bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Beverage Consumption: Are Alcoholic and Sugary Drinks Tipping the Balance towards Overweight and Obesity?
Authors: Poppitt Sally
Published: August 2015

The role that energy-containing beverages may play in the development of overweight and obesity remains highly controversial, in particular the alcoholic and sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB). Both of these beverage formats have been increasing as a percentage of the westernized diet over the past 20 years, and both have contributed significantly to an increase in energy consumed in liquid form. Data from epidemiology and intervention studies however have long been contradictory, despite mechanistic evidence pointing towards poor compensation for addition of “liquid” energy from these two sources into the diet providing a strong rational for the balance to be tipped towards weight gain. Regulatory and government intervention has been increasing globally, particularly with respect to intake of SSBs in children. This narrative review presents evidence which both supports and refutes the link between alcohol and carbohydrate-containing liquids and the regulation of body weight, and investigates mechanisms which may underpin any relationship between increased beverage consumption and increased energy intake, body weight and adiposity.
Validity of Two New Brief Instruments to Estimate Vegetable Intake in Adults
Authors: Wright Janine , Sherriff Jillian , Mamo John , Scott Jane
Published: August 2015

Cost effective population-based monitoring tools are needed for nutritional surveillance and interventions. The aim was to evaluate the relative validity of two new brief instruments (three item: VEG3 and five item: VEG5) for estimating usual total vegetable intake in comparison to a 7-day dietary record (7DDR). Sixty-four Australian adult volunteers aged 30 to 69 years (30 males, mean age ± SD 56.3 ± 9.2 years and 34 female mean age ± SD 55.3 ± 10.0 years). Pearson correlations between 7DDR and VEG3 and VEG5 were modest, at 0.50 and 0.56, respectively. VEG3 significantly (p < 0.001) underestimated mean vegetable intake compared to 7DDR measures (2.9 ± 1.3 vs. 3.6 ± 1.6 serves/day, respectively), whereas mean vegetable intake assessed by VEG5 did not differ from 7DDR measures (3.3 ± 1.5 vs. 3.6 ± 1.6 serves/day). VEG5 was also able to correctly identify 95%, 88% and 75% of those subjects not consuming five, four and three serves/day of vegetables according to their 7DDR classification. VEG5, but not VEG3, can estimate usual total vegetable intake of population groups and had superior performance to VEG3 in identifying those not meeting different levels of vegetable intake. VEG5, a brief instrument, shows measurement characteristics useful for population-based monitoring and intervention targeting.
Responses of Natural Vegetation Dynamics to Climate Drivers in China from 1982 to 2011
Authors: Liu Yanlan , Lei Huimin
Published: August 2015

This study investigated the spatiotemporal variation of vegetation growth and the influence of climatic drivers from 1982 to 2011 across China using datasets from the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) and climatic drivers. Long term trends, significance and abrupt change points of interannual NDVI time series were analyzed. We applied both simple regression and multi-regression models to quantify the effects of climatic drivers on vegetation growth and compare their relative contributions. Results show that on average, the growing season NDVI significantly increased by 0.0007 year-1, with 76.5% of the research area showed increasing NDVI from 1982 to 2011. Seasonally, NDVI increased at high rates during the spring and autumn while changed slightly during the summer. At a national scale, the growing season NDVI was significantly and positively correlated to temperature and precipitation, with temperature being the dominant factor. At regional scales, the growing season NDVI was dominated by increasing temperature in most forest-covered areas in southern China and dominated by precipitation in most grassland in northern China. Within the past three decades, the increasing trend of national mean NDVI abruptly changed in 1994, slowing down from 0.0008 year-1 to 0.0003 year-1. To be regional specific, the growing season NDVI in forest covered southern China has accelerated together with temperature since mid 1990s, while parts of the grassland in northern China have undergone stalled NDVI trends corresponding to slowed temperature increment and dropped precipitation since around 2000. Typical region analysis suggested that apart from long term trends and abrupt change points of climatic drivers, the processes of NDVI variation were also affected by other external factors such as drought and afforestation. Further studies are needed to investigate the nonlinear responses of vegetation growth to climatic drivers and effects of non-climate factors on vegetation growth.
Optimization of the Waterbus Operation Plan Considering Carbon Emissions: The Case of Zhoushan City
Authors: Wang Juying , Guan Feng , Li Ting , Wang Can , Han Qianqian , Yu Bin
Published: August 2015

Recently, as more people are concerned with the issues around environment protection, research about how to reduce carbon emissions has drawn increasing attention. Encouraging public transportation is an effective measure to reduce carbon emissions. However, overland public transportation does less to lower carbon because of the gradually increasing pressure of the urban road traffic. Therefore, the waterbus along the coast becomes a new direction of the urban public transport development. In order to optimize the operation plan of the waterbus, a bi-level model considering carbon emissions is proposed in this paper. In the upper-level model, a multiple objective model is established, which considers both the interests of the passengers and the operator while considering the carbon emissions. The lower-level model is a traffic model split by using a Nested Logit model. A NSGA-II (Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm-II) algorithm is proposed to solve the model. Finally, the city of Zhoushan is chosen as an example to prove the feasibility of the model and the algorithm. The result shows that the proposed model for waterbus operation optimization can efficiently reduce transportation carbon emissions and satisfy passenger demand at the same time.
When is Situation Semantics Allowed?
Authors: Elbourne Paul
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
The Grammar of Measurement
Authors: Schwarzschild Roger
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
A Lexical Account of Implicit (Bound) Contextual Dependence
Authors: Breheny Richard
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
The Semantics of Russian Genitive of Negation: The Nature and Role of Perspectival Structure
Authors: Partee Barbara H. , Borschev Vladimir
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Non-Monotonic NPI-Licensing, Definite Descriptions, and Grammaticalized Implicatures
Authors: Rothschild Daniel
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Cross-Polar Nomalies
Authors: Büring Daniel
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Direct Comparisons: Resurrecting the Direct Analysis of Phrasal Comparatives
Authors: Bhatt Rajesh , Takahashi Shoichi
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Modal Concord
Authors: Zeijlstra Hedde
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Modalized Questions and Exhaustivity
Authors: Spector Benjamin
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
More Facts that Isomorphism Cannot Explain
Authors: Moscati Vincenzo , Gualmini Andrea
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Experiments on the Role of the Question Under Discussion for Ambiguity Resolution and Implicature Computation in Adults
Authors: Zondervan Arjen , Meroni Luisa , Gualmini Andrea
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Presuppositional Compositionality with Japanese "mo"
Authors: Kobuchi-Philip Mana
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Typicality Effects and the Logic of Reciprocity
Authors: Kerem Nir , Friedmann Naama , Winter Yoad
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
A Hamblin Semantics for Evidentials
Authors: Murray Sarah E.
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Incremental `more'
Authors: Thomas Guillaume
Published: August 2015

The morpheme `more' has been mostly studied as a comparative operator. However, it appears that more can be used non comparatively, as in the following sentence: "It rained for three hours this morning, and it rained a little more in the afternoon." There is an interpretation of this sentence in which the second conjunct is an assertion that it rained in the afternoon, possibly less than three hours. We call this use of `more' incremental. We argue that incremental `more' is a pluractional additive operator. Evidence for such a pluractional semantics comes from the analysis of some restrictions on the use of incremental `more' with stative predicates.
On the sentence-internal reading of French le même ('the same')
Authors: Charnavel Isabelle
Published: August 2015

This paper focuses on the sentence-internal reading of French 'le même' and addresses two main issues: a- the problem of definiteness ('le même' does not behave the way standard definites do); b- the problem of compositionality (the plural licenser that 'le même' needs to get interpreted is not adjacent to it). I propose that: a- 'le même' is a complex determiner with specific properties with respect to presupposition and specificity; b- 'le même' is an existential quantifier over a plural event that is partitioned along participants or times. This licensing condition (plural event distributed through participants or times) relates 'même' to the notion of pluractionality.
On the tri-ambiguous status of 'any': The view from child language
Authors: Tieu Lyn Shan
Published: August 2015

This paper examines the monolingual acquisition of the English polarity-sensitive item 'any', and uses evidence from child language acquisition to shed light on two questions that arise from the theoretical semantics literature. First, evidence from child spontaneous speech production is used to argue that children are grammatically conservative in their acquisition of negative polarity item (NPI) licensing. The same child data are then used to argue the following: (i) there is only one NPI 'any', subject to a disjunctive licensing condition; (ii) NPI 'any' differs in some way from free choice (FC) 'any', resulting in the later emergence of FC 'any'.
Implicit Arguments, Paychecks and Variable-Free Semantics
Authors: Pedersen Walter
Published: August 2015

The present paper focuses on a particular class of implicit arguments – what have been termed anaphoric implicit arguments (AIAs) – and presents an account of AIAs in the variable-free (VF) framework introduced in Jacobson 1999, 2000. In particular, it is demonstrated how AIAs allow ‘paycheck’ (E-type) readings, an observation that goes back to Dowty 1981; it is shown that these readings follow naturally in the VF framework. The VF account is then compared and contrasted with some alternatives, including Condoravdi & Gawron’s (1996) proposal that AIAs pattern with definite descriptions.
Japanese comparatives are semantically conjuncts: a dynamic view
Authors: Kurafuji Takeo
Published: August 2015

This paper develops the differential-based semantics of comparatives, arguing that no generalized quantifier-type degree operator is involved in Japanese comparatives, and the yori ‘than’-clause introduces a degree variable, which is dynamically bound by the existential quantifier associated with a dif- ferential in the main clause. This approach accounts for the Japanese stacking comparative such as ‘A is fat(ter) than B is fat than C is fat(ter) than D is fat than E is fat(ter) than D is fat,’ meaning [the difference between A’s fatness and B’s fatness] > [the difference between C’s fatness and D’s fatness] > [the difference between E’s fatness and F’s fatness].
Nouwen's Puzzle and a Scalar Semantics for Obligations, Needs, and Desires
Authors: Lassiter Daniel
Published: August 2015

Nouwen (2010a,b) presents a puzzle involving the interaction of degree expressions and modals: a class of apparently unremarkable sentences expressing minimum and maximum requirements, obligations, desires, etc. are predicted to be trivially false or undefined, or receive otherwise incorrect truth-conditions. I suggest that the puzzle can be resolved if we treat the affected modals not as universal quantifiers over possible worlds but instead as scalar expressions which map propositions to points on a scale of expected utility. Independent arguments indicate that these modals are scalar, non-monotonic, and information-sensitive -- facts which are highly problematic for quantificational theories, but predicted immediately by the proposed scalar semantics. With no extra modification, this semantics also predicts the correct truth-conditions for Nouwen's examples, modulo some subtleties involving epistemic interpretations of minimum and maximum operators. These conclusions provide additional evidence in support of previous work arguing that the semantics of obligation and desire should be built around a non-monotonic scalar semantics rather than quantification over possible worlds.
Quantification and Context in Measure Adverbs
Authors: Deo Ashwini Sharad , Pinango Maria Mercedes
Published: August 2015

We present a universal quanti?er analysis of for-adverbs which builds on the notion of context-determined temporal partitions (Deo 2009) and intermediate distributivity (Schwarzschild 1996; Champollion 2010a, b). In contrast to the measure function analysis, this analysis places neither selectional restrictions on the arguments of for-adverbs, nor does it appeal to type-shifting coercion operators in accounting for iterative and imperfective readings associated with them. The proposal improves on earlier quanti?cational analyses in dealing with the minimal parts problem and the scopal restriction problem. Further, it also succeeds in capturing a robust psycholinguistic pattern of delayed and sustained cost associated with comprehension of for-adverbs composed with semelfactive/telic predicates, which until now had not been satisfactorily understood. It does so by attributing the cost, not to a mismatch-repair mechanism, but to the lexical and contextual mining necessitated in the retrieval of contextual information (a partition measure) without which the expression cannot be fully interpreted.
A uniform analysis for concessive at least and optative at least
Authors: Grosz Patrick Georg
Published: August 2015

This paper discusses a particular type of optative constructions (which are constructions that express a wish without containing an overt lexical item that means wish): If-clauses in which optativity is apparently licensed by 'at least'. I propose that the connection between 'at least' and optativity is indirect and can be explained as follows. On the one hand, if-clauses generally have an optative reading; on the other hand, optative 'at least' is an instance of concessive 'at least', which conveys desirability and thus supports ('cues') an optative reading. I propose that, as a consequence, the licensing of optativity by 'at least' is a semantic conspiracy: I argue that there is a pragmatic preference for using optativity cues, which blocks optative readings in cue-less utterances.
Compositionality without word boundaries: (the) more and (the) most
Authors: Szabolcsi Anna
Published: August 2015

This paper seeks to illustrate the advantages of not treating phonological words as distinguished building blocks in compositional semantics. Following Bobaljik 2012, we derive the relative readings of amount superlatives in two steps, [[[d-many] comparative] superlative]. The existence of two comparative constructions is revealed, involving more vs. the more. Each builds a different superlative construction, explaining the conflicting intuitions about superlatives in the literature, as well as puzzles relating to the definite article in superlatives.
It-clefts are IT (Inquiry Terminating) constructions
Authors: Velleman Dan , Beaver David , Destruel Emilie , Bumford Dylan , Onea Edgar , Coppock Liz
Published: August 2015

We offer a new analysis of the semantics of the English it-cleft, building on recent work on exclusive particles such as "only." The analysis emphasizes the discourse function of clefts — which, we claim, is to terminate a line of inquiry by marking an answer as complete. It accounts for the semantic effects — not previously appreciated — of focus placement within the cleft pivot. It also provides a solution to a previously discussed problem with the projection of exhaustivity from embedded contexts.
Witnessable quantifiers license type-e meaning: Evidence from contrastive topic, equatives and supplements
Authors: Constant Noah
Published: August 2015

This paper presents three novel ways of testing which plural quantificational phrases can denote individuals (type e). Specifically, it is argued that only type-e expressions can (i) be marked as a contrastive topic in a discourse contrasting individuals, (ii) be equated with another type-e expression in an equative frame, and (iii) anchor supplementing material. The main empirical finding is that the class of quantifiers allowing type-e nominal denotations is larger than assumed on classic accounts like Reinhart 1997. Furthermore, this class is characterizable in semantic terms. The quantifiers that give rise to type-e meanings are "witnessable" in the sense of entailing the existence of an individual satisfying both their restrictor and their nuclear scope.
From change to value difference
Authors: Deo Ashwini Sharad , Francez Itamar , Koontz-Garboden Andrew
Published: August 2015

Degree achievements and directed motion verbs are standardly taken to describe events in which an individual undergoes change over time. The spatial uses of these verbs, giving rise to what are known as their extent readings, indicate that a temporal change based semantics is not general enough to capture their behavior. In this paper, we introduce a further range of facts that argues for a fully general analysis of the meaning of degree achievements and directed motion verbs in terms of value difference rather than temporal change. These verbs are uniformly analyzed as intensional verbs that take functional arguments and encode a difference in the value of this argument over a contextually given ordered domain. This analysis accounts naturally for their interaction with a range of adverbial modifiers.
There is no neutral aspect
Authors: Altshuler Daniel Gordon
Published: August 2015

This paper considers the Hindi "–yaa" and the Russian "–yva", which share many properties that are characteristic of so-called "neutral aspect"—an aspect whose meaning generalizes across the perfective and imperfective. Proponents of neutral aspect assume that (im)perfectivity is defined in terms of reference to an event’s completion. This paper refines this idea, distinguishing between an event that culminated and one that ceased to develop further. The latter notion comes from Landman’s (1992) analysis of the progressive, which denotes a function from a set of events in the extension of the VP that it combines with to a set of event stages that develop into VP events according to a particular recipe. Building on Landman’s analysis, I propose that a perfective operator is one that requires a maximal stage of a VP-event; an imperfective operator is one that requires a VP-event stage, but this stage need not be maximal. I show how this analysis allows us to analyze the Hindi "–yaa" and the Russian "–yva" as being perfective and imperfective respectively, without any reference to neutrality.
The Distribution of "si" in Italian Transitive / Inchoative Pairs
Authors: Centineo Giulia
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
A Generalized Definition of Quantifier Absorption
Authors: Francez Nissim , Winter Yoad
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Predicates or Formulas? Evidence from Ellipsis
Authors: Heim Irene
Published: August 2015

No abstract.
Initial experiences of family caregivers of survivors of a traumatic brain injury
Authors: Broodryk Mandi , Pretorius Chrisma
Published: August 2015

Background: There seems to be a paucity of research on the initial subjective experiences of family caregivers of survivors of a traumatic brain injury (TBI). Objective: To explore the challenges that family caregivers face during the initial stages of recovery of a relative who has sustained a TBI. Methods: Thematic analysis was used to explore the findings from semi-structured interviews that were conducted with 12 female family caregivers of relatives who had sustained a TBI. Results: Family caregivers recalled their initial experiences of the shock at hearing the news about their relative’s TBI, negative experiences in hospital and frustrating interactions with healthcare professionals as particularly challenging. Conclusion: The findings of this study emphasise caregivers’ need for support, information and psycho-education, especially from healthcare professionals, from the very beginning stages of recovery from a TBI. Practical and physical needs with regard to admission to and care in the hospital were also highlighted. This research will hopefully contribute to creating awareness amongst healthcare professionals on how they can contribute to improvement of the services provided by the healthcare system based on the experiences of the caregivers who participated in this study.
The Role of Biobanks in Oncology Research – A Portuguese Perspective
Authors: Gomes Mónica , Teixeira Ana  Luísa , Coelho Ana , Medeiros Rui , Araújo António
Published: August 2015

Approximately, 14.1 million new cancer cases and 8.2 million deaths occurred in 2012 worldwide. Cancer is a group of diseases characterized by uncontrolled growth, spread of abnormal cells and is a leading cause of death in both more and less economically developed countries. The growth in our knowledge of cancer biology has led to remarkable progress in cancer prevention, early detection and treatment. Recent years have seen a remarkable progress in the basic, translational and clinical research in cancers. During carcinogenesis several genetic and epigenetic alterations occur and a molecular approach based on the detection of these molecular alterations can permit the definition of molecular signatures specific for different tumors, allowing the definition of molecular biomarkers. These markers can be found in a variety of fluids, tissues and cell lines, and can be used for screening the general population, for differential diagnosis in symptomatic patients and for clinical staging of cancer. Furthermore, the biomarkers can be used to evaluate response to treatment, to assess disease recurrence through monitoring and as prognostic indicators of disease progression. The advances in the molecular knowledge and technology from research is based on the study of different types of biological samples, being necessary the collection, processing, preservation, stored and maintenance of these samples required an ordered and structured plan with the consequent creation of a biobank. The promotion and operation of biobanks provide to scientists the opportunity to access to quality samples and associated data, representing an essential milestone in shortening the time between research and clinical application, improving the effectiveness of research.
Light‐Induced Ion Rectification in Zigzag Nanochannels
Authors: Li Chuanshuai , Hu Shimin , Yang Lei , Fan Jiajie , Yao Zhiqiang , Zhang Yiqiang , Shao Guosheng , Hu Junhua
Published: August 2015

Ion transport through nanoporous systems has attracted broad interest due to its crucial role in physiological processes in living organisms and artificial bionic devices. In this work, a nanochannel system with a zigzag inner surface was fabricated by using a two‐step anodizing technique. The rectification performance of the zigzag channels was observed by I–V measurement in KCl solution. Unlike channels with asymmetric geometry, the mechanism was analyzed based on the “point effect” of charge distribution and “shape effect” of the zigzag channel. The current rectification ratio decreases from nearly 3.0 to 1.0 when the KCl concentration increased from 0.1 mm to 100 mm. The fabrication of different nanopore systems and exploration of novel mechanisms will help to develop biomimetic membranes for practical applications.
Does the disparity in baseline characteristics of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement with 23 mm vs. 26 mm valves impact clinical outcome?
Authors: Escárcega Ricardo O. , Magalhaes Marco A. , Baker Nevin C. , Lipinski Michael J. , Minha Sa'ar , Torguson Rebecca , Chen Fang , Satler Lowell F. , Pichard Augusto D. , Waksman Ron
Published: August 2015

Objectives

We sought to identify if baseline characteristic differences in patients who receive a 23 mm vs. 26 mm valve impact clinical outcomes.

Background

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is currently an approved therapy for patients with severe aortic stenosis who are considered inoperable or are at high risk.

Methods

We retrospectively examined baseline characteristics and outcomes of patients receiving a 23 mm (n = 132) vs. 26 mm valve (n = 81) via the transfemoral approach.

Results

Gender (P < 0.01), previous coronary artery bypass surgery (P < 0.01), history of atrial fibrillation (P = 0.04), and mean Society of Thoracic Surgeons (STS) score (P < 0.01) were significantly different between groups. There were no significant differences in the rates of minor/major vascular complications (2.2 vs. 3.7%, P = 0.68 and 13.0 vs. 12.3%, P = 0.89, respectively). Bleeding complications were also comparable (major bleed 2.3 vs. 1%, P >0.99, minor bleed 19.0 vs. 22.0%, P = 0.67 and life threatening bleed 7.0 vs. 5.0%, P = 0.77). In‐hospital death (6.0 vs. 5.0%, P >0.99), 30‐day all‐cause death (7.6 vs. 6.2%, P = 0.69), and all‐cause death at 1 year (17.4 vs. 25.9%, P = 0.13) were also similar between groups. Gender, valve size, previous coronary bypass surgery and atrial fibrillation were not independently associated with mortality; however, on multivariate analysis STS score was (HR 1.11; 95% CI 1.02–1.19; P = 0.01).

Conclusion

Patients undergoing TAVR with 23 and 26 mm valves have similar clinical outcomes despite significant differences in baseline characteristics. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Prediction of Water Activity in Aqueous Polyol Solutions
Authors: Fysun Olga , Stoeckel Marina , Thienel Katharina J. F. , Wäschle Friederike , Palzer Stefan , Hinrichs Jörg
Published: August 2015

In intermediate moisture foods polyols are added to decrease the water activity. However, an easily readable diagram for industrial use describing combined effects of different polyols on the final water activity of the food product is, to our knowledge, missing. Therefore, in this study the influence of sorbitol and glycerol on the water activity in the range of 0.6 – 0.8 in monomeric and binary polyol solutions was examined and predicted using combinations of the Raoult, Norrish and Ross equations. A ternary diagram describing the combined effects for the use in confectionery was developed.
Why Did False Rumors Diffuse after the 2011 Earthquake off the Pacific Coast of Tohoku? Impact Analysis of the Network Structure
Authors: USUI SHOHEI , TORIUMI FUJIO , HIRAYAMA TAKATSUGU , ENOKIBORI YU , MASE KENJI
Published: August 2015

As a steady new network communications tool, social media have reached global proportions. This phenomenon has had an impact on societies all over the world. Above all, people provide information to Twitter and Facebook on a daily basis. As a result, vast amounts of data exist on Twitter and Facebook, and we can expect to gather useful information from these services. Twitter was changed by the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake. Further, Twitter greatly contributed to the diffusion of information. For example, many users checked on the safety of their friends or family. However, numerous false rumors were spread, probably due to the source of information being unclear. To prepare for future disasters, we must analyze the diffusion of information through social media as soon as possible. In this paper we analyze how the diffusion of information on Twitter has been influenced by structural changes in the network that are caused by communication among users. As a result, just after the 2011 earthquake in the Tohoku region in Japan, it became easier for information to spread in the network. However, this means that misinformation too can spread. We also found that a few users believed misinformation despite being corrected.
Person Search System Using Clothing Features
Authors: OTSUKI MASAFUMI , MIYAKI YUU , NAKAMURA AKIO
Published: August 2015

This paper proposes a person search system that uses clothing features. The system uses a camera to obtain the appearance of a person and a range sensor for person detection and direction estimation. The system detects a moving person based on background subtraction using distance information and histogram of oriented gradient (HOG) features. The clothing area is extracted according to the positions of the person's shoulders and waist. The clothes are characterized by four features that are calculated from the color histogram, color differences, frequency, and co‐occurrence matrix. The system recognizes the same clothing based on the degree of similarity, which is obtained by comparing clothing features. However, two problems can be assumed: (1) the appearance of clothing differs depending on the body direction and (2) the color of clothing changes depending on the illumination. For the former problem, we prepared three databases (front/side/rear views) corresponding to the direction of the person. The system estimates the direction of the person by using information on the body arc based on ellipse fitting. The direction is determined as perpendicular to the long axis of the ellipse fitted to the cross‐section of the body. Concerning the latter problem, we calibrated the color information to correspond to the environment. The method recognizes clothes by selecting the database provided for the direction of the person. The results showed that it was robust in identifying specific persons.
Effects of applying hyperaccumulator straw in soil on growth and cadmium accumulation of Galinsoga parviflora
Authors: Wang Jin , Liu Chunyang , Zhang Xiao , Lin Lijin , Liao Ming'an , Lv Xiulan , Xia Hui , Liang Dong
Published: August 2015

The effects of application of the straw of cadmium accumulating species (Youngia erythrocarpa (cadmium hyperaccumulator), Bidens pilosa (cadmium hyperaccumulator), Solanum photeinocarpum (potential cadmium hyperaccumulator), and Siegesbeckia orientalis (cadmium accumulator)) in cadmium contaminated soil on the growth and cadmium accumulation of Galinsoga parviflora were studied. The root biomass, stem biomass, shoot biomass, total biomass, and the antioxidant enzyme activity of G. parviflora were increased by application of the straw of Y. erythrocarpa. The straw of Y. erythrocarpa, S. orientalis, and B. pilosa reduced soil pH, increased the soil exchangeable Cd concentration, and increased the Cd contents in stems, leaves, and shoots of G. parviflora compared with the control. The straw of Y. erythrocarpa and B. pilosa increased the Cd extraction amount in stems, leaves, shoots and the whole plant of G. parviflora compared with the control, with the effect of Y. erythrocarpa higher than that of B. pilosa. Therefore, the straw of Y. erythrocarpa and B. pilosa improved the Cd extraction ability of G. parviflora from cadmium‐contaminated soil, and the straw of Y. erythrocarpa demonstrated to be the best material. © 2015 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 35: 618–623, 2016
Expression of CD11c in periprosthetic tissues from failed total hip arthroplasties
Authors: Chamaon Kathrin , Barber Henriette , Awiszus Friedemann , Feuerstein Bernd , Lohmann Christoph H.
Published: August 2015

In this work, we characterize integrin CD11c (αXß2) expression in periprosthetic tissues of 45 hip revisions. Tissues were retrieved from 23 ceramic‐on‐ultra‐high molecular weight polyethylene (UHMWPE), 20 metal‐on‐UHMWPE, and 2 metal‐on‐metal total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Capsular tissue retrieved during primary THA from 19 patients served as controls. We identified a system to identify important immunohistochemical markers that are expressed in aseptic loosening. We focused on CD11c, CD68 and CD14. We observed that the CD11c molecule possesses four different cellular patterns in the periprosthetic tissues. Three of them are associated with the occurrence of UHMWPE abrasive material. Double staining with CD14 and CD68 was used for a more detailed analysis of the CD11c expressing cells. We observed that all forms of CD11c positive cells are CD68 positive however, only two forms of CD11c expressing cells are positive for CD14. Providing cellular diversity of CD11c expression in periprosthetic tissue, our results provide a contribution toward the further understanding of different cellular mechanisms to foreign body material. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biomed Mater Res Part A: 104A: 136–144, 2016.
IT Applications and Managing Change
Authors: Worster Art , Weirich Thomas R. , Andera Frank
Published: August 2015

The introduction of integrated business applications (enterprise resource planning [ERP]) has caused a tectonic shift in how we think about business logic. Some involve fundamental logical principles that can then be applied to individual functions. In the first of a series of articles, the authors lay the groundwork for understanding why implementation of these applications causes significant disruption in how business executives need to look at business improvements. The introduction of cross‐functional applications that require a redefinition of business processes integrated across functional boundaries has resulted in more than just relearning how business transactions work. To make optimal use of these business applications, thought processes must change, also. As the financial leaders within a business, financial executives play an instrumental role in creating and executing these designs, not only in finance but also in how other functions design and execute their roles. In the new applications world, understanding these principles is key to providing direction to the business as processes are reengineered. By taking a different view of how integrated business processes affect these design issues, this article lays the foundation for more detailed discussions in the ensuing articles. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Teaching Development Studies in Japan: Navigating Between Eastern and Western Discourses of Development
Authors: Ito Sanae
Published: August 2015

This paper examines how development studies teachers in Japan are caught between Western and Eastern discourses of development amidst the changing political and economic realities unfolding in East Asia. The generally weak involvement of anthropologists in development studies teaching results in the preoccupation of Japan's development community with the task of uncovering the country's unique development experience distinct from the Western countries'. The paper argues that development studies institutions in Japan should become more sensitised to their identity as a source of discourse and that students doing development studies there should be taught to discern the competing Eastern and Western discourses of international development. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Plasma‐Assisted Fabrication of Fe2O3Co3O4 Nanomaterials as Anodes for Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting
Authors: Carraro Giorgio , Maccato Chiara , Gasparotto Alberto , Kaunisto Kimmo , Sada Cinzia , Barreca Davide
Published: August 2015

Nanocomposite Fe2O3Co3O4 photoanodes for photoelectrochemical H2O splitting were prepared by a plasma‐assisted route. Specifically, Fe2O3 nanostructures were grown by plasma enhanced‐chemical vapor deposition, followed by cobalt sputtering for different process durations. The systems were annealed in air after, or both prior and after, sputtering of Co, to analyze the treatment influence on functional performances. The interplay between processing conditions and chemico‐physical features was investigated by a multi‐technique characterization. Photocurrent density measurements in sunlight‐assisted H2O splitting revealed a performance improvement upon Co3O4 loading. A cathodic shift of the onset potential was also observed, highlighting Co3O4 activity as catalyst for the oxygen evolution reaction.
Changing incidence of cystic fibrosis in Wisconsin, USA
Authors: Parker‐McGill Katelyn , Nugent Melodee , Bersie Rachel , Hoffman Gary , Rock Michael , Baker Mei , M. Farrell Philip , Simpson Pippa , Levy Hara
Published: August 2015

Rationale

Previous investigations of cystic fibrosis (CF) incidence in Massachusetts, Colorado, and Minnesota (USA) yielded contradictory results, particularly regarding allele p.Phe508del; the racial compositions of the cohorts were not reported.

Objectives

To clarify discrepancies in reported incidence with the ultimate goal of improving screening and quality of care, we assessed CF incidence, stratified by race and mutations in cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR), in Wisconsin (USA) from 1994 to 2011.

Methods

Data on patients diagnosed with CF (N = 283), CFTR genotypes, CF carriers, and birth rate were collected. All data were categorized by racial background of the birth mother and the incidence of CF births was accordingly adjusted. Spearman's nonparametric rank correlation and Fisher's exact test were performed for continuous and categorical variables, respectively. Trends over time were fitted with a cubic spline.

Results

We detected a trending increase in CF cases (range within all data 1.67–2.98 per 10,000 births per year), homozygous p.Phe508del cases (0.57–1.79 per 10,000), heterozygous p.Phe508del cases (0.29–1.55 per 10,000), and cases lacking p.Phe508del (0–0.45 per 10,000). Both the number of cases lacking the p.Phe508del mutation per year and the number of cases lacking p.Phe508del per 10,000 births significantly increased (P = 0.05) from 1994 to 2011; the increase in overall incidence was not significant. The number of carriers identified through newborn screening significantly increased within the non‐Hispanic Black (P = 0.0.021) and Hispanic (P = 0.003) populations.

Conclusion

The racial composition of the CF cohort is changing in Wisconsin, possibly influencing disease detection, care, and outcome. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2015; 50:1065–1072. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Bloch oscillation in correlated aperiodic ladders
Authors: Caetano R. A.
Published: August 2015

Abstractauthoren We studied the dynamics of one electron under the influence of an external static electric field in a random two‐chains ladder with correlated disorder that presents localized and extended states at the same energy region. We showed that, depending on the initial wave packet, the electron undergoes an oscillatory movement. These oscillations depend on the strength of the disorder. We identify two oscillations regimes: (i) low‐disorder regime, where the oscillations have more than one frequency with one frequency being the trivial Bloch frequency; (ii) high‐disorder regime, where the electron oscillates with a single frequency equal to the Bloch frequency.
Computational modeling to predict nitrogen balance during acute metabolic decompensation in patients with urea cycle disorders
Authors: MacLeod Erin L. , Hall Kevin D. , McGuire Peter J.
Published: August 2015

Nutritional management of acute metabolic decompensation in amino acid inborn errors of metabolism (AA IEM) aims to restore nitrogen balance. While nutritional recommendations have been published, they have never been rigorously evaluated. Furthermore, despite these recommendations, there is a wide variation in the nutritional strategies employed amongst providers, particularly regarding the inclusion of parenteral lipids for protein‐free caloric support. Since randomized clinical trials during acute metabolic decompensation are difficult and potentially dangerous, mathematical modeling of metabolism can serve as a surrogate for the preclinical evaluation of nutritional interventions aimed at restoring nitrogen balance during acute decompensation in AA IEM. A validated computational model of human macronutrient metabolism was adapted to predict nitrogen balance in response to various nutritional interventions in a simulated patient with a urea cycle disorder (UCD) during acute metabolic decompensation due to dietary non‐adherence or infection. The nutritional interventions were constructed from published recommendations as well as clinical anecdotes. Overall, dextrose alone (DEX) was predicted to be better at restoring nitrogen balance and limiting nitrogen excretion during dietary non‐adherence and infection scenarios, suggesting that the published recommended nutritional strategy involving dextrose and parenteral lipids (ISO) may be suboptimal. The implications for patients with AA IEM are that the medical course during acute metabolic decompensation may be influenced by the choice of protein‐free caloric support. These results are also applicable to intensive care patients undergoing catabolism (postoperative phase or sepsis), where parenteral nutritional support aimed at restoring nitrogen balance may be more tailored regarding metabolic fuel selection.
Influence of replacing percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy for nasogastric tube feeding on gastroesophageal reflux disease with erosive esophagitis
Authors: Chen Chun‐Nan , Wu Ming‐Shun , Lien Gi‐Shih , Suk Fat‐Moon
Published: August 2015

Background

The occurrence rate and severity of gastroesophageal reflux disease with erosive esophagitis (EE) in patients after converting nasogastric tube (NGT) feeding to percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are not well‐known. The aim of this study was to determine the influence of PEG placement on the occurrence and severity of EE in patients with long‐term PEG feeding.

Methods

This retrospective study included patients with NGT feeding who were converted to PEG feeding and received pre‐ and post‐PEG endoscopy between January 2000 and June 2013. Factors predictive of the occurrence of EE after PEG were analyzed.

Results

One‐hundred and twenty patients with NGT feeding were converted to PEG, and 47 patients were included. Before PEG, 21 (44.7%) NGT‐feeding patients had EE. The mean follow‐up time was 45.7 months (range, 6–147 months). Erosive esophagitis occurred in nine (19.1%) patients after PEG. The occurrence rate (p < 0.01) and severity (p < 0.05) of EE significantly improved after PEG, compared to before PEG. Hill's classification of gastroesophageal valve was associated with the occurrence of EE after PEG (p < 0.01).

Conclusion

The occurrence and severity of esophagitis improved after converting the patient to PEG. Hill's grading of gastroesophageal valve provides useful information for predicting the occurrence of EE after PEG.
GIT2 deficiency attenuates concanavalin A‐induced hepatitis in mice
Authors: Hao Yu-E , He Dong-Fang , Yin Rong-Hua , Chen Hui , Wang Jian , Wang Shao-Xia , Zhan Yi-Qun , Ge Chang-Hui , Li Chang-Yan , Yu Miao , Yang Xiao-Ming
Published: August 2015

G protein‐coupled receptor kinase interactor 2 (GIT2) is a signaling scaffold protein involved in regulation of cytoskeletal dynamics and the internalization of G protein‐coupled receptors (GPCRs). The short‐splice form of GIT2 is expressed in peripheral T cells and thymocytes. However, the functions of GIT2 in T cells have not yet been determined. We show that treatment with Con A in a model of polyclonal T‐lymphocyte activation resulted in marked inhibitions in the intrahepatic infiltration of inflammatory cells, cytokine response and acute liver failure inGit2−/− mice. CD4+ T cells fromGit2−/− mice showed significant impairment in proliferation, cytokine production and signal transduction upon TCR‐stimulated activation. Our results suggested that GIT2 plays an important role in T‐cell functionin vivo andin vitro.
Increased gut hormones and insulin sensitivity index following a 3-d intervention with a barley kernel-based product: a randomised cross-over study in healthy middle-aged subjects
Authors: Nilsson Anne C. , Johansson-Boll Elin V. , Björck Inger M. E.
Published: August 2015

Certain purified indigestible carbohydrates such as inulin have been shown to stimulate gut-derived hormones involved in glycaemic regulation and appetite regulation, and to counteract systemic inflammation through a gut microbiota-mediated mechanism. Less is known about the properties of indigestible carbohydrates intrinsic to food. The aim of this study was to investigate the possibility to affect release of endogenous gut hormones and ameliorate appetite control and glycaemic control by ingestion of a whole-grain cereal food product rich in NSP and resistant starch in healthy humans. In all, twenty middle-aged subjects were provided with a barley kernel-based bread (BB) or a reference white wheat bread during 3 consecutive days, respectively, in a randomised cross-over design study. At a standardised breakfast the following day (day 4), blood was collected for the analysis of blood (b) glucose regulation, gastrointestinal hormones, markers of inflammation and markers of colonic fermentation; 3 d of intervention with BB increased gut hormones in plasma (p) the next morning at fasting (p-glucagon-like peptide-1; 56 %) and postprandially (p-glucagon-like peptide-2; 13 % and p-peptide YY; 18 %). Breath H2 excretion and fasting serum (s) SCFA concentrations were increased (363 and 18 %, respectively), and b-glucose (22 %) and s-insulin responses (17 %) were decreased after BB intervention. Insulin sensitivity index (ISIcomposite) was also improved (25 %) after BB. In conclusion, 3 d of intervention with BB increased systemic levels of gut hormones involved in appetite regulation, metabolic control and maintenance of gut barrier function, as well as improved markers of glucose homoeostasis in middle-aged subjects, altogether relevant for the prevention of obesity and the metabolic syndrome.
FACTORS ASSOCIATED WITH THE LIKELIHOOD OF FURTHER MOVEMENT AMONG MOBILE FEMALE SEX WORKERS IN INDIA: A MULTINOMIAL LOGIT APPROACH
Authors: Suryawanshi Dipak , Sharma Varun , Saggurti Niranjan , Bharat Shalini
Published: August 2015

Female sex workers (FSWs) are vulnerable to HIV infection. Their socioeconomic and behavioural vulnerabilities are crucial push factors for movement for sex work. This paper assesses the factors associated with the likelihood of movement of sex workers from their current place of work. Data were derived from a cross-sectional survey conducted among 5498 mobile FSWs in 22 districts of high in-migration across four states in southern India. A multinomial logit model was constructed to predict the likelihood of FSWs moving from their current place of work. Ten per cent of the sampled mobile FSWs were planning to move from their current place of sex work. Educational attainment, marital status, income at current place of work, debt, sexual coercion, experience of violence and having tested for HIV and collected the results were found to be significant predictors of the likelihood of movement from the current place of work. Consistent condom use with different clients was significantly low among those planning to move. Likewise, the likelihood of movement was significantly higher among those who had any STI symptom in the last six months and those who had a high self-perceived risk of HIV. The findings highlight the need to address factors associated with movement among mobile FSWs as part of HIV prevention and access to care interventions.