bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Negotiating creation in imperial times (Rm 8:18−30)
Authors: Punt Jeremy
Published: February 2013

Appreciation for the literary qualities and structural function of Romans 8:18−30 abounds. Recently, some attention has also been given to ostensible anti-imperial sentiments in the letter that Paul directed to a Jesus-follower community in the heart of the Roman Empire. Tensions and ambiguities inherent in this passage become more pointed when it is read with attention to the interplay between creation, conflict and empire. The focus of this contribution is on how creation is portrayed and negotiated in Romans 8:18−30, given its underlying Jewish setting which ought to be filled out by the imperial-infused environment. Acknowledging an anti-imperial thrust in Romans 8:18−30 but reading from a postcolonial perspective offers the advantage of accounting specifically for ambivalence typical of conflict situations characterised by unequal power relations, all of which are appropriate and vital for the interpretation of this passage.
A Unifying Mathematical Framework for Genetic Robustness, Environmental Robustness, Network Robustness and their Trade-offs on Phenotype Robustness in Biological Networks. Part III: Synthetic Gene Networks in Synthetic Biology
Authors: Chen Bor-Sen , Lin Ying-Po
Published: February 2013

Robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation are ubiquitous systematic properties that are observed in biological systems at many different levels. The underlying principles for robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation are universal to both complex biological systems and sophisticated engineering systems. In many biological networks, network robustness should be large enough to confer: intrinsic robustness for tolerating intrinsic parameter fluctuations; genetic robustness for buffering genetic variations; and environmental robustness for resisting environmental disturbances. Network robustness is needed so phenotype stability of biological network can be maintained, guaranteeing phenotype robustness. Synthetic biology is foreseen to have important applications in biotechnology and medicine; it is expected to contribute significantly to a better understanding of functioning of complex biological systems. This paper presents a unifying mathematical framework for investigating the principles of both robust stabilization and environmental disturbance attenuation for synthetic gene networks in synthetic biology. Further, from the unifying mathematical framework, we found that the phenotype robustness criterion for synthetic gene networks is the following: if intrinsic robustness + genetic robustness + environmental robustness ≤ network robustness, then the phenotype robustness can be maintained in spite of intrinsic parameter fluctuations, genetic variations, and environmental disturbances. Therefore, the trade-offs between intrinsic robustness, genetic robustness, environmental robustness, and network robustness in synthetic biology can also be investigated through corresponding phenotype robustness criteria from the systematic point of view. Finally, a robust synthetic design that involves network evolution algorithms with desired behavior under intrinsic parameter fluctuations, genetic variations, and environmental disturbances, is also proposed, together with a simulation example.
Molecular composition of dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, α-dicarbonyls and fatty acids in atmospheric aerosols from Tanzania, East Africa during wet and dry seasons
Authors: Mkoma S. L. , Kawamura K.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Atmospheric aerosol samples of PM2.5 and PM10 were collected during the wet and dry seasons in 2011 from a rural site in Tanzania and analysed for water-soluble dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, α-dicarbonyls, and fatty acids using a gas chromatography/flame ionization detector (GC/FID) and GC/mass spectrometry. Here we report the molecular composition and sources of diacids and related compounds for wet and dry seasons. Oxalic acid (C2) was found as the most abundant diacid species followed by succinic and/or malonic acids whereas glyoxylic acid and glyoxal were the dominant ketoacid and α-dicarbonyl, respectively in both seasons in PM2.5 and PM10. Mean concentration of C2 in PM2.5 (121 ± 47 ng m−3) was lower in wet season than dry season (258 ± 69 ng m−3). Similarly, PM10 samples showed lower concentration of C2 (169 ± 42 ng m−3) in wet season than dry season (292 ± 165 ng m−3). Relative abundances of C2 in total diacids were 65% and 67% in PM2.5 and 65% and 64% in PM10 in the wet and dry seasons, respectively. Total concentrations of diacids (289–362 ng m−3), ketoacids (37.8–53.7 ng m−3), and α-dicarbonyls (5.7–7.8 ng m−3) in Tanzania are higher than those reported at a rural background site in Nylsvley (South Africa) but comparable or lower than those reported from sites in Asia and Europe. Diacids and ketoacids were found to be present mainly in PM2.5 in both seasons (total α-dicarbonyls in the dry season), suggesting a production of organic acids from pyrogenic sources and photochemical oxidations. Averaged contributions of total diacids to aerosol total carbon were 1.4% in PM2.5 and 2.1% in PM10 during wet season and 3.3% in PM2.5 and 3.9% in PM10 during dry season whereas those to water-soluble organic carbon were 2.2% and 4.7% in PM2.5 during wet season and 3.1% and 5.8% in PM10 during dry season. The higher ratios in dry season suggest an enhanced photochemical oxidation of organic precursors probably via heterogeneous reactions on aerosols under strong solar radiation. Strong positive correlations were found among diacids and related compounds as well as good relations to source tracers in both seasons, suggesting a mixed source from natural biogenic emissions, biomass burning, biofuel combustion, and photochemical production.
The effects of intermittent exposure to low pH and oxygen conditions on survival and growth of juvenile red abalone
Authors: Kim T. W. , Barry J. P. , Micheli F.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Exposure of nearshore animals to hypoxic, low pH waters upwelled from below the continental shelf and advected near the coast may be stressful to marine organisms and lead to impaired physiological performance. We mimicked upwelling conditions in the laboratory and tested the effect of fluctuating exposure to water with low pH and/or low oxygen levels on the mortality and growth of juvenile red abalone (Haliotis rufescens, shell length 5–10 mm). Mortality rates of juvenile abalone exposed to low pH (7.5, total scale) and low O2 (40% saturation, 5 mg L−1) conditions for periods of 3 to 6 h every 3–5 days over 2 weeks did not differ from those exposed to control conditions (O2: 100% saturation, 12 mg L−1; pH 8.0). However, when exposure was extended to 24 h repeated twice over a 15 day period, juveniles experienced higher mortality in the low oxygen treatments compared to control conditions, regardless of pH levels (pH 7.5 vs. 8.0). Growth rates were reduced significantly when juveniles were exposed to low pH or low oxygen treatments and the growth was lowest when low pH exposure was combined with low O2. Furthermore, individual variation of growth rate increased when they were exposed to low pH and low O2 conditions. These results indicate that prolonged exposure to low oxygen levels is detrimental for the survival of red abalone, whereas both pH and oxygen is a crucial factor for their growth. However, given the higher individual variation in growth rate, they may have an ability to adapt to extended exposure to upwelling conditions.
Detecting hotspots of atmosphere–vegetation interaction via slowing down – Part 2: Application to a global climate model
Authors: Bathiany S. , Claussen M. , Fraedrich K.
Published: February 2013

Abstract. Early warning signals (EWS) have become a popular statistical tool to infer stability properties of the climate system. In Part 1 of this two-part paper we have presented a diagnostic method to find the hotspot of a sudden transition as opposed to regions that experience an externally induced tipping as a mere response. Here, we apply our method to the atmosphere–vegetation model PlanetSimulator (PlaSim) – VECODE using a regression model. For each of two vegetation collapses in PlaSim-VECODE, we identify a hotspot of one particular grid cell. We demonstrate with additional experiments that the detected hotspots are indeed a particularly sensitive region in the model and give a physical explanation for these results. The method can thus provide information on the causality of sudden transitions and may help to improve the knowledge on the vulnerability of certain subsystems in climate models.
Aphrodite against Athena, Artemis, and Hestia A Contest oferga
Authors: Strolonga Polyxeni
Published: February 2013

This paper explores the function of the description of the erga of Athena, Artemis, and Hestia at the beginning of the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite. Though praise of the three virgin goddesses initially casts Aphrodite in a less favorable light, in the course of the Hymn Aphrodite’s primary association with unlimited, natural, and instinctive desire undergoes a transformation through which she is linked with the realm of productive love and male succession. Aphrodite’s erga in the end relate more closely to her role in cult and reveal her beneficial relationship with mortals.
Performing the Patron-Client Relationship: Dramaturgical Cues in Horace’sSermones2.5
Authors: Klein V. Sophie
Published: February 2013

This article interprets Horace’s Sermones 2.5 as a short play intended for spoken performance. It identifies and examines the dramaturgical cues encoded within the satire, in particular the stage directions, metrical prompts, and ethopoeia of supporting characters. These elements inform an actor’s reading of the poem and spotlight the theatricality inherent in the patron-client relationship, the satire’s central subject. I argue that Horace intentionally activates the language of the stage in order to characterize the client as an actor and to underline the scripted nature of his words and gestures toward his patron.
Anchises CensoriusVergil, Augustus, and the Census of 28 B.C.E.
Authors: Kondratieff Eric
Published: February 2013

In Vergil’s Aeneid, Anchises, like Aeneas, may be seen as a pattern of Augustus, as his survey of his progeny reflects Augustus’ censorial activity (Augustus conducted his first census, without holding the office of censor, in 28 B.C.E.). This theory is supported by: verbal cues alluding to Rome’s topography and the location for the upper-class recognitio equitum; technical terms used to describe Anchises’ activity as he assesses his descendants; Anchises’ hortatory and monitory speech, similar to that of censors known from other literary works; and Vergil’s choice of heroes to represent the republic, most of whom were censors or from censorial families.
Why is Jason Climbing the Dragon? A Hidden Catasterism in Valerius Flaccus’Argonautica8
Authors: Castelletti Cristiano
Published: February 2013

This paper explains a controversial key passage in the episode of the capture of the Fleece in Valerius Flaccus (8.109-20). Through a complex network of allusions, involving an astronomical context, the poet exploits the analogies between the myth of the Golden Fleece and the myth of the Golden Apples of the Hesperides to establish a connection between the last actions of Jason in Colchis and the last labor of Hercules. The connection highlights the difference between the two characters and their destinies: Hercules will reach glory in the sky, while Jason will fall deeper into human tragedy. This feature also provides a concluding function to the poem, drawing together the beginnings and endings of Hercules’ and Jason’s labores with the beginning and ending of Valerius’ epic.
The Manipulation of Juno’s μῆνιϛ: A Note on Lucan’sBC9.505 and Silius Italicus’Pun.12.284
Authors: Trinacty Christopher
Published: February 2013

This note investigates the repetition of a bilingual pun found first in Vergil’s Aeneid by Lucan and Silius Italicus. It is shown that both authors utilize this pun as a means of intertextuality, and that it leads to an identification between the figures of Juno, Cato, and Hannibal.
In Support of Clinical Case Reports: A System of Causality Assessment
Authors: Kiene Helmut , Hamre Harald J. , Kienle Gunver S.
Published: February 2013

The usefulness of clinical research depends on an assessment of causality. This assessment determines what constitutes clinical evidence. Case reports are an example of evidence that is frequently overlooked because it is believed they cannot address causal links between treatment and outcomes. This may be a mistake. Clarity on the topic of causality and its assessment will be of benefit for researchers and clinicians.

This article outlines an overall system of causality and causality assessment. The system proposed involves two dimensions: horizontal and vertical; each of these dimensions consists of three different types of causality and three corresponding types of causality assessment. Included in this system are diverse forms of case causality illustrated with examples from everyday life and clinical medicine. Assessing case causality can complement conventional clinical research in an era of personalized medicine.
The Return of Caribou to Ungava
Authors: Reimers Eigil
Published: February 2013

A.T. Bergerud, Stuart Luttich, & Lodewijk Camps. “The Return of Caribou to Ungava.” McGill-Queen’s University Press, Montreal, Quebec. 586pp. ISBN 978-0-7735-3233-5.
Vehicle Routing Problem with Backhaul, Multiple Trips and Time Window
Authors: Ong Johan Oscar , . Suprayogi
Published: February 2013

Transportation planning is one of the important components to increase efficiency and effectiveness in the supply chain system. Good planning will give a saving in total cost of the supply chain. This paper develops the new VRP variants’, VRP with backhauls, multiple trips, and time window (VRPBMTTW) along with its problem solving techniques by using Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) and Sequential Insertion as initial solution algorithm. ACO is modified by adding the decoding process in order to determine the number of vehicles, total duration time, and range of duration time regardless of checking capacity constraint and time window. This algorithm is tested by using set of random data and verified as well as analyzed its parameter changing’s. The computational results for hypothetical data with 50% backhaul and mix time windows are reported.
Integrasi Produksi - Distribusi pada Supply Chain dengan Pendekatan Hybrid Analitik - Simulasi
Authors: Garside Annisa Kesy , Wahyuono R. Hadi , Widyarini Tiananda
Published: February 2013

Integrated production-distribution problem resolution using analytical model lacks of consideration of many uncertainties along supply chain line such as delays, queues, machine breakdown, vehicle malfunction, and environmental factor. By utilizing simulation as complex stochastic system modelling, this research aims to develop hybrid analytical-simulation approach to resolve integrated production-distribution model. Time capacity adjustment is required if production-distribution plan obtained from analytical model requires longer production and delivery time than available. The adjustment is using a procedure developed based on duration obtained from simulation model and is used to obtain adjusted time capacity. The implementation of hybrid method to resolve integrated production-distribution problem on two echelon supply chain with 2 factories and 5 DCs shows a feasible solution was obtained on the third iteration
Dampak Penerapan Kultur Lokal Tri Hita Karana terhadap Orientasi Kewirausahaan dan Orientasi Pasar
Authors: Riana I Gede
Published: February 2013

This study aims to investigate the impact of Tri Hita Karana culture toward entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation of SMEs of silver craft in Bali. The population of this research is all small and medium size enterprises of silver craft in Bali. By using purposive random sampling, 110 small and medium size enterprises located in four regencies in Bali were selected as samples. The data collection technique was distributing questionnaires. Furthermore, to test the inter-variabels influence, inferential analysis of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) is applied using Partial Least Square (PLS) approach. The findings of this research are Tri Hita Karana culture could improve the entrepreneurial orientation and market orientation. It was also found that the entrepreneurial orientation influence the market orientation.
Minimalisasi Kekurangan Material melalui Implementasi Quality Control Circle
Authors: Panjaitan Togar W. S. , A. Y. A. Debora , Yessicha Marissa
Published: February 2013

The revolution of traditional quality management concept into total quality management (TQM) inspired industry for establishing and implementing quality control circle (QCC). Before starting a project as the implementation of the QCC, the training was held for supporting the knowledge of the QCC team. As the pilot project of the QCC, this research will try to minimize the percentage of the lack material in the production process of 8340 type by working together with the QCC team. The result of QCC implementation could reach the target set by the team, the percentage of the lack material reached less than 3%. The percentage of the lack material kontaktarm reduced from 3.09% to 0.00%, flachdrahtspule reduced from 9.20% to 0.40%, and niet reduced from 7.71% to 2.73%. Besides, the implementation of QCC also resulted in positive impact for all the members of the team about the benefits and experiences gained.
Model Persediaan Multi Item dengan Mempertimbangkan Faktor Kedaluwarsa dan Faktor All Unit Discount
Authors: Limansyah Taufik , Lesmono Dharma
Published: February 2013

This paper deals with determination of ordering policy for perishable goods, namely joint order policy or individual order policy. Expiration date is an important factor to be considered in the inventory system, especially in chemical or food industry. The problem becomes more complicated when the company has more goods with different expired dates. Another factor that has an influence to the inventory system is the supplier discount factor. A company can get benefit from this factor in order to reduce a total cost of inventory. In this paper, performance’s criteria used for the selected policy is ordering policy that minimize the total cost of inventory by considering the expiration date and all unit discount.
Model Penentuan Nilai Target Functional Requirement Berbasis Utilitas
Authors: Rosyidi Cucuk Nur
Published: February 2013

In a product design and development process, a designer faces a problem to decide functional requirement (FR) target values. That decision is made under a risk since it is conducted in the early design phase using incomplete information. Utility function can be used to reflect the decision maker attitude towards the risk in making such decision. In this research, we develop a utility-based model to determine FR target values using quadratic utility function and information from Quality Function Deployment (QFD). A pencil design is used as a numerical example using quadratic utility function for each FR. The model can be applied for balancing customer and designer interest in determining FR target values.
Peranan Manajemen Puncak, Wakil Manajemen, dan Konsultan dalam Tahap Awal Penerapan Sistem Manajemen Mutu
Authors: Sutapa I Nyoman
Published: February 2013

The success of implementing the quality management system (QMS) ISO 9001:2008 for the family companies that applying in the initial stage will be the beginning of the strategic competitiveness. To develop, implement, control, and improve the QMS, it required roles, responsibilities, and sufficient authority for implementing actors. In this study, five hypotheses put forward by processing 30 data samples from the two companies of truck and bemo, and motorcycle parts’s company. The results of hypothesis testing showed the successful application of SMM in the family companies that already implementing QMS in the initial stage, significantly influenced by the roles, responsibilities, and authority from top management, and bridged with the role and tasks of the management representative and companion consultant.
Desain Prototipe Meja dan Kursi Pantai Portabel dengan Integrasi Pendekatan Ergonomi, Value Engineering dan Kansei Engineering
Authors: Restantin Nora Yuanita , Ushada Mirwan , Ainuri Makhmudun
Published: February 2013

This research highlighted a methodology to design prototype of portable dining table and chairs for the beach by the integration of Ergonomic, Value Engineering and Kansei Engineering. The case study of the research is on Kuwaru Beach. It has its special features compared to other beach that is an open green space which is filled with pine trees shrimp. The location is become a visitors favorite place in enjoying the beauty of sea and the culinary feature. However sand is exposed to sea breeze could contaminate food. While visitors “lesehan seating” position makes visitors easily get exhausted. This gives an altenative that provides dining facilities to support the outdoor atmosphere with the type rather than “lesehan” based on ergonomic approach and Value Engineering. Research using the concept of Kansei Engineering aims to get the design of portable dining table and chairs which comfortable and practical by developing product based on the imagination consumers. Research result indicated the best performance is obtained by the prototype concept I which have a total cost of Rp 500000.00 and a value based visitors 66.20 × 10-5 and restaurant owner 71.19 × 10 -5.
The spatio‐temporal variability of annual precipitation and its local impact factors during 1724–2010 in Beijing, China
Authors: Zhai Yuanzheng , Guo Yongli , Zhou Jun , Guo Na , Wang Jinsheng , Teng Yanguo
Published: February 2013

Rapid population growth and increased economic activity impose an urgent challenge on the sustainability of water resources in Beijing. Understanding the spatial and temporal variability of precipitation is of the upmost importance in order to sustain the region's water resources. Two time series, one long term (1724–2010) from a single meteorological station and a shorter time series (1980–2010) from 20 different meteorological stations within the Beijing area, were analysed using Linear Regression, Moving Average, Mann–Kendall, Rescaled Range and Spatial Interpolation methods. Results from both the long‐ and short‐term meteorological data show a mean annual precipitation rate of 600 mm and 540 mm respectively. Annual precipitation rates have decreased during the 21st century by an estimated 100 mm or 16% in comparison to the 1990s. The 1980–2010 data show an increase in precipitation during the early 1990s followed by a sharp decrease during the subsequent years. The change of annual precipitation with time is more random and diverse in comparison to space. The main local impact factors (terrain, urbanization and elevation) and how they work on the local precipitation especially the spatial diversity are identified qualitatively. Generally speaking, (1) the annual precipitation of the plain area is more than that of the mountainous area (terrain effect), (2) the annual precipitation of the urban area in the plain area is obviously more than that of the surrounding suburb area (urbanization effect) and (3) the annual precipitation of the lower location is approximately more than that of the higher location (elevation effect). Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Study on effect of surface roughness on overland flow from different geometric surfaces through numerical simulation
Authors: Maske Sunil P. , Jain Manoj K.
Published: February 2013

Effect of variability in surface roughness on overland flow from different geometric surfaces is investigated using numerical solution of diffusion wave equation. Three geometric surfaces rectangular plane, converging and diverging plane at slopes 1 to 3% are used. Overland flow is generated by applying rainfall at constant intensity of 10 mm/h for period 30 min and 100 min. Three scenarios of spatial roughness conditions viz. roughness increasing in downstream direction, roughness decreasing in downstream direction and roughness distributed at random are considered. Effect of variability of roughness on overland flow in terms of depth, velocity of flow and discharge along the distance from upstream to downstream for different geometric surfaces are discussed in detail. Results from the study indicate that roughness distribution has significant effect on peak, time to peak and overall shape of the overland flow hydrograph. The peak occurs earlier for the scenario when roughness increases in downstream direction as compared to scenario when roughness is decreasing in downstream for all three geometric surfaces due to very low friction factor and more velocity at the top of the domain. The converging plane attains equilibrium state early as compared to rectangular and diverging plane. Different set of random values result in different time to peak and shape of hydrograph for rectangular and diverging plane. However, in case of converging plane, the shape of computed hydrographs remains almost similar for different sets of random roughness values indicating stronger influence of converging geometry than effect due to variation of roughness sequence on computed runoff hydrograph. Hierarchically, the influence of geometry on overland flow is stronger than the influence of slope and the influence of slope is stronger than the influence of roughness. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal and spatial response of hyporheic zone geochemistry to a storm event
Authors: Zimmer Margaret A. , Lautz Laura K.
Published: February 2013

Although there has been recent focus on understanding spatial variability in hyporheic zone geochemistry across different morphological units under baseflow conditions, less attention has been paid to temporal responses of hyporheic zone geochemistry to non‐steady‐state conditions. We documented spatial and temporal variability of hyporheic zone geochemistry in response to a large‐scale storm event, Tropical Storm Irene (August 2011), across a pool–riffle–pool sequence along Chittenango Creek in Chittenango, NY, USA. We sampled stream water as well as pore water at 15 cm depth in the streambed at 14 locations across a 30 m reach. Sampling occurred seven times at daily intervals: once during baseflow conditions, once during the rising limb of the storm hydrograph, and five times during the receding limb. Principal component analysis was used to interpret temporal and spatial changes and dominant drivers in stream and pore water geochemistry (n = 111). Results show the majority of spatial variance in hyporheic geochemistry (62%) is driven by differential mixing of stream and ground water in the hyporheic zone. The second largest driver (17%) of hyporheic geochemistry was temporal dilution and enrichment of infiltrating stream water during the storm. Hyporheic sites minimally influenced by discharging groundwater (‘connected’ sites) showed temporal changes in water chemistry in response to the storm event. Connected sites within and upstream of the riffle reflected stream geochemistry throughout the storm, whereas downstream sites showed temporally lagged responses in some conservative and biogeochemically reactive solutes. This suggests temporal changes in hyporheic geochemistry at these locations reflect a combination of changes in infiltrating stream chemistry and hyporheic flowpath length and residence time. The portion of the study area strongly influenced by groundwater discharge increased in size throughout the storm, producing elevated Ca2+ and concentrations in the streambed, suggesting zones of localized groundwater inputs expand in response to storms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Role of dewfall in the water balance of a semiarid coastal steppe ecosystem
Authors: Uclés O. , Villagarcía L. , Moro M. J. , Canton Y. , Domingo F.
Published: February 2013

Dewfall is widely recognized as an important source of water for many ecosystems, especially in arid and semiarid areas, contributing to improve daily and annual water balances and leading to increased interest in its study in recent years. In this study, occurrence, frequency and amount of dewfall were measured from January 2007 to December 2010 (4 years study) to find out its contribution to the local water balance in a Mediterranean semiarid steppe ecosystem dominated by scattered tussocks of Stipa tenacissima (Balsa Blanca, Almería, SE Spain). For this purpose, we developed a dewfall measurement method, ‘The Combined Dewfall Estimation Method’ (CDEM). This method consists of a combination of the potential dewfall model, i.e. the single‐source Penman–Monteith evaporation model simplified for water condensation, with information from leaf wetness sensors, rain gauge data, soil surface temperature and dew point temperature. To assess the reliability of the CDEM, dewfall was measured in situ using weighing microlysimeters during a period of 3 months. Daily micrometeorological variables involved in a dewfall event were analysed in order to assess the significance of dewfall at this site. Dewfall condensation was recorded on 78% of the nights during the study period. Average monthly dewfall duration was 9.6 ± 3.2 h per night. Average dewfall was 0.17 ± 0.10 mm per night and was mostly dependent on dewfall duration. Dewfall episodes were longer in late autumn and winter and shorter during spring. Annual dewfall represented the 16%, 23%, 15% and 9% of rainfall on 2007, 2008, 2009 and 2010, respectively. Furthermore, when a wet period was compared to a dry one, the dewfall contribution to the water balance at the site was found to be 8% and 94%, respectively. Our results highlight the relevance of dewfall as a constant source of water in arid ecosystems, as well as its significant contribution to the local water balance, mainly during dry periods where it may represent the only source of water at the site. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The spectrum of cognitive disorders in Parkinson's disease: A data‐driven approach
Authors: Dujardin Kathy , Leentjens Albert F.G. , Langlois Carole , Moonen Anja J.H. , Duits Annelien A. , Carette Anne‐Sophie , Duhamel Alain
Published: February 2013

The objective of this study was to identify different cognitive phenotypes in Parkinson's disease (PD) using a data‐driven approach. A model‐based cluster analysis was conducted on the neuropsychological test results of 558 PD patients from 2 European movement disorder centers (Lille, n = 403; Maastricht, n = 155). The number of clusters was determined according to their clinical relevance as well as on the basis of 3 statistical criteria: the cubic cluster criterion, the pseudo F statistic, and the total squared correlation ratio (R2). A factorial discriminant analysis was performed to assess the quality of the cluster's separation. Descriptive variables were used to further characterize the clusters. A 5‐cluster model was considered the clinically most relevant. The 5 clusters comprised: (1) cognitively intact patients (19.39%); (2) patients without cognitive deficits but with slight mental slowing (41.29%); (3) patients with slightly impaired overall cognitive efficiency and deficits in all cognitive domains except recognition memory (12.93%); (4) patients with severe mental slowing, impaired overall cognitive efficiency, and severe cognitive impairment in all domains, including memory (23.88%); and (5) patients with very severe impairment in all cognitive domains (2.51%). Cognitively intact patients were significantly younger and had received more years of formal education. Patients in the last 3 clusters had more severe motor symptoms, longer disease duration, and more axial signs. In the last cluster, most patients were demented. Our results confirm the heterogeneity of cognitive presentations in PD, ranging from cognitively intact patients with rather high levels of performance in each cognitive domain to very severely impaired patients. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Selective executive dysfunction but intact risky decision‐making in early Huntington's disease
Authors: Holl Anna K. , Wilkinson Leonora , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Painold Annamaria , Jahanshahi Marjan
Published: February 2013

Executive dysfunction, including problems with decision‐making, inhibition of prepotent responses, and verbal fluency, are main features of Huntington's disease (HD). The decline of executive function in HD is related to the anatomical progression of HD pathology in the basal ganglia, where the earliest changes of neuronal cell death are seen in the dorsolateral caudate. To examine the specific pattern of executive dysfunction in early HD, 18 patients with early HD were assessed on: (1) the Iowa Gambling Task to measure risky decision making, (2) the Stroop test to measure inhibition of prepotent responses, and (3) the verbal fluency test to measure internally guided word search and production, necessitating suppression of retrieval/production of inappropriate words and monitoring of the output. Patients with early HD were significantly impaired on the Stroop and verbal fluency tests relative to controls. However, Iowa Gambling Task performance was comparable across the 2 groups. This pattern of selective executive dysfunction in early HD probably reflects the fact that inhibitory processing involved in both the Stroop and verbal fluency tests recruits the dorsolateral caudate and its cortical connections, which are dysfunctional in early HD, whereas risky decision‐making during the Iowa Gambling Task recruits the ventromedial caudate and its connections, which remain spared early on in the disease. The current results demonstrate that the deterioration of executive functioning in HD is variable and that some types of executive processing might already be impaired in early HD, whereas others remain intact. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Crystal structure of Ruminococcus albus cellobiose 2‐epimerase: Structural insights into epimerization of unmodified sugar
Authors: Fujiwara Takaaki , Saburi Wataru , Inoue Sota , Mori Haruhide , Matsui Hirokazu , Tanaka Isao , Yao Min
Published: February 2013

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Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 potentially influences cholesterol uptake in macrophages and reverse cholesterol transport
Authors: Shen Li , Peng Hong-chun , Nees Shannon N. , Zhao Shui-ping , Xu Dan-yan
Published: February 2013

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) promotes the degradation of low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLRs) molecules expressed on the cell surface. Gene inactivation of PCSK9 reduces the areas of atherosclerotic lesions in mice, and the effect is mainly dependent on LDLRs. Furthermore, a positive relationship between PCSK9 and cholesterol accumulation in the wall of the aorta has been established. However, the mechanism remains unknown. As PCSK9 is mainly expressed in atherosclerotic plaque and in the liver, we hypothesize that PCSK9 might increase oxidized LDL uptake and impair macrophage‐mediated reverse cholesterol transport, contributing to the development of atherosclerosis.
Structural basis for vitamin D receptor agonism by novel non‐secosteroidal ligands
Authors: Asano Lisa , Ito Ichiaki , Kuwabara Naoyuki , Waku Tsuyoshi , Yanagisawa Junn , Miyachi Hiroyuki , Shimizu Toshiyuki
Published: February 2013

Non‐secosteroidal ligands for vitamin D receptor (VDR) have been developed for the agonist with non‐calcemic profiles. Here, we provide the structural mechanism of VDR agonism by novel non‐secosteroidal ligands. All ligands had the similar efficacy, while two had the higher potency. Crystallographic analyses revealed that all ligands interacted with helix H10 and the loop between helices H6 and H7 in a similar manner, but also that the two ligands with higher potency had different interaction modes. This study suggests that distinct ligand potency depend upon differences in the formation and rearrangement of hydrogen‐bond networks induced by each ligand.
Monitoring network-design influence on assessment of ecological condition in wadeable streams
Authors: Collier Kevin J. , Olsen Anthony R.
Published: February 2013

We investigated outcomes of three monitoring networks for assessing ecological character and condition of wadeable streams, Waikato region, New Zealand. Site selection was based on professional judgment, stratification within categories of watershed characteristics, or on using an unequal-probability survey design. The professional-judgment network, stratified network and all site analyses included more ≥4th-order streams than for the probability-network survey-design estimates Professional-judgment and stratified network sites and survey-design analyses incorporated higher-quality catchments with coarser substrates. Cumulative frequency distributions indicated that the stratified and/or judgmental networks yielded fewer taxa than did the probability network, and that the stratified network provided lower estimates of the macroinvertebrate community index (MCI). Compared with the probability-network survey-design analysis, the stratified network site analysis underestimated percentage stream length classed as ‘Excellent’ by the quantitative MCI, and the professional-judgment site and survey-design analyses overestimated the percentage classed ‘Fair’ by the average score per metric. We conclude that deriving reliable estimates of wadeable stream character and condition requires (1) clearly defining and quantifying the target population for which inferences will be drawn, (2) accounting for probability of site selection and (3) optimising spatial representation across dominant stressor gradients.
Population dynamics and status of striped marlin (Kajikia audax) in the western and central northern Pacific Ocean
Authors: Piner Kevin R. , Lee Hui-Hua , Kimoto Ai , Taylor Ian G. , Kanaiwa Minoru , Sun Chi-Lu
Published: February 2013

A new understanding of the structure of striped marlin stocks in the Pacific Ocean was the basis for estimating the population dynamics in the western and central northern Pacific (1975–2010). Dynamics were estimated using large-scale spatial data and a fully integrated length-based and age-structured model. The model used fishery-dependent catch, size composition and catch per unit effort (CPUE) as likelihood components. Time-varying selectivity patterns were used in the modelling to account for changes in fishing practices. Estimates of fishing intensity showed a pattern of exploitation generally exceeding the levels associated with maximum sustainable yield (MSY). Estimates of spawning biomass and recruitment described a population that was relatively stable near biomass levels associated with MSY until the 1990s, when recruitment declined and biomass levels fell below those associated with MSY. The reduction in recruitment could be explained by a loss of spawning biomass and potentially changes in environment. The future prospects of rebuilding the stock will depend on the relative importance of the roles maternal biomass and environment play in determining recruitment strength.
Genetic Simulation Resources: a website for the registration and discovery of genetic data simulators
Authors: Peng Bo , Chen Huann-Sheng , Mechanic Leah E. , Racine Ben , Clarke John , Clarke Lauren , Gillanders Elizabeth , Feuer Eric J.
Published: February 2013

Summary: Many simulation methods and programs have been developed to simulate genetic data of the human genome. These data have been widely used, for example, to predict properties of populations retrospectively or prospectively according to mathematically intractable genetic models, and to assist the validation, statistical inference and power analysis of a variety of statistical models. However, owing to the differences in type of genetic data of interest, simulation methods, evolutionary features, input and output formats, terminologies and assumptions for different applications, choosing the right tool for a particular study can be a resource-intensive process that usually involves searching, downloading and testing many different simulation programs. Genetic Simulation Resources (GSR) is a website provided by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) that aims to help researchers compare and choose the appropriate simulation tools for their studies. This website allows authors of simulation software to register their applications and describe them with well-defined attributes, thus allowing site users to search and compare simulators according to specified features.

Availability:  http://popmodels.cancercontrol.cancer.gov/gsr.

Contact:  gsr@mail.nih.gov
Measuring guide-tree dependency of inferred gaps in progressive aligners
Authors: Capella-Gutiérrez Salvador , Gabaldón Toni
Published: February 2013

Motivation: Multiple sequence alignments are generally reconstructed using a progressive approach that follows a guide-tree. During this process, gaps are introduced at a cost to maximize residue pairing, but it is unclear whether inferred gaps reflect actual past events of sequence insertions or deletions. It has been found that patterns of inferred gaps in alignments contain information towards the true phylogeny, but it is as yet unknown whether gaps are simply reflecting information that was already present in the guide-tree.

Results: We here develop a framework to disentangle the phylogenetic signal carried by gaps from that which is already present in the guide-tree. Our results indicate that most gaps are incorrectly inserted in patterns that, nevertheless, follow the guide-tree. Thus, most gap patterns in current alignments are not informative per se. This affects different programs to various degrees, PRANK being the most sensitive to the guide-tree.

Contact:  tgabaldon@crg.es

Supplementary information:  Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
Improvements on bicriteria pairwise sequence alignment: algorithms and applications
Authors: Abbasi Maryam , Paquete Luís , Liefooghe Arnaud , Pinheiro Miguel , Matias Pedro
Published: February 2013

Motivation: In this article, we consider the bicriteria pairwise sequence alignment problem and propose extensions of dynamic programming algorithms for several problem variants with a novel pruning technique that efficiently reduces the number of states to be processed. Moreover, we present a method for the construction of phylogenetic trees based on this bicriteria framework. Two exemplary cases are discussed.

Results: Numerical results on a real dataset show that this approach is very fast in practice. The pruning technique saves up to 90% in memory usage and 80% in CPU time. Based on this method, phylogenetic trees are constructed from real-life data. In addition of providing complementary information, some of these trees match those obtained by the Maximum Likelihood method.

Availability and implementation: Source code is freely available for download at URL http://eden.dei.uc.pt/∼paquete/MOSAL, implemented in C and supported on Linux, MAC OS and MS Windows.

Contact:  paquete@dei.uc.pt
What intervention is best practice for vestibular schwannomas? A systematic review of controlled studies
Authors: Wolbers John G , Dallenga Alof HG , Mendez Romero Alejandra , van Linge Anne
Published: February 2013

Objective

Largely, watchful waiting is the initial policy for patients with small-sized or medium-sized vestibular schwannoma, because of slow growth and relatively minor complaints, that do not improve by an intervention. If intervention (microsurgery, radiosurgery or fractionated radiotherapy) becomes necessary, the choice of intervention appears to be driven by the patient's or clinician's preference rather than by evidence based. This study addresses the existing evidence based on controlled studies of these interventions.

Design

A systematic Boolean search was performed focused on controlled intervention studies. The quality of the retrieved studies was assessed based on the Sign-50 criteria on cohort studies.

Data sources

Pubmed/Medline, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and reference lists.

Study selection

Six eligibility criteria included a controlled intervention study on a newly diagnosed solitary, vestibular schwannoma reporting on clinical outcomes. Two prospective and four retrospective observational, controlled studies published before November 2011 were selected.

Data analysis

Two reviewers independently assessed the methodological quality of the studies and extracted the outcome data using predefined formats.

Results

Neither randomised studies, nor controlled studies on fractionated radiotherapy were retrieved. Six studies compared radiosurgery and microsurgery in a controlled way. All but one were confined to solitary tumours less than 30 mm in diameter and had no earlier interventions. Four studies qualified for trustworthy conclusions. Among all four, radiosurgery showed the best outcomes: there were no direct mortality, no surgical or anaesthesiological complications, but better facial nerve outcome, better preservation of useful hearing and better quality of life.

Conclusions

The available evidence indicates radiosurgery to be the best practice for solitary vestibular schwannomas up to 30 mm in cisternal diameter.
Estimating the relative contribution of parasitic infections and nutrition for anaemia among school-aged children in Kenya: a subnational geostatistical analysis
Authors: Pullan Rachel L , Gitonga Carol , Mwandawiro Charles , Snow Robert William , Brooker Simon J
Published: February 2013

Objectives

To quantify geographical variation in the relative contribution of parasitic infections, socioeconomic factors and malnutrition in the aetiology of anaemia among schoolchildren across Kenya, thereby providing a rational basis for the targeting of an integrated school health package.

Design

Nationally representative cross-sectional survey data were collected using standard protocols. For all included children, data were recorded on haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and common parasitic infections (Plasmodium falciparum, hookworm and schistosomes) and socioeconomic indicators. Ecological proxies of malnutrition and food security were generated using Demographic and Health Survey and UN Food and Agriculture Organization food security data, respectively. Spatially explicit, multilevel models were used to quantify impact upon child Hb concentration.

Setting

Randomly selected schools in ecologically diverse settings across Kenya.

Main outcome measures

Mean Hb concentration adjusted for infection, nutritional and socioeconomic risk factors; associated risk ratios and adjusted Population Attributable Fractions (PAFs) for anaemia, by region.

Results

Data were available for 16 941 children in 167 schools; mean Hb was 122.1 g/l and 35.3% of children were anaemic. In multivariate analysis, mean Hb was significantly lower in boys and younger children. Severe malnutrition and interactions betweenP falciparumand hookworm infections were significantly associated with lower Hb, with greater impacts seen for coinfected children. The contribution of risk factors to anaemia risk varied by province: in 14-year-old girls, PAFs ranged between 0% and 27.6% forP falciparum,0% and 29% for hookworm and 0% and 18.4% for severe malnutrition.

Conclusions

The observed geographical heterogeneity in the burden of anaemia attributable to different aetiological factors has important implications for the rational targeting of antianaemia interventions that can be included in an integrated school health programme.