bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid) microspheres via inverse pickering suspension polymerization
Authors: Ceylan Özgür , Kaya Mehmet Arif , Sarac Ayfer
Published: May 2018

Partially neutralized poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) microspheres have been prepared by Inverse Pickering Suspension Polymerization (IPSP) using 1,2‐dichlorobenzene (DCB) and hydrophobic fumed silica nanoparticles (HFSi‐NPs) as organic dispersing media and dispersing agent respectively. As crosslinker N,N'‐methylene bisacrylamide (MBAc), as initiator potassium persulfate (KPS) and sodium metabisulfite (SMBS) redox couple were used. Neutralization degrees were adjusted using 8N NaOH solution and polymerizations were initiated at 34°C. Water/oil phase ratio was set to 1/7 for all polymerizations. Morphology of prepared dry poly(acrylic acid) beads was examined by two microscopic methods, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and optical microscopy. Prepared microsized polymer beads were observed as smooth and spherical in shape. Effect of neutralization degree (α) varied from 70% to 90% on absorptions in both distilled water and saline solutions, absorption under load (AUL) and crosslink density (CD) results were also investigated. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 59:162–169, 2019. © 2018 Society of Plastics Engineers
Behaviour Genetic Frameworks of Causal Reasoning for Personality Psychology
Authors: Briley Daniel A. , Livengood Jonathan , Derringer Jaime
Published: May 2018

Identifying causal relations from correlational data is a fundamental challenge in personality psychology. In most cases, random assignment is not feasible, leaving observational studies as the primary methodological tool. Here, we document several techniques from behaviour genetics that attempt to demonstrate causality. Although no one method is conclusive at ruling out all possible confounds, combining techniques can triangulate on causal relations. Behaviour genetic tools leverage information gained by sampling pairs of individuals with assumed genetic and environmental relatedness or by measuring genetic variants in unrelated individuals. These designs can find evidence consistent with causality, while simultaneously providing strong controls against common confounds. We conclude by discussing several potential problems that may limit the utility of these techniques when applied to personality. Ultimately, genetically informative designs can aid in drawing causal conclusions from correlational studies. Copyright © 2018 European Association of Personality Psychology
Distinct Hypericum perforatum L. total extracts exert different antitumour activity on erythroleukemic K562 cells
Authors: Valletta Elena , Rinaldi Annamaria , Marini Mario , Franzese Ornella , Roscetti Gianna
Published: May 2018

Total flower extracts of Hypericum perforatum L. obtained with 3 different solvent systems were tested on tumour cell line cultures by comparing two groups of plants harvested in different times and places. The extracts, characterized according to the spectroscopic profile and the hypericin content, were tested on the growth and apoptotic death of K562 cells, a human erythroleukemic cell line. Growth and apoptosis were analysed by viable cell count, flow cytometry, and fluorescence microscopy at 6, 24, and 48 hr of culture following 1 hr exposure to the extracts under investigation. Here, we show that Hypericum extracts are able to reduce the growth of K562 cells and induce different degrees and kinetics of apoptosis according to the group of plants of origin. Also, we highlighted interesting differences in terms of efficacy among the extracts, with some samples losing their effectiveness along the culture time and others able to maintain or even increase their efficacy. Furthermore, the data herein obtained confirm the role of non hypericin compounds that are present in different proportions in the two plant groups and in the extracts analysed.
A nonparametric CUSUM chart for process dispersion
Authors: Shirke D.T. , Barale M.S.
Published: May 2018

In the present article, we propose a nonparametric cumulative sum control chart for process dispersion based on the sign statistic using in‐control deciles. The chart can be viewed as modified control chart due to Amin et al, which is based on in‐control quartiles. An average run length performance of the proposed chart is studied using Markov chain approach. An effect of non‐normality on cumulative sum S2 chart is studied. The study reveals that the proposed cumulative sum control chart is a better alternative to parametric cumulative sum S2 chart, when the process distribution is non‐normal. We provide an illustration of the proposed cumulative sum control chart.
The design of geometric generalized likelihood ratio control chart
Authors: KazemiNia AliAkbar , Gildeh Bahram Sadeghpour , Abbasi Ganji Zainab
Published: May 2018

This paper develops a control chart, named generalized likelihood ratio (GLR) control chart, based on a GLR statistic to monitor the parameter of geometrically distributed process. The GLR statistic is obtained based on window of the past samples. The performance of the GLR control chart is compared with the cumulative sum (CUSUM) and two combinations of CUSUM charts, in terms of the steady state average time to signal. Simulation results show that the GLR control chart outperforms the CUSUM and two combinations of CUSUM charts in detecting a wide range of parameter shifts in the geometrically distributed process. A real data set is used to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed control chart.
A novel Bayesian approach to reliability modeling: The benefits of uncertainty evaluation in the model selection procedure
Authors: Santana D. D. , Figueirôa Filho C. L. S. , Sartori I. , Martins Márcio A. F.
Published: May 2018

This paper proposes a different likelihood formulation within the Bayesian paradigm for parameter estimation of reliability models. Moreover, the assessment of the uncertainties associated with parameters, the goodness of fit, and the model prediction of reliability are included in a systematic framework for better aiding the model selection procedure. Two case studies are appraised to highlight the contributions of the proposed method and demonstrate the differences between the proposed Bayesian formulation and an existing Bayesian formulation.
New glutathione conjugate of pyrrolizidine alkaloids produced by human cytosolic enzyme‐dependent reactions in vitro
Authors: Muluneh Fashe , Häkkinen Merja R. , El‐Dairi Rami , Pasanen Markku , Juvonen Risto O.
Published: May 2018

Rationale

The toxic metabolites of pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are initially formed by cytochrome P450‐mediated oxidation reactions and primarily eliminated as glutathione (GSH) conjugates. Although the reaction between the reactive metabolites and GSH can occur spontaneously, the role of the cytosolic enzymes in the process has not been studied.

Methods

The toxic metabolites of selected PAs (retrorsine, monocrotaline, senecionine, lasiocarpine, heliotrine or senkirkine) were generated by incubating them in 100 mM phosphate buffer (pH 7.4) containing liver microsomes of human, pig, rat or sheep, NADPH and reduced GSH in the absence or presence of human, pig, rat or sheep liver cytosolic fraction. The supernatants were analyzed using liquid chromatography connected to Finnigan LTQ ion‐trap, Agilent QTOF or Thermo Scientific Q Exactive Focus quadrupole‐orbitrap mass spectrometers.

Results

Retrorsine, senecionine and lasiocarpine yielded three GSH conjugates producing [M − H]− ions at m/z 439 (7‐GSH‐DHP (CHO)), m/z 441 (7‐GSH‐DHP (OH)) and m/z 730 (7,9‐diGSH‐DHP) in the presence of human liver cytosolic fraction. 7‐GSH‐DHP (CHO) was a novel metabolite. Monocrotaline, heliotrine and senkirkine did not produce this novel 7‐GSH‐DHP (CHO) conjugate. 7‐GSH‐DHP (CHO) disappeared when incubated with hydroxylamine, and a new oxime derivative was formed. This metabolite was formed only by the human liver cytosolic enzymes but not in the presence of rat or sheep liver cytosolic fractions under otherwise identical reaction conditions.

Conclusions

7‐GSH‐DHP (CHO) has not been reported before, and thus it was considered as a novel metabolite of PAs. This may clarify the mechanisms involved in PA detoxification and widely observed but less understood species differences in response to PA exposure.
Comparative study of 1‐year clinical and radiological outcomes using robot‐assisted pedicle screw fixation and freehand technique in posterior lumbar interbody fusion: A prospective, randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim Ho‐Joong , Kang Kyoung‐Tak , Chun Heoung‐Jae , Hwang Ji Sup , Chang Bong‐Soon , Lee Choon‐Ki , Yeom Jin S.
Published: May 2018

Background

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical outcome of surgery using robot‐assisted posterior interbody fusion with that using freehand posterior interbody fusion in patients with degenerative spinal disease.

Methods

78 participants with degenerative spinal disease were randomly allocated (1:1) to the minimally invasive (MIS), posterior lumbar interbody fusion (Robot‐PLIF) or conventional, freehand, open‐approach, posterior lumbar interbody fusion (Freehand‐PLIF).

Results

The baseline‐adjusted scores on the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in both groups at 1 year after surgery were not different (P = 0.688). However, the decrease in disc height at the proximal adjacent segment was significantly less in the Robot‐PLIF group than in the Freehand‐PLIF group (P = 0.039).

Conclusion

One‐year surgical outcomes including Visual Analog Scale, ODI and Short Form‐36 did not differ between the two groups. The disc height in the proximal adjacent segment was significantly less decreased in the Robot‐PLIF group than in the Freehand‐PLIF group.
Time compression (dis)economies: An empirical analysis
Authors: Hawk Ashton , Pacheco‐de‐Almeida Gonçalo
Published: May 2018

Research Summary: To investigate time compression diseconomies (TCD), this study estimated time–cost elasticities using 459 oil and gas global investment projects (1997–2010). Results show that the average cost of accelerating investments is negative: a firm could cut $6.3 million in costs of a single project by accumulating asset stocks 1 month faster. About 88% of the projects exhibit negative time–cost elasticities with over 39% of unrealized economies of time compression. Only 12% of the projects are subject to TCD. These time inefficiencies or frictions do not negate the existence of TCD, but suggest they are less prevalent than assumed in the literature. Management experience, R&D investment, firm size, economic development, and political stability are shown to be associated with greater time compression efficiency.

Managerial Summary: How fast should firms invest? The conventional view is that acceleration increases market revenues but also inflates costs. However, there is no recent empirical evidence of this tradeoff. Our article systematically investigates the costs of compressing time in investment projects. Results show that most firms in the oil and gas industry are significantly time inefficient in their operations. Specifically, by accelerating investments, firms would also substantially decrease costs. We estimate the magnitude of these time inefficiencies for specific oil and gas industries and firms and study which strategies might mitigate this problem. This fine‐grained analysis should help firms assess their financial incentives to accelerate projects and prove informative to stock market analysts’ valuations of firm investment timing.
Optimal Bainite Contents for Maximizing Fatigue Cracking Resistance of Bainite/Martensite Dual‐Phase EA4T Steels
Authors: Chen Jian‐Zhi , Zhang Bin , Zeng Ling‐Rong , Song Zhu‐Man , She Yi‐Yun , Zhang Guang‐Ping
Published: May 2018

Fatigue crack propagation behavior of bainite/martensite dual‐phase EA4T steels with four different volume fractions of bainite ranging from 21% to 70% is investigated. The results indicate that the bainite/martensite dual‐phase steel specimens with the volume fraction of bainite of 49–60% have the higher resistance to fatigue crack growth than the others. The coupled contributions of plasticity‐induced crack closure and crack deflection to the higher fatigue crack growth resistance is estimated. A model related to the plastic zone size and the roughness of the fracture surface is proposed to evaluate the optimal volume fraction of bainite in the dual‐phase steels.
Study of Structural Inheritance of Austenite in Nb‐Microalloyed 18CrNiMo7–6 Steel
Authors: Sharma Mamta , Bleck Wolfgang
Published: May 2018

Structural inheritance (SI) is a phenomenon in which the newly formed austenite retains the prior austenite grain size, shape, and orientation of the previous martensitic, bainitic, or even tempered martensitic microstructure. The present work studies SI in 18CrNiMo7–6 steel with 0.08 wt% Nb and compares it with that in a similar but non‐microalloyed steel, 20MnCr5. While a coarse prior austenite grain size (PAGS) and a martensitic, bainitic, or tempered martensitic microstructure are found to be the pre‐requisites for the manifestation of SI, heating rate, tempering, and steel composition equally influence its occurrence. The larger the PAGS, the easier is the production of SI. SI occurs with the greatest ease in a martensitic microstructure. Tempering is found to retard SI. The ease of occurrence of SI is this: as‐quenched martensite>bainite>tempered martensite. The effect of heating rate is non‐monotonic, in that, SI is more likely on very slow (0.05 °C s−1) or very fast heating (50 °C s−1; 100 °C s−1) compared with intermediate heating rates (0.5 °C s−1; 5 °C s−1). Nb increases the tendency for SI, but a steel without Nb can also exhibit SI.
Water and cults in Nuragic Sardinia
Authors: Depalmas Anna
Published: May 2018

Nuragic Sardinia is the only Italian region where later prehistoric standing monuments identified specifically as cult buildings have survived. In fact, the many monumental cult complexes, built during the Final Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age, which were often related to rituals that implied the use of water, are the most visible expressions of Nuragic religious behaviors. The most common category is undoubtedly that directly linked to water cult activity, sacred wells, and springs, architectural features that give access to surface water or underground aquifers. The variety of monuments attested is particularly rich and varied, including not only sacred wells and springs but also rectangular‐plan buildings (so‐called megaron temples), straight and curvilinear plan buildings, and purely circular ones, with or without vats. Water sanctuaries are the places where Nuragic religiosity was performed and the power and wealth of Nuragic communities, were shown through the monumentality of structures, the elaborate stone decorations, and the presence of exclusive built‐in stone furniture and votive offerings. In fact, these sanctuaries are complexes articulated in structures of different types and sizes where large amounts of wealth, mainly tools, ornaments, weapons, and bronze figurines were accumulated as offerings.

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Water as Imagined and Represented
Strategic philanthropy in the post‐Cap‐and‐Trade years: Reviewing U.S. climate and energy foundation funding
Authors: Nisbet Matthew C.
Published: May 2018

For several decades, philanthropists in the United States have played a behind‐the‐scenes role in framing climate change as a social problem. These foundations have defined climate change primarily as a pollution problem solvable by enacting a price on carbon and by shifting markets in the direction of renewable energy technologies and energy efficiency practices. Funding has favored “insider” groups that push for policy action by way of negotiation, coalition building, and compromise, rather than “outsider” groups that specialize in grassroots organizing. Philanthropists have also placed less priority on funding for other low‐carbon energy sources such as nuclear power, carbon capture and storage, or natural gas, nor have they invested in actions intended to boost societal resilience, protect public health, or to address questions of equity and justice. But in the years following the failure of the 2010 Federal cap and trade bill, a review of available grants from 19 major foundations indicates that philanthropists responded to calls for new directions. Funding shifted to focus on state‐ or municipal‐level mitigation and adaptation actions and to the needs of low‐income/minority communities. Significant funding was also devoted to mobilizing public opinion and to opposing the fossil fuel industry. Nearly a quarter of all funding, however, remained dedicated to promoting renewable energy and efficiency‐related actions with comparatively little funding devoted to other low‐carbon energy technologies. The review of past funding trends provides implications for assessing philanthropic strategy during the Donald J. Trump presidency and beyond.

This article is categorized under:

Trans‐Disciplinary Perspectives > Regional Reviews

The Carbon Economy and Climate Mitigation > Policies, Instruments, Lifestyles, Behavior
Outcomes of Children with Severe Acute Malnutrition in a Tribal Daycare Setting
Authors: Prasad Vandana , Sinha Dipa , Chatterjee Priyanka , Gope Rajkumar
Published: May 2018

Objective

To describe the nutritional outcomes of children with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in a village-level intervention.

Methods

This observational longitudinal study on 179 children aged <3 years was conducted in seven tribal blocks of Central and Eastern India with SAM managed in a comprehensive day care program.

Results

76% children with SAM showed improvement over a 4-6 months period, with 37% shifting to normal anthrometric status. There was a significant shift in Z scores.

Conclusions

This community-based intervention showed fair results for management of children with SAM at village level.
School climate and physical adolescent relationship abuse: Differences by sex, socioeconomic status, and bullying
Authors: Jain Sonia , Cohen Alison K. , Paglisotti Taylor , Subramanyam Malavika A. , Chopel Alison , Miller Elizabeth
Published: May 2018

Little is known about the association between school climate and adolescent relationship abuse (ARA). We used 2011–2012 data from surveys of California public school students (in the United States of America) who were in a dating relationship in the last year (n = 112 378) to quantify the association between different school climate constructs and physical ARA. Fifty‐two percent of students were female, and all students were in 9th or 11th grade (approximately ages 14–17). Over 11% of students reported experiencing physical ARA in the last year. Increased school connectedness, meaningful opportunities for participation, perceived safety, and caring relationships with adults at school were each significantly associated with lower odds of physical ARA. Increased violence victimization and school‐level bullying victimization were associated with higher odds of physical ARA. These school climate‐ARA associations were significantly moderated by student sex, school socioeconomic status, and school‐level bullying victimization. School climate interventions may have spillover benefits for ARA prevention.
Deep Dyspareunia and Sexual Quality of Life in Women With Endometriosis
Authors: Shum Leona K. , Bedaiwy Mohamed A. , Allaire Catherine , Williams Christina , Noga Heather , Albert Arianne , Lisonkova Sarka , Yong Paul J.
Published: May 2018

Introduction

Deep dyspareunia occurs in half of women with endometriosis, a condition present in 10% of reproductive-age women and associated with negative effects on sexual quality of life (SQoL). However, women with endometriosis can have other clinical factors (eg, superficial dyspareunia, other pelvic pains, and psychological or pain conditions) possibly affecting SQoL.

Aims

To determine whether deep dyspareunia is associated with SQoL in women with endometriosis, independent of potential confounders.

Methods

This study involved a prospective patient registry of women at a tertiary-level referral center for endometriosis and pelvic pain. Inclusion criteria were (i) referrals to the center recruited into the registry from January 2014 through December 2016 and (ii) subsequent surgery at the center with histologic confirmation of endometriosis. Exclusion criteria included menopausal status, age at least 50 years, never sexually active, or did not answer dyspareunia or SQoL questions. Bi-variable tests and multiple linear regression analysis were performed.

Main Outcome Measures

SQoL measured by the 5-item sexual intercourse subscale of the Endometriosis Health Profile-30 (EHP-30) modular questionnaire (0–100%, with higher scores indicating worse SQoL).

Results

Consent rate for the prospective registry was 87%; 277 women met the study criteria (mean age = 34.2 ± 7.1 years). Most women had stage I to II endometriosis at time of surgery (64%), with the remaining having stage III to IV endometriosis. Through regression analysis, worse SQoL (higher EHP-30 sexual intercourse subscale score) was independently associated with: more severe deep dyspareunia (P < .0001), more severe superficial dyspareunia (P < .0001), increased depression (P < .001), higher pain catastrophizing (P = .04), bladder pain syndrome (P = .02), heterosexual orientation (P < .001), and new referral status (P = .02).

Conclusion

In women with endometriosis at a tertiary referral center, more severe deep dyspareunia was associated with worse SQoL, independent of superficial dyspareunia, psychological comorbidities, and other potential confounders.
THE NORTH KOREAN AUTOCRACY IN COMPARATIVE PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Song Wonjun , Wright Joseph
Published: May 2018

The North Korean regime is unique among dictatorships because it is both long-lasting and highly personalized. We argue that initial factionalization of the regime, coupled with the presence of multiple foreign backers early in the regime, allowed the first leader to personalize the regime by first wresting power from the military and then subsequently curbing the autonomous power of the Korean Worker's Party. Using a measure of personalism constructed from historical data, we trace the consolidation of personal power in the North Korean regime and compare it to other communist regimes in the region to show how the evolution of personalist rule in these cases differed. We then explain this sequence of personalization in North Korea by showing how regime imposition by one foreign power, the Soviet Union, combined with military backing from a second foreign power, China, incentivized Kim Il-sung to consolidate personal control over the military and internal security apparatus by reducing the threat of military backlash.
Ice front change of marine-terminating outlet glaciers in northwest and southeast Greenland during the 21st century
Authors: BUNCE CHARLIE , CARR J. RACHEL , NIENOW PETER W. , ROSS NEIL , KILLICK REBECCA
Published: May 2018

The increasingly negative mass balance of the Greenland ice sheet (GrIS) over the last ~25 years has been associated with enhanced surface melt and increased ice loss from marine-terminating outlet glaciers. Accelerated retreat during 2000–2010 was concentrated in the southeast and northwest sectors of the ice sheet; however, there was considerable spatial and temporal variability in the timing and magnitude of retreat both within and between these regions. This behaviour has yet to be quantified and compared for all glaciers in both regions. Furthermore, it is unclear whether retreat has continued after 2010 in the northwest, and whether the documented slowdown in the southeast post-2005 has been sustained. Here, we compare spatial and temporal patterns of frontal change in the northwest and southeast GrIS, for the period 2000–2015. Our results show near-ubiquitous retreat of outlet glaciers across both regions for the study period; however, the timing and magnitude of inter-annual frontal position change is largely asynchronous. We also find that since 2010, there is continued terminus retreat in the northwest, which contrasts with considerable inter-annual variability in the southeast. Analysis of the role of glacier-specific factors demonstrates that fjord and bed geometry are important controls on the timing and magnitude of glacier retreat.
Yeast derivatives and wheat germ in the adult diet modulates fecundity in a tephritid pest
Authors: Goane L. , Pereyra P.M. , Castro F. , Ruiz M.J. , Juárez M.L. , Segura D.F. , Vera M.T.
Published: May 2018

Anastrepha fraterculus(Wiedemann), a pest of great economic importance in South America, needs urgently to be controlled by environmentally friendly methods such as the sterile insect technique for which mass rearing of insects is required. Because oogenesis takes place during the adult stage, mass-rearing facilities should provide the females a diet that maximizes egg production at the lowest cost. Accordingly, we investigated the effect of artificial protein sources in the adult diet (yeast derivatives of different cost but with similar amino acids profiles, and the addition of wheat germ) on fecundity. Additionally, we evaluated different ratios of yeast derivatives or wheat germ on ovary maturation, fecundity, and fertility as well as their association with the nutrient content of females. Females fed hydrolyzed yeast and yeast extract attained the highest fecundity level, and those fed brewer's yeast the lowest. Reducing the amount of hydrolyzed yeast, an expensive protein source, in the diet negatively affected fecundity and ovary maturation. Increasing the amount of brewer's yeast, a low-cost protein source, did not favor fecundity. The addition of wheat germ in the adult diet improved fecundity regardless of the yeast derivate considered. Percentage of egg hatch was not affected by the diet. Nutrient content ofA. fraterculusfemales varied according to the adult diet provided and mating status. Our findings provide novel baseline information to understand the role of nutrition on reproductive performance ofA. fraterculusfemales and are discussed in the context of resource allocation. They also provide valuable advances in the search for cost-effective adult diets at fruit fly mass rearing facilities.
Effects of eprinomectin on the survival, reproduction and feeding activity of the dung beetles,Onthophagus lenziiHarold, and rare species,Copris ochusMotschulsky (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)
Authors: Ishikawa I. , Iwasa M.
Published: May 2018

Effects of the antiparasitic drug eprinomectin were studied on the dung beetles,Onthophagus lenziiHarold and the rare species,Copris ochusMotschulsky by pour-on administrations (500 µg kg−1) in Japan. Eprinomectin was detected in cattle dung from 1 to 7 or 14 days after treatment, with a peak at 1 day after treatment in two experiments. InO. lenzii, adult survivals and numbers of brood balls constructed were significantly reduced in dung from eprinomectin-treated cattle at 1 and 3 days post-treatment in experiment 1, and adult emergence rates were extremely reduced in dung at 1, 3, and 7 days post-treatment. InC. ochus, adult survivals were significantly reduced in dung at 3 days post-treatment (experiment 1), and equivalent levels to the control were restored in dung at 7 and 14 days post-treatment (experiment 2). Numbers of brood balls ofC. ochuswere nil in dung at 3 days (experiment 1), and significantly reduced in dung at 7 days (experiment 2) post-treatment compared with control. Adult emergence rates ofC. ochuswere 100 and 71.6% in dung from control cattle in experiments 1 and 2, respectively. However, no oviposition was observed in dung at 3 days post-treatment, and all offspring died at egg or the first instar larval stage in dung from 7 and 14 days post-treatment. Feeding activities ofO. lenziiandC. ochuswere significantly inhibited in dung from treated cattle at 1–3 days and 3 days post-treatment, respectively, returning to levels of the control at 7 days post-treatment.
Cohomology of Flat Principal Bundles
Authors: Byun Yanghyun , Kim Joohee
Published: May 2018

We invoke the classical fact that the algebra of bi-invariant forms on a compact connected Lie groupGis naturally isomorphic to the de Rham cohomologyH*dR(G) itself. Then, we show that when a flat connectionAexists on a principalG-bundleP, we may construct a homomorphismEA:H*dR(G)→H*dR(P), which eventually shows that the bundle satisfies a condition for the Leray–Hirsch theorem. A similar argument is shown to apply to its adjoint bundle. As a corollary, we show that that both the flat principal bundle and its adjoint bundle have the real coefficient cohomology isomorphic to that of the trivial bundle.
EFFECT OF MECHANICAL HARVESTING ON YIELD AND QUALITY OF TEA IN TANZANIA
Authors: RUTATINA S. , CORLEY R. H. V.
Published: May 2018

Hand plucking of tea is labour intensive, and with rising labour costs mechanical harvesting (MH) is of increasing interest. However, effects of MH on yield and quality of tea remain unclear. We harvested two tea clones for eight years with a small, wheeled machine, to investigate effects of different cutting heights on yield and quality. The harvest interval for machine plots was 40% longer than for hand plucking in the first three years and 100% longer thereafter. The yield response, relative to hand plucking, depended on cutting height. Provided that increase in bush height (table rise) was 6 cm per year or less, yields were 15–21% higher than with hand plucking and increased yield was still being maintained after eight years. The increase in yield appeared to be mainly attributable to the longer harvest interval for machine plots, so that larger shoots were harvested. There was no increase in the number of shoots harvested per year, despite more intensive plucking with the machine. In less intensively harvested plots, where table rise was 11–14 cm per year, yield was reduced compared to hand plucking, and shoot number was nearly 30% lower. Dry matter production was greatest under the least intensive harvesting, but greater intensity gave higher harvest index and yield. In plots with no table rise, but not in other plots, a large amount of die-back of plucked points was observed. This may indicate source limitation of shoot numbers. We conclude that, with an extended harvest interval and careful management of cutting height, the yield of tea can be maintained under MH. There was a reduction in green leaf quality, with coarser shoots and increased mature leaf, but a limited number of taster evaluations of quality of the black tea showed significant differences for only one clone.
Addition of pectin and whey protein concentrate minimises the generation of acid whey in Greek-style yogurt
Authors: Gyawali Rabin , Ibrahim Salam A
Published: May 2018

The objective of the study reported in this Research Communication was to investigate the effects of pectin and whey protein concentrate (WPC) on the generation of acid whey during Greek-style yogurt (GSY) processing. Yogurt samples were prepared using pectin (0·05%, w/v) and whey protein concentrate (WPC-80) (1%, w/v) as possible ingredients that reduce the acid whey production. Control yogurt sample was prepared without addition of these ingredients. The results showed that yogurt made with pectin plus WPC had significantly higher water holding capacity (~56%) than the control (33%). Similarly, yogurt supplemented with pectin plus WPC exhibited 15% less susceptibility to syneresis compared to the control (P < 0·05). Viability of L. bulgaricus and S. thermophilus in all yogurts remained ≥7·0 and ≥8·0 log CFU/g respectively. Native PAGE analysis showed an interaction between pectin and WPC. Pectin hinders the formation of large oligomeric aggregates of whey protein which correlates with an increase in WHC and a decrease in syneresis. Our results demonstrated that a combination of pectin and WPC have the potential to limit the quantity of acid whey generation in GSY manufacturing. Thus, these ingredients have positive implications for dairy industry in the production of GSY.
High intensity light pulses to reduce microbial load in fresh cheese
Authors: Lacivita Valentina , Conte Amalia , Lyng James G , Arroyo Cristina , Zambrini Vittorio A , Del Nobile Matteo A
Published: May 2018

The present study focused on the utilisation of High Intensity Light Pulses (HILP) treatment to preserve mozzarella cheese. First, the susceptibility of Pseudomonas fluorescens and Enterobacteriaceae to HILP (fluences from 0·39 to 28·0 J/cm2) in a transparent liquid was evaluated (in-vitro tests). Afterwards, the effects on inoculated mozzarella cheese were also assessed. Then untreated (Control) and HILP treated samples were packaged and stored at 10 °C for 2 weeks. Enterobacteriaceae, Pseudomonas spp. and pH were monitored during storage. In a transparent liquid (in-vitro tests) there was a significant microbial inactivation just with 2 s of treatment. On the inoculated cheese a relevant microbial reduction of about 1 log cycle was observed, according to the exposure to the treatments. For Pseudomonas spp. in particular, in the treated samples, the microbiological acceptability limit (106 cfu/g) was never reached after 2 weeks of refrigerated storage. To sum up, the efficacy of this treatment is very interesting because a microbial reduction was observed in treated samples. HILP treatment is able to control the microbial growth and may be considered a promising way to decontaminate the surface of mozzarella cheese.
Identification of an immune modulation locus utilising a bovine mammary gland infection challenge model
Authors: Littlejohn Mathew D , Turner Sally-Anne , Walker Caroline G , Berry Sarah D , Tiplady Kathryn , Sherlock Ric G , Sutherland Greg , Swift Simon , Garrick Dorian , Lacy-Hulbert S Jane , McDougall Scott , Spelman Richard J , Snell Russell G , Hillerton J Eric
Published: May 2018

Inflammation of the mammary gland following bacterial infection, commonly known as mastitis, affects all mammalian species. Although the aetiology and epidemiology of mastitis in the dairy cow are well described, the genetic factors mediating resistance to mammary gland infection are not well known, due in part to the difficulty in obtaining robust phenotypic information from sufficiently large numbers of individuals. To address this problem, an experimental mammary gland infection experiment was undertaken, using a Friesian-Jersey cross breed F2herd. A total of 604 animals received an intramammary infusion ofStreptococcus uberisin one gland, and the clinical response over 13 milkings was used for linkage mapping and genome-wide association analysis. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) was detected on bovine chromosome 11 for clinical mastitis status using micro-satellite and Affymetrix 10 K SNP markers, and then exome and genome sequence data used from the six F1sires of the experimental animals to examine this region in more detail. A total of 485 sequence variants were typed in the QTL interval, and association mapping using these and an additional 37 986 genome-wide markers from the Illumina SNP50 bovine SNP panel revealed association with markers encompassing the interleukin-1 gene cluster locus. This study highlights a region on bovine chromosome 11, consistent with earlier studies, as conferring resistance to experimentally induced mammary gland infection, and newly prioritises theIL1gene cluster for further analysis in genetic resistance to mastitis.
Fermented camel milk prevents carbon tetrachloride induced acute injury in kidney of mice
Authors: Hamed Houda , Gargouri Manel , Boulila Salha , Chaari Fatma , Ghrab Ferdaws , Kallel Rim , Ghannoudi Zied , Boudawara Tahia , Chaabouni Semia , Feki Abdelfattah El , Gargouri Ahmed
Published: May 2018

Fermented milk is known to possess potent antioxidant activity. The present study was undertaken to assess the preventive effect of fermented camel milk (FCM) prepared usinglactococcus lactis subsp. cremorisagainst CCl4induced kidney damage in mice. Nephrotoxicity was induced in mice by a single dose of CCl4(10 ml/kg 0·3% olive oil, ip). Female mice were pretreated daily with FCM for 15 d. Renal damage was associated with an increase in oxidative stress parameters (lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl and changes in antioxidant enzyme activities and non-enzymatic antioxidant) and nephropathology markers.

The renal injury induced by CCl4was confirmed by the histological study of the CCl4-intoxicated mice. Pretreatment with FCM significantly prevented renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while mice recovered normal kidney histology. Moreover, FCM prevented toxicity biomarker changes by reducing creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and electrolytes levels in plasma. These data indicate that FCM is efficient in inhibiting oxidative stress induced by CCl4, and suggests that the administration of this milk may be helpful in the prevention of kidney damage.
Focusing on fatty acid profile in milk from different species after in vitro digestion
Authors: Santillo Antonella , Figliola Lucia , Ciliberti Maria G , Caroprese Mariangela , Marino Rosaria , Albenzio Marzia
Published: May 2018

We report the fatty acid profile of raw milk and of the corresponding digested milk from different sources (human milk, formula milk and donkey, bovine, ovine and caprine milk) to gain information on the nutritional quality of different milk sources in infant nutrition.

Short chain fatty acids (SC-FA) were higher in bovine and caprine milk, intermediate in ovine and donkey and lower in human and formula milk. Medium chain fatty acids (MC-FA) showed the highest values for bovine and caprine milk and the lowest for donkey and formula milk, whereas long chain fatty acids (LC-FA) were the highest in donkey and formula milk and intermediate in human milk.

The percentage distribution of fatty acids liberated after in vitro digestion did not reflect the patterns found in the corresponding milk sources. In particular, MC free fatty acids (MC-FFA) showed the highest and the lowest values in donkey and in formula milk, LC-FFA showed the highest value in human milk. The total FFA was highest in human milk, lowest in formula milk and intermediate in donkey, bovine, ovine, and caprine milk.
Writing Bahian Identity: Crafting New Narratives of Blackness in Salvador, Brazil, 1940s–1950s
Authors: ROMO ANADELIA A.
Published: May 2018

This article studies the intersections between race and regional identity in the 1940s and 1950s in Salvador, Bahia, a critical site for the African diaspora. It examines how tourist guides produced for domestic consumption, first by Jorge Amado and later by intellectuals Odorico Tavares and José Valladares, sought to frame the city in new ways around blackness. Grounding the production of such guides in national trends for mobility and travel, the article proposes that they provided a foundational site for the crafting of a regional identity. Critically, these texts established early links between a commodified black culture and tourism in ways that would prove exceptionally long-lasting.
Dressing down up north: DRESS-lowering and /l/ allophony in a Scottish dialect
Authors: Holmes-Elliott Sophie , Smith Jennifer
Published: May 2018

This study reports on a sociophonetic investigation ofdress-lowering in a rural dialect in northeast Scotland. Previous analyses have indicated that this change is ongoing in a number of varieties worldwide, propelled by a combination of linguistic constraints and favorable associations with Anglo urban Californian varieties. In this paper we examine whether these influences play out in a relic dialect previously resistant to more supralocal changes. Through an analysis of a range of acoustic correlates, we track the progress of this change across three generations of speakers. Analysis of the constraints suggests that in this variety the change is driven by internal pressures, where it is significantly constrained by phonetic environment, specifically, following laterals. Further analysis of this environment reveals increasing distinction on the F2-F1 spectrum, where /l/s have become lighter in onsets and darker in codas. Our analyses reveal that these changes may be viewed as complementary, as they share the same acoustic correlates, suggesting that system-internal pressures are the primary driving force ofdress-lowering in this variety.
Changes in socio-economic level and their impact on nutritional status: a follow-up study among young Chilean adults
Authors: Amigo Hugo , Vásquez Alejandra , Bustos Patricia
Published: May 2018

Objective

To verify the association between changes in socio-economic level (SEL) and nutritional status of Chilean adults over a 10-year period.

Design

Concurrent cohort study.

Setting/Subjects

Individuals born from 1974 to 1978 in the Valparaíso Region of Chile were evaluated between 2000 and 2002 (n 1232) and again between 2010 and 2012 (n 796). SEL was characterized according to the occupation and educational level of the head of household. Nutritional status was based on measurement of BMI and waist circumference (WC).

Results

Between the first and second evaluation there was a 13 % reduction in the number of individuals classified as poor and a 12 % increase in those classified in the medium high SEL. Increases in BMI were found among women who remained in the low SEL (β=2·2, 95 % CI 0·16, 2·87) compared with women who maintained the same SEL (and whose SEL was above low over the 10-year period). Women who remained in the low SEL increased their WC (β=4·10, 95 % CI 0·27, 7·93). There were no associations between nutritional status and SEL among males.

Conclusions

In the period studied, the SEL of the study population improved between the third and fourth decade of life, but BMI and WC also increased among women, with the lowest socio-economic group experiencing the greatest changes. Meanwhile, among males we found no association between anthropometric measurements and changes in SEL.
Anticolonial Constitutionalism: The Case of Hồ Chi Minh
Authors: BUI SON NGOC
Published: May 2018

How is modern constitutionalism related to anticolonialism? This Article takes into account this question with a special reference to the case of Hồ Chi Minh. It argues that modern constitutionalism offers a powerful ideational and discursive weapon for the colonized people to struggle against colonialism. To understand this, the Article introduces the concept of ‘anticolonial constitutionalism’, defined as a form of political discourse in which anticolonialists employ the language and ideas of modern constitutionalism to combat the predatory colonial government and to express the aspirations to a constitutional government. Anticolonial constitutionalism emerges under three conditions, namely exploitatory and arbitrary colonialism, anticolonialism, and constitutional enlightenment. The case of Hồ Chí Minh illustrates this phenomenon well. When Vietnam was under French colonialism as a part of French Indochina during the first half of the twentieth century, Vietnamese anticolonialism was vehement, and different anticolonialists employed the language and ideas of constitutionalism to oppose the colonial government. One of them was Hồ Chí Minh, considered by many Vietnamese as the father and icon of the nation. A tremendously influential anticolonialist, he was enlightened with constitutionalist knowledge and employed key ideas of modern constitutionalism, namely a written constitution, the rule of law, popular sovereignty, and fundamental rights to struggle against French colonialism and to express such aspirations to a constitutional government in Vietnam. This study has implications for the trajectory of constitutionalism in contemporary Vietnam given the continuing influence of Hồ Chí Minh's constitutionalist discourse in the country nowadays. More generally, this study has implications for the relationship between constitutionalism and anticolonialism.
Becoming a Good Citizen for a Better Life: Why Does the Middle Class Prefer Negotiation over Rightful Resistance in Shanghai?
Authors: XIONG YIHAN
Published: May 2018

‘Rightful resistance’ has become a mainstream theoretical framework for understanding social protests in contemporary China. However, the middle class in Shanghai is more inclined to protect its rights through ‘loyal appealing’ than rightful resistance. The middle class has had to express its loyalty and its ‘voice’ at the same time to minimize its political risk. Rightful resistance and ‘loyal appealing’ differ in several respects. First, rightful resistance professes loyalty only to the central government, whereas loyal appealing professes loyalty to the local government. Second, rightful resistance considers the local government an object to confront, whereas loyal appealing considers it a potential ally. Finally, activists who engage in rightful resistance use central government policies as their weapon, whereas activists who engage in loyal appealing use the local government's political performance as a bargaining chip. However, the middle class has not completely relinquished its right to rightful resistance; instead, rightful resistance is a backup to ensure the effectiveness of loyal appealing.
Complexions: A Revolutionary Taxonomy for Grain Boundaries
Authors: Eades Alwyn
Published: May 2018

Taxonomy: Classification, especially in relation to its general laws or principles. (OED)

The world has far too many things in it to treat them all individually. One way we make progress is through taxonomy. We group things so as to be able to discuss them usefully and understand them. The best-known taxonomy is that of living things: we group them as mammals, reptiles, grasses, trees. We group crystals based on their symmetry: cubic, hexagonal, orthorhombic.

Grain boundaries remain one of the main outstanding problems in materials science. We understand crystals rather well, but we do not have a good science of grain boundaries yet. It would help to have a taxonomy of grain boundaries.
Improved Techniques For Imaging Of Three-Dimensional Transparent Specimens In Advanced Darkfield And Interference Contrast Modes
Authors: Piper Jörg
Published: May 2018

In light microscopy, dark field and interference contrast are widely used for examination of transparent specimens. These methods both suffer from various limitations when photomicrographs have to be taken from fine details, especially in three-dimensional specimens requiring a large depth of field.

In common dark field illumination, the condenser either is not equipped with an aperture diaphragm, or an existing condenser diaphragm has to remain in the wide-open position. Thus, the depth of field is lower than in bright field images. Moreover, dark field imaging is associated with marginal blooming, especially in linear structures exhibiting with large differences in phase or density (e.g. cell walls, edges in crystals and other mineralogical material).
A Versatile and Affordable Plunge Freezing Instrument for Preparing Frozen Hydrated Specimens for Cryo Transmission Electron Microscopy (CryoEM)
Authors: Melanson Linda
Published: May 2018

CryoEM is a powerful tool in the arsenal of structural biologists and soft polymer chemists. Hydrated specimens require a preservation method that will counteract the effects of the electron beam and the high vacuum environment of the electron microscope. Classical specimen preparation techniques using chemical fixatives are not able to capture the native structure of the once hydrated specimen perfectly. In contrast to classical methods for preserving specimens for electron microscopy, rapid freezing of radiation-sensitive specimens such as dispersed biological macromolecular assemblies, 2D crystals, and colloids allows the structural details of the specimen to be captured in their essentially native state to near atomic resolution.