bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dynamical manipulation of electromagnetic polarization using anisotropic meta-mirror
Authors: Cui Jianhua , Huang Cheng , Pan Wenbo , Pu Mingbo , Guo Yinghui , Luo Xiangang
Published: July 2016

Polarization control of electromagnetic wave is very important in many fields. Here, we propose an active meta-mirror to dynamically manipulate electromagnetic polarization state at a broad band. This meta-mirror is composed of a double-layered metallic pattern backed by a metallic flat plate and the active elements of PIN diodes are integrated into the meta-atom to control the reflection phase difference between two orthogonal polarization modes. Through switching the operating state of the PIN diodes, the meta-mirror is expected to achieve three polarization states which are left-handed, right-handed circular polarizations and linear polarization, respectively. We fabricated this active meta-mirror and validated its polarization conversion performance by measurement. The linearly polarized incident wave can be dynamically converted to right-handed or left-handed circular polarization in the frequency range between 3.4 and 8.8 GHz with the average loss of 1 dB. Furthermore, it also can keep its initial linear polarization state.
Noninvasive low-frequency electromagnetic stimulation of the left stellate ganglion reduces myocardial infarction-induced ventricular arrhythmia
Authors: Wang Songyun , Zhou Xiaoya , Huang Bing , Wang Zhuo , Zhou Liping , Wang Menglong , Yu Lilei , Jiang Hong
Published: July 2016

Noninvasive magnetic stimulation has been widely used in autonomic disorders in the past few decades, but few studies has been done in cardiac diseases. Recently, studies showed that low-frequency electromagnetic field (LF-EMF) might suppress atrial fibrillation by mediating the cardiac autonomic nervous system. In the present study, the effect of LF-EMF stimulation of left stellate ganglion (LSG) on LSG neural activity and ventricular arrhythmia has been studied in an acute myocardium infarction canine model. It is shown that LF-EMF stimulation leads to a reduction both in the neural activity of LSG and in the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia. The obtained results suggested that inhibition of the LSG neural activity might be the causal of the reduction of ventricular arrhythmia since previous studies have shown that LSG hyperactivity may facilitate the incidence of ventricular arrhythmia. LF-EMF stimulation might be a novel noninvasive substitute for the existing implant device-based electrical stimulation or sympathectomy in the treatment of cardiac disorders.
Oxidation and interaction of DJ-1 with 20S proteasome in the erythrocytes of early stage Parkinson’s disease patients
Authors: Saito Yoshiro , Akazawa-Ogawa Yoko , Matsumura Akihiro , Saigoh Kazumasa , Itoh Sayoko , Sutou Kenta , Kobayashi Mayuka , Mita Yuichiro , Shichiri Mototada , Hisahara Shin , Hara Yasuo , Fujimura Harutoshi , Takamatsu Hiroyuki , Hagihara Yoshihisa , Yoshida Yasukazu , Hamakubo Takao , Kusunoki Susumu , Shimohama Shun , Noguchi Noriko
Published: July 2016

Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a progressive, age-related, neurodegenerative disorder and oxidative stress is an important mediator in its pathogenesis. DJ-1, the product of the causative gene of a familial form of PD, plays a significant role in anti-oxidative defence to protect cells from oxidative stress. DJ-1 undergoes preferential oxidation at the cysteine residue at position 106 (Cys-106) under oxidative stress. Here, using specific antibodies against Cys-106-oxidized DJ-1 (oxDJ-1), it was found that the levels of oxDJ-1 in the erythrocytes of unmedicated PD patients (n = 88) were higher than in those of medicated PD patients (n = 62) and healthy control subjects (n = 33). Elevated oxDJ-1 levels were also observed in a non-human primate PD model. Biochemical analysis of oxDJ-1 in erythrocyte lysates showed that oxDJ-1 formed dimer and polymer forms and that the latter interacts with 20S proteasome. These results clearly indicate a biochemical alteration in the blood of PD patients, which could be utilized as an early diagnosis marker for PD.
Comparison of flavonoid intake assessment methods
Authors: Ivey Kerry L. , Croft Kevin , Prince Richard L. , Hodgson Jonathan M.
Published: July 2016

Background: Flavonoids are a diverse group of polyphenolic compounds found in high concentrations in many plant foods and beverages.
Tuning the thermal conductivity of methylammonium lead halide by the molecular substructure
Authors: Caddeo Claudia , Melis Claudio , Saba Maria Ilenia , Filippetti Alessio , Colombo Luciano , Mattoni Alessandro
Published: July 2016

It is shown by molecular dynamics that the substructure of organic molecules can tailor the thermal conductivity of MAPI.
A new understanding towards the reactivity of DNA peroxy radicals
Authors: Zhao Shuang , Zhang Ru-bo , Li Ze-sheng
Published: July 2016

New radical reaction paths for the formation of DNA oxidation products are suggested, which are strongly different from the previously suggested paths with the tetraoxide intermediate.
Correction: Electronic structure of the boron fullerene B14 and its silicon derivatives B13Si+, B13Si− and B12Si2: a rationalization using a cylinder model
Authors: Van Duong Long , Nguyen Minh Tho
Published: July 2016

Correction for ‘Electronic structure of the boron fullerene B14 and its silicon derivatives B13Si+, B13Si− and B12Si2: a rationalization using a cylinder model’ by Long Van Duong et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2016, 18, 17619–17626.
Hydrochlorination of acetylene catalyzed by an activated carbon supported chlorotriphenylphosphine gold complex
Authors: Dong Yanzhao , Li Wei , Yan Ze , Zhang Jinli
Published: July 2016

The presence of triphenylphosphine ligand inhibits the agglomeration of gold particles during acetylene hydrochlorination, thereby improving the catalytic performance of the Au-based catalyst.
Direct conversion of formaldehyde to ethylene glycol via photocatalytic carbon–carbon coupling over bismuth vanadate
Authors: Shen Zebin , Xie Shunji , Fan Wenqing , Zhang Qinghong , Xie Zaiku , Yang Weimin , Wang Yangdong , Lin Jinchi , Wu Xuejiao , Wan Huilin , Wang Ye
Published: July 2016

Formaldehyde can be directly converted to ethylene glycol and glycolaldehyde via photocatalytic C–C coupling over BiVO4 under visible light.
How does the chain length of PEG functionalized at the outer surface of mesoporous silica nanoparticles alter the uptake of molecules?
Authors: Fonseca Leandro C. , de Paula Amauri J. , Martinez Diego Stéfani T. , Alves Oswaldo L.
Published: July 2016

Polyethylene glycol when attached to the outer surface of MSNs alters the incorporation of curcumin and also its release properties.
The ultrasound-assisted synthesis of effective monodisperse nickel nanoparticles: magnetic characterization and its catalytic activity in CO2 methanation
Authors: Vargas E. , Romero-Sáez M. , Denardin J. C. , Gracia F.
Published: July 2016

High performance nickel–zirconia nanocatalysts based on monodisperse nickel nanoparticles have been developed via a simple and continuous two-step ultrasonic method.
Polymerization of trimethylene carbonates using organic phosphoric acids
Authors: Liu Jiaqi , Cui Saide , Li Zhenjiang , Xu Songquan , Xu Jiaxi , Pan Xianfu , Liu Yaya , Dong He , Sun Herui , Guo Kai
Published: July 2016

1,1′-Binaphthyl-2,2′-diyl hydrogen phosphate (BNPH) catalyzed a controlled/living ROP of TMC through a bifunctional activation mechanism, leading to end-functionalized PTMC and block polymers.
Thiophene-derived polymer dots for imaging endocytic compartments in live cells and broad-spectrum bacterial killing
Authors: Prasad Kenath Priyanka , Than Aung , Li Nan , Alam SK Mahasin , Duan Hongwei , Pu Kanyi , Zheng Xinting , Chen Peng
Published: July 2016

A new multi-functional fluorescent polymer dot was readily synthesized and used for live cell imaging and broad-spectrum bacterial killing.
Astridia velutina-like S, N-codoped hierarchical porous carbon from silk cocoon for superior oxygen reduction reaction
Authors: Wang Yixuan , Lei Yongpeng , Wang Huaping
Published: July 2016

Astridia velutina-like S, N-codoped micro–mesoporous carbon was synthesized by one-step heat treatment of silk cocoon, illustrating an onset potential of 0.853 V (vs. RHE) and current density of 4.5 mA cm−2 at 0 V in alkaline electrolyte.
Characterization and sorting of cells based on stiffness contrast in a microfluidic channel
Authors: Sajeesh P. , Raj A. , Doble M. , Sen A. K.
Published: July 2016

This paper reports the characterization and sorting of cells based on stiffness contrast. A microfluidic device with focusing and spacing control for stiffness based sorting of cells is designed, fabricated and demonstrated.
Immunomodulation activity of alkali extract polysaccharide from Plantago asiatic L. seeds
Authors: Hu Zhou , Niu Yuge , Liu Jie , Li Yanfang , Yu Liangli (Lucy) , Zhang Hua , Xu Yi
Published: July 2016

The MAPK signaling pathway is greatly involved in PLP-induced macrophage cell response.
Synthesis of azo carbonate monomers and biocompatibility study of poly(azo-carbonate-urethane)s
Authors: Capitão R. M. , Santo R. D. E. , Magalhães A. , Assis D. , da Silva G. V. J. , Scarim C. B. , Chelucci R. C. , Andrade C. R. , Chung M. C. , González E. R. P.
Published: July 2016

The present study describes the synthesis of non-isocyanate poly(azo-carbonate-urethane)s and characterization by FT-IR, NMR, MALDI, GPC and TG. Biocompatible properties were investigated by the liver, kidney and colon histological analyses.
Bio inspired self-cleaning ultrahydrophobic aluminium surface by laser processing
Authors: Jagdheesh R. , Diaz M. , Ocaña J. L.
Published: July 2016

Ultrahydrophobic self cleaning surface is fabricated with nanosecond laser source on aluminium foil.
Specific electronic absorptions of alternate layered nanostructures of two metal oxides synthesized via a thiol–ene click reaction
Authors: Kishimoto F. , Ano T. , Mochizuki D. , Terauchi T. , Maitani M. M. , Suzuki E. , Wada Y.
Published: July 2016

Absorption properties of alternate stacked structures of niobate and tungstate nanosheets were continuously altered by a change of the interlayer distance.
Iron and nitrogen co-functionalized porous 3D graphene frameworks as an efficient oxygen reduction catalyst
Authors: Cui Lili , Wu Mei , Xiang Jinbao
Published: July 2016

Fe/N-GAs exhibit comparable electrocatalytic activity to commercial Pt/C in alkaline medium together with enhanced activity compared to N-GAs in acidic medium.
Dual-emissive nanoarchitecture of lanthanide-complex-modified silica particles for in vivo ratiometric time-gated luminescence imaging of hypochlorous acid
Authors: Ma Hua , Song Bo , Wang Yuanxiu , Cong Deyuan , Jiang Yufei , Yuan Jingli
Published: July 2016

A dual-emissive nanoarchitecture of lanthanide-complex-modified silica particles was developed for real-time ratiometric time-gated luminescence imaging of HClOin vivo.
Field distortion by a single cavity in HVDC XLPE cable under steady state
Authors: He Miao , Chen George , Lewin Paul L.
Published: July 2016

Electric field distribution in high voltage direct current (HVDC) cross‐linked polyethylene (XLPE) cable at steady state is researched in this study. Under the condition that no cavity exists, equations describing the critical temperature difference for field reversal, and electric field distribution at steady state are proposed. When the cable with cavity is studied via the finite element analysis method, 2D and 3D model can be two possible choices. The comparison between these two models provides the reference for model selection so that the problem can be solved correctly. To study field enhancement by a single air‐filled cavity at steady state, some possibly influenced factors are considered, including the cavity location, cavity size, cavity shape, temperature difference and material type. The equation describing field enhancement is given in the study.
Optimal allocation of TCSCs by adaptive DE algorithm
Authors: Sakr Walla S. , El‐Sehiemy Ragab A. , Azmy Ahmed M.
Published: July 2016

This study presents an adaptive differential evolution (DE) algorithm to allocate the thyristor‐controlled series compensator (TCSC) incorporated with the reactive power management problem. In addition, a dynamic updating is applied for scaling and penalty factors to enhance the performance of the multi‐objective DE algorithm. During the selection of the best candidate lines for efficient allocation of TCSC devices, three situations are considered for excluded transmission lines. These situations are the lines connected between two generating units; lines connected through transformers and the lines of low losses. The considered multi‐objective function compromises between reducing power losses, improving voltage profile, reducing reactive power losses, reducing TCSC cost and reducing number of flexible alternating current transmission systems units. The optimal siting and sizing of TCSC is defined for normal and emergency operating conditions. The proposed procedure is employed for IEEE 9‐bus and IEEE 30‐bus test systems in addition to western delta network as a real part of the Egyptian network. Four case studies are considered for each test system to represent normal and abnormal operating conditions. Results clearly indicate the effectiveness of the adaptive DE algorithm to allocate perfectly the TCSC to enhance the system performance.
Techno‐economical lifetime assessment of power transformers rated over 50 MVA using artificial intelligence models
Authors: Zeinoddini‐Meymand Hamed , Vahidi Behrooz
Published: July 2016

Power transformers are some of the most valuable and critical elements of power systems. Therefore, accurate and detailed assessment of technical and economical (techno‐economical) condition of the transformers is absolutely important to ensure its reliable operation. In this study, in order to assess the overall condition of the power transformers, an overall condition index (OI) obtained from technical lifetime index (TI) and economical lifetime index (EI) will be defined. The OI index, which provides a practical tool to assess the overall condition of the asset, combines the results of operating observations, field inspections, site and laboratory testing, and analysis of investment and operating and maintenance costs into an overall index. An adaptive neuro‐fuzzy inference system model is used to assess the TI, and a fuzzy logic model is used for EI evaluation. Large power transformers rated over 50 MVA, which are more critical and important in the network, are investigated. The models are developed using 170 experimental field datasets of transformer oil characteristics and dissolved gas analysis, and economical data such as operating and maintenance costs. The results prove that the models can be used to effectively assess the techno‐economical lifetime of power transformers.
Neoclassical toroidal plasma viscosity with effects of finite banana width for finite aspect ratio tokamaks
Authors: Shaing K. C. , Sabbagh S. A.
Published: July 2016

Theory for neoclassical toroidal plasma viscosity has been developed to model transport phenomena, especially, toroidal plasma rotation for tokamaks with broken symmetry. Theoretical predictions are in agreement with the results of the numerical codes in the large aspect ratio limit. The theory has since been extended to include effects of finite aspect ratio and finite plasma β. Here, β is the ratio of the plasma thermal pressure to the magnetic field pressure. However, there are cases where the radial wavelength of the self-consistent perturbed magnetic field strength B on the perturbed magnetic surface is comparable to the width of the trapped particles, i.e., bananas. To accommodate those cases, the theory for neoclassical toroidal plasma viscosity is further extended here to include the effects of the finite banana width. The extended theory is developed using the orbit averaged drift kinetic equation in the low collisionality regimes. The results of the theory can now be used to model plasma transport, including toroidal plasma rotation, in real finite aspect ratio, and finite plasma β tokamaks with the radial wavelength of the perturbed symmetry breaking magnetic field strength comparable to or longer than the banana width.
Detailed high-resolution three-dimensional simulations of OMEGA separated reactants inertial confinement fusion experiments
Authors: Haines Brian M. , Grim Gary P. , Fincke James R. , Shah Rahul C. , Forrest Chad J. , Silverstein Kevin , Marshall Frederic J. , Boswell Melissa , Fowler Malcolm M. , Gore Robert A. , Hayes-Sterbenz Anna C. , Jungman Gerard , Klein Andreas , Rundberg Robert S. , Steinkamp Michael J. , Wilhelmy Jerry B.
Published: July 2016

We present results from the comparison of high-resolution three-dimensional (3D) simulations with data from the implosions of inertial confinement fusion capsules with separated reactants performed on the OMEGA laser facility. Each capsule, referred to as a “CD Mixcap,” is filled with tritium and has a polystyrene (CH) shell with a deuterated polystyrene (CD) layer whose burial depth is varied. In these implosions, fusion reactions between deuterium and tritium ions can occur only in the presence of atomic mix between the gas fill and shell material. The simulations feature accurate models for all known experimental asymmetries and do not employ any adjustable parameters to improve agreement with experimental data. Simulations are performed with the RAGE radiation-hydrodynamics code using an Implicit Large Eddy Simulation (ILES) strategy for the hydrodynamics. We obtain good agreement with the experimental data, including the DT/TT neutron yield ratios used to diagnose mix, for all burial depths of the deuterated shell layer. Additionally, simulations demonstrate good agreement with converged simulations employing explicit models for plasma diffusion and viscosity, suggesting that the implicit sub-grid model used in ILES is sufficient to model these processes in these experiments. In our simulations, mixing is driven by short-wavelength asymmetries and longer-wavelength features are responsible for developing flows that transport mixed material towards the center of the hot spot. Mix material transported by this process is responsible for most of the mix (DT) yield even for the capsule with a CD layer adjacent to the tritium fuel. Consistent with our previous results, mix does not play a significant role in TT neutron yield degradation; instead, this is dominated by the displacement of fuel from the center of the implosion due to the development of turbulent instabilities seeded by long-wavelength asymmetries. Through these processes, the long-wavelength asymmetries degrade TT yield more than the DT yield and thus bring DT/TT neutron yield ratios into agreement with experiment. Finally, we present a detailed comparison of the flows in 2D and 3D simulations.
A new dump system design for stray light reduction of Thomson scattering diagnostic system on EAST
Authors: Xiao Shumei , Zang Qing , Han Xiaofeng , Wang Tengfei , Yu Jin , Zhao Junyu
Published: July 2016

Thomson scattering (TS) diagnostic is an important diagnostic for measuring electron temperature and density during plasma discharge. However, the measurement of Thomson scattering signal is disturbed by the stray light easily. The stray light sources in the Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (EAST) TS diagnostic system were analyzed by a simulation model of the diagnostic system, and simulation results show that the dump system is the primary stray light source. Based on the optics theory and the simulation analysis, a novel dump system including an improved beam trap was proposed and installed. The measurement results indicate that the new dump system can reduce more than 60% of the stray light for the diagnostic system, and the influence of stray light on the error of measured density decreases.
Nonlinear dynamics of C–terminal tails in cellular microtubules
Authors: Sekulic Dalibor L. , Sataric Bogdan M. , Zdravkovic Slobodan , Bugay Aleksandr N. , Sataric Miljko V.
Published: July 2016

The mechanical and electrical properties, and information processing capabilities of microtubules are the permanent subject of interest for carrying out experiments in vitro and in silico, as well as for theoretical attempts to elucidate the underlying processes. In this paper, we developed a new model of the mechano–electrical waves elicited in the rows of very flexible C–terminal tails which decorate the outer surface of each microtubule. The fact that C–terminal tails play very diverse roles in many cellular functions, such as recruitment of motor proteins and microtubule–associated proteins, motivated us to consider their collective dynamics as the source of localized waves aimed for communication between microtubule and associated proteins. Our approach is based on the ferroelectric liquid crystal model and it leads to the effective asymmetric double-well potential which brings about the conditions for the appearance of kink–waves conducted by intrinsic electric fields embedded in microtubules. These kinks can serve as the signals for control and regulation of intracellular traffic along microtubules performed by processive motions of motor proteins, primarly from kinesin and dynein families. On the other hand, they can be precursors for initiation of dynamical instability of microtubules by recruiting the proper proteins responsible for the depolymerization process.
Influence of ageing on Raman spectra and the conductivity of monolayer graphene samples irradiated by heavy and light ions
Authors: Butenko A. , Zion E. , Kaganovskii Yu. , Wolfson L. , Richter V. , Sharoni A. , Kogan E. , Kaveh M. , Shlimak I.
Published: July 2016

The influence of long-term ageing (about one year) on the Raman scattering (RS) spectra and the temperature dependence of conductivity has been studied in two series of monolayer graphene samples irradiated by different doses of C+ and Xe+ ions. It is shown that the main result of ageing consists of changes in the intensity and position of D- and G- and 2D-lines in RS spectra and in an increase of the conductivity. The observed effects are explained in terms of an increase of the radius of the “activated” area around structural defects.
Carrier collection losses in interface passivated amorphous silicon thin-film solar cells
Authors: Neumüller A. , Bereznev S. , Ewert M. , Volobujeva O. , Sergeev O. , Falta J. , Vehse M. , Agert C.
Published: July 2016

In silicon thin-film solar cells the interface between the i- and p-layer is the most critical. In the case of back diffusion of photogenerated minority carriers to the i/p-interface, recombination occurs mainly on the defect states at the interface. To suppress this effect and to reduce recombination losses, hydrogen plasma treatment (HPT) is usually applied. As an alternative to using state of the art HPT we apply an argon plasma treatment (APT) before the p-layer deposition in n-i-p solar cells. To study the effect of APT, several investigations were applied to compare the results with HPT and no plasma treatment at the interface. Carrier collection losses in resulting solar cells were examined with spectral response measurements with and without bias voltage. To investigate single layers, surface photovoltage and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements were conducted. The results with APT at the i/p-interface show a beneficial contribution to the carrier collection compared with HPT and no plasma treatment. Therefore, it can be concluded that APT reduces the recombination centers at the interface. Further, we demonstrate that carrier collection losses of thin-film solar cells are significantly lower with APT.
Transport properties of a highly conductive 2D Ti3C2Tx MXene/graphene composite
Authors: Aïssa B. , Ali A. , Mahmoud K. A. , Haddad T. , Nedil M.
Published: July 2016

We report on the elaboration and transport properties of a sandwich like 2-dimensional Ti3C2Tx MXene/Graphene composite through alternating electrospray of MXene and graphene materials. The structural and electrical properties were systematically investigated with respect to the graphene content. The surface roughness of the samples has found to decrease considerably after the graphene integration. Electrical measurements show a clear trend to increase in both electrical conductance and Hall carrier mobility with respect to the graphene concentrations, and even reach the values of 9.5 × 104 S/cm and 54.58 cm2/V s, respectively, for only 2.5 wt. % of graphene, rendering this MXene based composite one of the most electrically conductive to date.
Effect of bedding materials during transport on welfare indicators and microbiological quality in lambs
Authors: Rodríguez Ana I. , Cózar Almudena , Calvo Luis , Vergara Herminia
Published: July 2016

Three bedding materials, sawdust, rice husk and double layer of sawdust used during transportation to slaughterhouse were compared. Sixty light male lambs of Merino breed were used in the present study. Welfare physiological indicators (glucose, lactate, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase, cortisol and catecholamine) sampled before and immediately after the transportation, and carcass microbial quality (total viable counts, Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp.) in three different sites of carcass (rump, flank and neck) were assessed. Bedding material during transport did not affect any of the physiological indicators analysed, except for creatinine, which was lower in lambs transported with rice husk. Bedding material had no effect on carcass microbial quality. Sampling site affected values of Enterobacteriaceae and Pseudomonas spp. The lowest values for Enterobacteriaceae count were found in the neck, while Pseudomonas spp. presented the highest count in the flank site. In conclusion, under the conditions of the present study, all substrates tested could be recommended as bedding material during transport, without showing significant differences on animal-welfare indicators or carcass microbiological quality.
Pyridoxine and Atherosclerosis: Role of Pyridoxine in the Metabolism of Lipids and Glycosaminoglycans in Rats Fed Normal and High Fat, High Cholesterol Diets Containing 16 % Casein
Authors: Vijayammal PL , Kurup PA
Published: July 2016

The effect of administration of low and high doses of pyridoxine on the metabolism of lipids and glycosaminoglycans has been studied in rats fed normal and high fat, high cholesterol diets. Low doses of pyridoxine (0'005 mg/100 g body weight) caused increased concentrations of cholesterol and triglycerides in the serum and aorta in animals fed normal and high fat, high cholesterol diets. Administration of high doses of pyridoxine (5'0 mg/100 g body weight) caused decrease in the concentration of these lipids in these tissues except in the case of the aorta in the animals fed a normal diet.
Changes in Plasma Tryptophan and Melatonin Content in Penned Sheep
Authors: Kennaway DJ , Porter KJ , Seamark RF
Published: July 2016

The present study was undertaken to examine the relationship between the plasma levels of melatonin and its precursor tryptophan. No circadian changes in plasma total tryptophan content were evident which could be related to the marked night-time rise in plasma melatonin. An automated programmable blood sampling device suited to studies of circadian rhythms in blood constituents is described.
Artificial Induction of Lactation: A Comparative Study in Heifers
Authors: Fulkerson WJ
Published: July 2016

A comparison was made between four methods for artificial induction of lactation in fertile maiden heifers. Animals lactating after pregnancy were used as controls.
Mudjinbarry Virus, an Orbivirus Related to Wallal Virus Isolated from Midges From the Northern Territory of Australia
Authors: Doherty RL , Standfast HA , Dyce AL , Carley JG , Gorman BM , Filippich C , Kay BH
Published: July 2016

A virus strain (NT14952) isolated from Culicoides marksi collected in the Alligator Rivers area of the Northern Territory of Australia in September 1971 was shown to be an orbivirus anti genically related to but distinct from Wallalvirus. The name 'Mudjinbarry virus' is suggested for it.
Overcoming physical seed dormancy in priority native species for use in arid-zone restoration programs
Authors: Erickson Todd E. , Merritt David J. , Turner Shane R.
Published: July 2016

The relative effectiveness of wet- and dry-heat treatments on alleviating physical dormancy (PY) of seeds of seven species of Fabaceae and five species of Malvaceae was determined to optimise seed handling procedures for ecological restoration. Seeds of all species were treated at different temperatures (40−100°C) for various durations (2 and 5 min of wet heat, and 5, 10 and 30 min of dry heat). Prior to treatment, seeds of all species exhibited low germination (0–38%). As hypothesised, there was variation among species with respect to the efficacy of the heat treatments. In general, wet-heat treatments at temperatures >70°C for 2 or 5 min were effective in breaking PY for all Fabaceae species, and two Malvaceae species, with resultant germination typically >75%. For dry-heat treatments, higher temperatures and longer durations were required to achieve similar germination results. In the three Malvaceae species that were least responsive to heat (Abutilon otocarpum, Hibiscus haynaldii and Sida echinocarpa), there was a trade-off between treatment temperature and duration; lower temperatures (<70°C) failed to alleviate PY, whereas higher temperatures either rendered seeds permeable but not germinable (70−90°C), or resulted in seeds losing viability (e.g. 100°C). Therefore, combinational dormancy (PY + physiological dormancy) appears to be present in a proportion of the seeds of these Malvaceae species (i.e. those that imbibed and remained viable, but did not germinate). Scanning electron imagery established that the majority of wet-heat treatments resulted in the rupture of the water gap in the seed testa of all species. The results clearly demonstrate that optimal heat treatments for the alleviation of PY are species-specific. Restoration practitioners handling seeds of diverse species should be mindful of treating seeds at the lowest effective temperature (70−90°C) to avoid injury through inadvertent exposure to temperatures that are higher and longer than necessary to break dormancy.
Sexting among singles in the USA: prevalence of sending, receiving, and sharing sexual messages and images
Authors: Garcia Justin R. , Gesselman Amanda N. , Siliman Shadia A. , Perry Brea L. , Coe Kathryn , Fisher Helen E.
Published: July 2016

Background: The transmission of sexual images and messages via mobile phone or other electronic media (sexting) has been associated with a variety of mostly negative social and behavioural consequences. Research on sexting has focussed on youth, with limited data across demographics and with little known about the sharing of private sexual images and messages with third parties. Methods: The present study examines sexting attitudes and behaviours, including sending, receiving, and sharing of sexual messages and images, across gender, age, and sexual orientation. A total of 5805 single adults were included in the study (2830 women; 2975 men), ranging in age from 21 to 75+ years. Results: Overall, 21% of participants reported sending and 28% reported receiving sexually explicit text messages; both sending and receiving ‘sexts’ was most common among younger respondents. Although 73.2% of participants reported discomfort with unauthorised sharing of sexts beyond the intended recipient, of those who had received sext images, 22.9% reported sharing them with others (on average with 3.17 friends). Participants also reported concern about the potential consequences of sexting on their social lives, careers, and psychosocial wellbeing. Conclusion: Views on the impact of sexting on reputation suggest a contemporary struggle to reconcile digital eroticism with real-world consequences. These findings suggest a need for future research into negotiations of sexting motivations, risks, and rewards.
Neoclassical tearing mode seeding by coupling with infernal modes in low-shear tokamaks
Authors: Kleiner A. , Graves J.P. , Brunetti D. , Cooper W.A. , Halpern F.D. , Luciani J.-F. , Lütjens H.
Published: July 2016

A numerical and an analytical study of the triggering of resistive MHD modes in tokamak plasmas with low magnetic shear core is presented. Flat q profiles give rise to fast growing pressure driven MHD modes, such as infernal modes. It has been shown that infernal modes drive fast growing islands on neighbouring rational surfaces. Numerical simulations of such instabilities in a MAST-like configuration are performed with the initial value stability code XTOR-2F in the resistive frame. The evolution of magnetic islands are computed from XTOR-2F simulations and an analytical model is developed based on Rutherford’s theory in combination with a model of resistive infernal modes. The parameter

Δ

′

is extended from the linear phase to the non-linear phase. Additionally, the destabilising contribution due to a helically perturbed bootstrap current is considered. Comparing the numerical XTOR-2F simulations to the model, we find that coupling has a strong destabilising effect on (neoclassical) tearing modes and is able to seed 2/1 magnetic islands in situations when the standard NTM theory predicts stability.
Dynamical stability of the train of smooth solitary waves to the generalized two-component Camassa-Holm system
Authors: Luo Ting , Zhu Min
Published: July 2016

The present study is concerned with the stability of solitary waves for the generalized two-component Camassa-Holm system derived formally as a model in the shallow-water waves. Using the property of almost monotonicity and the local coercivity of the solitary-wave solution, it is shown that the train of

N
N

-smooth solitary waves of this system is dynamically stable to perturbations in energy space with a range of parameters.
Contract Farming and Food Security
Authors: Bellemare Marc F. , Novak Lindsey
Published: July 2016

Contract farming has often been associated with an increase in the income of participating households. It is unclear, however, whether contract farming increases other aspects of household welfare. We use data from six regions of Madagascar and a selection‐on‐observables design in which we control for a household's marginal utility of participating in contract farming, which we elicited via a contingent valuation experiment, to show that participating in contract farming reduces the duration of a household's hungry season by about eight days on average. Moreover, participation in contract farming makes participating households about 18% more likely to see their hungry season end at any time. Further, we find that these effects are more pronounced for households with more children, and for households with more girls. This is an important result as children—especially girls—often bear the burden of food insecurity.
Ordinary Objects
Authors: Goswick Dana
Published: July 2016

Nothing is more familiar to us than the ordinary objects—such as dogs, computers, tables, and trees—that we interact with daily. Yet contemplation of ordinary objects has provided much fodder for philosophical elucidation. Many of the central questions of metaphysics either directly concern ordinary objects or are best illustrated by examples involving ordinary objects. Issues that directly concern ordinary objects include constitution, coincidence, the ontological status of ordinary objects, and persistence. The central constitution questions are (1) What are ordinary objects made of (mereological simples, mereological complexes, matter, properties, matter and form)? and (2) Is an ordinary object identical to, or distinct from, that which constitutes it? The central coincidence question is Do ordinary objects coincide? This question can be made more specific by focusing on a particular type of coincidence (mereological, material, or spatio-temporal) and by asking what the purported coincident is (another ordinary object, an extraordinary object, some stuff). There are four standard ways of answering the question concerning the ontological status of ordinary objects: eliminativist (there are none), permissivist (there are ordinary objects, but there are a lot of other objects too), conventionalist (ordinary objects are conventional), and privileging (ordinary objects exist, no or few other objects do). Persistence concerns how an object exists over time. The standard answers are endurance (objects persist by being wholly located at different moments), perdurance (objects persist by being sums of instantaneous temporal parts), and exdurance (objects persist via standing in counterpart relations to other objects that exist at other times). Issues that are best illustrated by examples involving ordinary objects include mereology, properties, and vagueness. Mereology concerns the relation between part and whole. Mereological issues can be illustrated by focusing on exactly how an ordinary object is related to its parts. With regard to properties, focusing on the properties of ordinary objects sheds light on the nature of properties, as well as on that of objects. Vagueness arises when something—an ordinary object, an event, some stuff—has imprecise boundaries. There are three prominent accounts of vagueness: semantic (our words are vague), ontic (objects are vague), and epistemic (words and objects are precise; we’re just ignorant of the facts). Two final issues of importance in the philosophical study of ordinary objects are puzzles involving ordinary objects and metaontology, both of which are discussed in this article.
Deltas
Authors: Anthony Edward J.
Published: July 2016

River deltas are subaqueous and subaerial coastal accumulations of river-derived sediments adjacent to, or close to, the source river. The word “delta,” however, is used in a more general sense to describe any feature resulting from this type of marginal accumulation, including in lakes, lagoons, ponds, mining tails, and reservoirs. Most river deltas are formed on the margins of marine basins. River deltas vary considerably in size, and some are the largest coastal landforms in the world. In addition to fluvial sediments, delta deposits sometimes include marine or along-shore derived sediments transported by waves and currents. Deltas form where the hydrodynamic conditions in the receiving basin are not energetic enough to disperse all or the bulk of the sediment brought in by rivers. Sediment transported through deltas contributes to deposition on adjacent coasts, continental shelves, and marine basins. Much of the early research on modern deltas focused on their oil- and gas-bearing potential and how they are analogs for ancient deltas in the rock record. There has been a shift, however, toward increasingly more diverse and cross-disciplinary research on deltas. Deltas are complex landforms. Recent research has shown that deltas also act as filters, sinks, and reactors for continental materials, including carbon, in transit to the ocean. Deltas are home to nearly six hundred million people. They commonly have highly productive soils, rich and biodiverse ecosystems, and offer a wide range of ecosystem services such as coastal defense, drinking water supply, recreation, green tourism, and nature conservation. Many deltas support intense agriculture and fisheries and are food baskets for many nations. Industry and transport in some deltas are also very important, leading to the development of major urban centers, ports, and harbors. Deltas are characterized by low topography and thus particularly vulnerable to catastrophic river floods, tsunami, cyclones, subsidence, and global sea-level rise. This vulnerability is increasing as a result of reduced sediment flux from rivers and various other modifications caused by human interventions. Although deltas may develop resilience and adapt to changes in sediment supply and sea level, commonly by reorganizing their channels and their patterns of sedimentation, human impacts coupled with the effects of climate change are rendering many deltas economic and environmental hotspots. A better understanding of delta dynamics and vulnerability, and a lot of political goodwill, are needed to implement adaptive delta management, and delta restoration and rehabilitation strategies.
Sediment Budgets and Sediment Delivery Ratios in River Systems
Authors: Brierly Gary , Tunnicliffe Jon
Published: July 2016

The term sediment flux refers to sediment movement through landscapes. Analogous to “flux” in physics, i.e., the rate of flow of a property per unit area, sediment flux is the amount of sediment that flows through a cross-section of river per unit time. The magnitude of sediment flux is moderated by catchment processes such as sediment production (erosion), sediment accumulation (deposition) and intervening processes of sediment storage and reworking (transfer). Patterns and rates of sediment flux vary over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales, from grain to grain and landform scale analyses over near instantaneous timeframes through reach and catchment-scale analyses that are typically performed over decadal to millennial timescales to continental-scale appraisals over millions of years. Sediment movement is a key physical driver of natural environments. It exerts a critical influence upon the morphology, process regime, and evolutionary traits of landscapes. For example, as sediment budgets quantify sediment transport pathways, they can be used to analyze the critical factors that affect landscape development. Sediment flux exerts a critical influence upon the physical template (habitat distribution) of river systems. As such, it is a key consideration in river management and restoration. Analysis of source-to-sink relationships at the catchment scale (and associated sediment budgets) highlights controls upon sediment delivery and the influence of landscape connectivity. Emphasis here is placed upon valley floor processes, giving only partial attention to hillslope forms and processes or consideration of lakes, deltas, and nearshore marine environments. Textbooks and journals that present overviews of sediment flux in river systems are considered first. A brief overview of global scale sediment flux summarizes the movement of sediment from terrestrial areas to the ocean and the imprint of human activities. Most of this contribution focuses on catchment-scale sediment budgets, emphasizing variability in sediment sources (hillslope inputs and reworking on valley floors), the thorny question of scale relations, controls upon the sediment delivery ratio, and the influence of landscape connectivity. In many instances, disturbance events disrupt the sediment regime of a river, creating distinct pulses (or waves) that are transferred downstream by dispersion or migration processes. This is followed by an analysis of approaches to measurement of sediment flux, differentiated in relation to conventional field techniques, use of sediment fingerprinting, and the emergence of a range of remotely sensed technologies. The final sections of this article outline implications of human-induced alterations to sediment flux for river management. Appraisal of sediment disasters (impacts of dams, fine-grained sediment accumulation, and mining activities) is followed by an assessment of implications for river restoration.
Slavery in Dutch America and the West Indies
Authors: Enthoven Victor
Published: July 2016

Slavery in the Dutch Atlantic world has five distinct themes: the early colonies of Brazil and Nieuw Nederland; the West African forts; the plantation colonies on the Wild Coast (Suriname, Essequibo, Berbice, and Demerara); in the West Indies on the islands of Curaçao, St. Eustatius, Bonaire, Saba, St. Maarten, and Aruba; and the Dutch participation in the transatlantic slave trade. At the height of slavery’s development during the last quarter of the 18th century, there were over 150000 slaves in the Dutch Atlantic settlements, which amounts to just over 6 percent of all slaves in the Americas and the West Indies. The vast majority of the slaves lived and worked in Suriname (60000) and Essequibo/Demerara (60000). The Dutch West Indies were more trade entrepôts than a plantation complex, without a large enslaved population. In 1863 slavery was abolished in all Dutch colonies. The emphasis in the historiography has been on the Dutch participation in the transatlantic slave trade. In total, Dutch slave traders shipped around 600,000 enslaved Africans to the New World, which is 5–6 percent of the total of the transatlantic slave trade. The Amiens peace in 1803 was the de facto end of the Dutch slave trade, and in 1814 the Dutch abolished the transatlantic slave trade de jure. The surviving records of Dutch slavery and the slave trade are among the richest of all nations, particularly the privately operated slave trade after 1720. During the 18th century, for instance, the Middelburgse Commercie Compagnie (MCC) equipped a total of 113 slaving voyages. On 25 May 2011, the archive of the MCC was inscribed on the UNESCO International Register “Memory of the World.” This article privileges the literature available in English, but it also includes some of the most important studies written in Dutch.
Indian Democracy
Authors: Jayal Niraja Gopal
Published: July 2016

Indian democracy calls into question many presumptions that theorists have held about the historical evolution and comparative development of democracy. It is, for instance, generally assumed that the historical conditions in which democracies arise include industrial development, a reasonably cohesive and homogeneous society, a strong middle class, and a civic culture. When India became independent in 1947, none of these conditions obtained. Though the Indian Constitution of 1950 made India a democratic republic with universal adult franchise, the country’s deeply unequal society based on caste hierarchy, low levels of economic development, and a large rural population mired in poverty and illiteracy suggested that this was inhospitable soil for democracy to take root. Nevertheless, over the last six decades and more, Indian democracy has proved to be resilient and enduring (unlike its neighbors, which gained independence at the same time). It has witnessed the holding of regular, free, and fair elections in which the rural and unlettered poor actively participate, as also social movements and a vibrant civil society that make demands on the political system that political parties may not. Above all, the idea of democracy has strikingly captured the popular imagination.