bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Decabrominated diphenyl ether (BDE‐209) and/or BDE‐47 exposure alters protein expression in purified neural stem/progenitor cells determined by proteomics analysis
Authors: Song Jie , Li Zhi‐hua , He Yu‐Tian , Liu Chuan‐Xin , Sun Bin , Zhang Chun‐Fang , Zeng Jie , Du Pei‐Li , Zhang Hui‐li , Yu Yan‐hong , Chen Dun‐Jin
Published: November 2013

Polybrominateddiphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are widely utilized as the additive brominated flame retardants in electronic devices, furniture, plastics, rubber foam, and textiles, which exhibit many negative biological effects, especially potential toxic effects on neurodevelopment. In the present study, we applied a proteomics approach to study the effects of decabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐209) and/or tetrabromodiphenyl ether (BDE‐47) on the expression of proteins extracted from neural stem/progenitor cells and further explored mechanisms on neurodevelopmental toxicity. We sub‐cultured 3–4 generations of neural stem/progenitor cells which were exposed to BDE‐209 and/or BDE‐47. After a 72‐h exposure, we applied two‐dimensional gel (2‐DE) to identify differentially expressed proteins and matrix‐assisted laser desorption ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI–TOF–MS) to determine the protein identity of 25 spots. Western blot analysis was applied to determine the expression of cofilin‐1 and vimentin. A total of 39 differential expression protein spots were identified by 2‐DE after BDE‐209 and/or BDE‐47 exposure in the neural stem/progenitor cells, and 19 differentially expressed proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐MS. Western blot analysis revealed that cofilin‐1 and vimentin were differentially expressed in all groups. Expression of both proteins was decreased when the neural stem/progenitor cells were exposed to BDE‐209 and were absent when exposed to both BDE‐47 and BDE‐209. BDE‐209 and/or BDE‐47 might alter the expression of some proteins of neural stem/progenitor cells. Nineteen proteins were identified by MALDI‐TOF‐MS, which will provide a useful basis for further study of the mechanisms underlying PBDE‐mediated neurotoxicity.
Fatalities in Wingsuit BASE Jumping
Authors: Mei-Dan Omer , Monasterio Erik , Carmont Michael , Westman Anton
Published: November 2013

Objective

To analyze fatality data associated with wingsuit use in an international case series of fixed-object sport parachuting (BASE jumping) to identify incident and injury mechanisms and to form a basis for potential prevention measures and future safety recommendations.

Methods

A descriptive epidemiological study was performed of fatal injury events occurring in wingsuit BASE jumping. Fatalities (n = 180) were sequentially analyzed assessing human, equipment, and environmental factors from 1981 to 2011. Main outcome measures included descriptions of typical fatal incident and injury mechanisms.

Results

Of the 180 fatal events, 39 (22%) were related to use of wingsuits; 38 (97%) launched from cliffs and 1 (3%) from a building. Of the 39 fatalities, 19 (49%) were caused from cliff strikes, 18 (46%) from ground impact, and 1 (3%) from a building strike. Thirty-eight (97%) of the fatalities were male. During 2002 to 2007 there was a total of 61 BASE jumping deaths, 10 (16%) of which were related to the use of wingsuits, whereas during 2008 to 2011 there was a total 59 fatal events, of which 29 (49%) were related to the use of wingsuits. Seventeen fatalities (39%) were attributed to wingsuit path miscalculation. In the first 8 months of 2013, 17 of 19 (90%) fatalities were wingsuit related. Most fatalities occurred between April and October, reflecting a seasonal increase in activity in the northern hemisphere summer.

Conclusions

Wingsuit-related BASE jump fatalities appear to be increasing as wingsuit BASE jumping increases in popularity. Most fatalities are attributed to cliff or ground impact, and are mostly the result of flying path miscalculation.
Search and Rescue in the Intermountain West States
Authors: Russell Katie W. , Weber David C. , Scheele Brian M. , Ernst Ryan P. , Kanaan Nicholas C. , Smith William R. , McIntosh Scott E. , Wheeler Albert R.
Published: November 2013

Background

Minimal data exist regarding the activity, membership, training, and medical oversight of search and rescue (SAR) teams.

Objective

Our objective was to describe these characteristics in the Intermountain West SAR organizations.

Methods

A contact list was generated and electronic surveys were sent to SAR officials in each Intermountain West county. Results were descriptively analyzed.

Results

Of the contacted jurisdictions, 56% (156) responded to the survey. The annual average call volume was 29 missions (range, 5 to 152). Multiple levels of medical training were represented on SAR teams, ranging from first aid/cardiopulmonary resuscitation providers to the physician level, and 79% of teams provided some medical training to their membership. Of the SAR medical professionals, 23% had formal wilderness medical training. Local emergency medical services provided 60% of the medical care on SAR missions rather than SAR personnel. Formal physician medical oversight was present in 41% of the SAR teams. These physicians participated in a range of SAR activities including medical protocol drafting (including expanded scope of practice), medical trainings, mission participation, medical consultation, and prescribing medications for field use. The majority (69%) of those physicians were trained in emergency medicine, and 45% of the active medical directors had protocols allowing for an expanded scope of practice due to the remote nature of SAR medical care.

Conclusions

Intermountain West SAR teams vary in their activity, composition, training, and level of medical oversight. This study confirms that opportunities exist for physician integration with SAR teams in the studied states and likely throughout the United States.
Recognizing cryptic environmental changes by using paleoecology and taphonomy of Pleistocene bivalve assemblages in the Oga Peninsula, northern Japan
Authors: Chiba Tomoki , Shirai Masaaki , Sato Shin'ichi
Published: November 2013

Multivariate analyses applied to Pleistocene bivalve assemblages from the Oga Peninsula (northern Japan) discriminate three distinct assemblages. The assemblages and their taphonomy were used to recognize environmental settings and changes. The Astarte–Cyclocardia–Glycymeris assemblage indicates shelf environment (below the storm wave base) where gravels and shells are transported from shallower settings. Supply of the exotic coarse sediment probably enabled epifaunal bivalves to inhabit the sea floor. The Glycymeris assemblage is characterized by dominance of G. yessoensis and represents current-swept shoreface environment (above the storm wave base). The Moerella assemblage is characterized by bivalves inhabiting bay to open-marine conditions and diverse deposit-feeders, indicating a moderately land-locked environment, such as an open bay or a bay mouth. Fine-grained substrata rich in organic matters in the bay were probably suitable for the deposit-feeders. Ordination also shows the assemblages along two environmental gradients, a bathymetrical one and the other related to open-marine and bay conditions. The environmental changes are explained mainly by glacio-eustatic sea-level changes and alternation of coastal geomorphology caused by local crustal movements. This study also suggests that fossil assemblages can be a powerful tool to reconstruct environments and depositional dynamics even in intensely bioturbated sedimentary facies.
Shadowing and -limit sets of circular Julia sets
Authors: BARWELL ANDREW D. , MEDDAUGH JONATHAN , RAINES BRIAN E.
Published: November 2013

In this paper we consider quadratic polynomials on the complex plane${f}_{c} (z)= {z}^{2} + c$and their associated Julia sets,${J}_{c} $. Specifically, we consider the case that the kneading sequence is periodic and not an$n$-tupling. In this case${J}_{c} $contains subsets that are homeomorphic to the unit circle, usually infinitely many disjoint such subsets. We prove that${f}_{c} : {J}_{c} \rightarrow {J}_{c} $has shadowing, and we classify all$\omega $-limit sets for these maps by showing that a closed set$R\subseteq {J}_{c} $is internally chain transitive if, and only if, there is some$z\in {J}_{c} $with$\omega (z)= R$.
Effect of Non-Uniform Heat Generation on Unsteady MHD Flow Over a Vertical Stretching Surface with Variable Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Muthtamilselvan M. , Prakash D. , Doh D.-H.
Published: November 2013

The effect of space and temperature dependent heat generation/absorption on an unsteady laminar boundary layer flow of viscous, incompressible, radiating and electrically conducting fluid over a vertical stretching permeable surface is investigated numerically in the presence of applied magnetic field and buoyancy force. By applying similarity analysis, the governing partial differential equations are transformed into a set of non-linear coupled ordinary differential equations and they are solved by Runge-Kutta-Fehlberg method along with shooting technique. The numerical values obtained within the boundary layer for the dimensionless velocity, temperature, skin friction coefficient and heat transfer rate are presented through graphs and tables for several set of values of governing parameters.
Glutamine modulates acute dextran sulphate sodium-induced changes in small-intestinal intraepithelial γδ-T-lymphocyte expression in mice
Authors: Pai Man-Hui , Liu Jun-Jen , Yeh Sung-Ling , Chen Wei-Jao , Yeh Chiu-Li
Published: November 2013

The present study investigated the effect of glutamine (Gln) on dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced changes in the expression of small-intestinal intraepithelial lymphocyte (IEL) γδ-T cells in mice. Mice were randomly assigned to a normal control (NC) group and two DSS-treated groups. The NC group and one of the DSS-treated groups (DSS-C) were fed a common semi-purified diet, while the other DSS-treated group (DSS-G) was fed an identical diet, except that part of casein was replaced by Gln, which provided 25 % of total amino acid nitrogen. After being fed the diets for 10 d, mice in the NC group were given distilled water, while the DSS-treated groups were given distilled water containing 2·5 % DSS for 5 d. At the end of the experiment, the mice were killed. The small-intestinal IEL γδ-T-cell subset was isolated for further analysis. The results indicated that DSS treatment resulted in a lower percentage of small-intestinal IEL γδ-T cells and higher mRNA expressions of interferon-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, complement 5a receptor and keratinocyte growth factor in IEL γδ-T cells. Gln administration increased the proportion of small-intestinal IEL γδ-T cells, and the expression levels of immunomodulatory mediator genes in IEL γδ-T cells were lower in the DSS-treated mice. The histological findings indicated that the immunoreactive intensity of the tight junction protein ZO-1 in the small-intestinal mucosa was higher in the DSS-G group than in the DSS-C group. These results indicate that pretreatment with Gln increases the proportion of small-intestinal IEL γδ-T cells and down-regulates γδ-T-cell-expressed inflammatory mediators, which may consequently ameliorate the severity of DSS-induced small-intestinal epithelial injury.
Anti-inflammatory effect of elemental diets with different fat composition in experimental colitis
Authors: Papada E. , Kaliora A. C. , Gioxari A. , Papalois A. , Forbes A.
Published: November 2013

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effectiveness of two isoenergetic elemental formulae with different fat content in the rat model of trinitrobenzene sulphonic acid (TNBS) colitis that mimics human inflammatory bowel disease. A total of forty-five male Wistar rats were assigned to five groups: (1) control group; (2) TNBS-induced colitis group; (3) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a long-chain TAG (LCT)-rich diet; (4) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a medium-chain TAG (MCT)-rich diet; (5) TNBS-induced colitis group fed a baseline diet and administered infliximab. Nutritional management lasted 12 d before and 4 d after rectal administration of TNBS. Subsequently, the rats were killed, and colonic tissue samples were collected for the assessment of histology, inflammation and oxidative stress. The MCT-rich diet decreased IL-6, IL-8 and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, while the LCT-rich diet reduced only ICAM-1 levels and GST activity (P< 0·05). Neither elemental formula affected IL-10 levels. Infliximab reduced IL-8 and ICAM-1 levels and GST activity and increased IL-10 levels (P< 0·05). No significant differences were detected in oxidative stress. Histological damage scores differed significantly only between the control and the TNBS-induced colitis group. A MCT-rich formula seems to exert stronger anti-inflammatory effects than a LCT-rich formula in TNBS colitis.
Reduced risk of dyslipidaemia with oolong tea consumption: a population-based study in southern China
Authors: Yi Deqing , Tan Xuerui , Zhao Zhiguo , Cai Yingmu , Li Yiming , Lin Xiuying , Lu Sailan , Chen Yongsong , Zhang Qingying
Published: November 2013

Experimental studies have suggested that tea consumption could lower the risk of dyslipidaemia. However, epidemiological evidence is limited, especially in southern China, where oolong tea is the most widely consumed beverage. We conducted a population-based case–control study to evaluate the association between consumption of tea, especially oolong tea, and risk of dyslipidaemia in Shantou, southern China, from 2010 to 2011. Information on tea consumption, lifestyle characteristics and food consumption frequency of 1651 patients with newly diagnosed dyslipidaemia and 1390 controls was obtained using a semi-quantitative questionnaire. Anthropometric variables and serum biochemical indices were determined. Drinking more than 600 ml (2 paos) of green, oolong or black tea daily was found to be associated with the lowest odds of dyslipidaemia risk (P< 0·001) when compared with non-consumption, but only oolong tea consumption was found to be associated with low HDL-cholesterol levels. A dose–response relationship between duration of tea consumption and risk of dyslipidaemia (OR 0·10, 95 % CI 0·06, 0·16), as well as that between amount of dried tea leaves brewed and risk of dyslipidaemia (OR 0·34, 95 % CI 0·24, 0·48), was found. Moreover, consumption of oolong tea for the longest duration was found to be associated with 3·22, 11·99 and 6·69 % lower blood total cholesterol, TAG and LDL-cholesterol levels, respectively. In conclusion, the present study indicates that long-term oolong tea consumption may be associated with a lower risk of dyslipidaemia in the population of Shantou in southern China.
SOCIAL SUPPORT AND HEALTH AMONG ELDERLY KUWAITIS
Authors: AL-KANDARI YAGOUB Y. , CREWS DOUGLAS E.
Published: November 2013

The aim of this study was to examine differences in several aspects of health between Kuwaiti men and women aged 60 years and over across three age categories (60–69, 70–79, 80+ years). The relationships between several social support variables, somatic symptoms and systolic and diastolic blood pressures were examined. A total of 1427 adult men (472) and women (955) aged 60 years and over representing all six governorates were selected. Data were collected during 2008–2009 by interview and completion of a questionnaire by participants in their own homes, after obtaining their informed consent. The Social Support Scale (SSS), Frequency of Contact Scale (FOC), Strength of Relations (SOR), Somatic Symptoms Inventory (SSI) and self-rated scales of general health were included. Systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured. The data show that self-rated health and health in the last year differ significantly across age groups. Glycaemia differed significantly across the three age groups for the total sample. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure were higher in older respondents than younger ones, but no significant differences were observed between men and women. No significant differences in somatic symptoms were observed across the three age groups. Strength of relationship, frequency of contact, social support and children living with an elderly adult were all associated with fewer somatic symptoms, and all, except social support, were associated with lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Having children, the perception of social support, frequency of contact with, and strength of, relationships with kin are important modulators of somatic symptoms and blood pressure among elderly Kuwaitis.
Double Bent Crystal Monochromator for High Resolution Neutron Powder Diffraction
Authors: Mikula P. , Vrána M. , Šaroun J. , Seong B.S. , Woo W.
Published: November 2013

Recent results of focusing and reflectivity properties of the dispersive double-bent-crystal monochromator have shown that it could be succesfully used in high resolution neutron diffraction experiment. By using a standard polycrystalline sample of α-Fe, the resolution of the diffraction performance in the vicinity of the scattering angle 2θS = 90o for the neutron wavelength λ= 0.162 nm was tested in detail. It has been found that for thin (1.3 mm) bent second crystal the angular resolution represented by FWHM of diffraction profiles was 1x10−3 rad for 211 and 200 reflections and about 3x10−3 rad for 220 reflection.
PyFAI: a Python library for high performance azimuthal integration on GPU
Authors: Kieffer J. , Wright J.P.
Published: November 2013

PyFAI is an open-source Python library for Fast Azimuthal Integration which provides 1D- and 2D-azimuthal regrouping with a clean programming interface and tools for calibration. The library is suitable for interactive use in Python. In optimising the speed of the algorithms there has been no compromise on the accuracy compared to reference software. Fast integrations are obtained by the combination of an algorithm ensuring that each pixel from the detector provides a direct contribution to the final diffraction pattern and an OpenCL implementation that can use graphics cards for acceleration. This contribution describes how the algorithms were modified to work better in parallel.
Analysis of Preferred Orientations in Linear Friction Welded (LFW) Aluminium Alloy Specimens using “One-shot” Multi-element Energy Dispersive Synchrotron X-ray Diffraction
Authors: Xie M.Y. , Jun T.S. , Korsunsky A.M. , Drakopoulos M.
Published: November 2013

Linear Friction Welding (LFW) has tremendous potential for joining components from similar and dissimilar materials, avoiding material melting and introducing minimal distortion and only moderate levels of residual stress. However, the significant amount of attendant shear introduces preferred crystal orientations that have not yet been well studied. The “one-shot” approach to the interpretation of multi-element energy-dispersive X-ray powder diffraction data allows preferred orientation analysis without any sample preparation (cutting or polishing) or sample rotation. The key step for texture analysis by X-ray powder diffraction is the derivation of the orientation distribution function (ODF) from experimental data. Matlab toolbox “MTEX” provides a powerful function “calcODF” based on the harmonics method for this purpose. In the study reported in this paper, energy dispersive X-ray diffraction patterns were collected using the “horseshoe” multi-element energy-dispersive Ge detector installed on the JEEP beamline at Diamond Light Source. A single exposure was used for each gauge volume of interest, and a line was scanned across an Aluminum 2024 alloy LFW sample. The patterns were converted into raw pole figures through single peak fitting and equal area projection. The ODF calculation was performed based on these pole figures using Matlab toolbox “MTEX”. As a result, full pole figures obtained after ODF calculation were obtained. These are presented and discussed. The results show that the thermal-mechanical processes that occur during the LFW process lead to significant modification of the orientation distribution, but cause only moderate changes in the texture index.
Using X-ray diffraction for studying the effect of modulation and machining parameters on deformation level in brass particulate produced by modulation assisted machining
Authors: Joshi Ravinder Singh , Singh Harpreet
Published: November 2013

In present investigation, effect of modulation and machining parameters on deformation level of the chips produced during modulation assisted machining (MAM) has been studied. It is shown that disruption in tool-chip contact during modulation assisted machining helps in the formation of discrete chips. Size and shape of the particles produced in MAM can be controlled by varying modulation and machining conditions. Particulates of different shapes and sizes ranging from 100 µm to 5 mm with an aspect ratio of ~10 were produced using MAM. The morphology of the particulates produced was characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM). Deformation in chip particulates was investigated using X-Ray diffraction. The crystallite size and internal strain in particulates were evaluated using Scherrer and Williamson-Hall methods respectively. The crystallite size of the particulates was found to decrease with decrease in their size, whereas internal strain in particulates was observed to increase with decrease in their size. Furthermore, the length of particulates was observed to decrease with an increase in the ratio of frequency of modulation (fm) to frequency of workpiece rotation (fw). However, the corresponding change in microstrain and crystallite size was insignificant with change in this ratio.
Neutron diffraction study of the crystallographic preferential orientation of metagabro mylonite
Authors: Kučeráková M. , Vratislav S. , Kalvoda L. , Machek M.
Published: November 2013

Neutron diffraction (ND) was used to investigate the crystallographic preferential orientation (CPO, texture) and structure parameters of four samples of metagabro mylonite collected from the eastern part of the metagabbro sheet at the Stare Mesto belt, Bohemia Massif, Czech Republic. The samples were selected to form a deformation-ordered series with the microstructure varying from non-deformed metagabbro protolith to strongly sheared ultramylonite and amphibole-rich ulramylonite. The specimens used in ND measurements were polished in form of an exact sphere with diameter 50 ± 0.1 mm. The obtained ND patterns were corrected for non-linear background and then evaluated using the Rietveld method implemented in the software package GSAS. Data recorded from powder preparded by milling material from the sampled rocks were used to refine the structure parameters of plagioclase (labradorite structure, triclinic space group C-1) and amphibole (monoclinic space group C2/m). The experiments were performed on the KSN-2 neutron diffractometer situated at the research reactor LVR-15 of the Nuclear Research Institute, plc. Rez, Czech Republic. The data sets of ND patterns measured on each of the four spherical specimens consisted of 90 diagrams collected for different diffraction vectors covering uniformly one orientation hemisphere of the specimen. Based on the collected data, the orientation distribution function (ODF) of crystalline grains was determined by Rietveld harmonic method (coefficients C(l,m,n) of the spherical harmonics expansion determined up to the order L = 8) for the two principal mineral phases - amphibole and plagioclase. The ODF was used to reconstruct (001), (020), (021), (110), (111) (plagioclase) and (001), (11-1), (020), (110), (200) (amphibole) pole figures (PFs). Direct method of ODF calculation implemented in ResMat software package was then used to calculate inverted pole figures (IPFs) of the plagioclase phase. CPO of the amphibole and plagioclase is then discussed in terms of the obtained texture indices and calculated PFs and IPFs and compared with data measured by other methods or available in literature.
Crystallisation Kinetics of Metal Organic Frameworks From in situ Time-Resolved X-ray Diffraction
Authors: El Osta Racha , Feyand Mark , Stock Norbert , Millange Franck , Walton Richard I.
Published: November 2013

A time-resolved powder diffraction study of the crystallisation of porous metal organic framework materials with the CPO-27 structure ([M2(dhtp)(H2O)2]·8H2O where, dhtp=2,5-dioxoterephthalate) using the energy dispersive X-ray diffraction method is described. Crystallisation under solvothermal conditions is performed between 70 - 110 °C from clear solutions of metal salts (M=Co2+ or Ni2+) and 2,5-dihydroxyterephthalic acid in a mixture of THF-water in sealed reaction vessels, using both conventional and microwave heating. Integration of Bragg peak areas with time provides accurate crystallisation curves, which are modelled using the method of Gualtieri to determine rate constants for nucleation and for growth and then, by Arrhenius analysis, activation energies. Crystallisation is determined to be one-dimensional, consistent with the elongated morphology of the crystals produced in these reactions. With conventional heating the Co-containing CPO-27 crystallises more rapidly than the isostructural Ni-containing analogue and analysis of the kinetic parameters would suggest a complex multi-step crystallisation process. The effect of microwave heating is upon activation energies: the values for both nucleation and for crystal growth are lowered compared to reactions using conventional heating.
The application of the X-ray micro-diffraction to study some industrial problems
Authors: Krztoń H. J. , Niesler M. , Kania Z.
Published: November 2013

The X-ray micro-diffraction laboratory technique was applied to study the quantitative changes of austenite content in TRIP steels after deformation and to reveal the phase composition of precipitates in an inner part of a hearth of a blast furnace. The usefulness of this technique was shown by calculating the austenite content after tensile test in three different parts of a small tensile test sample and after a clinching test in two areas of a clinching joint. The calculations showed the decrease in austenite content in deformed parts in comparison to not deformed areas. The presence of various kinds of chlorides, including the iron oxide chloride hydroxide in a sample taken from a graphite refractory lining of blast furnace, was confirmed by micro-diffraction patterns.
The development of web-based surveillance provides new insights into the burden of norovirus outbreaks in hospitals in England
Authors: HARRIS J. P. , ADAMS N. L. , LOPMAN B. A. , ALLEN D. J. , ADAK G. K.
Published: November 2013

A new surveillance system for outbreaks of norovirus in English hospitals, the hospital norovirus outbreak reporting system (HNORS), was launched in January 2009. On site investigators were enabled to enter data on outbreaks of norovirus directly onto a tailored system via an internet-based front end. A standard dataset was designed to collect information describing the key epidemiological characteristics of each outbreak. In the period 1992–2008, 1817 suspected and confirmed outbreaks of norovirus in English hospitals were reported to national surveillance. After introduction of the new system there were 3980 reports of outbreaks of suspected and confirmed norovirus received in the years 2009–2011. Data from the new reporting system demonstrates that transmission of norovirus levies a heavy burden on English hospitals. On average, reported outbreaks are associated with 13 000 patients and 3400 staff becoming ill, 8900 days of ward closure and the loss of over 15 500 bed-days annually.
Introduction to the special issue: ‘Negation and Clitics in French: Interaction and Variation’
Authors: STARK ELISABETH , MEISNER CHARLOTTE , VÖLKER HARALD
Published: November 2013

This introduction presents very briefly some of the main issues currently discussed around negation particles and clitics in contemporary French and taken up by the six contributions it assembles, namely language change (grammaticalisation of clitics into agreement markers, completion of the Jespersen Cycle) vs. stable variation, and external (sociolinguistic) or internal (phonotactic, prosodic, or syntactic) factors triggering variation in both cases; the hypothesis of a potential diglossia in French opposing two grammars with considerable syntactic differences. Five out of six contributions focus on modern standard and non-standard varieties of French, with a formal theoretical background, while one shows a more philological-descriptive approach and is dedicated to Old French manuscripts.
Mixing Times and Moving Targets
Authors: SOUSI PERLA , WINKLER PETER
Published: November 2013

We consider irreducible Markov chains on a finite state space. We show that the mixing time of any such chain is equivalent to the maximum, over initial states x and moving large sets (As)s, of the hitting time of (As)s starting from x. We prove that in the case of the d-dimensional torus the maximum hitting time of moving targets is equal to the maximum hitting time of stationary targets. Nevertheless, we construct a transitive graph where these two quantities are not equal, resolving an open question of Aldous and Fill on a ‘cat and mouse’ game.
Urban Space asErinnerungslandschaft. The Case of Lemberg/Lwów/Lvov/Lviv
Authors: Sajó Tamás
Published: November 2013

This paper examines the changes of the memorials in Lviv's representative Liberty Avenue throughout the twentieth century as they reflect the changing regimes of memory of the successive political systems, from the Habsburg Empire through the Republic of Poland, the Soviet and German occupation, the Soviet Union to the independent Ukraine.
SECTORAL DIFFERENCES IN PRICE-ADJUSTMENT FREQUENCIES AND OPTIMAL MONETARY POLICY: A NOTE
Authors: Kara Engin
Published: November 2013

This paper reconsiders the monetary policy implications of a model from which a distinction between CPI inflation and PPI inflation arises. More specifically, this paper addresses the policy conclusion by K. Huang and Z. Liu [2005, Inflation targeting: What inflation rate to target, Journal of Monetary Economics 52, 1435–1462], which states that central banks should use an optimal inflation index that gives substantial weight to stabilizing both CPI and PPI. This paper argues that these authors' findings rely on the assumption that producer prices are as sticky as consumer prices and shows that once empirically relevant frequencies of price adjustment are used to calibrate the model, CPI inflation receives substantial weight in the optimal inflation index. Moreover, this rule is remarkably robust to uncertainty regarding the model parameters.
FORECASTING WITH MIXED-FREQUENCY FACTOR MODELS IN THE PRESENCE OF COMMON TRENDS
Authors: Fuleky Peter , Bonham Carl S.
Published: November 2013

We analyze the forecasting performance of small mixed-frequency factor models when the observed variables share stochastic trends. The indicators are observed at various frequencies and are tied together by cointegration so that valuable high-frequency information is passed to low-frequency series through the common factors. Differencing the data breaks the cointegrating link among the series and some of the signal leaks out to the idiosyncratic components, which do not contribute to the transfer of information among indicators. We find that allowing for common trends improves forecasting performance over a stationary factor model based on differenced data. The “common-trends factor model” outperforms the stationary factor model at all analyzed forecast horizons. Our results demonstrate that when mixed-frequency variables are cointegrated, modeling common stochastic trends improves forecasts.
Factors behind the administrative fees of private pension systems: an international analysis
Authors: TUESTA DAVID
Published: November 2013

This work has three objectives: first, to provide a comprehensive review of administrative fees; second, to construct a comparative data set for 53 countries; and third, to perform an empirical analysis that highlights the main determinants of pension fees from a world-wide perspective. The paper provides an econometric analysis by using panel data techniques. It finds the greater statistical significance of market size, result that is reinforced by mandatory pension schemes. Other factors, such as structural country conditions, market's vertical integration and the presence of an occupational pension scheme, seem to be less relevant.
Effective mechanical weed control in processing tomato: Seven years of results
Authors: Cirujeda A. , Aibar J. , Moreno M.M. , Zaragoza C.
Published: November 2013

Open-air crops are important in Spanish horticulture. The limited number of herbicide active ingredients in minor crops, the waste problem of polyethylene (PE) plastic mulch and the high prices of biodegradable plastics leave hand-weeding and mechanical weed control as the most viable weed control methods. Different tools have been tested in northern European countries but their performance remains unknown in the edaphoclimatic situation of southern Europe. The objective of this work was to test novel physical weed control methods on processing tomato in northeastern Spain compared with other effective control methods, i.e., plastic and paper mulches. A first sequence of field trials was established from 2005 to 2008 at Zaragoza (Spain) to select the best physical control methods out of flamer, torsion weeder, finger weeder, flex-tine harrow and brush hoe used alone or in combination. The best method was the brush hoe which was then compared from 2009 to 2011 with PE mulch, biodegradable plastic mulch and paper mulch. Flamer, flex-tine harrow, torsion weeder and finger weeder performed quite irregularly due to crusty soil conditions and needed additional tools or repeated treatments to increase weed control efficacy. The brush hoe performed best in this soil situation working at about 5 cm depth. Weed biomass reduction was higher than 80% in 6 out of 7 years and similar yield was obtained in the brushed plots compared to the yield obtained with PE, biodegradable plastic and paper mulch. The brush hoe is thus a suitable option for weed control in processing tomato while the other tools were too weak to control aggressive summer weeds in the tested conditions.
The Outcome of Twin Pregnancies Discordant for Trisomy 21
Authors: Egan Eleanor , Reidy Karen , O'Brien Laoise , Erwin Romany , Umstad Mark
Published: November 2013

The management of twin pregnancies discordant for trisomy 21 is dependent on the gestation at diagnosis, chorionicity, and parental preference. Our experience with the management of 15 cases in 1,839 twin pregnancies over a 12-year period is described. Selective termination is not always associated with a successful outcome for the normal co-twin. Two of the three monochorionic twin pregnancies affected by trisomy 21 were discordant. Amniocentesis should be strongly considered rather than chorionic villus sampling in monochorionic twin pregnancies. Pregnancies that continue with a trisomy 21 affected fetus are at risk of polyhydramnios and premature labor.
Jun dimerization protein 2 is a critical component of the Nrf2/MafK complex regulating the response to ROS homeostasis
Authors: Tanigawa S , Lee C H , Lin C S , Ku C C , Hasegawa H , Qin S , Kawahara A , Korenori Y , Miyamori K , Noguchi M , Lee L H , Lin Y C , Steve Lin C L , Nakamura Y , Jin C , Yamaguchi N , Eckner R , Hou D-X , Yokoyama K K
Published: November 2013

Oxidative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) are associated with diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular complications, inflammation and neurodegeneration. Cellular defense systems must work constantly to control ROS levels and to prevent their accumulation. We report here that the Jun dimerization protein 2 (JDP2) has a critical role as a cofactor for transcription factors nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and small Maf protein family K (MafK) in the regulation of the antioxidant-responsive element (ARE) and production of ROS. Chromatin immunoprecipitation–quantitative PCR (qPCR), electrophoresis mobility shift and ARE-driven reporter assays were carried out to examine the role of JDP2 in ROS production. JDP2 bound directly to the ARE core sequence, associated with Nrf2 and MafK (Nrf2–MafK) via basic leucine zipper domains, and increased DNA-binding activity of the Nrf2–MafK complex to the ARE and the transcription of ARE-dependent genes. In mouse embryonic fibroblasts from Jdp2-knockout (Jdp2 KO) mice, the coordinate transcriptional activation of several ARE-containing genes and the ability of Nrf2 to activate expression of target genes were impaired. Moreover, intracellular accumulation of ROS and increased thickness of the epidermis were detected in Jdp2 KO mice in response to oxidative stress-inducing reagents. These data suggest that JDP2 is required to protect against intracellular oxidation, ROS activation and DNA oxidation. qPCR demonstrated that several Nrf2 target genes such as heme oxygenase-1, glutamate–cysteine ligase catalytic and modifier subunits, the notch receptor ligand jagged 1 and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase quinone 1 are also dependent on JDP2 for full expression. Taken together, these results suggest that JDP2 is an integral component of the Nrf2–MafK complex and that it modulates antioxidant and detoxification programs by acting via the ARE.
Ecological succession among iron-oxidizing bacteria
Authors: Fleming Emily J , Cetinić Ivona , Chan Clara S , King D Whitney , Emerson David
Published: November 2013

Despite over 125 years of study, the factors that dictate species dominance in neutrophilic iron-oxidizing bacterial (FeOB) communities remain unknown. In a freshwater wetland, we documented a clear ecological succession coupled with niche separation between the helical stalk-forming Gallionellales (for example, Gallionella ferruginea) and tubular sheath-forming Leptothrix ochracea. Changes in the iron-seep community were documented using microscopy and cultivation-independent methods. Quantification of Fe-oxyhydroxide morphotypes by light microscopy was coupled with species-specific fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) probes using a protocol that minimized background fluorescence caused by the Fe-oxyhydroxides. Together with scanning electron microscopy, these techniques all indicated that Gallionellales dominated during early spring, with L. ochracea becoming more abundant for the remainder of the year. Analysis of tagged pyrosequencing reads of the small subunit ribosomal RNA gene (SSU rRNA) collected during seasonal progression supported a clear Gallionellales to L. ochracea transition, and community structure grouped according to observed dominant FeOB forms. Axis of redundancy analysis of physicochemical parameters collected from iron mats during the season, plotted with FeOB abundance, corroborated several field and microscopy-based observations and uncovered several unanticipated relationships. On the basis of these relationships, we conclude that the ecological niche of the stalk-forming Gallionellales is in waters with low organic carbon and steep redoxclines, and the sheath-forming L. ochracea is abundant in waters that contain high concentrations of complex organic carbon, high Fe and Mn content and gentle redoxclines. Finally, these findings identify a largely unexplored relationship between FeOB and organic carbon.
Genomic versatility and functional variation between two dominant heterotrophic symbionts of deep-sea Osedax worms
Authors: Goffredi Shana K , Yi Hana , Zhang Qingpeng , Klann Jane E , Struve Isabelle A , Vrijenhoek Robert C , Brown C Titus
Published: November 2013

An unusual symbiosis, first observed at ∼3000 m depth in the Monterey Submarine Canyon, involves gutless marine polychaetes of the genus Osedax and intracellular endosymbionts belonging to the order Oceanospirillales. Ecologically, these worms and their microbial symbionts have a substantial role in the cycling of carbon from deep-sea whale fall carcasses. Microheterogeneity exists among the Osedax symbionts examined so far, and in the present study the genomes of the two dominant symbionts, Rs1 and Rs2, were sequenced. The genomes revealed heterotrophic versatility in carbon, phosphate and iron uptake, strategies for intracellular survival, evidence for an independent existence, and numerous potential virulence capabilities. The presence of specific permeases and peptidases (of glycine, proline and hydroxyproline), and numerous peptide transporters, suggests the use of degraded proteins, likely originating from collagenous bone matter, by the Osedax symbionts. 13C tracer experiments confirmed the assimilation of glycine/proline, as well as monosaccharides, by Osedax. The Rs1 and Rs2 symbionts are genomically distinct in carbon and sulfur metabolism, respiration, and cell wall composition, among others. Differences between Rs1 and Rs2 and phylogenetic analysis of chemotaxis-related genes within individuals of symbiont Rs1 revealed the influence of the relative age of the whale fall environment and support possible local niche adaptation of ‘free-living’ lifestages. Future genomic examinations of other horizontally-propogated intracellular symbionts will likely enhance our understanding of the contribution of intraspecific symbiont diversity to the ecological diversification of the intact association, as well as the maintenance of host diversity.
к Opioids inhibit tumor angiogenesis by suppressing VEGF signaling
Authors: Yamamizu Kohei , Furuta Sadayoshi , Hamada Yusuke , Yamashita Akira , Kuzumaki Naoko , Narita Michiko , Doi Kento , Katayama Shiori , Nagase Hiroshi , Yamashita Jun K. , Narita Minoru
Published: November 2013

Opioids are effective analgesics for the management of moderate to severe cancer pain. Here we show that κ opioid receptor (KOR) agonists act as anti-angiogenic factors in tumors. Treatment with KOR agonists, U50,488H and TRK820, significantly inhibited human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) migration and tube formation by suppressing VEGFR2 expression. In contrast, treatment with a μ opioid receptor agonist, DAMGO, or a δ opioid receptor agonist, SNC80, did not prevent angiogenesis in HUVECs. Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) or B16 melanoma grafted in KOR knockout mice showed increased proliferation and remarkably enhanced tumor angiogenesis compared with those in wild type mice. On the other hand, repeated intraperitoneal injection of TRK820 (0.1–10 μg/kg, b.i.d.) significantly inhibited tumor growth by suppressing tumor angiogenesis. These findings indicate that KOR agonists play an important role in tumor angiogenesis and this knowledge could lead to a novel strategy for cancer therapy.
Fundamental properties of a non-destructive atmospheric-pressure plasma jet in argon or helium and its first application as an ambient desorption/ionization source for high-resolution mass spectrometry
Authors: Iwai Takahiro , Albert Anastasia , Okumura Kensuke , Miyahara Hidekazu , Okino Akitoshi , Engelhard Carsten
Published: November 2013

An atmospheric damage-free multi-gas plasma jet was investigated and used as an ionization source.
Ab
initio assessment of graphene nanoribbons reactivity for molecule adsorption and conductance modulation: nitrogen dioxide nanosensor
Authors: Paulla Kirti K. , Hassan Ahmed J. , Knick Cory R. , Farajian Amir A.
Published: November 2013

Reactivity of graphene nanoribbons is quantitatively assessed and their nanoelectronic-based nanosensor functionality for detecting extremely low gas concentrations is demonstrated.
Constellation expansion‐based sidelobe suppression for cognitive radio systems
Authors: Liu Shuhua , Li Yongzhao , Zhang Hailin , Liu Yi
Published: November 2013

In the scenario of dynamic spectrum access application for orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM)‐based cognitive radio systems, the out‐of‐band radiation of the OFDM signals must be strictly controlled to protect licensed users in the adjacent band. This study proposes a constellation expansion‐based scheme for suppressing the sidelobes. The proposed approach can provide much faster decaying sidelobes by remapping the adjacent symbols in the original sequence with preferred mapping or alternative mapping chosen from a higher constellation set. Moreover, a simple clipping technique, which has little effect on the sidelobe suppression, is used for peak‐to‐average power ratio reduction of the proposed system. At the receiver, the specific associations in the mapping can be used to correct decision errors. Simulation results show that our proposed scheme can effectively reduce sidelobe power levels with only a slight bit error rate performance degradation.
Cluster synchronisation of non‐linearly coupled Lur'e networks with identical and non‐identical nodes and an asymmetrical coupling matrix
Authors: Feng Jianwen , Tang Ze , Zhao Yi , Xu Chen
Published: November 2013

In this study, the cluster synchronisation problem of Lur'e networks is focused with non‐linear coupling. There are both identical and non‐identical nodes in the dynamical system and the coupling matrix is asymmetrical. By using the linear and non‐linear negative feedback control schemes, the Lyapunov stability theorem and linear matrix inequality, sufficient conditions are obtained that guarantee the realisation of the cluster synchronisation pattern for all initial values. Numerical simulation results are also given to support the validity of the main results.
Enhanced discrete‐time sliding mode strategy with application to piezoelectric actuator control
Authors: Xu Qingsong
Published: November 2013

This study presents a new discrete‐time sliding mode control (DSMC) scheme with applications to precise motion control of piezoelectric actuators. Different from existing DSMC algorithms whose implementations rely on the construction of state observers for providing the state feedback, a simple yet effective DSMC strategy is developed based on a discrete‐time model without using the state observer. Hence, one distinctive feature of the proposed DSMC lies in that it is very easy to implement. Only a second‐order plant model is needed whereas the modelling of piezoelectric non‐linearities is not required, which further simplifies the practical implementation process. The local stability of the closed‐loop system is proved in theory and the effectiveness of the DSMC is demonstrated by several experimental studies. Results show that the DSMC strategy is superior to proportional‐integral‐derivative control in terms of transient response speed, positioning accuracy and robustness against external disturbances. The reported method can be extended for precise motion control of other second‐order systems as well.
Some simple criteria for pinning a Lur'e network with directed topology
Authors: Song Qiang , Liu Fang , Cao Jinde , Lu Jianquan
Published: November 2013

This study considers the pinning synchronisation in a network of coupled Lur'e dynamical systems under directed topology. By using tools from M ‐matrix theory, S ‐procedure and Lyapunov functional method, some simple pinning criteria in terms of linear matrix inequalities, whose dimensions are just determined by the size of a single Lur'e node, are derived for Lur'e networks with fixed and designed inner coupling matrices, respectively. A selective pinning scheme is proposed for a directed Lur'e network such that the network can be globally asymptotically pinned to a homogeneous state. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis.
Stability of discrete‐time delay Markovian jump systems with stochastic non‐linearity and impulses
Authors: Zhang Yu
Published: November 2013

The purpose of this study is to investigate the stability for a class of discrete‐time delay Markovian jump systems with stochastic non‐linearity and impulses. By using stochastic Lyapunov functionals, some new results are given. Impulse effects on the stability of the systems are revealed. Some examples together with their simulations are also presented to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed results.