bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morphological traits are linked to the cold performance and distribution of bees along elevational gradients
Authors: Peters Marcell K. , Peisker Jasmin , Steffan‐Dewenter Ingolf , Hoiss Bernhard
Published: April 2016

Aim

Identifying traits that enhance the success of animals in unhospitable climates helps to understand biogeographical patterns and to predict the consequences of climatic changes. On temperate mountains, traits that increase cold performance potentially allow species to colonize higher elevations. We first tested the importance of morphological traits for the cold performance of bees. Second, we assessed the relevance of these traits for species distributional patterns by analysing intraspecific and interspecific trait shifts along elevational gradients.

Location

National Park Berchtesgaden, Germany; Würzburg, Germany.

Methods

We determined thermal activity thresholds by measuring signs of immobility along temperature gradients under laboratory conditions and related them to morphometric traits. We sampled bee communities at 34 sites along an elevation gradient in the northern Alps, measured for all species morphometric traits and thermal activity limits in the field, and analysed how trait measures changed with elevation within and across species.

Results

Laboratory and field experiments revealed that bees with larger body size, longer hair and relatively short wings tolerated lower temperatures before reaching immobility and started being active in the field at lower temperatures than small, short‐haired and long‐winged species. In correspondence to these results, we found that morphometric traits increased (body size, hair length) or decreased (relative wing length) with increasing elevation in communities and, in case of body size, also within species.

Main conclusions

Results of laboratory and field experiments and their reflectance in community‐ and species‐level trends of morphological traits along elevational gradients underscore the adaptive nature of large body size, long hair and short wings for bees’ thermal performance. Morphological traits expanding lower thermal limits probably contribute to the fitness of bees in cold environments and may simultaneously be under selection in a warming world.
Genetic discontinuities in a dominant mangrove Rhizophora apiculata (Rhizophoraceae) in the Indo‐Malesian region
Authors: Guo Zixiao , Huang Yelin , Chen Yongmei , Duke Norman C. , Zhong Cairong , Shi Suhua
Published: April 2016

Aim

Population genomics data were used to determine the genetic diversity, genetic divergence and genetic structure of the mangrove, Rhizophora apiculata, across its distributional range and to re‐assess the evolutionary processes that shaped its current distribution.

Location

The Indo‐Malesian region section of the Indo‐West Pacific region.

Methods

Next‐generation sequencing technology was used to sequence 81 nuclear loci from a pooled DNA sample of 31–44 individuals of Rhizophora apiculata from 11 populations. Five nuclear loci from six to eight individuals from 18 populations were sequenced using conventional Sanger sequencing technology to validate the results.

Results

Genetic diversity at the population level was low (π and θ were < 1.0 × 10−3 in most of the populations), but relatively high at the species level (π = 2.419 × 10−3 and θ = 1.362 × 10−3). The populations of R. apiculata in the Indo‐Malesian region were genetically differentiated and grouped into three clusters: east Indian Ocean (EIO), South China Sea (SCS) and Australasia (AUA). Based on the genetic distance matrices, two genetic discontinuities were observed, and they correspond to the Malay Peninsula land barrier and the Wallacea zone. The admixture observed in populations from the Malacca Strait was attributed to asymmetric gene flow through the strait, which was simulated by the isolation‐with‐migration (IM) model.

Main conclusion

Both the Sunda shelf barrier and ocean currents in Wallacea contributed to the observed genetic discontinuity, which separated R. apiculata into three clusters (SCS, EIO and AUA). The cycle between extinction and recolonization in the SCS in response to Pleistocene sea level fluctuations reduced the genetic diversity within populations. The repeated opening and closing of the gene flow corridors, such as the Malacca Strait, may have blurred the genetic discontinuities to an extent and introduced an admixture into populations in boundary areas.
Quantification of ventricular β2‐adrenoceptor density and ligand binding affinity in wild sockeye salmon Oncorhynchus nerka smolts using a novel modification to the tritiated ligand technique
Authors: Goulding A. T. , Farrell A. P.
Published: April 2016

A new, image‐based, tritiated ligand technique for measuring cardiac β2‐adrenoceptor (β2‐AR) binding characteristics was developed and validated with adult rainbow trout Oncorhynchus mykiss hearts so that the tissue limitation of traditional receptor binding techniques could be overcome and measurements could be made in hearts nearly 14‐times smaller than previously used. The myocardial cell‐surface (functional) β2‐AR density of O. nerka smolts sampled at the headwaters of the Chilko River was 54·2 fmol mg protein−1 and about half of that previously found in return migrating adults of the same population, but still more than twice that of adult hatchery O. mykiss (21·1 fmol mg protein−1). This technique now opens the possibility of investigating cardiac receptor density in a much wider range of fish species and life stages.
Semi‐Bionic Extraction of Effective Ingredient from Fishbone by High Intensity Pulsed Electric Fields
Authors: He Guidan , Yin Yongguang , Yan Xiaoxia , Wang Ying
Published: April 2016

Semi‐bionic extraction method and high intensity pulsed electric fields (PEF) were combined to rapidly extract effective ingredients (calcium, chondroitin sulfate and collagen) from fishbone. In order to simplify the analytical process, comprehensive index formula was determined by principal component analysis. Based on the principle of bionics, the optimal fluid pHs in human stomach, small intestine and large intestine are 2.0, 7.5 and 8.3. The simulated pHs were 2.0, 7.5 and 8.3, respectively, and variation of PEF parameters and the comprehensive evaluation index were determined by single factor experiments. Too low or too high liquid‐material ratio and electric field strength were not conducive to the comprehensive evaluation index Y. The value of Y increased with the increase of pulse number. The maximum contents of calcium, chondroitin sulfate and collagen in the extract were obtained simultaneously by response surface methodology (RSM), that is, 19.8, 39.268 and 3.875 mg/mL, respectively The optimum condition is as the following: liquid‐material ratio 11, electric field strength 22.79 kV/cm and pulse number 9.

Practical Applications

SBE and PEF technique were combined to analyze the effective ingredients in fishbone. The prepared fishbone hydrolysate can be processed into multi‐active and high‐added‐value compound products suitable for absorption and utilization by the digestive tract. This paper provides a new technique for comprehensive utilization of fishbone and fishbone waste, serves as a new clue for processing and extraction of natural products and provides a basis for promotion of SBE and PEF.
Encapsulation of Lactobacillus Acidophilus in a Pilot‐Plant Spray‐Dryer. Effect of Process Parameters on Cell Viability
Authors: Slavutsky Aníbal M. , Chávez Mónica C. , Favaro‐trindade Carmen S. , Bertuzzi María A.
Published: April 2016

Encapsulation is a practical technique for the preservation of probiotic cultures. This may be accomplished by spray‐drying, even at large scales. The effect of process parameters such as feed rate and pectin concentration in the feed suspension, on cell viability and stability of encapsulated bacteria was studied. Physical characteristics of the dry powder after the drying process were determined in order to evaluate its influence on product stability and viability during 90 days. The studied parameters showed significant influence on the response variables. Process conditions that generated the highest cell viability after spray‐drying are not the same as the conditions that caused the highest stability and viability after 90 days of storage. Water activity of the dry powder played a fundamental role in the stability of encapsulated bacteria. This indicates the most suitable operating conditions for the production of encapsulated lactic acid cultures in a pilot‐plant spray‐dryer.

Practical Applications

The retention of viability during processing and storage of probiotic cultures is one of the most challenging problems of biotechnology and food industry. Spray‐drying is a useful and economical technology to obtain encapsulated probiotic. The knowledge of the optimal encapsulating matrix and operating conditions of the pilot‐plant spray‐drying process allows to obtain probiotic cultures with high viability and stability. The combination of pectin and reconstituted skim milk improves bacteria protection due to the reinforcement of the structure resulting from the interaction between the components of both materials. It was found that the operational conditions that produce the highest cell viability after the drying process are not the same that conduct to the highest stability and viability after 90 days of storage. With this information, the most suitable operating conditions for a pilot‐plant spray‐drying can be defined.
Perception of Apple Juice: A Comparison of Physicochemical Measurements, Descriptive Analysis and Consumer Responses
Authors: Włodarska Katarzyna , Pawlak‐Lemańska Katarzyna , Górecki Tomasz , Sikorska Ewa
Published: April 2016

The physicochemical (color, turbidity, total soluble solids, sucrose, d‐glucose and d‐fructose content, pH, acidity, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity) and sensory quality and consumer perception of differently processed clear and cloudy commercial apple juices were studied. Among eight studied juices, freshly squeezed juices were liked the most by consumers, whereas the cloudy juices not from concentrate and clear juices prepared from concentrate, were significantly less liked. Principal component analysis revealed groups of similar juices, in terms of their physicochemical properties and sensory characteristics assessed both by experts and consumers. The external preference mapping showed a nonhomogenous distribution of individual preferences in relation to juice attributes. Three groups of consumers differing in apple juice preferences were distinguished by means of the agglomerative hierarchical clustering. The sensory and physicochemical data were correlated with consumer acceptance by partial least square regression and cues of acceptance of apple juices were identified.

Practical Applications

This study has important practical implications for apple juice industry because it contributes to understanding of the relationship between intrinsic juices characteristics and consumer perception and may help processors determine the final quality of juice. The results obtained indicate that the use of the intensity scale in consumer study may constitute an alternative to sensory panel assessment. The study revealed the heterogeneity of the group of consumers. Application of multivariate analysis enabled the detection of homogeneous segments and the identification of the drivers of liking for the entire group of the consumers and for the separate segments.
Mealtimes in a neurological ward: a phenomenological‐hermeneutic study
Authors: Beck Malene , Martinsen Bente , Poulsen Ingrid , Birkelund Regner
Published: April 2016

Aims and objectives

To examine the environment surrounding hospital meals for patients with neurological diseases.

Background

A determined effort has been made to optimise the nutrition of hospitalised patients. However, the organisation of mealtimes and their relational and aesthetic aspects have not received similar attention. The result is that all other tasks continue with undiminished intensity when patient meals are served and eaten.

Design

Based on a qualitative design, 25 mealtime situations were systematically observed. The observations varied by time of day, date, staff and patients present. Field notes were taken on the spot, and quotes were written directly.

Methods

After transcription, the text materials were analysed and interpreted using a phenomenological‐hermeneutic approach inspired by the philosopher Paul Ricouer. Three main themes were identified in the analysis: eating in a railway station, creating aesthetic mealtimes in an unaesthetic atmosphere and using familiar rituals in unfamiliar surroundings.

Results

The inclusion of aesthetic elements and familiarity was found to play an important role in the desire of patients to eat. However, these elements were challenged by the design of the physical space and institutional structures.

Conclusion

This study contributes to our understanding of the environment surrounding hospital meals for patients with neurological diseases. Based on this study, it can be concluded that meals were at a high risk of being served as a mindless task without the recognition that mealtimes are sensed with the whole body of the patient and not only by the mouth.

Relevance to clinical practice

The importance of the mealtime environment must be acknowledged because it serves as a communicative aspect for neurological patients by letting them know what to expect from the coming hospital meal.
Characterization of potentially avoidable cases in a 1‐year series of consecutive cesarean sections in the tertiary maternity unit of Guadeloupe (French West Indies)
Authors: Kadhel Philippe , Delrieu Delphine , Deloumeaux Jacqueline , Ryan Catherine , Janky Eustase
Published: April 2016

Aim

The global increase in the rate of cesarean sections (CS) is currently an issue. We aimed to assess the rate of CS locally and to identify cases in which this procedure may have been avoidable.

Methods

In this prospective consecutive series, we analyzed the 478 CS carried out in our unit in 2009. We analyzed the characteristics of each case, and classified each as potentially avoidable or unavoidable.

Results

The total rate of CS was 24.0%, including 1.7% that was scored as potentially avoidable. Parity, gestational age at birth, birthweight, cases requiring cervical ripening, cases of labor induction, and CS during labor were all significantly higher or more frequent among potentially avoidable CS. Multivariate analysis indicated that the risk of potentially avoidable CS was positively associated with gestational age and tended to be negatively associated with parity. The main indications for potentially avoidable CS were cervical dystocia and abnormal fetal heart rate, and for unavoidable CS they were abnormal fetal heart rate and history of previous CS.

Conclusion

Labor, especially when induced, seems to be the key period for the prevention of ‘avoidable’ CS. This is particularly important given that potentially avoidable CS are more frequently associated with uncomplicated pregnancies than are unavoidable CS. A woman's first CS increases the likelihood of CS for subsequent deliveries, so the prevention of the first CS is a key aim for reducing the overall rate of CS.
Characterization of TP53 and PI3K signaling pathways as molecular targets in gynecologic malignancies
Authors: Oda Katsutoshi , Ikeda Yuji , Kashiyama Tomoko , Miyasaka Aki , Inaba Kanako , Fukuda Tomohiko , Asada Kayo , Sone Kenbun , Wada‐Hiraike Osamu , Kawana Kei , Osuga Yutaka , Fujii Tomoyuki
Published: April 2016

Recent developments in genomic analysis have unveiled the key signaling pathways in human cancer. However, only a limited number of molecular‐targeted drugs are applicable for clinical use in gynecologic malignancies. TP53 signaling and phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase pathways are frequently mutated in cancer, and have received much attention as molecular targets in human cancers. In this review, we mainly focus on the functions of these pathways, and discuss the molecular‐targeted drugs under clinical trials. The molecular‐targeted drugs described in this review include dual phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/mTOR inhibitors (NVP‐BEZ235, DS‐7423, SAR245409), an mTOR inhibitor (everolimus), an MEK inhibitor (pimasertib), an autophagy inhibitor (chloroquine), a cyclin‐dependent kinases 4/6 inhibitor (PD0332991), and a poly (ADP‐ribose) polymerase inhibitor (olaparib).
An Updated Review of Methods and Advancements in Microvascular Blood Flow Imaging
Authors: Lal Cerine , Leahy Martin J
Published: April 2016

There has been a consistent growth in research involving imaging of microvasculature over the past few decades. By 2008, publications mentioning the microcirculation had grown more than 2000 per annum. Many techniques have been demonstrated for the measurement of the microcirculation ranging from the earliest invasive techniques to the present high‐speed, high‐resolution noninvasive imaging techniques. Understanding the microvasculature is vital in tackling fundamental research questions as well as to understand the effects of disease progression on the physiological well‐being of an individual. We have previously provided a wide–ranging review covering most of the available techniques and their applications. In this review, we discuss the recent advances made and applications in the field of microcirculation imaging.
Comparative analysis of midgut bacterial communities in three aedine mosquito species from dengue‐endemic and non‐endemic areas ofRajasthan,India
Authors: CHARAN S. S. , PAWAR K. D. , GAVHALE S. D. , TIKHE C. V. , CHARAN N. S. , ANGEL B. , JOSHI V. , PATOLE M. S. , SHOUCHE Y. S.
Published: April 2016

Dengue viruses are transmitted to humans through the bites of infected female aedine mosquitoes. Differences in the composition and structure of bacterial communities in the midguts of mosquitoes may affect the vector's ability to transmit the disease. To investigate and analyse the role of midgut bacterial communities in viral transmission, midgut bacteria from three species, namelyStegomyia aegypti(=Aedes aegypti),Fredwardsius vittatus(=Aedes vittatus) andStegomyia albopicta(=Aedes albopictus) (all:Diptera:Culicidae), from dengue‐endemic and non‐endemic areas ofRajasthan,India were compared. Construction and analyses of six16S rRNAgene libraries indicated thatSerratiaspp.‐related phylotypes dominated all clone libraries of the three mosquito species from areas in which dengue is not endemic. In dengue‐endemic areas, phylotypes related toAeromonas,Enhydrobacterspp. and uncultivated bacterium dominated the clone libraries ofS.aegypti,F. vittatusandS. albopicta, respectively. Diversity indices analysis and real‐timeTaqManpolymerase chain reaction assays showed bacterial diversity and abundance in the midguts ofS.aegyptito be higher than in the other two species. Significant differences observed among midgut bacterial communities of the three mosquito species from areas in which dengue is and is not endemic, respectively, may be related to the vectorial capacity of mosquitoes to carry dengue viruses and, hence, to the prevalence of disease in some areas.
The role of fungal parasites in tri‐trophic interactions involving lichens and lichen‐feeding snails
Authors: Asplund Johan , Gauslaa Yngvar , Merinero Sonia
Published: April 2016

Lichens are hosts for a variety of lichenicolous fungi. By investigating two lichens with specialized parasites, we will test the hypothesis that these parasites reduce lichen fitness by increasing the palatability of their respective hosts.

The palatability of Lobarina scrobiculata and Lobaria pulmonaria with or without galls of the lichenicolous fungi, Plectocarpon scrobiculatae and P. lichenum, respectively, were quantified in a feeding‐preference experiment with grazing snails (Cepaea hortensis). We repeated the experiment for pairs with or without gall in which the carbon‐based secondary compounds (CBSCs) had been reduced nondestructively by acetone rinsing.

Lichens with galls had lower concentration of CBSCs than those without, but this contrast disappeared after acetone rinsing. In the lichen high in nitrogen (N) (the cyanolichen L. scrobiculata), the grazing was low, and the snails did not discriminate between specimens with and without Plectocarpon‐galls. In L. pulmonaria low in N (green algae as main photobiont), the parasite reduced the lichen C : N ratio and the snails strongly preferred specimens with Plectocarpon‐galls, regardless of whether CBSC concentration had been reduced or not.

In conclusion, some lichen parasites can indirectly reduce lichen fitness by increasing its palatability and thus the grazing pressure from snails, whereas other parasites do not affect grazing preferences.
Towards a newIndex ofMultipleArea‐LevelDeprivation forAuckland,NewZealand
Authors: Exeter Daniel J. , Zhao Jinfeng , Browne Michael , Lee Arier C.
Published: April 2016

We explore the feasibility of developing measures of area deprivation from routinely collected administrative data for the Auckland Region, based on theScottishIndices ofMultipleDeprivation. Using data from national health, social development, education, and police databases, geospatial data providers and the 2006Census, we developed seven domains of deprivation: Employment; Income; Crime; Housing; Health; Education; and Geographical Access, which were combined to create an overall Index of Multiple Area‐Level Deprivation.Small areas developed for this research (‘Lower Zones’) highlight variations in deprivation for domains separately and combined, and validate the indices using smoking prevalence data.
Emotional response to a therapeutic technique: The social Broad Minded Affective Coping
Authors: Holden Natasha , Kelly James , Welford Mary , Taylor Peter J.
Published: April 2016

Objectives

It has been suggested that savouring positive memories can generate positive emotions. Increasing positive emotion can have a range of benefits including reducing attention to and experiences of threat. This study investigated individuals' emotional reactions to a guided mental imagery task focussing on positive social memory called the ‘social Broad Minded Affective Coping (BMAC)’ technique. The study examined possible predictors of individuals’ responses to this intervention.

Method

An internet‐based, within‐group, repeated‐measures design was used. One hundred and twenty‐three participants completed self‐report measures of self‐attacking and social safeness/pleasure. They were then guided through the socialBMAC. Participants completed state measures of positive and negative affect and social safeness/pleasure before and after the intervention. Forty‐nine participants took part in a 2‐week follow‐up.

Results

It was found that safe/warm positive affect, relaxed positive affect and feelings of social safeness increased following the socialBMAC, whilst negative affect decreased. In addition, it was found that people scoring higher on inadequate self‐attacking benefited most from this intervention. Changes in affect were not maintained at the 2‐week follow‐up.

Conclusion

The results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of the socialBMACin activating specific types of mood (those associated with safeness rather than drive/reward). This task has potential as part of therapeutic interventions directed at clinical groups, but further evaluation is needed.

Practitioner points

The social Broad Minded Affective Coping (BMAC) was related to improvements in forms of positive affect linked to the affiliative system.

This task may be helpful in inducing these positive mood states within therapy.

Further evaluation comparing theBMACto a control task is needed.

Individuals with a greater fear of compassion or more hated‐self‐criticism may gain less from the task, although effects were small.
Genetic analysis of resistance to tomato late blight in Solanum pimpinellifolium accession PI 163245
Authors: Ohlson Erik W. , Foolad Majid R.
Published: April 2016

Late blight (LB), caused by Phytophthora infestans, is one of the most devastating diseases of tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) worldwide. Due to the emergence of new and aggressive P. infestans isolates, identifying new genetic resistance to LB is a priority in tomato breeding. Recently, we reported the identification of several Solanum pimpinellifolium accessions with strong LB resistance. In this study, we investigated the utility of resistant accession PI 163245 for tomato breeding by examining heritability (h2) of resistance and the response to selection for resistance. Estimates of h2 based on F2 : F3 and F3 : F4 parent : offspring correlation analyses averaged 0.79 and 0.94, respectively, suggesting the heritable nature of LB resistance in PI 163245. Analysis of response to selection for resistance from F2 to F4 generations indicated a realized h2 of 0.63, confirming the utility of this resistance in tomato breeding. Two methods of estimating the minimum number of loci involved indicated the presence of one major resistance locus. Currently, genetic mapping and breeding efforts are underway to further confirm the viability of this accession for improving tomato LB resistance.
Promotion of Proapoptotic Signals by Lysosomal Photodamage: Mechanistic Aspects and Influence of Autophagy
Authors: Kessel David , Evans Conor L.
Published: April 2016

Prior studies demonstrated that a low level (LD10–15) of lysosomal photodamage can sensitize cells to the apoptotic death that results from subsequent mitochondrial photodamage. We have proposed that this process occurs via a calpain‐catalyzed cleavage of the autophagy‐associated protein ATG5 to form a proapoptotic fragment. In this report, we provide evidence for the postulated ATG5 cleavage and show that the sequential photodynamic therapy (PDT) protocol can also partly overcome the adverse effect of hypoxia on the initiation of apoptosis. While autophagy can offer cytoprotection after mitochondrial photodamage, this does not appear to apply when lysosomes are the target. This may account for the ability of very low PDT doses directed at lysosomes to evoke ATG5 cleavage. The resulting proapoptotic effect overcomes intrinsic cytoprotection from mitochondrial photodamage along with a further stimulation of phototoxicity.
Dormancy induction by summer temperatures and/or desiccation in imbibed seeds of trumpet daffodils Narcissus alcaracensis and N. longispathus (Amaryllidaceae)
Authors: Herranz J. M. , Copete E. , Copete M. A. , Márquez J. , Ferrandis P.
Published: April 2016

We analysed the effects of summer temperatures (28/14 °C) and/or desiccation (from 48% to 8% humidity) on imbibed Narcissus alcaracensis and N. longispathus seeds with an elongating embryo. In the N. alcaracensis seeds that overcame dormancy (embryo elongation = 27.14%), exposure to high temperatures induced secondary dormancy and reduced subsequent embryo growth. A further 3‐month cold stratification (5 °C) was required to break secondary dormancy. Desiccation in early embryo growth stages (elongation = 11.42%) also reduced germination. Desiccation in the seeds in a more advanced growth stage (i.e. embryo elongation = 27.14%) induced secondary dormancy, which the further 3‐month cold stratification did not overcome. When desiccation was preceded by high temperatures, seeds better overcame secondary dormancy (i.e. longer embryo elongation and seed germination). Treatments did not affect seed viability. In the N. longispathus seeds that overcame dormancy (embryo elongation = 59.21%), exposure to high temperatures induced secondary dormancy and they needed a further 1‐month stratification at 15/4 °C + 2 months at 5 °C to reactivate the germination process. When embryo elongation was 42.10%, seed desiccation totally impeded subsequent germination. When embryo elongation reached 59.21%, desiccation induced secondary dormancy, which was not overcome by the above‐described stratification treatment. When desiccation was preceded by high temperatures, seeds better overcame dormancy. Stress treatments killed 5–10% of seeds. This study suggests that the seeds of species with complex morphophysiological dormancy (MPD) levels are sensitive to desiccation in early embryo development stages, as opposed to the seeds of species with deep simple epicotyl MPD, which better tolerate water stress.
Exploring the linkage between business model (&) innovation and the strategy of the firm
Authors: Spieth Patrick , Schneckenberg Dirk , Matzler Kurt
Published: April 2016

Research on the phenomenon of business model (&) innovation is taking place in related perspectives. Next to innovation and entrepreneurship literature, theories of firm strategy closely relate to the ongoing conceptualization of the business model concept. We first review in this article the linkage between the business model, innovating the business model and firm strategy in extant literature. We focus specifically on the explanatory power of the business model concept to develop insights for strategic firm behaviour, and we explore the role of business model innovation as analytic perspective for identifying sources of firm performance. Building on this conceptual overview, we subsequently present how the articles in this special issue contribute in the light of strategy theory to the understanding of the phenomenon of business model innovation. Finally, we develop some themes for future research on the topic.
Long‐Term Effects of the Family Check‐Up in Early Adolescence on Risk of Suicide in Early Adulthood
Authors: Connell Arin M. , McKillop Hannah N. , Dishion Thomas J.
Published: April 2016

The impact of the Family Check‐Up (FCU), a school‐based prevention program, as delivered in public secondary schools on suicide risk across adolescence, was examined. Students were randomly assigned to a family‐centered intervention (N = 998) in the sixth grade and offered a multilevel intervention that included (1) a universal classroom‐based intervention, (2) the FCU (Dishion, Stormshak, & Kavanagh, 2011), and (3) family management treatment. Engagement with the FCU predicted significant reductions in suicide risk across adolescence and early adulthood.
Epistemic Normativity as Performance Normativity
Authors: Ho Tsung‐Hsing
Published: April 2016

Virtue epistemology maintains that epistemic normativity is a kind of performance normativity, according to which evaluating a belief is like evaluating a sport or musical performance. I examine this thesis through the objection that a belief cannot be evaluated as a performance because it is not a performance but a state. I argue that virtue epistemology can be defended on the grounds that we often evaluate a performance through evaluating the result of the performance. The upshot of my account is that when a belief is evaluated under performance normativity, what we evaluate is not belief, but cognitive performance. My account of virtue epistemology offers a simple explanation of why knowledge is more valuable than true belief.
DESIGN AND ANALYSIS OF META-MATERIAL BASED WLAN ANTENNA
Authors: Afridi Muhammad Aamir , Ullah Sadiq
Published: April 2016

In this paper, a 2.42 GHz micro-strip patch antenna is designed and analyzed using a conventional and a metamaterial (artificial) based Electromagnetic Bandgap (EBG) ground planes. The directivity, return loss and VSWR of the conventional 2.42 GHz patch antenna were found to be 5.23dB, -13.2dB, and 1.5 respectively. The proposed antenna then being mounted on a Mushroom-type EBG structures (artificial ground plane) produced better far-field performance as compared to conventional counterpart i.e. the return loss, directivity and VSWR were improved by 80.3%, 58.5% and 24.6%. The WLAN antenna was designed and tested on a miniaturized slotted EBG structure. The slotted EBG was 11.4 % compact as compared to the mushroom structure. The directivity, return loss and VSWR of the antenna using the slotted EBG are improved by be 51%, 31.8%, 15.4% respectively as compared to the patch conventional WLAN patch antenna. The antenna can be used for WLAN applications.
WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK PERFORMANCE ANALYSIS AND EFFECT OF BLACKHOLE AND SINKHOLE ATTACKS
Authors: Anwar Raja Waseem , Bakhtiari Majid , Zainal Anazida , Qureshi Kashif Naseer
Published: April 2016

The widespread usage of Wireless sensor networks in various fields and application make it vulnerable to variety of security threats and attacks. These security attacks occur when an adversary compromised a sensor node by inject false measurements and divert real time network traffic. Sinkhole and Blackhole attacks are very common attacks in network, where an attacker advertises un-authorized routing update in network. To deal with these types of attacks, there is a need to tighten the network security and prevent from attackers. In this study, we discuss security threats and presents the effects of Black and Sink hole attacks. Further, the study presents related work and current issues in wireless sensor network. The simulation results illustrated that, how these attacks affect the network performance.
A REVIEW ON TEXT DETECTION TECHNIQUES
Authors: Ali Sana , Iqbal Khalid , Khan Saira , Aqil Qazi Zohaib , Tariq Rehan
Published: April 2016

Text detection in image is an important field. Reading text in image is challenging because of the variations in images. Text detection in images is useful for many navigational purposes e.g. text on google API’s and traffic panels etc. This paper analyzes the work done on text detection by many researchers and critically evaluates the techniques designed for text detection and states the limitation of each approach. We have integrated the work of many researchers for getting a brief over view of multiple available techniques and their strengths and limitations are also discussed to give readers a clear picture. The major dataset discussed in all these papers are ICDAR 2003, 2005, 2011, 2013 and SVT(street view text).
UNSTEADY HEAT TRANSFER FLOW OF A CASSON FLUID WITH NEWTONIAN HEATING AND THERMAL RADIATION
Authors: Hussanan Abid , Salleh Mohd Zuki , Khan Ilyas , Mat Tahar Razman
Published: April 2016

This study investigates the unsteady heat transfer flow of a non-Newtonian Casson fluid over an oscillating vertical plate with Newtonian heating on the wall under the effects of thermal radiation. With the help of non-dimensional variables, governing equations are written into dimensionless form and then solved analytically by Laplace transform technique to find the solutions of temperature and velocity. The corresponding solutions of Nusselt number and skin friction are also calculated. The solution in term of viscous fluid is recovered as a limiting case of this work. The effects of the pertinent parameters on temperature and velocity are presented graphically and discussed details in this paper.
SOLVING TROESCH’S PROBLEM BY USING MODIFIED NONLINEAR SHOOTING METHOD
Authors: Alias Norma , Manaf Abdul , Ali Akhtar , Habib Mustafa
Published: April 2016

In this research article, the non-linear shooting method is modified (MNLSM) and is considered to simulate Troesch’s sensitive problem (TSP) numerically. TSP is a 2nd order non-linear BVP with Dirichlet boundary conditions. In MNLSM, classical 4th order Runge-Kutta method is replaced by Adams-Bashforth-Moulton method, both for systems of ODEs. MNLSM showed to be eﬀicient and is easy for implementation. Numerical results are given to show the performance of MNLSM, compared to the exact solution and to the results by He’s polynomials. Also, discussion of results and the comparison with other applied techniques from the literature are given for TSP.
A NEW CLASS OF BINARY APPROXIMATING SUBDIVISION SCHEMES
Authors: Mustafa Ghulam , Ashraf Pakeeza , Saba Noreen
Published: April 2016

In this article, we present a general algorithm to generate a new class of binary approximating subdivision schemes and give derivation of some family members. We discuss important properties of derived schemes such as: convergence, continuity, Hlder regularity, degree of polynomial generation and reproduction, support, limit stencils and artifacts. Furthermore, visual performance of proposed schemes has also been presentedIn this article, we present a general algorithm to generate a new class of binary approximating subdivision schemes and give derivation of some family members. We discuss important properties of derived schemes such as: convergence, continuity, Hlder regularity, degree of polynomial generation and reproduction, support, limit stencils and artifacts. Furthermore, visual performance of proposed schemes has also been presented.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF POROUS ADSORPTION LAYERS USED IN A MEMBRANOUS GAS SEPARATION
Authors: Umarova Zhanat , Makhatova Anar , Kozhabekova Aiman , Ydyrysbayev Darkhan , Mavlankulov Gairatzhan
Published: April 2016

The article considers the analysis of the membrane surface resistance influence on a mass transfer intensity. Objective of the analysis was to develop approaches for engineering calculation of the process. The article carries out analysis of modern approaches for description of different porous adsorption layers’ structure and offers new models of porous adsorption layers used in a membranous gas separation modeling as well.
Oral quercetin administration transiently protects respiratory function in dystrophin‐deficient mice
Authors: Selsby Joshua T. , Ballmann Christopher G. , Spaulding Hannah R. , Ross Jason W. , Quindry John C.
Published: April 2016

Key point

PGC‐1α pathway activation has been shown to decrease disease severity and can be driven by quercetin.

Oral quercetin supplementation protected respiratory function for 4–6 months during a 12 month dosing regimen.

This transient protection was probably due to a failure to sustain elevated SIRT1 activity and downstream PGC‐1α signalling.

Quercetin supplementation may be a beneficial treatment as part of a cocktail provided continued SIRT1 activity elevation is achieved.

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) impacts 1 : 3500 boys and leads to muscle dysfunction culminating in death due to respiratory or cardiac failure. There is an urgent need for effective therapies with the potential for immediate application for this patient population. Quercetin, a flavonoid with an outstanding safety profile, may provide therapeutic relief to DMD patients as the wait for additional therapies continues. This study evaluated the capacity of orally administered quercetin (0.2%) in 2 month old mdx mice to improve respiratory function and end‐point functional and histological outcomes in the diaphragm following 12 months of treatment. Respiratory function was protected for the first 4–6 months of treatment but appeared to become insensitive to quercetin thereafter. Consistent with this, end‐point functional measures were decreased and histopathological measures were more severe in dystrophic muscle compared to C57 and similar between control‐fed and quercetin‐fed mdx mice. To better understand the transient nature of improved respiratory function, we measured PGC‐1α pathway activity, which is suggested to be up‐regulated by quercetin supplementation. This pathway was largely suppressed in dystrophic muscle compared to healthy muscle, and at the 14 month time point dietary quercetin enrichment did not increase expression of downstream effectors. These data support the efficacy of quercetin as an intervention for DMD in skeletal muscle, and also indicate the development of age‐dependent quercetin insensitivity when continued supplementation fails to drive the PGC‐1α pathway. Continued study is needed to determine if this is related to disease severity, age or other factors.
Train stimulation of parallel fibre to Purkinje cell inputs reveals two populations of synaptic responses with different receptor signatures
Authors: Devi Suma Priya Sudarsana , Howe James R. , Auger Céline
Published: April 2016

Key points

Purkinje cells of the cerebellum receive ∼180,000 parallel fibre synapses, which have often been viewed as a homogeneous synaptic population and studied using single action potentials.

Many parallel fibre synapses might be silent, however, and granule cells in vivo fire in bursts. Here, we used trains of stimuli to study parallel fibre inputs to Purkinje cells in rat cerebellar slices.

Analysis of train EPSCs revealed two synaptic components, phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 is initially large and saturates rapidly, whereas phase 2 is initially small and facilitates throughout the train. The two components have a heterogeneous distribution at dendritic sites and different pharmacological profiles.

The differential sensitivity of phase 1 and phase 2 to inhibition by pentobarbital and NBQX mirrors the differential sensitivity of AMPA receptors associated with the transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein, γ‐2, gating in the low‐ and high‐open probability modes, respectively.

Cerebellar granule cells fire in bursts, and their parallel fibre axons (PFs) form ∼180,000 excitatory synapses onto the dendritic tree of a Purkinje cell. As many as 85% of these synapses have been proposed to be silent, but most are labelled for AMPA receptors. Here, we studied PF to Purkinje cell synapses using trains of 100 Hz stimulation in rat cerebellar slices. The PF train EPSC consisted of two components that were present in variable proportions at different dendritic sites: one, with large initial EPSC amplitude, saturated after three stimuli and dominated the early phase of the train EPSC; and the other, with small initial amplitude, increased steadily throughout the train of 10 stimuli and dominated the late phase of the train EPSC. The two phases also displayed different pharmacological profiles. Phase 2 was less sensitive to inhibition by NBQX but more sensitive to block by pentobarbital than phase 1. Comparison of synaptic results with fast glutamate applications to recombinant receptors suggests that the high‐open‐probability gating mode of AMPA receptors containing the auxiliary subunit transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory protein γ‐2 makes a substantial contribution to phase 2. We argue that the two synaptic components arise from AMPA receptors with different functional signatures and synaptic distributions. Comparisons of voltage‐ and current‐clamp responses obtained from the same Purkinje cells indicate that phase 1 of the EPSC arises from synapses ideally suited to transmit short bursts of action potentials, whereas phase 2 is likely to arise from low‐release‐probability or ‘silent’ synapses that are recruited during longer bursts.
Dynamics of a Deployable Mesh Reflector of Satellite Antenna: Form-Finding and Modal Analysis
Authors: Li Pei , Liu Cheng , Tian Qiang , Hu Haiyan , Song Yanping
Published: April 2016

Mesh reflectors with large apertures have been used in many communication satellites. The performance of antenna reflectors crucially depends on the faceting error of the reflective surface, which is approximated by using meshes. The force density method (FDM) has been widely used for the form-finding analysis of mesh reflectors. However, after performing form-finding of some meshes, the effective reflective area will decrease. In addition, the form-finding of the auxiliary mesh has received little attention, and it cannot be achieved by using the FDM. Thus, in this study, an effective form-finding methodology that combines the iterative FDM and the minimum norm method (MNM) is proposed. To consider the flexibility of the reflector ring truss, a static analysis of the ring truss under the tension force actions is also performed in the form-finding processes. The reflector flexible parts are described by the absolute nodal coordinate formulation (ANCF). Finally, the form-finding analysis of the reflector with the standard configuration, the central hub configuration, and the circular configuration is performed to validate the proposed methodology. The influence of the mesh tension force on the reflector natural frequencies is also studied. After performing the form-finding analysis, the initial configuration of the reflector with tensioned meshes for the deployment dynamics study can be determined. Based on this paper, the deployment dynamics of a complex AstroMesh reflector will be studied in a successive paper “Dynamics of a Deployable Mesh Reflector of Satellite Antenna: Parallel Computation and Deployment Simulation.”
Offline Predictive Control of Out-of-Plane Shape Deformation for Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Jin Yuan , Joe Qin S. , Huang Qiang
Published: April 2016

Additive manufacturing (AM) is a promising direct manufacturing technology, and the geometric accuracy of AM built products is crucial to fulfill the promise of AM. Prediction and control of three-dimensional (3D) shape deformation, particularly out-of-plane geometric errors of AM built products, have been a challenging task. Although finite-element modeling has been extensively applied to predict 3D deformation and distortion, improving part accuracy based purely on such simulation still needs significant methodology development. We have been establishing an alternative strategy that can be predictive and transparent to specific AM processes based on a limited number of test cases. Successful results have been accomplished in our previous work to control in-plane (x–y plane) shape deformation through offline compensation. In this study, we aim to establish an offline out-of-plane shape deformation control approach based on limited trials of test shapes. We adopt a novel spatial deformation formulation in which both in-plane and out-of-plane geometric errors are placed under a consistent mathematical framework to enable 3D accuracy control. Under this new formulation of 3D shape deformation, we develop a prediction and offline compensation method to reduce out-of-plane geometric errors. Experimental validation is successfully conducted to validate the developed 3D shape accuracy control approach.
Fundamental Study on Laser Interactions With Nanoparticles-Reinforced Metals—Part II: Effect of Nanoparticles on Surface Tension, Viscosity, and Laser Melting
Authors: Ma Chao , Zhao Jingzhou , Cao Chezheng , Lin Ting-Chiang , Li Xiaochun
Published: April 2016

It is of great scientific and technical interests to conduct fundamental studies on the laser interactions with nanoparticles-reinforced metals. This part of the study presents the effects of nanoparticles on surface tension and viscosity, thus the heat transfer and fluid flow, and eventually the laser melting process. In order to determine the surface tension and viscosity of nanoparticles-reinforced metals, an innovative measurement system was developed based on the characteristics of oscillating metal melt drops after laser melting. The surface tensions of Ni/Al2O3 (4.4 vol. %) and Ni/SiC (3.6 vol. %) at ∼1500 °C were 1.39 ± 0.03 N/m and 1.57 ± 0.06 N/m, respectively, slightly lower than that of pure Ni, 1.68 ± 0.04 N/m. The viscosities of these Ni/Al2O3 and Ni/SiC MMNCs at ∼1500 °C were 13.3 ± 0.8 mPa·s and 17.3 ± 3.1 mPa·s, respectively, significantly higher than that of pure Ni, 4.8 ± 0.3 mPa·s. To understand the influences of the nanoparticles-modified thermophysical properties on laser melting, an analytical model was used to theoretically predict the melt pool flows using the newly measured material properties from both Part I and Part II. The theoretical analysis indicated that the thermocapillary flows were tremendously suppressed due to the significantly increased viscosity after the addition of nanoparticles. To test the hypothesis that laser polishing could significantly benefit from this new phenomenon, systematic laser polishing experiments at various laser pulse energies were conducted on Ni/Al2O3 (4.4 vol. %) and pure Ni for comparison. The surface roughness of the Ni/Al2O3 was reduced from 323 nm to 72 nm with optimized laser polishing parameters while that of pure Ni only from 254 nm to 107 nm. The normalized surface roughness reduced by nearly a factor of two with the help of nanoparticles, validating the feasibility to tune thermophysical properties and thus control laser-processing outcomes by nanoparticles. It is expected that the nanoparticle approach can be applied to many laser manufacturing technologies to improve the process capability and broaden the application space.