bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Newborn Infants Detect Cues of Concurrent Sound Segregation
Authors: Bendixen Alexandra , Háden Gábor P. , Németh Renáta , Farkas Dávid , Török Miklós , Winkler István
Published: February 2015

Separating concurrent sounds is fundamental for a veridical perception of one's auditory surroundings. Sound components that are harmonically related and start at the same time are usually grouped into a common perceptual object, whereas components that are not in harmonic relation or have different onset times are more likely to be perceived in terms of separate objects. Here we tested whether neonates are able to pick up the cues supporting this sound organization principle. We presented newborn infants with a series of complex tones with their harmonics in tune (creating the percept of a unitary sound object) and with manipulated variants, which gave the impression of two concurrently active sound sources. The manipulated variant had either one mistuned partial (single-cue condition) or the onset of this mistuned partial was also delayed (double-cue condition). Tuned and manipulated sounds were presented in random order with equal probabilities. Recording the neonates' electroencephalographic responses allowed us to evaluate their processing of the sounds. Results show that, in both conditions, mistuned sounds elicited a negative displacement of the event-related potential (ERP) relative to tuned sounds from 360 to 400 ms after sound onset. The mistuning-related ERP component resembles the object-related negativity (ORN) component in adults, which is associated with concurrent sound segregation. Delayed onset additionally led to a negative displacement from 160 to 200 ms, which was probably more related to the physical parameters of the sounds than to their perceptual segregation. The elicitation of an ORN-like response in newborn infants suggests that neonates possess the basic capabilities of segregating concurrent sounds by detecting inharmonic relations between the co-occurring sounds.
Genistein Stimulates Jejunum Chloride Secretion via an Akt-Mediated Pathway in Intact Female Mice
Authors: Leung Lana , Bhakta Ashesh , Cotangco Katherine , Al-Nakkash Layla
Published: February 2015

Background/Aims: We have previously shown that daily subcutaneous injections with the naturally occurring phytoestrogen genistein (600 mg genistein/kg body weight/day, 600G) results in a significantly increased basal intestinal chloride, Cl-, secretion (Isc, a measure of transepithelial secretion) in intact C57BL/6J female mice after 1-week of treatment, compared to controls (DMSO vehicle injected). Removal of endogenous estrogen via ovariectomy (OVX) had no effect on the 600G-mediated increase in basal Isc. Methods: Given the estrogen-like characteristics of genistein, we compared the effects of daily estradiol (E2) injections (10 mg E2/kg body weight/day, 10E2) on basal Isc in intact and OVX mice. In intact mice, 10E2 was without effect on basal Isc, however, in OVX mice, 10E2 significantly increased basal Isc (mimicked 600G). The goal of the current study was to characterize the intracellular signaling pathways responsible for mediating 600G- or 10E2-stimulated increases in basal Isc in intact female or OVX mice. Results: We measured total protein expression in isolated segments of jejunum using western blot from the following six groups of mice; intact or OVX with; 600G, 10E2 or control. The proteins of interest were: Akt, p-Akt, p-PDK1, p-PTEN, p-c-Raf, p-GSK-3β, rap-1 and ERK1/2. All blots were normalized to GAPDH levels (n = 6-18/group). Conclusion: These data suggest that the presence of the endogenous sex steroid, estrogen, modifies the intracellular signaling pathway required to mediate Cl- secretion when the intestine is exposed to exogenous 600G or E2. These studies may have relevance for designing pharmacological tools for women with intestinal chloride secretory dysfunctions.
Defining Optimized Properties of Modified mRNA to Enhance Virus- and DNA- Independent Protein Expression in Adult Stem Cells and Fibroblasts
Authors: Hausburg Frauke , Na Silke , Voronina Natalia , Skorska Anna , Müller Paula , Steinhoff Gustav , David Robert
Published: February 2015

Background: By far, most strategies for cell reprogramming and gene therapy are based on the introduction of DNA after viral delivery. To avoid the high risks accompanying these goals, non-viral and DNA-free delivery methods for various cell types are required. Methods: Relying on an initially established PCR-based protocol for convenient template DNA production, we synthesized five differently modified EGFP mRNA (mmRNA) species, incorporating various degrees of 5-methylcytidine-5'-triphosphate (5mC) and pseudouridine-5'-triphosphate (Ψ). We then investigated their effect on i) protein expression efficiencies and ii) cell viability for human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and fibroblasts from different origins. Results: Our protocol allows highly efficient mmRNA production in vitro, enabling rapid and stable protein expression after cell transfection. However, our results also demonstrate that the terminally optimal modification needs to be defined in pilot experiments for each particular cell type. Transferring our approach to the conversion of fibroblasts into skeletal myoblasts using mmRNA encoding MyoD, we confirm the huge potential of mmRNA based protein expression for virus- and DNA-free reprogramming strategies. Conclusion: The achieved high protein expression levels combined with good cell viability not only in fibroblasts but also in hMSCs provides a promising option for mmRNA based modification of various cell types including slowly proliferating adult stem cells. Therefore, we are confident that our findings will substantially contribute to the improvement of efficient cell reprogramming and gene therapy approaches.
Circulating Biomarker Panels in Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Zafari Sachli , Backes Christina , Meese Eckart , Keller Andreas
Published: February 2015

The early diagnosis of diseases frequently represents an important unmet clinical need supporting in-time treatment of pathologies. This also applies to neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia, estimated to affect millions of individuals worldwide. The respective diagnostic and prognostic markers, especially for the preclinical stages of AD, are expected to improve patients' outcome significantly. In the last decades, many approaches to detecting AD have been developed, including markers to discover changes in amyloid-β levels [from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) or using positron emission tomography] or other brain imaging technologies such as structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), functional-connectivity MRI or task-related functional MRI. A major challenge is the detection of AD using minimally or even noninvasive biomarkers from body fluids such as plasma or serum. Circulating biomarker candidates based on mRNAs or proteins measured from blood cells, plasma or serum have been proposed for various pathologies including AD. As for other diseases, there is a tendency to use marker signatures obtained by high-throughput approaches, which allow the generation of profiles of hundreds to thousands of biomarkers simultaneously [microarrays, mass spectrometry or next-generation sequencing (NGS)]. Beyond mRNAs and proteins, recent approaches have measured small noncoding RNA (so-called microRNA) profiles in AD patients' blood samples using NGS or array-based technologies. Generally, the development of marker panels is in its early stages and requires further, substantial clinical validation. In this review, we provide an overview of different circulating AD biomarkers, starting with a brief summary of CSF markers and focusing on novel biomarker signatures such as small noncoding RNA profiles.
Jesuit Conspirators and Russia’s East Asian Fur Trade, 1791–1807
Authors: Afinogenov Gregory
Published: February 2015

In 1791, amidst growing anxiety about British encroachment on its fur trade with the Qing Empire, the Russian government discovered that Britain was sending a large and important embassy to Beijing, led by Lord Macartney. In an attempt to derail the negotiations, Russia enrolled the Polotsk Jesuits in a plot to convince the Qing of the nefariousness of British designs. The conspiracy was not a success, despite Macartney’s failure. The Jesuits both in Belarus and Beijing continued to play a central role in Russia’s geopolitical plans in the region for the next decade and a half, although ultimately the project to establish a Russian Jesuit college in the Qing capital failed. Using Russian as well as Jesuit archival sources, the article reconstructs the secret plans, mishaps, and miscalculations that shaped this unusual relationship.
Shit Be Tight
Authors: Johnson Mark Dean
Published: February 2015

Carlos Villa was a highly original Filipino American artist and visionary organizer who has been very influential in San Francisco but is still little recognized internationally. This essay situates Villa’s achievement as an ongoing dialogue between his private studio practice and public actions. It argues for the appreciation of the interaction of Villa’s modernist aesthetic with more socially engaged inspirations and expressions as central to the artist’s significance and the transformative impact of his career.
Novitates neocaledonicae I: An additionnal new species of Planchonella (Sapotaceae) endemic to the Roches de la Ouaième
Authors: Munzinger Jerome
Published: February 2015

A new species of Planchonella, endemic to the Roches de la Ouaième in northeastern New Caledonia, is described and illustrated. Planchonella ulfii morphologically resembles P. roseoloba, while molecular data indicate a closer relation to P. minutiflora and P. koumaciensis, with all three species belonging to a clade characterized by ridged fruits. The new species brings the total for the genus to 37 species in New Caledonia, 36 of which are endemic to the archipelago. With a single known population comprising 10 individuals, a preliminary risk of extinction assessment using the IUCN Red List criteria indicates that it is Critically Endangered due to risk of fire faced by the shrubby vegetation found of the summit crest of the Roches de la Ouaième. The level of micro-endemism found at this site is discussed.
Annotated zoogeography of non-marine Tardigrada. Part II: South America
Authors: KACZMAREK ŁUKASZ , MICHALCZYK ŁUKASZ , MCINNES SANDRA J.
Published: February 2015

This paper is the second monograph of nine that describes the global records of limno-terrestrial water bears (Tardigrada). Here, we provide a comprehensive list of non-marine tardigrades recorded from South America, providing an updated and revised taxonomy accompanied by geographic co-ordinates, habitat, and biogeographic comments. It is hoped this work will serve as a reference point and background for further zoogeographical and taxonomical studies.
Genera of Pentatomidae (Hemiptera: Pentatomoidea) from south India—an illustrated key to genera and checklist of species
Authors: SALINI S. , VIRAKTAMATH C. A.
Published: February 2015

Family Pentatomidae is represented by four subfamilies (Asopinae, Pentatominae, Phyllocephalinae and Podopinae) and 86 genera in south India. Pentatominae are the dominant group represented by 29 tribes and 72 genera. An illustrated key including the habitus of majority of genera as well as illustrations of important diagnostic features are given for the subfamilies, tribes and genera occurring in south India. In addition, a key to families of Pentatomoidea and a checklist of species of Pentatomidae occurring in south India are also included.
The ratio of Th17/Treg cells as a risk indicator in early acute respiratory distress syndrome
Authors: Yu Zhi-xin , Ji Mu-sen , Yan Jun , Cai Yan , Liu Jing , Yang Hong-feng , Li Yong , Jin Zhao-chen , Zheng Jin-xu
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Recent studies have revealed that lung inflammation mediated by CD4+ T cells may contribute to the pathogenesis of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The imbalance between CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + regulatory T (Treg) cells and T helper (Th)17 cells has been found in a number of different inflammation and autoimmune diseases, while the role of the Th17/Treg balance in ARDS remains largely unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the Th17/Treg pattern and its impact on disease severity and outcomes in patients with ARDS.

Methods

This prospective, observational study enrolled 79 patients who fulfilled the Berlin definition of ARDS and 26 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Circulation Th17 and Treg cell frequencies were analyzed by flow cytometry, and the expressions of Th17- and Treg-related cytokines in serum were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Acute Physiologic and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) II score, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score, and the Lung Injury Score were also calculated at enrollment.

Results

Within 24 hours after the onset of ARDS, the changes of peripheral circulating Th17 and Treg cell frequencies gradually increased from mild to severe ARDS. Th17/Treg ratio was positively correlated with APACHE II score, SOFA score, and Lung Injury Score, while negatively correlated with PaO2/FiO2. The areas under the receiver operating characteristic (AUC) curves of Th17/Treg ratio for predicting 28-day mortality in ARDS patients was higher than that of APACHE II score, SOFA score, Lung injury score, as well as PaO2/FiO2. Using a Th17/Treg ratio cutoff value of >0.79 to determine 28-day mortality, the sensitivity was 87.5% with 68.1% specificity. Multivariate logistic regression showed Th17/Treg ratio >0.79 (odds ratio = 8.68, P = 0.002) was the independent predictor for 28-day mortality in patients with ARDS. Finally, cumulative survival rates at 28-day follow-up also differed significantly between patients with Th17/Treg ratio >0.79 and ≤0.79 (P <0.001).

Conclusions

The Th17/Treg imbalance favoring a Th17 shift represents a potential therapeutic target to alleviate lung injury and a novel risk indicator in patients with early ARDS.
Trauma-induced coagulopathy: impact of the early coagulation support protocol on blood product consumption, mortality and costs
Authors: Nardi Giuseppe , Agostini Vanessa , Rondinelli Beatrice , Russo Emanuele , Bastianini Barbara , Bini Giovanni , Bulgarelli Simona , Cingolani Emiliano , Donato Alessia , Gambale Giorgio , Ranaldi Giulia
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Hemorrhage is the principal cause of death in the first few hours following severe injury. Coagulopathy is a frequent complication of critical bleeding. A network of Italian trauma centers recently developed a protocol to prevent and treat trauma-induced coagulopathy. A pre-post cohort multicenter study was conducted to assess the impact of the early coagulation support (ECS) protocol on blood products consumption, mortality and treatment costs.

Methods

We prospectively collected data from all severely injured patients (Injury Severity Score (ISS) >15) admitted to two trauma centers in 2013 and compared these findings with the data for 2011. Patients transfused with at least 3 units of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) within 24 hours of an accident were included in the study. In 2011, patients with significant hemorrhaging were treated with early administration of plasma with the aim of achieving a high (≥1:2) plasma-to-PRBC ratio. In 2013, the ECS protocol was the treatment strategy. Outcome data, blood product consumption and treatment costs were compared between the two periods.

Results

The two groups were well matched for demographics, injury severity (ISS: 32.9 in 2011 versus 33.6 in 2013) and clinical and laboratory data on admission. In 2013, a 40% overall reduction in PRBCs was observed, together with a 65% reduction in plasma and a 52% reduction in platelets. Patients in the ECS group received fewer blood products: 6.51 units of PRBCs versus 8.14 units. Plasma transfusions decreased from 8.98 units to 4.21 units (P <0.05), and platelets fell from 4.14 units to 2.53 units (P <0.05). Mortality in 2013 was 13.5% versus 20% in 2011 (13 versus 26 hospital deaths, respectively) (nonsignificant). When costs for blood components, factors and point-of-care tests were compared, a €76,340 saving in 2013 versus 2011 (23%) was recorded.

Conclusions

The introduction of the ECS protocol in two Italian trauma centers was associated with a marked reduction in blood product consumption, reaching statistical significance for plasma and platelets, and with a non-significant trend toward a reduction in early and 28-day mortality. The overall costs for transfusion and coagulation support (including point-of-care tests) decreased by 23% between 2011 and 2013.
An observational study of surface versus endovascular cooling techniques in cardiac arrest patients: a propensity-matched analysis
Authors: Oh Sang Hoon , Oh Joo Suk , Kim Young-Min , Park Kyu Nam , Choi Seung Pill , Kim Gi Woon , Jeung Kyung Woon , Jang Tae Chang , Park Yoo Seok , Kyong Yeon Young ,   On behalf of the Korean Hypothermia Network Investigators
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Various methods and devices have been described for cooling after cardiac arrest, but the ideal cooling method remains unclear. The aim of this study was to compare the neurological outcomes, efficacies and adverse events of surface and endovascular cooling techniques in cardiac arrest patients.

Methods

We performed a multicenter, retrospective, registry-based study of adult cardiac arrest patients treated with therapeutic hypothermia presenting to 24 hospitals across South Korea from 2007 to 2012. We included patients who received therapeutic hypothermia using overall surface or endovascular cooling devices and compared the neurological outcomes, efficacies and adverse events of both cooling techniques. To adjust for differences in the baseline characteristics of each cooling method, we performed one-to-one matching by the propensity score.

Results

In total, 803 patients were included in the analysis. Of these patients, 559 underwent surface cooling, and the remaining 244 patients underwent endovascular cooling. In the unmatched cohort, a greater number of adverse events occurred in the surface cooling group. Surface cooling was significantly associated with a poor neurological outcome (cerebral performance category 3–5) at hospital discharge (p = 0.01). After propensity score matching, surface cooling was not associated with poor neurological outcome and hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR): 1.26, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.81-1.96, p = 0.31 and OR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.55-1.30, p = 0.44, respectively]. Although surface cooling was associated with an increased incidence of adverse events (such as overcooling, rebound hyperthermia, rewarming related hypoglycemia and hypotension) compared with endovascular cooling, these complications were not associated with surface cooling using hydrogel pads.

Conclusions

In the overall matched cohort, no significant difference in neurological outcomes and hospital morality was observed between the surface and endovascular cooling methods.
Serum levels of apolipoprotein A-I and high-density lipoprotein can predict organ failure in acute pancreatitis
Authors: Peng Yun-Shing , Chen Yung-Chang , Tian Ya-Chung , Yang Chih-Wei , Lien Jau-Min , Fang Ji-Tseng , Wu Cheng-Shyong , Hung Chien-Fu , Hwang Tsan-Long , Tsai Ying-Huang , Lee Mel S , Tsai Ming-Hung
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Predicting severity of pancreatitis is an important goal. Clinicians are still searching for novel and simple biomarkers that can better predict persistent organ failure (OF). Lipoproteins, especially high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and apolipoprotein A-I (APO A-I), have been shown to have anti-inflammation effects in various clinical settings. Severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) is associated with hypo-lipoproteinemia. We studied whether the concentrations of HDL and APO A-I can predict persistent OF in patients with predicted SAP admitted to the ICU.

Methods

In 66 patients with predicted SAP, we prospectively evaluated the relationship between lipid levels, inflammatory cytokines and clinical outcomes, including persistent OF and hospital mortality. Blood samples were obtained within 24 hours of admission to the ICU.

Results

HDL and APO A-I levels were inversely correlated with various disease severity scores. Patients with persistent OF had lower levels of HDL and APO A-I, while those with transient OF had lower levels of interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α and lower rates of hospital mortality. Meanwhile, hospital non-survivors had lower concentrations of HDL, and APO A-I compared to the survivors. By using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC) curve, both HDL and APO A-I demonstrated an excellent discriminative power for predicting persistent OF among all patients (AUROC 0.912 and 0.898 respectively) and among those with OF (AUROC 0.904 and 0.895 respectively). Pair-wise comparison of AUROC showed that both HDL and APO A-I had better discriminative power than C-reactive protein to predict persistent OF.

Conclusions

Serum levels of HDL and APO A-I at admission to the ICU are inversely correlated with disease severity in patients with predicted SAP and can predict persistent OF in this clinical setting.
Systematic identification of cancer driving signaling pathways based on mutual exclusivity of genomic alterations
Authors: Babur Özgün , Gönen Mithat , Aksoy Bülent Arman , Schultz Nikolaus , Ciriello Giovanni , Sander Chris , Demir Emek
Published: February 2015

We present a novel method for the identification of sets of mutually exclusive gene alterations in a given set of genomic profiles. We scan the groups of genes with a common downstream effect on the signaling network, using a mutual exclusivity criterion that ensures that each gene in the group significantly contributes to the mutual exclusivity pattern. We test the method on all available TCGA cancer genomics datasets, and detect multiple previously unreported alterations that show significant mutual exclusivity and are likely to be driver events.
Improved time and frequency synchronization in presence of imperfect channel state information
Authors: Nguyen Cong Luong , Mokraoui Anissa , Duhamel Pierre , Linh-Trung Nguyen
Published: February 2015

This paper addresses altogether time and frequency synchronization in IEEE 802.11a orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) wireless communication systems. The proposed algorithms have two main features: (i) they make use of an additional source of information available at IEEE 802.11a physical layer, on top of the usual ones typically adopted for synchronization such as training sequences. This additional source of information is provided by the higher layers of the communication protocol. In fact, when the carrier sense multiple access with collision avoidance (CSMA/CA) protocol is activated, the receiver is able to predict some parts of the SIGNAL field that are classically assumed unknown. Moreover, during the negotiation of the transmission medium reservation, the exchanged frames not only help the receiver to predict the SIGNAL field but also to obtain information about the channel state. (ii) Based on this property, we propose a joint MAP time and frequency synchronization algorithm using all available information. Finally, the time synchronization is fine tuned by means of a specific metric in the frequency domain that allows us to minimize the expectation of the transmission error function over all channel estimate errors. Simulation results compliant with the IEEE 802.11a standard in both indoor and outdoor environments show that the proposed algorithm drastically improves the performance in terms of synchronization failure probability and bit error ratio, compared to state-of-the-art algorithms.
Time-of-Flight Secondary Ion Mass Spectroscopy with Bismuth Primary Ions of Clean and Air-Exposed Surfaces of Tellurium
Authors: Trzyna Malgorzata , Berchenko Nicolas , Rading Derk , Cebulski Jozef
Published: February 2015

The regularity of Bi+, Bi3+ and Bi3++ primary ions in the time-of-flight secondary ion mass spectroscopy fragment pattern of air oxidized Te and Bi+ direct-current scan cleaned Te is discussed. The most intensive fragments for a cleaned Te surface are positive and negative Te x and BiTe x clusters. The sequence of secondary ion cluster formation is Bi-Te alloying followed by sputtering and ionization. For oxidized Te the chemical composition of the produced Te xO y fragments satisfies the relation y = 2 x for positive fragments and y = 2 x + 1 for negative ones. Experimental findings are in a good agreement with the results predicted by Plog's model for TeO2.
Rapid and Sensitive Determination of Diacetylpolyamines in Human Fingernail by Ultraperformance Liquid Chromatography Coupled with Electrospray Ionization Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Min Jun Zhe , Morota Yuka , Jiang Ying-Zi , Li Gao , Jin Dongri , Kang Dongzhou , Yu Hai-Fu , Inoue Koichi , Todoroki Kenichiro , Toyo'oka Toshimasa
Published: February 2015

A rapid and sensitive ultraperformance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-ESI-MS/MS) method has been developed and validated for quantitatively determining diacetylpolyamines in the human fingernail. N1, N8-diacetylspermidine (DiAct-Spd), N1, N12-diacetylspermine (DiAct-Spm) and 1,6-diaminohexane (DAH) [the internal standard (IS)] were extracted from human fingernail samples by a MeOH:5 M HCl solution, followed by 4-( N,N-dimethylaminosulfonyl)-7-fluoro-2,1,3-benzoxadiazole (DBD-F) derivatization, and then separated on an ACQUITY BEH C18 column with a gradient elution of acetonitrile and water containing 0.1% formic acid. The derivatives of the diacetylpolyamines were fully separated within a short run time (3.0 min). The triple quadrupole mass spectrometric detection was performed in the multiple reactions monitoring (MRM) mode by the UPLC-ESI-MS/MS system in the positive ionization mode. MRM using the fragmentation transitions of m/z 455.20 → 100.07, 737.25 → 100.07 and 567.10 → 479.07 in the positive ESI mode was performed to quantify DiAct-Spd, DiAct-Spm and IS, respectively. The calibration curve is between 0.04 ng mL−1 and 10 ng mL−1 for DiAct-Spd and DiAct-Spm. The detection limits (signal to noise ratio of five) were 5–10 pg mL−1. A good linearity was achieved from the calibration curves ( r2 > 0.9999), and the intra-day and inter-day assay precisions were less than 7.06%. Furthermore, the recoveries (%) of the diacetylpolyamines spiked in the human fingernails were 79.18–97.11. The present method proved that the high sensitivity is characterized by the specificity and feasibility of the sample analysis. Consequently, the proposed method was used to analyze human fingernail samples from 15 lung-cancer patients and 22 healthy volunteers. Diacetylpolyamines were detected from the fingernails of the lung-cancer patients for the first time. The concentration of DiAct-Spd in the lung-cancer patient group tended to be higher than those in the healthy volunteers.
Dynamic Adsorption of Cd2+ Onto Acid-Modified Attapulgite From Aqueous Solution
Authors: Guo Na , Wang Jin-Sheng , Li Jian , Teng Yan-Guo , Zhai Yuan-Zheng
Published: February 2015

In the present study, acid-modified attapulgite was used, as an adsorbent, to remove as much Cd2+ as possible from aqueous solution. Static adsorption experiments using powdered acid-modified attapulgite, and dynamic adsorption using granular acid-modifed attapulgite, were conducted to explore the practical application of modified attapulgite in the adsorption of Cd2+. The modified attapulgite had a larger specific surface area and thinner fibrous crystals than the unmodified version. No obvious differences were noted, in terms of the crystal structure, between the natural attapulgite and the modified version. The effects of initial concentration, pH, contact time, and ionic strength on the adsorption of Cd2+ were investigated, and the results showed that the adsorption capacity of the modified attapulgite was increased with increasing pH and the initial Cd2+ concentration. The adsorption properties were analyzed by means of dynamic adsorption tests with respect to various Cd2+ concentrations and flow rates. The maximum adsorption capacity of 8.83 mg/g occurred at a flow rate of 1 mL/min and at an initial concentration of 75 mg/L. Because there was better accord between the data and a pseudo-second order model than a pseudo-first-order model, external mass transfer is suggested to be the rate-controlling process. The experimental data were also fitted for the intraparticle diffusion model, implying that the intraparticle diffusion of Cd2+ onto the modified attapulgite was also important for controlling the adsorption process. The Bohart-Adams model was more suitable than the Thomas model for describing the dynamic behavior with respect to the flow rate and the initial Cd2+ concentration. This research provided the theoretical basis for the dynamic adsorption of Cd2+ on the modified attapulgite. Compared to the powdered modified attapulgite, the dynamic adsorption by granular modified attapulgite appeared more favorable in terms of practical application.
El secreto de sus ojos: An Argentine male melodrama
Authors: Rocha Carolina
Published: February 2015

The award-winning film, El secreto de sus ojos (2009), by Campanella, has been studied as a film dealing with the impunity of the most recent Argentine military dictatorship (1976–1983). In this article, I consider El secreto as a melodrama in which male characters are ruled by their feelings. I focus on the leading actor, Ricardo Darín who, in his role as Benjamín Espósito, can be characterized as a fallen man, as he suffers from a trauma that impinges on his emotions, inner circle and ability to perform in the public sphere.
Masculinity in Crisis? – What a Man (2011) and the German ‘relationship comedy’
Authors: von Eicken Verena
Published: February 2015

This article discusses the German romantic comedy What a Man (Schweighöfer, 2011) as a continuation of the Comedy Wave of 1990s German film. Eric Rentschler dismissed these ‘New German Comedies’ for being conservative and pedestrian in form and content, considering them the epitome of the ‘cinema of consensus’. It is argued that What a Man, while highly similar to the 1990s ‘relationship comedies’ in its narrative structure and content, is indicative of a shift in dominant ideas and values relating to romantic relationships between the 1990s and 2010s, moving away from a display of male chauvinism and sexism and replacing it with gender images that reflect both the ongoing female emancipation and a crisis of masculinity. What a Man is analysed in relation to two current sub-genres of the romantic comedy, the German ‘postromance’ and the American ‘geek-centred comedy’, in order to place the film within discernible production trends that explore changing gender roles in western societies. The article also situates What a Man in the context of German film production by exploring how its generic affiliation, choice of location and use of public funding ensure its success as a mainstream, popular film.
Optical Photometry of LMXBs: UW CrB (=MS 1603+260) and V1408 Aql (=4U 1957+115)
Authors: Mason P. A. , Robinson E. L. , Gomez S. , Segura J. V.
Published: February 2015

We present new optical observations of V1408 Aql (= 4U 1957+115), the only low mass X-ray binary, black hole candidate known to be in a persistently soft state. We combine new broadband optical photometry with previously published data and derive a precise orbital ephemeris. The optical light curves display sinusoidal variations modulated on the orbital period as well as large night to night changes in mean intensity. The amplitude of the variations increases with mean intensity while maintaining sinusoidal shape. Considering the set of constraints placed by the X-ray and optical data we argue that V1408 Aql may harbor a very low mass black hole. Optical light curves of UW CrB display partial eclipses of the accretion disk by the donor star that vary both in depth and orbital phase. The new eclipses of UW CrB in conjunction with published eclipse timings are well fitted with a linear ephemeris. We derive an upper limit to the rate of change of the orbital period. By including the newly observed type I bursts with published bursts in our analysis, we find that optical bursts are not observed between orbital phases 0.93 and 0.07, i.e. they are not observable during partial eclipses of the disk.
Cataclysmic Variables from SDSS: A Review and A Look Forward to LSST
Authors: Szkody P.
Published: February 2015

The past and current projects of the Sloan Digital Sky Survey are reviewed in the context of applicability and results for cataclysmic variables. Ongoing and future time domain surveys that will have impact on the field are also briefly discussed.
Multifrequency Behaviour of Polars
Authors: Reinsch K.
Published: February 2015

Cataclysmic variables emit over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. In this paper I will review observations of polars in relevant passbands obtained during the last decade and will discuss their diagnostical potential to access the physics of the main components within the binary systems. This will include a discussion of intrinsic source variability and the quest for simultaneous multi-frequency observations.
Probing the Accretion Processes in Soft X-Ray Selected Polars
Authors: Traulsen I. , Reinsch K. , Schwope A. D.
Published: February 2015

High-energy data of accreting white dwarfs give access to the regime of the primary accretion-induced energy release and the different proposed accretion scenarios. We perform XMM-Newton observations of polars selected due to their ROSAT hardness ratios close to -1.0 and model the emission processes in accretion column and accretion region. Our models consider the multi-temperature structure of the emission regions and are mainly determined by mass-flow density, magnetic field strength, and white-dwarf mass. To describe the full spectral energy distribution from infrared to X-rays in a physically consistent way, we include the stellar contributions and establish composite models, which will also be of relevance for future X-ray missions. We confirm the X-ray soft nature of three polars.
Activity of the Polar AM Her (RX J1816.2+4952): A Short Review
Authors: Šimon V. , Henden A.
Published: February 2015

We show that AM Her displays the transitions between the high and low states with an intermittently existing dominant cycle with length between 400 and 800 days. Moreover, these transitions accumulate in clusters, which produces an additional long cycle after smoothing; a single isolated short episode of the low state does not suggest a break of this cycle. The seasons of existence of the cycle can be controlled by the lifetime of the active regions (e.g. prominences, spots) on the donor. In some high-state episodes, a higher luminosity of the bremsstrahlung emission is not accompanied by a higher optical (cyclotron+stream) emission. Part of the bremsstrahlung emission can be buried in some episodes. Changes of the structure of the accretion region(s) are necessary to explain the variations of the optical and X-ray activity in the high-state episodes of AM Her.
Suzaku View of Magnetic Cataclysmic Variables
Authors: Yuasa T.
Published: February 2015

Results of magnetic cataclysmic variable studies performed with the Suzaku satellite are reviewed in this article. Particular emphasis is placed on the recent update of X-ray spectral model of intermediate polars, possible kinematically redshifted fluorescent Fe K emission lines, and the magnetic CV contribution to the Galactic ridge X-ray emission.
The Role of Magnetic Field for Quiescence-Outburst Models in CVs
Authors: De Bianchi S. , Braga V. F. , Gaudenzi S.
Published: February 2015

In this paper we present the elementary assumptions of our research on the role of the magnetic field in modelling the quiescence-outbursts cycle in Cataclysmic Variables (CVs). The behaviour of the magnetic field is crucial not only to integrate the disk instability model (Osaki 1974), but also to determine the cause and effect nexus among parameters affecting the behavior of complex systems. On the ground of our interpretation of the results emerging from the literature, we suggest that in models describing DNe outbursts, such as the disk instability model, the secondary instability model (Bath 1973) and the thermonuclear runaway model (Mitrofanov 1978), the role of the magnetic field is at least twofold. On the one hand, it activates a specific dynamic pathway for the accreting matter by channelling it. On the other hand, it could be indirectly responsible for switching a particular outburst modality. In order to represent these two roles of the magnetic field, we need to integrate the disk instability model by looking at the global behaviour of the system under analysis. Stochastic resonance in dynamo models, we believe, is a suitable candidate for accomplishing this task. We shall present the MHD model including this mechanism elsewhere.
Theory of Nova Outbursts and Type Ia Supernovae
Authors: Kato M. , Hachisu I.
Published: February 2015

We briefly review the current theoretical understanding of the light curves of novae. These curves exhibit a homologous nature, dubbed the universal decline law, and when time-normalized, they almost follow a single curve independently of the white dwarf (WD) mass or chemical composition of the envelope. The optical and near-infrared light curves of novae are reproduced mainly by free-free emission from their optically thick winds. We can estimate the WD mass from multiwavelength observations because the optical, UV, and soft X-ray light curves evolve differently and we can easily resolve the degeneracy of the optical light curves. Recurrent novae and classical novae are a testbed of type Ia supernova scenarios. In the orbital period versus secondary mass diagram, recurrent novae are located in different regions from classical novae and the positions of recurrent novae are consistent with the single degenerate scenario.
The Slow Nova V1280 Sco: A Short Review
Authors: Naito H.
Published: February 2015

We summarize the results of the extremely slow nova V1280 Sco and discuss the approach using discrete multiple blueshifted absorption lines, such as metastable He i* and Na i D, detected in our high-resolution spectra.
On the 2011 Outburst of the Recurrent Nova T Pyxidis
Authors: Izzo L. , Della Valle M. , Ederoclite A. , Henze M.
Published: February 2015

We discuss the nebular phase emission during the 2011 outburst of the recurrent nova T Pyxidis and present preliminaryresults on the analysis of the line profiles. We also present some discussions about the binary system configurations and the X-ray emission, showing that the white dwarf mass should be larger than 0.8 MΘ.
X-Ray Observations of VY Scl-Type Nova-Like Binaries in the High and Low State
Authors: Zemko P. , Orio M.
Published: February 2015

Four VY Scl-type nova-like systems were observed in X-rays both during the low and the high optical states. They are BZ Cam, MV Lyr, TT Ari, and V794 Aql. Using archival ROSAT, Swift and SUZAKU observations we found that the X-ray flux for BZ Cam is higher during the low state, but there is no supersoft X-ray source (SSS) that would indicate the thermonuclear burning predicted in a previous article. The X-ray flux is lower by a factor 2–10 in the low than the high state in other systems, and does not reflect the drop in ˙M inferred from optical and UV data. The best fit model for the X-ray spectra is a collisionally ionized plasma model. The X-ray flux may originate in a shocked wind or in accretion onto polar caps in intermediate polar systems that continues even during the low state.
The UBV Color Evolution of Classical and Symbiotic Novae
Authors: Hachisu I. , Kato M.
Published: February 2015

We identified a general course of classical nova outbursts in the B − V vs. U − B diagram. It has been reported that novae show spectra similar to A–F supergiants near optical light maximum. However, they do not follow the supergiant sequence in the color-color diagram, neither the blackbody nor the main-sequence sequence. Instead, we found that novae evolve along a new sequence in the pre-maximum and near-maximum phases, which we call the nova-giant sequence. This sequence is parallel to but Δ(U − B) ≈ −0.2 mag bluer than the supergiant sequence. After optical maximum, its color quickly evolves back blueward along the same nova-giant sequence and reaches the point of free-free emission (B − V = −0.03, U − B = −0.97) and stays there for a while, which is coincident with the intersection of the blackbody sequence and the nova-giant sequence. Then the color evolves leftward (blueward in B − V but almost constant in U − B) due mainly to development of strong emission lines. This is the general course of nova outbursts in the color-color diagram, which is deduced from eight well-observed novae including various speed classes. For a nova with unknown extinction, we can determine a reliable value of the color excess by matching the observed track of the target nova with this general course. This is a new and convenient method for obtaining color excesses of classical novae. Using this method, we redetermined the color excesses of nineteen well-observed novae.
Study of Cataclysmic Variables with the Satellites LOFT and Gaia
Authors: Hudec R. , Šimon V.
Published: February 2015

The goal of this paper is to discuss the capabilities of ESA satellite missions Gaia (already in space) and LOFT (considered for the ESA M4 slot) for investigation of cataclysmic variables (CVs). Both Gaia and LOFT can contribute to study of CVs and related objects. Spectrophotometry and low dispersion spectroscopy are the most important for CV analyses with the observations of Gaia. We present the possible strategies for investigation of CVs in the sampled photometric and spectroscopic data provided by Gaia. E.g. statistical properties of the long-term activity of various types of CVs can be determined from them. LOFT can be a promising satellite to provide a sensitive X-ray monitor which will enable to investigate the little studied long-term activity of various types of CVs (especially the magnetic ones) in the X-ray band.
Workshop on The Golden Age of Cataclysmic Variables and Related Objects - II .
Authors: Foreword Editorial,
Published: February 2015

Organizing Institutions:
INAF – Istituto di Astrofisica e Planetologia Spaziali, Roma – INAF-IAPS, Roma, Italy
INTA – Dpt. de Cargas Utiles y Ciencias del Espacio, INTA-DCUCE, Madrid, Spain
Czech Republic Academy of Sciences – Astronomical Institute, ASCR-AI, Ondřejov, Czech Republic
Czech Technical University, CTU in Prague, Czech Republic
Department of Physics, Technion, Haifa, Israel
Russian Academy of Sciences – Institute of Astronomy, RAS-IA, Moscow, Russia
INAF - Osservatorio Astronomico di Capodimonte, INAF-OAC, Napoli, Italy
Department of Astronomy, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
The behavior over time of postnatal depression symptomatology and its early detection via the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: An Italian longitudinal study
Authors: Cattaneo Maria Caterina , Roveraro Sara , Chiorino Valentina , Macchi Elena Alessandra , Salerno Roberta , Gatti Monica , Arcaro Laura , Barretta Francesco , Fontana Camilla Barbara , Colombo Lorenzo , Rossi Piero Giorgio , Mosca Fabio
Published: February 2015

Background: Becoming a mother for the first time is a significant developmental transition and postpartum mood disorders represents the most frequent form of maternal morbidity following delivery.Objective: To investigate the ability of Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) to detect, in the first days postpartum, mothers at risk of developing depressive symptomatology over time.Results: The percentage of mothers with an EPDS score â‰¥10 decreases over time: 23.77% at 2/5 days postpartum, 15.57% at 2 months and 9.02% at 6 months after delivery. Among mothers with a depressive symptomatology after 2/5 days postpartum, 41.38% maintained an EPDS score â‰¥10 at 2 months too, while 20.69% of them manifested depressive symptoms at 6 months as well. Both correlation and linear regression showed a significant association between EPDS scores in all three administrations of the study but EPDS score at 2/5 days postpartum is more associated and predictive to maternal mood at two months than at six months postpartum.Method: A longitudinal study was conducting on 122 primiparous mothers who filled out EPDS and a General Information Questionnaire at 2/5 days postpartum, at 2/3 and 6/7 months after delivery. Women with high EPDS scores (â‰¥10) were compared to those who had scored <10 in all the three steps and longitudinal analysis were conducted.Conclusion: Implementing EPDS in the first week postpartum allows identifying women at high risk to maintain depressive symptoms over time. These findings could be useful for health care interventions after delivery and for researchers involved in the study of transcultural aspects of postnatal depression.
Profiles of alkali concentration and galactoglucomannan degradation in kraft impregnation of Scots pine wood: Experimental observations and modeling
Authors: Montagna Pablo N. , Nieminen Kaarlo , Inalbon María C. , Sixta Herbert , Zanuttini Miguel A.
Published: February 2015

A deep understanding of alkali impregnation including the profiles of alkali concentration and hemicellulose degradation is necessary to analyze the optimization of current and innovative processes. In this paper, the impregnation of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) wood is analyzed and modeled under consideration of deacetylation, reactions of acidic group, and galactoglucomannan (GGM) degradation. The immobile anionic groups activated by the ionization of lignin-derived OH groups are also considered for the assessment of the Donnan effect. Predicted profiles of sodium and hydroxide ions and acetyl group concentrations are compared to experimental results. The balance between impregnation and hemicellulose degradation levels is discussed based on the developed models. Expectedly, higher concentrations and temperatures speed up the impregnation process. Nevertheless, a higher OH-concentration has two benefits for the same impregnation front position – the alkali charge inside the chip is higher and the GGM degradation is lower.
Incidence and physiological relevance of protein thiol switches
Authors: Leichert Lars I. , Dick Tobias P.
Published: February 2015

A few small-molecule oxidants, most notably hydrogen peroxide, can act as messengers in signal transduction. They trigger so-called ‘thiol switches’, cysteine residues that are reversibly oxidized to transiently change the functional properties of their host proteins. The proteome-wide identification of functionally relevant ‘thiol switches’ is of significant interest. Unfortunately, prediction of redox-active cysteine residues on the basis of surface accessibility and other computational parameters appears to be of limited use. Proteomic thiol labeling approaches remain the most reliable strategy to discover new thiol switches in a hypothesis-free manner. We discuss if and how genomic knock-in strategies can help establish the physiological relevance of a ‘thiol switch’ on the organismal level. We conclude that surprisingly few attempts have been made to thoroughly verify the physiological relevance of thiol-based redox switches in mammalian model organisms.
Crystal structure of 4-bromo-1H-imidazole, at 200 K, C3H3BrN2
Authors: Hosten Eric C. , Betz Richard
Published: February 2015

C3H3BrN2, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 3.9398(2) Å, b = 12.5823(6) Å, c = 9.8199(4) Å, β = 106.934(2)°, V = 465.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0296, wRref(F2) = 0.0758, T = 200 K.