bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renal effects of the angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 in patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction
Authors: Voors Adriaan A. , Gori Mauro , Liu Licette C.Y. , Claggett Brian , Zile Michael R. , Pieske Burkert , McMurray John J.V. , Packer Milton , Shi Victor , Lefkowitz Martin P. , Solomon Scott D. ,   for the PARAMOUNT Investigators
Published: February 2015

Background

Increases in serum creatinine with renin–angiotensin–aldosterone system (RAAS) inhibitors can lead to unnecessary discontinuation of these agents. The dual‐acting angiotensin receptor neprilysin inhibitor LCZ696 improves clinical outcome patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, and pilot data suggest potential benefit in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF). The effects of LCZ696 on renal function have not been assessed.

Methods and results

A total of 301 HFpEF patients were randomly assigned to LCZ696 or valsartan in the PARAMOUNT trial. We studied renal function [creatinine, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), cystatin C, and urinary albumin to creatinine ratio (UACR)] at baseline, 12 weeks, and after 36 weeks of treatment. Worsening renal function (WRF) was determined as an serum creatinine increase of >0.3 mg/dL and/or >25% between two time‐points. Mean eGFR at baseline was 65.4 ± 20.4 mL/min per 1.73 m2. The eGFR declined less in the LCZ696 group than in the valsartan group (–1.5 vs. –5.2 mL/min per 1.73 m2; P = 0.002). The incidence of WRF was lower in the LCZ696 group (12%) than in the valsartan group (18%) at any time‐point, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.18). Over 36 weeks, the geometric mean of UACR increased in the LCZ696 group (2.4–2.9 mg/mmol), whereas it remained stable in the valsartan group (2.1–2.0 mg/mmol; P for difference between groups = 0.016).

Conclusion

In patients with HFpEF, therapy with LCZ696 for 36 weeks was associated with preservation of eGFR compared with valsartan therapy, but an increase in UACR.
Heart failure with preserved ejection fraction induces molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations in rat respiratory and limb skeletal muscle
Authors: Bowen T. Scott , Rolim Natale P. L. , Fischer Tina , Bækkerud Fredrik H. , Medeiros Alessandra , Werner Sarah , Brønstad Eivind , Rognmo Oivind , Mangner Norman , Linke Axel , Schuler Gerhard , Silva Gustavo J. J. , Wisløff Ulrik , Adams Volker ,   on behalf of the Optimex Study Group
Published: February 2015

Aims

Peripheral muscle dysfunction is a key mechanism contributing to exercise intolerance (i.e. breathlessness and fatigue) in heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF); however, the underlying molecular and cellular mechanisms remain unknown. We therefore used an animal model to elucidate potential molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations induced by HFpEF in the diaphragm and soleus, while also determining the possible benefits associated with exercise training.

Methods and results

Female Dahl salt‐sensitive rats were fed a low (CON; n = 10) or high salt (HFpEF; n = 11) diet of 0.3% or 8% NaCl, respectively, or a high salt diet in combination with treadmill exercise training (n = 11). Compared with low‐salt rats, high‐salt rats developed (P < 0.05) HFpEF. Compared with CON, the diaphragm of HFpEF rats demonstrated (P < 0.05): a fibre type shift from fast‐to‐slow twitch; fibre atrophy; a decreased pro‐oxidative but increased anti‐oxidant capacity; reduced proteasome activation; impaired in situ mitochondrial respiration; and in vitro muscle weakness and increased fatigability. The soleus also demonstrated numerous alterations (P < 0.05), including fibre atrophy, decreased anti‐oxidant capacity, reduced mitochondrial density, and increased fatigability. Exercise training, however, prevented mitochondrial and functional impairments in both the diaphragm and soleus (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Our findings are the first to demonstrate that HFpEF induces significant molecular, mitochondrial, histological, and functional alterations in the diaphragm and soleus, which were attenuated by exercise training. These data therefore reveal novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic treatments of exercise intolerance in HFpEF.
A Bioinspired Light‐Controlled Ionic Switch Based on Nanopipettes
Authors: Li Ting , He Xiulan , Yu Ping , Mao Lanqun
Published: February 2015

Development of new principles for fabrication of novel ionic devices has attracted much attention due to the potential applications of ionic devices in molecular computer, biosensing and electronic circuit. Inspired by optogenetics altering membrane voltage via light‐controlled proteins, a new kind of light‐controlled ionic switch was demonstrated here based on nanopipettes. Upon exposure to visible light, spiropyran (SP) does not coordinate with Zn2+, resulting in a relatively large ionic current. While, upon UV light irradiation, SP was transformed into merocyanine (MC) that coordinates with Zn2+ and thereby results in the decrease in the ionic current. The ionic current could be reversibly modulated by UV/Vis light irradiation. The finite‐element simulation was performed to understand the possible mechanism underlying the light‐controlled ionic switch based on nanopipettes.
Topographic prominence as a method for cluster identification in single‐molecule localisation data
Authors: Griffié Juliette , Boelen Lies , Burn Garth , Cope Andrew P. , Owen Dylan M.
Published: February 2015

Single‐molecule localisation based super‐resolution fluorescence imaging produces maps of the coordinates of fluorescent molecules in a region of interest. Cluster analysis algorithms provide information concerning the clustering characteristics of these molecules, often through the generation of cluster heat maps based on local molecular density. The goal of this study was to generate a new cluster analysis method based on a topographic approach. In particular, a topographic map of the level of clustering across a region is generated based on Getis' variant of Ripley's K‐function. By using the relative heights (topographic prominence, TP) of the peaks in the map, cluster characteristics can be identified more accurately than by using previously demonstrated height thresholds. Analogous to geological TP, the concepts of wet and dry TP and topographic isolation are introduced to generate binary maps. The algorithm is validated using simulated and experimental data and found to significantly outperform previous cluster identification methods.

Illustration of the topographic prominence based cluster analysis algorithm.

magnified image

Illustration of the topographic prominence based cluster analysis algorithm.
Defective Proteolytic Processing of Fibrillar Procollagens and Prodecorin Due to Biallelic BMP1 Mutations Results in a Severe, Progressive Form of Osteogenesis Imperfecta
Authors: Syx Delfien , Guillemyn Brecht , Symoens Sofie , Sousa Ana Berta , Medeira Ana , Whiteford Margo , Hermanns-Lê Trinh , Coucke Paul J , De Paepe Anne , Malfait Fransiska
Published: February 2015

Whereas the vast majority of osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is caused by autosomal dominant defects in the genes encoding type I procollagen, mutations in a myriad of genes affecting type I procollagen biosynthesis or bone formation and homeostasis have now been associated with rare autosomal recessive OI forms. Recently, homozygous or compound heterozygous mutations in BMP1, encoding the metalloproteases bone morphogenetic protein-1 (BMP1) and its longer isoform mammalian Tolloid (mTLD), were identified in 5 children with a severe autosomal recessive form of OI and in 4 individuals with mild to moderate bone fragility. BMP1/mTLD functions as the procollagen carboxy-(C)-proteinase for types I to III procollagen but was also suggested to participate in amino-(N)-propeptide cleavage of types V and XI procollagens and in proteolytic trimming of other extracellular matrix (ECM) substrates. We report the phenotypic characteristics and natural history of 4 adults with severe, progressive OI characterized by numerous fractures, short stature with rhizomelic shortening, and deformity of the limbs and variable kyphoscoliosis, in whom we identified novel biallelic missense and frameshift mutations in BMP1. We show that BMP1/mTLD-deficiency in humans not only results in delayed cleavage of the type I procollagen C-propeptide but also hampers the processing of the small leucine-rich proteoglycan prodecorin, a regulator of collagen fibrillogenesis. Immunofluorescent staining of types I and V collagen and transmission electron microscopy of the dermis show impaired assembly of heterotypic type I/V collagen fibrils in the ECM. Our study thus highlights the severe and progressive nature of BMP1-associated OI in adults and broadens insights into the functional consequences of BMP1/mTLD-deficiency on ECM organization. © 2015 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
Scale‐up of affinity membrane modules: comparison between lumped and physical models
Authors: Dimartino Simone , Boi Cristiana , Sarti Giulio C.
Published: February 2015

Membrane chromatography represents one of the emerging technologies for downstream processing in the biotechnology industry. This process is currently used in polishing steps for antibody manufacturing, while its application is still under development for the capture step. To promote its employment in large‐scale processes, it is crucial to develop a simple, yet reliable, simulation tool able to describe the process performance in a predictive way at all scales. In this work, the physical model for the description of protein purification with affinity membrane chromatography has been used to predict the performance of scaled‐up systems and compared with the lumped model, frequently used for its deceptive simplicity. Two commonly used binding kinetics have been implemented in the models, namely the Langmuir and the bi‐Langmuir equations. The two models describe equally well experimental data obtained in a lab‐scale apparatus, while, on the contrary, important differences are observed in scaled‐up systems even at the early stages of breakthrough, which are particularly relevant in industrial‐scale operations. It is seen that for both kinetics, the physical model is more appropriate and safer to use for scale‐up purposes. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Daylight photodynamic therapy: The Southern California experience
Authors: Lane Kathryn LS. , Hovenic Whitney , Ball Kaity , Zachary Christopher B.
Published: February 2015

Background

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a safe and effective treatment for actinic keratoses (AKs) and photoactinic damage. Three elements are needed for PDT: a photosensitizer, oxygen, and a light source. Conventional PDT is performed with a variety of different laser and light sources including blue, yellow and red in addition to filtered intense pulsed lights (IPL). Daylight PDT, using ambient visible light has been reported as safe, time‐ and cost‐efficient, and more comfortable than with other light sources. We report our experience with daylight PDT in 80 patients.

Material and Methods

Eighty patients with multiple actinic keratoses related to chronic photodamage underwent one or two sessions with daylight PDT. Anatomic locations treated included face, chest, arms, and legs. Aminolevulinic acid (ALA, Levulan, Kerastick Dusa USA) was applied one hour prior to light exposure. Thick actinic keratoses were gently curetted prior to ALA application. A chemical sunscreen was applied thirty minutes into the incubation and subsequently patients sat outside in the shade for 2.5 hours. The following day, patients applied a chemical sunscreen and went into either shaded or direct sunlight for 15–30 extra minutes depending on sensitivity. Significant pain associated with this second day exposure was an indication to return indoors immediately. After the second exposure they were instructed to stay inside for the remainder of the 48 hour post treatment period.

Results

All patients tolerated the procedure well. Patients denied any pain during the first two and half hour exposure. The second day exposure elicited a mild burning sensation that patients rated as a 2–3/10 though some patients elected to go outside protocol and ‘tough it out' despite more significant discomfort. Patients and physicians noted significant reduction in photoactinic damage and actinic keratoses. Patients appreciated the convenience of the treatment. There were no significant adverse events, and no patients reported scarring.

Conclusion

In this case series, daylight PDT achieved obvious improvement in photodamage, specifically precancerous lesions, and in photoaging with a reduction in lentigenes and other signs of aging. Patients reported significantly less pain than with conventional PDT and enjoyed the convenience of treatment generally in their backyard. It was noted to be a safe procedure with no significant adverse events such as scarring. Additionally, the cost of the procedure was significantly reduced, with ALA and its application being the only expenses. Lasers Surg. Med. 47:168–172, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A duality principle in weighted Sobolev spaces on the real line
Authors: Eveson Simon P. , Stepanov Vladimir D. , Ushakova Elena P.
Published: February 2015

An embedding inequality of Sobolev type is characterized in the paper with help of a duality principle and boundedness criteria for the Hardy–Steklov integral operator in weighted Lebesgue spaces.
Proteomic analysis of mouse soleus muscles affected by hindlimb unloading and reloading
Authors: Wang Fei , Zhang Peng , Liu Hongju , Fan Ming , Chen Xiaoping
Published: February 2015

Introduction: Disuse muscle atrophy, induced by prolonged space flight, bed rest, or denervation, is a common process with obvious changes in slow‐twitch soleus muscles. Methods: Proteomic analysis was performed on mouse soleus subjected to hindlimb unloading (HU) and hindlimb reloading (HR) to identify new dysregulated proteins. Results: Following HU, the mass and cross‐sectional area of muscle fibers decreased, but they recovered after HR. Proteomic analyses revealed 9 down‐regulated and 7 up‐regulated proteins in HU, and 2 down‐regulated and 5 up‐regulated proteins in HR. The dysregulated proteins were mainly involved in energy metabolism, protein degradation, and cytoskeleton stability. Among the dysregulated proteins were fatty acid binding protein 3, α‐B crystalline, and transthyretin. Conclusions: These results indicate that muscle atrophy induced by unloading is related to activation of proteolysis, metabolic alterations toward glycolysis, destruction of myofibrillar integrity, and dysregulation of heat shock proteins (HSPs). The dysregulated proteins may play a role in muscle atrophy and the recovery process. Muscle Nerve 52: 803–811, 2015
Real‐time scheduling of aircraft arrivals and departures in a terminal maneuvering area
Authors: D'Ariano Andrea , Pacciarelli Dario , Pistelli Marco , Pranzo Marco
Published: February 2015

The aircraft scheduling problem (ASP) is the real‐time problem of scheduling takeoff and landing operations at a congested airport in a given time horizon, taking into account the runways and the air segments in the terminal maneuvering area . The ASP can be viewed as a job shop scheduling problem with additional real‐world constraints. Compared with the current literature based on job shop scheduling applied to solve the ASP, we enrich the existing models by including new formulations of relevant practical constraints. We introduce and analyze three alternative ASP formulations, in which the objective function is the minimization of delay propagation with respect to the off‐line timetable. Scheduling rules, heuristic and exact methods are implemented and tested on instances from the Roma Fiumicino airport, in Italy. Computational experiments show that practical‐size instances are solved to near‐optimality by our branch and bound algorithm in a few seconds of computation. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. NETWORKS, Vol. 65(3), 212–227 2015
A COMPARISON OF MOMENTARY TIME SAMPLING AND PARTIAL‐INTERVAL RECORDING FOR ASSESSMENT OF EFFECTS OF SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING
Authors: Radley Keith C. , O'Handley Roderick D. , Labrot Zachary C.
Published: February 2015

Assessment in social skills training often utilizes procedures such as partial‐interval recording (PIR) and momentary time sampling (MTS) to estimate changes in duration in social engagements due to intervention. Although previous research suggests PIR to be more inaccurate than MTS in estimating levels of behavior, treatment analysis decisions have been found to be similar across procedures. To addresses limitations of previous studies that did not find substantial differences in treatment analysis decisions, PIR and MTS estimates were compared to those of continuous duration recording of social engagements to determine the effect on treatment interpretation. Five previously conducted social skills training data sets were coded using PIR, MTS, and duration recording. Treatment analysis interpretations using MTS were found to closely match those made using duration recording, but interpretations using PIR significantly overestimated the effectiveness of the intervention. Implications of findings are discussed in terms of assessment for social skills training in both research and applied settings.
AN INVESTIGATION OF RELATIONS AMONG ACADEMIC ENABLERS AND READING OUTCOMES
Authors: Jenkins Lyndsay N. , Demaray Michelle Kilpatrick
Published: February 2015

The current study examined the link between academic enablers and different types of reading achievement measures. Academic enablers are skills and behaviors that support, or enable, students to perform well academically, such as engagement, interpersonal skills, motivation, and study skills. The sample in this study consisted of 61 third‐, fourth‐, and fifth‐grade students (54% male). Academic enablers were rated by classroom teachers via the Academic Competence Evaluation Scales (ACES; DiPerna & Elliott, ). Four different measures of reading achievement were included: classroom grades, global ratings of reading skills, standardized test scores, and Reading CBM scores. Results indicated that academic enablers were significantly related to each type of reading outcome. Academic enablers accounted for the greatest amount of variance for classroom grades (45%) and the least amount of variance in standardized test scores (11%). Results suggest that academic enablers are an important part of academic success in reading, particularly classroom grades, but when considering the variance accounted for by academic enablers, they alone are not likely to improve Reading CBM scores or standardized test scores.
Estimating survival probabilities by exposure levels: utilizing vital statistics and complex survey data with mortality follow‐up
Authors: Landsman V. , Lou W. Y. W. , Graubard B. I.
Published: February 2015

We present a two‐step approach for estimating hazard rates and, consequently, survival probabilities, by levels of general categorical exposure. The resulting estimator utilizes three sources of data: vital statistics data and census data are used at the first step to estimate the overall hazard rate for a given combination of gender and age group, and cohort data constructed from a nationally representative complex survey with linked mortality records, are used at the second step to divide the overall hazard rate by exposure levels. We present an explicit expression for the resulting estimator and consider two methods for variance estimation that account for complex multistage sample design: (1) the leaving‐one‐out jackknife method, and (2) the Taylor linearization method, which provides an analytic formula for the variance estimator. The methods are illustrated with smoking and all‐cause mortality data from the US National Health Interview Survey Linked Mortality Files, and the proposed estimator is compared with a previously studied crude hazard rate estimator that uses survey data only. The advantages of a two‐step approach and possible extensions of the proposed estimator are discussed. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analyses on response of a liquid metal MHD power generation system to various external inputs
Authors: Hu Liancheng , Kobayashi Hiromichi , Okuno Yoshihiro
Published: February 2015

We numerically analyze the response of a liquid metal MHD power generation system to various external inputs of piston force (regular: constant (step), square, sinusoidal; irregular: Piersion–Moskowitz (P‐M)) with three different working fluids (NaK78, U‐alloy47, and mercury), where the electrical efficiency is mainly examined in the presence of the shape loss due to different cross‐sectional areas between the MHD generator and piston driver parts. Although the electrical efficiency is reduced owing to the shape loss, the deterioration can be mitigated by using NaK78 with low density and high electrical conductivity and compensated by the increase in the applied magnetic flux density. For the period shorter than 1 s, the output power markedly decreases, although the electrical efficiency seems to recover toward the ideal value. The irregular force input based on the P‐M wave gives no big difference compared to the regular forces when the effective value of the input is the same, which can provide the prospect of utilizing a real ocean wave. © 2015 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Japanese Elementary School Teachers and English Language Anxiety
Authors: Machida Tomohisa
Published: February 2015

Foreign language activities(English) officially began in Japanese elementary schools in April 2011. Since that starting date, and despite insufficient knowledge and preparation, classroom teachers have been required to instruct in English. They also have been required to team‐teach with native‐English‐speaking assistant language teachers. This study examines whether Japanese elementary school teachers have experienced English language anxiety, and if so what factors affect this anxiety. Participants in the study included 133 Japanese elementary school classroom teachers (71 males and 62 females in two school districts) who were responsible for teaching English. They completed the Teacher Foreign Language Anxiety Scale (Horwitz,) and a background questionnaire. Three teacher trainers also took part in the survey. Results show that a considerable number of elementary school teachers experienced anxiety about English. The main sources of anxiety were lack of confidence regarding English communication and lack of preparation for teaching English. The study reveals that three factors (years of elementary teaching experience, formal training experience, and English proficiency level) significantly affected teachers' anxiety levels.
Coordinated coalition formation in throughput‐efficient cognitive radio networks
Authors: Umar Raza , Mesbah Wessam
Published: February 2015

In this paper, we consider the problem of joint coalition formation (CF) and bandwidth allocation in cognitive radio networks. We assume that the secondary links will be partitioned into disjoint coalitions, by which the available spectrum will be reused. On the other hand, we assume that the members of each coalition will transmit over orthogonal sub‐bands with the available spectrum being optimally allocated among them. We formulate the problem as a coordinated CF game, where the optimization is held at a secondary coordinator that has all the required channel information. Given these assumptions, we derive a closed‐form expression of the optimal bandwidth allocation for any given network partition, and we propose an efficient algorithm to reach a Nash‐stable partition (coalition structure), with the objective of improving the network throughput. Furthermore, we provide a probabilistic analysis of the stability of a grand structure and a singleton structure, and we employ this to obtain a lower bound on the stability of a general coalition structure (other than grand and singleton). Performance analysis shows that the proposed CF algorithm with optimal bandwidth allocation provides a substantial gain in the network throughput over existing CF techniques as well as the simple cases of singleton and grand coalitions. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Triangular Ge3Units in a New Modification of EuGe3
Authors: Castillo Rodrigo , Baranov Alexey I. , Burkhardt Ulrich , Grin Yuri , Schwarz Ulrich
Published: February 2015

The hexagonal modificationhP8 of the binary compound EuGe3was obtained by high‐pressure high‐temperature reaction at 12(1) GPa and 1100(110) K. The compound adopts an Mg3Cd‐type crystal structure, forming infinite columnar units of germanium triangles in staggered conformation which are stacked along the [001] direction. X‐ray absorption spectroscopy together with magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate the electron configuration 4f7(2+) of the europium atoms. Chemical bonding analysis reveals covalent bonding within the triangular Ge3units and between Eu and Ge. Physical properties measurements indicate bad‐metal type electrical conductivity and an antiferromagnetic ordering of the europium moments below 36(1) K. At 8 GPa and 1000 K, EuGe3forms the modificationhR36.
CD4 Count is Still a Valid Indicator of Outcome in HIV‐Infected Patients Undergoing Major Abdominal Surgery in the Era of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy
Authors: Chichom‐Mefire A. , Azabji‐Kenfack M. , Atashili J.
Published: February 2015

Background

Patients with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy (ART) live longer and now require surgery for indications similar to those described for the general population. They have been previously reported to carry higher mortality and complication rates, especially septic complications. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of major abdominal surgery in three groups of patients with different CD4 counts.

Methods

This is a prospective study comparing HIV‐negative patients and two groups of HIV‐infected patients on ART with different CD4 counts. The primary outcomes considered were mortality and complication rates after abdominal surgery. We emphasised on the value of CD4 as a predictor of outcome and the impact of the indication for surgery (septic versus non‐septic).

Results

We included 63 patients (21 per group). The majority of patients (71 %) were operated on as an emergency and the indications were similar in all groups. The overall and the septic complication rates were both higher in the group with a low CD4 count. This resulted in a significantly longer admission period but did not result in a higher mortality rate. The duration of ART and the World Health Organisation stage of the disease did not significantly influence surgical outcomes.

Conclusions

HIV‐infected patients on ART can now safely undergo major abdominal surgery with encouraging results though still relatively poorer than those of HIV‐negative subjects. CD4 count remains a significant predictor of outcome and patients with a low CD4 count, however, still require closer pre‐ and post‐operative monitoring.
Learning to reason from samples
Authors: Ben-Zvi Dani , Bakker Arthur , Makar Katie
Published: February 2015

The goal of this article is to introduce the topic oflearning to reason from samples, which is the focus of this special issue of Educational Studies in Mathematics onstatistical reasoning. Samples are data sets, taken from some wider universe (e.g., a population or a process) using a particular procedure (e.g., random sampling) in order to be able to make generalizations about this wider universe with a particular level of confidence. Sampling is hence a key factor in making reliable statistical inferences. We first introduce the theme and the key questions this special issue addresses. Then, we provide a brief literature review on reasoning about samples and sampling. This review sets the grounds for the introduction of the five articles and the concluding reflective discussion. We close by commenting on the ways to support the development of students’ statistical reasoning on samples and sampling.
Cordierite Honeycomb Monoliths Coated with Zirconia and Its Modified Forms for Biodiesel Synthesis from Pongamia glabra
Authors: Shyamsundar M. , Shamshuddin S. Z. Mohamed , Aniz C. U.
Published: February 2015

This study investigates the use of cordierite honeycomb monoliths coated with solid acids such as zirconia, Mo(VI)/ZrO2 and Pt‐SO42−/ZrO2 and solid bases like zirconia–calcia, zirconia–magnesia mixed oxides in the synthesis of biodiesel from oil (PG‐oil). Solid acids were used for the esterification of free fatty acids in PG‐oil with methanol to reduce the percentage of free fatty acids in the oil followed by transesterification of PG‐oil over solid bases to synthesize biodiesel. The oxide catalysts were coated on honeycombs by an impregnation technique and characterized for their surface acidity/basicity, crystallinity and morphology. The effect of the molar ratio of PG‐oil/methanol in esterification and transesterification was studied. Reactivation and reusability of both solid acid and solid base catalysts was investigated. The catalysts were also prepared in their powder forms and their activity was compared with that of honeycomb coated forms. A twofold increase in the yield of biodiesel was obtained when the catalysts were used in honeycomb coated forms. The results revealed that the honeycombs coated with mixed oxides such as zirconia–calcia and zirconia–magnesia were economical, efficient and eco‐friendly (3e concept) for biodiesel production with ~95 % yield.
Investigating the Connection between Science and This-Worldly Oriented Superstition: A Research Note on the Case of School Adolescents in Urban China
Authors: Hu Anning
Published: February 2015

Most studies on the religion–science connection have been conducted in a Judeo-Christian context where other-worldly rewards are often emphasized. This research note examines how scientific orientation and scientific knowledge interact with people's this-worldly oriented superstition by presenting a case study of school adolescents in urban China, an institutional environment where religions are on average more superstitious relative to Christianity. Empirical results suggest that both scientific orientation and scientific knowledge have a significantly negative effect on superstition, and their effects are independent from each other. The implications with regard to the state regulation of religions in China and to the potential epistemological conflict for spirituality seekers in other nations are discussed.
Construction, visualization, and analysis of biological network models in Dynetica
Authors: Eidum Derek , Asthana Kanishk , Unni Samir , Deng Michael , You Lingchong
Published: February 2015

Mathematical modeling has become an increasingly important aspect of biological research. Computer simulations help to improve our understanding of complex systems by testing the validity of proposed mechanisms and generating experimentally testable hypotheses. However, significant overhead is generated by the creation, debugging, and perturbation of these computational models and their parameters, especially for researchers who are unfamiliar with programming or numerical methods. Dynetica 2.0 is a user‐friendly dynamic network simulator designed to expedite this process. Models are created and visualized in an easy‐to‐use graphical interface, which displays all of the species and reactions involved in a graph layout. System inputs and outputs, indicators, and intermediate expressions may be incorporated into the model via the versatile “expression variable” entity. Models can also be modular, allowing for the quick construction of complex systems from simpler components. Dynetica 2.0 supports a number of deterministic and stochastic algorithms for performing time‐course simulations. Additionally, Dynetica 2.0 provides built‐in tools for performing sensitivity or dose response analysis for a number of different metrics. Its parameter searching tools can optimize specific objectives of the time course or dose response of the system. Systems can be translated from Dynetica 2.0 into MATLAB code or the Systems Biology Markup Language (SBML) format for further analysis or publication. Finally, since it is written in Java, Dynetica 2.0 is platform independent, allowing for easy sharing and collaboration between researchers.
Polynomial multiple recurrence over rings of integers
Authors: BERGELSON VITALY , ROBERTSON DONALD
Published: February 2015

We generalize the polynomial Szemerédi theorem to intersective polynomials over the ring of integers of an algebraic number field, by which we mean polynomials having a common root modulo every ideal. This leads to the existence of new polynomial configurations in positive-density subsets of $\mathbb{Z}^{m}$ and strengthens and extends recent results of Bergelson, Leibman and Lesigne [Intersective polynomials and the polynomial Szemerédi theorem. Adv. Math.219(1) (2008), 369–388] on polynomials over the integers.
THE SHIMURA CURVE OF DISCRIMINANT 15 AND TOPOLOGICAL AUTOMORPHIC FORMS
Authors: LAWSON TYLER
Published: February 2015

We find defining equations for the Shimura curve of discriminant 15 over $\mathbb{Z}[1/15]$. We then determine the graded ring of automorphic forms over the 2-adic integers, as well as the higher cohomology. We apply this to calculate the homotopy groups of a spectrum of ‘topological automorphic forms’ associated to this curve, as well as one associated to a quotient by an Atkin–Lehner involution.
Paternalistic leadership, subordinate perceived leader–member exchange and organizational citizenship behavior
Authors: Tang Chaoying , Naumann Stefanie E
Published: February 2015

Chinese paternalistic leadership (PL) includes three dimensions: benevolence, morality and authoritarianism. Benevolent leadership positively affects organizational citizenship behaviors through leader–member exchange (LMX). Resource limitations of supervisors bring about LMX differentiations within groups. Little research has addressed the moderating effect of LMX differentiations on the three dimensions of paternalistic leadership and organizational citizenship behaviors. In a study on 307 team members and leaders in 47 teams in two hotels in China, we found that benevolence and moral leadership had a positive effect on organizational citizenship behaviors, whereas authoritarian leadership did not. Team LMX differentiations moderated the relationship between moral leadership, authoritarianism leadership and LMX.
Intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin K in two rat colitis models induced by trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid and dextran sulphate sodium
Authors: Mascaraque Cristina , González Raquel , Suárez María Dolores , Zarzuelo Antonio , Sánchez de Medina Fermín , Martínez-Augustin Olga
Published: February 2015

Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds that are widespread in nature, and consumed as part of the human diet in significant amounts. The aim of the present study was to test the intestinal anti-inflammatory activity of apigenin K, a soluble form of apigenin, in two models of rat colitis, namely the trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) model and the dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) model. Apigenin K (1, 3 and 10 mg/kg; by the oral route; n 4–6 per group) was administered as a pre-treatment to rats with TNBS and DSS colitis, and colonic status was checked by macroscopic and biochemical examination. Apigenin K pre-treatment resulted in the amelioration of morphological signs and biochemical markers in the TNBS model. The results demonstrated a reduction in the inflamed area, as well as lower values of score and colonic weight:length ratio compared with the TNBS group. Myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity was reduced by 30 % (P< 0·05). Moreover, apigenin K pre-treatment ameliorated morphological signs and biochemical markers in the DSS model. Thus, macroscopic damage was significantly reduced and the colonic weight:length ratio was lowered by approximately 10 %, while colonic MPO and alkaline phosphatase activities were decreased by 35 and 21 %, respectively (P< 0·05). Apigenin K pre-treatment also tended to normalise the expression of a number of colonic inflammatory markers (e.g. TNF-α, transforming growth factor-β, IL-6, intercellular adhesion molecule 1 or chemokine (C–C motif) ligand 2). In conclusion, apigenin K is found to have anti-inflammatory effects in two preclinical models of inflammatory bowel disease.
Paul's Ethnic Discourse on “Faith”: Christ's Faithfulness and Gentile Access to the Judean God in Romans 3:21–5:1
Authors: Young Stephen L.
Published: February 2015

In this article I pursue two interrelated goals. First, and more narrowly, I argue that thein Rom 5:1 plausibly refers to Christ's(conventionally translated as “faith” or “faithfulness”) and not to theof Christ followers; and certainly not to theof Christ followers that is specifically “in Christ.” To my knowledge no modern commentator identifies thein Rom 5:1 as Christ's own. Several scholars suggest it in passing, and one presents a partial argument turning on several claims of coherence with his broader reading of Paul. I offer a more thorough case for the plausibility of this suggestion, especially by demonstrating how my reading of Rom 5:1 makes sense as an encapsulation of Paul's emphases in Rom 3:21–4:25.
Luther on Necessity
Authors: Alfsvåg Knut
Published: February 2015

Among the quotations from Luther's works condemned by the pope in 1520 was the statement that free will is something that exists in name only. In his defense of this statement in Assertio omnium articulorum, published in December 1520, Luther goes one step further. Here he not only declares “free will” to be a concept without factual reference, he even insists that there is no one in the position even to think on one's own, either good or bad, as everything happens with absolute necessity.
Eusebius as Political Theologian: The Legend Continues
Authors: Singh Devin
Published: February 2015

It was Franz Overbeck who, in his attack on Harnack, referred to Eusebius's work as “[that] of a hairdresser for the emperor's theological periwig,” and the eminent historian Jacob Burckhardt who declared Eusebius to be “the most objectionable of all eulogists” and “first thoroughly dishonest historian of antiquity.” The summary judgment of such luminaries has aided the tendency to write off the bishop of Caesarea as a hopeless ideologue. In recent decades, a shift has been underway to recalibrate the picture we have of Eusebius, with robust scholarship arguing in support of his work as an historian and biblical scholar. The aim has been in part to distance Eusebius from Constantine, a proximity that is the source of much of the modern consternation with the bishop, given modernity's own genealogical unease with the relation between religion and politics. Whatever Eusebius's actual relations with the emperor, however, his rhetoric of apparently unequivocal exaltation of Constantine endures. Yet this, too, requires reassessment.
Irreducible Reality, Irreducible Persons
Authors: Waters Brent
Published: February 2015

The Soul of the World is based on the Stanton Lectures delivered by Roger Scruton at the University of Cambridge. Much of the book draws upon and elaborates themes developed previously by the author, but in a tone that is “more conversational than scholarly” (vii). This revisiting of familiar themes, however, does not result in a series of rehashed essays carelessly strung together, nor does its tone convey a lack of intellectual rigor. This is not a philosophy-lite text but a carefully crafted and elegant meditation on the prospect of religious belief in the frequently hostile milieu of late modernity.
A role for panendoscopy? Second primary tumour in early stage squamous cell carcinoma of the oral tongue
Authors: Koo K , Harris R , Wiesenfeld D , Iseli T A
Published: February 2015

Background:

Panendoscopy is routinely used for the identification of occult second primary tumours in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, its role in low risk subgroups, particularly non-smoking, non-drinking patients and patients presenting with early stage oral cavity lesions, is debatable.

Methods:

The records of 112 patients with T1 or T2 oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma were retrospectively reviewed. Demographic, disease characteristics and survival data were collected.

Results:

Average follow-up duration was 71.7 months (range, 3.6–238.3 months). Thirty-five patients died within this period. Thirteen second primary events were identified in 11 patients, with all but 2 tumours in the oral cavity or oropharynx. There was a single synchronous primary – a lung adenocarcinoma; all other events were metachronous. No non-smoking, non-drinking patients re-presented with a second primary tumour; tobacco and alcohol use are clearly risk factors for development of a second primary tumour.

Conclusion:

The role of panendoscopy for identifying synchronous primary tumours in patients with early stage oral tongue squamous cell carcinoma should be re-evaluated, particularly in non-smoking, non-drinking patients who are at low risk of second primary development. Close follow up with regular clinical examination including flexible fibre-optic endoscopy may be sufficient in this subgroup.
Serum soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand level and peripheral eosinophil count in patients with nasal polyposis
Authors: Bisgin A , Eyigor H , Osma U , Yilmaz M D , Yalcin A D
Published: February 2015

Background:

Nasal polyposis is one of the most common inflammatory pathologies of the nasal cavity. Eosinophilic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis. This study aimed to investigate soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand levels and eosinophil count in nasal polyposis patients.

Methods:

The study was performed on 24 adult nasal polyposis patients and 24 age-matched healthy individuals. The patients had not received any medical or surgical treatment. Pre-operative computed tomography scans were assessed using the Lund–MacKay grading system, and soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand levels were measured with a sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results:

Compared with controls, eosinophil levels in nasal polyposis patients were increased (p = 0.024), but there was no significant difference in soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand levels (p = 0.529). The Lund–Mackay mean grading was 12.43 ± 6.9. There was no correlation between soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand level and Lund–Mackay grading and eosinophil count.

Conclusion:

There was no relationship between soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand level and blood eosinophil or clinical markers; however, soluble tumour necrosis factor related apoptosis-inducing ligand level remains of interest for future studies.
Recent advances in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome
Authors: Chilvers G , McKay-Davies I
Published: February 2015

Objective:

This study aimed to review the current advances in superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome and to ascertain its aetiology, whether dehiscence size correlates with symptoms, signs and investigation results, the best investigations, and its surgical management.

Methods:

A literature search using the key words ‘superior semicircular canal dehiscence’ was performed using the Allied and Complementary Medicine Database and the Embase, Health Management Information Consortium, Medline, PsycINFO, British Nursing Index, Cinahl and Health Business Elite databases for the period January 2009 to May 2014. Systematic reviews, meta-analyses, randomised controlled trials, prospective and retrospective case series, case reports, and observational studies were included.

Results:

Of the 205 papers identified, 35 were considered relevant.

Conclusion:

The aetiology of superior semicircular canal dehiscence syndrome is unclear. Dehiscence size significantly affects the air–bone gap and ocular vestibular evoked myogenic potential thresholds. Computed tomography evaluation has a high false positive rate. The middle cranial fossa approach is the surgical standard for treating this syndrome; however, the transmastoid approach is gaining popularity.
Historicizing the ‘Traveling’ Queer Theatricalities of González Castillo's Los Invertidos
Authors: DE WITTE BEN
Published: February 2015

Los Invertidos (1914) by the Argentinean playwright José González Castillo (1885–1937) is probably the first play in the Spanish-speaking world to treat ‘sexual inversion’ – code for homosexuality in turn-of-the-century European sexology – as material for the modern stage. A three-act drama realista (‘realist drama’) that sets out to present ‘sexual inversion’ in a recognizably Argentinean setting and idiom, Los Invertidos demonstrates, as Edward Said puts it, that ‘ideas and theories’ – in this case about modern drama and sexuality – ‘travel’. González Castillo launched queer visibility on the Argentinean stage with dramatic models and embodied behaviours forged from international and local sensibilities. I argue that Los Invertidos, while shaped by sociopolitical and aesthetic upheavals in the Southern Cone, invites us to place its theatricality in a queer ‘genealogy of performance’ that crosses geographic and linguistic boundaries. How we describe and contextualize queer theatre today might well be informed by González Castillo's innovations and confusions during modern drama's early decades.
SENSATIONALISM MADE REAL: THE ROLE OF REALISM IN THE PRODUCTION OF SENSATIONAL AFFECT
Authors: Allan Janice M.
Published: February 2015

Like all complicated relationships, that between realism and sensationalism has been subject to a good deal of rumour and speculation. In what might be described as the pair's first critical encounter – in an 1852 joint review of W. M. Thackeray'sThe History of Henry Esmondand Wilkie Collins's proto-sensation novelBasil– a critic forBentley's Miscellanyintimates that a partnership between two such different forms is anything but likely. “We have,” he explains, “put these two books ‘over against’ each other, to use one of Mr. Thackeray's favourite Queen-Anne-isms, because they have no kind of family resemblance. They are, indeed, as unlike each other as any two books can be. They constitute a kind of literary antithesis” (“Esmond” 576). The inherently contradictory nature of this originary “over against” gesture – conflating proximity and distance, contiguity and difference – sets the keynote for subsequent discussions, contemporaneous and current, of a generic relationship that continues to attract and elude definition.
SOLVENCY II TECHNICAL PROVISIONS FOR GENERAL INSURERS
Authors: Dreksler S. , Allen C. , Akoh-Arrey A. , Courchene J. A. , Junaid B. , Kirk J. , Lowe W. , O’Dea S. , Piper J. , Shah M. , Shaw G. , Storman D. , Thaper S. , Thomas L. , Wheatley M. , Wilson M.
Published: February 2015

This paper brings together the work of the GI Solvency II Technical Provisions working party. The working party was formed in 2009 for the primary purpose of raising awareness of Solvency II and the impact it would have on the work that reserving actuaries do. Over the years, the working party’s focus has shifted to exploring and promoting discussion of the many practical issues raised by the requirements and to promoting best practice. To this end, we have developed, presented and discussed many of the ideas contained in this paper at events and forums. However, the size of the subject means that at no one event have we managed to cover all of the areas that the reserving actuary needs to be aware of. This paper brings together our thinking in one place for the first time. We hope experienced practitioners will find it thought provoking, and a useful reference tool. For new practitioners, we hope it helps to get you up-to-speed quickly. Good luck!