bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A natural carbohydrate fraction Actigen™ fromSaccharomyces cerevisiaecell wall: effects on goblet cells, gut morphology and performance of broiler chickens
Authors: Lea H. , Spring P. , Taylor-Pickard J. , Burton E.
Published: August 2013

A study was conducted to evaluate a natural carbohydrate fraction Actigen™ (NCF), derived from mannanoligosaccharide, in feed on growth performance, intestinal morphology and goblet cell number and area of male broilers'. Dietary treatments included: 1) control diet (antibiotic and NCF free), 2) NCF at 200 g/t, 3) NCF at 400 g/t, and 4) NCF 800 g/t. Two hundred and forty birds were placed into 12 replicate pens per treatment (5 birds/pen), sixty birds per treatment. Body weight and feed intake were recorded weekly up to day 42. At this time a 2.5cm section of jejunum and duodenum were excised post mortem for morphological analysis. Birds fed 200 g/t and 800 g/t NCF were significantly (P < 0.01) heavier from day 14 onwards than the control birds. Feed intake was significantly higher in birds fed 200 g/t NCF compared to those fed the control at 21 and 35 days (P < 0.05). Diets containing 200 g/t and 800 g/t of NCF significantly decreased broiler feed conversion ratio (FCR) compared to the control in the first phase (1–14 days) (P < 0.01) and levels of NCF decreased FCR (P < 0.05) in the second phase (15–28 days). NCF had no significant effect on villus height, villus width, crypt depth or villus to crypt ratio in either duodenum or jejunum. NCF did not significantly affect goblet cell area or goblet cell number in the duodenum, however, in the jejunum, 800 g/t NCF significantly (P < 0.05) increased goblet cell area over the control. In conclusion, NCF showed a positive effect on broiler performance in the starter and grower phases, and increased goblet cell area in the jejunum, suggesting higher levels of mucin production. This indicated that the performance benefit of NCF could be age-dependent, with younger birds responding more than the older ones. There were no additional benefits to performance when feeding NCF for a longer period (after 28 d of age), however it is postulated that birds fed NCF would have greater defence to pathogenic challenge through increased storage capacity of mucin.
Smokers who seek help in specialized cessation clinics: How special are they compared to smokers in general population?
Authors: Samokhvalov Andriy V. , Selby Peter , Bondy Susan J , Chaiton Michael , Ialomiteanu Anca , Mann Robert , Rehm Jürgen
Published: August 2013

Introduction:Patients of specialized nicotine dependence clinics are hypothesized to form a distinct subpopulation of smokers due to the features associated with treatment seeking. Theaimof the study was to describe this subpopulation of smokers and compare it to smokers in general population.

Material and methods:A chart review of 796 outpatients attending a specialized nicotine dependence clinic, located in Toronto, Ontario, Canada was performed. Client smoking patterns and sociodemographic characteristics were compared to smokers in the general population using two Ontario surveys – the Ontario Tobacco Survey (n = 898) and the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health Monitor (n = 457).

Results:Smokers who seek treatment tend to smoke more and be more heavily addicted. They were older, had longer history of smoking and greater number of unsuccessful quit attempts, both assisted and unassisted. They reported lower education and income, had less social support and were likely to live with other smokers.

Conclusions:Smokers who seek treatment in specialized centers differ from the smokers in general population on several important characteristics. These same characteristics are associated with lower chances for successful smoking cessation and sustained abstinence and should be taken into consideration during clinical assessment and treatment planning.
A HYPERSTABILITY RESULT FOR THE CAUCHY EQUATION
Authors: BRZDĘK JANUSZ
Published: August 2013

We prove a hyperstability result for the Cauchy functional equation$f(x+ y)= f(x)+ f(y)$, which complements some earlier stability outcomes of J. M. Rassias. As a consequence, we obtain the slightly surprising corollary that for every function$f$, mapping a normed space${E}_{1} $into a normed space${E}_{2} $, and for all real numbers$r, s$with$r+ s\gt 0$one of the following two conditions must be valid:$$\begin{eqnarray*}\displaystyle \sup _{x, y\in E_{1}}\Vert f(x+ y)- f(x)- f(y)\Vert \hspace{0.167em} \mathop{\Vert x\Vert }\nolimits ^{r} \hspace{0.167em} \mathop{\Vert y\Vert }\nolimits ^{s} = \infty , &&\displaystyle\end{eqnarray*}$$$$\begin{eqnarray*}\displaystyle \sup _{x, y\in E_{1}}\Vert f(x+ y)- f(x)- f(y)\Vert \hspace{0.167em} \mathop{\Vert x\Vert }\nolimits ^{r} \hspace{0.167em} \mathop{\Vert y\Vert }\nolimits ^{s} = 0. &&\displaystyle\end{eqnarray*}$$In particular, we present a new method for proving stability for functional equations, based on a fixed point theorem.
Consumption of alcoholic beverages and cognitive decline at middle age: the Doetinchem Cohort Study
Authors: Nooyens Astrid C. J. , Bueno-de-Mesquita H. Bas , van Gelder Boukje M. , van Boxtel Martin P. J. , Verschuren W. M. Monique
Published: August 2013

Accelerated cognitive decline increases the risk of dementia. Slowing down the rate of cognitive decline leads to the preservation of cognitive functioning in the elderly, who can live independently for a longer time. Alcohol consumption may influence the rate of cognitive decline. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the associations between the total consumption of alcoholic beverages and different types of alcoholic beverages and cognitive decline at middle age. In 2613 men and women of the Doetinchem Cohort Study, aged 43–70 years at baseline (1995–2002), cognitive function (global cognitive function and the domains memory, speed and flexibility) was assessed twice, with a 5-year time interval. In linear regression analyses, the consumption of different types of alcoholic beverages was analysed in relation to cognitive decline, adjusting for confounders. We observed that, in women, the total consumption of alcoholic beverages was inversely associated with the decline in global cognitive function over a 5-year period (P for trend = 0·02), while no association was observed in men. Regarding the consumption of different types of alcoholic beverages in men and women together, red wine consumption was inversely associated with the decline in global cognitive function (P for trend < 0·01) as well as memory (P for trend < 0·01) and flexibility (P for trend = 0·03). Smallest declines were observed at a consumption of about 1·5 glasses of red wine per d. No other types of alcoholic beverages were associated with cognitive decline. In conclusion, only (moderate) red wine consumption was consistently associated with less strong cognitive decline. Therefore, it is most likely that non-alcoholic substances in red wine are responsible for any cognition-preserving effects.
Physiological and transcriptional responses of broad bean (Vicia faba L.) leaves to aluminium stress
Authors: XU H. N. , WANG K. , ZHANG Y. N. , CHEN Q. , CHEN L. M. , LI K. Z.
Published: August 2013

Aluminium (Al) toxicity is the major factor-limiting crop productivity in acid soils. In the present study, physiological and transcriptional responses of broad bean leaves to Al stress were investigated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) content, H2O2 content and protein carbonyls (PC) level in leaves were increased after 100 μm AlCl3 stress treatment, whereas the total protein content was decreased, compared with the plants without Al treatment. Stomatal closure in leaves of broad bean was increased after Al stress, suggesting that the photosynthesis rate might be affected by Al stress. The relative citrate secretion in leaves was decreased after Al treatment for 24 h according to the 13C-NMR analysis, indicating that citrate in leaves might be transported to the root to chelate Al3+. To investigate the molecular mechanisms of Al toxicity in leaves of broad bean, a suppression subtractive hybridization (SSH) library was constructed to identify up-regulated genes: cDNA from leaves subjected to 12, 24, 48 and 72 h of 50 and 100 μm AlCl3 stress were used as testers and cDNA from leaves subjected to 0 μm AlCl3 treatment for the same lengths of time as above were used as a driver. The SSH analysis identified 156 non-redundant putative Al stress-responsive expressed sequence tags (ESTs) out of 960 clones. The ESTs were categorized into ten functional groups, which were involved in metabolism (0·21), protein synthesis and protein fate (0·10), photosynthesis and chloroplast structure (0·09), transporter (0·08), cell wall related (0·06), signal transduction (0·05), defence, stress and cell death (0·05), energy (0·03), transcription factor (0·03) and unknown proteins (0·30). The effect of Al treatment on expression of 15 selected genes was investigated by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT–PCR), confirming induction by Al stress. The results indicated that genes involved in organic acid metabolism, transport, photosynthesis and chloroplast structure, defence, stress and cell death might play important roles under Al stress.
Phenotypic plasticity of yield and related traits in rainfed durum wheat
Authors: MOHAMMADI R.
Published: August 2013

Rainfall and temperature are unpredictable in Mediterranean environments, which results in inconsistent environmental conditions for crop growth and a critical source of uncertainty for farmers and growers. The objectives of the present study were to: (i) quantify and compare the plasticity of durum breeding lines, a modern cultivar and landraces on the basis of yield and agronomic traits and (ii) study associations between plasticity of yield and plasticity of agronomic and phenological traits. Plasticity was quantified using linear models for 11 durum breeding lines, one modern cultivar and two landraces grown in 21 diversified environments. The results showed that the effects due to environment, genotype and genotype×environment (G×E) interaction were significant, which indicates the existence of differences among genotypes for plasticity. Yield ranged from 1939 to 2419 kg/ha across environments and the range of plasticity was 0·66–1·13. The breeding lines and the modern cultivar had higher grain yields compared with the landraces at the same level of plasticity. The landraces with below-average plasticity in yield were characterized as tall in stature and late in heading and maturity, whereas the breeding lines and modern cultivar with above-average plasticity in yield were early in heading and maturity, semi-dwarf and high-yielding, which indicates the success in breeding the materials for unpredictable environmental conditions. In conclusion, yield plasticity was associated with yield improvement and high yield plasticity tends to associate with earliness, shorter plants and low grain weight.
Hedge Fund Return Predictability Under the Magnifying Glass
Authors: Avramov Doron , Barras Laurent , Kosowski Robert
Published: August 2013

This paper develops a unified approach to comprehensively analyze individual hedge fund return predictability, both in and out of sample. In sample, we find that variation in hedge fund performance across changing market conditions is widespread and economically significant. The predictability pattern is consistent with economic rationale, and largely reflects differences in key hedge fund characteristics, such as leverage or capacity constraints. Out of sample, we show that a simple strategy that combines the funds’ return forecasts obtained from individual predictors delivers superior performance. We exploit this simplicity to highlight the drivers of this performance, and find that in- and out-of-sample predictability are closely related.
New species ofArthonialesfrom NE Brazil
Authors: MENEZES Aline Anjos , de LIMA Edvaneide Leandro , XAVIER-LEITE Amanda Barreto , MAIA Leonor Costa , APTROOT André , CÁCERES Marcela Eugenia da Silva
Published: August 2013

The new speciesConiarthonia aurataE. L. Lima, M. Cáceres & Aptroot,Cresponea endosulphureaA. A. Menezes, M. Cáceres & Aptroot,Cryptothecia macrocephalaE. L. Lima, M. Cáceres & Aptroot, andSynarthonia sarcographoidesAptroot, A. A. Menezes, E. L. Lima & M. Cáceres are described from Caatinga vegetation in NE Brazil. They were found in the Chapada do Araripe in the state of Ceará and/or the Vale do Catimbau National Park in Pernambuco.Coniarthonia auratahas weakly organized, semiglobose apothecia with golden crystals, and on first impression looks like the anamorph of aTylophoron.Cresponea endosulphureahas a pigment of the group of xantholepinones in the thallus. It is the first time that a substance from this group is reported from theArthoniales.Cryptothecia macrocephalahas strongly macrocephalic ascospores and contains psoromic acid in the thallus.Synarthonia sarcographoidesis only the third species in this rarely found genus. It is characterized within the genus by muriform, brown ascospores, but it is assigned with hesitation to the genus. It is locally quite common.
Reading Sri Lanka's Suicide Rate
Authors: WIDGER TOM
Published: August 2013

By the final decade of the twentieth century, rates of suicide in Sri Lanka ranked among the highest in the world. However, in 1996 the suicide rate began to fall and was soon at its lowest level in almost 30 years. This decline poses problems for classic sociological theories of suicide and forces us to question some fundamental assumptions underlying social scientific approaches to the suicide rate. Drawing from sociological, medical epidemiological, historical, and anthropological secondary sources as well as 21 months of original ethnographic research into suicide in Sri Lanka, I argue that there are four possible readings of the country's suicide rate. While the first three readings provide windows onto parts of the story, the fourth—a composite view—provides a new way of thinking about suicide, not just in Sri Lanka but also cross-culturally. In so doing the paper poses questions for how the relationship between suicide and society might be imagined.
Comparison of two calibration methods for a small industrial robot based on an optical CMM and a laser tracker
Authors: Nubiola Albert , Slamani Mohamed , Joubair Ahmed , Bonev Ilian A.
Published: August 2013

The absolute accuracy of a small industrial robot is improved using a 30-parameter calibration model. The error model takes into account a full kinematic calibration and five compliance parameters related to the stiffness in joints 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6. The linearization of the Jacobian is performed to iteratively find the modeled error parameters. Two coordinate measurement systems are used independently: a laser tracker and an optical CMM. An optimized end-effector is developed specifically for each measurement system. The robot is calibrated using fewer than 50 configurations and the calibration efficiency validated in 1000 configurations using either the laser tracker or the optical CMM. A telescopic ballbar is also used for validation. The results show that the optical CMM yields slightly better results, even when used with the simple triangular plate end-effector that was developed mainly for the laser tracker.
FREQUENCY EFFECTS OR CONTEXT EFFECTS IN SECOND LANGUAGE WORD LEARNING
Authors: Crossley Scott A. , Subtirelu Nicholas , Salsbury Tom
Published: August 2013

This study examines frequency, contextual diversity, and contextual distinctiveness effects in predicting produced versus not-produced frequent nouns and verbs by early second language (L2) learners of English. The study analyzes whether word frequency is the strongest predictor of early L2 word production independent of contextual diversity and distinctiveness and whether differences exist in the lexical properties of nouns and verbs that can help explain beginning-level L2 word production. The study uses machine learning algorithms to develop models that predict produced and unproduced words in L2 oral discourse. The results demonstrate that word frequency is the strongest classifier of whether a noun is produced or not produced in beginning L2 oral discourse, whereas contextual diversity is the strongest classifier of whether a verb is produced or not produced. Post hoc tests reveal that nouns are more concrete, meaningful, imageable, specific, and unambiguous than verbs, which indicates that lexical properties may explain differences in noun and verb production. Thus, whereas distributional properties of nouns may allow lexical acquisition on the basis of association through exposure alone (i.e., nouns may adhere to frequency effects), the abstractness and ambiguity found in verbs make them difficult to acquire based solely on repetition. Therefore, verb acquisition may follow a principle of likely need characterized by contextual diversity effects.
Detecting ends of residually finite groups in profinite completions
Authors: COTTON–BARRATT OWEN
Published: August 2013

Let $\mathcal{C}$ be a variety of finite groups. We use profinite Bass--Serre theory to show that if u : H ↪ G is a map of finitely generated residually $\mathcal{C}$ groups such that the induced map û : Ĥ → Ĝ is a surjection of the pro-$\mathcal{C}$ completions, and G has more than one end, then H has the same number of ends as G. However if G has one end the number of ends of H may be larger; we observe cases where this occurs for $\mathcal{C}$ the class of finite p-groups.

We produce a monomorphism of groups u : H ↪ G such that: either G is hyperbolic but not residually finite; or û : Ĥ → Ĝ is an isomorphism of profinite completions but H has property (T) (and hence (FA)), but G has neither. Either possibility would give new examples of pathological finitely generated groups.
Absence of beneficial effects on rabbit sperm cell cryopreservation by several antioxidant agents
Authors: Maya-Soriano M.J. , Taberner E. , Sabés-Alsina M. , Piles M. , Lopez-Bejar M.
Published: August 2013

The generation of reactive oxygen species associated with cryopreservation could be responsible for mammalian sperm damage and the limitable value of stored semen in artificial insemination. The aim of this study was to assess several antioxidant agents supplemented in a commercial freezing extender (Gent B®) in order to improve post-thaw rabbit sperm quality. Ejaculates of 26 New Zealand White rabbit bucks were collected, evaluated and frozen using a conventional protocol. Antioxidant agents were tested at different concentrations: bovine serum albumin (BSA; 5, 30 or 60 mg/ml), retinol (RO; 50, 100 or 200 μM) and retinyl (RI; 0.282 or 2.82 μg/ml). Per cent viability, morphological abnormalities and intact acrosomes were determined using eosin–nigrosin staining. Motility and progressivity were analyzed by computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA). In general, all sperm quality parameters were negatively affected by the cryopreservation process, the largest effect seen was for total motility. The addition of antioxidant agents did not improve thaw sperm quality. Furthermore, for RI groups a significant decrease in sperm quality parameters was recorded. In conclusion, rabbit sperm quality is negatively affected by the cryopreservation process. To our knowledge this report is the first using these antioxidants to supplement rabbit freezing extender. BSA and RO at concentrations used in the study did not improve sperm quality parameters after thawing, whereas RI supplementation appeared to be toxic. More studies are required to find the appropriate antioxidants necessary and their most effective concentrations to improve rabbit post-thaw sperm quality.
The Impact of a Large-Scale Power Outage on Hemodialysis Center Operations
Authors: Abir Mahshid , Jan Sophia , Jubelt Lindsay , Merchant Raina M. , Lurie Nicole
Published: August 2013

Introduction

On June 29, 2012, mid-Atlantic storms resulted in a large-scale power outage affecting up to three million people across multiple (US) states. Hemodialysis centers are dependent on electricity to provide dialysis care to end-stage renal disease patients. The objective of this study was to determine how the power outage impacted operations in a sample of hemodialysis centers in the impacted regions.

Methods

The sample consisted of all hemodialysis centers located in the District of Columbia and a total of five counties with the largest power losses in West Virginia, Virginia, and Maryland. A semi-structured interview guide was developed, and the charge nurse or supervisor in each facility was interviewed. The survey questions addressed whether their centers lost power, if so, for how long, where their patients received dialysis, whether their centers had backup generators, and if so, whether they had any problems operating them, and whether their center received patients from other centers if they had power.

Results

Calls were placed to 90 dialysis centers in the sampled areas and a 90% response rate was achieved. Overall, hemodialysis operations at approximately 30% (n = 24) of the centers queried were impacted by the power outage. Of the 36 centers that lost power, 31% (n = 11) referred their patients to other dialysis centers, 22% (n = 8) accommodated their patients during a later shift or on a different day; the rest of the centers either experienced brief power outages that did not affect operations or experienced a power outage on days that the center is usually closed. Some centers in the study cohort reported receiving patients from other centers for dialysis 33% (n = 27). Thirty-two percent (n = 26) of the centers queried had backup generators on site. Eleven percent (n = 4) of the centers experiencing power outages reported that backup generators were brought in by their parent companies.

Conclusions

Comprehensive emergency planning for dialysis centers should include provisions for having backup generators on site, having plans in place for the timely delivery of a generator during a power outage, or having predesignated backup dialysis centers for patients to receive dialysis during emergencies. Most dialysis centers surveyed in this study were able to sustain continuity of care by implementing such pre-existing emergency plans.

AbirM, JanS, JubeltL, MerchantR, LurieN. The impact of a large-scale power outage on hemodialysis center operations. Prehosp Disaster Med. 2013;28(6):1-4.
The Transportation of Tax Textiles to the North-West as part of the Tang-Dynasty Military Shipment System
Authors: ARAKAWA MASAHIRO , HANSEN VALERIE
Published: August 2013

Unfortunately the author's the name was misspelt throughout this article and also on the contents page of issue 23 (2). The correct name should have read ‘Masaharu Arakawa’.

Cambridge University Press apologises unreservedly for any inconvenience or embarrassment caused by this error.
Use of food label information by urban consumers in India – a study among supermarket shoppers
Authors: Vemula Sudershan R , Gavaravarapu SubbaRao M , Mendu Vishnu Vardhana Rao , Mathur Pulkit , Avula Laxmaiah
Published: August 2013

Objective

To study consumer knowledge and use of food labels.

Design

A cross-sectional study employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. Intercept interviews were conducted with 1832 consumers at supermarket sites selected using a stratified random sampling procedure. This information was triangulated with twenty-one focus group discussions.

Setting

New Delhi and Hyderabad, two metro-cities from north and south India.

Subjects

Adolescent (10–19 years), adult (20–59 years) and elderly (≥60 years) consumers.

Results

While the national urban literacy rate is 84 %, about 99 % of the study participants were educated. About 45 % reported that they buy pre-packaged foods once weekly and about a fifth buy them every day. Taste, quality, convenience and ease of use are the main reasons for buying pre-packaged foods. Although 90 % of consumers across the age groups read food labels, the majority (81 %) looked only for the manufacturing date or expiry/best before date. Of those who read labels, only a third checked nutrition information and ingredients. Nutrient information on labels was not often read because most consumers either lacked nutrition knowledge or found the information too technical to understand. About 60 % read quality symbols. A positive association was found between education level and checking various aspects of food labels. Women and girls concerned about ‘fat’ and ‘sugar’ intake read the nutrition facts panel.

Conclusions

The intention of promoting healthy food choices through use of food labels is not being completely met. Since a majority of people found it difficult to comprehend nutrition information, there is a need to take up educational activities and/or introduce new forms of labelling.
Constitutionality of the European Stability Mechanism in Estonia: Applying Proportionality to Sovereignty
Authors: Ginter Carri
Published: August 2013

The Supreme Court en banc was forced to make a rushed judgment in a situation of confusion, uncertainty and absence of legal certainty prevailing in the Estonian and the EU legal environment.

Dissenting justice Jaak Luik

On 12 September 2012 the Bundesverfassungsgericht gave the green light for Germany to ratify the Treaty Establishing the European Stability Mechanism (ESM Treaty), but made ratification conditional upon international law arrangements to be made to guarantee an interpretation of the ESM Treaty which would be in line with the German Grundgesetz. Although the constitutional challenge in Germany, which is the largest ‘donor’ to the ESM, was certainly of core importance as to whether the member states would be able to launch the mechanism at all, the constitutional challenges in other member states also deserve academic attention. The reference for a preliminary ruling by the Supreme Court of Ireland raised serious questions concerning the conformity of the ESM Treaty with EU law. In its Pringle decision the Court of Justice dismissed the concerns raised in the reference as being unfounded.

This article focuses on the compatibility of the ‘emergency voting’ mechanism set out in Article 4(4) ESM Treaty with the principles of democracy, the rule of law and sovereignty raised before the Supreme Court of Estonia. The Constitution of the Republic of Estonia [Eesti Vabariigipõhiseadus] (henceforth: the Constitution) and the Acts of the Republic of Estonia do not foresee a separate constitutional court or the possibility of an individual constitutional petition. Thus, the issue of the constitutionality of the emergency voting procedure contained in the ESM Treaty was raised ex officio in abstract constitutional review proceedings by the Estonian Chancellor of Justice [Õiguskantsler], which ‘in Estonia combines the function of the general body of petition and the guardian of constitutionality.’ The petition for review focused on the fact that substantial budgetary decisions could be made in the future under the emergency voting procedure without the involvement of the Estonian parliament. According to the petition, ‘[w]ith accession to the Treaty the budgetary policy choices of the Riigikogu will diminish.’
Re-Evaluating the Role of International Law in Territorial and Maritime Disputes in East Asia
Authors: NASU Hitoshi , ROTHWELL Donald R.
Published: August 2013

Recently increased tensions across East Asia over territorial and maritime disputes show glimpses of brinkmanship. However, the past experiences of Western colonization and Japan's imperialism within the region add complexity to those disputes challenging our understanding of legal debates surrounding territorial and maritime disputes. This article examines the extent to which the relevant rules of international law are capable of providing “justice” by accommodating the unique historical contexts in the region in settling highly politically sensitive territorial and maritime claims. It finds that the existing rules of international law are more than capable of accommodating the peculiar historical contexts of East Asia in the resolution of territorial and maritime disputes, whilst acknowledging that certain ambiguities in the law are contributing to some of the current tensions that have arisen over these disputes.
Measuring Feedback From Clients
Authors: Janse Pauline , Boezen-Hilberdink Liesbeth , van Dijk Maarten K. , Verbraak Marc J. P. M. , Hutschemaekers Giel J. M.
Published: August 2013

Treatment results can be improved by obtaining feedback from clients concerning their progress during therapy and the quality of the therapeutic relationship. This feedback can be rated using short instruments such as the Outcome Rating Scale (ORS) and the Session Rating Scale (SRS), which are being increasingly used in many countries. This study investigates the validity and reliability of the Dutch ORS and SRS in a large sample of subjects (N = 587) drawn from the clients of an outpatient mental healthcare organization. The results are compared to those of previous Dutch and American studies. While both the ORS and the SRS exhibited adequate test-retest reliability and internal consistency, their concurrent validity was limited (more for the SRS than for the ORS). New standards are proposed for the Dutch ORS and SRS. The scores obtained with these standards are interpreted differently than those obtained using American standards. The clinical implications of the limited validity of the ORS and the SRS are discussed, as is the use of different standards in conjunction with these instruments.
Genome sequencing of a single cell of the widely distributed marine subsurface Dehalococcoidia, phylum Chloroflexi
Authors: Wasmund Kenneth , Schreiber Lars , Lloyd Karen G , Petersen Dorthe G , Schramm Andreas , Stepanauskas Ramunas , Jørgensen Bo Barker , Adrian Lorenz
Published: August 2013

Bacteria of the class Dehalococcoidia (DEH), phylum Chloroflexi, are widely distributed in the marine subsurface, yet metabolic properties of the many uncultivated lineages are completely unknown. This study therefore analysed genomic content from a single DEH cell designated ‘DEH-J10’ obtained from the sediments of Aarhus Bay, Denmark. Real-time PCR showed the DEH-J10 phylotype was abundant in upper sediments but was absent below 160 cm below sea floor. A 1.44 Mbp assembly was obtained and was estimated to represent up to 60.8% of the full genome. The predicted genome is much larger than genomes of cultivated DEH and appears to confer metabolic versatility. Numerous genes encoding enzymes of core and auxiliary beta-oxidation pathways were identified, suggesting that this organism is capable of oxidising various fatty acids and/or structurally related substrates. Additional substrate versatility was indicated by genes, which may enable the bacterium to oxidise aromatic compounds. Genes encoding enzymes of the reductive acetyl-CoA pathway were identified, which may also enable the fixation of CO2 or oxidation of organics completely to CO2. Genes encoding a putative dimethylsulphoxide reductase were the only evidence for a respiratory terminal reductase. No evidence for reductive dehalogenase genes was found. Genetic evidence also suggests that the organism could synthesise ATP by converting acetyl-CoA to acetate by substrate-level phosphorylation. Other encoded enzymes putatively conferring marine adaptations such as salt tolerance and organo-sulphate sulfohydrolysis were identified. Together, these analyses provide the first insights into the potential metabolic traits that may enable members of the DEH to occupy an ecological niche in marine sediments.
High charge-carrier mobility enables exploitation of carrier multiplication in quantum-dot films
Authors: Sandeep C. S. Suchand , Cate Sybren ten , Schins Juleon M. , Savenije Tom J. , Liu Yao , Law Matt , Kinge Sachin , Houtepen Arjan J. , Siebbeles Laurens D. A.
Published: August 2013

Carrier multiplication, the generation of multiple electron–hole pairs by a single photon, is of great interest for solar cells as it may enhance their photocurrent. This process has been shown to occur efficiently in colloidal quantum dots, however, harvesting of the generated multiple charges has proved difficult. Here we show that by tuning the charge-carrier mobility in quantum-dot films, carrier multiplication can be optimized and may show an efficiency as high as in colloidal dispersion. Our results are explained quantitatively by the competition between dissociation of multiple electron–hole pairs and Auger recombination. Above a mobility of ~1 cm2 V−1 s−1, all charges escape Auger recombination and are quantitatively converted to free charges, offering the prospect of cheap quantum-dot solar cells with efficiencies in excess of the Shockley–Queisser limit. In addition, we show that the threshold energy for carrier multiplication is reduced to twice the band gap of the quantum dots.
Regulation of the transcriptional activation of the androgen receptor by the UXT-binding protein VHL
Authors: Chen Shuliang , Chen Ke , Zhang Qinghua , Cheng Hanhua , Zhou Rongjia
Published: August 2013

Loss and/or inactivation of the VHL (von Hippel–Lindau) tumour suppressor causes various tumours. Using a yeast two-hybrid system, we have identified the AR (androgen receptor) co-activator UXT (ubiquitously expressed transcript), as a VHL-interacting protein. GST pull-down and co-immunoprecipitation assays show that UXT interacts with VHL. In addition, UXT recruits VHL to the nucleus. VHL associates with the DBD (DNA-binding domain) and hinge domains of the AR and induces AR ubiquitination. Moreover, VHL interaction with the AR activates AR transactivation upon DHT (dihydrotestosterone) treatment. VHL knockdown inhibits AR ubiquitination and decreases transcriptional activation of the AR. Our data suggest that the VHL–UXT interaction and VHL-induced ubiquitination of AR regulate transcriptional activation of the AR.
Ribonucleases as a host-defence family: evidence of evolutionarily conserved antimicrobial activity at the N-terminus
Authors: Torrent Marc , Pulido David , Valle Javier , Nogués M. Victòria , Andreu David , Boix Ester
Published: August 2013

Vertebrate secreted RNases (ribonucleases) are small proteins that play important roles in RNA metabolism, angiogenesis or host defence. In the present study we describe the antimicrobial properties of the N-terminal domain of the hcRNases (human canonical RNases) and show that their antimicrobial activity is well conserved among their lineage. Furthermore, all domains display a similar antimicrobial mechanism, characterized by bacteria agglutination followed by membrane permeabilization. The results of the present study show that, for all antimicrobial hcRNases, (i) activity is retained at the N-terminus and (ii) the antimicrobial mechanism is conserved. Moreover, using computational analysis we show that antimicrobial propensity may be conserved at the N-terminus for all vertebrate RNases, thereby suggesting that a defence mechanism could be a primary function in vertebrate RNases and that the N-terminus was selected to ensure this property. In a broader context, from the overall comparison of the peptides’ physicochemical and biological properties, general correlation rules could be drawn to assist in the structure-based development of antimicrobial agents.
Uniform bounds of first‐order Marcum Q‐function
Authors: Koh Il‐Suek , Chang Sung Pil
Published: August 2013

A new expression of the generalised Marcum Q‐function is obtained in terms of incomplete cylindrical function. Based on the new representation, new lower and upper bounds of the first‐order Marcum Q‐function are formulated. The bounds are represented in terms of the error and modified Bessel functions. Unlike the existing bounds, the tightness of the new bounds is maintained over the entire range of arguments of the Marcum Q‐function, which is numerically and theoretically demonstrated. To show the usefulness of the formulated bound, the upper and lower of a generic integral is formulated in the performance analysis of an antenna diversity system under a Nakagami fading channel. The uniform tightness of the bound of the integral is also observed. Then, the authors consider the average bit error rate (ABER) probability of the equal gain combining diversity system in the fading channel, which show that the proposed bound can estimate very tight bound of the ABER probability.
General and new inner bound for multiple‐access relay channel and two certain capacity theorems
Authors: Sahebalam Assadallah , Abed Hodtani Ghosheh
Published: August 2013

In this study, the authors obtain a general and new achievable rate region and some certain capacity theorems for multiple‐access relay channel (MARC), using partial decode‐and‐forward (PDF) strategy at the relay, superposition coding at the transmitters and multiple‐access and relay channel (RC) decoding schemes. (a) The authors general rate region (i) generalises the achievability part of Slepian–Wolf multiple‐access capacity theorem to the MARC, (ii) extends the Cover–El Gamal best achievable rate for the RC with PDF strategy to the MARC, (iii) gives the Kramer–Wijengaarden anticipated rate region for the MARC and (iv) meets max‐flow min‐cut outer bound for some important classes of the MARC. (b) They extend the results to the Gaussian case as an important practical aspect of MARC and obtain (v) a general and new achievable rate region for Gaussian Slepian–Wolf MARC. Finally, they evaluate their inner bounds for Gaussian MARC numerically, and illustrate specifically that when the relay is closer to the transmitters, their rates are greater than the previous corresponding rates.
Robust joint signal and interference alignment in cognitive radio networks with ellipsoidal channel state information uncertainties
Authors: Ma Shuai , Du Huiqin , Ratnarajah Tharmalingam , Dong Lei
Published: August 2013

The authors propose a distributed robust joint signal and interference alignment design for multiple‐input–multiple‐output cognitive radio (CR) networks where single primary link coexists with multiple secondary links. Considering two practical challenges of interference alignment: imperfect channel state information (CSI) and finite signal‐to‐noise ratio, the proposed scheme aims to minimise both the leakage of interference signals and that of the desired signals, while maintaining interference to the primary user below a permissible level. Under the assumption of the ellipsoidal CSI uncertainties, the joint worst‐case optimisation problem is decomposed and reformulated as semi‐definite programming form by using S‐lemma, orthogonal relaxation and semi‐definite relaxation. Simulation results verify the effectiveness of the joint design, and robustness of the worst‐case design against channel uncertainties.
Distributed consensus filtering for jump Markov linear systems
Authors: Li Wenling , Jia Yingmin , Du Junping , Zhang Jun
Published: August 2013

This article studies the problem of distributed filtering for jump Markov linear systems in a not fully connected sensor network. A distributed consensus filter is developed by applying an improved interacting multiple model approach in which the mode‐conditioned estimates are derived by the Kalman consensus filter and the mode probabilities are obtained in the sense of linear minimum variance. A numerical example is provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm for tracking a manoeuvring target in a sensor work with eight nodes.
New results on stability analysis for neutral stochastic linear system
Authors: Chen Huabin
Published: August 2013

In this study, the problem for the robustly exponential stability in mean square moment of uncertain neutral stochastic linear system with mixed time‐varying delays is considered. By constructing an augmented Lyapunov–Krasovskii functional and utilising a convex polyhedron method, some new delay‐dependent exponential stability criteria for such system are established in forms of linear matrix inequalities, which have less conservatism. Finally, three illustrative numerical examples are given to show the effectiveness of the obtained results.
Reliable dissipative control of discrete‐time switched singular systems with mixed time delays and stochastic actuator failures
Authors: Lin Jinxing , Shi Yang , Fei Shumin , Gao Zhifeng
Published: August 2013

This study is concerned with the problem of reliable dissipative control for a class of discrete‐time switched singular systems with mixed time delays and multiple actuator failures. The failure probability of each actuator is individually quantified and is governed by an individual random variable satisfying a certain probabilistic distribution in the interval [0, 1]. Attention is focused on identifying a class of slow switching signals and designing a set of reliable mode‐dependent state‐feedback controllers such that, for all admissible mixed time delays and multiple probabilistic actuators faults, the closed‐loop system is stochastically exponentially admissible and strictly (𝒬, 𝒮, ℛ)‐dissipative. By using the Lyapunov function approach and the average dwell‐time scheme, sufficient conditions for the existence of such class of stabilising switching signals and the reliable mode‐dependent controllers are derived in terms of linear matrix inequalities, and the explicit expression for the desired controller gains is also given. A numerical example is given to demonstrate the effectiveness of the theoretical results.
New results on stability of switched positive systems: an average dwell‐time approach
Authors: Lian Jie , Liu Jiao
Published: August 2013

This study is concerned with the problem of exponential stability for a class of switched positive linear systems consisting of both stable and unstable subsystems. The sufficient conditions of exponential stability are established in continuous‐time and discrete‐time domains. Based on the average dwell‐time approach, new stability results for such kind of systems are first derived, which allows the ascent of the multiple linear copositive Lyapunov functions caused by unstable subsystems. Furthermore, when all subsystems are stable, the exponential stability condition for switched positive systems is presented. Finally, numerical examples are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the results.
Broken bar indicators for cage induction motors and their relationship with the number of consecutive broken bars
Authors: Martinez Javier , Belahcen Anouar , Arkkio Antero
Published: August 2013

The study presents analysis of the broken bar induction machine, through numerical, analytical and experimental investigations. Numerical finite element analysis is carried out with a commercial software in which coupling between the windings circuit equations and equations of the magnetic field has been implemented and verified through intensive measurements. An analytical model has also been constructed to understand and explain the origin of different frequencies detected in the case of broken bars. The analytical model enabled prediction of frequencies, in a new manner, when the number of consecutive broken bars increases. The novelty of this study arises from derivation of an expression linking stator current harmonics (using the wave number of a broken cage), slip harmonic and saturation harmonic, which is closely related to the number of consecutive broken bars. The model also takes into account the speed ripple. This expression has been validated by both finite element model (FEM) and measurements on a 22 kW induction machine with healthy and faulty rotors.
Electromagnetic field and thermal distribution optimisation in shell‐type traction transformers
Authors: Xu Jiazhu , Kubis Andreas , Zhou Ke , Ye Zhijun , Luo Longfu
Published: August 2013

This study presents a method for analysing the eddy current distribution in splints and oil tank and investigates the losses because of eddy currents in a shell‐type power transformer. An optimisation algorithm combining the Taguchi's and the Rosenbrock's method to decrease the eddy current losses is proposed based on an optimal placement and sizing approach of splints and magnetic shielding plates. The thermal distribution of the splints and the oil tank equipped with magnetic shielding is analysed. Results show the effectiveness of the proposed method because of a significant reduction of eddy current losses and a well‐distributed temperature profile.
Effect of the fabrication parameters on the performance of embroidered antennas
Authors: Seager Rob , Zhang Shiyu , Chauraya Alford , Whittow Will , Vardaxoglou Yiannis , Acti Tess , Dias Tilak
Published: August 2013

Simulated and measured microstrip patch antennas produced using embroidery techniques have been presented. The antennas use a standard microwave substrate material. The effect of stitch direction and stitch density is described and a clear requirement to understand how the currents flow in an antenna, so that the stitch direction can be correctly chosen is shown. Two different simulation approaches for these antennas are discussed and one is linked to measurement results, pointing to a simplified model for simulating embroidered patch antennas.
Quad band‐notched ultrawideband antenna with a modified H‐shaped resonator
Authors: Sung Youngje
Published: August 2013

In this study, a novel planar ultrawideband antenna, with a quad band‐notched function, is investigated. The proposed antenna consists of a circular‐shaped radiating element, a 50 Ω microstrip feed line, a modified H‐shaped resonator, and a partially truncated ground plane. The proposed H‐shaped resonator, with quadruple resonance characteristics, is realised without any change in its size but instead, by modifying the simplified composite right/left‐handed resonator with dual resonance characteristics. By embedding the modified H‐shaped resonator beside the microstrip feedline, band‐rejected filtering properties in the wireless local area network /worldwide interoperability for microwave access bands are generated. By changing the modified H‐shaped resonator's dimensions, the proposed antenna shows variable quadplex‐filtering characteristics, such as band‐notch frequency and its bandwidth. The measured results show that the proposed antenna design exhibits a 10 dB return loss bandwidth from 2.12 to 13.63 GHz, excluding the rejection bands. Very sharp notch and high band‐rejection are achieved, and relatively stable omnidirectional radiation performance over the entire frequency range is also obtained.
Small artificial magnetic conductor backed log‐periodic microstrip patch antenna
Authors: Almutawa Ahmad T. , Mumcu Gokhan
Published: August 2013

An artificial magnetic conductor (AMC) backed reduced‐size log‐periodic microstrip patch antenna (LPMA) is presented. To maintain the broadband performance of the LPMA, the AMC ground plane was modified to exhibit a log‐periodic structure. Specifically, an AMC ground plane configuration was realised over 0.889 mm thick εr = 10.2 Rogers 6010.2LM substrate for an LPMA printed over 1.524 mm thick εr = 2.94 Rogers 6002 substrate. The AMC‐backed LPMA is measured to operate from 5.3 to 8 GHz with linearly polarised broadside radiation, performing with 21% reduced size as compared with a conventional LPMA designed over the identical substrate stack‐up.
Comparative study on pulse distortion and phase aberration of directive ultra‐wideband antennas
Authors: Tokan Nurhan Türker , Neto Andrea , Tokan Fikret , Cavallo Daniele
Published: August 2013

The authors study and compare the properties of two types of highly directive broadband antennas: linear tapered slot antenna (LTSA) and leaky lens antenna (LLA). The performance in terms of dispersion and phase centre stability is investigated for both antennas over a bandwidth exceeding 1:3, by means of experimental results. The pulse distortion is quantified by calculating the angular dependence of the fidelity factor directly from the measurements. The phase centre movement with frequency is also measured and the corresponding phase error loss is estimated when these antennas are to be used as wideband feeds of reflectors. As a consequence of its high phase centre stability, LLA achieves better efficiency than LTSA in terms of phase aberration for broadband reflector systems. However, the efficiency of LTSA can be considerably enhanced by proper positioning of the antenna along the reflector axis.