bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ferishta's History of Dekkan, from the First Mahummedan Conquests
Authors: Ferishta
Published: December 2014

Serving in Bengal as a captain of the East India Company, Jonathan Scott (1753–1829) became a private Persian translator to Governor-General Warren Hastings in 1783. A gifted orientalist, he was elected a member of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784, returned to England in 1785, and a year later published the first of his many translations, Memoirs of Eradut Khan (also reissued in the Cambridge Library Collection), shedding light on the Mughal empire in the seventeenth century. This two-volume work, published in 1794, narrates the fortunes of the Islamic kingdoms in southern India from the thirteenth century onwards. Volume 1 comprises a translation of the work of the Persian chronicler Ferishta (1560–1620), documenting the history of the Deccan Plateau to the end of the sixteenth century.
Meteorological Essays and Observations
Authors: Daniell J. Frederic
Published: December 2014

By the early nineteenth century, meteorologists were equipped with plenty of useful devices: barometers, thermometers, hygrometers, and any number of variations thereon. But the nature of these instruments was not wholly understood. While it was possible to take accurate measurements with a barometer, what physical process made the mercury move? What exactly is atmospheric pressure? And how can one measure sunlight? Ranging from wild theories of gravity-resistant air particles to the latest experiments in altitude, chemist and physicist John Frederic Daniell (1790–1845) presents his answers in this collection of essays. First published in 1823, this enlarged second edition of 1827 includes his work on the climate of London, the effect of atmospheric conditions on human health, and suggested improvements for the design of a new hygrometer. Daniell later became the first professor of chemistry at King's College, London, and foreign secretary of the Royal Society.
A Catalogue of the Books Relating to British Topography, and Saxon and Northern Literature
Authors: Bodleian Library
Published: December 2014

The leading antiquary of his day, Richard Gough (1735–1809) served as director of the Society of Antiquities for over twenty-five years. The only son of a wealthy family, Gough benefited from being free to pursue his interests without hindrance. His independent fortune allowed him both to conduct his own research and to aid others with theirs. While the topography and Roman antiquities of the whole of Great Britain and Ireland formed his primary focus, he was also an eager proponent of Saxonist scholarship, as the panoply of his collected books on both subjects attests. These, together with a variety of maps, plans, drawings and charts, he bequeathed to Oxford's Bodleian Library. Originally published in 1814, this catalogue constitutes proof of a lifelong interest in, as well as generous support for the continuation of, antiquarian and topographical enterprises.
Memoirs, Journal, and Correspondence of Thomas Moore
Authors: Moore Thomas
Published: December 2014

Throughout his professional life, the poet Thomas Moore (1779–1852) was variously celebrated and vilified for both his verse and his politics. Born in Dublin, he remained an ardent Irish patriot until his death. This eight-volume collection of Moore's memoirs, diaries and letters, edited by his friend Lord John Russell (1792–1878) and first published between 1853 and 1856, provides rare insights into a man whose genius was applauded by the Morning Chronicle as 'embracing almost all sides of imaginative literature, of criticism and philosophy'. Volume 4 contains Moore's diary for the period 1822–5, during which time his reputation for sensuousness and political satire was confirmed with the publication of The Loves of the Angels (1823) and Fables for the Holy Alliance (1823). The volume opens with engravings of his fellow radical poet Samuel Rogers and the cottage at Mayfield where Moore wrote much of Lalla Rookh.
C. G. J. Jacobi's Gesammelte Werke
Authors: Jacobi Carl Gustav Jacob
Published: December 2014

One of the greatest mathematicians of the nineteenth century, Carl Gustav Jacob Jacobi (1804–51) burst into the limelight with his redevelopment, together with Niels Henrik Abel (1802–29), of the theory of elliptic functions. His pioneering work was characterised by the variety of problems tackled and the power of the tools used to tackle them. His lasting influence on rational mechanics, number theory, partial differential equations, complex variable theory and computation is marked by the number of fundamental concepts that bear his name (the Jacobian, the Jacobi sum and the Jacobi symbol, among others). His collected works, comprising treatises, letters and papers written in German, Latin and French, were published in eight volumes between 1881 and 1891. Edited by fellow German mathematician Karl Weierstrass (1815–97), Volume 7 appeared in 1891.
Soyer's Culinary Campaign
Authors: Soyer Alexis
Published: December 2014

Perhaps the first celebrity chef, Alexis Soyer (1810–58) was a flamboyant, larger-than-life character who nonetheless took his profession very seriously. As the chef of the Reform Club, he modernised its kitchens, installing refrigerators and gas cookers. In 1851, during the Great Exhibition, he prepared spectacular (but financially ruinous) culinary extravaganzas at his restaurant, the Gastronomic Symposium of All Nations. In stark contrast, he organised soup kitchens during the Great Famine in Ireland and volunteered his services in the Crimea in 1855 to improve military catering. This work, first published in 1857, gives a vivid account of his efforts to prepare nutritious meals for the soldiers using a newly invented portable field stove, which remained in use until the Second World War. Also reissued in this series are Soyer's Gastronomic Regenerator (1846) and The Modern Housewife or Ménagère (1849).
Philosophical Observations on the Senses of Vision and Hearing
Authors: Elliott John
Published: December 2014

Although first to suggest the possibility of light frequencies beyond the visible spectrum, the natural philosopher John Elliott (1747–87) was better known at his death for his failed suicide in front of the woman he loved. Tried for attempting to shoot her, he was acquitted but died in prison awaiting trial on the lesser charge of assault. First published in 1780, this work was his most important. Contemporary science held that vibrations of the air were directly communicated to the optic and auditory nerves and passed on to the sensorium, while Elliot proposed, through experimentation upon himself, the existence of sensory receptors, each tuned to only a limited part of the spectrum of physical frequencies. This insight led him to postulate the existence of what we now know to be ultraviolet and infrared radiation, thus paving the way for further discoveries in human sensory perception.
Computational analysis of the flow field structure of a non-reacting hypersonic flow over forward-facing steps
Authors: Leite P. H. M. , Santos W. F. N.
Published: December 2014

This work is a computational study of a rarefied non-reacting hypersonic flow past a forward-facing step at zero-degree angle of attack in thermal non-equilibrium. Effects on the flow field structure and on the aerodynamic surface quantities due to changes in step frontal-face height are investigated by employing the direct simulation Monte Carlo method. The work focuses the attention of designers of hypersonic configurations on the fundamental parameter of surface discontinuity, which can have an important impact on even initial design. The results presented highlight the sensitivity of the primary flow field properties, velocity, density, pressure and temperature, to changes in the step frontal-face height. In addition, the behaviour of heat transfer, pressure and skin friction coefficients with variation of the step frontal-face height is detailed. The analysis shows that hypersonic flow past a forward-facing step in the transition flow regime is characterized by a strong compression ahead of the frontal face, which influences the aerodynamic surface properties upstream and adjacent to the frontal face. The analysis also shows that the extension of the upstream disturbance depends on the step frontal-face height. It was found that the recirculation region ahead of the step is also a function of the frontal-face height. A sequence of Moffatt eddies of decreasing size and intensity is observed in the concave step corner. Locally high heating and pressure loads were observed at three locations along the surface, i.e. on the lower surface, on the frontal face and on the upper surface. The results showed that both loads rely on the frontal-face height. The peak values for the heat transfer coefficient on the frontal-face surface were at least one order of magnitude larger than the maximum value observed for a smooth surface, i.e. a flat plate without a step. A comparison of the present simulation results with numerical and experimental data showed close agreement concerning the wall pressure acting on the step surface.
Effects of Attachment Representations, Rumination, and Trait Depression on Co-Rumination in Friendships: A Dyadic Analysis
Authors: Homa Jennifer K. , Chow Chong Man
Published: December 2014

The current study addressed whether attachment, rumination, and trait depression were predictive of co-rumination in dyadic friendships. The final sample consisted of 205 pairs of same-sex friends (Mage= 18.93 years,SD= 1.31) and 135 (66%) of the dyads were female. Results revealed that an individual's attachment avoidance was significantly related to their own (actor effect) and their friend's (partner effect) co-rumination. Gender moderated the (1) effect of attachment avoidance on co-rumination at the actor and partner levels and (2) effect of attachment anxiety on co-rumination at the partner level. Furthermore, an interaction emerged between friendship duration and trait depression on co-rumination at the actor level. Considering the adjustment trade-offs of co-rumination (e.g., closer friendship quality accompanied with greater levels of depression and anxiety), it is important to understand the predictors of co-rumination and the consequences of it in order to effectively apply intervention efforts.
ADHM CONSTRUCTION OF PERVERSE INSTANTON SHEAVES
Authors: HENNI ABDELMOUBINE AMAR , JARDIM MARCOS , MARTINS RENATO VIDAL
Published: December 2014

We present a construction of framed torsion free instanton sheaves on a projective variety containing a fixed line which further generalises the one on projective spaces. This is done by generalising the so called ADHM variety. We show that the moduli space of such objects is a quasi projective variety, which is fine in the case of projective spaces. We also give an ADHM categorical description of perverse instanton sheaves in the general case, along with a hypercohomological characterisation of these sheaves in the particular case of projective spaces.
SINGULAR COTANGENT MODEL
Authors: CURRÁS-BOSCH CARLOS
Published: December 2014

Any singular level of a completely integrable system (c.i.s.) with non-degenerate singularities has a singular affine structure. We shall show how to construct a simple c.i.s. around the level, having the above affine structure. The cotangent bundle of the desingularized level is used to perform the construction, and the c.i.s. obtained looks like the simplest one associated to the affine structure. This method of construction is used to provide several examples of c.i.s. with different kinds of non-degenerate singularities.
STRONGLY INVARIANT SUBGROUPS
Authors: CĂLUGĂREANU GRIGORE
Published: December 2014

As a special case of fully invariant subgroups, strongly invariant subgroups are introduced and studied for Abelian groups.
FINITISTIC DIMENSIONS AND PIECEWISE HEREDITARY PROPERTY OF SKEW GROUP ALGEBRAS
Authors: LI LIPING
Published: December 2014

Let Λ be a finite-dimensional algebra andGbe a finite group whose elements act on Λ as algebra automorphisms. Assume that Λ has a complete setEof primitive orthogonal idempotents, closed under the action of a Sylowp-subgroupS≤G. If the action ofSonEis free, we show that the skew group algebra ΛGand Λ have the same finitistic dimension, and have the same strong global dimension if the fixed algebra ΛSis a direct summand of the ΛS-bimodule Λ. Using a homological characterization of piecewise hereditary algebras proved by Happel and Zacharia, we deduce a criterion for ΛGto be piecewise hereditary.
ON BI-HARMONIC HYPERSURFACES IN EUCLIDEAN SPACE OF ARBITRARY DIMENSION
Authors: GUPTA RAM SHANKAR
Published: December 2014

The following Chen's bi-harmonic conjecture made in 1991 is well-known and stays open: The only bi-harmonic submanifolds of Euclidean spaces are the minimal ones. In this paper, we prove that the bi-harmonic conjecture is true for bi-harmonic hypersurfaces with three distinct principal curvatures of a Euclidean space of arbitrary dimension.
GROWTH CONDITIONS FOR OPERATORS WITH SMALLEST SPECTRUM
Authors: MUSTAFAYEV H. S.
Published: December 2014

Let A be an invertible operator on a complex Banach space X. For a given α ≥ 0, we define the class $\mathcal{D}$Aα(ℤ) (resp. $\mathcal{D}$Aα (ℤ+)) of all bounded linear operators T on X for which there exists a constant CT>0, such that
$
\begin{equation*}
\Vert A^{n}TA^{-n}\Vert \leq C_{T}\left( 1+\left\vert
n\right\vert \right) ^{\alpha },
\end{equation*}
$
for all n ∈ ℤ (resp. n∈ ℤ+). We present a complete description of the class $\mathcal{D}$Aα (ℤ) in the case when the spectrum of A is real or is a singleton. If T ∈ $\mathcal{D}$A(ℤ) (=$\mathcal{D}$A0(ℤ)), some estimates for the norm of AT-TA are obtained. Some results for the class $\mathcal{D}$Aα (ℤ+) are also given.
The properties of photonic band gap and surface plasmon modes in the three-dimensional magnetized photonic crystals as the mixed polarized modes considered
Authors: Zhang Hai-Feng , Liu Shao-Bin , Jiang Yu-Chi
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the properties of photonic band gap (PBG) and surface plasmon modes in the three-dimensional (3D) magnetized plasma photonic crystals (MPPCs) with face-centered-cubic (fcc) lattices are theoretically investigated based on the plane wave expansion (PWE) method, in which the homogeneous magnetized plasma spheres are immersed in the homogeneous dielectric background, as the Voigt effects of magnetized plasma are considered (the incidence electromagnetic wave vector is perpendicular to the external magnetic field at any time). The dispersive properties of all of the EM modes are studied because the PBG is not only for the extraordinary and ordinary modes but also for the mixed polarized modes. The equations for PBGs also are theoretically deduced. The numerical results show that the PBG and a flatbands region can be observed. The effects of the dielectric constant of dielectric background, filling factor, plasma frequency and plasma cyclotron frequency (the external magnetic field) on the dispersive properties of all of the EM modes in such 3D MPPCs are investigated in detail, respectively. Theoretical simulations show that the PBG can be manipulated by the parameters as mentioned above. Compared to the conventional dielectric-air PCs with similar structure, the larger PBG can be obtained in such 3D MPPCs. It is also shown that the upper edge of flatbands region cannot be tuned by the filling factor and dielectric constant of dielectric background, but it can be manipulated by the plasma frequency and plasma cyclotron frequency.
Age, growth and reproduction of the Morocco dentex Dentex maroccanus of the eastern coast of Algeria
Authors: Mohdeb Rima , Kara M. Hichem
Published: December 2014

A total of 1725 specimens of Dentex maroccanus caught in the eastern coast of Algeria from June 2011 to May 2012 were examined for an age and reproduction study. Total length (TL) ranged from 10.4 cm (16.05 g) to 26.8 cm (300.80 g). The maximum estimated age was 7 years for females and 8 years for males. The growth function of Von Bertalanffy fitted to back-calculated size at age data was: TL = 36.64[1 − e−0.2(t−0.5)] and TL = 37.26[1 − e−0.2(t−0.5)] for females and males respectively. Total length – eviscerated weight (We) relationship was estimated as We = 0.012 TL3.046 for females and We = 0.011 TL3.067 for males, being allometrically positive for both sexes. Sex-ratio was 1:0.9 in favour of females. A five-stage maturity scale based on macroscopic characteristics was identified and used to classify the gonads. The reproductive season, evaluated from a gonadosomatic index, extended from May to September. Fifty per cent maturity of the tested sample was reached at a total length of 14.4 cm TL for females and 15.1 cm TL for males.
Childhood somatic complaints predict generalized anxiety and depressive disorders during young adulthood in a community sample
Authors: Shanahan L. , Zucker N. , Copeland W. E. , Bondy C. L. , Egger H. L. , Costello E. J.
Published: December 2014

Background

Children with somatic complaints are at increased risk for emotional disorders during childhood. Whether this elevated risk extends into young adulthood – and to which specific disorders – has rarely been tested with long-term prospective-longitudinal community samples. Here we test whether frequent and recurring stomach aches, headaches, and muscle aches during childhood predict emotional disorders in adulthood after accounting for childhood psychiatric and physical health status and psychosocial adversity.

Method

The Great Smoky Mountains Study is a community representative sample with 1420 participants. Children/adolescents were assessed 4–7 times between ages 9–16 years. They were assessed again up to three times between ages 19–26 years. Childhood somatic complaints were coded when subjects or their parents reported frequent and recurrent headaches, stomach aches, or muscular/joint aches at some point when children were aged 9–16 years. Psychiatric disorders were assessed with the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Assessment and the Young Adult Psychiatric Assessment.

Results

Frequent and recurrent somatic complaints in childhood predicted adulthood emotional disorders. After controlling for potential confounders, predictions from childhood somatic complaints were specific to later depression and generalized anxiety disorder. Long-term predictions did not differ by sex. Somatic complaints that persisted across developmental periods were associated with the highest risk for young adult emotional distress disorders.

Conclusions

Children from the community with frequent and recurrent physical distress are at substantially increased risk for emotional distress disorders during young adulthood. Preventions and interventions for somatic complaints could help alleviate this risk.
Social engagement from childhood to middle age and the effect of childhood socio-economic status on middle age social engagement: results from the National Child Development study
Authors: HIETANEN HEIDI , AARTSEN MARJA , KIURU NOONA , LYYRA TIINA-MARI , READ SANNA
Published: December 2014

Social engagement has powerful effects on wellbeing, but variation in individual engagement throughout the lifecourse is wide. The trajectories may differ by gender and be affected by socio-economic status (SES). However, long-term development of social engagement is little studied and the effect of childhood SES on later-life social engagement remains obscure. We aimed to describe the social engagement development from childhood to middle age by gender and test the effect of childhood SES on middle age social engagement. Data (N=16,440, 51.3% male) are drawn from the on-going National Child Development Study, following British babies born in 1958. Social engagement was measured by social activities, voluntary work and social contacts, with follow-ups at age 11, 16, 23 and 50. SES was measured by father's occupational social class and tenure status. Structural equation modelling suggested inter-individual stability in social engagement, showing that development of social engagement started in childhood and increased social engagement in middle age through adolescence and early adulthood. Longitudinal effects were detected within and across the social engagement domains. Lower childhood SES was significantly related to a lower level of voluntary work and social activity in middle age, but to higher levels of social contacts. Although stability in social engagement is moderate over the lifecourse, variation within and across the different social engagement domains is shaped by differences in childhood SES.
The complexities of ‘otherness’: reflections on embodiment of a young White British woman engaged in cross-generation research involving older people in Indonesia
Authors: NORRIS MERIEL
Published: December 2014

If interviews are to be considered embodied experiences, than the potential influence of the embodied researcher must be explored. A focus on specific attributes such as age or ethnicity belies the complex and negotiated space that both researcher and participant inhabit simultaneously. Drawing on empirical research with stroke survivors in an ethnically mixed area of Indonesia, this paper highlights the importance of considering embodiment as a specific methodological concern. Three specific interactions are described and analysed, illustrating the active nature of the embodied researcher in narrative production and development. The intersectionality of embodied features is evident, alongside their fluctuating influence in time and place. These interactions draw attention to the need to consider the researcher within the interview process and the subsequent analysis and presentation of narrative findings. The paper concludes with a reinforcement of the importance of ongoing and meaningful reflexivity in research, a need to consider the researcher as the other participant, and specifically a call to engage with and present the dynamic nature of embodiment.
SPATIAL SEMIPARAMETRIC MODEL WITH ENDOGENOUS REGRESSORS
Authors: Jenish Nazgul
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a semiparametric generalized method of moments estimator (GMM) estimator for a partially parametric spatial model with endogenous spatially dependent regressors. The finite-dimensional estimator is shown to be consistent and root-n asymptotically normal under some reasonable conditions. A spatial heteroscedasticity and autocorrelation consistent covariance estimator is constructed for the GMM estimator. The leading application is nonlinear spatial autoregressions, which arise in a wide range of strategic interaction models. To derive the asymptotic properties of the estimator, the paper also establishes a stochastic equicontinuity criterion and functional central limit theorem for near-epoch dependent random fields.
Who is Looking After Mom and Dad? Unregulated Workers in Canadian Long-Term Care Homes
Authors: Estabrooks Carole A. , Squires Janet E. , Carleton Heather L. , Cummings Greta G. , Norton Peter G.
Published: December 2014

Les personnes âgées recevant soins de longue durée ou soins infirmiers résidentiels ont des besoins de plus en plus complexes, y compris exhibitant plus de la démence que dans le passé, mais on ne connait que peu en ce qui concerne la population non réglementée qui fournit leurs soins. Nous avons interrogé 1 381 aides dans un échantillon représentatif de 30 maisons de soins infirmiers en milieu urbain dans les trois provinces des Prairies canadiennes afin de signaler des caractéristiques démographiques, la santé et le bien-être, et des caractéristiques liées au travail. Plus de 50 pour cent des répondants ne sont pas nés au Canada et ne parlaient pas l'anglais comme leur première langue. Ils ont signalé des niveaux d'épuisement modérément élevés et un sentiment fort de la valeur de leur travail. Peu de répondants ont déclaré avoir participé à des séances de formation. Cette main d'oeuvre composée de fournisseurs de soins directs est mal comprise, leur formation et les normes pour l'emploi sont limitées, et la formation varie considérablement d'une province à l'autre. Les caractéristiques du lieu de travail qui touchent aux aidants reflètent des facteurs qui favorisent l'épuisement professionnel dans les professions connexes de la santé, avec des implications pour la qualité des soins, pour la santé du personnel et pour leur rétention.
One-click preparation of 3D print files (*.stl, *.wrl) from *.cif (crystallographic information framework) data using Cif2VRML
Authors: Kaminsky Werner , Snyder Trevor , Stone-Sundberg Jennifer , Moeck Peter
Published: December 2014

Ongoing software developments for creating three-dimensional (3D) printed crystallographic models seamlessly from Crystallographic Information Framework (CIF) data (*.cif files) are reported. Color versus monochrome printing is briefly discussed. Recommendations are made on the basis of our preliminary printing efforts. A brief outlook on new materials for 3D printing is given.
Widespread detection of antibodies toLeptospirain feral swine in the United States
Authors: PEDERSEN K. , PABILONIA K. L. , ANDERSON T. D. , BEVINS S. N. , HICKS C. R. , KLOFT J. M. , DELIBERTO T. J.
Published: December 2014

As feral swine continue to expand their geographical range and distribution across the United States, their involvement in crop damage, livestock predation, and pathogen transmission is likely to increase. Despite the relatively recent discovery of feral swine involvement in the aetiology of a variety of pathogens, their propensity to transmit and carry a wide variety of pathogens is disconcerting. We examined sera from 2055 feral swine for antibody presence to six serovars ofLeptospirathat can also infect humans, livestock or domestic animals. About 13% of all samples tested positive for at least one serovar, suggesting thatLeptospirainfection is common in feral swine. Further studies to identify the proportion of actively infected animals are needed to more fully understand the risk they pose.
Unpacking the ‘black box’ of total pathogen burden: is number or type of pathogens most predictive of all-cause mortality in the United States?
Authors: SIMANEK A. M. , DOWD J. B. , ZAJACOVA A. , AIELLO A. E.
Published: December 2014

A ‘black box’ paradigm has prevailed in which researchers have focused on the association between the total number of pathogens for which individuals are seropositive (i.e. total pathogen burden) and various chronic diseases, while largely ignoring the role that seropositivity for specific combinations of pathogens may play in the aetiology of such outcomes and consequently mortality. We examined the association between total pathogen burden as well as specific pathogen combinations and all-cause mortality in the United States. Data were from individuals aged ⩾25 years tested for cytomegalovirus (CMV), herpes simplex virus (HSV)-1, HSV-2 andHelicobacter pylori, with mortality follow-up to 31 December 2006 in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) III (N= 6522). We did not observe a statistically significant graded relationship between total pathogen burden level and all-cause mortality. Furthermore, compared to those seronegative for all four pathogens, the greatest statistically significant rate of all-cause mortality was for those CMV+/HSV-2+ (hazard ratio 1·95, 95% confidence interval 1·13–3·35) adjusting for age, gender, race/ethnicity, education level, body mass index (kg/m2) and smoking status. Interventions targeting prevention or treatment of particular pathogens may be more effective for reducing mortality than those focused solely on reducing overall pathogen burden.
Time, place, and people: composition of the EPIET Alumni Network and its contribution to the European public health resource in 2013
Authors: PEZZOLI L. , KERAMAROU M. , LADBURY G. , JARAMILLO-GUTIERREZ G. , WILLIAMS C. J. , LE MENACH A.
Published: December 2014

The EPIET Alumni Network (EAN) is an association of professionals who have completed field epidemiology or public health microbiology training programmes in the European Union. In 2013, we conducted a survey of EAN members to investigate this network's role within European public health. We distributed an online questionnaire to members registered at the time, collecting data on demographics, professional background, and attitudes towards EAN. Out of 362 registered members, 189 (52%) responded; 97% were from Europe; 65% were female. Their mean age was 39 years. The highest academic qualification was PhD for 44% and Master's degree for 55%. The majority (60%) worked in public health institutes. They were especially satisfied with having access to job offers and professional networking via EAN, but requested more learning opportunities and knowledge-sharing between members. EAN is a unique platform where highly skilled professionals can connect to control infectious diseases locally and internationally. Having a network of professionals that know each other, speak the same ‘language’, and can easily access each other's expertise, represents an important resource for European and global public health, which should be nurtured by encouraging more collaborations devoted to professional development.
Changes in total and central adiposity and body fat distribution among 7–10-year-old schoolchildren in Brazil
Authors: Leal Danielle Biazzi , de Assis Maria Alice Altenburg , González-Chica David Alejandro , da Costa Filipe Ferreira , de Andrade Dalton Francisco , Lobo Adriana Soares
Published: December 2014

Objective

To describe changes in total and central adiposity and body fat distribution in children over a 5-year period by investigating variations in BMI, waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and skinfold thicknesses (SFT).

Design

A school-based sample of children from 2nd to 5th grades of elementary schools participated in two cross-sectional studies in 2002 (n 2936) and 2007 (n 1232).

Setting

Public and private schools of Florianopolis, Brazil.

Subjects

Schoolchildren aged 7–10 years had their weight, height, WC and SFT measured according to standard procedures. Body fat distribution was assessed by triceps, subscapular, suprailiac and medial calf skinfold measurements. Changes in BMI, WC, WHtR and SFT were analysed, adjusting for type of school and monthly family income.

Results

Adjusted mean differences between 2002 and 2007 for BMI and WC were always positive and of similar magnitude between boys and girls. However, a statistically significant increase was observed only for BMI (raw and Z-score values) in boys. WHtR remained stable in both sexes. Adjusted median values for SFT also increased in boys and girls, except for triceps skinfold. BMI, WC and SFT tended to increase across age classes in both sexes. The relative change observed for the median central skinfolds (subscapular and suprailiac) was greater than that of peripheral skinfolds (triceps and medial calf).

Conclusions

The subcutaneous adipose tissue (SFT) appeared to increase at a faster rate than total adiposity (BMI). The increase in central SFT indicates that the relative change is due primarily to a rise in central adiposity.
Adherence to generic v. brand antidepressant treatment and the key role of health system factors
Authors: Barbui C. , Conti V.
Published: December 2014

One of the major challenges with antidepressant (AD) use is poor adherence and early treatment discontinuation. In addition to socio-demographic and clinical variables, treatment discontinuation may also be related to the capacity of the health system to assure and maintain continuity and intensity of care. Among health system factors that may interfere with adherence to pharmacological treatment, use of generic drugs may play a key role. It has been argued that, although the lower cost of generics may favour persistence on treatment, a widespread a priori scepticism about their effectiveness and safety by doctors and patients may have an opposite effect. This compelling research question has recently been addressed by an observational cohort study that involved 16 778 Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries who received a new depression diagnosis and initiated generic v. brand AD therapy. The study found that generic initiation was associated with improved adherence. The benefits resulted from the lower out-of-pocket cost associated with generic ADs. In this commentary, we discuss the main findings of this study in view of its methodological strengths and limitations, and we suggest implications for policy.
Genetic diversity of different indigenous chicken ecotypes using highly polymorphic MHC-linked and non-MHC microsatellite markers
Authors: Ngeno K. , van der Waaij E.H. , Megens H.J. , Kahi A.K. , van Arendonk J.A.M. , Crooijmans R.P.M.A.
Published: December 2014

The study investigated the genetic make-up of different ecotypes of indigenous chickens (ICs) in Kenya based on major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-linked and non-MHC microsatellite markers. Blood samples were collected from eight regions (48 birds per region) of Kenya: Kakamega (KK), Siaya (BN), West Pokot (WP), Turkana (TK), Bomet (BM), Narok (NR), Lamu (LM) and Taita-Taveta (TT) and genotyped using two MHC-linked and ten non-MHC markers. All MHC-linked and non-MHC markers were polymorphic with a total of 140 alleles, of which 56 were identified in MHC-linked markers. Mean number of alleles (Na and Ne), private alleles, heterozygosity and genetic distances were higher for MHC-linked markers compared with non-MHC markers. Thead hocstatistic ΔK detected the true numbers of clusters to be three for MHC-linked markers and two in non-MHC markers. In conclusion, Kenyan ICs belong into two to three genetically distinct groups. Different markers systems have different clustering system. MHC-linked markers divided ICs into three mixed clusters, composing of individuals from the different ecotypes whereas non-MHC markers grouped ICs into two groups. These IC ecotypes host many and highly diverse MHC-linked alleles. Higher allelic diversity indicated a huge amount of genetic variation in the MHC region of ICs and supported their reputation of being hardy and resistant to diseases.
Emotional Openness in Overweight and Normal-Weight Adolescents
Authors: Walther Mireille , Hilbert Anja
Published: December 2014

Obesity is common among adolescents and is associated with a number of medical complications. As maladaptive emotional processing is assumed to influence obesity, this research investigated emotional openness (EO), a general model of emotional processing, in normal-weight versus overweight adolescents, with consideration of gender differences. The goal was to determine whether a particular EO profile is characteristic of overweight adolescents. This research also explored the psychometric characteristics of the Dimensions of Openness to Emotions Questionnaire (DOE-20), a comprehensive multifactorial instrument that assesses emotional processing. The DOE-20 and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS) short form were completed by 160 adolescents (mean age: 14.36 ± 0.61 years), 39 of which were overweight. A multivariate analysis of variance showed no difference with respect to overweight status, but boys had a better ability to recognize and regulate emotions than girls. The original five-factor structure of the DOE-20 was confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis, although internal consistency was modest. Because this research did not replicate the EO profile previously found in obese adults, we discuss the adequacy of the DOE-20 to evaluate EO in adolescents as well as the ability of the construct of EO to assess emotional processing in obesity. Further research should examine the links between EO, problematic eating behaviors, and obesity.
Assessing Multicultural Effectiveness Among Young Swiss People
Authors: Faniko Klea , Grin François , Ghisletta Paolo
Published: December 2014

The present paper examines the reliability and validity of the French-language version of the Multicultural Personality Questionnaire (MPQ) among young participants (N = 7,180) in French-speaking Switzerland. Consistent with previous research ( Van der Zee & Van Oudenhoven, 2000 , 2001 ; Van der Zee, Zaal, & Piekstra, 2003 ), exploratory analysis in one subsample confirmed the presence of the five factors underpinning the MPQ: Open-Mindedness, Cultural Empathy, Emotional Stability, Social Initiative, and Flexibility. Confirmatory factor analyses in a second subsample and in the total sample further confirmed the same five-factor structure. This model was modified to include correlated residuals between items with high semantic proximity. This final model obtained a satisfactory fit to the overall data. We conclude that the French version of the 37-item MPQ scale can be used to examine the attitudes associated with multicultural effectiveness in French-speaking populations.
ADHS im Erwachsenenalter
Authors: Stieglitz Rolf-Dieter , Rösler Michael
Published: December 2014

Die Aufmerksamkeitsdefizit-/Hyperaktivitätsstörung (ADHS) im Erwachsenenalter gewinnt zunehmend an Interesse im klinischen Alltag wie in der Forschung. Während der letzten Jahre sind besonders im Bereich der Diagnostik, der Pharmakotherapie und Psychotherapie grosse Fortschritte gemacht worden. Weiterhin tritt eine Vielzahl neuer Fragen, die die verschiedenen Facetten der Störung betreffen, in den Fokus der Forschung.
Trauma-Erfahrungen und sexueller Missbrauch bei ADHS
Authors: Retz-Junginger Petra , Arweiler Angela , Retz Wolfgang
Published: December 2014

Ziel der vorgestellten Untersuchung ist die qualitative und quantitative Erhebung kindlicher Traumatisierungen, insbesondere sexuellem Missbrauch bei ADHS-Patienten. Es wurden 125 Personen mit kindlicher ADHS und 195 Kontrollpersonen hinsichtlich traumatisierender Erfahrungen einschließlich sexuellen Missbrauchs mittels standardisierter Fragebögen retrospektiv befragt. Personen mit kindlicher ADHS berichteten durchschnittlich häufiger oder stärker ausgeprägt emotionalen Missbrauch, körperliche Misshandlung, sexuellen Missbrauch, emotionale Vernachlässigung und körperliche Vernachlässigung. Im Vergleich zur Kontrollgruppe berichteten Personen mit kindlicher ADHS häufiger sexuelle Übergriffe mit und ohne Körperkontakt in der Kindheit. Personen mit kindlicher ADHS, die einen sexuellen Missbrauch in der Kindheit beschreiben, schilderten retrospektiv eine stärker ausgeprägte ängstlich-depressive Symptomatik als ADHS-Betroffene ohne Missbrauchserlebnis. Viele erwachsene ADHS-Patienten beschreiben Traumatisierungen. Aufgrund des retrospektiven Ansatzes der vorliegenden Untersuchung kann hieraus allerdings nicht sicher geschlossen werden, dass ADHS einen Risikofaktor für Traumatisierungen einschließlich sexuellen Missbrauchs darstellt. Diesem Thema sollte bei der Behandlung von Kindern und Jugendlichen mit ADHS mehr Aufmerksamkeit geschenkt und Präventionsmaßnahmen entwickelt werden.
Körperbildstörungen bei Trauma und sozialer Ängstlichkeit
Authors: Dyer Anne S. , Bublatzky Florian , Alpers Georg W.
Published: December 2014

Viele psychische Störungen können sich auf die eigene Körperwahrnehmung auswirken. So berichten manche Patienten mit Posttraumatischer Belastungsstörung (PTBS) wie auch mit sozialer Ängstlichkeit (SÄ) von einem negativen Körperbild. Bei PTBS ist der Einfluss des Geschlechts und der Traumaart auf das Körperbild unklar. Bezüglich SÄ ist unklar, welche Komponenten des Körperbildes gestört sind. Symptome der PTBS, SÄ und das Körperbild wurden in zwei Online Studien (N = 259) erfragt. Das Körperbild bei PTBS wird über Schwere der Symptomatik, nicht über Traumaart oder Geschlecht beeinflusst. Menschen mit SÄ berichten negativere Einstellungen und ausgeprägte Körpervermeidung im Vergleich zu Menschen mit geringer SÄ. Im Vergleich der Stichproben zeigen Probanden mit PTBS Symptomatik negativere Einstellungen gegenüber dem Körper als Probanden mit SÄ. PTBS und SÄ zeigen Auswirkungen der Symptomatik auf die Körperwahrnehmung, die auch in der Psychotherapie thematisiert werden sollten.
Der Kinder-Titelrekognitionstest (K-TRT)
Authors: Schroeder Sascha , Segbers Jutta , Schröter Pauline
Published: December 2014

Zusammenfassung. In diesem Beitrag stellen wir den K-TRT (Kinder-Titelrekognitionstest) vor, ein ökonomisches und objektives Verfahren, um das Lesevolumen bei Kindern und Jugendlichen im Deutschen zu erfassen. Der K-TRT orientiert sich an vergleichbaren Instrumenten aus dem Englischen, die eine Rekognitionsmethode verwenden: Die Probanden sollen angeben, welche Titel sie aus einer Liste von Kinder- und Jugendbüchern kennen. Um Ratetendenzen zu vermeiden, enthält diese Liste auch Distraktor-Titel. Wir stellen dar, wie der K-TRT entwickelt wurde und welche Struktur er hat. Danach berichten wir die Ergebnisse von zwei Validierungsstudien. Studie 1 untersucht die Reliabilität des Verfahrens und die Verteilung der Testwerte in einer altersheterogenen Stichprobe. Studie 2 vergleicht die differenziellen Außenkorrelationen des K-TRT mit dem Wortschatz und der Lesegeschwindigkeit in einer Stichprobe von Schülerinnen und Schülern aus der 2., 4. und 6. Klasse. Die Ergebnisse sprechen für die Reliabilität und Konstruktvalidität des K-TRTs. Alle Items und ihre Kennwerte sind im Artikel aufgeführt.
TLR4-mediated inflammation promotes foam cell formation of vascular smooth muscle cell by upregulating ACAT1 expression
Authors: Yin Y-W , Liao S-Q , Zhang M-J , Liu Y , Li B-H , Zhou Y , Chen L , Gao C-Y , Li J-C , Zhang L-L
Published: December 2014

Vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) foam cell formation is an important hallmark, especially in advanced atherosclerosis lesions. Acyl-coenzyme A:cholesterol acyltransferase 1 (ACAT1) promotes foam cell formation by promoting intracellular cholesteryl ester synthesis. The present study tests the hypothesis that oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) increases the ACAT1 expression by activating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-mediated inflammation, and ultimately promotes VSMC foam cell formation. Wild-type, ApoE−/−, TLR4−/− and ACAT1−/− mice on a C57BL/6J background were used. Increased TLR4, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1 were observed in high-fat (HF) diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and in oxLDL-stimulated VSMCs. ACAT1 deficiency impeded the HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and impaired the TLR4-manipulated VSMC foam cell formation in response to oxLDL. TLR4 deficiency inhibited the upregulation of myeloid-differentiating factor 88 (MyD88), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1, and eventually attenuated the HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation and suppressed the oxLDL-induced VSMC foam cell formation. Knockdown of MyD88 and NF-κB, respectively, impaired the TLR4-manipulated VSMC foam cell formation in response to oxLDL. Rosiglitazone (RSG) attenuated HF diet-induced atherosclerotic plaque formation in ApoE−/− mice, accompanied by reduced expression of TLR4, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1 accordingly. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) suppressed oxLDL-induced VSMC foam cell formation and inhibited the expression of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, proinflammatory cytokines and ACAT1, whereas inhibition of PPARγ exerted the opposite effect. TLR4−/− mice and VSMCs showed impaired atherosclerotic plaque formation and foam cell formation, and displayed no response to PPARγ manipulation. In conclusion, our data showed that oxLDL stimulation can activate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway in VSMCs, which in turn upregulates the ACAT1 expression and finally promotes VSMC foam cell formation.
Mitochondrial inhibitor sensitizes non-small-cell lung carcinoma cells to TRAIL-induced apoptosis by reactive oxygen species and Bcl-XL/p53-mediated amplification mechanisms
Authors: Shi Y-L , Feng S , Chen W , Hua Z-C , Bian J-J , Yin W
Published: December 2014

Tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) is a promising agent for anticancer therapy; however, non-small-cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cells are relatively TRAIL resistant. Identification of small molecules that can restore NSCLC susceptibility to TRAIL-induced apoptosis is meaningful. We found here that rotenone, as a mitochondrial respiration inhibitor, preferentially increased NSCLC cells sensitivity to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis at subtoxic concentrations, the mechanisms by which were accounted by the upregulation of death receptors and the downregulation of c-FLIP (cellular FLICE-like inhibitory protein). Further analysis revealed that death receptors expression by rotenone was regulated by p53, whereas c-FLIP downregulation was blocked by Bcl-XL overexpression. Rotenone triggered the mitochondria-derived reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, which subsequently led to Bcl-XL downregulation and PUMA upregulation. As PUMA expression was regulated by p53, the PUMA, Bcl-XL and p53 in rotenone-treated cells form a positive feedback amplification loop to increase the apoptosis sensitivity. Mitochondria-derived ROS, however, promote the formation of this amplification loop. Collectively, we concluded that ROS generation, Bcl-XL and p53-mediated amplification mechanisms had an important role in the sensitization of NSCLC cells to TRAIL-mediated apoptosis by rotenone. The combined TRAIL and rotenone treatment may be appreciated as a useful approach for the therapy of NSCLC that warrants further investigation.
Mitochondrial protein sorting as a therapeutic target for ATP synthase disorders
Authors: Aiyar Raeka S. , Bohnert Maria , Duvezin-Caubet Stéphane , Voisset Cécile , Gagneur Julien , Fritsch Emilie S. , Couplan Elodie , von der Malsburg Karina , Funaya Charlotta , Soubigou Flavie , Courtin Florence , Suresh Sundari , Kucharczyk Roza , Evrard Justine , Antony Claude , St.Onge Robert P. , Blondel Marc , di Rago Jean-Paul , van der Laan Martin , Steinmetz Lars M.
Published: December 2014

Mitochondrial diseases are systemic, prevalent and often fatal; yet treatments remain scarce. Identifying molecular intervention points that can be therapeutically targeted remains a major challenge, which we confronted via a screening assay we developed. Using yeast models of mitochondrial ATP synthase disorders, we screened a drug repurposing library, and applied genomic and biochemical techniques to identify pathways of interest. Here we demonstrate that modulating the sorting of nuclear-encoded proteins into mitochondria, mediated by the TIM23 complex, proves therapeutic in both yeast and patient-derived cells exhibiting ATP synthase deficiency. Targeting TIM23-dependent protein sorting improves an array of phenotypes associated with ATP synthase disorders, including biogenesis and activity of the oxidative phosphorylation machinery. Our study establishes mitochondrial protein sorting as an intervention point for ATP synthase disorders, and because of the central role of this pathway in mitochondrial biogenesis, it holds broad value for the treatment of mitochondrial diseases.
Epigenetic regulation of Atrophin1 by lysine-specific demethylase 1 is required for cortical progenitor maintenance
Authors: Zhang Feng , Xu Dan , Yuan Ling , Sun Yiming , Xu Zhiheng
Published: December 2014

Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is involved in gene regulation and development; however, its precise function, molecular targets and underlying mechanisms during development are poorly understood. Here we show that LSD1 is required for neuronal progenitor cell (NPC) maintenance during cortical development. A ChIP-seq analysis identified a LSD1-binding site (LBAL) downstream of Atrophin1 (ATN1). Surprisingly, tranylcypromine (LSD1 inhibitor) treatment increased H3K4 methylation at LBAL, leading to ATN1 repression and NPC differentiation. Knockdown of LSD1 and ATN1 phenocopied each other in inducing NPC premature differentiation and depletion, which could be rescued by ATN1 overexpression, suggesting that LSD1 controls NPC differentiation via regulation of ATN1 methylation status and expression. The involvement of LSD1 in ATN1 expression and NPC maintenance were confirmed in knockout mice. These findings hint at the potential application for the clinical drug, tranylcypromine, in the prevention and/or treatment of ATN1-associated degenerative disease, dentatorubral-pallidoluysian atrophy.