bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Masseter Activity Patterns Using TP Values during Chewing of Foods with Different Shapes and Textural Properties
Authors: Miyaoka Y. , Ashida I. , Tamaki Y. , Kawakami S. , Iwamori H. , Yamazaki T. , Ito N.
Published: January 2013

The present study examined the ability of physiological parameters of chewing to discriminate between six foods of differing shapes and textural properties. Parameters were measured from masseter electromyograms, which were recorded from healthy and young subjects while they chewed the test foods. Analysis of conventional parameters showed that the number of chewing cycles dropped by 8.8 cycles upon a 100‐kPa increase in food fracturability and by 6.6 cycles upon a 5.0‐kJ/m3 increase in food adhesiveness. Analysis of the newly developed parameters showed that a 100‐kPa increase in food hardness increased the T25, T50 and T75 values by 0.015, 0.020 and 0.021 points, respectively, whereas a 100‐kPa increase in the food fracturability decreased the T25 and T50 values by 0.061 and 0.070 points, respectively. The results suggest that combining several physiological parameters will enhance discrimination between foods because individual parameters are sensitive to different food properties.

Practical Applications

Together with other measures, analyzing the activity of the masseter, a muscle responsible for closing the jaw, can provide objective information about food texture. The present study used electromyography to examine the quantitative relationships between various physiological parameters associated with masseter activity during chewing and the textural properties of food. The study focused on everyday foods rather than the model foods that are usually tested in laboratory studies. In addition to analyzing the textural properties (such as hardness and adhesiveness) using conventional physiological parameters, we also developed new parameters, TP values, to assess the masseter activity patterns specifically. The combined use of these physiological parameters is expected to aid clinicians and the food industry in their interactions with individuals who, owing to their age and sequelae of cerebrovascular diseases, have particular difficulty verbalizing their experience of chewing foods.
Liver stiffness measurement as an alternative to fibrotic stage in risk assessment of hepatocellular carcinoma incidence for chronic hepatitis C patients
Authors: Wang Hsin‐Ming , Hung Chao‐Hung , Lu Sheng‐Nan , Chen Chien‐Hung , Lee Chuan‐Mo , Hu Tsung‐Hui , Wang Jing‐Houng
Published: January 2013

Background

Hepatic fibrosis stage is useful in assessing risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) occurrence.

Aim

To evaluate liver stiffness measurement (LSM), in addition to fibrosis stage, in risk assessment of long‐term HCC occurrence for patients with chronic hepatitis C.

Patients and methods

Consecutive patients with chronic hepatitis C, without past history and presence of HCC, with concomitant liver biopsy and LSM were enrolled in this study. All patients attended regular surveillance for HCC development every 3–12 months. The medical records were reviewed. Follow‐up LSM was performed at least 1 year later.

Results

One hundred and ninety‐eight patients (M/F: 112/86) with reliable LSM results were enrolled. Ten patients developed HCC in a median follow‐up period of 47.8 months. For patients with initial LSM >24 kPa, 12–24 kPa, and <12 kPa, 5‐ year HCC incidence was 45.1%, 9.5% and 0.9% respectively. Multivariate analysis showed patients with LSM>24 kPa and patients with LSM 12–24 kPa had higher risks of HCC development (HR: 24.6, CI: 2.7–220.4 and HR:11.7, CI:1.3–105.2). Patients without sustained virological response after treatment also had higher risk of HCC occurrence (HR: 9.7, CI: 1.1–82.2). Among 106 patients with follow‐up LSM, there was a higher risk of HCC development for patients with LSM>12 kPa in the initial and follow‐up LSM.

Conclusion

As an alternative of fibrosis stage, initial LSM is useful as a non‐invasive method in risk assessment of HCC occurrence for patients with chronic hepatitis C. Serial follow‐up LSM>12 kPa carries higher risk of HCC development.
Structural and computational studies of the maleate isomerase from Pseudomonas putidaS16 reveal a breathing motion wrapping the substrate inside
Authors: Chen Duoduo , Tang Hongzhi , Lv Yang , Zhang Zhenyi , Shen Kunlong , Lin Kui , Zhao Yi‐Lei , Wu Geng , Xu Ping
Published: January 2013

Nicotine is an environmental toxicant in tobacco waste, imposing a serious hazard for human health. Some bacteria including Pseudomonas spp. strains are able to metabolize nicotine to non‐toxic compounds. The pyrrolidine pathway of nicotine degradation in Pseudomonas putida S16 has recently been revealed. The maleate isomerase (Pp‐Iso) catalyses the last step in nicotine degradation of P. putida S16, the cis‐trans isomerization of maleate to fumarate. In this study, we determined the crystal structures of both wild type isomerase by itself and its C200A point mutant in complex with its substrate maleate, to resolutions of 2.95 Å and 2.10 Å respectively. Our structures reveal that Asn17 and Asn169 play critical roles in recognizing the maleate by site‐directed mutants' analysis. Surprisingly, our structure shows that the maleate is completely wrapped inside the isomerase. Examination of the structure prompted us to hypothesize that the β2‐α2 loop and the β6‐α7 loop have a breathing motion that regulates substrate/solvent entry and product departure. Our results of molecular dynamics simulation and enzymatic activity assay are fully consistent with this hypothesis. The isomerase probably uses this breathing motion to prevent the solvent from entering the active site and prohibit unproductive side reactions from happening.
Complete Genome Sequence of a Novel Natural Recombinant Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Virus Isolated from a Pig Farm in Yunnan Province, Southwest China
Authors: Yan Yulin , Xin Aiguo , Zhu Gaohong , Huang Hui , Liu Qian , Shao Zhiyong , Zang Yating , Chen Ling , Sun Yongke , Gao Hong
Published: January 2013

YN-2011 is a highly pathogenic North American porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). Unlike previously described PRRSVs, which contained a 30-amino-acid deletion in NS2, YN-2011 had no amino acid deletions or insertions but had several new mutations in NS2. Here, we announce the complete genome sequence of YN-2011.
Congenital circumflex coronary artery fistulae; presentation and diagnosis
Authors: Ali Hani Mohamed Mahieldin , Clark Andrew L , Caplin John , Bragadeesh Thanjavur
Published: January 2013

Small fistulae between coronary arteries and the pulmonary artery are common, but abnormal vascular communications between the coronary arteries and other cardiac structures are rare. They were first described by Krause in 1865. We report two cases of fistulous connexions between the circumflex coronary artery and the coronary sinus.
AcuteLegionella pneumophilainfection masquerading as acute alcoholic hepatitis
Authors: Hunter Jonathan Michael , Chan Julian , Reid Angeline Louise , Tan Chistopher
Published: January 2013

A middle-aged man had deteriorated rapidly in hospital after being misdiagnosed with acute alcoholic hepatitis. Acute Legionnaires disease (Legionellosis) was subsequently diagnosed on rapid antigen urinary testing and further confirmed serologically. This led to appropriate antibiotic treatment and complete clinical resolution. Physicians caring for patients with alcohol-related liver disease should considerLegionella pneumophilain their differential diagnosis even with a paucity of respiratory symptoms.
Outpatient management of Gitelman's syndrome in pregnancy
Authors: Mathen Stephy , Venning Michael , Gillham Joanna
Published: January 2013

Gitelman's syndrome is a congenital renal tubular defect which affects the apical membrane of the distal convoluted tubule of the renal system. The syndrome is characterised by hypokalaemia, hypomagnesaemia, metabolic alkalosis and hypocalcuria. There are only a few cases describing the impact of Gitelman's syndrome on pregnancy and the foetus. Although most pregnancies have favourable outcomes, fetal demise has been reported in the third trimester. We report the successful outcome of pregnancy in a patient with Gitelman's syndrome who continued on amiloride in pregnancy to optimise potassium and magnesium levels and review the literature for pregnancy outcomes of this condition.
Bronchial arterial embolisation for massive haemoptysis in cavitary sarcoidosis
Authors: Loh Geoffrey Andrew , Lettieri Christopher J , Shah Anita A
Published: January 2013

A 48-year-old non-smoking man with a 6-year history of pulmonary cavitary sarcoidosis presented with acute onset of haemoptysis of approximately 600 ml. Prior episodes of haemoptysis had resolved only after serial upper lobe wedge resections bilaterally and steroids. A chest CT identified bilateral upper lobe cavitary lesions with extravasation of contrast from a large right upper lobe cavity. The patient underwent urgent bronchial angiography and subsequent bronchial artery embolisation of a left bronchial artery and three right bronchial arteries. He was started on methotrexate and steroids for refractory sarcoidosis. Two years after embolisation, the patient remained haemoptysis-free with his sarcoid well controlled on methotrexate monotherapy.
Cardiopulmonary arrest owing to oesophageal achalasia recovered completely with cardiopulmonary resuscitation followed by therapeutic hypothermia
Authors: Hifumi Toru , Okada Ichiro , Inoue Junichi , Koido Yuichi
Published: January 2013

We report the first case of cardiopulmonary arrest (CPA), caused by oesophageal achalasia, which recovered completely with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) followed by therapeutic hypothermia. A 53-year-old woman arrived at our hospital with recovery of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) after cardiac arrest. Dysphagia, vomiting and general fatigue had progressed for a week before. After an ambulance was called for severe dyspnoea, she collapsed in CPA. Emergency medical technicians arrived and CPR was started immediately. She experienced CPA and ROSC twice during transport to the hospital. On arrival, the patient was in respiratory distress prompting immediate intubation to eliminate airway obstruction. A CT scan revealed a transformed, occluded trachea owing to a dilated oesophagus. A large amount of food, air and saliva was suctioned with a nasogastric tube, and the patient was admitted to the intensive care unit for therapeutic hypothermia. Neurological recovery was evident. On the 11th day, pneumatic dilatation was performed and she was discharged on the 33rd day.
ENTREPRENEURS' ETHICALLY SUSPECT BEHAVIORS AND EFFECTIVE INFORMATION ACQUISITION: THE MODERATING EFFECTS OF IMPRESSION MANAGEMENT
Authors: TANG JINTONG , KHAN SHAJI A. , ZHU RENHONG
Published: January 2013

Understanding the ethical conduct of entrepreneurs is becoming increasingly important. Previous research has focused on the differences between entrepreneurs and managers in terms of their ethical values and behaviors and has investigated the antecedents of ethical behaviors. However, the question that whether entrepreneurs' ethical behaviors contribute to or hamper crucial aspects of new venture development, such as effective information acquisition, has remained unanswered. In this paper, we extend previous research on ethics and entrepreneurship by examining the impact of entrepreneurs' ethically suspect behaviors on information acquisition. Data from 139 entrepreneurs in China revealed the negative influence of ethically suspect behaviors on information acquisition. Further, this relationship is weakened by entrepreneurs' impression management tactics such as ingratiation and self-promotion. Implications of these findings for entrepreneurs and research at the interface of entrepreneurship and ethics are discussed.
Phase I Trial of Recombinant Modified Vaccinia Ankara Encoding Epstein–Barr Viral Tumor Antigens in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients
Authors: Hui Edwin P. , Taylor Graham S. , Jia Hui , Ma Brigette B.Y. , Chan Stephen L. , Ho Rosalie , Wong Wai-Lap , Wilson Steven , Johnson Benjamin F. , Edwards Ceri , Stocken Deborah D. , Rickinson Alan B. , Steven Neil M. , Chan Anthony T.C.
Published: January 2013

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is associated with several malignancies including nasopharyngeal carcinoma, a high incidence tumor in Chinese populations, in which tumor cells express the two EBV antigens EB nuclear antigen 1 (EBNA1) and latent membrane protein 2 (LMP2). Here, we report the phase I trial of a recombinant vaccinia virus, MVA-EL, which encodes an EBNA1/LMP2 fusion protein designed to boost T-cell immunity to these antigens. The vaccine was delivered to Hong Kong patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma to determine a safe and immunogenic dose. The patients, all in remission more than 12 weeks after primary therapy, received three intradermal MVA-EL vaccinations at three weekly intervals, using five escalating dose levels between 5 × 107 and 5 × 108 plaque-forming unit (pfu). Blood samples were taken during prescreening, immediately before vaccination, one week afterward and at intervals up to one year later. Immunogenicity was tested by IFN-γ ELIspot assays using complete EBNA1 and LMP2 15-mer peptide mixes and known epitope peptides relevant to patient MHC type. Eighteen patients were treated, three per dose level one to four and six at the highest dose, without dose-limiting toxicity. T-cell responses to one or both vaccine antigens were increased in 15 of 18 patients and, in many cases, were mapped to known CD4 and CD8 epitopes in EBNA1 and/or LMP2. The range of these responses suggested a direct relationship with vaccine dose, with all six patients at the highest dose level giving strong EBNA1/LMP2 responses. We concluded that MVA-EL is both safe and immunogenic, allowing the highest dose to be forwarded to phase II studies examining clinical benefit. Cancer Res; 73(6); 1676–88. ©2012 AACR.
The “Moghul’s Admiral”: Angrian “Piracy” and the Rise of British Bombay
Authors: Layton Simon
Published: January 2013

Abstract

This article explores the political and legal construction of the concept of piracy in British India. By examining the discourses promulgated and policies enacted in the Bombay Presidency in the eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, it shows how the seemingly paradoxical designation of coastal polities as “piratical states” opened up new paths for imperial domination. Rather than territorial conquest heralding new claims to maritime sovereignty, it was Britain’s piracy strategy that brought about the subordination of a growing number of Indian rulers to the dictates of the Company. This revised perspective recommends a wider rethinking of the role of so-called piracy in European imperial expansion in Asia.
The Analysis of Tropical Cyclone Tracks in the Western North Pacific through Data Mining. Part II: Tropical Cyclone Landfall
Authors: Zhang Wei , Leung Yee , Chan Johnny C. L.
Published: January 2013

This is the second paper of a two-part series of papers on the analysis of tropical cyclone (TC) tracks in the western North Pacific Ocean. In this paper, TC landfalls in the South China Sea and western North Pacific basins are investigated through the data-mining approach. On the basis of historical TC archives, the C4.5 algorithm, a classic tree algorithm for classification, has been employed to quantitatively discover rules governing TC landfall. A classification tree, with 14 leaf nodes, has been built. The path from the root node to each leaf node forms a rule. Fourteen rules governing TC landfall across the Chinese coast have been unraveled with respect to the selected attributes having potential influence on TC landfall. The rules are derived by the attributes and splitting values. From the classification tree, split values, such as 27°N latitude, 130°E longitude, 141°E in the west extension index, and 0.289 in the monsoon index have been shown to be useful for TC forecasting. The rules have been justified from the perspective of meteorology and knowledge of TC movement and recurvature (e.g., deep-layer mean winds and large-scale circulation). The research findings are also consistent with existing results concerning TC movement and landfall. Both the unraveled rules and the associated splitting values can provide useful references for the prediction of TC landfall over China.
Fluctuation–Dissipation Supplemented by Nonlinearity: A Climate-Dependent Subgrid-Scale Parameterization in Low-Order Climate Models
Authors: Achatz Ulrich , Löbl Ulrike , Dolaptchiev Stamen I. , Gritsun Andrey
Published: January 2013

Climate-system models use a multitude of parameterization schemes for small-scale processes. These should respond to externally forced climate variability in an appropriate manner so as to reflect the response of the parameterized process to a changing climate. The most attractive route to achieve such a behavior would certainly be provided by theoretical understanding sufficiently deep to enable the a priori design of climate-sensitive parameterization schemes. An alternative path might, however, be helpful when the parameter tuning involved in the development of a scheme is objective enough so that these parameters can be described as functions of the statistics of the climate system. Provided that the dynamics of the process in question is sufficiently stochastic, and that the external forcing is not too strong, the fluctuation–dissipation theorem (FDT) might be a tool to predict from the statistics of a system (e.g., the atmosphere) how an objectively tuned parameterization should respond to external forcing (e.g., by anomalous sea surface temperatures). This problem is addressed within the framework of low-order (reduced) models for barotropic flow on the sphere, based on a few optimal basis functions and using an empirical linear subgrid-scale (SGS) closure. A reduced variant of quasi-Gaussian FDT (rqG-FDT) is used to predict the response of the SGS closure to anomalous local vorticity forcing. At sufficiently weak forcing, use of the rqG-FDT is found to systematically improve the agreement between the response of a reduced model and that of a classic spectral code for the solution of the barotropic vorticity equation.
Lenalidomide reduces survival of chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells in primary cocultures by altering the myeloid microenvironment
Authors: Schulz Angela , Dürr Claudia , Zenz Thorsten , Döhner Hartmut , Stilgenbauer Stephan , Lichter Peter , Seiffert Martina
Published: January 2013

Key Points

Lenalidomide treatment of primary CLL/nurse-like cell cocultures resulted in significantly decreased viability of CLL cells. Lenalidomide increased IL-10 levels, activation of STAT1, expression of ICAM-1, and migration-related genes, and reduced CLL cell motility.
The Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis, decreases nitrogenous excretion, reduces urea synthesis and suppresses ammonia production during emersion
Authors: Ip Alex Y. K. , Lee Serene M. L. , Wong Wai P. , Chew Shit F.
Published: January 2013

The objective of this study was to examine the effects of 6 days of emersion on nitrogen metabolism and excretion in the Chinese soft-shelled turtle, Pelodiscus sinensis. Despite having a soft shell with a cutaneous surface which is known to be water permeable, P. sinensis lost only ~2% of body mass and was able to maintain its hematocrit and plasma osmolality, [Na+] and [Cl-] during 6 days of emersion. During emersion, it ameliorated water loss by reducing urine output, which led to a reduction (by 29-76%) in ammonia excretion. In comparison, there was a more prominent reduction (by 82-99%) in urea excretion during emersion due to a lack of water to flush the buccopharyngeal epithelium, which is known to be the major route of urea excretion. Consequently, emersion resulted in an apparent shift from ureotely to ammonotely in P. sinensis. Although urea concentration increased in several tissues, the excess urea accumulated could only account for 13-22% of the deficit in urea excretion. Hence, it can be concluded that a decrease (~80%) in urea synthesis occurred in P. sinensis during 6 days of emersion. Indeed, emersion led to significant decreases in activities of some ornithine-urea cycle enzymes (argininosuccinate synthetase + argininosuccinate lyase and arginase) from the liver of P. sinensis. Since a decrease in urea synthesis occurred without accumulations of ammonia and total free amino acids, it can be deduced that ammonia production through amino acid catabolism was suppressed with a proportional reduction in proteolysis in P. sinensis during emersion. Indeed, calculated results revealed that there could be a prominent decrease(~88%) in ammonia production in turtles after 6 days of emersion. In summary, despite being ureogenic and ureotelic in water, P. sinensis adopted reduction in ammonia production, instead of increased urea synthesis, as the major strategy to ameliorate ammonia toxicity and problems associated with dehydration during terrestrial exposure.
Enhanced Tumor Targeting and Photocytotoxicity of Folate–Poly(ethylene glycol)–Chlorin Photosensitizer Mediated by Folate Receptor
Authors: Li Donghong , Li Pengxi , Jiang Zonglin , Guo Linfeng
Published: January 2013

A targeting and water-soluble photosensitizer folate–PEG–chlorin (I) has been synthesized and characterized. The uptake of conjugate I by HeLa and Hep-2 cells was much higher than the uptake by A549 cells, and can be inhibited by folic acid. Conjugate I exhibited much lower cytotoxicity against HeLa and Hep-2 cells but significant photocytotoxicity. Conjugate I preferentially located in mitochondria of the Hep-2 cells, and conjugate I–PDT induced a loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and then the apoptosis of Hep-2 cells.
New Organic Sensitizers with N-Substituted or Nonsubstituted Pyrrole Units for Dye-sensitized Solar Cells
Authors: Hara Masaki , Kondo Daisuke , Shono Tomohiro , Kunugi Yoshihito , Aihara Hidenori
Published: January 2013

New organic dyes with pyrrolic conjugated π spacers have been prepared in combination with a triphenylamine donor and a cyanoacrylic acid acceptor. Various alkyl substituents can be introduced on the nitrogen atom of the pyrrole ring. The dyes are readily adsorbed on TiO2, and the conversion efficiency is over 5% in DSSC.
Acetals of N,N-Dimethylformamides: Ambiphilic Behavior in Converting Carbon Dioxide to Dialkyl Carbonates
Authors: Takada Yuki , Matsuoka Aki , Du Ya , Naka Hiroshi , Saito Susumu
Published: January 2013

Carbon dioxide is immobilized into dialkyl carbonate using acetals of N,N-dimethylformamide under atmospheric pressure. No special treatment with tailor-made catalysts is needed. Use of dimethyl sulfoxide as a solvent is critical. An ambiphilic mechanism is proposed for the direct synthesis of dialkyl carbonates from acetals and carbon dioxide.
Ein Werkzeug zur automatisierten Flachheitsanalyse nichtlinearer Systeme
Authors: Verhoeven Gregor , Antritter Felix
Published: January 2013

Die differentielle Flachheit linearer und nichtlinearer Regelsysteme ist eine, auch in der industriellen Anwendung, vielfach erfolgreich für den Steuerungs- und Reglerentwurf ausgenutzte Eigenschaft. Ein offenes Problem ist aber bisher noch immer die Überprüfung auf differentielle Flachheit im Fall nichtlinearer Mehrgrößensysteme. Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt die von Jean Lévine entwickelten, auch für nichtlineare Mehrgrößensysteme gültigen, notwendigen und hinreichenden Kriterien für differentielle Flachheit vor. Es wird eine Softwareumgebung präsentiert, die die aufwändige Auswertung der Kriterien unterstützt.
Crystal structure of of the supramolecular complex Eu(sal)3phen2, C45H31EuN4O9
Authors: Zhu Wen-Qing , Wang Jin-Ping , Zhang Chao , Xing Xi-Ping
Published: January 2013

C45H31EuN4O9, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 17.456(2) Å, b = 12.612(1) Å, c = 23.487(2) Å, β = 131.817(4)°, V = 3853.7 Å3, Z = 4, Rgt(F) = 0.0241, wRref(F2) = 0.0701, T = 296 K.
VASP Increases Hepatic Fatty Acid Oxidation by Activating AMPK in Mice
Authors: Tateya Sanshiro , Rizzo-De Leon Norma , Handa Priya , Cheng Andrew M. , Morgan-Stevenson Vicki , Ogimoto Kayoko , Kanter Jenny E. , Bornfeldt Karin E. , Daum Guenter , Clowes Alexander W. , Chait Alan , Kim Francis
Published: January 2013

Activation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling reduces hepatic steatosis and hepatic insulin resistance; however, its regulatory mechanisms are not fully understood. In this study, we sought to determine whether vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein (VASP) signaling improves lipid metabolism in the liver and, if so, whether VASP’s effects are mediated by AMPK. We show that disruption of VASP results in significant hepatic steatosis as a result of significant impairment of fatty acid oxidation, VLDL-triglyceride (TG) secretion, and AMPK signaling. Overexpression of VASP in hepatocytes increased AMPK phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation and reduced hepatocyte TG accumulation; however, these responses were suppressed in the presence of an AMPK inhibitor. Restoration of AMPK phosphorylation by administration of 5-aminoimidazole-4-carboxamide riboside in Vasp−/− mice reduced hepatic steatosis and normalized fatty acid oxidation and VLDL-TG secretion. Activation of VASP by the phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, sildenafil, in db/db mice reduced hepatic steatosis and increased phosphorylated (p-)AMPK and p-acetyl CoA carboxylase. In Vasp−/− mice, however, sildendafil treatment did not increase p-AMPK or reduce hepatic TG content. These studies identify a role of VASP to enhance hepatic fatty acid oxidation by activating AMPK and to promote VLDL-TG secretion from the liver.
β-Cells Are Not Generated in Pancreatic Duct Ligation–Induced Injury in Adult Mice
Authors: Rankin Matthew M. , Wilbur Christopher J. , Rak Kimberly , Shields Emily J. , Granger Anne , Kushner Jake A.
Published: January 2013

The existence of adult β-cell progenitors remains the most controversial developmental biology topic in diabetes research. It has been reported that β-cell progenitors can be activated by ductal ligation–induced injury of adult mouse pancreas and apparently act in a cell-autonomous manner to double the functional β-cell mass within a week by differentiation and proliferation. Here, we demonstrate that pancreatic duct ligation (PDL) does not activate progenitors to contribute to β-cell mass expansion. Rather, PDL stimulates massive pancreatic injury, which alters pancreatic composition and thus complicates accurate measurement of β-cell content via traditional morphometry methodologies that superficially sample the pancreas. To overcome this potential bias, we quantified β-cells from the entire pancreas and observed that β-cell mass and insulin content are totally unchanged by PDL-induced injury. Lineage-tracing studies using sequential administration of thymidine analogs, rat insulin 2 promoter–driven cre-lox, and low-frequency ubiquitous cre-lox reveal that PDL does not convert progenitors to the β-cell lineage. Thus, we conclude that β-cells are not generated in injured adult mouse pancreas.
Concerning Abolitionism, Black People, and Capoeira in the History of Brazil: Social and Moral (Im)Balances
Authors: Padeski Ferreira Ana Leticia , Wanderley Marchi Júnior
Published: January 2013

The purpose of this article is to discuss the changes that took place in relation to the peculiarities of Capoeira within Brazilian society. This popular practice, which is considered a martial art, a dance and a game, developed during the 19th century, where it was practiced by individuals from the lower walks of life. Practicing Capoeira was a felony, as it posed a threat to public safety, order, and morality. Presently, it has been upgraded to a Brazilian cultural asset, which shows how the perception of its practice has changed. These changes follow the different views of the historical processes related to abolitionism and the perverse incorporation of blacks into society at that time, which have continued until present time, having undergone significant changes and grown as a valued physical expression
Achieving Income Justice in Professional Sports: Limitation, Taxation, or Donation
Authors: Schweiger Gottfried
Published: January 2013

This paper is based on the assumption that the high incomes of some professional sports athletes, such as players in professional leagues in the United States and Europe, pose an ethical problem of social justice. I deal with the questions of what should follow from this evaluation and in which ways those incomes should be regulated. I discuss three different options: a) the idea that the incomes of professional athletes should be limited, b) the idea that they should be vastly taxed by the state, and c) the idea that there is a moral obligation for the athletes to spend portions of their incomes on good causes. I will conclude that in today’s circumstances there are good reasons to advocate both option one (limitation) and option two (taxation), but that priority should be given to taxation.
Registration of ‘Quest’ Spring Malting Barley with Improved Resistance to Fusarium Head Blight
Authors: Smith K. P. , Budde A. , Dill-Macky R. , Rasmusson D. C. , Schiefelbein E. , Steffenson B. , Wiersma J. J. , Wiersma J. V. , Zhang B.
Published: January 2013

‘Quest’ (Reg No. CV‐348, PI 663183) is a spring, six‐rowed, malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) released by the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station in January 2010 on the basis of its improved resistance to Fusarium head blight [FHB; caused by Fusarium graminearum Schwabe; teleomorph Gibberella zeae (Schwein) Petch]. Quest was developed over three breeding cycles of selection for yield, malting quality, and FHB resistance. Disease resistance traces to the Midwest cultivar MNBrite and the two‐rowed accession from China Zhedar1. Quest has about half the level of disease and about 40% less of the associated mycotoxin, deoxynivalenol, compared to the historically important cultivar in the region ‘Robust’. Quest is similar in yield to the current dominant varieties in the region and was approved as a malting variety by the American Malting Barley Association.
Comparative in Vivo Assessment of Some Adverse Bioeffects of Equidimensional Gold and Silver Nanoparticles and the Attenuation of Nanosilver’s Effects with a Complex of Innocuous Bioprotectors
Authors: Katsnelson Boris , Privalova Larisa , Gurvich Vladimir , Makeyev Oleg , Shur Vladimir , Beikin Yakov , Sutunkova Marina , Kireyeva Ekaterina , Minigalieva Ilzira , Loginova Nadezhda , Vasilyeva Marina , Korotkov Artem , Shuman Eugene , Vlasova Larisa , Shishkina Ekaterina , Tyurnina Anastasia , Kozin Roman , Valamina Irene , Pichugova Svetlana , Tulakina Ludmila
Published: January 2013

Stable suspensions of nanogold (NG) and nanosilver (NS) with mean particle diameter 50 and 49 nm, respectively, were prepared by laser ablation of metals in water. To assess rat’s pulmonary phagocytosis response to a single intratracheal instillation of these suspensions, we used optical, transmission electron, and semi-contact atomic force microscopy. NG and NS were also repeatedly injected intraperitoneally into rats at a dose of 10 mg/kg (0.5 mg per mL of deionized water) three times a week, up to 20 injections. A group of rats was thus injected with NS after oral administration of a “bioprotective complex” (BPC) comprised of pectin, multivitamins, some amino acids, calcium, selenium, and omega-3 PUFA. After the termination of the injections, many functional and biochemical indices and histopathological features of the spleen, kidneys and liver were evaluated for signs of toxicity, and accumulation of NG or NS in these organs was measured. From the same rats, we obtained cell suspensions of different tissues for performing the RAPD test. It was demonstrated that, although both nanometals were adversely bioactive in all respects considered in this study, NS was more noxious as compared with NG, and that the BPC tested by us attenuated both the toxicity and genotoxicity of NS.
Original TDAE Strategy Using Propargylic Chloride: Rapid Access to 1,4-Diarylbut-3-ynol Derivatives
Authors: Roche Manon , Terme Thierry , Vanelle Patrice
Published: January 2013

We report herein the first synthesis of propargylic alcohols using an organic reducing agent. Diarylbutynol derivatives are formed in moderate to good yields under mild conditions from the reaction of 1-(3-chloroprop-1-ynyl)-4-nitrobenzene with various aromatic aldehydes using tetrakis(dimethylamino)ethylene (TDAE) as reductant.
Fruit Coloration and Anthocyanin Biosynthesis after Bag Removal in Non-Red and Red Apples (Malus × domestica Borkh.)
Authors: Liu Yulian , Che Fei , Wang Lixin , Meng Rui , Zhang Xiaojun , Zhao Zhengyang
Published: January 2013

In the present study, evolution of apple color (L* and a/b), the accumulation of anthocyanins and the activity of the related enzymes, phenylalanine ammonia-lyase (PAL), chalcone isomerase (CHI), dihydroflavonol4-reductase (DFR) and UDP-Glucose: flavonoid-3-O-galactosyl transferase (UFGT), were investigated in bagged non-red apple cultivars (‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Golden Delicious’) and red apple cultivars (‘Starkrimon’ and ‘Pink Lady’). Young fruits were bagged 40–45 days after flowering (DAF), and fruits of ‘Golden Delicious’ and ‘Starkrimon’ were uncovered and exposed to light 120 DAF, while those of ‘Granny Smith’ and ‘Pink Lady’ were exposed for 160 DAF. Results showed that cyanidin 3-galactoside (cy3-gal) was the most abundant anthocyanin in both non-red and red cultivars. Level of anthocyanins was higher in ‘Granny Smith’ than in ‘Golden Delicious’, indicating that red color was easier to develop in green cultivar ‘Granny Smith’ than in yellow cultivar ‘Golden Delicious’ after bag removal. The cy3-gal accumulation of non-red cultivars tested was not significantly correlated with PAL, CHI and DFR activity, but was significantly correlated with UFGT activity. During the reddening of non-red apples, UFGT may be the more important factor in the anthocyanin biosynthesis.
First records of Chrysodeixis chalcites (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Plusiinae) for east-central Canada
Authors: Murillo Henry , Hunt David W.A. , VanLaerhoven Sherah L.
Published: January 2013

Specimens of Chrysodeixis chalcites (Esper) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) have been found in different municipalities in southwestern Ontario, Canada since 2008. This nonnative species occurs in tomato and green bean crops where it has the potential of becoming an important insect pest.
A new journal, a new start
Authors: Theofilou Paraskevi
Published: January 2013

Health psychology has been the most rapidly growing field of psychology of the past 15 years. It is an exciting area of study devoted to understanding the psychological influences on how people stay healthy, why they become ill and how they respond when they do.
Resilience and professional quality of life in staff working with people with intellectual disabilities and offending behavior in community based and institutional settings
Authors: Søndenaa Erik , Lauvrud Christian , Sandvik Marita , Nonstad Kåre , Whittington Richard
Published: January 2013

Staff in forensic services for people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are expected to deal with a wide range of emotional challenges when providing care. The potential impact of this demanding work has not been systematically explored previously. This article explores the professional quality of life (QoL) and the resilience (hardiness) of the staff in this setting. The Professional QoL questionnaire and the Disposional Resilience Scale were completed by staff (n=85, 80% response rate) in the Norwegian forensic service for ID offenders. Responses from staff working in institutional settings were compared to those from staff in local community services. Staff in the local community services had higher resilience scores compared to the staff in the institutional setting, (t=2.19; P<0.05). However in the other QoL and resilience domains there were no differences between the staff in the two settings. The greater sense of resilient control among community staff may be a function of both the number of service users they work with and the institutional demands they face. Even though these participants worked with relatively high risk clients, they did not report significantly impaired quality of life compared to other occupations.
Free Vibration Analysis of Nanocomposite Plates Reinforced by Graded Carbon Nanotubes Based on First-Order Shear Deformation Plate Theory
Authors: Mehrabadi S. Jafari , Sobhaniaragh B. , Pourdonya V.
Published: January 2013

Based on the Mindlin’s first-order shear deformation plate theory this paper focuses on the free vibration behavior of functionally graded nanocomposite plates reinforced by aligned and straight single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs). The material properties of simply supported functionally graded carbon nanotube-reinforced (FGCNTR) plates are assumed to be graded in the thickness direction. The effective material properties at a point are estimated by either the Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka approach or the extended rule of mixture. Two types of symmetric carbon nanotubes (CNTs) volume fraction profiles are presented in this paper. The equations of motion and related boundary conditions are derived using the Hamilton’s principle. A semi-analytical solution composed of generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method, as an efficient and accurate numerical method, and series solution is adopted to solve the equations of motions. The primary contribution of the present work is to provide a comparative study of the natural frequencies obtained by extended rule of mixture and Eshelby-Mori-Tanaka method. The detailed parametric studies are carried out to study the influences various types of the CNTs volume fraction profiles, geometrical parameters and CNTs volume fraction on the free vibration characteristics of FGCNTR plates. The results reveal that the prediction methods of effective material properties have an insignificant influence of the variation of the frequency parameters with the plate aspect ratio and the CNTs volume fraction.
An Error Analysis for the Finite Element Approximation to the Steady-State Poisson-Nernst-Planck Equations
Authors: Yang Ying , Lu Benzhuo
Published: January 2013

Poisson-Nernst-Planck equations are a coupled system of nonlinear partial differential equations consisting of the Nernst-Planck equation and the electrostatic Poisson equation with delta distribution sources, which describe the electrodiffusion of ions in a solvated biomolecular system. In this paper, some error bounds for a piecewise finite element approximation to this problem are derived. Several numerical examples including biomolecular problems are shown to support our analysis.
The Mysterious Fall of Soeharto: A Genre Analysis of Richard Mann’s Plots and Schemes that Brought Down Soeharto (PSBDS)
Authors: Purwanto Sugeng
Published: January 2013

The real cause of Soeharto’s fall from the Indonesian presidency remains a mystery. Richard Mann (1998) launched three significant rhetorical questions: (a) Was President Soeharto toppled by student demonstrators and people’s power? (b) Was he brought down by the withdrawal of support from the United States? (c) Or, was his sudden fall brought about by all of the two plus large doses of Oriental plotting and scheming? This article attempts to analyze Richard Mann’s PSBDS in terms of its macrostructure in order to find out the real cause of Soeharto’s fall. The analysis is substantiated by different resources as linguistic evidences, to justify the validity of the findings. The study revealed a proposition that critical reading is the key to successful comprehension of a text which may include a crosschecking with other resources, a careful identification of the generic structure of a text, and paying attention to how an author positions his or her readers. The article concludes, that in fact, Soeharto resigned from presidency on his own wisdom in order to avoid more bloodshed in Indonesian dreamland.
Democracy, Charter 08, and China's Long Struggle for Dignity
Authors: Karen Lee Man Yee
Published: January 2013

This chapter considers Charter 08 as a manifestation of China's long fight for dignity by generations of dissidents. Indeed, despite the different views between Wei Jingsheng and Liu Xiaobo on Charter 08, they are both part of a common intellectual history and political movement. Speaking one's mind against the government when called for and fighting for a political system that one believes in is, in essence, what a self-respecting person would do in keeping his or her dignity. After all, only human beings are capable of transcending basic animal instincts for the pursuit of higher values. It is that pursuit of higher values that has been motivating dissidents and activists in a hostile environment.
Palladium‐Catalyzed Regioselective Halogenation of Aromatic Azo Compounds
Authors: Ma Xian‐Tao , Tian Shi‐Kai
Published: January 2013

A highly regioselective halogenation reaction of symmetrical and unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds has been developed at room temperature or at 50 °C. In the presence of 5 mol% palladium diacetate and 0.5 equiv. of p‐toluenesulfonic acid, a range of symmetrical aromatic azo compounds smoothly undergo monobromination with N‐bromosuccinimide to give the corresponding unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds in good to excellent yields with >99:1 ortho‐selectivity. This chemistry has been successfully extended to unsymmetrical aromatic azo compounds, whose electron‐richer aryl groups prefer to be monobrominated. Moreover, replacing N‐bromosuccinimide with N‐iodosuccinimide in the reaction allows the synthesis of monoiodinated aromatic azo compounds with >99:1 regioselectivity.
Modelling selective visual attention for autonomous virtual characters
Authors: Kokkinara Elena , Oyekoya Oyewole , Steed Anthony
Published: January 2013

Autonomous virtual characters (AVCs) are becoming more prevalent both for real‐time interaction and also as digital actors in film and TV production. AVCs require believable virtual human animations, accompanied by natural attention generation, and thus the software that controls the AVCs needs to model when and how to interact with the objects and other characters that exist in the virtual environment. This paper models automatic attention behaviour using a saliency model that generates plausible targets for combined gaze and head motions. The model was compared with the default behaviour of the Second Life (SL) system in an object observation scenario while it was compared with real actors' behaviour in a conversation scenario. Results from a study run within the SL system demonstrate a promising attention model that is not just believable and realistic but also adaptable to varying task, without any prior knowledge of the virtual scene. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Integrated Clinical Scale Manufacturing System for Cellular Products Derived by Magnetic Cell Separation, Centrifugation and Cell Culture
Authors: Apel Michael , Brüning Mareke , Granzin Markus , Essl Mike , Stuth Juliane , Blaschke Jessica , Spiegel Iris , Müller Sabine , Kabaha Eiad , Fahrendorff Elmar , Miltenyi Stefan , Schmitz Jürgen , Balshüsemann Dirk , Huppert Volker
Published: January 2013

Manufacturing of cellular products for therapeutic purposes like stem cell or cancer therapy requires equipment with specific characteristics not always addressed by conventional technologies. A new integrated cell processing device is presented that can handle all current technical requirements for manufacturing cellular products by automation of the complete process in a GMP‐compliant single‐use tubing set. Its capabilities are exemplified in the presented study by successful processing of adult stem cells, natural killer cells, and several cell lines. Multiple cell processing workflows can be automated in a functionally closed environment: from cell separation through cell culture to formulation of the final product.
Fusion of multi‐resolution surface (terrestrial laser scanning) and subsurface geodata (ERT, SRT) for karst landform investigation and geomorphometric quantification
Authors: Siart Christoph , Forbriger Markus , Nowaczinski Erich , Hecht Stefan , Höfle Bernhard
Published: January 2013

A multi‐method research design based on terrestrial laser scanning, GIS, geophysical prospecting (electrical resistivity tomography, refraction seismics) and sedimentology is applied for the first time to investigate enclosed karst depressions in an integrated way. Fusing multi‐resolution surface and subsurface geodata provides profound insights into the formation, geometry and geomorphologic processes of dolines. The studied landforms, which are located in the Dikti Mountains of East Crete, are shown to be filled by loose sediments of thicknesses of up to 30 m that mainly consist of fine‐grained material overlying solid bedrock at depths below 35 to 45 m. By combining subsurface observations with geomorphometric calculations, local doline genesis can be traced back to initial collapse of fractured bedrock followed by subsequent infilling with colluvials. In order to define crucial methodological requirements and guidelines for data fusion, both the impact of different elevation models and the influence of data resolution are assessed. Surface volumes of depressions derived by the digital surface model are 7–21% higher than the results obtained from the terrain model due to vegetation. Similarly, estimates of infill volume calculated on the basis of geophysical outcomes and elevation data differ by up to 13%. Calculations of the landforms' current volumes (i.e. total surface and subsurface volume), however, are fairly insensitive to raster resolution. Hence, the distinct geomorphologic properties of landforms (e.g. shape, terrain roughness, slope inclination) substantially determine the geomorphometric analysis of both surface and subsurface data. As shown by the findings, data fusion to integrate digital terrain, geophysical and sedimentological datasets of varied resolutions benefits geomorphologic studies and helps provide a comprehensive image of landforms. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Adjustment of Born‐Oppenheimer electronic wave functions to simplify close coupling calculations
Authors: Buenker Robert J. , Liebermann Heinz‐Peter , Zhang Yu , Wu Yong , Yan Lingling , Liu Chunhua , Qu Yizhi , Wang Jianguo
Published: January 2013

Technical problems connected with use of the Born‐Oppenheimer clamped‐nuclei approximation to generate electronic wave functions, potential energy surfaces (PES), and associated properties are discussed. A computational procedure for adjusting the phases of the wave functions, as well as their order when potential crossings occur, is presented which is based on the calculation of overlaps between sets of molecular orbitals and configuration interaction eigenfunctions obtained at neighboring nuclear conformations. This approach has significant advantages for theoretical treatments describing atomic collisions and photo‐dissociation processes by means of ab initio PES, electronic transition moments, and nonadiabatic radial and rotational coupling matrix elements. It ensures that the electronic wave functions are continuous over the entire range of nuclear conformations considered, thereby greatly simplifying the process of obtaining the above quantities from the results of single‐point Born‐Oppenheimer calculations. The overlap results are also used to define a diabatic transformation of the wave functions obtained for conical intersections that greatly simplifies the computation of off‐diagonal matrix elements by eliminating the need for complex phase factors. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.