bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Feeding increasing dietary inclusions of extrudedBrassica junceacanola expeller-pressed cake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and jowl fatty acids of growing-finishing pigs
Authors: Zhou X. , Young M. G. , Zamora V. , Zijlstra R. T. , Beltranena E.
Published: February 2014

Zhou, X., Young, M. G., Zamora, V., Zijlstra, R. T. and Beltranena, E. 2014. Feeding increasing dietary inclusions of extruded Brassica juncea canola expeller-pressed cake on growth performance, carcass characteristics, and jowl fatty acids of growing-finishing pigs. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 94: 331–342. The energy value of canola meal is considered low because of its relatively higher fibre and depleted oil content. Brassica juncea is a novel canola species with thinner seed coat and reduced fibre, but twice the glucosinolate content of B. napus. Remaining oil in canola cake provides greater dietary energy compared with solvent-extracted meal. Extrusion prior to expeller pressing may increase fat and protein digestibility and decrease the antinutritive effects of glucosinolates. A total of 880 pigs (38 kg), housed in 40 pens by sex, were fed 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% extruded B. juncea expeller-pressed cake (EPC) to slaughter weight (120 kg) to evaluate the effects on growth performance, dressing, carcass traits, and jowl fatty acids. Diets provided 9.6 MJ net energy (NE) and 1.0, 0.9, 0.8, 0.7, and 0.7 g standardized ileal digestible Lys:MJ NE over five growth phases (days 0–14, 15–35, 36–56, 57–74, day 75 to slaughter weight). Each 5% EPC inclusion linearly decreased (P<0.05) feed disappearance (ADFI) by 46 g and weight gain (ADG) by 8 g, but did not affect gain:feed. Each 5% EPC inclusion linearly decreased (P<0.01) carcass weight by 440 g, loin depth by 0.6 mm, and increased days on test by 0.43, but did not affect dressing, backfat thickness, lean yield, or carcass index. Each 5% EPC inclusion linearly increased (P<0.001) mono- and polyunsaturated fatty acid content and iodine value by 0.8, 1.0 and 1.4 g 100 g−1of jowl fat, respectively. In conclusion, increasing dietary EPC inclusions decreased ADFI, ADG, carcass weight, and loin depth, and increased jowl fat unsaturation. We attributed much of the decrease in feed intake to greater 3-butenyl (9.7 µmol g−1) content in extruded B. juncea canola expeller-pressed cake, a glucosinolate more bitter than others in conventional canola.
La investigación social aplicada en redes sociales. Una innovación metodológica para el análisis de los «Me gusta» en Facebook
Authors: Parra Contreras Pilar , Gordo López Ángel J. , D’AntonioMaceiras Sergio
Published: February 2014

Facebook ya forma parte de nuestro imaginario social. Su notoriedad ha crecido exponencialmente en la era del Big Data. Este artículo ilustra algunas de las formas en que las redes sociales podrían funcionar como un recurso importante de información para la investigación social. Estas posibilidades se ilustran a través del estudio de caso de grupos de personas que conducen bajo los efectos del alcohol y las drogas. Método. Este estudio se basa en herramientas cuantitativas y cualitativas: un breve cuestionario de encuesta online accesible a través de Facebook, que permite la obtención de datos primarios cuantitativos, y el análisis cualitativo de los Me gusta de Facebook (215.232) de los encuestados (n = 1.437). Resultados. El análisis muestra que se pueden diferenciar tres grupos de riesgo (alto, medio, bajo) entre los participantes en función de sus patrones de conducción bajo la influencia del alcohol y las drogas y en función de los estilos de vida, que reflejan a través de sus Me gusta en Facebook, y de la estructura clásica. variables. En particular, el grupo de alto riesgo exhibe preferencias y gustos más cercanos al descontento y la resistencia social, y es el grupo con menor nivel educativo y mayor tasa de empleo eventual. Conclusiones. Esta investigación muestra la utilidad de las redes sociales en la caracterización sociodemográfica y cultural de los grupos de riesgo, lo que debe ser un paso previo al diseño y difusión de campañas de prevención y sensibilización.
The Mediating Morphism of the Multilinear Optimal Map
Authors: Vong Seak-Weng , Jin Xiao-Qing , Wang Jin-Hua
Published: February 2014

In this short note, we study a relation between the tensor product of matrices and a multilinear map defined by the optimal operator. In this particular case, the linear transform (mediating morphism) hidden in the abstract definition of the general tensor product can be determined explicitly.
A Qualitative Analysis Evaluating The Purposes And Practices Of Clinical Documentation
Authors: Ho Y.-X. , Gadd C. S. , Kohorst K.L. , Rosenbloom S.T.
Published: February 2014

Objectives: An important challenge for biomedical informatics researchers is determining the best approach for healthcare providers to use when generating clinical notes in settings where electronic health record (EHR) systems are used. The goal of this qualitative study was to explore healthcare providers’ and administrators’ perceptions about the purpose of clinical documentation and their own documentation practices.

Methods: We conducted seven focus groups with a total of 46 subjects composed of healthcare providers and administrators to collect knowledge, perceptions and beliefs about documentation from those who generate and review notes, respectively. Data were analyzed using inductive analysis to probe and classify impressions collected from focus group subjects.

Results: We observed that both healthcare providers and administrators believe that documentation serves five primary domains: clinical, administrative, legal, research, education. These purposes are tied closely to the nature of the clinical note as a document shared by multiple stake-holders, which can be a source of tension for all parties who must use the note. Most providers reported using a combination of methods to complete their notes in a timely fashion without compromising patient care. While all administrators reported relying on computer-based documentation tools to review notes, they expressed a desire for a more efficient method of extracting relevant data.

Conclusions: Although clinical documentation has utility, and is valued highly by its users, the development and successful adoption of a clinical documentation tool largely depends on its ability to be smoothly integrated into the provider’s busy workflow, while allowing the provider to generate a note that communicates effectively and efficiently with multiple stakeholders.

Citation: Ho Y-X, Gadd CS, Kohorst KL, Rosenbloom ST. A qualitative analysis evaluating the purposes and practices of clinical documentation. Appl Clin Inf 2014; 5: 153–168 http://dx.doi.org/10.4338/ACI-2013-10-RA-0081
Application of a GC-ECD for measurements of biosphere–atmosphere exchange fluxes of peroxyacetyl nitrate using the relaxed eddy accumulation and gradient method
Authors: Moravek A. , Foken T. , Trebs I.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Peroxyacetyl nitrate (PAN) may constitute a significant fraction of reactive nitrogen in the atmosphere. Current knowledge about the biosphere–atmosphere exchange of PAN is limited and only few studies have investigated the deposition of PAN to terrestrial ecosystems. We developed a flux measurement system for the determination of biosphere–atmosphere exchange fluxes of PAN using both the hyperbolic relaxed eddy accumulation (HREA) method and the modified Bowen ratio (MBR) method. The system consists of a modified, commercially available gas chromatograph with electron capture detection (GC-ECD, Meteorologie Consult GmbH, Germany). Sampling was performed by trapping PAN onto two pre-concentration columns; during HREA operation one was used for updraft and one for downdraft events and during MBR operation the two columns allowed simultaneous sampling at two measurement heights. The performance of the PAN flux measurement system was tested at a natural grassland site, using fast response ozone (O3) measurements as a proxy for both methods. The measured PAN fluxes were comparatively small (daytime PAN deposition was on average −0.07 nmol m−2 s−1 and, thus, prone to significant uncertainties. A major challenge in the design of the system was the resolution of the small PAN mixing ratio differences. Consequently, the study focuses on the performance of the analytical unit and a detailed analysis of errors contributing to the overall uncertainty. The error of the PAN mixing ratio differences ranged from 4 to 15 ppt during the MBR and between 18 and 26 ppt during the HREA operation, while during daytime measured PAN mixing ratios were of similar magnitude. Choosing optimal settings for both the MBR and HREA method, the study shows that the HREA method did not have a significant advantage towards the MBR method under well mixed conditions as it was expected.
Authigenic phase formation and microbial activity control Zr, Hf, and rare earth element distributions in deep-sea brine sediments
Authors: Censi P. , Saiano F. , Zuddas P. , Nicosia A. , Mazzola S. , Raso M.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Sediments collected from hypersaline and anoxic deep-sea basins in the eastern Mediterranean (Thetis, Kryos, Medee, and Tyro) were characterised in terms of their mineralogical composition, the distributions of rare earth elements (REE), Zr, and Hf and their content of microbial DNA. We identified two major mineralogical fractions: one fraction of detritic origin was composed of quartz, gypsum, and low-Mg calcite bioclasts (with 0 < Mg < 0.07%) and another fraction of authigenic origin constituted of halite, dolomite, high-Mg calcite (with a Mg content of up to 22%) and rare bischofite and showed a textural evidence of microbial assemblages. We found that in the Medee and Tyro sediments, the shale-normalised REE pattern of these sediments is strongly enriched in middle REE (MREE), whereas in the Thetis and Tyro basins, a positive Gd anomaly in the residue was obtained after the removal of the water-soluble fraction. In all investigated basins, Y / Ho ratio clustered around chondritic values, whereas Zr / Hf ratio ranged from slightly subchondritic to superchondritic values. Subchondritic Y / Ho and Zr / Hf values were mainly found in the high-Mg carbonate having a microbial origin. The observed preferential removal of Zr with respect to Hf without significant partitioning of Y with respect to Ho indicates that the Zr / Hf ratio and Y–Ho fractionations are influenced by the microbial activity in the sediments. We propose that the concurrent Y-Ho and Zr–Hf fractionations are a suitable tracer of microbial activity in marine sediments.
Live (Rose Bengal stained) foraminiferal faunas from the northern Arabian Sea: faunal succession within and below the OMZ
Authors: Caulle C. , Koho K. A. , Mojtahid M. , Reichart G. J. , Jorissen F. J.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Live (Rose Bengal stained) benthic foraminifera from the Murray Ridge, within and below the northern Arabian Sea oxygen minimum zone (OMZ), were studied in order to determine the relationship between faunal composition, bottom water oxygenation (BWO), pore water chemistry and organic matter (organic carbon and phytopigment) distribution. A series of multicores were recovered from a ten-station oxygen (BWO: 2–78 μM) and bathymetric (885–3010 m depth) transect during the winter monsoon in January 2009. Foraminifera were investigated from three different size fractions (63–125 μm, 125–150 μm and >150 μm). The larger foraminifera (>125 μm) were strongly dominated by agglutinated species (e.g. Reophax spp.). In contrast, in the 63–125 μm fraction, calcareous taxa were more abundant, especially in the core of the OMZ. On the basis of a principal components analysis, three foraminiferal groups were identified and correlated to the environmental parameters by canonical correspondence analysis. The faunas from the shallowest stations, in the core of the OMZ (BWO: 2 μM), were composed of "low oxygen" species, typical of the Arabian Sea OMZ (e.g. Rotaliatinopsis semiinvoluta, Praeglobobulimina sp., Bulimina exilis, Uvigerina peregrina type parva). These taxa are adapted to the very low BWO conditions and to high phytodetritus supplies. The transitional group, typical for the lower part of the OMZ (BWO: 5–16 μM), is composed of species that are tolerant as well to low-oxygen concentrations, but may be less critical with respect to organic supplies (e.g. Globocassidulina subglobosa, Ehrenbergina trigona). Below the OMZ (BWO: 26–78 μM), where food availability is more limited and becomes increasingly restricted to surficial sediments, cosmopolitan calcareous taxa were present, such as Bulimina aculeata, Melonis barleeanus, Uvigerina peregrina and Epistominella exigua. Miliolids were uniquely observed in this last zone, reflecting the higher BWO and/or lower organic input. At these deeper sites, the faunas exhibit a clear succession of superficial, intermediate and deep infaunal microhabitats, which can be linked to the deeper oxygen and nitrate penetration into the sediment.
Satellite detection of multi-decadal time series of cyanobacteria accumulations in the Baltic Sea
Authors: Kahru M. , Elmgren R.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Cyanobacteria, primarily of the species Nodularia spumigena, form extensive surface accumulations in the Baltic Sea in July and August, ranging from diffuse flakes to dense surface scum. We describe the compilation of a 35 year (1979–2013) long time series of cyanobacteria surface accumulations in the Baltic Sea using multiple satellite sensors. This appears to be one of the longest satellite-based time series in biological oceanography. The satellite algorithm is based on increased remote sensing reflectance of the water in the red band, a measure of turbidity. Validation of the satellite algorithm using horizontal transects from a ship of opportunity showed the strongest relationship with phycocyanin fluorescence (an indicator of cyanobacteria), followed by turbidity and then by chlorophyll a fluorescence. The areal fraction with cyanobacteria accumulations (FCA) and the total accumulated area affected (TA) were used to characterize the intensity and extent of the accumulations. FCA was calculated as the ratio of the number of detected accumulations to the number of cloud free sea-surface views per pixel during the season (July–August). TA was calculated by adding the area of pixels where accumulations were detected at least once during the season. FCA and TA were correlated (R2 = 0.55) and both showed large interannual and decadal-scale variations. The average FCA was significantly higher for the 2nd half of the time series (13.8%, 1997–2013) than for the first half (8.6%, 1979–1996). However, that does not seem to represent a long-term trend but decadal-scale oscillations. Cyanobacteria accumulations were common in the 1970s and early 1980s (FCA between 11–17%), but rare (FCA below 4%) from 1985 to 1990; they increased again from 1991 and particularly from 1999, reaching maxima in FCA (~ 25%) and TA (~ 210 000 km2) in 2005 and 2008. After 2008 FCA declined to more moderate levels (6–17%). The timing of the accumulations has become earlier in the season, at a~mean rate of 0.6 days per year, resulting in approximately 20 days advancement during the study period. The interannual variations in FCA are positively correlated with the concentration of chlorophyll a in July–August sampled at the depth of ~ 5 m by a ship of opportunity program, but interannual variations in FCA are more pronounced.
Towards decision-based global land use models for improved understanding of the Earth system
Authors: Rounsevell M. D. A. , Arneth A. , Alexander P. , Brown D. G. , de Noblet-Ducoudré N. , Ellis E. , Finnigan J. , Galvin K. , Grigg N. , Harman I. , Lennox J. , Magliocca N. , Parker D. , O'Neill B. C. , Verburg P. H. , Young O.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. A primary goal of Earth system modelling is to improve understanding of the interactions and feedbacks between human decision making and biophysical processes. The nexus of land use and land cover change (LULCC) and the climate system is an important example. LULCC contributes to global and regional climate change, while climate affects the functioning of terrestrial ecosystems and LULCC. However, at present, LULCC is poorly represented in global circulation models (GCMs). LULCC models that are explicit about human behaviour and decision-making processes have been developed at local to regional scales, but the principles of these approaches have not yet been applied to the global scale level in ways that deal adequately with both direct and indirect feedbacks from the climate system. In this article, we explore current knowledge about LULCC modelling and the interactions between LULCC, GCMs and dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs). In doing so, we propose new ways forward for improving LULCC representations in Earth system models. We conclude that LULCC models need to better conceptualise the alternatives for upscaling from the local to global scale. This involves better representation of human agency, including processes such as learning, adaptation and agent evolution, formalising the role and emergence of governance structures, institutional arrangements and policy as endogenous processes and better theorising about the role of teleconnections and connectivity across global networks. Our analysis underlines the importance of observational data in global-scale assessments and the need for coordination in synthesising and assimilating available data.
Attribution of hydrologic forecast uncertainty within scalable forecast windows
Authors: Yang L. , Tian F. , Sun Y. , Yuan X. , Hu H.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Hindcasts based on the extended streamflow prediction (ESP) approach are carried out in a typical rainfall-dominated basin in China, aiming to examine the roles of initial conditions (IC), future atmospheric forcing (FC) and hydrologic model uncertainty (MU) in streamflow forecast skill. The combined effects of IC and FC are explored within the framework of a forecast window. By implementing virtual numerical simulations without the consideration of MU, it is found that the dominance of IC can last up to 90 days in the dry season, while its impact gives way to FC for lead times exceeding 30 days in the wet season. The combined effects of IC and FC on the forecast skill are further investigated by proposing a dimensionless parameter (β) that represents the ratio of the total amount of initial water storage and the incoming rainfall. The forecast skill increases exponentially with β, and varies greatly in different forecast windows. Moreover, the influence of MU on forecast skill is examined by focusing on the uncertainty of model parameters. Two different hydrologic model calibration strategies are carried out. The results indicate that the uncertainty of model parameters exhibits a more significant influence on the forecast skill in the dry season than in the wet season. The ESP approach is more skillful in monthly streamflow forecast during the transition period from wet to dry than otherwise. For the transition period from dry to wet, the low skill of the forecasts could be attributed to the combined effects of IC and FC, but less to the biases in the hydrologic model parameters. For the forecasts in the dry season, the skill of the ESP approach is heavily dependent on the strategy of the model calibration.
Characterising the relationship between weather extremes in Europe and synoptic circulation features
Authors: Pfahl S.
Published: February 2014

Abstract. Extreme weather events in Europe are closely linked to anomalies of the atmospheric circulation and in particular to circulation features like cyclones and atmospheric blocking. In this study, this linkage is systematically characterised with the help of conditional cyclone and blocking frequencies during precipitation, wind gust and temperature extremes at various locations in Europe. Such conditional frequency fields can serve as a dynamical fingerprint of the extreme events and yield insights into their most important physical driving mechanisms. Precipitation extremes over the ocean and over flat terrain are shown to be closely related to cyclones in the vicinity and the associated dynamical lifting. For extreme precipitation over complex terrain, cyclone anomalies are found at more remote locations, favouring the flow of moist air towards the topography. Wind gust extremes are associated with cyclone and blocking anomalies in opposite directions, with the cyclones occurring mostly over the North and Baltic Seas for extreme events in central Europe. This setting is associated with pronounced surface pressure gradients and thus high near-surface wind velocities. Hot temperature extremes in northern and central Europe typically occur in the vicinity of a blocking anticyclone, where subsidence and radiative forcing are strong. Over southern Europe, blocking anomalies are shifted more to the north or northeast, indicating a more important role of warm air advection. Large-scale flow conditions for cold extremes are similar at many locations in Europe, with blocking anomalies over the North Atlantic and northern Europe and cyclone anomalies southeast of the cold extreme, both contributing to the advection of cold air masses. This characterisation of synoptic-scale forcing mechanisms can be helpful for better understanding and anticipating weather extremes and their long-term changes.
Amorphous silicon carbide films prepared using vaporized silicon ink
Authors: Masuda Takashi , Shen Zhongrong , Takagishi Hideyuki , Ohdaira Keisuke , Shimoda Tatsuya
Published: February 2014

The deposition of wide-band-gap silicon films using nonvacuum processes rather than conventional vacuum processes is of substantial interest because it may reduce cost. Herein, we present the optical and electrical properties of p-type hydrogenated amorphous silicon carbide (a-SiC:H) films prepared using a nonvacuum process in a simple chamber with a vaporized silicon ink consisting of cyclopentasilane, cyclohexene, and decaborane. The incorporation of carbon into the silicon network induced by the addition of cyclohexene to the silicon ink resulted in an increase in the optical band gap (E
g) of films from 1.56 to 2.11 eV. The conductivity of films with E
g < 1.9 eV is comparable to that of conventional a-SiC:H films prepared using a vacuum process, while the films with E
g > 1.9 eV show lower conductivity than expected because of the incorporation of excess carbon without the formation of Si–C bonds.
Moment tensor inversions of M ~ 3 earthquakes in the Geysers geothermal fields, California
Authors: Guilhem A. , Hutchings L. , Dreger D. S. , Johnson L. R.
Published: February 2014

Microearthquakes have come into high public awareness due to being induced by the development and exploitation of enhanced and natural geothermal fields, hydrofracturing, and CO2 sequestration sites. Characterizing and understanding the faulting process of induced earthquakes, which is generally achieved through moment tensor inversion, could both help in risk prediction and in reservoir development monitoring. However, this is a challenging task because of their lower signal‐to‐noise ratio at frequencies typically used in earthquake source analyses. Therefore, higher‐resolution velocity models and modeling of seismic waves at higher frequencies are required. In this study, we examine both the potentials to obtain moment tensor solutions for small earthquakes and the uncertainty of those solutions. We utilize a short‐period seismic network located in the Geysers geothermal field in northern California and limit our study to that which would be achieved by industry in a typical reservoir environment. We obtain full moment tensor solutions of M ~ 3 earthquakes using waveform modeling and first‐motion inversions. We find that these two data sets give complimentary but yet different solutions. Some earthquakes correspond possibly to complex processes in which both shear and tensile failures occur simultaneously or sequentially. This illuminates the presence of fluids at depth and their role for the generation of these small‐magnitude earthquakes. Finally, since first motions are routinely obtained for all magnitude earthquakes, our approach could be extended to small earthquakes where noise level and complex Green's functions prohibit using waveforms in moment tensor inversions.
Two‐stage evolution of the Earth's mantle inferred from numerical simulation of coupled magmatism‐mantle convection system with tectonic plates
Authors: Ogawa Masaki
Published: February 2014

Self‐consistent numerical models are developed for a coupled magmatism‐mantle convection system with tectonic plates in a two‐dimensional rectangular box to understand the Earth's mantle evolution. The mantle evolves in two stages owing to decaying internal and basal heating, provided that the lithosphere is mechanically strong enough to inhibit spontaneous formation of new subduction zones by ridge push force. On the earlier stage that continues for the first 1–2 Gyr, the deep mantle is strongly heated, and hot materials there frequently ascend to the surface as bursts. The mantle bursts cause vigorous magmatism and make the lithosphere move chaotically. The thermostat effect of the vigorous magmatism keeps the average temperature in the upper mantle below about 1800 K no matter how strongly the mantle is heated. As the heating rate of the mantle declines, however, the mantle evolves into the later stage where mantle bursts subside, rigid tectonic plates emerge to move rather steadily, and subducted basaltic crusts accumulate on the core‐mantle boundary to form compositionally dense piles. Hot plumes occasionally ascend from the basaltic piles to cause magmatism. It takes time on the order of one billion years for the slabs that sink into the lower mantle to return back to the upper mantle, and the long overturn time makes the thermal history of the upper mantle, which has been petrologically constrained for the Earth, distinct from that of the whole mantle. The long overturn time also makes water injected into the mantle by slabs distribute heterogeneously.
Responses of Discotic Liquid Crystals to Mechanical, Magnetic, and Electrical Fields
Authors: Bushby Richard J. , Boden Neville
Published: February 2014

The responses of columnar discotic liquid crystals to mechanical, magnetic, electrical, and surface fields are reviewed. Alignment in thin open films and in confined samples such as small droplets, fibers, grooves, and capillaries are examined in detail. The principles that underlie their commercially significant lubrication properties are outlined. At the molecular level, detailed studies of mesogen dynamics using dielectric and nuclear spin relaxation spectroscopies provide insights into the translational and reorientational motion. The mechanism of electronic conduction is discussed within the context of our understanding of conduction in other molecular materials together with the factors governing charge carrier mobility. These materials combine the easy processability of amorphous molecular solids with charge mobilities approaching those in crystalline solids. This unique combination of properties opens the door to a variety of potential applications.
Physical Investigations of Biaxial Nematic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Yang Fuzi , Sambles J. Roy
Published: February 2014

This chapter reviews different techniques for physically investigating the biaxiality of nematic liquid crystal mesogens, including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electron spin resonance (ESR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), Schlieren textures, conoscopic patterns, and electro‐optic investigations.
Star‐Shaped Mesogens
Authors: Lehmann Matthias
Published: February 2014

Star‐shaped molecules are exciting non‐conventional mesogens in which more than two linear arms are symmertrically attached to a core building block via covalent or supramolecular bonds. The molecular structures comprise flexible, semi‐flexible and shape‐persistent scaffolds which may realize all kinds of mesophase topologies by nanosegregation. This requires different modes of self‐assembly depending on the mesogen structure, flexibility and void between the arms. Functionality can be incorporated by cores, arms and guest molecules generating multifunctional, highly organized complex materials for applications.
Liquid Crystal Crown Ethers and Related Compounds
Authors: Kaller Martin , Baro Angelika , Laschat Sabine
Published: February 2014

Liquid crystalline crown ethers, which are characterized by their diversity and mesomorphic properties, are intensively studied particularly with respect to their ability to complex metal salts. In this chapter, selected examples of crown ether containing liquid crystals are discussed with focus on two aspects, namely, (i) how does a crown ether influence the thermal properties and (ii) how do complexed salts alter the thermal behavior.
Chromonic Liquid Crystals
Authors: Lydon John
Published: February 2014

Chromonic systems are the lyotropic analogs of the thermotropic columnar mesophases. They are formed by soluble aromatic compounds, typically with between 3 and 10 fused aromatic rings. The molecules have aromatic cores with solubilizing hydrophilic groups around their peripheries. The basic structural units in these systems are elongated stacks of molecules (rather than individual molecules or micellar assemblies). There are two common chromonic phases; a more dilute phase consisting of a nematic array of columns (the
N
‐phase) and a more concentrated phase in which the columns lie in a hexagonal array (the
M
‐phase). Chromonic phases are formed by a range of compounds, including drugs, dyes, and nucleic acids. They have distinctive optical textures and characteristic multiperitectic phase diagrams (in contrast to the multieutectic phase diagrams of conventional amphiphiles).

Some antiallergic and antiasthmatic drugs and many commercial dyes have proved to be chromonic, but the ability to form liquid crystalline phases appears to be incidental to their dyeing and medicinal properties. However, recent studies have shown that the combination of self‐ordering, ease of alignment, sensitivity to changing conditions and additives, coupled with their optical and electrooptical properties, gives these systems unique and potentially valuable properties – and it is expected that these will lead to a new generation of applications. It is predicted that there will be increased emphasis on the development of a range of sophisticated devices, either produced from or actually incorporating chromonic phases. These include polarizers, optical compensators, light‐harvesting devices, and biosensors for medical diagnosis.
TN
,
STN
, and Guest–Host Liquid Crystal Display Devices
Authors: Raynes Peter
Published: February 2014

Nematic liquid crystal display modes dominate
LCD
technology. Early nematic display modes were based on twisted nematic (
TN
), supertwisted nematic (
STN
), and various guest–host modes based on the addition of dyes. Although other display modes based on nematic liquid crystals are now widely used for certain applications such as in
TVs
, the
TN
,
STN
, and guest–host modes remain in widespread use today. The construction, operation, and electrooptical properties of these modes are described together with their multiplexing performance.
Bistable Nematic Liquid Crystal Displays
Authors: Jones Cliff
Published: February 2014

A wide variety of different bistable liquid crystal devices have been suggested from the outset of LCD research. In the early years, this was motivated by the need to produce complex images with a high degree of electrical multiplexing. Today, with the advent of low‐cost TFT panels that meet all addressing requirements, interest in bistable LCD is still strong, motivated by the promise of low‐cost complex displays with negligible power consumption.

Despite this variety, there are a number of common factors that need to be considered for practical devices. Following an exhaustive review of these factors, many of the options for bistable nematic displays are described in detail. This includes modes in which the bistability occurs in the bulk of the LCD, such as the bistable twisted nematics (BTN and Binem) and splay–bend modes, and surface bistable modes, such as ZBD.
Photonic Micro‐ and Nanostructures, Metamaterials
Authors: Kitzerow Heinz‐Siegfried
Published: February 2014

Periodic structures with feature sizes comparable to the wavelength of electromagnetic radiation (“photonic crystals”) or feature sizes much smaller than the considered wavelength (“metamaterials”) can have unique optical properties, including ‐ for example ‐ unusual transmission, reflection, and diffraction, enhanced or inhibited transmission of emitters embedded in these structures, or zero and even negative refraction, which offer many opportunities for integrated optics and photonics. This topical field may benefit from liquid crystals in two ways:

A mesophase with an intrinsic periodic structure may behave as a natural, self‐organized material of this kind or serve as a template for producing such materials.

An artificial structure can be equipped with tunable optical properties by infiltration with liquid crystals owing to their optical nonlinearity or the sensitivity of their dielectric permittivity to external controlling parameters.

This chapter gives an overview of the latter type of photonic crystals (including microstructured fibers) and metamaterials. Emerging concepts of possible applications for tunable light sources, integrated tunable filters or switchable optical components, and optical sensors are summarized.
Unerwartete Bildung eines [4]Radialens und mehrerer Dendralene bei der Addition von Tetracyanoethylen an ein Tetraaryl[5]cumulen
Authors: Januszewski Johanna A. , Hampel Frank , Neiss Christian , Görling Andreas , Tykwinski Rik R.
Published: February 2014

Die Verwendung von Cumulenen in chemischen Umsetzungen eröffnet die Möglichkeit, strukturell interessante und potenziell nützliche konjugierte Moleküle herzustellen. Die Cycloadditionsreaktion eines Tetraaryl[5]cumulens mit dem elektronenarmen Olefin Tetracyanoethylen liefert außergewöhnliche Produkte, darunter funktionalisierte Dendralene und Alkylidencyclobutane sowie ein symmetrisches [4]Radialen mit einer besonderen Solvatochromie, dessen λmax‐Werte sich dem Nah‐IR‐Bereich nähern. Diese kohlenstoffreichen Produkte wurden spektroskopisch und röntgenographisch (für fünf der Verbindungen) untersucht. Auch ein möglicher Ablauf der Cycloadditionsreaktion wurde mithilfe mechanistischer und theoretischer Untersuchungen ermittelt. Die Ergebnisse unterstreichen das Potenzial von [5]Cumulenen, als Vorstufen für neuartige konjugierte Systeme zu dienen.
Automatic query expansion: A structural linguistic perspective
Authors: Symonds Michael , Bruza Peter , Zuccon Guido , Koopman Bevan , Sitbon Laurianne , Turner Ian
Published: February 2014

A user's query is considered to be an imprecise description of their information need. Automatic query expansion is the process of reformulating the original query with the goal of improving retrieval effectiveness. Many successful query expansion techniques model syntagmatic associations that infer two terms co‐occur more often than by chance in natural language. However, structural linguistics relies on both syntagmatic and paradigmatic associations to deduce the meaning of a word. Given the success of dependency‐based approaches to query expansion and the reliance on word meanings in the query formulation process, we argue that modeling both syntagmatic and paradigmatic information in the query expansion process improves retrieval effectiveness. This article develops and evaluates a new query expansion technique that is based on a formal, corpus‐based model of word meaning that models syntagmatic and paradigmatic associations. We demonstrate that when sufficient statistical information exists, as in the case of longer queries, including paradigmatic information alone provides significant improvements in retrieval effectiveness across a wide variety of data sets. More generally, when our new query expansion approach is applied to large‐scale web retrieval it demonstrates significant improvements in retrieval effectiveness over a strong baseline system, based on a commercial search engine.
The news is American but our memories are … Chinese?
Authors: Hills Thomas , Segev Elad
Published: February 2014

Are our memories of the world well described by the international news coverage in our country? If so, sources central to international news may also be central to international recall patterns; in particular, they may reflect an American‐centric focus, given the previously proposed central U.S. position in the news marketplace. We asked people of four different nationalities (China, Israel, Switzerland, and the United States) to list all the countries they could name. We also constructed a network representation of the world for each nation based on the co‐occurrence pattern of countries in the news. To compare news and memories, we developed a computational model that predicts the recall order of countries based on the news networks. Consistent with previous reports, the U.S. news was central to the news networks overall. However, although national recall patterns reflected their corresponding national news sources, the Chinese news was substantially better than other national news sources at predicting both individual and aggregate memories across nations. Our results suggest that news and memories are related but may also reflect biases in the way information is transferred to long‐term memory, potentially biased against the transient coverage of more “free” presses. We discuss possible explanations for this “Chinese news effect” in relation to prominent cognitive and communications theories.
Greenhouse gas mitigation effects of integrating biomass production into European agriculture
Authors: de Wit Marc P. , Lesschen Jan Peter , Londo Marc H.M. , Faaij André P.C.
Published: February 2014

As energy crop production on European croplands expands, driven by accelerating consumption of bioenergy, there is a pressing need to evaluate the environmental impacts associated with this production. The present study considers on‐going yield increases as a means of boosting agricultural output which results in a limited need to convert nature areas and grasslands to additional cropland. For nine land‐use variants, the study evaluates cumulative greenhouse gas emissions, net organic carbon fluxes from the soil, and abated emissions achieved by replacing fossil fuels for transport with biofuels. The main finding is that, in European agriculture, it is possible to combine large‐scale biomass production with food production sustained at current levels, with limited direct or indirect land‐use changes and while accomplishing significant net greenhouse gas mitigation. Maintaining the current (business as usual) agricultural system results in 4.9 GtCO2‐eq. of cumulative emissions by 2030. Intensified food production and energy crop production on freed cropland combined with mitigation measure implementation significantly reduces cumulative emissions for the annual crop groups of oil, starch and sugarbeet to 1.9, 1.5 and 2.1 GtCO2‐eq., respectively. By 2030, perennial energy crop production can mitigate cumulative emissions to a large extent, reaching negative emissions (i.e. net sequestration) for grass and wood crops of –3.3 and –4.5 GtCO2‐eq., respectively. For the variants compared to the baseline, nitrous oxide emissions will increase modestly due to higher fertilizer‐application rates, though at improved efficiencies per unit crop quantity produced. Emission mitigation results partly from the temporary increase in SOC sequestration though mainly from replacement of fossil resources by biomass resources. The results indicate that research and policy efforts aimed at further increasing productivity can raise the output from existing European croplands while being able to reduce or mitigate emissions significantly.
Validated spectrofluorimetric determination of two pharmaceutical antihypertensive mixtures containing amlodipine besylate together with either candesartan cilexetil or telmisartan
Authors: Belal Tarek S. , Mahrous Mohamed S. , Abdel‐Khalek Magdi M. , Daabees Hoda G. , Khamis Mona M.
Published: February 2014

Amlodipine besylate (AML) is available in fixed‐dose combination tablets with either candesartan cilexetil (CAN) or telmisartan (TEL). This work describes a simple, selective and sensitive spectrofluorimetric method for analysis of AML/CAN and AML/TEL binary mixtures without prior separation. The method involves measurement of the native fluorescence of AML at excitation and emission wavelengths of 367 and 454 nm, respectively, in water without interference from either of the two drugs. By contrast, the intrinsic fluorescence of CAN was measured at excitation and emission wavelengths of 265 and 392 nm, respectively, in ethanol, while TEL was measured at 366 nm in 0.05 M sodium hydroxide solution using 294 nm as the excitation wavelength. The proposed spectrofluorimetric procedure was validated with respect to linearity, ranges, precision, accuracy, selectivity, robustness, detection and quantification limits. Regression analysis showed a good correlation between fluorescence intensity and concentration over the ranges 0.1–1.4, 0.025–0.25 and 0.0025–0.05 µg/mL for AML, CAN and TEL, respectively. Limits of detection were 0.034, 0.0063 and 0.0007 µg/mL for AML, CAN and TEL, respectively. The proposed method was successfully applied for the analysis of several synthetic binary mixtures of different ratios and laboratory‐prepared tablets with good recoveries, and no interference from common pharmaceutical additives was observed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Trehalose‐containing hydrocolloid edible films prepared in the presence of transglutaminase
Authors: Giosafatto C. Valeria L. , Di Pierro Prospero , Gunning A. Patrick , Mackie Alan , Porta Raffaele , Mariniello Loredana
Published: February 2014

In this article, edible hydrocolloid films were prepared by using Citrus pectins and the protein phaseolin in the presence of microbial transglutaminase, an enzyme able to catalyze isopeptide bonds between endo‐protein‐reactive glutamine and lysine residues. For the first time, trehalose, a nonreducing homodisaccharide into which two glucose units are linked together by a α‐1,1‐glycosidic linkage, was used as a component of hydrocolloid films constituted of both proteins and carbohydrates. Our data have demonstrated that these films act as very effective barriers to gases, especially to CO2. They also present a high antioxidant capability as measured by the 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl scavenging assay. In addition, the films were characterized using Atomic Force Microscopy, a powerful tool used to evaluate film surface topography and roughness. The results of our experiments clearly indicate that the trehalose‐containing films prepared both in the presence and absence of transglutaminase are composed of nanoparticles with a smooth surface, having similar roughness values (Rα). In conclusion, according to barrier and antioxidant properties and to their structure, it is possible to consider the trehalose‐containing films as innovative bioplastics potentially able to protect different kinds of foods. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers 101: 931–937, 2014.
Relevance of hepatoduodenal ligament lymph nodes in resectional surgery for gastric cancer
Authors: Lee S L , Lee H H , Ko Y H , Song K Y , Park C H , Jeon H M , Kim S S
Published: February 2014

Background

Hepatoduodenal lymph node (HDLN) positivity is considered distant metastasis in gastric cancer according to the seventh American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) classification. In contrast, the International Union Against Cancer seventh edition and the Japanese Gastric Cancer Association both consider HDLN as a regional lymph node that can be included in the context of a curative resection. The purpose of this study was to determine whether there was justification for considering HDLN involvement as a distant metastasis for which resectional surgery could not have survival benefit.

Methods

This study enrolled consecutive patients with gastric cancer having D2 or greater resections, with removal and pathological assessment of the HDLN, between 1989 and 2009. The pathological stage of all patients was determined based on the seventh AJCC criteria, with HDLN included as a regional lymph node.

Results

A total of 1872 patients had their HDLN removed, of whom 68 had a metastatic lymph node in the hepatoduodenal ligament. The 5-year survival rate of these 68 patients was 30 per cent, compared with 47·7 per cent for those with stage III (P < 0·001) and 9·8 per cent for those with stage IV (P = 0·007) HDLN-negative tumours. The 5-year survival rate of 41 patients with HDLN metastasis and no evidence of distant metastasis at any other site was significantly higher than that among 120 patients with stage IV disease without HDLN metastasis (P < 0·001), whereas 5-year survival did not differ between the 41 patients with stage I–III disease with HDLN metastasis and 568 patients with stage III tumours without HDLN metastasis (P = 0·184). HDLN metastasis was not a significant factor for survival in multivariable analysis.

Conclusion

It is inappropriate to include the HDLN in the distant metastatic lymph node group in gastric cancer. The seventh AJCC criteria for node grouping should be revised.
Complications in surgery for Crohn's disease after preoperative antitumour necrosis factor therapy
Authors: Myrelid P , Marti-Gallostra M , Ashraf S , Sunde M L , Tholin M , Øresland T , Lovegrove R E , Tøttrup A , Kjær D W , George B D
Published: February 2014

Background

The use of biological therapy (biologicals) is established in the treatment of Crohn's disease. This study aimed to determine whether preoperative treatment with biologicals is associated with an increased rate of complications following surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis.

Methods

All patients receiving biologicals and undergoing abdominal surgery with anastomosis or strictureplasty were identified at six tertiary referral centres. Demographic data, and preoperative, operative and postoperative details were registered. Patients who were treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with a control group who were not. Postoperative complications were classified according to anastomotic, infectious or other complications, and graded according to the Clavien–Dindo classification.

Results

Some 111 patients treated with biologicals within 2 months before surgery were compared with 187 patients in the control group. The groups were well matched. There were no differences between the treatment and control groups in the rate of complications of any type (34·2 versus 28·9 per cent respectively; P = 0·402), anastomotic complications (7·2 versus 8·0 per cent; P = 0·976) and non-anastomotic infectious complications (16·2 versus 13·9 per cent; P = 0·586). In univariable regression analysis, biologicals were not associated with an increased risk of any complication (odds ratio (OR) 1·33, 95 per cent confidence interval 0·81 to 2·20), anastomotic complication (OR 0·89, 0·37 to 2·17) or infectious complication (OR 1·09, 0·62 to 1·91).

Conclusion

Treatment with biologicals within 2 months of surgery for Crohn's disease with intestinal anastomosis was not associated with an increased risk of complications.