bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Design of the Elevator Remote Monitoring System Based on GSM
Authors: Li W.F. , Zhang S.L. , Yuan H.R.
Published: March 2015

To solve the sudden of the operational failure of the elevator, uncertainties of the failure and the lower reliability duo to maintenance personnel non-standard operation, we design and implement a system of the elevator secure remote monitoring which based on GSM wireless communications. The terminal of the system regards GSM wireless communication module as a main control unit, which meanwhile has the reliable wireless five-party call subsystem and UPS function. The system, mainly through a wide range of AC and DC voltage signal acquisition unit and RFID radio frequency module monitors the elevator’s various of state, and records maintenance personnel’s information. All information transmitted by GPRS and display in the terminal. Experiments show that this system is stable and reliable and has a good compatibility, which truly achieves the real-time of the failure information feedback, reduces the blindness of the troubleshooting, and has a broad market.
Effect of glyphosate-based herbicide, Roundup™ on territory deference of male Oreochromis mossambicus (Osteichthyes, Cichlidae) associated with mating behaviour
Authors: Sandun KV , Bandara N , Amarasinghe Upali S
Published: March 2015

African cichlids are important constituent species in tropical inland fisheries and Oreochromis mossambicus supports profitable fisheries in many countries of the world. This species exhibits elaborate courtship behaviour. Building of spawning nests by males, aggressive behaviour and breeding colouration are important behavioural patterns of this species associated with reproduction. As O. mossambicus is found in reservoirs of Sri Lanka which are situated in agricultural areas of the country, reservoir populations of this species are vulnerable to exposure to agrochemicals at least at sub lethal levels. As ‘Roundup™’ is one of the widely used herbicides in the agricultural areas of the country, the present study was undertaken to investigate its impacts on territorial behaviour of O. mossambicus.Adult O. mossambicus collected from the wild was acclimatized to laboratory condition and exposed to sub-lethal glyphosate concentrations (0 ppm, 5 ppm, 8 ppm and 10 ppm). The territorial behaviour of males measured as intensity of colour change, chasing distance, chasing occurrence, area of territory maintained by nest builders, dorsal fin erection and status of the bites has altered significantly in the aquaria with all three concentration of herbicide.Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 20 (1) (2015): 1-10
Present status of small-scale exploitation of mangroves in Rekawa Lagoon, Sri Lanka
Authors: Dayarathne VTK , Kumara MP
Published: March 2015

Small-scale forest exploitation is reported to have significant impacts on the composition, structure, and regeneration of terrestrial forest types nevertheless, only a few studies have examined mangroves in this respect. Although information related to small-scale harvesting activities in mangroves helps management and conservation initiatives, such information is scanty for Sri Lanka. In order to address this knowledge gap, mangrove cutting/removal data were collected from Boraluwa mangrove community of Rekawa Lagoon (6°03’N 80°50’E), Sri Lanka from 4 transects (30m long, 10m wide; divided into 10 m x 10 m sub-plots) laid perpendicular to the shoreline, in July -December, 2012. The percentage cutting observed during the time ranged from 0% to 17% between the sub-plots while Aegiceras corniculatum and Lumnitzera racemosa were found to be cut at a higher intensity (10% and 21% respectively). Other mangrove species: Rhizophora mucronata, Excoecaria agallocha and Bruguiera gymnorrhiza reported only 1.0%, 1.3% and 4.2% cutting intensities respectively. Thus the highly vulnerable species for cuttings were A .corniculatum and L. Racemosa. However, Kruskal–Wallis test did not show a significant difference of cutting intensities between the sub-plots (S = 2.20, p > 0.05). The mean height of stems removed by cutting was 48.5 cm (±34.8) and 62.9 cm (±44.7) for A. corniculatum and L. Racemosa respectively while 5.7 cm (±3.35) and 5.2 cm (±2.5) were their mean diameters respectively. The mean % sprouting of the cut stumps in the transects were 42%, for A. corniculatum and it was 68% for L. racemosa. The mean number of sprouts (±SD) per stump were 5.9 (±4.5) and 4.3 (±3.2) for A. corniculatum and L. racemosa respectively. Only 8% of intact trees of both A. corniculatum and L. racemosa were with diameters larger than 8 cm indicating that larger stems of these two species have been selectively cut in the recent past. As the tree diameter is proportional to the age of the trees, even small scale cutting could affect the age composition and reproductive capacity of the mangrove forests in Rekawa lagoon.Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 20 (1) (2015): 11-22
T Cell–Extrinsic CD18 Attenuates Antigen-Dependent CD4+ T Cell Activation In Vivo
Authors: Wu Xingxin , Lahiri Amit , Sarin Ritu , Abraham Clara
Published: March 2015

The β2 integrins (CD11/CD18) are heterodimeric leukocyte adhesion molecules expressed on hematopoietic cells. The role of T cell–intrinsic CD18 in trafficking of naive T cells to secondary lymphoid organs and in Ag-dependent T cell activation in vitro and in vivo has been well defined. However, the T cell–extrinsic role for CD18, including on APC, in contributing to T cell activation in vivo is less well understood. We examined the role for T cell–extrinsic CD18 in the activation of wild-type CD4+ T cells in vivo through the adoptive transfer of DO11.10 Ag-specific CD4+ T cells into CD18−/− mice. We found that T cell–extrinsic CD18 was required for attenuating OVA-induced T cell proliferation in peripheral lymph nodes (PLN). The increased proliferation of wild-type DO11.10 CD4+ T cells in CD18−/− PLN was associated with a higher percentage of APC, and these APC demonstrated an increased activation profile and increased Ag uptake, in particular in F4/80+ APC. Depletion of F4/80+ cells both reduced and equalized Ag-dependent T cell proliferation in CD18−/− relative to littermate control PLN, demonstrating that these cells play a critical role in the enhanced T cell proliferation in CD18−/− mice. Consistently, CD11b blockade, which is expressed on F4/80+ macrophages, enhanced the proliferation of DO11.10 CD4+ T cells in CD18+/− PLN. Thus, in contrast to the T cell–intrinsic essential role for CD18 in T cell activation, T cell–extrinsic expression of CD18 attenuates Ag-dependent CD4+ T cell activation in PLN in vivo.
B Cell–Intrinsic CD84 and Ly108 Maintain Germinal Center B Cell Tolerance
Authors: Wong Eric B. , Soni Chetna , Chan Alice Y. , Domeier Phillip P. , Shwetank  , Abraham Thomas , Limaye Nisha , Khan Tahsin N. , Elias Melinda J. , Chodisetti Sathi Babu , Wakeland Edward K. , Rahman Ziaur S. M.
Published: March 2015

Signaling lymphocyte activation molecules (SLAMs) play an integral role in immune regulation. Polymorphisms in the SLAM family receptors are implicated in human and mouse model of lupus disease. The lupus-associated, somatically mutated, and class-switched pathogenic autoantibodies are generated in spontaneously developed germinal centers (GCs) in secondary lymphoid organs. The role and mechanism of B cell–intrinsic expression of polymorphic SLAM receptors that affect B cell tolerance at the GC checkpoint are not clear. In this study, we generated several bacterial artificial chromosome–transgenic mice that overexpress C57BL/6 (B6) alleles of different SLAM family genes on an autoimmune-prone B6.Sle1b background. B6.Sle1b mice overexpressing B6-derived Ly108 and CD84 exhibit a significant reduction in the spontaneously developed GC response and autoantibody production compared with B6.Sle1b mice. These data suggest a prominent role for Sle1b-derived Ly108 and CD84 in altering the GC checkpoint. We further confirm that expression of lupus-associated CD84 and Ly108 specifically on GC B cells in B6.Sle1b mice is sufficient to break B cell tolerance, leading to an increase in autoantibody production. In addition, we observe that B6.Sle1b B cells have reduced BCR signaling and a lower frequency of B cell–T cell conjugates; the reverse is seen in B6.Sle1b mice overexpressing B6 alleles of CD84 and Ly108. Finally, we find a significant decrease in apoptotic GC B cells in B6.Sle1b mice compared with B6 controls. Our study establishes a central role for GC B cell–specific CD84 and Ly108 expression in maintaining B cell tolerance in GCs and in preventing autoimmunity.
Graves’ Disease TSHR-Stimulating Antibodies (TSAbs) Induce the Activation of Immature Thymocytes: A Clue to the Riddle of TSAbs Generation?
Authors: Giménez-Barcons Mireia , Colobran Roger , Gómez-Pau Ana , Marín-Sánchez Ana , Casteràs Anna , Obiols Gabriel , Abella Raúl , Fernández-Doblas Joaquín , Tonacchera Massimo , Lucas-Martín Ana , Pujol-Borrell Ricardo
Published: March 2015

Graves’ disease (GD) is an autoimmune thyroid disease defined by the production of stimulating autoantibodies to the thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor (TSHR) (TSAbs) that induce a sustained state of hyperthyroidism in patients. We previously demonstrated that TSHR, the target of this autoimmune response, is also a key susceptibility gene for GD, probably acting through thymic-dependent central tolerance. We also showed that TSHR is, unexpectedly, expressed in thymocytes. In this report, we confirm the expression of TSHR in thymocytes by protein immunoblotting and quantitative PCR, and show that expression is confined to maturing thymocytes. Using functional assays, we show that thymic TSHR is functional and that TSAbs can stimulate thymocytes through this receptor. This new activity of TSAbs on thymocytes may: 1) explain GD-associated thymic enlargement (hyperplasia), and 2) suggest the provocative hypothesis that the continuous stimulation of thymocytes by TSAbs could lead to a vicious cycle of iterative improvement of the affinity and stimulating capability of initially low-affinity antibacterial (e.g., Yersinia) Abs cross-reactive with TSHR, eventually leading to TSAbs. This may help to fill one of the gaps in our present understanding of unusual characteristics of TSAbs.
Primary Retroperitoneal Seminoma Staging and Surveillance by Means of Fluoro-2-Deoxyglucose-Positron Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography
Authors: Liu Tianye , Aparici Carina
Published: March 2015

Primary retroperitoneal seminoma is a very rare entity. We present a case of 39-year-old male with primary retroperitoneal seminoma with staging and surveillance by means of F-18 fluoro-2-deoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT). The case demonstrates that primary retroperitoneal seminoma can be easy to identify with FDG-PET/CT and potential follow-up on recurrence, or metastatic disease can be performed using this technique.
Damage Identification of Truss Structures Based on Force Method
Authors: Kim Nam-Il , Lee Seunghye , Ahn Namshik , Lee Jaehong
Published: March 2015

An computationally efficient damage identification technique for the planar and space truss structures is presented based on the force method and the micro genetic algorithm. For this purpose, the general equilibrium equations and the kinematic relations in which the reaction forces and the displacements at nodes are take into account, respectively, are formulated. The compatibility equations in terms of forces are explicitly presented using the singular value decomposition (SVD) technique. Then governing equations with unknown reaction forces and initial elongations are derived. Next, the micro genetic algorithm (MGA) is used to properly identify the site and extent of multiple damage cases in truss structures. In order to verify the accuracy and the superiority of the proposed damage detection technique, the numerical solutions are presented for the planar and space truss models. The numerical results indicate that the combination of the force method and the MGA can provide a reliable tool to accurately and efficiently identify the multiple damages of the truss structures.
Stability for Leipholz’s Type of Laminated Box Columns with Nonsymmetric Lay-Ups on Elastic Foundation
Authors: Kim Nam-Il , Lee Jaehong
Published: March 2015

The stability behavior of the Leipholz’s type of laminated box columns with nonsymmetric lay-ups resting on elastic foundation is investigated using the finite element method. Based on the kinematic assumptions consistent with the Vlasov beam theory, a formal engineering approach of the mechanics of the laminated box columns with symmetric and nonsymmetric lay-ups is presented. The extended Hamilton’s principle is employed to obtain the elastic stiffness and mass matrices, the Rayleigh damping and elastic foundation matrices, the geometric stiffness matrix due to distributed axial force, and the load correction stiffness matrix accounting for the uniformly distributed nonconservative forces. The evaluation procedures for the critical values of divergence and flutter loads with/without internal and external damping effects are briefly presented. Numerical examples are carried out to validate the present theory with respect to the previously published results. Especially, the influences of the fiber angle change and damping on the divergence and flutter loads of the laminated box columns are parametrically investigated.
A High-Order Numerical Method to Study Three-Dimensional Hydrodynamics in a Natural River
Authors: Shen Luyu , Lu Changgen , Wu Weiguo , Xue Shifeng
Published: March 2015

A high-order numerical method for three-dimensional hydrodynamics is presented. The present method applies high-order compact schemes in space and a Runge-Kutta scheme in time to solve the Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations with the k-ε turbulence model in an orthogonal curvilinear coordinate system. In addition, a two-dimensional equation is derived from the depth-averaged momentum equations to predict the water level. The proposed method is first validated by its application to simulate flow in a 180° curved laboratory flume. It is found that the simulated results agree with measurements and are better than those from SIMPLEC algorithm. Then the method is applied to study three-dimensional hydrodynamics in a natural river, and the simulated results are in accordance with measurements.
A Comparative Study of LBE and DUGKS Methods for Nearly Incompressible Flows
Authors: Wang Peng , Zhu Lianhua , Guo Zhaoli , Xu Kun
Published: March 2015

The lattice Boltzmann equation (LBE) methods (both LBGK and MRT) and the discrete unified gas-kinetic scheme (DUGKS) are both derived from the Boltzmann equation, but with different consideration in their algorithm construction. With the same numerical discretization in the particle velocity space, the distinctive modeling of these methods in the update of gas distribution function may introduce differences in the computational results. In order to quantitatively evaluate the performance of these methods in terms of accuracy, stability, and efficiency, in this paper we test LBGK, MRT, and DUGKS in two-dimensional cavity flow and the flow over a square cylinder, respectively. The results for both cases are validated against benchmark solutions. The numerical comparison shows that, with sufficient mesh resolution, the LBE and DUGKS methods yield qualitatively similar results in both test cases. With identical mesh resolutions in both physical and particle velocity space, the LBE methods are more efficient than the DUGKS due to the additional particle collision modeling in DUGKS. But, the DUGKS is more robust and accurate than the LBE methods in most test conditions. Particularly, for the unsteady flow over a square cylinder at Reynolds number 300, with the same mesh resolution it is surprisingly observed that the DUGKS can capture the physical multi-frequency vortex shedding phenomena while the LBGK and MRT fail to get that. Furthermore, the DUGKS is a finite volume method and its computational efficiency can be much improved when a non-uniform mesh in the physical space is adopted. The comparison in this paper clearly demonstrates the progressive improvement of the lattice Boltzmann methods from LBGK, to MRT, up to the current DUGKS, along with the inclusion of more reliable physical process in their algorithm development. Besides presenting the Navier-Stokes solution, the DUGKS can capture the rarefied flow phenomena as well with the increasing of Knudsen number.
Prevalence of Endemic Pig-Associated Zoonoses in Southeast Asia: A Review of Findings from the Lao People's Democratic Republic
Authors: Okello Anna L. , Burniston Stephanie , Conlan James V. , Inthavong Phouth , Khamlome Boualam , Welburn Susan C. , Gilbert Jeffrey , Allen John , Blacksell Stuart D.
Published: March 2015

The increasing intensification of pork production in southeast Asia necessitates an urgent requirement to better understand the dual impact of pig-associated zoonotic disease on both pig production and human health in the region. Sharing porous borders with five countries and representing many regional ethnicities and agricultural practices, the Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR) appears well placed to gauge the levels of pig-associated zoonoses circulating in the wider region. Despite this, little is known about the true impact of zoonotic pathogens such as leptospirosis, Trichinella, hepatitis E virus (HEV), Japanese encephalitis (JE), and Taenia solium on human health and livestock production in the country. A comprehensive review of the published prevalences of these five pig-associated zoonoses in Lao PDR has demonstrated that although suspicion remains high of their existence in pig reservoirs across the country, epidemiological data are scarce; only 31 epidemiological studies have been undertaken on these diseases in the past 25 years. A greater understanding of the zoonoses prevalence and subsequent risks associated with pork production in the southeast Asian region could help focus public health and food safety interventions at key points along the value chain, benefiting both livestock producers and the broader animal and human health systems in the region.
Dot-ELISA Rapid Test Using Recombinant 56-kDa Protein Antigens for Serodiagnosis of Scrub Typhus
Authors: Rodkvamtook Wuttikon , Zhang Zhiwen , Chao Chien-Chung , Huber Erin , Bodhidatta Dharadhida , Gaywee Jariyanart , Grieco John , Sirisopana Narongrid , Kityapan Manerat , Lewis Michael , Ching Wei-Mei
Published: March 2015

We developed a rapid dot–enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (dot-ELISA) using the combination of recombinant 56-kDa protein antigens that exhibited broad reactivity with serum antibodies against the four most prevalent strains (Karp, Kato, Gilliam, and TA763) of Orientia tsutsugamushi. The assay is rapid (30 minutes), and can be done at room temperature, and results can be read by the naked eye. Only a simple shaker is required to wash the membrane. Sera from 338 patients suspected of being ill with scrub typhus from rural hospitals around Thailand were tested using this dot-ELISA. Seventy-five (22.2%) patients were found to be positive. The sensitivity and specificity of dot-ELISA were determined using the indirect immunofluorescent assay (IFA) test as the gold standard, with the cutoff titer of immunoglobulin peroxidase conjugate M (IgM)/G (IgG) greater than 1:400/1:400. The dot-ELISA had a sensitivity of 98.5%, a specificity of 96.3%, a positive predictive value of 86.7%, and a negative predictive value of 99.6% for the acute-phase specimens. The results indicate that dot-ELISA rapid test using recombinant 56-kDa protein antigen was comparable with the IFA test and may be very useful for the diagnosis of scrub typhus in rural hospitals, where IFA is not available.
A Prospective Multi-Center Observational Study of Children Hospitalized with Diarrhea in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Thompson Corinne N. , Phan My V. T. , Hoang Nguyen Van Minh , Minh Pham Van , Vinh Nguyen Thanh , Thuy Cao Thu , Nga Tran Thi Thu , Rabaa Maia A. , Duy Pham Thanh , Dung Tran Thi Ngoc , Phat Voong Vinh , Nga Tran Vu Thieu , Tu Le Thi Phuong , Tuyen Ha Thanh , Yoshihara Keisuke , Jenkins Claire , Duong Vu Thuy , Phuc Hoang Le , Tuyet Pham Thi Ngoc , Ngoc Nguyen Minh , Vinh Ha , Chinh Nguyen Tran , Thuong Tang Chi , Tuan Ha Manh , Hien Tran Tinh , Campbell James I. , Chau Nguyen Van Vinh , Thwaites Guy , Baker Stephen
Published: March 2015

We performed a prospective multicenter study to address the lack of data on the etiology, clinical and demographic features of hospitalized pediatric diarrhea in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), Vietnam. Over 2,000 (1,419 symptomatic and 609 non-diarrheal control) children were enrolled in three hospitals over a 1-year period in 2009–2010. Aiming to detect a panel of pathogens, we identified a known diarrheal pathogen in stool samples from 1,067/1,419 (75.2%) children with diarrhea and from 81/609 (13.3%) children without diarrhea. Rotavirus predominated in the symptomatic children (664/1,419; 46.8%), followed by norovirus (293/1,419; 20.6%). The bacterial pathogens Salmonella, Campylobacter, and Shigella were cumulatively isolated from 204/1,419 (14.4%) diarrheal children and exhibited extensive antimicrobial resistance, most notably to fluoroquinolones and third-generation cephalosporins. We suggest renewed efforts in generation and implementation of policies to control the sale and prescription of antimicrobials to curb bacterial resistance and advise consideration of a subsidized rotavirus vaccination policy to limit the morbidity due to diarrheal disease in Vietnam.
Spaceborne observations of the lidar ratio of marine aerosols
Authors: Dawson K. W. , Meskhidze N. , Josset D. , Gassó S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Retrievals of aerosol optical depth (AOD) from the Cloud-Aerosol Lidar with Orthogonal Polarization (CALIOP) satellite sensor require the assumption of the extinction-to-backscatter ratio, also known as the lidar ratio. This paper evaluates a new method to calculate the lidar ratio of marine aerosols using two independent sources: the AOD from the Synergized Optical Depth of Aerosols (SODA) project and the integrated attenuated backscatter from CALIOP. With this method, the particulate lidar ratio can be derived for individual CALIOP retrievals in single aerosol layer, cloud-free columns over the ocean. Global analyses are carried out using CALIOP level 2, 5 km marine aerosol layer products and the collocated SODA nighttime data from December 2007 to November 2010. The global mean lidar ratio for marine aerosols was found to be 26 sr, roughly 30% higher than the current value prescribed by the CALIOP standard retrieval algorithm. Data analysis also showed considerable spatiotemporal variability in the calculated lidar ratio over the remote oceans. The calculated marine aerosol lidar ratio is found to vary with the mean ocean surface wind speed (U10). An increase in U10 reduces the mean lidar ratio for marine regions from 32 ± 17 sr (for 0 < U10 < 4 m s−1) to 22 ± 7 sr (for U10 > 15 m s−1). Such changes in the lidar ratio are expected to have a corresponding effect on the marine AOD from CALIOP. The outcomes of this study are relevant for future improvements of the SODA and CALIOP operational product and could lead to more accurate retrievals of marine AOD.
Energetic particle induced intra-seasonal variability of ozone inside the Antarctic polar vortex observed in satellite data
Authors: Fytterer T. , Mlynczak M. G. , Nieder H. , Pérot K. , Sinnhuber M. , Stiller G. , Urban J.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Measurements from 2002 to 2011 by three independent satellite instruments, namely MIPAS, SABER, and SMR on board the ENVISAT, TIMED, and Odin satellites are used to investigate the intra-seasonal variability of stratospheric and mesospheric O3 volume mixing ratio (vmr) inside the Antarctic polar vortex due to solar and geomagnetic activity. In this study, we individually analysed the relative O3 vmr variations between maximum and minimum conditions of a number of solar and geomagnetic indices (F10.7 cm solar radio flux, Ap index, ≥ 2 MeV electron flux). The indices are 26-day averages centred at 1 April, 1 May, and 1 June while O3 is based on 26-day running means from 1 April to 1 November at altitudes from 20 to 70 km. During solar quiet time from 2005 to 2010, the composite of all three instruments reveals an apparent negative O3 signal associated to the geomagnetic activity (Ap index) around 1 April, on average reaching amplitudes between −5 and −10% of the respective O3 background. The O3 response exceeds the significance level of 95% and propagates downwards throughout the polar winter from the stratopause down to ~ 25 km. These observed results are in good qualitative agreement with the O3 vmr pattern simulated with a three-dimensional chemistry-transport model, which includes particle impact ionisation.
Measurement of atomic oxygen in the middle atmosphere using solid electrolyte sensors and catalytic probes
Authors: Eberhart M. , Löhle S. , Steinbeck A. , Binder T. , Fasoulas S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The atmospheric energy budget is largely dominated by reactions involving atomic oxygen (O). Modeling of these processes requires detailed knowledge about the distribution of this oxygen species. Understanding the mutual contributions of atomic oxygen and wave motions to the atmospheric heating is the main goal of the rocket campaign WADIS. It includes, amongst others, two of our instruments for the measurement of atomic oxygen that have both been developed with the aim of resolving density variations on small vertical scales along the trajectory. In this paper the instrument based on catalytic effects (PHLUX) is introduced briefly. The experiment employing solid electrolyte sensors (FIPEX) is presented in detail. These sensors were laboratory calibrated using a microwave plasma as a source for atomic oxygen in combination with mass spectrometer reference measurements. The spectrometer was in turn calibrated for O with a method based on methane. In order to get insight into the horizontal variability the rocket payload had instrument decks at both ends. Each housed several sensor heads measuring during both the up- and downleg of the trajectory. The WADIS campaign comprises two rocket flights during different geophysical conditions. Results from WADIS-1 are presented which was successfully launched in June 2013 from Andøya Rocket Range, Norway. FIPEX data was sampled with 100 Hz and yield atomic oxygen density profiles with a vertical resolution better than 10 m. Numerical simulations of the flow field around the rocket were done at several points of the trajectory to assess the influence of aerodynamic effects on the measurement results. Density profiles peak at 3 × 1010 cm−3 at altitudes of 93.6 and 96 km for up- and downleg respectively.
Multi-molecular tracers of terrestrial carbon transfer across the pan-Arctic – Part 1: Comparison of hydrolysable components with plant wax lipids and lignin phenols
Authors: Feng X. , Gustafsson Ö. , Holmes R. M. , Vonk J. E. , van Dongen B. E. , Semiletov I. P. , Dudarev O. V. , Yunker M. B. , Macdonald R. W. , Montluçon D. B. , Eglinton T. I.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Hydrolysable organic carbon (OC) comprises a significant component of sedimentary particulate matter transferred from land into oceans via rivers. Its abundance and nature are however not well studied in the arctic river systems, and yet may represent an important pool of carbon whose fate remains unclear in the context of mobilization and related processes associated with changing climate. Here, we examine the molecular composition and source of hydrolysable compounds isolated from surface sediments derived from nine rivers across the pan-Arctic. Bound fatty acids (b-FAs), hydroxy FAs, n-alkane-α, ω-dioic acids (DAs) and phenols were the major components released upon hydrolysis of these sediments. Among them, b-FAs received considerable inputs from bacterial and/or algal sources, whereas ω-hydroxy FAs, mid-chain substituted acids, DAs, and hydrolysable phenols were mainly derived from cutin and suberin of higher plants. We further compared the distribution and fate of suberin- and cutin-derived compounds with those of other terrestrial biomarkers (plant wax lipids and lignin phenols) from the same arctic river sediments and conducted a benchmark assessment of several biomarker-based indicators of OC source and extent of degradation. While suberin-specific biomarkers were positively correlated with plant-derived high-molecular-weight (HMW) FAs, lignin phenols were correlated with cutin-derived compounds. These correlations suggest that, similar to leaf-derived cutin, lignin was mainly derived from litter and surface soil horizons, whereas suberin and HMW FAs incorporated significant inputs from belowground sources (roots and deeper soil). This conclusion is supported by the negative correlation between lignin phenols and the ratio of suberin-to-cutin biomarkers. Furthermore, the molecular composition of investigated biomarkers differed between Eurasian and North American arctic rivers: while lignin dominated in the terrestrial OC of Eurasian river sediments, hydrolysable OC represented a much larger fraction in the sedimentary particles from Colville River. Hence, studies exclusively focusing on either plant wax lipids or lignin phenols will not be able to fully unravel the mobilization and fate of bound OC in the arctic rivers. More comprehensive, multi-molecular investigations are needed to better constrain the land-ocean transfer of carbon in the changing Arctic, including further research on the degradation and transfer of both free and bound components in the arctic river sediments.
Quantifying wind and pressure effects on trace gas fluxes across the soil–atmosphere interface
Authors: Redeker K. R. , Baird A. J. , Teh Y. A.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Large uncertainties persist in estimates of soil–atmosphere exchange of important trace gases. One significant source of uncertainty is the combined effect of wind and pressure on these fluxes. Wind and pressure effects are mediated by surface topography: few surfaces are uniform and over scales of tenths of a meter to tens of meters, air pressure and wind speed at the ground surface may be very variable. In this paper we consider how such spatial variability in air pressure and wind speed affects fluxes of trace gases. We used a novel nested wind tunnel design, comprising a toroidial wind tunnel in which wind speed and pressure may be controlled, set within a larger, linear wind tunnel. The effects of both wind speed and pressure differentials on fluxes of CO2 and CH4 within three different ecosystems (forest, grassland, peat bog) were quantified. We find that trace gas fluxes are positively correlated with both wind speed and pressure differential near the surface boundary. We argue that wind speed is the better proxy for trace gas fluxes because of its stronger correlation and because wind speed measurement is more easily accomplished and wind speed measurement methodology can be more easily standardized. Trace gas fluxes, whether into or out of the soil, increase with wind speed within the toroidal tunnel (+54% flux per m s−1), while faster, localized surface winds that are external to the toroidal wind tunnel reduce trace gas fluxes (−11% flux per m s−1). These results are consistent for both trace gases over all ecosystem soil types studied. Our findings support the need for a revised conceptualization of soil–atmosphere gas exchange. We propose a conceptual model of the soil profile that has a "mixed layer", with fluxes controlled by wind speed, wind duration, porosity, water table, and gas production and consumption.
Corrosion control using hydroxide and bicarbonate alkalising agents in water drinking processes
Authors: Torres-Lozada P. , Bueno-Zabala K. A. , Delgado-Cabrera L. G. , Barba-Ho L. E. , Cruz-Vélez C. H.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The water supply industry is faced with three phenomena of great importance: the aggressiveness, corrosion, and incrustation of water distribution systems (WDS), which are primarily due to the low alkalinity of water sources and the addition of chemicals used in water treatment processes, which require pH adjustments during the last stage of the treatment process before going into the WDS. This article presents the results of using Ca(OH)2 and NaOH with doses between 2 and 20 mg L−1 and NaHCO3 and Na2CO3 between 10 and 250 mg L−1 to adjust the pH of water treated from the Cauca River, which is located in Cali, Colombia, using stabilisation indices normally used in water treatment plants for pH monitoring processes and to better predict the behaviour of water in the WDS. The results indicate that for the case of the surface water source studied, which exhibits low alkalinity levels, the evaluated alkalising agents, with the exception of NaHCO3, can create conditions that lead to the precipitation of a~protective calcium carbonate film. Because the pH values that guarantee an adequate pH adjustment are higher (8.7–9.0) than those specified by the Colombian water code and because other international rules indicate that these values do not compromise the health of consumers, it is advisable to review and adjust the code in this respect.
Vegetation in karst terrain of southwestern China allocates more biomass to roots
Authors: Ni J. , Luo D. H. , Xia J. , Zhang Z. H. , Hu G.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. In mountainous areas of southwestern China, especially Guizhou Province, continuous, broadly distributed karst landscapes with harsh and fragile habitats often lead to land degradation. Research indicates that vegetation located in karst terrains has low aboveground biomass, and land degradation reduces vegetation biomass, but belowground biomass measurements are rarely reported. Using the soil pit method, we investigated the root biomass of karst vegetation in five degraded (successional) stages: grassland, grass-scrub tussock, thorn-scrub shrubland, scrub-tree forest, and mixed evergreen and deciduous forest in Maolan, southern Guizhou Province, growing in two different soil-rich and rock-dominated habitats. The results show that roots in karst vegetation, especially the coarse roots, and roots in rocky habitats, are mostly distributed in the topsoil layers (89% on the surface up to 20 cm depth). The total root biomass in all habitats of all vegetation degradation periods is 18.77 Mg ha−1, in which roots in rocky habitat have higher biomass than in earthy habitat, and coarse root biomass is larger than medium and fine root biomass. The root biomass of mixed evergreen and deciduous forest in karst habitat (35.83 Mg ha−1) is not greater than that of most typical, non-karst evergreen broad-leaved forests in subtropical regions of China, but the ratio of root to aboveground biomass in karst forest (0.37) is significantly greater than the mean ratio (0.26±0.07) of subtropical evergreen forests. Vegetation restoration in degraded karst terrain will significantly increase the belowground carbon stock, forming a potential regional carbon sink.
Meteorological, elevation, and slope effects on surface hoar formation
Authors: Horton S. , Schirmer M. , Jamieson B.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Failure in layers of buried surface hoar crystals (frost) can cause hazardous snow slab avalanches. Surface hoar crystals form on the snow surface and are sensitive to micro-meteorological conditions. In this study, the role of meteorological and terrain factors were investigated for three surface hoar layers in the Columbia Mountains of Canada. The distribution of crystals was observed over different elevations and aspects during 20 days of field observations. The same layers were modelled on a 2.5 km horizontal grid by forcing the snow cover model SNOWPACK with forecast weather data from a numerical weather prediction model. The moisture content of the air (i.e. absolute humidity) had the largest impact on modelled surface hoar growth, with warm and moist air being favourable. Surface hoar was most developed at certain elevation bands, usually corresponding to elevations with warm humid air, light winds, and cold surface temperatures. SNOWPACK simulations on virtual slopes systematically predicted smaller surface hoar on south-facing slopes. In the field, a complex combination of surface hoar and sun crusts were observed, suggesting the model did not adequately resolve the surface energy balance on slopes. Overall, a coupled weather–snow cover model could benefit avalanche forecasters by predicting surface hoar layers on a regional scale over different elevation bands.
Eschewing the First Person: Post-Subjective Autobiography in Hubert Fichte and his Geschichte der Empfindlichkeit / History of Sensitivity
Authors: Gillett Robert
Published: March 2015

Despite the uncanny similarities between the known facts of Hubert Fichte's life and the events depicted in his works, opinion is still divided as to whether Fichte's work constitutes an autobiography or not. This is partly because, rather than adopting the classic first person or using the same name on the cover as in the inside of the book, Fichte gives his protagonists fictitional names: Detlev, Jäcki. The designation of many of his works as 'novels' does not help either. The thesis of this article is that in his literary works, Fichte deliberately drew on the events of his own life, and deliberately invoked the various genres and procedures of life writing in order to construct what I call 'post-subjective autobiography'. In putting forward this thesis, I demonstrate how, from his third novel onwards, Fichte is not writing from the position of a secure subject, but employing a whole range of devices to interrogate the subject of autobiography. And the conclusion is that this post-subjective autobiography is a únique aesthetic and ethical achievement which we would do well to emulate. This article was submitted to the European Journal of Life Writing in May 2014 and published on 16 March 2015.
A Kinect-Based Gesture Recognition Approach for a Natural Human Robot Interface
Authors: Cicirelli Grazia , Attolico Carmela , Guaragnella Cataldo , D'Orazio Tiziana
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we present a gesture recognition system for the development of a human-robot interaction (HRI) interface. Kinect cameras and the OpenNI framework are used to obtain real-time tracking of a human skeleton. Ten different gestures, performed by different persons, are defined. Quaternions of joint angles are first used as robust and significant features. Next, neural network (NN) classifiers are trained to recognize the different gestures. This work deals with different challenging tasks, such as the real-time implementation of a gesture recognition system and the temporal resolution of gestures. The HRI interface developed in this work includes three Kinect cameras placed at different locations in an indoor environment and an autonomous mobile robot that can be remotely controlled by one operator standing in front of one of the Kinects. Moreover, the system is supplied with a people re-identification module which guarantees that only one person at a time has control of the robot. The system's performance is first validated offline, and then online experiments are carried out, proving the real-time operation of the system as required by a HRI interface.
In a Nutshell: Bechtel Scholar Studies Chapbooks, Sendak
Authors: Waskerbarth Suzi
Published: March 2015

These are the words we sigh after, picturing the princess in the castle, the prince vanquishing the dragon, the child, quiet, sound asleep. Quiet seems to be a theme in books of manners for children, I’ve found. Chew your food with your mouth closed (quietly). Sit next to your sister (quietly) without biting her. Do not speak (be quiet) until spoken to, and when you do speak, speak quietly.
Kamishibai Isn’t a City in Japan: Using Japanese Paper Theater in Storytimes
Authors: Eckert Kate
Published: March 2015

Japanese paper theater, or kamishibai, is one of the earliest popular forms of Japanese sequential storytelling art, with its Golden Age peaking in the early half of the twentieth century.
The Symbiosis of Science and Poetry
Authors: Vardell Sylvia , Wong Janet
Published: March 2015

Sometimes unlikely partners can benefit each other in surprising ways. For example, dogs offer protection and companionship to humans, who in turn provide food and shelter for dogs. This “give-and-take” relationship is called symbiosis, referring to relationships that have mutual benefit.That’s true for the disciplines of science and poetry, too. Science is rich in content and poetry offers powerful language; together they can both inform and inspire.
Tough Topic, Necessary Reading: Finding Books for Children with Incarcerated Parents
Authors: Schlafer Rebecca J. , Scrignoli Alyssa
Published: March 2015

The United States has the highest incarceration rate in the world, and it is estimated that about 53 percent of men and 61 percent of women in the US prison population are parents of minor children.As the number of people incarcerated in US prisons and jails grows, so too does the number of children affected by their parents’ absence. Recent estimates suggest that more than 2.7 million US children now have a parent in prison or jail.
The Curious Case of Band-Aid Contagion
Authors: Walsh Shawn D.
Published: March 2015

I don’t think anyone could have prepared me for the fact that germs are not the only things that are contagious. The need for a Band-Aid can spread faster than a cold germ!
In vitro generation of human pluripotent stem cell derived lung organoids
Authors: Dye Briana R , Hill David R , Ferguson Michael AH , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Nagy Melinda S , Dyal Rachel , Wells James M , Mayhew Christopher N , Nattiv Roy , Klein Ophir D , White Eric S , Deutsch Gail H , Spence Jason R
Published: March 2015

Recent breakthroughs in 3-dimensional (3D) organoid cultures for many organ systems have led to new physiologically complex in vitro models to study human development and disease. Here, we report the step-wise differentiation of human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) (embryonic and induced) into lung organoids. By manipulating developmental signaling pathways hPSCs generate ventral-anterior foregut spheroids, which are then expanded into human lung organoids (HLOs). HLOs consist of epithelial and mesenchymal compartments of the lung, organized with structural features similar to the native lung. HLOs possess upper airway-like epithelium with basal cells and immature ciliated cells surrounded by smooth muscle and myofibroblasts as well as an alveolar-like domain with appropriate cell types. Using RNA-sequencing, we show that HLOs are remarkably similar to human fetal lung based on global transcriptional profiles, suggesting that HLOs are an excellent model to study human lung development, maturation and disease.
Gap in Trade Companies’ Perception of Consumers’ Purchasing Processes
Authors: Gąsior Marcin , Skowron Łukasz
Published: March 2015

Consumer behaviour is an inherent element of marketing science. It provides a significant contribution to the cognition of the mechanisms that govern the units that select and purchase goods and services. At the same time a question arises, the extent to which these behaviours are known to companies and the extent to which this knowledge is used as a foundation for creating marketing and sales strategies become apparent. The purpose of this article is to present selected results of research showing, based on the example of the Polish information technologies market, the gap that exists between the perception of consumer behaviour by conventional and on-line trade companies, and its actual/real course. Keywords: Consumers' Expectations, Consumer Behavior, Company's Knowledge, Retail To cite this document: Marcin Gąsior and Łukasz Skowron, "Gap in Trade Companies’ Perception of Consumers’ Purchasing Processes", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.4, pp.353-362, 2014. Permanent link to this document: http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12323
China's 'Steel Hunger': A Comparative Analysis of SOE and NSOE Internationalization Motivations and Attitudes towards Risk
Authors: Ren Monica , Jack Robert
Published: March 2015

In this paper, we present two exploratory case studies’ detailing the internationalisation of a Chinese mining, state-owned enterprise (SOE) and a non-state-owned enterprise (NSOE). Increasing outward foreign direct investment (OFDI) from China’s extractive industries, particularly its steel sector, is now one of the more dramatic aspects of globalisation in the new millennium. It has led to an increased interest in what motivates these firms and how their internationalisation may be shaped by the risks inherent in their pursuit of international expansion. In the study 13 face-to-face interviews are conducted with both senior and functional level managers across both firm types. This data analysis reveals that institutional factors and significant international experience influences SOEs to be ‘risk tolerating’ while influencing NSOEs to be ‘risk averse’. This paper offers a set of propositions that highlight how motivations and risk attitudes are shaped by firm ownership and institutional factors, which ultimately influence the location choice for each firm.

Keywords: State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs), Non-State-Owned Enterprises (NSOEs), Steel, China, Internationalization Motivations, Motivations, Risk

To cite this document: Monica Ren and Robert Jack, "China's 'Steel Hunger': A Comparative Analysis of SOE and NSOE Internationalization Motivations and Attitudes towards Risk", Contemporary Management Research, Vol.10, No.4, pp.325-352, 2014.

Permanent link to this document:
http://dx.doi.org/10.7903/cmr.12484
Processes, Relations, and Relational‐Developmental‐Systems
Authors: Overton Willis F.
Published: March 2015

Any science, including developmental science, functions within a broad set of concepts that generally go unnoticed during day to day research activities. These background ideas constitute the conceptual framework or context within which day‐to‐day research activities operate. A conceptual framework that has until recently dominated virtually all of science has been termed the Cartesian‐Split‐Mechanistic scientific research paradigm. In a number of scientific fields, including developmental science the inadequacies of this paradigm have become crystal clear, and new data has increasingly been highlighting these inadequacies. In this chapter this research paradigm is compared and contrasted with a newly emerged alternative scientific research paradigm termed the Process‐Relational and Relational‐Developmental‐Systems paradigm. It has been said that science is taking a relational turn. This chapter explores the nature of this turn, and its implications for theory and methods, especially in developmental science.
Person‐Oriented Methodological Approaches
Authors: von Eye Alexander , Bergman Lars R. , Hsieh Chueh‐An
Published: March 2015

Person‐oriented approaches to social and behavioral developmental sciences proceed from the fact that aggregate‐level descriptions of constancy and change usually fail to represent individuals. Protagonists of the person‐oriented approach (Bergman, Magnusson, von Eye) have, therefore, presented tenets that state that development can be person‐specific and that psychometric instruments must possess dimensional identity to be applicable over time, and to enable researchers to perform comparisons of individuals or groups of individuals. Protagonists of idiographic psychology (Molenaar) have shown that cross‐sectional information can be used as substitute for longitudinal information only under conditions that are atypical of developmental processes. In the first part of this chapter, main lines of the person‐oriented and idiographic research are presented, and compared with differential psychology. In the second part, methods of analysis are discussed that are suitable for person‐oriented research. These methods include, but are not restricted to, hierarchical linear modeling, time series analysis, longitudinal factor analysis, Configural Frequency Analysis (CFA), and Item Response Theory (IRT). Examples with empirical data are given forCFAandIRT. In the discussion, perspectives of the research planner, the data analyst, and the applied developmental scientist are taken.