bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Muslim Algerian Women and the Rights of Man: Islam and Gendered Citizenship in French Algeria at the End of Empire
Authors: Wadowiec Jaime
Published: October 2013

Against recent scholarship that has examined Algerian women’s roles as partisans in the colonial war (1954-62), this article highlights a small but diverse segment of women who entered into the politics of decolonization as French citizens rather than as anticolonial nationalists. Given equal citizenship in 1958, these women took seriously French efforts aimed at the political integration of the Muslim Algerian population as a peaceful solution to the Algerian War. As self-professed françaises musulmanes, or as “French Muslim” citizens, these women advanced a platform highlighting Muslim women’s social rights rather than national independence suggesting, often directly, that the French state could better guarantee their equality than male nationalists. The article situates their civic demands as an expression of a nascent grassroots feminism and proceeds with an examination of women’s critique of the secular, consumer-oriented model of gendered citizenship offered to them by the French Fifth Republic.

Contrairement à de récentes études qui ont examiné le rôle de partisanes algériennes pendant la guerre coloniale (1954-62), cet article s’intéresse à un groupe de femmes, petit mais diversifié, qui sont entrées dans la politique de décolonisation en tant que citoyennes françaises plutôt que nationalistes anticolonialistes. La pleine citoyenneté leur avait été accordée en 1958 et ces femmes prenaient au sérieux les efforts français visant l’intégration politique de la population algérienne musulmane pour trouver une issue pacifique à la guerre d’Algérie. En tant que Françaises musulmanes auto-proclamées, ou en tant que citoyennes « françaises musulmanes », ces femmes présentèrent une plate-forme qui soulignait les droits sociaux des femmes musulmanes plutôt que l’indépendance nationale suggérant, souvent directement, que l’Etat français était le mieux à même de garantir leur égalité que les nationalistes hommes. L’article situe leurs exigences civiques comme une expression du féminisme « populaire » naissant avant d’examiner leur point de vue sur le modèle de citoyenneté sexuée laïque et axé sur la consommation qui leur était offert par la Cinquième République française.
Tenascin-C and tenascin-W in whisker follicle stem cell niches: possible roles in regulating stem cell proliferation and migration
Authors: Tucker Richard P. , Ferralli Jacqueline , Schittny Johannes C. , Chiquet-Ehrismann Ruth
Published: October 2013

The whisker follicle has CD34-positive stem cells that migrate from their niche near the bulge along the glassy membrane to the whisker bulb, where they participate in the formation of the whisker shaft. Using immunohistochemistry we found the glycoprotein tenascin-C in the fibrous capsule of mouse whisker follicles, along the glassy membrane and in the trabecular region surrounding keratin-15-negative, CD34-positive stem cells. The related glycoprotein tenascin-W is found in the CD34-positive stem cell niche, in nearby trabeculae, and along the glassy membrane. Tenascin-W is also found in the neural stem cell niche of nearby hair follicles. The formation of stress fibers and focal adhesion complexes in CD34-positive whisker-derived stem cells cultured on fibronectin was inhibited by both tenascin-C and tenascin-W, which is consistent with a role for these glycoproteins in promoting the migration of these cells from the niche to the whisker bulb. Tenascin-C, but not tenascin-W, increased the proliferation of whisker follicle stem cells in vitro. Thus, the CD34-positive whisker follicle stem cell niche contains both tenascin-C and tenascin-W, and these glycoproteins may play a role in directing the migration and proliferation of these stem cells.
Double-negative feedback loop between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and HNF4α regulates epithelial-mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Yang Meng , Li Sheng-Nan , Anjum Khalid M , Gui Long-Xin , Zhu Shan-Shan , Liu Jun , Chen Jia-Kun , Liu Qing-Feng , Ye Guo-Dong , Wang Wen-Jie , Wu Jia-Fa , Cai Wang-Yu , Sun Guang-Bin , Liu Yun-Jia , Liu Rong-Fu , Zhang Zhi-Ming , Li Bo-An
Published: October 2013

Wnt/β-catenin signaling participates in the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a variety of cancers; however, its involvement in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and downstream molecular events is largely undefined. HNF4α is the most prominent and specific factor for maintaining the differentiation of hepatic lineage cells and a potential EMT regulator in HCC cells. However, the molecular mechanisms by which HNF4α maintains the differentiated liver epithelium and inhibits EMT have not been completely defined. In this study, we systematically explored the relationship between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and HNF4α in the EMT process of HCC cells. Our results indicated that HNF4α expression was negatively regulated during Wnt/β-catenin signaling-induced EMT via Snail and Slug in HCC cells. In contrast, HNF4α was found to directly associate with TCF4 to compete with β-catenin but facilitate transcription co-repressor activities, thus inhibiting expression of EMT-related Wnt/β-catenin targets. Moreover, HNF4α may control the switch between the transcriptional and adhesion functions of β-catenin. Overexpression of HNF4α was found to completely compromise Wnt/β-catenin signaling-induced EMT phenotype. Finally, we documented the regulation pattern between Wnt/β-catenin signaling and HNF4α in rat tumor models. Our studies have identified a double-negative feedback mechanism controlling Wnt/β-catenin signaling and HNF4α expression in vitro and in vivo, which sheds new light on the regulation of EMT in HCC. The modulation of these molecular processes may be a method of inhibiting HCC invasion through blocking Wnt/β-catenin signaling or restoring HNF4α expression to prevent EMT.
Expandability of Ultralong C–C Bonds: Largely Different C1–C2 Bond Lengths Determined by Low-temperature X-ray Structural Analyses on Pseudopolymorphs of 1,1-Bis(4-fluorophenyl)-2,2-bis(4-methoxyphenyl)pyracene
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Uchimura Yasuto , Nagasawa Fumika , Takeda Takashi , Kawai Hidetoshi , Katoono Ryo , Fujiwara Kenshu , Murakoshi Kei , Fukushima Takanori , Nagaki Aiichiro , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: October 2013

Low-temperature X-ray analyses on several pseudopolymorphs (solvate crystals) revealed that the C1–C2 bond length of the highly congested title molecule can adopt quite different values [1.700(6)–1.739(6) Å]. Such an unusual observation indicates that the ultralong covalent bond is endowed with “expandability,” thus the prestrained bond can be elongated or shortened very easily accompanied by only a minute change in energy, which can be compensated by intermolecular perturbation in the crystal.
A computational analysis of the long-term regulation of arterial pressure
Authors: Beard Daniel A. , Pettersen Klas H. , Carlson Brian E. , Omholt Stig W. , Bugenhagen Scott M.
Published: October 2013

The asserted dominant role of the kidneys in the chronic regulation of blood pressure and in the etiology of hypertension has been debated since the 1970s. At the center of the theory is the observation that the acute relationships between arterial pressure and urine production—the acute pressure-diuresis and pressure-natriuresis curves—physiologically adapt to perturbations in pressure and/or changes in the rate of salt and volume intake. These adaptations, modulated by various interacting neurohumoral mechanisms, result in chronic relationships between water and salt excretion and pressure that are much steeper than the acute relationships. While the view that renal function is the dominant controller of arterial pressure has been supported by computer models of the cardiovascular system known as the “Guyton-Coleman model”, no unambiguous description of a computer model capturing chronic adaptation of acute renal function in blood pressure control has been presented. Here, such a model is developed with the goals of: 1. capturing the relevant mechanisms in an identifiable mathematical model; 2. identifying model parameters using appropriate data; 3. validating model predictions in comparison to data; and 4. probing hypotheses regarding the long-term control of arterial pressure and the etiology of primary hypertension. The developed model reveals: long-term control of arterial blood pressure is primarily through the baroreflex arc and the renin-angiotensin system; and arterial stiffening provides a sufficient explanation for the etiology of primary hypertension associated with ageing. Furthermore, the model provides the first consistent explanation of the physiological response to chronic stimulation of the baroreflex.
Inventory Control with Multiple Setup Costs
Authors: Alp Osman , Tim Huh Woonghee , Tan Tarkan
Published: October 2013

We consider an infinite-horizon, periodic-review, single-item production/inventory system with random demand and backordering, where multiple setups are allowed in any period and a separate fixed cost is associated for each setup. Contrary to the majority of the literature on this topic, we do not restrict the order quantities to be integer multiples of the exogenously given batch size and instead allow the possibility of partial batches, in which case the fixed cost for ordering the batch is still fully charged. We build a model that particularly takes the batch-ordering cost structure into account. We introduce an alternative cost-accounting scheme to analyze the problem, which we use to develop a computationally efficient optimal solution method and several properties of the optimal solution. In addition, we propose two heuristic policies, both of which perform extremely well computationally.
Innovation or disruption? The National Broadband Network comes to Australian TV
Authors: Morsillo Robert , Barr Trevor
Published: October 2013

There are many forces for change confronting the well-established institutional arrangements underpinning Australian media industries, with commercial television, in particular, likely to be most challenged during the next five years. New distribution and delivery models connected to the proposed high capacity National Broadband Network (NBN), along with new content providers and changing viewer preferences are likely to drive major changes to existing television arrangements. In a rapidly changing environment, this article seeks to relate established concepts of innovation and creative destruction, disintermediation and disruption to the impact these new NBN mediated opportunities may have on existing TV arrangements, both free-to-air (FTA) and subscription (STV). It seeks to explore the extent to which TV-like services over the NBN might disrupt incumbent TV broadcasters; the extent to which changing consumer preferences and practices might disrupt current business models; and how incumbent TV broadcasters might be responding to these threats with their own innovations.
Policies for the development of digital terrestrial television in Argentina
Authors: Mastrini Guillermo , Becerra Martín , Bizberge Ana , Krakowiak Fernando
Published: October 2013

Following the ups-and-downs of the selection of the digital TV standard, in the second half of 2009 Argentina decided to take the same path as Brazil, and adopted the Japanese-Brazilian standard. Since then concrete policies and actions have been introduced to implement Digital Terrestrial Television (DTT). Three years into the process, it is possible to put this into perspective and analyse the virtues and deficiencies of DTT deployment in Argentina. This article is intended to focus on the public policies introduced by the Argentine State both in the deployment of the necessary infrastructure and in the stimulus to content production. What is special about the Argentine case is the leading role of the State.
The Canadian digital television transition and the limits of co-regulation
Authors: Taylor Gregory
Published: October 2013

For nearly a decade, the Canadian Government demonstrated a continued faith in industry-led initiatives for the transition to digital television that has produced outcomes that fell well short of desired goals. The results of the Canadian DTV transition challenge beliefs regarding the effectiveness of co-regulation in broadcasting policy, and present a case for recognition of the limitations of this approach.
The content management of media in China
Authors: Zhao Yu
Published: October 2013

China is famous for its stringent regulations and everyday monitoring of media content. Empowered by law and regulation, the state authorities govern the content industry through ownership control and the licensing system. So far individuals and entities outside the state’s control are not entitled to access the content production market, and the externally originated content is under strict supervision. The bottom line of media content management is to ensure that the publicized political content advocates the party-government line, which does not necessarily mean that the media cannot criticize the government but that they can never mobilize or organize collective actions without permission. The effectiveness over media content control has crumbled dramatically, and for China in today’s world it is no longer simple to manage a rapidly changing media environment.
Estrategias de comunicación 2.0 en asociaciones profesionales. Estudio del caso de los Colegios Oficiales de Médicos en España
Authors: Sánchez-González María , Paniagua-Rojano Francisco-Javier
Published: October 2013

El presente trabajo se centra en la estrategia de comunicación en red de los Colegios Oficiales de Médicos españoles, especialmente en lo referido al uso de redes sociales y otras herramientas de la denominada web social y a la integración de éstas  y aquellas tradicionales en sus webs institucionales. Con este objetivo, primero se han identificado los públicos internos y externos de estos organismos y se ha descrito, a un nivel teórico, la redefinición de los roles y funciones de los gabinetes de comunicación en el contexto actual. A partir de ahí se ha desarrollado un análisis que ha permitido determinar, en cada uno de los casos, la tipología de sala de prensa online en función de las herramientas empleadas, la presencia de la asociación en los principales sitios de redes sociales y en otros espacios de la web social para la publicación de contenido multimedia, y la visibilidad y conexión con estos canales externos desde dichas salas de prensa online.
Símbolos y amenaza en el columnismo conservador
Authors: Carratalá Adolfo
Published: October 2013

Este trabajo examina el modo en que el discurso de opinión de la prensa conservadora española emplea frecuentemente símbolos de intenso componente emocional para generar alarma y la movilización de los ciudadanos ante situaciones consideradas injustas. El análisis se realiza sobre las columnas que dos destacados articulistas publicaron entre 2004 y 2008 para opinar sobre la introducción de la asignatura Educación para la Ciudadanía. Los resultados demuestran la presencia de recurrentes dispositivos retóricos con una notable evocación histórica. La potenciación de la amenaza impide el análisis racional y desapasionado que debería distinguir al periodismo de opinión comprometido con la convivencia democrática.
The Thurston norm and twisted Alexander polynomials
Authors: Friedl Stefan , Vidussi Stefano
Published: October 2013

Using recent results of Agol, Przytycki–Wise and Wise we show that twisted Alexander polynomials detect the Thurston norm of any irreducible 3-manifold which is not a closed graph manifold.
Educating Nurses for the Twenty-First Century Abilities-Based Outcomes and Assessing Student Learning in the Context of Democratic Professionalism
Authors: Thompson Janice L. , Mallet-Boucher Monique , McCloskey Claudia , Tamlyn Karen , Wilson Kathy
Published: October 2013

This article describes recent work in implementing a framework of abilities-based learning outcomes and related practices for assessing student learning in a Canadian Baccalaureate nursing degree program. The authors describe steps in implementing an abilities-based paradigm for nursing education, and subsequently developing an assessment framework based on abilities-based learning outcomes. The discussion reviews theoretical and policy-level influences involved in this initiative. The curriculum work is also discussed in terms of current trends in higher education emphasizing the assessment of student learning. The discussion concludes by linking these efforts to recent calls for a paradigm shift in the preparation of professionals, noting how the assessment of student learning can contribute to democratic professional formation in nursing.
Victim Lawyers, Victim Advocates, and the Adversarial Criminal Trial
Authors: Kirchengast Tyrone
Published: October 2013

Adversarial proceedings in common law jurisdictions tend to exclude the victim of crime. Although victim impact statements provide some role for victims following conviction but before sentencing, such statements may not influence the actual sentencing outcome, despite allowing for a therapeutic experience that may encourage the restoration of the victim. The introduction of victim lawyers across certain common law jurisdictions, including England and Wales, the United States and Australia, allows victims to retain private counsel to represent their interests alongside those of the state, from pretrial hearings and potentially through to appeal. By comparison, various civil law jurisdictions following an adversarial trial process, including Sweden, have long allowed such representation. This article provides a comparative assessment of the rise of victim lawyers in common law jurisdictions, arguing that access to private counsel is an important development in criminal justice that allows for the expression of the agency of the victim as a significant stakeholder in adversarial systems of justice.
A Deep Intronic Mutation in the Ankyrin-1 Gene Causes Diminished Protein Expression Resulting in Hemolytic Anemia in Mice
Authors: Huang Hua , Zhao PengXiang , Arimatsu Kei , Tabeta Koichi , Yamazaki Kazuhisa , Krieg Lara , Fu Emily , Zhang Tian , Du Xin
Published: October 2013

Linkage between transmembrane proteins and the spectrin-based cytoskeleton is necessary for membrane elasticity of red blood cells. Mutations of the proteins that mediate this linkage result in various types of hemolytic anemia. Here we report a novel N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea−induced mutation of ankyrin-1, named hema6, which causes hereditary spherocytosis in mice through a mild reduction of protein expression. The causal mutation was traced to a single nucleotide transition located deep into intron 13 of gene Ank1. In vitro minigene splicing assay revealed two abnormally spliced transcripts containing cryptic exons from fragments of Ank1 intron 13. The inclusion of cryptic exons introduced a premature termination codon, which leads to nonsense-mediated decay of the mutant transcripts in vivo. Hence, in homozygous mice, only wild-type ankyrin-1 is expressed, albeit at 70% of the level in wild-type mice. Heterozygotes display a similar hereditary spherocytosis phenotype stemming from intermediate protein expression level, indicating the haploinsufficiency of the mutation. Weakened linkage between integral transmembrane protein, band 3, and underlying cytoskeleton was observed in mutant mice as the result of reduced high-affinity binding sites provided by ankyrin-1. Hema6 is the only known mouse mutant of Ank1 allelic series that expresses full-length canonical ankyrin-1 at a reduced level, a fact that makes it particularly useful to study the functional impact of ankyrin-1 quantitative deficiency.
Cytoplasmic Male Sterility Contributes to Hybrid Incompatibility Between Subspecies ofArabidopsis lyrata
Authors: Aalto Esa A , Koelewijn Hans-Peter , Savolainen Outi
Published: October 2013

In crosses between evolutionarily diverged populations, genomic incompatibilities may result in sterile hybrids, indicating evolution of reproductive isolation. In several plant families, crosses within a population can also lead to male sterile progeny because of conflict between the maternally and biparentally inherited genomes. We examined hybrid fertility between subspecies of the perennial outcrossing self-incompatible Lyrate rockcress (Arabidopsis lyrata) in large reciprocal F2 progenies and three generations of backcrosses. In one of the reciprocal F2 progenies, almost one-fourth of the plants were male-sterile. Correspondingly, almost one-half of the plants in one of the four reciprocal backcross progenies expressed male sterility. In an additional four independent F2 and backcross families, three segregated male sterility. The observed asymmetrical hybrid incompatibility is attributable to male sterility factors in one cytoplasm, for which the other population lacks effective fertility restorers. Genotyping of 96 molecular markers and quantitative trait locus mapping revealed that only 60% of the plants having the male sterile cytoplasm and lacking the corresponding restorers were phenotypically male-sterile. Genotyping data showed that there is only one restorer locus, which mapped to a 600-kb interval at the top of chromosome 2 in a region containing a cluster of pentatricopeptide repeat genes. Male fertility showed no trade-off with seed production. We discuss the role of cytoplasm and genomic conflict in incipient speciation and conclude that cytoplasmic male sterility–lowering hybrid fitness is a transient effect with limited potential to form permanent reproductive barriers between diverged populations of hermaphrodite self-incompatible species.
Central Line Maintenance Bundles and CLABSIs in Ambulatory Oncology Patients
Authors: Rinke Michael L. , Bundy David G. , Chen Allen R. , Milstone Aaron M. , Colantuoni Elizabeth , Pehar Miriana , Herpst Cynthia , Fratino Lisa , Miller Marlene R.
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVE:

Pediatric oncology patients are frequently managed with central lines as outpatients, and these lines confer significant morbidity in this immune-compromised population. We aimed to investigate whether a multidisciplinary, central line maintenance care bundle reduces central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) and bacteremias in ambulatory pediatric oncology patients.

METHODS:

We conducted an interrupted time-series study of a maintenance bundle concerning all areas of central line care. Each of 3 target groups (clinic staff, homecare agency nurses, and patient families) (1) received training on the bundle and its importance, (2) had their practice audited, and (3) were shown CLABSI rates through graphs, in-service training, and bulletin boards. CLABSI and bacteremia person-time incidence rates were collected for 23 months before and 24 months after beginning the intervention and were compared by using a Poisson regression model.

RESULTS:

The mean CLABSI rate decreased by 48% from 0.63 CLABSIs per 1000 central line days at baseline to 0.32 CLABSIs per 1000 central line days during the intervention period (P = .005). The mean bacteremia rate decreased by 54% from 1.27 bacteremias per 1000 central line days at baseline to 0.59 bacteremias per 1000 central line days during the intervention period (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Implementation of a multidisciplinary, central line maintenance care bundle significantly reduced CLABSI and bacteremia person-time incidence rates in ambulatory pediatric oncology patients with central lines. Further research is needed to determine if maintenance care bundles reduce ambulatory CLABSIs and bacteremia in other adult and pediatric populations.
Approval and Perceived Impact of Duty Hour Regulations: Survey of Pediatric Program Directors
Authors: Drolet Brian C. , Whittle Sarah B. , Khokhar Mamoona T. , Fischer Staci A. , Pallant Adam
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVES:

To determine pediatric program director (PD) approval and perception of changes to resident training and patient care resulting from 2011 Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education (ACGME) Common Program Requirements.

METHODS:

All US pediatric PDs (n = 181) were identified from the ACGME. Functional e-mail addresses were identified for 164 (90.6%). Three individualized e-mail requests were sent to each PD to complete an anonymous 32-question Web-based survey.

RESULTS:

A total of 151 responses were obtained (83.4%). Pediatrics PDs reported approval for nearly all of the 2011 ACGME duty hour regulations except for 16-hour intern shift limits (72.2% disapprove). Regarding the perceived impact of the new standards, many areas were reportedly unchanged, but most PDs reported negative effects on resident education (74.7%), preparation for senior roles (79.9%), resident ownership of patients (76.8%), and continuity of care (78.8%). There was a reported increase in PD workload (67.6%) and use of physician extenders (62.7%). Finally, only 48.3% of PDs reported that their residents are “always” compliant with 2011 requirements.

CONCLUSIONS:

Pediatric PDs think there have been numerous negative consequences of the 2011 Common Program Requirements. These include declines in resident education and preparation to take on more senior roles, as well as diminished resident accountability and continuity of care. Although they support individual aspects of duty hour regulation, almost three-quarters of pediatric PDs say there should be fewer regulations. The opinions expressed by PDs in this study should prompt research using quantitative metrics to assess the true impact of duty hour regulations.
Early Feeding and Risk of Celiac Disease in a Prospective Birth Cohort
Authors: Størdal Ketil , White Richard A. , Eggesbø Merete
Published: October 2013

OBJECTIVES:

Timing of gluten introduction has been associated with the risk of celiac disease (CD) in children, but the optimal time window is unknown. We aimed to study the effect of age of gluten introduction on the risk of CD, adjusting for continued breastfeeding.

METHODS:

In The Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study, a prospective birth cohort including 107 000 children, CD was identified by questionnaires and by linkage to the Norwegian Patient Register. Gluten introduction was reported monthly from 0 to 6 months of age, and breastfeeding from 0 to 18 months.

RESULTS:

After exclusion of cases with insufficient information, 324 children with CD in a cohort of 82 167 were used in the analyses. Gluten was introduced before or at 4 months in 8.0%, 5 to 6 months in 45.3%, and after 6 months in 46.6%, whereas continued breastfeeding was stable at ∼78% at 6 months age. CD was diagnosed in 3.68/1000 of the infants with gluten introduction at 5 to 6 months compared with 4.15/1000 with late and 4.24/1000 with early gluten introduction. After adjustment for the child’s age and gender, breastfeeding, and maternal CD, delayed gluten introduction was associated with an increased risk of CD (adjusted odds ratio, 1.27 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.65], P = .045). Breastfeeding >12 months was also associated with increased risk (adjusted odds ratio, 1.49 [95% confidence interval, 1.01–2.21], P = .046).

CONCLUSIONS:

We found an increased risk of CD in children introduced to gluten after 6 months and a higher risk in children breastfed after 12 months age.
High Affinity Membranes for Cellulase Enzyme Detection in Subterranean Termites
Authors: Donald Arishaun , Taylor Tariq , Miao Jianjun , Linhardt Robert , Jackson Duane , Mendenhall Juana
Published: October 2013

The United States dependence on fossil fuels has become mandatory over the past few decades. The fuel shortage during the 1970s and after Hurricane Katrina has catalyzed a need for creating alternative energy sources, improving the efficacy of these alternative energy sources, and enhancing energy sustainability. The U.S. Department of Energy has set goals to replace 30% of the liquid petroleum transportation fuel with biofuels and to replace 25% of industrial organic chemicals with biomass-derived chemicals by 2025. In the southeast United States, subterranean termites are prevalent and microbes in their gut degrade wood based materials such as cellulose which produce simple sugars that can be used to produce bioethanol. Upon seasonal change, subterranean termites undergo less enzymatic activity and wood-eating capability limiting the amount of sugars that may be produced. This limited activity sparks an interest to investigate this poorly understood phenomenon of how temperature may affect the enzymatic activity in subterranean termites’ guts. In this study, we report the development thermoresponsive biomaterial nanofiber mats containing cellulose to model cellulase activity. Using electrospinning techniques, poly(N-vinylcaprolactam) celluose fiber mats have been prepared via alkaline hydrolysis and labeled with fluorescent tags. Subterranean termites (reticulitermes species) were feed fiber mats for 10 consecutive days to assess enzyme mapping and kinetics. Fluorescent microscopy images confirmed spatial and temporal localization of cellulase enzyme throughout the termite gut upon time and temperature change. These novel high affinity enzyme detection membranes show promise towards future biofuel production.
Parboiled rice whole bran in laying diets for Japanese quails
Authors: Quevedo Filho Ivan Bezerra , Freitas Ednardo Rodrigues , Filgueira Thales Marcel Bezerra , Nascimento Germano Augusto Jerônimo do , Braz Nádia de Melo , Fernandes Danilo Rodrigues , Watanabe Pedro Henrique
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of parboiled rice whole bran (PRWB) inclusion in laying diets for Japanese quails, on their performance, egg quality, and economic viability. A total of 448 17-week-old quails were weighed and distributed in a completely randomized design with seven treatments and eight replicates of eight birds each. A control diet (no PRWB) and six diets, containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 30% of PRWB, were tested. The increasing levels of PRWB did not affected nutrient digestibility coefficient, dietary energy use, feed intake, egg production, egg weight, egg mass, and the economic viability indices. However, there was a linear decrease in egg shell percentage, specific weight, and yolk color. The inclusion of up to 30% PRWB in the diet allows nutrient utilization and performance similar to those obtained by the control group, and it is economically viable.
A cophenetic correlation coefficient for Tocher's method
Authors: Silva Anderson Rodrigo da , Dias Carlos Tadeu dos Santos
Published: October 2013

The objective of this work was to propose a way of using the Tocher's method of clustering to obtain a matrix similar to the cophenetic one obtained for hierarchical methods, which would allow the calculation of a cophenetic correlation. To illustrate the obtention of the proposed cophenetic matrix, we used two dissimilarity matrices - one obtained with the generalized squared Mahalanobis distance and the other with the Euclidean distance - between 17 garlic cultivars, based on six morphological characters. Basically, the proposal for obtaining the cophenetic matrix was to use the average distances within and between clusters, after performing the clustering. A function in R language was proposed to compute the cophenetic matrix for Tocher's method. The empirical distribution of this correlation coefficient was briefly studied. For both dissimilarity measures, the values of cophenetic correlation obtained for the Tocher's method were higher than those obtained with the hierarchical methods (Ward's algorithm and average linkage - UPGMA). Comparisons between the clustering made with the agglomerative hierarchical methods and with the Tocher's method can be performed using a criterion in common: the correlation between matrices of original and cophenetic distances.
Global Variation in Cleft Palate Repairs: An Analysis of 352,191 Primary Cleft Repairs in Low- to Higher-Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Cubitt Jonathan J. , Hodges Andrew M. , Van Lierde Kristiane M. , Swan Marc C.
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Resources for repair of cleft lip and palate may be lacking in low- and middle-income countries. The Smile Train is a registered charity that supports cleft repair in resource-poor settings. In the global health care challenge, it has been suggested that many babies born with cleft palates are not repaired. This study aims to determine whether any variation exists in the proportion of cleft lip and cleft palate repairs undertaken in low- and middle-income countries.

Methods

Data were obtained from the Smile Train database of 352,191 consecutive cleft operations performed between 2008 and 2011 in low- to higher-middle-income countries. The ratio of cleft lip to palate repair was analyzed as a function of geographic region and by country income (gross national income).

Results

A significant correlation exists between both the income of a country and its geographical region to the ratio of lip and palate repair procedures undertaken. Higher-income countries had a higher ratio of cleft palate repairs. Countries in sub-Saharan Africa have the lowest proportion of cleft palate repairs.

Conclusion

This study emphasizes that many babies born with cleft palates in resource-poor regions do not have their palates repaired. This finding may be explained by an increased neonatal mortality in cleft palate babies. Furthermore, fewer isolated palatal clefts may present to an appropriate health care facility or there may be a reluctance to treat cleft palate due to concerns regarding higher perioperative risks or the lack of available surgical and anesthetic expertise.
Mechanism of Resistance and Inheritance in Glyphosate Resistant Palmer amaranth (Amaranthus palmeri) Populations from New Mexico, USA
Authors: Mohseni-Moghadam Mohsen , Schroeder Jill , Ashigh Jamshid
Published: October 2013

Two populations of Palmer amaranth from New Mexico have been confirmed to be resistant to glyphosate. In the present study, the molecular basis of resistance and the mode of inheritance of resistance in those populations were investigated. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis indicated up to an eightfold increase in genomicEPSPScopy number in glyphosate resistant plants compared with susceptible plants. The relative genomicEPSPScopy number of resistant plants was positively correlated with the relativeEPSPScDNA expression levels. Eight hours after treatment with glyphosate, the shikimate accumulation levels in resistant plants were negatively correlated with the genomicEPSPScopy numbers. Multiple sequencing of theEPSPScDNA of resistant plants did not reveal any glyphosate resistance-conferring mutations. The evaluation of F1, reciprocal F1, and F2Palmer amaranth families indicated that resistance to glyphosate does not follow a single-gene segregation pattern. Results suggest that theEPSPSamplification is the primary molecular basis of resistance in glyphosate resistant populations of Palmer amaranth from New Mexico.
Relative Canopy Height Influences Wild Oat (Avena fatua) Seed Viability, Dormancy, and Germination
Authors: Lehnhoff Erik A. , Miller Zachariah J. , Brelsford Monica J. , White Sherry , Maxwell Bruce D.
Published: October 2013

The environment in which a plant grows (maternal environment) can affect seed viability, germination, and dormancy. We assessed the effects of maternal environment on wild oat seed viability, germination, dormancy, and pathogen infection by collecting and analyzing wild oat seed from above and below a barley canopy at three field sites in Montana. The viability of wild oat seed collected below a crop canopy was consistently less than it was for seed from the overstory but varied among sites and years. Reductions in viability because of relative canopy position ranged from 10% to 30%. Effects of position relative to crop canopy on weed seed germination/dormancy rates varied by site and suggest that the direction and magnitude of the effects of maternal environment on dormancy depend on environmental conditions. These effects may be driven by crop competition or by changes in seed pathogen pressure or both. Seven species each of fungi and bacteria were isolated from wild oat seeds. The only fungi causing reductions in seed viability (15%) was isolated from understory seeds, and several bacteria from both overstory and understory sources reduced seed germination. Results suggest that, in addition to the known weed-suppressive effects of using taller or earlier emerging varieties of crops, such crops can reduce weed spread through effects on weed seed demography because weeds growing beneath the crop canopy produce a reduced amount of viable seed that is less likely to germinate in the following year.
Unplanned-maintenance needs related to rail track geometry
Authors: Andrade António Ramos , Teixeira Paulo Fonseca
Published: October 2013

This paper explores unplanned-maintenance needs regarding rail track geometry degradation using a logistic regression approach. The authors conducted an exploratory statistical analysis using the inspection records from the Portuguese Infrastructure Manager in order to predict the probability that a given track section needs unplanned maintenance depending on the planned-maintenance indicators proposed by the European Standard EN 13848, and on other explaining variables such as the presence of bridges and switches. The main conclusions are that the typical planned-maintenance criteria (the standard deviations of longitudinal-levelling and of horizontal-alignment defects) are statistically significant predictors of unplanned-maintenance needs. Moreover, for some speed groups and quality levels, the presence of bridges and switches is also statistically significant. These findings contribute to a quantified understanding of the underlying trade-off between planned-maintenance and unplanned-maintenance needs in the current suggested limits contained in the standard EN 13848.
How many seeds does it take to make a sapling?
Authors: Terborgh John , Zhu Kai , Álvarez-Loayza Patricia , Cornejo Valverde Fernando
Published: October 2013

Tall canopy trees produce many more seeds than do understory treelets, yet, on average, both classes of trees achieve the same lifetime fitness. Using concurrent data on seedfall (8 years) and sapling recruitment (12 years) from a long‐established tree plot at the Cocha Cashu Biological Station in Peru, we show that a 40‐m canopy tree must produce roughly 13 times the mass of seeds to generate a sapling as a 5‐m understory treelet. Mature tree height accounted for 41% of the variance in seed mass per sapling recruit in a simple univariate regression, whereas a multivariate model that included both intrinsic (seed mass, tree height, and dispersal mode) and extrinsic factors (sapling mortality as a surrogate for microsite quality) explained only 31% of the variance in number of seeds per sapling recruit. The multivariate model accounted for less variance because tall trees produce heavier seeds, on average, than treelets. We used “intact” (mostly dispersed) seeds to parameterize the response variable so as to reduce, if not eliminate, any contribution of conspecific crowding to the difference in reproductive efficiency between canopy trees and treelets. Accordingly, a test for negative density dependence failed to expose a relationship between density of reproductive trees in the population and reproductive efficiency (seed mass per recruit). We conclude that understory treelets, some of which produce only a dozen seeds a year, gain their per‐seed advantage by failing to attract enemies à la Janzen‐Connell, either in ecological or evolutionary time.
Multiple mutualist effects: conflict and synergy in multispecies mutualisms
Authors: Afkhami Michelle E. , Rudgers Jennifer A. , Stachowicz John J.
Published: October 2013

Most organisms interact with multiple mutualistic species that confer different functional benefits, yet current conceptual frameworks do not fully address this complexity. A network approach considers multiple mutualistic interactions within a functional type and has been largely nonmechanistic, with little attention to the fitness consequences of specific interactions. Alternatively, consumer–resource approaches have explicitly characterized the mechanisms and fitness consequences of resource exchange, but have not been extended to functionally divergent partners. First, we merge these approaches using graphical models to define the multiple mutualist effects (MMEs) that occur when a focal species has multiple partner mutualists. This approach mirrors food web research that has been advanced by studies of multiple predator effects as well as by detailed investigations of modules nested within larger networks. Second, we define the pathways through which a focal mutualist and two or more partner species could interact, reviewing examples of MMEs that span a range from positive to negative fitness effects. Third, given the potential for nonadditivity demonstrated by the existing literature, we pose new hypotheses for species‐interaction outcomes by examining factors such as the extent of overlap in rewards exchanged among partners and their resulting network topologies. Our synthesis illustrates how the consideration of MMEs can improve the ability to predict the outcomes of losses or gains of mutualisms from ecosystems.
Turfgrasses Responded Differently to Salinity, Waterlogging, and Combined Saline–Waterlogging Conditions
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zuk Alan J. , Rue Kevin
Published: October 2013

Waterlogging is commonly seen in salt‐affected soils. Previous research focused primarily on the effect of individual salinity or waterlogging on plant growth and development. However, information on saline‐waterlogging (the combined condition) is limited. This study was to determine responses of ‘Stonewall’ tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and ‘Bewitched’ Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) to saline (water electrical conductivity [ECw] at 5.4 or 11.0 dS m−1), waterlogging, and saline‐waterlogging at 5.4 or 11.0 dS m−1. Soil salinity was decreased in the following order: salinity at 11.0 dS m−1 > saline‐waterlogging at 11.0 dS m−1 > salinity at 5.4 dS m−1 = saline‐waterlogging at 5.4 dS m−1 > control = waterlogging. Plants showed higher shoot dry weight and water content under waterlogging than the control treatment, but no significant differences in visual quality and electrolyte leakage were observed between the two treatments. Waterlogging did not elevate salinity stress at the lower salinity level (5.4 dS m−1); however, plants subjected to waterlogging had a higher shoot dry weight. Turfgrass showed higher levels of visual quality, shoot dry weight, and water content under saline‐waterlogging at 11.0 dS m−1 than under salinity alone (11.0 dS m−1) at a later stage of the experiment (week 3 or 4). Stonewall tall fescue showed higher tolerance to salinity, waterlogging, and the combined condition compared with Bewitched Kentucky bluegrass at week 4. Our results showed that turfgrasses responded differently when they were exposed to individual salinity or waterlogging or combined saline‐waterlogging conditions.
Genomewide Association Mapping of Flowering Time, Kernel Composition, and Disease Resistance in Historical Minnesota Maize Inbreds
Authors: Schaefer Christopher M. , Bernardo Rex
Published: October 2013

Association mapping in maize (Zea mays L.) has been effective at identifying major quantitative trait loci (QTL) for less‐complex traits, and historical inbreds are a potential source of useful variation. Our objectives were to (i) characterize genomewide linkage disequilibrium, (ii) assess variation for flowering time, kernel composition, and resistance to northern corn leaf blight (NCLB) (caused by Setosphaeria turcica) and Goss's wilt and blight (GWB) (caused by Clavibacter michiganensis subsp. nebraskensis), and (iii) identity major QTL for these traits in a collection of 284 historical maize inbreds mostly developed at the University of Minnesota. Linkage disequilibrium (LD) was high, decaying (r2 = 0.1) in 802 kb, among 39,166 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers on the Illumina MaizeSNP50 Beadchip. The mean LD between adjacent markers was r2 = 0.38. The A321 subpopulation, to which 60% of the Minnesota inbreds belonged, had inbreds with either or both the minimum and maximum inbred mean value for all traits except protein concentration. We identified QTL for days to anthesis (eight QTL), days to silking (11 QTL), oil concentration (11 QTL), starch concentration (two QTL), NCLB (13 QTL), and GWB (nine QTL). The Minnesota inbreds were enriched for favorable QTL alleles for days to flowering and oil concentration but not for starch concentration and disease resistance. These QTL identified in historical maize inbreds may be useful in modern breeding programs.
Temporal variations of reference evapotranspiration in Heihe River basin of China
Authors: Li Zhanling , Li Zhanjie , Xu Zongxue , Zhou Xun
Published: October 2013

Temporal variations in reference evapotranspiration (ETo) have profound implications for hydrological processes as well as for agricultural crop performance. The main aim of this study was to analyze the annual, seasonal trends in ETo in the Heihe River basin. The likely causative meteorological variables for such temporal changes in ETo were also identified. Results showed that, on a seasonal and annual scale, ETo for the upper reach showed increasing trends from 1960 to 2010; both increasing and decreasing trends were observed for the middle and lower reaches. In spring, wind speed (WS) and relative humidity (RH) were the most likely causative variables for changes of ETo for the whole basin; in summer and autumn, maximum temperature (Tmax) and RH contributed more to the trends in ETo for the upper reach, and WS contributed more for the middle and lower reaches; in winter, Tmax, WS and RH contributed more in different locations and in different seasons. From the spatial perspective, WS, RH and Tmax contributed more to the changes of ETo in the upper reach; WS was the main likely influence factor in the middle reach, and WS and RH were the probable main factors in the lower reach.
The impacts of climate variability and human activities on streamflow in Bai River basin, northern China
Authors: Zhan Chesheng , Niu Cunwen , Song Xiaomeng , Xu Chongyu
Published: October 2013

Both the time series analysis method and hydrological modeling approach are integrated to analyze the streamflow response to climate variability and human activities in the Bai River basin, northern China using data from 1986 to 1998 in this study. Also, the quantification and separation of effects from climate variability and human activities is investigated. First, the Fu formula based on Budyko hypothesis was applied to explore the integrated underlying surface characteristics in the whole basin, and then the SIMHYD model was calibrated and validated using the data from 1986 to 1990 (pre-treatment period). The calibrated model was then used to simulate streamflow in the period 1991 to 1998 (testing period) and obtain quantitative assessment on the impacts of climate variability and human activities. The difference of observed streamflows between the pre-treatment period and the testing period reflects the combined influence of climate variability and human activities in the basin, while the difference between simulated and observed streamflow during the testing period reflects the impact of human activities in the catchment. The results show that the contribution rate of climate to the streamflow change in the basin is 37.5 and 62.5% for human activities. Human activities exerted a dominant influence upon streamflow change in the Bai River basin.