bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Betaine recovers hypothalamic neural injury by inhibiting astrogliosis and inflammation in fructose‐fed rats
Authors: Li Jian‐Mei , Ge Chen‐Xu , Xu Min‐Xuan , Wang Wei , Yu Rong , Fan Chen‐Yu , Kong Ling‐Dong
Published: October 2014

Scope

Hypothalamic astrogliosis and inflammation cause neural injury, playing a critical role in metabolic syndrome development. This study investigated whether and how fructose caused hypothalamic astrogliosis and inflammation in vivo and in vitro. The inhibitory effects of betaine on hypothalamic neural injury, astrogliosis, and inflammation were explored to address its improvement of fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome.

Methods and results

Rats or astrocytes were exposed to fructose and then treated with betaine. Neural injury, proinflammatory markers, Toll‐like receptor 4/nuclear factor‐κB (TLR4/NF‐κB) pathway, and histone deacetylases 3 (HDAC3) expressions were evaluated. The reduction of pro‐opiomelanocortin and melanocortin 4 receptor positive neurons in fructose‐fed rats was ameliorated by betaine. Moreover, fructose induced astrogliosis and proinflammatory cytokine production by increasing TLR4, MyD88 (where MyD88 is myeloid differentiation factor 88), and NF‐κB expression in rat hypothalamus and astrocytes. HDAC3 overexpression preserved the prolonged inflammation in fructose‐stimulated astrocytes by regulating nuclear NF‐κB‐dependent transcription. Betaine suppressed TLR4/NF‐κB pathway activation and HDAC3 expression, contributing to its inhibition of hypothalamic astrogliosis and inflammation in animal and cell models.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that betaine inhibits fructose‐caused astrogliosis and inflammation by the suppression of TLR4/NF‐κB pathway activation and HDAC3 expression to protect against hypothalamic neural injury, which, at least partly, contributes to the improvement of fructose‐induced metabolic syndrome.
An evolutionary approach to modelling the thermomechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils
Authors: Ahangar‐Asr Alireza , Javadi Akbar A. , Khalili Nasser
Published: October 2014

A new data‐mining approach is presented for modelling of the stress–strain and volume change behaviour of unsaturated soils considering temperature effects. The proposed approach is based on the evolutionary polynomial regression (EPR), which unlike some other data‐mining techniques, generates a transparent and structured representation of the behaviour of systems directly from raw experimental (or field) data. The proposed methodology can operate on large quantities of data in order to capture nonlinear and complex relationships between contributing variables. The developed models allow the user to gain a clear insight into the behaviour of the system. Unsaturated triaxial test data from the literature were used for development and verification of EPR models. The developed models were also used (in a coupled manner) to produce the entire stress path of triaxial tests. Comparison of the EPR model predictions with the experimental data revealed the robustness and capability of the proposed methodology in capturing and reproducing the constitutive thermomechanical behaviour of unsaturated soils. More importantly, the capability of the developed models in accurately generalizing the predictions to unseen data cases was illustrated. The results of a sensitivity analysis showed that the models developed from data are able to capture and represent the physical aspects of the unsaturated soil behaviour accurately. The merits and advantages of the proposed methodology are also discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Real‐time assessment of 13C metabolism reveals an early lactate increase in the brain of rats with acute liver failure
Authors: Chavarria Laia , Romero‐Giménez Jordi , Monteagudo Eva , Lope‐Piedrafita Silvia , Cordoba Juan
Published: October 2014

Intracranial hypertension is a severe complication of acute liver failure (ALF) secondary to brain edema. The pathogenesis of cerebral edema in ALF is not clear, but seems to be related to energy metabolism in which lactate may have an important role. The aim of this study was to follow the synthesis of brain lactate using a novel in vivo metabolic technology in a rat model of ALF. Time‐resolved 13C MRS of hyperpolarized 13C1‐pyruvate was used to quantitatively follow the in vivo conversion of pyruvate to its substrates in a model of devascularized ALF in rats. Rats with ALF showed a significant increase in the lactate to pyruvate ratio from 36% to 69% during the progression of liver disease relative to rats with portocaval anastomosis. Rats with ALF also showed a significant increase in the alanine to pyruvate ratio from 72% to 95%. These increases were detectable at very early stages (6 h) when animals had no evident disease signs in their behavior (without loss of righting or corneal reflexes). This study shows the dynamic consequences of cerebral in vivo 13C metabolism at real time in rats with ALF. The early detection of the de novo synthesis of lactate suggests that brain lactate is involved in the physiopathology of ALF. Hyperpolarization is a potential non‐invasive technique to follow the in vivo metabolism, and both the development and optimization of 13C‐labeled substrates can clarify the mechanism involved in ALF. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and its propensity for causing bronchiolitis
Authors: Pickles Raymond J , DeVincenzo John P
Published: October 2014

Infants and young children with acute onset of wheezing and reduced respiratory airflows are often diagnosed with obstruction and inflammation of the small bronchiolar airways, ie bronchiolitis. The most common aetological agents causing bronchiolitis in young children are the respiratory viruses, and of the commonly encountered respiratory viruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) has a propensity for causing bronchiolitis. Indeed, RSV bronchiolitis remains the major reason why previously healthy infants are admitted to hospital. Why RSV infection is such a predominant cause of bronchiolitis is the subject of this review. By reviewing the available histopathology of RSV bronchiolitis, both in humans and relevant animal models, we identify hallmark features of RSV infection of the distal airways and focus attention on the consequences of columnar cell cytopathology occurring in the bronchioles, which directly impacts the development of bronchiolar obstruction, inflammation and disease. Copyright © 2014 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel way of texturing glass for microcrystalline silicon thin film solar cells application
Authors: Yang Guangtao , van Swaaij René A. C. M. M. , Isabella Olindo , Zeman Miro
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we present a novel way of texturing glass facilitated by ZnO:Al thin film as sacrificial layer for thin film silicon solar cell application. We name this technique zinc oxide‐induced texturing (ZIT). The texturing of glass was achieved by wet etching of ZnO:Al covered glass with HF and HNO3 as etchants. We investigated the influence of the ZnO:Al layer sputtering condition, the layer thickness, and the etchant composition on the surface morphology of the textured glass. We demonstrate that we are able to control the roughness of the ZIT glass over a wide roughness range, ranging from 20 to 400 nm. Highly efficient microcrystalline silicon n‐i‐p solar cells were deposited on ZIT glass. The influence of the substrate morphology on the solar cell performance is also discussed. The highest efficiency for a single junction n‐i‐p microcrystalline silicon solar cell obtained in this work is 10.64% (Active area). Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low temperature hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon‐carbon alloys deposited by RF‐PECVD
Authors: Gaiaschi Sofia , Gueunier‐Farret Marie‐Estelle , Johnson Erik V.
Published: October 2014

Two sets of hydrogenated microcrystalline silicon carbon alloys were deposited by standard radio frequency (RF) plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition at a substrate temperature of 175 °C. The effect of the methane flow rate and of the RF‐power were investigated. Samples were deposited from a silane and methane gas mixture, highly diluted in hydrogen. The increase in methane flow rates leads to a decrease of the crystalline volume fraction and an increase in carbon incorporation. On the other hand, decreasing the RF‐power shifts the microcrystalline‐to‐amorphous transition at higher methane flow rates. Moreover, for similar amount of carbon incorporated, the decrease in RF‐power leads to materials showing higher crystalline volume fraction and average grains sizes. Both ion bombardment energy and carbon incorporation contributes to the microstructural properties of the deposited alloys. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Nanoscale electrical characterization of graphene contacts to AlGaN/GaN heterostructures
Authors: Fisichella Gabriele , Greco Giuseppe , Di Franco Salvatore , Roccaforte Fabrizio , Ravesi Sebastiano , Giannazzo Filippo
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we describe a highly reproducible method to transfer graphene (Gr) grown on copper by chemical vapour deposition to the surface of AlGaN/GaN heterostructures and we report a nanoscale electrical characterization of current transport at Gr contact to AlGaN. This latter investigation has been carried out using local current‐voltage measurements by conductive atomic force microscopy (CAFM), performed both on the Gr‐coated and bare AlGaN surface (reference). These analyses provide information on the lateral uniformity of the Schottky barrier height (SBH) between Gr and AlGaN. Gr contacts to AlGaN exhibit much more uniform and significantly lower SBH (∼0.4 eV) than common metals, such as gold, with SBH∼0.96 eV. These results can be useful for future applications in high frequency transistors based on AlGaN/GAN heterostructures and Gr. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Optical properties of plasmonic nanoparticles distributed in size determined from a modified Maxwell‐Garnett‐Mie theory
Authors: Battie Y. , Resano‐Garcia A. , Chaoui N. , En Naciri A.
Published: October 2014

The optical properties of spherical gold and silver nanoparticles distributed in size are investigated through a new effective medium theory. It is about the modified Maxwell‐Garnett‐Mie theory (MMGM) that takes into account the intrinsic confinement, dynamic effects and the nanoparticle radius distribution. In the case of monodispersed nanoparticles with a radius in the 1 nm‐25 nm range, MMGM is equivalent to the Mie theory. Compared to the conventional effective medium theory, we demonstrate that MGMM gives better description of the measured extinction spectra of colloidal gold and silver solutions. (© 2015 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Monte Carlo study of the early growth stages of 3C‐SiC on misoriented <11‐20> and <1‐100> 6H‐SiC substrates: role of step‐island interaction
Authors: Camarda M. , La Magna A. , La Via F.
Published: October 2014

In this paper, we use three‐dimensional kinetic Monte Carlo simulations on superlattices to study the hetero‐polytypical growth of cubic silicon carbide polytype (3C‐SiC) on hexagonal 6H‐SiC step‐bunched substrates with miscuts towards the <11‐20> and <1‐100> directions. We find that the preferential 3C conversion observed on <1‐100> misoriented substrates could be due to a different step‐to‐island interaction which enhances island stability and expansion in this specific direction. For this reason 3‐4 degrees off step‐bunched 6H substrates with miscut towards the <1‐100> direction should be the best choice for the stable and reproducible hetero‐polytypical growth of high quality cubic epitaxial films. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Screening of six UGT enzyme activities in human liver microsomes using liquid chromatography/triple quadrupole mass spectrometry
Authors: Joo Jeongmin , Lee Boram , Lee Taeho , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

Uridine 5'‐diphosphoglucuronosyltransferase (UGT) enzymes are essential for the clearance of many drugs; however, altered UGT activity is a potential cause of adverse drug‐drug interactions (DDI). The early detection of potential DDI is an important aspect of drug discovery that has led to the development of new screening methods for drug interactions. We developed a screening method for the simultaneous evaluation of six human liver UGT enzyme activites using in vitro cocktail incubation and tandem mass spectrometry.

METHODS

The two in vitro cocktail doses were developed to minimize drug interactions among substrates. The method is based on liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS). Electrospray ionization (ESI) in both positive and negative modes was used to quantify the metabolites and the diagnostic loss of the glucuronosyl moiety to form the aglycone product was estimated using the selected reaction monitoring (SRM) mode.

RESULTS

The method was validated by comparing inhibition data obtained from the incubation of each individual probe substrate alone with data from the cocktail method. The intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy and precision data for the six UGT metabolites ranged from 92.2 to 100.3% and less than 15.2%, respectively. The IC50 values showed no significant differences between individual and cocktail incubations.

CONCLUSIONS

As a screening technique for inhibitory interactions of these six human liver UGT enzymes, this method will be useful for advancing mechanistic understanding of drug interactions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The formation of [M–H]+ ions in N‐alkyl‐substituted thieno[3,4‐c]‐pyrrole‐4,6‐dione derivatives during atmospheric pressure photoionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Sioud Salim , Kharbatia Najeh , Amad Maan H. , Zhu Zhiyong , Cabanetos Clement , Lesimple Alain , Beaujuge Pierre
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

The formation of ions during atmospheric pressure photoionization (APPI) mass spectrometry in the positive mode usually provides radical cations and/or protonated species. Intriguingly, during the analysis of some N‐alkyl‐substituted thieno[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐4,6‐dione (TPD) derivatives synthesized in our laboratory, unusual [M–H]+ ion peaks were observed. In this work we investigate the formation of [M–H]+ ions observed under APPI conditions.

METHODS

Multiple experimental parameters, including the type of ionization source, the composition of the solvent, the type of dopant, the infusion flow rate, and the length of the alkyl side chain were investigated to determine their effects on the formation of [M–H]+ ions. In addition, a comparison study of the gas‐phase tandem mass spectrometric (MS/MS) fragmentation of [M + H]+ vs [M–H]+ ions and computational approaches were used.

RESULTS

[M–H]+ ions were observed under APPI conditions. The type of dopant and the length of the alkyl chain affected the formation of these ions. MS/MS fragmentation of [M–H]+ and [M + H]+ ions exhibited completely different patterns. Theoretical calculations revealed that the loss of hydrogen molecules from the [M + H]+ ions is the most favourable condition under which to form [M–H]+ ions.

CONCLUSIONS

[M–H]+ ions were detected in all the TPD derivatives studied here under the special experimental conditions during APPI, using a halogenated benzene dopant, and TPD containing substituted N‐alkyl side chains with a minimum of four carbon atoms. Density functional theory calculations showed that for [M–H]+ ions to be formed under these conditions, the loss of hydrogen molecules from the [M + H]+ ions is proposed to be necessary. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nylon nanoweb with TiO2 nanoparticles as a solid matrix for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Kim Jo‐Il , Ryu Su‐Yeol , Park Jong‐Min , Noh Joo‐Yoon , Kang Min‐Jung , Kwak Seung‐Yeop , Pyun Jae‐Chul
Published: October 2014

RATIONALE

The solid matrices used for matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOFMS) enable the analysis of small molecules by preventing fragmentations of organic matrix molecules in the low mass‐to‐charge ratio (m/z) range. In this work, a nylon nanoweb with TiO2 particles was developed as a solid matrix for MALDI‐TOFMS to improve the low intensities of mass peaks, narrow detection ranges and low signal‐to‐noise levels.

METHODS

The nylon nanoweb with TiO2 particles was prepared by simultaneously electrospinning a nylon nanoweb and electrospraying TiO2 nanoparticles measuring 25 nm in diameter to form TiO2 spheres 300 nm in diameter.

RESULTS

MS of multiple analytes was demonstrated in the low molecular weight range using eight amino acids. Additionally, leucine‐enkephalin (555.6 g/mol) and cyclic citrullinated peptide (1668 g/mol) were used as model analytes to test the feasibility of a nylon nanoweb containing TiO2 particles as a solid matrix for MALDI‐TOFMS.

CONCLUSIONS

The nylon nanoweb with TiO2 particles can be applied for the detection of volatile small molecule analytes in the m/z ratio range of small molecules. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Performance‐based wind evaluation and strengthening of existing tall concrete buildings in the Los Angeles region: dampers, nonlinear time history analysis and structural reliability
Authors: Hart Gary C. , Jain Anurag
Published: October 2014

This paper presents a methodology in wind design including in a scientific way the benefits of using dampers and of performing a nonlinear dynamic analysis of tall concrete buildings that are being evaluated and strengthened. It is developed for tall buildings in the Los Angeles region but is without geographic bounds. The uses of equations of structural reliability form this scientific basis. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Patterns of Women's Aggression Against Partners and Others: Broadening Our Understanding of Violence
Authors: Rivera Echo A. , Kubiak Sheryl P. , Bybee Deborah
Published: October 2014

Research on women's aggression typically focuses on relational aggression. However, the study of violence must include multiple forms of violence such as aggression against partners and non‐partner others, while also considering victimization experiences by partners and non‐partners. The focus of this study is the multiple experiences of violence (perpetration and victimization) of women who are incarcerated. Incarcerated women are likely to experience higher rates of both than women in community settings, but most will be released in a brief period of time. Using a random sample (N = 580) we conducted cluster analyses to identify five patterns of women's aggression. Clusters varied depending on the target/s of aggression (i.e., partner and/or others), and type of aggression (i.e., physical and/or intimidation). Multinomial logistic regression was performed to determine the relationship between women's membership in a perpetration cluster and their victimization. Victimization history was related to an increased risk of perpetrating aggression, and varied depending on the target and type of aggression. Our findings provide support that research and interventions addressing women's use of aggression must also address their victimization history. Furthermore, results indicate that for some women, aggression towards partners and others is related. Future research should investigate multiple forms of aggression.
High prevalence of complementary and alternative medicine use in patients with genetically proven mitochondrial disorders
Authors: Franik Sebastian , Huidekoper Hidde H. , Visser Gepke , de Vries Maaike , de Boer Lonneke , Hermans‐Peters Marion , Rodenburg Richard , Verhaak Chris , Vlieger Arine M. , Smeitink Jan A. M. , Janssen Mirian C. H. , Wortmann Saskia B.
Published: October 2014

Despite major advances in understanding the pathophysiology of mitochondrial diseases, clinical management of these conditions remains largely supportive, and no effective treatment is available. We therefore assumed that the burden of disease combined with the lack of adequate treatment leaves open a big market for complementary and alternative medicine use. The objective of this study was to evaluate the use and perceived effectiveness of complementary and alternative medicine in children and adults with genetically proven mitochondrial disease. The reported use was surprisingly high, with 88 % of children and 91 % of adults having used some kind of complementary and alternative medicine in the last 2 years. Also, the mean cost of these treatments was impressive, being €489/year for children and €359/year for adult patients. Over‐the‐counter remedies (e.g., food supplements, homeopathy) and self‐help techniques (e.g., Reiki, yoga) were the most frequently used complementary and alternative therapies in our cohort: 54 % of children and 60 % of adults reported the various complementary and alternative medicine therapies to be effective. Given the fact that currently no effective treatment exists, further research toward the different therapies is needed, as our study clearly demonstrates that such therapies are highly sought after by affected patients.
A Threshold Disability Score Corresponds with an Estimated Diagnosis of Clinical Depression in Patients with Upper Extremity Disease
Authors: Molleman Jeroen , Janssen Stein J. , Overbeek Celeste L. , Ring David
Published: October 2014

Background

The purpose of this study was to assess whether there is a threshold Disability of Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) score among patients with common hand diagnoses that corresponds with an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression.

Methods

Two hundred sixty-nine patients with one of five common upper extremity disorders completed a measure of upper extremity-specific disability (QuickDASH or DASH) and a questionnaire assessing depressive symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ) or Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression scale (CES-D). A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis of the discriminatory value of a threshold DASH score for an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression was assessed. The threshold DASH score with the highest positive predictive value for an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression was selected. In bivariate analysis, the association between demographic factors, disease factors, and an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression was examined.

Results

The area under the ROC curve for a threshold DASH value diagnostic of an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression was 0.75, indicating clinical usefulness for a threshold DASH score as a screening test for depression. The highest positive predictive value of 72 % occurred at a threshold QuickDASH/DASH score of 55. In bivariate analysis, only diagnosis and years of education were significantly different between patients with and without an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression.

Conclusion

A DASH score of 55 or greater in patients with common upper extremity disorders has an acceptable area under the curve and positive predictive value for an estimated diagnosis of clinical depression. Level of Evidence: Level 3, diagnostic study
Evaluating the Performance of Detergent Powder Formulations Containing Nano Alumina Using Diffuse Reflectance Infrared Spectroscopy and Pattern Recognition Techniques
Authors: Khanmohammadi M. , rezaee Rudmianeh H. , bagheri Garmarudi A. , Ghasemi K.
Published: October 2014

An analytical method has been introduced based on diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) coupled with pattern recognition techniques to determine the efficiency of various detergent powder formulations containing nano alumina. In order to reach this aim, different multivariate classification methods such as principal component analysis, hierarchical cluster analysis and linear discriminate analysis (LDA) were utilized for diffuse reflectance spectra to evaluate the classification approach. The best model was predicted by LDA, with a correct classification rate (%CC) of 93.55 %. Furthermore, sensitivity and specificity for the test set were 0.90 and 0.95, respectively. These results confirm the capability of DRIFTS coupled with chemometric techniques for estimating the performance of detergent powder formulations containing nano alumina.
Far from the Eyes, Close to the Heart: Dysbiosis of Gut Microbiota and Cardiovascular Consequences
Authors: Serino Matteo , Blasco-Baque Vincent , Nicolas Simon , Burcelin Remy
Published: October 2014

These days, the gut microbiota is universally recognized as an active organ that can modulate the overall host metabolism by promoting multiple functions, from digestion to the systemic maintenance of overall host physiology. Dysbiosis, the alteration of the complex ecologic system of gut microbes, is associated with and causally responsible for multiple types of pathologies. Among the latters, metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and obesity are each distinguishable by a unique gut microbiota profile. Interestingly, the specific microbiota typically found in the blood of diabetic patients also has been observed at the level of atherosclerotic plaque. Here, we report evidence from the literature, as well as a few controversial reports, regarding the putative role of gut microbiota dysbiosis-induced cardiovascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, which are common comorbidities of metabolic dysfunction.
Horizontal turbulent diffusion in a convective mixed layer
Authors: Ito Junshi , Niino Hiroshi , Nakanishi Mikio
Published: October 2014

A large eddy simulation (LES) is used to estimate a reliable horizontal turbulent diffusion coefficient, $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}K_{{h}}$, in a convective mixed layer (CML). The introduction of a passive scalar field with a fixed horizontal gradient at a given time enables $K_{{h}}$ estimation as a function of height, based on the simulated turbulent horizontal scalar flux. Here $K_{{h}}$ is found to be of the order of $100\ {\mathrm{m}}^2\ {\mathrm{s}}^{-1}$ for a typical terrestrial atmospheric CML. It is shown to scale by the product of the CML convective velocity, $w_{*}$, and its depth, $h$. Here $K_{{h}}$ is characterized by a vertical profile in the CML: it is large near both the bottom and top of the CML, where horizontal flows associated with convection are large. The equation pertaining to the temporal rate of change of a horizontal scalar flux suggests that $K_{{h}}$ is determined by a balance between production and pressure correlation at a fully developed stage. Pressure correlation near the bottom of the CML is localized in convergence zones near the boundaries of convective cells and becomes large within an eddy turnover time, $h/w_{*}$, after the introduction of the passive scalar field.
Collision rates of small ellipsoids settling in turbulence
Authors: Siewert C. , Kunnen R. P. J. , Schröder W.
Published: October 2014

We propose that the collision rates of non-spherical particles settling in a turbulent environment are significantly higher than those of spherical particles of the same mass and volume. The theoretical argument is based on the dependence of the particle drag force on the particle orientation, thus varying gravitational settling velocities, which can remain different until contact due to the particle inertia. Therefore, non-spherical particles can collide with large relative velocities. Direct numerical simulations (DNS) of streamwise decaying isotropic turbulence seeded with small, heavy, rotationally symmetric ellipsoids of five different aspect ratios are performed to confirm these arguments. The motion of 21 million ellipsoids is tracked by a Lagrangian particle solver assuming creeping flow conditions and neglecting the influence of the particles on the flow. We find that ellipsoids collide considerably more often than spherical particles of the same volume and mass due to a drastically increased mean relative velocity at contact.
ALEVIS UNDER LAW: THE POLITICS OF RELIGIOUS FREEDOM IN TURKEY
Authors: Hurd Elizabeth Shakman
Published: October 2014

Proponents of minority rights are calling for urgent measures to protect the Copts in Egypt, the Ahmadiyya in Pakistan, and the Baha'i in Iran to secure religious diversity, shield minority populations from discriminatory practices, and prevent the outbreak of religious violence. State governments, international organizations, nongovernmental organizations, and international tribunals promote religious liberalization as the antidote to the violence and discord that is often attributed to these divisions. Enshrined in international agreements and promoted by a small army of experts and authorities, legal protections for religious minorities are heralded as the solution to the challenges of living with social and religious diversity. This article examines how the complexities and ambivalences of ordinary religious belonging are translated and transformed through the process of becoming legalized and governmentalized. It documents the risks of adopting religion as a category to draw together individuals and communities as corporate bodies that are depicted as in need of legal protection to achieve their freedom. The argument is developed through an extended case study of the legal status of the Alevis in Turkey, a community and a category formally constituted as a single whole as part of the Turkish nation-building project. It evaluates two legal constructions of Alevism by the Turkish state and the European Court of Human Rights. While premised on differing assumptions about Alevism, both erase the indeterminacy and open-endedness surrounding Alevism as a lived tradition embedded in a broader field of social and cultural practices, while bolstering the role of the state in defining and overseeing Turkish religiosities.
Owner misperception of canine body condition persists despite use of a body condition score chart
Authors: Eastland-Jones Rebekah C. , German Alexander J. , Holden Shelley L. , Biourge Vincent , Pickavance Lucy C.
Published: October 2014

Canine obesity is a prevalent disease, but many owners are unaware of it, partly due to misperception of their dog's body shape. Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple method of assessing body composition, but whether it can reduce owner misperception is unclear. Our aim was to determine the effect of a BCS system on owners' ability to estimate the body condition of their dog. Information from 110 dog owners attending three UK veterinary practices was gathered, by interview, between March and April 2013. First, owners were asked to determine their dog's body condition without guidance, and then reassess it using a five-point BCS chart. Most owners (85/110, 77 %) believed the chart to have improved their ability to estimate the condition of their dog correctly. However, only a weak agreement existed between owner estimates and those of the primary investigator, both with (kappa (κ) = 0·28; P < 0·001) and without (κ = 0·32; P < 0·001) the BCS chart. Furthermore, most owners incorrectly estimated their dog's body condition, both with (71/110; 64 %) and without (72/110; 65 %) the chart (P = 1·00), with underestimation being most common (with = 63/71, 89 %; without = 66/72, 92 %; P = 0·57). Owners of overweight dogs more commonly misperceived their dog's body condition, both with (BCS 1–3: 5/35, 14 %; BCS 4–5: 64/75, 85 %; P < 0·001) and without (BCS 1–3: 10/35, 28 %; BCS 4–5: 61/75, 81 %; P < 0·001) the BCS chart. Thus, use of a five-point BCS chart does not improve accuracy of owners' perception of their dog's body shape, despite the accompanying perception that it does.
“Fit to Enter the World”: Hannah Arendt on Politics, Economics, and the Welfare State
Authors: KLEIN STEVEN
Published: October 2014

What is the significance of the welfare state and struggles over social and economic needs for democratic politics? This article turns to Hannah Arendt's thought to articulate new possibilities for relating democratic agency and the welfare state, possibilities neglected by currently dominant deliberative and radical democratic approaches. Against critics who claim that Arendt seeks to purify politics of economic and social problems, I argue that she presents a sophisticated account of the vital importance of economic matters for public life. For Arendt, the danger is not the invasion of politics by economics, but rather the loss of the worldly, mediating institutions that allow economic matters to appear as objects of public concern. Reconstructing her account of these mediating institutions, I show that Arendt's analysis opens up novel insights into the relationship between democratic action and welfare institutions, drawing attention to how such institutions transform material necessity into shared objects of attachment, judgment, and action.
Consumption of whole grains in French children, adolescents and adults
Authors: Bellisle France , Hébel Pascale , Colin Justine , Reyé Béatrice , Hopkins Sinead
Published: October 2014

The consumption of whole grain foods is associated with many nutritional, health and weight control benefits. The present study assessed whole grain intake in France on the basis of a 7 d dietary survey in a representative sample of children, adolescents and adults (Comportements et Consommations Alimentaires en France 2010 survey). Special care was taken to identify and assess the intake of all whole grains. All foods consumed were considered, with no lower limit on whole grain content. For the majority of foods, details regarding the whole grain contents were obtained from brand information and quantitative nutrient declarations on food labels. Over half of the respondents reported never consuming any whole grain. In participants who did, consumption levels were very low (about 9·1 g/d in children and 14·4 g/d in adults). The main food sources of whole grains were breakfast cereals in children and adolescents and bread in adults. Consumers of whole grains had higher daily intakes of fibre and several vitamins and minerals than non-consumers. In adults but not in children, the OR for overweight/obesity decreased significantly as the level of whole grain consumption increased. Although a majority of French consumers comply with the national recommendation to consume a starchy food with each meal, they do so with minimal consumption of whole grain foods.
On Commuting Varieties of Nilradicals of Borel Subalgebras of Reductive Lie Algebras
Authors: Goodwin Simon M. , Röhrle Gerhard
Published: October 2014

Let G be a connected reductive algebraic group defined over an algebraically closed field of characteristic 0. We consider the commuting variety of the nilradical of the Lie algebra of a Borel subgroup B of G. In case B acts on with only a finite number of orbits, we verify that is equidimensional and that the irreducible components are in correspondence with the distinguishedB-orbits in . We observe that in general is not equidimensional, and determine the irreducible components of in the minimal cases where there are infinitely many B-orbits in .
Lp-Spectral Multipliers for some Elliptic Systems
Authors: Kunstmann Peer Christian , Uhl Matthias
Published: October 2014

We show results onLp-spectral multipliers for Maxwell operators with bounded measurable coefficients. We also present similar results for the Stokes operator with Hodge boundary conditions and the Lamé system. Here, we rely on resolvent estimates recently established by Mitrea and Monniaux.
Flow dynamics and magnetic induction in the von-Kármán plasma experiment
Authors: Plihon N. , Bousselin G. , Palermo F. , Morales J. , Bos W. J. T. , Godeferd F. , Bourgoin M. , Pinton J.-F. , Moulin M. , Aanesland A.
Published: October 2014

The von-Kármán plasma experiment is a novel versatile experimental device designed to explore the dynamics of basic magnetic induction processes and the dynamics of flows driven in weakly magnetized plasmas. A high-density plasma column (1016–1019particles. m−3) is created by two radio-frequency plasma sources located at each end of a 1 m long linear device. Flows are driven throughJ×Bazimuthal torques created from independently controlled emissive cathodes. The device has been designed such that magnetic induction processes and turbulent plasma dynamics can be studied from a variety of time-averaged axisymmetric flows in a cylinder. MHD simulations implementing volume-penalization support the experimental development to design the most efficient flow-driving schemes and understand the flow dynamics. Preliminary experimental results show that a rotating motion of up to nearly 1 km/s is controlled by theJ×Bazimuthal torque.
A kinetic model of plasma turbulence
Authors: Servidio S. , Valentini F. , Perrone D. , Greco A. , Califano F. , Matthaeus W. H. , Veltri P.
Published: October 2014

A Hybrid Vlasov–Maxwell (HVM) model is presented and recent results about the link between kinetic effects and turbulence are reviewed. Using five-dimensional (2D in space and 3D in the velocity space) simulations of plasma turbulence, it is found that kinetic effects (or non-fluid effects) manifest through the deformation of the proton velocity distribution function (DF), with patterns of non-Maxwellian features being concentrated near regions of strong magnetic gradients. The direction of theproper temperature anisotropy, calculated in the main reference frame of the distribution itself, has a finite probability of being along or across the ambient magnetic field, in general agreement with the classical definition of anisotropyT⊥/T∥(where subscripts refer to the magnetic field direction). Adopting the latter conventional definition, by varying the global plasma beta (β) and fluctuation level, simulations explore distinct regions of the space given byT⊥/T∥and β∥, recovering solar wind observations. Moreover, as in the solar wind, HVM simulations suggest that proton anisotropy is not only associated with magnetic intermittent events, but also with gradient-type structures in the flow and in the density. The role of alpha particles is reviewed using multi-ion kinetic simulations, revealing a similarity between proton and helium non-Maxwellian effects. The techniques presented here are applied to 1D spacecraft-like analysis, establishing a link between non-fluid phenomena and solar wind magnetic discontinuities. Finally, the dimensionality of turbulence is investigated, for the first time, via 6D HVM simulations (3D in both spaces). These preliminary results provide support for several previously reported studies based on 2.5D simulations, confirming several basic conclusions. This connection between kinetic features and turbulence open a new path on the study of processes such as heating, particle acceleration, and temperature-anisotropy, commonly observed in space plasmas.
Proceraea janetaesp. nov. (Annelida, Syllidae, Autolytinae), a scleractinian coral feeder from Grand Cayman Island
Authors: Martin Daniel , Gil João , Abgarian Cynthia , Evans Essi , Turner Everett M. , Nygren Arne
Published: October 2014

We have found a new species of Autolytinae (Annelida, Syllidae),Proceraea janetae, feeding on the scleractinian coralMontastrea cavernosain coral reefs surrounding the Grand Cayman Island (Cayman Islands, British West Indies). The new species has a characteristic combination of transversal brown markings on the segmental margins and diffuse white mid-dorsal transverse bars, together with a diffuse white mid-dorsal longitudinal band. Antennae are brown, tentacular cirri are pale, the first dorsal cirri are white with pale base; the second dorsal cirri are pale, and the remaining dorsal cirri are alternately long, bright yellow-orange with brownish tips and short, entirely brown. The trepan has 18 tricuspid teeth in one ring. There are 9 teeth with all cuspids equally long and 9 with a longer median cuspid, arranged in an alternating pattern. We describe and illustrate the feeding behaviour of the new species, which appears to be closer to parasitism rather than to specialized predation.Proceraea janetaesp. nov. is the second polychaete, and the first syllid, known to feed on scleractinian corals.
Age structure of the Vulnerable white-lipped peccaryTayassu pecariin areas under different levels of hunting pressure in the Amazon Forest
Authors: Ramos Rossano Marchetti , Pezzuti Juarez C. B. , Vieira Emerson M.
Published: October 2014

Subsistence hunting can change the demographic structure of wild mammal populations, increasing the proportion of young animals, inducing females to reproduce early and increasing litter sizes. We examined the relationship between hunting pressure and age structure in the Vulnerable white-lipped peccaryTayassu pecari, analysing the distribution of age classes at seven sites in the region Terra do Meio in the Brazilian Amazon. These sites differ in the number of human inhabitants and hence were subject to differing hunting pressures. We completed semi-structured interviews with local people to assess the importance of hunting and of the white-lipped peccary as food. We also estimated the age of hunted white-lipped peccaries by assessing tooth eruption and tooth wear in skulls of hunted individuals. Our results indicated that the white-lipped peccary was the most frequently hunted terrestrial animal in the region. Fishing, followed by hunting, provided the main sources of animal protein. Our data suggest there is no relationship between age structure and hunting at the study sites. The social structure and mobility of white-lipped peccaries seem to minimize the effects of hunting on age structure. Our results, similar to previous studies, show that the age structure of the white-lipped peccary is robust to hunting impacts. Other factors may have stronger effects on age structure than subsistence hunting. We suggest that deforestation may explain the prevalence of older individuals in peccary populations to the north of our study sites.
Apokatastasisand apostolicity: a response to Oliver Crisp on the question of Barth's universalism
Authors: Congdon David W.
Published: October 2014

Oliver Crisp argues that Karl Barth is incoherent on the question of universal salvation. Making use of a modal distinction between contingent and necessary universalism, Crisp claims that Barth's theology leads to the view that all peoplemustbe saved, yet Barth denies this conclusion. Most defences of Barth reject the view that his theology logically requires the salvation of all people; they try to defend him by appealing, as Barth himself seems to do at times, to divine freedom. This article argues that, even though his theology does lead necessarily to the conclusion of universal salvation, it is still coherent for him to deny universalism on his own methodological grounds, since the necessity and the denial operate at different levels. Barth has other commitments in his theology than mere logical consistency. To support this claim, I argue that the necessity which belongs to God's reconciling work in Christ coincides with a double contingency: (a) the ‘objective’ contingency of Christ's particular history and (b) the ‘subjective’ contingency with which this reconciliation confronts particular human beings and calls them to participate in the apostolic mission of Jesus. In each case, necessity coincides paradoxically with a kind of contingency, such that, within Barth's theology, we can speak of what Kevin Hector calls ‘contingent necessity’ or what Eberhard Jüngel calls ‘eschatological necessity’. Most debates over universalism focus on the objective side. There the question is whether the necessity of Christ's universally effective work compromises divine freedom. But Barth's concern on this point is whether the necessity is ‘transcendent’ or ‘immanent’, that is, whether it is determined by God or the creature, and since God can indeed will the salvation of all, this poses no problem in principle for affirming universal salvation. Barth's central concern has to do with the issue of ‘subjective’ necessity. Barth denies that theology is ever a matter of describing what is objectively or generally the case regarding God and the world. On the contrary, he situates theology within the existential determination and subjective participation of the one called to bear witness to Jesus Christ. For this reason, he rejects all worldviews, including universalism. The rejection of universalism is the affirmation of apostolicity.
Characterization of electron density of states in laser-superposed channeling regime
Authors: Berec Vesna
Published: October 2014

We present low-dimensional functionalization and characterization of electron density of states using highly correlated/precisely guided proton beam trajectories and a silicon nanocrystal as a target, representing at a same time a versatile nanolaser technique capable for coherent control of atomic quantum states and for scanning the interior of an atom with resolution comparable to 10% of the Bohr radius.
MULTI-ARMED BANDITS UNDER GENERAL DEPRECIATION AND COMMITMENT
Authors: Cowan Wesley , Katehakis Michael N.
Published: October 2014

Generally, the multi-armed has been studied under the setting that at each time step over an infinite horizon a controller chooses to activate a single process or bandit out of a finite collection of independent processes (statistical experiments, populations, etc.) for a single period, receiving a reward that is a function of the activated process, and in doing so advancing the chosen process. Classically, rewards are discounted by a constant factor β∈(0, 1) per round.

In this paper, we present a solution to the problem, with potentially non-Markovian, uncountable state space reward processes, under a framework in which, first, the discount factors may be non-uniform and vary over time, and second, the periods of activation of each bandit may be not be fixed or uniform, subject instead to a possibly stochastic duration of activation before a change to a different bandit is allowed. The solution is based on generalized restart-in-state indices, and it utilizes a view of the problem not as “decisions over state space” but rather “decisions over time”.
Multi-objective Weather Routing with Customised Criteria and Constraints
Authors: Szlapczynska Joanna
Published: October 2014

The paper presents a weather routing algorithm utilising a multi-objective optimisation with constraints, namely the Multi-objective Evolutionary Weather Routing Algorithm (MEWRA). In the proposed approach weather route recommendations can be made simultaneously e.g. for passage time, fuel consumption and safety of passage by means of Pareto optimisation. The sets of criteria and constraints in the optimisation process are fully customisable. The algorithm handles static (time-independent) and dynamic (time-dependent) constraints e.g. forecasted high wind speed regions or customisable areas to be excluded from routing (e.g. due to piracy). The paper includes a description of MEWRA as well as examples of its usage for finding Pareto-optimal transoceanic ship routes.
Progressive increase in community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus in Indigenous populations in northern Australia from 1993 to 2012
Authors: TONG S. Y. C. , VARRONE L. , CHATFIELD M. D. , BEAMAN M. , GIFFARD P. M.
Published: October 2014

Hospital-based studies have determined high rates of community-associated methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in Indigenous populations. However, there is a paucity of community-based data. We obtained 20 years (1993–2012) of data on S. aureus isolates (N = 20 210) collected from community clinics that provide services for Indigenous communities in the Northern Territory, Australia. Methicillin resistance increased from 7% to 24%, resistance to macrolides remained stable at ~25%, and there was a slight increase in resistance to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole. The increase in methicillin resistance is concerning for the Indigenous communities represented by this data, but it is also of significance if virulent MRSA clones emerge and spread more widely from such settings.