bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Coastal profile response to sea level rise: a process‐based approach
Authors: Aagaard Troels , Sørensen Per
Published: November 2011

Prevailing ideas and calculations of coastal response to sea level rise (SLR) are often based on the Bruun model (Bruun P., Sea‐level rise as a cause of shore erosion, Journal Waterways Harbors Division, ASCE 88: 117–130, 1962) that predicts upward and landward transfer of an equilibrium profile during SLR through offshore sediment transport on the shoreface. The model is based on a number of assumptions of questionable validity as well as outdated concepts on how sediment is transported across the shoreface. This contribution takes a numerical modelling approach that is based on first‐order processes contributing to the movement of sediment across the shoreface. Using a wave transformation model that predicts hydrodynamic processes driving cross‐shore sediment transport and an energetics‐based model for the coupling between hydrodynamics and sediment transport, we show that cross‐shore sediment transport is mainly onshore directed at the boundary between the lower and the upper shoreface, in agreement with the model proposed by Davidson‐Arnott (Conceptual model of the effects of sea level rise on sandy coasts, Journal of Coastal Research 21: 1166–1172, 2005). The transition from onshore to offshore directed transport is located well within the surf zone and with a rising sea level this transition point becomes displaced landward and upward. Tests also show that substrate slope is of fundamental importance to the manner in which beaches react to rising sea level. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Cytotoxicity of dental resin composites: an in vitro evaluation
Authors: Ausiello Pietro , Cassese Angela , Miele Claudia , Beguinot Francesco , Garcia‐Godoy Franklin , Di Jeso Bruno , Ulianich Luca
Published: November 2011

Resin‐based dental restorative materials release residual monomers that may affect the vitality of pulp cells. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effect of two light‐cured restorative materials with and without bis‐GMA resin, respectively (Clearfil Majesty Posterior and Clearfil Majesty Flow) and a self‐curing one (Clearfil DC Core Automix) when applied to the fibroblast cell line NIH‐3T3. Samples of the materials were light‐cured and placed directly in contact to cells for 24, 48, 72 and 96 h. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by measuring cell death by flow cytometry, cell proliferation by proliferation curves analysis and morphological changes by optical microscopy analysis. All the composite materials tested caused a decrease in cell proliferation, albeit at different degrees. However, only Clearfil DC Core Automix induced cell death, very likely by increasing apoptosis. Morphological alteration of treated cells was also evident, particularly in the Clearfil DC Core Automix‐treated cells. The different cytotoxic effects of dental composites should be considered when selecting an appropriate resin‐based dental restorative material for operative restorations. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The densification mechanism of hydroxyapatite particles during spray pyrolysis with variable carrier gas rates of flow
Authors: Cho Jung Sang , Rhee Sang‐Hoon
Published: November 2011

The densification mechanism of hydroxyapatite particles during spray pyrolysis with varying carrier gas flow rates was investigated. A calcium phosphate solution with a Ca/P ratio of 1.67 was prepared by dissolving calcium nitrate tetrahydrate and diammonium hydrogen phosphate in deionized water followed by the addition of nitric acid. Hydroxyapatite particles were then synthesized by spray pyrolysis at 1500°C with carrier gas flow rates of 10, 30, and 50 L/min, respectively. The lower the carrier gas flow rate, the smaller and denser the as‐prepared hydroxyapatite particles. Consequently, the lower flow rates produced particles with higher sinterability at 1100°C. The results can be explained in terms of the nucleation and growth mechanism based on the degree of supersaturation of hydroxyapatite in a droplet, which was dependent on the evaporating speed of nitric acid and water. The practical implication of these results is that highly sinterable hydroxyapatite powders can be synthesized via spray pyrolysis by reducing the carrier gas flow rate in a fixed temperature environment. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater 100B: 493–500, 2012.
Chitosan/Fucoidan pH Sensitive Nanoparticles for Oral Delivery System
Authors: Huang Yi‐Cheng , Lam U‐Ian
Published: November 2011

A rationally designed oral delivery carrier must overcome various significant barriers in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract prior to delivery to the bloodstream. One of these barriers is the low pH of the gastric medium in the stomach. The aim of this study is to create pH‐sensitive nanoparticles for oral drug delivery to protect drugs from deterioration. The nanoparticles were prepared by the positively charged chitosan (CS) and negatively charged fucoidan (F) through the ionic‐gelation method. The structures of CS/F nanoparticles were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, particle size analyzer and transmission electron microscopy. Results indicated that the CS/F nanoparticles were ionized to a diameter of 200‐300 nm at a pH of 1.2. The CS/F nanoparticles became larger and unstable as the pH increased. Curcumin (Cur), an antitumor drug, is encapsulated in CS/F NPs for in vitro release study. The encapsulated Cur was sustained released as the pH increased, especially when the weight ratio of chitosan to fucoidan was 1:1. According to the results mentioned above, CS/F nanoparticles are effective pH‐sensitive carriers, and they have a great potential application in an oral delivery system.
Nimodipine accelerates reinnervation of denervated rat thyroarytenoid muscle following nerve‐muscle pedicle implantation
Authors: Nishimoto Kohei , Kumai Yoshihiko , Minoda Ryosei , Yumoto Eiji
Published: November 2011

Objectives/Hypothesis:

To determine whether nimodipine, an L‐type voltage‐operated calcium channel antagonist that is an accelerator of axonal regeneration following peripheral nerve injury, can expedite reinnervation of denervated rat thyroarytenoid (TA) muscle following nerve‐muscle pedicle (NMP) flap implantation.

Study Design:

A quantitative histologic and physiologic assessment of the TA muscle following NMP flap implantation, with or without nimodipine treatment.

Methods:

Using 72 Wistar rats, we performed a transection on the left recurrent laryngeal nerve, followed by NMP flap implantation. Thirty‐six animals received nimodipine treatment (NIMO [+] group), and the remaining 36 animals received no nimodipine treatment (NIMO [−] group). As a control, 18 animals were subjected only to transection of the left recurrent laryngeal nerve. We performed a histologic assessment for muscle area, axon, nerve terminals (NTs), and acetylcholine receptors (AchRs) in the TA muscle and electromyography at 2, 4, and 10 weeks after surgery.

Results:

Muscle area, ratio of the number of NTs to that of AchRs (NT/AchR ratio), and evoked action potential in the TA muscle were significantly greater in the NIMO (+) group than in the NIMO (−) group (P < .05) at 4 weeks. At 10 weeks, the NT/AchR ratio was significantly greater in the NIMO (+) group than in the NIMO (−) group (P < .05).

Conclusions:

We found that nimodipine accelerated reinnervation of the denervated TA muscle following NMP flap implantation.
Enhanced Performance of Organic Photovoltaic Cells Fabricated with a Methyl Thiophene‐3‐Carboxylate‐Containing Alternating Conjugated Copolymer
Authors: Cho Min Ju , Seo Jangwon , Kim Kyung Hwan , Choi Dong Hoon , Prasad Paras N.
Published: November 2011

A new donor‐acceptor copolymer, containing benzodithiophene (BDT) and methyl thiophene‐3‐carboxylate (3MT) units, is designed and synthesized for polymer solar cells (PSCs). The 3MT unit is used as an electron acceptor unit in this copolymer to provide a lower highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) level for obtaining polymer solar cells with a higher open‐circuit voltage (VOC). The resulting bulk heterojunction PSC made of the copolymer and [6,6]‐phenyl‐C71‐butyric acid methyl ester (PC71BM) exhibits a power conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 4.52%, a short circuit current (JSC) of 10.5 mA·cm‐2, and a VOC of 0.86 V.
Block Copolymers From Living Emulsion Polymerization: Reactor Operating Strategies and Blocking Efficiency
Authors: Altarawneh Ibrahem S. , Gomes Vincent G. , Srour Mourtada H.
Published: November 2011

Diblock copolymers are generated using xanthate‐based RAFT agents in conjunction with emulsion polymerization via stage‐wise operations. First, emulsion polymerization is conducted for styrene, methyl acrylate, and butyl acrylate monomers to obtain polymers of specified molar mass. At the second stage, polymers undergo chain extension to produce block copolymers. Linear growth of molecular weight with respect to conversion establishes the living characteristics of the process. Under batch conditions, partly homopolymers are produced. Semi‐batch operation produces copolymers of higher purity with low polydispersity. The choice of blocking sequence is crucial for reducing the influence of the terminated chains on the distribution sequence of copolymers produced.

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Exact approaches to the single‐source network loading problem
Authors: Ljubić Ivana , Putz Peter , Salazar‐González Juan‐José
Published: November 2011

This article considers the network design problem that searches for a minimum‐cost way of installing capacities on the edges of a network to simultaneously route a flow from a given access point to a subset of nodes representing customers with positive demands. We first consider compact and exponential‐sized Mixed Integer Programming (MIP) formulations of the problem and provide their theoretical and computational comparison. We also consider a stronger disaggregated flow formulation. To solve the problem in practice, we project out the flow variables and generate Benders cuts within a branch‐and‐cut framework. To the best of our knowledge, the combination of Benders approach and this specific disaggregation has not been considered so far. In an extensive computational study, we compare the performance of compact MIP models against a textbook implementation and several normalization variants of Benders decomposition. We introduce a set of 32 real‐world instances and use these, together with 64 other instances from the literature, to test our approaches. The results show that our branch‐and‐cut approach outperforms the best performing compact formulation leading to the best exact algorithm today for solving the considered dataset. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, 2012
Investigating the macropinocytic proteome of Dictyostelium amoebae by high‐resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Journet Agnès , Klein Gérard , Brugière Sabine , Vandenbrouck Yves , Chapel Agnès , Kieffer Sylvie , Bruley Christophe , Masselon Christophe , Aubry Laurence
Published: November 2011

The cellular slime mold Dictyostelium discoideum is a soil‐living eukaryote, which feeds on microorganisms engulfed by phagocytosis. Axenic laboratory strains have been produced that are able to use liquid growth medium internalized by macropinocytosis as the source of food. To better define the macropinocytosis process, we established the inventory of proteins associated with this pathway using mass spectrometry‐based proteomics. Using a magnetic purification procedure and high‐performance LC‐MS/MS proteome analysis, a list of 2108 non‐redundant proteins was established, of which 24% featured membrane‐spanning domains. Bioinformatics analyses indicated that the most abundant proteins were linked to signaling, vesicular trafficking and the cytoskeleton. The present repertoire validates our purification method and paves the way for a future proteomics approach to study the dynamics of macropinocytosis.
Regiospecific cationic polymerization of spiroorthoesters with different cyclic ether ring sizes
Authors: Hsu Ying‐Gev , Lin Wei‐Yang , Hsieh Wei‐Lun , Tsai Shung‐Yao
Published: November 2011

Spiroorthoesters (SOEs), cis‐2,3‐tetramethylene‐1,4,6‐trioxaspiro[4,5]decane (I) and cis‐2,3‐tetramethylene‐1,4,6‐trioxaspiro[4,6]undecane (II), with different cyclic ether ring sizes were synthesized, and their stereostructure and steric energy were determined. With steric‐hindrance‐sensitized 9‐phenyl‐9,10‐dihydro‐anthracen‐10‐ylium cation as an initiator, I and II underwent regiospecific polymerization to yield trans form of stereoregular poly(ether esters)—poly(trans‐2‐oxycyclohexyl pentanoate) ([trans‐2‐OCHP]n) (III) and poly(trans‐2‐oxycyclohexyl hexanoate) ([trans‐2‐OCHH]n) (V), respectively. With SnCl4 as another initiator, I and II underwent regiospecific polymerization through different mechanisms to afford cis form poly(cis‐2‐oxycyclohexyl pentanoate) ([cis‐2‐OCHP]n) (IV) and trans form ([trans‐2‐OCHH]n) (VI) stereoregular poly(ether esters). The polymerization mechanisms of SOEs proceeded in the regiospecific manner were determined by the relationship among the sterostructures of SOEs and its subsequently formed polymers, the steric energy of monomers, and the free energy difference in the transition state of reaction. Owing to the conversion of cis substitution at C‐2 and C‐3 in I or II to the trans form during polymerization, polymers III, V, and VI exhibited a higher volume of expansion during polymerization than IV, which showed high volume shrinkage. Group contributions of divalent trans‐ and cis‐1.2‐cyclohexyl groups were derived and confirmed by measuring the densities of the corresponding stereoregular polymers. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Cyclodextrin‐overhanging hyperbranched core‐double‐shell miktoarm architectures: Synthesis and gradient stimuli‐responsive properties
Authors: Tian Wei , Lv Xiaoyan , Mu Chengguang , Zhang Weihong , Kong Jie , Liu Yuyang , Fan Xiaodong
Published: November 2011

We report the synthesis and gradient stimuli‐responsive properties of cyclodextrin‐overhanging hyperbranched core‐double‐shell miktoarm architectures. A ionic hyperbranched poly(β‐cyclodextrin) (β‐CD) core was firstly synthesized via a convenient “A2+B3” approach. Double‐layered shell architectures, composed of poly(N‐isopropyl acrylamide) (PNIPAm) and poly(N,N‐dimethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDMAEMA) miktoarms as the outermost shell linked to poly(N,N‐diethylaminoethyl methacrylate) (PDEAEMA) homoarms which form the inner shell, were obtained by a sequential atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) and parallel click chemistry from the modified hyperbranched poly(β‐CD) macroinitiator. The combined characterization by 1H NMR, 13C NMR, 1H‐29Si heteronuclear multiple‐bond correlation (HMBC), FTIR and size exclusion chromatography/multiangle laser light scattering (SEC/MALLS) confirms the remarkable hyperbranched poly(β‐CD) core and double‐shell miktoarm architectures. The gradient triple‐stimuli‐responsive properties of hyperbranched core‐double‐shell miktoarm architectures and the corresponding mechanisms were investigated by UV–vis spectrophotometer and dynamic light scattering (DLS). Results show that this polymer possesses three‐stage phase transition behaviors. The first‐stage phase transition comes from the deprotonation of PDEAEMA segments at pH 9–10 aqueous solution under room temperature. The confined coil‐globule conformation transition of PNIPAm and PDMAEMA arms gives rise to the second‐stage hysteretic cophase transition between 38 and 44 °C at pH 10. The third‐stage phase transition occurs above 44 °C at pH = 10 attributed to the confined secondary conformation transition of partial PDMAEMA segments. This cyclodextrin‐overhanging hyperbranched core‐double‐shell miktoarm architectures are expected to solve the problems of inadequate functionalities from core layer and lacking multiresponsiveness for shell layers existing in the dendritic core‐multishell architectures. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2012
Peaking free output‐feedback exact tracking of uncertain nonlinear systems via dwell‐time and norm observers
Authors: Oliveira Tiago Roux , Peixoto Alessandro Jacoud , Hsu Liu
Published: November 2011

The control of uncertain nonlinear systems by high‐gain observer based output feedback is addressed. Two tracking sliding mode controllers are designed for a broad class of uncertain nonlinear systems with arbitrary relative degree and unmatched polynomial nonlinearities in the unmeasured states. The proposed strategies are based either on dwell‐time for control activation or on simple norm state observers to remove the peaking phenomenon related with high‐gain observers, depending on the nonlinearity growth conditions. In contrast with previous works, exact tracking is also achieved by means of a switching strategy based on locally exact differentiators. Global or semi‐global stability is proved by using Lyapunov theory and on small‐gain analysis. Simulations show that the proposed methodologies provide better and uniform transient behavior, larger regions of attraction, performance recovery with significantly smaller observer gains and good robustness properties with respect to exogenous disturbances and measurement noise. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Midwives, Women and the State: (De)Constructing Midwives and Pregnant Women in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Paterson Stephanie
Published: November 2011

Abstract.Ontario'sMidwifery Actcame into effect on January 1, 1994, at a time of radical health care restructuring, marked by hospital closures and staffing cuts. In addition, feminist backlash was rampant in the popular media. Given these conditions, some have suggested that midwifery legislation was implemented because it aligned with the government's cost-cutting initiatives, while others have suggested that the government was responding to the dissatisfaction with obstetric practice outlined by a well-organized lobby. While these factors were no doubt important in the passing of the legislation, I offer a more critical reading of the policy texts, suggesting that the legislation and its enabling regulations problematize not only costs or client satisfaction but also the knowledge of midwives and the women they serve. In framing the issue as one of public safety, the policy ensemble introduced a new form of birthing expert—the expert midwife—reimposing a hierarchical relationship in the birthing process, serving to reify medical science and to objectify birthing women. In so doing, the legislation potentially silences claims for both professional and reproductive autonomy.

Résumé.LaLoi sur les sages-femmesde l'Ontario est entrée en vigueur le premier janvier 1994 au cours d'une période houleuse dans le domaine de la santé qui fut marquée par des fermetures d'hôpitaux et des réductions de la main-d'œuvre. De plus, à cette époque, les médias populaires avaient clairement adopté une position antiféministe. Étant donné cette conjoncture, on proposa dans quelques articles que cette loi fut adoptée parce qu'elle cadrait bien avec les priorités gouvernementales de coupures budgétaires, tandis que d'autres insistèrent que le gouvernement ne faisait que réagir au mécontentement à l'endroit de la pratique obstétricale exprimé par un groupe d'intérêts puissant. Ces facteurs ont sans doute joué un rôle important dans l'adoption de la loi, mais je propose, en contrepartie, une interprétation plus critique des textes de politiques publiques. J'avance que la loi et sa réglementation soulignent une problématique qui va au delà des coûts et de la satisfaction de la clientèle, englobant aussi le savoir des sages-femmes et celui de leurs clientes. En formulant le débat en termes de sécurité publique, la législation a instauré une nouvelle forme d'expertise – l'experte sage-femme – qui réimpose une hiérarchie professionnelle dans le domaine de l'accouchement, ce qui a pour effet de solidifier la position de la médecine traditionnelle et d'objectiver les femmes. Ce faisant, la loi risque de négliger les revendications d'autonomie des professionnelles et des partisanes de l'accouchement naturel.
Le vote économique en contexte de crise financière : l'élection provinciale de 2008 au Québec
Authors: Bélanger Éric , Gélineau François
Published: November 2011

Résumé.En déclenchant une élection provinciale anticipée à l'automne 2008 en pleine crise financière, le premier ministre du Québec, Jean Charest, fit le pari que la population réélirait son gouvernement en raison de sa compétence à gérer la «tempête économique» qui s'annonçait. Cet article cherche à déterminer le poids de la variable économique dans les choix électoraux lors de ce scrutin en exploitant les données d'une enquête d'opinion menée en décembre 2008. Ces données permettent notamment de vérifier à quel point le «vote économique» lors de cette élection en fut un de nature traditionnelle, c'est-à-dire s'appuyant sur les évaluations rétrospectives de l'économie de la part des votants, ou plutôt un de nature prospective, reposant sur les perceptions de la compétence des partis à gérer la crise économique annoncée. Nous analysons également l'effet particulier exercé sur le vote par l'enjeu des pertes de la Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec.

Abstract.By calling an early election in the fall of 2008 in the midst of a financial crisis, Quebec Premier Jean Charest hoped that the population would re-elect his government on the basis of its competence at dealing with the upcoming “economic storm.” This article attempts to determine the actual influence that the economy had on Quebeckers' vote choice in that election, with the use of survey data collected in December 2008. The data allows us to verify whether “economic voting” in that election was of a traditional nature, that is based on retrospective assessments of economic conditions, or was more prospective in nature, that is based on perceptions of the parties' competence at managing the economic crisis that would soon follow. The impact on the vote of the issue of the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec's losses is also analyzed.
Seroprevalence of Toxocara infection in children and environmental contamination of urban areas in Paraná State, Brazil
Authors: Mattia S. , Colli C.M. , Adami C.M. , Guilherme G.F. , Nishi L. , Rubinsky-Elefant G. , Marchioro A.A. , Gomes M.L. , Falavigna-Guilherme A.L.
Published: November 2011

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the contamination by eggs of Toxocara in sandy areas or grass lawns of outdoor recreation areas that are used by children, and the frequency of seroprevalence in children, from three cities of fewer than 45,000 inhabitants in Paraná, Brazil. From May 2005 to December 2007, five samples were taken from each of 13 sandy sites and 18 grass lawns, all from plazas and public schools. Blood samples from children aged 0–12 years were analysed by immunoassay for anti-Toxocara IgG. The soil samples were processed by floatation and sedimentation. Eggs of Toxocara spp. were present in 44.7% (38/85) of the samples from grassed areas and in 21.4% (15/70) of the sand samples. The lawns were 2.16 times more contaminated than the sand (P = 0.0009). However, the epidemiological variables showed no statistically significant difference between seropositive (36.8%; 130/353), and seronegative children. The rate of seropositivity was higher in children aged 0–5 years (P = 0.03), who were 1.94 times more likely to develop persistent wheezing (P = 0.02).
Violent behaviour in UK military personnel returning home after deployment
Authors: MacManus D. , Dean K. , Al Bakir M. , Iversen A. C. , Hull L. , Fahy T. , Wessely S. , Fear N. T.
Published: November 2011

Background

There is growing concern about an alleged rise in violent behaviour amongst military personnel returning from deployment to Iraq and Afghanistan. The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of violence in a sample of UK military personnel following homecoming from deployment in Iraq and to examine the impact of deployment-related experiences, such as combat trauma, on violence, and the role of sociodemographics and pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour.

Method

This study used baseline data from a cohort study of a large randomly selected sample of UK Armed Forces personnel in service at the time of the Iraq war (2003). Regular personnel (n=4928) who had been deployed to Iraq were included. Data, collected by questionnaire, included information on deployment experiences, sociodemographic and military characteristics, pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour, post-deployment health outcomes and a self-report measure of physical violence in the weeks following return from deployment.

Results

Prevalence of violence was 12.6%. This was strongly associated with pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.6, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.9–4.4]. After controlling for pre-enlistment antisocial behaviour, sociodemographics and military factors, violence was still strongly associated with holding a combat role (aOR 2.0, 95% CI 1.6–2.5) and having experienced multiple traumatic events on deployment (aOR for four or more traumatic events 3.7, 95% CI 2.5–5.5). Violence on homecoming was also associated with mental health problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder (aOR 4.8, 95% CI 3.2–7.2) and alcohol misuse (aOR 3.1, 95% CI 2.5–3.9).

Conclusions

Experiences of combat and trauma during deployment were significantly associated with violent behaviour following homecoming in UK military personnel. Post-deployment mental health problems and alcohol misuse are also associated with increased violence.
Lifetime prevalence of mental health disorders and delay in treatment following initial onset: evidence from the Northern Ireland Study of Health and Stress
Authors: Bunting B. P. , Murphy S. D. , O'Neill S. M. , Ferry F. R.
Published: November 2011

Background

The current study provides the first epidemiological estimates of lifetime mental disorders across NI based on DSM-IV criteria. Risk factors, delays in treatment and the experience of conflict are also examined.

Method

Nationally representative face-to-face household survey of 4340 individuals aged ⩾18 years in NI using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Analyses were implemented using SAS and STATA software.

Results

Lifetime prevalence of any disorder was 39.1% while projected lifetime risk was 48.6%. Individuals who experienced conflict were more likely to have had an anxiety, mood or impulse-control disorder. Treatment delays were substantial for anxiety and substance disorders.

Conclusions

Results from this study show that mental disorders are highly prevalent in Northern Ireland. The elevated rates of post-traumatic stress disorder in relation to other countries and the association of living ‘in a region of terror’ disorders suggests that civil conflict has had an additional impact on mental health. Given substantial delays in treatment, further research is required to investigate the factors associated with failure and delay in treatment seeking.
A SANCTUARY OF THE GEOMETRIC PERIOD IN ANCIENT HELIKE, ACHAEA
Authors: Kolia Erophile
Published: November 2011

The article presents an apsidal temple excavated by the 6th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities at Nikoleika, in the chora of ancient Helike. The building was erected at the end of the eighth century, after levelling which probably destroyed a Protogeometric construction. A mudbrick altar erected in the first half of the eighth century lay buried beneath the temple floor: offerings and faunal remains from the altar area are presented, noting evidence for ritual dining. A terminus ante quem for the abandonment of the Geometric temple is provided by mid sixth-century architectural terracottas, presumably from its successor.
NONLINEAR COINTEGRATING REGRESSION UNDER WEAK IDENTIFICATION
Authors: Shi Xiaoxia , Phillips Peter C.B.
Published: November 2011

An asymptotic theory is developed for a weakly identified cointegrating regression model in which the regressor is a nonlinear transformation of an integrated process. Weak identification arises from the presence of a loading coefficient for the nonlinear function that may be close to zero. In that case, standard nonlinear cointegrating limit theory does not provide good approximations to the finite-sample distributions of nonlinear least squares estimators, resulting in potentially misleading inference. A new local limit theory is developed that approximates the finite-sample distributions of the estimators uniformly well irrespective of the strength of the identification. An important technical component of this theory involves new results showing the uniform weak convergence of sample covariances involving nonlinear functions to mixed normal and stochastic integral limits. Based on these asymptotics, we construct confidence intervals for the loading coefficient and the nonlinear transformation parameter and show that these confidence intervals have correct asymptotic size. As in other cases of nonlinear estimation with integrated processes and unlike stationary process asymptotics, the properties of the nonlinear transformations affect the asymptotics and, in particular, give rise to parameter dependent rates of convergence and differences between the limit results for integrable and asymptotically homogeneous functions.
DISTRIBUTION-FREE ESTIMATION OF THE BOX–COX REGRESSION MODEL WITH CENSORING
Authors: Chen Songnian
Published: November 2011

The Box–Cox regression model has been widely used in applied economics. However, there has been very limited discussion when data are censored. The focus has been on parametric estimation in the cross-sectional case, and there has been no discussion at all for the panel data model with fixed effects. This paper fills these important gaps by proposing distribution-free estimators for the Box–Cox model with censoring in both the cross-sectional and panel data settings. The proposed methods are easy to implement by combining a convex minimization problem with a one-dimensional search. The procedures are applicable to other transformation models.
Integrity Monitoring for Carrier Phase Ambiguities
Authors: Feng Shaojun , Ochieng Washington , Samson Jaron , Tossaint Michel , Hernandez-Pajares Manuel , Juan J. Miguel , Sanz Jaume , Aragón-Àngel Àngela , Ramos-Bosch Pere , Jofre Marti
Published: November 2011

The determination of the correct integer number of carrier cycles (integer ambiguity) is the key to high accuracy positioning with carrier phase measurements from Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). There are a number of current methods for resolving ambiguities including the Least-squares AMBiguity Decorrelation Adjustment (LAMBDA) method, which is a combination of least-squares and a transformation to reduce the search space. The current techniques to determine the level of confidence (integrity) of the resolved ambiguities (i.e. ambiguity validation), usually involve the construction of test statistics, characterisation of their distribution and definition of thresholds. Example tests applied include ratio, F-distribution, t-distribution and Chi-square distribution. However, the assumptions that underpin these tests have weaknesses. These include the application of a fixed threshold for all scenarios, and therefore, not always able to provide an acceptable integrity level in the computed ambiguities. A relatively recent technique referred to as Integer Aperture (IA) based on the ratio test with a large number of simulated samples of float ambiguities requires significant computational resources. This precludes the application of IA in real time.

This paper proposes and demonstrates the power of an integrity monitoring technique that is applied at the ambiguity resolution and positioning stages. The technique has the important benefit of facilitating early detection of any potential threat to the position solution, originating in the ambiguity space, while at the same time giving overall protection in the position domain based on the required navigation performance. The proposed method uses the conventional test statistic for ratio testing together with a doubly non-central F distribution to compute the level of confidence (integrity) of the ambiguities. Specifically, this is determined as a function of geometry and the ambiguity residuals from least squares based ambiguity resolution algorithms including LAMBDA. A numerical method is implemented to compute the level of confidence in real time.

The results for Precise Point Positioning (PPP) with simulated and real data demonstrate the power and efficiency of the proposed method in monitoring both the integrity of the ambiguity computation and position solution processes. Furthermore, due to the fact that the method only requires information from least squares based ambiguity resolution algorithms, it is easily transferable to conventional Real Time Kinematic (RTK) positioning.
Towards a Multi Objective Path Optimisation for Car Navigation
Authors: Chiu Ching-Sheng , Rizos Chris
Published: November 2011

In a car navigation system the conventional information used to guide drivers in selecting their driving routes typically considers only one criterion, usually the Shortest Distance Path (SDP). However, drivers may apply multiple criteria to decide their driving routes. In this paper, possible route selection criteria together with a Multi Objective Path Optimisation (MOPO) model and algorithms for solving the MOPO problem are proposed. Three types of decision criteria were used to present the characteristics of the proposed model. They relate to the cumulative SDP, passed intersections (Least Node Path – LNP) and number of turns (Minimum Turn Path – MTP). A two-step technique which incorporates shortest path algorithms for solving the MOPO problem was tested. To demonstrate the advantage that the MOPO model provides drivers to assist in route selection, several empirical studies were conducted using two real road networks with different roadway types. With the aid of a Geographic Information System (GIS), drivers can easily and quickly obtain the optimal paths of the MOPO problem, despite the fact that these paths are highly complex and difficult to solve manually.
Assessment of Aided-INS Performance
Authors: Klein Itzik , Filin Sagi , Toledo Tomer , Rusnak Ilan
Published: November 2011

Aided Inertial Navigation Systems (INS) systems are commonly implemented in land vehicles for a variety of applications. Several methods have been reported in the literature for evaluating aided INS performance. Yet, the INS error-state-model dependency on time and trajectory implies that no closed-form solutions exist for such evaluation. In this paper, we derive analytical solutions to evaluate the fusion performance. We show that the derived analytical solutions manage to predict the error covariance behavior of the full aided INS error model. These solutions bring insight into the effect of the various parameters involved in the fusion of the INS and an aiding sensor.
Opportunistic MMR vaccination for unimmunized children at the time of routine teenage booster vaccination in secondary schools: implications for policy
Authors: PARANTHAMAN K. , BUNCE A.
Published: November 2011

With the aim of minimizing adverse health outcomes and reducing the risk of outbreaks, we offered one dose of MMR vaccine to children known to be incompletely immunized at the time of teenage booster vaccination in secondary schools in Swindon in 2011. The Child Health Department database was queried to identify Year 10 children who had had zero or one dose of MMR vaccine previously. Of the 316 children offered vaccination, 60 received a first dose and 87 received a second dose of MMR vaccine. Fourteen children had two documented doses in the past and two had contraindications to the vaccine. Overall uptake of two doses of MMR vaccine increased from 86·3% to 90·6%. The valuable uptake achieved demonstrates that an opportunistic offer of MMR vaccine for unimmunized children at schools is feasible and beneficial. MMR vaccine should be offered routinely to unimmunized children at the time of school vaccination programmes, especially in areas with sub-optimal coverage.
Phylogenetic analysis of the nucleoprotein gene of measles viruses prevalent in Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, during 2010
Authors: LI H. , SPENCER S. D. , LIAN L. , ZHANG Z. , LU P.
Published: November 2011

Measles control in China is monitored in part by surveillance of circulating wild-type viruses. The objective of this study was genetic characterization and phylogenetic analysis of measles strains in the Nantong City region of Jiangsu province, China, during 2010. Sera from suspected cases were tested for IgM antibodies and measles virus isolated by inoculation of transport medium onto Vero/SLAM cells. Isolated strains were phylogenetically analysed according to the nucleotide sequence of the C-terminal region of the nucleoprotein gene amplified by RT–PCR. The results revealed 34 cases confirmed by positive IgM, for an incidence of 0·45/100 000. Six isolates identified were all clustered within genotype H1. The findings reported here support continued endemic transmission of measles virus in China.
Asset liability management for individual households
Authors: Dempster M. A. H. , Medova E. A.
Published: November 2011

Personal finance is a challenging topic which can benefit from a scientific approach to individual financial planning. This paper presents an individual asset liability management (iALM) model for life cycle planning which uses the methodology of dynamic stochastic optimisation and incorporates ideas from both classical and behavioural finance. Its implementation is in the form of a decision support tool for use by financial advisers or wealth managers. The investment universe is given by a set of indices for major asset classes and their returns are simulated forward over the lifetime of a household. On the liability side the foreseen cash flows of incomes and outgoings are simulated and punctuated by life events such as illness and death. The household's utility function is constructed for each time period over a range of monetary values in terms of household financial goals and preferences. Taxes and pension savings are treated using the tax shielded saving accounts specific to a national jurisdiction in terms of constraints in the optimisation sub-models. The paper goes on to present an analysis ofiALM model recommendations for a representative UK household, together with an evaluation of the sensitivity of the financial plan generated to changes in market environments such as the 2007–9 crisis. The promise of this new technology is to bring modern decision support tools to individual investors in order to facilitate custom designed consumption, savings and investment policies.
Mapping of nutrition teaching and training initiatives in India: the need for Public Health Nutrition
Authors: Khandelwal Shweta , Dayal Radhika , Jha Meenakshi , Zodpey Sanjay , Reddy K Srinath
Published: November 2011

Objective

India spans the spectrum of under- and overnutrition disorders and does so in generous proportions. India also tops the charts globally in the prevalence of risk factors for several chronic diseases. Although Public Health Nutrition (PHN) – both as an academic field as well as a means to improved health – has been around for two centuries in developed countries, it is only now coming to the fore as a conduit for tackling nutrition-related disorders in developing countries. In the light of these issues, we undertook an exercise to map the existing educational initiatives for nutrition, and in particular PHN, in India.

Design

This situational analysis of PHN across India was conducted using a combination of Internet search, telephone calls as well as interviews with experts. Information collected was pooled and tabulated using a snowball approach.

Setting

India.

Subjects

Not applicable.

Results

Currently, there are nearly 190 institutes in India that offer one or more nutrition courses, with the majority offering full-time courses. Of these, PHN was offered in less than five institutes across India and opportunities were confined to specialization options/modules.

Conclusions

This situational analysis reveals the huge gap in existing nutrition ventures and points towards the urgent need to undertake newer academic initiatives especially in the field of PHN in India. Reforms in the education and employment sector need to be brought in which may include working towards making the field of nutrition attractive for career pursuit. The focus of this discipline needs to be broadened to, but not limited to, span the entire spectrum from dietetics to research and teaching. Strong synergistic collaborations and academic partnerships with other developed countries should be encouraged to catalyse finding solutions to emerging and/or existing threats to public health problems.
Extensive, clustered parental imprinting of protein-coding and noncoding RNAs in developing maize endosperm
Authors: Zhang Mei , Zhao Hainan , Xie Shaojun , Chen Jian , Xu Yuanyuan , Wang Keke , Zhao Haiming , Guan Haiying , Hu Xiaojiao , Jiao Yinping , Song Weibin , Lai Jinsheng
Published: November 2011

Although genetic imprinting was discovered in maize 40 years ago, its exact extent in the triploid endosperm remains unknown. Here, we have analyzed global patterns of allelic gene expression in developing maize endosperms from reciprocal crosses between inbreds B73 and Mo17. We have defined an imprinted gene as one in which the relative expression of the maternal and paternal alleles differ at least fivefold in both hybrids of the reciprocal crosses. We found that at least 179 genes (1.6% of protein-coding genes) expressed in the endosperm are imprinted, with 68 of them showing maternal preferential expression and 111 paternal preferential expression. Additionally, 38 long noncoding RNAs were imprinted. The latter are transcribed in either sense or antisense orientation from intronic regions of normal protein-coding genes or from intergenic regions. Imprinted genes show a clear pattern of clustering around the genome, with a number of imprinted genes being adjacent to each other. Analysis of allele-specific methylation patterns of imprinted loci in the hybrid endosperm identified 21 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) of several hundred base pairs in length, corresponding to both imprinted genes and noncoding transcripts. All DMRs identified are uniformly hypomethylated in maternal alleles and hypermethylated in paternal alleles, regardless of the imprinting direction of their corresponding loci. Our study indicates highly extensive and complex regulation of genetic imprinting in maize endosperm, a mechanism that can potentially function in the balancing of the gene dosage of this triploid tissue.
Epidemiology and diagnosis of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: rationale and design of the study
Authors: Mahadevan Gnanadevan , Dwivedi Girish , Williams Lynne , Steeds Richard P. , Frenneaux Michael
Published: November 2011

Aims

Despite major advances in our understanding of ‘systolic’ heart failure, at present the epidemiology, pathophysiology, and therapy of heart failure with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (HFpEF) is poorly understood, in large part because of the lack of robust and widely accepted diagnostic criteria. Although there is a good evidence base for the treatment of systolic heart failure, similar data are lacking for the treatment of HFpEF.

Methods

In our study, we will screen a consecutive series of 5000 subjects aged ≥60 from the community. Following symptom questionnaire and echocardiography, metabolic exercise testing will be used to confirm whether or not patients thought clinically to have HFpEF are in fact exercise limited and that this limitation is cardiac in origin. Blood samples for plasma brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) will be taken at rest and following exercise in symptomatic patients and matching controls.

Conclusions

At the end of our study we will establish community prevalence and population characteristics of HFpEF, and also evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of current echocardiography parameters and BNP for the diagnosis of the condition.
Rhodanobacter denitrificans sp. nov., isolated from nitrate-rich zones of a contaminated aquifer
Authors: Prakash Om , Green Stefan J. , Jasrotia Puja , Overholt Will A. , Canion Andy , Watson David B. , Brooks Scott C. , Kostka Joel E.
Published: November 2011

Bacterial strains 2APBS1T and 116-2 were isolated from the subsurface of a nuclear legacy waste site where the sediments are co-contaminated with large amounts of acids, nitrate, metal radionuclides and other heavy metals. A combination of physiological and genetic assays indicated that these strains represent the first member of the genus

Rhodanobacter

shown to be capable of complete denitrification. Cells of strain 2APBS1T and 116-2 were Gram-negative, non-spore-forming rods, 3–5 µm long and 0.25–0.5 µm in diameter. The isolates were facultative anaerobes, and had temperature and pH optima for growth of 30 °C and pH 6.5; they were able to tolerate up to 2.0 % NaCl, although growth improved in its absence. Strains 2APBS1T and 116-2 contained fatty acid and quinone (ubiquinone-8; 100 %) profiles that are characteristic features of the genus

Rhodanobacter

. Although strains 2APBS1T and 116-2 shared high 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with

Rhodanobacter thiooxydans

LCS2T (>99 %), levels of DNA–DNA relatedness between these strains were substantially below the 70 % threshold used to designate novel species. Thus, based on genotypic, phylogenetic, chemotaxonomic and physiological differences, strains 2APBS1T and 116-2 are considered to represent a single novel species of the genus

Rhodanobacter

, for which the name Rhodanobacter denitrificans sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is 2APBS1T ( = DSM 23569T = JCM 17641T).
Thermocatellispora tengchongensis gen. nov., sp. nov., a new member of the family

Streptosporangiaceae
Authors: Zhou En-Min , Yang Ling-Ling , Song Zhao-Qi , Yu Tian-Tian , Nie Guo-Xing , Ming Hong , Zhou Yu , Tang Shu-Kun , Li Wen-Jun
Published: November 2011

A novel Gram-positive, aerobic, spore-forming, thermophilic actinomycete, designated strain YIM 77521T, was isolated from a sandy soil sample collected at Rehai National Park, Tengchong, Yunnan province, south-west China. The strain formed branched substrate mycelia and no fragmentation was found. Masses of short, straight or irregular chains of three to eight warty ornamented spores were borne from aerial mycelia. The strain contained meso-diaminopimelic acid in the cell wall and the whole-cell sugars contained mannose, galactose, glucose and ribose. The predominant menaquinones were MK-9(H4), MK-9(H6) and MK-9(H8). The diagnostic polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, phosphatidylethanolamine, hydroxyphosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine and N-acetylglucosamine-containing phospholipids. The major fatty acids were iso-C16 : 0, C17 : 0 10-methyl and C18 : 0. The DNA G+C content of strain YIM 77521T was 73.3 mol%. Phylogenetic analysis based on 16S rRNA gene sequences revealed that strain YIM 77521T fell within the radiation of the suborder

Streptosporangineae

and formed a distinct monophyletic lineage adjacent to the family

Streptosporangiaceae

with a high bootstrap value. On the basis of combined data from the phenotypic and phylogenetic analyses, strain YIM 77521T represents a novel genus and species within the family

Streptosporangiaceae

, for which the name Thermocatellispora tengchongensis gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YIM 77521T ( = DSM 45615T  = CCTCC AA 2011013T).