bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FACTORS CONTRIBUTING TO BANK STABILITY IN CHANNELIZED, ALLUVIAL STREAMS
Authors: Davis L. , Harden C. P.
Published: November 2012

Bank failure is a common fluvial process and can be a pervasive fluvial response to natural and anthropogenic disturbances. Previous research has identified causes and types of bank failure, but the conditions that lead to the cessation of bank failure remain poorly explained. This research examines differences between banks with active bank failure and banks that exhibit evidence of past bank failure that ceased (dormant) throughout three West Tennessee (USA) rivers to provide insight into the processes that cause bank failure to end. Bank characteristics were observed at 68 sites, and data from 55 banks were used to create a logistic regression model. Bank characteristics entered into the model included: vegetative cover, failure location, bar association, bank material, channel width‐to‐depth (w/d) ratio, and average bank angle. Results of the logistic regression suggest that bank angle best explains (p = 0.31 and odds ratio = 8.2) the difference between banks with active and dormant bank failure. Interestingly, vegetative cover and bank material composition, which have been found to be important in bank stabilization by previous researchers, were not significant predictors of bank stability according to the logistic regression model. These results suggest that in absence of drastic differences in bank material resistance (bedrock vs sediment): (1) spatial patterns of bank failure at the system‐scale will be diffuse, (2) bank stability can require a multiple decades, and (3) the potential for vegetation to stabilize banks may be limited in some alluvial systems because of positive feedbacks created by repeated human disturbance. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A survey of architectures and scenarios in satellite‐based wireless sensor networks: system design aspects
Authors: Celandroni N. , Ferro E. , Gotta A. , Oligeri G. , Roseti C. , Luglio M. , Bisio I. , Cello M. , Davoli F. , Panagopoulos A. D. , Poulakis M. , Vassaki S. , De Cola T. , Marchitti M. A. , Hu Y. F. , Pillai P. , Verma S. , Xu K. , Acar G.
Published: November 2012

This paper is not a survey related to generic wireless sensor networks (WSNs), which have been largely treated in a number of survey papers addressing more focused issues; rather, it specifically addresses architectural aspects related to WSNs in some way connected with a satellite link, a topic that presents challenging interworking aspects. The main objective is to provide an overview of the potential role of a satellite segment in future WSNs. In this perspective, requirements of the most meaningful WSN applications have been drawn and matched to characteristics of various satellite/space systems in order to identify suitable integrated configurations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Process improvement dynamics under constrained resources: managing the work harder versus work smarter balance
Authors: Bradley Morrison J.
Published: November 2012

This paper considers the problem of managing process improvement when resources are constrained. The paper develops a system dynamics model that formalizes the critical interaction between first‐ and second‐order improvements as options for governing production. Both first‐ and second‐order improvement are effective in boosting short‐term organizational performance, whereas only second‐order improvement builds sustainable capability. Analytical results characterize the optimal trade‐off between these options (working harder and working smarter). Simulation results show how pressuring the workforce to work harder can set off a vicious cycle of deteriorating process capability that squeezes out improvement activity. Results also highlight the key role of process capability as a form of organizational slack and demonstrate tipping points in the dynamics of process improvement. By moving from causal loops to a simulating model, this paper provides an example of how formal quantitative modeling can lead to important insights not discovered with causal loop diagramming alone. Copyright © 2012 System Dynamics Society.
Striatal development involves a switch in gene expression networks, followed by a myelination event: Implications for neuropsychiatric disease
Authors: Novak Gabriela , Fan Theresa , O'dowd Brian F. , George Susan R.
Published: November 2012

Because abnormal development of striatal neurons is thought to be the part of pathology underlying major psychiatric illnesses, we studied the expression pattern of genes involved in striatal development and of genes comprising key striatal‐specific pathways, during an active striatal maturation period, the first two postnatal weeks in rat. This period parallels human striatal development during the second trimester, when prenatal stress is though to lead to increased risk for neuropsychiatric disorders. To identify genes involved in this developmental process, we used subtractive hybridization, followed by quantitative real‐time PCR, which allowed us to characterize the developmental expression of over 60 genes, many not previously known to play a role in neuromaturation. Of these 12 were novel transcripts, which did not match known genes, but which showed strict developmental expression and may play a role in striatal neurodevelopment. An additional 89 genes were identified as strong candidates for involvement in this neurodevelopmetnal process. We show that during the first two postnatal weeks in rat, an early gene expression network, still lacking key striatal‐specific signaling pathways, is downregulated and replaced by a mature gene expression network, containing key striatal‐specific genes including the dopamine D1 and D2 receptors, conferring to these neurons their functional identity. Therefore, before this developmental switch, striatal neurons lack many of their key phenotypic characteristics. This maturation process is followed by a striking rise in expression of myelination genes, indicating a striatal‐specific myelination event. Such strictly controlled developmental program has the potential to be a point of susceptibility to disruption by external factors. Indeed, this period is known to be a susceptibility period in both humans and rats. Synapse, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Emotional arousal of beginning physics teachers during extended experimental investigations
Authors: Ritchie Stephen M. , Tobin Kenneth , Sandhu Maryam , Sandhu Satwant , Henderson Senka , Roth Wolff‐Michael
Published: November 2012

Teachers often have difficulty implementing inquiry‐based activities, leading to the arousal of negative emotions. In this multicase study of beginning physics teachers in Australia, we were interested in the extent to which their expectations were realized and how their classroom experiences while implementing extended experimental investigations (EEIs) produced emotional states that mediated their teaching practices. Against rhetoric of fear expressed by their senior colleagues, three of the four teachers were surprised by the positive outcomes from their supervision of EEIs for the first time. Two of these teachers experienced high intensity positive emotions in response to their students' success. When student actions/outcomes did not meet their teachers' expectations, frustration, anger, and disappointment were experienced by the teachers, as predicted by a sociological theory of human emotions (Turner, J. H. (2007). Human emotions: A sociological theory. London, England: Routledge). Over the course of the EEI projects, the teachers' practices changed along with their emotional states and their students' achievements. We account for similarities and differences in the teachers' emotional experiences in terms of context, prior experience, and expectations. The findings from this study provide insights into effective supervision practices that can be used to inform new and experienced teachers alike. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Res Sci Teach 50:137–161, 2013
Using mutants, knockdowns, and transgenesis to investigate gene function in Drosophila
Authors: St Johnston Daniel
Published: November 2012

The sophisticated genetic techniques available in Drosophila are largely responsible for its success as a model organism. One of the most important of these is the ability to disrupt gene function in vivo and observe the resulting phenotypes. This review considers the ever‐increasing repertoire of approaches for perturbing the functions of specific genes in flies, ranging from classical and transposon‐mediated mutageneses to newer techniques, such as homologous recombination and RNA interference. Since most genes are used over and over again in different contexts during development, many important advances have depended on being able to interfere with gene function at specific times or places in the developing animal, and a variety of approaches are now available to do this. Most of these techniques rely on being able to create genetically modified strains of Drosophila and the different methods for generating lines carrying single copy transgenic constructs will be described, along with the advantages and disadvantages of each approach. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:587–613. doi: 10.1002/wdev.101

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Perturbing Genes and Generating Modified Animals

Technologies > Generating Chimeras and Lineage Analysis

Technologies > Analysis of Cell, Tissue, and Animal Phenotypes
Accelerating cancer systems biology research through Semantic Web technology
Authors: Wang Zhihui , Sagotsky Jonathan , Taylor Thomas , Shironoshita Patrick , Deisboeck Thomas S.
Published: November 2012

Cancer systems biology is an interdisciplinary, rapidly expanding research field in which collaborations are a critical means to advance the field. Yet the prevalent database technologies often isolate data rather than making it easily accessible. The Semantic Web has the potential to help facilitate web‐based collaborative cancer research by presenting data in a manner that is self‐descriptive, human and machine readable, and easily sharable. We have created a semantically linked online Digital Model Repository (DMR) for storing, managing, executing, annotating, and sharing computational cancer models. Within the DMR, distributed, multidisciplinary, and inter‐organizational teams can collaborate on projects, without forfeiting intellectual property. This is achieved by the introduction of a new stakeholder to the collaboration workflow, the institutional licensing officer, part of the Technology Transfer Office. Furthermore, the DMR has achieved silver level compatibility with the National Cancer Institute's caBIG, so users can interact with the DMR not only through a web browser but also through a semantically annotated and secure web service. We also discuss the technology behind the DMR leveraging the Semantic Web, ontologies, and grid computing to provide secure inter‐institutional collaboration on cancer modeling projects, online grid‐based execution of shared models, and the collaboration workflow protecting researchers' intellectual property. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2013, 5:135–151. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1200

This article is categorized under:

Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods

Models of Systems Properties and Processes > Mechanistic Models
The New Alkali Cyclotrisilicate Cs8[Si6O16]
Authors: Hlukhyy Viktor , Fässler Thomas F.
Published: November 2012

Transparent single crystals of Cs8[Si6O16] have been obtained by a high‐temperature reaction at 900 °C in an arc‐welded niobium crucible. The structure of Cs8[Si6O16] was solved and refined from single crystal X‐ray diffraction data: new structure type, P$\bar{1}$, Z = 2, a = 9.3544(3) Å, b = 11.1152(4) Å, c = 13.5035(5) Å, α = 101.311(3)°, β = 100.958(3)°, γ = 114.121(3)°, R1 = 0.032. The structure of Cs8[Si6O16] contains isolated dimeric cyclotrisilicate anions [Si6O16]8– that are separated by cesium atoms.The anion consists of six vertex‐sharing [SiO4] tetrahedra which form three interconnected rings: two rings consisting of three tetrahedra share edges with the opposite sides of a square of four [SiO4] thetrahedra. With respect to the plane of the four‐membered rings the triangles strike a trans‐type arrangement. [Si6O16]8– is the first example of the third possible structural arrangement in the class of unbranched dimeric cyclotrisilicate anions.
The New Carbodiimide Li2Gd2Sr(CN2)5 Having a Crystal Structure Related to That of Gd2(CN2)3
Authors: Unverfehrt Leonid , Ströbele Markus , Meyer H.‐Jürgen
Published: November 2012

The new carbodiimide compounds Li2RE2Sr(CN2)5 (RE = Sm, Gd, Eu, Tb) were prepared by a straight forward solid state metathesis reaction of REF3, SrF2, and Li2(CN2) at around 600 °C. The crystal structure of Li2Gd2Sr(CN2)5 was solved based on X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction data. Corresponding Li2RE2Sr(CN2)5 compounds were analyzed by isotypic indexing of their powder patterns. The crystal structure of Li2Gd2Sr(CN2)5 can be well related to that of Gd2(CN2)3, because both structures are based on layered structures composed of close packed layers of [N=C=N]2– sticks, alternating with layers of metal ions. The crystal structure of Li2Gd2Sr(CN2)5 can be considered to contain an ABC layer sequence of [N = C=N]2– layers with the interlayer voids being occupied by (three) distinct types of cations.
Zur Elektronenstruktur metallorganischer Komplexe der f‐Elemente. 80[1] Gelingt die Identifizierung der Streck‐ und Kippschwingungen des pseudo‐trigonal‐planaren La(η5‐C5H5)3‐Fragments in den Schwingungsspektren von [La(η5‐C5H5)3­(NCCH3)2] ohne die Hilfe von Modellrechnungen auf der Basis der Dichtefunktionaltheorie?
Authors: Amberger Hanns‐Dieter , Reddmann Hauke
Published: November 2012

In order to reliably assign the four previously observed coincidences in the range 210–260 cm–1 in the low temperature vibrational spectra of [LaCp3(NCCH3)2] (Cp = η5‐C5H5–) (1) to the expected stretching and tilting modes of the pseudo trigonal planar LaCp3 moiety, additionally the “polarized“ Raman spectra of an oriented single crystal of 1 were recorded. By this means, the signal of the tilting vibration of the irreducible representation (irrep) E′' could be separated from the remaining skeletal vibrations consisting of the irreps A1′, E' and E′. The bands of the two latter could be identified by applying the less common method of the “symmetry allowed vibronic couplings of electronic zero point transitions“ to the vibronic sidebands of the purely electronic transition 1Γ1(3H4)→8Γ1(3P0) of [LaCp3(NCCH3)2]:Pr3+ (2). Hence, the remaining band corresponds to the symmetric stretching of A1′ symmetry.
NSGC Practice Guideline: Risk Assessment and Genetic Counseling for Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Berliner Janice L. , Fay Angela Musial , Cummings Shelly A. , Burnett Brittany , Tillmanns Todd
Published: November 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this document is to present a current and comprehensive set of practice recommendations for effective genetic cancer risk assessment, counseling and testing for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. The intended audience is genetic counselors and other health professionals who care for individuals with, or at increased risk of, hereditary breast and/or ovarian cancer.
Post-Soviet Emptiness (Vladimir Makanin and Viktor Pelevin)
Authors: Günther Hans
Published: November 2012

Emptiness is a key word in several post-Soviet Russian novels of the late 1990s. One can find it as well in Vladimir Makanin's “Underground” as in two novels written by Viktor Pelevin, “Generation ‘P’” and “Chapaev and Emptiness”. After the fall of Soviet power Pelevin's cynical hero from “Generation ‘P’” changes from literature into advertising business, and in his novel “Chapaev and Emptiness” the legendary Soviet Civil War hero Chapaev transforms into a preacher of quasi-Buddhist nothingness. Makanin's hero, the writer Petrovich, renounces of his profession in order to work as a watchman in shelters for the homeless. His self-abasement is in accordance with the tradition of kenoticism (derived from the Greek word kenós = empty) which played an important part in the history of Russian religious and cultural life. Criticizing the hypermoralism of classical Russian literature Makanin outlines a new image of the writer which is opposed to the Russian literary myth but still propagates moral and religious values. Pelevin's novels which reflect the relativism of postmodern poetics focus on another issue – the blurring of the difference between reality and illusion. In “Generation ‘P’”, mass media and advertising produce deceitful simulacra of reality and in “Chapaev and Emptiness” the deconstruction of Soviet mythology assumes the shape of a nightmare. Unsurprisingly, among the imagery of emptiness Malevich's famous “Black Square” including its numerous equivalents as black holes or all sorts of empty spaces is rather frequent in the three novels. Emptiness may be considered to be a characteristic trait of the atmosphere of the 1990s when Russians felt to live in a cultural vacuum somewhere between state economy and unbridled capitalism, between Soviet order and “post-slave” (Makanin) chaos.
Structural and functional characterization of a novel type‐III dockerin from Ruminococcus flavefaciens
Authors: Karpol Alon , Jobby Maroor K. , Slutzki Michal , Noach Ilit , Chitayat Seth , Smith Steven P. , Bayer Edward A.
Published: November 2012

ScaB cohesin binds to ScaADoc by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (View interaction)
A cataract‐causing connexin 50 mutant is mislocalized to the ER due to loss of the fourth transmembrane domain and cytoplasmic domain
Authors: Somaraju Chalasani Madhavi Latha , Muppirala Madhavi , G. Ponnam Surya Prakash , Kannabiran Chitra , Swarup Ghanshyam
Published: November 2012

Mutations in the eye lens gap junction protein connexin 50 cause cataract. Earlier we identified a frameshift mutant of connexin 50 (c.670insA; p.Thr203AsnfsX47) in a family with autosomal recessive cataract. The mutant protein is smaller and contains 46 aberrant amino acids at the C‐terminus after amino acid 202. Here, we have analysed this frameshift mutant and observed that it localized to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) but not in the plasma membrane. Moreover, overexpression of the mutant resulted in disintegration of the ER‐Golgi intermediate compartment (ERGIC), reduction in the level of ERGIC‐53 protein and breakdown of the Golgi in many cells. Overexpression of the frameshift mutant partially inhibited the transport of wild type connexin 50 to the plasma membrane. A deletion mutant lacking the aberrant sequence showed predominant localization in the ER and inhibited anterograde protein transport suggesting, therefore, that the aberrant sequence is not responsible for improper localization of the frameshift mutant. Further deletion analysis showed that the fourth transmembrane domain and a membrane proximal region (231–294 amino acids) of the cytoplasmic domain are needed for transport from the ER and localization to the plasma membrane. Our results show that a frameshift mutant of connexin 50 mislocalizes to the ER and causes disintegration of the ERGIC and Golgi. We have also identified a sequence of connexin 50 crucial for transport from the ER and localization to the plasma membrane.
A population‐based survey on the influence of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraceptives on sleep patterns in São Paulo, Brazil
Authors: Hachul Helena , Andersen Monica L. , Bittencourt Lia , Santos‐Silva Rogério , Tufik Sergio
Published: November 2012

Objective

To investigate the effects of the phases of the menstrual cycle and the use of hormonal contraception on sleep patterns in a population‐based study.

Methods

In a prospective study carried out among premenopausal women between July and December 2007, a 3‐stage cluster sampling was used to ensure accurate representation of the general population of São Paulo, Brazil. Questionnaires were administered, hormonal assays were performed, and full‐night polysomnography was recorded.

Results

The study sample included 297 premenopausal women. Women in the follicular phase complained of fatigue more than those in the luteal phase and those using hormonal contraceptive treatment. Premenopausal women using hormonal contraceptives had a significantly lower apnea–hypopnea index (1.1 ± 2.0) compared with women in both the follicular (2.2 ± 4.5) and the luteal (2.9 ± 5.4) phases (P = 0.01). Women taking hormonal contraceptives tended to have increased sleep efficiency compared with women in either the follicular or luteal phases.

Conclusion

The use of hormonal contraceptives was associated with a lower apnea–hypopnea index and a trend toward improved sleep efficiency. The current findings suggest that the use of hormonal contraceptives has a stronger association with sleep duration compared with menstrual cycle phase.
A community‐based continuum of care model for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in rural Ghana
Authors: Kapungu Chisina T. , Mensah‐Homiah Joseph , Akosah Eric , Asare Gloria , Carnahan Leslie , Frimpong Mavis A. , Mensah‐Bonsu Paulina , Ohemeng‐Dapaah Seth , Owusu‐Ansah Lydia , Geller Stacie E.
Published: November 2012

Objective

To report on Phase 1 of an operations research study designed to reduce postpartum hemorrhage (PPH)‐related morbidity and mortality in rural Ghana.

Methods

Phase 1 of the study—which included a needs assessment, community sensitization, implementation of blood collection drapes, training of service providers, and baseline data collection—comprised preliminary work to prepare for misoprostol distribution in Phase 2. Seventy‐four primary healthcare providers were trained on safe‐motherhood practices, use of blood collection drapes, and data collection. Baseline data were collected from 275 women regarding home deliveries, who attended the deliveries, incidence of PPH, and use of blood collection drapes.

Results

Blood collection drapes were used at 67.6% of deliveries, increasing to 88.5% over the final 6 months of Phase 1. Community health extension workers (CHEWs) were present at 57.1% of all deliveries but attendance increased to 86.9% during the last 6 months of Phase 1. Overall, 96.0% of deliveries resulted in healthy outcomes for the mother; 4.0% of births had complications.

Conclusion

The preliminary work conducted in Phase 1 of the study was crucial in guiding misoprostol distribution in Phase 2. However, challenges existed, including inadequate community sensitization, low home‐birth attendance by CHEWs, and data collection problems.
Viscous stability of quasi-periodic tori
Authors: LIANG ZHENGUO , YAN JUN , YI YINGFEI
Published: November 2012

This paper is devoted to the study of$P$-regularity of viscosity solutions$u(x,P)$,$P\in {\Bbb R}^n$, of a smooth Tonelli Lagrangian$L:T {\Bbb T}^n \rightarrow {\Bbb R}$characterized by the cell equation$H(x,P+D_xu(x,P))=\overline {H}(P)$, where$H: T^* {\Bbb T}^n\rightarrow {\Bbb R}$denotes the Hamiltonian associated with$L$and$\overline {H}$is the effective Hamiltonian. We show that if$P_0$corresponds to a quasi-periodic invariant torus with a non-resonant frequency, then$D_xu(x,P)$is uniformly Hölder continuous in$P$at$P_0$with Hölder exponent arbitrarily close to$1$, and if both$H$and the torus are real analytic and the frequency vector of the torus is Diophantine, then$D_xu(x,P)$is uniformly Lipschitz continuous in$P$at$P_0$, i.e., there is a constant$C\gt 0$such that$\|D_xu(\cdot ,P)-D_xu(\cdot ,P_0)\|_{\infty }\le C\|P-P_0\|$for$\|P-P_0\|\ll 1$. Similar P-regularity of the Peierls barriers associated with$L(x,v)- \langle P,v \rangle $is also obtained.
Effects of oral Bt-maize (MON810) exposure on growth and health parameters in normal and sensitised Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L.
Authors: Gu Jinni , Krogdahl Åshild , Sissener Nini H. , Kortner Trond M. , Gelencser Eva , Hemre Gro-Ingunn , Bakke Anne Marie
Published: November 2012

Responses to GM maize Bt-maize, MON810) expressing Cry1Ab protein from the soil bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) in diets for both normal and immune-sensitised (with soyabean meal (SBM)-induced enteropathy) post-smolt Atlantic salmon were investigated following 33 and 97 d of exposure. Triplicate tanks of salmon were fed one of four diets, all containing 20 % whole-kernel meal maize, either Bt-maize or its near-isogenic maternal line, without or with 15 % extracted SBM inclusion. The fish fed Bt-maize utilised the feed less efficiently, as revealed by lower protein and mineral digestibilities and lower lipid and energy retention efficiencies. Higher intestinal weight, as well as increased interferon-γ and decreased sodium–glucose co-transporter mRNA expression, and a transient increase in T-helper cell presence, as measured by cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) protein in the distal intestine (DI), may partly explain the lower nutrient digestibilities and retentions. The Bt-maize seemed to potentiate oxidative cellular stress in the DI of immune-sensitised fish, as indicated by increases in superoxide dismutase and heat shock protein 70 mRNA expression. The data suggest that Cry1Ab protein or other antigens in Bt-maize have local immunogenic effects in salmon DI. No systemic immune responses could be detected, as indicated by haematology, differential leucocyte counts, plasma clinical chemistry, as well as absence of Cry1Ab-specific antibodies and Cry1Ab protein in plasma. The responses to Bt-maize observed in the present study differed from results from earlier studies in salmon and other animals fed the same event Bt-maize. Longer-term experiments and more in-depth studies on intestinal physiology and immune responses are needed to evaluate health implications.
Changes in food intake, metabolic parameters and insulin resistance are induced by an isoenergetic, medium-chain fatty acid diet and are associated with modifications in insulin signalling in isolated rat pancreatic islets
Authors: Marçal A. C. , Camporez J. P. G. , Lima-Salgado T. M. , Cintra D. E. , Akamine E. H. , Ribeiro L. M. , Almeida F. N. , Zanuto R. P. , Curi R. , Boldrini S. C. , Liberti E. A. , Fiamoncini J. , Hirabara S. M. , Deschamps F. C. , Carpinelli A. R. , Carvalho C. R. O.
Published: November 2012

Long-chain fatty acids are capable of inducing alterations in the homoeostasis of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), but the effect of medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA) is poorly elucidated. In the present study, we fed a normoenergetic MCFA diet to male rats from the age of 1 month to the age of 4 months in order to analyse the effect of MCFA on body growth, insulin sensitivity and GSIS. The 45 % MCFA substitution of whole fatty acids in the normoenergetic diet impaired whole body growth and resulted in increased body adiposity and hyperinsulinaemia, and reduced insulin-mediated glucose uptake in skeletal muscle. In addition, the isolated pancreatic islets from the MCFA-fed rats showed impaired GSIS and reduced protein kinase Bα (AKT1) protein expression and extracellular signal-related kinase isoforms 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) phosphorylation, which were accompanied by increased cellular death. Furthermore, there was a mildly increased cholinergic sensitivity to GSIS. We discuss these findings in further detail, and advocate that they might have a role in the mechanistic pathway leading to the compensatory hyperinsulinaemic status found in this animal model.
Taurine attenuates apoptosis in primary liver cells isolated from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Espe Marit , Holen Elisabeth
Published: November 2012

One of the many functions of taurine is to protect cells against oxidation, by protecting mitochondrial integrity and respiration. Taurine metabolism has attracted much attention in fish nutrition due to the fact that as plant ingredients replace fishmeal, dietary taurine has declined. As the endogenous synthesis of taurine might be too low to protect cells against oxidative stress and apoptosis, the present study aimed to test whether taurine may protect liver cells from apoptosis. Liver cells isolated from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) were grown in media supplemented with a physiological concentration of taurine (25 (se0·5) mm) or without any taurine supplementation (14 (se3) μm) for 3 d. To increase oxidation in the mitochondria and maximise any cellular response of taurine supplementation, 100 μm-CdCl2was added or not added to the cells at day 3. At day 4, cells were harvested and assessed for viability. As expected, the addition of CdCl2decreased cell viability without showing any interaction with taurine supplementation. Cells grown in the taurine-supplemented media had lower protein abundance of active caspase-3. In addition, the protein abundance of phosphorylated mitogen-activating phosphokinase (P-p63, P-p42/44 and P-p38) as well as cytochrome P450 were reduced when taurine was added to the media. Cells grown without taurine supplementation had a more condensed chromatin and more smeared DNA, also pointing to a higher apoptosis in these cells. In conclusion, taurine attenuated apoptosis in primary liver cells isolated from Atlantic salmon, and as such, taurine may be conditionally indispensable in Atlantic salmon.
Vitamin D status in North Greenland is influenced by diet and season: indicators of dermal 25-hydroxy vitamin D production north of the Arctic Circle
Authors: Andersen Stig , Jakobsen Anna , Laurberg Peter
Published: November 2012

Vitamin D status, as measured by serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D (s-25OHD), is important to human health. Dermal 25OHD production depends on UVB light that is influenced by latitude. We aimed to identify factors important to the production of s-25OHD in Arctic people and investigated subjects living in the town of Ilulissat and the settlement of Saqqaq in North Greenland (70°N) during the four seasons. Participants were enrolled with a balanced representation of non-Inuit and Inuit in Ilulissat and Inuit in Saqqaq, men and women, aged 30–39 and 40–49 years. Supplement use, hours spent outdoors and other lifestyle factors were determined by questionnaires. Scores of traditional Inuit food intake were computed from a FFQ at inclusion, and frequencies of intake were recorded at each visit. s-25OHD concentration was measured. There were sixty-four Inuit and thirty-three non-Inuit participants. Inuit food score < 40 % was found in 87, 64 and 48 % of non-Inuit, Inuit in Ilulissat and Inuit in Saqqaq participants, respectively (P= 0·009). Inuit diet associated positively with s-25OHD (P< 0·001). s-25OHD concentration was lower in non-Inuit than in Inuit participants (spring/summer/autumn/winter/average: 30·3 v. 36·8/43·2 v. 44·7/43·6 v. 48·6/32·8 v. 43·5/39·0 v. 44·6 nmol/l, P= 0·002/0·62/0·19/ < 0·001/0·011, respectively). s-25OHD levels differed with season (Inuit, P< 0·001; non-Inuit, P< 0·001) as did diet (Inuit, P< 0·001; non-Inuit, P< 0·001) and hours spent outdoors (Inuit, P< 0·001; non-Inuit, P= 0·012). s-25OHD level was influenced by diet (P< 0·001), season (P< 0·001), origin (P= 0·001), residence (P= 0·013) and sex (P= 0·026). We conclude that the season influenced vitamin D status in Arctic populations beyond diet, ethnicity and vitamin intake. This suggests dermal 25OHD production at a high latitude of 70°N.
Memory-enhancing effect of Mori Fructus via induction of nerve growth factor
Authors: Kim Hyo Geun , Oh Myung Sook
Published: November 2012

Fruits rich in phytochemicals have been shown to improve memory by protecting or enhancing neuronal functions mediated by neurotrophic factors, such as nerve growth factor (NGF), in the hippocampus. Mori Fructus (Morus albaL., Moraceae), also called mulberry, is used as a food, dietary supplement and an anti-ageing agent in traditional Oriental medicine. It is also known to contain abundant flavonoid compounds and to exhibit various pharmacological effects. The present study was performed to evaluate the memory-enhancing effect of Mori Fructus extract (ME) in mice, with a focus on NGF regulation. ME (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg per d for 7 d, per os) dose-dependently promoted NGF release in the mouse hippocampus, leading to phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinases and cyclic AMP response element-binding protein. ME significantly increased pre- and post-synapse formation, acetylcholine synthesisation, neuronal cell differentiation, neurite outgrowth and neuronal cell proliferation in the mouse hippocampus. Furthermore, ME significantly increased latency time in the passive avoidance task (P< 0·001) and recognition time of novel objects in the object recognition test (P< 0·05), indicating improvements in learning and memory. Taken together, these data suggest that ME exhibits a memory-enhancing effect via up-regulation of NGF.
Curcumin attenuates lupus nephritis upon interaction with regulatory T cells in New Zealand Black/White mice
Authors: Lee Hyojung , Kim Hyunseong , Lee Gihyun , Chung Hwan-Suck , Bae Hyunsu
Published: November 2012

Curcumin has been used in Asian traditional medicine for its medicinal properties. Recent studies have demonstrated that curcumin has antioxidant, anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of curcumin on established lupus nephritis (LN) in New Zealand Black/White (NZB/W) F1 female mice, in particular, its interaction with regulatory T (Treg) cells. Starting at 18 weeks of age, mice were fed a standard diet or a diet containing 1 % curcumin until the end of the study. The proteinuria level and the serum levels of IgG1, IgG2a and anti-double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) IgG antibodies were measured. Additionally, IgG immune complex deposition in the glomeruli and renal inflammation were compared between curcumin-treated mice and control mice. Curcumin decreased the proteinuria level and serum levels of IgG1, IgG2a and anti-dsDNA IgG antibodies in NZB/W F1 female mice. IgG immune complex deposition in the glomeruli was reduced in curcumin-treated mice. Furthermore, renal inflammation was also decreased after curcumin treatment. Interestingly, these therapeutic effects of curcumin disappeared after Tregdepletion by anti-CD25 antibody injection. Curcumin exerted a protective effect against LN in NZB/W F1 mice. We speculate that the protective effects of curcumin in LN may involve, at least in part, its interaction with Tregcells.
Growth-promoting effects of caseinomacropeptide from cow and goat milk on probiotics
Authors: Robitaille Gilles
Published: November 2012

Caseinomacropeptide (CMP), a 7-kDa phosphoglycopolypeptide fragment released from κ-casein during milk renneting, is heterogeneous with respect to post-translational glycosylation. Several studies have reported that CMP has growth-promoting activity on lactic acid bacteria belonging to the generaBifidobacterium. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of glycosylation and sequence variations between bovine and caprine CMP on the growth of two probiotics:Lactobacillus rhamnosusRW-9595-M andBifidobacterium thermophilumRBL67. The growth-promoting activities of CMP (mixture of glycosylated (gCMP) and non-glycosylated (aCMP) fractions), aCMP and gCMP were measured in a basal minimal culture medium using turbidimetric microplate assay at 37 °C. Supplementation of the culture media at 2 mg/ml significantly improved maximum growth by 1·5 to 1·8 times depending on the strain, the additive (CMP, aCMP, gCMP), and the bovine or caprine origin (P < 0·05). CMP preparations also decreased the time needed to reach the inflexion point of the growth curve and increase the cell density at that time (P < 0·05). The effects of CMP preparations were dose dependent and significantly superior to the effect of bovine β-lactoglobulin added to the culture media. As gCMP and aCMP were as efficient as bovine and caprine CMP (P > 0·1), it was concluded that the presence of oligosaccharides linked to CMP was not essential for growth-promoting activity of CMP.
A new deep-water species ofEpimeria(Amphipoda: Gammaridea: Epimeriidae) from the continental slope of western Mexico
Authors: Winfield I. , Ortiz M. , Hendrickx M.E.
Published: November 2012

A new species of deep waterEpimeriais described based on material collected in 1526–1586 m depth during the TALUD X expedition in the central Gulf of California, Mexico. It is the sixth species of this genus reported for the East Pacific.Epimeria morroneisp. nov. is morphologically similar toE. norfanziLörz, 2011 (New Zealand, 1268 m depth) andE. coraJ.L. Barnard, 1971 (off Oregon, USA, 2086 m depth).Epimeria morroneisp. nov., however, differs from these two species by a combination of several characters, including: vestigial eyes; multidentate mandibular lacinia mobilis; a distinct setae arrangement in palm and dactylus of gnathopods 1–2; the shape and relative size of coxae 1–5; and the shape of the telson.
Littoral mud shrimps (Decapoda: Gebiidea & Axiidea) of the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Iran
Authors: Sepahvand Vahid , Sari Alireza , Salehi Hassan , Nabavi Seyed-Mohammad-Bagher , Ghorbanzadeh Seyed-Ghasem
Published: November 2012

The mud shrimps of Iran are not well known. Material for the present study was collected from 21 out of 51 intertidal localities from the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman, Iran. In total, 11 species were found along the Iranian coast. These were belonging to three families, including Upogebiidae (Upogebia carinicauda, U. darwinii and U. pseudochelata), Callianassidae (Neocallichirus jousseaumei, N. calmani, Callichirus masoomi, Corallianassa coutierei, Michaelcallianassa indica, Paratrypaea bouvieri and Gourretia coolibah) and Callianideidae (Callianidea typa). Geographical distributions of the species were considered and the results show that each species is totally dependent on a special type of habitat. Comparing different types of habitat, sandy and muddy substrates of the intertidal and shallow subtidal zone are found as the dominant habitat type for all species, but some species have a preference for boulder dominated coasts or occupy already existing holes and crevices in the boulder and bedrocks. In addition, the world distribution of each species was considered, and according to their present recorded localities, these are grouped into two distributional categories including the Indo-West Pacific region and one in a broader area of the Indo-Pacific.
Patronage and Performance: Factors in the Political Mobility of Provincial Leaders in Post-Deng China
Authors: Choi Eun Kyong
Published: November 2012

This paper attempts to estimate the impact of both factional ties and economic performance on the promotion of provincial Party secretaries and governors by analysing a person–year dataset of their career mobility for inclusive years 1989 to 2009. We found that for provincial Party secretaries whose promotion meant rising to a top national position, both factional ties and good economic performance increased their chance for promotion. On the other hand, for provincial governors whose promotion meant rising to a ministry-level position, only economic performance mattered for their promotion. Among provincial Party secretaries, the extent to which performance affected the likelihood of promotion was not different between factional members and non-members. This suggests that even factional members needed to show good performance to enhance the likelihood of their promotion.
The Lax–Oleinik semi-group: a Hamiltonian point of view
Authors: Bernard Patrick
Published: November 2012

The weak KAM theory was developed by Fathi in order to study the dynamics of convex Hamiltonian systems. It somehow makes a bridge between viscosity solutions of the Hamilton–Jacobi equation and Mather invariant sets of Hamiltonian systems, although this was fully understood only a posteriori. These theories converge under the hypothesis of convexity, and the richness of applications mostly comes from this remarkable convergence. In this paper, we provide an elementary exposition of some of the basic concepts of weak KAM theory. In a companion paper, Albert Fathi exposed the aspects of his theory which are more directly related to viscosity solutions. Here, on the contrary, we focus on dynamical applications, even if we also discuss some viscosity aspects to underline the connections with Fathi's lecture. The fundamental reference on weak KAM theory is the still unpublished book Weak KAM theorem in Lagrangian dynamics by Albert Fathi. Although we do not offer new results, our exposition is original in several aspects. We only work with the Hamiltonian and do not rely on the Lagrangian, even if some proofs are directly inspired by the classical Lagrangian proofs. This approach is made easier by the choice of a somewhat specific setting. We work on ℝd and make uniform hypotheses on the Hamiltonian. This allows us to replace some compactness arguments by explicit estimates. For the most interesting dynamical applications, however, the compactness of the configuration space remains a useful hypothesis and we retrieve it by considering periodic (in space) Hamiltonians. Our exposition is centred on the Cauchy problem for the Hamilton–Jacobi equation and the Lax–Oleinik evolution operators associated to it. Dynamical applications are reached by considering fixed points of these evolution operators, the weak KAM solutions. The evolution operators can also be used for their regularizing properties; this opens an alternative route to dynamical applications.
A Landesman–Lazer-type condition for asymptotically linear second-order equations with a singularity
Authors: Fonda Alessandro , Garrione Maurizio
Published: November 2012

We consider the T-periodic problem

where g: [0,T]×]0,+∞[→ℝ exhibits a singularity of a repulsive type at the origin, and an asymptotically linear behaviour at infinity. In particular, for large x, g(t, x) is controlled from both sides by two consecutive asymptotes of the T-periodic Fučik spectrum, with possible equality on one side. Using a suitable Landesman–Lazer-type condition, we prove the existence of a solution.
Long-time behaviour of solutions to a one-dimensional strongly nonlinear model for phase transitions with micro-movements
Authors: Jiang Jie
Published: November 2012

This paper studies the long-time behaviour of solutions to a one-dimensional strongly nonlinear partial differential equation system arising from phase transitions with microscopic movements. Our system features a strongly nonlinear internal energy balance equation. Uniform bounds of the global solutions and the compactness of the orbit are obtained for the first time using a lemma established recently by Jiang. The existence of global attractors and convergence of global solutions to a single steady state as time goes to infinity are also proved.
Positive solutions of the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the fractional Laplacian
Authors: Felmer Patricio , Quaas Alexander , Tan Jinggang
Published: November 2012

We study the existence of positive solutions for the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with the fractional Laplacian

Furthermore, we analyse the regularity, decay and symmetry properties of these solutions.
A sharp trace inequality for functions of bounded variation in the ball
Authors: Cianchi Andrea
Published: November 2012

The best constant in a mean-value trace inequality for functions of bounded variation on admissible domains Ω ⊂ ℝn is shown to agree with an isoperimetric constant associated with Ω. The existence and form of extremals is also discussed. This result is exploited to compute the best constant in the relevant trace inequality when Ω is a ball. The existence and the form of extremals in this special case turn out to depend on the dimension n. In particular, the best constant is not achieved when Ω is a disc in ℝ2.
Pooling European all-cause mortality: methodology and findings for the seasons 2008/2009 to 2010/2011
Authors: NIELSEN J. , MAZICK A. , ANDREWS N. , DETSIS M. , FENECH T. M. , FLORES V. M. , FOULLIET A. , GERGONNE B. , GREEN H. K. , JUNKER C. , NUNES B. , O'DONNELL J. , OZA A. , PALDY A. , PEBODY R. , REYNOLDS A. , SIDEROGLOU T. , SNIJDERS B. E. , SIMON-SORIA F. , UPHOFF H. , VAN ASTEN L. , VIRTANEN M. J. , WUILLAUME F. , MØLBAK K.
Published: November 2012

Several European countries have timely all-cause mortality monitoring. However, small changes in mortality may not give rise to signals at the national level. Pooling data across countries may overcome this, particularly if changes in mortality occur simultaneously. Additionally, pooling may increase the power of monitoring populations with small numbers of expected deaths, e.g. younger age groups or fertile women. Finally, pooled analyses may reveal patterns of diseases across Europe. We describe a pooled analysis of all-cause mortality across 16 European countries. Two approaches were explored. In the ‘summarized’ approach, data across countries were summarized and analysed as one overall country. In the ‘stratified’ approach, heterogeneities between countries were taken into account. Pooling using the ‘stratified’ approach was the most appropriate as it reflects variations in mortality. Excess mortality was observed in all winter seasons albeit slightly higher in 2008/09 than 2009/10 and 2010/11. In the 2008/09 season, excess mortality was mainly in elderly adults. In 2009/10, when pandemic influenza A(H1N1) dominated, excess mortality was mainly in children. The 2010/11 season reflected a similar pattern, although increased mortality in children came later. These patterns were less clear in analyses based on data from individual countries. We have demonstrated that with stratified pooling we can combine local mortality monitoring systems and enhance monitoring of mortality across Europe.
Empirical and Armchair Ethics
Authors: BOGNAR GREG
Published: November 2012

In a recent paper, Michael Otsuka and Alex Voorhoeve present a novel argument against prioritarianism. The argument takes its starting point from empirical surveys on people's preferences in health care resource allocation problems. In this article, I first question whether the empirical findings support their argument, and then I make some general points about the use of ‘empirical ethics’ in ethical theory.
What Is the Point of Justice?
Authors: MASON ANDREW
Published: November 2012

Conflicting answers to the question of what principles of justice are for may generate very different ways of theorizing about justice. Indeed divergent answers to it are at the heart of G. A. Cohen's disagreement with John Rawls. Cohen thinks that the roots of this disagreement lie in the constructivist method that Rawls employs, which mistakenly treats the principles that emerge from a procedure that involves factual assumptions as ultimate principles of justice. But I argue that even if Rawls were to abandon his constructivism, and to accept Cohen's argument that ultimate principles of justice are not grounded directly in any facts, their divergent views concerning the proper role of principles of justice would lead them to different conclusions. I contend that even if ultimate principles of justice are not directly grounded in any facts, the role that principles of justice are needed to play may mean that their justification depends upon facts about what is feasible and facts about what is burdensome to people. Contrary to what Cohen maintains, being dependent on the facts in this manner does not preclude a principle from being ultimate; nor do principles which have this sort of dependence on the facts necessarily combine justice with other values in a way that must lead to conflation.