bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A proximal point method for the sum of maximal monotone operators
Authors: Xiao Hongying , Zeng Xueying
Published: October 2013

In this paper, we concentrate on the maximal inclusion problem of locating the zeros of the sum of maximal monotone operators in the framework of proximal point method. Such problems arise widely in several applied mathematical fields such as signal and image processing. We define two new maximal monotone operators and characterize the solutions of the considered problem via the zeros of the new operators. The maximal monotonicity and resolvent of both of the defined operators are proved and calculated, respectively. The traditional proximal point algorithm can be therefore applied to the considered maximal inclusion problem, and the convergence is ensured. Furthermore, by exploring the relationship between the proposed method and the generalized forward‐backward splitting algorithm, we point out that this algorithm is essentially the proximal point algorithm when the operator corresponding to the forward step is the zero operator. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
REV‐ERB‐ALPHA circadian gene variant associates with obesity in two independent populations: Mediterranean and North American
Authors: Garaulet Marta , Smith Caren E. , Gomez‐Abellán Purificación , Ordovás‐Montañés María , Lee Yu‐Chi , Parnell Laurence D. , Arnett Donna K. , Ordovás José M.
Published: October 2013

Scope

Despite the solid connection between REV‐ERB and obesity, the information about whether genetic variations at this locus may be associated with obesity traits is scarce. Therefore our objective was to study the association between REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 rs2314339 and obesity in two independent populations.

Methods and results

Participants were 2214 subjects from Spanish Mediterranean (n = 1404) and North American (n = 810) populations. Anthropometric, biochemical, dietary, and genotype analyses were performed. We found novel associations between the REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 rs2314339 genotype and obesity in two independent populations: in Spanish Mediterranean and North American groups, the frequency of the minor‐allele‐carriers (AA+ AG) was significantly lower in the “abdominally obese” group than in those of the “nonabdominally obese” group (p < 0.05). Minor allele carriers had lower probability of abdominal obesity than noncarriers, and the effect was of similar magnitude for both populations (OR ≈ 1.50). There were consistent associations between REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 genotype and obesity‐related traits (p < 0.05). Energy intake was not significantly associated with REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 rs2314339. However, physical activity significantly differed by genotype. A significant interaction between the REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 variant and monounsaturated‐fatty‐acids (MUFA) intake for obesity was also detected in the Mediterranean population.

Conclusion

This new discovery highlights the importance of REV‐ERB‐ALPHA1 in obesity and provides evidence for the connection between our biological clock and obesity‐related traits.
Diastereotopic splitting in the 13C NMR spectra of sulfur homofullerenes and methanofullerenes with chiral fragments
Authors: Tulyabaev Arthur R. , Tuktarov Airat R. , Khalilov Leonard M.
Published: October 2013

Using gauge‐invariant atomic orbital PBE/3ζ quantum chemistry approach, 13C NMR chemical shifts and diastereotopic splittings of sp2 fullerenyl carbons of a number of sulfur homofullerenes and methanofullerenes have been predicted and discussed. An anisochrony of fullerene carbons is caused by a chiral center of attached moieties. Clearly distinguishable diastereotopic pairs (from 8 to 11) of fullerenyl carbons of homofullerenes were observed. Unambiguous assignments of 13C NMR chemical shifts were performed, and diastereotopic splittings of methanofullerenes were observed for α, β and γ to a functionalization site. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Chemically modified oil palm ash‐filled natural rubber composites and its properties
Authors: Ooi Zhong Xian , Ismail Hanafi , Abu Bakar Azhar
Published: October 2013

Chemically modified Oil Palm Ash (OPA)‐filled natural rubber composites were prepared by modifying the functional group of OPA with cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) prior to compounding by using laboratory conventional laboratory‐sized two‐roll mills. The functional groups of CTAB‐modified OPA were analyzed by using Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) and compared with those of non‐modified ones. The CTAB‐modified OPA‐filled NR composites showed shorter scorch time and cure time as compared to those of non‐modified OPA, which was attributed to the new functional groups occurred. The tensile test results showed that the OPA‐filled NR composites with CTAB modification exhibit improvement in tensile strength, tensile modulus, and hardness but lower elongation at break as compared to nonmodified ones. The tensile fractured surface of modified OPA filled NR composites revealed the well embedded and better distribution of CTAB‐modified OPA in NR matrix. The toluene uptake was also found to be lower for the modified OPA‐filled NR composites and showed better rubber–filler interaction; it further showed that surface modification with CTAB could compatibilize the OPA particles and NR matrix. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:691–697, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Taguchi method to optimize the micron and submicron size cenosphere particulates filled E‐glass fiber‐reinforced vinylester composites
Authors: Thakur S. , Chauhan S.R.
Published: October 2013

In this work, the mechanical and tribological characteristics of E‐glass fiber‐reinforced vinylester composites have been investigated experimentally under dry sliding conditions. The E‐glass fiber‐reinforced vinylester composites with uniform micron and submicron size cenosphere particulates of three different sizes (2 µm, 900 nm, and 400 nm) had been prepared in the laboratory. In this work the effect of parameters such as applied normal load, particulate size, sliding speed, sliding distance and roughness on friction and wear behavior have been carried. A plan of experiments, based on the Taguchi design, was performed to acquire data in a controlled way. An orthogonal array L27 (313) and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) have been applied to investigate the influence of process parameters on the coefficient of friction (COF) and sliding wear behavior of these composites. It was found that the submicron size particulates 400 nm as filler contributed significantly to improve the mechanical properties and wear resistance of the composites. The experimental results indicate that the specific wear rate is greatly influenced by applied normal load and particle size. ANOVA results showed that the applied normal load significantly influence the specific wear rate of cenosphere filled glass fiber‐reinforced vinylester composites. Regression analysis is carried to check the suitability of the prediction equation and modeling of the wear parameters and the typical R2 values for COF and specific wear rate are 86.7 and 94.3%, respectively. The scanning electron microscopy are used clarify the experimental in the frictional and wear testing. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:775–787, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel potassium sodium niobate/polyimide functional composite films with high dielectric permittivity
Authors: Lin Jiaqi , Zhang Panpan , Yang Wenlong , Xie Zhibin , Liu Ying , Lin Hui , Li Xiaokang , Lei Qingquan
Published: October 2013

This work reports the advanced potassium sodium niobate (K0.5Na0.5NbO3, KNN)/polyimide (KNN/PI) functional hybrid films with 5 vol%, 10 vol%, 20 vol%, 30 vol%, and 40 vol% KNN loaded. The structure, morphology, and dielectric properties of hybrid films have been measured. The results show that the KNN fillers are well dispersed in the PI matrix. An internal boundary layer capacitance structure is formed in the composite films. The dielectric permittivity of the film is as high as 22 when the concentration of KNN filler reaches 40 vol% at 102 Hz, which is five times larger than that of a pure PI matrix. Meanwhile, the loss tangent is lower than 0.05. In addition, the conductivity is lower than 10−8 (S m−1) at 102 Hz, which indicates the excellent insulation and is important for the practical use of this kind of KNN/PI hybrid films. It is believed that the KNN/PI hybrid films could be applied in future electronic fields. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:969–974, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Novel composite biopolymers of sodium alginate/natural rubber/coconut waste for adsorption of Pb(II) ions
Authors: Riyajan Sa‐Ad , Tangboriboonrat Pramuan
Published: October 2013

A novel composite adsorbent in the form of beads for removal of Pb2+ from wastewater was prepared by blending a sodium alginate (NaAlg) solution, natural rubber (NR) latex, and coconut waste (cofiber). After being crosslinked by calcium chloride, the beads were highly stable, flexible, and easily used in the environment. The optimum composition of the beads with an average size of 1.1–1.2 mm was 4% NaAlg:NR latex (60% dry rubber content):cofiber at 50:1:0.72 and a 2%w/w CaCl2 solution used for cross linking. The physico‐chemical properties of the beads were examined by the swelling ratio measurement, ATR‐FTIR, and SEM. The effects of the amount of cofiber, NR, and initial Pb2+ ions, the pH of the medium, the bead content, and the contact time, on the adsorption of Pb2+ were investigated. NR improved the water resistance and, hence, the stability of the beads. The cofiber increased the porosity and contact area and, hence, the efficiency of the composite beads to adsorb the Pb2+ up to 99.6%. The prepared beads are promising material to use for the effective and economical removal of Pb2+ from water. POLYM. COMPOS., 35:1013–1021, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Formulation and Characterization of a New Nitroglycerin‐Free Double Base Propellant
Authors: Reese David A. , Groven Lori J. , Son Steven F.
Published: October 2013

Double base propellants composed of nitrocellulose (NC) and nitroglycerine (NG) are widely used. However, the inclusion of liquid NG presents both stability and performance problems: the NG may migrate from the propellant in storage, and it softens the propellant at high inclusion levels. In this work, the novel nitrate ester 1,4‐dinitrato‐2,3‐dinitro‐2,3bis(nitratomethylene) butane (SMX) is considered as a replacement for NG in a double base propellant. Thermochemical calculations indicate improved performance when compared with the common double base propellant JA2 at SMX loadings above 40 wt‐%. Also, since SMX is a room temperature solid, migration may be mitigated. Both unplasticized and plasticized propellants were formulated to enable the study of the interaction of SMX with nitrocellulose. Thermal analysis of unplasticized propellant showed a distinct melt‐recrystallization curve, which indicates that a solid phase solution is being formed between SMX and NC, and that SMX would not act as plasticizer. Analysis of propellant prepared with diethyleneglycol dinitrate (DEGDN) plasticizer indicates that the SMX is likely dissolved in the DEGDN. The plasticized material also showed similar hardness and modulus to JA2. Safety characterization showed that sensitivity is similar to JA2. In short, replacing NG with SMX results in a new family of propellants with acceptable safety characteristics and which may also offer improved theoretical performance.
Advanced generation anti‐prostate specific membrane antigen designer T Cells for prostate cancer immunotherapy
Authors: Ma Qiangzhong , Gomes Erica M. , Lo Agnes Shuk‐Yee , Junghans Richard P.
Published: October 2013

BACKGROUND

Adoptive immunotherapy by infusion of designer T cells (dTc) engineered with chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) for tumoricidal activity represents a potentially highly specific modality for the treatment of cancer. In this study, 2nd generation (gen) anti‐prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) dTc were developed for improving the efficacy of previously developed 1st gen dTc for prostate cancer immunotherapy. The 1st gen dTc are modified with chimeric immunoglobulin‐T cell receptor (IgTCR) while the 2nd gen dTc are engineered with an immunoglobulin‐CD28‐T cell receptor (IgCD28TCR), which incorporates a CD28 costimulatory signal for optimal T cell activation.

METHODS

A 2nd gen anti‐PSMA IgCD28TCR CAR was constructed by inserting the CD28 signal domain into the 1st gen CAR. 1st and 2nd gen anti‐PSMA dTc were created by transducing human T cells with anti‐PSMA CARs and their antitumor efficacy was compared for specific activation on PSMA‐expressing tumor contact, cytotoxicity against PSMA‐expressing tumor cells in vitro, and suppression of tumor growth in an animal model.

RESULTS

The 2nd gen dTc can be optimally activated to secrete larger amounts of cytokines such as IL2 and IFNγ than 1st gen and to proliferate more vigorously on PSMA‐expressing tumor contact. More importantly, the 2nd gen dTc preserve the PSMA‐specific cytotoxicity in vitro and suppress tumor growth in animal models with significant higher potency.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrate that 2nd gen anti‐PSMA designer T cells exhibit superior antitumor functions versus 1st gen, providing a rationale for advancing this improved agent toward clinical application in prostate cancer immunotherapy. Prostate 74:286–296, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The importance of being kinked: role of Pro residues in the selectivity of the helical antimicrobial peptide P5
Authors: Bobone Sara , Bocchinfuso Gianfranco , Park Yoonkyung , Palleschi Antonio , Hahm Kyung‐Soo , Stella Lorenzo
Published: October 2013

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) are promising compounds for developing new antibiotic drugs against drug‐resistant bacteria. Many of them kill bacteria by perturbing their membranes but exhibit no significant toxicity towards eukaryotic cells. The identification of the features responsible for this selectivity is essential for their pharmacological development. AMPs exhibit few conserved features, but a statistical analysis of an AMP sequence database indicated that many α‐helical AMPs surprisingly have a helix‐breaking Pro residue in the middle of their sequence. To discriminate among the different possible hypotheses for the functional role of this feature, we designed an analogue of the antimicrobial peptide P5, in which the central Pro was deleted (analogue P5Del). Pro removal resulted in a dramatic increase of toxicity. This was explained by the observation that P5Del binds both charged and neutral membranes, whereas P5 has no appreciable affinity towards neutral bilayers. CD and simulative data provided a rationalization of this behavior. In solution P5, due to the presence of Pro, attains compact conformations, in which its apolar residues are partially shielded from the solvent, whereas P5Del is more helical. These structural differences reduce the hydrophobic driving force for association of P5 to neutral membranes, whereas its binding to anionic bilayers can still take place because of electrostatic attraction. After membrane binding, the Pro residue does not preclude the attainment of a membrane‐active amphiphilic helical conformation. These findings shed light on the role of Pro residues in the selectivity of AMPs and provide hints for the design of new, highly selective compounds. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Covalently attached fatty acyl chains alter the aggregation behavior of an amyloidogenic peptide derived from human β2‐microglobulin
Authors: Rawat Anoop , Nagaraj Ramakrishnan
Published: October 2013

Aggregation of a polypeptide chain into highly ordered amyloid aggregates is a complex process. Various factors, both extrinsic and intrinsic to the polypeptide chain, have been shown to perturb this process, leading to a drastic change in the amyloidogenic behavior, which is reflected in the polymorphism of amyloid aggregates at various levels of self‐assembly. In this paper, we have investigated the ability of covalently linked long‐chain fatty acids in modulating the self‐assembly of an aromatic amino acid‐rich highly amyloidogenic sequence derived from the amino acid region 59–71 of human β2‐microglobulin by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence microscopy, circular dichroism, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Our results indicate that under identical conditions of dissolution and concentration, each peptide enhances the fluorescence of ThT. However, the aggregates are morphologically distinct. For the same peptide, the aggregate morphologies are dependent on peptide concentration. Further, an optimum concentration, which varies with solution ionic strength, is required for the formation of fibrillar aggregates. We show that covalent modification of this amyloidogenic sequence, with long‐chain fatty acids, affects the way the higher order amyloid structures assemble from the cross‐β units, in fatty acyl chain‐dependent and position‐dependent manner. Our data indicate that noncovalent interactions leading to amyloid fibril formation can be modulated by the hydrophobicity of covalently attached long‐chain fatty acids resulting in self‐assembly of the peptide chain to form nonfibrillar aggregates. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Diamondoid diacids ('O4' species) in oil sands process‐affected water
Authors: Lengger Sabine K. , Scarlett Alan G. , West Charles E. , Rowland Steven J.
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

As a by‐product of oil sands extraction, large volumes of oil sands process water (OSPW) are generated, which are contaminated with a large range of water‐soluble organic compounds. The acids are thought to be derived from hydrocarbons via natural biodegradation pathways such as α‐ and β‐oxidation of alkyl substituents, which could produce mono‐ and diacids, for example. However, while several monoacids (‘O2’ species) have been identified, the presence of diacids (i.e. 'O4' species) has only been deduced from results obtained via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Fourier transform ion cyclotron resonance high‐resolution mass spectrometry (FTICR‐HRMS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H‐NMR) spectroscopy and the structures have never been confirmed.

METHODS

An extract of an OSPW from a Canadian tailings pond was analysed and the retention times and the electron ionization mass spectra of some analytes were compared with those of bis‐methyl esters of authentic diacids by gas chromatography × gas chromatography/time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (GCxGC/TOFMS) in nominal and accurate mass configurations.

RESULTS

Two diamondoid diacids (3‐carboxymethyladamantane‐1‐carboxylic acid and adamantane‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid) were firmly identified as their bis‐methyl esters by retention time and mass spectral matching and several other structural isomers were more tentatively assigned. Diacids have substantially increased polarity over the hydrocarbon and monoacid species from which they probably derive: as late members of biodegradation processes they may be useful indicators of weathering and ageing, not only of OSPW, but potentially of crude oil residues more generally.

CONCLUSIONS

Structures of O4 species in OSPW have been identified. This confirms pathways of microbial biodegradation, which were only postulated previously, and may be a further indication that remediation of OSPW toxicity can occur by natural microbial action. The presence and abundance of these diacids might therefore be useful as a measure of biodegradation and weathering. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterisation of novel α‐keratin peptide markers for species identification in keratinous tissues using mass spectrometry
Authors: Solazzo Caroline , Wadsley Marc , Dyer Jolon M. , Clerens Stefan , Collins Matthew J. , Plowman Jeffrey
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

In ancient and/or damaged artefacts containing keratinous materials, the species of origin of the materials can be difficult to identify through visual examination; therefore, a minimally destructive methodology for species identification is required. While hair fibres from some species have seen substantial characterisation, others such as horn or baleen have received little or no attention, or lack protein sequences allowing formal identification using proteomics techniques.

METHODS

We used the PMF method (Peptide Mass Fingerprinting with matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionisation time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (MALDI‐TOF‐MS)) to catalogue and identify diagnostic peptide markers up to the genus level. Sequences were checked using nanoflow liquid chromatography/electrospray ionisation tandem mass spectrometry (nanoLC/ESI‐MS/MS) and unidentified peptides were searched against a theoretical database generated by substituting amino acids in keratin sequences.

RESULTS

Specific peptides were identified by m/z and sequences characterised whenever possible for a range of species belonging to Bovidae and Camelidae, and for tissues such as baleen and horn. The theoretical database allowed an increase in the number of peptides of up to 10% in species with little genetic information.

CONCLUSIONS

A proteomics approach can successfully identify specific markers for the identification of materials to the genus level, and should be considered when identification by other means is not possible. Identification by PMF is fast, reliable and inexpensive. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Photodynamic oxidation of Escherichia coli membrane phospholipids: new insights based on lipidomics
Authors: Alves Eliana , Santos Nuno , Melo Tânia , Maciel Elisabete , Dória M. Luísa , Faustino Maria A. F. , Tomé João P. C. , Neves Maria G. P. M. S. , Cavaleiro José A. S. , Cunha Ângela , Helguero Luisa A. , Domingues Pedro , Almeida Adelaide , Domingues M. Rosário M.
Published: October 2013

RATIONALE

The irreversible oxidation of biological molecules, such as lipids, can be achieved with a photosensitizing agent and subsequent exposure to light, in the presence of molecular oxygen. Although lipid peroxidation is an important toxicity mechanism in bacteria, the alterations caused by the photodynamic therapy on bacterial phospholipids are still unknown. In this work, we studied the photodynamic oxidation of Escherichia coli membrane phospholipids using a lipidomic approach.

METHODS

E. coli ATCC 25922 were irradiated for 90 min with white light (4 mW cm–2, 21.6 J cm–2) in the presence of a tricationic porphyrin [(5,10,15‐tris(1‐methylpyridinium‐4‐yl)‐20‐(pentafluorophenyl)porphyrin triiodide, Tri‐Py+‐Me‐PF]. Lipids were extracted and separated by thin‐layer chromatography. Phospholipid classes were quantified by phosphorus assay and analyzed by electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. Fatty acids were analyzed by gas chromatography. Quantification of lipid hydroperoxides was performed by FOX2 assay. Analysis of the photodynamic oxidation of a phospholipid standard was also performed.

RESULTS

Our approach allowed us to see that the photodynamic treatment induced the formation of a high amount of lipid hydroperoxides in the E. coli lipid extract. Quantification of fatty acids revealed a decrease in the unsaturated C16:1 and C18:1 species suggesting that oxidative modifications were responsible for their variation. It was also observed that photosensitization induced the oxidation of phosphatidylethanolamines with C16:1, C18:1 and C18:2 fatty acyl chains, with formation of hydroxy and hydroperoxy derivatives.

CONCLUSIONS

Membrane phospholipids of E. coli are molecular targets of the photodynamic effect induced by Tri‐Py+‐Me‐PF. The overall change in the relative amount of unsaturated fatty acids and the formation of PE hydroxides and hydroperoxides evidence the damages in bacterial phospholipids caused by this lethal treatment. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Structures and Bonding Situation of the Allyl Systems and Cyclic Isomers [H2E–E(H)–EH2]–,·,+ (E = C, Si, Ge, Sn)
Authors: Gámez José A. , Hermann Markus , Frenking Gernot
Published: October 2013

Quantum chemical calculations using DFT and ab initio methods were carried out on the structures of the title compounds. The nature of the bonding was investigated with an energy decomposition analysis. The calculations predict that the planar C2v allyl structures of the neutral and charged heavier group‐14 homologues [H2E–E(H)–EH2]–,·,+ (E = Si – Sn) are no minima on the potential energy surface. Energy minima for allyl‐type structures of the latter systems possess Cs symmetry and pyramidal EH2 groups. The energetically lowest lying form of [H2E–E(H)–EH2]–,·,+ (E = Si – Sn) has a cyclic structure for the neutral molecules and the anion and a quasi‐cyclic equilibrium arrangement for the cations. In contrast, the cyclic isomers of the carbon molecules [H2C–C(H)–CH2]–,·,+ are significantly higher in energy than the allyl structures. Energy decomposition analyses show that the lower stability of the planar C2v allyl structures of [H2E–E(H)–EH2]–,·,+ (E = Si – Sn) does not come from weak π conjugation. The relative contribution of π conjugation in the latter species is even higher than in the allyl system of carbon. The cyclic form of [H2E–E(H)–EH2]–,·,+ (E = Si – Sn) is lower in energy than the allyl form, because the σ bonding in the former structures is much stronger than in the latter. This overcompensates the higher Pauli repulsion in the cyclic form. In the carbon systems, the Pauli repulsion of the cyclic structures is very strong, because the bonds are much shorter than in the heavier homologues. Consequently, the stronger Pauli repulsion in the cyclic isomers is not compensated by the stronger attraction compared with the allyl system.
The entropy of a hole in spacetime
Authors: Balasubramanian Vijay , Chowdhury Borun D. , Czech Bartlomiej , de Boer Jan
Published: October 2013

Abstract

We compute the gravitational entropy of “spherical Rindler space”, a timedependent, spherically symmetric generalization of ordinary Rindler space, defined with reference to a family of observers traveling along non-parallel, accelerated trajectories. All these observers are causally disconnected from a spherical region H (a “hole”) located at the origin of Minkowski space. The entropy evaluates to S =
$ \mathcal{A} $

/4G, where
$ \mathcal{A} $
is the area of the spherical acceleration horizon, which coincides with the boundary of H. We propose that S is the entropy of entanglement between quantum gravitational degrees of freedom supporting the interior and the exterior of the sphere H.
Inter‐facility Transfer of Surgical Emergencies in a Developing Country: Effects on Management and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Khan Salma , Zafar Hasnain , Zafar Syed Nabeel , Haroon Naveed
Published: October 2013

Objectives

Outcomes of surgical emergencies are associated with promptness of the appropriate surgical intervention. However, delayed presentation of surgical patients is common in most developing countries. Delays commonly occur due to transfer of patients between facilities. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of delays in treatment caused by inter‐facility transfers of patients presenting with surgical emergencies as measured by objective and subjective parameters.

Methods

We prospectively collected data on all patients presenting with an acute surgical emergency at Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH). Information regarding demographics, social class, reason and number of transfers, and distance traveled were collected. Patients were categorized into two groups, those transferred to AKUH from another facility (transferred) and direct arrivals (non‐transfers). Differences between presenting physiological parameters, vital statistics, and management were tested between the two groups by the chi square and t tests.

Results

Ninety‐nine patients were included, 49 (49.5 %) patients having been transferred from another facility. The most common reason for transfer was “lack of satisfactory surgical care.” There were significant differences in presenting pulse, oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, fluid for resuscitation, glasgow coma scale, and revised trauma score (all p values <0.001) between transferred and non‐transferred patients. In 56 patients there was a further delay in admission, and the most common reason was bed availability, followed by financial constraints. Three patients were shifted out of the hospital due to lack of ventilator, and 14 patients left against medical advice due to financial limitations. One patient died.

Conclusions

Inter‐facility transfer of patients with surgical emergencies is common. These patients arrive with deranged physiology which requires complex and prolonged hospital care. Patients who cannot afford treatment are most vulnerable to transfers and delays.
Estimation of dieback process caused by herbivory in an endangered root‐sprouting shrub species, Paliurus ramosissimus (Lour.) Poir., using a shoot‐dynamics matrix model
Authors: Ishihama Fumiko , Fujii Shinji , Yamamoto Kazuhiko , Takada Takenori
Published: October 2013

Mortality, a critical parameter for population dynamics, is difficult to measure in long‐lived trees or clonal herbaceous species because of the extremely low frequency of deaths. A model based on shoot recruitment would be helpful to estimate the population fate of species without a sufficient number of observed deaths. Existing matrix models are applicable to the dynamics of physiologically independent shoots, but not to physiologically dependent ones. We developed a shoot‐dynamics model for plants with physiologically‐dependent shoots, and used the model to estimate the effects of herbivory and conservation measures on the dynamics of a long‐lived, shoot‐sprouting shrub species, Paliurus ramosissimus (Rhamnaceae). Two populations of the endangered shrub have been severely damaged by herbivory by sika deer. The damage was mainly to new sprouting shoots. No deaths of individual plants were observed during an 8‐year survey, and we could not estimate mortality. Thus, prediction of population dynamics based on births and deaths of individuals was impossible. Because P. ramosissimus is a shoot‐sprouting species, we instead estimated the decline of individuals using a shoot‐dynamics model. Using this model, we estimated the time to an 80 % decrease in shoot number per individual in the two populations at 37.8 and 37.2 years. These lengths suggest an immediate need for conservation measures to prevent herbivory even though no death of any individual was observed in the field survey. The estimated recovery times from the herbivory damage were 28.7 and 29.2 years if herbivory of new shoots is completely prevented by conservation measure.
Genetische Diagnostik der amyotrophen Lateralsklerose
Authors: Weydt P. , Hübers A. , Ludolph A.C. , Weishaupt J.H.
Published: October 2013

Die amyotrophe Lateralsklerose (ALS) ist eine schnell fortschreitende Erkrankung, die mit einer Degeneration sowohl des 1. (kortikalen) als auch des 2. (spinalen und bulbären) motorischen Neurons einhergeht. Klinisch kommt es unter anderem zu fortschreitenden, sich kontinuierlich und systematisch ausbreitenden Paresen und Atrophien der quergestreiften Muskulatur. Die Genetik der ALS hat in den vergangenen Jahren mit der Entdeckung zahlreicher neuer ALS-Gene große Fortschritte gemacht. Neben dem seit langem bekannten Gen „superoxide dismutase 1“ (SOD1) kam als mittlerweile häufigstes ALS-Gen in kaukasischen Patienten unter anderem „ chromosome 9 open reading frame 72“ (C9ORF72) hinzu sowie die weniger häufigen Mutationen in „ TAR DNA binding protein“ (TARDBP) und „ fused in sarcoma“ (FUS). Darüber hinaus wurden mehrere seltene ALS-Gene entdeckt, die von großem zellbiologischem und funktionellem Interesse sind. Die schnell angestiegene Zahl der bekannten ALS-Gene sowie die vergrößerte phänotypische Vielfalt hat die genetische Diagnostik und Beratung auf dem Gebiet der ALS deutlich komplexer werden lassen.
THE APPLICATION RATIONE TEMPORIS OF THE INSOLVENCY REGULATION IN NEW MEMBER STATES
Authors: Nagy Csongor István
Published: October 2013

On 5 July 2012, the CJEU rendered a ruling in Erste/BCL on the temporal application of the Insolvency Regulation in Member States that joined the EU after the Regulation's initial entry into force on 31 May 2002 (new Member States).1 The uncertainties of interpretation concerned ‘cross-date’ proceedings; that is, when the insolvency proceeding was launched before the accession of the (new) Member State but after the Regulation's original entry into force (in the old Member States) and remained pending also after the accession. Taking into account that 44.4 per cent of the Member States joined the EU after the Insolvency Regulation's entry into force (12 out of 27 Member States),2 the ruling has an enormous practical and economic relevance, which will be refreshed following the accession of Croatia.3
RENEGOTIATION OF THE WTO AGREEMENT ON AGRICULTURE: ACCOMMODATING THE NEW BIG ISSUES
Authors: Cardwell Michael , Smith Fiona
Published: October 2013

The WTO Agreement on Agriculture was designed to maximize trade flows at a time of surplus agricultural production. It required Members to open markets and to reduce domestic and export subsidies. Proposals for reform in the Doha Round negotiations largely adopt the same pattern. Yet, as surplus is replaced by shortage, Members are increasingly concerned about food security and the impact of agriculture on climate change. And contemporary agricultural policies crystallize around ‘sustainable intensification’, where domestic production is promoted, but not at the expense of future production. This article suggests that, although both the Agreement on Agriculture and the Doha Round proposals do provide some scope for measures to address this new policy paradigm, there are instances where they may work actively against it.
Development of microsatellite markers in Protoparmeliopsis muralis (lichenized Ascomycete) – a common lichen species
Authors: GUZOW-KRZEMIŃSKA Beata , STOCKER-WÖRGÖTTER Elfie
Published: October 2013

Lichen-forming fungi are symbiotic organisms forming a thallus with autotrophic green algae and/or cyanobacteria. Protoparmeliopsis muralis (Schreb.) Choisy is a green-algal lichen-forming fungus associating with Trebouxia photobionts. It is known as one of the most successful urban lichens in the world. In this paper, the development of microsatellite markers specific for the mycobiont of Protoparmeliopsis muralis is reported. In order to avoid algal contaminations, the pure mycobiont culture was obtained and subsequently used for DNA isolation. For DNA enrichment, the Fast Isolation by AFLP of Sequences Containing Repeats (FIASCO) method was applied. Of the 380 clones sequenced, 62 contained repeats. In total, 38 primer pairs were designed and tested, and finally 7 primer pairs were polymorphic based on 21 specimens of P. muralis.
New crustose Teloschistaceae in Central Europe
Authors: VONDRÁK Jan , FROLOV Ivan , ŘÍHA Pavel , HROUZEK Pavel , PALICE Zdeněk , NADYEINA Olga , HALICI Gökhan , KHODOSOVTSEV Alexander , ROUX Claude
Published: October 2013

Central Europe in general is poor in Teloschistaceae lichen crusts (Caloplaca s. lat.). Diversity of these lichens is increased by the occurrence of some Arctic, Mediterranean and continental species, which are here close to the limits of their range. Examples include:

1)

Caloplaca interfulgens, previously known from arid territories of northern Africa and western Asia, is recorded, surprisingly, from Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia and southern Russia. In Central Europe, it is restricted to scattered xerothermic limestone outcrops.

2)

Caloplaca scabrosa, previously known only from Svalbard, is recorded from the Sudetes in the Czech Republic. It is similar to, but not conspecific with, C. furfuracea. Its diagnostic characters include a blastidiate thallus and the presence of atranorin. Our results show that atranorin is absent in the majority of taxa related to C. furfuracea with only two exceptions: the sample from Eastern Carpathians, here called C. aff. scabrosa, and in one Sudetan sample identified as C. crenularia.

3)

Caloplaca emilii, newly described below, is closely related to the Mediterranean C. areolata. We consider C. emilii a Mediterranean species rarely occurring in higher latitudes in Austria, the Czech Republic and Germany. It is distinguished from C. areolata mainly by the presence of vegetative diaspores (blastidia); a possible role of blastidia in the distribution pattern of C. emilii is discussed below. Status of the names Caloplaca areolata, C. isidiigera and C. spalatensisis, formerly used for the new taxon, is clarified.

4)

Caloplaca molariformis, newly described below, belongs to the Pyrenodesmia group (a lineage of Caloplaca without anthraquinones). It is a continental species, frequently collected on limestone or lime-rich tuffs in steppes or deserts in Turkey, Iran, western Kazakhstan and southern Russia, and is also known from eastern Ukraine and southern Slovakia. Caloplaca molariformis is characterized by its thick thallus with fungal and algal tissues arranged in high stacks.

5)

Caloplaca substerilis, newly described below, is distinguished from the closely related C. ulcerosa by its endophloeodal or minutely squamulose thallus with soralia formed in bark crevices or on margins of squamules. While C. ulcerosa has a maritime distribution in Europe, C. substerilis is typically a continental species. North American continental lichens called “C. ulcerosa” are phylogenetically closer and more similar to C. substerilis.

The positions within Teloschistaceae of the taxa considered are demonstrated by ITS phylogenies. The distributions of C. areolata, C. emilii and C. interfulgens are mapped. The new species are fully described using more than a hundred phenotype characters, and diagnostic characters are indicated separately.
A reappraisal of Masonhalea (Parmeliaceae, Lecanorales) based on molecular and morphological data
Authors: NELSEN Matthew P. , THELL Arne , LEAVITT Steven D. , HAMPTON-MILLER Celia J. , LUMBSCH H. Thorsten
Published: October 2013

Previous studies have identified a close relationship between the monospecific Masonhalea richardsonii and Tuckermannopsis inermis. However, formal taxonomic changes were postponed until existing sequence data could be confirmed. Here we validate these data and discuss the transfer of T. inermis to Masonhalea (made by Lumbsch et al. in Thell & Moberg 2011), consider the morphological, anatomical and biogeographic similarities and differences between these two taxa. The two Masonhalea species both produce lateral apothecia, marginal pycnidia, a layer of cortical tissue beneath the pycnidial wall and bacillariform conidia.
Genetic diversity of the lichen-forming alga,Diplosphaera chodatii, in North America and Europe
Authors: FONTAINE Kyle M. , STOCKER-WÖRGÖTTER Elfie , BOOTH Tom , PIERCEY-NORMORE Michele D.
Published: October 2013

Dermatocarpon luridumis a subaquatic lichen which is distributed within temperate climatic zones around the world. It colonizes rock substrata along the shoreline of lakes and rivers of watersheds that regularly experience water level fluctuations. The mycobiont produces perithecia with small, simple spores that are thought to be wind dispersed. The photobiont,Diplosphaera chodatii, occurs both free-living and lichenized but little is known about its distribution and dispersal. The goal of this study was to compare the population structure of the photobiont from lakes and rivers in central North America with those of Europe. Specimens were collected in Manitoba, Canada and Austria. Population structure of the algal symbiont was assessed using the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of ribosomal DNA (rDNA) and actin gene sequences. Results showed that genetic diversity and gene flow was high within local populations, but gene flow was low between continental populations. Low levels of gene flow between the most distant populations support the isolation-by-distance theory. The photobiont on both continents is also reported to be the photobiont for other lichen species contributing to photobiont availability forD. luridum.
Sex and the ballot box: perception of ballot measures regarding same-sex marriage and abortion in California
Authors: Burnett Craig M. , McCubbins Mathew D.
Published: October 2013

Voters in many American states have considered important social policies that redefine civil liberties within their state through the initiative and referendum. An important question remaining is, are voters knowledgeable enough to make decisions on these social policies that have far-reaching effects? The common wisdom is that voters rely on information shortcuts in lieu of extensive knowledge about the issues. Unlike candidate elections, however, ballot measures lack some prominent and useful information shortcuts (i.e. party identification). We test the hypothesis that voters use shortcuts to inform their decisions on two ballot measures central to today's policy debates: California's Proposition 4 on parental notification for abortion and Proposition 8 on same-sex marriage. We show that voters do not use cues universally, and, furthermore, factual information has a limited effect on voters’ decisions. In particular, we find that the persuasiveness of an endorsement is conditional on whether an individual trusts the source.
The Search for the Past: Postmodern Historical Consciousness in the Operas of Istvan Anhalt
Authors: RENIHAN COLLEEN
Published: October 2013

The literature on the Hungarian-Canadian composer Istvan Anhalt (1919–2012) has centered on Anhalt's immigrant status and on the connections between his life story and his creative work—deservedly so, as his compositions reflect an interest in issues of displacement, memory, and the relationship between the present and the past. These biographical and geographical themes, however, have yet to be explored as they have been expressed temporally in his music. An examination of his historically based operas,La Tourangelle(1975) andWinthrop(1986) through literary theorist Steven Connor's lens of contemporality reveals the ways in which these works reflect a postmodern conception of temporality and experience. Through their temporal flexibility, these operas demonstrate the genre's ability to express historical processes and experience in a way that literary accounts cannot. The models of subjectivity and contemporality expressed in these works moreover reflect the composer's own complex identity as one that celebrates the continued life of the past in the present.
Developments in international criminal law and the case of business involvement in international crimes
Authors: Kyriakakis Joanna
Published: October 2013

In the wake of the mandate of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Business and Human Rights (SRSG), international criminal law looks set to play a role in measures towards the legal accountability of business actors involved in gross human rights and humanitarian law violations. Against the backdrop of the SRSG's now completed mandate, this article looks at three recent developments in international criminal law to consider the field's potential relevance to business actors involved in conflict. The first is the newest mode of liability recently adopted by the International Criminal Court, indirect perpetration through an organisation. The second is the aiding and abetting doctrine as applied by the Special Court for Sierra Leone in theCharles Taylorcase. The third is the potential uptake of a practice of thematic prosecutions focusing on particular under-regulated issues of concern for the international community.
Novel dielectric anomalies due to spin-chains above and below Néel temperature in Ca3Co2O6
Authors: Basu Tathamay , Iyer Kartik K. , Singh Kiran , Sampathkumaran E. V.
Published: October 2013

We bring out novel dielectric behavior of a spin-chain compound, Ca3Co2O6, undergoing Néel order at (TN = ) 24 K. It is found that the virgin curve in the plot of isothermal dielectric constant (ε') versus magnetic-field lies outside the ‘butterfly-shaped’ envelope curve well below TN (e.g., 2.6 K), with a signature of a partial arrest of the high-field magnetoelectric (ME) phase in zero-field after travelling through magnetic-field-induced magnetic transitions. This behavior is in contrast to that observed in the isothermal magnetization data. Thus, this work brings out a novel case for ‘phase-coexistence phenomenon’ due to ME coupling. Another strange finding is that there is a weak, but a broad, peak in ε' around 85–115 K well above TN, attributable to incipient spin-chain magnetic ordering. This finding should inspire further work to study ME coupling on artificial assemblies of magnetic chains, also keeping in mind miniaturization required for possible applications.
A strategy for trade monitoring and substitution of the organs of threatened animals
Authors: Luo Jiao-yang , Yan Dan , Song Jing-yuan , Zhang Da , Xing Xiao-yan , Han Yu-mei , Yang Mei-hua , Dong Xiao-ping , Peng Cheng , Chen Shi-lin , Xiao Xiao-he
Published: October 2013

The use of threatened animals as a source of traditional medicines is accelerating the extinction of such species and imposes great challenges to animal conservation. In this study, we propose a feasible strategy for the conservation of threatened medicinal animals that combines trade monitoring and the search for substitutes. First, DNA barcoding provides a powerful technique for monitoring the trade of animal species, which helps in restricting the excessive use and illegal trade of such species. Second, pharmacological tests have been adopted to evaluate the biological equivalence of threatened and domestic animals; based on such testing, potential substitutes are recommended. Based on a review of threatened animal species and their substitutes, we find that the search for substitutes deserves special attention; however, this work is far from complete. These results may be of great value for the conservation of threatened animals and maintaining the heritage of traditional medicine.
Refinement Alternatives: Minimizing Pain and Distress in In Vivo Toxicity Testing
Authors: Richmond Jon
Published: October 2013

This chapter reviews the benefits, challenges, principles and practice of refinement of the use of animals for experimental and other scientific purposes. Refinement is incorporated in regulatory policy, test requirements, preferred test methods and good practice. High standards of animal welfare are a pre-requisite for high quality scientific outputs when animals are used for research and testing, and animal care and use must be refined to minimize any resulting pain, suffering or distress endured to the least justified and necessary to achieve the scientific objectives. Refinement improves the science of programs of work using animals in toxicology, and enhances the quality of life of every sentient animal bred, kept or used for these purposes. It encompasses a range of measures which, by minimizing harms to animals and improving their welfare, safeguards the reliability, validity and relevance of the test results. The challenge, armed with increasingly powerful insights into toxicity pathways, mechanisms and animal welfare, is to ensure that the best animal welfare and best science inform policies, requirements and practices.