bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Bayesian model selection in complex linear systems, as illustrated in genetic association studies
Authors: Wen Xiaoquan
Published: December 2013

Motivated by examples from genetic association studies, this article considers the model selection problem in a general complex linear model system and in a Bayesian framework. We discuss formulating model selection problems and incorporating context‐dependenta prioriinformation through different levels of prior specifications. We also derive analytic Bayes factors and their approximations to facilitate model selection and discuss their theoretical and computational properties. We demonstrate our Bayesian approach based on an implemented Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithm in simulations and a real data application of mapping tissue‐specific eQTLs. Our novel results on Bayes factors provide a general framework to perform efficient model comparisons in complex linear model systems.
Failure of further learning: Activities, structure, and meaning
Authors: Fritz Catherine O. , Morris Peter E. , Reid Barbara , Aghdassi Roya , Naven Claire E.
Published: December 2013

Previous research has shown that little benefit is achieved through spaced study and recall of text passages after the first recall attempt, an effect that we term the failure‐of‐further‐learning. We hypothesized that the effect occurs because a situation model of the text's gist is formed when the text is first comprehended and is consolidated when recalled; it dominates later recall after verbatim memories of more recent study episodes have been lost. Experiments 1 and 2 attempted to circumvent the effect by varying the activities of participants and requiring interactive exploration. In both experiments, recall after four, weekly sessions showed little benefit beyond performance on the first recall. Experiment 3 interfered with the formation of an immediate situation model by introducing passages that were hard to comprehend without a title. Performance improved substantially across four sessions when titles were not supplied, but the standard effect was replicated when titles were given. Experiment 4 made verbatim memories available by incorporating all re‐presentations and tests into one session; as predicted, recall improved over successive tests.
Cytokines and Chemokines in Neuromyelitis Optica: Pathogenetic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors: Uzawa Akiyuki , Masahiro Mori , Kuwabara Satoshi
Published: December 2013

Neuromyelitis optica (NMO) is characterized by severe optic neuritis and longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. The discovery of an NMO‐specific autoantibody to the aquaporin‐4 (AQP4) water channel has improved knowledge of NMO pathogenesis. Many studies have focused on inflammatory and pathological biomarkers of NMO, including cytokines and chemokines. Increased concentrations of T helper (Th)17‐ and Th2‐related cytokines and chemokines may be essential factors for developing NMO inflammatory lesions. For example, interleukin‐6 could play important roles in NMO pathogenesis, as it is involved in the survival of plasmablasts that produce anti‐AQP4 antibody in peripheral circulation and in the enhancement of inflammation in the central nervous system. Therefore, assessment of these useful biomarkers may become a supportive criterion for diagnosing NMO. Significant advances in the understanding of NMO pathogenesis will lead to the development of novel treatment strategies. This review focuses on the current advances in NMO immunological research, particularly that of cytokines and chemokines.
The influence of foetal prednisone exposure on the cortisol levels in the offspring
Authors: de Steenwinkel Florentien D. O. , Hokken‐Koelega Anita C. S. , Hazes Johanna M. W. , Dolhain Radboud J. E. M.
Published: December 2013

Objective

Pregnant women suffering from autoimmune disease use glucocorticoids. Glucocorticoids can partly diffuse to the foetus and may influence the development of the foetal hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal axis, especially in early stage of pregnancy. The objective was to investigate whether prednisone exposure in utero influences the cortisol levels of the prepubertal children.

Design

Mothers participated in a prospective cohort study on rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and pregnancy. Children were exposed (n = 44) or nonexposed (n = 65) to prednisone in utero. Salivary cortisol levels were taken from all children during 1 day: at awakening, 30 min after awakening, 1 p.m. and bedtime. Cortisol levels between groups were also analysed using area under the curve (AUC), cortisol awakening response (CAR) and slope.

Results

The mean age (SD) of the children was 6·98 (1·23). The difference in mean (SD) cortisol level at ‘1 p.m.’ was 5·42 nm (4·08) in the prednisone‐exposed and 3·97 nm (4·00) in the nonexposed (P = 0·03). Prednisone‐exposed children had a higher AUC (β = 13·28; P = 0·02), even after correction for RA disease activity. No differences were found on CAR, slope or blood pressure. The cortisol levels of the nonexposed were more similar to the age‐specific references than the prednisone‐exposed.

Conclusion

Prednisone use during pregnancy is associated with a higher daytime cortisol level, in the prepubertal offspring, not yet accompanied with clinical outcomes. This conclusion will have no consequences at this moment, but it does raise questions concerning prednisone exposure in utero and the long‐term consequences for the offspring.
The role of colorants in the generation, storage, and output of digital still images
Authors: Kazlauciunas Algy
Published: December 2013

The purpose of this review is to highlight the important role that dye and pigment colorants play in the areas of image generation, image storage, and image output with respect to digital still images. Colorants in the form of dyes and pigments play an integral part in the digital still imaging process, from the initial conversion of the original greyscale image into a full‐colour RGB additive image, followed by electronic image storage, and finally to hard‐copy output via non‐impact printing technologies such as inkjet and thermal dye transfer. In addition, both dyes and pigments are also utilised for image generation in the fast‐developing world of electronic paper display technologies. Dyes and pigments were the mainstay of many of the early analogue photographic processes in the areas of image capture and image reproduction, and this review sets out to show that, in the new age of digital imaging, this situation is still prevalent.
Using the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire to identify obstructive sleep apnea syndrome in a sleep clinic population
Authors: Westerlund Anna , Brandt Lena , Harlid Richard , Åkerstedt Torbjörn , Trolle Lagerros Ylva
Published: December 2013

Introduction

In Scandinavia, portable monitoring has virtually replaced standard polysomnography for diagnosis of obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Because waiting times for specialized OSAS care remain long, an accurate screening tool to exclude low‐risk patients from diagnostic testing would be valuable.

Objectives

To examine the diagnostic accuracy of the Karolinska Sleep Questionnaire (KSQ) for OSAS.

Methods

Consecutive patients, 30–66 years old, attending a large sleep clinic in Sweden for OSAS evaluation completed the KSQ and underwent in‐home portable monitoring and medical history evaluation. OSAS was defined as apnea‐hypopnea index ≥5 with symptoms of disease. We calculated sensitivity and specificity of apnea/snoring and sleepiness indices of the KSQ. Retrospectively, we combined six KSQ items (snoring, breathing cessations, disturbed sleep, etc.) and four clinical variables (age, sex, body mass index, smoking status) predictive of OSAS into a new instrument, which we also evaluated. Instrument score ranged between 0 and 21; a higher score indicated more severe symptoms.

Results

Of 103 patients, 62 were diagnosed with OSAS. Sensitivity and specificity of the indices were 0.56 and 0.68 (apnea/snoring), and 0.37 and 0.71 (sleepiness). The new instrument performed optimally at a score of 9. Sensitivity was 0.76 (95% confidence interval 0.63–0.86) and specificity 0.88 (0.74–0.96). Between 19.4% and 50.5% of patients were unaware of having apnea/snoring symptoms.

Conclusions

Diagnostic accuracy of the apnea/snoring and sleepiness indices for OSAS was poor but could be improved by combining clinical and KSQ items. The usefulness of the apnea/snoring index and the combined instrument was questionable because of extensive symptom unawareness.
Hypovitaminosis D in patients with cystic fibrosis: a cross‐section study in South Brazil
Authors: Marcondes Natália Aydos , Raimundo Fabiana Viegas , Vanacor Roberta , Corte Bruno Pellini , Ascoli Aline Maria , de Azambuja Aline Zimmermann , Scopel Luciano , dos Santos Patrícia Vargas , Dalcin Paulo de Tarso Roth , Rotta Liane Nanci , Furlanetto Tania Weber , Faulhaber Gustavo Adolpho Moreira
Published: December 2013

Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) patients have a susceptibility to vitamin D deficiency because of nutrient malabsorption.

Objectives

To evaluate the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D in CF patients and the factors associated with serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels.

Methods

We evaluated the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency defined as 25‐hydroxyvitamin D <30 ng/mL, as suggested recently by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, and factors associated with its serum levels. Patients with confirmed CF were included. Nutritional status and hospital admissions were evaluated. Serum C‐reactive protein, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, albumin, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D and parathyroid hormone levels were measured. Lung function was evaluated by spirometry, and clinical and chest radiographic scores were assessed. Statistical significance level was set at P < 0.05.

Results

Fifty‐nine patients were included. Prevalence of hypovitaminosis D was 61%. Patients with pancreatic insufficiency had a trend to have higher vitamin D levels. Sixteen patients had severe lung disease with percentage of forced expiratory volume in 1 s predicted below 40%. After multivariate analysis, body mass index and hospitalization in the last month remained significantly associated with serum vitamin D levels.

Conclusions

Vitamin D insufficiency is still a problem in CF patients, even in those receiving supplementation.
Temporal changes in artificial light exposure of marine turtle nesting areas
Authors: Kamrowski Ruth L. , Limpus Col , Jones Rhondda , Anderson Sharolyn , Hamann Mark
Published: December 2013

Artificial light at night poses a significant threat to multiple taxa across the globe. In coastal regions, artificial lighting close to marine turtle nesting beaches is disruptive to their breeding success. Prioritizing effective management of light pollution requires an understanding of how the light exposure of nesting areas changes over time in response to changing temporal and spatial distributions of coastal development. We analyzed multitemporal, satellite night‐light data, in combination with linear mixed model analysis, to determine broadscale changes in artificial light exposure at Australian marine turtle nesting areas between 1993 and 2010. We found seven marine turtle management units (MU), from five species, have experienced significant increases in light exposure over time, with flatback turtles nesting in east Australia experiencing the fastest increases. The remaining 12 MUs showed no significant change in light exposure. Unchanging MUs included those previously identified as having high exposure to light pollution (located in western Australia and southern Queensland), indicating that turtles in these areas have been potentially exposed to high light levels since at least the early nineties. At a finer geographic scale (within‐MU), nine MUs contained nesting areas with significant increases in light exposure. These nesting areas predominantly occurred close to heavily industrialized coastal areas, thus emphasizing the importance of rigorous light management in industry. Within all MUs, nesting areas existed where light levels were extremely low and/or had not significantly increased since 1993. With continued coastal development, nesting females may shift to these darker/unchanging ‘buffer’ areas in the future. This is valuable information that informs our understanding of the capacity and resilience of marine turtles faced with coastal development: an understanding that is essential for effective marine turtle conservation.
The Plateau in U.S. Women's Labor Force Participation: A Cohort Analysis
Authors: Lee Jin Young
Published: December 2013

After going up steadily for the last century, the female labor force participation (FLFP) rate in the United States suddenly leveled off in the early 1990s. Using March Current Population Survey data, I find that the FLFP stopped rising for birth cohorts from the 1950s on. My shift‐share analyses show that both the plateau and the earlier upward trend in FLFP appeared within almost every category broken down by education, marital status, and child‐rearing.
Temporary Help Work: Earnings, Wages, and Multiple Job Holding*
Authors: Hamersma Sarah , Heinrich Carolyn , Mueser Peter
Published: December 2013

Temporary help services (THS) employment has been growing in size, particularly among disadvantaged workers. An extended policy debate focuses on the low earnings, limited benefits, and insecurity that such jobs appear to provide. We investigate the earnings and wage differentials observed between THS and other jobs in a sample of disadvantaged workers. We find lower quarterly earnings at THS jobs but a $1 per hour wage premium. We reconcile these findings in terms of the shorter duration and lower hours worked at THS jobs. We interpret the premium as a compensating wage differential.
The recovery programme for the Regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia: an example of conservation collaboration in Australia
Authors: Liu S. C. , Gillespie J. , Atchison N. , Andrew P.
Published: December 2013

The Regent honeyeater Anthochaera phrygia is a Critically Endangered meliphagid endemic to the temperate forests of south‐eastern Australia. The species has been the subject of a national recovery effort for the past two decades. Recovery has evolved into a collaboration involving zoo professionals, wildlife agencies, non‐government organizations and local communities. This paper describes the zoo component of the recovery effort, from preparatory work on analogue species through to the release of captive‐bred birds from the regionally managed zoo population. Husbandry and breeding techniques, acclimatization and release protocols, and institutional involvement in broader community awareness are described. Key to the progress made to date has been a functional and representative Recovery Team, the allocation of each task (along with responsibility for both implementation and funding) to the most appropriate organization, and an evolving strategy that has responded quickly to perceived needs and achievable goals.
Rearing the Extinct in the Wild Alagoas curassow Pauxi mitu for future reintroduction programmes
Authors: de Avelar Azeredo R. M. , Simpson J. G. P.
Published: December 2013

The Alagoas curassow Pauxi mitu (Linnaeus, 1766), Crax mitu and Mitu mitu at different periods in the past, has been considered Extinct in the Wild since 1979. Endemic from a specific region in the north‐eastern states of Alagoas and Pernambuco, Brazil, this bird was locally extinct mainly as a result of loss of habitat caused by the sugar and alcohol industry. Nowadays this same industry helps to preserve the last remaining areas of original native forest, in preparation for the reintroduction of the Alagoas curassow, which may occur within 3 years. Briefly, this article describes the work being carried out by CRAX Brazil, a non‐profit non‐governmental organization, on the captive breeding of P. mitu for reintroduction purposes, and demonstrates how a persistent joint effort by several cooperating parties can help to take a seriously threatened avian species away from the immediate risk of total extinction.
Nate Silver
Authors: Champkin Julian , Oliver Alison
Published: December 2013

Statistics will be the sexy profession of the next ten years. Hal Varian of Google said it, and it has become a cliché. Significance has been going for ten years, and in that time one man has made the prediction come true. Julian Champkin and Alison Oliver talked to Nate Silver.
Extremely obese children respond better than extremely obese adolescents to lifestyle interventions
Authors: Knop C. , Singer V. , Uysal Y. , Schaefer A. , Wolters B. , Reinehr T.
Published: December 2013

What is already known about this subject

Lifestyle intervention is regarded as therapy of choice in obese children and adolescents.

It is unclear whether extremely obese children and adolescents respond to lifestyle intervention.

What this study adds

Extremely obese children respond better than obese children to a lifestyle intervention.

In contrast, most extremely obese adolescents achieved no weight loss in lifestyle intervention suggesting that other treatment approaches are needed for them.

Background

There are conflicting results of treating extreme obesity in childhood by lifestyle interventions in the literature.

Methods

We analysed the outcome of a 1‐year lifestyle intervention in an intention‐to‐treat approach in 1291 children (mean age 11.0 ± 2.5 years, mean body mass index [BMI] 27.5 ± 4.7 kg m−2, 55.8% female, 62.4% obese, 37.6% extremely obese (defined by BMI‐SDS >2.3) at end of intervention and 1 year later.

Results

The mean BMI‐SDS reduction was −0.20 ± 0.32 at end of intervention and −0.14 ± 0.37 1 year after end of intervention compared to baseline (comparing intervention vs. 1 year later P = 0.010). Extremely obese children ≤10 years demonstrated a significantly greater BMI‐SDS reduction than obese children ≤10 years (−0.24 ± 0.38 vs. −0.16 ± 0.38, P = 0.021). Extremely obese adolescents >10 years demonstrated a significantly lower BMI‐SDS reduction compared to obese adolescents >10 years (−0.05 ± 0.30 vs. −0.15 ± 0.39, P < 0.001). Comparing the BMI‐SDS reduction between obese children <10 years and >10 years revealed no significant difference (P = 0.195) in contrast to the comparison between extremely obese children <10 years and >10 years (P < 0.001). The same findings were observed in the follow‐up period after the end of intervention.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrated an encouraging effect of lifestyle intervention in extremely obese children ≤10 years at the end of intervention and 1 year later, but only a limited effect in extremely obese adolescents >10 years.
Recommendations Abstracted from the American Geriatrics Society Consensus Statement on Vitamin D for Prevention of Falls and Their Consequences
Authors:   American Geriatrics Society Workgroup on Vitamin D Supplementation for Older Adults
Published: December 2013

The goal of this Consensus Statement is to help primary care practitioners achieve adequate vitamin D intake from all sources in their older patients, with the goal of reducing falls and fall‐related injuries. The workgroup graded the quality of evidence and assigned an evidence level using established criteria. Based on the evidence for fall and fracture reduction in the clinical trials of older community‐dwelling and institutionalized persons and metaanalyses, the workgroup concluded that a serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration of 30 ng/mL (75 nmol/L) should be a minimum goal to achieve in older adults, particularly in frail adults, who are at higher risk of falls, injuries, and fractures. The workgroup concluded that the goal—to reduce fall injuries related to low vitamin D status—could be achieved safely and would not require practitioners to measure serum 25(OH)D concentrations in older adults in the absence of underlying conditions that increase the risk of hypercalcemia (e.g., advanced renal disease, certain malignancies, sarcoidosis).
A rare case of simple syndactyly in a puppy
Authors: Macrì F. , Ciotola F. , Rapisarda G. , Lanteri G. , Albarella S. , Aiudi G. , Liotta L. , Marino F.
Published: December 2013

A case of non‐syndromic, complete syndactyly involving all four limbs is described in a three‐month‐old male crossbreed dog for the first time. Syndactyly is a rare condition in most animal species, in dogs it has been infrequently reported. Findings of clinical, radiographic and cytogenetic analyses are described and demonstrate probably for the first time that numerical and structural chromosome aberrations are not involved in the pathogenesis of this case of syndactyly.
Serum C‐Reactive Protein as a Diagnostic Biomarker in Dogs with Bacterial Respiratory Diseases
Authors: Viitanen S.J. , Laurila H.P. , Lilja‐Maula L.I. , Melamies M.A. , Rantala M. , Rajamäki M.M.
Published: December 2013

Background

C‐reactive protein (CRP) is a major acute‐phase protein in dogs. Serum concentrations are low in healthy animals, but increase rapidly after inflammatory stimuli.

Objective

The aim of the study was to investigate CRP concentrations in various respiratory diseases of dogs and to determine if CRP can be used as a biomarker in the diagnosis of bacterial respiratory diseases.

Animals

A total of 106 privately owned dogs with respiratory diseases (17 with bacterial tracheobronchitis [BTB], 20 with chronic bronchitis [CB], 20 with eosinophilic bronchopneumopathy [EBP], 12 with canine idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis [CIPF], 15 with cardiogenic pulmonary edema [CPE], and 22 with bacterial pneumonia [BP]) and 72 healthy controls.

Methods

The study was conducted as a prospective cross‐sectional observational study. CRP was measured in serum samples. Diagnosis was confirmed by clinical and laboratory findings, diagnostic imaging, and selected diagnostic methods such as cytological and microbiological analysis of respiratory samples, echocardiography, and histopathology.

Results

Dogs with BP had significantly higher CRP concentrations (median, 121 mg/L; interquartile range, 68–178 mg/L) than dogs with BTB (23, 15–38, P = .0003), CB (13, 8–14, P < .0001), EBP (5, 5–15, P < .0001), CIPF (17, 10–20, P < .0001), or CPE (19, 13–32, P < .0001) and healthy controls (14, 8–20, P < .0001). Dogs with BTB had significantly higher CRP concentrations than dogs with CB (P = .001) or EBP (P < .0001) and healthy controls (P = .029).

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

These results indicate that CRP has potential for use as an additional biomarker, especially in the diagnostics of BP.
A republican defence of the constitutional referendum
Authors: Daly Eoin
Published: December 2013

The constitutional referendum is often conceptualised as the ultimate institutional expression of popular sovereignty. However, ‘direct democracy’ is viewed apprehensively by many political and legal theorists, particularly republican scholars. They argue that referendums risk engendering a dangerous ‘populism’ while detracting from the deliberative and moderating virtues of parliamentary democracy. In this paper, I defend the political value of the constitutional referendum from within republican theory, arguing that there is a misplaced focus on parliamentary supremacy within much of the literature on ‘political constitutionalism’. However, I argue it should be valued neither as a mechanism for giving expression to popular will, nor as an intervention by the mythologised ‘constituent power’ – or indeed,contraTierney, as a ‘sovereign’ exercise in any sense. Rather, it has two main, overlapping virtues: first, its role in facilitating the contestation and checking of executive power in the area of constitutional change, and secondly, its instrumental role in fostering a wider culture of civic participation.
The feasibility of combined transcatheter arterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Cho Ju‐Yeon , Paik Yong‐Han , Park Hee Chul , Yu Jeong Il , Sohn Won , Gwak Geum‐Youn , Choi Moon Seok , Lee Joon Hyeok , Koh Kwang Cheol , Paik Seung Woon , Yoo Byung Chul
Published: December 2013

Background & Aims

Sorafenib is regarded as the standard treatment of care in Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C patients. However, the modest overall survival (OS) and disease control rate warrants for a better treatment modality. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiotherapy (TACE+RT) in comparison with sorafenib for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).

Methods and Materials

From 2007 to 2011, a total of 116 patients with locally advanced HCC were retrospectively enrolled. Sixty‐seven patients treated with TACE+RT were compared with 49 patients treated with sorafenib. Propensity score matching generated a matched cohort composed of 27 patients from each group. OS was the primary endpoint for the analysis.

Results

At baseline, the sorafenib group had a tendency for a tumour size ≥10 cm, presence of lymph node metastasis and main portal vein tumour thrombosis compared to the TACE+RT group. The OS in the TACE+RT group was significantly longer compared to the sorafenib group (14.1 months vs. 3.3 months, P < 0.001). In the propensity score‐matched cohort, baseline characteristics did not differ between the two groups. The TACE+RT group showed prolonged OS compared to the sorafenib group (6.7 months vs. 3.1 months, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis revealed that TACE+RT was the only independent prognostic factor associated with survival in the propensity score‐matched cohort (HR = 0.172, P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The OS of TACE+RT was longer compared to sorafenib treatment in locally advanced HCC patients without distant metastasis. Further prospective studies are warranted to confirm these findings.
Fine‐scale diversity and distribution of ectomycorrhizal fungal mycelium in a Scots pine forest
Authors: Anderson Ian C. , Genney David R. , Alexander Ian J.
Published: December 2013

Ectomycorrhizal (ECM) mycelium is a key component of the ectomycorrhizal symbiosis, yet we know little regarding the fine‐scale diversity and distribution of mycelium in ECM fungal communities.

We collected four 20 × 20 × 2‐cm3 (800‐cm3) slices of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) forest soil and divided each into 100 2 × 2 × 2‐cm3 (8‐cm3) cubes. The presence of mycelium of ECM fungi was determined using an internal transcribed spacer (ITS) database terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T‐RFLP) approach.

As expected, many more ECM fungi were detected as mycelium than as ectomycorrhizas in a cube or slice. More surprisingly, up to one‐quarter of the 43 species previously detected as ectomycorrhizas over an area of 400 m2 could be detected in a single 8‐cm3 cube, and up to three‐quarters in a single 800‐cm3 slice. ECM mycelium frequency decreased markedly with depth and there were distinct ‘hotspots’ of mycelium in the moss/F1 layer.

Our data demonstrate a high diversity of ECM mycelium in a small (8‐cm3) volume of substrate, and indicate that the spatial scale at which ECM species are distributed as mycelium may be very different from the spatial scale at which they are distributed as tips.
Inorganic Nutrient Supplements Constrain Restoration Potential of Seedlings of the Seagrass, Posidonia australis
Authors: Statton John , Kendrick Gary A. , Dixon Kingsley W. , Cambridge Marion L.
Published: December 2013

Seed represents a potentially ecologically sustainable source of planting units for restoring seagrasses, particularly for seagrasses where transplanting negatively impacts donor beds. However, newly germinated seeds may be nutrient limited as their underdeveloped root systems may constrain capacity to access sediment‐based resources. We conducted a study in land‐based aquaculture tanks to determine whether early growth of newly germinated Posidonia australis seedlings could be enhanced by adding inorganic nutrients to the sediment. Sediments were supplemented with nitrogen and phosphorus in a factorial design (no nutrients, N, P, N + P). Shoot survival, whole shoot biomass, root morphology, root architecture, and nutrient concentration of seedlings were assessed monthly for the first 4 months after germination. More than 90% of seedlings survived during the 4 months of the experiment, irrespective of nutrient treatment. Growth of P. australis seedlings was not enhanced by addition of N or P to the sediment despite nutrient uptake occurring. Seedling growth was found to be more dependent on seed nutrient reserves rather than external nutrient sources for at least the first 4 months after germination. Adding inorganic nutrients to the sediment also significantly reduced the development of the seedling root system in terms of biomass, length, and density of lateral root branches. This study demonstrated that inorganic nutrient supplements constrain root development and therefore capacity for successful anchorage of seagrass seedlings, and pose a significant limitation on seedling establishment when transferred to the field, as well as potentially limiting natural and transplanted seedling establishment in eutrophic sediments.
Pressure or Information? Lobbying for Binding Renewable Energy Targets in theEuropeanUnion
Authors: Gullberg Anne Therese
Published: December 2013

This article analyzes theEuropean renewable energy industry's capacity for pressure‐based and information‐based lobbying and its strategies in two lobbying efforts: for a legally binding target of 20 percent renewable energy by 2020 (a proposal adopted by theEuropeanCouncil inMarch 2007) and for binding interim targets as a means to secure effective implementation of the 2020 target (a proposal that was not adopted). It finds that the industry has the capacity for information‐based lobbying but very limited capacity for pressure‐based lobbying. The article also discusses the effectiveness of the two lobbying types. It argues that information‐based lobbying is particularly effective early in the decision‐making process, and hypothesizes that early information‐based lobbying may compensate for limited capacity for pressure‐based lobbying and for information‐based lobbying that takes place later in the decision‐making process, but concludes that this strategy would have been unlikely to be effective in the second case.
The Inclusion of Nonsafety Criteria within the Regulatory Framework of Agricultural Biotechnology: Exploring Factors that Are Likely to Influence Policy Transfer
Authors: Marcoux Jean‐Michel , Gomez Olga Carolina Cardenas , Létourneau Lyne
Published: December 2013

Policy makers of various countries are exposed to critiques that call for the consideration of issues that transcend human, animal, and environmental safety concerns when assessing agricultural biotechnology products. While some jurisdictions have decided to broaden the scope of their approval process for genetically modified (GM) foods, this paper analyzes legal, political, and economic factors that can influence the transfer of these initiatives. Drawing on mechanisms presented in the policy transfer literature, this article examines their mixed effects pertaining to the regulation of biotechnology. Although the mechanisms ofcompetitionandcoerciondo not preclude such a possibility, one must admit that they do not create any incentives for policy makers to include nonsafety criteria within biotechnology regulations. By contrast, to varying degrees, the mechanisms ofmimicryandlearningcan foster the transfer of such a broadened scope that allows a better assessment ofGMfoods' social acceptability.
Computationally Efficient Reliability Analysis of Mechanisms Based on a Multiplicative Dimensional Reduction Method
Authors: Zhang Xufang , Pandey Mahesh D. , Zhang Yimin
Published: December 2013

The paper presents a computationally efficient method for system reliability analysis of mechanisms. The reliability is defined as the probability that the output error remains within a specified limit in the entire target trajectory of the mechanism. This mechanism reliability problem is formulated as a series system reliability analysis that can be solved using the distribution of maximum output error. The extreme event distribution is derived using the principle maximum entropy (MaxEnt) along with the constraints specified in terms of fractional moments. To optimize the computation of fractional moments of a multivariate response function, a multiplicative form of dimensional reduction method (M-DRM) is developed. The main benefit of the proposed approach is that it provides full probability distribution of the maximal output error from a very few evaluations of the trajectory of mechanism. The proposed method is illustrated by analyzing the system reliability analysis of two planar mechanisms. Examples presented in the paper show that the results of the proposed method are fairly accurate as compared with the benchmark results obtained from the Monte Carlo simulations.
Core Muscle Strengthening’s Improvement of Balance Performance in Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A Pilot Study
Authors: Kahle Nicole , Tevald Michael A.
Published: December 2013

To determine the effect of core muscle strengthening on balance in community-dwelling older adults, 24 healthy men and women between 65 and 85 years old were randomized to either exercise (EX; n = 12) or control (CON; n = 12) groups. The exercise group performed a core strengthening home exercise program thrice weekly for 6 wk. Core muscle (curl-up test), functional reach (FR) and Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) were assessed at baseline and follow-up. There were no group differences at baseline. At follow-up, EX exhibited significantly greater improvements in curl-up (Cohen’s d = 4.4), FR (1.3), and SEBT (>1.9 for all directions) than CON. The change in curl-up was significantly correlated with the change in FR (r = .44, p = .03) and SEBT (r > .61, p ≤ .002). These results suggest that core strengthening should be part of a comprehensive balance-training program for older adults.
A teenager with lumbar striae distensae (when a bruise is not a bruise)
Authors: Elshimy Noha , Gandhi Anjum
Published: December 2013

A 14-year-old boy was referred to a paediatric clinic after a recent diagnosis of coeliac disease, which was well controlled on a gluten-free diet. During the consultation, the mother raised concerns regarding marks that had developed over her son's back over the past 6 months. On examination, a number of horizontal, coloured bruise-like marks were noted over the lower back. The appearance was suspicious of bruising and possible non-accidental injury, although a history of trauma or injury was denied. Blood tests including a coagulation screen were arranged which were normal and the patient was followed up twice during a 6-month period. He remained well but the bruising was persistent. It was concluded that these were striae associated with pubertal growth. This case summarises the importance of careful surveillance of bruising in children and illustrates the association between striae and pubertal growth which may be confused with non-accidental injury.
SELF-ORGANIZED COLLECTIVE CRYSTAL-LIKE FORMATIONS OF THE ATTRACTIVE/REPULSIVE SWARMING SYSTEM
Authors: TIAN WEN-QIANG , GAO DAN , WANG YING-GUAN
Published: December 2013

In this paper, an adaptive attractive/repulsive (A/R) swarming model is proposed to explore the role of self-organized formation in swarming systems. By defining the adjustable A/R range γi, which is affected by the localized steady state of agents, the standard collective crystal-like swarming formations are straightforwardly unfolded in different scale. Meanwhile, with numerical simulations and analyses, the results show that the adaptive A/R swarming model provides an effective solution to the current existing dilemma of the collective liquid-like formation with unexpected neighbor distances and the split crystal-like formation. The actual neighbor distance of the adaptive A/R model could converge to the expected neighbor distance as planned, based on the different settings of the expected neighbor distance and the A/R range. Moreover, such adjustable A/R swarming formations may find their potential applications such as the formation of self-organized multi-robots and unmanned aerial vehicles, the automatic networking of sensors, etc.
ERROR ASSESSMENT IN MODELING WITH FRACTAL BROWNIAN MOTIONS
Authors: QIAO BINGQIANG , LIU SIMING
Published: December 2013

To model a given time series F(t) with fractal Brownian motions (fBms), it is necessary to have appropriate error assessment for related quantities. Usually the fractal dimension D is derived from the Hurst exponent H via the relation D = 2-H, and the Hurst exponent can be evaluated by analyzing the dependence of the rescaled range 〈|F(t + τ) - F(t)|〉 on the time span τ. For fBms, the error of the rescaled range not only depends on data sampling but also varies with H due to the presence of long term memory. This error for a given time series then can not be assessed without knowing the fractal dimension. We carry out extensive numerical simulations to explore the error of rescaled range of fBms and find that for 0 < H < 0.5, |F(t + τ) - F(t)| can be treated as independent for time spans without overlap; for 0.5 < H < 1, the long term memory makes |F(t + τ) - F(t)| correlated and an approximate method is given to evaluate the error of 〈|F(t + τ) - F(t)|〉. The error and fractal dimension can then be determined self-consistently in the modeling of a time series with fBms.
Phototoxic effects of pyropheophorbide-a from chlorophyll-a on cervical cancer cells
Authors: Chaturvedi Pankaj Kumar , Kim Yong-Wan , Kim Sang Soo , Ahn Woong Shick
Published: December 2013

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising modality in both the curative and palliative treatment against a variety of experimental and naturally occurring human cancers. At present, chlorophyll a derivatives are extensively used for the synthesis of photosensitizers (PSs) for PDT of tumors. In the present study, chlorophyll-a was extracted from the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis by refluxing with acetone. The extract was further acid treated to obtain methylpheophorbide-a (MPa), which was then refluxed in collidine and methylpyropheophorbide-a (Mppa) was obtained. After that, Mppa was converted to pyropheophorbide-a (Ppa) by treatment with 50% sulfuric acid. Finally, phototoxicity and dark toxicity of purified Ppa in two different cell lines, TC-1 and CaSki, were examined by MTT assay. The results suggest that Ppa is more toxic to TC-1 cell line than CaSki cell line. In vivo, the photosensitizing efficiency of Ppa was also higher than those of unloaded PS. These results indicate the potential of Ppa in PDT.
From Geneva to Sion across the Nappes in 1909: alpine geology then and now
Authors: Collett Leon W.
Published: December 2013

This is the relation of a geological tour in the Alps led by the author, in which three young Edinburgh geologists took part. Their goal was to see, on the spot, evidences of thrusting. From Geneva to Sion they crossed two Nappes of the Pre-alps and three Nappes of the High Calcareous Alps.

The party travelled light on foot, with a porter called Cola, a chamois hunter. They visited the Savoy Alps between the Lake of Geneva and the Giffre river. They climbed Mont Buet and went to Les Granges de Salvan, a small summer resort, where by good luck they met Professor James Geikie. Then the party went on to Salanfe, a splendid corrie at the foot of the Dents du Midi. They studied the core of the Morcles Nappe in the great wall of the Tour Sallière. At Anzeindaz, on the southern side of the Diablerets, they spent several days, waiting for good weather to illuminate a splendid phenomenon: three Nappes overriding one another. Sections given in the text enable the reader to grasp the differences in the ‶Geology″ as known then and now. Anecdotes cheer up the text.
Glacial phenomena of the West Linton - Dolphinton area
Authors: Eckford Robert J.A.
Published: December 2013

Attention is focussed mainly on the investigation of melt-water drainage features of the last ice sheet that invaded the district. A few of the spillways are so placed topographically that they appear to supply a clue as to the direction of recession of that ice mass.

Some previous investigators have inferred that the last ice invasion of the region was due to Southern Upland ice; this was based on the large amount of Southern Upland and other material derived from the south and south-west, found in the sand and gravel deposits of adjacent regions of Lanarkshire and Midlothian. Other workers, having recognised that a small proportion of the stones in the sand and gravel deposits are of Highland origin, inferred that a re-advance of ice from the Grampian area extended into the Pentland Hills district. The evidence recorded in the present paper appears to support the view that the last ice to invade the district under review came from the south and south-west and was thus of Southern Upland origin.

As the boulder clay with overlying drift that was left by an earlier Highland ice sheet shows very few clear sections within the district, the description of these deposits is, therefore, short, but a more detailed account is furnished of the distribution and contents of the conspicuous sand and gravel accumulations that are superimposed on the Highland drift.
The Potash Ankaratrite-Meleleucocitite Lavas of Nabagando and Mbuga Craters, south-west Uganda
Authors: Holmes Arthur
Published: December 2013

The Katwe-Kikorongo volcanic field, near Ruwenzori in the Western Rift of Africa, is morphologically a typical area of tuffs and multiple explosion vents. The ejectamenta include rocks and minerals derived from (
a
) highly cafemic and potassic volcanic materials; (
b
) biotite-pyroxenite and related cognate sub-volcanic types; and (
c
) the crustal materials through which the vents were drilled. Only four small occurrences of lava flows are known, discovered by the late A. D. Combe in the walls of Nabugando and Mbuga craters. One of these, a truncated pile of at least six flows, is thought to represent the infilling of a deep vent in a tuff-cone now largely destroyed by explosions. The others are the truncated remnants of flows that were probably erupted from the flanks of the same volcano. The lavas and the corresponding ejected blocks are classified as potash ankaratrites (containing potash-rich nepheline), leucite-ankaratrites and melaleucitites, all of which are rich in pyroxenes and black ores; further subdivision is based on the presence or absence of phenocrysts of olivine and/or perovskite. The lavas are briefly described by reference to the twelve types so distinguished. Fourteen chemical analyses of these rocks are presented, twelve of them being new, together with several additional alkali determinations. Following up a hypothesis already proposed to account for the mode of origin and peculiar composition of katungite (a potash-rich melilite-olivine volcanic rock), it is suggested that the silica and alk-aluminous constituents of the volcanic and sub-volcanic products were provided by sialic crustal rocks such as granite (G) and that the cafemic constituents and TiO
2
(C) were introduced by a carbonatite fluid. Reactions between the latter and, say, granite are considered to have generated biotite-pyroxenite (B.P.) and the magmas of potash ankaratrite and its associates (KA), together with vast quantities of highly compressed gases (mainly CO
2
) which would be available for the explosive work of crustal perforation and tuff formation. The hypothesis, which can be qualitatively expressed as KA+B.P.=G+C, is shown to be quantitatively reasonable and geochemically adequate.
Metamorphism in the Moine Nappe of northern Scotland
Authors: MacGregor Archibald G.
Published: December 2013

The paper summarizes current hypotheses regarding Moine metamorphism, assesses their validity, and presents a metamorphic synthesis based on existing evidence and on new observations and inferences. The writer adopts the hypothesis of thermal zoning falling in grade westwards from a SSW-NNE belt of migmatisation. Migmatisation, thermal zoning and folding are regarded as penecontemporaneous and of early Caledonian age. Late-Caledonian movement along the Moine Thrust-plane is supposed to have taken place while the Moines were still hot, zonal temperatures being carried westwards in the Moine Nappe. Dislocation-metamorphism east of the outcrop of the Moine Thrust is thus regarded as high-grade, the operative temperatures not being lower than those of the Garnet Zone. Retrograde dislocation-metamorphism is believed to be restricted to the immediate vicinity of cold rocks below the Moine Thrust. Evidence is also presented of the equivalence of Moine and Sub-Moine sedimentary rocks, in Sutherland and Morar respectively.
Metamorphism and migmatisation in the Ythan Valley, Aberdeenshire
Authors: Read Herbert H.
Published: December 2013

Old and new information is collated concerning the progressive metamorphic and migmatitic series from slate through knotted phyllite, andalusite-cordierite-schist, cordierite-sillimanite-gneiss to permeation-gneiss and finally migmatitic gneiss developed in the Ythan Valley. This series, the result of regional thermal metamorphism culminating in migmatisation, constitutes the Buchan Type of plutonic series. It differs from the classic Barrovian metamorphic zones and the Cromar Type of migmatite developed in regions farther south in that temperature control is dominant and so-called antistress minerals have a regional distribution.
Anomalous excavations in the radials of
Hydreinocrinus parkinsoni
Wright
Authors: Wright James
Published: December 2013

Recent discovery of two cups and re-examination of the holotype of
Hydreionocrinus parkinsoni
Wright indicate that the radials of this species differ from any known Inadunate crinoid in having large excavations in the middle of their distal faces. In shape these are more or less like an inverted horse-shoe but the symmetry of the curve is usually broken by a tongue-like projection, and in one case by two projections. Much smaller excavations are also noticeable at one side on the left of the large excavations. The significance of these excavations is not known, but it has been suggested that they may be parasitic in origin.
A re-investigation of the Steall area, Upper Glen Nevis
Authors: Johnstone George Scott
Published: December 2013

The outcrop of the Glencoe Quartzite near Steall is extremely sinuous, and published sections across the area show the Quartzite to be recumbently folded. An examination of the attitude of the current-bedding within the Quartzite has shown that a hypothesis based solely on recumbent folding is untenable. The folds of the Glencoe Quartzite are now thought to be accompanied by slides, and an excellent exposure is described in which one such slide can be seen to truncate successive beds of Quartzite.