bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antioxidant capacities of fractionated barley hordein hydrolysates in relation to peptide structures
Authors: Bamdad Fatemeh , Chen Lingyun
Published: January 2013

Scope

This study has revealed strong antioxidant activities of barley hordein hydrolysate fractions and investigated the relationships between antioxidant properties and structural features of hordein peptides.

Methods and results

Barley hordein fractions separated based on molecular weight and surface hydrophobicity demonstrated strong antioxidant bioactivities, especially ferrous ion chelating capacity. Structural studies revealed the poly‐l‐proline helix, β‐turn, and β‐sheet as the dominant structural elements in the large molecular weight fraction, while most of the small‐sized peptides assumed unordered random coil conformation accompanied by a large amount of ionized carboxyl groups produced as a result of partial deamidation of glutamine residues during hydrolysis. A study of antioxidant capacity in relation to peptide structure indicated the contribution of hydrophobic residues in radical scavenging and the positive effect of ionized carboxyl groups together with Lys and Met in metal chelation activity. QPYPQ was identified as the most repeated sequence in potent RP‐HPLC fractions, which might be a particular structural motif that plays a key role in scavenging free radicals.

Conclusion

Barley hordein with its unique sequence partitioning has potential to produce peptides with strong antioxidant bioactivities.
Phenolic acid concentrations in plasma and urine from men consuming green or black tea and potential chemopreventive properties for colon cancer
Authors: Henning Susanne M. , Wang Piwen , Abgaryan Narine , Vicinanza Roberto , de Oliveira Daniela Moura , Zhang Yanjun , Lee Ru‐Po , Carpenter Catherine L. , Aronson William J. , Heber David
Published: January 2013

Scope

Tea polyphenols are metabolized by the colonic microflora yielding phenolic metabolites, which may contribute to the health benefits of tea. We determined the serum and urine concentrations of phenolic acids, hippuric acid, and polyhydroxyphenyl‐γ‐valerolactones during green tea (GT) and black tea (BT) administration. The effects of (–)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and 3,4‐dihydroxyphenylacetic acid (3,4‐DHPAA) alone and in combination on bioavailability, intracellular metabolism, and antiproliferative activity were determined in HCT‐116 colon cancer cells.

Methods and results

The concentration of phenolic metabolites was quantified by HPLC with electrochemical detection and MS. Urine concentrations of 4‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (4‐HPAA), 3‐hydroxyphenylacetic acid (3‐HPAA), and polyhydroxy‐γ‐valerolactones were increased significantly in men drinking GT compared to control. Urine concentration of 3‐O‐methylgallic acid (3OMGA) was significantly increased in men drinking BT compared to control. Serum 3,4‐DHPAA was significantly increased after consumption of GT and BT and 4‐HPAA after GT consumption. In vitro treatment of HCT‐116 colon cancer cells with 3,4‐DHPAA and EGCG exhibited an additive antiproliferative effect, while methylation of 3,4‐DHPAA was significantly decreased. 3OMGA exhibited the strongest antiproliferative activity among the phenolic acids.

Conclusion

The consumption of both, GT and BT, was associated with a significant increase in urinary and serum phenolic acids.
Sharing Stories: Using Narratives to Illustrate the Role of Critical Reflection in Practice with First Australians
Authors: Booth Jodie , Nelson Alison
Published: January 2013

This paper aims to fill a gap in existing literature by using examples of reflective practice and how these informed service delivery and development with First Australians within a population health paradigm. Population‐based approaches have been proposed as useful for providing services that reach beyond the individual. They may be particularly helpful in providing a framework for occupational therapists working with First Australians, when modified appropriately.

“Healthy Ears” is a statewide ear health programme for First Australians. It is an example of a health promotion programme working to partner with First Australian communities using a community‐driven and strengths‐based approach. The occupational therapy role within this service has been recently established. Collaborative autoethnography was used to produce narrative reflection and discussion between the first and second authors in order to illustrate the role of critical reflection in developing this new occupational therapy service. The narratives presented are based on three main themes, which emerged as important guiding principles; these are core occupational therapy knowledge and skills, partnerships with communities and organizations and cultural safety. Each theme comprises narrative excerpts followed by interpretations based on the literature.

The findings from these narratives, whilst limited to a particular context, suggest there is a need for greater professional preparation and support for occupational therapists working cross‐culturally through undergraduate training and professional development opportunities. This paper highlights the usefulness of reflective practice as a tool for developing culturally safe occupational therapy services and emphasizes the importance of relationships with key First Australians as a platform for culturally safe practice. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
High correlations between levels of consumption and mortality related to strong prescription opioid analgesics in British Columbia and Ontario, 2005 – 2009
Authors: Fischer Benedikt , Jones Wayne , Rehm Jürgen
Published: January 2013

Purpose

Prescription opioid analgesic (POA)‐related burden of disease – including mortality – is high and constitutes a major public health problem in the US and Canada. Associations between the overall levels of POA consumption and key related morbidity indicators in the population have been demonstrated. We examined potential correlations between levels of consumption of four commonly used POAs and related mortality in British Columbia (BC) and Ontario.

Methods

We investigated the correlation between annual population standardized rates of fentanyl, hydromorphone, morphine and oxycodone‐related mortality (based on provincial coroners' data) and the annual Defined Daily Doses per 1000 population/day for each of the drugs dispensed (based on representative retail pharmacy sales data) in the two provinces, 2005‐2009.

Results

Death rates increased for three (Ontario) and two (BC) of the four POA drugs; the rate of deaths for each POA drug was consistently higher in the jurisdiction with higher use levels. For each drug, strong correlations (range 0.83 to 0.97; p < 0.003) were found between POA use and mortality levels; consistent within‐province correlations were found for two drugs (hydromorphone and oxycodone).

Conclusions

Our findings of strong correlations between select POA use and mortality levels reflect similar evidence from elsewhere on correlations between POA consumption and morbidity or mortality indicators. In the context of high and increasing levels of POA consumption in Canada, efforts to reduce POA‐related mortality may require a comprehensively revised approach towards more appropriate and safer prescribing to reduce POA use volumes together with more effective monitoring of POA medications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Relationship–specific Interpretation Bias Mediates the Link between Neuroticism and Satisfaction in Couples
Authors: Finn Christine , Mitte Kristin , Neyer Franz J.
Published: January 2013

Neuroticism has repeatedly been shown to be a predictor of relationship dissatisfaction in couples. The aim of the current research was to uncover the underlying cognitive processes of this robust effect. We focused on anxiety as one aspect of neuroticism that is associated with different kinds of cognitive biases. On the basis of the assumption that biased information processing will also affect specific interpersonal contexts such as romantic relationships, it was expected that the tendency to interpret ambiguous partner and relationship scenarios in a rather negative way would work as a potential mediator. In Study 1, parallel forms of a new measure to capture the relationship–specific interpretation bias (RIB) were developed (N = 182). In Study 2, the proposed meditational role of the RIB was investigated in a dyadic sample of 210 couples. Dyadic analysis using the Actor–Partner Interdependence Mediation Model showed mediation of the interpretation bias even when the general interpretation bias and attachment styles were controlled. Results support the assumption that biased relationship–specific interpretations are one important mechanism for how neuroticism exerts its negative influence on relationship satisfaction. We conclude that personality–congruent cognitive processing may not only have individual consequences but also affect overall couple functioning. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The Suppression and Justification of Prejudice as A Function of Political Orientation
Authors: Webster Russell J. , Burns Mason D. , Pickering Margot , Saucier Donald A.
Published: January 2013

Politically conservative (versus liberal) individuals generally report more prejudice towards various low–status out–groups. Three studies examined whether prejudice suppression factors—specifically, internal and external motivation to suppress (IMS and EMS, respectively) prejudice—can help explain the relationship between political orientation and prejudice. Study 1 showed that IMS and EMS partially mediated the relationship between political orientation and affective prejudice towards Arabs. Study 2 demonstrated that when justification [right–wing authoritarianism (RWA) and social dominance orientation] and suppression (IMS and EMS) factors are simultaneously tested as mediators, only RWA partially mediated the relationship between political orientation and prejudice towards deviant (e.g. gay men) out–groups, whereas RWA and IMS fully mediated the relationship between political orientation and prejudice towards derogated out–groups (e.g. Blacks). Intriguingly, IMS rendered social dominance orientation effects non–significant for derogated out–groups. Study 3 showed that anticipating an out–group interaction (with a Black or lesbian confederate) diminished the mediational contribution of IMS in the political orientation–prejudice relationship because of increased IMS among participants; yet the increases in IMS did not completely eliminate differences in prejudice as a function of political orientation. Ultimately, these three studies demonstrate that suppression (in addition to justification) factors do help explain the relationship between political orientation and prejudice. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Personality Psychology.
Fear of Death and Supernatural Beliefs: Developing A New Supernatural Belief Scale to Test the Relationship
Authors: Jong Jonathan , Bluemke Matthias , Halberstadt Jamin
Published: January 2013

Fear of death features in both historical and contemporary theories of religion, but the relationship between death anxiety and religious belief is still ambiguous, largely due to the use of inappropriate or imprecise measures. The current studies therefore aimed to develop a valid, targeted measure of respondents’ tendency towards religious belief, the ‘Supernatural Belief Scale’ (SBS), and to use the SBS to examine the relation between death anxiety and religious belief. Results indicate that the SBS shows high reliability and convergent validity and that its relation to death anxiety depends on participants’ religious identification: ‘religious’ participants fear death less the stronger their religious beliefs, whereas ‘non–religious’ participants are more inclined towards religious belief the more they fear death. These studies contribute a new measurement tool for research on religious belief and provide a starting point for an experimental integration of discrepant research findings. Copyright © 2013 European Association of Personality Psychology
Top‐down structural analysis of posttranslationally modified proteins by Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance‐MS with hydrogen/deuterium exchange and electron capture dissociation
Authors: Pan Jingxi , Borchers Christoph H.
Published: January 2013

High‐resolution structural characterization of posttranslationally modified proteins represents a challenge for traditional structural biology methods such as crystallography and NMR. In this study, we have used top‐down hydrogen/deuterium exchange MS (HDX‐MS) with precursor ion selection and electron capture dissociation to determine the impact of oxidative modification on calmodulin (CaM) at an average resolution of 2.5 residues, with complete sequence coverage. The amide deuteration status of native CaM determined by this method correlates well with previously reported crystallographic and NMR data. In contrast, methionine oxidation caused almost complete deuteration of all residues in the protein in 10 s. The oxidative‐modification‐induced secondary and tertiary structure loss can be largely recovered upon calcium ligation, which also resulted in a substantial increase of amide protection in three of the four calcium‐binding loops in oxidatively modified CaM (CaMox). However, the structure of α‐helix VI is not restored by cofactor binding. These results are discussed in terms of different target binding and activation capabilities displayed by CaM and CaMox. The isoform‐specific top‐down HDX structural analysis strategy demonstrated in this study should be readily applicable to other oxidatively modified proteins and other types of PTMs, and may help decipher the structure and function of specific protein isoforms.
Can there be “Hidden Order” in transition metals?
Authors: Riseborough P. S. , Magalhães S. G.
Published: January 2013

We examine the conditions required to produce a combined spin and orbital density wave state such as that which has been proposed to describe the “Hidden Order” phase of URu2Si2. By using an idealized tight‐binding model with only nearest‐neighbor hopping processes, we search for factors that could stabilize “Hidden Order” phases in transition metals. It is found that strong anisotropy or reduced dimensionality may stabilize “Hidden Order” over spin‐density wave phases. This suggests the possibility that the enigmatic pseudogap phases reported for the high‐temperature ironpnictide superconductors may also be described by the Hund's rule “Hidden Order” mechanism.
5f Electron correlations and core level photoelectron spectra of Uranium compounds
Authors: Zwicknagl Gertrud
Published: January 2013

Microscopic model calculations for core‐level spectra of U compounds are presented. The consequences of strong intra‐atomic correlations within the 5fshell are analyzed. The formation of atomic multiplets leads to a re‐distribution of spectral weight. The results suggest that the orbital‐selective localization resulting from strongly anisotropic renormalization of the hybridization between 5f‐ and conduction electrons should be reflected in the line shapes.
Quantum critical phase diagram of bond alternating Ising model with Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction: Signature of ground state fidelity
Authors: Amiri Neda , Langari Abdollah
Published: January 2013

We present the zero temperature phase diagram of the bond alternating Ising chain in the presence of Dzyaloshinskii–Moriya interaction. An abrupt change in ground state fidelity is a signature of quantum phase transition. We obtain the renormalization of fidelity in terms of quantum renormalization group without the need to know the ground state. We calculate the fidelity susceptibility and its scaling behavior close to quantum critical point (QCP) to find the critical exponent which governs the divergence of correlation length. The model consists of a long range antiferromagnetic order with nonzero staggered magnetization which is separated from a helical ordered phase at QCP. Our results state that the critical exponent is independent of the bond alternation parameter (λ) while the maximum attainable helical order depends on λ.
Magnetic impurity‐induced states in the gap of an s± superconductor
Authors: Borkowski L. S.
Published: January 2013

We consider a two‐band superconductor (SC) whose order parameter (OP) components in each band are constants of opposite sign. Conduction electrons interact with impurities described by the Anderson model. We calculate the density of states (DOS) of this system within a mean‐field slave‐boson approximation. The position of impurity‐induced states in the energy gap depends strongly on the relative size of the energy of the impurity resonant level εf, its width Γ and the size of OP components Δ1, Δ2. In the Kondo limit the bound states are at the gap center or in its vicinity. In the mixed valence regime these bound states can be located far from the gap center. However they never reach the edge of the smaller of the two superconducting gaps. We also briefly discuss the consequences of varying the relative strengths of pairing and impurity coupling on low‐energy properties of the system.
Quantum critical magnetization behaviors of kagome‐ and triangular‐lattice antiferromagnets
Authors: Sakai Toru , Nakano Hiroki
Published: January 2013

Our previous numerical diagonalization study on the magnetization processes of the kagome‐ and triangular‐lattice antiferromagnets revealed that the former system exhibits a new field‐induced phenomenon, called a magnetization ramp, at 1/3 of the saturation magnetization, while the latter one a conventional magnetization plateau. To clarify the difference between the magnetization ramp and plateau, we consider a generalized lattice model with two exchange interactions J1 and J2, which corresponds to the kagome lattice for J2 = 0 and triangular one for J2 = J1. The present numerical diagonalization study revealed that a quantum phase transition between the magnetization ramp and plateau occurs about J2/J1 ∼ 0.1.
Image guidance shortens the learning curve for K‐wire placement – an experimental study
Authors: Kraus Michael , Weckbach Sebastian , Jones Almut , Krischak Gert , Gebhard Florian , Schöll Hendrik
Published: January 2013

Background

Computer assisted systems in orthopaedic trauma depend in most cases on fixed reference markers. This work evaluated a reference‐free image‐based guidance system. Outcome parameters were the number of trials needed to achieve an optimal wire position, the radiation and procedure time, and the learning curve.

Methods

Forty artificial proximal femora covered in polyurethane foam were used and randomized in two groups. Each bone was equipped with a target marker at the fovea capitis femoris. Two surgeons each inserted 20 K‐wires, 10 with and 10 without assistance from the guidance system. The aim was to bring the tips of the K‐wires as close as possible to the target marker. Both procedures were performed under fluoroscopic control. The new guidance system is based on 2D‐C‐arm images. Following the procedure the result was determined using computed tomography.

Results

The same accuracy (P = 0.34) was achieved with less time (P = 0.0008) and less radiation (P = 0.0002) with the guidance system. However, use of the guidance system did shorten the learning curve of both surgeons, leading to a reduced number of trials (P <0.0001). The learning curve of both surgeons was strongly correlated. From the first trial, the performance of both surgeons while using the guidance system, improved over their performance without the guidance system.

Conclusions

The guidance system helped to achieve an optimal K‐wire position with less radiation and less time. The major advantage is the ability of the guidance system to be integrated into the workflow and the short and flat learning curve. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Singularly perturbed implicit control law for linear time varying SISO systems
Authors: Puga S. , Bonilla M. , Malabre M. , Lozano R.
Published: January 2013

This paper considers the problem of stabilizing a single‐input single‐output linear time varying system using a low order controller and a reference model. The closed loop is a linear singularly perturbed system with uniform asymptotic stability behavior. We calculate bounds ϵ ∈ (0,ϵ * ) as in Kokotović's book, such that the uniform asymptotic stability of the singularly perturbed system is guaranteed. We show how to design a control law such that the system dynamics is assigned by a Hurwitz polynomial with constant coefficients. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐fragile H ∞  control for switched stochastic delay systems with application to water quality process
Authors: Wang Dong , Shi Peng , Wang Wei , Karimi Hamid R.
Published: January 2013

In this paper, the problem of non‐fragile observer‐based H ∞  control for discrete‐time switched delay systems is investigated. Both data missing and time delays are taken into account in the links from sensors to observers and from controllers to actuators. Because data missing satisfies the Bernoulli distribution, such problem is transformed into an H ∞  control problem for stochastic switched delay systems. Average dwell time approach is used to obtain sufficient conditions on the solvability of such problems. A numerical example and a real example for water quality control are provided to illustrate the effectiveness and potential applications of the proposed techniques. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Development and Deployment of an Intelligent Kite Aerial Photography Platform (iKAPP) for Site Surveying and Image Acquisition
Authors: Murray John C. , Neal Mark J. , Labrosse Frédéric
Published: January 2013

Aerial photographs and images are used by a variety of industries, including farming, landscaping, surveying, and agriculture, as well as academic researchers including archaeologists and geologists. Aerial imagery can provide a valuable resource for analyzing sites of interest and gaining information about the structure, layout, and composition of large areas of land that would be unavailable otherwise. Current methods of acquiring aerial images rely on techniques such as satellite imagery, manned aircraft, or more recently unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and micro‐UAV technologies. These solutions, while accurate and reliable, have several drawbacks. Using satellite imagery or UAVs can prove to be very expensive, costing tens of thousands for images. They can also prove to be time‐consuming and in some cases have constraints on use, such as no‐fly zones. In this paper, we present an alternative low‐cost, versatile solution to these methods, an intelligent kite aerial photography platform (iKAPP), for the purpose of acquiring aerial images and monitoring sites of interest. We show how this system provides flexibility in application, and we detail the system's design, mechanical operation, and initial flight experiments for a low‐cost, lightweight, intelligent platform capable of acquiring high‐resolution images. Finally, we demonstrate the system by acquiring images of a local site, showing how the system functions and the quality of images it can capture. The application of the system and its capabilities in terms of capture rates, image quality, and limitations are also presented. The system offers several improvements over traditional KAP systems, including onboard “intelligent” processing and communications. The intelligent aspect of this system stems from the use of self‐image stabilization of the camera, the advantage being that one is able to configure the system to capture large areas of a site automatically, and one can see the site acquisition in real time, all of which are not possible with previous methods of AP. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A Bayesian decision‐theoretic sequential response‐adaptive randomization design
Authors: Jiang Fei , Jack Lee J. , Müller Peter
Published: January 2013

We propose a class of phase II clinical trial designs with sequential stopping and adaptive treatment allocation to evaluate treatment efficacy. Our work is based on two‐arm (control and experimental treatment) designs with binary endpoints. Our overall goal is to construct more efficient and ethical randomized phase II trials by reducing the average sample sizes and increasing the percentage of patients assigned to the better treatment arms of the trials. The designs combine the Bayesian decision‐theoretic sequential approach with adaptive randomization procedures in order to achieve simultaneous goals of improved efficiency and ethics. The design parameters represent the costs of different decisions, for example, the decisions for stopping or continuing the trials. The parameters enable us to incorporate the actual costs of the decisions in practice. The proposed designs allow the clinical trials to stop early for either efficacy or futility. Furthermore, the designs assign more patients to better treatment arms by applying adaptive randomization procedures. We develop an algorithm based on the constrained backward induction and forward simulation to implement the designs. The algorithm overcomes the computational difficulty of the backward induction method, thereby making our approach practicable. The designs result in trials with desirable operating characteristics under the simulated settings. Moreover, the designs are robust with respect to the response rate of the control group. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Group sequential enrichment design incorporating subgroup selection
Authors: Magnusson Baldur P. , Turnbull Bruce W.
Published: January 2013

An important component of clinical trials in drug development is the analysis of treatment efficacy in patient subgroups (subpopulations). Because of concerns of multiplicity and of the small sample sizes often involved, such analyses can present substantial statistical challenges and may lead to misleading conclusions. As a confirmatory seamless phase II/III design, we propose an adaptive enrichment group sequential procedure whereby resources can be concentrated on subgroups most likely to respond to treatment. Stopping boundaries are defined through upper and lower spending functions. The procedure is presented in terms of the efficient score, enabling the analysis of normal, binary, or time‐to‐event data. It addresses the dilution effect by eliminating populations at the first stage that appear likely to derive no therapeutic benefit. It subsequently proceeds with the definitive assessment of treatment efficacy among the remaining pooled populations using a group sequential design. The procedure provides strong protection of familywise type I error rate, and we employ a bootstrap algorithm to obtain point and interval estimates that are adjusted for the selection bias. We give examples to demonstrate how the design is used. We make comparisons with adaptive two‐stage combination test procedures and with a group sequential test that does not account for the presence of subgroups. Numerical results show that the procedure has high power to detect subgroup‐specific effects and the use of multiple interim analysis points can lead to substantial sample size savings. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A point process model for tornado report climatology
Authors: Karpman Dmitriy , Ferreira Marco A.R. , Wikle Christopher K.
Published: January 2013

We propose a point process model with multiplicative risk for the study of tornado reports in the United States. In particular, we implement a rigorous statistical procedure to evaluate whether tornado report counts are significantly related to topographic variability. The model we propose also includes flexible nonparametric components for spatial and seasonality effects. We apply the proposed model and methodology to the analysis of tornado report data from 1953 to 2010 in the United States. Our analysis shows that in addition to the spatial and seasonal effects, the topographic variability is an important component of tornado risk. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons Ltd
China's approaches to financing sustainable development: policies, practices, and issues
Authors: Shen Bo , Wang Jian , Li Michelle , Li Jinkai , Price Lynn , Zeng Lei
Published: January 2013

To curb the country's energy use and decarbonize its energy supply, China invested heavily in energy efficiency and clean energy in the past 5 years. China's investment in clean energy surpassed the amount invested during any previous Five‐Year Plan period and made China the global leader in clean energy investment. The investment potential in clean energy is, however, far from being achieved in China. There are several barriers that are hindering China's ability to meet the demands for financing clean energy development. This paper reviews China's recent efforts in financing clean energy. It first reviews policies for facilitating green investments. It then describes the types and areas of green investments and activities carried out to date in China with regard to clean energy financing. A discussion follows examining key barriers to achieving investment potentials in China. The paper concludes with some recommendations for China to scale‐up investments in sustainable development.

This article is categorized under:

Energy Efficiency > Economics and Policy

Energy and Climate > Economics and Policy

Energy Policy and Planning > Economics and Policy
Gravitational bremsstrahlung in ultra-planckian collisions
Authors: Gal’tsov Dmitry , Spirin Pavel , Tomaras Theodore N.
Published: January 2013

Abstract

A classical computation of gravitational bremsstrahlung in ultra-planckian collisions of massive point particles is presented in an arbitrary numberdof toroidal or non-compact extra dimensions. Our method generalizes the post-linear formalism of General Relativity to the multidimensional case. The total emitted energy, as well as its angular and frequency distribution are discussed in detail. In terms of the gravitational radiusrSof the collision energy, the impact parameterband the Lorentz factor in the CM frame, the leading order radiation efficiency in the Lab frame is shown to beϵ~ (rS/b)3(d+1)γcmford = 0, 1 andϵ~$ {{\left( {{{{{r_S}}} \left/ {b} \right.}} \right)}^{{3\left( {d+1} \right)}}}\gamma_{\mathrm{cm}}^{2d-3 } $ford ≥ 2, up to a knownd-dependent coefficient and a ln γcmfactor ford = 2, while the characteristic frequency of the radiation isω~ γ/b. The contribution of the low frequency part (ω < 1/b) of the radiation to the total radiated energy is shown to be negligible for all values ofd. The domain of validity of the classical result is discussed. Finally, it is shown that within the region of validity of our approach the efficiency can obtain unnatural values greater than one, which is interpreted to mean that the peripheral ultra-planckian collisions should be strongly radiation damped.
Cryptic residual GALT activity is a potential modifier of scholastic outcome in school age children with classic galactosemia
Authors: Ryan Emily L. , Lynch Mary Ellen , Taddeo Elles , Gleason Tyler J. , Epstein Michael P. , Fridovich‐Keil Judith L.
Published: January 2013

Classic galactosemia is a potentially lethal disorder that results from profound deficiency of galactose‐1‐phosphate uridylyltransferase (GALT), the second enzyme in the Leloir pathway of galactose metabolism. Although early diagnosis and rigorous dietary restriction of galactose prevent or resolve the potentially lethal acute symptoms, patients are at markedly increased risk of long‐term complications including significant cognitive, speech, and behavioral difficulties, among other problems. The mechanisms that underlie these long‐term complications remain unclear, as do the factors that modify their severity. Here we explored the scholastic and behavioral outcomes experienced by a cohort of 54 school age children with classic galactosemia. Data collected included survey responses from parents and teachers, school records including standardized test scores, and GALT genotype data used to estimate predicted residual GALT activity based on a yeast expression system. As expected, many but not all of the children in our study demonstrated speech, scholastic, and behavioral difficulties. Perhaps most striking, we found that predicted cryptic residual GALT activity, often below the threshold of detection of clinical assays, appeared to modify scholastic outcome. These data raise the intriguing possibility that cryptic GALT activity might also influence the severity of other long‐term complications in classic galactosemia.
Resistance training induced increase in VO2max in young and older subjects
Authors: Ozaki Hayao , Loenneke Jeremy P. , Thiebaud Robert S. , Abe Takashi
Published: January 2013

It is an undeniable fact that resistance training (RT) is a potent stimulus for muscle hypertrophy and strength gain, but it is less understood whether RT can increase maximal aerobic capacity (VO2max). The purpose of this brief review is to discuss whether or not RT enhances VO2max in young (20–40 years) and older subjects (>60 years). Only 3 of 17 studies involving young subjects have indicated significant increases in VO2max following RT, while six of nine studies in older subjects have reported significant improvements in VO2max following RT. There was a significant negative correlation between the initial VO2max and RT-induced change in VO2max. This result suggests that RT-induced increase in VO2max is dependent upon the subject’s initial VO2max. The RT-induced increase in VO2max may be elicited when their initial relative VO2max is lower than 25 ml/kg/min for older subjects and lower than 40 ml/kg/min for young subjects. Thus, RT can be expected to improve concurrently both muscular and cardiovascular fitnesses within a single mode of RT when young and old persons have initially low fitness levels.
Optogenetics: a new method for the causal analysis of neuronal networks in vivo
Authors: Stroh A. , Diester I.
Published: January 2013

The causal analysis of neuronal network function requires selective manipulations of ge­netically defined neuronal subpopulations in the intact living brain. Here, we highlight the method of optogenetics, which meets those needs. We cover methodological aspects, limitations, and practical applications in the field of neurosciences. The fundamentals of optogenetics are light-sensitive transmembrane channels and light-driven ion pumps, which can be genetically encoded, without requir­ing the application of exogenous cofactors. These opsins are expressed in neurons by means of viral gene transfer and cell-specific promoters. Light for stimulation can be non- or minimally invasively delivered by optical fibers. Illumination of opsins results in a depo­larization or hyperpolarization of genetical­ly modified neurons, depending on the type of optogenetic actuator. Strong expression levels and sufficient light densities provided, neuronal activity can be optically controlled in the intact network with millisecond precision. By applying fluorescent indicators of neuronal activity, an all-optical neurophysiological approach becomes reality.
The endogenous cannabinoid system
Authors: Drews E. , Zimmer A.
Published: January 2013

The hemp plant Cannabis sativa has been cultivated for thousands of years and is used as a medical plant and intoxicant. Scientif­ic research on the psychoactive substances of Cannabis sativa and their effects on the brain started around 50 years ago and led to the discovery of the endogenous cannabi­noid system. Today we know that this system represents an important feedback mechanism that modulates the communication be­tween neurons. However, this system is not only active in the brain, but is known to be activated in different tissues and organs during specific disease states. Consequently, there is increasing interest in this system as a possible target for the development of new drugs. The currently commercially available drugs are based on cannabis extracts or synthetic compounds of the plant’s active components and are mainly used to treat chron­ic pain. In this review, the mechanisms of the endogenous cannabinoid system in pain perception are elucidated and a new herbal (phyto)cannabinoid which is a constituent of our daily food is presented.
Multi-bubble nodal solutions for slightly subcritical elliptic problems in domains with symmetries
Authors: Bartsch Thomas , DʼAprile Teresa , Pistoia Angela
Published: January 2013

We study the existence of sign-changing solutions with multiple
bubbles
to the slightly subcritical problem

−\mathrm{\Delta }u = |u|^{2^*−2−\varepsilon }u\:\text{in }\Omega ,\:u = 0\:\text{on }\partial \Omega ,

where

Ω

is a smooth bounded domain in

\mathbb{R}^{N}

,

N⩾3

,

2^* = \frac{2N}{N−2}

and

\varepsilon > 0

is a small parameter. In particular we prove that if

Ω

is convex and satisfies a certain symmetry, then a nodal four-bubble solution exists with two positive and two negative bubbles.
Modulatory effect of coffee fruit extract on plasma levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in healthy subjects
Authors: Reyes-Izquierdo Tania , Nemzer Boris , Shu Cynthia , Huynh Lan , Argumedo Ruby , Keller Robert , Pietrzkowski Zb
Published: January 2013

The present single-dose study was performed to assess the effect of whole coffee fruit concentrate powder (WCFC), green coffee caffeine powder (N677), grape seed extract powder (N31) and green coffee bean extract powder (N625) on blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). Randomly assorted groups of fasted subjects consumed a single, 100 mg dose of each material. Plasma samples were collected at time zero (T0) and at 30 min intervals afterwards, up to 120 min. A total of two control groups were included: subjects treated with silica dioxide (as placebo) or with no treatment. The collected data revealed that treatments with N31 and N677 increased levels of plasma BDNF by about 31 % under these experimental conditions, whereas treatment with WCFC increased it by 143 % (n 10), compared with baseline. These results indicate that WCFC could be used for modulation of BDNF-dependent health conditions. However, larger clinical studies are needed to support this possibility.
Iodine plusn-3 fatty acid supplementation augments rescue of postnatal neuronal abnormalities in iodine-deficient rat cerebellum
Authors: Pal Amit , Mohan Vishwa , Modi Dinesh R. , Sinha Rohit A. , Rastogi Leena , Kumar Praveen , Godbole Madan M.
Published: January 2013

High prevalence of hypothyroxinaemia in iodine-deficient (ID) mothers has serious implications for mental health of the progeny. Independent supplementation of iodine andn-3 fatty acids (FA) markedly improves growth and cognitive performance of school children. Discerning effects ofn-3 FA and iodine on the developing cerebellum have not been ascertained. The present study investigates effects of these two micronutrients separately as well as together in an ID rat model. We studied the effects of these micronutrients on progeny of ID dams by instituting the following supplementation diets: (1) low-iodine diet (LID), (2) LID+potassium iodide (KI), (3) LID+n-3 FA and (4) LID+KI+n-3 FA. Pups were investigated for morphological and biochemical parameters at the peak of cerebellar histogenesis on postnatal day (P) 16 and for neurobehavioural as well as motor coordination parameters at P40. Results indicate thatn-3 FA alone, without improvement in circulating thyroid hormone (TH), significantly improves functional, morphological and biochemical indices of the developing cerebellum. Further, results show that co-supplementation with iodine andn-3 FA rescues not only the loss of neurotrophic support, but also salvages motor coordination, memory and learning. This additive effect results in significantly improving neurotrophic support and seems to be mediated by parallel significant increase in TH receptor (TR)α and normalisation of TRβ, retinoic orphan receptor α and p75 neurotrophin receptor, as well as noteworthy prevention of apoptotic cell death and strengthening of anti-oxidative defence. The overall results indicate important mitigating role thatn-3 FA may play in enhancing TH nuclear receptor-mediated signalling in the developing cerebellum.
Berberis vulgarisroot extract alleviates the adverse effects of heat stress via modulating hepatic nuclear transcription factors in quails
Authors: Sahin Kazim , Orhan Cemal , Tuzcu Mehmet , Borawska Maria H. , Jabłonski Jakub , Guler Osman , Sahin Nurhan , Hayirli Armagan
Published: January 2013

To evaluate the action mode ofBerberis vulgarisroot extract in the alleviation of oxidative stress, female Japanese quails (n180, aged 5 weeks) were reared, either at 22°C for 24 h/d (thermoneutral, TN) or 34°C for 8 h/d (heat stress, HS), and fed one of three diets: diets containing 0, 100 or 200 mg ofB. vulgarisroot extract per kg for 12 weeks. Exposure to HS depressed feed intake by 8·5 % and egg production by 12·1 %, increased hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level by 98·0 % and decreased hepatic superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities by 23·5, 35·4 and 55·7 %, respectively (P< 0·001 for all). There were also aggravations in expressions of hepatic NF-κB and heat-shock protein 70 (HSP70) by 42 and 43 %, respectively and suppressions in expressions of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) and haeme-oxygenase 1 (HO-1) by 57 and 61 %, respectively, in heat-stressed quails (P< 0·001 for all). As supplementalB. vulgarisextract increased, there were linear increases in performance parameters, activities of antioxidant enzymes and hepatic Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions (P< 0·001 for all) and linear decreases in hepatic MDA level and NF-κB and HSP70 expressions at a greater extent in quails reared under TN condition and those reared under HS condition. In conclusion, dietary supplementation ofB. vulgarisroot extract to quails reduces the detrimental effects of oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation resulting from HS via activating the host defence system at the cellular level.
Mapping low intake of micronutrients across Europe
Authors: Mensink G. B. M. , Fletcher R. , Gurinovic M. , Huybrechts I. , Lafay L. , Serra-Majem L. , Szponar L. , Tetens I. , Verkaik-Kloosterman J. , Baka A. , Stephen A. M.
Published: January 2013

Achieving an understanding of the extent of micronutrient adequacy across Europe is a major challenge. The main objective of the present study was to collect and evaluate the prevalence of low micronutrient intakes of different European countries by comparing recent nationally representative dietary survey data from Belgium, Denmark, France, Germany, The Netherlands, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom. Dietary intake information was evaluated for intakes of Ca, Cu, I, Fe, Mg, K, Se, Zn and the vitamins A, B1, B2, B6, B12, C, D, E and folate. The mean and 5th percentile of the intake distributions were estimated for these countries, for a number of defined sex and age groups. The percentages of those with intakes below the lower reference nutrient intake and the estimated average requirement were calculated. Reference intakes were derived from the UK and Nordic Nutrition Recommendations. The impact of dietary supplement intake as well as inclusion of apparently low energy reporters on the estimates was evaluated. Except for vitamin D, the present study suggests that the current intakes of vitamins from foods lead to low risk of low intakes in all age and sex groups. For current minerals, the study suggests that the risk of low intakes is likely to appear more often in specific age groups. In spite of the limitations of the data, the present study provides valuable new information about micronutrient intakes across Europe and the likelihood of inadequacy country by country.
Fetal programming of CVD and renal disease: animal models and mechanistic considerations
Authors: Langley-Evans Simon C.
Published: January 2013

The developmental origins of health and disease hypothesis postulates that exposure to a less than optimal maternal environment during fetal development programmes physiological function, and determines risk of disease in adult life. Much evidence of such programming comes from retrospective epidemiological cohorts, which demonstrate associations between birth anthropometry and non-communicable diseases of adulthood. The assertion that variation in maternal nutrition drives these associations is supported by studies using animal models, which demonstrate that maternal under- or over-nutrition during pregnancy can programme offspring development. Typically, the offspring of animals that are undernourished in pregnancy exhibit a relatively narrow range of physiological phenotypes that includes higher blood pressure, glucose intolerance, renal insufficiency and increased adiposity. The observation that common phenotypes arise from very diverse maternal nutritional insults has led to the proposal that programming is driven by a small number of mechanistic processes. The remodelling of tissues during development as a consequence of maternal nutritional status being signalled by endocrine imbalance or key nutrients limiting processes in the fetus may lead to organs having irreversibly altered structures that may limit their function with ageing. It has been proposed that the maternal diet may impact upon epigenetic marks that determine gene expression in fetal tissues, and this may be an important mechanism connecting maternal nutrient intakes to long-term programming of offspring phenotype. The objective for this review is to provide an overview of the mechanistic basis of fetal programming, demonstrating the critical role of animal models as tools for the investigation of programming phenomena.
Of whales and oil: Inuit resource governance and the Arctic Council
Authors: Shadian Jessica M.
Published: January 2013

This article takes a normative approach to explore what and how we might learn from existing indigenous governance arrangements in the Arctic and how they may contribute to the larger debates over Arctic governance and who decides. It begins with a brief exploration of the existing literature regarding co-management; particularly what some legal scholars have defined as post-Westphalian resource management as well as engaging ongoing discussions about co-management as it pertains to the Arctic. It then turns to the Alaska Eskimo Whaling Commission (AEWC) as a case study and possible starting point for governing newly emerging resource management issues in the Arctic. Specifically, this article will look at how the governance framework of the AEWC might be applicable for the current governance discussions regarding Arctic offshore oil and gas development. Lastly, this paper will offer preliminary reflections as to how a post-sovereign resource management approach could contribute to the broader theoretical debates concerning who owns the Arctic and who decides. Specifically it offers one possible way to envisage the future of a strengthened Arctic Council operating in a world where states are not the only actors participating in the governance of the Arctic.
Recent developments in relations between the United Kingdom and the Argentine Republic in the South Atlantic/Antarctic region
Authors: Dodds Klaus , Hemmings Alan D.
Published: January 2013

This article assesses the current state of UK-Argentine relations with reference to the South Atlantic and Antarctic region. Three major themes are pursued: the current state of UK-Argentine relations, with the contested Falklands/Malvinas looming large in the assessment, alongside fisheries management around South Georgia; the mapping of Argentine Antarctic territory in the context of extended continental shelf delimitation; and finally, the recent UK White Paper on Overseas Territories is noted insofar as it marks the most recent public assessment of how the coalition government is attempting to manage the most southerly portions of the British Overseas Territories portfolio. The article concludes with a warning that there is a danger that worsening UK-Argentine relations might begin to have more profound implications for the Antarctic Treaty System as resource, sovereignty and territorial issues acquire more piquancy.