bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Behavioral effects of delayed timeouts from reinforcement
Authors: Byrne Tom , Poling Alan
Published: February 2017

Timeouts are sometimes used in applied settings to reduce target responses, and in some circumstances delays are unavoidably imposed between the onset of a timeout and the offset of the response that produces it. The present study examined the effects of signaled and unsignaled timeouts in rats exposed to concurrent fixed‐ratio 1 fixed‐ratio 1 schedules of food delivery, where each response on one lever, the location of which changed across conditions, produced both food and a delayed 10‐s timeout. Delays of 0 to 38 s were examined. Delayed timeouts often, but not always, substantially reduced the number of responses emitted on the lever that produced timeouts relative to the number emitted on the lever that did not produce timeouts. In general, greater sensitivity was observed to delayed timeouts when they were signaled. These results demonstrate that delayed timeouts, like other delayed consequences, can affect behavior, albeit less strongly than immediate consequences.
Quantitative characterization of the carbon/carbon composites components based on video of polarized light microscope
Authors: Li Yixian , Qi Lehua , Song Yongshan , Chao Xujiang
Published: February 2017

The components of carbon/carbon (C/C) composites have significant influence on the thermal and mechanical properties, so a quantitative characterization of component is necessary to study the microstructure of C/C composites, and further to improve the macroscopic properties of C/C composites. Considering the extinction crosses of the pyrocarbon matrix have significant moving features, the polarized light microscope (PLM) video is used to characterize C/C composites quantitatively because it contains sufficiently dynamic and structure information. Then the optical flow method is introduced to compute the optical flow field between the adjacent frames, and segment the components of C/C composites from PLM image by image processing. Meanwhile the matrix with different textures is re‐segmented by the length difference of motion vectors, and then the component fraction of each component and extinction angle of pyrocarbon matrix are calculated directly. Finally, the C/C composites are successfully characterized from three aspects of carbon fiber, pyrocarbon, and pores by a series of image processing operators based on PLM video, and the errors of component fractions are less than 15%.
The behaviour of parent and daughter nuclides in aerosols released in radiological dispersion events: a study of a SrTiO3 source
Authors: van Maris V. R. , Naji M. , Di Lemma F. G. , Colle J.‐Y. , Bykov D. , Konings R. J. M.
Published: February 2017

During rapid high‐temperature events, like a terrorist attack with radiological dispersal device, radiological material will be released into the environment. In these scenarios, the ratio between parent and daughter nuclides can be used for nuclear forensic investigations to determine the age of the used radioactive source. We have used fast laser heating to produce aerosols of a material often found in radioisotope thermoelectric generators. To investigate the behaviour of SrTiO3, we have recreated pure and mixed samples, mimicking several parent‐to‐daughter ratios. By combining scanning electron microscopy and energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy analysis with Raman spectroscopy, we were able to distinguish different elements and phases present in the aerosols. Two types of aerosols have been identified: individual aerosols from a few micrometre to a few tens of micrometre and agglomerates of smaller aerosols from a few hundred nanometre to a few micrometre. The bigger aerosols, formed from mechanically expelled liquefied material, showed a parent‐to‐daughter ratio that stays close to the value that would be anticipated by the initial composition of the material, but in the agglomerates, formed from vaporised material, the presence of the daughter elements reduces significantly due to differences in the condensation behaviour. © 2017 The Authors. Journal of Raman Spectroscopy Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.
Morphological and physiological responses of different wheat genotypes to chilling stress: a cue to explain yield loss
Authors: Li Pu‐Fang , Ma Bao‐Luo , Xiong You‐Cai , Zhang Wen‐Yuan
Published: February 2017

BACKGROUND

The eco‐physiological mechanism of wheat yield loss resulting from chilling stress is a fundamental scientific issue. However, previous studies have focused on hexaploid wheats, and few studies on the morphological and physiological plasticity of wheat plants. Six different wheat genotypes were tested under chilling stress to investigate the physio‐morphological parameters as well as the loss of grain yield in growth chambers.

RESULTS

Chilling stress resulted in significant loss in grain yield in all genotypes. Under chilling stress, diploid wheats generated zero harvest, and tetraploid genotypes also suffered from a pronounced loss in grain yield, compared with the control group. In contrast, hexaploid genotypes acquired relatively high maintenance rate of grain yield among three species.

CONCLUSIONS

Diploid and tetraploid wheat genotypes maintained relatively large leaf area and high photosynthetic rates, but they were subjected to significant declines in vascular bundle number and productive tillers as a consequence of the inhibition by sink growth under chilling stress. The hexaploid wheats were found to have relatively low leaf area and photosynthetic rates. These genotypes also stored more soluble carbohydrates and exhibited stronger sink enhancement, ensuring the translocation and redistribution of assimilates. Our findings provided a new theoretical understanding of yield stabilization in the domestication process of wheat genotypes under chilling stress. © 2017 Her Majesty the Queen in Right of Canada. Journal of The Science of Food and Agriculture © 2017 Society of Chemical Industry
Patterns of care and survival of adjuvant radiation for major salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma
Authors: Lee Anna , Givi Babak , Osborn Virginia W. , Schwartz David , Schreiber David
Published: February 2017

Objectives/Hypothesis

National Cancer Care Network guidelines suggest consideration of adjuvant radiation even for early stage adenoid cystic carcinoma of the salivary glands. We used the National Cancer Data Base (NCDB) to analyze practice patterns and outcomes of postoperative radiotherapy for adenoid cystic carcinomas.

Study Design

Retrospective NCDB review.

Methods

Patients with nonmetastatic adenoid cystic carcinoma of the parotid, submandibular, or another major salivary gland from 2004 to 2012 were identified. Information was collected regarding receipt of postoperative radiation. The Kaplan‐Meier method was used to assess overall survival and Cox regression analysis to assess impact of covariates.

Results

There were 1,784 patients included. Median age was 57 years old and median follow up was 47.5 months. Of the patients, 72.4% of underwent partial/total parotidectomy and 73.6% received postoperative radiation. The 5‐year survival was 72.5% for those receiving surgery alone compared to 82.4% for those receiving postoperative radiation (P < .001). On subgroup analysis, this survival difference favoring postoperative radiation was significant for pT1‐2N0 (P < .001), pT3‐4N0 (P = .047), pTanyN+ (P < .001), and for positive margins (P = .001), but not for negative margins (P = .053). On multivariable analysis, postoperative radiation remained associated with improved overall survival (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval: 0.50‐0.80, P < .001). The utilization of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) increased from 16.9% in 2004 to 56.3% in 2012 (P < .001). There was no survival benefit for IMRT over three‐dimensional radiation therapy (HR = 0.84, P = .19).

Conclusions

Postoperative radiation therapy for salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma was associated with improved survival even for those with early‐stage disease.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 127:2057–2062, 2017
Nitrogen and phosphorus colimitation of phytoplankton in Lake Baikal: Insights from a spatial survey and nutrient enrichment experiments
Authors: O'Donnell Daniel R. , Wilburn Paul , Silow Eugene A. , Yampolsky Lev Y. , Litchman Elena
Published: February 2017

Lake Baikal, Siberia, is the most biodiverse freshwater lake on Earth. However, despite decades of painstaking limnological research on Baikal, broad spatial data on nutrient (nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), silica (Si)) concentrations and temperature are sparse, as is our understanding of the bottom‐up factors that limit phytoplankton in the lake. Earlier studies have suggested both N and P as limiting nutrients in Baikal, but the evidence, mostly based on elemental ratios, is limited and somewhat conflicting. We present experimental evidence that N and P co‐limit phytoplankton productivity in some areas of Baikal during summer, along with the results of a comprehensive spatial survey of surface temperature, nutrients and chlorophyll a (Chl a) in Lake Baikal that support the experimental finding of colimitation. Surface water incubations from two trophically contrasting locations revealed co‐limitation by N and P, as well as a positive effect of temperature (fluorescence after 5 d was ∼10% higher at 15°C than at 10°C). In a linear model of the survey data (26 sampling locations), N, P, and their interaction (N × P) were all significant predictors of Chl a concentration, indicating that either N or P (or both) may limit summer phytoplankton, depending on location. In contrast to the incubation experiments, temperature was not a significant predictor of Chl a concentration across the 26 sites we sampled. Lake Baikal is undergoing rapid warming and increased nutrient loading, which may boost phytoplankton productivity in the lake; however, the magnitude of this response will depend on ratios of soluble N and P inputs.
Methods for the estimation of the biovolume of microorganisms: A critical review
Authors: Saccà Alessandro
Published: February 2017

Biomass estimation is central in most microbial plankton ecology studies. Numerous advances have been made that rendered this task more and more effective, from the introduction of allometric volume‐to‐carbon conversion factors to the development of submersible flow‐through imaging devices. Although several ingenious methods have been suggested for this purpose, the problem of biovolume extrapolation from two‐dimensional pictures remains. This study offers a historical and critical review of the methods for the estimation of the biovolume of microorganisms that have been proposed throughout the last four decades. It covers three main approaches—respectively based on a single equation, a set of simple or composite geometric shapes or a computational algorithm—as well as several methods featuring exclusive characteristics. Both strengths and shortcomings of each technique are analyzed, with particular emphasis on compatibility with the most recent flow‐through devices coupled with in situ imaging systems. A composite picture emerges with no such unique method, at present, suitable for every situation. This review can thus be a valuable guide for the microbial plankton ecologist who seeks the most suitable technique for a specific circumstance.
Risk Aversion, the Disposition Effect, and Group Decision Making: An Experimental Analysis
Authors: Prates Wlademir R. , da Costa Newton C.A. , Dorow Anderson
Published: February 2017

This article reports a laboratory experiment comparing the behavior of individuals and groups in terms of their susceptibility to the disposition effect. A total of 174 students took part in six experimental sessions in which they made decisions individually, in pairs, or in three‐person groups. It was observed that the disposition effect was attenuated when the decisions were made in groups of two or three members. It was also noted that the attenuating effect of group decision making was the result of a reduction in the proportion of gains realized, indicating that the groups were less risk averse than individuals. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Parkinson's disease and Parkinson's disease medications have distinct signatures of the gut microbiome
Authors: Hill‐Burns Erin M. , Debelius Justine W. , Morton James T. , Wissemann William T. , Lewis Matthew R. , Wallen Zachary D. , Peddada Shyamal D. , Factor Stewart A. , Molho Eric , Zabetian Cyrus P. , Knight Rob , Payami Haydeh
Published: February 2017

Background

There is mounting evidence for a connection between the gut and Parkinson's disease (PD). Dysbiosis of gut microbiota could explain several features of PD.

Objective

The objective of this study was to determine if PD involves dysbiosis of gut microbiome, disentangle effects of confounders, and identify candidate taxa and functional pathways to guide research.

Methods

A total of 197 PD cases and 130 controls were studied. Microbial composition was determined by 16S rRNA gene sequencing of DNA extracted from stool. Metadata were collected on 39 potential confounders including medications, diet, gastrointestinal symptoms, and demographics. Statistical analyses were conducted while controlling for potential confounders and correcting for multiple testing. We tested differences in the overall microbial composition, taxa abundance, and functional pathways.

Results

Independent microbial signatures were detected for PD (P = 4E‐5), participants' region of residence within the United States (P = 3E‐3), age (P = 0.03), sex (P = 1E‐3), and dietary fruits/vegetables (P = 0.01). Among patients, independent signals were detected for catechol‐O‐methyltransferase‐inhibitors (P = 4E‐4), anticholinergics (P = 5E‐3), and possibly carbidopa/levodopa (P = 0.05). We found significantly altered abundances of the Bifidobacteriaceae, Christensenellaceae, [Tissierellaceae], Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Pasteurellaceae, and Verrucomicrobiaceae families. Functional predictions revealed changes in numerous pathways, including the metabolism of plant‐derived compounds and xenobiotics degradation.

Conclusion

PD is accompanied by dysbiosis of gut microbiome. Results coalesce divergent findings of prior studies, reveal altered abundance of several taxa, nominate functional pathways, and demonstrate independent effects of PD medications on the microbiome. The findings provide new leads and testable hypotheses on the pathophysiology and treatment of PD. © 2017 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Two‐scale cut‐and‐projection convergence; homogenization of quasiperiodic structures
Authors: Wellander Niklas , Guenneau Sebastién , Cherkaev Elena
Published: February 2017

We demonstrate how the problem of finding the effective property of quasiperiodic constitutive relations can be simplified to the periodic homogenization setting by transforming the original quasiperiodic material structure to a periodic heterogeneous material in a higher dimensional space. The characterization of two‐scale cut‐and‐projection convergence limits of partial differential operators is presented. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Episodic weakness and Charcot–marie–tooth disease due to a mitochondrial MT‐ATP6 mutation
Authors: Panosyan Francis B. , Tawil Rabi , Herrmann David N.
Published: February 2017

Introduction

Episodic muscle weakness is the hallmark of a heterogeneous group of disorders known as periodic paralysis. A majority are due to single nucleotide mutations causing membrane depolarization.

Methods

We report 2 family members with chronic, slowly progressive, distal axonal neuropathy, or Charcot–Marie–Tooth disease type 2 (CMT2) and episodic weakness resembling periodic paralysis.

Results

Next generation sequencing (NGS) identified a mitochondrial MT‐ATP6 mutation m.9185T>C (p.Leu220Pro) in both patients, consistent with a previous report of an association with this phenotype. The episodic weakness has been responsive to acetazolamide therapy for a few decades. By contrast, the underlying axonal neuropathy is quite progressive despite treatment with acetazolamide.

Conclusions

Mitochondrial DNA mutations should be considered in patients with a history of episodic weakness and axonal inherited neuropathy (CMT2). The episodic weakness is responsive to acetazolamide therapy, and electrophysiological testing for periodic paralysis with a long exercise protocol is negative in these cases. Muscle Nerve 55: 922–927, 2017
Efficacy of onabotulinum toxin A injection in pediatric patients with non‐neurogenic detrusor overactivity
Authors: Bayrak Omer , Sadioglu Erkan , Sen Haluk , Dogan Kazim , Erturhan Sakip , Seckiner Ilker
Published: February 2017

AIMS

To evaluate the effectiveness and reliability of onabotulinum toxin A (onaBoNT‐A) injections in pediatric patients with non‐neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NNDO).

METHODS

Between January 2010 and February 2016, 39 patients underwent onaBoNT‐A injections for NNDO, and were evaluated retrospectively. Three‐day voiding diary was filled at baseline, and at the postoperative 9th month. The voiding frequency, incontinence episodes, and the cystometric capacity were noted. Vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) associated with NNDO, and presence of nocturia were recorded. Additional injection requirements were also stated.

RESULTS

We reached the data of 33 patients on 9th month. The mean age was determined as 8.75 ± 3.01 (5‐16) years. Initially, the mean bladder capacity was calculated as 114.66 ± 35.23 mL on the voiding diary, and 153.15 ± 47.40 mL on the baseline urodynamic study. After the procedures, the mean bladder capacity increased to 140.84 ± 45.61 mL (P = 0.0011), the mean daily voiding frequency decreased from 10.36 ± 1.05 to 7.42 ± 0.83 (P = 0.01), and the mean incontinence episodes decreased from 2.72 ± 1.87 to 1.18 ± 1.13 (P = 0.001), on voiding diary. VUR associated with NNDO was determined in 10 (30.3%) patients. The degree of VUR decreased three in patients, and VUR disappeared in five patients following the injections (P = 0.011). Fourteen (42.4%) patients had nocturia, and after the injections, nocturia disappeared in five (15.15%) patients (P = 0.151). Additional injections were required in 10 (30.3%) patients at the 9th month.

CONCLUSIONS

OnaBoNT‐A injections can be used in the pediatric patients with NNDO as an effective and reliable procedure by decreasing voiding frequency, incontinence episodes, and increasing bladder capacity, with negligible side effects and complications.
Optimization of inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT) MRI contrast for preclinical studies using dipolar relaxation time (T1D) filtering
Authors: Prevost V.H. , Girard O.M. , Mchinda S. , Varma G. , Alsop D.C. , Duhamel G.
Published: February 2017

A pulsed inhomogeneous magnetization transfer (ihMT)‐prepared fast imaging sequence was implemented at 11.75 T for preclinical studies on mouse central nervous system. A strategy based on filtering the ihMT signal originating from short dipolar relaxation time (T1D) components is proposed. It involves increasing the repetition time of consecutive radiofrequency (RF) pulses of the dual saturation and allows improved signal specificity for long T1D myelinated structures. Furthermore, frequency offset, power and timing saturation parameters were adjusted to optimize the ihMT sensitivity. The optimization of the ihMT sensitivity, whilst preserving the strong specificity for the long T1D component of myelinated tissues, allowed measurements of ihMT ratios on the order of 4–5% in white matter (WM), 2.5% in gray matter (GM) and 1–1.3% in muscle. This led to high relative ihMT contrasts between myelinated tissues and others (~3–4 between WM and muscle, and ≥2 between GM and muscle). Conversely, higher ihMT ratios (~6–7% in WM) could be obtained using minimal T1D filtering achieved with short saturation pulse repetition time or cosine‐modulated pulses for the dual‐frequency saturation. This study represents a first stage in the process of validating ihMT as a myelin biomarker by providing optimized ihMT preclinical sequences, directly transposable and applicable to other preclinical magnetic fields and scanners. Finally, ihMT ratios measured in various central nervous system areas are provided for future reference.
Make your offerings about your students, not enrollment numbers
Authors: Sutton Halley
Published: February 2017

Brooke Scharlott knew she'd found her calling from the moment she started working with adult learners. A former marketing major who found her way into working in higher education through a student assistant position in admissions, Scharlott is the current director of the Ursuline College Adult Program. “Once I started working with adults, it clicked for me that this was the population I wanted to work with,” Scharlott said. UCAP is geared specifically to helping adult learners, defined as students who have completed at least three years of professional work experience, earn their bachelor's degree.
Nanotailoring of sepiolite clay with poly [styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene]: structure–property correlation
Authors: Gupta Pragya , Bera Madhab , Maji Pradip K.
Published: February 2017

Poly [styrene‐b‐(ethylene‐co‐butylene)‐b‐styrene] (SEBS)/sepiolite clay nanocomposites are prepared by solvent casting method. Two types of schemes have been adopted to establish the compatibility between nonpolar polymer (SEBS) and needle‐like inorganic filler (sepiolite), either by polar modification of the nonpolar polymer or organic modification of the inorganic filler. Structure–property correlation of nanocomposites derived from two different approaches is compared. Structural and morphological analysis of nanocomposites has been investigated by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, field emission scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. Fourier transform infrared result shows better compatibility between SEBS and modified sepiolite clay compared to maleic anhydride grafted SEBS and pristine sepiolite in their nanocomposites. Tensile strength and % elongation are found to increase by 32 and 105%, respectively, with the addition of just 3 parts per hundred parts of resin (phr) modified sepiolite clay to pristine SEBS matrix. Moreover, thermal stability has also improved by 96°C with similar loading. This work provides a new insight into the structure and thermo‐mechanical properties of novel SEBS–sepiolite clay nanocomposites. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Ill‐defined chemical concepts: The problem of quantification
Authors: Grunenberg Jörg
Published: February 2017

From time to time, ill‐defined concepts leads to never‐ending discussions in the chemical literature. “Is there a quadruple bond in the C2 molecule? What about the boron–boron triple bond? Can we uniquely define concepts like aromaticity or bond order at all?” With this tutorial review I would like to point out that some of the contemporary publications in chemistry are characterized by a confusion of ideas and concepts, and in part ill definitions. And, that exactly those ill‐defined concepts lead to never ending controversies in the literature. Examples of well‐ and ill‐defined concepts in chemistry are discussed.
A Proinflammatory Secretome Mediates the Impaired Immunopotency of Human Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Elderly Patients with Atherosclerosis
Authors: Kizilay Mancini Özge , Lora Maximilien , Shum-Tim Dominique , Nadeau Stephanie , Rodier Francis , Colmegna Inés
Published: February 2017

Inflammation plays a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of atherosclerosis (ATH). Due to their potent immunomodulatory properties, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are evaluated as therapeutic tools in ATH and other chronic inflammatory disorders. Aging reduces MSCs immunopotency potentially limiting their therapeutic utility. The mechanisms that mediate the effect of age on MSCs immune-regulatory function remain elusive and are the focus of this study. Human adipose tissue-derived MSCs were isolated from patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery. MSCs:CD4+T-cell suppression, a readout of MSCs’ immunopotency, was assessed in allogeneic coculture systems. MSCs from elderly subjects were found to exhibit a diminished capacity to suppress the proliferation of activated T cells. Soluble factors and, to a lesser extent, direct cell-cell contact mechanisms mediated the MSCs:T-cell suppression. Elderly MSCs exhibited a pro-inflammatory secretome with increased levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-8/CXCL8, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1/CCL2). Neutralization of these factors enhanced the immunomodulatory function of elderly MSCs. In summary, our data reveal that in contrast to young MSCs, MSCs from elderly individuals with ATH secrete high levels of IL-6, IL-8/CXCL8 and MCP-1/CCL2 which mediate their reduced immunopotency. Consequently, strategies aimed at targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines/chemokines produced by MSCs could enhance the efficacy of autologous cell-based therapies in the elderly.
Intermolecular H···O═C bonds induced 2D self‐assembly of thiophene based diketopyrrolopyrrole derivative
Authors: Wu Yican , Li Jinxing , Zha Bao , Miao Xinrui , Ying Lei , Deng Wenli
Published: February 2017

Compounds with diketopyrrolopyrrole (DPP) and thiophene moieties have attracted considerable attention because of their promising charge transport properties. The molecular conformation and self‐assembly of 2,5‐dihexadecyl‐3,6‐di(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐2,5‐dihydropyrrolo[3,4‐c]pyrrole‐1,4‐dione (TDPP‐C16) molecule have been investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy and density functional theory alculation. The TDPP‐C16 molecules adsorb with their optimized S‐shaped conformation and form a zipper‐like pattern on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite surface. R and S rotated structures are observed. The nanostructure is dominated by intermolecular double hydrogen bonds between C═O of the DPP units and hydrogen atom of thiophene rings in the neighboring molecules in each row. Atomic force microscopy and density functional theory calculation also display the existence of strong intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The results provide molecular evidence for the intermolecular interactions of the surface structure, which could benefit to the design of the organic semiconducting materials and understanding of underlying principle of charge transfer process. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Quantitative distribution analysis of alumina inclusion particles in ferritic stainless steels by using laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry
Authors: Nakahata Syoko , Kashiwakura Shunsuke , Wagatsuma Kazuaki
Published: February 2017

This paper describes an analytical method for determining the spatial distribution of alumina inclusion particles in several ferritic stainless steels by laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry with a single‐shot laser scanned on the sample surface. For this purpose, an irradiation system, which comprised a Q‐switched Nd:YAG laser with an average energy of 50 mJ/pulse and a precisely driven X‐Y‐Z sample stage, was prepared. A Czerny–Turner‐mounting spectrograph equipped with an ICCD detector was employed for a time‐resolved measurement of the laser‐induced breakdown optical emission spectrometry signal. The intensity ratio of Al I 396.152 nm to Cr I 396.368 nm was measured each for the single shot, while the irradiation positions were step‐wise moved in the X‐Y direction and then the same sampling area was repeatedly irradiated by subsequent laser shots in the Z direction. The number of alumina particles was mapped from the intensity ratio of Al/Cr each for the irradiation points in both the lateral and in‐depth directions, enabling the distribution of alumina particles to be presented. The resolution of our measuring system was 40 μm in the lateral position and 6–7 μm in the depth direction, which were mainly determined by the crater size of a laser shot. A typical size of the alumina particles (several μm) was smaller than their resolutions; nevertheless, the suggested method would be still more effective to give the distribution of alumina particles, especially the coarse ones, because of its rapid response for the analytical result. Copyright © 2017 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Spread of tau down neural circuits precedes synapse and neuronal loss in the rTgTauEC mouse model of early Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Pickett Eleanor K. , Henstridge Christopher M. , Allison Elizabeth , Pitstick Rose , Pooler Amy , Wegmann Susanne , Carlson George , Hyman Bradley T. , Spires‐Jones Tara L.
Published: February 2017

Synaptic dysfunction and loss is the strongest pathological correlate of cognitive decline in Alzheimer's disease (AD) with increasing evidence implicating neuropathological tau protein in this process. Despite the knowledge that tau spreads through defined synaptic circuits, it is currently unknown whether synapse loss occurs before the accumulation of tau or as a consequence. To address this, we have used array tomography to examine an rTgTauEC mouse model expressing a P301L human tau transgene and a transgene labeling cytoplasm red (tdTomato) and presynaptic terminals green (Synaptophysin‐EGFP). All transgenes are restricted primarily to the entorhinal cortex using the neuropsin promotor to drive tTA expression. It has previously been shown that rTgTauEC mice exhibit neuronal loss in the entorhinal cortex and synapse density loss in the middle molecular layer (MML) of the dentate gyrus at 24 months of age. Here, we observed the density of tau‐expressing and total presynapses, and the spread of tau into the postsynapse in the MML of 3–6, 9, and 18 month old red–green‐rTgTauEC mice. We observe no loss of synapse density in the MML up to 18 months even in axons expressing tau. Despite the maintenance of synapse density, we see spread of human tau from presynaptic terminals to postsynaptic compartments in the MML at very early ages, indicating that the spread of tau through neural circuits is not due to the degeneration of axon terminals and is an early feature of the disease process.
Seven strategies to apply design thinking in higher education
Authors: Costa Karen
Published: February 2017

You may have heard of the term design thinking and wondered how it differs from regular thinking. Design thinking is intentional, creative, and supercharged. It's a style of thinking for the 21st century. Applying the principles of design thinking in higher education can help you to solve intransigent problems, generate new models and partnerships, and add an element of playfulness to your work.
Different population responses of three sympatric rodent species to acorn masting—the role of tannin tolerance
Authors: Onodera Rokuya , Akimoto Yuka , Shimada Takuya , Saitoh Takashi
Published: February 2017

Rodent population dynamics are predicted to respond positively to the masting of acorns, but diverging results have been published. This study tested the hypothesis that population responses to acorn masting vary depending on differences in the tolerance to tannins of different rodent species. The effects of acorn abundance on the rodent population densities were analyzed using a dataset obtained in Hokkaido, Japan. Specifically, population fluctuations of three rodent species (Apodemus speciosus, A. argenteus, and Myodes rufocanus) and the abundance of Quercus crispula acorns have been monitored since 1992. Acorn production in previous years had a positive effect on the annual population growth rates of A. speciosus; however, this trend was not clear in the other two species. Tannin tolerance, assessed by body weight changes in an acorn feeding experiment, exhibited clear differences among the rodent species; namely, the body weight of A. speciosus increased, whereas that of the other two species decreased. The observed responses to acorn masting of populations of the three sympatric rodent species reflected tannin tolerance. It suggests that only populations of species with high tannin tolerance positively respond to acorn masting. Previous studies tend to overlook species‐specific abilities of coping with tannins in acorns. Our results emphasize the necessity of evaluating the tannin tolerance of rodents and the tannin content of acorns to understand how rodent population dynamics and acorn production are related.
Bacterial community shift for monitoring the co-composting of oil palm empty fruit bunch and palm oil mill effluent anaerobic sludge
Authors: Zainudin Mohd Huzairi Mohd , Ramli Norhayati , Hassan Mohd Ali , Shirai Yoshihito , Tashiro Kosuke , Sakai Kenji , Tashiro Yukihiro
Published: February 2017

A recently developed rapid co-composting of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) and palm oil mill effluent (POME) anaerobic sludge is beginning to attract attention from the palm oil industry in managing the disposal of these wastes. However, a deeper understanding of microbial diversity is required for the sustainable practice of the co-compositing process. In this study, an in-depth assessment of bacterial community succession at different stages of the pilot scale co-composting of OPEFB-POME anaerobic sludge was performed using 454-pyrosequencing, which was then correlated with the changes of physicochemical properties including temperature, oxygen level and moisture content. Approximately 58,122 of 16S rRNA gene amplicons with more than 500 operational taxonomy units (OTUs) were obtained. Alpha diversity and principal component analysis (PCoA) indicated that bacterial diversity and distributions were most influenced by the physicochemical properties of the co-composting stages, which showed remarkable shifts of dominant species throughout the process. Species related to Devosia yakushimensis and Desemzia incerta are shown to emerge as dominant bacteria in the thermophilic stage, while Planococcus rifietoensis correlated best with the later stage of co-composting. This study proved the bacterial community shifts in the co-composting stages corresponded with the changes of the physicochemical properties, and may, therefore, be useful in monitoring the progress of co-composting and compost maturity.
Determination of Substrate Preferences for Desaturases and Elongases for Production of Docosahexaenoic Acid from Oleic Acid in Engineered Canola
Authors: Yilmaz Jenny Lindberg , Lim Ze Long , Beganovic Mirela , Breazeale Steven , Andre Carl , Stymne Sten , Vrinten Patricia , Senger Toralf
Published: February 2017

Production of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in plant seed oils has been pursued to improve availability of these omega‐3 fatty acids that provide important human health benefits. Canola (Brassica napus), through the introduction of 10 enzymes, can convert oleic acid (OLA) into EPA and ultimately DHA through a pathway consisting of two elongation and five desaturation steps. Herein we present an assessment of the substrate specificity of the seven desaturases and three elongases that were introduced into canola by expressing individual proteins in yeast. In vivo feeding experiments were conducted with 14 potential fatty acid intermediates in an OLA to DHA pathway to determine the fatty acid substrate profiles for each enzyme. Membrane fractions were prepared from yeast expression strains and shown to contain active enzymes. The elongases, as expected, extended acyl‐CoA substrates in the presence of malonyl‐CoA. To distinguish between enzymes that desaturate CoA‐ and phosphatidylcholine‐linked fatty acid substrates, we developed a novel in vitro method. We show that a delta‐12 desaturase from Phytophthora sojae, an omega‐3 desaturase from Phytophthora infestans and a delta‐4 desaturase from Thraustochytrium sp., all prefer phosphatidylcholine‐linked acyl substrates with comparatively low use of acyl‐CoA substrates. To further validate our method, a delta‐9 desaturase from Saccharomyces cerevisiae was confirmed to use acyl‐CoA as substrate, but could not use phosphatidylcholine‐linked substrates. The results and the assay methods presented herein will be useful in efforts to improve modeling of fatty acid metabolism and production of EPA and DHA in plants.
Fault structures and their geoelectric parameters in the epicentral zone of the 27 September 2003 Chuya earthquake (Gorny Altai) from resistivity data
Authors: Nevedrova N.N. , Deev E.V. , Ponomarev P.V.
Published: February 2017

This paper presents an integrated measurement technique based on DC methods (vertical electrical sounding, electrical resistivity tomography) which was used to identify faults and determine their geoelectric parameters in the western part of the Chuya basin. New information on the structure of the Chagan River valley located in the zone of the disastrous 27 September 2003 Chuya earthquake has been obtained from the results of these methods. Geoelectric cross-sections of the sedimentary sequence and the upper part of the basement were obtained from VES data, showing the block structure of the study area. Electrical resistivity tomography sections confirm the presence of a major fault between basement blocks of different heights and indicate the presence of faults bounding the valley on its right side and in the southwestern part.
Genesis and evolution of high-pCO2 groundwaters of the Mukhen spa (Russian Far East)
Authors: Shvartsev S.L. , Kharitonova N.A. , Lepokurova O.E. , Chelnokov G.A.
Published: February 2017

We present the chemical and isotope compositions of the water and gas phases of the unique Mukhen cold high-pCO2 spa. Estimated δ18O, δD, and δ13CTIC values and data on geology and hydrogeology of the studied area indicate that the source of the groundwaters is meteoric waters, whereas carbon dioxide is of deep genesis and numerous regional faults are gas-feeding channels. Calculations of equilibrium reactions in the water–rock system show that the upper-aquifer waters (HCO3–Ca–Mg) with low TDS are undersaturated with carbonate minerals, montmorillonites, and aluminosilicates but are oversaturated with kaolinite, whereas the lower-aquifer waters (HCO3–Na) with high TDS are oversaturated with calcite, dolomite, and clay minerals but are undersaturated with main aluminosilicates. We propose a new concept of the formation of these groundwaters, demonstrating that long interaction between rocks and groundwaters in the presence of CO2 and considerable precipitation of secondary minerals are responsible for the high TDS of the lower-aquifer waters (up to 14 g/L) and their geochemical type (HCO3–Na) and unusual isotope composition (δ18O = −25.2‰, δD = −69.0‰).
Contingent solutions to the center manifold equation
Authors: Aubin Jean-Pierre , Da Prato Guiseppe
Published: February 2017

Given a system of ordinary differential equations with lipsehitzian right-hand sides, we state an existence arid uniqueness theorem for a “contingent solution” of the first-order system of partial differential equations characterizing center manifolds, as well as the convergence of the viscosity method.

Solution contingente à une équation de variété centrale
. − Étarit donné un système d’équations différentielles à second membre lipschitzien, on démontre un théorème d’existence et d’unicité d’une solution “contingente” du système d’équations aux dérivées partielles du premier ordre Caraetérisant les variétés centrales, ainsi que la convergence de la méthode de viscosité.
Multiphase Flow in Permeable Media
Authors: Blunt Martin J.
Published: February 2017

Hydrocarbon production, gas recovery from shale, CO2 storage and water management have a common scientific underpinning: multiphase flow in porous media. This book provides a fundamental description of multiphase flow through porous rock, with emphasis on the understanding of displacement processes at the pore, or micron, scale. Fundamental equations and principal concepts using energy, momentum, and mass balance are developed, and the latest developments in high-resolution three-dimensional imaging and associated modelling are explored. The treatment is pedagogical, developing sound physical principles to predict flow and recovery through complex rock structures, while providing a review of the recent literature. This systematic approach makes it an excellent reference for those who are new to the field. Inspired by recent research, and based on courses taught to thousands of students and professionals from around the world, it provides the scientific background necessary for a quantitative assessment of multiphase subsurface flow processes, and is ideal for hydrology and environmental engineering students, as well as professionals in the hydrocarbon, water and carbon storage industries.
Milton and the Burden of Freedom
Authors: Chernaik Warren
Published: February 2017

Throughout his writings, Milton, deeply engaged in political and theological controversy, sought to clear a space for human freedom in a world ruled by an omniscient and omnipotent deity. Paradise Lost and Samson Agonistes, as well as other works by Milton in verse and prose, explore the problematical aspects of a universe ruled by an Old Testament God of wrath, demanding obedience, who allows his creatures the freedom to be 'authors' of their own fate. Milton and the Burden of Freedom examines the contradictions inherent in Milton's religious, political, and ethical beliefs as expressed in his poems, prose writings, and the treatise De Doctrina Christiana. Milton, whose writings are rooted in the Reformed tradition while challenging Calvinist orthodoxy, is both radical and conservative. In this book, Warren Chernaik traces the evolution of Milton's attitude towards freedom, servitude and virtue during a century of political upheaval and disappointed hopes.
Fixed point theorems for metric spaces with a conical geodesic bicombing
Authors: BASSO GIULIANO
Published: February 2017

We derive two fixed point theorems for a class of metric spaces that includes all Banach spaces and all complete Busemann spaces. We obtain our results by the use of a $1$-Lipschitz barycenter construction and an existence result for invariant Radon probability measures. Furthermore, we construct a bounded complete Busemann space that admits an isometry without fixed points.
Reduced-order analysis of buffet flow of space launchers
Authors: Statnikov Vladimir , Meinke Matthias , Schröder Wolfgang
Published: February 2017

A reduced-order analysis based on optimized dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) is performed on the turbulent wake of a generic axisymmetric space launcher configuration computed via a zonal large-eddy simulation at the free stream Mach number $Ma_{\infty }=0.8$ and the Reynolds number based on the main body diameter $Re_{D}=6\times 10^{5}$ to investigate the buffet phenomenon. The transonic wake is characterized by an unsteady recirculation region occurring around the nozzle due to the separation of the turbulent boundary layer at the main body shoulder and subsequent dynamic interaction of the unstable free-shear layer with the nozzle surface. This results in strongly periodic and antisymmetric wall pressure fluctuations, for which three distinct frequency ranges are identified using conventional spectral analysis, i.e. $Sr_{D}\approx 0.1$, $Sr_{D}\approx 0.2$ and $Sr_{D}\approx 0.35$. For the spatially integrated side (buffet) loads on the nozzle, the second range is found to be energetically most dominant. To clarify the origin of the detected wake dynamics, the underlying spatio-temporal coherent modes are extracted using DMD. Subsequent analysis of the reduced-order modelled flow field based on the identified DMD modes reveals that at $Sr_{D}\approx 0.1$ a longitudinal cross-pumping motion of the separation bubble takes place, caused by a harmonic antisymmetric oscillation of the main recirculation vortex in the streamwise direction. At $Sr_{D}\approx 0.2$, a cross-flapping motion of the shear layer is determined, triggered by antisymmetric vortex shedding which is in phase with the cross-pumping motion such that it occurs at twice the frequency value. The last range of $Sr_{D}\approx 0.35$ is attributed to a swinging motion of the shear layer caused by a higher harmonic of the vortex shedding mode. Conclusively, the controversial aspect of the true three-dimensional shape of the antisymmetric mode at $Sr_{D}\approx 0.2$ that dominates the buffet phenomenon is scrutinized. Inclined elongated closed-loop vortices are identified that are shed in alternating sequence from azimuthally opposite positions in a longitudinal plane of symmetry that changes its momentary orientation irregularly, maintaining an axisymmetric time-averaged field and spatially isotropic buffet loads.
Separations and secondary structures due to unsteady flow in a curved pipe
Authors: Krishna C. Vamsi , Gundiah Namrata , Arakeri Jaywant H.
Published: February 2017

Unsteady flows in highly curved geometries are of interest in many engineering applications and also in physiological flows. In this study, we use flow visualization and computational fluid dynamics to study unsteady flows in a highly curved tube ($\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}=0.3$) with square cross-section; here, $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}$ is the ratio of the half edge length to the radius of curvature of the tube. To explore the combined effects of curvature and pulsatility, we use a single flow pulse of duration $T$ and peak area averaged axial velocity $U_{p(max)}$, which are independently varied to investigate a range of Dean and Womersley numbers. This range includes cases corresponding to flows in the ascending aorta. We observe radially inward moving secondary flows which have the structure of wall jets on the straight walls; their subsequent collision on the inner wall leads to a re-entrant radially outward moving jet. The wall jet arises due to an imbalance between the centrifugal force and the radial pressure gradient. During the deceleration phase, the low-axial-momentum fluid accumulated in the jet reverses direction and leads to flow separation near the inner wall. We use boundary layer equations to derive scales, which have not been reported earlier, for the secondary flow velocities, the wall shear stress components and the distance ($\hat{P}$) traversed by the secondary flow structures in the transverse plane. We show that $\hat{P}$ predicts the movement of vortical structures until collision. In the limit $\unicode[STIX]{x1D6FD}\rightarrow 0$, the Reynolds number based on this secondary flow velocity scale asymptotes to the secondary streaming Reynolds number proposed by Lyne (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 45 (01), 1971, pp. 13–31) in loosely curved pipes. The magnitude of the secondary flow velocity is high and ${\sim}40\,\%$ of $U_{p(max)}$ for physiological flow conditions. We show that the flow separation on the inner wall has origins in the secondary flow, which was reported in a few earlier studies, and is not due to the axial pressure gradient in the tube as proposed earlier. The wall shear stress components, hypothesized to be important in arterial mechanobiology, may be estimated using our scaling relations for geometries with different curvatures and varying pulsatilities.
African Studies Association of the United Kingdom: The 1964 Conference
Authors: Fage J. D.
Published: February 2017

The African Studies Association of the United Kingdom held its first Conference at the University of Birmingham from 14 to 17 September, 1964, when about a hundred members came together with a number of guests and observers, including representatives of the African Studies Association of the United States, the Africa-Studiecentrum of the Netherlands, the Scandinavian African Institute, and the German Afrika Gesellschaft. Most of those attending the Conference were accommodated at University House.

The Conference opened on the evening of 14 September with a speech of welcome by the Vice-Chancellor of Birmingham University, Sir Robert Aitken, and a Presidential Address by Dr. Margery Perham, C.B.E., President of the Association.