bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The challenge of predicting temperature effects on short‐term predator–prey dynamics
Authors: Abbott Karen C. , Harmon Jason P. , Fabina Nicholas S.
Published: January 2014

Understanding how interacting species respond to changing temperatures is complicated because both inter‐ and intraspecific processes can be temperature‐dependent, and because the dynamics of interest often occur over short time scales. While efforts to document and integrate inter‐ and intraspecific effects are ongoing, few broad conclusions have emerged. Here, we use a simple structured predator–prey model to explore whether some such conclusions can be reached with incomplete knowledge about initial population sizes or about how temperature alters predation rates. We find that, despite strong sensitivity of quantitative predictions to the model's details, qualitative predictions for how predator–prey communities respond to temperature may still be possible. As a case study, we ask whether biological control of the herbivorous insect pea aphid will be strengthened or weakened by increasing temperatures. Our empirically derived parameter estimates suggest biological control will be strengthened, but we caution that this result is not inevitable given what we currently know about the effects of temperature in this system. Our work highlights the complex interaction between inter‐ and intraspecific effects of temperature in ecological communities.
Theory and contents of frictional mechanics
Authors: Huang Ping , Yang Qianqian
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we first discuss the development of the field of tribology, and highlight some of the main problems encountered in this area, such as lack of systematicness, loose correlation, and inadequate focus on the microscopic perspective. Then, we provide basic formulas of frictional mechanics while considering the friction effect on classical mechanics formulae. In order to carry out the frictional mechanics analysis, we first classify the interface. According to the size analysis of surface films, the manufacturing roughness of the surface, the contact width, and the roller radius of the rolling contact bearing, frictional mechanics has the features of interface mechanics, while interfaces are classified based on the presence or absence of a medium. Based on the classification, we further analyze the pressure and frictional stress of sliding and rolling friction problems without a medium, such as a slider, wedge key, and V belt. We also analyze problems with a medium, such as journal and rolling contact bearings. By comparing these results with those of classical mechanics without considering friction, we see that (1) friction causes deviations in the result for classical mechanics which does not consider friction, and (2) if the frictional stress and normal pressure affect each other, their interaction should be considered simultaneously. Finally, we summarize the friction problems, namely, sliding and rolling, with and without a medium, and deformed and non-deformed. From our analysis, we propose two conclusions. First, the frictional mechanics problem is a deviation of the classical mechanics problem, and secondly, frictional stress and normal pressure influence each other.
Prevalence and knowledge of heavy menstrual bleeding among African American women
Authors: Marsh Erica E. , Brocks Maureen E. , Ghant Marissa S. , Recht Hannah S. , Simon Melissa
Published: January 2014

Objective

To assess self‐reported prevalence, knowledge, and health literacy regarding heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) among African American women.

Methods

A quantitative cross‐sectional survey study was conducted. An original survey was developed and distributed to a convenience sample of African American women aged 18–60 years at a community fair in a large city in the Midwestern region of the USA.

Results

Of the 274 surveys distributed, 247 were returned, 193 of which met the inclusion criteria. Overall, 163 (84.5%) participants demonstrated adequate health literacy; however, 168 (87.0%) answered fewer than 8 of 15 knowledge questions correctly. Although 75 (38.9%) women reported seeing a clinician for HMB, 89 (46.1%) believed that there was nothing that they could do to prevent it from occurring.

Conclusion

The present study found that the proportion of HMB among participants was higher than the nationwide prevalence. However, a gap existed in knowledge of HMB among the women surveyed. The study findings indicate an opportunity for community‐based education to raise awareness of HMB, its associated clinical presentations, and available treatment modalities.
Prenatal diagnosis of Prader–Willi syndrome and Angelman syndrome for fetuses with suspicious deletion of chromosomal region 15q11‐q13
Authors: Chang Chia‐Wei , Hsu Hui‐Kuo , Kao Chiu‐Ching , Huang Jyun‐Yuan , Kuo Pao‐Lin
Published: January 2014

Objective

To identify Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) among fetuses with suspicious deletion of the chromosomal region 15q11‐q13.

Methods

In a retrospective study, data were assessed from fetuses missing chromosomal band 15q12 that underwent molecular diagnosis at the National Chen‐Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan, between January 2001 and December 2012. Amniocytes were subjected to molecular testing, including fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis, methylation‐specific PCR (M‐PCR), and methylation‐specific multiplex‐ligation‐dependent probe amplification (MS‐MLPA).

Results

During the 12‐year study period, 26 041 amniocyte samples were analyzed at the study center and 27 (0.1%) were found to have a missing 15q12 band. A further 16 samples with a missing 15q12 band were received from other cytogenetic laboratories; as a result, 43 amniocyte samples lacking chromosomal band 15q12 underwent further molecular testing. Among these samples, 3 fetuses (7.0%) were found to have PWS (n = 1) or AS (n = 2).

Conclusion

A minority of cases with missing 15q12 had deletion of the PWS/AS critical region. This finding draws attention to the subtle structural rearrangements that occur on 15q11‐q13 and provides useful information for prenatal diagnosis of PWS and AS.
Midline versus transverse incision for cesarean delivery in low‐income countries
Authors: Maaløe Nanna , Aabakke Anna J.M. , Secher Niels J.
Published: January 2014

While transverse incision is the recommended entry technique for cesarean delivery in high‐income countries, it is our experience that midline incision is still used routinely in many low‐income settings. Accordingly, international guidelines lack uniformity on this matter. Although evidence is limited, the literature suggests important advantages of the transverse incision, with lower risk of long‐term disabilities such as wound disruption and hernia. Also, potential extra time spent on this incision appears not to impact neonatal outcome. Therefore, we suggest that it is time for a change in guidelines for low‐income settings in which resources are limited for treating complications that may be life threatening.
Cerclage retention versus removal following preterm premature rupture of membranes and association with amniotic fluid markers
Authors: Aguin Eduardo , Van De Ven Cosmas , Cordoba Marcos , Albayrak Samet , Bahado‐Singh Ray
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate whether amniotic fluid markers can aid the decision of whether to retain or remove a cervical cerclage after preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM).

Methods

A retrospective cohort study included pregnancies involving PPROM after diagnostic amniocentesis and cerclage placement. Cerclage was retained for more than 12 hours after PPROM in the study group (n = 18); the comparison group comprised women who underwent immediate cerclage removal after PPROM (n = 22). Analyses were performed using concentrations of interleukin (IL)‐6, glucose, and white blood cells (WBCs) in the amniotic fluid to measure relationships with adverse outcomes.

Results

The latency period from PPROM to delivery was significantly shorter in the group that underwent immediate cerclage removal (P < 0.005). Latency periods of more than 48 hours (P < 0.001) and more than 7 days (P < 0.01), and chorioamnionitis (P < 0.05) were associated with cerclage retention. Neonatal outcomes were not significantly different between the study group and the comparison group. However, elevated IL‐6 levels were associated with cumulative neonatal morbidity (P < 0.05). Low IL‐6 (P < 0.001) and WBC (P < 0.05) levels were significantly associated with a latency period of more than 7 days.

Conclusion

Amniotic fluid levels of IL‐6 and WBCs may be of clinical value for individualizing the management of patients with PPROM after cerclage.
Maternal hyperglycemia and adverse pregnancy outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Darling Anne Marie , Liu Enju , Aboud Said , Urassa Willy , Spiegelman Donna , Fawzi Wafaie
Published: January 2014

Objective

To evaluate maternal glucose levels during pregnancy as a predictor of adverse perinatal outcomes in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods

Random blood glucose measurements were analyzed from 3383 pregnant women enrolled in a randomized trial to assess the impact of multivitamins on pregnancy outcomes in Dar es Salaam between August 2001 and July 2004. Information on maternal and neonatal morbidity was recorded at monthly study visits, delivery, and 6 weeks postpartum. Binomial regression and generalized estimating equations were used to determine the relationship between elevated glucose (> 7.8 mmol/L) and pregnancy outcomes.

Results

In total, 25 women had elevated glucose (0.7%). Hyperglycemia was associated with an increased risk of delivery before 37 weeks [relative risk (RR), 2.11; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.07–4.13; P = 0.03), delivery before 34 weeks (RR, 4.15; 95% CI, 1.43–12.03, P = 0.009), incident gestational hypertension (RR, 2.90; 95% CI, 1.24–6.76; P = 0.01), low birth weight (RR, 2.87; 95% CI, 1.18–6.99; P = 0.02), reduced newborn head circumference (mean difference, −1.57; 95% CI, −2.51 to − 0.62; P = 0.001), and fetal loss (RR, 3.38; 95% CI, 1.13–10.08; P = 0.03).

Conclusion

Maternal hyperglycemia is uncommon among pregnant Tanzanian women, but nonetheless seems to increase the risk of several adverse perinatal outcomes.
Connective AlgebraicK-theory
Authors: Dai Shouxin , Levine Marc
Published: January 2014

We examine the theory of connective algebraicK-theory,, defined by taking the −1 connective cover of algebraicK-theory with respect to Voevodsky's slice tower in the motivic stable homotopy category. We extendto a bi-graded oriented duality theorywhen the base scheme is the spectrum of a fieldkof characteristic zero. The homology theorymay be viewed as connective algebraicG-theory. We identifyforXa finite typek-scheme with the image ofin, whereis the abelian category of coherent sheaves onXwith support in dimension at mostn; this agrees with the (2n,n) part of the theory of connective algebraicK-theory defined by Cai. We also show that the classifying map from algebraic cobordism identifieswith the universal oriented Borel-Moore homology theoryhaving formal group lawu+υ−βuυwith coefficient ring ℤ[β]. As an application, we show that every pure dimensiondfinite typek-scheme has a well-defined fundamental class [X]CKin ΩdCK(X), and this fundamental class is functorial with respect to pull-back for l.c.i. morphisms.
Cyclic multicategories, multivariable adjunctions and mates
Authors: Cheng Eugenia , Gurski Nick , Riehl Emily
Published: January 2014

A multivariable adjunction is the generalisation of the notion of a 2-variable adjunction, the classical example being the hom/tensor/cotensor trio of functors, ton+ 1 functors ofnvariables. In the presence of multivariable adjunctions, natural transformations between certain composites built from multivariable functors have “dual” forms. We refer to corresponding natural transformations as multivariable or parametrised mates, generalising the mates correspondence for ordinary adjunctions, which enables one to pass between natural transformations involving left adjoints to those involving right adjoints. A central problem is how to express the naturality (or functoriality) of the parametrised mates, giving a precise characterization of the dualities so-encoded.

We present the notion of “cyclic double multicategory” as a structure in which to organise multivariable adjunctions and mates. While the standard mates correspondence is described using an isomorphism of double categories, the multivariable version requires the framework of “double multicategories”. Moreover, we show that the analogous isomorphisms of double multicategories give a cyclic action on the multimaps, yielding the notion of “cyclic double multicategory”. The work is motivated by and applied to Riehl's approach to algebraic monoidal model categories.
Endocrine taste cells
Authors: Kokrashvili Zaza , Yee Karen K. , Ilegems Erwin , Iwatsuki Ken , Li Yan , Mosinger Bedrich , Margolskee Robert F.
Published: January 2014

In taste cells, taste receptors, their coupled G proteins and downstream signalling elements mediate the detection and transduction of sweet, bitter and umami compounds. In some intestinal endocrine cells, taste receptors and gustducin contribute to the release of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and other gut hormones in response to glucose and non-energetic sweeteners. Conversely, taste cells have been found to express multiple hormones typically found in intestinal endocrine cells, e.g. GLP-1, glucagon, somatostatin and ghrelin. In the present study, by immunohistochemistry, multiple subsets of taste cells were found to express GLP-1. The release of GLP-1 from ‘endocrine taste cells’ into the bloodstream was examined. In wild-type mice, even after oesophagectomy and vagotomy, oral stimulation with glucose induced an elevation of GLP-1 levels in the bloodstream within 10 min. Stimulation of taste cell explants from wild-type mice with glucose led to the release of GLP-1 into the medium. Knocking out of the Tas1r3 gene did not eliminate glucose-stimulated GLP-1 release from taste cells in vivo. The present results indicate that a portion of the cephalic-phase rise in circulating GLP-1 levels is mediated by the direct release of GLP-1 from taste cells into the bloodstream.
Dietary supplementation with lactose or artificial sweetener enhances swine gutLactobacilluspopulation abundance
Authors: Daly Kristian , Darby Alistair C. , Hall Neil , Nau Alexandra , Bravo David , Shirazi-Beechey Soraya P.
Published: January 2014

The commensal bacteriaLactobacillusare widely used as probiotic organisms conferring a heath benefit on the host. They have been implicated in promoting gut health via the stimulation of host immunity and anti-inflammatory responses, as well as protecting the intestinalmucosa against pathogen invasion. Lactobacilli grow by fermenting sugars and starches and produce lactic acid as their primary metabolic product. For efficient utilisation of varied carbohydrates, lactobacilli have evolved diverse sugar transport and metabolic systems, which are specifically induced by their own substrates. Many bacteria are also capable of sensing and responding to changes in their environment. These sensory responses are often independent of transport or metabolism and are mediated through membrane-spanning receptor proteins. We employed DNA-based pyrosequencing technology to investigate the changes in the intestinal microbiota of piglets weaned to a diet supplemented with either a natural sugar, lactose or an artificial sweetener (SUCRAM®, consisting of saccharin and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHDC); Pancosma SA). The addition of either lactose or saccharin/NHDC to the piglets' feed dramatically increased the caecal population abundance ofLactobacillus, with concomitant increases in intraluminal lactic acid concentrations. This is the first report of the prebiotic-like effects of saccharin/NHDC, an artificial sweetener, being able to influence the commensal gut microbiota. The identification of the underlying mechanism(s) will assist in designing nutritional strategies for enhancing gut immunity and maintaining gut health.
Soup consumption is associated with a lower dietary energy density and a better diet quality in US adults
Authors: Zhu Yong , Hollis James H.
Published: January 2014

Epidemiological studies have revealed that soup consumption is associated with a lower risk of obesity. Moreover, intervention studies have reported that soup consumption aids in body-weight management. However, little is known about mechanisms that can explain these findings. The objective of the present study was to investigate associations between soup consumption and daily energy intake, dietary energy density (ED), nutrient intake and diet quality. Adults aged 19–64 years who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys during 2003–8 were included in the study. Soup consumers were identified from the first dietary recall using the United States Department of Agriculture food codes and combination food type from the dietary data. Compared with non-consumers (n9307), soup consumers (n1291) had a lower body weight (P= 0·002), a lower waist circumference (P= 0·001) and a trend towards a lower total energy intake (P= 0·087). Soup consumption was associated with a lower dietary ED (P< 0·001); this was independent of whether data on beverage or water consumption were included. Diet quality, as measured by the Healthy Eating Index 2005, was significantly better in soup consumers (P= 0·008). Soup consumption was also associated with a reduced intake of total fat and an increased intake of protein, carbohydrate and dietary fibre, as well as several vitamins and minerals (P< 0·05 for all). However, it was also associated with a higher intake of Na (P< 0·001). The relationship between soup consumption and body weight could be due to a reduced dietary ED and an improved diet quality. Consumers need to pay attention to their Na intake and choose low-Na products for a healthier diet.
Mediterranean diet impact on changes in abdominal fat and 10-year incidence of abdominal obesity in a Spanish population
Authors: Funtikova Anna N. , Benítez-Arciniega Alejandra A. , Gomez Santiago F. , Fitó Montserrat , Elosua Roberto , Schröder Helmut
Published: January 2014

Abdominal obesity is a strong predictor of metabolic disorders. Prospective data on the association between the Mediterranean diet and surrogate markers of abdominal adiposity are scarce. The present study evaluated the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet and (1) changes in waist circumference (WC) and (2) 10-year incidence of abdominal obesity. We conducted a prospective, population-based study in 3058 male and female Spaniards aged 25–74 years, followed from 2000 to 2009. Dietary intake and leisure-time physical activity levels were recorded using validated questionnaires. Weight, height and WC were measured. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet, determined using the previously validated REGICOR-Mediterranean diet score (R-MDS), based on the distribution of population food intake and on the dietary recommendations (MDS-rec), was negatively associated with WC gain (P= 0·007 and 0·024, respectively) in fully adjusted models. In the multivariate logistic analysis, the odds of abdominal obesity incidence decreased across the tertiles of the R-MDS, but the association was not significant. In conclusion, adherence to the Mediterranean diet was associated with lower abdominal fat gain, but not with 10-year incidence of abdominal obesity.
Magic,Shōjo, and Metamorphosis: Magical Girl Anime and the Challenges of Changing Gender Identities in Japanese Society
Authors: Saito Kumiko
Published: January 2014

The magical girl, a popular genre of Japanese television animation, has provided female ideals for young girls since the 1960s. Three waves in the genre history are outlined, with a focus on how female hero figures reflect the shifting ideas of gender roles in society. It is argued that the genre developed in close connection to the culture ofshōjo(female adolescence) as an antithesis to adulthood, in which women are expected to undertake domestic duties. The paper then incorporates contexts for male-oriented fan culture ofshōjoand anime aesthetics that emerged in the 1980s. The recent tendencies for gender bending and genre crossing raise critical questions about the spread of the magical girl trope as cute power. It is concluded that the magical girl genre encompasses contesting values of gender, and thus the genre's empowerment fantasy has developed symbiotically with traditional gender norms in society.
Modeling of contact pressure distribution and friction limit surfaces for soft fingers in robotic grasping
Authors: Bakhy Sadeq Hussein
Published: January 2014

A new theory in contact pressure distribution and friction limit surfaces for modeling of hemicylindrical soft fingertips is introduced, to define the relationship between friction force and the moment with respect to the normal axis of contact. A general pressure-distribution function is proposed to capture material properties and contact geometry with various pressure profiles, and the coefficient of pressure distribution over the rectangular contact area is found between π and π/2. Combining the results of the contact mechanics model with the contact pressure distribution, the normalized friction limit surface can be derived for anthropomorphic soft fingers. The numerical friction limit surface of hemicylindrical soft-finger contact can be approximated by an ellipse, with the major and minor axes as the maximum friction force and the maximum moment with respect to the normal axis of contact, respectively. The results show that the friction limit surfaces are improved (13%–17%), if hemicylindrical fingertips are used rather than hemispherical fingertips at the same radius of fingertip, shape factor of the pressure profile, and applied load. Furthermore, the results of the contact mechanics model and the pressure distribution for soft fingers facilitate the construction of numerical friction limit surfaces, enabling to analyze and simulate the contact behaviors of grasping and manipulation in humanoid robots, prosthetic hands, and robotic hands.
ALTERNATIVE ANALYSIS OF FINITE-TIME PROBABILITY DISTRIBUTIONS OF RENEWAL THEORY
Authors: Brill Percy H.
Published: January 2014

We introduce a level-crossing analysis of the finite time-t probability distributions of the excess life, age, total life, and related quantities of renewal processes. The technique embeds the renewal process as one cycle of a regenerative process with a barrier at level t, whose limiting probability density function leads directly to the time-t quantities. The new method connects the analysis of renewal processes with the analysis of a large class of stochastic models of Operations Research. Examples are given.
Regulator of modular units and Mahler measures
Authors: ZUDILIN WADIM
Published: January 2014

We present a proof of the formula, due to Mellit and Brunault, which evaluates an integral of the regulator of two modular units to the value of the L-series of a modular form of weight 2 at s=2. Applications of the formula to computing Mahler measures are discussed.
Effects of meteorological factors on scrub typhus in a temperate region of China
Authors: YANG L. P. , LIU J. , WANG X. J. , MA W. , JIA C. X. , JIANG B. F.
Published: January 2014

Scrub typhus is emerging and re-emerging in many areas: climate change may affect its spread. To explore the effects of meteorological factors on scrub typhus, monthly cases of scrub typhus from January 2006 to December 2012 in the Laiwu district of temperate northern China were analysed. We examined the correlations between scrub typhus and meteorological factors (and their delayed effects). We built a time-series adjusted negative binomial model to reflect the relationships between climate variables and scrub typhus cases. The key determinants of scrub typhus transmission were temperature, relative humidity and precipitation. Each 1°C increase in monthly average temperature in the previous 3 months, each 1% increase in monthly relative humidity in the previous 2 months and each 1 mm increase in monthly precipitation in the previous 3 months induced 15·4%, 12·6% and 0·7% increases in the monthly number of cases, respectively. In conclusion, scrub typhus is affected by climate change in temperate regions.
The effects of high meltwater on the limnology of Lake Fryxell and Lake Hoare, Taylor Valley, Antarctica, as shown by dissolved gas, tritium and chlorofluorocarbons
Authors: Dowling Carolyn B. , Poreda Robert J. , Lyons W. Berry
Published: January 2014

Small changes in the availability of liquid water can have profound effects on the water levels, aqueous chemistry and biogeochemical dynamics of the closed-basin, perennially ice-covered lakes of the McMurdo Dry Valleys, Antarctica. We have compiled the published and unpublished data on dissolved gas, tritium and chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) for Lake Fryxell and Lake Hoare to determine the effects of a high meltwater year (2001–02 summer) on the lakes. The dissolved gas, tritium and CFC data indicate that the pulse of freshwater that flowed onto the surfaces of the lakes did not mix extensively with the upper water column. At the bottom of Lake Hoare, the measurable CFC and lower dissolved gas values suggest that the recent meltwater may have mixed with bottom waters. The probable mechanism for this transportation is weak density currents withc. 0.1–1.5% surface water being transported downwards in Lake Hoare. This deep water input, while not constant, may have a significant effect on the chemistry of the bottom waters in Lake Hoare over time. In Lake Fryxell, the tritium and CFC data indicate that the recent meltwater did not significantly affect the bottom water chemistry; therefore, weak density currents may not be present in Lake Fryxell.
Longitudinal investigation of the role of temperament and stressful life events in childhood anxiety
Authors: Broeren Suzanne , Newall Carol , Dodd Helen F. , Locker Ruth , Hudson Jennifer L.
Published: January 2014

The current study investigated the longitudinal relationships among behavioral inhibition (BI), life events, and anxiety in a sample of 102 BI children and 100 behaviorally uninhibited (BUI) children aged 3 to 4 years. Children's parents completed questionnaires on BI, stressful life events, and anxiety symptoms, and were administered a diagnostic interview three times in a 5-year period. In line with our hypotheses, negative life events, particularly negative behavior-dependent life events (i.e., life events that are related to the children's own behaviors), and the impact of negative life events were predictive of increases in subsequent anxiety symptoms, the likelihood of having an anxiety disorder, and increased number of anxiety diagnoses over the 5-year follow-up period. Experiencing more positive, behavior-independent life events decreased the risk of being diagnosed with an anxiety disorder. Furthermore, differences were found in life events between BI and BUI children. That is, BI children experienced fewer positive and specifically positive behavior-dependent life events, and the impact of these positive life events was also lower in BI children than in BUI children. However, BI did not interact with life events in the prediction of anxiety problems as hypothesized. Therefore, this study seems to indicate that BI and life events act as additive risk factors in the development of anxiety problems.
Time for change? Food choices in the transition to cohabitation and parenthood
Authors: Hartmann Christina , Dohle Simone , Siegrist Michael
Published: January 2014

Objective

We compared the dietary behaviour of three different household types and explored developmental trends in food choices following a life event.

Design

The study is based on data from three Swiss Food Panel survey periods. A cross-sectional comparison between household types was conducted by using a one-way independent ANOVA. Repeated measures were analysed with a mixed ANCOVA to examine changes in dietary behaviour following a life event.

Setting

Participants in the survey filled in a questionnaire in the years 2010, 2011 and 2012.

Subjects

The final sample consisted of 3559 persons with a mean age of 56 years (range 22–94 years; 46 % men). Seventy-two people moved in with their partner and sixty-five people reported the birth of their first child.

Results

Cross-sectional evidence confirmed that women living in households with a partner reported higher consumption frequencies for meat and processed meats compared with those living alone. Men living in cohabitation had a higher vegetable intake. The transitional effect of moving in with a partner, however, resulted in a higher intake of processed meats for both genders and a higher intake of pork and savoury items for men. Transition to motherhood was linked to an increase in vegetable consumption, while the transition to fatherhood did not change consumption patterns significantly.

Conclusions

Individuals in life-stage transitions are more likely to change their nutritional strategies and life events can be a window of opportunity for changes towards better food choices.
Development of the Eating Choices Index (ECI): a four-item index to measure healthiness of diet
Authors: Pot Gerda K , Richards Marcus , Prynne Celia J , Stephen Alison M
Published: January 2014

Objective

Current indices of diet quality generally include intakes of specific foods or nutrients. We sought to develop an index that discriminates healthy and unhealthy eating choices for use in large surveys as a short questionnaire and as a measure in existing studies with adequate dietary data.

Design

The Eating Choices Index (ECI) score included four components: (i) consumption of breakfast, (ii) consumption of two portions of fruit per day, (iii) type of milk consumed and (iv) type of bread consumed, each providing a score from 1 to 5. In analysis of 5 d food records, the ECI score was examined in relation to macronutrients, fibre, vitamin C, Fe, Ca and folate using Pearson correlations. Variation with sex, BMI, socio-economic status, marital status, smoking status and physical activity were also investigated.

Setting

Medical Research Council National Survey of Health and Development.

Subjects

Individuals (n2256) aged 43 years.

Results

The ECI score (mean 12·3 (sd3·5)) was significantly positively associated with protein, carbohydrate, fibre, vitamin C, Fe, Ca and folate (r= 0·2–0·5;P< 0·001) and significantly negatively associated with fat intake (r= –0·2;P< 0·001); ECI scores were not correlated with total energy intake. Individuals with a lower ECI score were more likely to be men (P< 0·001), overweight or obese (P< 0·001), have lower socio-economic status (P< 0·001), smoke more (P< 0·001) and be less physically active (P< 0·001).

Conclusions

ECI scores correlated with nutrient profiles consistent with a healthy diet. It provides a simple method to rank diet healthiness in large observational studies.
Evaluating the diet of children at increased risk for type 1 diabetes: first results from the TEENDIAB study
Authors: Weber Katharina Susanne , Raab Jennifer , Haupt Florian , Aschemeier Bärbel , Wosch Anja , Ried Christiane , Kordonouri Olga , Ziegler Anette-Gabriele , Winkler Christiane
Published: January 2014

Objective

The development of type 1 diabetes (T1D) is potentially influenced by nutrition. The aim of our study was to assess food and nutrient intakes of children at increased risk of T1D.

Design

Dietary intake of the last 4 weeks was assessed using a diet history interview. The daily nutrient and food intakes were compared with the German Dietary Reference Intakes, the Optimized Mixed Diet recommendations and those of a representative sample of children from the EsKiMo study.

Setting

Children included in the analysis participated in the prospective TEENDIAB study.

Subjects

First-degree relatives of people with T1D (n 268), aged 8–12 years.

Results

The TEENDIAB children consumed 52·0 % of their total energy from carbohydrates, 32·6 % from fat and 14·3 % from protein. Compared with the reference values, their intake was lowest for folate at 61·3 % of the reference, for iodine at 58·1 % and for vitamin D at 8·9 %, and exceeded the reference for vitamin K about 5-fold, for Na about 3·5-fold and for protein about 1·5-fold. Their nutrient intakes were similar to those of a control cohort without increased T1D risk. The consumption of non-desirable food groups (meat products, sweets/snacks) was above the recommendations and the consumption of desirable food groups (fruits, vegetables, carbohydrate-rich foods) was below the recommendations.

Conclusions

The TEENDIAB children had intakes considerably below the recommendations for vitamin D, iodine, folate and plant-based foods, and intakes above for vitamin K, Na, protein, meat products and sweets/snacks. They showed similar dietary patterns to non-risk children.
In-Focus Electrostatic Zach Phase Plate Imaging for Transmission Electron Microscopy with Tunable Phase Contrast of Frozen Hydrated Biological Samples
Authors: Frindt Nicole , Oster Marco , Hettler Simon , Gamm Björn , Dieterle Levin , Kowalsky Wolfgang , Gerthsen Dagmar , Schröder Rasmus R.
Published: January 2014

Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images of beam sensitive weak-phase objects such as biological cryo samples usually show a very low signal-to-noise ratio. These samples have almost no amplitude contrast and instead structural information is mainly encoded in the phase contrast. To increase the sample contrast in the image, especially for low spatial frequencies, the use of phase plates for close to focus phase contrast enhancement in TEM has long been discussed. Electrostatic phase plates are favorable in particular, as their tunable potential will allow an optimal phase shift adjustment and higher resolution than film phase plates as they avoid additional scattering events in matter. Here we show the first realization of close to focus phase contrast images of actin filament cryo samples acquired using an electrostatic Zach phase plate. Both positive and negative phase contrast is shown, which is obtained by applying appropriate potentials to the phase plate. The dependence of phase contrast improvement on sample orientation with respect to the phase plate is demonstrated and single-sideband artifacts are discussed. Additionally, possibilities to reduce contamination and charging effects of the phase plate are shown.
Overconvergent Eichler–Shimura isomorphisms
Authors: Andreatta Fabrizio , Iovita Adrian , Stevens Glenn
Published: January 2014

Given a prime $p\gt 2$, an integer $h\geq 0$, and a wide open disk $U$ in the weight space $ \mathcal{W} $ of ${\mathbf{GL} }_{2} $, we construct a Hecke–Galois-equivariant morphism ${ \Psi }_{U}^{(h)} $ from the space of analytic families of overconvergent modular
symbols over $U$ with bounded slope $\leq h$, to the corresponding space of analytic families of overconvergent
modular forms, all with ${ \mathbb{C} }_{p} $-coefficients. We show that there is a finite subset $Z$ of $U$ for which this morphism induces a $p$-adic analytic family of isomorphisms relating overconvergent
modular symbols of weight $k$ and slope $\leq h$ to overconvergent modular forms of weight $k+ 2$ and slope $\leq h$.
Chakhao(delicious) rice landraces (Oryza sativaL.) of North-east India: collection, conservation and characterization of genetic diversity
Authors: Roy Somnath , Banerjee A. , Pattanayak A. , Roy S. S. , Rathi R. S. , Misra A. K. , Ngachan S. V. , Bansal K. C.
Published: January 2014

Rice landraces have been developed through artificial selection imposed by farmers during the long-term domestication process. Although the global rice diversity is well characterized, few studies have conducted an in-depth analysis of genetic diversity on a local scale. In India, there are many locally adapted non-Basmati aromatic rice landraces in which the pace of improvement is slow, despite their high economic values. The aromatic and quality rice landraces of Manipur, locally calledChakhao(delicious), are important, considering their high economic and cultural values. To conserve and encourage improvement of these landraces, we collectedChakhaoaccessions from eight districts of Manipur. The aim of the current study was to investigate the level of genetic diversity and structure of 37Chakhaolandraces based on genotyping with 47 microsatellite markers. The genetic diversity analysis revealed high gene diversity (0.673) within theChakhaopopulation, with values ranging from 0.303 (Poireiton) to 0.471 (mixedChakhao). TheChakhaorice accessions could be divided into six subgroups based on genetic structure analyses. The population structure derived from the STRUCTURE analysis largely correlated with the farmers' classification ofChakhaolandraces. The results of genetic diversity analyses and the indigenous knowledge of the names and use ofChakhaolandraces would facilitate the conservation and utilization of this unique genetic resource.
Impact of large-scale organic conversion on food production and food security in two Indian states, Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh
Authors: Panneerselvam P. , Hermansen John Erik , Halberg Niels , Arthanari P. Murali
Published: January 2014

The millions of food insecure people in India are not solely due to inadequate food production, but also because some people are simply too poor to buy food. This study assessed how a large-scale conversion from conventional to organic production would impact on the economics of marginal and small farmers in Tamil Nadu and Madhya Pradesh, and on the total food production in these states. This study also considered a situation where fertilizer subsidies would be discontinued, with farmers having to carry the full cost of fertilizer. Results show that conversion to organic improved the economic situation of farmers although food production was reduced by 3–5% in the organic situation. Thus, the estimated economic values were higher in the organic system (5–40% in fertilizer subsidy scenario and 22–132% in no fertilizer subsidy scenario) than in the conventional system, whereas the total state-level food productions were lowered by 3–5% in the organic compared to the conventional system. Food production was higher when rainfed, and lower in the irrigated situation in the large-scale organic scenario. Although the study addresses short-term perspectives of large-scale conversion to organic farming, more research is needed to understand the long-term impact of organic conversion on food production, nutrient supply, food security and poverty reduction.
SOME OBSERVATIONS ON TRUTH HIERARCHIES
Authors: WELCH P. D.
Published: January 2014

We show how in the hierarchies${F_\alpha }$of Fieldian truth sets, and Herzberger’s${H_\alpha }$revision sequence starting from any hypothesis for${F_0}$(or${H_0}$) that essentially each${H_\alpha }$(or${F_\alpha }$) carries within it a history of the whole prior revision process.

As applications (1) we provide a precise representation for, and a calculation of the length of, possiblepath independent determinateness hierarchiesof Field’s (2003) construction with a binary conditional operator. (2) We demonstrate the existence of generalized liar sentences, that can be considered as diagonalizing past the determinateness hierarchies definable in Field’s recent models. The ‘defectiveness’ of such diagonal sentences necessarily cannot be classified by any of the determinateness predicates of the model. They are ‘ineffable liars’. We may consider them a response to the claim of Field (2003) that ‘the conditional can be used to show that the theory is not subject to “revenge problems”.’
Optimization of amorphous silicon double junction solar cells for an efficient photoelectrochemical water splitting device based on a bismuth vanadate photoanode
Authors: Han Lihao , Abdi Fatwa F. , Perez Rodriguez Paula , Dam Bernard , van de Krol Roel , Zeman Miro , Smets Arno H. M.
Published: January 2014

An effective photoelectrochemical water splitting device based on a bismuth vanadate photoanode and thin film silicon solar cells has been optimized.
Anion encapsulation and dynamics in self-assembled coordination cages
Authors: Custelcean Radu
Published: January 2014

Coordination cages functioning as anion receptors are reviewed, emphasizing the cage structures and the dynamics of anion encapsulation and exchange.
Donor functionalized ruthenium N-heterocyclic carbene complexes in alcohol oxidation reactions
Authors: Naziruddin Abbas Raja , Zhuang Chun-Shiuan , Lin Wan-Jung , Hwang Wen-Shu
Published: January 2014

Ruthenium chelates bearing N^C^O-donors in bidentate or pincer coordination modes have been prepared. The ruthenium pincer complex catalyses the oxidation of alcohols to the corresponding aldehydes with yields as high as 99%.
Sub-150 °C processed meso-superstructured perovskite solar cells with enhanced efficiency
Authors: Wojciechowski Konrad , Saliba Michael , Leijtens Tomas , Abate Antonio , Snaith Henry J.
Published: January 2014

Fabrication of highly efficient mixed halide perovskite solar cells in an entirely low temperature process (sub-150 °C).
Renewable terephthalate polyesters from carbohydrate-based bicyclic monomers
Authors: Muñoz-Guerra Sebastián , Lavilla Cristina , Japu Cristina , Martínez de Ilarduya Antxon
Published: January 2014

Carbohydrate-based bicyclic compounds, isohexides and diacetalized alditols and aldarates, are suitable polycondensation monomers to prepare partially renewable aromatic copolyesters displaying a satisfactory pattern of basic properties and enhancedTgand hydrodegradability.
High-performance supercapacitor electrode based on a polyaniline nanofibers/3D graphene framework as an efficient charge transporter
Authors: Kulkarni Sachin B. , Patil Umakant M. , Shackery Iman , Sohn Ji Soo , Lee Suchan , Park Byeongho , Jun SeongChan
Published: January 2014

The distinctive architecture of the PANI/3D graphene electrode enhances its supercapacitive performance (1024 F g¬1), the lightweight and porous conducting foam provides “freeways” for fast charge transport.
Luminescent solar concentrators: challenges for lanthanide-based organic–inorganic hybrid materials
Authors: Correia Sandra F. H. , de Zea Bermudez Verónica , Ribeiro Sidney J. L. , André Paulo S. , Ferreira Rute A. S. , Carlos Luís D.
Published: January 2014

Organic–inorganic hybrids incarcerating Ln3+ions are a very promising class of materials for addressing the required challenges in the LSC design to improve solar energy harvesting and, then, PV energy conversion.
Defects in highly conductive ZnO for transparent electrodes and plasmonics
Authors: Look D. C. , Leedy K. D. , Thomson D. B. , Wang B.
Published: January 2014

The effects of point and extended defects on concentration n and mobility μ are studied in thin films of Ga-doped ZnO (GZO) grown by pulsed laser deposition on quartz or ZnO itself. The most important defects in the bulk are point defects, mainly Zn vacancies, and their concentrations are similar in GZO/quartz and in GZO/ZnO. On the other hand, the dominant defects at the interface are extended defects, and their concentrations are much higher in GZO/quartz than in GZO/ZnO. Consequently, the mobility in GZO/quartz is lower and more thickness-dependent than that in GZO/ZnO. The effects of point and extended defects can be mitigated by annealing on Zn foil, and by use of buffer layers, respectively.
Similarity of Stranski-Krastanow growth of Ge/Si and SiGe/Si (001)
Authors: Norris D. J. , Qiu Y. , Dobbie A. , Myronov M. , Walther T.
Published: January 2014

This study investigates the onset of islanding (Stranski-Krastanow transition) in strained pure germanium (Ge) and dilute silicon-germanium (SiGe) alloy layers grown by chemical vapour deposition on Si(001) substrates. Integration of compositional profiles is compared to a novel method for quantification of X-ray maps acquired in cross-sectional scanning transmission electron microscopy, together with simulations of surface segregation of Ge. We show that Si1−xGex alloys for germanium concentrations x ≤ 0.27 grow two-dimensionally and stay flat up to considerable layer thicknesses, while layers with concentrations in the range 0.28 < x ≤ 1 form islands after deposition of ∼3.0/x monolayers (=quarter unit cells in the diamond lattice, ML). The uncertainty in the amount of deposited material for pure Ge is ±(0.2–0.3) ML. Modelling shows that of the amount of germanium deposited, 0.7 ML segregate towards the free surface so that only ∼2.3/x ML are directly incorporated in the layer within a few nanometres, in good agreement with our measurements. For pure Ge (x = 1), this thickness is smaller than most values quoted in the literature, which we attribute to the high sensitivity of our method to fractional monolayer changes in the effective chemical width of such thin layers.
Effects of the negative electrode contact on the performance of poly(hexylthiophene):6,6-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester based organic solar cells
Authors: Nguyen T. P. , Girault P. , Renaud C. , Reisdorffer F. , Le Rendu P. , Wang L.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we report the results on electrical characterization of solar cells using blends of poly(hexylthiophene) (P3HT) and 6,6-phenyl-C61-butyric acid methyl ester (PCBM) as active energy conversion materials and different negative electrode contacts. The electrical properties analyzed by the current-voltage-temperature (I-V-T) measurements and the charge based deep level transient spectroscopy show that the low efficiency of the devices using Al electrode as compared to CaAl one is due to a reduction of defect density in the interfacial contact region and fast, irreversible degradation of the Al/(P3HT:PCBM) contact.
Multifunctional ultra-high vacuum apparatus for studies of the interactions of chemical warfare agents on complex surfaces
Authors: Wilmsmeyer Amanda R. , Gordon Wesley O. , Davis Erin Durke , Mantooth Brent A. , Lalain Teri A. , Morris John R.
Published: January 2014

A fundamental understanding of the surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents is needed to fully predict the interaction of these toxic molecules with militarily relevant materials, catalysts, and environmental surfaces. For example, rules for predicting the surface chemistry of agents can be applied to the creation of next generation decontaminants, reactive coatings, and protective materials for the warfighter. Here, we describe a multifunctional ultra-high vacuum instrument for conducting comprehensive studies of the adsorption, desorption, and surface chemistry of chemical warfare agents on model and militarily relevant surfaces. The system applies reflection-absorption infrared spectroscopy, x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry to study adsorption and surface reactions of chemical warfare agents. Several novel components have been developed to address the unique safety and sample exposure challenges that accompany the research of these toxic, often very low vapor pressure, compounds. While results of vacuum-based surface science techniques may not necessarily translate directly to environmental processes, learning about the fundamental chemistry will begin to inform scientists about the critical aspects that impact real-world applications.
On the magnetic order of Gd5Ge3
Authors: Cadogan J. M. , Ryan D. H. , Mudryk Ya. , Pecharsky V. K. , Gschneidner K. A.
Published: January 2014

We have investigated the magnetic structure of Gd5Ge3 by neutron powder diffraction down to 3.6 K. This compound presents three events in the heat capacity which we show are related to fundamental changes in the magnetic order. The primary antiferromagnetic ordering occurs at 82(2) K and produces a magnetic cell that is tripled with respect to the underlying orthorhombic crystal cell. The propagation vector is k1=[0 0 13]. At 74(2) K, the magnetic order becomes “anti-C” with a propagation vector k2 = [1 0 0]. A third change in the magnetic order occurs at 40(2) K, and the new magnetic structure is essentially the “anti-C” structure but with the addition of a tripled magnetic component corresponding to a propagation vector k3 = [13 0 0].