bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Recent findings on seismic earth pressures
Authors: Lew Marshall 
Published: November 2012

SUMMARYDespite a lack of evidence or credible case histories of engineered retaining walls and basement walls being damaged during earthquakes, design codes and standard of engineering practice have dictated that seismic earth pressures should be included in the design of earth retaining structures in seismic regions. Methods of estimating seismic earth pressures are based on experiments and theories performed and developed decades ago without consideration of geometric and material property equivalence or scaling. More recent experiments using centrifuges that can properly scale geometry and material properties have given new insights on the development of seismic earth pressures on various types of earth retaining wall systems with different types of retained soil. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Improved dietary intake among overweight and obese children followed from 8 to 12 years of age in a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Waling Maria , Larsson Christel 
Published: November 2012

AbstractMore knowledge about improving dietary intake in secondary preventive actions against childhood overweight and obesity is needed. The objective was to evaluate the impact of a 2-year intervention on energy, macronutrient and food intake of overweight and obese children participating in a randomised controlled trial. Children (8–12 years old) living in Sweden were recruited to participate for 2 years between 2006 and 2009. The children were randomised into either an intervention group (n58), participating in an intervention concerning food habits, physical activity and behavioural change, or a control group (n47). Dietary intake at baseline and the 2-year measurement were assessed with a diet history interview covering 14 d. Energy intake (EI) of the intervention and control groups was underestimated by 28 and 21 %, respectively, after 2 years, but with no difference between the groups (P = 0·51). After 2 years of intervention, the intervention group, compared with the control group, had a lower intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (P = 0·015) as well as a higher intake of foods high in fibre, low in saturated fat, sugar and salt (P = 0·031). Further, a lower EI in relation to BMR, lower total fat, MUFA and cholesterol was seen in the intervention group compared with the control group. In conclusion, the food and nutrient intake of overweight and obese children was improved after participating in a 2-year intervention programme. Dietary counselling should be included in secondary preventive actions against childhood overweight and obesity to promote healthy food habits.
ARENS REGULARITY AND AMENABILITY OF LAU PRODUCT OF BANACH ALGEBRAS DEFINED BY A BANACH ALGEBRA MORPHISM
Authors: BHATT S. J. , DABHI P. A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractGiven a morphism T from a Banach algebra ℬ to a commutative Banach algebra 𝒜, a multiplication is defined on the Cartesian product space 𝒜×ℬ perturbing the coordinatewise product resulting in a new Banach algebra 𝒜×Tℬ. The Arens regularity as well as amenability (together with its various avatars) of 𝒜×Tℬ are shown to be stable with respect to T.
THE PROBABILITY THAT AND COMMUTE IN A COMPACT GROUP
Authors: HOFMANN KARL H. , RUSSO FRANCESCO G. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn a recent article [K. H. Hofmann and F. G. Russo, ‘The probability that$x$and$y$commute in a compact group’,Math. Proc. Cambridge Phil Soc., to appear] we calculated for a compact group$G$the probability$d(G)$that two randomly selected elements$x, y\in G$satisfy$xy=yx$, and we discussed the remarkable consequences on the structure of$G$which follow from the assumption that$d(G)$is positive. In this note we consider two natural numbers$m$and$n$and the probability$d_{m,n}(G)$that for two randomly selected elements$x, y\in G$the relation$x^my^n=y^nx^m$holds. The situation is more complicated whenever$n,m\gt 1$. If$G$is a compact Lie group and if its identity component$G_0$is abelian, then it follows readily that$d_{m,n}(G)$is positive. We show here that the following condition suffices for the converse to hold in an arbitrary compact group$G$: for any nonopen closed subgroup$H$of$G$, the sets$\{g\in G: g^k\in H\}$for both$k=m$and$k=n$have Haar measure$0$. Indeed, we show that if a compact group$G$satisfies this condition and if$d_{m,n}(G)\gt 0$, then the identity component of$G$is abelian.
SLANT CURVES AND PARTICLES IN THREE-DIMENSIONAL WARPED PRODUCTS AND THEIR LANCRET INVARIANTS
Authors: CĂLIN CONSTANTIN , CRASMAREANU MIRCEA 
Published: November 2012

AbstractSlant curves are introduced in three-dimensional warped products with Euclidean factors. These curves are characterised by the scalar product between the normal at the curve and the vertical vector field, and an important feature is that the case of constant Frenet curvatures implies a proper mean curvature vector field. A Lancret invariant is obtained and the Legendre curves are analysed as a particular case. An example of a slant curve is given for the exponential warping function; our example illustrates a proper (that is, not reducible to the two-dimensional) case of the Lancret theorem of three-dimensional hyperbolic geometry. We point out an eventuality relationship with the geometry of relativistic models.
Accelerated muscle and adipose tissue loss may predict survival in pancreatic cancer patients: the relationship with diabetes and anaemia
Authors: Sebastiano Katie M. Di , Yang Lin , Zbuk Kevin , Wong Raimond K. , Chow Tom , Koff David , Moran Gerald R. , Mourtzakis Marina 
Published: November 2012

Weight loss leading to cachexia is associated with poor treatment response and reduced survival in pancreatic cancer patients. We aim to identify indicators that allow for early detection that will advance our understanding of cachexia and will support targeted anti-cachexia therapies. A total of fifty pancreatic cancer patients were analysed for skeletal muscle and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) changes using computed tomography (CT) scans. These changes were related to physical characteristics, secondary disease states and treatment parameters. Overall, patients lost 1·72 (sd 3·29) kg of muscle and 1·04 (sd 1·08) kg of VAT during the disease trajectory (413 (sd 213) d). After sorting patients into tertiles by rate of VAT and muscle loss, patients losing VAT at > − 0·40 kg/100 d had poorer survival outcomes compared with patients with < − 0·10 kg/100 d of VAT loss (P= 0·020). Patients presenting with diabetes at diagnosis demonstrated significantly more and accelerated VAT loss compared with non-diabetic patients. In contrast, patients who were anaemic at the first CT scan lost significantly more muscle tissue and at accelerated rates compared with non-anaemic patients. Accelerated rates of VAT loss are associated with reduced survival. Identifying associated features of cachexia, such as diabetes and anaemia, is essential for the early detection of cachexia and may facilitate the attenuation of complications associated with cachexia.
Effects of lifestyle intervention and meal replacement on glycaemic and body-weight control in Chinese subjects with impaired glucose regulation: a 1-year randomised controlled trial
Authors: Xu Dan-Feng , Sun Jian-Qin , Chen Min , Chen Yan-Qiu , Xie Hua , Sun Wei-Jia , Lin Yi-Fan , Jiang Jing-Jing , Sun Wei , Chen Ai-Fang , Tang Qian-Ru 
Published: November 2012

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the impact of a lifestyle intervention programme, combined with a daily low-glycaemic index meal replacement, on body-weight and glycaemic control in subjects with impaired glucose regulation (IGR). Subjects with IGR were randomly assigned to an intervention group (n 46) and a control group (n 42). Both groups received health counselling at baseline. The intervention group also received a daily meal replacement and intensive lifestyle intervention to promote healthy eating habits during the first 3 months of the study, and follow-up visits performed monthly until the end of the 1-year study. Outcome measurements included changes in plasma glucose, glycated Hb (HbA1c), plasma lipids, body weight, blood pressure and body composition (such as body fat mass and visceral fat area). The results showed that body-weight loss after 1 year was significant in the intervention group compared with the control group ( − 1·8 (sem 0·35) v.− 0·6 (sem 0·40) 2·5 kg, P< 0·05). The 2 h plasma glucose concentration decreased 1·24 mmol/l in the intervention group and increased 0·85 mmol/l in the control group (P< 0·05) compared with their baseline, respectively. A 5 kg body-weight loss at 1 year was associated with a decrease of 1·49 mmol/l in 2 h plasma glucose (P< 0·01). The incidence of normal glucose regulation (NGR) in the two groups was significantly different (P= 0·001). In conclusion, the combination of regular contact, lifestyle advice and meal replacement is beneficial in promoting IGR to NGR.
Type of milk feeding in infancy and health behaviours in adult life: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
Authors: Robinson Siân , Ntani Georgia , Simmonds Shirley , Syddall Holly , Dennison Elaine , Sayer Avan Aihie , Barker David , Cooper Cyrus ,   the Hertfordshire Cohort Study Group
Published: November 2012

A number of studies suggest that breast-feeding has beneficial effects on an individual's cardiovascular risk factors in adulthood, although the mechanisms involved are unknown. One possible explanation is that adults who were breastfed differ in their health behaviours. In a historical cohort, adult health behaviours were examined in relation to type of milk feeding in infancy. From 1931 to 1939, records were kept on all infants born in Hertfordshire, UK. Their type of milk feeding was summarised as breastfed only, breast and bottle-fed, or bottle-fed only. Information about adult health behaviours was collected from 3217 of these men and women when they were aged 59–73 years. Diet was assessed using an administered FFQ; the key dietary pattern was a ‘prudent’ pattern that described compliance with ‘healthy’ eating recommendations. Of the study population, 60 % of the men and women were breastfed, 31 % were breast and bottle-fed, and 9 % were bottle-fed. Type of milk feeding did not differ according to social class at birth, and was not related to social class attained in adult life. There were no differences in smoking status, alcohol intake or reported physical activity according to type of milk feeding, but there were differences in the participants' dietary patterns. In a multivariate model that included sex and infant weight gain, there were independent associations between type of feeding and prudent diet scores in adult life (P= 0·009), such that higher scores were associated with having been breastfed. These data support experimental findings which suggest that early dietary exposures can have lifelong influences on food choice.
Long-term vitamin D3 supplementation is more effective than vitamin D2 in maintaining serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D status over the winter months
Authors: Logan Victoria F. , Gray Andrew R. , Peddie Meredith C. , Harper Michelle J. , Houghton Lisa A. 
Published: November 2012

Public health recommendations do not distinguish between vitamin D2 and vitamin D3, yet disagreement exists on whether these two forms should be considered equivalent. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of a daily physiological dose of vitamin D2 or vitamin D3 on 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) status over the winter months in healthy adults living in Dunedin, New Zealand (latitude 46°S). Participants aged 18–50 years were randomly assigned to 25 μg (1000 IU) vitamin D3 (n 32), 25 μg (1000 IU) vitamin D2 (n 31) or placebo (n 32) daily for 25 weeks beginning at the end of summer. A per-protocol approach, which included ≥ 90 % supplement compliance, was used for all analyses. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D3 (25(OH)D3), 25-hydroxyvitamin D2 (25(OH)D2) and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were measured at baseline and at 4, 8, 13 and 25 weeks. Geometric mean total serum 25(OH)D concentrations (sum of 25(OH)D2 and 25(OH)D3) at baseline was 80 nmol/l. After 25 weeks, participants randomised to D2 and placebo had a significant reduction in serum 25(OH)D3 concentrations over the winter months compared with vitamin D3-supplemented participants (both P< 0·001). Supplementation with vitamin D2 increased serum 25(OH)D2 but produced a 9 (95 % CI 1, 17) nmol/l greater decline in the 25(OH)D3 metabolite compared with placebo (P< 0·036). Overall, total serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 21 (95 % CI 14, 30) nmol/l lower in participants receiving vitamin D2 compared with those receiving D3 (P< 0·001), among whom total serum 25(OH)D concentrations remained unchanged. No intervention-related changes in PTH were observed. Daily supplementation of vitamin D3 was more effective than D2; however, the functional consequence of the differing metabolic response warrants further investigation.
Reversible brain response to an intragastric load of l-lysine under l-lysine depletion in conscious rats
Authors: Tsurugizawa Tomokazu , Uematsu Akira , Uneyama Hisayuki , Torii Kunio 
Published: November 2012

l-Lysine (Lys) is an essential amino acid and plays an important role in anxiogenic behaviour in both human subjects and rodents. Previous studies have shown the existence of neural plasticity between the Lys-deficient state and the normal state. Lys deficiency causes an increase in noradrenaline release from the hypothalamus and serotonin release from the amygdala in rats. However, no studies have used functional MRI (fMRI) to compare the brain response to ingested Lys in normal, Lys-deficient and Lys-recovered states. Therefore, in the present study, using acclimation training, we performed fMRI on conscious rats to investigate the brain response to an intragastric load of Lys. The brain responses to intragastric administration of Lys (3 mmol/kg body weight) were investigated in six rats intermittently in three states: normal, Lys-deficient and recovered state. First, in the normal state, an intragastric load of Lys activated several brain regions, including the raphe pallidus nucleus, prelimbic cortex and the ventral/lateral orbital cortex. Then, after 6 d of Lys deprivation from the normal state, an intragastric load of Lys activated the ventral tegmental area, raphe pallidus nucleus and hippocampus, as well as several hypothalamic areas. After recovering from the Lys-deficient state, brain activation was similar to that in the normal state. These results indicate that neural plasticity in the prefrontal cortex, hypothalamic area and limbic system is related to the internal Lys state and that this plasticity could have important roles in the control of Lys intake.
Two sugar isomers influence host plant acceptance by a cereal caterpillar pest
Authors: Juma G. , Thiongo M. , Dutaur L. , Rharrabe K. , Marion-Poll F. , Le Ru B. , Magoma G. , Silvain J.-F. , Calatayud P.-A. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractPlant sugars are often considered as primary feeding stimuli, conditioning host plant acceptance by herbivorous insects. Of the nine sugars identified from methanolic extracts of seven grass species, only turanose, a sucrose isomer, was negatively correlated with the survival and growth of the noctuid larva of cereal stemborer,Busseola fusca. Sucrose was the most abundant sugar, although it did not vary significantly in concentration among the plant species studied. Using Styrofoam™ cylinders impregnated with increasing concentrations of turanose or sucrose, the two sugars had opposing effects: turanose appeared phagodeterrent while sucrose was phagostimulatory. Electrophysiological studies indicated thatB. fuscalarvae were able to detect both sugars via their styloconic sensilla located on the mouthparts. The findings indicate that, whereas sucrose is a feeding stimulant and positively influences food choice byB. fuscalarvae, turanose negatively contributes to larval food choice. The balance in concentrations of both sugars, however, somehow influences the overall host plant choice made by the larvae. This can partly explain host plant suitability and choice by this caterpillar pest in the field.
Supercharacters and pattern subgroups in the upper triangular groups
Authors: Le Tung 
Published: November 2012

AbstractLet Un(q) denote the upper triangular group of degree n over the finite field $\mathbb{F}_q$ with q elements. It is known that irreducible constituents of supercharacters partition the set of all irreducible characters Irr(Un(q)). In this paper we present a correspondence between supercharacters and pattern subgroups of the form Uk(q) ∩ wUk(q), where w is a monomial matrix in GLk(q) for some k < n.
The Optimal Use of Return Predictability: An Empirical Study
Authors: Abhyankar Abhay , Basu Devraj , Stremme Alexander 
Published: November 2012

AbstractIn this paper we study the economic value and statistical significance of asset return predictability, based on a wide range of commonly used predictive variables. We assess the performance of dynamic, unconditionally efficient strategies, first studied by Hansen and Richard (1987) and Ferson and Siegel (2001), using a test that has both an intuitive economic interpretation and known statistical properties. We find that using the lagged term spread, credit spread, and inflation significantly improves the risk-return trade-off. Our strategies consistently outperform efficient buy-and-hold strategies, both in and out of sample, and they also incur lower transactions costs than traditional conditionally efficient strategies.
Do invasive bullfrogs in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, show evidence of parasite release?
Authors: Dare O.K. , Forbes M.R. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractFew studies have examined vertebrate models of invasive species to explore parasite release as a proposed mechanism through which host species might become invasive. In this study, we examined evidence for parasite release in invasive American bullfrogs (Rana catesbeiana/Lithobates catesbeianus) from five sites in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. We examined helminth species richness, as well as the prevalence, intensity and abundance of lung and kidney fluke infections. These flukes are expected to impose costs on host survival, growth and reproductive output. We compared measures of these parasite taxa with bullfrogs from Ontario and New Brunswick where they are endemic. Helminth species richness in bullfrogs from the Victoria sites was lower than in Ontario bullfrogs, but comparable to reported indices for other endemic populations. The prevalence of lung flukes (Haematoloechusspp.) in bullfrogs from Victoria was twice as high as was observed in the Ontario bullfrogs, and higher than has been reported from other endemic locations. In four of the five study sites in Victoria, numbers ofEchinostomaspp. kidney cysts were lower than observed in endemic populations; however, the fifth site had uncharacteristically high numbers of cysts. In this study, there did not appear to be clear evidence to support parasite release using either parasite species numbers, or infection by specific parasite taxa. Instead, the invasive bullfrogs demonstrated high parasite species richness and high levels of infection for parasites known to be harmful to their hosts.
Spermatological characteristics ofElstia stossichianum(Digenea, Mesometridae) from the intestine of the cow bream (Sarpa salpa) off Dakar, Senegal
Authors: Bakhoum A.J.S. , Ndiaye P.I. , Bâ C.T. , Miquel J. 
Published: November 2012

AbstractThe current study was designed to increase the spermatological ultrastructural database on Digenea, thus contributing to the future establishment of phylogenetic relationships within this group based on ultrastructural characteristics of both spermiogenesis and spermatozoa. Spermiogenesis inElstia stossichianumbegins with the formation of a differentiation zone containing two centrioles, two striated rootlets, a nucleus, several mitochondria and an intercentriolar body constituted by seven electron-dense layers. Each centriole develops into a free flagellum growing orthogonally to the median cytoplasmic process. Proximo-distal fusion of the flagella with the median cytoplasmic process occurs after flagellar rotation. Both nucleus and mitochondria migrate before the complete proximo-distal fusion of both flagella with the median cytoplasmic process. Finally, the constriction of the ring of arched membranes gives rise to the young spermatozoon. The mature spermatozoon ofE. stossichianumexhibits two axonemes of different length of the 9+‘1’ trepaxonematan pattern, a nucleus, a mitochondrion, two bundles of parallel cortical microtubules, external ornamentation of the plasma membrane, a lateral expansion, spine-like bodies, cytoplasmic ornamented buttons and granules of glycogen. The formation of cytoplasmic ornamented buttons during the final stages of spermiogenesis is reported here for the first time.
Transposition of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular space using a modified technique
Authors: Bao Tingwei , Wang Huiming , Wei Dong , Yu Di 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjective:We report a modified surgical technique for transplanting an ectopic, lingual thyroid to the submandibular space, in order to maintain thyroid function while relieving obstructive symptoms.Case report:A 52-year-old woman complained of progressive dysphagia and dyspnoea. Ectopic lingual thyroid tissue was diagnosed. The ectopic thyroid gland was transplanted into the submandibular region via a lateral pharyngeal approach. A random muscle pedicle was prepared to provide a vascular supply to the transposed gland.Results:Twelve-month follow up confirmed the survival of the transplanted thyroid gland, with preserved thyroid function.Conclusion:Surgical transplantation of a lingual thyroid to the submandibular region offers an alternative treatment method for this anomaly, which avoids the need for resection and lifelong thyroxine replacement.
Comparative study of management of inferior turbinate hypertrophy using turbinoplasty assisted by microdebrider or 980 nm diode laser
Authors: Kassab A N , Rifaat M , Madian Y 
Published: November 2012

AbstractObjective:This study aimed to compare the outcomes of turbinoplasty assisted by microdebrider and by diode laser (980 nm wavelength).Methods:Forty patients suffering from bilateral nasal obstruction were randomly divided into two equal groups. One group was managed with microdebrider-assisted turbinoplasty and the other with diode laser assisted turbinoplasty. The patients were followed up for six months post-operatively.Results:After six months, total success rates were 90 per cent for the microdebrider group and 85 per cent for the diode laser group. There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding success rate, post-operative complications or operative time.Conclusion:These two techniques are equally safe, reliable, successful and non-invasive.