bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vibration interference analysis and verification of micro-fluidic inertial switch
Authors: Tingting Liu , Wei Su , Tao Yang , Yuan Xu
Published: February 2014

The micro-fluidic inertial switch based on liquid metal utilizes the moving mercury droplet to close the switch under the action of acceleration, which is characterized by no moving parts, small contact resistance, long service life and large current. In addition to the requirement of response time, accuracy and reliability, the micro-fluidic inertial switch needs to overcome the impact of the ambient vibration. The influence of the ambient vibration on the performance of switch is investigated by loading pulse or sinusoidal interference signals in the X, Y and Z direction. The numerical results suggest that the performance of micro-fluidic inertial switch is greatly affected by impact interference signal in X sensitive direction as compared with low frequency harmonic signal. If the impact signal with high amplitude lasts only for a short time, the wrong operation might also occur. The interference signals in insensitive direction have a relatively small impact on the performance of switch, and the impact of interference signal can be reduced by reasonable structural design. Finally, anodic bonding, deep reactive ion etching (DRIE) and sputtering technique are adopted to fabricate the micro-fluidic inertial switch. The acceleration threshold of the prototype is tested. The experiment results agree with the numerical results, which indicate that the simulation method is valid.
On the Logical Metafunction
Authors: Torsello Carol
Published: February 2014

This study reconsiders the place and nature of the logical metafunction in systemic theory. Halliday considers logical and experiential as subparts of the ideational metafunction, which he differentiates from the interpersonal and the textual, and he relates specific parts of the lexicogrammar to each metafunction, and each metafunction to a parameter of the context of situation. Here the proposal is to consider the logical component as an added function available for combination with each of the other three, and related equally to each of these, as well as to the field, tenor and mode of the context of situation. Logical meaning is considered independently from the strict structural constraints of recursion, parataxis and hypotaxis. Both projection and expansion are seen as multifunctional and as occurring at all grammatical ranks and at text level. Logical meaning is also seen in relational and existential processes, and as an extra unifying element in systems perceived as overlapping (modality and modulation, comparison and intensification).
Three factors in vocabulary acquisition in a university French immersion adjunct context
Authors: Burger Sandra , Weinberg Alysse
Published: February 2014

This study investigates the role of teaching, context, and repetition in the acquisition of specialized vocabulary. It involves thirteen students enrolled in a French immersion class linked to a French adjunct language course at the University of Ottawa, Canada. Based on Webb’s (2008) classification, the researchers have examined and rated the contexts in which students were exposed to a sample of thirty words in their immersion course (lectures and readings). Of these, some (n = 22) were taught explicitly over the semester and others (n = 8) were not taught, as they were words students encountered incidentally in their readings or lectures. Results in this study showed that: a) incidental exposure did not lead to vocabulary acquisition regardless of clarity of context and number of exposures, and b) explicit teaching led to differential learning outcomes not fully explained by clarity of context or number of exposures. The study concludes with a discussion of other factors affecting vocabulary learning in the immersion adjunct context.
Exploring the lexical profile of young CLIL learners
Authors: Agustín Llach María del Pilar
Published: February 2014

This paper presents an analysis of the lexical profile of the written assignments completed by a group of young CLIL learners. Participants in the study were attending 4th grade of Primary and had received around 714 hours of exposure to English. Results revealed lexical profiles which are characteristic of young learners of foreign languages with high frequency words being the most common. We also observed that learners show frequent instances of phonetic rendering, but little L1 influence for borrowings and relexifications. This can be a sign of the typical oral approach in CLIL classrooms. The young age, low proficiency, and short CLIL experience of the learners are taken into account in the interpretation of the findings. CLIL instruction revealed a positive effect on the initial development of lexical competence. The paper closes with a section that includes some suggestions for how to enhance lexical development within CLIL tuition.
Responding to national curriculum goals for English language learners
Authors: Alford Jennifer , Windeyer Alice
Published: February 2014

The official need for content teachers to teach the language features of their fields has never been greater in Australia than now. In 2012, the recently formed national curriculum board announced thatallteachers are responsible for the English language development of students whose first language or dialect is not Standard Australian English (SAE). This formal endorsement is an important juncture regarding the way expertise might be developed, perceived and exchanged between content and language teachers through collaboration, in order for the goals of English language learners in content areas to be realised. To that end, we conducted an action research project to explore and extend the reading strategies pedagogy of one English language teacher who teaches English language learners in a parallel junior high school Geography program. Such pedagogy will be valuable for all teachers as they seek to contribute to English language development goals as outlined in national curricula.
Language ideologies and Cherokee revitalization
Authors: Peter Lizette
Published: February 2014

Cherokee Nation in Oklahoma has enacted a revitalization plan to promote Cherokee language in a variety of settings, and many tribal citizens have begun to confront how language factors into their identities as Cherokees. In particular, Tsalagi Dideloquasdi, the Cherokee immersion school, has become an important sociolinguistic site for the articulation of deeply seated beliefs and attitudes about issues such as the practicality of the language in contemporary times and who has a legitimate right to learn and speak the language. The purpose of this paper is to elucidate these attitudes and beliefs as well as the ideologies that inform them. Assuming a critical ethnographic stance, I examine the hegemonic discourses and structures that have led to the loss of Cherokee over generations as well as to three ideologies — impracticality, legitimacy, and hope — that influence the current efforts of the immersion school stakeholders.
The end of the Korean Vowel Shift controversy
Authors: Ko Seongyeon
Published: February 2014

The Korean Vowel Shift hypothesis (KVS) has been one of the most firmly entrenched tenets of Korean historical phonology since the 1960s, despite a number of published critiques from both theoretical and empirical standpoints. This paper aims to end the controversy over the KVS by demonstrating that the Mongolian loanwords, the purported primary philological evidence for the shift, do not support the KVS hypothesis. The reason for this is that the Old Mongolian vowel system that provided the source for the loans was almost certainly based on an RTR contrast, rather than the palatal contrast assumed by the KVS.
From Koguryǒ to T’amna
Authors: Vovin Alexander
Published: February 2014

This article recapitulates some old evidence for the Japonic linguistic substratum in Silla and Paekche in and for the lack of thereof in Koguryǒ. It also introduces some new evidence for the same linguistic distribution. The new evidence for Koguryǒ comes mainly from words recorded in Chinese dynastic histories and from additional Korean loanwords identified in Manchu, the new evidence for Paekche from Liang shu, while the new evidence for Silla is based on the analysis of Silla placenames recorded in the Samguk sagi, which are traditionally considered to be opaque. The present article identifies a number of them as Japonic. Finally, I present the Japonic etymology for the former name of Chejudo island, T’amna.
Risking conceptual maps
Authors: van Doorslaer Luc
Published: February 2014

The Holmes/Toury map is a monument in Translation Studies. It is often referred to but only very few attempts have been made to complement it, let alone to draw completely new maps of the discipline, especially after the simplicity of relationships suggested by maps was severely denounced by Anthony Pym. Nevertheless, in the last years a new conceptual map has gradually been developed as an underlying tool for the online Translation Studies Bibliography. This TSB map has an open and descriptive character and tries to bring an added value to the conceptualization and the interrelationships between concepts that are often used ambiguously or even in an idiosyncratic way. This contribution describes the development and construction of that new map and concludes by calling for criticism, changes and additions.
Polysemy and synonymy
Authors: Van Vaerenbergh Leona
Published: February 2014

The use of the same term with different meanings and the use of different terms with somewhat analogous meanings are not exceptional phenomena in scientific language. This article deals with polysemy and synonymy, and consists of three parts. The introductory part gives a brief description of the dictionaries and encyclopedias published up to the present time and justifies the choice of the examples in this case study, namely the polysemic term coherence and four synonymous pairs of concepts and terms: documentary/instrumental translation, overt/covert translation and interlingual interpretive/interlingual descriptive communication as well as direct/indirect translation. The second part offers a comparison between the various dictionaries and encyclopedias and shows how the polysemic term coherence and the related pairs of concepts/terms are dealt with. It also indicates how the profusion of terminology could more effectively meet the needs of everyone who is engaged in translation and Translation Studies. The purpose of the third part is to demonstrate that in the training of translators, it is necessary to dispose of a metalanguage and that terminological diversity as a reflection of theoretic-conceptual diversity may be seen as an opportunity.
A literary work – Translation and original
Authors: Laiho Leena
Published: February 2014

The focus of this paper lies on the translatability of a literary work of art. The phenomenon is approached as a conceptual challenge subsumed under the questionCan the identity of a literary work of art be retained when the work is translated?Since the question of translatability as posed here belongs to the realm of philosophy of art, the problematic nature of ‘original’, ‘translation’ and ‘identity’ is discussed first in the theoretical context of analytic philosophy. I then consider the issue within the framework of Translation Studies. By showing the definitional diversity the necessity of contextual embedding and theoretical explicitness is highlighted. A genuine exchange of ideas and views, between and within disciplines, presupposes conceptual transparency.
“What’s in a name?”
Authors: Snell-Hornby Mary
Published: February 2014

Terminology has often proved to be a problem in scholarly discourse, and Translation Studies is a case in point. Even the name of the discipline has been an issue since James Holmes brought it up in 1972, and the central concept of the time, equivalence, despite incessant debate and revaluation in some schools of thought, has in others long since been discarded as an illusion. Basically there are three possibilities open to the scholar wanting to introduce a new technical term:

– As in the case of norm (Toury), a word from general language can be used in a specified sense and defined as such. The danger arises that it can be misinterpreted and used differently in other languages (as with Vermeer’s Norm).

– the invention of completely new terms, as with Justa Holz-Mänttäri’s Botschaftsträger.

– A word is taken over from a classical dead language, such as Latin or Greek, and given a specific definition for the theory concerned, as was the case with skopos in the functionalist approach.

Referring to experience in editing the Handbuch Translation, the essay discusses this issue in detail. It also deals with the use of English as a lingua franca in the metadiscourse of Translation Studies.
The importance of length and age composition data in statistical age-structured models for marine species
Authors: Ono Kotaro , Licandeo Roberto , Muradian Melissa L. , Cunningham Curry J. , Anderson Sean C. , Hurtado-Ferro Felipe , Johnson Kelli F. , McGilliard Carey R. , Monnahan Cole C. , Szuwalski Cody S. , Valero Juan L. , Vert-Pre Katyana A. , Whitten Athol R. , Punt André E.
Published: February 2014

Management of marine resources depends on the assessment of stock status in relation to established reference points. However, many factors contribute to uncertainty in stock assessment outcomes, including data type and availability, life history, and exploitation history. A simulation–estimation framework was used to examine the level of bias and accuracy in assessment model estimates related to the quality and quantity of length and age composition data across three life-history types (cod-, flatfish-, and sardine-like species) and three fishing scenarios. All models were implemented in Stock Synthesis, a statistical age-structured stock assessment framework. In general, the value of age composition data in informing estimates of virgin recruitment (R0), relative spawning-stock biomass (SSB100/SSB0), and terminal year fishing mortality rate (F100), decreased as the coefficient of variation of the relationship between length and age became greater. For this reason, length data were more informative than age data for the cod and sardine life histories in this study, whereas both sources of information were important for the flatfish life history. Historical composition data were more important for short-lived, fast-growing species such as sardine. Infrequent survey sampling covering a longer period was more informative than frequent surveys covering a shorter period.
Demonstration of a spatially explicit, tag-integrated stock assessment model with application to three interconnected stocks of yellowtail flounder off of New England
Authors: Goethel Daniel R. , Legault Christopher M. , Cadrin Steven X.
Published: February 2014

Ignoring population structure and connectivity in stock assessment models can introduce bias into important management metrics. Tag-integrated assessment models can account for spatially explicit population dynamics by modelling multiple population components, each with unique demographics, and estimating movement among them. A tagging submodel is included to calculate predicted tag recaptures, and observed tagging data are incorporated in the objective function to inform estimates of movement and mortality. We describe the tag-integrated assessment framework and demonstrate its use through an application to three stocks of yellowtail flounder (Limanda ferruginea) off New England. Movement among the three yellowtail flounder stocks has been proposed as a potential source of uncertainty in the closed population assessments of each. A tagging study was conducted during 2003–2006 with over 45 000 tagged fish released in the region, and the tagging data were included in the tag-integrated model. Results indicated that movement among stocks was low, estimates of stock size and fishing mortality were similar to those from conventional stock assessments, and incorporating stock connectivity did not resolve residual patterns. Despite low movement estimates, new interpretations of regional stock dynamics may have important implications for regional fisheries management given the source-sink nature of movement estimates.
Fair Dealing and the World of Work
Authors: Brodie Douglas
Published: February 2014

Traditionally, labour lawyers have held that there is a strict dichotomy between employment and commercial law; they regulate relationships which are different in nature and underpinned by different values. The emergence of the implied obligation of mutual trust and confidence can be portrayed as confirming the validity of that dichotomy. It is the contention of this paper that it is now increasingly the case that contracts for the provision of work are underpinned by shared values. One of the strongest manifestations of this process of harmonisation is the fact that obligations of fair dealing are becoming much more prevalent. The paper contends that where contracts for the provision of work are concerned this is most likely to occur where the relationship can be seen as analogous to employment. The paper explores the difficulties involved in determining whether an analogous relationship exists and goes on to discuss the implications of harmonisation for both the employment contract and the contract for services. The relevance of the emergence of the concept of the relational contract is addressed.
Team of rivals: alliance formation in territorial songbirds is predicted by vocal signal structure
Authors: Goodwin Sarah E. , Podos Jeffrey
Published: February 2014

Cooperation and conflict are regarded as diametric extremes of animal social behaviour, yet the two may intersect under rare circumstances. We here report that territorial competitors in a common North American songbird species, the chipping sparrow (Spizella passerina), sometimes form temporary coalitions in the presence of simulated territorial intruders. Moreover, analysis of birds’ vocal mating signals (songs) reveals that coalitions occur nearly exclusively under specific triadic relationships, in which vocal performances of allies and simulated intruders exceed those of residents. Our results provide the first evidence that animals like chipping sparrows rely on precise assessments of mating signal features, as well as relative comparisons of signal properties among multiple animals in communication networks, when deciding when and with whom to form temporary alliances against a backdrop of competition and rivalry.
Spatial Information in Large-Scale Neural Recordings
Authors: Cybulski Thaddeus R. , Glaser Joshua I. , Marblestone Adam H. , Zamft Bradley M. , Boyden Edward S. , Church George M. , Kording Konrad P.
Published: February 2014

A central issue in neural recording is that of distinguishing the activities of many neurons. Here, we develop a framework, based on Fisher information, to quantify how separable a neuron’s activity is from the activities of nearby neurons. We (1) apply this framework to model information flow and spatial distinguishability for several electrical and optical neural recording methods, (2) provide analytic expressions for information content, and (3) demonstrate potential applications of the approach. This method generalizes to many recording devices that resolve objects in space and thus may be useful in the design of next-generation scalable neural recording systems.
LD Score Regression Distinguishes Confounding from Polygenicity in Genome-Wide Association Studies
Authors: Bulik-Sullivan Brendan K. , Loh Po-Ru , Finucane Hilary , Ripke Stephan , Yang Jian ,   Schizophrenia Working Group of the Psychiatric Genomics Consortium, Patterson Nick , Daly Mark J. , Price Alkes L. , Neale Benjamin M.
Published: February 2014

Both polygenicity1,2(i.e.many small genetic effects) and confounding biases, such as cryptic relatedness and population stratification3, can yield inflated distributions of test statistics in genome-wide association studies (GWAS). However, current methods cannot distinguish between inflation from bias and true signal from polygenicity. We have developed an approach that quantifies the contributions of each by examining the relationship between test statistics and linkage disequilibrium (LD). We term this approach LD Score regression. LD Score regression provides an upper bound on the contribution of confounding bias to the observed inflation in test statistics and can be used to estimate a more powerful correction factor than genomic control4–14. We find strong evidence that polygenicity accounts for the majority of test statistic inflation in many GWAS of large sample size.
Perennial Roots to Immortality
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Authors: Munné-Bosch Sergi
Published: February 2014

Maximum lifespan greatly varies among species, and it is not strictly determined; it can change with species evolution. Clonal growth is a major factor governing maximum lifespan. In the plant kingdom, the maximum lifespans described for clonal and nonclonal plants vary by an order of magnitude, with 43,600 and 5,062 years for Lomatia tasmanica and Pinus longaeva, respectively. Nonclonal perennial plants (those plants exclusively using sexual reproduction) also present a huge diversity in maximum lifespans (from a few to thousands of years) and even more interestingly, contrasting differences in aging patterns. Some plants show a clear physiological deterioration with aging, whereas others do not. Indeed, some plants can even improve their physiological performance as they age (a phenomenon called negative senescence). This diversity in aging patterns responds to species-specific life history traits and mechanisms evolved by each species to adapt to its habitat. Particularities of roots in perennial plants, such as meristem indeterminacy, modular growth, stress resistance, and patterns of senescence, are crucial in establishing perenniality and understanding adaptation of perennial plants to their habitats. Here, the key role of roots for perennial plant longevity will be discussed, taking into account current knowledge and highlighting additional aspects that still require investigation.
ABD1 Is anArabidopsisDCAF Substrate Receptor for CUL4-DDB1–Based E3 Ligases That Acts as a Negative Regulator of Abscisic Acid Signaling
Authors: Seo Kyoung-In , Lee Jae-Hoon , Nezames Cynthia D. , Zhong Shangwei , Song Eunyoung , Byun Myung-Ok , Deng Xing Wang
Published: February 2014

Members of the DDB1-CUL4–associated factors (DCAFs) family directly bind to DAMAGED DNA BINDING PROTEIN1 (DDB1) and function as the substrate receptors in CULLIN4-based E3 (CUL4) ubiquitin ligases, which regulate the selective ubiquitination of proteins. Here, we describe a DCAF protein, ABD1 (for ABA-hypersensitive DCAF1), that negatively regulates abscisic acid (ABA) signaling in Arabidopsis thaliana. ABD1 interacts with DDB1 in vitro and in vivo, indicating that it likely functions as a CUL4 E3 ligase substrate receptor. ABD1 expression is induced by ABA, and mutations in ABD1 result in ABA- and NaCl-hypersensitive phenotypes. Loss of ABD1 leads to hyperinduction of ABA-responsive genes and higher accumulation of the ABA-responsive transcription factor ABA INSENSITIVE5 (ABI5), hypersensitivity to ABA during seed germination and seedling growth, enhanced stomatal closure, reduced water loss, and, ultimately, increased drought tolerance. ABD1 directly interacts with ABI5 in yeast two-hybrid assays and associates with ABI5 in vivo by coimmunoprecipitation, and the interaction was found in the nucleus by bimolecular fluorescence complementation. Furthermore, loss of ABD1 results in a retardation of ABI5 degradation by the 26S proteasome. Taken together, these data suggest that the DCAF-CUL4 E3 ubiquitin ligase assembled with ABD1 is a negative regulator of ABA responses by directly binding to and affecting the stability of ABI5 in the nucleus.
Environmental change and the carbon balance of Amazonian forests
Authors: Aragão Luiz E. O. C. , Poulter Benjamin , Barlow Jos B. , Anderson Liana O. , Malhi Yadvinder , Saatchi Sassan , Phillips Oliver L. , Gloor Emanuel
Published: February 2014

Extreme climatic events and land‐use change are known to influence strongly the current carbon cycle of Amazonia, and have the potential to cause significant global climate impacts. This review intends to evaluate the effects of both climate and anthropogenic perturbations on the carbon balance of the Brazilian Amazon and to understand how they interact with each other. By analysing the outputs of the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment Report 4 (AR4) model ensemble, we demonstrate that Amazonian temperatures and water stress are both likely to increase over the 21st Century. Curbing deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon by 62% in 2010 relative to the 1990s mean decreased the Brazilian Amazon's deforestation contribution to global land use carbon emissions from 17% in the 1990s and early 2000s to 9% by 2010. Carbon sources in Amazonia are likely to be dominated by climatic impacts allied with forest fires (48.3% relative contribution) during extreme droughts. The current net carbon sink (net biome productivity, NBP) of +0.16 (ranging from +0.11 to +0.21) Pg C year−1 in the Brazilian Amazon, equivalent to 13.3% of global carbon emissions from land‐use change for 2008, can be negated or reversed during drought years [NBP = −0.06 (−0.31 to +0.01) Pg C year−1]. Therefore, reducing forest fires, in addition to reducing deforestation, would be an important measure for minimizing future emissions. Conversely, doubling the current area of secondary forests and avoiding additional removal of primary forests would help the Amazonian gross forest sink to offset approximately 42% of global land‐use change emissions. We conclude that a few strategic environmental policy measures are likely to strengthen the Amazonian net carbon sink with global implications. Moreover, these actions could increase the resilience of the net carbon sink to future increases in drought frequency.
Occupational allergic contact dermatitis caused by coconut fatty acids diethanolamide
Authors: Aalto‐Korte Kristiina , Pesonen Maria , Kuuliala Outi , Suuronen Katri
Published: February 2014

Background

Coconut fatty acids diethanolamide [cocamide diethanolamine (cocamide DEA)] is a surface‐active derivative of coconut oil that is used in industrial, household and cosmetic products. Cocamide DEA contact allergy has been reported relatively seldom.

Objectives

To describe cocamide DEA‐positive patients in an occupational dermatology clinic.

Methods

We retrieved allergic reactions to cocamide DEA from test files, and studied the occupation, exposure, concomitant allergic reactions and diagnoses of the positive patients.

Results

Of the 2572 patients tested, 25 (1%) had an allergic reaction to cocamide DEA. Nineteen patients were occupational cases, and 11 worked in the metal industry. Hand cleansers constituted the main source of sensitization (n = 17). Other sources included two dishwashing liquids, one barrier cream, and one metalworking fluid. Three patients reacted to monoethanolamine and 2 to diethanolamine. Diethanolamine is an impurity of cocamide DEA, and can be found in cocamide DEA‐containing products and in commercial patch test substances, which may explain some concomitant reactions.

Conclusions

Cocamide DEA allergy is relatively common in patients with occupational hand dermatitis, and mainly derives from hand cleansers. However, exposure to detergents, metalworking fluids and barrier creams must also be taken into account. Concomitant reactions to ethanolamines are possible.
Allergic contact dermatitis caused by alkyl glucosides
Authors: Gijbels Dorien , Timmermans An , Serrano Pedro , Verreycken Evelyne , Goossens An
Published: February 2014

Background

Alkyl glucosides were not expected to have a sensitizing potential at the concentrations to be used in finished consumer products; however, several contact allergy cases have been published.

Objectives

To report on the patients suffering from allergic contact dermatitis caused by alkyl glucosides observed in our department.

Patients/methods

During a 19‐year period (1993–2012), 11 842 patients with suspected contact dermatitis were patch tested with the European baseline series and, if relevant, also with other series and individual allergens. For this study, the clinical data and the sensitization sources in the alkyl glucoside‐positive patients were analysed.

Results

In total, 30 patients (24 women and 6 men) presented with a positive reaction to one or more alkyl glucosides. The causal products were shampoos (in 12), skin‐cleansing products (in 12, among which were wipes for intimate hygiene), sunscreen products (in 5), skin‐care products (in 4), and a deodorant (in 1). Sixteen patients showed multiple sensitivities (defined as three or more contact allergies), not only to other glucosides, but also to non‐related chemicals.

Conclusions

Allergic contact dermatitis caused by alkyl glucosides in cosmetics does occur, and might be more frequent than suspected. In view of their common use, their identification as allergenic culprits is important.
Air‐oxidized linalool elicits eczema in allergic patients – a repeated open application test study
Authors: Andersch Björkman Ylva , Hagvall Lina , Siwmark Charlotte , Niklasson Bo , Karlberg Ann‐Therese , Bråred Christensson Johanna
Published: February 2014

Background

Linalool is a commonly used fragrance terpene that forms potent sensitizers upon oxidation. In a recent multicentre study, we found that 7% of 2900 patients showed positive patch test reactions to oxidized linalool at 6.0%. No elicitation studies have been performed.

Objective

To identify threshold concentrations for elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis caused by oxidized linalool in allergic individuals with repeated exposures.

Methods

Repeated open application tests were performed in 6 participants previously diagnosed with contact allergy to oxidized linalool. Creams containing 3.0%, 1.0% and 0.30% oxidized linalool (corresponding to 0.56%, 0.19% and 0.056% linalool hydroperoxides, respectively) and ‘fine fragrance’ containing 1.0%, 0.30% and 0.10% oxidized linalool (corresponding to 0.19%, 0.056% and 0.019% linalool hydroperoxides, respectively) were used twice daily for up to 3 weeks. Patch testing with a dilution series of oxidized linalool was performed.

Results

Five of 6 participants reacted to the cream containing 3% oxidized linalool. With 1% oxidized linalool, a reaction was seen in 3 (cream) and 4 (fine fragrance) participants, respectively. With 0.3% oxidized linalool, 2 (cream) and 1 (fine fragrance) participants reacted.

Conclusion

Repeated exposure to low concentrations of oxidized linalool can elicit allergic contact dermatitis in previously sensitized individuals.
Alginate beads and apple pieces as carriers for Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii, as representative of yeast functional starter cultures
Authors: Gallo Mariangela , Bevilacqua Antonio , Speranza Barbara , Sinigaglia Milena , Corbo Maria R.
Published: February 2014

This study focused on two different carriers for Saccharomyces cerevisiae var. boulardii for its targeted release as a starter or as a probiotic: the microencapsulation into alginate beads and the immobilisation on apple pieces. Beads were studied in relation to encapsulation yield (EY), viability of cells throughout the storage, kinetic of cell release, survival under conditions that mimic the transit into the gut and in vivo application (fermentation of grape juice). Concerning the microencapsulation, EY was very high (ca. 90%), cells survived for a long period (upon to 90 days), and the beads assured cell survival and their release under conditions that mimic the gut; moreover, the capsules could be used up to ten times to start a model fermentation of grape juice. Apple pieces were a good system for the immobilisation of S. boulardii; they could be proposed successfully as a reusable carrier for a starter culture, as they assured the start of the fermentation of grape juice for at least seven times.
A Two-Level Theory of Presidential Instability
Authors: Pérez-Liñán Aníbal
Published: February 2014

This article analyzes the conditions that facilitate the ousting of Latin American presidents and the mechanisms that prevent their downfall. Drawing lessons from the impeachment of Paraguayan president Fernando Lugo, it extends previous arguments about the “legislative shield” to show that the same forces that sometimes conspire to terminate an administration at other times work to resist its demise. The argument underscores the interaction between legislators and social movements, two prominent actors in the literature on presidential instability. The article presents a two-level theory to identify possible configurations of mass and legislative alignments, and tests some implications of the theory with data for 116 Latin American presidents over 28 years. Multiple comparison tests based on random effects logistic models show that popular protests can be neutralized by strong support in Congress, and hint at the possibility that legislative threats can be neutralized by loyal demonstrators in the streets.
Democratization Through Contention? Regional and Local Governance Conflict in Peru
Authors: Bland Gary , Chirinos Luis A.
Published: February 2014

Social conflict in Peru has increased dramatically since 2004. The economic origins of these disputes, which result mostly from the growth of mining operations, have received considerable scholarly attention. The emergence of collective action directed at the performance of regional and local government, however, has received little notice. This essay examines Peru's regional and local governance conflicts on the basis of hundreds of reported cases. It investigates the nature of these episodes and the strategies adopted by community organizations to get their complaints addressed. It finds that the political opportunity of the posttransition period, dissatisfaction with government performance, and new participatory rights have helped to give rise to such collective action. Community protagonists choose between institutional and noninstitutional strategies but often combine them to help ensure success. Maintaining legitimacy proves essential to both sides. This article argues that these events represent both constraints and favorable developments for subnational democracy in Peru.
Supporting the Iron Fist: Crime News, Public Opinion, and Authoritarian Crime Control in Guatemala
Authors: Krause Krystin
Published: February 2014

Authoritarian responses to rising violent crime rates have become a serious problem in Central America. Inspired by theories of agenda setting and media framing, this article examines the influence of news media coverage of crime on attitudes toward crime control. Using an original survey experiment, it tests the relationship between crime news, fear of crime, trust in government institutions, and support for authoritarian crime control measures in Guatemala. It finds that crime news influences support for authoritarian crime control via its effect on lowering citizen trust in government institutions. Exposure to crime news also affects self-reported victimization rates and levels of support for a presidential candidate promoting iron fist policies. These findings not only give insight into the relationship between crime news and political attitudes but also have implications for the rule of law and the politics of crime in new or fragile democracies.
Democracy and Social Welfare in Uruguay and Paraguay
Authors: Grassi Davide
Published: February 2014

This article aims to assess how democracy affects social welfare by analyzing Uruguay and Paraguay, one country with a vibrant democratic history and a progressive political landscape, the other with a generally authoritarian past and a conservative dominant party. The article maintains that welfare systems in these countries have been critically shaped by the impact of democracy, or by its absence, and by the strategies adopted by major social and political actors, especially parties; these strategies have been determined, in turn, by parties' ideologies and by the workings of electoral competition. The article also emphasizes that the impact of democracy on social welfare is critically mediated by the role of previous welfare legacies, the presence of welfare constituencies defending acquired rights and privileges, and social and economic variables, such as overall wealth levels, the formal or informal nature of labor markets, and the political organization of domestic economies.
Perinatal characteristics of fetuses with borderline ventriculomegaly detected by routine ultrasonographic screening of low‐risk populations
Authors: Hidaka Nobuhiro , Ishii Keisuke , Kanazawa Ryoko , Miyagi Akiko , Irie Akemi , Hayashi Shusaku , Mitsuda Nobuaki
Published: February 2014

Aim

Fetal borderline ventriculomegaly represents a frequent dilemma in perinatal management. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical significance of fetal borderline ventriculomegaly in a low‐risk Japanese population and to identify the risk factors for associated anomalies.

Methods

Data of cases of fetal borderline ventriculomegaly detected at 26−28 weeks of gestation by routine ultrasonographic screening of low‐risk singleton pregnancies between 2006 and 2012 were retrospectively collected. Ventricular width, in utero progression, associated anomalies, chromosomal abnormalities, and perinatal and postnatal outcomes were assessed. The ventricular width, in utero progression and other perinatal characteristics were compared between the isolated and non‐isolated groups.

Results

Among the total 6020 singleton low‐risk pregnancies, we noted that 42 had borderline ventriculomegaly. Six (14%) of these cases had other defects by subsequent detailed examination. Ventriculomegaly resolved or regressed in 35 (83%) and progressed in four (10%) cases, of which three were associated with other anomalies. The median ventricular width was 12.8 mm (range, 10.0–14.7) in the six non‐isolated cases and 10.5 mm (range, 10.0–13.3) in the 36 isolated cases; the differences were statistically significant. A ventricular width of 12 mm or more and in utero progression were more frequently observed in non‐isolated cases than in isolated cases.

Conclusion

Fetal borderline ventriculomegaly frequently resolves in utero. A ventricular diameter of more than 12 mm and in utero progression are risk factors for additional anomalies. After the initial diagnosis of borderline ventriculomegaly, the pregnancy should be carefully followed up to determine whether the ventricle size is resolved, remains stable or increases.
Comparison of gestational diabetes mellitus rates in women with increased and normal white blood cell counts in early pregnancy
Authors: Pattanathaiyanon Paranee , Phaloprakarn Chadakarn , Tangjitgamol Siriwan
Published: February 2014

Aim

To compare the rates of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) among Thai or other South‐East Asian women with increased and normal peripheral white blood cell (WBC) counts in early pregnancy. The risk of GDM in relation to WBC count was also determined.

Methods

We included singleton pregnant women who sought their first antenatal care in our institution between May 2010 and December 2011. Subjects were 595 gravidas with an increased WBC count while controls were 595 pregnancies with a normal WBC count. Data of pregnant women were collected. The WBC of each woman was obtained from a complete blood count performed in the first trimester. The rates of GDM between both groups were compared. The odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) of GDM development in the subject group was determined by multivariate analysis.

Results

Data on 570 subjects with increased WBC and 575 controls with normal WBC were obtained. The rate of GDM was significantly higher in subjects compared to controls at 13.2% versus 5.2% (P < 0.001) with a crude OR of 2.75 (95% CI, 1.77–4.28). By multivariate analysis, the subject group was found at increased risk of GDM compared to the control group, with an adjusted OR of 2.20 (95% CI, 1.39–3.47).

Conclusion

Thai or other South‐East Asian women with an increased WBC count in early pregnancy had a significantly higher rate of GDM than women having a normal WBC count. Our results demonstrate that WBC count is an independent risk factor for GDM.
Inconsistencies undermine the credibility of confession evidence
Authors: Palmer Matthew A. , Button Lizzie , Barnett Emily , Brewer Neil
Published: February 2014

Purpose

Although inconsistencies undermine the credibility of evidence from a witness or victim, anecdotal evidence from many court cases suggests that they do not reduce the impact of confession evidence. This research provides the first empirical test of this idea by experimentally manipulating the consistency of confession evidence. Drawing on principles from attribution theory, we hypothesized that inconsistencies would undermine the credibility of confession evidence only when there was a salient, plausible alternative explanation (other than guilt) for why the defendant confessed.

Methods

In two experiments (total N = 245), participants were presented with information about a crime, including a confession statement, and asked to act as jurors in a courtroom case. As well as manipulating whether the confession was consistent or inconsistent with verifiable facts of the crime, we manipulated whether there was a salient alternative explanation for the confession: specifically, the presence of coercion () or the desire to protect another suspect ().

Results

Inconsistencies influenced participants' verdicts regardless of whether an alternative explanation was made salient, such that inconsistent confessions resulted in fewer guilty verdicts than consistent confessions. Additional mediation analysis of the data from suggested that these effects occurred, in part, because the presence of inconsistencies prompted participants to generate alternative explanations for why the defendant confessed (regardless of whether such explanations were salient in the available evidence).

Conclusions

Contrary to the existing literature, these results indicate that inconsistencies can undermine the credibility of confession evidence.
Weakly shocked and deformed CM microxenoliths in the Pułtusk H chondrite
Authors: Krzesińska Agata , Fritz Jörg
Published: February 2014

The Pułtusk meteorite is a brecciated H4–5 chondrite cut by darkened cataclastic zones. Within the breccia, relict type IA, IB, and IIA chondrules, and microxenoliths of carbonaceous CM chondrite lithology occur. This is the first description of foreign clasts in the Pułtusk meteorite. The matrix of the xenoliths was identified by usage of microprobe and Raman spectroscopic analyses. Raman spectra show distinct bands related to the presence of slightly ordered carbonaceous matter at approximately 1320 and 1580–1584 cm−1. Bands related to serpentine group minerals are also visible, especially a peak at 692 cm−1 and moreover other weak bands are interpreted as evidence for tochilinite. We decipher the metamorphic and deformational history of the xenoliths. They experienced aqueous alteration before being incorporated into the unaltered and well‐equilibrated parent rock of the Pułtusk chondrite. The xenoliths are weakly shocked as indicated by defects in the crystal structure of silicates and carbonates, but hydrated minerals (serpentine and tochilinite) are still present in the matrix. The carbonaceous matter within the clasts' matrix displays first order D and G Raman bands that suggests it is only slightly ordered as a result of mild thermal processing. Distinct shear bands are present in both the xenoliths and the surrounding rock, which testifies that the xenoliths were affected by a deformational event along with host rock. The host rock was brittly deformed, but the clasts experienced more ductile deformation revealed by semibrittle faulting of minerals, kinking of the tochilinite‐cronstedtite matrix, and injections of xenolithic material into the adjacent breccia. We argue that both processes, the high strain‐rate shear deformation and the incorporation of the xenoliths into the host Pułtusk breccia, could have been impact‐related. The Pułtusk xenoliths are, thus, rather spalled collisional fragments, than trapped fossil micrometeorites.
The distribution of KIR‐HLA functional blocks is different from North to South of Italy
Authors: Fasano M. E. , Rendine S. , Pasi A. , Bontadini A. , Cosentini E. , Carcassi C. , Capittini C. , Cornacchini G. , Espadas de Arias A. , Garbarino L. , Carella G. , Mariotti M. L. , Mele L. , Miotti V. , Moscetti A. , Nesci S. , Ozzella G. , Piancatelli D. , Porfirio B. , Riva M. R. , Romeo G. , Tagliaferri C. , Lombardo C. , Testi M. , Amoroso A. , Martinetti M.
Published: February 2014

The killer cell immunoglobulin‐like receptor (KIR)–human leukocyte antigen (HLA) interaction represents an example of genetic epistasis, where the concomitant presence of specific genes or alleles encoding receptor–ligand units is necessary for the activity of natural killer (NK) cells. Although KIR and HLA genes segregate independently, they co‐evolved under environmental pressures to maintain particular KIR–HLA functional blocks for species survival. We investigated, in 270 Italian healthy individuals, the distribution of KIR and HLA polymorphisms in three climatic areas (from cold north to warm south), to verify their possible geographical stratification. We analyzed the presence of 13 KIR genes and genotyped KIR ligands belonging to HLA class I: HLA‐C, HLA‐B and HLA‐A. We did not observe any genetic stratification for KIR genes and HLA‐C ligands in Italy. By contrast, in a north‐to‐south direction, we found a decreasing trend for the HLA‐A3 and HLA‐A11 ligands (P = 0.012) and an increasing trend for the HLA‐B ligands carrying the Bw4 epitope (P = 0.0003) and the Bw4 Ile80 epitope (P = 0.0005). The HLA‐A and HLA‐B KIR ligands were in negative linkage disequilibrium (correlation coefficient −0.1211), possibly as a consequence of their similar function in inhibiting NK cells. The distribution of the KIR–HLA functional blocks was different along Italy, as we observed a north‐to‐south ascending trend for KIR3DL1, when coupled with HLA‐B Bw4 ligands (P = 0.0067) and with HLA‐B Bw4 Ile80 (P = 0.0027), and a descending trend for KIR3DL2 when coupled with HLA‐A3 and HLA‐A11 ligands (P = 0.0044). Overall, people from South Italy preferentially use the KIR3DL1‐HLA‐B Bw4 functional unit, while those from the North Italy equally use both the KIR3DL2‐HLA‐A3/A11 and the KIR3DL1‐HLA‐B Bw4 functional units to fight infections. Thus, only KIR3DL receptors, which exert the unique role of microbial sensors through the specific D0 domain, and their cognate HLA‐A and HLA‐B ligands are selectively pressured in Italy according to geographical north‐to‐south distribution.
Identification of 2127 new HLA class I alleles in potential stem cell donors from Germany, the United States and Poland
Authors: Hernández‐Frederick C. J. , Giani A. S. , Cereb N. , Sauter J. , Silva‐González R. , Pingel J. , Schmidt A. H. , Ehninger G. , Yang S. Y.
Published: February 2014

We describe 2127 new human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I alleles found in registered stem cell donors. These alleles represent 28.9% of the currently known class I alleles. Comparing new allele sequences to homologous sequences, we found 68.1% nonsynonymous nucleotide substitutions, 28.9% silent mutations and 3.0% nonsense mutations. Many substitutions occurred at positions that have not been known to be polymorphic before. A large number of HLA alleles and nucleotide variations underline the extreme diversity of the HLA system. Strikingly, 156 new alleles were found not only multiple times, but also in carriers of various parentage, suggesting that some new alleles are not necessarily rare. Moreover, new alleles were found especially often in minority donors. This emphasizes the benefits of specifically recruiting such groups of individuals.