bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serum levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) in patients with bipolar disorder
Authors: Kaplan Ibrahim , Bulut Mahmut , Atli Abdullah , Güneş Mehmet , Kaya Mehmet Cemal , Çolpan Leyla
Published: February 2015

Objective

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is an oncofetal glycoprotein that is widely used as a tumour marker in adenocarcinomas. However, several non-neoplastic conditions, including acute and chronic inflammation and other inflammation-related conditions, are characterised by increased CEA concentrations.

Bipolar disorder (BD) ranks seventh among the worldwide burden of non-fatal diseases. Inflammatory biomarkers have been considered as one of the main key pillars of a multifactorial approach for prediction of BD in an at-risk population.

BP is accompanied by activation of inflammatory, cell-mediated and negative immunoregulatory cytokines.

Methods

We measured the levels of CEA in serum samples from 44 individuals with euthymic BP out-patients and 45 healthy controls. Patients were diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. CEA was measured by an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay.

Results

The mean serum CEA concentration was 2.36±1.52 and 1.77±0.98 µg/l in patients and controls, respectively. CEA levels were significantly increased in euthymic BP patients when compared with controls (p=0.031).

Conclusions

This study suggests that CEA is increased in BD and supports a role for immune activation in the core pathological mechanisms of BP. CEA levels may be a secondary marker for diagnosing BP.
NOTE ON SUPPORT WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION OF LINEAR CODES OVER
Authors: GAO JIAN
Published: February 2015

Let $R=\mathbb{F}_{p}+u\mathbb{F}_{p}$, where $u^{2}=u$. A relation between the support weight distribution of a linear code $\mathscr{C}$ of type $p^{2k}$ over $R$ and its dual code $\mathscr{C}^{\bot }$ is established.
Dietarytrans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid alters fatty acid metabolism and microbiota composition in mice
Authors: Marques Tatiana M. , Wall Rebecca , O'Sullivan Orla , Fitzgerald Gerald F. , Shanahan Fergus , Quigley Eamonn M. , Cotter Paul D. , Cryan John F. , Dinan Timothy G. , Ross R. Paul , Stanton Catherine
Published: February 2015

The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of dietarytrans-10,cis-12-conjugated linoleic acid (t10c12-CLA) on intestinal microbiota composition and SCFA production. C57BL/6 mice (n8 per group) were fed a standard diet either supplemented witht10c12-CLA (0·5 %, w/w) (intervention) or with no supplementation (control), daily for 8 weeks. Metabolic markers (serum glucose, leptin, insulin and TAG, and liver TAG) were assessed by ELISA commercial kits, tissue long-chain fatty acids and caecal SCFA by GC, and microbial composition by 16S rRNA pyrosequencing. Dietaryt10c12-CLA significantly decreased visceral fat mass (P< 0·001), but did not affect body weight (intervention), when compared with no supplementation (control). Additionally, lipid mass and composition were affected byt10c12-CLA intake. Caecal acetate, propionate and isobutyrate concentrations were higher (P< 0·05) in thet10c12-CLA-supplemented group than in the control group. The analysis of the microbiota composition following 8 weeks oft10c12-CLA supplementation revealed lower proportions of Firmicutes (P= 0·003) and higher proportions of Bacteroidetes (P= 0·027) compared with no supplementation. Furthermore,t10c12-CLA supplementation for 8 weeks significantly altered the gut microbiota composition, harbouring higher proportions of Bacteroidetes, including Porphyromonadaceae bacteria previously linked with negative effects on lipid metabolism and induction of hepatic steatosis. These results indicate that the mechanism of dietaryt10c12-CLA on lipid metabolism in mice may be, at least, partially mediated by alterations in gut microbiota composition and functionality.
Log Canonical Thresholds of Complete Intersection Log Del Pezzo Surfaces
Authors: Kim In-Kyun , Park Jihun
Published: February 2015

We compute the global log canonical thresholds of quasi-smooth well-formed complete intersection log del Pezzo surfaces of amplitude 1 in weighted projective spaces. As a corollary we show the existence of orbifold Kähler—Einstein metrics on many of them.
Utility of electronystagmography in the prediction of post-operative outcome following cochlear implantation
Authors: Spitzer J B , Chari D , Machmer E , Lipson S , Rouse L , Lalwani A K
Published: February 2015

Objective:

To examine the relationship between pre-operative electronystagmography and videonystagmography test results and post-operative outcomes in dizziness, auditory sensitivity and speech recognition.

Methods:

A retrospective chart review was performed. Auditory sensitivity and speech perception ability were tested pre- and post-operatively in 37 adult cochlear implant recipients. Auditory sensitivity was evaluated using either pure tones (for testing with earphones) or frequency-modulated warble tones (for sound-field testing). Speech perception ability was evaluated using Northwestern University Auditory Test Number 6.

Results:

No correlation was found between pre-operative electronystagmography test results and post-operative subjective dizziness. However, pre-operative electronystagmography testing and post-operative hearing sensitivity as measured by warble tone average (dB HL) correlated significantly at six months or later after cochlear implant activation (r ≥  −0.34,n = 34,p < 0.05).

Conclusion:

This study, which has a level of evidence 4, demonstrates that pre-operative electronystagmography testing has a potential use in predicting post-operative outcomes in hearing sensitivity following cochlear implantation. However, larger studies are needed to confirm this novel finding.
Is resistant starch protective against colorectal cancer via modulation of the WNT signalling pathway?
Authors: Malcomson Fiona C. , Willis Naomi D. , Mathers John C.
Published: February 2015

Epidemiological and experimental evidence suggests that non-digestible carbohydrates (NDC) including resistant starch are protective against colorectal cancer. These anti-neoplastic effects are presumed to result from the production of the SCFA, butyrate, by colonic fermentation, which binds to the G-protein-coupled receptor GPR43 to regulate inflammation and other cancer-related processes. The WNT pathway is central to the maintenance of homeostasis within the large bowel through regulation of processes such as cell proliferation and migration and is frequently aberrantly hyperactivated in colorectal cancers. Abnormal WNT signalling can lead to irregular crypt cell proliferation that favours a hyperproliferative state. Butyrate has been shown to modulate the WNT pathway positively, affecting functional outcomes such as apoptosis and proliferation. Butyrate's ability to regulate gene expression results from epigenetic mechanisms, including its role as a histone deacetylase inhibitor and through modulating DNA methylation and the expression of microRNA. We conclude that genetic and epigenetic modulation of the WNT signalling pathway may be an important mechanism through which butyrate from fermentation of resistant starch and other NDC exert their chemoprotective effects.
Making an Anthropological Case: Cognitive Dualism and the Acousmatic
Authors: Stone-Davis Férdia J.
Published: February 2015

This paper examines Roger Scruton's acousmatic account of music, situating it in relation to the anthropology that accompanies it. It suggests that in order to adequately maintain the anthropology Scruton desires (a cognitive rather than an ontological dualism), and to take full account of the parallel he draws between musical and inter-personal understanding (through gesture), the materiality of music needs to be more fully into his account of musical understanding.
Borderline personality disorder, but not euthymic bipolar disorder, is associated with a failure to sustain reciprocal cooperative behaviour: implications for spectrum models of mood disorders
Authors: Saunders K. E. A. , Goodwin G. M. , Rogers R. D.
Published: February 2015

Background

Borderline personality disorder (BPD) and bipolar disorder (BD) have overlapping clinical presentations and symptoms – sources of persistent clinical confusion. Game-theory can characterize how social function might be sub-optimal in the two disorders and move the field beyond the anecdotal description of clinical history. Here, we tested the hypothesis that BPD and BD can be distinguished on the basis of diminished reciprocal altruism in iterated Prisoner's Dilemma (PD) games.

Method

Twenty females with BPD, 20 females with euthymic BD and 20 healthy (non-clinical) females, matched for age and cognitive ability, were assessed for Axis-I and personality disorders, and completed psychometric measures of state affect, impulsivity and hostility. Participants completed two iterated PD games and a test of gaze-cueing.

Results

In the PD games, BPD participants failed to show statistically stable preferences to cooperate with social partners (playing tit-for-tat) and made significantly fewer cooperative responses compared to BD or controls (ANOVA main effect p = 0.03, post-hoc Tukey p < 0.05 for both comparisons). BPD participants were also less likely to sustain cooperation following experiences involving mutual cooperation than the other groups. Neither BPD nor BD participants demonstrated impairments in shifting visual attention on the basis of other peoples’ gaze.

Conclusions

These data indicate that BPD is (selectively) associated with difficulties in establishing, and then maintaining, reciprocal cooperation, involving altruism. These difficulties are not seen in euthymic BD. Our data support the differentiation of BPD from BD and offer fresh insights into the social difficulties experienced by individuals with diagnoses of BPD.
Interleukin-6 as a predictor of symptom resolution in psychological distress: a cohort study
Authors: Virtanen M. , Shipley M. J. , Batty G. D. , Hamer M. , Allan C. L. , Lowe G. D. , Ebmeier K. P. , Akbaraly T. N. , Alenius H. , Haapakoski R. , Singh-Manoux A. , Kivimäki M.
Published: February 2015

Background

Elevated levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) have been associated with the development of common mental disorders, such as depression, but its role in symptom resolution is unclear.

Method

We examined the association between IL-6 and symptom resolution in a non-clinical sample of participants with psychological distress.

Results

Relative to high IL-6 levels, low levels at baseline were associated with symptom resolution at follow-up [age- and sex-adjusted risk ratio (RR) = 1.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.06–1.25]. Further adjustment for covariates had little effect on the association. Symptomatic participants with repeated low IL-6 were more likely to be symptom-free at follow-up compared with those with repeated high IL-6 (RR = 1.21, 95% CI 1.03–1.41). Among the symptomatic participants with elevated IL-6 at baseline, IL-6 decreased along with symptom resolution.

Conclusions

IL-6 is potentially related to the mechanisms underlying recovery from symptoms of mental ill health. Further studies are needed to examine these mechanisms and to confirm the findings in relation to clinical depression.
Brian Hebblethwaite's arguments against multiple incarnations
Authors: PAWL TIMOTHY
Published: February 2015

In this article I present two arguments from Brian Hebblethwaite for the conclusion that multiple incarnations are impossible, as well as the analyses of those arguments provided by three other thinkers: Oliver Crisp, Peter Kevern, and Robin Le Poidevin. I argue that both of Hebblethwaite's arguments are unsound.
Are We All Agreed? Consensual Methods and the ‘Necessities of Life’ in the UK Today
Authors: FAHMY ELDIN , SUTTON EILEEN , PEMBERTON SIMON
Published: February 2015

In recent decades, consensual approaches to poverty measurement have been widely adopted in large-scale survey research both in the UK and internationally. However, while ascertaining the extent of public agreement on the ‘necessities of life’ has been central to this approach, long-standing critiques have questioned the nature of public consensus on poverty derived using survey methods. By drawing on new primary research preparatory to the2012 UK Poverty and Social Exclusion Survey, we consider the contribution of qualitative methods in understanding public views on necessities and discuss their implications for survey-based poverty measurement. Our findings raise some important conceptual and measurement issues for consensual poverty measures within large-scale social surveys. Firstly, our research suggests that public understandings of the term ‘necessity’ are diverse and may not always be consistent with researchers’ interpretations or with wider usage of this term within consensual poverty measurement. Secondly, a better understanding of the considerations which inform survey respondents’ deliberations is needed. Thirdly, our findings have important implications for how we should interpret the concept of ‘consensus’ within the context of consensual poverty surveys, and emphasise the need for the application of more deliberative methods in determining public views on the ‘necessities of life’.
Replication in interaction and working memory research: Révész (2012) and Goo (2012)
Authors: Gass Susan , Valmori Lorena
Published: February 2015

This paper argues for the replication of two studies, both of which consider feedback and working memory. In the first part of this paper, we discuss the role of interaction-based research and working memory research in second language acquisition research. We then describe two studies that have unified these two areas in recent published articles and discuss ways that replication can further our knowledge in how working memory capacity can impact the benefits of feedback. We emphasize the importance of replication in a number of different areas, including grammatical complexity of the target structure and the nature of working memory tests, in scoring, actual tests, and modes of delivery. Additionally, we discuss the possibilities for replication in the area of population differences, in particular, age groups and more lasting effects as would be found in delayed post-tests. Finally, we point out another means of gathering information about thought processes and suggest the value of adding stimulated recalls to the existing data.
Increased risk of predation increases mobbing intensity in tropical birds of French Guiana
Authors: Tilgar Vallo , Moks Kadri
Published: February 2015

Stressful environments have been suggested to enhance cooperative behaviours in animal communities. Prey animals living in risky environments can also increase long-term benefits by cooperating with neighbours, such as collectively harassing predators. However, empirical studies have rarely tested this prediction in the wild. In this experimental study we explored whether the perceived predation risk influences cooperative mobbing behaviour in tropical forest birds in French Guiana. The predation risk was increased by 5-d-long presentation of visual and acoustic stimuli of pygmy-owls in 24 locations. In order to examine whether mobbing response can vary in relation to the abundance of local predators, we used the Amazonian pygmy-owl (Glaucidium hardyi) as a common predator and the ferruginous pygmy-owl (Glaucidium brasilianum) as a rare predator in the study area. Our results showed that repeated predator-presentations increased mobbing response over time for the rarer owl species, while this effect was not significant for the common owl species. No effect of repeated presentations of either pygmy-owl species was found on the latency of mobbing. Moreover, mobbing latency was shorter and mobbing response was stronger for the common predator species, the Amazonian pygmy-owl. This study provides experimental evidence that birds exhibit stronger mobbing responses when the predator is locally abundant, while repeated encounters can be perceived as more dangerous when the predator is rare.
Crystal structure and powder X-ray diffraction data for new Tb3CuAl3Ge2 compound
Authors: Zeng Chao , Lin Guoqiang , Zeng Weijing , He Wei
Published: February 2015

The crystal structure of new Tb3CuAl3Ge2 quaternary compound was studied by the Rietveld method from powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) data. The Tb3CuAl3Ge2 compound crystallized in the hexagonal Y3NiAl3Ge2-type structure with space group P-62m (no. 189) and lattice parameters a = 7.0041(2) Å, c = 4.1775(1) Å, V = 177.48 Å3. There is only one formula in each unit cell, Z = 1, and the density of Tb3CuAl3Ge2 is ρx = 7.1696 g cm−3. The reliability factors characterizing the Rietveld refinement results are Rp = 6.43%, Rwp = 8.65%, RB = 4.81%, and RF = 4.09%, respectively. The powder XRD data of Tb3CuAl3Ge2 were presented and the reliability of indexation is F30 = 120.9(0.0073, 34).
X-ray powder diffraction data for gemcitabine, C9H11F2N3O4
Authors: Wu Di , Tang Pei Xiao , Li Shan Shan , Luo Hao Zhong , Li Hui
Published: February 2015

X-ray powder diffraction data, unit-cell parameters and space group for gemcitabine, C9H11F2N3O4, are reported [a= 17.641(8) Å,b= 6.985(1) Å,c= 18.653(2) Å,α=β=γ= 90°, unit-cell volumeV= 2298.61 Å3,Z= 8 and space groupPmna]. All measured lines were indexed and are consistent with thePmnaspace group. No detectable impurities were observed.
Using molecular tools to identify the geographical origin of a case of human brucellosis
Authors: MUCHOWSKI J. K. , KOYLASS M. S. , DAINTY A. C. , STACK J. A. , PERRETT L. , WHATMORE A. M. , PERRIER C. , CHIRCOP S. , DEMICOLI N. , GATT A. B. , CARUANA P. A. , GOPAUL K. K.
Published: February 2015

Although Malta is historically linked with the zoonosis brucellosis, there had not been a case of the disease in either the human or livestock population for several years. However, in July 2013 a case of human brucellosis was identified on the island. To determine whether this recent case originated in Malta, four isolates from this case were subjected to molecular analysis. Molecular profiles generated using multilocus sequence analysis and multilocus variable number tandem repeat for the recent human case isolates and 11 Brucella melitensis strains of known Maltese origin were compared with others held on in-house and global databases. While the 11 isolates of Maltese origin formed a distinct cluster, the recent human isolation was not associated with these strains but instead clustered with isolates originating from the Horn of Africa. These data was congruent with epidemiological trace-back showed that the individual had travelled to Malta from Eritrea. This work highlights the potential of using molecular typing data to aid in epidemiological trace-back of Brucella isolations and assist in monitoring of the effectiveness of brucellosis control schemes.
First report of identification of livestock-associated MRSA ST9 in retail meat in England
Authors: DHUP V. , KEARNS A. M. , PICHON B. , FOSTER H. A.
Published: February 2015

Sixty percent of all meat consumed in the UK is imported from European countries where there have been increasing reports of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) identified in food-producing animals, but rarely from such animals in the UK. Thirty samples each of raw chicken, pork and beef, sourced in England, were collected from retail outlets in Greater Manchester. MRSA was recovered from three chicken samples and one each of pork and beef, all from prepackaged supermarket meat. Four isolates were identified as representatives of the most common human healthcare-associated MRSA clone in the UK [EMRSA-15, spa type t032, belonging to multilocus sequence type clonal complex 22 (MLST-CC22)], suggesting contamination from human source(s) during meat processing. The fifth isolate (from chicken) was multiply-resistant (including oxacillin, ciprofloxacin, erythromycin, clindamycin and tetracycline), identified as ST9-SCCmecIV, spa type t1939 and lacked the immune evasion cluster, a characteristic of livestock-associated strains. This lineage has been identified previously from animals and meat products in Asia and mainland Europe but not the UK.
Aetiology and epidemiology of human cryptosporidiosis cases in Galicia (NW Spain), 2000–2008
Authors: ABAL-FABEIRO J. L. , MASIDE X. , LLOVO J. , BARTOLOMÉ C.
Published: February 2015

Cryptosporidiuminfects millions of people worldwide causing acute gastroenteritis, but despite its remarkable epidemiological and economic impact, information on the epidemiological trends of human cryptosporidiosis is still scarce in most countries. Here we investigate a panel of 486 cases collected in Galicia (NW Iberian Peninsula) between 2000 and 2008, which sheds new light on the epidemiology in this region of the South Atlantic European façade. Incidence rates in Galicia are one order of magnitude higher than those reported in other regions of Spain, suggesting that this parasite remains largely underdiagnosed in this country, and are also larger than those typical of other European countries with available data. Two species dominate our dataset,Cryptosporidium hominis(65%) andC. parvum(34%). The sex ratio of patients infected by either species was 0·5, butC. hominiswas significantly more common in younger males.C. parvuminfections were more acute and required more specialized medical attention, which suggests a differential adaptation of each species to human hosts. The parasites display strong seasonal and geographical variation.C. parvumincidence peaked during summer and was mainly detected in rural areas whileC. hominisinfections were more frequent in autumn and exhibited a more even geographical distribution. Such differences probably reflect their distinct sources of infection – C. parvumis mainly zoonotic andC. hominisanthroponotic – and the effects of climatic variables, like temperature and rainfall.
Domain generalisation in artificial language learning
Authors: Myers Scott , Padgett Jaye
Published: February 2015

Many languages have restrictions on word-final segments, such as a requirement that any word-final obstruent be voiceless. There is a phonetic basis for such restrictions at the ends of utterances, but not the ends of words. Historical linguists have long noted this mismatch, and have attributed it to an analogical generalisation of such restrictions from utterance-final to word-final position. To test whether language learners actually generalise in this way, two artificial language learning experiments were conducted. Participants heard nonsense utterances in which there was a restriction on utterance-final obstruents, but in which no information was available about word-final utterance-medial obstruents. They were then tested on utterances that included obstruents in both positions. They learned the pattern and generalised it to word-final utterance-medial position, confirming that learners are biased toward word-based distributional patterns.
Contrastive tonal alignment in falling contours in Shilluk
Authors: Remijsen Bert , Ayoker Otto Gwado
Published: February 2015

It has been assumed that tonal alignment is not contrastive in contour tones (e.g. Hyman 1988, Odden 1995, Yip 2002). However, Remijsen (2013) and DiCanioet al.(2014) have recently reported evidence for this configuration. In relation to this controversy, we report on an acoustic analysis of the tone system of Shilluk. The dataset is built around the contrast of Lowvs. Early-aligned High Fallvs. Late-aligned High Fallvs. High in closed monosyllabic stems with a short vowel. The results support the hypothesis that tonal alignment is contrastive in falling contour tones in Shilluk: the two falling contours differ consistently and significantly in terms of tonal alignment, relative both to one another and to phonetically similar level-tone configurations. The falling contours do not differ significantly in terms of a number of other phonetic parameters (F0 height, size of F0 change, duration).
Dissolved oxygen dynamics during a phytoplankton bloom in the Ross Sea polynya
Authors: Queste Bastien Y. , Heywood Karen J. , Smith Walker O. , Kaufman Daniel E. , Jickells Timothy D. , Dinniman Michael S.
Published: February 2015

The Ross Sea polynya is one of the most productive regions in the Southern Ocean. However, limited access and high spatio-temporal variability of physical and biological processes limit the use of conventional oceanographic methods to measure early season primary productivity. High-resolution observations from two Seagliders provide insights into the timing of a bloom in the southern Ross Sea polynya in December 2010. Changes in chlorophyll and oxygen concentrations are used to assess bloom dynamics. Using a ratio of dissolved oxygen to carbon, net primary production is estimated over the duration of the bloom showing a sensitive balance between net autotrophy and heterotrophy. The two gliders, observing spatially distinct regions during the same period, found net community production rates of -0.9±0.7 and 0.7±0.4 g C m-2 d-1. The difference highlights the spatial variability of biological processes and is probably caused by observing different stages of the bloom. The challenge of obtaining accurate primary productivity estimates highlights the need for increased observational efforts, particularly focusing on subsurface processes not resolved using surface or remote observations. Without an increased observational effort and the involvement of emerging technologies, it will not be possible to determine the seasonal trophic balance of the Ross Sea polynya and quantify the shelf’s importance in carbon export.
The refuge of a dying variant within the grammar: Patterns of change and continuity in the Spanish verbal periphrasishaber de + infinitive over the past two centuries
Authors: Blas Arroyo José Luis , Lahoz Javier Vellón
Published: February 2015

Based on a corpus of ego-documents (private letters, diaries, memoirs) from the 19th and the first half of the 20th centuries, this paper presents a variationist comparative study to determine the fate of the modal periphrasishaber de + infinitive in the history of modern Spanish. Detailed analysis of the envelope of variation enables us to show that, despite an abrupt decline in the selection ofhaber derelative totener que, both ‘to have to’, grammatical environments that favor its use remain in the mid-20th century. Many of the factor groups and the hierarchy of constraints during this period are similar to those that operated in previous periods. Nevertheless, a generalized decrease in the explanatory power of these factor groups, as well as some divergent patterns within several of these groups are also observed, mainly as a result of the fact thathaber de + infinitive is increasingly relegated to some restricted areas of the grammar and lexicon. Based on these results, some theoretical implications for changing rates and constraints in language change and grammaticalization are discussed.
Some asymptotic results for the transient distribution of the Halfin–Whitt diffusion process
Authors: ZHEN QIANG , KNESSL CHARLES
Published: February 2015

We consider the Halfin–Whitt diffusion process Xd(t), which is used, for example, as an approximation to the m-server M/M/m queue. We use recently obtained integral representations for the transient density p(x,t) of this diffusion process, and obtain various asymptotic results for the density. The asymptotic limit assumes that a drift parameter β in the model is large, and the state variable x and the initial condition x0 (with Xd(0) = x0 > 0) are also large. We obtain some alternate representations for the density, which involve sums and/or contour integrals, and expand these using a combination of the saddle point method, Laplace method and singularity analysis. The results give some insight into how steady state is achieved, and how if x0 > 0 the probability mass migrates from Xd(t) > 0 to the range Xd(t) < 0, which is where it concentrates as t → ∞, in the limit we consider. We also discuss an alternate approach to the asymptotics, based on geometrical optics and singular perturbation techniques.
A generalization of the Takeuti–Gandy interpretation
Authors: BARRAS BRUNO , COQUAND THIERRY , HUBER SIMON
Published: February 2015

We present an interpretation of a version of dependent type theory where a type is interpreted by a Kan semisimplicial set. This interprets only a weak notion of conversion similar to the one used in the first published version of Martin-Löf type theory. Each truncated version of this model can be carried out internally in dependent type theory, and we have formalized the first truncated level, which is enough to represent isomorphisms of algebraic structure as equality.
Treating Multiple Incident Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) in an Inner City London Prison: The Need for an Evidence Base
Authors: Campbell Catherine A. , Albert Idit , Jarrett Manuela , Byrne Majella , Roberts Anna , Phillip Patricia , Huddy Vyv , Valmaggia Lucia
Published: February 2015

Background: Mental health problems have been found to be more prevalent in prison populations, and higher rates of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have been found in sentenced populations compared to the general population. Evidence-based treatment in the general population however has not been transferred and empirically supported into the prison system. Aims: The aim of this manuscript is to illustrate how trauma focused work can be applied in a prison setting. Method: This report describes a two-phased approach to treating PTSD, starting with stabilization, followed by an integration of culturally appropriate ideas from narrative exposure therapy (NET), given that the traumas were during war and conflict, and trauma-focused cognitive behavioural therapy (TF-CBT). Results: PTSD and scores on paranoia scales improved between start and end of treatment; these improvements were maintained at a 6-month follow-up. Conclusion: This case report1 illustrates successful treatment of multiple incident PTSD in a prison setting using adaptations to TF-CBT during a window of opportunity when individuals are more likely to be free from substances and live in relative stability. Current service provision and evidence-based practice for PTSD is urgently required in UK prisons to allow individuals to engage in opportunities to reduce re-offending, free from mental health symptoms.
Attitudes and Preferences towards Self-help Treatments for Depression in Comparison to Psychotherapy and Antidepressant Medication
Authors: Hanson Katie , Webb Thomas L. , Sheeran Paschal , Turpin Graham
Published: February 2015

Background: Self-help is an effective treatment for depression. Less is known, however, about how acceptable people find different self-help treatments for depression. Aims: To investigate preferences and attitudes toward different self-help treatments for depression in comparison to psychotherapy and antidepressants. Method:N = 536 people who were not actively seeking treatment for depression were randomly assigned to read about one of five treatment options (bibliotherapy, Internet-based self-help, guided self-help, antidepressants, or psychotherapy) before rating how acceptable they found the treatment. Participants also ranked the treatments in order of preference. Results: Psychotherapy and guided self-help were found to be the most acceptable and preferred treatment options. Antidepressants and bibliotherapy were found to be the least acceptable treatments, with antidepressants rated as the most likely to have side effects. Preference data reflected the above findings – psychotherapy and guided self-help were the most preferred treatment options. Conclusions: The findings highlight differences in attitudes and preferences between guided and unguided self-help interventions; and between self-help interventions and psychotherapy. Future research should focus on understanding why unguided self-help interventions are deemed to be less acceptable than guided self-help interventions for treating depression.
Dietary patterns in India and their association with obesity and central obesity
Authors: Satija Ambika , Hu Frank B , Bowen Liza , Bharathi Ankalmadugu V , Vaz Mario , Prabhakaran Dorairaj , Reddy K Srinath , Ben-Shlomo Yoav , Davey Smith George , Kinra Sanjay , Ebrahim Shah
Published: February 2015

Objective

Obesity is a growing problem in India, the dietary determinants of which have been studied using an ‘individual food/nutrient’ approach. Examining dietary patterns may provide more coherent findings, but few studies in developing countries have adopted this approach. The present study aimed to identify dietary patterns in an Indian population and assess their relationship with anthropometric risk factors.

Design

FFQ data from the cross-sectional sib-pair Indian Migration Study (IMS; n 7067) were used to identify dietary patterns using principal component analysis. Mixed-effects logistic regression was used to examine associations with obesity and central obesity.

Setting

The IMS was conducted at four factory locations across India: Lucknow, Nagpur, Hyderabad and Bangalore.

Subjects

The participants were rural-to-urban migrant and urban non-migrant factory workers, their rural and urban resident siblings, and their co-resident spouses.

Results

Three dietary patterns were identified: ‘cereals–savoury foods’ (cooked grains, rice/rice-based dishes, snacks, condiments, soups, nuts), ‘fruit–veg–sweets–snacks’ (Western cereals, vegetables, fruit, fruit juices, cooked milk products, snacks, sugars, sweets) and ‘animal-food’ (red meat, poultry, fish/seafood, eggs). In adjusted analysis, positive graded associations were found between the ‘animal-food’ pattern and both anthropometric risk factors. Moderate intake of the ‘cereals–savoury foods’ pattern was associated with reduced odds of obesity and central obesity.

Conclusions

Distinct dietary patterns were identified in a large Indian sample, which were different from those identified in previous literature. A clear ‘plant food-based/animal food-based pattern’ dichotomy emerged, with the latter being associated with higher odds of anthropometric risk factors. Longitudinal studies are needed to further clarify this relationship in India.
Healthy Start: The Use of Welfare Food Vouchers by Low-Income Parents in England
Authors: Lucas Patricia J , Jessiman Tricia , Cameron Ailsa
Published: February 2015

The Healthy Start scheme provides food welfare to pregnant women and children under four years old in the UK. The Government provides vouchers to families living on a low income that can be exchanged for infant formula, plain cow's milk and fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables. This article reports on a qualitative study of parents using Healthy Start in England. Interviews were conducted with 107 parents from thirteen areas in England. Most found the scheme easy to use, but some vulnerable groups were unable to access the scheme. The vouchers provided a vital source of food at times of crisis, and put purchase of fruit and vegetables within reach for some. Parents reduced stigma by using self-service tills and by only visiting retailers known to accept the vouchers. Healthy Start provides additional protection by sitting outside of other social security benefits. To continue to provide this essential protection, their value should be reviewed and increased.
LIBERAL DISPOSITIONS: RECENT SCHOLARSHIP ON FRENCH LIBERALISM
Authors: BEHRENT MICHAEL C.
Published: February 2015

The story of French liberalism is, we are often told, one of exceptions, eccentricities, and enigmas. Compared to their British counterparts, French liberals seem more reluctant to embrace individualism. Whereas liberals in the English-speaking world typically espouse what Isaiah Berlin called “negative liberty”—a sphere of private autonomy from which the state is legally excluded—French liberals have often proved highly accommodating towards “positive liberty”—that is, liberty insofar as it is tethered to collectively defined ends. Most crucially, rather than seeking to shield individuals and civil society from an intrusive state, French liberals—consistent with a broader trend in French political culture—are inclined to see the state as an essential and even emancipatory political tool. In this vein, Jean-Fabien Spitz writes in a recent collection entitledFrench Liberalism from Montesquieu to the Present Day,

Contemporary historians, political scientists, and philosophers all seem to share a simple idea: French political culture, marked as it is by legalism and statism, constitutes an exception to the main trend in modern political thought, which has been to discover and assert the principles of modern liberty.

In addition to departing from some of Anglo-American liberalism's main tenets, French liberalism exhibits other oddities: as Larry Siedentop argued in an important essay, its idiom has tended to be historical (rather than theoretical), institutional (as opposed to ethical) and sociological (not legal or political).2This somewhat idiosyncratic variation on “normal” liberalism has led some scholars to characterize liberalism's French iteration as a “chaotic mixture.”3Others have questioned the extent to which liberalism is really a significant French political tradition at all. France's Revolutionary culture has been described as ultimately “illiberal,” leading some historians to speak of a FrenchSonderweg,4in which France's “special path” consists in the fact that it entered the modern age without having developed genuinely liberal institutions.
Combined and complex vascular malformations
Authors: Clemens Robert K. , Pfammatter Thomas , Meier Thomas O. , Alomari Ahmad I. , Amann-Vesti Beatrice R.
Published: February 2015

The correct diagnosis of vascular malformations is obtainable by clinical assessment and patient history in the majority of cases. Nonetheless, confusion in nomenclature, existence of multiple classifications and rarity of these lesions leads to misdiagnosis and related wrong treatment. This is especially the case in combined or complex vascular malformations or vascular malformations that are part of syndromes as these have overlapping clinical and imaging features. New entities in the field of vascular anomalies have been described recently like fibro-adipose vascular anomaly or central conducting lymphatic anomalies.
Genomic potential for nitrogen assimilation in uncultivated members of Prochlorococcus from an anoxic marine zone
Authors: Astorga-Eló Marcia , Ramírez-Flandes Salvador , DeLong Edward F , Ulloa Osvaldo
Published: February 2015

Cyanobacteria of the genus Prochlorococcus are the most abundant photosynthetic marine organisms and key factors in the global carbon cycle. The understanding of their distribution and ecological importance in oligotrophic tropical and subtropical waters, and their differentiation into distinct ecotypes, is based on genetic and physiological information from several isolates. Currently, all available Prochlorococcus genomes show their incapacity for nitrate utilization. However, environmental sequence data suggest that some uncultivated lineages may have acquired this capacity. Here we report that uncultivated low-light-adapted Prochlorococcus from the nutrient-rich, low-light, anoxic marine zone (AMZ) of the eastern tropical South Pacific have the genetic potential for nitrate uptake and assimilation. All genes involved in this trait were found syntenic with those present in marine Synechococcus. Genomic and phylogenetic analyses also suggest that these genes have not been aquired recently, but perhaps were retained from a common ancestor, highlighting the basal characteristics of the AMZ lineages within Prochlorococcus.
Enhanced magnetic Purcell effect in room-temperature masers
Authors: Breeze Jonathan , Tan Ke-Jie , Richards Benjamin , Sathian Juna , Oxborrow Mark , Alford Neil McN
Published: February 2015

Recently, the world’s first room-temperature maser was demonstrated. The maser consisted of a sapphire ring housing a crystal of pentacene-doped p-terphenyl, pumped by a pulsed rhodamine-dye laser. Stimulated emission of microwaves was aided by the high quality factor and small magnetic mode volume of the maser cavity yet the peak optical pumping power was 1.4 kW. Here we report dramatic miniaturization and 2 orders of magnitude reduction in optical pumping power for a room-temperature maser by coupling a strontium titanate resonator with the spin-polarized population inversion provided by triplet states in an optically excited pentacene-doped p-terphenyl crystal. We observe maser emission in a thimble-sized resonator using a xenon flash lamp as an optical pump source with peak optical power of 70 W. This is a significant step towards the goal of continuous maser operation.
A highly potent human antibody neutralizes dengue virus serotype 3 by binding across three surface proteins
Authors: Fibriansah Guntur , Tan Joanne L. , Smith Scott A. , de Alwis Ruklanthi , Ng Thiam-Seng , Kostyuchenko Victor A. , Jadi Ramesh S. , Kukkaro Petra , de Silva Aravinda M. , Crowe James E. , Lok Shee-Mei
Published: February 2015

Dengue virus (DENV) infects ~400 million people annually. There is no licensed vaccine or therapeutic drug. Only a small fraction of the total DENV-specific antibodies in a naturally occurring dengue infection consists of highly neutralizing antibodies. Here we show that the DENV-specific human monoclonal antibody 5J7 is exceptionally potent, neutralizing 50% of virus at nanogram-range antibody concentration. The 9 Å resolution cryo-electron microscopy structure of the Fab 5J7–DENV complex shows that a single Fab molecule binds across three envelope proteins and engages three functionally important domains, each from a different envelope protein. These domains are critical for receptor binding and fusion to the endosomal membrane. The ability to bind to multiple domains allows the antibody to fully coat the virus surface with only 60 copies of Fab, that is, half the amount compared with other potent antibodies. Our study reveals a highly efficient and unusual mechanism of molecular recognition by an antibody.
High rate and stable cycling of lithium metal anode
Authors: Qian Jiangfeng , Henderson Wesley A. , Xu Wu , Bhattacharya Priyanka , Engelhard Mark , Borodin Oleg , Zhang Ji-Guang
Published: February 2015

Lithium metal is an ideal battery anode. However, dendrite growth and limited Coulombic efficiency during cycling have prevented its practical application in rechargeable batteries. Herein, we report that the use of highly concentrated electrolytes composed of ether solvents and the lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide salt enables the high-rate cycling of a lithium metal anode at high Coulombic efficiency (up to 99.1%) without dendrite growth. With 4 M lithium bis(fluorosulfonyl)imide in 1,2-dimethoxyethane as the electrolyte, a lithium|lithium cell can be cycled at 10 mA cm−2 for more than 6,000 cycles, and a copper|lithium cell can be cycled at 4 mA cm−2 for more than 1,000 cycles with an average Coulombic efficiency of 98.4%. These excellent performances can be attributed to the increased solvent coordination and increased availability of lithium ion concentration in the electrolyte. Further development of this electrolyte may enable practical applications for lithium metal anode in rechargeable batteries.
Enhanced FTIR bench-top imaging of single biological cells
Authors: Hughes C. , Henderson A. , Kansiz M. , Dorling K. M. , Jimenez-Hernandez M. , Brown M. D. , Clarke N. W. , Gardner P.
Published: February 2015

A new optical system has recently been developed that enables infrared images to be obtained with a pixel resolution of 1 micron on a bench-top instrument using a thermal source.
Label-free free-solution nanoaperture optical tweezers for single molecule protein studies
Authors: Al Balushi Ahmed A. , Kotnala Abhay , Wheaton Skyler , Gelfand Ryan M. , Rajashekara Yashaswini , Gordon Reuven
Published: February 2015

Recent advances in nanoaperture optical tweezers have enabled studies of single nanoparticles like proteins in label-free, free-solution environments.
Sensitive colorimetric detection of cyromazine in cucumber samples by using label-free gold nanoparticles and polythymine
Authors: Liu Jinchuan , Bai Wenhui , Zhu Chao , Yan Mengmeng , Yang Shuming , Chen Ailiang
Published: February 2015

A sensitive colorimetric method for cyromazine detection in cucumber samples was developed by using label-free gold nanoparticles and polythymine.
Accurate electronics calibration for particle backscattering spectrometry
Authors: Colaux Julien L. , Jeynes Chris
Published: February 2015

Rutherford backscattering spectrometry (RBS) is a non-destructive thin film analytical technique of the highest absolute accuracy which, when used for elemental depth profiling, depends at first order on the gain of the pulse-height spectrometry system.
A highly porous medical metal–organic framework constructed from bioactive curcumin
Authors: Su Hongmin , Sun Fuxing , Jia Jiangtao , He Hongming , Wang Aifei , Zhu Guangshan
Published: February 2015

A highly porous bio-MOF, medi-MOF-1, constructed from Zn and curcumin has been successfully synthesized, which exhibits great potential in bioapplications.
Supramolecular electron transfer-based switching involving pyrrolic macrocycles. A new approach to sensor development?
Authors: Bill Nathan L. , Trukhina Olga , Sessler Jonathan L. , Torres Tomás
Published: February 2015

The potential utility of energy transfer in the design of pyrrolic macrocycle-based molecular switches and ability to serve as the readout motif for molecular sensors development is discussed.
Synthesis of 3-bromosubstituted pyrroles via palladium-catalyzed intermolecular oxidative cyclization of bromoalkynes with N-allylamines
Authors: Zheng Jia , Huang Liangbin , Li Zun , Wu Wanqing , Li Jianxiao , Jiang Huanfeng
Published: February 2015

A novel Pd-catalyzed intermolecular oxidative cyclization of bromoalkynes with N-allylamines to construct 3-bromo-pyrrole derivatives has been developed.
Tetrazoles: calcium oxalate crystal growth modifiers
Authors: McMulkin Calum J. , Massi Massimiliano , Jones Franca
Published: February 2015

Metabolically stable tetrazole molecules are shown to impact calcium oxalate crystallization, thus tetrazoles can be used in investigating biological crystallization processes.
Bulk crystal growth and characterization of semi-organic nonlinear optical crystal tri-diethylammonium hexachlorobismuthate (TDCB)
Authors: Liu Guangfeng , Liu Jie , Zheng Xiaoxin , Liu Yang , Yuan Dongsheng , Zhang Xixia , Gao Zeliang , Tao Xutang
Published: February 2015

A promising NLO crystal of tri-diethylammonium hexachlorobismuthate (TDCB) has been grown on a large scale; thermal and optical properties were measured.
Unraveling the mechanism of 720 nm sub-band-gap optical absorption of a Ta3N5 semiconductor photocatalyst: a hybrid-DFT calculation
Authors: Wang Jiajia , Ma Aibin , Li Zhaosheng , Jiang Jinghua , Feng Jianyong , Zou Zhigang
Published: February 2015

Hybrid-DFT calculations were performed to unravel the mechanism of 720 nm sub-band-gap optical absorption of a Ta3N5 semiconductor photocatalyst.
On the mechanism of catalytic hydrogenation of thiophene on hydrogen tungsten bronze
Authors: Xi Yongjie , Chen Zhangxian , Gan Wei Kiat Vincent , Huang Liang , Cheng Hansong
Published: February 2015

Thiophene can be hydrogenated to tetrahydrothiophene on a hydrogen tungsten bronze surface with low activation energy.
Planar tetracoordinate carbons with a double bond in CAl3E clusters
Authors: Cui Zhong-hua , Ding Yi-hong , Cabellos José Luis , Osorio Edison , Islas Rafael , Restrepo Albeiro , Merino Gabriel
Published: February 2015

The potential energy surfaces of a series of clusters with the formula CAl3E (E = P, As, Sb, Bi) are systematically explored using density functional theory and high level ab initio calculations.
Cofilin reduces the mechanical properties of actin filaments: approach with coarse-grained methods
Authors: Kim Jae In , Kwon Junpyo , Baek Inchul , Park Harold S. , Na Sungsoo
Published: February 2015

We applied a coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulation (CGMD) method and constructed elastic network model-based structures, actin and cofilactin filaments. Based on a normal mode analysis, the continuum beam theory was used to calculate the mechanical properties and the results showed good agreement with the established experimental data.