bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ESTRADA INDEX OF GENERAL WEIGHTED GRAPHS
Authors: SHANG YILUN
Published: November 2012

Let $G$ be a general weighted graph (with possible self-loops) on $n$ vertices and $\lambda _1,\lambda _2,\ldots ,\lambda _n$ be its eigenvalues. The Estrada index of $G$ is a graph invariant defined as $EE=\sum _{i=1}^ne^{\lambda _i}$. We present a generic expression for $EE$ based on weights of short closed walks in $G$. We establish lower and upper bounds for $EE$in terms of low-order spectral moments involving the weights of closed walks. A concrete example of calculation is provided.
CENTRALISERS IN THE INFINITE SYMMETRIC INVERSE SEMIGROUP
Authors: KONIECZNY JANUSZ
Published: November 2012

For an arbitrary set$X$(finite or infinite), denote by$\mathcal {I}(X)$the symmetric inverse semigroup of partial injective transformations on$X$. For$ \alpha \in \mathcal {I}(X)$, let$C(\alpha )=\{ \beta \in \mathcal {I}(X): \alpha \beta = \beta \alpha \}$be the centraliser of$ \alpha $in$\mathcal {I}(X)$. For an arbitrary$ \alpha \in \mathcal {I}(X)$, we characterise the transformations$ \beta \in \mathcal {I}(X)$that belong to$C( \alpha )$, describe the regular elements of$C(\alpha )$, and establish when$C( \alpha )$is an inverse semigroup and when it is a completely regular semigroup. In the case where$\operatorname {dom}( \alpha )=X$, we determine the structure of$C(\alpha )$in terms of Green’s relations.
The effect of at-birth vitamin A supplementation on differential leucocyte counts and in vitro cytokine production: an immunological study nested within a randomised trial in Guinea-Bissau
Authors: Jørgensen Mathias J. , Fisker Ane B. , Sartono Erliyani , Andersen Andreas , Erikstrup Christian , Lisse Ida M. , Yazdanbakhsh Maria , Aaby Peter , Benn Christine S.
Published: November 2012

Vitamin A supplementation (VAS) at birth was not associated with improved survival in a randomised, placebo-controlled trial in Guinea-Bissau. However, a negative sex-differential effect, which became evident after diphtheria–tetanus–pertussis (DTP) vaccination, was noted; among girls who had received DTP, VAS at birth was associated with two-fold higher mortality than placebo. The objective of the present study was to investigate the immunological effects of VAS at birth within a subgroup of participants in the randomised trial. Guided by the mortality results, we further explored whether VAS had a differential effect according to sex and DTP status. At 6 weeks after randomisation and supplementation, we measured differential leucocyte counts and TNF-α, interferon-γ, IL-10, IL-13 and IL-5 production in a whole-blood culture assay. A total of 471 children were included. VAS compared with placebo at birth was associated with a higher proportion of monocytes (relative risk ratio 1·26, 95 % CI 1·07, 1·49, P= 0·04), while spontaneous TNF-α production was lower in the VAS group (geometric mean ratio 0·54, 95 % CI, 0·37, 0·78, P= 0·001). Stratified analysis showed that VAS was associated with lower TNF-α and IL-10 production for girls without DTP and boys with DTP, resulting in significant three-way interactions between VAS, sex and DTP vaccination status (P= 0·03 and P= 0·04, respectively) for spontaneous TNF-α and IL-10 production. The results substantiate the potential role of VAS as an immunomodulatory intervention, which has different effects depending on concomitant health interventions and the sex of the recipient.
Dietary folate does not significantly affect the intestinal microbiome, inflammation or tumorigenesis in azoxymethane–dextran sodium sulphate-treated mice
Authors: MacFarlane Amanda J. , Behan Nathalie A. , Matias Fernando M. G. , Green Judy , Caldwell Don , Brooks Stephen P. J.
Published: November 2012

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a risk factor for the development of colon cancer. Environmental factors including diet and the microflora influence disease outcome. Folate and homocysteine have been associated with IBD-mediated colon cancer but their roles remain unclear. We used a model of chemically induced ulcerative colitis (dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)) with or without the colon carcinogen azoxymethane (AOM) to determine the impact of dietary folic acid (FA) on colonic microflora and the development of colon tumours. Male mice (n 15 per group) were fed a FA-deficient (0 mg/kg), control (2 mg/kg) or FA-supplemented (8 mg/kg) diet for 12 weeks. Folate status was dependent on the diet (P< 0·001) and colitis-induced treatment (P= 0·04) such that mice with colitis had lower circulating folate. FA had a minimal effect on tumour initiation, growth and progression, although FA-containing diets tended to be associated with a higher tumour prevalence in DSS-treated mice (7–20 v. 0 %, P= 0·08) and the development of more tumours in the distal colon of AOM-treated mice (13–83 % increase, P= 0·09). Folate deficiency was associated with hyperhomocysteinaemia (P< 0·001) but homocysteine negatively correlated with tumour number (r − 0·58, P= 0·02) and load (r − 0·57, P= 0·02). FA had no effect on the intestinal microflora. The present data indicate that FA intake has no or little effect on IBD or IBD-mediated colon cancer in this model and that hyperhomocysteinaemia is a biomarker of dietary status and malabsorption rather than a cause of IBD-mediated colon cancer.
Gene–diet interactions on plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population
Authors: Rudkowska Iwona , Dewailly Eric , Hegele Robert A. , Boiteau Véronique , Dubé-Linteau Ariane , Abdous Belkacem , Giguere Yves , Chateau-Degat Marie-Ludivine , Vohl Marie-Claude
Published: November 2012

The Inuit population is often described as being protected against CVD due to their traditional dietary patterns and their unique genetic background. The objective of the present study was to examine gene–diet interaction effects on plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population. Data from the Qanuippitaa Nunavik Health Survey (n553) were analysed via regression models which included the following: genotypes for thirty-five known polymorphisms (SNP) from twenty genes related to lipid metabolism; dietary fat intake including total fat (TotFat) and saturated fat (SatFat) estimated from a FFQ; plasma lipid levels, namely total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C) and TAG. The results demonstrate that allele frequencies were different in the Inuit population compared with the Caucasian population. Further, seven SNP (APOA1− 75G/A (rs670),APOBXbAI (rs693),AGTM235T (rs699),LIPC480C/T (rs1800588),APOA184T/C (rs5070),PPARG2− 618C/G (rs10865710) andAPOE219G/T (rs405509)) in interaction with TotFat and SatFat were significantly associated with one or two plasma lipid parameters. Another four SNP (APOC33238C>G (rs5128),CETPI405V (rs5882),CYP1A1A4889G (rs1048943) andABCA1Arg219Lys (rs2230806)) in interaction with either TotFat or SatFat intake were significantly associated with one plasma lipid variable. Further, an additive effect of these SNP in interaction with TotFat or SatFat intake was significantly associated with higher TC, LDL-C or TAG levels, as well as with lower HDL-C levels. In conclusion, the present study supports the notion that gene–diet interactions play an important role in modifying plasma lipid levels in the Inuit population.
Mutation in porcine Zip4-like zinc transporter is associated with pancreatic zinc concentration and apparent zinc absorption
Authors: Siebert Felicitas , Lühken Gesine , Pallauf Josef , Erhardt Georg
Published: November 2012

The aim of the present study was to analyse the sequence variability of the porcineZip4-likeZn transporter gene and the association of identified sequence variants with average daily gain, apparent Zn absorption, plasma Zn concentration and Zn concentration in the liver and pancreas. For the purpose of the study, two different sample sets were used. Set one, which was used for sequencing and association analysis, included mRNA from intestinal tissue from thirty-five piglets of a feeding trial. Sample set two consisted of forty-six samples of genomic DNA from sperm or tissue of wild boars and several pig breeds and was used to genotype animals of different breeds. The sequence analysis of porcineZip4-likecomplementary DNA in sample set one revealed the presence of seven nucleotide substitutions. Of these, six were synonymous, whereas a substitution of A with C in exon IX (XM_001925360 c.1430A>C) causes an amino acid exchange from glutamic acid to alanine (p.Glu477Ala). The association analysis revealed no influence of the six synonymous substitutions on Zn values, but the non-synonymous nucleotide exchange significantly increased Zn concentration in the pancreas and apparent Zn absorption of the piglets in week 2 of the feeding trial. The parentage of the piglets and the genotyping results in sample set two suggest a breed-specific presence of the A allele in Piétrain for this amino acid substitution. These results indicate that genotype influences the Zn absorption abilities of individual animals, which should be taken into consideration in animal breeding as well as for the selection of experimental animals.
Commuting elements in central products of special unitary groups
Authors: Adem Alejandro , Cohen F. R. , Gómez José Manuel
Published: November 2012

We study the space of commuting elements in the central product Gm,p of m copies of the special unitary group SU(p), where p is a prime number. In particular, a computation for the number of path-connected components of these spaces is given and the geometry of the moduli space Rep(ℤn, Gm,p) of isomorphism classes of flat connections on principal Gm,p-bundles over the n-torus is completely described for all values of n, m and p.
ON WEYL'S THEOREM FOR TENSOR PRODUCTS
Authors: KUBRUSLY C. S. , DUGGAL B. P.
Published: November 2012

LetAandBbe operators acting on infinite-dimensional spaces. In this paper we prove that ifAandBare isoloid, satisfy Weyl's theorem, and the Weyl spectrum identity holds, thenA⊗Bsatisfies Weyl's theorem.
Effects of Bank Regulation and Lender Location on Loan Spreads
Authors: Hao Li , Nandy Debarshi K. , Roberts Gordon S.
Published: November 2012

We investigate how differences in regulation regarding banking-commerce integration and banking sector concentration influence loan spreads across 29 countries. Theoretical research posits conflicting effects based on agency costs, information asymmetry costs, and market power. Increased integration is associated with lower loan spreads in countries with low concentration, but moving to high levels of integration increases spreads in countries with high concentration. Starting from lower levels, an increase in integration is associated with an increase in informational efficiency that disappears at higher levels of integration. We also show that market concentration affects loan spreads differently under high-, medium-, and low-integration regimes.
Molecular genetic conspecificity of Spiculopteragia houdemeri (Schwartz, 1926) and S. andreevae (Dróżdż, 1965) (Nematoda: Ostertagiinae) from wild ruminants in Japan
Authors: Sultan K. , Omar M. , Makouloutou P. , Kaneshiro Y. , Saita E. , Yokoyama M. , Suzuki K. , Hosoi E. , Sato H.
Published: November 2012

Male dimorphism of the subfamily Ostertagiinae (Nematoda: Trichostrongylidae) is a well-known phenomenon, and two or more morphotypes of a single species have previously been described as different species. Two Spiculopteragia spp., S. houdemeri (syn. S. yamashitai) and S. andreevae (syn. Rinadia andreevae) recorded in Asian cervids and wild bovids, are considered to represent major and minor morphs of S. houdemeri, respectively, based solely on their co-occurrence in the same host individual along with monomorphic females. In this study, males of morph houdemeri ( = S. houdemeri) and morph andreevae ( = S. andreevae) as well as females with three different vulval ornamentations were collected from sika deer (Cervus nippon) and Japanese serows (Capricornis crispus) distributed on the mainland of Japan. Morphologically characterized worms were subjected to molecular genetic analyses based on the internal transcribed spacer region of the ribosomal RNA gene and a partial region of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene of mitochondrial DNA. Of 181 collected sika deer, 177 (97.8%) and 73 (40.3%) deer harboured males of morphs houdemeri and andreevae, respectively. Worm numbers of the former morph were found to range between 1 and 444 per individual, whereas only 1–25 worms per individual were detected for the latter morph. Five out of six serows harboured 47–71 or 2–9 males of morphs houdemeri and andreevae per individual, respectively. Females with one or two vulval flaps were predominant, but there was a substantial presence of flapless females in both host species. All the morphs of male and female adults had an identical genetic background, thus directly confirming the morphological polymorphism of S. houdemeri.
Electro-physical property of plasma jet generated by burning chemicals as antenna
Authors: ZHONG-CAI YUAN , JIA-MING SHI , XIAO-PO WU , ZONG-SHEN CHEN
Published: November 2012

The application of pulsed power to transient radiofrequency/microwave radiation for warhead/projectile payloads is currently a significant area of research. In this paper, the far-field radiative property of a plasma antenna is analyzed. Then, a plasma jet is generated by burning chemicals, in which the electron concentration and collision frequency are diagnosed, and the electric conductance is calculated. Finally, the feasibility to apply the plasma jet as antenna is investigated by analyzing the radiative pattern. The dependency of pattern on plasma electron density, collision frequency, and plasma wake radius is calculated and analyzed.
A rejoinder and addendum to Hayashi (2011) regarding the systematics and biology of the turtle and whale barnacles (Cirripedia: Balanomorpha: Coronuloidea)
Authors: Frick Michael G.
Published: November 2012

Barnacles of the superfamily Coronuloidea are obligate commensals of motile marine animals (Newman & Ross, 1976). Excepting the coronuloid genusChelonibiaLeach, the species included in this superfamily occur strictly upon marine vertebrates, particularly sea turtles and whales (Fricket al., 2011). Chelonophilic (turtle-associated) and cetophilic (whale-associated) coronuloids produce highly-ornamented shells with elaborations that enable these barnacles to grasp the skin of the host (Fricket al., 2010a). These same ornamentations are also useful characters for elucidating taxonomic affinities within the Coronuloidea (Darwin, 1854; Pilsbry, 1916; Ross & Frick, 2007).
Effects of photosynthesis on the survival and weight retention of two kleptoplastic sacoglossan opisthobranchs
Authors: Yamamoto Shoko , Hirano Yayoi M. , Hirano Yoshiaki J. , Trowbridge Cynthia D. , Akimoto Ayana , Sakai Atsushi , Yusa Yoichi
Published: November 2012

Many sacoglossan sea slugs utilize chloroplasts ingested from food algae for photosynthesis (functional kleptoplasty), and the extent and duration of kleptoplast retention differs greatly among sacoglossan species. Although most recent studies focus on the genetic, microscopic, or physiological mechanisms responsible for this unique phenomenon, its effects on the life history traits of sacoglossans have not been fully explored. To study the effects of light conditions on survival and weight retention, adult individuals of two sacoglossan species, Elysia trisinuata and Plakobranchus ocellatus (‘black type'), were reared under light conditions (a 14-hour light: 10-hour dark photoperiod with an irradiance level of 28 µmol m−2s−1) or complete darkness for 21 days. There was no significant difference in the survival rate between the light and dark treatments for E. trisinuata, and its wet weight relative to the initial weight was smaller in the light than in the dark. However, both the survival and relative weights were greater in the light than dark for P. ocellatus. Based on the fluorescent yield measurement using pulse-amplitude-modulated fluorometry, the retention duration of functional chloroplasts was longer (>17 days) for P. ocellatus than E. trisinuata (<4 days). These results indicate that P. ocellatus benefits from photosynthesis for survival and growth, whereas E. trisinuata does not under starved conditions. This interspecific difference is likely related to the period of functional chloroplast retention.
Environmental effects on the structure of polychaete feeding guilds on the beaches of Sepetiba Bay, south-eastern Brazil
Authors: Mattos Gustavo , Cardoso Ricardo S. , Santos André Souza Dos
Published: November 2012

Several studies have been conducted to explain patterns of the abundance, richness and diversity of sandy-beach macrofauna; however, such analyses have ignored the overall functional structure of macrofauna communities. Few studies have examined polychaete feeding guilds on sandy beach environments. To examine the effects of environmental factors on polychaete feeding guilds on sandy beaches, 12 sandy beaches from five islands in Sepetiba Bay were sampled. A total of 24 polychaete morphospecies, grouped among 21 families, were identified in these sandy beaches. The polychaete species were classified into 10 feeding guilds, and the SDT guild (suspended-deposit feeders, discretely motile, with tentacles) was the most abundant feeding guild, with 34.2% of total number of organisms. The highest trophic importance index and index of trophic diversity values were recorded on the sheltered beaches. A canonical correspondence analysis showed that the exposure rate, beach length, and grain size of the beach sediment significantly affected the polychaete feeding guild distribution and abundance. We can conclude that sheltered beaches have a higher diversity of feeding guilds than exposed beaches and that the biological descriptors of the feeding guilds are directly associated with the grain size of the sediment.
Population dynamics and reproductive aspects of the decorator crab Microphrys bicornutus (Crustacea: Brachyura: Majidae) in an extreme shallow Thalassia complex
Authors: Carmona-Suárez C.A.
Published: November 2012

The decorator crab, Microphrys bicornutus, is a common inhabitant of the turtle grass Thalassia testudinum. In order to establish the behaviour of a population of this species in an extreme shallow Thalassia complex (maximum depth less than 50 cm, and often exposed to the air), size distribution, population dynamics, reproductive effort and egg size were studied in Buchuaco—Venezuela. Monthly sampling was undertaken between June 1988 and December 1990. A total of 1403 specimens of M. bicornutus were captured. In each of the sampled years, size distribution was strongly skewed to the predominance of small size crabs. Females were significantly larger than males in all the three years. Small size and large size crabs showed periodic annual fluctuations in abundance, with peaks during the last months of the year for the first, and peaks between April and June for the latter. Medium size crabs showed no periodicity at all. Number of eggs per female ranged between 40 and 4305 (mean = 1067.4), and was positively correlated with female body size. Eggs increased their size gradually during their development, and differences in egg size between development stages were significant. The biological parameters found in this study are compared with other populations of this crab, found in Venezuela and Brazil, in different ecosystems. Results acquired in this work add new insights to the behaviour of this decorator crab, specifically on density variation and egg size (among others), living in an environment that is constantly exposed to air and to other physicochemical variations.
A new western Atlantic species ofEurysquilla(Crustacea: Stomatopoda: Eurysquilloidea) with a key to the world species
Authors: Lucatelli Débora , Ahyong Shane T. , Bezerra Luis Ernesto Arruda , Dos Santos Paulo Jorge Parreira
Published: November 2012

A new species of eurysquilloid stomatopod,Eurysquilla petronioisp. nov., is described from the tropical western Atlantic.Eurysquilla petronioisp. nov. is the fourteenth species of the genus to be recognized worldwide, the fifth species from the western Atlantic and the second from Brazilian waters. It is most closely related toE. maiaguesensisfrom Puerto Rico, but differs chiefly in having an unarmed versus apically spinous rostral plate and 6 or 7 rather than 8–10 teeth on dactylus of raptorial claw. A key to the species of the genus is provided.
Morphology and molecular analysis of the 18S rRNA gene of oyster shell borers, Polydora species (Polychaeta: Spionidae), from Japan and Australia
Authors: Sato-Okoshi Waka , Abe Hirokazu
Published: November 2012

Nuclear 18S rRNA gene sequences of oyster shell borers, Polydora websteri, P. calcarea and P. haswelli (Polychaeta: Spionidae), were determined for the first time. A wide range of morphological variation, particularly with regard to pigmentation, is observed among these three species. This variation was characterized at the species level. Black pigmentation pattern on the palps is suggested to be a key characteristic for species determination. Polydora websteri and P. haswelli were sister species. This is the first record of P. calcarea from Japan and Australia and P. haswelli from Japan.
Surf zone fish abundance and diversity at two sandy beaches separated by long rocky jetties
Authors: Rodrigues Fábio Lameiro , Vieira João Paes
Published: November 2012

In this work, we evaluated the influence of long rocky jetties (~5 km) on fish abundance and diversity between sheltered and exposed marine sandy beaches. We also described and compared the fish community structure and investigated the relationships between environmental variables and fish assemblages. Fish were collected monthly with a beach seine net from May 2001 to May 2002 at the Cassino and Mar Grosso beaches. Twenty-nine taxa were caught and the fish assemblage showed similar composition between beaches (Sj = 62.1%; %Min = 52.3%), with 18 species in common. Most of the fish were juveniles, mainly young-of-the-year with sizes ≤60 mm total length. Eight species (Trachinotus marginatus, Mugil liza, Brevoortia pectinata, Menticirrhus littoralis, Menticirrhus americanus, Odontesthes argentinensis and Oncopterus darwinii) were the most abundant, accounting for 95.6% of the total catch. At both beaches, only T. marginatus, M. liza and M. littoralis were frequent and abundant, but with some differences in their relative abundance. The canonical correspondence analysis results showed that temperature had the highest correlation with fish abundance. Seasonal changes in fish assemblage structure were evident, with a greater species diversity and abundance in the spring and summer. The overall results indicate that the presence of jetties had no effect on fish assemblages of adjacent sandy beaches. Moreover, differences between beaches were related to some species abundance and not to differences in the number and composition of species between beaches.
Distribution patterns of molluscan fauna in seagrass beds in the Ensenada de O Grove (Galicia, north-western Spain)
Authors: Quintas P. , Moreira J. , Troncoso J.S.
Published: November 2012

The distribution and composition of molluscan assemblages of seagrass beds in the Ensenada de O Grove (north-western Spain), are described in this paper. The studied bottoms were mostly muddy and colonized predominantly by Zostera marina L., Z. noltei Hornemann, or by both species. Molluscan fauna was dominated by gastropods and bivalves, in terms of both species richness and abundance. A total of 7641 individuals belonging to 68 taxa was identified. The most abundant species were the gastropods Peringia ulvae, Retusa truncatula and Calyptraea chinensis and the bivalves Abra alba, Loripes lucinalis and Kurtiella bidentata. Cluster and multidimensional scaling analyses based on Bray–Curtis similarity coefficient showed two distinct faunal assemblages. Group A comprised intertidal sites colonized either by Z. noltei or by Z. marina and Z. noltei on muddy sand and sandy mud bottoms and subtidal sites exclusively colonized by Z. marina in the outer part of the inlet on muddy sand with the highest values of species richness and diversity. Group B consisted of sites characterized by low values of species diversity and a species composition typical of a ‘reduced Macoma community’. The sorting coefficient and the combination of gravel, sorting coefficient and carbonates content (BIOENV analyses) and the salinity of bottom water and depth (canonical correspondence analyses) were the most important abiotic variables in explaining the structure of the molluscan assemblage.
Identification of stomach contents from a Shepherd's beaked whale Tasmacetus shepherdi stranded on Tristan da Cunha, South Atlantic
Authors: Best P.B. , Smale M.J. , Glass J. , Herian K. , Von Der Heyden S.
Published: November 2012

Shepherd's beaked whale Tasmacetus shepherdi is one of the most poorly known cetaceans, whose diet has created some speculation given that its dentition differs greatly from that of most other beaked whales that are primarily teuthophagous. The few stomachs examined previously have given seemingly conflicting dietary information. In this paper the stomach contents of a freshly stranded adult female on Tristan da Cunha have been examined through identification of trace elements and genetic analysis of soft parts. At least 13 cephalopod and 8 fish species were identified from beaks and otoliths respectively, but only undigested fish remains were present in the stomach and identified genetically as Beryx splendens. Reconstituted masses totaled 8809 g for cephalopods and 17,554 g for fish, with four species (Histioteuthis atlantica, Taningia danae, Ommastrephes bartrami and Pholidoteuthis ‘A’) comprising 78.6% of the cephalopods and one species (B. splendens) comprising 87.4% of the fish eaten. It is concluded that Tasmacetus may alternately exploit fish and cephalopods, depending on the time of day and access to seamount or continental slope areas.
The Hong Kong Fever of 1843: Collective Trauma and the Reconfiguring of Colonial Space
Authors: COWELL CHRISTOPHER
Published: November 2012

This paper adds to a relatively new line of research investigating inadvertent transformations of urban colonial space generated by collective trauma. To the now classic iterative, and racial dynamics of Neild's ‘accommodation’ in the development of Madras,1 and of Yeoh's ‘contesting’ of the built environment in Singapore2—specifically in the tugging and pulling between local and colonial influences within the spatial discourse of colonial port cities—needs to be added that of single or multiple-event collective trauma. Such trauma, perceived as brought upon by unexpected external causes, might consolidate, perhaps accelerate, or even sever a previous sequence of spatial negotiation, particularly if that sequence was politically vulnerable or immature. The paper is a focused account of such an occurrence: the small-scale yet intensely traumatic events of Hong Kong Island while still in its colonial infancy in 1843, the year of the ‘Hongkong Fever’. It argues that a new conception of malaria—considered then a miasma—now linked both to location and construction, led to the first reactive, yet decisive, reconfiguring of a previously improvised urban colonization process, consequently salvaging Hong Kong's position within a wider imperial context.
Officers, Gentlemen, and Murderers: Lord Curzon's campaign against ‘collisions’ between Indians and Europeans, 1899 –1905
Authors: CARRINGTON MICHAEL
Published: November 2012

As viceroy of India (1899–1905), George Curzon believed that unprovoked British assaults on Indians undermined the colonial state's authority to rule. These collisions1challenged Curzon's conception of moral empire and called into question one of the most important representations of British moral character—that of ‘officer and gentleman’. Aware of the strength of indigenous feeling in India and of liberal discontent at home, the viceroy engaged in what appears to have been a laudable defence of the rights of Indians. By doing so, he certainly risked the hostility of official and unofficial opinion in both Britain and India. The fundamental issue was: should the Raj be based on a ruling moral authority administered by men of character, in which collisions were reprehensible, or did it ultimately rest on force?
‘Didi, are you Hindu?’ Politics of Secularism in Women's Activism in India: Case-study of a grassroots women's organization in rural Uttar Pradesh
Authors: GOVINDA RADHIKA
Published: November 2012

In this paper I take the women's movement as the site for unpacking some of the strains and tensions involved in practical interpretations of secularism in present-day India. Several sources within and outside the movement point out that there has been a tendency to take the existence of secularism for granted, and that the supposedly secular idioms and symbols used for mobilizing women have been drawn from Hindu religio-cultural sources. Women from Dalit and religious minority communities have felt alienated by this. Hindu nationalists have cleverly appropriated these idioms and symbols to mobilize women as foot soldiers to further religious nationalism. Through a case-study of a grassroots women's NGO working in Uttar Pradesh, I seek to explore how women's organizations may be reshaping their agendas and activism to address this issue. Specifically, I will examine how and why the 2002 Gujarat riots affected the NGO, the ways in which it has started working on the issue of communal harmony and engaging with Muslims since the riots, and the challenges with which it has been confronted as a result of its efforts. In doing so, I will show how the complexities of NGO-based women's activism have become intertwined with the politics of secularism.
The genetic contribution to disease risk and variability in response to diet: where is the hidden heritability?
Authors: Minihane Anne Marie
Published: November 2012

Ten years ago, it was assumed that disease risk prediction and personalised nutrition based on genetic information would now be in widespread use. However, this has not (yet) transpired. The interaction of genetic make-up, diet and health is far more complex and subtle than originally thought. With a few notable exceptions, the impact of identified common genetic variants on phenotype is relatively small and variable in their penetrance. Furthermore, the known variants account for only a fraction of what we believe to be the total genetic contribution to disease risk and heterogeneity in response to environmental change. Here, the question ‘how far have we progressed and are we likely to get there’ (Rimbach and Minihane, 2009) is revisited with regard to the translation of genetic knowledge into public health benefit. It is concluded that progress to date has been modest. It is hoped that recent technological developments allowing the detection of rarer variants and future use of more hypothesis-driven targeted data analysis will reveal most of the currently ‘hidden’ significant genetic variability.
The gut microbial metabolome: modulation of cancer risk in obese individuals
Authors: Russell Wendy R. , Duncan Sylvia H. , Flint Harry J.
Published: November 2012

Obesity is a critical health concern and although genetic factors may predispose an individual to become obese, changes in diet and lifestyle over the last few decades are likely to be significant contributors. Even so, it has been suggested that the causes of the current obesity crisis are not simply explained by changes in eating and exercise habits. Evidence suggests that the gut microbiota may play an important role in obesity and may be a factor in the development of associated disease including diabetes, CVD, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and cancer. There have been tremendous advances in knowledge regarding the composition of human gut microbiota, but less is known about their function and role within the human host. It is becoming widely accepted that the products of microbial metabolism influence human health and disease, particularly with respect to immune response and inflammation. However, in most cases, the products of microbial metabolism are uncharacterised and their mechanism of action remains unknown. This review addresses the role of the metabolites produced by gut microbiota in cancer and obesity. It is clear that only if the link between microbial diversity and metabolic functionality is firmly established, will the mechanism by which gut microbiota maintains health or contributes to disease development be elucidated.
Severity and persistence of asthma and mental health: a birth cohort study
Authors: Goodwin R. D. , Robinson M. , Sly P. D. , McKeague I. W. , Susser E. S. , Zubrick S. R. , Stanley F. J. , Mattes E.
Published: November 2012

Background

The goal of the current study was to investigate asthma and mental health among youth in the community, and to consider the role of asthma severity and persistence in this link.

Method

Data were drawn from the Raine Study, a population-based birth cohort study in Western Australia. Logistic regression models and generalized estimating equations were used to examine the relationship between asthma at age 5 years and the range of internalizing and externalizing mental health problems at ages 5–17 years. Analyses were stratified by asthma severity and persistence, and adjusted for a range of potential confounders.

Results

More severe and persistent asthma at age 5 was associated with significantly increased odds of affective, anxiety, somatic, oppositional defiant and conduct problems at ages 5–17. Mild asthma and remitted asthma were not associated with heightened vulnerability to mental disorders.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that youth with symptomatic asthma are more likely to suffer from a wide range of mental health problems, and that the likelihood of mental health problems appears to increase as a function of asthma severity. Youth with poorly controlled and/or more severe and persistent asthma may be considered a vulnerable group who might benefit from mental health screening in clinical, school and community settings.
‘Every Town Should Have One’: Emergency Food Banking in the UK
Authors: LAMBIE-MUMFORD HANNAH
Published: November 2012

This article charts the rise of one of the UK's most high profile forms of food banks: the Trussell Trust Foodbank franchise. Employing empirical data it seeks to embed the phenomenon of the growth of Foodbanks within a social policy research context. In the first instance, the role of recent and on-going shifts in the social policy context are examined, notably the importance of welfare diversification under previous Labour governments (1997–2010) and the current public spending cuts, welfare restructuring and Big Society rhetoric of the Conservative−Liberal Democrat Coalition government. The paper goes on to explore the nature of Foodbanks as emergency initiatives, providing relief and alleviation for the ‘symptoms’ of food insecurity and poverty. Data are presented which demonstrate some of the ways in which the Foodbank model and those who run the projects navigate the tension between addressing symptoms rather than ‘root causes’ of poverty and food insecurity. In the face of the simultaneous growth in emergency food initiatives and significant upheavals in social policy and welfare provision, the article culminates with an argument for social policy research and practice to harness and prioritise the human rights-based approach to food experiences.
Ethnicity, substrate and place: The dynamics of Coloured and Indian English in five South African cities in relation to the variable (t)
Authors: Mesthrie Rajend
Published: November 2012

This paper presents information on the regional characteristics of two of South Africa's five major varieties of English: viz. those of its Coloured and Indian communities in five cities: Johannesburg, Cape Town, Durban, Port Elizabeth, and Kimberley. It proposes that as far as the variable (t) is concerned, and by extension (d), these two “interior” social groupings show regional variation of a more robust kind than that of the Black majority and formerly politically dominant White group (the “exterior” groups). The paper describes the relationship between the two interior groups, showing considerable similarities between them for the variable (t), which has two main stop variants, an alveolar and a more fronted (or dental) one. Parallel developments are outlined for (th) (or /θ/ in IPA terms) by a study of word list style, showing similarities between the two groups in four of the cities. These linguistic features are assessed against outsiders' and local speakers' attitudes to and beliefs about their varieties. Finally, the paper considers the origins of the fronted variant, assessing whether it is a spontaneous development or a contact feature associated with Afrikaans-English bilinguals of varied backgrounds. It concludes that while multiple substrate influences are at work, the most likely source is from 17th- and 18th-century Malay and related languages, showing a double substratum, first into Afrikaans, then into English, without a significant period of Malay-English bilingualism.
Myths and facts about loanword development
Authors: Poplack Shana , Dion Nathalie
Published: November 2012

This study traces the diachronic trajectory and synchronic behavior of English-origin items in Quebec French over a real-time period of 61 years. We test three standard assumptions about such foreign incorporations: (1) they increase in frequency; (2) they originate as code-switches and are gradually integrated into recipient-language grammar; and (3) the processes underlying code-switching and borrowing are the same. Results do not support the assumptions. Few other-language items persist, let alone increase. Linguistic integration is abrupt, not gradual. Speakers consistently distinguish lone other-language items from multiword fragments on each of five linguistic diagnostics tested. They borrow the former, and code-switch the latter. Code-switches are not converted into borrowings; instead the decision to code-switch or borrow is made at the moment the other-language item is accessed. We explore the implications of these findings for understanding the processes by which other-language incorporations achieve the status of native items and their consequences for theories of code-switching and borrowing.
Application of Environmental Electron Microscopy and Microanalytical Techniques to the Diagnosis of Microbiologically Influenced Corrosion
Authors: Little B.J. , Lee J.S. , Ray R.I. , Gerke T.L.
Published: November 2012

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 29 – August 2, 2012.
Initiation of nanopits at MnS nano-inclusions on carbon steel exposed to anaerobic sulfate-reducing bacterium Desulfoglaeba alkanexedens
Authors: Avci R. , Davis B.H. , Suo Z. , Lucas K. , Beech I.B. , Sunner J.A. , Hammond J. , Paul D.
Published: November 2012

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 29 – August 2, 2012.
Inhibiting Staphylococcal Biofilm Formation Using Self-Assembled Microgels
Authors: Wang Q. , Chou T. , Libera M.
Published: November 2012

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 29 – August 2, 2012.
Fusion stage of dengue virus entry: mechanisms and assays
Authors: Zaitseva E. , Chernomordik L.
Published: November 2012

Extended abstract of a paper presented at Microscopy and Microanalysis 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, July 29 – August 2, 2012.
Exploring perceptions of psychological services in a children's hospice in the United Kingdom
Authors: Wray Jo , Lindsay Bruce , Crozier Kenda , Andrews Lauren , Leeson Janet
Published: November 2012

Background:

The provision of emotional and psychological support for all family members who need it is an essential element of holistic palliative care. Within East Anglia's Children's Hospice, teams of professionally trained and experienced workers offer psychosocial support to all family members at all times during the child's and family's journey. However, the effectiveness and appropriateness of current psychosocial provision is unclear, as is the requirement for any additional psychological services.

Objective:

The purpose of this study was to elicit perceptions about current psychological support within the hospice from a group of stakeholders (parents, hospice staff, and external professionals).

Method:

Forty-five parents participated in family focus groups, telephone interviews, individual interviews in their home, or a web-based survey. Ninety-five hospice staff (including nurses, carers, play specialists, therapists, and family support practitioners) and 28 external staff (including physicians, nurses, and commissioning managers) were seen using a mixture of focus group and individual meetings. Focus groups and meetings were held at the hospice building or at an external venue. Interviews were recorded and transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic coding.

Results:

Two main themes addressing perceptions of current psychological provision emerged: “understanding psychological support” and “unmet psychological need.” Subthemes linked to support included choice, staff roles and labels, communication, and flexibility, whereas the themes within unmet need had a stronger focus on people and problems.

Significance of results:

Understanding different user perspectives is an important first step in enhancing current psychological provision; operationalizing the findings will be challenging.
Efficient technique for ultra broadband, linear power amplifier design
Authors: Sayed Ahmed , Preis Sebastian , Boeck Georg
Published: November 2012

In this paper, a 10 W ultra-broadband GaN power amplifier (PA) is designed, fabricated, and tested. The suggested design technique provides a more accurate starting point for matching network synthesis and better prediction of achievable circuit performance. A negative-image model was used to fit the extracted optimum impedances based on source-/load-pull technique and multi-section impedance matching networks were designed. The implemented amplifier presents an excellent broadband performance, resulting in a gain of 8.5 ± 0.5 dB, saturated output power of ≥10 W, and power added efficiency (PAE) of ≥23% over the whole bandwidth. The linearity performance has also been characterized. An output third-order intercept point (OIP3) of ≥45 dBm was extracted based on a two-tone measurement technique in the operating bandwidth with different frequency spacing values. The memory effect based on AM/AM and AM/PM conversions was also characterized using a modulated WiMAX signal of 10 MHz bandwidth at 5.8 GHz. Furthermore, a broadband Wilkinson combiner was designed for the same bandwidth with very low loss to extend the overall output power. Excellent agreement between simulated and measured PA performances was also achieved.
Lower mantle structure from paleogeographically constrained dynamic Earth models
Authors: Bower Dan J. , Gurnis Michael , Seton Maria
Published: November 2012

Seismic tomography reveals two large, low‐shear velocity provinces (LLSVPs) beneath Africa and the Pacific Ocean. These structures may have existed for several 100 Myr and are likely compositionally distinct based on observed seismic characteristics interpreted in light of geodynamic models and mineral physics constraints. We investigate the dynamics of the LLSVPs through the use of evolutionary models of thermochemical convection from 250 Ma to present day. We use a spherical convection model in which the anomalous structures have a high bulk modulus, consistent with seismic interpretation. A new progressive assimilation method incorporates constraints from paleogeography using a refined plate history model (with 1 Myr time spacing) to guide the thermal structure of the lithosphere and steer the thermal evolution of slabs in the uppermost mantle. The thermochemical structures deform and migrate along the core‐mantle boundary (CMB) through coupling to plate motions and in response to slab stresses. The models produce a ridge‐like anomaly beneath Africa and a rounded pile beneath the Pacific Ocean, which at present day agrees with tomography, waveform modeling, and other geodynamic studies. Plumes emanate from the margins of the domes and ridges of thickened boundary layer between the domes. Dense and viscous slabs can undermine the stability of high bulk modulus structures at the CMB. High bulk modulus structures are not necessarily required to satisfy dynamic constraints on the LLSVPs.
Faint young Sun problem more severe due to ice‐albedo feedback and higher rotation rate of the early Earth
Authors: Kienert Hendrik , Feulner Georg , Petoukhov Vladimir
Published: November 2012

During the Archean (3.8–2.5 billion years ago), the Sun was up to 25% less luminous than today, yet there is strong evidence that the Earth's ocean surface was not completely frozen. The most obvious solutions to this ‘faint young Sun problem’ demand high concentrations of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide. Here we present the first comprehensive 3‐dimensional simulations of the Archean climate that include processes as the sea‐ice albedo feedback and the higher rotation rate of the Earth. These effects lead to CO2 partial pressures required to prevent the Earth from freezing that are significantly higher than previously thought. For the early Archean, we find a critical CO2partial pressure of 0.4 bar in contrast to 0.06 bar estimated in previous studies with 1‐dimensional radiative‐convective models. Our results suggest that currently favored greenhouse solutions could be in conflict with constraints emerging for the middle and late Archean.
Geodetic slip rates in the southern San Andreas Fault system: Effects of elastic heterogeneity and fault geometry
Authors: Lindsey E. O. , Fialko Y.
Published: November 2012

We use high resolution interferometric synthetic aperture radar and GPS measurements of crustal motion across the southern San Andreas Fault system to investigate the effects of elastic heterogeneity and fault geometry on inferred slip rates and locking depths. Geodetically measured strain rates are asymmetric with respect to the mapped traces of both the southern San Andreas and San Jacinto faults. Two possibilities have been proposed to explain this observation: large contrasts in crustal rigidity across the faults, or an alternate fault geometry such as a dipping San Andreas fault or a blind segment of the San Jacinto Fault. We evaluate these possibilities using a two‐dimensional elastic model accounting for heterogeneous structure computed from the Southern California Earthquake Center crustal velocity model CVM‐H 6.3. The results demonstrate that moderate variations in elastic properties of the crust do not produce a significant strain rate asymmetry and have only a minor effect on the inferred slip rates. However, we find that small changes in the location of faults at depth can strongly impact the results. Our preferred model includes a San Andreas Fault dipping northeast at 60°, and two active branches of the San Jacinto fault zone. In this case, we infer nearly equal slip rates of 18 ± 1 and 19 ± 2 mm/yr for the San Andreas and San Jacinto fault zones, respectively. These values are in good agreement with geologic measurements representing average slip rates over the last 104–106 years, implying steady long‐term motion on these faults.