bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population Structure of the Greenhouse Whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood), an Invasive Species from the Americas, 60 Years after Invading China
Authors: Gao Rui-Rui , Zhang Wen-Ping , Wu Huai-Tong , Zhang Rui-Ming , Zhou Hong-Xu , Pan Hui-Peng , Zhang You-Jun , Brown Judith , Chu Dong
Published: August 2014

Though the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum (Westwood) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) was introduced into China more than 60 years ago, the genetic diversity and structure of this exotic insect pest and virus vector have not been studied. To investigate the population genetic characteristics of this invasive species and to identify potential invasion routes, the genetic diversity and population structure of 17 collections of T. vaporariorum from nine provinces in China were analyzed using seven microsatellite loci. The results of the analyses indicated that the genetic diversity for the populations examined from the four provinces: Jilin, Ningxia, Guizhou and Qinghai, was lower than the genetic diversity of populations from the five provinces: Yunnan, Shandong, Shanxi, Liaoning, and Gansu. The T. vaporariorum populations analyzed in this study grouped as two distinct genetic clusters based on the analysis using STRUCTURE, whereas, 8 clusters were identified based on the BAPS analysis. Of the 136 genetic distance (Fst) values, 128 (94%) were associated with a significant exact test. However, there was no significant relationship between Fst and geographical distance. These results demonstrate that populations of T. vaporariorum in China exhibit significant genetic differentiation, indicating the likelihood that multiple introductions of T. vaporariorum into China have occurred. Also, the populations collected from the provinces of Jilin, Ningxia, Guizhou and Qinghai appear to represent secondary introductions originating from other Chinese provinces.
Antioxidant and Functional Properties of Collagen Hydrolysates from Spanish Mackerel Skin as Influenced by Average Molecular Weight
Authors: Chi Chang-Feng , Cao Zi-Hao , Wang Bin , Hu Fa-Yuan , Li Zhong-Rui , Zhang Bin
Published: August 2014

In the current study, the relationships between functional properties and average molecular weight (AMW) of collagen hydrolysates from Spanish mackerel (Scomberomorous niphonius) skin were researched. Seven hydrolysate fractions (5.04 ≤ AMW ≤ 47.82 kDa) from collagen of Spanish mackerel skin were obtained through the processes of acid extraction, proteolysis, and fractionation using gel filtration chromatography. The physicochemical properties of the collagen hydrolysate fractions were studied by sodium dodecyl sulfate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE), gel filtration chromatography, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The results indicated that there was an inverse relationship between the antioxidant activities and the logarithm of the AMW of the hydrolysate fractions in the tested AMW range. However, the reduction of AMW significantly enhanced the solubility of the hydrolysate fractions, and a similar AMW decrease of the hydrolysate fractions negatively affected the emulsifying and foaming capacities. This presented as a positive correlation between the logarithm of AMW and emulsion stability index, emulsifying activity index, foam stability, and foam capacity. Therefore, these collagen hydrolysates with excellent antioxidant activities or good functionalities as emulsifiers could be obtained by controlling the effect of the digestion process on the AMW of the resultant hydrolysates.
Nucleoside 2'-Deoxyribosyltransferase from Psychrophilic Bacterium Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus — Preparation of an Immobilized Biocatalyst for the Enzymatic Synthesis of Therapeutic Nucleosides
Authors: Fresco-Taboada Alba , Serra Immacolata , Fernández-Lucas Jesús , Acebal Carmen , Arroyo Miguel , Terreni Marco , De la Mata Isabel
Published: August 2014

Nucleoside 2'-deoxyribosyltransferase (NDT) from the psychrophilic bacterium Bacillus psychrosaccharolyticus CECT 4074 has been cloned and produced for the first time. A preliminary characterization of the recombinant protein indicates that the enzyme is an NDT type II since it catalyzes the transfer of 2'-deoxyribose between purines and pyrimidines. The enzyme (BpNDT) displays a high activity and stability in a broad range of pH and temperature. In addition, different approaches for the immobilization of BpNDT onto several supports have been studied in order to prepare a suitable biocatalyst for the one-step industrial enzymatic synthesis of different therapeutic nucleosides. Best results were obtained by adsorbing the enzyme on PEI-functionalized agarose and subsequent cross-linking with aldehyde-dextran (20 kDa and 70% oxidation degree). The immobilized enzyme could be recycled for at least 30 consecutive cycles in the synthesis of 2'-deoxyadenosine from 2'-deoxyuridine and adenine at 37 °C and pH 8.0, with a 25% loss of activity. High conversion yield of trifluridine (64.4%) was achieved in 2 h when 20 mM of 2'-deoxyuridine and 10 mM 5-trifluorothymine were employed in the transglycosylation reaction catalyzed by immobilized BpNDT at 37 °C and pH 7.5.
Size Control of Magnetite Nanoparticles in Excess Ligands as a Function of Reaction Temperature and Time
Authors: Nakaya Masafumi , Nishida Ryo , Muramatsu Atsushi
Published: August 2014

The novel synthesis of monodisperse magnetite Fe3O4 nanoparticles of varying sizes using a solventless synthetic method was developed. Iron salt was treated in excess oleylamine and oleic acid as ligands. The effect of the reaction temperature and time on the particle size was investigated and the particle sizes were easily tuned from 5.3 to 20.4 nm by changing the reaction temperature and time.
Biocatalytic Behaviour of Immobilized Rhizopus oryzae Lipase in the 1,3-Selective Ethanolysis of Sunflower Oil to Obtain a Biofuel Similar to Biodiesel
Authors: Luna Carlos , Verdugo Cristóbal , Sancho Enrique , Luna Diego , Calero Juan , Posadillo Alejandro , Bautista Felipa , Romero Antonio
Published: August 2014

A new biofuel similar to biodiesel was obtained in the 1,3-selective transesterification reaction of sunflower oil with ethanol using as biocatalyst a Rhizopus oryzae lipase (ROL) immobilized on Sepiolite, an inorganic support. The studied lipase was a low cost powdered enzyme preparation, Biolipase-R, from Biocon-Spain, a multipurpose additive used in food industry. In this respect, it is developed a study to optimize the immobilization procedure of these lipases on Sepiolite. Covalent immobilization was achieved by the development of an inorganic-organic hybrid linker formed by a functionalized hydrocarbon chain with a pendant benzaldehyde, bonded to the AlPO4 support surface. Thus, the covalent immobilization of lipases on amorphous AlPO4/sepiolite (20/80 wt %) support was evaluated by using two different linkers (p-hydroxybenzaldehyde and benzylamine-terephthalic aldehyde, respectively). Besides, the catalytic behavior of lipases after physical adsorption on the demineralized sepiolite was also evaluated. Obtained results indicated that covalent immobilization with the p-hydroxybenzaldehyde linker gave the best biocatalytic behavior. Thus, this covalently immobilized lipase showed a remarkable stability as well as an excellent capacity of reutilization (more than five successive reuses) without a significant loss of its initial catalytic activity. This could allow a more efficient fabrication of biodiesel minimizing the glycerol waste production.
Influence of Vinegar and Wine Processing on the Alkaloid Content and Composition of the Traditional Chinese Medicine Corydalis Rhizoma (Yanhusuo)
Authors: Wu Hongwei , Waldbauer Katharina , Tang Liying , Xie Lianwu , McKinnon Ruxandra , Zehl Martin , Yang Hongjun , Xu Haiyu , Kopp Brigitte
Published: August 2014

Corydalis Rhizoma is the dried tuber of Corydalis yanhusuo W.T. Wang which is used in traditional Chinese medicine for pain relief and blood activation. Before being used in the clinics, C. yanhusuo is traditionally processed through dry-frying or frying with vinegar, wine or salt. In this study, eleven alkaloids from Corydalis Rhizoma, namely protopine (1), α-allocryptopine (2), tetrahydrocolumbamine (3), coptisine (4), palmatine (5), berberine (6), dehydrocorydaline (7), d,l-tetrahydropalmatine (8), tetrahydroberberine (9), corydaline (10) and tetrahydrocoptisine (11) were simultaneously quantified using a newly developed high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD) method. The influence of vinegar and wine processing on the content of the main alkaloids of Corydalis Rhizoma was investigated. For this purpose, two common formulations with clinical application, namely the water decoction of Corydalis Rhizoma and its formula Jin Ling Zi San (combination of Corydalis Rhizoma and Toosendan Fructus) were studied. In the two water decoctions, wine and vinegar processing increased the amount of tertiary alkaloids. The differences were more pronounced for Jin Ling Zi San, in which case the content of all tertiary alkaloids (compounds 1, 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 11) was increased by wine processing.
Hepcidin and Iron Homeostasis during Pregnancy
Authors: Koenig Mary , Tussing-Humphreys Lisa , Day Jessica , Cadwell Brooke , Nemeth Elizabeta
Published: August 2014

Hepcidin is the master regulator of systemic iron bioavailability in humans. This review examines primary research articles that assessed hepcidin during pregnancy and postpartum and report its relationship to maternal and infant iron status and birth outcomes; areas for future research are also discussed. A systematic search of the databases Medline and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health returned 16 primary research articles including 10 human and six animal studies. Collectively, the results indicate that hepcidin is lower during pregnancy than in a non-pregnant state, presumably to ensure greater iron bioavailability to the mother and fetus. Pregnant women with undetectable serum hepcidin transferred a greater quantity of maternally ingested iron to their fetus compared to women with detectable hepcidin, indicating that maternal hepcidin in part determines the iron bioavailability to the fetus. However, inflammatory states, including preeclampsia, malaria infection, and obesity were associated with higher hepcidin during pregnancy compared to healthy controls, suggesting that maternal and fetal iron bioavailability could be compromised in such conditions. Future studies should examine the relative contribution of maternal versus fetal hepcidin to the control of placental iron transfer as well as optimizing maternal and fetal iron bioavailability in pregnancies complicated by inflammation.
Polarimetric Contextual Classification of PolSAR Images Using Sparse Representation and Superpixels
Authors: Feng Jilan , Cao Zongjie , Pi Yiming
Published: August 2014

In recent years, sparse representation-based techniques have shown great potential for pattern recognition problems. In this paper, the problem of polarimetric synthetic aperture radar (PolSAR) image classification is investigated using sparse representation-based classifiers (SRCs). We propose to take advantage of both polarimetric information and contextual information by combining sparsity-based classification methods with the concept of superpixels. Based on polarimetric feature vectors constructed by stacking a variety of polarimetric signatures and a superpixel map, two strategies are considered to perform polarimetric-contextual classification of PolSAR images. The first strategy starts by classifying the PolSAR image with pixel-wise SRC. Then, spatial regularization is imposed on the pixel-wise classification map by using majority voting within superpixels. In the second strategy, the PolSAR image is classified by taking superpixels as processing elements. The joint sparse representation-based classifier (JSRC) is employed to combine the polarimetric information contained in feature vectors and the contextual information provided by superpixels. Experimental results on real PolSAR datasets demonstrate the feasibility of the proposed approaches. It is proven that the classification performance is improved by using contextual information. A comparison with several other approaches also verifies the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Ambient Agents: Embedded Agents for Remote Control and Monitoring Using the PANGEA Platform
Authors: Villarrubia Gabriel , De Paz Juan , Bajo Javier , Corchado Juan
Published: August 2014

Ambient intelligence has advanced significantly during the last few years. The incorporation of image processing and artificial intelligence techniques have opened the possibility for such aspects as pattern recognition, thus allowing for a better adaptation of these systems. This study presents a new model of an embedded agent especially designed to be implemented in sensing devices with resource constraints. This new model of an agent is integrated within the PANGEA (Platform for the Automatic Construction of Organiztions of Intelligent Agents) platform, an organizational-based platform, defining a new sensor role in the system and aimed at providing contextual information and interacting with the environment. A case study was developed over the PANGEA platform and designed using different agents and sensors responsible for providing user support at home in the event of incidents or emergencies. The system presented in the case study incorporates agents in Arduino hardware devices with recognition modules and illuminated bands; it also incorporates IP cameras programmed for automatic tracking, which can connect remotely in the event of emergencies. The user wears a bracelet, which contains a simple vibration sensor that can receive notifications about the emergency situation.
Vehicle Ownership Analysis Based on GDP per Capita in China: 1963–2050
Authors: Wu Tian , Zhao Hongmei , Ou Xunmin
Published: August 2014

This paper presents the Gompertz function of per capita GDP and vehicle stock to forecast the vehicle ownership of China through to 2050 against a background of increasing energy use and CO2 emissions associated with the potential demands of on-road vehicles. We forecast the level of vehicle stock in China based on the extant patterns of vehicle development in Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries, Europe, the United States and Japan. The results show that the OECD pattern and European pattern are more suitable for describing China’s vehicle stock growth when compared with Japanese and U.S. patterns. The study finds that China’s vehicle stock has developed as an S-shaped curve. During the forecast period, the inflection point of the increasing curve appears around the year 2030, with the annual growth of vehicle ownership increasing from 6.13% to 9.50% in the prior period prior and subsequently dropping to 0.45% in 2050. Based on the sensitivity analysis and robustness check, the impact of different Gompertz curve parameters and GDP growth rates on vehicle stock projection are analyzed.
Genetic Relationships, Carbendazim Sensitivity and Mycotoxin Production of the Fusarium Graminearum Populations from Maize, Wheat and Rice in Eastern China
Authors: Qiu Jianbo , Shi Jianrong
Published: August 2014

Members of the Fusarium graminearum species complex (FGSC) are important pathogens on wheat, maize, barley, and rice in China. Harvested grains are often contaminated by mycotoxins, such as the trichothecene nivalenol (NIV) and deoxynivalenol (DON) and the estrogenic mycotoxin zearalenone (ZEN), which is a big threat to humans and animals. In this study, 97 isolates were collected from maize, wheat, and rice in Jiangsu and Anhui provinces in 2013 and characterized by species- and chemotype-specific PCR. F. graminearum sensu stricto (s. str.) was predominant on maize, while most of the isolates collected from rice and wheat were identified as F. asiaticum. Fusarium isolates from three hosts varied in trichothecene chemotypes. The 3-acetyldeoxynivalenol (3ADON) chemotype predominated on wheat and rice population, while 15ADON was prevailing in the remaining isolates. Sequence analysis of the translation elongation factor 1α and trichodiene synthase indicated the accuracy of the above conclusion. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis suggested four groups with strong correlation with species, chemotype, and host. These isolates were also evaluated for their sensitivity to carbendazim and mycotoxins production. The maize population was less sensitive than the other two. The DON levels were similar in three populations, while those isolates on maize produced more ZEN. More DON was produced in carbendazim resistant strains than sensitive ones, but it seemed that carbendazim resistance had no effect on ZEN production in wheat culture.
Neuromarketing as a Business Strategy
Authors: Vargas-Hernández José G. , Christiansen Bryan
Published: August 2014

The purpose of this chapter is to analyze the theoretical and methodological approaches to the study of neuromarketing for designing business strategies. The initial question is based on incorporating advances in neuromarketing into the field of strategic direction. The research method used is to review the literature to study this phenomenon. The main conclusion is neuromarketing permits us to know the customer's reactions in terms of brain activation without the need to appeal to the report of the customer's conscious experience. Consequently, firms will be able to develop capacities and valuable resources to create focal strategies.
A Strategic Analysis of the Competing Factors in the Global Wine Trade and the Development of a Model to Facilitate Foreign Country Entry Mode
Authors: Camillo Angelo A. , Holt Svetlana , Marques Joan , Hu Jianli
Published: August 2014

This chapter investigates the crucial components that facilitate export competitiveness in the global wine industry. These components can be described as “determining factors” considered central in the wine trade as they facilitate growth and sustainability of the wine industry on the global level. The chapter analyzes published literature, applies desk and field research, and proposes a framework that includes a sample SWOT analysis as well as a model to determine potential competitive elements based on LONG PESTLE analysis, a sample competitive grid, and an industry analysis inventory. The chapter contributes to the body of knowledge of strategic management, strategic marketing, globalization of the wine business, wine trade growth strategy, and international business. The results will benefit all stakeholders in the global wine market and especially companies directly involved in the wine trade.
Social Processes
Authors: Marques Joan , Holt Svetlana , Hu Jianli , Camillo Angelo A.
Published: August 2014

The world is rapidly transforming into a global village, which increases the need for individuals and corporations to succeed beyond national borders. Corporations change their identities from citizens of one particular country into citizens of the world, thus requiring their workforces to share greater receptiveness to other cultures, different trends, and new perspectives. In the past decade, it has become abundantly clear that influencing environmental, legal, economic, cultural, and other factors in one part of the world have an unambiguous impact on others. We experienced this most recently in the 2008 recession. With the increasing need to identify on a much broader scale today than the local one, corporate leaders face the challenge of dealing with a growing arsenal of strategies to motivate their widely dispersed workforces, based on the multiplicity of needs and drives the members of these workforces have. Considering the heightened and ever-unpredictable competition that has become today's routine, leaders find themselves placed before the challenge of composing a middle path between individualistic and collectivist-based motivation. This chapter shares some critical elements leaders could consider in their facilitation of social processes in globalizing work environments in order to enhance motivation levels. Communication, skill identification, listening, team-building, flexibility, and awareness of an entrepreneurial mindset are some of the aspects to be addressed to attain greater compliance, increased satisfaction, and desired results.
Biomass uptake and fire as controls on groundwater solute evolution on a southeast Australian granite: aboriginal land management hypothesis
Authors: Dean J. F. , Webb J. A. , Jacobsen G. E. , Chisari R. , Dresel P. E.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The chemical composition of groundwater and surface water is often considered to be dominated by water–rock interactions, particularly weathering; however, it has been increasingly realised that plant uptake can deplete groundwater and surface water of nutrient elements. Here we show, using geochemical mass balance techniques, that water–rock interactions do not control the hydrochemistry at our study site within a granite terrain in southwest Victoria, Australia. Instead the chemical species provided by rainfall are depleted by plant biomass uptake and exported, predominantly through fire. Regular landscape burning by Aboriginal land users is hypothesized to have caused the depletion of chemical species in groundwater for at least the past 20 000 yr by accelerating the export of elements that would otherwise have been stored within the local biomass. These findings are likely to be applicable to silicate terrains throughout southeast Australia, as well as similar lithological and climatic regions elsewhere in the globe, and contrast with studies of groundwater and surface water chemistry in higher rainfall areas of the Northern Hemisphere, where water–rock interactions are the dominant hydrochemical control.
Long-term regional precipitation disparity in northwestern China and its driving forces
Authors: Lee H. F. , Pei Q. , Zhang D. D. , Choi K. P. K.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Subject to the unique physical setting of northwestern China (NW China), precipitation in the region is characterized by salient regional differences. Yet, the long-term regional precipitation disparity in NW China still remains insufficiently-explored. In the present study, we base on historical documentation to reconstruct the precipitation indices of two macro regions in NW China between AD580–1979 to address the following issues: (1) determine the multi-decadal to centennial regional precipitation disparity in NW China, a topic which has not been systematically examined in previous paleo-climate/paleo-environment studies; and (2) find the major driving forces behind it. Wavelet analysis, which is ideal for analyzing non-stationary systems, is applied. Our results show that there is significant regional discrepancy of precipitation change in NW China over extended period. Although there is significant association between the regional precipitation disparity in NW China and various modes of atmospheric circulation, the association is characterized by a regime shift during the transition from the Medieval Warm Period to the Little Ice Age. Most importantly, the low-frequency cycle of the El Niño–Southern Oscillation is found to be the most prominent pacemaker of regional precipitation disparity in NW China at the multi-decadal to centennial timescales. Our findings help to demonstrate which atmospheric circulation is primarily responsible for the long-term regional precipitation disparity in NW China, which may have important implications for water resource management in NW China in the near future.
Calibration of QM-MOURA three-axis magnetometer and gradiometer
Authors: Díaz-Michelena M. , Sanz R. , Cerdán M. F.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The MOURA instrument is a three axes magnetometer and gradiometer equipped with an inclinometer designed and developed for Mars MetNet Precursor mission. The qualification model (MOURA QM) is devoted to magnetic surveys on Earth with the aim to achieve some experience prior to the arrival to Mars. In this work it is presented a practical first approach for the calibration of the instrument for these preliminary field campaigns on Earth. Other works will describe the design, up-screening and qualification and full capabilities of the instrument in depth, giving some feedback on the development.
Evaluation of the US DOE's conceptual model of hydrothermal activity at Yucca Mountain, Nevada
Authors: Dublyansky Y. V.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. A unique conceptual model describing the conductive heating of rocks in the thick unsaturated zone of Yucca Mountain, Nevada by a silicic pluton emplaced several kilometers away is accepted by the US Department of Energy (DOE) as an explanation of the elevated depositional temperatures measured in fluid inclusions in secondary fluorite and calcite. Acceptance of this model allowed the DOE to keep from considering hydrothermal activity in the performance assessment of the proposed high-level nuclear waste disposal facility. The evaluation presented in this paper shows that no computational modeling results have yet produced a satisfactory match with the empirical benchmark data, specifically with age and fluid inclusion data that indicate high temperatures (up to ca. 80 °C) in the unsaturated zone of Yucca Mountain. Auxiliary sub-models complementing the DOE model, as well as observations at a natural analog site, have also been evaluated. Summarily, the model cannot be considered as validated. Due to the lack of validation, the reliance on this model must be discontinued and the appropriateness of decisions which rely on this model must be re-evaluated.
Statistical correlation between meteorological and rockfall databases
Authors: Delonca A. , Gunzburger Y. , Verdel T.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. Rockfalls are a major and essentially unpredictable sources of danger, particularly along transportation routes (roads and railways). Thus, the assessment of their probability of occurrence is a major challenge for risk management. From a qualitative perspective, it is known that rockfalls occur mainly during periods of rain, snowmelt, or freeze–thaw. Nevertheless, from a quantitative perspective, these generally assumed correlations between rockfalls and their possible meteorological triggering events are often difficult to identify because (i) rockfalls are too rare for the use of classical statistical analysis techniques and (ii) not all intensities of triggering factors have the same probability. In this study, we propose a new approach for investigating the correlation of rockfalls with rain, freezing periods, and strong temperature variations. This approach is tested on three French rockfall databases, the first of which exhibits a high frequency of rockfalls (approximately 950 events over 11 years), whereas the other two databases are more typical (approximately 140 events over 11 years). These databases come from (1) national highway RN1 on Réunion, (2) a railway in Burgundy, and (3) a railway in Auvergne. Whereas a basic correlation analysis is only able to highlight an already obvious correlation in the case of the "rich" database, the newly suggested method appears to detect correlations even in the "poor" databases. Indeed, the use of this method confirms the positive correlation between rainfall and rockfalls in the Réunion database. This method highlights a correlation between cumulative rainfall and rockfalls in Burgundy, and it detects a correlation between the daily minimum temperature and rockfalls in the Auvergne database. This new approach is easy to use and also serves to determine the conditional probability of rockfall according to a given meteorological factor. The approach will help to optimize risk management in the studied areas based on their meteorological conditions.
Low titanium magmatism in northwest region of Paraná continental flood basalts (Brazil): volcanological aspects
Authors: Machado F. B. , Viana Rocha-Júnior E. R. , Ranalli Nardy A. J. , Soares Marques L.
Published: August 2014

Abstract. The early Cretaceous Paraná Continental Flood Basalts (PCFB) is considered as one of the largest volcanic provinces in the world. In Brazil, it completes the last sequence of the sedimentary Paraná Basin (Serra Geral Fm.). The geological unit is contemporary to desert sandstones of Botucatu Fm. and precedes the continental sediments of the Bauru Basin. This Large Igneous Province (LIP) is divided into different types of geochemical magmas which basically are based on TiO2 content (higher – HTi or lower LTi than 2 wt.% in TiO2) and incompatible trace elements ratio. Therefore, we studied the magma LTi (TiO2 < 2.0 wt.%), denominated Ribeira which occurs in the northwestern portion of PCFP which is poorly researched mainly in volcanological and geochemical aspects. This basaltic magma, a short expression in PCFB, occurs in the form of multiple pahoehoe flows with thicknesses ranging from 1.5 to 30 m in compound type flows under low surface slope. Peperites zones are common when associated with the first flows, and sand-filled cracks in the lower and upper edges at all pahoehoe levels when in contact with the sediment. Upward these first sequences of interactions with sediment, on the inside direction basin, simple pahoehoe flows occur being associated with Pitanga magma type (HTi, with TiO2 > 2.0 wt.%). Based on rheology data considering anhydrous environment and the composition of plagioclase (An(42–67)) and clinopyroxene (Wo(30–40)En(34–46)Fs(17–32)) showed that the LTi magma is hotter than HTi, with temperatures that range from 1069 °C to 1248 °C while for the second range from 1020 °C to 1201 °C.
Goals, Styles, and Decisions: Changes and Interactions during the First Year of College
Authors: GALOTTI KATHLEEN M. , CLARE LACEY R.
Published: August 2014

First-year undergraduates participated in a short-term longitudinal study of goal setting and decision making over their first 14 months of college. First, students wrote a mission statement, listed their goals for the upcoming year, and filled out several individual difference style measures. In subsequent sessions, students were surveyed about different decisions pertaining to their choice of college major, course selection, housing, and summer plans. At the beginning of their second year, participants were shown their previously listed goals and surveyed about their progress, their satisfaction with their progress, and their retrospective view of their goals. Additionally, participants responded again to the individual difference measures. A moderate degree of stability was found in the individual difference measures, yet there were several significant changes over the year. Goal evaluation scores correlated with specific individual difference measures, and self-reported descriptions of reactions to how specific decisions were made, but not with behavioral measures of decision making. We speculate on ways in which stylistic measures become part of a construction of a more general narrative identity, shaped in significant ways by the college environment that selectively reinforces some analytic habits of mind.
Family honor, cultural norms and social networking: Strategic choices in the visual self-presentation of young Indian Muslim women
Authors: Mishra Smeeta , Basu Surhita
Published: August 2014

This study explores how young Indian Muslim women negotiate multiple influences while posting their own photographs on social networking sites. In depth interviews showed that these women made a strategic effort not to disrupt the social reputation of their families with the nature of their online visual presentations. While their photographs presented an opportunity for individual expression, they also became a site for simultaneous adherence to family expectations, religious norms and patriarchal constructions of femininity dominant in offline settings. Except three respondents who considered themselves outliers in their community, all emphasized the need to upload “nice” pictures on social networking sites that do not give off any signs of sexual assertiveness. Most respondents seemed to carry the responsibility of upholding the “honor” of their families, a requirement in their offline life, to digital settings as well. However, the respondents also managed to exercise a degree of personal choice and individual agency within the dominant framework aided by the privacy settings offered by social networking sites.
The role of social motivation and sociability of gamers in online game addiction
Authors: Blinka Lukas , Mikuška Jakub
Published: August 2014

Massively multiplayer online (MMO) games represent a long-standing, intensive and wide spread type of online applications whose popularity continues to grow. Although just a mere entertainment and leisure activity for most gamers, its potentially negative and addictive outcomes were intensively studied and recently also acknowledged by the American Psychiatric Association (2013). MMOs are essentially a social activity, but empirical studies are equivocal in identifying whether and to what extent the social factors help develop the addictive gaming habits associated with these applications. The present study seeks to directly identify the role of social factors in online addictive gaming. Survey data from 667 MMO gamers were analysed. Together with an online game addiction scale, the investigated psychological factors included social motivation for gaming, online peer attachment and social self-efficacy. The results revealed that although social motivation was a predictor of addictive gaming, high social motivation was typical for intensive gamers regardless of their level of addiction. However, gamers at-risk of addiction scored lower in their social self-efficacy and interpersonal trust measured by peer attachment. This supports the poor-get-poorer hypothesis, that generally less socially skilled gamers face further problems online. However, social factors were only modestly associated to online addictive gaming which indicates higher relevance of other factors identified by literature, e.g. immersion and in-game rewards systems.
EVALUATION OF ELDERLY MOBILITY BASED ON TRANSIT CARD DATA IN SEOUL
Authors: Song Ji-Young , Eom Jin Ki , Kim Sung Il
Published: August 2014

We analyzed the travel patterns of senior citizens in Seoul using Automatic Fare Collection (AFC) data. We focused specifically on mode choices and transfer patterns. Results showed that 99% of trips made by senior citizens (individuals over 65 years old), who were given free subway transit passes, consisted of single-mode trips. Average travel time was 31 minutes, and subway travel times were longer than bus travel times. Individuals made fewer transfers, took longer metro trips, and paid smaller fares when using their free subway transit cards. They were more negatively sensitive to bus travel time than metro travel time. Encouraging older adult travelers to use transfers that increase costs to a modest extent might help improve travel quality among a group of individuals who find it difficult to enter the metro system or who are uncomfortable making inter-metro transfers. Additionally, as older adults have more time, yet are economically disadvantaged and take more leisure trips, travel improvements could include adopting a time-flexible fare discount. We discuss these improvements in terms of the individual and social benefits afforded to transit passengers in South Korea.
The suitability of internal combustion engine sounds as artificial warning sounds for electric and hybrid vehicles
Authors: Bolkovac Ivan , Horvat Marko , Jambrošić Kristian , Domitrović Hrvoje
Published: August 2014

The paper discusses the issue of adding artificial warning sounds to hybrid and fully electric vehicles, in order to increase traffic safety by making these vehicles audible at low speeds. The goal of this modification is to enable the pedestrians to perceive possible danger coming from such a vehicle in time to respond accordingly. Following the results of previous research which state that the sounds of internal combustion engines are valid candidates for artificial warning sounds to be added to hybrid or fully electric vehicles, a preliminary examination of the suitability and acceptability of different engine sounds in various modes of operation has been conducted. The chosen modes of operation are running in idle, at 2000 rpm and 3000 rpm with the vehicle stopped. Both gasoline and diesel engines were investigated. To expand the range of engine sounds, the type of vehicles was not limited to personal cars. The results show significant differences in suitability of engine sounds for the stated purpose, with vehicle type being the main differentiating factor.
Effects of protons reflected by lunar crustal magnetic fields on the global lunar plasma environment
Authors: Fatemi Shahab , Holmström Mats , Futaana Yoshifumi , Lue Charles , Collier Michael R. , Barabash Stas , Stenberg Gabriella
Published: August 2014

Solar wind plasma interaction with lunar crustal magnetic fields is different than that of magnetized bodies like the Earth. Lunar crustal fields are, for typical solar wind conditions, not strong enough to form a (bow)shock upstream but rather deflect and perturb plasma and fields. Here we study the global effects of protons reflected from lunar crustal magnetic fields on the lunar plasma environment when the Moon is in the unperturbed solar wind. We employ a three‐dimensional hybrid model of plasma and an observed map of reflected protons from lunar magnetic anomalies over the lunar farside. We observe that magnetic fields and plasma upstream over the lunar crustal fields compress to nearly 120% and 160% of the solar wind, respectively. We find that these disturbances convect downstream in the vicinity of the lunar wake, while their relative magnitudes decrease. In addition, solar wind protons are disturbed and heated at compression regions and their velocity distribution changes from Maxwellian to a non‐Maxwellian. Finally, we show that these features persists, independent of the details of the ion reflection by the magnetic fields.
Cross sections for electron capture and loss by H+ and H impact on O and O2
Authors: Van Zyl B. , Stephen T. M.
Published: August 2014

Projectile‐charge‐changing cross sections for electron capture by H+ and H collisions with O atoms and electron loss by H collisions with O atoms have been determined. The H+ and H energies ranged from 2.0 down to 0.125 keV. The cross‐beam technique involved measuring the cross‐section ratios for reactions with O‐atom targets to those for O2 targets. The O‐atom‐target cross sections were then obtained by normalizing these ratios to previously measured O2‐target cross sections. The experimental apparatus employed is described, and the measured results are compared with other available data.
Neural adaptive robust output feedback control of wheeled mobile robots with saturating actuators
Authors: Shojaei Khoshnam
Published: August 2014

This paper addresses the output feedback tracking control problem of electrically driven wheeled mobile robots subjected to actuator constraints. The main drawback of previously proposed controllers is the actuator saturation problem, which degrades the transient performance of the closed‐loop control system. In order to alleviate this problem, a saturated tracking controller has been proposed using the hyperbolic tangent function. A new nonlinear observer is introduced in order to leave out the velocity sensors in the robot system to decrease the cost and weight of the system for practical applications. A dynamic surface control strategy is effectively used to reduce the design complexity when considering actuator dynamics. In addition, neural network approximation capabilities and adaptive robust techniques are also adopted to improve the tracking performance in the presence of uncertain nonlinearities and unknown parameters. Semi‐global stability of the closed‐loop system is presented using direct Lyapunov method. Simulation results are provided to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed control system for a differential drive mobile robot in practice. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Direct Crystallization of Silicoaluminophosphates onto the Surface of Open‐Celled SiC Foam
Authors: Bauer Carolin , Scheffler Franziska , Schwidder Michael
Published: August 2014

Silicoaluminophosphates of the framework types CHA (SAPO‐34) and AFI (SAPO‐5) are deposited onto the surface of open‐celled ceramic SiC foam monoliths by direct crystallization. Therefore, a conventional hydrothermal synthesis is carried out in the presence of SiC foam monoliths with pore densities of 10 and 30 PPI, respectively. Moreover, the crystallization time is varied to determine its effect on the coating produced. In all cases, the direct crystallization of the respective SAPO material is successful. Irrespective of the pores density of the ceramic foam a variation of the crystallization time (SAPO‐5: 20 h/30 h, SAPO‐34:30 h/45 h) does not show any influence on the thickness of the layers produced as suggested by optical microscopy. However, in the case of SAPO‐34 these layers are clearly thicker than the layers of SAPO‐5, which leads to a partial blockage of the pores of the ceramic foam with a pore density of 30 PPI. As proved by N2‐sorption measurement, the coatings offer BET surface areas comparable with those reported for pure powder samples.
Palladium‐catalyzed synthesis of 6‐allylcoumarins using organotin reagents as multicoupling organometallic nucleophiles
Authors: Yan Han , Yin Wenzheng , Liu Pin , Liu Jia , Hu Meichen , Gu Cheng , Yao Yang , Zhang Weihua
Published: August 2014

Derivatives of 6‐iodocoumarin undergoing a direct Stille cross‐coupling reaction with organotin compounds in the presence of a catalytic amount of Pd(PPh3)4 in dimethylformamide at 80°C is described in this study. It is the first report of the palladium‐catalyzed coupling of iodocoumarins with allyltributyltin under mild conditions to form alkylcoumarin compounds in good yields. © 2014 The Authors. Applied Organometallic Chemistry published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A New Tuning Method for Stabilization Time Delay Systems Using PIλDμ Controllers
Authors: Hafsi Sami , Laabidi Kaouther , Farkh Rihem
Published: August 2014

This paper presents a new design procedure to tune the fractional order PIλDμ controller that stabilizes a first order plant with time delay. The procedure is based on a suitable version of the Hermite–Biehler Theorem and the Pontryagin Theorem. A Theorem and a Lemma are developed to compute the global stability region of the PIλDμ controller in the (kp,ki,kd) space. Hence, this Theorem and Lemma allow us to develop an algorithm for solving the PIλDμ stabilization problem of the closed loop plant. The proposed approach has been verified by numerical simulation that confirms the effectiveness of the procedure.
A sensitive LC‐MS/MS method for quantifying capsaicin and dihydrocapsaicin in rabbit plasma and tissue: application to a pharmacokinetic study
Authors: Wang Dimin , Meng Fanhua , Yu Lin , Sun Lu. , Sun Lili , Guo Jifen
Published: August 2014

Prescription and nonprescription products for topical management of pain, including cream, lotion and patch forms, contain capsaicin (CAP) and dihydrocapsaicin (DHC). There are few in vivo studies on absorption, bioavailability and disposition of CAP and DHC. We established a sensitive and rapid LC‐MS/MS assay to determine CAP and DHC levels in rabbit plasma and tissue. Bio‐samples prepared by liquid–liquid extraction using n‐hexane–dichloromethane–isopropanol (100: 50: 5, v/v/v) mixture were separated by isocratic chromatography with an Extend C18 column. The mobile phase was acetonitrile–water–formic acid (70: 30: 0.1, v/v/v). The method was linear from 0.125 to 50 ng/mL for a 100 μL bio‐sample, and the lower quantification limit was 0.125 ng/mL. Total run time to analyze each sample was 3.5 min. We used this validated method to study pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution of CAP gel administered topically to rabbits. A very small amount of CAP and DHC was absorbed into the systemic circulation. The highest plasma concentration was 2.39 ng/mL, and the mean peak plasma concentration value after 12 h of CAP gel application was 1.68 ng/mL. Drug concentration in treated skin was relatively high, with low concentration in other tissues. Thus, topical CAP gel had strong local effects and weaker systemic effects. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
A validated miRNA profile predicts response to therapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Skinner Heath D. , Lee Jeffrey H. , Bhutani Manoop S. , Weston Brian , Hofstetter Wayne , Komaki Ritsuko , Shiozaki Hironori , Wadhwa Roopma , Sudo Kazuki , Elimova Elena , Song Shumei , Ye Yuanqing , Huang Maosheng , Ajani Jaffer , Wu Xifeng
Published: August 2014

BACKGROUND

In the current study we present a validated miRNA signature to predict pathologic complete response (pCR) to neoadjuvant chemoradiation in esophageal adenocarcinoma.

METHODS

Three patient cohorts (discovery, n = 10; model, n = 43; and validation, n = 65) with locally advanced esophageal adenocarcinoma were analyzed. In the discovery cohort 754 miRNAs were examined in pretreatment tumor biopsy specimens using a TaqMan array. Of these, the 44 most significantly altered between tumors with pCR and non‐pCR were examined in an additional 43 tumors using a Fluidigm 48.48 array. The 4 miRNAs (mir‐505*, mir‐99b, mir‐451, and mir‐145*) significantly predicting pCR in both cohorts were examined in an additional validation cohort (n = 65) using an Illumina array. These 4 miRNAs were used to generate an miRNA expression profile (MEP) score.

RESULTS

The 4 miRNAs profiled are highly significantly associated with pCR in the model cohort (Ptrend = .008), the validation cohort (Ptrend = .025), and the combined cohort (Ptrend = 4.6 × 10−4). The receiver‐operator characteristic areas under the curves (AUCs) for the MEP score were 0.78 for the model cohort, 0.71 for the validation cohort, and 0.72 for the combined cohort. When combined with clinical variables, the MEP score AUCs increased to 0.89, 0.77, and 0.81, respectively Estimates from logistic regression based on the MEP were determined and used to generate a probability of pCR plot, which identifies a group of patients with very high (≥80%) and very low (≤10%) probability of pCR.

CONCLUSIONS

The MEP score provides a validated means of predicting pCR to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy in esophageal adenocarcinoma that is robust across several analysis platforms. Cancer 2014;120:3635–3641. © 2014 The Authors. Cancer published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. on behalf of American Cancer Society.
Expression pattern of mRNA A and mRNA B of alpha sarcoglycan gene during mouse embryonic development and regulation of their expression by myogenic and cardiogenic transcription factors
Authors: Roque‐Ramírez Bladimir , Chimal‐Monroy Jesús , Canto Patricia , Coral‐Vázquez Ramón Mauricio
Published: August 2014

Background: Type 2D limb‐girdle muscular dystrophy (LGM2D) is a progressive disorder caused by mutations in the alpha sarcoglycan (α‐SG) gene. In mice, the α‐SG gene contains two promoters that regulate the expression of two different mRNAs (A and B). However, their gene expression pattern during embryonic development has not been explored and their regulation by myogenic and cardiogenic transcription factors has been only partially studied. Results: During embryonic development, mRNA A and B of α‐SG gene were initially detected in hypaxial muscles, heart, stomach, tongue, and mesenchymal cells, which surround the dorsal region of the somites. Moreover, mRNA B was exclusively expressed in the floor plate and notochord and in the interdigits of limbs. In vitro, MyoD and myogenin positively regulated the transcription of mRNA B during skeletal myogenesis, whereas mRNA A was activated only for MyoD in differentiated skeletal muscle. In addition, Gata‐4 together with Mef2c may regulate the expression of mRNA B in heart development, whereas Nkx2.5 and myocardin may activate expression of mRNA A in the differentiated cardiomyocyte. Conclusions: The differential expression of α‐SG mRNAs during mouse embryonic development may be a consequence of the differential regulation of both promoters by myogenic and cardiogenic factors. Developmental Dynamics 243:1416–1428, 2014. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.