bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Multi-centered first order formalism
Authors: Ferrara Sergio , Marrani Alessio , Shcherbakov Andrey , Yeranyan Armen 
Published: May 2013

Abstract

We propose a first order formalism for multi-centered black holes with flat three-dimensional base-space, within the stu model of N = 2, D = 4 ungauged MaxwellEinstein supergravity. This provides a unified description of first order flows of this universal sector of all models with a symmetric scalar manifold which can be obtained by dimensional reduction from five dimensions.
We develop a D = 3 Cartesian formalism which suitably extends the definition of central and matter charges, as well as of black hole effective potential and first order “fake” superpotential, in order to deal with not necessarily axisimmetric solutions, and thus with multi-centered and/or (under-)rotating extremal black holes.
We derive general first order flow equations for composite non-BPS and almost BPS classes, and we analyze some of their solutions, retrieving various single-centered (static or under-rotating) and multi-centered known systems.
As in the t
3 model, the almost BPS class turns out to split into two general branches, and the well known almost BPS system is shown to be a particular solution of the second branch.
Review of current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis
Authors: Chan Andrew , Lou Edmond , Hill Doug 
Published: May 2013

Purpose To report on the current technologies and methods supplementing brace treatment in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis. Methods A comprehensive literature review was performed to determine the effectiveness of bracing, to report on imaging techniques that can assist in the assessment of bracing, to understand the roles of the biomechanical treatment concepts on bracing and to address the importance of the quality of life of the brace wearers. Results The effectiveness of bracing still remains controversial. Many technologies are still in development to improve the bracing process and quantify the effects of bracing. Imaging techniques with decreased or no radiation are promising in providing more frequent data on curve progression for patients. Computer-assisted design models have been used for both fitting and manufacturing the brace to patient contours. Ultrasound has been developed as a new means of diagnosing scoliosis and determining the effects of a brace on a patient's spine in real time. The brace treatment outcomes are correlated to the quantity and the quality of brace usage. Compliance monitors and force sensors have been developed to track the quality of brace usage. Improvements to brace wear also require consideration of patient quality of life. Surveys have been developed to describe the effects of family influence and self-image on bracing effectiveness of patient quality of life. Conclusions Bracing remains a highly qualitative process, relying on the empirical judgment of the physicians and orthotists, along with buy-in with the patient. The suggested improvements will help to push bracing into a more evidence-based practice.
Mapping connectivity in the developing brain
Authors: Dennis Emily L. , Thompson Paul M. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractRecently, there has been a wealth of research into structural and functional brain connectivity, and how they change over development. While we are far from a complete understanding, these studies have yielded important insights into human brain development. There is an ever growing variety of methods for assessing connectivity, each with its own advantages. Here we review research on the development of structural and/or functional brain connectivity in both typically developing subjects and subjects with neurodevelopmental disorders. Space limitations preclude an exhaustive review of brain connectivity across all developmental disorders, so we review a representative selection of recent findings on brain connectivity in autism, Fragile X, 22q11.2 deletion syndrome, Williams syndrome, Turner syndrome, and ADHD. Major strides have been made in understanding the developmental trajectory of the human connectome, offering insight into characteristic features of brain development and biological processes involved in developmental brain disorders. We also discuss some common themes, including hemispheric specialization – or asymmetry – and sex differences. We conclude by discussing some promising future directions in connectomics, including the merger of imaging and genetics, and a deeper investigation of the relationships between structural and functional connectivity.
The cannabinoid Δ9-tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) ameliorates insulin sensitivity in two mouse models of obesity
Authors: Wargent E T , Zaibi M S , Silvestri C , Hislop D C , Stocker C J , Stott C G , Guy G W , Duncan M , Di Marzo V , Cawthorne M A 
Published: May 2013

Abstract
Background:
Cannabinoid type-1 (CB1) receptor inverse agonists improve type 2 diabetes and dyslipidaemia but were discontinued due to adverse psychiatric effects. Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabivarin (THCV) is a neutral CB1 antagonist producing hypophagia and body weight reduction in lean mice. We investigated its effects in dietary-induced (DIO) and genetically (ob/ob) obese mice.

Methods:
We performed two dose-ranging studies in DIO mice; study 1: 0.3, 1, 2.5, 5 and 12.5 mg kg−1, oral twice daily for 30 days and study 2: 0.1, 0.5, 2.5 and 12.5 mg kg−1, oral, once daily for 45 days. One pilot (study 3: 0.3 and 3 mg kg−1, oral, once daily) and one full dose-ranging (study 4: 0.1, 0.5, 2.5 and 12.5 mg kg−1, oral, once daily) studies in ob/ob mice for 30 days. The CB1 inverse agonist, AM251, oral, 10 mg kg−1 once daily or 5 mg kg−1 twice daily was used as the positive control. Cumulative food and water intake, body weight gain, energy expenditure, glucose and insulin levels (fasting or during oral glucose tolerance tests), plasma high-density lipoprotein and total cholesterol, and liver triglycerides were measured. HL-5 hepatocytes or C2C12 myotubes made insulin-resistant with chronic insulin or palmitic acid were treated with 0, 1, 3 and 10 μM THCV or AM251.

Results:
THCV did not significantly affect food intake or body weight gain in any of the studies, but produced an early and transient increase in energy expenditure. It dose-dependently reduced glucose intolerance in ob/ob mice and improved glucose tolerance and increased insulin sensitivity in DIO mice, without consistently affecting plasma lipids. THCV also restored insulin signalling in insulin-resistant hepatocytes and myotubes.

Conclusions:
THCV is a new potential treatment against obesity-associated glucose intolerance with pharmacology different from that of CB1 inverse agonists/antagonists.
Wild Dragons in the City: Urban Political Economy, Affordable Housing Development and the Performative World‐making of Economic Models
Authors: Christophers Brett 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article explores the potential to mobilize in an urban context the key insights of the burgeoning literature on the performativity of economics. It argues that our understanding of contemporary urban political‐economic transformation needs to explicitly recognize the active role of economics in making and remaking the urban world, as opposed to merely describing and analysing it in some kind of passive, detached fashion. It develops this argument through the elaboration of a case study of just such world‐making in action: the growing use in the United Kingdom, since the early 2000s, of economic models for assessing the viability of affordable housing provision in new residential developments. The world of urban redevelopment that such models attempt to describe formulaically has, the article submits, increasingly come to act according to the model and the assumptions it contains; the model, in this sense, has been progressively actualized in the urban landscape. The article conceptualizes such performative economic models as examples of what Michel Callon calls economics ‘in the wild’, and it focuses on the work of the leading commercial developer and marketer of such models in the affordable housing planning environment over the last decade — a consulting company called Three Dragons.
Demand for Seasonal Wage Labour in Agriculture: What Does Family Farming Hide?
Authors: Darpeix Aurélie , Bignebat Céline , Perrier‐Cornet Philippe 
Published: May 2013

AbstractThis article draws on the agricultural household literature to understand the dynamics of wage labour on farms in a context of family farming. The recent evolution towards an increased use of seasonal wage labour motivates the original distinction of three types of labour: family labour, permanent‐wage labour and seasonal‐wage labour. Considering the two wage labour types and hiring cost for seasonal workers, our empirical results based on 2000 French data on fruit and vegetable farms suggest that the choice between hiring permanent or seasonal wage labour is not only determined by the seasonality of the activity. Indeed, the characteristics of the local labour market also affect the trade‐off between permanent and seasonal wage labour. This result provides insights on the substitutability of the two labour types, especially when the local labour market is tight. Moreover, the substitution of seasonal‐wage labour for permanent‐wage labour can occur in the agricultural sector as a mean of increasing flexibility as well as reducing costs and commitments. Finally, family labour is found to substitute for wage labour and more specifically for seasonal‐wage labour.
Tier‐1 assays for assessing the toxicity of insecticidal proteins produced by genetically engineered plants to non‐target arthropods
Authors: Li Yun‐He , Romeis Jörg , Wu Kong‐Ming , Peng Yu‐Fa 
Published: May 2013

AbstractIn assessing an insect‐resistant genetically engineered (IRGE) crop before its commercialization, researchers normally use so‐called “Tier‐1 assays” as the initial step to determine the effects of the crop on non‐target organisms. In these tests, the insecticidal proteins (IPs) produced by the IRGEs are added to the diets of test organisms in the laboratory. Test organisms in such assays can be directly exposed to much higher concentrations of the test IPs than they would encounter in the field. The results of Tier‐1 assays are thus more conservative than those generated in studies in which the organisms are exposed to the IPs by feeding on IRGE plant tissue or in the case of predators or parasites, by feeding on invertebrate prey or hosts that have fed on IRGE plant tissue. In this report, we consider three important factors that must be considered in Tier‐1 assays: (i) methods for delivery of the IP to the test organisms; (ii) the need for and selection of compounds used as positive controls; and (iii) methods for monitoring the concentration, stability and bioactivity of the IP during the assay. We also analyze the existing data from Tier‐1 assays regarding the toxicity of Bt Cry proteins to non‐target arthropod species. The data indicate that the widely used Bt proteins have no direct toxicity to non‐target organisms.
Case of invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma mimicking chronic eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Beom Jong Wook , Lee Jong Hoo 
Published: May 2013

AbstractInvasive mucinous carcinoma is difficult to distinguish from other lung diseases; therefore, confirmation of the diagnosis may be delayed. A 64‐year‐old woman was admitted with a six‐month history of cough, febrile sensation, and shortness of breath, with worsening symptoms. A computed tomography scan of the chest revealed bilateral homogenous ground‐glass opacities and consolidation with subpleural predominance. The percentage of eosinophils in the serum and induced sputum was elevated and a diagnosis of chronic eosinophilic pneumonia was established. Despite administration of a systemic steroid, she did not rapidly respond. We performed a percutaneous needle biopsy and finally confirmed invasive mucinous adenocarcinoma.
Valuation scepticism, liquidity benefits and closed‐end fund premiums/discounts: evidence from fair value disclosures
Authors: Cullinan Charles P. , Zheng Xiaochuan 
Published: May 2013

AbstractClosed‐end fund investors may view assets valued using level 2 and 3 inputs more sceptically because of the subjectivity of these inputs (valuation scepticism), or these assets could be viewed favourably because they allow small investors to access illiquid securities (liquidity benefit). We find that funds holding level 3 assets have higher value when funds trade at a premium, but lower value when funds trade at a discount. Both of these effects are magnified for funds with higher levels of unrealized appreciation. Our results suggest that liquidity benefit (valuation scepticism) is more important when funds trade at a premium (discount).
Concurrent chemoradiation versus radiotherapy alone in cervical carcinoma: A randomized phase III trial
Authors: Srivastava Kirti , Paul Sayan , Chufal Kundan Singh , Shamsundar Sunkappa Dayashankara , Lal Punita , Pant Mohan C , Bhatt Madanlal , Singh Sudhir , Gupta Rajeev 
Published: May 2013

AbstractAimChemo‐radiotherapy (CRT) is the standard of care for treating almost all cervical carcinoma patients on the basis of the National Cancer Institute (NCI) alert. The disease burden in developing countries is more advanced with poor general condition than in patients in the trials prompting the NCI alert. Therefore, practicing CRT as standard of care should be tested in these patients.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted comparing radiotherapy (RT) alone with CRT (cisplatin 40 mg/m2 weekly × 5) in patients with localized stage Ib to IVa cervical carcinoma between September 2006 and December 2008. External beam RT was delivered using a telecobalt unit. This was followed by 12–18 Gy of brachytherapy.ResultsIn total, 305 patients were recruited: RT alone (150) and CRT (155). The median follow up was 34 months. Locoregional relapse‐free survival (LRFS) at 2 years was 55 and 54% for the RT and CRT group, respectively, with a median LRFS time of 27 and 30 months for the RT and CRT group, respectively, (P = 0.624). Overall survival (OS) at 2 years was 58 and 60%, with a median OS of 31 and 34 months for the RT and CRT group, respectively; (P = 0.9). The toxicity profile, both acute and late, were comparable in both groups;ConclusionNo improvement in outcome was seen with addition of cisplatin. In the Indian subcontinent where patients present at late stages with poor general condition and limited access to good supportive care, RT alone still remains a valid option.
The association between serological and dietary vitamin D levels and hepatitis C‐related liver disease risk differs in African American and white males
Authors: White D. L. , Tavakoli‐Tabasi S. , Kanwal F. , Ramsey D. J. , Hashmi A. , Kuzniarek J. , Patel P. , Francis J. , El‐Serag H. B. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackgroundVitamin D may affect the severity of HCV‐related liver disease.AimTo examine the association between serum vitamin D levels and advanced liver disease in a multiethnic US cohort of HCV patients, and account for dietary and supplemental intake.MethodsWe measured serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D levels and used FibroSURE‐ActiTest to assess hepatic pathology in a cohort of HCV‐infected male veterans. We estimated and adjusted for daily intake of vitamin D from diet using a Dietary History Questionnaire, and dispensed prescriptions prior to study enrolment. We used race‐stratified logistic regression analyses to evaluate the relationship between serum vitamin D levels and risk of advanced fibrosis (F3/F4–F4) and advanced inflammation (A2/A3–A3).ResultsA total of 163 African American (AA) and 126 White non‐Hispanics were studied. Overall, ~44% of AAs and 15% of Whites were vitamin D deficient (<12 ng/mL) or insufficient (12–19 ng/mL); 4% of AAs and 9% of White patients had an elevated level (>50 ng/mL). Among AAs, patients with elevated serum vitamin D levels had significantly higher odds of advanced fibrosis (OR = 12.91, P = 0.03) than those with normal levels. In contrast, AAs with insufficient or deficient levels had > two‐fold excess risk of advanced inflammation (P = 0.06). Among White males there was no association between vitamin D levels and advanced fibrosis (F3/F4–F4) or inflammation (A2/A3–A3) risk.ConclusionsWe observed potential differences in the association between vitamin D levels and degree of HCV‐related hepatic fibrosis between White and African American males. Additional research is necessary to confirm that high serum vitamin D levels may be associated with advanced fibrosis risk in African American males, and to evaluate whether racial differences exist in HCV‐infected females.
Update on the use of pathogen‐reduced human plasma and platelet concentrates
Authors: Seltsam Axel , Müller Thomas H. 
Published: May 2013

SummaryThe use of pathogen reduction technologies (PRTs) for labile blood components is slowly but steadily increasing. While pathogen‐reduced plasma is already used routinely, efficacy and safety concerns impede the widespread use of pathogen‐reduced platelets. The supportive and often prophylactic nature of blood component therapy in a variety of clinical situations complicates the clinical evaluation of these novel blood products. However, an increasing body of evidence on the clinical efficacy, safety, cost‐benefit ratio and development of novel technologies suggests that pathogen reduction has entered a stage of maturity that could further increase the safety margin in haemotherapy. This review summarizes the clinical evidence on PRTs for plasma and platelet products that are currently licensed or under development.
Tenuigenin Attenuates α‐Synuclein‐Induced Cytotoxicity by Down‐Regulating Polo‐Like Kinase 3
Authors: Zhou Jin‐Xia , Zhang Hao‐Bo , Huang Yue , He Yi , Zheng Yan , Anderson John P. , Gai Wei‐Ping , Liang Zhi‐Gang , Wang Yong , Ren Xin‐Miao , Wang Qi , Gong Xiao‐Li , Yang Jian , Wang Xuan , Halliday Glenda , Wang Xiao‐Min 
Published: May 2013

SummaryBackground and aimsTenuigenin (Ten) is a Chinese herbal extract with antioxidative and antiinflammatory effects on toxin‐induced cell models of Parkinson's disease (PD); however, its effects on α‐synuclein toxicity‐based PD models remain unknown. α‐synuclein hyperphosphorylation is a key event in PD pathogenesis and potential target of therapeutic interventions. We tested whether Ten alleviates α‐synuclein‐induced cytotoxicity via reducing kinases that phosphorylate α‐synuclein.MethodsSH‐SY5Y cells transiently transfected with wild‐type or A53T mutant α‐synuclein were used to evaluate the effect of Ten on the levels of α‐synuclein phosphorylation‐related kinases. Cells treated with 10 μM Ten for 24 h were measured for viability (proliferation and apoptosis assays) and cellular proteins harvested and fractioned. The levels of total and phosphorylated α‐synuclein and five associated kinases (polo‐like kinase [PLK] 1–3, casein kinase [CK] 1–2) were evaluated by Western blotting.ResultsOverexpression of either wild‐type or A53T mutant α‐synuclein decreased cell viability and increased α‐synuclein phosphorylation. Ten treatment‐protected cells from this α‐synuclein‐induced toxicity and dramatically reduced α‐synuclein phosphorylation and PLK3 (but not other kinase) levels.ConclusionIn α‐synuclein cell model of PD, Ten is effective in attenuating α‐synuclein‐induced toxicity and α‐synuclein phosphorylation probably via targeting PLK3, suggesting it could be an efficient therapeutic drug to treat α‐synuclein‐related neurodegeneration.
Vicariant speciation due to 1.55 Ma isolation of theRyukyu islands,Japan, based on geological andGenBank data
Authors: Osozawa Soichi , Su Zhi‐Hui , Oba Yuichi , Yagi Takashi , Watanabe Yasushi , Wakabayashi John 
Published: May 2013

AbstractTheRyukyu island arc, originally a continental margin arc, separated from theChinese continent by the rifting of theOkinawa trough, a process which began at 1.55 million years ago (Ma) and continues to the present. In addition, theRyukyu arc was simultaneously divided into the northernAmami–Okinawa and southernYaeyama islands by theKerama rift valley, and consequently formed two isolated island units. TheKuroshio warm current began to flow into theOkinawa trough from theYonaguniStrait, and flow out through theTsushima andTokara straits also at 1.55 Ma, and these seaways effectively acted as barriers between theRyukyu islands andTaiwan,China andJapan. Through this geological process, vicariant speciation generatedRyukyu endemic animal species. We support this hypothesis by drawing linearized maximum likelihood (ML) phylogenetic trees of the species in four endemic insect groups (peacock butterfly,Chinese windmill butterfly, golden‐ringed dragonfly, window firefly) usingGenBank sequence data. We determined the precise branching ages for these phylogenetic trees, and show simultaneous speciation at 1.55 Ma forAmami–Okinawa andYaeyama units. TheTaiwan andTsushima straits, barriers betweenTaiwan andChina, andJapan andKorea, respectively, did not form sufficient barriers to migration during glacial low stands, and species were intermingled. A marine embayment may have posed as a migration barrier between northern and southernChina in theQuaternary or a little earlier. From our study we also estimate the precise molecular evolution rate and justify the molecular clock.
Calling behaviour under climate change: geographical and seasonal variation of calling temperatures in ectotherms
Authors: Llusia Diego , Márquez Rafael , Beltrán Juan F. , Benítez Maribel , do Amaral José P. 
Published: May 2013

AbstractCalling behaviour is strongly temperature‐dependent and critical for sexual selection and reproduction in a variety of ectothermic taxa, including anuran amphibians, which are the most globally threatened vertebrates. However, few studies have explored how species respond to distinct thermal environments at time of displaying calling behaviour, and thus it is still unknown whether ongoing climate change might compromise the performance of calling activity in ectotherms. Here, we used new audio‐trapping techniques (automated sound recording and detection systems) between 2006 and 2009 to examine annual calling temperatures of five temperate anurans and their patterns of geographical and seasonal variation at the thermal extremes of species ranges, providing insights into the thermal breadths of calling activity of species, and the mechanisms that enable ectotherms to adjust to changing thermal environments. All species showed wide thermal breadths during calling behaviour (above 15 °C) and increases in calling temperatures in extremely warm populations and seasons. Thereby, calling temperatures differed both geographically and seasonally, both in terrestrial and aquatic species, and were 8–22 °C below the specific upper critical thermal limits (CTmax) and strongly associated with the potential temperatures of each thermal environment (operative temperatures during the potential period of breeding). This suggests that calling behaviour in ectotherms may take place at population‐specific thermal ranges, diverging when species are subjected to distinct thermal environments, and might imply plasticity of thermal adjustment mechanisms (seasonal and developmental acclimation) that supply species with means of coping with climate change. Furthermore, the thermal thresholds of calling at the onset of the breeding season were dissimilar between conspecific populations, suggesting that other factors besides temperature are needed to trigger the onset of reproduction. Our findings imply that global warming would not directly inhibit calling behaviour in the study species, although might affect other temperature‐dependent features of their acoustic communication system.