bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation between nitrites in induced sputum and asthma symptoms in asthmatic schoolchildren
Authors: Castro‐Rodriguez Jose A. , Molina Ronald O. , Cáceres Marco , Recabarren Arturo
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine if nitrites (nitric oxide metabolites) measured in induced sputum decrease and correlate with improvement of clinical asthma symptoms after treatment, we performed a prospective longitudinal study in a tertiary care hospital in Arequipa, Peru.

Methods

In 95 schoolchildren with mild and moderate persistent asthma we determined nitrites in induced sputum samples (measured using the Griess assay). Clinical parameters and exercise bronchial challenge (EBC) test were performed twice, at baseline and after 3 months of beclomethasone‐dipropionate treatment (median doses: 300 mcg/day, IQR: 300–450).

Results

Sixty out of 95 children completed the study (median age of 9‐year [IQR: 7–13]). A significant change in sputum nitrites levels between admission and the end of the study was observed (34.4 nmol/ml [IQR:18.2–58.4] and 11.2 nmol/ml [6–20.1], respectively, P = < 0.0001). Also a significant correlation between decrease of sputum nitrites levels and improvement of clinical parameters (acute exacerbations [r = 0.361, P = 0.005]; use of salbutamol [r = 0.322, P = 0.013]; emergency visits [r = 0.275, P = 0.033]; and school absence [r = 0.41, P = 0.001]) from admission to the end of the study was found. However, sputum nitrites levels did not correlated with peripherical blood eosinophils or serum IgE levels or with EBC test at any point of the study. The decrease of sputum nitrites levels after the treatment was significant in each asthma group (mild and moderate), but not between groups.

Conclusion

This study showed that measured nitrite in induced sputum (a simple and cheap non‐invasive method) is a good alternative for monitoring asthmatic treatment in schoolchildren. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:214–220. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Investigation of monomeric and oligomeric wine stilbenoids in red wines by ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Moss Ryan , Mao Qinyong , Taylor Dennis , Saucier Cédric
Published: July 2013

RATIONALE

Stilbenoids are secondary plant metabolites responsible for the protection of multiple plant species including grape vine from bacterial and fungal infection. Red wine has been shown to be a major source of these compounds in the human diet, where they display an array of health benefits. Providing a more complete profile of the stilbenoids present in red wine, this study detects 41 stilbenoid compounds, 23 of which have never before been detected in red wine.

METHODS

Red wine extracts were scanned using an ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatograph coupled to a hybrid quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass analyzer. Multiple targeted MS/MS precursor ion scan experiments were performed using electrospray ionization operated in negative mode. Precursor ion masses were scanned for the monomeric and oligomeric stilbenoids, as well as modifications such as O‐glycosylation, methoxylation and oxidation products of these compounds. Accurate mass precursor and characteristic product ions afforded partial structural elucidation and assignment of these compounds.

RESULTS

A total of 41 (both known and novel) stilbenoids were detected in extracted red wine. In addition to the well‐known monomeric stilbenes, several resveratrol‐resveratrol homodimers (m/z 453.1344), resveratrol‐piceatannol heterodimers (m/z 469.1293) and piceatannol‐piceatannol homodimers (m/z 485.1236) were detected. Modified dimers of resveratrol including O‐glycosylated (m/z 615.1872), methoxylated (m/z 485.1606) and oxidized (m/z 471.1449) dimers were also detected. Multiple trimers of resveratrol (m/z 679.1978) were detected for the first time in red wine, as well as some known and some novel stilbenoid tetramers (m/z 905.2604).

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, 41 stilbenoids were detected in red wine, 23 for the first time. Both monomeric and oligomeric stilbenoids were partially identified and assigned by their accurate mass precursor ions and characteristic stilbenoid fragmentation patterns. Knowledge gained from these experiments contributes to a more complete understanding of the origin of the beneficial properties of red wine. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A study on the influences of R&D investment on information security for mechanical and electronics industry
Authors: Oh Seung‐Ryung , Kim Kun Woo
Published: July 2013

In this study, we have tried to analyze the influence of research and development (R&D) investment on real option value (ROV), expended net present value (ENPV) and market value by analyzing R&D investment, ROV, ENPV and market value of different industry types from an ex post perspective. The results show that ENPV, which has been deduced by real option according to R&D investment, reflects market value well and possesses a strong correlation with R&D investment, ROV, ENPV and market value. This implies that our study result corresponds with existing theories. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Sacrificial‐Post Templating Method for Block Copolymer Self‐Assembly
Authors: Tavakkoli K. G. Amir , Nicaise Samuel M. , Hannon Adam F. , Gotrik Kevin W. , Alexander‐Katz Alfredo , Ross Caroline A. , Berggren Karl K.
Published: July 2013

A sacrificial‐post templating method is presented for directing block copolymer self‐assembly to form nanostructures consisting of monolayers and bilayers of microdomains. In this approach, the topographical post template is removed after self‐assembly and therefore is not incorporated into the final microdomain pattern. Arrays of nanoscale holes of different shapes and symmetries, including mesh structures and perforated lamellae with a bimodal pore size distribution, are produced. The ratio of the pore sizes in the bimodal distributions can be varied via the template pitch, and agrees with predictions of self consistent field theory.
Entropy currents from holography in hydrodynamics with charge
Authors: Plewa Grzegorz , Spalinski Michal
Published: July 2013

Abstract

The holographic interpretation of the hydrodynamic entropy current is developed for the case of hydrodynamics with a conserved charge. This is carried out within a framework developed in earlier work [1, 2], which showed how to associate entropy currents with horizons in the dual geometry. The entropy current defined by the event horizon in the dual bulk geometry is calculated. It is also shown that to second order in the gradient expansion the dual geometry possesses a unique Weyl-invariant apparent horizon which also defines an admissable entropy current. At first order both currents coincide with the result obtained on the basis of a purely hydrodynamic analysis [3].
Avoidance of reproductive interference causes resource partitioning in bean beetle females
Authors: Kishi Shigeki , Tsubaki Yoshitaka
Published: July 2013

Reproductive interference is any interspecific sexual interaction that adversely affects female fitness through indiscriminate reproductive activities. It can be a driving force of resource partitioning in conjunction with resource competition. We previously showed that the bean beetle Callosobruchus maculatus is superior in larval resource competition, but vulnerable in reproductive interference, compared with its congener C. chinensis. We hypothesized that these two species might use two resources differently if one of the resources modified the intensity of reproductive interference or resource competition. We observed that C. maculatus females often enter gaps between beans to avoid mating attempts of heterospecific males, and hypothesized that removing bean gaps would strengthen reproductive interference. Therefore, we provided normal beans with gaps and split beans without gaps to females of the two species housed with conspecific or heterospecific males or no males and compared the number of eggs on each bean type among treatments. Callosobruchus maculatus females housed with heterospecific males were more likely to oviposit on normal beans than C. chinensis females. As a result, more C. chinensis adults hatched from split beans and more C. maculatus hatched from normal beans when females and males of both species were housed together. Thus, oviposition resource partitioning resulted from the combination of female avoidance of reproductive interference and resource competition.
Same-Sex Sexual Attraction Does Not Spread in Adolescent Social Networks
Authors: Brakefield Tiffany A. , Mednick Sara C. , Wilson Helen W. , De Neve Jan-Emmanuel , Christakis Nicholas A. , Fowler James H.
Published: July 2013

Peers have a powerful effect on adolescents’ beliefs, attitudes, and behaviors. Here, we examine the role of social networks in the spread of attitudes towards sexuality using data from the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). Although we found evidence that both sexual activity (OR = 1.79) and desire to have a romantic relationship (OR = 2.69) may spread from person to person, attraction to same sex partners did not spread (OR = 0.96). Analyses of comparable power to those that suggest positive and significant peer-to-peer influence in sexual behavior fail to demonstrate a significant relationship on sexual attraction between friends or siblings. These results suggest that peer influence has little or no effect on the tendency toward heterosexual or homosexual attraction in teens, and that sexual orientation is not transmitted via social networks.
Consumer Preferences for the Predictive Genetic Test for Alzheimer Disease
Authors: Huang Ming‐Yi , Huston Sally A. , Perri Matthew
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study was to assess consumer preferences for predictive genetic testing for Alzheimer disease in the United States. A rating conjoint analysis was conducted using an anonymous online survey distributed by Qualtrics® to a general population panel in April 2011 in the United States. The study design included three attributes: Accuracy (40 %, 80 %, and 100 %), Treatment Availability (Cure is available/Drug for symptom relief but no cure), and Anonymity (Anonymous/Not anonymous). A total of 12 scenarios were used to elicit people's preference, assessed by an 11‐point scale. The respondents also indicated their highest willingness‐to‐pay (WTP) for each scenario through open‐ended questions. A total of 295 responses were collected over 4 days. The most important attribute for the aggregate model was Accuracy, contributing 64.73 % to the preference rating. Treatment Availability and Anonymity contributed 20.72 % and 14.59 %, respectively, to the preference rating. The median WTP for the highest‐rating scenario (Accuracy 100 %, a cure is available, test result is anonymous) was $100 (mean = $276). The median WTP for the lowest‐rating scenario (40 % accuracy, no cure but drugs for symptom relief, not anonymous) was zero (mean = $34). The results of this study highlight attributes people find important when making the hypothetical decision to obtain an AD genetic test. These results should be of interests to policy makers, genetic test developers and health care providers.
Largest Earthquake in Himalaya: An Appraisal
Authors: Srivastava H. N. , Bansal B. K. , Verma Mithila
Published: July 2013

The largest earthquake (Mw 8.4 to 8.6) in Himalaya reported so far occurred in Assam syntaxial bend in 1950. However, some recent studies have suggested for earthquake of magnitude Mw 9 or more in the Himalayan region. In this paper, we present a detailed analysis of seismological data extending back to 1200 AD, and show that earthquake in Himalayan region may not be expected to be as large as those of subduction zones. Also, there appears to be a lateral variation in the earthquake magnitude, being lesser in the western syntaxial bend when compared close to the eastern syntaxial bend. This is attributed to the difference in the plate boundary scenario; dominance of strike-slip and thrusting along the western syntaxis as against thrusting and remnant subduction along the eastern syntaxis.
Problem-based learning sessions and undergraduate research: a medical student’s
perspective and experience
Authors: AlAmodi Abdulhadi A.
Published: July 2013

Undergraduate research (UR) and problem-based learning (PBL) sessions are similar
with respect to the type of skills gained through each. However, appropriate
modification of PBL sessions would contribute to enhanced UR experience. Based on
personal experience in UR and a PBL curriculum, in this short discourse I shall explain
how studying under a PBL curriculum enabled me to gain more out of my research
experience.
Gender-based differences in oxidative stress parameters do not underlie the differences in mood disorders susceptibility between sexes
Authors: Wiener C. , Rassier G.T. , Kaster M.P. , Jansen K. , Pinheiro R.T. , Klamt F. , Magalhães P.V. , Kapczinski F. , Ghisleni G. , da Silva R.A.
Published: July 2013

The present study aimed to determine whether any gender-related difference exists concerning oxidative stress parameters in a population of 231 subjects, and if these changes might be related to gender-associated differences in major depressive disorder (MDD) or bipolar disorder (BD) vulnerability. This is a case-control nested in a population-based study. The initial psychopathology screen was performed with the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview and the diagnostic was further confirmed with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Blood samples were obtained after the interview and the oxidative stress parameters such as uric acid, advanced oxidation protein product (PCC) and lipid hydroperoxides (TBARS) were determined. Our results indicated a higher prevalence of MDD and BD in women when compared to men. In addition, significant gender differences were found in the levels of PCC (0.27 ± 0.27 vs. 0.40 ± 0.31 nmol CO/mg protein, men vs. women, respectively; P = 0.02) and uric acid (4.88 ± 1.39 mg/dL vs. 3.53 ± 1.02 mg/dL, men vs. women, respectively; P = 0.0001), but not in TBARS (0.013 ± 0.01 nmol/mg of protein vs. 0.017 ± 0.02 nmol/mg of protein, men vs. women respectively; P = 0.243). After sample stratification by gender, no association was found between oxidative stress parameters and clinical diagnosis of MDD and BD for women (P = 0.516 for PCC; P = 0.620 for TBARS P = 0.727 for uric acid) and men (P = 0.367 for PCC; P = 0.372 for TBARS P = 0.664 for uric acid). In this study, women seem more susceptible to oxidative stress than male. However, these gender-based differences do not seem to provide a biochemical basis for the epidemiologic differences in mood disorders susceptibility between sexes.
Prenatal stress increased Snk Polo‐like kinase 2, SCF β‐TrCP ubiquitin ligase and ubiquitination of SPAR in the hippocampus of the offspring at adulthood
Authors: Chutabhakdikul Naunchan , Surakul Pornprom
Published: July 2013

Exposure to excessive glucocorticoids during fetal development period contributes to later life psychopathology. Prenatal stress decreases dendritic spine density and impair LTP in the hippocampus of rat pups, however, the mechanisms regulating these changes are still unclear.

Glutamate receptors are localized in the postsynaptic density. PSD‐95 is a postsynaptic scaffolding protein that plays a role in synaptic maturation and regulation of the synaptic strength and plasticity. PSD‐95 interacts with other proteins to form the protein networks that promote dendritic spine formation. The present study investigated the effect of prenatal stress on the levels of scaffolding proteins of NMDA receptor in the hippocampus in order to explain how prenatal stress alters the amount of NMDA receptor in the pups’ brain. Pregnant rats were randomly assigned to either the prenatal stress (PS) or the control group (C). The pregnant rats in the PS group were restrained in a plexiglas restrainer for 4 h/day during the GD 14–21. Control rats were left undisturbed for the duration of their pregnancies. The amount of PSD‐95, SPAR, NR2A and NR2B, as well as the levels of Snk Polo‐like kinase 2 and the SCF β‐TrCP ubiquitin ligase were measured in the hippocampus of the offspring. The results show that prenatal stress induces a reduction in the amount of NR2B and NR2A subunits in the hippocampus of rat pups, parallel to the decrease in PSD‐95 and SPAR at P40 and P60. Moreover, prenatal stress increases Snk and β‐TrCP in the hippocampus of rat pups, and the timing correlates with the decrease of SPAR and PSD‐95. Prenatal stress also induces a significantly increases in the level of ubiquitinated SPAR in the hippocampus of rat pups at adulthood. The results suggest that degradation of SPAR via UPS system may contribute to the loss of PSD‐95 and NMDA receptor subunits in the hippocampus of rat pups at adulthood. In conclusion, the present work demonstrates that the developing brain is critically influenced by glucocorticoids, especially during pre‐ and early postnatal period, which can have long‐term effects on brain development. In addition, an involvement of the UPS system in the prenatal stress model has led to a greater understanding of the effects of prenatal stress later on in life.
The changing nature of the transatlantic link: U.S. approaches and implications for Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Hamilton Daniel
Published: July 2013

This article examines the changing security, economic and diplomatic components of the transatlantic link, with a particular focus on Washington’s approach and implications for Central and Eastern Europe. The United States continues to play an essential role as security underwriter in the region, but the military dimension of the transatlantic relationship is transforming and will result in greater burdens on Europeans. Economic links between the U.S. and Central Europe are developing more strongly than generally understood, and the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership is likely to drive both political and economic ties. Unconventional gas developments are enhancing U.S. engagement in European energy markets. Finally, the U.S. remains keen to engage its European partners on a broad agenda of global and regional issues and retains its own interests in working particularly with Central and Eastern European countries to lend stability to ‘wider Europe’.
The relationship of body composition to daily physical activity in free-living Japanese adult men
Authors: Park Jonghoon , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Tanaka Shigeho , Hikihara Yuki , Ohkawara Kazunori , Watanabe Shaw , Miyachi Motohiko , Morita Akemi , Aiba Naomi , Tabata Izumi
Published: July 2013

The objective of the present study was to investigate whether a previously reported apparent negative relationship between fat mass and daily physical activity in Japanese adult women would also be observed in Japanese adult men. The subjects were grouped into quartiles of BMI and body fat percentage (%BF). The number of steps walked each day and the duration of light- to vigorous-intensity physical activity were assessed by an accelerometer over the same period of time as for the doubly labelled water experiment. The results showed that BMI negatively correlated with the number of steps and time spent in moderate-intensity physical activity, whereas %BF showed a negative relationship with physical activity-related energy expenditure (PAEE)/body weight (BW) and physical activity level. The analysis of data using %BF quartiles revealed that PAEE/BW decreased from the second quartile in which the BMI was < 25 kg/m2. These observations are similar to those reported in our previous study in Japanese adult women. These cross-sectional studies cannot prove causality, and that obesity causes physical inactivity may be the case. However, the results of the present study provide information regarding which physical activity variables should be used in longitudinal studies.
Cohomological finiteness properties of the Brin–Thompson–Higman groups 2V and 3V
Authors: Kochloukova Dessislava H. , Martínez-Pérez Conchita , Nucinkis Brita E. A.
Published: July 2013

We show that Brin's generalizations 2V and 3V of the Thompson–Higman group V are of type FP∞. Our methods also give a new proof that both groups are finitely presented.
The optimum cut-off value to differentiate Echinococcus granulosus sensu stricto from other species of E. granulosus sensu lato using larval rostellar hook morphometry
Authors: Soriano S.V. , Pierangeli N.B. , Pianciola L.A. , Mazzeo M. , Lazzarini L.E. , Debiaggi M.F. , Bergagna H.F.J. , Basualdo J.A.
Published: July 2013

Cystic echinococcosis caused by Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato is one of the most important helminth zoonoses in the world; it affects both humans and livestock. The disease is endemic in Argentina and highly endemic in the province of Neuquén. Considerable genetic and phenotypic variation has been demonstrated in E. granulosus, and ten different genotypes (G1–G10) have been identified using molecular tools. Echinococcus granulosus sensu lato may be considered a species complex, comprised of E. granulosus sensu stricto (G1–G3), E. equinus (G4), E. ortleppi (G5) and E. canadensis (G6–G10). In endemic areas, the characterization of cystic echinococcosis molecular epidemiology is important in order to apply adequate control strategies. A cut-off value for larval large hook total length to distinguish E. granulosus sensu stricto isolates from those produced by other species of the complex was defined for the first time. Overall, 1780 larval hooks of 36 isolates obtained from sheep (n= 11, G1), goats (n= 10, G6), cattle (n= 5, G6) and pigs (n= 10, G7) were analysed. Validation against molecular genotyping as gold standard was carried out using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. The optimum cut-off value was defined as 26.5 μm. The proposed method showed high sensitivity (97.8%) and specificity (91.1%). Since in most endemic regions the molecular epidemiology of echinococcosis includes the coexistence of the widely distributed E. granulosus sensu stricto G1 strain and other species of the complex, this technique could be useful as a quick and economical tool for epidemiological and surveillance field studies, when fertile cysts are present.
Phonetic evidence on phonology–morphosyntax interactions: Sibilant voicing in Quito Spanish
Authors: STRYCHARCZUK PATRYCJA , VAN 'T VEER MARIJN , BRUIL MARTINE , LINKE KATHRIN
Published: July 2013

This paper presents new experimental data on Quito Spanish /s/-voicing, which has attracted considerable interest from theoretical phonologists owing to the overapplication of voicing to word-final pre-vocalic /s/. Bermúdez-Otero (2011) singles out Quito /s/-voicing as an important test case for discriminating between two competing theories of phonology–morphosyntax interactions: Output–output correspondence and cyclicity. Overapplication in /s/-voicing cannot be captured using correspondence relationship to a base form, which challenges Output–output correspondence as a theory of opacity. However, the argument only holds insofar as word-final pre-vocalic /s/-voicing is considered phonological, as Output–output correspondence can account for /s/-voicing assuming that it only applies in the phonetics (Colina 2009). We discuss the diverging empirical predictions concerning categoricity and gradience in the surface realisation of voicing processes. We further test these predictions based on acoustic data from seven speakers of Quito Spanish. Evidence from speech rate manipulations shows that some speakers produce more voicing during frication at normal speech rate, compared to fast, maintaining a stable voicing ratio across different speech rates. We argue that for these speakers, /s/-voicing is optional but categorical, and so it ought to be analysed as phonological. This result presents a challenge to the Output–output correspondence approach, but can be accommodated within cyclicity.
The register of divine speech in Genesis A
Authors: Griffith Mark
Published: July 2013

The article argues from an empirical study of the alliterative and metrical characteristics of the speeches of Genesis A that the poet made a concerted attempt to differentiate between the spoken language of God and that of mortal speakers. In particular the analysis shows that divine language is highly patterned, alliteratively ornate and unusually hypermetric. The most extreme effects are generated by the genres of benediction and malediction. The evidence shows that the poet was also able to use the rules of his poetics effectively for rhetorical ends. An attempt is made finally to link this characterising of the divine voice with the Biblical vox tonantis.
St Boniface as historian: a continental perspective on the organization of the early Anglo-Saxon church
Authors: Flechner Roy
Published: July 2013

Boniface and Bede relied for the most part on the same sources of information for learning about the early Anglo-Saxon church, yet their accounts differ on a number of crucial points pertaining to church organization and the importance of London as an ecclesiastical centre. The present article takes a close look at Boniface's methods of conducting research into the past, and asks how they compared with Bede's. By focusing on Boniface's account of an early-seventh-century Lundunensis synodus, it is asked whether Boniface offers a viable alternative to Bede, and to what extent his account challenges the prevalent historiographical narrative of the foundation and growth of the church in Anglo-Saxon England.
Historiography and literary patronage in late Anglo-Saxon England: the evidence of Æthelweard's Chronicon
Authors: Gretsch Mechthild
Published: July 2013

On numerous occasions Ælfric of Cerne, and of Eynsham, refers to the long-standing patrons of his career and oeuvre, Ealdorman Æthelweard and his son Æthelmær. Ælfric is, however, our sole witness to this patronage. As a result, we get only his view of their relationship, and there are blind spots which, in our enthusiasm for the unusual wealth of personal information from an Anglo-Saxon author, we tend to ignore. In this article I examine Ealdorman Æthelweard's Chronicon for what it might reveal about its author, and his background; and I suggest that it brings into clearer focus his own role in an unparalleled case of literary patronage in Anglo-Saxon England.
Payments for land and privilege in Anglo-Saxon England
Authors: Naismith Rory
Published: July 2013

A little over five per cent of surviving Anglo-Saxon charters contain some reference to money or purchase. These cover a multitude of transactions: gifts, sales, bequests, annual renders, and so on. They provide a valuable insight into Anglo-Saxon perceptions of wealth and a detailed view of one specific area of exchange. Gold and precious-metal objects emerge as especially prominent, at the expense of silver coin. The formulation of these documents, however, presents a number of obstacles to interpretation, particularly in that no definitive distinction between charters of gift and sale developed in Anglo-Saxon England. Diverse forms of transactions can be exemplified among them – outright purchase, payment for book-right (with or without an earlier claim to the land in question) and gifts to neutralize potential challenges of title – but these show little correlation with ‘price’ or with the complex social background to every act of exchange.
Necessity mother of invention: a fresh look at the rune verses on the Ruthwell Cross
Authors: Meyvaert Paul
Published: July 2013

If one is familiar with medieval inscriptions that, so to speak, frame images, what is most striking about the rune verses on the lower twelve-foot shaft of the Ruthwell Cross is their vertical orientation in the four long borders. In my earlier monastic days, while installing electricity in the church of Quarr abbey, I spent hours at the top of a tall ladder drilling holes through the brick courses. So, later, while studying the problems presented by the Ruthwell Cross I rather easily imagined myself up a ladder facing this tall Cross and chiselling runes. From such a ladder position, chiselling vertical letters/runes seemed the easiest way and most rational way to proceed, and given that such a disposition of the runes seemed unique to this monument I concluded, too hastily I now admit, that was how the Ruthwell rune cutter had worked. Such a view suggested there had been a time lag between the making of the monument, when all the chiselling work must have been done with it lying flat on the ground, and the insertion of the runic verses at a later date, made from a ladder, after the cross had been erected. I presented my argument on ‘The Date of the Runic Verses’ as an Appendix to ‘An Apocalypse Panel on the Ruthwell Cross’ – an article dating from 1978, but only published in 1982. Familiarity with Ray Page's work on runes led me to wonder how he would react to my theory, so I had written him in the winter of 1975. He was a recognized and respected authority on runes, and since he is no longer with us, the answer I received may be worth putting on record.
LEARNING NOVEL MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Marsden Emma , Williams John , Liu Xierong
Published: July 2013

A large body of research has shown that suffixes—both inflectional and derivational—can be primed with adult native speakers, which informs our understanding of storage and access to morphology in mature systems. However, this line of research has not yet been conducted from an acquisition perspective: Little is known about whether or not representations of suffixes are formed after very little exposure to new morphology and, if so, about the nature of those representations or about the influence of attentional orientation and meaning at this initial stage. The three experiments reported here begin to address this gap by investigating the nature of suffixal representations following exposure to a small regular system of suffixed words. The experiment used crossmodal priming of recognition memory judgments to probe morphological representation. Although the lack of priming suggested that abstract morphological representations were not yet established, recognition judgments showed a clear sensitivity to sublexical morphemic units. The pattern of results was unaffected by the orientation of attention or the assignation of meaning to the words or suffixes during training. Offline tests of learning stem and suffix meanings also showed that both were learned to some extent even when attention was not oriented to their meanings and that the resulting knowledge was partially implicit. Thus, there was evidence of sensitivity to both the forms and meanings of the suffixes but not at the level required to support crossmodal priming. We argue that the reason for this may lie in the episodic nature of the knowledge gained after brief exposure.
Pre-existing medical conditions associated withVibrio vulnificussepticaemia
Authors: MENON M. P. , YU P. A. , IWAMOTO M. , PAINTER J.
Published: July 2013

Vibrio vulnificus(Vv) can result in severe disease. Although pre-existing liver disease is a recognized risk factor for serious infection, the relative importance of other comorbidities has not been fully assessed. We analysed reports ofVvinfections submitted to CDC from January 1988 to September 2006 in order to assess the role of pre-existing conditions contributing to severe outcomes. A total of 1212 patients withVvinfection were reported. Only patients with liver disease [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 5·1)] were more likely to become septic when exposure was due to contaminated food. Patients with liver disease (aOR 4·1), a haematological disease (aOR 3·2), or malignancy (aOR 3·2) were more likely to become septic when infection was acquired via a non-foodborne exposure. As such, patients with these pre-existing medical conditions should be advised of the risk of life-threatening illness after eating undercooked contaminated seafood or exposing broken skin to warm seawater.
Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium and Mycobacterium neoaurum detection in an immunocompromised patient
Authors: KAEVSKA M. , STERBA J. , SVOBODOVA J. , PAVLIK I.
Published: July 2013

Non-tuberculous mycobacteria are increasingly described as infectious agents in immunocompromised patients. A 17-year-old male patient suffering from secondary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and treated with chemotherapeutic agents was admitted to hospital due to pleuropneumonia. Mycobacterium neoaurum was cultured repeatedly from his sputum and, Mycobacterium avium subsp. avium (M. a. avium) was detected by IS901 qPCR from detached fragments of his intestinal mucosa. We attempted to determine the possible sources of infection by analysing environmental samples from the closed oncology unit and conventional unit in the hospital, and from the patient's home residence and places which he frequented. The environment of the patient harboured mycobacteria (41 isolates in total); however, M. neoaurum was not recovered. M. a. avium was detected by qPCR in the environmental samples from a small flock of hens kept by his neighbour. Although it was not confirmed by DNA fingerprinting methods, the M. a. avium infection could have been acquired through the eating of incompletely cooked eggs.
Successful percutaneous removal of a fractured stent fragment using a novel stretching method
Authors: Dryżek Paweł , Michalak Krzysztof W. , Moszura Tomasz
Published: July 2013

We present the case of percutaneous removal of a fractured stent fragment during cardiac catheterisation using a novel stretching method. The procedure was performed in a 9-month-old infant. The small distal fragment of a fractured stent in the aorta was stretched using a two-sided approach – that is, from the carotid and femoral artery. This manoeuvre allowed for the removal of the stretched, linear-shaped stent part through a 6 Fr sheath without any local and general complications.
Pericardiectomy in children <15 years of age
Authors: Talwar Sachin , Nair Vinitha Viswambharan , Choudhary Shiv Kumar , Sreeniwas Vishnubhatla , Saxena Anita , Juneja Rajnish , Kothari Shyam Sunder , Airan Balram
Published: July 2013

Between January, 2002 and December, 2011, 27 patients (19 boys) underwent pericardiectomy. The mean age was 9.3 ± 4.96 years (range 0.4 to 15 years) and the mean duration of symptoms was 16.9 ± 22.15 months. In all, 25 patients had dyspnoea; eight were in New York Heart Association (NYHA) class IV; six had bacterial pericarditis; and 18 were on anti-tuberculosis treatment, although only nine had records suggesting tuberculosis. There were nine patients who underwent pre-operative pigtail catheter drainage of pericardial fluid. Surgical procedures were complete pericardiectomy (n = 20), partial pericardiectomy (n = 6), and pleuropericardial window (n = 1).The mean pre-operative right atrial pressure was 20.4 ± 4.93 mmHg. There were six hospital deaths due to low cardiac output (n = 5) and arrhythmia (n = 1). The mean intensive care unit stay was 2.7 ± 1.2 days and mean post-operative stay was 9.9 days. The mean right atrial pressure dropped to 8.7 ± 1.15 mmHg. Adverse outcomes defined as death/prolonged intensive care unit stay, prolonged post-operative stay were not associated with sex, diagnosis of tuberculosis or pyopericardium, or the duration of symptoms or pre-operative right atrial pressure. Younger patients had prolonged intensive care unit stay (p = 0.03) but not increased mortality. Advanced NYHA class predicted death (p = 0.02). The mean follow-up was 23.1 ± 23.8 months. All except one survivor are in NYHA class I and off all cardiac medications. Despite adequate surgery, pericardiectomy in children is associated with a high mortality, which is related to delayed surgery and poor pre-operative general condition. No specific pre-operative variable other than worse pre-operative NYHA class is a predictor of survival. Therefore, early pericardiectomy should be undertaken in such patients.
The Appreciation of Electroacoustic Music: The prototype of the pedagogical ElectroAcoustic Resource Site
Authors: Wolf Motje
Published: July 2013

This article introduces research on the influence of teaching on the change of inexperienced listeners’ appreciation of electroacoustic music. A curriculum was developed to make Key Stage 3 students (11–14 years old)1 familiar with electroacoustic music. The curriculum introduced music using concepts, such as music with real-world sounds and music with generated sounds. Presented in an online environment and accompanied with a teachers’ handbook, the curriculum can be used online or as classroom-based teaching resource.

The online environment was developed with the help of user-centred design. Following this, the curriculum was tested in a large-scale study including four Key Stage 3 classes within three schools in Leicester, UK. Data were collected using questionnaires, a listening response test and a summary of the teaching (letter written by participants). Qualitative content analysis was used for the data analysis.

Results include the change of the participants’ appreciation of electroacoustic music during the study. Successful learning and a decrease in alienation towards electroacoustic music could be measured. The study shows that the appreciation of electroacoustic music can be enhanced through the acquirement of conceptual knowledge. Especially important was the enhancing of listening skills following a listening training as well as the broadening of the participants’ vocabulary that enabled them to describe their listening experience.
Oligomers Modulate Interfibril Branching and Mass Transport Properties of Collagen Matrices
Authors: Whittington Catherine F. , Brandner Eric , Teo Ka Yaw , Han Bumsoo , Nauman Eric , Voytik-Harbin Sherry L.
Published: July 2013

Mass transport within collagen-based matrices is critical to tissue development, repair, and pathogenesis, as well as the design of next-generation tissue engineering strategies. This work shows how collagen precursors, specified by intermolecular cross-link composition, provide independent control of collagen matrix mechanical and transport properties. Collagen matrices were prepared from tissue-extracted monomers or oligomers. Viscoelastic behavior was measured in oscillatory shear and unconfined compression. Matrix permeability and diffusivity were measured using gravity-driven permeametry and integrated optical imaging, respectively. Both collagen types showed an increase in stiffness and permeability hindrance with increasing collagen concentration (fibril density); however, different physical property–concentration relationships were noted. Diffusivity was not affected by concentration for either collagen type over the range tested. In general, oligomer matrices exhibited a substantial increase in stiffness and only a modest decrease in transport properties when compared with monomer matrices prepared at the same concentration. The observed differences in viscoelastic and transport properties were largely attributed to increased levels of interfibril branching within oligomer matrices. The ability to relate physical properties to relevant microstructure parameters, including fibril density and interfibril branching, is expected to advance the understanding of cell–matrix signaling, as well as facilitate model-based prediction and design of matrix-based therapeutic strategies.
BETWEEN ORIENTALISM AND NATIONALISM: THE LEARNED SOCIETY AND THE MAKING OF “SOUTHEAST ASIA”
Authors: LEWIS SU LIN
Published: July 2013

Departing from the “Orientalist” view of the learned society in South Asia, this paper examines the role of the learned society in Southeast Asia as a site of sociability and intellectual exchange. It traces the emergence of such societies as independent, rather than official, initiatives, from nineteenth-century societies in Singapore to the Siam Society and Burma Research Society in the early twentieth century. Their journals provided pluralist interpretations of the nation, turning from grand histories of kings to new practices of social history. While such societies were limited to a small circle of European and Asian literati, they also contributed to an emerging intellectual culture of libraries, public lectures, and universities. Moreover, via correspondence, travel, and exchanges of publications, such societies contributed to a growing sense of Southeast Asian regionalism, laying the institutional foundations for in-depth study for the region and the post-war emergence of Southeast Asian studies.
Assessment of on-farm conservation of dryland agrobiodiversity and its impact on rural livelihoods in the Fertile Crescent
Authors: Mazid Ahmed , Shideed Kamil , Amri Ahmed
Published: July 2013

The Fertile Crescent encompasses a mega-center of diversity of crops and livestock of global importance. The International Center for Agricultural Research in the Dry Areas (ICARDA) coordinated a 5-year regional project funded by the Global Environment Facility to promotein situconservation of dryland agrobiodiversity in Jordan, Lebanon, the Palestinian Authority and Syria. The project focused on conserving landraces and wild relatives ofAllium, Vicia, Trifolium, MedicagoandLathyrusspp. and barley, wheat, lentil and dryland fruit trees (olive, prune, pear, pistachio, almond, cherry and apricot). ICARDA and national programs assessed the status and importance of local agrobiodiversity by surveying 570 farm households in the project target areas including the characterization of their livelihood strategies, agrobiodiversity use and household income sources. A wealth index was created considering human, natural, financial, physical and social assets and was used to classify households into four wealth quartiles. The results indicated that agriculture and agrobiodiversity continue to be important for supporting the livelihoods of poor communities in dry and mountainous regions. The poorest households obtained their income from diverse sources including crop production, off-farm labor and government employment. However, households in the highest wealth grouping are mainly dependent on income from selling livestock products and live animals. They also practiced crop production, worked off-farm and took advantage of government employment. Off-farm income was important for livelihoods in all areas, representing 43–68% of household incomes. For all groups, fruit trees were generally more important than field crops for income generation, mainly in mountainous areas. The finding of this study showed that all farmers’ groups contribute greatly to on-farm conservation of landraces, with a bigger role for poor farmers in conserving the landraces of fruit trees. Diversification of income and farming systems to include livestock, field crops and fruit trees along with off-farm activities are contributing to the conservation of agrobiodiversity in these marginal environments. Several opportunities for income increase and diversification through add-value activities and alternative sources of income are demonstrated to the custodians of dryland agrobiodiversity. Their benefits can contribute to the sustainability of agrobiodiversity conservation, provided that marketing of local products can be enhanced.
High Temporal Resolution MRI Quantification of Global Cerebral Metabolic Rate of Oxygen Consumption in Response to Apneic Challenge
Authors: Rodgers Zachary B , Jain Varsha , Englund Erin K , Langham Michael C , Wehrli Felix W
Published: July 2013

We present a technique for quantifying global cerebral metabolic rate of oxygen consumption (CMRO2) in absolute physiologic units at 3-second temporal resolution and apply the technique to quantify the dynamic CMRO2 response to volitional apnea. Temporal resolution of 3 seconds was achieved via a combination of view sharing and superior sagittal sinus-based estimation of total cerebral blood flow (tCBF) rather than tCBF measurement in the neck arteries. These modifications were first validated in three healthy adults and demonstrated to produce minimal errors in image-derived blood flow and venous oxygen saturation (SvO2) values. The technique was then applied in 10 healthy adults during an apnea paradigm of three repeated 30-second breath-holds. Subject-averaged baseline tCBF, arteriovenous oxygen difference (AVO2D), and CMRO2 were 48.6±7.0 mL/100 g per minute, 29.4 ± 3.4%HbO2, and 125.1±11.4 μmol/100 g per minute, respectively. Subject-averaged maximum changes in tCBF and AVO2D were 43.5±9.4% and − 32.1±5.7%, respectively, resulting in a small (6.0±3.5%) but statistically significant ( P = 0.00044, two-tailed t-test) increase in average end-apneic CMRO2. This method could be used to investigate neurometabolic-hemodynamic relationships in normal physiology, to better define the biophysical origins of the BOLD signal, and to quantify neurometabolic responsiveness in diseases of altered neurovascular reactivity.
Physiologically‐Based Pharmacokinetic (PBPK) Modeling and Simulations Principles, Methods, and Applications in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Authors: Rowland M
Published: July 2013

CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology (2013) 2, e55; doi:10.1038/psp.2013.29; advance online publication 10 July 2013
Students' Production of Narrative and AAE Features During an Emergent Literacy Task
Authors: Schachter Rachel E. , Craig Holly K.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

This study examined child production of narrative features and of African American English (AAE) during a wordless storybook oral narrative task.

Method

Participants were 30 AAE-speaking African American kindergarten and 1st grade students from low- and mid-socioeconomic status homes. Story grammar (SG), story literary technique (SLT), and AAE features were examined.

Results

Young AAE-speaking students used a variety of SG narrative features to develop the plot in their oral stories. Students also used multiple SLT elaborative features, though some techniques were used more frequently than others. The total SLT score positively predicted the total SG score, and the individual SLTs of adverbs or adjectives, references to the main theme, and character interactions were positively correlated with the total SG score. AAE-feature production rates did not predict the total SG score. However, several individual AAE features served specific narrative functions, with the preterite had, zero past tense, zero preposition, fitna/sposeta/bouta, and double marking features often being used to relay complicating actions within the narratives.

Conclusion

Young children used both AAE and elaborative features in their narratives. Particular AAE features facilitated plot development, and the use of more elaborative features positively predicted higher narrative development scores.