bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase transformation of dental zirconia following artificial aging
Authors: Lucas Thomas J. , Lawson Nathaniel C. , Janowski Gregg M. , Burgess John O.
Published: December 2014

Aims

Low‐temperature degradation (LTD) of yttria‐stabilized zirconia can produce increased surface roughness with a concomitant decrease in strength. This study determined the effectiveness of artificial aging (prolonged boiling/autoclaving) to induce LTD of Y‐TZP (yttria‐tetragonal zirconia‐polycrystals) and used artificial aging for transformation depth progression analyses. The null hypothesis is aging techniques tested produce the same amount of transformation, transformation is not time/temperature dependent and LTD causes a constant transformation throughout the Y‐TZP samples.

Methods

Dental‐grade Y‐TZP samples were randomly divided into nine subgroups (n = 5): as received, 3.5 and 7 day boiling, 1 bar autoclave (1, 3, 5 h), and 2 bar autoclave (1, 3, 5 h). A 4‐h boil treatment (n = 2) was performed post‐experiment for completion of data. Transformation was measured using traditional X‐ray diffraction and low‐angle X‐ray diffraction.

Results

The fraction of t → m transformation increased with aging time. The 3.5 day boil and 2 bar 5 h autoclave produced similar transformation results, while the 7 day boiling treatment revealed the greatest transformation. The surface layer of the aged specimen underwent the most transformation while all samples displayed decreasing transformation with depth.

Significance

Surface transformation was evident, which can lead to rougher surfaces and increased wear of opposing dentition/materials. Therefore, wear studies addressing LTD of Y‐TZP are needed utilizing accelerated aging. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part B: Appl Biomater, 103B: 1519–1523, 2015.
MRI of cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Jhaveri Kartik S. , Hosseini‐Nik Hooman
Published: December 2014

Cholangiocarcinomas are the second most common primary hepatobiliary tumors after hepatocellular carcinomas. They can be categorized either based on their location (intrahepatic/perihilar/extrahepatic distal) or their growth characteristics (mass‐forming/periductal‐infiltrating/intraductal) because they exhibit varied presentations and outcomes based on their location and or pattern of growth. The increased risk of cholangiocarcinoma in PSC necessitates close surveillance of these patients by means of imaging and laboratory measures; and because currently surgical resection is the only effective treatment for cholangiocarcinoma, the need for accurate pre‐operative staging and assessment of resectability has emphasized the role of high quality imaging in management. Today magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the modality of choice for detection, pre‐operative staging and surveillance of cholangiocarcinoma. J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2015;42:1165–1179.
Coenzyme Q10 and spinocerebellar ataxias
Authors: Lo Raymond Y. , Figueroa Karla P. , Pulst Stefan M. , Lin Chi‐Ying , Perlman Susan , Wilmot George , Gomez Christopher , Schmahmann Jeremy , Paulson Henry , Shakkottai Vikram G. , Ying Sarah , Zesiewicz Theresa , Bushara Khalaf , Geschwind Michael , Xia Guangbin , Subramony S.H. , Ashizawa Tetsuo , Kuo Sheng‐Han
Published: December 2014

The aim of this study was to investigate the association between drug exposure and disease severity in SCA types 1, 2, 3 and 6. The Clinical Research Consortium for Spinocerebellar Ataxias (CRC‐SCA) enrolled 319 participants with SCA1, 2, 3, and 6 from 12 medical centers in the United States and repeatedly measured clinical severity by the Scale for Assessment and Rating of Ataxia (SARA), the Unified Huntington's Disease Rating Scale part IV (UHDRS‐IV), and the 9‐item Patient Health Questionnaire during July 2009 to May 2012. We employed generalized estimating equations in regression models to study the longitudinal effects of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), statin, and vitamin E on clinical severity of ataxia after adjusting for age, sex, and pathological CAG repeat number. Cross‐sectionally, exposure to CoQ10 was associated with lower SARA and higher UHDRS‐IV scores in SCA1 and 3. No association was found between statins, vitamin E, and clinical outcome. Longitudinally, CoQ10, statins, and vitamin E did not change the rates of clinical deterioration indexed by SARA and UHDRS‐IV scores within 2 years. CoQ10 is associated with better clinical outcome in SCA1 and 3. These drug exposures did not appear to influence clinical progression within 2 years. Further studies are warranted to confirm the association. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Global dynamics of a delayed predator–prey model with stage structure for the predator and the prey
Authors: Wang Lingshu , Feng Guanghui
Published: December 2014

A delayed predator–prey system with Holling type II functional response and stage structure for both the predator and the prey is investigated. By analyzing the corresponding characteristic equations, the local stability of each feasible equilibrium of the system is discussed, and the existence of a Hopf bifurcation at the coexistence equilibrium is established. By means of the persistence theory for infinite dimensional systems, it is proven that the system is permanent if the coexistence equilibrium exists. By using suitable Lyapunov functions and the LaSalle invariant principle, it is shown that the trivial equilibrium is globally stable when both the predator–extinction equilibrium and the coexistence equilibrium do not exist, and that the predator–extinction equilibrium is globally stable when the coexistence equilibrium does not exist. Further, sufficient conditions are obtained for the global stability of the coexistence equilibrium. Numerical simulations are carried out to illustrate the main theoretical results. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
First‐order and second‐order sensitivity analyses for a body with a thin rigid inclusion
Authors: Rudoy Evgeny M.
Published: December 2014

The paper deals with the two‐dimensional problem of the elastic equilibrium of a body containing a thin rigid inclusion. The rigid inclusion is considered to be soldered into elastic medium. The volume forces act on the body; at the external boundary the body is fixed. The first and second variations of the solution with respect to the shape of the domain are calculated. As an illustrative application of the results, the optimal shape design problem is considered. The necessary and sufficient conditions for local optimality are written. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Statistical methods for meta‐analyses including information from studies without any events—add nothing to nothing and succeed nevertheless
Authors: Kuss O.
Published: December 2014

Meta‐analyses with rare events, especially those that include studies with no event in one (‘single‐zero’) or even both (‘double‐zero’) treatment arms, are still a statistical challenge. In the case of double‐zero studies, researchers in general delete these studies or use continuity corrections to avoid them. A number of arguments against both options has been given, and statistical methods that use the information from double‐zero studies without using continuity corrections have been proposed. In this paper, we collect them and compare them by simulation. This simulation study tries to mirror real‐life situations as completely as possible by deriving true underlying parameters from empirical data on actually performed meta‐analyses. It is shown that for each of the commonly encountered effect estimators valid statistical methods are available that use the information from double‐zero studies without using continuity corrections. Interestingly, all of them are truly random effects models, and so also the current standard method for very sparse data as recommended from the Cochrane collaboration, the Yusuf–Peto odds ratio, can be improved on. For actual analysis, we recommend to use beta‐binomial regression methods to arrive at summary estimates for the odds ratio, the relative risk, or the risk difference. Methods that ignore information from double‐zero studies or use continuity corrections should no longer be used. We illustrate the situation with an example where the original analysis ignores 35 double‐zero studies, and a superior analysis discovers a clinically relevant advantage of off‐pump surgery in coronary artery bypass grafting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reducing execution profiles: techniques and benefits
Authors: Farjo Joan , Assi Rawad Abou , Masri Wes
Published: December 2014

The interest in leveraging data mining and statistical techniques to enable dynamic program analysis has increased tremendously in recent years. Researchers have presented numerous techniques that mine and analyze execution profiles to assist software testing and other reliability enhancing approaches. Previous empirical studies have shown that the effectiveness of such techniques is likely to be impacted by the type of profiled program elements. This work further studies the impact of the characteristics of execution profiles by focusing on their size; noting that a typical profile comprises a large number of program elements, in the order of thousands or higher. Specifically, the authors devised six reduction techniques and comparatively evaluated them by measuring the following: (1) reduction rate; (2) information loss; (3) impact on two applications of dynamic program analysis, namely, cluster‐based test suite minimization (App‐I), and profile‐based online failure and intrusion detection (App‐II). The results were promising as the following: (a) the average reduction rate ranged from 92% to 98%; (b) three techniques were lossless and three were slightly lossy; (c) reducing execution profiles exhibited a major positive impact on the effectiveness and efficiency of App‐I; and (d) reduction exhibited a positive impact on the efficiency of App‐II, but a minor negative impact on its effectiveness. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Preparation and characterization of polypyrrole nanocomposites by using various surfactants and Fe2O3 nanoparticles in aqueous media
Authors: Ahmad Seyed , Gangaraj Barari , Eisazadeh Hossein , Sadeghi Ebrahim
Published: December 2014

Polypyrrole and its nanocomposites were obtained by chemical polymerization by using anhydrous ferric chloride as an oxidant in the presence of dodecylbenzensulfonate and poly(vinyl alchohol) as surfactants and iron (III) oxide nanoparticles in aqueous media. The products were characterized, such as morphology, chemical structure, and crystalline nature, by using analysis by scanning electron microscope, Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry, and X‐ray diffraction. The results indicated that sodium dodecylbenzene‐sulfonate, poly(vinyl alcohol), and Fe2O3 nanoparticles influenced the properties of products. Scanning electron microscope analysis results indicated that when additives were added to the pyrrole matrix, the size of the product decreased and homogeneity increased. Fourier‐transform infrared spectrometry confirmed that nanocomposites formed in the presence of surfactant. X‐ray diffraction pattern analysis confirmed the presence of Fe2O3 nanoparticles in the nanocomposite matrix. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 22:362–367, 2016. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Siklos waves with torsion in 3D
Authors: Blagojević M. , Cvetković B.
Published: December 2014

Abstract

Starting from the Siklos waves in general relativity with a cosmological constant, interpreted as gravitational waves on the anti-de Sitter background, a new class of exact torsion waves is constructed in the framework of three-dimensional gravity with propagating torsion. In the asymptotic limit, the geometry of torsion waves takes the anti-de Sitter form. In the sector with massless torsion modes, we found a set of asymptotic conditions that leads to the conformal asymptotic symmetry.
A gravitational wave background from the decay of the standard model Higgs after inflation
Authors: Figueroa Daniel G.
Published: December 2014

Abstract

The stability of the Standard Model (SM) at high energies implies that the SM Higgs forms a condensate during inflation, which starts oscillating soon after the inflationary stage ends. This causes the Higgs to decay very fast, via non-perturbative effects, into all the SM fields coupled directly to it. The excited species act as a source of gravitational waves (GWs), and as a result, all Yukawa and SU(2)L gauge couplings of the SM are imprinted as features in the GW spectrum. In practice, the signal is dominated by the most strongly interacting species, rendering the information on the other species inaccessible. To detect this background new high frequency GW detection technology is required, beyond that of currently planned detectors. If detected, this signal could be used for measuring properties of high-energy particle physics, including beyond the SM scenarios.
The Underestimated Risk of Cancer in Patients with Multinodular Goiters After a Benign Fine Needle Aspiration
Authors: Campbell Michael J. , Seib Carolyn D. , Candell Leah , Gosnell Jessica E. , Duh Quan‐Yang , Clark Orlo H. , Shen Wen T.
Published: December 2014

Importance

Ultrasound‐guided fine needle aspiration (FNA) is an excellent tool for evaluating patients with solitary thyroid nodules, with a false‐negative malignancy rate of <3 %. The utility of FNA in patients with a cervical multinodular goiter (MNG) is unknown, because biopsy and surveillance of thyroids with numerous nodules may be impractical.

Objective

To evaluate the incidence and risk factors for unsuspected thyroid cancer on final pathology in patients with a non‐functional, cervical MNG who had a benign preoperative FNA and underwent thyroidectomy.

Design, setting and participants

Retrospective review of patients with non‐functional, cervical MNG at a high‐volume tertiary referral center between 2005 and 2012.

Main outcome measure(s)

Incidence of thyroid cancer on surgical pathology.

Results

Of the 134 patients included in the study, 31 (23.1 %) were found to have thyroid cancer on final pathology. Twenty‐one (15.7 %) patients had a microscopic papillary cancer (<1 cm) and 10 (7.5 %) patients had other forms of thyroid cancer [five follicular, four papillary (>1 cm), and one patient with a papillary and follicular cancer]. On univariate analysis, male gender had a near‐significant association with non‐micropapillary thyroid cancer (p = 0.06). On multivariate analysis, male gender (OR = 10.2, 95 % CI 1.35–76.8) and FNA cytology not reviewed at our institution (OR = 6.0, 95 % CI 1.2–30) were independently associated with non‐micropapillary thyroid cancer.

Conclusions and relevance

The incidence of thyroid cancer in patients with MNG and benign FNA is significant. Men and patients in whom the FNA cytology is not reviewed by an experienced cytopathologist may be at an increased risk for an undetected thyroid cancer.
A comparison of Video‐Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery with Open Thoracotomy for the Management of Chest Trauma: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Na , Wu Long , Qiu Chongying , Yu Zubin , Xiang Ying , Wang Minghao , Jiang Jun , Li Yafei
Published: December 2014

Background

This study aimed to systematically review and compare the perioperative outcomes of video‐assisted thoracoscopy (VATS) with open thoracotomy for chest trauma patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials and cohort studies comparing the perioperative outcomes of VATS with open thoracotomy for chest trauma patients. Clinical endpoints included postoperative complications, perioperative mortality rate, chest tube drainage volume, duration of tube drainage, duration of hospitalization, operation time, and amount of bleeding and transfusion volume in operation. A subgroup analysis was performed to explore the potential source of heterogeneity.

Results

Twenty‐six studies were included. Pooled analyses showed significant reductions in the incidence of postoperative complications (risk ratio [RR] [95 % confidence interval (CI)], 0.47 [0.35, 0.64]), chest tube drainage volume (mean difference [MD] [95 % CI], −146.88 ml [−196.04, −97.72]), duration of tube drainage (MD, −1.71 days; 95 % CI −2.16 to −1.26), duration of hospitalization (MD, −4.67 days; 95 % CI −5.19 to−4.14), operation time (MD, −41.18 min; 95 % CI −52.85 to −29.51), and amount of bleeding (MD, −119.10 ml; 95 % CI −147.28 to −90.92) and transfusion volume (MD, −379.51 ml; 95 % CI −521.24 to−237.77) in chest trauma patients treated with VATS compared with open thoracotomy. The perioperative mortality rate was not significantly different between patients received VATS and open thoracotomy (RR, 0.52; 95 % CI 0.22–1.21).

Conclusions

Compared to open thoracotomy, VATS is an effective and even better treatment for improving perioperative outcomes of hemodynamically stable patients with chest trauma and reduce the complications. However, caution should also be exercised in certain clinical scenarios.
Surgical Care in Liberia and Implications for Capacity Building
Authors: Chao Tiffany E. , Patel Pratik B. , Kikubaire Michael , Niescierenko Michelle , Hagander Lars , Meara John G.
Published: December 2014

Background

Situational needs of health care facilities inform the optimal allocation of resources and quality improvement efforts. This study examines surgical care delivery metrics at a tertiary care institution in Liberia.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed operative and ward logbooks from January 1 to December 31, 2012. Data parameters included patients’ age, diagnosis, procedure, mortality, and perioperative provider information.

Results

In 2012, 1,036 operations were performed. The breakdown of adult surgical cases reveals 452 (45.1 %) general surgery operations, 192 (18.5 %) orthopedic operations, and 180 (17.4 %) ophthalmic operations. Other significant case volume included urologic 53 (5.1 %), ENT 36 (3.5 %), neurosurgical 31 (3.0 %), vascular 24 (2.3 %), and plastic 14 (1.4 %) operations. Pediatric patients accounted for 24.5 % (243) of surgical cases, and 9 % of pediatric surgical cases were for hydrocephalus. General, spinal, and total intravenous anesthesia was provided by non‐physician personnel, except when surgeons provided their own anesthesia. Ward logs documented 7.4 % mortality among all patients admitted to the surgical ward, most of which occurred after exploratory laparotomy (44 %), in burn (14 %) patients, and in patients with head/neck emergencies (12 %).

Conclusions

This operative log review can be used to identify surgical practice patterns, needs, and deficits in order to inform the growth of surgical capacity at Liberia’s only tertiary medical institution. Using this data to identify critical areas of high‐yield operations (e.g., for pediatric hydrocephalus), or excessively high mortality rates (e.g., in burn care), can focus the direction of limited resources toward areas of need. While the heavy reliance on non‐consultant surgeons reflects human capacity shortages and a pressing need for postgraduate training programs, identifying the breadth of surgical expertise demonstrated in these operative logs reveals the proficiencies required of surgeons to provide comprehensive surgical care in this setting.
Transcervical, intrauterine ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation of uterine fibroids with the VizAblate® System: three- and six-month endpoint results from the FAST-EU study
Authors: Bongers Marlies , Brölmann Hans , Gupta Janesh , Garza-Leal José Gerardo , Toub David
Published: December 2014

This was a prospective, longitudinal, multicenter, single-arm controlled trial, using independent core laboratory validation of MRI results, to establish the effectiveness and confirm the safety of the VizAblate® System in the treatment of symptomatic uterine fibroids. The VizAblate System is a transcervical device that ablates fibroids with radiofrequency energy, guided by a built-in intrauterine ultrasound probe. Fifty consecutive women with symptomatic uterine fibroids received treatment with the VizAblate System. Patients had a minimum Menstrual Pictogram score of 120, no desire for fertility, and met additional inclusion and exclusion criteria. The VizAblate System was inserted transcervically and individual fibroids were ablated with radiofrequency energy. An integrated intrauterine ultrasound probe was used for fibroid imaging and targeting. Anesthesia was at the discretion of each investigator. The primary study endpoint was the percentage change in perfused fibroid volume, as assessed by contrast-enhanced MRI at 3 months. Secondary endpoints, reached at 6 months, included safety, percentage reductions in the Menstrual Pictogram (MP) score and the Symptom Severity Score (SSS) subscale of the Uterine Fibroid Symptom-Quality of Life questionnaire (UFS-QOL), along with the rate of surgical reintervention for abnormal uterine bleeding and the mean number of days to return to normal activity. Additional assessments included the Health-Related Quality of Life (HRQOL) subscale of the UFS-QOL, medical reintervention for abnormal uterine bleeding, and procedure times. Fifty patients were treated, representing 92 fibroids. Perfused fibroid volumes were reduced at 3 months by an average of 68.8 ± 27.8 % (P < 0.0001; Wilcoxon signed-rank test). At 6 months, mean MP and SSS scores decreased by 60.8 ± 38.2 and 59.7 ± 30.4 %, respectively; the mean HRQOL score increased by 263 ± 468 %. There were two serious adverse events (overnight admissions for abdominal pain and bradycardia, respectively) and no surgical reinterventions. These 6-month results suggest that the VizAblate System is safe and effective in providing relief of abnormal uterine bleeding associated with fibroids, with appropriate safety and a low reintervention rate.
Time for member state-led strategic partnerships
Authors: Stafford Timothy
Published: December 2014

Europe needs to revise its focus on partnerships in the wake of the political turmoil in Ukraine and the end of combat operations in Afghanistan. Doing so will require a root and branch review of existing approaches alongside internal European debates. In particular, Europe needs to prepare itself for an era in which its key partners will be non-European states. By renewing and strengthening ties with long-standing, enthusiastic, necessary and unavoidable partners, Europe can maintain peace and security within its theatre. However, Europe will be most successful in this regard if it devolves responsibility for key strategic partnerships to individual member states.
Prevalence of heavy menstrual bleeding and experiences of affected women in a European patient survey
Authors: Fraser Ian S. , Mansour Diana , Breymann Christian , Hoffman Camille , Mezzacasa Anna , Petraglia Felice
Published: December 2014

Objective

To examine the prevalence and impact of heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) among women in Europe, and their experience of HMB assessment and management.

Methods

An internet‐based survey was conducted among women (aged 18–57 years) in five European countries between January and February 2012. The prevalence of HMB among the general population was determined in a short survey, and women who had been diagnosed with HMB were then asked to complete an extended survey about their diagnosis and symptoms.

Results

Overall, 4506 women responded, of whom 1225 (27.2%) had experienced two or more predefined HMB symptoms within the previous year. Of these women, 564 (46.0%) had never consulted a physician. Among 330 women who completed the detailed survey, 208 (63.0%) had ever been diagnosed with iron deficiency or iron‐deficiency anemia. Symptoms associated with iron deficiency were used to help confirm a diagnosis in 83 (39.9%) women. Only 152 (46.1%) of the 330 patients with confirmed HMB had received prescription medication for iron deficiency.

Conclusion

Many women affected by HMB do not seek medical help, and few of those who do consult physicians report that they have received appropriate treatment. HMB continues to be underdiagnosed and poorly treated.
A Unified Wall-Boundary Condition for the Lattice Boltzmann Method and its Application to Force Evaluation
Authors: Lin S.-Y. , Chin Y.-H. , Yang F.-L. , Lin J.-F. , Hu J.-J. , Chen C.-S. , Hsieh S.-H.
Published: December 2014

A unified wall-boundary condition for the pressure-based lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) is proposed. The present approach is developed from the direct-forcing technique in the immersed boundary method and is derived from the equilibrium pressure distribution function. The proposed method can handle many kinds of wall boundaries, such as fixed wall and moving wall boundaries, in the same way. It is found that the new method has the following advantages: (1) simple in concept and easy to implement, (2) higher-order accuracy, (3) mass conservation, and (4) a stable and good convergence rate. Based on this wall-boundary condition, if a solid wall is immersed in a fluid, then by applying Gauss's theorem, the formulas for computing the force and torque acting on the solid wall from fluid flow are derived from the volume integrals over the solid volume instead of from the surface integrals over the solid surface. Based on the pressure-based LBM, inlet and outlet boundary conditions are also proposed. The order of accuracy of the proposed boundary condition is demonstrated with the errors of the velocity field, wall stress, and gradients of velocity and pressure. The steady flow past a circular cylinder is simulated to demonstrate the efficiency and capabilities of the proposed unified method.
Distributed Dislocation Method for Determining Elastic Fields of 2D and 3D Volume Misfit Particles in Infinite Space and Extension of the Method for Particles in Half Space
Authors: Lerma J. D. , Khraishi T. , Kataria S. , Shen Y.-L.
Published: December 2014

A multitude of researchers have utilized a variety of techniques to formulate the stresses and deformations caused by volume misfit inclusions in infinite host media. Few of such techniques can also be extended to derive solutions for inclusions in a half space. In this manuscript we present a novel computational method for determining the elastic fields of two and three-dimensional inclusions of arbitrary shape in an infinite host matrix. The misfit strain is treated by a distribution of prismatic dislocation loops. A systematic numerical assessment illustrates that the discretization can yield excellent agreement with existing analytical solutions for certain particle geometries. This method is then further developed to solve for two-dimensional problems in a half space.
Organizational justice of work–life balance for professional/managerial group and non-professional group in Australia: Creation of inclusive and fair organizations
Authors: Fujimoto Yuka , Azmat Fara
Published: December 2014

This study quantitatively and qualitatively examines perceptions of organizational justice among 227 professionals/managers and 210 non-professional full-time employees across Australia in relation to their work–life balance. Findings confirm that the professional/managerial groups perceive higher levels of organizational justice than the non-professional group in all work–life balance/justice dimensions (procedural, distributive, interpersonal and informational), demonstrating the pervasive power status differences between different occupational groups. This study underlines the importance of justice-based work–life balance efforts for all occupational groups to create more inclusive and fair organizations. We conclude with policy implications and directions for future research.
The effect of long term under- and over-feeding on the expression of genes related to lipid metabolism in mammary tissue of sheep
Authors: Tsiplakou Eleni , Flemetakis Emmanouil , Kouri Evangelia-Diamanto , Sotirakoglou Kyriaki , Zervas George
Published: December 2014

Milk fatty acid (FA) synthesis by the mammary gland involves expression of a large number of genes whose nutritional regulation remains poorly defined. In this study, we examined the effect of long-term under- and over-feeding on the expression of genes (acetyl Co A carboxylase, ACC; fatty acid synthetase, FAS; lipoprotein lipase, LPL; stearoyl Co A desaturase, SCD; peroxisome proliferator activated receptor γ2, PPARγ2; sterol regulatory element binding protein-1, SREBP-1c; and hormone sensitive lipase, HSL) related to FA metabolism in sheep mammary tissue (MT). Twenty-four lactating sheep were divided into three homogenous sub-groups and fed the same ration in quantities covering 70% (underfeeding), 100% (control) and 130% (overfeeding) of their energy and crude protein requirements. The results showed a significant reduction of mRNA of ACC, FAS, LPL and SCD in the MT of underfed sheep, and a significant increase on the mRNA of LPL and SREBP-1c in the MT of overfed compared with the control respectively. In conclusion, the negative, compared to positive, energy balance in sheep down-regulates ACC, FAS, LPL, SCD, SREBP-1c and PPARγ2 expression in their MT which indicates that the decrease in nutrient availability may lead to lower rates of lipid synthesis.
Parasitic isopods associated with sea turtles nesting in Brazil
Authors: Rocha Júnior José C. , Pfaller Joseph B. , Corbetta Ricardo , Veríssimo Luciana
Published: December 2014

Studies of sea turtle epibiosis have focused on the diversity and ecology of facultative commensalisms and less attention has been given to parasitic associations, in which the epibiont species derives nutrients from the tissue of the host turtle. We present the first description and quantitative survey of the parasitic isopods Excorallana costata, Excorallana bicornis and Excorallana oculata on loggerhead (N = 79) and hawksbill turtles (N = 23), and E. costata on olive ridley turtles (N = 9), nesting on Praia do Forte, Bahia, Brazil during the 2009–2010 season. Excorallana costata was the most common isopod species (N = 651), followed by E. bicornis (N = 77) and E. oculata (N = 20). Patterns include: (1) E. costata exhibited a higher frequency and intensity of parasitism than E. bicornis and E. oculata and (2) loggerheads hosted parasitic isopods at a higher frequency and intensity than hawksbills and olive ridleys. We also detected temporal shifts in the occurrence and intensity of parasitism across the nesting season, which strongly suggests that turtles were parasitized by all three isopod species during their internesting periods. Because parasitic isopods were observed only rarely prior to the 2009–2010 turtle-nesting season and have continued to be common in subsequent seasons, it is important to gain a better understanding of the basic biology of these interactions, the reasons for their recent emergence, and the potential biological impacts on turtle, as well as isopod, populations.
Narrating Brunei: Travelling histories of Brunei Indians
Authors: MENON SRIDEVI
Published: December 2014

Between the late 1950s and the 1960s, a significant community of Indians appeared in Seria, an oil town in Brunei. Most of these Indians were recruited from India by the British Malayan Petroleum Company to staff its company offices in the wake of the rehabilitation of the Seria oilfields after the end of the Japanese occupation of Borneo. However, in official hagiographies of the Sultanate and historical accounts of Brunei, the Indians of Seria are invisible. Juxtaposed against this silence in the historical record, I pose the narrative agency of these Indians in asserting their place in the emergence of the modern state of Brunei and in historicizing their presence in a frontier oil town in Borneo. This article is based on extensive fieldwork in India, where most of these Indians retired to after decades of expatriate life in Brunei. Recalling their work and youth in Seria, they collectively claim an ‘origin’ in Seria while improvising a Brunei-Indian diaspora in India through their shared memories. In the absence of an archival record for the Indians in Seria, this article seeks to affirm the historical value of story-telling and diasporic remembering in recording a partisan genealogy of migration and settlement.
Framing scandalous nursing home care: what is the problem?
Authors: JÖNSON HÅKAN
Published: December 2014

The aim of this article is to investigate different ways in which nursing home scandals in Sweden have been framed, to discuss the relations between these existing frameworks, and to identify ways of describing the problem that are absent in the current debates. Data for the study consisted of media articles, television documentaries and internet debates, expert reports and court hearings, and interviews with representatives of organisations dealing with the issue of mistreatment in care services for older people. An analytical tool developed within social movement research was used to identify three ‘debates’ on such mistreatment in Sweden, where competing ways of framing the problem have been used: (a) a debate where staff are cast as either perpetrators or victims, (b) a debate on privatisation and profit as the motive for neglect of care recipients, and (c) a debate on deserving and non-deserving recipients of socially provided care centred around populist claims. The analysis highlights a need to introduce an alternative frame for interpretation where mistreatment in care for older people is regarded as involving scandalous cases of ageism. This anti-ageism frame would provide older people with a lead role in the drama – not just as victims but as stakeholders in relation to the problem.
The circulation of children in rural Ireland during the first half of the twentieth century
Authors: GRAY JANE
Published: December 2014

This paper analyses the interactions amongst family, household and extended kin through an examination of two ‘circulations’ of children within rural Irish communities during the first half of the twentieth century: (1) the daily journey from home to school; (2) going to live with relatives other than parents. Drawing on life-history narratives, the article develops a new perspective on the stem-family system in Ireland by showing how ‘incomplete’ family households formed integral parts of local kinship circles and were deeply engaged in the everyday lives of ‘complete’ family households, including the promotion of extended family survival and social mobility.
Metrical Diophantine approximation for quaternions
Authors: DODSON MAURICE , EVERITT BRENT
Published: December 2014

Analogues of the classical theorems of Khintchine, Jarník and Jarník-Besicovitch in the metrical theory of Diophantine approximation are established for quaternions by applying results on the measure of general ‘lim sup’ sets.
Analyticity of solutions for quasilinear wave equations and other quasilinear systems
Authors: Kuksin Sergei , Nadirashvili Nikolai
Published: December 2014

We prove the persistence of analyticity for classical solutions of the Cauchy problem for quasilinear wave equations with analytic data. Our results show that the analyticity of solutions, stated by the Cauchy–Kowalewski and Ovsiannikov–Nirenberg theorems, lasts until a classical solution exists. Moreover, they show that if the equation and the Cauchy data are analytic only in a part of the space variables, then a classical solution is also analytic in these variables. The approach applies to other quasilinear equations and implies the persistence of the space analyticity (and the partial space analyticity) of their classical solutions.
King Herod in Ardashir's Court: The Rabbinic Story of Herod (B. Bava Batra 3b–4a) in Light of Persian Sources
Authors: Rubenstein Jeffrey L.
Published: December 2014

The Bavli's story of Herod's rise to power, murder of the Hasmonean family and of the rabbis, encounter with Bava b. Buta, and construction of the temple, found at Bava Batra 3b-4a, has long puzzled scholars. Many aspects of this story diverge from Josephus's account, our main source for historical knowledge of Herod's life and deeds. This paper argues that the storyteller has been influenced by Persian sources from the Sasanian period. Important elements of the Bavli story were modeled on the account of the rise of Ardashir, founder of the Sasanian dynasty, as recounted in a Sasanian text known as theKarnamag i Ardashir i Pabagan, “The Book of the Deeds of Ardashir son of Pabag.” The rabbis understood the transition from the Hasmonean to Herodian dynasties through the prism of the transition from the Parthian to Sasanian dynasties. They identified Herod with Ardashir, and constructed a story of Herod's usurpation and rise to power on the basis of Ardashir's usurpation and rise to power as recounted in Sasanian sources.
Salo Baron on Emancipation
Authors: Sorkin David
Published: December 2014

Throughout his career Salo Baron wrote about emancipation. In his scholarship on the modern period, it was perhaps the subject that concerned him most and, not surprisingly, he offered the most geographically comprehensive and conceptually inclusive understanding of emancipation of all his contemporaries. Baron freed himself from theparti prispositions of both emancipationist and nationalist historians, as well as other ideologically constrained, often mono-causal explanations.
Revisiting Baron's “Lachrymose Conception”: The Meanings of Violence in Jewish History
Authors: Teller Adam
Published: December 2014

In a paper entitled, “Newer Emphases in Jewish History,” published in 1963, Salo Baron wrote: “All my life I have been struggling against the hitherto dominant “lachrymose conception of Jewish history” … because I have felt that an overemphasis on Jewish sufferings distorted the total picture of the Jewish historic evolution….” Indeed, if one was to choose a single idea that encapsulated the legacy of Baron, perhaps the pre-eminent Jewish historian of the twentieth century, it would probably be this: Jewish history is not to be seen simply as a series of persecutions, which determined its nature and its course, but rather as a process of ongoing engagement between the Jews and their surroundings.
The impact of conventional dietary intake data coding methods on foods typically consumed by low-income African-American and White urban populations
Authors: Mason Marc A , Fanelli Kuczmarski Marie , Allegro Deanne , Zonderman Alan B , Evans Michele K
Published: December 2014

Objective

Analysing dietary data to capture how individuals typically consume foods is dependent on the coding variables used. Individual foods consumed simultaneously, like coffee with milk, are given codes to identify these combinations. Our literature review revealed a lack of discussion about using combination codes in analysis. The present study identified foods consumed at mealtimes and by race when combination codes were or were not utilized.

Design

Duplicate analysis methods were performed on separate data sets. The original data set consisted of all foods reported; each food was coded as if it was consumed individually. The revised data set was derived from the original data set by first isolating coded foods consumed as individual items from those foods consumed simultaneously and assigning a code to designate a combination. Foods assigned a combination code, like pancakes with syrup, were aggregated and associated with a food group, defined by the major food component (i.e. pancakes), and then appended to the isolated coded foods.

Setting

Healthy Aging in Neighborhoods of Diversity across the Life Span study.

Subjects

African-American and White adults with two dietary recalls (n 2177).

Results

Differences existed in lists of foods most frequently consumed by mealtime and race when comparing results based on original and revised data sets. African Americans reported consumption of sausage/luncheon meat and poultry, while ready-to-eat cereals and cakes/doughnuts/pastries were reported by Whites on recalls.

Conclusions

Use of combination codes provided more accurate representation of how foods were consumed by populations. This information is beneficial when creating interventions and exploring diet–health relationships.
A Unifying Framework for Measuring Weighted Rich Clubs
Authors: Alstott Jeff , Panzarasa Pietro , Rubinov Mikail , Bullmore Edward T. , Vértes Petra E.
Published: December 2014

Network analysis can help uncover meaningful regularities in the organization of complex systems. Among these, rich clubs are a functionally important property of a variety of social, technological and biological networks. Rich clubs emerge when nodes that are somehow prominent or ‘rich’ (e.g., highly connected) interact preferentially with one another. The identification of rich clubs is non-trivial, especially in weighted networks and to this end multiple distinct metrics have been proposed. Here we describe a unifying framework for detecting rich clubs which intuitively generalizes various metrics into a single integrated method. This generalization rests upon the explicit incorporation of randomized control networks into the measurement process. We apply this framework to real-life examples and show that, depending on the selection of randomized controls, different kinds of rich-club structures can be detected, such as topological and weighted rich clubs.
A uniform 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid layer as a matrix for MALDI-FTICR MS-based lipidomics
Authors: Wei Yanbo , Zhang Yangyang , Lin Yu , Li Lin , Liu Jian'an , Wang Zhenpeng , Xiong Shaoxiang , Zhao Zhenwen
Published: December 2014

A very uniform 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid (DHB)–analyte co-crystal was skillfully constructed for lipidomics study by MALDI-FTICR MS.
Nanosecond photochromic molecular switching of a biphenyl-bridged imidazole dimer revealed by wide range transient absorption spectroscopy
Authors: Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Hilbers Michiel F. , Reinders Paul P. , Kobayashi Yoichi , Brouwer Albert M. , Abe Jiro
Published: December 2014

We demonstrate that a biphenyl-bridged imidazole dimer exhibits fast photochromism with a thermal recovery time constant of ∼100 ns, which is the fastest thermal back reaction in all reported imidazole dimers.
IR spectroscopy as a probe for C–H⋯X hydrogen bonded supramolecular synthons
Authors: Saha Subhankar , Rajput Lalit , Joseph Sumy , Mishra Manish Kumar , Ganguly Somnath , Desiraju Gautam R.
Published: December 2014

We describe a five step IR spectroscopic method that identifies supramolecular synthons in weak hydrogen bonded dimer assemblies, bifurcated systems, and π-electron mediated synthons.
Dirac fermions in silicene on Pb(111) surface
Authors: Podsiadły-Paszkowska Agata , Krawiec Mariusz
Published: December 2014

Silicene on Pb(111) surface should host massive Dirac fermions, as the DFT calculations suggest.
Networks of neuroblastoma cells on porous silicon substrates reveal a small world topology
Authors: Marinaro Giovanni , La Rocca Rosanna , Toma Andrea , Barberio Marianna , Cancedda Laura , Di Fabrizio Enzo , Decuzzi Paolo , Gentile Francesco
Published: December 2014

N2A cells on porous substrates create highly clustered, small world topology patterns.
Effects of the A117V mutation on the folding and aggregation of palindromic sequences (PrP113–120) in prion: insights from replica exchange molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Ning Lulu , Wang Qianqian , Zheng Yang , Liu Huanxiang , Yao Xiaojun
Published: December 2014

The A117V mutation enhances the aggregation propensity of the palindromic sequences in prion protein.
Recent developments and applications of bioinspired dendritic polymers
Authors: Yang Xiao , Shang Hui , Ding Chunmei , Li Jianshu
Published: December 2014

This review highlights the bioinspired applications of dendritic polymers, focusing on their structure–function relationship to natural biomolecules such as proteins.
Asymmetric boron conjugate addition to α,β-unsaturated carbonyl compounds catalyzed by CuOTf/Josiphos under non-alkaline conditions
Authors: Xie Jian-Bo , Lin Siqi , Luo Jian , Wu Jianbin , Winn Timothy R. , Li Guigen
Published: December 2014

The asymmetric boron conjugate addition onto α,β-unsaturated ketones and esters has been developed by using the CuOTf/Josiphos complex as the catalyst under non-alkaline conditions.
Photoinduced synthesis of Ag nanoparticles on ZnO nanowires for real-time SERS systems
Authors: Kang Hyun Wook , Leem Juyoung , Sung Hyung Jin
Published: December 2014

Hierarchical nanostructure of Ag nanoparticles on ZnO nanowires is introduced by using a photoinduced synthesis. A real-time, in situ SERS detection system is achieved with a microfluidic channel. The hierarchical nanostructure shows 6.36 × 1011 of SERS enhancement factor.
Synthesis and solid-state fluorescence properties of pentacyclic 7-substituted-indeno[1′,2′:4,5]pyrido[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones
Authors: Chamas Z. , Marchi E. , Presson B. , Aubert E. , Fort Y. , Ceroni P. , Mamane V.
Published: December 2014

New pentacyclic indeno[1′,2′:4,5]pyrido[2,1-a]isoindol-5-ones were designed which possess quantum yields in the solid state up to 32%. The importance of the substituent in 7-position was highlighted through crystal packing analysis.
Low-cost and rapid prototyping of microfluidic paper-based analytical devices by inkjet printing of permanent marker ink
Authors: Xu Chunxiu , Cai Longfei , Zhong Minghua , Zheng Shuyue
Published: December 2014

μPADS were fabricated by inkjet printing of permanent marker ink on filter paper, followed by evaporation of solvent.
Acid- and metal-free synthesis of annulated pyrroles in a deep eutectic solvent
Authors: Rokade Sunil M. , Garande Ashok M. , Ahmad Nazim A. A. , Bhate Prakash M.
Published: December 2014

One-pot, three component synthesis of annulated pyrroles in recyclable and readily available deep eutectic-solvent (DES).
Biosynthesis of fosfazinomycin is a convergent process
Authors: Huang Zedu , Wang Kwo-Kwang A. , Lee Jaeheon , van der Donk Wilfred A.
Published: December 2014

Fosfazinomycin A is a phosphonate natural product in which the C-terminal methylhydrazide of a Val–Arg dipeptide is connected to methyl 2-hydroxy-2-phosphono-acetate (Me-HPnA).
Highly stable electrocatalysts supported on nitrogen-self-doped three-dimensional graphene-like networks with hierarchical porous structures
Authors: Cheng Juhong , Li Yunyong , Huang Xiangdong , Wang Qingquan , Mei Ao , Shen Pei Kang
Published: December 2014

Pt nanoparticles anchored on nitrogen-self-doped three-dimensional graphene-like networks (Pt/N-3D GNs) exhibit enhanced ORR performance and are highly stable.
Highly efficient dye sensitized solar cells based on ordered and disordered mesoporous titania thick templated films
Authors: Keshavarzi Reza , Mirkhani Valiollah , Moghadam Majid , Tangestaninejad Shahram , Mohammadpoor-Baltork Iraj
Published: December 2014

Highly efficient DSSCs were achieved by worm-like and grid-like mesoporous thick templated photoanodes prepared by spin and dip coating methods.
Enhanced photocatalytic properties of TiO2-loaded porous silica with hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous architectures in water purification
Authors: Kamegawa Takashi , Ishiguro Yasushi , Seto Hiroki , Yamashita Hiromi
Published: December 2014

Porous silica with hierarchical macroporous and mesoporous architectures can serve as an advanced material in the design of composite photocatalysts with TiO2 for water purification.
Amino- and ionic liquid-functionalised nanocrystalline ZnO via silane anchoring – an antimicrobial synergy
Authors: Čepin Marjeta , Jovanovski Vasko , Podlogar Matejka , Orel Zorica Crnjak
Published: December 2014

The synthesis of highly antimicrobial nanocrystalline zinc oxide and its covalent modifications are presented.