bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pitch Change in Dog-Directed Speech
Authors: Ringrose Christy C.
Published: November 2015

Humans cannot help changing their speech in different situations. This kind of ‘intraspeaker variation’ happens every day when news-reporters turn from talking to their colleagues to talking to the camera, or when people suddenly start speaking in a strong dialect when talking with their family. People not only change the way they speak to different people, they also change the way they speak when not talking to people at all. This study examines one speaker and her dog, the goal being to find out why humans change the way they speak when talking to dogs. Dog-Directed Speech (DDS) is characterised by having a high fundamental frequency (pitch), as well as large amounts of questions and imperative utterances (Hirsh-Pasek and Treiman 1982, Burnham et al. 2002, Mitchell 2001). In order to take both of these features into account, we measured and compared the mean pitch of different speech acts which we expected to be common in DDS: disapproving utterances (“Stay”), approving utterances (“Good boy!”), and questions (“Who’s a good boy?”). We wanted to see whether the frequency of certain speech acts in DDS has anything to do with its high pitch and high pitch range. Although we did find variation in the pitch of different speech acts, we do not think that this explains the high pitch and pitch range of DDS. Rather, we conclude that DDS is motivated by social norms associated with talking to dogs. Our findings can give us insight into sociolinguistics in general because they show us that we respond to social norms that come with the speech situation, as well as just responding to the way our audience talks.
Analysis of ground water quality in terms of geological setting in the territory of the Mesic village for the purpose of bottling (municipality of Vrsac)
Authors: Vuskovic Dragana , Carevic Ivana , Jovanovic Velimir , Biocanin Natasa
Published: November 2015

This paper presents an analysis of the quality of groundwater that are
exploited in the territory of the Mesic village in the factory "Moja voda" on
the slopes of the Vrsac Mountains. Spring waters formed in the Tertiary and
Quaternary sediments are situated near the high-grade metamorphic complex
border of Vrsac Mountains that represents the northernmost prolongation of
Serbo-macedonian massif to the West and low-grade metamorphic complex of the
Ranovac-Vlasina-Osogovo terrane to the East. Groundwater is assigned on the
basis of chemical analyses to the group of hydrocarbonate-calcium-magnesium
non-carbonated low-mineral water, whose physical properties and chemical
composition is the consequence of geological conditions of the environment
through which circulates. The dominant anions and cations (HCO3 -, Ca2 + and
Mg2 +) accumulate in groundwater of Mesic as a product of weathering of
silicate minerals present in igneous and metamorphic complex of Vrsac
Mountains. The specificity of these waters is an adequate amount of selenium
in its composition related to the Tertiary and Quaternary clay deposits which
have the pyrite and organic matter, as well as silica, whose presence in the
water is a consequence of weathering (hydrolysis) of silicate minerals,
particularly feldspar. Water from the exploration wells is classified as ?B
reserve? according to the applicable criteria.
Relationship between the precipitation variability in Montenegro and the Mediterranean oscillation
Authors: Buric Dragan , Ducic Vladan , Mihajlovic Jovan , Lukovic Jelena , Dragojlovic Jovan
Published: November 2015

This study investigates the influence of atmospheric circulation in the
Mediterranean region on the precipitation in Montenegro. Nine precipitation
parameters have been used in the analysis and the relationship has been
investigated by the Mediterranean and West Mediterranean Oscillation change
index (MO and WeMO). According to a 60 - year observed period (1951-2010),
the research results show that nothing characteristic happens with seasonal
and annual precipitation sums because the trend is mainly insignificant.
However, precipitation extremes are getting more extreme, which corresponds
with a general idea of global warming. Negative consequences of daily
intensity increase and frequency of precipitation days above fixed and
percentile thresholds have been recorded recently in the form of torrents,
floods, intensive erosive processes, etc., but it should be pointed out that
human factor is partly a cause of such events. The estimate of the influence
of teleconnection patterns primarily related to the Mediterranean Basin has
shown that their variability affects the observed precipitation parameters on
the territory of Montenegro regarding both seasonal and annual sums and
frequency and intensity of extreme events shown by climate indices.
Arson or Accident: A Forensic Accounting Case Requiring Critical Thinking and Expert Communication
Authors: Durtschi Cindy , Rufus Robert J.
Published: November 2015

When a fire destroyed the home of Jeffrey R. Jones, he immediately filed a claim with his insurance company, Gladstone Insurance. Gladstone denied Mr. Jones' claim alleging, among other things, that he had a financial motive to commit arson. To resolve the dispute, Mr. Jones filed a lawsuit against Gladstone for damages, denying the allegation that he had a financial motive to burn down his home. You will act as a team of forensic accountants, hired by either Mr. Jones or Gladstone, to present evidence on Mr. Jones' financial condition at the time of the fire. In addition to writing an expert report, you will have the opportunity to participate in a mock trial during which you will present your opinion and face cross-examination from an opposing team.
Transition Metal Complexes of Bidentate and Tridentate Ligands: From Optoelectronic Studies to Supramolecular Assemblies
Authors: Pal Amlan K.
Published: November 2015

This article depicts an overview of some of the research in supramolecular chemistry performed by the author over the past few years. This work includes the synthesis of building blocks, bidentate and tridentate 'super donor' ligands that are comprised of H-hpp (where H-hpp = 1,3,4,6,7,8-hexahydro-2H-pyrimido[1,2-a]
pyrimidine) coupled with various N-heterocycles as well as the synthesis and characterization of the transition metal complexes in self-assembled superstructures. The article also includes the studies of photophysical, electrochemical and density functional theory calculation of the
complexes. Thus, the work relies on a combination of synthetic work and optoelectronic studies, and the results are relevant in the greater context of supramolecular chemistry, solar energy harvesting, and its conversion to chemical energy, photovoltaics and inorganic light-emitting device applications.
Porphyrin-modified DNA as Construction Material in Supramolecular Chemistry and Nano-architectonics
Authors: Stulz Eugen
Published: November 2015

An overview is given on the developments of using porphyrin-modified DNA for the construction of functional assemblies. Strategies for the synthesis and characterisation are presented alongside selected applications where the porphyrin modification has proven to be particularly useful,
but also revealed its limitations. We also discuss implications on property and behaviour of the porphyrin-DNA, where similar issues could arise using other hydrophobic and bulky substituents on DNA.
Moving 3D Cell Cultures from Bench to Practice: TEDD Annual Meeting at ZHAW Waedenswil 22 October 2015
Authors: Heinzelmann Elsbeth
Published: November 2015

Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture technology captures the market! Driving forces include an increase in cancer worldwide, but also reinforced research for biopharmaceutical products to cure diseases and to reduce animal experiments. The challenge now is to translate in vitro
assays into relevant in vivo outcomes. At the TEDD Annual Meeting, selected experts explored this problem and discussed how to move 3D cell cultures from bench to practice.
Comparative Analysis of Traffic State Estimation
Authors: Tsubota Takahiro , Bhaskar Ashish , Nantes Alfredo , Chung Edward , Gayah Vikash V.
Published: November 2015

The macroscopic fundamental diagram (MFD) relates space–mean density and flow. Because the MFD represents areawide network traffic performance, perimeter control strategies and networkwide traffic state estimation using the MFD concept have been studied. Most previous works used data from fixed sensors, such as inductive loops, to estimate the MFD, which can cause biased estimation in urban networks because of queue spillovers at intersections. To overcome this limitation, recent literature reported on the use of trajectory data obtained from probe vehicles. However, these studies were conducted with simulated data sets; few works have discussed the limitations of real data sets and their impact on variable estimation. This study compares two methods for estimating traffic state variables of signalized arterial sections: a method based on cumulative vehicle counts (CUPRITE) and one based on vehicle trajectory from taxi GPS logs. The comparisons reveal some characteristics of taxi trajectory data available in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. The current trajectory data have limitations in quantity (i.e., the penetration rate), because of which the traffic state variables tend to be underestimated. Nevertheless, the trajectory-based method successfully captures the features of traffic states, which suggests that the trajectories from taxis can be a good estimator for networkwide traffic states.
Driving Type Categorizing and Microscopic Simulation Model Calibration
Authors: Li Jie , van Zuylen Henk J. , Xu Xi
Published: November 2015

Microsimulation programs, before being used for traffic analysis in practice, should be calibrated to reproduce the traffic characteristics and to represent the driver population in reality. A driver behavior questionnaire survey conducted in China revealed that significant differences in driving behavior existed in drivers. Calibration should be done by taking these differences in driving style into account. In this study, 30 drivers in Changsha, China, were invited to participate in in-car tests and complete a questionnaire. Factor analysis revealed the interdependencies between observed acceleration or deceleration characteristics and other variables. Four driving types were classified according to the four factor scores. Further analysis of repeated trips validated the consistency of driver membership within a class. A censoring method was applied to calibrate the desired acceleration functions and desired speed distributions in a simulation model for these four driving types. Distinct differences were found in desired speed and maximum desired acceleration or deceleration of the four driving types. It is expected that the categorization of driving types will be useful in model calibration.
On Traffic Relaxation, Anticipation, and Hysteresis
Authors: Deng Hui , Zhang H. M.
Published: November 2015

Traffic oscillations, an unpleasant form of traffic congestion, have attracted the attention of researchers for years. When viewed in the so-called flow–density or speed–density phase plane, oscillatory traffic states often present themselves in the form of hysteresis loops. In this paper, the impacts of driver relaxation and anticipation on traffic flow are examined, and their link to traffic hysteresis is sought. Through an analysis of the trajectory data from NGSIM and a theoretical analysis of car-following models, it is revealed that traffic hysteresis is generated by an imbalance in driver relaxation and anticipation. Changing the strength of relaxation and anticipation can reproduce positive, negative, and double hysteresis loops, as well as aggressive and timid driving behavior. It is further shown that the relative positions of acceleration and deceleration phases with respect to the equilibrium state are not unique and are determined by the comparative strength of relaxation and anticipation in different traffic conditions. This study suggests that traffic hysteresis can be suppressed by balancing driver relaxation and anticipation, and stop-and-go traffic can be smoothed by eliminating aggressive driving in congested traffic.
Multiscale Traffic Flow Model Based on the Mesoscopic Lighthill–Whitham and Richards Models
Authors: Joueiai Mahtab , Leclercq Ludovic , van Lint Hans , Hoogendoorn Serge P.
Published: November 2015

This article reviews the multiscale modeling concept as an adaptive strategy in traffic flow modeling. The central objective for the multi-scale model is to describe and to predict traffic phenomena (e.g., individual accelerations, queuing) that occur at different scales by switching between modeling paradigms. The emphasis in this paper is placed on resolving inconsistencies that arise in the process of integrating models, which are addressed with the mesoscopic Lighthill–Whitham and Richards models—together, widely known as the Lighthill–Whitham–Richards (LWR) model—as the coarse-scale model in the framework. The mesoscopic model is fully consistent at the macroscopic scale with the classic LWR model but does facilitate tracking of individual vehicles. Because of this characteristic, this model can be combined with microscopic models, because no disaggregation or aggregation process is needed. It is thus implied, for example, that travel information (e.g., destination) can be carried over this model without loss of information. Also, vehicle heterogeneity can be incorporated in the mesoscopic model and, as a result, is preserved in the process of switching between models. A brief overview of the mesoscopic LWR model and its solution by the variational theory is presented. General boundary conditions, including internal boundaries (e.g., moving bottlenecks) and interfaces between models, are analyzed and evaluated. The solution of some cases, in which the stationary and moving bottlenecks interact, is provided. The paper concludes with a case study that demonstrates the integration of microscopic and mesoscopic models in a multiscale model and investigates the influence of various boundary conditions on traffic features.
Trunk static and dynamic sagittal endurance in healthy young Nigerian adults
Authors: Mbada Chidozie Emmanuel , Dedeke Adeyemi Gabriel
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Flexion/extension trunk muscle endurance imbalance is more clinically significant than isolated trunk endurance deficits.

OBJECTIVE: This study provides reference values and correlates of trunk flexion/extension endurance ratio among healthy young Nigerian adults.

METHODS: A total of 208 volunteers participated in this study. Static Back Extensors Endurance (SBEE), Dynamic Back Extensors Endurance(DBEE), Static Abdominal Muscles' Endurance (SAME) and Dynamic Abdominal Muscles' Endurance (DAME) were assessed following standard protocols. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics.

RESULTS: The mean age, SBEE, DBEE, SAME and DAME were 22.2 ± 1.76 years, 78.3 ± 41.5 secs, 21.1 ± 9.69 reps, 39.1 ± 24.5 secs and 16.5 ± 15.8 reps respectively. Static and dynamic trunk flexion/extension endurance ratio was 0.63 ± 0.50 and 0.86 ± 0.74 respectively. There were significant differences in trunk static (0.81 ± 0.57 secs vs. 0.53 ± 0.42 secs; p= 0.001) and dynamic (1.04 ± 0.48 reps vs. 0.74± 0.83 reps reps; p= 0.001) flexion/extension endurance ratio in men and women, respectively.

CONCLUSION: This study established a set of reference values for static and dynamic trunk flexion/extension endurance ratios among healthy young Nigerians. Men had significant higher trunk flexion/extension endurance than women.
Effects of fatigue on the neuromuscular capacity of professional soccer players
Authors: Moreira Pedro V.S. , Gonçalves Mauro , Crozara Luciano F. , Castro Alex , Neto Antônio F. Almeida , Goethel Márcio F. , Cardozo Adalgiso C.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND: Hamstrings:quadriceps (H:Q) strength muscular imbalances are frequently associated with injuries.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the H:Q ratio dependencies of the fatigue effect induced by an exhaustive isokinetic exercise.

METHODS: Nineteen male soccer players were evaluated, before and after exhaustive isokinetic exercises, for electromechanical delay (EMD), root mean square (RMS), median frequency (MF), and rate of electromyographic rise (RER) of the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), vastus medialis (VM), biceps femoris (BF), semitendinosus (ST), isometric peak torque (PT) and rate of torque development (RTD) of the knee extensors (KE) and knee flexors (KF). The fatigue effect was measured by paired dependent tests, with a significance level of p < 0.05.

RESULTS: RTD and PT were reduced (23-38%), with an H:Q reduction of RTD100 ms by 21%. In PT, antagonist RMSVL and RMSRF decreased by 32-39%, but at 0-50 ms, 0-100 ms and 0-200 ms, agonist RMSRF diminished by > 32%. At 0-50 ms and 0-100 ms, the antagonist RMSVM improved by > 149%. RERRF and RERST diminished in both 0-50 ms and 0-100 ms (38-41%), while RERBF decreased at 0-50 ms (30%). Agonist MFRF and MFBF in PT decreased by 9-10%.

CONCLUSION: Neuromuscular fatigue due to maximal isokinetic concentric voluntary contractions affects the hamstrings more than the quadriceps in terms of producing rapid torque.
Reproducibility of a 5-repetition maximum strength test in older adults
Authors: Gail Sascha , Rodefeld Steffen , Künzell Stefan
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Multiple repetition maximum (M-RM) strength tests are suitable alternatives to the 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) strength test, particularly in the elderly. In comparison to the 1-RM strength test the research about the reproducibility of M-RM strength tests is very limited, leading to a lack of standardized test protocols for M-RM strength tests. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the test-retest reproducibility of a 5-repetition maximum (5-RM) strength test in older adults.

METHODS: After a short preparation session, 28 healthy elderly people older than 60 years (14 men, 14 women) and with at least 3 months strength training experience passed a 5-RM strength test. The test included exercises for the upper body, namely bench press and seated row, and were performed twice within 7 days on the same day of the week at the same time of the day.

RESULTS: Significant differences between test and retest (p < 0.05) in 2/6 instances provide evidence of practice-based improvement (PBI). A very high intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC > 0.90; p < 0.001) was found for the total sample as well as for both sub-samples (men, women). The coefficients of variation were very low and ranged between 0.7 and 2.8%. The high test-retest reproducibility was also demonstrated by the narrow limits of agreements, the very little standard errors of measurements and the minimal smallest real differences.

CONCLUSION: The present study confirms the reproducibility of the 5-RM strength test for upper body exercises in older adults with strength training experience. The 5-RM strength test is a reliable and simple measurement and can be used in sports practice for theoretical and practical purposes.
Poly-phenolic fraction of Chrysophyllum cainito extract induces cell death in osteosarcoma cells
Authors: Li Liu-Bing , Lin Subin , Yan Jun , Wang Qian-Liang , Fan Zhi-Ying , Dong Qi-Rong , Qin Jian-Zhong , Xie Zong-Gang
Published: November 2015

Osteosarcoma shows resistance to chemotherapy and many side effects. The ethyl acetate fraction of ethanolic extract of Chrysophyllum cainito was taken in the present work. The extract was characterized for its phenolic content, antioxidant capacity (ferric reducing antioxidant power and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl assays), ability to form reactive oxygen species and annexin V assay. The extract contained phenolic content of 30.1 ± 0.2 mg GAE/g extract. Ferric reducing antioxidant power assay and DPPH assay showed 213.2 ± 12.4 mM Fe2+ equivalent per gram extract and 85.6 ± 4.9 TE/g respectively. For production of reactive oxygen species in the osteosarcoma cells, extract at 50 µg GAE/mLconcentration was statistically equivalent to 100 µM H2O2. EC50 of extract was calculated to be 133 µg GAE/mL in cell viability studies.
A Comparison of Diets Supplemented with a Feed Additive Containing Organic Acids, Cinnamaldehyde and a Permeabilizing Complex, or Zinc Oxide, on Post-Weaning Diarrhoea, Selected Bacterial Populations, Blood Measures and Performance in Weaned Pigs Experimentally Infected with Enterotoxigenic E. coli
Authors: Stensland Ingunn , Kim Jae , Bowring Bethany , Collins Alison , Mansfield Josephine , Pluske John
Published: November 2015

The effects of feeding a diet supplemented with zinc oxide (ZnO) or a blend of organic acids, cinnamaldehyde and a permeabilizing complex (OACP) on post-weaning diarrhoea (PWD) and performance in pigs infected with enterotoxigenic E. coli (ETEC) were examined. Additionally, changes in selected bacterial populations and blood measures were assessed. A total of 72 pigs weaned at 22 d of age and weighing 7.2 ± 1.02 kg (mean ± SEM) was used. Treatments were: base diet (no antimicrobial compounds); base diet + 3 g ZnO/kg; base diet + 1.5 g OACP/kg. Dietary treatments started on the day of weaning and were fed ad libitum for 3 weeks. All pigs were infected with an F4 ETEC on d 4, 5 and 6 after weaning. The incidence of PWD was lower in pigs fed ZnO ( p = 0.026). Overall, pigs fed ZnO grew faster ( p = 0.013) and ate more ( p = 0.004) than the base diet-fed pigs, with OACP-fed pigs performing the same ( p > 0.05) as both the ZnO- and base diet-fed pigs. Feed conversion ratio was similar for all diets ( p > 0.05). The percentage of E. coli with F4 fimbriae was affected a day by treatment interaction ( p = 0.037), with more E. coli with F4 fimbriae found in pigs fed ZnO on d 11 ( p = 0.011) compared to base diet-fed pigs. Only significant time effects ( p < 0.05) occurred for blood measures. Under the conditions of this study, inclusion of OACP gave statistically similar production responses to pigs fed ZnO, however pigs fed ZnO had less PWD compared to OACP- and the base diet-fed pigs.
Social Licking in Pregnant Dairy Heifers
Authors: Tresoldi Grazyne , Weary Daniel , Pinheiro Machado Filho Luiz , Von Keyserlingk Marina
Published: November 2015

Housing affects social behaviors, such as competition, but little work has addressed affiliative behaviors. This study compared social licking (SL) in pregnant heifers housed indoors (in a free-stall barn) versus outdoors (on pasture), and relationships with competition, feeding and physical proximity to others. Six heifer groups were observed during two six-hour-periods in both treatments. The total number of social events (SL and agonistic interactions) was four times higher when heifers were housed indoors compared to pasture (546 ± 43 vs. 128 ± 7 events/group; P < 0.05). SL as a ratio of the total number of social events was similar in the two treatments (12% vs . 8% of interactions, free-stall and pasture, respectively; P > 0.05). Housing did not affect how the SL bout was initiated and terminated, the duration, the body part licked and behavior preceding licking ( P > 0.05). Animals in close proximity showed higher rates of SL ( P < 0.0001) but not agonistic interactions ( P > 0.05). A previous agonistic event did not predict occurrence or the role of heifers in the following licking event. The higher stocking density indoors likely resulted in increased social interactions.
An Experimental Study on Mechanical Modeling of Ceramics Based on Microstructure
Authors: Zhang Ya-Nan , Lin Bin , Liu Jian-Jun , Song Xiao-Fei , Key Jie
Published: November 2015

The actual grinding result of ceramics has not been well predicted by the present mechanical models. No allowance is made for direct effects of materials microstructure and almost all the mechanical models were obtained based on crystalline ceramics. In order to improve the mechanical models of ceramics, surface grinding experiments on crystalline ceramics and non-crystalline ceramics were conducted in this research. The normal and tangential grinding forces were measured to calculate single grit force and specific grinding energy. Grinding surfaces were observed. For crystalline alumina ceramics, the predictive modeling of normal force per grit fits well with the experimental result, when the maximum undeformed chip thickness is less than a critical depth, which turns out to be close to the grain size of alumina. Meanwhile, there is a negative correlation between the specific grinding energy and the maximum undeformed chip thickness. With the decreasing maximum undeformed chip thickness, the proportions of ductile removal and transgranular fracture increase. However, the grinding force models are not applicable for non-crystalline ceramic fused silica and the specific grinding energy fluctuates irregularly as a function of maximum undeformed chip thickness seen from the experiment.
New Trends in Dental Biomechanics with Photonics Technologies
Authors: Carvalho Lídia , Roriz Paulo , Simões José , Frazão Orlando
Published: November 2015

Engineering techniques used to evaluate strain-stress fields, materials’ mechanical properties, and load transfer mechanisms, among others, are useful tools in the study of biomechanical applications. These engineering tools, as experimental and numerical ones, were imported to biomechanics, in particular in dental biomechanics, a few decades ago. Several experimental techniques have been used in dental biomechanics, like photoelasticity, ESPI (Electronic Speckle Pattern Interferometry), strain gages, and other kinds of transducers. However, these techniques have some limitations. For instance, photoelasticity and ESPI give the overall field pattern of the strain, showing the stress-strain concentration points. These methods cannot give an accurate measurement at all points. On the contrary, strain gages can be used to perform local measurements. However, as they use electrical resistances, their use is limited to perform in vivo measurements. Optical fiber sensors have already been used in dentistry, for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes, and in dental biomechanics studies. Lasers have also been used in clinical dentistry for a few decades. Other optical technologies, like optical coherence tomography (OCT), became suitable for dental practice and nowadays it is perhaps one that has had more development in dentristry, along with lasers.
Electron Impact Excitation and Dielectronic Recombination of Highly Charged Tungsten Ions
Authors: Wu Zhongwen , Fu Yanbiao , Ma Xiaoyun , Li Maijuan , Xie Luyou , Jiang Jun , Dong Chenzhong
Published: November 2015

Electron impact excitation (EIE) and dielectronic recombination (DR) of tungsten ions are basic atomic processes in nuclear fusion plasmas of the International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor (ITER) tokamak. Detailed investigation of such processes is essential for modeling and diagnosing future fusion experiments performed on the ITER. In the present work, we studied total and partial electron-impact excitation (EIE) and DR cross-sections of highly charged tungsten ions by using the multiconfiguration Dirac–Fock method. The degrees of linear polarization of the subsequent X-ray emissions from unequally-populated magnetic sub-levels of these ions were estimated. It is found that the degrees of linear polarization of the same transition lines, but populated respectively by the EIE and DR processes, are very different, which makes diagnosis of the formation mechanism of X-ray emissions possible. In addition, with the help of the flexible atomic code on the basis of the relativistic configuration interaction method, DR rate coefficients of highly charged W37+ to W46+ ions are also studied, because of the importance in the ionization equilibrium of tungsten plasmas under running conditions of the ITER.
Two-Photon Collective Atomic Recoil Lasing
Authors: McKelvie James , Robb Gordon
Published: November 2015

We present a theoretical study of the interaction between light and a cold gasof three-level, ladder conﬁguration atoms close to two-photon resonance. In particular, weinvestigate the existence of collective atomic recoil lasing (CARL) instabilities in differentregimes of internal atomic excitation and compare to previous studies of the CARL instabilityinvolving two-level atoms. In the case of two-level atoms, the CARL instability is quenchedat high pump rates with signiﬁcant atomic excitation by saturation of the (one-photon)coherence, which produces the optical forces responsible for the instability and rapid heatingdue to high spontaneous emission rates. We show that in the two-photon CARL schemestudied here involving three-level atoms, CARL instabilities can survive at high pump rateswhen the atoms have signiﬁcant excitation, due to the contributions to the optical forces frommultiple coherences and the reduction of spontaneous emission due to transitions betweenthe populated states being dipole forbidden. This two-photon CARL scheme may form thebasis of methods to increase the effective nonlinear optical response of cold atomic gases.
High Intrinsic Aerobic Capacity Protects against Ethanol-Induced Hepatic Injury and Metabolic Dysfunction: Study Using High Capacity Runner Rat Model
Authors: Szary Nicholas , Rector R. , Uptergrove Grace , Ridenhour Suzanne , Shukla Shivendra , Thyfault John , Koch Lauren , Britton Steven , Ibdah Jamal
Published: November 2015

Rats artificially selected over several generations for high intrinsic endurance/aerobic capacity resulting in high capacity runners (HCR) has been developed to study the links between high aerobic fitness and protection from metabolic diseases (Wisloff et al., Science, 2005). We have previously shown that the HCR strain have elevated hepatic mitochondrial content and oxidative capacity. In this study, we tested if the elevated hepatic mitochondrial content in the HCR rat would provide “metabolic protection” from chronic ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis and injury. The Leiber-Decarli liquid diet with ethanol (7% v/v; HCR-E) and without (HCR-C) was given to HCR rats (n = 8 per group) from 14 to 20 weeks of age that were weight matched and pair-fed to assure isocaloric intake. Hepatic triglyceride (TG) content and macro- and microvesicular steatosis were significantly greater in HCR-E compared with HCR-C (p < 0.05). In addition, hepatic superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced in the HCR-E rats. This hepatic phenotype also was associated with reduced total hepatic fatty acid oxidation (p = 0.03) and ß-hydroxyacyl-CoA dehydrogenase activity (p = 0.01), and reductions in microsomal triglyceride transfer protein and apoB-100 protein content (p = 0.01) in HCR-E animals. However, despite these documented hepatic alterations, ethanol ingestion failed to induce significant hepatic liver injury, including no changes in hepatic inflammation, or serum alanine amino transferase (ALTs), free fatty acids (FFAs), triglycerides (TGs), insulin, or glucose. High intrinsic aerobic fitness did not reduce ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis, but protected against ethanol-induced hepatic injury and systemic metabolic dysfunction in a high aerobic capacity rat model.
The Hinge Region of Bovine Zona Pellucida Glycoprotein ZP3 Is Involved in the Formation of the Sperm-Binding Active ZP3/ZP4 Complex
Authors: Suzuki Kaori , Tatebe Nanami , Kojima Sayuri , Hamano Ayumi , Orita Misaki , Yonezawa Naoto
Published: November 2015

The zona pellucida (ZP) surrounds the mammalian oocyte and mediates species-selective sperm-oocyte interactions. Bovine ZP consists of glycoproteins ZP2, ZP3, and ZP4. Neither ZP3 nor ZP4 alone shows inhibitory activity for the binding of sperm to the ZP; however, this activity is seen with the ZP3/ZP4 heterocomplex. Here, we constructed a series of bovine ZP3 mutants to identify the ZP4-binding site on ZP3. Each ZP3 mutant was co-expressed with ZP4 using a baculovirus-Sf9 cell expression system and examined for interaction with ZP4 as well as inhibitory activity for sperm-ZP binding. N-terminal fragment Arg-32 to Arg-160 of ZP3 interacted with ZP4 and inhibited sperm-ZP binding, whereas fragment Arg-32 to Thr-155 showed much weaker interaction with ZP4. Mutation of N-glycosylated Asn-146 to Asp in the N-terminal fragment Arg-32 to Glu-178 of ZP3 did not interrupt the interaction of this fragment with ZP4, but it did reduce the inhibitory activity of the complex for sperm-ZP binding. In contrast, mutation of N-glycosylated Asn-124 to Asp did not significantly reduce the activity. Taken together, these results suggest that one of the ZP4 binding sites exists in the flexible hinge region of ZP3 and that the N-glycosylation in this region is involved in the sperm binding.
Effect of Surface Passivation on Photoelectrochemical Water Splitting Performance of WO3 Vertical Plate-Like Films
Authors: Yang Yahui , Xie Renrui , Liu Yang , Li Jie , Li Wenzhang
Published: November 2015

WO3 vertical plate-like arrays provide a direct pathway for charge transport, and thus hold great potential as working electrodes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting. However, surface recombination due to surface defects hinders the performance improvement. In this work, WO3 vertical plate-like arrays films with HfO2 passivation layer were fabricated via a simple dip-coating method. In the images of transmission electron microscope, a fluffy layer and some small sphere particles existed on the surface of WO3 plate. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) showed a higher concentration of Hf element than the result of energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), which means that HfO2 is rich on the surface of WO3 plates. A higher photocurrent under visible light irradiation was gained with surface passivation. Meanwhile, the results of intensity modulated photocurrent spectrum (IMPS) and incident photon to current conversion efficiency (IPCE) indicate that HfO2 passivation layer, acting as a barrier for the interfacial recombination, is responsible for the improved photoelectrochemical performance of WO3 vertical plate-like arrays film.
An Incompressible, Depth-Averaged Lattice Boltzmann Method for Liquid Flow in Microfluidic Devices with Variable Aperture
Authors: Laleian Artin , Valocchi Albert , Werth Charles
Published: November 2015

Two-dimensional (2D) pore-scale models have successfully simulated microfluidic experiments of aqueous-phase flow with mixing-controlled reactions in devices with small aperture. A standard 2D model is not generally appropriate when the presence of mineral precipitate or biomass creates complex and irregular three-dimensional (3D) pore geometries. We modify the 2D lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) to incorporate viscous drag from the top and bottom microfluidic device (micromodel) surfaces, typically excluded in a 2D model. Viscous drag from these surfaces can be approximated by uniformly scaling a steady-state 2D velocity field at low Reynolds number. We demonstrate increased accuracy by approximating the viscous drag with an analytically-derived body force which assumes a local parabolic velocity profile across the micromodel depth. Accuracy of the generated 2D velocity field and simulation permeability have not been evaluated in geometries with variable aperture. We obtain permeabilities within approximately 10% error and accurate streamlines from the proposed 2D method relative to results obtained from 3D simulations. In addition, the proposed method requires a CPU run time approximately 40 times less than a standard 3D method, representing a significant computational benefit for permeability calculations.
Influence of Boron on Initial Austenite Grain Size and Hot Deformation Behavior of Boron Microalloyed Steels
Authors: Gao Yong-liang , Xue Xiang-xin , Yang He
Published: November 2015

The initial austenite grain size of boron microalloyed steel with three different amounts of boron (20, 40, and 60 ppm) was investigated under different heating temperatures (1150, 1100, and 1050 °C), and hot compression tests of samples in a wide range of temperature (900–1100 °C) and strain rate (0.1–10 s−1) were conducted. It was found that the initial austenite grain size increases with increasing temperature and boron content. The flow stress decreased with increasing boron content at lower strain rates. The flow stress constitutive equation of hot deformation was developed for the experimental steels; results showed that boron addition has the trend to reduce the hot deformation activation energy. The characteristic points of the flow curves were analyzed. Results revealed that the peak and critical stress decreased in response to an increase of boron content. The work-hardening behavior of both steels was investigated, and it was found that boron addition can decrease the work-hardening rate when strained at lower strain rates. On the contrary, peak and critical strains increased as boron content increased, indicating that boron has the ability to delay the onset of dynamic recrystallization.
The Second Law Today: Using Maximum-Minimum Entropy Generation
Authors: Lucia Umberto , Grazzini Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

There are a great number of thermodynamic schools, independent of each other, and without a powerful general approach, but with a split on non-equilibrium thermodynamics. In 1912, in relation to the stationary non-equilibrium states, Ehrenfest introduced the fundamental question on the existence of a functional that achieves its extreme value for stable states, as entropy does for the stationary states in equilibrium thermodynamics. Today, the new branch frontiers of science and engineering, from power engineering to environmental sciences, from chaos to complex systems, from life sciences to nanosciences, etc. require a unified approach in order to optimize results and obtain a powerful approach to non-equilibrium thermodynamics and open systems. In this paper, a generalization of the Gouy–Stodola approach is suggested as a possible answer to the Ehrenfest question.
Thermodynamics Analysis of Variable Viscosity Hydromagnetic Couette Flow in a Rotating System with Hall Effects
Authors: Makinde Oluwole , Eegunjobi Adetayo , Tshehla M.
Published: November 2015

In this paper, we employed both first and second laws of thermodynamics to analyze the flow and thermal decomposition in a variable viscosity Couette flow of a conducting fluid in a rotating system under the combined influence of magnetic field and Hall current. The non-linear governing differential equations are obtained and solved numerically using shooting method coupled with fourth order Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg integration technique. Numerical results obtained for velocities and temperature profiles are utilized to determine the entropy generation rate, skin fictions, Nusselt number and the Bejan number. By plotting the graphs of various values of thermophysical parameters, the features of the flow characteristics are analyzed in detail. It is found that fluid rotation increases the dominant effect of heat transfer irreversibility at the upper moving plate region while the entropy production is more at the lower fixed plate region.
Theoretical Search for RNA Folding Nuclei
Authors: Pereyaslavets Leonid , Galzitskaya Oxana
Published: November 2015

The functions of RNA molecules are defined by their spatial structure, whose folding is regulated by numerous factors making RNA very similar to proteins. Prediction of RNA folding nuclei gives the possibility to take a fresh look at the problems of the multiple folding pathways of RNA molecules and RNA stability. The algorithm previously developed for prediction of protein folding nuclei has been successfully applied to ~150 various RNA structures: hairpins, tRNAs, structures with pseudoknots, and the large structured P4-P6 domain of the Tetrahymena group I intron RNA. The calculated Φ-values for tRNA structures agree with the experimental data obtained earlier. According to the experiment the nucleotides of the D and T hairpin loops are the last to be involved in the tRNA tertiary structure. Such agreement allowed us to do a prediction for an example of large structured RNA, the P4-P6 RNA domain. One of the advantages of our method is that it allows us to make predictions about the folding nucleus for nontrivial RNA motifs: pseudoknots and tRNA.
Genetic Algorithm-Based Design Optimization of Electromagnetic Valve Actuators in Combustion Engines
Authors: Lee Seung , Yi Hwa , Han Kyuyoung , Kim Jin Ho
Published: November 2015

In this research, the design of a new electromagnetic engine valve in the limited space of combustion engine is optimized by multidisciplinary simulation using MATLAB and Maxwell. An electromagnetic engine valve actuator using a permanent magnet is a new actuator concept for overcoming the inherent drawbacks of the conventional solenoid-driven electromagnetic engine valve actuator, such as high power consumption and so on. This study aims to maximize the vibration frequency of the armature to reduce the transition time of the engine valve. The higher performance of the new actuator is demonstrated by dynamic finite element analysis.
Multi-Objective Optimization Design for Indirect Forced-Circulation Solar Water Heating System Using NSGA-II
Authors: Ko Myeong
Published: November 2015

In this study, the multi-objective optimization of an indirect forced-circulation solar water heating (SWH) system was performed to obtain the optimal configuration that minimized the life cycle cost (LCC) and maximized the life cycle net energy saving (LCES). An elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) was employed to obtain the Pareto optimal solutions of the multi-objective optimization. To incorporate the characteristics of practical SWH systems, operation-related decision variables as well as capacity-related decision variables were included. The proposed method was used to conduct a case study wherein the optimal configuration of the SWH system of an office building was determined. The case study results showed that the energy cost decreases linearly and the equipment cost increases more significantly as the LCES increases. However, the results also showed that it is difficult to identify the best solution among the Pareto optimal solutions using only the correlation between the corresponding objective function values. Furthermore, regression analysis showed that the energy and economic performances of the Pareto optimal solutions are significantly influenced by the ratio of the storage tank volume to the collector area (RVA). Therefore, it is necessary to simultaneously consider the trade-off and the effect of the RVA on the Pareto optimal solutions while selecting the best solution from among the optimal solutions.
A Survey on Data Mining Techniques Applied to Electricity-Related Time Series Forecasting
Authors: Martínez-Álvarez Francisco , Troncoso Alicia , Asencio-Cortés Gualberto , Riquelme José
Published: November 2015

Data mining has become an essential tool during the last decade to analyze large sets of data. The variety of techniques it includes and the successful results obtained in many application fields, make this family of approaches powerful and widely used. In particular, this work explores the application of these techniques to time series forecasting. Although classical statistical-based methods provides reasonably good results, the result of the application of data mining outperforms those of classical ones. Hence, this work faces two main challenges: (i) to provide a compact mathematical formulation of the mainly used techniques; (ii) to review the latest works of time series forecasting and, as case study, those related to electricity price and demand markets.
Does Previous Experience of Floods Stimulate the Adoption of Coping Strategies? Evidence from Cross Sectional Surveys in Nigeria and Tanzania
Authors: Boamah Sheila , Armah Frederick , Kuuire Vincent , Ajibade Idowu , Luginaah Isaac , McBean Gordon
Published: November 2015

In sub-Saharan Africa, hydro-meteorological related disasters, such as floods, account for the majority of the total number of natural disasters. Over the past century, floods have affected 38 million people, claimed several lives and caused substantial economic losses in the region. The goal of this paper is to examine how personality disposition, social network, and socio-demographic factors mitigate the complex relationship between stressful life experiences of floods and ocean surges and the adoption of coping strategies among coastal communities in Nigeria and Tanzania. Generalized linear models (GLM) were fitted to cross-sectional survey data on 1003 and 1253 individuals in three contiguous coastal areas in Nigeria and Tanzania, respectively. Marked differences in the type of coping strategies were observed across the two countries. In Tanzania, the zero-order relationships between adoption of coping strategies and age, employment and income disappeared at the multivariate level. Only experience of floods in the past year and social network resources were significant predictors of participants’ adoption of coping strategies, unlike in Nigeria, where a plethora of factors such as experience of ocean surges in the past one year, personality disposition, age, education, experience of flood in the past one year, ethnicity, income, housing quality and employment status were still statistically significant at the multivariate level. Our findings suggest that influence of previous experience on adoption of coping strategies is spatially ubiquitous. Consequently, context-specific policies aimed at encouraging the adoption of flood-related coping strategies in vulnerable locations should be designed based on local needs and orientation.
Annual Cash Income from Community Forest Management in the Brazilian Amazon: Challenges for the Future
Authors: Piketty Marie-Gabrielle , Drigo Isabel , Sablayrolles Philippe , De Aquino Evandro , Pena Driss , Sist Plinio
Published: November 2015

Community forest management (CFM) is considered an alternative way to protect forests while providing income for smallholders. Since the mid-1990s, the number of CFM projects has rapidly increased in the Brazilian Amazon, although most of them still face several difficulties. In this paper, we discuss the obstacles to the financial viability of CFM in this region and propose some ways to overcome them. Based on evidence from five case studies, we assess the extent to which sustainable forest management for commercial timber production contributes to smallholder income. We show that harvesting timber only provides a limited cash income to smallholders, even though forest covers 80% of their landholding. Market access to timber is very uncertain and smallholder communities often fail to make a profit from their timber. Minimum remunerative public prices and support for timber marketing are thus needed. Simpler and more flexible procedures are required to reduce the high transaction costs of obtaining a permit and increase smallholder involvement in legal forest management for commercial purposes. Finally, a better assessment of timber potential in smallholder forest reserves through systematic inventories would be useful to avoid arousing false expectations.