bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Kant on the Content of Cognition
Authors: Tolley Clinton
Published: November 2011

I present an argument for an interpretation ofKant's views on the nature of the ‘content [Inhalt]’ of ‘cognition [Erkenntnis]’. In contrast to one of the longest standing interpretations ofKant's views on cognitive content, which ascribes toKant a straightforwardly psychologistic understanding of content, and in contrast as well to the more recently influential reading ofKant put forward byMcDowell and others, according to whichKant embraces a version ofRussellianism, I argue thatKant's views on this topic are of a much moreFregean bent than has traditionally been admitted or appreciated. I conclude by providing a sketch of how a better grasp ofKant's views on cognitive content in general can help bring into sharper relief what is, and what is not, at stake in the recent debates over whether Kant accepts a particular kind of cognitive content—namely, non‐conceptual content.
Age‐related variation in immunity in a wild mammal population
Authors: Nussey Daniel H. , Watt Kathryn , Pilkington Jill G. , Zamoyska Rose , McNeilly Tom N.
Published: November 2011

Age‐related changes in immunity are well documented in humans and laboratory mammals. Using blood samples collected from wild Soay sheep, we show that pronounced differences in T‐cell subsets and inflammatory markers amongst age classes are also evident under natural conditions. These shifts parallel those observed in mammals experiencing protected environments. We found progressive declines in the proportion of naïve CD4 T cells with age, a precipitous drop in γδ T cells after the second year of life and an increase in acute phase protein levels amongst geriatric sheep. Our findings suggest immune aging patterns observed in laboratory and domestic mammals may generalize to more complex, challenging environments and could have fitness costs under natural conditions.
Static Fatigue of Three‐Point Bending Piezoelectric Ceramics with a Single‐Edge Crack Under AC Electric Fields
Authors: Shindo Yasuhide , Narita Fumio , Morikawa Yu
Published: November 2011

This article investigates experimentally and analytically the static fatigue behavior of cracked piezoelectric ceramics under ac electric fields. Static fatigue tests were carried out in three‐point bending with the single‐edge precracked‐beam specimens. The crack was created normal to the poling direction. Time‐to‐failure under different mechanical loads and ac electric fields were obtained from the experiment. A phenomenological model of domain wall motion was also used in finite element computation, and the energy release rate for the permeable crack model was calculated. The effect of ac electric fields on the energy release rate versus lifetime curve was then examined.
Four Ways of Reading the Work of Nirad C. Chaudhuri. A Case Study of a Postcolonial Conservative
Authors: Almond Ian
Published: November 2011

The article examines four ways of reading the work of a twentieth‐century Anglophone Indian intellectual, by employing postcolonial, Foucauldian, Žižekan/Lacanian, and ultimately deconstructive approaches to produce, in each case, a very different thinker: a willing imperialist tool, a sly subverter of colonial hegemony, a postcolonial subject fraught with internal libidinal tensions in its relationship to the paternal power, and, finally, an intellectual obsessed with historically emptying and rendering finite every cultual phenomenon he encounters.
Erythrocyte Remodeling in Plasmodium berghei Infection: The Contribution of SEP Family Members
Authors: Currà Chiara , Pace Tomasino , Franke‐Fayard Blandine M. D. , Picci Leonardo , Bertuccini Lucia , Ponzi Marta
Published: November 2011

The malaria parasite Plasmodium largely modifies the infected erythrocyte through the export of proteins to multiple sites within the host cell. This remodeling is crucial for pathology and translocation of virulence factors to the erythrocyte surface. In this study, we investigated localization and export of small exported proteins/early transcribed membrane proteins (SEP/ETRAMPs), conserved within Plasmodium genus. This protein family is characterized by a predicted signal peptide, a short lysine‐rich stretch, an internal transmembrane domain and a highly charged C‐terminal region of variable length. We show here that members of the rodent Plasmodium berghei family are components of the parasitophorous vacuole membrane (PVM), which surrounds the parasite throughout the erythrocytic cycle. During P. berghei development, vesicle‐like structures containing these proteins detach from the PVM en route to the host cytosol. These SEP‐containing vesicles remain associated with the infected erythrocyte ghosts most probably anchored to the membrane skeleton. Transgenic lines expressing the green fluorescent protein appended to different portions of sep‐coding region allowed us to define motifs required for protein export. The highly charged terminal region appears to be involved in protein–protein interactions.
Fine‐scale distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens: environmental filtering or local dispersal dynamics?
Authors: Schei Fride Høistad , Blom Hans H. , Gjerde Ivar , Grytnes John‐Arvid , Heegaard Einar , Sætersdal Magne
Published: November 2011

Questions

How are the fine‐scale spatial distribution and abundance of epiphytic lichens explained by factors related to environmental filtering and local dispersal? Are spatial distribution and abundance explained by the same underlying factors across sites for: (1) each species separately; or (2) groups of species with similar dispersal strategies?

Location

Ten lowland deciduous forests at the southwest coast of Norway (60ºN, 5ºE).

Methods

We investigated the spatial distribution and abundance, given occurrence, of 15 epiphytic Lobarion lichens in ten forest sites: six 1800‐m2 study sites and four 5000‐m2 study sites. We divided each site into a grid of 1‐m2 sampling units, marked all trees and recorded the abundance of individual lichen species. We assessed the relative impact of factors related to environmental filtering and local dispersal for each lichen species using multiple regressions and variation partitioning. Finally, to compare the results between species and between sites, we applied linear mixed effect models.

Results

We found that the occurrence of lichen species on a tree is explained primarily by factors related to environmental filtering. The abundance of lichen species that occur on a tree is explained by a combination of environmental filtering and local dispersal, but the relative importance of these factors was found to vary greatly between sites. We found no differences in this respect between species with different dispersal strategies.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that both environmental filtering and local dispersal dynamics are important processes explaining the distribution and abundance patterns of Lobarion lichens at fine spatial scales. However, spatial variations in environmental factors within sites interact with propagule distributions to produce a range of inter‐site variation. Accordingly, the relative importance of these two structuring mechanisms varies among sites, particularly in the case of abundance patterns. Since single‐site patterns are not readily generalized, we emphasize the importance of multiple study sites for evaluation of the role of different processes in shaping the spatial distribution patterns of species.
Truthiness in Punishment: The Far Reach of Truth‐in‐Sentencing Laws in State Courts
Authors: Owens Emily G.
Published: November 2011

Truth‐in‐sentencing (TIS) laws require that violent felons serve large fractions of their sentences behind bars. In practice, the scope of these laws may be either more or less broad than the legislative intent. Using a large sample of defendants arrested for violent felonies and charged between 1990 and 2004, I do not find evidence that prosecutors or judges manipulate charges or sentences in a way that counteracts the spirit of TIS laws; instead, I find that the passage of TIS laws is associated with approximately 12‐ to 18‐week longer sentences for people who are arrested for TIS‐eligible crimes, but plead guilty to TIS‐ineligible misdemeanors. This spillover effect of TIS laws into misdemeanor sanctions suggests that instead of being undone in the courtroom, TIS increases punishment for all violent offenders, not just those technically subject to the law.
Is Pleading Really a Bargain?
Authors: Abrams David S.
Published: November 2011

A criminal defendant's decision of whether to accept a plea bargain is one with serious consequences both for his or her immediate and long‐term future. Conventional wisdom suggests that defendants are better served by entering into a plea bargain, to avoid what is known as the “trial penalty.” In this article I present evidence that this notion is likely mistaken. In OLS regressions using data from Cook County state courts, I find that a risk‐neutral defendant seeking to minimize his or her expected sentence would do substantially better by rejecting a plea bargain. I also employ an IV approach to the question and, while the instrument is weak, the results are consistent with the OLS: defendants are better off going to trial.
The impact of peer support training on mothers' attitudes towards and knowledge of breastfeeding
Authors: Kempenaar Larissa Elisabeth , Darwent Kirsty Lawrie
Published: November 2011

While the benefits of breastfeeding are well established, few Scottish women exclusively breastfeed, as recommended nationally and internationally. Breastfeeding peer support can help mothers to breastfeed for longer, but the training peer supporters receive is variable and few studies have measured the effectiveness of peer supporter training. This study aimed to compare mothers' attitudes towards and knowledge of breastfeeding before and after undertaking Breastfeeding Network (BfN) peer supporter training. This study used a quasi‐experimental design to investigate levels of breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes in 28 women, immediately before and after the BfN peer supporter (Helper) training programme. Data were collected using the Infant Feeding Questionnaire. Mothers had high baseline scores for attitude (88.8%) and knowledge (76.4%). After training 78% of mothers improved their attitude scores. The mean difference in attitude scores was 4.9%, which was statistically significant (t = 4.44, P < 0.001). Ninety‐six per cent of mothers had increased their knowledge scores. The mean difference in knowledge scores was 10.4%, which was statistically significant (t = 6.25, P < 0.001). This study provides evidence that the BfN's accredited peer support training can improve both breastfeeding knowledge and attitudes of breastfeeding mothers. Peer supporters who have undertaken this training are therefore suitably qualified to provide mothers with the support and information required to make informed choices in breastfeeding and to contribute to effective support and promotion of breastfeeding as suggested in the National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence guideline on maternal and infant nutrition (PH11) and Scottish Government's Maternal and Infant Nutrition: A Framework for Action (2011).
Interpolations of Groundwater Table Elevation in Dissected Uplands
Authors: Chung Jae‐won , Rogers J. David
Published: November 2011

The variable elevation of the groundwater table in the St. Louis area was estimated using multiple linear regression (MLR), ordinary kriging, and cokriging as part of a regional program seeking to assess liquefaction potential. Surface water features were used to determine the minimum water table for MLR and supplement the principal variables for ordinary kriging and cokriging. By evaluating the known depth to the water and the minimum water table elevation, the MLR analysis approximates the groundwater elevation for a contiguous hydrologic system. Ordinary kriging and cokriging estimate values in unsampled areas by calculating the spatial relationships between the unsampled and sampled locations. In this study, ordinary kriging did not incorporate topographic variations as an independent variable, while cokriging included topography as a supporting covariable. Cross validation suggests that cokriging provides a more reliable estimate at known data points with less uncertainty than the other methods. Profiles extending through the dissected uplands terrain suggest that: (1) the groundwater table generated by MLR mimics the ground surface and elicits a exaggerated interpolation of groundwater elevation; (2) the groundwater table estimated by ordinary kriging tends to ignore local topography and exhibits oversmoothing of the actual undulations in the water table; and (3) cokriging appears to give the realistic water surface, which rises and falls in proportion to the overlying topography. The authors concluded that cokriging provided the most realistic estimate of the groundwater surface, which is the key variable in assessing soil liquefaction potential in unconsolidated sediments.
Prevalence of early and late stages of physiologic PVD in emmetropic elderly population
Authors: Schwab Christoph , Ivastinovic Domagoj , Borkenstein Andreas , Lackner Eva‐Maria , Wedrich Andreas , Velikay‐Parel Michaela
Published: November 2011

Purpose:  To investigate the early and late stages of posterior vitreous detachment (PVD) in the foveal area in correlation with age and gender.

Methods:  Three hundred and thirty‐five emmetropic eyes of 271 Caucasian patients (216 women/119 men) were examined by optical coherence tomography (OCT) and ultrasound (US). Eyes were classified into groups according to the patients age (up to 69.9; 70–74.9; 75–79.9; over 80 years) and to the clinical findings [Vitreous state: Detached in US; Detached in OCT; Foveal adhesion (FA); Attached vitreous].

Results:  The mean age was 76 ± 8 ranging from 44 to 89 years in female and 72 ± 10 ranging from 46 to 87 years in male subjects. The vitreous was attached in 32% of all eyes, 18.5% had FA, 18.5% were detached in OCT and 68% were detached in US. While prevalence of FA decreases with increasing age, OCT‐diagnosed detachments did not change significantly with age. Between the ages of 70 and 75, an increase in PVD rates occurred. The prevalence of PVD was similar in both genders. Women were significantly older than men in the late‐stage PVD in the eyes.

Conclusion:  The use of OCT and US enabled us to detect a partial or total PVD in 80% of the eyes. A sudden increase in late‐stage PVD between the ages of 70 and 75 was observed, correlating with the reported age prevalence of various macular diseases. In contrast to myopics, both genders of elderly emmetropics have a similar prevalence of PVD.
Combination of hepatitis B viral antigens and DNA for prediction of relapse after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs in patients with chronic hepatitis B
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Tanaka Eiji , Suzuki Yoshiyuki , Kobayashi Mariko , Tanaka Yasuhito , Shinkai Noboru , Hige Shuhei , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Nagaoka Shinya , Chayama Kazuaki , Tsuge Masataka , Yokosuka Osamu , Imazeki Fumio , Nishiguchi Shuhei , Saito Masaki , Fujiwara Kei , Torii Nobuyuki , Hiramatsu Naoki , Karino Yoshiyasu , Kumada Hiromitsu
Published: November 2011

Aim:  The factors associated with hepatitis recurrence after discontinuation of nucleos(t)ide analogs (NAs) in patients with chronic hepatitis B were analyzed to predict the risk of relapse more accurately.

Methods:  A total of 126 patients who discontinued NA therapy were recruited retrospectively. The clinical conditions of a successful discontinuation were set as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) below 30 IU/L and serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA below 4.0 log copies/mL.

Results:  Relapse of hepatitis B were judged to occur when maximal serum ALT became higher than 79 IU/L or when maximal serum HBV DNA surpassed 5.7 log copies/mL following NA discontinuation since these values corresponded with mean values of ALT (30 IU/L) and HBV DNA (4.0 log copies/mL), respectively. At least 90% of patients with either detectable hepatitis B e antigen or serum HBV DNA higher than 3.0 log copies/mL at the time of NA discontinuation relapsed within one year. In the remaining patients, higher levels of both hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens at the time of discontinuation, as well as a shorter course of NA treatment, were significantly associated with relapse by multivariate analysis.

Conclusions:  It appears that negative results for hepatitis B e antigen and serum HBV DNA lower than 3.0 log copies/mL are essential for successful NA discontinuation, which may be attained by a longer treatment period. Levels of hepatitis B surface and core‐related antigens are also significant factors independently associated with relapse of hepatitis.
Modes of glutamate receptor gating
Authors: Popescu Gabriela K.
Published: November 2011

Abstract  The time course of excitatory synaptic currents, the major means of fast communication between neurons of the central nervous system, is encoded in the dynamic behaviour of post‐synaptic glutamate‐activated channels. First‐pass attempts to explain the glutamate‐elicited currents with mathematical models produced reaction mechanisms that included only the most basic functionally defined states: resting vs. liganded, closed vs. open, responsive vs. desensitized. In contrast, single‐molecule observations afforded by the patch‐clamp technique revealed an unanticipated kinetic multiplicity of transitions: from microseconds‐lasting flickers to minutes‐long modes. How these kinetically defined events impact the shape of the synaptic response, how they relate to rearrangements in receptor structure, and whether and how they are physiologically controlled represent currently active research directions. Modal gating, which refers to the slowest, least frequently observed ion‐channel transitions, has been demonstrated for representatives of all ion channel families. However, reaction schemes have been largely confined to the short‐ and medium‐range time scales. For glutamate receptors as well, modal gating has only recently come under rigorous scrutiny. This article reviews the evidence for modal gating of glutamate receptors and the still developing hypotheses about the mechanism(s) by which modal shifts occur and the ways in which they may impact the time course of synaptic transmission.
Revealing the Hidden Wave: Using the Very Small Radio Telescope to Teach High School Physics
Authors: Doherty Michael , Fish Vincent L. , Needles Madeleine
Published: November 2011

Scientists and teachers have worked together to produce teaching materials for the Very Small Radio Telescope (VSRT), an easy-to-use, low-cost apparatus that can be used in multiple laboratory experiments in high school and university physics and astronomy classes. In this article, we describe the motivation for the VSRT and several of the laboratory investigations that are being used in local high schools.
Additional Crime Scenes for Projectile Motion Unit
Authors: Fullerton Dan , Bonner David
Published: November 2011

Building students' ability to transfer physics fundamentals to real-world applications establishes a deeper understanding of underlying concepts while enhancing student interest. Forensic science offers a great opportunity for students to apply physics to highly engaging, real-world contexts.1 Integrating these opportunities into inquiry-based problem solving in a team environment provides a terrific backdrop for fostering communication, analysis, and critical thinking skills. One such activity, inspired jointly by the museum exhibit “CSI: The Experience”2 and David Bonner's TPT article “Increasing Student Engagement and Enthusiasm: A Projectile Motion Crime Scene,”3 provides students with three different crime scenes, each requiring an analysis of projectile motion. In this lesson students socially engage in higher-order analysis of two-dimensional projectile motion problems by collecting information from 3-D scale models and collaborating with one another on its interpretation, in addition to diagramming and mathematical analysis typical to problem solving in physics.
The Static Ladder Problem with Two Sources of Friction
Authors: Bennett Jonathan , Mauney Alex
Published: November 2011

The problem of a ladder leaning against a wall in static equilibrium is a classic example encountered in introductory mechanics texts.1 Most discussions of this problem assume that the static frictional force between the ladder and wall can be ignored. A few authors2,3 consider the case where the static friction coefficients between ladder/wall (μs,wall) and ladder/floor (μs,floor) are equal. This situation is indeterminate (i.e. without modeling the elasticity of the ladder, it is not possible to solve for all the external forces), but the critical angle beyond which the ladder will not remain in equilibrium can nevertheless be determined if the ladder is assumed to be perfectly rigid. The case where μs,wall ≠ μs,floor has also been considered by several authors.4–6 Assuming a perfectly rigid ladder, we will show that the critical angle in this case can be determined through an interesting application of the inequality describing the magnitude of the static friction force. We will also show how it is possible to experimentally investigate the critical angle in this situation using commonly available lab equipment.
Rearview Mirror Dimming Function
Authors: Layton William
Published: November 2011

Students are often unaware of the little tab on a rear-view mirror that is used to dim headlights from the rear. Those who know about this tab are usually interested in knowing how it works. Explanations of the optics involved can be found in Serway and Jewett1 and Jones and Edge.2 An alternate explanation is given below:
Grading without losing all your time (and your mind!)
Authors: Harper Kathleen A.
Published: November 2011

One aspect of teaching that most new teachers tend to grossly underestimate is the amount of time that will be spent grading. At least that is my impression, based upon my own experience and that of my friends. Additionally, it can sometimes be difficult to develop grading schemes for particular assignments, and too often this realization happens when one sits down to grade the assignment in question.
Seasonal Variations in Clostridium difficile Infections Are Associated with Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus Activity Independently of Antibiotic Prescriptions: a Time Series Analysis in Québec, Canada
Authors: Gilca Rodica , Fortin Élise , Frenette Charles , Longtin Yves , Gourdeau Marie
Published: November 2011

Seasonal variations in
Clostridium difficile
-associated diarrhea (CDAD), with a higher incidence occurring during winter months, have been reported. Although winter epidemics of respiratory viruses may be temporally associated with an increase in CDAD morbidity, we hypothesized that this association is mainly due to increased antibiotic use for respiratory infections. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the two most frequent respiratory viruses (influenza virus and respiratory syncytial virus [RSV]) and antibiotics prescribed for respiratory infections (fluoroquinolones and macrolides) on the CDAD incidence in hospitals in the province of Québec, Canada. A multivariable Box-Jenkins transfer function model was built to relate monthly CDAD incidence to the monthly percentage of positive tests for influenza virus and RSV and monthly fluoroquinolone and macrolide prescriptions over a 4-year period (January 2005 to December 2008). Analysis showed that temporal variations in CDAD incidence followed temporal variations for influenza virus (
P
= 0.043), RSV (
P
= 0.004), and macrolide prescription (
P
= 0.05) time series with an average delay of 1 month and fluoroquinolone prescription time series with an average delay of 2 months (
P
= 0.01). We conclude that influenza virus and RSV circulation is independently associated with CDAD incidence after controlling for fluoroquinolone and macrolide use. This association was observed at an aggregated level and may be indicative of other phenomena occurring during wintertime.
Enhanced Bacteremia in Human Factor H Transgenic Rats Infected by Neisseria meningitidis
Authors: Vu David M. , Shaughnessy Jutamas , Lewis Lisa A. , Ram Sanjay , Rice Peter A. , Granoff Dan M.
Published: November 2011

Neisseria meningitidisbinds the complement downregulating protein, factor H (fH), which enables the organism to evade host defenses. Two fH ligands, fHbp and NspA, are known to bind specifically to human fH. We developed a human fH transgenic infant rat model to investigate the effect of human fH on meningococcal bacteremia. At 18 h after intraperitoneal challenge with 560 CFU of group B strain H44/76, all 19 human fH-positive rats had positive blood cultures compared to 0 of 7 human fH-negative control littermates (P< 0.0001). Human fH-positive infant rats also developed bacteremia after challenge with isogenic mutants of H44/76 in which genes encoding fHbp and NspA (ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant) or the lipooligosaccharide sialyltransferase (Δlstmutant) had been inactivated. A fully encapsulated ΔfHbp ΔNspA Δlstmutant unable to sialylate lipooligosaccharide or bind human fH via the known fH ligands did not cause bacteremia, which argued against global susceptibility to bacteremia resulting from random integration of the transgene into the rat genome.In vitro, the wild-type and ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant strains were killed by as little as 20% wild-type infant rat serum. The addition of 3 μg of human fH/ml permitted survival of the wild-type strain in up to 60% infant rat serum, whereas ≥33 μg of human fH/ml was required to rescue the ΔfHbp ΔNspA mutant. The ability of meningococci lacking expression of fHbp and NspA to cause invasive disease in human fH transgenic rats and to survive in wild-type infant rat serum supplemented with human fH indicates an additional human fH-dependent mechanism of evasion of innate immunity.
AdS/CFT: SCATTERING AMPLITUDES IN THE REGGE LIMIT – FROM WEAK TO STRONG COUPLING
Authors: BARTELS J.
Published: November 2011

I briefly review recent work, within the AdS/CFT correspondence, on the determination of the remainder function of the six point scattering amplitude in the multi-Regge limit, both at weak and at strong coupling.
Knowledge and Demand for Information about Islet Transplantation in Patients with Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Yamamoto Yuko , Nishigaki Masakazu , Kato Naoko , Hayashi Michio , Shiba Teruo , Mori Yasumichi , Kobayashi Tetsuro , Kazuma Keiko
Published: November 2011

This cross-sectional study based on self-administrated questionnaire was conducted to investigate knowledge, related factors, and sources of information regarding islet transplantation in patients with type 1 diabetes in Japan. Among 137 patients who provided valid responses, 67 (48.9%) knew about islet transplantation. Their main source of information was newspapers or magazines (56.7%) and television or radio (46.3%). However, 85.8% of patients preferred the attending physician as their source of information. Although more than half of the patients were correctly aware of issues related to islet transplantation, the following specific issues for islet transplantation were not understood or considered, and there was little knowledge of them: need for immunosuppressants, lifestyle and dietary adaptations, fewer bodily burdens, and complications. The experience of hypoglycaemia, a high level of academic background, frequent self-monitoring of blood glucose, and the use of continuous subcutaneous insulin infusion were related to higher knowledge about islet transplantation.
Laser-Combined Scanning Tunneling Microscopy on the Carrier Dynamics in Low-Temperature-Grown GaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs
Authors: Terada Yasuhiko , Yoshida Shoji , Takeuchi Osamu , Shigekawa Hidemi
Published: November 2011

We investigated carrier recombination dynamics in a low-temperature-grown GaAs (LT-GaAs)/AlGaAs/GaAs heterostructure by laser-combined scanning tunneling microscopy, shaken-pulse-pair-excited STM (SPPX-STM). With the AlGaAs interlayer as a barrier against the flow of photocarriers, recombination lifetimes in LT-GaAs of 4.0 ps and GaAs of 4.8 ns were successfully observed separately. We directly demonstrated the high temporal resolution of SPPX-STM by showing the recombination lifetime of carriers in LT-GaAs (4.0 ps) in the range of subpicosecond temporal resolution. In the carrier-lifetime-mapping measurement, a blurring of recombination lifetime up to 50 nm was observed at the LT-GaAs/AlGaAs boundary, which was discussed in consideration of the screening length of the electric field from the STM probe. The effect of the built-in potential on the signal, caused by the existence of LT-GaAs/AlGaAs/GaAs boundaries, was discussed in detail.
Algebraic Properties of Toeplitz Operators on the Polydisk
Authors: Zhang Bo , Shi Yanyue , Lu Yufeng
Published: November 2011

We discuss some algebraic properties of Toeplitz operators on the Bergman space of the polydisk 𝔻n. Firstly, we introduce Toeplitz operators with quasihomogeneous symbols and property (P). Secondly, we study commutativity of certain quasihomogeneous Toeplitz operators and commutators of diagonal Toeplitz operators. Thirdly, we discuss finite rank semicommutators and commutators of Toeplitz operators with quasihomogeneous symbols. Finally, we solve the finite rank product problem for Toeplitz operators on the polydisk.
Preparation of a Novel Nanocomposite of Polyaniline Core Decorated with Anatase‐TiO2 Nanoparticles in Ionic Liquid/Water Microemulsion
Authors: Guo Yanni , He Deliang , Xia Sanbao , Xie Xin , Gao Xiang , Zhang Quan
Published: November 2011

Polyaniline core decorated with TiO2 (PANI‐TiO2) nanocomposite particles was successfully synthesized in ionic liquid/water (IL/water) microemulsion in the presence of anatase TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2 nanoparticles had been dispersed beforehand in OP‐10 and n‐butanol to weaken the strong particles agglomeration of TiO2. The PANI‐TiO2 nanocomposites were characterized by fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), ultraviolet visible spectroscopy (UV‐Vis), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and transmission electron microscope (TEM), and their electrochemical behavior was estimated by the electrochemical workstation. SEM micrographs showed that the nanocomposites exhibited spherical morphology with particle sizes about 70 nm. The TEM result showed that the PANI‐TiO2 nanocomposites had a novel structure and that nanocrystalline TiO2 deposited onto the surface of PANI, which was different from the reported structure of TiO2‐PANI nanocomposites. Both FTIR and UV‐Vis spectra indicate that polyaniline and nano‐TiO2 particles are not simply blended or mixed up. A possible reaction mechanism for this nanocomposite preparation is suggested and analyzed.
Postoperative Neuropsychological
Outcome in Patients with Mesial Temporal Lobe Epilepsy in Argentina
Authors: Oddo Silvia , Solis Patricia , Consalvo Damian , Seoane Eduardo , Giagante Brenda , D'Alessio Luciana , Kochen Silvia
Published: November 2011

The aim of the present study is to compare pre- and postsurgical neuropsychological outcome in individuals suffering from mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (mTLE), in order to evaluate prognosis. The selected thirty-five patients had medically mTLE and had undergone an anterior temporal lobectomy (ATL). Neuropsychological evaluation was performed in three different stages: before ATL, 6 months after resection, and a year afterwards. Neuropsychological protocol evaluated attention, verbal memory, visual memory, executive function, language, intelligence, and handedness. There was a significant improvement () in the group with visual memory deficit after surgery, whereas no changes were observed across patients with verbal memory deficit. No changes were observed in language after surgery. Executive function showed significant improvement 6 months after surgery (). Postoperative outcome of cognitive impairments depends on baseline neuropsychological status of the patients with TLE. In our case series, deficits found in patients with mTLE after ATL did not result in a subjective complaint.
Feasibility of Exercise Training for the Short-Term Treatment of Generalized Anxiety Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Herring Matthew P. , Jacob Marni L. , Suveg Cynthia , Dishman Rodney K. , O’Connor Patrick J.
Published: November 2011

Background: Exercise training may be especially helpful for patients with generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). We conducted a randomized controlled trial to quantify the effects of 6 weeks of resistance (RET) or aerobic exercise training (AET) on remission and worry symptoms among sedentary patients with GAD. Methods: Thirty sedentary women aged 18–37 years, diagnosed by clinicians blinded to treatment allocation with a primary DSM-IV diagnosis of GAD and not engaged in any treatment other than pharmacotherapy, were randomly allocated to RET, AET, or a wait list (WL). RET involved 2 weekly sessions of lower-body weightlifting. AET involved 2 weekly sessions of leg cycling matched with RET for body region, positive work, time actively engaged in exercise, and load progression. Remission was measured by the number needed to treat (NNT). Worry symptoms were measured by the Penn State Worry Questionnaire. Results: There were no adverse events. Remission rates were 60%, 40%, and 30% for RET, AET, and WL, respectively. The NNT was 3 (95% CI 2 to 56) for RET and 10 (95% CI –7 to 3) for AET. A significant condition-by-time interaction was found for worry symptoms. A follow-up contrast showed significant reductions in worry symptoms for combined exercise conditions versus the WL. Conclusions: Exercise training, including RET, is a feasible, low-risk treatment that can potentially reduce worry symptoms among GAD patients and may be an effective adjuvant, short-term treatment or augmentation for GAD. Preliminary findings warrant further investigation.
Left Ventricular Versus Simultaneous Biventricular Pacing in Patients With Heart Failure and a QRS Complex ≥120 Milliseconds
Authors: Thibault Bernard , Ducharme Anique , Harel François , White Michel , O'Meara Eileen , Guertin Marie-Claude , Lavoie Joel , Frasure-Smith Nancy , Dubuc Marc , Guerra Peter , Macle Laurent , Rivard Léna , Roy Denis , Talajic Mario , Khairy Paul ,   for the Evaluation of Resynchronization Therapy for Heart Failure (GREATER-EARTH) Investigators
Published: November 2011

Background—

Left ventricular (LV) pacing alone may theoretically avoid deleterious effects of right ventricular pacing.

Methods and Results—

In a multicenter, double-blind, crossover trial, we compared the effects of LV and biventricular (BiV) pacing on exercise tolerance and LV remodeling in patients with an LV ejection fraction ≤35%, QRS ≥120 milliseconds, and symptoms of heart failure. A total of 211 patients were recruited from 11 centers. After a run-in period of 2 to 8 weeks, 121 qualifying patients were randomized to LV followed by BiV pacing or vice versa for consecutive 6-month periods. The greatest improvement in New York Heart Association class and 6-minute walk test occurred during the run-in phase before randomization. Exercise duration at 75% of peak V
o
2
(primary outcome) increased from 9.3±6.4 to 14.0±11.9 and 14.3±12.5 minutes with LV and BiV pacing, respectively, with no difference between groups (
P
=0.4327). LV ejection fraction improved from 24.4±6.3% to 31.9±10.8% and 30.9±9.8% with LV and BiV pacing, respectively, with no difference between groups (
P
=0.4530). Reductions in LV end-systolic volume were likewise similar (
P
=0.6788). The proportion of clinical responders (≥20% increase in exercise duration) to LV and BiV pacing was 48.0% and 55.1% (
P
=0.1615). Positive remodeling responses (≥15% reduction in LV end-systolic volume) were observed in 46.7% and 55.4% (
P
=0.0881). Overall, 30.6% of LV nonresponders improved with BiV and 17.1% of BiV nonresponders improved with LV pacing.

Conclusion—

LV pacing is not superior to BiV pacing. However, nonresponders to BiV pacing may respond favorably to LV pacing, suggesting a potential role as tiered therapy.

Clinical Trial Registration—

URL:
http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00901212.
Effects of Weight Loss and Long-Term Weight Maintenance With Diets Varying in Protein and Glycemic Index on Cardiovascular Risk Factors
Authors: Gögebakan Özlem , Kohl Angela , Osterhoff Martin A. , van Baak Marleen A. , Jebb Susan A. , Papadaki Angeliki , Martinez J. Alfredo , Handjieva-Darlenska Teodora , Hlavaty Petr , Weickert Martin O. , Holst Claus , Saris Wim H.M. , Astrup Arne , Pfeiffer Andreas F.H.
Published: November 2011

Background—

We sought to separately examine the effects of either weight loss or diets varying in protein content and glycemic index without further changes in body weight on cardiovascular risk factors within the Diet, Obesity, and Genes study (DiOGenes).

Methods and Results—

DiOGenes is a pan-European controlled dietary intervention study in 932 overweight adults who first lost body weight on an 8-week low-calorie diet and were then randomized to 1 of 5 ad libitum diets for 26 weeks. The diets were either high or low protein or high or low glycemic index in 4 combinations or control. Weight loss (−11.23 kg; 95% confidence interval, −11.54 to −10.92;
P
<0.001) reduced high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (−1.15 mg/L; 95% confidence interval, −1.30 to −0.41;
P
<0.001), low- and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, triglycerides, and blood pressure. During the 26-week weight maintenance period in the intention-to-treat analysis, the further decrease of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein blood levels was −0.46 mg/L greater (95% confidence interval, −0.79 to −0.13) in the groups assigned to low-glycemic-index diets than in those on high-glycemic-index diets (
P
<0.001). Groups on low-protein diets achieved a −0.25 mg/L greater reduction in high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (95% confidence interval, −0.59 to −0.17) than those on high-protein diets (
P
<0.001), whereas lipid profiles and blood pressure were not differently affected.

Conclusions—

This large-scale intervention study clearly separates weight loss from dietary composition–related effects. Low-glycemic-index carbohydrates and, to a lesser extent, low-protein intake may specifically reduce low-grade inflammation and associated comorbidities in overweight/obese adults.

Clinical Trial Registration—

http://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT00390637.
Acute β-Adrenergic Blockade Increases Aortic Wave Reflection in Young Men and Women
Authors: Casey Darren P. , Curry Timothy B. , Joyner Michael J. , Charkoudian Nisha , Hart Emma C.
Published: November 2011

Acute β-adrenergic blockade increases aortic wave reflection; however, the mechanisms remain unclear. Evidence suggests that β-adrenergic receptor sensitivity in the peripheral vasculature differs between sexes. Therefore, the goal of this study was to examine whether β-adrenergic blockade alters aortic wave reflection to a similar extent in young men and women. In 31 subjects (16 men and 15 women; 26±1 years) noninvasive aortic pressure waveforms were synthesized from high-fidelity radial pressure waveforms via applanation tonometry before and during systemic β-blockade (0.25 mg/kg bolus, followed by 0.004 mg/kg per minute of continuous infusion of propranolol). β-Blockade increased aortic augmentation index and wave reflection amplitude (aortic augmented pressure) in both sexes (
P
<0.01). Although the increase in augmentation index was not significantly different between sexes (7.5±1.1% versus 4.6±1.5%;
P
=0.07), the increase in aortic augmented pressure was greater in women compared with men (2.8±0.5 versus 1.4±0.5 mm Hg;
P
<0.05). Aortic augmentation index adjusted for a heart rate of 75 bp increased in women (4.1±1.1%;
P
<0.05) after β-blockade, whereas it was unchanged in men (0.6±1.3%;
P
=0.33). Moreover, the change in aortic augmentation index was inversely associated with the change in heart rate only in men (
r
=−0.54;
P
<0.05). Our data suggest that aortic wave reflection is increased to a greater extent in women after systemic β-blockade, and enhanced aortic wave reflection appears to be mediated by a reduced heart rate in men, whereas the mechanism is unclear in women.
The 1952 Stalin Note on German Unification: The Ongoing Debate
Authors: Ruggenthaler Peter
Published: November 2011

On 10 March 1952 the Soviet government unexpectedly sent an identical diplomatic note to the U.S., British, and French governments proposing the conclusion of a peace treaty with Germany on the basis of neutrality. This document, widely known as the Stalin Note, has been a source of controversy ever since, pitting those who see it as an insincere ploy against those who argue that it was a missed opportunity for German unification. Declassified documents from the former Soviet archives, first published in German translation in 2007 in the book Stalins großer Bluff, allow scholars to reconstruct in a detailed way the preparation of the note and to examine whether Iosif Stalin was really ready to sacrifice the GDR and to reunify Germany. This article shows that the Stalin Note was merely a ploy to facilitate the incorporation of the German Democratic Republic into the Eastern bloc and to blame the Western occupying powers for the division of Germany.
Recognition in Return for Détente? Brezhnev, the EEC, and the Moscow Treaty with West Germany, 1970–1973
Authors: Mueller Wolfgang
Published: November 2011

This article draws on Soviet archival documents as well as Western and Russian publications to analyze the background of Leonid Brezhnev's announcements of 1972 regarding the Soviet Union's possible recognition of the European Economic Community (EEC). The analysis takes into account various factors including the integration process, détente, and Soviet relations with West European states. The article shows that Brezhnev's first initiative toward the EEC in March 1972 was designed to facilitate ratification of the Moscow Treaty with West Germany and did not reflect a genuine desire to establish relations with Brussels. The new Soviet approach toward the EEC became manifest only in Brezhnev's second speech on the topic, in December 1972. This strategy, which included mutual recognition and negotiations between the EEC and the Council on Mutual Economic Assistance, was intended to foster détente in Europe and to pave the way toward the Conference on Security and Cooperation in Europe.
Data Assimilation in Slow–Fast Systems Using Homogenized Climate Models
Authors: Mitchell Lewis , Gottwald Georg A.
Published: November 2011

A deterministic multiscale toy model is studied in which a chaotic fast subsystem triggers rare transitions between slow regimes, akin to weather or climate regimes. Using homogenization techniques, a reduced stochastic parameterization model is derived for the slow dynamics. The reliability of this reduced climate model in reproducing the statistics of the slow dynamics of the full deterministic model for finite values of the time-scale separation is numerically established. The statistics, however, are sensitive to uncertainties in the parameters of the stochastic model.

It is investigated whether the stochastic climate model can be beneficial as a forecast model in an ensemble data assimilation setting, in particular in the realistic setting when observations are only available for the slow variables. The main result is that reduced stochastic models can indeed improve the analysis skill when used as forecast models instead of the perfect full deterministic model. The stochastic climate model is far superior at detecting transitions between regimes. The observation intervals for which skill improvement can be obtained are related to the characteristic time scales involved. The reason why stochastic climate models are capable of producing superior skill in an ensemble setting is the finite ensemble size; ensembles obtained from the perfect deterministic forecast model lack sufficient spread even for moderate ensemble sizes. Stochastic climate models provide a natural way to provide sufficient ensemble spread to detect transitions between regimes. This is corroborated with numerical simulations. The conclusion is that stochastic parameterizations are attractive for data assimilation despite their sensitivity to uncertainties in the parameters.
A gene-based SNP resource and linkage map for the copepod Tigriopus californicus
Authors: Foley Brad R , Rose Colin G , Rundle Daniel E , Leong Wai , Moy Gary W , Burton Ronald S , Edmands Suzanne
Published: November 2011

Background

As yet, few genomic resources have been developed in crustaceans. This lack is particularly evident in Copepoda, given the extraordinary numerical abundance, and taxonomic and ecological diversity of this group.Tigriopus californicusis ideally suited to serve as a genetic model copepod and has been the subject of extensive work in environmental stress and reproductive isolation. Accordingly, we set out to develop a broadly-useful panel of genetic markers and to construct a linkage map dense enough for quantitative trait locus detection in an interval mapping framework forT. californicus--a first for copepods.

Results

One hundred and ninety Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were used to genotype our mapping population of 250 F2larvae. We were able to construct a linkage map with an average intermarker distance of 1.8 cM, and a maximum intermarker distance of 10.3 cM. All markers were assembled into linkage groups, and the 12 linkage groups corresponded to the 12 known chromosomes ofT. californicus. We estimate a total genome size of 401.0 cM, and a total coverage of 73.7%. Seventy five percent of the mapped markers were detected in 9 additional populations ofT. californicus. Of available model arthropod genomes, we were able to show more colocalized pairs of homologues betweenT. californicusand the honeybeeApis mellifera, than expected by chance, suggesting preserved macrosynteny between Hymenoptera and Copepoda.

Conclusions

Our study provides an abundance of linked markers spanning all chromosomes. Many of these markers are also found in multiple populations ofT. californicus, and in two other species in the genus. The genomic resource we have developed will enable mapping throughout the geographical range of this species and in closely related species. This linkage map will facilitate genome sequencing, mapping and assembly in an ecologically and taxonomically interesting group for which genomic resources are currently under development.