bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La porosidad de los hormigones y su impermeabilización por medio de resinas sintéticas
Authors: De Molnar D'Arkos D.
Published: June 2015

Not available
Sobre la determinación de la calidad de las escorias de horno alto y de las puzolanas
Authors: Wittekindt W.
Published: June 2015

Not available
lV Asamblea General de la Eurogypsum.—Sobre el empleo de distintos compuestos sulfatados en la fabricación del cemento
Authors: Schwiete H. E. , Ludwig U.
Published: June 2015

Not available
Recomendaciones de la Rilem para el hormigonado en invierno. Boletín Rilem, n. 21, diciembre 1963
Authors: Editorial Equipo
Published: June 2015

Not available
Evaluation of a Vacuum Technique to Estimate Abundance of Waste Barley
Authors: Hanna Everett E. , Schummer Michael L. , Petrie Scott A.
Published: June 2015

Reliable estimates of seasonal waste-grain abundance are needed for wildlife conservation and management because these resources influence carrying capacity, behavior, and movement of birds. We tested efficacy and precision of a vacuum-sampling device for collecting waste barley Hordeum vulgare at Manitoulin Island, Ontario, Canada, 2011 and 2012. We used a Stihl BG 65E blower-vac to sample barley following methodology developed to sample moist-soil seeds. We collected samples by vacuum sampling (n = 51) and hand-picking (n = 51) in three randomly selected cut barley fields to estimate the proportion collected by vacuum sampling. We also collected experimental samples (n = 72) to estimate percent recovery using predetermined densities of dyed barley. Because our results were more variable and our percent recovery was less than published values, we acquired the blower-vac unit (BG 85) used in the moist-soil seed study to test for an equipment effect by repeating our experiments in 2012. We tested for equipment effects on percent recovery using generalized linear mixed-effect models with our observational and experimental data sets while controlling for spatial autocorrelation. Our analysis suggested that equipment type did not account for differences in percent recovery. Hand-picking yielded more precise estimates of waste barley density (x¯ = 97.1%, SD = 7.67%, n = 60) as compared with the blower-vacs under natural conditions (BG 65E: x¯ = 19.2%, SD = 96.0%, n = 27; BG 85: x¯ = 27.0%, SD = 40.37%, n = 24). Although the technique was not effective here for waste barley, we suggest that further research into small cereal grain applications is warranted.
Effect of Globalization on Multicultural Consumer Behavior
Authors: Manrai Lalita A. , Manrai Ajay K. , Mady Tarek T.
Published: June 2015

A great deal has been learned in recent years about the role of culture in consumer behavior. However, the overwhelming scope and fragmented nature of cross-cultural and cross-national consumer research often necessitates a periodic review and critical assessment of the field. We highlight the salient aspects of cross-cultural and cross-national consumer research today by offering a summary of key findings and themes, discussions of major trends, and provide insights into the future of the field. Globalization has created multicultural societies across the world. However there is relatively very limited research on multicultural consumer behavior (MCB). The main purpose of this chapter is to analyze and understand the dynamics of MCB in today's global economy and offer insights into the way forward.
Teenagers' Socio and Cultural Values
Authors: Dutschke Georg , Garcia del Junco Julio , Espansandín-Bustelo Francisco , Dutschke Mariana , Florencio Beatriz Palacios
Published: June 2015

Investigations related to national culture and young are becoming more important (Brown et al., 2002; Larson, 2011). Gelhaar et al. (2007) state that “there is great concern about the poor academic performance and wiling to entrepreneurship of the adolescents and young adults in European countries, especially in the southern regions, where youth unemployment is very high”. For Iberia it's very important that adolescents and young adults have the want to become entrepreneurs, by developing new projects but, mainly, by having entrepreneurship as a purpose for their professional life. Entrepreneurship should be developed both at an individual level and within the organizations. It´s key to achive success, since originates innovation, both incremental and disruptive. This exploratory research aims to identify the relations between teenagers' socio and cultural values and their want to become entrepreneurs. In concrete, if socio and cultural dimensions identified by Hofstede and Minkov (2010) are related with the want to become entrepreneur.
Patents and Scientific Research
Authors: Wong Sulan
Published: June 2015

It is argued that patents encourage scientific development, benefiting society by creating useful products and services that improve the quality of life. However, by granting exclusive rights of exploitation, patents create situations in which they interfere with the exercise of the freedom of scientific research. This work examines five scenarios where this problem can be seen and the utilitarian function of patents is questioned. Firstly, the effects of research funding in the definition of the lines and research objectives are observed. Secondly, the anticommons is studied, as it is a situation where excessive fragmentation of ownership in scientific knowledge may prevent its use. Thirdly, broad patents and their implications are examined. Fourthly, the deterrent power of patent litigation, which creates an unexpected business model, is analyzed. Fifthly, secrecy is looked upon, as it is encouraged by the logic in which the patent system works.
A New Approach to Knowledge Sharing
Authors: Focardi Giulio , Salati Lorenza
Published: June 2015

A Multifactory is a new concept of productive environment. This chapter presents what Multifactories are, their constitutive elements and how these interact. In this chapter will be also presented the governance system, that is largely self-generated, and the way knowledge is shared and how this brings to innovative practices in exchanging skills and professional services. The chapter will also present the way the Multifactory Model was developed, from the direct observation of different real cases within Europe to the on-field test of the model. The chapter also suggests how Multifactories can be a possible way to face the needs for job creation and an environment where to experiment innovative ways to share knowledge.
The State of Technology in Venezuela in the Context of Production Chains
Authors: León Leandro Rabindranath
Published: June 2015

This chapter develops a discursive context called “the sawmill metaphor” that interprets the technology as a system of timber production that runs through a river. Trees are cut upstream and transported by the river towards a sawmill in the midstream. The sawmill then transforms trees into logs that are sent down river towards other factories that produce finished products downstream. Using this metaphor a link between technology and production is identified as well as the vital importance that the interlinking networks has on production. This context allows us to propose a diagnosis of the state of technology on Venezuela in 2014, a country which regardless of plans of technological acquisition sets forth since 2003 with sizable investments, far from increase technological sovereignty has lost it. Finally, taking as a basis the Venezuelan case, we present a set of general guidelines to consider in a plan of technological acquisition.
Let the Sun Shine In
Authors: Pierard Cindy , Smith Josefine , Wells Caitlin
Published: June 2015

Sunshine Week is a national effort to promote the importance of open government and freedom of information. Although originally begun as a news media initiative, it has grown to include community groups, libraries, schools, governments, and others who are committed to civic engagement and access to information. For academic libraries, Sunshine Week offers opportunities to forge collaborations with campus and community partners, and to connect programming with broader student learning goals. This chapter makes the case for Sunshine Week as a mechanism for bringing together campus and community groups around issues of common concern, either as a standalone effort or part of a broader program focusing on civic engagement. It features a partnership between the library, journalism program, and donors at New Mexico State University but includes ideas and resources that are transferable to other settings.
Grassroots Outreach to Foster a Diverse Community
Authors: Ramsey Elizabeth Ann
Published: June 2015

This exploration of an academic library's outreach efforts presents a broad overview of a range of initiatives aimed at fostering interaction with library staff and resources. These efforts are put forth by a variety of contributors from throughout the library's staff without a management mandate or day-to-day control. Although these grassroots outreach efforts cost little to nothing, they still act to effectively inculcate a campus-wide perception of the library as a forward-thinking, inclusive and supportive institution while generating a welcoming atmosphere for diverse users. This atmosphere in turn fosters a learning and research community that sees the library as an important contributor to its success. This chapter describes the foundations for this type of outreach as well as giving examples of a number of innovative methods Albertsons Library at Boise State University uses to provide meaningful opportunities for its users to interact with staff, services and resources in a way that cultivates a feeling of inclusion in the community.
An Energy Computing Method Inspired from Visual Cognitive Function for Dynamic Behavioural Detection in Video Frames
Authors: Li Zuojin , Peng Jun , Chen Liukui , Gui Chen , Song Lei
Published: June 2015

The brain visual cortical simple cells have strong response to notable edges with directivity and contrast of light and dark, as well as the non-classical receptive fields of the neurons in visual cortex that have inhibition function to small light-spot stimulation. Because of this property, human vision system contrast sensitivity tends to dynamic videos. This paper, based on biological visual features, constructs an energy-computing model for dynamic video behaviors analysis, and designs computing methods for strengthening selectivity to directions of edges and inhibiting energy of non-significant areas in the images. The experiment is conducted on 30,000 frames of dynamic behaviors in video and shows 90% accuracy, which proves that the proposed method is capable to simulate the function of visual cortex simple cells, i.e. the enhancement to directional selection, and the inhabitation function of non-classical receptive fields, as well as extract energy features of dynamic behaviors in video. This contributes a choice for computer image processing and improves the understanding of machine vision.
The Effects of Two-Step Solution Heat Treatment of Al-6Si-2Cu Alloy for Lightweight Automotive on Mechanical Properties
Authors: Hong Seung Pyo , Kim Chung Seok
Published: June 2015

The effects of two-step solution heat treatment of aluminum alloy for lightweight automotive have been investigated. The test specimens, Al-6Si-2Cu alloys are prepared by gravity casting process. Solution heat treatments in this study are applied to improve of mechanical properties through a single-step or two-step solution heat treatment. For the microstructural characterization, inductively coupled plasma mass spectromerty (ICP-MS), optical microscope (OM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) analyses are conducted in specimen. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) analyses are also applied to identify the intermetallic phases with quantitative and qualitative analyses. Micro Vickers hardness and static tensile test are achieved. The microstructure of gravity casting specimen represents a typical dendrite structure having a secondary dendrite arm spacing (SDAS) of 37um. In addition to the Al matrix, a large amount of coarsen eutectic Si, Al2Cu intermetallic phases and Fe-rich phases are identified. After solution heat treatment, the mechanical properties of two-step solution heat treatment alloy show higher values than as-cast and single-step solution specimens. Consequentially, the two-step solution heat treatment could be used in automotive parts to improve mechanical properties.
Effects of Specimen Size and Temperature Condition on Compressive Fracture Behavior for ATJ Graphite
Authors: Choi Hoon Seok , Kim Jae Hoon
Published: June 2015

The rocket nozzle throat is exposed to combustion gas of a high temperature. Therefore, it is important to select suitable material for the nozzle which can maintain its structural integrity at a high temperature and to evaluate the material for proper rocket nozzle design. ATJ graphite, as the candidate material for rocket nozzle throat, is studied. In this study, an experimental method to evaluate compressive fracture behavior of ATJ graphite is presented. In particular, the effects of specimen size, temperature and heating time on compressive strength were investigated. Three types of specimens were used in uniaxial tests at room temperature, where the ratios of diameter to length are 1/2 of ASTM standard specimen, one of type I specimen and 1/0.8 of type II, respectively. Also, two kinds of specimen, which were coated using antioxidant and non-coated respectively were tested at elevated temperature to investigate temperature dependency of compressive strength.
Influence of Complex Additives on the Piezoelectric and Dielectric Properties of PZT Ceramics
Authors: Lee Eon Jong , Lee Byeong Woo
Published: June 2015

The effects of the complex donor and acceptor additives on the microstructure, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of PZT (Zr/Ti=53/47) ceramics were studied. A complex doping with the soft (La+3 and Nb+5) and hard (Fe+3 and/or Mn(+2,+3 or +4)) ions has been adopted. The complex doping of two or more elements is expected to combine the properties of donor and/or acceptor doped PZT, which could exhibit better stability or improved piezoelectric properties than those of the single element doped PZT. The complex doping caused various compensation effects for the piezoelectric properties of PZT ceramics; Mn addition to the La/Nb and Fe doped PZT composition led to the improved piezoelectric properties, i.e., enhanced Qm with remaining considerably high kP.
Epoxide-Modified SiO2@Epoxy Nanocomposite for Enhanced Mechanical Properties
Authors: Yuan Du , Zhang Xi Wen , Fan Xiao Shan , He Chao Bin
Published: June 2015

The development of nanocomposites promising a wide range of interesting properties such as mechanical, optical and electrical conductivity is under intense investigation. One key challenge towards practical applications lies in effective dispersion of nanofillers in the polymer matrices. An one-pot wet-chemistry synthesis approach was developed for successful fabrication of surface modified SiO2 nanoparticles@epoxy nanocomposites (1 wt%). Homogeneous nanofiller dispersion was obtained in SiO2-epoxide@epoxy. Importantly, the SiO2-epoxide@epoxy presented its enhanced mechanical properties with reference to pure epoxy, i.e., ~ 77% increase in maximum tensile stress and ~ 19% increase in Young’s modulus. This was attributed to the much improved dispersion of nanofillers and the optimized interaction between nanofillers and matrix. Further, SiO2-epoxide@epoxy prepared from master batch with 80 wt% SiO2 loading retained the good dispersion of nanofillers and enhanced mechanical properties. This demonstration allows future implementation of the developed approach for the surface modified SiO2@epoxy nanocomposites towards industrial applications.
Comparison of Two Methods for Testing the In-Plane Shear Property of 3D Stitched Plain Woven C/SiC Composites
Authors: Xu Hua Jie , Zhang Li Tong , Cheng Lai Fei
Published: June 2015

Three types of three-dimensional stitched carbon fiber reinforced silicon carbide composites (3DS C/SiCs) with 4, 9 and 16 Z-yarn/cm2 were fabricated by chemical vapor infiltration, respectively. Both iosipescu specimens without enough representative volume elements (RVEs) and ±45° tension specimens containing enough RVEs were tested to attain the in-plane shear properties of 3DS C/SiCs. The results showed that these two methods produced similar results. This demonstrated that the dimensions of iosipescu specimens were not necessary to cover enough RVEs for 3DS ceramic matrix composite in-plane shear testing. With respect to the shear modulus, both two methods would be regarded as the effective methods. However, in terms of the in-plane shear strength, iosipescu method would be a more reliable method.
Fabrication and Performance Evaluation of Cellulose Nanofiber/PVA Composite Films
Authors: Noor Mohamed Noor Hisyam , Takagi Hitoshi , Nakagaito Antonio Norio
Published: June 2015

The mechanical strength of cellulose nanofiber-reinforced polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) composite films was evaluated by means of tensile test to explore the effect of fiber content and processing condition to the mechanical strength. Cellulose nanofibers were mixed with PVA resin at different weight ratios of 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70, 80 and 90wt% and tensile tests were done on the composite films with thickness of 0.08~0.11mm. A set of samples for every respective weight ratio was hot-pressed at 180°C and 10MPa pressure and tensile tests were conducted to compare the failure behavior of the hot-pressed and the non hot-pressed composite films. The results showed that hot-pressed composite films exhibit a linear stress-strain curve as compared to the non-hot pressed composite films, which exhibited more ductile characteristic. For non hot-pressed specimens, tensile strength showed almost no significant increase from 0wt% to 50wt%, and finally a sudden increase especially from 50wt% to 70wt% fiber content where the highest average value recorded was 149MPa at 70wt%. As for hot-pressed composite films, the highest value of 167MPa at 60wt% was obtained without significant pattern of reinforcement effect with the change of nanofiber content. The reinforcement effect derived from cellulose nanofiber has shown favorable results which indicated an increase in the composite tensile strength of about 33.3% from pure PVA specimen, and hot-press process, though has reduced the ductile characteristics of the composite films, has increased tensile strength of the specimens up to 22% as compared to pure PVA specimens.
Effect of Jute Fiber’s Thermal Degradation on the Fiber Strength and its Polymer Composites
Authors: Fujiura Takayasu , Nakamura Ryosuke , Tanaka Tatsuya , Arao Yoshihiko
Published: June 2015

In this study, we investigated the effect of jute fiber’s thermal degradation on fiber strength and its polymer composite. First, we conducted a tensile strength test of a single jute fiber. Next, polyethylene and jute fibers were mixed by twin-screw extruder to make pellets. After making pellets, we used injection molding machine to make the test pieces. Tensile tests were conducted using injection molded sample. As a result, in the experiment of the single fibers, tensile strength of jute fiber monotonically decreased with increasing drying temperature. In case of composite, the tensile strength of molded sample increased with increasing control temperature in twin screw extrude in a range between 150°C ~ 220°C. When the temperature of twin-screw extruder was controlled above 300°C, pellets were burned black by thermal degradation and couldn’t fabricate the test piece.
Controlled Physical Gelation of Thermoresponsive Poly(2-propionamidoacrylic acid) Aqueous Solution
Authors: Minagawa Keiji , Shiizaki Genki , Arakawa Yukihiro , Imada Yasushi , Tanaka Masami
Published: June 2015

The thermoresponsive properties of aqueous poly (2-propionamidoacrylic acid) (PPA) solutions were studied in the presence of calcium chloride (CaCl2). The turbidity and viscosity of a PPA solution depended on temperature and concentration of the polymer and salt added. For example, a transparent PPA solution changed to a turbid gel at a temperature higher than the cloud point in the presence of a relatively high concentration of CaCl2. The mechanism of physical gelation was considered by comparing the thermoresponsive properties between PAA and a more hydrophilic polymer, poly (acetamidoacrylic acid) (P4A), which has similar structure to that of PPA. In the case of P4A, physical gelation was not observed under similar conditions to those at PPA gelation. This result indicates that hydrophobic interaction among the alkyl groups at one of the polymer side-chains is necessary for the gelation. Dynamic viscoelasticity measurements of these aqueous polymer solutions by use of a rotation rheometer gave quantitative data such as the complex viscosity and the storage and loss moduli, which strongly depended on the solution composition. It is concluded that both hydrophobic interaction among alkyl groups and ionic crosslinking by calcium ion play an important role for the gelation. The drastic change in the rheological property indicates that the sol-gel transition of PPA solution can be successfully controlled by adjusting the temperature and concentration of each component. The controllable rheological property is expected to be useful for various applications, especially in the biomedical field.
Activated NKT Cells Can Condition Different Splenic Dendritic Cell Subsets To Respond More Effectively to TLR Engagement and Enhance Cross-Priming
Authors: Osmond Taryn L. , Farrand Kathryn J. , Painter Gavin F. , Ruedl Christiane , Petersen Troels R. , Hermans Ian F.
Published: June 2015

The function of dendritic cells (DCs) can be modulated through multiple signals, including recognition of pathogen-associated molecular patterns, as well as signals provided by rapidly activated leukocytes in the local environment, such as innate-like T cells. In this article, we addressed the possibility that the roles of different murine DC subsets in cross-priming CD8+ T cells can change with the nature and timing of activatory stimuli. We show that CD8α+ DCs play a critical role in cross-priming CD8+ T cell responses to circulating proteins that enter the spleen in close temporal association with ligands for TLRs and/or compounds that activate NKT cells. However, if NKT cells are activated first, then CD8α− DCs become conditioned to respond more vigorously to TLR ligation, and if triggered directly, these cells can also contribute to priming of CD8+ T cell responses. In fact, the initial activation of NKT cells can condition multiple DC subsets to respond more effectively to TLR ligation, with plasmacytoid DCs making more IFN-α and both CD8α+ and CD8α− DCs manufacturing more IL-12. These results suggest that different DC subsets can contribute to T cell priming if provided appropriately phased activatory stimuli, an observation that could be factored into the design of more effective vaccines.
THE GENUS THORECTES MULSANT, 1842: A RECTIFICATION REGARDING ITS TYPE SPECIES AND SOME CONSIDERATIONS ABOUT ITS TAXONOMY (COLEOPTERA, GEOTRUPIDAE)
Authors: Branco Tristão , Ziani Stefano
Published: June 2015

A rectification is made to the authors’ previous statement about the reason why Scarabaeus laevigatus sensu Mulsant, 1842 (= Scarabaeus intermedius O.G. Costa, 1839) is the validly designated type species of Thorectes Mulsant, 1842. The history of the taxonomy of Thorectes Mulsant, 1842 is briefly reviewed, and reasons are adduced why the authors believe that the split of the genus, beyond eventually the recognition of two or perhaps three subgenera, is neither necessary nor desirable.
DUE NUOVE SPECIE DI OTIORHYNCHUS (LIXORRHYNCHUS) REITTER, 1914 E UNA NUOVA SPECIE DI RAYMONDIONYMUS WOLLASTON, 1873 DEI MONTI AURUNCI (LAZIO) (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONOIDEA)
Authors: Magrini Paolo , Bastianini Marco , Abbazzi Piero
Published: June 2015

Nella presente nota vengono descritti tre nuovi Curculionoidea ipogei dei Monti Aurunci (Lazio): Otiorhynchus (Lixorrhynchus) avoni n. sp.; Otiorhynchus (Lixorrhyn­chus) paulae n. sp. e Raymondionymus pulcherrimus n. sp. Nel testo vengono riportate immagini fotografiche dei principali caratteri esoscheletrici (sia interni che esterni) che contraddistinguono le nuove specie, nell’ambito dei gruppi di appartenenza. Una cartina geografica riassume lo stato dell’attuale distribuzione dei Lixorrhynchus anoftalmi o microftalmi in Italia penisulare e nell’area Sardo-Corsa. Le prime due specie presentano indubbie affinità con Otiorhynchus (Lixorrhynchus) bastianinii Magrini, Meoli & Abbazzi, 2005, recentemente descritto dei Monti Aurunci centrali [Grava dei Serini (= Grotta dei Serini) 587 La/FR], mentre la terza specie costituisce, insieme a R. meggiolaroi (Osella, 1977) (Liguria), R. eximius Meregalli & Osella, 2006 (Lazio, Monti Simbruini) e R. zoiai (Osella & Giusto, 1985) (Piemonte, Massiccio del Monviso), un gruppo immediatamente riconoscibile rispetto ai taxa congeneri, per la particolare conformazione del pronoto.
SCARABAEUS SEROTINUS PANZER, 1799 (CURRENTLY NOBIUS SEROTINUS) A VALID NAME (NOMEN PROTECTUM) (COLEOPTERA, APHODIIDAE)
Authors: Branco Tristão , Dellacasa Giovanni , Dellacasa Marco
Published: June 2015

Il nome Scarabaeus serotinus Panzer, 1799 (attualmente Nobius serotinus), ad oggi usato correntemente come nome valido, risulta sinonimo juniore di Scarabaeus minu­tus Herbst, 1783. Vengono dunque applicate le norme previste dall’articolo 23.9 del Codice Internazionale per la Nomenclatura Zoologica al fine di ottenere un’inversione di priorità a vantaggio del nome più recente (considerato nomen protectum) rispetto al nome più antico (considerato nomen oblitum). Si stabilisce inoltre la priorità di Scarabaeus serotinus Panzer, 1799 su Aphodius serotinus Creutzer, 1799.
A REVIEW OF AND ADDITIONS TO THE CURRENT KNOWLEDGE OF THE SCORPION GENUS EUSCORPIUS THORELL, 1876 (SCORPIONES, EUSCORPIIDAE)
Authors: Vignoli Valerio , Salomone Nicola
Published: June 2015

The present work provides a general survey of the scorpion genus Euscorpius Thorell, 1876. Each species is briefly summarized, with notes on taxonomy, morphology, geographic distribution and ecology. The distribution and diagnostic characters are shown in easy to read tables and an identification key is provided. All the current valid species of Euscorpius (except Euscorpius koschewnikowi Birula, 1903) and several peculiar morphotypes are illustrated, with the first images of Euscorpius beroni Fet, 2000. The main aim of this work is to provide a complete review which will be useful both to have clearance on current systematics of the complex genus Euscorpius and to interpret possible future taxonomic rearrangements. Euscorpius italicus (Herbst, 1800) was found for the first time in Siena (central-western Italy), a record that represents a new allochthonous population, probably due to anthropogenic origin.
ON RECENTLY COLLECTED SOUTH AFRICAN TYCHIINI AND MECININI, WITH DESCRIPTION OF SEVEN NEW SPECIES (COLEOPTERA, CURCULIONIDAE)
Authors: Caldara Roberto , Colonnelli Enzo , Osella Giuseppe
Published: June 2015

Seventy one species of Tychiini Tychiina and Mecinini collected in South Africa are here reported, among which seven are new: Tychius densevestitus Caldara n. sp.; Tychius saetosipennis Caldara n. sp.; Sibinia incompta Caldara n. sp.; Gymnetron claviger Caldara n. sp.; Gymnetron globiscapus Caldara n. sp.; Gymentron filum Caldara n. sp.; Gymnetron hybridum Caldara n. sp. were collected females of two species previously known only from males, Tychius helenae Caldara, 1989 and cSibinia youngai Caldara, 1993. The presumable host plant of 18 species is reported for the first time. New data on distribution of several species are also given. The palaearctic species Mecinus pascuorum (Gyllenhal, 1813) is reported for the first time from the Afrotropical region.
NOTES ON THE GENUS LEUCANELLA LEMAIRE, 1969 WITH DESCRIPTIONS OF NEW TAXA (LEPIDOPTERA, SATURNIIDAE)
Authors: Käch Horst , Racheli Luigi
Published: June 2015

Two new taxa of the species-group of contempta are described. The description of these new subspecies are based on comparisons with typical and topotypical specimens of contempta. This was due to the possibility that other populations currently assigned to contempta are not really conspecific.
Outcomes of pediatric glioblastoma treated with adjuvant chemoradiation with temozolomide and correlation with prognostic factors
Authors: Mallick Supriya , Gandhi Ajeet Kumar , Joshi Nikhil P. , Kumar Anupam , Puri Tarun , Sharma Daya Nand , Haresh Kunhi Parambath , Gupta Subhash , Julka Pramod Kumar , Rath Goura Kisor , Sarkar Chitra
Published: June 2015

Background: Pediatric glioblastoma (pGBM) patients are underrepresented in major trials for this disease. We aimed to explore the outcome of pGBM patients treated with concurrent and adjuvant temozolomide (TMZ). Materials and Methods: 23 patients of pGBM treated from 2004 to 2010 were included in this retrospective analysis. Adjuvant therapy included conformal radiation 60 gray at 2 gray/fraction daily over 6 weeks with concurrent TMZ 75 mg/m 2 followed by six cycles of adjuvant TMZ 150-200 mg/m 2 (day 1-5) every 4 weeks. Kaplan-Meier estimates of overall survival (OS) were determined. Univariate analysis with log-rank test was used to determine the impact of prognostic variables on survival. Results: Median age at presentation was 11.5 years (range: 7-19 years) and M:F ratio was 15:8. All patients underwent maximal safe surgical resection; 13 gross total resection and 10 sub-total resection. At a median follow-up of 18 months (range: 2.1-126 months), the estimated median OS was 41.9 months. The estimated median OS for patients receiving only concurrent TMZ was 8 months while that for patients receiving concurrent and adjuvant TMZ was 41.9 months (P = 0.081). Estimated median OS for patients who did not complete six cycles of adjuvant TMZ was 9.5 months versus not reached for those who completed at least six cycles (P = 0.0005). Other prognostic factors did not correlate with survival. Conclusions: Our study shows the benefit of TMZ for pGBM patients. Both concurrent and adjuvant TMZ seem to be important for superior OS in this group of patients.
Transforming growth factor-β1 and TGF-β2 act synergistically in the fibrotic pathway in oral submucous fibrosis: An immunohistochemical observation
Authors: Kamath Venkatesh Viswanath , Krishnamurthy Shruti , Satelur Krishnanand P. , Rajkumar Komali
Published: June 2015

Background and objectives: Oral Submucous Fibrosis (OSF) is a potentially malignant oral disorder which leads to fibrosis of the oral mucosa and has a high rate of malignant transformation. The consumption of various forms of areca nut is causatively linked to the condition. The constituents of areca nut activate several pro-fibrotic cytokines, chiefly transforming growth factor-β1, β2, which leads to an increased deposition and decreased degradation of extracellular matrix and collagen. TGF-β1, β2 probably represent the major pathway in the deposition of collagen fibres in this condition. The present study aims to identify and correlate the expressions of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 immunohistochemically on paraffin sections of various stages of OSF. A comparison was also made between normal oral mucosa and scar tissue and OSF to judge the mode, extent and type of expression of TGF β1, β2. Methods: The expression of TGF-β1 antibody (8A11, NovusBio, USA) and TGF-β2 antibody (TB21, NovusBio, USA) was detected immunohistochemically on paraffin sections of 58 and 70 cases of OSF respectively, 10 cases of normal oral mucosal tissue and 4 cases of scar tissue. A mapping of the positivity of the two cytokines was done using JenOptik camera and ProReg image analysis software. The results were statistically analysed using one way ANOVA and students "t" test. Results: Expression of TGF-β1 and TGF-β2 was more in OSF as compared with normal oral mucosa, scar/keloid tissue showing highest values. Positivity for both the markers was seen in epithelium, around the blood vessels, in areas of inflammatory infiltrate, fibroblasts and in muscles. TGF-β1 expression was higher and more intense than that of TGF-β2 in all the cases. TGF-β2 was restricted in its expression to submucosal area with minimal involvement of the epithelium and the deeper muscle tissue. Conclusion: TGF-β1 is the most prominent cytokine in the fibrotic pathway and TGF-β2 plays a contributory role.
Updates from Gastrointestinal ASCO 2015
Authors: Dawood Shaheenah
Published: June 2015

This year at ASCO GI we saw important data presented that has continued to shape the way we treat GI malignancies. Several important questions were addressed. Can we avoid surgery among patients with rectal tumors? Data from a provocative retrospective study indicated that certain subgroups of patients might not need surgery thereby preserving the rectum without compromising survival outcome. What is the role of ramicurumab among patients with advanced colorectal cancers? Data from the phase III RAISE trial revealed that the addition of ramicurumab to second line therapy significantly improved median overall survival. What is the role of immunotherapy in GI malignancies? Interesting results from the KEYNOTE-012 trial was presented that looked at the efficacy of pembriluzumab among patients with advanced gastric cancer with the investigators reporting interesting results of an objective response rate of 22.1% and a 6 months progression free survival of 24%. In this review we will briefly present these and other important highlights of the ASCO GI meeting.
On Non-Archimedean Curves Omitting
Few Components and their Arithmetic Analogues
Authors: Levin Aaron , Tzu-Yueh Wang Julie
Published: June 2015

Let k be an algebraically closed field completewith respect to a non-Archimedean absolute value of arbitrary characteristic. Let D1 , … , Dn be effective nef divisors intersecting transversally in an n-dimensional nonsingular projective variety X. We study the degeneracy of non-Archimedean analytic maps from k into under various geometric conditions. When X is a rational ruled surface and D1 and D2 are ample, we obtain a necessary and sufficient condition such that there is no non-Archimedean analytic map from k into . Using the dictionary between non-Archimedean Nevanlinna theory and Diophantine approximation that originated in earlier work with T. T. H. An, we also study arithmetic analogues of these problems, establishing results on integral points on these varieties over ℤ or the ring of integers of an imaginary quadratic field.
Molecular Characterization and Viral Origin of the First Dengue Outbreak in Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, 2013
Authors: Guo Xiaofang , Yang Henglin , Wu Chao , Jiang Jinyong , Fan Jianhua , Li Hongbin , Zhu Jin , Yang Zhonghua , Li Yuanyuan , Zhou Hongning , Zhang Jiusong
Published: June 2015

In August 2013, Xishuangbanna, Yunnan Province, China, had its first dengue outbreak. Dengue virus (DENV) RNA detection in sera or viral isolates revealed that all 222 autochthonous patients detected and three Chinese travelers from Laos (imported cases) were positive for DENV-3 serotype, while DENV-1 and DENV-4 were detected in travelers from Myanmar and Thailand during the outbreak. For 33 suspected dengue cases collected before the outbreak, two imported cases from Laos and nine residents living in Laos (Laotian cases) were positive for DENV-3. Further, a random subset of 33 positive cases for DENV-3 was sequenced for the full envelope gene of DENV. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all of the 25 autochthonous cases sequenced were grouped into the same clade, genotype II of DENV-3, with imported cases from Laos and Laotian cases. These results suggest that the genotype II of DENV-3 was associated with the outbreak and may have originated from the virus circulating in Laos.
Evidence of Hantavirus Infection Among Bats in Brazil
Authors: Sabino-Santos Gilberto , Maia Felipe Gonçalves Motta , Vieira Thallyta Maria , de Lara Muylaert Renata , Lima Sabrina Miranda , Gonçalves Cristieli Barros , Barroso Patricia Doerl , Melo Maria Norma , Jonsson Colleen B. , Goodin Douglas , Salazar-Bravo Jorge , Figueiredo Luiz Tadeu Moraes
Published: June 2015

Hantaviruses are zoonotic viruses harbored by rodents, bats, and shrews. At present, only rodent-borne hantaviruses are associated with severe illness in humans. New species of hantaviruses have been recently identified in bats and shrews greatly expanding the potential reservoirs and ranges of these viruses. Brazil has one of the highest incidences of hantavirus cardiopulmonary syndrome in South America, hence it is critical to know what is the prevalence of hantaviruses in Brazil. Although much is known about rodent reservoirs, little is known regarding bats. We captured 270 bats from February 2012 to April 2014. Serum was screened for the presence of antibodies against a recombinant nucleoprotein (rN) of Araraquara virus (ARAQV). The prevalence of antibody to hantavirus was 9/53 with an overall seroprevalence of 17%. Previous studies have shown only insectivorous bats to harbor hantavirus; however, in our study, of the nine seropositive bats, five were frugivorous, one was carnivorous, and three were sanguivorous phyllostomid bats.
Momentum forcing of the quasi-biennial oscillation by equatorial waves in recent reanalyses
Authors: Kim Y.-H. , Chun H.-Y.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The momentum forcing of the QBO (quasi-biennial oscillation) by equatorial waves is estimated using recent reanalyses. Based on the estimation using the conventional pressure-level data sets, the forcing by the Kelvin waves (3–9 m s−1 month−1) dominates the net forcing by all equatorial wave modes (3–11 m s−1 month−1) in the easterly-to-westerly transition phase at 30 hPa. In the opposite phase, the net forcing by equatorial wave modes is small (1–5 m s−1 month−1). By comparing the results with those from the native model-level data set of the ERA-Interim reanalysis, it is suggested that the use of conventional-level data causes the Kelvin wave forcing to be underestimated by 2–4 m s−1 month−1. The momentum forcing by mesoscale gravity waves, which are unresolved in the reanalyses, is deduced from the residual of the zonal wind tendency equation. In the easterly-to-westerly transition phase at 30 hPa, the mesoscale gravity wave forcing is found to be smaller than the resolved wave forcing, whereas the gravity wave forcing dominates over the resolved wave forcing in the opposite phase. Finally, we discuss the uncertainties in the wave forcing estimates using the reanalyses.
Enhanced extinction of visible radiation due to hydrated aerosols in mist and fog
Authors: Elias T. , Dupont J.-C. , Hammer E. , Hoyle C. R. , Haeffelin M. , Burnet F. , Jolivet D.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The study assesses the contribution of aerosols to the extinction of visible radiation in the mist–fog–mist cycle. Relative humidity is large in the mist–fog–mist cycle, and aerosols most efficient in interacting with visible radiation are hydrated and compose the accumulation mode. Measurements of the microphysical and optical properties of these hydrated aerosols with diameters larger than 0.4 μm were carried out near Paris, during November 2011, under ambient conditions. Eleven mist–fog–mist cycles were observed, with a cumulated fog duration of 96 h, and a cumulated mist–fog–mist cycle duration of 240 h. In mist, aerosols grew by taking up water at relative humidities larger than 93%, causing a visibility decrease below 5 km. While visibility decreased down from 5 to a few kilometres, the mean size of the hydrated aerosols increased, and their number concentration (Nha) increased from approximately 160 to approximately 600 cm−3. When fog formed, droplets became the strongest contributors to visible radiation extinction, and liquid water content (LWC) increased beyond 7 mg m−3. Hydrated aerosols of the accumulation mode co-existed with droplets, as interstitial non-activated aerosols. Their size continued to increase, and some aerosols achieved diameters larger than 2.5 μm. The mean transition diameter between the aerosol accumulation mode and the small droplet mode was 4.0 ± 1.1 μm. Nha also increased on average by 60 % after fog formation. Consequently, the mean contribution to extinction in fog was 20 ± 15% from hydrated aerosols smaller than 2.5 μm and 6 ± 7% from larger aerosols. The standard deviation was large because of the large variability of Nha in fog, which could be smaller than in mist or 3 times larger. The particle extinction coefficient in fog can be computed as the sum of a droplet component and an aerosol component, which can be approximated by 3.5 Nha (Nha in cm−3 and particle extinction coefficient in Mm−1. We observed an influence of the main formation process on Nha, but not on the contribution to fog extinction by aerosols. Indeed, in fogs formed by stratus lowering (STL), the mean Nha was 360 ± 140 cm−3, close to the value observed in mist, while in fogs formed by nocturnal radiative cooling (RAD) under cloud-free sky, the mean Nha was 600 ± 350 cm−3. But because visibility (extinction) in fog was also lower (larger) in RAD than in STL fogs, the contribution by aerosols to extinction depended little on the fog formation process. Similarly, the proportion of hydrated aerosols over all aerosols (dry and hydrated) did not depend on the fog formation process. Measurements showed that visibility in RAD fogs was smaller than in STL fogs due to three factors: (1) LWC was larger in RAD than in STL fogs, (2) droplets were smaller, (3) hydrated aerosols composing the accumulation mode were more numerous.
Investigating the links between ozone and organic aerosol chemistry in a biomass burning plume from a prescribed fire in California chaparral
Authors: Alvarado M. J. , Lonsdale C. R. , Yokelson R. J. , Akagi S. K. , Coe H. , Craven J. S. , Fischer E. V. , McMeeking G. R. , Seinfeld J. H. , Soni T. , Taylor J. W. , Weise D. R. , Wold C. E.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Within minutes after emission, complex photochemistry in biomass burning smoke plumes can cause large changes in the concentrations of ozone (O3) and organic aerosol (OA). Being able to understand and simulate this rapid chemical evolution under a wide variety of conditions is a critical part of forecasting the impact of these fires on air quality, atmospheric composition, and climate. Here we use version 2.1 of the Aerosol Simulation Program (ASP) to simulate the evolution of O3 and secondary organic aerosol (SOA) within a young biomass burning smoke plume from the Williams prescribed fire in chaparral, which was sampled over California in November 2009. We demonstrate the use of a method for simultaneously accounting for the impact of the unidentified intermediate volatility, semi-volatile, and extremely low volatility organic compounds (here collectively called "SVOCs") on the formation of OA (using the Volatility Basis Set – VBS) and O3 (using the concept of mechanistic reactivity). We show that this method can successfully simulate the observations of O3, OA, NOx, ethylene (C2H4), and OH to within measurement uncertainty using reasonable assumptions about the average chemistry of the unidentified SVOCs. These assumptions were (1) a reaction rate constant with OH of ~ 10-11 cm3 s−1; (2) a significant fraction (up to ~ 50 %) of the RO2 + NO reaction resulted in fragmentation, rather than functionalization, of the parent SVOC; (3) ~ 1.1 molecules of O3 were formed for every molecule of SVOC that reacted; (4) ~ 60 % of the OH that reacted with the unidentified non-methane organic compounds (NMOC) was regenerated as HO2; and (5) that ~ 50 % of the NO that reacted with the SVOC peroxy radicals was lost, presumably to organic nitrate formation. Additional evidence for the fragmentation pathway is provided by the observed rate of formation of acetic acid (CH3COOH), which is consistent with our assumed fragmentation rate. However, the model overestimates peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) formation downwind by about 50 %, suggesting the need for further refinements to the chemistry. This method could provide a way for classifying different smoke plume observations in terms of the average chemistry of their SVOCs, and could be used to study how the chemistry of these compounds (and the O3 and OA they form) varies between plumes.
Light absorption properties of laboratory generated tar ball particles
Authors: Hoffer A. , Tóth A. , Nyirő-Kósa I. , Pósfai M. , Gelencsér A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Tar balls (TBs) are a specific particle type which is abundant in the global troposphere, in particular in biomass smoke plumes. These particles belong to the family of atmospheric brown carbon (BrC) which can absorb light in the visible range of the solar spectrum. Albeit TBs are typically present as individual particles in biomass smoke plumes, their absorption properties have been only indirectly inferred from field observations or calculations based on their electron energy-loss spectra. This is because in biomass smoke TBs coexist with various other particle types (e.g. organic particles with inorganic inclusions and soot, the latter is emitted mainly during flaming conditions) from which they cannot be physically separated; thus, a direct experimental determination of their absorption properties is not feasible. Very recently we have demonstrated that TBs can be generated in the laboratory from droplets of wood tar that resemble atmospheric TBs in all of their observed properties. As a follow-up study we have installed on-line instruments to our laboratory set-up generating pure TB particles to measure the absorption and scattering, as well as size distribution of the particles. In addition, samples were collected for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and total carbon (TC) analysis. The effects of experimental parameters were also studied. The mass absorption coefficients of the laboratory generated TBs were found to be in the range of 0.8–3.0 m2 g−1 at 550 nm, with absorption Ångström exponents (AAE) between 2.7 and 3.4 (average 2.9) in the wavelength range 467–652 nm. The refractive index of TBs as derived from Mie calculations was about 1.84–0.21i at 550 nm. In the brown carbon continuum these values fall closer to those of soot than to other light-absorbing species such as humic-like substances (HULIS). Considering the abundance of TBs in biomass smoke and the global magnitude of biomass burning emissions, these findings may have substantial influence on the understanding of global radiative energy fluxes.