bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fast authentication mechanism with provable correctness for cluster‐based VANETs
Authors: Lee Jung‐San , Huang Ya‐Chieh
Published: June 2013

Vehicle ad hoc networks are self‐configurable networks with dynamic topologies. All involved nodes in vehicle ad hoc networks, including vehicles and roadside devices, have to share the responsibility for achieving handover operation and providing communication services. Such networks are more vulnerable to the malicious attacks than traditional wireless networks because of the shortage of the fixed infrastructure. Moreover, because the vehicles always move from one area to another very quick, how to handle the handover between roadside devices has become a crucial challenge in designing the system. For providing secure and seamless communications in such networks, we develop a robust and fast handover mechanism. We have conducted essential experiments to demonstrate the superiority of the new mechanism to other works. In particular, we have applied the BAN logic model to prove the correctness of mutual authentication between involved participants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Concise review: Mesenchymal stem cell treatment for ischemic kidney disease
Authors: Zhu Xiang-Yang , Lerman Amir , Lerman Lilach O.
Published: June 2013

Ischemic kidney diseases are common clinical entities that bear high mortality and morbidity and may lead to irreversible loss of kidney function. Their pathophysiology is multifaceted, involves complex hormonal-immunological-cellular interactions, and leads to damage in multiple cell types, which is often resistant to conventional therapy. Thus, novel strategies are needed to repair the renal parenchyma and preserve kidney function. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) confer renal protection through paracrine/endocrine effects and to some degree possibly by direct engraftment. Their anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory properties target multiple cascades in the mechanisms of ischemic kidney disease. This review focuses on recent progress on the use of MSC to prevent kidney injury in ischemic kidney injury, with a focus on the chronic form.
Cervical pessaries for prevention of spontaneous preterm birth: past, present and future
Authors: Arabin B. , Alfirevic Z.
Published: June 2013

This Review describes the rationale for the use of cervical pessaries to prevent spontaneous preterm birth and their gradual introduction into clinical practice, discusses technical aspects of the more commonly used designs and provides guidance for their use and future evaluation. Possible advantages of cervical pessaries include the easy, ‘one‐off’ application, good side‐effect profile, good patient tolerance and relatively low cost compared with current alternatives. Use of transvaginal sonography to assess cervical length in the second trimester allows much better selection of patients who may benefit from the use of a cervical pessary, but future clinical trials are needed to establish clearly the role of pessaries as a preterm birth prevention strategy worldwide. © 2013 The Authors. Ultrasound in Obstetrics & Gynecology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of the International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology.
Seasonal climate predictability and forecasting: status and prospects
Authors: Doblas‐Reyes Francisco J. , García‐Serrano Javier , Lienert Fabian , Biescas Aida Pintó , Rodrigues Luis R. L.
Published: June 2013

Seasonal climate forecasts occupy an intermediate zone between weather forecasting and climate projections. They share with the numerical weather prediction the difficulty of initializing the simulations with a realistic state of the atmosphere and the need to periodically verify different aspects of their quality, while additionally are burdened by uncertainties in feedback processes that also play a central role in constraining climate projections. Seasonal predictions have to deal also with the challenge of initializing all the components of the climate system (ocean, sea ice, and land surface). The value of skilful seasonal forecasts is obvious for many societal sectors and is currently being included in the framework of developing climate services. Seasonal forecasts will in addition be valuable by increasing the acceptance of climate projections among the general public. This advanced‐review article presents an overview of the state‐of‐the‐art in global seasonal predictability and forecasting for climate researchers and discusses fundamental advances to increase forecast quality in the near future. The article concludes with a list of challenges where seasonal forecasting is expected to focus on in the near future. WIREs Clim Change 2013, 4:245–268. doi: 10.1002/wcc.217

This article is categorized under:

Climate Models and Modeling > Earth System Models

Climate Models and Modeling > Knowledge Generation with Models

Social Status of Climate Change Knowledge > Climate Science and Decision Making
A fuzzy control strategy for power smoothing and grid dynamic response enrichment of a grid‐connected wind energy conversion system
Authors: Howlader Abdul Motin , Urasaki Naomitsu , Pratap Alok , Senjyu Tomonobu , Saber Ahmed Yousuf
Published: June 2013

This paper concentrates on the output power smoothing and the grid dynamic response enhancement of a grid‐interactive MW‐class permanent magnet synchronous generator‐based wind energy conversion system (WECS). A simple fuzzy controller method is applied to improve the overall performance of the WECS. The proposed method can retrieve the storing kinetic energy from the inertia of a wind turbine, perfectly. As a result, it can ensure a proficient power smoothing of the variable speed WECS. On the other hand, the grid side inverter is controlled by the fuzzy controller. This approach can reduce the fluctuation of DC link voltage and can deliver a smooth power to the power grid. The proposed method is compared with two other methods such as the maximum power point tracking control method and the without fuzzy controller method. A simple shunt circuit also includes in the DC link circuit. Therefore, during the system fault condition, the WECS can perform a stable operation. Effectiveness of the proposed method is verified by numerical simulations. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Short‐term forecasting of categorical changes in wind power with Markov chain models
Authors: Yoder Megan , Hering Amanda S. , Navidi William C. , Larson Kristin
Published: June 2013

As penetrations of renewable wind energy increase, accurate short‐term predictions of wind power become crucial to utilities that must balance the load and supply of electricity. As storage of wind energy is not yet feasible on a large scale, the utility must integrate wind energy as soon as it is generated and decide at each balancing time‐step whether a change in conventional energy output is required. With high penetrations of wind energy, utilities must also plan for operating reserves to maintain stability of the electricity system when forecasts for renewable energy are inaccurate. Thus, a simple forecast of whether the wind power will increase, decrease or not change in the next time‐step will give utility operators an easy tool for assessing whether changes need to be made to the current generation mix. In this work, Markov chain models based on the change in power output at up to three locations or lags in time are presented that not only produce such an hourly forecast but also include a measure of the uncertainty of the forecast. Forecasts are greatly improved when knowledge of whether the maximum or minimum wind power is currently being produced and the intrahour trend in wind power are incorporated. These models are trained, tested and evaluated with a uniquely long set of 2 years of 10 min measurements at four meteorological stations in the Pacific Northwest and perform better than a benchmark state‐of‐the‐art wind speed forecasting model.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Population dynamics of calanoid copepods in the subtropical mesohaline Danshuei Estuary (Taiwan) and typhoon effects
Authors: Beyrend‐Dur Delphine , Souissi Sami , Hwang Jiang‐Shiou
Published: June 2013

We studied the populations of the dominant calanoid copepods Pseudodiaptomus annandalei and Acartia spp. in the mesohaline Danshuei Estuary for two successive springs and summers. We analyzed environmental factors (i.e., temperature, salinity, chlorophyll a, light attenuation coefficient, and suspended particulate matter) and the population densities and structures at the surface and near the estuarine bed. The population of P. annandalei dominated the zooplankton community from surface to bottom, except during a medusa bloom in 2009 and during the post‐typhoon period, when Acartia spinicauda dominated. The relationships between environmental factors and densities differed between and within populations of P. annandalei and Acartia spp. We concluded that the primary determinants of the P. annandalei population are predation and the typhoon‐related freshwater runoff, which can strongly influence the copepod succession in this part of the estuary.
Bringing National Courts in Line with International Norms: A Comparative Look at the Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Military Courts of the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Trapani Antonietta
Published: June 2013

The advent of the principle of complementarity under the Statute of the International Criminal Court has shifted the focus on prosecuting international crimes to the national courts. One of the potential difficulties in this shift is that there is no uniform standard for incorporating and applying international legal norms in the national systems. This article examines how two very distinct national courts – the state Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina and the military courts of the Democratic Republic of Congo – have implemented and applied international legal norms. Despite the differences between these particular courts in the methods of implementation and application, international courts have had an impact on the national systems that have helped the latter to follow international criminal legal norms.
Taking Leaves out of the International Criminal Court Statute: The Direct Application of International Criminal Law by Military Courts in the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Zongwe Dunia P
Published: June 2013

Article 215 of the Constitution of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is the entry point for international law into the DRC legal complex. It provides that international treaties and agreements duly ratified by the state predominate over Acts of Parliament. Cases and studies involving the direct effect or self-executing norms of international law in domestic cases are rare in the DRC. The correct ways of applying Article 215 of the Constitution and international law in domestic cases have not yet been authoritatively settled. The basic dilemma is whether courts should read the provisions of relevant international treaties into disputed provisions of DRC laws or read the disputed provisions in the light of the relevant treaty provisions.

Using as a case study the emerging practice of DRC military courts of directly applying international criminal law in domestic cases, the article argues that carelessly cutting and pasting formulations found in international treaties into the texts of applicable municipal laws infringes state sovereignty. Instead, the article proposes a strategy that would avoid unpleasant friction between international criminal law and municipal law, while encouraging cultural pluralism and the judicious intervention of international law in municipal law.
Effect of Fe deficiency on alfalfa plants grown in the presence ofPseudomonas
Authors: CAMEJO D. , MARTÍ M. C. , MARTÍNEZ-ALCALÁ I. , MEDINA-BELLVER J. I. , MARQUÉS S. , JIMÉNEZ A.
Published: June 2013

Alfalfa is a model plant defined as less sensitive than others to iron (Fe) deficiency. In the present work, some mechanisms induced in low Fe availability conditions were studied, including the effect of inoculation of alfalfa seeds withPseudomonas putida. The effect of different Fe contents in the nutrient solution on the growth parameters was evaluated at 3 and 10 days, observing that low Fe conditions promoted biomass accumulation. Activation in the mechanisms of Fe acquisition, through acidification of the media and an increase in the ferric chelate reductase (FCR) activity, was observed in the absence of Fe at 10 days. The presence ofP. putidaKT2442 in the rhizosphere eliminated FCR activation through the excretion of siderophores. The effect of the siderophores on the modulation of FCR activity was demonstrated using appsDmutant strain, unable to segregate them, observing an activation of the activity similar to that observed in the absence of the bacteria. This, together with the demonstrated mechanisms to increase Fe availability, contributed to the conclusion that alfalfa can be used for recovery programmes of soils with low Fe availability.
Strategic approaches to practice: an action research project
Authors: Burwell Kim , Shipton Matthew
Published: June 2013

The importance of personal practice for instrumentalists and vocalists is well established among researchers, and axiomatic for practitioners. This paper reports on a phase of an action research project, investigating student approaches to personal practice. Following a preliminary questionnaire study, a residential clinic was conducted by practitioner-researchers for eight student participants. In a programme addressing practice, rehearsal and performance, students were introduced to and supported in the development of self-regulatory skills, through generic practice strategies and tools for time-management and self-evaluation. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, weblogs and practice schedules. Students’ previous experience with learning about practice was characterised, and complemented by the exploration of a programme offering support for more strategic approaches, beyond the setting of individual lessons.
FROM SEEING ADVERBS TO SEEING VERBAL MORPHOLOGY
Authors: Sagarra Nuria , Ellis Nick C.
Published: June 2013

Adult learners have persistent difficulty processing second language (L2) inflectional morphology. We investigate associative learning explanations that involve the blocking of later experienced cues by earlier learned ones in the first language (L1; i.e., transfer) and the L2 (i.e., proficiency). Sagarra (2008) and Ellis and Sagarra (2010b) found that, unlike Spanish monolinguals, intermediate English-Spanish learners rely more on salient adverbs than on less salient verb inflections, but it is not clear whether this preference is a result of a default or a L1-based strategy. To address this question, 120 English (poor morphology) and Romanian (rich morphology) learners of Spanish (rich morphology) and 98 English, Romanian, and Spanish monolinguals read sentences in L2 Spanish (or their L1 in the case of the monolinguals) containing adverb-verb and verb-adverb congruencies or incongruencies and chose one of four pictures after each sentence (i.e., two that competed for meaning and two for form). Eye-tracking data revealed significant effects for (a) sensitivity (all participants were sensitive to tense incongruencies), (b) cue location in the sentence (participants spent more time at their preferred cue, regardless of its position), (c) L1 experience (morphologically rich L1 learners and monolinguals looked longer at verbs than morphologically poor L1 learners and monolinguals), and (d) L2 experience (low-proficiency learners read more slowly and regressed longer than high-proficiency learners). We conclude that intermediate and advanced learners are sensitive to tense incongruencies and—like native speakers—tend to rely more heavily on verbs if their L1 is morphologically rich. These findings reinforce theories that support transfer effects such as the unified competition model and the associative learning model but do not contradict Clahsen and Felser’s (2006a) shallow structure hypothesis because the target structure was morphological agreement rather than syntactic agreement.
Molecular Mechanisms of Asymmetric Division in Oocytes
Authors: Sun Shao-Chen , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: June 2013

In contrast to symmetric division in mitosis, mammalian oocyte maturation is characterized by asymmetric cell division that produces a large egg and a small polar body. The asymmetry results from oocyte polarization, which includes spindle positioning, migration, and cortical reorganization, and this process is critical for fertilization and the retention of maternal components for early embryo development. Although actin dynamics are involved in this process, the molecular mechanism underlying this remained unclear until the use of confocal microscopy and live cell imaging became widespread in recent years. Information obtained through a PubMed database search of all articles published in English between 2000 and 2012 that included the phrases “oocyte, actin, spindle migration,” “oocyte, actin, polar body,” or “oocyte, actin, asymmetric division” was reviewed. The actin nucleation factor actin-related protein 2/3 complex and its nucleation-promoting factors, formins and Spire, and regulators such as small GTPases, partitioning-defective/protein kinase C, Fyn, microRNAs, cis-Golgi apparatus components, myosin/myosin light-chain kinase, spindle stability regulators, and spindle assembly checkpoint regulators, play critical roles in asymmetric cell division in oocytes. This review summarizes recent findings on these actin-related regulators in mammalian oocyte asymmetric division and outlines a complete signaling pathway.
Introduction: EBSD at the 10th EMAS Regional Workshop on Electron Probe Microanalysis of Materials Today: Practical Aspects
Authors: Rinaldi Romano
Published: June 2013

The articles in this special section of Microscopy and Microanalysis represent the highlights of works presented at two meetings focused on Electron Backscatter Diffraction (EBSD), which took place at the same time on either side of the Atlantic—namely, the 10th EMAS Regional Workshop, which took place in Padua, Italy on June 17–20, 2012, and the EBSD–MAS Meeting, which took place in Pittsburgh, PA, USA on June 19–21, 2012.
Retracted Article: Catalytic decomposition of ammonium dinitramide (ADN) as high energetic material over CuO-based catalysts
Authors: Amrousse Rachid , Fujisato Kohji , Habu Hiroto , Bachar Ahmed , Follet-Houttemane Claudine , Hori Keiichi
Published: June 2013

A CuO/Al2O3–La2O3 catalyst was effective for ADN catalytic decomposition processes. Moreover, the present catalyst was stable after several tests and compared with CuO/Al2O3.
Nonadiabatic excited-state molecular dynamics: Treatment of electronic decoherence
Authors: Nelson Tammie , Fernandez-Alberti Sebastian , Roitberg Adrian E. , Tretiak Sergei
Published: June 2013

Within the fewest switches surface hopping (FSSH) formulation, a swarm of independent trajectories is propagated and the equations of motion for the quantum coefficients are evolved coherently along each independent nuclear trajectory. That is, the phase factors, or quantum amplitudes, are retained. At a region of strong coupling, a trajectory can branch into multiple wavepackets. Directly following a hop, the two wavepackets remain in a region of nonadiabatic coupling and continue exchanging population. After these wavepackets have sufficiently separated in phase space, they should begin to evolve independently from one another, the process known as decoherence. Decoherence is not accounted for in the standard surface hopping algorithm and leads to internal inconsistency. FSSH is designed to ensure that at any time, the fraction of classical trajectories evolving on each quantum state is equal to the average quantum probability for that state. However, in many systems this internal consistency requirement is violated. Treating decoherence is an inherent problem that can be addressed by implementing some form of decoherence correction to the standard FSSH algorithm. In this study, we have implemented two forms of the instantaneous decoherence procedure where coefficients are reinitialized following hops. We also test the energy-based decoherence correction (EDC) scheme proposed by Granucci et al. and a related version where the form of the decoherence time is taken from Truhlar's Coherent Switching with Decay of Mixing method. The sensitivity of the EDC results to changes in parameters is also evaluated. The application of these computationally inexpensive ad hoc methods is demonstrated in the simulation of nonradiative relaxation in two conjugated oligomer systems, specifically poly-phenylene vinylene and poly-phenylene ethynylene. We find that methods that have been used successfully for treating small systems do not necessarily translate to large polyatomic systems and their success depends on the particular system under study.
Accelerating MP2C dispersion corrections for dimers and molecular crystals
Authors: Huang Yuanhang , Shao Yihan , Beran Gregory J. O.
Published: June 2013

The MP2C dispersion correction of Pitonak and Hesselmann [J. Chem. Theory Comput. 6, 168 (2010)]10.1021/ct9005882 substantially improves the performance of second-order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory for non-covalent interactions, albeit with non-trivial computational cost. Here, the MP2C correction is computed in a monomer-centered basis instead of a dimer-centered one. When applied to a single dimer MP2 calculation, this change accelerates the MP2C dispersion correction several-fold while introducing only trivial new errors. More significantly, in the context of fragment-based molecular crystal studies, combination of the new monomer basis algorithm and the periodic symmetry of the crystal reduces the cost of computing the dispersion correction by two orders of magnitude. This speed-up reduces the MP2C dispersion correction calculation from a significant computational expense to a negligible one in crystals like aspirin or oxalyl dihydrazide, without compromising accuracy.
Curled actuated shapes of ionic polymer metal composites strips
Authors: Nardinocchi Paola , Pezzulla Matteo
Published: June 2013

The curled actuated shapes of ionic polymer metal composites (IPMCs) are described within a nonlinear physics-based model of IPMC actuators. A key characteristic of the model is the refined, even if black box based, modeling of the relative permittivity of the IPMCs which strongly influences the actuation performances of the IPMC, when voltages higher than 1 V are involved. A varying-along-the-thickness relative permittivity is proposed to take into account the highly heterogeneous layers resulting from electrode deposition, where a charge redistribution occurs. Moreover, the presence of the metal electrodes has been considered as hampering the IPMCs' bending deformations, so reducing the actuation performances of the IPMC. A series of numerical tests have been planned and discussed to show the characteristics of the model; in particular, the model is shown to be strong enough to catch the not monotonic behavior of IPMCs, when back relaxation is manifested.
Measurement of interface-state-density distribution near conduction band at interface between atomic-layer-deposited Al2O3 and silicon-doped InAlN
Authors: Akazawa Masamichi , Chiba Masahito , Nakano Takuma
Published: June 2013

The Al2O3/InAlN interface formed by atomic layer deposition on a sufficiently thick silicon-doped InAlN layer lattice matched to GaN was investigated electrically. A metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) diode fabricated through careful interface formation showed a minimized leakage current and a capacitance-voltage (C-V) characteristic with a capacitance change large enough to evaluate the interface-state density, in the range of 1012 eV−1cm−2, near the conduction band. However, the MOS diode with careless interface formation resulted in degraded electrical characteristics, which indicated the process dependence of the interface properties. The effects of the acceptor-like interface states on the C-V curves are discussed.
Communication: An accurate global potential energy surface for the OH + CO → H + CO2 reaction using neural networks
Authors: Chen Jun , Xu Xin , Xu Xin , Zhang Dong H.
Published: June 2013

We report a new global potential energy surface of the HOCO system based on the F12 correction of unrestricted coupled-cluster with singles doubles and approximative triples using the augmented correlation-consistent polarized valence triple-zeta basis set (UCCSD(T)-F12/AVTZ), fitted by using the neural networks. Quantum dynamics calculations confirmed the satisfactory convergence of surface with respect to the number of data points and fitting process. It is found that the total reaction probabilities and complex-formation probabilities obtained on the present surface differ considerably with those obtained on the potential energy surface recently reported by Li et al. [J. Chem. Phys. 136, 041103 (2012)]10.1063/1.3680256. Various comparisons revealed that the present surface is substantially more accurate than that surface, representing the best available potential energy surface for this benchmark complex-forming four-atom system.
Periodic arrays of gold nano-disks coupled with evanescent spectroscopy
Authors: Jiang Hao , Manifar Touraj , Bakhtazad Aref , Hojjati Hossein , Sabarinathan Jayshri , Mittler Silvia
Published: June 2013

We study and analyze various spectral features of gold nano-disk arrays coupled with the evanescent field of an optical waveguide using finite difference time domain simulations for comparison to our previous work on this topic [Jiang et al., J. Lightwave Technol. 27(13), 2264–2270 (2009)]. We find that the quadrupolar and dipolar peaks are both heavily dependent on the coherent interactions of the periodic array and show comparable performance for refractive index sensing applications. We also find sharp extinction peaks and dips in the simulated spectra, but they are not sensitive to the index change of the surface-bound layer. A detailed analysis on these sharp features reveals that the sharp extinction peaks are grating-induced quadrupolar modes and the dips represent the suppressed plasmon resonances caused by the photonic band gap.
Infections and antimicrobial use in Australian residential aged care facilities: a comparison between local and international prevalence and practices
Authors: Smith Mary , Atkins Sue , Worth Leon , Richards Michael , Bennett Noleen
Published: June 2013

Introduction. In July 2011, 29 residential aged care facilities (RACF) located in the Grampians rural region, Victoria, participated in the Grampians healthcare-associated infection (HAI) and antimicrobial use point prevalence study. Methods. On a single day, trained infection control consultants collected data using two surveys. The RACF survey enabled collection of information (e.g. occupancy levels) about each RACF and its residents. The resident survey was completed for eligible high-level care residents who presented with signs and symptoms of a HAI and/or were prescribed an antimicrobial. A literature review was undertaken so comparisons could be made against similar studies. Results. The Grampians prevalence of residents presenting with ≥1 HAI (3.8%) was higher than the pooled prevalence (2.3%) for four international studies (P = 0.01). The Grampians prevalence of residents prescribed ≥1 antimicrobial (8.3%) was higher than the pooled prevalence (5.8%) for eight international studies (P = 0.009). Conclusion. The prevalence of the Grampians residents presenting with ≥1 HAI and residents prescribed ≥1 antimicrobial were both observed to be significantly higher than pooled data from similar international studies. What is known about this topic? RACF residents are vulnerable to HAI for a variety of reasons (e.g. comorbidities and functional disabilities). Inappropriate antimicrobial use for these HAI may lead to the emergence of antimicrobial resistance, adverse drug reactions and excessive costs. The literature does not extensively detail surveillance programs that measure HAI or antimicrobial use in Australian RACF. What does this paper add? In a sample of Australian RACF, the Grampians point prevalence study established a baseline prevalence of HAI and antimicrobial use. The rates calculated were shown to be significantly high when compared with similar studies. What are the implications for practitioners? Quality improvement initiatives that might decrease the prevalence of HAI and antimicrobial use in Australian RACF should be investigated and supported by key stakeholders.
REGγ deficiency promotes premature aging via the casein kinase 1 pathway
Authors: Li Lei , Zhao Dengpan , Wei Haibin , Yao Liangfang , Dang Yongyan , Amjad Ali , Xu Jinjin , Liu Jiang , Guo Linjie , Li Dongqing , Li Zhen , Zuo Di , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Jian , Huang Shixia , Jia Caifeng , Wang Lu , Wang Ying , Xie Yifan , Luo Jian , Zhang Bianhong , Luo Honglin , Donehower Lawrence A. , Moses Robb E. , Xiao Jianru , O’Malley Bert W. , Li Xiaotao
Published: June 2013

Our recent studies suggest a role for the proteasome activator REG (11S regulatory particles, 28-kDa proteasome activator)γ in the regulation of tumor protein 53 (p53). However, the molecular details and in vivo biological significance of REGγ-p53 interplay remain elusive. Here, we demonstrate that REGγ-deficient mice develop premature aging phenotypes that are associated with abnormal accumulation of casein kinase (CK) 1δ and p53. Antibody array analysis led us to identify CK1δ as a direct target of REGγ. Silencing CK1δ or inhibition of CK1δ activity prevented decay of murine double minute (Mdm)2. Interestingly, a massive increase of p53 in REGγ
−/−
tissues is associated with reduced Mdm2 protein levels despite that
Mdm2
transcription is enhanced. Allelic p53 haplodeficiency in REGγ-deficient mice attenuated premature aging features. Furthermore, introducing exogenous Mdm2 to
REG
γ

−/−

MEFs significantly rescues the phenotype of cellular senescence, thereby establishing a REGγ-CK1-Mdm2-p53 regulatory pathway. Given the conflicting evidence regarding the “antiaging” and “proaging” effects of p53, our results indicate a key role for CK1δ-Mdm2-p53 regulation in the cellular aging process. These findings reveal a unique model that mimics acquired aging in mammals and indicates that modulating the activity of the REGγ-proteasome may be an approach for intervention in aging-associated disorders.
Experimental Assessment of the Magnitude and Sources of Lake Sturgeon Egg Mortality
Authors: Forsythe P. S. , Scribner K. T. , Crossman J. A. , Ragavendran A. , Baker E. A.
Published: June 2013

Mortality during early life stages can greatly affect annual recruitment. Despite the importance to population abundance and community composition, quantitative estimates of the sources and magnitude of early life mortality in natural environments are generally lacking for many fish species. We conducted a field experiment to quantify egg mortality during incubation for Lake Sturgeon Acipenser fulvescens. Fertilized Lake Sturgeon eggs were placed in replicated exclosures in the Black River, Michigan, at a known spawning location. Incubation conditions were modified using four exclosure treatments differing in mesh size that simulated different levels of access by predators and water flow regimes (0.1–0.6 m/s). Egg mortality through 80% of the incubation period was high (average 91%) and varied significantly (75–97%) across treatments. Treatments with reduced predator access and low water velocity experienced the highest levels of cumulative egg mortality. Developmental arrest was a larger source of mortality (84%) than the combined effect of predation and scour or de‐adhesion (16%). We also documented a significant treatment by time (day of incubation) interaction, indicating that although cumulative rates of mortality may not vary significantly among spawning sites, the relative contributions of different sources of mortality can vary greatly at different times during egg incubation.
Anger and shame as determinants of perceived competence
Authors: Hareli Shlomo , Berkovitch Nathan , Livnat Liat , David Shlomo
Published: June 2013

Emotions are complex signals conveying a multitude of “messages” concomitantly. This idea is examined within the context of competence inferences drawn from the emotional expressions of another individual. In two studies, participants assuming the role of patients took part in a simulated medical consultation. They encountered a physician who had either a high or a standard professional status, and who responded with anger, shame, or emotional neutrality when asked to clarify the advice he dispensed. While a display of anger did not affect perceived competence, shame made the physician appear less competent. Three types of signals conveyed by the emotions were responsible for these effects: the physician's decisiveness and control over the situation, and the extent to which he felt professionally devalued by the patient's request, mediated the effects of the emotions on perceived competence. A priori information about the physician's professional status had little effect on the perception of competence. The research exemplifies the richness of information contained in emotions, and the complex way in which it allows observers to construe an impression of the expresser.
Leaving Lenin: Elites, official ideology and monuments in the Kyrgyz Republic
Authors: Cummings Sally N.
Published: June 2013

Many Lenin monuments remain in cities around the former Soviet republics and a few national or regional authorities have decreed it against the law to deface or remove them. The Lenin monument in Bishkek, capital city of the Kyrgyz Republic, is an example of both policies. On two main counts, however, the fate of this particular bronze statue of Vladimir Ilyich Lenin has been unusual. Only in the Kyrgyz case was the country's central Lenin monument left untouched for over a decade after the collapse of communism, a decree for its preservation as a national treasure being put in force as late as 2000. And, when, in 2003, the government after all decided to remove the monument, it was then relocated only some 100 yards from its original location. These twin issues of timing and new spatial framing offer a window on the relationship between state ideology and politics in the Kyrgyz Republic. I propose to use an official ideology approach to understand the Kyrgyz ruling elite's ideological relationship to the Lenin monument after the collapse of communism.
Expressive Writing as a Therapeutic Process for Drug-Dependent Women
Authors: Meshberg-Cohen Sarah , Svikis Dace , McMahon Thomas J.
Published: June 2013

Background

Although women with substance use disorders (SUDs) have high rates of trauma and posttraumatic stress, many addiction programs do not offer trauma-specific treatments. One promising intervention is Pennebaker's expressive writing, which involves daily, 20-minute writing sessions to facilitate disclosure of stressful experiences.

Methods

Women ( N = 149) in residential treatment completed a randomized clinical trial comparing expressive writing with control writing. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to document change in psychological and physical distress from baseline to 2-week and 1-month follow-ups. Analyses also examined immediate levels of negative affect following expressive writing.

Results

Expressive writing participants showed greater reductions in posttraumatic symptom severity, depression, and anxiety scores, when compared with control writing participants at the 2-week follow-up. No group differences were found at the 1-month follow-up. Safety data were encouraging: although expressive writing participants showed increased negative affect immediately after each writing session, there were no differences in pre-writing negative affect scores between conditions the following day. By the final writing session, participants were able to write about traumatic/stressful events without having a spike in negative affect.

Conclusions

Results suggest that expressive writing may be a brief, safe, low-cost, adjunct to SUD treatment that warrants further study as a strategy for addressing posttraumatic distress in substance-abusing women.
Frequency of Energy Drink Use Predicts Illicit Prescription Stimulant Use
Authors: Woolsey Conrad L. , Barnes Laura B. , Jacobson Bert H. , Kensinger Weston S. , Barry Adam E. , Beck Niels C. , Resnik Andrew G. , Evans Marion W.
Published: June 2013

Background

The purpose of this study was to examine energy drink (ED) usage patterns and to investigate the illicit use of prescription stimulants among college students.

Methods

A sample of 267 undergraduate and graduate students (mean age of 22.48 among stimulant users) from a large midwestern university and its branch campus locations voluntarily participated in the study.

Results

Among prescription stimulant users without a valid medical prescription, Mann-Whitney U tests and logistic regression analysis revealed that the frequency of ED use was a significant predictor of the illicit use of prescription stimulants. Moreover, frequency of ED consumption was a significant predictor of the illicit use of prescription stimulant medications, with the odds for using increasing by .06 with each additional day of ED use past 0 day (odds for use = 1.06, P =.008).

Conclusions

Results indicate that the frequency of ED use is a significant predictor of the illicit use of prescription stimulants. All prescription stimulant users with or without a valid script also used EDs. This finding is important to practitioners because of the harmful interactions (eg, serotonin syndrome) that can occur when ED ingredients (eg, ginseng, yohimbine, evodamine, etc) are mixed with prescription stimulants.
Cytomorphometric Analysis of Oral Buccal Mucosal Smears in Tobacco and Arecanut Chewers who Abused with and without Betel Leaf
Authors: Noufal Ahammed , George Antony , Jose Maji , Khader Mohasin Abdul , Jayapalan Cheriyanthal Sisupalan
Published: June 2013

Background

Tobacco in any form (smoking or chewing), arecanut chewing, and alcohol are considered to be the major extrinsic etiological factors for potentially malignant disorders of the oral cavity and for squamous cell carcinoma, the most common oral malignancy in India. An increase in nuclear diameter (ND) and nucleus-cell ratio (NCR) with a reduction in cell diameter (CD) are early cytological indicators of dysplastic change. The authors sought to identify cytomorphometric changes in ND, CD, and NCR of oral buccal cells in tobacco and arecanut chewers who chewed with or without betel leaf.

Methods

Participants represented 3 groups. Group I consisted of 30 individuals who chewed tobacco and arecanut with betel leaf (BQT chewers). Group II consisted of 30 individuals who chewed tobacco and arecanut without betel leaf (Gutka chewers). Group III comprised 30 apparently healthy nonabusers. Cytological smears were prepared and stained with modified-Papanicolaou stain.

Results

Comparisons between Groups I and II and Groups II and III showed that ND was increased, with P values of .054 and .008, respectively, whereas a comparison of Groups I and III showed no statistical significance. Comparisons between Groups I and II and Groups II and III showed that CD was statistically reduced, with P values of .037 and <.000, respectively, whereas comparison of Groups I and III showed no statistical significance. Comparisons between Groups I and II and groups II and III showed that NCR was statistically increased, with P values of <.000, whereas a comparison of Groups I and III showed no statistical significance.

Conclusions

CD, ND, and NCR showed statistically significant changes in Group II in comparison with Group I, which could indicate larger and earlier risk of carcinoma for Gutka chewers than in BQT chewers.
The views of students in the 14–19 phase attending three special schools and a secure unit on their learning and achievement
Authors: Feiler Anthony
Published: June 2013

The involvement of special schools and centres in curriculum policy initiatives has been remarkably limited both in the UK and internationally, and research investigating students' perspectives on the curriculum and teaching and learning in such centres is practically non-existent.
The views of students on curriculum and pedagogy attending three special schools and a secure unit are explored and four key themes that emerged are discussed. It is proposed that aspects of the provision at the four special centres contribute to inclusive education practices.
On the Robustness of Prime Response Retrieval Processes: Evidence from Auditory Negative Priming without Probe Interference
Authors: Mayr Susanne , Buchner Axel
Published: June 2013

Visual negative priming has been shown to depend on the presence of probe distractors, a finding that has been traditionally seen to support the episodic retrieval model of negative priming; however, facilitated prime-to-probe contingency learning might also underlie this effect. In four sound identification experiments, the role of probe distractor interference in auditory negative priming was investigated. In each experiment, a group of participants was exposed to probe distractor interference while another group ran the task in the absence of probe distractors. Experiments 1A, 1B, and 1C varied in the extent to which fast versus accurate responding was required. Between Experiments 1 and 2, the spatial cueing of the to-be-attended ear was varied. Whereas participants switched ears from prime to probe in Experiment 1, they kept a stable attentional focus throughout Experiment 2. For trials with probe distractors, a negative priming effect was present in all experiments. For trials without probe distractors, the only ubiquitous after-effect of ignoring a prime distractor was an increase of prime response errors in ignored repetition compared to control trials, indicating that prime response retrieval processes took place. Whether negative priming beyond this error increase was found depended on the stability of the attentional focus. The findings suggest that several mechanisms underlie auditory negative priming with the only robust one being prime response retrieval.
Analysis as mourning
Authors: Astrachan Gary David
Published: June 2013

In an essay on Freud's notions of mourning and the transformations of libido, Jean Laplanche discusses the image of Persephone from Homer's Odyssey, nocturnally ‘unweaving’ at her loom in order to stave off the suitors, as an aspect of the translations and detranslations of ‘the other’, the unconscious, that give rise to temporality. In himself translating the ancient Greek word analuein, ‘unweaving,’ as ‘ana-lysing’, he suggestively re-casts Freud's project of psycho-analysis as the ‘disentangling, dissolution or resolution of souls’. Restoring the Greek words lysis and lysios back to their originary context as epithets and ritualized descriptors of the god Dionysos, Lysios, the ‘loosener’, ‘releaser’, ‘liberator’, untier of knots and bonds, this paper re-visions both the analytical process, as well as the intrinsic nature and function of the dream and dreaming, as performative enactments, which – like tragic drama – attempt to work through and mourn trauma, absence, separation, loss and our basic human finitude, the terms of our mortality and our no longer being in the world itself.
Validation of a Risk Stratification Index and Risk Quantification Index for Predicting Patient Outcomes
Authors: Sigakis Matthew J. G. , Bittner Edward A. , Wanderer Jonathan P.
Published: June 2013

Background:

External validation of published risk stratification models is essential to determine their generalizability. This study evaluates the performance of the Risk Stratification Indices (RSIs) and 30-day mortality Risk Quantification Index (RQI).

Methods:

108,423 adult hospital admissions with anesthetics were identified (2006–2011). RSIs for mortality and length-of-stay endpoints were calculated using published methodology. 91,128 adult, noncardiac inpatient surgeries were identified with administrative data required for RQI calculation.

Results:

RSI in-hospital mortality and RQI 30-day mortality Brier scores were 0.308 and 0.017, respectively. RSI discrimination, by area under the receiver operating curves, was excellent at 0.966 (95% CI, 0.963–0.970) for in-hospital mortality, 0.903 (0.896–0.909) for 30-day mortality, 0.866 (0.861–0.870) for 1-yr mortality, and 0.884 (0.882–0.886) for length-of-stay. RSI calibration, however, was poor overall (17% predicted in-hospital mortality vs. 1.5% observed after inclusion of the regression constant) as demonstrated by calibration plots. Removal of self-fulfilling diagnosis and procedure codes (20,001 of 108,423; 20%) yielded similar results. RQIs were calculated for only 62,640 of 91,128 patients (68.7%) due to unmatched procedure codes. Patients with unmatched codes were younger, had higher American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status and 30-day mortality. The area under the receiver operating curve for 30-day mortality RQI was 0.888 (0.879–0.897). The model also demonstrated good calibration. Performance of a restricted index, Procedure Severity Score + American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status, performed as well as the original RQI model (age + American Society of Anesthesiologists + Procedure Severity Score).

Conclusion:

Although the RSIs demonstrated excellent discrimination, poor calibration limits their generalizability. The 30-day mortality RQI performed well with age providing a limited contribution.
Prosthetic knee arthritis due to Granulicatella adiacens after dental treatment
Authors: Mougari F. , Jacquier H. , Berçot B. , Hannouche D. , Nizard R. , Cambau E. , Zadegan F.
Published: June 2013

We report prosthetic knee arthritis in a 55-year-old diabetic man due toGranulicatella adiacens, a micro-organism present in the oral flora, usually described in endocarditis but rarely in prosthesis joint infection. This patient had undergone a dental extraction without antibiotic prophylaxis one month before, and an aseptic loosening of the prosthesis had been diagnosed previously. If antimicrobial prophylaxis against infective endocarditis for dental procedures is well established, such an approach is still controversial for joint prosthesis and should be considered in some conditions.
The use of a mini-κ goniometer head in macromolecular crystallography diffraction experiments
Authors: Brockhauser Sandor , Ravelli Raimond B. G. , McCarthy Andrew A.
Published: June 2013

Most macromolecular crystallography (MX) diffraction experiments at synchrotrons use a single-axis goniometer. This markedly contrasts with small-molecule crystallography, in which the majority of the diffraction data are collected using multi-axis goniometers. A novel miniaturized κ-goniometer head, the MK3, has been developed to allow macromolecular crystals to be aligned. It is available on the majority of the structural biology beamlines at the ESRF, as well as elsewhere. In addition, theStrategy for the Alignment of Crystals(STAC) software package has been developed to facilitate the use of the MK3 and other similar devices. Use of the MK3 andSTACis streamlined by their incorporation into online analysis tools such asEDNA. The current use ofSTACand MK3 on the MX beamlines at the ESRF is discussed. It is shown that the alignment of macromolecular crystals can result in improved diffraction data quality compared with data obtained from randomly aligned crystals.