bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Humorous elements in virtual onymic creations
Authors: Kawęcka Magdalena
Published: June 2024

Informal use of anthroponymy is an integral part of the lexical resource of every language. The subject of this article is issues related to media onomastics (the review concerns terminology in internet forums). The aim of the article is the material exemplification of proper names, emphasising their formal features and ways of functioning on a specific communication plane. The task is to show certain tendencies and motivations in the field of creating virtual proper names in terms of their humorous value. In accordance with the adopted research perspective and the purpose of this article, when explaining the process of creating media onyms, reference was made to the mechanisms of name-forming derivation and the theory of humour, in particular the theory of incongruity. The specific communication channel creates new opportunities for language users and is an interesting research field for onomasts because, with the development of computer technology, the terminology began to go beyond the traditionally accepted standards.
The language of Nigerian stand-up comedy
Authors: Emmanuel Ogheneakpobor Emama , Mowarin Macaulay
Published: June 2024

Nigeria is complexly multilingual. Arising from this, Nigerian stand–up comedians employ a variety of linguistic strategies to communicate with the audience.  This research investigates the peculiarities of language use in Nigerian stand-up comedy by analysing patterns of code choices in the comic performances of four comedians. Because the stand-up comedy industry is predominant in the Southern part of Nigeria, the comedians chosen for this study are representative of the three geopolitical zones of southern Nigeria. The analysis of the data indicates that (1) although Nigerian stand-up comedians primarily use Nigerian Pidgin (NP) they also employ language alternation and code-switch between NP, English, and a variety of indigenous languages. (2) NP is mainly used in the oral medium. Consequently, features of orality: repetition, parallel structures, anaphora, lexical cushioning, semantic extension, metaphor imagery, sentence fragments, and rhetorical devices, are other dominant features of Nigerian stand-up comedy.
Incorporating humour in the educational journey of young tourists
Authors: Fehrest Fatemeh , Panchal Jenny , Pabel Anja , Murphy Laurie
Published: June 2024

Humour for children has received attention from various academic domains. However, the topic is a less explored area in the field of tourism. Addressing this research gap, the present study aims to firstly, identify the main themes of humour which are discussed in the academic literature about children, and secondly to outline how the identified themes can be applied to children’s learning experiences in tourism settings. The study employs content analysis to systematically review 190 relevant publications from multidisciplinary fields sourced from ScienceDirect and Scopus. Five overarching themes were identified across studies of various disciplines: social, parents, play, teachers, and characters. The emerging themes were interpreted through the lens of Vygotsky’s Socio-Cultural Theory to develop a conceptual framework for children’s learning experiences in tourism contexts. The paper enhances our understanding of the children’s literature in the context of tourism by providing both theoretical and practical insights. It specifically focuses on how humour can be utilised to enrich children's learning in the realm of tourism.
Optimización en madera masiva.
Authors: Lefevre Labbe Cristian Andres
Published: June 2024

En un contexto de crisis climática global, es necesario cuestionar la manera en que se lleva a cabo todo proceso que genere contaminación medioambiental o deterioro de los recursos naturales. El rubro de la construcción es, a nivel mundial, responsable de la emisión del 37% de los gases de efecto invernadero. Considerando este impacto, la madera es considerada un material ideal para responder ante las exigencias de la arquitectura del futuro, debido a sus ventajas en sostenibilidad y su menor huella de carbono frente a otros materiales de construcción. Este artículo analiza soluciones constructivas en madera masiva y la manera en que la gestión de su construcción puede llevar a este material a altos estándares de eficiencia y optimización en un proyecto de arquitectura en Chile. El proyecto en cuestión consiste en el diseño de un edificio residencial inscrito en un distrito de innovación también propuesto para la ciudad de Talca, a ubicarse en el terreno del Regimiento n° 16 el cual presenta un potencial de expansión urbana real y un emplazamiento privilegiado cerca del río Claro en términos de cualidades paisajísticas. De esta manera, se evalúan las oportunidades de diseño que genera el cruce entre la problemática de la demanda habitacional, la integración urbana, la mixtura de usos, la densidad en altura y la construcción en madera masiva.
pasaje Bulnes: entre realidad construida e ideal teórico
Authors: Rivano Gutiérrez Simón , Hidalgo Germán
Published: June 2024

El presente artículo explora un problema propio de la arquitectura de la tradición clásica, la tensión entre lo ideal y lo real, es decir, entre las especulaciones teóricas y la realidad que condiciona el proyecto. En efecto, desde el mismo momento en que apareció la noción de teoría, apareció también el problema de su adecuación a la realidad del proyecto, sobre todo, en aquellos autores que trabajaron simultáneamente en ambos frentes. Este problema se abordó investigando el pasaje Bulnes (construído entre 1849 y 1854), una obra emblemática del arquitecto francés Claude-François Brunet de Baines en Santiago de Chile el cual fue puesto en relación con su obra teórica, el Curso de arquitectura, publicada en 1853. El método de investigación consistió en realizar un dibujo del edificio —ya desaparecido—, a partir de una fotografía de alrededor de 1870, la más antigua que se conserva. Desde la observación atenta de este documento se desprendió una serie de indicios claves para hacer el dibujo y, de paso, entender el edificio y la obra teórica de Brunet de Baines, ya que para su materialización se debió incorporar información proveniente del Curso de arquitectura, además de otros referentes. El dibujo se constituyó así, en el motor de la investigación y soporte de sus contenidos. El resultado de este proceso analítico meticuloso, llevó a la obtención de planimetría y esquemas inéditos que posibilitaron entender una atmósfera y la manera de proyectar de Brunet de Baines, la cual se había extraviado entre los documentos y las intervenciones en el edificio mismo.
Causes and Hazards of Perimeter Rock Cavities behind Shield Tunnels
Authors: Zhang Jingzhong
Published: June 2024

The purpose of this paper is to discuss the reasons for the generation of voids in the surrounding rock behind water transmission shield tunnels and the potential hazards they bring. Firstly, it analyzes in detail the possible causes of cavities from the aspects of geological conditions, construction technology, material properties, etc. On the basis of literature research, the causes and distribution patterns of the perimeter rock cavities behind the water transfer shield tunnels were explored with respect to the locations and sizes of the cavities behind the tube sheets. Secondly, it systematically elaborates the hazards of cavities on tunnels from the aspects of structural stability, use function, operation safety, etc. Finally, it proposes corresponding preventive measures and countermeasures for the problem of cavities. This paper aims to provide valuable reference for the design, construction and operation management of shield tunnels, which is of great theoretical significance and practical value for the safe construction and long-term operation of shield tunnels.
Prevalence of Abnormal Lipid Profile Among Obese People in Mogadisho, Somalia
Authors: Abdiaziz Abdullahi Abdulkadir , Hossain Md. Biplob , Mahbub Afsana , Islam Sadia , Rahaman Shohanur , Rahman Md. Ashiqur
Published: June 2024

Background: A lipid profile includes total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, triglycerides, and calculated low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Obesity is defined as excess body weight, and dyslipidemia is abnormal blood concentrations of total cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides. HDL carries only one-third to one-fourth of blood cholesterol, while triglycerides store excess energy.
Objective: The aim of this study was to find out the prevalence of abnormal lipid profile among obesity people in Mogadishu Somali.
Materials and Methods: A cross- sectional study was performed at selected hospitals. A total of 150 participants was enrolled in this study. 4 ml of venous blood sample was collected from each participant after taking informed written consent from the participants. Serum level of lipid profile test will be measured by using (AOUTUMATED CHEMISTRY MACHINE) techniques to evaluate lipid profile test status. Data analysis was done with statistical package for data analysis (spss). Results: Among the of 150 participants the predominant age group was 20-30 years (42.7%), followed age group 31- 40 years 20%, and >50 years 20.7%. There was also age groups of 41-50 years (16.7%). According to their level of obesity, out of the 150 participants, 104(69.3%) were class I obesity 25-29.9BMI, 36(24%) were class II obesity 30-35BMI and the last 10(6.7%) were class III obesity >35BMI. In our study, according to laboratory diagnosis, maximum respondents were normal 58(38.7%) followed by 51(34%) were on the border line (HDL<43.7 mg/dl) and 41(27.3%) were abnormal.
Conclusion: The data concluded that the majority of the participants were normal, and also there was abnormal and border line. we do statistically significant, we have found that there’s association between abnormal lipid profile and obesity level where the p-value was 0.006.
Seasonal Incidence of Spotted Pod Borer (Maruca vitrata F.) in Indian bean and Correlation with Meteorological Aspects
Authors: N. A. Singh, , H. V. Pandya, , S. R. Patel,
Published: June 2024

Aim: To study the population dynamics of spotted pod borer infesting Indian bean in relation to weather parameters
Study Design:  Field trail; Randomized Block Design.
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at College farm at Navsari Agricultural University during Rabi of 2022-23 and 2023-24.
Methodology: 50 plants were randomly selected from the net plot area. The observations on the number of larvae per plant and per cent pod damage were counted.
Results: The larval population, in year 2022-23 started from 51st SMW. The peak activity was observed in 4th SMW when    6.46 larvae/plant population was recorded which coincided with the peak flowering stage. During the second season (year 2023-24) also, the pest population started from 51st SMW with pest population of 0.8 larvae/plant. The peak pest population was observed on 4th SMW with 6.84 larvae/plant. The pod damage started from 2nd SMW with 10.05 per cent and gradually increased. The peak was recorded in 12th SMW, highest pod damage was observed with 55.89 per cent. Similar to previous year, the pod damage was recorded from 2nd SMW with 11.67 per cent and peak was seen in   8th SMW with 56.63 per cent damage. The correlation of number of larvae per plant with maximum (r=-0.63), minimum (r=-0.62), average temperature (r=-0.74) and average vapour pressure (r=-0.59) showed significantly negative correlation. During year 2023-24, minimum (r=-0.637) and average temperature (r=-0.610) showed significant negative correlation. In case of pod damage, it was revealed that maximum temperature (r=0.58) and bright sunshine hours (BSSH) (r=0.59) exhibited significant positive correlation with pod damage per cent, in year 2022-23. A similar trend was seen in year 2023-24 where, maximum temperature (r=0.692) and BSSH (r=0.787) showed significant positive correlation.
Conclusion: Temperature and to some extent vapour pressure plays a significant role in the population fluctuation of spotted pod borer in Indian bean.
Assessment of Physico-Chemical Properties of Soil from Different Blocks of Eluru District, Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Vishnu Chillumuntha , Bharose Ram , Krishnan Nithya
Published: June 2024

The experiment was conducted in 2023 to assess the physical and chemical properties of different blocks of Eluru district, Andhra Pradesh. Three distinct villages were chosen from each block for the study. The physical properties of Eluru district soils, soil colour, texture, bulk density(mg m-3), particle density (mg m-3), percent pore space and percent water retaining capacity and chemical properties pH, EC (dSm-1 ) at 25˚C, percent organic carbon, available nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (kg ha-1), calcium C mol (p+) kg-1 and magnesium C mol(p+) kg at 0-15, 15-30 and 30-45 cm depth. Findings showed that in terms of depth, there was a minor rise in both bulk and particle density. The water retaining capacity of the soil and the overall physical condition of the soil was found good and supportive for plant growth. The soils of selected villages of different blocks in Eluru district were found to acidic to basic in nature due to soil minerals producing sodium carbonate (Na2CO3) and sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) upon weathering. The organic carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus were observed as medium to high. The potassium content was low in all locations. There was enough calcium present, however there were several regions where magnesium was lacking. The deficiency of the nutrients can be mitigated by the use of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
Self‐Assembled Sugar‐Substituted Perylene Diimide Nanostructures with Homochirality and High Gas Sensitivity
Authors: Hu Jianchen , Kuang Wenfeng , Deng Ke , Zou Wenjun , Huang Yongwei , Wei Zhixiang , Faul Charl F.J.
Published: October 2012

A new symmetrical sugar‐based perylenediimide derivative PTCDI‐BAG is synthesized and its aggregate morphologies and formation mechanisms are studied in detail in the mixed solvent system water/N,N‐dimethylformamide (H2O/DMF) with changing volume ratios. PTCDI‐BAG molecules self‐assemble into planar ribbons in 20/80 and 40/60 H2O/DMF (v/v), but their chiralities are opposite according to recorded circular dichroism (CD) spectra. With a further increase of the water content, only left‐handed helical nanowires are obtained in 60/40 and 80/20 H2O/DMF (v/v) mixtures. By combining density functional theory (DFT) calculations with the experimental investigations, it is proposed that kinetic and thermodynamic factors play key roles in tuning PTCDI‐BAG structures and helicity. The formation of the ribbon is thermodynamically controlled in the 20/80 H2O/DMF system, but kinetically controlled nucleation followed by thermodynamically controlled self‐assembly plays the governing roles for the formation of nanoribbons in 40/60 H2O/DMF. Devices based on single nanoribbons for hydrazine sensing exhibit better performance than nanofiber bundles obtained in this study and achiral nanostructures reported in previous study. This study not only provides an elaborated route to tuning the structures and helicity of PTCDI molecules, but also provides new possibilities for the construction of high‐performance nanodevices.
The Synthesis of N‐Arylated Amides via Copper(II) Triflate‐ Catalyzed Direct Oxygenation and N‐Arylation of Benzylamines with Aryl Iodides
Authors: Xu Mei , Zhang Xiao‐Hong , Shao Yin‐Lin , Han Jiang‐Sheng , Zhong Ping
Published: October 2012

An efficient approach for the synthesis of N‐arylated amides by copper(II) triflate‐catalyzed direct oxygenation and N‐arylation reaction of benzylamines with aryl iodides is reported. Various benzylamines and aryl iodides can participate in the reaction, providing a series of N‐arylated amides in moderate to good yields.
EVALUATION OF BEHAVIORAL SKILLS TRAINING FOR TEACHING FUNCTIONAL ASSESSMENT AND TREATMENT SELECTION SKILLS TO PARENTS
Authors: Shayne Rachel , Miltenberger Raymond G.
Published: October 2012

Scant research has addressed the issue of teaching parents to conduct a functional assessment and design a treatment for problem behavior. The present study utilized behavioral skills training to teach parents how to conduct ABC recording, write a summary statement based on the data collected, and make appropriate treatment choices. Eight parents participated in one 3‐h class in which a trainer used instructions, modeling, rehearsal, and feedback to teach these three skill sets. Prior to class, during class, directly after class training, and 1 to 2 weeks following class, the participants viewed videos showing a problem behavior serving a different function in the context of a parent child interaction. The percentage of correct responding for each dependent variable (ABC recording, summary statement, and treatment choices) was calculated, and baseline and post‐treatment scores were compared via a multiple baseline across participants design. The results showed an increase in the percentage correct for most skills for most participants. These results show that it is possible to teach parents to conduct a functional assessment and choose proper treatment strategies. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A novel green analytical procedure for monitoring of azoxystrobin in water samples by a flow injection chemiluminescence method with off‐line ultrasonic treatment
Authors: Yang Xin‐an , Zhang Wang‐bing
Published: October 2012

A simple and green flow injection chemiluminescence (FI‐CL) method for determination of the fungicide azoxystrobin was described for the first time. CL signal was generated when azoxystrobin was injected into a mixed stream of luminol and KMnO4. The CL signal of azoxystrobin could be greatly improved when an off‐line ultrasonic treatment was adopted. Meanwhile, the signal intensity increases with the analyte concentration proportionally. Several variables, such as the ultrasonic parameters, flow rate of reagents, concentrations of sodium hydroxide solution and CL reagents (potassium permanganate, luminol) were investigated, and the optimal CL conditions were obtained. Under optimal conditions, the linear range of 1–100 ng/mL for azoxystrobin was obtained and the detection limit (3σ) was determined as 0.13 ng/mL. The relative standard deviation was 1.5% for 10 consecutive measurements of 20 ng/mL azoxystrobin. The method has been applied to the determination of azoxystrobin residues in water samples. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoscale structure of type I collagen fibrils: Quantitative measurement of D‐spacing
Authors: Erickson Blake , Fang Ming , Wallace Joseph M. , Orr Bradford G. , Les Clifford M. , Banaszak Holl Mark M.
Published: October 2012

This article details a quantitative method to measure the D‐periodic spacing of type I collagen fibrils using atomic force microscopy coupled with analysis using a two‐dimensional fast fourier transform approach. Instrument calibration, data sampling and data analysis are discussed and comparisons of the data to the complementary methods of electron microscopy and X‐ray scattering are made. Examples of the application of this new approach to the analysis of type I collagen morphology in disease models of estrogen depletion and osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) are provided. We demonstrate that it is the D‐spacing distribution, not the D‐spacing mean, that showed statistically significant differences in estrogen depletion associated with early stage osteoporosis and OI. The ability to quantitatively characterize nanoscale morphological features of type I collagen fibrils will provide important structural information regarding type I collagen in many research areas, including tissue aging and disease, tissue engineering, and gene knockout studies. Furthermore, we also envision potential clinical applications including evaluation of tissue collagen integrity under the impact of diseases or drug treatments.
Thermal Effects on the Synthesis of 1,1‐Dibutoxyethane in a Fixed‐Bed Adsorptive Reactor
Authors: Graça N. S. , Pais L. S. , Silva V. M. T. M. , Rodrigues A. E.
Published: October 2012

The effects of temperature on the synthesis of 1,1‐dibutoxyethane (DBE) in a fixed‐bed adsorptive reactor were studied by performing both adsorption/desorption and reaction/regeneration experiments at 15 and 35 °C. The Langmuir‐type isotherm parameters at 15 and 35 °C were obtained from the adsorption/desorption experiments. The reaction/regeneration experiments showed an increase in both conversion and productivity with increasing temperature. Isothermal and nonisothermal mathematical models were used to simulate the reactor operation with different Damköhler numbers. The simulated results suggest that the reactor productivity can be improved by using the adiabatic operation mode on the fixed‐bed adsorptive reactor, obtaining a productivity for DBE of 71.8 mol kg–1h–1.
Induction of the Columnar Phase of Unconventional Dendrimers by Breaking the C2 Symmetry of Molecules
Authors: Lai Long‐Li , Wang Sheng‐Wei , Cheng Kung‐Lung , Lee Jey‐Jau , Wang Tsai‐Hui , Hsu Hsiu‐Fu
Published: October 2012

Two triazine‐based unconventional dendrimers were prepared and characterized by 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry, polarizing microscopy, and powder XRD studies showed that these dendrimers display columnar liquid‐crystalline phases during thermal treatment. This is ascribable to breaking of their C2 symmetry. The molecular conformations of prepared dendrimers were obtained by computer simulation with the MM3 model of the CaChe program in the gas phase. The simulation showed that the conformations of the prepared dendrimers are rather flat and disfavor formation of the LC phase. However, due to C2‐symmetry breaking, the prepared dendrimers have structural isomers in the solid state and thus show the desired columnar phases. This new strategy should be applicable to other types of unconventional dendrimers with rigid frameworks.
Two‐Dimensional Infrared Spectroscopy Reveals the Structure of an Evans Auxiliary Derivative and Its SnCl4 Lewis Acid Complex
Authors: Messmer Andreas T. , Lippert Katharina M. , Steinwand Sabrina , Lerch Eliza‐Beth W. , Hof Kira , Ley David , Gerbig Dennis , Hausmann Heike , Schreiner Peter R. , Bredenbeck Jens
Published: October 2012

Determining the structure of reactive intermediates is the key to understanding reaction mechanisms. To access these structures, a method combining structural sensitivity and high time resolution is required. Here ultrafast polarization‐dependent two‐dimensional infrared (P2D‐IR) spectroscopy is shown to be an excellent complement to commonly used methods such as one‐dimensional IR and multidimensional NMR spectroscopy for investigating intermediates. P2D‐IR spectroscopy allows structure determination by measuring the angles between vibrational transition dipole moments. The high time resolution makes P2D‐IR spectroscopy an attractive method for structure determination in the presence of fast exchange and for short‐lived intermediates. The ubiquity of vibrations in molecules ensures broad applicability of the method, particularly in cases in which NMR spectroscopy is challenging due to a low density of active nuclei. Here we illustrate the strengths of P2D‐IR by determining the conformation of a Diels–Alder dienophile that carries the Evans auxiliary and its conformational change induced by the complexation with the Lewis acid SnCl4, which is a catalyst for stereoselective Diels–Alder reactions. We show that P2D‐IR in combination with DFT computations can discriminate between the various conformers of the free dienophile N‐crotonyloxazolidinone that have been debated before, proving antiperiplanar orientation of the carbonyl groups and s‐cis conformation of the crotonyl moiety. P2D‐IR unequivocally identifies the coordination and conformation in the catalyst–substrate complex with SnCl4, even in the presence of exchange that is fast on the NMR time scale. It resolves a chelate with the carbonyl orientation flipped to synperiplanar and s‐cis crotonyl configuration as the main species. This work sets the stage for future studies of other catalyst–substrate complexes and intermediates using a combination of P2D‐IR spectroscopy and DFT computations.
Palladium(II)‐Catalyzed Oxidative Cyclization of Allylic Tosylcarbamates: Scope, Derivatization, and Mechanistic Aspects
Authors: Joosten Antoine , Persson Andreas K. Å. , Millet Renaud , Johnson Magnus T. , Bäckvall Jan‐E.
Published: October 2012

A highly selective oxidative palladium(II)‐catalyzed (Wacker‐type) cyclization of readily available allylic tosylcarbamates is reported. This operationally simple catalytic reaction furnishes tosyl‐protected vinyl‐oxazolidinones, common precursors to syn‐1,2‐amino alcohols, in high yield and excellent diasteroselectivity (>20:1). It is demonstrated that both stoichiometric amounts of benzoquinone (BQ) as well as aerobic reoxidation (molecular oxygen) is suitable for this transformation. The title reaction is shown to proceed through overall trans‐amidopalladation of the olefin followed by β‐hydride elimination. This process is scalable and the products are suitable for a range of subsequent transformations such as: kinetic resolution (KR) and oxidative Heck‐, Wacker‐, and metathesis reactions.
Präkolumbianische Chemie
Authors: Soentgen Jens , Hilbert Klaus
Published: October 2012

Wir wollen in diesem Essay zeigen, dass besonders auf dem Gebiet der chemischen Praktiken die Erfindungsgabe und technische Intelligenz der indigenen Völker Südamerikas beträchtlich war und ist und zu Erfindungen geführt hat, von denen bis heute etliche Millionen Menschen in der westlichen Welt, insbesondere Chemiekonzerne, profitieren. Wir möchten diese Behauptungen mit einigen Beispielen aus dem Bereich der chemischen Praktiken und der biochemischen Prozesse der Stoffumwandlung belegen, die in der Alten Welt unbekannt waren. Die Fähigkeit der südamerikanischen Indianer, Stoffe zu gewinnen und gezielt umzubilden, soll anhand der Erzeugung von Giften, wie Curare, oder auch der Entgiftung von Pflanzen, wie bei der Herstellung von Maniokmehl, erläutert werden. Erwähnt werden auch andere mehrstufige Prozesse der gezielten Stoffumwandlung und die Entdeckung und Nutzung hochwirksamer Naturstoffe durch indigene Völker Amazoniens, wie Kautschuk, aber auch psychoaktive Drogen.
Positive quadrant dependence testing and constrained copula estimation
Authors: Gijbels Irène , Sznajder Dominik
Published: October 2012

Positive quadrant dependence is a specific dependence structure that is of practical importance in for example modelling dependencies in insurance and actuarial sciences. This dependence structure imposes a constraint on the copula function. The interest in this paper is to test for positive quadrant dependence. One way to assess the distribution of the test statistics under the null hypothesis of positive quadrant dependence is to resample from a constrained copula. This requires constrained estimation of a copula function. We show that this use of resampling under a constrained copula improves considerably the power performance of existing testing procedures. We propose two resampling procedures, one based on a parametric constrained copula estimation and one relying on nonparametric estimation of a positive quadrant dependence copula, and discuss their properties. The finite‐sample performances of the resulting testing procedures are evaluated via a simulation study that also includes comparisons with existing tests. Finally, a data set of Danish fire insurance claims is tested for positive quadrant dependence.The Canadian Journal of Statistics41: 36–64; 2013 © 2012 Statistical Society of Canada
Circuit implementation and model of a new multi‐scroll chaotic system
Authors: Chen Diyi , Sun Zaitao , Ma Xiaoyi , Chen Lei
Published: October 2012

In this paper, a multi‐scroll chaotic system from the improved Chua's system is proposed. Moreover, non‐linear dynamics are analyzed including phase‐space trajectories, bifurcation diagrams, Poincaré maps and so on. The most important thing is that we discovered phase‐space trajectories, bifurcation diagrams and Poincaré maps are unified and closely related, which can describe different aspects of the multi‐scroll chaotic system. Furthermore, the corresponding improved module‐based circuits are designed for realizing two to four‐scroll chaotic attractors, and the experimental results are also obtained, which are consistent with the numerical simulations. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Decode‐and‐forward two‐way relaying protocol with one retransmission
Authors: Xu Kun , Gao Yuanyuan , Xu Youyun , Fan Zhangjun , Yi Xiaoxin
Published: October 2012

This paper investigates the decode‐and‐forward two‐way relaying channel without direct link and proposes a protocol based on the physical‐layer network coding (PNC) protocol. The proposed protocol (termed ORT) introduces one retransmission into PNC, aiming at enhancing its outage performance. To manifest the merits of ORT, we compare it with PNC and the time‐division broadcast (TDBC) protocol, in terms of outage performance, expected rate, and diversity‐multiplexing tradeoff (DMT). Firstly, we derive the outage probability of the three protocols and then the expected rate. Secondly, asymptotic analysis is conducted to shed light on the diversity and coding gains. Finally, the DMT is obtained for the three protocols. The numerical results reveal the following: (i) that ORT performs better than PNC in both outage and expected rate performance when the nodes transmit with different powers. However, it has the same DMT performance with PNC; (ii) that ORT possesses improved DMT performance over TDBC whereas its expected rate is only better than the latter at medium to high signal‐to‐noise ratio. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids production and transformation by Mortierella alpina and anaerobic bacteria
Authors: Ogawa Jun , Sakuradani Eiji , Kishino Shigenobu , Ando Akinori , Yokozeki Kenzo , Shimizu Sakayu
Published: October 2012

Microorganisms are promising as producers of various polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and as catalysts transforming them into unique molecular species beyond common PUFAs. This article describes PUFA production through chemical mutant‐ and molecular‐breeding of an oleaginous filamentous fungus Mortierella alpina 1S‐4 and PUFA transformation by anaerobic bacteria. M. alpina 1S‐4 and its mutants and transformants produce oils containing not only common n − 6 and n − 3 PUFAs but also rare PUFAs. Unique PUFA‐transforming activities were found in anaerobic bacteria. They isomerized PUFA to conjugated fatty acids and further transformed to partially saturated fatty acids with hydroxyl fatty acids as intermediates. The functions of these unique PUFAs have been attracting much attention for improving our health and for developing new chemical materials.
Amperometric Response of Alcohols Dissolved in High Resistance Hydrocarbon Media at Microelectrodes Without Supporting Electrolyte
Authors: Kiss László , Nagy Géza , Kovács Barna
Published: October 2012

Narrow‐gap cells were fabricated for direct amperometric measurement of alcohol content in liquid hydrocarbon mixtures. Their performance has been investigated using methanol, ethanol, n‐propanol as sample components (ethanol was in most details studied). One type of the insulating materials was applied in order to obtain two copper discs. The surfaces of the copper microdiscs were covered with a CuxS modifying layer. The other cell constructed in the similar way had a carbon disc working electrode (with diameter of 30 µm and copper reference/counter electrode 0.3 mm). The amperometric behaviour of the alcohols have been investigated in toluene and n‐heptane solvents without background electrolyte. The amperometric current was found proportional to the ethanol concentration in the investigated range of 0.5–11 v/v%. The sensor’s performance was also tested with ethanol containing fuel products from a gas station.
Current Advances in Polymer Electrolyte Fuel Cells Based on the Promotional Role of Under‐rib Convection
Authors: Choi K.‐S. , Kim B.‐G. , Park K. , Kim H.‐M.
Published: October 2012

Literature data on the promotional role of under‐rib convection for polymer electrolyte fuel cells (PEFCs) fueled by hydrogen and methanol are structured and analyzed, thus providing a guide to improving fuel cell performance through the optimization of flow field interaction. Data are presented for both physical and electrochemical performance showing reactant mass transport, electrochemical reaction, water behavior, and power density enhanced by under‐rib convection. Performance improvement studies ranging from single cell to stack are presented for measuring the performance of real operating conditions and large‐scale setups. The flow field optimization techniques by under‐rib convection are derived from the collected data over a wide range of experiments and modeling studies with a variety of components including both single cell and stack arrangements. Numerical models for PEFCs are presented with an emphasis on mass transfer and electrochemical reaction inside the fuel cell. The models are primarily used here as a tool in the parametric analysis of significant design features and to permit the design of the experiment. Enhanced flow field design that utilizes the promotional role of under‐rib convection can contribute to commercializing PEFCs.
Deep brain stimulator artifact in needle electromyography: Effects and distribution in paraspinal and upper limb muscle
Authors: Nandedkar Sanjeev D. , Sheridan Christopher , Bertoni Sherell , Hiner Bradley C. , Barkhaus Paul E.
Published: October 2012

Introduction: Deep brain stimulators (DBS) have become a more widespread treatment option for individuals with centrally mediated movement disorders. Such devices are expected to create artifact in standard needle electromyographic (EMG) recordings. Methods: Five subjects with DBS were studied with standard concentric needle electrode EMG in paraspinal and upper limb muscles. Results: All subjects showed EMG artifact directly related to, and corresponding with, the DBS unit settings. The artifact was very prominent in all paraspinal muscles, although the amplitude was less in lumbar compared with cervical levels. With a large ground electrode next to the insertion site, the artifact was sufficiently small to allow standard EMG examination of upper limb muscles. Conclusions: The DBS artifact is so prominent in paraspinal muscles that it will not allow standard EMG examination for diagnostic purposes such as radiculopathy. The artifact itself can easily be distinguished from pathological insertional and spontaneous activity. Muscle Nerve, 2013
Proteomic analysis of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded renal tissue samples by label‐free MS: Assessment of overall technical variability and the impact of block age
Authors: Craven Rachel A. , Cairns David A. , Zougman Alexandre , Harnden Patricia , Selby Peter J. , Banks Rosamonde E.
Published: October 2012

Purpose

Protein profiling of formalin‐fixed paraffin‐embedded (FFPE) tissues has enormous potential for the discovery and validation of disease biomarkers. The aim of this study was to systematically characterize the effect of length of time of storage of such tissue blocks in pathology archives on the quality of data produced using label‐free MS.

Experimental design

Normal kidney and clear cell renal cell carcinoma tissues routinely collected up to 10 years prior to analysis were profiled using LC‐MS/MS and the data analyzed using MaxQuant. Protein identities and quantification data were analyzed to examine differences between tissue blocks of different ages and assess the impact of technical and biological variability.

Results

An average of over 2000 proteins was seen in each sample with good reproducibility in terms of proteins identified and quantification for normal kidney tissue, with no significant effect of block age. Greater biological variability was apparent in the renal cell carcinoma tissue, possibly reflecting disease heterogeneity, but again there was good correlation between technical replicates and no significant effect of block age.

Conclusions and clinical relevance

These results indicate that archival storage time does not have a detrimental effect on protein profiling of FFPE tissues, supporting the use of such tissues in biomarker discovery studies.
Antibiotic resistance in hospitals: a ward‐specific random effect model in a low antibiotic consumption environment
Authors: Aldrin Magne , Raastad Ragnhild , Tvete Ingunn Fride , Berild Dag , Frigessi Arnoldo , Leegaard Truls , Monnet Dominique L. , Walberg Mette , Müller Fredrik
Published: October 2012

Association between previous antibiotic use and emergence of antibiotic resistance has been reported for several microorganisms. The relationship has been extensively studied, and although the causes of antibiotic resistance are multi‐factorial, clear evidence of antibiotic use as a major risk factor exists. Most studies are carried out in countries with high consumption of antibiotics and corresponding high levels of antibiotic resistance, and currently, little is known whether and at what level the associations are detectable in a low antibiotic consumption environment. We conduct an ecological, retrospective study aimed at determining the impact of antibiotic consumption on antibiotic‐resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa in three hospitals in Norway, a country with low levels of antibiotic use. We construct a sophisticated statistical model to capture such low signals. To reduce noise, we conduct our study at hospital ward level. We propose a random effect Poisson or binomial regression model, with a reparametrisation that allows us to reduce the number of parameters. Inference is likelihood based. Through scenario simulation, we study the potential effects of reduced or increased antibiotic use. Results clearly indicate that the effects of consumption on resistance are present under conditions with relatively low use of antibiotic agents. This strengthens the recommendation on prudent use of antibiotics, even when consumption is relatively low. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Empirical likelihood‐based confidence intervals for length‐biased data
Authors: Ning J. , Qin J. , Asgharian M. , Shen Y.
Published: October 2012

Logistic or other constraints often preclude the possibility of conducting incident cohort studies. A feasible alternative in such cases is to conduct a cross‐sectional prevalent cohort study for which we recruit prevalent cases, that is, subjects who have already experienced the initiating event, say the onset of a disease. When the interest lies in estimating the lifespan between the initiating event and a terminating event, say death for instance, such subjects may be followed prospectively until the terminating event or loss to follow‐up, whichever happens first. It is well known that prevalent cases have, on average, longer lifespans. As such, they do not constitute a representative random sample from the target population; they comprise a biased sample. If the initiating events are generated from a stationary Poisson process, the so‐called stationarity assumption, this bias is called length bias. The current literature on length‐biased sampling lacks a simple method for estimating the margin of errors of commonly used summary statistics. We fill this gap by using the empirical likelihood‐based confidence intervals by adapting this method to right‐censored length‐biased survival data. Both large and small sample behaviors of these confidence intervals are studied. We illustrate our method by using a set of data on survival with dementia, collected as part of the Canadian Study of Health and Aging. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Durrington Walls to West Amesbury by way of Stonehenge: a major transformation of the Holocene landscape
Authors: French Charles , Scaife Rob , Allen Michael J , Parker Pearson Mike , Pollard Josh , Richards Colin , Thomas Julian , Welham Kate
Published: October 2012

A new sequence of Holocene landscape change has been discovered through an investigation of sediment sequences, palaeosols, pollen and molluscan data discovered during the Stonehenge Riverside Project. The early post-glacial vegetational succession in the Avon valley at Durrington Walls was apparently slow and partial, with intermittent woodland modification and the opening-up of this landscape in the later Mesolithic and earlier Neolithic, though a strong element of pine lingered into the third millenniumbc. There appears to have been a major hiatus around 2900 calbc, coincident with the beginnings of demonstrable human activities at Durrington Walls, but slightly after activity started at Stonehenge. This was reflected in episodic increases in channel sedimentation and tree and shrub clearance, leading to a more open downland, with greater indications of anthropogenic activity, and an increasingly wet floodplain with sedges and alder along the river's edge. Nonetheless, a localized woodland cover remained in the vicinity of Durrington Walls throughout the third and second millenniabc, perhaps on the higher parts of the downs, while stable grassland, with rendzina soils, predominated on the downland slopes, and alder–hazel carr woodland and sedges continued to fringe the wet floodplain. This evidence is strongly indicative of a stable and managed landscape in Neolithic and Bronze Age times. It is not until c 800–500 calbcthat this landscape was completely cleared, except for the marshy-sedge fringe of the floodplain, and that colluvial sedimentation began in earnest associated with increased arable agriculture, a situation that continued through Roman and historic times.
Coarctation of the aorta in the setting of tetralogy of Fallot: an uncommon cause of myocardial dysfunction
Authors: Iannucci Glen J. , Mahle William T. , Clabby Martha L.
Published: October 2012

The combination of both right and left heart obstruction has only rarely been described in the medical literature. We present three cases of coarctation of the aorta in patients with variants of tetralogy of Fallot and hypothesise that this condition may be more common than previously suspected and could represent a hidden cause of morbidity in patients with pulmonary atresia/ventricular septal defect.
Three-Dimensional Chemistry of Multiphase Nanomaterials by Energy-Filtered Transmission Electron Microscopy Tomography
Authors: Roiban Lucian , Sorbier Loïc , Pichon Christophe , Bayle-Guillemaud Pascale , Werckmann Jacques , Drillon Marc , Ersen Ovidiu
Published: October 2012

A three-dimensional (3D) study of multiphase nanostructures by chemically selective electron tomography combining tomographic approach and energy-filtered imaging is reported. The implementation of this technique at the nanometer scale requires careful procedures for data acquisition, computing, and analysis. Based on the performances of modern transmission electron microscopy equipment and on developments in data processing, electron tomography in the energy-filtered imaging mode is shown to be a very appropriate analysis tool to provide 3D chemical maps at the nanoscale. Two examples highlight the usefulness of analytical electron tomography to investigate inhomogeneous 3D nanostructures, such as multiphase specimens or core-shell nanoparticles. The capability of discerning in a silica-alumina porous particle the two different components is illustrated. A quantitative analysis in the whole specimen and toward the pore surface is reported. This tool is shown to open new perspectives in catalysis by providing a way to characterize precisely 3D nanostructures from a chemical point of view.
Life's chirality from prebiotic environments
Authors: Gleiser Marcelo , Walker Sara Imari
Published: October 2012

A key open question in the study of life is the origin of biomolecular homochirality: almost every life-form on Earth has exclusively levorotary amino acids and dextrorotary sugars. Will the same handedness be preferred if life is found elsewhere? We review some of the pertinent literature and discuss recent results suggesting that life's homochirality resulted from sequential chiral symmetry breaking triggered by environmental events. In one scenario, autocatalytic prebiotic reactions undergo stochastic fluctuations due to environmental disturbances, in a mechanism reminiscent of evolutionary punctuated equilibrium: short-lived destructive events may lead to long-term enantiomeric excess. In another, chiral-selective polymerization reaction rates influenced by environmental effects lead to substantial chiral excess even in the absence of autocatalysis. Applying these arguments to other potentially life-bearing platforms has implications to the search for extraterrestrial life: we predict that a statistically representative sampling of extraterrestrial stereochemistry will be racemic (chirally neutral) on average.
Chd1 chromatin remodelers maintain nucleosome organization and repress cryptic transcription
Authors: Hennig Bianca P , Bendrin Katja , Zhou Yang , Fischer Tamás
Published: October 2012

Chromatin organization is essential for defining transcription units and maintaining genomic integrity in eukaryotes. In this study, we found that deletion of the Schizosaccharomyces pombe Chd1 chromatin remodelers, hrp1 and hrp3, causes strong, genome‐wide accumulation of antisense transcripts. Nucleosome mapping revealed a specific role for Chd1 remodelers in the positioning of nucleosomes in gene coding regions. Other mutations associated with enhanced cryptic transcription activity, such as set2Δ, alp13Δ and FACT complex subunit pob3Δ, did not, or only mildly, affect nucleosome positioning. These data indicate several mechanisms in the repression of cryptic promoter activity in eukaryotic cells.
Retracted Article: Mesoporous multiwalled carbon nanotubes as supports for monodispersed iron–boron catalysts: improved hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine decomposition
Authors: Tong Dong Ge , Chu Wei , Wu Ping , Gu Gui Fang , Zhang Li
Published: October 2012

Mesoporous multiwalled carbon nanotube supported monodispersed iron–boron catalysts greatly enhanced the hydrogen generation from hydrous hydrazine decomposition.