bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tightly coupled ultrashort baseline and inertial navigation system for underwater vehicles: An experimental validation
Authors: Morgado M. , Oliveira P. , Silvestre C.
Published: December 2012

This paper presents a new ultrashort baseline (USBL) tightly coupled integration technique to enhance error estimation in low‐cost strapdown inertial navigation systems (INSs), with application to underwater vehicles. In the proposed strategy, the acoustic array spatial information is directly exploited in an extended Kalman filter (EKF) implemented in a direct feedback structure. Instead of using the USBL position fixes or computed range and elevation/bearing angles to correct the INS error drifts, as in classical loosely coupled strategies, the novel tightly coupled strategy directly embeds in the EKF the round‐trip‐time and time‐difference‐of‐arrival of the acoustic signals arriving at the onboard receivers. The enhanced performance of the proposed filtering technique is evidenced both through extensive numerical simulations and with experimental data obtained in field tests at sea. The tightly coupled filter is also shown to be able to operate closer to theoretical performance lower bounds, such as the posterior Cramér‐Rao lower bound, using Monte‐Carlo simulations. This paper details the design and description of an USBL/INS prototype to be used as a low‐cost navigation system, including the acoustic processing and positioning system, fully developed in‐house. The developed system validates the usage of the proposed technique with real data in real world operation scenarios, and its enhanced performance compared to classical strategies is evaluated experimentally (median improvement level of 15% in typical operating conditions). Improved and faster convergence to nominal trajectories from multiple initial conditions, as well as enhanced accelerometer and rate gyros estimation capabilities, are also demonstrated experimentally for the new tightly coupled filter.
Chaotic modulation‐based spread spectrum communication using complex dynamics of chaotic DC–DC current mode controlled boost converter
Authors: Thukral Manish Kumar , Sherpa Karma Sonam
Published: December 2012

Ample amount of research has been done for analysing nonlinear phenomenon in power electronics converters. Application of chaotic power electronics converters in spread spectrum communication in recent times is catching interest. This paper proposes a methodology for using chaotic current mode‐controlled DC (Direct Current)–DC (Direct Current) boost converter in spread spectrum communication. A noncoherent receiver is developed. For this, an Adaline‐based adaptive filter is designed to recover the message from spread spectrum signal at the receiver end. The proposed Adaline‐based receiver is tested by transmitting various types of message signals while considering white noise at different signal‐to‐noise ratio. For designing noncoherent receiver‐based chaotic communication, use of power electronics converters is expected to play a vital role in the future. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improving QoS and security in wireless ad hoc networks by mitigating the impact of selfish behaviors: a game‐theoretic approach
Authors: Szott Szymon , Natkaniec Marek , Pach Andrzej R.
Published: December 2012

Selfish users are known to be a severe security threat for wireless ad hoc networks. In particular, they can exploit mechanisms designed to assure quality of service (QoS) in the network. In this paper, the problem of backoff misbehavior in IEEE 802.11 enhanced distributed channel access (EDCA) networks is studied using a game‐theoretic approach. First, it is shown how this selfish behavior can disrupt traffic differentiation. Then, a solution is proposed, which encourages standard‐compliant behavior and thus proper QoS provisioning. This solution is based on punishing selfish nodes by degrading their throughput proportionally to the degree of misbehavior. A practical application of the solution is proposed, which is verified through simulations. Results show that the suggested mechanism considerably improves QoS provisioning in IEEE 802.11 EDCA ad hoc networks in the presence of selfish nodes. Furthermore, it is shown that the mechanism is adaptive, does not have a negative impact on the throughput of well‐behaving nodes, and provides legacy node support. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spatial moving average risk smoothing
Authors: Botella‐Rocamora P. , López‐Quílez A. , Martinez‐Beneito M. A.
Published: December 2012

This paper introduces spatial moving average risk smoothing (SMARS) as a new way of carrying out disease mapping. This proposal applies the moving average ideas of time series theory to the spatial domain, making use of a spatial moving average process of unknown order to define dependence on the risk of a disease occurring. Correlation of the risks for different locations will be a function of m values (m being unknown), providing a rich class of correlation functions that may be reproduced by SMARS. Moreover, the distance (in terms of neighborhoods) that should be covered for two units to be found to make the correlation of their risks 0 is a quantity to be fitted by the model. This way, we reproduce patterns that range from spatially independent to long‐range spatially dependent.

We will also show a theoretical study of the correlation structure induced by SMARS, illustrating the wide variety of correlation functions that this proposal is able to reproduce. We will also present three applications of SMARS to both simulated and real datasets. These applications will show SMARS to be a competitive disease mapping model when compared with alternative proposals that have already appeared in the literature. Finally, the application of SMARS to the study of mortality for 21 causes of death in the Comunitat Valenciana will allow us to identify some qualitative differences in the patterns of those diseases. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reduction of Free Fatty Acids in Acidic Nonedible Oils by Modified K10 Clay
Authors: Pires João , Brasil Beatriz , Araújo M. Eduarda M.
Published: December 2012

Biodiesel is a biofuel obtained from vegetable oils. The oils used as raw materials are usually refined edible vegetable oils. Nonedible acidic oils are unsuitable for biodiesel production unless reduction of the high content in free fatty acids (FFA) of these materials had been achieved. Obtaining a good raw material from unprofitable oils becomes an important research field. Additionally clays have a long history in industrial sorption and catalysis, some being commercially available and with properties that can be modified. In this work we present the results of the use of the montmorillonite clay K10 and two acid modified clays K10(I) and K10(II), in the esterification of stearic acid with methanol and 95 % of methyl stearate was obtained with K10(II). These clays were then used for the first time to reduce the acidity of enhanced FFA sunflower oil and they show to be very effective. Reduction of FFA from 11 to 4 % was obtained with K10(II) mainly due to 94 % conversion of FFA into fatty acid methyl esters (FAME). These clays were also tested with two waste oils, one from domestic use and the other gathered from different restaurants, and showed their ability to lower the acidity of these oils. Reactions were followed by 1H NMR as well as quantitative determination of FFA and FAME. Clays were characterized by FTIR and XRD.
Epidemiology of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Konieczny Markus Rafael , Senyurt Hüsseyin , Krauspe Rüdiger
Published: December 2012

Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common disease with an overall prevalence of 0.47–5.2 % in the current literature. The female to male ratio ranges from 1.5:1 to 3:1 and increases substantially with increasing age. In particular, the prevalence of curves with higher Cobb angles is substantially higher in girls than in boys: The female to male ratio rises from 1.4:1 in curves from 10° to 20° up to 7.2:1 in curves >40°. Curve pattern and prevalence of scoliosis is not only influenced by gender, but also by genetic factors and age of onset. These data obtained from school screening programs have to be interpreted with caution, since methods and cohorts of the different studies are not comparable as age groups of the cohorts and diagnostic criteria differ substantially. We do need data from studies with clear standards of diagnostic criteria and study protocols that are comparable to each other.
Progression or not progression? How to deal with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis during puberty
Authors: Dimeglio Alain , Canavese Federico
Published: December 2012

Idiopathic scoliosis is a growing spine disorder. Only a perfect knowledge of normal growth parameters such as bone age, stages of puberty, standing and sitting height, arm spam, Tanner stages, and weight allow the surgeon to plan the best treatment at the right moment. Measurements should be repeated and carefully recorded at regular intervals. Puberty is not a sudden event: it has a gradual onset and it is preceded by an incubation phase. It is not a point on a chart: it is a period that lasts two years beginning at a bone age of 11 and 13 years in girls and in boys, respectively. Two years of rapid growth (“acceleration phase”) are followed by three years of steady reduction of growth rates (“deceleration phase”). Skeletal maturation needs to be evaluated carefully to evaluate the progression risk of scoliosis during the phase of accelerating growth velocity. This article explains how to identify pubertal growth spurt, both clinically and radiographically, in order to correctly monitor patients with idiopathic scoliosis.
High levels of Cellular Prion Protein improve astrocyte development
Authors: Hartmann Camila Arantes , Martins Vilma Regina , Lima Flavia Regina Souza
Published: December 2012

Prion protein (PrPC) has neuroprotective functions and herein we demonstrate that astrocytes from PrPC‐over‐expressing mice are more resistant to induced cell death than wild‐type astrocytes. The Stress‐Inducible‐Protein 1 (STI1), a PrPC ligand, prevents cell death in both wild‐type and PrPC‐over‐expressing astrocytes through the activation of protein‐kinase‐A. Cultured embryonic astrocytes and brain extracts from PrPC‐over‐expressing mice show higher glial fibrillary acidic protein expression and reduced vimentin and nestin levels when compared to wild‐type astrocytes, suggesting faster astrocyte maturation in the former mice. Our data indicate that PrPC levels modulate astrocyte development, and that PrPC–STI1 interaction contributes to protect against astrocyte death.
Antioxidant enzymes in cerebral cortex of immature rats following experimentally‐induced seizures: upregulation of mitochondrial MnSOD (SOD2)
Authors: Folbergrová Jaroslava , Ješina Pavel , Nůsková Hana , Houštěk Josef
Published: December 2012

We have recently demonstrated the evidence of oxidative stress in brain of immature rats during seizures induced by dl‐homocysteic acid (dl‐HCA). The aim of the present study was to investigate the antioxidant defense mechanisms under these conditions. Seizures were induced in immature 12‐day‐old rats by bilateral icv infusion of dl‐HCA (600 nmol/side), and the activities of the main antioxidant enzymes were examined in supernatants of the cerebral cortex during the acute phase of seizures and at several periods of survival, up to 5 weeks, following these seizures. In control animals individual antioxidant enzymes revealed different changes during the studied postnatal period (PD 12 till PD 47). Total superoxide dismutase (SOD), CuZn SOD (SOD1), Mn SOD (SOD2) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities were increasing while, catalase activity decreased and the activity of glutathione reductase (GR) remained unchanged. In HCA‐treated animals, the activity of total SOD, SOD1 and particularly SOD2 significantly increased at 20 h and 6 days of survival. Importantly, upregulation of SOD2 was also confirmed in mitochondria at the protein level by immunoblotting. The activities of other antioxidant enzymes including catalase and GPX did not significantly differ upon HCA treatment from the appropriate controls at any of the studied time intervals. The pronounced and selective upregulation of SOD2 points to enhanced ROS levels in the mitochondrial matrix. This may be associated with inhibition of respiratory chain complex I that we have demonstrated in our previous studies. The present findings suggest that oxidative stress occurring in the brain of immature rats during and following the seizures induced by dl‐HCA is apparently due to both the increased free radical production and the limited antioxidant defense.
Operational risk assessments by supply chain professionals: Process and performance
Authors: Tazelaar Frits , Snijders Chris
Published: December 2012

We consider the “process‐performance paradox” in the assessment of operational risks by professionals in the field of operations and supply chain management (OSCM). The paradox states that although professionals with more expertise tend to decide in different ways, they often do not make better assessments than those with less expertise. We first replicate that this paradox exists in a context of the assessment of operational supply risks, and then show how the paradox can be understood as the consequence of process characteristics mediating the relation between expertise and assessment performance.

Using an experimental setup, we had 234 OSCM‐professionals assess the operational risk in two series of different business cases, and measured several characteristics of their decision‐making process. The strength of our approach lies in the fact that the business cases were real‐life cases from our database of purchasing transactions in the area of IT‐purchasing. This allows a comparison of the risk assessments of the professionals with the actual supply risk as was known from the survey database. Our findings show that, contrary to what is often assumed, the OSCM‐professionals with more expertise do not use less information while assessing, nor are they faster. Instead, our results show that specialized expertise goes with increased certainty about the assessments, and general expertise goes with an increased use of intuitive judgment. However, the net effects of these expertise characteristics on assessment performance are zero. In the case of specialized expertise this is because specialized expertise is itself negatively related to performance. In the case of general expertise this is because the net effects of the use of intuition on performance are zero.
High resolution trilobite stratigraphy of the Lower–Middle Ordovician Öland Series of Baltoscandia
Authors: PÄRNASTE HELJE , BERGSTRÖM JAN , ZHIYI ZHOU
Published: December 2012

The first ever list of the regional Öland Series (Tremadocian to mid Darriwilian) trilobites and agnostids from the whole of Baltoscandia is compiled. The study includes revision of systematics as well as vertical and horizontal distribution. This is necessary because of the uneven state of knowledge, some faunas having being studied recently, others not for more than a century. Three successive faunal types are recognized: the Olenid Fauna surviving from the Cambrian in black bituminous shale facies, the immigratingCeratopygeFauna, and the stabilized Asaphid Fauna. The latter fauna collapsed in the middle of Darriwilian and gave way to a set of new post-Ölandian faunas.
INFLUENCE OF FAMILY STRUCTURE ON CHILD HEALTH: EVIDENCE FROM INDIA
Authors: KUMAR ABHISHEK , RAM FAUJDAR
Published: December 2012

This paper examines the association between family structure and child health in India using the third round of the National Family Health Survey, conducted during 2005–06. Two important child health indicators – underweight and full immunization – are used as dependent variables. Descriptive and multivariate statistics are deployed to establish the relationship between family structure and child health. The results of the descriptive statistics show that children who belong to a non-nuclear family have better nutritional status and higher immunization coverage than those in nuclear families. Children living with siblings have worse health status than those living without siblings for both the outcomes. Multivariate analysis shows that family structure has a small effect on the two child health outcomes, which is no longer significant after adjusting for socioeconomic measures and region. However, number of siblings is significantly and negatively associated with the nutritional status of children and full immunization coverage, even after other socio-demographic and geographic factors are controlled for. Along with family structure, parent's educational attainment, age of the mother and household economic status are significant determinants of underweight and full immunization.
Kefir-isolatedLactococcus lactissubsp.lactisinhibits the cytotoxic effect ofClostridium difficile in vitro
Authors: Bolla Patricia Araceli , Carasi Paula , de los Angeles Serradell María , De Antoni Graciela Liliana
Published: December 2012

Kefir is a dairy product obtained by fermentation of milk with a complex microbial population and several health-promoting properties have been attributed to its consumption. In this work, we tested the ability of different kefir-isolated bacterial and yeast strains (Lactobacillus kefir, Lb. plantarum, Lactococcus lactissubps.lactis, Saccharomyces cerevisiaeandKluyveromyces marxianus) or a mixture of them (MM) to antagonise the cytopathic effect of toxins fromClostridium difficile(TcdA and TcdB). Cell detachment assays and F-actin network staining using Vero cell line were performed. Although incubation with microbial cells did not reduce the damage induced byC. difficilespent culture supernatant (SCS),Lc. lactisCIDCA 8221 and MM supernatants were able to inhibit the cytotoxicity of SCS to Vero cells. Fraction ofLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 supernatant containing components higher than 10 kDa were responsible for the inhibitory activity and heating of this fraction for 15 min at 100 °C completely abrogated this ability. By dot-blot assay with anti-TcdA or anti-TcdB antibodies, concentration of both toxins seems to be reduced in SCS treated withLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 supernatant. However, protective effect was not affected by treatment with proteases or proteases-inhibitors tested. In conclusion, we demonstrated that kefir-isolatedLc. lactisCIDCA 8221 secreted heat-sensitive products able to protect eukaryotic cells from cytopathic effect ofC. difficiletoxinsin vitro. Our findings provide new insights into the probiotic action of microorganisms isolated from kefir against virulence factors from intestinal pathogens.
Direct skin involvement of cervical lymph node metastasis from mucosal squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck
Authors: Dragan A D , Nixon I J , Orabi A A , Manganaris A , Jeannon J-P , Guerrero-Urbano M T , Simo R
Published: December 2012

Introduction:

Direct skin involvement of nodal metastasis from mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma has traditionally been considered a poor prognostic indicator.

Methods:

This retrospective review identified eight patients (five with mucosal upper aerodigestive and three with occult primary squamous cell carcinoma) who presented between 2000 and 2007 with direct skin involvement of nodal metastasis.

Results:

Five patients were treated with extended radical and three with extended modified radical neck dissection. Closure was achieved directly (four cases), with local (two) or pedicled (two) flaps. Surgery was always followed by radiotherapy (pan-mucosal or to the primary site). The five-year recurrence-free and disease-specific survival rates were 100 per cent.

Conclusion:

It is exceptionally rare to encounter direct skin involvement of metastatic lymph nodes from mucosal head and neck squamous cell carcinoma without evidence of involvement of other anatomical structures. Surgical intervention is possible and combined modality treatment with curative intent is essential, as most patients can have a favourable outcome.
Local and systemic effects of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate: in vivo animal study
Authors: Sozen E , Erol S B , Yildirim O , Coskun B U , Basak T , Kayhan F T , Dadas B
Published: December 2012

Objective:

To evaluate the safety of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate in a rat model.

Design:

Experimental animal study.

Setting:

Tertiary training and research hospital.

Methods:

Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three study groups. Diluted methotrexate solution was administered transtympanically to fill the middle-ear cavity, twice a week in group one and three times a week in group two. Ringer lactate solution was administered transtympanically three times a week in the control group.

Main outcome measures: Local and systemic effects of low-dose transtympanic methotrexate.

Results:

In the methotrexate groups, middle-ear mucosal oedema was present in all animals. Auditory brainstem response thresholds indicated no inner-ear dysfunction in any group. Liver function and serum haemoglobin levels showed no statistically significant difference in any group. However, liver biopsies from groups one and two showed mild portal hyperaemia.

Conclusion:

These findings are encouraging, and support further investigation of the topical application of methotrexate in autoimmune hearing diseases, as an alternative or adjunct to transtympanic steroids.
Dual language profiles of Latino children of immigrants: Stability and change over the early school years
Authors: COLLINS BRIAN A. , O'CONNOR ERIN E. , SUÁREZ-OROZCO CAROLA , NIETO-CASTAÑON ALFONSO , TOPPELBERG CLAUDIO O.
Published: December 2012

Dual language children enter school with varying levels of proficiencies in their first and second language. This study of Latino children of immigrants (N= 163) analyzes their dual language profiles at kindergarten and second grade, derived from the direct assessment of Spanish and English proficiencies (Woodcock Language Proficiency Batteries—Revised). Children were grouped based on the similarity of language profiles (competent profiles, such as dual proficient, Spanish proficient, and English proficient; and low-performing profiles, including borderline proficient and limited proficient). At kindergarten, the majority of children (63%) demonstrated a low-performing profile; by second grade, however, the majority of children (64%) had competent profiles. Change and stability of language profiles over time of individual children were then analyzed. Of concern, are children who continued to demonstrate a low-performing, high-risk profile. Factors in the linguistic environments at school and home, as well as other family and child factors associated with dual language profiles and change/stability over time were examined, with a particular focus on the persistently low-performing profile groups.
Eliminating grammatical function assignment from hierarchical models of speech production: Evidence from the conceptual accessibility of referents
Authors: HAWKINS ROGER , ALTHOBAITI MONA , MA YI
Published: December 2012

The assignment of grammatical functions has been a key feature of hierarchical (serial) models of speech production since their inception in the 1970s. This article argues that grammatical function assignment is neither sufficient nor necessary in such models. It reports a study of the effects of the conceptual accessibility of referents on the selection of English dative syntactic frames in production and shows that the effects relate to linear precedence rather than grammatical function assignment. A secondary topic addressed in the same study is whether second language speakers of English have difficulty integrating syntactic knowledge where it interfaces with conceptual accessibility in speech production. Findings suggest that advanced proficiency speakers do not and are qualitatively similar to native speakers. The implications of this for the interface hypothesis about second language acquisition are discussed.
The effect of language structure on linguistic strengths and weaknesses in children with cochlear implants: Evidence from Italian
Authors: GUASTI MARIA TERESA , PAPAGNO COSTANZA , VERNICE MIRTA , CECCHETTO CARLO , GIULIANI ANNA , BURDO SANDRO
Published: December 2012

Previous studies have found that the early fitting of cochlear implants in children has beneficial effects on their expressive and receptive language. However, different ages are identified in different studies, and some studies present contradictory results. Starting from these observations, our study suggests that at least two additional factors play an important role in determining linguistic outcomes. The first is the area of language under investigation: lexicon, phonology, morphosyntax, semantics, and pragmatics. The second factor is the typological features of the child's target language. Our study, which involved 33 Italian-speaking children who received a cochlear implant and 33 age and gender matched controls, reveals that lexical, semantic, pragmatic, and phonological knowledge are not particularly vulnerable in these children. By contrast, one area of morphosyntax (production of clitic pronouns) is especially challenging. In addition, an effect of age of implantation was found only in this morphosyntactic area. This is the first study on language development in Italian-speaking children with cochlear implants.
“Breakin' the Rules”: Eleo Pomare and the Transcultural Choreographies of Black Modernity
Authors: Fensham Rachel
Published: December 2012

The radical innovations of African-American artists with artistic form during the 1960s and 1970s, according to black performance theorist Fred Moten, led to a new theorization of the avant-garde. His book, In the Break: The Radical Aesthetics of the Black Tradition, discusses the poetry and jazz music of artists, from Amiri Baraka and Billie Holiday to Charles Mingus, and extols their radical experimentation with the structures and conventions of aurality, visuality, literature, and performance dominant in European art and aesthetics. In this essay, I consider the implications of these processes of resignification in relation to the choreographic legacy of the artist, Eleo Pomare, whose work and career during this period was both experimental and radical and, I will suggest, critical to the formation of a transnational, multiracial conception of modern dance.
The influence of termite-induced heterogeneity on savanna vegetation along a climatic gradient in West Africa
Authors: Erpenbach Arne , Bernhardt-Römermann Markus , Wittig Rüdiger , Thiombiano Adjima , Hahn Karen
Published: December 2012

Termites are renowned ecosystem engineers. Their mounds have been described as an important element of savanna vegetation dynamics, but little is known about their large-scale impact on vegetation composition. To investigate the influence of termite-induced heterogeneity in savannas along a climatic gradient in West Africa termite mound vegetation was compared with adjacent savanna vegetation using 256 paired plots (size of the termite mound and a corresponding savanna area) in five protected areas from northern Burkina Faso to northern Benin. On each plot vegetation and soil sampling was performed. Additionally bioclimatic variables from the WORLDCLIM database were used. The vegetation on the mounds and the surrounding savanna differed within all study sites (DCA length of gradient 3.85 SD) and showed complete turnover along the climatic gradient (DCA length of gradient 5.99 SD). Differences between mounds and savanna were significantly related to termite-induced changes in soil parameters, specifically clay enrichment and increased cation concentrations (base saturation). On a local scale, termite-induced differences in soil conditions were found to be the most important factor affecting mound vegetation, while on a regional scale, annual precipitation showed the strongest significant correlations. However, with increasing precipitation, differences between mounds and the surrounding matrix became more pronounced, and the contribution of mounds to local phytodiversity increased. Eleven plant species were identified as characteristic termite mound species. In the more humid parts of the gradient, more characteristic plant species were found that may benefit from favourable soil conditions, good water availability, and a low fire impact in the mound microhabitat.
The Rockall slope current and shelf-edge processes
Authors: Huthnance J. M.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

Recent knowledge of physical-oceanographic processes is reviewed for the eastern shelf-edge boundary of the Rockall Channel.

A year-round northward current flows along the steep continental slope. Mean currents vary from 3 to 30cm/s, generally increasing northwards, but estimates of transport inshore of the 2000 m depth contour are much more consistent, averaging about 1·5 × 106m3/s. The current is thought to be forced largely by a long-shelf pressure gradient, associated with large-scale N-S density variations in the upper ocean.

Although cross-slope changes of temperature and salinity are much less than occur, for example, east of the U.S.A., cross-slope exchange velocities appear to be only around 2cm/s (1/5 of long-slope fluctuations). There is a sharp change between winter-cooled water on the shelf and adjacent slope water. Upwelling against the upper continental slope may occur following northerly long-slope winds. Tidal currents and surges depend strongly on continental shelf wave properties. At near-diurnal frequencies, and in response to winds of short scale (< 100 km), clockwise-rotating currents near the shelf break are expected, especially where the shelf is broadest. Tidal currents show this character.

Internal tides are significant; any non-linearity is most likely when stratification is present but weak. Bottom stirring has been observed, and may be important at some depth (where the bottom slope becomes as steep as the semi-diurnal internal characteristics) almost everywhere around the Rockall Channel. The energetic internal waves should contribute significant internal mixing as they approach the shelf break, intensify and dissipate.
The chemical ecology of herbivory on willows
Authors: Pasteels J. M. , Rowell-Rahier M.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

Phenolic secondary compounds and trichomes are instrumental in the regulation of herbivory on Salicaceae. The roles of phenolics in willows as toxins or deterrents, as phagostimulants or ovipository signals, and as precursors in insect chemical defence are briefly reviewed. The interactions between salicaceous plants, herbivores and their predators are discussed in the context of theories on the evolution of interactions among three trophic levels.
Factors influencing the structure, function and biota of the salmonid epidermis
Authors: Pickering A. D. , Richards R. H.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis

The present contribution shows the extent and the limitations of our knowledge of the structure, functions and biota of the epidermis of just one family of teleost fish, the Salmonidae. Even within this group it is clear that the epidermis can respond, with remarkable rapidity in some cases, to changes in the environment and to internal stimuli, presumably mediated via the fish's endocrine system. Against this background of constantly changing structure it is believed that the emphasis of the multiple functions of the epidermis must also be changing. Thus, future studies on the skin offish must take into account the possibility of such variations and relate the biology of the skin and its inhabitants to broader aspects of the biology of the fish.
The impact of biotechnology and molecular biology on the pharmaceutical industry
Authors: Hobden A. N. , Harris T. J. R.
Published: December 2012

Synopsis:

Biotechnology had its initial impact on the pharmaceutical industry well before the perceived time. The use of fermentation technology to produce antibiotics was a cornerstone for the development of the industry. This event was both before cloning (BC) and before DNA (rather than after DNA – AD). Even now the antibiotic market, which is worth over 10 billion U.S. dollars a year, is the most valuable segment of the total market, (c.200 billion dollars per year). Nevertheless the impact of biotechnology in drug discovery was until recently perceived solely to be the use of recombinant DNA techniques to produce therapeutic proteins and modified versions of them by protein engineering.

There are several other places where genetic engineering is influencing drug discovery. The expression of recombinant proteins in surrogate systems (e.g. in E. coli, yeast or via baculovirus infection or in mammalian cells) provides materials for structure determination (e.g. HIV protease) and structure/function studies (e.g. various receptors). Recombinant DNA techniques are influencing assay technology by allowing access to proteins in sufficient quantity for high throughput screening.

In addition, screening organisms can be constructed where a particular protein function can be measured in a microorganism by complementation or via reporter gene expression.

Transgenic animals also illustrate the power of the technology for drug discovery. Not only will transgenic rats and mice be used as models of disease but also for efficacy and toxicological profiling. What is learned in transgenic rodents may well set the scene for somatic cell gene therapy in humans.
China's Economic Sanctions against Vietnam, 1975–1978
Authors: Path Kosal
Published: December 2012

This article carries a two-fold argument. First, Beijing's economic sanctions against Vietnam during the period 1975–1978 were mainly motivated by its desire to punish Vietnam for an anti-China policy that smacked of ingratitude for the latter's past assistance, fuelled further by Hanoi's closer relations with Moscow. They were also designed to extract Hanoi's accommodation of China's demand for territorial boundary concessions and to halt the persecution of ethnic Chinese residents in Vietnam. Second, the resultant meltdown of Sino-Vietnamese relations, as well as the making of the Soviet-Vietnamese alliance between 1975 and 1978, was gradual and contentious rather than swift and decisive as most existing studies contend. Hanoi's reluctance to forge a formal military alliance with the faraway Soviet Union against China was largely driven by the importance of China's remaining aid and economic potential to Vietnam's post-war economic reconstruction and the uncertainty of the Soviet commitment to aid Vietnam.
9. The significance of pneumococcal types Griffith F. J Hyg 1928; 27: 113–159.
Authors: HAYES BILL
Published: December 2012

(Reprinted from: Hayes W. The discovery of pneumococcal type transformation: an appreciation. J Hyg 1966; 64: 177–184.)

Griffith F. The significance of pneumococcal types. J Hyg 1928; 27: 113–159.
Australia and the Anglican Covenant
Authors: Tong Robert
Published: December 2012

A recent article in this Journal by Professor Norman Doe explained the background to, and desirability of, an Anglican covenant, given the present contested issues of theology and discipline. This article examines how such a covenant might be dealt with in Australia.
Sugarbeet seed priming: effects of priming conditions on germination, solubilization of 11-S globulin and accumulation of LEA proteins
Authors: Capron Isabelle , Corbineau Françoise , Dacher François , Job Claudette , Côme Daniel , Job Dominique
Published: December 2012

The relationship between initial mobilization of 11-S globulin storage protein (leading to solubilization of its B-subunit) and germination performance after priming was studied in sugarbeet (Beta vulgarisL.) seeds. Priming was conducted for 2 d either in water (hydropriming) or in –2.0 MPa polyethylene glycol-8000 (osmopriming), at various temperatures ranging from 5 to 40°C and oxygen concentrations in the atmosphere ranging from 0 to 21%. For both types of pre-treatments, the range of temperatures and the concentrations of oxygen which were effective in priming were very similar to those which allowed solubilization of the B-subunit of 11-S globulin, supporting the robustness of this protein marker for optimization of sugarbeet seed priming. Furthermore, the temperature and oxygen dependence of priming efficiency closely paralleled that for germination of the untreated seeds, reinforcing the finding that the beneficial effect of priming corresponded to the advancement of germinationsensu stricto(i.e. phase II of the germination process). For priming times longer than 2 d, particularly for osmopriming, there was a very dramatic decrease in germination of the treated seeds. For instance, following a 14 d osmopriming at 25°C as much as 60% of the pre-treated seed population failed to germinate when transferred to water. This loss in germination performance quite closely paralleled degradation of LEA (late embryogenesis abundant) proteins, notably a heat-stable seed-specific protein of about 60 kDa and a seed-specific biotinylated LEA protein.
Hospital Disaster Preparedness in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Kai Tatsuro , Ukai Takashi , Ohta Muneo , Pretto Ernesto
Published: December 2012

Purpose:

To investigate the adequacy of hospital disaster preparedness in the Osaka, Japan area.

Methods:

Questionnaires were constructed to elicit information from hospital administrators, pharmacists, and safety personnel about self-sufficiency in electrical, gas, water, food, and medical supplies in the event of a disaster. Questionnaires were mailed to 553 hospitals.

Results:

A total of 265 were completed and returned (Recovery rate; 48%). Of the respondents, 16% of hospitals that returned the completed surveys had an external disaster plan, 93% did not have back-up plans to accept casualties during a disaster if all beds were occupied, 8% had drugs and 6% had medical supplies stockpiled for disasters. In 78% of hospitals, independent electric power generating plants had been installed. However, despite a high proportion of power-plant equipment available, 57% of hospitals responding estimated that emergency power generation would not exceed six hours due to a shortage of reserve fuel. Of the hospitals responding, 71% had reserve water supply, 15% of hospitals responding had stockpiles of food for emergency use, and 83% reported that it would be impossible to provide meals for patients and staff with no main gas supply.

Conclusions:

No hospitals fulfilled the criteria for adequate disaster preparedness based on the categories queried. Areas of greatest concern requiring improvement were: 1) lack of an external disaster plan; and 2) self-sufficiency in back-up energy, water, and food supply. It is recommended that hospitals in Japan be required to develop plans for emergency operations in case of an external disaster. This should be linked with hospital accreditation as is done for internal disaster plans.
Using the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Effort Index to Predict Treatment Group Attendance in Patients with Schizophrenia
Authors: Moore Raeanne C. , Davine Taylor , Harmell Alexandrea L. , Cardenas Veronica , Palmer Barton W. , Mausbach Brent T.
Published: December 2012

In a psychosocial treatment study, knowing which participants are likely to put forth adequate effort to maximize their treatment, such as attending group sessions and completing homework assignments, and knowing which participants need additional motivation before engagement in treatment is a crucial component to treatment success. This study examined the ability of the Repeatable Battery for Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS) Effort Index (EI), a newly developed measure of suboptimal effort that is embedded within the RBANS, to predict group attendance in a sample of 128 middle-aged and older adults with schizophrenia. This study was the first to evaluate the EI with a schizophrenia sample. While the EI literature recommends a cutoff score of >3 to be considered indicative of poor effort, a cutoff of >4 was identified as the optimal cutoff for this sample. Receiver Operating Characteristics curve analyses were conducted to determine if the EI could predict participants who had highversuslow attendance. Results indicated that the EI was successfully able to discriminate between group attendance, and this measure of effort appears to be most valuable as a tool to identify participants who will have high attendance. Of interest, overall cognitive functioning and symptoms of psychopathology were not predictive of group attendance. (JINS, 2013,19, 1–8)
Cathodoluminescence of Natural, Plastically Deformed Pink Diamonds
Authors: Gaillou E. , Post J.E. , Rose T. , Butler J.E.
Published: December 2012

The 49 type I natural pink diamonds examined exhibit color restricted to lamellae or bands oriented along {111} that are created by plastic deformation. Pink diamonds fall into two groups: (1) diamonds from Argyle in Australia and Santa Elena in Venezuela are heavily strained throughout and exhibit pink bands alternating with colorless areas, and (2) diamonds from other localities have strain localized near the discrete pink lamellae. Growth zones are highlighted by a blue cathodoluminescence (CL) and crosscut by the pink lamellae that emit yellowish-green CL that originates from the H3 center. This center probably forms by the recombination of nitrogen-related centers (A-aggregates) and vacancies mobilized by natural annealing in the Earth's mantle. Twinning is the most likely mechanism through which plastic deformation is accommodated for the two groups of diamonds. The plastic deformation creates new centers visible through spectroscopic methods, including the one responsible for the pink color, which remains unidentified. The differences in the plastic deformation features, and resulting CL properties, for the two groups might correlate to the particular geologic conditions under which the diamonds formed; those from Argyle and Santa Elena are deposits located within Proterozoic cratons, whereas most diamonds originate from Archean cratons.
Cocaine self-administration differentially modulates the expression of endogenous cannabinoid system-related proteins in the hippocampus of Lewis vs. Fischer 344 rats
Authors: Rivera Patricia , Miguéns Miguel , Coria Santiago M. , Rubio Leticia , Higuera-Matas Alejandro , Bermúdez-Silva Francisco J. , Rodríguez de Fonseca Fernando , Suárez Juan , Ambrosio Emilio
Published: December 2012

The endocannabinoids anandamide and 2-arachidonyl glycerol (2-AG) are modulators of glutamate and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), two transmitters involved in cocaine addiction. However, little is known on the effects of cocaine on the enzymes that produce and degrade endocannabinoids. The present work addresses the effects of cocaine self-administration on the immunohistochemical expression of endocannabinoid signalling (ECS)-related proteins in the hippocampus. The study has been performed on two different strains of rats, Lewis (Lew) and Fischer 344 (F344), which are characterized for displaying a differential sensitivity to cocaine, thus making them suitable in the study of vulnerability to drug addiction. Both strains showed differences in the expression of ECS-related proteins in the hippocampus, i.e. Lew rats exhibited lower CB1 expression but higher CB2 expression than F344 rats. After setting similar cocaine self-administration, both strains showed clear differences in the expression of ECS-related proteins, which were differentially restricted to either the 2-AG or anandamide signalling pathways in a self-administration training/drug-dependent manner. The decreases observed in CB1 expression and N-acyl phosphatidylethanolamine phospholipase D:fatty acid amino hydrolase ratio after saline self-administration were enhanced only in cocaine self-administered Lew rats. CB2 expression increase and diacylglycerol lipase α:monoacylglycerol lipase ratio decrease detected after saline self-administration were blocked only in cocaine self-administered F344 rats. These findings indicate that cocaine may regulate hippocampal GABA/glutamate synapses by directly modulating endocannabinoid production/degradation enzymes and that these actions are strain-dependent. This differential response suggests that the endogenous cannabinoid system might contribute to genotype/strain differences on the sensitivity to self-administration training and cocaine addiction.
Relationships between pharmacotherapy-induced metabolic changes and improved psychopathology in schizophrenia: data from a mirtazapine and first-generation antipsychotics combination trial
Authors: Terevnikov Viacheslav , Stenberg Jan-Henry , Tiihonen Jari , Chukhin Evgeni , Joffe Marina , Burkin Mark , Joffe Grigori
Published: December 2012

Clinical efficacy and metabolic side-effects of antipsychotics seem to correlate with each other. In this study, interrelationship of similar metabolic effects of mirtazapine and its earlier reported desirable effects on psychopathology in first-generation antipsychotics (FGAs)-treated schizophrenia were explored. Symptomatic FGAs-treated patients with schizophrenia received a 6-wk double-blind treatment with add-on mirtazapine (n = 20) or placebo (n = 16), followed by a 6-wk open-label mirtazapine treatment. Mirtazapine (but not placebo) induced an increase in body weight and cholesterol levels. The latter was associated with a clinical improvement in all (sub)scales of the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale [PANSS; an increase of cholesterol by 1 mmol/l predicted 7 points reduction on the PANSS total score (r = 0.85, p = 0.001)]. In schizophrenia, mirtazapine-induced weight gain and increase of total cholesterol are associated with the improved efficacy of mirtazapine-FGAs combination – a novel observation with possible clinical and theoretical implications.
Watching Karlsruhe/Karlsruhe Watchers
Authors: JHR  , WTE
Published: December 2012

The Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in the Economic and Monetary Union, more commonly known as the Fiscal Compact, and the Treaty establishing the European Stability Mechanism (ESM) are closely linked in several ways. Both treaties are formally placed outside the European Union framework, but substantively govern Union matters. Together they are designed to combat the sovereign debt crisis which has been ravaging the European Union for years now. The Fiscal Compact does so by enhancing and sharpening budgetary discipline in the Eurozone states, the ESM Treaty by offering assistance to Eurozone states in financial distress. To receive financial aid from the ESM, states not only need to have ratified the Fiscal Compact, but also to have implemented a balanced budget rule in their national law in the way the Compact demands. Apart from combating the crisis, the Treaties also bring reforms to the Eurozone; they express the wish of the signatory parties to share their destinies in new ways.
Sovereign Debt Threatens the Union: The Genesis of a Federation
Authors: Loubert Aart
Published: December 2012

Eurozone sovereign debt crisis – Europe's ‘Alexander Hamilton Moment’ – American sovereign debt crisis of 1780s – Articles of Confederation – U.S. Constitution – Assumption of states' debt – Constitutional transformation key factor in enabling Alexander Hamilton's debt restructuring