bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High‐oleic peanuts: New perspective to attenuate glucose homeostasis disruption and inflammation related obesity
Authors: Moreira Alves Raquel Duarte , Boroni Moreira Ana Paula , Macedo Viviane Silva , Bressan Josefina , de Cássia Gonçalves Alfenas Rita , Mattes Richard , Brunoro Costa Neuza Maria
Published: June 2014

Objective

To evaluate the effects of acute and daily consumption of high‐oleic peanuts (HOP) on inflammation and glucose homeostasis in overweight/obese men.

Methods

In a 4‐week randomized clinical trial, males with body mass index of 29.8 ± 2.3 kg/m2 and aged 18‐50 years were assigned to the groups: control (CT, n = 22); conventional peanuts (CVP, n = 22); or HOP (n = 21). They followed a hypocaloric‐diet with or without 56 g/day of CVP or HOP. Main outcomes were changes in fasting blood biomarkers and postprandial insulin, glucose, tumor necrosis factor‐alfa (TNF‐α), and interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) responses after acute peanut intake.

Results

At baseline, HOP showed significantly lower postprandial responses of glucose, insulin, and TNF‐α than CVP and CT. Changes in fasting blood biomarkers did not differ between groups after the 4‐week intervention. However, within groups, total cholesterol decreased in CT, and all groups reduced High‐density lipoprotein (HDL‐c). Triglycerides were reduced in HOP and CVP. IL‐10 increased significantly in all groups while only the CT and CVP showed increased TNF‐α after intervention.

Conclusion

Acute high‐oleic peanut consumption leads to stronger moderation of postprandial glucose, insulin, and TNF‐α concentrations than CVP and control meal intake. Whether daily intake of high‐oleic peanuts has additional benefits to CVP remains uncertain.
Electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties of exfoliated graphite/phenolic resin composite bipolar plate for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell
Authors: Sykam Nagaraju , Gautam Rajeev K. , Kar Kamal K.
Published: June 2014

Exfoliated graphite (EG) was synthesized from natural flake graphite by acid treatment followed by microwave irradiation. A maximum expanded volume of 560 mL/g was achieved for this exfoliation of graphite. EG/phenolic resin composite bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell were fabricated with a high loading of EG by compression molding. The composites possess low density, high electrical conductivity, high thermal stability, and high compressive strength. The composite bipolar plates were also characterized by X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, thermogravimetric analysis, and so on. The composite prepared with 50 wt% of EG has shown the desired properties for bipolar plate as per the US Department of Energy (DOE‐2015) targets. As a result, the EG–resin composites can be used as bipolar plates for polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cell applications. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:917–923, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Preparation and characterization of chain extended Poly(butylene succinate) foams
Authors: Zhou Hongfu , Wang Xiangdong , Du Zhongjie , Li Hangquan , Yu Kejing
Published: June 2014

In order to improve the viscoelasticity and foamability, poly (butylene succinate) (PBS) was modified through reactive melt mixing with chain extender (CE) having multi epoxy‐groups. Subsequently, the prepared chain extended PBS (CEPBS) was foamed in a high pressure stainless steel autoclave using CO2 as physical blowing agent. The molecular weight, thermal properties, rheological properties, and foam properties of various PBS samples were characterized using gel permeation chromatography, differential scanning calorimetry, rotational rheometer, and scanning electron microscope, respectively. With the introduction of CE, the molecular weight, the crystallization temperature, the complex viscosity and storage modulus of PBS were increased and the crystallization degree of PBS was decreased. At the CE content of 0.75 phr, the cross‐linking structure was formed and the expansion volume ratio increased to nearly 15 times, which meant the chain extension played an important role in the foaming process of PBS. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:988–994, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
An investigation of stress oscillation in poly(butylene succinate‐co‐cyclohexanedimethylene succinate)
Authors: Wan Tong , Zhang Jie , Liao Shuang , Du Tao
Published: June 2014

Biodegradable poly(butylene succinate‐co‐cyclohexanedimethylene succinate) (PBCS) was synthesized via polycondensation. The composition of PBCS was characterized by 1H‐nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR). By incorporation of 20 wt% of cyclohexanedimethylene succinate, stress oscillation behavior in stress–strain curve was observed during cold drawing. The stress was no longer stable, but exhibited constantly periodic fluctuations. Morphology and crystalline structure of oscillatory portion were evaluated by scanning electron microscopy, and X‐ray diffraction (XRD), respectively. The melting behavior was studied using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The surface morphology of oscillatory portion presented alternating opaque and transparent bands, which were perpendicular to the cold‐drawing direction. By comprehensive analysis of stress–strain curve, surface morphology, XRD, and DSC, the formation of stress oscillation was discussed. To describe stress oscillation, a new mathematical model was proposed to simulate stress oscillation and its viscoelastic behaviors were well explained. The novelty of the mathematical model was that new oscillatory cells consisting of a dashpot with free inextensible strings were adopted to instead of fiber bundle cells. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 55:966–974, 2015. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Hot press transferring of graphene nanoplatelets on polyurethane block copolymers film for electroactive shape memory devices
Authors: Valentini Luca , Cardinali Marta , Kenny Josè
Published: June 2014

We report a transferring method of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) on polyurethane (PU) block copolymers film. We polymerized PU block copolymer films, and then, a GNP layer, deposited on glossy paper by drop casting, was transferred by hot press from the glossy surface to the synthetized PU substrate. Nanoindentation test showed that GNP coated PU substrate exhibits improved mechanical properties with respect to the neat PU film. When an electric bias was applied to the GNP coating, the heat generated by Joule effect was transferred to the PU substrate showing an electroactive shape recovery effect. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys. 2014, 52, 1100–1106
Multivariate ensemble Model Output Statistics using empirical copulas
Authors: Wilks Daniel S.
Published: June 2014

Statistical post‐processing of ensemble forecasts usually is carried out independently for individual, scalar predictands. However, in some applications multivariate joint forecast distributions, which capture both the univariate marginal distributions of their constituent scalar predictands as well as the dependence structure among them, may be required. Copulas are functions that link multivariate distribution functions to their constituent univariate marginal distributions. Empirical copulas are non‐parametric copula functions that are easy to implement. This article compares recently proposed variants of empirical copula coupling (ECC‐Q and ECC‐R), which take their dependence structures from raw forecast ensembles, and the Schaake shuffle, which is based on unconditional random samples from the historical climatology, in a four‐dimensional multivariate ensemble post‐processing setting. These alternatives were compared for probability forecasts of multi‐day ‘heat waves’, based on the 11‐member National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) reforecast ensembles. Best forecast accuracy was achieved using the unconditional climatological dependence structures sampled by the Schaake shuffle, implying that any forecast improvements due to flow‐specific dependencies that might be captured by the ensemble‐based copulas are not sufficient to overcome errors in the ensemble's representation of those dependencies.
Testing homogeneity of proportion ratios for stratified correlated bilateral data in two‐arm randomized clinical trials
Authors: Pei Yanbo , Tian Guo‐Liang , Tang Man‐Lai
Published: June 2014

Stratified data analysis is an important research topic in many biomedical studies and clinical trials. In this article, we develop five test statistics for testing the homogeneity of proportion ratios for stratified correlated bilateral binary data based on an equal correlation model assumption. Bootstrap procedures based on these test statistics are also considered. To evaluate the performance of these statistics and procedures, we conduct Monte Carlo simulations to study their empirical sizes and powers under various scenarios. Our results suggest that the procedure based on score statistic performs well generally and is highly recommended. When the sample size is large, procedures based on the commonly used weighted least square estimate and logarithmic transformation with Mantel–Haenszel estimate are recommended as they do not involve any computation of maximum likelihood estimates requiring iterative algorithms. We also derive approximate sample size formulas based on the recommended test procedures. Finally, we apply the proposed methods to analyze a multi‐center randomized clinical trial for scleroderma patients. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Three‐Dimensional Tracking of Rab5‐ and Rab7‐Associated Infection Process of Influenza Virus
Authors: Liu Shu‐Lin , Wu Qiu‐Mei , Zhang Li‐Juan , Wang Zhi‐Gang , Sun En‐Ze , Zhang Zhi‐Ling , Pang Dai‐Wen
Published: June 2014

Three‐dimensional (3D) single‐particle tracking (SPT) techniques have been widely reported. However, the 3D SPT technique remains poorly used for solving actual biological problems. In this work, a quantum dots (QDs)‐based single‐particle tracking technique is utilized to explore the Rab5‐ and Rab7‐associated infection behaviors of influenza virus in three dimensions with a set of easily‐attained equipment by the fast and accurate centroid method for 3D SPT. The experimental results indicate that Rab5 protein takes part in the virus infection process from the cell periphery to the perinuclear region, while Rab7 protein is mainly involved in the intermittent and confined movements of the virus in the perinuclear region. Evidently, the transition process of the virus‐containing vesicles from early to late endosomes might occur during the intermittent movement in the perinuclear region. These findings reveal distinct dynamic behaviors of Rab5‐ and Rab7‐positive endosomes in the course of the intracellular transport of viruses. This work is helpful in understanding the intracellular transport of cargoes.
Adolescent bisphenol‐A exposure decreases dendritic spine density: Role of sex and age
Authors: Bowman Rachel E. , Luine Victoria , Khandaker Hameda , Villafane Joseph J. , Frankfurt Maya
Published: June 2014

Bisphenol‐A (BPA), a common environmental endocrine disruptor, modulates estrogenic, androgenic, and antiandrogenic effects throughout the lifespan. We recently showed that low dose BPA exposure during adolescence increases anxiety and impairs spatial memory independent of sex. In this study, six week old Sprague Dawley rats (n = 24 males, n = 24 females) received daily subcutaneous injections (40 µg/kg bodyweight) of BPA or vehicle for one week. Serum corticosterone levels in response to a 1 h restraint stress and spine density were examined at age 7 (cohort 1) and 11 (cohort 2) weeks. Adolescent BPA exposure did not alter stress dependent corticosterone responses but decreased spine density on apical and basal dendrites of pyramidal cells in the medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) and hippocampal CA1 region (CA1). Sex differences in spine density were observed on basal dendrites of the mPFC and CA1 with females having greater spine density than males. This sex difference was further augmented by both age and treatment, with results indicating that BPA‐dependent decreases in spine density were more pronounced in males than females on mPFC basal dendrites. Importantly, the robust neuronal alterations were observed in animals exposed to BPA levels below the current U.S.E.P.A. recommended safe daily limit. These results are the first demonstrating that BPA given during adolescence leads to enduring effects on neural morphology at adulthood. Given that humans are routinely exposed to low levels of BPA through a variety of sources, the decreased spine density reported in both male and female rats after BPA exposure warrants further investigation. Synapse 68:498–507, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Palmitic Acid and Oleic Acid Differentially Regulate Choline Transporter‐Like 1 Levels and Glycerolipid Metabolism in Skeletal Muscle Cells
Authors: Schenkel Laila Cigana , Bakovic Marica
Published: June 2014

Choline is an essential nutrient required for the biosynthesis of membrane lipid phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho). Here we elucidate the mechanism of how palmitic acid (PAM) and oleic acid (OLA) regulate choline transporter‐like protein 1 (CTL1/SLC44A1) function. We evaluated the mechanism of extracellular and intracellular transport of choline, and their contribution to PtdCho and other glycerolipid‐diacylglycerol (DAG) and triacylglycerol (TAG) homeostasis in differentiated skeletal muscle cells. PAM reduces total and plasma membrane CTL1/SLC44A1 protein by lysosomal degradation, and limits the choline uptake while increasing DAG and TAG synthesis. OLA maintains total and plasma membrane CTL1/SLC44A1, but increases PtdCho synthesis more than PAM. OLA does not increase the rate of DAG synthesis, but does increase TAG content. Thus, the CTL1/SLC44A1 presence at the plasma membrane regulates choline requirements in accordance with the type of fatty acid. The increased PtdCho and TAG turnover by OLA stimulates cell growth and offers a specific protection mechanism from the excess of intracellular DAG and autophagy. This protection was present after OLA treatments, but not after PAM treatments. The mitochondrial choline uptake was reduced by both FA; however, the regulation is complex and guided not only by the presence of the mitochondrial CTL1/SLC44A1 protein but also by the membrane potential and general mitochondrial function.
„Ach, da fahr ich ganz spontan.“ Mobilität im Alltag älterer Menschen auf dem Land
Authors: Wilde Mathias
Published: June 2014

Since the problematisation of the demographic change, mobility research has taken a stronger interest in the mobility of the elderly. It’s here that the research is often influenced by the needs of transportation planning and policy. This often results in framing the mobility of elderly people as a technical or organisational problem. However, if mobility viewed as a social phenomenon, the question must be asked: How are mobility und the routines of daily life intertwined? The paper approaches the everyday mobility of the elderly from an agent-centred perspective. To provide an understanding of how the elderly living in rural areas view mobility and integrate it into their daily lives is the main aim of the paper. Using the results of a qualitative study, this paper emphasises causes leading to travel decisions and illustrates the importance of emotions and the functional aspect of maintaining health. Most importantly, this paper will show the value of social contacts. Even if everyday needs, such as grocery shopping or a trip to the doctor, prove to be the reason for mobility, occurrences of social interaction are which count and which influence the lives of elderly people living in the countryside. Finally, based on the findings, the implications for transportation planning and policy will be outlined and explored.
Assessing clinical outcomes of patients with acute calculous cholecystitis in addition to the Tokyo grading: A retrospective study
Authors: Cheng Wei‐Chun , Chiu Yen‐Cheng , Chuang Chiao‐Hsiung , Chen Chiung‐Yu
Published: June 2014

The management of acute cholecystitis is still based on clinical expertise. This study aims to investigate whether the outcome of acute cholecystitis can be related to the severity criteria of the Tokyo guidelines and additional clinical comorbidities. A total of 103 patients with acute cholecystitis were retrospectively enrolled and their medical records were reviewed. They were all classified according to therapeutic modality, including early cholecystectomy and antibiotic treatment with or without percutaneous cholecystostomy. The impact of the Tokyo guidelines and the presence of comorbidities on clinical outcome were assessed by univariate and multivariate regression analyses. According to Tokyo severity grading, 48 patients were Grade I, 31 patients were Grade II, and 24 patients were Grade III. The Grade III patients had a longer hospital stay than Grade II and Grade I patients (15.2 days, 9.2 days, and 7.3 days, respectively, p < 0.05). According to multivariate analysis, patients with Grade III Tokyo severity, higher Charlson's Comorbidity Score, and encountering complications had a longer hospital stay. Based on treatment modality, surgeons selected the patients with less severity and fewer comorbidities for cholecystectomy, and these patients had a shorter hospital stay. In addition to the grading of the Tokyo guidelines, comorbidities had an additional impact on clinical outcomes and should be an important consideration when making therapeutic decisions.
The structure of mantle flows and stress fields in a two-dimensional convection model with non-Newtonian viscosity
Authors: Bobrov A.M. , Baranov A.A.
Published: June 2014

The structure of mantle convection and spatial fields of superlithostatic pressure and vertical and horizontal stresses in the Earth’s mantle are studied in a 2D numerical model with non-Newtonian viscosity and heat sources. The model demonstrates a jump-like motion of subduction zones and reveals abrupt changes in the stress fields depending on the stage of slab detachment. The stresses decrease dramatically in the areas without slabs. The horizontal stresses σxx, superlithostatic pressure, and vertical stresses σzz in the part of the mantle lacking intense near-vertical flows are approximately equal, varying within ±6, ±8, and ±10 MPa, respectively. However, these fields are stronger in the areas of descending slabs, where the values of the above parameters are about an order of magnitude higher (±50 MPa). This result agrees with the current views of the oceanic slabs as the most important agent of mantle convection. We have found significant differences among the σxx, σzz, and pressure fields. The pressure field reveals both the vertical and horizontal features of slabs and plumes, clearly showing their long thermal conduits with broader heads. The distributions of σxx are sensitive to the near-horizontal parts of the flows, whereas the σzz fields reveal mainly their vertical substructures. The model shows the presence of relatively cold remnants of slabs in the lower mantle above the thermal boundary layer. Numerous hot plumes penetrating through these high-viscosity remnants, as well as the new descending slabs, induce intense stress fields in the lower mantle, which are strongly inhomogeneous in space and time.
Early Proterozoic postcollisional granitoids of the Biryusa block of the Siberian craton
Authors: Donskaya T.V. , Gladkochub D.P. , Mazukabzov A.M. , Wingate M.T.D.
Published: June 2014

Comprehensive geochemical and geochronological studies were carried out for two-mica granites of the Biryusa block of the Siberian craton basement. U–Pb zircon dating of the granites yielded an age of 1874 ± 14 Ma. The rocks of the Biryusa massif correspond in chemical composition to normally alkaline and moderately alkaline high-alumina leucogranites. By mineral and petrogeochemical compositions, they are assigned to S-type granites. The low CaO/Na2O ratios (<0.3), K2O ≈ 5 wt.%, CaO < 1 wt.%, and high Rb/Ba (0.7–1.9) and Rb/Sr (3.9–6.8) ratios indicate that the two-mica granites resulted from the melting of a metapelitic source (possibly, the Archean metasedimentary rocks of the Biryusa block, similar to the granites in εNd(t) value) in the absence of an additional fluid phase. The granite formation proceeded at 740-800 °C (zircon saturation temperature). The age of the S-type two-mica granites agrees with the estimated ages of I- and A-type granitoids present in the Biryusa block. Altogether, these granitoids form a magmatic belt stretching along the zone of junction of the Biryusa block with the Paleoproterozoic Urik–Iya terrane and Tunguska superterrane. The granitoids are high-temperature rocks, which evidences that they formed within a high-temperature collision structure. It is admitted that the intrusion of granitoids took place within the thickened crust in collision setting at the stage of postcollisional extension in the Paleoproterozoic. This geodynamic setting was the result of the unification of the Neoarchean Biryusa continental block, Paleoproterozoic Urik–Iya terrane, and Archean Tunguska superterrane into the Siberian craton.
Lithospheric magnetic anomalies in the territory of Siberia (from measurements by the CHAMP satellite)
Authors: Abramova D.Yu. , Abramova L.M.
Published: June 2014

The position of lithospheric magnetic anomalies, detected in total magnetic intensity and the vertical component of the magnetic field, has been determined for Siberia using data from the CHAMP satellite. The paper describes the technique for the satellite data processing and the ways of recognition of regional lithospheric magnetic anomalies from satellite-measured values of the total geomagnetic field, which are obtained from several sources (external and internal with respect to the Earth’s surface). Maps of magnetic-field anomalies of different scales have been constructed for several regions of Siberia depending on the method of areal averaging. The possible geologic and physical nature of the magnetic anomalies and their relationship with deep-seated crustal structures are considered. Preliminary interpretation of the magnetic-field maps shows that the anomalies are connected with the present-day large geologic and geophysical elements of the basement. The features of the lithospheric magnetic field, as a parameter reflecting the present position of tectonic structures and their physical properties, can be used for their contouring in combination with other geological and geophysical methods.
Paleomagnetism of the Paleogene–Neogene continental sediments of the Om’ basin (southern West Siberia)
Authors: Gnibidenko Z.N. , A.V. Levicheva N.N. Semakov
Published: June 2014

The paper presents the results of detailed paleomagnetic studies of the Paleogene–Neogene continental sediments stripped by borehole 8 in southwestern West Siberia (Russkaya Polyana district, Omsk Region), near the Kazakhstan frontier. According to the previous biostratigraphic data, the sediments under study formed from Rupelian to Ruscinian. The results of stepwise thermal demagnetization and alternating-field demagnetization were used to carry out a component analysis of natural remanent magnetization, which revealed characteristic (primary) remanent magnetization (ChRM). The compiled paleomagnetic section, which includes seven regional horizons and same-named formations (Oligocene Atlym, Novomikhailovka, and Zhuravka Formations and Neogene Abrosimovka, Beshcheul, Tavolzhan, and Novaya Stanitsa Formations), was compared with the Cenozoic polarity scale for the West Siberian Plate. This made it possible to assess the completeness of the geologic section of the Paleogene and Neogene continental sediments in borehole 8 and to record the magnetozones and their fragments missing from the magnetostratigraphic section (for some intervals, in absolute chronology). The comparison shows that the magnetostratigraphic section of the studied sediments at the edges of the Om’ basin is approximately twice shorter than that of the basin center.
Changes in the structures of mixed-layer illite–smectite during flooding of terrigenous oil reservoirs
Authors: Krinari G.A. , Khramchenkov M.G. , Rakhmatulina Yu.Sh.
Published: June 2014

A difference-spectrum method is proposed for the qualitative assessment of changes of illite–smectite structures accompanying the flooding of oil reservoirs. The method permits one to get an open system and reduce the application of procedures based on Markov’s chain formalism. A computer simulation is made to obtain spectra by subtracting the spectrum of an ethylene glycol-saturated sample from the spectrum of an air-dried preparation throughout the entire range of concentrations of illite and smectite components with a short-range order factor R = 0 or R = 3.

It has been established that only in the presence of filtration are the maximum and minimum of the spectra in the range of 12.5-9.4 Å complicated by a number of local extrema, whose position is specified by the structure of intermediate phases. The flooding process first involves mixed-layer phases with R = 0, leading to a partial segregation of the structures into phase with one and two networks of interlayer H2O. When the secondary mica particles break, phases with R = 3 appear along the boundaries of nanoblocks, first only with 1 H2O and then only with 2 H2O in labile interspaces. Their coexistence with the phases R = 0 in the sample proves the existence of percolation effects due to two-phase filtration in the porous medium. The fully flooded reservoir is always dominated by a mechanical mixture of illite–smectite phases of different nature with R = 0 and with different ratios of components. Transformation of mica that can drastically reduce oil production begins long before the appearance of flooding zones, which are revealed by standard logging methods.
Interplay of inertia and deformability on rheological properties of a suspension of capsules
Authors: Krüger Timm , Kaoui Badr , Harting Jens
Published: June 2014

The interplay of inertia and deformability has a substantial impact on the transport of soft particles suspended in a fluid. However, to date a thorough understanding of these systems is still missing, and only a limited number of experimental and theoretical studies are available. We combine the finite-element, immersed-boundary and lattice-Boltzmann methods to simulate three-dimensional suspensions of soft particles subjected to planar Poiseuille flow at finite Reynolds numbers. Our findings confirm that the particle deformation and inclination increase when inertia is present. We observe that the Segré–Silberberg effect is suppressed with respect to the particle deformability. Depending on the deformability and strength of inertial effects, inward or outward lateral migration of the particles takes place. In particular, for increasing Reynolds numbers and strongly deformable particles, a hitherto unreported distinct flow focusing effect emerges, which is accompanied by a non-monotonic behaviour of the apparent suspension viscosity and thickness of the particle-free layer close to the channel walls. This effect can be explained by the behaviour of a single particle and the change of the particle collision mechanism when both deformability and inertia effects are relevant.
How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the TermAnthropocene
Authors: Morton Timothy
Published: June 2014

Not a day goes by in the 2010s without some humanities scholars becoming quite exercised about the termAnthropocene. In case we need reminding,Anthropocenenames the geological period starting in the later eighteenth century when, after the invention of the steam engine, humans began to deposit layers of carbon in Earth’s crust. Paul Crutzen and Eugene Stoermer’s term has been current since 2000.1In 1945, there occurred “The Great Acceleration,” a huge data spike in the graph of human involvement in Earth systems. (The title’s Kubrick joke stems from the crustal deposition of radioactive materials since 1945.) Like Marx, Crutzen sees the steam engine as iconic. As this is written, geologists such as Jan Zalasiewicz are convincing the Royal Society of Geologists to make the term official.
EISENSTEIN SERIES TO THE TREDECIC BASE
Authors: COOPER SHAUN , YE DONGXI
Published: June 2014

We employ a modular method to establish the new result that two types of Eisenstein series to the tredecic base may be parametrised in terms of the eta quotients ${\it\eta}^{13}({\it\tau})/{\it\eta}(13{\it\tau})$ and ${\it\eta}^{2}(13{\it\tau})/{\it\eta}^{2}({\it\tau})$. The method can also be used to give short and simple proofs for the analogous cubic, quintic and septic theories.
From Shocks to Waves: Hegemonic Transitions and Democratization in the Twentieth Century
Authors: Gunitsky Seva
Published: June 2014

What causes democratic waves? This article puts forward a theory of institutional waves that focuses on the effects of systemic transformations. It argues that abrupt shifts in the distribution of power among leading states create unique and powerful incentives for sweeping domestic reforms. A variety of statistical tests reveals strong support for the idea that shifts in hegemonic power have shaped waves of democracy, fascism, and communism in the twentieth century, independent of domestic factors or horizontal diffusion. These “hegemonic shocks” produce windows of opportunity for external regime imposition, enable rising powers to rapidly expand networks of trade and patronage, and inspire imitators by credibly revealing hidden information about relative regime effectiveness to foreign audiences. I outline these mechanisms of coercion, influence, and emulation that connect shocks to waves, empirically test their relationship, and illustrate the theory with two case studies—the wave of democratic transitions after World War I, and the fascist wave of the late interwar period. In sum, democracy in the twentieth century cannot be fully understood without examining the effects of hegemonic shocks.
Enhancing selenium concentration in lentil (Lens culinaris subsp. culinaris) through foliar application
Authors: RAHMAN M. M. , ERSKINE W. , MATERNE M. A. , MCMURRAY L. M. , THAVARAJAH P. , THAVARAJAH D. , SIDDIQUE K. H. M.
Published: June 2014

Selenium (Se) is an essential micronutrient for human and animal health. Globally, more than one billion people are Se deficient due to low dietary Se. Low dietary intake of Se can be improved by Se supplementation, food fortification and biofortification of crops. Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus subsp. culinaris) is a popular cool-season food legume in many parts of the world; it is naturally rich in Se and therefore has potential for Se biofortification. An Se foliar application experiment at two locations and a multi-location trial of 12 genotypes at seven locations were conducted from April to December 2011 in South Australia and Victoria, Australia. Foliar application of a total of 40 g/ha of Se as potassium selenate (K2SeO4) – 10 g/ha during full bloom and 30 g/ha during the flat pod stage – increased seed Se concentration from 201 to 2772 μg/kg, but had no effect on seed size or seed yield. Consumption of 20 g of biofortified lentil can supply all of the recommended daily allowance of Se. After Se foliar application, cultivars PBA Herald XT (3327 μg/kg), PBA bolt (3212) and PBA Ace (2957 μg/kg) had high seed Se concentrations. These cultivars may be used in lentil biofortification. In the genotypic evaluation trial, significant genotype and location variation was observed for seed Se concentration, but the interaction was not significant. In conclusion, foliar application of Se as K2SeO4 is an efficient agronomic approach to improve seed Se concentration for lentil consumers and there is also scope for genetic biofortification in lentil.
Environmental impacts of the pork supply chain with regard to farm performance
Authors: RECKMANN K. , KRIETER J.
Published: June 2014

Livestock production is increasingly facing consumer concern about the environmental impact of different production systems. In order to provide a detailed insight into the contribution of pork production, a life-cycle assessment (LCA) of average German pork production was performed. In this way, the global warming potential was estimated at 3·22 kg CO2-eq/kg pork, eutrophication at 23·3 g PO4-eq and acidification at 57·1 g SO2-eq. The functional unit was 1 kg pork as a slaughter weight. The analysis aimed at identifying those farm parameters which had most impact on the LCA results. For that purpose, a deterministic pig farm model was developed which reflected all the processes of a pig farm, while focusing on five distinct areas: general farm information, biological performance, basic feed data, manure management and resource use and emissions. In this way, it was possible to vary the level of performance parameters from farrowing (piglet losses and number of piglets born alive per litter) and finishing stage (lean-meat content, daily weight gain, animal losses and feed conversion ratio). The number of piglets born alive, the lean-meat content and the feed conversion ratio were identified as having the greatest influence on the results. In comparison with average pork production, the values of the impact categories increased and decreased by up to 4·7%. The results show that the fertility of sows and the feed management of finishers should be optimized to mitigate environmental impacts at pig farm level.
Seasonal and inter-annual lipid dynamics of spiny cheek grouper (Epinephelus diacanthus) in the southern coast of India
Authors: Chakraborty Kajal , Joseph Deepu , Chakkalakal Selsa Jose
Published: June 2014

The muscle lipid, fatty acids and total cholesterol profiles of the spiny cheek grouper,Epinephelus diacanthus, collected from south-west (Arabian Sea) and south-east coasts (Bay of Bengal) of India were evaluated over four years (2008–2011) with regard to three seasons (pre-monsoon, monsoon and post-monsoon). Fatty acids were correlated with chlorophyll-aconcentration and sea surface temperature. Lipid content, total polyunsaturated, eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic fatty acids of the samples from the south-west coast showed positive correlation with chlorophyll-aconcentration during the monsoon (r2 = 0.93, 0.97, 0.97 and 0.99, respectively). Higher hypocholesterolaemic/hypercholesterolaemic ratio (>1.0) and low atherogenic (<1.2), thrombogenicity (≤0.6) indices make the groupers collected from the coast of the Arabian Sea a valued candidate species for human nutrition. High levels ofn-3 fatty acids (>19% during post-monsoon), important in the human diet for their platelet anti-aggregating and blood pressure-reducing properties, for groupers collected from the south-west coast, with highern-3/n-6 fatty acid ratio (>5.1) proved this species from the coast of the Arabian Sea to be a desirable item in the human diet.
Morphology and molecular analyses of a newClytiaspecies (Cnidaria: Hydrozoa: Campanulariidae) from the East China Sea
Authors: He Jinru , Zheng Lianming , Zhang Wenjing , Lin Yuanshao , Cao Wenqing
Published: June 2014

The near-cosmopolitan genusClytiais abundantly found in coastal waters, but difficulties of identification in this genus make nearly all species records of medusae suspect. Complex life histories, ambiguous taxonomic characters, and phenotypic plasticity pose serious problems for accurate species-level identifications and future revisions ofClytiaspecies. In the present study, morphological investigations and molecular analyses ofClytiaspecimens from the coastal waters of the East China Sea revealedClytia gulangensissp. nov. as a new species. DNA barcoding based on the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene supported the new species as a separate species withinClytia, and phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S rDNA and nuclear 18S rDNA further confirmed this new species to be a distinct lineage. Moreover, detailed observation of medusae and polyps of this species showed sufficient morphological differences from otherClytiaspecies for a diagnosis. Our results indicated that life cycle and DNA-based studies should be a standard approach in future biodiversity investigations ofClytiaspecies.
What is a reindeer? Indigenous perspectives from northeast Siberia
Authors: Vitebsky Piers , Alekseyev Anatoly
Published: June 2014

The reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) is the mainstay of most of the indigenous cultures and economies of the Eurasian north. Yet much of the literature ignores indigenous perspectives in favour of ecological perspectives based on a resource-oriented model. While acknowledging the role of scientific writing on reindeer, here we explore the meaning of reindeer economies that are also reindeer cultures. We show how reindeer can be endowed with a personhood which parallels that of humans, leading to a working partnership which encompasses both ecological and spiritual dimensions. Even when reindeer herders qualify in veterinary science, this does not wipe out their indigenous understanding of the nature of the reindeer. We relate this to the physical, social and moral demands of life in the taiga.
Christian Political Economics, Richard Whately and Irish Poor Law Theory
Authors: MCGAURAN JOHN-PAUL , OFFER JOHN
Published: June 2014

The Irish poor law debate of the 1830s has largely been overlooked, but is a substantial source in understanding the impact of social theory concerning ‘virtue’ on social policy making in the early nineteenth century and on into the present time. The Chair of the Royal Commission for Inquiring into the Condition of the Poorer Classes in Ireland (1833–36) was the Church of Ireland Archbishop of Dublin, Richard Whately, a leading figure in intellectual endeavour in the first half of the nineteenth century. Although his contributions to theology, economics and education have been reassessed, his central role in poor law thought is not well understood. This article examines the key tenets of his social theory and reassesses their impact on the Irish poor law debate. Whately was an Oxford Noetic (Greek for ‘reasoners’) committed to merging the study of natural theology and political economy in order to encourage ever greater levels of virtue on individual and societal levels. He believed that individual and social lives were designed to advance through the reciprocal exchange of labour, goods and ideas in a free and open market economy. Ireland in the 1830s presented the ideal opportunity for Whately to express his theory of moral growth and social advance in terms of poor law policy, directed towards modifying circumstances to make possible the development of individual abilities while avoiding measures which would encourage vice or discourage virtue.
The cultural evolution of emergent group-level traits
Authors: Smaldino Paul E.
Published: June 2014

Many of the most important properties of human groups – including properties that may give one group an evolutionary advantage over another – are properly defined only at the level of group organization. Yet at present, most work on the evolution of culture has focused solely on the transmission of individual-level traits. I propose a conceptual extension of the theory of cultural evolution, particularly related to the evolutionary competition between cultural groups. The key concept in this extension is the emergent group-level trait. This type of trait is characterized by the structured organization of differentiated individuals and constitutes a unit of selection that is qualitatively different from selection on groups as defined by traditional multilevel selection (MLS) theory. As a corollary, I argue that the traditional focus on cooperation as the defining feature of human societies has missed an essential feature of cooperative groups. Traditional models of cooperation assume that interacting with one cooperator is equivalent to interacting with any other. However, human groups involve differential roles, meaning that receiving aid from one individual is often preferred to receiving aid from another. In this target article, I discuss the emergence and evolution of group-level traits and the implications for the theory of cultural evolution, including ramifications for the evolution of human cooperation, technology, and cultural institutions, and for the equivalency of multilevel selection and inclusive fitness approaches.
The negativity bias: Conceptualization, quantification, and individual differences
Authors: Cacioppo John T. , Cacioppo Stephanie , Gollan Jackie K.
Published: June 2014

There is an extensive literature on the negativity bias, including its conceptualization, measurement, temporal stability (individual differences), and neural and genetic associations. Hibbing et al. posit that the difference across individuals in the negativity bias is a key factor in determining political predisposition. The measures and paradigms developed in this literature provide a means of testing this hypothesis.
Conservatives, liberals, and “the negative”
Authors: Charney Evan
Published: June 2014

The authors connect conservatism with aversion to negativity via the tendentious use of the language of threats to characterize conservatism, but not liberalism. Their reliance upon an objective conception of the negative ignores the fact that much of the disagreement between liberals and conservatives is over whether or not one and the same state of affairs is negative or positive.
Context, engagement, and the (multiple) functions of negativity bias
Authors: Federico Christopher M. , Johnston Christopher D. , Lavine Howard G.
Published: June 2014

Hibbing and colleagues argue that political attitudes may be rooted in individual differences in negativity bias. Here, we highlight the complex, conditional nature of the relationship between negativity bias and ideology by arguing that the political impact of negativity bias should vary as a function of (1) issue domain and (2) political engagement.
Is it impolite to discuss cognitive differences between liberals and conservatives?
Authors: Hodson Gordon
Published: June 2014

Hibbing and colleagues argue convincingly that liberals and conservatives differ in reactivity to (negative) stimuli. Yet their analysis sidesteps evidence that cognitive ability differs as a function of ideology. Cognitive abilities, like cognitive preferences (e.g., structure needs), shape whether stimuli are psychologically threatening (prompting avoidance) or offer opportunity (prompting approach). Incorporation of these findings is critical despite any socially “delicate” implications.
Negativity bias, emotion targets, and emotion systems
Authors: Hogan Patrick Colm
Published: June 2014

Hibbing et al.'s article isolates a plausible psychological factor contributing to differences in political orientation. However, there are two potential difficulties. Both the nature of negativity and the liberal–conservative opposition are ambiguous. A possible way of treating these problems enhances the theoretical framework through fuller reference to emotion systems and categories of triggers for those systems.
The “chicken-and-egg” problem in political neuroscience
Authors: Jost John T. , Noorbaloochi Sharareh , Van Bavel Jay J.
Published: June 2014

A comprehensive review by Hibbing et al. establishes close links between physiological and psychological responses and ideological preferences. However, existing research cannot resolve the “chicken-and-egg problem” in political neuroscience: Which is cause and which is effect? We consider the possibility, which they reject, that general ideological postures, if consistently adopted, could shape psychological and physiological functioning.
How encompassing is the effect of negativity bias on political conservatism?
Authors: Malka Ariel , Soto Christopher J.
Published: June 2014

We argue that the political effects of negativity bias are narrower than Hibbing et al. suggest. Negativity bias reliably predicts social, but not economic, conservatism, and its political effects often vary across levels of political engagement. Thus the role of negativity bias in broad ideological conflict depends on the strategic packaging of economic and social attitudes by political elites.
The importance of adult life-span perspective in explaining variations in political ideology
Authors: Sedek Grzegorz , Kossowska Malgorzata , Rydzewska Klara
Published: June 2014

As a comment on Hibbing et al.'s paper, we discuss the evolution of political and social views from more liberal to more conservative over the span of adulthood. We show that Hibbing et al.'s theoretical model creates a false prediction from this developmental perspective, as increased conservatism in the adult life-span trajectory is accompanied by the avoidance of negative bias.
Confounding valence and arousal: What really underlies political orientation?
Authors: Tritt Shona M. , Inzlicht Michael , Peterson Jordan B.
Published: June 2014

The negative valence model of political orientation proposed by Hibbing et al. is comprehensive and thought-provoking. We agree that there is compelling research linking threat to conservative political beliefs. However, we propose that further research is needed before it can be concluded that negative valence, rather than arousal more generally, underlies the psychological motivations to endorse conservative political belief.
Facial expression judgments support a socio-relational model, rather than a negativity bias model of political psychology
Authors: Vigil Jacob M. , Strenth Chance
Published: June 2014

Self-reported opinions and judgments may be more rooted in expressive biases than in cognitive processing biases, and ultimately operate within a broader behavioral style for advertising the capacity – versus the trustworthiness – dimension of human reciprocity potential. Our analyses of facial expression judgments of likely voters are consistent with this thesis, and directly contradict one major prediction from the authors' “negativity-bias” model.
Maintenance of cultural diversity: Social roles, social networks, and cognitive networks
Authors: Abrams Marshall
Published: June 2014

Smaldino suggests that patterns that give rise to group-level cultural traits can also increase individual-level cultural diversity. I distinguish social roles and related social network structures and discuss ways in which each might maintain diversity. I suggest that cognitive analogs of “cohesion,” a property of networks that helps maintenance of diversity, might mediate the effects of social roles on diversity.
Feedback, group-level processes, and systems approaches in human evolution
Authors: Fuentes Agustin
Published: June 2014

An explicit role for emergent group-level traits, social role diversification, and coordination makes good sense when thinking about human evolution. To most effectively understand these and other facets, we need to move toward an integrative model that assumes niche construction and encompasses positive feedback systems at individual, subgroup and larger group levels, demographic processes, and local ecologies.
What is a group? Conceptual clarity can help integrate evolutionary and social scientific research on cooperation
Authors: Gerkey Drew , Cronk Lee
Published: June 2014

Smaldino argues that evolutionary theories of social behavior do not adequately explain the emergence of group-level traits, including differentiation of roles and organized interactions among individuals. We find Smaldino's account to be commendable but incomplete. Our commentary focuses on a simple question that has not been adequately addressed: What is a group?
Reinventing the wheel on structuring groups, with an inadequate psychology
Authors: MacDonald Kevin
Published: June 2014

The idea that structured organization of differentiated individuals influences group behavior is not new to evolutionary approaches. An adequate theory of groups needs to incorporate explicit processing, which is central to means-end reasoning involved in leadership and to the construction of ideologies that rationalize group structure. Explicit processing is also central to knowledge of others' reputations, thus enabling altruistic cooperation.