bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lattice BCK logics with Modus Ponens as unique rule
Authors: Gispert Joan , Torrens Antoni
Published: May 2014

Lattice BCK logic is the expansion of the well known Meredith implicational logic BCK expanded with lattice conjunction and disjunction. Although its natural axiomatization has three rules named modus ponens, ∨‐rule and ∧‐rule, we show that we can give an equivalent presentation with just modus ponens and ∧‐rule, however it is impossible to obtain an equivalent presentation with modus ponens as unique rule. In this paper we study and characterize all axiomatic extensions of lattice BCK logic with modus ponens as unique rule. We obtain an infinite chain of proper axiomatic extensions with this property. Moreover, we prove that there is no weakest axiomatic extension of Lattice BCK‐logic admitting modus ponens as unique rule.
Generating sets of free groups and the axiom of choice
Authors: Kleppmann Philipp
Published: May 2014

Write F(X) for the free group generated by X. We show that the statement for infinite sets is equivalent to the Axiom of Choice, whereas the statement is strictly weaker than the Axiom of Choice.
Initiated Chemical Vapor Deposition and Light‐Responsive Cross‐Linking of Poly(vinyl cinnamate) Thin Films
Authors: Petruczok Christy D. , Armagan Efe , Ince Gozde Ozaydin , Gleason Karen K.
Published: May 2014

The first vapor‐phase deposition of poly(vinyl cinnamate) (PVCin) is reported. Initiated chemical vapor deposition (iCVD) is used to synthesize PVCin thin films with an average thickness of 100 nm. Free radical polymerization and cyclization reactions compete during the deposition process, with approximately 45% of the repeat units undergoing cyclization. Exposure to UV light (λ = 254 nm) induces dimerization (cross‐linking) of the PVCin, which is quantified using spectroscopic techniques. Approximately 90% of the free cinnamate moieties are dimerized at a UV dose of 300 mJ cm−2. PVCin is also incorporated into a copolymer with N‐isopropylacrylamide, which exhibits a characteristic change in hydrophilicity with temperature. The copolymer is selectively cross‐linked through a mask, and reversible swelling of patterns with 30 μm resolution is demonstrated by submerging the film in water.

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Blends of Two Diblock Copolymers with Opposite Phase Behaviors
Authors: Cho Junhan
Published: May 2014

The phase behavior of blends of A‐b‐B and A‐b‐C diblock copolymers with opposite self‐assembly tendencies are studied, where the former exhibits the assembly upon heating and the latter shows the assembly upon cooling. A compressible random‐phase approximation (RPA) theory and a Ginzburg–Landau simulation based on the RPA are first extended to such copolymer blends. It is shown that a delicate balance in self and cross interactions between constituent monomers can yield various phase behaviors covering the assembly upon heating, loop‐type assembly, and assembly upon cooling by varying the blend composition. In particular, the loop‐forming blend reveals the tremendously enhanced pressure sensitivity of the ordering temperatures, which can prove useful in pressure‐related nanofabrication.
Perceived weight discrimination and C‐reactive protein
Authors: Sutin Angelina R. , Stephan Yannick , Luchetti Martina , Terracciano Antonio
Published: May 2014

Objective

Perceived weight discrimination has been linked to health outcomes, including risk of obesity. Less is known about how discrimination is associated with intermediate physiological markers of health, such as systemic inflammation. This research examined the association between weight discrimination and C‐reactive protein (CRP) and whether it varied by participants' body mass index (BMI).

Methods

Cross‐sectional design using data from the Health and Retirement Study. Among participants who were overweight or obese (N = 7,394), regression analysis was used to test for an association between weight discrimination and CRP and whether this association was moderated by BMI. Similar associations among seven other attributions for discrimination were tested.

Results

The association between weight discrimination and CRP varied as a function of BMI: At BMI between the thresholds for overweight and obesity (BMI ∼25–30), weight discrimination was associated with higher circulating levels of CRP; there was no association between weight discrimination and CRP as BMI approached Class 3 obesity (BMI ∼40). A similar pattern emerged for discrimination based on a physical disability, but not for the other attributions for discrimination (e.g., race, age).

Conclusions

Weight discrimination is associated with higher circulating CRP, an association that is moderated by BMI.
Improved tensile properties of carbon nanotube modified epoxy and its continuous carbon fiber reinforced composites
Authors: Xiao Huigang , Song Gangbing , Li Hui , Sun Li
Published: May 2014

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were used to improve the tensile properties of an epoxy resin and its continuous carbon fiber (CF) reinforced composites. Micrography picture showed that CNTs has been well incorporated into the composites, and made the fracture cross section more rougher through sharing the stress. For the CNT/epoxy composite, the tensile strength and modulus both increased upon the CNT addition, and at a CNT volume concentration of 2.0%, the maximum enhancements in the tensile strength and modulus were achieved as 26.7% and 21.5%, respectively. For the CNT‐CF/epoxy composite, the maximum enhancement in tensile strength was achieved as 11.6% at a CNT volume concentration of 1.0% and then decreased with the further increase of the CNT addition, but the tensile modulus increased monotonically upon the CNT addition. POLYM. COMPOS., 36:1664–1668, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Magnetoadsorptive Particles Enabling the Centrifugation‐Free, Preparative‐Scale Separation, and Sorting of Single‐Walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: McNicholas Thomas P. , Cantu Victor , Hilmer Andrew J. , Tvrdy Kevin , Jain Rishabh , Han Rebecca , Bellisario Darin , Ahn Jiyoung , Barone Paul W. , Mu Bin , Strano Michael S.
Published: May 2014

A novel magnetic composition of the high surface area particles with amide chemical functionality, Sephacryl S‐200, is reported enabling the preparative‐scale (1 L, ≈5–10 mg) separation of metallic and semiconducting single‐walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) from completely unpurified and uncentrifuged nanotube stocks. Sephacryl S‐200 has previously been utilized in separating semiconducting SWNT (s‐SWNT) on the laboratory scale. Significantly, use of these magnetic derivative particles in absorptive separation of SWNT allows the unprecedented and industrially scalable purification of both metallic SWNT (m‐SWNT) as well as s‐SWNT directly from uncentrifuged, ultrasonicated surfactant‐based SWNT solutions by simple and scalable magnetic separation. These particles also allowed for the systematic study on the effect of SWNT–polymer interaction time on the resulting SWNT “payloads.” Ultimately, high ‐purity m‐SWNT and s‐SWNT products are independently achieved by controlling the SWNT–polymer interaction time and relative concentrations, as well as SWNT sonication conditions. Furthermore, by controlling these factors, single‐chirality (6,5) s‐SWNT can be isolated with 92% purity directly from unpurified stocks. Thermogravimetric analysis indicates a total process SWNT yield of 1.2% and 1.7% for m‐SWNT and s‐SWNT, respectively. These results demonstrate the potential for a preparative method for separating carbon nanotubes based on electronic properties.
Photoluminescence study of γ‐irradiation effect on the defect structure in Ge‐doped CdTe single crystals
Authors: Nasieka Iu. , Rashkovetskyi L. , Boyko M. , Strelchuk V. , Tsybrii Z. , Danilchenko B. , Shcherbak L.
Published: May 2014

An effect of γ‐irradiation in the dose range 10‐500 kGy on the defect structure of Ge‐doped CdTe single crystals (CdTe:Ge) was investigated via the method of low‐temperature photoluminescence. It was obtained that γ‐irradiation in mentioned above dose range leads to the substantial decreasing of intensities of excitonic emission bands – D0X, A0X, VDX and increase in the intensities of impurity‐related emission bands – eA1,eA2, DA. It was shown that such changes in the luminescence can be explained by radiation‐stimulated redistribution of luminescence centers between recombination channels. The latter includes vacancy‐type defects filling by Ge dopant atoms which leads to the improving of the crystalline perfection of irradiated CdTe:Ge crystals. Mentioned material quality increasing was confirmed analysing the electron‐LO‐phonon coupling in irradiated crystals which was characterized via the Huang‐Rhys factor for corresponding luminescence bands. For the verification of the assumption about radiation‐stimulated compensation of native defects the resonant Raman measurements also were carried out. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Catechin‐based Procyanidins from Peumus boldus Mol. Aqueous Extract Inhibit Helicobacter pylori Urease and Adherence to Adenocarcinoma Gastric Cells
Authors: Pastene Edgar , Parada Víctor , Avello Marcia , Ruiz Antonieta , García Apolinaria
Published: May 2014

In this work, the anti‐Helicobacter pylori effect of an aqueous extract from dried leaves of Peumus boldus Mol. (Monimiaceae) was evaluated. This extract displayed high inhibitory activity against H. pylori urease. Therefore, in order to clarify the type of substances responsible for such effect, a bioassay‐guided fractionation strategy was carried out. The active compounds in the fractions were characterized through different chromatographic methods (RP‐HPLC; HILIC‐HPLC). The fraction named F5 (mDP = 7.8) from aqueous extract was the most active against H. pylori urease with an IC50 = 15.9 µg gallic acid equivalents (GAE)/mL. HPLC analysis evidenced that F5 was composed mainly by catechin‐derived proanthocyanidins (LC‐MS and phloroglucinolysis). The anti‐adherent effect of boldo was assessed by co‐culture of H. pylori and AGS cells. Both the aqueous extract and F5 showed an anti‐adherent effect in a concentration‐dependent manner. An 89.3% of inhibition was reached at 2.0 mg GAE/mL of boldo extract. In conjunction, our results suggest that boldo extract has a potent anti‐urease activity and anti‐adherent effect against H. pylori, properties directly linked with the presence of catechin‐derived proanthocyanidins. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantification of intact human insulin‐like growth factor‐I in serum by nano‐ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Lopes Filipe , Cowan David A. , Thevis Mario , Thomas Andreas , Parkin Mark C.
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

Insulin‐like growth factor‐I is one of the biomarkers used to detect growth hormone administration prohibited in human sport. Current testing approaches for IGF‐I rely on commercial immunoassays, which may change from time to time requiring complex revalidation. Mass spectrometry (MS)‐based approaches often rely on enzymatically digesting the protein and measuring specific peptide concentrations. In order to reinforce the current available methodology for IGF‐I testing, a reliable and equally sensitive MS method is required for the analysis of intact protein using small sample volumes (<25 μL).

METHODS

IGF‐I was extracted from human serum samples by a simple protein precipitation procedure. Separation was achieved via nano‐ultrahigh‐performance liquid chromatography and MS analysis was conducted by nano‐electrospray ionisation triple‐quadrupole mass spectrometry in the selected reaction monitoring mode using a stable‐isotope‐labelled internal standard.

RESULTS

A six‐point calibration curve ranging from 50 to 1000 ng/mL of human IGF‐I in rat serum was used to establish instrument response. The method provided a limit of quantification of 50 ng/mL, with intra‐ and inter‐day precision ≤5% and intra‐ and inter‐day accuracy ≥95%.

CONCLUSIONS

A quantitative method was developed for the quantification of intact IGF‐I in human serum samples. The data generated provided important information for the development of a new reference method for the growth hormone biomarker test and helped create a reliable system for monitoring peptide hormones in individual athletes, a possible extension to the athlete biological passport system. Nano‐electrospray has here been shown to be sufficiently robust for routine use in an analytical laboratory, allowing for the analysis of minute sample volumes. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Desorption electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry for the fast investigation of natural polysaccharide interactions with a model drug in controlled release systems
Authors: Elviri Lisa , DeRobertis Simona , Baldassarre Stefania , Bettini Ruggero
Published: May 2014

RATIONALE

The control of drug release involves gaining an understanding of the complex interaction networks among drug‐excipients‐matrix‐biological fluids. Thus, novel analytical methods that will lead to a better understanding of these interaction networks are urgently required.

METHODS

Desorption electrospray ionization high‐resolution mass spectrometry (DESI‐HRMS) was used to evaluate the behaviour of four biocompatible polysaccharides (chondroitin sulfate, chitosan, sodium alginate and λ‐carrageenan) in the release of atenolol (ATN) from drug tablets. An aqueous solution at three different pH values (pH 7.4, 4.5 and 1.2) was electrosprayed onto the tablets, allowing direct, fast, sensitive detection of atenolol as the protonated molecule in positive ion mode. Information about the desorption mechanism was obtained by analyzing the ATN [M+H]+ ion signal as a function of time. ATN–polymer interactions in the drug/polymer mixtures were also studied by Horizontal Attenuated Total Reflectance (HATR) Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy.

RESULTS

The DESI‐MS results revealed statistically different ATN desorption trends as a function of the polysaccharide investigated and the pH of the desorbing solution. Different release kinetics were ascribed to the drug–polymer interactions, and to the diffusion process of the drug through the hydrated polymer mesh. In particular, the alginate and λ‐carrageenan matrices were able to sustain drug release from the tablet even for a highly soluble drug. The HATR results confirmed the presence of ATN–polymer interactions that, depending on the polymer–drug–solvent combination used, might affect ATN diffusion.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that DESI‐MS has a potential role for the micro‐environmental analysis of drug diffusion and surface distribution in polymeric matrices. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Prospects for usage‐based computational models of grammatical development: argument structure and semantic roles
Authors: McCauley Stewart M. , Christiansen Morten H.
Published: May 2014

The computational modeling of language development has enabled researchers to make impressive strides toward achieving a comprehensive psychological account of the processes and mechanisms whereby children acquire their mother tongues. Nevertheless, the field's primary focus on distributional information has lead to little progress in elucidating the processes by which children learn to compute meanings beyond the level of single words. This lack of psychologically motivated computational work on semantics poses an important challenge for usage‐based computational accounts of acquisition in particular, which hold that grammatical development is closely tied to meaning. In the present review, we trace some initial steps toward answering this challenge through a survey of existing computational models of grammatical development that incorporate semantic information to learn to assign thematic roles and acquire argument structure. We argue that the time is ripe for usage‐based computational accounts of grammatical development to move beyond purely distributional features of the input, and to incorporate information about the objects and actions observable in the learning environment. To conclude, we sketch possible avenues for extending previous approaches to modeling the role of semantics in grammatical development.WIREs Cogn Sci2014, 5:489‐499. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1295

This article is categorized under:

Linguistics > Computational Models of Language

Linguistics > Language Acquisition

Psychology > Language
Building and specializing epithelial tubular organs: the Drosophila salivary gland as a model system for revealing how epithelial organs are specified, form and specialize
Authors: Chung SeYeon , Hanlon Caitlin D. , Andrew Deborah J.
Published: May 2014

The past two decades have witnessed incredible progress toward understanding the genetic and cellular mechanisms of organogenesis. Among the organs that have provided key insight into how patterning information is integrated to specify and build functional body parts is the Drosophila salivary gland, a relatively simple epithelial organ specialized for the synthesis and secretion of high levels of protein. Here, we discuss what the past couple of decades of research have revealed about organ specification, development, specialization, and death, and what general principles emerge from these studies. WIREs Dev Biol 2014, 3:281–300. doi: 10.1002/wdev.140

This article is categorized under:

Gene Expression and Transcriptional Hierarchies > Cellular Differentiation

Early Embryonic Development > Development to the Basic Body Plan

Invertebrate Organogenesis > Flies
Chronic Pancreatitis with Benign Biliary Obstruction: Management Issues
Authors: Saluja Sundeep Singh , Kalayarasan Raja , Mishra Pramod Kumar , Srivastava Siddarth , Chandrasekar Sandip , Godhi Satyajit
Published: May 2014

Background

Benign biliary obstruction (BBO) is an important complication in patients with advanced chronic pancreatitis (CP). Its presentation varies from an incidental finding to overt jaundice. Thus it presents certain management issues. The present study was therefore performed to analyze the clinical presentation and management of biliary obstruction in patients with CP.

Methods

Retrospective analysis was performed from a prospectively collected database of 155 CP patients managed at our institute from October 2003 to June 2012.

Results

Among 43 (28 %) CP patients with biliary obstruction, 3 patients had evidence of malignancy on follow‐up examination and were excluded from the final analysis. The various presentations include chronic nonprogressive elevation of serum alkaline phosphatase (SAP) (n = 15), a progressive increase in SAP with episodes of jaundice (n = 17), and persistent jaundice (n = 8). Of 15 patients with chronic nonprogressive elevation of SAP, 5 were managed conservatively, and the remaining 10 underwent only a pancreatic drainage procedure. During a median follow‐up of 41 months (range 11–90 months), none of the 15 patients developed complications related to biliary obstruction. All patients with progressive increase in SAP levels and persistent jaundice underwent the biliary drainage procedure [choledochojejunostomy (CDJ, n = 20) and choledochoduodenostomy (CDD, n = 3)]. During a median follow‐up of 30 months (range 10–89 months), two patients died of unrelated causes and two patients had an asymptomatic elevation of SAP.

Conclusions

BBO is common in patients with CP; however, biliary drainage is not indicated for chronic nonprogressive elevation of SAP. In patients with a progressive increase in SAP or persistent jaundice, both CDJ and CDD provide effective biliary drainage.
Preoperative MRI of the Breast (POMB) Influences Primary Treatment in Breast Cancer: A Prospective, Randomized, Multicenter Study
Authors: Gonzalez Virginia , Sandelin Kerstin , Karlsson Anders , Åberg Wiveca , Löfgren Lars , Iliescu Gabriela , Eriksson Staffan , Arver Brita
Published: May 2014

Background

Breast magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has shown high sensitivity in determining tumor extent, multifocality, and occult contralateral breast cancer. Low specificity, unnecessary mastectomies, and costs are arguments against MRI. The purpose of this study was to determine whether preoperative breast MRI would affect primary surgical management, reduce reexcision/reoperation procedures, and influence the choice of neoadjuvant treatment in patients with newly diagnosed breast cancer.

Methods

This prospective, randomized, multicenter study included 440 breast cancer patients younger than aged 56 years from three, Swedish, large‐volume breast units. Patients were randomly allocated on a 1:1 basis to either preoperative staging with breast MRI (n = 220) or no breast MRI (n = 220) (control group). Treatment planning of all patients was discussed at multidisciplinary team conferences.

Results

In patients randomized to the MRI group, who had an observed higher percentage of planned breast‐conserving surgery (BCS) compared with the control group, a change from suggested breast conservation to mastectomy occurred in 23 of 153 (15 %) patients. Breast MRI provided additional information in 83 of 220 (38 %) patients, which caused a change in treatment plan in 40 (18 %). The breast reoperation rate was significantly lower in the MRI group: 11 of 220 (5 %) versus 33 of 220 (15 %) in the control group (p < 0.001). The number of mastectomies, axillary reoperations, and the number of patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy after definitive treatment did not differ significantly between the groups.

Conclusions

Preoperative staging with breast MRI in women younger than age 56 years altered the treatment plan in 18 % of the patients. Although a higher MRI‐related conversion rate from breast conservation to mastectomy was found, the final numbers of mastectomies did not differ between the two groups. The breast reoperation rate in the MRI group was significantly reduced.
Impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake on Acute Myocardial Infarction in Fukushima Prefecture
Authors: Yamaki Takayoshi , Nakazato Kazuhiko , Kijima Mikihiro , Maruyama Yukio , Takeishi Yasuchika
Published: May 2014

Objective

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) reportedly increases following a huge disaster. On March 11, 2011, the Great East Japan Earthquake hit a large area of eastern Japan. In Fukushima prefecture, many people suffered from the consequences of the earthquake, the subsequent tsunami, and especially the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident. We assessed whether the incidence of acute myocardial infarction (AMI) increased after the earthquake.

Methods

We enrolled AMI patients admitted to 36 hospitals in Fukushima prefecture between March 11, 2009, and March 10, 2013 (n = 3068). We compared the incidence of AMI after the earthquake for more than 3 months and 1 year with that in the control years.

Results

The incidence of Fukushima's annual AMI patients (per 100 000 persons) in 2011 was similar to that of previous years (n = 38.9 [2011] vs 37.2 [2009] and 38.5 [2010], P = .581). However, a significantly higher incidence of AMI was found in the Iwaki district after the disaster that corresponded to the 1-year period of observation (n = 38.7 [2011] vs 27.3 [2009] and 32.8 [2010], P = .045).

Conclusion

The Great East Japan Earthquake affected the incidence of AMI only in limited areas of Fukushima prefecture. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014;0:1–8)
Prevalence of the sling effect for enhancing collision rates in turbulent suspensions
Authors: Voßkuhle Michel , Pumir Alain , Lévêque Emmanuel , Wilkinson Michael
Published: May 2014

Turbulence facilitates collisions between particles suspended in a turbulent flow. Two effects have been proposed that can enhance the collision rate at high turbulence intensities: ‘preferential concentration’ (a clustering phenomenon) and the ‘sling effect’ (arising from the formation of caustic folds in the phase space of the suspended particles). We have determined numerically the collision rate of small heavy particles as a function of their size and densities. The dependence on particle densities allows us to quantify the contribution of the sling effect to the collision rate. Our results demonstrate that the sling effect provides the dominant mechanism to the enhancement of the collision rate of particles, when inertia becomes significant.
Identification of epicatechin as one of the key bioactive constituents of polyphenol-enriched extracts that demonstrate an anti-allergic effect in a murine model of food allergy
Authors: Singh Anurag , Demont Audrey , Actis-Goretta Lucas , Holvoet Sébastien , Lévêques Antoine , Lepage Melissa , Nutten Sophie , Mercenier Annick
Published: May 2014

Polyphenols are naturally derived bioactive compounds with numerous reported health benefits. We have previously reported on the beneficial effect of a polyphenol-enriched apple extract in a murine model of food allergy. The objectives of the present study were to elucidate the class of bioactive polyphenols that exhibit a beneficial anti-allergic effect and to assess whether the protective effect matches the in vivo bioavailable metabolite concentrations. Female BALB/c mice were sensitised to ovalbumin (OVA) following the protocol of a well-established murine model of food allergy. They were fed diets containing polyphenol-enriched extracts or purified epicatechin for 8 d after the last sensitisation. The sensitised mice were orally challenged with OVA after the intervention. The allergy symptoms, in addition to allergen-specific serum Ig concentrations and gene expression profiles in the intestine, of the control and treated mice were compared. Plasma samples were collected to compare the concentrations of bioavailable epicatechin metabolites in the treatment groups. Polyphenol-enriched fruit extracts containing epicatechin exhibited a significant anti-allergic effect in vivo. This effect was unambiguously attributed to epicatechin, as oral administration of this purified polyphenol to sensitised mice by inclusion in their diet modulated allergy symptoms in a dose-dependent manner. Immune parameters were also affected by the administration of epicatechin. Bioavailability measurements in plasma indicated that the attenuation of allergy symptoms could be due to the higher concentrations of bioavailable epicatechin metabolites. In conclusion, epicatechin is a key bioactive polyphenol that has the ability to modulate allergy outcomes in sensitised mice.
Interacting tectonic faulting, karst subsidence, diapirism and continental sedimentation in Pleistocene deposits of the central Ebro Basin (Spain)
Authors: SIMÓN JOSÉ LUIS , SORIANO MARÍA ASUNCIÓN , PÉREZ ANTONIO , LUZÓN ARÁNZAZU , POCOVÍ ANDRÉS , GIL HÉCTOR
Published: May 2014

During Early, as proposed by the International commission on stratigraphy Pleistocene times, interacting fluvial and aeolian processes constructed wide alluvial plains over an evaporite-dominated Miocene substratum in the central Ebro Basin. An exceptional site where these deposits show faults, folds, diapirs, karst structures and unconformities has been studied in detail. Analysis of particular structures demonstrates the interaction by that time of tectonic faulting, diapirism, karstification and sedimentation in an area where deformation was traditionally linked to the presence of underlying evaporites, without proposing any precise mechanism. Multiple approaches (sedimentology, structural geology and geophysics) have been used in order to discriminate the origin of each type of structure as well as to understand the interaction between different processes. Numerous normal faults and fractures of variable size are consistent with the regional stress field. Pleistocene deposits are pierced by diapirs of Miocene evaporites and disrupted by karst structures with different geometries (tubular, funnel and vault), both partially controlled by tectonics. The example described is proposed as an analogue model that could successfully illustrate evolution patterns of basins of potential interest for petroleum geology where similar processes have actuated, resulting in complex stratigraphical architectures.
Managerial Incentives, Risk Aversion, and Debt
Authors: Milidonis Andreas , Stathopoulos Konstantinos
Published: May 2014

We investigate the risk choices of risk-averse CEOs. Following recent theoretical work, we expect CEO risk aversion to be more pronounced in firms with high leverage or high default probability. We find that the CEOs of these firms reduce firm risk, even in the presence of strong risk-taking incentives. Our results are robust to controls for the sensitivity of CEO wealth to stock price changes, firm risk determinants, the endogenous feedback effects of firm risk on CEO incentives, unobserved firm and market effects, and debt governance. The impact of CEO risk aversion is economically significant.
Quota disputes and subsistence whaling in Qeqertarsuaq, Greenland
Authors: Tejsner Pelle
Published: May 2014

In Qeqertarsuaq (Disco Island), northwest Greenland, local disputes about the allocation of annual whaling quotas for beluga and narwhals feature as a source of conflict between state-imposed categories of occupational and non-occupational hunters. The national authorities’ co-management regime for the regulation of whale quotas has triggered the creation of new socio-economic groupings and compartmentalised respective groups of hunters in the process. Although the rigid legal categories have impacted upon the social unity and conduct of whaling in Qeqertarsuaq, and remain difficult to navigate, local whalers and their families nevertheless improvise and mould their interests around the legal frameworks in everyday interpretations of national and municipal quota allocations. The article argues that, in the process of receiving and interpreting annual quota allocations, hunters and their families draw on locally varying environmental and ecological circumstances and that their negotiation of current regulations, in turn, suggests a further consideration of the social aspects as these inform local knowledge about whales and wider socio-economic circumstances governing whaling in Qeqertarsuaq. In reviewing local receptions of annual quota allocations, the article assesses how whaling regulations are not just about the management of whale stocks but also about the management of whalers and their families and how this then calls for increased recognition of the fact that issues of social sustainability are intricately tied to contemporary concerns for environmental sustainability in Arctic whaling.
When fishing means resilience: the evolution of small boat fishing practices in Iceland since 1990 and the new development of longline fishing
Authors: Mariat-Roy Emilie
Published: May 2014

This article analyses the historical conditions and technical, social, commercial and political factors that have contributed to the revival of longline fishing in Iceland. Longline fishing practices have had important consequences at both the local and the national levels. This article deals, firstly, with the juridical and historical conditions of the development of small boat fishing practices since the beginning of the 1990s and the process through which small boats became progressively larger. Secondly, the paper describes the evolution of longline fishing practices and focuses more specifically on the technical, commercial, social and professional aspects of anewversion of longline fishing that was developed in response to new marine management rules. It then deals with a specific kind of competitiveness that those living in coastal villages established to re-boost the local economy and discusses what has happened to small boat owners since 2000. The conclusion highlights the way longline fishing, by reconnecting social ties, takes part in the construction of contemporary Icelandic culture.
How to learn about teaching: An evolutionary framework for the study of teaching behavior in humans and other animals
Authors: Kline Michelle Ann
Published: May 2014

The human species is more reliant on cultural adaptation than any other species, but it is unclear how observational learning can give rise to the faithful transmission of cultural adaptations. One possibility is that teaching facilitates accurate social transmission by narrowing the range of inferences that learners make. However, there is wide disagreement about how to define teaching, and how to interpret the empirical evidence for teaching across cultures and species. In this article I argue that disputes about the nature and prevalence of teaching across human societies and nonhuman animals are based on a number of deep-rooted theoretical differences between fields, as well as on important differences in how teaching is defined. To reconcile these disparate bodies of research, I review the three major approaches to the study of teaching – mentalistic, culture-based, and functionalist – and outline the research questions about teaching that each addresses. I then argue for a new, integrated framework that differentiates between teaching types according to the specific adaptive problems that each type solves, and apply this framework to restructure current empirical evidence on teaching in humans and nonhuman animals. This integrative framework generates novel insights, with broad implications for the study of the evolution of teaching, including the roles of cognitive constraints and cooperative dilemmas in how and when teaching evolves. Finally, I propose an explanation for why some types of teaching are uniquely human, and discuss new directions for research motivated by this framework.
Congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm associated with a systemic embolism
Authors: Tidake Abhay , Gangurde Pranil , Mahajan Ajay
Published: May 2014

A 20 year-old woman presented with systemic embolisation. On subsequent investigation, she was diagnosed with a congenital left atrial appendage aneurysm. Few case reports are reported in the literature. This cardiac malformation presents a diagnostic challenge in patients with cardiomegaly.
An ERP Study of Expectation Violation in a Social Comparison Context
Authors: Du Xue , Hitchman Glenn , Zhang Qing-Lin , Qiu Jiang
Published: May 2014

Previous studies pay more attention to the cognitive control in classical cognitive conflict task but the time-course of the expectation violation in a social comparison context remains unknown. Event-related potentials (ERPs) were recorded to explore the electrophysiological correlates of expectation violation by using a reward feedback paradigm in a social comparison context. Results showed that: Expectation incongruent stimuli (EIS) elicited a more positive ERP deflection (P400-700) than did expectation congruent stimuli (ECS) between 400 and 700 ms. Furthermore, dipole source analysis revealed that the generator of P400-700 was localized near the posterior cingulate gyrus (PCC), which might be involved in the monitoring and controlling of reward expectation conflict (expectation violation). EIS also elicited a more negative ERP deflection (N1000-1500) than did ECS between 1,000 and 1,500 ms. The generator of N1000-1500 was localized near the parahippocampal gyrus, which might be related to unpleasant emotions induced by a lack of reward feedback.
Amphibian skin may select for rare environmental microbes
Authors: Walke Jenifer B , Becker Matthew H , Loftus Stephen C , House Leanna L , Cormier Guy , Jensen Roderick V , Belden Lisa K
Published: May 2014

Host-microbe symbioses rely on the successful transmission or acquisition of symbionts in each new generation. Amphibians host a diverse cutaneous microbiota, and many of these symbionts appear to be mutualistic and may limit infection by the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis, which has caused global amphibian population declines and extinctions in recent decades. Using bar-coded 454 pyrosequencing of the 16S rRNA gene, we addressed the question of symbiont transmission by examining variation in amphibian skin microbiota across species and sites and in direct relation to environmental microbes. Although acquisition of environmental microbes occurs in some host-symbiont systems, this has not been extensively examined in free-living vertebrate-microbe symbioses. Juvenile bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana), adult red-spotted newts (Notophthalmus viridescens), pond water and pond substrate were sampled at a single pond to examine host-specificity and potential environmental transmission of microbiota. To assess population level variation in skin microbiota, adult newts from two additional sites were also sampled. Cohabiting bullfrogs and newts had distinct microbial communities, as did newts across the three sites. The microbial communities of amphibians and the environment were distinct; there was very little overlap in the amphibians’ core microbes and the most abundant environmental microbes, and the relative abundances of OTUs that were shared by amphibians and the environment were inversely related. These results suggest that, in a host species-specific manner, amphibian skin may select for microbes that are generally in low abundance in the environment.
miRNA expression atlas in male rat
Authors: Minami Keiichi , Uehara Takeki , Morikawa Yuji , Omura Ko , Kanki Masayuki , Horinouchi Akira , Ono Atsushi , Yamada Hiroshi , Ohno Yasuo , Urushidani Tetsuro
Published: May 2014

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small (~22 nucleotide) noncoding RNAs that play pivotal roles in regulation of gene expression. The value of miRNAs as circulating biomarkers is now broadly recognized; such tissue-specific biomarkers can be used to monitor tissue injury and several pathophysiological conditions in organs. In addition, miRNA profiles of normal organs and tissues are important for obtaining a better understanding of the source of modulated miRNAs in blood and how those modulations reflect various physiological and toxicological conditions. This work was aimed at creating an miRNA atlas in rats, as part of a collaborative effort with the Toxicogenomics Informatics Project in Japan (TGP2). We analyzed genome-wide miRNA profiles of 55 different organs and tissues obtained from normal male rats using miRNA arrays. The work presented herein represents a comprehensive dataset derived from normal samples profiled in a single study. Here we present the whole dataset with miRNA profiles of multiple organs, as well as precise information on experimental procedures and organ-specific miRNAs identified in this dataset.
Characterization of the temperature-sensitive reaction of F1-ATPase by using single-molecule manipulation
Authors: Watanabe Rikiya , Noji Hiroyuki
Published: May 2014

F1-ATPase (F1) is a rotary motor protein that couples ATP hydrolysis to mechanical rotation with high efficiency. In our recent study, we observed a highly temperature-sensitive (TS) step in the reaction catalyzed by a thermophilic F1 that was characterized by a rate constant remarkably sensitive to temperature and had a Q10 factor of 6–19. Since reactions with high Q10 values are considered to involve large conformational changes, we speculated that the TS reaction plays a key role in the rotation of F1. To clarify the role of the TS reaction, in this study, we conducted a stall and release experiment using magnetic tweezers and assessed the torque generated during the TS reaction. The results indicate that the TS reaction generates the same amount of rotational torque as does ATP binding, but more than that generated during ATP hydrolysis. Thus, we confirmed that the TS reaction contributes significantly to the rotation of F1.
Electrochemiluminescence immunosensor using poly(l-histidine)-protected glucose dehydrogenase on Pt/Au bimetallic nanoparticles to generate an in situ co-reactant
Authors: Xiao Lijuan , Chai Yaqin , Wang Haijun , Yuan Ruo
Published: May 2014

A new ECL immunosensor based on poly(l-histidine)-protected glucose dehydrogenase on Pt/Au bimetallic nanoparticles to generate co-reactantin situ.
Formation of a “pseudosuitane”-type complex between a triptycene-derived bis(crown ether) host and 1,1′-(anthracene-9,10-diyl)bis(N-benzylmethanaminium): a new method for the synthesis of linear polyrotaxanes
Authors: Zeng Fei , Meng Zheng , Han Ying , Chen Chuan-Feng
Published: May 2014

Formation of a “pseudosuitane”-type complex based on triptycene-derived bis(crown ether) provides a new method for the synthesis of linear polyrotaxanes.
Molecular diversity in phenolic and polyphenolic precursors of tannin-inspired nanocoatings
Authors: Barrett Devin G. , Sileika Tadas S. , Messersmith Phillip B.
Published: May 2014

Substrate-independent coatings inspired by plant tannins were formed from diverse phenolic starting compounds.
Director alignment relative to the temperature gradient in nematic liquid crystals studied by molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: Sarman Sten , Laaksonen Aatto
Published: May 2014

A nematic liquid crystal oriented by the temperature gradient.
3D visualization of inhomogeneous multi-layered structure and Young's modulus of the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) on silicon anodes for lithium ion batteries
Authors: Zheng Jieyun , Zheng Hao , Wang Rui , Ben Liubin , Lu Wei , Chen Liwei , Chen Liquan , Li Hong
Published: May 2014

The inhomogeneous multi-layered structure, thickness, Young's modulus and coverage of the SEI on silicon anodes during cycling are visualized three-dimensionally by a scanning force curve method.
Protein–protein interactions of ASPP2: an emerging therapeutic target
Authors: Iosub-Amir Anat , Friedler Assaf
Published: May 2014

ASPP2 induces apoptosis and is downregulated in many types of cancer, making it a promising target for anti-cancer drugs.
Hybrid energy storage devices combining carbon-nanotube/polyaniline supercapacitor with lead-acid battery assembled through a “directly-inserted” method
Authors: Yin Yanli , Liu Changhong , Fan Shoushan
Published: May 2014

CNT/PANI supercapacitor electrodes were “directly-inserted” into lead-acid battery to assemble new hybrid energy storage devices, which showed notably improved electrochemical performances.
Preparation and electrochemical catalytic application of nanocrystalline cellulose doped poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) conducting polymer nanocomposites
Authors: Fan Jinshi , Shao Wan , Xu Guiyun , Cui Xinyan Tracy , Luo Xiliang
Published: May 2014

Nanocrystalline cellulose doped conducting polymer PEDOT nanocomposites can be prepared through both chemical (right) and electrochemical (left) polymerization methods.
Photo-activated ionic gelation of alginate hydrogel: real-time rheological monitoring of the two-step crosslinking mechanism
Authors: Higham Alina K. , Bonino Christopher A. , Raghavan Srinivasa R. , Khan Saad A.
Published: May 2014

In siturheological techniques are used to characterize and investigate the structure–property relationships for a two-step photoinitiated alginate crosslinking system.
The origin of anomalous large reversible capacity for SnO2 conversion reaction
Authors: Kisu Kazuaki , Iijima Minami , Iwama Etsuro , Saito Morihiro , Orikasa Yuki , Naoi Wako , Naoi Katsuhiko
Published: May 2014

Single-nanocrystalline SnO2 particles encapsulated within hollow-structured carbon structures were synthesized. Encapsulated SnO2 is readily transformed into a blended amorphous structure composed of LixSnO1.45 (x = 0–7.3) after repeated lithiation–delithiation processes.
Tunable 3D dielectric resonator using a thermoconductive VO2 material
Authors: Gonzalez J.M. , Delhote N. , Baillargeat D. , Champeaux C. , Roy L.
Published: May 2014

A temperature‐based tunable dielectric resonator is presented showing a tunability of 20 MHz around 11.8 GHz when heated with a drop of the quality factor from 4000 to 286. The puck‐shaped alumina resonator contains a thin sapphire sheet coated with VO2. An overview of the thermoconductive VO2 material used is presented. The design and simulations of the resonator are presented along with the fabricated structure and measurements.
Fast motion estimation based on enhanced constrained one‐bit transform
Authors: Lee Sanggu , Jeon Gwanggil , Jeong Jechang
Published: May 2014

An enhanced constrained one‐bit transform (C1BT)‐based fast motion estimation (ME) method is proposed. Binary transform‐based ME identifies the proper motion vector by transforming the 8‐bit pixels in the original image into a low bit depth of the bit plane, substantially reducing the computational complexity and facilitating hardware implementation by using the number of non‐matching points (NNMPs) instead of the sum of absolute difference (SAD). However, a motion block size is N × N, therefore the dynamic range of NNMP (0 ≤ NNMP ≤ N × N) is decreased to 1/256 compared to that of the SAD with 8‐bit images (0 ≤ SAD ≤ 256 × N × N). The higher the NNMP between the current bit plane and the previous bit plane, the more probable that it will be the block most similar to each other. Therefore, the matching error criterion of NNMP is extended to improve ME performance. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm improves the performance of ME accuracy by 0.27, 0.38 and 0.67 dB compared to the C1BT‐based ME, two‐bit transform (2BT)‐based ME and 1BT‐based ME, respectively.
SSVEP‐based BCI classification using power cepstrum analysis
Authors: Chen Yeou‐Jiunn , See Aaron Raymond Ang , Chen Shih‐Chung
Published: May 2014

The power cepstrum‐based parameters for steady‐state visually evoked potential (SSVEP) is proposed. To precisely represent the characteristics of frequency responses of a visually stimulated electroencephalography (EEG) signal, power cepstrum analysis is adopted to estimate the parameters in low‐dimensional space. To represent the frequency responses of SSVEP, the log‐magnitude spectrum of an EEG signal is estimated by fast Fourier transform. Subsequently, the discrete cosine transform is applied to linearly transform the log‐magnitude spectrum into the cepstrum domain, and then generate a set of coefficients. Finally, a Bayesian decision model with a Gaussian mixture model is adopted to classify the responses of SSVEP. The experimental results demonstrated that the proposed approach was able to improve performance compared with previous approaches and was suitable for use in brain computer interface applications.
Fault diagnosis in fuel cell systems using quantitative models and support vector machines
Authors: Pellaco L. , Costamagna P. , De Giorgi A. , Greco A. , Magistri L. , Moser G. , Trucco A.
Published: May 2014

Fault detection and identification are new and challenging tasks for electrical generation plants that are based on solid oxide fuel cells. The use of a quantitative model of the plant together with a support vector machine to design and operate a supervised classification system is proposed. This type of system, which uses a few easy‐to‐measure features selected through the maximisation of a classification error bound, proved to be effective in revealing a faulty condition and identifying it among the four considered fault classes.
Respiration rate estimation from channel state information in wireless body area networks
Authors: Tsouri G.R. , Maimon O.
Published: May 2014

Respiration rate is an important measure for assessing a patient's health and is typically measured using obtrusive devices. A non‐obtrusive method of estimating respiration rate by taking advantage of data packets being sent from sensor nodes in a wireless body area network is proposed and investigated. In contradistinction to other methods, the proposed method does not require dedicated hardware and does not impose overheads on transmission power and throughput. Instead, it makes use of data packets already being sent to support some other physiological monitoring applications such as cardiac, temperature or motion monitoring. The method is demonstrated on a single subject and results are presented from a study including 40 measurements taken from eight subjects. The mean estimation error in the study was 0.58 breaths per minute. The proposed method can be used to augment wireless body monitoring applications with important respiration rate measurements without imposing overheads on the compact sensor nodes.