bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Contemplative Methods Meet Social Sciences: Back to Human Experience as It Is
Authors: Giorgino Vincenzo Mario Bruno 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe aim of this paper is to trace a pathway connecting contemplative knowledge and practices with the social sciences. Contemplative knowledge and practices offer material for reflection in social science even concerning their very foundation. I'll found an opportunity for meshing our disciplinary tools with this knowledge as I introduced it in a health promotion program. The result will be a transdisciplinary confluence of different lines of inquiry contributing to a new perspective of self and social action.First of all I will give a definition of contemplative knowledge and practices. Then, I will make a bridge between the contemplative approach and the social sciences, showing the contribution that symbolic interactionism can play. I will illustrate the perspective drawing on an action research program calledAurigaaimed at smoking cessation and reduction among health professionals. The aim of this paper is focused on the specification of the conceptual background in which such kind of program has been developed. Finally, I outline some implications it could represent for what might be called transformative sociology.I believe that contemplative knowledge could contribute to disentangle some of the unanswered questions and concerns in the social sciences, once they dismiss for a while their scientistic perspective. The secular redefinition of tools mainly belonging to the wisdom traditions represents an innovation that can reshape what we intend by the self and experience, contributing to what is called the “social transformation from within,” a pragmatic and wise approach to change at any level.
What animals can live in cryoconite holes? A faunal review
Authors: Zawierucha K. , Kolicka M. , Takeuchi N. , Kaczmarek Ł. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractDespite the large number of studies on glaciers, knowledge regarding biota in cryoconite holes is limited. Cryophilic animals are often neglected in ecological studies on glacial habitats, but are important for the functioning of these environments. Owing to climate change and the melting of polar ice, cryophilic fauna could be threatened in the near future. We provide the first comprehensive survey of invertebrates inhabiting the cryoconite holes of Alpine, Antarctic, Arctic, Himalayan and Patagonian glaciers. At present, the list of taxa is rather short and includes five phyla (Rotifera, Annelida, Tardigrada, Nematoda and Arthropoda). Owing to generally poor knowledge of the fauna of cryoconite holes, there could be more than the 25 currently known species. In addition, we present the geographical distributions of the taxa and discuss the diversity of invertebrates living in cryoconite holes and make predictions regarding the faunal diversity of these habitats.
Scottish, English, British?: Innovations in Attitude Measurement
Authors: Llamas Carmen , Watt Dominic 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThis paper reviews techniques used in the direct, quantitative measurement of attitudes, before discussing the advantages of employing Visual Analog Scales. Innovative uses of these methods were developed for utilization in the large‐scale sociophonetic studyAccent and Identity on the Scottish/English Border. The paper presents the ‘Attitude Analog Scale’ and the ‘Relational Analog Scale’, which were devised as a way of examining attitudes towards national identities among the inhabitants of this border region.
Challenges and Opportunities in Sociolinguistic Data and Metadata Sharing
Authors: Cieri Christopher 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAdvances in computing technology coupled with recent focus on big data in the social sciences have provided the motivation and some of the infrastructure necessary for sociolinguists to share data among themselves and with researchers in related fields such as human language technologies (HLT). Collaboration among sociolinguists offers the promise to extend current knowledge beyond the community studies that have dominated the field for the past 50 years and focus more on regional and national patterns of variation and change and what they indicate about linguistic theory. Collaboration with HLT developers while relatively new and still uncommon has led to advances both in sociolinguistic methodology and in technologies suited to sociolinguistic research. Before the field can make full use of these advances, however, sociolinguists must confront a number of challenges. Studies that were developed with the intent of describing a single speech community presumably need not ensure, and in many cases have not ensured, consistency with prior work. Given this practice, attempts to compare phenomena across studies must address mismatches at the levels of data elicitation and selection, coding practice, and the definition of underlying concepts. Adding to the confusion wrought by methodological differences, speech communities differ in ways that the field worker cannot always predict so that different and sometimes unique linguistic and non‐linguistic features are found to vary with linguistic structure. This paper underscores the motivation for data sharing by identifying some limitations of comparisons based only on published papers and reviewing advances fueled by data sharing among linguists and between linguists and technology developers. It also documents some of the challenges that hinder data sharing by reviewing work that has build upon available corpora. Finally, it summarizes efforts outside of sociolinguistics that have proposed frameworks for sharing and comparing metadata and categories setting the stage for the papers that follow in these special issues.
Coding for Demographic Categories in the Creation of Legacy Corpora: Asian American Ethnic Identities
Authors: Hall‐Lew Lauren , Wong Amy Wing‐mei 
Published: November 2014

AbstractA set of shared coding conventions for speaker ethnicity is necessary for open‐source data sharing and cross‐study compatibility between linguistic corpora. However, ethnicity, like many other aspects of speaker identity, is continually negotiated and reproduced in discourse, and therefore a challenge to code representatively. This paper discusses some of the challenges facing researchers who want to use, create, or contribute to existing corpora that are annotated for the ethnic identity of a speaker. We specifically problematize the macro‐social label ‘Asian American’ and propose that researchers should consider different levels and types of specificity of ‘Asianness’ in order to ensure that the corpora best represent the reality of ethnic identity in the community sampled. This is particularly important given the limited incorporation of different Asian groups in most existing linguistic research). We argue that more rigorous coding for Asian American ethnicities in corpora will improve the utility of archived corpora and enhance sociolinguistic research on language variation and ethnic identity.
Introduction to the Special Issue on Archiving Sociolinguistic Data
Authors: Yaeger‐Dror Malcah , Cieri Christopher 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAdvances in online networking have permitted an increasing interest in big data by the community of linguists. This special issue will address the needs of researchers hoping to take advantage of this expansion of our horizons, both by adapting their research design to permit their own corpus to conform to the expanded need for accurate metadata and to permit them to take full advantage of their own corpora that researcher can collect and analyze directly. In linguistics, this naturally leads to increased emphasis on data sharing, which is one way to amass data of sufficient size and variety to permit new kinds of insight. At the same time, there is a growing consensus among sociolinguists that researchers must refine their views on demographic, situational, and attitudinal factors that correlate with linguistic differences in order to permit not only more effective data sharing and comparison but also more accurate conclusions.
Age: Methods and Metadata
Authors: Bowie David 
Published: November 2014

AbstractAge has proven to be an extremely useful variable in many social science fields, and linguistics is no exception: it is widely used in applied linguistics, psycholinguistics, and (especially) sociolinguistics. This makes sense – given that even casual observation tells us that humans behave differently at different points in the life cycle, it is quite reasonable to take age into account when investigating human behavior. In turn, the use of age as a variable has led to a wide range of methods and analytical tools that rely on the use of age (e.g., the apparent time construct in sociolinguistics). However, it turns out that even though age is often treated in a rather simple way, it is actually a complicated concept that can be difficult to pin down precisely and that the usual linguistic view of age as a simple reflection of the linear passage of time is lacking. That fact has repercussions for how linguists should deal with age, including not just issues like how to record metadata relating to it, but even methodological concerns such as how to do the initial elicitation in the first place.
The impacts of inbreeding, drift and selection on genetic diversity in captive breeding populations
Authors: Willoughby Janna R. , Fernandez Nadia B. , Lamb Maureen C. , Ivy Jamie A. , Lacy Robert C. , DeWoody J. Andrew 
Published: November 2014

AbstractThe goal of captive breeding programmes is often to maintain genetic diversity until re‐introductions can occur. However, due in part to changes that occur in captive populations, approximately one‐third of re‐introductions fail. We evaluated genetic changes in captive populations using microsatellites and mtDNA. We analysed six populations of white‐footed mice that were propagated for 20 generations using two replicates of three protocols: random mating (RAN), minimizing mean kinship (MK) and selection for docility (DOC). We found that MK resulted in the slowest loss of microsatellite genetic diversity compared to RAN and DOC. However, the loss of mtDNA haplotypes was not consistent among replicate lines. We compared our empirical data to simulated data and found no evidence of selection. Our results suggest that although the effects of drift may not be fully mitigated, MK reduces the loss of alleles due to inbreeding more effectively than random mating or docility selection. Therefore, MK should be preferred for captive breeding. Furthermore, our simulations show that incorporating microsatellite data into the MK framework reduced the magnitude of drift, which may have applications in long‐term or extremely genetically depauperate captive populations.
Rapid acclimation of juvenile corals to CO2‐mediated acidification by upregulation of heat shock protein and Bcl‐2 genes
Authors: Moya A. , Huisman L. , Forêt S. , Gattuso J.‐P. , Hayward D. C. , Ball E. E. , Miller D. J. 
Published: November 2014

AbstractCorals play a key role in ocean ecosystems and carbonate balance, but their molecular response to ocean acidification remains unclear. The only previous whole‐transcriptome study (Moya et al. Molecular Ecology, 2012; 21, 2440) documented extensive disruption of gene expression, particularly of genes encoding skeletal organic matrix proteins, in juvenile corals (Acropora millepora) after short‐term (3 d) exposure to elevated pCO2. In this study, whole‐transcriptome analysis was used to compare the effects of such ‘acute’ (3 d) exposure to elevated pCO2 with a longer (‘prolonged’; 9 d) period of exposure beginning immediately post‐fertilization. Far fewer genes were differentially expressed under the 9‐d treatment, and although the transcriptome data implied wholesale disruption of metabolism and calcification genes in the acute treatment experiment, expression of most genes was at control levels after prolonged treatment. There was little overlap between the genes responding to the acute and prolonged treatments, but heat shock proteins (HSPs) and heat shock factors (HSFs) were over‐represented amongst the genes responding to both treatments. Amongst these was an HSP70 gene previously shown to be involved in acclimation to thermal stress in a field population of another acroporid coral. The most obvious feature of the molecular response in the 9‐d treatment experiment was the upregulation of five distinct Bcl‐2 family members, the majority predicted to be anti‐apoptotic. This suggests that an important component of the longer term response to elevated CO2 is suppression of apoptosis. It therefore appears that juvenile A. millepora have the capacity to rapidly acclimate to elevated pCO2, a process mediated by upregulation of specific HSPs and a suite of Bcl‐2 family members.
Structural basis for targeting the ribosomal protein S1 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by pyrazinamide
Authors: Yang Juanjuan , Liu Yindi , Bi Jing , Cai Qixu , Liao Xinli , Li Wenqian , Guo Chenyun , Zhang Qian , Lin Tianwei , Zhao Yufen , Wang Honghai , Liu Jun , Zhang Xuelian , Lin Donghai 
Published: November 2014

SummaryPyrazinamide (PZA) is a first‐line drug for tuberculosis (TB) treatment and is responsible for shortening the duration of TB therapy. The mode of action of PZA remains elusive. RpsA, the ribosomal protein S1 of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), was recently identified as a target of PZA based on its binding activity to pyrazinoic acid (POA), the active form of PZA. POA binding to RpsA led to the inhibition of trans‐translation. However, the nature of the RpsA–POA interaction remains unknown. Key questions include why POA exhibits an exquisite specificity to RpsA of Mtb and how RpsA mutations confer PZA resistance. Here, we report the crystal structures of the C‐terminal domain of RpsA of Mtb and its complex with POA, as well as the corresponding domains of two RpsA variants that are associated with PZA resistance. Structural analysis reveals that POA binds to RpsA through hydrogen bonds and hydrophobic interactions, mediated mainly by residues (Lys303, Phe307, Phe310 and Arg357) that are essential for tmRNA binding. Conformational changes induced by mutation or sequence variation at the C‐terminus of RpsA abolish the POA binding activity. Our findings provide insights into the mode of action of PZA and molecular basis of PZA resistance associated with RpsA mutations.
Three explanations for biodiversity hotspots: small range size, geographical overlap and time for species accumulation. An Australian case study
Authors: Cook Lyn G. , Hardy Nate B. , Crisp Michael D. 
Published: November 2014

Summary

To understand the generation and maintenance of biodiversity hotspots, we tested three major hypotheses: rates of diversification, ecological limits to diversity, and time for species accumulation.

Using dated molecular phylogenies, measures of species' range size and geographical clade overlap, niche modelling, and lineages‐through‐time plots of Australian Fabaceae, we compared the southwest Australia Floristic Region (SWAFR; a global biodiversity hotspot) with a latitudinally equivalent non‐hotspot, southeast Australia (SEA).

Ranges of species (real and simulated) were smaller in the SWAFR than in SEA. Geographical overlap of clades was significantly greater for Daviesia in the SWAFR than in SEA, but the inverse for Bossiaea. Lineage diversification rates over the past 10 Myr did not differ between the SWAFR and SEA in either genus.

Interaction of multiple factors probably explains the differences in measured diversity between the two regions. Steeper climatic gradients in the SWAFR probably explain the smaller geographical ranges of both genera there. Greater geographical overlap of clades in the SWAFR, combined with a longer time in the region, can explain why Daviesia is far more species‐rich there than in SEA. Our results indicate that the time for speciation and ecological limits hypotheses, in concert, can explain the differences in biodiversity.
Effects of Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein on Bone Morphogenetic Protein‐2‐induced Differentiation of Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Guo Peng , Shi Zhong‐li , Liu An , Lin Tiao , Bi Fanggang , Shi Mingmin , Yan Shi‐gui 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of overexpression of cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) on bone morphogenetic protein‐2 (BMP‐2) induced osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). In this study, we used liposomes to transfect MSCs with plasmid encoding COMP and then induced the transfected MSCs to differentiate in osteogenic and chondrogenic differentiation media containing BMP‐2.MethodsMSCs transfected with plasmid DNA encoding recombinant human COMP were induced to differentiate into osteocytes and chondrocytes by BMP‐2. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays of osteogenesis‐related markers (collagen type I alpha 1, runt‐related transcription factor 2, osteopontin, bone gla protein) and chondrogenesis‐related markers (collagen type II alpha 1, sry‐related high‐mobility group box 9, Aggrecan) was performed to evaluate the process of cell differentiation. Cell differentiation was evaluated by alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin red S stains for osteogenic differentiation and alcian blue staining for chondrogenic differentiation.ResultsReal‐time PCR assay showed significantly greater COMP expression by MSCs when COMP gene had been transfected into the cells (P < 0.01). Overexpression of COMP down‐regulated expression of osteogenesis‐related markers and up‐regulated expression of chondrogenesis‐related markers. ALP staining and Alizarin red S staining were weakened, whereas alcian blue staining was enhanced.ConclusionOverexpression of COMP inhibits BMP‐2‐induced osteogenic differentiation and promotes BMP‐2‐induced chondrogenic differentiation. These findings may provide new insights for cartilage tissue engineering. The experiments in the present study were all in vitro, which has potential limitations. Further in vivo studies to investigate the effects of COMP in animal models are necessary, which will be the next step in our research.
Arthroscopic Single‐row versus Double‐row Technique for Repairing Rotator Cuff Tears: a Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Ying Zhi‐min , Lin Tiao , Yan Shi‐gui 
Published: November 2014

ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to systematically review published reports that compare the outcomes of single‐row and double‐row suture anchor fixation in arthroscopic rotator cuff repair.MethodsCombined data regarding relevant patient characteristics, rotator cuff pathology, surgical techniques, postoperative rehabilitation regimens, University of California at Los Angeles (UCLA) Scores, Constant scores, American Shoulder and Elbow Society (ASES) scores, tendon healing, incidence of recurrent rotator cuff defects, shoulder muscle strength, range of motion, surgical time and patient satisfaction were assessed.ResultsSeven eligible randomized controlled studies and four prospective cohort studies were identified. There were no significant differences between the single‐row and double‐row groups in terms of Constant or ASES scores. However, UCLA scores, tendon healing, abduction shoulder strength index (SSI), external rotation SSI and internal rotation SSI were significantly better for double‐row technique than for single‐row technique. A statistically significant advantage for double‐row repair according to UCLA score and external rotation SSI was found in the subgroup with tears greater than 3 cm.ConclusionNo definite conclusion could be drawn about differences in overall outcomes of double‐ and single‐row techniques for repairing for small to medium (<3 cm) or large to massive (>3 cm) rotator cuff tears, even though some measures of clinical outcome showed significant differences between these two techniques.
A Pilot Study to Assess Benefit of Atrial Rhythm Control after Cardiac Resynchronization Therapy and Atrioventricular Node Ablation
Authors: SCHWARTZMAN DAVID , HOUSEL DEBRA , BAZAZ RAVEEN , JAIN SANDEEP , SABA SAMIR , GORCSAN JOHN , ADELSTEIN EVAN 
Published: November 2014

BackgroundAtrial fibrillation (AF) is frequently comorbid in patients receiving cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), and suppression is typically difficult. Herein, we sought to understand the benefit of atrial rhythm control in the setting of ventricular rate and regularity control induced by atrioventricular node (AVN) ablation.MethodsFifty‐two patients with heart failure, persistent AF, left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction <35%, and left bundle branch block underwent cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) + AVN ablation, and were randomized to one of the following groups: (1) Atrial Rhythm Control (ARC); (2) AF. Patients were subsequently followed for up to 1 year.ResultsSimilar numbers of patients in each group were lost to follow‐up or have withdrawn (ARC two; AF three). Rhythm control in four patients in the ARC group was inadequate. Among the remaining patients, the incidence of death (ARC=1, AF=2) or left ventricular assist device +/− transplantation (ARC=2, AF=1) were similar. Among the remaining patients (ARC 16, AF 19), at 1 year, there were no significant differences in CRT response rate, Minnesota Living with Heart Failure survey score, 6‐minute hall walk distance, ventricular tachyarrhythmia occurrence, or LV dimensions. A significantly higher hospital encounter rate among ARC patients was attributable to efforts to maintain uniform atrial rhythm.ConclusionsIn this pilot study, no incremental benefit for ARC was apparent. A larger study will be necessary to adequately examine these issues.
Understanding and engineering beneficial plant–microbe interactions: plant growth promotion in energy crops
Authors: Farrar Kerrie , Bryant David , Cope‐Selby Naomi 
Published: November 2014

SummaryPlant production systems globally must be optimized to produce stable high yields from limited land under changing and variable climates. Demands for food, animal feed, and feedstocks for bioenergy and biorefining applications, are increasing with population growth, urbanization and affluence. Low‐input, sustainable, alternatives to petrochemical‐derived fertilizers and pesticides are required to reduce input costs and maintain or increase yields, with potential biological solutions having an important role to play. In contrast to crops that have been bred for food, many bioenergy crops are largely undomesticated, and so there is an opportunity to harness beneficial plant–microbe relationships which may have been inadvertently lost through intensive crop breeding. Plant–microbe interactions span a wide range of relationships in which one or both of the organisms may have a beneficial, neutral or negative effect on the other partner. A relatively small number of beneficial plant–microbe interactions are well understood and already exploited; however, others remain understudied and represent an untapped reservoir for optimizing plant production. There may be near‐term applications for bacterial strains as microbial biopesticides and biofertilizers to increase biomass yield from energy crops grown on land unsuitable for food production. Longer term aims involve the design of synthetic genetic circuits within and between the host and microbes to optimize plant production. A highly exciting prospect is that endosymbionts comprise a unique resource of reduced complexity microbial genomes with adaptive traits of great interest for a wide variety of applications.