphiidae) reaches very high densities in coastal Maine (USA). Previous studies suggest that L. triangularis negatively affects native linyphiid species, with competition for webs as one mechanism. We documented phenological differences between L. triangularis and three native species that illustrate the potential for the reversal of size-based competitive advantage over the course of the year. To test whether relative size influences interaction outcome, we allowed a resident spider to build a web and then introduced an intruder. We examined whether the outcomes of agonistic interactions over the webs were influenced by the species of the resident (invasive or native), the relative size of the contestants, and the species × size interaction. We found that the importance of relative size differed among species. In interactions between L. triangularis and each of two native species, size played a greater role than resident species on the outcome of interactions, suggesting that competitive advantage reverses over the season based on phenology-related size differences. Linyphia triangularis had a negative impact on the third species regardless of relative size.
Use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor unmanned aerial vehicles to map dynamic changes in a freshwater marsh
Authors: Marcaccio James V. , Markle Chantel E. , Chow-Fraser Patricia
Published: April 2016

We used a multi-rotor (Phantom 2 Vision+, DJI) and a fixed-wing (eBee, senseFly) unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) to acquire high-spatial-resolution composite photos of an impounded freshwater marsh during late summer in 2014 and 2015. Dominant type and percent cover of three vegetation classes (submerged aquatic, floating or emergent vegetation) were identified and compared against field data collected in 176 (2 m × 2 m) quadrats during summer 2014. We also compared these data against the most recently available digital aerial true colour, high-resolution photographs provided by the government of Ontario (Southwestern Ontario Orthophotography Project (SWOOP), May 2010), which are free to researchers but taken every 5 years in leaf-off spring conditions. The eBee system produced the most effective data for determining percent cover of floating and emergent vegetation (58% and 64% overall accuracy, respectively). Both the eBee and the Phantom were comparable in their ability to determine dominant habitat types (moderate kappa agreement) and were superior to SWOOP in this respect (poor kappa agreement). UAVs can provide a time-sensitive, flexible, and affordable option to capture dynamic seasonal changes in wetlands, information that ecologists often require to study how species at risk use their habitat.
FINANCIAL CRISIS, MACROPRUDENTIAL POLICIES AND DEPOSITOR DISCIPLINE
Authors: AYSAN AHMET FARUK , DISLI MUSTAFA , OZTURK HUSEYIN
Published: April 2016

This paper examines to what extent macroprudential policies in the Turkish banking sector affected the functioning of depositor discipline. Our results suggest that depositors’ responses for poor bank performance get stronger after the 2008 crisis, when various macroprudential measures were implemented to preserve financial stability. In the aftermath of the crisis, bank behavior toward depositors also alters. Ahead of the crisis, banks did not significantly respond to the discipline exerted by depositors, however, banks begin offering higher rates to curb deposit withdrawals afterwards. Our findings suggest that the implementation of macroprudential tools seem to have a positive impact on financial stability, since, in the post-2008 period, regulatory supervision have been more firmly assisted by the market.
ARE MAJOR CENTRAL BANKS BLINDED BY THE ANALYTICAL ELEGANCE OF THEIR MODELS? POSSIBLE COSTS OF UNCONVENTIONAL MONETARY POLICY MEASURES
Authors: CIŻKOWICZ PIOTR , RZOŃCAZ ANDRZEJ
Published: April 2016

We survey the possible costs of the unconventional monetary policy measures undertaken by major central banks after the outbreak of the global financial crisis in 2008. We argue that these costs are not easily discernable in the new Keynesian (NK) model, which defines a theoretical framework for monetary policy. First, the costs may result from the effects of unconventional monetary policy measures on the intensity of restructuring and the persistence of uncertainty (which increased after the outbreak of the crisis). However, neither of these processes is considered in the new Keynesian model. Second, costs may be generated not only by distortions in the choices made by economic agents but may also be a result of the decisions made by governments, particularly in terms of the fiscal deficit level. However, the new Keynesian model does not consider the effects of unconventional monetary policy measures on the quality of fiscal policy. Without carefully considering the costs, there is a significant risk that unconventional monetary policy measures could become a conventional response to recurrent crises.
Constraints on the U(1)L gauge boson in a wide mass range
Authors: Jeong Yu Seon , Kim C. S. , Lee Hye-Sung
Published: April 2016

There is a growing interest for the search of new light gauge bosons. The small mass of a new boson can turn various kinds of low-energy experiments to a new discovery machine, depending on their couplings to the Standard Model particles. It is important to understand the properties of each type of gauge boson and their current constraints for a given mass. While the dark photon (which couples to the electric charges) and the [Formula: see text] gauge boson have been well studied in an extensive mass range, the [Formula: see text] gauge boson has not been fully investigated yet. We consider the gauge boson of the [Formula: see text] in a wide mass range [Formula: see text] and investigate the constraints on its coupling from various experiments, discussing the similarities and differences from the dark photon and the [Formula: see text] gauge boson.
Alternative Plan Generation and Online Preference Learning in Scheduling Individual Activities
Authors: Alexiadis Anastasios , Refanidis Ioannis
Published: April 2016

This article tackles a significant aspect of the problem of scheduling personal individual activities, that is, the generation of qualitative, significantly different alternative plans. Solving this problem is important for intelligent calendar applications, since average users cannot adequately express their preferences over the way their activities should be scheduled in time, thus it is common that they are not satisfied by the plans generated for them by a scheduler, although they are near-optimal according to their stated preferences. Hence generating alternative plans and asking the user to select one among them is a sensible approach, provided that the alternative plans are both near-optimal, according to the user-defined preferences, as well as significantly different to each other, in order to increase the chances that at least one of them satisfies the user. Furthermore, based on the assumption that a user might systematically misweight his preferences over the various aspects of a plan, an online non-intrusive method to learn his actual preferences is presented, based on monitoring his selections over the alternative plans. The proposed methods have been evaluated successfully on a variety of problems. Furthermore, they have been implemented in two deployed systems.
Source Digital Voice Recorder Identification by Wavelet Analysis
Authors: Eskidere Ömer
Published: April 2016

Identification of the speech signal origin is an important issue since it may play a vital role for criminal and forensic investigations. Yet, in the media forensics field, source digital voice recorder (DVR) identification has not been given much attention. In this paper we study the effect of subband based features obtained using uniform wavelet packet decomposition and Teager energy operator on the DVR model and brand identification performance. In order to assess the effects of these features on the proposed system, one-class classifiers (OCCs) with two reference multi-class classifiers were carried out. The performance of the DVR identification system is tested on a custom database of twelve portable DVRs of six different brands. The results showed that the proposed system can effectively identify the correct DVR brands/models with a high accuracy. Moreover, it was observed that the combination of the traditional speech features with subband Teager energy cepstral parameters (STEC) and short time frame energy as a feature improved recognition accuracy under both silent and noisy recording conditions.
Investigation of CO
2
storage in a saline formation with an angular unconformity at the caprock interface
Authors: Shariatipour Seyed M. , Pickup Gillian E. , Mackay Eric J.
Published: April 2016

Studies of oil reservoirs show that unconformities may occur between the reservoir and the caprock. At the boundary where the unconformity occurs, there may be a layer of higher permeability compared to the caprock. Such traps may occur at CO
2
storage sites and, therefore, their effect should be investigated. In this work, we simulate CO
2
storage beneath angular unconformities, where sandstone layers have been tilted and eroded prior to the deposition of a caprock. After preliminary studies into the effect of gridding such traps, we describe simulations of a range of 2D and 3D models. The results reveal that migration of CO
2
is influenced by the lithology beneath the unconformity, which could have been modified by weathering or diagenesis. This can have both positive and negative effects on the CO
2
storage capacity and security. It shows that an unconformity model that has a layer of high permeability at the interface between the aquifer and the caprock, as a result of weathering or diagenesis, can contribute to pressure diffusion across the reservoir. This could improve CO
2
sequestration by providing pathways for CO
2
migration to access other parts of the storage complex. However, this could also have a negative effect on the security of CO
2
storage by providing pathways for CO
2
to migrate out of the storage formation and so increase the risk of CO
2
leakage.