bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive Equation of Mg-13Al-3Ca-3Zn-1Nd-0.2Mn Magnesium Alloy
Authors: Chen Wei , Chen Gang , Zhai Jing , Ma Li
Published: June 2014

The constitutive equations may properly describe the flow behavior of the materials. In the present study, the constitutive equation of Mg-13Al-3Ca-3Zn-1Nd-0.2Mn alloy were investigated using hot compression tests at the temperatures range of 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400°Cwith the constant strain rates of 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, 1 and 10s-1.The hot working constitutive base analysis has been conducted on the experimental alloy. The related material constants n, α and β, as well as the activation energy Q for each temperature regime have been determined. At last, the constitutive equations is given.
Concentration of TiOSO4 on Rutile White via Short Sulfate Process
Authors: Tian Cong Xue
Published: June 2014

Short sulfate process was developed to produce rutile TiO2 white pigment by using low concentration industrial TiOSO4 solution as raw material via self-generated seeded thermal hydrolysis route. The concentration of TiOSO4 solution had significantly influenced the structure and pigment properties of rutile TiO2 white pigment. The samples were characterized by XRD, particle size distribution and pigment properties test. Appropriate concentration of TiOSO4 was beneficial to promoting hydrolysis process in a proper way and obtaining favorable structure and high quality white pigment. The optimized concentration of TiOSO4 solution was of 191.20 g/L.
Improving the Structural, Optical and Electrical Properties of ITO Nano-Layered Thin Films by Gas Flow Argon
Authors: Mehdi Q.Z. , Hegde Gurumurthy , Bin Juusoh Mohamad Ashry , Al-Dabbagh Jinan B. , Ahmed Naser Mahmoud
Published: June 2014

Indium tin oxide (ITO) thin films of 150 nm thickness were deposited on quartz glass substrates by RF sputtering technique, followed by thermal annealing treatment. In this technique, the samples have been annealed at different temperature, 300OC, 400OC, 500OC respectively in Argon gas flow. Structural and surface morphological properties were analyzed by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) after annealing. The XRD showed a polycrystalline structure of ITO film with maximum peak intensity at 2θ= 30.54, <222> orientation without any change in the cubic structure. Continuous and homogeneous films obtained by the AFM after annealing treatment. The visible spectrum from the spectrophotometer showed high transparency between 81% and 95% in the. Increasing the annealing temperature yields evenly distributed pyramidal peaks shaped particles with low roughness. Resistance of ITO thin film was significantly improved from 8.75 kΩ to 1.96 kΩ after 10 minute from 300OC to 500OC annealing temperatures respectively under Argon gas flow. ITO films physical properties would be well improved by this method which is highly suitable for cost effective photonic devices.
Laser Assisted Machining of Ti10V2Fe3Al and Ti6Cr5Mo5V4Al β Titanium Alloys
Authors: Rahman Rashid R.A. , Sun S. , Palanisamy Suresh , Dargusch M.S.
Published: June 2014

In recent times, the market for the applications of titanium alloys, particularly β alloys, is growing rapidly, calling for higher productivity. However, it is difficult to machine titanium alloys. A number of research activities have been carried out in this area to improve the productivity of titanium machining. Laser assisted machining is one technique which has been proposed to enhance the machinability of various difficult-to-cut materials including titanium alloys. In this study, two β titanium alloys, viz. Ti-10V-2Fe-3Al and Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al, were machined using laser assistance and the results were compared with unassisted machining conditions. Their response to laser assisted machining in terms of differences in the cutting forces, cutting temperature and chip formation are reported. It was found that the Ti-6Cr-5Mo-5V-4Al workpiece was much more difficult to machine even with laser assistance.
Ultimate Elastic Wall Stress (UEWS) Test under Biaxial Loading for Glass-Fibre Reinforced Epoxy (GRE) Pipes
Authors: Assaleh Tarak A. , Almagguz Lutfeya A.
Published: June 2014

This paper presents the results of an experimental investigation into the Ultimate Elastic Wall Stress (UEWS) of ±55° filament wound composite pipes. The UEWS test appears to provide an attractive alternative to the current method, and has proved to be one of the most effective in term of accuracy and speed. Moreover, it has been found to be sensitive to changes in key manufacturing and raw material parameters. The pipes were subjected to biaxial loading, which was achieved by combinations of hoop and axial stress. Loads were applied as groups of cycles which, were gradually increased until the UEWS had been determined. Various ratios of hoop to axial stress were applied to the pipes, ranging from pure axial to pure hoop loading at room temperature and at 65°C. These ratios were investigated by applying different pressures in both the main and small chambers built inside the pipe, and therefore it was unnecessary to add any external loads to the pipe wall. Tests were also conducted to observe leakage through the pipe wall. The main failure mode observed was weepage through the pipe wall, which was due to intensive matrix microcracking. The results from the UEWS tests are presented in the form of failure envelopes showing the effects of testing at an elevated temperature. Finally, degradation in the elastic properties of the pipe wall is also discussed and plotted against wall stress.
Tumoricidal Effect of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and SiO2 Nanoparticles in Human Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Line
Authors: Hammad Aziz Muhammad , Fatima Mahvish , Waseem Muhammad , Fakhar-E-Alam Muhammad , Afzal Muhammad , Nadeem Shakoor Muhammad
Published: June 2014

Nanotechnology provides the opportunity for the development of new materials in the nanometer size range with many potential applications in biological sciences and clinical medicine. RD (muscle cancer cell line) was seeded out in 25 cm2 plastic tissue culture flasks (NuncWiesbaden Germany) individually, in Minimum Essential Medium (MEM) with Hanks salts, containing 10% fetal bovine serum (FBS) and 2 mM L-Glutamine along with some nonessential amino acids and were incubated for 24 h for proper attachment to the substratum and kept at a 96 wells plate, incubated at 37°C and 5% CO2. SEM was employed to the nanoparticles and size of α-Fe2O3 and SiO2 nanoparticles were about 66 nm and 250 nm. Moreover 10-80μg/mL of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and SiO2 nanoparticles dispersed solution were labeled for each row of 96 wells plate. The present study evaluates the different parameters, e.g. time of incubation, cytotoxicity and cellular viability of the Human Rhabdomyosarcoma cell line (RD) as an experimental model. The viability of cells was determined by means of neutral red assay (NRA) after the cell-exposition to different concentrations of Hematite (α-Fe2O3) and SiO2 nanoparticles into mentioned tumoricidal cells
Application of Auxiliary Antenna Elements for SAR Reduction in the Human Head
Authors: Hossain M.I. , Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Faruque , Islam M.T. , Hanafi N.H.M.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this paper is to review various techniques smeared in the last decade for the elevation of low Specific Absorption Rate (SAR) of cellular phone using auxiliary antenna elements. Considering health hazards of EM radiation from mobile phone, it is discernible that a mobile phone antenna must have low SAR characteristics which can be achieved by imposing SAR reduction methods. There are some abridgments for every reduction technique which restrain the extensive use of available mobile phone considering bandwidth, efficiency, size, cost and easy implementation. Among all of SAR reduction methods metamaterial technique may be more satisfying considering all aspects. Along with, we can consider SAR affecting parameters and make optimization for better response.
A New Double Negative Metamaterial for C-Band Microwave Applications
Authors: Sikder Sunbeam Islam , Mohammad Rashed Iqbal Faruque , Mohammad Tariqul Islam
Published: June 2014

Metamaterials are artificial materials that show extra ordinary electromagnetic properties which are not available in nature. It has opened a new era in the field of material science. It can be defined as an exotic electromagnetic structure that may show both negative permittivity and negative permeability simultaneously within a frequency range. Metamaterials with simultaneous negative permeability and permittivity are called Double Negative Metamaterials (DNG). In this paper, a new metamaterial unit cell structure has been proposed that exhibits resonance within frequency of C-band and shows a negative permeability and permittivity at that resonant frequency. In the proposed structure, two separate split ring resonators and a metallic bar has been used. A commercially available simulation software CST Microwave Studio has been used to get the reflection and transmission parameters for the unit cell.
Investigation of Engineering Properties of Quarry Waste in the East of Thailand for Used as Fine Aggregate in Concrete
Authors: Sinthaworn S. , Koseekageepat T. , Saengmanee O.
Published: June 2014

At the East of Thailand, a shortage of river sand for producing concrete has frequently occurred while the large amounts of quarry dusts are being produced as by-products of stone crushers in many stone quarries. Then, the quarry waste from 12 stone quarries (in Rayong and Chonburi province) was taken to investigate the engineering properties as fine aggregate for concrete. The properties - namely type of parent rock, specific gravity, water absorption, gradation, fineness modulus (F.M.), organic impurities level, powder content, plastic index and sand equivalent value - were examined. The results show that the parent rocks of the samples are limestone, granite and rhyolite. The specific gravity of samples were in the range of 2.61 - 2.77. The gap gradations are found in all samples and the F.M. values slightly exceed the limit of ASTM standard. Absorption of quarry dust is high (around 2 %). Although the high powder contents are found in all samples, the powder in quarry waste is non-plastic and non-organic material. Therefore, gradation and absorption of quarry waste could be carefully considered or improved before using quarry waste as fine aggregate in concrete.
Step Response Identification for a Batch Reaction Vegetable Oil Transesterification
Authors: Rachmanto Tri , Allanson David , Matthews Christian
Published: June 2014

This paper discusses parameter estimations of step response from biodiesel transesterification process. The estimates signal generated from impedance measurement from sunflower oil transesterification process. 15 kHz AC signal has used to characterize the capacitance value during the process. The recorded signal then processed using Matlab system identification toolbox. The parametric identification method is selected to develop model structure. The model structure has modelled based on three different structures, ARMAX, BJ and ARX. The algorithm generated from identification toolbox as well as validation test. The validation test including correlation and cross correlation test. ARMAX structure appeared to be best between the others structure.
Bacterial and Fungal Decolorization of the Remazol Dye in Textile Effluent of Malaysian Cottage Industries by Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Pleurotus ostreatus
Authors: Nurhaslina C.R. , Nur Hazirah R. , Ku Halim K.H.
Published: June 2014

The rapidly expanding cottage textile sector – which is due to increasing demand - has greatly contributed to Malaysia’s economic growth. Unfortunately, this growing industry is also creating a lot of environmental issues associated with textile effluents and it has become a public concern. Innovative solution such as biological technology is preferable as it can reduce the destructive impact on the ecological system. The goal of this research is to study the effectiveness of Lactobacillus delbrueckii and Pleurotus ostreatus at decolorizing remazol dyes that exist in textile effluents. Both microbes had exhibited good color removal of between 50 - 70 % in less than 120 hours with optimum conditions for decolorization occuring at pH 7.0, dye concentration of 0.2 mL/mL, and temperature at 37°C.
Auxetic Plates on Auxetic Foundation
Authors: Lim Teik Cheng
Published: June 2014

Auxetic solids are materials that exhibit negative Poisson’s ratio. This paper evaluates the maximum stresses in point-loaded (a) auxetic plates on conventional elastic foundation, (b) conventional plates on auxetic elastic foundation, and (c) auxetic plates on auxetic elastic foundation vis-à-vis conventional plates on conventional elastic foundation. Using thick plate theory for infinite plates on elastic foundation, it was found that in most cases the auxetic plates and auxetic foundation play the primary and secondary roles, respectively, in reducing the plate’s maximum stresses. It is herein suggested that, in addition to materials selection technique and other design considerations, the use of auxetic plates and/or auxetic foundation be introduced for reducing stresses in plates on elastic foundations.
Optimization of Friction Stir Welding Parameters with Simultaneous Multiple Response Consideration Using Multi-Objective Taguchi Method
Authors: Mohamed Mohamed Ackiel , Manurung Yupiter HP , Rahim Mohammad Ridzwan Abdul , Muhammad Norasiah , Ghazali Farizah Adliza
Published: June 2014

This paper presents an unconventional method to optimize the governing process parameters of Friction Stir Welding (FSW) towards the mechanical properties and weld quality. The optimization approach attempts to consider simultaneously the multiple quality characteristics namely tensile strength, nugget zone hardness and weld quality class using Multi-objective Taguchi Method (MTM). The experimental study was conducted for plate thickness of 6.0 mm under different rotational and traverse speed. The optimum welding parameters were investigated using Taguchi method with L9 orthogonal array. The significant level of the welding parameters is to be investigated by using analysis of variance (ANOVA). Furthermore, the optimum value was analyzed by means of MTM which involved the calculation of total normalized quality loss (TNQL) and multi signal to noise ratio (MSNR).
Material and Structural Engineering of Metal Oxides Aimed for Gas Sensor Applications
Authors: Korotcenkov Ghenadii , Cho B.K.
Published: June 2014

In this review different aspects of material and structural engineering of metal oxides aimed for application in conductometric gas sensors (chemiresistors) were analyzed. Results, mainly obtained for SnO2 and In2O3–based sensors during surface functionalizing by noble metals have been used for showing an opportunity of material and structural engineering of metal oxides to optimize gas sensing characteristics.
The Characterization of Chitosan-Hyaluronan-Metal Nanocomposites
Authors: Shih Yang Chia , Hsieh Hui Hsuan , Wu Tzong Ming , Chou Chih Wei
Published: June 2014

Chitosan and hyaluronan were used as biocompatible materials for biomedical application. In here, we prepared the Hyaluronan (HA) coated metal nanostructures. The chitosan (CS) films containing various concentrations of HA-coated Au or HA-coated Ag@Au nanostructures. We demonstrated that HA-coated spherical-like gold (HA-AuS), HA-coated wire-like gold (HA-AuW) or HA-coated Ag@Au could be dispersed in chitosan matrix by mixing and in aqueous solution casting. The introduction of HA-AuS, HA AuW and HA-Ag@Au nanostructures could not only improve the physical properties of CS, but also enhance the biocompatibility. The results revealed that the HA-AuS, HA AuW and HA-Ag@Au nanostructures enhanced the crystallinity of CS films. Besides, the hydrophilicity of CS films were improved by the HA-AuS, HA AuW and HA-Ag@Au nanostructures.
Jiaolong Manned Submersible: A Decade’s Retrospect From 2002 to 2012
Authors: Liu Feng
Published: June 2014

AbstractIn July 2012, the People’s Republic of China successfully completed a 7,000-m dive in the Mariana Trench, deploying the Jialong manned submersible. It took only a decade for China to design, assemble, test, and launch its first national research submersible.
The project was started in 2002, followed by 6 years of system design to integration, with dozens of domestic and foreign participants’ cooperation and contributions. Four sea trial cruises were carried out from 2009 to 2012 with the purpose of validating and upgrading system performance.
During this time, the deepest dive was 7,062 m, which confirmed the system’s functionality and reliability.Although this research and development program has been very successful, it was a colossal project full of hardships and systematic challenges throughout the decade. This paper
is a decade’s retrospect on Jiaolong’s research and development, including the project’s origin, organization and implementation, introduction to system performance, sea trial results, and future prospects.
A Novel Active Seafloor Pressure-Retained Multitube Sediment Corer
Authors: Chen Jiawang , Chen Yanhu , Sheng Qinghua , Gu Linyi , Chen Ying , Yang Junyi
Published: June 2014

AbstractA novel minimally disturbed seafloor pressure-retained sediment corer driven by a self-served underwater fluid power system is presented. It features multiple independent two-stage cylinders with a piston rod to mount a core liner that can be penetrated into sediment
and pulled back at a controllable speed. Each core tube is equipped with two ball valves to retain the in situ pressure of the seafloor sediment. The corer can be monitored in real time and controlled from the deck via a coaxial cable, such that operators onboard can choose the proper
coring location, control the coring speed, and collect multitube pressure-retained cores in different sites during one deployment. The test prototype is equipped with only two tubes and deployed at a depth of 1,035 m in the South China Sea by the R/V Dayang No. 1 of China. Two tubes
of sediment cores with in situ pressure retained have been successfully obtained.
Human Th2 but Not Th9 Cells Release IL-31 in a STAT6/NF-κB–Dependent Way
Authors: Maier Elisabeth , Werner Dagmar , Duschl Albert , Bohle Barbara , Horejs-Hoeck Jutta
Published: June 2014

IL-31, a member of the IL-6 protein family, is one of the latest additions to the list of T cell–derived cytokines. Th2 cells are regarded as a main source of IL-31, which is produced in response to stimulation by IL-4. Because the development of Th9 cells also requires IL-4 as a polarizing cytokine, the current study investigates IL-31 production in human Th9 cells compared with Th2 cells. We found that, although Th9 cells were able to release IL-31 during the first weeks of in vitro polarization, no IL-31 was detected in Th9 cultures after a final restimulation in the absence of polarizing cytokines. We further show that TGF-β, which is required to obtain Th9 cells in vitro, potently inhibits the release of IL-31 from Th2 cells, whereas IL-33, a cytokine associated with Th2-mediated inflammation, synergizes with IL-4 in inducing IL-31 secretion. To analyze the molecular mechanisms underlying the induction of IL-31, EMSAs, reporter gene assays, and small interfering RNA-based silencing experiments were carried out. We show that STAT6 and NF-κB are central players in mediating IL-31 expression induced by IL-4/IL-33. In addition, we identified a novel NF-κB–binding element within the Il31 promoter that mediates the enhancing effects of IL-33 on IL-4/STAT6–induced IL-31 expression in human Th2 cells. Taken together, this study shows that IL-4 is essential for the production of IL-31, whereas TGF-β significantly suppresses IL-31 expression at the mRNA and protein levels. As a consequence, in vitro polarized Th2 cells, but not Th9 cells, are able to release IL-31.
Metabolic Engineering of Salmonella Vaccine Bacteria To Boost Human Vγ2Vδ2 T Cell Immunity
Authors: Workalemahu Grefachew , Wang Hong , Puan Kia-Joo , Nada Mohanad H. , Kuzuyama Tomohisa , Jones Bradley D. , Jin Chenggang , Morita Craig T.
Published: June 2014

Human Vγ2Vδ2 T cells monitor isoprenoid metabolism by recognizing foreign (E)-4-hydroxy-3-methyl-but-2-enyl pyrophosphate (HMBPP), a metabolite in the 2-C-methyl-d-erythritol-4-phosphate pathway used by most eubacteria and apicomplexan parasites, and self isopentenyl pyrophosphate, a metabolite in the mevalonate pathway used by humans. Whereas microbial infections elicit prolonged expansion of memory Vγ2Vδ2 T cells, immunization with prenyl pyrophosphates or aminobisphosphonates elicit short-term Vγ2Vδ2 expansion with rapid anergy and deletion upon subsequent immunizations. We hypothesized that a live, attenuated bacterial vaccine that overproduces HMBPP would elicit long-lasting Vγ2Vδ2 T cell immunity by mimicking a natural infection. Therefore, we metabolically engineered the avirulent aroA− Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL7207 strain by deleting the gene for LytB (the downstream enzyme from HMBPP) and functionally complementing for this loss with genes encoding mevalonate pathway enzymes. LytB− Salmonella SL7207 had high HMBPP levels, infected human cells as efficiently as did the wild-type bacteria, and stimulated large ex vivo expansions of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells from human donors. Importantly, vaccination of a rhesus monkey with live lytB− Salmonella SL7207 stimulated a prolonged expansion of Vγ2Vδ2 T cells without significant side effects or anergy induction. These studies provide proof-of-principle that metabolic engineering can be used to derive live bacterial vaccines that boost Vγ2Vδ2 T cell immunity. Similar engineering of metabolic pathways to produce lipid Ags or B vitamin metabolite Ags could be used to derive live bacterial vaccine for other unconventional T cells that recognize nonpeptide Ags.
GM-CSF–Licensed CD11b+ Lung Dendritic Cells Orchestrate Th2 Immunity to Blomia tropicalis
Authors: Zhou Qian , Ho Adrian W. S. , Schlitzer Andreas , Tang Yafang , Wong Kenneth H. S. , Wong Fiona H. S. , Chua Yen Leong , Angeli Veronique , Mortellaro Alessandra , Ginhoux Florent , Kemeny David M.
Published: June 2014

The Blomia tropicalis dust mite is prevalent in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. Although it is a leading cause of asthma, little is known how it induces allergy. Using a novel murine asthma model induced by intranasal exposure to B. tropicalis, we observed that a single intranasal sensitization to B. tropicalis extract induces strong Th2 priming in the lung draining lymph node. Resident CD11b+ dendritic cells (DCs) preferentially transport Ag from the lung to the draining lymph node and are crucial for the initiation of Th2 CD4+ T cell responses. As a consequence, mice selectively deficient in CD11b+ DCs exhibited attenuated Th2 responses and more importantly did not develop any allergic inflammation. Conversely, mice deficient in CD103+ DCs and CCR2-dependent monocyte-derived DCs exhibited similar allergic inflammation compared with their wild-type counterparts. We also show that CD11b+ DCs constitutively express higher levels of GM-CSF receptor compared with CD103+ DCs and are thus selectively licensed by lung epithelial-derived GM-CSF to induce Th2 immunity. Taken together, our study identifies GM-CSF–licensed CD11b+ lung DCs as a key component for induction of Th2 responses and represents a potential target for therapeutic intervention in allergy.
The role of records management as a tool to identify risks in the public sector in South Africa
Authors: Ngoepe Mpho
Published: June 2014

Background: Records management is a vital element in the identification of risks. However, there is a consensus amongst scholars that the relationship between records management and risk identification has not been clearly articulated. As a result, risks associated with records are often dealt with via internal audits, legal processes and information technology.Objectives: The study utilised the King III report on corporate governance in South Africa as a framework to investigate the role of records management in identifying risks in the public sector, with a view to entrench the synergy between records management and risk management.Method: Quantitative data were collected through questionnaires distributed to records managers, risk managers and auditors in governmental bodies in South Africa. Provisions of the King III report, guided the research objectives.Results: Even though the study established that there is a reciprocal relationship between risk identification and records management, most governmental bodies in South Africa lack records management and risk-mitigating frameworks or strategy. Furthermore, records management did not feature in most governmental bodies’ risk registers. It has been established that most governmental bodies have established risk committees that do not include records management practitioners. In most governmental bodies, risk management resides within internal audit functions.Conclusion: The study concludes by arguing that a strong records management regime can be one of an organisation’s primary tools in identifying risks and implementing proper risk management. Therefore, records management should be integrated with risk management processes for organisations to benefit from the synergy.
Clinical efficacy of chlorhexidine chips and tetracycline fibers as an adjunct to non surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Singh Munishwar , Shreehari A. K. , Garg P. K. , Singh Sangeeta
Published: June 2014

Context: Local drug delivery agents. Aims: To clinically evaluate the efficacy of Chlorhexidine chip (PerioCol™ CG) with Tetracycline fibers (Periodontal Plus AB™). Settings and Design: Randomized controlled, split mouth study design with an observation period of six months. Materials and Methods: Patients were allocated in 3 experimental treatment groups, Group A: SRP + CHX Chip, Group B: SRP + Tetracycline fibers, and Group C: SRP alone (control group). 420 bleeding sites in 35 patients (18 females and 17 males) with chronic periodontitis (5-8mm probing depth), were evaluated clinically for pocket probing depth (PD), Clinical Attachment level (CAL), and Bleeding on Probing (BoP). Statistical Analysis: T-test and CV. Results: All the treatment groups were found to be efficacious as demonstrated by improvement in PD, CAL, and BoP. In the short term, CHX group showed increased gain of CAL but on long term observation the Tetracycline fiber group showed better consistent clinical results in comparison to the other two groups. Conclusions: Group B (SRP + Tetracycline fibers) resulted in better optimum clinical results in comparison to the other two treatment groups.
Dental management of a child with Goldenhar syndrome
Authors: Subramaniam Priya , Girish Babu K. L. , Jayasurya Shurti , Prahalad Divya
Published: June 2014

Goldenhar syndrome is a condition with a multitude of abnormalities, classically involving ocular and ear defects, hemifacial microsomia and vertebral anomalies, which may also be associated with cardiovascular and renal malformations. This case-report presents the dental management of a 5-year-old boy diagnosed with Goldenhar syndrome.
Admissibility of Local Systems for some Classes of Line Arrangements
Authors: Tat Thang Nguyen
Published: June 2014

Let 𝒜 be a line arrangement in the complex projective plane ℙ2 and let M be its complement. A rank one local system 𝓛 on M is admissible if, roughly speaking, the cohomology groups Hm(M, 𝓛) can be computed directly from the cohomology algebra H*(M, ℂ). In this work, we give a sufficient condition for the admissibility of all rank one local systems on M. As a result, we obtain some properties of the characteristic variety 𝒱1(M) and the Resonance variety 𝓡1(M).
Orbifold quantum D-modules associated to weighted projective spaces
Authors: Guest Martin A. , Sakai Hironori
Published: June 2014

We construct in an abstract fashion (without using Gromov–Witten invariants) the orbifold quantum cohomology of weighted projective space, starting from a certain differential operator. We obtain the product, grading, and intersection form by making use of the associated self-adjoint D-module and the Birkhoff factorization procedure. The method extends in principle to the more difficult case of Fano hypersurfaces in weighted projective space, where Gromov–Witten invariants have not yet been computed, and we illustrate this by means of an example originally studied by A. Corti. In contrast to the case of weighted projective space itself or the case of a Fano hypersurface in projective space, a “small cell” of the Birkhoff decomposition plays a role in the calculation.
Removable and essential singular sets for higher dimensional conformal maps
Authors: Frances Charles
Published: June 2014

In this article, we prove several results about the extension to the boundary of conformal immersions from an open subset

\Omega

of a Riemannian manifold

L

into another Riemannian manifold

N

of the same dimension. In dimension

n \geq 3

, and when the

(n-1)

-dimensional Hausdorff measure of

\partial \Omega

is zero, we completely classify the cases when

\partial \Omega

contains essential singular points, showing that

L

and

N

are conformally flat and making the link with the theory of Kleinian groups.
Congruent energy density trends of fish and birds reflect ecosystem change
Authors: Paterson Gordon , Hebert Craig E. , Drouillard Ken G. , Haffner G. Doug
Published: June 2014

Lake Huron, the third largest freshwater lake in the world, has become increasingly oligotrophic since the early 1990s and is also currently experiencing substantial changes in species abundances and diversity. We used long‐term biomonitoring data to calculate whole‐body energy densities for Lake Huron rainbow smelt (Osmerus mordax), lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush), and also for herring gull (Larus argentatus) eggs collected from 1989–2011. Significant temporal declines in energy densities were observed for all three species, and significant declines were found for lake trout size‐at‐age and herring gull egg sizes. For lake trout and herring gulls, these declines occurred during a period of reduced abundance of pelagic forage fish and increased inclusion of terrestrial food in diets of herring gulls. Declining energy density in rainbow smelt occurred concomitant with declining phytoplankton and zooplankton resources, the principal energy source for this species. Reduced production capacity in lower trophic levels appears to be affecting upper trophic levels of the Lake Huron food web, emphasizing the cascading effects of ecosystem change.
The distribution and trends of fog and haze in the North China Plain over the past 30 years
Authors: Fu G. Q. , Xu W. Y. , Rong R. F. , Li J. B. , Zhao C. S.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. Frequent low visibility, haze and fog events were found in the North China Plain (NCP). Data throughout the NCP during the past 30 years were examined to determine the horizontal distribution and decadal trends of low visibility, haze and fog events. The impact of meteorological factors such as wind and RH on those events was investigated. Results reveal distinct distributions of haze and fog days, due to their different formation mechanisms. Low visibility, haze and fog days all display increasing trends of before 1995, a steady stage during 1995–2003 and a drastically drop thereafter. All three events occurred most frequently during the heating season. Benefiting from emission control measures, haze and fog both show decreasing trends in winter during the past 3 decades, while summertime haze displays continuous increasing trends. The distribution of wind speed and wind direction as well as the topography within the NCP has determinative impacts on the distribution of haze and fog. Weakened south-easterly winds in the southern part of the NCP has resulted in high pollutant concentrations and frequent haze events along the foot of the Taihang Mountains. The orographic wind convergence zone in the central band area of the southern NCP is responsible for the frequent fog events in this region. Wind speed has been decreasing throughout the entire southern NCP, resulting in more stable atmospheric conditions and weaker dispersion abilities, calling for harder efforts to control emissions to prevent haze events. Haze events are strongly influenced by the ambient RH. RH values associated with haze days are evidently increasing, suggesting that an increasing fraction of haze events are caused by the hygroscopic growth of aerosols, rather than simply by high aerosol loadings.
A synthesis of light absorption properties of the Arctic Ocean: application to semianalytical estimates of dissolved organic carbon concentrations from space
Authors: Matsuoka A. , Babin M. , Doxaran D. , Hooker S. B. , Mitchell B. G. , Bélanger S. , Bricaud A.
Published: June 2014

Abstract. In addition to scattering coefficients, the light absorption coefficients of particulate and dissolved materials are the main factors determining the light propagation of the visible part of the spectrum and are, thus, important for developing ocean color algorithms. While these absorption properties have recently been documented by a few studies for the Arctic Ocean (e.g., Matsuoka et al., 2007, 2011; Ben Mustapha et al., 2012), the data sets used in the literature were sparse and individually insufficient to draw a general view of the basin-wide spatial and temporal variations in absorption. To achieve such a task, we built a large absorption database of the Arctic Ocean by pooling the majority of published data sets and merging new data sets. Our results show that the total nonwater absorption coefficients measured in the eastern Arctic Ocean (EAO; Siberian side) are significantly higher than in the western Arctic Ocean (WAO; North American side). This higher absorption is explained by higher concentration of colored dissolved organic matter (CDOM) in watersheds on the Siberian side, which contains a large amount of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) compared to waters off North America. In contrast, the relationship between the phytoplankton absorption (aϕ(λ)) and chlorophyll a (chl a) concentration in the EAO was not significantly different from that in the WAO. Because our semianalytical CDOM absorption algorithm is based on chl a-specific aϕ(λ) values (Matsuoka et al., 2013), this result indirectly suggests that CDOM absorption can be appropriately derived not only for the WAO but also for the EAO using ocean color data. Based on statistics, derived CDOM absorption values were reasonable compared to in situ measurements. By combining this algorithm with empirical DOC versus CDOM relationships, a semianalytical algorithm for estimating DOC concentrations for river-influenced coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean is presented and applied to satellite ocean color data.
Effects of moderate irrigation on vegetative growth and productive parameters of Monastrell vines grown in semiarid conditions
Authors: De la Hera-Orts M. L. , Martínez-Cutillas A. , López-Roca J. M. , Gómez-Plaza E.
Published: June 2014

This study compares the vegetative growth and productive parameters of non-irrigated Monastrell vines with those under two moderate irrigation treatments. Plant water status and gas exchange parameters were used to evaluate the effect of moderate irrigation on the physiological status of the plants. The predawn and midday leaf water potentials were significantly lower in non irrigated vines, reaching values that indicated severe water stress. Stomatic conductance decreased as the season progressed, especially in non-irrigated vines. This stomata closure resulted in lower net photosynthesis, which affected vegetative growth and productivity. Non-irrigated vines developed a very small canopy and pruning weight together with a very low production compared with irrigated vines. The results demonstrate that the improvement in the physiological status of plants, with moderate irrigation leads to higher yield together with an equilibrium in the vegetative/reproductive growth.
Short communication. First detection of a phytoplasma infecting faba bean (Vicia faba L.) in Spain
Authors: Castro S. , Romero J.
Published: June 2014

Faba bean is one of the most widely grown protein-producing food legumes. Faba bean plants showing symptoms of shoe stringed leaves, phyllody and flower abortion were observed in fields of Antequera (Málaga, Southern Spain). The etiology of this disease was investigated using graft transmission to periwinkle plants, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with phytoplasma-specific primers, sequencing and phylogenetic analysis. We could not obtain amplification products from asymptomatic plants, whereas all tests were positive for phytoplasma infection from plants showing symptoms. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that this phytoplasma clustered in the 16SrIII group, the type member of which is X-disease phytoplasma. This is the first report of a phytoplasma infecting faba bean in Spain, and the first report of a phytoplasma in this group infecting faba bean.
Organic production of leek (Allium porrum L.) seeds in the Northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires, 2: Phenology, yield and quality
Authors: Paunero I.E. , Bazzigalupi O. , González J. , Uviedo R.
Published: June 2014

The aim of this work was to determine whether the local agroecological conditions of the northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires (33 deg 41 min S, 59 deg 41 min W) permit the organic production of leek (cv. Monstruoso de Carentan) seeds. In the 2000/01, 2001/02 and 2002/03 growth seasons, percentage flowering and seed yield (g m-2) and quality were recorded, the latter by determining the thousand grain weight and germination capacity. In the 2001/02 and 2002/3 seasons, the phenological stages of the crop were also determined, as well as the number of hours of cold temperatures experienced and the number of degree days. Significant differences between years were found in the number of days from 50% fruit setting to harvest, probably because three harvests were collected during the first season whereas only one was collected during the second and third. A total of 1,116 and 1,019 hours of cold temperatures and 925 and 1,127 degree days were recorded for 2001/2 and 2002/3 respectively. There were no significant differences between years for yield, percentage flowering or thousand seed weight (average values 78.53 gm-2, 93.36% and 3.55 g respectively). Differences in germination capacity were recorded, but Argentine legislative requirements were always surpassed. Seed yield and quality were comparable to figures cited in the literature. In conclusion, the agroecological conditions of the northeast of the Province of Buenos Aires allow the normal, organic cultivation of this leek cultivar for seed.
The Phenomenological Case for Stricter Regulation of Cell Phones and Driving
Authors: Rosenberger Robert ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: June 2014

The case is made here for stricter regulations on the use of cell phones (both handheld and hands-free) while driving. I review, contextualize, and expand on a phenomenological account of distracted driving that I have developed across a series of papers. This account remains consistent with the empirical literature on the driver distraction of cell phones, but it also offers an alternative theory on why the distraction of cell phone conversation poses such a considerable danger. My argument is that cell phone distraction results from learned perceptual habits, and that breaking these deeply engrained habits is no simple matter.
Descriptions of species of Stegelleta Thorne, 1938 (Nematoda, Rhabditida, Cephalobidae) from California, New Zealand and Senegal, and a revision of the genus
Authors: Boström Sven , Holovachov Oleksandr
Published: June 2014

Populations of Stegelleta are described from California, New Zealand and Senegal. An amphimictic population from California is identified as belonging to S. incisa and compared with type specimens from Utah and an amphimictic population from Italy. One population from New Zealand is close to S. incisa but considered to represent a new species, Stegelleta laterocornuta sp. nov. It is particularly characterised by a 379–512 μm long body in females and 365–476 μm in males; cuticle divided into 16 rows of blocks at midbody (excluding lateral field); lateral field with four incisures; three pairs of asymmetrical lips, U-shaped primary axils without guarding processes, each lip asymmetrically rectangular with a smooth margin, only lateral lips have slender acute tines; three labial probolae, bifurcated at half of their length; vulva without flap; spermatheca 17–31 μm long; postuterine sac 7–24 μm long; spicules 21.5–23.5 μm long. Other specimens from New Zealand are identified as belonging to S. tuarua. A parthenogenetic population from Senegal is identified as belonging to S. ophioglossa and compared with type specimens from Mongolia and records of several other populations of S. ophioglossa. The generic diagnosis is emended and a key to the species of Stegelleta is provided.
Concise Review: Diabetes, the Bone Marrow Niche, and Impaired Vascular Regeneration
Authors: Fadini Gian Paolo , Ferraro Francesca , Quaini Federico , Asahara Takayuki , Madeddu Paolo
Published: June 2014

Diabetes mellitus is a global health problem that results in multiorgan complications leading to high morbidity and mortality. Until recently, the effects of diabetes and hyperglycemia on the bone marrow microenvironment—a site where multiple organ systems converge and communicate—have been underappreciated. However, several new studies in mice, rats, and humans reveal that diabetes leads to multiple bone marrow microenvironmental defects, such as small vessel disease (microangiopathy), nerve terminal pauperization (neuropathy), and impaired stem cell mobilization (mobilopathy). The discovery that diabetes involves bone marrow-derived progenitors implicated in maintaining cardiovascular homeostasis has been proposed as a bridging mechanism between micro- and macroangiopathy in distant organs. Herein, we review the physiological and molecular bone marrow abnormalities associated with diabetes and discuss how bone marrow dysfunction represents a potential root for the development of the multiorgan failure characteristic of advanced diabetes. The notion of diabetes as a bone marrow and stem cell disease opens new avenues for therapeutic interventions ultimately aimed at improving the outcome of diabetic patients.
Définition de la qualité des structures d’accueil de la petite enfance : implications du modèle écosystémique avec l’exemple français
Authors: Caublot Morgane , Blicharski Teresa
Published: June 2014

Cet article présente une réflexion sur le processus de définition de la qualité concernant notamment les implications du modèle écosystémique de la qualité défini par Bigras et Japel (2007). Nous supposons que l’acceptation de ce modèle entraîne une définition de la qualité comprenant à la fois une part de variabilité liée au contexte et une part d’invariabilité. L’objectif de cet article est d’illustrer cette supposition avec l’exemple français. L’étude de documents faisant référence à l’évolution des valeurs culturelles et l’identification des orientations de la politique familiale ont ainsi permis de mettre en évidence la nécessité de prendre en compte les spécificités contextuelles et culturelles d’une époque dans le processus de définition de la qualité. Par conséquent, ces conclusions amènent à s’interroger sur la validité des outils d’étude de la qualité dans tous les contextes ainsi que sur la généralisation possible des résultats.
L’influence du clavardage sur la maîtrise du français écrit des élèves du premier cycle du secondaire
Authors: Gonthier Marie-Ève , Leblanc Stéphanie
Published: June 2014

Cette recherche quantitative a pour objectif de vérifier l’influence du clavardage sur la maîtrise du français écrit des élèves du premier cycle du secondaire au regard des caractéristiques de la langue codée et de la psychologie cognitive. À cet effet, nous avons montré que le clavardage n’a pas d’influence défavorable sur la maîtrise du français écrit de ces élèves, cela par l’intermédiaire d’une dictée et d’un questionnaire sur les habitudes de clavardage. Ainsi, il semble que le clavardage, qui est en plein essor, ne soit pas néfaste pour la langue écrite. Ce constat ouvre d’ailleurs la voie à l’utilisation du clavardage pédagogique.
Enquête sur les carrières scolaires des étudiants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick : offre locale de formations, orientation scolaire et ressources sociales
Authors: Garneau Stéphanie , Bouchard Caroline , Pilote Annie
Published: June 2014

Cet article porte sur la transition à l’université d’étudiants francophones du Nouveau-Brunswick. À partir de 40 entretiens et d’un cadre d’analyse interactionniste, les auteurs dégagent d’abord quelques points de convergence pour l’ensemble des répondants en ce qui a trait à leur passage aux études postsecondaires. Le texte dresse ensuite trois portraits de carrière scolaire qui montrent que les déterminants structurels des transitions doivent être pensés en lien avec la multiplicité des relations d’interdépendance des étudiants. Il interroge finalement les effets conjugués des processus d’orientation scolaire et des stratégies institutionnelles de rétention géographique sur les parcours scolaires.
The Association between Earnings and Returns: A Comparative Study between the Chinese and US S tock Markets
Authors: Vincent Y. S. Chen , Ho Yew Kee
Published: June 2014

This study examines the earnings-return relation in the Chinese and US stock markets. We first examine whether the value relevance of earnings in the US stock market for the period 1968 to 1986 in Easton and Harris (1991) holds for the period 1998 to 2011. We find that the value relevance of earnings levels decreased significantly in the 1998-2011 period. We then examine the earnings-return relation between the Chinese and US stock markets in the 1998-2011 period. We find that the explanatory power of earnings levels differs between these two markets. Specifically, in the US market, the earnings level variable has a lower relative explanatory power than the earnings change variable and the earnings level variable has very limited incremental explanatory power in the presence of the earnings change variable. However, in the Chinese market, earnings levels and earnings changes have similar relative and incremental explanatory power. The disparity in the relevance of earnings levels between the two markets may be attributable to differences in institutional factors and firm characteristics.
Aggregate Accounting Earnings and Security Returns: China Evidence and the Replication of US Results
Authors: Du Zongxue , Tang Feng , Zhang William S.
Published: June 2014

This paper examines the earnings-return association over long return intervals. The research design is built upon one important accounting intuition: as earnings are aggregated over longer intervals, the effect of earnings measurement error and the time lag between earnings recognition and market reaction slowly dwindles. Therefore, over time, we should observe an improving association between (aggregate) earnings and stock return. In this study, we first replicate the results of Easton, Harris, and Ohlson (1992) for the same period of 1968-1986 and find very similar results under refined correlation metrics. Second, we expand coverage to test US data from 1962 to 2011 and find that their prediction holds for the past 50 years in the US market. Third, our post-1992 China and US data generate the same pattern of rising earnings-return correlation as the return interval expands, despite China’s immature stock market. Further comparison indicates that the earnings-return correlation in China is lower than that in the US market in the same period of 1992-2011. Finally, to make our results comparable to the original ones in Easton, Harris, and Ohlson (1992), we also report the 1992-2011 results under the original metrics, such as R2 and concordant pair percentage; we still reach the same conclusions. Overall, the empirical results support Easton, Harris, and Ohlson’s theory in both the US market and the emerging China market, extending the external validity of their theory to the international capital market.