bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MARBLES: Mining association rules buried in long event sequences
Authors: Cule Boris , Tatti Nikolaj , Goethals Bart
Published: August 2013

Sequential pattern discovery is a well‐studied field in data mining. Episodes are sequential patterns that describe events that often occur in the vicinity of each other. Episodes can impose restrictions on the order of the events, which makes them a versatile technique for describing complex patterns in the sequence. Most of the research on episodes deals with special cases such as serial and parallel episodes, while discovering general episodes is surprisingly understudied. This is particularly true when it comes to discovering association rules between them.

In this paper we propose an algorithm that mines association rules between two general episodes. On top of the traditional definitions of frequency and confidence, we introduce two novel confidence measures for the rules. The major challenge in mining these association rules is pattern explosion. To limit the output, we aim to eliminate all redundant rules. We define the class of closed association rules and show that this class contains all non‐redundant output. To make the algorithm efficient, we use further pruning steps along the way. First of all, we generate only free and closed frequent episodes from which we create candidate rules, we speed up the evaluation of the rules, and then prune the remaining non‐closed rules from the output. Finally, we provide the user with the additional option of using a confidence boost threshold to remove the less informative rules from the output.
Production and Properties of 316L Stainless Steel Cellular Materials and Syntactic Foams
Authors: Weise Jörg , Lehmhus Dirk , Baumeister Joachim , Kun Robert , Bayoumi Mohamed , Busse Matthias
Published: August 2013

316L steel syntactic foams incorporating different mass percentages of soda lime borosilicate glass microspheres (3M™) as porosity‐introducing particles are produced via metal powder injection moulding. Sintering is performed at 1200°C under controlled atmosphere for 1.5, 3, and 6 h. Microstructural features are examined using optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) as well as focused ion beam (FIB) preparation and EDX analysis. Response to quasi‐static compressive and tensile loads is studied and interpreted based on structural characterization results. Melting of microspheres is observed, but cavities originally occupied by microspheres are maintained, while glass inclusions form in the surrounding matrix. A qualitative explanation of the underlying process is given. Evaluation of the stress–strain curve reveals a comparatively weak expression of the stress plateau matching the relatively low porosity. Analysis of tensile fracture surfaces indicates a shift of failure initiation sites from spinel type MnCr2O4 phases in the reference material to glass inclusions in foam samples. No major influence of sintering time on structural or mechanical characteristics is identified. Despite the adverse effects of microsphere melting, mechanical performance of 316L syntactic foams matches similar materials having Fe and Fe‐based alloy matrices.
New constraints on the chronology, magnitude, and distribution of deformation within the central Andean orocline
Authors: Eichelberger Nathan , McQuarrie Nadine , Ehlers Todd A. , Enkelmann Eva , Barnes Jason B. , Lease Richard O.
Published: August 2013

Constructing an accurate kinematic model for crustal thickening in the central Andes is hampered by the inability of 2‐D balanced cross sections to resolve the 3‐D displacement field within the poorly studied orocline core. This study presents new structural and thermochronometer data from the orocline axis in the central Andes that constrains the magnitude and timing of deformation through (1) a balanced cross section quantifying shortening perpendicular to strike, (2) field observations that constrain translational displacements parallel to strike, and (3) thermochronology that brackets the age of exhumation and deformation. Mapping results show that north directed, right‐lateral motion has been accommodated on at least one major strike‐slip fault in the Eastern Cordillera (EC). Shortening perpendicular to fault strike is ~179 km (41%) for the EC and inter‐Andean zone (IA) and ~86 km (39%) for the sub‐Andes (SA). Apatite fission track cooling ages indicate rapid EC/IA exhumation from 46 to 18 Ma and 15 to 0 Ma in the SA. Zircon and apatite (U‐Th)/He ages show that rapid exhumation began 10–5 Ma in the SA. These results are integrated with existing paleomagnetic and GPS rotation data in map view reconstructions to quantify the magnitude of translational faulting related to oroclinal bending. The reconstructions suggest that at least 85 km of north directed translational displacement has been accommodated within the orocline core. Orogen‐parallel displacement and vertical axis rotations have focused crustal thickening at the orocline core and facilitated development of a high‐elevation plateau, suggesting a genetic link between large‐scale oroclines and plateaus.
Thermal‐mechanical modeling of salt‐based mountain belts with pre‐existing basement faults: Application to the Zagros fold and thrust belt, southwest Iran
Authors: Nilfouroushan Faramarz , Pysklywec Russell , Cruden Alexander , Koyi Hemin
Published: August 2013

Two‐dimensional thermal‐mechanical models of thick‐skinned, salt‐based fold and thrust belts, such as the Zagros, SW Iran, are used to address: (1) the degree of deformation and decoupling between cover and basement rocks due to the presence of a weak salt detachment, (2) the reactivation potential of pre‐existing basement normal faults due to brittle or ductile behavior of the lower crust (as related to cold or hot geothermal gradients), and (3) variations in deformation style and strain distribution. The geometry and kinematics of the orogenic wedge and the activity of pre‐existing basement faults are strongly influenced by the geothermal gradient (defined by the Moho temperature, MT) and basement rheology. We infer that the MT plays a major role in how the lower and upper crust transfer deformation toward the foreland. In relatively hot geotherm models (MT = 600°C at 36 km depth), the lowermost basement deforms in a ductile fashion while the uppermost basement underlying the sedimentary cover deforms by folding, thrusting, and displacements along pre‐existing basement faults. In these models, cover units above the salt detachment occur within a less deformed, wide plateau in the hinterland. In relatively cold geotherm models (MT = 400°C at 36 km depth), deformation is mainly restricted to basement imbricate thrusts that form within the orogenic hinterland. Detachment folding, thrusting, and gravity gliding occur within cover sediments above uplifted basement blocks. Gravity gliding contributes to a larger amount of shortening in the cover compared to the basement.
Intra‐ and interobserver reliability of levator ani muscle biometry and avulsion using three‐dimensional endovaginal ultrasonography
Authors: van Delft K. , Shobeiri S. A. , Thakar R. , Schwertner‐Tiepelmann N. , Sultan A. H.
Published: August 2013

Objectives

To test intra‐ and interobserver reliability of assessment of levator ani muscle (LAM) biometry and avulsion using antenatal and postnatal three‐dimensional (3D) endovaginal ultrasonography (EVUS), and to determine levator–urethra gap (LUG) values on EVUS.

Methods

Primigravid women were scanned prior to delivery, early postpartum and 3 months postpartum, with EVUS performed at rest using a standardized protocol. During post‐processing, measurements were taken in the plane of minimal hiatal dimensions by two independent investigators blinded to the clinical information and each other's results. LAM attachment to the pubic bone was assessed at the pubococcygeus and puborectalis levels using a score system: (1) intact; (2) partial avulsion (< 50%); (3) partial avulsion (≥ 50%); and (4) complete avulsion. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) and limits of agreement (LOAs) were calculated for each time point, with intraobserver analysis conducted in a random sample of 20 women scanned 3 months following delivery.

Results

One hundred and sixty‐nine antenatal scans, 83 early postpartum scans and 75 scans at 3 months postpartum were performed. The intra‐ and interobserver ICCs, respectively, were 0.95 and 0.86–0.88 for hiatal area, 0.90 and 0.16–0.74 for hiatal transverse diameter, 0.91 and 0.73–0.80 for hiatal anteroposterior diameter, 0.50 and 0.32–0.52 for LAM thickness at the ‘9 o'clock position’ and 0.55 and 0.33–0.45 for LAM thickness at the ‘3 o'clock position’. Both intra‐ and interobserver analysis revealed acceptable LOAs for hiatal measurements, but the LOAs were wide for thickness measurements. The correlation of LAM avulsion score was excellent on intra‐ and interobserver analysis. Antenatal mean ± SD LUGs were 18.8 ± 2.4 mm and 19.2 ± 2.3 mm on right and left sides, respectively; the intraobserver ICC was 0.82–0.91 but LOAs were wide, while interobserver ICC was 0.13–0.68 and also had wide LOAs.

Conclusions

3D‐EVUS is a reliable tool for the assessment of hiatal measurements and LAM avulsion in women during pregnancy and after delivery, but performs less well for measurements of LAM thickness and LUG. EVUS can therefore be used in research studies involving childbirth and recurrent prolapse. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Determining wind turbine power curves based on operating conditions
Authors: Paiva L.T. , Veiga Rodrigues C. , Palma J.M.L.M.
Published: August 2013

The relation between wind speed and electrical power—the power curve—is essential in the design, management and power forecasting of a wind farm. The power curve is the main characteristic of a wind turbine, and a procedure is presented for its determination, after the wind turbine is installed and in operation. The procedure is based on both computational and statistical techniques, in situ measurements, nacelle anemometry and operational data. This can be an alternative or a complement to procedures fully based on field measurements as in the International Electrotechnical Commission standards, reducing the time and costs of such practices. The impact of a more accurate power curve was measured in terms of the prediction error of a wind power forecasting system over 1 year of operation, whereby the methodology for numerical site calibration was presented and the concepts of ideal power curve and nacelle power curve introduced. The validation was based on data from wind turbines installed at a wind farm in complex topography, in Portugal, providing a real test of the technique presented here. The contribution of the power curve to the wind power forecasting uncertainty was found to be from 10% to 15% of the root mean square error. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
3D load estimation on a horizontal axis wind turbine using SPIV
Authors: del Campo V. , Ragni D. , Micallef D. , Akay B. , Diez F. J. , Simão Ferreira C.
Published: August 2013

The flow around the blade of a horizontal axis wind turbine wind tunnel model, operating at its optimal tip speed ratio in axial flow, has been investigated by means of stereoscopic particle image velocimetry (SPIV). The aim was to assess the possibility of measuring the loads impinged on the blade, using the acquired velocity field and its spatial derivatives. Thus, the three‐dimensional (3D) velocity field and the pressure distribution surrounding the blade, as well as the aerodynamic loads, responsible for thrust and torque, were obtained with a non‐intrusive method. The SPIV equipment was mounted on a traverse system and provided with phase‐locked velocity planes perpendicular to the blade axis, scanning the blade from the root to the tip, at a fixed azimuthal position. The obtained velocity fields were used to estimate the pressure distribution and the aerodynamic loads on each plane, using a 3D formulation. Finally, these results were compared and discussed with similar results obtained computationally with a panel method model, showing good consistency. In the future, the proposed methodology could be used to study relevant topics such as active load control techniques, rotational augmentation, dynamic stall phenomena and the aerodynamics of small wind turbines operating at low Re numbers, among others. The processed and averaged flow fields from the experimental SPIV data are made available online to the reader. See appendix for description of the files. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Elastic stream processing in the Cloud
Authors: Hummer Waldemar , Satzger Benjamin , Dustdar Schahram
Published: August 2013

Stream processing is a computing paradigm that has emerged from the necessity of handling high volumes of data in real time. In contrast to traditional databases, stream‐processing systems perform continuous queries and handle data on‐the‐fly. Today, a wide range of application areas relies on efficient pattern detection and queries over streams. The advent of Cloud computing fosters the development of elastic stream‐processing platforms, which are able to dynamically adapt based on different cost–benefit trade‐offs. This article provides an overview of the historical evolution and the key concepts of stream processing, with special focus on adaptivity and Cloud‐based elasticity.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools

Technologies > Computer Architectures for Data Mining
Soil disturbances increase songbird use of monotypic re‐established Grasslands
Authors: Benson Thomas J. , Dinsmore James J. , Hohman William L.
Published: August 2013

Extensive conversion of natural areas for agricultural production has had many consequences, including reduced habitat for nesting birds. Increasing focus on habitat re‐establishment has led to the establishment of patches of perennial herbaceous vegetation in these agricultural landscapes, although these often consist of monotypic grass fields with little vegetation diversity. In 2001 and 2002, we assessed songbird responses to mowing followed by a soil disturbance (disking) meant to increase vegetation diversity and abundance of arthropod food resources in conservation easements in East‐central Iowa, USA. We randomly assigned fields to disking and control treatments and collected data on breeding bird density and species richness in these habitats before and after treatments were applied. Disking increased density of all species combined, several individual species including dickcissel (Spiza americana; a declining species of concern), and overall conservation value of bird communities in treated fields. Total bird density increased with disking when the size of disked area was relatively small, and dickcissels and American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) responded positively and negatively to block‐shaped treatments, respectively. Most species either showed no response or increased in density with disking. Changes associated with disking treatments were likely related to changes in both vegetation structure and increased abundance and biomass of arthropod food resources. Disking appears to be an effective management practice for maintaining herbaceous habitats, increasing vegetation diversity and food availability for insectivorous birds, and increasing habitat quality for priority bird species. Given the increasing availability of monotypic grasslands in agricultural landscapes, this practice may provide a relatively inexpensive way to improve re‐established habitats. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Non‐native plants and wildlife in the Intermountain West
Authors: Litt Andrea R. , Pearson Dean E.
Published: August 2013

Non‐native plant invasions can change communities and ecosystems by altering the structure and composition of native vegetation. Changes in native plant communities caused by non‐native plants can influence native wildlife species in diverse ways, but the outcomes and underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we review and synthesize current information for the Intermountain West of the United States, to develop a general mechanistic understanding of how invasions by non‐native plants affect wildlife, and we identify important information gaps. In this region, most species of recognized conservation and management concern are non‐native forbs (e.g., leafy spurge [Euphorbia esula], spotted knapweed [Centaurea stoebe]), although non‐native grasses (e.g., cheatgrass [Bromus tectorum], medusahead [Taeniatherum caput‐medusae]) also have greatly altered vegetation communities. These invasions by non‐native plants affect native fauna through both trophic and non‐trophic (habitat) pathways and via both direct and indirect effects. The degree to which these invasions affect wildlife depends largely on the degree to which non‐native plants alter form and function of native vegetation communities. Reciprocally, native animals can influence distribution and abundance of non‐native plants by facilitating or inhibiting invasions through herbivory, seed predation, seed dispersal, soil disturbance, and pollination. Current understanding of interactions between non‐native plants and wildlife is limited because few invasions have been studied in sufficient detail to quantify population‐level effects on wildlife reliably or to identify underlying mechanisms causing the observed effects. Although management of non‐native plants has increased in this region, we understand even less about whether control measures can mitigate the adverse effects of non‐native plants on organisms that occupy higher trophic levels. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Human NKCC2 cation–Cl– co‐transporter complements lack of Vhc1 transporter in yeast vacuolar membranes
Authors: Petrezselyova Silvia , Dominguez Angel , Herynkova Pavla , Macias Juan F. , Sychrova Hana
Published: August 2013

Cation–chloride co‐transporters serve to transport Cl– and alkali metal cations. Whereas a large family of these exists in higher eukaryotes, yeasts only possess one cation–chloride co‐transporter, Vhc1, localized to the vacuolar membrane. In this study, the human cation–chloride co‐transporter NKCC2 complemented the phenotype of VHC1 deletion in Saccharomyces cerevisiae and its activity controlled the growth of salt‐sensitive yeast cells in the presence of high KCl, NaCl and LiCl. A S. cerevisiae mutant lacking plasma‐membrane alkali–metal cation exporters Nha1 and Ena1‐5 and the vacuolar cation–chloride co‐transporter Vhc1 is highly sensitive to increased concentrations of alkali–metal cations, and it proved to be a suitable model for characterizing the substrate specificity and transport activity of human wild‐type and mutated cation–chloride co‐transporters. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Long‐term oropharyngeal colonization by C. albicans in children with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Karaman Meral , Firinci Fatih , Karaman Ozkan , Uzuner Nevin , Hakki Bahar Ismail
Published: August 2013

This longitudinal prospective study aimed to determine the prevalence of oropharyngeal colonization by C. albicans in children with cystic fibrosis (CF), and observe the continuity of candidal colonization and the changes in production of virulence factors, susceptibility to antifungal agents and RAPD patterns of the isolates. Thirty‐seven children with CF were followed‐up for oropharyngeal C. albicans colonization for 18 months. The colonization rate was detected in 54%. All isolates were susceptible to amphotericin B, but those isolated from one patient were resistant to fluconazole. Biofilm production, secretory acid proteinase, phospholipase and esterase activity rates were 30%, 60%, 75% and 80%, respectively. RAPD analysis with the primers OPE‐03 and OPE‐18 was performed for genotyping. RAPD patterns of the strains isolated from the same patient were related to each other, whereas they were not related with other strains isolated from different patients. Two C. albicans strains isolated from the same patient were found to be unrelated to one another. As a result, long‐lasting colonization of the oropharyngeal mucosa of children with CF by endogenous C. albicans isolates having the same RAPD pattern was demonstrated. Colonization prevalance and development of resistance to antifungal agents and the increased production of virulence factors were not correlated. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
2D LnIII(Nd/La)‐AgI Heterometallic and TmIII Homometallic Coordination Polymers Based on Pyridine Dicarboxylate ­Ligands
Authors: Zhao Ling‐Zhi , Tian Yuan‐Yuan , Gong Ying‐Xin , Huang Xiao‐Ting , Zhang Fen , Rong Jian‐Xiong , Cai Xia , Li Wen‐Tao , Zeng Rong‐Hua , Lu Dong‐Sheng
Published: August 2013

Two 2D 4d‐4f heterometallic coordination polymers, [LnAg(Py26DC)2(H2O)3]·3H2O [Ln = Nd (1), La (2); H2Py26DC = pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylic acid], and one 2D lanthanide homometallic coordination polymer, [Ln(Py25DC)(ox)0.5(H2O)2] [Ln = Tm (3); H2Py25DC = pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylic acid; ox = oxalate], were synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Both complexes 1 and 2 are isostructural and exhibit 3‐connected 2D heterometallic layer structures with the Schläfli symbol of (82·10), whereas complex 3 represents an extended 2D homometallic network structure with (4,4) topology.
Changing the SFC Profile of Lauric Fat Blends Based on Melting Group Triacylglycerol Formulation
Authors: Nusantoro B. P. , De Clercq N. , Anthierens K. , Dewettinck K.
Published: August 2013

Lauric fat blends could be prepared from formulation of different melting triacylglycerol (TAG) group to obtain various desired SFC profiles as required by different fat rich products such as margarine and shortening. At the interval temperature from 0 to 20 °C, an increase ratio of body and heated (BH) melting TAG group in the fat blends imposed higher SFC values with steeper SFC slopes. Meanwhile, at the interval temperature from 20 to 40 °C, an increase ratio of heated (H) melting TAG group resulted higher SFC values with comparable SFC slopes. The use of Palm Stearin (PS) or Fully Hydrogenated Rapeseed Oil (FHRO) as the hard fat gave comparable SFC profiles but the fat blends with FHRO melted completely (SFC 0 %) at higher temperature (60 °C) while those of PS did not. In addition, the crystallization and melting behaviors of lauric fat blends as measured by DSC were influenced by different ratio of TAG distribution formulated at H15 (varied BH) and BH50 (varied H). Fat blends with PS also showed different crystal morphology compared to those with FHRO as measured by PLM.
Type VI collagen turnover‐related peptides—novel serological biomarkers of muscle mass and anabolic response to loading in young men
Authors: Nedergaard Anders , Sun Shu , Karsdal Morten A. , Henriksen Kim , Kjær Michael , Lou Yunyun , He Yi , Zheng Qinlong , Suetta Charlotte
Published: August 2013

Background

Immobilization‐induced loss of muscle mass is a complex phenomenon with several parallels to sarcopenic and cachectic muscle loss. Muscle is a large organ with a protein turnover that is orders of magnitude larger than most other tissues. Thus, we hypothesize that muscle loss and regain is reflected by peptide biomarkers derived from type VI collagen processing released in the circulation.

Methods

In order to test this hypothesis, we set out to develop an ELISA assay against an type VI collagen N‐terminal globular domain epitope (IC6) and measured the levels of IC6 and an MMP‐generated degradation fragment of collagen 6, (C6M) in a human immobilization–remobilization study setup with young (n = 11) and old (n = 9) men. They were subjected to 2 weeks of unilateral lower limb immobilization followed by 4 weeks of remobilization including thrice weekly resistance training, using the contralateral leg as internal controls. Subjects were sampled for strength, quadriceps muscle volume and blood at baseline (PRE), post‐immobilization (2W), and post‐remobilization (4W). Blood were subsequently analyzed for levels of the C6M and IC6 biomarkers. We subsequently tested if there was any correlation between C6M, IC6, or the C6M/IC6 ratio and muscle mass or strength at baseline. We also tested whether there was any relation between these biomarkers and changes in muscle mass or strength with immobilization or remobilization.

Results

The model produced significant loss of muscle mass and strength in the immobilized leg. This loss was bigger in young subjects than in elderly, but whereas the young recovered almost fully, the elderly had limited regrowth of muscle. We found a significant correlation between IC6 and muscle mass at baseline in young subjects (R2 = 0.6563, p = 0.0045), but none in the elderly. We also found a significant correlation between C6M measured at the 4W time point and the change in muscle mass during remobilization, again only manifesting in the young men(R2 = 0.6523, p = 0.0085). This discrepancy between the young and the elderly may be caused in part by much smaller changes in muscle mass in the elderly and partly by the relative small sample size.

Conclusion

While we cannot rule out the possibility that these biomarkers in part stem from other tissues, our results strongly indicate that these markers represent novel biomarkers of muscle mass or change in muscle mass in young men.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s13539‐013‐0114‐x) contains supplementary material.
Bacterial colonization of double J stents and bacteriuria frequency
Authors: Ozgur Berat Cem , Ekıcı Musa , Yuceturk Cem Nedım , Bayrak Omer
Published: August 2013

Stents and catheters are widely used in urology. In this study, the frequency of double J (DJ) stent colonization and stent‐associated bacteriuria was investigated. Between June 2011 and June 2012, 130 patients (17–72 years old) who underwent DJ stenting were enrolled in the study. Surgeries prior to stenting included stone extraction/lithotripsy, endopyelotomy, and diagnostic ureteroscopy. Prior to stenting, sterile urine samples were obtained, and urinary cultures were performed upon removal of the DJ stents, the second procedure. DJ stent cultures were also performed. Sixty‐three stents were inserted into the right ureter and 67 into the left ureter of the patients. Cultures showed bacterial colonization in 10 (7.7%) cases. There was no significant association between positive stent culture and patient age, sex, or stent laterality. The rate of colonization was 2.2%, 2.9%, and 25% when indwelling time was less than 4 weeks, 4–6 weeks, and more than 6 weeks, respectively. In the present study, the rate of infection associated with a DJ stent and urinary infection was not very high. However, bacterial colonization increases significantly with indwelling time of the stent, and sterile culture of urine does not rule out colonization of the stent. Bacteriological investigation showed very low rates of colonization within 6 weeks after the insertion of stents, indicating that ureteral stents can be used safely within that time period.
Diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma
Authors: Shih Chih‐An , Ho Szu‐Pei , Tsay Feng‐Woei , Lai Kwok‐Hung , Hsu Ping‐I
Published: August 2013

Mesothelioma often originates in the pleura and less frequently in the peritoneum. This article describes a rare case of diffuse malignant peritoneal mesothelioma in a 54‐year‐old male construction worker who was admitted to our hospital with a 2‐month history of progressive abdominal distention. Abdominal computed tomography revealed extensive peritoneal nodularity and omental cake along with massive ascites. Imaging findings initially suggested peritoneal carcinomatosis, primary peritoneal carcinoma, and tuberculous peritonitis. Laparoscopic biopsy of the omentum and peritoneum confirmed the diagnosis of malignant peritoneal mesothelioma of epitheloid type. Although systemic chemotherapy was administered, no tumor regression was found. The patient finally died of nosocomial infection.
Towards a Unified Worry Exposure Protocol for Generalised Anxiety Disorder: A Pilot Study
Authors: McIntosh Cameron , Crino Rocco
Published: August 2013

Background: Worry exposure is a cognitive–behaviour therapy (CBT) technique frequently used to treat GAD, yet there are only a few studies on its effectiveness. Aim: To compare two worry exposure protocols developed for GAD to make a preliminary determination about the most effective way in which to present the feared stimuli to participants. Method: Nine university students suffering from GAD were administered four 1-hour treatment sessions. Exposure was conducted by either directly imagining (DI) or via audio-recording/playback (AR) exposure to their feared event. General worry and intolerance of uncertainty (IOU) were the primary dependent variables. Results: All participants in the DI and half of the AR condition reported subclinical GAD at post-treatment, with results being maintained at 3-month follow-up and the treatment responders also reported decreased depression, anxiety and stress. Conclusions: The DI protocol was more effective than the AR methodology in this sample, and may be an appropriate standard for worry exposure research and clinical practice.
Lactobacillus acidophilussupplementation in human subjects and their resistance to enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliinfection
Authors: Ouwehand A. C. , ten Bruggencate S. J. M. , Schonewille A. J. , Alhoniemi E. , Forssten S. D. , Bovee-Oudenhoven I. M. J.
Published: August 2013

To assess the effect ofLactobacillus acidophilus(American Type Culture Collection (ATCC) 700396) on enterotoxigenicEscherichia coli(ETEC) infection, in the present study, a parallel, double-blind, placebo-controlled 4-week intervention was performed in healthy males. The subjects largely consumed their habitual diet, but had to abstain from consuming dairy foods generally high in Ca. The subjects were randomised into theL. acidophilus(dose 109colony-forming units twice daily;n20) or the placebo (n19) group. After an adaptation period of 2 weeks, the subjects were orally infected with a live, but attenuated, ETEC vaccine, able to induce mild, short-lived symptoms. Before and after the challenge, the subjects recorded stool consistency, bowel habits, and frequency and severity of gastrointestinal complaints. The ETEC challenge led to a significant increase in faecal output on the 2nd day and a concomitant increase in Bristol stool scale scores. Likewise, abdominal pain, bloating, flatulence, fever, headache and nausea peaked 1 d after the oral challenge. The concentrations of faecal calprotectin and IgA peaked 2 d after and that of serum IgM peaked 9 and 15 d after the oral challenge. The concentrations of serum IgA and IgG were unaffected. The ETEC challenge led to a reduction in the number ofBacteroides–Prevotella,Bifidobacterium,Clostridiumcluster XIVab and total faecal bacteria. Probiotic treatment was associated with a larger increase in Bristol stool scale scores and more fever, headache and nausea after the ETEC challenge compared with the placebo treatment. These differences were, however, small and with substantial variation within the groups. Oral application of an attenuated live ETEC vaccine provides a useful model for food-borne infections. Supplementation withL. acidophilusATCC 700396, however, was ineffective in reducing ETEC infection symptoms in healthy men.
Intestinal microbiota, diet and health
Authors: Power Susan E. , O'Toole Paul W. , Stanton Catherine , Ross R. Paul , Fitzgerald Gerald F.
Published: August 2013

The human intestine is colonised by 1013to 1014micro-organisms, the vast majority of which belong to the phyla Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes. Although highly stable over time, the composition and activities of the microbiota may be influenced by a number of factors including age, diet and antibiotic treatment. Although perturbations in the composition or functions of the microbiota are linked to inflammatory and metabolic disorders (e.g. inflammatory bowel diseases, irritable bowel syndrome and obesity), it is unclear at this point whether these changes are a symptom of the disease or a contributing factor. A better knowledge of the mechanisms through which changes in microbiota composition (dysbiosis) promote disease states is needed to improve our understanding of the causal relationship between the gut microbiota and disease. While evidence of the preventive and therapeutic effects of probiotic strains on diarrhoeal illness and other intestinal conditions is promising, the exact mechanisms of the beneficial effects are not fully understood. Recent studies have raised the question of whether non-viable probiotic strains can confer health benefits on the host by influencing the immune system. As the potential health effect of these non-viable bacteria depends on whether the mechanism of this effect is dependent on viability, future research needs to consider each probiotic strain on a case-by-case basis. The present review provides a comprehensive, updated overview of the human gut microbiota, the factors influencing its composition and the role of probiotics as a therapeutic modality in the treatment and prevention of diseases and/or restoration of human health.
Carotenoids are more bioavailable from papaya than from tomato and carrot in humans: a randomised cross-over study
Authors: Schweiggert Ralf M. , Kopec Rachel E. , Villalobos-Gutierrez Maria G. , Högel Josef , Quesada Silvia , Esquivel Patricia , Schwartz Steven J. , Carle Reinhold
Published: August 2013

Carrot, tomato and papaya represent important dietary sources of β-carotene and lycopene. The main objective of the present study was to compare the bioavailability of carotenoids from these food sources in healthy human subjects. A total of sixteen participants were recruited for a randomised cross-over study. Test meals containing raw carrots, tomatoes and papayas were adjusted to deliver an equal amount of β-carotene and lycopene. For the evaluation of bioavailability, TAG-rich lipoprotein (TRL) fractions containing newly absorbed carotenoids were analysed over 9·5 h after test meal consumption. The bioavailability of β-carotene from papayas was approximately three times higher than that from carrots and tomatoes, whereas differences in the bioavailability of β-carotene from carrots and tomatoes were insignificant. Retinyl esters appeared in the TRL fractions at a significantly higher concentration after the consumption of the papaya test meal. Similarly, lycopene was approximately 2·6 times more bioavailable from papayas than from tomatoes. Furthermore, the bioavailability of β-cryptoxanthin from papayas was shown to be 2·9 and 2·3 times higher than that of the other papaya carotenoids β-carotene and lycopene, respectively. The morphology of chromoplasts and the physical deposition form of carotenoids were hypothesised to play a major role in the differences observed in the bioavailability of carotenoids from the foods investigated. Particularly, the liquid-crystalline deposition of β-carotene and the storage of lycopene in very small crystalloids in papayas were found to be associated with their high bioavailability. In conclusion, papaya was shown to provide highly bioavailable β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin and lycopene and may represent a readily available dietary source of provitamin A for reducing the incidence of vitamin A deficiencies in many subtropical and tropical developing countries.
The causal meaning of Fisher's average effect
Authors: LEE JAMES J. , CHOW CARSON C.
Published: August 2013

In order to formulate the Fundamental Theorem of Natural Selection, Fisher defined theaverage excessandaverage effectof a gene substitution. Finding these notions to be somewhat opaque, some authors have recommended reformulating Fisher's ideas in terms of covariance and regression, which are classical concepts of statistics. We argue that Fisher intended his two averages to express a distinction between correlation and causation. On this view, the average effect is a specific weighted average of the actual phenotypic changes that result from physically changing the allelic states of homologous genes. We show that the statistical and causal conceptions of the average effect, perceived as inconsistent by Falconer, can be reconciled if certain relationships between the genotype frequencies and non-additive residuals are conserved. There are certain theory-internal considerations favouring Fisher's original formulation in terms of causality; for example, the frequency-weighted mean of the average effects equaling zero at each locus becomes a derivable consequence rather than an arbitrary constraint. More broadly, Fisher's distinction between correlation and causation is of critical importance to gene-trait mapping studies and the foundations of evolutionary biology.
Sparse group penalized integrative analysis of multiple cancer prognosis datasets
Authors: LIU JIN , HUANG JIAN , XIE YANG , MA SHUANGGE
Published: August 2013

In cancer research, high-throughput profiling studies have been extensively conducted, searching for markers associated with prognosis. Owing to the ‘large d, small n’ characteristic, results generated from the analysis of a single dataset can be unsatisfactory. Recent studies have shown that integrative analysis, which simultaneously analyses multiple datasets, can be more effective than single-dataset analysis and classic meta-analysis. In most of existing integrative analysis, the homogeneity model has been assumed, which postulates that different datasets share the same set of markers. Several approaches have been designed to reinforce this assumption. In practice, different datasets may differ in terms of patient selection criteria, profiling techniques, and many other aspects. Such differences may make the homogeneity model too restricted. In this study, we assume the heterogeneity model, under which different datasets are allowed to have different sets of markers. With multiple cancer prognosis datasets, we adopt the accelerated failure time model to describe survival. This model may have the lowest computational cost among popular semiparametric survival models. For marker selection, we adopt a sparse group minimax concave penalty approach. This approach has an intuitive formulation and can be computed using an effective group coordinate descent algorithm. Simulation study shows that it outperforms the existing approaches under both the homogeneity and heterogeneity models. Data analysis further demonstrates the merit of heterogeneity model and proposed approach.
CONSANGUINITY ON ROBINSON CRUSOE ISLAND, AN ISOLATED CHILEAN POPULATION
Authors: VILLANUEVA PIA , FERNÁNDEZ MARIA A. , DE BARBIERI ZULEMA , PALOMINO HERNÁN
Published: August 2013

The population of Robinson Crusoe Island is estimated at 633 inhabitants. The current population has a common origin from the first eight families who colonized the island at the end of the 19th century. The objective of this study was to determine the rates of consanguinity, the average coefficients of inbreeding, the types of consanguineous marriages and the inbreeding evolution between 1900 and 2000 on the island. All marriages registered on the island, from the last colonization until 2000 (417 in total), were included in the analysis. In addition, extended genealogies were obtained. The consanguinity rate was 14.9% and the average coefficient of inbreeding (α) 54.05×10–4. The most frequent type of consanguineous marriages was between second cousins, followed by first cousins. The average value of the first/second cousin ratio was 1.11. The population of Robinson Crusoe Island has a high rate of inbreeding. The unique characteristic of the island – its small current population, originating from just a few families, with small rate of gene flow – could explain the observed high and increasing consanguinity.
Fronto-limbic-striatal dysfunction in pediatric and adult patients with bipolar disorder: impact of face emotion and attentional demands
Authors: Brotman M. A. , Tseng W.-L. , Olsavsky A. K. , Fromm S. J. , Muhrer E. J. , Rutenberg J. G. , Deveney C. M. , Adleman N. E. , Zarate C. A. , Pine D. S. , Leibenluft E.
Published: August 2013

Background

Research in bipolar disorder (BD) implicates fronto-limbic-striatal dysfunction during face emotion processing but it is unknown how such dysfunction varies by task demands, face emotion and patient age.

Method

During functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI), 181 participants, including 62 BD (36 children and 26 adults) and 119 healthy comparison (HC) subjects (57 children and 62 adults), engaged in constrained and unconstrained processing of emotional (angry, fearful, happy) and non-emotional (neutral) faces. During constrained processing, subjects answered questions focusing their attention on the face; this was processed either implicitly (nose width rating) or explicitly (hostility; subjective fear ratings). Unconstrained processing consisted of passive viewing.

Results

Pediatric BD rated neutral faces as more hostile than did other groups. In BD patients, family-wise error (FWE)-corrected region of interest (ROI) analyses revealed dysfunction in the amygdala, inferior frontal gyrus (IFG), anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) and putamen. Patients with BD showed amygdala hyperactivation during explicit processing (hostility ratings) of fearful faces and passive viewing of angry and neutral faces but IFG hypoactivation during implicit processing of neutral and happy faces. In the ACC and striatum, the direction of dysfunction varied by task demand: BD demonstrated hyperactivation during unconstrained processing of angry or neutral faces but hypoactivation during constrained processing (implicit or explicit) of angry, neutral or happy faces.

Conclusions

Findings suggest amygdala hyperactivation in BD while processing negatively valenced and neutral faces, regardless of attentional condition, and BD IFG hypoactivation during implicit processing. In the cognitive control circuit involving the ACC and putamen, BD neural dysfunction was sensitive to task demands.
Varicella vaccine uptake and associated factors in children in Hong Kong
Authors: CHAN J. Y. C. , LEUNG K. M. , TAM W. W. S. , LEE A.
Published: August 2013

Varicella is a common and highly contagious childhood disease which impacts the public worldwide. Hong Kong children can only be vaccinated against the disease in private practice. The varicella vaccination rate of local children in preschool is uncertain. Therefore a cross-sectional kindergarten-based parent-administered questionnaire survey was conducted in Hong Kong during 2012. Twelve kindergartens were randomly selected from a complete school list from the Education Bureau of Hong Kong. In total, 1285/1538 (83·6%) parents consented to join the study and completed the questionnaires. The overall varicella infection rate was 19·5% and the uptake of varicella vaccination rate was 57·6%. Barriers against varicella vaccination were mostly due to parental uncertainties about the effectiveness of vaccine, lack of recommendations from doctors or government, and adverse side-effects of the vaccine. The government and healthcare professional bodies are strongly recommended to further enhance health education among healthcare professionals, encouraging their active promotion of varicella vaccination for their patients. Furthermore, health education through various stakeholders is crucial to enhance parental awareness of varicella, as well as the effectiveness and safety of varicella vaccine.
Cost of childhood diarrhoea in rural South Africa: exploring cost-effectiveness of universal zinc supplementation
Authors: Chhagan Meera K , Van den Broeck Jan , Luabeya Kany-Kany Angelique , Mpontshane Nontobeko , Bennish Michael L
Published: August 2013

Objective

To describe the cost of diarrhoeal illness in children aged 6–24 months in a rural South African community and to determine the threshold prevalence of stunting at which universal Zn plus vitamin A supplementation (VAZ) would be more cost-effective than vitamin A alone (VA) in preventing diarrhoea.

Design

We conducted a cost analysis using primary and secondary data sources. Using simulations we examined incremental costs of VAZ relative to VA while varying stunting prevalence.

Setting

Data on efficacy and societal costs were largely from a South African trial. Secondary data were from local and international published sources.

Subjects

The trial included children aged 6–24 months. The secondary data sources were a South African health economics survey and the WHO-CHOICE (CHOosing Interventions that are Cost Effective) database.

Results

In the trial, stunted children supplemented with VAZ had 2·04 episodes (95 % CI 1·37, 3·05) of diarrhoea per child-year compared with 3·92 episodes (95 % CI 3·02, 5·09) in the VA arm. Average cost of illness was $Int 7·80 per episode (10th, 90th centile: $Int 0·28, $Int 15·63), assuming a minimum standard of care (oral rehydration and 14 d of therapeutic Zn). In simulation scenarios universal VAZ had low incremental costs or became cost-saving relative to VA when the prevalence of stunting was close to 20 %. Incremental cost-effectiveness ratios were sensitive to the cost of intervention and coverage levels.

Conclusions

This simulation suggests that universal VAZ would be cost-effective at current levels of stunting in parts of South Africa. This requires further validation under actual programmatic conditions.
Witold Lutosławski and the Ethics of Abstraction
Authors: JAKELSKI LISA
Published: August 2013

Scholars have struggled to reconcile the expressive immediacy of Witold Lutosławski's works with his claims that he wrote absolute music. This article seeks a more nuanced understanding of the place of abstraction in Lutosławski's creative practice by exploring connections between his 1981 speeches on artistic ethics and his approach to melodic construction inChain 2(1984–5). Lutosławski's words and music both rely on convention, and recycle rhetoric from his past. But these are not their only correspondences. They also engage with a trio of concepts – withdrawal, integrity, and autonomy – that are at the heart of a moral code Lutosławski articulated in response to the volatile political conditions of 1980s Poland. The article thus sheds new light on the entanglement of modernism, ethics, and politics in the late twentieth century, while illuminating what the idea of abstraction may have meant in a particular time and place.
Prevalence and predictors of maternal postpartum depressed mood and anhedonia by race and ethnicity
Authors: Liu C. H. , Tronick E.
Published: August 2013

Aims.

Depression requires the presence of either depressed mood or anhedonia, yet little research attention has been focused on distinguishing these two symptoms. This study aimed to obtain the prevalence rates of these two core depression symptoms and to explore the risk factors for each symptom by race/ethnicity.

Methods.

2423 White, African American, Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander (API) women from the Massachusetts area completed the Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) from 2007 to 2008.

Results.

Socioeconomic variables (SES) accounted for increased rates in depressed mood and anhedonia among African Americans and Hispanics compared with Whites. API women were still 2.1 times more likely to report anhedonia after controlling for SES. Stressors were associated with depressed mood across groups and associated with anhedonia for Whites and Hispanics. Having a female infant was associated with depressed mood for APIs. Being non-US born was associated with anhedonia for Whites, APIs and African Americans, but not Hispanics.

Conclusions.

Prevalence rates for depressed mood and anhedonia differ across race/ethnic groups and risks associated with depressed mood and anhedonia depend on the race/ethnic group, suggesting the importance of distinguishing depressed mood from anhedonia in depression assessment and careful inquiry regarding symptom experiences with a diverse patient population.