bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
M‐theory solutions invariant under D(2,1; γ) ⊕ D(2,1;γ)
Authors: Bachas C. , D'Hoker E. , Estes J. , Krym D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractWe simplify and extend the construction of half‐BPS solutions to 11‐dimensional supergravity, with isometry superalgebra D(2,1;γ) ⊕ D(2,1;γ). Their space‐time has the form AdS3× S3× S3 warped over a Riemann surface Σ. It describes near‐horizon geometries of M2 branes ending on, or intersecting with, M5 branes along a common string. The general solution to the BPS equations is specified by a reduced set of data (γ, h, G), where γ is the real parameter of the isometry superalgebra, and h and G are functions on Σ whose differential equations and regularity conditions depend only on the sign of γ. The magnitude of γ enters only through the map of h,G onto the supergravity fields, thereby promoting all solutions into families parametrized by |γ|. By analyzing the regularity conditions for the supergravity fields, we prove two general theorems: (i) that the only solution with a 2‐dimensional CFT dual is AdS3× S3× S3× ℝ2, modulo discrete identifications of the flat ℝ2, and (ii) that solutions with γ < 0 cannot have more than one asymptotic higher‐dimensional AdS region. We classify the allowed singularities of h and G near the boundary of Σ, and identify four local solutions: asymptotic AdS4/Z2 or AdS7′ regions; highly‐curved M5‐branes; and a coordinate singularity called the “cap”. By putting these “Lego” pieces together we recover all known global regular solutions with the above symmetry, including the self‐dual strings on M5 for γ <0, and the Janus solution for γ > 0, but now promoted to families parametrized by |γ|. We also construct exactly new regular solutions which are asymptotic to AdS4/Z2 for γ < 0, and conjecture that they are a different superconformal limit of the self‐dual string. Finally, we construct exactly γ > 0 solutions with highly curved M5‐brane regions, which are the formal continuation of the self‐dual string solutions across the decompactification point at γ = 0.
LC–MS/MS Method for the Simultaneous Determination of Free Urinary Steroids
Authors: Allende Fidel , Solari Sandra , Campino Carmen , Carvajal Cristian A. , Lagos Carlos F. , Vecchiola Andrea , Valdivia Carolina , Baudrand René , Owen Gareth I. , Fardella Carlos E. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Cortisol homeostasis is implicated in hypertension and metabolic syndrome. Two enzymes modulate cortisol availability; 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11β-HSD1) preferentially converts inactive cortisone to cortisol, whereas 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 2 (11β-HSD2) converts cortisol to cortisone. In contrast, 5α and 5β reductases inactivate cortisol by conversion to its tetrahydrometabolites: tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone. A subtle local increase in cortisol can be detected by measuring 24-h urine metabolites, LC–MS/MS being the reference method. The 11β-HSD2 activity is assessed based on the cortisol/cortisone ratio, and the 11β-HSD1 activity on the (tetrahydrocortisol + allo-tetrahydrocortisol)/tetrahydrocortisone ratio. To better understand hypertension and/or metabolic syndrome pathogenesis a method for simultaneous determination of cortisol, cortisone, tetrahydrocortisol, allo-tetrahydrocortisol and tetrahydrocortisone was developed and validated in an LC coupled with the new detector AB Sciex QTrap® 4500 tandem mass spectrometer. The steroids were extracted from 1 mL urine, using cortisol-D4 as internal standard. The quantification range was 0.1–120 ng/mL for cortisol and cortisone, and 1–120 ng/mL for tetrahydrometabolites, with >89 % recovery for all analytes. The coefficient of variation and accuracy was <10 %, and 85–105 %, respectively. Our LC–MS/MS method is accurate and reproducible in accordance with Food and Drug Administration guidelines, showing good sensitivity and recovery. This method allows the assessment of 11β-HSD2 and 11β-HSD1 activities in a single analytical run providing an innovative tool to explain etiology of misclassified essential hypertension and/or metabolic syndrome.
Long‐term effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapy in adults with Gaucher disease: results from the NCS‐LSD cohort study
Authors: Anderson L. J. , Henley W. , Wyatt K. M. , Nikolaou V. , Hughes D. A. , Waldek S. , Logan S. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjectivesTo determine the effectiveness of enzyme replacement therapies (ERT) for adults with Gaucher disease (GD).DesignA longitudinal, multi‐centre cohort study, including prospective and retrospective clinical data. Age‐ and gender‐adjusted treatment effects were estimated using generalised linear mixed models. Treated patients contributed data before and during treatment. Untreated patients contributed natural history data.ParticipantsConsenting adults (N = 150, aged 16 to 83 years) with a diagnosis of GD who attended a specialist treatment centre in England. At recruitment, 131 patients were receiving ERT (mean treatment duration, 10.8 years; range 0–18 years).Outcome measuresClinical outcomes chosen to reflect disease progression, included platelet count; haemoglobin; absence/presence of bone pain; spleen and liver volumes and AST levels.ResultsOne hundred and fifty adults were recruited. Duration of ERT was associated with statistically significant improvements in platelet count (p < 0.001), haemoglobin (p < 0.001), liver and spleen volumes (p < 0.001) and AST levels (p = 0.02).ConclusionsThese data provide further evidence of the long‐term effectiveness of ERT in adults with GD.
Early nitisinone treatment reduces the need for liver transplantation in children with tyrosinaemia type 1 and improves post‐transplant renal function
Authors: Bartlett David C. , Lloyd Carla , McKiernan Patrick J. , Newsome Phil N. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractBackgroundTyrosinaemia type 1 (HT1) is a rare disorder of tyrosine metabolism leading to liver failure and hepatocellular carcinoma. Treatment previously consisted of dietary restriction and orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) but was transformed by the introduction of nitisinone in 1992. We describe the impact of nitisinone on the outcome and need for OLT in a single centre.MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed of patients treated for HT1 at Birmingham Children's Hospital from 1989–2009.ResultsThirty eight patients were treated during the study period. Prior to 1992 6/7 (85.7 %) underwent OLT compared to 7/31 (22.6 %) after 1992 (p = 0.004) when nitisinone treatment was available. Furthermore, nitisinone‐treated patients proceeding to OLT started treatment at a median age of 428 (86–821) days compared to 52 (2–990) days in those who did not (p = 0.004). Pre‐OLT calculated glomerular filtration rate (cGFR) was similar in both groups but nitisinone prevented early decline after OLT (pre‐nitisinone median 99.8 to 45.8 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.02 versus nitisinone‐treated group median 104.3 to 89.9 ml/min/1.73 m2, p = 0.5). Urinary protein:creatinine ratio (PCR) fell post‐OLT to within the normal range for those treated with nitisinone but remained elevated in those not treated with nitisinone. Tubular reabsorption of phosphate (TRP) was normal or near normal in both groups pre‐OLT and post‐OLT. Hypertension was commoner and more severe in those not treated with nitisinone.ConclusionsNitisinone reduces the need for OLT particularly when started early. For those progressing to OLT the use of prior nitisinone therapy results in a preservation of their subsequent renal function.
Synthesis and Properties of a Cationic Gemini Surfactant with the Hydrophenanthrene Structure
Authors: Pei Li‐jun , Cai Zhao‐sheng , Shang Shi‐bin , Song Zhan‐qian 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA novel cationic gemini surfactant with the hydrophenanthrene structure has been synthesized from dehydroabietylamine. Its structure was confirmed by IR, 1H NMR, and elemental analysis. The critical micelle concentration (CMC) of the surfactant and its surface tension at the CMC (γCMC) in aqueous solution were about 1.58 × 10−5 mol L−1 and 36.6 mN m−1 at 25 °C, respectively. The emulsion composed of equal amounts of benzene and an aqueous solution with 0.1 % gemini surfactant as emulsifier maintained its stability for 8.5 h. Meanwhile, the antimicrobial activities of the gemini surfactant against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia aerogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis were much better than those of bromogeramine and ampicillin sodium against the same bacteria, and its minimum inhibitory concentrations (MIC) were 16, 32, and 4 μg mL−1, respectively.
Performance-based ship management contracts using the Shipping KPI standard
Authors: Rialland Agathe , Nesheim Dag Atle , Norbeck Jan Arthur , Rødseth Ørnulf Jan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
An important benefit of performance-based contracts is a better risk and profit-sharing mechanism and by that a means to overcome the “split incentive” problem in current shipping contracts. “Split incentive” means that the risk or cost of implementing beneficial measures does not fall on the same party that gets the benefits. However, performance-based contracts do not come without challenges. These are related to defining commonly agreed performance measurements and an incentive scheme that can counteract problems like allocative efficiency and information asymmetry. This paper gives an example of how these challenges can be addressed by using the Shipping KPI standard. The purpose of the paper is to show how a standard set of key performance indicator definitions and corresponding benchmark values can greatly simplify the design of a performance-based contracts scheme by providing well-defined references for both owner and manager. This is done by creating a bonus and penalty scheme where the payment is related to a single variable (budget performance), while a number of quality indicators control whether a bonus will be paid at all. The paper will discuss this principle in relationship to problems identified in literature on performance-based contracting and ship management and provide an overview of possible strengths and weaknesses.
Resistant starch and arabinoxylan augment SCFA absorption, but affect postprandial glucose and insulin responses differently
Authors: Ingerslev Anne Krog , Theil Peter Kappel , Hedemann Mette Skou , Lærke Helle Nygaard , Bach Knudsen Knud Erik 
Published: February 2014

The effects of increased colonic fermentation of dietary fibres (DF) on the net portal flux (NPF) of carbohydrate-derived metabolites (glucose, SCFA and, especially, butyrate), hormones (insulin, C-peptide, glucagon-like peptide 1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide) and NEFA were studied in a healthy catheterised pig model. A total of six pigs weighing 59 (sem1·6) kg were fitted with catheters in the mesenteric artery and in the portal and hepatic veins, and a flow probe around the portal vein, and included in a double 3 × 3 cross-over design with three daily feedings (at 09.00, 14.00 and 19.00 hours). Fasting and 5 h postprandial blood samples were collected after 7 d adaptation to each diet. The pigs were fed a low-DF Western-style control diet (WSD) and two high-DF diets (an arabinoxylan-enriched diet (AXD) and a resistant starch-enriched diet (RSD)). The NPF of insulin was lower (P= 0·04) in AXD-fed pigs (4·6 nmol/h) than in RSD-fed pigs (10·5 nmol/h), despite the lowest NPF of glucose being observed in RSD-fed pigs (203 mmol/h,P= 0·02). The NPF of total SCFA, acetate, propionate and butyrate were high, intermediate and low (P< 0·01) in AXD-, RSD- and WSD-fed pigs, respectively, with the largest relative increase being observed for butyrate in response to arabinoxylan supplementation. In conclusion, the RSD and AXD had different effects on the NPF of insulin and glucose, suggesting different impacts of arabinoxylan and resistant starch on human health.
Dietary supplementation with tributyrin alleviates intestinal injury in piglets challenged with intrarectal administration of acetic acid
Authors: Hou Yongqing , Wang Lei , Yi Dan , Ding Binying , Chen Xing , Wang Qingjing , Zhu Huiling , Liu Yulan , Yin Yulong , Gong Joshua , Wu Guoyao 
Published: February 2014

Tributyrin (TBU) is a good dietary source of butyrate and has beneficial effects on the maintenance of normal intestinal morphology. The present study tested the hypothesis that dietary TBU supplementation could alleviate intestinal injury in the acetic acid (ACA)-induced porcine model of colitis. A total of eighteen piglets (25 d old) were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups (control, ACA and TBU). The control and ACA groups were fed a basal diet and the TBU group was fed the basal diet supplemented with 0·1 % TBU. On day 15 of the trial, under anaesthesia, a soft catheter was inserted into the rectum of piglets (20–25 cm from the anus), followed by administration of either saline (control group) or ACA (10 ml of 10 % ACA solution for ACA and TBU groups). On day 22 of the trial, after venous blood samples were collected, piglets were killed to obtain mid-ileum and mid-colon mucosae. Compared with the control group, the ACA group exhibited an increase (P< 0·05) in lymphocyte counts, creatinine, PGE2, and malondialdehyde concentrations and diamine oxidase and inducible NO synthase activities in the plasma and lymphocyte density in the colon and a decrease in insulin concentrations and glutathione peroxidase activity, ileal villus height:crypt depth ratios and goblet cell numbers in the colon. These adverse effects of ACA were attenuated by TBU supplementation. Moreover, TBU prevented the ACA-induced increase in caspase-3 levels while enhancing claudin-1 protein and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mRNA expression in the colonic mucosa. Collectively, these results indicate that dietary supplementation with 0·1 % TBU alleviates ACA-induced intestinal injury possibly by inhibiting apoptosis, promoting tight-junction formation and activating EGFR signalling.
Breast cancer risk prediction accuracy in Jewish Israeli high-risk women using the BOADICEA and IBIS risk models
Authors: LAITMAN YAEL , SIMEONOV MONICA , KEINAN-BOKER LITAL , LIPHSHITZ IRENA , FRIEDMAN EITAN 
Published: February 2014

SummarySeveral breast cancer risk prediction models have been validated in ethnically diverse populations, but none in Israeli high-risk women. To validate the accuracy of the IBIS and BOADICEA risk prediction models in Israeli high-risk women, the 10-year and lifetime risk for developing breast cancer were calculated using both BOADICEA and IBIS models for high-risk, cancer-free women, counselled at the Sheba Medical Center from 1 June 1996–31 May 2000. Women diagnosed with breast cancer by 31 May 2011 were identified from the Israeli National Cancer Registry. The observed to expected breast cancer ratios were calculated to evaluate the predictive value of both algorithms. Overall, 358 mostly (N = 205, 57·2%) Ashkenazi women, were eligible, age range at counselling was 20–75 years (mean 46·76 ± 9·8 years). Over 13·6 ± 1·45 years (range 11–16 years), 15 women (4·19%) were diagnosed with breast cancer, at a mean age of 57 ± 8·6 years. The 10-year risks assigned by BOADICEA and IBIS ranged from 0·2 to 12·6% and 0·89 to 21·7%, respectively. The observed:expected breast cancer ratio was 15/18·6 (0·8–95% CI 0·48–1·33) and 15/28·6 (0·52–95% CI 0·32–0·87), using both models, respectively. In Jewish Israeli high-risk women the BOADICEA model has a better predictive value and accuracy in determining 10-year breast cancer risk than the IBIS model.
Salivary gland pathology in the paediatric population: implications for management and presentation of a rare case
Authors: Jablenska L , Trinidade A , Meranagri V , Kothari P 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIntroduction:Salivary gland pathology in the paediatric population is rare and can present management challenges regarding both investigation and treatment.Method:Case report and review of available literature.Results:A seven-year-old, fit, well girl presented with a two-month history of a painless mass over the left parotid area. Ultrasonography confirmed the presence of a well-defined, 1.5 × 2 cm, predominantly solid lesion with minor internal cystic spaces arising from the superficial part of the gland. Magnetic resonance imaging showed no invasion of the deep lobe or skeletal erosion. Superficial parotidectomy was performed via a facelift incision. Histopathology confirmed a diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma. Review of the literature emphasised important differences in managing this pathology in the paediatric population when compared with adults.Conclusion:We present the youngest reported case of a pleomorphic adenoma of the parotid gland, detail its management, and discuss the general approach to parotid pathology management in the paediatric population.
Infantile haemangiopericytoma: a rare congenital cervical tumour
Authors: Farrar E M , Bates J E H , Bitetti S , Bruce I A 
Published: February 2014

AbstractObjective:Infantile haemangiopericytoma is a rare childhood vascular tumour of borderline malignancy and unpredictable clinical course. It can present a diagnostic challenge due to indeterminate clinical, radiological and pathological features. This report presents the case of a large congenital haemangiopericytoma of the neck in a neonate, and discusses diagnosis, imaging, pathology and surgical management.Clinical presentation:A full-term neonate presented with a large posterior neck mass at birth. Pre-operative radiological appearances were suggestive of teratoma, but following surgical excision the diagnosis of infantile haemangiopericytoma was confirmed on histological analysis. There were no signs of recurrence at 12-month follow up.Conclusion:Haemangiopericytoma can follow an aggressive course in adults, including local recurrence and metastasis. The infantile variant is rare but typically follows a distinct clinical course, and is associated with more benign behaviour compared with similar tumours in adults and children over one year. Congenital haemangiopericytoma can be effectively treated with surgery, without requiring adjuvant therapy.
Functional study of a genetic marker allele associated with resistance toAscaris suumin pigs
Authors: SKALLERUP PER , THAMSBORG STIG M. , JØRGENSEN CLAUS B. , ENEMARK HEIDI L. , YOSHIDA AYAKO , GÖRING HARALD H. H. , FREDHOLM MERETE , NEJSUM PETER 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYTwo single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP TXNIP and SNP ARNT), both on chromosome 4, have been reported to be associated with roundworm (Ascaris suum) burden in pigs. In the present study, we selected pigs with two SNP TXNIP genotypes (AA;n = 24 and AB;n = 24), trickle-infected them withA. suumfrom 8 weeks of age until necropsy 8 weeks later, and tested the hypothesis that pigs with the AA genotype would have higher levels of resistance than pigs of AB genotype. We used different indicators of resistance (worm burden, fecal egg counts (FEC), number of liver white spots andA. suum-specific serum IgG antibody levels). Pigs of the AA genotype had lower mean macroscopic worm burden (2·4vs19·3;P = 0·06), lower mean total worm burden (26·5vs70·1;P = 0·09) and excreted fewerA. suumeggs at week 8 PI (mean number of eggs/g feces: 238vs1259;P = 0·14) than pigs of the AB genotype, as expected based on prior associations. The pigs were also genotyped at another locus (SNP ARNT) which showed a similar trend. This study provides suggestive evidence that resistant pigs may be selected using a genetic marker, TXNIP, and provides further support to the quantitative trait locus on chromosome 4.
Willpower is not synonymous with “executive function”
Authors: Monterosso John , Luo Shan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractKurzban et al. make a convincing case against the idea that willpower is a depleting resource. However, they do not advance a positive account of willpower. Rather than treating “willpower” as a synonym of “executive function,” we argue that the term willpower should be designated for mechanisms individuals deploy to reduce dynamic inconsistency in their behavior.
An interoceptive neuroanatomical perspective on feelings, energy, and effort
Authors: Craig A. D. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractA homeostatic energy model of awareness proposes that the anterior insular cortex engenders feelings that provide an amodal valuation of homeostatic energy utilization in an opponent, bivalent emotional control system. Feelings are the “common currency” which enable optimal utilization in the physical and mental behavior of a highly social primate. This model offers a different perspective.
AUV behavior recognition using behavior histograms, HMMs, and CRFs
Authors: Novitzky Michael , Pippin Charles , Collins Thomas R. , Balch Tucker R. , West Michael E. 
Published: February 2014

SUMMARYThis paper focuses on behavior recognition in an underwater application as a substitute for communicating through acoustic transmissions, which can be unreliable. The importance of this work is that sensor information regarding other agents can be leveraged to perform behavior recognition, which is activity recognition of robots performing specific programmed behaviors, and task-assignment. This work illustrates the use of Behavior Histograms, Hidden Markov Models (HMMs), and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs) to perform behavior recognition. We present challenges associated with using each behavior recognition technique along with results on individually selected test trajectories, from simulated and real sonar data, and real-time recognition through a simulated mission.
Seasonal changes in germination and dormancy of buried seeds of endemic Brazilian Eriocaulaceae
Authors: Garcia Queila S. , Oliveira Patrícia G. , Duarte Daniela M. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractSeeds can synchronize their germination and dormancy cycles to regular seasonal environmental changes. The present work sought to evaluate thein-situlongevity of the buried seeds of two species ofSyngonanthusand two species ofComanthera(Eriocaulaceae) in the region of natural occurrence (Serra do Cipó Range, south-eastern Brazil), and to relate their germination responses to seasonal climatic changes. Samples were exhumed bimonthly and germination was tested under a 12-h photoperiod (30 μmol m− 2s− 1) at optimal germination temperature. The seeds ofComantherashowed high deterioration after the first year of burial, especiallyC. elegans, which reflects their incapacity to form viable soil seed banks. The buried seeds ofC. bisulcata, S. anthemidiflorusandS. verticillatusacquired secondary dormancy during the rainy season (spring/summer, higher temperatures) which was alleviated during the subsequent dry season (autumn/winter, lower temperatures). It is concluded thatC. bisulcata, S. anthemidiflorus, andS. verticillatusform seed banks of the persistent type and demonstrate consecutive cycles of germination/dormancy, accompanying annual seasonal changes for at least 2 years.