bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gadget Loving: A Test of an Integrative Model
Authors: Shoham Aviv , Pesämaa Ossi
Published: February 2013

Following the seminal work of Bruner and Kumar (2007) on gadget loving, this paper views gadget loving as the attachment individuals have toward advanced electronic items and how such an attachment relates to actual use (i.e., actual gadgets ownership). It extends existing research in two important ways. First, it provides a retest of the reliability and validity of the gadget‐loving scale in two new countries (Israel and Sweden), thus adding to the generalizability of the scale across cultures. Second, it develops and tests an integrative model that includes gadget loving as a central construct as well as several antecedents and consequences proposed as important topics for future research in the extant literature. The results show that inherent novelty seeking, technological innovativeness, and technical curiosity predict the gadget‐loving trait, which in turn affects technological opinion leadership and gadget ownership. These findings have theoretical and practical implications.
Third Party Customers Infecting Other Customers for Better or for Worse
Authors: Tombs Alastair G. , McColl‐Kennedy Janet R.
Published: February 2013

In this article the effect of the displayed emotions of third party customers and purchase occasion on customers are examined, even when there is no direct interaction between customers. Three independent studies, including two experiments are employed. The first experiment examines the effects of both positive and negative displayed emotions of third party customers and purchase occasion on customer emotions and repurchase intentions, when there is no direct interaction between customers. The second experiment captures changes in the customers’ affective state on a moment‐by‐moment basis enabling differentiation between the effects of the service environment and the intervention of exposure to the displayed emotions of third party customers. Results show that customers are “infected” by the displayed emotions of third party customers even when there is no direct interaction between the customers. It is also demonstrated that the purchase occasion affects the type and intensity of emotions customers experience and the likelihood of repurchase. Implications for scholarly research and retailers are discussed.
Graph‐Based Consensus Clustering for Combining Multiple Clusterings of Chemical Structures
Authors: Saeed Faisal , Salim Naomie , Abdo Ammar , Hentabli Hamza
Published: February 2013

Consensus clustering methods have been successfully used for combining multiple classifiers in many areas such as machine learning, applied statistics, pattern recognition and bioinformatics. In this paper, consensus clustering is used for combining the clusterings of chemical structures to enhance the ability of separating biologically active molecules from inactive ones in each cluster. Two graph‐based consensus clustering methods were examined. The Quality Partition Index method (QPI) was used to evaluate the clusterings and the results were compared to the Ward’s clustering method. Two homogeneous and heterogeneous subsets DS1–DS2 of MDL Drug Data Report database (MDDR) were used for experiments and represented by two 2D fingerprints. The results, obtained by a combination of multiple runs of an individual clustering and a single run of multiple individual clusterings, showed that graph‐based consensus clustering methods can improve the effectiveness of chemical structures clusterings.
Forchheimer and added mass effects in the flow towards a well
Authors: Nader José Jorge
Published: February 2013

In this note, we examine the flow towards a well in a confined aquifer in the presence of an interaction force defined by the sum of three terms, namely, a Darcy term (linear in the velocity), a Forchheimer term (quadratic in the velocity), and an added‐mass term (linear in the acceleration). We obtain the exact dynamic solution for the piezometric head distribution around the well and investigate the relative importance of the non‐Darcian terms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A Case‐Based Approach to the Practical Application of Dexmedetomidine in Critically Ill Adults
Authors: MacLaren Robert , Krisl Jill C. , Cochrane Rebecca E. , Mueller Scott W.
Published: February 2013

Dexmedetomidine is a selective α2‐adrenoceptor agonist that offers unique sedation because patients are readily awakened while administration continues and the drug does not suppress the respiratory center. Limitations of use include higher acquisition cost, inability to produce deep sedation, and bradycardia and hypotension. Using a case‐based approach, the purpose of this review was to qualitatively assess the role of dexmedetomidine in the care of the critically ill and in the management of alcohol withdrawal, and to formulate recommendations regarding its clinical application. Sixty‐six studies were identified that investigated dexmedetomidine for the provision of sedation. These studies were heterogeneous in design and patient populations; most investigated patients did not require heavy sedation, and few used propofol as the comparator. In general, though, the aggregate results of all studies demonstrate that dexmedetomidine provides comfort, possibly shortens the duration of mechanical ventilation to facilitate extubation, reduces the occurrence of acute brain dysfunction, and facilitates communication, but the drug is associated with hemodynamic instability and requires the supplemental use of traditional sedative and analgesic agents. These outcomes need to be substantiated in additional studies that include assessments of cost‐effectiveness. Dexmedetomidine should be considered when patients require mild to moderate levels of sedation of short to intermediate time frames, and they qualify for daily awakenings with traditional sedative therapies. The data for dexmedetomidine in relation to alcohol withdrawal are limited to 12 retrospective reports representing a total of 127 patients. Its role for this indication requires further study, but it may be considered as adjunctive therapy when clinicians are concerned about respiratory suppression associated with escalating doses of γ‐aminobutyric acid agonists. Regardless of the indication for dexmedetomidine, the practitioner must closely monitor patient comfort and the occurrence of hemodynamic deviations with the realization that as‐needed administration of traditional sedatives and analgesics will be required and some degree of bradycardia and hypotension expected but intervention rarely required.
The Role of Human Carboxylesterases in Drug Metabolism: Have We Overlooked Their Importance?
Authors: Casey Laizure S. , Herring Vanessa , Hu Zheyi , Witbrodt Kevin , Parker Robert B.
Published: February 2013

Carboxylesterases are a multigene family of mammalian enzymes widely distributed throughout the body that catalyze the hydrolysis of esters, amides, thioesters, and carbamates. In humans, two carboxylesterases, hCE1 and hCE2, are important mediators of drug metabolism. Both are expressed in the liver, but hCE1 greatly exceeds hCE2. In the intestine, only hCE2 is present and highly expressed. The most common drug substrates of these enzymes are ester prodrugs specifically designed to enhance oral bioavailability by hydrolysis to the active carboxylic acid after absorption from the gastrointestinal tract. Carboxylesterases also play an important role in the hydrolysis of some drugs to inactive metabolites. It has been widely believed that drugs undergoing hydrolysis by hCE1 and hCE2 are not subject to clinically significant alterations in their disposition, but evidence exists that genetic polymorphisms, drug‐drug interactions, drug‐disease interactions and other factors are important determinants of the variability in the therapeutic response to carboxylesterase‐substrate drugs. The implications for drug therapy are far‐reaching, as substrate drugs include numerous examples from widely prescribed therapeutic classes. Representative drugs include angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitors, angiotensin receptor blockers, antiplatelet drugs, statins, antivirals, and central nervous system agents. As research interest increases in the carboxylesterases, evidence is accumulating of their important role in drug metabolism and, therefore, the outcomes of pharmacotherapy.
Melanoma survivors at high risk of developing new primary disease: a qualitative examination of the factors that contribute to patient satisfaction with clinical care
Authors: McLoone J. K. , Watts K. J. , Menzies S. W. , Barlow‐Stewart K. , Mann G. J. , Kasparian N. A.
Published: February 2013

Background

Providing ongoing clinical care that adequately addresses patients' medical, psychosocial and information needs is challenging, particularly for patient groups at increased risk of developing life‐threatening disease such as malignant melanoma. This study examined a model of clinical care developed by the High Risk Clinic (HRC) of the Sydney Melanoma Diagnostic Centre in relation to patient satisfaction.

Methods

Semi‐structured telephone interviews were conducted and analyzed using the framework of Miles and Huberman, and themes were organized using the qualitative software package, QSR NVivo8.

Results

Twenty HRC patients participated in the study (nine men, 11 women; mean age 57.6 years, age range 34–74 years; response rate 91%). Satisfaction with clinical care at the HRC was high. Factors contributing to patient satisfaction included: rapid and regular access to physicians who were perceived by participants as experts, the development of confidence and trust in one's treating doctor, and a sense of being cared about and understood by one's healthcare team. Although one‐third of the participants reported some inconveniences in attending the clinic, these were viewed as minor difficulties and not significant barriers to care. Formal psychological support was not sought or expected by participants, although many expressed long‐standing melanoma‐related fears and concerns.

Conclusions

Accessible, expert medical attention, delivered in a patient‐centered manner was integral to melanoma survivors' satisfaction with clinical management. Appropriate referrals to psychological support may further increase satisfaction with clinical care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Composite Cathodes Containing SWCNT@S Coaxial Nanocables: Facile Synthesis, Surface Modification, and Enhanced Performance for Li‐Ion Storage
Authors: Zhang Shu‐Mao , Zhang Qiang , Huang Jia‐Qi , Liu Xiao‐Fei , Zhu Wancheng , Zhao Meng‐Qiang , Qian Wei‐Zhong , Wei Fei
Published: February 2013

The arrangement and construction of 1D carbon nanotubes (CNTs) into frameworks with two or more levels of structures is an essential step to demonstrate their intrinsic properties and promising applications for energy storage. Single‐walled CNTs (SWCNTs) are considered to have more excellent properties compared with multiwalled CNTs (MWCNTs), however, how to appropriately use SWCNTs as building blocks for nanocomposite electrodes is not well understood. Here, a composite cathode containing SWCNT@S coaxial nanocables for Li‐S battery is fabricated by a facile melt‐diffusion strategy. Beneficial from its sp2 carbon nanostructure, higher specific surface area, larger aspect ratio, and interconnected electron pathway, the SWCNT@S cathode have reversible capacities of 676, 441 and 311 mAh g−1 for the first discharging at 0.5 C, 100th discharging at 1.0 C, and discharging at 10.0 C, respectively. These capacities are much higher than the corresponding capacities of the MWCNT@S cathode. By introducing polyethylene glycol (PEG) as a physical barrier to trap the highly polar polysulfide species, the PEG modified SWCNT@S cathode afforded improved reversible capacities. The cycling stability of the reversible capacities is expected to be further improved. The SWCNTs can serve as scaffolds for Li‐S battery with much improved energy storage performance.
Dietary chlorantraniliprole suppresses reproduction in worker bumblebees
Authors: Smagghe Guy , Deknopper Janna , Meeus Ivan , Mommaerts Veerle
Published: February 2013

BACKGROUND

Pollinators such as the bumblebee, Bombus terrestris, fulfil a crucial role in agriculture. In this context, tests were conducted with the insecticide chlorantraniliprole (Coragen®) as a model compound active on the ryanodine receptor of insects.

RESULTS

Chronic oral exposure via pollen induced lethargic behaviour in B. terrestris workers and their offspring (drones). Indeed, in nests exposed to 0.4 mg L−1, representing 1/100 of the concentration recommended for use in the field, workers and drones did not take their defensive position upon stimulation and they were less active than non‐exposed insects. The different risk assessment tests used here demonstrated that contact and pollen exposure had no effect on bumblebee worker survival, whereas oral exposure via sugar water caused both acute (72 h LC50 = 13 mg L−1) and chronic (7 week LC50 = 7 mg L−1) toxicity. Severe sublethal effects on reproduction were recorded in nests orally exposed to pollen treated with chlorantraniliprole.

CONCLUSION

The present study identified an important physiological endpoint of sublethal effects on reproduction, as this is associated with lethargic behaviour after oral intake. As such, this is a factor that should now be incorporated into future risk assessments. Secondly, it confirmed that the assessment of sublethal effects on behaviour is needed for adequate risk assessment of ‘potentially deleterious’ compounds with a neurogenic target, as is also pointed out in the recent European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) guidelines. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
Non‐target effects of herbicides on soil nematode assemblages
Authors: Zhao Jie , Neher Deborah A , Fu Shenglei , Li Zhi'an , Wang Kelin
Published: February 2013

Background

Herbicides are used extensively to control weeds. However, little is known about the non‐target effects of herbicides on soil nematode assemblages. The objective of this study was to determine whether herbicides affect the abundance of nematodes in specific trophic groups. Meta‐analysis was performed, and the calculated effect size,lr, quantified the impact of herbicides on the abundance of total nematodes and five trophic groups (bacterivores, fungivores, plant parasites, omnivores and predators).

Results

Measurements oflrindicated that herbicides decreased abundance of both fungivores and predators; however, abundance of bacterivores, plant parasites and omnivores increased. Overall, total nematode abundance tended to increase in response to herbicide application.

Conclusion

The decrease in predator abundance suggests that herbicide application disturbs soil food webs. The increase in bacterivore and decrease in fungivore abundance suggest that bacterivores are more tolerant and both fungivores and predators more sensitive to herbicide applications. Herbicides also have non‐target effects on omnivores, which may be due to the increased amount of food resources for omnivores after weed control. Additionally, the use of herbicides may result in a risk of an increase in plant‐parasitic nematode abundance. © 2012 Society of Chemical Industry
Approximate Bayesian computation via regression density estimation
Authors: Fan Yanan , Nott David J. , Sisson Scott A.
Published: February 2013

Approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) methods, which are applicable when the likelihood is difficult or impossible to calculate, are an active topic of current research. Most current ABC algorithms directly approximate the posterior distribution, but an alternative, less common strategy is to approximate the likelihood function. This has several advantages. First, in some problems, it is easier to approximate the likelihood than to approximate the posterior. Second, an approximation to the likelihood allows reference analyses to be constructed based solely on the likelihood. Third, it is straightforward to perform sensitivity analyses for several different choices of prior once an approximation to the likelihood is constructed, which needs to be done only once. The contribution of the present paper is to consider regression density estimation techniques to approximate the likelihood in the ABC setting. Our likelihood approximations build on recently developed marginal adaptation density estimators by extending them for conditional density estimation. Our approach facilitates reference Bayesian inference, as well as frequentist inference. The method is demonstrated via a challenging problem of inference for stereological extremes, where we perform both frequentist and Bayesian inference. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
RNA dot plots: an image representation for RNA secondary structure analysis and manipulations
Authors: Churkin Alexander , Barash Danny
Published: February 2013

Dot plots were originally introduced in bioinformatics as dot‐containing images used to compare biological sequences and identify regions of close similarity between them. In addition to similarity, dot plots were extended to possibly represent interactions between building blocks of biological sequences, where the dots can vary in size or color according to desired features. In this survey, we first review their use in representing an RNA secondary structure, which has mostly been applied for displaying the output secondary structures as a result of running RNA folding prediction algorithms. Such a result may often contain suboptimal solutions in addition to the optimal one, which can be easily incorporated in the dot plot. We then proceed from their passive use of providing RNA secondary structure snapshots to their active use of illustrating RNA secondary structure manipulations in beneficial ways. While comparison between RNA secondary structures can mostly be done efficiently using a string representation, there are notable advantages in using dot plots for analyzing the suboptimal solutions that convey important information about the structure of the RNA molecule. In addition, structure‐based alignment of dot plots has been advanced considerably and the filtering of dot plots that considers chemical and enzymatic data from structure determination experiments has been suggested. We discuss these procedures and how they can be enhanced in the future by using an image representation to analyze RNA secondary structures and examine their manipulations. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:205–216. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1154

This article is categorized under:

RNA Evolution and Genomics > Computational Analyses of RNA
Using population genetics for management of bobcats in oregon
Authors: Reding Dawn M. , Carter Carolyn E. , Hiller Tim L. , Clark William R.
Published: February 2013

In Oregon, USA, bobcats on either side of the Cascade Mountain Range are recognized as distinct subspecies, with Lynx rufus fasciatus west and Lynx rufus pallescens east of the Cascades. These subspecies are currently managed for harvest as separate populations primarily because of substantial differences in regional pelt values. We used genetic data to determine whether bobcats in Oregon are subdivided into genetically discernible populations that support current regional management regulations. We collected 250 tissue samples from 12 a priori sampling districts, and generated data from 15 microsatellite markers and approximately 1 kB of mtDNA sequence. Results of clustering analyses based on the microsatellite data indicated strong support for the presence of 2 genetic populations, generally corresponding to the 2 subspecies. Analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA) indicated significant structure between the east and west regions, which accounted for 1.7% of the total variation in microsatellites. AMOVA based on the mtDNA sequences indicated significant structure between regions, accounting for 12.8% of the mtDNA variation. With both microsatellite and mtDNA data, we observed a significant pattern of isolation‐by‐distance, whereby geographically proximate sampling districts were more genetically similar than were more distant districts. We identified 21 putative migrants, individuals with genotypes more likely to have originated from the opposite region, showing that the Cascade Mountain Range apparently is not an absolute barrier to gene flow. Given the potential for differential harvest effort by region based on differences in pelt values and bobcat densities, and the vulnerability of bobcats to harvest, our results support the current management framework. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Anthropogenic impacts to the recovery of the Mexican gray wolf with a focus on trapping‐related incidents
Authors: Turnbull Trey T. , Cain James W. , Roemer Gary W.
Published: February 2013

Concerns regarding the potential negative impacts of regulated furbearer trapping to reintroduced Mexican gray wolves (Canis lupus baileyi), led to an executive order prohibiting trapping in the New Mexico, USA, portion of the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area. This ban was to last for 6 months and required an evaluation of the risk posed to wolves by traps and snares legally permitted in New Mexico. We reviewed potential threats to wolves in the Blue Range Wolf Recovery Area, including threats associated with regulated furbearer trapping. One hundred Mexican gray wolf mortalities have been documented during the reintroduction effort (1998–2011). Of those mortalities with a known cause, >81% were human‐caused resulting from illegal shooting (n = 43), vehicle collisions (n = 14), lethal removal by the United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS; n = 12), non‐project‐related trapping (n = 2), project‐related trapping (n = 1), and legal shooting by the public (n = 1). Ten wolves died due to unknown causes. The remaining 17 mortalities were a result of natural causes (e.g., starvation, disease). An additional 23 wolves were permanently, but non‐lethally, removed from the wild by the USFWS. Of 13 trapping incidents in New Mexico that involved non‐project trappers (i.e., trappers not associated with USFWS or U.S. Department of Agriculture‐Wildlife Services), 7 incidents are known to have resulted in injuries to wolves: 2 wolves sustained injuries severe enough to result in leg amputations and 2 additional wolves died as a result of injuries sustained. Foothold traps with rubber‐padded jaws and properly set snares may reduce trap‐related injuries to Mexican gray wolves; however, impacts caused by trapping are overshadowed by other anthropogenic impacts (e.g., illegal shooting, non‐lethal permanent removal, and vehicle collisions). © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
Eliminative Behavior of Captive Numbats, Myrmecobius fasciatus (Mammalia; Marsupialia): Pattern and Identification of Fecal Deposits
Authors: Hogan Lindsay A. , Lisle Allan T. , Johnston Stephen D.
Published: February 2013

This study examined the spatial defecation patterns of numbats within captivity and tested the efficacy of a food colorant as a fecal marker in this species. Rather than randomly distributing scats throughout their environment, the numbats aggregated their feces at specific sites forming latrines. It is unclear whether the strong inclination for latrine formation was due to this species' inherent behavior or is a direct result of captivity. Males were found to have a higher daily defecation rate, different defecation time, larger number of latrines, and greater number of scats per quadrant, as compared to females. In this study, the majority of scats were deposited along enclosure boundaries and for both sexes there was a higher probability of latrines being placed along enclosure fencing shared with a female neighbor. The high concentration of latrines along boundaries suggests that they may play a role in territorial defense. The results also indicated that captive numbats tend to choose defecation points away from food and refuge sites. Transit and total retention time of the marker through the GIT was ≤3 hr and between 24 and 27 hr, respectively. A marker dose of 3 gtts feed−1 × 2 feeds day−1 was required to reach a steady and detectable state of marker output, which enabled accurate identification of individual samples during the breeding season. Reliable labeling was obtained using blue and red colored food dye, and there was no evidence that incorporation of the marker into the diet had any negative effects on food intake. Zoo Biol. 32:324–331, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals Inc.
Behavioural phenotypes of the mucopolysaccharide disorders: a systematic literature review of cognitive, motor, social, linguistic and behavioural presentation in the MPS disorders
Authors: Cross E. M. , Hare D. J.
Published: February 2013

Background

The mucopolysaccharide disorders (MPS) are a group of recessively inherited metabolic disorders resulting in progressive physical and cognitive decline.

Materials and methods

MEDLINE, PsycINFO and Embase databases were searched, alongside manual screening, to identify relevant literature. Papers were included in the review if they were published in a peer reviewed journal and conducted empirical research into cognitive, motor, social or linguistic development or behaviour in one or more MPS disorders.

Results

Twenty‐five papers were reviewed. Two papers used methodology of a sufficiently high standard to demonstrate a behavioural phenotype; both found sleep disturbance to be part of the phenotype of MPS III. Fearfulness and sleep disturbance were frequently observed in people with MPS I and II. Cognitive and motor impairment and decline, and challenging behaviour were highly prevalent in the severe form of MPS II. Cognitive decline and severe behavioural problems relating to aggression, hyperactivity, orality, unusual affect and temper tantrums were seen in MPS III.

Conclusions

Sleep disturbance is part of the behavioural phenotype of MPS III, and challenging behaviour is highly prevalent in MPS II and MPS III, therefore the efficacy of behavioural interventions for these populations should be investigated. Further research into the behaviour and adaptive skills of children with MPS III and MPS IV is required.
Evaluation of Physico‐Chemical and Sensory Quality During Storage of Soybean and Canola Oils Packaged in PET Bottles
Authors: Fuentes Paula Heidy Aguilera , do Prado Ana Cristina Pinheiro , Ogliari Paulo , Deschamps Francisco Carlos , BarreraArellano Daniel , Bolini Helena Maria A. , Block Jane Mara
Published: February 2013

The objective was to evaluate the quality of soybean and canola oils packaged in PET bottles during their shelf life. Considering the limit for the peroxide value established by Brazilian legislation the soybean and canola oils were outside the specification at between 75 and 165 days of storage, respectively, that is, before the end of the period of validity established by the producer (6 months and 1 year, respectively). The sensory analysis revealed alterations in the oil attributes of ‘aroma’ and ‘taste’ at between 180 and 300 days of storage, although the grades did not reveal significant alterations or a reduction in the acceptance of the products. The results obtained indicate that the physico‐chemical quality parameters of soybean and canola oils produced in Brazil are outside the specification before the end of the validity period declared by the producers, the critical parameters being the peroxide and acid indices.
Verflechtungen zwischen Industrie und unternehmensorientierten Dienstleistungen – eine empirische Analyse für das Rheinland
Authors: Hamm Rüdiger
Published: February 2013

As projected by the “Three-Sector Hypothesis” structural change in highly developed countries is characterized by an increasing importance of the tertiary sector at the expense of the secondary sector. This change can be explained by the structural expansion of production oriented services. The paper analyzes the kind of cooperation and the linkages of service industries and manufacturing branches using the results of a firm survey carried out in parts of the German Rhineland. One result is that especially knowledge intensive services help to broaden the regions’ export-base and thus foster regional economic development. Furthermore the results of the survey show that service industries and manufacturing industries are highly and mutually linked to each other. In doing so the manufacturing industries demand highly specialized services; vice versa the service industries give innovative impulses helping to increase the competitive capability of industrial firms. There are clear hints that the meaning of manufacturing industry in this network is higher than some empirical analyses can show. Regions might be well advised, therefore, not to neglect the locational requirements of manufacturing industries.
Nuclear hormone receptor functions in keratinocyte and melanocyte homeostasis, epidermal carcinogenesis and melanomagenesis
Authors: Hyter Stephen , Indra Arup K.
Published: February 2013

Skin homeostasis is maintained, in part, through regulation of gene expression orchestrated by type II nuclear hormone receptors in a cell and context specific manner. This group of transcriptional regulators is implicated in various cellular processes including epidermal proliferation, differentiation, permeability barrier formation, follicular cycling and inflammatory responses. Endogenous ligands for the receptors regulate actions during skin development and maintenance of tissue homeostasis. Type II nuclear receptor signaling is also important for cellular crosstalk between multiple cell types in the skin. Overall, these nuclear receptors are critical players in keratinocyte and melanocyte biology and present targets for cutaneous disease management.
Recent insights into the complexity of Tank‐binding kinase 1 signaling networks: The emerging role of cellular localization in the activation and substrate specificity of TBK1
Authors: Helgason Elizabeth , Phung Qui T. , Dueber Erin C.
Published: February 2013

Tank‐binding kinase 1 (TBK1) serves as an important component of multiple signaling pathways. While the majority of research on TBK1 has focused on its role in innate immunity, critical functions for TBK1 in autophagy and cancer are beginning to emerge. This review highlights recent structural and biochemical studies that provide insights into the molecular mechanism of TBK1 activation and summarizes what is known to date about TBK1 substrate selection. Growing evidence suggests that both processes rely on TBK1 subcellular localization, with a variety of adaptor proteins each directing TBK1 to discrete signaling complexes for different cellular responses. Further study of TBK1‐mediated pathways will require careful consideration of TBK1 mechanisms of activation and specificity for proper dissection of these distinct signaling cascades.
Biophysics of actin filament severing by cofilin
Authors: Elam W. Austin , Kang Hyeran , De La Cruz Enrique M.
Published: February 2013

The continuous assembly and disassembly of actin filament networks is vital for cellular processes including division, growth, and motility. Network remodeling is facilitated by cofilins, a family of essential regulatory proteins that fragment actin filaments. Cofilin induces net structural changes in filaments that render them more compliant in bending and twisting. A model in which local stress accumulation at mechanical discontinuities, such as boundaries of bare and cofilin‐decorated filament segments, accounts for the cofilin concentration dependence of severing, including maximal activity at sub‐stoichiometric binding densities. Real‐time imaging of cofilin‐mediated filament severing supports the boundary‐fracture model. The severing model predicts that fragmentation is promoted by factors modulating filament mechanics (e.g. tethering, cross‐linking, or deformation), possibly explaining enhanced in vivo severing activities.
Testis‐specific lactate dehydrogenase is expressed in somatic tissues of plateau pikas
Authors: Wang Duowei , Wei Lian , Wei Dengbang , Rao Xinfeng , Qi Xinzhang , Wang Xiaojun , Ma Benyuan
Published: February 2013

LDH‐C4 is a lactate dehydrogenase that catalyzes the interconversion of pyruvate with lactate. In mammals the, Ldh‐c gene was originally thought to be expressed only in testis and spermatozoa. Plateau pika (Ochotona curzoniae), belonging to the genus Ochotona of the Ochotonidea family, is a hypoxia tolerant mammal living at 3000–5000 m above sea levelon the Qinghai‐Tibet Plateau. We found that the expression pattern of six LDH isoenzymes in the somatic tissues of female and male plateau pikas to be the same as those in testis and sperm, suggesting that LDH‐C4 was expressed in somatic tissues of plateau pika. Here we report the detection of LDHC in the somatic tissues of plateau pika using RT‐PCR, Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Our results indicate that Ldh‐c mRNA is transcribed in the heart, liver, lung, kidney, brain, skeletal muscle and testis. In somatic tissues LDHC was translated in the cytoplasm, while in testis it was expressed in both cytoplasm and mitochondria. The third band from cathode to anode in LDH isoenzymes was identified as LDH‐C4. The finding that Ldh‐c is expressed in both somatic tissues and testis of plateau pika provides important implications for more in‐depth research into the Ldh‐c function in mammals.
High B‐type natriuretic peptide levels predict a hypercoagulable state in otherwise low‐risk patients with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Sadanaga Tsuneaki , Mitamura Hideo
Published: February 2013

The D‐dimer and B‐type natriuretic peptide (BNP) levels in relation to CHADS2 and CHA2DS2–VASc scores in 59 patients with atrial fibrillation who were not receiving anticoagulant therapy were analyzed. Among 19 patients with CHADS2 scores of 0–1, 3 of the 7 patients with elevated BNP levels also had elevated D‐dimer levels. Among 8 patients with CHA2DS2–VASc scores of 1, 2 of the 3 patients with elevated BNP levels also had elevated D‐dimer levels. Therefore, D‐dimer levels can be elevated in low‐risk patients when BNP levels are high, and anticoagulation therapy should be considered for these patients.
p53 codon 72 polymorphism in Taiwanese breast cancer patients
Authors: Chen Fang‐Ming , Ou‐Yang Fu , Yang Sheau‐Fang , Tsai Eing‐Mei , Hou Ming‐Feng
Published: February 2013

There are clear discrepancies between ethnicity and geographic area regarding the peak age incidence and mortality of breast cancer. Underlying variances include genetic, environmental, and socioeconomic factors. The wild‐type p53 codon has two common polymorphic variants from a single‐base‐pair substitution at codon 72, where either C‐C‐C encodes proline (p53‐p72) or C‐G‐C encodes arginine (p53‐R72). We aim to study the p53 codon 72 genotypes of patients with breast cancer in Taiwan and make a comparison with the published data to ascertain whether any difference exists between Taiwanese and Western patients with breast cancer. We also evaluated the effect of the p53 codon 72 polymorphism on clinicopathologic features. We examined blood from 170 Taiwanese women with breast cancer with polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism for the genotypes of p53 codon 72. For the p53 codon 72 polymorphism, there were 31 p53‐P/P72 (18.2%), 93 p53‐R/P72 (54.7%), and 46 p53‐R/R72 (27.1%) with the allele frequencies 0.54 for the p53‐R72 and 0.46 for p53‐P72, respectively. Our results indicate that there was more p53‐P72 (40.6% in Asians vs. 26.4% in Caucasians) and twice the incidence of p53‐P/P72 homozygotes (18% in Asians vs. 8% in Caucasians) among the Asian population. Patients with the p53‐R/R72 variant were more likely to have a t1 tumor size status (55.2%) compared with patients with the P53‐P/R72 (30.9%) or P53‐P/P72 variant (36%). Our results support the hypothesis that genetic factors may contribute to the difference between Taiwanese or Asian breast cancer and Western breast cancer patient populations.
The Talazhin plagiodunite–troctolite–anorthosite–gabbro massif (East Sayan): petrogeochemistry and ore potential
Authors: Yurichev A.N. , Chernyshov A.I. , Konnikov A.E.
Published: February 2013

The petrology and ore potential of the Talazhin massif located in northwestern East Sayan are studied. The internal structure of the intrusion, the petrographic composition of its rocks, and their metallogenic, petrostructural, and petrogeochemical features are considered. The probable temperature and chemical composition of the parental magma of the pluton were computed using the KOMAGMAT-3.52 program on the modeling of equilibrium crystallization. The obtained data indicate that the Talazhin massif is a rhythmically layered plagiodunite–troctolite– anorthosite–gabbro intrusion formed from low-Ti high-alumina olivine–basalt melt. It is promising for Cu–Ni–PGE mineralization.
Self-consistent pressure scales based on the equations of state for ruby, diamond, MgO, B2–NaCl, as well as Au, Pt, and other metals to 4 Mbar and 3000 K
Authors: Sokolova T.S. , Dorogokupets P.I. , Litasov K.D.
Published: February 2013

Based on the modified formalism of Dorogokupets and Oganov (2007), we calculated the equation of state for diamond, MgO, Ag, Al, Au, Cu, Mo, Nb, Pt, Ta, and W by simultaneous optimization of the data of shock-wave experiments and ultrasonic, X-ray diffraction, dilatometric, and thermochemical measurements in the temperature range from ~ 100 K to the melting points and pressures of up to several Mbar, depending on the material. The obtained room-temperature isotherms were adjusted with a shift of the R1 luminescence line of ruby, which was measured simultaneously with the unit cell parameters of metals in the helium and argon pressure media. The new ruby scale is expressed as P(GPa) = 1870⋅Δλ / λ0(1 + 6⋅Δλ / λ0). It can be used for correction of room-pressure isotherms of metals, diamond, and periclase. New simultaneous measurements of the volumes of Au, Pt, MgO, and B2-NaCl were used for interrelated test of obtained equations of state and calculation of the room-pressure isotherm for B2-NaCl. Therefore, the constructed equations of state for nine metals, diamond, periclase, and B2-NaCl can be considered self-consistent and consistent with the ruby scale and are close to a thermodynamic equilibrium. The calculated PVT relations can be used as self-consistent pressure scales in the study of the PVT properties of minerals using diamond anvil cell in a wide range of temperatures and pressures.
Time correlation of crack formation during impact fracture of rocks
Authors: Shcherbakov I.P. , Kuksenko V.S. , Chmel A.E.
Published: February 2013

Samples of marble and granite with different grain sizes were subjected to impact fracturing under laboratory conditions. The acoustic-emission (AE) signals generated by growing cracks were detected at 10-ns intervals. Synchronically, the fractoluminescence (FL) resulting from the breakage of interatomic bonds on the sample surface was recorded. The duration of the intervals between the AE signals was shown to be a power-law function, typical of correlated (self-similar) processes. However, the FL signals did not follow this law, because the duration of free-radical formation is much shorter than the intervals at which they appear when chemical bonds break down. The AE data indicate that new cracks appear more often in materials with a smaller grain size.
Stress state and deformation of the Earth’s crust in the Altai–Sayan mountain region
Authors: Rebetsky Yu.L. , Kuchai O.A. , Marinin A.V.
Published: February 2013

We present the results of tectonophysical reconstruction of natural stresses of the Earth’s crust in the Altai–Sayan mountain region using cataclastic analysis of fault slips and seismic data on the focal mechanisms of earthquakes. This method allows one to obtain the parameters of the total stress tensor by invoking additional data: generalized experimental data on the brittle fracture of rocks, seismic data on the released stress of strong earthquakes, and data on the topography and density of rocks. Results of the tectonophysical reconstruction of stresses showed significant inhomogeneity of the stress state, which is manifested not only in the variation of the strike and dip of the principal axes of the stress tensor, determining changes in the geodynamic regime of the Earth’s crust, but also in the close location of the regions of high and low isotropic tectonic pressure in relation to the lithostatic pressure. The variance of the ratio of tectonic pressure to lithostatic pressure is in the range of 0.59–1.31, with an average value for the region close to unity. This paper discusses internal or external mechanisms capable of generating the stress field obtained by the tectonophysical reconstruction.
Divided Brains
Authors: Rogers Lesley J. , Vallortigara Giorgio , Andrew Richard J.
Published: February 2013

Asymmetry of the brain and behaviour (lateralization) has traditionally been considered unique to humans. However, research has shown that this phenomenon is widespread throughout the vertebrate kingdom and found even in some invertebrate species. A similar basic plan of organisation exists across vertebrates. Summarising the evidence and highlighting research from the last twenty years, the authors discuss lateralization from four perspectives - function, evolution, development and causation - covering a wide range of animals, including humans. The evolution of lateralization is traced from our earliest ancestors, through fish and reptiles to birds and mammals. The benefits of having a divided brain are discussed, as well as the influence of experience on its development. A final chapter discusses outstanding problems and areas for further investigation. Experts in this field, the authors present the latest scientific knowledge clearly and engagingly, making this a valuable tool for anyone interested in the biology and behaviour of brain asymmetries.
Prisoners of War in the Hundred Years War
Authors: Ambühl Rémy
Published: February 2013

The status of prisoners of war was firmly rooted in the practice of ransoming in the Middle Ages. By the opening stages of the Hundred Years War, ransoming had become widespread among the knightly community, and the crown had already begun to exercise tighter control over the practice of war. This led to tensions between public and private interests over ransoms and prisoners of war. Historians have long emphasised the significance of the French and English crowns' interference in the issue of prisoners of war, but this original and stimulating study questions whether they have been too influenced by the state-centred nature of most surviving sources. Based on extensive archival research, this book tests customs, laws and theory against the individual experiences of captors and prisoners during the Hundred Years War, to evoke their world in all its complexity.
The Natural Law Foundations of Modern Social Theory
Authors: Chernilo Daniel
Published: February 2013

After several decades in which it became a prime target for critique, universalism remains one of the most important issues in social and political thought. Daniel Chernilo reassesses social theory's universalistic orientation and explains its origins in natural law theory, using an impressive array of classical and contemporary sources that include, among others, Habermas, Leo Strauss, Weber, Marx, Hegel, Rousseau and Hobbes. The Natural Law Foundations of Modern Social Theory challenges previous accounts of the rise of social theory, recovers a strong idea of humanity, and revisits conventional arguments on sociology's relationship to modernity, the enlightenment and natural law. It reconnects social theory to its scientific and philosophical roots, its descriptive and normative tasks and its historical and systematic planes. Chernilo's defense of universalism for contemporary social theory will surely engage students of sociology, political theory and moral philosophy alike.
Evidence for Health
Authors: Andermann Anne
Published: February 2013

Evidence for Health: From Patient Choice to Global Policy is a practical guide to evidence-informed decision-making. It provides health practitioners and policy-makers with a broad overview of how to improve health and reduce health inequities, as well as the tools needed to make informed decisions that will have a positive influence on health. Chapters address questions such as: What are the major threats to health? What are the causes of poor health? What works to improve health? How do we know that it works? What are the barriers to implementation? What are the measures of success? The book provides an algorithm for arriving at evidence-informed decisions that take into consideration the multiple contextual factors and value judgements involved. Written by a specialist in public health with a wealth of international experience, this user-friendly guide demystifies the decision-making process, from personal decisions made by individual patients to global policy decisions.
Discourse Analysis and Media Attitudes
Authors: Baker Paul , Gabrielatos Costas , McEnery Tony
Published: February 2013

Is the British press prejudiced against Muslims? In what ways can prejudice be explicit or subtle? This book uses a detailed analysis of over 140 million words of newspaper articles on Muslims and Islam, combining corpus linguistics and discourse analysis methods to produce an objective picture of media attitudes. The authors analyse representations around frequently cited topics such as Muslim women who wear the veil and 'hate preachers'. The analysis is self-reflexive and multidisciplinary, incorporating research on journalistic practices, readership patterns and attitude surveys to answer questions which include: what do journalists mean when they use phrases like 'devout Muslim' and how did the 9/11 and 7/7 attacks affect press reporting? This is a stimulating and unique book for those working in fields of discourse analysis and corpus linguistics, while clear explanations of linguistic terminology make it valuable to those in the fields of politics, media studies, journalism and Islamic studies.
Can Russia Modernise?
Authors: Ledeneva Alena V.
Published: February 2013

In this original, bottom-up account of the evolution of contemporary Russia, Alena Ledeneva seeks to reveal how informal power operates. Concentrating on Vladimir Putin's system of governance - referred to as sistema - she identifies four key types of networks: his inner circle, useful friends, core contacts and more diffuse ties and connections. These networks serve sistema but also serve themselves. Reliance on networks enables leaders to mobilise and to control, yet they also lock politicians, bureaucrats and businessmen into informal deals, mediated interests and personalised loyalty. This is the 'modernisation trap of informality': one cannot use the potential of informal networks without triggering their negative long-term consequences for institutional development. Ledeneva's perspective on informal power is based on in-depth interviews with sistema insiders and enhanced by evidence of its workings brought to light in court cases, enabling her to draw broad conclusions about the prospects for Russia's political institutions.
Introducing Language Typology
Authors: Moravcsik Edith A.
Published: February 2013

Language typology identifies similarities and differences among languages of the world. This textbook provides an introduction to the subject which assumes minimal prior knowledge of linguistics. It offers the broadest coverage of any introductory book, including sections on historical change, language acquisition, and language processing. Students will become familiar with the subject by working through numerous examples of crosslinguistic generalizations and diversity in syntax, morphology, and phonology, as well as vocabulary, writing systems, and signed languages. Chapter outlines and summaries, key words, a glossary, and copious literature references help the reader understand and internalize what they have read, while activities at the end of each chapter reinforce key points.