bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
C1q‐tumour necrosis factor‐related protein 8 (CTRP8) is a novel interaction partner of relaxin receptor RXFP1 in human brain cancer cells
Authors: Glogowska Aleksandra , Kunanuvat Usakorn , Stetefeld Jörg , Patel Trushar R , Thanasupawat Thatchawan , Krcek Jerry , Weber Ekkehard , Wong G William , Del Bigio Marc R , Hoang‐Vu Cuong , Hombach‐Klonisch Sabine , Klonisch Thomas
Published: September 2013

We report a novel ligand–receptor system composed of the leucine‐rich G‐protein‐coupled relaxin receptor, RXFP1, and the C1q‐tumour necrosis factor‐related protein 8 (CTRP8) in human primary brain cancer, a tumour entity devoid of the classical RXFP1 ligands, RLN1–3. In structural homology studies and computational docking experiments we delineated the N‐terminal region of the globular C1q region of CTRP8 and the leucine‐rich repeat units 7 and 8 of RXFP1 to mediate this new ligand–receptor interaction. CTRP8 secreted from HEK293T cells, recombinant human (rh) CTRP8, and short synthetic peptides derived from the C1q globular domain of human CTRP8 caused the activation of RXFP1 as determined by elevated intracellular cAMP levels and the induction of a marked pro‐migratory phenotype in established glioblastoma (GB) cell lines and primary cells from GB patients. Employing a small competitor peptide, we were able to disrupt the CTRP8–RXFP1‐induced increased GB motility. The CTRP8–RXFP1‐mediated migration in GB cells involves the activation of PI3K and specific protein kinase C pathways and the increased production/secretion of the potent lysosomal protease cathepsin B (cathB), a known prognostic marker of GB. Specific inhibition of CTRP8‐induced cathB activity effectively blocked the ability of primary GB to invade laminin matrices. Finally, co‐immunoprecipitation studies revealed the direct interaction of human CTRP8 with RXFP1. Our results support a therapeutic approach in GB aimed at targeting multiple steps of the CTRP8–RXFP1 signalling pathway by a combined inhibitor and peptide‐based strategy to block GB dissemination within the brain. Copyright © 2013 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A polymeric flame retardant and surfactant‐free montmorillonite nanocomposites: Preparation and exfoliation mechanism discussion
Authors: Tai Qilong , Shan Xueying , Song Lei , Lo Siuming , Yuen Richard K.K. , Hu Yuan
Published: September 2013

A polymeric flame retardant (PDEPD) and various amounts of sodium montmorillonite (Na‐MMT) nanocomposites with exfoliation structure were prepared via one‐step polycondensation, attempting to prepare flame‐retardant nanocomposites. The nanocomposites exhibited high thermal stability at high temperature. Based on several comparative studies, we investigated and proposed the possible exfoliation mechanism of Na‐MMT in PDEPD substrate. The microscale combustion calorimeter and cone calorimeter results showed the PDEPD/Na‐MMT nanocomposites could significantly improve the flame retardancy of polystyrene and polyurethane elastomer (TPU), especially the TPU matrix. This study provides new viewpoint for preparing flame‐retardant nanocomposites without surfactants. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:167–173, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Counseling for prenatal diagnosis and termination of pregnancy due to thalassemia major: a survey of health care workers' practices in Malaysia
Authors: Ngim C. F. , Lai N. M. , Ibrahim H.
Published: September 2013

Objective

Genetic counseling for thalassemia carriers is conducted by nongeneticist health care workers (HCWs) in many countries. The aim of the study was to assess Malaysian HCWs' genetic counseling practices with regards to discussing prenatal diagnosis (PND) and termination of pregnancy (TOP) when counseling thalassemia carriers.

Method

A total of 118 Malaysian HCWs (52 doctors and 66 nurses) completed a structured questionnaire that enquired if they would discuss PND and TOP when counseling couples with thalassemia traits, and reasons for their responses were explored.

Results

All the nurses and 50 (96.1%) doctors were in favor of discussing PND. Only 29 (58%) doctors and 33 (50%) nurses were agreeable to discuss about the option of TOP. Main reasons given for declining to discuss TOP were views that “the condition was not serious enough” (54.9%), TOP is not permissible by their religion (17.6%) and abortion for this indication was illegal (13.7%).

Conclusion

The results showed that HCWs in Malaysia lacked the comprehensive information and necessary skills required when counseling thalassemia carriers. When nongeneticist HCWs are tasked with such responsibilities, their practices and attitudes should be regularly evaluated so that areas of deficiencies could be identified and addressed. © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular interaction networks in the analyses of sequence variation and proteomics data
Authors: Stelzl Ulrich
Published: September 2013

Protein–protein interaction networks are typically generated in standard cell lines or model organisms as it is prohibitively difficult to record large interaction datasets from specific tissues or disease models at a reasonable pace. Although the interaction data are of high confidence, they thus do not reflect in vivo relationships as such. A wealth of physiologically relevant protein information, obtained under different conditions and from different systems, is available including information on genetic variation, protein levels, and PTMs. However, these data are difficult to assess comprehensively because the relationships between the entities remain elusive from the measurements. Here, we exemplarily highlight recent studies that gained deeper insight from genetic variation, protein, and PTM measurements using interaction information pointing toward the importance and potential of interaction networks for the interpretation of sequencing and proteomics data.
Elastic properties of fcc crystals of polydisperse soft spheres
Authors: Tretiakov Konstantin V. , Wojciechowski Krzysztof W.
Published: September 2013

Elastic properties of fcc phases of soft polydisperse spheres, interacting through inverse‐power pair potentials , where r is the distance between sphere centers, have been studied by Monte Carlo (MC) simulations in the NpT ensemble with variable shape of the box. The simulations show that both the size polydispersity and temperature T strongly influence the elastic properties of the studied system, including Poisson's ratio. Poisson's ratio is found to be negative and decreases with increase of temperature and size polydispersity in the direction. Hence, the system is partially auxetic. Additionally, the obtained results indicate that wide range of Poisson's ratio values (from to ) can be obtained by changing the polydispersity, the potential softness and direction.

Poisson's ratio in and directions for polydisperse soft spheres with and dimensionless pressure versus dimensionless temperature.
ENSO influence on QBO modulations of the tropical tropopause
Authors: Yuan Wei , Geller Marvin A. , Love Peter T.
Published: September 2013

We examine the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) influence on the quasi‐biennial oscillation (QBO) modulation of the cold‐point tropopause (CPT) temperatures. An analysis of approximately five decades (in most cases 1950s to near‐present) of radiosonde data from 10 near‐equatorial stations, distributed along the Equator, shows that the ENSO influence on the QBO is quite zonally symmetric. At all stations analyzed, the QBO has larger amplitude and longer period during La Niña conditions than during El Niño over this total period. We also show that as a consequence of the ENSO influences on QBO periods and amplitudes, the differences between the warmer CPT temperatures during QBO westerly shear conditions and colder temperatures during QBO easterly shear conditions are larger during La Niña than during El Niño for all stations for the entire period considered here. This strengthens earlier findings that the greatest dehydration of air entering the stratosphere from the troposphere occurs during the winter under La Niña and easterly QBO conditions. In addition, stratosphere/troposphere wind and temperature profiles are derived to establish the degree of QBO downward penetration necessary to influence zonal winds and temperatures in the upper troposphere.
Implications of a heuristic model of auroral Farley Buneman waves and heating
Authors: Hysell D. L. , Miceli R. J. , Huba J. D.
Published: September 2013

The global implications, particularly with respect to altitude dependence, of the heuristic model of Farley Buneman waves put forward initially by Milikh and Dimant (2002) are studied. This model prescribes a relationship between the background convection electric field that excites the waves and the transverse electric fields of the waves that grow in response. It also prescribes the magnetic aspect angle of the waves, which is related to their ability to heat the auroral E region. The prescription is based on the condition of marginal stability. We reformulate the basic model, which is local, and embed it in the SAMI2 ionospheric model, which includes wave and Joule heating, heat transport, cooling, temperature‐dependent collisions, and related chemistry. Within the limits of its underlying assumptions, the combined model can be used to predict the phase‐speeds and magnetic‐aspect widths of Farley Buneman waves in the auroral zone and the heating they can cause, all as functions of altitude. Model predictions are compared with experimental results, and the efficacy of the model assessed. This modeling exercise highlights the importance of the thickness of the layer in which Farley Buneman waves exist, the strong variations in wave characteristics across the layer, and the consequences this has for coherent scatter radar measurements of the phenomenon.
A Bayesian approach to joint analysis of multivariate longitudinal data and parametric accelerated failure time
Authors: Luo Sheng
Published: September 2013

Impairment caused by Parkinson's disease (PD) is multidimensional (e.g., sensoria, functions, and cognition) and progressive. Its multidimensional nature precludes a single outcome to measure disease progression. Clinical trials of PD use multiple categorical and continuous longitudinal outcomes to assess the treatment effects on overall improvement. A terminal event such as death or dropout can stop the follow‐up process. Moreover, the time to the terminal event may be dependent on the multivariate longitudinal measurements. In this article, we consider a joint random‐effects model for the correlated outcomes. A multilevel item response theory model is used for the multivariate longitudinal outcomes and a parametric accelerated failure time model is used for the failure time because of the violation of proportional hazard assumption. These two models are linked via random effects. The Bayesian inference via MCMC is implemented in ‘BUGS’ language. Our proposed method is evaluated by a simulation study and is applied to DATATOP study, a motivating clinical trial to determine if deprenyl slows the progression of PD. © 2013 The authors. Statistics in Medicine published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model building in nonproportional hazard regression
Authors: Rodríguez‐Girondo Mar , Kneib Thomas , Cadarso‐Suárez Carmen , Abu‐Assi Emad
Published: September 2013

Recent developments of statistical methods allow for a very flexible modeling of covariates affecting survival times via the hazard rate, including also the inspection of possible time‐dependent associations. Despite their immediate appeal in terms of flexibility, these models typically introduce additional difficulties when a subset of covariates and the corresponding modeling alternatives have to be chosen, that is, for building the most suitable model for given data. This is particularly true when potentially time‐varying associations are given. We propose to conduct a piecewise exponential representation of the original survival data to link hazard regression with estimation schemes based on of the Poisson likelihood to make recent advances for model building in exponential family regression accessible also in the nonproportional hazard regression context. A two‐stage stepwise selection approach, an approach based on doubly penalized likelihood, and a componentwise functional gradient descent approach are adapted to the piecewise exponential regression problem. These three techniques were compared via an intensive simulation study. An application to prognosis after discharge for patients who suffered a myocardial infarction supplements the simulation to demonstrate the pros and cons of the approaches in real data analyses. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Bayesian random threshold estimation in a Cox proportional hazards cure model
Authors: Zhao Lili , Feng Dai , Bellile Emily L. , Taylor Jeremy M. G.
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we develop a Bayesian approach to estimate a Cox proportional hazards model that allows a threshold in the regression coefficient, when some fraction of subjects are not susceptible to the event of interest. A data augmentation scheme with latent binary cure indicators is adopted to simplify the Markov chain Monte Carlo implementation. Given the binary cure indicators, the Cox cure model reduces to a standard Cox model and a logistic regression model. Furthermore, the threshold detection problem reverts to a threshold problem in a regular Cox model. The baseline cumulative hazard for the Cox model is formulated non‐parametrically using counting processes with a gamma process prior. Simulation studies demonstrate that the method provides accurate point and interval estimates. Application to a data set of oropharynx cancer patients suggests a significant threshold in age at diagnosis such that the effect of gender on disease‐specific survival changes after the threshold. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Implementing an embedded compiler using program transformation rules
Authors: Bissyandé Tegawendé F. , Réveillère Laurent , Lawall Julia L. , Bromberg Yérom‐David , Muller Gilles
Published: September 2013

Domain‐specific languages (DSLs) are well‐recognized to ease programming and improve robustness for a specific domain, by providing high‐level domain‐specific notations and checks of domain‐specific properties. The compiler of a DSL, however, is often difficult to develop and maintain, because of the need to define a specific treatment for a large and potentially increasing number of language constructs. To address this issue, we propose an approach for specifying a DSL compiler using control‐flow sensitive concrete‐syntax based matching rules. These rules either collect information about the source code to carry out checks or perform transformations to carry out compilation. Because rules only mention the relevant constructs, using their concrete syntax, and hide the complexity of control‐flow graph traversal, it is easy to understand the purpose of each rule. Furthermore, new compilation steps can be added using only a small number of lines of code. We explore this approach in the context of the z2z DSL for network gateway development and show that it is beneficial to implement the core of its compiler in this manner.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Semiquantitative classification of ductus venosus blood flow patterns
Authors: Turan O. M. , Turan S. , Sanapo L. , Rosenbloom J. I. , Baschat A. A.
Published: September 2013

Objectives

To identify the range of waveform abnormalities in the ductus venosus (DV) characterized by their timing in the cardiac cycle and to evaluate if they can be categorized into distinct patterns.

Methods

DV velocity ratios were calculated from peak velocities during ventricular systole (S), end‐systolic ventricular relaxation (v), early diastole (D) and atrial systole (a) (S/v, S/D, v/D, S/a, v/a and D/a ratios). The ratios were converted to their Z‐scores and elevation > 2 SD was assigned as abnormal. Combinations of ratio abnormalities were grouped to define distinct waveform patterns and their distribution was related to the clinical presentation.

Results

Five‐hundred and forty‐two abnormal DV waveforms fell into three principal patterns. In Pattern 1 only the a‐wave‐related ratios were abnormal (180, 33.2%), in Pattern 2 the v/D ratio was abnormal (143, 26.3%) and in Pattern 3 combinations of a‐wave abnormalities in the presence of a normal v/D ratio were normal (94, 17.3%).

Conclusions

Interpretation of venous waveform patterns is complex because the multiphasic waveforms reflect events in the cardiac cycle that may be differentially affected by clinical pathology. We sought to present a classification for the DV flow profile that characterizes abnormal flow confined to atrial systole and occurs during ventricular relaxation or during holodiastole. Further research is warranted to determine the significance of these patterns in specific fetal conditions. Copyright © 2013 ISUOG. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Transition Metal Complexes Containing Dihydrogen Hypodiphosphate in Eclipsed Conformation as Ligand: Preparation, Crystal Structure, Vibrational Spectra, and Thermal Behavior of K2[M(H2P2O6)2(H2O)2]·H2O (M = Co, Ni, Cu, and Zn)
Authors: Gjikaj Mimoza , Wu Peng
Published: September 2013

The transition metal dihydrogen hypodiphosphate hydrates K2[Co(H2P2O6)2(H2O)2]·H2O (1), K2[Ni(H2P2O6)2(H2O)2]·H2O (2), K2[Cu(H2P2O6)2(H2O)2]·H2O (3) and K2[Zn(H2P2O6)2(H2O)2]·H2O (4) were synthesized and characterized by single crystal structure determination. The compounds 1–4 crystallize isotypic in the monoclinic space group C2/m (no. 12) with two formula units in the unit cell. The crystal structure is built up by [H2P2O6]2– units in an eclipsed conformation, by the corresponding transition metal, potassium cations, and water molecules. The eclipsed conformation of the [H2P2O6]2– has not been previously observed in none of known hypodiphosphates(IV) analyzed via X‐ray diffraction. However, its proposed based on spectroscopic methods. FT‐IR/FIR and FT‐Raman spectra of the crystalline salts were recorded and the thermal behavior of the compounds was investigated.
On Ammonium‐bis(dithiocarbamato)‐copper(I)‐monohydrate and Mono(dithiocarbamato)‐copper(I)
Authors: Teske Christoph L.
Published: September 2013

Abstract.The title compounds NH4[Cu(S2CNH2)2]·H2O (A) and CuS2CNH2(B) were prepared from aqueous alcoholic solutions by reaction of ammoniumdithiocarbamate with copper sulfate in presence of excess cyanide as reductive. (A) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupC2221(No. 20) witha= 8.9518(6),b= 9.6414(6) andc= 10.6176(8) Å,Z= 4. (B) crystallizes in the orthorhombic space groupP212121(No. 19) witha= 5.9533(4),b= 6.6276(4) andc= 9.4834(5) Å,Z= 4. In the crystal structure of (A) copper has a tetrahedral surrounding of four monodentate dithiocarbamate ligands. These structural units form 2D nets stacked along [001]. Staggered chains consisting of H2O and NH4+penetrate the crystal structure along [001] yielding additional coherence via hydrogen bonds. The crystal structure of (B) comprises a three‐dimensional tetrahedral framework of CuS4units exclusively linked by vertices. The arrangement is reminiscent of a filledβ‐cristobalite structure with the dithiocarbamate ligands extending into the hollow spaces. Thermal decomposition precedes stepwise finally giving Cu2S in each case.
Effects of Cation Site Substitutions on the Thermoelectric Performance of Layered SnBi2Te4 utilizing the Triel Elements Ga, In, and Tl
Authors: Kuropatwa Bryan A. , Assoud Abdeljalil , Kleinke Holger
Published: September 2013

A thorough study on the thermoelectric potential of the layered compound SnBi2Te4 is presented. Phase range studies on SnBi2Te4, unit cell parameters by powder X‐ray diffraction, and electronic structure calculations (both LDA and GGA functional) were performed. Physical property measurements regarding substitution of tin and bismuth with the triel (Tr = Ga, In, Tl) elements are presented towards the improvement of thermoelectric properties, according to TrxSn1–xBi2Te4 and TrxSnBi2–xTe4. The range of inclusion was generally over 0.01 ≤ x ≤ 0.15 to monitor compound changes as well as phase purity limits. Seebeck coefficient, S, electrical conductivity, σ, and thermal conductivity, κ, were measured, yielding the dimensionless Figure of merit, ZT, data over a temperature range between 300 K and 680 K. Results of partial replacements of tin and bismuth are compared and reported. ZTmax values range from 0.10 to 0.34 depending on the dopant, achieved at temperatures from 355 K to 420 K.
Two Coordination Polymers based on a Carboxylate‐­functionalized Imidazophenanthroline Derivative Ligand and Phthalic Acid: Syntheses, Structures and Magnetic Properties
Authors: Wang Jing , Bao Qiao‐Hong , Hu Huai‐Ming , Liu Bin , Chen Qing , Yang Zhen‐Hua , Xue Gang‐Lin
Published: September 2013

Two coordination polymers, [Co2(Hcpip)2(phth)]n·3n(H2O) (1) and [Mn2(Hcpip)2(phth)]n (2), {H2cpip = 2‐(2‐carboxyphenyl)imidazo[4,5‐f](1,10)‐ phenanthroline, H2phth = phthalic acid}, were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Complex 1 is a 1D chain, in which the dinuclear [Co2(Hcpip)2]2+ units are linked through (phth)2– anions. Complex 2 is a 2D layer structure, which is constructed from the 1D chains bridged by (phth)2– anions. The magnetic properties of 1 and 2 show that the weak ferromagnetic interactions occurred between CoII ions in 1 and a weak antiferromagnetic interactions exist between MnII ions in 2. These two complexes have good thermal stabilities.
Zn3 and Ga3 Triangles as Building Units in Sr2Au6Zn3 and Sr2Au6Ga3
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Hoffmann Rolf‐Dieter , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: September 2013

The intermetallic compounds Sr2Au6.52Zn2.48, Sr2Au6Zn3, and Sr2Au6Ga3 were obtained by induction melting of the elements in sealed tantalum tubes. Their structures were studied by X‐ray diffraction on powders and refined from single crystal diffraction data: R$\bar{3}$c, a = 844.5(2), c = 2187.7(5) pm, wR2 = 0.0411, 936 F2 values and 20 variables for Sr2Au6.52Zn2.48; a = 841.6(2), c = 2191.5(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0126, 587 F2 values and 19 variables for Sr2Au6Zn3; and a = 841.9(2), c = 2191.1(7) pm, wR2 = 0.0199, 660 F2 values and 19 variables for Sr2Au6Ga3. The gold substructures of Sr2Au6Zn3 and Sr2Au6Ga3 can be considered as diamond polytypes with 6R stacking sequences (287–304 pm Au–Au in Sr2Au6Zn3). The cavities formed by this network are filled in an ordered manner by strontium atoms and Zn3 (281 pm Zn–Zn), respectively Ga3 (286 pm Ga–Ga) triangles in a 2:1 ratio. Consequently one can describe the Sr2Au6Zn3 and Sr2Au6Ga3 structures as ordered substitution variants of the Zintl phase CaIn2. This structural relationship is discussed on the basis of a group‐subgroup Scheme. Sr2Au6.52Zn2.48 shows Zn/Au mixing on the triangle.
Synthesis, Structure, and Luminescent Property of the Templated Borate [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4]
Authors: Pan Chun‐Yang , Zhong Li‐Juan , Lu Jing , Li Da‐Guang , Zhao Feng‐Hua , Yang Hong‐Mei
Published: September 2013

The templated borate, [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4], was synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Single crystal X‐ray diffraction techonology reveals that it crystallizes in the triclinic system, space group P$\bar{1}$ (No. 2). The material was also characterized by element analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), thermogravimetric and differential thermal analysis (TG‐DTA), and luminescence spectroscopy. The compound consisted of isolated pentaborate [B5O6(OH)4]– and N‐butylpyridinium cations [C9H14N]+. The [B5O6(OH)4]– anions are connected together by hydrogen bonds to form a three‐dimensional framework, in which [C9H14N]+ cations are located in. [C9H14N]·[B5O6(OH)4] exhibits tunable luminescence emission at 415–458 nm by means of heating treatment from 100 to 300 °C.
Dispersion of torsional surface waves in anisotropic layer over porous half space under gravity
Authors: Chattaraj R. , Samal S.K. , Debasis S.
Published: September 2013

In this paper an attempt has been made to derive the frequency equation of torsional surface waves in initially stressed fiber reinforced layer lying over fluid saturated anisotropic porous half space under gravity. The dispersion equation has been obtained in terms of Whittaker function and its derivatives, which further expanded asymptotically and retain the terms upto second degree. The analysis of frequency equation bear out the pronounced effect of initial stress, transverse and longitudinal rigidity of reinforced material, gravity and porosity of the porous half space on the propagation of torsional surface waves. Moreover, it can be noted that in the absence of initial stress, reinforcement parameters, gravity and porosity, the frequency equation of torsional surface waves reduces to dispersion equation of Love waves in isotropic layer. This ensures the classical result that torsional surface waves do not propagate through isotropic homogeneous medium.
Destabilization of a viscoelastic tectonic plate by wind stress
Authors: Brevdo L.
Published: September 2013

A characterization of the responses of the Earth's crust to external perturbations is of fundamental importance for the estimation of seismograms as well as for the prediction of earthquakes. One set of such external perturbations are perturbations of the upper surface of tectonic plates either by wind stress or, for oceanic plates, by oceanic currents. In this paper, we extend the linear stability analysis of the Earth's crust in Brevdo [12] to studying destabilization of a model of a tectonic plate by wind stress. A plate of the Earth's crust is modelled as a horizontally homogeneous, vertically stratified, linearly visco‐elastic waveguide of finite thickness and infinite horizontal extension rigidly attached to a solid half‐space underneath it. Hooke's law extended by the Kelvin‐Voigt damping model is assumed for the description of the visco‐elastic properties of the plate. The upper free surface of the plate is supposed to be subjected to a constant wind stress. We apply an energy‐type method to the normal‐mode stability equations to show that a visco‐elastic tectonic plate is destabilized by wind stress of a given strength provided that the internal friction damping in the plate is sufficiently low.
Choroidal metastasis secondary to prostatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Albadainah Faisal , Khader Jamal , Salah Samer , Salem Ahmed
Published: September 2013

Choroidal metastasis from prostate adenocarcinoma is exceedingly rare. Furthermore, data addressing the optimal therapeutic strategy is limited. A 62-year-old male patient with metastatic prostate cancer was found to have a choroidal metastasis after complaining of decreased vision in his left eye. Following treatment with external beam radiotherapy, complete response in the choroidal metastasis was demonstrated. A literature search was undertaken to highlight the therapeutic options for this rare presentation. Choroidal metastasis secondary to adenocarcinoma of the prostate is exceedingly rare, as only eight cases have been reported so far. External beam radiotherapy is an effective therapeutic modality.
Changes in synaptic efficacy in rat brain slices following extremely low‐frequency magnetic field exposure at embryonic and early postnatal age
Authors: Balassa Tímea , Varró Petra , Elek Szilvia , Drozdovszky Orsolya , Szemerszky Renáta , Világi Ildikó , Bárdos György
Published: September 2013

An earlier study demonstrated changes in synaptic efficacy and seizure susceptibility in adult rat brain slices following extremely low‐frequency magnetic field (ELF‐MF) exposure. The developing embryonic and early postnatal brain may be even more sensitive to MF exposure. The aim of the present study was to determine the effects of a long‐term ELF‐MF (0.5 and 3 mT, 50 Hz) exposure on synaptic functions in the developing brain. Rats were treated with chronic exposure to MF during two critical periods of brain development, i.e. in utero during the second gestation week or as newborns for 7 days starting 3 days after birth, respectively. Excitability and plasticity of neocortical and hippocampal areas were tested on brain slices by analyzing extracellular evoked field potentials. We demonstrated that the basic excitability of hippocampal slices (measured as amplitude of population spikes) was increased by both types of treatment (fetal 0.5 mT, newborn 3 mT). Neocortical slices seemed to be responsive mostly to the newborn treatment, the amplitude of excitatory postsynaptic potentials was increased. Fetal ELF‐MF exposure significantly inhibited the paired‐pulse depression (PPD) and there was a significant decrease in the efficacy of LTP (long‐term potentiation induction) in neocortex, but not in hippocampus. On the other hand, neonatal treatment had no significant effect on plasticity phenomena. Results demonstrated that ELF‐MF has significant effects on basic neuronal functions and synaptic plasticity in brain slice preparations originating from rats exposed either in fetal or in newborn period.
Does sovereign risk matter? New evidence from eurozone corporate bond ratings and zero‐volatility spreads
Authors: Klein Christian , Stellner Christoph
Published: September 2013

In this paper, we empirically examine if sovereign risk matters for corporate bonds in developed economies. Using a unique panel data sample of 897 corporate bonds from eleven countries within the Economic and Monetary Union (EMU), we investigate sovereign and corporate ratings as well as zero‐volatility spreads (z‐spreads). In the time period from March 2006 to June 2012, we find sovereign risk to be a significant driver of corporate risk. The effect is stronger for companies with domestic revenue structure, for companies that are (partly) owned by the government, and companies active in the utility and transportation sector. Interestingly, the impact of sovereign risk on corporate risk during the acute European sovereign debt crisis period decreases if ratings are examined, but increases if z‐spreads are utilized. Rating agencies seem to take a more differentiated view on individual company risk during the sovereign debt crisis, while institutional investors might want to reduce their exposure to a country in financial distress as a whole, regardless of whether sovereign or corporate bonds are held.
Evolution of a stratified rotating shear layer with horizontal shear. Part 2. Nonlinear evolution
Authors: Arobone Eric , Sarkar Sutanu
Published: September 2013

Direct numerical simulation is used to investigate the nonlinear evolution of a horizontally oriented mixing layer with uniform stable stratification and coordinate system rotation about the vertical axis. The important dimensional parameters governing inviscid dynamics are maximum shear $S(t)$, buoyancy frequency $N$, angular velocity of rotation $\Omega $ and characteristic shear thickness $L(t)$. The effect of rotation rate, $\Omega $, on the development of fluctuations in the shear layer is systematically studied in a regime of strong stratification. An instability mechanism, qualitatively distinct from the inertial instability, is found to deform columnar vortex cores in vertical planes for a strongly stratified rotating mixing layer. This mechanism emerges when centreline absolute vertical vorticity, $\langle {\omega }_{3} \rangle (t)+ 2\Omega $, is nearly zero as predicted by the linear stability analysis in Part 1 (J. Fluid. Mech., vol. 703, 2012, pp. 29–48). When the initial rotation rate is moderately anticyclonic, strong destabilization and a cascade to small scales is observed, consistent with prior studies involving horizontally sheared flow in the presence of rotation. Examination of enstrophy budgets in cases which are initially inertially unstable reveal the importance of baroclinic torque in maintaining lateral enstrophy fluctuations substantially beyond the time when the flow becomes inertially stable. The cyclonic stratified cases show weak nonlinearity in vortex dynamics. At high Reynolds number, despite the strong stratification, the flow exhibits three-dimensional, nonlinear dynamics and significant vertical mixing except for cases where the rotation is stabilizing.
‘ON THE POSITIVITY OF RIEMANN–STIELTJES INTEGRALS’
Authors: LUKKARINEN JANI , PAKKANEN MIKKO S.
Published: September 2013

We correct two minor errors in Theorem 2.1 of Lukkarinen and Pakkanen [‘On the positivity of Riemann–Stieltjes integrals’, Bull. Aust. Math. Soc. 87 (2013), 400–405].
“Amok!”: Mutinies and Slaves on Dutch East Indiamen in the 1780s
Authors: van Rossum Matthias
Published: September 2013

In September 1782, a violent and partly successful mutiny of Balinese slaves shocked the Dutch East India Company (VOC). This article will reconstruct the history of the mutiny of theMercuur, tracing its significance in the context of slavery, labour, war, and the series of “Asian mutinies” that occurred in the 1780s. The revolt of the Balinese sheds light on the development of amok as a tradition of resistance. The purpose of calling amok cannot only be explained as a direct, impulsive response to perceived injustice or violation of codes of honour. It functioned as a conscious call to arms, signalling the start of collective and organized resistance. The Balinese mutiny was both similar to and different from other European and Asian forms of revolt.
Vision-based mobile robot motion control combining T2 and ND approaches
Authors: Bonin-Font Francisco , Antich Tobaruela Javier , Rodriguez Alberto Ortiz , Oliver Gabriel
Published: September 2013

Navigating along a set of programmed points in a completely unknown environment is a challenging task which mostly depends on the way the robot perceives and symbolizes the environment and decisions it takes in order to avoid the obstacles while it intends to reach subsequent goals. Tenacity and Traversability (T2)1-based strategies have demonstrated to be highly effective for reactive navigation, extending the benefits of the artificial Potential Field method to complex situations, such as trapping zones or mazes. This paper presents a new approach for reactive mobile robot behavior control which rules the actions to be performed to avoid unexpected obstacles while the robot executes a mission between several defined sites. This new strategy combines the T2 principles to escape from trapping zones together with additional criteria based on the Nearness Diagram (ND)13 strategy to move in cluttered or densely occupied scenarios. Success in a complete set of experiments, using a mobile robot equipped with a single camera, shows extensive environmental conditions where the strategy can be applied.
The use of combined heart rate response and accelerometry to assess the level and predictors of physical activity in tuberculosis patients in Tanzania
Authors: FAURHOLT-JEPSEN M. , FAURHOLT-JEPSEN D. , RANGE N. , PRAYGOD G. , JEREMIAH K. , AABYE M. G. , CHANGALUCHA J. , KRARUP H. , CHRISTENSEN D. L. , ANDERSEN Å. B. , BRAGE S. , FRIIS H.
Published: September 2013

We assessed the role of tuberculosis (TB) disease and HIV infection on the level of physical activity. A combined heart rate and movement sensor was used to assess habitual physical activity in TB patients and non-TB controls. The association between sputum-negative TB, sputum-positive TB, HIV and physical activity estimates were assessed in multivariable linear regression models adjusted for age, sex, haemoglobin and alpha-1-acid glycoprotein (AGP). Sputum-positive [eB0·43, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0·29–0·64] and sputum-negative (eB0·67, 95% CI 0·47–0·94) TB as well as HIV infection (eB0·59, 95% CI 0·46–0·75) were associated with reduced activity compared to controls. Anaemia accounted for a substantial part of the effects of HIV, while elevated AGP primarily mediated the TB effect. The level of physical activity is highly influenced by TB and HIV, and mainly mediated through anaemia of infection and associated with elevated acute phase response.
Twenty years of active bat rabies surveillance in Germany: a detailed analysis and future perspectives
Authors: SCHATZ J. , OHLENDORF B. , BUSSE P. , PELZ G. , DOLCH D. , TEUBNER J. , ENCARNAÇÃO J. A. , MÜHLE R.-U. , FISCHER M. , HOFFMANN B. , KWASNITSCHKA L. , BALKEMA-BUSCHMANN A. , METTENLEITER T. C. , MÜLLER T. , FREULING C. M.
Published: September 2013

In Germany, active bat rabies surveillance was conducted between 1993 and 2012. A total of 4546 oropharyngeal swab samples from 18 bat species were screened for the presence of EBLV-1- , EBLV-2- and BBLV-specific RNA. Overall, 0·15% of oropharyngeal swab samples tested EBLV-1 positive, with the majority originating fromEptesicus serotinus. Interestingly, out of seven RT–PCR-positive oropharyngeal swabs subjected to virus isolation, viable virus was isolated from a single serotine bat (E. serotinus). Additionally, about 1226 blood samples were tested serologically, and varying virus neutralizing antibody titres were found in at least eight different bat species. The detection of viral RNA and seroconversion in repeatedly sampled serotine bats indicates long-term circulation of the virus in a particular bat colony. The limitations of random-based active bat rabies surveillance over passive bat rabies surveillance and its possible application of targeted approaches for future research activities on bat lyssavirus dynamics and maintenance are discussed.
Improving syntactic rule extraction through deleting spurious links with translation span alignment
Authors: ZHU JINGBO , LI QIANG , XIAO TONG
Published: September 2013

Most statistical machine translation systems typically rely on word alignments to extract translation rules. This approach would suffer from a practical problem that even one spurious word alignment link can prevent some desirable translation rules from being extracted. To address this issue, this paper presents two approaches, referred to as sub-tree alignment and phrase-based forced decoding methods, to automatically learn translation span alignments from parallel data. Then, we improve the translation rule extraction by deleting spurious links and inserting new links based on bilingual translation span correspondences. Some comparison experiments are designed to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
Is Post-Event Processing a Social Anxiety Specific or Transdiagnostic Cognitive Process in the Anxiety Spectrum?
Authors: Laposa Judith M. , Collimore Kelsey C. , Rector Neil A.
Published: September 2013

Background: Research on post-event processing (PEP), where individuals conduct a post-mortem evaluation of a social situation, has focused primarily on its relationship with social anxiety. Aims: The current study examined: 1) levels of PEP for a standardized event in different anxiety disorders; 2) the relationship between peak anxiety levels during this event and subsequent PEP; and 3) the relationship between PEP and disorder-specific symptom severity. Method: Participants with primary DSM-IV diagnoses of social anxiety disorder (SAD), obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder with/without agoraphobia (PD/A), or generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) completed diagnosis specific symptom measures before attending group cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) specific to their diagnosis. Participants rated their peak anxiety level during the first group therapy session, and one week later rated PEP in the context of CBT. Results: The results indicated that all anxiety disorder groups showed heightened and equivalent PEP ratings. Peak state anxiety during the first CBT session predicted subsequent level of PEP, irrespective of diagnostic group. PEP ratings were found to be associated with disorder-specific symptom severity in SAD, GAD, and PD/A, but not in OCD. Conclusions: PEP may be a transdiagnostic process with relevance to a broad range of anxiety disorders, not just SAD.
Obesity and Internalized Weight Stigma: A Formulation Model for an Emerging Psychological Problem
Authors: Ratcliffe Denise , Ellison Nell
Published: September 2013

Background:Obese individuals frequently experience weight stigma and this is associated with psychological distress and difficulties. The process of external devaluation can lead to negative self-perception and evaluation and some obese individuals develop “internalized weight stigma”. The prevalence of weight stigma is well established but there is a lack of information about the interplay between external and internal weight stigma.Aims:To synthesize the literature on the psychological effects of weight stigma into a formulation model that addresses the maintenance of internalized weight stigma.Method:Current research on the psychological impact of weight stigma was reviewed. We identify cognitive, behavioural and attentional processes that maintain psychological conditions where self-evaluation plays a central role. A model was developed based on clinical utility.Results:The model focuses on identifying factors that influence and maintain internalized weight stigma. We highlight the impact of negative societal and interpersonal experiences of weight stigma on how individuals view themselves as an obese person. Processing the self as a stigmatized individual is at the core of the model. Maintenance factors include negative self-judgements about the meaning of being an obese individual, attentional and mood shifts, and avoidance and safety behaviours. In addition, eating and weight management behaviours become deregulated and maintain both obesity and weight stigma.Conclusion:As obesity increases, weight stigma and the associated psychological effects are likely to increase. We provide a framework for formulating and intervening with internalized weight stigma as well as making therapists aware of the applicability and transferability of strategies that they may already use with other presenting problems.
Malnutrition in older adults on financial assistance in an urban Asian country: a mixed methods study
Authors: Koo Yu Xuan , Kang Min Li , Auyong Angie , Liau Glen Zq , Hoe Jeremy , Long Melody , Koh Aaron , Koh Frederick , Liu Rain , Koh Gerald
Published: September 2013

Objective

The objectives of the present study were to assess the nutritional status, identify factors for malnutrition risk and evaluate barriers to adequate nutrition among recipients of the Public Assistance (PA) scheme for socio-economically disadvantaged Singaporeans.

Design

Using a cross-sectional study design, we assessed PA recipients’ malnutrition risk using the DETERMINE Nutritional Health checklist and the full Mini-Nutritional Assessment (MNA), as well as their nutritional knowledge, co-morbidity burden, depression risk, instrumental and basic activities of daily living (IADL and BADL), and awareness and utilization of available food services. In-depth interviews were also conducted on malnourished individuals (MNA score < 17) to understand barriers to adequate nutrition.

Setting

Homes of community-living older adults and nursing homes of institutionalized older adults.

Subjects

All PA recipients aged ≥55 years in Central Singapore District.

Results

Four hundred and sixty-five of 511 (91·0 %) eligible PA recipients participated in the study. The prevalence of malnutrition in the study population was 2·8 %. However, 50·3 % were at risk of malnutrition. Among community-dwelling respondents, the risk of malnutrition was independently associated with age >75 years, currently unmarried, BADL impairment, depression risk and BMI < 19·0 kg/m2. Qualitative analysis revealed that financial, social and physical barriers and lack of knowledge were the main contributors to poor nutritional status. Only half were aware of subsidized food services and education increased interest in utilizing food services. Among nursing home respondents, those who were BADL impaired were more likely to be at risk of malnutrition.

Conclusions

Among PA recipients, the prevalence of malnutrition is low but the risk of malnutrition is high. Education on adequate nutrition and food services are recommended.
Microsatellite-based DNA fingerprinting and genetic diversity of bottle gourd genotypes
Authors: Sarao Navraj Kaur , Pathak Mamta , Kaur Neha , Kirandeep
Published: September 2013

In India, the registration and protection of new and notified/extant plant varieties are based on the criteria of distinctness, uniformity and stability (DUS) of morphological characteristics. However, these morphological traits have not been helpful in resolving closely related genotypes. The molecular markers can very well support the DUS testing in such cases. Therefore, in the present study, 20 accessions of bottle gourd were fingerprinted using 20 simple sequence repeat (SSR) primers. Of these, ten primers exhibited polymorphic profiles, while nine exhibited monomorphic patterns and one revealed a null allele. The number of alleles ranged from 2 to 4 with an average of 2.6 alleles per locus. Unique DNA profiles of all the accessions could be created using a set of five polymorphic primers. Therefore, SSR markers used in the present study could precisely distinguish all the 20 accessions from each other, and these SSR markers can be further used to differentiate the future genotypes from the existing ones. The dendrogram depicting the genetic relationships as revealed by NTSYS-pc 2.02 and the tree diagram generated using the DARwin 5.0 program classified the accessions into two main clusters. There is no strong association between the clustering pattern and geographical origin of these accessions. This SSR marker-based diversity would facilitate the implementation of marker-assisted breeding schemes for efficient introduction of the desired traits into bottle gourd.
Faith-based Diplomacy: Conservative Evangelicals and the United States Military
Authors: Marsden Lee
Published: September 2013

Religion is becoming an increasingly important factor for theorists and policy makers alike in the consideration of United States foreign policy. In recent years a new school of faith-based diplomacy advocacy has emerged and begun to resonate with foreign policy practitioners. This article examines the efficacy of such faith-based approaches to foreign policy problems with a religious component and argues that such an approach is inherently flawed. The article argues that a combination of a distinct military culture, which feels itself morally superior to its civilian leadership and the activism of conservative evangelicals in the chaplaincy and military leadership makes such faith-based approaches unrealistic. While acknowledging a role for pluralist religious actors in foreign policy the article rejects a faith-based advocacy approach which can exacerbate rather than resolve foreign policy problems.
Quantile Regression Analysis and Other Alternatives to Ordinary Least Squares Regression
Authors: Haupt Harry , Lösel Friedrich , Stemmler Mark
Published: September 2013

Data analyses by classical ordinary least squares (OLS) regression techniques often employ unrealistic assumptions, fail to recognize the source and nature of heterogeneity, and are vulnerable to extreme observations. Therefore, this article compares robust and non-robust M-estimator regressions in a statistical demonstration study. Data from the Erlangen-Nuremberg Development and Prevention Project are used to model risk factors for physical punishment by fathers of 485 elementary school children. The Corporal Punishment Scale of the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire was the dependent variable. Fathers’ aggressiveness, dysfunctional parent-child relations, various other parenting characteristics, and socio-demographic variables served as predictors. Robustness diagnostics suggested the use of trimming procedures and outlier diagnostics suggested the use of robust estimators as an alternative to OLS. However, a quantile regression analysis provided more detailed insights beyond the measures of central tendency and detected sources of considerable heterogeneity in the risk structure of father’s corporal punishment. Advantages of this method are discussed with regard to methodological and content issues.