bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The adipokine profile of metabolically benign obese and at‐risk normal weight postmenopausal women: The Women's Health Initiative Observational Study
Authors: Khan Unab I. , Ogorodnikova Alexandra D. , Xu Linzhi , Wang Dan , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , Ho Gloria Y.F. , Sowers Mary Fran R. , Rajpathak Swapnil N. , Allison Matthew A. , Mackey Rachel H. , Vitolins Mara Z. , Manson JoAnn E. , Wildman Rachel P.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Nearly, a third of obese individuals, termed metabolically benign obese, have a low burden of adiposity‐related cardiometabolic abnormalities, whereas a substantial proportion of normal‐weight individuals possess risk factors.

Methods

In cross‐sectional analyses of 699 normal weight and 1,294 overweight/obese postmenopausal women enrolled in a nested case‐control stroke study ancillary to the Women's Health Initiative Observational Study, we compared levels of adiponectin, leptin, and resistin among metabolically benign normal weight, at‐risk normal weight, metabolically benign obese, and at‐risk obese women using components of the ATP III definition of the metabolic syndrome (metabolically benign: ≤1 of the four components; at‐risk phenotype: ≥2 components or diabetes).

Results

Overall, 382/699 normal‐weight women (54.6%) and 328/1,194 overweight/obese women (27.5%) were metabolically benign. Among normal‐weight women, at‐risk women had higher leptin and lower adiponectin levels compared to metabolically benign women; multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios were significant for having leptin (OR: 2.51; 95% CI: 1.28‐5.01) and resistin (1.46; 1.03‐2.07) in the top tertile and adiponectin in the bottom tertile (2.64; 1.81‐3.84). Compared to metabolically benign overweight/obese women, at‐risk obese women had higher odds of having leptin in the top tertile (1.62; 1.24‐2.12) and adiponectin in the bottom tertile (2.78; 2.04‐3.77).

Conclusions

Overall, metabolically benign overweight/obese women had an intermediate adipokine profile (between at‐risk obese and metabolically benign normal‐weight women), whereas at‐risk normal‐weight women had a less favorable profile compared to metabolically benign normal‐weight women. As adiponectin was the only adipokine independent of BMI, it may be most likely to have a role in the etiological pathway of these phenotypes.
Distinguishing incident and prevalent diabetes in an electronic medical records database
Authors: Mamtani Ronac , Haynes Kevin , Finkelman Brian S. , Scott Frank I. , Lewis James D.
Published: December 2013

Purpose

To develop a method to identify incident diabetes mellitus (DM) using an electronic medical records (EMR) database and test this classification by comparing incident and prevalent DM with common outcomes related to DM duration.

Methods

Incidence rates (IRs) of DM (defined as a first diagnosis or prescription) were measured in 3‐month intervals through 36 months after registration in The Health Improvement Network, a primary care database, from 1994 to 2012. We used Joinpoint regression to identify the point where a statistically significant change in the trend of IRs occurred. Further analyses used this point to distinguish those likely to have incident (n = 50 315) versus prevalent (n = 28 337) DM. Incident and prevalent cohorts were compared using Cox regression for all‐cause mortality, cardiovascular disease (CVD), diabetic retinopathy, diabetic nephropathy, and diabetic neuropathy. Analyses were adjusted for age, sex, smoking, obesity, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and calendar year.

Results

Trends in DM IRs plateaued 9 months after registration (p = 0.04). All cause‐mortality was increased (hazard ratio (HR) 1.62, 95% CI 1.53–1.70) among patients diagnosed with DM prior to 9 months following registration (prevalent DM) compared to those diagnosed after 9 months (incident DM). Similarly, the risk of DM‐related complications was higher in prevalent versus incident DM patients [CVD, HR 2.24 (2.08–2.40); diabetic retinopathy, HR 1.31 (1.24–1.38); diabetic nephropathy, HR 2.30 (1.95–2.72); diabetic neuropathy, HR 1.28 (1.16–1.41)].

Conclusion

Joinpoint regression can be used to identify patients with newly diagnosed diabetes within EMR data. Failure to exclude patients with prevalent DM can lead to exaggerated associations of DM‐related outcomes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structural characterization of a ligand‐bound form of Bacillus subtilis FadR involved in the regulation of fatty acid degradation
Authors: Fujihashi Masahiro , Nakatani Taiga , Hirooka Kazutake , Matsuoka Hiroshi , Fujita Yasutaro , Miki Kunio
Published: December 2013

Bacillus subtilis FadR (FadRBs), a member of the TetR family of bacterial transcriptional regulators, represses five fad operons including 15 genes, most of which are involved in β‐oxidation of fatty acids. FadRBs binds to the five FadRBs boxes in the promoter regions and the binding is specifically inhibited by long‐chain (C14–C20) acyl‐CoAs, causing derepression of the fad operons. To elucidate the structural mechanism of this regulator, we have determined the crystal structures of FadRBs proteins prepared with and without stearoyl(C18)‐CoA. The crystal structure without adding any ligand molecules unexpectedly includes one small molecule, probably dodecyl(C12)‐CoA derived from the Escherichia coli host, in its homodimeric structure. Also, we successfully obtained the structure of the ligand‐bound form of the FadRBs dimer by co‐crystallization, in which two stearoyl‐CoA molecules are accommodated, with the binding mode being essentially equivalent to that of dodecyl‐CoA. Although the acyl‐chain‐binding cavity of FadRBs is mainly hydrophobic, a hydrophilic patch encompasses the C1–C10 carbons of the acyl chain. This accounts for the previous report that the DNA binding of FadRBs is specifically inhibited by the long‐chain acyl‐CoAs but not by the shorter ones. Structural comparison of the ligand‐bound and unliganded subunits of FadRBs revealed three regions around residues 21–31, 61–76, and 106–119 that were substantially changed in response to the ligand binding, and particularly with respect to the movements of Leu108 and Arg109. Site‐directed mutagenesis of these residues revealed that Arg109, but not Leu108, is a key residue for maintenance of the DNA‐binding affinity of FadRBs. Proteins 2014; 82:1301–1310. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Structural basis of conformational variance in phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated states of PKCβII
Authors: Grewal Baljinder K. , Krishnan R. Venkata , Sobhia M. Elizabeth
Published: December 2013

PKCβII activation is achieved by primary phosphorylation at three phosphorylation sites, followed by the addition of secondary messengers for full activation. Phosphorylation is essential for enzyme maturation, and the associated conformational changes are known to modulate the enzyme activation. To probe into the structural basis of conformational changes on phosphorylation of PKCβII, a comprehensive study of the changes in its complexes with ATP and ruboxistaurin was performed. ATP is a phosphorylating agent in its phosphorylation reaction, and ruboxistaurin is its specific inhibitor. This study provides insight into the differences in the important structural features in phosphorylated and non‐phosphorylated states of PKCβII. Less conformational changes when PKCβII is bound to inhibitor in comparison to when it is bound to its phosphorylating agent in both states were observed. The interactions of ruboxistaurin significant in restricting PKCβII to attain the conformational state competent for full activation are reported. Proteins 2014; 82:1332–1347. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Estimating Social Impacts of a Remediation Project Life Cycle With Environmental Footprint Evaluation Tools
Authors: Harclerode Melissa A. , Lal Pankaj , Miller Michael E.
Published: December 2013

This article presents a methodology to calculate the social cost of sustainability metrics with environmental footprint evaluation tools. Measuring the impacts of a remediation project on society is challenging because the methods by which these impacts can be measured have not been established. To perform a complete sustainability assessment of a project's life cycle, costs borne by society in terms of environmental, economic, and community impacts must be evaluated. Two knowledge gaps have been identified among the sustainability assessments currently being performed during a remediation project's life cycle: (1) lack of methodologies available to evaluate impacts on the socioeconomic aspects of remediation and (2) lack of sustainability assessments conducted during the site characterization stage. Sustainability assessments were conducted on two case studies using the methodology proposed in this article: one during the site characterization stage and the other during remedial action. The results of this study demonstrated that costs borne by society from a remediation project are significant and metric specific. This study also highlighted the benefits of conducting a sustainability assessment at the site characterization stage using environmental footprint analysis tools, cost benefit analysis, and an evaluation of costs borne by society. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Potential of Rhizobacteria for Improving Lead Phytoextraction in Ricinus communis
Authors: Ananthi T. A. Siva , Manikandan P. N. Arul
Published: December 2013

Heavy metal–resistant bacterial strains were isolated from heavy metal–contaminated soils and identified as Bacillus sp. and Leclercia adecarboxylata on the basis of their morphology and biochemical characters using the VITEK 2 Systems Version 05.02. The heavy metal and antibiotic resistance of the isolates were studied. A green house pot experiment was conducted to examine the bacterial ability to extract the lead in soils and for their effect on lead uptake by Ricinus communis in an artificially contaminated soil. Bacterial inoculated pots increased the biomass of the R. communis compared to the uninoculated control, and the root growth of the plant was also increased in the inoculated pot. The experimental data confirmed that lead‐resistant bacteria have a pronounced effect on heavy metal uptake in plants, which may provide a new bacterially assisted phytoremediation of metal‐contaminated soils. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
On the powers of powerful knowledge
Authors: Young Michael , Muller Johan
Published: December 2013

The aim of this paper is to explore and clarify the idea of ‘powerful knowledge’ as a sociological concept and as a curriculum principle. The paper seeks to clarify its conceptual basis and to make its meaning and the arguments it implies, less ambiguous and less open to misunderstanding. This will enable us to suggest some of the research and policy options that it opens up. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the origins of the contemporary usage of the concept in the sociology of education and its explains its roots in the often neglected sociology of knowledge of Emile Durkheim. We draw from Durkheim the idea that ‘powerful knowledge’ is differentiated and specialised knowledge and trace this argument through the work of Vygotsky and, in more detail, of Basil Bernstein. Following Bernstein's analysis of the different forms that specialised knowledge can take, we consider the curriculum implications of the view that some forms, the STEM(Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) subjects, are ‘intrinsically more powerful than others’. We indicate the limits of this argument and in the final section suggest how the idea of powerful knowledge can be more broadly conceived to include the arts and humanities.
Context and Implications Document for: On the powers of powerful knowledge
Authors: Young Michael , Muller Johan
Published: December 2013

This guide accompanies the following article: Michael Young and Johan Muller, On the powers of powerful knowledge, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3017
Context and Implications Document for: A one‐to‐one programme for at‐risk readers delivered by older adult volunteers
Authors: Fives Allyn , Kearns Noreen , Devaney Carmel , Canavan John , Russell Dan , Lyons Rena , Eaton Patricia , O'Brien Aoife
Published: December 2013

This guide accompanies the following article: Allyn Fives, Noreen Kearns, Carmel Devaney, John Caravan, Daniel W. Russell, Rena Lyons, Patricia Eaton and Aoife O'Brien, A one‐to‐one programme for at‐risk readers delivered by older adult volunteers, Review of Education, 10.1002/rev3.3016
Decentralized control of network‐based interconnected systems: A state‐dependent triggering method
Authors: Tian Engang , Yue Dong
Published: December 2013

This paper investigates decentralized control for a class of interconnected system. Different from the traditional systems, the considered system has the following features: (i) its subsystems are connected through a communication network subject to transmission delays and packet losses; (ii) the subsystems' multi‐actuators are subjected to random faults; and (iii) the subsystems are subject to probabilistic nonlinear disturbances, the inner variation information of the nonlinearities, as well as their bounds information, is utilized to analyze the nonlinearities. Furthermore, in order to reduce the network bandwidth burden, a decentralized state‐dependent triggering scheme is proposed. Considering aforementioned characteristics and using the state‐dependent triggering scheme, new type of network‐based interconnected system model is built. By using the Lyapunov functional approach, sufficient conditions for the mean square stability and stabilization of the network‐based interconnected systems are obtained. Then reliable controllers, as well as the triggering matrices of the local subsystems, can be co‐designed by using a cone complementary linearization algorithm. Two simulation examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness and application of the proposed method. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Formal and informal consequence
Authors: Griffiths Owen ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: December 2013

The now standard definition of logical consequence is model-theoretic. Many writers have tried to justify, or to criticise, the model-theoretic definition by arguing that it extensionally captures, or fails to capture, our intuitions about logical consequence, such as its modal character or its being truth-preservation in virtue of form. One popular means of comparing the extension of model-theoretic consequence with some intuitive notion proceeds by adapting Kreisel’s squeezing argument. But these attempts get Kreisel wrong, and try to achieve more than he ever intended. This suggests that the model-theoretic definition should be viewed quite differently as an explication of our intuitions about logical consequence. I introduce Kreisel’s squeezing argument in Section 1. Then in Section 2, I show how it is adapted by two prominent writers on logical consequence, Etchemendy (1990) and Shapiro (2005). Finally, in Section 3, I argue that these adaptations fail.
Implications of LHC search results on the W boson mass prediction in the MSSM
Authors: Heinemeyer S. , Hollik W. , Weiglein G. , Zeune L.
Published: December 2013

Abstract

We present the currently most precise W boson mass (M

W
) prediction in the Minimal Supersymmetric Standard Model (MSSM) and discuss how it is affected by recent results from the LHC. The evaluation includes the full one-loop result and all known higher order corrections of SM and SUSY type. We show the MSSM prediction in the M

W
–m

t
plane, taking into account constraints from Higgs and SUSY searches. We point out that even if stops and sbottoms are heavy, relatively large SUSY contributions to M

W
are possible if either charginos, neutralinos or sleptons are light. In particular we analyze the effect on the M

W
prediction of the Higgs signal at about 125.6 GeV, which within the MSSM can in principle be interpreted as the light or the heavy
$ \mathcal{C}\mathcal{P} $
-even Higgs boson. For both interpretations the predicted MSSM region for M

W
is in good agreement with the experimental measurement. We furthermore discuss the impact of possible future LHC results in the stop sector on the M

W
prediction, considering both the cases of improved limits and of the detection of a scalar top quark.
Variation in soil respiration under the tree canopy in a temperate mixed forest, central China, under different soil water conditions
Authors: Liu Yanchun , Liu Shirong , Wang Jingxin , Zhu Xueling , Zhang Yuandong , Liu Xiaojing
Published: December 2013

The forest canopy cover can directly and indirectly affect soil conditions and hence soil carbon emission through soil respiration. Little is known, however, on the effects of canopy cover on soil respiration under the canopy of different tree species and soil water conditions. We have examined the variation in soil respiration at different soil water conditions (dry <10 %, wet >20 %, v/v) under different tree canopy covers in comparison with the canopy interspace in a temperate coniferous (Pinus armandii Franch) and broadleaved (Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata) mixed forest in central China. The results show that soil respiration measured under tree canopy cover varied with canopy size and soil water content. Soil respiration under small‐sized canopies of P. armandii (PS) was higher than that under large‐sized (PL) canopies, but the difference was only significant under the dry soil condition. However, soil respiration under large‐sized canopies of Q. aliena (QL) was significantly greater than that under small‐sized (QS) canopies under both dry and wet soil conditions. The difference in soil respiration between differently sized canopies of Q. aliena (33.5–35.8 %) was significantly greater than that between differently sized canopies of P. armandii (2.4–8.1 %). Differences in soil respiration between inter‐plant gaps and under QS canopies in both the dry and wet soil conditions were significant. Significant increases in soil respiration (9.7–32.2 %) during the transition from dry to wet conditions were found regardless of canopy size, but the increase of soil respiration was significantly lower under P. armandii canopies (9.7–17.7 %) than under Q. aliena canopies (25.9–31.5 %). Our findings that the canopy cover of different tree species influences soil respiration under different soil moisture conditions could provide useful information for parameterizing and/or calibrating carbon flux models, especially for spatially explicit carbon models.
Diagnosis of dementia with Lewy bodies: diagnostic performance of combined 123I-IMP brain perfusion SPECT and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy
Authors: Sakamoto Fumi , Shiraishi Shinya , Yoshida Morikatsu , Tomiguchi Seiji , Hirai Toshinori , Namimoto Tomohiro , Hashimoto Mamoru , Ikeda Manabu , Uetani Hiroyuki , Yamashita Yasuyuki
Published: December 2013

Objective

We assessed the value of combining 123I-IMP brain perfusion SPECT and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy for the discrimination of dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) from other types of dementia.

Methods

We subjected 252 consecutive patients with clinically suspected DLB to both 123I-IMP brain perfusion SPECT and 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy. Patients with Parkinson’s disease were included. The 252 patients were randomly assigned to an estimation (n = 152) or a validation group (n = 100). Using univariate analysis, we first analyzed the relationship between various variables and the presence or absence of DLB in estimation group and then proceeded to multivariate analysis to obtain a combined index that predicted the likelihood of DLB. The diagnostic value of the index was assessed by calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) with the cutoff value selected from the ROC curve. We then tested the predictive accuracy of the index in validation group.

Results

The combined index was an arithmetic expression that combined the age, early 123I-MIBG heart-to-mediastinum uptake (E-H/M) ratio, and the parietal lobe hypoperfusion score. Values for the AUC of the combined index, the E-H/M ratio, the parietal lobe hypoperfusion score, and the patient age in validation group were 0.95, 0.90, 0.72, and 0.73, respectively. There was a significant difference in the AUC of the combined index among other indices (p < 0.05). The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the combined index for a diagnosis of probable DLB in validation group were 88, 87, and 87 %, respectively.

Conclusions

The combinational diagnosis based on 123I-IMP brain perfusion SPECT, 123I-MIBG myocardial scintigraphy, and the patient age is a simple and reliable means for predicting probable DLB.
Tokapal Tuff-facies Kimberlite, Bastar Craton, Central India: A Nickel Prospect?
Authors: Rao N.V. Chalapathi , Lehmann Bernd , Panwar B.K. , Kumar Alok , Mainkar Datta
Published: December 2013

We report the occurrence of garnierite (a general term referring to Ni-Mg bearing hydrous silicates in laterites) from the crater-facies Tokapal kimberlite of the Bastar craton, Central India. Garnierite occurs as discrete ovoid or amoeboid segregations (up to 200 mm) or as veinlets with up to 18.1 wt% NiO and high iron contents (up to 36.2 wt% FeOT). Chemical composition of the garnierite implies its derivation from a magnesium-rich protolith. Extensive lateritisation of the large crater-facies (∼2.5 km diameter) saucer-shaped kimberlite under tropical weathering conditions, aided by suitable topography, drainage and favourable structural set-up, are the factors inferred to be responsible for the formation of garnierite in the Tokapal system. As lateritic nickel ores constitute significant resources for nickel exploration, the perspective of the Tokapal kimberlite as a nickel prospect needs to be investigated.
Chronology of Late Quaternary Glaciations in Indian Himalaya: A Critical Review
Authors: Ali S. Nawaz , Juyal Navin
Published: December 2013

The timing of glaciation is an important parameter that helps in the understanding of past climate change and provides valuable information for developing the predictive futuristic models. There are evidences to suggest that during the late Quaternary, Himalayan glaciers fluctuated considerably thus implying their sensitivity to changes in past climatic conditions. Although the Himalayan region is fed by two major weather systems viz. the southwest summer monsoon and the mid-latitude westerlies, however, the existing chronology (mostly exposure ages) indicates that irrespective of the geographical position, glaciers seem to grow during increased insolation and enhanced southwest summer monsoon including the mid-latitude westerly dominated north-western Himalayan glaciers (Ladakh and Karakoram). Considering the limited geographical coverage and the dating uncertainty, the above inferences should be treated as tentative.
Opportunities and Eco-environmental Influence of Cascade Hydropower Development and Water Diversion Projects in Hanjiang River Basin
Authors: Li Bai-Shan , Zhou Pei-Jiang , Wang Xi-Yuan , Zhu Liandong
Published: December 2013

Hanjiang river is the longest river in Yangtze river basin, having high economic importance to China for its economically exploitable hydropower and potential water resources. In an attempt to satisfy China’s economic and social development needs, the Chinese government has established cascade dams and four relative water diversion projects in Hanjiang river, which aims at transferring water from south (Hanjiang river) to north (water-stricken areas). However, there are increasing eco-environmental concerns associated with the establishment and development of cascade hydropower. In this study, the opportunities and eco-environmental influences related to Hanjiang river’s cascade hydropower development are explored and then recommendations are put forward to minimize the potential impacts. The implementation of vigorous projects related to hydropower and water diversion has an important role to play in solving flood, energy and water shortage problems. In addition, the eco-environmental and socio-economic impacts on the middle and downstream and its diversion can be relieved to some degree in the area. However, the establishment of projects can cause several impacts on the local eco-environment. First, Danjiangkou reservoir construction can cause change in water flow, water bloom, soil erosion in the river basin. Second, it can directly lead to the decrease of 10.5 billion cubic meters of water in the middle- and downstream areas, threatening the local supply of drinking water and influencing farming irrigation and industrial production. Finally, the construction of cascade hydropower dams can change the water form and fish stocks may reduce threatening eco-environment security and environmental geology.
Depositional History and Sequence Stratigraphy of Tirgan Formation (Barremian–Aptian) in Central Kopet Dagh, NE Iran
Authors: Javanbakht M. , Ghazi S. , Moussavi-Harami R. , Mahboubi A.
Published: December 2013

The Tirgan Formation (Barremian – Aptian) is exposed in the Kopet Dagh in northeast Iran. Two stratigraphic sections in Radkan and Chenaran were measured. Their thickness are 238 m and 119 m, respectively. This formation in measured sections consists of three parts (including lower carbonate, middle limy shale – marl and upper carbonate rocks). Based on study of 164 thin-sections, 15 carbonate and 2 siliciclastic lithofacies have been identified. Carbonate lithofacies are deposited in a ramp platform in fore shoal, shoal, lagoon and tidal flat environments. Sea level changes during lower Cretaceous led to the formation of different large-scale depositional sequences Radkan (two) and Chenaran (two) respectively. The present study highlights the reconstruction of tectonic history of the area during lower Cretaceous.
Upper Body Pain and Functional Disorders in Patients With Breast Cancer
Authors: Stubblefield Michael D. , Keole Nandita
Published: December 2013

Upper body pain and dysfunction are common in survivors of breast cancer. Disorders of the upper body can result directly from breast cancer or from the surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or hormonal therapies used in its treatment. Although considerable information is available regarding impairments such as pain and restricted shoulder range of motion associated with breast cancer and its treatment, relatively little information is available about the specific neuromuscular, musculoskeletal, lymphovascular, and other diagnostic entities that underlie those impairments. This article will detail the common and specific causes of upper body pain and dysfunction in breast cancer survivors, including postsurgical pain, rotator cuff disease, adhesive capsulitis, arthralgias, cervical radiculopathy, brachial plexopathy, mononeuropathy, postmastectomy pain syndrome, lymphedema, axillary web syndrome, deep vein thrombosis, and cellulitis. Diagnostic specificity is a key first step to safely and effectively restore function and quality of life to breast cancer survivors.
Likelihoods for fixed rank nomination networks
Authors: HOFF PETER , FOSDICK BAILEY , VOLFOVSKY ALEX , STOVEL KATHERINE
Published: December 2013

Many studies that gather social network data use survey methods that lead to censored, missing, or otherwise incomplete information. For example, the popular fixed rank nomination (FRN) scheme, often used in studies of schools and businesses, asks study participants to nominate and rank at most a small number of contacts or friends, leaving the existence of other relations uncertain. However, most statistical models are formulated in terms of completely observed binary networks. Statistical analyses of FRN data with such models ignore the censored and ranked nature of the data and could potentially result in misleading statistical inference. To investigate this possibility, we compare Bayesian parameter estimates obtained from a likelihood for complete binary networks with those obtained from likelihoods that are derived from the FRN scheme, and therefore accommodate the ranked and censored nature of the data. We show analytically and via simulation that the binary likelihood can provide misleading inference, particularly for certain model parameters that relate network ties to characteristics of individuals and pairs of individuals. We also compare these different likelihoods in a data analysis of several adolescent social networks. For some of these networks, the parameter estimates from the binary and FRN likelihoods lead to different conclusions, indicating the importance of analyzing FRN data with a method that accounts for the FRN survey design.
Penetration and encapsulation of the larval endoparasitoidExorista larvarum(Diptera: Tachinidae) in the factitious hostGalleria mellonella(Lepidoptera: Pyralidae)
Authors: Valigurová A. , Michalková V. , Koník P. , Dindo M.L. , Gelnar M. , Vaňhara J.
Published: December 2013

The tachinid flyExorista larvarum(L.) (Diptera: Tachinidae) is a polyphagous larval endoparasitoid that deposits its eggs on the host exoskeleton of lepidopteran and tenthredinid larvae. The attachment of larvalE. larvarumand the formation of the respiratory funnel were studied during infestation in the last larval instar of the wax moth,Galleria mellonella(L.) (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae). The tachinid larvae burrow through the host integument after hatching, using their robust cephalopharyngeal skeleton, leaving a dark spot at the point of their penetration as a result of host cuticle melanization. Endoparasitoid penetration induces the host cellular defence, resulting in the formation of a haemocyte capsule consisting of multi-cellular sheaths. This enveloping capsule later undergoes melanization, which is mostly obvious towards the posterior part of the endoparasitoid. The endoparasitoid uses the host encapsulation response to build a respiratory funnel from the modified host integument, leading to the host surface. The encapsulated larva remains attached to the respiratory funnel via an anal hook and cuticular spines until fully developed. Additional immunohistochemical analyses were used to study host–parasitoid interactions. Indirect immunofluorescence showed no labelling of potential tachinid antigens and confirmed no effect on the surrounding host tissues. A simulated parasitization with coated polybead microspheres revealed the mortal impact of tachinid antigens to the host. Hosts injected with antigen-coated polybeads died as a consequence of an acute and extensive immunological response to the tachinid antigens and not due to the trauma caused by foreign objects inside their body.
Identifying Spinoza’s Immediate Infinite Mode of Extension
Authors: ROBINSON THADDEUS S.
Published: December 2013

The immediate infinite mode of extension is one of the more mysterious elements of Spinoza’s ontology. Despite its importance to Spinoza’s metaphysical system, Spinoza tells us very little about this mode. In the effort to make some progress on this question, I examine three prominent hypotheses about this mode’s identity: the Force Interpretation, the Nomic Interpretation, and the Kinetic Interpretation. I argue, first, that both the Force Interpretation and the Nomic Interpretation are subject to a number of serious objections. Second, I argue that in spite of scholars’ claims to the contrary, the Kinetic Interpretation is a live option.
On the Very Idea of a Verbal Dispute
Authors: GRAHAM ANDREW
Published: December 2013

I argue that Quineans who are sceptical about the analytic/synthetic distinction should be equally sceptical about the distinction between verbal and factual disputes. I develop an objection to the distinction between verbal and factual disputes, derived from objections to the analytic/synthetic distinction. I then explain what the resulting scepticism consists in. Ultimately, such sceptics should agree that there is a distinction between verbal and factual disputes, but think that it cannot perform certain philosophical tasks.
Diagnostic value of three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of inner ear after intratympanic gadolinium injection, and clinical application of magnetic resonance imaging scoring system in patients with delayed endolymphatic hydrops
Authors: Gu X , Fang Z-M , Liu Y , Lin S-L , Han B , Zhang R , Chen X
Published: December 2013

Objective:

Three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear after intratympanic injection of gadolinium, together with magnetic resonance imaging scoring of the perilymphatic space, were used to investigate the positive identification rate of hydrops and determine the technique's diagnostic value for delayed endolymphatic hydrops.

Methods:

Twenty-five patients with delayed endolymphatic hydrops underwent pure tone audiometry, bithermal caloric testing, vestibular-evoked myogenic potential testing and three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear after bilateral intratympanic injection of gadolinium. The perilymphatic space of the scanned images was analysed to investigate the positive identification rate of endolymphatic hydrops.

Results:

According to the magnetic resonance imaging scoring of the perilymphatic space and the diagnostic standard, 84 per cent of the patients examined had endolymphatic hydrops. In comparison, the positive identification rates for vestibular-evoked myogenic potential and bithermal caloric testing were 52 per cent and 72 per cent respectively.

Conclusion:

Three-dimensional magnetic resonance imaging after intratympanic injection of gadolinium is valuable in the diagnosis of delayed endolymphatic hydrops and its classification. The perilymphatic space scoring system improved the diagnostic accuracy of magnetic resonance imaging.
High diversity of dinoflagellates in the intertidal sandy sediments of Wimereux (north-east English Channel, France)
Authors: Gómez Fernando , Artigas Luis F.
Published: December 2013

Benthic dinoflagellates collected in spring–summer 2010 and 2011 from intertidal sandy sediments of the shore of Wimereux (north-east English Channel, France) were examined by light microscopy, and some of them by scanning electron microscopy. High dinoflagellate species richness, 70 species, was evidenced when compared to the plankton observed in the coastal waters of the north-east English Channel. The greatest difficulty in performing accurate species identification mainly concerned the heterotrophic species of Amphidinium sensu lato, the laterally flattened species of Amphidiniopsis, as well as some heterotrophic species of Thecadinium. Several undescribed species are here illustrated, mainly within these genera. The differences in size between species of Herdmania and Sabulodinium suggest the occurrence of at least a second species for these monotypic genera. The species Amphidiniopsis hexagona, A. rotundata, A. uroensis and Sinophysis minima are reported for the first time in the Atlantic Ocean and on European coasts. Although these species were only previously known from the Pacific Ocean, they should not necessarily be considered as newcomers or invasive species due to the scarce coverage of the previous studies on sand-dwelling dinoflagellates.
A new species of Boholina (Copepoda, Calanoida, Boholinidae) from Ganghwa Island in western Korea
Authors: Moon Seong Yong , Soh Ho Young
Published: December 2013

A new species of Boholina, B. ganghwaensis sp. nov. is described, based on specimens collected from burrows of the manicure crab, Cleistostoma dilatatum, in the tidal flat of Ganghwa Island in western Korea. The new species is closely similar to B. purgata and B. parapurgata by having a pointed process on the posterior angles of the second and third pedigerous somites and a similar rostrum in the female, but can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: in females by the genital double-somite with small hook-like process on each gonoporal plate, the setation of the distal endopodal segment of mandible, the basis and first endopodal segment of the maxillule incompletely separated, the inner distal spine/outer terminal spine length ratio on P5; and in males by the distal spine present on the posterior surface of the basis of both P5 and the length/width ratio of the endopod of the right P5. This is the first Bololina species recorded from the north-west Pacific.
Support from below? Supranational institutions, regional élites and governance preferences
Authors: Tatham Michaël , Bauer Michael W.
Published: December 2013

There has been little research on élite preferences regarding supranational integration. Regional élites have been particularly neglected, even though they are implementers of European policies and programmes and therefore contribute to the integration process. To bridge this gap, this article explores the preferences of top regional civil servants – regio-crats – towards one of the most prominent supranational institutions, the European Commission. We put five explanations to the test. Support in favour of a stronger, more autonomous Commission can be driven by (1) pragmatic inter-institutional alliances, (2) the domestic distribution of power, (3) benefits derived from the integration process itself, (4) identity and identification elements and (5) transactionalism. We find support for three of these explanations as inter-institutional relations, perceived benefits and region-specific identity characteristics contribute to and account for regio-crat preferences. This resonates with interest- versus value-based approaches to European Union (EU) integration and contributes towards a better understanding of the dynamics at play in integrating multi-jurisdictional polities, of which the EU is an example.
Picket lines and parades: labour and urban space in early twentieth-century London and Chicago
Authors: PERCY RUTH
Published: December 2013

Garment strikes in London and Chicago provide a setting to consider the role of the city in early twentieth-century labour struggles. While strikers in the two cities shared similar experiences and confronted similar imaginings of the city, they faced different built environments. The comparative approach thus highlights the importance of considering spatial dynamics when studying strikers’ strategies. Journalists’ and other onlookers’ responses to picket lines, parades or mass meetings reflected normative understandings and expectations of workers’ behaviour, especially if those workers were young, women or ethnic minorities. The article considers the ways in which strikers in early twentieth-century London and Chicago transgressed contemporary perceptions of their cities by appropriating city space and by subverting behavioural norms in spaces where they did belong. I argue that the strikers drew attention to their struggles via their atypical use of the city streets and that occupying these spaces helped unify the strikers and thus strengthen the strike.
Brilliant cresyl blue staining negatively affects mitochondrial functions in porcine oocytes
Authors: Santos E.C.S. , Sato D. , Lucia T. , Iwata H.
Published: December 2013

The aim of the present study was to examine the effects of brilliant cresyl blue (BCB) staining on mitochondrial functions in porcine oocytes. Cumulus–oocyte complexes (COCs) collected from slaughterhouse-derived porcine ovaries were cultured with (13 μM) or without (0 μM, control) BCB for 60 min. Mitochondrial functions in oocytes were examined immediately after staining or after in vitro maturation. The BCB-stained oocytes produced reactive oxygen species (ROS) at higher levels than control oocytes immediately after staining (2.2-fold, P < 0.001) and after maturation (1.7-fold, P < 0.001). The adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in oocytes were similar for the two groups immediately after staining. However, ATP and relative MMP levels were significantly (P < 0.05) lower in BCB-treated oocytes than in the control (2.18 versus 2.83 pM and 0.82 versus 1.0, respectively). There was no difference in mitochondrial DNA copy number between the two groups after maturation. The ATP content in early developmental stage embryos (3 days after parthenogenetic activation) was lower in the BCB-stained group than that in the control group but the difference was not significant. In conclusion, BCB staining of oocytes at the immature stage compromises mitochondrial functions throughout oocyte maturation, but function is restored during early embryo development.
Vitamin D status and its relationship with metabolic syndrome risk factors among adolescent girls in Boukan, Iran
Authors: Rafraf Maryam , Hasanabad Saadat Karimi , Jafarabadi Mohammad Asghari
Published: December 2013

Objective

To investigate vitamin D status and its association with components of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in adolescent girls attending high school in Boukan, Iran during winter 2012.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

High schools of Boukan city, Iran.

Subjects

A sample of 216 girls aged 14–17 years was selected by multistage random sampling from four districts of Boukan. Weight, height, waist circumference, blood pressure, daily energy intake, physical activity and serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), fasting blood glucose, TAG and HDL-cholesterol levels of all participants were evaluated. Serum 25(OH)D level <20 ng/ml was defined as vitamin D deficiency.

Results

Mean serum 25(OH)D was 7·26 (sd2·81) ng/ml and 96 % of the participants had vitamin D deficiency. According to age-modified definitions of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III, MetS was diagnosed in 10·6 % of the participants. In multivariable regression analysis after adjustment for BMI, energy intake and physical activity level, serum 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting blood glucose (β= −0·143,P= 0·04). No significant relationship was found between serum 25(OH)D and other components of MetS.

Conclusions

The high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency warrants national polices and interventions towards improving this major health problem among adolescent girls. Low 25(OH)D level was significantly associated with increased fasting blood glucose. Prospective studies are needed to determine the effects of vitamin D deficiency on the development of MetS and related metabolic diseases in adolescent girls.
Graded and filtered fiber functors on Tannakian categories
Authors: Ziegler Paul
Published: December 2013

We study fiber functors on Tannakian categories which are equipped with a grading or a filtration. Our goal is to give a comprehensive set of foundational results about such functors. A main result is that each filtration on a fiber functor can be split by a grading fpqc-locally on the base scheme.
Quantifying the Relationship Between Financial News and the Stock Market
Authors: Alanyali Merve , Moat Helen Susannah , Preis Tobias
Published: December 2013

The complex behavior of financial markets emerges from decisions made by many traders. Here, we exploit a large corpus of daily print issues of the Financial Times from 2nd January 2007 until 31st December 2012 to quantify the relationship between decisions taken in financial markets and developments in financial news. We find a positive correlation between the daily number of mentions of a company in the Financial Times and the daily transaction volume of a company's stock both on the day before the news is released and on the same day as the news is released. Our results provide quantitative support for the suggestion that movements in financial markets and movements in financial news are intrinsically interlinked.
An air-supported liquid crystal system for real-time reporting of host–guest inclusion events
Authors: Zuo Fang , Liao Zhijian , Zhao Chenxu , Qin Zhenli , Li Xinhua , Zhang Chang , Liu Dong
Published: December 2013

A new method for reporting host–guest inclusion phenomena using an air-supported liquid crystal system based on cyclodextrins was developed.
Measurement of environmental pollutants using passive sampling devices – an updated commentary on the current state of the art
Authors: Mills Graham A. , Gravell Anthony , Vrana Branislav , Harman Christopher , Budzinski Hélène , Mazzella Nicolas , Ocelka Tomáš
Published: December 2013

State-of-the-art of passive sampling techniques for environmental monitoring; future applications and directions for research.
Lipopeptide biosurfactant production bacteria Acinetobacter sp. D3-2 and its biodegradation of crude oil
Authors: Bao Mutai , Pi Yongrui , Wang Lina , Sun Peiyan , Li Yiming , Cao Lixin
Published: December 2013

In this work, a hydrocarbon-degrading bacterium D3-2 isolated from petroleum contaminated soil samples was investigated for its potential effect in biodegradation of crude oil. The strain was identified as Acinetobacter sp.
The role of metal layers in the formation of metal–silicon hybrid nanoneedle arrays
Authors: Liu Hai , Khoo Chee Ying , Yadian Boluo , Liu Qing , Gan Chee Lip , Tang Xiaohong , Huang Yizhong
Published: December 2013

A metal layer plays a key role in the formation of hybrid nanostructures consisting of nanodots on top of nanoneedles.
Synthesis and characterization of thermally cured polytriazole polymers incorporating main or side chain benzoxazine crosslinking moieties
Authors: Ye Y. S. , Huang Y. J. , Chang F. C. , Xue Z. G. , Xie X. L.
Published: December 2013

Effect of the position of benzoxazine cross-linker on the thermal and mechanical properties of polymers.
In situ forming biodegradable electroactive hydrogels
Authors: Li Longchao , Ge Juan , Guo Baolin , Ma Peter X.
Published: December 2013

In situ forming biodegradable electroactive hydrogels based on gelatin-graft-polyaniline enhanced the adhesion and proliferation of C2C12 myoblast cells.
Simultaneous detection and quantification of three bacterial meningitis pathogens by SERS
Authors: Gracie Kirsten , Correa Elon , Mabbott Samuel , Dougan Jennifer A. , Graham Duncan , Goodacre Royston , Faulds Karen
Published: December 2013

We report the use of a SERS based DNA detection assay for the multiplexed, quantification of three bacterial meningitis pathogens.
Polymer casting of ultralight graphene aerogels for the production of conductive nanocomposites with low filling content
Authors: Hu Han , Zhao Zongbin , Zhang Rong , Bin Yuezhen , Qiu Jieshan
Published: December 2013

Monolithic and conductive nanocomposites by directly infiltrating epoxy resin into the pores of graphene aerogels with desired shapes have been fabricated.
Improved torque regulator to reduce steady‐state error of torque response for direct torque control of permanent magnet synchronous machine drives
Authors: Zhu Zi Qiang , Ren Yuan , Liu Jiaming
Published: December 2013

This study presents an improved switching‐table‐based direct torque control method for three‐phase permanent magnet synchronous machine drives. The instantaneous variation rates of stator flux and torque of each converter output voltage vector are analysed. It is found that large steady‐state error of torque response exists because of the difference in the decreasing and increasing variation rates. A novel and simple on‐line band‐shifted torque regulator is proposed to reduce this steady‐state error of torque response. The experimental results verify that the proposed method can significantly reduce the steady‐state error of torque response with the extra bonus of slight reduction of both the torque ripple and average commutation frequency, while preserve the merits of the conventional direct torque control, that is, simple structure, good robustness and excellent transient response.