bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Preoperative Neutrophil Lymphocyte Ratio Predict Risk of Recurrence and Occult Central Nodal Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma?
Authors: Lang Brian Hung‐Hin , Ng Cathy Po‐Ching , Au Kin Bun , Wong Kai Pun , Wong Kandy K. C. , Wan Koon Yat
Published: May 2014

Background

Preoperative neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR) might be prognostic in papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Given the controversy of prophylactic central neck dissection (pCND) in clinically nodal‐negative (cN0) PTC, our study evaluated whether preoperative NLR predicted disease‐free survival (DFS) and occult central nodal metastasis (CNM) in cN0 PTC.

Methods

A total of 191 patients who underwent pCND were analyzed. Complete blood counts with differential counts were taken before operation. NLR was calculated by dividing preoperative neutrophil count with lymphocyte count. Patients were categorized into NLR tertiles: first (NLR < 1.93; n = 63), second (NLR = 1.93–2.79; n = 64), and third tertile (NLR > 2.79; n = 64). Four other patient types, namely, benign nodular goiter, clinically nodal‐positive (cN1) PTC, poorly differentiated thyroid carcinoma, and anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC), were used as references.

Results

Age at operation (p < 0.001) and tumor size (p = 0.037) significantly increased with higher NLR. First tertile had significantly more TNM stage I tumors (p = 0.01) and lowest MACIS score (p = 0.002). Tumor size [hazard ratio (HR) 1.422, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.119–1.809, p = 0.004] and multicentricity (HR = 2.545, 95% CI 1.073–6.024, p = 0.034) independently predicted DFS, whereas old age [odds ratio (OR) 1.026, 95% CI 1.006–1.046, p = 0.009), male (OR 2.882, 95% CI 1.348–6.172, p = 0.006), and large tumor (OR 1.567, 95% CI 1.209–2.032, p = 0.001) independently predicted occult CNM. NLR was not significantly associated with DFS or occult CNM. ATC had significantly higher NLR than cN1 PTC (7.28 vs. 2.74, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Although a higher NLR may imply a poorer tumor profile, it was not significantly associated with a worse DFS or higher risk of occult CNM in cN0 PTC. Perhaps, future research should focus on the prognostic value in other thyroid cancer types with a poorer prognosis.
Efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy with BMN 110 (elosulfase alfa) for Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IVA): a phase 3 randomised placebo‐controlled study
Authors: Hendriksz Christian J. , Burton Barbara , Fleming Thomas R. , Harmatz Paul , Hughes Derralynn , Jones Simon A. , Lin Shuan‐Pei , Mengel Eugen , Scarpa Maurizio , Valayannopoulos Vassili , Giugliani Roberto ,   STRIVE Investigators, Slasor Peter , Lounsbury Debra , Dummer Wolfgang
Published: May 2014

Objective

To assess the efficacy and safety of enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) with BMN 110 (elosulfase alfa) in patients with Morquio A syndrome (mucopolysaccharidosis IVA).

Methods

Patients with Morquio A aged ≥5 years (N = 176) were randomised (1:1:1) to receive elosulfase alfa 2.0 mg/kg/every other week (qow), elosulfase alfa 2.0 mg/kg/week (weekly) or placebo for 24 weeks in this phase 3, double‐blind, randomised study. The primary efficacy measure was 6‐min walk test (6MWT) distance. Secondary efficacy measures were 3‐min stair climb test (3MSCT) followed by change in urine keratan sulfate (KS). Various exploratory measures included respiratory function tests. Patient safety was also evaluated.

Results

At week 24, the estimated mean effect on the 6MWT versus placebo was 22.5 m (95 % CI 4.0, 40.9; P = 0.017) for weekly and 0.5 m (95 % CI −17.8, 18.9; P = 0.954) for qow. The estimated mean effect on 3MSCT was 1.1 stairs/min (95 % CI −2.1, 4.4; P = 0.494) for weekly and −0.5 stairs/min (95 % CI −3.7, 2.8; P = 0.778) for qow. Normalised urine KS was reduced at 24 weeks in both regimens. In the weekly dose group, 22.4 % of patients had adverse events leading to an infusion interruption/discontinuation requiring medical intervention (only 1.3 % of all infusions in this group) over 6 months. No adverse events led to permanent treatment discontinuation.

Conclusions

Elosulfase alfa improved endurance as measured by the 6MWT in the weekly but not qow dose group, did not improve endurance on the 3MSCT, reduced urine KS, and had an acceptable safety profile.
Patterns of Racial and Educational Assortative Mating in Brazil
Authors: Gullickson Aaron , Torche Florencia
Published: May 2014

Exchange of racial for educational status has been documented for black/white marriages in the United States. Exchange may be an idiosyncratic feature of U.S. society, resulting from unusually strong racial boundaries historically developed there. We examine status exchange across racial lines in Brazil. In contrast to the United States, Brazil features greater fluidity of racial boundaries and a middle tier of “brown” individuals. If exchange is contingent on strong racial boundaries, it should be weak or non-existent in Brazilian society. Contrary to this expectation, we find strong evidence of status exchange. However, this pattern results from a generalized penalty for darkness, which induces a negative association between higher education and marrying darker spouses (“market exchange”) rather than from a direct trading of resources by partners (“dyadic exchange”). The substantive and methodological distinction between market and dyadic exchange helps clarify and integrate prior findings in the status exchange literature.
The associations between self‐consciousness and internalizing/externalizing problems among Chinese adolescents
Authors: Nie Yan‐Gang , Li Jian‐Bin , Dou Kai , Situ Qiao‐Min
Published: May 2014

Self‐consciousness is considered as a multifaceted and hierarchical construct that includes self‐evaluation, self‐experience, and self‐control. This study assumes that self‐consciousness is a preventative factor of internalizing and externalizing problems among Chinese adolescents. 1202 Chinese adolescents from grade 7 to grade 12 participated in this study by completing a battery of questionnaires that assessed self‐consciousness and internalizing/externalizing problems. The results showed that, after controlling demographic variables, some lower‐order factors (i.e., sense of satisfaction, sense of anxiety, social self, self‐restraint, self‐esteem, and self‐monitoring) and higher‐order subscales (i.e., self‐evaluation and self‐experience) of self‐consciousness significantly predicted internalizing problems, while externalizing problems were predicted by several lower‐order factors (i.e., self‐restraint, sense of satisfaction, and self‐monitoring) and higher‐order subscales (i.e., self‐control and self‐experience). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that Chinese adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems are related with different aspects of self‐consciousness, which sheds light on the prevention into adolescents' problem behaviors.
The health diagnoses of homeless adolescents: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Medlow Sharon , Klineberg Emily , Steinbeck Kate
Published: May 2014

Background

Homelessness during adolescence impacts negatively upon young people's physical and mental wellbeing. To be effective, programs aimed at addressing the health needs of this population must include knowledge of both the presenting and underlying acute and chronic conditions that characterise this high risk group of youth.

Methods

We undertook a systematic review of the international literature for studies that used validated instruments and techniques to diagnose prevalence rates of physical and mental health disorders in homeless adolescents.

Results

Twenty‐one studies fulfilled the selection criteria. Of these, nine studies examined mental health diagnoses including depression, post‐traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and substance abuse disorders. With one exception, the remaining twelve studies all related to sexually transmitted infections.

Conclusion

Homeless adolescents are diagnosed with widely varying rates of mental health disorders and high rates of sexually transmitted infection. Other likely chronic and acute physical conditions appear to be neglected in the published research.
Identification of a Src kinase SH3 binding site in the C‐terminal domain of the human ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase
Authors: Bornet Olivier , Nouailler Matthieu , Feracci Michaël , Sebban-Kreuzer Corinne , Byrne Deborah , Halimi Hubert , Morelli Xavier , Badache Ali , Guerlesquin Françoise
Published: May 2014

Overexpression of the ErbB2 receptor tyrosine kinase is associated with most aggressive tumors in breast cancer patients and is thus one of the main investigated therapeutic targets. Human ErbB2 C‐terminal domain is an unstructured anchor that recruits specific adaptors for signaling cascades resulting in cell growth, differentiation and migration. Herein, we report the presence of a SH3 binding motif in the proline rich unfolded ErbB2 C‐terminal region. NMR analysis of this motif supports a PPII helix conformation and the binding to Fyn‐SH3 domain. The interaction of a kinase of the Src family with ErbB2 C‐terminal domain could contribute to synergistic intracellular signaling and enhanced oncogenesis.
Fe deficiency induces phosphorylation and translocation of Lhcb1 in barley thylakoid membranes
Authors: Saito Akihiro , Shimizu Mizuho , Nakamura Hitomi , Maeno Shoko , Katase Riko , Miwa Eitaro , Higuchi Kyoko , Sonoike Kintake
Published: May 2014

HvLhcb1 a major light‐harvesting chlorophyll a/b‐binding protein in barley, is a critical player in sustainable growth under Fe deficiency. Here, we demonstrate that Fe deficiency induces phosphorylation of HvLhcb1 proteins leading to their migration from grana stacks to stroma thylakoid membranes. HvLhcb1 remained phosphorylated even in the dark and apparently independently of state transition, which represents a mechanism for short‐term acclimation. Our data suggest that the constitutive phosphorylation‐triggered translocation of HvLhcb1 under Fe deficiency contributes to optimization of the excitation balance between photosystem II and photosystem I, the latter of which is a main target of Fe deficiency.
MiR‐152 reduces human umbilical vein endothelial cell proliferation and migration by targeting ADAM17
Authors: Wu Yang , Huang Aixue , Li Tao , Su Xueting , Ding Hongmei , Li Hui , Qin Xingliang , Hou Lubin , Zhao Qiang , Ge Xingfeng , Fang Tao , Wang Rong , Gao Changqing , Li Jie , Shao Ningsheng
Published: May 2014

As a cleavage enzyme of precursor TNF‐α, the high expression level of ADAM17 in endothelial cells is an important factor in atherosclerosis. In this study, we demonstrate that ADAM17 is the target of miR‐152. We found that miR‐152 could reduce TNF precursor cleavage and inhibit cell proliferation and migration by targeting ADAM17 in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Furthermore, the expression pattern of miR‐152 and corresponding target ADAM17 was opposite in HUVECs under hypoxic conditions. The levels of circulating miR‐152 in AS patient sera were lower than those detected in the sera of normal individuals. Our results indicate that miR‐152 may be involved in the development of human atherosclerosis and could be used as diagnostic biomarker or therapeutic target in atherosclerosis.
Toll like receptor 2 knock‐out attenuates carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‐induced liver fibrosis by downregulating MAPK and NF‐κB signaling pathways
Authors: Ji Lingling , Xue Ruyi , Tang Wenqing , Wu Weibin , Hu Tingting , Liu Xijun , Peng Xiaomin , Gu Jianxin , Chen She , Zhang Si
Published: May 2014

Innate immune signaling associated with Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) is a key pathway involved in the progression of liver fibrosis. In this study, we reported that TLR2 is required for hepatic fibrogenesis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). After CCl4 treatment, TLR2−/− mice had reduced liver enzyme levels, diminished collagen deposition, decreased inflammatory infiltration and impaired activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) than wild type (WT) mice. Furthermore, after CCl4 treatment, TLR2−/− mice demonstrated downregulated expression of profibrotic and proinflammatory genes and impaired mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐κB) activation than WT mice. Collectively, our data indicate that TLR2 deficiency protects against CCl4‐induced liver fibrosis.
Direct and selective small‐molecule inhibition of photosynthetic PEP carboxylase: New approach to combat C4 weeds in arable crops
Authors: Paulus Judith Katharina , Förster Kerstin , Groth Georg
Published: May 2014

Phosphoenolpyruvate carboxylase (PEPC) is a key enzyme of C4 photosynthesis. Besides, non‐photosynthetic isoforms of PEPC are found in bacteria and all types of plants, although not in animals or fungi. A single residue in the allosteric feedback inhibitor site of PEPC was shown to adjust the affinity of the photosynthetic and non‐photosynthetic isoforms for feedback inhibition by metabolites of the C4 pathway. Here, we applied computational screening and biochemical analyses to identify molecules that selectively inhibit C4 PEPC, but have no effect on the activity of non‐photosynthetic PEPCs. We found two types of selective inhibitors, catechins and quinoxalines. Binding constants in the lower μM range and a strong preference for C4 PEPC qualify the quinoxaline compounds as potential selective herbicides to combat C4 weeds.
Human Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (Tudor‐SN) protein modulates the kinetics of AGTR1‐3′UTR granule formation
Authors: Gao Xingjie , Shi Xuebin , Fu Xue , Ge Lin , Zhang Yi , Su Chao , Yang Xi , Silvennoinen Olli , Yao Zhi , He Jinyan , Wei Minxin , Yang Jie
Published: May 2014

Human Tudor staphylococcal nuclease (Tudor‐SN) interacts with the G3BP protein and is recruited into stress granules (SGs), the main type of discrete RNA‐containing cytoplasmic foci structure that is formed under stress conditions. Here, we further demonstrate that Tudor‐SN binds and co‐localizes with AGTR1‐3′UTR (3′‐untranslated region of angiotensin II receptor, type 1 mRNA) into SG. Tudor‐SN plays an important role in the assembly of AGTR1‐3′UTR granules. Moreover, endogenous Tudor‐SN knockdown can decrease the recovery kinetics of AGTR1‐3′UTR granules. Collectively, our data indicate that Tudor‐SN modulates the kinetics of AGTR1‐3′UTR granule formation, which provides an additional biological role of Tudor‐SN in RNA metabolism during stress.
Identification of P2X2/P2X4/P2X6 heterotrimeric receptors using atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging
Authors: Antonio Ligia S. , Stewart Andrew P. , Varanda Wamberto A. , Edwardson J. Michael
Published: May 2014

Seven P2X purinergic receptor subunits have been identified: P2X1–P2X7. The overlapping expression of P2X2, P2X4 and P2X6 subunits has been shown in different cell types, and functional analysis of P2X receptors in Leydig cells suggests that the three subunits might interact. Here, His6‐tagged P2X2, HA‐tagged P2X4 and FLAG‐tagged P2X6 subunits were co‐expressed in tsA 201 cells. After sequential co‐immunoprecipitation using anti‐HA and anti‐FLAG beads, all three subunits were present, demonstrating their interaction. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging revealed receptors that were specifically decorated by both an anti‐His6 antibody and an anti‐HA Fab fragment, indicating the presence of a P2X2/4/6 heterotrimer. To our knowledge, this is the first report of a P2X receptor containing three different subunits.
Keeping a Good Idea Alive
Authors: Roennfeldt Peter
Published: May 2014

As many musicians would attest, small ensemble collaboration provides very special rewards. Chamber music performance has rarely been a viable full-time career aspiration, but this has not deterred many Australians from devoting huge amounts of energy to its survival. However, as a flexible medium with interchangeable personnel and diverse performance contexts, it is difficult to find a ‘through line’ that links these disparate activities over time. As an amalgam of disparate entities, chamber music is rarely accorded the same recognition as larger ensembles such as orchestras, choirs, bands and theatrical-operatic companies.
Dennis Altman, 'The end of the homosexual?', Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 2013, ISBN 9 7807 0224 9815, 272 pp., RRP A$29.95
Authors: McKinnon Scott
Published: May 2014

Dennis Altman, The end of the homosexual?, Brisbane: University of Queensland Press, 2013, ISBN 9 7807 0224 9815, 272 pp., RRP A$29.95
Steve Mullins, Martin Bellamy and Clive Moore (eds), 'Andrew Goldie in New Guinea 1875–1879: Memoir of a natural history collector', Memoirs of the Queensland Museum: Culture 6, Brisbane: Queensland Museum, 2012, ISSN 1 4404 788, 216 pp, $15.00
Authors: Gillespie Kirsty
Published: May 2014

Steve Mullins, Martin Bellamy and Clive Moore (eds), Andrew Goldie in New Guinea 1875–1879: Memoir of a natural history collector, Memoirs of the Queensland Museum: Culture 6, Brisbane: Queensland Museum, 2012, ISSN 1 4404 788, 216 pp, $15.00. Available only for free download at: http://www.foundation.qm.qld.gov.au/About+Us/Publications/Memoirs+of+the+Queensland+Museum/MQMC+Vol+6.
ABOLITIONISM AND EVANGELICALISM: ISAAC NELSON, THE EVANGELICAL ALLIANCE, AND THE TRANSATLANTIC DEBATE OVER CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP WITH SLAVEHOLDERS
Authors: RITCHIE DANIEL
Published: May 2014

This article seeks to illuminate significantly our understanding of the link between abolitionism and evangelicalism by considering the debate at the formation of the Evangelical Alliance in 1846 surrounding the propriety of Christian fellowship with slaveholders. The leading critic of the pro-slavery faction was the Revd Isaac Nelson, an orthodox Presbyterian minister from Belfast, Ireland. Nelson's importance to anti-slavery was recognized by abolitionists on both sides of the Atlantic at the time, but has not yet been adequately analysed by historians. Hence, this article will examine Nelson's role in the dispute with the defenders of the American slaveholders at the London meeting in 1846 and in further debates within the Alliance on the slavery question. The article will conclude by examining Nelson's claim that the Alliance was a failure owing to its alleged compromise on the slavery question.
THE INDUSTRIOUS REVOLUTION, THE INDUSTRIOUSNESS DISCOURSE, AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF MODERN ECONOMIES
Authors: LITVINE ALEXIS D.
Published: May 2014

The idea of industriousness has been an ever-recurring issue since Max Weber launched it as a putative explanation of the advent of economic modernity. The notion of ‘industrious revolution’ has provoked a renewed flourishing of publications focusing on this issue. Although most historians agree on the emergence of industriousness in seventeenth-century Europe, there is no consensus regarding the chronology, hence the real causes, of this mental and discursive shift. This article emphasizes the problematic role played by literary evidences in these social and cultural models of diffusion of new consumer values and desires. It then establishes the timing of the emergence of the ‘industriousness discourse’ using an original approach to diffusion based both on the quantitative analysis of very large corpora and a close reading of seventeenth-century economic pamphlets and educational literature. It concludes first that there was not one but several competing discourses on industriousness. It then identifies two crucial hinges which closely match the chronology proposed by Allen and Muldrew, but refutes that championed by de Vries and McCloskey. The industrious revolution as described by these authors would have happened both too late to fit its intellectual roots and too early to signal the beginning of a ‘consumer revolution’.
Authenticity versus autonomy: the synthesis of World Englishes as a discipline
Authors: Cowie Claire
Published: May 2014

World Englishes, like other topics covered in the Routledge Introduction to Applied Linguistics series (ELT, Classroom Discourse, Corpus Linguistics), is increasingly a feature of the curriculum of Applied Linguistics and TESOL programmes. Philip Seargeant's book is aimed at master's-level students who are teachers in training or language professionals returning to study, and final year undergraduates. The first part of the book is what you would expect: everything applied linguistics students need to know about WES (World English Studies). The second part is a meditation on WES as academic discipline which is likely to provide food for thought for researchers as well as students. Fortunately the long tradition of undergraduate textbooks which offer region-by-region descriptions of English is on the wane. More recent textbooks such as Jenkins (2003) and Schneider (2011), and the more advanced Mesthrie and Bhatt (2008), whilst individually reflecting the preoccupations of their authors, all address the twin strands of World Englishes. These are, on the one hand, variation which has emerged over time through the dynamics of language contact, and on the other, the global character of English, which now sets it apart from the study of other languages. This, for Seargeant, is a paradox at the heart of WES: English is celebrated around the world for the way it can express the identity of particular communities (authenticity) but also for its universality and neutrality (anonymity).
Rules of engagement? Usage and normativism: public discourse and critical language awareness
Authors: Straaijer Robin
Published: May 2014

In English Today 30.1, Ingrid Tieken-Boon van Ostade introduced the Leiden University research project, ‘Bridging the Unbridgeable: Linguists, Prescriptivists and the General Public’, and gave an example of the kind of questions we ask ourselves. That example, about questions relating to the use of have went, was very specific. In this feature, we have some questions that are rather more general, and which have to do with the discourse on usage and normativism.
Erythema multiforme after orf virus infection: a report of two cases and literature review
Authors: JOSEPH R. H. , HADDAD F. A. , MATTHEWS A. L. , MAROUFI A. , MONROE B. , REYNOLDS M.
Published: May 2014

Orf virus has a worldwide distribution among sheep and goats. The hypersensitivity reaction erythema multiforme (EM) is a known complication of orf infection in humans; however, its occurrence is poorly understood and has not been extensively reviewed. We present two unrelated cases of orf-associated EM, and a review of the literature, highlighting important clinical, epidemiological and immunological aspects of this condition. Orf and its associated complications can occur in rural areas, as well as urban settings, where it is less well-known, through religious or cultural practices involving animal slaughter. Obtaining a history of animal exposures from patients with lesions suspicious for orf and secondary skin eruptions can guide diagnosis and identification of the inciting immune stimulus. Determining the pathophysiology and relative contribution of host and viral factors contributing to EM and other orf-associated hypersensitivity reactions could facilitate the identification of risk factors and inform treatment decisions.
Impact of peer counselling breast-feeding support programme protocols on any and exclusive breast-feeding discontinuation in low-income women
Authors: Rozga Mary R , Kerver Jean M , Olson Beth H
Published: May 2014

Objective

Peer counselling (PC) programmes have been shown to improve breast-feeding outcomes in populations at risk for early discontinuation. Our objective was to describe associations between programme components (individual and combinations) and breast-feeding outcomes (duration and exclusivity) in a PC programme for low-income women.

Design

Secondary analysis of programme data. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to examine associations between type and quantity of peer contacts with breast-feeding outcomes. Types of contacts included in-person (hospital or home), phone or other (e.g. mail, text). Quantities of contacts were considered ‘optimal’ if they adhered to standard programme guidelines.

Setting

Programme data collected from 2005 to 2011 in Michigan’s Breastfeeding Initiative Peer Counseling Program.

Subjects

Low-income (n 5886) women enrolled prenatally.

Results

For each additional home, phone and other PC contact there was a significant reduction in the hazard of discontinuing any breast-feeding by 6 months (hazard ratio (HR)=0·90 (95 % CI 0·88, 0·92); HR=0·89 (95 % CI 0·87, 0·90); and HR=0·93 (95 % CI 0·90, 0·96), respectively) and exclusive breast-feeding by 3 months (HR=0·92 (95 % CI 0·89, 0·95); HR=0·90 (95 % CI 0·88, 0·91); and HR=0·93 (95 % CI 0·89, 0·97), respectively). Participants receiving greater than optimal in-person and less than optimal phone contacts had a reduced hazard of any and exclusive breast-feeding discontinuation compared with those who were considered to have optimum quantities of contacts (HR=0·17 (95 % CI 0·14, 0·20) and HR=0·28 (95 % CI 0·23, 0·35), respectively).

Conclusions

Specific components of a large PC programme appeared to have an appreciable impact on breast-feeding outcomes. In-person contacts were essential to improving breast-feeding outcomes, but defining optimal programme components is complex.
Adherence to the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet in relation to obesity among Iranian female nurses
Authors: Barak Farzaneh , Falahi Ebrahim , Keshteli Ammar Hassanzadeh , Yazdannik Ahmadreza , Esmaillzadeh Ahmad
Published: May 2014

Objective

Limited observational studies have considered habitual consumption of the general population to examine the relationship between the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet and obesity. The aim of the present study was to investigate adherence to the DASH diet in relation to general and central obesity among female nurses in Isfahan, Iran.

Design

Cross-sectional study carried out among 293 female nurses aged >30 years who were selected by a multistage, cluster random sampling method. Usual dietary intakes were assessed using a validated FFQ. We constructed the DASH score based on foods and nutrients emphasized or minimized in the DASH diet, focusing on eight components: high intake of fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes, low-fat dairy products and whole grains and low intakes of sodium, sweetened beverages, and red and processed meats. General and abdominal obesity were defined as BMI ≥25 kg/m2 and waist circumference ≥88 cm, respectively.

Setting

Isfahan, Iran.

Subjects

Female nurses (n 293) aged >30 years.

Results

Increased adherence to the DASH diet was associated with older age (P<0·01) and lower waist circumference (P=0·04). There was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of general obesity between extreme quartiles of the DASH diet score. After adjustment for age, energy intake and other confounding factors, DASH diet score was not significantly associated with obesity. However, with further controlling for other dietary factors, those in the highest quartile of DASH diet score were 71 % less likely to have general obesity compared with those in the lowest quartile. In addition, following a DASH diet was inversely associated with central obesity after adjustment for potential confounders (OR=0·37; 95 % CI 0·14, 0·96).

Conclusions

We found that adherence to the DASH diet was inversely related to central obesity among Iranian adult females. This association remained significant even after adjustment for potential confounders.
Optimistic and Defensive-Pessimist Students: Differences in their Academic Motivation and Learning Strategies
Authors: Suárez Riveiro José Manuel
Published: May 2014

In addition to cognitive and behavioral strategies, students can also use affective-motivational strategies to facilitate their learning process. In this way, the strategies of defensive-pessimism and generation of positive expectations have been widely related to conceptual models of pessimism-optimism. The aim of this study was to describe the use of these strategies in 1753 secondary school students, and to study the motivational and strategic characteristics which differentiated between the student typologies identified as a result of their use. The results indicated a higher use of the generation of positive expectations strategy (optimism) (M= 3.40,SD= .78) than the use of the defensive pessimism strategy (M= 3.00,SD= .78); a positive and significant correlation between the two strategies (r= .372,p= .001); their relationship with adequate academic motivation and with the use of learning strategies. Furthermore, four student typologies were identified based on the use of both strategies. Lastly, we propose a new approach for future work in this line of research.
Auditory Implicit Semantic Priming in Spanish-Speaking Children with
and without Specific Language Impairment
Authors: Girbau Dolors
Published: May 2014

We analyzed whether Spanish-speaking children with Specific Language Impairment
(SLI) showed deficits in lexical-semantic processing/organization, and whether
these lexical measures correlated with standardized measures of language
abilities. Fourteen children with Typical Language Development (TLD) and 16
age-matched children with SLI (8;0–9;11 years) participated. In a
Lexical Decision (LD) task with implicit semantic priming, children judged
whether a given speech pair contained two words (semantically related/unrelated)
or a word-pseudoword. Children received a comprehensive language and reading
test battery. Children with TLD exhibited significant semantic priming; they
were faster for semantically related word pairs than for unrelated
(p < .001) and than for word-pseudoword pairs
(p < .0002). The group with SLI did not exhibit
significant semantic priming, despite showing more variability. Children with
SLI made significantly slower LDs [F(1, 26) = 4.61,
p < .05, partial η2
= .15] and more errors [F(1, 26) = 4.16,
p < .05, partial η2
= .13] than children with TLD. Mean response time across all LD
conditions and the receptive vocabulary (PPVT-III) were significantly negativity
correlated for children with SLI (r =
–.71, p = .004). Children with SLI,
especially those with the poorest language scores, showed a semantic-lexical
deficit and a weakness in lexical-semantic association networks. Their
performance on the LD task was significantly slower and poorer than for children
with TLD. Increasing a child’s vocabulary may benefit lexical
access.
EphrinB3 blocks EphB3 dependence receptor functions to prevent cell death following traumatic brain injury
Authors: Theus M H , Ricard J , Glass S J , Travieso L G , Liebl D J
Published: May 2014

Eph receptor tyrosine kinases and their membrane-bound ligands, ephrins, have a variety of roles in the developing and adult central nervous system that require direct cell–cell interactions; including regulating axon path finding, cell proliferation, migration and synaptic plasticity. Recently, we identified a novel pro-survival role for ephrins in the adult subventricular zone, where ephrinB3 blocks Eph-mediated cell death during adult neurogenesis. Here, we examined whether EphB3 mediates cell death in the adult forebrain following traumatic brain injury and whether ephrinB3 infusion could limit this effect. We show that EphB3 co-labels with microtubule-associated protein 2-positive neurons in the adult cortex and is closely associated with ephrinB3 ligand, which is reduced following controlled cortical impact (CCI) injury. In the complete absence of EphB3 (EphB3−/−), we observed reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), and functional improvements in motor deficits after CCI injury as compared with wild-type and ephrinB3−/− mice. We also demonstrated that EphB3 exhibits dependence receptor characteristics as it is cleaved by caspases and induces cell death, which is not observed in the presence of ephrinB3. Following trauma, infusion of pre-clustered ephrinB3-Fc molecules (eB3-Fc) into the contralateral ventricle reduced cortical infarct volume and TUNEL staining in the cortex, dentate gyrus and CA3 hippocampus of wild-type and ephrinB3−/− mice, but not EphB3−/− mice. Similarly, application of eB3-Fc improved motor functions after CCI injury. We conclude that EphB3 mediates cell death in the adult cortex through a novel dependence receptor-mediated cell death mechanism in the injured adult cortex and is attenuated following ephrinB3 stimulation.
Quantum speed limit for arbitrary initial states
Authors: Zhang Ying-Jie , Han Wei , Xia Yun-Jie , Cao Jun-Peng , Fan Heng
Published: May 2014

The minimal time a system needs to evolve from an initial state to its one orthogonal state is defined as the quantum speed limit time, which can be used to characterize the maximal speed of evolution of a quantum system. This is a fundamental question of quantum physics. We investigate the generic bound on the minimal evolution time of the open dynamical quantum system. This quantum speed limit time is applicable to both mixed and pure initial states. We then apply this result to the damped Jaynes-Cummings model and the Ohimc-like dephasing model starting from a general time-evolution state. The bound of this time-dependent state at any point in time can be found. For the damped Jaynes-Cummings model, when the system starts from the excited state, the corresponding bound first decreases and then increases in the Markovian dynamics. While in the non-Markovian regime, the speed limit time shows an interesting periodic oscillatory behavior. For the case of Ohimc-like dephasing model, this bound would be gradually trapped to a fixed value. In addition, the roles of the relativistic effects on the speed limit time for the observer in non-inertial frames are discussed.
Gap States Assisted MoO3 Nanobelt Photodetector with Wide Spectrum Response
Authors: Xiang Du , Han Cheng , Zhang Jialin , Chen Wei
Published: May 2014

Molybdenum oxides have been widely investigated for their broad applications ranging from electronics to energy storage. Photodetectors based on molybdenum trioxide (MoO3), however, were seldom reported owing to their low conductivity and weak photoresponse. Herein we report a photodetector based on single MoO3 nanobelt with wide visible spectrum response by introducing substantial gap states via H2 annealing. The pristine MoO3 nanobelt possessed low electrical conductance and no photoresponse for nearly all visible lights. The H2 annealing can significantly improve the conductance of MoO3 nanobelt and result in a good photodetector with wide visible spectrum response. Under illumination of 680 nm light, the photodetector exhibited high responsivity of ~56 A/W and external quantum efficiency of ~10200%. As corroborated by in situ ultraviolet photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy investigations, such strong wide spectrum photoresponse arises from the largely enriched gap states in the MoO3 nanobelt after H2 annealing.
The Global Potential for Carbon Dioxide Removal
Authors: Lenton Timothy M.
Published: May 2014

The global physical potential of different methods of carbon dioxide removal (CDR) from the atmosphere is reviewed. A new categorisation into plant-based, algal-based and alkalinity-based approaches to CDR is proposed. Within these categories, the key flux-limiting resources for CDR are identified and the potential CO2 removal flux that each technology could generate is quantitatively assessed – with a focus on the present, 2050 and 2100. This reveals, for example, that use of waste nutrient flows to feed macro-algae for biomass energy with carbon capture and storage (algal BECCS), shows significant CDR potential, without needing the large land areas or freshwater supplies of plant biomass energy crops. Adding up the potentials of different CDR methods, the total CDR potential at present is 1.5–3 PgC yr−1 (Petagram of carbon per year), comparable in size to either the natural land or ocean carbon sinks. Already 0.55–0.76 PgC yr−1 of this potential has been realised through afforestation and inadvertent ocean fertilisation. The total CDR potential (without including direct air capture) grows such that by mid-century it is 4–9 PgC yr−1 and by the end of the century it is 9–26 PgC yr−1, comparable with current total CO2 emissions of 10 PgC yr−1. The CDR that can be realised under social, economic and engineering constraints is always going to be less than the physical potential. Nevertheless, if combined with reducing CO2 emissions (conventional mitigation), CDR has the physical potential to help stabilise atmospheric CO2 by the middle of this century.
Stratospheric Aerosol Geoengineering
Authors: Robock Alan
Published: May 2014

In response to global warming, one suggested geoengineering response involves creating a cloud of particles in the stratosphere to reflect some sunlight and cool Earth. While volcanic eruptions show that stratospheric aerosols cool the planet, the volcano analog also warns against geoengineering because of responses such as ozone depletion, regional hydrologic responses, whitening of the skies, reduction of solar power, and impacts of diffuse radiation. No technology to conduct geoengineering now exists, but using airplanes or tethered balloons to put sulfur gases into the stratosphere may be feasible. Nevertheless, it may be very difficult to create stratospheric sulfate particles with a desirable size distribution. The Geoengineering Model Intercomparison Project, conducting climate model experiments with standard stratospheric aerosol injection scenarios, has found that insolation reduction could keep the global average temperature constant, but global average precipitation would reduce, particularly in summer monsoon regions around the world. Temperature changes would also not be uniform; the tropics would cool, but high latitudes would warm, with continuing, but reduced sea ice and ice sheet melting. Temperature extremes would still increase, but not as much as without geoengineering. If geoengineering were halted all at once, there would be rapid temperature and precipitation increases at 5–10 times the rates from gradual global warming. The prospect of geoengineering working may reduce the current drive toward reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and there are concerns about commercial or military control. Because geoengineering cannot safely address climate change, global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adapt are crucial to address anthropogenic global warming.
Space-Based Geoengineering Solutions
Authors: McInnes Colin R. , Bewick Russell , Pau Sanchez Joan
Published: May 2014

This chapter provides an overview of space-based geoengineering as a tool to modulate solar insolation and offset the impacts of human-driven climate change. A range of schemes are considered including static and orbiting occulting disks and artificial dust clouds at the interior Sun–Earth Lagrange point, the gravitational balance point between the Sun and Earth. It is demonstrated that, in principle, a dust cloud can be gravitationally anchored at the interior Lagrange point to reduce solar insolation and that orbiting disks can provide a uniform reduction of solar insolation with latitude, potentially offsetting the regional impacts of a static disk. While clearly speculative, the investigation of space-based geoengineering schemes provides insights into the long-term prospects for large-scale, active control of solar insolation.
Solar Radiation Management and the Governance of Hubris
Authors: Owen Richard
Published: May 2014

Proposals for the intentional engineering of the Earth's climate through techniques of solar radiation management (SRM) have been accompanied by profound questions of governance. As the purpose, goals and motivations of SRM are considerations of paramount importance, governance must not only encompass risks and unintended consequences, but also intent. In this chapter, I pose two questions as these relate to SRM and governance. Firstly, should we be entertaining the thought of research or deployment of SRM and its governance, i.e. is SRM a legitimate object of governance, and if so under what conditions? And, linked to this, secondly, is SRM governable, particularly within democratic political systems? Arguing that SRM is a political artefact I will describe some potential problems it may present for democratic governance. I will go on to sketch a brief history of governance discussions and initiatives concerning SRM. In doing so I will observe that the boundary work of learned societies, some academics and others has attempted to legitimise SRM research as an object of governance, defining governance contours and thresholds, underpinned by normative principles. I will review some recent personal experiences of the first attempt to move from words to actions, in terms of governing a SRM research project within a framework for responsible innovation. I will finally review the results of emerging public and stakeholder dialogue exercises which reveal that while attitudes towards SRM research are nuanced and ambivalent, publics and many stakeholders have great antipathy, even hostility, towards SRM deployment. As research is projected through to deployment both become simultaneously framed and the legitimacy of SRM research questioned. Conditions for acceptable deployment that include the need for international agreement and governance may be perceived as being highly implausible, with concerns that SRM may prove incompatible with governance based on democratic principles, and may generate unprecedented forms of geopolitical conflict. Given these considerations I will conclude that the question of whether SRM, and its research, is a legitimate object of governance remains to be democratically decided, if indeed it ever can be.
First evaluation of the threat posed by antifouling biocides in the Southern Adriatic Sea
Authors: Manzo Sonia , Ansanelli Giuliana , Parrella Luisa , Di Landa Giuseppe , Massanisso Paolo , Schiavo Simona , Minopoli Carmine , Lanza Bruno , Boggia Raffaella , Aleksi Pellumb , Tabaku Afrim
Published: May 2014

The harmful effects of antifouling biocides in Southern Adriatic Sea water have been evaluated combining different and complementary methodologies thus allowing a deep and robust interpretation of the data.
Advanced nanoarchitectures of silver/silver compound composites for photochemical reactions
Authors: Long Mingce , Cai Weimin
Published: May 2014

Strategies for fabricating advanced nanoarchitectures of silver/silver compound (SSC) composites as highly efficient photocatalysts and their relevant mechanisms in photochemical reaction have been reviewed.
Mechanochemical synthesis of amorphous silicon nanoparticles
Authors: Chaudhary Anna-Lisa , Sheppard Drew A. , Paskevicius Mark , Saunders Martin , Buckley Craig E.
Published: May 2014

Solid–liquid mechanochemical ball-milling to produce tuneable Si nanoparticle sizes to improve hydrogen storage system reaction kinetics.
Excellent friction-reducing performance of superhydrophobic steel surface in dry sliding
Authors: Li Yang , Wan Yong , Dong Zhiwei , Zhang Junyan
Published: May 2014

Superhydrophobic micro/nano-engineered steel surfaces with friction-reducing properties were fabricated by the combination of chemical etching and stearic acid coating.
Genes involved in the induction of liver growth by peroxisome proliferators
Authors: Amer Abeer H. A. , Wall Richard J. , Malla Sunir , Sang Fei , Aboobaker Aziz , Avery Simon V. , Mellor Ian R. , Rose Martin D. , Rowlands J. Craig , Gant Timothy W. , Bell David R.
Published: May 2014

The mechanism of induction of hepatic DNA synthesis by PPARα agonists and other hepatic growth agents was investigated using transcriptomic approaches.
Recent advances in electrochemical detection of arsenic in drinking and ground waters
Authors: Luong John H. T. , Lam Edmond , Male Keith B.
Published: May 2014

Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) using noble electrodes is based on the reduction of As3+to As0, followed by its stripping or oxidation to As3+or As5+species, the two predominant forms of arsenic in water.
The first depleted heterojunction TiO2–MOF-based solar cell
Authors: Vinogradov Alexandr V. , Zaake-Hertling Haldor , Hey-Hawkins Evamarie , Agafonov Alexandr V. , Seisenbaeva G. A. , Kessler V. G. , Vinogradov Vladimir V.
Published: May 2014

A single-step hydrothermal synthesis of a TiO2–Mil-125 composite was applied for the first time to produce a depleted perovskite/TiO2–MOF heterojunction solar cell with 6.4% power conversion efficiency.
Real-time imaging and local elemental analysis of nanostructures in liquids
Authors: Lewis Edward A. , Haigh Sarah J. , Slater Thomas J. A. , He Zheyang , Kulzick Matthew A. , Burke M. Grace , Zaluzec Nestor J.
Published: May 2014

A new design of in situ liquid cells is demonstrated, providing the first nanometer resolution elemental mapping of nanostructures in solution.
Two unprecedented entangled coordination polymers based on α-{SiW12O40}4−
Authors: Luo Yu-Hui , Yu Xiao-Yang , Zhang Hong
Published: May 2014

Two novel entangled POM-based coordination polymers have been successfully hydrothermally synthesized. Compound 1 presents an unprecedented 2D + 2D → 3D polypseudorotaxane motif, while compound 2 exhibits a self-catenated framework with multi-form helical chains. Photocatalytic experiments reveal that both compounds 1 and 2 can inhibit the photodegradation of Methylene Blue (MB).
Selective oxidation of alcohols in aqueous suspensions of rhodium ion-modified TiO2 photocatalysts under irradiation of visible light
Authors: Kitano Sho , Tanaka Atsuhiro , Hashimoto Keiji , Kominami Hiroshi
Published: May 2014

Benzyl alcohol was converted to benzaldehyde with 97% yield in aqueous suspensions of Rh3+/TiO2 photocatalysts under visible light irradiation.
A comparative study of Ru(ii) cyclometallated complexes versus thiocyanated heteroleptic complexes: thermodynamic force for efficient dye regeneration in dye-sensitized solar cells and how low could it be?
Authors: Hussain Maqbool , Islam Ashraful , Bedja Idriss , Gupta Ravindra Kumar , Han Liyuan , El-Shafei Ahmed
Published: May 2014

Although cyclometallation may produce significantly better light harvesting, a driving force <0.25 eV is not sufficient for effective dye regeneration in DSSCs.
Occupation matrix control of d- and f-electron localisations using DFT + U
Authors: Allen Jeremy P. , Watson Graeme W.
Published: May 2014

A methodology for controlling the site and orbital localisation of d- and f-states applied to TiO2and CeO2using DFT +U.
High catalytic performance of mesoporous zirconia supported nickel catalysts for selective CO methanation
Authors: Chen Aihua , Miyao Toshihiro , Higashiyama Kazutoshi , Watanabe Mashiro
Published: May 2014

Ni/mesoporous ZrO2, without precious metals, exhibits high performance for selective CO methanation at a wide range of working temperatures and superior long-term stability.
A transient in situ infrared spectroscopy study on methane oxidation over supported Pt catalysts
Authors: Fouladvand Sheedeh , Skoglundh Magnus , Carlsson Per-Anders
Published: May 2014

Catalysts with platinum dispersed on alumina, ceria and mixed alumina–ceria have been prepared by incipient wetness impregnation, characterized with transmission electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction, and evaluated for total oxidation of methane under both stationary and transient gas compositions (oxygen pulsing).