bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphometric analysis of molars in a Middle Pleistocene population shows a mosaic of ‘modern’ and Neanderthal features
Authors: Martinón‐Torres María , Spěváčková Petra , Gracia‐Téllez Ana , Martínez Ignacio , Bruner Emiliano , Arsuaga Juan Luis , Bermúdez de Castro José María
Published: August 2013

Previous studies of upper first molar (M1) crown shape have shown significant differences between Homo sapiens and Homo neanderthalensis that were already present in the European Middle Pleistocene populations, including the large dental sample from Atapuerca‐Sima de los Huesos (SH). Analysis of other M1 features such as the total crown base area, cusp proportions, cusp angles and occlusal polygon have confirmed the differences between both lineages, becoming a useful tool for the taxonomic assignment of isolated teeth from Late Pleistocene sites. However, until now the pattern of expression of these variables has not been known for the SH sample. This fossil sample, the largest collection from the European Middle Pleistocene, is generally interpreted as being from the direct ancestors of Neanderthals, and thus is a reference sample for assessing the origin of the Neanderthal morphologies. Surprisingly, our study reveals that SH M1s present a unique mosaic of H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens features. Regarding the cusp angles and the relative occlusal polygon area, SH matches the H. neanderthalensis pattern. However, regarding the total crown base area and relative cusps size, SH M1s are similar to H. sapiens, with a small crown area, a strong hypocone reduction and a protocone enlargement, although the protocone expansion in SH is significantly larger than in any other group studied. The SH dental sample calls into question the uniqueness of some so‐called modern traits. Our study also sounds a note of caution on the use of M1 occlusal morphology for the alpha taxonomy of isolated M1s.
GPER-1 agonist G1 induces vasorelaxation through activation of epidermal growth factor receptor-dependent signalling pathway
Authors: Jang Eun Jin , Seok Young Mi , Arterburn Jeffrey B , Olatunji Lawrence A , Kim In Kyeom
Published: August 2013

Objectives

The G protein-coupled oestrogen receptor-1 (GPER-1) agonist G1 induces endothelium-dependent relaxation. Activation of the epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor leads to transduction of signals from the plasma membrane for the release of nitric oxide. We tested the hypothesis that G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through activation of the EGF receptor.

Methods

Rat aortic rings were mounted in organ baths. After pretreatment with various inhibitors, aortic rings contracted with 11,9-epoxymethano-prostaglandin F2α or KCl were subjected to relaxation by G1.

Key findings

G1 induced endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation, which was attenuated by pretreatment with either L-Nω-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME), an inhibitor of nitric oxide synthase, or (3aS,4R,9bR)-4-(6-bromo-1,3-benzodioxol-5-yl)-3a,4,5,9b-tetrahydro-3H-cyclopenta[c]quinoline HB-EGF, heparin-binding EGF-like growth factor, a GPER-1 antagonist. Neither a general oestrogen receptor antagonist, ICI 182 780, nor a selective oestrogen receptor-α antagonist, methyl-piperidino-pyrazole dihydrochloride (MPP), had an effect on G1-induced vasorelaxation. However, pretreatment with EGF receptor blockers, AG1478 or DAPH, resulted in attenuated G1-induced vasorelaxation. In addition, pretreatment with Src inhibitor 4-amino-3-(4-chlorophenyl)-1-(t-butyl)-1H-pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine, 4-amino-5-(4-chlorophenyl)-7-(t-butyl)pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidine or Akt inhibitor VIII also resulted in attenuated vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1. However, neither phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase inhibitors LY294002 and wortmannin nor an extracellular signal-regulated kinase inhibitor 1,4-diamino-2,3-dicyano-1,4-bis(o-aminophenylmercapto) butadiene monoethanolate had effect on vascular relaxation induced by the cumulative addition of G1.

Conclusions

G1 induces endothelium-dependent vasorelaxation through Src-mediated activation of the EGF receptor and the Akt pathway in rat aorta.
Improved percutaneous delivery of ketoprofen using combined application of nanocarriers and silicon microneedles
Authors: Vučen Sonja R , Vuleta Gordana , Crean Abina M , Moore Anne C , Ignjatović Nenad , Uskoković Dragan
Published: August 2013

Objectives

The aim of our study was to evaluate the effect of designing ketoprofen-loaded nanosized spheres and combining them with solid silicon microneedles for enhanced and sustained percutaneous drug delivery.

Methods

Ketoprofen-loaded nanoparticles (KET-NP) were designed by modified solvent displacement method, using poly (D, L-lactic acid) (PDLLA). All prepared nanoparticles were characterised with regard to their particle size distribution, morphology, surface properties, thermal behaviour, drug content, drug release and stability. In-vitro skin permeation studies were conducted on Franz-type diffusion cells using porcine skin treated with ImmuPatch silicon microneedles (Tyndall Nation Institute, Cork, Ireland).

Key findings

The study showed that uniform nanospheres were prepared with high encapsulation efficiency and retained stable for 2 months. After an initial burst release, the PDLLA nanoparticles were capable of sustaining and controlling ketoprofen release that followed Korsmeyer–Peppas kinetics. An enhanced flux of ketoprofen was observed in the skin treated with silicon microneedles over a prolonged period of time.

Conclusions

Following application of silicon microneedle arrays, KET-NP were able to enhance ketoprofen flux and supply the porcine skin with drug over a prolonged (24 h) period of time. Our findings indicate that the delivery strategy described here could be used for the further development of effective and painless administration systems for sustained percutaneous delivery of ketoprofen.
Periostin increases migration and proliferation of human periodontal ligament fibroblasts challenged by tumor necrosis factor ‐α and Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides
Authors: Padial‐Molina M. , Volk S. L. , Rios H. F.
Published: August 2013

Background

In the chronic established periodontal lesion, the proliferation and migration potential of periodontal ligament (PDL) cells are significantly compromised. Thus, the progressive loss of tissue integrity is favored and normal healing and regeneration compromised. Periostin, a known PDL marker, modulates cell–matrix interactions, cell behavior, as well as the matrix biomechanics and PDL homeostasis.

Objective

To evaluate whether periostin restores the regenerative potential of PDL cells in terms of proliferation, migration, and activation of survival signaling pathways after being challenged by Porphyromonas gingivalis lipopolysaccharides and tumor necrosis factor alpha α.

Methods

Human PDL (hPDL) cells were cultured under different conditions: control, periostin (50 or 100 ng/mL), and fibroblast growth factor 2 (10 ng/mL) to evaluate cell proliferation (by Ki67), cell migration (by scratch assays) and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activation (by western blot analyses of total AKT, phospho‐AKT and PS6). A different set of cultures was challenged by adding tumor necrosis factor alpha α (10 ng/mL) and P. gingivalis lipopolysaccharides (200 ng/mL) to evaluate the effects of periostin as described above.

Results

Periostin significantly increased cell proliferation (twofold), migration (especially at earlier time points and low dose) and activation of survival signaling pathway (higher phosphorylation of AKT and PS6). Furthermore, periostin promoted similar cellular effects even after being challenged with proinflammatory cytokines and bacterial virulence factors.

Conclusion

Periostin acts as an important modulator of hPDL cell–matrix dynamics. It modulates hPDL proliferation, migration and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. It also helps in overcoming the altered biological phenotype that chronic exposure to periodontal pathogens and proinflammatory cytokines produce in hPDL cells.
Differential response of human gingival fibroblasts to titanium‐ and titanium‐zirconium‐modified surfaces
Authors: Gómez‐Florit M. , Ramis J. M. , Xing R. , Taxt‐Lamolle S. , Haugen H. J. , Lyngstadaas S. P. , Monjo M.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objective

Gingival fibroblasts are responsible for the constant adaptation, wound healing and regeneration of gingival connective tissue. New titanium‐zirconium (TiZr) abutment surfaces have been designed to improve soft tissue integration and reduce implant failure compared with titanium (Ti). The aim of the present study was first to characterize a primary human gingival fibroblast (HGF) model and secondly to evaluate their differential response to Ti and TiZr polished (P), machined (M) and machined + acid‐etched (modMA) surfaces, respectively.

Material and Methods

HGF were cultured on tissue culture plastic or on the different Ti and TiZr surfaces. Cell morphology was evaluated through confocal and scanning electron microscopy. A wound healing assay was performed to evaluate the capacity of HGF to close a scratch. The expression of genes was evaluated by real‐time RT‐PCR, addressing: (i) extracellular matrix organization and turnover; (ii) inflammation; (iii) cell adhesion and structure; and (iv) wound healing. Finally, cells on Ti/TiZr surfaces were immunostained with anti‐ITGB3 antibodies to analyze integrin β3 production. Matrix metalloproteinase‐1 (MMP1) and inhibitor of metallopeptidases‐1 (TIMP1) production were analyzed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays.

Results

On tissue culture plastic, HGF showed no differences between donors on cell proliferation and on the ability for wound closure; α‐smooth muscle actin was overexpressed on scratched monolayers. The differentiation profile showed increased production of extracellular matrix components. Ti and TiZr showed similar biocompatibility with HGF. TiZr increased integrin‐β3 mRNA and protein levels, compared with Ti. Cells on TiZr surfaces showed higher MMP1 protein than Ti surfaces, although similar TIMP1 protein production. In this in vitro experiment, P and M surfaces from both Ti and TiZr showed better HGF growth than modMA.

Conclusion

Taking into account the better mechanical properties and bioactivity of TiZr compared with Ti, the results of the present study show that TiZr is a potential clinical candidate for soft tissue integration and implant success.
Is obesity a possible modifier of periodontal disease as a chronic inflammatory process? A case–control study
Authors: Buduneli N. , Bıyıkoğlu B. , İlgenli T. , Buduneli E. , Nalbantsoy A. , Saraç F. , Kinane D. F.
Published: August 2013

Background and Objective

This cross‐sectional case–control study was conducted to provide a comparative evaluation of clinical periodontal measurements, together with serum levels of certain bioactive peptides and inflammatory cytokines, in relation to obesity. For this purpose, clinical periodontal measurements and the levels of serum leptin, adiponectin, interleukin‐6 (IL‐6), C‐reactive protein and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 of obese female individuals and their nonobese counterparts were compared.

Material and Methods

Sixty obese (body mass index (BMI) > 30) and 31 nonobese (BMI < 30) female subjects were recruited for the present study. Before any periodontal intervention, serum samples were obtained and full‐mouth clinical periodontal measurements were recorded at six sites per tooth. ELISA was used for the biochemical analysis. Data were tested statistically.

Results

Clinical attachment level was significantly higher in the obese group compared with the nonobese control group (p < 0.05). Serum levels of leptin and IL‐6 were significantly higher in the obese group (p < 0.05). BMI correlated with the serum levels of inflammatory molecules (p < 0.05), but not with clinical periodontal parameters, in the obese group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obesity does not seem to have a prominent effect on clinical periodontal parameters but it does have many correlations with circulating inflammatory molecules. As suggested in the literature, increased levels of leptin and IL‐6 in the obese group might be one explanation for a possible relationship between obesity and periodontal disease. A prospective study is warranted to clarify, in greater detail, the effects of obesity on periodontal health.
Efficacy and safety of telaprevir (TVR) triple therapy in a ‘real‐life’ cohort of 102 patients with HCV genotype 1: interim analysis after 24 weeks of treatment
Authors: Werner C. R. , Franz C. , Egetemeyr D. P. , Janke‐Maier P. , Malek N. P. , Lauer U. M. , Berg C. P.
Published: August 2013

Since 2011, telaprevir (TVR)‐based triple therapy is the new treatment standard for hepatitis C genotype 1 virus infection. The aim of our retrospective interim analysis encompassing the first 24 weeks on TVR‐based triple therapy was to assess ‘real‐life’ antiviral efficacy and side effects in a large single‐centre cohort, both in comparison with the data obtained in large prospective clinical trials. In total, we treated 102 patients: 24 treatment‐naïve patients, 58 patients pretreated with PEG‐IFN/RBV (thereof: 28 with nonresponse, 25 with relapse, five unknown) and 20 patients who previously had received nonpegylated interferon. 74 of 102 patients were assigned with HCV genotype 1b; 34 of 102 patients were treated in the context of liver cirrhosis. 72 of 102 patients have reached treatment week 24 (mean treatment duration 31 weeks). In the ITT analysis, overall response rates were at: week 4: 66%; week 12: 85%; and week 24: 78%. So far, 24 patients discontinued treatment prematurely, of those, 10 patients were due to virological failure. Haematological side effects were frequent (40% anaemia), as were ‘flu‐like’ symptoms (94%), rash (65%) and pruritus (79%). According to our interim ITT analysis encompassing up to 24 weeks of TVR‐based triple therapy, our ‘real‐life’ antiviral effects are comparable to the results of large multicentric clinical trials. However, TVR‐based triple therapy exhibited a high frequency of side effects requiring multiple therapeutic interventions. Notably, in our ‘real‐life’ cohort, no lethal case was observed so far.
Interferon‐lambda4 genetic polymorphism is associated with the therapy response for hepatitis C virus recurrence after a living donor liver transplant
Authors: Konishi H. , Motomura T. , Matsumoto Y. , Harimoto N. , Ikegami T. , Yoshizumi T. , Soejima Y. , Shirabe K. , Fukuhara T. , Maehara Y.
Published: August 2013

The standard therapy against hepatitis C virus (HCV) recurrence postliver transplantation includes interferon (IFN)α and ribavirin. IFNL4 ss469415590 polymorphism has been reported as a novel predictor of the response to IFN therapy for chronic HCV infection. We examined the impact of IFNL4 polymorphism on the responsiveness to IFN therapy after liver transplantation. Tissue specimens were collected from 80 HCV‐infected recipients and 78 liver donors, and their IFNL4 ss469415590 genotype, hepatic IFNL4 and interferon‐stimulated genes' mRNA expression levels were examined. The association of the polymorphism and expression levels in terms of the IFN therapy response to HCV recurrence was analysed. Most individuals who had rs8099917 risk alleles also had ss469415590 risk alleles (R2 = 0.9). Sustained virological response (SVR) rates were higher in both liver graft recipients and transplants with ss469415590 TT/TT alleles than in those with the risk ΔG allele (P = 0.003 and P = 0.005, respectively). In recipients with ss469415590 TT/TT, IFNL4 TT mRNA levels showed no significant differences between livers of patients who responded to therapy and those who did not (P = 0.4). In recipients with the risk ΔG allele, IFNL4 ΔG mRNA expression levels were significantly lower in SVR patients than in non‐SVR patients (P = 0.02). Hepatic interferon stimulable genes and IFNL4 mRNA expression were correlated. Our findings suggest that analysing the ss469415590 genotype and IFNL4 ΔG expression provides a novel prediction strategy for the possible response to IFN therapy after liver transplantation.
Breaking barriers to interoperability: assigning spatially and temporally unique identifiers to spaces and buildings
Authors: Pyke Christopher R. , Madan Isaac
Published: August 2013

The real estate industry routinely uses specialized information systems for functions, including design, construction, facilities management, brokerage, tax assessment, and utilities. These systems are mature and effective within vertically integrated market segments. However, new questions are reaching across these traditional information silos. For example, buyers may be interested in evaluating the design, energy efficiency characteristics, and operational performance of a commercial building. This requires the integration of information across multiple databases held by different institutions. Today, this type of data integration is difficult to automate and propone to errors due, in part, to the lack of generally accepted building and spaces identifiers. Moving forward, the real estate industry needs a new mechanism to assign identifiers for whole buildings and interior spaces for the purpose of interoperability, data exchange, and integration. This paper describes a systematic process to identify activities occurring at building or within interior spaces to provide a foundation for exchange and interoperability. We demonstrate the application of the approach with a prototype Web application. This concept and demonstration illustrate the elements of a practical interoperability framework that can increase productivity, create new business opportunities, and reduce errors, waste, and redundancy.
Minimum alveolar concentration of desflurane with caudal analgesia for laryngeal mask airway removal in anesthetized children
Authors: Makkar Jeetinder K. , Ghai Babita , Wig Jyotsna
Published: August 2013

Background

Regional blocks have been shown to decrease the requirement of anesthetic agents. This study was conducted to determine the optimal endtidal concentrations of desflurane for removal of Laryngeal mask airway in children in presence of caudal block.

Methods

Twenty‐two children of ASA status I between the age group of 2–10 year undergoing infraumbilical surgery were enrolled in the study. General anesthesia was induced with sevoflurane and oxygen given via mask and laryngeal mask airway inserted. Caudal injection of bupivacaine 0.25%, 1 ml·kg−1 was administered according to Armitage regimen. Desflurane was used for maintenance of anesthesia. Predecided endtidal concentration of desflurane was maintained for 10 min at the end of surgery and laryngeal mask airway removed. Target concentration in the next patient was thereafter determined by the Dixon up–down method (with 0.5% as a step size). 5% endtidal concentration was kept as the starting concentration. If removal of laryngeal mask airway was not associated with any coughing, teeth clenching, gross purposeful movement, breath holding or laryngospasm, during or within 1 min after removal, it was considered as successful.

Results

In the presence of caudal analgesia, endtidal concentration of desflurane required for successful laryngeal mask airway removal in 50% (ED50) children was 3.39 ± 0.38% by Dixon's method.

Conclusion

Laryngeal mask airway can be successfully removed in 50% of anesthetized children without coughing, moving, or any other airway complications at an endtidal desflurane concentration of 3.4% in the presence of caudal analgesia.
Varieties of Expressivism
Authors: Bar‐On Dorit , Sias James
Published: August 2013

After offering a characterization of what unites versions of ‘expressivism’, we highlight a number of dimensions along which expressivist views should be distinguished. We then separate four theses often associated with expressivism – a positive expressivist thesis, a positive constitutivist thesis, a negative ontological thesis, and a negative semantic thesis – and describe how traditional expressivists have attempted to incorporate them. We argue that expressivism in its traditional form may be fatally flawed, but that expressivists nonetheless have the resources for preserving what is essential to their view. These resources comprise a re‐configuring of expressivism, the result of which is the view we call ‘neo‐expressivism’. After illustrating how the neo‐expressivist model works in the case of avowals and ethical claims, we explain how it avoids the problems of traditional expressivism.
Linguistic Intuitions
Authors: Maynes Jeffrey , Gross Steven
Published: August 2013

Linguists often advert to what are sometimes calledlinguistic intuitions. These intuitions and the uses to which they are put give rise to a variety of philosophically interesting questions: Whatarelinguistic intuitions – for example, what kind of attitude or mental state is involved? Why do they have evidential force and how might this force be underwritten by their causal etiology? What light might their causal etiology shed on questions of cognitive architecture – for example, as a case study of how consciously inaccessible subpersonal processes give rise to conscious states, or as a candidate example of cognitive penetrability? What methodological issues arise concerning how linguistic intuitions are gathered and interpreted – for example, might some subjects' intuitions be more reliable than others? And what bearing might all this have on philosophers'ownappeals to intuitions? This paper surveys and critically discusses leading answers to these questions. In particular, we defend a ‘mentalist’ conception of linguistics and the role of linguistic intuitions therein.
Thick Concepts
Authors: Roberts Debbie
Published: August 2013

In ethics, aesthetics and increasingly in epistemology, a distinction is drawn between thick and thin evaluative concepts. A common characterisation of the distinction is that thin concepts have only evaluative content, whereas thick concepts combine evaluative and descriptive content. Because of this combination, it is again commonly thought that thick concepts have various distinctive powers including the power to undermine the distinction between fact and value. This paper discusses the accuracy of this view of the thick concepts debate, as well as assessing the prospects for a thick concepts argument against the fact value distinction, while introducing the three main philosophical positions on the nature of thick concepts.
The Significance of Cognitive Phenomenology
Authors: Smithies Declan
Published: August 2013

This is the second in a series of two articles that serve as an introduction to recent debates about cognitive phenomenology. Cognitive phenomenology can be defined as the experience that is associated with cognitive activities, such as thinking, reasoning, and understanding. What is at issue in contemporary debates is not the existence of cognitive phenomenology, so defined, but rather its nature and theoretical role. The first article examines questions about the nature of cognitive phenomenology, while the second article explores the philosophical implications of these questions for the role of consciousness in theories of intentionality, introspective self‐knowledge, and knowledge of the external world.
Recent Work on Molinism
Authors: Perszyk Ken
Published: August 2013

Molinism is named after Luis de Molina (1535–1600). Molina and his fellow Jesuits became entangled in a fierce debate over issues involving the doctrine of divine providence, which is a picture of how God runs the world. Molinism reemerged in the 1970s after Alvin Plantinga unwittingly assumed it in his Free Will Defense against the ‘Logical’ Argument from Evil. Molinism has been the subject of vigorous debate in analytic philosophy of religion ever since. The main aim of this essay is to survey the main contours of this debate. We will visit some ‘old’ battlefields and current hot spots in the ongoing Molinism Wars.
Religion and Politics in Heian‐Period Japan
Authors: Blair Heather
Published: August 2013

The religious culture of Japan's Heian period (794–1185), like that of other times and places, was structured by power differentials; it can therefore fruitfully be understood as political. Combining kami worship (popularly known as Shinto), esoteric and exoteric Buddhism, spirit possession, and local traditions, as well as moral and ritual practices derived from Confucianism and Daoism, Heian religious life was characterized by multiple religious affiliations and a syncretic outlook. From the era of the statutory (ritsuryō) state, through the court‐centered polity (ōchō kokka), to the Fujiwara regency (sekkan seiji) and rule by retired emperors (insei), religion proved indispensible to sovereignty, political authority, and power relations. Rhetoric of the ideal Buddhist monarch shaped political ideology, while rites of kami worship portrayed the emperor as a sacral king. Gender politics structured differences in men and women's religious practice and expression at the same time that patronage and pilgrimage served as important means for lay people to legitimate themselves and compete politically. By amassing landholdings in the form of manorial estates (shōen), religious institutions came to exercise juridical and economic control of extensive natural and human resources. Known as “power blocs,” institutions of this type shared in rights and functions conventionally viewed as being proper to the state.
What Have Religious Groups Done After 3.11? Part 1: A Brief Survey of Religious Mobilization after the Great East Japan Earthquake Disasters
Authors: McLaughlin Levi
Published: August 2013

This article serves two principal purposes: 1) to survey the many rescue, relief, and reconstruction initiatives undertaken by Buddhist, Shinto, Christian, and New Religious organizations in the two years since the March 2011 disasters that devastated northeast Japan, and 2) to introduce electronic and print resources to readers interested in learning more about specific religious disaster response campaigns. The pragmatic aid efforts carried out by religions contrast with moralistic interpretations offered by public figures, and they indicate that many religious groups regard their disaster aid not as temporary relief but instead as opportunities to begin positive new engagements with the Japanese public.
Breaking the sound barrier: oral health education for children with hearing impairment
Authors: Shetty Vabitha , Kumar Jithendra , Hegde Amitha
Published: August 2013

In our study, a visual oral health education (OHE) program was specially designed for children with hearing impairment. Its efficacy in improving their oral health status was evaluated after periods of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. One hundred and ten institutionalized children with moderate‐to‐severe hearing impairment aged 6–14 years were selected for the study. Oral health status was evaluated at the start of the study (pre‐OHE level) using the Modified Gingival Index (MGI) and the Turesky–Gilmore–Glickman modification of the Quigley Hein Plaque Index (MQPI). Salivary Streptococcus mutans levels of the children were also evaluated. Brushing skills were assessed using the Simmons index at the start of the study. Significant decreases were observed in the mean values of both the MGI and MQPI from the baseline up to the values obtained at the end of both periods of reinforcement and nonreinforcement. Significant reduction in S. mutans counts was observed, from Pre‐OHE levels up to the levels at the end of the period of nonreinforcement. Brushing skills of children improved significantly at the end of study, notably in areas where brushing was previously deemed unsatisfactory. The OHE program specially formulated for the hearing impaired children was effective in improving their oral health status significantly.
Optimizing strength training for running and cycling endurance performance: A review
Authors: Rønnestad B. R. , Mujika I.
Published: August 2013

Here we report on the effect of combining endurance training with heavy or explosive strength training on endurance performance in endurance‐trained runners and cyclists. Running economy is improved by performing combined endurance training with either heavy or explosive strength training. However, heavy strength training is recommended for improving cycling economy. Equivocal findings exist regarding the effects on power output or velocity at the lactate threshold. Concurrent endurance and heavy strength training can increase running speed and power output at VO2max (Vmax and Wmax, respectively) or time to exhaustion at Vmax and Wmax. Combining endurance training with either explosive or heavy strength training can improve running performance, while there is most compelling evidence of an additive effect on cycling performance when heavy strength training is used. It is suggested that the improved endurance performance may relate to delayed activation of less efficient type II fibers, improved neuromuscular efficiency, conversion of fast‐twitch type IIX fibers into more fatigue‐resistant type IIA fibers, or improved musculo‐tendinous stiffness.
Assessment of prion reduction filters in decreasing infectivity of ultracentrifuged 263K scrapie‐infected brain homogenates in “spiked” human blood and red blood cells
Authors: Cardone Franco , Sowemimo‐Coker Samuel , Abdel‐Haq Hanin , Sbriccoli Marco , Graziano Silvia , Valanzano Angelina , Berardi Vito Angelo , Galeno Roberta , Puopolo Maria , Pocchiari Maurizio
Published: August 2013

Background

The safety of red blood cells (RBCs) is of concern because of the occurrence of four transfusion‐transmitted variant Creutzfeldt‐Jakob disease (vCJD) cases in the United Kingdom. The absence of validated screening tests requires the use of procedures to remove prions from blood to minimize the risk of transmission. These procedures must be validated using infectious prions in a form that is as close as possible to one in blood.

Study Design and Methods

Units of human whole blood (WB) and RBCs were spiked with high‐speed supernatants of 263K scrapie‐infected hamster brain homogenates. Spiked samples were leukoreduced and then passed through prion‐removing filters (Pall Corporation). In another experiment, RBCs from 263K scrapie‐infected hamsters were treated as above, and residual infectivity was measured by bioassay.

Results

The overall removal of infectivity by the filters from prion‐spiked WB and RBCs was approximately two orders of magnitude. No infectivity was detected in filtered hamster RBCs endogenously infected with scrapie.

Conclusion

The use of prion‐removing filters may help to reduce the risk of transfusion‐transmitted vCJD. To avoid overestimation of prion removal efficiency in validation studies, it may be more appropriate to use supernates from ultracentrifugation of scrapie‐infected hamster brain homogenate rather than the current standard brain homogenates.
Character Table of a Borel Subgroup of the Ree Groups 2F4(q2)
Authors: Himstedt Frank , Huang Shih-Chang
Published: August 2013

We compute the conjugacy classes and character table of a Borel subgroup of the Ree groups 2F4(22n+1) for all n ≥ 1 and prove that these Borel subgroups are M-groups. We determine the degrees of the irreducible characters of the Sylow-2-subgroups of 2F4(22n+1) and show that the Isaacs–Malle–Navarro version of the McKay conjecture holds for 2F4(22n+1) in characteristic 2. For most of the calculations we use CHEVIE.
The Chamber Graph of the M24 Maximal 2-Local Geometry
Authors: Rowley Peter
Published: August 2013

The chamber graph of the maximal 2-local geometry for M24, the Mathieu group of degree 24, is analysed extensively. In addition to determining the discs around a fixed chamber of the chamber graph, the geodesic closure of an opposite pair of chambers is investigated.
Algorithmic Recognition of Group Actions on Orbitals
Authors: Sharp Graham R.
Published: August 2013

An algorithm is given tjat recognises (inO(lN2logN) time, whereNis the size of the input andlthe depth of a precalculated Schreier tree) when a transitive group, (G, Ω) is the action on one orbit of the action ofGon the set Γ(2) of ordered pairs of distinct elements of someG-set Γ (that us, Ωis isomorphic to an orbital of (G,Γ)). This may be adapted to list all essentially different such actions inO(lN4logN)time, whereNis the sum of sizes of the input and output. This will be a useful tool for reducing the degree of a permutation group as an aid to further study of the group.

This algorithm is then extended to provide an algorithm that will (inO(lN3logN) time) recognise when a transiteve group is the action on one orbit of the action ofGon the set Γ{2}ofunorderd pairs of distinct elements of someG-set Γ. An algorithm for finding all essentially different such actions is also provided, running inO(lN4logN) time. (again,Nis the sum of the input and output sizes.) It is also indicated how these results may be applied to the more general problem of recognising when an intransitive group (G,Ω) is isomorphic to (G, Γ{2}) for someG-set Γ.

All the algorithms are practical; most have been implementd in GAP, and the code is made available with this paper. In some cases the algorithms are considerably more practical than their asymptotic analyses would suggest.
Free Crossed Resolutions of Groups and Presentations of Modules of Identities among Relations
Authors: Brown Ronald , Salleh Abdul Razak
Published: August 2013

The paper gives formulae for a module presentation of the module of identities among relations for a presentation of a group, in terms of information on 0- and 1-combings of the Cayley graph. These formulae are seen as a special case of formulae for extending a partial free crossed resolution of a group, given a partial contracting homotopy of the universal cover of the partial resolution.
Three-Dimensional Presentations for the Groups of Order at Most 30
Authors: Ellis Graham , Kholodna Irina
Published: August 2013

For each group G of order up to 30 we compute a small 3-dimensional CW-space X with π1X≌ G and π2X = 0, and we quantify the ‘efficiency’ of X. Furthermore, we give a theoretical result for treating the case when G is a semi-direct product of two groups for which 3-presentations are known. We also describe the ZG-module structure on the second homotopy group π2X2 of the 2-skeleton of X. This module structure can in principle be used to determine the co-homology groups H2(G, A) and H3(G, A) with coefficients in a ZG-module A. Our computations, which involve the Todd–Coxeter procedure for coset enumeration and the LLL algorithm for finding bases of integer lattices, are rather naive in that the LLL algorithm is applied to matrices of dimension a multiple of |G|. Thus, in their present form, our techniques can be used only on small groups (say of order up to several hundred). They can in principle be used to construct (crossed) ZG-resolutions of Z, but again, only for small G. The paper is accompanied by two attachment files. The first of these is a summary of our computations in HTML format. The second contains various GAP programs used in the computations.
On Transitive Permutation Groups
Authors: Conway John H. , Hulpke Alexander , McKay John
Published: August 2013

We assign names and new generators to the transitive groups of degree up to 15, reflecting their structure.
On the Computation of Certain Homotopical Functors
Authors: Ellis Graham
Published: August 2013

This paper provides details of aMagmacomputer program for calculating various homotopy-theoretic functors, defined on finitely presented groups. A copy of the program is included as an Add-On. The program can be used to compute: the nonabelian tensor product of two finite groups, the first homology of a finite group with coefficients in the arbirary finite module, the second integral homology of a finite group relative to its normal subgroup, the third homology of the finite p-group with coefficients inZp, Baer invariants of a finite group, and the capability and terminality of a finite group. Various other related constructions can also be computed.
Spectral Enclosures and Complex Resonances for General Self-Adjoint Operators
Authors: Davies E.B.
Published: August 2013

This paper considers a number of related problems concerning the computation of eigenvalues and complex resonances of a general self-adjoint operator H. The feature which ties the different sections together is that one restricts oneself to spectral properties of H which can be proved by using only vectors from a pre-assigned (possibly finite-dimensional) linear subspace L.
Algorithmic Recognition of Actions of 2-Homogeneous Groups on Pairs
Authors: Sharp Graham R.
Published: August 2013

We give an algorithm that takes as input a transitive permutation group (G, Ω) of degree n={m\choose 2}, and decides whether or not Ω is G-isomorphic to the action of G on the set of unordered pairs of some set Γ on which G acts 2-homogeneously. The algorithm is constructive: if a suitable action exists, then one such will be found, together with a suitable isomorphism. We give a deterministic O(sn logcn) implemention of the algorithm that assumes advance knowledge of the suborbits of (G, Ω). This leads to deterministic O(sn2) and Monte-Carlo O(sn logcn) implementations that do not make this assumption.
A Priori Estimates for the Global Error Committed by Runge-Kutta Methods for a Nonlinear Oscillator
Authors: Niesen Jitse
Published: August 2013

The Alekseev–Gröbner lemma is combined with the theory of modified equations to obtain an a priori estimate for the global error of numerical integrators. This estimate is correct up to a remainder term of order h2p, where h denotes the step size and p the order of the method. It is applied to nonlinear oscillators whose behaviour is described by the Emden–Fowler equation y″+tνyn=0. The result shows explicitly that later terms sometimes blow up faster than the leading term of order hp, necessitating the whole computation. This is supported by numerical experiments.
Enumerating Branched Surface Coverings from Unbranched Ones
Authors: Kwak Jin Ho , Lee Jaeun , Mednykh Alexander
Published: August 2013

The number of non-isomorphic n-fold branched coverings of a given closed surface can be determined by the number of nonisomorphic n-fold unbranched coverings of the surface and the number of nonisomorphic connected n-fold graph coverings of a suitable bouquet of circles. A similar enumeration can also be done for regular branched coverings. Some explicit enumerations are also possible.
An Algorithm to Compute the Canonical Basis of an Irreducible Module Over a Quantized Enveloping Algebra
Authors: de Graaf Willem A.
Published: August 2013

The paper describes an algorithm to compute the canonical basis of an irreducible module over a quantized enveloping algebra of a finite-dimensional semisimple Lie algebra. The algorithm works for any module that is constructed as a submodule of a tensor product of modules with known canonical bases.
The Alperin Weight Conjecture and Dade's Conjecture for the Simple Group J4
Authors: An Jianbei , O'Brien E. A. , Wilson R. A.
Published: August 2013

The authors construct faithful permutation representations of maximal 2-local subgroups and classify the radical chains of the Janko simple group J4; hence the Alperin weight conjecture and the Dade reductive conjecture for J4 are verified.
Fast Constructive Recognition of Black-Box Unitary Groups
Authors: Brooksbank Peter A.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, the author presents a new algorithm to recognise, constructively, when a given black-box group is a homomorphic image of the unitary group SU(d, q) for knowndandq. The algorithm runs in polynomial time, assuming the existence of oracles for handling SL(2,q) subgroups, and for computing discrete logarithms in cyclic groups of orderq± 1.
The Relative Consistency of the Axiom of Choice Mechanized Using Isabelle⁄zf
Authors: Paulson Lawrence C.
Published: August 2013

The proof of the relative consistency of the axiom of choice has been mechanized using Isabelle⁄ZF, building on a previous mechanization of the reflection theorem. The heavy reliance on metatheory in the original proof makes the formalization unusually long, and not entirely satisfactory: two parts of the proof do not fit together. It seems impossible to solve these problems without formalizing the metatheory. However, the present development follows a standard textbook, Kenneth Kunen'sSet theory: an introduction to independence proofs, and could support the formalization of further material from that book. It also serves as an example of what to expect when deep mathematics is formalized.
Strong and Uniform Continuity – the Uniform Space Case
Authors: Bridges Douglas , Vîţă Luminiţa
Published: August 2013

It is proved, within the constructive theory of apartness spaces, that a strongly continuous mapping from a totally bounded uniform space with a countable base of entourages to a uniform space is uniformly continuous. This lifts a result of Ishihara and Schuster from metric to uniform apartness spaces. The paper is part of a systematic development of computable topology using apartness as the fundamental notion.
Note on the Contribution of Low Zeros to Weil's Explicit Formula for Minimal Discriminants
Authors: Omar Sami
Published: August 2013

The bulk of this paper consists of tables giving lower bounds for discriminants of number fields up to 48. The lower bounds are obtained by using two different inequalities for the discriminant, one due to Odlyzko, and the other due to Serre. These inequalities are derived from Weil's explicit formula by choosing suitable weight functions. The bounds are compared with actual values of the discriminants, and the relative errors are computed. The computations show that, at least for values computed, the bounds obtained via Odlyzko's inequality are better than those obtained via Serre's inequality, and are generally within a few percentage points of the true value. This difference can be attributed to a difference in the weighting given to the contribution of low zeros by the two inequalities.
Programming Combinations of Deduction and BDD-based Symbolic Calculation
Authors: Gordon Michael J. C.
Published: August 2013

A generalisation of Milner's ‘LCF approach’ is described. This allows algorithms based on binary decision diagrams (BDDs) to be programmed as derived proof rules in a calculus of representation judgements. The derivation of representation judgements becomes an LCF-style proof by defining an abstract type for judgements analogous to the LCF type of theorems. The primitive inference rules for representation judgements correspond to the operations provided by an efficient BDD package coded in C (BuDDy). Proof can combine traditional inference with steps inferring representation judgements. The resulting system provides a platform to support a tight and principled integration of theorem proving and model checking. The methods are illustrated by using them to solve all instances of a generalised Missionaries and Cannibals problem.
Reduction of Binary Cubic and Quartic Forms
Authors: Cremona J. E.
Published: August 2013

Corrigendum to Proposition 14, on page 87 of the paper ‘Reduction of binary cubic and quartic forms’, LMS Journal of Computation and Mathematics, Volume 2, pp. 62–92.
Coset Enumeration Using Prefix Gröbner Bases: An Experimental Approach
Authors: Reinert Birgit , Zeckzer Dirk
Published: August 2013

The authors study a new method for coset enumeration in finitely presented groups. Their method uses prefix Gröbner basis computation in the monoid ring ${\mathbb{K}}[{\cal M}]$, where ${\mathbb{K}}$ is a computable field and ${\cal M}$ a monoid presented by a convergent string-rewriting system. The method is compared to well-known methods for Todd-Coxeter enumeration, using examples from the literature where studies of these methods are reported. New insights into coset enumeration were gained using three different kinds of orderings, combined with new frameworks and strategies implemented in MRC 1.2.
On a Result of Darboux
Authors: Chavarriga Javier , Llibre Jaume , Ollagnier Jean Moulin
Published: August 2013

This paper is concerned with a relation of Darboux in enumerative geometry, which has very useful applications in the study of polynomial vector fields. The original statement of Darboux was not correct. The present paper gives two different elementary proofs of this relation. The first one follows the ideas of Darboux, and uses basic facts about the intersection index of two plane algebraic curves; the second proof is rather more sophisticated, and gives a stronger result, which should also be very useful. The power of the relation of Darboux is then illustrated by the provision of new, simple proofs of two known results. First, it is shown that an irreducible invariant algebraic curve of degree n > 1 without multiple points for a polynomial vector field of degree m satisfies n ≤ m + 1. Second, a proof is given that quadratic polynomial vector fields have no algebraic limit cycles of degree 3.
Picard Groups and Refined Discrete Logarithms
Authors: Bley W. , Endres M.
Published: August 2013

Let K denote a number field, and G a finite abelian group. The ring of algebraic integers in K is denoted in this paper by $/cal{O}_K$, and $/cal{A}$ denotes any $/cal{O}_K$-order in K[G]. The paper describes an algorithm that explicitly computes the Picard group Pic($/cal{A}$), and solves the corresponding (refined) discrete logarithm problem. A tamely ramified extension L/K of prime degree l of an imaginary quadratic number field K is used as an example; the class of $/cal{O}_L$ in Pic($/cal{O}_K[G]$) can be numerically determined.
Spectral Bounds Using Higher-Order Numerical Ranges
Authors: Davies E. B.
Published: August 2013

This paper describes how to obtain bounds on the spectrum of a non-self-adjoint operator by means of what are referred to here as ‘its higher-order numerical ranges’. Proofs of some of their basic properties are given, as well as an explanation of how to compute them. Finally, they are used to obtain new spectral insights into the non-self-adjoint Anderson model in one and two space dimensions.
A Diophantine Equation Associated to X0(5)
Authors: Chen Imin
Published: August 2013

Several classes of Fermat-type diophantine equations have been successfully resolved using the method of galois representations and modularity. In each case, it is possible to view the proper solutions to the diophantine equation in question as corresponding to suitably defined integral points on a modular curve of level divisible by 2 or 3. Motivated by this point of view, an example of a diophantine equation associated to the modular curve X0(5) is discussed in this paper. The diophantine equation has four terms rather than the usual three terms characteristic of generalized Fermat equations.
The Minimal Degrees of Faithful Representations of the Sporadic Simple Groups and their Covering Groups
Authors: Jansen Christoph
Published: August 2013

The minimal degrees of faithful representations of all sporadic simple groups and their covering groups are determined in this paper.
Computing Modular Polynomials
Authors: Charles Denis , Lauter Kristin
Published: August 2013

This paper presents a new probabilistic algorithm to compute modular polynomials modulo a prime. Modular polynomials parameterize pairs of isogenous elliptic curves, and are useful in many aspects of computational number theory and cryptography. The algorithm presented here has the distinguishing feature that it does not involve the computation of Fourier coefficients of modular forms. The need to compute the exponentially large integral coefficients is avoided by working directly modulo a prime, and computing isogenies between elliptic curves via Vélu's formulas.
Conjugacy Class Representatives in the Monster Group
Authors: Barraclough R. W. , Wilson R. A.
Published: August 2013

The paper describes a procedure for determining (up to algebraic conjugacy) the conjugacy class in which any element of the Monster lies, using computer constructions of representations of the Monster in characteristics 2 and 7. This procedure has been used to calculate explicit representatives for each conjugacy class.