bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Accelerated MR parameter mapping with low‐rank and sparsity constraints
Authors: Zhao Bo , Lu Wenmiao , Hitchens T. Kevin , Lam Fan , Ho Chien , Liang Zhi‐Pei
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To enable accurate magnetic resonance (MR) parameter mapping with accelerated data acquisition, utilizing recent advances in constrained imaging with sparse sampling.

Theory and Methods

A new constrained reconstruction method based on low‐rank and sparsity constraints is proposed to accelerate MR parameter mapping. More specifically, the proposed method simultaneously imposes low‐rank and joint sparse structures on contrast‐weighted image sequences within a unified mathematical formulation. With a pre‐estimated subspace, this formulation results in a convex optimization problem, which is solved using an efficient numerical algorithm based on the alternating direction method of multipliers.

Results

To evaluate the performance of the proposed method, two application examples were considered: (i) T2 mapping of the human brain and (ii) T1 mapping of the rat brain. For each application, the proposed method was evaluated at both moderate and high acceleration levels. Additionally, the proposed method was compared with two state‐of‐the‐art methods that only use a single low‐rank or joint sparsity constraint. The results demonstrate that the proposed method can achieve accurate parameter estimation with both moderately and highly undersampled data. Although all methods performed fairly well with moderately undersampled data, the proposed method achieved much better performance (e.g., more accurate parameter values) than the other two methods with highly undersampled data.

Conclusions

Simultaneously imposing low‐rank and sparsity constraints can effectively improve the accuracy of fast MR parameter mapping with sparse sampling. Magn Reson Med 74:489–498, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Combined T2‐preparation and two‐dimensional pencil‐beam inner volume selection
Authors: Coristine Andrew J. , van Heeswijk Ruud B. , Stuber Matthias
Published: August 2014

Purpose

To improve coronary magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) by combining a two‐dimensional (2D) spatially selective radiofrequency (RF) pulse with a T2‐preparation module (“2D‐T2‐Prep”).

Methods

An adiabatic T2‐Prep was modified so that the first and last pulses were of differing spatial selectivity. The first RF pulse was replaced by a 2D pulse, such that a pencil‐beam volume is excited. The last RF pulse remains nonselective, thus restoring the T2‐prepared pencil‐beam, while tipping the (formerly longitudinal) magnetization outside of the pencil‐beam into the transverse plane, where it is then spoiled. Thus, only a cylinder of T2‐prepared tissue remains for imaging. Numerical simulations were followed by phantom validation and in vivo coronary MRA, where the technique was quantitatively evaluated. Reduced field‐of‐view (rFoV) images were similarly studied.

Results

In vivo, full field‐of‐view 2D‐T2‐Prep significantly improved vessel sharpness as compared to conventional T2‐Prep, without adversely affecting signal‐to‐noise (SNR) or contrast‐to‐noise ratios (CNR). It also reduced respiratory motion artifacts. In rFoV images, the SNR, CNR, and vessel sharpness decreased, although scan time reduction was 60%.

Conclusion

When compared with conventional T2‐Prep, the 2D‐T2‐Prep improves vessel sharpness and decreases respiratory ghosting while preserving both SNR and CNR. It may also acquire rFoV images for accelerated data acquisition. Magn Reson Med 74:529–536, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Isolated leukemic infiltration of peripheral nervous system
Authors: Wang Tingzhong , Miao Yuan , Meng Yanli , Li Ailin
Published: August 2014

Introduction: Isolated leukemic infiltration of peripheral nerves without central nervous system involvement, or isolated neuroleukemiosis, is an extremely rare complication of leukemia. Methods: We report the case of a patient with isolated neuroleukemiosis and review the pertinent literature. Results: A man with a 12‐year history of acute monoblastic leukemia presented with median mononeuropathy. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a thickened median nerve. Nerve biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of leukemic infiltration. Clinical resolution was achieved through local radiation. Only 10 cases of isolated neuroleukemiosis have been reported. Most were in remission from leukemia. Our patient is the only one who was considered clinically cured of leukemia. Conclusions: The presumed pathophysiology of isolated neuroleukemiosis is hematogenous spread of leukemic cells into the peripheral nervous system across the blood–nerve barrier. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with leukemia who present with neuropathy, even when they are considered to be clinically cured of leukemia. Muscle Nerve 51: 290–293, 2015
Correlation between quantitative whole‐body muscle magnetic resonance imaging and clinical muscle weakness in pompe disease
Authors: Horvath Jeffrey J. , Austin Stephanie L. , Case Laura E. , Greene Karla B. , Jones Harrison N. , Soher Brian J. , Kishnani Priya S. , Bashir Mustafa R.
Published: August 2014

Introduction

Previous examination of whole‐body muscle involvement in Pompe disease has been limited to physical examination and/or qualitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In this study we assess the feasibility of quantitative proton‐density fat‐fraction (PDFF) whole‐body MRI in late‐onset Pompe disease (LOPD) and compare the results with manual muscle testing.

Methods

Seven LOPD patients and 11 disease‐free controls underwent whole‐body PDFF MRI. Quantitative MR muscle group assessments were compared with physical testing of muscle groups.

Results

The 95% upper limits of confidence intervals for muscle groups were 4.9–12.6% in controls and 6.8–76.4% in LOPD patients. LOPD patients showed severe and consistent tongue and axial muscle group involvement, with less marked involvement of peripheral musculature. MRI was more sensitive than physical examination for detection of abnormality in multiple muscle groups.

Conclusion

This integrated, quantitative approach to muscle assessment provides more detailed data than physical examination and may have clinical utility for monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Muscle Nerve 51:722–730, 2015
Oral corticosteroid therapy and present disease status in myasthenia gravis
Authors: Imai Tomihiro , Suzuki Shigeaki , Tsuda Emiko , Nagane Yuriko , Murai Hiroyuki , Masuda Masayuki , Konno Shingo , Suzuki Yasushi , Nakane Shunya , Fujihara Kazuo , Suzuki Norihiro , Utsugisawa Kimiaki
Published: August 2014

Introduction: The aim of this study was to elucidate the effectiveness of oral prednisolone (PSL) according to dosing regimen in 472 patients with myasthenia gravis (MG). Methods: We compared the clinical characteristics and PSL treatment between 226 patients who achieved minimal manifestations (MM) or better and 246 patients who remained improved (I) or worsened, according to the MG Foundation of America postintervention status. Results: Achievement of MM or better at peak PSL dose (odds ratio 12.25, P < 0.0001) and combined use of plasma exchange/plasmapheresis (PE/PP) and/or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) (odds ratio 1.92, P = 0.04) were associated positively, and total PSL dose during the past year (odds ratio 0.17, P = 0.03) was associated negatively with present MM or better status. Conclusions: Higher PSL dose and longer PSL treatment do not ensure better outcome. In the absence of a good response, the PSL dose should be decreased by combining with modalities such as PE/PP or IVIg. Muscle Nerve 51:692–696, 2015
THE OPERATIONAL DIMENSIONS OF RESULTS‐BASED FINANCING
Authors: O'Brien Thomas , Kanbur Ravi
Published: August 2014

As part of a growing focus on the effectiveness of development assistance from the World Bank and other agencies, new efforts are being made to relate development finance more closely to outcomes achieved rather than to inputs used, through the results‐based financing approach. We provide a framework for analyzing theoperational dimensionsof results‐based financing, including the conditions that suit this approach, and how best to define, measure, and report results. We review some of the early World Bank experience with this approach. Noting that this approach is as yet not fully tested, we suggest evaluative issues for future research while highlighting strengths and challenges in the range of techniques adopted so far. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bandgap optimization of submicron‐thick Cu(In,Ga)Se2 solar cells
Authors: Yang Shihang , Zhu Jiakuan , Zhang Xieqiu , Ma Xuhang , Luo Hailin , Yin Ling , Xiao Xudong
Published: August 2014

Reducing Cu(In,Ga)Se2 (CIGS) absorber thickness into submicron regime provides an opportunity for reducing CIGS solar cell manufacturing time and cost. However, CIGS with submicron‐thick absorber would suffer strong absorption loss in the long‐wavelength region. In this paper, we report a new fabrication route for CIGS solar cells on soda‐lime glass substrates with different Ga content (0.3 < [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) < 0.6), all with absorber thicknesses around 0.9 µm. Efficiency of 17.52% has been achieved for cells with high Ga content of [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) = 41%, which is currently the best reported efficiency for submicron‐thick CIGS solar cells. Unlike the normal‐thickness absorber (2–3 µm) that has an optimal [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) of ~32%, the increased value of optimal [Ga]/([Ga] + [In]) in submicron‐thick absorber greatly enhances the open‐circuit voltage, by nearly 15% compared with that of samples with Ga content optimized at normal absorber thickness. This large gain in VOC well compensates the absorption loss in the long‐wavelength region and contributes to the enhancement of final solar cell efficiency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Rapid metal‐free macromolecular coupling via In Situ nitrile oxide‐activated alkene cycloaddition
Authors: Isaacman Michael J. , Cui Weibin , Theogarajan Luke S.
Published: August 2014

Nitrile oxide 1,3 dipolar cycloaddition is a simple and powerful coupling methodology. However, the self‐dimerization of nitrile oxides has prevented the widespread use of this strategy for macromolecular coupling. By combining an in situ nitrile oxide generation with a highly reactive activated dipolarophile, we have overcome these obstacles and present a metal‐free macromolecular coupling strategy for the modular synthesis of several ABA triblock copolymers. Nitrile oxides were generated in situ from chloroxime terminated poly(dimethylsiloxane) B‐blocks and coupled with several distinct hydrophilic (poly(2‐methyloxazoline) and poly(ethylene glycol)), and poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) or hydrophobic (poly(l‐lactide) A‐blocks terminated in activated dipolarophiles in a rapid fashion with high yield. This methodology overcomes many drawbacks of previously reported metal‐free methods due to its rapid kinetics, versatility, scalability, and ease of introduction of necessary functionality. Nitrile oxide cycloaddition should find use as an attractive macromolecular coupling strategy for the synthesis of biocompatible polymeric nanostructures. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2014, 52, 3134–3141
Effect of PS‐b‐PCL block copolymer on reaction‐induced phase separation in epoxy/PEI blend
Authors: Xia Zonglian , Li Weizhen , Ding Jindian , Li Ao , Gan Wenjun
Published: August 2014

PS‐b‐PCL block copolymer is used to study its influence on the phase evolution of epoxy resin/polyetherimides (PEI) blends cured with methyl tetrahydrophthalic anhydride. The effect of PS‐b‐PCL on the reaction‐induced phase separation of the thermosetting/thermoplastic blends is studied via optical microscopy, scanning electron microscope, and time‐resolved light scattering. The results show that secondary phase separation and typical phase inverted morphologies are obtained in the epoxy/PEI blends with addition of PS‐b‐PCL. It can be attributed to the preferential location of the PS‐b‐PCL in the epoxy‐rich phase, which enhances the viscoelastic effect of epoxy/PEI system and leads to a dynamic asymmetry system between PEI and epoxy. The PS‐b‐PCL block copolymer plays a critical role on the balance of the diffusion and geometrical growth of epoxy molecules. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1395–1402
Theranostic Graphene Oxide for Prostate Cancer Detection and Treatment
Authors: Chavva Suhash Reddy , Pramanik Avijit , Nellore Bhanu Priya Viraka , Sinha Sudarson Sekhar , Yust Brian , Kanchanapally Rajashekhar , Fan Zhen , Crouch Rebecca A , Singh Anant Kumar , Neyland Bethany , Robinson Kimberly , Dai Xuemei , Sardar Dhiraj , Lu Yuefeng , Ray Paresh Chandra
Published: August 2014

Although prostate cancer has been known for thousands of years, it is a major public health issue for men even in the 21st century. As the understanding of cancer biology and the signaling pathways advances, it is now well understood that the detection of prostate cancer circulating tumor cells (CTCs) is an invaluable tool for monitoring the progression and finding possible therapies. Driven by this need, in this article, the development of magnetic‐nanoparticle‐attached theranostic graphene oxide (GO) is reported for targeted capture of prostate CTCs, accurate diagnosis, and combined therapeutic action of prostate cancer. Reported results show that anti‐epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) antibody and A9‐aptamer‐attached flower‐shaped magnetic nanoparticle‐bound 2D graphene can be used for selective capture and label‐free multicolor luminescence imaging of LNCaP prostate cancer cell from infected blood. Experimental data demonstrate that indocyanine green (ICG)‐bound A9‐aptamer‐attached theranostic GO is capable of external near IR 785 nm light‐driven combined synergistic photothermal and photodynamic treatment of prostate cancer. Possible mechanisms for targeted capture, accurate analysis, and combined therapeutic actions have been discussed. Experimental results show that the theranostic GO can have enormous potential for real‐life applications, once optimized properly in clinical settings.
Assessment of respiratory mechanics with forced oscillations in healthy newborns
Authors: Hantos Zoltán , Czövek Dorottya , Gyurkovits Zita , Szabó Hajnalka , Maár Balázs A. , Radics Bence , Virág Katalin , Makan Gergely , Orvos Hajnalka , Gingl Zoltán , Sly Peter D.
Published: August 2014

Background

Lung function data in healthy newborn infants are scarce largely due to lack of suitable techniques, although data for developmental and prenatal exposure studies are much needed. We have modified the forced oscillation technique (FOT) for the measurement of respiratory mechanical impedance (Zrs) in unsedated sleeping infants in the first 3 days of life.

Methods

Zrs was measured during 30‐s epochs of quiet sleep in term neonates born via spontaneous vaginal delivery with a non‐invasive FOT between 8 and 48 Hz. Total respiratory resistance (R), compliance (C) and inertance (I) were obtained by fitting Zrs spectra. Cluster analysis was used to determine a set of minimal Zrs spectra representing optimal respiratory mechanics for each infant.

Results

Successful measurements were obtained in each of the first 3 days in 30/38 (78.9%) neonates. Group mean (± SD) values of R, C, I, and resonant frequency pooled for the 3 days were 45.9 ± 16.6 hPa s L−1, 0.97 ± 0.21 ml hPa−1, 0.082 ± 0.031 hPa s2 L−1 and 19.2 ± 3.2 Hz, respectively. Within‐session variability represented by coefficient of variation was 5.34 ± 3.18% for R and 13.80 ± 8.57% for C. Greater between‐session variability was observed for the individual infants; however, the only statistically significant change over time was a 13% increase in R from day 1 to day 2. Parameter interdependence was significant (r2 = 0.63) between R and I reflecting the large contribution of the upper airways to the total Zrs.

Conclusions

Noninvasive measurement of Zrs can be made in neonates during natural sleep with a high success rate, even in the first hours of life. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:344–352. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Mephedrone alters basal ganglia and limbic dynorphin systems
Authors: German Christopher L. , Alburges Mario E. , Hoonakker Amanda J. , Fleckenstein Annette E. , Hanson Glen R.
Published: August 2014

Mephedrone (4‐methymethcathinone) is a synthetic cathinone designer drug that disrupts central nervous system (CNS) dopamine (DA) signaling. Numerous central neuropeptide systems reciprocally interact with dopaminergic neurons to provide regulatory counterbalance, and are altered by aberrant DA activity associated with stimulant exposure. Endogenous opioid neuropeptides are highly concentrated within dopaminergic CNS regions and facilitate many rewarding and aversive properties associated with drug use. Dynorphin, an opioid neuropeptide and kappa receptor agonist, causes dysphoria and aversion to drug consumption through signaling within the basal ganglia and limbic systems, which is affected by stimulants. This study evaluated how mephedrone alters basal ganglia and limbic system dynorphin content, and the role of DA signaling in these changes. Repeated mephedrone administrations (4 × 25 mg/kg/injection, 2‐h intervals) selectively increased dynorphin content throughout the dorsal striatum and globus pallidus, decreased dynorphin content within the frontal cortex, and did not alter dynorphin content within most limbic system structures. Pretreatment with D1‐like (SCH‐23380) or D2‐like (eticlopride) antagonists blocked mephedrone‐induced changes in dynorphin content in most regions examined, indicating altered dynorphin activity is a consequence of excessive DA signaling. Synapse 68:634–640, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Single‐Crystal Adsorption Calorimetry on Well‐Defined Surfaces: From Single Crystals to Supported Nanoparticles
Authors: Schauermann Swetlana , Silbaugh Trent L. , Campbell Charles T.
Published: August 2014

Single‐crystal adsorption calorimetry (SCAC) measures the energetics of gas–surface interactions in a direct way and can be applied to a broad range of well‐defined model surfaces. In this Personal Account we review some of the recent advances in understanding the interaction of gaseous molecules with single‐crystal surfaces and well‐defined supported metallic nanoparticles by this powerful technique. SCAC was applied on single‐crystal surfaces to determine formation enthalpies of adsorbed molecular fragments typically formed during heterogeneously catalyzed reactions involving hydrocarbons. On supported metal nanoparticles, the binding energies of gaseous species were determined by SCAC as a function of the particle size. The reported data provide valuable information for ongoing research in many fields of heterogeneous catalysis and materials science. In addition, direct calorimetric measurements serve as benchmarks for the improvement of computational approaches to understanding surface chemistry.
Cross‐Cultural Perspectives on Teaching English as a Foreign Language to Children: A Multinational Survey
Authors: Vroom Sara J. , Seaman Alan A.
Published: August 2014

One of the most significant trends in contemporary English language teaching is the dramatic increase in English as a foreign language (EFL) programs for younger children (ages 3–12) in school systems throughout the world. These programs have created special challenges for teachers who are nonnative English speakers (NNES). To document the methodology of NNES teachers of younger children, the authors of this article created 14 classroom teaching videos which were embedded in a web‐based survey. This survey was sent to EFL teachers of children in schools throughout Asia and Latin America as a needs analysis for teachers who would be participating in training programs related to an international textbook series. The results of this survey challenge the stereotypes about these teachers, deepen our understanding of their methodological practices, and provide models for professional development. Although some of the techniques were more familiar to the respondents than others, most of the teachers in this study indicated that they use a broad range of techniques within their local communities of practice. These teachers expressed their willingness to adopt the less familiar techniques if they were provided with appropriate materials and training. Finally, most of the teachers in this study favored collaborative, relational forms of professional development.
Contextualist Theories of the Indicative Conditional and Stalnaker’s Thesis
Authors: Korzukhin Theodore ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: August 2014

Lewis (1976) argued that ‘there is no way to interpret a conditional connective so that,with sufficient generality, the probabilities of conditionals will equal the appropriate conditional probabilities’. However, as Lewis and others have subsequently recognized, Lewis’ triviality results go through only on the assumption that ‘if’ is not context-sensitive. This leaves a question that has not been adequately addressed: what are the prospects of a context-sensitive theory of ‘if’ that complies with Stalnaker’s thesis? I offer one interesting constraint on any such theory. I argue that no context-sensitive theory satisfies Stalnaker’s thesis if it satisfies three plausible assumptions: first, that the truth of an indicative is determined by theworld of evaluation and by the set ofworlds in the relevant epistemic context in which the antecedent is true; second, that one can learn an indicative conditional without learning that the antecedent and consequent are both true; third, that belief revision is conservative in the sense that it does not reduce the probabilities to zero unnecessarily. The result gives us a clearer picture of the real costs of a truth-conditional context-sensitive Stalnaker’s thesis-compliant semantics.
Active learning with support vector machines
Authors: Kremer Jan , Steenstrup Pedersen Kim , Igel Christian
Published: August 2014

In machine learning, active learning refers to algorithms that autonomously select the data points from which they will learn. There are many data mining applications in which large amounts of unlabeled data are readily available, but labels (e.g., human annotations or results coming from complex experiments) are costly to obtain. In such scenarios, an active learning algorithm aims at identifying data points that, if labeled and used for training, would most improve the learned model. Labels are then obtained only for the most promising data points. This speeds up learning and reduces labeling costs. Support vector machine (SVM) classifiers are particularly well‐suited for active learning due to their convenient mathematical properties. They perform linear classification, typically in a kernel‐induced feature space, which makes expressing the distance of a data point from the decision boundary straightforward. Furthermore, heuristics can efficiently help estimate how strongly learning from a data point influences the current model. This information can be used to actively select training samples. After a brief introduction to the active learning problem, we discuss different query strategies for selecting informative data points and review how these strategies give rise to different variants of active learning with SVMs.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning
Symbolic Data Analysis: another look at the interaction of Data Mining and Statistics
Authors: Brito Paula
Published: August 2014

Symbolic Data Analysis (SDA) provides a framework for the representation and analysis of data that comprehends inherent variability. While in Data Mining and classical Statistics the data to be analyzed usually presents one single value for each variable, that is no longer the case when the entities under analysis are not single elements, but groups gathered on the basis of some given criteria. Then, for each variable, variability inherent to each group should be taken into account. Also, when analysing concepts, such as botanic species, disease descriptions, car models, and so on, data entail intrinsic variability, which should be explicitly considered. To this purpose, new variable types have been introduced, whose realizations are not single real values or categories, but sets, intervals, or, more generally, distributions over a given domain. SDA provides methods for the (multivariate) analysis of such data, where the variability expressed in the data representation is taken into account, using various approaches.

This article is categorized under:

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Data Concepts

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Noninvasive techniques provide novel insights for the elusive bush dog (Speothos venaticus)
Authors: DEMatteo Karen E. , Rinas Miguel A. , Argüelles Carina F. , Zurano Juan Pablo , Selleski Nicole , Bitetti Mario S. Di , Eggert Lori S.
Published: August 2014

The bush dog (Speothos venaticus), a small and rarely seen canid from Central and South America, has proven extremely challenging to locate and study in the wild, making the development of species‐specific and comprehensive carnivore conservation strategies difficult. From May to August 2011, a detection‐dog–handler team located 34 scats from bush dogs in the northern (n = 26) and central (n = 8) zones of Misiones, Argentina. We identified 22 unique genotypes (14 northern and 8 central) and assigned sex to 100% of the genotyped scats. Only half of the scats were located inside 7 protected areas (4 northern and 3 central); the remaining half were located in 4 sites outside of protected areas (3 northern and 1 central). Results suggest low but significant differentiation between zones for bush dogs (FST = 0.049, P = 0.010). Bush dogs demonstrated high habitat‐use flexibility and a close association with altered habitat; however, altered habitat may not be optimal for the species because of the potential for lower prey densities and risk of exposure to life threatening diseases by domestic dogs. The effectiveness of noninvasive techniques (detection dogs, genetic analyses of scat, Geographic Information System technology) in studying the ecology of bush dogs not only opens the door for additional studies of a species that has proven difficult to study with standard survey techniques, but also provides an alternative approach that conservationists can use independent of habitat type and presence of humans. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Utilization of by-products derived from bioethanol production process for cost-effective production of lactic acid
Authors: Moon Se-Kwon , Wee Young-Jung , Choi Gi-Wook
Published: August 2014

The by-products of bioethanol production such as thin stillage (TS) and condensed distillers solubles (CDS) were used as a potential nitrogen source for economical production of lactic acid. The effect of those by-products and their concentrations on lactic acid fermentation were investigated using Lactobacillus paracasei CHB2121. Approximately, 6.7 g/L of yeast extract at a carbon source to nitrogen source ratio of 15 was required to produce 90 g/L of lactic acid in the medium containing 100 g/L of glucose. Batch fermentation of TS medium resulted in 90 g/L of lactic acid after 48 h, and the medium containing 10 % CDS resulted in 95 g/L of lactic acid after 44 h. Therefore, TS and CDS could be considered as potential alternative fermentation medium for the economical production of lactic acid. Furthermore, lactic acid fermentation was performed using only cassava and CDS for commercial production of lactic acid. The volumetric productivity of lactic acid [2.94 g/(L·h)] was 37 % higher than the productivity obtained from the medium with glucose and CDS.
O-Succinyl-l-homoserine-based C4-chemical production: succinic acid, homoserine lactone, γ-butyrolactone, γ-butyrolactone derivatives, and 1,4-butanediol
Authors: Hong Kuk-Ki , Kim Jeong Hyun , Yoon Jong Hyun , Park Hye-Min , Choi Su Jin , Song Gyu Hyeon , Lee Jea Chun , Yang Young-Lyeol , Shin Hyun Kwan , Kim Ju Nam , Cho Kyung Ho , Lee Jung Ho
Published: August 2014

There has been a significant global interest to produce bulk chemicals from renewable resources using engineered microorganisms. Large research programs have been launched by academia and industry towards this goal. Particularly, C4 chemicals such as succinic acid (SA) and 1,4-butanediol have been leading the path towards the commercialization of biobased technology with the effort of replacing chemical production. Here we present O-Succinyl-l-homoserine (SH) as a new, potentially important platform biochemical and demonstrate its central role as an intermediate in the production of SA, homoserine lactone (HSL), γ-butyrolactone (GBL) and its derivatives, and 1,4-butanediol (BDO). This technology encompasses (1) the genetic manipulation of Escherichia coli to produce SH with high productivity, (2) hydrolysis into SA and homoserine (HS) or homoserine lactone hydrochloride, and (3) chemical conversion of either HS or homoserine lactone HCL (HSL·HCl) into drop-in chemicals in polymer industry. This production strategy with environmental benefits is discussed in the perspective of targeting of fermented product and a process direction compared to petroleum-based chemical conversion, which may reduce the overall manufacturing cost.
KörperLeibliche Dimensionen der Konstituierung von Grenzen
Authors: Burghard Anna Bea , Magyar-Haas Veronika , Mörgen Rebecca
Published: August 2014

Im Kontext sozialpädagogischer Forschung und Theoriebildung bildet die theoriesystematische Reflexion der Verhältnisse von Körper/Leib und Grenzen eine Leerstelle. Diese Zusammenhänge werden im Beitrag vor dem Hintergrund anthropologischer, poststrukturalistischer, sozialontologischer sowie praxeologischer Theorieperspektiven beleuchtet. In diesen Bestimmungsversuchen erweist sich der Körper zum einen als Grenze sowie in seiner Grenzhaftigkeit, zum anderen sind Körper an der Konstitution von Grenzen ebenfalls beteiligt. Es wird aufgezeigt, dass und wie mittels Markierungen bestimmter Aspekte von und an Körpern symbolische Grenzen, während mit Körpern – wie etwa bei der Konstituierung von Kollektivität und Gemeinschaft – zugleich soziale Grenzen konstruiert werden. Im Zuge der Analysen werden insbesondere Fragen nach der hegemonialen Wahrnehmbarkeit, der (Un)Sichtbarkeiten und des (Un)Sagbaren diskutiert. Die theoriegeleiteten Überlegungen tragen dazu bei, Soziale Arbeit als ‚grenzbearbeitende Wissenschaft‘ körpertheoretisch zu reflektieren.
The Prevalence and Economic Value of Doubling Up
Authors: Pilkauskas Natasha V. , Garfinkel Irwin , McLanahan Sara S.
Published: August 2014

“Doubling up” (living with relatives or nonkin) is a common source of support for low-income families, yet no study to date has estimated its economic value relative to other types of public and private support. Using longitudinal data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, we examine the prevalence and economic value of doubling up among families with young children living in large American cities. We find that doubling up is a very important part of the private safety net in the first few years of a child’s life, with nearly 50 % of mothers reporting at least one instance of doubling up by the time their child is 9 years old. The estimated rental savings from doubling up is significant and comparable in magnitude to other public and private transfers.
MicroRNA‐320a inhibits cell proliferation, migration and invasion by targeting BMI‐1 in nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Qi Xiaoming , Li Jianqiang , Zhou Changbo , Lv Chunlei , Tian Min
Published: August 2014

In the present study, we investigated the roles and molecular mechanisms of miR‐320a in human nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). miR‐320a expression was strongly reduced in NPC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of miR‐320a significantly suppressed NPC cell growth, migration, invasion and tumor growth in a xenograft mouse model. A luciferase reporter assay revealed that miR‐320a could directly bind to the 3′ UTR of BMI‐1. Overexpression of BMI‐1 rescued miR‐320a‐mediated biological function. BMI‐1 expression was found to be up‐regulated and inversely correlated with miR‐320a expression in NPC. Collectively, our data indicate that miR‐320a plays a tumor suppressor role in the development and progression of NPC and may be a novel therapeutic target against NPC.
Fractured Diaphyseal Tibiofibular Synostosis in an Adolescent Soccer Player
Authors: Santa Maria Daniel L. , Shaw Thomas , Allen Marque , Marin James
Published: August 2014

Diaphyseal tibiofibular synostosis is a rare cause of symptomatic shin pain with exertion. In this case, a 14‐year‐old male soccer player presented with atraumatic right shin pain made worse with running. Computed tomography revealed heterotopic ossification, or synostosis, of the tibial–fibular syndesmosis. The patient's symptoms improved with rest, without the need for operative intervention.
Electoral Institutions and Electoral Violence in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Fjelde Hanne , Höglund Kristine
Published: August 2014

Political violence remains a pervasive feature of electoral dynamics in many countries in Sub-Saharan Africa, even where multiparty elections have become the dominant mode of regulating access to political power. With cross-national data on electoral violence in Sub-Saharan African elections between 1990 and 2010, this article develops and tests a theory that links the use of violent electoral tactics to the high stakes put in place by majoritarian electoral institutions. It is found that electoral violence is more likely in countries that employ majoritarian voting rules and elect fewer legislators from each district. Majoritarian institutions are, as predicted by theory, particularly likely to provoke violence where large ethno-political groups are excluded from power and significant economic inequalities exist.
The French Life Insurance Market
Authors: Wrigley A.
Published: August 2014

The origin of savings connected with human life was not a particularly happy one in France. A certain Neapolitan named Lorenzo Tonti submitted to Mazarin, the Finance Minister of ‘Sun King’ Louis XIV, a savings plan, the profits from which would help to replenish the sadly depleted royal coffers of this grandiose monarch. The plan was called a ‘Tontine’ after its originator and provided for a lump sum to be divided amongst the survivors of those who had contributed after a period of say 10 to 15 years. The ‘sales psychology’ was good as the individual is normally of the opinion that he will outlive his contemporaries. Unfortunately the results were disastrous as Parliament refused to ratify the royal edict of 1653 and Mr Tonti was clapped in the Bastille.
How Insolvent Are We?
Authors: Johnson P. D.
Published: August 2014

As we grapple with the problems of conducting non-life insurance in a world of high inflation, we should perhaps pause for a moment to look for historical analogies for our present predicament. Let us, then, look back at a distressing period many years ago in the history of the Kingdom of Carmania.

Inflation was by no means new to the citizens of Carmania. Year after year, all prices and incomes had been rising at a steady rate of 5% per annum. The economy functioned quite well, albeit in a rather uninteresting way, and the people were accustomed to the idea that the purchasing power of the Carmanian dollar would fall by roughly 5% every year. There were, however, some economists who argued that inflation was both undesirable and unnecessary, and prevailed upon the King to adopt some measures which, they assured him, would quickly reduce the rate of inflation to zero. The measures were adopted, and the following year the rate of inflation rose to 10%.
The Emerging Benefits of Computer Techniques or the Computer Techniques Of Emerging Benefits.
Authors: Ashurst R. G. , Day G. H.
Published: August 2014

Actuarial science has always employed theoretical principles in the solution of practical problems and this has often required a substantial amount of numerical work. Most of the calculations involved in conventional actuarial work are not, in concept, particularly difficult; in general, they take the form

Value=Amount payable × probability of payment × discounting factor.

For many years, the major difficulty of those engaged in the development of actuarial science was not the application of the principles behind their calculations, but the practicality of producing numerical answers to any particular problem. Much ingenious work has gone into the development of techniques designed to reduce the computational problems to manageable proportions. The most obvious example is the use of commutation functions, where, once a great deal of basic calculation has been performed, a very powerful tool is available, requiring only simple arithmetic. In an attempt to avoid such onerous numerical work, 'laws of mortality' have been developed. Under these, the decrement table may be described in terms of a mathematical function, which enables analytical techniques to be applied, simplifying the numerical work.
Some Applications of Stochastic Investment Models.
Authors: Wilkie A. D.
Published: August 2014

In November 1983 I gave a talk to the General Applications Section of the Royal Statistical Society jointly with the Institute of Actuaries Students' Society, entitled “Time-Series Analysis in Investment Models: Inflation and Share Prices”, in which I outlined the statistical derivation of a stochastic investment model. This model was presented to the actuarial profession in a paper “A Stochastic Investment Model for Actuarial Use” discussed at the Faculty of Actuaries in November 1984. The statistical background, and other information, is discussed in Occasional Actuarial Research Discussion Paper No. 36, “Steps Towards a Stochastic Investment Model”, which is a sort of Appendix to the Faculty paper. It contains most of the material presented to the Students' Society in 1983.

The Faculty paper described a number of possible applications of stochastic investment models. I stated there that a “stochastic model for investments … can be used by actuaries in almost any circumstance where a rate of interest enters their calculations at present”. That is a pretty wide field. But I suggested that it opened up “wider possibilities for investigation too”. I intend in this paper to describe a number of simple applications of my stochastic investment model, in order to show the flavour of how such a model can be used. None of the topics has been comprehensively investigated, and I am sure that the reader will soon ask questions which I have not answered. I hope that he will be able to think of ways of answering them himself.
Could Bertrand Russell's barber have bitten his own teeth? A problem of logic and definitions
Authors: Aitken Kenneth John
Published: August 2014

Guiding the positive evolution of behavior is an admirable goal. Wilson et al.'s arguments are based largely on studies of problem correction. The methodology is sound, but not the post hoc ergo procter hoc extrapolation. What is required is evidence that it can proactively generate positive change. The evolution of human behavior to date has been affected by many factors that include unmalleable and unpredicted environmental changes.
For public policies, our evolved psychology is the problem and the solution
Authors: Baumard Nicolas
Published: August 2014

For the authors, evolutionary approaches should rely less on evolutionary psychology, which studies innate fixed capacities, and more on cultural selection, which emphasizes cultural learning and symbolic innovation. However, successful policies do not seem to culturally reengineer people. Rather, they work by tapping into old human instincts (fairness preference, reputation management, resource seeking) to motivate individuals to change their behaviors.
The myth of the myth of martyrdom
Authors: Sela Yael , Shackelford Todd K.
Published: August 2014

Lankford asserts that suicide terrorism is attributable to suicidality. We argue in this commentary that this assertion is not well supported theoretically or empirically. In addition, we suggest that failure to acknowledge religious beliefs as motivationally causal for suicide terrorism may place innocent people at risk of murder in the service of political correctness and multiculturalism.
Inferring cognition from action: Does martyrdom imply its motive?
Authors: Weiss David J. , Weiss Jie
Published: August 2014

Drawing inferences about the decision utilities of suicide terrorists from their final action is tempting, but hazardous. Direct elicitation of those utilities would be more informative, but is infeasible. Substituting examination of archival materials for elicitation makes the assumption that leaders and bombers have similar utilities. Insight regarding the beliefs of terrorist leaders might be available from observations of recruitment strategies.
Evidence that suicide terrorists are suicidal: Challenges and empirical predictions
Authors: Lankford Adam
Published: August 2014

The Myth of Martyrdom: What Really Drives Suicide Bombers, Rampage Shooters, and Other Self-Destructive Killersproposes that suicide terrorists are psychologically and behaviorally similar to other people who commit suicide, due to a range of individual, social, and situational factors. Some commentators agree, while others are skeptical, given the lack of information about many attackers' lives. However, the book's position is not simply based on individual case studies; it is also supported by other independent assessments, the confirmation of empirical predictions, the paucity of contradictory evidence, and new applications of evolutionary theory. It is undisputed that human beings behave as the author suggests; it is unknown if they behave as the conventional wisdom suggests. Those who argue that suicide terrorists are psychologically normal and altruistically sacrificing their lives for an ideological cause should bear the burden of proof for those claims.
Development and experimental evaluation of multi-fingered robot hand with adaptive impedance control for unknown environment grasping
Authors: Zhang Ting , Jiang Li , Fan Shaowei , Wu Xinyu , Feng Wei
Published: August 2014

This paper presents adaptive impedance controllers with adaptive sliding mode friction compensation for anthropomorphic artificial hand. A five-fingered anthropomorphic artificial hand with multi-sensory and Field-Programmable Gate Arra (FPGA)-based control hardware and software architecture is designed to fulfill the requirements of the grasping force controller. In order to improve the force-tracking precision, the indirect adaptive algorithm was applied to estimate the parameters of the environment. The generalized momentum-based disturbance observer was applied to estimate the contact force from the torque sensor. Based on the sensors of the finger, an adaptive sliding mode friction compensation algorithm was utilized to improve the accuracy of the position control. The performances of the force-tracking impedance controller and position-based joint impedance control for the five-fingered anthropomorphic artificial hand are analyzed and compared in this paper. Furthermore, the performances of the force-tracking impedance controller with environmental parameters adaptive estimation and without environmental parameters estimation are analyzed and compared. Experimental results prove that accurate force-tracking and stable torque/force response under uncertain environments of unknown stiffness and position can be achieved with the proposed adaptive force-tracking impedance controller with friction compensation on five-finger artificial hand.
EMBEDDEDWH-QUESTIONS IN L2 ENGLISH IN INDIA
Authors: Stringer David
Published: August 2014

This corpus study brings a second language (L2) research perspective, insights from generative grammar, and new empirical evidence to bear on a long-accepted claim in the World Englishes literature—namely, that inversion withwh-movement in colloquial Indian English is obligatory in embedded clauses and impossible in main clauses. It is argued that this register of Indian English is a L2 variety, functioning as part of a multilingual code repertoire, but that syntactic universals apply to first and second languages alike. Despite recent attempts at formalization, this distribution should be unattested, as such a grammar would fall outside the constraints of Universal Grammar and would contradict proposed discourse-pragmatic principles of natural language. A Perl program was created to search the Indian subcorpus of the International Corpus of English (Greenbaum, 1996) for relevant distributional patterns. Results reveal thatwh-inversion in Indian English operates in the same way as in other varieties: It is robustly attested in main clauses and appears only occasionally in embedded clauses where syntactic and pragmatic conditions allow; it is obligatory only with interrogative complementizer deletion. Thus, contrary to the standard account but commensurate with recent corpus studies, users of English in India exhibit knowledge of universal constraints in this domain.
The Contention between Han “Civilizers” and Yi “Civilizees” over Environmental Governance: A Case Study of Liangshan Prefecture in Sichuan
Authors: Heberer Thomas
Published: August 2014

During field research on environmental governance in the Liangshan Yi Autonomous Prefecture in 2012, the author studied the Chinese state's efforts to promote its agenda and “civilizing mission,” the resistance of local Yi people to both, and the resulting clash of discourses on environmental protection. To understand the nature and mechanisms involved in this conflict, the author focuses on the state's “civilizing mission” in light of Foucault's power concept. The article examines two issues: 1) the strategies by which the central state exerts power and asserts its policies in a minority area, i.e. how it attempts to steer the behaviour of local cadres in order to implement its modernization concept, and 2) whether and to what degree it makes a difference that the researched area is a “minority” (Yi) area. To answer these questions, one county in the prefecture was taken as a case study. Furthermore, this article continuously refers to the policy field of environmental governance to substantiate the thesis of a civilizing project conducted by the centre.
Frailty in relation to sedentary behaviours and moderate-vigorous intensity physical activity
Authors: Blodgett Joanna , Theou Olga , Kirkland Susan , Andreou Pantelis , Rockwood Kenneth
Published: August 2014

As the mean life expectancy of the population continues to increase, the challenge for individuals is to remain healthy and fit throughout their life span. This review examines the relationships between moderate-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour in relation to the fitness-frailty continuum. The association between increased physical activity and decreased adverse health outcomes is firmly established. A direct association between frailty and moderate-vigorous physical activity has been established to a lesser degree. What has some potential to undermine even these gains is the increasingly recognized relationship between sedentary behaviour and poor health. It now seems likely that sedentary behaviour can have a negative impact on an individual's health, over and above that of meeting the recommendations of moderate-vigorous physical activity. Individuals must consider both increasing their level of moderate-vigorous physical activity and minimizing their level of sedentary behaviour during all aspects of daily life.