bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene profiling of inflammatory genes in day 18 endometria from pregnant and non‐pregnant mares
Authors: Patterson Amanda L. , Squires Edward L. , Hansen Thomas R. , Bouma Gerrit J. , Bruemmer Jason E.
Published: September 2012

Maternal recognition of pregnancy is a physiological process that primarily describes endometrial responses to a conceptus. Recognition of a conceptus prevents the release of prostaglandin F2α, thereby ensuring survival of the corpus luteum and continued progesterone production. Exactly how this occurs in the mare is poorly understood. Because prostaglandin F2α is a pro‐inflammatory hormone, we hypothesized that differential gene expression in the endometrium at the time of maternal recognition reflects an anti‐inflammatory event leading to decreased prostaglandin F2α secretion. Mares were inseminated, and endometrial biopsies were recovered from pregnant mares on Day 18 post‐ovulation. In subsequent estrous cycles, mares were not inseminated and Day 18 post‐ovulation endometrial biopsies were collected (non‐pregnant control, matched per individual). Endometrial gene expression profiles were examined by screening an Affymetrix equine GeneChip containing probes specific for genes related to inflammatory processes. Microarray analysis revealed 118 genes that were up‐regulated and 93 genes that were down‐regulated (P < 0.001) at least 1.5‐fold in the endometrium of pregnant versus non‐pregnant mares. Quantitative, real‐time RT‐PCR confirmed the microarray results for three up‐regulated genes homologous to TSC22D3, PPAPDC2, and KLF6, and three down‐regulated genes homologous to ESR1, MARCKSL1, and EPSTI1 (P < 0.05). It is concluded that the presence of the equine embryo induces differential gene expression in the endometrium of Day 18 pregnant mares, and that these genes are associated with inflammatory processes and pathways involving cellular growth and proliferation. The results from this study provide important new insights into endometrial gene expression in response to early equine pregnancy. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 79: 777–784, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Plasma Functionalization of Carbon Nanotubes for the Synthesis of Stable Aqueous Nanofluids and Poly(vinyl alcohol) Nanocomposites
Authors: Hordy Nathan , Coulombe Sylvain , Meunier Jean‐Luc
Published: September 2012

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) synthesized by direct thermal chemical vapor deposition growth from stainless steel mesh are surface functionalized via an Ar/O2/C2H6 capacitively coupled RF plasma discharge. The open and rigid network of CNTs allows for a high degree of the CNT surface to be treated. As a result, the aqueous nanofluids that are produced by removing the CNTs from the substrate are found to remain stable for extended periods of time (greater than six months). X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis revealed that oxygen comprised approximately 21 at.% of the functionalized CNT surface. Poly(vinyl alcohol)/CNT nanocomposites produced using the plasma functionalized CNTs are homogenous with excellent dispersion of the CNTs. Mechanically, the 0.75 wt.‐% functionalized‐CNT nanocomposite show 54 and 60% increases in tensile strength and modulus, respectively, over the neat polymer. Little to no change is seen in the degree of crystallinity or the glass transition and melting point temperatures of the nanocomposites. Finally, water content is found to have a significant effect on the polymer and composite's tensile properties.

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When Stars Shine: The Effects of Faculty Founders on New Technology Ventures
Authors: Fuller Anne W. , Rothaermel Frank T.
Published: September 2012

Despite the increasing importance of faculty entrepreneurship to technology diffusion, wealth creation, and economic growth, we know little about the effects that academic faculty turned entrepreneurs have on the performance of new technology ventures. We argue faculty inventors select their most promising projects for commercialization. We further posit that star faculty founders have positive effects on new venture performance, above and beyond that of the average faculty founder. In addition, we develop two contingency hypotheses to unearth specific situations when ‘stars shine.’ We posit that star faculty founders are able to overcome geographic distance to venture capitalists as well as the disadvantages of not being affiliated with a top research university. We test our hypotheses on a broad sample of 238 university‐related new technology ventures at 65U.S. universities. Copyright © 2012 Strategic Management Society.
Diagnostics for repeated measurements in linear mixed effects models
Authors: Mun Jungwon , Lindstrom Mary J.
Published: September 2012

Most currently available methods for detecting discordant subjects and observations in linear mixed effects model fits adapt existing methods for single‐level regression data. The most common methods are generalizations of deletion‐based approaches, primarily Cook's distance. This article describes the limitations of modifications to Cook's distance and local influence, and suggests a new nondeletion subject‐level method, studentized residual sum of squares (TRSS) plots. We also suggest a new observation‐level deletion method that detects discordant observations as an application of TRSS plots. The proposed method provides greater information on repeated measurements by utilizing revised residuals and efficiently evaluating the effect of discordant subjects and observations on the estimation of parameters including variance components. We compare the performance of the proposed methods with current methods by using the orthodontic growth data: a longitudinal dataset with 27 subjects each observed four times. TRSS plots successfully identified discordant subjects that were missed by modified Cook's distance methods and the local influence approach. Extensions of TRSS plots are also described. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pharmacological read‐through of nonsense ARSB mutations as a potential therapeutic approach for mucopolysaccharidosis VI
Authors: Bartolomeo Rosa , Polishchuk Elena V. , Volpi Nicola , Polishchuk Roman S. , Auricchio Alberto
Published: September 2012

Mucopolysaccharidosis type VI (MPS VI) is a severe lysosomal storage disorder without central nervous system involvement caused by arylsulfatase B (ARSB) deficiency. MPS VI is characterized by dysostosis multiplex, corneal clouding, heart valve defects and urinary excretion of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs). The current treatment for MPS VI is enzyme replacement therapy (ERT) which has limited efficacy on bone, joints and heart valve disease, as well as high costs. A potential therapeutic approach for the subgroup of MPS VI patients that carry nonsense mutations is to enhance stop‐codon read‐through, using small molecules, to restore production of the full‐length ARSB protein. In this study we investigated whether two compounds known to induce stop codon read‐through, the aminoglycoside gentamicin and PTC124, can promote read‐through of four different ARSB nonsense mutations (p.R315X, p.R327X, p.Q456X and p.Q503X) associated with MPS VI and enable the synthesis of full‐length functional ARSB protein in patients fibroblast cell lines. Our study demonstrates that PTC124 but not gentamicin, increases the level of ARSB activity in three MPS VI patient fibroblast cell lines. In two of them the levels of ARSB activity obtained were significantly higher than in untreated cells, reaching ≤2.5 % of those detected in wild‐type fibroblasts and resulting in significant reduction of lysosomal size. Since even small increases in enzyme activity can dramatically influence the clinical phenotype of MPS VI, our study suggests that pharmacological read‐through may be combined with ERT potentially increasing therapeutic efficacy in those patients bearing nonsense ARSB mutations.
Acceptability of cervical cancer screening via visual inspection with acetic acid or Lugol's iodine at Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Busingye Priscilla , Nakimuli Annettee , Nabunya Evelyn , Mutyaba Twaha
Published: September 2012

Objective

To assess acceptability of cervical cancer screening via visual inspection with acetic acid or Lugol's iodine (VIA/VILI) at Mulago Hospital, Uganda.

Methods

Exit interviews were conducted among women who had undergone opportunistic screening by VIA/VILI at 2 family planning clinics based within the hospital. Measures of acceptability were willingness to undergo the procedure in future if required and willingness to recommend the procedure to others. Focus group discussions were conducted to determine reasons for declining VIA/VILI.

Results

A total of 384 participants were recruited into the study. Of the 229 women who agreed to undergo screening by VIA/VILI, 209 (91.3%) were willing to recommend the service to other women, while 223 (97.4%) stated that they would undergo VIA/VILI again if the need arose. Education level showed a significant association with screening uptake (P = 0.007). In all, 155 women declined screening. Reasons for refusal included fears about privacy, fear of pain or discomfort, and worry about the test results.

Conclusion

Cervical cancer screening by VIA/VILI was rated highly acceptable among women who underwent the procedure. Women with a positive attitude toward screening could be trained as peer educators and community champions to improve uptake.
Subjective Experiences of Men With and Without Spinal Cord Injury: Tolerability of the Juvent and WAVE Whole Body Vibration Plates
Authors: Hadi Stephanie C. , Delparte Jude J. , Hitzig Sander L. , Craven Beverley Catharine
Published: September 2012

Background

Device tolerability is an important determinant of subject adherence and intervention effectiveness. Although popular in rehabilitation settings, the tolerability of whole‐body vibration (WBV) among patients with spinal cord injury (SCI) is unknown.

Objective

To assess feedback from SCI and non‐SCI subjects on the usability of passive standing and WBV devices (Juvent [Juvent Medical, Somerset, NJ] and WAVE [WAVE Manufacturing, Windsor, Ontario, Canada]) using a priori specified knee postures, plate amplitudes, and frequencies.

Design

A matched groups design with repeated measures.

Setting

A tertiary SCI rehabilitation center.

Subjects

Eight men with chronic SCI (C4‐L2, American Spinal Injury Association Impairment Scale A‐D) and 10 men without SCI of similar height, weight, and body mass index.

Intervention

Subjects (N = 18; 8 with SCI) underwent intermittent WBV during passive standing (EasyStand 5000 [Altimate Medical, Morton, MN]) for 45 minutes using the optimized WAVE and Juvent plates. WBV parameters were sequentially altered every 2 minutes and included parameter combinations of (1) postures of 140°, 160°, and 180° knee extension (180° with Juvent only); (2) amplitudes of 0.7 mm and 1.1 mm (WAVE only); and (3) frequencies of 25 Hz, 35 Hz, and 45 Hz. Outcome assessments were completed at 4‐minute intervals throughout WBV exposure.

Main Outcome Measures

Qualitative, semistructured interviews were used to generate neutral, positive, and negative descriptors of the subjects' overall experience and device preference.

Results

SCI subjects reported a greater frequency of positive descriptors than non‐SCI subjects during WBV, regardless of plate, posture, amplitude, or frequency, with the exception of 1 combination of parameters (WAVE plate at 140°, 1.1 mm, and 25 Hz). Non‐SCI subjects reported the highest frequency of negative effects with the WAVE plate at 160°, 1.1 mm, 25 Hz, and 35 Hz. Non‐SCI subjects preferred the Juvent, whereas SCI subjects preferred the WAVE plate.

Conclusions

SCI and non‐SCI subjects reported differing frequencies of positive and negative descriptors and indicated divergent device preferences. SCI subjects preferred the WAVE plate and vibration at high frequency. Future research will determine the therapeutic potential and adverse events associated with the device and WBV parameters tolerable for persons with SCI.
Similarity solutions for unsteady stagnation point flow
Authors: Kolomenskiy D. , Moffatt H. K.
Published: September 2012

A class of similarity solutions for two-dimensional unsteady flow in the neighbourhood of a front or rear stagnation point on a plane boundary is considered, and a wide range of possible behaviour is revealed, depending on whether the flow in the far field is accelerating or decelerating. The solutions, when they exist, are exact solutions of the Navier–Stokes equations, having a boundary-layer character analogous to that of the classical steady front stagnation point flow. The velocity profiles are obtained by numerical integration of a nonlinear ordinary differential equation. For the front-flow situation, the solution is unique for the accelerating case, but bifurcates for modest deceleration, while for sufficient rapid deceleration there exists a one-parameter family of solutions. For the rear-flow situation, a unique solution exists (remarkably!) for sufficiently strong acceleration, and a one-parameter family again exists for sufficient strong deceleration. Analytic results, which are consistent with the numerical results, are obtained in the limits of strong acceleration or deceleration, and for the asymptotic behaviour far from the boundary.
Experimental analysis of several biomass fuels: The effect of the devolatilization rate on packed bed combustion
Authors: Granada Enrique , Eguía Pablo , Antonio Comesaña José , Patiño David , Porteiro Jacobo , Saavedra Ángeles
Published: September 2012

An experimental analysis of the ignition front propagation of eight biomass fuels in a one-dimensional fixed-bed combustor (batch reactor) is carried out and these biomass materials are also researched by thermogravimetry to study their thermal behaviour during devolatilization. The analysis of the thermogravimetric data has been centered on the results obtained for 50 °C · min−1 (maximun heating rate of the thermogravimetric (TG) equipment), taking into consideration that it is the nearest heating rate value to the one at which the heating process is carried out in the batch reactor. The influence of the TG-determined devolatilization rate in the burning behaviour of biomass in situations of packed bed combustion is analyzed. This study reveals that the biomass fuels with higher devolatilization rates during pyrolysis are the ones with a higher velocity of propagation of the ignition front during combustion processes in the fixed-bed combustor. The thermal decomposition characteristics during devolatilization are also evaluated, revealing that the most reactive biomass fuels upon pyrolysis are the ones which also produce the higher volatile yield during TG experiments at 50 °C · min−1.
Comment on “Transferring cold atoms in double magneto-optical trap by a continuous-wave transfer laser beam with large red detuning” [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 123116 (2008)]
Authors: Kruithof W. L.
Published: September 2012

To calculate the transfer efficiency correctly in the study of Wang et al. [Rev. Sci. Instrum. 79, 123116 (2008)10.1063/1.3058607], an additional experimental value is needed.
A novel apparatus for in situ compression of submicron structures and particles in a high resolution SEM
Authors: Romeis S. , Paul J. , Ziener M. , Peukert W.
Published: September 2012

We report on the development and characterization of a novel in situ manipulation device to perform stressing experiments on the submicron scale inside a high resolution field emission scanning electron microscope. The instrument comprises two main assembly groups: an upper part for positioning and moving a mounted probe and a force sensor as well as a specimen support as lower part. The upper part consists of a closed loop tripod piezoelectric scanner mounted on a self-locking coarse positioning stage. Two interlocked steel springs and a linear variable differential transformer measuring the springs’ deflections compose the lower part of the instrument. This arrangement acts as force-sensor and sample support. In comparison to already well-established concepts a wide measuring range is covered by adjusting the spring constant between 30 N/m and 50000 N/m. Moreover, the new device offers striking advantages with respect to force calibration and sample deformation measurements. Force calibration is performed using the eigenfrequency of the force detection system directly inside the SEM. Deformation data are obtained with high accuracy by simultaneously recording displacements above and below the specimen. The detrimental apparatus compliance is determined, and the influence on measured data subsequently minimized: an easy to validate two-springs-in-series model is used for data correction. A force resolution in normal direction of 100 nN accompanied by a sample deformation resolution of 5 nm can be achieved with the instrument using an appropriate load cell stiffness. The capabilities and versatility of this instrument are exemplified by compression experiments performed on submicron amorphous silica particles.
Influence of high temperature on solid state nuclear track detector parameters
Authors: Malinowska A. , Szydłowski A. , Jaskóła M. , Korman A.
Published: September 2012

This work concerns the influence of high temperatures on tracks induced in solid state nuclear track detectors of the CR-39/PM-355 type. In order to investigate this effect some samples of the detectors were irradiated with energetic protons and α particles and subsequently heated under controlled temperatures for different periods of time. After heating the samples were etched and the track evolution was analyzed using an optical microscope. The bulk etch rate VB of the PM-355 material was also determined as a function of heating temperature. The track etch rate VT values were estimated for craters induced by protons and α particles from track diameter measurement as a function of heating temperature.
Note: Digital optical zoom by selection of polarization
Authors: Hebert D. , Jones M. , Greenup L. , Feldman M.
Published: September 2012

The combination of a liquid crystal cell with a polarizing beam splitter is used to select one of the two paths through an optical imaging system. The paths both focus the same image on a CCD detector, but one has 4 times the magnification of the other.
Neutron diffraction study of stability and phase transitions in Cu-Sn-In alloys as alternative Pb-free solders
Authors: Aurelio G. , Sommadossi S. A. , Cuello G. J.
Published: September 2012

In this work, we present an experimental study of structure and phase stability of ternary Cu-Sn-In alloys around 55 at. % Cu in the temperature range 100 °C≤T≤550 °C. We have followed the real-time sequence of phase transformations in succesive heating and cooling ramps, using state-of-the-art neutron powder thermodiffractometry, complemented with calorimetric studies of the phase transitions. Our results give experimental support to the current assessment of the ternary phase diagram in this composition and temperature range, confirming the sequence of transitions η→(η+L)→(ε+L) with transformation temperatures of 210 °C and 445 °C, respectively. The use of neutrons allowed to overcome common difficulties in phase identification with powder XRD due to absorption and preferred orientation issues. Even the transitions to liquid phases could be successfully identified and monitored in situ, turning the neutron thermodiffraction technique into a valuable tool for phase diagram studies of emerging lead-free solder candidates.
Research on pass band with negative phase velocity in tubular acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Fan Li , Ge Huan , Zhang Shu-yi , Zhang Hui
Published: September 2012

The tubular acoustic metamaterial with the double negativity based on the membranes and side holes periodically distributed along a pipe is studied with the Bloch theory. The results are verified by the full-wave simulation method and are used to explain the related experimental phenomena: the low-frequency forbidden band starting from the zero Hertz and the relations between the cutoff frequencies of the forbidden and pass bands in the single negativity metamaterials and the double negativity metamaterial composed of them. Based on the Bloch theory, the structural parameters of the membranes and side holes in the metamaterial are optimized to achieve the maximum pass band with the negative phase velocity (PBNV) since the PBNV is determined by the coactions of the membranes and side holes. Furthermore, the structures of the metamaterials are improved in order to broaden the PBNV further and achieve the balanced condition simultaneously.
Evaluation of rare earth doped silica sub-micrometric spheres as optically controlled temperature sensors
Authors: Haro-González P. , Martínez Maestro L. , Trevisani M. , Polizzi S. , Jaque D. , García Sole J. , Bettinelli M.
Published: September 2012

We report on the evaluation of rare earth (Er3+, Eu3+, and Tb3+ ions) SiO2 sub-micrometric spheres as potential optically controllable temperature sensors. Details about fabrication, optical manipulation and spectroscopic characterization of the sub-micrometric spheres are presented. The fluorescence properties of the micros-spheres in the biological range (25–60 °C) have been systematically investigated. From this systematic study, the thermal resolution potentially achieved in each case has been determined and compared to previous works.
Thermosiphon heat pump for pipe freeze preventing of domestic passive solar water heater
Authors: Ali Sadeghzadeh Mohammad
Published: September 2012

Potable water supply/return pipe freeze problem of domestic passive solar water heaters in chilly spells is a major concern which limits the reliability of this renewable energy in building applications. Thus, a thermosiphon heat pump-piping system was introduced that pumps indoor room air heat to the outdoor section for pipe freeze protection. In the outdoor section, the hot pipe (return) has been embedded in supply (cold) tube, while the indoor section mainly consists of a metal heat absorber pipe as supplier. Room air heat is transferred from indoor to outdoor section via a naturally driven water loop due to buoyant pressure. A prototype has been fabricated and tested in a freezer with the base temperature of −22 ± 2 °C (as the outdoors ambient), while the indoor section had been placed in a separate chamber with adjustable ambient temperature in the range of 15-40 °C (simulating the indoors air). Performance tests have been conducted in draw-off, for different chamber temperatures, heat absorber tube lengths, and filled/empty water storage tank conditions. In the filled tank experiment, threshold pipe freezing was observed where chamber temperature was as low as 15.5 °C compatible with residential condition. Moreover, the heat pumping rate decreases linearly with room (chamber) temperature and approach to 10 W at pipe freeze threshold. Thermosiphon, low room air temperature performance, slight parasitic energy loss (0.25–0.45 kWh/day), low price, and its simplicity are the promising aspects of this heat pump for prevention of pipe freeze for domestic passive solar water heaters and sustainable development of solar energy in residential buildings.
Effect of ripple taper on band-gap overlap in a coaxial Bragg structure operating at terahertz frequency
Authors: Ding Xue-Yong , Li Hong-Fan , Lv Zhen-Su
Published: September 2012

Based on the mode-coupling method, numerical analysis is presented to demonstrate the influence of ripple taper on band-gap overlap in a coaxial Bragg structure operating at terahertz frequency. Results show that the interval between the band-gaps of the competing mode and the desired working mode is narrowed by use of positive-taper ripples, but is expanded if negative-taper ripples are employed, and the influence of the negative-taper ripples is obviously more advantageous than the positive-taper ripples; the band-gap overlap of modes can be efficiently separated by use of negative-taper ripples. The residual side-lobes of the frequency response in a coaxial Bragg structure with ripple taper also can be effectively suppressed by employing the windowing-function technique. These peculiarities provide potential advantage in constructing a coaxial Bragg cavity with high quality factor for single higher-order-mode operation of a high-power free-electron maser in the terahertz frequency range.
Quasi-monoenergetic electron beams production in a sharp density transition
Authors: Fourmaux S. , Ta Phuoc K. , Lassonde P. , Corde S. , Lebrun G. , Malka V. , Rousse A. , Kieffer J. C.
Published: September 2012

Using a laser plasma accelerator, experiments with a 80 TW and 30 fs laser pulse demonstrated quasi-monoenergetic electron spectra with maximum energy over 0.4 GeV. This is achieved using a supersonic He gas jet and a sharp density ramp generated by a high intensity laser crossing pre-pulse focused 3 ns before the main laser pulse. By adjusting this crossing pre-pulse position inside the gas jet, among the laser shots with electron injection, more than 40% can produce quasi-monoenergetic spectra. This could become a relatively straight forward technique to control laser wakefield electron beams parameters.
Terahertz mirage: Deflecting terahertz beams in an inhomogeneous artificial dielectric based on a parallel-plate waveguide
Authors: Mendis Rajind , Liu Jingbo , Mittleman Daniel M.
Published: September 2012

The field of metamaterials and the formalism of transformation optics have provided a prescription for constructing artificial dielectrics with unique properties such as light trapping and cloaking. Here, we describe a different approach to creating an inhomogeneous artificial medium, based on waveguide techniques, which does not rely on engineered subwavelength-scale components. We demonstrate a mirage effect in which an object several times larger than the selected wavelength is rendered invisible by bending a beam around it.
Marked differences in genetic diversity and differentiation between the centre and edge of the geographical range of Megaleranthis saniculifolia (Ranunculaceae), a Korean endemic species
Authors: Jeong Ji Hee , Kim Zin-Suh
Published: September 2012

The amount and distribution of genetic diversity within and between Megaleranthis saniculifolia Ohwi populations were compared between the central and peripheral regions of the species distribution. Allozyme and ISSR markers were used for genetic analysis of six populations from the central region (DY) and five populations from the peripheral region (MJ). Genetic diversity was substantially higher in the DY region than in the MJ region. Relatively uniform homozygote excess at many loci in most populations indicated that M. saniculifolia was influenced by a substantial degree of inbreeding in both regions. The degree of differentiation between populations was remarkably higher in the MJ region than in the DY region. Cluster analysis showed a trend towards separation between regions, although populations in the MJ region exhibited a slightly different trend according to the markers. We conclude that genetic drift has been affecting the populations in the MJ region for a long time, on the basis of their low genetic diversity, high differentiation, U-shaped allele-frequency distribution, and fixation of alleles towards opposing frequencies (1 or 0) among populations. In contrast, the DY region maintained relatively stable populations, although evidence of a recent bottleneck was found in one population. Along with some practical measures for genetic conservation, we present an optimal sample size for ex situ conservation to secure as many common alleles as possible.
Probing the historical sources of the Mauritian miracle: sugar exporters and state building in colonial Mauritius
Authors: Saylor Ryan
Published: September 2012

Scholars increasingly agree that the ‘Mauritian Miracle’ was enabled by the country's significant level of state capacity. This article probes Mauritius's state-building past to identify the early sources of Mauritian state capacity. Specifically, I find that the close collaboration between the island's export-oriented sugar planters, known as the Franco-Mauritians, and colonial officials accounts for the growth of Mauritian state capacity during the nineteenth century. Following the island's first major commodity boom, in 1825, sugar planters pressed colonial officials to ‘regulate’ the island's labour supply, improve its transportation infrastructure, and undertake research and development initiatives. These efforts collectively promoted the growth of state capacity and laid the groundwork for the country's relatively capable state. The influence of Mauritius's export-oriented coalition on state building may shed light on the country's comparative success to other African countries, where export-oriented coalitions have been rare both historically and in the contemporary era.

[Sonder les sources historiques du miracle mauricien: les exportateurs de sucre et la construction des bâtiments dans les colonies de l'Etat de l'île Maurice.] De plus en plus, les chercheurs s'accordent à dire que le « miracle mauricien » a été activé par le niveau important du pays par sa capacité d'État. Cet article fait un bilan du domaine de construction dans le passé par l'État Mauricien afin d'identifier les sources préalables de capacité pour l'État mauricien. Plus précisément, je trouve que la collaboration étroite entre les planteurs de canne à sucre de l'île orientés vers l'exportation, lesquels étaient connus sous la désignation de Franco-Mauriciens et des fonctionnaires coloniaux, compte pour la croissance de la capacité de l'État mauricien au cours du dix-neuvième siècle. A la suite de l'explosion de la principale marchandise en 1825, les planteurs de sucre ont fait pression sur les autorités coloniales de « régulariser » les conditions de la main d'œuvre sur l'île, d'améliorer ses infrastructures de transport, et d'entreprendre des initiatives de recherche et développement. Ces efforts ont collectivement contribué à promouvoir la croissance de la capacité de l'État et jeté les bases d'état relativement capables pour le pays. L'influence de la coalition d'exportation de l'île Maurice sur l'édification de l'État peut apporter de la lumière sur le succès comparatif du pays par rapport à d'autres pays africains, où des coalitions axées sur l'exportation ont été rares à la fois historiquement et à l'époque contemporaine.

Mots-clés: L'île Maurice; les exportations de sucre; l'explosion des matières premières; les coalitions; l'édification de l'État; le développement politique
Almond Leaf Scorch Disease Development on Almond Branches High-Grafted on Peach Rootstock
Authors: Cao Tiesen , DeJong Theodore M. , Kirkpatrick Bruce C.
Published: September 2012

Development of almond leaf scorch (ALS) disease was monitored on young almond (Prunus dulcis ‘NePlus’ and ‘Peerless’) shoots produced from almond scion wood that was high-grafted on peach rootstocks (P. persica ‘Queencrest/Nemaguard’), after the almond shoots were mechanically inoculated with Xylella fastidiosa. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential movement of X. fastidiosa through almond–peach graft unions. ALS symptoms developed on both X. fastidiosa-inoculated and uninoculated almond shoots that were high-grafted on different peach limbs of the same tree in September following inoculations with X. fastidiosa made in June and July 2002, respectively, when the average distance in peach rootstock between the two almond–peach graft unions was 30.5 cm or shorter. No ALS symptoms were observed on uninoculated almond shoots late in the growing season of the second year. The incidence of ALS-affected leaves on shoots inoculated with X. fastidiosa decreased in the second year on the inoculated shoots of Peerless as determined by the number of inoculated shoots showing ALS symptoms in 2002 versus 2003. No visible ALS symptoms were observed in NePlus late in the growing season of the second year, suggesting that survival of X. fastidiosa in NePlus was less than in Peerless. These data demonstrate that movement of X. fastidiosa through two almond–peach graft unions was possible during the year of inoculation when the peach rootstock stem distance between the two almond–peach graft unions was minimal. However, X. fastidiosa may not survive the winter season or survived so poorly as not to be able to produce ALS symptoms in the second growing season on the uninoculated shoots that previously showed ALS symptoms in the fall of the year when an adjacent shoot was inoculated. The results suggest that high-grafting almond scion wood on multiple peach rootstock limbs may provide a means to limit movement of X. fastidiosa from one almond limb to another on the same tree.
Modelling the coevolution of joint attention and language
Authors: Gong Tao , Shuai Lan
Published: September 2012

Joint attention (JA) is important to many social, communicative activities, including language, and humans exhibit a considerably high level of JA compared with non-human primates. We propose a coevolutionary hypothesis to explain this degree-difference in JA: once JA started to aid linguistic comprehension, along with language evolution, communicative success (CS) during cultural transmission could enhance the levels of JA among language users. We illustrate this hypothesis via a multi-agent computational model, where JA boils down to a genetically transmitted ability to obtain non-linguistic cues aiding comprehension. The simulation results and statistical analysis show that: (i) the level of JA is correlated with the understandability of the emergent language; and (ii) CS can boost an initially low level of JA and ‘ratchet’ it up to a stable high level. This coevolutionary perspective helps explain the degree-difference in many language-related competences between humans and non-human primates, and reflects the importance of biological evolution, individual learning and cultural transmission to language evolution.
Enhancing the volume and the optical quality of hen egg-white lysozyme crystals by coupling the salt concentration gradient crystallization method with a magnetic field
Authors: Magay Elena , Cho Sang Jin , Kim Shin Ae
Published: September 2012

The effect of coupling the salt concentration gradient crystallization method with the use of the paramagnetic salt MnCl2and a magnetic field is reported. The use of a simple magnetic device is proposed to have a significant effect on hen egg-white lysozyme crystal growth. Large single crystals greater than 10 mm3in volume with optical perfection were consistently obtained in this study.
Re‐sequencing of ankyrin 3 exon 48 and case‐control association analysis of rare variants in bipolar disorder type I
Authors: Doyle Glenn A , Lai Alison T , Chou Andrew D , Wang Min‐Jung , Gai Xiaowu , Rappaport Eric F , Berrettini Wade H
Published: September 2012

Doyle GA, Lai AT, Chou AD, Wang M‐J, Gai X, Rappaport EF, Berrettini WH. Re‐sequencing of ankyrin 3 exon 48 and case‐control association analysis of rare variants in bipolar disorder type I. Bipolar Disord 2012: 14: 809–821. © 2012 The Authors. Journal compilation © 2012 John Wiley & Sons A/S.

Objectives:  Genome‐wide association studies (GWAS) recently identified ankyrin 3 (ANK3) as a candidate gene for bipolar disorder type I (BPD‐I). Because the GWAS suggested multiple common haplotypes associated with BPD‐I (with odds ratio ∼1.3), we hypothesized that rare variants within these common haplotypes might increase risk for BPD‐I.

Methods:  We undertook a project in which the serine‐rich domain–tail domain (SRD‐TD)‐encoding exon of ANK3 was amplified from genomic DNA (gDNA) of 384 BPD‐I patients and re‐sequenced by next generation sequencing (NGS; SOLiD™).

Results:  We confirmed 18 novel mis‐sense rare variants and one novel insertion/deletion variant within the SRD‐TD exon, many of which change amino acid residues with extremely high evolutionary conservation. We genotyped most of these mis‐sense variants in ≥ 1000 BPD‐I and ≥ 1000 control individuals. We found no statistically significant association of any of the rare variants detected with BPD‐I.

Conclusions:  Thus, we conclude that rare variants within the re‐sequenced structural domains of ANK3 exon 48 do not contribute to BPD‐I.
A LATTICE‐BASED APPROACH TO THE PROBLEM OF RECRUITMENT IN MULTIAGENT SYSTEMS
Authors: Amigoni Francesco , Continanza Luca
Published: September 2012

Multiagent systems constitute an independent topic at the intersection between distributed computing and artificial intelligence. As the algorithmic techniques and the applications for multiagent systems have been continuously developing over the last two decades reaching significantly mature stages, many methodological problems have been addressed. In this paper, we aim to contribute to this methodological assessment of multiagent systems by considering the problem of choosing, or recruiting, a subset of agents from a set of available agents to satisfy a given request. This problem, which we call problem of recruitment, is encountered, for example, in matchmaking and in task allocation. We present and study a novel formal approach to the problem of recruitment, based on the algebraic formalism of lattices. The resulting formal framework can support the development of algorithms for automatic recruitment.
Chances and limits of an improved method to assess water resistance of cosmetic sunscreen products in vitro on polymethylmethacrylate plates
Authors: Bielfeldt S. , Röck C. , Wilhelm K.‐P.
Published: September 2012

Synopsis

While sun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection are the most important determinants of a cosmetic sunscreen product, water resistance is the third important feature. The Colipa in vivo method is the internationally accepted standard method to assess water resistance. It is time‐consuming and expensive. A screening method to quickly predict water resistance properties on low cost therefore is a specific request of product developers. Several in vitro screening methods are published but the predictive power of all these methods is limited. In this paper, we describe an adaptation of the in vitro UVA protection method of Colipa for a water resistance screening. Although the method is quick and most parts are standardized and approved by Colipa, the results were not in advantage of other published screening methods. Taking into account, the scatter of the results, seven of 16 sunscreen products that were developed as water resistant formulations could be unambiguously estimated to be water resistant by the in vivo water resistance screening method on five subjects while nine failed. In 10 of these 16 results, the in vitro SPF‐based method was in accordance with in vivo findings, whereas in six cases, the method was not predicting correctly. Based on these results, the authors recommend to use the in vitro screening methods to pre‐select from candidates which cannot all be tested in vivo. The pre‐selected products can be screened in the Colipa in vivo water resistance method with a reduced number of volunteers (usually 5) to predict water resistance. In case, the water resistance estimated in such an in vivo screening is found at about 65% or higher the study can be deemed successful and completed with further subjects to fulfil the Colipa requirements.
The phenolic profiles and antioxidant activity in different types of tea
Authors: Yang Jun , Liu Rui H.
Published: September 2012

Phenolics are suggested to be the major bioactive compounds responsible for the health benefits of tea. Seven types of tea were extracted using boiling water. The extraction kinetics was investigated. To more fully characterise the antioxidant profiles and possible associated health benefits of these tea types, the total water‐soluble solid content, phenolics, flavonoids, and antioxidant and antiproliferative activities were quantified. Green tea leaves (GTL) were found to have the highest phenolic content (128.7 ± 1.7 mg g−1, P < 0.05), followed by teas of decaffeinated green tea bag (dGTB), green tea bag (GTB), black tea bag (BTB), decaffeinated BTB, black tea leaves and oolong tea leaves (OTL). Among the three leaf teas, GT displayed the greatest antioxidant activity (4850.2 ± 60.7 μmol g−1, P < 0.05), followed by black tea (BT) and oolong tea (OT). As for the four bag teas, decaffeinated GT possessed the strongest antioxidant activity (4431.1 ± 335.0 μmol g−1, P < 0.05), followed by GT, BT and decaffeinated BT. The results display that phenolic/flavonoid content well correlated with antioxidant activity. Proliferation of three human cancer cells was significantly inhibited in a dose‐dependent manner after exposure to some tea extracts. This may influence consumers in selecting the type of tea and tea brewing times, exhibiting greater health benefits.
Optimised methodology for carboxymethylation of (1→3)‐β‐d‐glucan from Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) and promotion of mechanical activation
Authors: Ding, Junzhou , Wang, Yufang , Xiong, Shanbai , Zhao Siming , Huang Qilin
Published: September 2012

With a view to utilise yeast (1→3)‐β‐d‐glucan as biological response modifiers with better water solubility, carboxymethylation was carried out by a two‐step alkalisation and etherification with monochloroacetic acid. Four technological parameters of carboxymethylation were investigated by orthogonal experiments for obtaining the maximum degree of substitution (DS), apparent viscosity (η) and solubility of carboxymethyl derivatives. In view of the orthogonal analysis, the optimal technological parameters were reaction temperature 50 °C, total reaction time 5 h, 3 mL of 50% sodium hydroxide as the second alkali dosage and 15 mL of 4 m chloroacetic acid. In addition, it was found that ball milling pretreatment for original (1→3)‐β‐d‐glucan can be an advantage for carboxymethylation. By contrast, DS, η and solubility of carboxymethyl product increased 24%, 6% and 22%, respectively, suggesting the effect of ball milling pretreatment could not be neglected on improvement of DS, η and solubility for carboxymethyl products.
Neotropical termites: revision ofArmitermesWasmann (Isoptera, Termitidae, Syntermitinae) and phylogeny of the Syntermitinae
Authors: ROCHA MAURICIO MARTINS , CANCELLO ELIANA MARQUES , CARRIJO TIAGO FERNANDES
Published: September 2012

We present a comprehensive phylogenetic analysis of Syntermitinae, including representatives of all genera of the subfamily, along with all 12 species assigned formerly to the genusArmitermesWasmann (Termitidae, Syntermitinae), and 4 new species described herein. Syntermitinae was recovered as a natural group and the hypothesis that the frontal tube indicates convergence between Syntermitinae and Nasutitermitinae was corroborated. Also, several diagnostic characters proposed in the original description of Syntermitinae are discussed. Alongside the phylogenetic study, a taxonomic revision of the Neotropical genusArmitermeswas carried out, resulting in division of the genus into four genera. Taxonomic novelties are:Armitermesnow includesA. armiger(Motschulsky),A. bidentatusRocha & Cancellosp.n.andA. spininotusRocha & Cancellosp.n.;SilvestritermesRocha & Cancellogen.n.includesS. euamignathus(Silvestri)comb.n.,S. lanei(Canter)comb.n.,S. gnomus(Constantino)comb.n.,S. duendeRocha & Cancellosp.n.,S. minutus(Emerson)comb.n.,S. almirsateriRocha & Cancellosp.n.andS. holmgreni(Snyder)comb.n.;UncitermesRocha & Cancellogen.n.includesU. teevani(Emerson)comb.n.;MapinguaritermesRocha & Cancellogen.n.includesM. peruanus(Holmgren)comb.n.andM. grandidens(Emerson)comb.n.A new synonymy is proposed forA. cerradoensisMathews underS. euamignathus. All soldiers are described and illustrated, as are the mandibles and digestive tract of the worker and the imago caste, when available. We provide a dichotomous key, based on soldiers, for all genera of Syntermitinae, and distribution maps and dichotomous keys, based on soldiers, for the species ofArmitermesand all the new genera described herein.
Varicella zoster central nervous system vasculitis after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant successfully treated with cyclophosphamide
Authors: Molina B. , Gonzalez‐Vicent M. , Albi G. , Andión M. , Herrero B. , Sevilla J. , Díaz M.A.
Published: September 2012

We report the first case of varicella zoster central nervous system vasculitis, to our knowledge, which responded to intravenous pulses of cyclophosphamide in an immunocompromised child with severe and progressive disease, without sequelae.
Perianaesthetic management of patients with endocrine disease
Authors: Breivik H.
Published: September 2012

Hyper‐ or hypofunctioning endocrine organs present a number of perianaesthetic challenges. This review covers some of the issues of perianaesthetic management of patients with primary or coexisting pathology of the following endocrine organs: The pancreas with diabetes mellitus as the most common endocrine cause of primary and secondary organ dysfunctions affecting anaesthetic care. Adrenal cortical pathology with excess or deficiency of adrenocortical hormones. Pheochromocytoma of the adrenal medulla with infrequent but challenging perianaesthetic problems. Thyroid gland diseases with hyper‐ or hypothyroidism. Parathyroid gland pathology with hypercalcaemia or hypocalcaemia. Disorders of the anterior and posterior pituitary gland. The carcinoid syndrome and more uncommon endocrinopathies such as adenomas from the gastroenteropancreatic endocrine tissues and the ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome are also reviewed briefly.
New Destinations, New Trajectories? The Educational Progress of Hispanic Youth in North Carolina
Authors: Clotfelter Charles T. , Ladd Helen F. , Vigdor Jacob L.
Published: September 2012

Since 1990, Latin American immigrants to the United States have dispersed beyond traditional gateway regions to a number of “new destinations.” Both theory and past empirical evidence provide mixed guidance as to whether the children of these immigrants are adversely affected by residing in a nontraditional destination. This study uses administrative public school data to study over 2,800 8‐ to 18‐year‐old Hispanic youth in one new destination, North Carolina. Conditional on third‐grade socioeconomic indicators, Hispanic youth who arrive by age 9 and remain enrolled in North Carolina public schools close achievement gaps with socioeconomically similar White students by sixth grade and exhibit significantly lower high school dropout rates. Their performance resembles that of first‐generation youth in more established immigration gateways.
African American Serial Killers: Over‐Represented Yet Underacknowledged
Authors: Branson Allan L.
Published: September 2012

‘Can you name an African American (black) serial killer?’ In the US, the answer is often silence. For those who can remember, it might be Wayne Williams, the so‐called ‘Atlanta child murderer’. More astute individuals could mention the more recent D.C. Snipers who, while not comparable to the traditional media portrayals of serial killers, do qualify as such, based on the FBI's assessment. The existence of African American serial killers is a fact that appears to have escaped the attention of the American public. Previous research has identified 90 black serial killers beginning in 1945, yet their notoriety and celebrity are absent from America's popular cultural landscape. Despite the fact that numerous television shows, news reports and films address serial murder in fictional and non‐fictional portrayals, there remains a dearth of information and portrayals regarding black serial killers. This is an interesting conundrum. The media show little reticence in portraying black males as low‐level criminals, but rarely portray them as serial killers. This article suggests that the unquestioned ethnocentric profile of the serial killer as a white male in the US was created by the FBI, and subsequent media portrayals have reinforced this myth. Consequently, the predominant media portrayals of serial murderers are white male perpetrators. The impact of race‐based assumptions among law enforcement agencies and the public regarding the criminality of any group poses a danger to that whole society.