bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Turbulent mixing efficiency at an energetic ocean site
Authors: Bluteau C. E. , Jones N. L. , Ivey G. N.
Published: July 2013

The unsteady and inhomogeneous forcing of the stratified ocean leads to highly variable turbulent temperature and velocity fields, both in space and time, complicating the characterization of mixing from field measurements. Mixing rates are often inferred indirectly from measurements of turbulent kinetic energy dissipation ϵ via Osborn's model
(N is the background stratification) by assuming the flux Richardson number Rf = 0.17 is constant, despite continued debate on its relevance for environmental flows. From high‐frequency velocity measurements, we estimate ϵ within meters of the continental slope and compute Kρ with three different models, which we compare to the turbulent diffusivity for heat KT derived from colocated temperature measurements. We also infer Rf by equating Osborn's relationship for Kρ to our estimated KT. Applying Osborn's model with a fixed Rf = 0.17 overpredicted mixing rates by more than an order of magnitude. The other two models, which reduce the mixing efficiency with increasing magnitude of the ratio of the Ozmidov length scale LO to the Kolmogorov length scale η, fared better than Osborn's fixed model. The best agreement (within a factor of 2) was with a model derived from laboratory experiments, at much lower turbulent Reynolds numbers ReT than our measurements, but covering a wide range of the ratio of LO/η. However, our observations correlated more strongly with the turbulent ReT than with LO/η, likely because the ReT measures the “true” separation between the largest and smallest turbulent overturns. Mixing rate predictions improved when the ReT was used instead of LO/η.
The Effect of N/P Ratio on the In Vitro and In Vivo Interaction Properties of PEGylated Poly[2‐(dimethylamino)ethyl methacrylate]‐Based siRNA Complexes
Authors: Gary Dana J. , Min Jungbin , Kim Youngwook , Park Keunchil , Won You‐Yeon
Published: July 2013

PEG‐PnBA‐PDMAEMA triblock and PEG‐PDMAEMA diblock copolymers are used as model systems for studying the role of N/P ratio on the in vivo behavior of PEGylated siRNA carriers in mice. The presence of a free/uncomplexed polymer population coexisting with siRNA complexes is established. A change in the N/P ratio exerts no significant influence on the in vivo biodistribution and ex vivo blood chemistry properties of the respective systems. Histological analysis of major organs indicates that the presence of uncomplexed polymer elicits toxicity to the organ that is associated with the clearance of the siRNA complexes from the circulation system. This effect can be eliminated by working at N/P ratios near the charge‐neutralization point of the complexes.
Reaction Kinetics and Thermodynamic Aspects of Thermoreversibly Cross‐Linked Polymer Networks
Authors: Peterson Amy M. , Palmese Giuseppe R.
Published: July 2013

The Diels–Alder reaction of furan and maleimide is used to prepare reversibly cross‐linking polymer gels consisting of furan‐bearing polymer chains and bismaleimides. The roles of chain length, stoichiometry, and concentration on gelation kinetics and other properties are evaluated. Additionally, kinetics of the Diels–Alder reactions in the gelling system are compared with the kinetics of small molecule systems. By combining spectroscopic and rheological techniques, a mechanochemical analysis is performed.

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NMR‐based metabolomics coupled with pattern recognition methods in biomarker discovery and disease diagnosis
Authors: Zhang Ai‐hua , Sun Hui , Qiu Shi , Wang Xi‐jun
Published: July 2013

Molecular biomarkers could detect biochemical changes associated with disease processes. The key metabolites have become an important part for improving the diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy of diseases. Because of the chemical diversity and dynamic concentration range, the analysis of metabolites remains a challenge. Assessment of fluctuations on the levels of endogenous metabolites by advanced NMR spectroscopy technique combined with multivariate statistics, the so‐called metabolomics approach, has proved to be exquisitely valuable in human disease diagnosis. Because of its ability to detect a large number of metabolites in intact biological samples with isotope labeling of metabolites using nuclei such as H, C, N, and P, NMR has emerged as one of the most powerful analytical techniques in metabolomics and has dramatically improved the ability to identify low concentration metabolites and trace important metabolic pathways. Multivariate statistical methods or pattern recognition programs have been developed to handle the acquired data and to search for the discriminating features from biosample sets. Furthermore, the combination of NMR with pattern recognition methods has proven highly effective at identifying unknown metabolites that correlate with changes in genotype or phenotype. The research and clinical results achieved through NMR investigations during the first 13 years of the 21st century illustrate areas where this technology can be best translated into clinical practice. In this review, we will present several special examples of a successful application of NMR for biomarker discovery, implications for disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy evaluation, and discuss possible future improvements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Molecular dynamics simulations give insight into the conformational change, complex formation, and electron transfer pathway for cytochrome P450 reductase
Authors: Sündermann Axel , Oostenbrink Chris
Published: July 2013

Cytochrome P450 reductase (CYPOR) undergoes a large conformational change to allow for an electron transfer to a redox partner to take place. After an internal electron transfer over its cofactors, it opens up to facilitate the interaction and electron transfer with a cytochrome P450. The open conformation appears difficult to crystallize. Therefore, a model of a human CYPOR in the open conformation was constructed to be able to investigate the stability and conformational change of this protein by means of molecular dynamics simulations. Since the role of the protein is to provide electrons to a redox partner, the interactions with cytochrome P450 2D6 (2D6) were investigated and a possible complex structure is suggested. Additionally, electron pathway calculations with a newly written program were performed to investigate which amino acids relay the electrons from the FMN cofactor of CYPOR to the HEME of 2D6. Several possible interacting amino acids in the complex, as well as a possible electron transfer pathway were identified and open the way for further investigation by site directed mutagenesis studies.
The dynamics of camphor in the cytochrome P450 CYP101D2
Authors: Vohra Shabana , Musgaard Maria , Bell Stephen G. , Wong Luet‐Lok , Zhou Weihong , Biggin Philip C.
Published: July 2013

The recent crystal structures of CYP101D2, a cytochrome P450 protein from the oligotrophic bacterium Novosphingobium aromaticivorans DSM12444 revealed that both the native (substrate‐free) and camphor‐soaked forms have open conformations. Furthermore, two other potential camphor‐binding sites were also identified from electron densities in the camphor‐soaked structure, one being located in the access channel and the other in a cavity on the surface near the F‐helix side of the F‐G loop termed the substrate recognition site. These latter sites may be key intermediate positions on the pathway for substrate access to or product egress from the active site. Here, we show via the use of unbiased atomistic molecular dynamics simulations that despite the open conformation of the native and camphor‐bound crystal structures, the underlying dynamics of CYP101D2 appear to be very similar to other CYP proteins. Simulations of the native structure demonstrated that the protein is capable of sampling many different conformational substates. At the same time, simulations with the camphor positioned at various locations within the access channel or recognition site show that movement towards the active site or towards bulk solvent can readily occur on a short timescale, thus confirming many previously reported in silico studies using steered molecular dynamics. The simulations also demonstrate how the fluctuations of an aromatic gate appear to control access to the active site. Finally, comparison of camphor‐bound simulations with the native simulations suggests that the fluctuations can be of similar level and thus are more representative of the conformational selection model rather than induced fit.
Optical and magnetic properties of Er‐doped SnO2 nanoparticles
Authors: Bhaumik S. , Ray S. K. , Das A. K.
Published: July 2013

Er‐doped SnO2 nanoparticles were synthesized with varying Er concentration by a sol–gel method. X‐ray diffraction (XRD) and high‐resolution transmission electron microscopic studies reveal the crystalline nature of the nanoparticles and the crystallite size decreases with the increase of Er concentration in SnO2. For higher Er concentration, the evolution of Er2O3 as a secondary phase is detected. The X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) study depicts the existence of 4d level of Er along with a partially filled 4f state. Infrared photoluminescence (IRPL) measurement shows a strong emission peak at 1540 nm due to Er doping in the SnO2 nanoparticles, which quenches after 3 at% of Er concentration. Magnetic measurement reveals the antiferromagnetic (AFM) behavior of the Er‐doped samples, though there is an increase in magnetic moment with increase in Er concentration. Undoped SnO2 shows a weak ferromagnetic interaction, which could be due to the presence of anionic defects (O vacancy).
A RHEED investigation of self‐assembled GaN nanowire nucleation dynamics on bare Si and on Si covered with a thin AlN buffer layer
Authors: Hestroffer Karine , Daudin Bruno
Published: July 2013

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Based on reflection high energy electron diffraction (RHEED) experiments, we show that the nucleation delay of GaN nanowire growth by plasma‐assisted molecular beam epitaxy on nitrided Si(111) and on AlN/Si(111) exhibit similar behaviors in function of the substrate temperature and of the Ga flux. On bare Si(111), a finite delay, estimated to be one minute in our system and under our set of growth conditions, is necessary to form and subsequently amorphize crystalline β‐Si3N4 before GaN can start to form. Although the amorphization time is found to be independent of the substrate temperature, this process adds a supplemental delay within the overall delay in the growth of GaN nanowires on bare Si(111), compared to growth on AlN/Si(111) or on amorphous silicon nitride on Si(111). (© 2013 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
On the lake effects of the Caspian Sea
Authors: Farley Nicholls James , Toumi Ralf
Published: July 2013

The impact of the Caspian Sea on precipitation and circulation is investigated. The control regional climate model simulation accurately represents the spatial and temporal pattern of observed precipitation and the upper atmospheric jet. From a simulation without the Caspian, it can be deduced that it causes a year‐round increase in evaporation and increases in precipitation in autumn and winter with little change in spring and summer. Over half of the over‐lake precipitation is attributable to the lake effect. These findings are confirmed through coupled simulation with a three‐dimensional lake model. The Caspian Sea's effect on surface air temperatures (an increase in winter and decrease in summer) causes an increase in cyclonicity in winter and anticyclonicity in spring and summer. These surface air temperature effects also penetrate higher up in the atmosphere, causing a perturbation of up to 25 m in the geopotential height at 200 hPa, leading to an increase in the maximum speed of the subtropical jet over western Asia during summer of 6.5%. An accurate description of the Caspian Sea in general circulation models is thus important for both local and regional climates.
Surface modification of titanium by anodic oxidation in phosphoric acid at low potentials. Part 2. In vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Gomez Sanchez A. , Schreiner W. , Ballarre J. , Cisilino A. , Duffó G. , Ceré S.
Published: July 2013

Electrochemical studies in SBF solution were performed, in order to determine the best corrosion resistance condition, comparing as‐received titanium, covered with its native surface oxide, and titanium anodized in phosphoric acid. The results indicate that the anodic films obtained at a constant potential of 30 V have higher barrier effect, and the protective layer remains effective against the aggressive anions present in SBF after 30 days of immersion. Due to the promising corrosion performance in simulated biological media coupled with the biocompatible surface characteristics, anodic films on titanium obtained at 30 V were implanted on Wistar Rats to compare the osseointegration results of this modified surface with that corresponding to as‐received titanium. It was found that, after 8 weeks of implantation, although the amount of bone surrounding the implant did not differ across the two different surface implants conditions, bone formation at the implant interface was found to be more homogeneous in anodized titanium. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Tracking the Down‐Regulation of Folate Receptor‐α in Cancer Cells through Target Specific Delivery of Quantum Dots Coupled with Antisense Oligonucleotide and Targeted Peptide
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Zhen , Yu Yong , Yu Rong‐Na , Wan Min , Zhang Rong‐Ying , Zhao Yuan‐Di
Published: July 2013

Based on the multivalent binding capability of streptavidin (SA) to biotin, a multifunctional quantum dot probe (QD‐(AS‐ODN+p160)) coupled with antisense oligonucleotide (AS‐ODN) and peptide p160 is designed for real‐time tracking of targeted delivery of AS‐ODN and regulation of folate receptor‐α (hFR‐α) in MCF‐7 breast cancer cells. Fluorescence spectra, capillary electrophoresis (CE) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) are used to characterize the conjugation of AS‐ODN and p160 with quantum dots (QDs), DLS results confirm the well stability of the probe in aqueous media. Confocal imaging and quantitative flow cytometry show that QD‐(AS‐ODN+p160) is able to specifically target human breast cancer MCF‐7 cells. Low temperature and ATP depletion treatments reveal the cellular uptake of QD‐(AS‐ODN+p160) is energy‐dependent, and the effects of inhibition agents and co‐localization imaging further confirm the endocytic pathway is mainly receptor‐mediated. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) shows the intracellular delivery and endosomal escape of QD probe along with incubation time extended. Two transfection concentrations of QD probe (10 nM and 50 nM) below half inhibitory concentration (IC50) value are chosen according to MTT assay. Real‐time PCR shows at these two concentration cases the relative mRNA expression levels of hFR‐α reduce to 72.5 ± 3.9% and 17.6 ± 1.0%, respectively. However, western blot and quantitative ELISA analysis show the expression level of hFR‐α protein has a significant decrease only at 50 nM, indicating that gene silence is concentration‐dependent. These results demonstrate that the QD‐(AS‐ODN+p160) probe not only achieves gene silence in a cell‐specific manner but also achieves real‐time tracking during AS‐ODN intracellular delivery.
MRI‐Visualized, Dual‐Targeting, Combined Tumor Therapy Using Magnetic Graphene‐Based Mesoporous Silica
Authors: Wang Yi , Huang Rongqin , Liang Guohai , Zhang Zhengyong , Zhang Peng , Yu Shaoning , Kong Jilie
Published: July 2013

Targeting peptide‐modified magnetic graphene‐based mesoporous silica (MGMSPI) are synthesized, characterized, and developed as a multifunctional theranostic platform. This system exhibits many merits, such as biocompatibility, high near‐infrared photothermal heating, facile magnetic separation, large T2 relaxation rates (r2), and a high doxorubicin (DOX) loading capacity. In vitro and in vivo results demonstrate that DOX‐loaded MGMSPI (MGMSPID) can integrate magnetic resonance imaging, dual‐targeting recognition (magnetic targeting and receptor‐mediated active targeting), and chemo‐photothermal therapy into a single system for a visualized‐synergistic therapy of glioma. In addition, it is observed that the MGMSPID system has heat‐stimulated, pH‐responsive, sustained release properties. All of these characteristics would provide a robust multifunctional theranostic platform for visualized glioma therapy.
An on‐demand data broadcasting scheduling algorithm based on dynamic index strategy
Authors: Hu Wenbin , Fan Cunlian , Luo Jiajia , Peng Chao , Du Bo
Published: July 2013

On‐demand data broadcasting scheduling is an effective wireless data dissemination technique. Existing scheduling algorithms usually have two problems: (1) with the explosive growth of mobile users and real‐time individual requirements, broadcasting systems present a shortage of scalability, dynamics and timeliness (request drop ratio); (2) with the growth of intelligent and entertained application, energy consumption of mobile client cannot be persistent (tuning time). This paper proposes an effective scheduling algorithm LxRxW. It takes into account the number of lost requests during next item broadcasting time, the number of requests and the waiting time. LxRxW can reduce the request drop ratio. At the same time, the algorithm employs a dynamic index strategy to put forward a dynamic adjusting method on the index cycle length (DAIL) to determine the proper index cycle. Extensive experimental results show that the LxRxW algorithm has better performance than other state‐of‐the‐art scheduling algorithms and can significantly reduce the drop ratio of user requests by 40%–50%. The request drop ratio and accessing time of LxRxW with index increase by 1%–2% than LxRxW algorithm without index, but the tuning time decreases by 70%. The index strategy shows that when the index cycle length is less than 20units, it can significantly reduce the average tuning time but when the index cycle length continues increasing, the average tuning time will increase contrarily. DAIL can dynamically determine the length of index cycle. Moreover, it can reach optimal integrated performance of the request drop ratio, the average accessing time and the average tuning time. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hydraulic characterization of the middle reach of the Congo River
Authors: O'Loughlin F. , Trigg M. A. , Schumann G. J.‐P. , Bates P. D.
Published: July 2013

The middle reach of the Congo remains one of the most difficult places to access, with ongoing conflicts and a lack of infrastructure. This has resulted in the Congo being perhaps the least understood large river hydraulically, particularly compared to the Amazon, Nile, or Mississippi. Globally the Congo River is important; it is the largest river in Africa and the basin contains some of the largest areas of tropical forests and wetlands in the world, which are important to both the global carbon and methane cycles. This study produced the first detailed hydraulic characterization of the middle reach, utilizing mostly remotely sensed data sets. Using Landsat imagery, a 30 m resolution water‐mask was created for the middle reach, from which effective river widths and the number of channels and islands were determined. Water surface slopes were determined using ICESat observations for three different periods during the annual flood pulse, and while the overall slope calculated was similar to previous estimates, greater spatial variability was identified. We find that the water surface slope varies markedly in space but relatively little in time and that this appears to contrast with the Amazon where previous studies indicate that time and spatial variations are of equal magnitude. Five key hydraulic constraints were also identified, which play an important role in the overall dynamics of the Congo. Finally, backwater lengths were approximated for four of these constraints, with the results showing that at high water, over a third of the middle reach is affected by backwater effects.
Use of real-time QPCR in biokinetics and modeling of two different ammonia-oxidizing bacteria growing simultaneously
Authors: Cho Kyungjin , Nguyen Duong Xuan , Lee Seungyong , Hwang Seokhwan
Published: July 2013

A real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (QPCR) was used to evaluate biokinetic coefficients of Nitrosomonas nitrosa and N. cryotolerans clusters growing simultaneously in a batch mode of ammonia oxidation. The mathematical models based on Monod equation were employed to describe the competitive relationship between these clusters and were fitted to experimental data to obtain biokinetic values. The maximum growth rates (μ  m), half-saturation coefficients (K  S), microbial yields (Y) and decay coefficients (k  d) of N. nitrosa and N. cryotolerans were 1.77 and 1.21 day−1, 23.25 and 23.06 mg N·L−1, 16 × 108 and 1 × 108 copies·mg N−1, 0.26 and 0.20 day−1, respectively. The estimated coefficients were applied for modeling continuous operations at various hydraulic retention times (HRTs) with an influent ammonia concentration of 300 mg N·L−1. Modeling results revealed that ammonia oxidation efficiencies were achieved 55–98 % at 0.8–10 days HRTs and that the system was predicted to be washed out at HRT of 0.7 days. Overall, use of QPCR for estimating biokinetic coefficients of the two AOB cluster growing simultaneously by use of ammonia were successful. This idea may open a new direction towards biokinetics of ammonia oxidation in which respirometry tests are usually employed.
Selective Synthesis of Glyceryl Tris[9,10‐(threo)‐dihydroxyoctadecanoate]
Authors: Elkin Igor , Hildgen Patrice
Published: July 2013

Elaborating novel triacylglyceride (TAG) based polyester hyperbranched unimolecular encapsulating agents represents an original and promising approach to the selective delivery of hydrophobic biologically active compounds. However, selective modification of double bonds in unsaturated TAG to obtain corresponding pure polyhydroxy derivatives with high yields is still a big challenge. Two novel approaches to synthesize the glyceryl tris[9,10‐(threo)‐dihydroxyoctadecanoate] were proposed and tested: (1) via the bromination and nucleophilic substitution of secondary halide functions by oxyacetyl groups followed by the hydrolysis of acetyls, and (2) direct transformation of the double bonds by the reaction with peroxoformic acid in an excess of formic acid, and the removal of formyl protective groups. Glycerol trioleate and natural olive oil were used as starting materials. The first synthetic route allowed for successful preparation of the corresponding polyhalide and polyoxyacetyl products; however, a more effective final deacetylation procedure is required. The second proposed approach showed a very good reproducibility in obtaining hydroxy‐oxyformyl derivatives. The optimal conditions of the reaction involve the use of diethyl ether as a cosolvent and stirring at room temperature for 30 min. To remove the formyl groups, three original procedures using organic solvent medium at room temperature were proposed: in the presence of cesium carbonate in chloroform–methanol mixture, and two methods using hydrochloric acid in chloroform–methanol mixture or in acetone. All three methods were efficient to carry out the deformylation; nevertheless, TAG esters remained stable only with 15–17 % hydrochloric acid in acetone. Simple isolation procedures and high overall yields (95.6 and 94.9 % for both triolein and olive oil, respectively) allow considering the second approach as a promising method to obtain threo‐polyhydroxy derivatives from unsaturated TAG.
Syntenic global alignment and its application to the gene prediction problem
Authors: Adi Said S. , Ferreira Carlos E.
Published: July 2013

Given the increasing number of available genomic sequences, one now faces the task of identifying their protein coding regions. The gene prediction problem can be addressed in several ways, and one of the most promising methods makes use of information derived from the comparison of homologous sequences. In this work, we develop a new comparative-based gene prediction program, called Exon_Finder2. This tool is based on a new type of alignment we propose, called syntenic global alignment, that can deal satisfactorily with sequences that share regions with different rates of conservation. In addition to this new type of alignment itself, we also describe a dynamic programming algorithm that computes a best syntenic global alignment of two sequences, as well as its related score. The applicability of our approach was validated by the promising initial results achieved by Exon_Finder2. On a benchmark including 120 pairs of human and mouse genomic sequences, most of their encoded genes were successfully identified by our program.
Childhood adversity in association with personality disorder dimensions: New findings in an old debate
Authors: Hengartner M.P. , Ajdacic-Gross V. , Rodgers S. , Müller M. , Rössler W.
Published: July 2013

Background

Various studies have reported a positive relationship between child maltreatment and personality disorders (PDs). However, few studies included all DSM-IV PDs and even fewer adjusted for other forms of childhood adversity, e.g. bullying or family problems.

Method

We analyzed questionnaires completed by 512 participants of the ZInEP epidemiology survey, a comprehensive psychiatric survey of the general population in Zurich, Switzerland. Associations between childhood adversity and PDs were analyzed bivariately via simple regression analyses and multivariately via multiple path analysis.

Results

The bivariate analyses revealed that all PD dimensions were significantly related to various forms of family and school problems as well as child abuse. In contrast, according to the multivariate analysis only school problems and emotional abuse were associated with various PDs. Poverty was uniquely associated with schizotypal PD, conflicts with parents with obsessive-compulsive PD, physical abuse with antisocial PD, and physical neglect with narcissistic PD. Sexual abuse was statistically significantly associated with schizotypal and borderline PD, but corresponding effect sizes were small.

Conclusion

Childhood adversity has a serious impact on PDs. Bullying and violence in schools and emotional abuse appear to be more salient markers of general personality pathology than other forms of childhood adversity. Associations with sexual abuse were negligible when adjusted for other forms of adversity.
Mycoplasma genitalium and preterm delivery at an urban community health center
Authors: Averbach Sarah H. , Hacker Michele R. , Yiu Timothy , Modest Anna Merport , Dimitrakoff Jordan , Ricciotti Hope A.
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine the prepartum prevalence of cervical Mycoplasma genitalium colonization and evaluate prospectively whether colonization is associated with preterm delivery among women from a racial/ethnic minority background with a high risk of delivering a low birth weight newborn and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.

Methods

In a prospective cohort study at an urban community health center in Roxbury, MA, USA, 100 women receiving routine prenatal care for singleton pregnancies were enrolled between August 2010 and December 2011. Endocervical samples were tested for M. genitalium, and delivery data were collected.

Results

The prevalence of M. genitalium colonization at the first prenatal visit was 8.4%. The incidence of low birth weight was 16.7%. The incidence of preterm delivery among women who were known to have a live birth was 16.7%. The incidence of preterm delivery did not differ with respect to M. genitalium colonization. The crude odds ratio for preterm delivery among women with M. genitalium colonization versus those without was 1.27 (95% confidence interval, 0.02–14.78).

Conclusion

M. genitalium colonization was not associated with preterm delivery among women with a high incidence of low birth weight newborns and preterm delivery, and a high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections.
Electrical storm after cardiac resynchronization therapy in a patient with nonischemic cardiomyopathy: Signal‐averaged vector‐projected 187‐channel electrocardiogram‐based risk stratification for lethal arrhythmia
Authors: Nakai Toshiko , Mano Hiroaki , Ikeya Yukitoshi , Sonoda Kazumasa , Ashino Sonoko , Okumura Yasuo , Ohkubo Kimie , Kunimoto Satoshi , Kasamaki Yuji , Watanabe Ichiro , Hirayama Atsushi , Nakai Kenji
Published: July 2013

We describe treatment of atrial flutter and electrical storm presenting as incessant ventricular tachycardia (VT) after implantation of a cardiac resynchronization therapy defibrillator (CRT‐D) in a patient with dilated cardiomyopathy. No prior arrhythmic event had occurred. Our treatment strategy, including amiodarone administration, was guided in part by signal‐averaged vector‐projected 187‐channel electrocardiogram (SAVP‐ECG)‐based risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmia. Corrected recovery time (RTc) dispersion and Tpeak‐end dispersion were used to evaluate transmural dispersion of repolarization. RTc and Tpeak‐end dispersion increased during the period of electrical storm. Values were improved 2 years after CRT‐D implantation, and the amiodarone was discontinued. The VT has not recurred despite discontinuation of the antiarrhythmic agent. SAVP‐ECG‐based risk stratification for ventricular arrhythmia proved useful for the management of antiarrhythmic therapy.
Bounded density shifts
Authors: STANLEY BRETT
Published: July 2013

We consider subshifts of the full shift of bi-infinite sequences with alphabet $\{ 0, 1, \ldots , n- 1\} $ defined by not allowing the sum of finite words to exceed a value depending on its length. These shifts we call bounded density shifts. We study these shifts in detail and make a comparison on the similarities to but also differences from the well-known $\beta $-shifts.
On λ-invariants of number fields and étale cohomology
Authors: Kolster Manfred , Movahhedi Abbas
Published: July 2013

For an odd prime p we prove a Riemann-Hurwitz type formula for odd eigenspaces of the standard Iwasawa modules over F(μp∞), the field obtained from a totally real number field F by adjoining all p-power roots of unity. We use a new approach based on the relationship between eigenspaces and étale cohomology groups over the cyclotomic ℤp-extension F∞ of F. The systematic use of étale cohomology greatly simplifies the proof and allows to generalize the classical result about the minus-eigenspace to all odd eigenspaces.
William Bateson and the chromosome theory of heredity: a reappraisal
Authors: RUSHTON ALAN R.
Published: July 2013

William Bateson vigorously objected to the assumptions within the chromosome theory of heredity proposed by T. H. Morgan because he perceived inadequate experimental data that could substantiate the theory. Those objections were largely resolved by 1921, and Bateson reluctantly accepted the basic assumption that chromosomes carried the genetic factors from one generation to the next. Bateson's own research at that time on developmental genetics seemed out of touch with the general tone of the genetics field, and the chromosome theory did not provide illuminating mechanisms that elucidated phenomena such as plant variegations or chimeras. Bateson imagined a general theory of heredity and development based on vortices and waves, concepts he borrowed from contemporary physics. For decades he sought to devise an intellectually and aesthetically satisfying theory to eventually explain evolution in genetic terms, but his aspirations remained unfulfilled when he died in 1926.
‘Saving the lives of our dogs’: the development of canine distemper vaccine in interwar Britain
Authors: BRESALIER MICHAEL , WORBOYS MICHAEL
Published: July 2013

This paper examines the successful campaign in Britain to develop canine distemper vaccine between 1922 and 1933. The campaign mobilized disparate groups around the common cause of using modern science to save the nation's dogs from a deadly disease. Spearheaded by landed patricians associated with the country journalThe Field, and funded by dog owners and associations, it relied on collaborations with veterinary professionals, government scientists, the Medical Research Council (MRC) and the commercial pharmaceutical house the Burroughs Wellcome Company (BWC). The social organization of the campaign reveals a number of important, yet previously unexplored, features of interwar science and medicine in Britain. It depended on a patronage system that drew upon a large base of influential benefactors and public subscriptions. Coordinated by theFieldDistemper Fund, this system was characterized by close relationships between landed elites and their social networks with senior science administrators and researchers. Relations between experts and non-experts were crucial, with high levels of public engagement in all aspects of research and vaccine development. At the same time, experimental and commercial research supported under the campaign saw dynamic interactions between animal and human medicine, which shaped the organization of the MRC's research programme and demonstrated the value of close collaboration between veterinary and medical science, with the dog as a shared object and resource. Finally, the campaign made possible the translation of ‘laboratory’ findings into field conditions and commercial products. Rather than a unidirectional process, translation involved negotiations over the very boundaries of the ‘laboratory’ and the ‘field’, and what constituted a viable vaccine. This paper suggests that historians reconsider standard historical accounts of the nature of patronage, the role of animals, and the interests of landed elites in interwar British science and medicine.
Genistein induces oestrogen receptor-α gene expression in osteoblasts through the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases/NF-κB/activator protein-1 and promotes cell mineralisation
Authors: Liao Mei-Hsiu , Tai Yu-Ting , Cherng Yih-Giun , Liu Shing-Hwa , Chang Ya-An , Lin Pei-I , Chen Ruei-Ming
Published: July 2013

Oestrogen and oestrogen receptors (ER) play critical roles in the maintenance of bone remodelling. Genistein, structurally similar to 17β-oestradiol, is a phyto-oestrogen that may be beneficial for treating osteoporosis. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of genistein on the regulation ofERαgene expression and osteoblast mineralisation using MC3T3-E1 cells and primary rat calvarial osteoblasts as our experimental models. Exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells and primary rat osteoblasts to genistein at ≤ 10 μmfor 24 h did not affect the cell morphology or viability. However, treatment of MC3T3-E1 cells with 10 μm-genistein enhanced the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1/2 in a time-dependent manner. Sequentially, genistein increased the translocation of NF-κB and c-Jun from the cytoplasm to the nucleus. Consequently, exposure of MC3T3-E1 cells to genistein inducedERαmRNA expression in concentration- and time-dependent manners. In parallel, the amounts of cytosolic and nuclear ERα in MC3T3-E1 cells were increased following genistein administration. Additionally, genistein also increased the levels ofERαmRNA and nuclear ERα protein in rat calvarial osteoblasts. A bioinformatic search revealed that there are several ERα-specific DNA-binding elements in the 5′-promoter regions of the bone morphogenetic protein-6, collagen type I and osteocalcin genes. As a result, genistein could induce the expressions of these osteoblast differentiation-related genes in primary rat osteoblasts. Co-treatment with genistein and traditional differentiation reagents synergistically increased osteoblast mineralisation. Therefore, the present study showed that genistein can induceERαgene expression via the activation of MAPK/NF-κB/activator protein-1 and accordingly stimulates differentiation-related gene expressions and osteoblast mineralisation.
Effects of high-protein diets on body weight, glycaemic control, blood lipids and blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Dong Jia-Yi , Zhang Zeng-Li , Wang Pei-Yu , Qin Li-Qiang
Published: July 2013

High-protein diets are popular for weight management, but the health effects of such diets in diabetic persons are inconclusive. The aim of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effects of high-protein diets on body weight and metabolic risk factors in patients with type 2 diabetes. We searched the PubMed and Cochrane Library databases for relevant randomised trials up to August 2012. Either a fixed- or a random-effects model was used to combine the net changes in each outcome from baseline to the end of the intervention. Overall, nine trials including a total of 418 diabetic patients met our inclusion criteria. The study duration ranged from 4 to 24 weeks. The actual intake of dietary protein ranged from 25 to 32 % of total energy in the intervention groups and from 15 to 20 % in the control groups. Compared with the control diets, high-protein diets resulted in more weight loss (pooled mean difference: − 2·08, 95 % CI − 3·25, − 0·90 kg). High-protein diets significantly decreased glycated Hb A1C (HbA1C) levels by 0·52 (95 % CI − 0·90, − 0·14) %, but did not affect the fasting blood glucose levels. There were no differences in lipid profiles. The pooled net changes in systolic and diastolic blood pressure were − 3·13 (95 % CI − 6·58, 0·32) mmHg and − 1·86 (95 % CI − 4·26, 0·56) mmHg, respectively. However, two studies reported a large influence on weight loss and HbA1C levels, respectively. In summary, high-protein diets (within 6 months) may have some beneficial effects on weight loss, HbA1C levels and blood pressure in patients with type 2 diabetes. However, further investigations are still required to draw a conclusion.
HIV AWARENESS IN CHINA AMONG WOMEN OF REPRODUCTIVE AGE (1997–2005): A DECOMPOSITION ANALYSIS
Authors: MASLOVSKAYA OLGA , BROWN JAMES J. , SMITH PETER W. F. , PADMADAS SABU S.
Published: July 2013

HIV prevalence in China is less than one per cent, but the absolute number of people living with HIV/AIDS is large and growing. Given the limited scope of any potential cure for HIV, prevention plays a crucial role in controlling the epidemic. This paper examines the evolution of HIV awareness among women in China between 1997 and 2005. A regression decomposition analysis technique was used to disentangle the two main components driving a change in HIV awareness. The results show that HIV awareness has increased over time in China. The gaps between groups are narrowing over time and lower HIV awareness groups are catching up with the higher awareness groups. In 2005 education remained one of the main factors associated with HIV awareness, the other main factors being ethnicity, exposure to TV and newspapers. The increases in HIV awareness observed between 1997 and 2001 are similar between groups of women with different demographic characteristics, whereas between 2003 and 2005 increases are more pronounced among specific groups of women such as women from rural areas, women from Western parts of the country, women who belong to ethnic minorities and those with no education or with only primary education. The results suggest that the main driver of the observed change in HIV awareness over time in China is change in the environment such as in political commitment, interventions and campaigns rather than change in population structure.
Pre-aspiration and post-aspiration in Scottish Gaelic stop consonants
Authors: Nance Claire , Stuart-Smith Jane
Published: July 2013

This paper aims to describe pre-aspirated and post-aspirated stops in an endangered language, Scottish Gaelic. Our small-scale study investigates several acoustic parameters of Scottish Gaelic stop consonants designed to measure the duration and noisiness of aspiration of the stop in its immediate phonetic context. Our study expands on previous phonetic descriptions of phonemic (pre-)aspiration in three ways: firstly, we provide a more complete durational description of Scottish Gaelic than previous work in the literature; secondly, we apply a new measure, band-pass filtered zero crossing rate (Gordeeva & Scobbie 2010), in order to examine the noisiness of aspiration in addition to durational characteristics. The results from this measure are presented in tandem with durational results in order to assess its usefulness for future research. Thirdly, we consider the possibility of change in the Scottish Gaelic stop system by examining data from older and younger speakers. Results suggest that band-pass filtered zero crossing rate is a useful tool and should be considered in future research on aspiration. Also, durational and zero crossing results indicate that younger speakers have shorter and less noisy pre-aspiration than older speakers. We discuss these results as a possible sound change in progress.
Style, prosodic variation, and the social meaning of intonation
Authors: Henriksen Nicholas
Published: July 2013

This paper reports on an acoustic analysis of the intonational patterns of declarative questions andwh-questions produced by a group of young adults residing in a rural town of south-central Spain. Question intonation has been reported as highly variable across and within Spanish dialects; recent sociophonetic research on multiple languages suggests that intonational variation may be accounted for by speaking condition (i.e. speech style) in addition to other linguistic and social factors. This study is an initial attempt to examine the potential interactions between speaking condition (read speech vs. task-based dialogue) and social characteristics (speaker sex) on intonational variation. First, it is shown that 12 of the 16 speakers undergo at least one style-shift between speaking conditions; these data are captured in variationist terms, providing empirical assessments about formal and vernacular variants for the two sentence types in question. Second, it is shown that speaker sex differences play a role in style-shifting, and this leads to the hypothesis that variation in declarative questions may have developed as a marker of local identity for Manchego men. All in all, this study offers empirical support that the findings on sociophonetic variation warrant consideration in current models of speech production.
Prosodic manifestations of the Effort Code in Catalan, Italian and Spanish contrastive focus
Authors: Vanrell Maria del Mar , Stella Antonio , Fivela Barbara Gili , Prieto Pilar
Published: July 2013

This paper investigates the relevance of three prosodic parameters (alignment, duration and scaling) in the conveyance of contrastive focus in Catalan, Italian and Spanish. In particular, we seek to determine how the Effort Code is instantiated in the expression of contrastive focus in both production and perception. According to the Effort Code, putting more effort into speech production will lead to greater articulatory precision (de Jong 1995, Gussenhoven 2004) and this is related to the expression of focus in the sense that wider pitch excursions will be used to signal meanings that are relevant from an informational point of view. A dual production and perception experiment based on an identification task was conducted. Results for the production part show that contrastive focus accents have earlier peaks for all three languages but f0 peaks are systematically lower only in Italian. Syllables bearing the contrastive focus accents are also longer in the three languages. Regarding the results for the perception part, converging evidence is found not only for an active perceptual use of the three prosodic parameters present in production but also for language-specific preferences for particular prosodic parameters.
Mennonite Plautdietsch (Canadian Old Colony)
Authors: Cox Christopher , Driedger Jacob M. , Tucker Benjamin V.
Published: July 2013

Mennonite Plautdietsch (ISO 639–3: pdt) is a West Germanic (Indo-European) language belonging to the Low Prussian (Niederpreußisch) subgroup of Eastern Low German (Ostniederdeutsch), a continuum of closely related varieties spoken in northern Poland until the Second World War (Ziesemer 1924, Mitzka 1930, Thiessen 1963). Although its genetic affiliation with these other, now-moribund Polish varieties is uncontested, Mennonite Plautdietsch represents an exceptional member of this grouping. It was adopted as the language of in-group communication by Mennonites escaping religious persecution in northwestern and central Europe during the mid-sixteenth century, and later accompanied these pacifist Anabaptist Christians over several successive generations of emigration and exile through Poland, Ukraine, and parts of the Russian Empire. As a result of this extensive migration history, Mennonite Plautdietsch is spoken today in diasporic speech communities on four continents and in over a dozen countries by an estimated 300,000 people, primarily descendants of these so-called Russian Mennonites (Epp 1993, Lewis 2009).
John Bishop's leaps of faith: doxastic ventures and the logical equivalence of religious faith and agnosticism
Authors: BEACH JAMES
Published: July 2013

In recent essays John Bishop proposes a ‘doxastic venture’ model of religious faith. This author notices that a so-called doxastic venture model of theistic faith is self-defeating for the following reason: a venture suggests a process with an outcome; by definition a venture into Christian faith denies itself an outcome in virtue of the transcendent character of its claims – for what is claimed cannot be settled. Taking instruction from logical positivism, I stress the nonsensical character of religious claims while attacking Bishop's model. However, I wish to avail myself of this same model to describe a state of belief among certain parties which does not refer to transcendent matters, in order to show that a doxastic venture is indeed a valid description of a state of belief, and that pursuing this model shows in relief the transformative nature of belief, along with its essentially scientific status. It is my ambition to show, turning Bishop's model against itself, that a state of religious belief suffers from a precise logical equivalence to a condition of agnosticism. I ask whether we are justified in believing in belief.
Survey of Japanese encephalitis virus in pigs and wild boars on Ishigaki and Iriomote Islands in Okinawa, Japan
Authors: NIDAIRA M. , KYAN H. , TAIRA K. , OKANO S. , OSHIRO T. , KATO T. , KUDO N. , AZAMA Y. , MAHOE Y. , KUDAKA J. , TAMANAHA K. , TAKASAKI T.
Published: July 2013

We previously revealed that Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) seroprevalence was 4·5% in pigs on Ishigaki Island from 2005 to 2007. However, a partial E gene sequence (151 bp) of the JEV genome (JEV/sw/Ishigaki/1/2005) was detected in one pig. Phylogenetic analysis showed that JEV/sw/Ishigaki/1/2005 belonged to genotype III and to the same lineages isolated in Taiwan from 2006 to 2008. Serum samples were collected from 128 pigs on Ishigaki from 2009 to 2010, 24 wild boars on Ishigaki from 2008 to 2010, and 117 wild boars on Iriomote Island from 2008 to 2010. Four (3·1%) pigs on Ishigaki were positive for JEV antibody, but all wild boars on the island were negative. Fifty-two (44·4%) wild boars on Iriomote were positive for JEV antibody, in contrast to a seroprevalence of 3·7% in 2000 and 2004. JEV on Iriomote and/or in Taiwan might be related to transmission on Ishigaki.