bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influence of legumes on N cycling in a heathland in northwest Spain
Authors: Rodríguez A. , Durán J. , Gallardo A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Nitrogen availability frequently limits plant growth in natural ecosystems. N-fixers should have a substantial competitive advantage in N-limited systems, and as a byproduct of their activity they should increase the quantity and availability of N in the system as a whole. However, this effect has rarely been quantified in natural ecosystems. Heathlands in northwest Spain are frequently occupied by legume scrubs. We tested whether the presence of these legumes affected the N cycle in these communities. Specifically, we addressed the following questions: is nitrogen availability higher beneath legume canopies than beneath non-legume canopies? Is soil microbial biomass acting as a sink of extra N mineralized beneath legume canopies? Does the presence of legume scrubs change the soil pools of labile N and P? Is N plant uptake different under N-fixer scrubs than under non-N-fixer scrubs? To answer these questions, we sampled soil beneath the canopy of randomly selected individuals of Erica umbellata, Ulex gallii, and Genista tridentata twice during the growing season. Soil samples were analyzed for organic matter, NH4-N, NO3-N, DON, PO4-P, N mineralization and nitrification rates, and soil microbial biomass-N. In addition, we estimated N uptake by plants and the N concentration in green tissue to compare internal N cycles between legume and non-legume scrubs. Nitrification rates, DON (dissolved organic nitrogen), soil NO3 concentration, and N uptake were significantly higher beneath legume canopies. However, soil microbial biomass-N and extractable-P were significantly lower under legumes. Our results showed that the presence of legume scrubs modify the size of N pools and the dominant form of available N for plants, increasing spatial heterogeneity in mixed stands.
On community matrix theory in experimental plant ecology
Authors: Dormann C. F.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. In multi-species communities the stability of a system is difficult to assess from field observations. This is the case for example for competitive interactions in plant communities. If a mathematical model can be formulated that underlies the processes in the community, a community matrix can be constructed whose elements represent the effects of each species onto every other (and itself) at equilibrium. The most common competition model is the Lotka-Volterra equation set. It contains interspecific competition coefficients to represent the interactions between species. In plant community ecology several attempts have been made to quantify competitive interactions and to assemble a community matrix, so far with limited success. In this paper we discuss a method to use pairwise interaction coefficients from experimental plant communities to analyse feasibility and stability of multi-species sets. The approach is contrasted with that of Wilson and Roxburgh (1992) and is illustrated using data from Roxburgh and Wilson (2000a). Results from Wilson and from this study differ (some times substantially), with our approach being more pessimistic about stability and coexistence in plant communities.
Genetic diversity in populations of Erica andevalensis, a vulnerable metallophyte species from the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Bandeira de Albuquerque M. , Rodríguez-Echeverría S. , Freitas H.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Erica andevalensis is an endemic vulnerable species that grows in metal-polluted soils from the Iberian Pyrite Belt. The genetic diversity of six E. andevalensis populations from Portugal and Spain was studied using PCR Inter-simple sequence repeat (ISSR). The obtained data showed that a) there is a very low genetic diversity within the populations from Portugal, and b) the populations sampled in Portugal are genetically different from the Spanish populations. The lack of genetic diversity in the Portuguese populations suggests the existence of founder effects and subsequent genetic isolation. Plant genetic diversity was also low in the Spanish populations, although the analysis showed that the studied populations were different among them. A Mantel test of the correlation between genetic and geographic distances was significant evidencing the genetic isolation by distance of the studied populations. The distinctiveness and low genetic diversity of the Portuguse populations emphasizes the importance of taking measures for their conservation.
Effect of two successive wildfires in Pinus halepensis stands of central Greece
Authors: Goudelis G. , Ganatsas P. , Tsitsoni T. , Spanos Y. , Daskalakou E.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. We estimated differences, five years after a wildfire, in soil and vegetation between Pinus halepensis stands that were once burnt (1998) and stands that were burnt twice in a short time interval (1995 and 1998), in the area of Penteli, central Greece. The parameters monitored were the physical and chemical attributes of upper soil layer and the vegetation composition, density and height. The results showed that five years after the wildfire, soil pH did not differ between areas burnt once and twice, while the organic matter was higher in the once-burnt areas. The vegetation composition was similar in the two areas and the dominant species were those pre-existing the fire. On the contrary, vegetation density was considerably lower in the twice-burnt areas. The height of woody species oscillated in the same levels in the two areas. The plant community was composed mainly by resprouting species, like Quercus coccifera, Pistacia lentiscus, or Phillyrea latifolia, and less individuals from seed-regenerated species, like Pinus halepensis, Cistus monspeliensis, and C. creticus. It is suggested that the recurrence of wildfire affected negatively the ecosystem attributes, and contributed to the increased risk of degradation.
Productivity and modifications of ecosystem processes in gaps of a low Macchia in southern Italy
Authors: De Marco A. , Meola A. , Esposito F. , Virzo De Santo A.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Disturbance in Mediterranean shrub lands creates gaps that break up the shrub cover and potentially restrict productivity and other ecosystem processes. Gaps make up to about 20% of the low Macchia area at the Castel Volturno nature reserve (southern Italy). The plant community consists mainly of small annual species (legumes, grasses and forbs) that germinate in November and die out before the onset of summer drought. The inter-annual variability in productivity and the relative abundance of legumes, grasses and forbs were assessed over 4 yr (2004–2007) to evaluate main potential modifications of ecosystem processes determined by the occurrence of gaps in the shrub cover. In the study years, at the peak production, plant mass varied from about 250 to 700 g m−2; biomass belowground allocation varied from 23% in the wettest to 44% in the driest year. Belowground/aboveground biomass ratios were negatively related to rainfall and positively related to the length of the dry period, showing that water availability controls biomass allocation patterns. Legumes were the most abundant fraction (about 60%) of the aboveground mass in the wettest year. In the drier years legumes exhibited a shorter life cycle and senesced by mid-spring. Among the three functional groups monitored, legumes were the most sensitive to water shortage and their biomass was positively related to the amount of rainfall and negatively related to the length of the dry period. The higher fraction of legume mass was associated with higher nitrogen content in plant tissues and in the soil. Senesced annual species decomposed more than senescent Phillyrea sp. leaves. The stability of organic carbon pool, evaluated through the endogenous mineralization coefficient (CEM), was lower in gaps than in understorey soils.
Seed quality characteristics of Pinus halepensis – seed germination strategy and early seedling growth
Authors: Tsitsoni T. K.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Pinus halepensis is a Mediterranean tree species occupying areas of high tourist interest, where it forms aesthetic and recreational forests. However, intense human pressure, adverse climatic conditions and overgrazing degrade Aleppo pine forest ecosystems and render the natural regeneration of this species difficult. The ecological, landscape, recreational and soil conservation uses of P. halepensis along with its aesthetic value, make this species important for landscape planning and multi-purpose forestry. For these reasons, artificial regeneration may be required in order to render ecosystem restoration faster. Although P. halepensis is characterized by a high germination capacity and a constant temperature of 20 °C is considered optimal for germination, no research has dealt with the germination behaviour and early growth of seedlings under alternative temperature conditions similar to those dominating outdoors. Moreover, little research was conducted on seed quality characteristics of this species. Thus, in this study seed quality of P. halepensis was estimated by measuring purity, number of seeds per kg, weight of 1000 seeds, average seed weight, seed moisture content and percentage of empty seeds. Also, seed germination capacity, germination rate, percentage of infected and not germinated viable seeds, abnormal seedlings as well as the total seedling length were studied under laboratory (alternative temperature) and chamber (constant temperature) conditions with the same photoperiod. Results showed that the percentage of empty seeds and abnormal seedlings was extremely low and the total germination percentage was very high (87–90%) in both environments. Germination capacity, germination rate and the total length of seedlings did not show any differences among the two growth environments.
The potential for misleading correlations in single-factor analysis of complex gradients
Authors: He W.-M. , Callaway R. M.
Published: September 2013

Abstract. Gradient analysis is an important tool for describing patterns in ecology. Natural environmental gradients are complex combinations of factors, suggesting that gradientsshould, when possible, be analyzed in multi-factorial ways. We searched papers published in Ecology, Global Change Biology, Journal of Ecology, Oecologia, Oikos, and Journal of Vegetation Science from January 2001 to December 2005, and found 133 papers matching two keywords: “gradient analysis” and “environmental gradient”. Of these, 86 utilized single-factor correlation analyses between ecological entities and natural environmental gradients. Thus the use of single-factor correlations in studies of natural environmental gradients is widespread despite the potential of this approach to overemphasize the importance of the particular factor chosen. We reanalyzed a data set from the literature, provided a example of contrasting analyses, and analyzed our own data with both single- and multiple-factor analyses to demonstrate how single-factor correlation can result in correlations that provide incomplete analysis. Integrated multi-factor approaches to studying natural environmental gradients cannot solve all analytical problems when two or more important variables are correlated, but are likely to better test the relative importance of factors driving ecological patterns.
Commercial Motorcycle Activity, Value Creation and the Environment in the Developing World: The Case of Nasarawa State, Nigeria
Authors: UMARU Ibrahim Gerarh
Published: August 2013

This study used a combination of survey techniques to examine the implications of the activity of commercial cyclists, popularly known as ‘Achaba’ (Hausa: motorized rickshaw) in Nasarawa state for the local economy, community and environment. The findings of the study show that apart from being a money spinner, this public transport mode has been making other modest contribution to the state’s economy. The study also shows that this transport is a latent contributor to environmental degradation in the state for it might have degraded the environment in excess of $6.98 million between 2006 and 2008. In addition, it is becoming a major source of road traffic morbidity and mortality. As policy measures, the study advocates for effective regulation of commercial motorcycle business in the state, imposition of appropriate environmental tax on users and operators and marshalling out a new transport policy with the aim of providing cheaper, efficient and environment-friendly urban mass transit.
Wetland Use/Cover Changes and Local Perceptions in Uganda
Authors: Turyahabwe Nelson , Tumusiime David Mwesigye , Kakuru Willy , Barasa Bernard
Published: September 2013

With increasing population, coupled with land shortage and weather variations, wetlands in Uganda have continued to face degradation due to mainly conversion for agricultural, industrial and settlement purposes. The objective of this study was to determine the spatial and temporal wetland use/cover changes and local perceptions attributed to these changes. The study utilized three sets of ortho-rectified and cloud free Landsat TM/ETM+/MSS temporal images (30 m) of 1986, 2000 and 2011. The classification procedures were carried out using an Integrated Land and Water Information System (ILWIS) software version 3.7. A wetland classification system for Uganda developed by the National Biomass Study, 2003 was adopted to describe the wetland use/cover types. The classified images were validated in a ground truthing exercise using Global Positioning System (GPS) to improve on the classification accuracy. Key informant interviews and focus group discussions were conducted with communities adjacent to the wetlands in each of three of the ten Ugandan agro-ecological zones to determine the underlying drivers of wetland use/cover changes, while household interviews generated information on local perceptions of the changes. Significant changes were mainly observed in wetland use/cover between 1986 and 2011. Major factors responsible for these changes were subsistence farming due to intensification of growing paddy rice in Kyoga plains, an influx of migrants who accessed wetlands for daily subsistence (livestock grazing) in South western farmlands and proximity to urban centres in the Lake Victoria Crescent. In all the sampled agro-ecological zones, increased crop farming in wetlands was due to changing opportunities created by existent large markets for wetland crops. Majority (60%) of the local people perceived wetlands in their proximity to have undergone high degradation within the last 10 years, and to have declined in quantity and quality of vegetation, soil fertility and water levels. There was a noticeable variation across the sampled agro-ecological zones, with the highest proportion of local communities perceiving degradation being in Kyoga plains (76%), followed by Lake Victoria crescent (63%) and South-western farmlands (41%). Locally perceived threats to wetlands were mainly from crop growing that accounted for 33% of the frequency of mentioned threats, collection of wetland resources (30%), and prolonged floods and droughts (12%). This study confirms the importance of economic opportunities from new market outlets and migration in its various forms as key factors in land use change, especially at timescales of a couple of decades.
Joint Russian-Mongolian Statement
Authors: Ivanov Igor , Erdenechuluun Luvsangiin
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.100 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 107-111
China's Model of Free Economic Zones: Experiences and Prospects after over 20 Years
Authors: Meng Guangwen
Published: September 2013

It is true that no FEZs in the world like in China have made so strong impact on national economic development and reform. Their existing condition, however, has been changed since the middle 1990s. Chinese FEZs have to face the new challenges and problems. This study discussed and prospected the transformation and further development of Chinese FEZs in the 21st century as well as their significance for the transformation of FEZs in other country based on the analyzing of the indicators such as the role, policy, industrial sectors, administration, development model, spatial structure, and location in this study. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.95 Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 65-82
Mongolia Reproductive Health Survey 2003
Authors: Amarbal A
Published: September 2013

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5564/mjia.v0i12.96Mongolian Journal of International Affairs No.12 2005: 83-90
Scope and data set of the phytosociological database ‘Grasslands in the Polish Carpathians’
Authors: Korzeniak Joanna
Published: September 2013

The phytosociological database as a tool for synthetic and comprehensive study of semi-natural meadows in the Polish part of the Carpathians is presented. It has been developed in the Institute of Nature Conservation of the Polish Academy of Sciences since 2007. All accessible phytosociological relevés were digitalized and stored in a TURBOVEG database. As of January 2013, 4620 relevés have been collected in the database, chiefly from mesic meadows of Arrhenatherion alliance (76%) and mat-grass swards of Nardo-Callunetea class (18%). They were recorded between 1923 and 2012 at an altitude range of 195–2000 m above sea level. For improving territorial coverage of the region by vegetation sampling, since 2009 an extensive field survey has been carried out to collect data from previously unexplored areas and record the actual stage of semi-natural grasslands. As a result 1146 recent unpublished relevés were collected. The statistics of available resources, discussion on the data quality and the application prospects of the database are outlined. The database “Grasslands in the Polish Carpathians” is an intrinsic part of the research on the diversity of vegetation in the Polish Carpathian grasslands, as well as a record of the changes it undergoes.
Potentiometric and Thermodynamic Studies of Some Azosulfoxine Derivatives and Their Metal Complexes
Authors: El-Bindary A.A. , El-Sonbati A.Z. , Diab M.A. , Barakat A.M.
Published: September 2013

The proton-ligand dissociation constants of some azosulfoxine derivatives and metal-ligand stability constants of their complexes with the metal ions (Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+) have been determined potentiometrically in 0.1 M KCl and 50 % (by volume) DMFâ€“water mixture at (298, 308 and 318) K. The stability constants of the formed complexes increases in the order Mn2+, Co2+, Ni2+ and Cu2+. The effect of temperature was studied and the corresponding thermodynamic parameters (ΔG, ΔH and ΔS) were derived and discussed. The dissociation process is non-spontaneous, endothermic and entropically unfavourable. The formation of the metal complexes has been found to be spontaneous, endothermic and entropically favourable.
Ultrasonic and Spectral Studies on Hydrogen Bonded Complexes of Aromatic Aldehydes and N-Methylaniline in n-Hexane
Authors: Kumar R. , Santhi B.S. , Mr. Vijayakanth , Kannappan V.
Published: September 2013

Ultrasonic and UV-spectral studies have been carried out for three ternary systems containing N-methylaniline (NMANI) and three structurally different aromatic aldehydes, benzaldehyde (BA), cinnamaldehyde (CA) and salicylaldehyde(SA) in n-hexane medium at 303.15 K and at atmospheric pressure. Acoustical parameters are computed from the measured values of ultrasonic velocity, density and dynamic viscosity. The variation of acoustical parameters in the concentration range investigated establishes complex formation through intermolecular hydrogen bonding between aldehyde and N-methylaniline. The existence of strong aldehyde-amine interaction is also confirmed through the recorded UV-Visible absorption spectra with Benesi-Hildebrand theory at 303.15 K. The formation constants of the hydrogen bonded complexes are determined by spectroscopic and ultrasonic methods and compared. These values computed by two different methods are comparable and follow similar trend. The trend in the formation constants is discussed based on structures of the component molecules and correlate with computed molecular properties
Do Trained Specialists Solicit Familial Authorization at Equal Frequency, Regardless of Deceased Donor Characteristics?
Authors: DuBay Derek A. , Redden David T. , Haque Akhlaque , Gray Stephen H. , Fouad Mona , Kohler Connie , Taylor Garry , Eckhoff Devin E.
Published: August 2013

Context

The Organ Donor Breakthrough Collaborative recommended high-leverage changes including “master effective requesting.”

Objective

To measure who approaches decedent families to request organ donation and to determine whether trained specialists will solicit authorization at equal frequency regardless of donor characteristics.

Methods

Retrospective analysis of data from 2006 to 2009 in an organ center's donor database. Decedents were stratified into 2 groups: those that met the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's eligible death criteria (ED donors) and those that did not (not eligible death [NED] donors).

Results

Of decedents whose families were approached for authorization, 46% were ED donors and 54% were NED donors. Trained specialists solicited authorization from 76% of the total population but were more likely to solicit authorization from ED donors than NED donors (86% vs 68%, P < .001). Trained specialists were more likely to solicit authorization from donors whose cause of death was overrepresented in ED donors and donors less than 50 years old. Trained specialists were more likely than others to obtain authorization from families of all donors. Multivariable modeling demonstrated that having a trained specialist approach the decedent's family was associated with the highest odds of obtaining authorization.

Conclusions

Trained specialists approached most families of decedents for authorization, but disproportionately approached fewer families of NED donors. Having a trained specialist approach the decedent family has the strongest impact on obtaining donor authorization. These data suggest that fewer resources are allocated to NED donors, which may adversely affect the supply of deceased donor organs.
Aggressive behavior: an alternative model of resting heart rate and sensation seeking
Authors: Wilson Laura C. , Scarpa Angela
Published: August 2013

Low resting heart rate is a well‐replicated biological correlate of aggression, and sensation seeking is frequently cited as the underlying causal explanation. However, little empirical evidence supports this mediating relationship. Furthermore, the biosocial model of violence and social push theory suggest sensation seeking may moderate the relationship between heart rate and aggression. In a sample of 128 college students (82.0% White; 73.4% female), the current study tested a moderation model as an alternative relationship between resting heart rate and sensation seeking in regard to aggression. Overall, the findings partially supported an interaction effect, whereby the relationship between heart rate and aggression was moderated by sensation seeking. Specifically, the oft‐noted relationship between low resting heart rate and increased aggression was found, but only for individuals with low levels of sensation seeking. If replication supports this finding, the results may better inform prevention and intervention work. Aggr. Behav. 40:91–98, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Masked polycythemia Vera (mPV): Results of an international study
Authors: Barbui Tiziano , Thiele Jürgen , Gisslinger Heinz , Finazzi Guido , Carobbio Alessandra , Rumi Elisa , Luigia Randi Maria , Betozzi Irene , Vannucchi Alessandro M. , Pieri Lisa , Carrai Valentina , Gisslinger Bettina , Müllauer Leonhard , Ruggeri Marco , Rambaldi Alessandro , Tefferi Ayalew
Published: August 2013

We examined the baseline features and clinical outcomes of 140 patients presenting with JAK2V617F positivity and a bone marrow morphology conforming with WHO criteria of polycythemia vera (PV), but a hemoglobin level of <18.5 g/dL in males (range 16.0–18.4) and <16.5 g/dL in females (range 15.0–16.4). This cohort operationally referred to as masked PV (mPV) was compared with 257 patients with overt PV and displayed male predominance, a more frequent history of arterial thrombosis and thrombocytosis. Incidence of thrombosis was similar between the two groups but mPV displayed significantly higher rates of progression to myelofibrosis and acute leukemia and inferior survival. In multivariable analysis mPV diagnosis was an independent predictor of poor survival along with age >65 years and leukocyte count >10 × 109/L. Our data suggest that mPV is a heterogeneous myeloproliferative neoplasia and not necessarily an early/ pre‐polycythemic form of classical PV that at onset in a small fraction of patients clinically may mimic essential thrombocythemia. On the other hand, the majority mPV may have a longer prodrome of undiagnosed PV or a disease biology akin to primary myelofibrosis‐post PV myelofibrosis that could explain the worsening of outcome in comparison to overt/classical manifestations. Am. J. Hematol. 89:52–54, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Renewable energy and occupational health and safety research directions: A white paper from the Energy Summit, Denver Colorado, April 11–13, 2011
Authors: Mulloy Karen B. , Sumner Steven A. , Rose Cecile , Conway George A. , Reynolds Stephen J. , Davidson Margaret E. , Heidel Donna S. , Layde Peter M.
Published: August 2013

Renewable energy production may offer advantages to human health by way of less pollution and fewer climate‐change associated ill‐health effects. Limited data suggests that renewable energy will also offer benefits to workers in the form of reduced occupational injury, illness and deaths. However, studies of worker safety and health in the industry are limited. The Mountain and Plains Education and Research Center (MAP ERC) Energy Summit held in April 2011 explored issues concerning worker health and safety in the renewable energy industry. The limited information on hazards of working in the renewable energy industry emphasizes the need for further research. Two basic approaches to guiding both prevention and future research should include: (1) applying lessons learned from other fields of occupational safety and health, particularly the extractive energy industry; and (2) utilizing knowledge of occupational hazards of specific materials and processes used in the renewable energy industry. Am. J. Ind. Med. 56:1359–1370, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
One‐year incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome in Latino poultry processing workers and other Latino manual workers
Authors: Cartwright Michael S. , Walker Francis O. , Newman Jill C. , Schulz Mark R. , Arcury Thomas A. , Grzywacz Joseph G. , Mora Dana C. , Chen Haiying , Eaton Bethany , Quandt Sara A.
Published: August 2013

Objective

To determine the incidence of carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) over 1 year in Latino poultry processing workers.

Methods

Symptoms and nerve conduction studies were used to identify Latino poultry processing workers (106 wrists) and Latinos in other manual labor occupations (257 wrists) that did not have CTS at baseline, and these individuals were then evaluated in the same manner 1 year later.

Results

Based on wrists, the 1‐year incidence of CTS was higher in poultry processing workers than non‐poultry manual workers (19.8% vs. 11.7%, P = 0.022). Poultry workers had a higher odds (1.89; P = 0.089) of developing CTS over 1 year compared to non‐poultry manual workers.

Discussion

Latino poultry processing workers have an incidence of CTS that is possibly higher than Latinos in other manual labor positions. Latino poultry workers' high absolute and relative risk of CTS likely results from the repetitive and strenuous nature of poultry processing work. Am. J. Ind. Med. 57:362–369, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Brief communication: Body mass index, body adiposity index, and percent body fat in asians
Authors: Zhao Dapeng , Li Yonglan , Zheng Lianbin , Yu Keli
Published: August 2013

Human obesity is a growing epidemic throughout the world. Body mass index (BMI) is commonly used as a good indicator of obesity. Body adiposity index (BAI = hip circumference (cm)/stature (m)1.5 − 18), as a new surrogate measure, has been proposed recently as an alternative to BMI. This study, for the first time, compares BMI and BAI for predicting percent body fat (PBF; estimated from skinfolds) in a sample of 302 Buryat adults (148 men and 154 women) living in China. The BMI and BAI were strongly correlated with PBF in both men and women. The correlation coefficient between BMI and PBF was higher than that between BAI and PBF for both sexes. For the linear regression analysis, BMI better predicted PBF in both men and women; the variation around the regression lines for each sex was greater for BAI comparisons. For the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the ROC curve for BMI was higher than that for BAI for each sex, which suggests that the discriminatory capacity of the BMI is higher than the one of BAI. Taken together, we conclude that BMI is a more reliable indicator of PBF derived from skinfold thickness in adult Buryats. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:294–299, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
No evidence for sex biases in milk macronutrients, energy, or breastfeeding frequency in a sample of filipino mothers
Authors: Quinn Elizabeth A.
Published: August 2013

Maternal reproductive investment includes both the energetic costs of gestation and lactation. For most humans, the metabolic costs of lactation will exceed those of gestation. Mothers must balance reproductive investment in any single offspring against future reproductive potential. Among mammals broadly, mothers may differentially invest in offspring based on sex and maternal condition provided such differences investment influence future offspring reproductive success. For humans, there has been considerable debate if there are physiological differences in maternal investment by offspring sex. Two recent studies have suggested that milk composition differs by infant sex, with male infants receiving milk containing higher fat and energy; prior human studies have not reported sex‐based differences in milk composition. This study investigates offspring sex‐based differences in milk macronutrients, milk energy, and nursing frequency (per 24 h) in a sample of 103 Filipino mothers nursing infants less than 18 months of age. We found no differences in milk composition by infant sex. There were no significant differences in milk composition of mothers nursing first‐born versus later‐born sons or daughters or between high‐ and low‐income mothers nursing daughters or sons. Nursing frequency also showed no significant differences by offspring sex, sex by birth order, or sex by maternal economic status. In the Cebu sample, there is no support for sex‐based differences in reproductive investment during lactation as indexed by milk composition or nursing frequency. Further investigation in other populations is necessary to evaluate the potential for sex‐based differences in milk composition among humans. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:209–216, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A comparative study of stress episode prevalence and duration among jomon period foragers from hokkaido
Authors: Temple Daniel H. , McGroarty Jennifer N. , Guatelli‐Steinberg Debbie , Nakatsukasa Masato , Matsumura Hirofumi
Published: August 2013

This study reconstructs linear enamel hypoplasia (LEH) prevalence and stress episode duration among Jomon period foragers from Hokkaido, Japan (HKJ). Results are compared to Jomon period samples from coastal Honshu, Japan (HSJ) and Tigara Inupiat from Point Hope, Alaska (PHT) to provide a more comprehensive perspective on the manifestation of stress among circum‐Pacific foragers. LEH were identified macro‐ and microscopically by enamel surface depressions and increased perikymata spacing within defects. Individuals with more than one anterior tooth affected by LEH were labeled as LEH positive. Stress episode durations were estimated by counting the number of perikymata within the occlusal wall of each LEH and multiplying that number by constants reflecting modal periodicities for modern human teeth. LEH prevalence and stress episode duration did not differ significantly between the two Jomon samples. Significantly greater frequencies of LEH were found in HKJ as compared to PHT foragers. However, HKJ foragers had significantly shorter stress episode durations as compared to PHT. This suggests that a greater proportion of HKJ individuals experienced stress episodes than did PHT individuals, but these stress events ended sooner. Similarity in stress experiences between the two Jomon samples and differences between the HKJ and PHT are found. These findings are important for two reasons. First, stress experiences of foraging populations differ markedly and cannot be generalized by subsistence strategy alone. Second, due to significant differences in episode duration, stress experiences cannot be understood using prevalence comparisons alone. Am J Phys Anthropol 152:230–238, 2013. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Biocompatibility and microscopic evaluation of polyurethane–poly(methyl methacrylate)–titnanium dioxide based composites for dental applications
Authors: Zuber Mohammad , Tabasum Shazia , Jamil Tahir , Shahid Muhammad , Hussain Rizwan , Feras Khalid Sajjad , Bhatti Khalid Pervez
Published: August 2013

We prepared and then blended polyurethanes (PUs) with poly(methyl methacrylate)s (PMMAs) and TiO2 by varying the percentage compositions to form pellets. The chemistry of all of the blended samples was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The incorporation of TiO2 into the PU–PMMA matrix was confirmed with scanning electron microscopy analysis. Differential scanning calorimetry analysis and compression testing was performed, and the results are discussed. The cytotoxicity level of the prepared blends displayed dependence on the composition ratio of the PU–PMMA blends. The results reveal that the optimum PU contents in the PU–PMMA–TiO2 blend were responsible for its better biocompatibility. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39806.
Morphological evolution of polytetrafluoroethylene in extreme temperature conditions for aerospace applications
Authors: Huang Xiao Lin , Martinez‐Vega Juan , Malec David
Published: August 2013

The organic electrical insulator polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) is used in aerospace industry under extreme conditions of temperature and electric field. The melting temperature of PTFE is about 327°C and nowadays operating temperature of this kind of insulators can reach about 300°C and up to 350°C for new generations of machines. All thermal, electrical and mechanical operating stresses, especially high temperature and voltage can be factors of ageing acceleration and/or degradation of the insulators that could cause premature failures. Our present work is focused on the organic insulator behavior at high temperature in order to understand the mechanisms of thermal ageing and degradation. The change of morphology of PTFE during the thermal ageing has been studied. Thin films in PTFE were aged by accelerated method under oxidizing environment (air) and severe thermal constraints between 340 and 450°C. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39841.
SANS studies on catalyst ink of fuel cell
Authors: Shibayama Mitsuhiro , Matsunaga Takuro , Kusano Takumi , Amemiya Kazuki , Kobayashi Noriyuki , Yoshida Toshihiko
Published: August 2013

The structure of solid polymer electrode and catalyst ink of fuel cell has been investigated by focusing‐ (FSANS) and contrast‐variation small‐angle neutron scattering (CV‐SANS). The solid polymer electrode, consisting of carbon (C), platinum, and ionomer (polymer, P), exhibited a power‐law function with two asymptotes, i.e., from I(q) ∼ q−1 to I(q) ∼ q−4 with a crossover around q ≈ 0.005 Å−1. The scattering functions of the catalyst ink, i.e., the polymer electrodes dispersed in water, were successfully decomposed to the corresponding partial structure factors, SCC(q), SPP(q), SCP(q), exclusively representing C‐C, P‐P, and C‐P correlations. SCC(q) was a monotonic decreasing function of q, dominating in the scattering from carbon clusters. On the other hand, SPP(q) exhibited a scattering maximum characteristic of polyelectrolyte solutions. This suggests that ionic clusters in polyelectrolyte solutions are formed in catalyst ink. The cross term, SCP(q), indicated that the carbon scattering is dominant and significant amount of ionomer is adsorbed on the carbon agglomerates. It is concluded that the catalyst ink consists of carbon agglomerates surrounded by ionomers and the presence of ionic‐cluster path plays a key role in the performance of the solid polymer electrodes in polymer electrolyte fuel cells. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39842.
Sorption, solubility, and mass changes of hydroxyapatite‐containing composites in artificial saliva, food simulating solutions, tea, and coffee
Authors: Okulus Zuzanna , Héberger Karoly , Voelkel Adam
Published: August 2013

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of preparation/storage conditions on the sorption, solubility, and mass changes of new proposed hydroxyapatite‐containing resin‐based composites. Seventy cylindrical samples of composite were prepared according to the ISO 4049 and stored in different storage solutions (distilled water, artificial saliva, 10% ethanol, 3% acetic acid, heptane, tea, and coffee) for 7, 14, and 28 days at 37°C. Principal component analysis and analysis of the variance were used to determine the impact of the preparation and storage conditions (e.g., curing time, storage time, and type of storage solution) on the changes of stability of examined material. Sorption, solubility, and mass changes of examined samples were specified. The tendency of these changes depending on the curing time, storage time, and type of storage solutions were presented. Due to the observed behavior, three groups of storage solutions were distinguished: “aqueous,” acidic, and hydrophobic (“fat”) solutions. Investigated properties changed in different way, characteristic for each of the above groups. No general tendency of the influence of storage and curing time was observed. The type of storage solution has the greatest impact on the sorption, solubility, and mass changes of examined material. The influence of the curing and storage time may be neglected. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci.2014,131, 39856.
Investigation of cure kinetics in epoxy/multiwalled carbon nanotube nanocomposites
Authors: Susin Samuel Brando , Pistor Vinicius , Amico Sandro Campos , Coelho Luiz Antonio Ferreira , Pezzin Sergio Henrique , Zattera Ademir José
Published: August 2013

With the increased interest in thermoset resin nanocomposites, it is important to understand the effects of the material on nanoscale characteristics. In this study, a curing reaction of an epoxy resin, which contained 0.25, 0.50, or 1.00 wt % of multiwalled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs), at different heating rates was monitored by differential scanning calorimetry; cure kinetics were also evaluated to establish a relationship between crosslinking (network formation) and mechanical properties. MWCNT concentrations above 0.25 wt % favored crosslinking formation and decreased the activation energy (Ea) in the curing reaction. Examination of the kinetic mechanism suggests that the MWCNT locally restricted the spatial volume and favored the formation of nodular morphology in the resin, especially for high MWCNT concentrations. The MWCNT exhibited some entanglement in the matrix, which hindered a more pronounced effect on the mechanical properties. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39857.
Performance improvement of piezoelectric‐rubber by particle formation of linear aggregates
Authors: Mamada Shogo , Yaguchi Naoyuki , Hansaka Masanori , Yamato Masafumi , Yoshida Hirohisa
Published: August 2013

We investigate the piezoelectric response of piezoelectric‐rubber consisting of lead zirconate titanate (PZT) particles and silicon rubber prepared by holding it at 100°C for 60 min. Two types of piezoelectric‐rubber were used; one was mixed with PZT particles forming linear aggregates, and the other was mixed with PZT particles forming a random dispersion. The piezoelectric‐rubber whose PZT particles were aligned normal to the rubber surface had much higher piezoelectric effect than the type of piezoelectric‐rubber whose PZT particles were randomly dispersed. The reason for this is that force applied on the former is directly transmitted to PZT particles and the electric charges generated from PZT particles had higher mobility because of the aligned PZT particles, which were connected with each other. As a result, the formation of linear aggregates of PZT particles in rubber was effective in enhancing piezoelectric properties of piezoelectric‐rubber. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 39862.
Emotions in Advice Taking: The Roles of Agency and Valence
Authors: de Hooge Ilona E. , Verlegh Peeter W. J. , Tzioti Stefanie C.
Published: August 2013

Recently, advice taking has received attention in decision‐making research, and some studies suggest that emotions may play a role in this process. Yet a clear account of how emotions influence advice taking is lacking. The current research introduces a parsimonious explanation by suggesting that such effects can be predicted on the basis of two emotion dimensions: valence (positivity or negativity) and agency (self‐focused versus other‐focused). In five experiments with different emotion inductions and different measures for advice taking, the effects of positive emotions such as gratitude and pride and of negative emotions such as anger and shame on advice taking were studied. The findings reveal that emotion valence and agency exert an influence on advice taking and that this interaction effect is mediated by the perceived ability of the advisor. Together, these findings provide a unique theoretical and empirical contribution to our understanding of emotions in advice taking. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Charity Begins at Home: Cultural Differences in Social Discounting and Generosity
Authors: Strombach Tina , Jin Jia , Weber Bernd , Kenning Peter , Shen Qiang , Ma Qingguo , Kalenscher Tobias
Published: August 2013

People often consider how their actions influence others when making decisions. However, we are not equally generous to everyone alike. Our willingness to share resources declines as a function of social distance between the decision maker and the recipient. This function is likely to be influenced by culture, but research on behavioral decision making is still lacking empirical evidence. In Western societies, individuals generally perceive themselves as autonomous and independent from others, whereas the distinction between self and close others is less sharply defined by Eastern individuals where relationships and group membership are more centralized. Therefore, the social discount function should reflect this difference in the distinction of self and others by a reduced decline in generosity over close social distances. A social decision‐making task was adapted to the intercultural context, and data were collected in Germany and China. For seven different social distances, we estimated how much money German and Chinese subjects were willing to forego to give a certain reward to another person. A hyperbolic model was fitted to the data. We found that other‐regarding generosity declines as a function of social distance independent of cultural identity. However, German subjects showed a marked drop in generosity across close social distances, which was significantly less pronounced in Chinese participants. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The osmotic pressure of highly concentrated monoclonal antibody solutions: Effect of solution conditions
Authors: Binabaji Elaheh , Rao Suma , Zydney Andrew L.
Published: August 2013

The behavior of monoclonal antibodies at high concentrations is important in downstream processing, drug formulation, and drug delivery. The objective of this study was to evaluate the osmotic pressure of a highly purified monoclonal antibody at concentrations up to 250 g/L over a range of pH and ionic strength, and in the presence of specific excipients, using membrane osmometry. Independent measurements of the second virial coefficient were obtained using self‐interaction chromatography, and the net protein charge was evaluated using electrophoretic light scattering. The osmotic pressure at pH 5 and low ionic strength was >50 kPa for antibody concentrations above 200 g/L. The second virial coefficients determined from the oncotic pressure (after subtracting the Donnan contribution) were in good qualitative agreement with those determined by self‐interaction chromatography. The second virial coefficient decreased with increasing ionic strength and increasing pH due to the reduction in intermolecular electrostatic repulsion. The third virial coefficient was negative under all conditions, suggesting that multi‐body interactions in this system are attractive. The virial coefficients were essentially unaffected by addition of sucrose or proline. These results have important implications for the analysis of protein–protein interactions in downstream processing at high protein concentrations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2014;111: 529–536. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Tryptase compromises corneal epithelial barrier function
Authors: Li Qiyan , Jie Ying , Wang Cong , Zhang Yingnan , Guo Huiling , Pan Zhiqiang
Published: August 2013

Corneal epithelial barrier dysfunction is harmful to corneal health; the pathogenesis is unclear. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism by which tryptase compromises corneal epithelial barrier function. Human corneal epithelial cell line (HCE cells) was cultured into monolayers using as a study platform. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were employed to detect the expression of matrix metalloprotenases (MMP)9. The endosome/lysosome fusion was observed by confocal microscopy. The corneal epithelial barrier function was assessed in Transwell system. The results showed that HCE cells expressed proteinase‐activated receptor (PAR)2. Activation of PAR2 by tryptase induced expression of MMP9 in HCE cells, interfered with the fusion of endosome/lysosome, and compromised the epithelial barrier function, which could be prevented by pretreatment with MMP9 inhibitor. We conclude that tryptase can increase the expression of MMP9 in HCE cells and compromise the epithelial barrier function. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.