bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The unexpected mating system of the androdioecious barnacle Chelonibia testudinaria (Linnaeus 1758)
Authors: Ewers‐Saucedo Christine , Hope Neva B. , Wares John P.
Published: February 2016

Androdioecy was first described by Darwin in his seminal work on barnacle diversity; he identified males and hermaphrodites in the same reproductive population. Today, we realize that many androdioecious plants and animals share astonishing similarities, particularly with regard to their evolutionary history and mating system. Notably, these species were ancestrally dioecious, and their mating system has the following characteristics: hermaphrodites self‐fertilize frequently, males are more successful in large mating groups, and males have a mating advantage. A male mating advantage makes androdioecy more likely to persist over evolutionary times. Androdioecious barnacles, however, appear to persist as an outlier with a different evolutionary trajectory: they originate from hermaphroditic species. Although sexual systems of androdioecious barnacles are known, no information on the mating system of androdioecious barnacles is available. This study assessed the mating system of the androdioecious barnacle Chelonibia testudinaria. In contrast to other androdioecious species, C. testudinaria does not self‐fertilize, males do not have a mating advantage over hermaphrodites, and the average mating group is quite small, averaging only three individuals. Mating success is increased by proximity to the mate and penis length. Taken together, the mating system of C. testudinaria is unusual in comparison with other androdioecious plants and animals, and the lack of a male mating advantage suggests that the mating system alone does not provide an explanation for the maintenance of androdioecy in this species. Instead, we propose that sex‐specific life history equalizes male and hermaphroditic overall fitness.
The invasive bighead goby Ponticola kessleri displays large‐scale genetic similarities and small‐scale genetic differentiation in relation to shipping patterns
Authors: Adrian‐Kalchhauser I. , Hirsch P. E. , Behrmann‐Godel J. , N'Guyen A. , Watzlawczyk S. , Gertzen S. , Borcherding J. , Burkhardt‐Holm P.
Published: February 2016

Colonization events, range expansions and species invasions leave genetic signatures in the genomes of invasive organisms and produce intricate special patterns. Predictions have been made as to how those patterns arise, but only very rarely, genetic processes can be monitored in real time during range expansions. In an attempt to change that, we track a very recently established invasive population of a fish species, the bighead goby Ponticola kessleri, with high temporal and spatial resolution through 2 years to identify patterns over time. We then compare Swiss and German samples of bighead goby along the river Rhine using microsatellites, mitochondrial D‐loop sequences and geometric morphometrics to investigate geographic patterns. We detect weak temporal and strong geographic patterns in the data, which are inconsistent with isolation by distance and indicate long range transport. In search of an explanation for our observations, we analyse the vector properties and travel patterns of commercial vessels on the river Rhine. We present evidence that freshwater cargo ships and tankers are plausible vectors for larvae of invasive goby species. We also present indications that cargo ships and tankers act as differential vectors for this species. In summary, we present genetic data at unique temporal resolution from a vertebrate invasion front and substantiate the paramount role of commercial shipping in freshwater fish translocations.
Thermogenic respiratory processes drive the exponential increase of volatile organic compound emissions in Macrozamia cycad cones
Authors: Terry L. Irene , Roemer Robert B. , Booth David T. , Moore Chris J. , Walter Gimme H.
Published: February 2016

An important outcome of plant thermogenesis is increased emissions of volatiles that mediate pollinator behaviour. We investigated whether the large increase in emissions, mainly the monoterpene ß‐myrcene (>90%), during daily thermogenic events of Macrozamia macleayi and lucida cycad cones are due solely to the influence of high cone temperatures or are, instead, a result of increased respiratory rates during thermogenesis. We concurrently measured temperature, oxygen consumption and ß‐myrcene emission profiles during thermogenesis of pollen cones under typical environmental temperatures and during experimental manipulations of cone temperatures and aerobic conditions, all in the dark. The exponential rise in ß‐myrcene emissions never occurred without a prior, large increase in respiration, whereas an increase in cone temperature alone did not increase emissions. When respiration during thermogenesis was interrupted by anoxic conditions, ß‐myrcene emissions decreased. The increased emission rates are not a result of increased cone temperature per se (through increased enzyme activity or volatilization of stored volatiles) but are dependent on biosynthetic pathways associated with increased respiration during thermogenesis that provide the carbon, energy (ATP) and reducing compounds (NADPH) required for ß‐myrcene production through the methylerythritol phosphate (MEP) pathway. These findings establish the significant contribution of respiration to volatile production during thermogenesis.
Pharmacokinetics and target attainment of mycophenolate in pediatric renal transplant patients
Authors: Martial Lisa C. , Jacobs Bart A. W. , Cornelissen Elisabeth A. M. , de Haan Anton F. J. , Koch Birgit C. P. , Burger David M. , Aarnoutse Rob E. , Schreuder Michiel F. , Brüggemann Roger J.M.
Published: February 2016

MPA is an immunosuppressive agent used to prevent graft rejection after renal transplantation. MPA shows considerable inter‐ and intraindividual variability in exposure in children and has a defined therapeutic window, and TDM is applied to individualize therapy. We aimed to study the exposure to MPA measured as the AUC in pediatric renal transplant patients, to identify factors influencing exposure and to assess target attainment. Children transplanted between 1998 and 2014 in a single center were included. Two groups were identified: Group 1 (AUC <3 wk post‐transplantation) and Group 2 (AUC >18 months post‐transplantation). Therapeutic targets were set at: AUC0–12h of 30–60 mg h/L. A total of 39 children were included in Group 1 (median age 13.3 yr) vs. 14 in Group 2 (median age 13.4 yr). AUC0–12h was 29.7 mg h/L in Group 1 and 56.6 mg h/L in Group 2, despite a lower dosage in Group 2 (584 and 426 mg/m2, respectively). About 46% of patients reached the target AUC0–12h in Group 1. Time since transplantation and serum creatinine were significantly associated with MPA exposure (p < 0.001), explaining 36% of the variability. Individualization of the mycophenolate dose by more intense and more early TDM could improve target attainment.
Smell this: Singapore's curry day and visceral citizenship
Authors: Montsion Jean Michel , Tan Serene K.
Published: February 2016

In August 2011, many Singaporean citizens grabbed their cooking pots and used the city‐state's national obsession with food to express growing dissatisfaction with immigration and integration trends. The ‘cook and share a pot of curry’ event—a local response to Chinese newcomers complaining about the smell of their Indian Singaporean neighbours’ food—is significant for its use of smell to catalyse a collective citizen reaction and for its reliance on contemporary social media. By analysing this event, we intend to (1) conceptualize the role of smell and viscera in framing citizenship; (2) understand how smells shed light on the city‐state's contemporary ethnic politics and sense of national identity; and (3) reframe the significance of curry day as an expression of visceral citizenship that complements how the state frames Singaporean citizenry. We maintain that curry day sheds light on a specific dimension of Singaporean citizenship, as it uses smell, viscera and embodied activism to mobilize against rationalistic state‐defined distinctions between local and international concerns, economic objectives and social cohesion, inter‐racial harmony and national identity.
A Panel Regression Study on Multiple Predictors of Environmental Concern for 82 Countries Across Seven Years*
Authors: Hao Feng
Published: February 2016

Objective

This article evaluates the extent to which economic affluence, ecological degradation, integration into the world polity, and economic globalization each contributes to the change in environmental concern in 82 countries across seven years.

Method

Using multivariate panel regression, I have analyzed a combined data set of four waves of World Values Surveys and three waves of surveys from the International Social Survey Program.

Results

Findings reveal that exposure to ecological degradation is positively related to growing environmental concern, whereas economic affluence has a negative association. In addition, integration into the world polity does not affect environmental concern and the two indicators of economic globalization have mixed impact.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that potentially influential factors have different influence over public environmental concern. Thus, a parsimonious explanation is inadequate since there is no universalistic factor that can account for all variations in environmental concern.
Electoral Consequences of Lawmaking Activities for State Legislative Incumbents*
Authors: Hogan Robert E. , Kromer Mileah K. , Wrzenski Rhonda L.
Published: February 2016

Objective

Do incumbent state legislators who introduce many bills or have high passage rates for their proposals receive an electoral benefit for these efforts? If so, where is such an electoral advantage manifested? Is it a direct effect whereby voters are more likely to recognize and reward a legislator's productivity? Or is the effect more indirect whereby potential candidates are less likely to challenge an active incumbent?

Methods

These questions are addressed in an analysis of legislative elections in 18 states over two election cycles.

Results

Within the low‐information environment of state legislative elections, there is evidence of both direct and indirect effects of lawmaking activities. Higher rates of bill passage decrease the likelihood that incumbents are challenged in primaries. Bill passage also reduces the likelihood they face well‐financed opponents in the general election. Incumbents who introduce more legislation ultimately receive larger vote shares in general elections.

Conclusions

Introducing and passing legislation can enhance an incumbent's prospects for reelection.
HLA‐B*40:01:44, a novel variant of HLA‐B*40:01, discovered in a Taiwanese hematopoietic stem cell donor
Authors: Yang K. L. , Hung J. H. , Lin P. Y.
Published: February 2016

One nucleotide replacement at residue 147 of HLA‐B*40:01:01 results in a new allele, HLA‐B*40:01:44
Parfit on Personal Identity: Its Analysis and (Un)importance
Authors: Persson Ingmar
Published: February 2016

This article examines Derek Parfit's claim inReasons and Personsthat personal identity consists in non‐branching psychological continuity with the right kind of cause. It argues that such psychological accounts of our identity fail, but that their main rivals, biological or animalist accounts do not fare better. Instead it proposes an error‐theory to the effect that common sense takes us to be identical to our bodies on the erroneous assumption that our minds belong non‐derivatively to them, whereas they in fact belong to them derivatively in virtue of belonging to some proper parts of them, namely certain features of their brains. However, these features do not meet another necessary condition of being the subject or owner of our minds: the condition of being “accessible” so that we can attribute our mental states to them in everyday life. There is also the problem of specifying these features more precisely. Nothing meets these two conditions, so we are not identical to anything. This conclusion fits well with Parfit's claim that personal identity is not what matters. But although this negative claim is true, it is suggested that Parfit's positive account of what matters is mistaken: it is rather psychological similarity than psychological continuity/connectedness that matters.
Transfusion of irradiated red blood cell units with a potassium adsorption filter: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Cid Joan , Villegas Vanessa , Carbassé Gloria , Alba Cristina , Perea Dolores , Lozano Miguel
Published: February 2016

BACKGROUND

The irradiation of red blood cells (RBCs) causes damage of the RBC membrane with increased potassium (K) leak during storage compared with nonirradiated RBC units of similar age. A previous in vitro study showed a mean reduction of K of 94 ± 5% with a potassium adsorption filter (PAF).

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A prospective, single‐center, nonblinded, randomized controlled trial (RCT) was designed to evaluate the safety and efficacy of transfusing irradiated RBC units with the PAF. Patients 18 years of age or older who received irradiated RBC units due to chemotherapy‐induced anemia were randomly assigned to receive irradiated RBC units with the PAF (PAF group) or with the standard blood infusion set (control group). Primary outcome measures were safety and efficacy of the PAF (absolute change in hemoglobin [Hb] and K, respectively, in patient's blood values after transfusing the irradiated RBC units with or without the PAF).

RESULTS

A total of 63 irradiated RBC units were transfused to 17 patients in the control group, and a total of 56 irradiated RBC units were transfused to 13 patients in the PAF group. The absolute change of Hb (9.3 ± 6.3 g/L vs. 8.1 ± 5.8 g/L; p = 0.3) and the absolute change of K (−0.01 ± 0.4 mmol/L vs. −0.01 ± 0.3 mmol/L; p = 0.2) were comparable between the two groups of the trial.

CONCLUSION

The transfusion of 1 irradiated RBC unit with the PAF was as safe and efficacious as the transfusion of 1 irradiated RBC unit with the standard blood infusion set in patients with chemotherapy‐induced anemia.
SPEECH EMOTION CLASSIFICATION USING SVM AND MLP ON PROSODIC AND VOICE QUALITY FEATURES
Authors: Idris Inshirah , Hj Salam Md Sah , Sunar Mohd Shahrizal
Published: February 2016

In this paper, a comparison of emotion classification undertaken by the Support Vector Machine (SVM) and the Multi-Layer Perceptron (MLP) Neural Network, using prosodic and voice quality features extracted from the Berlin Emotional Database, is reported. The features were extracted using PRAAT tools, while the WEKA tool was used for classification. Different parameters were set up for both SVM and MLP, which are used to obtain an optimized emotion classification. The results show that MLP overcomes SVM in overall emotion classification performance. Nevertheless, the training for SVM was much faster when compared to MLP. The overall accuracy was 76.82% for SVM and 78.69% for MLP. Sadness was the emotion most recognized by MLP, with accuracy of 89.0%, while anger was the emotion most recognized by SVM, with accuracy of 87.4%. The most confusing emotions using MLP classification were happiness and fear, while for SVM, the most confusing emotions were disgust and fear.
LEARNING THROUGH PLAYING FOR CHILDREN WITH CEREBRAL PALSY
Authors: Sulaiman Nuraini Hidayah , Ghazali Masitah
Published: February 2016

Guidelines for designing and developing a learning prototype that are compatible with the limited capabilities of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) are established in the form of a model, known as Learning Software User Interface Design Model (LSUIDM), to ensure children with CP are able to grasp the concepts of a learning software application prototype. In this paper, the LSUIDM is applied in developing a learning software application for children with CP. We present a user study on evaluating a children education game for CP children at Pemulihan dalam Komuniti in Johor Bahru. The findings from the user study shows that the game, which was built, based on the LSUIDM can be applied in the learning process for children with CP and most notably, the children are engaged and excited using the software. This paper highlights the lessons learned from the user study, which should be significant especially in improving the application. The results of the study show that the application is proven to be interactive, useful and efficient as the users used it.
Something old, something new: a successful case of meprobamate withdrawal
Authors: James Alexander Owen , Nicholson Timothy R , Hill Robert , Bearn Jennifer
Published: February 2016

Meprobamate, a benzodiazepine-like drug, was commonly prescribed for anxiety in the 1960s and 1970s, but fell out of favour, at least in part, due to the risk of dependence, for which there is little published evidence to guide clinical management. We discuss a 70-year-old man with a 45-year history of meprobamate dependency and multiple failed previous withdrawal attempts who was successfully withdrawn from meprobamate using diazepam during a 2-week inpatient stay on a specialist Addictions ward. An appropriate diazepam dose was established using the Clinical Institute Withdrawal Assessment scale for benzodiazepines (CIWA-B). This dose was then slowly reduced over 12 days. Multidisciplinary input, especially psychological therapy tackling his underlying anxiety disorder during his admission, was thought to be particularly helpful.
The impact of work-matched interval training on V̇O2peak and V̇O2 kinetics: diminishing returns with increasing intensity
Authors: Raleigh James P. , Giles Matthew D. , Scribbans Trisha D. , Edgett Brittany A. , Sawula Laura J. , Bonafiglia Jacob T. , Graham Ryan B. , Gurd Brendon J.
Published: February 2016

High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves peak oxygen uptake (V̇O2peak) and oxygen uptake (V̇O2) kinetics, however, it is unknown whether an optimal intensity of HIIT exists for eliciting improvements in these measures of whole-body oxidative metabolism. The purpose of this study was to (i) investigate the effect of interval intensity on training-induced adaptations in V̇O2peak and V̇O2 kinetics, and (ii) examine the impact of interval intensity on the frequency of nonresponders in V̇O2peak. Thirty-six healthy men and women completed 3 weeks of cycle ergometer HIIT, consisting of intervals targeting 80% (LO), 115% (MID), or 150% (HI) of peak aerobic power. Total work performed per training session was matched across groups. A main effect of training (p < 0.05) and a significant interaction effect was observed for V̇O2peak, with the change in V̇O2peak being greater (p < 0.05) in the MID group than the LO group; however, no differences were observed between the HI group and either the MID or LO groups (ΔV̇O2peak; LO, 2.7 ± 0.7 mL·kg–1·min–1; MID, 5.8 ± 0.7; HI, 4.2 ± 1.0). The greatest proportion of responders was observed in the MID group (LO, 8/12; MID, 12/13; HI, 9/11). A nonsignificant relationship (p = 0.26; r2 = 0.04) was found between the changes in V̇O2peak and τV̇O2. These results suggest that training at intensities around V̇O2peak may represent a threshold intensity above which further increases in training intensity provide no additional adaptive benefit. The dissociation between changes in V̇O2peak and V̇O2 kinetics also reflects the different underlying mechanisms regulating these adaptations.
Identifying blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) stock structure in the Northeast Atlantic by otolith shape analysis
Authors: Mahe Kélig , Oudard Clémence , Mille Tiphaine , Keating James , Gonçalves Patricia , Clausen Lotte Worsoe , Petursdottir Gróa , Rasmussen Helle , Meland Elna , Mullins Eugene , Pinnegar John K. , Hoines Åge , Trenkel Verena M.
Published: February 2016

Information on stock identification and spatial stock structure provide a basis for understanding fish population dynamics and improving fisheries management. In this study, otolith shape analysis was used to study the stock structure of blue whiting (Micromesistius poutassou) in the northeast Atlantic using 1693 samples from mature fish collected between 37°N and 75°N and 20°W and 25°E. The results indicated two stocks located north and south of ICES Divisions VIa and VIb (54°5N to 60°5N, 4°W to 11°W). The central area corresponds to the spawning area west of Scotland. Sampling year effects and misclassification in the linear discriminant analysis suggested exchanges between the northern and southern stocks. The results corroborate previous studies indicating a structuring of the blue whiting stock into two stocks, with some degree of mixing in the central overlap area.
Effect of nitrogen fertilization on camelina seed yield, yield components, and downy mildew infection
Authors: Jiang Yunfei* , Caldwell Claude D.
Published: February 2016

Camelina [Camelina sativa (L.) Crantz] has potential in aquaculture, livestock feed production, and the biofuel industry. It is necessary to determine the appropriate production technology for the newly introduced crop under different environmental conditions. The objective of this 2-year study was to measure the response of five camelina genotypes in terms of seed yield, yield components, and disease incidence to applied nitrogen (N) at multiple sites in the Maritime provinces of eastern Canada. The factorial experiment was set up as a randomized complete block design. The two factors were six N rates (0, 25, 50, 100, 150, and 200 kg ha−1 N) and five genotypes of camelina (Calena, CDI002, CDI005, CDI007, and CDI008). The interactive effect of N rates and genotypes was considered. Results showed that camelina, which is usually considered a low-input crop, responded positively to increased applied N at rates up to 200 kg ha−1 N. Seed yield responded differently to applied N rates depending on genotype. Branch and pod development were decisive for seed yield. The advanced line CDI007 had the highest yield potential among the five genotypes. Downy mildew infection was positively correlated with applied N rates; however, seed yield was not significantly affected by downy mildew infection.
Examining the plant-back interval for glyphosate/glufosinate-resistant corn after the application of ACCase inhibitors
Authors: Mahoney K.J. , Shropshire C. , Sikkema P.H.
Published: February 2016

Field experiments in 2013 and 2014 examined corn (Zea mays L.) tolerance to acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase (ACCase) inhibiting herbicides in a scenario where they would have been used to terminate a failed corn stand prior to replanting. To simulate this, herbicides were applied 1 wk or 1 d preplant (PP) and several parameters were measured. Corn injury 1, 2, 4, or 8 wk after emergence (WAE) was similar to the untreated control, regardless of herbicide, rate, or PP application timing. Across herbicides and rates, PP timing did not affect plant stand and aboveground biomass 2 WAE, plant height 4 WAE, or yield. Across application timings, plant stand and aboveground biomass were similar to the untreated control, regardless of herbicide treatment or rate; however, some herbicides reduced height and (or) yield. For example, compared with the untreated control, fluazifop-p-butyl (75 and 150 g ha−1) and sethoxydim (300 g ha−1) each reduced height by about 3%, while clethodim (30 and 60 g ha−1), fluazifop-p-butyl (150 g ha−1), and quizalofop-p-ethyl (72 g ha−1) each reduced yield by about 2%. Therefore, in situations where a grower may need to terminate a failed corn stand, the selection of ACCase-inhibiting herbicides could be based on efficacy rather than plant-back restrictions.
Extracting αs from scaling violations in light-hadron fragmentation functions
Authors: Kniehl Bernd A.
Published: February 2016

We review the status of extracting the strong-coupling constant [Formula: see text] from the scaling violations in fragmentation functions (FFs) by fitting the latter to experimental data of the inclusive production of single light hadrons in [Formula: see text] annihilation. We also discuss the analogous analysis based on the average hadron multiplicities in gluon and quark jets, which correspond to the first Mellin moments of the respective FFs. We then assess the prospects of such [Formula: see text] determinations at future high-luminosity [Formula: see text] colliders such as the CERN Future Circular Collider operated in the [Formula: see text] annihilation mode (FCC-ee).
Cluster decay in osmium isotopes using Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov theory
Authors: Ashok Nithu , Joseph Deepthy Maria , Joseph Antony
Published: February 2016

Cluster radioactivity is a rare cold nuclear process which is intermediate between alpha decay and spontaneous fission. The present work is a theoretical investigation of the feasibility of alpha decay and cluster radioactivity from proton rich Osmium (Os) isotopes with mass number ranging from 162–190. Osmium forms a part of the transition region between highly deformed and spherical nuclei. Calculations have been done using unified fission model and Hartree–Fock–Bogoliubov (HFB) theory. We have chosen only those decays with half-lives falling in measurable range. Geiger–Nuttall plot has been successfully reproduced. The isotope which is most favorable to each decay mode has a magic daughter nucleus.
Rarita–Schwinger massless field in covariant and Coulomb-like gauges
Authors: Manoukian E. B.
Published: February 2016

The massless Rarita–Schwinger field propagator used in perturbative interacting field theories involving this field is derived in covariant and the Coulomb-like gauges for the first time by explicitly invoking the gauge constraints as it was for a massless vector field over the years.
The De Haas–Van Alphen effect at high temperatures and in low magnetic fields in semiconductors
Authors: Gulyamov G. , Erkaboev U. I. , Yu. Sharibaev N.
Published: February 2016

We developed the method of calculation of the temperature dependence of the magnetic susceptibility. We considered the de Haas–van Alphen (dHvA) effect in semiconductors at high temperatures and low magnetic fields. The effect of temperature on dHvA effect is explained with respect to the temperature dependence of the thermodynamic density of states in a magnetic field.
Simple way to extract solutions and features of the Dirac equation for a noncentral potentials
Authors: Barakat T. , Abdalla M. Sebawe
Published: February 2016

The main purpose of the present study is to explore the classes of the Schrödinger-like wave equations derived from Dirac equation, for which the similarity transformation and asymptotic iteration algorithms can assist in generating second-order differential equation that admit general exact solutions in the presence of nonsymmetrical potential terms. For illustration purposes, we extract the exact bound-state solutions of the Dirac equation with the noncentral Hartmann potential for the cases of exact [Formula: see text] spin and pseudospin symmetries. Also, we have shown that both Dirac-radial and Dirac-polar parts are sensitive to the variation of the involved parameters.
Sample paths of the solution to the fractional-colored stochastic heat equation
Authors: Tudor Ciprian A. , Xiao Yimin
Published: February 2016

Let [Formula: see text] be the solution to the linear stochastic heat equation driven by a fractional noise in time with correlated spatial structure. We study various path properties of the process [Formula: see text] with respect to the time and to the space variable, respectively. In particular, we derive exact uniform moduli of continuity and Chung-type laws of iterated logarithm.
Probabilistic Prediction of Homogenized Property and Update of Prediction for Spherical Porous Material Considering Microstructural Uncertainties
Authors: Wen Pin , Yokota Kenichiro , Takano Naoki
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this work is to simulate uncertainties existing in microscopic field of spherical porous material so that the homogenized property of interest can be predicted with high reliability. Moreover, the final goal is to build a bridge of feedback between microstructure design and fabrication to predict microstructure morphology by limited measurement data of macroscopic property. The uncertainties are identified as parametric variables in constituent material property and nonparametric variables in morphological fluctuation such as disordering and clustering in microstructure. First-order perturbation, based stochastic homogenization (FPSH) method together with mixture distribution technique is employed for probabilistic prediction. Furthermore, the update of prediction is accomplished in the case of an assumed virtual experimental trial. Two numerical examples show that the probabilistic prediction has given a better decision in microstructure design than deterministic prediction. The main conclusion coming from the new method derived by gap between measured data and prediction showed that, when the update is used for morphology prediction of microstructure, it is almost perfect agreement with parameters’ setup of virtual experiment. After it is applied for update of probabilistic homogenized property, it could make the updated homogenized property closer to measurement data so that it becomes more realistic.
Contemporary Construction of Ecological Civilization: From Ecological Crisis to Ecological Governance
Authors: YANG Fating
Published: February 2016

Since the industrial revolution, people have adopted the linear development mode of “resting on the principal” to gain wealth through crazy plunder of nature despite severe pollution to the environment for human survival, which results in sharp conflict between man and nature. As ecological crisis arises, people begin to reflect on the industrial revolution profoundly. They start adopting the cycle development mode of “resting on the interest” and take active steps to build ecological civilization, which is not only a form of civilization but also a development concept. It breaks traditional views and ideas of “considering environment merely from the angle of environment”, “environment and development are mutually independent” and “environment and development are opposed to each other”, and it achieves a higher level of harmony between man and nature, resources and environment, as well as man and society. The construction of ecological civilization, as an important part of national governance, is the only way to solve the problem of ecological environment deterioration as well as to promote the transformation of ecological civilization.
Risk Assessment of Climate-Induced Rural-Urban Migration: Case Study of Ningxia Based on Expert Judgment
Authors: ZHENG Yan , ZHANG Xiaoyu
Published: February 2016

Climate change has become an important driving factor for regional migration. This paper projects the crop yields in the typical sub-regions of Ningxia with SRES-A1B climate modeling method, and makes an expert evaluation on future risk of climate-induced migration based on IPCC risk framework. The paper argues that there would be an increasing rural-urban migration flow from the central and southern areas to the northern area of Ningxia in the near future, mainly because of the trend of a decreasing climate carrying capacity and an expanding poverty population in those vulnerable areas to climate change. This paper concludes that well-designed relocation plans would help to facilitate the migration as well as to promote the urbanization in Ningxia, taking into consideration of future climate change scenarios and risk assessment on climate-induced migration.
Effect of Motivation by “Instagram” on Adherence to Physical Activity among Female College Students
Authors: Al-Eisa Einas , Al-Rushud Asma , Alghadir Ahmad , Anwer Shahnawaz , Al-Harbi Bashayer , Al-Sughaier Noha , Al-Yoseef Noha , Al-Otaibi Reem , Al-Muhaysin Hanadi Ali
Published: February 2016

Objective.To investigate the efficacy of using “Instagram application” with a “home-exercise program” as a motivational stimulus in improving physical activity (PA) adherence levels among female college students.Methods.Fifty-eight female undergraduate students with the mean age20.3±0.96years participated. Participants were divided into two groups: intervention and the control group; both the groups received an exercise program and the intervention group was additionally motivated by “Instagram.” Adherence to PA was measured by using an adherence sheet. The Exercise Motivation Inventory (EMI-2) was used to assess the motivational factors.Results.The most frequent motivational factors were extrinsic as assessed using the EMI-2. “Positive health” was the most frequent factor mentioned of the two types with 47% of the sample. The intervention group adhered with 17% more to the activity program compared to the control group. Moreover, 72% of the participants in the intervention and control groups found the activity program flexible enough to be performed at home; they agreed about its effectiveness on adherence (53%).Conclusions.The use of Instagram with the home exercise program as a motivational modality could be attractive and effective to reinforce adherence and maintain an appropriate PA level.
Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus Types 1 and 2 Seropositivity among Blood Donors at Mbarara Regional Blood Bank, South Western Uganda
Authors: Uchenna Tweteise Patience , Natukunda Bernard , Bazira Joel
Published: February 2016

Background.The human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1 and 2 (HTLV 1/2) are retroviruses associated with different pathologies. HTLV-1 causes adult T-cell leukemia/lymphoma (ATL) and HTLV-1-associated myelopathy/tropical spastic paraparesis (HAM/TSP); HTLV-2 is not clearly associated with a known clinical disease. Both viruses may be transmitted by whole blood transfusion, from mother to child predominantly through breastfeeding, and by sexual contact. Presently, none of the regional blood banks in Uganda perform routine pretransfusion screening for HTLV. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of anti-human T-cell lymphotropic virus types 1/2 (HTLV-1/2) antibodies among blood donors at Mbarara Regional Blood Bank in South Western Uganda. A cross-sectional study was conducted between June 2014 and September 2014.Methodology. Consecutive blood samples of 368 blood donors were screened for anti-HTLV-1/2 antibodies using an enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Samples reactive on a first HTLV-1/2 ELISA were further retested in duplicate using the same ELISA. Of the three hundred and sixty-eight blood donors (229 (62.2%) males and 139 (37.8%) females), only two male donors aged 20 and 21 years were HTLV-1/2 seropositive, representing a prevalence of 0.54%.Conclusion. HTLV-1/2 prevalence is low among blood donors at Mbarara Regional Blood Bank. Studies among other categories of people at risk for HTLV 1/2 infection should be carried out.
A Novel Online Multivariate Identification for Autotuning Speed Control in PMSM Drives
Authors: Chen Ke , Ai Wu , Chen Bing , Liu Yi
Published: February 2016

A novel online algorithm to identify the moment of inertia, viscous friction coefficient, and load torque of PMSM (Permanent Magnet Synchronous Motor) drives and a distinctive autotuning speed control scheme are presented. The proposed identification algorithm does not require motors run in a particular trajectory and only needs a short identification time. A Luenberger speed observer is introduced to eliminate noises which are generated by the detection of position signal and to improve the accuracy of identified parameters. Parameters of the speed controller are optimized by analyzing the mathematical model of the system and the formula of the PI controller. Compared to a standard recursive least squares method (RLSM) and traditional PI algorithm, the effectiveness of the proposed identification algorithm and autotuning speed control scheme are validated through simulations and experiments.
Friction Reduction Capabilities of Silicate Compounds Used in an Engine Lubricant on Worn Surfaces
Authors: Singh Devendra , Thakre G. D. , Konathala L. N. Sivakumar , Prasad V. V. D. N.
Published: February 2016

Effects of magnesium silicate and alumina dispersed in engine lubricant on friction, wear, and tribosurface characteristics are studied under boundary and mixed lubrication conditions. Magnesium silicate and alumina, henceforth called as friction reducing compounds (FRC), were dispersed in engine lubricant in very low concentration of 0.01% weight/volume. Four-ball wear test rig was used to assess friction coefficient and wear scar diameter of balls lubricated with and without FRC based engine lubricant. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) equipped with Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDX) was used to analyse the tribosurface properties and elemental distributions on worn surfaces of the balls. Test results revealed that FRC based engine lubricant increases friction coefficient but marginally reduces wear scar diameter of new balls, whereas, test on the worn-out balls running on FRC based engine lubricants shows 46% reduction in friction coefficient compared to the new balls running on engine lubricants without FRC. Investigations on tribosurfaces with respect to morphology and elemental distribution showed the presence of Si and O elements in micropores of the worn surfaces of the balls, indicating role of FRC in friction coefficient reduction and antiwear properties. These FRC based engine lubricants may be used in the in-use engines.
Synthesis and Characterization of Monometallic (Ag, Cu) and Bimetallic Ag-Cu Particles for Antibacterial and Antifungal Applications
Authors: Paszkiewicz Marta , Gołąbiewska Anna , Rajski Łukasz , Kowal Ewelina , Sajdak Agnieszka , Zaleska-Medynska Adriana
Published: February 2016

In this paper, the experimental studies are concerned with the effect of the synthesis parameters on the formation of monometallic Ag and Cu nanoparticles (NPs). We consider the synthesis strategies verification for the bimetallic core-shell and alloy particles preparation. It was successfully obtained by chemical reduction method. The obtained colloidal solution is characterized by the transmission electron microscopy (TEM) with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) data, UV-Vis spectra, particle size distribution, and zeta potential. This work presents a comprehensive overview of experimental studies of the most stable colloidal solutions to impregnate fabrics that will exhibit a bactericidal and fungicidal activity againstCandida albicans,Escherichia coli, andStaphylococcus aureus.
n-3 Polyunsaturated Fatty Acid Supplementation Has No Effect on Postprandial Triglyceride-Rich Lipoprotein Kinetics in Men with Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tremblay André J. , Lamarche Benoît , Hogue Jean-Charles , Couture Patrick
Published: February 2016

Dietary n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) have been proposed to modulate plasma lipids, lipoprotein metabolism, and inflammatory state and to reduce triglyceride (TG) concentrations. The present double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study investigated the effects of n-3 PUFA supplementation at 3 g/d for 8 weeks on the intravascular kinetics of intestinally derived apolipoprotein (apo) B-48-containing lipoproteins in 10 men with type 2 diabetes.In vivokinetics of the TG-rich lipoprotein (TRL) apoB-48 and VLDL apoB-100 were assessed using a primed-constant infusion of L-[5,5,5-D3] leucine for 12 hours in a fed state. Compared with the placebo, n-3 PUFA supplementation significantly reduced fasting TG concentrations by −9.7% (P=0.05) but also significantly increased plasma levels of cholesterol (C) (+6.0%,P=0.05), LDL-C (+12.2%,P=0.04), and HDL-C (+8.4,P=0.007). n-3 PUFA supplementation had no significant impact on postprandial TRL apoB-48 and VLDL apoB-100 levels or on the production or catabolic rates of these lipoproteins. These data indicate that 8-week supplementation with n-3 PUFAs in men with type 2 diabetes has no beneficial effect on TRL apoB-48 and VLDL apoB-100 levels or kinetics.
Synthesis of CdS Sensitized TiO2Photocatalysts: Methylene Blue Adsorption and Enhanced Photocatalytic Activities
Authors: Makama A. B. , Salmiaton A. , Saion E. B. , Choong T. S. Y. , Abdullah N.
Published: February 2016

A series of CdS/TiO2nanocomposites with different Cd to Ti molar ratio were synthesized from P25-TiO2nanopowder using microwave-assisted hydrothermal method. The as-produced powders were characterized by XRD, electron microscopy, EDX, and UV-Vis diffuse reflectance spectroscopy. The adsorption capacity and photocatalytic activity of the samples were investigated using methylene blue as a model pollutant. Sorption tests revealed that the adsorption of MB onto the samples obeys the Freundlich-Langmuir isotherm model. The sorption capacity decreased as follows:TiO2>TCd2>TCd1>TCd3>TCd4. The results of the photocatalytic tests under high-intensity discharge (HID) lamp revealed that CdS/TiO2powders with low Cd to Ti molar ratios exhibited much higher activities than P25-TiO2. The CdS/TiO2sample with 20% CdS/(TCd2) showed the most activity among all these samples. The results also show that the Cd to Ti molar ratio of the nanocomposite has a significant effect on the photodegradation of MB and the enhanced activities exhibited by the nanocomposites are because of the low rate of electron-hole recombination.
Joint IA and SFBC Macrocells and Small-Cells Coexistence under Minor Information Exchange
Authors: Ali Syed Saqlain , Castanheira Daniel , Silva Adão , Gameiro Atílio
Published: February 2016

The deployment of small-cells within the boundaries of a macrocell is considered to be an effective solution to cope with the current trend of higher data rates and improved system capacity. In the current heterogeneous configuration with the mass deployment of small-cells, it is preferred that these two cell types will coexist over the same spectrum, because acquiring additional spectrum licenses for small-cells is difficult and expensive. However, the coexistence leads to cross-tier/intersystem interference. In this context, this contribution investigates interference alignment (IA) methods in order to mitigate the interference of macrocell base station towards the small-cell user terminals. More specifically, we design a diversity-oriented interference alignment scheme with space-frequency block codes (SFBCs). The main motivation for joint interference alignment with SFBC is to allow the coexistence of two systems under minor intersystem information exchange. The small-cells just need to know what space-frequency block code is used by the macrocell system and no intersystem channels need to be exchanged, contrarily to other schemes recently proposed. Numerical results show that the proposed method achieves a performance close to the case where full cooperation between the tiers is allowed.
Chain Length and Thermal Sensitivity of the Infrared Spectra of a Homologous Series of Anhydrous Silver(I)n-Alkanoates
Authors: Nelson Peter N.
Published: February 2016

The thermal and chain length sensitivity of the infrared spectra of some solid state anhydrous silver(I) salts (n-octanoate ton-eicosanoate, inclusive) are discussed. At ambient temperature, the tilted alkyl chains, anchored to the metal planes via chelating bidentate coordination to the silver ions, are crystallized in the fully extendedall-transconformation. Interestingly, though all compounds are crystallized in a monoclinic crystal system, their lateral chain packing,van der Waalseffects, and hence vibrational features are chain length-dependent. This is a direct result of electrostatic effects of the COO group in addition to vibrational coupling between CH2, CH3, and COO modes, an effect which varies significantly with chain length. Variable temperature infrared measurements indicate significant irreversible changes in the metal-carboxyl coordination sphere, most likely due to bond fission. For long chain adducts (nc>12), thermally induced crystal system switching, monoclinic to triclinic, indicates greater thermal sensitivity of their alkyl chains. During heating, the regions of the hydrocarbon chains, furthest from the COO, become increasingly molten and mobile as the stepwise melt advances towards the solid COO moieties. This solid-liquid melting behaviour is responsible for mesophase formation in metal carboxylate systems.
Immunity and Tolerance Induced by Intestinal Mucosal Dendritic Cells
Authors: Aliberti Julio
Published: February 2016

Dendritic cells present in the digestive tract are constantly exposed to environmental antigens, commensal flora, and invading pathogens. Under steady-state conditions, these cells have high tolerogenic potential, triggering differentiation of regulatory T cells to protect the host from unwanted proinflammatory immune responses to innocuous antigens or commensals. On the other hand, these cells must discriminate between commensal flora and invading pathogens and mount powerful immune response against pathogens. A potential result of unbalanced tolerogenic versus proinflammatory responses mediated by dendritic cells is associated with chronic inflammatory conditions, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, food allergies, and celiac disease. Herein, we review the dendritic cell population involved in mediating tolerance and immunity in mucosal surfaces, the progress in unveiling their development in vivo, and factors that can influence their functions.
Mobility in Old Age: Capacity Is Not Performance
Authors: Giannouli Eleftheria , Bock Otmar , Mellone Sabato , Zijlstra Wiebren
Published: February 2016

Background. Outcomes of laboratory-based tests for mobility are often used to infer about older adults’ performance in real life; however, it is unclear whether such association exists. We hypothesized that mobility capacity, as measured in the laboratory, and mobility performance, as measured in real life, would be poorly linked.Methods. The sample consisted of 84 older adults (72.5±5.9years). Capacity was assessed via the iTUG and standard gait parameters (stride length, stride velocity, and cadence). Performance was assessed in real life over a period of6.95±1.99days using smartphone technology to calculate following parameters: active and gait time, number of steps, life-space, mean action-range, and maximum action-range. Correlation analyses and stepwise multiple regression analyses were applied.Results. All laboratory measures demonstrated significant associations with the real-life measures (betweenr=.229andr=.461). The multiple regression analyses indicated that the laboratory measures accounted for a significant but very low proportion of variance (between 5% and 21%) in real-life measures.Conclusion. In older adults without mobility impairments, capacity-related measures of mobility bear little significance for predicting real-life performance. Hence, other factors play a role in how older people manage their daily-life mobility. This should be considered for diagnosis and treatment of mobility deficits in older people.
Effectiveness of Percutaneous Balloon Mitral Valvuloplasty for Rheumatic Mitral Stenosis with Mild to Severe Mitral Regurgitation
Authors: Lu LinXiang , Hong Lang , Fang Jun , Chen LiangLong
Published: February 2016

This study is designed to test whether percutaneous balloon mitral valvuloplasty (PBMV) is effective for rheumatic mitral stenosis in Chinese patients with moderate to severe mitral regurgitation. Fifty-six patients with rheumatic mitral valve stenosis were divided into the mild, moderate, and severe regurgitation groups. Cardiac ultrasonography was measured before and 1 to 2 days after PBMV. Following PBMV, the mitral orifice was enlarged, and the left atrial diameter was reduced in the 3 patient groups. The enlargement of the mitral orifice in the mild regurgitation group was greater than that observed in the moderate and severe regurgitation groups. The size of the regurgitation area increased in the mild regurgitation group and decreased in the moderate and severe regurgitation groups, with the decrease in the severe regurgitation group being greater than that in the moderate regurgitation group. Therefore, PBMV is effective for treating rheumatic mitral stenosis in Chinese patients with mild to severe mitral regurgitation.