bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fibre digestibility, abundance of faecal bacteria and plasma acetate concentrations in overweight adult mares
Authors: Shepherd Megan L. , Ponder Monica A. , Burk Amy O. , Milton Stewart C. , Swecker William S.
Published: May 2014

The purpose of the present study was to compare digestibility of grass hay, faecal and plasma volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations, and faecal bacterial abundance in overweight and moderate-condition mares. Five overweight adult mixed-breed mares and five adult mixed-breed mares in moderate condition were housed individually and limit-fed orchard grass (Dactylis glomerata) hay at 20 g/kg body weight (as fed) daily for 14 d. Forage DM and fibre digestibility were determined using AOAC methods; digestible energy was measured using bomb calorimetry; plasma and faecal VFA concentrations were determined by use of GC and MS; faecal Firmicutes, Bacteroidetes,Fibrobacter succinogenes,Ruminococcus flavefaciensand total bacteria abundance was determined by quantitative real-time PCR using previously designed phylum-specific 16S ribosomal RNA gene primers. No differences in hay digestibility, faecal VFA concentrations or faecal bacterial abundance were detected between overweight and moderate-condition mares. Mean plasma acetate concentrations were higher (P = 0·03) in overweight (1·55 (range 1·43–1·65) mmol/l)v.moderate-condition (1·39 (range 1·22–1·47) mmol/l) mares. We conclude that the higher plasma acetate in overweight mares should be further investigated as a potential link between gut microbes and obesity in horses.
Brickworks of Ipswich, Queensland
Authors: Richards Jonathan
Published: May 2014

Patrick Buckridge was my teacher when I was an undergraduate student at Griffith University. One year, curator Susan Ostling asked him whether any students were  interested in local history research. I volunteered, and Patrick agreed to assess the historical report that I produced. My task was to research and compile, as comprehensively as I could in the time available, a history of the ceramics industry in Ipswich.
'A Peacock's Plume Among a Pile of Geese Feathers'
Authors: Carter David
Published: May 2014

Rosa Praed has been claimed as ‘the first Australian-born novelist to achieve a significant international reputation.’ Almost certainly, she was the first Australian-born novelist to be published in the United States, although she was in England by the time her first novel appeared in America in 1883. Of Praed’s forty-seven published works, twenty-five appeared in American editions in the three decades from 1883 to 1915, including twenty-four of her thirty-eight novels in more than forty separate editions. In the years either side of the century’s turn, she was among the best known Australian writers in America, alongside Louis Becke and Rolf Boldrewood.
Law, Focal Points, and Fiscal Discipline in the United States and the European Union
Authors: KELEMEN R. DANIEL , TEO TERENCE K.
Published: May 2014

Many studies suggest that strict balanced budget rules can restrain sovereign debt and lower sovereign borrowing costs, even if those rules are never enforced in court. Why might public officials adhere to a rule that is practically never enforced in court? Existing literature points to a legal deterrence logic in which the threat of judicial enforcement deters sovereigns from violating the rules in the first place. By contrast, we argue that balanced budget rules work by coordinating decentralized punishment of sovereigns by bond markets, rather than by posing a credible threat of judicial enforcement. Therefore, the clarity of the focal point provided by the rule, rather than the strength of its judicial enforcement mechanisms, determines its effectiveness. We develop a formal model that captures the logic of our argument, and we assess this model using data on U.S. states. We then consider implications of our argument for the impact of the balanced budget rules recently imposed on eurozone states in the Fiscal Compact Treaty.
When longevity meets vitality
Authors: Westendorp Rudi G. J. , Schalkwijk Frank H.
Published: May 2014

Alarmed by the sustainability of our health and social security systems, longevity has become a great societal challenge. In line with evolutionary logic we see a continuous increase of average life expectancy and maximal lifespan. Striving for a healthy old age, however, is an infelicitous expression as for human subjects the ageing process cannot be ultimately postponed. Not disregarding the huge variation in health trajectories, in old age we will all suffer from frailty and infirmity. As yet efforts of the biomedical arena are almost exclusively focused on stalling the ageing process and preventing dysfunction. Too little effort is spend on how to inspire and coach the great majority of people who still feel relatively well notwithstanding the presence of multiple age-related disorders. There is a strong rationale to separate the quest to live in good health for longer from actively and effectively negotiating the challenge of functional decline in old age. In particular, we emphasise a focus on adjusting the environment in order to correct the gene–environment mismatch that contributes to ill health. An additional strategy is to empower people to set ambitions and to realise appropriate goals, in spite of infirmity. Striving for vitality presents a striking opportunity to achieve subjective feelings of life satisfaction when ageing.
Auxin production by the plant trypanosomatidPhytomonas serpensand auxin homoeostasis in infected tomato fruits
Authors: IENNE SUSAN , FRESCHI LUCIANO , VIDOTTO VANESSA F. , DE SOUZA TIAGO A. , PURGATTO EDUARDO , ZINGALES BIANCA
Published: May 2014

Previously we have characterized the complete gene encoding a pyruvate decarboxylase (PDC)/indolepyruvate decarboxylase (IPDC) ofPhytomonas serpens, a trypanosomatid highly abundant in tomato fruits. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that the clade that contains the trypanosomatid protein behaves as a sister group of IPDCs ofγ-proteobacteria. Since IPDCs are key enzymes in the biosynthesis of the plant hormone indole-3-acetic acid (IAA), the ability for IAA production byP. serpenswas investigated. Similar to many microorganisms, the production of IAA and related indolic compounds, quantified by high performance liquid chromatography, increased inP. serpensmedia in response to amounts of tryptophan. The auxin functionality was confirmed in the hypocotyl elongation assay. In tomato fruits inoculated withP. serpensthe concentration of free IAA had no significant variation, whereas increased levels of IAA-amide and IAA-ester conjugates were observed. The data suggest that the auxin produced by the flagellate is converted to IAA conjugates, keeping unaltered the concentration of free IAA. Ethanol also accumulated inP. serpens-conditioned media, as the result of a PDC activity. In the article we discuss the hypothesis of the bifunctionality ofP. serpensPDC/IPDC and provide a three-dimensional model of the enzyme.
‘Bogged down’ ELT in Bangladesh: Problems and policy
Authors: Ali Maksud , Walker Ann L.
Published: May 2014

Hamid & Baldauf's (2008) labelling of the term ‘bogged down’ within the Bangladeshi ELT context and their prediction about the outcome of the English Language Teaching Improvement Project (ELTIP) appear to be true. While Hamid & Baldauf (2008) endeavour to present the poor ELT reality of rural Bangladesh, the current paper aims to explore the problems that make ELT ‘bogged down’ in Bangladesh.
HEALTH TECHNOLOGY ASSESSMENT OF MEDICINES IN GREECE: PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY EXECUTIVES' VIEWS
Authors: Armataki Eleni , Karampli Eleftheria , Kyriopoulos John , Pavi Elpida
Published: May 2014

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate originator pharmaceutical companies’ practices in relation to health technology assessment (HTA) and the views and perceptions of their executives on the importance of HTA in pricing and reimbursement of medicines in Greece.

Methods: A qualitative study was performed, using individual semi-structured interviews based on an interview schedule with open-ended questions. The target population was market access departments’ executives of originator pharmaceutical companies. Our target sample consisted of sixteen executives, of whom ten agreed to participate. Saturation point was reached after eight interviews. Data were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using content analysis.

Results: Participants considered HTA as a very important complementary tool for decision making in health policy, particularly in the field of pharmaceuticals and medical devices. They believed that, in Greece, HTA could be institutionalized for the reimbursement mechanism of medicines under certain conditions relating to current health policy-making attitudes and conditions pertaining in the country. They considered that there are many constraints which must be overcome as well as opportunities to be exploited.

Conclusions: Decisions in pharmaceutical policy should be scientifically substantiated and HTA should be institutionalized primarily for reimbursement decisions. Development of guidelines for conducting pharmaco-economic evaluation, change in health policy goals, recording of cost and epidemiological data, and broader participation of all stakeholders in HTA decision-making processes are suggested as prerequisites for a successful implementation of HTA in Greece.
Jean-Gaspard Deburau: Romantic Pierrot
Authors: Nye Edward
Published: May 2014

Jean-Gaspard Deburau was the nineteenth-century mime artist who created a new model for subsequent performers to either imitate or reject, but hardly to ignore. Silent cinema benefited from the nineteenth-century vogue for the mime in general – and the Pierrot character that he did so much to popularize in particular. The most famous mime of the twentieth century, Marcel Marceau, derived his character ‘Bip’ in part from Deburau's Pierrot. And while two of the most influential French mime artists of the twentieth century, Jean-Louis Barrault and Étienne Decroux, sought a radical departure from his Pierrot tradition, they ironically found themselves in the now legendary French film Les Enfants du paradis acting the parts respectively of Deburau and Deburau's father. In this article Edward Nye explores the reasons for Deburau's success from two perspectives: first, by considering Deburau's reputation for clarity of expression, and the absence of critical or public debate over any obscurity; and second, the context of the Romantic movement which primed spectators to appreciate his style of performance. Edward Nye is Fellow of Lincoln College, Oxford, and University Lecturer in French. He has published on seventeenth- and eighteenth-century subjects in French literature and the arts, notably Mime, Music, and Drama on the Eighteenth-Century Stage: the Ballet d'Action (CUP 2011), Literary and Linguistic Theories in Eighteenth-Century France (OUP, 2000), and on the literary aesthetics of sports writing, in À Bicyclette (Les Belles Lettres, 2000).
The Accidental Evolution of the Moscow Art Theatre Prague Group
Authors: Senelick Laurence
Published: May 2014

During the period of confusion and divided loyalties that followed the 1917 Revolution in Russia, the resources of the Moscow Art Theatre were severely depleted, and its artists and staff found themselves giving barebones performances for the enlightenment of often mystified working-class audiences. By 1919 the decision was taken to split the company, with a contingent sent out on tour with the intention of rejoining the parent group for the new season. In the event, with civil war raging between the forces of the Red Army and the White Guard, this did not happen, and groups of former members of the Art Theatre worked independently in the provinces and eventually abroad. While some returned to Moscow in 1922, the ‘Prague Group of the Moscow Art Theatre’ continued to lead an independent existence, and in this article Laurence Senelick traces the events leading up to and following its creation – which caused much annoyance to Stanislavsky and confusion in the West. A frequent contributor to New Theatre Quarterly, Laurence Senelick is Fletcher Professor of Drama and Oratory at Tufts University and a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He is a recipient of the St George medal of the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation for services to Russian art and scholarship. His latest books are Stanislavsky: a Life in Letters (Routledge) and the forthcoming Soviet Theatre: a Documentary History (Yale University Press).
A New Restoration Algorithm for the Smeared Image of a SINS-aided Star Sensor
Authors: Wang Kedong , Zhang Chao , Li Yong , Kan Xin
Published: May 2014

The accuracy of attitude determination using a star sensor tends to be degraded if the host vehicle's manoeuvring smears the star image. In this paper, a new restoration algorithm with the aid of a Strap-down Inertial Navigation System (SINS) is proposed to reduce the effect of the smeared image. The smeared trace length is estimated with aid of the SINS angular rate. The restoration algorithm based on a Wiener filter is designed after the smeared zone is derived with the aid of the SINS coarse attitude. A tracking method is proposed to reject the stars of low centroid extraction accuracy. Simulations demonstrate that the success rate and the accuracy of attitude determination are improved significantly by the restoration algorithm even under a very fast rotation. The impact of the SINS error on the restoration is evaluated in the simulations.
The impact of the media on the decision of parents in South Wales to accept measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization
Authors: WALSH S. , THOMAS D. Rh. , MASON B. W. , EVANS M. R.
Published: May 2014

A large measles outbreak occurred in South Wales in 2012/2013. The outbreak has been attributed to low take-up of measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) immunization in the early 2000s. To understand better the factors that led to this outbreak we present the findings of a case-control study carried out in the outbreak area in 2001 to investigate parents' decision on whether to accept MMR. Parents who decided not to take-up MMR at the time were more likely to be older and better educated, more likely to report being influenced by newspapers [adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3·07, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1·62–5·80], television (aOR 3·30, 95% CI 1·70–6·43), the internet (aOR 7·23, 3·26–16·06) and vaccine pressure groups (aOR 5·20, 95% CI 2·22–12·16), and less likely to be influenced by a health visitor (aOR 0·30, 95% CI 0·16–0·57). In this area of Wales, daily English-language regional newspapers, UK news programmes and the internet appeared to have a powerful negative influence. We consider the relevance of these findings to the epidemiology of the outbreak and the subsequent public health response.
Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC) in swine: prevalence over the finishing period and characteristics of the STEC isolates
Authors: TSENG M. , FRATAMICO P. M. , BAGI L. , MANZINGER D. , FUNK J. A.
Published: May 2014

This descriptive longitudinal study was conducted to investigate the faecal shedding of Shiga toxin-producingE. coli(STEC) in finishing swine and to characterize the swine STEC isolates that were recovered. Three cohorts of finishing swine (n = 50/cohort; total 150 pigs) were included in the longitudinal study. Individual faecal samples were collected every 2 weeks (8 collections/pig) from the beginning (pig age 10 weeks) to the end (pig age 24 weeks) of the finishing period. STEC isolates were recovered in at least one sample from 65·3% (98/150) of the pigs, and the frequency distribution of first-time STEC detection during the finishing period resembled a point-source outbreak curve. Nineteen O:H serotypes were identified among the STEC isolates. Most STEC isolates (n = 148) belonged to serotype O59:H21 and carried thestx2egene. One O49:H21 STEC isolate carried thestx2eandeaegenes. High prevalence rates of STEC during the finishing period were observed, and STEC isolates in various non-O157 serogroups were recovered. These data enhance understanding of swine STEC epidemiology, and future research is needed to confirm whether or not swine STEC are of public health concern.
An assessment of the effects of SES on the development of executive attention in Singapore: Early English–Malay bilinguals
Authors: Kang Carissa K. , Thoemmes Felix , Lust Barbara
Published: May 2014

Thirty-four English–Malay bilinguals of between four and six years of age (both balanced and dominant) characterized as low socioeconomic status (SES) on income and parental education were tested on the child-Attentional Network Task (child-ANT; Rueda, Fan, McCandliss, Halparin, Gruber, Lercari & Posner, 2004) measuring executive attention. Although SES measures fell below the Singapore median, Malay children's performance on the child-ANT remained high when compared to other age-matched monolingual and bilingual children previously tested with the child-ANT (Yang, Yang & Lust, 2011), and English–Chinese Singaporean bilinguals (Kang, 2009). None of the three SES measures – father's and mother's education, and income, significantly correlated with child-ANT components. Regression analyses confirmed that none of the SES measures significantly predicted performance on the child-ANT. Caregiver reports suggested that both balanced and dominant bilinguals displayed high executive control. We consider the possibility that cultural variations – simultaneous and pervasiveness of bilingualism in Singapore, or pervasive code-switching – may ameliorate potential negative effects of SES on executive control development.
Differences in breast-feeding initiation and continuation by maternal diabetes status
Authors: Oza-Frank Reena , Chertok Ilana , Bartley Adam
Published: May 2014

Objective

To examine (i) the prevalence of and associations between breast-feeding initiation and continuation by maternal diabetes status and (ii) the reasons for not initiating and/or continuing breast-feeding by maternal diabetes status.

Design

Secondary data analyses of a population-based cross-sectional study were conducting using data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS), 2009–2011. Multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the associations between breast-feeding initiation and continuation by diabetes status.

Setting

Thirty states and New York City, USA.

Subjects

Mothers of recently live-born infants, selected by birth certificate sampling.

Results

Among 72755 women, 8·8 % had gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and 1·7 % had pregestational diabetes mellitus (PDM). Breast-feeding initiation was similar among GDM and no diabetes mellitus (NDM) women (80·8 % v. 82·2 %, respectively, P=0·2), but continuation was lower among GDM (65·7 % v. 68·8 %, respectively, P=0·01). PDM women had lower initiation and continuation compared with NDM (78·2 %, P=0·03 and 60·4 %, P<0·01, respectively). In adjusted analyses, current smoking status was a significant effect modifier for initiation, but not for continuation.

Conclusions

Differences in breast-feeding initiation and continuation prevalence by maternal diabetes status may reflect differences in prenatal education, indicating the need for increased efforts among PDM women. Additionally, non-smoking women with PDM or GDM would benefit from additional breast-feeding education.
Product formula forp-adic epsilon factors
Authors: Abe Tomoyuki , Marmora Adriano
Published: May 2014

Let$X$be a smooth proper curve over a finite field of characteristic$p$. We prove a product formula for$p$-adic epsilon factors of arithmetic$\mathscr{D}$-modules on$X$. In particular we deduce the analogous formula for overconvergent$F$-isocrystals, which was conjectured previously. The$p$-adic product formula is a counterpart in rigid cohomology of the Deligne–Laumon formula for epsilon factors in$\ell$-adic étale cohomology (for$\ell \neq p$). One of the main tools in the proof of this$p$-adic formula is a theorem of regular stationary phase for arithmetic$\mathscr{D}$-modules that we prove by microlocal techniques.
A yield-macro model for actuarial use in the United Kingdom
Authors: Şahin Şule , Cairns Andrew J.G. , Kleinow Torsten , Wilkie A. David
Published: May 2014

We construct yield curve models for the UK nominal, real and implied inflation spot rates considering the linkage between their term structures and some macroeconomic variables, in particular, realised inflation and real GDP growth. The paper extends the benchmark “yield-only” model proposed by Şahin et al. (2014) by exploring the bidirectional relations between the yield curve factors and the macroeconomic variables and proposes a “yield-macro” model. Although a simple autoregressive order one process fits the yield curve factors quite well the insertion of some macroeconomic variables such as realised inflation and real GDP growth improves the models significantly. We also model macroeconomic variables that take the term structures into account and compare the yield-macro model with Wilkie’s model both philosophically and empirically.
Do Thoughts Have Sound? Differences between Thoughts and Auditory Hallucinations in Schizophrenia
Authors: Cuevas-Yust Carlos
Published: May 2014

Cognitive theories about auditory hallucinations maintain that inner speech is erroneously interpreted as coming from an external source. Few first-hand accounts of patients’ experiences have been made, so there is limited knowledge of the process through which patients distinguish their auditory verbal hallucinations (AVHs) from ordinary thoughts. 89 individuals diagnosed with schizophrenia, some experiencing acute hallucinatory symptomatology (Sz-AVHs) and some who were not (Sz-noAVHs), were assessed along with 48 individuals from the general population using the Auditory Hallucinations Assessment Questionnaire (AHAQ; Cuevas-Yust, Rodríguez Martín, Ductor Recuerda, Salas Azcona, & León Gómez, 2006). TheSchz-AVHsgroup reported hearing ordinary thoughts at the same volume as their auditory hallucinations (p =.53) and spoken words (p =.89). In contrast, theSz-noAVHsand general population samples reported hearing spoken words louder than their own thoughts (p =.002;p =.04). In comparison to these last two groups, theSz-AVHsgroup described the sound of their thoughts as louder. These findings are consistent with the cognitive hypothesis of auditory verbal hallucinations. Confusion identifying the source of auditory hallucinations could be due, in part, to “hearing” one’s thoughts at the same volume as auditory hallucinations and spoken words.
Médecine génomique et Maladies infectieuses
Authors: Fellay Jacques
Published: May 2014

Die aktuellen Fortschritte im Wissen um genetische Variationen des Menschen und deren Konsequenzen erlauben einen besseres Verständnis für die jahrtausendealte Schlacht, die sich Mensch und Mikrobe liefern. Zahlreiche Polymorphismen, die unsere Antwort auf Infektionen oder deren Therapien modulieren, wurden schon identifiziert. Einige davon haben klinischen Nutzen gebracht. Damit die personalisierte Medizin aber auch in der Infektiologie Realität werden kann, braucht es nicht nur fortwährende Anstrengungen in der Forschung, sondern auch in der Ausbildung.
Meta-Analysis of Molecular Imaging of Serotonin Transporters in Major Depression
Authors: Gryglewski Gregor , Lanzenberger Rupert , Kranz Georg S , Cumming Paul
Published: May 2014

The success of serotonin-selective reuptake inhibitors has lent support to the monoamine theory of major depressive disorder (MDD). This issue has been addressed in a number of molecular imaging studies by positron emission tomography or single-photon emission computed tomography of serotonin reuptake sites (5-HTT) in the brain of patients with MDD, with strikingly disparate conclusions. Our meta-analysis of the 18 such studies, totaling 364 MDD patients free from significant comorbidities or medication and 372 control subjects, revealed reductions in midbrain 5-HTT (Hedges' g = −0.49; 95% CI: (−0.84, −0.14)) and amygdala (Hedges' g = −0.50; 95% CI: (−0.78, −0.22)), which no individual study possessed sufficient power to detect. Only small effect sizes were found in other regions with high binding (thalamus: g = −0.24, striatum: g = −0.32, and brainstem g = −0.22), and no difference in the frontal or cingulate cortex. Age emerged as an important moderator of 5-HTT availability in MDD, with more severe reductions in striatal 5-HTT evident with greater age of the study populations ( P<0.01). There was a strong relationship between severity of depression and 5-HTT reductions in the amygdala ( P = 0.01). Thus, molecular imaging findings indeed reveal widespread reductions of ˜10% in 5-HTT availability in MDD, which may predict altered spatial-temporal dynamics of serotonergic neurotransmission.
Rhythmic oscillations of the microRNA miR-96-5p play a neuroprotective role by indirectly regulating glutathione levels
Authors: Kinoshita Chisato , Aoyama Koji , Matsumura Nobuko , Kikuchi-Utsumi Kazue , Watabe Masahiko , Nakaki Toshio
Published: May 2014

Glutathione (GSH) is a key antioxidant that plays an important neuroprotective role in the brain. Decreased GSH levels are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. Here we show that a diurnal fluctuation of GSH levels is correlated with neuroprotective activity against oxidative stress in dopaminergic cells. In addition, we found that the cysteine transporter excitatory amino acid carrier 1 (EAAC1), which is involved in neuronal GSH synthesis, is negatively regulated by the microRNA miR-96-5p, which exhibits a diurnal rhythm. Blocking miR-96-5p by intracerebroventricular administration of an inhibitor increased the level of EAAC1 as well as that of GSH and had a neuroprotective effect against oxidative stress in the mouse substantia nigra. Our results suggest that the diurnal rhythm of miR-96-5p may play a role in neuroprotection by regulating neuronal GSH levels via EAAC1.
Quantitatively estimating defects in graphene devices using discharge current analysis method
Authors: Jung Ukjin , Lee Young Gon , Kang Chang Goo , Lee Sangchul , Kim Jin Ju , Hwang Hyeon June , Lim Sung Kwan , Ham Moon-Ho , Lee Byoung Hun
Published: May 2014

Defects of graphene are the most important concern for the successful applications of graphene since they affect device performance significantly. However, once the graphene is integrated in the device structures, the quality of graphene and surrounding environment could only be assessed using indirect information such as hysteresis, mobility and drive current. Here we develop a discharge current analysis method to measure the quality of graphene integrated in a field effect transistor structure by analyzing the discharge current and examine its validity using various device structures. The density of charging sites affecting the performance of graphene field effect transistor obtained using the discharge current analysis method was on the order of 1014/cm2, which closely correlates with the intensity ratio of the D to G bands in Raman spectroscopy. The graphene FETs fabricated on poly(ethylene naphthalate) (PEN) are found to have a lower density of charging sites than those on SiO2/Si substrate, mainly due to reduced interfacial interaction between the graphene and the PEN. This method can be an indispensable means to improve the stability of devices using a graphene as it provides an accurate and quantitative way to define the quality of graphene after the device fabrication.
Cooling the Earth with Crops
Authors: Davies-Barnard Taraka
Published: May 2014

Food security and climate change are two of the biggest challenges which face humanity in the 21st Century and agricultural land is the physical interface for these interlinked issues. This chapter addresses how cropland interacts with climate; the ways in which crops have affected climate in the past; and how crops could help mitigate climate change in the future. Of the ways that climate issues and crops are related, one of the most relevant to the future is through geoengineering. The concept of deliberately using crops to reduce the surface air temperature is still in development, but has gathered considerable interest in recent years. Models suggest that in North America and Europe, a moderate increase in crop albedo could decrease summertime temperatures by up to 1 °C. Although this amounts to a small change compared with many other geoengineering proposals, it could be made with relatively little cost and would make a significant difference to crops which are particularly sensitive to high temperatures, such as wheat. Along with other climate mitigation strategies, cooling with crops could be one aspect of a deliberate policy to limit the dangerous impacts of climate change.
Engineering Ideas for Brighter Clouds
Authors: Salter Stephen H. , Stevenson Thomas , Tsiamis Andreas
Published: May 2014

It may be possible to reduce global warming by increasing the reflectivity of marine stratocumulus clouds thereby reducing the amount of solar energy that is absorbed. Quite a small change to the reflectivity could stop further temperature rise or even produce a reversion towards pre-industrial values. This paper gives a brief account of the physics behind the Twomey effect and its application for marine cloud brightening by the release of sub-micron drops of sea water into the marine boundary layer using a fleet of mobile spray vessels. We argue that the mobility of spray vessels and the short life of spray are advantageous by allowing rapid tactical control in response to local conditions. We identify the main engineering problem as spray production, which in turn requires ultra-filtration of plankton-rich seawater. The proposed engineering solutions involving Rayleigh nozzles etched in silicon and piezo-electric excitation are illustrated with drawings. The results of a COMSOL Multiphysics simulation of drop generation are given, with nozzle diameter, drive pressure, excitation frequency and power requirement as functions of drop diameter. The predicted power requirement is higher than initially hoped for and this has led to a modified vessel design with active hydrofoils giving much lower drag than displacement hulls and turbines. The active control of hydrofoil pitch angle can be used for power generation, roll stabilizing and may also reduce hull loading similarly to the suspension systems of road vehicles. The need to identify unwanted side effects of marine cloud brightening has led to a method for using climate models to give an everywhere-to-everywhere transfer function of the effects of spray in each region on weather records at all observing stations. The technique uses individual coded modulation of the concentration of cloud-condensation nuclei separately in each of many spray regions and is based on methods used for small-signal detection in electronic systems. The first use in a climate model shows very accurate measurement of changes to a temperature record and that that marine cloud brightening can affect precipitation in both directions. Replication with other climate models will be necessary. The paper ends with tentative estimates for the cost of mass production spray vessels based on actual quotations for parts of the spray generation hardware and on the cost of Flower-class corvettes used by the Royal Navy in World War II which were built in similar numbers.
Catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocellulosic biomass
Authors: Liu Changjun , Wang Huamin , Karim Ayman M. , Sun Junming , Wang Yong
Published: May 2014

We summarize the development of catalysts and provide the current understanding of the chemistry for catalytic fast pyrolysis of lignocelluloses biomass.
Morphology-controlled synthesis of large mordenite crystals
Authors: Mao Yaming , Zhou Yu , Wen Haimeng , Xie Jingyan , Zhang Wei , Wang Jun
Published: May 2014

Morphology-controlled synthesis of mordenite is achieved by a facile acidic hydrolysis route, and the three new morphologies obtained include bulky sphere, hexagonal star-like prism and petal shaped crystals.
Natural cotton fibers as adsorbent for solid-phase extraction of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in water samples
Authors: Wang Jianping , Liu Shengquan , Chen Chunyan , Zou Ying , Hu Huiping , Cai Qingyun , Yao Shouzhuo
Published: May 2014

A natural material, cotton fiber, has been applied as a solid-phase extraction (SPE) adsorbent for sample preparation for the analysis of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) in water samples using high-performance liquid chromatography.
High-performance Hg2+ FET-type sensors based on reduced graphene oxide–polyfuran nanohybrids
Authors: Park Jin Wook , Park Seon Joo , Kwon Oh Seok , Lee Choonghyen , Jang Jyongsik
Published: May 2014

A new type of field-effect transistor (FET) sensor, based on reduced graphene oxide (rGO)–polyfuran (PF) nanohybrids, was strategically developed.
A highly sensitive NADH sensor based on a mycelium-like nanocomposite using graphene oxide and multi-walled carbon nanotubes to co-immobilize poly(luminol) and poly(neutral red) hybrid films
Authors: Chiang Lin Kuo , Yu Lai Szu , Ming Chen Shen
Published: May 2014

An illustration of electro-codeposition of poly(luminol) and poly(neutral red) hybrid films using highly conductive and steric MWCNT–GO as a template is provided.
Total synthesis of (+)-cylindradine A
Authors: Iwata Makoto , Kanoh Kyohei , Imaoka Takuya , Nagasawa Kazuo
Published: May 2014

Cylindradines A and B, members of the polycyclic pyrrole-imidazole alkaloids (PIAs), are the only congeners bearing a 3-carbamoylpyrrole unit among the PIAs.
A new type of carbon nitride-based polymer composite for enhanced photocatalytic hydrogen production
Authors: Xing Zheng , Chen Zhigang , Zong Xu , Wang Lianzhou
Published: May 2014

This communication reports on a new type of composite photocatalysts using a conducting polymer PEDOT as a hole transport pathway for promoting charge separation in photocatalytic hydrogen production.
A colorimetric agarose gel for formaldehyde measurement based on nanotechnology involving Tollens reaction
Authors: Zeng Jing-bin , Fan Shi-guang , Zhao Cui-ying , Wang Qian-ru , Zhou Ting-yao , Chen Xi , Yan Zi-feng , Li Yan-peng , Xing Wei , Wang Xu-dong
Published: May 2014

By introducing gold nanoparticles, the classic Tollens reaction was re-explored for the colorimetric measurement of formaldehyde.
A unique copper-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction by hydrogen (H2) removal for the stereoselective synthesis of 3-phosphoindoles
Authors: Zhou An-Xi , Mao Liu-Liang , Wang Gang-Wei , Yang Shang-Dong
Published: May 2014

The first Cu(i)-catalyzed cross-coupling reaction by hydrogen (H2) removal for the stereoselective synthesis of 3-phosphoindoles is reported.
Photoluminescence of cerium fluoride and cerium-doped lanthanum fluoride nanoparticles and investigation of energy transfer to photosensitizer molecules
Authors: Cooper Daniel R. , Kudinov Konstantin , Tyagi Pooja , Hill Colin K. , Bradforth Stephen E. , Nadeau Jay L.
Published: May 2014

CexLa1−xF3 nanoparticles have been proposed for use in nanoscintillator–photosensitizer systems, aiming to combine the effects of radiotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
Cation-exchanged SAPO-34 for adsorption-based hydrocarbon separations: predictions from dispersion-corrected DFT calculations
Authors: Fischer Michael , Bell Robert G.
Published: May 2014

The interaction of C2and C3hydrocarbons with cation-exchanged SAPO-34 materials is studied using DFT-D calculations, permitting predictions regarding their suitability for alkene–alkane separations.
How does the long G·G* Watson–Crick DNA base mispair comprising keto and enol tautomers of the guanine tautomerise? The results of a QM/QTAIM investigation
Authors: Brovarets' Ol'ha O. , Hovorun Dmytro M.
Published: May 2014

The G·G* ↔ G*·G DPT tautomerisation assisted by the third specific contact proceeds through an asynchronous concerted mechanism.
Imaging fenestrations in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells by optical localization microscopy
Authors: Mönkemöller Viola , Schüttpelz Mark , McCourt Peter , Sørensen Karen , Smedsrød Bård , Huser Thomas
Published: May 2014

We demonstrate the use of single molecule localization microscopy for resolving structural details of fenestrations in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells.
MOF positioning technology and device fabrication
Authors: Falcaro Paolo , Ricco Raffaele , Doherty Cara M. , Liang Kang , Hill Anita J. , Styles Mark J.
Published: May 2014

Methods for permanent localisation, dynamic localisation and spatial control of functional materials within MOF crystals are critical for the development of miniaturised MOF-based devices for a number of technological applications.
MOF-based electronic and opto-electronic devices
Authors: Stavila V. , Talin A. A. , Allendorf M. D.
Published: May 2014

Emergent properties resulting from the ordered structure and synthetic versatility of nanoporous metal–organic frameworks offer exciting possibilities for electronic devices.
Gas-phase epoxidation of propylene over iron-containing catalysts: the effect of iron incorporation in the support matrix
Authors: Horváth Blažej , Šustek Martin , Vávra Ivo , Mičušík Matej , Gál Miroslav , Hronec Milan
Published: May 2014

The gas-phase epoxidation of propylene using iron as a catalytically active metal has been studied.
Topotactic condensation of layer silicates with ferrierite-type layers forming porous tectosilicates
Authors: Marler B. , Wang Y. , Song J. , Gies H.
Published: May 2014

Hydrous layered silicates containing ferrierite-type layers are a structurally versatile family of materials which can be converted into microporous silicates by topotactic condensation or interlayer expansion.
Description of urolithin production capacity from ellagic acid of two human intestinal Gordonibacter species
Authors: Selma María V. , Beltrán David , García-Villalba Rocío , Espín Juan C. , Tomás-Barberán Francisco A.
Published: May 2014

This is the first time that the urolithin production capacity of pure strains has been demonstrated, which can indirectly affect the health benefits of ellagitannin consumption (cardiovascular protection, anti-inflammatory and anticarcinogenic properties).
Synthesis and evaluation of a series of quinolinyl trans-cyanostilbene analogs as anticancer agents
Authors: Penthala Narsimha Reddy , Janganati Venumadhav , Bommagani Shobanbabu , Crooks Peter A.
Published: May 2014

2-Quinolyl- and 3-quinolyl-cyanocombretastatin analogs exhibit potent growth inhibition against a panel of 60 human cancer cell lines.
Novel hierarchically dispersed mesoporous silica spheres: effective adsorbents for mercury from wastewater and a thermodynamic study
Authors: Ravi Seenu , Selvaraj Manickam , Park Hyun , Chun Ho-Hwan , Ha Chang-Sik
Published: May 2014

Hierarchically dispersed spherical mesoporous silica (HSMS) was easily synthesized using three surfactants (CTAB, PF127 and FC-4). This is then successfully modified with thiol groups and used for mercury adsorption studies.
2-Diphenylaminothiophene as the donor of porphyrin sensitizers for dye-sensitized solar cells
Authors: Wang Yueqiang , Xu Lu , Wei Xiaodong , Li Xin , Ågren Hans , Wu Wenjun , Xie Yongshu
Published: May 2014

Four porphyrin dyes containing 2-diphenylaminothiophene were synthesized, and the 4-ethynylbenzoic acid based dye YQ1 exhibited the highest efficiency of 6.01%.
Enthalpy-driven nuclease-like activity and mechanism of peptide–chlorambucil conjugates
Authors: Yang Robin C. K. , Huang Jonathan T. B. , Chen Yu-Ling , Hung Chia-Chun , Liao Mokai , Yao Wen-Chen , Chen Chiu-Heng , Liou Chien-Chung , Waring Michael J. , Sheh Leung
Published: May 2014

The chemical nuclease activity, energetics, and stepwise cleavage mechanism of chlorambucil–peptide conjugates are presented.
Direct arylation as a versatile tool towards thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based semiconducting materials
Authors: Kudrjasova Julija , Herckens Roald , Penxten Huguette , Adriaensens Peter , Lutsen Laurence , Vanderzande Dirk , Maes Wouter
Published: May 2014

A variety of thiazolo[5,4-d]thiazole-based organic optoelectronic materials is synthesizedviaa straightforward Pd-catalyzed C–H arylation protocol.
Pd(ii)-catalyzed ligand controlled synthesis of methyl 1-benzyl-1H-indole-3-carboxylates and bis(1-benzyl-1H-indol-3-yl)methanones
Authors: Shen Rong , Kusakabe Taichi , Takahashi Keisuke , Kato Keisuke
Published: May 2014

A simple change of ligand and solvent allows controlled, effective switching between cyclization–carbonylation and cyclization–carbonylation–cyclization-coupling (CCC-coupling) reactions.
A versatile synthesis of “tafuramycin A”: a potent anticancer and parasite attenuating agent
Authors: El-Deeb Ibrahim M. , Rose Faith J. , Healy Peter C. , von Itzstein Mark
Published: May 2014

An improved and versatile synthesis of tafuramycin A, a potent anticancer and parasite-attenuating agent, is reported.
Fabrication of a dye-sensitized solar cell module using spray pyrolysis deposition of a TiO2colloid
Authors: Deepak T. G. , Anjusree G. S. , Pai K. R. Narendra , Subash Devika , Nair Shantikumar V. , Nair A. Sreekumaran
Published: May 2014

The photovoltaic performance of a dye-sensitized solar cell module (12 cm × 12 cm) fabricated by spray pyrolysis deposition (SPD) of a TiO2colloid.
Carbonaceous multiscale-cellular foams as novel electrodes for stable, efficient lithium–sulfur batteries
Authors: Depardieu Martin , Janot Raphaël , Sanchez Clément , Bentaleb Ahmed , Gervais Christel , Birot Marc , Demir-Cakan Rezan , Backov Rénal , Morcrette Mathieu
Published: May 2014

Porous carbon foams were prepared by pyrolysis of a phenolic resin by a dual template approach using silica monoliths as hard templates and triblock copolymers as soft templating agents.
Elucidating and tuning the strain-induced non-linear behavior of polymer nanocomposites: a detailed molecular dynamics simulation study
Authors: Shen Jianxiang , Liu Jun , Gao Yangyang , Li Xiaolin , Zhang Liqun
Published: May 2014

This simulation work for the first time establishes the correlation between the micro-structural evolution and the strain-induced non-linear behavior of polymer nanocomposites, and sheds some light on how to reduce the “Payne effect”.
Facile synthesis of Ge@FLG composites by plasma assisted ball milling for lithium ion battery anodes
Authors: Ouyang Liuzhang , Guo Lina , Cai Weihua , Ye Jianshan , Hu Renzong , Liu Jiangwen , Yang Lichun , Zhu Min
Published: May 2014

A Ge@FLG composite anode facilely synthesized by P-milling presents an excellent microstructure, high capacity and stable cycling ability for LIBs.
Conceptual Scoring of Receptive and Expressive Vocabulary Measures in Simultaneous and Sequential Bilingual Children
Authors: Gross Megan , Buac Milijana , Kaushanskaya Margarita
Published: May 2014

Purpose

The authors examined the effects of conceptual scoring on the performance of simultaneous and sequential bilinguals on standardized receptive and expressive vocabulary measures in English and Spanish.

Method

Participants included 40 English-speaking monolingual children, 39 simultaneous Spanish–English bilingual children, and 19 sequential bilingual children, ages 5–7. The children completed standardized receptive and expressive vocabulary measures in English and also in Spanish for those who were bilingual. After the standardized administration, bilingual children were given the opportunity to respond to missed items in their other language to obtain a conceptual score.

Results

Controlling for group differences in socioeconomic status (SES), both simultaneous and sequential bilingual children scored significantly below monolingual children on single-language measures of English receptive and expressive vocabulary. Conceptual scoring removed the significant difference between monolingual and simultaneous bilingual children in the receptive modality but not in the expressive modality; differences remained between monolingual and sequential bilingual children in both modalities. However, in both bilingual groups, conceptual scoring increased the proportion of children with vocabulary scores within the average range.

Conclusion

Conceptual scoring does not fully ameliorate the bias inherent in single-language standardized vocabulary measures for bilingual children, but the procedures employed here may assist in ruling out vocabulary deficits, particularly in typically developing simultaneous bilingual children.
Robust beamforming and power allocation in cognitive radio relay networks with imperfect channel state information
Authors: Mohammadkhani Saeideh , Kahaei Mohammad Hossein , Razavizadeh Seyed Mohammad
Published: May 2014

The authors study robust beamforming and power allocation in cognitive relay networks using several relays in the secondary link. The channel state information is imperfect modelled by Gaussian random variables. First, minimisation of the total transmit power of relays and the secondary transmitter is considered with a constraint on the interference in the primary receiver. Also, a constraint is assumed on the received signal‐to‐interference plus noise ratio (SINR) in the secondary receiver. In the other scenario, maximisation of the SINR in the secondary receiver is investigated with a limit on the maximum transmit power of relays and the secondary transmitter. For each non‐convex optimisation problem, an iterative and robust algorithm is derived. It is proved that the first proposed algorithm converges to the global optimum. Simulation results similarly show the convergence of both algorithms with a few number of iterations. The outperformance of the robust algorithms is shown compared with a non‐robust design.
Improving environmental noise suppression for micronewton force sensing based on electrostatic by injecting air damping
Authors: Zheng Yelong , Song Le , Hu Gang , Zhao Meirong , Tian Yanling , Zhang Zihui , Fang Fengzhou
Published: May 2014

A micro/nano force can be traced to the International System of Units by means of an electrostatic force balance weight system. However, the micro/nano force measurement system is susceptible to environmental disturbances. Various methods have been proposed to reduce the effect of environmental disturbances and obtain high resolution and fast response. In this paper, we introduce a combination of air damping and inherent damping from the internal molecular friction of spring suspension. This will optimize system stability and improve environmental noise suppression. Results from the air damping model show that the damping ratio increases from 0.0005 to 0.1, which improves the vibration resistance. We found that the system with air damping has the advantages of fast response and low scatter.
Tear film dynamics with evaporation, wetting, and time-dependent flux boundary condition on an eye-shaped domain
Authors: Li Longfei , Braun R. J. , Maki K. L. , Henshaw W. D. , King-Smith P. E.
Published: May 2014

We study tear film dynamics with evaporation on a wettable eye-shaped ocular surface using a lubrication model. The mathematical model has a time-dependent flux boundary condition that models the cycles of tear fluid supply and drainage; it mimics blinks on a stationary eye-shaped domain. We generate computational grids and solve the nonlinear governing equations using the OVERTURE computational framework. In vivo experimental results using fluorescent imaging are used to visualize the influx and redistribution of tears for an open eye. Results from the numerical simulations are compared with the experiment. The model captures the flow around the meniscus and other dynamic features of human tear film observed in vivo.