bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of the surface properties of DLC and ultrananocrystalline diamond films with respect to their bio‐applications
Authors: Jelinek Miroslav , Voss Alexandra , Kocourek Tomáš , Mozafari Mahsa , Vymětalová Veronika , Zezulová Marketa , Písařík Petr , Kotzianová Adéla , Popov Cyril , Mikšovský Jan
Published: May 2013

Two types of carbon‐based films, namely diamond‐like carbon (DLC) and ultrananocrystalline diamond (UNCD) films were comparatively investigated. The DLC films were prepared by pulsed laser deposition (PLD) without or with additional ion bombardment, the UNCD films by microwave plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition. The films were characterized with respect to their topography and morphology (AFM, SEM) and bonding structure, e.g. fractions of sp3 and sp2 carbon atoms (XPS, FTIR and Raman spectroscopy). Finally, the wettability and the surface energies of both types of films were investigated with contact angle measurements as well as the antibacterial properties with two types of bacteria.
An empirical study of faults in late propagation clone genealogies
Authors: Barbour Liliane , Khomh Foutse , Zou Ying
Published: May 2013

Two similar code segments, or clones, form a clone pair within a software system. The changes to the clones over time create a clone evolution history. In this work, we study late propagation, a specific pattern of clone evolution. In late propagation, one clone in a clone pair is modified, causing the clone pair to diverge. The code segments are then reconciled in a later commit. Existing work has established late propagation as a clone evolution pattern and suggested that the pattern is related to a high number of faults. In this study, we examine the characteristics of late propagation in three long‐lived software systems using the Simian ( Simon Harris, Victoria, Australia, http://www.harukizaemon.com/simian), CCFinder, and NiCad (Software Technology Laboratory, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada) clone detection tools. We define eight types of late propagation and compare them to other forms of clone evolution. Our results not only verify that late propagation is more harmful to software systems but also establish that some specific types of late propagations are more harmful than others. Specifically, two types are most risky: (1) when a clone experiences diverging changes and then a reconciling change without any modification to the other clone in a clone pair; and (2) when two clones undergo a diverging modification followed by a reconciling change that modifies both the clones in a clone pair. We also observe that the reconciliation in the former case is more prone to faults than in the latter case. We determine that the size of the clones experiencing late propagation has an effect on the fault proneness of specific types of late propagation genealogies. Lastly, we cannot report a correlation between the delay of the propagation of changes and its faults, as the fault proneness of each delay period is system dependent. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation of software maintenance process, with and without a work‐in‐process limit
Authors: Concas Giulio , Lunesu Maria Ilaria , Marchesi Michele , Zhang Hongyu
Published: May 2013

A software maintenance process is important for reducing maintenance effort and for improving software quality. In recent years, the Lean–Kanban approach has been widely applied in software practice including software maintenance. This approach minimizes Work‐in‐Progress (WIP), which is the number of items that are worked on by the team at any given time, thus improving the maintenance process. In this paper, we describe our simulation studies, which show that the Lean–Kanban approach can indeed help reduce the average time needed to complete maintenance requests. We develop a process simulator that can simulate both existing maintenance processes that do not use a WIP limit and that adopt it. We perform two case studies using real maintenance data collected from a Microsoft project and from a Chinese software firm. The main results of our study are twofold. First, we demonstrate that it is possible to effectively model and simulate, using actors and events, a maintenance process where a flow of issues is processed through a sequence of activities, correctly reproducing key statistics of real data. Second, our results confirm that the WIP‐limited process could be useful to increase the efficiency of software maintenance, as reported in previous industrial practices. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Effect of Na2O and K2O on the Partition Ratio of Phosphorus between CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 Slag and Carbon‐Saturated Iron
Authors: Li Guangqiang , Zhu Chengyi , Li Yongjun , Huang Xiongyuan , Chen Min
Published: May 2013

In the present study, the experiments for the phosphorus equilibrium partition between CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 slags with Na2O or K2O addition and solid pure iron foil were performed at 1573, 1623, and 1673 K, respectively. The experimental results showed that both Na2O and K2O addition can enhance the dephosphorization ability of CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags and they have similar dephosphorization ability under the same temperature and main slag composition. The phosphorous partition ratio between slag and carbon‐saturated hot metal increased with the increase of basicity with a peak value in the range of R around 1.3–1.5. The phosphorous partition ratio decreased with the increasing of (w(CaO) + w(Na2O))/w(FetO) value in slags. The dephosphorization ability of CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags was relatively higher when the (w(CaO) + w(Na2O))/w(FetO) values fell in the range of 0.5–0.8. The phosphorous partition ratio decreased with the temperature increase. The linear relationships between the logarithm phosphorous partition ratio and the reciprocal of temperature were obtained for CaO–SiO2–FetO–P2O5 based slags with Na2O. The information provides by present study would be useful for optimization of dephosphorization in hot metal pretreatment.
Mechanism of Dry Molten Slag Granulation Using a Rotating Multi‐Nozzle Cup Atomizer
Authors: Yuelin Qin , Xuewei Lv , Chenguang Bai , Pan Chen , Guibao Qiu , Jie Zhang
Published: May 2013

As the main by‐product in the iron‐making process, blast furnace slag (BF slag) contains a high amount of sensible heat which is a potential heat source with great value if treated properly. Although several technologies have been investigated during recent decades, few of them can be commercialized successfully.

In the previous study, we developed a rotating multi‐nozzle cup atomizer (RMCA) for granulating the molten slag. The particle size distribution of the produced slag particle is narrow, the shape is spherical, and the degree of non‐crystallization is over 95%. In the current study, the models of the disintegration mechanism, the traveling trajectories and the temperature profile of the slag droplet are established. The particle size is analyzed theoretically and then compared with experimental results. It is found that the predicted results agreed with the experimental results very well. The models can provide guidance for designing commercialized atomizer and optimizing the operation parameters.
Mapping and significance of the mRNA methylome
Authors: Sibbritt Tennille , Patel Hardip R. , Preiss Thomas
Published: May 2013

Internal methylation of eukaryotic mRNAs in the form of N6‐methyladenosine (m6A) and 5‐methylcytidine (m5C) has long been known to exist, but progress in understanding its role was hampered by difficulties in identifying individual sites. This was recently overcome by high‐throughput sequencing‐based methods that mapped thousands of sites for both modifications throughout mammalian transcriptomes, with most sites found in mRNAs. The topology of m6A in mouse and human revealed both conserved and variable sites as well as plasticity in response to extracellular cues. Within mRNAs, m5C and m6A sites were relatively depleted in coding sequences and enriched in untranslated regions, suggesting functional interactions with post‐transcriptional gene control. Finer distribution analyses and preexisting literature point toward roles in the regulation of mRNA splicing, translation, or decay, through an interplay with RNA‐binding proteins and microRNAs. The methyltransferase (MTase) METTL3 ‘writes’ m6A marks on mRNA, whereas the demethylase FTO can ‘erase’ them. The RNA:m5C MTases NSUN2 and TRDMT1 have roles in tRNA methylation but they also act on mRNA. Proper functioning of these enzymes is important in development and there are clear links to human disease. For instance, a common variant of FTO is a risk allele for obesity carried by 1 billion people worldwide and mutations cause a lethal syndrome with growth retardation and brain deficits. NSUN2 is linked to cancer and stem cell biology and mutations cause intellectual disability. In this review, we summarize the advances, open questions, and intriguing possibilities in this emerging field that might be called RNA modomics or epitranscriptomics. WIREs RNA 2013, 4:437–461. doi: 10.1002/wrna.1166

This article is categorized under:

RNA Processing > RNA Editing and Modification

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease

RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Development
Surface plasmon-enhanced Ag/CuS nanocomposites for cancer treatment
Authors: Yang Chang , Ma Lun , Zou Xiaoju , Xiang Guangya , Chen Wei
Published: May 2013

Photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment is the use of heat between 41 and 45 °C to damage cancer cells. As a new type of transducer agent for PTT of cancer, CuS nanoparticles have several advantages. The most favorable features are the low cost, simple, and easy preparation and small size for targeting. However, the CuS nanoparticle PTT efficacy needs to be improved for practical applications. In this study, the CuS nano-PTT efficiency is enhanced via the local field enhancement from Ag nanoparticle surface plasmon coupling. The results show that absorbance of CuS nanoparticles in Ag/CuS nanocomposites is enhanced about four times by Ag nanoparticle surface plasmon coupling. Consequently, the PTT efficacy is enhanced and a power of 0.6 W/cm2 with a 980-nm laser is sufficient for Ag/CuS nano-PTT activation for cancer treatment in vitro observations.
Restrictions to protein folding determined by the protein size
Authors: Finkelstein Alexei V. , Bogatyreva Natalya S. , Garbuzynskiy Sergiy O.
Published: May 2013

Experimentally measured rates of spontaneous folding of single‐domain globular proteins range from microseconds to hours: the difference (11 orders of magnitude!) is akin to the difference between the life span of a mosquito and the age of the Universe. We show that physical theory with biological constraints outlines the possible range of folding rates for single‐domain globular proteins of various size and stability, and that the experimentally measured folding rates fall within this narrow “golden triangle” built without any adjustable parameters, filling it almost completely. This “golden triangle” also successfully predicts the maximal allowed size of the “foldable” protein domains, as well as the maximal size of protein domains that fold under solely thermodynamic (rather than kinetic) control. In conclusion, we give a phenomenological formula for dependence of the folding rate on the size, shape and stability of the protein fold.
The epigenetic landscape of B lymphocyte tolerance to self
Authors: Zouali Moncef
Published: May 2013

Despite frequent exposures to a variety of potential triggers, including antigens produced by pathogens or commensal microbiota, B‐lymphocytes are able to mount highly protective responses to a variety of threats, while remaining tolerant to self‐components. A number of cytokines, signaling pathways and transcription factors have been characterized to elucidate the mechanisms underlying B cell tolerance to self. It is, however, unclear how the signals received by B‐lymphocytes are converted into complex and sustained patterns of gene expression that can allow production of protective antibodies and maintain immune tolerance to self‐components. Mounting evidence now suggests an important role for epigenetic mechanisms in modulating and transmitting signals for B lymphocyte tolerization to self‐antigens. It is likely that a better insight into epigenetic regulation of B cell tolerance will lead to development of gene‐specific therapeutic approaches that optimize host defense mechanisms to exogenous threats, while preventing development and/or progression of autoimmune inflammatory diseases.
Cell biology of the intercalated cell in the kidney
Authors: Al-Awqati Qais
Published: May 2013

The intercalated cell of the collecting tubule of the mammalian kidney is specialized for the transport of H+ and HCO3. They exist in two forms; one specialized for acid secretion and the other secretes HCO3 into the urine. We discovered many years ago that feeding animals an acid diet converts the HCO3 secreting form to an acid secreting type. Here I discuss the molecular basis of this transformation. The conversion of the cell types is mediated by an extracellular matrix protein hensin (also known as DMBT1). However much remains to be identified in the differentiation of these cells.
The amyloid precursor protein: A biochemical enigma in brain development, function and disease
Authors: Nalivaeva Natalia N. , Turner Anthony J.
Published: May 2013

For 20 years the amyloid cascade hypothesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) has placed the amyloid‐β peptide (Aβ), formed from the amyloid precursor protein (APP), centre stage in the process of neurodegeneration. However, no new therapeutic agents have reached the clinic through exploitation of the hypothesis. The APP metabolites, including Aβ, generated by its proteolytic processing, have distinct physiological functions. In particular, the cleaved intracellular domain of APP (AICD) regulates expression of several genes, including APP itself, the β‐secretase BACE‐1 and the Aβ‐degrading enzyme, neprilysin and this transcriptional regulation involves direct promoter binding of AICD. Of the three major splice isoforms of APP (APP695, APP751, APP770), APP695 is the predominant neuronal form, from which Aβ and transcriptionally‐active AICD are preferentially generated by selective processing through the amyloidogenic pathway. Despite intensive research, the normal functions of the APP isoforms remain an enigma. APP plays an important role in brain development, memory and synaptic plasticity and secreted forms of APP are neuroprotective. A fuller understanding of the physiological and pathological actions of APP and its metabolic and gene regulatory network could provide new therapeutic opportunities in neurodegeneration, including AD.
Genetic dissection of sodium and potassium transport along the aldosterone‐sensitive distal nephron: Importance in the control of blood pressure and hypertension
Authors: Rossier Bernard C. , Staub Olivier , Hummler Edith
Published: May 2013

In this review, we discuss genetic evidence supporting Guyton's hypothesis stating that blood pressure control is critically depending on fluid handling by the kidney. The review is focused on the genetic dissection of sodium and potassium transport in the distal nephron and the collecting duct that are the most important sites for the control of sodium and potassium balance by aldosterone and angiotensin II. Thanks to the study of Mendelian forms of hypertension and their corresponding transgenic mouse models, three main classes of diuretic receptors (furosemide, thiazide, amiloride) and the main components of the aldosterone‐ and angiotensin‐dependent signaling pathways were molecularly identified over the past 20 years. This will allow to design rational strategies for the treatment of hypertension and for the development of the next generation of diuretics.
Molecular chaperones as enzymes that catalytically unfold misfolded polypeptides
Authors: Priya Smriti , Sharma Sandeep K. , Goloubinoff Pierre
Published: May 2013

Stress‐denatured or de novo synthesized and translocated unfolded polypeptides can spontaneously reach their native state without assistance of other proteins. Yet, the pathway to native folding is complex, stress‐sensitive and prone to errors. Toxic misfolded and aggregated conformers may accumulate in cells and lead to degenerative diseases. Members of the canonical conserved families of molecular chaperones, Hsp100s, Hsp70/110/40s, Hsp60/CCTs, the small Hsps and probably also Hsp90s, can recognize and bind with high affinity, abnormally exposed hydrophobic surfaces on misfolded and aggregated polypeptides. Binding to Hsp100, Hsp70, Hsp110, Hsp40, Hsp60, CCTs and Trigger factor may cause partial unfolding of the misfolded polypeptide substrates, and ATP hydrolysis can induce further unfolding and release from the chaperone, leading to spontaneous refolding into native proteins with low‐affinity for the chaperones. Hence, specific chaperones act as catalytic polypeptide unfolding isomerases, rerouting cytotoxic misfolded and aggregated polypeptides back onto their physiological native refolding pathway, thus averting the onset of protein conformational diseases.
Unheralded failure of Riata defibrillator lead identified at defibrillation threshold testing
Authors: Webber Matthew R. , Allen Rosemary F. , Stiles Martin K.
Published: May 2013

Background

St Jude Medical “Riata” implantable cardioverter‐defibrillator leads have a higher‐than‐expected failure rate and carry a Class 1 recall. Failure usually relates to an insulation breach that may not be identified by lead fluoroscopic or electrical changes.

Case presentation

We report a case of Riata lead failure identified by the aborted delivery of effective therapy for ventricular fibrillation at the time of defibrillation threshold testing. Lead fluoroscopic appearances were normal. Shock impedance on attempted shock delivery was unrecordably low, and all other electrical parameters were within normal limits.

Conclusion

Riata lead failure may be unrecognised until there is failure to deliver necessary therapy. Strong consideration ought to be given to lead examination under high‐voltage shock delivery through the device.
Every community has a story: The impact of the bilingual history fair on teaching and student learning
Authors: Garth McCullough Ruanda , Fry Michelle
Published: May 2013

This study examined academic and instructional effects of history fair participation on English Language Learners (ELLs). The exhibition preparation process included inquiry-based pedagogy to increase bilingual students’ social studies knowledge. The Bilingual History Fair required recent immigrant, 4th–12th grade students to explore community and immigration through oral history research projects. The mixed-methods data collection process involved a survey of 37 teacher participants, two teacher focus group interviews, and pre- and post-data collected from 149 student participants. Student involvement in the history project expanded student learning and understanding of historical concepts. Through this initiative, teachers validated the students’ languages, cultures, and life experiences of their families. The student-to-teacher interactions and the employed targeted instructional strategies were “key methods to moving ELLs toward a stage of historical thinking that will have a measurable impact on student progress in the social studies” ( Salinas, Franquiz, & Guberman 2006, p. 207 ). The findings demonstrate that “teaching social studies that matters to ELLs is an achievable goal” ( Cruz & Thornton, 2009, p. 274 ). The process enhanced the self-concept and efficacy of the students and their sense of place in their schools and communities.
Evaluation of an Interdisciplinary Program for Chronic Pain After Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Burns Anthony S. , Delparte Jude J. , Ballantyne Elena C. , Boschen Kathryn A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

To assess efficacy of an interdisciplinary pain program adapted for persons with spinal cord injury (SCI) and chronic pain.

Design

Prospective cohort.

Setting

University‐affiliated rehabilitation hospital.

Participants

Twenty‐two persons with traumatic or nontraumatic SCI and chronic pain of at least 6 months’ duration.

Methods

Subjects participated in an interdisciplinary pain program consisting of biweekly group sessions for 10 consecutive weeks. Sessions incorporated patient education on chronic pain and associated pain mechanisms, cognitive behavioral therapy, self‐management strategies (eg, energy conservation, ergonomics, goal setting, stress management, anger management, and coping skills), group discussions and activities, and either exercise or guided relaxation at the end of each session.

Main Outcome Measures

Multidimensional Pain Inventory SCI, Coping Inventory of Stressful Situations, Pain Stages of Change Questionnaire, and Life Satisfaction Questionnaire.

Results

After participation in an interdisciplinary pain program, persons with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain demonstrated increased involvement in learning and maintenance of coping strategies for chronic pain. Participation also led to less pain interference in daily life and a greater sense of control over one's life.

Conclusions

Participation in an interdisciplinary pain program does not reduce pain severity, but it can help persons with SCI and chronic neuropathic pain cope with pain, lessen interference of pain, and improve their sense of control.
Electoral breakthroughs in Croatia and Serbia: Women’s organizing and international assistance
Authors: Irvine Jill A.
Published: May 2013

This article investigates the role of women’s organizations and activists in the electoral breakthroughs in Serbia and Croatia in 2000. When, how, and to what effect, it asks, did women organize during transformational moments to promote their goals of political liberalization and gender equality? I argue that political opportunities—shaped by the domestic constellation of forces and international assistance programs—are essential to explaining political success. I identify what I call the insider/inclusionary strategy that characterizes women’s organizing in Croatia and the outsider/oppositional strategy that characterizes women’s organizing in Serbia. These strategies resulted in different immediate outcomes for women’s political equality in the electoral breakthroughs in Croatia and Serbia.
An Analysis of Hiker Preparedness: A Survey of Hiker Habits in New Hampshire
Authors: Mason Ryan C. , Suner Selim , Williams Kenneth A.
Published: May 2013

Objective

Describe hiking habits in a heavily used wilderness area to better target injury prevention and reduce search-and-rescue events.

Methods

A cross-sectional, convenience survey was conducted at 3 trailheads in the White Mountain National Forest of New Hampshire during summer 2011. The study group consisted of hikers who consented to a questionnaire before their trip that assessed demographics, experience, hiking gear, pretrip planning, and communication devices.

Results

A total of 199 hikers were surveyed. The most common age group was 20 to 29 years at 29.2% (n = 195). The most common hike was less than 12 hours at 78.5% (n = 191). All 10 items deemed essential were carried by 17.8% (n = 197) of hikers. The most common omission reason was “short trip” at 32.2% (n = 162). Defined as greater than 7 items, the 50- to 59-year-old age group was the most prepared at 56.9% (n = 51). Hiker preparedness increased with experience and fitness levels. Hikers planning trips of less than 12 hours were less prepared compared with hikers planning longer trips, at 39.3% (n = 150) and 48.8% (n = 41), respectively. GPS devices were carried by 122 of 193 hikers. Phone GPS users were less prepared than GPS-only device users at 35.8% (34 of 95) and 55.6% (15 of 27), respectively.

Conclusions

One factor that may help reduce rescues is better-prepared individuals able to avoid emergency medical services activation. Most neglect of preparation results from hikers perceiving short trips as less risky. The groups most often underprepared tend to be younger, less fit, and inexperienced. Therefore, education should target younger groups and stress that all hikes, regardless of duration, carry an inherent risk.
Self-similar vortex-induced vibrations of a hanging string
Authors: Grouthier C. , Michelin S. , Modarres-Sadeghi Y. , de Langre E.
Published: May 2013

An experimental analysis of the vortex-induced vibrations of a hanging string with variable tension along its length is presented in this paper. It is shown that standing waves develop along the hanging string. First, the evolution of the Strouhal number $\mathit{St}$ with the Reynolds number $\mathit{Re}$ follows a trend similar to what is observed for a circular cylinder in a flow for relatively low Reynolds numbers ($32\lt \mathit{Re}\lt 700$). Second, the extracted mode shapes are self-similar: a rescaling of the spanwise coordinate by a self-similarity coefficient allows all of them to collapse onto a unique function. The self-similar behaviour of the spatial distribution of the vibrations along the hanging string is then explained theoretically by performing a linear stability analysis of an adapted wake-oscillator model. This linear stability analysis finally provides an accurate description of the mode shapes and of the evolution of the self-similarity coefficient with the flow speed.
Selling Ideas: An International Perspective on Patenting and Markets for Technological Innovations, 1790–1930
Authors: Khan B. Zorina
Published: May 2013

An extensive global market in patents and innovations developed after the middle of the nineteenth century. I employ data from the United States, Britain, Germany, Canada, New South Wales, Spain, and Japan during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries to assess the evolution of transfers in patent-property rights across these countries. The empirical analysis examines the factors that affected patterns in patent assignments and foreign patenting for these countries. It sheds further light on cross-sectional variation in foreign patenting and transfers to corporations, based on a panel data set of patent grants and assignments at issue in the United States during the Second Industrial Revolution. The results indicate that, just as inventive activity responded to incentives, the patterns of market exchange in patent rights varied in accordance with legal, economic, and institutional parameters. The analysis is consistent with the position that developing countries today might benefit from tailoring their patent institutions to individual circumstances rather than adhering to harmonized standards.
Regulatory Accountability in the Nigerian Telecommunications Sector
Authors: Opata Chukwudiebube Bede Abraham
Published: May 2013

This article addresses the issue of how the Nigerian Communications Commission, which is responsible for the independent regulation of the Nigerian telecommunications sector, could be made accountable. The need for accountability is relevant given the local context of pervasive corruption and lower expectations of accountability when compared with more mature democracies. The accountability question is analysed in terms of the traditional public accountability mechanisms of executive supervision, legislative oversight and judicial review, highlighting the limits and challenges facing the application of each traditional accountability mechanism to the commission. An extended notion of accountability, specifically the adoption of fair procedures in decision making and accountability to the public at large, are presented as feasibly complementary to traditional accountability mechanisms. Finally the article proposes an amendment to the pre-action conditions to judicial review to facilitate greater accountability.
Governance through Trading: Institutional Swing Trades and Subsequent Firm Performance
Authors: Gallagher David R. , Gardner Peter A. , Swan Peter L.
Published: May 2013

Using unique daily fund-manager trade data, we examine the role of institutional trading in influencing firm performance. We show that short-horizon informed trading by multiple institutional investors effectively disciplines corporate management. Our focus is on short-term “swing” trades, sequences with three phases (e.g., buy-sell-buy). We find swing trades increase stock price informativeness, are profitable after costs, and improve market efficiency. This increase in stock price informativeness is associated with subsequent firm outperformance. Trades are most beneficial with optimal stock holdings that reflect the information acquisition incentives of investors as well as liquidity costs.
The effect of the acanthocephalan Pomphorhynchus laevis upon the respiration of its intermediate host, Gammarus pulex
Authors: Rumpus A. E. , Kennedy C. R.
Published: May 2013

The respiration rates of individual Gammarus pulex infected by larval Pomphorhynchus laevis were investigated with particular reference to the stage of development of the host and parasite and to the water temperature. At 20°C the oxygen consumption of Gammarus of all sizes was reduced by an average of 19·3 % by the presence of cystacanths of the parasite, but was unaffected by the presence of acanthellae. It is considered that the small size of this larval stage, in relation to that of its host, is responsible for the failure to detect an effect. Multiple infections did not exert any greater effect upon host respiration than single cystacanths, nor did it appear that the parasite had different effects upon hosts of different sexes. At 10°C no significant differences were observed between the respiration rates of infected and uninfected gammarids. The parasite was probably still depressing the host respiration rate at this temperature, but the oxygen uptake of G. pulex is so low that the differences between infected and uninfected individuals were too small to be detected. The parasite has a direct effect upon the physiological processes of the host, but neither the mechanism of this nor the reasons for the different effects found in different host-parasite systems are yet understood. Despite the pronounced effect of P. laevis on respiration of individual hosts, its effect upon the oxygen consumption of a natural host population is small since only a small proportion of the population carries infections and water temperatures remain below 10°C for over half the year.
Alien invasions: the British Musicians' Union and foreign musicians
Authors: Cloonan Martin , Brennan Matt
Published: May 2013

This article examines the policies of the British Musicians' Union towards the employment of musicians who were not UK citizens in the period from the 1920s to the 1950s, with particular emphasis on an alleged ban on American musicians entering the country. Drawing on a number of hitherto largely ignored and/or unavailable sources, it argues that many previous accounts of these policies have simplified a more complex picture. We illustrate that complexity and suggest that the issues surrounding the ban are ones which continue to resonate.
Unpacking the gift: negotiating property and custody in archival hardcore blogs
Authors: Heuman Josh
Published: May 2013

How is music appropriated and recirculated on the web, across different claims to authority over its movement? Complicating broad accounts of online ‘piracy’ or ‘sharing’, this paper explores rules of appropriation and recirculation in the field of archival hardcore blogging, in close readings of blogs that try to reconstruct a system of regulating principles and regulated practices. In relations among themselves, bloggers claim (and quarrel over) a non-proprietary ‘custodial’ authority over the music they post, which supports a range of privileges from attribution to exclusivity. Relations between bloggers and property-holders reveal intricate entanglements of different forms of authority (rather than straightforward oppositions between discrete logics of gift and commodity) – in which bands and labels might appeal to subcultural credibility in the same breath as legal copyright. While drawing on concepts of norm and gift that emphasise and valorise the sociality of appropriation, this paper insists on the ambivalence and contestation across different practices of appropriation, and between practices of appropriation and property – recovering an intricate interrelation among the legal, economic and social lives of musical works.
What type of patients with lesions of the pancreas and spine are suitable candidates for treatment with the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgical system?
Authors: McCaighy Stuart
Published: May 2013

Materials & methods

A systematic literature review was conducted to critically examine patient selection for patients undergoing stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) to the spine and pancreas on the CyberKnife robotic radiosurgical system (CK). Online databases were searched and data was collected and ranked using a system from the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network. The quality of the evidence analysed was insufficient to generate universal recommendations. However, the conclusions reached do help to demonstrate the safety and efficacy of CK treatment to both pancreatic and spinal patients.

Results

Excellent local control rates and minimal acute toxicity were reported within the spinal literature with uncertainties remaining with regard to the precise tolerance of the spinal cord and the reliability of current toxicity prediction methods. For pancreatic patients prognosis remains dismal due to the tendency for patients to present with advanced or inoperable disease. Combinations of CK SBRT and Gemcitabine chemotherapy are given though regimes vary and overall survival is not extended due to the rapid onset of distant metastases. New chemotherapy agents are required as well as better means of predicting response to treatment.

Conclusion

No randomised controlled trials or meta-analyses were identified in the review and these are required in order to generate universal guidelines
Implication, Quotation, and Coltrane in Selected Works By David N. Baker
Authors: MAXILE HORACE J.
Published: May 2013

This article explores composer David N. Baker's use of elements of jazz and vernacular music to articulate formal structures and suggest extramusical commentaries in his concert works, with particular focus on the Sonata for Cello and Piano and the Sonata I for Piano. Themes of homage to and respect for jazz saxophonist John Coltrane resonate through these works. Various features bring the jazz legend to mind, but Baker's compelling play with implication and quotation provides fertile ground for studying musical signification and the use of vernacular emblems within Western compositional structures and the concert music of African American composers. Conventional analytical methods are combined with readings of referential symbols to work toward interpretations that address both structural and expressive domains. This approach allows discussions of compositional techniques to intersect with cultural and philosophical considerations. By addressing issues of musical structure and expressivity, this article seeks to move beyond commonplace surface-level descriptions of black vernacular emblems in the concert music of African American composers.
“The World is His Song”: Paul Robeson's 1958 Carnegie Hall Concerts and the Cosmopolitan Imagination
Authors: OLWAGE GRANT
Published: May 2013

Paul Robeson's celebrated comeback recitals at Carnegie Hall in 1958 marked the singer's return to the world's concert stages after his ban for much of the 1950s. The recitals, this article argues, can be understood as a presentation of cosmopolitan thinking and action, of a certain way of being in and interacting with the world, and also a mid-century critique of American nationalist politics. As such, the article is an elaboration of scholarship that has considered aspects of internationalism in Robeson's discourse and (musical) practice. Drawing on the insights of the new or critical cosmopolitanism, a diverse and loose body of theory that has gained currency since the 1990s, the essay thinks through Robeson's Carnegie Hall events in terms of the practices of the concert hall recital, specifically programming, suggesting what it might mean to be a cosmopolitan singer in a specific historical moment.
The Politics of New Atheism
Authors: Schulzke Marcus
Published: May 2013

This article discusses the political implications of the new atheism movement that has been popularized by writers such as Richard Dawkins, Christopher Hitchens, and Sam Harris. New atheism is largely defined by its political goals, yet it has received relatively little attention from political theorists. To the extent that scholars have commented on new atheists' political thought, they have generally misinterpreted it and presented it as being intolerant. This article will argue that new atheists' attack on religion is largely motivated by their desire to defend a liberal view of politics and liberal values.
Exploring Empathy in Interaction
Authors: Marti Patrizia , Stienstra Jelle T.
Published: May 2013

As intelligent support systems move into the world of elder care and independent living, their behavior becomes a prominent aspect in the lives of people, raising the question of how to design for such systems addressing older people in a respectful manner. We provide a phenomenology-inspired design perspective on emotional and social robotics in elder care pivoting on the uniqueness and respect for older people’s perceptual-motor, cognitive, emotional, and social skills. Our approach aims at achieving an empathic relationship between the older person and the system by providing continuous, expressive opportunities to allow interaction and meaning to emerge. We illustrate our research-through-design approach with several scenarios and conclude this paper reporting the interview of an older person who experimented with early prototypes of the robotic system.
Development of Robot Interventions for Intramural Psychogeriatric Care
Authors: Bemelmans Roger , Gelderblom Gert Jan , Spierts Nadine , Jonker Pieter , de Witte Luc
Published: May 2013

Social robots are more and more coming to be seen as having great potential for long-term care. However, the actual application of social robots in the provision of daily care depends on demonstrated added value of such systems. The availability of a technical system as such is insufficient for achieving added value. Rather, care interventions need to be defined in terms of the goal, target group, environment, and how care staff should act to pursue effective application of a robot system. For the seal robot Paro three such interventions have been developed in collaboration with psychogeriatric care professionals. These interventions also outline the application of Paro in care for a subsequent effectiveness study.
Ethical Considerations Regarding the Use of Social Robots in the Fourth Age
Authors: Misselhorn Catrin , Pompe Ulrike , Stapleton Mog
Published: May 2013

The debate about the use of robots in the care of older adults has often been dominated by either overly optimistic visions (coming particularly from Japan), in which robots are seamlessly incorporated into society thereby enhancing quality of life for everyone; or by extremely pessimistic scenarios that paint such a future as horrifying. We reject this dichotomy and argue for a more differentiated ethical evaluation of the possibilities and risks involved with the use of social robots. In a critical discussion surrounding the capabilities approach to the ethical evaluation of quality of life, we develop an ethical framework that is more appropriate to the situation of the oldest old. We urge employment of a context-dependent approach to the ethical evaluation of new technologies in the care and therapy of older adults, and using the example of the robotic seal Paro, we show how this can be accomplished in a sensible and practical way.
IP3R2 levels dictate the apoptotic sensitivity of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells to an IP3R-derived peptide targeting the BH4 domain of Bcl-2
Authors: Akl H , Monaco G , La Rovere R , Welkenhuyzen K , Kiviluoto S , Vervliet T , Molgó J , Distelhorst C W , Missiaen L , Mikoshiba K , Parys J B , De Smedt H , Bultynck G
Published: May 2013

Disrupting inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) receptor (IP3R)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) complexes using a cell-permeable peptide (stabilized TAT-fused IP3R-derived peptide (TAT-IDPS)) that selectively targets the BH4 domain of Bcl-2 but not that of B-cell lymphoma 2-extra large (Bcl-Xl) potentiated pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells. However, the molecular mechanisms rendering cancer cells but not normal cells particularly sensitive to disrupting IP3R/Bcl-2 complexes are poorly understood. Therefore, we studied the effect of TAT-IDPS in a more heterogeneous Bcl-2-dependent cancer model using a set of ‘primed to death’ diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DL-BCL) cell lines containing elevated Bcl-2 levels. We discovered a large heterogeneity in the apoptotic responses of these cells to TAT-IDPS with SU-DHL-4 being most sensitive and OCI-LY-1 being most resistant. This sensitivity strongly correlated with the ability of TAT-IDPS to promote IP3R-mediated Ca2+ release. Although total IP3R-expression levels were very similar among SU-DHL-4 and OCI-LY-1, we discovered that the IP3R2-protein level was the highest for SU-DHL-4 and the lowest for OCI-LY-1. Strikingly, TAT-IDPS-induced Ca2+ rise and apoptosis in the different DL-BCL cell lines strongly correlated with their IP3R2-protein level, but not with IP3R1-, IP3R3- or total IP3R-expression levels. Inhibiting or knocking down IP3R2 activity in SU-DHL-4-reduced TAT-IDPS-induced apoptosis, which is compatible with its ability to dissociate Bcl-2 from IP3R2 and to promote IP3-induced pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling. Thus, certain chronically activated B-cell lymphoma cells are addicted to high Bcl-2 levels for their survival not only to neutralize pro-apoptotic Bcl-2-family members but also to suppress IP3R hyperactivity. In particular, cancer cells expressing high levels of IP3R2 are addicted to IP3R/Bcl-2 complex formation and disruption of these complexes using peptide tools results in pro-apoptotic Ca2+ signaling and cell death.
Insights from quantitative metaproteomics and protein-stable isotope probing into microbial ecology
Authors: von Bergen Martin , Jehmlich Nico , Taubert Martin , Vogt Carsten , Bastida Felipe , Herbst Florian-Alexander , Schmidt Frank , Richnow Hans-Hermann , Seifert Jana
Published: May 2013

The recent development of metaproteomics has enabled the direct identification and quantification of expressed proteins from microbial communities in situ, without the need for microbial enrichment. This became possible by (1) significant increases in quality and quantity of metagenome data and by improvements of (2) accuracy and (3) sensitivity of modern mass spectrometers (MS). The identification of physiologically relevant enzymes can help to understand the role of specific species within a community or an ecological niche. Beside identification, relative and absolute quantitation is also crucial. We will review label-free and label-based methods of quantitation in MS-based proteome analysis and the contribution of quantitative proteome data to microbial ecology. Additionally, approaches of protein-based stable isotope probing (protein-SIP) for deciphering community structures are reviewed. Information on the species-specific metabolic activity can be obtained when substrates or nutrients are labeled with stable isotopes in a protein-SIP approach. The stable isotopes (13C, 15N, 36S) are incorporated into proteins and the rate of incorporation can be used for assessing the metabolic activity of the corresponding species. We will focus on the relevance of the metabolic and phylogenetic information retrieved with protein-SIP studies and for detecting and quantifying the carbon flux within microbial consortia. Furthermore, the combination of protein-SIP with established tools in microbial ecology such as other stable isotope probing techniques are discussed.
Dysbiosis in inflammatory bowel diseases: the oxygen hypothesis
Authors: Rigottier-Gois Lionel
Published: May 2013

The healthy intestine is characterized by a low level of oxygen and by the presence of large bacterial communities of obligate anaerobes. Dysbiosis of the gut microbiota has been reported in patients suffering from inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), but the mechanisms causing this imbalance remain unknown. Observations have included a decrease in obligate anaerobes of the phylum Firmicutes and an increase in facultative anaerobes, including members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The shift of bacterial communities from obligate to facultative anaerobes strongly suggests a disruption in anaerobiosis and points to a role for oxygen in intestinal dysbiosis. Proposals to evaluate this hypothesis of a role for oxygen in IBD dysbiosis are provided. If this hypothesis is confirmed, decreasing oxygen in the intestine could open novel means to rebalance the microbiota and could provide novel preventative or therapeutic strategies for IBD patients in whom current treatments are ineffective.
Steady‐state security assessment method based on distance to security region boundaries
Authors: Chen Sijie J. , Chen Qixin X. , Xia Qing , Kang Chongqing Q.
Published: May 2013

Steady‐state security region (SSR) provides a region‐wise approach to assess the steady‐state security of power systems. Based on the SSR model, we introduce the concept of ‘steady‐state security distance’ (SSD) to provide exact ‘quantitative analysis’ on the scale of security margins for system operators. Then, mathematical models of SSD are formulated. On this basis, implementation of SSD is discussed towards various uncertainties within the power system operation. As the calculation of SSD is in essence a large‐scale non‐linear optimisation process, it requires very long computation time, and thus could not be utilised in practical application. In order to enhance the efficiency of computation, a novel algorithm is proposed, which decomposes the complex optimisation process into two steps: active SSR boundary identification and partial constrained solution. The proposed algorithm remarkably cuts the scale of the optimisation model as well as the number of calculations, thus significantly reduces the computation time to meet requirements of assessment towards day ahead and hours ahead generation schedules. In the end, an IEEE‐30 bus case and a practical case on a provincial power system are both studied to testify the effectiveness of the proposed model and algorithm.
Parameter optimisation of path‐following fuzzy controller for a six‐wheel lunar rover
Authors: Ge Pingshu , Guo Lie , Zhang Ronghui , Shao Qiang , Zhao Xiuchun
Published: May 2013

Path following is a main and fundamental task for future lunar rover autonomous navigation. This study adopts genetic algorithm (GA) to optimise the parameters of a path‐following fuzzy controller designed for a six‐wheel lunar rover. Considering the influences of the orientation deviation and its variation rate to the controller performance, two quantisation factors and one scale factor are utilised to limit both the input and output variables. However, it is difficult to manually achieve the proper factors because they are coupling themselves complicatedly. They are adjusted and modified automatically during the path‐following process based on GA to achieve the auto‐tradeoff the parameter and its control performance. Those parameters are coded using floating‐point encoding scheme, respectively. The minimum tracking error and the angular velocity are taken as the target function. After several iterations of crossover and mutation, the best parameters are determined aiming at achieving lower path tracking error with small angular velocity. Simulation on different paths and comparisons with traditional fuzzy controller results show the designed controller with optimised parameters has better performance than the one with manually regulated parameters.