bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
New tools for extracting cork from Quercus suber L.: increasing productivity and reducing damage
Authors: Beira Davila Jesus , Prades Lopez Cristina , Santiago Beltran Ramon
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: The aim of this study is to test new tools designed to debark cork oak trees: mechanized tools to perform cutting operations (IPLA-Morell, Stihl MC200 and COVELESS) and manual tools to separate and extract the cork (cork pincers, MIJURO).Area of study: Southwestern Spain.Material and methods: One of the longstanding problems affecting the sector is the shortage of skilled labor to perform debarking due to the difficulty of handling axes and the temporary nature of the work. To overcome these problems, four debarking systems using the new tools were designed according to the morphological properties of cork oak. The viability of the debarking systems were evaluated based on productivity (kg · person–1 · hour–1), production costs (€ · t1) and percentage of pieces smaller than 400 cm2 (%), and compared with the traditional system. Debarking quality and operator experience were also evaluated. A total of 204 trees were debarked.Main results: The new systems obtain better results: productivity is higher, the percentage of pieces is slightly lower and production costs are reduced, except for one system. Debarking quality improves with the new tools as cork is extracted in a more precise and cleaner manner, thus permitting cork manufacturers to obtain higher yields from the cork planks.Research highlights: Semi-skilled operators using the new tools obtain very similar results to skilled operators using axes. This would therefore resolve the problem of the lack of skilled labor, while improving the working conditions of operators. The results demonstrate that the new tools are viable for cork debarking and can bring potential benefits to the sector.Key words: Q. suber L.; cork debarking; mechanization; productivity; cork stripping damage; axe; IPLA_Morell, Sthil MC 200, COVELESS.
Estimating the population density of Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and mouflon Ovis aries in a Mediterranean forest environment
Authors: Tinoco Torres Rita , Herrero Juan , Prada Carlos , Garcia-Serrano Alicia , Fernandez-Arberas Olatz , Garcia-Post Ricardo
Published: March 2014

Aim of study: To manage and conserve wild populations effectively, a good understating of population density is critical. During 2010, the density of Iberian wild goat Capra pyrenaica and mouflon Ovis aries were estimated.Area of study: The area is situated in Muela de Cortes Game Reservation (Spain), a Mediterranean forest plateau, after a mange Sarcoptes scabiei outbreak that affected both species. Material and methods: To measure the abundance, sex ratio and productivity of the Iberian wild goat and mouflon. Field work was conducted during spring (after parturition) and autumn (during rut) by walking along itineraries, using a Distance Sampling approach. Main results: Based on DS, the best relative fit of model and adjustment term for Iberian wild goat was hazard-rate cosine, based on the lowest AIC score. The average density for Iberian wild goat was 4 km-2 (95% CI: 2,3 – 6,9) (after parturition) and 3,6 km-2 (95% CI: 2 – 6.6) (during rut). Average estimation was 1,422 goats (95% CI: 813 – 2,487) after parturition and 1,308 during rut (95% CI: 725 – 2,362). Mouflon best relative fit of model and adjustment term was uniform cosine after parturition, based on the lowest AIC score. The best relative fit of model and adjustment term for mouflon was hazard-rate cosine, based on the lowest AIC score. The average density was 6.8 mouflon km-2 (95% CI: 4.7 – 9,9) after parturition and 7,4 mouflon km-2 (95% CI: 4,4 – 12,5) during rut. Average estimation was 2,440 mouflon after parturition (95% CI: 1,673 – 3,558) and 2,678 during rut (95% CI: 1,589 – 4,515). Research highlights: The area represents one of the largest continental free-living populations of mouflon in Europe and a relevant area for Iberian wild goat, where it has survived for centuries and spread into the East Iberia. This study suggests that the survey methods used are suitable and sustainable with available field personnel for quantifying changes in wild goat and mouflon populations, particularly in rugged forest environments. Monitoring should be continued and be part of the development of a comprehensive management programme for Iberian wild goat and mouflon.Keywords: Itineraries; Distance Sampling; sustainable monitoring; Capra pyrenaica; Ovis aries; Game Reservation.
The Mineral Contents of Some Boletaceae Species from Sicily (Southern Italy)
Authors: Venturella Giuseppe , Gargano Maria Letizia , Compagno Riccardo , Saitta Alessandro , Alaimo Maria Grazia
Published: April 2014

Data on the accumulation of metals in wild edible and inedible macrofungi of the Boletaceae family are discussed here and compared with data reported in literature from northern Italy and other European countries, as well as from China, Brazil, and Africa. The results show a significant difference in the values detected in Sicilian fungi compared to those reported in the literature.
Single-Laboratory Validation of a Method for the Determination of Vitamin D3 in Dietary Supplements by Liquid Chromatography with Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
Authors: Lam Victor K M , Hung Ray C T , Wong Ella L M , Fok Johnny Y W , Wong Yiu-Chung
Published: April 2014

A single-laboratory validation (SLV) for the analysis of vitamin D3 was performed in four types of dietary supplements (capsules, soft gels, syrups, and tablets) using LC-MS/MS. Samples were treated by alkaline saponification for oil-based soft gels and utilized EDTA solution for capsules, syrups,and tablets prior to n-hexane extraction. Vitamin D3 in sample extracts was separated on a reversed-phase C18 column (100 × 2.1 mm, 2.7 μm) using a mobile phase of a 95 + 5 (v/v) mixture of 5 mM ammonium formate in methanol containing 0.1% formic acid and 5 mM ammonium formate in 0.1% formic acid running at a flow rate of 0.2 mL/min. Vitamin D3 was confirmed by the presence of three fragment ions at m/z 107, 159, and 259 within a defined retention time window from the precursor ion at m/z 385. Quantitation was based on the peak area at m/z 367 to that of the internal standard (d3-vitamin D3) at m/z 370 with reference to the respective response ratios of the calibration standards. The linear response of vitamin D3 ranged from 0.10 to 6.29 mg/L and the correlation coefficient (r) of the six-point calibrationcurves was >0.999. Accuracy, in terms of the spiked recoveries from blank syrup and starch powder at three different concentration levels, was 101–103%. Precision, determined by two different analysts over a period of 5 weeks, ranged from 2.7 to 7.0%for the four preparations. The SLV demonstrates the present LC-MS/MS method is reliable and robust for the determination of vitamin D3 in the studied dietary supplements. Considering the attainmentof satisfactory SLV results, further validation through intra-laboratory collaborative study is recommended.
Quantitative ELISA Kit for Paralytic Shellfish Toxins Coupled with Sample Pretreatment
Authors: Sato Shigeru , Takata Yoshinobu , Kondo Sunaho , Kotoda Akiko , Hongo Naoto , Kodama Masaaki
Published: April 2014

A new ELISA kit to quantitate the level of paralytic shellfish poisoning (PSP) toxins in crude shellfish extracts was developed. A conjugate for preparing antigen and a novel antibody used in the ELISA wasprepared based on the unique reactions between C11-O-sulfate toxins such as gonyautoxins 2 and 3 (GTX2,3) and various thiol compounds, followed by coupling to keyhole limpet hemocyanin. The compounds necessary for competitive ELISA, labeled toxin and an artificial standard toxin to replace saxitoxin in the analysis, were also produced by the same techniques. Theresulting ELISA recognized all the toxin components tested; however, carbamoyl-N-sulfate derivatives such as B and C toxins and N1-OH toxins such as neoSTX and GTX1,4 showed low affinity to the antibody. The difference in the reactivity of the antibody observed among the toxin components prevents accurate quantification of the toxin amounts in shellfish extracts. To address this problem, the former toxin components were transformed to corresponding carbamate toxins by mild HCl treatment according to a conventional method. The reduction of N1-OH of the latter toxins to N1-H was performed by our original method using hemin as a catalyst. We report here the new ELISA kitcoupled with the pretreatment process to transform the toxin components favorable for the quantitative analysis of PSP toxins.
Proyectos del realismo crítico en la era de la simultaneidad: debates sobre la gestión de la información y las actuaciones en la ciudad construida
Authors: Grau Ferran
Published: April 2014

Realism in architecture is a “mutant” concept which admits multiple meanings. Accordingly it would be more precise tp talk about realisms -in plural- and to try to properly place each one in the contemporary context.

Among all realisms, there is one which assumes a critical attitude and a commitment with the built city s well as with the complexity of the new Information Age and of globalization.

In turn, architectural critical realism also assumes different forms which place it in the frame of resistance to the global; communicative and urban integration will; social and environmental commitment; technological development and programmatic pragmatism.

This research approaches the (fragmented) definition of architectural critical realism through the study of projects built in Western Europe since the 1980s and supported with references from postwar realism (1950-1960) and the artistic and literary realism of the second half of the 19th century.
A phase of consolidation before moving forward again
Authors: Lambert Mike
Published: March 2014

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Cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy analysis of a single self-assembled quantum dot single electron transistor fabricated by atomic force microscope local oxidation
Authors: Moriya Rai , Ikenaga Eriko , Shibata Kenji , Hirakawa Kazuhiko , Masubuchi Satoru , Machida Tomoki
Published: March 2014

We show a cross-sectional transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis of a single electron transistor (SET) composed of a nanogap electrode fabricated by atomic force microscope (AFM) local oxidation and a single self-assembled quantum dot (QD). The detail structure of SET is analyzed by using both TEM and in-situ energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) measurement. It demonstrates that after AFM lithography, the QD in the SET maintained its high crystal quality and without notable damage or oxidation. Our findings demonstrate the good controllability and reliability of the AFM local oxidation method for fabricating nanogap electrode on a single QD.
Laxatives
Authors: Engelhorn Robert , Seeger Ernst , Zwaving Jan H. , Eberlin Marion
Published: March 2014

The article contains sections titled:

1.
Introduction and History

2.
Types of Laxatives

2.1.
Emollients (Lubricants)

2.1.1.
Paraffinum Liquidum

2.1.2.
Glycerol

2.1.3.
Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate

2.2.
Bulking Agents

2.2.1.
Agar

2.2.2.
Linseed

2.2.3.
Plantago Seed

2.2.4.
Methylcellulose

2.2.5.
Tragacanth

2.2.6.
Wheat Bran

2.3.
Osmotically Active Substances

2.3.1.
Sodium Sulfate

2.3.2.
Magnesium Sulfate

2.3.3.
Sugars and Sugar Alcohols

2.3.4.
Poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)

2.4.
Antiabsorptive and Secretion‐Stimulating Substances and Compounds that Selectively Increase the Rate of Colonic Peristalsis

2.4.1.
Synthetic Diphenol Laxatives

2.4.2.
Naturally Occurring Laxatives

2.4.3.
Anthraquinone Laxatives
Natural and anthropogenic variations in atmospheric mercury deposition during the Holocene near Quelccaya Ice Cap, Peru
Authors: Beal Samuel A. , Kelly Meredith A. , Stroup Justin S. , Jackson Brian P. , Lowell Thomas V. , Tapia Pedro M.
Published: March 2014

Mercury (Hg) is a toxic metal that is transported globally through the atmosphere. Emissions of Hg from mineral reservoirs and recycling between soil/biomass, oceans, and the atmosphere are fundamental to the global Hg cycle, yet past emissions from anthropogenic and natural sources are not fully constrained. We use a sediment core from Yanacocha, a headwater lake in southeastern Peru, to study the anthropogenic and natural controls on atmospheric Hg deposition during the Holocene. From 12.3 to 3.5 ka, Hg fluxes in the record are relatively constant (mean ± 1σ: 1.4 ± 0.6 µg m−2 a−1). Past Hg deposition does not correlate with changes in regional temperature and precipitation or with most large volcanic events that occurred regionally (~300–400 km from Yanacocha) and globally. In 1450 B.C. (3.4 ka), Hg fluxes abruptly increased and reached the Holocene‐maximum flux (6.7 µg m−2 a−1) in 1200 B.C., concurrent with a ~100 year peak in Fe and chalcophile metals (As, Ag, Tl) and the presence of framboidal pyrite. Continuously elevated Hg fluxes from 1200 to 500 B.C. suggest a protracted mining‐dust source near Yanacocha that is identical in timing to documented pre‐Incan cinnabar mining in central Peru. During Incan and Colonial time (A.D. 1450–1650), Hg deposition remains elevated relative to background levels but lower relative to other Hg records from sediment cores in central Peru, indicating a limited spatial extent of preindustrial Hg emissions. Hg fluxes from A.D. 1980 to 2011 (4.0 ± 1.0 µg m−2 a−1) are 3.0 ± 1.5 times greater than preanthropogenic fluxes.
Stress transfer between magma bodies: Influence of intrusions prior to 2010 eruptions at Eyjafjallajökull volcano, Iceland
Authors: Albino F. , Sigmundsson F.
Published: March 2014

Stress transfer between separate magma bodies is evaluated by considering how pressure changes related to magma accumulation/propagation influence the stability of a separate nearby magma body. Three‐dimensional numerical models are used to evaluate the stability evolution of a magma body through the calculation of two variables: (i) the variation of the threshold pressure needed to cause failure around the magma body and (ii) the magma pressure change. A parametric study indicates that stress interactions are strongly dependent on the distance between magma bodies as well as the body's shape. Such models are then applied to evaluate stress influence of intrusive activity in 1994, 1999, and 2010 at Eyjafjallajökull volcano, which preceded two eruptions there in 2010. Two cases are considered: influence of these intrusions on (i) a magma reservoir at 20 km distance under the Katla volcano and (ii) a silicic magma body under Eyjafjallajökull. The distance between the Eyjafjallajökull intrusions and the Katla reservoir is sufficiently long to reduce the stress interaction to insignificant levels, with an amplitude of the same order as Earth tides (a few kilopascals). However, cumulative stress transfer due to the intrusions to a remnant silicic shallow body situated below the Eyjafjallajökull is much larger (0.5–2.5 MPa). This mechanical transfer could have contributed to the failure of the silicic body and promoted the chemical mixing/mingling between different magma types, which is commonly interpreted as the main cause of the 2010 explosive eruption of Eyjafjallajökull.
Latitudinal variation of aerosol properties from Indo‐Gangetic Plain to central Himalayan foothills during TIGERZ campaign
Authors: Dumka U. C. , N. Tripathi S. , Misra Amit , Giles D. M. , Eck T. F. , Sagar Ram , Holben B. N.
Published: March 2014

As part of TIGERZ campaign, latitudinal variation of aerosol optical properties was analyzed over Indo‐Gangetic Plains (IGP) to central Himalayas during premonsoon of 2008 and 2009. Measurements of aerosol optical depth (AOD) were performed using Aerosol Robotic Network Sun photometer at four sites with different aerosol environments. The AOD increases from Nainital located in central Himalayas to Kanpur located in IGP region. Further, aerosol size varies spatially with dominance of coarse‐mode aerosols at Kanpur compared to fine‐mode aerosols dominated at Nainital. Spectral variation of single‐scattering albedo suggests that during premonsoon, dust is the dominant species in the IGP with exception of Pantnagar, where absorbing aerosols are dominant. The optical properties of aerosols are calculated, and shortwave clear‐sky aerosol radiative forcing (ARF) is estimated. An insignificant difference is found in columnar ARF and columnar heating rate (HR) when vertical profiles of aerosols are included in radiative transfer models. Over Nainital, average ARF is estimated to be −7.61, −45.75, and 38.14 W m−2 at top of atmosphere (TOA), surface (SUR), and in the atmosphere (ATM), respectively. Average ARF is less negative at Kanpur compared to Pantnagar and Bareilly with values −17.63, −73.06, and 55.43 W m−2 at TOA, SUR, and ATM, respectively. ARF shows positive gradient from the highlands to the IGP sites; larger TOA and SUR cooling were observed at the three sites compared to the highland site. This translates into large columnar HR with estimated average values as 1.07, 1.41, 1.58, and 1.56 K d−1 for Nainital, Pantnagar, Bareilly, and Kanpur, respectively.
The vertical distribution of black carbon in CMIP5 models: Comparison to observations and the importance of convective transport
Authors: Allen Robert J. , Landuyt William
Published: March 2014

Large uncertainty in the direct radiative forcing of black carbon (BC) exists, with published estimates ranging from 0.25 to 0.9 W m−2. A significant source of this uncertainty relates to the vertical distribution of BC, particularly relative to cloud layers. We first compare the vertical distribution of BC in Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 5 (CMIP5) models to aircraft measurements and find that models tend to overestimate upper tropospheric/lower stratospheric (UT/LS) BC, particularly over the central Pacific from Hiaper Pole‐to‐Pole Observations Flight 1 (HIPPO1). However, CMIP5 generally underestimates Arctic BC from the Arctic Research of the Composition of the Troposphere from Aircraft and Satellites campaign, implying a geographically dependent bias. Factors controlling the vertical distribution of BC in CMIP5 models, such as wet and dry deposition, precipitation, and convective mass flux (MC), are subsequently investigated. We also perform a series of sensitivity experiments with the Community Atmosphere Model version 5, including prescribed meteorology, enhanced vertical resolution, and altered convective wet scavenging efficiency and deep convection. We find that convective mass flux has opposing effects on the amount of black carbon in the atmosphere. More MC is associated with more convective precipitation, enhanced wet removal, and less BC below 500 hPa. However, more MC, particularly above 500 hPa, yield more BC aloft due to enhanced convective lofting. These relationships—particularly MC versus BC below 500 hPa—are generally stronger in the tropics. Compared to the Modern‐Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Applications, most CMIP5 models overestimate MC, with all models overestimating MC above 500 hPa. Our results suggest that excessive convective transport is one of the reasons for CMIP5 overestimation of UT/LS BC.
Phase Transformation in Laser‐Induced Micro‐Explosion in Olivine (Fe,Mg)2SiO4
Authors: Buividas Ričardas , Gervinskas Gediminas , Tadich Anton , Cowie Bruce C. C. , Mizeikis Vygantas , Vailionis Arturas , de Ligny Dominique , Gamaly Eugene G. , Rode Andrei V. , Juodkazis Saulius
Published: March 2014

We show that micro‐explosions generated by tightly focused single pulses of a femtosecond laser in olivine have produced change of iron valence state. Chemical and structural changes were investigated using synchrotron X‐ray spectroscopy, and Raman scattering. Near edge X‐ray absorption fine structure (NEXAFS) spectra from laser‐affected zone of olivine crystal indicate a modified chemical bonding and a possible formation of regions containing a new crystalline phases of iron. Raman scattering from the laser‐affected zone regions reveals loss of crystalline order and formation of a mixture of nano‐crystallites due to melting and re‐solidification of olivine. These results indicate that spatial separation between ions of different mass occurs in hot, highly excited olivine. The present study confirms that this mechanism may present a general pathway toward creation of novel crystalline and amorphous nano‐materials using fs laser‐induced confined micro‐explosions.
Molecular Materials for Organic Photovoltaics: Small is Beautiful
Authors: Roncali Jean , Leriche Philippe , Blanchard Philippe
Published: March 2014

An overview of some recent developments of the chemistry of molecular donor materials for organic photovoltaics (OPV) is presented. Although molecular materials have been used for the fabrication of OPV cells from the very beginning of the field, the design of molecular donors specifically designed for OPV is a relatively recent research area. In the past few years, molecular donors have been used in both vacuum‐deposited and solution‐processed OPV cells and both fields have witnessed impressive progress with power conversion efficiencies crossing the symbolic limit of 10 %. However, this progress has been achieved at the price of an increasing complexity of the chemistry of active materials and of the technology of device fabrication. This evolution probably inherent to the progress of research is difficult to reconcile with the necessity for OPV to demonstrate a decisive economic advantage over existing silicon technology. In this short review various classes of molecular donors are discussed with the aim of defining possible basic molecular structures that can combine structural simplicity, low molecular weight, synthetic accessibility, scalability and that can represent possible starting points for the development of simple and cost‐effective OPV materials.
Synthesis of augmented biofuel processes using solar energy
Authors: Mallapragada Dharik S. , Tawarmalani Mohit , Agrawal Rakesh
Published: March 2014

A method for synthesizing augmented biofuel processes, which improve biomass carbon conversion to liquid fuel (ηcarbon) using supplemental solar energy as heat, H2, and electricity is presented. For a target ηcarbon, our method identifies augmented processes requiring the least solar energy input. A nonconvex mixed integer nonlinear programming model allowing for simultaneous mass, heat, and power integration, is built over a process superstructure and solved using global optimization tools. As a case study, biomass thermochemical conversion via gasification/Fischer–Tropsch synthesis and fast‐hydropyrolysis/hydrodeoxygenation (HDO) is considered. The optimal process configurations can be categorized either as standalone (ηcarbon ≤ 54%), augmented using solar heat (54% ≤ ηcarbon ≤ 74%), or augmented using solar heat and H2 (74 ≤ ηcarbon ≤ 95%). Importantly, the process H2 consumption is found to be close to the derived theoretical minimum values. To accommodate for the intermittency of solar heat/H2, we suggest processes that can operate at low and high ηcarbon. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2533–2545, 2014
Dynamic real‐time optimization and control of a hybrid energy system
Authors: Trifkovic Milana , Marvin W. Alex , Daoutidis Prodromos , Sheikhzadeh Mehdi
Published: March 2014

A proactive energy management strategy for a stand‐alone hybrid renewable energy system is presented. The study was motivated by the system built in Lambton College (Sarnia, Ontario, Canada) which includes photovoltaic arrays, wind turbine, battery, electrolyzers, hydrogen storage tanks, and fuel cells. The control architecture consists of two levels of hierarchy: (1) optimal predictive scheduling at the supervisory level and (2) local controllers for each of the system units. A “day‐ahead” approach is followed at the supervisory level and a bidirectional communication between the supervisory, proactive control, and the low‐level control layer is established. The proposed energy management strategy accounts for external (i.e., weather and demand) and internal disturbances. The efficacy of the proposed strategy is demonstrated through case studies. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 2546–2556, 2014
Experimental study of flow regimes in three‐dimensional confined impinging jets reactor
Authors: Li Wei‐Feng , Du Ke‐Jiang , Yu Guang‐Suo , Liu Hai‐Feng , Wang Fu‐Chen
Published: March 2014

Dynamic behaviors in a three‐dimensional confined impinging jets reactor (CIJR) were experimentally studied by a flow visualization technique at 100 ≤ Re ≤ 2000 and 2 ≤ D/d ≤ 12 (where D is the reactor diameter and d is the nozzle diameter). The effects of inlet Reynolds numbers (Re) and geometry configurations of the CIJR on the flow regimes have been investigated by a particle image velocimetry and a high‐speed camera. Results show that with the increasing Re, a segregated flow regime, a radial deflective oscillation, an axial oscillation and a vortex shedding regime emerge in turns in CIJR. A map of parameter space formed by the inlet Reynolds number (Re) and the normalized reactor diameter (D/d) has been presented. The effects of jet instability and confined boundary of the chamber on the flow regimes and their transition are also investigated and discussed. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 60: 3033–3045, 2014
Modulation of amyloid precursor protein expression reduces β‐amyloid deposition in a mouse model
Authors: Asuni Ayodeji A. , Guridi Maitea , Pankiewicz Joanna E. , Sanchez Sandrine , Sadowski Martin J.
Published: March 2014

Objective

Proteolytic cleavage of the amyloid precursor protein (APP) generates β‐amyloid (Aβ) peptides. Prolonged accumulation of Aβ in the brain underlies the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease (AD) and is regarded as a principal target for development of disease‐modifying therapeutics.

Methods

Using Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) APP751SW cells, we identified and characterized effects of 2‐([pyridine‐2‐ylmethyl]‐amino)‐phenol (2‐PMAP) on APP steady‐state level and Aβ production. Outcomes of 2‐PMAP treatment on Aβ accumulation and associated memory deficit were studied in APPSW/PS1dE9 AD transgenic model mice.

Results

In CHO APP751SW cells, 2‐PMAP lowered the steady‐state APP level and inhibited Aβx‐40 and Aβx‐42 production in a dose–response manner with a minimum effective concentration ≤ 0.5μM. The inhibitory effect of 2‐PMAP on translational efficiency of APP mRNA into protein was directly confirmed using a 35S‐methionine/cysteine metabolic labeling technique, whereas APP mRNA level remained unaltered. Administration of 2‐PMAP to APPSW/PS1dE9 mice reduced brain levels of full‐length APP and its C‐terminal fragments and lowered levels of soluble Aβx‐40 and Aβx‐42. Four‐month chronic treatment of APPSW/PS1dE9 mice revealed no observable toxicity and improved animals' memory performance. 2‐PMAP treatment also caused significant reduction in brain Aβ deposition determined by both unbiased quantification of Aβ plaque load and biochemical analysis of formic acid–extracted Aβx‐40 and Aβx‐42 levels and the level of oligomeric Aβ.

Interpretation

We demonstrate the potential of modulating APP steady‐state expression level as a safe and effective approach for reducing Aβ deposition in AD transgenic model mice. Ann Neurol 2014;75:684–699
Wealth in old Hawai‘i: good‐year economics and the rise of pristine states
Authors: Dye Thomas S.
Published: March 2014

The journals of Captain Cook and his crew contradict bad‐year economic theories that posit that traditional Hawaiian farmers were living at the margin. Recognising that pig herds were wealth‐assets in old Hawai‘i, an alternative good‐year economic theory is developed that interprets the introduction of sweet potato and the development of the rain‐fed agricultural systems in which it was cultivated as processes in the creation and management of wealth. The wealth produced in this way was probably used, in part, to promote marriage alliances among elite families. According to the good‐year economic theory, fluctuations in the products of the rain‐fed agricultural facilities introduced variability into the supply of wealth‐assets, which complicated the maintenance of alliances and were one cause of the wars that played a crucial role in the emergence of primary states in traditional Hawai‘i.
Output feedback stabilization for stochastic nonholonomic systems with nonlinear drifts and Markovian switching
Authors: Zhang Dongkai , Wang Chaoli , Wei Guoliang , Chen Hua
Published: March 2014

This paper investigates the output feedback stabilization of stochastic nonholonomic systems which have both nonlinear drifts and Markovian switching. The state‐scaling and backstepping techniques are exploited in the design of control laws. The output feedback stabilizing control laws and switching control strategy are proposed so that the closed‐loop system can be stabilized in probability in the large. In the end, an example of nonholonomic mobile robots is provided to illustrate the effectiveness of control laws.
Revisiting the TP Model Transformation: Interpolation and Rule Reduction
Authors: da Silva Campos Víctor Costa , Tôrres Leonardo Antônio Borges , Palhares Reinaldo Martinez
Published: March 2014

The tensor‐product (TP) model transformation is a numerical technique that finds a convex representation, akin to a Takagi‐Sugeno (TS) fuzzy model, from a given linear parameter varying (LPV) model of a system. It samples the LPV model over a limited domain, which allows the use of the higher order singular value decomposition (HOSVD) and convex transformations that leads to the TS representation of the LPV model. In this paper, we discuss different strategies that could be used on the sampling step of the TP model transformation (which in turn lead to different membership function properties of a TS fuzzy model). Additionally, this paper discusses how the other steps could be used to reduce the number of rules of a given TS fuzzy model. In cases where nonzero singular values were discarded in the rule reduction, we also show how to obtain an uncertain model that covers the original.
A Hermite‐Lobatto Pseudospectral Method for Optimal Control
Authors: Liu YuanBo , Zhu HengWei , Huang XiaoNian , Zheng GangTie
Published: March 2014

A pseudospectral (PS) method based on Hermite interpolation and collocation at the Legendre‐Gauss‐Lobatto (LGL) points is presented for direct trajectory optimization and costate estimation of optimal control problems. A major characteristic of this method is that the state is approximated by the Hermite interpolation instead of the commonly used Lagrange interpolation. The derivatives of the state and its approximation at the terminal time are set to match up by using a Hermite interpolation. Since the terminal state derivative is determined from the dynamic, the state approximation can automatically satisfy the dynamic at the terminal time. When collocating the dynamic at the LGL points, the collocation equation for the terminal point can be omitted because it is constantly satisfied. By this approach, the proposed method avoids the issue of the Legendre PS method where the discrete state variables are over‐constrained by the collocation equations, hence achieving the same level of solution accuracy as the Gauss PS method and the Radau PS method, while retaining the ability to explicitly generate the control solution at the endpoints. A mapping relationship between the Karush‐Kuhn‐Tucker multipliers of the nonlinear programming problem and the costate of the optimal control problem is developed for this method. The numerical example illustrates that the use of the Hermite interpolation as described leads to the ability to produce both highly accurate primal and dual solutions for optimal control problems.
Calibrating building energy models using supercomputer trained machine learning agents
Authors: Sanyal Jibonananda , New Joshua , Edwards Richard E. , Parker Lynne
Published: March 2014

Building energy modeling (BEM) is an approach to model the energy usage in buildings for design and retrofit purposes. EnergyPlus is the flagship Department of Energy software that performs BEM for different types of buildings. The input to EnergyPlus can often extend in the order of a few thousand parameters that have to be calibrated manually by an expert for realistic energy modeling. This makes it challenging and expensive thereby making BEM unfeasible for smaller projects. In this paper, we describe the ‘Autotune’ research that employs machine learning algorithms to generate agents for the different kinds of standard reference buildings in the US building stock. The parametric space and the variety of building locations and types make this a challenging computational problem necessitating the use of supercomputers. Millions of EnergyPlus simulations are run on supercomputers that are subsequently used to train machine learning algorithms to generate agents. These agents, once created, can then run in a fraction of the time thereby allowing cost‐effective calibration of building models. Published 2014. This article is a US Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma associated with breast implants: A unique entity within the spectrum of peri‐implant effusions
Authors: Chai Siaw Ming , Kavangh Simon , Ooi Sin Sin , Sterrett Gregory F. , Cull Gavin , Plunkett Myfanwy , Spagnolo Dominic , Amanuel Benhur , Joske David , Leslie Connull , Barham Tony , Frost Felicity
Published: March 2014

Anaplastic large‐cell lymphoma (ALCL) is a rare and newly described complication associated with breast implants. Patients often present with a peri‐implant effusion, which is amenable to fine‐needle aspiration. The laboratory handling of peri‐implant effusions for cytology and ancillary studies is as crucial as recognizing the characteristic cytology of ALCL.

All cases of peri‐implant effusions were retrieved from the PathWest database between January 2003 and May 2013, yielding four cases of breast implant‐associated ALCL and six benign samples. The cytological features were evaluated and information from ancillary studies collated. Clinical and follow‐up histology was available in all cases.

All ALCL cases contained highly atypical lymphoid cells including ‘hallmark' cells. In contrast, benign peri‐implant effusions showed a mixture of inflammatory cells, being either neutrophil‐rich (three cases) or lymphocyte‐rich (three cases). A CD30 positive, ALK1 negative immunophenotype was demonstrated in all cases on cell block immunohistochemistry. Flow cytometry and T‐cell receptor clonality studies confirmed aberrant T‐cell immunophenotype in four of four and clonally rearranged T‐cell receptor antigens in three of three cases. ALCL was identified in three of four subsequent capsulectomies. Staging confirmed disease limited to the capsular tissue or peri‐implant effusion in all cases. None of the six patients with benign peri‐implant effusions developed lymphoma during follow‐up.

Cases of ALCL accounted for 40% of peri‐implant effusions received over a 10‐year period, indicating the rarity of these samples and the high likelihood of malignancy. Awareness of this entity and its presentation should allow for appropriate triage of these specimens and definitive diagnosis on effusion specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2014;42:929–938. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Power lines, roads, and avian nest survival: effects on predator identity and predation intensity
Authors: DeGregorio Brett A. , Weatherhead Patrick J. , Sperry Jinelle H.
Published: March 2014

Anthropogenic alteration of landscapes can affect avian nest success by influencing the abundance, distribution, and behavior of predators. Understanding avian nest predation risk necessitates understanding how landscapes affect predator distribution and behavior.

From a sample of 463 nests of 17 songbird species, we evaluated how landscape features (distance to forest edge, unpaved roads, and power lines) influenced daily nest survival. We also used video cameras to identify nest predators at 137 nest predation events and evaluated how landscape features influenced predator identity. Finally, we determined the abundance and distribution of several of the principal predators using surveys and radiotelemetry.

Distance to power lines was the best predictor of predator identity: predation by brown‐headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), corvids (Corvus sp. and Cyanocitta cristata), racers (Coluber constrictor), and coachwhips (Masticophis flagellum) increased with proximity to power lines, whereas predation by rat snakes (Elaphe obsoleta) and raptors decreased. In some cases, predator density may reliably indicate nest predation risk because racers, corvids, and cowbirds frequently used power line right‐of‐ways.

Of five bird species with enough nests to analyze individually, daily nest survival of only indigo buntings (Passerina cyanea) decreased with proximity to power lines, despite predation by most predators at our site being positively associated with power lines. For all nesting species combined, distance to unpaved road was the model that most influenced daily nest survival. This pattern is likely a consequence of rat snakes, the locally dominant nest predator (28% of predation events), rarely using power lines and associated areas. Instead, rat snakes were frequently associated with road edges, indicating that not all edges are functionally similar.

Our results suggest that interactions between predators and landscape features are likely to be specific to both the local predators and landscape. Thus, predicting how anthropogenic changes to landscapes affect nesting birds requires that we know more about how landscape changes affect the behavior of nest predators and which nest predators are locally important.
Formation of 1,3‐Diphosphacyclobutadiene Complexes from Phosphaalkynes and Their Coordination Behavior
Authors: Rummel Eva‐Maria , Eckhardt Maria , Bodensteiner Michael , Peresypkina Eugenia V. , Kremer Werner , Gröger Christian , Scheer Manfred
Published: March 2014

Invited for the cover of this issue is the group of Manfred Scheer at the University of Regensburg. The cover image shows organometallic and inorganic building blocks being combined to form unprecedented new species.
Phosphorus – A Pervasive Element
Authors: Hindson Karen J.
Published: March 2014

This issue of EurJIC focuses on phosphorus, an element that is ever present in our lives. Guest Editor Maria Caporali enthusiastically compiled a collection of fine papers on diverse aspects of research on compounds containing this very important element. The Essay by Willem Schipper is about the applications of phosphorus and the fate of the element after use.
The content of soyasaponin and soyasapogenol in soy foods and their estimated intake in the Japanese
Authors: Kamo Shuichi , Suzuki Shunsuke , Sato Toshiro
Published: March 2014

Soyasaponins have been reported to promote various health functions. However, the total soyasaponin and soyasapogenol content in soy products and the daily intake remain to be fully elucidated. We developed a high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometric (HPLC–MS/MS) method to evaluate the content of group A and B soyasaponins and soyasapogenols. The total soyasaponin content was measured after pretreatment converted soyasaponins to soyasapogenols. The total soyasaponin content in soy foods was 200–1800 nmol g−1, although that of soy sauce was 2–7 nmol g−1. The soyasapogenol to total soyasaponin ratio was 30–50% in long‐term matured miso. The majority of the soyasapogenol detected was soyasapogenol B rather than soyasapogenol A, resulting in speculation that further steps are required to liberate aglycones from glycoside‐conjugated soyasaponins in soyasapogenol A. We estimated the daily intake of total soyasaponins and soyasapogenols by the Japanese, which was 50.3 and 0.59 μmol, respectively. The soyasapogenol content and the soyasapogenol to total soyasaponin ratio was considerably low in most soy products, except for long‐term maturated miso. The major source of the daily intake of soyasaponins and soyasapogenols were tofu and miso, respectively.
Pathophysiology of glia in perinatal white matter injury
Authors: Back Stephen A. , Rosenberg Paul A.
Published: March 2014

Injury to the preterm brain has a particular predilection for cerebral white matter. White matter injury (WMI) is the most common cause of brain injury in preterm infants and a major cause of chronic neurological morbidity including cerebral palsy. Factors that predispose to WMI include cerebral oxygenation disturbances and maternal–fetal infection. During the acute phase of WMI, pronounced oxidative damage occurs that targets late oligodendrocyte progenitors (pre‐OLs). The developmental predilection for WMI to occur during prematurity appears to be related to both the timing of appearance and regional distribution of susceptible pre‐OLs that are vulnerable to a variety of chemical mediators including reactive oxygen species, glutamate, cytokines, and adenosine. During the chronic phase of WMI, the white matter displays abberant regeneration and repair responses. Early OL progenitors respond to WMI with a rapid robust proliferative response that results in a several fold regeneration of pre‐OLs that fail to terminally differentiate along their normal developmental time course. Pre‐OL maturation arrest appears to be related in part to inhibitory factors that derive from reactive astrocytes in chronic lesions. Recent high field magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) data support that three distinct forms of chronic WMI exist, each of which displays unique MRI and histopathological features. These findings suggest the possibility that therapies directed at myelin regeneration and repair could be initiated early after WMI and monitored over time. These new mechanisms of acute and chronic WMI provide access to a variety of new strategies to prevent or promote repair of WMI in premature infants. GLIA 2014;62:1790–1815
Gliotoxin‐induced swelling of astrocytes hinders diffusion in brain extracellular space via formation of dead‐space microdomains
Authors: Sherpa Ang Doma , van de Nes Paula , Xiao Fanrong , Weedon Jeremy , Hrabetova Sabina
Published: March 2014

One of the hallmarks of numerous life‐threatening and debilitating brain diseases is cellular swelling that negatively impacts extracellular space (ECS) structure. The ECS structure is determined by two macroscopic parameters, namely tortuosity (λ) and volume fraction (α). Tortuosity represents hindrance imposed on the diffusing molecules by the tissue in comparison with an obstacle‐free medium. Volume fraction is the proportion of tissue volume occupied by the ECS. From a clinical perspective, it is essential to recognize which factors determine the ECS parameters and how these factors change in brain diseases. Previous studies demonstrated that dead‐space (DS) microdomains increased λ during ischemia and hypotonic stress, as these pocket‐like structures transiently trapped diffusing molecules. We hypothesize that astrocytes play a key role in the formation of DS microdomains because their thin processes have concave shapes that may elongate as astrocytes swell in these pathologies. Here we selectively swelled astrocytes in the somatosensory neocortex of rat brain slices with a gliotoxin DL‐α‐Aminoadipic Acid (DL‐AA), and we quantified the ECS parameters using Integrative Optical Imaging (IOI) and Real‐Time Iontophoretic (RTI) diffusion methods. We found that α decreased and λ increased during DL‐AA application. During recovery, α was restored whereas λ remained elevated. Increase in λ during astrocytic swelling and recovery is consistent with the formation of DS microdomains. Our data attribute to the astrocytes an important role in determining the ECS parameters, and indicate that extracellular diffusion can be improved not only by reducing the swelling but also by disrupting the DS microdomains. GLIA 2014;62:1053–1065
ACOUSTIC ANALYSIS OF ORAL PRODUCTIONS OF INFANTS LATER DIAGNOSED WITH AUTISM AND THEIR MOTHER
Authors: Brisson Julie , Martel Karine , Serres Josette , Sirois Sylvain , Adrien Jean‐Louis
Published: March 2014

Research on early signs of autism in social interactions often focuses on infants’ motor behaviors; few studies have focused on speech characteristics. This study examines infant‐directed speech of mothers of infants later diagnosed with autism (LDA; n = 12) or of typically developing infants (TD; n = 11) as well as infants’ productions (13 LDA, 13 TD). Since LDA infants appear to behave differently in the first months of life, it can affect the functioning of dyadic interactions, especially the first vocal productions, sensitive to expressiveness and emotions sharing. We assumed that in the first 6 months of life, prosodic characteristics (mean duration, mean pitch, and intonative contour types) will be different in dyads with autism. We extracted infants’ and mothers’ vocal productions from family home movies and analyzed the mean duration and pitch as well as the pitch contours in interactive episodes. Results show that mothers of LDA infants use relatively shorter productions as compared to mothers talking to TD infants. LDA infants’ productions are not different in duration or pitch, but they use less complex modulated productions (i.e., those with more than two melodic modulations) than do TD. Further studies should focus on developmental profiles in the first year, analyzing prosody monthly.
INSIGHTFULNESS AND LATER INFANT ATTACHMENT IN CLINICALLY DEPRESSED AND NONCLINICAL MOTHERS
Authors: Ramsauer Brigitte , Lotzin Annett , Quitmann Julia H. , Becker‐Stoll Fabienne , Tharner Anne , Romer Georg
Published: March 2014

The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the relationship between maternal insightfulness and sensitivity and subsequent infant attachment security and disorganization in clinically depressed and nonclinical mother–infant groups. Nineteen depressed mothers with infants ages 3 to 11 months participated in this study. Twenty nonclinical mother–infant dyads were matched to the clinical sample according to infant sex and age. Maternal depression was assessed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (American Psychiatric Association, 1994), insightfulness using the Insightfulness Assessment (IA), and sensitivity using the Maternal Sensitivity Scales (M.D.S. Ainsworth, 1969). IA classifications and subscales were considered separately. Later infant attachment was assessed by the Strange Situation Procedure (M.D.S. Ainsworth, M.C. Blehar, E. Waters, & S. Wall, 1978). Depressed mothers tended to have less securely attached children than did nonclinical mothers. Within the clinical sample, the insightfulness categories correlated slightly moderately with attachment security, but were not related to attachment disorganization. Within the nonclinical sample, the IA categories were slightly moderately associated with attachment security and with disorganization. On IA subscales, relationship patterns differed in clinically depressed and nonclinical mother–infant dyads. These findings provide the first evidence of the predictive power of the IA categorization and subscales on subsequent infant attachment. They also may allow the development of different foci of intervention for enhancing insightful caregiving.
A Broader Vision of Literacy
Authors: Moore‐Russo Deborah , Shanahan Lynn E.
Published: March 2014

The authors argue for a broader view of what it means to be literate to include meaning making with both linguistic and visual representations.
Professional Resources
Authors: Haddix Marcelle M.
Published: March 2014

This column provides reviews of adolescent and adult professional resources and provides a valuable resource for professional resource selection in‐ and outside the classroom.