bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Self‐association, tautomerism and E–Zisomerization of isatin–phenylsemicarbazones – spectral study and theoretical calculations
Authors: Jakusová Klaudia , Donovalová Jana , Gáplovský Martin , Cigáň Marek , Stankovičová Henrieta , Gáplovský Anton
Published: July 2013

The self‐association and tautomerism of (E)‐isatin‐3‐4‐phenyl(semicarbazone) Ia and (E)‐N‐methylisatin‐3‐4‐phenyl(semicarbazone) IIa were investigated in solvents of various polarity. In weakly interacting non‐polar solvents, such as CHCl3 and benzene, phenylsemicarbazone concentrations above 1×10−5 mol dm−3 result in the formation of dimers or higher aggregates of E‐isomers Ia and IIa. This aggregate formation prevents room temperature E–Z isomerization of Ia and IIa to more stable Z‐isomers. In contrast to the situation in non‐polar solvents, E–Z isomerization from the monomeric form of phenylsemicarbazone Ia and IIa E‐isomers occurs in highly interactive polar solvents including MeOH and DMF only at temperatures above 70 °C. Moreover, decrease in phenylsemicarbazone concentration below 1×10−4 mol dm−3 in these highly solute–solvent interacting systems leads to aggregate dissociation, and a new hydrazonol tautomeric form with a high degree of conjugation predominates in these solutions. Theoretical calculations confirm obtained experimental results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Thromboelastography (TEG) Cups and Pins with Different PECVD Coatings: Effect on the Coagulation Cascade in Platelet‐poor Blood Plasma
Authors: Contreras‐García Angel , Merhi Yahye , Ruiz Juan‐Carlos , Wertheimer Michael R. , Hoemann Caroline D.
Published: July 2013

Thromboelastography uses cups and pins made of Cyrolite® plastic to analyze the rate of fibrin clot formation in blood samples. In this study, TEG cups and pins were modified by 4 distinct coating types using plasma‐enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD): carboxylated, amine‐rich, hydrophobic, SiO2, and analyzed for surface chemistry and wettability. We tested the hypothesis that the coagulation kinetics of recalcified citrated blood plasma is controlled by surface chemistry, in the absence of clot activator. Only carboxylated surfaces became negatively charged upon wetting, and accelerated clot formation in a highly reproducible manner, whereas Cyrolite® and the other coatings had delayed and unpredictable clotting times. These data are consistent with a model whereby carboxylated surfaces selectively adsorb and activate factor XII while repelling other more abundant anionic blood proteins, resulting in reproducible clot kinetics.
An Analytical Robust Design Optimization Methodology Based on Axiomatic Design Principles
Authors: Cheng Qiang , Xiao Chuanming , Zhang Guojun , Gu Peihua , Cai Ligang
Published: July 2013

Robust design (RD) is an important method because it can reduce the variation of products or processes and improve their performances such as static and dynamic quality characteristics at a low cost. In order to obtain an efficient and universal RD solution, a novel analytical RD methodology is proposed based on axiomatic design principles. The covariance matrix of multiple functional requirements (FRs) that can reflect dependency relationship is obtained via the Talyor series expansion. Evaluation mechanism based on information axiom is introduced to select the better design scheme gained with different robust optimization models. The distinct characteristics of the proposed method are the implementation by matrix differential, and the ability that can deal with multiple FR optimization simultaneously. An RD optimization of a five roller coating head is illustrated. The results show that the proposed method can optimize the design parameters which meet the multiple FRs. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Reliability Analysis and Evaluation of Automobile Welding Structure
Authors: Liu Xintian , Zheng Songlin , Feng Jinzhi , Huang Hu , Chu Jun , Zhao Lihui
Published: July 2013

Metal welding structural strength was affected by the quality of automobile welding structure. Many accidents of the machines are caused by welding defects of automobile structure. Many welding parts are applied in the automobile. Reliability of automobile welding structure is studied and discussed in this paper. Failure modes and ultimate strength of automobile welding structure are obtained with bench test. The results show that all the failures happen in the welded region between clutch hub and clutch hub axle. Finite element model is built, and automobile welding structural strength is analyzed. And simulation results are in line with that of the experiment. Based on stress and strength interference model, automobile welding structure reliability is studied and discussed with theory of probability and reliability. In accordance with matching working load with structural strength, a new method of improvement design is proposed with the aim of automobile welding structural strength reliability. It provides a theoretical basis for automobile welding structure improvement design. And similar methods can be used to develop automobile welding structure and laser welding processes in future. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
EFCAM: A METHOD FOR ASSESSING ALTERATION OF ENVIRONMENTAL FLOW COMPONENTS
Authors: FitzHugh T. W.
Published: July 2013

The environmental flow components (EFCs) are a set of 34 streamflow statistics computed by the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software, which are used for environmental flow assessments and developing environmental flow recommendations. The objective of this paper is to demonstrate a methodology for analysing and summarizing the alteration of EFCs, called the EFC assessment method (EFCAM). EFCAM uses non‐parametric rank‐sum statistical tests, sometimes in conjunction with per cent change, to produce ratings of alteration for each EFC statistic, for both central tendency and range of variability. These ratings are combined into summary indexes of alteration, by event type (extreme low flow, low flow, high‐flow pulse, small flood and large flood), flow characteristic (frequency, magnitude, duration, timing and rise/fall rates) and overall. EFCAM is demonstrated by analyzing typical patterns of EFC changes in 66 rivers across the United States where flow is altered by dams. The results reported here show that EFCAM is an effective method for efficiently summarizing flow alteration of ecologically relevant components of flows, and hence would be a useful addition to the Indicators of Hydrologic Alteration software. Results of this study show an overall trend towards compression of the hydrograph from above and below into a more limited overall range on these 66 rivers. The results shown here add to previous findings on dam impacts on river flows by separating out alteration in different segments of the hydrograph, and identify some patterns of alteration not previously reported. Although the version of EFCAM used here is believed to be appropriate for most situations, it is flexible and can be tailored to the needs of a particular project by including or excluding certain flow statistics or using a different weighting system. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Weighted quantile regression for analyzing health care cost data with missing covariates
Authors: Sherwood Ben , Wang Lan , Zhou Xiao‐Hua
Published: July 2013

Analysis of health care cost data is often complicated by a high level of skewness, heteroscedastic variances and the presence of missing data. Most of the existing literature on cost data analysis have been focused on modeling the conditional mean. In this paper, we study a weighted quantile regression approach for estimating the conditional quantiles health care cost data with missing covariates. The weighted quantile regression estimator is consistent, unlike the naive estimator, and asymptotically normal. Furthermore, we propose a modified BIC for variable selection in quantile regression when the covariates are missing at random. The quantile regression framework allows us to obtain a more complete picture of the effects of the covariates on the health care cost and is naturally adapted to the skewness and heterogeneity of the cost data. The method is semiparametric in the sense that it does not require to specify the likelihood function for the random error or the covariates. We investigate the weighted quantile regression procedure and the modified BIC via extensive simulations. We illustrate the application by analyzing a real data set from a health care cost study. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An overview of interactive visual data mining techniques for knowledge discovery
Authors: Stahl Frederic , Gabrys Bogdan , Gaber Mohamed Medhat , Berendsen Monika
Published: July 2013

In the past decade, the analysis of data has faced the challenge of dealing with very large and complex datasets and the real‐time generation of data. Technologies to store and access these complex and large datasets are in place. However, robust and scalable analysis technologies are needed to extract meaningful information from these datasets. The research field of Information Visualization and Visual Data Analytics addresses this need. Information visualization and data mining are often used complementary to each other. Their common goal is the extraction of meaningful information from complex and possibly large data. However, though data mining focuses on the usage of silicon hardware, visualization techniques also aim to access the powerful image‐processing capabilities of the human brain. This article highlights the research on data visualization and visual analytics techniques. Furthermore, we highlight existing visual analytics techniques, systems, and applications including a perspective on the field from the chemical process industry.

This article is categorized under:

Application Areas > Data Mining Software Tools

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation

Technologies > Visualization
Automatic construction of lexicons, taxonomies, ontologies, and other knowledge structures
Authors: Medelyan Olena , Witten Ian H. , Divoli Anna , Broekstra Jeen
Published: July 2013

Abstract, structured, representations of knowledge such as lexicons, taxonomies, and ontologies have proven to be powerful resources not only for the systematization of knowledge in general, but to support practical technologies of document organization, information retrieval, natural language understanding, and question‐answering systems. These resources are extremely time consuming for people to create and maintain, yet demand for them is growing, particularly in specialized areas ranging from legacy documents of large enterprises to rapidly changing domains such as current affairs and celebrity news. Consequently, researchers are investigating methods of creating such structures automatically from document collections, calling on the proliferation of interlinked resources already available on the web for background knowledge and general information about the world. This review surveys what is possible, and also outlines current research directions.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Text Mining

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Knowledge Representation

Technologies > Structure Discovery and Clustering
Muzzle‐to‐target distance determination by X‐ray fluorescence spectrometry
Authors: Fonseca J. F. , Cruz M. M. , Carvalho M. L.
Published: July 2013

One of the most important aspects of the criminal investigation of a shooting incident is the target‐to‐muzzle distance determination. This determination can establish the relative positions of the shooter and the victim or even help to establish the shooters' intent.

Forensic laboratories use chemographic tests as the standard procedure for this kind of analysis. These tests require the preparation of several chemical reactions and imply the partial destruction of the tested samples.

This work demonstrates that energy‐dispersive X‐ray fluorescence (XRF) can constitute an alternative for the chemographic methodology with the big advantage of being fast, non‐destructive and without the need of chemical preparation.

Using plain white cotton tissue as target material, Glocks 17, 19 and 26 and FN Browning High Power MKIIIS handguns, several samples were prepared by shooting pieces of cloth at different distances. Lead was found to be the element present in higher concentration, reaching 1000 µg/g in some cases, followed by Sb, Ba, Zn and Cu. Four squares (4 × 3 cm2) of each target were cut and analysed directly by XRF to obtain the concentrations of Cu, Zn, Sb, Ba and Pb as a function of the shooting distance. As expected, the concentration decreases with the distance for all elements. This behaviour was studied, and its dependence with barrel length and rifling (polygonal vs conventional) was characterized. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Application of a portable XRF analyzer to investigate the medieval wall paintings of Yemrehanna Krestos Church, Ethiopia
Authors: Gebremariam Kidane Fanta , Kvittingen Lise , Banica Florinel‐Gabriel
Published: July 2013

Despite the large body of ancient Ethiopian works of art in the form of murals, icons, and illuminated manuscripts, the physicochemical examinations carried out on them are few. This study is anin situinvestigation of the wall paintings in the early 12th century Yemrehanna Krestos Church, Ethiopia. Fast, onsite, nondestructive analysis of the painting materials was carried out using a portable X‐ray energy fluorescence dispersive spectrometer. It is believed to be the firstonsitetechnical examination of Ethiopian mural paintings. This work resulted in information about the painting materials and the existence of different painting programs. The analysis revealed that the main pigments were red and yellow ochre, minium, cinnabar, orpiment, gypsum, lead, and white and carbon black; those typically employed in medieval times with no indication of later conservation–restoration intervention. Correlation between concentration of elements and multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify the most probable compounds and to classify sets of pigments used in two painting programs. The portable X‐ray energy dispersive fluorescence spectrometer analyzer is found valuable to guide thein situanalysis and assess potential sites for microsampling for further investigations with complementary analytical techniques. However, in this expedition, we were unable to collect sufficient microsamples to warrant adequate complementary analyses. Characterization and documentation of the materials of the church murals support art historical studies and eventually conservation intervention plans. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quality of Life (QoL) in Patients With Benign Thyroid Goiters (Pre‐ and Post‐Thyroidectomy): A Prospective Study
Authors: Mishra Anjali , Sabaretnam Mayilvaganan , Chand Gyan , Agarwal Gaurav , Agarwal Amit , Verma Ashok Kumar , Mishra Saroj Kanta
Published: July 2013

Background

Preservation of quality of life (QoL) seems an important therapeutic goal in patients with benign thyroid diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate the impact of thyroidectomy on QoL in patients with benign goiters and to assess the significance of various factors affecting the outcome.

Methods

A prospective study consisting of 100 patients with benign goiters was conducted between November 2009 and March 2011. Patients completed a disease‐specific ThyPRO questionnaire to assess QoL before and 6 months after thyroidectomy. Preoperative and postoperative scores were compared; and univariate and multivariate analyses were performed.

Results

Mean age of the patients was 40.5 years (M:F = 1:4.3); 82 % of the patients had nodular goiters, and the remaining 18 % had diffuse disease. None of the patients had overt thyroid dysfunction at the time they completed the questionnaire. Operative treatment for 54 % of the patients involved total thyroidectomy, whereas 46 % underwent hemithyroidectomy. None of these patients developed any permanent morbidity following surgery. Mean scores of QoL in the 12 domains examined were low and improved significantly (p < 0.001) after surgery: symptoms, 19.4 versus 0.7; fatigue, 29.5 versus 1.5; vitality, 44.4 versus 3.0; memory and concentration, 25.7 versus 1.5; nervousness, 29.6 versus 1.8; psychological well‐being, 33.9 versus 1.3; mood swings, 34.9 versus 0.8; relationship, 15.4 versus 1.4; daily activity, 18.7 versus 1.3; sex life, 20.9 versus 1.7; appearance, 14.7 versus 1.0; and overall, 27 versus 5.5. On univariate analysis, weight of goiter was found to be significantly associated with improvement in the scores of the memory and concentration domain (p = 0.03). On multivariate analysis, factors significantly associated with improvement in different domains were young age (nervousness, p = 0.009), female gender (fatigue, p = 0.02), and weight of goiter (symptoms, p = <0.001; vitality, p = <0.001; and memory and concentration, p = <0.001).

Conclusions

Patients with benign goiters experience significant improvement in QoL after thyroidectomy.
Normative Intra‐operative Electrophysiologic Waveform Analysis of Superior Laryngeal Nerve External Branch and Recurrent Laryngeal Nerve in Patients Undergoing Thyroid Surgery
Authors: Potenza Andre S. , Phelan Eimear A. , Cernea Claudio R. , Slough Cristian M. , Kamani Dipti V. , Darr Ashlie , Zurakowski David , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: July 2013

Background

Injury to the external branch of the superior laryngeal nerve (EBSLN) can occur during superior pole dissection in thyroid surgery; the EBSLN injury rate is reported as high as 28 % (Cernea et al., Head Neck 14:380–383, 1992). Injury to the EBSLN leads to variable symptoms that may be overlooked, but that can be significant, especially to professional speakers and singers. Intraoperative nerve monitoring (IONM) is employed widely to aid in nerve identification. We report on normative electroneuromyography (EMG) data on EBSLN‐IONM and cricothyroid muscle (CTM) twitch response during stimulation as an aid to EBSLN identification.

Methods

A prospective study of the SLN and the recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) IONM data in 72 consecutive thyroid surgeries was carried out. All patients underwent preoperative and postoperative laryngeal exams, and patients with abnormal preoperative laryngeal function were excluded. Normative EMG data and CTM twitch response during EBSLN stimulation were recorded and analyzed.

Results

Stimulation of the EBSLN resulted in a positive CTM twitch response in 100 %, whereas EMG response was recordable in 80 %. Electromyographic amplitude was ~1/3 of ipsilateral RLN amplitude and did not change through the case with multiple stimulations. Stimulation of the EBSLN was similar for men and women and at 1 and 2 mA stimulation levels.

Conclusions

Intraoperative nerve monitoring of the EBSLN aids in EBSLN identification and provides electroneuromyographic information in 80 % of cases. The laryngeal head of the sternothyroid muscle is a useful landmark to locate EBSLN.
Transesophageal Echocardiography during Cardiac Arrest in Orthopedic Surgery Patients: A Report of Two Cases and a Review of the Literature
Authors: Garvin Sean , Stundner Ottokar , Memtsoudis Stavros G.
Published: July 2013

Background

Cardiac arrest situations represent an enormous clinical challenge to the physicians involved. Research suggests that the utilization on transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) may provide important diagnostic information and allows for institution of more specific treatment, while not hampering resuscitation efforts.

Case Description

In this review, we highlight the usefulness of TEE in cardiac arrest situations in the orthopedic setting, by presenting two perioperative cases. In one case, TEE was used to diagnose intraoperative pulmonary embolism and guide thrombolytic therapy. The second case highlights the use of TEE in management of hemodynamic instability in a patient with aortic stenosis.

Literature Review

Memtsoudis et al. showed that in 19 of 22 cardiac arrests, an underlying pathological process could be established with TEE, leading to specific interventions beyond the institution of advanced cardiac life support measures.

Clinical Relevance

TEE can provide rapid diagnostic information guiding treatment in patients with hemodynamic compromise. The use is expanding beyond the cardiac operating theater and given the potential clinical impact consideration should be given to utilizing this valuable imaging modality in appropriate clinical situation.
Fatty Acid Composition in Ergosteryl Esters and Triglycerides from the Fungus Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Deng Zi‐Long , Yuan Jian‐Ping , Zhang Yan , Xu Xiao‐Ming , Wu Chou‐Fei , Peng Juan , Wang Jiang‐Hai
Published: July 2013

Free and esterified ergosterols are detected almost solely in fungi and are often employed as a biomarker of living fungi. In this work, the fatty acid composition and δ13C values of major fatty acids in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters from the fungus Ganoderma lucidum were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometer and gas chromatography–isotopic ratio mass spectrometer, respectively. The results showed that the fatty acid profiles varied in triglycerides and ergosteryl esters. The percentage of saturated fatty acids in ergosteryl esters was remarkably higher than that in triglycerides, where C18:1Δ9c was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 61.26 % of the total fatty acids. In contrast, C16:0 was the predominant fatty acid and constituted 71.88 % of the total fatty acids in ergosteryl esters. The study suggests that, after fungal death, free ergosterols in the cell membrane of the dead fungus were esterified with preferentially saturated fatty acids, mainly C16:0, from triglycerides and then stored in lipid particles for a longer period while free ergosterol markedly decreased. The δ13C values of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 and C18:2 in ergosteryl esters exhibit a pronounced depletion in 13C compared with that in triglycerides within the range of −1.3 to −0.9 ‰, supporting the above inference. It is again suggested that free ergosterol in the cell membrane should be used as an indicator of living fungi, and ergosteryl esters in the lipid particles should not be included in the measurement of living fungal biomass.
Single Motherhood and Child Mortality in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Life Course Perspective
Authors: Clark Shelley , Hamplová Dana
Published: July 2013

Single motherhood in sub-Saharan Africa has received surprisingly little attention, although it is widespread and has critical implications for children’s well-being. Using survival analysis techniques, we estimate the probability of becoming a single mother over women’s life course and investigate the relationship between single motherhood and child mortality in 11 countries in sub-Saharan Africa. Although a mere 5 % of women in Ethiopia have a premarital birth, one in three women in Liberia will become mothers before first marriage. Compared with children whose parents were married, children born to never-married single mothers were significantly more likely to die before age 5 in six countries (odds ratios range from 1.36 in Nigeria to 2.61 in Zimbabwe). In addition, up to 50 % of women will become single mothers as a consequence of divorce or widowhood. In nine countries, having a formerly married mother was associated with a significantly higher risk of dying (odds ratios range from 1.29 in Zambia to 1.75 in Kenya) relative to having married parents. Children of divorced women typically had the poorest outcomes. These results highlight the vulnerability of children with single mothers and suggest that policies aimed at supporting single mothers could help to further reduce child mortality in sub-Saharan Africa.
Microcredit and Domestic Violence in Bangladesh: An Exploration of Selection Bias Influences
Authors: Bajracharya Ashish , Amin Sajeda
Published: July 2013

This article explores the relationship between women’s participation in microcredit groups and domestic violence in Bangladesh. Several recent studies have raised concern about microcredit programs by reporting higher levels of violence among women who are members. These results, however, may be attributable to selection bias because members might differ from nonmembers in ways that make them more susceptible to violence to begin with. Using a sample of currently married women from the 2007 Bangladesh Demographic Health Survey (BDHS) (N = 4,195), we use propensity score matching (PSM) as a way of exploring selection bias in this relationship. Results suggest that the previously seen strong positive association between membership and violence does not hold when an appropriate comparison group, generated using PSM, is used in the analyses. Additional analyses also suggest that levels of violence do not differ significantly between members and nonmembers and instead could depend on context-specific factors related to poverty. Members for whom a match is not found report considerably higher levels of violence relative to nonmembers in the unmatched group. The background characteristics of members and nonmembers who do not match suggest that they are more likely to be younger and from relatively well-to-do households.
The Effect of School Quality on Black-White Health Differences: Evidence From Segregated Southern Schools
Authors: Frisvold David , Golberstein Ezra
Published: July 2013

This study assesses the effect of black-white differences in school quality on black-white differences in health in later life resulting from the racial convergence in school quality for cohorts born between 1910 and 1950 in southern states with segregated schools. Using data from the 1984–2007 National Health Interview Surveys linked to race-specific data on school quality, we find that reductions in the black-white gap in school quality led to modest reductions in the black-white gap in disability.
Metabolic profiles in adults with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disabilities
Authors: Moses L. , Katz N. , Weizman A.
Published: July 2013

Introduction

Low levels of blood cholesterol have been found in some children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Psychotropic medications, commonly used by people with ASD and people with intellectual disabilities (ID) are frequently associated with altered metabolic profiles.

Purpose

We aimed to compare metabolic features of adults with ASD or ID with those of a community-based population.

Subjects and methods

Data on blood fasting glucose (FBG), lipid profile, liver enzyme profile, TSH, BMI, medications and diagnoses of 80 adults with ASD, 77 adults with ID and 828 control adults were drawn from medical charts/database. Candidates that used glucose or lipid lowering medications were not included.

Results

Total-cholesterol levels of people with ASD and ID were significantly lower than those of the controls (168.3 ± 32.78, 168.2 ± 32.91, 185.4 ± 40.49 mg/dL, respectively,P< 0.001) but after adjusting for gender, age and BMI and using Bonferroni correction, the significance was lost. Compared to controls, ASD and ID had significantly lower FBG (by –14.45 ± 1.81, –14.58 ± 1.54 mg/dl, respectively;P< 0.001 for both) and liver enzymes, despite using psychotropic medications.

Discussion and conclusion

In contrast to other psychiatric patients receiving similar medications, people with ASD and ID have unaltered lipid profiles and lower glucose and liver enzyme levels compared to a community-based population.
Allelic variants in the zinc transporter-3 gene,SLC30A3, a candidate gene identified from gene expression studies, show gender-specific association with schizophrenia
Authors: Perez-Becerril C. , Morris A.G. , Mortimer A. , McKenna P.J. , de Belleroche J.
Published: July 2013

Previous microarray analysis of gene expression in frontal cortex showed differential expression of genes associated with synaptic function in schizophrenia compared to matched-controls in two independent cohorts. One of these genes validated in both cohorts,SLC30A3, which encodes the Zinc Transporter 3 (ZNT3), is localised to synaptic vesicles in glutamate synapses and known to be involved in cognitive function. In view of the robust depletion ofSLC30A3mRNA in two independent studies and the importance of this gene in cognitive function, we investigated whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations with schizophrenia could be detected in a UK case controlled schizophrenia cohort. Four SNPs were selected across this gene and genotyped in a cohort of cases and controls from East UK. We found significant associations with schizophrenia at the allelic (ORs: 1.51 to 1.57), genotype (ORs: 1.46 to 1.53) and haplotype level (P= 2.15 × 10−4). These associations proved to be gender-specific with significant effects of allele (ORs: 1.74 to 2.11), genotype (ORs: 1.78 to 2.14) and haplotype (P= 3.51 × 10−5) observed in female schizophrenia cases but not males, when split by gender. In conclusion, SNPs inSLC30A3showed a gender-specific association with schizophrenia in this East UK cohort, which merits further investigation in other population samples.
FurA influences heterocyst differentiation in Anabaena sp. PCC 7120
Authors: González Andrés , Valladares Ana , Peleato M. Luisa , Fillat María F.
Published: July 2013

In Anabaena sp. PCC 7120, FurA is a global transcriptional regulator whose expression is strongly induced by NtcA in proheterocysts and remains stably expressed in mature heterocysts. In the present study, overexpression of furA partially suppressed heterocyst differentiation by impairing morphogenesis at an early stage. Recombinant purified FurA specifically bound in vitro to the promoter regions of ntcA, while quantitative RT‐PCR analyses indicated that furA overexpression strongly affected the transient increase of ntcA expression that occurs shortly after nitrogen step‐down. Overall, the results suggest a connection between iron homeostasis and heterocyst differentiation via FurA, by modulating the expression of ntcA.
Regular Variation
Authors: Bingham N. H. , Goldie C. M. , Teugels J. L.
Published: July 2013

This book is a comprehensive account of the theory and applications of regular variation. It is concerned with the asymptotic behaviour of a real function of a real variable x which is 'close' to a power of x. Such functions are much more than a convenient extension of powers. In many limit theorems regular variation is intrinsic to the result, and exactly characterises the limit behaviour. The book emphasises such characterisations, and gives a comprehensive treatment of those applications where regular variation plays an essential (rather then merely convenient) role. The authors rigorously develop the basic ideas of Karamata theory and de Haan theory including many new results and 'second-order' theorems. They go on to discuss the role of regular variation in Abelian, Tauberian, and Mercerian theorems. These results are then applied in analytic number theory, complex analysis, and probability, with the aim above all of setting the theory in context. A widely scattered literature is thus brought together in a unified approach. With several appendices and a comprehensive list of references, analysts, number theorists, and probabilists will find this an invaluable and complete account of regular variation. It will provide a rigorous and authoritative introduction to the subject for research students in these fields.
OFDMA Mobile Broadband Communications
Authors: Li Junyi , Wu Xinzhou , Laroia Rajiv
Published: July 2013

Written by the pioneers of Flash-OFDM, arguably the first commercially developed OFDMA-based mobile broadband system in the world, this book teaches OFDMA from first principles, enabling readers to understand mobile broadband as a whole. The book examines the key requirements for data-centric mobile; how OFDMA fits well with data networks; why mobile broadband needs to be IP-based; and how to bridge communications theory to real-world air interface design and make a good system choice between performance and complexity. It also explores the future of wireless technologies beyond conventional cellular architecture. One of the key challenges faced by newcomers to this field is how to apply the wireless communications theory and principles to the real world and how to understand sophisticated commercial systems such as LTE. The authors use their firsthand experience to help graduate students, researchers and professionals working on 4G to bridge the gap between theory and practice.
Environmental Practice and Early American Literature
Authors: Ziser Michael
Published: July 2013

This original and provocative study tells the story of American literary history from the perspective of its environmental context. Weaving together close readings of early American texts with ecological histories of tobacco, potatoes, apples and honey bees, Michael Ziser presents a method for literary criticism that explodes the conceptual distinction between the civilized and natural world. Beginning with the English exploration of Virginia in the sixteenth century, Ziser argues that the settlement of the 'New World' - and the cultivation and exploitation of its bounty - dramatically altered how writers used language to describe the phenomena they encountered on the frontier. Examining the work of Harriot, Grainger, Cooper, Thoreau and others, Ziser reveals how these authors, whether consciously or not, transcribed the vibrant ecology of North America, and the ways that the environment helped codify a uniquely American literary aesthetic of lasting importance.
Foundations of Quantum Gravity
Authors: Lindesay James
Published: July 2013

Exploring how the subtleties of quantum coherence can be consistently incorporated into Einstein's theory of gravitation, this book is ideal for researchers interested in the foundations of relativity and quantum physics. The book examines those properties of coherent gravitating systems that are most closely connected to experimental observations. Examples of consistent co-gravitating quantum systems whose overall effects upon the geometry are independent of the coherence state of each constituent are provided, and the properties of the trapping regions of non-singular black objects, black holes and a dynamic de Sitter cosmology are discussed analytically, numerically and diagrammatically. The extensive use of diagrams to summarise the results of the mathematics enables readers to bypass the need for a detailed understanding of the steps involved. Assuming some knowledge of quantum physics and relativity, the book provides text boxes featuring supplementary information for readers particularly interested in the philosophy and foundations of the physics.
Imagining Europe
Authors: Bottici Chiara , Challand Benoît
Published: July 2013

In Imagining Europe, Chiara Bottici and Benoît Challand explore the formation of modern European identity. Europe has not always been there, although we have been imagining it for quite some time. Even after the birth of a polity called the European Union, the meaning of Europe remained a very much contested topic. What is Europe? What are its boundaries? Is there a specific European identity or is the EU just the name for a group of institutions? This book answers these questions, showing that in Europe's formation, myth and memory, although distinct, are often merged in a common attempt to construct an identity for its present and its future. In a time when Europe is facing an existential crisis, when its meaning is being questioned, Imagining Europe explores a vital and often unacknowledged aspect of the European project.
The Epic Gaze
Authors: Lovatt Helen
Published: July 2013

The epic genre has at its heart a fascination with the horror of viewing death. Epic heroes have active visual power, yet become objects, turned into monuments, watched by two main audiences: the gods above and the women on the sidelines. This stimulating, ambitious study investigates the theme of vision in Greek and Latin epic from Homer to Nonnus, bringing the edges of epic into dialogue with celebrated moments (the visual confrontation of Hector and Achilles, the failure of Turnus' gaze), revealing epic as massive assertion of authority and fractured representation. Helen Lovatt demonstrates the complexity of epic constructions of gender: from Apollonius' Medea toppling Talos with her eyes to Parthenopaeus as object of desire. She discusses mortals appropriating the divine gaze, prophets as both penetrative viewers and rape victims, explores the divine authority of epic ecphrasis, and exposes the way that heroic bodies are fragmented and fetishised.
Nominal Sets
Authors: Pitts Andrew M.
Published: July 2013

Nominal sets provide a promising new mathematical analysis of names in formal languages based upon symmetry, with many applications to the syntax and semantics of programming language constructs that involve binding, or localising names. Part I provides an introduction to the basic theory of nominal sets. In Part II, the author surveys some of the applications that have developed in programming language semantics (both operational and denotational), functional programming and logic programming. As the first book to give a detailed account of the theory of nominal sets, it will be welcomed by researchers and graduate students in theoretical computer science.
The Self-Potential Method
Authors: Revil André , Jardani Abderrahim
Published: July 2013

The self-potential method enables non-intrusive assessment and imaging of disturbances in electrical currents of conductive subsurface materials. It has an increasing number of applications, from mapping fluid flow in the subsurface of the Earth to detecting preferential flow paths in earth dams and embankments. This book provides the first full overview of the fundamental concepts of this method and its applications in the field. It discusses a historical perspective, laboratory investigations undertaken, the inverse problem and seismoelectric coupling, and concludes with the application of the self-potential method to geohazards, water resources and hydrothermal systems. Chapter exercises, online datasets and analytical software enable the reader to put the theory into practice. This book is a key reference for academic researchers and professionals working in the areas of geophysics, environmental science, hydrology and geotechnical engineering. It will also be valuable reading for related graduate courses.
Southern Gaul and the Mediterranean
Authors: Mullen Alex
Published: July 2013

The interactions of the Celtic-speaking communities of Southern Gaul with the Mediterranean world have intrigued commentators since antiquity. This book combines sociolinguistics and archaeology to bring to life the multilingualism and multiple identities of the region from the foundation of the Greek colony of Massalia in 600 BC to the final phases of Roman Imperial power. It builds on the interest generated by the application of modern bilingualism theory to ancient evidence by modelling language contact and community dynamics and adopting an innovative interdisciplinary approach. This produces insights into the entanglements and evolving configurations of a dynamic zone of cultural contact. Key foci of contact-induced change are exposed and new interpretations of cultural phenomena highlight complex origins and influences from the entire Mediterranean koine. Southern Gaul reveals itself to be fertile ground for considering the major themes of multilingualism, ethnolinguistic vitality, multiple identities, colonialism and Mediterraneanization.
Sonoanatomy for Anaesthetists
Authors: Lin Edward , Gaur Atul , Jones Michael , Ahmed Aamer
Published: July 2013

The accuracy with which clinicians can locate nerves and blood vessels has increased greatly with the development of portable handheld ultrasound scanners, and no specialty has felt the benefit more than anesthesia. This practical atlas of ultrasound anatomy addresses the two main challenges for anyone learning ultrasound-guided techniques: 1. Where do I place the probe? 2. What exactly am I looking at? Each nerve block or vascular access site is illustrated with: • An anatomical line illustration • A clinical photograph showing the correct ultrasound probe position • The ultrasound scan • A line illustration of the scan labelled to indicate the salient anatomical features All relevant anatomic regions are included: upper limb, lower limb, neck, thorax and abdomen. Concise notes for each entry indicate scan landmarks and give useful tips and advice on potential complications. Sonoanatomy for Anesthetists is an essential resource for anesthetists, intensivists and chronic pain specialists.
Membrane Filtration
Authors: Foley Greg
Published: July 2013

Focusing on the application of membranes in an engineering context, this hands-on computational guide makes previously challenging problems routine. It formulates problems as systems of equations solved with MATLAB, encouraging active learning through worked examples and end-of-chapter problems. The detailed treatments of dead-end filtration include novel approaches to constant rate filtration and filtration with a centrifugal pump. The discussion of crossflow microfiltration includes the use of kinetic and force balance models. Comprehensive coverage of ultrafiltration and diafiltration processes employs both limiting flux and osmotic pressure models. The effect of fluid viscosity on the mass transfer coefficient is explored in detail, the effects of incomplete rejection on the design and analysis of ultrafiltration and diafiltration are analysed, and quantitative treatments of reverse osmosis and nanofiltration process analysis and design are explored. Includes a chapter dedicated to the modelling of membrane fouling.
Virtue in Business
Authors: Hartman Edwin M.
Published: July 2013

The virtue approach to business ethics is a topic of increasing importance within the business world. Focusing on Aristotle's theory that the virtues of character, rather than actions, are central to ethics, Edwin M. Hartman introduces readers of this book to the value of applying Aristotle's virtue approach to business. Using numerous real-world examples, he argues that business leaders have good reason to take character seriously when explaining and evaluating individuals in organisations. He demonstrates how the virtue approach can deepen our understanding of business ethics, and how it can contribute to contemporary discussions of character, rationality, corporate culture, ethics education and global ethics. Written by one of the foremost Aristotelian scholars working in the field today, this authoritative introduction to the role of virtue ethics in business is a valuable primer for graduate students and academic researchers in business ethics, applied ethics and philosophy.
Between Court and Confessional
Authors: Lynn Kimberly
Published: July 2013

Between Court and Confessional explores the lives of Spanish inquisitors, closely examining the careers and writings of five sixteenth- and seventeenth-century inquisitors. Kimberly Lynn considers what shaped particular inquisitors, what kinds of official experience each accumulated, and to what ends each directed his acquired knowledge and experience. The case studies examine the complex interplay of careerism and ideological commitments evident in inquisitorial activities. Whereas many studies of the Spanish Inquisition tend to depict inquisitors as faceless and interchangeable, Lynn probes the lives of individual inquisitors to show how inquisitors' operations in their social, political, religious and intellectual worlds set the Inquisition in motion. By focusing on specific individuals, this study explains how the theory and regulations of the Inquisition were rooted in local conditions, particular disputes and individual experiences.
Architecture, Astronomy and Sacred Landscape in Ancient Egypt
Authors: Magli Giulio
Published: July 2013

This book examines the interplay between astronomy and dynastic power in the course of ancient Egyptian history, focusing on the fundamental role of astronomy in the creation of the pyramids and the monumental temple and burial complexes. Bringing to bear the analytical tools of archaeoastronomy, a set of techniques and methods that enable modern scholars to better understand the thought, religion and science of early civilizations, Giulio Magli provides in-depth analyses of the pyramid complexes at Giza, Abusir, Saqqara and Dahshur, as well as of the Early Dynastic necropolis at Abydos and the magnificent new Kingdom Theban temples. Using a variety of data retrieved from study of the sky and measurements of the buildings, he reconstructs the visual, symbolic and spiritual world of the ancient Egyptians and thereby establishes an intimate relationship among celestial cycles, topography and architecture. He also shows how they were deployed in the ideology of the pharaoh's power in the course of Egyptian history.
Paul and the Rhetoric of Reversal in 1 Corinthians
Authors: Malcolm Matthew R.
Published: July 2013

The first letter to the Corinthians is one of the most discussed biblical books in New Testament scholarship today. Despite this, there has been no consensus on its arrangement and central theme, in particular why the topic of the resurrection was left until the end of the letter, and what its theological significance would have been to the Corinthian church. Matthew R. Malcolm analyses this rhetoric of 'reversal', examines the unity of the epistle, and addresses key problems behind particular chapters. He argues that while Jewish and Greco-Roman resources contribute significantly to the overall arrangement of the letter, Paul writes as one whose identity and rhetorical resources of structure and imagery have been transformed by his preaching, or kerygma, of Christ. The study will be of interest to students of New Testament studies, Pauline theology and early Christianity.
Ibn Gabirol's Theology of Desire
Authors: Pessin Sarah
Published: July 2013

Drawing on Arabic passages from Ibn Gabirol's original Fons Vitae text, and highlighting philosophical insights from his Hebrew poetry, Sarah Pessin develops a 'theology of desire' at the heart of Ibn Gabirol's eleventh-century cosmo-ontology. She challenges centuries of received scholarship on his work, including his so-called Doctrine of Divine Will. Pessin rejects voluntarist readings of the Fons Vitae as opposing divine emanation. She also emphasizes pseudo-Empedoclean notions of 'divine desire' and 'grounding element' alongside Ibn Gabirol's use of a particularly Neoplatonic method with apophatic (and what she terms 'doubly apophatic') implications. In this way, Pessin reads claims about matter and God as insights about love, desire, and the receptive, dependent and fragile nature of human beings. Pessin reenvisions the entire spirit of Ibn Gabirol's philosophy, moving us from a set of doctrines to a fluid inquiry into the nature of God and human being – and the bond between God and human being in desire.
The Ancient Egyptian Language
Authors: Allen James P.
Published: July 2013

This book, the first of its kind, examines how the phonology and grammar of the ancient Egyptian language changed over more than three thousand years of its history, from the first appearance of written documents, c.3250 BC, to the Coptic dialects of the second century AD and later. Part One discusses phonology, working backward from the vowels and consonants of Coptic to those that can be deduced for earlier stages of the language. Part Two is devoted to grammar, including both basic components such as nouns and the complex history of the verbal system. The book thus provides both a synchronic description of the five major historical stages of ancient Egyptian and a diachronic analysis of their development and relationship.