bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of phthalate esters in liquor samples by vortex‐assisted surfactant‐enhanced‐emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction followed by GC–MS
Authors: Leng Geng , Chen Wenjin , Zhang Mingfang , Huang Fang , Cao Qiming
Published: January 2014

A novel method using vortex‐assisted surfactant‐enhanced‐emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction has been developed for the extraction of phthalate esters (PAEs) in Chinese liquor samples prior to analysis by GC–MS. In the proposed method, a high‐density extraction solvent (carbon tetrachloride) was dispersed into samples with the aid of a surfactant (Triton X‐100) and vortex agitation, resulting in a short extraction equilibrium (30 s). After centrifugation, a single microdrop of solvent was easily collected for GC–MS analysis. Key factors that affected the extraction efficiency were optimized. Under the optimum conditions, linearity was found in the range from 0.05 to 50 μg/L. Coefficients of determination varied from 0.9938 to 0.9971. LODs, based on an S/N of 3, ranged from 4.9 to 13 ng/L. Enrichment factors varied from 140 to 184. Reproducibility and recoveries were assessed by testing a series of three liquor samples that were spiked with different concentration levels. Finally, the proposed method was successfully applied to the determination of PAEs in 16 Chinese liquor samples. In this work, high‐density‐solvent vortex‐assisted surfactant‐enhanced‐emulsification liquid–liquid microextraction was applied for the first time for the extraction of PAEs in Chinese liquor samples and was proved to be simple, rapid, and sensitive.
Ethnic disparities and liver transplantation rates in hepatocellular carcinoma patients in the recent era: Results from the surveillance, epidemiology, and end results registry
Authors: Wong Robert J. , Devaki Pardha , Nguyen Long , Cheung Ramsey , Nguyen Mindie H.
Published: January 2014

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality. After the implementation of the Model for End-Stage Liver Disease system, rates of liver transplantation (LT) for HCC patients increased. However, it is not clear whether this trend has continued into recent times. Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results registry (1998-2010), we retrospectively analyzed trends for LT among HCC patients in 3 time periods: 1998-2003, 2004-2008, and 2009-2010. A total of 60,772 HCC patients were identified. In the more recent time periods, the proportion of localized-stage HCC increased (45.0% in 1998-2003, 50.4% in 2004-2008, and 51.7% in 2009-2010; P < 0.001). Although the proportion of HCC patients within the Milan criteria also increased with time (22.8% in 1998-2003, 31.8% in 2004-2008, and 37.1% in 2009-2010; P < 0.001), the proportion of those patients undergoing LT increased from 1998-2003 to 2004-2008 but decreased from 2004-2008 to 2009-2010. However, the actual frequencies of LT were similar in 2004-2008 (208.2 per year) and 2009-2010 (201.5 per year). A multivariate logistic regression, including sex, age, ethnicity, Milan criteria, tumor stage, tumor size and number, and time periods, demonstrated a lower likelihood of LT in 2009-2010 versus 1998-2003 [odds ratio (OR) = 0.63, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.57-0.71]. Blacks (OR = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.41-0.56), Asians (OR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.57-0.73), and Hispanics (OR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.68-0.85) were all less likely to undergo LT in comparison with non-Hispanic whites. Despite the increasing proportion of patients with HCC diagnosed at an earlier stage, LT rates declined in the most recent era. In addition, ethnic minorities were significantly less likely to undergo LT. The growing imbalance between the number of transplant-eligible HCC patients and the shortage of donor livers emphasizes the need to improve donor availability and curative alternatives to LT. Liver Transpl 20:528–535, 2014. © 2014 AASLD.
Long‐term recovery In critical illness myopathy is complete, contrary to polyneuropathy
Authors: Koch Susanne , Wollersheim Tobias , Bierbrauer Jeffrey , Haas Kurt , Mörgeli Rudolf , Deja Maria , Spies Claudia D. , Spuler Simone , Krebs Martin , Weber‐Carstens Steffen
Published: January 2014

Introduction: Muscle weakness in critically ill patients after discharge varies. It is not known whether the electrophysiological distinction between critical illness myopathy (CIM) and critical illness polyneuropathy (CIP) during the early part of a patient's stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) predicts long‐term prognosis. Methods: This was a prospective cohort study of mechanically ventilated ICU patients undergoing conventional nerve conduction studies and direct muscle stimulation in addition to neurological examination during their ICU stay and 1 year after ICU discharge. Results: Twenty‐six patients (7 ICU controls, 8 CIM patients, and 11 CIM/CIP patients) were evaluated 1 year after discharge from the ICU. Eighty‐eight percent (n = 7) of CIM patients recovered within 1 year compared with 55% (n = 6) of CIM/CIP patients. Thirty‐six percent (n = 4) of CIM/CIP patients still needed assistance during their daily routine (P = 0.005). Conclusions: Early electrophysiological testing predicts long‐term outcome in ICU survivors. CIM has a significantly better prognosis than CIM/CIP. Muscle Nerve 50: 431–436, 2014
Identification and Anti‐oxidant Capacity Determination of Phenolics and their Glycosides in Elderflower by On‐line HPLC–CUPRAC Method
Authors: Esin Çelik S. , Özyürek Mustafa , Güçlü Kubilay , Çapanoğlu Esra , Apak Reşat
Published: January 2014

Introduction

Development and application of an on‐line cupric reducing anti‐oxidant capacity (CUPRAC) assay coupled with HPLC for separation and on‐line determination of phenolic anti‐oxidants in elderflower (Sambucus nigra L.) extracts for their anti‐oxidant capacity are significant for evaluating health‐beneficial effects. Moreover, this work aimed to assay certain flavonoid glycosides of elderflower that could not be identified/quantified by other similar on‐line HPLC methods (i.e. 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhdrazyl and 2, 2'‐azino‐bis‐3‐ethylbenzothiazoline‐6‐sulphonic acid).

Objective

To identify anti‐oxidant constituents in elderflower by HPLC and to evaluate their individual anti‐oxidant capacities by on‐line HPLC–CUPRAC assay with a post‐column derivatisation system.

Methods

The separation and UV detection of polyphenols were performed on a C18‐column using gradient elution with two different mobile phase solutions, that is acetonitrile and 1% glacial acetic acid, with detection at 340 nm. The HPLC‐separated anti‐oxidant polyphenols in column effluent react with copper(II)‐neocuproine in a reaction‐coil to reduce the latter to copper(I)‐neocuproine (Cu(I)‐Nc) chelate having maximum absorption at 450 nm.

Results

The detection limits of tested compounds at 450 nm after post‐column derivatisation were compared with those of at 340 nm UV‐detection without derivatisation. LOD values (µg/mL) of quercetin and its glycosides at 450 nm were lower than those of UV detection at 340 nm. This method was applied successfully to elderflower extract. The flavonol glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol bound to several sugar components (glucose, rhamnose, galactose and rutinose) were identified in the sample.

Conclusion

The on‐line HPLC–CUPRAC method was advantageous over on‐line ABTS and DPPH methods for measuring the flavonoid glycosides of elderflower. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thermal behaviour of polyethylene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer: effect of multiple heating and cooling ratesversusmathematical artefact
Authors: Atiqullah Muhammad , Hossain Mohammad M , Adamu Sagir , Hossaen Anwar
Published: January 2014

The melting and crystallization behaviours of a polyethylene‐block‐poly(methyl methacrylate) (PE‐b‐PMMA) diblock copolymer and aPEhomopolymer were investigated using multiple heating and cooling rate differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) experiments, and modelling of the crystallization kinetics and lamellar thickness distribution. This new model was first validated applying literature and experimental data. The model‐predicted morphology (n= 3.2) closely matched the spherulitic morphology (n= 3), which was determined using polarized optical microscopy. For each experimental cooling rate, the model predicted diblock copolymer crystallinity that well matched the entireDSCcrystallinity curve, notably for an Avrami–Erofeev index ofn= 2; and apparent crystallization activation energy that hardly varied with the cooling rates used, relative crystallinity (α), and crystallization temperature or time. This disfavours the concept of variable activation energy. The use of the right crystallization model and parameter estimation algorithm is important for addressing the mathematical artefact. Under non‐isothermal cooling, thePE‐b‐PMMAdiblock copolymer, as per the model prediction, crystallized without confinement (n≠ 1), preserving the cylindrical structure. From the characteristic shapes of the crystallization functionf(α(T))versus1/Tand crystallization rateversus αplots, the resultingTcmaxand narrowαmaxrange can guide the search for an appropriate crystallization model. The overall treatment illustrated in this study is not restricted to aPEhomopolymer and aPE‐b‐isotacticPMMAblock copolymer. It can be generally applied to crystalline homopolymers and copolymers (alternating, random and block), as well as their blends. The block copolymers and blends can be crystalline–amorphous as well as crystalline–crystalline. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Development of dual‐triggered in situ gelling scaffolds for tissue engineering
Authors: Carvalho Edmund , Verma Paul , Hourigan Kerry , Banerjee Rinti
Published: January 2014

Hydrogel‐forming materials that mimic the three‐dimensional architecture and properties of tissue are known to have a positive effect on cellular differentiation and growth. A subset of those are in situ gels, which utilise in vivo conditions like pH (e.g. acetate phthalate), temperature (e.g. poloxamer) and ionic concentration (e.g. Gelrite™), and can be used to facilitate the delivery of cells to an affected tissue. Hence, we have developed in situ hydrogels based on gellan and hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HPMC), which are known to be triggered through ions and temperature, respectively, as matrices to deliver cells. Gellan/HPMC blends had a lower gelation temperature than gellan alone crosslinked with calcium, suggesting the role of the dual trigger. Average storage modulus at a frequency of 10 Hz for gellan crosslinked with 3 mmol L−1 calcium was 4.53 × 103 Pa; for 9:1 gellan/HPMC crosslinked with 3 mmol L−1 calcium was 5.59 × 103 Pa; and for 8:2 gellan/HPMC crosslinked with 3 mmol L−1 calcium was 2.13 × 103 Pa, suggesting tunable stiffness by changing the gellan‐to‐HPMC ratio. Hydrophilicity was confirmed using goniometry with a contact angle much less than 90°, facilitating the passage of cells and electrolytes when using the gels as scaffolds. The gels were also found to be porous and non‐toxic to fibroblast cell line L929 and osteosarcoma cell line MG‐63, which, when encapsulated within the gels, were able to grow and proliferate. These blended hydrogels are suitable as scaffolds to encapsulate cells, with tunable stiffness modulated by varying the concentration of gellan and HPMC. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Green‐lighting green fluorescent protein: Faster and more efficient folding by eliminating a cis–trans peptide isomerization event
Authors: Rosenman David J. , Huang Yao‐ming , Xia Ke , Fraser Keith , Jones Victoria E. , Lamberson Colleen M. , Van Roey Patrick , Colón Wilfredo , Bystroff Christopher
Published: January 2014

Wild‐type green fluorescent protein (GFP) folds on a time scale of minutes. The slow step in folding is a cis–trans peptide bond isomerization. The only conserved cis‐peptide bond in the native GFP structure, at P89, was remodeled by the insertion of two residues, followed by iterative energy minimization and side chain design. The engineered GFP was synthesized and found to fold faster and more efficiently than its template protein, recovering 50% more of its fluorescence upon refolding. The slow phase of folding is faster and smaller in amplitude, and hysteresis in refolding has been eliminated. The elimination of a previously reported kinetically trapped state in refolding suggests that X‐P89 is trans in the trapped state. A 2.55 Å resolution crystal structure revealed that the new variant contains only trans‐peptide bonds, as designed. This is the first instance of a computationally remodeled fluorescent protein that folds faster and more efficiently than wild type.
An alternative structural isoform in amyloid‐like aggregates formed from thermally denatured human γD‐crystallin
Authors: Moran Sean D. , Zhang Tianqi O. , Zanni Martin T.
Published: January 2014

The eye lens protein γD‐crystallin contributes to cataract formation in the lens. In vitro experiments show that γD‐crystallin has a high propensity to form amyloid fibers when denatured, and that denaturation by acid or UV‐B photodamage results in its C‐terminal domain forming the β‐sheet core of amyloid fibers. Here, we show that thermal denaturation results in sheet‐like aggregates that contain cross‐linked oligomers of the protein, according to transmission electron microscopy and SDS‐PAGE. We use two‐dimensional infrared spectroscopy to show that these aggregates have an amyloid‐like secondary structure with extended β‐sheets, and use isotope dilution experiments to show that each protein contributes approximately one β‐strand to each β‐sheet in the aggregates. Using segmental 13C labeling, we show that the organization of the protein's two domains in thermally induced aggregates results in a previously unobserved structure in which both the N‐terminal and C‐terminal domains contribute to β‐sheets. We propose a model for the structural organization of the aggregates and attribute the recruitment of the N‐terminal domain into the fiber structure to intermolecular cross linking.
Synthesis of thioester peptides for the incorporation of thioamides into proteins by native chemical ligation
Authors: Batjargal Solongo , Huang Yun , Wang Yanxin J. , Petersson E. James
Published: January 2014

Thioamides can be used as photoswitches, as reporters of local environment, as inhibitors of enzymes, and as fluorescence quenchers. We have recently demonstrated the incorporation of thioamides into polypeptides and proteins using native chemical ligation (NCL). In this protocol, we describe procedures for the synthesis of a thioamide precursor and an NCL‐ready thioamide‐containing peptide using Dawson's N‐acyl‐benzimidazolinone (Nbz) process. We include a description of the synthesis by NCL of a thioamide‐labeled fragment of the neuronal protein α‐synuclein. Copyright © 2014 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
NPEST: a nonparametric method and a database for transcription start site prediction
Authors: Tatarinova Tatiana , Kryshchenko Alona , Triska Martin , Hassan Mehedi , Murphy Denis , Neely Michael , Schumitzky Alan
Published: January 2014

In this paper we present NPEST, a novel tool for the analysis of expressed sequence tags (EST) distributions and transcription start site (TSS) prediction. This method estimates an unknown probability distribution of ESTs using a maximum likelihood (ML) approach, which is then used to predict positions of TSS. Accurate identification of TSS is an important genomics task, since the position of regulatory elements with respect to the TSS can have large effects on gene regulation, and performance of promoter motif‐finding methods depends on correct identification of TSSs. Our probabilistic approach expands recognition capabilities to multiple TSS per locus that may be a useful tool to enhance the understanding of alternative splicing mechanisms. This paper presents analysis of simulated data as well as statistical analysis of promoter regions of a model dicot plant Arabidopsis thaliana. Using our statistical tool we analyzed 16520 loci and developed a database of TSS, which is now publicly available at www.glacombio.net/NPEST.
Pattern of structural and functional brain abnormalities in asymptomatic granulin mutation carriers
Authors: Pievani Michela , Paternicò Donata , Benussi Luisa , Binetti Giuliano , Orlandini Alberto , Cobelli Milena , Magnaldi Silvia , Ghidoni Roberta , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: January 2014

Background

To investigate the patterns of brain atrophy, white matter (WM) tract changes, and functional connectivity (FC) abnormalities in asymptomatic granulin (GRN) mutation carriers.

Methods

Ten cognitively normal subjects (five mutation carriers, GRN+; years to estimated disease onset: 12 ± 7; five mutation noncarriers, GRN−) underwent a clinical and imaging (structural, diffusion tensor, and resting‐state functional magnetic resonance imaging) assessment. Brain atrophy was measured with cortical thickness analysis, WM abnormalities with tract‐based spatial statistics, and FC with independent component analysis.

Results

GRN+ showed smaller cortical thickness than GRN− in the right orbitofrontal and precentral gyrus and left rostral middle frontal gyrus. WM tracts abnormalities were limited to increased axial diffusivity in the right cingulum, superior longitudinal fasciculus, and corticospinal tract. There were no differences in FC of resting‐state networks.

Conclusion

Brain atrophy and WM tract abnormalities in frontal‐parietal circuits can be detected at least a decade before the estimated symptom onset in asymptomatic mutation carriers.
Efficacy and safety evaluation of HSD‐1 inhibitor ABT‐384 in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Marek Gerard J. , Katz David A. , Meier Andreas , Greco Nicholas , Zhang Wuyan , Liu Wei , Lenz Robert A.
Published: January 2014

Background

In this study we assessed increased cortisol in Alzheimer's disease (AD) patients. The selective 11‐β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (HSD‐1) inhibitor ABT‐384 blocked regeneration of active cortisol and this tests the hypothesis that intracellular hypercortisolism contributes to cognitive impairment.

Methods

In this double‐blind, placebo‐ and active‐controlled phase II study we examine the efficacy and safety of ABT‐384 given 10 mg or 50 mg once daily, donepezil 10 mg once daily, or placebo for 12 weeks in subjects with mild‐to‐moderate AD. The primary efficacy end point was the change from baseline to final evaluation on the 13‐item Alzheimer's Disease Assessment Scale–Cognitive subscale (ADAS‐Cog) total score.

Results

The study was terminated for futility after randomization of 267 subjects. ABT‐384 did not improve ADAS‐Cog scores or any secondary end point; however, donepezil significantly improved both cognition and functional end points. Overall incidence of adverse events was similar among treatment groups.

Conclusion

ABT‐384, when tested at doses associated with complete brain HSD‐1 inhibition, did not produce symptomatic improvement in AD.
Basal forebrain atrophy and cortical amyloid deposition in nondemented elderly subjects
Authors: Grothe Michel J. , Ewers Michael , Krause Bernd , Heinsen Helmut , Teipel Stefan J.
Published: January 2014

Background

Both neurodegeneration of the cholinergic basal forebrain (BF) and deposition of β‐amyloid are early events in the course of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Associations between increased amyloid pathology and cholinergic atrophy have been described in autopsy studies.

Methods

We used structural MRI and AV45‐PET amyloid imaging data of 225 cognitively normal or mildly impaired elderly subjects from the Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative to assess in vivo associations between BF atrophy and cortical amyloid deposition. Associations were examined using region‐of‐interest (ROI) and voxel‐based approaches with reference to cytoarchitectonic mappings of the cholinergic BF nuclei.

Results

ROI‐ and voxel‐based approaches yielded complementary evidence for an association between BF volume and cortical amyloid deposition in presymptomatic and predementia stages of AD, irrespective of age, gender, and APOE genotype.

Conclusions

The observed correlations between BF atrophy and cortical amyloid load likely reflect associations between cholinergic degeneration and amyloid pathology as reported in neuropathologic examination studies.
Indra's Pearls
Authors: Mumford David , Series Caroline , Wright David
Published: January 2014

Felix Klein, one of the great nineteenth-century geometers, discovered in mathematics an idea prefigured in Buddhist mythology: the heaven of Indra contained a net of pearls, each of which was reflected in its neighbour, so that the whole Universe was mirrored in each pearl. Klein studied infinitely repeated reflections and was led to forms with multiple coexisting symmetries. For a century, these images barely existed outside the imagination of mathematicians. However, in the 1980s, the authors embarked on the first computer exploration of Klein's vision, and in doing so found many further extraordinary images. Join the authors on the path from basic mathematical ideas to the simple algorithms that create the delicate fractal filigrees, most of which have never appeared in print before. Beginners can follow the step-by-step instructions for writing programs that generate the images. Others can see how the images relate to ideas at the forefront of research.
The Book of Memory
Authors: Carruthers Mary
Published: January 2014

Mary Carruthers's classic study of the training and uses of memory for a variety of purposes in European cultures during the Middle Ages has fundamentally changed the way scholars understand medieval culture. This fully revised and updated second edition considers afresh all the material and conclusions of the first. While responding to new directions in research inspired by the original, this new edition devotes much more attention to the role of trained memory in composition, whether of literature, music, architecture, or manuscript books. The new edition will reignite the debate on memory in medieval studies and, like the first, will be essential reading for scholars of history, music, the arts and literature, as well as those interested in issues of orality and literacy (anthropology), in the working and design of memory (both neuropsychology and artificial memory), and in the disciplines of meditation (religion).
Hegel's Phenomenology of Spirit
Authors: Siep Ludwig
Published: January 2014

Hegel only published five books in his lifetime, and among them the Phenomenology of Spirit emerges as the most important but also perhaps the most difficult and complex. In this book Ludwig Siep follows the path from Hegel's early writings on religion, love and spirit to the milestones of his 'Jena period'. He shows how the themes of the Phenomenology first appeared in an earlier work, The Difference between Fichte's and Schelling's Systems of Philosophy, and closely examines the direction which Hegel's thought took as he attempted to think through the possibility of a complete system of philosophy. The themes encompassed by the Phenomenology - anti-dualistic epistemology, autonomy, historicality, the sociality of reason - are thoroughly discussed in Siep's subtle and elegantly argued assessment, which appears here in English for the first time. It will be of great interest to all readers studying Hegel's thought.
Simplicity in Vision
Authors: Helm Peter A. van der
Published: January 2014

Perceptual organization is the neuro-cognitive process that enables us to perceive scenes as structured wholes consisting of objects arranged in space. Simplicity in Vision explores the intriguing idea that these perceived wholes are given by the simplest organizations of the scenes. Peter A. van der Helm presents a truly multidisciplinary approach to answer fundamental questions such as: Are simplest organizations sufficiently reliable to guide our actions? What is the nature of the regularities that are exploited to arrive at simplest organizations? To account for the high combinatorial capacity and speed of the perceptual organization process, he proposes transparallel processing by hyperstrings. This special form of distributed processing not only gives classical computers the extraordinary computing power that seemed reserved for quantum computers, but also explains how neuronal synchronization relates to flexible self-organizing cognitive architecture in between the relatively rigid level of neurons and the still elusive level of consciousness.
Autobiography, Letters and Literary Remains of Mrs Piozzi (Thrale)
Authors: Piozzi Hester Lynch
Published: January 2014

Highly educated and accustomed to intellectual society, the writer Hester Lynch Piozzi (1741–1821) became a close friend of Samuel Johnson through her first husband, the brewer Henry Thrale. Her second marriage, to the Italian musician Gabriel Mario Piozzi in 1784, estranged her from Johnson, but following his death she published her groundbreaking Anecdotes of the Late Samuel Johnson, anticipating Boswell's biography. In addition to publishing essays, memoirs, poetry and travel diaries, she was one of the first women to produce works on philology and history. Edited by the essayist Abraham Hayward (1801–84) and incorporating correspondence and other writings, this two-volume work offers a valuable insight into the life of an important woman of letters and how she was perceived by contemporaries and posterity. Reissued here is the enlarged second edition of 1861. Volume 1 is devoted to Hayward's biographical essay and critique of her works.
Topological enumeration of complex polynomial vector fields
Authors: TOMASINI J.
Published: January 2014

The enumeration of combinatorial classes of the complex polynomial vector fields in$ \mathbb{C} $presented by K. Dias [Enumerating combinatorial classes of the complex polynomial vector fields in$ \mathbb{C} $.Ergod. Th. & Dynam. Sys. 33(2013), 416–440] is extended here to a closed form enumeration of combinatorial classes for degree$d$polynomial vector fields up to rotations of the$2(d- 1)\mathrm{th} $roots of unity. The main tool in the proof of this result is based on a general method of enumeration developed by V. A. Liskovets [Reductive enumeration under mutually orthogonal group actions.Acta Appl. Math. 52(1998), 91–120].
Riding the Orange Wave: Leadership, Values, Issues, and the 2011 Canadian Election
Authors: Fournier Patrick , Cutler Fred , Soroka Stuart , Stolle Dietlind , Bélanger Éric
Published: January 2014

Abstract.The results of the 2011 Canadian federal election were surprising. What accounts for the dramatic and largely unexpected shift in electoral fortunes? Most importantly, what accounts for the sudden leap in popularity of the New Democratic Party, particularly in Quebec? The aftermath of election day produced no lack of potential explanations. Pundits, politicians, and political scientists have suggested many. This paper examines the empirical validity of various explanations swirling about the 2011 election, especially regarding the “orange surge.” The analysis relies upon the 2011 Canadian Election Study and the content of news media coverage. It concludes that the most important factors behind the orange wave were the image gap between Jack Layton and the other party leaders, as well as the proximity between the NDP's values and issue positions and those of many Quebeckers.

Résumé.Le résultat de l'élection fédérale canadienne de 2011 a été surprenant. Comment expliquer les renversements dramatiques et largement inattendus dans les appuis aux partis politiques? Surtout, comment expliquer le bond soudain de popularité du Nouveau parti démocratique, particulièrement au Québec? Plusieurs explications potentielles ont été suggérées par les commentateurs, les politiciens et les politologues au lendemain de l'élection. Cet article examine la validité empirique de nombreuses explications entourant l'élection de 2011, notamment celles portant sur la « vague orange ». L'analyse repose sur l'Étude électorale canadienne de 2011 ainsi que sur le contenu de la couverture médiatique. Elle indique que les facteurs les plus importants à l'origine de la vague orange ont été l'écart entre l'image de Jack Layton et celle des autres chefs de partis, de même que la proximité entre le NPD et plusieurs Québécois quant aux valeurs et aux enjeux.
Theories of anterior cingulate cortex function: Opportunity cost
Authors: Holroyd Clay B.
Published: January 2014

The target article highlights the role of the anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) in conflict monitoring, but ACC function may be better understood in terms of the hierarchical organization of behavior. This proposal suggests that the ACC selects extended goal-directed actions according to their learned costs and benefits and executes those behaviors subject to depleting resources.
Laser-driven ablation through fast electrons in PALS-experiment at the laser radiation intensity of 1–50 PW/cm2
Authors: Gus'kov S. Yu. , Demchenko N.N. , Kasperczuk A. , Pisarczyk T. , Kalinowska Z. , Chodukowski T. , Renner O. , Smid M. , Krousky E. , Pfeifer M. , Skala J. , Ullschmied J. , Pisarczyk P.
Published: January 2014

The paper is directed to the study of high-temperature plasma and ablation plasma formation as well as efficiency of the laser energy transfer to solid targets irradiated by laser pulses with intensities of 1–50 PW/cm2and duration of 200–300 ps, i.e., at conditions corresponding to the characteristics of the laser spike designed to generate the igniting shock wave in the shock ignition concept. The experiments have been performed at Prague Asterix Laser System. The iodine laser delivered 250 ps (full width at half maximum) pulses with the energy in the range of 100–600 J at the first (λ1 = 1.315 µm) and third (λ3 = 0.438 µm) harmonic frequencies. The focal spot radius of the laser beam on the surface of Al or Cu targets made was gradually decreased from 160 to 40 µm. The diagnostic data collected using three-frame interferometry, X-ray spectroscopy, and crater replica technique were interpreted by two-dimensional numerical and analytical modeling which included generation and transport of fast electrons. The coupling parameterIλ2was varied in the range of 1 × 1014−8 × 1016 Wμm2/cm2covering the regimes of weak to intense fast electron generation. The dominant contribution of fast electron energy transfer into the ablation process and shock wave generation was found when using the first harmonic laser radiation, the focal spot radius of 40–100 µm, and the laser energy of 300–600 J.
Generation of parthenogenetic goat blastocysts: effects of different activation methods and culture media
Authors: Malik Hruda Nanda , Singhal Dinesh Kumar , Saugandhika Shrabani , Dubey Amit , Mukherjee Ayan , Singhal Raxita , Kumar Sudarshan , Kaushik Jai Kumar , Mohanty Ashok Kumar , Das Bikash Chandra , Bag Sadhan , Bhanja Subrata Kumar , Malakar Dhruba
Published: January 2014

The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of different activation methods and culture media on thein vitrodevelopment of parthenogenetic goat blastocysts. Calcium (Ca2+)ionophore, ethanol or a combination of the two, used as activating reagents, and embryo development medium (EDM), modified Charles Rosenkrans (mCR2a) medium and research vitro cleave (RVCL) medium were used to evaluate the developmental competence of goat blastocysts. Quantitative expression of apoptosis, stress and developmental competence-related genes were analysed in different stages of embryos. In RVCL medium, the cleavage rate of Ca2+ionophore-treated oocytes (79.61 ± 0.86) was significantly (P< 0.05) higher than in ethanol (74.90 ± 1.51) or in the combination of both Ca2+ionophore and ethanol. In mCR2a or EDM, hatched blastocyst production rate of Ca2+ionophore-treated oocytes (8.33 ± 1.44) was significantly higher than in ethanol (6.46 ± 0.11) or in the combined treatment (6.70 ± 0.24). In ethanol, the cleavage, blastocyst and hatched blastocyst production rates in RVCL medium (74.90 ± 1.51, 18.30 ± 1.52 and 8.24 ± 0.15, respectively) were significantly higher than in EDM (67.81 ± 3.21, 14.59 ± 0.27 and 5.59 ± 0.42) or mCR2a medium (65.09 ± 1.57, 15.36 ± 0.52 and 6.46 ± 0.11). The expression of BAX, Oct-4 and GlUT1 transcripts increased gradually from 2-cell stage to blastocyst-stage embryos, whereas the transcript levels of Bcl-2 and MnSOD were significantly lower in blastocysts. In addition, different activation methods and culture media had little effect on the pattern of variation and relative abundance of the above genes in different stages of parthenogenetic activated goat embryos. In conclusion, Ca2+ionophore as the activating agent, and RVCL as the culture medium are better than other tested options for development of parthenogenetic activated goat blastocysts.
Differences in the nutritional content of baby and toddler foods with front-of-package nutrition claims issued by manufacturers v. governments/health organizations
Authors: Metcalfe Amy , Elliott Charlene
Published: January 2014

Objective

Nutritional information panels are required on all packaged food products in the USA, yet are perceived as difficult to use by consumers. Nutritional symbols have been developed by various groups to assist consumers in making healthier food purchases. Different nutritional criteria are used depending on the authorizing body of these symbols. The present study assesses the nutrient profile of baby and toddler foods in light of their accompanying nutritional symbols.

Design

Kruskal–Wallis and χ2 tests were used to assess differences in the nutritional content of products based on the presence and issuing body of nutritional symbols.

Setting

Nine grocery, drug and department stores in Philadelphia, PA, USA.

Subjects

Two hundred and forty packaged baby and toddler foods.

Results

Products whose nutritional symbol was issued by government/health professionals contained significantly more Ca (P = 0·002), fibre (P = 0·001), protein (P = 0·005), vitamin A (P = 0·011), vitamin C (P < 0·001) and Zn (P < 0·001) and less sugar (P = 0·004) per serving than products without a nutritional symbol and products whose nutritional symbol was issued by the manufacturer.

Conclusions

Products with a nutritional symbol issued by government/health professionals were healthier than foods with nutritional symbols issued by the manufacturer directly and foods with no nutritional symbols.
Characterizing and extending answer set semantics using possibility theory
Authors: BAUTERS KIM , SCHOCKAERT STEVEN , DE COCK MARTINE , VERMEIR DIRK
Published: January 2014

Answer Set Programming (ASP) is a popular framework for modelling combinatorial problems. However, ASP cannot be used easily for reasoning about uncertain information. Possibilistic ASP (PASP) is an extension of ASP that combines possibilistic logic and ASP. In PASP a weight is associated with each rule, whereas this weight is interpreted as the certainty with which the conclusion can be established when the body is known to hold. As such, it allows us to model and reason about uncertain information in an intuitive way. In this paper we present new semantics for PASP in which rules are interpreted as constraints on possibility distributions. Special models of these constraints are then identified as possibilistic answer sets. In addition, since ASP is a special case of PASP in which all the rules are entirely certain, we obtain a new characterization of ASP in terms of constraints on possibility distributions. This allows us to uncover a new form of disjunction, called weak disjunction, that has not been previously considered in the literature. In addition to introducing and motivating the semantics of weak disjunction, we also pinpoint its computational complexity. In particular, while the complexity of most reasoning tasks coincides with standard disjunctive ASP, we find that brave reasoning for programs with weak disjunctions is easier.
A V-band switched-beam transmit-array antenna
Authors: Zevallos Luna José A. , Dussopt Laurent
Published: January 2014

A high-directivity switched-beam antenna in the V-band is presented and includes a circularly-polarized transmit-array realized in a low-cost printed technology associated with a focal source array integrated on high-resistivity silicon. The measurements show a maximum gain of 12.1 dBi, a 3-dB gain-bandwidth of 57.8–70 GHz, and an axial ratio below 5 dB. The antenna exhibits five beams pointing from −22° to +23° in one plane, its size of 25 × 25 × 10 mm3is compatible with the integration in different multimedia communication devices.
International humanitarian law interoperability in multinational operations
Authors: Zwanenburg Marten
Published: January 2014

This article describes some of the challenges raised by multinational operations for the application of international humanitarian law. Such challenges are the result of different levels of ratification of treaties, divergent interpretations of shared obligations, and the fact that there is no central authority that determines who is a party to an armed conflict. The article discusses methods that have been developed to ensure ‘legal interoperability’. Some of these methods attempt to avoid situations where such interoperability is required. Where this is not possible, a ‘maximalist’ or a ‘minimalist’ approach can be taken, and in practice these are usually combined.
The effects of prenatal oxidative stress levels on infant adiposity development during the first year of life
Authors: Loy S. L. , Sirajudeen K. N. S. , Hamid Jan J. M.
Published: January 2014

Although numerous studies have been conducted to examine the causal factors of childhood obesity, the implications of intrauterine oxidative stress on early postnatal adiposity development remain to be elucidated. The Universiti Sains Malaysia Birth Cohort Study aimed to investigate the effects of prenatal oxidative stress levels on the development of infant adiposity during the first year of life. This study was conducted on the healthy pregnant women aged 19–40 years, from April 2010 to December 2012 in Kelantan, Malaysia. Maternal blood samples were drawn in the second trimester to analyse for oxidative stress markers. Infant anthropometric measurements were taken at birth, 2, 6 and 12 months of age. A total of 153 pregnant women and full-term infants were included in the analysis. Statistical test was conducted by using multiple linear regression. Through the infant first year of life, as maternal DNA damage level in the second trimester increased, infant weights at birth (β=−0.122, P<0.001), 2 months (β=−0.120, P=0013), 6 months (β=−0.209, P=0.003) and 12 months of age (β=−0.241, P=0.006) decreased after adjusting for confounders. Similar results were noted when infant body mass index-for-age Z-scores and triceps skinfold-for-age Z-scores were used as the adiposity indicators. In conclusion, the present study shows a consistent inverse association between maternal DNA damage and infant adiposity during the first year of life. These infants with reduced growth and adiposity in early postnatal life may have a high tendency to experience catch-up growth during childhood, which could be strongly associated with later obesity.
Meaningfulness in Work in Brazilian and French Creative Industries
Authors: Bendassolli Pedro F. , Borges-Andrade Jairo Eduardo
Published: January 2014

This study aimed to investigate the meaningfulness that Brazilian and French artists find in their work, considering the historic French cultural influence in the Brazilian creative industry. The specific objective was to cross-culturally validate a model of meaningfulness in work that was developed in French Canada and that includes five latent variables: learning and development, utility of work, quality of working relationships, autonomy, and moral correctness. The present study used a French Canadian measurement instrument that was developed for the health care and management occupations in Quebec. A total of 648 individuals, 280 in France and 368 in Brazil, provided online responses that were then analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Multigroup Confirmatory Factor Analysis (MGCFA). The five–factor structure of the meaningfulness in work model was found to be similar for the two samples of artists—although this model was a better fit to the data for the Brazilian creative professionals than the data for their French counterparts. The analyses showed that the two groups understand the structure of the meaningfulness factors in a similar manner (configural and metric invariance). The study also showed that conceived as a social and economic core activity, work is present in the context of the arts as well as in the traditional sectors of the economy for which the model was developed.
Designer Ge/Si composite quantum dots with enhanced thermoelectric properties
Authors: Chang Hung-Tai , Wang Sih-Yuan , Lee Sheng-Wei
Published: January 2014

Designer multifold-CQD materials exhibit both reduced thermal conductivity and enhanced electrical conductivity, and higher ZT by calculation.
Optically controlled circling of particles with a particle-decorated fiber probe
Authors: Liu Xiaoshuai , Huang Jianbin , Xin Hongbao , Zhang Yao , Li Baojun
Published: January 2014

Optically controlled particle circling using a particle-decorated fiber probe was demonstrated based on the temperature gradient force and thermal convection.
Efficient immobilization of the enzyme and substrate for a single-step caspase-3 inhibitor assay using a combinable PDMS capillary sensor array
Authors: Ishimoto Tadashi , Jigawa Kaede , Henares Terence G. , Sueyoshi Kenji , Endo Tatsuro , Hisamoto Hideaki
Published: January 2014

Caspase-3 inhibitor assay was successfully integrated into “single-step” by solving the problem of low-activity enzyme immobilization by using a combinable poly(dimethylsiloxane) capillary (CPC) sensor.
Enhanced flowType/RchyOptimyx: a Bioconductor pipeline for discovery in high-dimensional cytometry data
Authors: O’Neill Kieran , Jalali Adrin , Aghaeepour Nima , Hoos Holger , Brinkman Ryan R.
Published: January 2014

Summary: We present a significantly improved version of the flowType and RchyOptimyx BioConductor-based pipeline that is both 14 times faster and can accommodate multiple levels of biomarker expression for up to 96 markers. With these improvements, the pipeline is positioned to be an integral part of data analysis for high-throughput experiments on high-dimensional single-cell assay platforms, including flow cytometry, mass cytometry and single-cell RT-qPCR.

Availability: FlowType and RchyOptimyx are distributed under the Artistic 2.0 license through Bioconductor.

Contact:  rbrinkman@bccrc.ca
Labrenzia suaedae sp. nov., a marine bacterium isolated from a halophyte, and emended description of the genus Labrenzia
Authors: Bibi Fehmida , Jeong Jae Heon , Chung Eu Jin , Jeon Che Ok , Chung Young Ryun
Published: January 2014

An endophytic, Gram-staining-negative bacterium was isolated from sterilized roots of a plant,Suaeda maritima, growing on tidal flats. Cells of the strain were motile by means of a single polar flagellum and colonies were pigmented light brown. Strain YC6927Twas able to grow at 15–37 °C (optimum at 28–30 °C) and at pH 5.0–10.0 (optimum at pH 7.0–8.0). The strain was able to grow at NaCl concentrations of 0–9.0 % (w/v), with optimum growth at 0–5.0 % NaCl. Comparison of 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that the strain was a member of the genusLabrenzia, exhibiting the highest similarity toLabrenzia marinamano18T(97.6 % sequence similarity). Strain YC6927Tproduced light-brown carotenoid pigments. The major respiratory quinone was Q-10 and the DNA G+C content was 58.5 mol%. The DNA–DNA relatedness between strain YC6927Tand closely related strains was between 8.2±1.8 and 20.3±1.5 %. Strain YC6927Tcontained summed feature 8 (C18 : 1ω7cand/or C18 : 1ω6c) and C14 : 03-OH as major fatty acids, confirming the affiliation of the strain with the genusLabrenzia. The polar lipids consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylmonomethylethanolamine, an unknown aminolipid, an unknown phospholipid and five unknown lipids. On the basis of phylogenetic analysis, physiological and biochemical characterization and DNA–DNA hybridization data, strain YC6927Tshould be assigned to a novel species of the genusLabrenzia, for which the nameLabrenzia suaedaesp. nov. is proposed. The type strain is YC6927T( = KACC 13772T = DSM 22153T). An emended description of the genusLabrenziais also proposed.
Paenibacillus lentus sp. nov., a β-mannanolytic bacterium isolated from mixed soil samples in a selective enrichment using guar gum as the sole carbon source
Authors: Li Yong-Fu , Calley John N. , Ebert Philip J. , Helmes Emily Bulian
Published: January 2014

A novel bacterial strain, CMG1240T, was isolated in 1988 from mixed soil samples collected from the United States and South America in a selective enrichment medium with guar gum as the sole carbon source. This microbial isolate showed β-mannanolytic activity to hydrolyse the galactomannans present in guar gum. Strain CMG1240T was aerobic, Gram-stain-variable, non-motile, rod-shaped and endospore-forming. It was further examined based on a combination of phenotypic, physiological and genetic characterization. On the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity, cellular lipid profile and fatty acid composition, strain CMG1240T was shown to belong unequivocally to the genus

Paenibacillus

. Quinone analysis showed that MK-7 was the only menaquinone detected. The main cell-wall sugar was xylose with trace amounts of mannose and glucose. The major polar lipids were diphosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, and unknown glycolipids, phospholipids, phosphoglycolipids and other lipids. The peptidoglycan structure was A1γ (meso-diaminopimelic acid-direct). The major fatty acids were anteiso-C15 : 0 and C16 : 0. The DNA G+C content was 46 mol% as determined experimentally and by analysis of the genomic sequence. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain CMG1240T shared highest similarity with that of

Paenibacillus fonticola

ZLT (97.6 %) while all other tested

Paenibacillus

strains showed lower sequence similarities (≤95.3 %). The results of DNA–DNA hybridization and chemotaxonomic tests enabled the genotypic and phenotypic differentiation of strain CMG1240T from

P. fonticola

. Based on these results, strain CMG1240T ( = ATCC BAA-2594T = DSM 25539T) should be designated the type strain of a novel species within the genus

Paenibacillus

, for which the name Paenibacillus lentus sp. nov. is proposed.
Chitinimonas viridis sp. nov., isolated from a mesotrophic artificial lake
Authors: Joung Yochan , Lee Beom-Il , Kang Heeyoung , Kim Haneul , Joh Kiseong
Published: January 2014

A Gram-staining-negative, rod-shaped bacterium, strain HMD2169T, was isolated from a mesotrophic artificial lake in Korea. Strain HMD2169T grew in the presence of 0–3.0 % (w/v) NaCl, at pH 5–10 and at 20–37 °C. The predominant quinone of strain HMD2169T was ubiquinone (UQ)-8. The major fatty acids were summed feature 3 (comprising C16 : 1ω7c and/or C16 : 1ω6c), C16 : 0 and summed feature 8 (comprising C18 : 1ω7c and/or C18 : 1ω6c). The major polar lipids were phosphatidylethanolamine, diphosphatidylglycerol, two unidentified aminolipids and two unidentified lipids. The DNA G+C content was 59.8 mol%. A phylogenetic tree based on 16S rRNA gene sequences showed that strain HMD2169T was a representative of a lineage within the genus

Chitinimonas

. Strain HMD2169T was closely related to

Chitinimonas taiwanensis

(95.8 % sequence similarity) and

Chitinimonas koreensis

(94.6 %). On the basis of the evidence presented in this study, strain HMD2169T is a representative of a novel species of the genus

Chitinimonas

, for which the name Chitinimonas viridis sp. nov. is proposed with the type strain HMD2169T ( = KCTC 22839T = CECT 7703T).