bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Fermentation and Roasting on the Phenolic Concentration and Antioxidant Activity of Cocoa from Nicaragua
Authors: Suazo Yader , Davidov‐Pardo Gabriel , Arozarena Iñigo
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work was to quantify the changes in the total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity (AA) and color hue (CH) of cocoa (Theobroma cacao) beans of group Trinitario from Nicaragua after fermentation and roasting. Cocoa beans with three different grades of fermentation (nonfermented, poorly fermented and fermented) were put under three different roasting temperatures (110, 130 and 150C). The kinetics of the roasting at 130C for 60 min was also studied. After each treatment, TPC, AA and CH were determined. For all the quantified parameters, significant differences (P < 0.05) were found between fermentations and roasting conditions. TPC and AA showed decrease with fermentations and CH showed increases. Roasting decreased TPC except for the 150C treatment, while AA and CH increased. When studying the kinetics at 130C, TPC showed greater reductions with longer treatments while AA and CH showed increases.

Practical Applications

Cocoa (T. cacao) is a rich source of polyphenols with benefits for human health and is the main raw material for elaboration of chocolate. However, the processes to create the desirable organoleptic characteristics of the cocoa beans to produce chocolate affect the concentration of polyphenols and the AA of the beans. Cocoa beans are produced in developing countries in America, Asia and Africa. Nicaragua has become an important producer of cocoa turning it into a popular cash crop and there are not any articles that study the profile and changes in the cocoa from Nicaragua. The results of this paper could be used among the producing cooperatives of cacao in Nicaragua, or even nongovernmental organizations involved in cocoa production, to improve the processing (fermentation and roasting) of cocoa to obtain cocoa beans richer in antioxidants, and therefore increase their nutritional value to create a more competitive product.
Care and Respect for Elders in Emergencies Program: A Preliminary Report of a Volunteer Approach to Enhance Care in the Emergency Department
Authors: Sanon Martine , Baumlin Kevin M. , Kaplan Shari Sirkin , Grudzen Corita R.
Published: January 2014

Older adults who present to an emergency department (ED) generally have more‐complex medical conditions with complicated care needs and are at high risk for preventable adverse outcomes during their ED visit. The Care and Respect for Elders with Emergencies (CARE) volunteer initiative is a geriatric‐focused volunteer program developed to help prevent avoidable complications such as falls, delirium and use of restraints, and functional decline in vulnerable elders in the ED. The CARE program consists of bedside volunteer interventions ranging from conversation to various short activities designed to engage and reorient high‐risk, older, unaccompanied individuals in the ED. This article describes the development and characteristics of the CARE program, the services provided, the experiences of the elderly patients and their volunteers, and the growth of the program over time.

CARE volunteers provide elders with the additional attention needed in an often chaotic, unfamiliar environment by enhancing their care, improving satisfaction, and preventing potential decline.
Intellectual disability in young people in custody in New South Wales, Australia – prevalence and markers
Authors: Haysom L. , Indig D. , Moore E. , Gaskin C.
Published: January 2014

Background

Intellectual disability (ID) is known to be more common in incarcerated groups, especially incarcerated youth. Aboriginal young people have higher rates of ID, and make up half of all youth in juvenile custody in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. We aimed to describe the prevalence of possible ID and borderline intellectual functioning (BIF) in young people in NSW custody, and to describe the association between possible ID and Aboriginality after adjusting for the inequalities in social disadvantage.

Methods

Baseline study of all youth in NSW Custodial Centres between August and October 2009, with 18‐month follow‐up. Using Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children – Fourth Edition (WISC‐IV) and Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale – Fourth Edition (WAIS‐IV) cognitive assessments, possible ID was defined as Extremely Low Intellectual Quotient range (Full Scale Intellectual Quotient, FSIQ < 70), and possible BIF was defined as Borderline IQ range (FSIQ < 80). Risk factors for possible ID and BIF included age, gender, Aboriginality, socio‐economic disadvantage, offending history and psychological disorders.

Results

N = 295 (65%) of all young people in NSW custody completed cognitive and psychological assessments (87% male, 50% Aboriginal, average age 17 years). Almost one half (45.8%) of young people had borderline or lower intellectual functioning (by IQ assessment), and 14% had an IQ in the extremely low range (FSIQ < 70), indicating a possible ID. Aboriginal participants were three times more likely than non‐Aboriginal participants to have a possible ID, but after accounting for the excess disadvantage in the Aboriginal group, Aboriginality was no longer a marker of ID. Incarceration from a young age and psychosis were significantly associated with possible ID in Aboriginal participants, compared with Aboriginal participants first incarcerated at a later age, and Aboriginal participants without psychosis.

Conclusion

The inequalities in criminal justice between Aboriginal and non‐Aboriginal youth may exacerbate or contribute to the intellectual impairment of those incarcerated from a young age. Aboriginal young people with psychosis are also at high risk of cognitive impairments that might indicate a possible co‐morbid ID, and these patients should be diverted at court into community assessment services, rather than incarcerated. These results highlight a need for better and earlier identification of young people (particularly Aboriginal youth) at risk of ID and other co‐morbidities in the juvenile justice system.
Effect of Insulin‐Induced Hypoglycaemia on theCentral Nervous System: Evidence from Experimental Studies
Authors: Jensen V. F. H. , Bøgh I. B. , Lykkesfeldt J.
Published: January 2014

Insulin‐induced hypoglycaemia (IIH) is a major acute complication in type 1 as well as in type 2 diabetes, particularly during intensive insulin therapy. The brain plays a central role in the counter‐regulatory response by eliciting parasympathetic and sympathetic hormone responses to restore normoglycaemia. Brain glucose concentrations, being approximately 15–20% of the blood glucose concentration in humans, are rigorously maintained during hypoglycaemia through adaptions such as increased cerebral glucose transport, decreased cerebral glucose utilisation and, possibly, by usingcentral nervous systemglycogen as a glucose reserve. However, during sustained hypoglycaemia, the brain cannot maintain a sufficient glucose influx and, as the cerebral hypoglycaemia becomes severe,electroencephalogramchanges, oxidative stress and regional neuronal death ensues. With particular focus on evidence from experimental studies on nondiabeticIIH, this review outlines the central mechanisms behind the counter‐regulatory response toIIH, as well as cerebral adaption to avoid sequelae of cerebral neuroglycopaenia, including seizures and coma.
SEARCH FRICTIONS, UNEMPLOYMENT, AND HOUSING IN CITIES: THEORY AND POLICIES
Authors: Xiao Wei
Published: January 2014

We propose an urban search‐matching model with land development. Wages, unemployment, prices of housing and land are endogenously determined. We characterize the steady‐state equilibrium and then discuss the issue of efficiency. To explore interactions among markets, we implement comparative static analysis. We also consider three policies: an entry‐cost policy that reduces firms' entry, a transportation policy that reduces commuting costs, and a housing policy that decreases rental prices. We find that the transportation and housing policies are more efficient if the unemployment rate is low, while the entry‐cost policy is more efficient if the unemployment rate is high.
STUDENTIZING WEIGHTED SUMS OF LINEAR PROCESSES
Authors: Dalla Violetta , Giraitis Liudas , Koul Hira L.
Published: January 2014

This article presents a general method for studentizing weighted sums of a linear process where weights are arrays of known real numbers and innovations form a martingale difference sequence. Asymptotical normality for such sums was established in Abadir et al. (2013). This article centres on the estimation of the standard deviation, to make the normal approximation operational. The proposed studentization is easy to apply and robust against unknown types of dependence (short range and long range) in the observations. It does not require the estimation of the parameters controlling the dependence structure. A finite‐sample Monte Carlo simulation study shows the applicability of the proposed methodology for moderate sample sizes. Assumptions for studentization are satisfied by the Nadaraya–Watson kernel type weights used for inference in non‐parametric regression settings.
Hydroxocobalamin supplementation and erythropoisis stimulating agent hyporesponsiveness in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Killen John P , Brenninger Vanessa L
Published: January 2014

Background

Long‐term haemodialysis patients may be at risk of hydrosoluble vitamin deficiencies. This study aimed to test the hypothesis that in patients with serum B12 < 300 pmol/L, intramuscular hydroxocobalamin reduces erythropoietin requirements whilst maintaining haemoglobin concentrations (Hb).

Methods

Study design was prospective, non‐randomized, open label, with single group assignment. In 61 patients hydroxocobalamin 1000 μg was given weekly for 3 weeks and erythropoietin dose adjusted to target a Hb of 11–12 g/L. The primary outcome was the change in erythropoietin requirements at 2 years. Secondary outcomes included assessment of change in biochemical or clinical parameters.

Results

The erythropoietin dose reduced from 11 000 ± 7000 (10 000) IU to 5000 ± 6000 (3000) IU per week (P < 0.001) with no change in Hb 116 ± 16 (117) g/L before and after 114 ± 15 (113) g/L (P = 0.488) hydroxocobalamin supplementation. Serum albumin rose from 35 ± 4 (35) g/L to 36 ± 4 (36) g/L (P = 0.03). A significant rise in red cell folate (RCF) and serum vitamin B12 levels was observed. Serum ferritin rose despite a reduction in intravenous iron usage and no significant change in c‐reactive protein or transferrin saturation.

Conclusions

In HD patients with B12 < 300 pmol/L, following treatment with hydroxocobalamin there was reduced erythropoietin requirements, maintained Hb and a small but significant rise in the serum albumin. RCF may be low in haemodialysis patients with metabolic cobalamin deficiency and rises significantly after supplementation. Hydroxocobalamin supplementation may have the potential to reduce the cost of anaemia management.
Research Note: Stopping the Enforcement “Tide”: Descriptive Representation, Latino Institutional Empowerment, and State‐Level Immigration Policy
Authors: Filindra Alexandra , Pearson‐Merkowitz Shanna
Published: January 2014

Studies of descriptive representation have focused on the ability of minority and female legislators to push through legislation that is beneficial to these constituencies. However, little is known concerning the role of such legislators in preventing the enactment of bills noxious to their constituencies' interests. This research note investigates the role of Latino legislators in deterring the introduction and blocking the enactment of restrictive and punitive immigration legislation. Using state‐level data from 2007, our results suggest that the relationship between the size of the Latino caucus in a state legislature and the introduction of restrictive bills is not statistically significant, but there is a strong negative statistical correlation between the size of the Latino caucus and the enactment of such laws. The data suggest that descriptive representation may play a role in blocking the passage of legislation harmful to disadvantaged groups.
Gender Bias in the Media? An Examination of Local Television News Coverage of Male and Female House Candidates
Authors: Lavery Lesley
Published: January 2014

Several decades of scholarship suggest that by covering male and female candidates differently, the news media may influence the success of female candidates for higher office. I employ a content analysis to assess gender differences in the local television news coverage of 172U.S. House candidates in the nation's top 50 media markets in 2002. The results of the study suggest that female candidates for theU.S. House were covered with the same frequency as male candidates, and received equitable issue‐based and personal coverage.

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Bode,Leticia, andValerie M.Hennings.2012. “.”Politics & Policy40():221‐257.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00350.x/abstractJalalzai,Farida.2006. “.”Politics & Policy34():606‐633.http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2006.00030.x/abstract

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The Relationship between National Elections and the Delay in Transposition of E.U. Directives
Authors: Thomas Martha
Published: January 2014

This article examines the relationship between national elections and the delay in transposition of E.U. directives. It posits that elections, on their own, and when compounded with other factors, significantly affect transposition. First, it argues that upcoming elections, in general, increase the likelihood of nontransposition of directives with transposition deadlines around election time. The article further contends that economic hardship in the year prior to an election increases the likelihood of nontimely transposition of directives with deadlines in that election year, and that complex directives with deadlines in an election year are also more likely not to be transposed on time. Finally, the article posits that a change in the ruling coalition reduces the likelihood of transposition delays. Empirical analysis finds that upcoming elections, economic hardship around election time, and directive complexity in the face of upcoming elections all increase nontransposition, while a change in the governing coalition decreases nontransposition.

Related Articles

Thomas, Martha. 2013. “.” Politics & Policy 41 (): 155‐188. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/polp.12011/abstract

Legler, Thomas. 2012. “.” Politics & Policy 40 (): 848‐870. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2012.00382.x/abstract

Cerami, Alfio. 2011. “.” Politics & Policy 39 (): 345‐372. http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1747‐1346.2011.00294.x/abstract

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Harvey, Fiona. 2012. “.” The Guardian. January 5. http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2012/jan/05/spanish‐government‐derail‐eu‐fishing‐reform
Structural Operations and Net Migration Across European Union Member Countries
Authors: Egger Peter , Eggert Wolfgang , Larch Mario
Published: January 2014

This paper analyzes the effects of international transfers to finance infrastructure on net migration flows among countries within theEU. A new economic geography model is employed with common pool financed infrastructure investments to derive a set of empirically testable hypotheses about the effects of transfer payments to finance infrastructure investments on migration. A significant effect of structural fund expenditures is identified on the bilateral net migration of workers among theEUmember countries. On average, a one percentage point increase in the expenditures on structural funds (in per cent of gross domestic product (GDP)) leads to a reduction in the measure of bilateral net migration by about 0.4–0.8%.
Reduced biceps femoris myoelectrical activity influences eccentric knee flexor weakness after repeat sprint running
Authors: Timmins R. G. , Opar D. A. , Williams M. D. , Schache A. G. , Dear N. M. , Shield A. J.
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to determine whether declines in knee flexor strength following overground repeat sprints were related to changes in hamstrings myoelectrical activity. Seventeen recreationally active men completed maximal isokinetic concentric and eccentric knee flexor strength assessments at 180°/s before and after repeat sprint running. Myoelectrical activity of the biceps femoris (BF) and medial hamstrings (MHs) was measured during all isokinetic contractions. Repeated measures mixed model [fixed factors = time (pre‐ and post‐repeat sprint) and leg (dominant and nondominant), random factor = participants] design was fitted with the restricted maximal likelihood method. Repeat sprint running resulted in significant declines in eccentric, and concentric, knee flexor strength (eccentric = 26 ± 4 Nm, 15% P < 0.001; concentric 11 ± 2 Nm, 10% P < 0.001). Eccentric BF myoelectrical activity was significantly reduced (10%; P = 0.035). Concentric BF and all MH myoelectrical activity were not altered. The declines in maximal eccentric torque were associated with the change in eccentric BF myoelectrical activity (P = 0.013). Following repeat sprint running, there were preferential declines in the myoelectrical activity of the BF, which explained declines in eccentric knee flexor strength.
Earth's rotation variations: a wavelet analysis
Authors: Chao Benjamin F. , Chung WeiYung , Shih ZongRong , Hsieh YiKai
Published: January 2014

Historical to up‐to‐date data of the minute variations in the solid Earth's rotation are subjected to a comprehensive time‐frequency wavelet analysis. The length‐of‐day for the period 1962–2012 confirms the presence of a prominent, robust 6‐year periodicity and reveals an anomalously strong 18.6‐year tidal oscillation as well as a ~13‐year quasi‐periodic signal. The polar‐motion excitation for the period 1900–2012 validates the existence of the ~26‐year Markowitz wobble and shows an ~8‐year quasi‐periodic signal, but no appreciable 18.6‐year periodicity. Although it is known that exchanges of angular momentum with the geophysical fluids are responsible for the rotational variations of the solid Earth, the exact physical mechanisms involved on interannual‐to‐decadal timescales are still far from understood.
Glycosylation of the Nuclear Pore
Authors: Li Bin , Kohler Jennifer J.
Published: January 2014

The O‐linked β‐N‐acetylglucosamine (O‐GlcNAc) posttranslational modification was first discovered 30 years ago and is highly concentrated in the nuclear pore. In the years since the discovery of this single sugar modification, substantial progress has been made in understanding the biochemistry of O‐GlcNAc and its regulation. Nonetheless, O‐GlcNAc modification of proteins continues to be overlooked, due in large part to the lack of reliable methods available for its detection. Recently, a new crop of immunological and chemical detection reagents has changed the research landscape. Using these tools, approximately 1000 O‐GlcNAc‐modified proteins have been identified. While other forms of glycosylation are typically associated with extracellular proteins, O‐GlcNAc is abundant on nuclear and cytoplasmic proteins. In particular, phenylalanine–glycine nucleoporins are heavily O‐GlcNAc‐modified. Recent experiments are beginning to provide insight into the functional implications of O‐GlcNAc modification on certain proteins, but its role in the nuclear pore has remained enigmatic. However, tantalizing new results suggest that O‐GlcNAc may play roles in regulating nucleocytoplasmic transport.
Friction and the Intuition-Outcome Disparity
Authors: Kalajian Peter , Makarova Maria
Published: January 2014

Humans have evolved to follow their intuition, but as any high school physics teacher knows, relying on intuition often leads students to predict outcomes that are at odds with evidence. Over the years, we have attempted to make this intuition-outcome disparity a central theme running throughout our physics classes, with limited success. Part of the problem is making a very clear and direct link between intuition and evidence. Typically, we ask students to make predictions before they make measurements, but often the predictions are little more than non-intuitive guesses. What we needed was an investigation where students actually do have an intuitive prediction based on their life experience. This year, we think we have finally found a way to drive home the intuition-outcome disparity through an investigation into the factors that affect frictional force.
The Singing Rod (in the Modern Age)
Authors: Lasby B. , O'Meara J. M. , Williams M.
Published: January 2014

This is a classic classroom demonstration of resonance, nodes, anti-nodes, and standing waves that has been described elsewhere.1,2 The modern age twist that we are advocating is the coupling of this classic demo with free (or relatively inexpensive) sound analysis software, thereby allowing for quantitative analysis of resonance while experimenting with a number of important variables.
Demonstrating Energy Conversion with Piezoelectric Crystals and a Paddle Fan
Authors: Rakbamrung Prissana , Putson Chatchai , Muensit Nantakan
Published: January 2014

A simple energy conversion system—particularly, the conversion of mechanical energy into electrical energy by using shaker flashlights—has recently been presented.1 This system uses hand generators, consisting of a magnet in a tube with a coil wrapped around it, and acts as an ac source when the magnet passes back and forth through the coil. Additionally, this system includes an LED, a capacitor, a switch, and a full-wave bridge rectifier. We were inspired by this work to design a simpler demonstrator made for teaching energy conversion concepts to science students using piezoelectric material.2,3
A Simple Example of Radioactive Dating
Authors: Brown Todd
Published: January 2014

Although nuclear half-life is vital to physics and physical science, and to sensitive societal issues from nuclear waste to the age of the Earth, a true lab on half-life is almost never done at the college or high school level. Seldom are students able to use radioactivity to actually date when an object came into being, as is done in this experiment. The procedure described here uses a radiation monitor and at least two 60Co sources of different ages: the students collect data and are able to calculate how much older one source is than the other. The theory and technique involved make this an easily transferable lesson when studying carbon dating.
Therapeutic Inflammatory Monocyte Modulation Using Immune-Modifying Microparticles
Authors: Getts Daniel R. , Terry Rachael L. , Getts Meghann Teague , Deffrasnes Celine , Müller Marcus , van Vreden Caryn , Ashhurst Thomas M. , Chami Belal , McCarthy Derrick , Wu Huiling , Ma Jin , Martin Aaron , Shae Lonnie D. , Witting Paul , Kansas Geoffrey S. , Kühn Joachim , Hafezi Wali , Campbell Iain L. , Reilly David , Say Jana , Brown Louise , White Melanie Y. , Cordwell Stuart J. , Chadban Steven J. , Thorp Edward B. , Bao Shisan , Miller Stephen D. , King Nicholas J. C.
Published: January 2014

Negatively charged immune-modifying microparticles bind to the scavenger receptor MARCO on inflammatory monocytes, resulting in their apoptosis and reduced inflammatory damage in a range of diseases.
Comment on “Power of Rare Diseases: Found in Translation”
Authors: van der Meer Jos W. M. , Simon Anna , Dinarello Charles A.
Published: January 2014

The recent Perspective entitled “Power of rare diseases: Found in translation” undervalues the contributions of academic research in first-in-human studies.
Breathe Easy, But Be Concerned
Authors: Mack William J.
Published: January 2014

Exposure to particulate pollution is associated with increased mortality.
Releasing the Brake Drives Fear Behavior
Authors: Sohal Vikaas S.
Published: January 2014

Conditioned stimuli inhibit parvalbumin interneurons in the prefrontal cortex, leading to changes in prefrontal oscillations and output that drive conditioned fear behavior.
MARCOing Monocytes for Elimination
Authors: Kobzik Lester , Swirski Filip K.
Published: January 2014

Eliminating inflammatory monocytes using microparticles that bind to the MARCO receptor represents a promising strategy to reduce inflammation and injury (Getts
et al
., this issue).
Drought-driven lake level decline: effects on coarse woody habitat and fishes
Authors: Gaeta Jereme W. , Sass Greg G. , Carpenter Stephen R.
Published: January 2014

Research testing for the effects of climate change on lentic fishes has focused on changing thermal and dissolved oxygen regimes, but has often overlooked potential influences of altered lake levels on littoral habitat availability and species interactions. Natural littoral structures such as coarse woody habitat (CWH) can be critical to fishes for prey production, refuge, and spawning. Drought-driven lake level declines may strand these structures above the waterline and thereby remove them from littoral zones. A prolonged drought in northern Wisconsin, USA, allowed us to test for effects of lake level decline on CWH and the response of a fish community. During our study (2001–2009), the lake level of Little Rock Lake South declined over 1.1 m and >75% of the previously submerged CWH was lost from the littoral zone. The loss of CWH coincided with the forage fish species (yellow perch, Perca flavescens) falling below detection and reduced growth of the top piscivore (largemouth bass, Micropterus salmoides). Our study highlights the importance of lake level fluctuations as a mechanism by which climate change may affect aquatic ecosystems and species interactions.
NOTE ABOUT LEPTON MASSES AND MIXINGS IN TWO ANSATZE
Authors: JORA RENATA , SCHECHTER JOSEPH , SHAHID M. NAEEM
Published: January 2014

We consider two Ansatze for the neutrino masses and mixings in which the permutation symmetry is implemented in various orders. We discuss the possible seesaw mechanisms and the charged lepton masses for the two cases in the presence of a Higgs triplet and three Higgs doublets.
COLLECTIVE BARYON DECAY AND GRAVITATIONAL COLLAPSE
Authors: CHAPLINE GEORGE , BARBIERI JAMES
Published: January 2014

While it is widely believed that the gravitational collapse of a sufficiently large mass will lead to a density singularity and an event horizon, we propose that this never happens when quantum effects are taken into account. In particular, we propose that when the conditions become ripe for the formation of a trapped surface, a quantum critical firewall sweeps over the collapsing body, transforming the nucleons in the collapsing matter into a lepton/photon gas together with droplets of a positive vacuum energy. This will happen regardless of the matter density at the time a trapped surface starts to form, and as a result, we predict that at least in all cases of gravitational collapse involving ordinary matter, a large fraction of the rest mass of the collapsing matter will be converted into a burst of neutrinos and γ-rays. We predict that the peak luminosity of these bursts is only weakly dependent on the mass of the collapsing object, and on the order of (ϵq/mPc2)1/4c5/G where ϵq is the mean energy of a nucleon parton and mP is the Planck mass. The duration of the bursts will depend on the mass of the collapsing object; in the case of stellar core collapse, we predict that the duration of both the neutrino and γ-ray bursts will be on the order of 10s.
Studies on Polyaniline/Silver Molybdate Nanocomposites
Authors: Mispa K. Jacinth , Subramaniam P. , Murugesan R.
Published: January 2014

Silver molybdate nanoparticles were successfully prepared by the hydrothermal process. Polyaniline–silver molybdate nanocomposites were prepared by in situ chemical oxidative polymerization technique. Silver molybdate nanoparticles and the polymer samples were characterized by conductivity studies, Fourier transform infrared spectra (FT-IR), UV-visible spectra, photoluminescence spectra, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The electrical conductivity of PANI- Cl - increases when doped with silver molybdate nanoparticles and follows the percolation threshold.
SIP Xd-frames and their perturbations in uniformly convex Banach spaces
Authors: Zheng Xianwei , Yang Shouzhi
Published: January 2014

In this paper, we introduce the definitions of SIP-I and SIP-II Xd-frames in a uniformly convex, separable Banach space X with respect to a BK-space Xd (here SIP represents semi-inner product), both of them are defined as sequence of elements in X. We characterize SIP-I and SIP-II Xd-frames in terms of the corresponding synthesis and analysis operators, respectively, then we consider perturbations for both of them. Furthermore, we also introduce the definitions of SIP Banach frames and SIP atomic decompositions. Under certain assumptions, we establish the relationship between SIP Banach frames and SIP atomic decompositions, and therefore obtain reconstruction formulas for every element in X and X* by using a pair of SIP-I and SIP-II Xd-frames for X. Finally, we discuss perturbations of SIP Banach frames and SIP atomic decompositions.
A novel embedding technique for lossless data hiding in medical images employing histogram shifting method
Authors: Alex Rajju Balan J. A. , Edward Rajan S.
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a lossless data hiding method based on histogram shifting for MR images using Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) and Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT) are presented. In this method, the algorithms are validated to hide the data in wavelet coefficients of high frequency subbands. This scheme has the advantage of comparing the DCT coefficients and the DWT coefficients which permit low distortion between the watermarked image and the original image. It also shifts a part of the histogram of high frequency subbands and embeds the data by using the created histogram zero point. To prevent the overflows and underflows in the spatial domain, caused by the modification of the DCT coefficients and the DWT coefficients, the histogram modification technique is applied. Therefore, we present a validated method to evaluate and compare the performance of DWT and DCT on task, in terms of data embedding payload and the Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR) in the medical image. A careful experimental analysis validates the method showing its superiority over the existing methods.
Characteristics analysis of wavelet coefficients and its applications in image compression
Authors: Lang Fangnian , Zhou Jiliu , Tang Yuan Yan , Yu Hongnian , Cang Shuang , Shang Zhaowei
Published: January 2014

Currently, the wavelet transform is widely used in the signal processing domain, especially in the image compression because of its excellent de-correlation property and the redundancy property included in the wavelet coefficients. This paper investigates the redundancy relationships between any two or three components of the wavelet coefficients, the wavelet bases and the original signal. We discuss those contents for every condition according to the continuous form and the discrete form, respectively, by which we also derive a uniform formula which illuminates the inherent connection among the redundancy of the wavelet coefficients, the wavelet bases and the original signals. Finally, we present the application of the wavelet coefficient redundancy property in the still image compression domain and compare the properties of the Discrete Wavelet Transform (DWT) with that of the Discrete Cosine Transform (DCT).
AROMATIC MOLECULAR JUNCTIONS WITH INERT GASES AS ALLIGATOR CLIPS
Authors: KAUR RUPAN PREET , SAWHNEY RAVINDER SINGH , ENGLES DERICK
Published: January 2014

In this research paper, we examined the effect of placing the elements of Group 0 as alligator clips with Anthracene molecule binding gold electrodes on the nanometer scale using Extended Huckle Theory (EHT) based semi-empirical model. The electron transport parameters i.e., I-V curves, Conductance-Voltage curves and transmission spectrum were investigated through Anthracene molecule by buffering it between two semi-infinite gold electrodes but via different alligator clips-Helium, Neon, Argon, Krypton, Xenon and Radon, all from Noble gas group or group-0 under finite bias voltages within Keldysh's nonequilibrium green function formalism (NEGF). The simulated results revealed that the Xenon and Radon showed maximum conduction whereas Krypton, Neon, Helium and Argon showed least. The maximum conductance of 0.62G0 and 70.4 μA current was exhibited by Xenon and thus affirmed to be the most optimal alligator clip amongst noble gases at nanometre scale.
Large family of pseudorandom subsets of the set of the integers not exceeding N
Authors: Liu Huaning
Published: January 2014

In a series of papers, Dartyge and Sárközy (partly with other coauthors) studied large families of pseudorandom subsets. In this paper, we introduce a new large family of pseudorandom subsets constructed by the multiplicative inverse and additive character, and study the pseudorandom measures. Furthermore, we extend the family of subsets to the case when the moduli is composite.
Remarks on the plus–minus weighted Davenport constant
Authors: Marchan Luz E. , Ordaz Oscar , Schmid Wolfgang A.
Published: January 2014

For (G, +) a finite abelian group the plus–minus weighted Davenport constant, denoted D±(G), is the smallest ℓ such that each sequence g1…gℓover G has a weighted zero-subsum with weights +1 and -1, i.e. there is a non-empty subset I ⊂ {1,…,ℓ} such that ∑i∈Iaigi= 0 for ai∈ {+1, -1}. We present new bounds for this constant, mainly lower bounds, and also obtain the exact value of this constant for various additional types of groups.
Transcriptome sequencing revealed the genes and pathways involved in salinity stress of Chinese mitten crab,Eriocheir sinensis
Authors: Li Erchao , Wang Shaolin , Li Chao , Wang Xiaodan , Chen Ke , Chen Liqiao
Published: January 2014

A total of 276.9 million reads were obtained and assembled into 206, 371 contigs with an average length of 614 bp and N50 of 1,470 bp. Comparison of digital gene expression between treatment and control group reveals 1,151 and 941 genes were significantly differentially expressed in crab gill and muscle, respectively. In gill and muscle, protein ubiquitination, ubiquinone biosynthesis, oxidative phosphorylation, and mitochondria dysfunction pathways were the top pathways differentially expressed following the challenge. EIF 2 signaling pathway and IGF-1 signaling pathway were the top ones among the signal-related pathways. Most of the amino acid metabolism pathways were found to be involved in this process. The expression patterns of 15 differentially expressed genes were validated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR (average correlation coefficient 0.80). This is the first report of expression analysis of genes and pathways involved in osmoregulation of Eriocheir sinensis through transcriptome sequencing. The findings of this study will further promote the understanding of the underlying molecular mechanism of salinity stress adaptation for crustacean species.
Effects of Wheat Bug (Eurygasterspp. andAeliaspp.) Infestation in Preharvest Period on Wheat Technological Quality and Gluten Composition
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra M. , Mastilović Jasna S. , Pojić Milica M. , Kevrešan Žarko S.
Published: January 2014

The effects of wheat bug infestation (Eurygasterspp. andAeliaspp.) on the composition of wheat gluten proteins and its influence on flour technological quality were investigated in the present study. Wheat samples of six wheat varieties, collected from two localities in northern Serbia, were characterized by significantly different level of wheat bug infestation. Composition of wheat gluten proteins was determined using sodium dodecyl sulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS PAGE), while the selected parameters of technological quality were determined according to standard and modified empirical rheological methods (Farinograph, Extensograph, Alveograph, and Gluten Index). The surface morphology of the selected samples was viewed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Wheat from wheat bug-infested locality regardless of the variety had deteriorated technological quality expressed with higher Farinograph softening degree, lower or immeasurable Extensograph energy, and Alveograph deformation energy. The most important changes in the gluten proteins composition of bug-infested wheat were related to gliadin subunits with molecular weights below 75 kDa, which consequently caused deterioration of uniaxial and biaxial extensibility and dough softening during mixing.
State of the Art in the Studies on Crotamine, a Cell Penetrating Peptide from South American Rattlesnake
Authors: Kerkis Irina , Hayashi Mirian A. F. , Prieto da Silva Alvaro R. B. , Pereira Alexandre , De Sá Júnior Paulo Luiz , Zaharenko Andre J. , Rádis-Baptista Gandhi , Kerkis Alexandre , Yamane Tetsuo
Published: January 2014

Animal venoms comprise a naturally selected cocktail of bioactive peptides/proteins and other molecules, each of which playing a defined role thanks to the highly specific interactions with diverse molecular targets found in the prey. Research focused on isolation, structural, and functional characterizations of novel natural biologics (bioactive peptides/proteins from natural sources) has a long way to go through from the basic science to clinical applications. Herein, we overview the structural and functional characteristics of the myoneurotoxin crotamine, firstly isolated from the South American rattlesnake venom. Crotamine is the first venom peptide classified as a natural cell penetrating and antimicrobial peptide (CPP and AMP) with a more pronounced antifungal activity. In contrast to other known natural CPPs and AMPs, crotamine demonstrates a wide spectrum of biological activities with potential biotechnological and therapeutic values. More recent studies have demonstrated the selectivein vitroanticancer activity of crotamine.In vivo, using a murine melanoma model, it was shown that crotamine delays tumor implantation, inhibits tumor cells proliferation, and also increases the survival of mice engrafted with subcutaneous melanoma. The structural and functional properties and also the possible biotechnological applications of minimized molecules derived from crotamine are also discussed.
Piper nigrumLeaf and Stem Assisted Green Synthesis of Silver Nanoparticles and Evaluation of Its Antibacterial Activity Against Agricultural Plant Pathogens
Authors: Paulkumar Kanniah , Gnanajobitha Gnanadhas , Vanaja Mahendran , Rajeshkumar Shanmugam , Malarkodi Chelladurai , Pandian Kannaiyan , Annadurai Gurusamy
Published: January 2014

Utilization of biological materials in synthesis of nanoparticles is one of the hottest topics in modern nanoscience and nanotechnology. In the present investigation, the silver nanoparticles were synthesized by using the leaf and stem extract ofPiper nigrum. The synthesized nanoparticle was characterized by UV-vis spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX), and Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR). The observation of the peak at 460 nm in the UV-vis spectra for leaf- and stem-synthesized silver nanoparticles reveals the reduction of silver metal ions into silver nanoparticles. Further, XRD analysis has been carried out to confirm the crystalline nature of the synthesized silver nanoparticles. The TEM images show that the leaf- and stem-synthesized silver nanoparticles were within the size of about 7–50 nm and 9–30 nm, respectively. The FTIR analysis was performed to identify the possible functional groups involved in the synthesis of silver nanoparticles. Further, the antibacterial activity of the green-synthesized silver nanoparticles was examined against agricultural plant pathogens. The antibacterial property of silver nanoparticles is a beneficial application in the field of agricultural nanotechnology.
How Much Does Body Mass Index Affect Serum Carcinoembryonic Antigen Concentration?
Authors: Li Feng , Shen Zhenhai , Lu Yun , Wang Ling , Song Wenjun
Published: January 2014

Background: As the effect of obesity on serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) concentration and mass is uncertain, we designed the study in context of Chinese healthy males with no clinical evidence of any cancer.

Methods: Of note, 1,915 healthy males were retrospectively collected, with ages ranging from 18 to 84 years. Two equations, a body surface area (BSA)–based and a hematocrit-based, were applied, respectively, for plasma volume and CEA mass calculation. Multivariate linear and logistic regression models were used to detect the associations of CEA concentration, and the two estimates of CEA mass with body mass index (BMI); possible confounding factors, including age, leucocyte count, and smoking status, were adjusted.

Results: CEA concentration significantly decreased with increasing BMI (P < 0.001); however, CEA mass remained consistent or increased by using the BSA- or hematocrit-based equation. A screening level of CEA 5.0 ng/mL in normal-weight men was found to correspond to 4.52 ng/mL in overweight and obese men.

Conclusions: CEA may be affected in obese individuals by several factors, including but not limiting to hemodilution, inflammatory conditions, and insulin resistance. The relationship between CEA concentration and BMI might be highly dependent on which factor or factors have been predominant.

Impact: The BMI status of participants should be taken into account during assessment of serum CEA levels in healthy males. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 23(3); 555–60. ©2014 AACR.
Proteomic Analysis of Whole Glomeruli in Patients with IgA Nephropathy Using Microsieving
Authors: Kojima Shigeki , Koitabashi Kenichiro , Iizuka Nobuko , Okamoto Kazuki , Arito Mitsumi , Sato Toshiyuki , Kurokawa Manae S. , Suematsu Naoya , Shibagaki Yugo , Yasuda Takashi , Kimura Kenjiro , Kato Tomohiro
Published: January 2014

Background: To promote understanding of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) pathophysiology, we tried to elucidate glomerular protein profiles in IgAN, using microsieving that we established recently to isolate glomeruli from renal biopsy samples and proteomic approaches. Methods: Glomeruli were isolated from renal biopsy samples of patients with IgAN (n = 5) and with minimal change nephrotic syndrome (MCNS; n = 5) using microsieving. Proteins extracted from the isolated glomeruli were separated by 2-dimensional differential gel electrophoresis (2D-DIGE). Proteins with different amounts between the two groups were identified by mass spectrometry. One of the identified proteins, α-actinin-4 (ACTN4), was further analyzed by Western blotting, RT-polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and immunohistochemistry. Results: By 2D-DIGE, 72 out of the detected 1,170 protein spots showed significantly different intensity between the two groups (p < 0.05). Thirty-four out of the 72 protein spots showed more than 1.5-fold or less than 1/1.5-fold intensity, out of which 16 protein spots were successfully identified. No microbial protein was identified. ACTN4 molecules with a low molecular weight of approximately 77 kDa were found to increase in the IgAN group. Lack of an N-terminal part of ACTN4 was demonstrated by Western blotting. No defect of mRNA for ACTN4 was evidenced by RT-PCR. Predominant existence of ACTN4 in capillary walls of glomeruli of IgAN patients was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry in glomerular sections of patients with IgAN. Conclusion: Use of microsieving enabled us to biochemically analyze glomerular proteins in renal biopsy samples from patients with glomerular diseases. With this method, we demonstrated skewed glomerular protein profiles in IgAN.
Liver Tuberculosis Presenting as an Uncommon Cause of Pyrexia of Unknown Origin: Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography Identifies the Correct Site for Biopsy
Authors: Yu Hai-Ying , Sheng Ji-Fang
Published: January 2014

Objective: To identify the correct site to biopsy in a case of pyrexia of unknown origin (PUO) caused by hepatic tuberculosis (TB). Clinical Presentation and Intervention: A 58-year-old man who developed hepatic TB presented with PUO. Ultrasonography (US) and computed tomography (CT) of the abdomen showed only calcifications in the liver, and positron emission tomography (PET)/CT showed diffuse increased metabolic activity in addition to focal areas of increased activity. A diagnosis of hepatic TB was confirmed by histological examination of liver tissues and interferon-γ release assays (IGRAs of T-SPOT/TB). The patient was treated with 4 anti-tubercular therapies (rifampicin, isoniazid, ethambutol and pyrazinamide). At the 3-month follow-up, the patient was disease free as confirmed by abdominal US. Conclusion: PET/CT was helpful in identifying a site to biopsy that led to the correct diagnosis.
Heilpflanzen als Mittel gegen die Pest im Mittelalter und in der frühen Neuzeit*
Authors: Wulfers Ellen
Published: January 2014

Die spätmittelalterlichen Seuchenzüge der Pest in Mitteleuropa hatten einschneidende demographische und gesellschaftliche Auswirkungen. Im mittelalterlichen Krankheitsverständnis wurden verschiedene Ursachen für die Pest in Erwägung gezogen. An erster Stelle standen oft religiöse Vorstellungen; daneben spielten aber auch Überlegungen zu astrologischen Konstellationen, das Wetter, Naturereignisse, der vom Abfall in den Strassen verursachte Gestank, schlechte Ausdünstungen oder die Beulen von erkrankten Menschen eine Rolle. Die Symptomatik und Folgen der Pesterkrankung waren bestens bekannt und entsprechend gefürchtet. Aus dem damaligen Verständnis wurden verschiedenste Praktiken und Empfehlungen zum Schutz vor der Ansteckung, aber auch zur Linderung der Symptome entwickelt. Erst mit der Entdeckung des Krankheitserregers Yersinia pestis im Jahr 1894 konnten die Zusammenhänge mit den hygienischen Verhältnissen sowie der Übertragungsweg über Flöhe und häusliche Nagetiere (hauptsächlich Ratten) schlüssig nachvollzogen werden. Zwar besteht in Mitteleuropa heutzutage praktisch keine Pestgefahr mehr, doch ist das Bakterium nicht ausgerottet, sondern kommt in Afrika, Asien sowie Süd- und Mittelamerika weiterhin vor. Alte Kräuterbücher erwähnen eine Vielfalt an Pestpflanzen, die zum Schutz vor der Ansteckung, wie z.B. Gemeiner Wacholder (Juniperus communis), Kleine Bibernelle (Pimpinella saxifraga) oder Arznei-Engelwurz (Angelica archangelica), aber auch zur Behandlung der Pestbeulen dienten, wie z.B. die Schwarze Tollkirsche (Atropa belladonna). Dabei spielen innere und äussere Anwendungen (gebranntes Wasser, Salz, Pillen und Pulver bzw. Umschläge, Salben oder Pflaster) sowie Amulette, Räucherrituale oder Kräuterbüschel eine wichtige Rolle.