bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Combined Effects of Reservoir Operations and Climate Warming on the Flow Regime of Hydropower Bypass Reaches of California's Sierra Nevada
Authors: Rheinheimer D. E. , Viers J. H.
Published: March 2014

Alterations to flow regimes from regulation and climatic change both affect the biophysical functioning of rivers over long time periods and large spatial areas. Historically, however, the effects of these flow alteration drivers have been studied separately. In this study, results from unregulated and regulated river management models were assessed to understand how flow regime alterations from river regulation differ under future climate conditions in the Sierra Nevada of California, USA. Four representative flow alteration metrics—mean annual flow, low flow duration, centroid timing and mean weekly rate of decrease—were calculated and statistically characterized under historical and future unregulated and regulated conditions over a 20‐year period at each of the eight regulated river locations below dams across the Sierra Nevada. Future climatic conditions were represented by assuming an increase in air temperature of 6 °C above historical (1981–2000) air temperatures, with no change in other meteorological conditions. Results indicate that climate warming will measurably alter some aspects of the flow regime. By comparison, however, river regulation with business‐as‐usual operations will alter flow regimes much more than climate warming. Existing reservoirs can possibly be used to dampen the anticipated effects of climate warming through improved operations, though additional research is needed to identify the full suite of such possibilities. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
The evolution of subcritical Achlioptas processes
Authors: Riordan Oliver , Warnke Lutz
Published: March 2014

In Achlioptas processes, starting from an empty graph, in each step two potential edges are chosen uniformly at random, and using some rule one of them is selected and added to the evolving graph. AlthouSgh the evolution of such ‘local’ modifications of the Erdős–Rényi random graph process has received considerable attention during the last decade, so far only rather simple rules are well understood. Indeed, the main focus has been on ‘bounded‐size’ rules, where all component sizes larger than some constant B are treated the same way, and for more complex rules very few rigorous results are known. In this paper we study Achlioptas processes given by (unbounded) size rules such as the sum and product rules. Using a variant of the neighbourhood exploration process and branching process arguments, we show that certain key statistics are tightly concentrated at least until the susceptibility (the expected size of the component containing a randomly chosen vertex) diverges. Our convergence result is most likely best possible for certain generalized Achlioptas processes: in the later evolution the number of vertices in small components may not be concentrated. Furthermore, we believe that for a large class of rules the critical time where the susceptibility ‘blows up’ coincides with the percolation threshold. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Random Struct. Alg., 47, 174–203, 2015
3D Imaging of TiO2 nanoparticle accumulation in Tetrahymena pyriformis
Authors: Angerer Tina B. , Fletcher John S.
Published: March 2014

The increasing use of nanoparticles in a wide range of applications means that there is a significant chance that these chemicals may enter the aquatic environment. We report on the use of time‐of‐flight secondary ion mass spectrometry (ToF‐SIMS) analysis to determine the 3D distribution of TiO2 nanoparticles in the fresh water dwelling single cell organism Tetrahymena pyriformis. This organism is a popular model for toxicology studies where assays normally focus on the physical behaviour of the organism (motility, proliferation etc.) or where chemical analysis has been performed on large numbers of cells that have been combined for analysis. SIMS offers the opportunity for studying this single cell organism directly. Using ToF‐SIMS analysis, the nanoparticles were shown to be accumulated in food vacuoles approximately 5 µm in diameter that are distributed throughout the cell. Challenges associated with accurate 3D reconstruction of the data because of substantial differences in sputter rate between the natural cellular material and the TiO2‐rich regions are demonstrated and discussed. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Response to mason and drakeman's commentary on “fishing for sharks: Partner selection in biopharmaceutical R&D alliances”
Authors: Diestre Luis , Rajagopalan Nandini
Published: March 2014

We respond to Mason and Drakeman's comment on our published paper titled “Are All ‘Sharks’ Dangerous? New Biotechnology Ventures and Partner Selection in R&D Alliances” (Diestre and Rajagopalan, 2012). We discuss both their survey analysis and alternative explanation and conclude that neither of them invalidates our theoretical premise and our empirical conclusions. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Self‐Consistent Modeling of Texture Evolution in TWIP Steel During Uniaxial Tension
Authors: Saleh Ahmed A. , Pereloma Elena V. , Gazder Azdiar A.
Published: March 2014

X‐ray diffraction was used to track the evolution of texture in a fully recrystallized Fe–24Mn–3Al–2Si–1Ni–0.06C TWinning Induced Plasticity steel subjected to uniaxial tensile testing. The bulk texture measurements returned the characteristic double fiber for fcc materials with a relatively stronger 〈111〉 fiber and a weaker 〈100〉 fiber parallel to the tensile axis. The Visco‐Plastic Self‐Consistent model was used to simulate the macroscopic stress–strain response as well as to track the evolution of the bulk crystallographic texture by detailing the contribution of slip and twinning when latent hardening effects are excluded or included. The simulations revealed the dominant role of slip and the limited volume effect of twinning on the overall development of the bulk texture. The correlation between the latent hardening effects and the employed grain interaction scheme is highlighted.
Using automated sound recording and analysis to detect bird species‐at‐risk in southwestern Ontario woodlands
Authors: Holmes Stephen B. , McIlwrick Kenneth A. , Venier Lisa A.
Published: March 2014

We conducted a field study to compare the effectiveness of acoustic recordings coupled with automated sound recognition versus traditional point counts in terms of their relative abilities to detect 3 bird species‐at‐risk in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The comparison was made in 50 woodlots, each of which contained a standard Forest Bird Monitoring Program plot of 5 point‐count stations. An automated recording device was present at one of the point‐count stations. We found that the automated recording and analysis system worked at least as well as the more traditional point‐count method in identifying woodlots containing acadian flycatcher (Empidonax virescens) and cerulean warbler (Setophaga cerulea), but that both methods combined performed better than either method alone. The automated system also required considerably less effort in the field (a difference of 140 min/woodlot) with very little additional effort identifying vocalizations in the lab (approx. 22.5 min/woodlot, for all 3 species combined). The automated system was not as effective in detecting prothonotary warbler (Protonotaria citrea), possibly because the species is much less common in southern Ontario than the other 2 species. © 2014 The Wildlife Society.
Birth Defects, Causal Attributions, and Ethnicity in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Authors: Case Amy P. , Royle Marjorie , Scheuerle Angela E. , Carmichael Suzan L. , Moffitt Karen , Ramadhani Tunu ,   the National Birth Defects Prevention Study
Published: March 2014

In order to translate research findings into effective prevention strategies, it is important to understand people's beliefs about the causes of poor health outcomes. However, with the exception of knowledge and beliefs about folic acid supplementation, little is known regarding women's causal attributions women regarding birth defects. We employed Attribution Theory constructs to analyze open‐text interview responses from 2,672 control mothers in the National Birth Defects Prevention Study who gave birth in 1997–2005. Common themes included use of alcohol, tobacco, illicit drugs, and medications during pregnancy. Stress and emotional upset were also suggested as possible causes of birth defects. Genetic‐ and heredity‐related responses were more likely to be mentioned by Asian/Pacific Islander women compared to non‐Hispanic Whites. Hispanic women were less likely to suggest several specific possible teratogens, such as paint, pesticides, or other chemicals, but were more likely to suggest events occurring during childbirth. Differences also emerged among ethnic groups for theoretical constructs, although most responses were categorized as controllable, changeable over time, and with an internal locus of causality.
Fertility Decline, Girls’ Well-being, and Gender Gaps in Children’s Well-being in Poor Countries
Authors: Yount Kathryn M. , Zureick-Brown Sarah , Halim Nafisa , LaVilla Kayla
Published: March 2014

The influences of recent dramatic declines in fertility on girls’ and boys’ well-being in poorer countries are understudied. In panels of 67–75 poorer countries, using 152–185 Demographic and Health Surveys spanning 1985–2008, we examined how declining total fertility and women’s increasing median age at first birth were associated with changes in girls’ well-being and gender gaps in children’s well-being, as reflected in their survival, nutrition, and access to preventive healthcare. In adjusted random-effects models, these changes in fertility were associated with gains in girls’ survival at ages 1–4 years, vaccination coverage at ages 12–23 months, and nutrition at 0–36 months (for women’s later first childbearing). Declining total fertility was associated with similar gains for boys and girls with respect to vaccination coverage but intensified gender gaps in mortality at ages 1–4 years and malnutrition at ages 0–36 months, especially in higher-son-preference populations. Later increases in women’s median age at first birth—reflecting more equitable gender norms—were associated with declines in these gaps. Promoting equitable investments in children through family planning programs in higher-fertility societies is warranted.
Understanding Medication Compounding Issues
Authors: Hicks Rodney W.
Published: March 2014

The potential for contamination of compounded products and the resulting infections are a serious threat to patient safety. Immediate use products are used frequently in the perioperative department, and perioperative nurses should be familiar with the guidelines and practices that aim to reduce the contamination that can occur during the sterile compounding process. Four common themes lead to successful compounding: quality (eg, product identification, purity, stability, compatibility, risk level assessment), the environment (eg, using a segregated compounding area with specialized airflow capabilities, reducing particulate matter, practicing proper hand hygiene, performing gloved fingertip sampling, properly cleaning equipment and work areas), personnel activities (eg, familiarity with types of containers used and how often they can be accessed, following expiration dates and the number of times containers can be accessed), and the control process (eg, process monitoring, quality improvement). If a third‐party vendor is contracted to handle compounding for a facility, perioperative personnel should be aware of the responsibilities for the facility and the vendor to ensure a quality compounding program.
Contribution of the Central American and Caribbean obstetrics and gynecology societies to the prevention of unsafe abortion in the region
Authors: de Gil Marina Padilla
Published: March 2014

Unsafe abortion is a very important public health issue in the Central America and Caribbean region, where the use of modern contraceptive methods remains low and the restrictive legal framework reduces access to safe abortion. The International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics (FIGO) Initiative for the Prevention of Unsafe Abortion and its Consequences is contributing toward resolving this problem by strengthening collaboration between medical societies, representatives of each country's Ministry of Health, and local and international agencies. In the 8 countries that decided to join this initiative in 2008, progress has been achieved in improving access to modern contraceptive methods, increasing the use of manual vacuum aspiration and misoprostol, and updating guidelines on postabortion care.
Renal molecular mechanisms underlying altered Na+handling and genesis of hypertension during adulthood in prenatally undernourished rats
Authors: Vieira-Filho Leucio D. , Cabral Edjair V. , Farias Juliane S. , Silva Paulo A. , Muzi-Filho Humberto , Vieyra Adalberto , Paixão Ana D. O.
Published: March 2014

In the present study, we investigated the development of hypertension in prenatally undernourished adult rats, including the mechanisms that culminate in dysfunctions of molecular signalling in the kidney. Dams were fed a low-protein multideficient diet throughout gestation with or without α-tocopherol during lactation. The time course of hypertension development followed in male offspring was correlated with alterations in proximal tubule Na+-ATPase activity, expression of angiotensin II (Ang II) receptors, and activity of protein kinases C and A. After the establishment of hypertension, Ang II levels, cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) and NADPH oxidase subunit expression, lipid peroxidation and macrophage infiltration were examined in renal tissue. Lipid peroxidation in undernourished rats, which was very intense at 60 d, decreased at 90 d and returned to control values by 150 d. During the prehypertensive phase, prenatally undernourished rats exhibited elevated renal Na+-ATPase activity, type 2 Ang II receptor down-regulation and altered protein kinase A:protein kinase C ratio. Stable late hypertension coexisted with highly elevated levels of Ang II-positive cells in the cortical tubulointerstitium, enhanced increase in the expression of p47phox(NADPH oxidase regulatory subunit), marked down-regulation of COX-2 expression, expanded plasma volume and decreased creatinine clearance. These alterations were reduced when the dams were given α-tocopherol during lactation. The offspring of well-nourished dams treated with α-tocopherol exhibited most of the alterations encountered in the offspring of undernourished dams not treated with α-tocopherol. Thus, alterations in proximal tubule Na+transport, subcellular signalling pathways and reactive oxygen species handling in renal tissue underpin the development of hypertension.
Trends in dietary carbohydrate consumption from 1991 to 2008 in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring Cohort
Authors: Makarem Nour , Scott Marc , Quatromoni Paula , Jacques Paul , Parekh Niyati
Published: March 2014

The intake of carbohydrates has been evaluated cross-sectionally, but not longitudinally in an ageing American adult population. The aim of the present study was to examine trends in the intake of dietary carbohydrates and their major food sources among the Framingham Heart Study Offspring (FOS) cohort, which had been uniquely tracked for 17 years in the study. The FOS cohort was recruited in 1971–1975. Follow-up examinations were conducted, on average, every 4 years. Dietary data collection began in 1991 (examination 5) using a validated semi-quantitative FFQ. The study included 2894 adults aged ≥ 25 years with complete dietary data in at least three examinations from 1991 to 2008. Descriptive statistics were generated using SAS version 9.3, and a repeated-measures model was used to examine trends in the intake of carbohydrates and their food sources in the whole sample, and by sex and BMI category. Over 17 years of follow-up, the percentage of energy from total carbohydrates (51·0–46·8 %;Pfor trend < 0·001) and total sugars (18·2–16·6 %;Pfor trend < 0·001) decreased. There was a decrease in the percentage of energy from fructose (5·4–4·7 %;Pfor trend < 0·001) and sucrose (9·8–8·8 %;Pfor trend < 0·001). Dietary fibre intake increased (18·0–19·2 g/d;Pfor trend < 0·001). The number of weekly servings of yeast bread, soft drinks/soda, cakes/cookies/quick breads/doughnuts, potatoes, milk, pasta, rice and cooked grains, fruit juice/drinks, potato chips/maize chips/popcorn, and lunch foods (e.g. pizzas and burgers) decreased significantly (Pfor trend < 0·001), while the intake of ready-to-eat cereals, legumes, fruits, dairy products, candy and ice cream/sherbet/frozen yogurt increased significantly (Pfor trend<0·04). Similar trends were observed when the analyses were stratified by sex and BMI. The present results suggest favourable trends in dietary carbohydrate consumption, but dietary guidelines for fruits, vegetables and fibre were not met in this cohort.
Unperturbed state and solitary structures in an electron-positron plasma having dust impurity and density inhomogeneity
Authors: Malik Hitendra K. , Malik Rakhee
Published: March 2014

An electron–positron pair plasma having dust impurity and density non-uniformity is studied for its unperturbed state and evolution of solitary structures under the effect of either positively charged or negatively charged dust grains. Zeroth-order equations are solved to examine the unperturbed state of the plasma via unperturbed potential φ0, drift velocities of the electrons and positrons (ve0 and vp0), and plasma (positron) density gradient np0η. It is observed that the dust distribution affects the gradient np0η significantly, which increases very sharply with a small increment in the dust density gradient nd0η. With relation to the solitary structures, a modified form of Korteweg–deVries equation (mKdV equation) is realized in the said plasma, which reveals that a tailing structure is associated with the soliton (sech2 structure). This tail is less prominent in the present pair plasma, contrary to the observation made in ordinary plasmas having only ions and electrons. The dust impurity is found to influence the solitary structure much significantly and its presence suppresses the rarefactive solitons, which are generally observed in multi-component species plasmas.
SPANISH HOUSING MARKETS, 1904-1934: NEW EVIDENCE
Authors: Carmona Juan , Lampe Markus , Rosés Joan R.
Published: March 2014

This article makes the first systematic attempt to analyse quantitatively the evolution of Spanish housing markets from 1904 to 1934, a period of dramatic changes in housing demand as a consequence of substantial income and demographic growth. In order to do so, we collect a new database on houses sold and their prices using data from the Registrar's Yearbooks. Furthermore, we construct a new hedonic index of real housing prices for Spain and its provinces. To our surprise, we found that real housing prices rose slightly over the entire period and, hence, that housing supply responded effectively to new demand for housing.
Numerical simulations of laser ablated plumes using Particle-in-Cell (PIC) methods
Authors: Genco Filippo , Hassanein Ahmed
Published: March 2014

Laser ablation of graphite materials in the presence of an external magnetic field is studied with the use of the newly developed HEIGHTS-PIC particle-in-cell code and compared with both theoretical and experimental results. Carbon plumes behavior controlled by a strong magnetic field is of interest to evaluate the plume shielding effects to protect the original exposed target from further damage and erosion. Since intense power deposition on plasma facing components is expected during Tokamaks loss of plasma confinement events such as disruptions, vertical displacements event, runaway electrons, or during normal operating conditions such as edge-localized modes, it is critical to better understand the evolving target plasma behavior for more accurate prediction of the potential damage created by these high-energetic dumps which may not be easily mitigated without loss of structural and functional performance of the plasma facing components. Numerical experiments have been performed to provide benchmarking conditions for the HEIGHTS-PIC simulation package originally designed to evaluate the erosion of the Tokamak surfaces, splashing of the melted/ablated-vaporized material, and transport into the bulk plasma with consequent plasma contamination. Evolving target plasma temperature and density are calculated and compared with measured reported values available into literature for similar conditions and show good agreement with the HEIGHTS-PIC package predictions.
Maiden outbreaks of dengue virus 1 genotype III in rural central India
Authors: BARDE P. V. , KORI B. K. , SHUKLA M. K. , BHARTI P. K. , CHAND G. , KUMAR G. , UKEY M. J. , ALI N. A. , SINGH N.
Published: March 2014

Dengue is regarded as the most important arboviral disease. Although sporadic cases have been reported, serotypes responsible for outbreaks have not been identified from central India over the last 20 years. We investigated two outbreaks of febrile illness, in August and November 2012, from Korea district (Chhattisgarh) and Narsinghpur district (Madhya Pradesh), respectively. Fever and entomological surveys were conducted in the affected regions. Molecular and serological tests were conducted on collected serum samples. Dengue-specific amplicons were sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were performed. In Korea and Narsinghpur districts 37·3% and 59% of cases were positive, respectively, for dengue infection, with adults being the worst affected. RT–PCR confirmed dengue virus serotype 1 genotype III as the aetiology. Ninety-six percent of infections were primary. This is the first time that dengue virus 1 outbreaks have been documented from central India. Introduction of the virus into the population and a conducive mosquitogenic environment favouring increased vector density caused the outbreak. Timely diagnosis and strengthening vector control measures are essential to avoid future outbreaks.
The role of unconditional cash transfers during a nutritional emergency in Maradi region, Niger: a pre–post intervention observational study
Authors: Fenn Bridget , Noura Garba , Sibson Victoria , Dolan Carmel , Shoham Jeremy
Published: March 2014

Objective

To assess the effect of an unconditional cash transfer (CT) implemented as part of an emergency response to food insecurity during a declared state of emergency.

Design

Pre–post intervention observational study involving two rounds of data collection, i.e. baseline (April 2012) and final survey (September 2012), on the same cohort of ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ households enrolled by Save the Children in an unconditional CT programme.

Setting

Aguié district, Maradi, Niger.

Subjects

Households with a non-acutely malnourished child aged 6–36 months (n412).

Results

The study showed that the living standards of ‘poor’ and ‘very poor’ households improved, as indicated by a reduction in poverty-related indicators and an improvement in household food security. Anthropometric outcomes for children aged 6–36 months improved significantly, despite a decline in child health and women’s well-being and autonomy. Risk factors for becoming acutely malnourished post-intervention were being from a very poor household at baseline, starting the lean season with low weight-for-heightZ-score (WHZ <−1) and the presence of co-morbidity.

Conclusions

The results of the study are consistent with the published evidence regarding the general impact of CT and suggest it is plausible that giving cash during an emergency can help safeguard living standards of the very poor and poor. While improvements in childhood nutrition status were seen it is not possible to attribute these to the CT programme. However, knowledge of the risk factors for acute malnutrition in a particular setting can be used to influence the design of future CT interventions for which a controlled trial would be recommended if feasible.
Molecularly imprinted polymer based surface plasmon resonance sensors for detection of Sudan dyes
Authors: Xu Xiao-Yan , Tian Xing-Guo , Cai Liang-Gen , Xu Zhen-Lin , Lei Hong-Tao , Wang Hong , Sun Yuan-Ming
Published: March 2014

A highly sensitive and selective surface plasmon resonance sensor for detection of Sudan dyes based on a molecularly imprinted nanofilm.
Translocation of flexible polymersomes across pores at the nanoscale
Authors: Pegoraro Carla , Cecchin Denis , Madsen Jeppe , Warren Nicholas , Armes Steven P. , MacNeil Sheila , Lewis Andrew , Battaglia Giuseppe
Published: March 2014

Hierarchical biological systems such as tissues and organs are often characterised by highly crowded and packed environments with nanoscopic interconnections between them.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel trifluoromethyl indoles as potent HIV-1 NNRTIs with an improved drug resistance profile
Authors: Jiang Hai-Xia , Zhuang Dao-Min , Huang Ying , Cao Xing-Xin , Yao Jian-Hua , Li Jing-Yun , Wang Jian-Yong , Zhang Chen , Jiang Biao
Published: March 2014

A novel series of trifluoromethyl indoles have been designed, synthesized and evaluated for anti-HIV-1 activities.
Resonance energy transfer-enhanced rhodamine–styryl Bodipy dyad triplet photosensitizers
Authors: Ma Jie , Yuan Xiaolin , Küçüköz Betül , Li Shengfu , Zhang Caishun , Majumdar Poulomi , Karatay Ahmet , Li Xiaohuan , Gul Yaglioglu H. , Elmali Ayhan , Zhao Jianzhang , Hayvali Mustafa
Published: March 2014

Broadband visible light-absorbing triplet photosensitizers with rhodamine as the energy donor and styryl Bodipy as the energy acceptor/spin converter were prepared.
Apoptotic pathways of U937 leukemic monocytes investigated by infrared microspectroscopy and flow cytometry
Authors: Birarda Giovanni , Bedolla Diana E. , Mitri Elisa , Pacor Sabrina , Grenci Gianluca , Vaccari Lisa
Published: March 2014

Infrared microspectroscopy and flow cytometry were used to study apoptosis in starved and CCCP-treated U937 monocyte cells.
Direct electron transfer of hemoglobin intercalated in exfoliated Ni–Al–CO3 layered double hydroxide and its electrocatalysis towards hydrogen peroxide
Authors: Liu Yu-ge , Zhang Xiu-mei , Tu Xing-hao , Wei Chang-bin , Lv Ling-ling
Published: March 2014

In this study, hemoglobin (Hb) was entrapped into the exfoliated Ni–Al–CO3 layered double hydroxides (LDH).
A cationic copper(i) iodide cluster MOF exhibiting unusual ligand assisted thermochromism
Authors: Yadav Ashok , Srivastava Anant Kumar , Balamurugan Ayyakkalai , Boomishankar Ramamoorthy
Published: March 2014

A cationic CuI cluster MOF 1, {Cu6I5[(NHAQ)3PS]2(OH)·3DMF·2.5MeOH}n (AQ = 3-quinolinyl), was shown to exhibit an unusual thermochromic luminescent behaviour emitting a blue fluorescence at 298 K and a pale-orange phosphorescence at 77 K.
Sub-THz specific relaxation times of hydrogen bond oscillations in E.coli thioredoxin. Molecular dynamics and statistical analysis
Authors: Globus Tatiana , Sizov Igor , Gelmont Boris
Published: March 2014

Hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) in biological macromolecules are important for the molecular structure and functions. Since interactions via hydrogen bonds are weaker than covalent bonds, it can be expected that atomic movements involving H-bonds have low frequency vibrational modes. Sub-Terahertz (sub-THz) vibrational spectroscopy that combines measurements with molecular dynamics (MD) computational prediction has been demonstrated as a promising approach for biological molecule characterization. Multiple resonance absorption lines have been reported. The knowledge of relaxation times of atomic oscillations is critical for the successful application of THz spectroscopy for hydrogen bond characterization. The purpose of this work is to use atomic oscillations in the 0.35–0.7 THz range, found from molecular dynamic (MD) simulations of E.coli thioredoxin (2TRX), to study relaxation dynamics of two intra-molecular H-bonds, O⋯H–N and O⋯H–C. Two different complimentary techniques are used in this study, one is the analysis of the statistical distribution of relaxation time and dissipation factor values relevant to low frequency oscillations, and the second is the analysis of the autocorrelation function of low frequency quasi-periodic movements. By studying hydrogen bond atomic displacements, it was found that the atoms are involved in a number of collective oscillations, which are characterized by different relaxation time scales ranging from 2–3 ps to more than 150 ps. The existence of long lasting relaxation processes opens the possibility to directly observe and study H-bond vibrational modes in sub-THz absorption spectra of bio-molecules if measured with an appropriate spectral resolution. The results of measurements using a recently developed frequency domain spectroscopic sensor with a spectral resolution of 1 GHz confirm the MD analysis.
Automated headspace single-drop microextraction via a lab-in-syringe platform for mercury electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination after in situ vapor generation
Authors: Mitani Constantina , Kotzamanidou Alexadra , Anthemidis Aristidis N.
Published: March 2014

Automated lab-in-syringe headspace single drop microextraction (LIS-HS-SDME) hyphenated to ETAAS for mercury determination.
Vanadium-catalyzed C(sp3)–H fluorination reactions
Authors: Xia Ji-Bao , Ma Yuyong , Chen Chuo
Published: March 2014

Vanadium(iii) oxide catalyzes the direct fluorination of C(sp3)–H groups with Selectfluor.
Liquid crystal (LC) monolayer on Indium Tin Oxide (ITO): structural and electrochemical characterization
Authors: Umadevi S. , Ganesh V. , Berchmans Sheela
Published: March 2014

Superior quality, stable monolayers of LC compounds on ITO substrates are found to be very effective in orienting bulk LC samples.
Mesoporous nickel phosphate/phosphonate hybrid microspheres with excellent performance for adsorption and catalysis
Authors: Zhu Yun-Pei , Liu Ya-Lu , Ren Tie-Zhen , Yuan Zhong-Yong
Published: March 2014

Mesoporous nickel phosphate/phosphonate microspheres were synthesized through a template-free phosphate-mediated self-assembly procedure, exhibiting excellent performance for CO2 capture, heavy metal ion adsorption and catalytic hydrogenation of 4-nitrophenol to 4-aminophenol.
3D printed lost-wax casted soft silicone monoblocks enable heart-inspired pumping by internal combustion
Authors: Schumacher Christoph M. , Loepfe Michael , Fuhrer Roland , Grass Robert N. , Stark Wendelin J.
Published: March 2014

Inspired by the natural expansion and contraction mechanism, we present a combustion powered soft silicone monoblock pump lasting for over 10 000 pumping cycles.
Combination of affine projection sign algorithms for robust adaptive filtering in non‐Gaussian impulsive interference
Authors: Shi Liming , Lin Yun , Xie Xianzhong
Published: March 2014

A method for minimising the L1 norm relying on the convex combination of two affine projection sign algorithms is proposed. The major drawbacks of the affine projection sign type algorithms are a poor convergence rate and instability in time‐variant scenarios, especially in the presence of abrupt changes. A convex combination method is used to obtain a superior performance. Instead of minimising the squared error in the conventional convex combination theory, the minimisation of the L1 norm is introduced to offer a more robust solution in the presence of a non‐Gaussian impulsive interference. The good performances in terms of the convergence rate and the steady‐state error are demonstrated in a plant identification experiment that includes the impulsive noise and abrupt changes.
High output‐regulation accuracy and fast transient response of dual constant on‐time controlled switching converter
Authors: Zhou Guohua , Chen Xin , Cui Hengfeng , He Shengzhong
Published: March 2014

Compared with a pulse‐width modulated voltage‐mode controlled switching converter, a constant on‐time (COT) controlled switching converter has extensive industry application due to its fast transient response. However, the conventional COT controlled switching converter has poor output‐regulation accuracy. A new control method that provides both fast transient response and high output‐regulation accuracy for switching converters, called dual COT control, is proposed. The analysis results are verified by circuit simulation.
Adaptive dual prediction scheme based on sensing context similarity for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Heo Taewook , Kim Hyunhak , Ko JeongGil , Doh Yoonmee , Park JongJun , Jun Jongarm , Choi Hoon
Published: March 2014

A novel adaptive dual‐prediction scheme is introduced for minimising the data communication load for wireless sensor networks as a way to maximise the lifetime of resource‐limited sensor nodes. Specifically, the proposed scheme exposes the fact that when sensing context prediction is used at both the sink node and the sensor nodes, the amount of data that need to be transmitted can be minimised. Furthermore, the transmission data quantity is reduced even more by exploiting the spatial correlation among different sensor nodes. On using this adaptive dual prediction scheme, the evaluations show that the amount of data transmissions can be compressed by as much as 20% against a basic dual prediction scheme, suggesting that the lifetime of sensor nodes can increase significantly in practical systems.
Conditional Lindenmayer systems with subregular conditions: The non-extended case
Authors: Dassow Jürgen , Rudolf Stefan
Published: March 2014

We consider conditional tabled Lindenmayer sytems without interaction, where each table is associated with a regular set and a table can only be applied to a sentential form which is contained in its associated regular set. We study the effect to the generative power, if we use instead of arbitrary regular languages only finite, nilpotent, monoidal, combinational, definite, ordered, union-free, star-free, strictly locally testable, commutative regular, circular regular, and suffix-closed regular languages. Essentially, we prove that the hierarchy of language families obtained from conditional Lindenmayer systems with subregular conditions is almost identical to the hierarchy of families of subregular languages.
Versatility of Adipofascial Anterolateral Thigh Flap for Reconstruction of Maxillary Defects with Infratemporal Fossa Extension
Authors: Kekatpure Vikram D. , Hedne Naveen , Chavre Sachin , Pillai Vijay , Trivedi Nirav , Kuriakose MoniAbraham
Published: March 2014

Tumors arising from the posterior hard palate or posterolateral maxilla may extend to involve the infratemporal fossa (ITF). Resection of these tumors results in infrastructural maxillectomy with ITF defects. In this study, we describe the use of an adipofascial anterolateral thigh flap (ALT) specifically for such defects. This case series includes four patients who underwent an infrastructure maxillectomy with ITF clearance and the resultant defects were reconstructed using adipofascial anterolateral thigh flaps. The complications as well as the functional outcomes were assessed. This study included patients with lesions involving the hard palate, posterolateral part of maxilla with extension into the ITF. The mean flap dimension was 150 cm2 (range, 120–180 cm2). All flaps were harvested based on a single perforator. The flap was used to obliterate the ITF defect and also to achieve oroantral separation. All flaps mucosalized well within 6 weeks. All patients were on oral diet and had adequate mouth opening. There were no donor-site complications. Adipofascial ALT is an excellent choice for infrastructural maxillectomy defects with ITF extension. The intraoral part got mucosalized well and provided a smooth and taut surface. A large adipofascial tissue flap helps obliterate the ITF, thus minimizing complications.
Magnetic properties of (CoFe2O4)x:(CeO2)1−x vertically aligned nanocomposites and their pinning properties in YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films
Authors: Huang Jijie , Tsai Chen-Fong , Chen Li , Jian Jie , Khatkhatay Fauzia , Yu Kaiyuan , Wang Haiyan
Published: March 2014

Vertically aligned nanocomposites (VAN) combined ferrimagnetic CoFe2O4 with non-magnetic CeO2 ((CoFe2O4)x:(CeO2)1−x) in different phase ratios (x = 10%, 30% to 50%) have been grown by a pulsed laser deposition technique. Various unique magnetic domain structures form based on the VAN compositions and growth conditions. Anisotropic and tunable ferrimagnetic properties have been demonstrated. These ordered ferrimagnetic nanostructures have been incorporated into YBa2Cu3O7−δ thin films as both cap and buffer layers to enhance the flux pinning properties of the superconducting thin films. The results suggest that the ordered magnetic VAN provides effective pinning centers by both defect and magnetic nanoinclusions.
Measurement of magnetization using domain compressibility in CoFeB films with perpendicular anisotropy
Authors: Vernier N. , Adam J.-P. , Eimer S. , Agnus G. , Devolder T. , Hauet T. , Ocker B. , Garcia F. , Ravelosona D.
Published: March 2014

We present a method to map the saturation magnetization of soft ultrathin films with perpendicular anisotropy, and we illustrate it to assess the compositional dependence of the magnetization of CoFeB(1 nm)/MgO films. The method relies on the measurement of the dipolar repulsion of parallel domain walls that define a linear domain. The film magnetization is linked to the field compressibility of the domain. The method also yields the minimal distance between two walls before their merging, which sets a practical limit to the storage density in spintronic devices using domain walls as storage entities.
Study of the dielectric response in mineral oil using frequency-domain measurement
Authors: Zhou Yuan , Hao Miao , Chen George , Wilson Gordon , Jarman Paul
Published: March 2014

Dielectric spectroscopy is a powerful tool to study dipole relaxation, electrical conduction, and structure of molecules. Electrode polarization, as a parasitic effect due to the blocking of charge carriers in the vicinity of an electrode, can make the frequency response at low frequency difficult to understand. Since charge carriers in mineral oil are not only generated from dissociation but also from injection at electrodes, current induced by motion of injected charge carriers should also be taken into consideration. The polarization caused by the injection current has been studied in this paper. When the electric field is not intense, the injection current is proportional to the field and only contributes to the imaginary part of the complex permittivity. A new model has been proposed with this injection current being involved. The frequency responses of three different kinds of mineral oils have been measured and this new polarization model has been used to fit the experimental data. According to the simulation result, the frequency-dependent curves of complex dielectric permittivity calculated from the polarization model could fit the experimental data well. The amount of the injected charge carriers increases with the aging time. This new model enables one to gain a better understanding of electrical conduction in mineral oil.
Some remarks on the diffusion regions in magnetic reconnection
Authors: Zenitani Seiji , Umeda Takayuki
Published: March 2014

The structure of the diffusion regions in antiparallel magnetic reconnection is investigated by means of a theory and a Vlasov simulation. The magnetic diffusion is considered as relaxation to the frozen-in state, which depends on a reference velocity field. A field-aligned component of the frozen-in condition is proposed to evaluate a diffusion-like process. Diffusion signatures with respect to ion and electron bulk flows indicate the ion and electron diffusion regions near the reconnection site. The electron diffusion region resembles the energy dissipation region. These results are favorable to a previous expectation that an electron-scale dissipation region is surrounded by an ion-scale Hall-physics region.
The central role of the Peltier coefficient in thermoelectric cooling
Authors: Garrido J. , Casanovas A.
Published: March 2014

This paper discusses the special role that the Peltier effect plays in thermoelectric cooling. From a particular energy balance for a thermocouple, we can conclude that the Peltier component pumps out the energy of all other terms: Joule, Fourier, Seebeck, and thermoelectric cooling. We emphasize also that in this energy balance, there is a need to include a new contribution, named after Seebeck that usually is not considered in the literature. We discuss a new method to evaluate the Peltier coefficient using measurements of the two temperature gradients at the junction of a thermocouple. An arrangement has been built to explore this method. A precise value for the Peltier coefficient of a thermocouple has been obtained but which deviates from the Kelvin relation. A better design of the experimental device is needed.
Giant ferromagnetism and exchange bias in tensile strained and Cr modified CaRuO3 thin films
Authors: Kumar Sanjay , Tripathi Shivendra , Phanendra Eswara V , Singh R. S. , Rana D. S.
Published: March 2014

We present an unified approach of epitaxial strain and chemical substitution to induce ferromagnetic order in otherwise non-magnetic CaRuO3. The tensile and compressive strained CaRu1−xCrxO3 (0 < x ≤ 0.2) (CRCO) films deposited on SrTiO3 (100) and LaAlO3 (100) substrates, respectively, exhibit a magnetic moment larger than their bulk compositions. The compressive strained x = 0.15 film displays unusually large magnetic moment ∼1.4 μB/f.u. which is about one order of magnitude larger than that of its bulk counterpart. We show that this giant magnetic moment manifests in the realization of (i) a giant exchange bias of ∼700 Oe in CaRu0.85Cr0.15O3/Pr0.5Ca0.5MnO3 bilayer and (ii) a large hysteretic magnetoresistance; both potential attributes for the spintronic applications.
Botanical Decolonization: Rethinking Native Plants
Authors: Mastnak Tomaz , Elyachar Julia , Boellstorff Tom
Published: March 2014

In this paper we use an apparently marginal topic—‘native plants’—to address two issues of concern to contemporary politics and political theory: the legacy of settler colonialism, and dilemmas of scholarship and activism in the ‘Anthropocene’. Drawing on the writings of Francis Bacon and based on a case study of California, we argue that planting and displanting humans and plants are elements of the same multispecies colonial endeavor. In contrast to those who equate native plant advocates with antiimmigrant nativism, we see native plant advocacy as part of a broad process of botanical decolonization and a strategic location for ethical action in the Anthropocene.
Monthly metabolisable energy feed requirements of crossbred ewes in accelerated and traditional lamb production systems
Authors: Fogarty N. M.
Published: March 2014

The annual metabolisable energy (ME) feed requirements and patterns of monthly ME requirements for ewe maintenance, gestation, lactation and lamb growth to weaning were evaluated for 1175 crossbred ewes over 4 years at two sites (Cowra and Wagga Wagga). The study involved three lamb production systems: accelerated 8-monthly joinings, with two flocks joined 4 months apart (Ac8), spring joining with an autumn backup joining (SpB), and annual autumn joining (AuA). The Ac8 and SpB systems were evaluated at Cowra and the SpB and AuA systems were evaluated at Wagga Wagga. Two genotypes of ewes, Border Leicester × Merino (BLM) and Hyfer (Dorset × Merino composite), were used at both sites, with natural joinings to Dorset, Suffolk or Hyfer rams. The ewe liveweight, reproduction and lamb production data from individual ewes in the experiment were used to calculate monthly ME requirements using derived simplified equations for ewe maintenance, gestation, lactation and lamb growth to weaning. Annual ME, dry sheep equivalent (DSE = maintenance for a 50-kg, 3.5-year-old ewe = 3030 MJ) and weight of lamb weaned per DSE were analysed and the monthly pattern of ME components presented graphically. The ewes in the Ac8 system had 11% higher ME than those in the SpB system because of their considerably higher annual lambing performance, which resulted in 16–47% greater efficiency of the Ac8 compared with the SpB system when expressed as weight of lamb weaned per DSE. There was also a lower proportion of ME for ewe maintenance in the Ac8 (58%) than SpB or AuA (68%) systems. There was little difference in the annual feed requirements or DSE for ewes in the SpB and AuA production systems, although ewes in the AuA system weaned 9–28% more weight of lamb per DSE than the SpB ewes because of their higher lambing performance. The differences in ME and DSE between the BLM and Hyfer ewes were relatively small and mainly reflected the differences in lambing performance of the genotypes in the various production systems. The seasonal pattern of ME for the AuA and SpB systems showed a sharp increase from the last month of pregnancy to a high peak at weaning with a relatively low requirement for the rest of the year. Under the Ac8 system the ME requirements were more consistent throughout the year and at a lower level than the peak for the other systems. The results highlight the possible increased efficiency from an accelerated lambing system, provided the seasonal feed requirements throughout the year can be provided cost effectively.
Wave turbulence in quantum fluids
Authors: Kolmakov German V. , McClintock Peter Vaughan Elsmere , Nazarenko Sergey V.
Published: March 2014

Wave turbulence (WT) occurs in systems of strongly interacting nonlinear waves and can lead to energy flows across length and frequency scales much like those that are well known in vortex turbulence. Typically, the energy passes although a nondissipative inertial range until it reaches a small enough scale that viscosity becomes important and terminates the cascade by dissipating the energy as heat. Wave turbulence in quantum fluids is of particular interest, partly because revealing experiments can be performed on a laboratory scale, and partly because WT among the Kelvin waves on quantized vortices is believed to play a crucial role in the final stages of the decay of (vortex) quantum turbulence. In this short review, we provide a perspective on recent work on WT in quantum fluids, setting it in context and discussing the outlook for the next few years. We outline the theory, review briefly the experiments carried out to date using liquid H
2
and liquid
4
He, and discuss some nonequilibrium excitonic superfluids in which WT has been predicted but not yet observed experimentally. By way of conclusion, we consider the medium- and longer-term outlook for the field.
Variable timing of synaptic transmission in cerebellar unipolar brush cells
Authors: van Dorp Stijn , De Zeeuw Chris I.
Published: March 2014

Significance

The neural representation of time is a fundamental concept in neurobiology. In the cerebellum, behavioral studies and computational modeling have long suggested a cortical locus for the representation of time intervals up to hundreds of milliseconds, but no clear hypothesis about the origin of such signals has been formulated. In this paper, we identify and characterize a robust mechanism for slow signal timing in the synaptic transmission of cerebellar unipolar brush cells, an excitatory granular layer interneuron. The timing mechanism is rooted in an unusual mode of synaptic integration and is well suited as a basis for control of slow eye and head movements.