bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intracellular redox state revealed by in vivo 31P MRS measurement of NAD+ and NADH contents in brains
Authors: Lu Ming , Zhu Xiao‐Hong , Zhang Yi , Chen Wei
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD), in oxidized (NAD+) or reduced (NADH) form, plays key roles in cellular metabolism. Intracellular NAD+/NADH ratio represents the cellular redox state; however, it is difficult to measure in vivo. We report here a novel in vivo 31P MRS method for noninvasive measurement of intracellular NAD concentrations and NAD+/NADH ratio in the brain.

Methods

It uses a theoretical model to describe the NAD spectral patterns at a given field for quantification. Standard NAD solutions and independent cat brain measurements at 9.4 T and 16.4 T were used to evaluate this method. We also measured T1 values of brain NAD.

Results

Model simulation and studies of solutions and brains indicate that the proposed method can quantify submillimolar NAD concentrations with reasonable accuracy if adequate 31P MRS signal‐to‐noise ratio and linewidth were obtained. The NAD concentrations and NAD+/NADH ratio of cat brains measured at 16.4 T and 9.4 T were consistent despite the significantly different T1 values and NAD spectra patterns at two fields.

Conclusion

This newly established 31P MRS method makes it possible for the first time to noninvasively study the intracellular redox state and its roles in brain functions and diseases, and it can potentially be applied to other organs. Magn Reson Med 71:1959–1972, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Imaging near metal: The impact of extreme static local field gradients on frequency encoding processes
Authors: Koch Kevin M. , King Kevin F. , Carl Michael , Hargreaves Brian A.
Published: July 2013

Purpose

Magnetic resonance imaging capabilities in the direct vicinity of metallic devices have substantially improved with the recent development of three‐dimensional multispectral imaging (3D‐MSI) methods. When imaging near metallic hardware, the bulk image distortions in 3D‐MSI techniques are reduced to the single‐pixel level. However, commonly utilized MSI techniques are ultimately limited by frequency‐encoding processes and reveal a class of residual intensity‐based susceptibility artifacts that have yet to be formally analyzed.

Methods

Empirical measurements and simulation techniques are utilized to study the static local magnetic field gradients induced by metal implants and their general impact on frequency‐encoding processes. The specific consequences of these gradients on 3D‐MSI approaches are also analyzed using empirical and simulated approaches.

Results

Close agreements between empirical and simulated measurements clearly demonstrate the effects of strong local gradients on frequency‐encoded imaging capabilities near metallic implants.

Conclusions

3D‐MSI techniques can enable substantially enhanced magnetic resonance imaging capabilities near metallic implants. However, strong local static field gradients generate residual artifacts whose direct mitigation are ultimately limited by frequency encoding processes. Applications of 3D encoding strategies or additional post processing may be required to further reduce residual artifacts in multispectral images near metal implants. Magn Reson Med 71:2024–2034, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A fourth‐order Hermitian box‐scheme with fast solver for the Poisson problem in a cube
Authors: Abbas Ali
Published: July 2013

We present a fourth‐order Hermitian box‐scheme (HB‐scheme) for the Poisson problem in a cube. A single‐nonstaggered regular grid is used supporting the discrete unknowns u and . The scheme is fourth‐order accurate for u and in norm. The fast numerical resolution uses a matrix capacitance method, resulting in a computational complexity of . Numerical results are reported on several examples including nonseparable problems. The present scheme is the extension to the three‐dimensional case of the HB‐scheme presented in Abbas and Croisille [J Sci Comp 49 (2011), 239–267]. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Numer Methods Partial Differential Eq 31: 609–629, 2015
Composite yarns fabricated from continuous needleless electrospun nanofibers
Authors: Niu Haitao , Gao Weimin , Lin Tong , Wang Xungai , Kong Lingxue
Published: July 2013

In this work, a spinning metal wire collector was employed to continuously collect polyacrylonitrile (PAN) nanofibers produced by a disc fiber generator and coil them around a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) yarn. The obtained composite yarns exhibited a core/shell structure (PET yarn/PAN nanofibers) with nanofibers orderly arranged on the surface of the PET yarn. The electric field analysis showed that the position of metal wire had insignificant effect on the formed electric field and high intensity electric field was formed at the disc circumferential area, which provided a constant electric field for the production of uniform nanofibers. The spinning solution, spinning speed of metal wire, and winding speed were found to play an important role in producing good quality nanofiber yarns, in terms of morphology, strength, and productivity. Pure nanofiber yarns were obtained after dissolving the core yarns in a proper solvent. This method has shown potential for the mass production of nanofiber yarns for industrial applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1495–1502, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
ESSENTIAL FEATURES OF TIER 2 SOCIAL–BEHAVIORAL INTERVENTIONS
Authors: Yong Minglee , Cheney Douglas A.
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this study is to identify the essential features of Tier 2 interventions conducted within multitier systems of behavior support in schools. A systematic literature search identified 12 empirical studies that were coded and scored according to a list of Tier 2 specific RE‐AIM criteria, related to the Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, and Maintenance. Most studies met the following criteria: efficient identification of students, training required for staff implementation, integration with Tier 1 support, standard protocol approach, assessment of implementation fidelity, and parental involvement. However, there was less consistency in meeting the following criteria: reliable and valid methods for student identification, weekly data review to monitor progress, evaluation of behavioral and learning outcomes, program length of between 2 to 6 months, use of maintenance strategies, and teacher involvement. For the subsequent descriptive analysis, the 12 studies were categorized into 6 groups and the strategies used to address RE‐AIM criteria were compared and discussed. The essential features identified will help researchers replicate Tier 2 interventions and help schools select and adapt Tier 2 interventions that are matched to their needs and resources.
Rheology and phase behavior of thermo‐reversible pentablock terpolymer hydrogel
Authors: Wu Yufeng , Zhu Dingwei , Guo Zanru , Feng Yujun
Published: July 2013

Thermo‐reversible phase behaviors and rheological properties of a pentablock terpolymer solution, poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(propylene oxide)‐b‐poly(ethylene oxide)‐b‐poly(N‐isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM150‐PEO136‐PPO45‐PEO136‐PNIPAM150), are investigated in comparison with its precursor, PEO136‐PPO45‐PEO136 (F108). It is found that the critical gelation concentration of the terpolymer solution is only about 11 wt %, which is significantly lower than that of F108 solution (∼22 wt %). The 11 wt % terpolymer solution displays higher viscosity, stronger gel strength, and fast thermo‐responsive behavior compared with the 22 wt % F108 solution. The 11 wt % terpolymer solution shows a typical Newtonian fluid behavior at 30 °C due to the presence of individual spherical micelles, and presents an elastic gel property at 41 °C because of the formation of the close‐packed micelle aggregates. Cryogenic transmission electron microscopy (cryo‐TEM) and variable‐temperature 1H NMR results demonstrate that the sol–gel phase transition mechanism is mainly related to the hydrophilic/hydrophobic transition of PPO and PNIPAM groups by external temperature stimulus. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2013, 51, 1335–1342
Uptake and attrition in couple‐based interventions for cancer: perspectives from the literature
Authors: Regan Tim , Lambert Sylvie D. , Kelly Brian
Published: July 2013

Objective

Recognition that patients and partners are both affected by a cancer diagnosis has led to increased interest in couple‐based interventions. Although these interventions show promise for enhancing both patients' and partners' illness adjustment, couples' acceptance of these interventions is not well documented. This review explores these issues as reflected in uptake and attrition rates in published trials.

Methods

A literature search identified 17 manuscripts reporting the uptake and attrition rates of couple‐based interventions for couples facing cancer. The uptake (percentage of eligible couples randomised into a trial) and the attrition (percentage of couples who dropped out of a trial) rates were extracted by cancer type, cancer stage, intervention type, intervention focus and intervention delivery method.

Results

Uptake and attrition rates ranged from 13.6% to 94.2% and 0% to 49.4%, respectively. Low uptake rates were noted for communication‐focused interventions and those requiring both the patient and the partner to participate in the intervention simultaneously. Attrition was also high in the latter group. Uptake rates appeared slightly lower than individual‐based interventions (58%–76%), as were attrition rates, although only for late stage cancer (~30% couple‐based vs. ~69% individual‐based). Common barriers to uptake included accessibility, competing priorities and illness severity.

Conclusions

The couple‐based interventions had slightly lower uptake rates than what has been previously reported for individual‐based interventions; however, lower attrition suggests patients and partners may be more inclined to complete an intervention when they participate together. The findings support the need to develop strategies to improve the delivery and acceptability of couple‐based interventions in clinical practice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Low preparedness before the loss of a wife to cancer and the widower's chronic pain 4–5 years later—a population‐based study
Authors: Ásgeirsdóttir Hildur Guðný , Valdimarsdóttir Unnur , Fürst Carl Johan , Steineck Gunnar , Hauksdóttir Arna
Published: July 2013

Objective

The focus of this study was on the impact of spousal loss on the development of chronic pain thereafter. More specifically, the aim was to investigate the effect of experiencing low preparedness before a wife's death and the widower's chronic pain 4–5 years after loss.

Methods

In a population‐based study in the years 2004‐2005, anonymous questionnaires were sent out to 907 men in Sweden who had lost a wife to cancer in 2000 and 2001. The questionnaires contained questions on the man's preparedness for his wife's death and his physical and psychological health at follow‐up.

Results

Altogether, 691 out of 907 questionnaires were retrieved (76%). Younger widowers (38‐61 years old) with a low degree of preparedness for their wife's death had an increased risk of experiencing symptoms of chronic pain (odds ratio 6.67; 2.49‐17.82) 4‐5 years after loss. The same results did not apply for older widowers (62‐80 years old) (odds ratio 0.81; 0.32‐2.05). Widowers who experienced chronic pain were at an increased risk for psychological morbidity, depression (relative risk [RR] 2.21; 1.31‐3.74), anxiety (RR 2.11; 1.33‐3.37), and sleep disorders (RR 2.19; 1.30‐3.69).

Conclusion

Our data suggest that low preparedness for a wife's death may increase risk of chronic pain among younger widowers 4‐5 years after loss. In addition, we found comorbidity between psychological symptoms and chronic pain among widowers. These findings call for studies on possible mechanisms in the association between low preparedness and morbidity and on how to increase preparedness for a wife's death to cancer. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Solvent‐Assisted Interfacial Tension Deformation of Spherical Particles for the Fabrication of Non‐Spherical Particle Arrays
Authors: Zheng Lu , Ma Zhaohui , Geng Chong , Yan Qingfeng
Published: July 2013

A facile and efficient approach is developed for the fabrication of asymmetric non‐spherical polymer particle arrays. A specific amount of solvent is provided to interact with the spherical polymer particles to intensify the segmental mobility, thus suppressing the viscosity and the glass transition temperature of the polymer particles. The spherical polymer particles in the rubbery state are deformed into non‐spherical particle arrays at the gas/liquid interface. The upper parts of the polymer particles that protrude out of the liquid phase undergo deformation by interfacial tensions at the three‐phase contact line, allowing the formation of a ridge of polymer with a protrusion on the top surface. Simultaneously, the lower parts of the polymer particles submerged under the liquid phase are subjected to enormous surface tension at the contact points, leading to a non‐linear coalescence behavior of the neighboring polymer particles.
Aerosolized liposomal Amphotericin B: A potential prophylaxis of invasive pulmonary aspergillosis in immunocompromised patients
Authors: Kamalaporn Harutai , Leung Kitty , Nagel Mark , Kittanakom Saranya , Calvieri Battista , Reithmeier Reinhart A.F. , Coates Allan L.
Published: July 2013

Background

Aerosolized liposomal Amphotericin B may reduce the incidence of invasive pulmonary Aspergillosis in adults with chemotherapy‐induced prolonged neutropenia with less nephrotoxicity. The breath‐actuated AeroEclipse® BAN nebulizer is very efficient and minimizes environmental drug contamination since no aerosol is produced, unless the patient is inspiring through the device. Our aim is to develop an appropriate delivery system suitable for children that does not disrupt the liposomes due to the shear forces in nebulization.

Methods

This is an in vitro experimental study in vitro. Six ml of 4 mg/ml liposomal Amphotericin B solution (AmBisome®; Astellas Pharma Inc., Markham, Ontario, CA) was nebulized with the breath‐actuated nebulizer (AeroEclipse®; Trudell Medical International, Canada) and captured by the glass liquid impinger. Sodium dodecyl sulfate was used as detergent to disrupt the liposomes in control samples. Gel filtration, electron microscopy, and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) were used to compare the size and shape of the liposomes, and amount of the drug before and after nebulization. The aerosol particle size was obtained by the laser diffraction.

Results

After nebulization, 97.5% of amphotericin B was captured by the liquid impinger and detected by HPLC. Gel filtration and electron microscopy demonstrated that the drug remained in its liposomal configuration after nebulization. The mass median diameter (MMD) was 3.7 μm and 66% of aerosol particles were less than 5 μm in diameter.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that liposomal Amphotericin B can be nebulized successfully without disrupting the liposomes and minimize drug loss by using the breath‐actuated nebulizer. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2014; 49:574–580. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
An assessment of estimation methods for generalized linear mixed models with binary outcomes
Authors: Capanu Marinela , Gönen Mithat , Begg Colin B.
Published: July 2013

Two main classes of methodology have been developed for addressing the analytical intractability of generalized linear mixed models: likelihood‐based methods and Bayesian methods. Likelihood‐based methods such as the penalized quasi‐likelihood approach have been shown to produce biased estimates especially for binary clustered data with small clusters sizes. More recent methods using adaptive Gaussian quadrature perform well but can be overwhelmed by problems with large numbers of random effects, and efficient algorithms to better handle these situations have not yet been integrated in standard statistical packages. Bayesian methods, although they have good frequentist properties when the model is correct, are known to be computationally intensive and also require specialized code, limiting their use in practice. In this article, we introduce a modification of the hybrid approach of Capanu and Begg, 2011,Biometrics67, 371–380, as a bridge between the likelihood‐based and Bayesian approaches by employing Bayesian estimation for the variance components followed by Laplacian estimation for the regression coefficients. We investigate its performance as well as that of several likelihood‐based methods in the setting of generalized linear mixed models with binary outcomes. We apply the methods to three datasets and conduct simulations to illustrate their properties. Simulation results indicate that for moderate to large numbers of observations per random effect, adaptive Gaussian quadrature and the Laplacian approximation are very accurate, with adaptive Gaussian quadrature preferable as the number of observations per random effect increases. The hybrid approach is overall similar to the Laplace method, and it can be superior for data with very sparse random effects. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Regression analysis using dependent Polya trees
Authors: Schörgendorfer Angela , Branscum Adam J.
Published: July 2013

Many commonly used models for linear regression analysis force overly simplistic shape and scale constraints on the residual structure of data. We propose a semiparametric Bayesian model for regression analysis that produces data‐driven inference by using a new type of dependent Polya tree prior to model arbitrary residual distributions that are allowed to evolve across increasing levels of an ordinal covariate (e.g., time, in repeated measurement studies). By modeling residual distributions at consecutive covariate levels or time points using separate, but dependent Polya tree priors, distributional information is pooled while allowing for broad pliability to accommodate many types of changing residual distributions. We can use the proposed dependent residual structure in a wide range of regression settings, including fixed‐effects and mixed‐effects linear and nonlinear models for cross‐sectional, prospective, and repeated measurement data. A simulation study illustrates the flexibility of our novel semiparametric regression model to accurately capture evolving residual distributions. In an application to immune development data on immunoglobulin G antibodies in children, our new model outperforms several contemporary semiparametric regression models based on a predictive model selection criterion. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Functionalization of Carbon Nanoparticles Modulates Inflammatory Cell Recruitment and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation
Authors: Yang Marie , Flavin Kevin , Kopf Ilona , Radics Gabor , Hearnden Claire H. A. , McManus Gavin J. , Moran Barry , Villalta‐Cerdas Adrian , Echegoyen Luis A. , Giordani Silvia , Lavelle Ed C.
Published: July 2013

The inflammatory effects of carbon nanoparticles (NPs) are highly disputed. Here it is demonstrated that endotoxin‐free preparations of raw carbon nanotubes (CNTs) are very limited in their capacity to promote inflammatory responses in vitro, as well as in vivo. Upon purification and selective oxidation of raw CNTs, a higher dispersibility is achieved in physiological solutions, but this process also enhances their inflammatory activity. In synergy with toll‐like receptor (TLR) ligands, CNTs promote NLRP3 inflammasome activation and it is shown for the first time that this property extends to spherical carbon nano‐onions (CNOs) of 6 nm in size. In contrast, the benzoic acid functionalization of purified CNTs and CNOs leads to significantly attenuated inflammatory properties. This is evidenced by a reduced secretion of the inflammatory cytokine IL‐1β, and a pronounced decrease in the recruitment of neutrophils and monocytes following injection into mice. Collectively, these results reveal that the inflammatory properties of carbon NPs are highly dependent on their physicochemical characteristics and crucially, that chemical surface functionalization allows significant moderation of these properties.
Delivery of a Therapeutic Protein for Bone Regeneration from a Substrate Coated with Graphene Oxide
Authors: La Wan‐Geun , Park Saibom , Yoon Hee‐Hun , Jeong Gun‐Jae , Lee Tae‐Jin , Bhang Suk Ho , Han Jeong Yeon , Char Kookheon , Kim Byung‐Soo
Published: July 2013

The therapeutic efficacy of drugs often depends on the drug delivery carrier. For efficient delivery of therapeutic proteins, delivery carriers should enable the loading of large doses, sustained release, and retention of the bioactivity of the therapeutic proteins. Here, it is demonstrated that graphene oxide (GO) is an efficient carrier for delivery of therapeutic proteins. Titanium (Ti) substrates are coated with GO through layer‐by‐layer assembly of positively (GO‐NH3+) and negatively (GO‐COO−) charged GO sheets. Subsequently, a therapeutic protein (bone morphogenetic protein‐2, BMP‐2) is loaded on the GO‐coated Ti substrate with the outermost coating layer of GO‐COO−(Ti/GO‐). The GO coating on Ti substrate enables loading of large doses and the sustained release of BMP‐2 with preservation of the structure and bioactivity of the drug. The extent of in vitro osteogenic differentiation of human bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells is higher when they are cultured on Ti/GO‐ carrying BMP‐2 than when they are cultured on Ti with BMP‐2. Eight weeks after implantation in mouse models of calvarial defects, the Ti/GO‐/BMP‐2 implants show more robust new bone formation compared with Ti, Ti/GO‐, or Ti/BMP‐2 implants. Therefore, GO is an effective carrier for the controlled delivery of therapeutic proteins, such as BMP‐2, which promotes osteointegration of orthopedic or dental Ti implants.
Facies Controlled Synaeresis Cracks in Mixed Siliciclastic-Carbonate Sediments of Middle Jurassic of Patcham Island, Kachchh, Western India
Authors: Patel Satish J. , Joseph Jaquilin K. , Bhatt Nishith Y.
Published: July 2013

Synaeresis cracks are observed at different stratigraphic levels in shallow marine mixed siliciclastic-carbonate sediments of the Middle Jurassic rocks of the Patcham Island, Kachchh, Western India. Cracks are preserved as cast or grooves in micritic sandstone of the Kuar bet member of Kaladongar Formation and sandy allochem limestone of the Raimalro Limestone member of Goradongar Formation. It bear distinct morphology of simple, straight to gently curved, spindle-shaped, irregular, unbranched to branched at acute angle; interconnected curlicue forms of non-orthogonal pattern. The X-radiography shows sharp margin and tapering twigs which support to nullify the possible biogenic origin. These cracks are developed at sediment-water interface and sediment-sediment interface in aqueous conditions, where partial dewatering of sediments causes reduction of sediment volume and loss of plasticity. Formation of cracks are also post-depositional phenomenon operated during initial phase of diagenesis where induced stress is generated due to compaction of sediments and neomorphism/recrystallisation of the susceptible carbonate grains.
Petromineralogic and Rock Magnetic Aspects of Clastic Sedimentation in the Surma Basin, Mizoram
Authors: Badekar A. G. , Sangode S. J. , Ghosh Sumit K. , Tiwari R. P. , Meshram D. C. , Malsawma J. , Lalnuntluanga P.
Published: July 2013

We present here comprehensive petromineralogic, mineral magnetic and lithologic observations from five stratigraphic sections representing the Barail Group, Middle and Upper units of Bhuban Formation, Bokabil Formation and Tipam Group in the Mizoram area. These stratigraphic units mainly display interplay of the grey and buff colored sandstones of the clast compositions varying from sub-lithic to lithic arenites (Q79F4L17 to Q55F3L42) including sedimentary, meta-sedimentary and subordinate igneous rock fragments. The buff sandstones with higher lithic fragments [Q69F4L27 (Ls61Lm38Lv1)] are dominated by recycled components with higher clast angularity (VA1A15SA51SR24R8WR0.4) relative to the grey sandstones. Mineral magnetic studies decipher bimodal (ferri- and antiferromagnetic) mineralogy with higher concentration in buff sandstones relative to the unimodal ferrimagnetic nature of the grey sandstones.

The study infers that the buff sandstones mark the regressive phases driven by hinterland uplifts; whereas the growth of the grey sandstone facies is marked by transgressive basinal processes. Gradual increase in the frequency and appearance of the buff sandstones in the Surma stratigraphy, therefore, can be related to the evolution of the Indo-Burmese ranges.
Signature of Potassium Enrichment in Granite of the Chitrial Area, Nalgonda District, Andhra Pradesh: Inferences Using its U, Th, K2O, Na2O, Rb, Ba and Sr Contents
Authors: Rajaraman H. S. , Babu G. Nagendra , Chavan S. J. , Achar K. K. , Babu P. V. Ramesh
Published: July 2013

A medium tonnage unconformity proximal uranium deposit has been established at Chitrial by the Atomic Minerals Directorate in the Srisailam sub-basin. In this type of deposits, the association of uranium with potassic alteration (illitization) is well-documented. The present study is directed towards understanding such an association in the Chitrial area for which the uranium mineralized borehole core samples were collected and analyzed. It is observed that the average concentrations of K2O, Na2O, Rb, Ba and Sr in the granite of the Chitrial area are 5.35%, 1.78%, 252 ppm, 564 ppm and 52 ppm, respectively, and they show average critical elemental ratios of K/Rb, Ba/Rb and Rb/Sr as 191, 2.37 and 7.13, respectively. The granites show low K/Rb, low Rb/Ba and high Rb/Sr ratios compared to that of the average crust indicating its derivation from crustal source. The samples have higher values of uranium (av. 53 ppm), thorium (av. 66 ppm) and lead (av. 41 ppm). The U/Th ratio in the granite varies from 0.07 to 20.86 with an average of 1.68. They also exhibit high K2O/Na2O ratio typical of post-Archaean granite and very high values suggest the possibility of later potassium enrichment.
Chronology of Major Terrace Forming Events in the Andaman Islands During the Last 40 kyr
Authors: Awasthi Neeraj , Ray Jyotiranjan S. , Laskar Amzad H. , Yadava Madhusudan G.
Published: July 2013

Major earthquakes that trigger tsunamis are great natural hazards. The devastations caused by the December 26, 2004 Sumatran earthquake, and the March 11, 2011 Japan earthquake, and associated tsunamis will remain in our memories for a long time. Such events reaffirm the need for studying the cause and effects of large earthquakes of the past and to prepare the world better for the future. In such an effort, to understand the pattern of earthquakes and their effects on the geomorphic evolution, we have studied deformation history in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, located in one of the most active convergent margins of the world. Focusing on tectonically formed coastal terraces and determining the timing of their formation from the exposed dead corals, we have been able to reconstruct the history of major earthquakes in these islands for the last 40 kyr. Our results in conjunction with the existing radiocarbon age data from coastal terraces of these islands appear to suggest that the frequency of major earthquakes (M > 7) in the region has increased during the last 9 kyr. In confirmation with some earlier work, we find evidences for a major earthquake and a tsunami between 500-600 cal yr BP and possibly 4 others during 6-9 cal kyr BP. Our results also indicate that there has been a continuous subsidence of the south Andaman Islands.
Geochemistry and Petrogenesis of Acid Volcano-plutonic Rocks of the Siner Area, Siwana Ring Complex, Northwestern Peninsular India
Authors: Singh L. Sarjesh , Vallinayagam G.
Published: July 2013

Petrochemical studies on acid plutonic (granite, microgranite) and volcanic (rhyolite, trachyte) rocks occurring in the Siner area of the Siwana Ring Complex, Malani Igneous Suite have been carried out. These rocks are characterized by high concentrations of SiO2, Na2O, K2O, Zr, Nb, Y and REE (except Eu) but low in MgO, Fe2O3(t), CaO, Cr, Ni, Sr; indicating their A-type affinity. Field studies in conjunction with the geochemical characteristic indicate that the magmatism in the Siner area is generally represented by peralkaline suite of rocks which are formed due to rift tectonics. It is also suggested that these acidic rocks could have been derived by low degree partial melting of crustal material. Characteristics of certain pathfinder elements such as Rb, Ba, Sr, K, Zr, Nb, REE and the ratios of K/Rb, Zr/Rb, Ba/Rb along with the multi elemental primitive mantle normalized spidergrams suggest that the Siner peralkaline granites and microgranites have the potential for rare metal and rare earth mineralizations.
Landslides Caused due to Ignorance - Case Studies from Northeast India
Authors: Singh C. D. , Singh Joginder
Published: July 2013

Landslides may be caused either by natural process or human activity or combination of both. In many cases, modifications in hill slopes are carried out with or without proper slope stability analysis, even though the consequences are well known. In other cases, stable slopes are converted into unstable slopes by the people residing in the area by artificial modification/alterations of the hill slope without basic knowledge of hill slope management. Such cases are very common in the hilly terrain including northeast India and they have caused loss of many lives even though the size of such landslide are very small.

The present paper describes four examples from different parts of the northeast India where the terraced hill slopes that remained stable for an appreciable length of time have been converted to unstable slopes.
Multiple choice questions are superior to extended matching questions to identify
medicine and biomedical sciences students who perform poorly
Authors: Eijsvogels Thijs M. H. , Van den Brand Tessa L. , Hopman Maria T. E.
Published: July 2013

In recent years, medical faculties at Dutch universities have implemented a
legally binding study advice to students of medicine and biomedical sciences during
their propaedeutic phase. Appropriate examination is essential to discriminate between
poor (grade <6), moderate (grade 6–8) and excellent (grade ≥8) students. Therefore,
we compared the discriminatory properties of extended matching questions (EMQs) versus
multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and identified the role of sex, age and examination
preference on this score. Data were collected for 452 first-year medical and biomedical
science students during three distinct course examinations: one examination with EMQ
only, one with MCQ only and one mixed examination (including EMQ and MCQ). Logistic
regression analysis revealed that MCQ examination was 3 times better in identifying poor
students compared with EMQ (RR 3.0, CI 2.0–4.5), whereas EMQ better detected excellent
students (average grade ≥8) (RR 1.93, CI 1.47–2.53). Mixed examination had comparable
characteristics to MCQ. Sex and examination preference did not impact the score of the
student. Students ≥20 years had a 4-fold higher risk ratio of obtaining a poor grade
(<6) compared with students ≤18 years old (RR 4.1, CI 2.1–8.0). Given the strong
discriminative capacity of MCQ examinations to identify poor students, we recommend the
use of this type of examination during the propaedeutic phase of medicine and biomedical
science study programmes, in the light of the binding study advice.
Conformational restriction of G‐proteins Coupled Receptors (GPCRs) upon complexation to G‐proteins: A putative activation mode of GPCRs?
Authors: Louet Maxime , Karakas Esra , Perret Alexandre , Perahia David , Martinez Jean , Floquet Nicolas
Published: July 2013

GPCRs undergo large conformational changes during their activation. Starting from existing X‐ray structures, we used Normal Modes Analyses to study the collective motions of the agonist‐bound β2‐adrenergic receptor both in its isolated “uncoupled” and G‐protein “coupled” conformations. We interestingly observed that the receptor was able to adopt only one major motion in the protein:protein complex. This motion corresponded to an anti‐symmetric rotation of both its extra‐ and intra‐cellular parts, with a key role of previously identified highly conserved proline residues. Because this motion was also retrieved when performing NMA on 7 other GPCRs which structures were available, it is strongly suspected to possess a significant biological role, possibly being the “activation mode” of a GPCR when coupled to G‐proteins.
A mutational analysis of active site residues in trans‐3‐chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase
Authors: Poelarends Gerrit J. , Serrano Hector , Huddleston Jamison P. , Johnson William H. , Whitman Christian P.
Published: July 2013

trans‐3‐Chloroacrylic acid dehalogenase (CaaD) catalyzes the hydrolytic dehalogenation of trans‐3‐haloacrylates to yield malonate semialdehyde by a mechanism utilizing βPro‐1, αArg‐8, αArg‐11, and αGlu‐52. These residues are implicated in a promiscuous hydratase activity where 2‐oxo‐3‐pentynoate is processed to acetopyruvate. The roles of three nearby residues (βAsn‐39, αPhe‐39, and αPhe‐50) are unexplored. Mutants were constructed at these positions (βN39A, αF39A, αF39T, αF50A and αF50Y) and kinetic parameters determined along with those of the αR8K and αR11K mutants. Analysis indicates that αArg‐8, αArg‐11, and βAsn‐39 are critical for dehalogenase activity whereas αArg‐11 and αPhe‐50 are critical for hydratase activity. Docking studies suggest structural bases for these observations.
Assessing the extent of provision of comprehensive medical care management for female sexual assault patients in US hospital emergency departments
Authors: Patel Ashlesha , Roston Alicia , Tilmon Sandra , Stern Lisa , Roston Arden , Patel Daksha , Keith Louis
Published: July 2013

Objective

To describe medical services provided to sexual assault patients in US emergency departments and to identify the percentage of hospitals always providing the 10 elements of comprehensive medical care management (CMCM).

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in a national sample of US hospitals. A 26‐item telephone survey assessed provision of services to sexual assault survivors in accordance with CMCM. Management included acute medical care comprising history and physical examination; acute and long‐term rape crisis counseling; STI testing and prophylaxis; emergency contraception counseling and provision; and HIV testing and prophylaxis. The primary outcome was extent of provision of these elements.

Results

Overall, 582 emergency departments responded to the survey. The following components of CMCM were provided: acute medical care (582 [100.0%]); rape crisis counseling (234 [40.2%]); STI management (448 [77.0%]); emergency contraception (351 [60.3%]); and HIV management (380 [65.3%]). Only 101 (17.4%) hospitals provided all 10 elements of CMCM.

Conclusion

Less than one‐fifth of US hospitals provide comprehensive services to sexual assault patients. A national program incorporating clinical guidelines, checklists, and funding for sexual assault forensic/nurse examiner programs could improve the standard of care provided in emergency departments—the primary point of contact for acute care of sexual assault survivors.
Pectineal ligament suspension of prolapsed vaginal vault
Authors: Joshi Vivek M. , Otiv Suhas R. , Dagade Vasant B. , Borse Mahindra , Majumder Rabin N. , Shrivastava Maneesha , Shelmohkar Ravindra , Bijwe Smita
Published: July 2013

Objective

To report on a collective pectineal ligament suspension experience acquired over 12 years in India with 119 women who presented with prolapsed vaginal vault. The feasibility and effectiveness of the procedure was assessed for the open and laparoscopic routes.

Methods

The prolapsed vaginal vault was suspended unilaterally to the pectineal ligament using polyester tape at 3 urban and 3 rural hospitals. The procedure was done through a Cherney incision in 104 women. In the remaining 15 women, it was done laparoscopically at a single urban center.

Results

There were no intraoperative complications. The mean follow‐up was 5.5 years (range, 0.5–12 years). Only 2 women had vaginal prolapse recurrence, at 3 and 5 years. Two had asymptomatic tape erosion, at 2 and 5 years, and a mild cystocele appeared in 5 women and a low rectocele in 4. However, none of these women required further vaginal surgery during their follow‐up period.

Conclusion

The present study demonstrates the long‐term safety and effectiveness of pectineal ligament suspension for vaginal vault prolapse by the open and the laparoscopic routes. As it was done by surgeons of varying experience at centers with varying resources, the procedure can be readily mastered by any gynecologic surgeon.
Donor Segmentation: When Summary Statistics Don't Tell the Whole Story
Authors: Durango-Cohen Elizabeth J. , Torres Ramón L. , Durango-Cohen Pablo L.
Published: July 2013

Funding pressures amidst the slow economic recovery from the late-2000's recession have forced universities, as well as other not-for-profit organizations, to increase the volume and sophistication of their direct marketing activities. The efficiency of direct marketing strategies is linked to an organization's ability to effectively target individuals. In this paper, we present a finite-mixture model framework to segment the alumni population of a university in the midwestern United States.

Much of the research on customer segmentation summarizes response data ( e.g., purchase and contribution histories) via recency, frequency and monetary value (RFM) statistics. Individuals sharing similar RFM characteristics are grouped together; the rationale being that the best predictor of future behavior is past behavior. Summary statistics such as RFM, however, introduce aggregation bias that mask the dynamics of purchase/contribution behavior. Accordingly, we implement latent-class segmentation models where alumni are classified based on how an individual's contribution sequence compares to those of other individuals. The framework's capability to process contribution sequences, i.e., longitudinal data, provides fundamental new insights into donor contribution behavior, and provides a rigorous mechanism to infer and segment the population based on unobserved heterogeneities (as well as based on other observable characteristics). Specifically, we analyze Markov mixture models to segment alumni based on contribution-behavior patterns, under the assumption of serially-dependent contribution sequences. We use the expectation–maximization algorithm to obtain parameter estimates for each segment. Through an extensive empirical study, we highlight the substantive insights gained through the processing of the full contribution sequences, and establish the presence of three distinct classes of alumni in the population (each with a discernible contribution pattern). The proposed framework, collectively, provides a basis to tailor direct marketing policies to optimize specific performance criteria ( e.g., profits).
Australian population trends and disparities in cholinesterase inhibitor use, 2003 to 2010
Authors: Zilkens Renate R. , Duke Janine , Horner Barbara , Semmens James B. , Bruce David G.
Published: July 2013

Background

The Australian Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) first subsidized cholinesterase inhibitors (CEIs) for Alzheimer's disease in 2001, introducing a novel therapy for a previously untreatable common condition. This study aims to determine Australian rates of CEI use and to assess equality of access to treatment based on socioeconomic status and geographic remoteness.

Methods

Pharmaceutical claims records were used to identify all Australians prescribed CEIs between January 2003 and December 2010. Age‐standardized and sex‐adjusted index prescription rates were derived using the total Australian population as the denominator to examine temporal trends and the impacts of socioeconomic and geographic disadvantage on CEI index prescription rates.

Results

Index prescription rates peaked in 2004 at 92.5 per 100,000 person‐years, declining to between 70.2 and 73.5 for years 2006 to 2010. Rates were highest in the 85‐ to 89‐year age group and 2.6‐fold higher in the least socioeconomic disadvantaged population when compared with the most disadvantaged population. In major cities in Australia, index prescription rates were 1.4 to 1.7 times greater compared with remote areas.

Conclusions

Increasing geographic remoteness and socioeconomic disadvantage are associated with lower CEI index prescription rates, indicating inequities in the management of Alzheimer's disease in Australia.
Quality Over Quantity: Amici Influence and Judicial Decision Making
Authors: BOX-STEFFENSMEIER JANET M. , CHRISTENSON DINO P. , HITT MATTHEW P.
Published: July 2013

Interest groups often make their preferences known on cases before the U.S. Supreme Court via amicus curiae briefs. In evaluating the case and related arguments, we posit that judges take into account more than just the number of supporters for the liberal and conservative positions. Specifically, judges’ decisions may also reflect the relative power of the groups. We use network position to measure interest group power in U.S. Supreme Court cases from 1946 to 2001. We find that the effect of interest group power is minimal in times of heavily advantaged cases. However, when the two sides of a case are approximately equal in the number of briefs, such power is a valuable signal to judges. We also show that justice ideology moderates the effect of liberal interest group power. The results corroborate previous findings on the influence of amicus curiae briefs and add a nuanced understanding of the conditions under which the quality and reputation of interest groups matter, not just the quantity.
The Political Origins of Primary Education Systems: Ideology, Institutions, and Interdenominational Conflict in an Era of Nation-Building
Authors: ANSELL BEN , LINDVALL JOHANNES
Published: July 2013

This paper is concerned with the development of national primary education regimes in Europe, North America, Latin America, Oceania, and Japan between 1870 and 1939. We examine why school systems varied between countries and over time, concentrating on three institutional dimensions: centralization, secularization, and subsidization. There were two paths to centralization: through liberal and social democratic governments in democracies, or through fascist and conservative parties in autocracies. We find that the secularization of public school systems can be explained by path-dependent state-church relationships (countries with established national churches were less likely to have secularized education systems) but also by partisan politics. Finally, we find that the provision of public funding to private providers of education, especially to private religious schools, can be seen as a solution to religious conflict, since such institutions were most common in countries where Catholicism was a significant but not entirely dominant religion.
Fusion systems and group actions with abelian isotropy subgroups
Authors: Ünlü Özgün , Yalçin Ergün
Published: July 2013

We prove that if a finite group G acts smoothly on a manifold M such that all the isotropy subgroups are abelian groups with rank ≤ k, then G acts freely and smoothly on M × $\mathbb{S}^{n_1}\$ × … × $\mathbb{S}^{n_k}$ for some positive integers n1, …, nk. We construct these actions using a recursive method, introduced in an earlier paper, that involves abstract fusion systems on finite groups. As another application of this method, we prove that every finite solvable group acts freely and smoothly on some product of spheres, with trivial action on homology.
Carboniferous conodont biostratigraphy of the Dianzishang section, Zhenning, Guizhou, South China
Authors: QI YUPING , HU KEYI , WANG QIULAI , LIN WEI
Published: July 2013

A preliminary summary of the lower Visean to uppermost Moscovian (Carboniferous) conodont succession and biostratigraphy of the Dianzishang section in Zhenning, Guizhou, South China is presented. Eleven conodont zones, in ascending order, can be recognized:Gnathodus praebilineatus,Gnathodus bilineatus,Lochriea ziegleri,Declinognathodus noduliferus,Neognathodus symmetricus, ‘Streptognathodus’expansus(primitive form), ‘Streptognathodus’expansus,Mesogondolella donbassica – Mesogondolella clarki,Idiognathodus podolskensis,Swadelinafauna andIdiognathodus swadeizones. The first occurrences ofLochriea ziegleriat the base of the Serpukhovian Stage,Declinognathodus noduliferus noduliferusat the base of the Bashkirian Stage and ‘Streptognathodus’expansusat the base of the Moscovian Stage are recognized. The definitions of these stage boundaries, as well as that of the base of the Kasimovian Stage are discussed. Correlations with the Naqing section in South China, Russian and North American sections, as well as other important sections in the world, are considered.
Dietary strategies, policy and cardiovascular disease risk reduction in England
Authors: Levy L. B.
Published: July 2013

Diet-related chronic diseases are major public health concerns in England and the associated costs to the National Health Service and society are considerable. Poor diet and other lifestyle factors are estimated to account for about one-third of all deaths from CVD in England. UK dietary recommendations were set by the Committee on Medical Aspects of Food Policy and are now set by the Scientific Advisory Committee on Nutrition. For cardiovascular health, dietary recommendations are set for nutrients (saturated fat, trans-fat and carbohydrates), foods (fruits, vegetables and oily fish) and salt. The National Diet and Nutrition Survey demonstrates that the majority of the UK population have poor diets. Average intakes of saturated fat and salt are above recommendations while fruit, vegetables, fibre and oily fish are below recommendations. The Department of Health in England is committed to working to improve diet and lifestyle. Current work includes the Public Health Responsibility Deal, under which organisations pledge to increase fruits and vegetables and reduce levels of salt, trans-fat and energy in manufactured foods and menus, the provision of information to help improve food choice through better food labels and provision of information, including a NHS Choices website and the social marketing campaign Change4Life.
Domiciling the evangelists in Anglo-Saxon England: a fresh reading of Aldred's colophon in the ‘Lindisfarne Gospels’
Authors: Newton Francis L. , Newton Francis L. , Scheirer Christopher R. J.
Published: July 2013

The Codex ‘Lindisfarnensis’ (London, British Library, Cotton Nero D. iv, early eighth century) was glossed in Old English by the tenth-century priest Aldred. Aldred's colophon purports to give information about the eighth-century makers of the manuscript, at Lindisfarne. What is actually reliable about this highly literary colophon is Aldred's purpose in writing the gloss: to give the Evangelists a voice to address ‘all the brothers’ – particularly the Latinless. We propose new interpretations of three OE words (gihamadi, inlad, ora) misunderstood before. Aldred was learned; his sources extend from Ovid through the Fathers to contemporary texts.
Record of the fifteenth conference of the International Society of Anglo-Saxonists, at the University of Wisconsin–Madison (Madison, Wisconsin), 1–5 August 2011
Authors: Crick Julia
Published: July 2013

I The general theme of the conference was ‘Anglo-Saxon England and the Visual Imagination’.

Three keynote addresses were delivered.

Michelle P. Brown, University of London, ‘Imagining the Exotic: Insular Attitudes to the Cultures of the Eastern Mediterranean and Near East’.

Anna Gannon, University of Cambridge, ‘A Debt and an Honour: New Approaches to Coin Studies’.

Leslie Webster, British Museum, ‘Image, Identity, and the Staff ordshire Hoard’.

The following thirty-seven papers were delivered.