bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Downstream Ecological Impacts of Controlled Sediment Flushing in an Alpine Valley River: A Case Study
Authors: Espa P. , Crosa G. , Gentili G. , Quadroni S. , Petts G.
Published: June 2014

Sediment flushing may be effective to tackle the loss of reservoir storage as a result of siltation. When operationally possible, the impact of this practice on the downstream aquatic environment can be mitigated by limiting the sediment concentration of the discharged waters (controlled sediment flushing). However, this topic is poorly documented, and concerns arise when limits are discussed. We present the results of a 3‐year field investigation concerning the controlled sediment flushing of a small reservoir on the Adda River, the main tributary of Lake Como—Italy. Two limits for suspended solid concentration (SSC) were adopted: 1.5 g L−1, as average value throughout the whole working day, and 3.0 g L−1, as alert threshold to adjust the ongoing activity. These constraints were essentially fulfilled in the course of the documented operations. The first year sediment flushing was more significant than the following year: 25 000 tons of fines below 2 mm in diameter were flushed in six non‐consecutive days in summer 2010, while, one year earlier, 75 000 tons were flushed in 16 non‐consecutive days. In the third year of investigation (2011), no sediment evacuation took place. The benthic macroinvertebrate and the fish communities were surveyed a short distance below the reservoir, that is, in the potentially more affected river reach. Clear pieces of evidence of environmental quality degradation were not detected; the adopted strategies can therefore be considered to be appropriate when planning sediment flushing management in comparable contexts. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A short and highly efficient identity‐based designated verifier proxy signature scheme
Authors: Hu Xiaoming , Wang Jian , Xu Huajie , Tan Wenan
Published: June 2014

In an identity‐based designated verifier proxy signature (ID‐DVPS) scheme, only a designated verifier can verify the validity of a proxy signed message, which is suitable for many applications such as electronic voting (e‐voting) and software licensing. On the basis of the requirements for actual applications, till now, many ID‐DVPS schemes have been proposed. However, it has been found that most of existed ID‐DVPS schemes have at least one of the following disadvantages: informal security proof, which makes these schemes vulnerable to attack, so they cannot be applied in practical environments; high computation and communication cost, which limits their practical applications especially in limited resource environments. In this paper, in order to obtain better properties of ID‐DVPS scheme, we propose a novel ID‐DVPS scheme. Compared with other existed ID‐DVPS schemes, our scheme not only has lower computational cost but also has shorter signature size (only one element is needed for a signature). What is more, we present a formal definition of security model for ID‐DVPS scheme and show a formal security proof of our new scheme based on the bilinear Diffie–Hellman assumption in the random oracle model. Additionally, we also present an instance of applying our ID‐DVPS scheme to e‐voting. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Mass‐scale calibration of TOF‐SIMS spectra using quaternary ammonium ions
Authors: Kobayashi Daisuke , Otomo Shinya , Aoyagi Satoka , Itoh Hiroto
Published: June 2014

A novel method with quaternary ammonium salts as internal additives has been applied to the mass‐scale calibration of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (TOF‐SIMS). Five kinds of quaternary ammonium salts, octyltrimethylammonium bromide (C8TMA), tetradecyltrimethylammonium chloride (C14TMA), octadecyltrimethylammonium chloride (C18TMA), cetylpyridinium chloride (CPC) and benzyldimethyltetradecylammonium chloride (Bzl) were diluted with NH3 aqueous solution and were mixed in equal quantities. The mixed solution was covered on a Si wafer and was measured by TOF‐SIMS. When molecular ions of C8TMA, C14TMA, and C18TMA were used for the mass‐scale calibration, the relative mass accuracy of low‐mass CXHY fragment ions indicated negative values and depended on the carbon chain length and the degree of unsaturation. This result means that the conventional mass‐scale calibration with frequently employed low‐mass CXHY fragment ions leads to degradation of the mass accuracy of high‐mass molecular ions. To improve the mass accuracy of molecular ions of CPC and Bzl, ions should be selected for the mass‐scale calibration in the following two ways: One way is for ions to consist only of molecular ions of C8TMA, C14TMA, and C18TMA, and the other way is for ions to include one of the molecular ions: C8TMA, C14TMA, and C18TMA, along with the CXHY fragment ions. This novel mass‐scale calibration method is promising for realizing the correct identification of unknown high‐mass molecular ions. Those quaternary ammonium salts are powerful candidates of internal additives. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Nanoassembly of Probucol Enables Novel Therapeutic Efficacy in the Suppression of Lung Metastasis of Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Cao Haiqiang , Jiang Shijun , Liu Zeying , He Xinyu , Yu Haijun , Li Yaping
Published: June 2014

Metastasis is one of the major obstacles hindering the success of cancer therapy. The directed nanoassembly of probucol results in the “DNP” system, which greatly improves the oral delivery of probucol and subsequently leads to a novel therapeutic efficacy of probucol in the suppression of lung metastasis of breast cancer. DNP is formed by employing the intermolecular hydrophobic interactions between probucol and polyethylene glycol p‐(1,1,3,3‐tetramethylbutyl)‐phenyl ether (also known as Triton X‐100). After oral administration, the probucol concentration in the intestines is surprisingly about 200 times higher if it is applied as DNP rather than free probucol; it can be absorbed into intestinal enterocytes via clathrin‐mediated endocytosis and transported into the systemic circulation through the lymphatic pathway. Moreover, the oral bioavailability of probucol is significantly higher—13.55 times higher—when applied as DNP in place of free probucol. The drug concentration in major organs is also significantly increased. The in vitro measurements show that the migration and invasion abilities of 4T1 cells are obviously inhibited by DNP. In particular, in an orthotopic metastatic breast cancer model, the notable suppression of lung metastasis from DNP is observed, but no effect is seen from the free‐probucol suspension. As a result, the directed drug nanoassembly may open a new route for enhancing oral drug delivery and enable new therapeutic abilities for probucol against cancer metastasis.
Cardinality Arguments Against Regular
Authors: Hofweber Thomas ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2014

Cardinality arguments against regular probability measures aim to show that no matter which ordered field H we select as the measures for probability, we can find some event space F of sufficiently large cardinality such that there can be no regular probability measure from F into H. In particular, taking H to be hyperreal numbers won’t help to guarantee that probability measures can always be regular. I argue that such cardinality arguments fail, since they rely on the wrong conception of the role of numbers as measures of probability. With the proper conception of their role we can see that for any event space F, of any cardinality, there are regular hyperreal-valued probability measures.
Synergistic effect of gamma radiation and peroxide on dynamic vulcanization of thermoplastic vulcanizes based on (devulcanized rubber)/polypropylene
Authors: Hassan Medhat M. , Badway Nagwa A. , Elnaggar Mona Y. , Hegazy El‐Sayed A.
Published: June 2014

Devulcanized rubber (DR) with highly crystalline polypropylene (PP) was used to prepare thermoplastic vulcanizates on the basis of DR/PP (75/25) blends. Influences of the curing systems, dicumyl peroxide (DCP) and gamma radiation, were investigated by X‐ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy techniques. The mechanical and thermal behaviors of the composites in different proportions were studied. We found that the elastic modulus and tensile strength of the thermoplastic vulcanizates exhibited higher values than unvulcanized material. This finding may be attributed to an improvement in DR dispersion as well as interaction networks between the PP matrix and DR in the presence of DCP and the formation of more stable linkages. Peroxide caused a degradation of the PP molecules. A higher level of DCP was used in the peroxide‐vulcanized system and caused greater influence on properties. The mechanical and thermal properties of the unirradiated and irradiated composites were evaluated. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL., 20:168–176, 2014. © 2014 Society of Plastics Engineers
Liquid dynamics: challenges for sustainability in the water domain
Authors: Mehta Lyla , Movik Synne
Published: June 2014

Water is essential for human well‐being and is a basic asset for productive livelihoods in many developing countries. It is also key to realizing most of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). Although the water MDG was met in 2010, 768 million people around the globe still lack access to safe and adequate water. Huge disparities continue to exist in access between rural and urban areas and rich and poor, as well as inherent social and gender inequalities. We argue that debates about access have so far paid insufficient attention to the long‐term sustainability of systems and services for accessing water. They have also neglected issues concerning uncertainty and social, environmental, and technological dynamics—particularly through addressing power imbalances and enhancing equity. There are two main reasons for this. One, discourses on access tend to be globalized and general, often disconnected from people's lived realities. Two, the dynamic interaction among social, technical, and ecological/hydrological dimensions of water across multiple scales is not adequately taken account of. There is a variety of different pathways in which water systems of access might develop. There are also multiple understandings and framings of water, and the gathering of knowledge about such diverse understandings implies that appraisal of access needs to broaden up to include a wider range of perspectives to inform policy and political discourse. We thus introduce the concept of ‘Liquid Dynamics’ to capture an understanding of sustainability that takes on board issues of uncertainty, complexity, local knowledge, equity, gender, and power relations. WIREs Water 2014, 1:369–384. doi: 10.1002/wat2.1031

This article is categorized under:

Human Water > Rights to Water

Engineering Water > Sustainable Engineering of Water

Engineering Water > Water, Health, and Sanitation
Prefetching for mobile web album
Authors: Lin Yi‐Bing , Huang Po‐Kao
Published: June 2014

A web album service allows a user to publish photo albums on the web and view albums of other users. Through broadband mobile telecom, users can enjoy watching contents of web albums at any place in real time. User experience on mobile web album is affected by the transmission delay of mobile network, which determines whether the user needs to wait to view the images. We propose a prefetching mechanism that enhances user experience on accessing mobile web albums. A transmission control protocol‐like sliding window protocol (of size N) is exercised, and when the buffer for the sliding window at the user equipment is full, prefetching is suspended. The buffer size N affects the prefetching performance. The larger the N value, the better the user experience. However, a large N value means that many images will be prefetched. If they are not actually viewed by the user, the network resources for transmitting these images are wasted. This paper proposes both analytic and simulation models to select the smallest N (the optimal N value) so that the expected user experience can be achieved. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of Substituents on Topology and in situ Amide Hydrolysis on Cadmium Isophthalate Coordination Polymers Prepared Using a 4‐Pyridylnicotinamide Precursor
Authors: O'Donovan Megan E. , Kraft Peter E. , Mizzi Jessica E. , LaDuca Robert L.
Published: June 2014

Hydrothermal reactions of cadmium nitrate and 4‐pyridylnicotinamide (4‐pna) with a 5‐substituted isophthalic acid derivative afforded four coordination polymers, whose structural chemistry depends on the nature of the substituent. The crystalline phases produced using bromo and carboxylic acid substituents, [Cd(Brip)(4‐pna)]n (1) (Brip = 5‐bromoisophthalate) and [Cd(Hbtc)(4‐pna)]n (2) (btc = 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate), have similar structural chemistry. They both exhibit anti‐syn {Cd2(OCO)2} dimeric units that serve as 6‐connected nodes for 3D twofold interpenetrated 41263 pcu networks, which are constructed by the linkage of [Cd2(carboxylate)2]n ribbons by tethering 4‐pna ligands. An in situ amide hydrolysis of the 4‐pna precursor was observed when a bulkier substituent (tert‐butyl or methoxy) was utilized. The resulting nicotinate (nic) anions were incorporated into {[Cd2(tbip)(nic)2(H2O)4]·H2O}n (3) (tbip = 5‐tert‐butylisophthalate) and [Cd2(meoip)(nic)2(H2O)2]n (4) (meoip = 5‐methoxyisophthalate) which both display an overall (6,3) hexagonal grid layered topology. However, 3 shows isolated cadmium atoms while 4 manifests {Cd2(OCO)2} anti‐syn bridged dimeric clusters. Luminescent and thermal properties of these materials are also reported.
The risks for adolescents of negatively biased self‐evaluations of social competence: The mediating role of social support
Authors: Bédard Karine , Bouffard Thérèse , Pansu Pascal
Published: June 2014

This study conducted among 544 adolescents (M = 15.1 years, SD = .82) examined whether perceived social support from parents and peers mediated the relationship between biased self‐evaluations of social competence and internalizing problems. The results showed negative links between bias in self‐evaluation and depressive symptoms, social anxiety and social avoidance. Bias in self‐evaluation of social competence was more strongly related to perceived peer support than perceived parental support. Gender differences were observed in the mediating role of social support. Among boys, parental support was a partial mediator only of the link between bias in self‐evaluation and depressive symptoms. While perceived peer support was a partial mediator of the links between bias in self‐evaluation and depressive symptoms, social anxiety and social avoidance in girls, this was the case only for social avoidance in boys. These findings suggest that girls may show vulnerability to peer emotional support at an earlier age than boys.
Non‐suicidal self‐injury in adolescence: A longitudinal study of the relationship between NSSI, psychological distress and perceived parenting
Authors: Baetens Imke , Claes Laurence , Onghena Patrick , Grietens Hans , Van Leeuwen Karla , Pieters Ciska , Wiersema Jan R. , Griffith James W.
Published: June 2014

Objective

The present study investigates whether either adolescents' psychological distress and/or perceived parenting predicted the occurrence of NSSI. Furthermore, the consequences of NSSI are examined in a three‐wave longitudinal study.

Design

The sample at time 1 (age 12) consisted of 1396 adolescent reports and 1438 parent reports. At time 2 (age 13), 827 adolescent reports and 936 parent reports were obtained. Time 3 (age 14) included 754 adolescent reports and 790 parent reports. Psychological distress of adolescents was measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Perceived parenting behaviors were examined by the Parental Behavior Scale and the Psychological Control Scale.

Results

A total of 10% of the adolescents engaged in NSSI at least once before age 15. Higher psychological distress of adolescents at time 1 was associated with the presence of NSSI at time 2 or 3. The association between psychological distress at time 1 and perception of decreased parental rule setting at time 3 was mediated by the presence of NSSI at time 2.

Conclusions

The present study showed that psychological distress at age 12 predicts NSSI over time and that parental awareness of NSSI changes the perception of parenting behaviors.
On Clark's theorem and its applications to partially sublinear problems
Authors: Liu Zhaoli , Wang Zhi-Qiang
Published: June 2014

In critical point theory, Clark's theorem asserts the existence of a sequence of negative critical values tending to

0

for even coercive functionals. We improve Clark's theorem, showing that such a functional has a sequence of critical points tending to

0

. Our result also gives more detailed structure of the set of critical points near the origin. An extension of Clark's theorem is also given. Our abstract results are powerful in applications, and thus lead to much stronger results than those in the literature on existence of infinitely many solutions for partially sublinear problems such as elliptic equations and Hamiltonian systems.

En théorie des points critiques, le théorème de Clark assure l'existence d'une suite de valeurs critiques négatives tendant vers

0

pour des fonctionnelles paires et coercitives. Nous étendons le théorème de Clark en montrant qu'une telle fonctionnelle possède une suite de points critiques tendant vers

0

. Notre résultat permet aussi une description plus précise de l'ensemble des points critiques autour de l'origine. Une extension du théorème de Clark est aussi donnée. Nos résultats abstraits s'avèrent puissants dans les applications et conduisent à des résultats nouveaux concernant l'existence d'une infinité de solutions pour des problèmes partiellement sous linéaires comme des équations elliptiques ou des systèmes hamiltoniens.
Modulation of CD6 function through interaction with Galectin‐1 and ‐3
Authors: Escoda-Ferran Cristina , Carrasco Esther , Caballero-Baños Miguel , Miró-Julià Cristina , Martínez-Florensa Mario , Consuegra-Fernández Marta , Martínez Vanesa G. , Liu Fu-Tong , Lozano Francisco
Published: June 2014

CD6 is a lymphocyte glycoprotein receptor that physically associates with the antigen‐specific receptor complex at the center of the immunological synapse, where it interacts with its ligand CD166/ALCAM. The present work reports the carbohydrate‐dependent interaction of CD6 and CD166/ALCAM with Galectin‐1 and ‐3, two well‐known soluble mammalian lectins. Both galectins interfered with superantigen‐induced T cell proliferation and cell adhesion phenomena mediated by the CD6‐CD166/ALCAM pair, while CD6 expression protected cells from galectin‐induced apoptosis. The results suggest that interaction of Galectin‐1 and ‐3 with CD6 and CD166/ALCAM might modulate some relevant aspects of T cell physiology.
Polynomial algebra reveals diverging roles of the unfolded protein response in endothelial cells during ischemia–reperfusion injury
Authors: Le Pape Sylvain , Dimitrova Elena , Hannaert Patrick , Konovalov Alexander , Volmer Romain , Ron David , Thuillier Raphaël , Hauet Thierry
Published: June 2014

The unfolded protein response (UPR) – the endoplasmic reticulum stress response – is found in various pathologies including ischemia–reperfusion injury (IRI). However, its role during IRI is still unclear. Here, by combining two different bioinformatical methods – a method based on ordinary differential equations (Time Series Network Inference) and an algebraic method (probabilistic polynomial dynamical systems) – we identified the IRE1α–XBP1 and the ATF6 pathways as the main UPR effectors involved in cell's adaptation to IRI. We validated these findings experimentally by assessing the impact of their knock‐out and knock‐down on cell survival during IRI.
Targeting Alp7/TACC to the spindle pole body is essential for mitotic spindle assembly in fission yeast
Authors: Tang Ngang Heok , Okada Naoyuki , Fong Chii Shyang , Arai Kunio , Sato Masamitsu , Toda Takashi
Published: June 2014

The conserved TACC protein family localises to the centrosome (the spindle pole body, SPB in fungi) and mitotic spindles, thereby playing a crucial role in bipolar spindle assembly. However, it remains elusive how TACC proteins are recruited to the centrosome/SPB. Here, using fission yeast Alp7/TACC, we have determined clustered five amino acid residues within the TACC domain required for SPB localisation. Critically, these sequences are essential for the functions of Alp7, including proper spindle formation and mitotic progression. Moreover, we have identified pericentrin‐like Pcp1 as a loading factor to the mitotic SPB, although Pcp1 is not a sole platform.
Acknowledging HIV and malaria as major causes of maternal mortality in Mozambique
Authors: Singh Kavita , Moran Allisyn , Story William , Bailey Patricia , Chavane Leonardo
Published: June 2014

Objective

To review national data on HIV and malaria as causes of maternal death and to determine the importance of looking at maternal mortality at a subnational level in Mozambique.

Methods

Three national data surveys were used to document HIV and malaria as causes of maternal mortality and to assess HIV and malaria prevention services for pregnant women. Data were collected between 2007 and 2011, and included population‐level verbal autopsy data and household survey data.

Results

Verbal autopsy data indicated that 18.2% of maternal deaths were due to HIV and 23.1% were due to malaria. Only 19.6% of recently pregnant women received at least two doses of sulfadoxine‐pyrimethamine for intermittent preventive treatment, and only 42.3% of pregnant women were sleeping under an insecticide‐treated net. Only 37.5% of recently pregnant women had been counseled, tested, and received an HIV test result. Coverage of prevention services varied substantially by province.

Conclusion

Triangulation of information on cause of death and coverage of interventions can enable appropriate targeting of maternal health interventions. Such information could also help countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa to recognize and take action against malaria and HIV in an effort to decrease maternal mortality.
Clinical-pathological and p53 protein expression study in dysplasia associated with ulcerative colitis
Authors: Baldin Júnior Antônio , Telles José Ederaldo Queiroz , de Araújo Bonardi Renato , dos Santos Amarante Heda Maria Barska , Baldin Rosimeri Kuhl Svoboda
Published: June 2014

Background The association between ulcerative colitis and adenocarcinoma determined strategies for patient follow-up and early detection of dysplastic and neoplastic lesions.

Aims To analyze the incidence of dysplasia in patients with ulcerative colitis, comparing clinical data of patients with and without dysplasia and check immunohistochemical expression of p53 protein in dysplasias.

Materials and methods We analyzed biopsy samples and clinical data of 124 patients with ulcerative colitis at Hospital de Clínicas, Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Brazil.

Results Dysplasia incidence was low (9.67%) and all cases with low-grade dysplasia. Patients clinical data comparison with and without dysplasia did not show significant statistical differences with regard to the race, age at the start of the disease, age at last biopsy, duration and anatomic extent of ulcerative colitis. Significant difference was found between males and females with predominance of males (58.34%) for dysplasia. Seventeenth biopsy samples of 12 patients with dysplasia, 5 (29.4%) were p53 positive.

Conclusions From these results it is concluded that the incidence of dysplasia was low, higher in males and there was positivity of p53 protein in dysplasia.
Relation between frequency of activated partial prothrombin time measurements and clinical outcomes in patients after initiation of dabigatran: A two‐center cooperative study
Authors: Yamashita Takeshi , Horinaka Shigeo , Matsuhashi Noritaka , Suzuki Naoko , Suzuki Shinya , Ohtsuka Takayuki , Sagara Kouichi
Published: June 2014

Background

Although activated partial prothrombin time (aPTT) has often been used as a biomarker for evaluating the safety of dabigatran use in patients with non‐valvular atrial fibrillation (NVAF), the optimal frequency of aPTT measurements is unclear. This study aimed to identify the frequency distribution of aPTT measurements in clinical practice and its clinical significance.

Methods

This was a retrospective cooperative study conducted in 2 sites. All NVAF patients who underwent aPTT measurements before and after dabigatran treatment were included (n=380). The patients were divided into 2 groups according to the frequency of aPTT measurements during the first 3 months after drug prescription: Group A: infrequent group with only 1 measurement; and Group B: frequent group with ≥2 measurements. The clinical characteristics and outcomes were compared between the groups.

Results

The frequency of aPTT measurements in the 3 months after dabigatran initiation varied: 240 patients underwent 1 measurement (Group A), and the remaining 140 patients underwent repeated measurements (Group B). There were significant differences in age and creatinine clearance (Ccr) between the groups (Group A vs. Group B: age 64.0±11.7 vs. 67.0±11.1 years, p=0.01; Ccr 83.8±30.3 vs.76.7±31.1 mL/min, p=0.03). During the mean follow‐up period of 310 days, there were no significant differences in the discontinuation rate and incidence of bleeding (17% vs. 15% and 5% vs. 3%, respectively; both not significant). In Group B, the aPTT rarely increased beyond twice the upper normal limit within the 3 months (2.1%), although the correlation between the initial and subsequent aPTT measurements was low (r=0.366).

Conclusions

In this retrospective study, the frequency of aPTT measurements after dabigatran initiation might have been dependent on patient characteristics. However, frequent aPTT measurements did not lead to a reduction in adverse clinical events.
The Evaluation of Readiness of Medical Personnel to Act Under Conditions of Chemical Contamination
Authors: Szarpak Łukasz , Kurowski Andrzej
Published: June 2014

Objective

We evaluated the knowledge of physicians, nurses, and paramedics in Poland about the procedures in a chemical contamination.

Methods

An anonymous survey was mailed to 600 randomly selected physicians, nurses, and paramedics. The survey included questions concerning the process of decontamination, knowledge of toxidromes, and the use of selected antidotes.

Results

Completed surveys were received from 510 respondents (85%). A very low level of knowledge was observed regarding decontamination techniques (from 8.3% to 34.2%), use of antidotes (from 13.7% to 61%), and knowledge of toxidromes (from 10.2% to 22.7%).

Conclusions

Our findings showed that for all aspects of chemical rescue procedures queried, the knowledge of medical personnel was not satisfactory. Both practical and theoretical training of medical personnel is urgently needed for life-saving procedures during a chemical contamination. (Disaster Med Public Health Preparedness. 2014:0:1–4)
Off-axis Fresnel numbers in laser systems
Authors: Yao Yudong , Zhang Junyong , Zhang Yanli , Bi Qunyu , Zhu Jianqiang
Published: June 2014

The physical meaning and essence of Fresnel numbers are discussed, and two definitions of these numbers for off-axis optical systems are proposed. The universal Fresnel number is found to be

$\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}N=(a^{2}/\lambda z ) \ast C_{1} +C_{2} $

. The Rayleigh–Sommerfeld nonparaxial diffraction formula states that a simple analytical formula for the nonparaxial intensity distribution after a circular aperture can be obtained. Theoretical derivations and numerical calculations reveal that the first correction factor

$C_{1} $

is equal to

$\cos \theta $

and the second factor

$C_{2} $

is a function of the incident wavefront and the shape of the diffractive aperture. Finally, some diffraction phenomena in off-axis optical systems are explained by the off-axis Fresnel number.
On the structure and origin of pressure fluctuations in wall turbulence: predictions based on the resolvent analysis
Authors: Luhar M. , Sharma A. S. , McKeon B. J.
Published: June 2014

We generate predictions for the fluctuating pressure field in turbulent pipe flow by reformulating the resolvent analysis of McKeon and Sharma (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 658, 2010, pp. 336–382) in terms of the so-called primitive variables. Under this analysis, the nonlinear convective terms in the Fourier-transformed Navier–Stokes equations (NSE) are treated as a forcing that is mapped to a velocity and pressure response by the resolvent of the linearized Navier–Stokes operator. At each wavenumber–frequency combination, the turbulent velocity and pressure field are represented by the most-amplified (rank-1) response modes, identified via a singular value decomposition of the resolvent. We show that these rank-1 response modes reconcile many of the key relationships among the velocity field, coherent structure (i.e. hairpin vortices), and the high-amplitude wall-pressure events observed in previous experiments and direct numerical simulations (DNS). A Green’s function representation shows that the pressure fields obtained under this analysis correspond primarily to the fast pressure contribution arising from the linear interaction between the mean shear and the turbulent wall-normal velocity. Recovering the slow pressure requires an explicit treatment of the nonlinear interactions between the Fourier response modes. By considering the velocity and pressure fields associated with the triadically consistent mode combination studied by Sharma and McKeon (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 728, 2013, pp. 196–238), we identify the possibility of an apparent amplitude modulation effect in the pressure field, similar to that observed for the streamwise velocity field. However, unlike the streamwise velocity, for which the large scales of the flow are in phase with the envelope of the small-scale activity close to the wall, we expect there to be a $\def \xmlpi #1{}\def \mathsfbi #1{\boldsymbol {\mathsf {#1}}}\let \le =\leqslant \let \leq =\leqslant \let \ge =\geqslant \let \geq =\geqslant \def \Pr {\mathit {Pr}}\def \Fr {\mathit {Fr}}\def \Rey {\mathit {Re}}\pi /2$ phase difference between the large-scale wall-pressure and the envelope of the small-scale activity. Finally, we generate spectral predictions based on a rank-1 model assuming broadband forcing across all wavenumber–frequency combinations. Despite the significant simplifying assumptions, this approach reproduces trends observed in previous DNS for the wavenumber spectra of velocity and pressure, and for the scale-dependence of wall-pressure propagation speed.
Electrohydrodynamics of particle-covered drops
Authors: Ouriemi Malika , Vlahovska Petia M.
Published: June 2014

We experimentally investigate the effect of surface-absorbed colloidal particles on the dynamics of a leaky dielectric drop in a uniform DC electric field. Depending on the particle polarizabilty, coverage and the electrical field intensity, particles assemble into various patterns such as an equatorial belt, pole-to-pole chains or a band of dynamic vortices. The particle structuring changes droplet electrohydrodynamics: under the same conditions where a particle-free drop would be a steady oblate spheroid, the belt can give rise to unsteady behaviours such as sustained drop wobbling or tumbling. Moreover, particle chaining can be accompanied by prolate drop deformation and tip-streaming.
Does Gender Moderate the Association Between Children's Behaviour and Teacher-Child Relationship in the Early Years?
Authors: Runions Kevin C.
Published: June 2014

Prior research has shown that teacher-child relationship quality predicts school emotional wellbeing and academic engagement, but it is unclear whether the relationship quality reflects teachers’ perceptions of children's social-emotional behaviours differently for girls and for boys. The purpose of this study was to examine whether teachers’ reports of relationship quality were differentially associated with children's behaviours depending on child gender. Teachers provided behavioural reports and ratings of closeness and conflict for children from kindergarten (n= 598), pre-primary (n= 496), and year 1 (n= 451). Of 19 significant associations, only 5 were moderated by gender, including hyperactivity and emotional problems. The findings suggest that, primarily, gender does not moderate how teachers’ perceptions of behaviours correlate with their ratings of relationship quality, but that gender role expectations may affect teacher-child relationship quality in some behavioural domains. Suggestions for counsellors working with teachers are presented that target teacher self-reflection on gender expectations, behavioural expectations and their intersection, to improve teacher-child relationship quality.
Context-specific definitions of organizational concepts: Defining ‘team effectiveness’ with use of the Delphi Technique
Authors: Lohuis Anne Marie , van Vuuren Mark , Bohlmeijer Ernst
Published: June 2014

Definitions are social constructions rather than objective descriptions. They set clear boundaries for what is considered normal in a situation. Common words in organizations, like effectiveness or success, carry different meaningss in different contexts. In this paper, we evaluate the Delphi Technique as a method for explicating context-specific definitions and illustrate its use in formulating a context-specific definition of ‘an effective health care team’. Eight multi-disciplinary organization members participated in the study and reached consensus on characteristics assigned to team effectiveness in three rounds. The final definition implies the influence of organizational values, underscoring the importance of context specificity in organization studies.
Colleagueguanxiintensity: Scale development and validation
Authors: Hong Chen Huan , Zhu Dauw-Song , White Louis P.
Published: June 2014

This research reviews the constructs and measurements ofguanxiand concludes that colleagueguanxiis appropriately conceptualized as a multidimensional construct that describes Chinese colleague relationships. The development of a colleagueguanxiscale with four dimensions is described. Two studies test the convergent, discriminant, and nomological validity of theguanxiscale. In validation testsguanxiintensity increases with cognition features (subjective fit and cognitive trust) and results in a positive affect (affective trust). Contributions of the colleagueguanxiscale are offered.
Vitamin D status and its determinants in children and adults among families in late summer in Denmark
Authors: Madsen Katja H. , Rasmussen Lone B. , Mejborn Heddie , Andersen Elisabeth W. , Mølgaard Christian , Nissen Janna , Tetens Inge , Andersen Rikke
Published: June 2014

The impact of the familial relationship on vitamin D status has not been investigated previously. The objective of the present cross-sectional study was to assess serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration and its determinants in children and adults among families in late summer in Denmark (56°N). Data obtained from 755 apparently healthy children (4–17 years) and adults (18–60 years) recruited as families (n 200) in the VitmaD study were analysed. Blood samples were collected in September–October, and serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured by liquid chromatography–tandem MS. Information on potential determinants was obtained using questionnaires. The geometric mean serum 25(OH)D concentration was 72·1 (interquartile range 61·5–86·7) nmol/l (range 9–162 nmol/l), with 9 % of the subjects having 25(OH)D concentrations < 50 nmol/l. The intra-family correlation was 0·27 in all subjects, 0·24 in the adults and 0·42 in the children. Serum 25(OH)D concentration was negatively associated with BMI (P< 0·001) and positively associated with dietary vitamin D intake (P= 0·008), multivitamin use (P= 0·019), solarium use (P= 0·006), outdoor stay (P= 0·001), sun preference (P= 0·002) and sun vacation (P< 0·001), but was not associated with lifestyle-related factors in the adults when these were assessed together with the other determinants. In conclusion, the majority of children and adults among the families had serum 25(OH)D concentrations >50 nmol/l in late summer in Denmark. Both dietary and sun-related factors were determinants of vitamin D status and the familial component was stronger for the children than for the adults.
Association between sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks and type 2 diabetes: systematic review and dose–response meta-analysis of prospective studies
Authors: Greenwood D. C. , Threapleton D. E. , Evans C. E. L. , Cleghorn C. L. , Nykjaer C. , Woodhead C. , Burley V. J.
Published: June 2014

The intake of sugar-sweetened soft drinks has been reported to be associated with an increased risk of type 2 diabetes, but it is unclear whether this is because of the sugar content or related lifestyle factors, whether similar associations hold for artificially sweetened soft drinks, and how these associations are related to BMI. We aimed to conduct a systematic literature review and dose–response meta-analysis of evidence from prospective cohorts to explore these issues. We searched multiple sources for prospective studies on sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks in relation to the risk of type 2 diabetes. Data were extracted from eleven publications on nine cohorts. Consumption values were converted to ml/d, permitting the exploration of linear and non-linear dose–response trends. Summary relative risks (RR) were estimated using a random-effects meta-analysis. The summary RR for sugar-sweetened and artificially sweetened soft drinks were 1·20/330 ml per d (95 % CI 1·12, 1·29,P< 0·001) and 1·13/330 ml per d (95 % CI 1·02, 1·25,P= 0·02), respectively. The association with sugar-sweetened soft drinks was slightly lower in studies adjusting for BMI, consistent with BMI being involved in the causal pathway. There was no evidence of effect modification, though both these comparisons lacked power. Overall between-study heterogeneity was high. The included studies were observational, so their results should be interpreted cautiously, but findings indicate a positive association between sugar-sweetened soft drink intake and type 2 diabetes risk, attenuated by adjustment for BMI. The trend was less consistent for artificially sweetened soft drinks. This may indicate an alternative explanation, such as lifestyle factors or reverse causality. Future research should focus on the temporal nature of the association and whether BMI modifies or mediates the association.
Dietary l-carnitine supplementation increases lipid deposition in the liver and muscle of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco) through changes in lipid metabolism
Authors: Zheng Jia-Lang , Luo Zhi , Zhuo Mei-Qing , Pan Ya-Xiong , Song Yu-Feng , Hu Wei , Chen Qi-Liang
Published: June 2014

Carnitine has been reported to improve growth performance and reduce body lipid content in fish. Thus, we hypothesised that carnitine supplementation can improve growth performance and reduce lipid content in the liver and muscle of yellow catfish (Pelteobagrus fulvidraco), a commonly cultured freshwater fish in inland China, and tested this hypothesis in the present study. Diets containing l-carnitine at three different concentrations of 47 mg/kg (control, without extra carnitine addition), 331 mg/kg (low carnitine) and 3495 mg/kg (high carnitine) diet were fed to yellow catfish for 8 weeks. The low-carnitine diet significantly improved weight gain (WG) and reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR). In contrast, the high-carnitine diet did not affect WG and FCR. Compared with the control diet, the low-carnitine and high-carnitine diets increased lipid and carnitine contents in the liver and muscle. The increased lipid content in the liver could be attributed to the up-regulation of the mRNA levels of SREBP, PPARγ, fatty acid synthase (FAS) and ACCa and the increased activities of lipogenic enzymes (such as FAS, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, 6-phosphogluconate dehydrogenase and malic enzyme) and to the down-regulation of the mRNA levels of the lipolytic gene CPT1A. The increased lipid content in muscle could be attributed to the down-regulation of the mRNA levels of the lipolytic genes CPT1A and ATGL and the increased activity of lipoprotein lipase. In conclusion, in contrast to our hypothesis, dietary carnitine supplementation increased body lipid content in yellow catfish.
Characterization ofAscarisfrom Ecuador and Zanzibar
Authors: Sparks A.M. , Betson M. , Oviedo G. , Sandoval C. , Cooper P.J. , Stothard J.R.
Published: June 2014

To shed light on the epidemiology of ascariasis in Ecuador and Zanzibar, 177 adult worms retrieved by chemo-expulsion from either people or pigs were collected, measured and subjected to polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis of the ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region. Upon double digestion withRsaI andHaeIII, PCR-RFLP analysis revealed the presence ofA. lumbricoidesin people andA. suumin pigs in Ecuador. In contrast, while there are no pigs on Zanzibar, of the 56 worms obtained from people, one was genotyped asA. suum. No additional genetic variation was detected upon further PCR-RFLP analysis with several other restriction enzymes. Upon measurement, worm mass and length differed by location and by species,A. suumbeing lighter and longer. While there is no evidence to suggest zoonotic transmission in Ecuador, an enduring historical signature of previous zoonotic transmission remains on Zanzibar.
Tools for diagnosis, monitoring and screening ofSchistosomainfections utilizing lateral-flow based assays and upconverting phosphor labels
Authors: CORSTJENS PAUL L. A. M. , DE DOOD CLAUDIA J. , KORNELIS DIEUWKE , TJON KON FAT ELISA M. , WILSON R. ALAN , KARIUKI THOMAS M. , NYAKUNDI RUTH K. , LOVERDE PHILIP T. , ABRAMS WILLIAM R. , TANKE HANS J. , VAN LIESHOUT LISETTE , DEELDER ANDRÉ M. , VAN DAM GOVERT J.
Published: June 2014

The potential of various quantitative lateral flow (LF) based assays utilizing up-converting phosphor (UCP) reporters for the diagnosis of schistosomiasis is reviewed including recent developments. Active infections are demonstrated by screening for the presence of regurgitated worm antigens (genus specific polysaccharides), whereas anti-Schistosomaantibodies may indicate ongoing as well as past infections. The circulating anodic antigen (CAA) in serum or urine (and potentially also saliva) is identified as the marker that may allow detection of single-worm infections. Quantitation of antigen levels is a reliable method to study effects of drug administration, worm burden and anti-fecundity mechanisms. Moreover, the ratio of CAA and circulating cathodic antigen (CCA) is postulated to facilitate identification of eitherSchistosoma mansoniorSchistosoma haematobiuminfections. The UCP-LF assays allow simultaneous detection of multiple targets on a single strip, a valuable feature for antibody detection assays. Although antibody detection in endemic regions is not a useful tool to diagnose active infections, it gains potential when the ratio of different classes of antibody specific for the parasite/disease can be determined. The UCP-LF antibody assay format allows this type of multiplexing, including testing a linear array of up to 20 different targets. Multiple test spots would allow detection of specific antibodies, e.g. against differentSchistosomaspecies or other pathogens as soil-transmitted helminths. Concluding, the different UCP-LF based assays for diagnosis of schistosomiasis provide a collection of tests with relatively low complexity and high sensitivity, covering the full range of diagnostics needed in control programmes for mapping, screening and monitoring.
OPENING OFFER OR CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATION? ON THE PRESCRIPTIVE FUNCTION OF NOTATION IN MUSIC TODAY
Authors: Fox Christopher
Published: June 2014

This article explores some of the diverse forms that musical notation has assumed in the early twenty-first century and discusses its use along a broad spectrum of creative intention, which includes visual representation of sounds, verbal lists of instructions or provocations, and much else. Drawing upon his own experience as a composer, and on studies of the work of composers both older and younger (Stockhausen, Lucier, Wolff; Molitor, Lely), the author examines the changing meanings of notes, staves and clefs, and the possibilities of graphic scores, text scores, and hybrid forms of notation.
JOANNA BAILIE: STRANGE PARALLEL MUSIC
Authors: Power Stephanie
Published: June 2014

Composer and sonic artist Joanna Bailie has described her creative journey to date as a series of ‘not entirely reconcilable’ stages. This article introduces her work through a broadly chronological survey, tracing her career and offering a detailed consideration of her recent and current musico-aesthetic concerns. It will become evident that paradox and the juxtaposition of ‘not entirely reconcilable’ elements are, as it happens, key positive components of Bailie's art on many levels. Moreover, it will be seen that her work posits a conscious and highly personal response to certain perceived crises regarding ‘contemporary classical music’, a term which Bailie herself detests. Particular reference is made to Bailie's ongoing series of concert pieces combining acoustic instruments with field recordings, Artificial Environments, and a series of site-specific audio-visual installations, the place that you can see and hear.
ALONG THE GRAIN: THE MUSIC OF CASSANDRA MILLER
Authors: Weeks James
Published: June 2014

This article is an analytical study of the music of, and an interview with, the Canadian composer Cassandra Miller. Her use of recordings as starting-points for several of her compositions is explored, as is her fondness for loop-based structures, which are sometimes inspired by analogous processes in the world of film. A brief overview of Miller's work to date is complemented by a close examination of several scores, notably Bel Canto, “O Zomer!” and Philip the wanderer. The concluding interview with the composer presents Miller's present musical and artistic concerns in her own words.
‘The New Experimentalists’, Queen Elizabeth Hall, London, 14 January 2014
Authors: Graham Cameron
Published: June 2014

Considering the reputation of the Southbank Centre as a major British authority on new music and art, their playing host to ‘The New Experimentalists’ in January seemed a long time coming. From an institution one year into its twentieth-century musical extravaganza, The Rest Is Noise Festival, an evening highlighting new and recent works by four leading experimental artists came as a welcome break from an exhaustive list of twentieth-century ‘classics’.