bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Body mass index, waist circumference and skin‐fold thickness in 12‐ to 14‐year‐old Dutch adolescents: differences between 2003 and 2011
Authors: van Nassau F. , Singh A. S. , van Mechelen W. , Brug J. , Chinapaw M. J. M.
Published: July 2014

Objectives

The aim of this study was to compare anthropometrics of 12‐ to 14‐year‐old Dutch adolescents attending lower levels of education in 2011 with adolescents measured in 2003.

Methods

We used baseline data from two trials evaluating a school‐based obesity prevention programme in 2003 (randomized controlled trial with 18 schools) and in 2011 (cluster controlled trial with 29 schools). We measured adolescents' body height and weight, skin‐fold thickness, and waist circumference in 2003 (n = 1000; response rate 76%) and 2011 (n = 1898; response rate 86%). We used multivariable multilevel linear or logistic regression analyses stratifying for gender, ethnicity and prevocational education track (vocational or theoretical) where appropriate.

Results

In boys, prevalence of overweight, waist circumference, triceps, biceps and subscapular skin‐folds were significantly higher in 2011. This was also true for vocational girls, except for the subscapular skin‐fold. Girls, attending the theoretical track, had a significantly larger waist circumference, but thinner subscapular and suprailiac skin‐fold thickness in 2011.

Conclusions

The increased prevalence of overweight and obesity in Dutch adolescents attending prevocational education is worrisome.

Trial registration number

Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN87127361 and Current Controlled Trials ISRCTN92755979.
Association of gestational diabetes and breastfeeding on obesity prevalence in predominately Hispanic low‐income youth
Authors: Shearrer G. E. , Whaley S. E. , Miller S. J. , House B. T. , Held T. , Davis J. N.
Published: July 2014

Objective

The goal of this study was to examine if breastfeeding duration by gestational diabetes mellitus status impacted the prevalence of obesity in offspring.

Methods

Data were obtained from a 2011 phone survey with caregivers of low‐income children (2–4 years) participating in the Women, Infants and Children programme in Los Angeles County. The final sample included 2295 children, 84% Hispanic and 48% female. Chi‐square and binary logistic regression were used to assess gestational diabetes status and breastfeeding duration on the prevalence of obesity, with the following a priori covariates: child's ethnicity, birth weight, age in months and sex.

Results

Breastfeeding and gestational diabetes were significantly associated with obesity prevalence (P < 0.01). Using gestational diabetes mellitus and no breastfeeding as the referent category, gestational diabetes mellitus offspring who were breastfed ≥12 months had a 72% decrease in obesity prevalence (adjusted odds ratio = 0.28, confidence interval 0.89–0.03, P = 0.05).

Conclusions

These findings suggest that > 12 months of breastfeeding duration in the gestational diabetes mellitus group and any duration of breastfeeding in the non‐gestational diabetes mellitus mothers is needed to reduce obesity levels in a primarily Hispanic population.
Clinical judgement and the emotions
Authors: Boyd G.
Published: July 2014

The basic emotions are more important in decision making than we think. So we need to be aware of them and look not just for rationality in our clinical judgements but rational judgements that ‘feel’ right.
Effect of Add‐on Aliskiren to Type 1 Angiotensin Receptor Blocker Therapy on Endothelial Function and Autonomic Nervous System in Hypertensive Patients With Ischemic Heart Disease
Authors: Ozeki Atsuko , Amiya Eisuke , Watanabe Masafumi , Hosoya Yumiko , Takata Munenori , Watanabe Aya , Kawarasaki Shuichi , Nakao Tomoko , Watanabe Shogo , Omori Kazuko , Yamada Namie , Tahara Yukiko , Hirata Yasunobu , Nagai Ryozo
Published: July 2014

The aim of this study was to evaluate the add‐on effect of aliskiren to valsartan on endothelial‐dependent vasodilation in hypertensive patients with ischemic heart disease (IHD). After 4 weeks of treatment with 80 mg of valsartan, 28 patients were allocated to either continued treatment with valsartan or an add‐on treatment with valsartan plus 150 mg of aliskiren. Aliskiren significantly decreased plasma renin activity, whereas endothelium‐dependent vasodilation measured by flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) did not change. In contrast, heart rate significantly decreased (73.1 ± 9.8 to 66.3 ± 7.0 beats per minute at baseline and 24 weeks, respectively [P = .009]) and the standard deviation of the R‐R intervals (SDNN) significantly increased in the aliskiren group. The add‐on aliskiren to valsartan therapy may not improve endothelial functions, although it significantly reduced resting heart rate via regulation of the autonomic nervous system in hypertensive patients with IHD.
Helicobacter pylori vacuolating cytotoxin induces apoptosis via activation of endoplasmic reticulum stress in dendritic cells
Authors: Kim Jung Mogg , Kim Joo Sung , Kim Nayoung , Ko Su Hyuk , Jeon Jong Ik , Kim Young‐Jeon
Published: July 2014

Background and Aim

Dendritic cells (DCs) are observed on the Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa. DCs generally play an important role in the regulation of inflammation. Although stimulation of gastric epithelial cells with H. pylori vacuolating cytotoxin (VacA) has been reported to induce apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, the effects of VacA on the DC apoptotic response have not been well elucidated. This study was conducted to investigate the role of H. pylori VacA on the apoptotic process and ER stress in DCs.

Methods

Murine and human DCs were generated from specific pathogen‐free C57BL/6 mice and human peripheral blood mononuclear cells, respectively. DCs were incubated with purified VacA, after which Bax activation, cytochrome c release, and DNA fragmentation for apoptosis were measured by fluorescent microscopy, immunoblot, and ELISA. ER stress‐related molecules such as GRP78 and CHOP were analyzed by immunoblot.

Results

Treatment of DCs with purified H. pylori VacA resulted in the induction of apoptosis. DC stimulation with VacA led to the translocation of cytoplasmic Bax to mitochondria and cytochrome c release from mitochondria. H. pylori VacA induced signals for ER stress early during the stimulation process in DCs. Furthermore, suppression of ER stress resulted in a significant inhibition of the VacA‐induced apoptosis in DCs.

Conclusion

These results suggest that ER stress is critical for regulation of DC apoptotic process in response to VacA stimulation.
Renovating Situation Taxonomies: Exploring the Construction and Content of Fundamental Motive Situation Types
Authors: Morse Patrick J. , Neel Rebecca , Todd Elysia , Funder David
Published: July 2014

The present work demonstrates a method for constructing theoretically based situational classifications and exploring their behavioral implications. Fundamental motives theory (FMT; Kenrick, Griskevicius, Neuberg, & Schaller, 2010; Kenrick, Neuberg, Griskevicius, Becker, & Schaller, 2010) proposes that humans have evolved seven specific social motives that would be differentially evoked by different situations. Experts in FMT used the Riverside Situational Q‐sort (RSQ) to describe prototypic motive‐relevant situations and the Riverside Behavioral Q‐sort (RBQ) to construct templates representing predictions of how people would behave in them. A sample of 201 undergraduate participants used the RSQ to describe situations they had experienced within the past 24 hours, and they described their behavior in each situation using the RBQ. For both the RSQ and RBQ, self‐protection and disease avoidance templates were highly similar to each other and different from mate‐seeking and affiliation templates. Participants more often reported experiencing situations similar to the mate‐seeking, affiliation, and kin care templates and less often reported experiencing situations similar to the self‐protection and disease avoidance templates. Participants' reported behavior was consistent with expectations from FMT. This study illustrates how relations between situations and behavior can be illuminated through the use of theoretically derived templates.
The Stability of Social Desirability: A Latent Change Analysis
Authors: Haberecht Katja , Schnuerer Inga , Gaertner Beate , John Ulrich , Freyer‐Adam Jennis
Published: July 2014

Social desirability has been shown to be stable in samples with higher school education. However, little is known about the stability of social desirability in more heterogeneous samples differing in school education. This study aimed to investigate the stability of social desirability and which factors predict interindividual differences in intraindividual change. As part of a randomized controlled trial, 1,243 job seekers with unhealthy alcohol use were systematically recruited at three job agencies. A total of 1,094 individuals (87.8%) participated in at least one of two follow‐ups (6 and 15 months after baseline) and constitute this study's sample. The Social Desirability Scale‐17 was applied. Two latent change models were conducted: Model 1 tested for interindividual differences in intraindividual change of social desirability between both follow‐ups; Model 2 included possible predictors (age, sex, education, current employment status) of interindividual differences in intraindividual change. Model 1 revealed a significant decrease of social desirability over time. Model 2 revealed school education to be the only significant predictor of change. These findings indicate that stability of social desirability may depend on school education. It may not be as stable in individuals with higher school education as in individuals with lower education.
The role of vulnerability in stress‐related insomnia, social support and coping styles on incidence and persistence of insomnia
Authors: Jarrin Denise C. , Chen Ivy Y. , Ivers Hans , Morin Charles M.
Published: July 2014

Individuals who are more prone to experience situational insomnia under stressful conditions may also be at greater risk to develop subsequent insomnia. While cross‐sectional data exist on the link between sleep reactivity (heightened vulnerability to stress‐related insomnia) and insomnia, limited data exist on its predictive value. The aim of the study was to evaluate prospectively whether sleep reactivity was associated with increased risk of incident and persistent insomnia in a population‐based sample of good sleepers. Social support and coping styles were also investigated as potential moderators. Participants were 1449 adults (Mage = 47.4 years, standard deviation = 15.1; 41.2% male) without insomnia at baseline and evaluated four times over 3 years. Sleep reactivity was measured using the Ford Insomnia Response to Stress Test (FIRST). Additional measures included depressive symptoms, the frequency and perceived impact of stressful life events, social support and coping styles. After controlling for prior sleep history, depressive symptoms, arousal predisposition, stressful life events and perceived impact, individuals with higher sleep reactivity had an odds ratio (OR) of 1.56 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.16], 1.41 (95% CI: 0.87–2.30) and 2.02 (95% CI: 1.30–3.15) of developing insomnia symptoms, syndrome and persistent insomnia, respectively. Social support and coping styles did not moderate these associations. Results suggest that heightened vulnerability to insomnia is associated with an increased risk of developing new‐onset subsyndromal and persistent insomnia in good sleepers. Knowledge of premorbid differences is important to identify at‐risk individuals, as this may help to develop more targeted prevention and intervention strategies for insomnia.
Sleep duration is associated with white matter hyperintensity volume in older adults: the Northern Manhattan Study
Authors: Ramos Alberto R. , Dong Chuanhui , Rundek Tatjana , Elkind Mitchell S. V. , Boden‐Albala Bernadette , Sacco Ralph L. , Wright Clinton B.
Published: July 2014

Self‐reports of long or short sleep durations have indicated an association with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but there are limited data evaluating their association with white matter hyperintensity volume (WMHV), a marker of cerebral small vessel disease. We conducted a cross‐sectional analysis of self‐reported sleep duration to test for a correlation with white matter hyperintensities, measured by quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), in the Northern Manhattan Study. We used multivariable linear regression models to assess associations between both short (<6 h) and long (≥9 h) sleep durations and log‐transformed WMHV, adjusting for demographic, behavioural and vascular risk factors. A total of 1244 participants, mean age 70 ± 9 years, 61% women and 68% Hispanics were analysed with magnetic resonance brain imaging and self‐reported sleep duration. Short sleep was reported by 23% (n = 293) and long sleep by 10% (n = 121) of the sample. Long sleep (β = 0.178; P = 0.035), but not short sleep (β = −0.053; P = 0.357), was associated with greater log‐WMHV in fully adjusted models. We observed an interaction between sleep duration, diabetes mellitus and log‐WMHV (P = 0.07). In fully adjusted models, stratified analysis showed that long sleep duration was associated with greater WMHV only in those with diabetes (β = 0.78; P = 0.0314), but not in those without diabetes (β = 0.022; P = 0.2), whereas short sleep was not associated with white matter hyperintensities in those with or without diabetes. In conclusion, long sleep duration was associated with a greater burden of white matter lesions in this stroke‐free urban sample. The association was seen mainly among those with diabetes mellitus.
Observation bias and its causes in botanical surveys on high‐alpine summits
Authors: Burg Sarah , Rixen Christian , Stöckli Veronika , Wipf Sonja
Published: July 2014

Question

To determine long‐term vegetation changes in revisitation studies, it is crucial to know how much of measured species turnover over time can be attributed to pseudo‐turnover (i.e. turnover caused by imperfect data acquisition), and which factors contribute to observation bias and pseudo‐turnover. Independent simultaneous surveys provide a powerful tool to quantify pseudo‐turnover and to indentify factors causing it, which may vary strongly between lowland and mountain areas.

Location

Alpine mountain summits (2616 m to 3418 m a.s.l.) in the southeastern Swiss Alps.

Methods

Plant inventories of 48 summits were collected by two independent observers simultaneously. Pseudo‐turnover between observers was compared to species turnover over one century based on historical species lists of the same summits. Variables linked to observer characteristics and external (observer‐independent) factors were tested for their influence on pseudo‐turnover and number of species missed by one of the observers, and plant characteristics were tested for their effect on species detection probability.

Results

Mean pseudo‐turnover between observers (13.6%) was almost three times smaller than species turnover over one century (41.4%). Pseudo‐turnover and the number of species missed increased with difference in botanizing time between observers and with a longer ascent to the summit, especially in combination with a high species richness on the summit. Species had a higher probability to be missed if occurring on many summits but with a low abundance, if small in stature and if belonging to certain taxonomic plant groups (e.g. Asteraceae).

Conclusions

Our critical evaluation of turnover over time vs pseudo‐turnover confirms that floristic changes on alpine summits over time represent an ecological pattern. In mountainous terrain, factors related to observer characteristics play a major role, as we found the best correspondence between simultaneous records when the difference in botanizing time was small and the ascent was short. Our results help to improve data quality in mountainous terrain by pointing out possible causes for observation bias. Long‐term vegetation studies in alpine ecosystems should make a strong effort to identify and minimize such causes in advance, for instance by reducing between‐observer differences in botanical skills, fitness and time management through appropriate training.
Short‐term effects of a modified Alt‐RAMEC protocol for early treatment of Class III malocclusion: a controlled study
Authors: Masucci C. , Franchi L. , Giuntini V. , Defraia E.
Published: July 2014

Structured Abstract

Objectives

To assess the effects of a modified alternate rapid maxillary expansion and constriction (Alt‐RAMEC) protocol in combination with facemask (FM) in Class III growing patients.

Setting and Sample Population

Thirty one Class III patients (17 males, 14 females) were treated with a modified Alt‐RAMEC/FM protocol at the Department of Orthodontics of the University of Florence.

Material and Methods

All patients were evaluated at the beginning (T1, mean age 6.4 ± 0.8 years) and at the end of orthopedic therapy (T2, mean age 8.1 ± 0.9 years), and they were compared to a matched sample of 31 Class III patients (16 males and 15 females) treated with rapid maxillary expansion and facemask (RME/FM) and to a matched control group of 21 subjects (9 males and 12 females) with untreated Class III malocclusion. The three groups were compared with anova with Benjamini–Hochberg correction for multiple tests.

Results

Both the Alt‐RAMEC/FM and the RME/FM protocols showed significantly favorable effects leading to correction of the Class III malocclusion. The Alt‐RAMEC/FM protocol produced a more effective advancement of the maxilla (SNA +1.2°) and greater intermaxillary changes (ANB +1.7°) vs. the RME/FM protocol. No significant differences were recorded as for mandibular skeletal changes and vertical skeletal relationships.

Conclusion

The Alt‐RAMEC/FM protocol induced more favorable skeletal short‐term effects compared with RME/FM therapy in Class III growing patients.
Pulmonary function following allogeneic stem cell transplantation in childhood: A retrospective cohort study of 51 patients
Authors: Madanat‐Harjuoja L. M. , Valjento S. , Vettenranta K. , Kajosaari M. , Dyba T. , Taskinen M.
Published: July 2014

HSCT is associated with a high risk of late morbidity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency, time frame, risk factors, and possible etiology of pulmonary dysfunction following allogeneic HSCT in childhood. We evaluated the pulmonary function of 51 HSCT patients (>6 yr), by including FVC and FEV1 values prior to (baseline) and annually up to five yr after HSCT. A Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the risk factors for a pulmonary event. Over half (59%) of the patients developed pulmonary dysfunction, mainly consisting of restrictive abnormalities. Acute GvHD (HR 4.31, 95% CI 1.47–12.63), chronic GvHD (HR 10.20, 95% CI 2.42–43.03), and an abnormal baseline pulmonary function (HR 4.82, 95% CI 1.02–22.84) were associated with post‐transplant dysfunction. FEV1 (p < 0.001) and FVC (p < 0.001) declined significantly by 12 months after HSCT and both remained below the pre‐HSCT level at up to four yr post‐transplantation. HSCT in childhood is associated with early and persistent restrictive impairment of pulmonary function. Patients with extensive chronic GvHD are particularly vulnerable to severe pulmonary dysfunction. Scheduled pulmonary function testing is warranted as part of the follow‐up of survivors of HSCT in childhood.
Safety and feasibility of granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor (G‐CSF) primed bone marrow (BM) using three days of G‐CSF priming as stem cell source for pediatric allogeneic BM transplantation
Authors: Hussein Ayad Ahmed , Sharma Shanta , Al‐Zaben Abdulhadi , Frangoul Haydar
Published: July 2014

There are limited data on the optimal dosing and schedule of G‐CSF priming prior to BM harvest. We evaluated the safety and efficacy of three days of G‐CSF of primed BM from related pediatric donors. Forty‐five children were treated. All donors received 5 μg/kg per day of G‐CSF as a single subcutaneous injection for three consecutive days prior to the BM harvest. The median age of the donors was seven yr (range, 0.8–18) and no donor experienced major adverse events related to G‐CSF administration. The median age for the recipients was five yr (0.3–16 yr). Thirty‐five patients had non‐malignant disorders. The median dose of nucleated (TNC) and CD34+, CD3 cells infused per recipient weight was 5.4 × 108/kg (range, 0.61–17), 4.7 × 106/kg (range, 1.6–19), and 43.8 × 106/kg (range, 1.8–95), respectively. All patients achieved neutrophil and platelets engraftment, at a median of 15 (range, 10–22) and 23 days (range, 13–111), respectively. At a median follow up of 60 months (range 12–100), the estimated five yr overall and EFS was 91% and 80%, respectively. Collection of BM following three days of G‐CSF priming from pediatric donors is safe and results in high TNC and CD34+ cell yield.
Relative EBV antibody concentrations and cost of standard IVIG and CMV‐IVIG for PTLD prophylaxis in solid organ transplant patients
Authors: Ramirez‐Avila L. , Garner O. B. , Cherry J. D.
Published: July 2014

Some centers prefer CMV‐IVIG over IVIG for the prophylaxis of EBV‐related PTLD in solid organ transplant patients. Our objective was to compare the relative dose‐related EBV ELISA antibody concentrations and cost of standard IVIG and CMV‐IVIG. The concentration of EBV IgG to VCA was analyzed via ELISA in four lots of IVIG and four lots of CMV‐IVIG. Relative EBV ELISA antibody concentrations and cost were compared assuming an IVIG dose of 0.5 gm/kg and CMV‐IVIG dose of 0.15 gm/kg in a 50‐kg patient. The price of IVIG was $70/gm and CMV‐IVIG $430/gm. IVIG contains the same EBV antibody concentrations (20 790 ELISA antibody units/mL) than CMV‐IVIG (17 430 ELISA antibody units/mL, p > 0.2) in the four lots of each product sampled. When factoring in the dosing scheme for a 50‐kg patient, IVIG contains two times more EBV antibody than CMV‐IVIG. Yet, CMV‐IVIG is 1.8 times more expensive than IVIG ($3225 vs. $1750). In the four lots of each product sampled, IVIG contains more EBV antibodies and costs less than CMV‐IVIG when factoring in the dosing scheme. Studies are needed to determine whether there is clinical efficacy of immunoglobulin products for EBV‐related PTLD prophylaxis.
Moore's Paradox and Akratic Belief
Authors: Chislenko Eugene
Published: July 2014

G.E. Moore noticed the oddity of statements like: “It's raining, but I don't believe it.” This oddity is often seen as analogous to the oddity of believing akratically, or believing what one believes one should not believe, and has been appealed to in denying the possibility of akratic belief. I describe a Belief Akratic's Paradox, analogous to Moore's paradox and centered on sentences such as: “I believe it's raining, but I shouldn't believe it.” I then defend the possibility of akratic belief against appeals to this analogy, arguing both that akratic belief does not require belief‐akratic‐paradoxical belief, and that the latter is importantly different from Moorean belief. I conclude by considering the implications of these arguments for an understanding of both Moorean and akratic belief.
Evidence for the Prevention and Treatment of Stroke in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Herrington William , Haynes Richard , Staplin Natalie , Emberson Jonathan , Baigent Colin , Landray Martin
Published: July 2014

The risks of both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke are particularly high in dialysis patients of any age and outcomes are poor. It is therefore important to identify strategies that safely minimize stroke risk in this population. Observational studies have been unable to clarify the relative importance of traditional stroke risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol in those on dialysis, and are affected by biases that usually make them an inappropriate source of data on which to base therapeutic decisions. Well‐conducted randomized trials are not susceptible to such biases and can reliably investigate the causal nature of the association between a potential risk factor and the outcome of interest. However, dialysis patients have been under‐represented in the cardiovascular trials which have proven net benefit of commonly used preventative treatments (e.g., antihypertensive treatments, low‐dose aspirin, carotid revascularization, and thromboprophylaxis for atrial fibrillation), and there remains uncertainty about safety and efficacy of many of these treatments in this high‐risk population. Moreover, the efficacy of renal‐specific therapies that might reduce cardiovascular risk, such as modulators of mineral and bone disorder, online hemodiafiltration, and daily (nocturnal) hemodialysis, have not been tested in adequately powered trials. Recent trials have also demonstrated how widespread current practices could be causing stroke. Therefore, it is important that reliable information on the prevention and treatment of stroke (and other cardiovascular disease) in dialysis patients is generated by performing large‐scale randomized trials of many current and future treatments.
Ocular infections in sub‐Saharan Africa in the context of high HIV prevalence
Authors: Schaftenaar Erik , van Gorp Eric C. M. , Meenken Christina , Osterhaus Albert D. M. E. , Remeijer Lies , Struthers Helen E. , McIntyre James A. , Baarsma G. Seerp , Verjans Georges M. G. M. , Peters Remco P. H.
Published: July 2014

Healthy eyes and good vision are important determinants of populations' health across the globe. Sub‐Saharan Africa is affected by simultaneous epidemics of ocular infections and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Ocular infection and its complications, along with cataract and ocular trauma, are common conditions in this region with great impact on daily life. In this review, we discuss the epidemiology, clinical manifestations and microbial aetiology of the most important infectious ocular conditions in sub‐Saharan Africa: conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis. We focus specifically on the potential association of these infections with HIV infection, including immune recovery uveitis. Finally, challenges and opportunities for clinical management are discussed, and recommendations made to improve care in this neglected but very important clinical field.
A facile means for the identification of indolic compounds from plant tissues
Authors: Yu Peng , Hegeman Adrian D. , Cohen Jerry D.
Published: July 2014

The bulk of indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA) in plants is found in the form of conjugated molecules, yet past research on identifying these compounds has largely relied on methods that were both laborious and inefficient. Using recent advances in analytical instrumentation, we have developed a simple yet powerful liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LC–MS)‐based method for the facile characterization of the small IAA conjugate profile of plants. The method uses the well‐known quinolinium ion (m/z 130.0651) generated in MS processes as a signature with high mass accuracy that can be used to screen plant extracts for indolic compounds, including IAA conjugates. We reinvestigated Glycine max (soybean) for its indoles and found indole‐3‐acetyl‐trytophan (IA‐Trp) in addition to the already known indole‐3‐acetyl‐aspartic acid (IA‐Asp) and indole‐3‐acetyl‐glutamic acid (IA‐Glu) conjugates. Surprisingly, several organic acid conjugates of tryptophan were also discovered, many of which have not been reported in planta before. These compounds may have important physiological roles in tryptophan metabolism, which in turn can affect human nutrition. We also demonstrated the general applicability of this method by identifying indolic compounds in different plant tissues of diverse phylogenetic origins. It involves minimal sample preparation but can work in conjunction with sample enrichment techniques. This method enables quick screening of IAA conjugates in both previously characterized as well as uncharacterized species, and facilitates the identification of indolic compounds in general.
Effect of milk consumption on rehydration in youth following exercise in the heat
Authors: Volterman Kimberly A. , Obeid Joyce , Wilk Boguslaw , Timmons Brian W.
Published: July 2014

Low-fat milk is thought to be an effective postexercise rehydration beverage in adults; however, little is known about milk’s rehydration ability in children after exercising in the heat. This study tested the hypothesis that because of its electrolyte and protein content, skim milk (SM) would be more effective than both water (W) and a carbohydrate/electrolyte solution (CES) in replacing body fluid losses in children following exercise in the heat. Thirty-eight (19 females) heat-acclimated pre- to early pubertal (PEP, aged 7–11 years) and mid- to late-pubertal (MLP, aged 14–17 years) children performed 3 sessions in 34.5 °C, 47.3% relative humidity, consisting of 2 × 20-min cycling bouts at 60% peak oxygen uptake followed by consumption of either W, CES, or SM. Each beverage was consumed immediately after exercise in a volume equal to 100% of their body mass loss during exercise. Urine samples were collected before, during, and after exercise, as well as the 2-h period following beverage consumption. On average, children dehydrated 1.3% ± 0.4%. Children ingested 0.40 ± 0.11 L (PEP) and 0.74 ± 0.20 L (MLP) of fluid. The fraction of the ingested beverage retained at 2 h of recovery was greater with SM (74% ± 18%) than W (47% ± 26%) and CES (59% ± 20%, p < 0.001 for both), and greater in CES than W (p < 0.001). All participants were in a hypohydrated state after 2 h of recovery, following the pattern SM < CES < W. In both PEP and MLP children, SM is more effective than W and CES at replacing fluid losses that occur during exercise in the heat.
Noncovalent binding of a cyclic peptide inhibitor to the peptidyl-prolyl isomerase Pin1, explored by hydrogen exchange mass spectrometry
Authors: Sowole Modupeola A. , Innes Brendan T. , Amunugama Mahasilu , Litchfield David W. , Brandl Christopher J. , Shilton Brian H. , Konermann Lars
Published: July 2014

Pin1 is a peptidyl-prolyl isomerase (PPIase) that plays a central role in eukaryotic cell cycle regulation, making this protein an interesting target for cancer therapy. Pin1 exhibits high specificity for substrates where proline is preceded by phosphoserine or phosphothreonine. The protein comprises an N-terminal WW (tryptophan–tryptophan) domain and a C-terminal PPIase domain. The cyclic peptide [CRYPEVEIC] (square brackets are used to denote the cyclic structure) represents a lead compound for a new class of nonphosphorylated Pin1 inhibitors. Unfortunately, it has not been possible thus far to characterize the Pin1–[CRYPEVEIC] complex by X-ray crystallography. Thus, the exact binding mode remains unknown. The current work employs hydrogen/deuterium exchange mass spectrometry for gaining insights into the Pin1–[CRYPEVEIC] interactions. The WW domain shows extensive conformational dynamics, both in the presence and in the absence of ligand. In contrast, profound changes in deuteration kinetics are observed in the PPIase domain after the addition of [CRYPEVEIC]. The secondary structure elements β2, α3, and α4 exhibit markedly reduced deuteration, consistent with their postulated involvement in ligand binding. Unexpectedly, [CRYPEVEIC] destabilizes the range of residues 61–86, a segment that comprises basic side chains that normally interact with the substrate phosphate. This destabilization is likely caused by steric clashes with Y3 or E5 of the inhibitor. Ligand-induced destabilization has previously been reported for a few other proteins, but effects of this type are not very common. Our findings suggest that future crystallization trials on Pin1 variants deleted for residues in the 61–86 range might provide a path towards high-resolution X-ray structures of Pin1 bound to cyclic peptide inhibitors.
EMERGING EAST ASIAN ECONOMIES AS FOREIGN INVESTORS: AN ANALYTICAL SURVEY
Authors: HILL HAL , JONGWANICH JUTHATHIP
Published: July 2014

This paper documents and analyzes the rise of emerging East Asian economies as major international investors. Foreign direct investment (FDI) from these economies is rising faster than their economic growth, trade and inward FDI, and the region is by far the most important investor from the developing world. We develop an analytical interpretation of the behavior and competitive strategies of major developing East Asian outward investors. We conclude that the drivers of this outward FDI (OFDI) are generally consistent with the international investment literature. But in addition, particular factors are at work, including the desire for natural resource security, and exceptionally high domestic savings rates. The major challenge for the rest of the world is to accommodate these FDI flows, as part of the global reorientation of economic activity toward East Asia.
INTERNATIONAL TRANSMISSION OF INTEREST RATES AND THE OPEN ECONOMY TRILEMMA IN ASIA
Authors: CHOW HWEE KWAN
Published: July 2014

There has recently been much discussion on the relevance of the open economy trilemma in the context of deepening financial integration of countries across the world (see for instance, Rey (2013) and Devereux and Yetman (2014)). The open economy trilemma is an important issue for the countries in Asia not least because their financial systems are small and exchange rate stability is crucial to their economic growth. This paper investigates whether the economies in Asia are still bound by the "impossible trinity" by examining the interest rate transmission from the US to the region before and after the onset of the global financial crisis. We make a distinction between long-run versus short-run transmission of interest rates by conducting the Peseran bounds test of cointegration and Wald test of joint significance respectively on autoregressive distributed lag models estimated with data from nine Asian economies. The findings on the strength of interest rate pass-through are related to each country's trilemma configuration. Overall, our empirical results provide some supporting evidence that the Asian economies are still constrained by the open economy trilemma.
SOURCES OF ENERGY INTENSITY CHANGE OF THAILAND'S STEEL INDUSTRY IN THE DECADE OF GLOBAL TURBULENT TIME
Authors: WIBOONCHUTIKULA PAITOON , CHAIVICHAYACHAT BUNDIT , CHONTANAWAT JARUWAN
Published: July 2014

The study aims at finding the energy intensity and the sources of the changes of the energy intensity of the steel and steel products industry in Thailand using the firm level data collected from the surveys and interviews of steel firms in 2005 and 2012. The study finds that the energy intensity of the industry during the decade of domestic and global economic turbulent time in the 2000s fluctuated. The intensity declined immediately after recovering from the 1997 financial and currency crises but moved in an inverted U-shaped curve when the industry went through the various changes of production structure during 2003 to 2010. The decomposition analysis based on the logarithmic mean Divisia index method finds that the source of the changes of the energy intensity of the industry was dominated by the structural change effect. The fluctuation of the energy intensity was found despite a persistent decline, albeit relatively small, in the energy intensity of individual subsectors. This calls for the need to strengthen the effect of subsector energy intensity changes to help reduce the energy intensity of the industry in the long term. The study results imply four policy measures the government should use to induce steel firms to reduce their energy intensity and thus use the energy in the most efficient way.
Corresponding states correlation for temperature dependent surface tension of normal saturated liquids
Authors: Yi Huili , Tian Jianxiang
Published: July 2014

A new simple correlation based on the principle of corresponding state is proposed to estimate the temperature-dependent surface tension of normal saturated liquids. The correlation is a linear one and strongly stands for 41 saturated normal liquids. The new correlation requires only the triple point temperature, triple point surface tension and critical point temperature as input and is able to represent the experimental surface tension data for these 41 saturated normal liquids with a mean absolute average percent deviation of 1.26% in the temperature regions considered. For most substances, the temperature covers the range from the triple temperature to the one beyond the boiling temperature.
HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGE CLASSIFICATION USING LOCAL SPECTRAL ANGLE-BASED MANIFOLD LEARNING
Authors: LUO FULIN , LIU JIAMIN , HUANG HONG , LIU YUMEI
Published: July 2014

Locally linear embedding (LLE) depends on the Euclidean distance (ED) to select the k-nearest neighbors. However, the ED may not reflect the actual geometry structure of data, which may lead to the selection of ineffective neighbors. The aim of our work is to make full use of the local spectral angle (LSA) to find proper neighbors for dimensionality reduction (DR) and classification of hyperspectral remote sensing data. At first, we propose an improved LLE method, called local spectral angle LLE (LSA-LLE), for DR. It uses the ED of data to obtain large-scale neighbors, then utilizes the spectral angle to get the exact neighbors in the large-scale neighbors. Furthermore, a local spectral angle-based nearest neighbor classifier (LSANN) has been proposed for classification. Experiments on two hyperspectral image data sets demonstrate the effectiveness of the presented methods.
A MULTILEVEL MODELING APPROACH FOR ONLINE LEARNING AND CLASSIFICATION OF COMPLEX TRAJECTORIES FOR VIDEO SURVEILLANCE
Authors: IANNIZZOTTO GIANCARLO , BELLO LUCIA LO
Published: July 2014

This paper proposes the Multilevel Gaussian Mixture Model (ML_GMM), a novel algorithm for online, unsupervised modeling of complex motion trajectories which allows for fast and reliable abnormal trajectory detection in video surveillance. The presented approach does not directly deal with target tracking or attribution of an observation to either one or another trajectories belonging to different targets. Instead, it receives as an input a sequence of observations and considers them as produced by a reliable, yet possibly noisy, tracker. As an output, it then produces a labeling of the input sequence, as a "normal" or "abnormal" whole trajectory. The normal and abnormal trajectory domains are learned in an unsupervised fashion during the training phase and can be updated while the classifier is running, thanks to its reduced computational complexity. The novelty of the contribution is twofold. First, ML_GMM is capable of representing short-term, as well as long-term, transitions in a consistent way, thus allowing for accurate representation of long and complex trajectories and their reliable labeling as normal or abnormal. Second, it allows the learning process to be run in parallel with the discrimination process, in order to support adaptability of the model to evolving operating conditions. Experimental results show that ML_GMM outperforms a number of comparable approaches in the literature.
AN EFFICIENT HMM UNDERWATER SIGNAL CLASSIFIER WITH ENHANCED FADING CHANNEL PERFORMANCE
Authors: BINESH T. , SUPRIYA M. H. , SASEENDRAN PILLAI P. R.
Published: July 2014

Underwater signal classification has been an area of considerable importance due to its applications in multidimensional fields. The selection of the source specific features in a classifier is very significant, as it determines the efficiency and performance of the classifier. Discrete sine transform (DST)-based features possesses the essential traits suitable for the design of statistical models in underwater signal classifiers. These when incorporated in hidden markov models (HMMs), can provide an effective architecture which can be utilized in the classification of underwater noise sources. The design and performance analysis of a 12-state HMM-based classifier for underwater signals in Rayleigh fading channel conditions are presented in this paper. The HMMs utilizing the DST features are found to perform efficiently in underwater signal classification scenario, compared to existing cepstral feature-based classifiers. The fading channel estimation has been carried out and the classifier performance has been improved by providing Rayleigh fading compensation. The success rates of the classifier has been estimated under different operating conditions. The system performance has been analyzed in MATLABTM platform for the class of underwater signals, which include actual field collected data and the results have been presented in this paper.
Infinite-dimensional topological field theories from Hurwitz numbers
Authors: Mironov Andrey , Morozov Aleksey , Natanzon Sergey
Published: July 2014

Classical Hurwitz numbers of a fixed degree together with Hurwitz numbers of seamed surfaces give rise to a Klein topological field theory (see [A. Alexeevski and S. Natanzon, The algebra of bipartite graphs and Hurwitz numbers of seamed surfaces, Izv. Math. 72(4) (2008) 627–646]). We extend this construction to Hurwitz numbers of all degrees simultaneously. The corresponding infinite-dimensional Cardy–Frobenius algebra is computed in terms of Young diagrams and bipartite graphs. This algebra turns out to be isomorphic to the algebra of differential operators introduced in [A. Mironov, A. Morozov and S. Natanzon, Cardy–Frobenius extension of algebra of cut-and-join operators, J. Geom. Phys. 73 (2012) 243–251, arXiv:1210.6955; A Hurwitz theory avatar of open-closed string, Eur. Phys. J. C 73(2) (2013) 1–10, arXiv:1208.5057], which serves a model for open-closed string theory. We prove that the operators corresponding to Young diagrams and bipartite graphs give rise to relations between Hurwitz numbers.
Handlebody-knot invariants derived from unimodular Hopf algebras
Authors: Ishii Atsushi , Masuoka Akira
Published: July 2014

To systematically construct invariants of handlebody-links, we give a new presentation of the braided tensor category [Formula: see text] of handlebody-tangles by generators and relations, and prove that given what we call a quantum-commutative quantum-symmetric algebra A in an arbitrary braided tensor category [Formula: see text], there arises a braided tensor functor [Formula: see text], which gives rise to a desired invariant. Some properties of the invariants and explicit computational results are shown especially when A is a finite-dimensional unimodular Hopf algebra, which is naturally regarded as a quantum-commutative quantum-symmetric algebra in the braided tensor category [Formula: see text] of Yetter–Drinfeld modules.
Checkerboard embeddings of *-graphs into nonorientable surfaces
Authors: Friesen Tyler , Manturov Vassily Olegovich
Published: July 2014

This paper considers *-graphs in which all vertices have degree 4 or 6, and studies the question of calculating the genus of nonorientable surfaces into which such graphs may be embedded. In a previous paper [Embeddings of *-graphs into 2-surfaces, preprint (2012), arXiv:1212.5646] by the authors, the problem of calculating whether a given *-graph in which all vertices have degree 4 or 6 admits a ℤ2-homologically trivial embedding into a given orientable surface was shown to be equivalent to a problem on matrices. Here we extend those results to nonorientable surfaces. The embeddability condition that we obtain yields quadratic-time algorithms to determine whether a *-graph with all vertices of degree 4 or 6 admits a ℤ2-homologically trivial embedding into the projective plane or into the Klein bottle.
A new proof of Vassiliev's conjecture
Authors: Nikonov Igor
Published: July 2014

In the paper [First-order invariants and cohomology of spaces of embeddings of self-intersecting curves in ℝn, Izv. Math. 69(5) (2005) 865–912] on finite type invariants of self-intersecting curves, Vassiliev conjectured a criterion of planarity of framed four-valent graphs, i.e. 4-graphs with an opposite edge structure at each vertex. The conjecture was proved by Manturov [A proof of Vassilievs conjecture on the planarity of singular links, Izv. Math. 69(5) (2005) 169–178]. We give here another proof of Vassiliev's planarity criterion of framed four-valent graphs (and more generally, (even) *-graphs), which is based on Pontryagin–Kuratowski theorem.
CONTROLLABLE HYDROTHERMAL SYNTHESIS AND MORPHOLOGY EVOLUTION OF TiO2 NANOROD FILMS
Authors: SUN ZHAOZONG , LAN JIE , LI YITAN , WANG XIAO , ZHAO MINGLIN , YU XIAOHONG
Published: July 2014

TiO 2 nanorod films with diverse and evolutionary morphologies are synthesized by controllable hydrothermal method under mild conditions. The as-prepared nanorod films are well characterized by X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy and atomic force microscopy. Results demonstrate that reasonable control of time of secondary growth could easily and conveniently achieve the goal of morphology adjustment during mild condition hydrothermal synthesis process.
Optical bistable switching in pyran dye-doped polymers
Authors: Purnima  , Mohan Devendra
Published: July 2014

In the present frame of work, optical bistability using a Fabry–Perot (FP) cavity containing 4-dicyanomethylene-2-methyl-6-p-dimethylaminostyryl-4H-pyran (DCM) dye entrapped in poly-methylmethacrylate (PMMA) matrix is experimentally investigated. Optical nonlinear behavior of solid-state samples is studied using a single-mode Q-switched nanosecond Nd:YAG laser operating at 532 nm. Various optical nonlinear parameters such as nonlinear refractive index (n2) and third-order susceptibility (χ3) of the material are numerically estimated from bistability loops. The origin of optically bistable behavior is attributed to photoisomerization-assisted nonlinear refraction phenomenon. It is observed that nonlinear refraction dominates over nonlinear absorption in giving rise to the optical bistability. The study shows that DCM dye entrapped in solid-state matrices are promising candidate for polymer-based optical switches, data processing, and communication systems.
Influence of Szigeti effective charge on coherent Raman scattering of laser radiation in magnetized direct gap semiconductors
Authors: Singh M. , Pal Singh V. , Sangwan A. , Aghamkar P. , Joseph D.
Published: July 2014

By considering the hydrodynamic model of semiconductor-plasmas, an analytical investigation is performed to study the influence of Szigeti effective charge (qs) on coherent Raman scattering (CRS) of laser radiation in a transversely magnetized direct gap semiconductor arising from electron density perturbations and molecular vibrations of the medium both produced at the transverse optical phonon frequency. Assuming that the origin of CRS lies in the third-order susceptibility of the medium, an expression is obtained for Raman gain coefficient (gR). Numerical estimates are made for a representative n-type InSb crystal duly shined by pulsed 10.6 μm CO 2 laser. The threshold field (E0 th ) for inciting CRS is identified. The dependence of gR on pump field strength E0, externally applied magnetic field (in terms of electron cyclotron frequency ωc) and doping concentration (in terms of plasma frequency ωp) is reported for both cases viz., qs = 0 and qs ≠ 0. In absence of qs, the results are found to be well in agreement with available literature.