bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GROUP BIALGEBRAS AND PERMUTATION BIALGEBRAS
Authors: CROSSLEY MARTIN
Published: February 2013

Malvenuto and Reutenauer (C. Malvenuto and C. Reutenauer, Duality between quasi-symmetric functions and the Solomon descent algebra, J. Algebra177 (1995), 967–982) showed how the total symmetric group ring ⊕nZΣn could be made into a Hopf algebra with a very nice structure which admitted the Solomon descent algebra as a sub-Hopf algebra. To do this they replaced the group multiplication by a convolution product, thus distancing their structure from the group structure of Σn. In this paper we examine what is possible if we keep to the group multiplication, and we also consider the question for more general families of groups. We show that a Hopf algebra structure is not possible, but cocommutative and non-cocommutative counital bialgebras can be obtained, arising from certain diagrams of group homomorphisms. In the case of the symmetric groups we note that all such structures are weak in the sense that the dual algebras have many zero-divisors, but structures which respect descent sums can be found.
ON GROUPS WITH TWO ISOMORPHISM CLASSES OF DERIVED SUBGROUPS
Authors: LONGOBARDI PATRIZIA , MAJ MERCEDE , ROBINSON DEREK J. S. , SMITH HOWARD
Published: February 2013

The structure of groups which have at most two isomorphism classes of derived subgroups ($\mathfrak{D}$2-groups) is investigated. A complete description of $\mathfrak{D}$2-groups is obtained in the case where the derived subgroup is finite: the solution leads an interesting number theoretic problem. In addition, detailed information is obtained about soluble $\mathfrak{D}$2-groups, especially those with finite rank, where algebraic number fields play an important role. Also, detailed structural information about insoluble $\mathfrak{D}$2-groups is found, and the locally free $\mathfrak{D}$2-groups are characterized.
CONTRACTED, -FULL AND RELATED CLASSES OF IDEALS IN LOCAL RINGS
Authors: RUSH DAVID E.
Published: February 2013

The class of$\mathfrak{m}$-full and four related classes of ideals in a local ring (R,$\mathfrak{m}$) are extended by replacing$\mathfrak{m}$with other ideals and the resulting classes of ideals are compared. It is shown that contracted ideals are$\mathfrak{m}$-full in a local ring with infinite residue field.
A HYPONORMAL TOEPLITZ COMPLETION PROBLEM
Authors: HWANG IN SUNG , KIM AN HYUN
Published: February 2013

In this paper we consider the following ‘Toeplitz completion’ problem: Complete the unspecified analytic Toeplitz entries of the partial block Toeplitz matrix
$
\begin{linenomath}
A:=\begin{bmatrix} T_{\overline\psi_1}& ?\\[4pt]
\T_{\overline\psi_2} \end{bmatrix}
\end{linenomath}
$
to make A hyponormal, where ψi∈H∞ is a non-constant rational function for i=1,2.
STABLE LEFT AND RIGHT BOUSFIELD LOCALISATIONS
Authors: BARNES DAVID , ROITZHEIM CONSTANZE
Published: February 2013

We study left and right Bousfield localisations of stable model categories which preserve stability. This follows the lead of the two key examples: localisations of spectra with respect to a homology theory and A-torsion modules over a ring R with A a perfect R-algebra. We exploit stability to see that the resulting model structures are technically far better behaved than the general case. We can give explicit sets of generating cofibrations, show that these localisations preserve properness and give a complete characterisation of when they preserve monoidal structures. We apply these results to obtain convenient assumptions under which a stable model category is spectral. We then use Morita theory to gain an insight into the nature of right localisation and its homotopy category. We finish with a correspondence between left and right localisation.
Do patients with allergic rhinitis have a particular personality trait?
Authors: Vamanshankar H , Hegde K S , Chaturvedi J , Pratibha C B , Ross A , Nayar R C , Parameshwaran S
Published: February 2013

Objectives:

This study investigated the personality traits of patients with allergic rhinitis. It also examined the association between personality type and the type of allergic rhinitis, and compared this with the general population.

Methods:

A descriptive observational pilot study was carried out on 50 consecutive cases of allergic rhinitis who presented to the allergy clinic between June and October 2010. These patients were compared with a control group comprising 50 individuals from the general population that had no symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Both groups completed the International Personality Disorder Examination questionnaire for the assessment of personality traits.

Results:

Persons falling into cluster C personality type showed a positive correlation with the type and severity of allergic rhinitis. The majority of control group individuals fell into cluster A. This indicated a correlation between allergic rhinitis and a dominant anxious trait compared with the control group.

Conclusion:

In psycho-allergological research, the potential relevance of personality factors in the maintenance and exacerbation of atopic symptoms is still a matter of debate. More attention should be paid to the psychological status of allergic rhinitis patients, and appropriate treatment should be provided to improve their symptoms and quality of life.
Going for gold: transitional livelihoods in Northern Ghana
Authors: Hilson Gavin , Amankwah Richard , Ofori-Sarpong Grace
Published: February 2013

This article critically reflects on what impact a supported and formalized artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) sector could have in Northern Ghana, where poverty is deeply rooted, the outcome of decades of government neglect. Since independence in 1957, numerous attempts have been made to improve the living standards of the populations in the country's North but deteriorated human resource bases and shortages of infrastructure have limited their effectiveness. A recent upsurge in ASM activity, however, has catapulted the region on to another – previously unimaginable – growth trajectory entirely. As findings from research carried out in the township of Kui in Bole District of the country's Northern Region illustrate, ASM has injected considerable wealth into many of Ghana's Northern localities, in the process helping to stabilise their economies and alleviate the hardships of tens of thousands of farm-dependent families. The intensification of support to, and the formalisation of, ASM, could prove to be an important step toward eradicating a poverty problem that has plagued this region of sub-Saharan Africa for more than a century.
Taxonomical studies on the lichen genus Platygramme (Graphidaceae) in China
Authors: JIA Ze-Feng , KALB Klaus
Published: February 2013

In the present paper, seven species of the lichen genus Platygramme are reported from China. Two of these, Platygramme pudica and P. platyloma, are new to China and two species, Platygramme hainanensis and P. lueckingii, both from a tropical rain forest in Hainan Island, are described as new to science. The new species belong to a group within Platygramme, which is characterized by concealed discs, while the type species, P. caesiopruinosa, and some others have widely open discs. Descriptions and the known distribution of each species are given and a working key to the Chinese species is provided.
Transient populations in the British conservation priority lichen,Cladonia botrytes
Authors: YAHR Rebecca , COPPINS Brian J. , COPPINS Alexandra M.
Published: February 2013

In the face of changing environments, conservation is tending towards an adaptive framework which accounts for the movement of species in the landscape. This makes it necessary to quantify population dynamics of species of concern. We studied the nationally scarceCladonia botrytes, a priority Biodiversity Action Plan species in Britain, examining population dynamics at two scales: first, we studied the demography for two populations over a period of 13 years. The monitored populations declined to complete absence, starting from 77 mats on 19 stumps. Individual mats persisted maximally for up to 7 years, but over 78% of more than 290 individual cases persisted only 1 year, and more than 93% of mats disappeared within 3 years. Secondly, we performed a targeted regional survey of more than 800 stumps across an additional 27 sites in the centre of the lichen's distribution in Britain in 2006. The largest populations known from 1998 were revisited and found to no longer support the species; only 9 stumps in 5 sites supportedC. botrytesin 2006. We show thatC. botrytesin Britain is characterized by short individual and population persistence times, probably locally dependent upon vegetative succession including overgrowth and shading, and the degree of stump decay. The species' transient nature poses a particular challenge to conservation, though we identify comparable systems from which lessons may be learned.
On the occurrence of peroxidase and laccase activity in lichens
Authors: BECKETT Richard P. , MINIBAYEVA Farida V. , LIERS Christiane
Published: February 2013

In our earlier work, we demonstrated that the oxidases tyrosinase and laccase occur widely in lichens from the Peltigerales. Recently, we discovered the occurrence of another oxidoreductase, a heme peroxidase, in the Peltigeralean ‘jelly lichens’ Leptogium and Collema. Here we present the results of a survey of peroxidase activity in a range of lichens. In addition to the jelly lichens, strong peroxidase activity also occurs within the Peltigeralean genera Lobaria, Pseudocyphellaria and Sticta. Significant activity occurs in the cell wall, and, unlike laccase activity, peroxidase activity increases considerably following the rehydration of dry thalli. However, activity is absent from Peltigera and from the non-Peltigeralean species tested here. Electrophoretic investigation showed that lichen peroxidases are oligomeric. Possible roles for peroxidases in lichen biology are discussed.
EDGEWORTH AND SADDLEPOINT EXPANSIONS FOR NONLINEAR ESTIMATORS
Authors: Kundhi Gubhinder , Rilstone Paul
Published: February 2013

Simple methods are developed for deriving Edgeworth, saddlepoint, and related expansions for the estimators of multivariate and nonlinear models. Illustrations are provided. Simulations are reported indicating the methods work well compared to standard asymptotic and bootstrapped approaches.
The Influence of Mood on the Relation between Proactive Coping and Rehabilitation Outcomes
Authors: Katter Joana K.Q. , Greenglass Esther
Published: February 2013

Cette étude a examiné un échantillon de 228 personnes âgées en réhabilitation après chirurgie pour remplacement d’une articulation; elle a porté sur la relation entre une adaptation proactive, l’humeur et les résultats psychologiques et fonctionnels. Faire face proactivement c’est une façon de réagir qui est axée sur les objectifs et nécessite qu’on affront les facteurs qui incitent le stress comme un défi plutôt qu’une menace. Selon notre hypothèse, les personnes âgées qui adoptent des stratégies proactives d’adaptation subiraient une amélioration du fonctionnement physique et psychologique apres la réadaptation et connaîtraient une humeur positive. Le modèle proposé a trouvé du support, par lequel une expérience de vigueur a été trouvé à la médiation de l’effet d’une adaptation proactive sur les résultats. Les implications théoriques et pratiques des résultats de recherche sont discutées dans le contexte des interventions qui encourageraient les personnes âgées à faire face proactivement.
Cyclitol galactosides in low-raffinose, low-stachyose soybean embryos after feedingd-chiro-inositol,myo-inositol ord-pinitol
Authors: Obendorf Ralph L. , Sensenig Elizabeth M. , Byrt Erin M. , Owczarczyk Anna B. , Ohashi Minori , Schnebly Steven R.
Published: February 2013

Sucrose, raffinose and stachyose accumulate as stored soluble carbohydrates in embryos during soybean [Glycine maxL. (Merrill)] seed development and maturation. Raffinose and stachyose in soybean feed products are not digested by humans, chickens or pigs, resulting in flatulence and reduced nutritional value. Soybean lines selected for low raffinose and low stachyose (LRS) or low raffinose, low stachyose and low phytin (LRSP1, LRSP2) concentrations in mature seeds were compared to a CHECK line with normal raffinose, stachyose and phytin. To determine whether increasing the supply of free cyclitols to immature embryos of these lines results in increased accumulation of galactosyl cyclitols, isolated immature embryos free of maternal tissues were fed solutions containing eitherd-chiro-inositol,myo-inositol ord-pinitol, or a control solution without cyclitols, for 24 h. Embryos were precociously matured by slow drying for 14 d with daily transfers to stepwise lower relative humidities. Soluble carbohydrates were extracted from axis and cotyledon tissues of mature, dry embryos and analysed by high-resolution gas chromatography. Axis and cotyledons from LRS, LRSP1 and LRSP2 embryos had low concentrations of stachyose compared to CHECK embryos after feeding a control solution without cyclitols. Feedingd-chiro-inositol to isolated embryos increased fagopyritol B1 accumulation in embryos of all lines. Feedingmyo-inositol increased stachyose accumulation in LRSP1 and LRSP2 cotyledons. Feedingd-pinitol increased freed-pinitol in cotyledons of all lines but increased galactopinitol A and galactopinitol B only in LRS cotyledons. Supplying additionald-chiro-inositol to immature embryos can enhance accumulation of fagopyritol B1 in mature embryos of low-raffinose and low-stachyose or low-raffinose, low-stachyose and low-phytin soybeans.
MATRIX-VARIATE GAUSS HYPERGEOMETRIC DISTRIBUTION
Authors: GUPTA ARJUN K. , NAGAR DAYA K.
Published: February 2013

In this paper, we propose a matrix-variate generalization of the Gauss hypergeometric distribution and study several of its properties. We also derive probability density functions of the product of two independent random matrices when one of them is Gauss hypergeometric. These densities are expressed in terms of Appell’s first hypergeometric function F1 and Humbert’s confluent hypergeometric function Φ1of matrix arguments.
Voluntary savings, financial behavior, and pension finance literacy: evidence from Chile
Authors: LANDERRETCHE OSCAR M. , MARTÍNEZ CLAUDIA
Published: February 2013

Chileans have limited knowledge of the pension system, its rules, and the consequences involved in their personal decisions within it. Using a variation in the household composition – having a pensioner in the household – as an instrument, we show that Chileans with greater knowledge about the pension system are more likely to have additional financial savings, but not within the voluntary pension saving plans offered by the pension system. We find that getting one additional answer right in the pension literacy survey (out of six) generates approximately a 50% additional chance that the individual will save at least in one of the surveyed periods, and a 25% additional chance that the individual will save in both surveyed periods. We also test for evidence that pension literacy affects worker choices regarding their pension savings (what we call active financial behavior). We find that more literate workers are more likely to engage in pension fund type switching and that independent workers are more likely to voluntarily enter the pension system as affiliates if they have greater pension finance literacy. Getting one additional answer right in the pension literacy survey (out of six) increases the probability of pension fund type switching by 20% and the probability of voluntary affiliation to the pension system of self-employed workers by 30%.
Reliable transmission scheduling for multi‐channel wireless sensor networks with low‐cost channel estimation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Liang Wei , Yu Haibin , Feng Xisheng
Published: February 2013

The shared‐medium nature and complex wireless environment of wireless sensor networks (WSNs) poses fundamental challenges to the design of effective transmission scheduling algorithms that are optimised with respect to superframe length and reliability. In this study, the authors propose an adaptive and reliable transmission scheduling algorithm for WSNs based on low‐cost estimation of channel states. The authors establish a hierarchical scheduling framework on global centralised timeslot scheduling and local distributed channel scheduling. On the one hand, global centralised timeslot scheduling aims to guarantee global optimality of resource allocation, during which a mathematical reliability model is built to avoid resource waste by the stationary allocation method and improve the reliability of packet transmission. On the other hand, local distributed channel scheduling shares the responsibility of resource allocation. During channel scheduling, the channel model is constructed by the dynamic programming method and takes both probing cost and channel quality into consideration, which alleviates the uncertain and time‐varying interference and overcomes the blindness of traditional methods. In contrast with previous works that do not consider link reliability and channel probing cost and often assume two channel states, the scheduling algorithm performs reliably for an arbitrary number of channels and arbitrary number of channel states. Extensive simulations and experiments under a variety of network environments have been conducted to validate our theoretical claims.
Biased estimators with adaptive shrinkage targets for orthogonal frequency division multiple access channel estimation
Authors: Kalyani Sheetal , Lakshminarayanan Raghavendran , Giridhar Krishnamurthy
Published: February 2013

In orthogonal frequency division multiple access‐based systems where channel frequency response (CFR) estimation has to be carried out using only the user‐specific (localised) pilots within a small time frequency block, the accuracy of the estimates suffer because of the limited number of pilots and imperfect knowledge of the channel statistics. A biased estimator is proposed for the estimation of CFR over the time frequency block. Hypothesis tests are designed to ascertain the time and frequency selectivity of the CFR within the region of interest, and the outcome of these tests are used to determine a vector shrinkage target for the biased estimator. Simulation results indicate that the performance of the proposed estimator is comparable to that of the optimal minimum mean square error estimator, even though it does not have any knowledge of the channel statistics.
The contrasting hatching patterns and larval growth of two sympatric clingfishes inferred by otolith microstructure analysis
Authors: Contreras Jorge E. , Landaeta Mauricio F. , Plaza Guido , Ojeda F. Patricio , Bustos Claudia A.
Published: February 2013

Larval abundance, age, growth and hatching patterns of two sympatric clingfishes, Gobiesox marmoratus and Sicyases sanguineus (Pisces, Gobiesocidae), were estimated by using otolith microstructure analysis and compared on the basis of collections performed during the austral spring in 2010 off the coast of central Chile. G. marmoratus larvae were more abundant than S. sanguineus larvae during the study period. For both species, the sagittae deposited micro-increments during embryonic development (before hatching) and a hatch mark was observable in all examined otoliths. The sagittae otoliths of G. marmoratus grew in radius, perimeter and area faster than did the otoliths of S. sanguineus. Both species showed significant (P < 0.05) differences in larval growth and lunar periodicity of the hatching events. G. marmoratus hatched at smaller sizes (2.6 mm) mainly during the first-quarter moon and the larvae grew at rates of 0.24 ± 0.01 mm day–1. S. sanguineus hatched as larger larvae (>3 mm) during the first-quarter and full moons and grew at slower rates (0.14 ± 0.01 mm day–1) during the initial 25 days. The high abundance of larval clingfish in near-shore waters, temporal decoupling among the hatching events, and the different growth rates may be tactics to increase self-recruitment in coastal waters.
A spatial desertification indicator for Mediterranean arid rangelands: a case study in Algeria
Authors: Saädi Slim , Gintzburger Gustave
Published: February 2013

Sheep and goat production is the main and sometimes only agricultural activity available to populations living on rangelands in the arid regions around the Mediterranean. Desertification threatens large areas of Mediterranean arid rangelands but remains difficult to describe, quantify and accurately locate for management purposes. A methodology is described which estimates a Spatial Rain-Use Efficiency Index (SRUEI) and its potential use to evaluate rangeland condition at a large scale. It is based on an Aboveground Net Primary Production (AGNPP) map generated from field herbage mass measurements and a rainfall spatial distribution map derived from local elevation–rainfall gradients with the whole resulting from satellite imagery processing and GIS technology. The area of the case study was in the Nâama–Mecheria region located on the High Plateau south of Oran (Algeria). It covers ~215 000 ha, receiving ~200 mm year–1 of winter and spring precipitation. The Nâama–Mecheria SRUEI-derived map clearly shows the degradation gradient declining away from the settlements. The Mecheria AGNPP 2007 map and associated grazing rings indicate that the Mecheria cooperative flocks may ingest 48–57% (Range Use Factor) of the rangeland’s seasonal plant production, which is barely compatible with sustainable rangeland use. When adding the effect of fuel wood collection by local residents and rain-fed arable cropping, the Nâama–Mecheria region is undoubtedly heading towards a slow but certain desertification of its fragile arid rangelands unless correcting measures are implemented. The SRUEI and associated results are powerful tools that allow rangeland conditions to be mapped, and which can be employed in planning and pursuing sustainable management of rangelands in such arid areas.
Use and characteristics of nocturnal habitats of the squirrel glider (Petaurus norfocensis) in Australian temperate woodlands
Authors: Crane M. J. , Lindenmayer D. B. , Cunningham R. B.
Published: February 2013

In Australian temperate woodlands, most squirrel glider (Petaurus norfolcensis) habitats exist outside formal conservation reserves, often in highly fragmented agricultural landscapes. To conserve squirrel glider populations in such woodlands it is essential to define important habitats and understand how they are used. This study examines the nocturnal habitat use of squirrel gliders across five sites within an agricultural landscape in south-eastern Australia. Over a five-month period we radio-tracked 32 gliders to 372 nocturnal locations. We quantify characteristics of key nocturnal habitats and describe their use. Gliders were more likely to use large eucalypt trees, particularly yellow box (Eucalyptus melliodora) and mugga ironbark (E. sideroxylon). Nocturnal activity mostly took place high in the canopy of eucalypts, accounting for 74% of fixes. Multiple regression models revealed that feeding was more likely to occur in large, healthy trees close to drainage lines, with a preference for E. melliodora, when eucalypts were not flowering. Flowering trees were preferentially sought and were strongly associated with being large healthy trees that occur on ridges and upper slopes. Showing that the squirrel glider utilises key feeding structures (large healthy Eucalyptus trees) in different parts of the landscape at different times has direct management implications in the conservation and restoration of squirrel glider habitat, particularly in fragmented temperate woodland.
Hegemonic masculinity and the variability of gay-sounding speech
Authors: Zimman Lal
Published: February 2013

Sociophonetic inquiry into sexuality and the voice has often focused on the perception of men’s sexuality on the basis of disembodied voices. However, inconsistencies across these studies limit our ability to unite their findings into a cohesive model of gay-sounding speech. This paper focuses on variability among gay-sounding speakers by analyzing the voices of female-to-male transgender individuals, or trans men. Trans men who make use of testosterone typically experience a significant drop in vocal pitch, yet may maintain stylistic traits acquired while living in a female social role. An acoustic and perceptual analysis of trans and non-trans men’s voices reveals that even as trans men may be perceived as gay-sounding, their sociolinguistic styles also differ from those of gay-sounding non-trans men. These findings support the notion that gay-sounding speech does not constitute a single phonetic style, but rather numerous deviations from the hegemonic norm.
Power, panics, and pronouns
Authors: Thoreson Ryan Richard
Published: February 2013

Linguistic and anthropological analyses of the globalization of sexual frameworks typically emphasize how putatively global models remain disjunctive with localized understandings. Few scholars have examined how NGOs in the Global North compile the information needed to advocate for LGBT rights, much of which is generated by activists in the Global South. In this paper, I draw on fieldwork at a Northern-based LGBT human rights NGO to explore how brokers produce and circulate knowledge amidst the complex challenges of information politics. As brokers of information, activists face structural, linguistic, and technological impediments that complicate their work. They also grapple with doubts about facticity, motives, and potential repercussions that affect whether information is deemed “good enough” for advocacy. Understanding how activists practically navigate these challenges is critical as linguists and anthropologists move beyond reductive global-local dichotomies and advocates seek to do solidarity work as effectively and responsibly as possible.
Serial Verb Constructions in Indian Ocean French Creoles (IOCs)
Authors: Syea Anand
Published: February 2013

This paper revisits the debate between Bickerton on the one hand and Seuren, Corne, Coleman and Curnow on the other on the question of whether serial verb constructions exist in the French creoles of the Indian Ocean (namely Seychelles Creole and Mauritian Creole). It examines data particularly from Mauritian Creole (which was rather marginally represented in that discussion) and argues in agreement with Bickerton (1989, 1996) that serial verbs do indeed exist in this creole just as they do in Seychelles Creole. However, it also argues that their presence in these languages must be attributed not to an innate linguistic mechanism (as claimed in Bickerton 1989, 1996) nor to a substrate source (contra Corne et al. 1996, Corne 1999) but to an independent internal development in which consecutive imperatives were reanalyzed as serial verb constructions. It is assumed that, given the socio-historical nature of creole contact situations, consecutive imperatives would have been a prominent part of early input as interchanges between those who spoke French and those who did not would have mostly been in the form of directives (commands, instructions, etc.) which are more often than not expressed through the imperative . However, it is recognized that this development could have benefited from substrate (particularly Malagasy) influence but it remains in the main the result of an internal diachronic process. The proposal outlined has interesting implications for the role of input and the role that adults may have played in the development of creole languages in general and serial verb constructions in particular. Some aspects of creole languages, it is suggested, can be adequately accounted for without having to implicate either an innate linguistic mechanism or wholesale transfer from substrate sources.
Language: Between cognition, communication and culture
Authors: Reboul Anne
Published: February 2013

Everett’s main claim is that language is a “cultural tool”, created by hominids for communication and social cohesion. I examine the meaning of the expression “cultural tool” in terms of the influence of language on culture (i.e. the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis) or of the influence of culture on language (Everett’s hypothesis). I show that these hypotheses are not well-supported by evidence and that language and languages, rather than being “cultural tools” as wholes are rather collections of tools used in different language games, some cultural or social, some cognitive. I conclude that the coincidence between language and culture is due to the fact that both originate from human nature.
Language is an instrument for thought. Really?
Authors: Nuyts Jan
Published: February 2013

This discussion article addresses the assumption formulated in Dan Everett’s new book Language: The Cultural Tool that language is not only an instrument for communication, but also an instrument for thought. It argues that the latter assumption is far from obvious, and that, in any case, one cannot put communication and thought on a par in discussing the functionality of language.
Understanding others requires shared concepts
Authors: Wierzbicka Anna
Published: February 2013

“It is a noble task to try to understand others, and to have them understand you (…) but it is never an easy one”, says Everett (p. 327). This paper argues that a basic prerequisite for understanding others (and also for having them understand you) is to have some shared concepts on which this understanding can build. If speakers of different languages didn’t share some concepts to begin with then cross-cultural understanding would not be possible even with the best of will on all sides.

Current Anthropology

For example, Everett claims that Pirahã has no word for “mother”, no words for “before’ and “after”, no words for “one”, “two” and “all” and no words comparable to ‘think” and “want”. These claims are based, I believe, on faulty semantic analysis, and in particular, on a determination not to recognize polysemy under any circumstances. As I see it, at many points this stance makes nonsense of Everett’s own data and distorts the conceptual world of the Pirahã. Since he does not want to recognize the existence of any shared concepts, Everett is also not prepared to address the question of a culture-neutral metalanguage in which Pirahã and English conceptual categories could be compared. This often leads him to imposing cultural categories of English (such as “evidence”, “tolerance” and “parent”) on the conceptual world of the Pirahã. The result is a combination of exoticism and Anglocentrism which doesn’t do justice to Everett’s long and intimate engagement with the Pirahã people and their language. Sadly, it blinds him to what Franz Boas called “the psychic unity of mankind”, reflected in the common semantic features of human languages and fully compatible with the cultural shaping of their lexicons and grammars.
GLOBALIZATION OF MARKETS FOR CONTEMPORARY ART
Authors: Velthuis Olav
Published: February 2013

Drawing on both qualitative and quantitative data, this article explores the extent to which Western art markets are globalized by focusing on the nationality of contemporary artists represented by art galleries in Amsterdam and Berlin. Far from the borderless world presupposed in the globalization literature as well as by art dealers themselves, galleries in both countries show a strong home bias, whilst American artists dominate in Amsterdam and Berlin galleries. The article explains this home bias by focusing on widely diffused organizational practices, business conventions and role models within market settings, which are the outcome of cultural globalization, but also pose barriers to art dealers' global aspirations.
Methanogenic capabilities of ANME‐archaea deduced from 13C‐labelling approaches
Authors: Bertram Sebastian , Blumenberg Martin , Michaelis Walter , Siegert Michael , Krüger Martin , Seifert Richard
Published: February 2013

Anaerobic methanotrophic archaea (ANME) are ubiquitous in marine sediments where sulfate dependent anaerobic oxidation of methane (AOM) occurs. Despite considerable progress in the understanding of AOM, physiological details are still widely unresolved. We investigated two distinct microbial mat samples from the Black Sea that were dominated by either ANME‐1 or ANME‐2. The 13C lipid stable isotope probing (SIP) method using labelled substances, namely methane, bicarbonate, acetate, and methanol, was applied, and the substrate‐dependent methanogenic capabilities were tested. Our data provide strong evidence for a versatile physiology of both, ANME‐1 and ANME‐2. Considerable methane production rates (MPRs) from CO2‐reduction were observed, particularly from ANME‐2 dominated samples and in the presence of methane, which supports the hypothesis of a co‐occurrence of methanotrophy and methanogenesis in the AOM systems (AOM/MPR up to 2:1). The experiments also revealed strong methylotrophic capabilities through 13C‐assimilation from labelled methanol, which was independent of the presence of methane. Additionally, high MPRs from methanol were detected in both of the mat samples. As demonstrated by the 13C‐uptake into lipids, ANME‐1 was found to thrive also under methane free conditions. Finally, C35‐isoprenoid hydrocarbons were identified as new lipid biomarkers for ANME‐1, most likely functioning as a hydrogen sink during methanogenesis.
Saturation mutagenesis of selected residues of the α‐peptide of the lantibiotic lacticin 3147 yields a derivative with enhanced antimicrobial activity
Authors: Field Des , Molloy Evelyn M. , Iancu Catalin , Draper Lorraine A. , O' Connor Paula M. , Cotter Paul D. , Hill Colin , Ross R. Paul
Published: February 2013

The lantibiotic lacticin 3147 consists of two ribosomally synthesized and post‐translationally modified antimicrobial peptides, Ltnα and Ltnβ, which act synergistically against a wide range of Gram‐positive microorganisms. We performed saturation mutagenesis of specific residues of Ltnα to determine their functional importance. The results establish that Ltnα is more tolerant to change than previously suggested by alanine scanning mutagenesis. One substitution, LtnαH23S, was identified which improved the specific activity of lacticin 3147 against one pathogenic strain, Staphylococcus aureus NCDO1499. This represents the first occasion upon which the activity of a two peptide lantibiotic has been enhanced through bioengineering.
CartograTree: connecting tree genomes, phenotypes and environment
Authors: Vasquez‐Gross Hans A. , Yu John J. , Figueroa Ben , Gessler Damian D. G. , Neale David B. , Wegrzyn Jill L.
Published: February 2013

Today, researchers spend a tremendous amount of time gathering, formatting, filtering and visualizing data collected from disparate sources. Under the umbrella of forest tree biology, we seek to provide a platform and leverage modern technologies to connect biotic and abiotic data. Our goal is to provide an integrated web‐based workspace that connects environmental, genomic and phenotypic data via geo‐referenced coordinates. Here, we connect the genomic query web‐based workspace, DiversiTree and a novel geographical interface called CartograTree to data housed on the TreeGenes database. To accomplish this goal, we implemented Simple Semantic Web Architecture and Protocol to enable the primary genomics database, TreeGenes, to communicate with semantic web services regardless of platform or back‐end technologies. The novelty of CartograTree lies in the interactive workspace that allows for geographical visualization and engagement of high performance computing (HPC) resources. The application provides a unique tool set to facilitate research on the ecology, physiology and evolution of forest tree species. CartograTree can be accessed at: http://dendrome.ucdavis.edu/cartogratree.
Avoiding bladder catheterisation in total knee arthroplasty: Patient selection criteria and low‐dose spinal anaesthesia
Authors: KARASON S. , OLAFSSON T. A.
Published: February 2013

Background

Bladder catheterisation may be inconvenient for patients, delay mobilisation and risk complications. We hypothesised that by excluding pre‐operatively patients at high risk of post‐operative urinary retention, the majority of patients could avoid perioperative catheterisation during low‐dose spinal anaesthesia.

Methods

Patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty were assigned if fit for spinal anaesthesia and without severe symptoms of lower urinary tract obstruction, gross incontinence, mobilisation difficulties hindering micturition and > 200 ml residual urine volume. Bladder volume was monitored by ultrasound and temporary catheterisation advised if > 400 ml.

Results

Fifty‐two patients (men 54%, age 65 ± 9 years, body mass index 31 ± 5, 30% with history of urinary tract problems) were included. Intrathecal hyperbaric bupivacaine given was 7.8 ± 1.08 mg and always 7.5 μg sufentanil providing sufficient anaesthesia in all cases. Crystalloid given during surgery was 8.5 ± 4.0 ml/kg. Voluntary micturition was reached by 46 patients (88%, confidence interval (CI) 79–97%), but six (12%, CI 3–21%) needed temporary catheterisation once (four men/two women). Larger bladder volumes were found in those catheterised than those with voluntary micturition on the pre‐operative (131 ± 76 ml vs. 68 ± 57 ml, P = 0.03) and first post‐operative bladder scan (445 ± 169 ml vs. 271 ± 129 ml, P = 0.004). All but two patients (96%) could be mobilised the same day. No patient suffered bladder dysfunction.

Conclusion

Low‐dose spinal anaesthesia combined with simple selection criteria allowed for early mobilisation (96%) and avoidance of bladder catheterisation in the vast majority (88%) of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty, and the rest (12%) only needed a single temporary catheterisation.
Reducing heavy drinking in HIV primary care: a randomized trial of brief intervention, with and without technological enhancement
Authors: Hasin Deborah S. , Aharonovich Efrat , O'Leary Ann , Greenstein Eliana , Pavlicova Martina , Arunajadai Srikesh , Waxman Rachel , Wainberg Milton , Helzer John , Johnston Barbara
Published: February 2013

Aims

In HIV‐infected individuals, heavy drinking compromises survival. In HIV primary care, the efficacy of brief motivational interviewing (MI) to reduce drinking is unknown, alcohol‐dependent patients may need greater intervention and resources are limited. Using interactive voice response (IVR) technology, HealthCall was designed to enhance MI via daily patient self‐monitoring calls to an automated telephone system with personalized feedback. We tested the efficacy of MI‐only and MI+HealthCall for drinking reduction among HIV primary care patients.

Design

Parallel random assignment to control (n = 88), MI‐only (n = 82) or MI+HealthCall (n = 88). Counselors provided advice/education (control) or MI (MI‐only or MI+HealthCall) at baseline. At 30 and 60 days (end‐of‐treatment), counselors briefly discussed drinking with patients, using HealthCall graphs with MI+HealthCall patients.

Setting

Large urban HIV primary care clinic.

Participants

Patients consuming ≥4 drinks at least once in prior 30 days.

Measurements

Using time‐line follow‐back, primary outcome was number of drinks per drinking day, last 30 days.

Findings

End‐of‐treatment number of drinks per drinking day (NumDD) means were 4.75, 3.94 and 3.58 in control, MI‐only and MI+HealthCall, respectively (overall model χ2, d.f. = 9.11,2, P = 0.01). For contrasts of NumDD, P = 0.01 for MI+HealthCall versus control; P = 0.07 for MI‐only versus control; and P = 0.24 for MI+HealthCall versus MI‐only. Secondary analysis indicated no intervention effects on NumDD among non‐alcohol‐dependent patients. However, for contrasts of NumDD among alcohol‐dependent patients, P < 0.01 for MI+HealthCall versus control; P = 0.09 for MI‐only versus control; and P = 0.03 for MI+HealthCall versus MI‐only. By 12‐month follow‐up, although NumDD remained lower among alcohol‐dependent patients in MI+HealthCall than others, effects were no longer significant.

Conclusions

For alcohol‐dependent HIV patients, enhancing MI with HealthCall may offer additional benefit, without extensive additional staff involvement.
The effects of an increasing gradient of maternal obesity on pregnancy outcomes
Authors: Magann Everett F. , Doherty Dorota A. , Sandlin Adam T. , Chauhan Suneet P. , Morrison John C.
Published: February 2013

Background

Maternal obesity is becoming more prevalent in obstetrics and has been linked with pregnancy complications and perinatal outcomes. The gradient of association of increasing maternal obesity and pregnancy outcome is less well studied.

Aims

To determine the influence of an increasing gradient of obesity, categorised by the body mass index (BMI), on pregnancy outcomes and to determine the BMI thresholds at which pregnancy complications occur.

Materials and Methods

Secondary analysis of an observational study on pregnancy and obesity. The BMI at the first prenatal visit was grouped into BMI categories (<18.5, 18.5–24.9, 25–29.9, 30–34.9, 35–39.9, 40–44.9, and ≥45) and compared with the normal category (BMI 18.5–25) for pregnancy outcomes and adjusted for known cofounders.

Results

A total of 4,490 women were stratified into the pre‐pregnancy BMI categories: <18.5 (n = 276), 18.5–24.9 (n = 1965), 25–29.9 (n = 1072), 30–34.9 (n = 551), 35–39.9 (n = 317), 40–44.9 (n = 167), and ≥45 (n = 142). The maternal demographics were significantly different between BMI groups (P < 0.001). Compared to women with a normal BMI, different BMI thresholds convey an increased risk for specific pregnancy complications: BMI≥25 for gestational diabetes (P < 0.001), induction of labour (P < 0.001), caesarean delivery (P < 0.001) and large for gestational age neonate (P < 0.001); BMI≥30 for pre‐eclampsia (P < 0.001), wound infection (P = 0.001), shoulder dystocia (P < 0.001) and meconium (P = 0.006); BMI≥35 for urinary tract infection (P < 0.001) and postpartum haemorrhage (P < 0.001); BMI≥40 for endometritis (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

Body mass index thresholds exist at which pregnancy complications significantly increase and they vary depending on outcome ranging from BMI ≥25 to a BMI ≥40.
Multiple deliveries: The reduced impact of in vitro fertilisation in Australia
Authors: Umstad Mark P. , Hale Lyndon , Wang Yueping A. , Sullivan Elizabeth A.
Published: February 2013

Background

The number of twins born in Australia steadily increased from 2420 sets in 1983 to 4458 sets in 2010. At one stage, almost 25% of all twin deliveries in Australia were a consequence of assisted reproductive technologies.

Aims

To determine the influence of a policy of single embryo transfer (SET) on the rate of multiple deliveries in Australia.

Methods

We used population data to compare the prevalence of twin and higher order multiple births in women giving birth in Australia before and after the implementation of the RTAC COP 2001 and 2005 revisions for ART units.

Results

There was a steady fall in the twin delivery rate for assisted reproductive technologies from 210.4 per 1000 deliveries in 2001 to 84.3 per 1000 deliveries in 2009. In 2009, assisted reproductive technologies accounted for approximately 16% of all twin births from 3% of all conceptions, substantially less than the 24.5% in 2002.

Conclusions

The decline in multiple births is multifactorial. However, the fall in the proportion of ART multiple births has paralleled adoption of a voluntary policy of SET within a setting of largely public funding of ART.
Negotiating Neoliberal Empowerment: Aboriginal People, Educational Restructuring, and Academic Labour in the North of British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Mills Suzanne E. , McCreary Tyler
Published: February 2013

Aboriginal peoples in Canada are gaining influence in post‐secondary education through Aboriginal‐directed programs and policies in non‐Aboriginal institutions. However, these gains have occurred alongside, and in some cases through, neoliberal reforms to higher education. This article explores the political consequences of the neoliberal institutionalization of First Nations empowerment for public sector unions and workers. We examine a case where the indigenization of a community college in British Columbia was embedded in neoliberal reforms that ran counter to the interests of academic instructors. Although many union members supported indigenization, many also possessed a deep ambivalence about the change. Neoliberal indigenization increased work intensity, decreased worker autonomy and promoted an educational philosophy that prioritized labour market needs over liberal arts. This example demonstrates how the integration of Aboriginal aspirations into neoliberal processes of reform works to rationalize public sector restructuring, constricting labour agency and the possibilities for alliances between labour and Aboriginal peoples.
Quercetin relaxes rat tail main artery partly via a PKG‐mediated stimulation of KCa1.1 channels
Authors: Iozzi D. , Schubert R. , Kalenchuk V. U. , Neri A. , Sgaragli G. , Fusi F. , Saponara S.
Published: February 2013

Aim

Protein kinases, activated by vasodilator substances, affect vascular function by regulating large conductance Ca2+‐activated K+ (KCa1.1) channels. Thus, the aim of the present investigation was to address the hypothesis that quercetin‐induced vasorelaxation is caused by a PKG‐mediated stimulation of KCa1.1 currents.

Methods

Single freshly isolated myocytes and endothelium‐denuded rings of the rat tail main artery were employed for electrophysiological and contractility measurements respectively.

Results

Quercetin relaxed vessels and increased KCa1.1 currents in a concentration‐dependent manner: both effects were antagonized by the specific KCa1.1 channel blocker iberiotoxin. Stimulation of KCa1.1 currents was fully reversible upon drug washout, markedly reduced by Rp‐8‐Br‐PET‐cGMPs, a PKG‐inhibitor, but not affected by catalase. Quercetin shifted by 34.3 mV the voltage dependence of KCa1.1 channel activation towards more negative membrane potentials without affecting its slope. Under conditions of tight functional coupling between sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ release sites and KCa1.1 channels, quercetin decreased both the frequency and the amplitude of KCa1.1 transient currents in a ryanodine‐like manner.

Conclusion

The natural flavonoid quercetin relaxes the rat tail main artery partly via a PKG‐mediated stimulation of smooth muscle KCa1.1 channels.
Azathioprine and mercaptopurine in the management of patients with chronic, active microscopic colitis
Authors: Münch A. , Fernandez‐Banares F. , Munck L. K.
Published: February 2013

Background

Microscopic colitis (MC) is a common chronic diarrhoeal disease, and remission can be induced with budesonide. However, diarrhoea relapses frequently when budesonide is tapered and a few patients become budesonide intolerant.

Aim

To examine retrospectively the effect of azathioprine (AZA) and mercaptopurine (MP) in patients with chronic, active MC.

Methods/patients

Data on all MC patients who received AZA or MP in the years 1997–2011 at three centres representing three countries were pooled for analysis. The indications for thiopurine therapy were frequent relapses after short‐term treatment (N = 26), budesonide dependency on 6 mg (N = 15) and budesonide intolerance (N = 5). The response to thiopurine treatment was defined as clinical remission, intolerance or nonresponse.

Results

Forty‐six MC patients (32 CC and 14 LC), 32 female; median age 59 years (range: 36–83) with a median disease duration of 3 years (range: 0.5–18) were included. Thirteen patients (28%) achieved long‐term clinical remission on AZA therapy. AZA failed in 31 patients (67%) due to intolerance and in 2 patients (4%) because of nonresponse. Thirteen of 31 AZA‐intolerant patients were switched to MP and 6 patients (46%) obtained clinical remission. Thus, the overall response rate to thiopurines was 19/46 (41%). The main side effects were nausea/vomiting and abnormally elevated liver enzymes.

Conclusions

In this retrospective case series, the majority of chronic, active MC patients were intolerant to AZA leading to cessation of treatment. However, further studies are needed to explore the efficacy, acceptance, tolerance and safety of MP in patients with chronic, active MC refractory to budesonide.