bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A systematic methodology for kinetic modeling of chemical reactions applied to n‐hexane hydroisomerization
Authors: Toch Kenneth , Thybaut Joris W. , Marin Guy B.
Published: November 2014

Kinetic modeling provides chemical engineers with a unique opportunity to better understand reaction kinetics in general and the underlying chemistry in particular. How to systematically approach a modeling assignment in chemical reaction kinetics is typically less clear, especially for novices in the field. The proposed modeling methodology pursues an adequate compromise between statistical significance and physical meaning of the kinetic model and the corresponding parameters and typically results in models of an appropriate complexity. It comprises the following activities: (1) data analysis, aiming at qualitative information on the reaction mechanism and corresponding rate equations, (2) model regression to quantify this information via optimal parameter values, and (3) validation of the statistical significance and physical meaning of the parameter estimates. This methodology is successfully applied to n‐hexane hydroisomerization on a bifunctional catalyst. © 2014 American Institute of Chemical Engineers AIChE J, 61: 880–892, 2015
Highly Ordered Nanoporous Carbon Films with Tunable Pore Diameters and their Excellent Sensing Properties
Authors: Jia Lichao , Lawrence Geoffrey , Balasubramanian V. V. , Choi Goeun , Choy Jin‐Ho , Abdullah Aboubakr M. , Elzatahry Ahmed , Ariga Katsuhiko , Vinu Ajayan
Published: November 2014

Ordered porous carbon films with tunable pore diameters, immobilized with glucose oxidase (GOD) have been fabricated and employed for the construction of a biosensor for glucose molecules. The as‐prepared porous films have large specific surface areas and highly ordered porous structure with uniform pore sizes, which are critical for the immobilization of large amounts of GOD and support the promotion of heterogeneous electron transfer. The developed biosensors give enough room for the encapsulation of a high amount of GOD molecules and show excellent biosensing performance with a linear response to glucose concentration ranging from 0.5 to 9 mM and a detection limit of 1.5 μM. It is also demonstrated that the sensitivity of the biosensor can be easily tuned by modulating the pore size of carbon film as it dictates the amount of immobilization of GOD in the porous channels. The fabricated carbon‐film‐based biosensor has a good stability and a high reproducibility, which opens the gateway for the commercialization of this excellent technology.
Die Entwicklung der Rührtechnik von einer empirischen Kunst zur Wissenschaft
Authors: Kraume Matthias
Published: November 2014

Bis zum Beginn des 20. Jahrhunderts wurde die Rührtechnik zumeist nur nebensächlich als Anhängsel individueller Produktionsprozesse behandelt. Ein Jahrhundert später ist die Rührtechnik in vielen Bereichen wissenschaftlich weit erschlossen. Wegweisende Forschungsarbeiten, die zu diesem imposanten Zugewinn an wissenschaftlicher Durchdringung maßgeblich beigetragen haben, werden in diesem Artikel dargestellt. Hierbei liegt der Fokus auf Arbeiten zur Bestimmung der Leistungscharakteristik sowie zur Charakterisierung des Homogenisierverhaltens, der Feststoffsuspendierung und der Dispergierung.
Local measurement of mass transfer in a reactive spray for CO2 capture
Authors: Ouboukhlik Maria , Saengkaew Sawitree , Fournier‐Salaün Marie‐Christine , Estel Lionel , Grehan Gérard
Published: November 2014

CO2 capture is still a major challenge for the environment and decarbonization of gas streams. It has been industrially feasible for several decades using chemical absorption by alkanolamine solvents. The purpose of this work is to characterize the mass transfer in a spray contactor during CO2 absorption using monoethanolamine as a solvent. A new, effective way to investigate mass transfer is to measure the refractive index during the reactive absorption. Indeed, the concentration and temperature evolution inside the droplet during absorption induces a modification of the refractive index. By using rainbow refractometry technique (GRT), the liquid side mass transfer coefficient was measured in a controlled gas atmosphere during a transfer process in aqueous 30 % (w/w) monoethanolamine and compared to the literature.
Predictors of survival outcomes in phase 1 relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients
Authors: Barbee Meagan S. , Nooka Ajay , Kaufman Jonathan L. , Kim Sungjin , Chen Zhengjia , Heffner Leonard T. , Lonial Sagar , Harvey R. Donald
Published: November 2014

BACKGROUND

The categories of the International Myeloma Working Group (IMWG) response criteria for multiple myeloma are based on the magnitude of the change in paraprotein and the normalization of the free light chain ratio (rFLC). However, the relationship between the response by these biomarkers and clinical outcomes has not been validated with novel compounds in the phase 1 setting. Early response predictors may have prognostic value and speed development plans for new agents.

METHODS

The relationship between biomarkers of response and clinical outcomes was examined in 87 relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma patients enrolled in nontransplant phase I clinical trials from January 2004 through November 2011 at 4 time landmarks. Progression‐free survival (PFS) was the primary outcome, and overall survival (OS) was also assessed.

RESULTS

The normalization of rFLC within 4 months predicted improvement in PFS (11.3 vs 2.8 months, P = .038), whereas the normalization of rFLC within 12 months predicted improvement in PFS (6.1 vs 2.8 months, P = .015) and OS (45 vs 17.4 months, P = .002). The magnitude of response in paraprotein predicted and correlated linearly with PFS at all time landmarks (R2 = 0.703‐0.943) when it was assessed with 2 different boundaries.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the normalization of rFLC and the magnitude of response are viable biomarkers for surrogate endpoints in early‐phase clinical trials, validate the use of current IMWG response criteria in the phase 1 setting, and support the use of these biomarkers for drug development endpoints. Cancer 2015;121:853–862. © 2014 American Cancer Society.
ω‐Turn: A novel β‐turn mimic in globular proteins stabilized by main‐chain to side‐chain CH···O interaction
Authors: Dhar Jesmita , Chakrabarti Pinak , Saini Harpreet , Raghava Gajendra Pal Singh , Kishore Raghuvansh
Published: November 2014

Mimicry of structural motifs is a common feature in proteins. The 10‐membered hydrogen‐bonded ring involving the main‐chain CO in a β‐turn can be formed using a side‐chain carbonyl group leading to Asx‐turn. We show that the NH component of hydrogen bond can be replaced by a Cγ‐H group in the side chain, culminating in a nonconventional CH···O interaction. Because of its shape this β‐turn mimic is designated as ω‐turn, which is found to occur ∼three times per 100 residues. Three residues (i to i + 2) constitute the turn with the CH···O interaction occurring between the terminal residues, constraining the torsion angles ϕi + 1, ψi + 1, ϕi + 2 and χ′1(i + 2) (using the interacting Cγ atom). Based on these angles there are two types of ω‐turns, each of which can be further divided into two groups. Cβ‐branched side‐chains, and Met and Gln have high propensities to occur at i + 2; for the last two residues the carbonyl oxygen may participate in an additional interaction involving the S and amino group, respectively. With Cys occupying the i + 1 position, such turns are found in the metal‐binding sites. N‐linked glycosylation occurs at the consensus pattern Asn‐Xaa‐Ser/Thr; with Thr at i + 2, the sequence can adopt the secondary structure of a ω‐turn, which may be the recognition site for protein modification. Location between two β‐strands is the most common occurrence in protein tertiary structure, and being generally exposed ω‐turn may constitute the antigenic determinant site. It is a stable scaffold and may be used in protein engineering and peptide design. Proteins 2015; 83:203–214. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A new Eomysticetid (Mammalia: Cetacea) from the Late Oligocene of New Zealand and a re‐evaluation of ‘Mauicetus’ waitakiensis
Authors: Boessenecker Robert W. , Fordyce R. Ewan
Published: November 2014

The published Oligocene record of mysticetes (baleen whales) is dominated by toothed mysticetes in addition to the Eomysticetidae, the earliest known chaeomysticetes known only from the Oligocene. Formally recognized eomysticetids include examples from the Oligocene of South Carolina, USA (Eomysticetus), and Japan (Yamatocetus). A new fossil from the upper Oligocene Otekaike Limestone including a partial skull, periotic, tympanic bulla, mandible and some postcrania is here described as Tohoraata raekohao gen. et sp. nov. Tohoraata confirms the presence of an eomysticetid in New Zealand. Tohoraata raekohao is characterized by delicate frontal with numerous supraorbital foramina and sulci, relatively long exposure of the frontal and parietal along a transversely narrow intertemporal region, greatly enlarged temporal fossa, massive and anteriorly directed zygomatic process lacking a supramastoid crest, and a periotic with superior process reduced to a low ridge with anterior and posterior apices. Cranial and postcranial fusion of elements, development of muscle attachments and osteohistology demonstrate that the T. raekohao holotype is an adult or possible subadult. Features of the tympanic bulla including a relatively wide bulla with a medial lobe that is transversely much wider than the lateral lobe, and a slightly posterolaterally facing exoccipital, permit referral of the fragmentary ‘Mauicetus’ waitakiensis of Marples into the genus Tohoraata, resulting in Tohoraata waitakiensis comb. nov. Description of T. raekohao and resolution of the relationships of the hitherto problematic Tohoraata waitakiensis indicates that several eomysticetids were present in the Southern Ocean during the Late Oligocene.
Brief report: Preliminary evidence that co‐rumination fosters adolescents' depression risk by increasing rumination
Authors: Stone Lindsey B. , Gibb Brandon E.
Published: November 2014

Mounting research shows that the tendency to co‐ruminate with peers regarding ongoing problems increases adolescents' depression risk; however, the means by which this interpersonal process fosters risk has not been identified. This said, theorists have proposed that co‐rumination increases depression risk, in part, by increasing one's tendency to ruminate when alone. We tested this hypothesis in a study of 201 high‐school freshmen who completed two assessments, six months apart. Supporting the proposed model, co‐rumination predicted prospective increases in rumination and rumination predicted increases in depressive symptoms. The direct effect of co‐rumination on depressive symptom change was not significant. Results indicate that co‐rumination with friends may serve to increase rumination, which in turn increases depression risk.
Migration and place
Authors: Ricatti Francesco
Published: November 2014

Many memories and narratives of migration foreground the concepts of movement and emplacement. In this article, the concept of emplacement relates in particular to an understanding of place as a porous space in which social relations converge, meet, clash, change and evolve. At the same time, as argued by Massey, the social relations that make a certain place unique are not all included within the place itself. This is particularly true for migrants, whose emplacement cannot be understood independently from their transnational and translocal forms of knowledge and social relations. Thus emplacement here is understood as a complex process of geographical, social and cultural reorientation and negotiation. As spaces of complex and gradual emplacement, places are not rigidly delimited and defined. Nor are they simply connected to essentialised identities — for instance, through nostalgic memories and discourse. Rather, they are constantly influenced and modified by changes in social relations within and beyond the place itself.
Janette Turner Hospital, 'The Claimant', Sydney: Fourth Estate/HarperCollins, 2014, ISBN 9 7807 3229 8135, 609 pp., A$29.99
Authors: Callahan David
Published: November 2014

Janette Turner Hospital, The Claimant, Sydney: Fourth Estate/HarperCollins, 2014, ISBN 9 7807 3229 8135, 609 pp., A$29.99
Exhibition: 'The many lives of Moreton Bay', Museum of Brisbane, 14 February–12 October 2014
Authors: Harrison Jennifer
Published: November 2014

The many lives of Moreton Bay, Museum of Brisbane, 14 February–12 October 2014
The Impact of Lubricants on the Precision Lapping Process
Authors: Jiang Xionghua , Chen Zhenxing , Wolfram Joy , Wei Zhongxian , Shen Yuqiu , Yang Zhizhou
Published: November 2014

The impact of lubricants on pole-tip recession and surface morphology of hard disk drive heads in the precision lapping process was investigated with atomic force microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and auger electron spectroscopy. In particular, the effects of deionized water, hydrocarbon oil, ethanediol, isopropanol, and ethanol lubricants were evaluated. The results reveal that proper selection of lubricant is critical for achieving optimal performance in the lapping process. A mixture of 68% hydrocarbon oil, 30% isopropanol, and 2% octadecenoic acid was found to yield the most favorable results, displaying a writer shield recession, first shield of reader recession, and surface roughness of 0.423, 0.581, and 0.242 nm, respectively.
Sex Differences in Ischemic Stroke Sensitivity Are Influenced by Gonadal Hormones, Not by Sex Chromosome Complement
Authors: Manwani Bharti , Bentivegna Kathryn , Benashski Sharon E , Venna Venugopal Reddy , Xu Yan , Arnold Arthur P , McCullough Louise D
Published: November 2014

Epidemiologic studies have shown sex differences in ischemic stroke. The four core genotype (FCG) mouse model, in which the testes determining gene, Sry, has been moved from Y chromosome to an autosome, was used to dissociate the effects of sex hormones from sex chromosome in ischemic stroke outcome. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) in gonad intact FCG mice revealed that gonadal males (XXM and XYM) had significantly higher infarct volumes as compared with gonadal females (XXF and XYF). Serum testosterone levels were equivalent in adult XXM and XYM, as was serum estrogen in XXF and XYF mice. To remove the effects of gonadal hormones, gonadectomized FCG mice were subjected to MCAO. Gonadectomy significantly increased infarct volumes in females, while no change was seen in gonadectomized males, indicating that estrogen loss increases ischemic sensitivity. Estradiol supplementation in gonadectomized FCG mice rescued this phenotype. Interestingly, FCG male mice were less sensitive to effects of hormones. This may be due to enhanced expression of the transgene Sry in brains of FCG male mice. Sex differences in ischemic stroke sensitivity appear to be shaped by organizational and activational effects of sex hormones, rather than sex chromosomal complement.
Comparative metabolomic and ionomic approach for abundant fishes in estuarine environments of Japan
Authors: Yoshida Seiji , Date Yasuhiro , Akama Makiko , Kikuchi Jun
Published: November 2014

Environmental metabolomics or ionomics is widely used to characterize the effects of environmental stressors on the health of aquatic organisms. However, most studies have focused on liver and muscle tissues of fish and little is known about how the other organs are affected by environmental perturbations and effects such as metal pollutants or eutrophication. We examined the metabolic and mineral profiles of three kinds of abundant fishes in estuarine ecosystem, yellowfin goby, urohaze-goby and juvenile Japanese seabass sampled from Tsurumi River estuary, Japan. Multivariate analyses, including nuclear magnetic resonance-based metabolomics and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry-based ionomics approaches, revealed that the profiles were clustered according to differences among body tissues rather than differences in body size, sex and species. The metabolic and mineral profiles of the muscle and fin tissues, respectively, suggest that these tissues are most appropriate for evaluating environmental perturbations. Such analyses will be highly useful in evaluating the environmental variation and diversity in aquatic ecosystems.
A prototype diagnostics system to detect ultraviolet emission for plasma turbulence
Authors: Onchi T. , Fujisawa A. , Sanpei A.
Published: November 2014

A system to detect ultraviolet emissions from plasma is developed for multi-point measurement, the target of which is the imaging of turbulence with a high temporal resolution. A fluorescent glass, which converts ultraviolet emissions to visible light with a wavelength of approximately 540 nm, is utilized in the system. Following the conversion, the fluorescent light is transferred with fibre optics, and is converted to electric signals in a location that is sufficiently distant from an electrically noisy environment around the plasma device. This paper describes a prototype system of this diagnostic method and discusses the spectral analysis obtained using a low-aspect-ratio reversed field pinch RELAX.
Enhanced inertia from lossy effective fluids using multi-scale sonic crystals
Authors: Guild Matthew D. , Garcia-Chocano Victor M. , Kan Weiwei , Sánchez-Dehesa José
Published: November 2014

In this work, a recent theoretically predicted phenomenon of enhanced permittivity with electromagnetic waves using lossy materials is investigated for the analogous case of mass density and acoustic waves, which represents inertial enhancement. Starting from fundamental relationships for the homogenized quasi-static effective density of a fluid host with fluid inclusions, theoretical expressions are developed for the conditions on the real and imaginary parts of the constitutive fluids to have inertial enhancement, which are verified with numerical simulations. Realizable structures are designed to demonstrate this phenomenon using multi-scale sonic crystals, which are fabricated using a 3D printer and tested in an acoustic impedance tube, yielding good agreement with the theoretical predictions and demonstrating enhanced inertia.
Elastic waves at periodically-structured surfaces and interfaces of solids
Authors: Every A. G. , Maznev A. A.
Published: November 2014

This paper presents a simple treatment of elastic wave scattering at periodically structured surfaces and interfaces of solids, and the existence and nature of surface acoustic waves (SAW) and interfacial (IW) waves at such structures. Our treatment is embodied in phenomenological models in which the periodicity resides in the boundary conditions. These yield zone folding and band gaps at the boundary of, and within the Brillouin zone. Above the transverse bulk wave threshold, there occur leaky or pseudo-SAW and pseudo-IW, which are attenuated via radiation into the bulk wave continuum. These have a pronounced effect on the transmission and reflection of bulk waves. We provide examples of pseudo-SAW and pseudo-IW for which the coupling to the bulk wave continuum vanishes at isloated points in the dispersion relation. These supersonic guided waves correspond to embedded discrete eigenvalues within a radiation continuum. We stress the generality of the phenomena that are exhibited at widely different scales of length and frequency, and their relevance to situations as diverse as the guiding of seismic waves in mine stopes, the metrology of periodic metal interconnect structures in the semiconductor industry, and elastic wave scattering by an array of coplanar cracks in a solid.
The local surface plasmon resonance property and refractive index sensitivity of metal elliptical nano-ring arrays
Authors: Lin Weihua , Wang Qian , Li Qiuze , Dong Anhua
Published: November 2014

In this paper, we systematically investigate the optical property and refractive index sensitivity (RIS) of metal elliptical nano-ring (MENR) arranged in rectangle lattice by finite-difference time-domain method. Eight kinds of considered MENRs are divided into three classes, namely fixed at the same outer size, at the same inner size, and at the same middle size. All MENR arrays show a bonding mode local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak in the near-infrared region under longitudinal and transverse polarizations, and lattice diffraction enhanced LSPR peaks emerge, when the LSPR peak wavelength (LSPRPW) matches the effective lattice constant of the array. The LSPRPW is determined by the charge moving path length, the parallel and cross interactions induced by the stable distributed charges, and the moving charges inter-attraction. High RIS can be achieved by small particle distance arrays composed of MENRs with big inner size and small ring-width. On the other hand, for a MENR array, the comprehensive RIS (including RIS and figure of merit) under transverse polarization is superior to that under longitudinal polarization. Furthermore, on condition that compared arrays are fixed at the same lattice constant, the phenomenon that the RIS of big ring-width MENR arrays may be higher than that of small ring-width MENR arrays only appears in the case of compared arrays with relatively small lattice constant and composed of MENRs fixed at the same inner size simultaneously. Meanwhile, the LSPRPW of the former MENR arrays is also larger than that of the latter MENR arrays. Our systematic results may help experimentalists work with this type of systems.
A Novel Electrochemiluminescence Sensor for Sensitive Determination of Carbaryl Based on Solid Phase Microextraction at NH2–Graphene–Nafion Modified Electrode
Authors: Wang Sui , Lv Shasha , Wu Wenwen , Guo Zhiyong
Published: November 2014

Sensitive electrochemiluminescence (ECL) detection and solid phase microextraction (SPME) using a NH2–graphene–Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode was developed for carbaryl. The NH2–graphene was synthesised and characterised by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, and X-ray diffraction. The main parameters that affect the extraction efficiencies, such as the buffer and sample pH, and extraction time were investigated and optimised. The introduction of NH2–graphene into Nafion improves the conductivity of the film because of its electrical conductivity. The electrode enables the determination of carbaryl in the range from 5 × 10–4 to 10 μg mL–1, and the limit of detection was 2 × 10–4 μg mL–1 at a signal-to-noise ratio of 3. The ECL intensity retained 97 % of its initial response current after storage for 10 days, indicating a good storage stability of the sensor. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) of intra-assay and inter-assay were found to be 3.5 and 5.3 %, respectively, indicating an acceptable reproducibility. Furthermore, the ECL sensor was successfully applied to the selective and sensitive quantitative determination of carbaryl in river samples, the recoveries of carbaryl ranged from 99.0 to 108.0 %, and the RSDs were less than 5.0 %, which shows good reproducibility and high precision of analysis.
CERES-Rice model-based simulations of climate change impacts on rice yields and efficacy of adaptive options in Northeast China
Authors: Wu Wenxiang , Fang Qian , Ge Quansheng , Zhou Mengzi , Lin Yumei
Published: November 2014

Global temperatures are rising, and concerns about the response of agricultural production to climate change are increasing. Adaptation is a key factor that will shape the severity of impacts of future climate change on food production. Based on actual meteorological, soil and agricultural management data at site scale, the CERES-Rice model, combined with the Regional Climate Model (RCM)-PRECIS, was used to simulate both the effects of climate change on rice yields and the efficacy of adaptive options in Northeast China. The impact simulation showed that rice yield changes ranged from +0.1% to –44.9% (A2 scenario) and from –0.3% to –40.1% (B2 scenario) without considering CO2 fertilisation effects. When considering CO2 fertilisation effects, rice yield reductions induced by temperature increases were decreased at all sites. The CO2 fertilisation effects may partly offset the negative impacts of climate change on rice yields. Adaptive option results revealed that the adverse impacts of climate change on rice yields could be mitigated by advancing the planting dates, transplanting mid–late-maturing rice cultivars to replace early-maturing ones, and breeding new rice cultivars with high thermal requirements. Our findings provide insight into the possible impacts of climate change on rice production, and we suggest which adaptive strategies could be used to cope with future climate change, thus providing evidence-based suggestions for government policy on adaptive strategies.
Geochemical reaction mechanism discovery from molecular simulation
Authors: Stack Andrew G. , Kent Paul R. C.
Published: November 2014

Environmental context
Computational simulations are providing an increasingly useful way to isolate specific geochemical and environmental reactions and to test how important they are to the overall rate. In this review, we summarise a few ways that one can simulate a reaction and discuss each technique’s overall strengths and weaknesses. Selected case studies illustrate how these techniques have helped to improve our understanding for geochemical and environmental problems.

Abstract
Methods to explore reactions using computer simulation are becoming increasingly quantitative, versatile and robust. In this review, a rationale for how molecular simulation can help build better geochemical kinetics models is first given. Some common methods are summarised that geochemists use to simulate reaction mechanisms, specifically classical molecular dynamics and quantum chemical methods and their strengths and weaknesses are also discussed. Useful tools such as umbrella sampling and metadynamics that enable one to explore reactions are discussed. Several case studies wherein geochemists have used these tools to understand reaction mechanisms are presented, including water exchange and sorption on aqueous species and mineral surfaces, surface charging, crystal growth and dissolution, and electron transfer. The effect that molecular simulation has had on our understanding of geochemical reactivity is highlighted in each case. In the future, it is anticipated that molecular simulation of geochemical reaction mechanisms will become more commonplace as a tool to validate and interpret experimental data, and provide a check on the plausibility of geochemical kinetic models.
Seasonal distributions and sources of low molecular weight dicarboxylic acids, ω-oxocarboxylic acids, pyruvic acid, α-dicarbonyls and fatty acids in ambient aerosols from subtropical Okinawa in the western Pacific Rim
Authors: Kunwar Bhagawati , Kawamura Kimitaka
Published: November 2014

Environmental context Water-soluble dicarboxylic acids and related compounds are ubiquitous in atmospheric aerosols. They are abundantly emitted from Asian countries and transported to the Pacific Ocean. During the long-range transport, photochemical processing modifies organic aerosols. We conducted a 1-year observation of diacids and related compounds at Okinawa Island, an outflow region of the Asian Continent, to clarify their sources and photochemical aging. Abstract Ambient aerosol samples were collected for 1 year at Okinawa Island, Japan, and were analysed for water-soluble dicarboxylic acids, oxoacids, α-dicarbonyls and fatty acids to better understand biogenic v. anthropogenic sources and the formation–transformation of organic aerosols during long-range atmospheric transport. Here, we report seasonal variations of diacids and related compounds in Okinawa. We found a predominance of oxalic acid (C2) followed by malonic (C3) and succinic (C4) acid. Total diacids and oxoacids maximised in spring when air masses originated from the Asian Continent with westerly winds. In contrast, phthalic acid (Ph), a tracer of anthropogenic sources, peaked in winter. We found an increased C3/C4 ratio in summer, suggesting an enhanced photochemical aging of organic aerosols. The average ratio of total diacid-C/total carbon (TC) (5.4%) is higher than that (3.1%) from the East China Sea, suggesting that Okinawa aerosols are more aged than East Asian aerosols but less aged compared to those from the remote Pacific including tropics (8.8%). Biogenic short-chain fatty acids and azelaic acid (C9), the latter is a specific oxidation product of unsaturated fatty acids, maximised in summer, whereas higher plant-derived long-chain fatty acids maximised in spring. This study demonstrates that the ambient aerosols in Okinawa are strongly influenced by the Asian outflow in winter and spring and by biogenic organic matter in summer and spring. Enhanced contribution of oxalic acid to aerosol TC in spring suggests that Okinawa organic aerosols are mainly produced in East Asia and photochemically transformed during the transport.
Seasonal changes in the photosynthetic response to CO2 and temperature in apple (Malus domestica cv. ‘Red Gala’) leaves during a growing season with a high temperature event
Authors: Greer Dennis H.
Published: November 2014

Changes in the photosynthetic responses of Malus domestica cv. ‘Red Gala’ leaves to internal CO2 concentrations at leaf temperatures from 15°C to 40°C were followed across the growing season in field-grown trees exposed to a high temperature event in late summer. Light and CO2-saturated photosynthesis (Amax), maximum rates of ribulose 1,5-bisphosphate (RuBP) carboxylation (Vcmax) and maximum rates of electron transport (Jmax) were all highest in spring, although Amax was maximal at 30°C, and Vcmax and Jmax were maximal at 40°C. All attributes declined in late summer and reached minima that coincided with the occurrence of the high temperature event. Modelling suggested many of the changes were correlated with the seasonal climate, although the measurement or current temperature had an overriding effect, especially on stomatal conductance. Marked changes in the temperature-dependency of Vcmax and Jmax occurred across the season and appeared to relate to the seasonal changes in climate, especially temperature. The reduction in photosynthesis at high temperatures was, however, partly attributable to a stomatal limitation of up to 60% at the high temperatures. Non-stomatal reductions in photosynthesis during the heat event could be attributed to detrimental effect on RuBP carboxylation and on RuBP regeneration.
The effects of different rice cultivation systems and ages on resting stages of wetland invertebrates in southern Brazil
Authors: Cardoso Ávila Arthur , Boelter Thaíse , Martins dos Santos Renata , Stenert Cristina , Würdig Norma Luiza , Rocha Odete , Maltchik Leonardo
Published: November 2014

The use of machinery and pesticides in modern agriculture are supposed to negatively affect the viability and diversity of invertebrate egg banks. Studies that evaluate the emergence of invertebrates through analysis of their dormant stages are needed in order to identify the resiliency of food webs in wetlands. In this study, the following hypotheses were tested: (1) richness is lower in conventional rice fields than in organic ones and natural wetlands; (2) richness is lower in older rice fields than younger fields; (3) composition varies among different rice systems and ages; and (4) emergence rate may vary among rice systems and ages over time. Dry sediment samples were collected from six rice fields cultivated under different systems, nine conventional rice fields with different cultivation ages and three natural wetlands. Our study showed that the richness was surprisingly higher in conventional rice fields than wetlands, with cladocerans being more associated with the former and insects more frequent in the latter. Invertebrate richness was similar among rice fields of different ages, but the composition differed between 20-year-old fields and younger fields. Variation in the viable resting stages found across different rice cultivation systems and ages contributes valuable information to wetland restoration initiatives.
Seasonal monitoring of soil salinity by electromagnetic conductivity in irrigated sandy soils from a Saharan oasis
Authors: Berkal Ismaiel , Walter Christian , Michot Didier , Djili Kaddour
Published: November 2014

Monitoring soil salinity over time is a crucial issue in Saharan oases to anticipate salinisation related to insufficient irrigation management. This project tested the ability of electromagnetic conductivity surveys to describe, by means of regression-tree inference models, spatiotemporal changes in soil salinity at different depths within a complex 10-ha pattern of irrigated plots in an Algerian oasis. Soils were sandy Aridic Salic Solonchaks with a fluctuating saline watertable at less than 2 m. Apparent electrical conductivity (ECa) was measured by an EM38 device at fixed 10- or 20-m intervals (2889 points) at four sampling dates between March 2009 and November 2010. For calibration and validation purposes, soil salinity was measured from a 1 : 5 diluted extract (EC1:5) in three layers (0–10, 10–25, 25–50 cm) at 30 of these points randomly chosen at each date. ECa measurements were used to predict EC1:5 using calibration regression trees created with the software Cubist, including either parameters specific to the study site (specific model) or more general parameters (general model), allowing extrapolation to other sites. Performance of regression tree predictions was compared with predictions derived from a multiple linear regression (MLR) model adjusted for each date using the software ESAP. Salinity was better predicted by Cubist regression tree models than MLR models. For the deep layer (25–50 cm), Cubist models were more accurate with the specific model (r2 = 0.8, RMSE = 1.6 dS/m) than the general model (r2 = 0.4, RMSE = 2.5 dS/m). Prediction accuracy of both models decreased from the bottom to the top of the soil profile. Salinity maps showed high inter-plot variability, which was captured better by the more flexible regression-tree inference models than the classic MLR models, but they need to build site-specific prediction models. Overall, the monitoring surveys, combined with the Cubist prediction tool, revealed both the seasonal dynamics and spatial variability of salinity at different depths.
Schistosomiasis‐Associated Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Papamatheakis Demosthenes G. , Mocumbi Ana Olga H. , Kim Nick H. , Mandel Jess
Published: November 2014

Schistosomiasis, a parasite‐borne disease, is highly prevalent in Africa and Asia; it is estimated that close to 20 million people worldwide have a severe form of the disease. The chronic form can affect the gastrointestinal system and lead to hepatosplenic disease, and it may cause cardiopulmonary complications, including pulmonary hypertension. The exact pathogenesis of schistosomiasis‐associated pulmonary hypertension (Sch‐PH) remains unclear, although several mechanisms, including parasitic arterial embolization, pulmonary arteriopathy, and portopulmonary hypertension–like pathophysiology, have been suggested. The immunopathology of the disease is also unclear, although there are similarities with the immunology of idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). Finally, the treatment of Sch‐PH has not been well studied. There is some evidence on treating the underlying infection, with unclear effect on Sch‐PH, and advanced PAH therapies are now being suggested, but more studies are needed to confirm their efficacy.
Co-culture system of human salivary gland epithelial cells and immune cells from primary Sjögren’s syndrome patients: an in vitro approach to study the effects of Rituximab on the activation of the Raf-1/ERK1/2 pathway
Authors: Lisi Sabrina , Sisto Margherita , D’Amore Massimo , Lofrumento Dario Domenico
Published: November 2014

Primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS) is a chronic autoimmune disorder of the exocrine glands with associated lymphocytic infiltrates in the affected glands. Dryness of the mouth and eyes results from involvement of the salivary and lacrimal glands. The efficacy of Rituximab (RTX) in pSS is still open to debate. This study delineates the signaling pathway involved in RTX-mediated down-regulation of pro-inflammatory factors in a co-culture system of pSS salivary gland epithelial cells (SGEC) with syngeneic pSS B-lymphocytes. In addition, the effects of RTX on the activation of the Raf-1/ERK1/2 pathway in pSS SGEC co-cultured with syngeneic pSS T-lymphocytes were also investigated. This study demonstrated that RTX may interfere with the ERK1/2 pathway in a syngeneic co-culture of pSS SGEC with pSS B-lymphocytes, leading to decreased cytokine production by SGEC. These novel findings reveal that syngeneic co-culture of pSS SGEC with pSS B-lymphocytes leads to a down-regulation of Raf-1 in epithelial cells that adversely regulates the activity of the ERK1/2 pathway and determines a subsequent reduction of the release of pro-inflammatory factors.
Male sperm storage compromises sperm motility in guppies
Authors: Gasparini Clelia , Kelley Jennifer L. , Evans Jonathan P.
Published: November 2014

Sperm senescence can have important evolutionary implications due to its deleterious effects on sperm quality and offspring performance. Consequently, it has been argued that polyandry (female multiple mating) may facilitate the selection of younger, and therefore competitively superior, sperm when ejaculates from multiple males compete for fertilization. Surprisingly, however, unequivocal evidence that sperm ageing influences traits that underlie sperm competitiveness is lacking. Here, we used a paired experimental design that compares sperm quality between ‘old’ and ‘young’ ejaculates from individual male guppies (
Poecilia reticulata
). We show that older sperm exhibit significant reductions in sperm velocity compared with younger sperm from the same males. We found no evidence that the brightness of the male's orange (carotenoid) spots, which are thought to signal resistance to oxidative stress (and thus age-related declines in sperm fitness), signals a male's ability to withstand the deleterious effects of sperm ageing. Instead, polyandry may be a more effective strategy for females to minimize the likelihood of being fertilized by aged sperm.
Self-motion facilitates echo-acoustic orientation in humans
Authors: Wallmeier Ludwig , Wiegrebe Lutz
Published: November 2014

The ability of blind humans to navigate complex environments through echolocation has received rapidly increasing scientific interest. However, technical limitations have precluded a formal quantification of the interplay between echolocation and self-motion. Here, we use a novel virtual echo-acoustic space technique to formally quantify the influence of self-motion on echo-acoustic orientation. We show that both the vestibular and proprioceptive components of self-motion contribute significantly to successful echo-acoustic orientation in humans: specifically, our results show that vestibular input induced by whole-body self-motion resolves orientation-dependent biases in echo-acoustic cues. Fast head motions, relative to the body, provide additional proprioceptive cues which allow subjects to effectively assess echo-acoustic space referenced against the body orientation. These psychophysical findings clearly demonstrate that human echolocation is well suited to drive precise locomotor adjustments. Our data shed new light on the sensory–motor interactions, and on possible optimization strategies underlying echolocation in humans.
A Hidden Markov Model for Investigating Recent Positive Selection through Haplotype Structure
Authors: Chen Hua , Hey Jody , Slatkin Montgomery
Published: November 2014

Recent positive selection can increase the frequency of an advantageous mutant rapidly enough that a relatively long ancestral haplotype will be remained intact around it. We present a hidden Markov model (HMM) to identify such haplotype structures. With HMM identified haplotype structures, a population genetic model for the extent of ancestral haplotypes is then adopted for parameter inference of the selection intensity and the allele age. Simulations show that this method can detect selection under a wide range of conditions and has higher power than the existing frequency spectrum-based method. In addition, it provides good estimate of the selection coefficients and allele ages for strong selection. The method analyzes large data sets in a reasonable amount of running time. This method is applied to HapMap III data for a genome scan, and identifies a list of candidate regions putatively under recent positive selection. It is also applied to several genes known to be under recent positive selection, including theLCT, KITLGandTYRP1genes in Northern Europeans, andOCA2in East Asians, to estimate their allele ages and selection coefficients.
Assessment of the electric field induced in the human tissue during magnetic stimulation of the spinal cord
Authors: Darabant Laura , Cretu Mihaela , Ciupa Radu V. , Micu Dan D. , Stet Denisa
Published: November 2014

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to estimate the electrical field induced in the spinal cord and nearby area during lumbar magnetic stimulation.

Design/methodology/approach

The spinal cord is modelled as a continuous cylinder, while the vertebral column is also represented by a concentric interrupted cylinder. The coil used for magnetic stimulation is a figure of eight, whose centre is placed above T12‐L1 vertebras. The electrical field is induced and its derivative is computed using the finite difference method.

Findings

Preliminary results suggest that magnetic stimulation may be able to induce a sufficiently intense electric field inside the spinal cord, leading to the direct activation of spinal nerve roots.

Practical implications

If the spinal cord can be stimulated directly by magnetic stimulation, this technique can facilitate functional motor activities, including standing and stepping in paralyzed people, in a non‐invasive way.

Originality/value

The authors revealed the fact that functional magnetic stimulation can be applied to the spinal cord, and should be further investigated as an alternative to invasive techniques such as electrical stimulation.
Identifying Satisfiers and Dissatisfiers in the Service Encounter
Authors: Edvardsson  , Nilsson‐Witell
Published: November 2014

Service attributes are important for customer perceptions of service quality. However, in spite of huge amount of research, the role of service attributes as satisfiers and dissatisfiers in service incounters is not understood well enough. An empirical investigation is conducted concerning a problem resolution service in the telecommunication industry. We use both qualitative and quantitative service performance data to describe and analyze how critical incidents can be used to identify and understand which service attributes are perceived as satisfiers and dissatisfiers. Our study reveals that there is a subset of critical incidents, so called critically critical incidents, which are perceived differently and are different in content compared to critical incidents. These incidents are extremely rich of information and have the possibility to reveal the real satisfiers and dissatisfiers in a service encounter.
Mental health and people with learning disabilities in Northern Ireland: an overview of current policy
Authors: Barr Owen
Published: November 2014

In 2002, a Review of Mental Health and Learning Disability in Northern Ireland was launched, which reported during 2005‐6 and produced a framework for future learning disability and mental health services. This article will address three broad areas: first, it will provide an overview of the current structure of health and social services within Northern Ireland and summarise how these structures are expected to change within the next few years. Second, it will outline the key policy objectives in relation to the health of people with learning disabilities, giving particular attention to individuals among this population who develop mental health problems. Third, it will consider some key challenges that may lie ahead if the recently stated policy objectives are to be realised.
Behavioural phenotypes: their applicability to children and young people who have learning disabilities
Authors: Turk Jeremy
Published: November 2014

The area of behavioural phenotype research and related clinical practice is now recognised as one of high relevance to all practitioners who help people with learning disabilities, whatever their age. Knowledge continues to accumulate rapidly regarding aspects pertaining to aetiology, likely developmental, emotional and behavioural challenges, useful multidisciplinary interventions and supports and long‐term prognosis. This paper reviews the concept, its history and recent developments, focusing on those aspects which are of particular importance to clinical and other care and support professionals and their clients. There is a continuing need for widespread dissemination of the large body of relevant information, and its application to practice in order to maximise benefits for people with learning disabilities and their families.
Use of a narrative therapy approach with a man with a learning disability: an alternative to cognitive behavioural therapy?
Authors: Foster Chloe , Banes Jonathan
Published: November 2014

This case study presents and evaluates the effectiveness of a psychological intervention based on a narrative therapeutic approach. Paul is a man with a mild learning disability who was referred for treatment for anxiety and anger. Following difficulties in engaging him in a cognitive behavioural intervention, a narrative approach was initiated. By placing Paul as an expert in his own life, the approach was intended to assist him to access his strengths and resources and encourage him to view himself as separate from the problem he labelled ‘Anger’. Quantitative data indicated that there was a reduction in feelings of anxiety and increased feelings of well‐being. Subjectively, Paul reported making steps towards achieving five therapeutic goals, including feeling more in control of ‘Anger’. It was concluded that, with modifications to standard techniques, a narrative therapeutic approach offers a promising alternative to CBT for people with learning disabilities.
Lights out for Capital Mills Limited (CML)!
Authors: Wilson Shellyanne
Published: November 2014

Subject area

This case study deals specifically with the issue of manufacturing strategy, and business strategy.

Study level/applicability

The case can be used in a number of course contexts, including undergraduate and MBA programs. The focus is on both business strategy and manufacturing strategy issues. The case can be assigned as an opening vignette, during the initial phases of business strategy, since the case situations and concepts are both simple and clear. It can also be assigned for an in-depth treatment of manufacturing strategy.

Case overview

The case focuses on Capital Mills Limited (CML), a flour milling company, and concentrates on whether the company should refurbish its two 40-year old flour mills at a cost of US$6 million or if the company should invest US$15 million in the construction and installation of a new, fully-automated “Lights out” flour mill. This decision is viewed as a “make or break” decision for CML, since for the first time in the company's 40 year history will it face significant direct competition, in the form of the impending entry of a second flour milling company.

Expected learning outcomes

The case has four primary learning objectives, namely to: illustrate the linkages between business level strategy and the functional level, manufacturing strategy; discuss the role of a company's history and internal resource structure in the decision making process; explore how operational issues influence capital expenditure decisions; and explore the perspective of managers in different functions in an organization that is facing a new competitive challenge.

Supplementary materials

Teaching notes are available – consult your librarian for access.