bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development and testing of a mechanical lure for raptor trapping
Authors: Hull Angus C. , Fish Allen M. , Nikitas Craig , Hull Joshua M.
Published: August 2013

Raptor trapping and banding at migration stations rely upon the use of live lure birds to attract hawks to the trapping area. The use of these lure animals may present raptor researchers with legislative, regulatory, ethical, and logistical challenges. We developed and tested a mechanical alternative to reduce the demands imposed by the use of live lures. The mechanical lure was able to withstand the rigors of field use and was as effective at attracting hawks to the trapping station as live lures during tests in the Marin Headlands, California, USA, 2001. Although resulting in significantly fewer captures, the use of a mechanical lure may be an appropriate alternative in situations where the regulatory and/or ethical environment prohibit the use of live lures and where the logistical demands of maintaining a captive colony of live lures is impractical. © 2013 The Wildlife Society.
On Tetrafluorobromates(III): Crystal Structures of the Dibromate CsBr2F7 and the Monobromate CsBrF4
Authors: Ivlev Sergey , Woidy Patrick , Sobolev Vasily , Gerin Ivan , Ostvald Roman , Kraus Florian
Published: August 2013

Alkali and alkaline earth metal tetrafluorobromates MIBrF4, MII(BrF4)2 (MI = Na–Cs, MII = Sr, Ba) can be synthesized from the respective fluorides and BrF3. By the reaction of CsF with an excess of BrF3, the compound cesium tetrafluoridobromate(III) bromine trifluoride (1/1), CsBr2F7 (1), was obtained in the form of a colorless powder and as single crystals. Shown by X‐ray diffraction on single crystals, its Br2F7– anion is neither planar, nor is its Br–μ‐F–Br unit linear, as previously deduced by Raman spectroscopy. In stoichiometric reactions of CsF with BrF3, the compound cesium tetrafluoridobromate(III), CsBrF4 (2), was obtained as a colorless powder. Compound 2 can also be obtained from compound 1 by evacuation. The crystal structure of CsBrF4 (2) was elucidated by Rietveld refinement on its X‐ray powder pattern. Its structure is not isotypic to MBrF4 (M = Na, K, Rb, NO) but isotypic to CsAuF4. CsBr2F7 is, however, not isostructural to CsAu2F7.
Uniform Lipschitz regularity for classes of minimizers in two phase free boundary problems in Orlicz spaces with small density on the negative phase
Authors: Braga J. Ederson M. , Moreira Diego R.
Published: August 2013

In this paper we investigate Lipschitz regularity of minimizers for classes of functionals including ones of the type

E_{G}(u,\Omega ) = \int _{\Omega }[G(|\mathrm{∇}u|) + f_{2}\chi _{\{u > 0\}} + f_{1}\chi _{\{u⩽0\}}]\:dx

. We prove that there exists a universal “tolerance” (depending only on the degenerate ellipticity and other intrinsic parameters) for the density of the negative phase along the free boundary under which uniform Lipschitz regularity holds. We also prove density estimates from below for the negative phase on points inside the contact set between the negative and positive free boundaries in the case where Lipschitz regularity fails to be the optimal one.
Cumulative Radiation dose in Patients with Hereditary Hemorrhagic Telangiectasia and Pulmonary Arteriovenous Malformations
Authors: Hanneman Kate , Faughnan Marie E. , Prabhudesai Vikramaditya
Published: August 2013

Purpose

To determine the cumulative effective dose (CED) of radiation from medical imaging and intervention in patients with hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) who have pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and to identify clinical factors associated with exposure to high levels of radiation.

Methods

All patients with at least 1 pulmonary arteriovenous malformation were identified from the dedicated patient database of a tertiary HHT referral centre. Computerized imaging and electronic patient records were systematically examined to identify all imaging studies performed from 1989-2010. The effective dose was determined for each study, and CED was calculated retrospectively.

Results

Among 246 patients (mean age, 53 years; 62.2% women) with a total of 2065 patient-years, 3309 procedures that involved ionizing radiation were performed. CED ranged from 0.2-307.6 mSv, with a mean of 51.7 mSv. CED exceeded 100 mSv in 26 patients (11%). Interventional procedures and computed tomography (CT) were the greatest contributors, which accounted for 51% and 46% of the total CED, respectively. Factors associated with high cumulative exposure were epistaxis (odds ratio 2.7 [95% confidence interval, 1.1-6.3]; P = .02), HHT-related gastrointestinal bleeding (odds ratio 2.0 [95% confidence interval, 1.0-3.8]; P = .04) and number of patient-years ( P < .0001).

Conclusions

Patients with HHT are exposed to a significant cumulative radiation dose from diagnostic and therapeutic interventions. Identifiable subsets of patients are at increased risk. A proportion of patients receive doses at levels that are associated with harm. Imaging indications and doses should be optimized to reduce radiation exposure in this population.
User acceptance of complex electronic market mechanisms: Role of information feedback
Authors: Adomavicius Gediminas , Curley Shawn P. , Gupta Alok , Sanyal Pallab
Published: August 2013

This paper broadens the scope of evaluating the design of economic mechanisms that is traditionally done solely from an economic perspective. We introduce and demonstrate the application of acceptability to evaluate complex economic mechanisms. In particular, we apply our approach to the evaluation of continuous combinatorial auctions, which represent a complex, sophisticated market mechanism that has not been generally available in the online marketplace but has the potential to enhance the economic efficiency of trade for assets with interdependent values. Such auctions are being increasingly used in industry, e.g., to procure logistical services. Intuitively, acceptance and usage of a complex mechanism can be fostered by a design that provides information and tools that meet the users’ task demands. Based on prior research and an analysis of the auction tasks, we discuss practical and innovative information feedback schemes for reducing the cognitive burden of formulating bids in combinatorial auctions. Then, we use constructs from the technology acceptance model (TAM) – which have been consistently shown to be key determinants of technology acceptance in the extant literature – to compare the acceptability of the mechanism under three different information regimes. In addition, we borrow constructs from marketing theory to assess the potential growth in adoption of the mechanism. We compare user perceptions of the three alternative designs in a laboratory experiment with over 130 subjects. Our study constitutes a complementary and novel approach in evaluating the design of complex economic mechanisms. Results indicate a higher adoption and usage potential of the mechanism with advanced information feedback, supporting the potential of combinatorial auctions as a user‐acceptable market mechanism with appropriate feedback.
Shrinking lakes in Tibet linked to the weakening Asian monsoon in the past 8.2 ka
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Zong Yongqiang , Li Bo , Li Shenghua , Aitchison Jonathan C.
Published: August 2013

Expansion or shrinkage of closed lakes is a natural response to fluctuations in precipitation and evaporation, linked closely to changes in strength or position of atmospheric circulation. In Tibet, there are many such lakes with paleo-shorelines that can be used for reconstructions of climate history. Despite the fact that many paleo-shorelines are well preserved in Tibet, dating them has been seriously hindered by various difficulties. Here we present the first optical dating chronology for a series of paleo-shorelines in Zhari Namco, the third-largest inland lake in central Tibet. Our results indicate that the lake level has dropped 128 m over the past 8.2 ka. Younger shorelines are found at lower altitudes, indicating that the shorelines follow a geomorphic-chronological order and a broadly continuous trend of stepwise shrinkage. The surface area of Zhari Namco has shrunk in size from 4605 km2at 8.2 ka ago to 996 km2at present; 300 km2of water has been lost from this lake. Such a loss in water implies a significant reduction in precipitation over the past 8.2 ka, a likely result of a weakening Asian monsoon. Following the decreasing precipitation since the early Holocene, this area has become increasingly arid.
EXPLANATIONIST EVIDENTIALISM
Authors: McCain Kevin
Published: August 2013

In their most recent co-authored work, Conee and Feldman (2008) suggest that epistemic support should be understood in terms of best explanations. Although this suggestion is plausible, Conee and Feldman admit that they have not provided the necessary details for a complete account of epistemic support. This article offers an explanationist account of epistemic support of the kind that Conee and Feldman suggest. It is argued that this account of epistemic support yields the intuitively correct results in a wide variety of cases. Further, this explanationist account of epistemic support is not susceptible to objections that Lehrer (1974) and Goldman (2011) have raised for similar accounts of epistemic support.
Thermally Fully Developed Electroosmotic Flow of Power-Law Fluids in a Circular Microchannel
Authors: Sun Y.-J. , Jian Y.-J. , Chang L. , Liu Q.-S.
Published: August 2013

This study presents a thermally fully developed electroosmotic flow of the non-Newtonian power-law fluids through a circle microchannel. A rigorous mathematic model for describing the Joule heating in an electroosmotic flow including the Poisson Boltzmann equation, the modified Navier Stokes equation and the energy equation is developed. The semi-analytical solutions of normalized velocity and temperature are derived. The velocity profile is computed by numerical integrate, and the temperature distribution is obtained by finite difference method. Results show that the velocity profiles depend greatly on the fluid behavior index n and the nondimensional electrokinetic width K. For a specified value of K, the axial velocity increases with a decrease in n, and the same trend for the effect of K on the velocity can be found for a specified value of n. Moreover, the dimensionless temperature is governed by three parameters, namely, the flow behavior index n, the nondimensional electrokinetic width K, and the dimen-sionless Joule heating parameter G. The variations of radial fluid temperature distributions with different parameters are investigated.
Mode-III Stress Intensity Factors of an Arbitrarily Oriented Crack Crossing Interface in a Layered Structure
Authors: Chao C. K. , Lu L. M.
Published: August 2013

The problem of a layered structure containing an arbitrarily oriented crack crossing the interface in anti-plane elasticity is considered in this paper. The fundamental solution of displacements and stresses is obtained in a series form via the method of analytical continuation in conjunction with the alternating technique. A dislocation distribution along the prospective site of a crack is used to model a crack crossing the interface and the singular integral equations with logarithmic singular kernels for a line crack are then established. The crack is approximated by several line segments and the linear interpolation equation with undetermined coefficients was applied for the dislocation function along line segments. Once the undetermined dislocation coefficients are solved, the mode-III stress intensity factors KIII at two crack tips can be obtained for various crack inclinations with different material property combinations. All the numerical results are checked to achieve a good approximation that demonstrates the accuracy and the efficiency of the proposed method.
A Building Project for William, Lord Paget, at Burton-on-Trent
Authors: Cooper Nicholas
Published: August 2013

Between 1559 and 1563 William, Lord Paget, commissioned schemes for a new house at Burton-on-Trent, intending to make partial use of buildings and materials from Burton's former Benedictine abbey. Although they were never executed, three sets of plans have survived, with accompanying estimates from a variety of craftsmen. These throw unusual light on contemporary practice in calculating the costs of a building and on the degree of involvement of Lord Paget as patron. In addition, changes to the design of the intended house can be traced as they evolve from a scheme that begins as conservative and provincial ends up being one of the most progressive of its day in terms of its layout and in sacrificing traditional social hierarchies to advanced ideals of architectural symmetry.
CONSTRUCTING PERMUTATION POLYNOMIALS OVER FINITE FIELDS
Authors: QIN XIAOER , HONG SHAOFANG
Published: August 2013

In this paper, we construct several new permutation polynomials over finite fields. First, using the linearised polynomials, we construct the permutation polynomial of the form ${ \mathop{\sum }\nolimits}_{i= 1}^{k} ({L}_{i} (x)+ {\gamma }_{i} ){h}_{i} (B(x))$ over ${\mathbf{F} }_{{q}^{m} } $, where ${L}_{i} (x)$ and $B(x)$ are linearised polynomials. This extends a theorem of Coulter, Henderson and Matthews. Consequently, we generalise a result of Marcos by constructing permutation polynomials of the forms $xh({\lambda }_{j} (x))$ and $xh({\mu }_{j} (x))$, where ${\lambda }_{j} (x)$ is the $j$th elementary symmetric polynomial of $x, {x}^{q} , \ldots , {x}^{{q}^{m- 1} } $ and ${\mu }_{j} (x)= {\mathrm{Tr} }_{{\mathbf{F} }_{{q}^{m} } / {\mathbf{F} }_{q} } ({x}^{j} )$. This answers an open problem raised by Zieve in 2010. Finally, by using the linear translator, we construct the permutation polynomial of the form ${L}_{1} (x)+ {L}_{2} (\gamma )h(f(x))$ over ${\mathbf{F} }_{{q}^{m} } $, which extends a result of Kyureghyan.
“Just Do It!”: Carving Out a Space for the Métis in Canadian Federalism
Authors: Dubois Janique , Saunders Kelly
Published: August 2013

Abstract.Disagreement over how and between whom power should be shared has led to competing conceptions of federalism in Canada. The model of federalism adopted in theConstitution Act 1867divides power between the provinces and the federal government to the exclusion of Aboriginal peoples. However, pre-Confederation documents such as the Royal Proclamation of 1763 and the early treaties suggest that federalism is founded on the coexistence of self-governing nations. This paper presents a case study of how one Aboriginal people, the Métis, are reviving the pre-Confederation vision of federalism founded on mutual recognition by carving out a space for themselves in Canada's political and institutional landscape. We argue that by delivering an expanded array of programs and services to their citizens, creating innovative governance structures, adopting legislation in key areas of Métis interest and fostering economic self-sufficiency, the Métis are reshaping federalism from the bottom up.

Résumé.Deux visions antagoniques du fédéralisme canadien existent en raison de conceptions divergentes de la séparation des pouvoirs. Le modèle de fédéralisme adopté par la Loi constitutionnelle de 1867 divise les pouvoirs entre les provinces et le gouvernement fédéral, en dépit des peuples autochtones. Or, la Proclamation royale de 1763 et les premiers traités proposent une vision du fédéralisme fondée sur la coexistence de nations autonomes. Cet article présente une étude de cas qui démontre comment un peuple autochtone, les Métis, fait renaitre la vision originale du fédéralisme fondée sur la reconnaissance mutuelle en se taillant une place au sein du paysage politique et institutionnel canadien. Les Métis prennent une approche ascendante pour façonner le fédéralisme canadien à cette image par le biais du développement de programmes et services, la création de structures de gouvernance innovatrices, l'adoption de politiques dans des domaines clés et la poursuite de l'autosuffisance économique.
Distribution and abundance estimates of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) around Lampedusa Island (Sicily Channel, Italy): implications for their management
Authors: Pulcini Marina , Pace Daniela Silvia , La Manna Gabriella , Triossi Francesca , Fortuna Caterina Maria
Published: August 2013

This paper represents the first quantitative assessment of the distribution and abundance of bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) inhabiting the waters around Lampedusa Island, Italy. Eleven years of photo-identification data, collected from 1996 to 2006 by three different research groups, were brought together, reviewed and analysed to fulfil the following objectives: (i) to obtain baseline information on the abundance and residency of the local bottlenose dolphin putative population; (ii) to review the current Marine Protected Area (MPA) boundaries, especially those referred to waters around Lampedusa Island, with a view to establish a new Special Area of Conservation (SAC); and (iii) to explore the potential and limits of analysing heterogeneous datasets to improve future data collection methods. The most resident dolphins were regularly observed in six specific areas around Lampedusa Island. From a total of 148 photo-identified bottlenose dolphins, 102 were classified as well-marked. The capture histories and the distribution of sightings clearly show a number of dolphins regularly use the study area. Best estimates for the first period within the ‘core study area’ were obtained for 1998 data. The 2005 estimate was significantly larger than the 1998 estimates (z = 2.160;P< 0.05) compared to that of 1998. Implications of our results for the current MPA, for transboundary conservation initiative involving Italy, Malta and Tunisia and for directing future research within and outside the MPA are fully discussed.
Using social marketing concepts to promote the integration of systematic conservation plans in land-use planning in South Africa
Authors: Wilhelm-Rechmann Angelika , Cowling Richard M. , Difford Mark
Published: August 2013

Local land-use planning procedures are increasingly recognized as potentially crucial to ensure off-reserve biodiversity protection. Mainstreaming systematic conservation planning maps in these decision-making procedures has been proposed as a mechanism to achieve this. However, research is lacking on how to convince officials and politicians to change their behaviour and include the maps in their decision-making. Social marketing is a tool commonly used to effect behaviour change in many sectors but its application in conservation is limited. In the formative research phase of a social marketing study we interviewed locally elected politicians in four coastal municipalities in South Africa. We found that conservation and environmental issues play virtually no role in their work; however, they do attribute value to the natural environment. Land-use planning procedures are considered important but dysfunctional and the role of conservation is perceived negatively in their municipalities. Their information-seeking behaviour is clearly localized. We present a marketing analysis of these results and argue for improving the attractiveness of the product: the maps should be more option- than veto-based and should identify locally relevant ecosystem services. Locally significant information should be provided at a time and location convenient for politicians. We conclude that engagement with councillors should be proactive, refer to land-use planning and services from ‘nature’ rather than ‘biodiversity’ and use terminology and information that is locally oriented and meaningful from the politician's perspective. The analysis highlights the usefulness of the marketing approach for conservation.
The Palatine, from Evander to Elagabalus
Authors: Wiseman T. P.
Published: August 2013

It is nearly forty years since Filippo Coarelli's brilliantGuida archeologica di Roma(FC 1974) announced the arrival of a new era in Roman topographical studies. A series of seminal monographs soon followed, on the Roman Forum (FC 1983, 1985), the Forum Boarium (FC 1988), and the Campus Martius (FC 1997). A volume on the Palatine was advertised as forthcoming, but unforeseen circumstances put that project on hold.
MEASUREMENT ERRORS IN DYNAMIC MODELS
Authors: Komunjer Ivana , Ng Serena
Published: August 2013

Static models that are not identifiable in the presence of white noise measurement errors are known to be potentially identifiable when the model has dynamics. However, few results are available for the plausible case of serially correlated measurement errors. This paper provides order and rank conditions for “limited information” identification of parameters in dynamic models with measurement errors where some aspects of the probability model are not fully specified or utilized. The key is to consider a model for the contaminated data that has richer dynamics than the model for the correctly observed data. Simply counting the total number of unknown parameters in the true model relative to the estimable model will not yield an informative order condition for identification. Implications for single-equation, vector autoregressive, and panel data models are studied.
X-DIFFERENCING AND DYNAMIC PANEL MODEL ESTIMATION
Authors: Han Chirok , Phillips Peter C. B. , Sul Donggyu
Published: August 2013

This paper introduces a new estimation method for dynamic panel models with fixed effects and AR(p) idiosyncratic errors. The proposed estimator uses a novel form of systematic differencing, called X-differencing, that eliminates fixed effects and retains information and signal strength in cases where there is a root at or near unity. The resulting “panel fully aggregated” estimator (PFAE) is obtained by pooled least squares on the system of X-differenced equations. The method is simple to implement, consistent for all parameter values, including unit root cases, and has strong asymptotic and finite sample performance characteristics that dominate other procedures, such as bias corrected least squares, generalized method of moments (GMM), and system GMM methods. The asymptotic theory holds as long as the cross section (n) or time series (T) sample size is large, regardless of then/Tratio, which makes the approach appealing for practical work. In the time series AR(1) case (n= 1), the FAE estimator has a limit distribution with smaller bias and variance than the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) when the autoregressive coefficient is at or near unity and the same limit distribution as the MLE in the stationary case, so the advantages of the approach continue to hold for fixed and even smalln. Some simulation results are reported, giving comparisons with other dynamic panel estimation methods.
Feature Extraction and Geomagnetic Matching
Authors: Guo Caifa , Cai Hong , van der Heijden G.H.M.
Published: August 2013

In this paper, some improvements in feature extraction for geomagnetic matching are made. Geomagnetic entropy is extracted from the total intensity of the geomagnetic field and its performance for navigation is tested with real geomagnetic data. The matching progress is divided into two phrases: rough matching and precise matching. In the rough matching phase, a sub-region that includes the real position is obtained by using the total intensity of the geomagnetic field as the matching feature. The entropy is applied to precise matching in the sub-region to obtain the final result. Simulations show that the navigation effect is significantly improved with the entropy as an assistant feature. The combined match probability is much better than the results derived from those using only total intensity as the matching feature. This is especially true when the flight vehicle passes through an area without abundant magnetic information.
Coxiella burnetiiseroprevalence and risk factors in sheep farmers and farm residents in The Netherlands
Authors: De LANGE M. M. A. , SCHIMMER B. , VELLEMA P. , HAUTVAST J. L. A. , SCHNEEBERGER P. M. , VAN DUIJNHOVEN Y. T. H. P.
Published: August 2013

In this study,Coxiella burnetiiseroprevalence was assessed for dairy and non-dairy sheep farm residents in The Netherlands for 2009–2010. Risk factors for seropositivity were identified for non-dairy sheep farm residents. Participants completed farm-based and individual questionnaires. In addition, participants were tested for IgG and IgMC. burnetiiantibodies using immunofluorescent assay. Risk factors were identified by univariate, multivariate logistic regression, and multivariate multilevel analyses. In dairy and non-dairy sheep farm residents, seroprevalence was 66·7% and 51·3%, respectively. Significant risk factors were cattle contact, high goat density near the farm, sheep supplied from two provinces, high frequency of refreshing stable bedding, farm started before 1990 and presence of the Blessumer breed. Most risk factors indicate current or past goat and cattle exposure, with limited factors involving sheep. Subtyping human, cattle, goat, and sheepC. burnetiistrains might elucidate their role in the infection risk of sheep farm residents.
Understanding the role of cleaning in the control of Salmonella Typhimurium in grower-finisher pigs: a modelling approach
Authors: GAUTAM R. , LAHODNY G. , BANI-YAGHOUB M. , MORLEY P. S. , IVANEK R.
Published: August 2013

Salmonella Typhimurium (STM) infection in pigs represents a considerable food safety concern. This study used mathematical modelling to evaluate the effectiveness of cleaning (faeces removal) as a measure to control STM spread among grower-finisher pigs. A modified Susceptible-Infected-Recovered-Susceptible (SIRS) model of STM transmission through a contaminated environment was developed. Infected pigs were divided into three states according to the pathogen level being shed in their faeces. Infection transmission was evaluated using the basic reproduction number (R0) and the prevalence of infectious pigs at slaughter age. Although increased frequency and efficiency of cleaning did reduce the prevalence of STM shedding at the time of slaughter, these efforts alone were not capable of eliminating the infection from the population. The level of STM faecal shedding by infectious pigs strongly influenced the infection spread and prevalence at slaughter. To control STM in pigs, cleaning should be combined with vaccination and/or isolation of high-level shedders.
Application of an integrated outbreak management plan for the control of leptospirosis in dairy cattle herds
Authors: MUGHINI-GRAS L. , BONFANTI L. , NATALE A. , COMIN A. , FERRONATO A. , LA GRECA E. , PATREGNANI T. , LUCCHESE L. , MARANGON S.
Published: August 2013

Two outbreaks ofLeptospira borgpeterseniiserovar Hardjo infection in dairy cattle herds were managed through the application of enhanced biosecurity measures, whole-herd antibiotic treatment and vaccination. Micro-agglutination test antibody titres were determined in paired serum samples at 3 weeks (T1:n = 125, 97% seropositivity, median 800, range 100–12 800) and 24 weeks (T2:n = 110, 88% seropositivity, median 200, range 100–6400) after vaccination and studied in relation to cows' age, herd of origin and sampling time. From T1to T2, vaccine-elicited antibody titres decreased by 84·7% (95% CI 76·2–90·1). Consistent with increasing immunocompetence in calves (aged <12 months) and immunosenescence in adult cows (aged >36 months) associated with ageing, antibody titres correlated positively with calves' age and negatively with adult cows' age. No cow had cultivable, (histo)pathologically detectable and/or PCR-detectable leptospires in urine or kidney samples after treatment and vaccination. Vaccination together with proper biosecurity measures and chemoprophylaxis are an affordable insurance to control bovine leptospirosis.
Attribution of humanSalmonellainfections to animal and food sources in Italy (2002–2010): adaptations of the Dutch and modified Hald source attribution models
Authors: MUGHINI-GRAS L. , BARRUCCI F. , SMID J. H. , GRAZIANI C. , LUZZI I. , RICCI A. , BARCO L. , ROSMINI R. , HAVELAAR A. H. , VAN PELT W. , BUSANI L.
Published: August 2013

The Dutch and modified Hald source attribution models were adapted to ItalianSalmonelladata to attribute human infections caused by the top 30 serotypes between 2002 and 2010 to four putative sources (Gallus gallus, turkeys, pigs, ruminants), at the points of animal reservoir (farm), exposure (food), and both combined. Attribution estimates were thus compared between different models, time periods and sampling points. All models identified pigs as the main source of human salmonellosis in Italy, accounting for 43–60% of infections, followed byG. gallus(18–34%). Attributions to turkeys and ruminants were minor. An increasing temporal trend in attributions to pigs and a decreasing one in those toG. galluswas also observed. Although the outcomes of the two models applied at farm and food levels essentially agree, they can be refined once more information becomes available, providing valuable insights about potential targets along the production chain.
Clam-associated vibriosis, USA, 1988–2010
Authors: SLAYTON R. B. , NEWTON A. E. , DEPAOLA A. , JONES J. L. , MAHON B. E.
Published: August 2013

Infections with Vibrio spp. have frequently been associated with consumption of bivalve molluscs, especially oysters, but illness associated with clams has also been well documented. We describe the 2312 domestically acquired foodborne Vibrio infections reported to the Cholera and Other Vibrio Illness Surveillance system from 1988 to 2010. Clams were associated with at least 4% (93 persons, ‘only clams’) and possibly as many as 24% (556 persons, ‘any clams’) of foodborne cases. Of those who consumed ‘only clams’, 77% of infections were caused by V. parahaemolyticus. Clam-associated illnesses were generally similar to those associated with other seafood consumption. Clams associated with these illnesses were most frequently harvested from the Atlantic coastal states and eaten raw. Our study describes the contribution of clams to the overall burden of foodborne vibriosis and indicates that a comprehensive programme to prevent foodborne vibriosis need to address the risks associated with clams.
Binational outbreak of Guillain–Barré syndrome associated withCampylobacter jejuniinfection, Mexico and USA, 2011
Authors: JACKSON B. R. , ZEGARRA J. ALOMÍA , LÓPEZ-GATELL H. , SEJVAR J. , ARZATE F. , WATERMAN S. , NÚÑEZ A. SÁNCHEZ , LÓPEZ B. , WEISS J. , CRUZ R. QUINTERO , MURRIETA D. Y. LÓPEZ , LUNA-GIERKE R. , HEIMAN K. , VIEIRA A. R. , FITZGERALD C. , KWAN P. , ZÁRATE-BERMÚDEZ M. , TALKINGTON D. , HILL V. R. , MAHON B.
Published: August 2013

In June 2011, a cluster of suspected cases of Guillain–Barré syndrome (GBS), which can followCampylobacter jejuniinfection, was identified in San Luis Río Colorado (SLRC), Sonora, Mexico and Yuma County, Arizona, USA. An outbreak investigation identified 26 patients (18 from Sonora, eight from Arizona) with onset of GBS 4 May–21 July 2011, exceeding the expected number of cases (n = 1–2). Twenty-one (81%) patients reported antecedent diarrhoea, and 61% of 18 patients tested were seropositive forC. jejuniIgM antibodies. In a case-control study matched on age group, sex, ethnicity, and neighbourhood of residence, all Arizona GBS patients travelled to SLRC during the exposure periodvs.45% of matched controls (matched odds ratio 8·1, 95% confidence interval 1·5–∞). Exposure information and an environmental assessment suggested that GBS cases resulted from a large outbreak ofC. jejuniinfection from inadequately disinfected tap water in SLRC. Binational collaboration was essential in investigating this cross-border GBS outbreak, the first in mainland North America since 1976.
‘Marcel, the dancing-master’: A Note on the Closing Lines of An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation
Authors: DE CHAMPS EMMANUELLE
Published: August 2013

In the ‘Concluding note’ to An Introduction to the Principles of Morals and Legislation (IPML), added in January 1789 to the original 1780 text, Bentham addresses highly theoretical questions in jurisprudence: ‘What is a law? What are the different parts of a law?’ He then demonstrates that only an imperative theory of legislation can provide adequate answers and provide the means to establish a precise nomenclature of legal phenomena. These broad questions sum up the work conducted in the manuscripts Of the Limits of the Penal Branch of Jurisprudence, which remained at that time unpublished. After such abstract matter, Bentham concludes on a much lighter note:

Leaning on his elbow, in an attitude of profound and solemn meditation, ‘What a multitude of things there are’, (exclaimed the dancing-master Marcel), ‘in a minuet?’ – May we now add? – and in a law.
The Use of Rescripting Imagery for People with Psychosis Who Hear Voices
Authors: Ison Rebecca , Medoro Luigi , Keen Nadine , Kuipers Elizabeth
Published: August 2013

Background: Image rescripting can be helpful in reducing the distress associated with intrusive images or memories across a range of disorders. Existing studies using imagery rescripting with people with psychosis have not included people who hear voices. Aims: This study aimed to explore the use of image rescripting with people with psychosis who have intrusive images or memories and hear voices. Method: This study used a one-off image rescripting session, using an A-B design with four participants with psychosis who were attending adult mental health community services. Results: Clinically significant reductions in distress, negative affect and reduced conviction in the beliefs associated with the imagery were reported at 1-week follow-up and maintained for three of the four participants at 1-month follow-up. Conclusions: The study offers early indications that image rescripting can be used as a treatment approach for people with psychosis. Exploring visual imagery and rescripting visual memories where appropriate may be a useful extension of cognitive behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp).
Patterns of sociodemographic and food practice characteristics in relation to fruit and vegetable consumption in children: results from the UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2010)
Authors: Mak Tsz N , Prynne Celia J , Cole Darren , Fitt Emily , Bates Beverley , Stephen Alison M
Published: August 2013

Objective

Few studies have considered the combined effects of home-related determinants on children's diet. The present study investigated independent associations between sociodemographic and food practice (SFP) characteristics and fruit and vegetable consumption in UK children and the combined effects of SFP on consumption using pattern analysis.

Design

Diet was assessed using 4 d food diaries, SFP were collected using computer-assisted personal interview. Linear regressions were used to test associations; principal component analysis was used to identify patterns of SFP characteristics. Regression of fruit (g/d) and vegetables (g/d) v. component scores of each pattern were performed.

Setting

UK National Diet and Nutrition Survey Rolling Programme (2008–2010).

Subjects

Children aged 1·5–10 years (n 642).

Results

Significant associations were found between fruit and vegetable consumption and household socio-economic status. Pattern 1, which was positively correlated with household structure characteristics, was associated with increased fruit consumption (P < 0·001). Pattern 2, characterised by positive correlations for socio-economic status, fruit availability and organic food purchase, and negatively correlated with household size and the number of children per household, was associated with higher fruit and vegetable consumption (both P < 0·001). Pattern 3, characterised by high frequency of eating out and eating takeaway, was associated with a lower consumption of both fruit (P < 0·012) and vegetables (P < 0·023).

Conclusions

Patterns of SFP determinants may be more informative than individual characteristics in relation to dietary outcomes. Results have public health implications on the healthfulness of meals eaten out of home and in takeaways, as well as the need to reduce diet inequality in larger households with lower socio-economic status.
System of planning and evaluation of school meals
Authors: Rocha Ada , Afonso Cláudia , Santos M Cristina , Morais Cecília , Franchini Bela , Chilro Rui
Published: August 2013

Objective

To develop a software to plan and evaluate school meals according to the main national and international standards for foods and nutrition.

Design

Development of software.

Setting

Public schools, Portugal.

Subjects

School meals for students.

Results

The System of Planning and Evaluation of School Meals (SPARE) is a software that allows the planning of school meals in an effective and organized way, according to the main national and international standards for food and nutrition. The regular use of this tool enables the evaluation, monitoring and verification towards continuous improvement of the quality of school meals.

Conclusions

The SPARE software aims to promote healthy eating by focusing on the planning and production of safe and adequate meals in the school environment. This software can be adapted to different age groups and to different contexts, attending to specific nutritional and food standards.
Perceived impact and feasibility of strategies to improve access to healthy foods in Washington State, USA
Authors: Johnson Donna B , Quinn Emilee L , Podrabsky Mary , Beckwith-Stanley Nadia , Chan Nadine , Ellings Amy , Kovacs Tricia , Lane Claire
Published: August 2013

Objective

The present study measured the perceived impact and political and implementation feasibility of state-level policy strategies related to increasing access to healthy foods and limiting unhealthy foods.

Design

Potential state-level policy strategies to improve access to healthy foods were identified through a review of evidence-based literature and policy recommendations. Respondents rated the perceived impact and political and implementation feasibility of each policy on a five-point scale using online surveys.

Setting

Washington State policy process.

Subjects

Forty-nine content experts (national researchers and subject experts), forty policy experts (state elected officials or their staff, gubernatorial or legislative policy analysts) and forty-five other stakeholders (state-level advocates, programme administrators, food producers).

Results

In aggregate, respondents rated policy impact and implementation feasibility higher than political feasibility. Policy experts rated policy strategies as less politically feasible compared with content experts (P < 0·02) or other stakeholders (P < 0·001). Eight policy strategies were rated above the median for impact and political and implementation feasibility. These included policies related to nutrition standards in schools and child-care facilities, food distribution systems, urban planning projects, water availability, joint use agreements and breast-feeding supports.

Conclusions

Although they may be perceived as potentially impactful, some policies will be more difficult to enact than others. Information about the potential feasibility of policies to improve access to healthy foods can be used to focus limited policy process resources on strategies with the highest potential for enactment, implementation and impact.
Atomic Force Microscopy for the Characterisation of the Effects and Treatment of Infectious Parasites
Authors: Eaton P. , Leite J.R.S.A. , Bittencourt C. , Prudêncio M. , Feio M.J. , Zuzarte-Luis V. , Mota M.M. , Santos N.C. , Pereira E.
Published: August 2013

In this talk the utility of atomic force microscopy (AFM) for research into infectious parasites will be discussed. AFM has grown from relatively recent beginnings to become an extremely powerful technique in the life sciences, coupling high resolution imaging with a range of non-imaging experiments. Importantly, these experiments can be performed in situ, even on individual molecules or on live cells.

The two examples discussed relate to the important diseases leishmaniasis and malaria. Leishmaniasis is a disease caused by the protozoan parasite of the Leishmania genera, and causes approximately 60,000 deaths per year. Despite the high death toll, the disease has been the subject of relatively little research and little treatment is available, probably because the most severe cases are confined to developing nations. The most severe form, visceral leishmaniasis is caused by the species known as Leishmania infantum (syn. L. chagasi). A promising new anti-leishmania drug, DS01 has been recently isolated from amphibian secretions and can kill L. infantum in low concentrations. We were able to culture and prepare for microscopy L. infantum promastigotes for the first time, as well as to study the effects of DS01 on cell morphology and membrane integrity. The results from both AFM and SEM are highly complementary and illustrate the possibility of membrane-focussed activity as well as the possibility of attack on the flagella (figure 1).

Malaria is one of the most deadly diseases in the world, killing more than 600,000 people per year, mostly in low-income countries. It is caused by Plasmodium parasites, and the most commonly studied stage is that in which the parasite invades the blood. Prior to blood invasion, the parasites infect hepatocytes in the liver, with formation of a parasitophorous vacuole, where they develop into exoerythrocytic forms and multiply to generate thousands of merozoites, later released into the bloodstream and causing disease. However, infection of liver cells, which is clinically silent, is required for disease progression. We studied infection of liver cells by Plasmodium using combined epifluorescence and atomic force microscopy. We observed significant changes in cell morphology as infection progressed (figure 2). Furthermore we made nanoindentation measurements with the AFM, to determine cellular stiffness. We observed stiffening of the cells after 48 hours of infection compared to uninfected cells. This was a cellular response to the Plasmodium infection, rather than a result of the stiffness of the invading parasites themselves. This stiffening may be caused by reinforcement of cytoskeletal structures, and we believe this may reflect a self-defence mechanism by the cell itself.
Intracellular distribution of antitumor Ru (II) compounds: The lysosome and the lysosomal enzymes as targets for anticancer metal-based drugs
Authors: Marques F. , Corte-Real L. , Alves de Matos A.P. , Alho I. , Morais T.S. , Tomaz A.I. , Garcia M.H. , Bicho M.P.
Published: August 2013

The therapeutic usefulness of anticancer agents relies on their ability to kill cancer cells while sparing normal cells and tissues. Ruthenium complexes hold great potential as suitable alternative drugs to the current cisplatin in the treatment of cancer. Our approach in this field has been the study of organoruthenium complexes, [RuII(η5-Cp)] family, namely [RuII(η5-Cp)(bipy)(PPh3)]+ (PPh3 = triphenylphosphine; bipy = 2,2’-bipyridine), TM34. This compound was tested for antitumor activity against tumor cells representative of human cancer diseases. A large spectrum of activity was found, largely surpassing cisplatin in efficacy (Fig 1).

How a drug distributes and localizes within cells is of fundamental importance as the drug must concentrate in the compartment that houses its target(s). The importance of cellular enzymes on the effects of anticancer drugs for which multiple biological pathways have been proposed led us to address the involvement of the lysosomes and lysosomal enzymes (AcPases) in the mechanism of cell death.

The cytotoxicity of TM34 was tested using the MTT assay. TM34 cellular distribution was measured by ICP-MS. The effect of TM34 on the activity of acid phosphatase (AcPase) was evaluated by the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl phosphate to p-nitrophenol. AcPase localization was investigated by TEM using the Record and Griffing (1988) cerium-based method.

Results showed that the sensitivity of AcPase assay is higher in comparison to cell proliferation assays based on the reduction of tetrazolium salts (MTT) (Fig 2). From TEM images AcPase reaction product appears as dark electron dense deposits in the lysosomes and dictiosomes. After 3h treatment TM34 provokes disruption and vesiculation of the Golgi apparatus, although some reaction product is present in the lysosomes (Fig 2).

The lysosome could be considered a possible target for TM34. Morphological evidence was observed for the participation of the Golgi apparatus in the vesiculation induced by the compound.

Supported by the Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia (FCT): PTDC/QUI-QUI/101187/2008.
Ion Beam Microscopy: a Tool for Materials
Authors: Alves L.C. , Corregidor V. , Pinheiro T. , Ferreira L.
Published: August 2013

Ion Beam Analytical techniques (IBA) using MeV charged particles are powerful techniques for the study of different type of samples in several science fields such as Material Science, microelectronics or biology/biomedicine due to its fine sensitivity, versatility and “non-destructive” characteristics. The possibility of beam focusing and beam scanning adds spatial resolution down to the dm level and imaging capabilities then allowing the IBA techniques to become microscopy techniques.

In the Nuclear Microprobe installed at IST/ITN several IBA techniques can be routinely used for materials characterization, the most common ones being PIXE (Particle Induced X-ray Emission), RBS (Rutherford Backscattering Spectrometry) and STIM (Scanning Transmission Ion Microscopy). Whether through their independent or combined use the most important thing of these techniques is the complementary information that they can grant. As any other X-ray spectroscopic technique pPIXE can also provide elemental identification (for Z>12) but further present their spatial distribution in the sample as well as, for thin biological samples (<20 <m), calculate their areal mass density. RBS on the other hand is able to probe sample in depth then allowing obtaining, for instance, elemental depth profile and at the same time sample matrix areal mass density. The combined use of PIXE and RBS then allows determining elemental concentration for thin biological samples. For the mentioned thin biological samples the ion beam energy loss when crossing them (base of the STIM technique), contains information on their density or thickness allowing unique information on its structure and morphology.

Advantages and draw backs can always be taken into account when comparing with similar or competitive techniques. This is the case of PIXE and SEM-EDS which is quite unfavorable for PIXE in the case of image spatial resolution, but quite favorable if elemental sensitivity is considered. Due to the much lower X-ray spectrum background, detection limits for PIXE reach the tg/g level.

As an example of application, some of the results obtained for PE-g-HEMA films are here shown. To allow their utilization as biomaterials for biomedical applications (e.g. drug delivery) apart from the needed mechanical properties and surface characteristics, biocompatibility of these materials is of fundamental importance. Regarding biocompatibility one important parameter to be assessed is its cytotoxicity that strongly depends on the contamination level at the surface. As shown in Fig. 1, MeV ion beam microscopy not only can provide major and trace element spatial distribution (combining PIXE and RBS data) but also valuable information on its near-surface structure (STIM). Furthermore, quantitative elemental analysis can be performed through the analysis of the PIXE spectra with sensitivity down to the rg/g level as also revealed in Figure 1.

V. Corregidor acknowledges the funding support from the FCT-Ciência program.