bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Banal religiosity: Brazilian athletes as new missionaries of the neo-Pentecostal diaspora
Authors: Rial Carmen
Published: January 2013

This article is about the relationship between football and religion. It focuses on the recent proliferation of neo-Pentecostalism among Brazilian football players living abroad and the importance of religion in their daily lives. Serving as a civilizing device that promotes better insertion of individuals in modern institutions, neo-Pentecostalism promotes voluntary obedience, self-control, self-awareness and reflexivity, by encouraging the conscious and constant monitoring of the individual over the body and emotions. This self-discipline has a limit, and the Theology of Prosperity offers conciliation between asceticism and material consumption. Football provides religion a large stage for its preaching, allowing it to reach billions of homes. The athletes become "selfless soldiers of the Word," who demonstrate the faith globally and disseminate banal religion through the mediascape.
Film and Ritual: epistemological dialogs between filmic anthropology and anthropological practice
Authors: Reyna Carlos P.
Published: January 2013

This article discusses the dialog between filmic anthropology's procedures and methods and anthropological practice, with a focus on ritual, which is captured by the moving image in a more direct and fluid way. For this, the ritual of reproduction and preservation of cattle in Santiago, a peasant village in the Peruvian Andes is used as an empirical base. As an anthropologist-filmmaker I will try to make explicit the relationship between the observed process filmed and the informant, combining two important epistemological grids: Claudine de France's deferred observation, and Clifford Geertz's interpretation from the native's point of view. Finally, based on this experience, I will make some observations about the use of methodological approximations from filmic anthropology in anthropological practice, between film and anthropology.
On estimating probability of presence from use–availability or presence–background data
Authors: Phillips Steven J. , Elith Jane
Published: January 2013

A fundamental ecological modeling task is to estimate the probability that a species is present in (or uses) a site, conditional on environmental variables. For many species, available data consist of “presence” data (locations where the species [or evidence of it] has been observed), together with “background” data, a random sample of available environmental conditions.

Recently published papers disagree on whether probability of presence is identifiable from such presence–background data alone. This paper aims to resolve the disagreement, demonstrating that additional information is required.

We defined seven simulated species representing various simple shapes of response to environmental variables (constant, linear, convex, unimodal, S‐shaped) and ran five logistic model‐fitting methods using 1000 presence samples and 10 000 background samples; the simulations were repeated 100 times. The experiment revealed a stark contrast between two groups of methods: those based on a strong assumption that species' true probability of presence exactly matches a given parametric form had highly variable predictions and much larger RMS error than methods that take population prevalence (the fraction of sites in which the species is present) as an additional parameter. For six species, the former group grossly under‐ or overestimated probability of presence. The cause was not model structure or choice of link function, because all methods were logistic with linear and, where necessary, quadratic terms. Rather, the experiment demonstrates that an estimate of prevalence is not just helpful, but is necessary (except in special cases) for identifying probability of presence. We therefore advise against use of methods that rely on the strong assumption, due to Lele and Keim (recently advocated by Royle et al.) and Lancaster and Imbens. The methods are fragile, and their strong assumption is unlikely to be true in practice. We emphasize, however, that we are not arguing against standard statistical methods such as logistic regression, generalized linear models, and so forth, none of which requires the strong assumption.

If probability of presence is required for a given application, there is no panacea for lack of data. Presence–background data must be augmented with an additional datum, e.g., species' prevalence, to reliably estimate absolute (rather than relative) probability of presence.
Do Students Want Web 2.0? An Investigation into Student Instructional Preferences
Authors: Vance Lash Keith
Published: January 2013

The critical literature abounds with examples of possible educational uses of Web 2.0 technology in which students become active participants in the production of knowledge through blogging, social networking, creation of podcasts, and other forms of constructivist education. At the same time, teachers, whom the data indicate are somewhat apprehensive to utilize Web 2.0 in their classrooms, are starting to integrate eLearning into their curriculum more and more often, recognizing the pedagogical implications of the new technology. However, though millennial students (those aged 18–33) are connected to social networks and are aware of many Web 2.0 applications, the data from a survey of 1,847 millennial-aged students at the University of California, Riverside paint a more complicated picture. This study is an explication of a survey that was administered in December of 2010 to three levels of developmental writing students at UC Riverside. The data indicate—despite ESL or EFL language backgrounds or class placements—that while students do desire social networking and other Web 2.0 elements in their courses, they also still want more “traditional” Web 1.0 content that is prepared and organized by the instructor and delivered to them. The data seem to support the assumption that while educators and researchers may be sanguine on introducing Web 2.0 technology into courses in order to reach this new, computer-savvy student demographic, students prefer to have both Web 2.0 and 1.0 elements incorporated into the courses they take.
Melatonin Anticancer Effects: Review
Authors: Di Bella Giuseppe , Mascia Fabrizio , Gualano Luciano , Di Bella Luigi
Published: January 2013

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine, MLT), the main hormone produced by the pineal gland, not only regulates circadian rhythm, but also has antioxidant, anti-ageing and immunomodulatory properties. MLT plays an important role in blood composition, medullary dynamics, platelet genesis, vessel endothelia, and in platelet aggregation, leukocyte formula regulation and hemoglobin synthesis. Its significant atoxic, apoptotic, oncostatic, angiogenetic, differentiating and antiproliferative properties against all solid and liquid tumors have also been documented. Thanks, in fact, to its considerable functional versatility, MLT can exert both direct and indirect anticancer effects in factorial synergy with other differentiating, antiproliferative, immunomodulating and trophic molecules that form part of the anticancer treatment formulated by Luigi Di Bella (Di Bella Method, DBM: somatostatin, retinoids, ascorbic acid, vitamin D3, prolactin inhibitors, chondroitin-sulfate). The interaction between MLT and the DBM molecules counters the multiple processes that characterize the neoplastic phenotype (induction, promotion, progression and/or dissemination, tumoral mutation). All these particular characteristics suggest the use of MLT in oncological diseases.
Remote Sensing-Based Fractal Analysis and Scale Dependence Associated with Forest Fragmentation in an Amazon Tri‑National Frontier
Authors: Sun Jing , Southworth Jane
Published: January 2013

In the Amazon, the development and paving of roads connects regions and peoples, and over time can form dense and recursive networks, which often serve as nodes for continued development. These developed areas exhibit robust fractal structures that could potentially link their spatial patterns with deforestation processes. Fractal dimension is commonly used to describe the growth trajectory of such fractal structures and their spatial-filling capacities. Focusing on a tri-national frontier region, we applied a box-counting method to calculate the fractal dimension of the developed areas in the Peruvian state of Madre de Dios, Acre in Brazil, and the department of Pando in Bolivia, from 1986 through 2010. The results indicate that development has expanded in all three regions with declining forest cover over time, but with different patterns and rates in each country. Such differences were summarized within a proposed framework to indicate deforestation progress/level, which can be used to understand and regulate deforestation and its evolution in time. In addition, the role and influence of scale was also assessed, and we found local fractal dimensions are not invariant at different spatial scales and thus concluded such scale-dependent features of fragmentation patterns are here mainly shaped by the road paving.
Strategy for the Development of a Smart NDVI Camera System for Outdoor Plant Detection and Agricultural Embedded Systems
Authors: Dworak Volker , Selbeck Joern , Dammer Karl-Heinz , Hoffmann Matthias , Zarezadeh Ali , Bobda Christophe
Published: January 2013

The application of (smart) cameras for process control, mapping, and advanced imaging in agriculture has become an element of precision farming that facilitates the conservation of fertilizer, pesticides, and machine time. This technique additionally reduces the amount of energy required in terms of fuel. Although research activities have increased in this field, high camera prices reflect low adaptation to applications in all fields of agriculture. Smart, low-cost cameras adapted for agricultural applications can overcome this drawback. The normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) for each image pixel is an applicable algorithm to discriminate plant information from the soil background enabled by a large difference in the reflectance between the near infrared (NIR) and the red channel optical frequency band. Two aligned charge coupled device (CCD) chips for the red and NIR channel are typically used, but they are expensive because of the precise optical alignment required. Therefore, much attention has been given to the development of alternative camera designs. In this study, the advantage of a smart one-chip camera design with NDVI image performance is demonstrated in terms of low cost and simplified design. The required assembly and pixel modifications are described, and new algorithms for establishing an enhanced NDVI image quality for data processing are discussed.
Motion Mode Recognition and Step Detection Algorithms for Mobile Phone Users
Authors: Susi Melania , Renaudin Valérie , Lachapelle Gérard
Published: January 2013

Microelectromechanical Systems (MEMS) technology is playing a key role in the design of the new generation of smartphones. Thanks to their reduced size, reduced power consumption, MEMS sensors can be embedded in above mobile devices for increasing their functionalities. However, MEMS cannot allow accurate autonomous location without external updates, e.g., from GPS signals, since their signals are degraded by various errors. When these sensors are fixed on the user’s foot, the stance phases of the foot can easily be determined and periodic Zero velocity UPdaTes (ZUPTs) are performed to bound the position error. When the sensor is in the hand, the situation becomes much more complex. First of all, the hand motion can be decoupled from the general motion of the user. Second, the characteristics of the inertial signals can differ depending on the carrying modes. Therefore, algorithms for characterizing the gait cycle of a pedestrian using a handheld device have been developed. A classifier able to detect motion modes typical for mobile phone users has been designed and implemented. According to the detected motion mode, adaptive step detection algorithms are applied. Success of the step detection process is found to be higher than 97% in all motion modes.
Nonuremic Indication for Peritoneal Dialysis for Refractory Heart Failure in Cardiorenal Syndrome Type II: Review and Perspective
Authors: Nakayama Masaaki
Published: January 2013

Cardiorenal syndrome (CRS) type II is a serious condition in which chronic cardiac abnormalities cause worsening kidney function, leading to permanent chronic kidney damage. Management of CRS type II coupled with diuretic-resistant congestive heart failure (CHF) has been an issue of dispute. However, since the early 1990s, reports indicating the clinical usefulness of peritoneal dialysis (PD) as maintenance therapy for intractable CHF in this population have been accumulating. The present manuscript reviews the mechanisms by which kidney dysfunction develops within CHF, and then examines recent experiences of PD as chronic supportive therapy for intractable CRS type II, reviews the contributing mechanisms, and discusses the rationale for using PD as a new therapeutic approach in the nonuremic setting of CHF.
Environmental innovation: a concise review of the literature
Authors: Ozusaglam Serdal
Published: January 2013

Résumé L’importance de l’innovation environnementale (ou “éco-innovation”) est maintenant bien établie dans la communauté des chercheurs travaillant sur l’innovation. Ce survol de la littérature passe en revue les contributions les plus importantes dans ce domaine. Les travaux théoriques suggèrent que, si le concept d’éco-innovation n’est pas encore complètement stabilisé, les définitions récentes tendent à se baser sur la performance environnementale plutôt que sur un objectif environnemental défini a priori . Les travaux empiriques indiquent qu’à côté des déterminants usuels de l’innovation, la politique de l’environnement a un fort impact sur l’éco-innovation. Ceci est lié à la nature même de l’éco-innovation, qui présente certaines des caractéristiques d’un “bien public”. Nous examinons également certains aspects encore peu explorés de l’innovation environnementale, et en particulier sa diffusion. Si l’éco-innovation est aussi bénéfique qu’on le prétend, alors une meilleure compréhension de ses mécanismes de diffusion est nécessaire.
Looking for patterns in the phytoplankton community of the Mediterranean microtidal Venice Lagoon: evidence from ten years of observations
Authors: Bernardi Aubry Fabrizio , Acri Francesco , Bianchi Franco , Pugnetti Alessandra
Published: January 2013

By analysing a ten-year series (1998-2007) of data on hydrochemical properties, phytoplankton abundance and species composition in the Venice Lagoon, we identified i) the average annual phytoplankton biomass cycle, mainly unimodal and fairly well tuned with the fluctuations in temperature and irradiance and (ii) the seasonal succession of the most important species, allowing us to construct a “phytoplankton calendar”. Phytoplankton biomass was significantly lower in the second half of the ten-year period (2003-2007) than in the first half (1998-2002).
Human NK Cells Selective Targeting of Colon Cancer–Initiating Cells: A Role for Natural Cytotoxicity Receptors and MHC Class I Molecules
Authors: Tallerico Rossana , Todaro Matilde , Di Franco Simone , Maccalli Cristina , Garofalo Cinzia , Sottile Rosa , Palmieri Camillo , Tirinato Luca , Pangigadde Pradeepa N. , La Rocca Rosanna , Mandelboim Ofer , Stassi Giorgio , Di Fabrizio Enzo , Parmiani Giorgio , Moretta Alessandro , Dieli Francesco , Kärre Klas , Carbone Ennio
Published: January 2013

Tumor cell populations have been recently proposed to be composed of two compartments: tumor-initiating cells characterized by a slow and asymmetrical growth, and the “differentiated” cancer cells with a fast and symmetrical growth. Cancer stem cells or cancer-initiating cells (CICs) play a crucial role in tumor recurrence. The resistance of CICs to drugs and irradiation often allows them to survive traditional therapy. NK cells are potent cytotoxic lymphocytes that can recognize tumor cells. In this study, we have analyzed the NK cell recognition of tumor target cells derived from the two cancer cell compartments of colon adenocarcinoma lesions. Our data demonstrate that freshly purified allogeneic NK cells can recognize and kill colorectal carcinoma–derived CICs whereas the non-CIC counterpart of the tumors (differentiated tumor cells), either autologous or allogeneic, is less susceptible to NK cells. This difference in the NK cell susceptibility correlates with higher expression on CICs of ligands for NKp30 and NKp44 in the natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) group of activating NK receptors. In contrast, CICs express lower levels of MHC class I, known to inhibit NK recognition, on their surface than do the “differentiated” tumor cells. These data have been validated by confocal microscopy where NCR ligands and MHC class I molecule membrane distribution have been analyzed. Moreover, NK cell receptor blockade in cytotoxicity assays demonstrates that NCRs play a major role in the recognition of CIC targets. This study strengthens the idea that biology-based therapy harnessing NK cells could be an attractive opportunity in solid tumors.
Activated Invariant NKT Cells Control Central Nervous System Autoimmunity in a Mechanism That Involves Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Parekh Vrajesh V. , Wu Lan , Olivares-Villagómez Danyvid , Wilson Keith T. , Van Kaer Luc
Published: January 2013

Invariant NKT (iNKT) cells are a subset of T lymphocytes that recognize glycolipid Ags presented by the MHC class I–related protein CD1d. Activation of iNKT cells with glycolipid Ags, such as the marine sponge–derived reagent α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer), results in the rapid production of a variety of cytokines and activation of many other immune cell types. These immunomodulatory properties of iNKT cells have been exploited for the development of immunotherapies against a variety of autoimmune and inflammatory diseases, but mechanisms by which activated iNKT cells confer disease protection have remained incompletely understood. In this study, we demonstrate that glycolipid-activated iNKT cells cooperate with myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) in protecting mice against the development of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in mice, an animal model for multiple sclerosis. We show that α-GalCer induced the expansion and immunosuppressive activities of MDSCs in the spleen of mice induced for development of EAE. Disease protection in these animals also correlated with recruitment of MDSCs to the CNS. Depletion of MDSCs abrogated the protective effects of α-GalCer against EAE and, conversely, adoptive transfer of MDSCs from α-GalCer-treated mice ameliorated passive EAE induced in recipient animals. The cytokines GM-CSF, IL-4, and IFN-γ, produced by activated iNKT cells, and inducible NO synthase, arginase-1, and IL-10 produced by MDSCs, contributed to these effects. Our findings have revealed cooperative immunosuppressive interactions between iNKT cells and MDSCs that might be exploited for the development of improved immunotherapies for multiple sclerosis and other autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Nitrogen food-print: N use related to meat and dairy consumption in France
Authors: Chatzimpiros P. , Barles S.
Published: January 2013

Abstract. Human foods typically contain a minor fraction of the nitrogen (N) used in agricultural production. The major fraction is lost to the environment and interferes with all current environmental problems and global change issues. Food is also generally consumed far from its production location and associated N losses remain unknown unless connected to products through consumption-based indicators. We develop the N food-print as an indicator to connect N flows and losses in livestock systems to the consumption of dietary N in the form of beef, pork and fresh milk in France. This N food-print of a product is the N loss associated with its agricultural production. The conversions of N, from field application to recovery in vegetal and animal proteins, are calculated from statistical data on crop and animal production and through modelling of feed rations for cattle and swine. Beef farming to feed an individual in France uses 11.1 kg N cap−1 yr−1, out of which 3.8 kg N cap−1 yr−1 (or 35%) is the N food-print, 7% is recovered in retail products, 3% is slaughter waste and 55% returns to agriculture as manure. Pork and dairy production use 7.5 and 2.3 kg N cap−1 yr−1, respectively, out of which 53 and 48% is the N food-print, respectively; about 11% is recovered in retail products and 35% returns to agriculture as manure. In total, more than 75% of the N food-print relates to crop cultivation for feed and much of these losses (80% for dairy and pork production, 20% for beef production) occur in crop farms far from where the livestock is reared. Regional and national policies to reduce N losses should take into account that trade in feed implies causal relationships among N losses in agrosystems distant from each other.
A Gestão de Stakeholders em Gestão de Projetos
Authors: Noro Greice De Bem
Published: January 2013

No âmbito da gestão de projetos a gestão de stakeholders tem fundamental importância, pois o maior desafio de um gerente de projetos é construir um relacionamento positivo com as partes interessadas de seus projetos, garantindo o suporte um ambiente favorável a realização do projeto. Este estudo objetiva analisar como algumas das maiores indústrias fornecedoras de ferragens do Brasil estão gerenciando os seus stakeholders na gestão de seus projetos. Posteriormente, buscando alcançar os objetivos propostos foi estruturado um formulário e aplicado em forma de entrevista aos gestores responsáveis pelas informações necessárias à pesquisa, de uma amostra de cinco empresas fornecedoras da área de indústria de ferragens. Os resultados mostraram que a maioria das empresas das abordadas não possui uma área formal de gestão projetos, e geralmente utilizam metodologias próprias para gerir seus projetos. Já, quanto à gestão de stakeholders dentro de um projeto é abordada de maneira informal, sem grandes preocupações com o relacionamento com seus stakeholders-chaves.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i1.23
Inovação Tecnológica em Projetos de Novos Produtos: Um Estudo Exploratório sobre Relações Gerenciais de Integração entre Unidades de uma Multinacional
Authors: Jugend Daniel , Da Silva Sérgio Luis
Published: January 2013

Apesar do tema integração no desenvolvimento de produtos ser amplamente debatido pela literatura, são poucos os estudos que abordam nas empresas multinacionais a participação de filiais junto a centros de P&D espalhados mundo em projetos de desenvolvimento de novos produtos. Tendo como foco a percepção da unidade brasileira, este artigo visa apresentar e analisar as práticas de integração entre filial, matriz e centros de P&D em projetos de desenvolvimento de produtos em uma empresa multinacional de base tecnológica. Para isso, além de revisão teórica, foi realizada uma pesquisa exploratória, qualitativa, operacionalizada por meio de estudo de caso. Dentre os principais resultados, notou-se que ocorre a colaboração entre o marketing e engenharia local com os centros de P&D, relevante papel da alta administração da unidade brasileira em comunicar resultados do planejamento estratégico de produtos e tecnologias estabelecidos pela matriz à filial, a adoção de mecanismos virtuais de interação e a aplicação de métodos como o technology roadmap.DOI:10.5585/gep.v3i1.55
Object Tracking with an Evolutionary Particle Filter Based on Self-Adaptive Multi-Features Fusion
Authors: Xiaowei Zhang , Hong Liu , Xiaohong Sun
Published: January 2013

Particle filter algorithms are widely used for object tracking in video sequences, but the standard particle filter algorithm cannot solve the validity of particles ideally. To solve the problems of particle degeneration and sample impoverishment in a particle filter tracking algorithm, an improved object tracking algorithm is proposed, which combines a multi-feature fusion method and a genetic evolution mechanism. The algorithm dynamically computes the feature's fusion weight by the discriminability of each vision feature and then constructs the important density function based on selecting a feature's fusion method adaptively. Moreover, a self-adaptive genetic evolutionary mechanism is introduced into the particle resampling process and makes the particle become an agent with the ability of dynamic self-adaption. With self-adaptive crossover and mutation operators, the evolution system produces a large number of new particles, which can better approximate the true state of the tracking object. The experimental results show that the proposed object tracking algorithm surpasses the conventional particle filter on both robustness and accuracy, even though the tracking object is very challenging regarding illumination variation, structural deformation, the interference of similar targets and occlusion.
Co-Evolutionary Algorithm for Motion Planning of Two Industrial Robots with Overlapping Workspaces
Authors: Curkovic Petar , Jerbic Bojan , Stipancic Tomislav
Published: January 2013

A high level of autonomy is a prerequisite for achieving robotic presence in a broad spectrum of work environments. If there is more than one robot in a given environment and the workspaces of robots are shared, then the robots present a dynamic obstacle to each other, which is a potentially dangerous situation. This paper deals with the problem of motion planning for two six-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) industrial robots whose workspaces overlap. The planning is based on a novel hall of fame - Pareto-based co-evolutionary algorithm. The modification of the algorithm is directed towards speeding-up co-evolution, to achieve real-time implementation in an industrial robotic system composed of two FANUC LrMate 200 iC robots. The results of the simulation and implementation show the great potential of the method in terms of convergence, robustness and time.
Direct catalytic upgrading of biomass pyrolysis vapors by a dual function Ru/TiO2 catalyst
Authors: Wan Shaolong , Pham Trung , Zhang Sarah , Lobban Lance , Resasco Daniel , Mallinson Richard
Published: January 2013

The results of catalytic treatment of vapors exiting a g/min pyrolysis unit before product condensation to the liquid phase using a Ru/TiO2 catalyst for oak and switchgrass pyrolysis are reported. The pyrolysis is conducted at 500°C and the catalysis at 400°C at atmospheric pressure with a hydrogen partial pressure of 0.58 atm. It is found that the catalytic treatment provides significant conversion of light oxygenates to larger, less oxygenated, molecules and, simultaneously, bio‐oil phenolics are also converted to less oxygenated phenolics with methoxy methyl groups transferred to the ring. The activity of the catalyst gradually diminished with increasing biomass fed to the system. Untreated pyrolysis oil forms a single liquid phase with some tarry material, consistent with the literature, whereas the treated liquid product forms separate oil and aqueous phases, the latter of which is about 80% water. The oil from the treated vapors has a lower initial viscosity with only a small increase upon accelerated aging compared to the untreated product oil, which has a dramatic increase in viscosity after aging. This is indicative of poor oil stability for untreated oil that is further confirmed by large increases in molecular weight, while the treated oil has a small increase in molecular weight after accelerated aging. In an effort to understand compatibility with refinery streams, the solubility of the oils in tetralin was examined. The untreated oil was found to have very limited solubility in tetralin, whereas the treated oil phase was completely soluble except for a small aqueous phase that appeared. There are a number of challenges in developing a high yield process for pyrolysis based conversion of biomass to transportation fuels. The Ru/TiO2 catalyst used here shows promise for conducting multiple types of favorable reactions in the presence of the full spectrum of primary pyrolysis products that creates significant product stability under mild conditions. This could lead to higher liquid yields of stable, refinery compatible, product oil. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 59: 2275–2285, 2013
The Inhibin B Response in Male Rats Treated with a GnRH Agonist and an Endothelin Receptor Antagonist
Authors: Coulson Michelle , Mitchard Terri , Bickerton Sue , Harris Jayne , Betts Catherine , Stewart Jane
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

This study examined the correlation between Inhibin B and testicular pathology.

METHODS

Male Han Wistar rats (approximately 10 weeks old) were administered either vehicle or an endothelin receptor antagonist (ET‐An) orally for 28 days or a Gonadotropin Releasing Hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRH‐A) as a subcutaneous implant on day 1. Ten animals/group/time point were killed on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 (controls on days 15 and 29) for testes weights and histopathology. In‐life blood samples were taken on days 4, 8, 15, and 29 to measure Inhibin B, Follicle‐Stimulating Hormone (FSH), and Lutenising Hormone (LH), and at necropsy for the same hormones plus testosterone.

RESULTS

Plasma Inhibin B showed a wide concentration range in controls (group means 76.4–184.2 pg/ml; individual animals 17.8–381 pg/ml). GnRH‐A caused decreased testes weights plus degenerative testicular pathology from day 4 with partial recovery by day 29. Statistically significant reductions in Inhibin B were observed at all time points and appeared to track the development and partial recovery of the pathology (generally <50 pg/ml on days 4–15; group mean 92 pg/ml on day 29). ET‐An produced an increase in testes weights and a nondegenerative lesion of minimal tubular dilatation. There was a trend for lower Inhibin B values (30–50%) at all time points, including on day 4 when tubular dilatation was not yet evident.

CONCLUSION

Inhibin B showed a good correlation with testicular pathology for GnRH‐A, and following ET‐An administration appeared to give a signal that might reflect changes in tubular function in the absence of degenerative pathology.
Inhibin B in Plasma Samples from Male Volunteer Panel Selected for Health but Not Fertility: Sources of Variability
Authors: Stewart Jane , Bickerton Sue , Betts Catherine J , Kirk Sarah
Published: January 2013

BACKGROUND

Inhibin B was measured in plasma samples obtained from 34 healthy male subjects selected on criteria typical for a phase I clinical trial across a wide age range (19–70 years).

METHODS

Mutiple samples (up to seven per subject) were obtained as a set consisting of one baseline sample then three pairs of morning and evening samples. This allowed assessment of the fed/fasted state and diurnal effects. Samples were analyzed using a commercially available inhibin B ELISA assay. Across all time points, the mean plasma inhibin B was 197 pg/ml ± 67pg/ml.

RESULTS

The results confirmed a diurnal effect where inhibin B concentration is on average about 40 pg/ml greater in the morning and showed a negative influence of age on inhibin B concentrations. There was no overt influence of body mass index on inhibin B. A variance components analysis revealed that more than 80% of the total variability was due to the variability observed between individuals. Within the fed‐fasted sampling schedule of this study, inhibin B levels were slightly lower when volunteers had eaten but the magnitude of this effect was within the variance encountered between occasions.

CONCLUSION

These results illustrate that when undertaking longitudinal monitoring of inhibin B in clinical trials as means of monitoring testicular function, it is important to obtain samples from an individual at the same time of day and to use statistical methods which analyze the magnitude of deviation of an individual from their personal baseline as well as looking at group means and influence of study duration.
Efficient approximate k‐fold and leave‐one‐out cross‐validation for ridge regression
Authors: Meijer Rosa J. , Goeman Jelle J.
Published: January 2013

In model building and model evaluation, cross‐validation is a frequently used resampling method. Unfortunately, this method can be quite time consuming. In this article, we discuss an approximation method that is much faster and can be used in generalized linear models and Cox’ proportional hazards model with a ridge penalty term. Our approximation method is based on a Taylor expansion around the estimate of the full model. In this way, all cross‐validated estimates are approximated without refitting the model. The tuning parameter can now be chosen based on these approximations and can be optimized in less time. The method is most accurate when approximating leave‐one‐out cross‐validation results for large data sets which is originally the most computationally demanding situation. In order to demonstrate the method's performance, it will be applied to several microarray data sets. An R package penalized, which implements the method, is available on CRAN.
Heavy water enrichment by thermal diffusion in the flat‐plate frazier scheme with column heights increased at a constant ratio for improved performance
Authors: Hsu Ching‐Chun , Yeh Ho‐Ming
Published: January 2013

This study investigates heavy water enrichment using the Frazier scheme of flat‐plate thermal diffusion columns with the column number adjusted and the column heights varied at a constant ratio with the total sum of column heights fixed. The equations for predicting the best number of columns and the best column‐height ratio for maximum separation are derived. Considerable improvement in performance is obtainable if the column‐height ratio and/or column number in a modified Frazier scheme are properly assigned, instead of using the conventional Frazier scheme of uniform column height with the same total sum of column heights. © 2013 Canadian Society for Chemical Engineering
Generation and characterization of ScxCre transgenic mice
Authors: Sugimoto Yuki , Takimoto Aki , Hiraki Yuji , Shukunami Chisa
Published: January 2013

Scleraxis (Scx) is a basic helix‐loop‐helix transcription factor that is a marker for the tendon/ligament cell lineage. The ∼11 kb genomic region from the mouse Scx gene locus faithfully recapitulates the endogenous Scx expression pattern in ScxGFP transgenic (Tg) mice. We have established two Tg mouse lines expressing Cre‐recombinase (Cre) using this regulatory region (ScxCre‐L and ScxCre‐H). The specificity and efficiency of Cre recombination in these Tg lines are evaluated by crossing with Rosa‐CAG‐LSL‐tdTomato (Ai14) or ROSA26R (R26R) reporter mice. The recombination in ScxCre‐H;Ai14 mice is efficiently achieved in the endogenous Scx expression domains including the branchial arches, the syndetome, and the lateral plate mesoderm. Further analysis of ScxCre‐H;Ai14;ScxGFP embryos reveal that expression of the ScxGFP transgene largely overlaps with Cre activity detected by tdTomato at embryonic day 12.5 (E12.5). In ScxCre-L;R26R or ScxCre-H;R26R neonates, Cre activity is detected in tendons, ligaments, intervertebral discs, joints, and cartilage around the chondro‐tendinous/ligamentous junction, the prospective enthesis. The present results suggest that ScxCre Tg lines are useful for targeting the gene specifically in the Scx‐expressing domains. genesis 51:275–283. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Decarboxylative Mannich Reactions
Authors: Böhm Maximillian , Proksch Kerstin , Mahrwald Rainer
Published: January 2013

p‐Methoxyphenylimines obtained from enolizable aldehydes react in the absence of catalysts at room temperature with β‐keto carboxylic acids through a decarboxylative Mannich reaction. The Mannich products were obtained with a high degree of anti selectivity. By use of chiral oxygen‐containing aldehydes, operationally simple access to aminohydroxylated polyketide substructures is possible.
When status differences are illegitimate, groups' needs diverge: Testing the needs‐based model of reconciliation in contexts of status inequality
Authors: Siem Birte , von Oettingen Maria , Mummendey Amélie , Nadler Arie
Published: January 2013

The present paper extends the needs‐based model of reconciliation to contexts marked by status inequalities rather than by overt intergroup aggression. Specifically, we investigated whether and when members of high‐status versus low‐status groups experience divergent socio‐emotional needs vis‐à‐vis members of the respective other status group. Building on research informed by social identity theory, we hypothesized that the groups' different positions in the social hierarchy only translate into divergent needs when the status differences are perceived as illegitimate. In Study 1 (N = 130), we tested this prediction by manipulating status and perceived legitimacy of status differences in a setting with artificially created groups. Results confirmed that the need to be socially accepted by members of the other status group was stronger in high‐status compared with low‐status group members but, as expected, only when the status differences were perceived to be illegitimate. Also as predicted, the need to be empowered by the other status group was stronger in low‐status compared with high‐status group members, again only under conditions of illegitimate status differences. Study 2 (N = 169) further corroborated our perspective by replicating these findings in a naturalistic intergroup context. Implications for the role of legitimacy perceptions in determining differential socio‐emotional needs and for the promotion of sustainable social change are discussed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Neuromedin U Receptor 2 does not play a role in the development of neuropathic pain following nerve injury in mice
Authors: Gilbert A.‐K. , Puma C. , Xu X. , Laird J.M.A.
Published: January 2013

Background

Previous studies have identified neuromedin U receptor 2 (NMUR2) as the subtype mediating the effects of neuromedin U on acute chemo‐nociception induced by capsaicin or formalin injection. The aims of this study were to determine whether NMUR2 is required for the development of mechanical hypersensitivity after nerve injury or heat hypersensitivity after inflammation and whether there is a gender difference in the contribution of NMUR2 to nociception.

Methods

Mechanical sensitivity was assessed with von Frey filaments in wild type (WT) and NMUR2‐null mice at baseline and following spared tibial nerve (STN) injury. Heat sensitivity was also assessed at baseline and after induction of inflammation with Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA).

Results

The response to von Frey filaments at baseline was similar for WT and NMUR2‐null mice and for males and females. The response of male NMUR2‐null mice was slightly but significantly decreased when exposed to 52 °C but not 58 °C heat stimuli. There was no difference between the stimulus‐response curve for WT and NMUR2‐null mice 7, 13 and 16 days after nerve injury. Similarly, after FCA‐induced inflammation, there was no significant difference in heat hyperalgesia between WT and NMUR2‐null mice or male or female mice in responses to temperatures ranging from 44 to 48 °C.

Conclusions

The present data do not support a significant contribution of NMUR2 to the development of hypersensitivity after nerve injury or tissue inflammation, suggesting that pharmacological intervention aimed at the NMUR2 receptor might not be a valuable approach for the treatment of chronic pain.
Acute enhancement of non‐rapid eye movement sleep in rats after drinking water contaminated with cadmium chloride
Authors: Unno Katsuya , Yamoto Kurumi , Takeuchi Kouhei , Kataoka Aya , Ozaki Tomoya , Mochizuki Takatoshi , Honda Kazuki , Miura Nobuhiko , Ikeda Masayuki
Published: January 2013

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal widely used or effused by industries. Serious environmental Cd pollution has been reported over the past two centuries, whereas the mechanisms underlying Cd‐mediated diseases are not fully understood. Interestingly, an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) after Cd exposure has been shown. Our group has demonstrated that sleep is triggered via accumulation of ROS during neuronal activities, and we thus hypothesize the involvement of Cd poisoning in sleep–wake irregularities. In the present study, we analyzed the effects of Cd intake (1–100 ppm CdCl2 in drinking water) on rats by monitoring sleep encephalograms and locomotor activities. The results demonstrated that 100 ppm CdCl2 administration for 28 h was sufficient to increase non‐rapid‐eye‐movement (non‐REM) sleep and reduce locomotor activities during the night (the rat active phase). In contrast, free‐running locomotor rhythms under constant dim red light and their re‐entrainment to 12:12‐h light/dark cycles were intact under chronic (1 month) 100 ppm CdCl2 administrations, suggesting a limited influence on circadian clock movements at this dosage. The relative amount of oxidized glutathione increased in the brain after the 28‐h 100 ppm CdCl2 administrations similar to the levels in cultured astrocytes receiving H2O2 or CdCl2 in culture medium. Therefore, we propose Cd‐induced sleep as a consequence of oxidative stress. As oxidized glutathione is an endogenous sleep substance, we suggest that Cd rapidly induces sleepiness and influences activity performance by occupying intrinsic sleep‐inducing mechanisms. In conclusion, we propose increased non‐REM sleep during the active phase as an index of acute Cd exposure. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Recyclable synthesis, characterization, and antimicrobial activity of chitosan‐based polysaccharide composite materials
Authors: Tran Chieu D. , Duri Simon , Harkins April L.
Published: January 2013

We have successfully developed a simple and totally recyclable method to synthesize novel, biocompatible, and biodegradable composite materials from cellulose (CEL) and chitosan (CS). In this method, [BMIm+Cl−], an ionic liquid (IL), was used as a green solvent to dissolve and synthesize the [CEL+CS] composites. Since, the IL can be removed from the composites by washing them with water, and recovered by distilling the washed solution, the method is totally recyclable. Spectroscopic and imaging techniques including XRD, FTIR, NIR, and SEM were used to monitor the dissolution, to characterize and to confirm that CEL and CS were successfully regenerated. More importantly, we have successfully demonstrated that [CEL+CS] composite is particularly suited for many applications including antimicrobial property. This is because the composites have combined advantages of their components, namely superior chemical and mechanical stability (from CEL) and bactericide (from CS). Results of tensile strength measurements clearly indicate that adding CEL into CS substantially increase its tensile strength. Up to 5× increase in tensile strength can be achieved by adding 80% of CEL into CS. Results of in vitro antibacterial assays confirm that CS retains its antibacterial property in the composite. More importantly, the composites reported here can inhibit growth of wider range of bacteria than other CS‐based materials prepared by conventional methods; that is over 24 h period, the composites substantially inhibited growth of bacteria such as MRSA, VRE, S. aureus, E. coli. These are bacteria that are often found to have the highest morbidity and mortality associated with wound infections. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A, 2013.
Interdisciplinarity in the information field
Authors: Madsen Dorte
Published: January 2013

Interdisciplinarity and its implications for developing a conceptual framework for the Information Field is discussed, and Zhang & Benjamin's (2007) paper Understanding Information Related Fields: A Conceptual Framework is examined. It is argued that the fundamental components of a framework must be seen as embedded in disciplines, with their theories, concepts, approaches and assumptions. It is argued that a theoretically based distinction between multi‐, inter‐ and transdisciplinarity is important as a foundation for a discussion of a conceptual framework for the Information Field. It is shown how interdisciplinary theory may inform the development of a shared conceptual framework for the Information Field. A continuum of integration from multi‐ to inter‐ to transdisciplinarity is useful for a distinction of different degrees of synthesis, as common conceptual frameworks tend to be associated with transdisciplinarity, which represents the greatest synthesis of approach.
Data reuse and sensemaking among novice social scientists
Authors: Faniel Ixchel M. , Kriesberg Adam , Yakel Elizabeth
Published: January 2013

We know little about the data reuse practices of novice data users. Yet large scale data reuse over the long term depends in part on uptake from early career researchers. This paper examines 22 novice social science researchers and how they make sense of social science data. Novices are particularly interested in understanding how data: 1) are transformed from qualitative to quantitative data, 2) capture concepts not well‐established in the literature, and 3) can be matched and merged across multiple datasets. We discuss how novice data users make sense of data in these three circumstances. We find that novices seek to understand the data producer's rationale for methodological procedures and measurement choices, which is broadly similar to researchers in other scientific communities. However we also find that they not only reflect on whether they can trust the data producers' decisions, but also seek guidance from members of their disciplinary community. Specifically, novice social science researchers are heavily influenced by more experienced social science researchers when it comes to discovering, evaluating, and justifying their reuse of other's data.
Understanding patient‐provider communication entered via a patient portal system
Authors: Sun Si , Zhou Xiaomu , Denny Joshua C. , Rosenbloom Trent , Xu Hua
Published: January 2013

Our study examines patient‐provider communication via a patient portal in a large medical center. Our study is based on 1172 interactions made among stakeholders concerning 100 patients who are randomly selected from the 2009 MyHealthAtVanderbilt.com (a patient portal at the Vanderbilt Medical Center) patient pool; among which, 35 use the patient portal for messages. The findings show a wide range of topics discussed and ways in which patients provide and seek information as well as express psychosocial and emotional needs. In addition, while the patient portal has advantages over traditional communication technologies, it was not the primary communication media for our study sample. More research is needed to better elucidate barriers to the use of patient portals and the optimal methods of communication in differing contexts.
Dual roles in information mediation at work: Analysis of advice‐receiving and advice‐providing diary surveys
Authors: Yang Ji Yeon , Rieh Soo Young
Published: January 2013

In everyday work, people often turn to their colleagues for information. Those colleagues play the role of information mediators by intervening in the information seeking and use of others. This study investigates how people initiate the information mediation process, how they influence one another's subsequent information behavior, and how they benefit from the process, from the perspectives of both the information seeker and the information mediator. To examine the dynamics of the information mediation process, an online diary survey was conducted in a real‐world workplace setting, followed by in‐depth interviews. This paper reports on a preliminary analysis of 450 diary entries in which participants reported the work tasks that required advice from colleagues as well as the extent of the advice provided. Analysis of the diary data revealed the types of tasks, types of advice, and relationship between task and advice types. The results suggest that people perceive tasks differently depending on whether they play the role of information seeker or information mediator, while their perception of advice seems to be independent of their role in the information mediation process. These typologies serve as a basis for further analyzing reciprocal influences between information seekers and mediators.