bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Absolute phase determination for low‐frequency ultra‐wideband synthetic aperture radar interferometry
Authors: Xu Junyi , An Daoxiang , Huang Xiaotao , Wang Guangxue
Published: September 2015

Absolute phase determination plays a key role in the synthetic aperture radar interferometry (InSAR). In this study, the authors focus on the low‐frequency ultra‐wideband (UWB) InSAR with large fractional bandwidth. They refer to the reference phase derived from the registration offsets as the registration phase (RP), and the subtraction of RP from the interferometric phase as the misregistration phase (MRP). Theoretical analysis shows that the MRP is inversely proportional to the fractional bandwidth of the synthetic aperture radar system and proportional to the misregistration. Therefore, for the UWB InSAR data, the MRP image is unambiguous in most of the area with high coherence, and phase unwrapping (PU) is even unnecessary for the MRP image when the fractional bandwidth is very large. Even though PU is required for the MRP image, it can be unwrapped efficiently by the classic minimum discontinuity PU algorithm since there are only a few discontinuities in it. Moreover, the residual ambiguity of the unwrapped MRP image can be estimated from the distribution of the unwrapped MRP. The proposed method is based on the above idea, and determines the absolute interferometric phase by adding RP and the obtained absolute MRP. The experimental results of the P‐band UWB InSAR data with fractional bandwidth of 0.25 demonstrate that the method is effective and more efficient than the traditional method.
Flow of methane in shale nanopores at low and high pressure by molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Jin Zhehui , Firoozabadi Abbas
Published: September 2015

Flow in shale nanopores may be vastly different from that in the conventional permeable media. In large pores and fractures, flow is governed by viscosity and pressure-driven. Convection describes the process. Pores in some shale media are in nanometer range. At this scale, continuum flow mechanism may not apply. Knudsen diffusion and hydrodynamic expressions such as the Hagen-Poiseuille equation and their modifications have been used to compute flow in nanopores. Both approaches may have drawbacks and can significantly underestimate molecular flux in nanopores. In this work, we use the dual control volume-grand canonical molecular dynamics simulations to investigate methane flow in carbon nanopores at low and high pressure conditions. Our simulations reveal that methane flow in a slit pore width of 1–4 nm can be more than one order of magnitude greater than that from Knudsen diffusion at low pressure and the Hagen-Poiseuille equation at high pressure. Knudsen diffusion and Hagen-Poiseuille equations do not account for surface adsorption and mobility of the adsorbed molecules, and inhomogeneous fluid density distributions. Mobility of molecules in the adsorbed layers significantly increases molecular flux. Molecular velocity profiles in nanopores deviate significantly from the Navier-Stokes hydrodynamic predictions. Our molecular simulation results are in agreement with the enhanced flow measurements in carbon nanotubes.
Communication: The H2@C60 inelastic neutron scattering selection rule: Expanded and explained
Authors: Poirier Bill
Published: September 2015

Recently [M. Xu et al., J. Chem. Phys. 139, 064309 (2013)], an unexpected selection rule was discovered for the title system, contradicting the previously held belief that inelastic neutron scattering (INS) is not subject to any selection rules. Moreover, the newly predicted forbidden transitions, which emerge only in the context of coupled H2 translation-rotation (TR) dynamics, have been confirmed experimentally. However, a simple physical understanding, e.g., based on group theory, has been heretofore lacking. This is provided in the present paper, in which we (1) derive the correct symmetry group for the H2@C60 TR Hamiltonian and eigenstates; (2) complete the INS selection rule, and show that the set of forbidden transitions is actually much larger than previously believed; and (3) evaluate previous theoretical and experimental results, in light of the new findings.
Ultraviolet-enhanced photodetection in a graphene/SiO2/Si capacitor structure with a vacuum channel
Authors: Kim Myungji , Kim Hong Koo
Published: September 2015

We report photodetection properties of a graphene/oxide/silicon capacitor structure with a nanoscale vacuum channel. The photogenerated two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) inversion charges at SiO2/Si interface are extracted out to air and transported along the void channel at low bias voltage (<5 V). A monolayer graphene, placed on top of SiO2 and suspended on the void channel, is utilized as a photon-transparent counter-electrode to the 2DEG layer and a collector electrode for the out-of-plane transported electrons, respectively. The photocurrent extracted through a void channel reveals high responsivity (1.0 A/W at 633 nm) as measured in a broad spectral range (325–1064 nm), especially demonstrating a UV-enhanced performance (0.43 A/W responsivity and 384% internal quantum efficiency at 325 nm). The mechanisms underlying photocarrier generation, emission, and transport in a suspended-graphene/SiO2/Si structure are proposed.
Semiotic work
Authors: Kress Gunther
Published: September 2015

This article imagines a tussle between Multimodality, focused on ‘modes’, and Applied Linguistics (AL), based on ‘language’. A Social Semiotic approach to MM treatsspeechandwritingas modes with distinct affordances, and, as all modes, treats them as ‘partial’ means of communication. The implications ofpartialityconfound long-held assumptions of the sufficiency of ‘language’ for all communicational needs: an assumption shared by AL. Given MM’s plurality of modes and the diversity of audiences,designmoves into focus, with a shift from competent performance toapt design. Principles of composition — e.g.linearityversusmodularity— become crucial, raising the question at the heart of this paper: how do AL and MM deal with the shape of the contemporary semiotic landscape?
Style-shifting and intra-speaker variation in the vowel production of nonnative speakers of New Zealand English
Authors: Gnevsheva Ksenia
Published: September 2015

When compared to native-speaker language ‘targets’, second language (L2) speakers are known to exhibit within-speaker variation in their L2 language performance according to the identity of their interlocutor (Beebe & Zuengler, 1983), the topic that is being discussed (Dolgova Jacobsen, 2008), or both (Rampton, 2011). However, previous studies have rarely applied the same methodology to different first language (L1) groups and have rarely used data from a range of speakers, so they have been unable to explore differences between speaker groups. This paper examines situational style-shifting in L2 speakers of New Zealand English in two groups of speakers, one with Korean as their L1 and the other with German as their L1. Participants were recorded in three different settings: discussing family, discussing work, and in an authentic service encounter. Male and female speakers showed similar patterns, and all were found to exhibit stylistic variation in their production of English vowels such that tokens were most nativelike in service encounters, followed by discussion of work and then family. This pattern was more robust for the Korean L1 speakers than for the German L1 speakers, which is explained by different social and linguistic histories of the two groups in New Zealand. This paper adds to our current understanding of sociolinguistic variation in L2 speakers by applying audience design (Bell, 1984) and identity construction (Eckert, 2000) accounts to L2 speakers’ production of vowels.
Do Catalans have ‘the right to decide’? Secession, legitimacy and democracy in twenty-first century Europe
Authors: Crameri Kathryn
Published: September 2015

Secession is normally viewed as legitimate only as a last resort for oppressed peoples, but contemporary independence movements in Europe are working hard to shift perceptions of the legitimacy of secession as a democratic phenomenon. In this context, the recent growth of the independence movement in Catalonia has given rise to a direct confrontation between two opposing conceptions of the legitimacy of secession in democratic nation-states. On one hand, pro-referendum Catalans claim that a vote on the matter would be entirely consistent with the basic principles of democracy. On the other, the Spanish government rests its denial of a referendum on the legal authority of the Spanish Constitution, which states that Spain must remain united. This article traces the two competing discourses of democratic and legal legitimacy (what we might call the ‘right to decide’ vs. the ‘duty to abide’) through an examination of the rhetoric of key political actors. It concludes that the Catalan government's attempt to prove that Catalonia could constitute a politically legitimate independent state, and should therefore be allowed to ask its residents whether they wish it to do so, is particularly significant as a challenge to generally accepted ‘remedial right’ theories of secession.
Breaking cover: neural responses to slow and fast camouflage-breaking motion
Authors: Yin Jiapeng , Gong Hongliang , An Xu , Chen Zheyuan , Lu Yiliang , Andolina Ian M. , McLoughlin Niall , Wang Wei
Published: September 2015

Primates need to detect and recognize camouflaged animals in natural environments. Camouflage-breaking movements are often the only visual cue available to accomplish this. Specifically, sudden movements are often detected before full recognition of the camouflaged animal is made, suggesting that initial processing of motion precedes the recognition of motion-defined contours or shapes. What are the neuronal mechanisms underlying this initial processing of camouflaged motion in the primate visual brain? We investigated this question using intrinsic-signal optical imaging of macaque V1, V2 and V4, along with computer simulations of the neural population responses. We found that camouflaged motion at low speed was processed as a direction signal by both direction- and orientation-selective neurons, whereas at high-speed camouflaged motion was encoded as a motion-streak signal primarily by orientation-selective neurons. No population responses were found to be invariant to the camouflage contours. These results suggest that the initial processing of camouflaged motion at low and high speeds is encoded as direction and motion-streak signals in primate early visual cortices. These processes are consistent with a spatio-temporal filter mechanism that provides for fast processing of motion signals, prior to full recognition of camouflage-breaking animals.
Making pore choices: repeated regime shifts in stomatal ratio
Authors: Muir Christopher D.
Published: September 2015

Ecologically important traits do not evolve without limits. Instead, evolution is constrained by the set of available and viable phenotypes. In particular, natural selection may only favour a narrow range of adaptive optima constrained within selective regimes. Here, I integrate data with theory to test whether selection explains phenotypic constraint. A global database of 599 plant species from 94 families shows that stomatal ratio, a trait affecting photosynthesis and defence against pathogens, is highly constrained. Most plants have their stomata on the lower leaf surface (hypostomy), but species with half their stomata on each surface (amphistomy) form a distinct mode in the trait distribution. A model based on a trade-off between maximizing photosynthesis and a fitness cost of upper stomata predicts a limited number of adaptive solutions, leading to a multimodal trait distribution. Phylogenetic comparisons show that amphistomy is the most common among fast-growing species, supporting the view that CO
2
diffusion is under strong selection. These results indicate that selective optima stay within a relatively stable set of selective regimes over macroevolutionary time.
Distribution and abundance of the West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) in the Panama Canal
Authors: Muschett Giselle , Vianna Juliana A.
Published: September 2015

The West Indian manatee (Trichechus manatus) is threatened throughout its distribution, and is categorized as vulnerable by IUCN (Lefebvre 2001, IUCN 2007). The number of mature individuals is currently estimated at less than 10,000 and is expected to decline at a rate of at least 10% over the next 20 years as a result of both habitat loss and anthropogenic factors (Deutschet al. 2008). While the West Indian manatee is the most widespread of all existing sirenians, some populations are estimated at fewer than 10 individuals (Deutschet al. 2008, Quintana-Rizzo and Reynolds 2010). In addition, in most Central American countries reliable information on manatee distribution and conservation status is missing and there is need to assess these remnant populations to guide future management strategies.
‘Arriving At’ Urban Policies: The Topological Spaces of Urban Policy Mobility
Authors: Robinson Jennifer
Published: September 2015

Spatial vocabularies are stretched to their limits by the complexities of policy mobilities. Using the example of city‐wide strategic policymaking in Johannesburg, this essay argues for an enrichment of our vocabularies for appreciating how wider circuits of urban policy shape localized policy outcomes. Rather than tracing policies until they arrive somewhere, a more nuanced spatiality of policy mobility emerges when considering how policies are 'arrived at'. Thus policy influences can, for example, be ephemeral and recursive, international but already present in localities, have many simultaneous origins, and be folded into a relatively amorphous but specific policy blend. Drawing on John Allen's account of topological space, the essay indicates how both a more subtle spatiality and a more open politics of policy formation would emerge from turning the analysis of policy mobilities on its head in this way.
Europe in world regional perspective: formations of modernity and major historical transformations
Authors: Delanty Gerard
Published: September 2015

The paper seeks to present a world regional approach to the analysis of modernity and in doing so it also aims to make a contribution to comparative sociology and social theory. It is argued that world regions are the most suitable entry‐point for comparing different socio‐political constellations of our time, preferable to continents, civilizations and nation‐states. However, a world regional foundation on its own is insufficient, due to the internal plurality and historically changing forms of world regions, and therefore needs to be accompanied by a concept that provides some degree of coherence within world regions and a tool for comparison with other world regions. The notion of modernity offers this level of generality while at the same time allowing for variety in its historical forms. Six main formations of modernity are identified, of which the European model was the first one and often a cultural reference for many other parts of the world. The thesis is that in the present day the most important developments are in the Asian and Latin American varieties, which unlike Europe are witnessing major historical transformation. Decisive in all of this is the question of democratization in the shaping of social imaginaries. Beginning with the problem of how to define the specificity of Europe, the paper provides an exploratory analysis of some of the salient considerations around a number of world regions, their formations of modernity, and the extent of major historical transformations in their present constitution.
Comparing the Health Care Experiences of Medicare Beneficiaries with and without Depressive Symptoms in Medicare Managed Care versus Fee‐for‐Service
Authors: Martino Steven C. , Elliott Marc N. , Haviland Amelia M. , Saliba Debra , Burkhart Q. , Kanouse David E.
Published: September 2015

Objective

To compare patient experiences and disparities for older adults with depressive symptoms in managed care (Medicare Advantage [MA]) versus Medicare Fee‐for‐Service (FFS).

Data Sources

Data came from the 2010 Medicare CAHPS survey, to which 220,040 MA and 135,874 FFS enrollees aged 65 and older responded.

Study Design

Multivariate linear regression was used to test whether case‐mix‐adjusted associations between depressive symptoms and patient experience differed for beneficiaries in MA versus FFS. Dependent measures included four measures of beneficiaries' experiences with doctors (e.g., reports of doctor communication) and seven measures of beneficiaries' experiences with plans (e.g., customer service).

Principal Findings

Beneficiaries with depressive symptoms reported worse experiences than those without depressive symptoms regardless of coverage type. For measures assessing interactions with the plan (but not for measures assessing interactions with doctors), the disadvantage for beneficiaries with versus without depressive symptoms was larger in MA than in FFS.

Conclusions

Disparities in care experienced by older Medicare beneficiaries with depressive symptoms tend to be more negative in managed care than in FFS. Efforts are needed to identify and address the barriers these beneficiaries encounter to help them better traverse the managed care environment.
Is Timing Everything? Race, Homeownership and Net Worth in the Tumultuous 2000s
Authors: Newman Sandra J. , Holupka C. Scott
Published: September 2015

We use the Panel Study of Income Dynamics to estimate how net worth was affected among low‐ and moderate‐income households who became first‐time homebuyers at different points during the volatile 2000s. We address selection using propensity score matching and estimating difference‐in‐difference models, and use quantile regressions to account for the skew in net worth outcomes. Results highlight the significance of race in the relationship between first‐time home buying and net worth during the decade. Although timing was critical to the short‐term trajectory of net worth for whites, total net worth declines for black first‐time homebuyers regardless of economic climate. The most dramatic differences between black and white new homebuyers is their neighborhood locations, with blacks purchasing in predominantly black neighborhoods with lower housing prices and price appreciation, and lower and declining rates of homeownership.
SNPs in candidate genes MX dynamin‐like GTPase and chemokine (C‐C motif) receptor‐5 are associated with ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma progression in Latxa sheep
Authors: Larruskain A. , Esparza‐Baquer A. , Minguijón E. , Juste R. A. , Jugo B. M.
Published: September 2015

Ovine pulmonary adenocarcinoma (OPA) is a contagious lung cancer in sheep caused by Jaagsiekte sheep retrovirus (JSRV). OPA is present in many sheep‐rearing countries causing economic and welfare issues, as currently no efficient vaccines or treatments are available. Breed differences suggest a host genetic component may influence the pathogenesis of OPA, but so far few genes have been identified. In this work, a genetic association study was carried out in Latxa dairy sheep which were classified as cases/controls based on the presence/absence of OPA lung tumours. Candidate genes included cytokines and a receptor and innate immunity genes. After SNPs in the candidate genes were identified, the distribution of alleles in cases and controls was compared by means of logistic regression analyses at the allelic, genotypic and haplotypic levels. The association analysis showed that several candidate genes were significantly associated with resistance or susceptibility to OPA; two of the candidates, CCR5 and MX1, remained significantly associated with resistance and susceptibility respectively, even after Bonferroni correction.
Optimal design of compact and connected nature reserves for multiple species
Authors: Wang Yicheng , Önal Hayri
Published: September 2015

When designing a conservation reserve system for multiple species, spatial attributes of the reserves must be taken into account at species level. The existing optimal reserve design literature considers either one spatial attribute or when multiple attributes are considered the analysis is restricted only to one species. We built a linear integer programing model that incorporates compactness and connectivity of the landscape reserved for multiple species. The model identifies multiple reserves that each serve a subset of target species with a specified coverage probability threshold to ensure the species' long‐term survival in the reserve, and each target species is covered (protected) with another probability threshold at the reserve system level. We modeled compactness by minimizing the total distance between selected sites and central sites, and we modeled connectivity of a selected site to its designated central site by selecting at least one of its adjacent sites that has a nearer distance to the central site. We considered structural distance and functional distances that incorporated site quality between sites. We tested the model using randomly generated data on 2 species, one ground species that required structural connectivity and the other an avian species that required functional connectivity. We applied the model to 10 bird species listed as endangered by the state of Illinois (U.S.A.). Spatial coherence and selection cost of the reserves differed substantially depending on the weights assigned to these 2 criteria. The model can be used to design a reserve system for multiple species, especially species whose habitats are far apart in which case multiple disjunct but compact and connected reserves are advantageous. The model can be modified to increase or decrease the distance between reserves to reduce or promote population connectivity.
Progress in the management of retrorectal tumours
Authors: Hopper L. , Eglinton T. W. , Wakeman C. , Dobbs B. R. , Dixon L. , Frizelle F. A.
Published: September 2015

Aim

Tumours in the retrorectal space are rare and pathologically heterogeneous. The roles of imaging and preoperative biopsy, nonoperative management and the indications for surgical resection are controversial. This study investigated a series of retrorectal tumours treated in a single institution with the aim of producing a modern improved management algorithm.

Method

A retrospective analysis was conducted of the management of all retrorectal lesions identified between 1998 and 2013 from a radiology database search. Patient demographics, presenting symptoms, imaging, biopsy, management and the results were recorded. Descriptive statistics were used and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was performed.

Results

Sixty‐nine patients with a confirmed retrorectal tumour were identified. The median age was 50 (36–67 interquartile range) and 42 (56%) were female. Twenty (29%) of the tumours were malignant: 4 of 41 cystic lesions were malignant (12.9%) vs 16 of 28 solid (or heterogeneous) lesions (57.1%) (P < 0.0001). Imaging demonstrated a 95% sensitivity and 64% specificity for differentiating benign from malignant tumours. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was significantly better at distinguishing between benign and malignant tumours than computed tomography (94% vs 64%, P = 0.03). Percutaneous biopsy was performed in 16 patients and only 27 underwent resection. There was no evidence of local recurrence associated with biopsy. Solid lesions were associated with a nonsignificant decreased overall survival (P = 0.348).

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that MRI should be the investigation of choice for retrorectal lesions. Biopsy of solid lesions is safe and useful for guiding neoadjuvant and surgical therapy. Cystic lesions without suspicious radiological features can be followed by serial imaging without resection.
Characterisation of novel regenerated cellulosic, viscose, and cotton fibres and the dyeing properties of fabrics
Authors: Kamppuri Taina , Vehviläinen Marianna , Puolakka Arja , Honkanen Mari , Vippola Minnamari , Rissanen Marja
Published: September 2015

There is a global demand for constant increase in the production of textile fibres. Currently, the market for cellulosic fibres is dominated by cotton and viscose fibres. However, new alternative cellulosic fibres are being sought to meet the growing demand. The dyeing properties of novel fibres aiming at the marketplace are among the properties that determine their applicability to textiles. Recently, a novel process for producing cellulosic fibres, the Biocelsol process, has been scaled up so that the spinning of yarn from Biocelsol fibres is now possible. In this study, the reactive dye Levafix CA Blue was applied to cellulosic fabrics made from viscose, cotton, and Biocelsol yarns. The crystalline structure and morphology of the fibres were studied by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and field‐emission scanning electron microscopy. The crystalline structure and morphology of the Biocelsol fibres resembled those of viscose fibres, but, owing to higher water absorption, the Biocelsol fabric had a higher dye exhaustion. The colour yield of the Biocelsol fabric was 62% and 41% higher than that of cotton and viscose fabrics respectively, suggesting that less dye is needed to gain a shade in Biocelsol fabric than in viscose and cotton fabrics.
The Dynamic Newsvendor Model with Correlated Demand
Authors: Alwan Layth C. , Xu Minghui , Yao Dong‐Qing , Yue Xiaohang
Published: September 2015

The classic newsvendor model was developed under the assumption that period‐to‐period demand is independent over time. In real‐life applications, the notion of independent demand is often challenged. In this article, we examine the newsvendor model in the presence of correlated demands. Specifically under a stationary AR(1) demand, we study the performance of the traditional newsvendor implementation versus a dynamic forecast‐based implementation. We demonstrate theoretically that implementing a minimum mean square error (MSE) forecast model will always have improved performance relative to the traditional implementation in terms of cost savings. In light of the widespread usage of all‐purpose models like the moving‐average method and exponential smoothing method, we compare the performance of these popular alternative forecasting methods against both the MSE‐optimal implementation and the traditional newsvendor implementation. If only alternative forecasting methods are being considered, we find that under certain conditions it is best to ignore the correlation and opt out of forecasting and to simply implement the traditional newsvendor model.
Effect of water depth on predation frequency by diving beetles on mosquito larvae prey
Authors: Ohba Shin‐ya , Ushio Masayuki
Published: September 2015

Diving behavior and its frequency may differ among species of mosquito larvae because of differences in predation pressure. The present study aimed to investigate the relationship between water depth and predation frequency on two mosquito species, Culex tritaeniorhynchus (wetland breeder) and Aedes albopictus (container breeder), by the diving beetle Eretes griseus. Culex tritaeniorhynchus spends more time at the surface than A. albopictus, which spends more time thrashing underwater. When intact mosquito larvae of both species were present, the diving beetles consumed almost all A. albopictus larvae (98.3%). After all the A. albopictus larvae had been consumed, the diving beetles began to prey on C. tritaeniorhynchus. In order to compare the effect of position on the predation preference of the diving beetles, equal numbers of both species were heat‐killed and allowed to settle on the bottom of the container. When all the dead mosquito larvae had sunk to the bottom of a plastic container, the diving beetles caught both mosquito species at random. These results indicate that mosquito larvae near the surface were eaten less frequently by diving beetles than those at the bottom. The low diving frequency of C. tritaeniorhynchus is regarded as a form of anti‐predatory behavior.
Response of the endangered tropical dry forests to climate change and the role of Mexican Protected Areas for their conservation
Authors: Prieto‐Torres David A. , Navarro‐Sigüenza Adolfo G. , Santiago‐Alarcon Diego , Rojas‐Soto Octavio R.
Published: September 2015

Assuming that co‐distributed species are exposed to similar environmental conditions, ecological niche models (ENMs) of bird and plant species inhabiting tropical dry forests (TDFs) in Mexico were developed to evaluate future projections of their distribution for the years 2050 and 2070. We usedENM‐based predictions and climatic data for two Global Climate Models, considering two Representative Concentration Pathway scenarios (RCP4.5/RCP8.5). We also evaluated the effects of habitat loss and the importance of the Mexican system of protected areas (PAs) on the projected models for a more detailed prediction ofTDFs and to identify hot spots that require conservation actions. We identified four major distributional areas: the main one located along the Pacific Coast (from Sonora to Chiapas, including the Cape and Bajío regions, and the Balsas river basin), and three isolated areas: the Yucatán peninsula, central Veracruz, and southern Tamaulipas. When considering the effect of habitat loss, a significant reduction (~61%) of theTDFs predicted area occurred, whereas climate‐change models suggested (in comparison with the present distribution model) an increase in area of 3.0–10.0% and 3.0–9.0% for 2050 and 2070, respectively. In future scenarios,TDFs will occupy areas above its current average elevational distribution that are outside of its present geographical range. Our findings show thatTDFs may persist in Mexican territory until the middle of theXXIcentury; however, the challenges about long‐term conservation are partially addressed (only 7% unaffected within the Mexican network ofPAs) with the current MexicanPAs network. Based on ourENMapproach, we suggest that a combination of models of species inhabiting presentTDFs and taking into account change scenarios represent an invaluable tool to create newPAs and ecological corridors, as a response to the increasing levels of habitat destruction and the effects of climate change on this ecosystem.
Ultrasound‐Assisted Extraction of Oil from Chia (Salvia hispânica L.) Seeds: Optimization Extraction and Fatty Acid Profile
Authors: de Mello Bruna Tais F. , dos Santos Garcia Vitor A. , da Silva Camila
Published: September 2015

The objective of the present study was to evaluate ultrasound‐assisted extraction (UAE) to obtain oil from chia seeds (Salvia hispânica L.). A Box–Behnken design was applied to investigate and optimize the process variables (temperature, solvent to seed ratio and time) for oil yield. The solvent to seed ratio and temperature had the greatest influence on oil yield, followed by the extraction time (P < 0.05). An extraction temperature of 50C, a solvent to seed ratio of 12 mL/g and 40 min of extraction were identified as the optimal conditions, with 27.24% oil yield. The application of ultrasound resulted in higher oil yield when compared with the process without ultrasound (P < 0.05). The fatty acid composition extracted by UAE was similar to that of oil extracted using other extraction methods. Linolenic acid (∼66%) and linoleic acid (∼20%) were the main fatty acid constituents of chia seed oil. The quantity of unsaturated fatty acids was higher than saturated fatty acids.

Practical Application

The chia seed oil is considered one of the greatest sources of linoleic and linolenic acid and the extraction demonstrated high efficiency by UAE. Chia oil obtained by UAE using ethyl acetate with solvent may be used as a food, accepted in the food industry, because the solvent is considered a food‐grade solvent. The effect of different parameters such as temperature, the solvent to seed ratio and extraction time in the UAE provided high yields in the extraction, and the chemical analyses indicated polyunsaturated fatty acids, are the major oil components (82% of the total oil composition).
Acrolein contributes to TRPA1 up‐regulation in peripheral and central sensory hypersensitivity following spinal cord injury
Authors: Park Jonghyuck , Zheng Lingxing , Acosta Glen , Vega‐Alvarez Sasha , Chen Zhe , Muratori Breanne , Cao Peng , Shi Riyi
Published: September 2015

Acrolein, an endogenous aldehyde, has been shown to be involved in sensory hypersensitivity after rat spinal cord injury (SCI), for which the pathogenesis is unclear. Acrolein can directly activate a pro‐algesic transient receptor protein ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) channel that exists in sensory neurons. Both acrolein and TRPA1 mRNA are elevated post SCI, which contributes to the activation of TRPA1 by acrolein and consequently, neuropathic pain. In the current study, we further showed that, post‐SCI elevation of TRPA1 mRNA exists not only in dorsal root ganglias but also in both peripheral (paw skin) and central endings of primary afferent nerves (dorsal horn of spinal cord). This is the first indication that pain signaling can be over‐amplified in the peripheral skin by elevated expressions of TRPA1 following SCI, in addition over‐amplification previously seen in the spinal cord and dorsal root ganglia. Furthermore, we show that acrolein alone, in the absence of physical trauma, could lead to the elevation of TRPA1 mRNA at various locations when injected to the spinal cord. In addition, post‐SCI elevation of TRPA1 mRNA could be mitigated using acrolein scavengers. Both of these attributes support the critical role of acrolein in elevating TRPA1 expression through gene regulation. Taken together, these data indicate that acrolein is likely a critical causal factor in heightening pain sensation post‐SCI, through both the direct binding of TRPA1 receptor, and also by boosting the expression of TRPA1. Finally, our data also further support the notion that acrolein scavenging may be an effective therapeutic approach to alleviate neuropathic pain after SCI.

image

We propose that the trauma‐mediated elevation of acrolein causes neuropathic pain through at least two mechanisms: acrolein stimulates the production of transient receptor protein ankyrin 1 (TRPA1) in both central and peripheral locations, and it activates TRPA1 channels directly. Therefore, acrolein appears to be a critical factor in the pathogenesis of post‐SCI sensory hypersensitivity, becoming a novel therapeutic target to relieve both acute and chronic post‐SCI neuropathic pain.
Establishment and characterization of a new conditionally immortalized human astrocyte cell line
Authors: Furihata Tomomi , Ito Ryo , Kamiichi Atsuko , Saito Kosuke , Chiba Kan
Published: September 2015

Astrocytes are the most abundant cell types in mammalian brains, within which they participate in various neuronal activities, partly by utilizing the numerous transporters expressed at their plasma membranes. Accordingly, detailed characterization of astrocytic functions, including transporters, are essential for understanding of mechanistic basis of normal brain functions, as well as the pathogenesis and treatment of various brain diseases. As a part of overall efforts to facilitate such studies, this study reports on the establishment of a new human astrocyte cell line, which is hereafter referred to as human astrocyte/conditionally immortalized, clone 35 (HASTR/ci35). This line, which was developed utilizing a cell immortalization method, showed excellent proliferative ability and expressed various astrocyte markers, including glial fibrillary acidic protein. When co‐cultured with neuronal cells, HASTR/ci35 cells could facilitate their dendritic network formation. Furthermore, HASTR/ci35 cells not only possessed significant glutamate and adenosine transporter activities but also exhibited organic ion transporter activities. To summarize, HASTR/ci35 cells possess several key astrocytic characteristics, including various transporter functions, while simultaneously showing infinite proliferation and scalability. Based on these findings, HASTR/ci35 cells can be expected to contribute significantly to various human astrocyte study fields.

image

In vitro astrocyte models are valuable experimental tools in various astrocyte studies. Here, we report the establishment of a new human astrocyte cell line, HASTR/ci35, which show various key astrocyte properties, including astrocytic transporter activities, glycogen storage and facilitation of neuronal cell differentiation. Thus, HASTR/ci35 is expected to significantly contribute to advances toward detailed understanding of human astrocyte functions.
Familism Values, Family Time, and Mexican‐Origin Young Adults' Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Zeiders Katharine H. , Updegraff Kimberly A. , Umaña‐Taylor Adriana J. , McHale Susan M. , Padilla Jenny
Published: September 2015

Using longitudinal data across eight years, this study examined how parents' familism values in early adolescence predicted youths' depressive symptoms in young adulthood via youths' familism values and family time. We examined these processes among 246 Mexican‐origin families using interview and phone‐diary data. Findings revealed that fathers' familism values predicted male and female youths' familism values in middle adolescence. For female youth only, fathers' familism values also predicted youths' family time in late adolescence. The link between family time and young adults' depressive symptoms depended on parental acceptance and adolescent gender: Among female and male youth, family time predicted fewer depressive symptoms, but only when paternal acceptance was high. For female adolescents only, family time predicted fewer depressive symptoms when maternal acceptance was high but more depressive symptoms when maternal acceptance was low. Findings highlight family dynamics as the mechanisms through which familism values have implications for youths' adjustment.
Determinants of suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in seven francophone West African countries
Authors: Issaka Abukari I. , Agho Kingsley E. , Page Andrew N. , L. Burns Penelope , Stevens Garry J. , Dibley Michael J.
Published: September 2015

Suboptimal complementary feeding practices play a crucial role in the health and development of children. The objective of this research paper was to identify factors associated with suboptimal complementary feeding practices among children aged 6–23 months in seven francophone West African countries, namely, Benin, Burkina Faso, Cote d'Ivoire, Guinea, Mali, Niger and Senegal. This study covered 22 376 children aged 6–23 months from the seven countries surveyed (Benin: 3732 children; Burkina Faso: 4205 children; Cote d'Ivoire: 2109 children, Guinea: 1944 children, Mali: 3798 children, Niger: 3451 children and Senegal: 3137 children). The most recent Demographic and Health Survey datasets of the various countries were used as data sources. A set of individual‐, household‐ and community‐level factors were used to examine the four complementary feeding indicators. Multivariate analysis revealed that the youngest age bracket (6–11 months) of children, administrative/geographical region, mother's limited or non‐access to the mass media, mothers' lack of contact with a health facility, rural residence, poor households and non‐working mothers were the main factors associated with suboptimal complementary feeding in the countries surveyed. Our findings highlight the need to consider broader social, cultural and economic factors when designing child nutritional interventions.
Revisiting the ‘Gadgil effect’: do interguild fungal interactions control carbon cycling in forest soils?
Authors: Fernandez Christopher W. , Kennedy Peter G.
Published: September 2015

In forest ecosystems, ectomycorrhizal and saprotrophic fungi play a central role in the breakdown of soil organic matter (SOM). Competition between these two fungal guilds has long been hypothesized to lead to suppression of decomposition rates, a phenomenon known as the ‘Gadgil effect’. In this review, we examine the documentation, generality, and potential mechanisms involved in the ‘Gadgil effect’. We find that the influence of ectomycorrhizal fungi on litter and SOM decomposition is much more variable than previously recognized. To explain the inconsistency in size and direction of the ‘Gadgil effect’, we argue that a better understanding of underlying mechanisms is required. We discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each of the primary mechanisms proposed to date and how using different experimental methods (trenching, girdling, microcosms), as well as considering different temporal and spatial scales, could influence the conclusions drawn about this phenomenon. Finally, we suggest that combining new research tools such as high‐throughput sequencing with experiments utilizing natural environmental gradients will significantly deepen our understanding of the ‘Gadgil effect’ and its consequences on forest soil carbon and nutrient cycling.

ContentsSummary1382I.Introduction1382II.Documenting the ‘Gadgil effect’1383III.Generality of the ‘Gadgil effect’1383IV.Mechanisms of the ‘Gadgil effect’1384V.Priming and the ‘Gadgil effect’1386VI.Is the ‘Gadgil effect’ context‐dependent?1387VII.Future research on the ‘Gadgil effect’1389VIII.Conclusions1391Acknowledgements1391References1391
Investigating proteasome inhibitors as potential adjunct therapies for experimental cerebral malaria
Authors: Howland S. W. , Ng G. X. P. , Chia S. K. , Rénia L.
Published: September 2015

Aside from antimalarials, there is currently no treatment for cerebral malaria, a fulminant neurological complication of P. falciparum infection that is a leading cause of death in African children. In the mouse model of cerebral malaria, cross‐presentation of parasite antigens by brain endothelial cells is thought to be a crucial late step in pathogenesis. We have investigated three proteasome inhibitors as potential adjunct therapies: bortezomib, carfilzomib and ONX‐0914. Only carfilzomib, an irreversible inhibitor of both constitutive proteasomes and immunoproteasomes, was able to inhibit cross‐presentation of malaria antigen by murine brain endothelial cells in vitro. To mimic the clinical setting, carfilzomib was co‐administered with artesunate only when infected mice exhibited neurological defects. However, there was no improvement in survival compared to artesunate monotherapy. The treatment failure was explained by the inability of daily or twice daily bolus doses of carfilzomib to inhibit cross‐presentation by brain endothelial cells in vivo. We also report here that bortezomib, which has been associated with neurological adverse events, accelerated death in ECM‐infected mice. Future investigations of proteasome inhibitors for modulating cross‐presentation during malaria infection should focus on sustained and targeted delivery to brain endothelial cells.
Chipping away at duration of therapy for idiopathic acute eosinophilic pneumonia
Authors: Heffner John E.
Published: September 2015

See article, page 1241
Adjoint-Based Aerodynamic Shape Optimization for Low Reynolds Number Airfoils
Authors: Lei Juanmian , He Jiandong
Published: September 2015

In the past decades, most of the research studies on airfoil shape design and optimization were focused on high Reynolds number airfoils. However, low Reynolds number airfoils have attracted significant attention nowadays due to their vast applications, ranging from micro-aerial vehicles (MAVs) to small-scale unmanned aerial vehicles. For low Reynolds number airfoils, the unsteady effects caused by boundary layer separation cannot be neglected. In this paper, we present an aerodynamic shape optimization framework for low Reynolds number airfoil that we developed based on the unsteady laminar N–S equation and the adjoint method. Finally, using the developed framework, we performed a test case with NACA0012 airfoil as a baseline configuration and the inverse of lift to drag ratio as the cost function. The optimization was carried out at Re = 10,000 and Ma = 0.2. The results demonstrate the effectiveness of the framework.
Research on the Mechanical Properties of a New “I” Type Double-Decker Ball Bearing
Authors: Zhu Yili , Zhang Yongchun , Jin Chaowu
Published: September 2015

The new “I” type double-decker ball bearing (NITDDBB) with two inner contact ball bearings is proposed to improve the speed and load capability of the original I type double-decker ball bearing (OITDDBB). Based on the quasi-statics principle, the mechanical model of the NITDDBB is established and takes into consideration the radial load, axial load, and ball centrifugal forces, as well as the gyroscopic moments. The corresponding calculation model is established on the matlab platform. The mechanical characteristics of the NITDDBB are analyzed and compared with the OITDDBB and also with a single-decker ball bearing (SDBB). Finally, a bearing load test rig is designed and built to verify the simulation results. The results provide a theoretical and experimental basis for the application of the NITDDBB.
Dependency of resonance frequencies and effective coupling coefficients of piezoceramic rectangular bars and plates on aspect ratio
Authors: Aronov Boris
Published: September 2015

The resonance frequencies and effective coupling coefficients of piezoceramic rectangular plates polarized through their width and transversely polarized bars are presented as functions of their lateral aspect ratios. The results are obtained by employing the coupled vibration analysis technique that was previously illustrated for rectangular plates polarized through the thickness [J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 126(6), 2983–2990 (2009)]. The results of calculations show good agreement with experimental data. Conclusions are made on preferable values of the aspect ratios in terms of the effective coupling coefficients.
Sports Rescue: The South End Mustangs Professional Ice Hockey Team
Authors: Chard Chris , Spence Kirsty K.
Published: September 2015

Three years ago, Steve Thornton purchased the South End Mustangs, a professional ice hockey team competing in the D1 division in the United Kingdom. Unfortunately, Thornton has experienced challenging times during his ownership tenure. The team has achieved mediocre results on the ice and poor results off the ice. Thornton knows he needs help to turn the Mustangs franchise around. Thus, as a result, he turns to John Tapner, a sport business owner, operator, entrepreneur, and advisor. Tapner is best known as a professional sport consultant and TV personality, representing his company Sports Rescue, which is the same name as his hit television show. When an owner calls Tapner, it is because a professional sports team is in trouble and needs to be rescued.