bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An elastoplastic constitutive model for rockfills incorporating energy dissipation of nonlinear friction and particle breakage
Authors: Liu Mengcheng , Gao Yufeng , Liu Hanlong
Published: December 2013

A new elastoplastic model is developed for rockfills within the general critical state framework incorporating the state parameter. Two state functions are proposed to characterize the evolution of volume dilation and strain softening of rockfills, and a modified breakage index based on the concept of Hardin's relative breakage is defined to describe the progressive crushing of rockfills. The nonassociated plastic flow rule is derived from a state dependent dilatancy equation, and it incorporates energy dissipation due to intrinsic nonlinear friction and particle breakage upon shearing. Thus, their couple effect on the plastic deviatoric and volumetric deformation of rockfills is taken into account in the current model. The numerical analyses are carried out for a series of drained triaxial tests on the modeled rockfills at various consolidation pressures and stress paths. The volume dilation/contraction and strain softening/hardening of rockfills are accurately predicted by the proposed model, and the particle breakage and nonlinear critical state shear strength of rockfills are also well captured. The research findings indicate that the current model is applicable to represent the complex stress–strain–volume change behavior of rockfills in general. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Role of Birds in the Settlement of Shahr‐i Sokhta (Sistan, Iran) During the 3rd Millennium BC
Authors: Gala M. , Tagliacozzo A.
Published: December 2013

Archaeological excavations at the site of Shahr‐i Sokhta yielded many bird remains. The excellent state of preservation allowed for the identification of 2875 specimens attributed to 43 different species. The avifaunal assemblage is mainly characterized by aquatic species, such as the Eurasian coot (Fulica atra), representing 60% of the identified remains, and the Anseriformes. The presence of cinereous vulture (Aegypius monachus), see‐see partridge (Ammoperdix griseogularis), black‐bellied sandgrouse (Pterocles orientalis) and spotted sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus) suggests that near the urban center there were also some very arid and semi‐desert areas. The bird remains of Shahr‐i Sokhta confirm the existence of environmental and climatic conditions that can still be found in central and northern Iran, near the Caspian Sea. With the exception of the Suliformes, Pelecaniformes and Accipitriformes, there is evidence that most species were hunted for their meat. Furthermore, eggshell fragments found at the site suggest that eggs were collected and used as food. Taphonomic analysis showed that the Gruiformes and the Anseriformes were eaten, while the other species were exploited for non‐food purposes. The use of bird bones as raw material is indicated by the presence of anthropic marks on the ulnae of large birds. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solar cell efficiency tables (version 43)
Authors: Green Martin A. , Emery Keith , Hishikawa Yoshihiro , Warta Wilhelm , Dunlop Ewan D.
Published: December 2013

Consolidated tables showing an extensive listing of the highest independently confirmed efficiencies for solar cells and modules are presented. Guidelines for inclusion of results into these tables are outlined, and new entries since July 2013 are reviewed. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A prospective study of cognitive function in men with non‐seminomatous germ cell tumors
Authors: Wefel Jeffrey S. , Vidrine Damon J. , Marani Salma K. , Swartz Richard J. , Veramonti Tracy L. , Meyers Christina A. , Hoekstra Harald J. , Hoekstra‐Weebers Josette E. H. M. , Gritz Ellen R.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Longitudinal neuropsychological assessments were performed to determine if adjuvant chemotherapy was associated with cognitive dysfunction in men with non‐seminomatous germ cell tumors (NSGCT).

Methods

Patients with NSGCT status post‐orchiectomy that either received adjuvant chemotherapy (n = 55) or did not (n = 14) were recruited. Patients were tested before chemotherapy, 1 week post‐chemotherapy (or 3 months later in the surveillance group) and 12 months after the baseline evaluation.

Results

Compared with the surveillance group, patients treated with chemotherapy had higher rates of cognitive decline at 12 months (overall cognitive decline: 0%, 52%, and 67% in the surveillance, low exposure (LE), and high exposure (HE) group, respectively), greater number of tests that declined (mean of 0.1, 1.4, and 2.0 in the surveillance, LE, and HE group, respectively), and more frequent worsening in motor dexterity (0%, 48%, and 46% in the surveillance, LE, and HE group, respectively). Compared with the surveillance group, patients receiving more cycles of chemotherapy demonstrated worse psychomotor speed and learning and memory. Younger age was associated with greater incidence of overall cognitive decline at 12‐month follow‐up.

Conclusions

Men with NSGCT that received chemotherapy demonstrated greater rates of cognitive decline in a dose‐response manner. Reductions in motor dexterity were most common. Decline in learning and memory also was evident particularly at later follow‐up time points and in men receiving more chemotherapy. Men that receive chemotherapy for NSGCT are at risk for cognitive decline and may benefit from monitoring and referral for psychosocial care. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modeling of age‐dependent amyloid accumulation and γ‐secretase inhibition of soluble and insoluble Aβ in a transgenic mouse model of amyloid deposition
Authors: Parkinson Joanna , Ploeger Bart , Appelkvist Paulina , Bogstedt Anna , Dillner Bergstedt Karin , Eketjäll Susanna , Visser Sandra A. G.
Published: December 2013

According to the “amyloid hypothesis,” accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) peptides in the brain is linked to the development of Alzheimer's disease. The aims of this investigation were to develop a model for the age‐dependent amyloid accumulation and to quantify the age‐ and treatment‐duration‐dependent efficacy of the γ‐secretase inhibitor MRK‐560 in the Tg2576 transgenic mouse model of amyloid deposition. Soluble and insoluble Aβ40 and Aβ42 brain concentrations were compiled from multiple naïve, vehicle, and MRK‐560‐treated animals. The age of Tg2576 mice in the studies ranged between 3.5 and 26 months. Single doses of MRK‐560 inhibited soluble Aβ40 levels in animals up to 9 months old. In contrast, MRK‐560 did not cause significant acute effects on soluble Aβ40 levels in animals older than 13 months. Absolute levels of Aβ variants increased exponentially over age and reached a plateau at ~20 months. In the final model, it was assumed that MRK‐560 inhibited the Aβ production rate with an Aβ level‐dependent IC50.The age‐dependent increase in Aβ levels was best described by a logistic model that stimulated the production rate of soluble Aβ. The increase in insoluble Aβ was defined as a function of soluble Aβ by using a scaling factor and a different turnover rate. The turnover half‐life for insoluble Aβ was estimated at 30 days, explaining that at least a 4‐week treatment in young animals was required to demonstrate a reduction in insoluble Aβ. Taken together, the derived knowledge could be exploited for an improved design of new experiments in Tg2576 mice.
Methotrexate and a spleen tyrosine kinase inhibitor cooperate to inhibit responses to peripheral blood B cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Coffey Greg , Betz Andreas , Graf Jonathan , Stephens Gillian , Hua Lin Pei , Imboden John , Sinha Uma
Published: December 2013

Background

Selective disruption of the spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) represents a novel strategy to control B‐cell functional responses by inhibition of B‐cell antigen receptor (BCR) signaling. PRT062607 (P505‐15) is a highly selective small molecule Syk inhibitor that potently suppresses B‐cell function in human and rodent blood, and reduces inflammation in rodent models of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Aims

In this study, we sought to determine the potency of Syk inhibition by PRT062607 in whole blood from RA patients, and elucidate covariates that affect the potency of immune‐regulation by this compound.

Materials and Methods

Whole blood was collected from 30 patients diagnosed with RA as part of a single‐center outpatient study. Disease severity, serum protein markers of inflammation, and co‐medications were related to each other, and to PRT062607 activity in ex vivo Syk‐mediated immune function assays.

Results

We report here that PRT062607 exhibited greater potency in suppressing BCR mediated B‐cell functional responses in whole blood from RA patients who received stable methotrexate (MTX) therapy. We demonstrate that the B‐cell functional response to BCR ligation is influenced by cytokines and JAK/STAT signaling.

Discussion

MTX is a known cytokine modulating agent, and this mechanism may act in concert with PRT062607 to control B‐cell function.

Conclusion

These data have important implications for the co‐administration of Syk inhibitors and MTX for the treatment of RA.
Dielectric and charge transport properties of the spin crossover complex [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4)
Authors: Lefter Constantin , Gural'skiy Il'ya A. , Peng Haonan , Molnár Gábor , Salmon Lionel , Rotaru Aurelian , Bousseksou Azzedine , Demont Philippe
Published: December 2013

Spin crossover compounds are considered to be a viable alternative for creating display, memory and switching devices due to the bistability of their magnetic, optical, mechanical and electrical properties. This Letter presents the study of the dielectric and transport properties of the [Fe(Htrz)2(trz)](BF4) (Htrz = 1H‐1,2,4‐triazole) complex in a wide temperature and frequency range. Our results reveal a singular behavior of the dielectric modulus upon the spin transition in conjunction with the switching of the conductivity between the high spin and low spin states.

magnified image

(© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Simulatable and secure certificate‐based threshold signature without pairings
Authors: Wang Feng , Chang Chin‐Chen , Harn Lein
Published: December 2013

We propose the notion and define the security model of a certificate‐based threshold signature. The model is a general model that allows both the master secret key and user secret keys to be determined and distributed to the corresponding participators. Furthermore, the model can be easily converted into an identity‐based (ID‐based) threshold signature model to solve the key escrow problem and can be converted into a certificateless threshold signature model. In addition, we propose a secure and efficient certificate‐based threshold signature scheme. Compared with previous ID‐based threshold signature and certificateless threshold signature, our scheme requires no computation of pairings and no trusted dealer. In addition, in our proposed scheme, unlike most schemes that require all members to jointly generate a certificate or a signature, it only requires t or more than t members to generate a certificate or a signature. Our proposed scheme can detect dishonest participants as well. Therefore, our scheme is more practical than existing schemes. We show that our scheme is existentially unforgeable against adaptive chosen message attacks under the discrete logarithm assumption. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Latent variable models with nonparametric interaction effects of latent variables
Authors: Song Xinyuan , Lu Zhaohua , Feng Xiangnan
Published: December 2013

Renal disease is one of the common complications of diabetes, especially for Asian populations. Moreover, cardiovascular and renal diseases share common risk factors. This paper proposes a latent variable model with nonparametric interaction effects of latent variables for a study based on the Hong Kong Diabetes Registry, which was established in 1995 as part of a continuous quality improvement program at the Prince of Wales Hospital in Hong Kong. Renal outcome (outcome latent variable) is regressed in terms of cardiac function and diabetes (explanatory latent variables) through an additive structural equation formulated using a series of unspecified univariate and bivariate smooth functions. The Bayesian P‐splines approach, along with a Markov chain Monte Carlo algorithm, is proposed to estimate smooth functions, unknown parameters, and latent variables in the model. The performance of the developed methodology is demonstrated via a simulation study. The effect of the nonparametric interaction of cardiac function and diabetes on renal outcome is investigated using the proposed methodology. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First Demonstration of Gold Nanorods‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapeutic Destruction of Tumors via Near Infra‐Red Light Activation
Authors: Vankayala Raviraj , Huang Yu‐Kuan , Kalluru Poliraju , Chiang Chi‐Shiun , Hwang Kuo Chu
Published: December 2013

Previously, a large volume of papers reports that gold nanorods (Au NRs) are able to effectively kill cancer cells upon high laser doses (usually 808 nm, 1–48 W/cm2) irradiation, leading to hyperthermia‐induced destruction of cancer cells, i.e, photothermal therapy (PTT) effects. Combination of Au NRs‐mediated PTT and organic photosensitizers‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) were also reported to achieve synergistic PTT and PDT effects on killing cancer cells. Herein, we demonstrate for the first time that Au NRs alone can sensitize formation of singlet oxygen (1O2) and exert dramatic PDT effects on complete destrcution of tumors in mice under very low LED/laser doses of single photon NIR (915 nm, <130 mW/cm2) light excitation. By changing the NIR light excitation wavelengths, Au NRs‐mediated phototherapeutic effects can be switched from PDT to PTT or combination of both. Both PDT and PTT effects were confirmed by measurements of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and heat shock protein (HSP 70), singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) sensing, and sodium azide quenching in cellular experiments. In vivo mice experiments further show that the PDT effect via irradiation of Au NRs by 915 nm can destruct the B16F0 melanoma tumor in mice far more effectively than doxorubicin (a clinically used anti‐cancer drug) as well as the PTT effect (via irradiation of Au NRs by 780 nm light). In addition, we show that Au NRs can emit single photon‐induced fluorescence to illustrate their in vivo locations/distribution.
Challenges and opportunities for software change request repositories: a systematic mapping study
Authors: Cavalcanti Yguaratã Cerqueira , da Mota Silveira Neto Paulo Anselmo , Machado Ivan do Carmo , Vale Tassio Ferreira , de Almeida Eduardo Santana , Meira Silvio Romero de Lemos
Published: December 2013

Software maintenance starts as soon as the first artifacts are delivered and is essential for the success of the software. However, keeping maintenance activities and their related artifacts on track comes at a high cost. In this respect, change request (CR) repositories are fundamental in software maintenance. They facilitate the management of CRs and are also the central point to coordinate activities and communication among stakeholders. However, the benefits of CR repositories do not come without issues, and commonly occurring ones should be dealt with, such as the following: duplicate CRs, the large number of CRs to assign, or poorly described CRs. Such issues have led researchers to an increased interest in investigating CR repositories, by considering different aspects of software development and CR management. In this paper, we performed a systematic mapping study to characterize this research field. We analyzed 142 studies, which we classified in two ways. First, we classified the studies into different topics and grouped them into two dimensions: challenges and opportunities. Second, the challenge topics were classified in accordance with an existing taxonomy for information retrieval models. In addition, we investigated tools and services for CR management, to understand whether and how they addressed the topics identified. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Temporal change in the spatial genetic structure of a sika deer population with an expanding distribution range over a 15‐year period
Authors: Ou Wei , Takekawa Satomi , Yamada Toshiya , Terada Chisato , Uno Hiroyuki , Nagata Junco , Masuda Ryuichi , Kaji Koichi , Saitoh Takashi
Published: December 2013

Since the 1980s, the sika deer (Cervus nippon Temminck, 1838) population of Hokkaido, Japan, has grown, resulting in range expansion. To assess the effects of this range expansion on the spatial genetic structure of the population, we compared subpopulation structures during 2 different periods (168 samples for 1991–1996, and 169 samples for 2008–2010), using mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA; D‐loop) and microsatellites (9 loci). The number of gene‐based subpopulations decreased across the 15‐year period; specifically from four to three subpopulations based on mtDNA, and from two to one subpopulation based on microsatellite DNA. The fusion of the two northern subpopulations caused the change to the mtDNA‐based structure, which might be explained by the dispersal of females from higher to lower density subpopulations. In comparison, the reason for the change in the microsatellite DNA‐based structure was unclear, because no significant genetic differentiation was observed between the two study periods. A stable mtDNA‐based structure was maintained in the north and central population separated by a west‐to‐east boundary, while a north‐to‐south boundary in eastern Hokkaido maintained stability in the eastern subpopulation versus all other subpopulations. The findings of this study demonstrate the importance of understanding gene flow within a structured population to implement effective management efforts; for instance, the culling of one subpopulation might not affect an adjacent subpopulation, because deer movement is limited between the subpopulations.
Microbial genome mining for accelerated natural products discovery: is a renaissance in the making?
Authors: Bachmann Brian O , Van Lanen Steven G , Baltz Richard H
Published: December 2013

Microbial genome mining is a rapidly developing approach to discover new and novel secondary metabolites for drug discovery. Many advances have been made in the past decade to facilitate genome mining, and these are reviewed in this Special Issue of the Journal of Industrial Microbiology and Biotechnology. In this Introductory Review, we discuss the concept of genome mining and why it is important for the revitalization of natural product discovery; what microbes show the most promise for focused genome mining; how microbial genomes can be mined; how genome mining can be leveraged with other technologies; how progress on genome mining can be accelerated; and who should fund future progress in this promising field. We direct interested readers to more focused reviews on the individual topics in this Special Issue for more detailed summaries on the current state-of-the-art.
Emulsifying Properties of Lecithin Containing Different Fatty Acids Obtained by Immobilized Lecitase Ultra‐Catalyzed Reaction
Authors: Gan Lu‐Jing , Wang Xiang‐Yu , Yang Dan , Zhang Hua , Shin Jung‐Ah , Hong Soon‐Taek , Park Sang Hyun , Lee Ki‐Teak
Published: December 2013

Lecitase Ultra and 6 triacylglycerol lipases (lipases PS, M, AH, AY, R, and AK) were immobilized on Amberlite XAD 7HP and used to catalyze the acidolysis reaction between lecithin and capric acid (C10:0) for comparison. The highest molar incorporation value (51.0 mol%) was observed for the immobilized Lecitase Ultra. Further, immobilized Lecitase Ultra was selected for catalyzing acidolysis between lecithin and fatty acids with different chain lengths (C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, and C14:0). After reaction, free fatty acids were removed by SPE and the resultant was called modified lecithin fraction 1 (MLF1). The highest molar incorporation value was obtained for C10:0 (51.0 mol%) at 45 °C with a mole ratio of 10/1 (C10:0/lecithin) for 72 h. After removal of lysophosphatidylcholine by solid‐phase extraction from MLF1, the resultant modified lecithin fraction 2 (MLF2) was used to prepare an oil‐in‐water emulsion. All emulsions prepared with MLF2 exhibited significantly higher emulsion stability (ES) values (16.2–17.7) and smaller particle sizes (d32 0.40–0.49 μm, d43 0.75–1.01 μm) than the emulsion prepared with unmodified lecithin (ES 14.1, d32 0.76 μm, d43, 1.26 μm) (P < 0.05). Furthermore, less clarification and droplet aggregation were observed in emulsions prepared with MLF2 than in lecithin‐based emulsions. Overall, the MLF2s showed better emulsifying properties than lecithin.
Daily life impairments associated with self-reported childhood/adolescent attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and experiences of diagnosis and treatment: Results from the European Lifetime Impairment Survey
Authors: Caci H. , Doepfner M. , Asherson P. , Donfrancesco R. , Faraone S.V. , Hervas A. , Fitzgerald M.
Published: December 2013

The Lifetime Impairment Survey assessed impairment and symptoms of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children/adolescents from six European countries. Parents/caregivers of children/adolescents aged < 20 years with ADHD (ADHD group; n = 535) and without ADHD (control group; n = 424) participated in an online survey. History of ADHD diagnosis was self-reported. ADHD and control groups were compared using impairment and symptom scales; higher scores indicate greater impairment. Mean (SD) age at ADHD diagnosis was 7.0 (2.8) years, following consultation of 2.7 (2.6) doctors over 20.4 (23.9) months. Parents/caregivers (64%; 344/535) reported frustration with some aspect of the diagnostic procedure; 74% (222/298) were satisfied with their child's current medication. ADHD had a negative impact on children/adolescents in all aspects of life investigated. The ADHD group had a higher mean (SD) school impairment score (2.7 [0.7]) compared with the control group (2.1 [0.7]; P < 0.001) and were more likely to be in the bottom of their class (P < 0.001). These data provide insights into impairments associated with ADHD in childhood/adolescence, and identify areas for improvement in its management and treatment.
Corporate Social Responsibility and Hospitals: US Theory, Japanese Experiences, and Lessons for other Countries
Authors: Takahashi Toshiro , Ellen Moriah , Brown Adalsteinn
Published: December 2013

This paper examines the role that corporate social responsibility can play in advancing hospital management. Corporate social responsibility is the integration of social and environmental concerns within business operations. The authors discuss how corporate social responsibility can help hospitals and provide suggestions to hospitals in deciding which corporate social responsibility initiatives to pursue.
The Estrogen Receptor/Progesterone Receptor Testing Errors in Newfoundland and Labrador: A Journey of Hope, Health, and Healing
Authors: Chubbs Katherine
Published: December 2013

In Newfoundland and Labrador, the estrogen receptor/progesterone receptor testing errors left an unparalleled effect. Patients, families, members of healthcare teams, and many others were left shaken and wondering how the province could move forward. This article reflects on some of the processes Eastern Health had to go through to learn and grow from the experience, as well as discusses how the organization met the requirements set forth in the Commission of Inquiry report.
Performance Measures for the Evaluation of Patients Referred to the Toronto General Hospital's Kidney Transplant Program
Authors: Sultan Heebah , Famure Olusegun , Phan Nicholas Tuan Anh , Van Julie Anh Dung , Kim Sang Joseph
Published: December 2013

Given the increasing number of patients with end-stage renal disease in Ontario, there is a need to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the pretransplant evaluation, to allow for a seamless progression through the various steps in the process. Toronto General Hospital's kidney transplant program is evaluating various performance measures, specifically looking at waiting times from referral to initial evaluation and initial evaluation to final disposition, to use as metrics for monitoring program performance and stimulate quality improvement.
Improving Public Health Preparedness Capacity Measurement: Development of the Local Health Department Preparedness Capacities Assessment Survey
Authors: Davis Mary V. , Mays Glen P. , Bellamy James , Bevc Christine A. , Marti Cammie
Published: December 2013

Objective

To address limitations in measuring the preparedness capacities of health departments, we developed and tested the Local Health Department Preparedness Capacities Assessment Survey (PCAS).

Methods

Preexisting instruments and a modified 4-cycle Delphi panel process were used to select instrument items. Pilot test data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis. Kappa statistics were calculated to examine rater agreement within items. The final instrument was fielded with 85 North Carolina health departments and a national matched comparison group of 248 health departments.

Results

Factor analysis identified 8 initial domains: communications, surveillance and investigation, plans and protocols, workforce and volunteers, legal infrastructure, incident command, exercises and events, and corrective action. Kappa statistics and z scores indicated substantial to moderate agreement among respondents in 7 domains. Cronbach α coefficients ranged from 0.605 for legal infrastructure to 0.929 for corrective action. Mean scores and standard deviations were also calculated for each domain and ranged from 0.41 to 0.72, indicating sufficient variation in the sample to detect changes over time.

Conclusion

The PCAS is a useful tool to determine how well health departments are performing on preparedness measures and identify opportunities for future preparedness improvements. Future survey implementation will incorporate recent Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's Public Health Preparedness Capabilities: National Standards for State and Local Planning. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2013;7:578–584)
Effects of low dietary aflatoxin B1 on broiler liver concentration without and with Mycosorb® toxin binder
Authors: Moran C.A. , Apajalahti J. , Yiannikouris A. , Ojanperä S. , Kettunen H.
Published: December 2013

A pilot study was conducted to evaluate the suitability of hepatic aflatoxin (AFB1) concentration as a biomarker to assess the in vivo efficacy of a mycotoxin binder in poultry when AFB1 dietary concentrations are low. Diets containing low doses of AFB1 without or with Mycosorb® (MTB), a mycotoxin binder, were fed to broilers from 7 to 21 days of age. The accumulation of AFB1 in liver was measured by high performance liquid chromatography with a detection limit of 5 ng/kg liver. In response to 10 and 50 µg AFB1/kg feed, hepatic AFB1 accumulation was 27 and 145 ng AFB1/kg liver, respectively. At each dietary concentration of AFB1, the inclusion of 5 g MTB/kg of feed reduced (P < 0.1 for 10 μg AFB1/kg feed and P < 0.05 for 50 μg AFB1/kg feed) hepatic AFB1 accumulation by at least 50%. These results suggest that hepatic AFB1 concentration is a suitable biomarker for evaluating mycotoxin binder efficacy in poultry fed the EU maximum dietary concentration of 10 µg of AFB1/kg feed.
Flow instabilities in the wide-gap spherical Couette system
Authors: Wicht Johannes
Published: December 2013

The spherical Couette system is a spherical shell filled with a viscous fluid. Flows are driven by the differential rotation between the inner and the outer boundary that rotate with $\Omega $ and $\Omega + \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega $ about a common axis. This setup has been proposed for second-generation dynamo experiments. We numerically explore the different instabilities emerging for rotation rates up to $\Omega = (1/ 3)\times 1{0}^{7} $, venturing also into the nonlinear regime where oscillatory and chaotic solutions are found. The results provide a comprehensive overview of the possible flow regimes. For low values of $\Omega $ viscosity dominates and an equatorial jet in meridional circulation and zonal flow develops that becomes unstable as the differential rotation is increased beyond a critical value. For intermediate $\Omega $ and an inner boundary rotating slower than the outer one, new double-roll and helical instabilities are found. For large $\Omega $ values Coriolis effects enforce a nearly two-dimensional fundamental flow where a Stewartson shear layer develops at the tangent cylinder. This shear layer is the source of nearly geostrophic non-axisymmetric instabilities that resemble columnar Rossby modes. At first, the instabilities differ significantly depending on whether the inner boundary rotates faster $( \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega \gt 0)$ or slower $( \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega \lt 0)$ than the outer one. For very large outer boundary rotation rates, however, both instabilities once more become comparable. Fast inertial waves similar to those observed in recent spherical Couette experiments prevail for larger $\Omega $ values and $ \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega \lt 0$ in when $ \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega $ and $\Omega $ are of comparable magnitude. For larger differential rotations $ \mathrm{\Delta} \Omega \gg \Omega $, however, the equatorial jet instability always takes over.
Trapped waves on jet currents: asymptotic modal approach
Authors: Shrira Victor I. , Slunyaev Alexey V.
Published: December 2013

An asymptotic theory of surface waves trapped on vertically uniform jet currents is developed as a first step towards a systematic description of wave dynamics on oceanic jet currents. It has been shown that in a linear setting an asymptotic separation of vertical and horizontal variables, which underpins the modal description of the wave field on currents, is possible if either the current velocity is small compared to the wave celerity or the current width is large compared to the wavelength along the current. The scheme developed enables us to obtain solutions as an asymptotic series with any desired accuracy. The initially three-dimensional problem is reduced to solving one-dimensional equations with the lateral and vertical dependence being prescribed by the corresponding modal structure. To leading order in current magnitude to wave celerity, the boundary value problem specifying the modes and eigenvalues reduces to classical Sturm–Liouville type based upon the one-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation. The modes, both trapped and ‘passing-through’, form a complete orthogonal set. This makes the modal description of waves on currents a mathematically attractive alternative to the approaches currently adopted. Properties of trapped eigenmodes and their dispersion relations are examined both for broad currents of arbitrary magnitude, where the modes are not orthogonal, and for weak currents, where the modes are orthogonal. Several model profiles for which nice analytical solutions of the leading-order boundary value problem are known were used to get an insight. The asymptotic solutions proved not only to capture qualitative behaviour well but also to provide a good quantitative description even for unrealistically strong and narrow currents. The results are discussed for various oceanic currents, with particular attention paid to the Agulhas Current, for which specific estimates were derived. For typical dominant wind waves and swell, all oceanic-jet-type currents are weak and, correspondingly, the developed asymptotic scheme based upon one-dimensional stationary Schrödinger equation for modes applies.
Scaling the propulsive performance of heaving flexible panels
Authors: Quinn Daniel B. , Lauder George V. , Smits Alexander J.
Published: December 2013

We present an experimental investigation of flexible panels actuated with heave oscillations at their leading edge. Results are presented from kinematic video analysis, particle image velocimetry, and direct force measurements. Both the trailing edge amplitude and the mode shapes of the panel are found to scale with dimensionless parameters originating from the Euler–Bernoulli beam equation. The time-averaged net thrust increases with heaving frequency, but experiences localized boosts near resonant frequencies where the trailing edge amplitude is maximized. These boosts correspond to local maxima in the propulsive efficiency. For a constant heave amplitude, the time-averaged net thrust coefficient is shown to be a function of Strouhal number over a wide range of conditions. It appears, therefore, that self-propelled swimming (zero net thrust) only occurs over a small range of Strouhal numbers. Under these near-constant Strouhal number conditions, the propulsive economy increases with higher flexibilities and slower swimming speeds.
Oral intake of heat-killedLactobacillus plantarumL-137 decreases the incidence of upper respiratory tract infection in healthy subjects with high levels of psychological stress
Authors: Hirose Yoshitaka , Yamamoto Yoshihiro , Yoshikai Yasunobu , Murosaki Shinji
Published: December 2013

The immunomodulatory effects of live or non-viable lactic acid bacteria have been extensively investigated. We reported that oral intake of heat-killedLactobacillus plantarumL-137 (HK L-137) augmented innate and acquired immunity in mice and human subjects. To examine the effects of HK L-137 intake on upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) symptoms and immune functions in human subjects, a randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study was conducted in subjects with high psychological stress levels. A total of seventy-eight healthy subjects (thirty-three men and forty-five women; mean age 50·6 years) with scores of >41 on eighteen-item subscales of psychological distress in the Brief Job Stress Questionnaire were randomly assigned to receive a tablet containing HK L-137 (10 mg) or a placebo tablet daily for 12 weeks. The URTI symptoms were rated once daily on the validated twenty-one-item Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey-21. Immune functions, such as concanavalin A-induced proliferation and percentages of interferon (IFN)-γ- and IL-4-producing CD4 T cells of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC), and serum IFN-β concentrations were measured every 4 weeks. URTI incidence was significantly lower in the HK L-137 group than in the control group. URTI incidence, duration and severity, and duration of medication showed significant negative correlations with duration of HK L-137 intake. The percentage change from baseline of concanavalin A-induced proliferation of PBMC was significantly greater in the HK L-137 group than in the control group. These findings suggest that daily HK L-137 intake can decrease URTI incidence in healthy subjects, possibly through augmentation of immune functions.
‘These Schemes Will Win for Themselves the Confidence of the People’: Irish Independence, Poor Law Reform and Hospital Provision
Authors: Lucey Donnacha Seán
Published: December 2013

This article examines hospital provision in Ireland during the early twentieth century. It examines attempts by the newly independent Irish Free State to reform and de-stigmatise medical relief in former workhouse infirmaries. Such reforms were designed to move away from nineteenth century welfare regimes which were underpinned by principles of deterrence. The reform initiated in independent Ireland – the first attempted break-up of the New Poor Law in Great Britain or Ireland – was partly successful. Many of the newly named County and District Hospitals provided solely for medical cases and managed to dissociate such health care provision from the relief of poverty. However, some hospitals continued to act as multifunctional institutions and provided for various categories including the sick, the aged and infirm, ‘unmarried mothers’ and ‘harmless lunatics’. Such institutions often remained associated with the relief of poverty. This article also examines patient fee-payment and outlines how fresh terms of entitlement and means-testing were established. Such developments were even more pronounced in voluntary hospitals where the majority of patients made a financial contribution to their treatment. The article argues that the ability to pay at times determined the type of provision, either voluntary or rate-aided, available to the sick. However, it concludes that the clinical condition of patients often determined whether they entered a more prestigious voluntary hospital or the former workhouse. Although this article concentrates on two Irish case studies, County Kerry and Cork City; it is conceptualised within wider developments with particular reference to the British context.
WATER QUALITY IN AN INTEGRATED CULTURE OF WHITE SHRIMP (Litopenaeus vannamei)-TOMATO (Lycopersicon esculentum) USING LOW SALINITY GROUNDWATER IN SONORA, MEXICO
Authors: MARISCAL-LAGARDA M. MARTIN , PÁEZ-OSUNA FEDERICO , ESQUER-MÉNDEZ JOSÉ LUIS , GUERRERO-MONROY ILDELFONSO , DEL VIVAR ALONSO-ROMO , BRITO-SOLANO KAREN Y. , LÓPEZ-PÉREZ DIANA N. , ALONSO-RODRÍGUEZ ROSALBA
Published: December 2013

The aim of this work was to test the performance of a shrimp-tomato culture system (STCS) in an arid-semiarid region (Sonora, Mexico) and to evaluate the water quality variables and phytoplankton variation of shrimp effluent and that water returning from the tomato module culture. The field study was conducted using groundwater and consisted of three circular tanks that were used for shrimp (Litopenaeus vannamei) farming and were coupled to one culture module of tomato plants (Lycopersicon esculentum). The shrimp effluent was used to irrigate the tomato plants. The yield was 11.1±0.2 kg shrimp per tank (3.9±2.0 ton ha−1) and 33.3 kg tomatoes per 45 plants (36.1±2.3 ton ha−1). During the culture, the concentrations of nutrients were (mg L−1): total N-ammonia, <0.001–0.848; N-nitrite, <0.001–1.45; N-nitrate, 5.2–172.2; dissolved reactive-P, <0.005–0.343. A total of 35 taxa belonging to three different algal classes were observed: Chlorophyta (87 to 98%), Bacilliariophyta (2 to 9%) and Cyanophyta (0–3%). This STCS allowed us to harvest the equivalent of 3.9 ton ha−1 of shrimp and 36.3 ton ha−1 of tomatoes, with a water consumption of 2.1 m3 per kg harvested of both products.
Genotypic resistance to brown heart incidence in swede parent lines and F1 hybrids and the influence of applied boron
Authors: FADHEL F. , JELLINGS A. J. , KENNEDY S. , FULLER M. P.
Published: December 2013

Breeding trials for swede (Brassica napus var. napobrassica) in 2000–2010 showed that 0·85 of the incidence of brown heart (BH) in the trials was associated with genotypes that are progeny of Ag31, Or13 and Me77c. In order to investigate this and the effect of treatment with boron (B), established varieties and improved parent lines carrying male sterility (ms), and their F1 hybrids (test hybrids), were grown in a field trial in the UK in 2011 and subjected to four B treatments (0·00, 1·35, 1·80 and 2·70 kg B/ha). The results confirmed that BH incidence and severity was affected by genotype but could be ameliorated by B application. Genotype Ag31 was very susceptible while Or13 and Me77c were of intermediate susceptibility and the hybrids between susceptible parents were also sensitive. Genotypes Gr19 and Ly01 were highly resistant even in the absence of B application. Hybrids between resistant and susceptible lines were highly resistant. The use of ms had no influence on BH. Resistance to BH was a dominant trait: homozygous dominant (BHBH) or heterozygous (BHbh) genotypes confer this trait, while susceptibility is recessive (bhbh). Some quantitative variation existed, suggesting that resistance was not a single gene effect. There was a significant negative correlation (r=−0·632) between root B content and the severity of BH in susceptible genotypes. Severe BH was associated with 12–21·5 μg B/g of root dry weight at zero B applied. Moderate discolouration was associated with 19·5–24·8 μg B/g recorded at moderate B applied and only Ag31 showed BH at 2·70 kg B/ha. Resistant varieties had root contents of 23 μg B/g or more while susceptible varieties required a minimum of 31 μg B/g to offset BH.
Redescribing the Thessalonians’ ‘Mission’ in Light of Graeco-Roman Associations
Authors: Ascough Richard S.
Published: December 2013

1 Thessalonians 1.2-10 is generally understood to be making reference to the Thessalonians participating in missionary activity in which they proclaim the salvific message of Christ. Read this way, the text presumes that the Thessalonians have evangelized areas even before the Paul party arrived. That a newly constituted group of artisans would undertake such an aggressive program seems unlikely. The rhetoric of the passage is better understood in light of the practice of associations in proclaiming honours for their gods and their founders and benefactors, the news about which spread via networks of traders, artisans, and other travelers throughout the provinces of Macedonia and Achaia.
The Pharisee Heresy: Circumcision for Gentiles in the Acts of the Apostles
Authors: Garroway Joshua D.
Published: December 2013

This narrative-critical study of Acts proposes that Luke has deliberately arranged events so that the discussion about circumcising baptised Gentiles is postponed for as long as possible. When the issue does surface, it is raised by a delegation of second-wave Christians from the sect of the Pharisees. These factors combined give the impression that circumcision of Gentiles, a matter long settled by Luke's own day, had never been original, favourable or sanctioned by God or the apostles. By portraying the movement to circumcise Gentiles as belated, extrinsic and pernicious, Luke's representation of difference in the church resembles that of later heresiologists.
Protective effects of dietary PUFA against chronic disease: evidence from epidemiological studies and intervention trials
Authors: Sanders Thomas A. B.
Published: December 2013

This review considers evidence for a protective effect of PUFA on chronic disease. Estimates of PUFA intakes in prospective cohort studies are usually based on FFQ or biomarkers of intake. Cohort studies suggest that both linoleic and linolenic acid intake are associated with a lower risk of CHD. The intake of fish, the major source of long-chainn-3 PUFA is associated with a lower risk of both stroke and CHD, particularly sudden cardiac death. No relationship with common sites of cancer (breast and colon) and PUFA has been found. However, some recent studies suggest an association of high intakes ofn-3 PUFA with risk of prostate cancer. An updated Cochrane review of dietary fat modification (replacing SFA with PUFA) randomised controlled trials to prevent CHD found a 14 % lower incidence and a non-significant 7 % lower mortality from CHD. The effects of an increased intake ofn-3 PUFA on CHD incidence mortality have been tested in patients with pre-existing CHD in randomised controlled trials. Meta-analysis of these trials showed no overall benefit on total mortality or CVD incidence but a trend for lower risk of cardiac death was 0·91 (95 % CI 0·85, 0·98). At present, there is little evidence from other trials demonstrating the clear benefits or harm from increased intakes of PUFA. In conclusion, present evidence intakes benefit from partial replacement of SFA with a balanced mixture ofn-6 andn-3 PUFA which may contribute to CVD prevention.
Manipulating dietary PUFA in animal feed: implications for human health
Authors: Butler Gillian
Published: December 2013

Milk, meat and eggs tend not to be regarded as an important source of PUFA. They are disproportionally high in SFA compared with their PUFA content, especially those from cattle and sheep, since their rumen microbes are responsible for the loss of over 90 % of PUFA intake by livestock. This need not necessarily be the case since the relative proportion of PUFA in these foods is dictated by livestock management, especially feeding, and this can be manipulated to boost their content of crucial long-chain n-3 fatty acids and conjugated linoleic fatty acids. The present paper considers the fatty acid composition in animal-derived foods and how these can be manipulated to be more conducive for consumers’ health. The importance of recognising the effect of livestock production systems on fat composition is also highlighted along with the fact that we may have to compromise between intensive, high levels of production and this particular aspect of food quality.
Geographical patterns of Toxoplasma gondii genetic diversity revealed by multilocus PCR-RFLP genotyping
Authors: SHWAB E. KEATS , ZHU XING-QUAN , MAJUMDAR DEBASHREE , PENA HILDA F. J. , GENNARI SOLANGE M. , DUBEY JITENDER P. , SU CHUNLEI
Published: December 2013

In recent years, an extensive collection of Toxoplasma gondii samples have been typed using a set of 10 PCR-RFLP genetic markers. Here we summarize the data reported until the end of 2012. A total of 1457 samples were typed into 189 genotypes. Overall, only a few genotypes dominate in the northern hemisphere, which is in stark contrast to the southern hemisphere where hundreds of genotypes coexist with none being notably dominant. PCR-RFLP genotype #1 (Type II clonal), #2 (Type III), #3 (Type II variant) and #10 (Type I) are identified globally. Genotypes #2 and #3 dominate in Africa, genotypes #9 (Chinese 1) and #10 are prevalent in Asia, genotypes #1, #2 and #3 are prevalent in Europe, genotypes #1, #2, #3, #4 and #5 dominate in North America (#4 and #5 are collectively known as Type 12). In Central and South America, there is no clear dominance of any genotype even though a few have relatively higher frequencies. Statistical analysis indicates significant differences among populations in Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Central and South America, with only Europe and North America exhibiting similar diversity. Collectively, the results revealed distinct population structures and geographical patterns of diversity in T. gondii.
Molecular identification ofSarcocystisspp. helped to define the origin of green pythons (Morelia viridis) confiscated in Germany
Authors: MORÉ GASTÓN , PANTCHEV NIKOLA , HERRMANN DALAND C. , VRHOVEC MAJDA GLOBOKAR , ÖFNER SABINE , CONRATHS FRANZ J. , SCHARES GEREON
Published: December 2013

Sarcocystisspp. represent apicomplexan parasites. They usually have a heteroxenous life cycle. Around 200 species have been described, affecting a wide range of animals worldwide, including reptiles. In recent years, large numbers of reptiles have been imported into Europe as pets and, as a consequence, animal welfare and species protection issues emerged. A sample of pooled feces from four confiscated green pythons (Morelia viridis) containingSarcocystisspp. sporocysts was investigated. These snakes were imported for the pet trade and declared as being captive-bred. Full length 18S rRNA genes were amplified, cloned into plasmids and sequenced. Two differentSarcocystisspp. sequences were identified and registered asSarcocystissp. fromM. viridisin GenBank. Both showed a 95–97% sequence identity with the 18S rRNA gene ofSarcocystis singaporensis.Phylogenetic analysis positioned these sequences together with otherSarcocystisspp. from snakes and rodents as definitive and intermediate hosts (IH), respectively. Sequence data and also the results of clinical and parasitological examinations suggest that the snakes were definitive hosts forSarcocystisspp. that circulate in wild IH. Thus, it seems unlikely that the infected snakes had been legally bred. Our research shows that information on the infection of snakes withSarcocystisspp. may be used to assess compliance with regulations on the trade with wildlife species.