bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Regulating the Floor
Authors: Carson Jamie L. , Madonna Anthony J. , Owens Mark E.
Published: February 2015

The motion to table plays a prominent role in many scholarly accounts of policymaking in the Senate. Scholars have argued that it is used with several other motions to allow majority party leaders to bias policy outcomes on the chamber floor. Others maintain it provides bill managers with a means of more efficiently managing the floor. We examine how the motion was utilized both prior to and during the development of Senate floor leadership. Our evidence suggests that in the absence of such leaders, majority party members used the motion to defend the floor from both opposing and fellow party members.
Valuable ingredients and feed toxicity evaluation of Microcystis aeruginosa acidolysis product in mice
Authors: Han Shiqun , Zhou Qing , Xu Yudi , Vanogtrop Floris , Guo Qijin , Liu Guofeng , Yan Shaohua
Published: February 2015

This research studied the extraction from Microcystis aeruginosa using hydrochloric acid method as a potentially valuable protein resource from eutrophic lakes. Amino acid composition, residual algal toxins, and heavy metals of the acidolysis product were studied. After 18 h of hydrochloric acid treatment, the product of M. aeruginosa contained 17 amino acids, 51.34% of total amino acid requirements, and 30.25% of the livestock and poultry essential amino acid (Eaa). The residual microcystin-LR (MC-LR) was 0.94 µg kg−1, which was less than WHO drinking water limit of microcystins. The removal ratio of microcystins was higher than 99.99% during the process of hydrolysis. The concentration of heavy metals of the product was in compliance with feed standards. Furthermore, using Horn’s method, Mouse Micronucleus Test and Sperm Shape Abnormality Test were conducted to study the forage safety of the product. Half lethal dose (LD50) of acidolysis product in mice was >9.09 g kg−1 body weight, actually belonging to non-toxic grade. Every dose treatment did not significantly increase activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and γ-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT). The results of both micronucleus test and sperm shape abnormality test were negative, which suggested the product with no mutagenicity and sperm malformation effects. This study indicated that the acidolysis product of M. aeruginosa was safe to be used as a feed ingredient.
Exposure to non-ionizing radiation provokes changes in rat thyroid morphology and expression of HSP-90
Authors: Misa-Agustiño Maria J , Jorge-Mora Teresa , Jorge-Barreiro Francisco J , Suarez-Quintanilla Juan , Moreno-Piquero Eduardo , Ares-Pena Francisco J , López-Martín Elena
Published: February 2015

Non-ionizing radiation at 2.45 GHz may modify the morphology and expression of genes that codify heat shock proteins (HSP) in the thyroid gland. Diathermy is the therapeutic application of non-ionizing radiation to humans for its beneficial effects in rheumatological and musculo-skeletal pain processes. We used a diathermy model on laboratory rats subjected to maximum exposure in the left front leg, in order to study the effects of radiation on the nearby thyroid tissue. Fifty-six rats were individually exposed once or repeatedly (10 times in two weeks) for 30 min to 2.45 GHz radiation in a commercial chamber at different non-thermal specific absorption rates (SARs), which were calculated using the finite difference time domain technique. We used immunohistochemistry methods to study the expression of HSP-90 and morphological changes in thyroid gland tissues. Ninety minutes after radiation with the highest SAR, the central and peripheral follicles presented increased size and the thickness of the peripheral septa had decreased. Twenty-four hours after radiation, only peripheral follicles radiated at 12 W were found to be smaller. Peripheral follicles increased in size with repeated exposure at 3 W power. Morphological changes in the thyroid tissue may indicate a glandular response to acute or repeated stress from radiation in the hypothalamic–pituitary–thyroid axis. Further research is needed to determine if the effect of this physical agent over time may cause disease in the human thyroid gland.
Meeting the online educational needs of international health promoters: an evaluation of a comprehensive, multilingual global training program in tobacco control
Authors: Spires Mark , Cohen Joanna
Published: February 2015

Introduction:

An evaluation of a global online training program in tobacco control offered in multiple languages was conducted to identify ways in which the varied online educational needs of its international participants could be more effectively met.

Methods:

An online survey was administered to a sample of training participants to solicit feedback regarding course content and delivery. In addition, participants’ training site usage patterns were examined.

Results:

Findings showed high levels of satisfaction with training content and delivery, as well as of knowledge acquisition and utilization. Respondents indicated that it was important that course content be current and relevant to their practice.

Conclusions:

Although findings are consistent with best practices for online continuing education, in practice it is challenging to keep material updated, incorporate examples and case studies from the participants’ countries, and integrate adequate opportunities for interactivity when a course has geographically and linguistically diverse participants. Low-cost, technologically appropriate solutions should be developed to maximize the effectiveness of similar continuing education programs for health promoters worldwide.
Performance evaluation of multi-junction solar cells by spatially resolved electroluminescence microscopy
Authors: Kong Lijing , Wu Zhiming , Chen Shanshan , Cao Yiyan , Zhang Yong , Li Heng , Kang Junyong
Published: February 2015

An electroluminescence microscopy combined with a spectroscopy was developed to visually analyze multi-junction solar cells. Triple-junction solar cells with different conversion efficiencies were characterized by using this system. The results showed that the mechanical damages and material defects in solar cells can be clearly distinguished, indicating a high-resolution imaging. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) measurements demonstrated that different types of defects or damages impacted cell performance in various degrees and the electric leakage mostly degraded the EQE. Meanwhile, we analyzed the relationship between electroluminescence intensity and short-circuit current density J
SC. The results indicated that the gray value of the electroluminescence image corresponding to the intensity was almost proportional to J
SC. This technology provides a potential way to evaluate the current matching status of multi-junction solar cells.
Impact of program/erase operation on the performances of oxide-based resistive switching memory
Authors: Wang Guoming , Long Shibing , Yu Zhaoan , Zhang Meiyun , Li Yang , Xu Dinglin , Lv Hangbing , Liu Qi , Yan Xiaobing , Wang Ming , Xu Xiaoxin , Liu Hongtao , Yang Baohe , Liu Ming
Published: February 2015

Further performance improvement is necessary for resistive random access memory (RRAM) to realize its commercialization. In this work, a novel pulse operation method is proposed to improve the performance of RRAM based on Ti/HfO2/Pt structure. In the DC voltage sweep of the RRAM device, the SET transition is abrupt under positive bias. If current sweep with positive bias is utilized in SET process, the SET switching will become gradual, so SET is current controlled. In the negative voltage sweep for RESET process, the change of current with applied voltage is gradual, so RESET is voltage controlled. Current sweep SET and voltage sweep RESET shows better controllability on the parameter variation. Considering the SET/RESET characteristics in DC sweep, in the corresponding pulse operation, the width and height of the pulse series can be adjusted to control the SET and RESET process, respectively. Our new method is different from the traditional pulse operation in which both the width and height of program/erase pulse are simply kept constant which would lead to unnecessary damage to the device. In our new method, in each program or erase operation, a series of pulses with the width/height gradually increased are made use of to fully finish the SET/RESET switching but no excessive stress is generated at the same time, so width/height-controlled accurate SET/RESET can be achieved. Through the operation, the uniformity and endurance of the RRAM device has been significantly improved.
Synthesis of copper micro-rods with layered nano-structure by thermal decomposition of the coordination complex Cu(BTA)2
Authors: Qu Botao , Lu Xinrong , Wu Yan , You Xiaozeng , Xu Xiangxing
Published: February 2015

Porous metallic copper was successfully prepared by a simple thermal decomposition strategy. A coordination compound of Cu(BTA)2 with the morphology of micro-rod crystal was synthesized as the precursor. The precursor to copper transformation was performed and annealed at 600°C with the shape preserved. The copper micro-rods are assembled from unique thin lamellar layers, each with the thickness of approximately 200 nm and nano-pores of approximately 20 to 100 nm. This morphology is highly related to the crystal structure of the precursor. The mechanism of the morphology formation is proposed, which would be able to offer a guideline toward porous metals with controllable macro/micro/nano-structures by the precursor crystal growth and design.
Pseudo-backcrossing design for rapidly pyramiding multiple traits into a preferential rice variety
Authors: Ruengphayak Siriphat , Chaichumpoo Ekawat , Phromphan Supaporn , Kamolsukyunyong Wintai , Sukhaket Wissarut , Phuvanartnarubal Ekapol , Korinsak Siripar , Korinsak Siriporn , Vanavichit Apichart
Published: February 2015

Background

Pyramiding multiple genes into a desirable genetic background can take years to accomplish. In this paper, a pseudo-backcrossing scheme was designed to shorten the backcrossing cycle needed. PinK3, an aromatic and potentially high-yielding rice variety—although one that is intolerant to flash flooding (Sub) and susceptible to bacterial leaf blight (BB), leaf-neck blast (BL) and the brown planthopper (BPH)—was used as a genetic basis for significant improvements through gene pyramiding.

Results

Four resistance donors with five target genes (Sub1A-C, xa5, Xa21, TPSandSSIIa) and three QTLs (qBph3, qBL1 and qBL11) were backcrossed individually using markers into the pseudo-recurrent parent ‘PinK3’ via one cycle of backcrossing followed by two cycles of pseudo-backcrossing and three selfings with rigorous foreground marker-assisted selection. In total, 29 pseudo-backcross inbred lines (BILs) were developed. Genome composition was surveyed using 61 simple sequence repeats (SSRs), 35 of which were located on six carrier chromosomes, with the remainder located on six non-carrier chromosomes. The recurrent genome content (%RGC) and donor genome content (%DGC), which were based on the physical positions of BC1F2, ranged from 69.99 to 88.98% and 11.02 to 30.01%, respectively. For the pseudo-BC3F3BILs, the %RGC and %DGC ranged from 74.50 to 81.30% and 18.70 to 25.50%, respectively. These results indicated that without direct background selection, no further increases in %RGC were obtained during pseudo-backcrossing, whereas rigorous foreground marker-assisted selection tended to reduce linkage drag during pseudo-backcrossing. The evaluation of new traits in selected pseudo-BC3F3BILs indicated significant improvements in resistance to BB, BL, BPH and Sub compared with PinK3, as well as significant improvements in grain yield (21-68%) over the donors, although yield was 7-26% lower than in ‘PinK3’. All pyramided lines were aromatic and exhibited improved starch profiles, rendering them suitable for industrial food applications.

Conclusions

Results show that our new pyramiding platform, which is based on marker-assisted pseudo-backcrossing, can fix five target genes and three QTLs into a high-yielding pseudo-recurrent background within seven breeding cycles in four years. This multiple pseudo-backcrossing platform decreases the time required to generate new rice varieties exhibiting complex, durable resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses in backgrounds with desirable qualities.
A shared framework for the common mental disorders and Non-Communicable Disease: key considerations for disease prevention and control
Authors: O’Neil Adrienne , Jacka Felice N , Quirk Shae E , Cocker Fiona , Taylor C Barr , Oldenburg Brian , Berk Michael
Published: February 2015

Background

Historically, the focus of Non Communicable Disease (NCD) prevention and control has been cardiovascular disease (CVD), type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), cancer and chronic respiratory diseases. Collectively, these account for more deaths than any other NCDs. Despite recent calls to include the common mental disorders (CMDs) of depression and anxiety under the NCD umbrella, prevention and control of these CMDs remain largely separate and independent.

Discussion

In order to address this gap, we apply a framework recently proposed by the Centers for Disease Control with three overarching objectives: (1) to obtain better scientific information through surveillance, epidemiology, and prevention research; (2) to disseminate this information to appropriate audiences through communication and education; and (3) to translate this information into action through programs, policies, and systems. We conclude that a shared framework of this type is warranted, but also identify opportunities within each objective to advance this agenda and consider the potential benefits of this approach that may exist beyond the health care system.
The effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of lower limb ulceration: a systematic review
Authors: Butterworth Paul A , Walsh Tom P , Pennisi Yvonne D , Chesne Anna D , Schmitz Christoph , Nancarrow Susan A
Published: February 2015

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy has been reported as an effective treatment for lower limb ulceration. The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the effectiveness of extracorporeal shock wave therapy for the treatment of lower limb ulceration.

Five electronic databases (Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Knowledge, Scopus and Ovid AMED) and reference lists from relevant studies were searched in December 2013. All study designs, with the exception of case‐reports, were eligible for inclusion in this review. Assessment of each study's methodological quality was performed using the Quality Index tool. The effectiveness of studies was measured by calculating effect sizes (Cohen's d) from means and standard deviations.

Five studies, including; three randomised controlled trials, one quasi‐experimental study and one case‐series design met our inclusion criteria and were reviewed. Quality assessment scores ranged from 38 to 63% (mean 53%). Improvements in wound healing were identified in these studies following extracorporeal shock wave therapy. The majority of wounds assessed were associated with diabetes and the effectiveness of ESWT as an addition to standard care has only been assessed in one randomised controlled trial.

Considering the limited evidence identified, further research is needed to support the use of extracorporeal shock wave therapy in the treatment of lower limb ulceration.
Automated versus non-automated weaning for reducing the duration of mechanical ventilation for critically ill adults and children: a cochrane systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Rose Louise , Schultz Marcus J , Cardwell Chris R , Jouvet Philippe , McAuley Danny F , Blackwood Bronagh
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Automated weaning systems may improve adaptation of mechanical support for a patient’s ventilatory needs and facilitate systematic and early recognition of their ability to breathe spontaneously and the potential for discontinuation of ventilation. Our objective was to compare mechanical ventilator weaning duration for critically ill adults and children when managed with automated systems versus non-automated strategies. Secondary objectives were to determine differences in duration of ventilation, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), mortality, and adverse events.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched to 30 September 2013 without language restrictions. We also searched conference proceedings; trial registration websites; and article reference lists. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed risk of bias. We combined data using random-effects modelling.

Results

We identified 21 eligible trials totalling 1,676 participants. Pooled data from 16 trials indicated that automated systems reduced the geometric mean weaning duration by 30% (95% confidence interval (CI) 13% to 45%), with substantial heterogeneity (I2 = 87%,P<0.00001). Reduced weaning duration was found with mixed or medical ICU populations (42%, 95% CI 10% to 63%) and Smartcare/PS™ (28%, 95% CI 7% to 49%) but not with surgical populations or using other systems. Automated systems reduced ventilation duration with no heterogeneity (10%, 95% CI 3% to 16%) and ICU LOS (8%, 95% CI 0% to 15%). There was no strong evidence of effect on mortality, hospital LOS, reintubation, self-extubation and non-invasive ventilation following extubation. Automated systems reduced prolonged mechanical ventilation and tracheostomy. Overall quality of evidence was high.

Conclusions

Automated systems may reduce weaning and ventilation duration and ICU stay. Due to substantial trial heterogeneity an adequately powered, high quality, multi-centre randomized controlled trial is needed.
Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies in the pre-symptomatic phase of rheumatoid arthritis, their relationship with multiple anti-citrulline peptide antibodies and association with radiological damage
Authors: Brink Mikael , Verheul Marije K , Rönnelid Johan , Berglin Ewa , Holmdahl Rikard , Toes Rene EM , Klareskog Lars , Trouw Leendert A , Rantapää-Dahlqvist Solbritt
Published: February 2015

Introduction

The presence of a new autoantibody system, anti-carbamylated protein (anti-CarP) antibodies, has been identified in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The presence of anti-CarP antibodies was evaluated in samples taken from individuals who subsequently developed RA before and after onset of symptoms and related to previously analysed antibodies against citrullinated peptides (ACPA specificities) and anti-CCP2.

Methods

A total of 252 individuals, with 423 samples from before onset of symptoms of RA, and 197 population controls were identified as donors to the Medical Biobank of Northern Sweden; 192 of them were also sampled at the time of diagnosis. All samples were analysed for anti-CarP IgG and anti-CCP2 antibodies using ELISAs. Ten different antibody reactivities against citrullinated antigens (ACPA specificities) were analysed using a custom-made microarray based on the ImmunoCAP ISAC system (Phadia).

Results

The concentration of anti-CarP antibodies was significantly increased in the pre-symptomatic individuals compared with controls (P <0.001) and also increased significantly after disease onset (P <0.001). The sensitivity for anti-CarP antibodies in the pre-symptomatic individuals was 13.9% (95% CI: 11 to 17.6) and 42.2% (95% CI: 35.4 to 49.3) following development of RA. Anti-CarP antibody positivity was found in 5.1% to 13.3% of individuals negative for anti-CCP2 or ACPA specificities. Presence of anti-CarP antibodies was significantly related to radiological destruction at baseline, at 24 months and also to radiological change (P <0.05, all).

Conclusions

The results indicate that anti-CarP antibodies are associated with disease development, even after adjusting for the presence of different ACPA fine specificities, and in anti-CCP2 negative individuals and contribute to the identification of a subset of patients with worse radiological progression of the disease independent of ACPA.
Loss of sclerostin promotes osteoarthritis in mice via β-catenin-dependent and -independent Wnt pathways
Authors: Bouaziz Wafa , Funck-Brentano Thomas , Lin Hilène , Marty Caroline , Ea Hang-Korng , Hay Eric , Cohen-Solal Martine
Published: February 2015

Introduction

Sclerostin is a Wnt inhibitor produced by osteocytes that regulates bone formation. Because bone tissue contributes to the development of osteoarthritis (OA), we investigated the role of sclerostin in bone and cartilage in a joint instability model in mice.

Methods

Ten-week-old SOST-knockout (SOST-KO) and wild-type (WT) mice underwent destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM). We measured bone volume at the medial femoral condyle and osteophyte volume and determined the OA score and expression of matrix proteins. Primary murine chondrocytes were cultured with Wnt3a and sclerostin to assess the expression of matrix proteins, proteoglycan release and glycosaminoglycan accumulation.

Results

Sclerostin was expressed in calcified cartilage of WT mice with OA. In SOST-KO mice, cartilage was preserved despite high bone volume. However, SOST-KO mice with DMM had a high OA score, with increased expression of aggrecanases and type X collagen. Moreover, SOST-KO mice with OA showed disrupted anabolic–catabolic balance and cartilage damage. In primary chondrocytes, sclerostin addition abolished Wnt3a-increased expression of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with thrombospondin motifs, matrix metalloproteinases and type X collagen by inhibiting the canonical Wnt pathway. Moreover, sclerostin inhibited Wnt-phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and rescued the expression of anabolic genes. Furthermore, sclerostin treatment inhibited both Wnt canonical and non-canonical JNK pathways in chondrocytes, thus preserving metabolism.

Conclusion

Sclerostin may play an important role in maintaining cartilage integrity in OA.
Best proximity point for the proximal nonexpansive mapping on the starshaped sets
Authors: Chen Jianren , Xiao Song , Wang Hui , Deng Shiwen
Published: February 2015

The existence of the best proximity point for the proximal nonexpansive mapping on starshaped sets is studied. Our results are established without the assumptions of continuity, affinity or the P-property. Finally, as applications of the theorems, analogs for the nonexpansive mappings are also given.
Clinical utility of anti-lipoarabinomannan antibodies testing for the diagnosis of tuberculous arthritis
Authors: Passiu Giuseppe , Erre Gian Luca , Pirina Pietro , Sechi Leonardo Antonio
Published: February 2015

Diagnosis of extrapulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is often challenging. In this work we discuss the utility of an assay for Lipoarabinomannan (LAM) antibody detection in synovial fluid. LAM is one of the three major groups of lipopolysaccharides within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) cell wall. An ELISA based test was used to investigate the presence of antibodies against LAM in an immunocompetent patient with knee arthritis. The symptoms resolved after isoniazid treatment. LAM positivity has been used as a diagnostic tool for TB in different settings, including veterinary field. The test could be of some value to diagnose tuberculous arthritis in selected patients when gold standard test returned negative although further investigations are welcome.
Mammalian Ste20-Like Kinase 4 Promotes Pituitary Cell Proliferation and Survival Under Hypoxia
Authors: Xiong Weipeng , Knox Aaron J. , Xu Mei , Kiseljak-Vassiliades Katja , Colgan Sean P. , Brodsky Kelley S. , Kleinschmidt-Demasters Bette K. , Lillehei Kevin O. , Wierman Margaret E.
Published: February 2015

The genetic and molecular mechanisms that initiate and maintain pituitary tumorigenesis are poorly understood. Nonfunctioning tumors of the gonadotrope lineage represent 35% of all tumors; are usually macroadenomas, often resulting in hypopituitarism; and have no medical treatments. Using expression microarrays combined with whole-genome copy number screens on individual human tumors, we identified the mammalian sterile-20-like kinase (MST4) transcript, which was amplified within chromosome Xq26.2 in one tumor and up-regulated in all gonadotrope tumor samples. MST4 mRNA and protein were consistently overexpressed in human tumors compared with normal pituitaries. To mimic the pituitary tumor microenvironment, a hypoxia model using LβT2 murine gonadotrope cells was created to examine the functional role of the kinase. During long-term hypoxia, MST4 expression increased colony formation in a soft agar assay and rates of cell proliferation by activating p38 MAPK and AKT. Under short-term severe hypoxic stress, MST4 decreased the rates of apoptosis via p38 MAPK, AKT, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, and its cell-specific downstream targets. Analysis of MST4 mutants confirmed the importance of the kinase sequence but not the regulatory C terminus for its functional effects. Together these data identify the MST4 kinase as a novel candidate to mediate human pituitary tumorigenesis in a hypoxic environment and position it as a potential therapeutic target.
Running faster causes disaster: trade-offs between speed, manoeuvrability and motor control when running around corners in northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus)
Authors: Wynn Melissa L. , Clemente Christofer , Nasir Ami Fadhillah Amir Abdul , Wilson Robbie S.
Published: February 2015

Movement speed is fundamental to all animal behaviour, yet no general framework exists for understanding why animals move at the speeds they do. Even during fitness-defining behaviours like running away from predators, an animal should select a speed that balances the benefits of high speed against the increased probability of mistakes. In this study, we explored this idea by quantifying trade-offs between speed, manoeuvrability and motor control in wild northern quolls (Dasyurus hallucatus) – a medium-sized carnivorous marsupial native to northern Australia. First, we quantified how running speed affected the probability of crashes when rounding corners of 45, 90 and 135 deg. We found that the faster an individual approached a turn, the higher the probability that they would crash, and these risks were greater when negotiating tighter turns. To avoid crashes, quolls modulated their running speed when they moved through turns of varying angles. Average speed for quolls when sprinting along a straight path was around 4.5 m s−1 but this decreased linearly to speeds of around 1.5 m s−1 when running through 135 deg turns. Finally, we explored how an individual's morphology affects their manoeuvrability. We found that individuals with larger relative foot sizes were more manoeuvrable than individuals with smaller relative foot sizes. Thus, movement speed, even during extreme situations like escaping predation, should be based on a compromise between high speed, manoeuvrability and motor control. We advocate that optimal – rather than maximal – performance capabilities underlie fitness-defining behaviours such as escaping predators and capturing prey.
Functional circadian clock genes are essential for the overwintering diapause of the Northern house mosquito,Culex pipiens
Authors: Meuti Megan E. , Stone Mary , Ikeno Tomoko , Denlinger David L.
Published: February 2015

The short day lengths of late summer are used to program the overwintering adult diapause (dormancy) of the Northern house mosquito, Culex pipiens. Here, we investigated the role of clock genes in initiating this diapause and asked whether the circadian cycling of clock gene expression persists during diapause. We provide evidence that the major circadian clock genes continue to cycle throughout diapause and after diapause has been terminated. RNA interference (RNAi) was used to knock down the core circadian clock genes and to then assess the impact of the various clock genes on the ability of females to enter diapause. RNAi directed against negative circadian regulators (period, timeless and cryptochrome2) caused females that were reared under diapause-inducing, short day conditions to avert diapause. In contrast, knocking down the circadian-associated gene pigment dispersing factor caused females that were reared under diapause-averting, long day conditions to enter a diapause-like state. Our results implicate the circadian clock in the initiation of diapause in C. pipiens.
Hearing of the African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) suggests underwater pressure detection and rudimentary aerial hearing in early tetrapods
Authors: Christensen Christian Bech , Christensen-Dalsgaard Jakob , Madsen Peter Teglberg
Published: February 2015

In the transition from an aquatic to a terrestrial lifestyle, vertebrate auditory systems have undergone major changes while adapting to aerial hearing. Lungfish are the closest living relatives of tetrapods and their auditory system may therefore be a suitable model of the auditory systems of early tetrapods such as Acanthostega. Therefore, experimental studies on the hearing capabilities of lungfish may shed light on the possible hearing capabilities of early tetrapods and broaden our understanding of hearing across the water-to-land transition. Here, we tested the hypotheses that (i) lungfish are sensitive to underwater pressure using their lungs as pressure-to-particle motion transducers and (ii) lungfish can detect airborne sound. To do so, we used neurophysiological recordings to estimate the vibration and pressure sensitivity of African lungfish (Protopterus annectens) in both water and air. We show that lungfish detect underwater sound pressure via pressure-to-particle motion transduction by air volumes in their lungs. The morphology of lungfish shows no specialized connection between these air volumes and the inner ears, and so our results imply that air breathing may have enabled rudimentary pressure detection as early as the Devonian era. Additionally, we demonstrate that lungfish in spite of their atympanic middle ear can detect airborne sound through detection of sound-induced head vibrations. This strongly suggests that even vertebrates with no middle ear adaptations for aerial hearing, such as the first tetrapods, had rudimentary aerial hearing that may have led to the evolution of tympanic middle ears in recent tetrapods.
Effect of Plasticizer on the Magnetoelastic Behavior for Magnetic Polyurethane Elastomers
Authors: Kimura Yukio , Kanauchi Shunta , Kawai Mika , Mitsumata Tetsu , Tamesue Shingo , Yamauchi Takeshi
Published: February 2015

Magnetic polyurethane elastomers containing various plasticizers were synthesized, and the effect of plasticizers on the magnetoelastic behavior has been investigated. The storage modulus for magnetic elastomers at 0 mT decreased with plasticizer content, whereas the storage modulus at 500 mT dramatically increased. The increment in the storage modulus by magnetic fields increased with plasticizer content indicating a well-developed chain structure of magnetic particles. It was found that the on-field storage modulus can be scaled by the off-field modulus independently of the kind of plasticizers.
Flash Chemistry Using Trichlorovinyllithium: Switching the Reaction Pathways by High-resolution Reaction Time Control
Authors: Nagaki Aiichiro , Takahashi Yusuke , Henseler Andrea , Matsuo Chika , Yoshida Jun-ichi
Published: February 2015

High-resolution reaction time control in flow microreactors enables the reaction-pathway switching of trichlorovinyllithium generated by the H/Li exchange of trichloroethene. The method was successfully applied to the synthesis of 1,1,2-trichloroalkenes, 1-chloroalkynes, and unsymmetrically disubstituted ethynes.
Chiral Ammonium Hypoiodite-catalyzed Enantioselective Oxidative Dearomatization of 1-Naphthols Using Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Uyanik Muhammet , Sasakura Niiha , Kaneko Erina , Ohori Kento , Ishihara Kazuaki
Published: February 2015

A highly enantioselective oxidative dearomatization of 1-naphthol derivatives (Kita spirolactonization) catalyzed by chiral hypoiodite species prepared in situ from chiral quaternary ammonium iodide in the presence of hydrogen peroxide is reported.
Effects of Gas Production on Acoustic Radiation Characteristics of Underwater Pyrotechnic Combustion
Authors: Li Jie , Guan Hua , Song Dongming , Wang Qi , Du Jun
Published: February 2015

In order to understand the effects of gaseous production on the acoustic radiation characteristics of underwater pyrotechnic combustion, the pyrotechnic combustion pressure-time curves are plotted using a closed bomb and then maximum pressure is used to calculate the quantity of gaseous products. The results show that among the four pyrotechnic compositions with different gas productions, overall sound pressure level (OASPL) and 1/3 octave band sound pressure level (SPL) in composition #4 which has the highest nozzle gas flow, shortest period of bubble formation and largest maximum bubble diameter, reached 165.1 dB and 163 dB respectively, which were 6 dB and 10 dB higher than the corresponding minimum values. During underwater pyrotechnic combustion, bubbles were formed at the nozzle of the combustion device and thus generated low-frequency noise. The increased gas production resulted in a shorter bubble formation period, a larger number of bubbles, and larger bubble diameter, which destabilize the fluid during bubble formation, improve the prone of bubbles to coalescence and breakup, and increase the sound pressure level.
Traffic Noise Assessment in the Main Roads of Sanandaj, Iran
Authors: Dehrashid Seyed Shaho Ahmadi , Nassiri Parvin
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to assess the traffic noise (LAeq(15 min)) and traffic flow in the Pasdaran road and Keshavarz road of Sanandaj, Iran. The vehicles including car-pickups, minibus-vans, truck-buses and motorcycles passing through the roads are considered. The results show that day average and night average of LAeq(15 min) values were 73.34 dBA and 72.59 dBA respectively, higher than the World Health Organisation (WHO) outdoor environmental noise guidelines. The highest mean value of LAeq(15 min) was recorded as 74.05 dBA. It was found, minibus-vans and truck-buses were mainly responsible for producing traffic noise in these roads. In conclusion, the most important element to reduce traffic noise in the two main roads is to impose control programs on the two groups of vehicles. Furthermore, it is suggested to use sound barriers along the two roads of Sanandaj city.
Applying the RLS 90 to Develop an Inland Waterway Traffic Noise Prediction Model in China That Considers Water Surface Influence
Authors: Dai Benlin , He Yulong , Xu Jiming , Xu Ning , Wu Zhen , Deng Yuanfang
Published: February 2015

Based on the traffic situation, vessel type and atmospheric condition, an inland waterway traffic noise prediction model was developed for environmental assessment in China. This model was developed from the Germany Richtlinien für den Lärmschutz an Straßen (RLS 90) model by adding the water surface condition, absorption and gradient along vessel travel direction correction terms to the governing equations. The re-described parameters, including traffic flow and composition, vessel speed, air absorption, and water surface, ground and atmospheric conditions, etc., were chosen as inputs into the calculating equations. The verification results showed that the absolute error between the predicted and measured noise levels within the range of ± 1.4 dBA was 82.9%. The mean difference between the predicted and measured noise levels was 0.02 ± 1.25 dBA. The comparison results with the RLS 90 model and the modified Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) model also showed that the developed model in this study had better precision and accuracy.
Non-Linear Predictive Control of Multi-Input Multi-Output Vehicle Suspension System
Authors: Malekshahi Ahmad , Mirzaei Mehdi , Aghasizade Sajjad
Published: February 2015

A new predictive control approach is employed to control a non-linear 4 degrees of freedom vehicle suspension model including pitch and bounce motions. The front and rear suspension actuator forces are considered as control inputs. These are determined by minimizing a performance index defined as a weighted combination of conflicting objectives, namely ride comfort and road holding. In this way, the suspension deflection and the control forces should be restricted to admissible practical ranges. In this paper, an optimization process is used to develop a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) non-linear control law in a closed-form which is mathematically tractable and suitable for implementation. To investigate special features of the derived control law, the closed-loop system dynamics are first evaluated analytically and then the corresponding simulation results are presented. The results show that a compromise between mentioned objectives and control energy, even in the presence of uncertainties, can be easily made by regulating the control weighting factors.
Prediction of the Broadband Noise Radiated from a Fan Rotor of a High-Bypass Ratio Turbofan Engine: Take-off Condition
Authors: El-Sayed Ahmed F. , Kamal Radwan M. , Ahmed Hamdy A.
Published: February 2015

The purpose of this study is to predict the broadband noise generated by the fan rotor of a high bypass ratio turbofan engine at take-off condition. A numerical investigation of the unsteady aerodynamics of a fan rotor was described, with emphasis on acoustics. Three case studies were examined; namely, design point, a choked point and a near surge point. It was found that the dominant broadband noise mechanisms are due to interaction of turbulence of the incoming flow with the engine casing and nose, interaction of the turbulent boundary layers on the rotor blades with their trailing edges, and interaction of the rotating blade with the turbulence in the incoming flow. The most important noise source was the interaction of the turbulent boundary layers on the rotor blades with their trailing edges. Choked case scored the highest noise level as it has the maximum turbulent kinetic energy levels, maximum mass flow rate and thus maximum relative Mach number. Near-surge case has the lowest noise level except at the lower part of the suction side of the rotor where the reverse flow and vortices caused higher levels of noise.
New Approaches to Representation in Conceptual Design
Authors: Serra Pau de Solá-Morales
Published: February 2015

Design has been a human activity as long as humans are humans. In the last decades, a lot of academic research has been devoted to understand the theoretical and scientific bases on which this activity rests, and some of these aspects are beginning to be clear, in particular with respect to cognitive processes and representational needs. Therefore, in this article, we will: 1) briefly describe some current approaches to design thinking and in particular describe conceptual design; 2) analyze how current state-of-the-art software is neither designed to give an answer to these processes, nor to support conceptual design; and 3) introduce a new approach in the design of CAD software data models, so that conceptual design is better supported to truly “aid” designers in his praxis.
Campus Information-and-Knowledge Modeling: Embedding Multidisciplinary Knowledge into a Design Environment for University Campus Planning
Authors: Zamora Paula Gómez , Swarts Matthew
Published: February 2015

This article gives an overview of our research approach in collecting specific information and multidisciplinary knowledge with the aim of integrating them into a model for the planning of a university, supported by a design environment. Our goal is to develop a strategy for modeling raw information and expert knowledge for the Georgia Tech Campus. This research was divided into three stages: First, we identified a variety of written sources of information for campus planning, extracting and distinguishing raw information from disciplinary knowledge. Second, we selected the elicitation methods to gather knowledge directly from experts, with the objective of performing qualitative assessments –effectiveness, efficiency, and satisfaction– of certain features of the Georgia Tech Campus. Third, we interpreted the information and knowledge obtained and structured them into Bloom's taxonomy of factual, conceptual, procedural and meta-cognitive, to define the specific modeling implementation strategies. Currently, we are implementing a Campus Landscape Information Modeling Tabletop in two phases. First, constructing an information-model based on raster and vector models that represent land types and landscape elements respectively, to perform quantitative assessments of campus possible scenarios. Second, embedding knowledge and qualitative aspects into a knowledge-model. The long-term goal is to include quantitative as well as qualitative aspects into a computational model, to support informed and balanced design decisions for university campus planning. This paper specifically focuses on the construction of the knowledge-model for Georgia Tech Landscape planning, its structure, its content, as well as the elicitation methods used to collect it.
Constitutional Guarantees of Child Welfare
Authors: Azarova YElyena
Published: February 2015

The legal sciences should explain constitutional requirements to the legal regulation of law branches. In the article the requirements to social security of children (as well as under-age children) are researched. The most important guarantee of children social rights is the acknowledgement the Russia as a welfare state, which policy is aimed to create conditions for decent life and free development of human being. In view of the historical continuity and in the interests of future generations, safekeeping of the country and saving of the people, Russia can and have to be the genuine welfare state. The international standards of social security and its level need to be implement into the federal legislation more completely. The age is the ground for not only the older persons social security but children as well. So it should be provided to each child at required and sufficient level. The constitutional guarantee of social security for children upbringing supposed to provide the needed benefits for parents taking care of children. In order to increase the well-being of children and the quality of their social security, the wages of the persons with family responsibilities should be increased. Although the issues of economic development and civil society have not been settled enough in the Constitution, it is not an absolute obstacle for progressive social and economical development of the country and legal provision of needed social guarantees to each Russian child.
International Recommendatory Instruments in the Russian Legal System: Limits and Possibilities of Application
Authors: Kashirkina Anna , Morozov Andrey
Published: February 2015

In the scientific article discusses issues related to the nature, the main characteristics and features of international acts of recommendation. Analyzes the legal problems arising from the application of international recommendation acts in contemporary international relations. Explores the role of international organizations in the development of various acts of recommendation. Substantiates the growing influence of international acts on the recommendation of the legal system, including the Russian Federation. Contains proposals for the establishment of an effective mechanism for the use of international acts of recommendation, taking into account the legal system of the Russian Federation, its constitutional principles and the protection of national interests.
Mechanism of Legal Acculturation
Authors: Sokolskaya Lyudmila
Published: February 2015

Acculturation - this intercultural contact of various societies. When contacting legal cultures subject to investigation legal of acculturation. The article reveals the mechanism of legal acculturation as a set of interrelated, interdependent methods, tools, techniques and factors providing intercultural contact of various societies. Parties acculturation: the society-recipient, society-donor, society-partner. In the process of legal acculturation are the following steps: identification of needs, borrowing, adaptation, perception (assimilation), result. Depending on the position of society enters into intercultural contact and acculturation distinguish legal mechanism such historical forms as reception, expansion, assimilation, integration and convergence. The author applied the historical-cultural studies approach.
Features of Legal Status of Organizations, Established Pursuant to Federal Laws, and Organizations, Established for Fulfillment of Tasks, Assigned to Federal State Bodies
Authors: Gutnikov Olyeg
Published: February 2015

The article discusses the features of the legal status of organizations against officials whose legislation against corruption provides additional anti-corruption measures are the same as apply to public servants. Concludes that the legal status of the organizations concerned are completely different. Rallying point for them is essentially only the Federal Law "On Combating Corruption", according to which range of organizations, the most significant for the state and society in terms of corruption risks, determined by government approval lists of specific legal entities. The article provides a critical assessment practices of approving lists of organizations that have special importance for the state and society in terms of corruption risks. This practice is discriminatory and violates the constitutional principle of equality before the law and the courts. In the anti-corruption legislation is proposed to define the categories of legal entities which are most significant for the state and society in terms of corruption risks. In determining relevant categories of legal entities must treat them not only organizations which have the legal relationship with the Russian Federation, but also other organizations, which in terms of corruption risks are of particular importance for society and the state. These organizations are invited to refer seven categories of legal entities.
Approximation Limits of Linear Programs (Beyond Hierarchies)
Authors: Braun Gábor , Fiorini Samuel , Pokutta Sebastian , Steurer David
Published: February 2015

We develop a framework for proving approximation limits of polynomial size linear programs (LPs) from lower bounds on the nonnegative ranks of suitably defined matrices. This framework yields unconditional impossibility results that are applicable to any LP as opposed to only programs generated by hierarchies. Using our framework, we prove that O(n1/2-ϵ)-approximations for CLIQUE require LPs of size [Formula: see text]. This lower bound applies to LPs using a certain encoding of CLIQUE as a linear optimization problem. Moreover, we establish a similar result for approximations of semidefinite programs by LPs.

Our main technical ingredient is a quantitative improvement of Razborov’s [38] rectangle corruption lemma for the high error regime, which gives strong lower bounds on the nonnegative rank of shifts of the unique disjointness matrix.
Dynamic Portfolio Choice When Risk Is Measured by Weighted VaR
Authors: He Xue Dong , Jin Hanqing , Zhou Xun Yu
Published: February 2015

We seek to characterize the trading behavior of an agent, in the context of a continuous-time portfolio choice model, if she measures the risk by a so called weighted value-at-risk (VaR), which is a generalization of both VaR and conditional VaR. We show that when bankruptcy is allowed the agent displays extreme risk-taking behaviors, unless the downside risk is significantly penalized, in which case an asymptotically optimal strategy is to invest a very small amount of money in an extremely risky but highly rewarding lottery, and save the rest in the risk-free asset. When bankruptcy is prohibited, extreme risk-taking behaviors are prevented in most cases in which the asymptotically optimal strategy is to spend a very small amount of money in an extremely risky but highly rewarding lottery and put the rest in an asset with moderate risk. Finally, we show that the trading behaviors remain qualitatively the same if the weighted VaR is replaced by a law-invariant coherent risk measure.