bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Palatability of two Sublingual Diluents in Allergic Patients: A Prospective Pilot Study
Authors: Nguyen Shaun A. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: September 2011

Background

Taste of diluents could have an effect on the ultimate patient compliance and acceptability of allergenic extract formulations used in sublingual allergy immunotherapy. This study assessed the palatability and compared the flavor and taste preferences of two sublingual diluents in allergic adult patients.

Methods

This was a prospective, randomized, double-blinded pilot study. Diluents A (50% glycerin and water) and B (0.4% phenol and water) were tested. Three drops were placed in the sublingual area beneath the tongue for 2 minutes before swallowing. A 5-point analog scale was used to allow ranking of the degree of taste acceptance. Patients were then given a 10-minute break where unsalted crackers and bottled water were provided to cleanse the palate between tasting periods. After tasting both samples, patients were asked to answer a final question regarding taste preference.

Results

Of the 30 patients, there were 15 men and 15 women with a mean age of 38 years (range, 18 to 61 years). For diluent A, 18 (60.0%) patients graded the diluent as having a “pleasant” taste, 8 (26.7%) patients gave a grade of “very pleasant,” and 4 (13.3%) patients said that they were “not sure.” For diluent B, 16 (53.3%) patients gave a grade of “unpleasant” and only 6 (20.0%) patients gave a grade of “pleasant.” Finally, 28 (93.3%) of the 30 patients chose diluent A over diluent B as the preferred diluent of choice (p < 0.0001).

Conclusion

Fifty percent glycerin had better taste attributes and phenolated saline induced unpleasant oral sensation on sublingual dosing.
Epidemiological Analysis of Chronic Rhinitis in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Erwin Elizabeth A. , Faust Russell A. , Platts-Mills Thomas A.E. , Borish Larry
Published: September 2011

Background

Nonallergic rhinitis is a poorly understood entity, especially among pediatric patients.

Objective

The objective of this study was to identify clinical features that may distinguish phenotypes of allergic and nonallergic patients and to evaluate the usefulness of current diagnostic modalities.

Methods

We reviewed medical records for 151 pediatric patients with perennial rhinitis, evaluated in a multidisciplinary allergy and otolaryngology clinic. Results obtained by standard history, validated sinus and Nasal Quality of Life Survey (SN-5), epicutaneous allergy testing, acoustic rhinometry, and sinus CT were compared.

Results

Nasal congestion was the most frequent primary presenting complaint (62%). Among subjects having a positive allergy test, associated eye symptoms were more frequent (p = 0.01) and responses to the SN-5 allergic domain were higher (p = 0.02). Sinus CT scores were similar among allergic and nonallergic subjects (median 7 and 8, respectively) and did not correlate with symptom scores (p = 0.6). Among nonallergic subjects, quality of life ratings weakly correlated with sinus CT scores (r = 0.4; p = 0.05). By rhinometry, absolute mean cross-sectional area was similar among allergic (0.32 cm2 ) and nonallergic (0.36 cm2 ) subjects and did not correlate with symptom scores (p = 0.8 for allergic and p = 0.6 for nonallergic subjects). Distinct groups of nonallergic patients including those with prominent conjunctival pruritus (n = 24), frequent cold symptoms (n = 3), and chronic sinus disease (n = 2) were observed.

Conclusion

It is difficult to distinguish allergic and nonallergic rhinitis in patients with perennial disease, but associated eye symptoms and questionnaire responses are predictive of allergy. Acoustic rhinometry and sinus CT suggest that physical obstruction and sinus disease are not related to nasal symptoms including, surprisingly, the sensation of congestion.
Home Economics: Planting the Seeds of a Research Agenda for the Bioregional Economy
Authors: Cato Molly Scott
Published: September 2011

Green economists are clear in their support for localisation, but there is little definitional clarity around the concept of a local economy: how large it would be, or what principles might be used to divide the world into provisioning units. This paper proposes that the 'bioregion'
might be a useful concept in designing more local systems of resource supply. The paper is a scoping exercise which starts to explore how the concept of a 'bioregion' might be useful within theoretical economics, outlines key aspects of a bioregional economy, and sketches ideas for a future
research agenda.
Functional Capabilities of the Earliest Peptides and the Emergence of Life
Authors: Milner-White E. James , Russell Michael J.
Published: September 2011

Considering how biological macromolecules first evolved, probably within a marine environment, it seems likely the very earliest peptides were not encoded by nucleic acids, or at least not via the genetic code as we know it. An objective of the present work is to demonstrate that sequence-independent peptides, or peptides with variable and unreliable lengths and sequences, have the potential to perform a variety of chemically useful functions such as anion and cation binding and membrane and channel formation as well as simple types of catalysis. These functions tend to be performed with the assistance of the main chain CONH atoms rather than the more variable or limited side chain atoms of the peptides presumed to exist then.
Mössbauer Spectroscopy and X-ray Diffraction Study of 57Fe-Labeled Tetrachloroferrate(III)-Based Magnetic Ionic Liquids
Authors: Herber Rolfe H. , Nowik Israel , Kostner Mirco E. , Kahlenberg Volker , Kreutz Christoph , Laus Gerhard , Schottenberger Herwig
Published: September 2011

Four 57Fe-labeled tetrachloroferrates(III) of organic cations (1-butyl-3-methyl-imidazolium, 1-allyl-3-methylimidazolium, 1-methyl-1-propylpyrrolidinium, tetraphenyl­phosphonium) were examined by temperature-dependent Mössbauer spectroscopy. The hyperfine and dynamic parameters of the iron(III) site were determined. Single crystal X-ray diffraction data of [Ph4P][FeCl4] were collected at four temperatures (295, 223, 173, and 123 K), and the dynamics of the iron atom inferred from the Mössbauer data and the single crystal Ui,j parameters have been compared.
Preparation and Characterization of Organic-Inorganic Hybrid Hydrogel Electrolyte Using Alkaline Solution
Authors: Chiku Masanobu , Tomita Shoji , Higuchi Eiji , Inoue Hiroshi
Published: September 2011

Organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogel electrolytes were prepared by mixing hydrotalcite, cross-linked potassium poly(acrylate) and 6 M KOH solution. The organic-inorganic hybrid hydrogel electrolytes had high ionic conductivity (0.456–0.540 S cm−1) at 30 °C. Moreover, the mechanical strength of the hydrogel electrolytes was high enough to form a 2–3 mm thick freestanding membrane because of the reinforcement with hydrotalcite.
Next-Generation Dengue Vaccines: Novel Strategies Currently Under Development
Authors: Durbin Anna P. , Whitehead Stephen S.
Published: September 2011

Dengue has become the most important arboviral infection worldwide with more than 30 million cases of dengue fever estimated to occur each year. The need for a dengue vaccine is great and several live attenuated dengue candidate vaccines are proceeding through clinical evaluation. The need to induce a balanced immune response against all four DENV serotypes with a single vaccine has been a challenge for dengue vaccine developers. A live attenuated DENV chimeric vaccine produced by Sanofi Pasteur has recently entered Phase III evaluation in numerous dengue-endemic regions of the world. Viral interference between serotypes contained in live vaccines has required up to three doses of the vaccine be given over a 12-month period of time. For this reason, novel DENV candidate vaccines are being developed with the goal of achieving a protective immune response with an immunization schedule that can be given over the course of a few months. These next-generation candidates include DNA vaccines, recombinant adenovirus vectored vaccines, alphavirus replicons, and sub-unit protein vaccines. Several of these novel candidates will be discussed.
Strategies for the Development of Cell Lines for Ex Vivo Gene Therapy in the Central Nervous System
Authors: Mejía-Toiber Jana , Castillo Claudia G. , Giordano Magda
Published: September 2011

Disorders of the central nervous system (CNS) as a result of trauma or ischemic or neurodegenerative processes still pose a challenge for modern medicine. Due to the complexity of the CNS, and in spite of the advances in the knowledge of its anatomy, pharmacology, and molecular and cellular biology, treatments for these diseases are still limited. The development of cell lines as a source for transplantation into the damaged CNS (cell therapy), and more recently their genetic modification to favor the expression and delivery of molecules with therapeutic potential (ex vivo gene therapy), are some of the techniques used in search of novel restorative strategies. This article reviews the different approaches that have been used and perfected during the last decade to generate cell lines and their use in experimental models of neuronal damage, and evaluates the prospects of applying these methods to treat CNS disorders.
Fit Theory as it Relates to Corporate Sponsorship of Charitable Events
Authors: Kim Jooho , Boo Soyoung
Published: September 2011

Sponsor–event fit theory outlines the importance of the level of fit between sponsors and an event. In this present study, sponsor–event fit and other variables will be tested with multiple sponsors of a charitable event. The purpose of this present study is to investigate
what affects sponsorship response in regard to charitable events by examining the sponsor–event fit theory. By reviewing the previous literature, hypotheses were developed and tested on 632 respondents employing a mall intercept method. The findings suggest that the sponsor–event
fit is the most important variable affecting sponsorship response, and that it also can affect attitude toward sponsorship, which positively impacts sponsorship response as well.
Hostelling as a Pathway to Cross-Cultural Understanding
Authors: Bowen Heather E. , Daniels Margaret J.
Published: September 2011

Investigation regarding the specific contribution to global understanding made by tourism has been limited. The purpose of this study was to determine the experiential links between hostel stays and cross-cultural awareness. Sixty semistructured interviews were conducted with tourists
staying at five hostels located in the northeastern US. Respondents represented fourteen different resident countries and offered feedback regarding trip patterns, perceptions about hostel lodging, connections with other cultures, and demographic items. Qualitative analyses resulted in four
themes: the structure of the hostelling space, challenging preconceived notions, personal growth, and world perspective. Hostels were found to provide unique environmental conditions that promote equality and facilitate cross-cultural understanding.
Cooked Food Hawking and its Management: the Case of Singapore
Authors: Henderson Joan C.
Published: September 2011

A case study of cooked food hawkers in Singapore is presented in this article, which also makes reference to activity in the wider Asian region and beyond. A model of cooked food hawking functions and attributes is devised and forms the analytical framework for the discussion of core
characteristics and future prospects. The sector is shown to serve various purposes, including that of tourist amenity, and contributes to local lives and economies in the cities where activity is concentrated. At the same time, hawking poses challenges for authorities concerned about adverse
impacts and traditional hawkers are at risk from modernization and globalization. The official approach to dealing with cooked food hawkers in Singapore is revealed to be distinctive regarding the level of intervention and control, reflecting the history and defining features of the city state.
Nevertheless, some lessons can be learned from experiences there about the management of hawking in the 21st century, which include the importance of regulation and maintenance of food safety standards. A more general conclusion is that the contribution of cooked food hawkers should be given
due recognition in urban planning and tourism marketing.
Carbamate-directed benzylic lithiation for the diastereo- and enantioselective synthesis of diaryl ether atropisomers
Authors: Page Abigail , Clayden Jonathan
Published: September 2011

Diaryl ethers carrying carbamoyloxymethyl groups may be desymmetrised enantio- and diastereoselectively by the use of the sec-BuLi–(−)-sparteine complex in diethyl ether. Enantioselective deprotonation of one of the two benzylic positions leads to atropisomeric products with ca. 80:20 e.r.; an electrophilic quench typically provides functionalised atropisomeric diastereoisomers in up to 97:3 d.r.
Pathways to Aging: The Mitochondrion at the Intersection of Biological and Psychosocial Sciences
Authors: Picard Martin
Published: September 2011

Compelling evidence suggests that both biological and psychosocial factors impact the process of aging. However, our understanding of the dynamic interplay among biological and psychosocial factors across the life course is still fragmentary. For example, it needs to be established how the interaction of individual factors (e.g., genetic and epigenetic endowment and personality), behavioral factors (e.g., physical activity, diet, and stress management), and psychosocial experiences (e.g., social support, well-being, socioeconomic status, and marriage) in perinatal, childhood, and adulthood influence health across the aging continuum. This paper aims to outline potential intersection points serving as an interface between biological and psychosocial factors, with an emphasis on the mitochondrion. Mitochondria are cellular organelles which play a critical role in cellular senescence. Both chronic exposure to psychosocial stress and genetic-based mitochondrial dysfunction have strikingly similar biological consequences; both predispose individuals to adverse age-related health disorders and early mortality. Exploring the interactive nature of the factors resulting in pathways to normal healthy aging, as well as those leading to morbidity and early mortality, will continue to enhance our ability to translate research into effective practices that can be implemented throughout the life course to optimise the aging process.
A Novel Model for DNA Sequence Similarity Analysis Based on Graph Theory
Authors: Qi Xingqin , Wu Qin , Zhang Yusen , Fuller Eddie , Zhang Cun-Quan
Published: September 2011

Determination of sequence similarity is one of the major steps in computational phylogenetic studies. As we know, during evolutionary history, not only DNA mutations for individual nucleotide but also subsequent rearrangements occurred. It has been one of major tasks of computational biologists to develop novel mathematical descriptors for similarity analysis such that various mutation phenomena information would be involved simultaneously. In this paper, different from traditional methods (eg, nucleotide frequency, geometric representations) as bases for construction of mathematical descriptors, we construct novel mathematical descriptors based on graph theory. In particular, for each DNA sequence, we will set up a weighted directed graph. The adjacency matrix of the directed graph will be used to induce a representative vector for DNA sequence. This new approach measures similarity based on both ordering and frequency of nucleotides so that much more information is involved. As an application, the method is tested on a set of 0.9-kb mtDNA sequences of twelve different primate species. All output phylogenetic trees with various distance estimations have the same topology, and are generally consistent with the reported results from early studies, which proves the new method's efficiency; we also test the new method on a simulated data set, which shows our new method performs better than traditional global alignment method when subsequent rearrangements happen frequently during evolutionary history.
Ballistic behavior for random Schrödinger operators on the Bethe strip
Authors: Klein Abel , Sadel Christian
Published: September 2011

The Bethe strip of width

m

is the Cartesian product

\mathbb B\times\{1,\ldots,m\}

, where

\mathbb B

is the Bethe lattice (Cayley tree). We consider Anderson-like Hamiltonians

\;H_\lambda=\frac12 \Delta \otimes 1 + {1 \otimes A}+\lambda \mathcal{V}

on a Bethe strip with connectivity

K \ge 2

, where

A

is an

m\times m

symmetric matrix,

\mathcal{V}

is a random matrix potential, and

\lambda

is the disorder parameter. Under certain conditions on

A

and

K

, for which we previously proved the existence of absolutely continuous spectrum for small

\lambda

, we now obtain ballistic behavior for the spreading of wave packets evolving under

H_\lambda

for small

\lambda

.
The Impact of Assistive Equipment on Intimacy and Sexual Expression
Authors: Taylor Bridget
Published: September 2011

Introduction:

Sexuality is a holistic concept that involves more than the sexual act. Despite being a quality of life domain that promotes meaningful existence, it is an aspect of life that is often avoided by health care practitioners.

Method:

In this Heideggerian phenomenological study, conversational interviews were conducted with 13 people with motor neurone disease, and 10 of their partners, in order to understand their experiences of sexuality and intimacy.

Findings:

The findings provide evidence for the value of touch in people's lives and shed light upon the impact that assistive equipment has on intimacy, sexual expression and maintaining emotional and physical connection between couples. None of the people interviewed had previously been given the opportunity to discuss these issues with their occupational therapist.

Conclusion:

There is a place in occupational therapy practice for discussing the value of emotional and physical connection for individuals in the context of any equipment provided.
The Role of Functional Capacity Evaluations in Occupational Therapy Vocational Evaluations
Authors: Joss Malcolm
Published: September 2011

One of the key objectives of vocational rehabilitation is to ensure that workers can perform their jobs safely, with a minimal risk for the work duties aggravating their medical problem, and with the medical problem having a minimal impact upon their work performance. Vocational evaluations can play an important role in vocational rehabilitation by determining an ill or injured worker's suitability for work. Functional capacity evaluations are a component of the vocational evaluation process, but are not comprehensive enough to address all the dynamic and complex factors that can influence an individual's work performance. The key component in any vocational evaluation is the clinical reasoning exercised by the occupational therapist, which is essential in producing credible conclusions and workplace recommendations from the information generated from an evaluation.
Zonal asymmetries in middle atmospheric ozone and water vapour derived from Odin satellite data 2001–2010
Authors: Gabriel A. , Körnich H. , Lossow S. , Peters D. H. W. , Urban J. , Murtagh D.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. Stationary wave patterns in middle atmospheric ozone (O3) and water vapour (H2O) are an important factor in the atmospheric circulation, but there is a strong gap in diagnosing and understanding their configuration and origin. Based on Odin satellite data from 2001 to 2010 we investigate the stationary wave patterns in O3 and H2O as indicated by the seasonal long-term means of the zonally asymmetric components O3* = O3-[O3] and H2O* = H2O-[H2O] ([O3], [H2O]: zonal means). At mid- and polar latitudes we find a pronounced wave one pattern in both constituents. In the Northern Hemisphere, the wave patterns increase during autumn, maintain their strength during winter and decay during spring, with maximum amplitudes of about 10–20 % of the zonal mean values. During winter, the wave one in O3* shows a maximum over the North Pacific/Aleutians and a minimum over the North Atlantic/Northern Europe and a double-peak structure with enhanced amplitude in the lower and in the upper stratosphere. The wave one in H2O* extends from the lower stratosphere to the upper mesosphere with a westward shift in phase with increasing height including a jump in phase at upper stratosphere altitudes. In the Southern Hemisphere, similar wave patterns occur mainly during southern spring. By comparing the observed wave patterns in O3* and H2O* with a linear solution of a steady-state transport equation for a zonally asymmetric tracer component we find that these wave patterns are primarily due to zonally asymmetric transport by geostrophically balanced winds, which are derived from observed temperature profiles. In addition temperature-dependent photochemistry contributes substantially to the spatial structure of the wave pattern in O3* . Further influences, e.g., zonal asymmetries in eddy mixing processes, are discussed.
Study of TEC, slab-thickness and neutral temperature of the thermosphere in the Indian low latitude sector
Authors: Venkatesh K. , Rama Rao P. V. S. , Prasad D. S. V. V. D. , Niranjan K. , Saranya P. L.
Published: September 2011

Abstract. The ionospheric equivalent slab-thickness is an important parameter which measures the skewness of the electron density profile of the ionosphere. In this paper, the diurnal, seasonal, day-to-day and latitudinal variations of ionospheric parameters namely total electron content (TEC), the peak ionization density of F-layer (NmF2), equivalent slab-thickness (τ) and neutral temperature (Tn) are presented. The simultaneous data of GPS-TEC and NmF2 from Trivandrum (8.47° N, 76.91° E), Waltair (17.7° N, 83.3° E) and Delhi (28.58° N, 77.21° E) are used to compute the slab-thickness (τ = TEC/NmF2) of the low sunspot period, 2004–2005. The day-time TEC values at Waltair are found to be greater than those at Trivandrum, while at Delhi the day-time TEC values are much lower compared to those at Trivandrum and Waltair. The trends of variation in the monthly mean diurnal variation of TEC and NmF2 are similar at Delhi, while they are different at Trivandrum and Waltair during the day-time. The slab-thickness (τ) has shown a pre-sunrise peak around 05:00 LT at all the three stations, except during the summer months over Delhi. A consistent secondary peak in slab-thickness around noon hours has also been observed at Trivandrum and Waltair. During equinox and winter months a large night-time enhancement in the slab-thickness (comparable to the early morning peak in slab-thickness) is observed at Delhi. The latitudinal variation of slab-thickness has shown a decrease from the equatorial station, Trivandrum to the low-mid latitude station, Delhi. The neutral temperatures (Tn) computed from the slab-thickness (τ) has shown a sharp increase around 05:00 LT over Trivandrum and Waltair. Whereas at Delhi, a double peaking around 05:00 and 23:00 LT is observed during winter and equinoctial months. The neutral temperatures computed are compare well with those of the MSIS-90 model derived temperatures.
Preparation and characterization of β‐cyclodextrin‐linked chitosan microparticles
Authors: Luzardo‐Álvarez Asteria , Antelo‐Queijo Álvaro , Soto Victor H. , Blanco‐Méndez José
Published: September 2011

Hydrophobically modified chitosan containing β‐cyclodextrin (CD) units was synthesized by using tosylated β‐CD. The final product was characterized by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and TGA, and rheometry. The polymer bearing β‐CD moieties was used to obtain crosslinked microparticles by spray‐drying which could then be used in a controlled release system for drugs. FTIR confirmed the formation of an amide linkage between cyclodextrin and chitosan. As fluorescence spectroscopy demonstrated, hydrophobic microenvironments were formed by chitosan bearing cyclodextrin in solution at lower concentrations than for chitosan. Rheometry and FTIR showed the crosslinking of the new polymer using genipin, a molecule of natural origin. Microspheres (MS) obtained by spray‐drying showed narrow size distribution when β‐CD was grafted onto chitosan and ξ‐potential of MS was slightly lower although it remained positive. In conclusion, β‐CD linked chitosan polymer can be considered as a very promising controlled drug delivery system for drugs. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Appl Polym Sci, 2012
High expression of Lifeact in Arabidopsis thaliana reduces dynamic reorganization of actin filaments but does not affect plant development
Authors: van der Honing Hannie S. , van Bezouwen Laura S. , Emons Anne Mie C. , Ketelaar Tijs
Published: September 2011

Lifeact is a novel probe that labels actin filaments in a wide range of organisms. We compared the localization and reorganization of Lifeact:Venus‐labeled actin filaments in Arabidopsis root hairs and root epidermal cells of lines that express different levels of Lifeact: Venus with that of actin filaments labeled with GFP:FABD2, a commonly used probe in plants. Unlike GFP:FABD2, Lifeact:Venus labeled the highly dynamic fine F‐actin in the subapical region of tip‐growing root hairs. Lifeact:Venus expression at varying levels was not observed to affect plant development. However, at expression levels comparable to those of GFP:FABD2 in a well‐characterized marker line, Lifeact:Venus reduced reorganization rates of bundles of actin filaments in root epidermal cells. Reorganization rates of cytoplasmic strands, which reflect the reorganization of the actin cytoskeleton, were also reduced in these lines. Moreover, in the same line, Lifeact:Venus‐decorated actin filaments were more resistant to depolymerization by latrunculin B than those in an equivalent GFP:FABD2‐expressing line. In lines where Lifeact: Venus is expressed at lower levels, these effects are less prominent or even absent. We conclude that Lifeact: Venus reduces remodeling of the actin cytoskeleton in Arabidopsis in a concentration‐dependent manner. Since this reduction occurs at expression levels that do not cause defects in plant development, selection of normally growing plants is not sufficient to determine optimal Lifeact expression levels. When correct expression levels of Lifeact have been determined, it is a valuable probe that labels dynamic populations of actin filaments such as fine F‐actin, better than FABD2 does. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Changing the System by Changing the Workforce: Employing Consumers to Increase Access, Cultural Diversity, and Engagement
Authors: Wenz-Gross Melodie , Irsfeld Toni DuBrino , Twomey Tammy , Perez Ana , Thompson Judith , Wally Martha , Colleton Barbara , Kroell Christine , McKeown Steven K. , Metz Peter
Published: September 2011

Services to families have traditionally been delivered in a medical model. This presents challenges including workforce shortages, lack of cultural diversity, lack of training in strength‐based work, and difficulty in successfully engaging and retaining families in the therapy process. The system of care (SOC) effort has worked to establish formal roles for caregivers in SOC to improve services. This paper provides an example of one community's efforts to change the SOC by expanding the roles available to caregivers in creating systems change. It describes the model developed by Communities of Care (CoC), a SOC in Central Massachusetts, and its evolution over a 10 year period. First person accounts by system partners, caregivers hired into professional roles as well as a family receiving services, demonstrate how hiring caregivers at all levels can change systems and change lives, not only for those being served but for the caregiver/professionals doing the work. It also demonstrates, however, that change at the system level is incremental, takes time, and can be fleeting unless an ongoing effort is made to support and sustain those changes.
Complexity separating classes for edge-colouring and total-colouring
Authors: Machado Raphael , de Figueiredo Celina
Published: September 2011

The class of unichord-free graphs was recently investigated in a series of papers (Machado et al. in Theor. Comput. Sci. 411:1221–1234, 2010; Machado, de Figueiredo in Discrete Appl. Math. 159:1851–1864, 2011; Trotignon, Vušković in J. Graph Theory 63:31–67, 2010) and proved to be useful with respect to the study of the complexity of colouring problems. In particular, several surprising complexity dichotomies could be found in subclasses of unichord-free graphs. We discuss such results based on the concept of “separating class” and we describe the class of bipartite unichord-free as a final missing separating class with respect to edge-colouring and total-colouring problems, by proving that total-colouring bipartite unichord-free graphs is NP-complete.
Explaining the Female Black-White Obesity Gap: A Decomposition Analysis of Proximal Causes
Authors: Johnston David W. , Lee Wang-Sheng
Published: September 2011

There exist remarkably large differences in body weights and obesity prevalence between black and white women in the United States; and crucially, these differences are a significant contributor to black-white inequalities in health. In this article, we investigate the most proximal explanations for the weight gap: namely, differences in diet and exercise. More specifically, we decompose black-white differences in body mass index and waist-to-height ratio into components reflecting black-white differences in energy intake and energy expenditure. The analysis indicates that overconsumption is much more important than a lack of exercise in explaining the weight gap, which suggests that diet interventions will have to play a fundamental role if the weight gap between black and white women is to decline.
On the structure of vortex rings from inclined nozzles
Authors: Le Trung Bao , Borazjani Iman , Kang Seokkoo , Sotiropoulos Fotis
Published: September 2011

We carry out numerical simulations to investigate the vortex dynamics of laminar, impulsively driven flows through inclined nozzles in a piston–cylinder apparatus. Our simulations are motivated by the need to provide a complete description of the intricate vortical structures and governing mechanisms emerging in such flows as documented in the experiments of Webster & Longmire (Phys. Fluids, vol. 10, 1998, pp. 400–416) and Troolin & Longmire (Exp. Fluids, vol. 48, 2010, pp. 409–420). We show that the flow is dominated by the interaction of two main vortical structures: the primary inclined vortex ring at the nozzle exit and the secondary stopping ring that arises due to the entrainment of the flow into the cylinder when the piston stops moving. These two structures are connected together with pairs of vortex tubes, which evolve from the continuous vortex sheet initially connecting the primary vortex ring with the interior cylinder wall. In the exterior of the nozzle the key mechanism responsible for the breakup of the vortical structure is the interaction of the stronger inclined primary ring with the weaker stopping ring near the longest lip of the nozzle. In the interior of the nozzle the dynamics is governed by the axial stretching of the secondary ring and the ultimate impingement of this ring on the cylinder wall. Our simulations also clarify the kinematics of the azimuthal flow along the core of the primary vortex ring documented in the experiments by Lim (Phys. Fluids, vol. 10, 1998, pp. 1666–1671). We show that the azimuthal flow is characterized by a pair of two spiral saddle foci at the long and short lips of the nozzle through which ambient flow enters and exits the primary vortex core.
From Cultural Contact to Conquest: Rome and the Creation of a Tribal Zone in the North-Western Iberian Peninsula
Authors: GARCÍA FRANCISCO JAVIER GONZÁLEZ
Published: September 2011

In recent decades, archaeological and historical research on the Iron Age in the north-western Iberian Peninsula, as in many other areas and archaeological contexts, has developed a ‘pacifist’ interpretation. This is based, among other aspects, upon the rejection of the functional nature of the weapons documented in the archaeological record and on the development of a hypothesis on the non-defensive nature of walls, interpreting these structures as a symbol of the community or as an indication of the cohesion of the group living in the settlement. Such an interpretation can be integrated with the idea of a pre- and proto-historic ‘pacified past’ developed after the Second World War, which considered that ‘before civilization, war was rare, ritualised, abnormal and foreign to human psychology’ and with the belief that there has been a evolutionary progression from a primitive to a civilized way of war.
State Pay as War Relief in Peloponnesian-War Athens
Authors: ROSIVACH VINCENT
Published: September 2011

In the course of its history of the Athenian constitution, the Aristotelian Athēnaiōn Politeia describes Aristeides' leading role in organizing the Delian League, including his initial assessment of the contributions (phoros) paid by the League's members (Ath. Pol. 23.4–5). It then recounts his subsequent advice to the Athenians (24.1):

Afterwards, as the polis was already growing bold and much money had been accumulated, his advice was to take over the leadership [of the League], and to come in from the fields and dwell in the urban centre [astu]; for there would be a living [trophē] for all – for those soldiering, for those standing guard, for those conducting public business – then in this way they would firmly hold onto their leadership.
Remarks on Christopher Beeley,Gregory of Nazianzus on the Trinity and the Knowledge of God. In Your light we shall see light
Authors: Drecoll Volker Henning
Published: September 2011

The trinitarian theology of Gregory of Nazianzus is an important topic in patristic studies which is too often ignored by modern scholars. The aim of Beeley's book (like that of John McGuckin) is to deepen the study of this theologian who became very important for the later Orthodox tradition. Beeley wants to view Gregory not simply as one of the three Cappadocians or to make a short systematisation of theTheological Orations(or. 27–31), but rather to see his theology as a whole in its historical context. This makes the work an important contribution to historical studies in patristics, and I have learnt much from reading this book. The following remarks, even when critical, are intended to raise new topics for discussion, though controversial in some aspects.
On the polynomial vector fields on
Authors: Llibre Jaume , Zhao Yulin
Published: September 2011

Let X be a polynomial vector field of degree n on M, M = ℝm. The dynamics and the algebraic-geometric properties of the vector fields X have been studied intensively, mainly for the case when M = ℝm, and especially when n = 2. Several papers have been dedicated to the study of the homogeneous polynomial vector field of degree n on $\mathbb{S}^2$, mainly for the case where n = 2 and M = $\mathbb{S}^2$. But there are very few results on the non-homogeneous polynomial vector fields of degree n on $\mathbb{S}^2$. This paper attempts to rectify this slightly.
Existence of infinitely many homoclinic orbits in Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Tang X. H. , Lin Xiaoyan
Published: September 2011

By using the symmetric mountain pass theorem, we establish some new existence criteria to guarantee that the second-order Hamiltonian systems ü(t) − L(t)u(t) + ∇W(t,u(t)) = 0 have infinitely many homoclinic orbits, where t ∈ ℝ, u ∈ ℝN, L ∈ C(ℝ, ℝN × N) and W ∈ C1(ℝ × ℝN, ℝ) are not periodic in t. Our results generalize and improve some existing results in the literature by relaxing the conditions on the potential function W(t, x).
State space decomposition for non-autonomous dynamical systems
Authors: Chen Xiaopeng , Duan Jinqiao
Published: September 2011

The decomposition of state spaces into dynamically different components is helpful for understanding dynamics of complex systems. A Conley-type decomposition theorem is proved for non-autonomous dynamical systems defined on a non-compact but separable state space. Specifically, the state space can be decomposed into a chain-recurrent part and a gradient-like part. This result applies to both non-autonomous ordinary differential equations on a Euclidean space (which is only locally compact), and to non-autonomous partial differential equations on an infinite-dimensional function space (which is not even locally compact). This decomposition result is demonstrated by discussing a few concrete examples, such as the Lorenz system and the Navier–Stokes system, under time-dependent forcing.
Coupling techniques for nonlinear hyperbolic equations. I Self-similar diffusion for thin interfaces
Authors: Boutin Benjamin , Coquel Frédéric , LeFloch Philippe G.
Published: September 2011

We investigate various analytical and numerical techniques for the coupling of nonlinear hyperbolic systems and, in particular, we introduce an augmented formulation that allows for the modelling of the dynamics of interfaces between fluid flows. The main technical difficulty to be overcome lies in the possible resonance effect when wave speeds coincide and global hyperbolicity is lost. As a consequence, non-uniqueness of weak solutions is observed for the initial-value problem, and these solutions need to be supplemented with further admissibility conditions. This paper is devoted to investigating these issues in the setting of self-similar vanishing viscosity approximations to the Riemann problem for general hyperbolic systems. Following earlier works by Joseph, LeFloch and Tzavaras, we establish an existence theorem for the Riemann problem under fairly general structural assumptions on the nonlinear hyperbolic system and its regularization. Our main contribution consists of nonlinear wave interaction estimates for solutions that apply to resonant wave patterns.
Bisimulations for non-deterministic labelled Markov processes
Authors: D'ARGENIO PEDRO R. , TERRAF PEDRO SÁNCHEZ , WOLOVICK NICOLÁS
Published: September 2011

We extend the theory of labelled Markov processes to include internal non-determinism, which is a fundamental concept for the further development of a process theory with abstraction on non-deterministic continuous probabilistic systems. We define non-deterministic labelled Markov processes (NLMP) and provide three definitions of bisimulations: a bisimulation following a traditional characterisation; a state-based bisimulation tailored to our ‘measurable’ non-determinism; and an event-based bisimulation. We show the relations between them, including the fact that the largest state bisimulation is also an event bisimulation. We also introduce a variation of the Hennessy–Milner logic that characterises event bisimulation and is sound with respect to the other bisimulations for an arbitrary NLMP. This logic, however, is infinitary as it contains a denumerable . We then introduce a finitary sublogic that characterises all bisimulations for an image finite NLMP whose underlying measure space is also analytic. Hence, in this setting, all the notions of bisimulation we consider turn out to be equal. Finally, we show that all these bisimulation notions are different in the general case. The counterexamples that separate them turn out to be non-probabilistic NLMPs.
The sticky tale of seed coat mucilages: production, genetics, and role in seed germination and dispersal
Authors: Western Tamara L.
Published: September 2011

The production of hydrophilic mucilages by the seed coat or pericarp, which are released upon seed hydration, is a commonly found adaptation in angiosperms, known as myxodiaspory. These are composed primarily of pectins and hemicelluloses that undergo substantive swelling upon hydration. Synthesized in the Golgi apparatus and secreted to an apoplastic space via secretory vesicles, mucilages can also contain cellulose microfibrils or cellulosic fibres that are synthesized at the plasma membrane in association with microtubules. Investigation of mucilage production in, and differentiation of, the mucilage secretory cells of the genetic model plantArabidopsis thalianahas identified a number of regulatory genes and enzymes involved in pectin synthesis and secretion,in muropectin modification and secondary cell wall synthesis. Studies of the role of mucilages in both a number of species and in Arabidopsis mutants affected in its production suggest that they have multiple ecological roles. These include facilitation of seed hydration, mediation of germination under waterlogged conditions, prevention of seed dispersal or predation by adherence to soil, and promotion of seed dispersal by attachment to animals. The precise role of mucilages appears to be dependent on species and their environmental context.
Insurance, size and exposure to actuarial risk: empirical evidence from nineteenth- and early twentieth-century German Knappschaften
Authors: Jopp Tobias Alexander
Published: September 2011

By the mid nineteenth century, German miners relied on their own job-related social insurance scheme providing them with sickness, invalidity and survivorship insurance benefits. Addressing the period from 1867 to 1913, this article investigates whether the mineworkers' insurance funds, the Knappschaften, could effectively minimise their exposure to the actuarial risk inherent in their operations – and, in fact, inherent in all such insurance schemes – by increasing the scale of pooling. Contemporary observers of the Knappschaften tended to focus on whether financial stability could be improved by exploiting economies of scale, rather than by improving the pricing techniques themselves. Evidence suggests that actuarial risk was minimised at around 5,000 contributors in a Knappschaft's pension insurance section and at about 1,000 contributors in its sickness insurance section.
The Two Steps of the B-Deduction
Authors: Leppäkoski Markku
Published: September 2011

Since the publication of Dieter Henrich's classic paper, ‘The proof structure of the transcendental deduction’, in The Review of Metaphysics 22 (1969), the transcendental deduction of the pure concepts of the understanding has been under focus in Kant studies in a very special way. The B-deduction seems to be a proof in two steps. Consequently, the focus has been on questions like, ‘What is the structure of the deduction?’, and ‘Why is the deduction carried out in two steps?’ No doubt the structure of the deduction has been the most debated exegetical issue in Kant's theoretical philosophy, and the most important too, while the answers mirror one's overall understanding of Kant.
Comment on Gorner
Authors: Nicholson Peter
Published: September 2011

In his incisive and provocative analysis, ‘The place of punishment in Kant's Rechtslehre’, Paul Gorner discusses many aspects of Kant's position. I concentrate on his main contention:

Kant's justification of judicial punishment simply does not fit the account of right he gives in the Rechtslehre. According to this account the only justification for coercion is that it constitutes a ‘hindering of a hindrance’ to freedom. But there is no way in which this requires punishment to be retributive.
Deglacial nitrogen isotope changes in the Gulf of Mexico: Evidence from bulk sedimentary and foraminifera‐bound nitrogen in Orca Basin sediments
Authors: Meckler A. Nele , Ren Haojia , Sigman Daniel M. , Gruber Nicolas , Plessen Birgit , Schubert Carsten J. , Haug Gerald H.
Published: September 2011

Constraining variations in marine N2‐fixation over glacial‐interglacial timescales is crucial for determining the role of the marine nitrogen cycle in modifying ocean productivity and climate, yet paleo‐records from N2‐fixation regions are sparse. Here we present new nitrogen isotope (δ15N) records of bulk sediment and foraminifera test‐bound (FB) nitrogen extending back to the last ice age from the oligotrophic Gulf of Mexico (GOM). Previous studies indicate a substantial terrestrial input during the last ice age and early deglacial, for which we attempt to correct the bulk sediment δ15N using its observed relationship with the C/N ratio. Both corrected bulk and FB‐δ15N reveal a substantial glacial‐to‐Holocene decrease of δ15N toward Holocene values of around 2.5 ‰, similar to observations from the Caribbean. This δ15N change is most likely due to a glacial‐to‐Holocene increase in regional N2‐fixation. A deglacial peak in the FB‐δ15N of thermocline dwelling foraminifera Orbulina universa probably reflects a whole ocean increase in the δ15N of nitrate during deglaciation. The δ15N of the surface dwelling foraminifera Globigerinoides ruber and the corrected bulk δ15N show little sign of this deglacial peak, both decreasing from last glacial values much earlier than does the δ15N of O. universa; this may indicate that G. ruber and bulk N reflect the euphotic zone signal of an early local increase in N2‐fixation. Our results add to the evidence that, during the last ice age, the larger iron input from dust did not lead to enhanced N2‐fixation in this region. Rather, the glacial‐to‐Holocene decrease in δ15N is best explained by a response of N2‐fixation within the Atlantic to the deglacial increase in global ocean denitrification.
A G4/W1BD theoretical study into the gas phase enthalpies of formation for potential high energy materials
Authors: Rayne Sierra , Forest Kaya
Published: September 2011

Enthalpies of formation (Δ~f~H~(g)~) at 298.15 K and 0 K were calculated for various potential high energy materials (HEMs) using the high-level Gaussian-4 (G4) and W1BD methods with the atomization approach. Where prior high level estimates are available in the literature, the G4 and W1BD Δ~f~H~(g)~ are in good agreement. The results presented herein represent the highest level calculations performed to date on this suite of HEMs. These G4/W1BD enthalpies of formation should provide utility among the research community as a benchmark set of values against which to assess future experimental and/or theoretical data.
Atomistic mechanisms of moisture-induced fracture at copper-silica interfaces
Authors: Vijayashankar Dandapani , Zhu Hong , Garg Saurabh , Teki Ranganath , Ramprasad R. , Lane Michael W. , Ramanath Ganpati
Published: September 2011

Tailoring the chemo-mechanical properties of metal-dielectric interfaces is crucial for many applications including nanodevice wiring, packaging, composites, and catalysis. Here, we combine moisture-induced fracture tests, electron spectroscopy, and density functional theory calculations to reveal fracture toughness partitioning and atomistic delamination mechanisms at copper-silica interfaces. Copper plasticity is supported above a threshold work of adhesion and delamination occurs by moisture-induced Cu-O bond scission in Cu-O-Si bridges. These results provide insights into the effects of the nature of metal-oxygen bonding on moisture-induced delamination of metal-dielectric interfaces.
Observation of spin-polarized state transport from a ferromagnetic to a conductive material
Authors: Makarov Vladimir I. , Khmelinskii Igor , Kochubei Sergey A.
Published: September 2011

In the present study, a quantum filter of spin-polarized states induced by magnetic fields in an iron nanolayer was assembled and experimentally studied. We found the device to pass certain spin-polarized states from the iron nanolayer to a conductive gold nanolayer through a dielectric silicon dioxide nanolayer. A theoretical model developed earlier was successfully applied to qualitatively interpret the experimental data.