bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simulation of boreal summer intraseasonal oscillations in the latest CMIP5 coupled GCMs
Authors: Sabeerali C. T. , Ramu Dandi A. , Dhakate Ashish , Salunke Kiran , Mahapatra S. , Rao Suryachandra A.
Published: April 2013

The simulation of the boreal summer intraseasonal oscillation (BSISO) has been analyzed in the historical run of the 32 models, which participated in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase5 (CMIP5), and it is shown that the current state‐of‐the‐art general circulation models (GCMs) still have difficulties to properly simulate the BSISO. Compared to CMIP3 models, more CMIP5 models simulated the northward propagation of BSISO. The majority of the models could not simulate the spatial pattern of BSISO variance over the Asian summer monsoon (ASM) region and many of them failed to capture all the three peak centers of BSISO variance over the Indian summer monsoon region. Many of the models underestimated the BSISO variance over the equatorial Indian Ocean, and it is associated with the seasonal mean dry biases over this region. A reasonable representation of the intraseasonal sea surface temperature and its coupling to the convection over the equatorial Indian Ocean and an equatorial eastward propagation of convective anomalies beyond 100°E assure realistic simulation of BSISO over the ASM domain. We found that the models MIROC5, IPSL‐CM5A‐LR, GFDL‐CM3, CMCC‐CM, and MPI‐ESM‐LR are able to represent reasonable BSISO characteristics and can be used to unravel the modulation of BSISO characteristics due to various projected climate changes.
A super Asian dust storm over the East and South China Seas: Disproportionate dust deposition
Authors: Hsu Shih‐Chieh , Tsai Fujung , Lin Fei‐Jan , Chen Wei‐Nai , Shiah Fuh‐Kwo , Huang Jr‐Chuan , Chan Chuen‐Yu , Chen Chung‐Chi , Liu Tsun‐Hsien , Chen Hung‐Yu , Tseng Chun‐Mao , Hung Gwo‐Wei , Huang Chao‐Hao , Lin Shuen‐Hsin , Huang Yi‐Tang
Published: April 2013

A super Asian dust (SAD) storm that originated from North China has affected East Asia since 20 March 2010. The tempo‐spatial and size distributions of aerosol Al, a tracer of wind‐blown dust, were measured on a regional aerosol network in March 2010. Two dust events were recorded: the SAD and a relatively moderate AD event. The SAD clouds raised Al concentrations to ~50 µg/m3 on 21 and 22 March over the East China Sea (ECS) and occupied there for ~5 days. The SAD plume also stretched toward the South China Sea (SCS) on 21 March however, it caused a maximum Al concentration of ~8.5 µg/m3 only, much lower than that observed in the ECS. In comparison, a weaker dust plume on 16 March caused Al maximum of ~4 µg/m3 over the ECS, and comparably, ~3 µg/m3 in the SCS. Dry dust deposition was measured during the peak phase of the SAD at 178 mg/m2/d, which corresponded to dry deposition velocities of 0.2–0.6 cm/s only, much lower than the commonly adopted one (1–2 cm/s). The corresponding increase in dust deposition by the SAD was up to a factor of ~12, which was, however, considerably disproportionate to the increase in dust concentration (i.e., the factor of over 100). In certain cases, synoptic atmospheric conditions appear to be more important in regulating dust contribution to the SCS than the strength of AD storms.
Application of an adjoint neighborhood‐scale chemistry transport model to the attribution of primary formaldehyde at Lynchburg Ferry during TexAQS II
Authors: Olaguer Eduardo P.
Published: April 2013

During the 2006 Second Texas Air Quality Study (TexAQS II) field study, ambient mixing ratios of formaldehyde (HCHO) up to 52 ppbv were observed at Lynchburg Ferry in the Houston Ship Channel on the morning of 27 September 2006. These elevated mixing ratios coincided with a flare event during a sequential planned shutdown of a petrochemical facility ~8 km from the monitoring site. An adjoint version of the Houston Advanced Research Center (HARC) neighborhood air quality model was used to perform 4‐D variational inverse modeling of industrial emissions of HCHO and other ozone precursors based on Lynchburg Ferry observations. The simulation employed a horizontal domain size and grid resolution of 8 km × 8 km and 400 m, and was conducted for a 1.5 h period (8–9:30 A.M.) during which the highest HCHO concentrations were recorded. The event emissions of ethene and propene computed by the inverse model are consistent with the largest estimated emissions for the facility in question derived from the Solar Occultation Flux technique during TexAQS II. Moreover, the computed peak flare emissions of HCHO during the shutdown event were around 282 kg/h, which is less than but comparable in magnitude to the largest area‐wide total (primary plus secondary) formaldehyde flux from the Houston Ship Channel measured by Differential Optical Absorption Spectroscopy during TexAQS II. The estimated flare event emissions of primary formaldehyde are roughly 50 times larger than HCHO emissions from flares used in routine operations, as inferred from remote sensing and/or real‐time in situ measurements during the 2009 SHARP campaign.
Seasonal and diurnal variations of aerosol extinction profile and type distribution from CALIPSO 5‐year observations
Authors: Huang Lei , Jiang Jonathan H. , Tackett Jason L. , Su Hui , Fu Rong
Published: April 2013

The new Level 3 aerosol profile data derived from the Cloud‐Aerosol Lidar and Infrared Pathfinder Satellite Observations (CALIPSO) provide a multiyear global aerosol distribution with high vertical resolution. We analyzed seasonal and diurnal variations of the vertical distributions of aerosol properties represented by 5‐year CALIPSO data. Results show that dust, smoke, and polluted dust are the most frequently detected aerosol types during all seasons. Dust is the dominant type, especially in the middle to upper troposphere, over most areas during boreal spring and summer, while smoke and polluted dust tend to dominate during biomass burning seasons. The seasonal variations of dust layer top height and dust contribution to all‐aerosol extinction are positively correlated with the seasonal variation of the dust occurrence frequency. The seasonal cycle of aerosol properties over west Australia is similar to that over biomass burning regime areas, despite its desert regime. In general, smoke is detected more frequently from the lower to middle troposphere; clean marine and polluted continental aerosols are detected more frequently, while polluted dust is detected less frequently, in the lower troposphere during nighttime than daytime. The all‐aerosol extinction is generally larger, and the aerosol layer top is detected at high altitudes more frequently during nighttime than daytime. The diurnal changes of aerosol properties are similar within the same aerosol regime. Dust extinction shows little diurnal variation except when dust is the dominant aerosol type. The results contribute to an initial global 3‐D aerosol climatology which will likely be extended and improved in the future.
Quantifying sources of methane using light alkanes in the Los Angeles basin, California
Authors: Peischl J. , Ryerson T. B. , Brioude J. , Aikin K. C. , Andrews A. E. , Atlas E. , Blake D. , Daube B. C. , de Gouw J. A. , Dlugokencky E. , Frost G. J. , Gentner D. R. , Gilman J. B. , Goldstein A. H. , Harley R. A. , Holloway J. S. , Kofler J. , Kuster W. C. , Lang P. M. , Novelli P. C. , Santoni G. W. , Trainer M. , Wofsy S. C. , Parrish D. D.
Published: April 2013

Methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and C2–C5 alkanes were measured throughout the Los Angeles (L.A.) basin in May and June 2010. We use these data to show that the emission ratios of CH4/CO and CH4/CO2 in the L.A. basin are larger than expected from population‐apportioned bottom‐up state inventories, consistent with previously published work. We use experimentally determined CH4/CO and CH4/CO2 emission ratios in combination with annual State of California CO and CO2 inventories to derive a yearly emission rate of CH4 to the L.A. basin. We further use the airborne measurements to directly derive CH4 emission rates from dairy operations in Chino, and from the two largest landfills in the L.A. basin, and show these sources are accurately represented in the California Air Resources Board greenhouse gas inventory for CH4. We then use measurements of C2–C5 alkanes to quantify the relative contribution of other CH4 sources in the L.A. basin, with results differing from those of previous studies. The atmospheric data are consistent with the majority of CH4 emissions in the region coming from fugitive losses from natural gas in pipelines and urban distribution systems and/or geologic seeps, as well as landfills and dairies. The local oil and gas industry also provides a significant source of CH4 in the area. The addition of CH4 emissions from natural gas pipelines and urban distribution systems and/or geologic seeps and from the local oil and gas industry is sufficient to account for the differences between the top‐down and bottom‐up CH4 inventories identified in previously published work.
Atmospheric aerosol properties over the equatorial Indian Ocean and the impact of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation
Authors: Langley DeWitt H. , Coffman Derek J. , Schulz Kristen J. , Alan Brewer W. , Bates Timothy S. , Quinn Patricia K.
Published: April 2013

The chemical, physical, and optical properties of sub‐ and supermicrometer aerosols over the equatorial Indian Ocean were measured on board the R/V Revelle during the fall 2011 Dynamics of the Madden‐Julian Oscillation field campaign. During this time, both the retreating of the Asian monsoon and two Madden‐Julian Oscillation (MJO) events were observed. The R/V Revelle was on station (0.1°N and 80.5°E) to measure atmospheric and oceanic conditions between 4 October and 30 October 2011 (Leg 2) and 11 November and 4 December 2011 (Leg 3). Throughout the campaign, background marine atmospheric conditions were usually observed. As the Asian monsoon season retreated over the boreal fall and the general wind direction changed from southerly to northerly transporting, respectively, clean marine and polluted continental air masses, the average submicrometer aerosol mass nearly doubled from Leg 2 to Leg 3 and the aerosol appeared to be more influenced by continental sources. The effect of MJO‐associated convection anomalies on aerosols in the remote marine boundary layer (MBL) was measured during November when a complete MJO convection wave moved over the equatorial Indian Ocean and during October when a partial MJO event was observed. MJO‐associated convection strongly affected the local aerosol as increased vertical mixing introduced new particles into the MBL, rainout cleared the atmosphere of submicrometer aerosol particles, and high winds enhanced the concentration of sea salt aerosol particles in the local atmosphere. Four stages of MJO‐affected aerosol population changes in the remote Indian Ocean are defined.
Nitrogen availability of various biogas residues applied to ryegrass
Authors: Fouda Sara , von Tucher Sabine , Lichti Fabian , Schmidhalter Urs
Published: April 2013

Biogas plants in Germany are producing an increasing amount of biogas residues to be recycled via agricultural crop production. To test whether the wide range of various substrates used in the anaerobic digestion can affect the chemical composition and nutrient availability, seven biogas residues derived from different substrates were investigated with respect to their N supply to ryegrass. Both the short‐term and the long‐term N availability were studied in a 309‐d pot experiment lasting for five successive growth cycles each starting with a fertilizer application. The organic fertilizers were applied based on an equal amount of ammonium‐N (300 mg N per pot) and compared to mineral N from ammonium nitrate of equal dosage. Biogas residues varied greatly in their chemical composition (ammonium‐N 0.20% to 0.51%, Ntotal 0.36% to 0.75%, and Corg 1.85% to 4.75% in fresh matter). After the first growth cycle, the N availability of the biogas residues applied based on ammonium‐N was at least equal to that from ammonium nitrate. Differences in N offtake after one fertilizer application were negatively correlated to the Corg : Norg ratio of the organic fertilizers. After five successive fertilizer applications, the N utilization of most of the organic fertilizers was increased compared to that of the mineral fertilizer. It is concluded that biogas residues provide plant‐available N at least corresponding to their ammonium content and that the accumulation of organic N in soil through repeated application of biogas residues contributes to N release.
Impact of cattle slurry acidification on carbon and nitrogen dynamics during storage and after soil incorporation
Authors: Fangueiro David , Surgy Sonia , Coutinho João , Vasconcelos Ernesto
Published: April 2013

Acidification of animal slurry is recommended in order to reduce NH3 emissions, but relatively little is known about the effect of such treatment on C and N dynamics during acidification, storage, and after soil application. A laboratory study was performed, and the CO2 emissions from a high–dry matter slurry (HDM), a low–dry matter slurry (LDM), and the same respective acidified slurries (AHDM and ALDM) were followed during a storage period and after soil incorporation. The N‐mineralization and nitrification processes, as well as microbial‐biomass activity were also estimated in soil receiving both the acidified and nonacidified materials. We observed a strong CO2 emission during the acidification process, and acidification led to a small increase in CO2 emissions (≈ 11%) during storage of AHDM relative to HDM. No effect of LDM acidification on CO2 emissions during storage was observed. About 30% of C released during storage of AHDM was inorganic C, and for ALDM the C release was exclusively inorganic. Soil application of AHDM and ALDM led to a decrease in soil respiration, nitrification, and microbial‐biomass‐C values, relative to soil application of HDM and LDM, respectively. Furthermore, it was shown that this effect was more pronounced in ALDM‐ than AHDM‐treated soil. Considering both steps (storage and soil application), acidification led to a significant decrease of C losses and lower C losses were observed from LDM slurries than from HDM slurries.
Simulation and 137Cs tracer show tillage erosion translocating soil organic carbon, phosphorus, and potassium
Authors: Li Fucheng , Zhang Jianhui , Su Zhengan , Fan Hongzhu
Published: April 2013

Research on how tillage‐induced soil redistribution affects soil properties is limited for complex slopes in nonmechanized agricultural areas. The objectives of this study are (1) to examine the vertical redistribution of soil organic C (SOC), extractable P and K induced by tillage on a complex slope, (2) to assess the effects of tillage erosion on soil profile properties, and (3) to elucidate the variations in soil properties induced by both vertical mixture and downslope transport of soil within the landscape. Simulated tillage was conducted in the Yangtze Three Gorges Reservoir Area, China. The 137Cs data showed that intense tillage caused the soil vertical mixture and downslope transport. The redistribution of 137Cs and soil constituents varied with the number of tillage passes and location in relation to curvature. SOC was completely depleted with the disappearance of soil profiles at the summit position, while SOC concentrations decreased by 26% for the till layer and increased by 29% for the sublayer at the toeslope position for the 15‐tillage operation, as compared with those of pretillage. The vertical redistribution of extractable P and K followed a similar pattern to that of SOC. The gap and variation in soil constituents between the till layer and sublayer declined after tillage, suggesting that the mixing effect of tillage attenuates the variability of soil properties in the vertical direction. Net loss and gain of soil constituents occurred at the summit and toeslope positions, respectively, suggesting that the downslope transport of soil induced by tillage accentuates the variability of soil properties in the lateral direction.
Soil humic acid aggregation by dynamic light scattering and laser Doppler electrophoresis
Authors: Jovanović Uroš D. , Marković Mirjana M. , Cupać Svjetlana B. , Tomić Zorica P.
Published: April 2013

Humic acids (HAs), similar to other fractions of humic substances (HSs), have a large number of reactive functional groups enabling them to aggregate in solutions. Regardless of the origin of humic acid (aqueous or soil), this aggregation process is dependent on environmental conditions and strongly influences the mobility of soluble ionic and molecular pollutants. The aim of this work was to monitor the aggregation process of two humic acids isolated from different mineral soils (IHSS Elliot soil HA standard and Rendzic Leptosol HA) in the 2–11 pH range. Changes in aggregate size in HA sols were followed up using dynamic light scattering (DLS), while zeta potential (ZP) measurements in the same pH range were performed applying laser Doppler electrophoresis (LDE) technique. The effect of HA sol concentration and soil source on aggregation was examined as well. Besides, HA samples were characterized using Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectroscopy. By inspecting HA‐particle‐size dependence on pH, it can be concluded that both HAs in corresponding sols behave as molecular aggregates or supramolecular structures, formed from small individual moieties (sizes < 10 nm) at higher pH values. The ZP vs. pH curve for both HAs revealed the ZP minimum in the 5–7 pH range, caused most likely by dissociation of acidic functional groups prevailing at lower pH values and deaggregation predominating over dissociation at higher pH values.
New findings regarding the Saksunarvatn Ash in Germany
Authors: BRAMHAM‐LAW C. W. F. , THEUERKAUF M. , LANE C. S. , MANGERUD J.
Published: April 2013

The Saksunarvatn Ash is an important tephra layer for the correlation of Early Holocene environmental records in northern Europe, the North Atlantic and Greenland. The Saksunarvatn Ash is believed to have been produced by eruptions of the Grimsvötn volcanic system ∼10.3 ka BP, which had two axes of dispersal, one plume in a north‐west direction over northern Iceland and into Greenland, and a second southerly plume covering the Faroe Isles, Shetland Isles, western Norway and northern Germany. Here we present data from Potremser Moor, north‐east Germany, extending the easterly margin of the ash fallout zone. We also present single grain trace element data from the type site at Saksunarvatn as well as from Potremser Moor. The Saksunarvatn Ash is indistinguishable between Potremser Moor and Saksunarvatn, suggesting the two tephras were produced by the same eruption. Trace element compositions from both sites are similar to data from the North Atlantic marine core (LINK 14:185), but different from the GRIP ice core (GRIP 1528.61 m), indicating that the south‐east and north‐west plumes may have arisen from separate eruption events. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
New nutritional composition data on selected traditional foods consumed in Black Sea Area countries
Authors: Costa Helena S , Albuquerque Tânia G , Sanches‐Silva Ana , Vasilopoulou Effie , Trichopoulou Antonia , D'Antuono L Filippo , Alexieva Iordanka , Boyko Nadiya , Costea Carmen , Fedosova Katerina , Hayran Osman , Karpenko Dmitry , Kilasonia Zaza , Finglas Paul
Published: April 2013

BACKGROUND

Traditional foods are an important part of the culture, history, identity and heritage of a region or country and are key elements in dietary patterns. In most countries there is limited information on the nutritional composition of such foods and therefore there is a need to investigate, register and promote traditional foods. One of the aims within the ‘Sustainable exploitation of bioactive components from the Black Sea Area traditional foods’ (BaSeFood) project is to generate for the first time new data on the nutritional composition of traditional foods from six Black Sea Area countries to promote their sustainable development and exploitation.

RESULTS

Thirty‐three traditional foods were analysed in an accredited laboratory to determine their nutritional composition, and the data were fully documented. The nutrient content varied widely because of the nature and variety of the analysed foods. The energy content ranged between 4 kcal per 100 g for kvass southern and 900 kcal per 100 g for mustard oil, with the exception of the analysed teas, which did not contribute to energy intake.

CONCLUSION

The use of a common methodology for the study of traditional foods will enable countries to further investigate these foods. Moreover, a new nutritional knowledge base of traditional foods from Black Sea Area countries will contribute to promote local biodiversity and sustainable diets by maintaining healthy dietary patterns within local cultures.
Brand Love is in the Heart: Physiological Responding to Advertised Brands
Authors: Maxian Wendy , Bradley Samuel D. , Wise Wesley , Toulouse Elizabeth N.
Published: April 2013

Advertising executive Kevin Roberts proposed that premium profits lie in strong emotional connections with brands that engender “loyalty beyond reason.” This study uses psychophysiological measures to empirically investigate the basic premises asserted by Roberts (2005): consumers’ connections with brands are rooted in emotion, and that consumers connect with their own idiosyncratic set of brands. Data support this conceptualization of brand love. Individuals’ unique set of more‐loved brands elicited characteristically positive emotional responses. This was not the case for category preferences. The notion of brand love, which varies at an individual level, is compatible with the current trend toward targeted advertising.
Purchase Behavior and Psychophysiological Responses to Different Price Levels
Authors: Somervuori Outi , Ravaja Niklas
Published: April 2013

The aim of the study was to examine emotional processes when product prices for different brands were changed. In a within‐subjects design, the participants were presented purchase decision trials with 14 different products (seven private label and seven national brand products) whose price levels were changed while their facial electromyography (EMG) and electrodermal activity were recorded. The results suggest that low prices and national brand products induce higher positive emotions indexed with zygomatic EMG compared to high prices and private label products. Also, positive emotions are related to greater purchase intent. Naturally, a low price has also a direct positive influence on purchase intent. However, the involvement of emotions and the influence that price and brand have on elicitation of emotions may be one explanation for consumers’ varying purchase behavior. The results highlight the importance of emotional factors in pricing research and support the usefulness of psychophysiological measures in the consumer research.
How Culture of Targeting Impacts the Evaluation of Products with Multilingual Packaging
Authors: Gopinath Mahesh , Glassman Myron , Nyer Prashanth
Published: April 2013

This study investigates the influence of bi‐ and multilingual product packaging on product evaluation. Study 1 compared product evaluations of the same product in an English‐only (English), English‐Spanish (bilingual), and English‐Spanish‐French (trilingual) packaging. The bilingual product received the lowest evaluation. Adding French mitigated this effect as did attributing a relatively high price (vs. a low price) to the product. Study 2 investigated the drivers of the culture of targeting effect and found that whether one believes that Hispanics buy lower quality products was one of the drivers.
Task‐Relationship‐Self: A Framework for Understanding Service Encounter Behaviors
Authors: Bradley Graham L. , Sparks Beverley A. , Zapf Dieter , McColl‐Kennedy Janet R. , Jimmieson Nerina L.
Published: April 2013

Research conducted over past decades has investigated selected service encounter behaviors from either a customer or service provider perspective. However, a comprehensive, dual‐perspective framework is lacking. Such a framework is needed to organize knowledge of these behaviors, and thereby provide structure, clarity, and parsimony to the field. This paper describes a three‐tier framework of service encounter behavior that was developed by applying grounded theory principles to interviews with customers, service employees, and other stakeholders. These informants described many ways in which they behave when executing service exchanges, dealing with service difficulties, and managing themselves in the process. Using an iterative inductive approach, a conceptual framework was developed in which specific (Tier 1) behaviors were placed within broader (Tier 2) categories, and these lower classification levels were, in turn, interpreted within a conceptual space defined by the (Tier 3) dimensions of task, relationship, and self. This framework was then elaborated and refined by reference to the psychology and marketing literature, a set of 157 audio‐recorded service interactions, and an expert panel study. The paper includes comparisons between the framework and those previously proposed, propositions regarding service encounter processes and outcomes, and implications for future research and practice.
Very high cycle fatigue of VDSiCr spring steel under torsional and axial loading
Authors: Schuller R. , Mayer H. , Fayard A. , Hahn M. , Bacher‐Höchst M.
Published: April 2013

Very high cycle fatigue (VHCF) properties of VDSiCr spring steel are investigated with ultrasonic equipment under fully reversed cyclic torsion loading and under cyclic axial loading at load ratios R = –1, R = 0.1 and R = 0.5. Shot‐peened specimens with surface finish similar to valve springs in combustion engines are tested until limiting lifetimes of 1010 cycles. Under cyclic torsion loading, specimens either fail below 106 cycles with crack initiation at the surface or they do not fail. Under cyclic axial loading, failures above 109 cycles were found for all load ratios with crack initiation at the surface or at internal inclusions. Ratio of mean endurance limit (50% failure probability at 1010 cycles) under fully reversed cyclic torsion and cyclic tension‐compression loading is 0.86. Cyclic torsion loading slightly below the endurance limit leads to cyclic softening first followed by cyclic hardening whereas cyclic stability is found for tension‐compression loading. Cyclic torsion reduces surface compression stresses whereas they are hardly affected by cyclic tension‐compression loading. Mean endurance limit at 1010 cycles for R = 0.1 is 61% of the endurance stress amplitude at load ratio R = –1, and for R = 0.5 it is 44% of the tension‐compression endurance limit. Endurance limits for cyclic torsion and cyclic tension‐compression loading are comparable, if effective stress amplitude is used that considers cyclic normal stresses and residual compression stresses at the surface.
Finite‐Element analysis of a rolling contact model with anisotropic elastic material properties
Authors: Karin I. , Niehuesbernd J. , Bruder E. , Lipp K. , Hanselka H. , Müller C.
Published: April 2013

The elastic properties of a material are an important factor for the designing and dimensioning of structural and functional components with respect to the dimensional stability, the spring‐back behavior or the fatigue properties. The present work is focused on the impact of the elastic anisotropy on a rolling contact loading of a severely deformed ferritic steel. Linear profiles produced by the newly developed forming process called linear flow splitting are considered to be well suitable as linear guides, due to their reduced surface roughness and highly increased surface hardness. Orientation data obtained by EBSD measurements are used for the calculation of the elastic tensors of the severely deformed parts applying the geometric mean in addition to the classical Voigt and Reuss approaches. The produced profiles exhibit a strong elastic anisotropy in the plane parallel to the desired rolling contact surface showing a strong gradient in forming rate. The evaluation of the stresses in the rolling contact area of the formed microstructure is estimated by the implementation of the determined compliance tensors into a finite element rolling‐contact model. In comparison to results with a homogeneous and isotropic material model the results are analyzed with respect to the rolling contact loading based on the von Mises failure criterion.
Bioavailability of epicatechin and effects on nitric oxide metabolites of an apple flavanol‐rich extract supplemented beverage compared to a whole apple puree: a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial
Authors: Hollands Wendy J. , Hart David J. , Dainty Jack R. , Hasselwander Oliver , Tiihonen Kirsti , Wood Richard , Kroon Paul A.
Published: April 2013

Scope

Flavanol‐rich foods are known to exert beneficial effects on cardiovascular health. The biological effects depend on bioavailability of flavanols which may be influenced by food matrix and dose ingested. We compared the bioavailability and dose‐response of epicatechin from whole apple and an epicatechin‐rich extract, and the effects on plasma and urinary nitric oxide (NO) metabolites.

Methods and results

In a randomized, placebo‐controlled, crossover trial, subjects consumed drinks containing 70 and 140 mg epicatechin from an apple extract and an apple puree containing 70 mg epicatechin. Blood and urine samples were collected for 24 h post ingestion. Maximum plasma concentration, AUC(0–24 h), absorption and urinary excretion were all significantly higher after ingestion of both epicatechin drinks compared with apple puree (p < 0.05). Time to maximum plasma concentration was significantly later for the puree compared with the drinks (p < 0.01). Epicatechin bioavailability was >2‐fold higher after ingestion of the 140 mg epicatechin drink compared to the 70 mg epicatechin drink (p < 0.05). Excretion of NO metabolites was higher for all test products compared with placebo, which was significant for the high dose drink (p = 0.016).

Conclusions

Oral bioavailability of apple epicatechin increases at higher doses, is reduced by whole apple matrix and has the potential to increase NO bioavailability.
Effect of fermented soybean product (Cheonggukjang) intake on metabolic parameters in mice fed a high‐fat diet
Authors: Kim Jiyoung , Choi Jung Nam , Choi Joo Hee , Cha Youn Soo , Muthaiya Maria John , Lee Choong Hwan
Published: April 2013

As a nontargeted metabolomics approach, we investigated changes in the plasma metabolite levels in a mouse model of obesity induced by a high‐fat diet and fermented soybean product diet. We analyzed the plasma samples by using ultra‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q‐TOF‐MS). In the present study, the animals were divided into four groups according to the diet type; normal fat diet control group (ND), high‐fat diet control group (HD), high‐fat diet plus 30% cooked soybean power (HD + S), and high‐fat diet plus 30% 72‐h fermented Cheonggukjang powder (HD + CGJ). To examine the changes in plasma metabolite levels because of high‐fat diet feeding, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were measured. Total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were lower in the HD + S and HD + CGJ groups than in the ND group. According to partial least‐squares discriminant analysis (PLS‐DA), major metabolites contributing to the discrimination between each group were assigned as lipid metabolites in plasma, e.g., lyso‐phosphatidylcholines and phosphatidylcholines. Therefore, diets containing soy‐based food products, which are rich sources of isoflavonoids, might be helpful for controlling the lipid metabolism under high‐fat diet conditions.
Bora regulates meiotic spindle assembly and cell cycle during mouse oocyte meiosis
Authors: Zhai Rui , Yuan Yi‐Feng , Zhao Yi , Liu Xiao‐Ming , Zhen Yan‐Hong , Yang Fei‐Fei , Wang Li , Huang Cheng‐Zhu , Cao Jing , Huo Li‐Jun
Published: April 2013

Bora is the binding partner of Aurora A, which is required for its activation and phosphorylation of Polo like kinase 1 (Plk1), and is involved in the spindle assembly and progress of the cell cycle during mitosis. In this study, we examined the expression, localization, and function of Bora during mouse oocyte meiosis. The expression level of Bora was increased during oocyte meiotic maturation, with an elevated level at metaphase. Immunofluorescence analysis showed that Bora was concentrated as a dot shortly after germinal vesicle breakdown (GVBD), associating first with the surrounding chromosomes and then with the spindle throughout oocyte meiotic maturation. Further experiments confirmed that Bora co‐localized with α‐tubulin at prometaphase/metaphase, but dissociated from α‐tubulin at anaphase/telophase. In metaphase‐II‐arrested oocytes, Bora was evenly distributed in the cytoplasm after treatment with a microtubule‐depolymerizing agent, or recruited to the spindle after treatment with a microtubule‐polymerizing agent, indicating that Bora was physically connected to the meiotic spindle and α‐tubulin at metaphase. Furthermore, inhibition or depletion of Bora by either anti‐Bora antibody or Bora siRNA microinjection significantly reduced the rates of GVBD and inhibited first polar body extrusion; caused morphologically defective spindles and misaligned chromosomes; arrested maturing oocytes at prometaphase/metaphase‐I stage, or left oocytes and their first polar bodies with severely misaligned chromosomes and defective spindles; and/or caused the disappearance of Aurora A and Plk1 at the spindle. These results indicated that Bora acts as a critical regulator of Aurora A and Plk1, and is involved in microtubule organization during oocyte meiosis. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 80: 474–487, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effective transfer properties of partially saturated geomaterials with interfaces using the immersed interface method
Authors: Do Duc Phi , Hoxha Dashnor
Published: April 2013

The present work aims at introducing an efficient numerical approach based on the immersed interface method to estimate the effective thermal conductivity and permeability of geomaterials as porous media with either perfect or debonded interfaces. The first part deals with the problem of the overall thermal properties of a medium containing perfectly bonded inclusions. The evolution of the homogenized properties with respect to the properties of individual constituents, the volume fraction, the spatial distribution, and the shape of inclusions is highlighted. The second part of the paper is devoted to the case of imperfectly bonded inclusions. An extension of the immersed interface method in this context makes it possible to study other aspects that have an influence on the effective properties such as the interfacial resistance and the size of inclusions. The application of the proposed numerical tool to some porous rocks in partially saturated condition shows good agreement with the available experimental results and demonstrates the performance and the flexibility of the developed procedure.Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Fenced In: Intimacy and Mobility in Highlands Papua New Guinea
Authors: Maclean Neil
Published: April 2013

This paper is organised around the analysis of an ‘event’; a truck trip from Kwima, a Maring speaking settlement in the Western Highlands of Papua New Guinea, to Banz in the Wahgi Valley and an evening spent on the road. The event forms a standpoint from which to assess the impact of the decline of civic space, and faltering legacy of colonial governmentality, in the Jimi since 1980. I describe the emergence of new forms of mobility based around the nexus between local forms of business and trucks. In particular I focus on new and anxious forms of masculine inside relationships, understood as a transformation of a habitus of intimacy, round which such mobility is built. I argue that this transformation should be understood in terms of the dialectical relationship between business as an expansive profit oriented project on the one hand, and its anchoring in clan defined space on the other. At the same time the event provides a vantage point to reflect on the nature of long‐term fieldwork, the methodological significance of the subjectivity of the ethnographer, and the nature of ethnographic error.
Black hole quantum mechanics in the presence of species
Authors: Dvali G. , Gomez C. , Lüst D.
Published: April 2013

Recently within the context of a microscopic quantum theory, the Black Hole's Quantum N‐Portrait, it was shown that continuous global symmetries are compatible with quantum black hole physics. In the present paper we revise within the same framework the semi‐classical black hole bound on the number of particle species Nspecies. We show that unlike the bound on global charge, the bound on species survives in the quantum picture and gives rise to a new fundamental length‐scale, Lspecies = √(Nspecies) LP, beyond which the resolution of species identities is impossible. This finding nullifies the so‐called species problem. This scale sets the size of the lightest quantum black hole in the theory, Planckion. A crucial difference between the gravitational and non‐gravitational species emerges. For gravitational species, the lightest black holes are exactly at the scale of perturbative unitarity violation, which is a strong indication for self‐UV‐completion of gravity. However, non‐gravitational species create a gap between the perturbative unitarity scale and the lightest black holes, which must be filled by some unitarity‐restoring physics. Thus, self‐UV‐completion of gravity implies that the number of non‐gravitational species must not exceed the gravitational ones.
Ranking multiple docking solutions based on the conservation of inter‐residue contacts
Authors: Oliva Romina , Vangone Anna , Cavallo Luigi
Published: April 2013

Molecular docking is the method of choice for investigating the molecular basis of recognition in a large number of functional protein complexes. However, correctly scoring the obtained docking solutions (decoys) to rank native‐like (NL) conformations in the top positions is still an open problem. Herein we present CONSRANK, a simple and effective tool to rank multiple docking solutions, which relies on the conservation of inter‐residue contacts in the analyzed decoys ensemble. First it calculates a conservation rate for each inter‐residue contact, then it ranks decoys according to their ability to match the more frequently observed contacts. We applied CONSRANK to 102 targets from three different benchmarks, RosettaDock, DOCKGROUND, and Critical Assessment of PRedicted Interactions (CAPRI). The method performs consistently well, both in terms of NL solutions ranked in the top positions and of values of the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. Its ideal application is to solutions coming from different docking programs and procedures, as in the case of CAPRI targets. For all the analyzed CAPRI targets where a comparison is feasible, CONSRANK outperforms the CAPRI scorers. The fraction of NL solutions in the top ten positions in the RosettaDock, DOCKGROUND, and CAPRI benchmarks is enriched on average by a factor of 3.0, 1.9, and 9.9, respectively. Interestingly, CONSRANK is also able to specifically single out the high/medium quality (HMQ) solutions from the docking decoys ensemble: it ranks 46.2 and 70.8% of the total HMQ solutions available for the RosettaDock and CAPRI targets, respectively, within the top 20 positions. Proteins 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Hypopigmentary Effects of Ethyl P‐Methoxycinnamate Isolated from Kaempferia galanga
Authors: Ko Hyun‐Ju , Kim Hae Jong , Kim Su Yeon , Yun Hye‐Young , Baek Kwang Jin , Kwon Nyoun Soo , Wan Kyun Whang  , Choi Hye‐Ryung , Park Kyoung‐Chan , Kim Dong‐Seok
Published: April 2013

We isolated crystals from the chloroform fraction of an ethanol extract of Kaempferia galanga and identified it as ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate through nuclear magnetic resonance analysis. In the present study, we found that ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate significantly decreased melanin synthesis in B16F10 murine melanoma cells stimulated with α‐melanocyte stimulating hormone (α‐MSH). In a cell‐free system, however, ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate did not directly inhibit tyrosinase, the rate‐limiting enzyme of melanogenesis. Instead, it inhibited tyrosinase activity in B16F10 cells in a dose‐dependent manner. Furthermore, Western blot analysis showed that ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate decreased microphthalmia‐associated transcription factor and tyrosinase levels in α‐MSH‐stimulated B16F10 cells. These results indicate that the pigment‐inhibitory effect of ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate results from downregulation of tyrosinase. Ethyl p‐methoxycinnamate isolated from K. galanga could be developed as a skin whitening agent to treat hyperpigmentary disorders. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Momordica charantia Ameliorates Insulin Resistance and Dyslipidemia with Altered Hepatic Glucose Production and Fatty Acid Synthesis and AMPK Phosphorylation in High‐fat‐fed Mice
Authors: Shih Chun‐Ching , Shlau Min‐Tzong , Lin Cheng‐Hsiu , Wu Jin‐Bin
Published: April 2013

Momordica charantia Linn. (Cucurbitaceae) fruit is commonly known as bitter melon. C57BL/6J mice were firstly divided randomly into two groups: the control (CON) group was fed with a low‐fat diet, whereas the experimental group was fed a 45% high‐fat (HF) diet for 8 weeks. Afterwards, the CON group was treated with vehicle, whereas the HF group was subdivided into five groups and still on HF diet and was given orally M. charantia extract (MCE) or rosiglitazone (Rosi) or not for 4 weeks. M. charantia decreased the weights of visceral fat and caused glucose lowering. AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a major cellular regulator of lipid and glucose metabolism. MCE significantly increases the hepatic protein contents of AMPK phosphorylation by 126.2–297.3% and reduces expression of phosphenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) and glucose production. Most importantly, MCE decreased expression of hepatic 11beta hydroxysteroid dehydroxygenase (11beta‐HSD1) gene, which contributed in attenuating diabetic state. Furthermore, MCE lowered serum triglycerides (TGs) by inhibition of hepatic fatty acid synthesis by dampening sterol response element binding protein 1c and fatty acid synthase mRNA leading to reduction in TGs synthesis. This study demonstrates M. charantia ameliorates diabetic and hyperlipidemic state in HF‐fed mice occurred by regulation of hepatic PEPCK, 11beta‐HSD1 and AMPK phosphorylation. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evaluation of robotically controlled advanced endoscopic instruments
Authors: Reilink Rob , Kappers Astrid M. L. , Stramigioli Stefano , Misra Sarthak
Published: April 2013

Background

Advanced flexible endoscopes and instruments with multiple degrees of freedom enable physicians to perform challenging procedures such as the removal of large sections of mucosal tissue. However, these advanced endoscopes are difficult to control and require several physicians to cooperate.

Methods

In this article, we present a robotic system that allows the physician to control an instrument in an intuitive way, using a haptic device. Performance with the robotic and conventional control methods were compared in a human subjects experiment. Subjects used both methods to tap a series of targets. They performed four trials while looking at the endoscopic monitor, and two trials while looking at the instrument directly.

Results

Subjects were significantly faster using the robotic method, 54 s vs 164 s. Their performance in the second trial was significantly improved with respect to the first trial.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that the robotic control method can be implemented to improve the performance of physicians using advanced flexible endoscopes. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
State‐space size considerations for disease‐progression models
Authors: Regnier Eva D. , Shechter Steven M.
Published: April 2013

Markov models of disease progression are widely used to model transitions in patients' health state over time. Usually, patients' health status may be classified according to a set of ordered health states. Modelers lump together similar health states into a finite and usually small, number of health states that form the basis of a Markov chain disease‐progression model. This increases the number of observations used to estimate each parameter in the transition probability matrix. However, lumping together observably distinct health states also obscures distinctions among them and may reduce the predictive power of the model. Moreover, as we demonstrate, precision in estimating the model parameters does not necessarily improve as the number of states in the model declines. This paper explores the tradeoff between lumping error introduced by grouping distinct health states and sampling error that arises when there are insufficient patient data to precisely estimate the transition probability matrix. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An extended probabilistic model building genetic network programming using both of good and bad individuals
Authors: Li Xianneng , Mabu Shingo , Hirasawa Kotaro
Published: April 2013

Classical estimation of distribution algorithms (EDAs) generally use truncation selection to estimate the distribution of the good individuals while ignoring the bad ones. However, various researches in evolutionary algorithms (EAs) have reported that the bad individuals may affect and help solving the problem. This paper proposes a new method to use the bad individuals by studying the substructures rather than the entire individual structures to solve reinforcement learning (RL) problems, which generally factorize their entire solutions to the sequences of state–action pairs. This work was studied in a recent graph‐based EDA named probabilistic model building genetic network programming (PMBGNP), which could solve RL problems successfully, to propose an extended PMBGNP. The effectiveness of this work is verified in an RL problem, namely robot control. Compared to other related work, results show that the proposed method can significantly speed up the evolution efficiency. © 2013 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses in the Republic of Korea
Authors: Yuk Jin‐Sung , Kim Yong‐Jin , Hur Jun‐Young , Shin Jung‐Ho
Published: April 2013

Objective

To estimate the incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses in the Republic of Korea during 2009.

Methods

A national patient sample (n = 599 186) was obtained from Korean Health Insurance Review and Assessment Service data and analyzed to estimate the incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses among Korean women in 2009.

Results

There were 587 Bartholin duct cysts and 757 Bartholin duct abscesses during 2009. The total incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses was 0.55 per 1000 person‐years and 0.95 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. In women aged 35–50 years, the incidence was 1.21 per 1000 person‐years and 1.87 per 1000 person‐years, respectively. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, the incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses was associated with age (P < 0.01), but not with season or socioeconomic status, among women aged 15–50 years. The main operation performed was marsupialization (45.2%) for Bartholin duct cysts and incision (71.5%) for Bartholin duct abscesses.

Conclusion

The incidence of Bartholin duct cysts and abscesses increased with age until menopause, decreasing thereafter.