bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
J‐refocused 1H PRESS DEPT for localized 13C MR Spectroscopy
Authors: Chen X. , Boesiger P. , Henning A.
Published: February 2013

Proton point‐resolved spectroscopy (PRESS) localization has been combined with distortionless enhanced polarization transfer (DEPT) in multinuclear MRS to overcome the signal contamination problem in image‐selected in vivo spectroscopy (ISIS)‐combined DEPT, especially for lipid detection. However, homonuclear proton scalar couplings reduce the DEPT enhancement by modifying the spin coherence distribution under J modulation during proton PRESS localization. Herein, a J‐refocused proton PRESS‐localized DEPT sequence is presented to obtain simultaneously enhanced and localized signals from a large number of metabolites by in vivo 13C MRS. The suppression of J modulation during PRESS and the substantial recovery of signal enhancement by J‐refocused PRESS‐localized DEPT were demonstrated theoretically by product operator formalism, numerically by the spin density matrix simulations for different scalar coupling conditions, and experimentally with a glutamate phantom at various TEs, as well as a colza oil phantom. The application of the sequence for localized detection of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids in the calf bone marrow and skeletal muscle of healthy subjects yielded high signal enhancements simultaneously obtained for all components. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Compound designs for dose‐finding in the presence of nondesignable covariates
Authors: Biswas Atanu , López–Fidalgo Jesús
Published: February 2013

Compound optimal designs are considered where one component of the design criterion is a traditional optimality criterion such as the D‐optimality criterion, and the other component accounts for higher efficacy with low toxicity. With reference to the dose‐finding problem, we suggest the technique to choose weights for the two components that makes the optimization problem simpler than the traditional penalized design. We allow general bivariate responses for efficacy and toxicity. We then extend the procedure in the presence of nondesignable covariates such as age, sex, or other health conditions. A new breast cancer treatment is considered to illustrate the procedures. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metabolic Management in Overweight Subjects with Naive Impaired Fasting Glycaemia by Means of a Highly Standardized Extract From Cynara scolymus: A Double‐blind, Placebo‐controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Rondanelli Mariangela , Opizzi Annalisa , Faliva Milena , Sala Patrizio , Perna Simone , Riva Antonella , Morazzoni Paolo , Bombardelli Ezio , Giacosa Attilio
Published: February 2013

The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of a dietary supplementation with an extract from Cynara scolymus (Cs) on the glucose pattern in a group of patients with naïve impaired fasting glycaemia (IFG). A randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial has been performed in 55 overweight subjects with IFG (fasting blood glucose [FBG]: 6.11 ± 0.56 mmol/l). These subjects were randomly assigned to supplement their diet with either an extract from Cs (600 mg/d) (26 subjects) or placebo (29 matched subjects) for 8 weeks. The decrease of FBG was the primary endpoint. The assessment of Homeostatic Metabolic Assessment (HOMA), glycosylated haemoglobin, A1c‐Derived Average Glucose (ADAG), lipidic pattern and anthropometric parameters were the secondary endpoints. The within groups and percent changes from baseline were analyzed by the signed rank test. The comparison between groups was performed by Wilcoxon's two sample test. The supplemented group had significant decreases of: FBG (−9.6%), HOMA (−11.7%), glycosylated haemoglobin (−2.3%), ADAG (−3.1%) and lipidic pattern. The placebo group did not show any significant difference. Compared with the placebo, the supplemented group showed a significant difference in FBG, HOMA and lipidic pattern. These data demonstrate the efficacy of Cs extract on the reduction of glycometabolic parameters in overweight subjects with IFG. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EMLasso: logistic lasso with missing data
Authors: Sabbe N. , Thas O. , Ottoy J‐P.
Published: February 2013

In clinical settings, missing data in the covariates occur frequently. For example, some markers are expensive or hard to measure. When this sort of data is used for model selection, the missingness is often resolved through a complete case analysis or a form of single imputation. An alternative sometimes comes in the form of leaving the most damaged covariates out. All these strategies jeopardise the goal of model selection.

In earlier work, we have applied the logistic Lasso in combination with multiple imputation to obtain results in such settings, but we only provided heuristic arguments to advocate the method. In this paper, we propose an improved method that builds on firm statistical arguments and that is developed along the lines of the stochastic expectation–maximisation algorithm. We show that our method can be used to handle missing data in both categorical and continuous predictors, as well as in a nonpenalised regression. We demonstrate the method by applying it to data of 273 lung cancer patients. The objective is to select a model for the prediction of acute dysphagia, starting from a large set of potential predictors, including clinical and treatment covariates as well as a set of single‐nucleotide polymorphisms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Incorporating data from various trial designs into a mixed treatment comparison model
Authors: Schmitz Susanne , Adams Roisin , Walsh Cathal
Published: February 2013

Estimates of relative efficacy between alternative treatments are crucial for decision making in health care. Bayesian mixed treatment comparison models provide a powerful methodology to obtain such estimates when head‐to‐head evidence is not available or insufficient. In recent years, this methodology has become widely accepted and applied in economic modelling of healthcare interventions. Most evaluations only consider evidence from randomized controlled trials, while information from other trial designs is ignored. In this paper, we propose three alternative methods of combining data from different trial designs in a mixed treatment comparison model. Naive pooling is the simplest approach and does not differentiate between‐trial designs. Utilizing observational data as prior information allows adjusting for bias due to trial design. The most flexible technique is a three‐level hierarchical model. Such a model allows for bias adjustment while also accounting for heterogeneity between‐trial designs. These techniques are illustrated using an application in rheumatoid arthritis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Technical issues in test process assessment and their current handling in TestSPICE
Authors: Schweigert Tomas , Nehfort Andreas
Published: February 2013

Looking at normal test activities such as test preparation or test execution, setting up a Process Reference Model or a Process Assessment Model seems to be quite easy, but when discussion focuses on technical issues, it becomes really challenging. This paper describes the current handling of those issues in the TestSPICE approach and also some potential pitfalls. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Predicting dissolved organic nitrogen export from a drained loblolly pine plantation
Authors: Tian Shiying , Youssef Mohamed A. , Skaggs R. Wayne , Chescheir G. M. , Amatya Devendra M.
Published: February 2013

Key Points

A mechanistic model was developed to predict DON losses from terrestrial system

The model accounts production, sorption, transport, leaching losses of DON

The new model successfully simulated DON losses from three drained forests
Engineered genetic information processing circuits
Authors: Qi Hao , Blanchard Andrew , Lu Ting
Published: February 2013

Cells implement functions through the computation of biological information that is often mediated by genetic regulatory networks. To reprogram cells with novel capabilities, a vast set of synthetic gene circuits has recently been created. These include simple modules, such as feedback circuits, feed‐forward loops, ultrasensitive networks, band‐pass filters, logic gate operators and others, with each carrying a specific information processing functionality. More advanced cellular computation can also be achieved by assembling multiple simple processing modules into integrated computational cores. Further, when coupled with other modules such as sensors and actuators, integrated processing circuits enable sophisticated biological functionalities at both intra‐ and intercellular levels. Engineered genetic information processing circuits are transforming our ability to program cells, offering us extraordinary opportunities to explore biological mechanisms and to address real‐world challenges. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:273–287. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1216

This article is categorized under:

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Cellular Models

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models

Biological Mechanisms > Regulatory Biology
Two-Stage Tendon Sheath Reconstruction Using Sublimis Tendon and Silicone Penrose Drain after Severe Purulent Flexor Tenosynovitis: A Case Report
Authors: Sano Kazufumi , Kimura Kazumasa , Hashimoto Tomohisa , Ozeki Satoru
Published: February 2013

Two-stage tendon sheath reconstruction, a method of pulley reconstruction using the sublimis tendon and a pseudosheath formed with a silicone Penrose drain wrapped around the profundus tendon, is a new technique for improving a poor functional prognosis after purulent flexor tenosynovitis.
Expression of a vitelline membrane protein, BmVMP23, is repressed by bmo‐miR‐1a‐3p in silkworm, Bombyx mori
Authors: Chen Anli , Xia Dingguo , Qiu Zhiyong , Gao Peng , Tang Shunming , Shen Xingjia , Zhu Feng , Zhao Qiaoling
Published: February 2013

Previous studies have shown that the 3′ UTR of BmVMP23 was destroyed by an inserted fragment, and the BmVMP23 expression was downregulated in the lethal egg of “Ming” (l‐em
). In this study, we found a miRNA (bmo‐miR‐1a‐3p) that matches the 3′ UTR sequence of BmVMP23 perfectly. The relationship between bmo‐miR‐1a‐3p and the BmVMP23 expression was examined by the co‐transfection in vitro. The luciferase assay result showed that luc expression was strongly repressed. This result inferred that bmo‐miR‐1a‐3p may downregulate BmVMP23 expression via complementary interaction with the target sites at the 3′ UTR.
Human milk oligosaccharides inhibit rotavirus infectivityin vitroand in acutely infected piglets
Authors: Hester Shelly N. , Chen Xin , Li Min , Monaco Marcia H. , Comstock Sarah S. , Kuhlenschmidt Theresa B. , Kuhlenschmidt Mark S. , Donovan Sharon M.
Published: February 2013

Human milk (HM) is rich in oligosaccharides (HMO) that exert prebiotic and anti-infective activities. HM feeding reduces the incidence of rotavirus (RV) infection in infants. Herein, the anti-RV activity of oligosaccharides was tested in an establishedin vitrosystem for assessing cellular binding and viral infectivity/replication, and also tested in a newly developed, acute RV infection,in situpiglet model. For thein vitrowork, crude HMO isolated from pooled HM, neutral HMO (lacto-N-neotetraose, LNnT; 2′-fucosyllactose) and acidic HMO (aHMO, 3′-sialyllactose, 3′-SL; 6′-sialyllactose, 6′-SL) were tested against the porcine OSU strain and human RV Wa strain. The RV Wa strain was not inhibited by any oligosaccharides. However, the RV OSU strain infectivity was dose-dependently inhibited by sialic acid (SA)-containing HMO. 3′-SL and 6′-SL concordantly inhibited125I-radiolabelled RV cellular binding and infectivity/replication. For thein situstudy, a midline laparotomy was performed on 21-d-old formula-fed piglets and six 10 cm loops of ileum were isolatedin situ.Briefly, 2 mg/ml of LNnT, aHMO mixture (40 % 6′-SL/10 % 3′-SL/50 % SA) or media with or without the RV OSU strain (1 × 107focus-forming units) were injected into the loops and maintained for 6 h. The loops treated with HMO treatments+RV had lower RV replication, as assessed by non-structural protein-4 (NSP4) mRNA expression, than RV-treated loops alone. In conclusion, SA-containing HMO inhibited RV infectivityin vitro; however, both neutral HMO and SA with aHMO decreasedNSP4replication during acute RV infectionin situ.
USING CERES-WHEAT MODEL TO SIMULATE GRAIN YIELD PRODUCTION FUNCTION FOR FAISALABAD, PAKISTAN, CONDITIONS
Authors: BAKHSH A. , BASHIR I. , FARID H. U. , WAJID S. A.
Published: February 2013

Using computer simulation model as a management tool requires model calibration and validation against field data. A three-year (2008–2009 to 2010–2011) field study was conducted at the Postgraduate Agricultural Research Station of the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan, to simulate wheat grain yield production as a function of urea fertilizer applications using Crop Environment REsource Synthesis (CERES)-Wheat model. The model was calibrated using yield data for treatment of urea fertilizer application at the rate of 247 kg-urea ha−1 during growing season 2009–2010 and was validated against independent data sets of yield of two years (2008–2009 and 2010–2011) for a wide variety of treatments ranging from no urea application to 247 kg-urea ha−1 application. The model simulations were found to be acceptable for calibration as well as validation period, as the model evaluation indicators showed a mean difference of 8.9%, ranging from 0.05 to 15.38%, root mean square error of 356 having its range from 242 to 471 kg ha−1, against all observed grain yield data. The scenario simulations showed maximum grain yield of 4100 kg ha−1 for 350 kg-urea ha−1 in 2008–2009; 4600 kg ha−1 for 300 kg-urea ha−1 in 2009–2010 and 5200 kg ha−1 for 340 kg-urea ha−1 in 2010–2011. Any further increase in urea application resulted in decline of grain yield function. These results show that model has the ability to simulate effects of urea fertilizer applications on wheat yield; however, the simulated maximum grain yield data need field-based verification.
A NOTE ON THE GENUS OF GLOBAL FUNCTION FIELDS
Authors: ZHAO ZHENGJUN , WU XIA
Published: February 2013

To give a relatively elementary proof of the Brumer–Stark conjecture in a function field context involving no algebraic geometry beyond the Riemann–Roch theorem for curves, Hayes Compos. Math., vol. 55, 1985, pp. 209–239) defined a normalizing field $H_\mathfrak{e}^*$ associated with a fixed sgn-normalized Drinfeld module and its extension field $K_\mathfrak{m}$, which is an analogue of cyclotomic function fields over a rational function field. We present explicitly in this note the formulae for the genus of the two fields and the maximal real subfield $H_\mathfrak{m}$ of $K_\mathfrak{m}$. In some sense, our results can be regarded as generalizations of formulae for the genus of classical cyclotomic function fields obtained by Hayes Trans. Amer. Math. Soc., vol. 189, 1974, pp. 77–91) and Kida and Murabayashi (Tokyo J. Math., vol. 14(1), 1991, pp. 45–56).
SUBGROUP PERMUTABILITY DEGREE OF PSL(2,pn)
Authors: SAEEDI F. , FARROKHI D. G. M.
Published: February 2013

We will compute the subgroup permutability degree of the projective special linear groups PSL(2,pn).
A comparative greenhouse gas emission analysis of oilseed crops for biodiesel production in Greece
Authors: VLACHOS C. E. , MARIOLIS N. A. , SKARACIS G. N.
Published: February 2013

Sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) and rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) are considered as the most suitable crops for biodiesel production in the Mediterranean basin. Soybean (Glycine max L.) could also be used, under certain conditions. In Greece, the farming practice adopted in each region varies significantly, leading to significant differences in the levels of emitted greenhouse gases (GHG). Greenhouse gas emissions were estimated during the cultivation phase as grams of carbon dioxide equivalents (g CO2e) per megajoule (MJ), followed by emission savings (%) estimation when fossil fuels are replaced by biodiesel. Crop and region comparisons provided important information towards promoting sustainability. Overall, sunflower demonstrated the lowest average emissions, 53·8 g CO2e/MJ, followed by rapeseed and soybean. Furthermore, rapeseed achieved the lowest emission saving level required by European legislation in most cases studied, with an average value of 37%. Irrigation and nitrogen fertilization were the operations mostly contributing to the total quantity of GHG emissions. More specifically, the highest GHG emissions were found for soybean irrigation (34%) and rapeseed nitrogen fertilization (68%).
The Returned Yank as Site of Memory in Irish Popular Culture
Authors: SCHOFIELD ANN
Published: February 2013

This article examines the figure of the Returned Yank in Irish popular culture to explain the contradiction between the Irish preoccupation with the figure of the emigrant who returns and the low number of emigrants who actually do return to their native land. The article argues that the Returned Yank is alieu de mémoireor site of memory – a concept defined by French historian Pierre Nora as “any significant entity, whether material or non-material in nature, which by dint of human will or the work of time has become a symbolic element of the memorial heritage of any community” and used by scholars of African American and other cultures with particular concerns about memory and history. As a site of memory, the Irish Returned Yank allows the Irish to explore the meaning of massive population loss, the relationship with a diasporic population of overseas Irish, and tensions between urban and rural life. The article also suggests a relationship between Irish national identity and the Returned Yank.
Hypopharyngeal presentation of cicatricial pemphigoid: videofluorographic and direct laryngoscopic findings
Authors: Murono S , Nakanishi Y , Fujimoto M , Yoshizaki T
Published: February 2013

Objective:

Cicatricial pemphigoid can affect all mucosa of the upper aerodigestive tract; however, hypopharyngeal involvement is less frequent.

Case report:

This paper presents a 69-year-old male diagnosed as having cicatricial pemphigoid who was experiencing difficulty swallowing. Videofluorography with barium swallow demonstrated narrow flow through the medial hypopharynx, but not through the lateral hypopharynx. Direct laryngoscopy revealed that the postcricoid hypopharyngeal lumen had become narrow due to circumferential scar formation. Interestingly, detached thin membranous webs were observed beyond the circumferential scar.

Conclusion:

This report describes important videofluorographic and direct laryngoscopic findings showing rare hypopharyngeal involvement in a case of cicatricial pemphigoid.
Post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms after acute lung injury: a 2-year prospective longitudinal study
Authors: Bienvenu O. J. , Gellar J. , Althouse B. M. , Colantuoni E. , Sricharoenchai T. , Mendez-Tellez P. A. , Shanholtz C. , Dennison C. R. , Pronovost P. J. , Needham D. M.
Published: February 2013

Background

Survivors of critical illnesses often have clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. This study describes the 2-year prevalence and duration of PTSD symptoms after acute lung injury (ALI), and examines patient baseline and critical illness/intensive care-related risk factors.

Method

This prospective, longitudinal cohort study recruited patients from 13 intensive care units (ICUs) in four hospitals, with follow-up 3, 6, 12 and 24 months after ALI onset. The outcome of interest was an Impact of Events Scale – Revised (IES-R) mean score ⩾1.6 (‘PTSD symptoms’).

Results

During the 2-year follow-up, 66/186 patients (35%) had PTSD symptoms, with the greatest prevalence by the 3-month follow-up. Fifty-six patients with post-ALI PTSD symptoms survived to the 24-month follow-up, and 35 (62%) of these had PTSD symptoms at the 24-month follow-up; 50% had taken psychiatric medications and 40% had seen a psychiatrist since hospital discharge. Risk/protective factors for PTSD symptoms were pre-ALI depression [hazard odds ratio (OR) 1.96, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–3.64], ICU length of stay (for a doubling of days, OR 1.39, 95% CI 1.06–1.83), proportion of ICU days with sepsis (per decile, OR 1.08, 95% CI 1.00–1.16), high ICU opiate doses (mean morphine equivalent ⩾100 mg/day, OR 2.13, 95% CI 1.02–4.42) and proportion of ICU days on opiates (per decile, OR 0.83, 95% CI 0.74–0.94) or corticosteroids (per decile, OR 0.91, 95% CI 0.84–0.99).

Conclusions

PTSD symptoms are common, long-lasting and associated with psychiatric treatment during the first 2 years after ALI. Risk factors include pre-ALI depression, durations of stay and sepsis in the ICU, and administration of high-dose opiates in the ICU. Protective factors include durations of opiate and corticosteroid administration in the ICU.
The Théâtre du Marais in 1644: A New Look at the Old Evidence Concerning France's Second Public Theatre
Authors: Golder John
Published: February 2013

The history of the Théâtre du Marais is linked indissolubly with the name of Mme S. Wilma Deierkauf-Holsboer, the Dutch theatre historian whose archival researches brought to light some thirty years ago such a wealth of unsuspected new documentation about the theatre itself, the actors who worked there and the plays they presented. In 1954, in the first of her two-volume Théâtre du Marais, she published the central document for any understanding of the theatre's physical disposition in the early part of its life: the mémoire de ce qu'il faut faire au jeu de paume des Marais, a carpenters' contract which describes the reconstruction work to be carried out after the theatre had been destroyed by fire in January 1644. Historians were quick to pay tribute, not only to the thoroughness of Deierkauf-Holsboer's research, but also to the validity of her interpretation of the new evidence. In 1957 the late Tom Lawrenson established what soon became the general attitude:

The indefatigable researches of Mme Deierkauf-Holsboer have finally dragged this house, after centuries of neglect, into the light of day. We now have a very good idea of the aspect it must have presented after its rebuilding … in October 1644. We can do no better than to give the main details of her interpretation of her discovery, Mémoire de ce qu'il faut faire.…
Business as usual: interest group access and representation across policy-making venues
Authors: Boehmke Frederick J. , Gailmard Sean , Patty John W.
Published: February 2013

We provide the first comprehensive study of lobbying across venues by studying interest group registrations in both the legislative and administrative branches. We present four major findings based on Federal and state data. Firstly, groups engage in substantial administrative lobbying relative to legislative lobbying. Secondly, the vast majority of groups lobby the legislature, but a large proportion of groups also lobby the bureaucracy. Thirdly, representational biases in legislative lobbying are replicated across venues: business groups dominate administrative lobbying at least as much as they do legislative lobbying. Finally, the level of interest group activity in one venue for a given policy area is strongly related to its level in the other venue. The findings potentially have important implications for the impact of institutional design on both the form and promotion of broad participation in policy-making as well as the ultimate content of policies chosen by democratic governments, broadly construed.
Newspaper attention and policy activities in Spain
Authors: Bonafont Laura Chaqués , Baumgartner Frank R.
Published: February 2013

Spain's newspapers are characterised by strong partisan identities. We demonstrate that the two leading newspapers nonetheless show powerful similarities in the topics of their coverage over time. The media system is strongly related to the policy process and it shows similar levels of skew (attention focuses on just a few topics) and friction (attention lurches rapidly from topic to topic) as others have shown for policy processes more generally. Further, media attention is significantly related to parliamentary activities. Oral questions in parliament track closely with media attention over time. Our assessment is based on a comprehensive database of all front-page stories (over 95,000 stories) inEl PaísandEl Mundo, Spain's largest daily newspapers, and all 7,446 oral questions from 1996 to 2009. The paper shows that explanations of friction and skew in governmental activities should incorporate media dynamics as well. Political leaders are clearly sensitive to media salience.
Relationship between burden of infection in ungulate populations and wildlife/livestock interfaces
Authors: CARON A. , MIGUEL E. , GOMO C. , MAKAYA P. , PFUKENYI D. M. , FOGGIN C. , HOVE T. , de GARINE-WICHATITSKY M.
Published: February 2013

In southern African transfrontier conservation areas (TFCAs), people, livestock and wildlife share space and resources in semi-arid landscapes. One consequence of the coexistence of wild and domestic herbivores is the risk of pathogen transmission. This risk threatens local livelihoods relying on animal production, public health in the case of zoonoses, national economies in the context of transboundary animal diseases, and the success of integrated conservation and development initiatives. The level of interaction between sympatric wild and domestic hosts, defining different wildlife/livestock interfaces, characterizes opportunities of pathogen transmission between host populations. Exploring the relationship between infection burden and different types of wildlife/domestic interfaces is therefore necessary to manage the sanitary risk in animal populations through control options adapted to these multi-host systems. Here, we assessed the infection burdens of sympatric domestic cattle (Bos taurus/Bos indicus) and African buffalo (Syncerus caffer) at an unfenced interface and compared the infection burdens of cattle populations at different wildlife/livestock interfaces in the Great Limpopo TFCA. Patterns of infection in ungulate populations varied between wild and domestic hosts and between cattle populations at different wildlife/livestock interfaces. Foot-and-mouth disease, Rift Valley fever and theileriosis infections were detected in buffalo and cattle at unfenced interfaces; bovine tuberculosis was only present in buffalo; and brucellosis and lumpy skin disease only in cattle. At unfenced interfaces, cattle populations presented significantly higher Theileria parva and brucellosis prevalence. We hypothesize that cattle populations at wildlife/livestock interfaces face an increased risk of infection compared to those isolated from wildlife, and that the type of interface could influence the diversity and quantity of pathogens shared. Additional host behavioural and molecular epidemiological studies need to be conducted to support this hypothesis. If it is confirmed, the management of wildlife/livestock interfaces will need to be considered through the prism of livestock and public health.
The onset of multi-valued solutions of a prescribed mean curvature equation with singular non-linearity
Authors: BRUBAKER N. D. , LINDSAY A. E.
Published: February 2013

The existence and multiplicity of solutions to a quasilinear, elliptic partial differential equation with singular non-linearity is analysed. The partial differential equation is a recently derived variant of a canonical model used in the modelling of micro-electromechanical systems. It is observed that the bifurcation curve of solutions terminates at singledead-endpoint, beyond which no classical solutions exist. A necessary condition for the existence of solutions is developed, revealing that this dead-end point corresponds to a blow-up in the solution's gradient at a point internal to the domain. By employing a novel asymptotic analysis in terms of two small parameters, an accurate characterization of this dead-end point is obtained. An arc length parameterization of the solution curve can be employed to continue solutions beyond the dead-end point; however, all extra solutions are found to be multi-valued. This analysis therefore suggests that the dead-end is a bifurcation point associated with the onset of multi-valued solutions for the system.
Retrieving implicit positive meaning from negated statements
Authors: BLANCO EDUARDO , MOLDOVAN DAN
Published: February 2013

This paper introduces a model for capturing the meaning of negated statements by identifying the negated concepts and revealing the implicit positive meanings. A negated sentence may be represented logically in different ways depending on what is the scope and focus of negation. The novel approach introduced here identifies the focus of negation and thus eliminates erroneous interpretations. Furthermore, negation is incorporated into a framework for composing semantic relations, proposed previously, yielding a richer semantic representation of text, including hidden inferences. Annotations of negation focus were performed over PropBank, and learning features were identified. The experimental results show that the models introduced here obtain a weighted f-measure of 0.641 for predicting the focus of negation and 78 percent accuracy for incorporating negation into composition of semantic relations.
Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for Youths with Anxiety Disorders in the Community: Effectiveness in Low and Middle Income Countries
Authors: de Souza Maria Augusta Mansur , Salum Giovanni A. , Jarros Rafaela Behs , Isolan Luciano , Davis Roberta , Knijnik Daniela , Manfro Gisele Gus , Heldt Elizeth
Published: February 2013

Background: Although cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is established as a first line treatment for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, there is little evidence about the effectiveness of CBT protocols in cases identified in the community in low and middle income countries (LaMICs). Aims: To evaluate the effectiveness of group CBT protocol for youths with anxiety disorders identified in a community sample in LaMICs. Method: A total of 14 sessions of group CBT for youths and 2 concurrent sessions for parents based on Kendall's Coping Cat program were offered. Participants were selected from a cross-sectional community study; 45 subjects fulfilled inclusion criteria and 28 agreed to participate in the open clinical trial. Treatment effectiveness was evaluated with standard clinical, self- and parent-rated measures of anxiety, depression, externalizing symptoms and quality of life (QoL). Results: Twenty youths completed the protocol. All scales showed an improvement of anxiety and reduction in externalizing symptoms over time, with a moderate to large effect size (d = 0.59 to 2.06; p < .05), but not in depressive symptoms or QoL. Conclusions: Consistent with previous evidence, group CBT is effective in treating anxiety disorders in youths. Results encourage further randomized clinical trials using CBT protocols adapted and developed to be used in LaMICs.
The distance to the Galactic Center
Authors: Gillessen Stefan , Eisenhauer Frank , Fritz Tobias K. , Pfuhl Oliver , Ott Thomas , Genzel Reinhard
Published: February 2013

One of the Milky Way's fundamental parameters is the distance of the Sun from the Galactic Center, R0. This article reviews the various ways of estimating R0, placing special emphasis on methods that have become possible recently. In particular, we focus on the geometric distance estimate made possible thanks to observations of individual stellar orbits around the massive black hole at the center of the Galaxy. The specific issues of concern there are the degeneracies with other parameters, most importantly the mass of the black hole and the definition of the reference frame. The current uncertainty is nevertheless only a few percent, with error bars shrinking every year.
Adjusting the distance scales of old and intermediate-age tracers via statistical parallaxes
Authors: Dambis A. K.
Published: February 2013

The method of statistical-parallax determination is used to adjust the photometric distance-scale zero points and test the selection of several samples of old and intermediate-age tracer objects in the Milky Way, including RR Lyrae- and Mira-type variables, blue and red horizontal-branch stars, and red giants. We obtain reasonable and stable absolute-magnitude (and, hence, photometric distance-scale) corrections for all samples except for the red horizontal-branch stars, which appear to be significantly contaminated by main-sequence turn-off and subgiant stars.
The parsec program: a large sample of brown dwarf trigonometric parallaxes
Authors: Andrei Alexandre H. , Smart Richard L. , Bucciarelli Beatrice , Penna Jucira L. , Marocco Federico , Lattanzi Mario G. , Crosta Mariateresa , Teixeira Ramakrishna
Published: February 2013

We report on the parsec program, which observed 140 L and T dwarfs on a regular basis from 2007 to 2011, using the WIFI camera on the ESO/2.2 m telescope. Trigonometric parallaxes at 5 mas precision are derived for 49 objects, and mas yr−1-level proper motions are derived for approximately 200,000 objects in the same fields. We discuss image cleaning, object centroiding, and astrometric methods, in particular three different approaches for trigonometric parallax determination.
A new assessment of the kinematic distance to the Pleiades: based on radial velocities and proper motions only
Authors: Röser S. , Schilbach E.
Published: February 2013

We present a new determination of the distance to the Pleiades using the moving-cluster method, allowing for inclusion of the effects of expansion and rotation of the cluster. While rotation appears neglegible, we find a slight expansion of the cluster with a maximum velocity of 0.15 km s−1 and a distance modulus of (m − M)0 = 5.50 ± 0.13 mag. This is larger but compatible with the new Hipparcos distance modulus of 5.40 ± 0.03 mag. On the other hand, various distance moduli for the Pleiades are found in the literature, many resulting from isochrone fitting. They scatter around a value of 5.63 mag. Our results are also compatible with these measurements, within the error bars.
VLBI astrometry of the semi-regular variable star RX Bootis
Authors: Kamezaki Tatsuya , Nakagawa Akiharu , Omodaka Toshihiro , Handa Toshihiro , Imai Hiroshi , Tafoya Daniel , Matsui Makoto , Nishida Yoshiro , Nagayama Takumi , Honma Mareki , Kobayashi Hideyuki , Miyaji Takeshi , Takeuti Mine
Published: February 2013

We present a distance measurement to the semi-regular variable star RX Bootis (RX Boo). Using the VLBI Exploration of Radio Astrometry (VERA) telescope, we conducted astrometric observations of a water maser spot associated with RX Boo, as well as of the continuum reference source J1419+2706. Based on monitoring observations covering a full year, the annual parallax of RX Boo was measured at 7.31 ± 0.50 mas, corresponding to a distance of 136+10−9 pc. This distance uncertainty is smaller by a factor of two than those previously published, allowing us to determine the object's stellar properties more accurately. Using our distance, we can determine the absolute magnitude and discuss more precisely the locus of RX Boo on the period–luminosity (PL) relation. RX Boo exhibits two simultaneous pulsation periods and is located on the fundamental and first overtone Mira sequences of the PL relation. In addition, we calculated the radius and mass of the star.
RR Lyrae stars: prime calibrators of the first rung of the distance ladder
Authors: Cacciari Carla
Published: February 2013

RR Lyrae variables are the primary standard candles for old stellar populations, and the traditional first step in the definition of the distance scale. Their properties are known on the basis of well-established physical concepts and their calibration is based on several empirical methods. Both aspects are critically reviewed, and their application as distance indicators within the Galaxy and the Local Group are discussed, also in view of the observing facilities that will be available in the near future.
Classical Cepheids, what else?
Authors: Bono G. , Inno L. , Matsunaga N. , Genovali K. , Lemasle B. , Primas F. , Romaniello M.
Published: February 2013

We present new and independent estimates of the distances to the Magellanic Clouds (MCs) using near-infrared (NIR) and optical–NIR period–Wesenheit (PW) relations. The slopes of the PW relations are, within the dispersion, linear over the entire period range and independent of metal content. The absolute zero points were fixed using Galactic Cepheids with distances based on the infrared surface-brightness method. The true distance modulus we found for the Large Magellanic Cloud—(m − M)0 = 18.48 ± 0.01 ± 0.10 mag—and the Small Magellanic Cloud—(m − M)0 = 18.94 ± 0.01 ± 0.10 mag—agree quite well with similar distance determinations based on robust distance indicators. We also briefly discuss the evolutionary and pulsation properties of MC Cepheids.
Wesenheit function for Galactic Cepheids: Application to the projection factors
Authors: Ngeow Chow-Choong , Neilson Hilding , Nardetto Nicolas , Marengo Massimo
Published: February 2013

Galactic Cepheids are necessary tools for calibrating the period–luminosity relation, but distances to individual Galactic Cepheids are difficult to measure precisely and their application is limited to a small number of techniques, such as direct parallax measurements, main-sequence fitting to open clusters that host Cepheids, and Baade–Wesselink (BW)-type methods. Here, we re-examine the application of Wesenheit functions in determining distances to more than 300 Galactic Cepheids by taking advantage of the fact that the Wesenheit function is extinction-free by definition. Wesenheit distances are used to calibrate the projection (p) factor for Galactic Cepheids that also have BW distances. Based on ~ 70 Cepheids, we find that the period–p-factor relation may exhibit a nonlinear trend with a considerable scatter. We found discrepant p factors for δ Cephei in the literature. This may be due to inconsistent measurements of its angular diameter using different empirical techniques. We discuss the reason for the inconsistency in angular-diameter measurements and offer a possible remedy.
Evolutionary properties of stellar standard candles: Red clump, AGB clump and white dwarfs
Authors: Salaris Maurizio
Published: February 2013

The location of the white dwarf cooling sequence in the colour–magnitude diagram of simple stellar populations, the magnitude of the red clump and the magnitude of the asymptotic giant branch clump are three stellar distance indicators based on advanced evolutionary phases of low-mass stars. With the present observational capabilities, they can be applied to reach distances ranging from the Galactic disk and halo populations, to galaxies within the Local Group. Techniques devised to exploit these distance indicators are presented, together with a discussion of their calibration and the main sources of systematic errors. A first semi-empirical calibration of the asymptotic giant branch absolute magnitude in both the I and K bands is also derived.
A precise and accurate distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud from late-type eclipsing-binary systems
Authors: Pietrzyński G. , Gieren W. , Graczyk D. , Thompson I. , Pilecki B. , Nardetto N. , Kudritzki R.-P. , Bresolin F. , Bono G. , Moroni P. Prada , Konorski P. , Gorski M. , Storm J. , Smolec R. , Karczmarek P.
Published: February 2013

We present a precise and accurate measurement of the distance to the Large Magellanic Cloud based on late-type eclipsing-binary systems. Our results provide curently the most accurate zero point for the extragalactic distance scale.
Eclipsing binary distances to the edge of the Local Group
Authors: Bonanos Alceste Z.
Published: February 2013

Eclipsing binaries are powerful tools for determining the fundamental parameters of stars and, therefore, for measuring accurate, independent distances to nearby galaxies. I present distance measurements that are in progress based on early-type eclipsing binary systems in several Local Group galaxies at a range of metallicities, and discuss the strengths of the method, the limitations and possible sources of systematic error. The goal is to establish several local stepping stones along the extragalactic distance ladder, which will help calibrate the Cepheid period–luminosity relation and thus resolve the ongoing controversy about the distance scale, with its ramifications for cosmology and stellar ages.
The period–radius relation of classical Cepheids and the problem of their mode identification
Authors: Sachkov Mikhail
Published: February 2013

Based on radial-velocity measurements and photometric observations, we calculated the radii of around 200 classical Cepheids that were previously assumed to be fundamental-mode pulsators. Our detailed analysis of the period–radius diagram shows that the sample of Cepheids with pulsation periods shorter than 9 days probably contains a significant fraction (up to 30%) of stars pulsating in the first overtone.
Galactic structure from trigonometric parallaxes of star-forming regions
Authors: Reid Mark J.
Published: February 2013

Recently, astrometric accuracy approaching ~ 10 μas has become routinely possible with Very Long Baseline Interferometry. Since, unlike at optical wavelengths, interstellar dust is transparent at radio wavelengths, parallaxes and proper motions can now be measured for massive young stars (with maser emission) across the Galaxy, enabling direct measurements of the spiral structure of the Milky Way. Fitting the full 3D position and velocity vectors to a simple model of the Galaxy yields extremely accurate values for its fundamental parameters, including the distance to the Galactic Center, R0=8.38 ± 0.18 kpc, and circular rotation at the Solar Circle, Θ0= 243 ± 7 km s−1. The rotation curve of the Milky Way, based for the first time on ‘gold standard’ distances and complete 3D information, appears to be very flat.
From supergiant stars to galaxies: The path to extragalactic distances
Authors: Bresolin Fabio , Kudritzki Rolf-Peter
Published: February 2013

The spectroscopic study of blue supergiants in nearby galaxies can yield crucial information about the spatial distribution of extinction by dust, and can be successfully used to measure the metal content, abundance patterns, and distances of galaxies out to ~8 Mpc with current telescopes and instrumentation. We briefly review the results of an ongoing project in which the quantitative analysis of B- and A-type supergiants is used to independently test widely used metallicity diagnostics for star-forming galaxies and derive reddening-free extragalactic distances.
The period–luminosity relation of Mira variable stars
Authors: Nakagawa Akiharu , Kurayama Tomoharu , Omodaka Toshihiro , Kamezaki Tatsuya , Nishida Yoshiro , Matsui Makoto
Published: February 2013

We use astrometry to measure the distances to Galactic Mira variable stars. Our purpose is to determine a precise period–luminosity relation (PLR). At present, we do not have a precise PLR for Galactic Mira stars because of the large uncertainties affecting their distance estimates. To reduce the uncertainties, we adopted the Very Long Baseline Interferometry method and measured annual parallaxes of Mira variable stars with VERA. In addition to our previous results, we obtained three new distances for Mira variable stars. Based on our observations, the typical uncertainty in a given distance measurement is reduced to below 10%. At this conference, we present the current status of our project. To establish a precise Galactic PLR, we continue to observe more Mira variables. In addition, the apparent magnitudes of the target stars should be studied carefully.
Distances, depth structure, and kinematics of the Magellanic Clouds from disentangling spectra of eclipsing binaries and Cepheids
Authors: Hadrava P. , Štefl S. , Klement R. , Martayan C.
Published: February 2013

Spectroscopy and photometry of eclipsing binaries and Cepheids (using the Baade–Wesselink method) yield primary distance markers applicable to the Local Group of galaxies. The technique of disentangling spectra has proved helpful in resolving stellar physical parameters. Our method also allows us to disentangle interstellar absorption lines and, thus, to complement the radial-velocity structure of the interstellar medium with an (otherwise unattainable) upper limit to its distance. The mapping of the spatial and kinematic structure of the stellar and interstellar components of the Magellanic Clouds and Stream enables constraining their tidal evolution and, thus, of the mass of the Galaxy.
Measuring the Hubble constant with observations of water-vapor megamasers
Authors: Braatz James , Reid Mark , Kuo Cheng-Yu , Impellizzeri Violette , Condon James , Henkel Christian , Lo K. Y. , Greene Jenny , Gao Feng , Zhao Wei
Published: February 2013

To constrain models of dark energy, a precise measurement of the Hubble constant, H0, provides a powerful complement to observations of the cosmic microwave background. Recent, precise measurements of H0 have been based on the ‘extragalactic distance ladder,’ primarily using observations of Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovae as standard candles. In the past, these methods have been limited by systematic errors, so independent methods of measuring H0 are of high value. Direct geometric distance measurements to circumnuclear H2O megamasers in the Hubble flow provide a promising new method to determine H0. The Megamaser Cosmology Project (MCP) is a systematic effort to discover suitable H2O megamasers and determine their distances, with the aim of measuring H0 to a few percent. Based on observations of megamasers in UGC 3789 and NGC 6264, and preliminary results from Mrk 1419, the MCP has so far measured H0 = 68.0 ± 4.8 km s−1 Mpc−1. This measurement will improve as distances to additional galaxies are incorporated. With the Green Bank Telescope, we recently discovered three more excellent candidates for distance measurements, and we are currently acquiring data to measure their distances.
The Virgo Cluster
Authors: Mould Jeremy
Published: February 2013

In the era of precision cosmology, the Virgo cluster takes on a new role in the cosmic distance scale. Its traditional role of testing the consistency of secondary distance indicators is replaced by an ensemble of distance measurements within the Local Supercluster, united by a velocity-field model obtained from a reconstruction based on redshift surveys. The Wilkinson Microwave Anisotropy Probe (WMAP) leads us to see the Hubble constant as one of six parameters in a standard model of cosmology with considerable covariance among parameters. Independent experiments, such as WMAP, the Hubble Space Telescope Key Project on the Extragalactic Distance Scale, and their successors constrain these parameters.
The Carnegie Hubble Program: From parallaxes to the Tully–Fisher relation
Authors: Scowcroft V. , Freedman W. L. , Madore B. F. , Monson A. , Persson S. E. , Seibert M. , Burns C. , Rigby J. R.
Published: February 2013

The Carnegie Hubble Program (CHP) is a Warm Spitzer program with the aim of reducing the uncertainty in the Hubble constant to below 3%. The program is calibrated using Galactic Cepheids with precise parallax distances from the Hubble Space Telescope (HST), combined with a large sample of Cepheids in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We extend the Cepheid distance scale to the Local Group and beyond, into the regime probed by the Tully–Fisher relation. The entire program—from Galactic Cepheids to the most distant galaxies—uses the Spitzer/IRAC instrument. Completing the entire program with a single instrument on a single telescope virtually eliminates instrumental effects, whilst moving to the mid-infrared drastically reduces the reddening and metallicity effects that trouble the optical Cepheid distance scale. Our first measurement of the Hubble constant, using only two CHP galaxies tied into the HST Key Project results has produced a measurement of H0 = 74.3 ± 2.1 (systematic) km s−1 Mpc−1, which corresponds to a systematic uncertainty of 2.8%.