bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the failure progress in the static bending of GFRP laminates reinforced with a classic plain‐woven fabric and a 3D fabric, by means of the vibrations analysis
Authors: Koziol Mateusz , Figlus Tomasz
Published: July 2015

The aim of the work is to evaluate the effectiveness of analysis of a failure progress of the glass fiber reinforced polymer laminate (classic and 3D), during static bending, with the use of high frequency vibration analysis (the order of kHz). During the tests, the instantaneous velocity of the samples' vibrations was recorded. The 3D laminate showed a more favorable course of failure (mostly fiber fracture) than the classic laminate (mostly delamination), but only in the direction transverse to the translaminar interweave strands. In the direction parallel to the interweave, it was also characterized mainly by delamination. It was stated that the vibration measurements significantly broaden and supplement the characteristics of bending, by way of revealing the local degradation changes in the examined material, especially before the initiation of the main stage of failure. The work also describes the frequency bands in which the symptoms of the occurring failures of particular laminate components were observed and where the values of the basic point parameters were estimated, which points to the occurrence of structure failure. The obtained results confirm the effectiveness of the vibration analysis as a tool for the evaluation of the course of composite material failure under static loads. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1070–1085, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
Physical and mechanical behavior of unidirectional banana/jute fiber reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites
Authors: Devireddy Siva Bhaskara Rao , Biswas Sandhyarani
Published: July 2015

During the last few years, natural fiber composites are replacing synthetic fiber composites for practical applications due to their advantages like low density, light weight, low cost, biodegradability and high specific mechanical properties. In this connection, the present investigation deals with the fabrication and mechanical properties of unidirectional banana/jute hybrid fiber reinforced composites and compares with the single natural fiber reinforced composites. The physical and mechanical properties of the natural fiber composites were obtained by testing the composite for density, tensile, flexural, inter‐laminar shear, impact, and hardness properties. The composite specimens with different weight percentages of fibers were fabricated by using hand lay‐up technique and testing were carried out as per ASTM standards. Incorporation of both the fibers into epoxy matrix resulted in an increase in mechanical properties up to 30 wt% of fiber loading. It is found that the hybrid composite give encouraging results when compared with the individual fiber composites. The morphologies of the composites are also studied by scanning electron microscope. POLYM. COMPOS., 38:1396–1403, 2017. © 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers
The arginine vasopressin V1b receptor gene and prosociality: Mediation role of emotional empathy
Authors: Wu Nan , Shang Siyuan , Su Yanjie
Published: July 2015

The vasopressin V1b receptor (AVPR1B) gene has been shown to be closely associated with bipolar disorder and depression. However, whether it relates to positive social outcomes, such as empathy and prosocial behavior, remains unknown. This study explored the possible role of the AVPR1B gene rs28373064 in empathy and prosociality. A total of 256 men, who were genetically unrelated, non‐clinical ethnic Han Chinese college students, participated in the study. Prosociality was tested by measuring the prosocial tendencies of cognitive and emotional empathy using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI). The single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), rs28373064, was genotyped using a polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR‐RFLP) analysis. The results suggest that the AVPR1B gene rs28373064 is linked to emotional empathy and prosociality. The mediation analysis indicated that the effect of the AVPR1B gene on prosociality might be mediated by emotional empathy. This study demonstrated the link between the AVPR1B gene and prosociality and provided evidence that emotional empathy might mediate the relation between the AVPR1B gene and prosociality.
Ellipsometric Porosimetry and Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Characterization for Moisture Permeation Barrier Layers
Authors: Perrotta Alberto , García Santiago J. , Creatore Mariadriana
Published: July 2015

In this work the combination of ellipsometric porosimetry (EP) and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) is extensively addressed in order to characterize the nano‐porosity and further elucidate its influence on the water permeation properties of plasma enhanced‐CVD SiO2 layers. Pores with diameter in the range of 0.27–0.6 nm are studied by adopting a multi‐solvent/multi‐ion approach, with EP and EIS, respectively. This combined study has brought to conclude that open pores larger than 0.42 nm are responsible for WVTR values in the range of 10−3‐10−5 gm−2 day−1, while pores with diameter between 0.42–0.27 nm were found to drive the transition to excellent moisture barrier layers (10−6 gm−2 day−1). Moreover, it is shown that EIS is capable of detecting macro‐scale defects, next to nano‐porosity, being thus a powerful tool for the analysis of moisture barrier layers.
Correlation analysis for heat denaturation of Trp‐cage miniprotein with explicit solvent
Authors: Kamo Fumitaka , Ishizuka Ryosuke , Matubayasi Nobuyuki
Published: July 2015

Energetics was analyzed for Trp‐cage miniprotein in water to elucidate the solvation effect in heat denaturation. The solvation free energy was computed for a set of protein structures at room and high temperatures with all‐atom molecular dynamics simulation combined with the solution theory in the energy representation, and its correlations were investigated against the intramolecular (structural) energy of the protein and the average interaction energy of the protein with the solvent water. It was observed both at room and high temperatures that the solvation free energy is anticorrelated to the structural energy and varies in parallel to the electrostatic component of the protein–water interaction energy without correlations to the van der Waals and excluded‐volume components. When the set of folded structures sampled at room temperature was compared with the set of unfolded ones at high temperature, it was found that the preference order of the two sets is in correspondence to the van der Waals and excluded‐volume components in the sum of the protein intramolecular and protein‐water intermolecular interactions and is not distinguished by the electrostatic component.
Is the Tied Returnee Male or Female? The Trailing Spouse Thesis Reconsidered
Authors: Amcoff Jan , Niedomysl Thomas
Published: July 2015

A common finding of 30–40 years of family migration studies worldwide is that such migration primarily benefits the careers of men in couples but generally damages the women's careers. Findings have recently become more nuanced as the research focus has broadened, hinting that families returning to one spouse's region of previous residence might deviate from this general observation of men as gainers. The present research demonstrates that when families migrate to regions where one spouse has previously lived, it is the female spouse who tends to return, the male spouse (and children, if any) accompanying her as a trailing spouse. This result also holds when restricting attention to those few families in which the female spouse experiences the greatest income increase by moving. There is no evidence of a tradeoff between returning to a region of previous residence and career development. The findings suggest that women compensate for the slighter economic gains with greater non‐monetary gains. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Characterization of a‐Se p–i–n junction fabricated using bidirectional electrolysis in NaCl(aq)
Authors: Onishi Masanori , Saito Ichitaro , Komiyama Kaoru , Takeno Kentaro , Miyazaki Wataru , Masuzawa Tomoaki , Koh Angel T. T. , Chua Daniel H. C. , Yamada Takatoshi , Mori Yusuke , Okano Ken
Published: July 2015

In this article, we introduce an electrochemical doping method of amorphous selenium (a‐Se) using NaCl(aq). Recently, an a‐Se photovoltaic device fabricated using this method [I. Saito, W. Miyazaki, M. Onishi, Y. Kudo, T. Masuzawa, T. Yamada, A. Koh, D. Chua, K. Soga, M. Overend, M. Aono, G. A. J. Amaratunga, and K. Okano, Appl. Phys. Lett. 98, 152102 (2011)] has been announced and opened up the potential of a new impurity doping method. This study will further explore its possibilities by doping chlorine (Cl) and sodium (Na) and aim to fabricate a p–n junction by reversing the applied voltage during the electrolysis. The device is characterized through photoelectric measurements. The I–V characteristics show rectification under light illumination.
Cytotoxic effects of one‐step self‐etching adhesives on an odontoblast cell line
Authors: Lee Yoon , An So‐Youn , Park Yoon‐Jung , Yu Frank H. , Park Joo‐Cheol , Seo Deog‐Gyu
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the cytotoxic effects of one‐step self‐etching adhesives. Cells from an immortalized mouse odontoblast cell line (MDPC‐23) were cultured with six different dental adhesive systems (diluted to concentrations of 0.5% for 4 h): Adper Easy Bond (EB), Xeno V (XV), iBond (IB), AdheSE One (AO), Clearfil SE primer (CS), and Adper Single Bond 2 (SB). MTT (3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and flow cytometric apoptosis assays were used to evaluate cell viability and the rate of apoptosis. The odontoblasts were also examined under a scanning electron microscope. While all of the cultures with adhesives showed reduced viability, the viabilities in the IB and SB groups were not significantly different from the control group. Although increased apoptosis rates were observed in all of the cultures with adhesives, the rate in the SB group was not significantly different from the rate in the control. The control group showed the lowest apoptosis rate followed by the SB, AO, IB, EB, XV, and CS groups. When examined under a scanning electron microscope, control odontoblasts and the SB group exhibited relatively large cytoplasmic extensions. In contrast, in the EB and CS groups, fewer fibroblasts remained adhered to the plate surface. Cytoplasmic membrane shrinkage and cell‐free areas with residual membrane fragments from dead cells were observed. In conclusion, all cultures with one‐step self‐etching adhesives showed increased apoptotic activity. SB, an etch‐and‐rinse adhesive, was comparable to the control group, and CS and EB showed the lowest odontoblast viabilities according to the MTT assay. SCANNING 38:36–42, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A delay‐centric parallel multi‐path routing protocol for cognitive radio ad hoc networks
Authors: Zou Shihong , Gui Li , Zhong Xiaofeng , Wang Chonggang , Tian Chunqi
Published: July 2015

In this paper, we develop a delay‐centric parallel multi‐path routing protocol for multi‐hop cognitive radio ad hoc networks. First, we analyze the end‐to‐end delay of multi‐path routing based on queueing theory and present a new dynamic traffic assignment scheme for multi‐path routing with the objective of minimizing end‐to‐end delay, considering both spectrum availability and link data rate. The problem is formulated as a convex problem and solved by a gradient‐based search method to obtain optimal traffic assignments. Furthermore, a heuristic decentralized traffic assignment scheme for multi‐path routing is presented. Then, based on the delay analysis and the 3D conflict graph that captures spectrum opportunity and interference among paths, we present a route discovery and selection scheme. Via extensive NS2‐based simulation, we show that the proposed protocol outperforms the benchmark protocols significantly and achieves the shortest end‐to‐end delay. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Generation of shocks by the Biermann battery
Authors: Núñez Manuel
Published: July 2015

The generation of magnetic field in shock surfaces separating regions of different electron density is a well known phenomenon. We study how this generation will affect the original structure of ionic flow. In a one‐dimensional geometry, it turns out that the leading magnetosonic wavefront produced by the seed field may be compressional, ultimately evolving into a shock in a finite time. The time where this shock occurs depends on few parameters: sound velocity, Alfvén velocity and the variation of the magnetic field at the original surface at time zero. The alternative is that the magnetosonic wave may stabilize or damp out, which always happens if we start from a null magnetic field.
Critical factors for sustainable food procurement in zoological collections
Authors: Hanson Jonathan H.
Published: July 2015

Food procurement can play an important role in sustainable food supply chain management by zoos, linking organizational operations to the biodiversity conservation and sustainability mission of zoological collections. This study therefore examines the critical factors that shape sustainable food procurement in zoo and aquariums. Using a web‐based survey data was collected from 41 members of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). This included information on the sustainable food procurement practices of these institutions for both their human and animal food supply chains, as well as profile information and data on the factors contributing to and inhibiting sustainable procurement practices. Zoological collections operated by charities, and those with a certified sustainability standard, were found to have significantly higher levels of sustainable food procurement. Zoos and aquariums whose human food operations were not contracted to an external party were also found to have significantly higher levels of sustainable food procurement in their human food supply chain. The most important drivers of sustainable food procurement were cost savings, adequate financial support and improved product quality. The highest ranking barriers were higher costs, other issues taking priority and a lack of alternative suppliers. The results suggest that a number of critical factors shape sustainable food procurement in zoological collections in the British Isles. Financial factors, such as cost savings, were important considerations. The significance of mission‐related factors, such as charity status, indicated that core values held by zoos and aquariums can also influence their food procurement practices. Zoo Biol. 34:483–491, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Demographic Patterns and Outcomes of Patients in Level I Trauma Centers in Three International Trauma Systems
Authors: Gunning Amy C. , Lansink Koen W. W. , van Wessem Karlijn J. P. , Balogh Zsolt J. , Rivara Frederick P. , Maier Ronald V. , Leenen Luke P. H.
Published: July 2015

Introduction

Trauma systems were developed to improve the care for the injured. The designation and elements comprising these systems vary across countries. In this study, we have compared the demographic patterns and patient outcomes of Level I trauma centers in three international trauma systems.

Methods

International multicenter prospective trauma registry‐based study, performed in the University Medical Center Utrecht (UMCU), Utrecht, the Netherlands, John Hunter Hospital (JHH), Newcastle, Australia, and Harborview Medical Center (HMC), Seattle, the United States. Inclusion: patients ≥18 years, admitted in 2012, registered in the institutional trauma registry.

Results

In UMCU, JHH, and HMC, respectively, 955, 1146, and 4049 patients met the inclusion criteria of which 300, 412, and 1375 patients with Injury Severity Score (ISS) > 15. Mean ISS was higher in JHH (13.5; p < 0.001) and HMC (13.4; p < 0.001) compared to UMCU (11.7). Unadjusted mortality: UMCU = 6.5 %, JHH = 3.6 %, and HMC = 4.8 %. Adjusted odds of death: JHH = 0.498 [95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.303–0.818] and HMC = 0.473 (95 % CI 0.325–0.690) compared to UMCU. HMC compared to JHH was 1.002 (95 % CI 0.664–1.514). Odds of death patients ISS > 15: JHH = 0.507 (95 % CI 0.300–0.857) and HMC = 0.451 (95 % CI 0.297–0.683) compared to UMCU. HMC = 0.931 (95 % CI 0.608–1.425) compared to JHH. TRISS analysis: UMCU: Ws = 0.787, Z = 1.31, M = 0.87; JHH, Ws = 3.583, Z = 6.7, M = 0.89; HMC, Ws = 3.902, Z = 14.6, M = 0.84.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated substantial differences across centers in patient characteristics and mortality, mainly of neurological cause. Future research must investigate whether the outcome differences remain with nonfatal and long‐term outcomes. Furthermore, we must focus on the development of a more valid method to compare systems.
Autoantibodies are not Predictive Markers for the Development of Depressive Symptoms in a Population-Based Cohort of Older Adults
Authors: Iseme R.A. , McEvoy M. , Kelly B. , Agnew L. , Attia J. , Walker F.R. , Oldmeadow C. , Boyle M.
Published: July 2015

Background

Autoantibodies have been implicated in the etiologic pathway of depressive disorders. Here, we determine the association between the presence of a panel of autoantibodies at baseline and change in depression symptom score over 5-year follow-up in a cohort of healthy elderly Australians.

Methods

Serum samples from 2049 randomly selected subjects enrolled in the Hunter Community Study (HCS) aged 55–85 years were assayed for a range of autoimmune markers (anti-nuclear autoantibodies, extractable nuclear antigen autoantibodies, anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibodies, thyroid peroxidase autoantibodies, tissue transglutaminase autoantibodies, anti-cardiolipin autoantibodies, rheumatoid factor and cyclic citrullinated peptide autoantibodies) at baseline. Depression symptom score was assessed using the Centre for Epidemiological Study (CES-D) scale at baseline and 5 years later.

Results

Autoantibody prevalence varied amongst our sample with ANA being the most prevalent; positive in 16% and borderline in 36% of study population. No evidence for a relationship was found between change in CES-D score over time and any autoimmune marker. Statins and high cholesterol were significantly associated with change in CES-D score over time in univariate analysis; however, these were probably confounded since they failed to remain significant following multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Autoantibodies were not associated with change in CES-D score over time. These findings point to an absence of autoimmune mechanisms in the general population or in moderate cases of depression.
Does It Pay to Be Green? Financial Benefits of Environmental Labeling among Chinese Firms, 2000–2005
Authors: Wang Lihua , Cui Zhiyu , Liang Xiaoya
Published: July 2015

Drawing on economic, sociological, and strategic perspectives, we use data of a large sample of 936 Chinese manufacturing firms in the period from 2000 to 2005 to examine how environmental labeling may affect a firm's financial performance. We argue that reducing information asymmetry, increasing legitimacy, and differentiating strategically through environmental labeling may prompt customers to patronize the firm, thereby enhancing firm performance. However, not all firms benefit equally; environmental labeling conveys fewer benefits for larger firms and for firms listed in a stock market, because they are less threatened by information asymmetry or insufficient organizational legitimacy. Our findings suggest that environmental labeling has generally limited influence on financial performance, but for small and unlisted firms, environmental labeling increases sales.
Sugar-sweetened beverage intake and cardiovascular risk factor profile in youth with type 1 diabetes: application of measurement error methodology in the SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study
Authors: Liese Angela D. , Crandell Jamie L. , Tooze Janet A. , Kipnis Victor , Bell Ronny , Couch Sarah C. , Dabelea Dana , Crume Tessa L. , Mayer-Davis Elizabeth J.
Published: July 2015

The SEARCH Nutrition Ancillary Study aims to investigate the role of dietary intake on the development of long-term complications of type 1 diabetes in youth, and capitalise on measurement error (ME) adjustment methodology. Using the National Cancer Institute (NCI) method for episodically consumed foods, we evaluated the relationship between sugar-sweetened beverage (SSB) intake and cardiovascular risk factor profile, with the application of ME adjustment methodology. The calibration sample included 166 youth with two FFQ and three 24 h dietary recall data within 1 month. The full sample included 2286 youth with type 1 diabetes. SSB intake was significantly associated with higher TAG, total and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, after adjusting for energy, age, diabetes duration, race/ethnicity, sex and education. The estimated effect size was larger (model coefficients increased approximately 3-fold) after the application of the NCI method than without adjustment for ME. Compared with individuals consuming one serving of SSB every 2 weeks, those who consumed one serving of SSB every 2 d had 3·7 mg/dl (0·04 mmol/l) higher TAG concentrations and 4·0 mg/dl (0·10 mmol/l) higher total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol concentrations, after adjusting for ME and covariates. SSB intake was not associated with measures of adiposity and blood pressure. Our findings suggest that SSB intake is significantly related to increased lipid levels in youth with type 1 diabetes, and that estimates of the effect size of SSB on lipid levels are severely attenuated in the presence of ME. Future studies in youth with diabetes should consider a design that will allow for the adjustment for ME when studying the influence of diet on health status.
Whitehead fictionnaliste
Authors: RUSU BOGDAN
Published: July 2015

Dans cet article, j’esquisse une interprétation fictionnaliste de la métathéorie de la métaphysique de Whitehead dansProcès et réalité. Je soutiens que Whitehead s’engage, dansProcès et réalité, dans un programme de recherche fondationnelle en cosmologie et j’interprète ses remarques métathéoriques en conséquence, dans le cadre conceptuel du structuralisme scientifique.
Supermadres, Maternal Legacies and Women's Political Participation in Contemporary Latin America
Authors: FRANCESCHET SUSAN , PISCOPO JENNIFER M. , THOMAS GWYNN
Published: July 2015

Elsa Chaney once argued that Latin American women turned to motherhood to justify their political participation. Now that Latin American women have gained unprecedented access to national-level office, we ask whether these cultural narratives of maternalism still condition female politicians’ access to political power. Using public opinion data, media analysis, and elite interviews, we conceptualise four strategic frames deployed by elite women to justify their national-level political careers: the traditional supermadre, the technocratic caretaker, the macho minimiser, and the difference denier. We argue that while today's female politicians have developed diverse responses to maternalism, their access to public office remains profoundly shaped by structural constraints and cultural narratives that privilege traditional feminine ideals of caretaking.
Gröbner basis and resultant method for the forward displacement of 3-DoF planar parallel manipulators in seven-dimensional kinematic space
Authors: Naderi Davood , Tale-Masouleh Mehdi , Varshovi-Jaghargh Payam
Published: July 2015

In this paper, the forward kinematic analysis of 3-degree-of-freedom planar parallel robots with identical limb structures is presented. The proposed algorithm is based on Study's kinematic mapping (E. Study, “von den Bewegungen und Umlegungen,”Math. Ann.39, 441–565 (1891)), resultant method, and the Gröbner basis in seven-dimensional kinematic space. The obtained solution in seven-dimensional kinematic space of the forward kinematic problem is mapped into three-dimensional Euclidean space. An alternative solution of the forward kinematic problem is obtained using resultant method in three-dimensional Euclidean space, and the result is compared with the obtained mapping result from seven-dimensional kinematic space. Both approaches lead to the same maximum number of solutions: 2, 6, 6, 6, 2, 2, 2, 6, 2, and 2 for the forward kinematic problem of planar parallel robots; 3-RPR, 3-RPR, 3-RRR, 3-RRR, 3-RRP, 3-RPP, 3-RPP, 3-PRR, 3-PRR, and 3-PRP, respectively.
THE VULNERABLE ASPECTS OF APPLICATION OF “HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT”
Authors: Dehnavieh Reza , Noori Hekmat Somayeh , Ghasemi Sara , Mirshekari Nadia
Published: July 2015

Many countries in the world have tried to examine the possible methods for import and logical use of health technologies to manage their budgets on one hand and to prevent the entry of uncertain, inefficient, and insecure technologies on the other hand (1). The “health technology assessment” (HTA) is one of the dominant methods in most developed countries (2). HTA is a multidisciplinary field which studies the medical, social, and ethical aspects, as well as economic outcomes of production, diffusion, and application of health technologies (3).
Ontogenic retinal changes in three ecologically distinct elopomorph fishes (Elopomorpha:Teleostei) correlate with light environment and behavior
Authors: TAYLOR SCOTT M. , LOEW ELLIS R. , GRACE MICHAEL S.
Published: July 2015

Unlike the mammalian retina, the teleost fish retina undergoes persistent neurogenesis from intrinsic stem cells. In marine teleosts, most cone photoreceptor genesis occurs early in the embryonic and larval stages, and rods are added primarily during and after metamorphosis. This study demonstrates a developmental paradigm in elopomorph fishes in which retinas are rod-dominated in larvae, but undergo periods of later cone genesis. Retinal characteristics were compared at different developmental stages among three ecologically distinct elopomorph fishes—ladyfish (Elops saurus), bonefish (Albula vulpes), and speckled worm eel (Myrophis punctatus). The objectives were to improve our understanding of (1) the developmental strategy in the elopomorph retina, (2) the functional architecture of the retina as it relates to ecology, and (3) how the light environment influences photoreceptor genesis. Photoreceptor morphologies, distributions, and spectral absorption were studied at larval, juvenile, and adult stages. Premetamorphic retinas in all three species are rod-dominated, but the retinas of these species undergo dramatic change over the course of development, resulting in juvenile and adult retinal characteristics that correlate closely with ecology. AdultE. saurushas high rod densities, grouped photoreceptors, a reflective tapetum, and longer-wavelength photopigments, supporting vision in turbid, low-light conditions. AdultA. vulpeshas high cone densities, low rod densities, and shorter-wavelength photopigments, supporting diurnal vision in shallow, clear water.M. punctatusloses cones during metamorphosis, develops new cones after settlement, and maintains high rod but low cone densities, supporting primarily nocturnal vision.M. punctatussecondary cone genesis occurs rapidly throughout the retina, suggesting a novel mechanism of vertebrate photoreceptor genesis. Finally, in postsettlementM. punctatus, the continuous presence or absence of visible light modulates rod distribution but does not affect secondary cone genesis, suggesting some degree of developmental plasticity influenced by the light environment.
Resolving the organization of the third tier visual cortex in primates: A hypothesis-based approach
Authors: ANGELUCCI ALESSANDRA , ROSA MARCELLO G.P.
Published: July 2015

As highlighted by several contributions to this special issue, there is still ongoing debate about the number, exact location, and boundaries of the visual areas located in cortex immediately rostral to the second visual area (V2), i.e., the “third tier” visual cortex, in primates. In this review, we provide a historical overview of the main ideas that have led to four models of third tier cortex organization, which are at the center of today's debate. We formulate specific predictions of these models, and compare these predictions with experimental evidence obtained primarily in New World primates. From this analysis, we conclude that only one of these models (the “multiple-areas” model) can accommodate the breadth of available experimental evidence. According to this model, most of the third tier cortex in New World primates is occupied by two distinct areas, both representing the full contralateral visual quadrant: the dorsomedial area (DM), restricted to the dorsal half of the third visual complex, and the ventrolateral posterior area (VLP), occupying its ventral half and a substantial fraction of its dorsal half. DM belongs to the dorsal stream of visual processing, and overlaps with macaque parietooccipital (PO) area (or V6), whereas VLP belongs to the ventral stream and overlaps considerably with area V3 proposed by others. In contrast, there is substantial evidence that is inconsistent with the concept of a single elongated area V3 lining much of V2. We also review the experimental evidence from macaque monkey and humans, and propose that, once the data are interpreted within an evolutionary-developmental context, these species share a homologous (but not necessarily identical) organization of the third tier cortex as that observed in New World monkeys. Finally, we identify outstanding issues, and propose experiments to resolve them, highlighting in particular the need for more extensive, hypothesis-driven investigations in macaque and humans.
The medial parietal occipital areas in the macaque monkey
Authors: GAMBERINI MICHELA , FATTORI PATRIZIA , GALLETTI CLAUDIO
Published: July 2015

The number, location, extent, and functional properties of the cortical areas that occupy the medial parieto-occipital cortex (mPOC) have been, and still is, a matter of scientific debate. The mPOC is a convoluted region of the brain that presents a high level of individual variability, and the fact that many areas of mPOC are located within very deep sulci further limits the possibility to investigate their anatomo-functional properties. In the present review, we summarize the location and extent of mPOC areas in the macaque brain as obtained by architectural, connectional, and functional data. The different approaches lead to a subdivision of mPOC that includes areas V2, V3, V6, V6Av, and V6Ad. Extrastriate areas V2 and V3 occupy the posterior wall of the parieto-occipital sulcus (POs). The fundus of POs and the ventralmost part of the anterior wall of the sulcus are occupied by a retinotopically organized visual area, called V6, which represents the contralateral part of the visual field and emphasizes its periphery. The remaining part of the anterior wall of POs is occupied by two areas, V6Av and V6Ad, which contain visual as well as arm reaching neurons. Our analyses suggest that areas V6 and V6Av, together, occupy the cortical territory previously described as area PO. Functionally, area V6 is a motion area particularly sensitive to the real motion of objects in the animal's field of view, while V6Av and V6Ad are visuomotor areas likely involved in the visual guidance of arm movement and object prehension.
What insights can fMRI offer into the structure and function of mid-tier visual areas?
Authors: OLMAN CHERYL A.
Published: July 2015

Inferring neural responses from functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data is challenging. Even if we take advantage of high-field systems to acquire data with submillimeter resolution, we are still acquiring data in which a single datum summarizes the responses of tens of thousands of neurons. Excitation and inhibition, spikes and subthreshold membrane potential modulations, local and long-range computations, and tuned and nonselective responses are mixed together in one signal. With a priori knowledge of the underlying neural population responses, careful experiment design allows us to manipulate the experiment or task design so that subpopulations are selectively modulated, and our experiments can reveal those tuning functions. However, because we want to be able to use fMRI to discover new kinds of tuning functions and selectivity, we cannot limit ourselves to experiments in which we already know what we are looking for. Broadly speaking, analyses that rely on classification of responses that are distributed across the local neural population [multi-voxel pattern analyses (MVPA)] offer the ability to discover new kinds of information representation and selectivities in neural subpopulations. There is, however, no way to determine how the information discovered with MVPA or other analyses is related to the underlying neuronal tuning functions. Therefore, we must continue to rely on behavioral, computational, and animal models to develop theories of information representation in mid-tier visual cortical areas. Once encoding models exist, fMRI can be powerful for testing these a priori models of information representation. As an aide in developing these models, an important contribution that fMRI can make to our understanding of mid-tier visual areas is derived from connectivity analyses and experiments that study information sharing between visual areas. This ability to quantify localized population average responses throughout the brain is the strength we can best leverage to discover new properties of local and long-range neural networks.
Consequentialism about Meaning in Life
Authors: BRAMBLE BEN
Published: July 2015

What is it for a life to be meaningful? In this article, I defend what I callConsequentialism about Meaning in Life(orCMLfor short), the view that (1) one's life is meaningful at timetjust in case one's surviving attwould be good in some way, and (2) one's life was meaningfulconsidered as a wholejust in case the world was (or will be) made better in some way for one's having existed.
EBSDinterp 1.0: A MATLAB® Program to Perform Microstructurally Constrained Interpolation of EBSD Data
Authors: Pearce Mark A.
Published: July 2015

EBSDinterp is a graphic user interface (GUI)-based MATLAB® program to perform microstructurally constrained interpolation of nonindexed electron backscatter diffraction data points. The area available for interpolation is restricted using variations in pattern quality or band contrast (BC). Areas of low BC are not available for interpolation, and therefore cannot be erroneously filled by adjacent grains “growing” into them. Points with the most indexed neighbors are interpolated first and the required number of neighbors is reduced with each successive round until a minimum number of neighbors is reached. Further iterations allow more data points to be filled by reducing the BC threshold. This method ensures that the best quality points (those with high BC and most neighbors) are interpolated first, and that the interpolation is restricted to grain interiors before adjacent grains are grown together to produce a complete microstructure. The algorithm is implemented through a GUI, taking advantage of MATLAB®’s parallel processing toolbox to perform the interpolations rapidly so that a variety of parameters can be tested to ensure that the final microstructures are robust and artifact-free. The software is freely available through the CSIRO Data Access Portal (doi:10.4225/08/5510090C6E620) as both a compiled Windows executable and as source code.
A Hierarchical (Multicomponent) Model of In-Group Identification: Examining in Russian Samples
Authors: Lovakov Andrey V. , Agadullina Elena R. , Osin Evgeny N.
Published: July 2015

The aim of this study was to examine the validity and reliability of Leach et al.’s (2008) model of in-group identification in two studies using Russian samples (overallN= 621). In Study 1, a series of multi-group confirmatory factor analysis revealed that the hierarchical model of in-group identification, which included two second-order factors, self-definition (individual self-stereotyping, and in-group homogeneity) and self-investment (satisfaction, solidarity, and centrality), fitted the data well for all four group identities (ethnic, religious, university, and gender) (CFI > .93, TLI > .92, RMSEA < .06, SRMR < .06) and demonstrated a better fit, compared to the alternative models. In Study 2, the construct validity and reliability of the Russian version of the in-group identification measure was examined. Results show that these measures have adequate psychometric properties. In short, our results show that Leach et al.’s model is reproduced in Russian culture. The Russian version of this measure can be recommended for use in future in-group research in Russian-speaking samples.
2,4,5-Trimethoxyldalbergiquinol promotes osteoblastic differentiation and mineralization via the BMP and Wnt/β-catenin pathway
Authors: Yun H-M , Park K-R , Quang T H , Oh H , Hong J T , Kim Y-C , Kim E-C
Published: July 2015

Dalbergia odorifera has been traditionally used as a medicine to treat many diseases. However, the role of 2,4,5-trimethoxyldalbergiquinol (TMDQ) isolated and extracted from D. odorifera in osteoblast function and the underlying molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects and possible underlying mechanisms of TMDQ on osteoblastic differentiation of primary cultures of mouse osteoblasts as an in vitro assay system. TMDQ stimulated osteoblastic differentiation, as assessed by the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, ALP staining, mineralized nodule formation, and the levels of mRNAs encoding the bone differentiation markers, including ALP, bone sialoprotein (BSP), osteopontin, and osteocalcin. TMDQ upregulated the expression of Bmp2 and Bmp4 genes, and increased the protein level of phospho-Smad1/5/8. Furthermore, TMDQ treatment showed the increased mRNA expression of Wnt ligands, phosphorylation of GSK3, and the expression of β-catenin protein. The TMDQ-induced osteogenic effects were abolished by Wnt inhibitor, Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), and bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) antagonist, noggin. TMDQ-induced runt-related transcription factor 2 (Runx2) expression was attenuatted by noggin and DKK1. These data suggest that TMDQ acts through the activation of BMP, Wnt/β-catenin, and Runx2 signaling to promote osteoblast differentiation, and we demonstrate that TMDQ could be a potential agent for the treatment of bone loss-associated diseases such as osteoporosis.
Mutant p53-R273H mediates cancer cell survival and anoikis resistance through AKT-dependent suppression of BCL2-modifying factor (BMF)
Authors: Tan B S , Tiong K H , Choo H L , Fei-Lei Chung F , Hii L-W , Tan S H , Yap I KS , Pani S , Khor N TW , Wong S F , Rosli R , Cheong S-K , Leong C-O
Published: July 2015

p53 is the most frequently mutated tumor-suppressor gene in human cancers. Unlike other tumor-suppressor genes, p53 mutations mainly occur as missense mutations within the DNA-binding domain, leading to the expression of full-length mutant p53 protein. Mutant p53 proteins not only lose their tumor-suppressor function, but may also gain new oncogenic functions and promote tumorigenesis. Here, we showed that silencing of endogenous p53-R273H contact mutant, but not p53-R175H conformational mutant, reduced AKT phosphorylation, induced BCL2-modifying factor (BMF) expression, sensitized BIM dissociation from BCL-XL and induced mitochondria-dependent apoptosis in cancer cells. Importantly, cancer cells harboring endogenous p53-R273H mutant were also found to be inherently resistant to anoikis and lack BMF induction following culture in suspension. Underlying these activities is the ability of p53-R273H mutant to suppress BMF expression that is dependent on constitutively active PI3K/AKT signaling. Collectively, these findings suggest that p53-R273H can specifically drive AKT signaling and suppress BMF expression, resulting in enhanced cell survivability and anoikis resistance. These findings open the possibility that blocking of PI3K/AKT will have therapeutic benefit in mutant p53-R273H expressing cancers.
Intracellular oxygen determined by respiration regulates localization of Ras and prenylated proteins
Authors: Kim A , Davis R , Higuchi M
Published: July 2015

Reduction of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) content induces the reduction of oxidative phosphorylation and dependence on fermentative glycolysis, that is, the Warburg effect. In aggressive prostate cancer (PCa), the reduction of mtDNA reduces oxygen consumption, increases intracellular oxygen concentration, and induces constitutive activation of Ras. Many essential proteins for cell death, growth, differentiation, and development, such as Ras, require prenylation for subcellular localization and activation. Prenylation of a protein is defined as the attachment of isoprenoids to a cysteine residue at or near the C-terminus. 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGR) produces isoprenoids, and is posttranslationally regulated by oxygen. We investigated a critical role of intracellular oxygen in membrane localization of prenylated proteins. Localization of prenylated proteins (H-Ras, prelamin A/C, and Rab5a) was observed in poorly differentiated PCa (PC-3) and well-differentiated PCa (LNCaP) cells. PC-3 cells exhibited high intracellular oxygen concentration, and H-Ras, prelamin A/C, and Rab5a were localized to various membranes (Golgi and plasma membrane, nuclear membrane, and early endosomes, respectively). Remarkably, exogenous hypoxia (0.2% O2) in PC-3 cells induced intracellular hypoxia and changed the localization of the prenylated proteins. H-Ras and Rab5a were translocated to cytosol, and prelamin A/C was in the nucleus forming an abnormal nuclear envelope. The localization was reversed by mevalonate indicating the involvement of mevalonate pathway. In contrast, in LNCaP cells, exhibiting low intracellular oxygen concentration, H-Ras and Rab5a were localized in the cytosol, and prelamin A/C was inside the nucleus forming an inadequate nuclear envelope. Exogenous hyperoxia (40% O2) increased the intracellular oxygen concentration and induced Ras translocation from cytosol to the membrane. Prelamin A/C was translocated to the nuclear membrane and formed a proper nuclear envelope. Rab5a was translocated to the early endosomes. The specific localizations of the prenylated proteins were dependent on intracellular oxygen concentration. These results demonstrate that intracellular oxygen concentration regulates the localization and activation of prenylated proteins.
Uphill diffusion and overshooting in the adsorption of binary mixtures in nanoporous solids
Authors: Lauerer Alexander , Binder Tomas , Chmelik Christian , Miersemann Erich , Haase Jürgen , Ruthven Douglas M. , Kärger Jörg
Published: July 2015

Under certain conditions, during binary mixture adsorption in nanoporous hosts, the concentration of one component may temporarily exceed its equilibrium value. This implies that, in contrast to Fick’s Law, molecules must diffuse in the direction of increasing rather than decreasing concentration. Although this phenomenon of ‘overshooting’ has been observed previously, it is only recently, using microimaging techniques, that diffusive fluxes in the interior of nanoporous materials have become accessible to direct observation. Here we report the application of interference microscopy to monitor ‘uphill’ fluxes, covering the entire period of overshooting from initiation until final equilibration. It is shown that the evolution of the profiles can be adequately predicted from the single-component diffusivities together with the binary adsorption equilibrium data. The guest molecules studied (carbon dioxide, ethane and propene) and the host material (ZSM-58 or DDR) are of practical interest in relation to the development of kinetically selective adsorption separation processes.
Stable and catalytically active iron porphyrin-based porous organic polymer: Activity as both a redox and Lewis acid catalyst
Authors: Oveisi Ali R. , Zhang Kainan , Khorramabadi-zad Ahmad , Farha Omar K. , Hupp Joseph T.
Published: July 2015

A new porphyrin-based porous organic polymer (POP) with BET surface area ranging from 780 to 880 m2/g was synthesized in free-base form via the reaction of meso-tetrakis(pentafluorophenyl) porphyrin and a rigid trigonal building block, hexahydroxytriphenylene. The material was then metallated with Fe(III) imparting activity for Lewis acid catalysis (regioselective methanolysis ring-opening of styrene oxide), oxidative cyclization catalysis (conversion of bis(2-hydroxy-1-naphthyl)methanes to the corresponding spirodienone) and a tandem catalytic processes: an in situ oxidation-cyclic aminal formation-oxidation sequence, which selectively converts benzyl alcohol to 2-phenyl-quinazolin-4(3H)-one. Notably, the catalyst is readily recoverable and reusable, with little loss in catalytic activity.
Stretchable Loudspeaker using Liquid Metal Microchannel
Authors: Jin Sang Woo , Park Jeongwon , Hong Soo Yeong , Park Heun , Jeong Yu Ra , Park Junhong , Lee Sang-Soo , Ha Jeong Sook
Published: July 2015

Considering the various applications of wearable and bio-implantable devices, it is desirable to realize stretchable acoustic devices for body-attached applications such as sensing biological signals, hearing aids and notification of information via sound. In this study, we demonstrate the facile fabrication of a Stretchable Acoustic Device (SAD) using liquid metal coil of Galinstan where the SAD is operated by the electromagnetic interaction between the liquid metal coil and a Neodymium (Nd) magnet. To fabricate a liquid metal coil, Galinstan was injected into a micro-patterned elastomer channel. This fabricated SAD was operated simultaneously as a loudspeaker and a microphone. Measurements of the frequency response confirmed that the SAD was mechanically stable under both 50% uniaxial and 30% biaxial strains. Furthermore, 2000 repetitive applications of a 50% uniaxial strain did not induce any noticeable degradation of the sound pressure. Both voice and the beeping sound of an alarm clock were successfully recorded and played back through our SAD while it was attached to the wrist under repeated deformation. These results demonstrate the high potential of the fabricated SAD using Galinstan voice coil in various research fields including stretchable, wearable and bio-implantable acoustic devices.
A large, short-armed, winged dromaeosaurid (Dinosauria: Theropoda) from the Early Cretaceous of China and its implications for feather evolution
Authors: Lü Junchang , Brusatte Stephen L.
Published: July 2015

The famous ‘feathered dinosaurs’ from the Early Cretaceous of Liaoning Province, northeastern China, include several dromaeosaurids, which are among the closest relatives of birds. Most of these are small-bodied taxa with long arms and broad wings comprised of vaned feathers, but a single specimen (the holotype of Tianyuraptor) belongs to a much larger individual with reduced forelimbs, which unfortunately lacks any preserved integument. We describe a new specimen of large-bodied, short-armed Liaoning dromaeosaurid, which we designate as a new genus and species, Zhenyuanlong suni. The integument is well preserved and provides the first evidence of feather morphologies and distribution in a short-armed (and probably non-volant) dromaeosaurid, indicating that these rare and aberrant taxa had large wings consisting of pennaceous feathers on the arms and long pennaceous feathers on the tail very similar to their smaller and longer-armed relatives, but potentially lacked vaned feathers on the legs. Zhenyuanlong adds yet more diversity to the Liaoning dromaeosaurid fauna, helps further reveal a distinct short-armed bauplan among dromaeosaurids and illuminates previously-unrecognized homoplasy that complicates dromaeosaurid phylogeny and suggests that the Liaoning taxa may not have formed their own clade.