bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Spatially Explicit Agent-based Model for Simulation of Informal Transport Infrastructure Indirect Growth Dynamic in Informal Settlements
Authors: Vahidi H. , Yan W.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The informal construction of dwellings (housing) and the informal growth of transport infrastructure are two main dynamics of an informal settlement growth phenomenon that may influence each other over time. Some studies have been done to understand the growth mechanisms of informal settlements, but not enough attention has been paid to study the informal growth of transport infrastructure dynamic. In this study, the morphology and spatial pattern of different types of informal settlements have been reviewed and categorized to clearly define and formulate the mechanisms of informal transport infrastructure formation in the context of informal settlement. To this end, two different dynamics have been suggested in this study for modelling of the growth of informal transport infrastructure. In the first suggested dynamic, the infrastructure is extended directly as the result of consolidation of the physical signs of dwellers’ movement (foot prints) on the environment over time. In the second proposed dynamic that is the main focus of this study, the informal infrastructure growth could be considered as the function of dwelling construction (housing) dynamic in the settlement. In this context, informal transport infrastructure is extended based on an indirect dynamic by consideration of the void spaces by dwellers as the accessibility corridors in the settlement during the construction process of the settlement. Finally, to study the validity of the second proposed dynamic for modelling of the indirect growth of informal transport infrastructure, a simple conceptual model was developed and tested and the results were evaluated and discussed.
A COMPARISON STUDY OF DIFFERENT KERNEL FUNCTIONS FOR SVM-BASED CLASSIFICATION OF MULTI-TEMPORAL POLARIMETRY SAR DATA
Authors: Yekkehkhany B. , Safari A. , Homayouni S. , Hasanlou M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. In this paper, a framework is developed based on Support Vector Machines (SVM) for crop classification using polarimetric features extracted from multi-temporal Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) imageries. The multi-temporal integration of data not only improves the overall retrieval accuracy but also provides more reliable estimates with respect to single-date data. Several kernel functions are employed and compared in this study for mapping the input space to higher Hilbert dimension space. These kernel functions include linear, polynomials and Radial Based Function (RBF). The method is applied to several UAVSAR L-band SAR images acquired over an agricultural area near Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada. In this research, the temporal alpha features of H/A/α decomposition method are used in classification. The experimental tests show an SVM classifier with RBF kernel for three dates of data increases the Overall Accuracy (OA) to up to 3% in comparison to using linear kernel function, and up to 1% in comparison to a 3rd degree polynomial kernel function.
DIMENSIONALITY REDUCTION OF HYPERSPECTRAL IMAGES BY COMBINATION OF NON-PARAMETRIC WEIGHTED FEATURE EXTRACTION (NWFE) AND MODIFIED NEIGHBORHOOD PRESERVING EMBEDDING (NPE)
Authors: Alipour Fard T. , Arefi H.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. This paper combine two conventional feature extraction methods (NWFE&NPE) in a novel framework and present a new semi-supervised feature extraction method called Adjusted Semi supervised Discriminant Analysis (ASEDA). The advantage of this method is dominating the Hughes phenomena, automatic selection of unlabelled pixels, extraction of more than L-1(L: number of classes) features and avoidance of singularity or near singularity of within-class scatter matrix. Experimental results on well-known hyperspectral dataset demonstrate that compared to conventional extraction algorithms the overall accuracy of the classification increased.
Validation techniques of agent based modelling for geospatial simulations
Authors: Darvishi M. , Ahmadi G.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. One of the most interesting aspects of modelling and simulation study is to describe the real world phenomena that have specific properties; especially those that are in large scales and have dynamic and complex behaviours. Studying these phenomena in the laboratory is costly and in most cases it is impossible. Therefore, Miniaturization of world phenomena in the framework of a model in order to simulate the real phenomena is a reasonable and scientific approach to understand the world. Agent-based modelling and simulation (ABMS) is a new modelling method comprising of multiple interacting agent. They have been used in the different areas; for instance, geographic information system (GIS), biology, economics, social science and computer science. The emergence of ABM toolkits in GIS software libraries (e.g. ESRI’s ArcGIS, OpenMap, GeoTools, etc) for geospatial modelling is an indication of the growing interest of users to use of special capabilities of ABMS. Since ABMS is inherently similar to human cognition, therefore it could be built easily and applicable to wide range applications than a traditional simulation. But a key challenge about ABMS is difficulty in their validation and verification. Because of frequent emergence patterns, strong dynamics in the system and the complex nature of ABMS, it is hard to validate and verify ABMS by conventional validation methods. Therefore, attempt to find appropriate validation techniques for ABM seems to be necessary. In this paper, after reviewing on Principles and Concepts of ABM for and its applications, the validation techniques and challenges of ABM validation are discussed.
Impact of the addition of different plant residues on carbon–nitrogen content and nitrogen mineralization–immobilization turnover in a soil incubated under laboratory conditions
Authors: Abbasi M. K. , Tahir M. M. , Sabir N. , Khurshid M.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. Application of plant residues as soil amendment may represent a valuable recycling strategy that affects on carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) cycling, soil properties improvement and plant growth promotion. The amount and rate of nutrient release from plant residues depend on their quality characteristics and biochemical composition. A laboratory incubation experiment was conducted for 120 days under controlled conditions (25 °C and 58% water filled pore space (WFPS)) to quantify initial biochemical composition and N mineralization of leguminous and non-leguminous plant residues i.e. the roots, shoots and leaves of Glycine max, Trifolium repens, Zea mays, Poplus euramericana, Rubinia pseudoacacia and Elagnus umbellate incorporated into the soil at the rate of 200 mg residue N kg−1 soil. The diverse plant residues showed wide variation in total N, carbon, lignin, polyphenols and C/N ratio with higher polyphenol content in the leaves and higher lignin content in the roots. The shoot of G. max and the shoot and root of T. repens displayed continuous mineralization by releasing a maximum of 109.8, 74.8 and 72.5 mg N kg−1 and representing a 55, 37 and 36% of added N being released from these resources. The roots of G. max and Z. mays and the shoot of Z. mays showed continuous negative values throughout the incubation showing net immobilization. After an initial immobilization, leaves of P. euramericana, R. pseudoacacia and E. umbellate exhibited net mineralization by releasing a maximum of 31.8, 63.1 and 65.1 mg N kg−1, respectively and representing a 16, 32 and 33% of added N being released. Nitrogen mineralization from all the treatments was positively correlated with the initial residue N contents (r = 0.89; p ≤ 0.01), and negatively correlated with lignin content (r = −0.84; p ≤ 0.01), C/N ratio (r = −0.69; p ≤ 0.05), lignin/N ratio (r = −0.68; p ≤ 0.05), polyphenol/N ratio (r = −0.73; p ≤ 0.05) and ligin + polyphenol/N ratio (r = −0.70; p ≤ 0.05) indicating a significant role of residue chemical composition and quality in regulating N transformations and cycling in soil. The present study indicates that incorporation of plant residues strongly modify the mineralization-immobilization turnover (MIT) of soil that can be taken into account to develop synchronization between net N mineralization and crop demand in order to maximize N delivery and minimize N losses.
Studying at the UCL Institute of Archaeology
Authors: Sillar Bill , Frearson Charlotte , Daniel Lisa
Published: October 2014

Ranked first, for the past four years, in The Guardian league
table for studying archaeology.

For the past four years, 100% of Institute undergraduate finalists have expressed
satisfaction with our teaching and support in the UK National Student
Surveys.
Director’s Report 2013–14
Authors: Shennan Stephen
Published: October 2014

The Director of the UCL Institute of Archaeology reports on events since the
publication of the last issue of Archaeology International (No.
16), for 2012–13, and comments on current developments.
The Institute of Archaeology Field Course 2014: The Search for the
Lost Hunting Lodge of the Earls of Arundel at Downley, Singleton, West Sussex,
UK
Authors: Roberts Mark
Published: October 2014

This paper discusses research into the area of the medieval and post-medieval
deer park, at Downley in West Sussex, which is the focus of the
Institute’s current training excavations. The excavations constitute part
of a wider project attempting to learn more about the development and function
of the park through time. A range of information, which indicated the presence
of a substantial lodge building within the park was considered and the 2014
excavations have revealed evidence almost certainly corroborating its presence.
The project will continue both on and off site in 2015.
Mikrobiom układu oddechowego
Authors: Górecka Dorota , Nowiński Adam , Augustynowicz-Kopeć Ewa
Published: October 2014

W ostatnim dziesięcioleciu dużym zainteresowaniem zaczęła się cieszyć teoria wskazująca na znaczący wpływ na zdrowie człowieka różnych mikroorganizmów—bakterii [...]
Importance of readers for junior classes from an education aims standpoint
Authors: Milovanović Boško
Published: October 2014

This paper deals with the role of the reader as a coursebook in the education of junior classes pupils in elementary schools. A special attention is given to the reader structure from a methodological point of view, as the role of the reader is not only in providing information but also to develop and nourish other aspects of emotional and intellectual properties of pupils. By reducing a reader to a source of information only, we would reduce its role in education of pupils. It is wrong to equalize the nucleus (core) of a reader with information.
Evaluation of microwave energy as a humane stunning technique based on electroencephalography (EEG) of anaesthetised cattle
Authors: Rault J-L , Hemsworth PH , Cakebread PL , Mellor DJ , Johnson CB
Published: October 2014

Humane slaughter implies that an animal experiences minimal pain and distress before it is killed. Stunning is commonly used to induce insensibility but can lead to variable results or be considered unsatisfactory by some religious groups. Microwave energy can induce insensibility in rats, and high power equipment has recently been developed for sheep and cattle. We examined the effectiveness of different settings for microwave energy delivery, power and duration, to induce insensibility based on electroencephalography (EEG) of anaesthetised cows, using the minimal anaesthesia model. All applications resulted in the appearance of seizure-like complexes in the EEG, a pattern considered incompatible with awareness. Shorter duration of application resulted in more rapid EEG changes, as quickly as 3 s. Higher power resulted in a longer duration of EEG suppression, at least 37 s and up to 162 s. Microwave energy can induce insensibility in cattle based on seizure-like complexes in the EEG.
Réduction des risques et jeux d’argent. Questions ouvertes par la révision du dispositif suisse
Authors: Simon Olivier , Blaser Jérémie , Müller Stéphanie , Waelchli Maude
Published: October 2014

Initialement associé à l’approche de santé publique des drogues illégales, le concept de réduction des risques et dommages (RDR) a été défini par des programmes et des pratiques visant à réduire les conséquences négatives des conduites addictives sur les plans sanitaire, social et économique, et ce, sur la base d’indicateurs scientifiquement pertinents. En matière de jeu excessif, l’approche de santé publique demeure le parent pauvre et le concept de RDR n’a été implanté que de manière marginale, subordonnée à des politiques soucieuses de maximiser les recettes de l’État. En Suisse, la révision de la législation sur les jeux d’argent réactualise la question de la RDR appliquée au jeu excessif. En érigeant la protection des joueurs au rang d’objectif premier du dispositif projeté, le gouvernement suisse a contraint ses réseaux de prévention à revenir sur les fondements de la RDR, à considérer l’efficience des différentes mesures de prévention du jeu excessif et à faire un bilan critique du dispositif de régulation préexistant. Si l’addiction aux jeux d’argent est aujourd’hui reconnue comme une maladie, il y a lieu d’interroger la responsabilité de l’État sous l’angle du droit à la santé. Cependant, il existe un conflit structurel entre la perception de la santé publique et la perception des opérateurs de jeu, qui ont des impératifs économiques de rentabilité. Pour la santé publique, la liberté économique des opérateurs est, par définition, restreinte par l’intervention de l’État, car les opérateurs remplissent la fonction d’auxiliaires chargés d’offrir un jeu à moindre risque par des monopoles d’État ou des régimes d’octroi de licences. Pour les opérateurs, il s’agit d’abord de préserver la liberté économique. Un débat sur les nouveaux cadres de régulation et une redéfinition des objectifs des politiques publiques concernant les jeux d’argent apparaissent inévitables.
How to Build a Better Human. An Ethical Blueprint, por Gregory Pence
Authors: Lopez Frias Francisco Javier
Published: October 2014

How to Build a Better Human, escrito por el filósofo norteamericano Gregory E. Pence, resulta un soplo de aire fresco en lo que se refiere al debate bioético sobre la mejora humana (human enhancement). Consciente de que este tema es, sin duda, la cuestión del momento dentro de la bioética, Pence se propone elaborar una metodología, así como una propuesta, que se alejen de las de quienes simplifican demasiado la realidad del debate adscribiéndose a uno de los grupos que le dan vida: bioconservadores y transhumanistas. Con ello trata de mostrar los errores lógicos y teóricos más comunes de ambas corrientes; por ejemplo, la tesis de que no existe diferencia moral alguna entre todas aquellas intervenciones e innovaciones tecnológicas cuya finalidad es mejorar las condiciones de vida de los seres humanos —conocida como “tesis de la continuidad” o del “esto-ya-lo-hemos-hecho-antes”, por usar la expresión de John Harris.
Prosopopeya del filósofo
Authors: Gaos José
Published: October 2014

Vimos anteayer cómo este tema, Prosopopeya del filosofo, esto es, cómo el hablar el filósofo de sí mismo es algo necesario al filósofo, particularmente en la actualidad, y ello es así porque en la actualidad la Filosofía se encuentra en una crisis respecto de sí misma, sobre la cual los pormenores indispensables van a ser dados hoy. El filósofo necesita preguntarse en qué consiste la Filosofía, esto es, su propio ser, y necesita preguntárselo para saber si ha de perseverar en ese su ser o, por el contrario, debe decirle adiós a la Filosofía.
L'ètica de Plató
Authors: White Nicholas
Published: October 2014

Introducció al pensament ètic de Plató.
La caja negra de la teoría del haz: desafíos explicativos para la teoría de la sustancia como haz de propiedades
Authors: García Robert
Published: October 2014

En este artículo me propongo contribuir al proyecto más amplio de evaluar los méritos relativos de las distintas teorías de la sustancia. Un paso preliminar importante en este proyecto consiste en evaluar los recursos explicativos de una de las principales teorías de la sustancia, la así llamada teoría del haz. Este artículo pretende contribuir a tal evaluación. Identifico y explico tres desafíos explicativos diferentes que una teoría del haz adecuada debe responder. Cada uno apunta a una supuesta brecha explicativa, por lo que los llamo desafíos explicativos. Considero tres estrategias para responder a estos desafíos en el marco de la teoría del haz. Argumento que ninguna de ellas logra grandes avances. El resultado es que, a falta de otras estrategias para responder a los desafíos, la teoría del haz requiere una cantidad significativa de estipulación. Esta caja negra hace a la teoría del haz relativamente débil en lo que respecta a su poder explicativo —a menos que, por supuesto, las teorías rivales de la sustancia sean incapaces de hacer algo mejor—.
Professionalism Score and Academic Performance in Osteopathic Medical Students
Authors: Snider Karen T. , Johnson Jane C.
Published: October 2014

Context: During the first 2 years of osteopathic medical school, osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) courses use an objective professionalism score to measure student timeliness and appropriate dress for learning activities. Objective: To assess for correlations between this score and the numeric course grades of all first- and second-year basic science and clinical courses at a single osteopathic medical school. Methods: The professionalism scores obtained for each of the 7 quarters of the OMM course (2007-2012) were compared with the students' numeric final course grades and combined grade point average (GPA) of all courses in the corresponding quarter. Spearman correlation coefficients were used to determine the strength of the relationship between the professionalism score and the final course grades and the combined GPA. Results: The mean (SD) professionalism score was 98.6% (3.3%), and scores ranged from 23.1% to 100%. Excluding the OMM course, the professionalism score was positively correlated with 29% of first-year course grades and 65% of second-year course grades. The professionalism score was predictive of academic performance in 16 of 23 clinical courses with the highest correlation for Principles of Medicine and Dermatology (ρ=0.28 and ρ=0.25, respectively). The OMM professionalism score was positively associated with GPA for quarters 1, 6, and 7 (P=.006, P<.001, and P<.001, respectively). Professionalism scores were significantly lower in the second year (P<.001). Conclusion: Objective measures of professionalism correlated with academic performance in many first- and second-year osteopathic medical school courses, particularly clinical courses in the second-year curriculum. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2014;114(11):850-859 doi: 10.7556/jaoa.2014.171
Spatial extent and degree of oxygen depletion in the deep proto‐North Atlantic basin during Oceanic Anoxic Event 2
Authors: van Helmond Niels A. G. M. , Ruvalcaba Baroni Itzel , Sluijs Appy , Sinninghe Damsté Jaap S. , Slomp Caroline P.
Published: October 2014

Massive organic matter burial due to widespread ocean anoxia across the Cenomanian/Turonian boundary event (∼94 Ma) resulted in a major perturbation of the global carbon cycle: the so‐called Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE2). The characteristics and spatial distribution of the OAE2 deposits that formed in the deep basin of the proto‐North Atlantic remain poorly described, however. Here we present proxy data of redox sensitive (trace) elements (e.g., Mo, Fe/Al, Corg/Ptot, and Mn) for OAE2 sediments from five Deep Sea Drilling Project and Ocean Drilling Program sites located in the deep proto‐North Atlantic basin. Our results highlight that bottom waters in the entire deep proto‐North Atlantic were anoxic during most of OAE2. Furthermore, regressions of Mo with total organic carbon content (TOC), previously shown to document the degree of water mass restriction, confirm that the water circulation in the proto‐North Atlantic basin was severely restricted during OAE2. Comparison of these values to Mo/TOC ratios in the present‐day Black Sea suggests a renewal frequency of the deep proto‐North Atlantic water mass of between 0.5 and 4 ka, compared to a maximum of ∼200 years for the present‐day northern Atlantic. The Plenus Cold Event, a cooler episode during the early stages of OAE2 hypothesized to be caused by declining pCO2 due to extensive burial of organic matter, appears to have led to temporary re‐oxygenation of the bottom water in the deep proto‐North Atlantic basin during OAE2.
Changes in nitrogen oxides emissions in California during 2005–2010 indicated from top‐down and bottom‐up emission estimates
Authors: Huang Min , Bowman Kevin W. , Carmichael Gregory R. , Chai Tianfeng , Pierce R. Bradley , Worden John R. , Luo Ming , Pollack Ilana B. , Ryerson Thomas B. , Nowak John B. , Neuman J. Andrew , Roberts James M. , Atlas Elliot L. , Blake Donald R.
Published: October 2014

In California, emission control strategies have been implemented to reduce air pollutants. Here we estimate the changes in nitrogen oxides (NOx = NO + NO2) emissions in 2005–2010 using a state‐of‐the‐art four‐dimensional variational approach. We separately and jointly assimilate surface NO2 concentrations and tropospheric NO2 columns observed by Ozone Monitoring Instrument (OMI) into the regional‐scale Sulfur Transport and dEposition Model (STEM) chemical transport model on a 12 × 12 km2 horizontal resolution grid in May 2010. The assimilation generates grid‐scale top‐down emission estimates, and the updated chemistry fields are evaluated with independent aircraft measurements during the NOAA California Nexus (CalNex) field experiment. The emission estimates constrained only by NO2 columns, only by surface NO2, and by both indicate statewide reductions of 26%, 29%, and 30% from ~0.3 Tg N/yr in the base year of 2005, respectively. The spatial distributions of the emission changes differ in these cases, which can be attributed to many factors including the differences in the observation sampling strategies and their uncertainties, as well as those in the sensitivities of column and surface NO2 with respect to NOx emissions. The updates in California's NOx emissions reduced the mean error in modeled surface ozone in the Western U.S., even though the uncertainties in some urban areas increased due to their NOx‐saturated chemical regime. The statewide reductions in NOx emissions indicated from our observationally constrained emission estimates are also reflected in several independently developed inventories: ~30% in the California Air Resources Board bottom‐up inventory, ~4% in the 2008 National Emission Inventory, and ~20% in the annual mean top‐down estimates by Lamsal et al. using the global Goddard Earth Observing System (GEOS)‐Chem model and OMI NO2 columns. Despite the grid‐scale differences among all top‐down and bottom‐up inventories, they all indicate stronger emission reductions in the urban regions. This study shows the potential of using space‐/ground‐based monitoring data and advanced data assimilation approach to timely and independently update NOx emission estimates on a monthly scale and at a fine grid resolution. The well‐evaluated results here suggest that these approaches can be applied more broadly.
Translating human biology (introduction to special issue)
Authors: Brewis Alexandra A. , Mckenna James J.
Published: October 2014

Objectives

Introducing a special issue on “Translating Human Biology,” we pose two basic questions: Is human biology addressing the most critical challenges facing our species? How can the processes of translating our science be improved and innovated?

Methods

We analyze articles published in American Journal of Human Biology from 2004–2013, and find there is very little human biological consideration of issues related to most of the core human challenges such as water, energy, environmental degradation, or conflict. There is some focus on disease, and considerable focus on food/nutrition. We then introduce this special volume with reference to the following articles that provide exemplars for the process of how translation and concern for broader context and impacts can be integrated into research.

Conclusions

Human biology has significant unmet potential to engage more fully in translation for the public good, through consideration of the topics we focus on, the processes of doing our science, and the way we present our domain expertise. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 27:1–5, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Comparison between various Keggin and Wells–Dawson sandwich‐type polyoxometalates in catalytic oxidation of cyclooctene and cyclohexene with hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Riahi Farsani Mostafa , Jalilian Fariba , Yadollahi Bahram , Amiri Rudbari Hadi
Published: October 2014

The catalytic performance of tetra‐n‐butylammonium salts of Keggin and Wells–Dawson sandwich‐type polyoxotungstates, [M4(PW9O34)2]m− and [M4(P2W15O56)2]n− (M = Mn2+, Fe3+, Co2+, Ni2+, Zn2+), in the oxidation of cyclooctene and cyclohexene with 30% hydrogen peroxide under various conditions was investigated. In comparison, Wells–Dawson sandwich‐type polyoxometalates were found to be less active than Keggin ones. In both of them, those containing Zn and Fe gave higher conversions for different oxidation conditions. These catalysts showed very good reusability in the oxidation reaction. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Metal–organic framework MIL‐125(Ti) for efficient adsorptive removal of Rhodamine B from aqueous solution
Authors: Guo Hongxu , Lin Fan , Chen Jianhua , Li Feiming , Weng Wen
Published: October 2014

A metal–organic framework material, MIL‐125(Ti), was solvothermally prepared and characterized using X‐ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and surface area measurements. MIL‐125(Ti) was then used as an adsorbent for Rhodamine B (RhB) removal in aqueous solution. The adsorption kinetics, adsorption mechanism, adsorption isotherm, activation energy and various thermodynamic parameters were studied in detail. The maximum adsorption capacity of MIL‐125(Ti) for RhB was 59.92 mg g−1. MIL‐125(Ti) appears to be a promising material for RhB adsorption from aqueous solutions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The toughening effect and mechanism of styrene‐butadiene rubber nanoparticles for novolac resin
Authors: Liu Wei‐Wei , Ma Jing‐Jing , Zhan Mao‐Sheng , Wang Kai
Published: October 2014

In this article, phenolic nanocomposites were prepared using styrene–butadiene rubber (SBR) nanoparticles with an average particle size of about 60 nm as the toughening agent. The mechanical and thermal properties of phenolic nanocomposites and the toughening mechanism were studied thoroughly. The results showed that when adding 2.5 wt % SBR nanoparticles, the notched impact strength of phenolic nanocomposites reached the maximum value and was increased by 52%, without sacrificing the flexural performance. Meanwhile, SBR nanoparticles had no significant effect on the thermal decomposition temperature of phenolic nanocomposites. The glass‐transition temperature (Tg) of phenolic nanocomposites shifted to a lower temperature accompanying with the increasing Tg of loaded SBR, which showed there was a certain compatibility between SBR nanoparticles and phenol‐formaldehyde resin (PF). Furthermore, the analysis of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy indicated that there existed a weak chemical interaction between SBR nanoparticles and the PF matrix. The certain compatibility and weak chemical interaction promoted the formation of a transition layer and improved the interfacial bonding, which might be important reasons for the great enhancement of the toughness for phenolic nanocomposites. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41533.
Dendrimer functionalized polysilane: An efficient and recyclable organocatalyst
Authors: Mangala Kunniyur , Sreekumar Krishnapillai
Published: October 2014

Polysilane supported dendrimer was efficiently utilized as an organocatalyst for Knoevenagel condensation reaction. Polysilane support was synthesized by the polymerization of trichloromethylsilane. The polypropyleneimine (PPI) dendrimer was grafted on the polymer support by divergent method. The dendrimer was synthesized up to three generations (G3). The dendrimer functionalized polysilane (PS‐PPIG3) was found to contain high concentration of terminal amino groups. The catalytic activity of the PS‐PPIG3 dendrimer was generalized by conducting the Knoevenagel condensation reaction with diverse sets of substrates, and was found to be an efficient organocatalyst. The condensation product could be easily separated from the reaction medium because of the heterogeneous nature of the polymer support. The reaction conditions were optimized, and the catalyst was found to be reusable. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41593.
The Relation Between Geometric Morphometrics and Functional Morphology, as Explored by Procrustes Interpretation of Individual Shape Measures Pertinent to Function
Authors: Bookstein Fred L.
Published: October 2014

A frequent concern in today's functional morphology is the relation of a landmark configuration to some a priori index or suite of indices of function. When an index is itself a generic mathematical or biomechanical shape function of landmark locations, meaning a dimensionless expression that has a nonzero gradient everywhere in the feasible region of morphospace, the question becomes sharper: how can we exploit it as a reference direction for representations within the realm of the customary geometric morphometric (GM) analyses? This article argues that the only valid approach to this problem is geometric, not statistical: to represent any such a priori index by way of its differential (its gradient) calculated as an explicit vector in the Procrustes dual space of the complete list of landmarks whether or not involved in the formulation of the index. Interpretation of the index follows by comparing its direction after this embedding with other interesting directions in the same shape space, such as principal warps, relative warps, group mean shape contrasts, specific form factors extracted independently, or directions corresponding to other functional indices. Here, I work an artificial but realistic example of this technique in complete detail: the construction of a Procrustes shape formula exactly aligned with a specific angle among three landmarks within an arbitrary configuration of six. A closing discussion traces the spirit of this intervention to comments by W. W. Howells and C. E. Oxnard, originally intended for anthropometric contexts other than GM, on the different purposes of systematics and functional morphology. Anat Rec, 298:314–327, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Form, Function, and Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Cooke Siobhán B. , Terhune Claire E.
Published: October 2014

Geometric morphometrics (GM) has increasingly become an important tool in assessing and studying shape variation in a wide variety of taxa. While the GM toolkit has unparalleled power to quantify shape, its use in studies of functional morphology have been questioned. Here, we assess the state of the field of GM and provide an overview of the techniques available to assess shape, including aspects of visualization, statistical analysis, phylogenetic control, and more. Additionally, we briefly review the history of functional morphology and summarize the main tools available to the functional morphologist. We explore the intersection of geometric morphometrics and functional morphology and we suggest ways that we may be able to move forward in profitably combining these two research areas. Finally, this paper provides a brief introduction to the papers in this special issue and highlights the ways in which the contributing authors have approached the intersection of GM and functional morphology. Anat Rec, 298:5–28, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Exploring Eucladoceros Ecomorphology Using Geometric Morphometrics
Authors: Curran Sabrina C.
Published: October 2014

An increasingly common method for reconstructing paleoenvironmental parameters of hominin sites is ecological functional morphology (ecomorphology). This study provides a geometric morphometric study of cervid rearlimb morphology as it relates to phylogeny, size, and ecomorphology. These methods are then applied to an extinct Pleistocene cervid, Eucladoceros, which is found in some of the earliest hominin‐occupied sites in Eurasia. Variation in cervid postcranial functional morphology associated with different habitats can be summarized as trade‐offs between joint stability versus mobility and rapid movement versus power‐generation. Cervids in open habitats emphasize limb stability to avoid joint dislocation during rapid flight from predators. Closed‐adapted cervids require more joint mobility to rapidly switch directions in complex habitats. Two skeletal features (of the tibia and calcaneus) have significant phylogenetic signals, while two (the femur and third phalanx) do not. Additionally, morphology of two of these features (tibia and third phalanx) were correlated with body size. For the tibial analysis (but not the third phalanx) this correlation was ameliorated when phylogeny was taken into account. Eucladoceros specimens from France and Romania fall on the more open side of the habitat continuum, a result that is at odds with reconstructions of their diet as browsers, suggesting that they may have had a behavioral regime unlike any extant cervid. Anat Rec, 298:291–313, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Covariation in the Human Masticatory Apparatus
Authors: Noback Marlijn L. , Harvati Katerina
Published: October 2014

Many studies have described shape variation of the modern human cranium in relation to subsistence; however, patterns of covariation within the masticatory apparatus (MA) remain largely unexplored. The patterns and intensity of shape covariation, and how this is related to diet, are essential for understanding the evolution of functional masticatory adaptations of the human cranium. Within a worldwide sample (n = 255) of 15 populations with different modes of subsistence, we use partial least squares analysis to study the relationships between three components of the MA: upper dental arch, masseter muscle, and temporalis muscle attachments. We show that the shape of the masseter muscle and the shape of the temporalis muscle clearly covary with one another, but that the shape of the dental arch seems to be rather independent of the masticatory muscles. On the contrary, when relative positioning, orientation, and size of the masticatory components is included in the analysis, the dental arch shows the highest covariation with the other cranial parts, indicating that these additional factors are more important than just shape with regard to covariation within the MA. Covariation patterns among these cranial regions differ mainly between hunting–fishing and gathering–agriculture groups, possibly relating to greater masticatory strains resulting from a large meat component in the diet. High‐strain groups show stronger covariation between upper dental arch and masticatory muscle shape when compared with low‐strain groups. These results help to provide a clearer understanding of constraints and interlinkage of shape variation within the human MA and allow for more realistic modeling and predictions in future biomechanical studies. Anat Rec, 298:64–84, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Pelvic Form and Locomotor Adaptation in Strepsirrhine Primates
Authors: Lewton Kristi L.
Published: October 2014

The pelvic girdle is a complex structure with a critical role in locomotion, but efforts to model the mechanical effects of locomotion on its shape remain difficult. Traditional approaches to understanding form and function include univariate adaptive hypothesis‐testing derived from mechanical models. Geometric morphometric (GM) methods can yield novel insight into overall three‐dimensional shape similarities and differences across groups, although the utility of GM in assessing functional differences has been questioned. This study evaluates the contributions of both univariate and GM approaches to unraveling the trait‐function associations between pelvic form and locomotion. Three‐dimensional landmarks were collected on a phylogenetically‐broad sample of 180 pelves from nine primate taxa. Euclidean interlandmark distances were calculated to facilitate testing of biomechanical hypotheses, and a principal components (PC) analysis was performed on Procrustes coordinates to examine overall shape differences. Both linear dimensions and PC scores were subjected to phylogenetic ANOVA. Many of the null hypotheses relating linear dimensions to locomotor loading were not rejected. Although both analytical approaches suggest that ilium width and robusticity differ among locomotor groups, the GM analysis also suggests that ischiopubic shape differentiates groups. Although GM provides additional quantitative results beyond the univariate analyses, this study highlights the need for new GM methods to more specifically address functional shape differences among species. Until these methods are developed, it would be prudent to accompany tests of directional biomechanical hypotheses with current GM methods for a more nuanced understanding of shape and function. Anat Rec, 298:230–248, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional Morphology of the Neandertal Scapular Glenoid Fossa
Authors: Macias Marisa E. , Churchill Steven E.
Published: October 2014

Neandertals and Homo sapiens are known to differ in scapular glenoid fossa morphology. Functional explanations may be appropriate for certain aspects of glenoid fossa morphology; however, other factors—e.g., allometry, evolutionary development—must be addressed before functional morphology is considered. Using three‐dimensional geometric morphometrics, shape of the scapular glenoid fossa was compared among Neandertals, early and recent modern humans, chimpanzees, orangutans, Australopithecus afarensis, and Au. sediba. Permutation analysis revealed that side, sex, and lifestyle did not correlate with shape. Of the features we found to differ between groups, anterior glenoid rim morphology and fossa curvature did not correlate with the aforementioned shape variables; thus, a functional explanation is appropriate for these components of glenoid fossa shape. Shared morphology among recent humans and chimpanzees (to the exclusion of Neandertals and orangutans) suggests independent forces contributing to these morphological configurations. Potential explanations include adaptations to habitual behavior and locomotor adaptations in the scapulae of recent humans and chimpanzees; these explanations are supported by clinical and experimental literature. The absence of these morphological features in Neandertals may support the lack of these selective forces on their scapular glenoid fossa morphology. Anat Rec, 298:168–179, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Impact of Simplifications on the Performance of a Finite Element Model of a Macaca fascicularis Cranium
Authors: Fitton Laura C. , PrôA Miguel , Rowland Charlie , Toro‐ibacache Viviana , O'higgins Paul
Published: October 2014

In recent years finite element analysis (FEA) has emerged as a useful tool for the analysis of skeletal form‐function relationships. While this approach has obvious appeal for the study of fossil specimens, such material is often fragmentary with disrupted internal architecture and can contain matrix that leads to errors in accurate segmentation. Here we examine the effects of varying the detail of segmentation and material properties of teeth on the performance of a finite element model of a Macaca fascicularis cranium within a comparative functional framework. Cranial deformations were compared using strain maps to assess differences in strain contours and Procrustes size and shape analyses, from geometric morphometrics, were employed to compare large scale deformations. We show that a macaque model subjected to biting can be made solid, and teeth altered in material properties, with minimal impact on large scale modes of deformation. The models clustered tightly by bite point rather than by modeling simplification approach, and fell out as being distinct from another species. However localized fluctuations in predicted strain magnitudes were recorded with different modeling approaches, particularly over the alveolar region. This study indicates that, while any model simplification should be undertaken with care and attention to its effects, future applications of FEA to fossils with unknown internal architecture may produce reliable results with regard to general modes of deformation, even when detail of internal bone architecture cannot be reliably modeled. Anat Rec, 298:107–121, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Fluorescent sensors based on quinoline‐containing styrylcyanine: determination of ferric ions, hydrogen peroxide, and glucose, pH‐sensitive properties and bioimaging
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Zhao Peiliang , Qu Jinqing , Liu Ruiyuan
Published: October 2014

A novel styrylcyanine‐based fluorescent probe 1 was designed and synthesized via facile methods. Ferric ions quenched the fluorescence of probe 1, whereas the addition of ferrous ions led to only small changes in the fluorescence signal. When hydrogen peroxide was introduced into the solution containing probe 1 and Fe2+, Fe2+ was oxidized to Fe3+, resulting in the quenching of the fluorescence. The probe 1/Fe2+ solution fluorescence could also be quenched by H2O2 released from glucose oxidation by glucose oxidase (GOD), which means that probe 1/Fe2+ platform could be used to detect glucose. Probe 1 is fluorescent in basic and neutral media but almost non‐fluorescent in strong acidic environments. Such behaviour enables it to work as a fluorescent pH sensor in both the solution and solid states and as a chemosensor for detecting volatile organic compounds with high acidity and basicity. Subsequently, the fluorescence microscopic images of probe 1 in live cells and in zebrafish were achieved successfully, suggesting that the probe has good cell membrane permeability and a potential application for imaging in living cells and living organisms. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescent properties of sol–gel processed red‐emitting phosphor Ca0.6Sr0.4–1.5x‐0.5yMo0.4 W0.6O4:EuxLiy
Authors: Li Fei , Xie Huidong , Xi Haihong , Dang Fangfang , Wang Xiaochang
Published: October 2014

A series of red‐emitting phosphors Ca0.6Sr0.4–1.5x‐0.5yMo0.4 W0.6O4:EuxLiy (x = 0.02–0.12, y = 0–0.12) has been synthesized by a sol‐gel method. The effects of calcining temperature, concentrations of Li+ and Eu3+, and compensation ions on the luminescent properties were investigated. X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopic results showed that as‐prepared phosphors were of single phase with several microns. The Li+ compensated compositions showed remarkably intense red emission at 619 nm. The emission intensity of the series reached maximum for compositions at x = 0.08 and y = 0.08 when the calcining temperature was 900 °C. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A guide to using case‐based learning in biochemistry education
Authors: Kulak Verena , Newton Genevieve
Published: October 2014

Studies indicate that the majority of students in undergraduate biochemistry take a surface approach to learning, associated with rote memorization of material, rather than a deep approach, which implies higher cognitive processing. This behavior relates to poorer outcomes, including impaired course performance and reduced knowledge retention. The use of case‐based learning (CBL) into biochemistry teaching may facilitate deep learning by increasing student engagement and interest. Abundant literature on CBL exists but clear guidance on how to design and implement case studies is not readily available. This guide provides a representative review of CBL uses in science and describes the process of developing CBL modules to be used in biochemistry. Included is a framework to implement a directed CBL assisted with lectures in a content‐driven biochemistry course regardless of class size. Moreover, this guide can facilitate adopting CBL to other courses. Consequently, the information presented herein will be of value to undergraduate science educators with an interest in active learning pedagogies. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(6):457–473, 2014.
Diverse assessment and active student engagement sustain deep learning: A comparative study of outcomes in two parallel introductory biochemistry courses
Authors: Bevan Samantha J. , Chan Cecilia W. L. , Tanner Julian A.
Published: October 2014

Although there is increasing evidence for a relationship between courses that emphasize student engagement and achievement of student deep learning, there is a paucity of quantitative comparative studies in a biochemistry and molecular biology context. Here, we present a pedagogical study in two contrasting parallel biochemistry introductory courses to compare student surface and deep learning. Surface and deep learning were measured quantitatively by a study process questionnaire at the start and end of the semester, and qualitatively by questionnaires and interviews with students. In the traditional lecture/examination based course, there was a dramatic shift to surface learning approaches through the semester. In the course that emphasized student engagement and adopted multiple forms of assessment, a preference for deep learning was sustained with only a small reduction through the semester. Such evidence for the benefits of implementing student engagement and more diverse non‐examination based assessment has important implications for the design, delivery, and renewal of introductory courses in biochemistry and molecular biology. © 2014 by The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, 42(6):474–479, 2014.
Development and validation of a bioanalytical method by LC‐MS/MS for the quantification of the LAFIS 10 – an antimalarial candidate – and its pharmacokinetics first evaluation
Authors: Laureano J. V. , Barreto F. , Gnoatto S. , Tasso L. , Dalla Costa T. , de Araujo B. V.
Published: October 2014

A rapid and highly sensitive method by LC‐MS/MS was developed and validated for the quantification of an antimalarial candidate (LAFIS10) in rat plasma using dexamethasone as internal standard (IS). The chromatographic separation was performed with a Poroshell 120 EC‐C18 column. The mobile phase consisted of water (A) and acetonitrile (B), both containing 10 m m of ammonium formate and 0.1% formic acid, delivered in the form of elution gradient. The LAFIS10 was monitored using an electrospray ionization interface operating in the positive mode in multiple reaction monitoring mode, monitoring the transitions 681.47 → 538.2 for LAFIS10 and 393.20 → 355.30 for the IS. The flow rate was 500 μL/min. The column temperature was kept at 40 °C and the injection volume was 2 μL. The lower limit of quantification was of 10 ng/mL and linearity between 10 and 1000 ng/mL was observed, with an R2 > 0.99. The accuracy of the method was >90%. The relative standard deviations intra‐ and interday were <8.80 and <6.37%, respectively. The method showed sensitivity, linearity, precision, accuracy and selectivity required to quantify LAFIS 10 in preclinical pharmacokinetic studies according to criteria established by the US Food and Drug Administration and European Medicines Agency. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.