bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gas exchange in wetlands with emergent vegetation: The effects of wind and thermal convection at the air‐water interface
Authors: Poindexter Cristina M. , Variano Evan A.
Published: July 2013

Methane, carbon dioxide, and oxygen are exchanged between wetlands and the atmosphere through multiple pathways. One of these pathways, the hydrodynamic transport of dissolved gas through the surface water, is often underestimated in importance. We constructed a model wetland in the laboratory with artificial emergent plants to investigate the mechanisms and magnitude of this transport. We measured gas transfer velocities, which characterize the near‐surface stirring driving air‐water gas transfer, while varying two stirring processes important to gas exchange in other aquatic environments: wind and thermal convection. To isolate the effects of thermal convection, we identified a semiempirical model for the gas transfer velocity as a function of surface heat loss. The laboratory results indicate that thermal convection will be the dominant mechanism of air‐water gas exchange in marshes with emergent vegetation. Thermal convection yielded peak gas transfer velocities of 1 cm h−1. Because of the sheltering of the water surface by emergent vegetation, gas transfer velocities for wind‐driven stirring alone are likely to exceed this value only in extreme cases.
Selective separation of lambdacyhalothrin by porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization
Authors: Hang Hui , Li Chunxiang , Pan Jianming , Li Linzi , Dai Jiangdong , Dai Xiaohui , Yu Ping , Feng Yonghai
Published: July 2013

Porous/magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (PM‐MIPs) were prepared by Pickering emulsion polymerization. The reaction was carried out in an oil/water emulsion using magnetic halloysite nanotubes as the stabilizer instead of a toxic surfactant. In the oil phase, the imprinting process was conducted by radical polymerization of functional and cross‐linked monomers, and porogen chloroform generated steam under the high reaction temperature, which resulted in some pores decorated with easily accessible molecular binding sites within the as‐made PM‐MIPs. The characterization demonstrated that the PM‐MIPs were porous and magnetic inorganic–polymer composite microparticles with magnetic sensitivity (Ms = 0.7448 emu/g), thermal stability (below 473 K) and magnetic stability (over the pH range of 2.0–8.0). The PM‐MIPs were used as a sorbent for the selective binding of lambdacyhalothrin (LC) and rapidly separated under an external magnetic field. The Freundlich isotherm model gave a good fit to the experimental data. The adsorption kinetics of the PM‐MIPs was well described by pseudo‐second‐order kinetics, indicating that the chemical process could be the rate‐limiting step in the adsorption of LC. The selective recognition experiments exhibited the outstanding selective adsorption effect of the PM‐MIPs for target LC. Moreover, the PM‐MIPs regeneration without significant loss in adsorption capacity was demonstrated by at least four repeated cycles.
Novel low‐loss waveguide delay lines using Vernier ring resonators for on‐chip multi‐λ microwave photonic signal processors
Authors: Zhuang Leimeng , Hoekman Marcel , Beeker Willem , Leinse Arne , Heideman René , van Dijk Paulus , Roeloffzen Chris
Published: July 2013

In this paper, novel photonic delay lines (DLs) using Vernier/non‐identical ring resonators (VRRs) are proposed and demonstrated, which are capable of simultaneous generation of multiple different delays at different wavelengths (frequencies). The simple device architectures and full reconfigurability allow the DLs to be integrated with other functional building blocks in photonic integrated circuits to realize on‐chip, complex multi‐λ microwave photonic signal processors with reduced system complexity. To prove the concept, DLs using VRRs in cascaded and coupled configurations have been fabricated in TriPleXTM waveguide technology, which enables a very low delay‐induced loss of approximately 0.18 dB/100 ps. The fabricated DLs demonstrated simultaneous generation of four incremental delays, where a maximum incremental step of 550 ps and a corresponding top delay of 1650 ps were measured for a bandwidth up to 1 GHz. To our knowledge, this is the first report on VRRs for delay generation functionalities.
Correlation Between Chemical and Mechanical Properties in Renewable Poly(ether‐block‐amide)s for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Todros Silvia , Natali Arturo N. , Pace Giuseppe , Di Noto Vito
Published: July 2013

Renewable poly(ether‐block‐amide)s (PEBAs), with different polyamide/polyether (PA/PE) ratios, are characterized for the development of biomedical devices. The effect of the chemical composition on the mechanical properties is studied via Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), tensile tests, dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA), and broadband electric spectro­scopy (BES). FTIR spectroscopy evidences the presence of different PA crystalline domains depending on the PA/PE ratio, as also evidenced by TGA and DSC. Such differences influence the molecular dynamics, as shown by DMA and BES, and the mechanical properties characterized by tensile tests. Indeed, PEBAs with a higher PA/PE ratio are stiffer due to a higher crystalline degree.

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Experimental Validation of Resonant Microwave Transmission Through Subwavelength Ridged Circular Apertures in Thin Conducting Screen
Authors: Park Jong‐Eon , Kim Ki Young , Song Jae‐Won
Published: July 2013

The resonant microwave transmission characteristics through subwavelength ridged circular apertures (SRCAs) are investigated based on experimental observations beyond the near‐field (NF) region. The measured received power levels at the far‐field (FF) region for several SRCA arrangements are also confirmed using numerically calculated FF values transformed from the scattered NF of the SRCAs. The measured enhancements in the power throughputs for the multiple SRCA arrangements clearly confirm strong mutual coupling phenomena among the SRCAs, as previously predicted theoretically. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2497–2501, 2013
A Novel 1.575‐GHz Dual‐Polarization Textile Antenna for GPS Application
Authors: Jais Mohd I. , Jamlos M. F. , Jusoh Muzammil , Sabapathy Thenna , Kamarudin Muhammad R.
Published: July 2013

This article presents a novel dual‐polarization textile antenna (DPTA) for Global Positioning System applications. In this design, four sector radiating elements are centrally fed by a coaxial probe. A novel antenna structure is successfully achieved by integrating electronic components into a wearable textile antenna. Silver loaded epoxy adhesive is used in embedding four PIN diode switches on ShieldIt super textile of the proposed antenna. The activation of certain PIN diode switches configuration determines the polarization of DPTA. Dimension‐wise, this antenna is compact and small where it consists of 40‐mm radius .The proposed DPTA design successfully generated dual‐polarization omnidirectional radiation pattern with maximum gain 1.81 dB at angle of 0°/360°, 90°, 180°, and 270°. Its small size, flexible, and wearable features enables this DPTA to be easily integrated onto safety jacket and rain coat for tracking, search, and rescue applications. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2414–2420, 2013
Design of Compact CPW‐FED Monopole Antenna for WLAN/WiMAX Applications Using a Pair of F‐Shaped Slits on the Patch
Authors: Moradhesari Amin , Naser‐Moghadasi Mohammad , Gharakhili Fateme Geran
Published: July 2013

In this article, a compact and small coplanar waveguide fed (CPW‐fed) monopole antenna is proposed for wireless local area network (WLAN) and worldwide interoperability for microwave access (WiMAX) applications. In the proposed antenna, the main target is to present a compact structure with a step‐by‐step design procedure on the patch. The antenna consists of a slotted rectangular patch as radiator, a partial CPW‐ground plane. To excite WiMAX/WLAN bands, two F‐shaped slits are inserted into the rectangular patch that resonates at the frequencies of 3.5 and 5.4 GHz. By suitable adjusting the lengths of the F‐shaped design, much wider impedance bandwidth can be produced, especially at the lower band of WLAN/WiMAX. The size of the antenna is 15 × 15 × 1.6 mm3. A prototype of the designed antenna is constructed and experimentally investigated. The −10 dB S11 bandwidths of them are (3.15–4.63 GHz) and (4.75–6.62 GHz), respectively, which can cover both the WLAN bands (5.15–5.35 GHz and 5.725–5.825 GHz) and the WiMAX bands (3.4–3.6 GHz and 5.25–5.85 GHz). Proper omnidirectional radiation pattern characteristics and enough gains are obtained over the operating bands. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2337–2340, 2013
Bandwidth Enhancement and Size Reduction of Microstrip‐Fed Folded‐Slot Antenna
Authors: Yoo Jin-Ha , Lee Young-Soon
Published: July 2013

A microstrip‐fed half‐wavelength folded‐slot antenna that is cut at the finite ground plane edge for bandwidth enhancement as well as size reduction of the conventional folded‐slot antenna is proposed. The antenna is fabricated within limited space of 35 mm × 12 mm on a 35 mm × 35 mm substrate, which is about the size of typical PCB for of RF modules used in wireless communication systems. The measured impedance bandwidth (S11 ≤ −10 dB) and maximum antenna gain over the passband are 92.5% (2.63∼7.27 GHz) and 4.69 dBi, respectively. The measured radiation patterns are similar to those of the conventional folded‐slot antennas and are stable across the pass band. These properties and its compact structure render the proposed antenna suitable for applications in various wireless communication systems. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2248–2251, 2013
WWAN/LTE Handset Antenna with Shaped Circuit Board, Battery, and Metal Midplate
Authors: Wong Kin‐Lu , Chang Hsuan‐Jui , Chu Fang‐Hsien , Li Wei‐Yu , Wu Chun‐Yih
Published: July 2013

An onboard printed WWAN/LTE antenna of simple structure disposed in a small clearance of 8 × 36 mm2 in the ground plane of shaped circuit board in a slim handset is presented. The shaped circuit board has a large rectangular notch such that the battery of the handset can be embedded therein to decrease the thickness of the handset. It is shown that, compared to the traditional simple circuit board, the shaped circuit board can lead to much enhanced bandwidth of the antenna disposed thereon. This is mainly because stronger surface currents on the ground plane of the shaped circuit board can be excited, which greatly helps improve the operating bandwidth of the antenna disposed thereon. By properly short‐circuiting the metal enclosing of the battery and the metal midplate that can be used to provide the handset with structural support, stronger excited surface currents on the ground plane of shaped circuit board can still be obtained. The proposed design makes a simple, small‐size printed inverted‐F antenna capable of providing two wide operating bands to cover the GSM850/900 bands (824–960 MHz) and GSM1800/1900/UMTS/LTE2300/2500 bands (1710–2690 MHz). Further, the proposed design can provide good antenna efficiency and meet the specific absorption rate regulations of less than 1.6 W/kg for 1‐g head tissue as well. Detailed results of the proposed design are presented and discussed. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2254–2261, 2013
A Novel Optical Fiber Temperature Sensor Based on Fabry‐Perot Cavity
Authors: Zhao Yong , Wang Dan , Lv Riqing
Published: July 2013

A novel fiber optic Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) temperature sensor has been developed based on anhydrous ethanol as the sensitive medium in the cavity. The theory and principle of the novel fiber optic F‐P sensor are presented. In this article, the temperature‐sensitive property of anhydrous ethanol was studied by experiments, and it could archive a good linearity relative to the temperature. Then, anhydrous ethanol was filled in the cavity of F‐P sensor as the sensitive medium. With the property of the temperature‐controlled refractive index, the properties of the novel fiber optic F‐P temperature sensor were studied through the experiments. The fiber optic F‐P sensing probe was fabricated and the experiments were carried out to prove the feasibility of the temperature measurement. And, it obtained a sensitivity of 1.56 nm/°C when the cavity length was 80.1 µm. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2487–2490, 2013
Integration of a Micro Fabry‐Perot Cavity and a Fiber Bragg Grating Sensor for Simultaneous Measurement Of Stress And Temperature
Authors: Li Jiao‐Yang , Huang Xu‐Guang , Cheng Guang‐Ming , Chen Luan‐Xiong , Jin Xue‐Mei
Published: July 2013

We report the realization of a fiber sensor for simultaneous measurement of stress and temperature based on the integration of a fiber Bragg grating (FBG) and a micro external Fabry‐Perot (F‐P) cavity constructed with a thin film coated on a fiber end. The Bragg wavelength shift is used to measure stress while the wavelength shift of the F‐P interference fringes is traced for determining the temperature, which can also compensate the thermal stress of FBG induced by temperature change. A temperature sensitivity of ∼0.2 nm/°C and a stress sensitivity of 8.11 × 10−3 nm/N with good stability can be achieved. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2440–2444, 2013
Numerical Analysis of the Supply Voltage of a Switching Mode RF CMOS Power Amplifier to Enhance Its Efficiency
Authors: Hwang Hoyong , Seo Donghwan , Lee Changhyun , Park Changkun
Published: July 2013

In this work, we analyzed numerically the effects of an interstage capacitor related to the power‐added efficiency of a power amplifier. In particular, we calculated the power consumption values induced by the on‐resistances and short‐circuit current of the class‐D‐type driver‐stage. After analyzing the results, the interstage capacitor between the driver and the power stages was removed to improve the overall efficiency. By removing the interstage capacitor, the supply voltage for the driver stage can be decreased compared to a normal power amplifier. The power consumption at the on‐resistance of the driver stage can be reduced and the power consumption induced by the short‐circuit current can be reduced. Additionally, we measured the power consumption at the driver stages to verify the calculated results. In the experimental results, we noted improved efficiency of the proposed amplifier, while its output power was nearly identical to that of a normal amplifier. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2479–2484, 2013
Switched Delay Line Reconfigurable L‐Band Filter with High Out‐of‐Band Suppression
Authors: Su Tao , Zhang Li‐Juan , Wang Sheng‐Jie , Li Zhi‐Peng , Zhang Yong‐Liang
Published: July 2013

A switched delay line reconfigurable filter with high out‐of‐band suppression using double‐behavior resonator (DBR) is presented. The novel filter has features of higher stopband rejection and easy processing compared to the conventional one. The DBR resonator can produce transmission zeros, which obviously improves the out‐of‐band suppression. The prototype of the filter operating at 1G/1.3G/1.6G with 50‐dB suppression is designed and fabricated. The simulated and measured results show good agreement. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2438–2440, 2013
Electromagnetic Scattering Analysis of A Conductor Coated by Thin Bi‐Isotropy Media
Authors: Tao Shifei , Ding Dazhi , Chen Rushan
Published: July 2013

In this article, an efficient numerical approach for the electromagnetic scattering analysis of a conductor coated by thin bi‐isotropy medias is proposed. Only the induced current on the conductor is needed to be discretized as the unknowns, the volume electric/magnetic current densities in dielectric layer are all represented in terms of current densities on the metal surface. For the model of the conductor coated by bi‐isotropy media, the electric field integral equation is presented, and the multilevel fast multipole method is utilized to speed up the matrix vector product after these equations converted to matrix equations with Galerkin's test. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2354–2358, 2013
Novel Current‐Reuse Current‐Mirror and Its Application on 2.4‐GHz Down‐Conversion Mixer
Authors: Jin Jie , Yu Fei
Published: July 2013

In this article, a new CMOS low voltage low power high‐linearity current‐reuse current‐mirror‐switch (CR‐CMS) mixer based on chartered 0.18‐µm CMOS technology for 2.4‐GHz IEEE 802.11b WLAN receiver applications is presented. The new CR‐CMS technical is proposed and used in the mixer, which makes the mixer different from the traditional Gilbert mixer. Because of the new CR‐CMS technique used in the mixer, the postlayout simulation results demonstrate that the CR‐CMS mixer can provide about 8.5‐dB conversion gain with a local oscillator power of −5 dBm, while the power consumption is only 1.16 mW with a 1 V supply voltage, and the input‐referred third‐order intercept point of the mixer is 16.3482 dBm. The chip area including test pads is only 0.33 × 0.44 mm2. Comparing with the previously reported CMOS mixers, the proposed CR‐CMS mixer has the advantages of lower supply voltage, lower power consumption, higher linearity, and smaller chip area than most of the other reported work. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2520–2524, 2013
0.013 mm2 and Low‐power 10 Gb/s Transimpedance Amplifier for Short‐reach Optical Interconnects
Authors: Nguyen Nga T. H. , Ukaegbu Ikechi Augustine , Sangirov Jamshid , Cho Mu Hee , Lee Tae Woo , Park Hyo Hoon
Published: July 2013

A transimpedance amplifier (TIA) has been designed and implemented for short‐reach optical interconnect applications. The TIA, which is based on the regulated cascode technique, is implemented with a bandwidth enhancement technique, where capacitive degeneration and resistive feedback has been exploited in a 0.13 μm CMOS technology, while maintaining a small chip area and low power consumption. The TIA showed a measured transimpedance gain of 51dBΩ and works up to 10 Gb/s in the presence of 0.3 pF input photodiode capacitance. It occupies an active area of 0.013 mm2 with a power dissipation of 4.3 mW. The proposed TIA achieved high gain‐bandwidth product per DC power (GBP/DC) figure of merit of 589 GHzΩ/mW with an input referred noise of 20 pA/√Hz. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2484–2487, 2013
Novel Multiband Matching Network Using Resonators for Multiband Power Amplifier Applications
Authors: Wang Zhebin , Park Chan‐Wang
Published: July 2013

This article presents a novel multiband matching network (MN) consisting of resonators and conventional L‐type MNs. The simple and independent matching procedure for each operating frequency band is presented. One concurrent dual‐band and tri‐band power amplifiers with low cost and compact size are designed to demonstrate this multiband method. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2469–2475, 2013
Compact Printed Antennas for Triple Band‐Notched UWB Using Cmlsrrs And Spiral Resonators
Authors: Kim Jang‐Yeol , Kim Nam , Lee Seungwoo , Shin Kwan‐Ho
Published: July 2013

Compact printed ultrawideband (UWB) antennas with triple band‐notched characteristic are proposed. The designed antennas consist of a rectangular shaped patch, complementary meander line split ring resonators (CMLSRRs), and a spiral resonator are inserted in the radiation patch, feed line, and ground plane aimed at WiMAX band, WLAN 5 GHz, and ITU 8 GHz. Therefore, techniques of their antennas can be solved the interference between UWB systems and other wireless systems. All of antennas achieved a wide bandwidth of UWB frequency range for VSWR less than 2, except for triple notched‐bands. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microwave Opt Technol Lett 55:2265–2269, 2013
Modeling of the tensile moduli of mechanical, thermomechanical, and chemi‐thermomechanical pulps from orange tree pruning
Authors: Reixach Rafel , Espinach Francesc X. , Franco‐Marquès Elena , Ramirez de Cartagena Francisco , Pellicer Neus , Tresserras Josep , Mutjé Pere
Published: July 2013

Stiffness is one of the most relevant properties of composite materials. Although fiberglass has been traditionally used as reinforcement, natural fibers are seen as possible replacements due to concerns for environmental protection. In this work fibers from orange tree prunings were prepared and converted into mechanical, thermomechanical and chemi‐thermomechanical pulps, to be used as reinforcement for polypropylene. Polypropylene composite materials with 20–50% of reinforcing fibers were prepared and mechanically characterized. The intrinsic Young's modulus of the fibers was back calculated by means of the Hirsch model. The moduli were also obtained by Halpin‐Tsai equations with Tsai‐Pagano methods and then compared to establish the influence of the aspect ratio. Finally, a fiber tensile modulus factor was defined in order to characterize the contribution of the fibers to the Young's moduli of the composites. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1840–1846, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Synthesis of nanosilica‐based immobile antioxidant and its antioxidative efficiency in SBR composites
Authors: Guo Lili , Lei Hangxin , Zheng Jing , Huang Guangsu , Li Guangxian
Published: July 2013

Nanosilica was successfully grafted with antioxidant intermediate p‐aminodiphenylamine (RT) via silane coupling agent 3‐glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane (KH‐560), and the structures of product RT‐silica were confirmed by Fourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR) and other methods. RT‐silica exhibited excellent performance in many aspects. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) observation shows that the RT‐silica has a better dispersion state and compatibility with the SBR matrix. The tests of oxidation induction time (OIT) have revealed that RT‐silica possesses better antioxidative and antimigratory efficiency than that of the corresponding low molecular counterpart. Degradation activation energy (Eα) of SBR composites were evaluated by the Kissinger–Akahira–Sunose (KAS) method and the results showed that SBR composites with RT‐silica have better thermal stability properties. POLYM. COMPOS., 34:1856–1862, 2013. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Assessment of thermoset cure‐induced strains by fiber bragg grating sensor
Authors: Robert Laurent , Dusserre Gilles
Published: July 2013

Composites based on thermosetting resin and reinforcement fibers present generally unwanted residual internal stresses inherent to their elaboration process. In this article, different curing experiments of thermosets (isothermal and anisothermal) were monitored using optical fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors and thermocouples, to assess the cure‐induced strains. A thermokinetic model evaluates the degree of conversion of the resin. At the onset of stress transfer to the optical fiber, the degree of conversion ranges between 0.63 and 0.68. During curing, the FBG deforms under chemical shrinkage with an amplitude widely lower than the expected chemical strain, showing that the FBG signal is not directly related to the actual chemical shrinkage. However, once the resin is cured, the FBG sensor provides directly the coefficient of thermal expansion of the resin, as function of temperature and degree of conversion, reached in the different experiments. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 54:1585–1594, 2014. © 2013 Society of Plastics Engineers
Understanding the pathogenesis of endometriosis through proteomics: Recent advances and future prospects
Authors: AB Siva , Srivastava Priyanka , Shivaji Sisinthy
Published: July 2013

Endometriosis is a complex gynecological disease, characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus, resulting in pelvic pain and infertility. It occurs in 10% of women in their reproductive age. The viable endometrial cells enter the peritoneal cavity by retrograde menstruation, implant, and cause lesions ectopically; depending on their ability to survive, attach, grow, and invade. These “normal” endometrial cells turn “endometriotic” apparently because of inherent abnormalities present in them. Information on these molecular abnormalities is now being sought through proteomic approaches. Recent proteome‐based comparisons between the eutopic endometrium from normal women and patients with endometriosis have revealed several proteins (many of which are shown to have a role in several cancers), of which a few have been validated as potential players in the etiology of endometriosis. After an initial in‐flow of information from these proteome studies of eutopic endometrium, focus now needs to be expanded to the changes in the various proteinPTMs and their upstream effectors present in these tissues. Early diagnosis of endometriosis through noninvasive means is the need of the hour as well—which would require the use of the presently existing immunoassays, along with the advancingMS‐based proteomics. In this review, we aim to discuss these future thrust areas of human endometriosis proteomics and also present the proteomic advances made so far in understanding the molecular basis of endometriosis.
Simulation study on an explosion accident in china
Authors: Xiangdi Zhao , Chunming Jiang , Yanping Wang , Jiwu Yuan , Zheng Wang
Published: July 2013

3D FLACS method was used in this article to study an industrial explosion accident in China where 1D and 2D methods were commonly used. A brief review for the gap between China and the West in the area of accident analysis and simulation was also provided. An explosion accident was studied using this method and the 2D method. Each simulation results were compared with observed damaged area, such as those key equipments and buildings nearby. The results indicated that this 3D method could calculate all parts in the space after explosion. According to the situation observed in the accident site, the calculation results with 3D method were more reasonable than those obtained with the 2D method. Water spray system was studied to design additional protection measures according to the suggestion of the investigation report. The comparison results indicated that the risks for gas explosion hazards were reduced after water spray system was applied. The study is conducive to develop advanced methods for industry accident investigation and analysis for additional protections in China. © 2013 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Process Saf Prog 33: 56–63, 2014
Bait spray for control of European cherry fruit fly: an appraisal based on semi‐field and field studies
Authors: Böckmann Elias , Köppler Kirsten , Hummel Edmund , Vogt Heidrun
Published: July 2013

BACKGROUND

The European cherry fruit fly, Rhagoletis cerasi, is the major insect pest of sweet and tart cherries. Its management is becoming increasingly difficult in many countries as formerly effective but broad‐spectrum insecticides are removed from the market. With the objective of identifying suitable and environmentally safe alternatives, we investigated bait sprays containing two families of plant‐derived insecticides: azadirachtins (NeemAzal‐T® and NeemAzal‐T/S®) and pyrethrins (Spruzit Neu®).

RESULTS

In 12 semi‐field trials conducted within cages, weekly applications of 0.0001 or 0.0005% neem in a bait formulation effectively reduced fruit infestation. However, addition of 0.000125–0.001% pyrethrins did not improve the efficacy of the neem formulations, and when used alone pyrethrins were less effective than neem alone. Two years of field trials were also conducted within orchards wherein an insecticidal barrier of treated trees excluded immigration of fertile R. cerasi from elsewhere. In blocks treated with 0.0005% neem in a bait formulation, we observed 94% (2011) or 86% (2012) reduction of fruit infestation over control blocks.

CONCLUSION

Bait sprays containing neem are a promising alternative for the management of R. cerasi, especially where the risk of immigration of fertilized females is low, as in isolated orchards or as part of area‐wide treatments. © 2013 Society of Chemical Industry
A novel glucagon‐like peptide 1 peptide identified from Ophisaurus harti
Authors: Zhu Jingjing , Huang Xian , Gao Hong , Bao Qiuying , Zhao Yun , Hu Jin‐Feng , Xia Gang
Published: July 2013

Glucagon‐like peptide 1 receptor (GLP1R) is a promising target for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Because of the short half‐life of endogenous GLP1 peptide, other GLP1R agonists are considered to be appealing therapeutic candidates. A high‐throughput assay has been established to screen for GLP1R agonists in a 60 000‐well natural product compound library fractionated from 670 different herbs/materials widely used in traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs). The screening is based on primary screen of GLP1R+ reporter gene assay with the counter screen in GLP1R− cell line. An active fraction, A089‐147, was identified from the screening. Fraction A089‐147 was isolated from dried Ophisaurus harti, and the fact that its GLP1R agonist activity was sensitive to trypsin treatment indicates its peptidic nature. The active ingredient of A089‐147 was later identified as O. harti GLP1 through transcriptome analysis. Chemically synthesized O. harti GLP1 showed GLP1R agonist activity and sensitivity to dipeptidase IV digestion. This study illustrated a comprehensive screening strategy to identify novel GLP1R agonists from TCMs libraries and at the same time underlined the difficulty of identifying a non‐peptidic GLP1R agonist. The novel O. harti GLP1 peptide yielded from this study confirmed broader application of TCMs libraries in active peptide identification. Copyright © 2013 European Peptide Society and John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
An efficient fair UC‐secure protocol for two‐party computation
Authors: Ruan Ou , Chen Jing , Zhou Jing , Cui Yongquan , Zhang Mingwu
Published: July 2013

With the development of modern Internet and mobile networks, there is an increasing need for collaborative privacy‐preserving applications. Secure multi‐party computation (SMPC) gives a general solution to these applications and has become a hot topic. Yao's garbled circuit approach is a leading method in designing protocols for secure two‐party computation (2PC), which is a very important base in SMPC. However, there are only few protocols obtaining the fairness of secure 2PC, and only one of them was constructed within the standard simulation framework but with very low efficiency. In this paper, we propose an efficient fair secure Yao's garbled circuit protocol within the universally composable (UC) framework. By comparing with all other fair secure Yao's protocols, our new protocol enjoys three advantages. First, our protocol is more efficient than any other fair secure Yao's protocols within the standard simulation framework. Second, our protocol is the first fair UC‐secure Yao's garbled circuit protocol, so it is more secure than other fair Yao's protocols. Third, there does not require any third party involved in our protocol; thus, it is very suitable for many applications. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Non‐interactive deniable ring signature without random oracles
Authors: Zeng Shengke , Li Qinyi , Qin Zhiguang , Lu Qing
Published: July 2013

Ring signature scheme protects the privacy while signer is signing. In the ring signature scheme, the signer can randomly choose verification keys of entities and generate a signature on behalf of these entities. The generated signature can be verified by anyone by inputting all these verification keys. Consequently, a ring signature convinces a verifier that one member from these entities produces this signature without revealing which one. This property is good for the signer as his identity is not leaked. However, the signer also can make use of this capacity to generate a malicious signature on behalf of a ring. Because of the unconditional anonymity of ring signature, this signer cannot be traced to be responsible for his malicious signing. Group signature can avoid this problem because the group manager in the group signature can trace the actual signer by using the trapdoor. However, the group is fixed from the beginning and it needs a complicated setup algorithm. Deniable ring signature was introduced by Komano et al., which allows to revoke the anonymity of actual signer without the manager's help if necessary. The actual signer can confirm his signing for anyone through the confirmation protocol. On the other hand, non‐signers in the ring can disavow this signing by the disavowal protocol. Therefore, the actual signer can be traced. However, Komano's scheme was proven in random oracles, and the traceability protocols (confirmation and disavowal protocols) are interactive. To improve Komano's construction, this work proposes a new efficient non‐interactive deniable ring signature scheme in the standard model. It is a kind of ring signature and therefore, it does not require a setup algorithm, and the ring in the scheme is flexible. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Graph‐based methods for protein structure comparison
Authors: Fober Thomas , Mernberger Marco , Klebe Gerhard , Hüllermeier Eyke
Published: July 2013

While sequence‐based methods are widely used as reliable tools for protein function prediction in general, these methods are likely to fail in cases of low sequence similarity. This is due to the fact that proteins with low sequence similarity may nevertheless have similar functions and exhibit similar structures. In such cases, structure‐based comparison methods can help to provide further insights owing to the widely accepted paradigm that structure mirrors function. Moreover, thanks to the steady increase in structural information with the advent of structural genomic projects and the steady improvements in structure prediction, these methods are becoming more and more applicable. Many structure‐based approaches to the comparative analysis of proteins and the inference of protein function rely on graph formalisms for modeling protein structures and, correspondingly, employ graph‐theoretic algorithms for analyzing and comparing such structures. This review is devoted to approaches of that kind and presents an overview of the most important graph‐based algorithms.

This article is categorized under:

Algorithmic Development > Biological Data Mining

Algorithmic Development > Structure Discovery
C7orf10 encodes succinate‐hydroxymethylglutarate CoA‐transferase, the enzyme that converts glutarate to glutaryl‐CoA
Authors: Marlaire Simon , Van Schaftingen Emile , Veiga‐da‐Cunha Maria
Published: July 2013

Glutarate, a side‐product in the metabolism of tryptophan and lysine, is metabolized by conversion to glutaryl‐CoA by a transferase using succinyl‐CoA as a coenzyme donor. The enzyme catalyzing this conversion has not been formally identified. However, a benign form of glutaric aciduria (glutaric aciduria type III) is due to mutations in C7orf10, a putative member of the coenzyme A transferase class III family. In the present work, we show that recombinant human C7orf10 catalyzes the succinyl‐CoA‐dependent conversion of glutarate to glutaryl‐CoA. C7orf10 could use many dicarboxylic acids as CoA acceptors, the best ones being glutarate, succinate, adipate, and 3‐hydroxymethylglutarate. Confocal microscopy analysis of CHO cells transfected with a C7orf10‐GFP fusion protein indicated that C7orf10 is a mitochondrial protein, in agreement with the presence of a predicted mitochondrial propeptide at its N‐terminus. The effect of a missense mutation (p.Arg336Trp) found in the homozygous state in several patients with glutaric aciduria type III and present in the general population at a low frequency was also investigated. The p.Arg336Trp mutation led to the production of insoluble and inactive C7orf10 both in Escherichia coli and in HEK293T cells. These findings indicate that C7orf10 is implicated in the metabolism of glutarate, but possibly also of longer dicarboxylic acids. Homologues of this enzyme are found in numerous bacterial operons comprising also a putative glutaryl‐CoA dehydrogenase, indicating that an enzyme with similar specificity exists in prokaryotes.
Progressive modelling of the gravity-induced landslide using the local dynamic strength reduction method
Authors: Chen Guo-qing , Huang Run-qiu , Xu Qiang , Li Tian-bin , Zhu Ming-lei
Published: July 2013

The failure of slope is a progressive process, and the whole sliding surface is caused by the gradual softening of soil strength of the potential sliding surface. From this viewpoint, a local dynamic strength reduction method is proposed to capture the progressive failure of slope. This method can calculate the warning deformation of landslide in this study. Only strength parameters of the yielded zone of landslide will be reduced by using the method. Through continuous local reduction of the strength parameters of the yielded zone, the potential sliding surface developed gradually and evolved to breakthrough finally. The result shows that the proposed method can simulate the progressive failure of slope truly. The yielded zone and deformation of landslide obtained by the method are smaller than those of overall strength reduction method. The warning deformation of landslide can be obtained by using the local dynamic strength reduction method which is based on the softening characteristics of the sliding surface.
GIS-based numerical modelling of debris flow motion across three-dimensional terrain
Authors: Wu Jian , Chen Guang-qi , Zheng Lu , Zhang Ying-bin
Published: July 2013

The objective of this study is to incorporate a numerical model with GIS to simulate the movement, erosion and deposition of debris flow across the three dimensional complex terrain. In light of the importance of erosion and deposition processes during debris flow movement, no entrainment assumption is unreasonable. The numerical model considering these processes is used for simulating debris flow. Raster grid networks of a digital elevation model in GIS provide a uniform grid system to describe complex topography. As the raster grid can be used as the finite difference mesh, the numerical model is solved numerically using the Leap-frog finite difference method. Finally, the simulation results can be displayed by GIS easily and used to debris flow evaluation. To illustrate this approach, the proposed methodology is applied to the Yohutagawa debris flow that occurred on 20th October 2010, in Amami-Oshima area, Japan. The simulation results that reproduced the movement, erosion and deposition are in good agreement with the field investigation. The effectiveness of the dam in this real-case is also verified by this approach. Comparison with the results were simulated by other models, shows that the present coupled model is more rational and effective.
Implications of climate change on streamflow of a snow-fed river system of the Northwest Himalaya
Authors: Sharma Vaibhav , Mishra Varunendra Dutta , Joshi Pawan Kumar
Published: July 2013

Air temperature and snow cover variability are sensitive indicators of climate change. This study was undertaken to forecast and quantify the potential streamflow response to climate change in the Jhelum River basin. The implications of air temperature trends (+0.11°C/decade) reported for the entire north-west Himalaya for past century and the regional warming (+0.7°C/decade) trends of three observatories analyzed between last two decades were used for future projection of snow cover depletion and stream flow. The streamflow was simulated and validated for the year 2007–2008 using snowmelt runoff model (SRM) based on in-situ temperature and precipitation with remotely sensed snow cover area. The simulation was repeated using higher values of temperature and modified snow cover depletion curves according to the assumed future climate. Early snow cover depletion was observed in the basin in response to warmer climate. The results show that with the increase in air temperature, streamflow pattern of Jhelum will be severely affected. Significant redistribution of streamflow was observed in both the scenarios. Higher discharge was observed during spring-summer months due to early snowmelt contribution with water deficit during monsoon months. Discharge increased by 5%–40% during the months of March to May in 2030 and 2050. The magnitude of impact of air temperature is higher in the scenario-2 based on regional warming. The inferences pertaining to change in future streamflow pattern can facilitate long term decisions and planning concerning hydro-power potential, water resource management and flood hazard mapping in the region.
BSN in 10: What Is Your Opinion?
Authors: Haverkamp Jacqueline J. , Ball Kay
Published: July 2013

The purpose of this project was to elicit the opinions of members of AORN of Central Ohio regarding Ohio's BSN‐in‐10 initiative. Using a focus group, we sought to answer the following question: is there a need to legislate that newly licensed RNs in Ohio obtain a bachelor's degree in nursing (BSN) within 10 years? Participants valued higher education but were not informed about the need for more BSN‐prepared nurses. They also were not aware of the professional and financial effects of obtaining a baccalaureate degree, the available resources to assist them in obtaining one, or collaborative nursing association partnerships that advocate for BSN‐in‐10 legislation. The results suggest that health care policy advocates need to find alternative means to communicate essential information to RNs.
Occupational Experiences of and Psychological Adjustment by Family Members of Cancer Patients
Authors: Minami Seigo , Kobayashi Ryuji , Kyougoku Makoto , Matuda Isamu
Published: July 2013

Objective/Background

This qualitative analysis aimed to provide valuable insight into the occupational experiences of and psychological adjustments by family members who act as palliative caregivers. In addition, we also aimed to investigate and clarify these complex experiences and formulate results that are both meaningful and important to the families themselves.

Methods

Families who had lost a family member (n = 9) and were part of a palliative treatment support programme were identified through introductions from healthcare workers. They were individually interviewed using both casual questioning and semistructured questionnaires. The data were analysed using the grounded theory approach.

Results

The following six core categories were identified using grounded theory analysis: (a) being overwhelmed by pressure, (b) occupation while living with the illness, (c) living without being overwhelmed by anxiety, (d) having difficulties in regulating emotions, (e) comforting memories of the occupational experiences, and (f) leading to a change in emotions.

Conclusion

Occupational experiences can play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of families of terminally ill cancer patients.
APOE interacts with age to modify rate of decline in cognitive and brain changes in Alzheimer's disease
Authors: Chang Yu‐Ling , Fennema‐Notestine Christine , Holland Dominic , McEvoy Linda K. , Stricker Nikki H. , Salmon David P. , Dale Anders M. , Bondi Mark W. ,   Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative
Published: July 2013

Objective

To determine (1) whether age‐standardized cognitive declines and brain morphometric change differ between Young‐Old patients with Alzheimer's disease (YOAD) and Very‐Old patients with Alzheimer's disease (VOAD), and (2) whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE) genotype modifies these neuropsychological and morphometric changes.

Methods

Baseline and 12‐month follow‐up neuropsychological and morphometric measures were examined for healthy control subjects and patients with AD. The two AD groups were divided further into subgroups on the basis of the presence of at least one APOE ε4 allele.

Results

The YOAD group showed more severe deficits and steeper declines in cognition than the VOAD group. Moreover, the presence of an APOE ε4 allele had a more deleterious effect on the YOAD group than the VOAD group on cognition and brain structure both cross‐sectionally and longitudinally.

Conclusions

Results underscore the importance of integrating an individual's age and genetic susceptibility—and their interaction—when examining neuropsychological and neuroimaging changes in the early stages of Alzheimer's disease.
The flip side of vanity sizing: How consumers respond to and compensate for larger than expected clothing sizes
Authors: Hoegg JoAndrea , Scott Maura L. , Morales Andrea C. , Dahl Darren W.
Published: July 2013

Vanity sizing has become a popular retail trend and recent work shows it has a favorable impact on consumers. However, as the current research demonstrates, significant variations in sizing standards across retailers mean that consumers are as likely to encounter larger sizes as they are smaller, “vanity” sizes when shopping, highlighting the importance of understanding how consumers react to this potential threat in the marketplace. Across five studies we demonstrate that larger sizes result in negative evaluations of clothing and show that these effects are driven by consumers' appearance self‐esteem. Importantly, we also find that instead of unilaterally lowering purchase intent as one might assume, larger sizes can actually increase spending, as consumers engage in compensatory consumption to help repair their damaged self‐esteem. In so doing, this research reveals a dynamic and complex relationship between consumers and sizing labels, where shopping can serve to build, strengthen, threaten, and/or repair appearance self‐esteem.
Enhancing hospital supply chain performance: A relational view and empirical test
Authors: Chen Daniel Q. , Preston David S. , Xia Weidong
Published: July 2013

Improving hospital supply chain performance has become increasingly important as healthcare organizations strive to improve operational efficiency and to reduce cost. In this study, we propose a research model based on a relational view, delineating the factors that influence hospital supply chain performance: trust, knowledge exchange, IT integration between the hospital and its suppliers, and hospital–supplier integration. Testing results of the research model based on data from a sample of 117 supply chain executives from U.S. hospitals show positive direct effects: (1) from trust and from IT integration to knowledge exchange respectively; (2) from knowledge exchange and from IT integration to hospital–supplier integration respectively; and (3) from hospital–supplier integration to hospital supply chain performance. The results also show the following indirect effects: (1) the influences of knowledge exchange and IT integration on hospital supply chain performance are partially and fully mediated by hospital–supplier integration, respectively and (2) the influences of trust and IT integration on hospital–supplier integration are fully and partially mediated by knowledge exchange, respectively. In addition, the results show the following moderating effects: (1) hospital system membership moderates the relationships between IT integration and knowledge exchange and between trust and knowledge exchange; (2) hospital environmental uncertainty moderates the relationship between trust and knowledge exchange; and (3) trust moderates the relationship between knowledge exchange and hospital–supplier integration. Implications of the study findings and directions for future research are discussed.