bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diachronic effects of rhinoglottophilia, symmetries in sound change, and the curious case of Basque
Authors: Igartua Iván
Published: October 2015

The particular affinity linking glottality and nasality to each other, a connection which is grounded both on articulatory and acoustic bases, seems to be responsible for various phonetic phenomena in different languages. In sound changes associated to what has been termed rhinoglottophilia (Matisoff 1975), the two logically possible diachronic pathways show up: from glottality to secondary nasalization, on the one hand, and from nasality to secondary laryngealization, on the other. The innovations concerned can thus be considered symmetrical, a feature that is rarely found in sound change. This paper first reviews the evidence at our disposal for positing a class of replacive phonetic changes caused by rhinoglottophilia, and then argues for an explanation of the diachronic correspondence n > h in the history of the Basque language based on the (primarily acoustic) effects of this specific connection between glottality (more specifically, aspiration) and nasality.
Evidence: wanted, alive or dead
Authors: Psillos Stathis
Published: October 2015

This paper is meant to link the philosophical debate concerning the underdetermination of theories by evidence with a rather significant socio-political issue that has been taking place in Canada over the past few years: the so-called ‘death of evidence’ controversy. It places this debate within a broader philosophical framework by discussing the connection between evidence and theory; by bringing out the role of epistemic values in the so-called scientific method; and by examining the role of social values in science. While it should be admitted that social values play an important role in science, the key question for anyone who advocates this view is: what and whose values? The way it is answered makes an important epistemic difference to how the relation between evidence and theory is appraised. I first review various arguments for the claim that evidence underdetermines theory and shows their presuppositions and limitations, using conceptual analysis and historical examples. After broaching the relation between evidence and method in science by highlighting the need to incorporate epistemic values into the scientific method, my discussion focuses on recent arguments for the role of social values in science. Finally, I address the implications of the approach outlined for the current ‘death of evidence’ debate in Canada.
The method used to culture host cells (Sf9 cells) can affect the qualities of baculovirus budding particles expressing recombinant proteins
Authors: Hattori Tomomi , Nakanishi Kohei , Mori Takaaki , Tomita Masahiro , Tsumoto Kanta
Published: October 2015

Budded virus (BV) particles of baculovirus (Autographa californica nucleopolyhedrovirus, AcNPV) are harvested from the supernatant of liquid culture of Sf9 host cells by ultracentrifugation. Using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Western blot and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) of BV samples fractionated closely by sucrose density gradient centrifugation, we observed that BVs exhibited different qualities depending on whether they had been harvested from the supernatant from a standing (static), shaking (suspension), or standing/shaking (pre-/post-infection) culture of Sf9 cells. The amount of BV protein apparently increased in the order of standing, standing/shaking, and shaking procedure, and the yield of intact particles showed an opposite trend. TEM observation clearly showed that appropriate fractions of the standing and standing/shaking cultures contained more intact BV particles than those from the shaking culture. These results suggest that the qualities of recombinant BV particles may be related to the culture conditions of the host cells.
ERO1-independent production of H2O2 within the endoplasmic reticulum fuels Prdx4-mediated oxidative protein folding
Authors: Konno Tasuku , Pinho Melo Eduardo , Lopes Carlos , Mehmeti Ilir , Lenzen Sigurd , Ron David , Avezov Edward
Published: October 2015

The endoplasmic reticulum (ER)–localized peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4) supports disulfide bond formation in eukaryotic cells lacking endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1 (ERO1). The source of peroxide that fuels PRDX4-mediated disulfide bond formation has remained a mystery, because ERO1 is believed to be a major producer of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) in the ER lumen. We report on a simple kinetic technique to track H2O2 equilibration between cellular compartments, suggesting that the ER is relatively isolated from cytosolic or mitochondrial H2O2 pools. Furthermore, expression of an ER-adapted catalase to degrade lumenal H2O2 attenuated PRDX4-mediated disulfide bond formation in cells lacking ERO1, whereas depletion of H2O2 in the cytosol or mitochondria had no similar effect. ER catalase did not effect the slow residual disulfide bond formation in cells lacking both ERO1 and PRDX4. These observations point to exploitation of a hitherto unrecognized lumenal source of H2O2 by PRDX4 and a parallel slow H2O2-independent pathway for disulfide formation.
A novel epileptic encephalopathy mutation in KCNB1 disrupts Kv2.1 ion selectivity, expression, and localization
Authors: Thiffault Isabelle , Speca David J. , Austin Daniel C. , Cobb Melanie M. , Eum Kenneth S. , Safina Nicole P. , Grote Lauren , Farrow Emily G. , Miller Neil , Soden Sarah , Kingsmore Stephen F. , Trimmer James S. , Saunders Carol J. , Sack Jon T.
Published: October 2015

The epileptic encephalopathies are a group of highly heterogeneous genetic disorders. The majority of disease-causing mutations alter genes encoding voltage-gated ion channels, neurotransmitter receptors, or synaptic proteins. We have identified a novel de novo pathogenic K+ channel variant in an idiopathic epileptic encephalopathy family. Here, we report the effects of this mutation on channel function and heterologous expression in cell lines. We present a case report of infantile epileptic encephalopathy in a young girl, and trio-exome sequencing to determine the genetic etiology of her disorder. The patient was heterozygous for a de novo missense variant in the coding region of the KCNB1 gene, c.1133T>C. The variant encodes a V378A mutation in the α subunit of the Kv2.1 voltage-gated K+ channel, which is expressed at high levels in central neurons and is an important regulator of neuronal excitability. We found that expression of the V378A variant results in voltage-activated currents that are sensitive to the selective Kv2 channel blocker guangxitoxin-1E. These voltage-activated Kv2.1 V378A currents were nonselective among monovalent cations. Striking cell background–dependent differences in expression and subcellular localization of the V378A mutation were observed in heterologous cells. Further, coexpression of V378A subunits and wild-type Kv2.1 subunits reciprocally affects their respective trafficking characteristics. A recent study reported epileptic encephalopathy-linked missense variants that render Kv2.1 a tonically activated, nonselective cation channel that is not voltage activated. Our findings strengthen the correlation between mutations that result in loss of Kv2.1 ion selectivity and development of epileptic encephalopathy. However, the strong voltage sensitivity of currents from the V378A mutant indicates that the loss of voltage-sensitive gating seen in all other reported disease mutants is not required for an epileptic encephalopathy phenotype. In addition to electrophysiological differences, we suggest that defects in expression and subcellular localization of Kv2.1 V378A channels could contribute to the pathophysiology of this KCNB1 variant.
Altered conductance and permeability of Cx40 mutations associated with atrial fibrillation
Authors: Santa Cruz Ana , Meşe Gülistan , Valiuniene Laima , Brink Peter R. , White Thomas W. , Valiunas Virginijus
Published: October 2015

Gap junctions ensure the rapid propagation of the action potential throughout the myocardium. Three mutant forms of connexin40 (Cx40; A96S, M163V, and G38D), the primary component of the atrial gap junction channel, are associated with atrial fibrillation and retain the ability to form functional channels. We determined the biophysical properties of these mutant gap junctions in transiently transfected HeLa and N2A cells. All three mutants showed macroscopic junctional conductances over the range of 0.5 to 40 nS, and voltage dependences comparable to those of wild-type (WT) Cx40. However, the unitary conductance of G38D channels was ∼1.6-fold higher than that of WT Cx40 channels (∼220 vs. ∼135 pS), whereas the unitary conductances of the A96S and M163V mutants were similar to that of WT Cx40. Furthermore, the M163V and G38D channels exhibited approximately two- and approximately fivefold higher permeability to the anionic dye Lucifer yellow (LY) relative to K+ (LY/K+) compared with that of WT Cx40, whereas A96S LY transfer was similar to that of WT (G38D > M163V > A96S ≈ Cx40WT). In contrast, G38D channels were almost impermeable to cationic ethidium bromide (EtBr), suggesting that G38D alters channel selectivity. Conversely, A96S and M163V channels showed enhanced EtBr permeability relative to WT Cx40, with the following permeability order: M163V > A96S > Cx40WT > G38D. Altered conductive and permeability properties of mutant channels suggest an essential role for Cx40-mediated biochemical and electrical coupling in cardiac tissues. The altered properties of the three single-base substitution mutants may play a role in mechanisms of reentry arrhythmias.
Family resemblances: A common fold for some dimeric ion-coupled secondary transporters
Authors: Vergara-Jaque Ariela , Fenollar-Ferrer Cristina , Mulligan Christopher , Mindell Joseph A. , Forrest Lucy R.
Published: October 2015

Membrane transporter proteins catalyze the passage of a broad range of solutes across cell membranes, allowing the uptake and efflux of crucial compounds. Because of the difficulty of expressing, purifying, and crystallizing integral membrane proteins, relatively few transporter structures have been elucidated to date. Although every membrane transporter has unique characteristics, structural and mechanistic similarities between evolutionarily diverse transporters have been identified. Here, we compare two recently reported structures of membrane proteins that act as antimicrobial efflux pumps, namely MtrF from Neisseria gonorrhoeae and YdaH from Alcanivorax borkumensis, both with each other and with the previously published structure of a sodium-dependent dicarboxylate transporter from Vibrio cholerae, VcINDY. MtrF and YdaH belong to the p-aminobenzoyl-glutamate transporter (AbgT) family and have been reported as having architectures distinct from those of all other families of transporters. However, our comparative analysis reveals a similar structural arrangement in all three proteins, with highly conserved secondary structure elements. Despite their differences in biological function, the overall “design principle” of MtrF and YdaH appears to be almost identical to that of VcINDY, with a dimeric quaternary structure, helical hairpins, and clear boundaries between the transport and scaffold domains. This observation demonstrates once more that the same secondary transporter architecture can be exploited for multiple distinct transport modes, including cotransport and antiport. Based on our comparisons, we detected conserved motifs in the substrate-binding region and predict specific residues likely to be involved in cation or substrate binding. These findings should prove useful for the future characterization of the transport mechanisms of these families of secondary active transporters.
Are there ergodic limits to evolution? Ergodic exploration of genome space and convergence
Authors: McLeish Tom C. B.
Published: October 2015

We examine the analogy between evolutionary dynamics and statistical mechanics to include the fundamental question ofergodicity—the representative exploration of the space of possible states (in the case of evolution this is genome space). Several properties of evolutionary dynamics are identified that allow a generalization of the ergodic dynamics, familiar in dynamical systems theory, to evolution. Two classes of evolved biological structure then arise, differentiated by the qualitative duration of their evolutionary time scales. The first class has an ergodicity time scale (the time required for representative genome exploration) longer than available evolutionary time, and has incompletely explored the genotypic and phenotypic space of its possibilities. This case generates no expectation of convergence to an optimal phenotype or possibility of its prediction. The second, more interesting, class exhibits an evolutionary form of ergodicity—essentially all of the structural space within the constraints of slower evolutionary variables have been sampled; the ergodicity time scale for the system evolution is less than the evolutionary time. In this case, some convergence towards similar optima may be expected for equivalent systems in different species where both possess ergodic evolutionary dynamics. When the fitness maximum is set by physical, rather than co-evolved, constraints, it is additionally possible to make predictions of some properties of the evolved structures and systems. We propose four structures that emerge from evolution within genotypes whose fitness is induced from their phenotypes. Together, these result in an exponential speeding up of evolution, when compared with complete exploration of genomic space. We illustrate a possible case of application and a prediction of convergence together with attaining a physical fitness optimum in the case of invertebrate compound eye resolution.
Hunting Darwin's Snark: which maps shall we use?
Authors: Conway Morris Simon , Hoyal Cuthill Jennifer F. , Gerber Sylvain
Published: October 2015

The 11 contributions to this thematic volume touch on a large range of issues concerning the landscape of biological possibilities and the manner by which it may be traversed by evolving life forms. The contributors also consider how this landscape might be mapped by evolutionary biologists, with an emphasis on how one might identify the limits of such maps. While some agreements emerge on the question of limits on evolution, not surprisingly few contributors look towards the same horizons. Rather than providing a potted summary of the 11 papers, our aim in this introduction is to identify eight principal themes that might serve as common ground and, as importantly, to listen out for the sound of rushing subterranean waters that hint at caverns of concealed knowledge. By no means all of these themes are addressed by all authors, but in gathering the many strands of enquiry we hope that this will allow us to ask: What, if any, are the limits to evolution?
Prolonged transition time between colostrum and mature milk in a bear, the giant panda,
Ailuropoda melanoleuca
Authors: Griffiths Kate , Hou Rong , Wang Hairui , Zhang Zhihe , Zhang Liang , Zhang Tong , Watson David G. , Burchmore Richard J. S. , Loeffler I. Kati , Kennedy Malcolm W.
Published: October 2015

Bears produce the most altricial neonates of any placental mammal. We hypothesized that the transition from colostrum to mature milk in bears reflects a temporal and biochemical adaptation for altricial development and immune protection. Comparison of bear milks with milks of other eutherians yielded distinctive protein profiles. Proteomic and metabolomic analysis of serial milk samples collected from six giant pandas showed a prolonged transition from colostrum to main-phase lactation over approximately 30 days. Particularly striking are the persistence or sequential appearance of adaptive and innate immune factors. The endurance of immunoglobulin G suggests an unusual duration of trans-intestinal absorption of maternal antibodies, and is potentially relevant to the underdeveloped lymphoid system of giant panda neonates. Levels of certain milk oligosaccharides known to exert anti-microbial activities and/or that are conducive to the development of neonatal gut microbiomes underwent an almost complete changeover around days 20–30 postpartum, coincident with the maturation of the protein profile. A potential metabolic marker of starvation was detected, the prominence of which may reflect the natural postpartum period of anorexia in giant panda mothers. Early lactation in giant pandas, and possibly in other ursids, appears to be adapted for the unique requirements of unusually altricial eutherian neonates.
Bloch wave approach for the analysis of sequential bifurcations in bilayer structures
Authors: Liu Jia , Bertoldi Katia
Published: October 2015

A wide variety of surface morphologies can be formed by compressing a bilayer comprising a thin film bonded to a compliant substrate. In particular, as the applied strain is increased, secondary instabilities are triggered and the initial sinusoidal wrinkles evolve into new complex patterns. Here, we propose a robust numerical analysis based on Floquet–Bloch boundary conditions to detect the primary and secondary instabilities triggered upon compression. Because the proposed method is based on unit cell simulations, it is computationally very efficient. Moreover, it accurately predicts not only the critical strains, but also the corresponding critical modes and their wavelengths, enabling us to follow the evolution of the surface morphology as the applied strain is progressively increased.
Dynamic resource allocation between pre- and postcopulatory episodes of sexual selection determines competitive fertilization success
Authors: Mehlis Marion , Rick Ingolf P. , Bakker Theo C. M.
Published: October 2015

In polyandrous mating systems, male reproductive success depends on both mate-acquisition traits (precopulatory) and sperm competitive abilities (postcopulatory). Empirical data on the interaction between these traits are inconsistent; revealing positive, negative or no relationships. It is generally expected that the investment in pre- and postcopulatory traits is mediated by environmental conditions. To test how dietary resource availability affects sexual ornamentation, sperm quality and their interrelationship in three-spined sticklebacks (
Gasterosteus aculeatus
), full-sibling groups were raised under three conditions differing in food quantity and/or quality (i.e. carotenoid content): (i) high-quantity/high-quality, (ii) high-quantity/low-quality or (iii) low-quantity/low-quality. After 1 year of feeding, food-restricted males developed a more intense breeding coloration and faster sperm compared with their well-fed brothers, indicating that they allocated relatively more in pre- and postcopulatory traits. Moreover, they outcompeted their well-fed, carotenoid-supplemented brothers in sperm competition trials with equal numbers of competing sperm, suggesting that food-restricted males maximize their present reproductive success. This may result in reduced future reproductive opportunities as food-restricted males suffered from a higher mortality, had an overall reduced body size, and sperm number available for fertilization. In accordance with theory, a trade-off between the investment in pre- and postcopulatory traits was observed in food-restricted males, whereas well-fed males were able to allocate to both traits resulting in a significantly positive relationship.
Structure of the ordered hydration of amino acids in proteins: analysis of crystal structures
Authors: Biedermannová Lada , Schneider Bohdan
Published: October 2015

Crystallography provides unique information about the arrangement of water molecules near protein surfaces. Using a nonredundant set of 2818 protein crystal structures with a resolution of better than 1.8 Å, the extent and structure of the hydration shell of all 20 standard amino-acid residues were analyzed as function of the residue conformation, secondary structure and solvent accessibility. The results show how hydration depends on the amino-acid conformation and the environment in which it occurs. After conformational clustering of individual residues, the density distribution of water molecules was compiled and the preferred hydration sites were determined as maxima in the pseudo-electron-density representation of water distributions. Many hydration sites interact with both main-chain and side-chain amino-acid atoms, and several occurrences of hydration sites with less canonical contacts, such as carbon–donor hydrogen bonds, OH–π interactions and off-plane interactions with aromatic heteroatoms, are also reported. Information about the location and relative importance of the empirically determined preferred hydration sites in proteins has applications in improving the current methods of hydration-site prediction in molecular replacement, ab initio protein structure prediction and the set-up of molecular-dynamics simulations.
A new one-dimensional ZnIIcoordination polymer based on 2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole and benzene-1,2-dicarboxylate
Authors: Huang Qiu-Ying , Liu Wei , Yang Yi , Meng Xiang-Ru
Published: October 2015

Multidentate N-heterocyclic compounds form a variety of metal complexes with many intriguing structures and interesting properties. The title coordination polymer,catena-poly[zinc(II)-bis{μ-2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole}-κ2N3:N3′;N3′:N3-zinc(II)-bis(μ-benzene-1,2-dicarboxylato)-κ2O1:O2;κ3O1,O1′:O2], [Zn2(C8H4O4)2(C11H10N4)2]n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(NO3)2with 2-[(1H-imidazol-1-yl)methyl]-1H-benzimidazole (imb) and benzene-1,2-dicarboxylic acid (H2bdic) under hydrothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct imb ligands [imb(A) and imb(B)] in the structure which adopt very similar coordination geometries. The imb(A) ligand bridges two symmetry-related Zn1 ions, yielding a binuclear [(Zn1)2{imb(A)}2] unit, and the imb(B) ligand bridges two symmetry-related Zn2 ions resulting in a binuclear [(Zn2)2{imb(B)}2] unit. The above-mentioned binuclear units are further connected alternately by pairs of bridging bdic2−ligands, forming an infinite one-dimensional chain. These one-dimensional chains are further connected through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to a two-dimensional layered structure. In addition, the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.
Saccharum sinensebagasse extract as an effective corrosion inhibitor for J55 steel in 3.5% NaCl solution saturated with CO2
Authors: Huang Bo , Lin Yuanhua , Singh Ambrish , Ebenso Eno E , Zhou Lujiang , Liu Wanying , Deng Kuanhai
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to test bagasse extract as an effective corrosion inhibitor.

Design/methodology/approach

– The bagasse was extracted without any toxic substance and was found to be effective for corrosion of J55 steel.

Findings

– The inhibition efficiency of bagasse was more than 90 per cent in 3.5 per cent NaCl solution saturated with CO2for corrosion inhibition of J55 steel.

Research limitations/implications

– The inhibition effect ofSaccharum sinensebagasse extract on the corrosion of J55 steel in 3.5 weight per cent NaCl saturated with CO2solution was investigated by means of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, electrochemical impedance spectroscopy, polarization curve and scanning electron microscope.

Practical implications

– It can be used as low-cost corrosion inhibitor.

Social implications

– It is an environment-friendly corrosion inhibitor.

Originality/value

– This work is original and carried out in Southwest Petroleum University, China. This is not communicated anywhere else.
Anti-corrosion behavior of thiadiazole derivatives for silver strip in hydrogen sulfide solutions
Authors: Liu Lin , Pan Xiaona , Xing Jinjuan , Qian Jianhua
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– This paper aims to evaluate the inhibition efficiency of thiadiazole derivatives, such as 2,5-dimercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DMTD), 5-methly-2-mercapto-1,3,4-thiadiazole (MMTD) and 2,5-dithiododecyl-1,3,4-thiadiazole (DDTD), in 50 mg/L hydrogen sulfide for silver strip.

Design/methodology/approach

– Evaluation was carried out by corrosion-inhibiting test, electrochemical measurement and surface analysis techniques. 3D surface profiler, atom force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and energy-dispersive X-ray analysis were applied and finally confirmed the existence of the adsorbed film.

Findings

– The electrochemical measurement showed that the inhibition efficiency increases with increasing inhibitor concentration in 50 mg/L hydrogen sulfide solution, while the corrosion rate and the corrosion current decrease. Weight-gained measurements also indicated that inhibitor decreases the corrosion rate in the studied solution. The adsorption of DMTD and MMTD on the silver surface obeys Temkin’s adsorption isotherm, but the adsorption of DDTD follows Langmuir’s adsorption isotherm. That means that the inhibition mechanism is different between DMTD, MMTD and DDTD. The ΔG0advalues of DMTD, MMTD and DDTD were −37.47, −37.29 and −38.69 kJ/mol, respectively. It showed that there was an adsorption bond between silver surface and inhibitor, and the adsorption belongs to chemical adsorption.

Originality/value

– The inhibitors have an excellent inhibition efficiency, and the best inhibition efficiency is 91.76 per cent. Inhibitors can effectively inhibit metal corrosion in the oil and gas.
The protection and monitoring of a distribution piping network for potable water supply
Authors: Orlikowski Juliusz , Darowicki Kazimierz , Jazdzewska Agata , Jarzynka Magdalena
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to implement the corrosion protection method for steel pipes used in a municipal water-pipe network. Results of an inhibitor protection system installed on the system are presented. Inhibitor protection was required due to the high corrosivity of the water collected by a surface intake, which had resulted in a large number of failures and low water quality, due to the presence of corrosion products.

Design/methodology/approach

– To assess the effectiveness of protection and to control the optimum dose of the inhibitor dispensed, an automatic system of corrosion monitoring was used, together with an assessment of water corrosiveness based on measurements of physical and chemical properties of water.

Findings

– Calcium polyphosphate, in the role of a non-toxic corrosion inhibitor, showed significant effectiveness as a anticorrosive and its results were fully noticeable after several years following the commencement of protection. Corrosion monitoring has shown that the effectiveness of inhibitor protection is highest in the summer season, when the water is characterised as being in its most corrosive form.

Originality/value

– A reduction in the corrosion rate improves the quality of water and its chemical parameters fall within the standard range for water intended for consumption. The corrosion inhibitor action accelerates the formation of a layer limiting the corrosion rate. In this case, stable corrosion rates may be obtained after only the first year. In terms of the designing systems for monitoring corrosion in water systems, this is very important information as reliable results can be obtained for a long period after the launch of the system.
Corrosion characterization of phosphated carbon steel treated with benzotriazole
Authors: Spagnol Cristiane , Banczek Everson do Prado , Costa Isolda , Cunha Maico Taras , Gallina André Lazarin , Tussolini Martha , Rodrigues Paulo Rogério Pinto
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of the paper is to show the corrosion effect of benzotriazole in comparison with iron phosphate (PFe) coating as a sealer for the PFe layer in carbon steel paint pre-treatment and to show its ecological advantages as a more environment-friendly inhibiting compound than PFe.

Design/methodology/approach

– Samples of carbon steel (SAE 1010) were phosphated in two baths, one containing iron PFe and PFe and BTAH (PFe + BTAH). Anodic potentiostatic polarization curves and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were used to evaluate the corrosion resistance of phosphated carbon steel in 0.1 molL−1 H2SO4, 0.5 molL−1 NaCl and 0.1 molL−1 NaOH. The phosphate layers obtained were analyzed by infrared spectroscopy. Surface observation by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the PFe and PFe + BTAH layers are deposited as crystals with granular morphology. The electrochemical results showed that the PFe + BTAH coating was more effective in corrosion protection of the carbon steel.

Findings

– This paper presents the application of benzotriazole as post-treatment of PFe-coated carbon steel. The results show that benzotriazole improves the phosphate layer properties. The SEM micrographs showed that the layer formed in PFe and PFe + BTAH baths consists of grain-like crystals, and infrared results revealed the BTAH presence in PFe phosphate. The corrosion resistance results showed higher efficiency associated to the PFe + BTAH phosphate layer relative to that of PFe. From the present study, results can be concluded that BTAH can be used as a post-treatment for PFe phosphate coating.

Originality/value

– This paper deals with the corrosion resistance and surface carbon steel characterization of a new sealer for PFe coating, which has been prepared for this study and was never tested previously. These are candidate materials for substitution of chromium sealer. The BTAH sealer presents environmental and corrosion resistance advantages when compared with the post-treatment based on chrome. Although BTAH improves PFe layers’ properties, it is the worst phosphate coating. This manuscript has never been previously submitted and deals with original results.
Clozapine use in personality disorder and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kiani Reza , Biswas Asit , Devapriam John , Alexander Regi Tharian , Kumar Satheesh , Andrews Hayley , Tromans Samuel Joseph
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– Clozapine is a well-known antipsychotic medication licensed for treatment-resistant schizophrenia, but there is limited research available to suggest its efficacy in the context of personality disorder and intellectual disabilities presenting with high-risk behaviour with or without psychotic symptoms. The purpose of this paper is to raise awareness of the benefits of using clozapine in patients with intellectual disabilities and personality disorder that present with a complex picture of serious risk of harm to both their life and the lives of others.

Design/methodology/approach

– The authors present five patients with intellectual disabilities and serious life-threatening challenging behaviour whom were started on clozapine as part of their multidisciplinary treatment plan to manage their presentation. The authors completed baseline assessment of five main symptom domains and then repeated this assessment following treatment with clozapine.

Findings

– In all five cases use of clozapine was objectively associated with an improvement in symptomatology, quality of life and a safe transfer to the community.

Originality/value

– The findings suggest that judicious use of clozapine could be considered as one of the effective pharmacological strategies in the management of patients with intellectual disabilities and personality disorder who present with serious life-threatening challenging behaviours.
How important is territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation?
Authors: D'Hulster Katia
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to measure and rank territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation in 22 EU and non-EU countries with financial systems predominantly owned by foreign banks.

Design/methodology/approach

– Twenty-two host countries are surveyed along six dimensions. First a scoring system is developed to measure territorial bias on an individual country basis (vertical analysis). Second the results are compared across two peer groups EU and non-EU (horizontal analysis).

Findings

– Territorial bias is present to a varying degree in the prudential supervision and the regulations of the countries surveyed. On average higher territorial bias is observed in the non-EU group. Generally there is also less dispersion in the EU which can be explained by a common regulatory framework and the efforts to achieve supervisory convergence. Non-EU countries use a wider array of instruments typically higher capital ratios stricter local governance requirements and liquidity restrictions.

Originality/value

– This is the first quantitative measure and analysis of territorial bias in prudential supervision and regulation that has been established. It includes confidential supervisory measures and measures imposed by moral suasion.
Greek fiscal crisis and measures to safeguard financial stability
Authors: Repousis Spyridon
Published: October 2015

Purpose

– The purpose of this paper is to present measures and policies followed during the Greek fiscal crisis to safeguard financial stability.

Design/methodology/approach

– Greece since 2009 was subjected to the Excessive Deficit Procedure and a government debt crisis due to the arrival of the global economic crisis leading to a major economic and banking crisis. Two huge bailout loans and programs helped Greece avoid default. However the second bailout loan and participation of banks in the Private Sector Involvement caused losses to the banking system that amounted to €37.7 billion. To deal with the prospect of potential bank failure Bank of Greece the central bank in cooperation with national and international authorities developed many strategies to safeguard financial stability such as cash management and liquidity operations establishment and operation of Greek Financial Stability Fund (GFSF) institutional framework for recapitalization and resolution of credit institutions.

Findings

– The first step was to support bank liquidity pressures. In the face of these pressures the Eurosystem’s monetary policy operations provided lending to euro that ended 2010 and accounted to €97.6 billion. The second step was to establish a legal and regulatory framework for bank resolution and assess funds needed to recapitalize banks through stress tests and diagnostic assessments. Results showed that during 2012–2014 the Greek banking sector would require approximately €40.5 billion for strengthening its capital base of which €27.5 billion corresponded to the four “core banks”. Bank of Greece and GFSF managed to complete a €48.2 billion bank recapitalization in June 2013 of which the first €24.4 billion was injected into the four biggest Greek banks. In return Bank of Greece received a number of shares in those banks which it can now sell again during the upcoming years. The third step of policies was to implement resolution and restructuring measures. From October 2011 to March 2014 12 banks resolved through the new legal and regulatory framework under either a transfer order (order to transfer assets and liabilities to a transferee credit institution) or establishment of a bridge bank. All policies succeeded to safeguard Greek financial stability and restore bank losses that resulted from Greek public debt “haircut”.

Originality/value

– To the best of the author’s knowledge this is the first paper examining this issue.
The making of a tragedy: perversion in the perception of truth
Authors: Heyer Gretchen
Published: October 2015

A type of wilful blindness can pervert an individual's perception of truth or reality, not because that reality is too much to hold, but because it is distasteful. Undesired. The case of Adam will be used to explore perversion as it twists an analytic process, affecting the transference and countertransference in ways that are difficult to see. Theorists of Freudian, Kleinian, Lacanian, and Jungian traditions are drawn from to explore potential roots to this perverted turn, and the way it can rigidify an individuation process. The anxiety that haunts this case echoes Jung's anxiety as he wondered if the stone saw him or he saw the stone. Object and observer blend when both analyst and patient hide from themselves and one another, knowing the truth of what is being discussed but blind to it.
Heat Transfer during Blanching and Hydrocooling of Broccoli Florets
Authors: Iribe‐Salazar Rosalina , Caro‐Corrales José , Hernández‐Calderón Óscar , Zazueta‐Niebla Jorge , Gutiérrez‐Dorado Roberto , Carrazco‐Escalante Marco , Vázquez‐López Yessica
Published: October 2015

The objective of this work was to simulate heat transfer during blanching (90 °C) and hydrocooling (5 °C) of broccoli florets (Brassica oleracea L. Italica) and to evaluate the impact of these processes on the physicochemical and nutrimental quality properties. Thermophysical properties (thermal conductivity [line heat source], specific heat capacity [differential scanning calorimetry], and bulk density [volume displacement]) of stem and inflorescence were measured as a function of temperature (5, 10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 °C). The activation energy and the frequency factor (Arrhenius model) of these thermophysical properties were calculated. A 3‐dimensional finite element model was developed to predict the temperature history at different points inside the product. Comparison of the theoretical and experimental temperature histories was carried out. Quality parameters (firmness, total color difference, and vitamin C content) and peroxidase activity were measured. The satisfactory validation of the finite element model allows the prediction of temperature histories and profiles under different process conditions, which could lead to an eventual optimization aimed to minimize the nutritional and sensorial losses in broccoli florets.
Oblivious equilibrium for concentrated industries
Authors: Benkard C. Lanier , Jeziorski Przemyslaw , Weintraub Gabriel Y.
Published: October 2015

This article explores the application of oblivious equilibrium (OE) to highly concentrated markets. We define a natural extended notion of OE, called partially oblivious equilibrium (POE), that allows for there to be a set of strategically important firms (the “dominant” firms), whose firm states are always monitored by every other firm in the market. We perform computational experiments that explore the characteristics of POE, OE, and Markov perfect equilibrium (MPE), and find that POE generally performs well in highly concentrated markets. We also derive error bounds for evaluating the performance of POE for cases where MPE cannot be computed.
Competition and subsidies in the deregulated US local telephone industry
Authors: Fan Ying , Xiao Mo
Published: October 2015

The 1996 Telecommunications Act opened the monopolistic US local telephone industry to new entrants. However, substantial entry costs have prevented some markets from becoming competitive. We study various subsidy policies designed to encourage entry. We estimate a dynamic entry game using data on potential and actual entrants, allowing for heterogeneous option values of waiting. We find that subsidies to smaller markets are more cost effective in reducing monopoly markets, but subsidies to only lower‐cost firms are less cost effective than a nondiscriminatory policy. Subsidies in only early periods reduce the option value of waiting and accelerate the arrival of competition.
Dynamic information disclosure
Authors: Au Pak Hung
Published: October 2015

We study dynamic information disclosure by a sender attempting to persuade a partially informed receiver to take an action. We consider vertical and horizontal information. With vertical information, an optimal disclosure plan is static. If the sender cannot commit to the disclosure plan, there exists a simple Markov equilibrium with sequential disclosure. Shrinking the time interval to zero gives rise to full disclosure almost instantly. With horizontal information, the sender often benefits from sequential disclosure. Assuming partial commitment and a special receiver‐type space, a Markov equilibrium exists and almost instant full disclosure arises in the limit.
Synchronizing thermodilution cardiac output measurements with spontaneous breathing does not improve precision
Authors: Kjetså E. , Skjaervold N. K. , Skogvoll E. , Kirkeby‐Garstad I.
Published: October 2015

Introduction

Measuring cardiac output (CO) with the pulmonary artery catheter intermittent bolus thermodilution technique (PAC‐IBTD) is less precise with spontaneous breathing compared to controlled ventilation. We aimed to test if precision could be improved in spontaneous breathing by synchronizing the measurement with respiration or using instructed respiration in 18 post‐operative cardiac surgery patients.

Methods

We performed eight CO measurements with PAC‐IBTD using cold saline in three different situations; in random order: 1) random compared to respiration, 2) timed to the start of expiration, and 3) synchronized with a slow exhalation through a PEP‐flute. We calculated the standard deviation (SD), coefficient of variation (CV), and precision in the total material and in the three situations using a linear mixed effects model.

Results

A total of 408 CO measurements were performed in 17 included patients. There were no differences between the three study situations regarding mean or precision. The overall CO was 6.0 ± 1.4 l/min (mean ± SD), CV 6.2% and precision 12.2% for single measurements. Averaging three measurements increased the precision to 7.0%.

Conclusion

We could not improve the precision of PAC‐IBTD in spontaneously breathing patients by synchronizing the measurements with respiration.
Influence of lactation stage and some flock management practices on sensory characteristics of goat milk from Brazilian Saanen breed
Authors: de Cássia Ramos do Egypto Queiroga Rita , Costa Roberto Germano , Madruga Marta Suely , de Medeiros Ariosvaldo Nunes , dos Santos Garruti Deborah , Magnani Marciane , de Souza Evandro Leite
Published: October 2015

This study evaluated the influence of lactation stage (early, middle, late) and management practices (milking hygiene and buck presence) on the sensory attributes of Saanen goat milk. Goats were randomly divided in four groups in respect of different milking sanitary procedures and the presence/absence of the buck in the barn. Milk samples were analyzed for sensory attributes including quantitative descriptive analysis (QDA) and acceptance. The milking hygiene practice caused no significant influence on microbiological parameters. Results of QDA revealed that the buck presence increased the characteristic odor of milk at the middle and late lactation stages. The off‐odor and off‐flavor descriptors showed a distinct response since a higher intensity of these sensory characteristics was noted in the samples obtained from goats maintained without the buck. Odor and flavor contributed most in characterizing the different samples regardless of the management practice and lactation stage. The acceptance of odor showed to be influenced only by the lactation stage, while the acceptance of flavor was only through the presence of the buck. Odor acceptance correlated negatively to off‐odor and off‐flavor, suggesting that these two sensory attributes impaired the preference for the aroma of the milk samples.
Effects of pre‐slaughter stressor and feeding preventative Chinese medicinal herbs on glycolysis and oxidative stability in pigs
Authors: Bai Xiumei , Yan Xue , Xie Linqi , Hu Xiaodong , Lin Xi , Wu Changzheng , Zhou Ningcong , Wang Anru , See Miles Todd
Published: October 2015

A total of 64 5‐month‐old Pietrain pigs were randomly allocated to four treatments with four replicates per treatment according to body weight. The pigs were fed either a standard corn‐soybean meal based control diet (treatments 1 and 2), the standard diet with 1% Lycium barbarum (LB) (treatment 3), or the standard diet with 1% Polygala tenuifolia Willd (PT) (treatment 4). Serum lactic acid and glucose concentrations were increased in stressed pigs (P < 0.05). Addition of the herbs in the diet had no effect on the serum lactic acid concentration, but 1% LB decreased (P < 0.05) serum glucose concentration in the stressed pigs. Pre‐slaughter stress also decreased (P < 0.01) liver glycogen concentration and the decrease could be inhibited by addition of 1% LB in the diet (P > 0.05). Pre‐slaughter stress increased the concentration of maleic dialdehyde (MDA) (P < 0.05) and decreased glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐Px) activity in serum, while dietary 1% LB increased (P < 0.05) the activity of GSH‐Px and decreased the concentration of MDA in the serum. In conclusion, pre‐slaughter stress induces oxidative stress in pigs and dietary supplementation with 1% LB improves antioxidant capacity in stressed pigs before slaughtering.
Test–retest reliability of schizoaffective disorder compared with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and unipolar depression—a systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Santelmann Hanno , Franklin Jeremy , Bußhoff Jana , Baethge Christopher
Published: October 2015

Objectives

Schizoaffective disorder is a frequent diagnosis, and its reliability is subject to ongoing discussion. We compared the diagnostic reliability of schizoaffective disorder with its main differential diagnoses.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, Embase, and PsycInfo for all studies on the test–retest reliability of the diagnosis of schizoaffective disorder as compared with schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and unipolar depression. We used meta‐analytic methods to describe and compare Cohen's kappa as well as positive and negative agreement. In addition, multiple pre‐specified and post hoc subgroup and sensitivity analyses were carried out.

Results

Out of 4,415 studies screened, 49 studies were included. Test–retest reliability of schizoaffective disorder was consistently lower than that of schizophrenia (in 39 out of 42 studies), bipolar disorder (27/33), and unipolar depression (29/35). The mean difference in kappa between schizoaffective disorder and the other diagnoses was approximately 0.2, and mean Cohen's kappa for schizoaffective disorder was 0.50 (95% confidence interval: 0.40–0.59). While findings were unequivocal and homogeneous for schizoaffective disorder's diagnostic reliability relative to its three main differential diagnoses (dichotomous: smaller versus larger), heterogeneity was substantial for continuous measures, even after subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

In clinical practice and research, schizoaffective disorder's comparatively low diagnostic reliability should lead to increased efforts to correctly diagnose the disorder.
Two patients with novel missense mutation in the purine nucleoside phosphorylase gene without serious or recurrent infections
Authors: Kiykim Ayca , Simsek Isil Eser , Kiykim Ertugrul , Karakoc‐Aydiner Elif , Baris Safa , Ozen Ahmet Oguzhan , Aydogan Metin , Santisteban Ines , Hershfield Michael , Barlan Isil
Published: October 2015

Background

Purine nucleoside phosphorylase (PNP) deficiency is characterized by T–B+NK+ combined immune deficiency, presenting with neurological deterioration and recurrent infections. PNP is an essential enzyme taking a part in the purine salvage pathway, converting inosine to hypoxanthine, and guanosine to guanine reversibly.

Case presentation

We described two patients with PNP deficiency caused by a novel point mutation in exon 5: c.593 C>T, predicting the p.P198L amino acid substitution. Both patients presented with developmental delay and severe lymphopenia without any serious recurrent infections.

Conclusions

Children with developmental delay and hypouricemia should be screened for PNP deficiency, especially in the presence of lymphopenia.