bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Oxidation of Pentatitanium Trisilicide (Ti5Si3) Powder at High Temperature
Authors: Matsushita Jun-Ichi , Satsukawa Tatsuki , Iwamoto Naoya , Wang Xiao Ling , Yang Jian Feng , Goto Tomoyo , Sekino Tohru , Wu Xiao Yong , Yin Shu , Sato Tsugio
Published: August 2016

The oxidation of pentatitanium trisilicide (Ti5Si3) powder at high temperature was investigated in order to determine the suitability of this ceramic material for advanced application in an oxidation atmosphere at high temperature. Titanium silicide has been attracted for years as an engineering ceramics due to its high hardness, high melting point, and good chemical stability. The samples were oxidized from 300 to 1000 °C for 1 to 5 h in air. The mass changes were measured to estimate the oxidation resistance of the sample. The mass gain of the sample oxidized at 1000 °C for 5 h was about 26 % of the theoretical oxidation mass change. The commercial powder, Ti5Si3 showed an excellent oxidation resistance at 1000 °C, because the surface film of both titanium dioxide and silicon dioxide formed by oxidation acted as an oxidation resistant layer.
The trauma of home and (non)belonging in Zimbabwe and its diaspora: ‘Conversion disorder’ in Shadows by Novuyo Rosa Tshuma
Authors: Jacobs Johan U.
Published: August 2016

The renewed outbreak of xenophobic attacks in March and April 2015 in Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town, the killings, looting, and burning of homes and shops, and the flight of thousands of foreign Africans to refugee camps, have brought to the fore not only the question of the African diaspora in South Africa, but also into focus the notions of home and homeland in a diasporic context. In Shadows, for which she was awarded the Herman Charles Bosman Prize in 2014, Zimbabwean writer Novuyo Rosa Tshuma presents the dislocations of life in present-day Zimbabwe and the relocation and double displacement of the Zimbabwean diasporic community in South Africa. The text, comprising a novella, ‘Shadows’, and five other stories, is best approached as a story cycle, the individual narratives being linked not only by the theme of diaspora but also by a number of recurring diasporic situations, figures, and tropes. Drawing on a wide range of contemporary diaspora theory, including the African and intra-African diaspora, as well as current research on Zimbabwe and its diaspora, this article examines the ambiguous diasporic concepts of home and belonging, and inclusion and exclusion, with reference to Tshuma’s fictional depiction of daily township life in Mugabe’s Zimbabwe with its food queues, depleted resources, and crashed economy, as well as in the marginal world of the presentday Zimbabwean diaspora in Johannesburg with its police corruption and brutal exploitation of illegal immigrants. The article considers the psychogenic condition known as ‘conversion disorder’, which Tshuma foregrounds in one of the stories, as a metaphor for understanding the paradoxical diasporic identification with, and alienation from, home, community, and home country in Zimbabwe as well as in the unaccommodating host country, South Africa.
Crimping the Croupier: Electronic and mechanical automation of table, community and novelty games in Australia
Authors: Armstrong Tess , Rockloff Matthew , Donaldson Phillip
Published: August 2016

Technological innovation has increased electronic and mechanical automation to traditional games that replace or augment human croupiers, and also change how the games are enjoyed. Little is known about how these automated products may influence people's gambling or entice new players to try these table and community games. Research regarding the characteristics of electronic gaming machines (EGMs) has provided insights into the potential consequences associated with technological enhancements. However, without knowing how these products differ to their traditional counterparts, it is difficult to begin to understand their implications on player expenditures and product safety. An Australian national environmental scan of these electronically and mechanically enhanced table-game and community-game products was conducted to identify the characteristics of these automated products Australia-wide. Based on EGM research (Armstrong & Rockloff, 2015), the "VICES" framework was identified as an appropriate organising principle for surveying the features of automated products. The VICES acronym specifies 5 criteria by which automated products might differ from traditional table-games: (v)isual and auditory enhancements, (i)llusion of control, (c)ognitive complexity, (e)xpedited play, and (s)ocial customisation. The findings suggest that automation provides the potential for the provision of products that intensify gambling engagement with the attendant potential for gambling-related harm. Further research, however, is needed to find if this potential harm is manifest in real-world gambling environments.
Tropospheric ozone variability during the East Asian summer monsoon as
observed by satellite (IASI), aircraft (MOZAIC) and ground stations
Authors: Safieddine Sarah , Boynard Anne , Hao Nan , Huang Fuxiang , Wang Lili , Ji Dongsheng , Barret Brice , Ghude Sachin D. , Coheur Pierre-François , Hurtmans Daniel , Clerbaux Cathy
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Satellite measurements from the thermal Infrared Atmospheric Sounding Interferometer (IASI), aircraft data from the MOZAIC/IAGOS project, as well as observations from ground-based stations, are used to assess the tropospheric ozone (O3) variability during the East Asian Summer Monsoon (EASM). Six years 2008–2013 of IASI data analysis reveals the ability of the instrument to detect the onset and the progression of the monsoon seen by a decrease in the tropospheric 0–6 km O3 column due to the EASM, and to reproduce this decrease from one year to the other. The year-to-year variability is found to be mainly dependent on meteorology. Focusing on the period of May-August 2011, taken as an example year, IASI data show clear inverse relationship between tropospheric 0–6 km O3 on one hand and meteorological parameters such as cloud cover, relative humidity and wind speed, on the other hand. Aircraft data from the MOZAIC/IAGOS project for the EASM of 2008–2013 are used to validate the IASI data and to assess the effect of the monsoon on the vertical distribution of the tropospheric O3 at different locations. Results show good agreement with a correlation coefficient of 0.73 (12 %) between the 0–6 km O3 column derived from IASI and aircraft data. IASI captures very well the inter-annual variation of tropospheric O3 observed by the aircraft data over the studied domain. Analysis of vertical profiles of the aircraft data shows a decrease in the tropospheric O3 that is more important in the free troposphere than in the boundary layer and at 10–20° N than elsewhere. Ground station data at different locations in India and China show a spatiotemporal dependence on meteorology during the monsoon, with a decrease up to 22 ppbv in Hyderabad, and up to 5 ppbv in the North China Plain.
Dual-polarization radar rainfall estimation in Korea according to raindrop
shapes obtained by using a 2-D video disdrometer
Authors: Kim Hae-Lim , Suk Mi-Kyung , Park Hye-Sook , Lee Gyu-Won , Ko Jeong-Seok
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Polarimetric measurements are sensitive to the sizes, concentrations, orientations, and shapes of raindrops. Thus, rainfall rates calculated from polarimetric radar are influenced by the raindrop shapes and canting. The mean raindrop shape can be obtained from long-term raindrop size distribution (DSD) observations, and the shapes of raindrops can play an important role in polarimetric rainfall algorithms based on differential reflectivity (ZDR) and specific differential phase (KDP). However, the mean raindrop shape is associated with the variation of the DSD, which can change depending on precipitation types and climatic regimes. Furthermore, these relationships have not been studied extensively on the Korean Peninsula. In this study, we present a method to find optimal polarimetric rainfall algorithms for the Korean Peninsula by using data provided by both a two-dimensional video disdrometer (2DVD) and the Bislsan S-band dual-polarization radar. First, a new axis-ratio relation was developed to improve radar rainfall estimations. Second, polarimetric rainfall algorithms were derived by using different axis-ratio relations. The rain gauge data were used to represent the ground truth situation, and the estimated radar-point hourly mean rain rates obtained from the different polarimetric rainfall algorithms were compared with the hourly rain rates measured by a rain gauge. The daily calibration biases of horizontal reflectivity (ZH) and differential reflectivity (ZDR) were calculated by comparing ZH and ZDR radar measurements with the same parameters simulated by the 2DVD. Overall, the derived new axis ratio was similar to the existing axis ratio except for both small particles (≤ 2 mm) and large particles (≥ 5.5 mm). The shapes of raindrops obtained by the new axis-ratio relation carried out with the 2DVD were more oblate than the shapes obtained by the existing relations. The combined polarimetric rainfall relations using ZDR and KDP were more efficient than the single-parameter rainfall relation for estimated 2DVD rainfall; however, the R(ZH, ZDR) algorithm showed the best performance for radar rainfall estimations, because the rainfall events used in the analysis consisted mainly of weak precipitation and KDP is relatively noisy at lower rain rates (≤ 10 mm h−1). Some of the polarimetric rainfall algorithms can be further improved by new axis-ratio relations.
Fast-freezing with liquid nitrogen preserves bulk dissolved organic matter
concentrations, but not its composition
Authors: Thieme Lisa , Graeber Daniel , Kaupenjohann Martin , Siemens Jan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Freezing can affect concentrations and spectroscopic properties of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in water samples. Nevertheless, water samples are regularly frozen for sample preservation. In this study we tested the effect of different freezing methods (standard freezing at −18 °C and fast-freezing with liquid nitrogen) on DOM concentrations measured as organic carbon (DOC) concentrations and on spectroscopic properties of DOM from different terrestrial ecosystems (forest and grassland). Fresh and differently frozen throughfall, stemflow, litter leachate and soil solution samples were analyzed for DOC concentrations, UV-vis absorption and fluorescence excitation–emission matrices combined with parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC). Fast-freezing with liquid nitrogen prevented a significant decrease of DOC concentrations observed after freezing at −18 °C. Nonetheless, the share of PARAFAC components 1 (EXmax < 250 nm (340 nm), EXmax: 480 nm) and 2 (EXmax: 335 nm, EXmax: 408 nm) to total fluorescence and the humification index (HIX) decreased after both freezing treatments, while the shares of component 3 (EXmax: < 250 nm (305 nm), EXmax: 438 nm) as well as SUVA254 increased. The contribution of PARAFAC component 4 (EXmax: 280 nm, EXmax: 328 nm) to total fluorescence was not affected by freezing. We recommend fast-freezing with liquid nitrogen for preservation of bulk DOC concentrations of samples from terrestrial sources, whereas immediate measuring is preferable to preserve spectroscopic properties of DOM.
Ocean acidification decreases plankton respiration: evidence from a mesocosm
experiment
Authors: Spilling Kristian , Paul Allanah J. , Virkkala Niklas , Hastings Tom , Lischka Silke , Stuhr Annegret , Bermúdez Rafael , Czerny Jan , Boxhammer Tim , Schulz Kai G. , Ludwig Andrea , Riebesell Ulf
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Anthropogenic carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are reducing the pH in the world's oceans. The plankton community is a key component driving biogeochemical fluxes, and the effect of increased CO2 on plankton is critical for understanding the ramifications of ocean acidification on global carbon fluxes. We determined the plankton community composition and measured primary production, respiration rates and carbon export (defined here as carbon sinking out of a shallow, coastal area) during an ocean acidification experiment. Mesocosms ( ∼  55 m3) were set up in the Baltic Sea with a gradient of CO2 levels initially ranging from ambient ( ∼  240 µatm), used as control, to high CO2 (up to  ∼  1330 µatm). The phytoplankton community was dominated by dinoflagellates, diatoms, cyanobacteria and chlorophytes, and the zooplankton community by protozoans, heterotrophic dinoflagellates and cladocerans. The plankton community composition was relatively homogenous between treatments. Community respiration rates were lower at high CO2 levels. The carbon-normalized respiration was approximately 40 % lower in the high-CO2 environment compared with the controls during the latter phase of the experiment. We did not, however, detect any effect of increased CO2 on primary production. This could be due to measurement uncertainty, as the measured total particular carbon (TPC) and combined results presented in this special issue suggest that the reduced respiration rate translated into higher net carbon fixation. The percent carbon derived from microscopy counts (both phyto- and zooplankton), of the measured total particular carbon (TPC), decreased from  ∼  26 % at t0 to  ∼  8 % at t31, probably driven by a shift towards smaller plankton (< 4 µm) not enumerated by microscopy. Our results suggest that reduced respiration leads to increased net carbon fixation at high CO2. However, the increased primary production did not translate into increased carbon export, and consequently did not work as a negative feedback mechanism for increasing atmospheric CO2 concentration.
Water and carbon stable isotope records from natural archives: a new
database and interactive online platform for data browsing, visualizing and
downloading
Authors: Bolliet Timothé , Brockmann Patrick , Masson-Delmotte Valérie , Bassinot Franck , Daux Valérie , Genty Dominique , Landais Amaelle , Lavrieux Marlène , Michel Elisabeth , Ortega Pablo , Risi Camille , Roche Didier M. , Vimeux Françoise , Waelbroeck Claire
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Past climate is an important benchmark to assess the ability of climate models to simulate key processes and feedbacks. Numerous proxy records exist for stable isotopes of water and/or carbon, which are also implemented inside the components of a growing number of Earth system model. Model–data comparisons can help to constrain the uncertainties associated with transfer functions. This motivates the need of producing a comprehensive compilation of different proxy sources. We have put together a global database of proxy records of oxygen (δ18O), hydrogen (δD) and carbon (δ13C) stable isotopes from different archives: ocean and lake sediments, corals, ice cores, speleothems and tree-ring cellulose. Source records were obtained from the georeferenced open access PANGAEA and NOAA libraries, complemented by additional data obtained from a literature survey. About 3000 source records were screened for chronological information and temporal resolution of proxy records. Altogether, this database consists of hundreds of dated δ18O, δ13C and δD records in a standardized simple text format, complemented with a metadata Excel catalog. A quality control flag was implemented to describe age markers and inform on chronological uncertainty. This compilation effort highlights the need to homogenize and structure the format of datasets and chronological information as well as enhance the distribution of published datasets that are currently highly fragmented and scattered. We also provide an online portal based on the records included in this database with an intuitive and interactive platform (http://climateproxiesfinder.ipsl.fr/), allowing one to easily select, visualize and download subsets of the homogeneously formatted records that constitute this database, following a choice of search criteria, and to upload new datasets. In the last part, we illustrate the type of application allowed by our database by comparing several key periods highly investigated by the paleoclimate community. For coherency with the Paleoclimate Modelling Intercomparison Project (PMIP), we focus on records spanning the past 200 years, the mid-Holocene (MH, 5.5–6.5 ka; calendar kiloyears before 1950), the Last Glacial Maximum (LGM, 19–23 ka), and those spanning the last interglacial period (LIG, 115–130 ka). Basic statistics have been applied to characterize anomalies between these different periods. Most changes from the MH to present day and from LIG to MH appear statistically insignificant. Significant global differences are reported from LGM to MH with regional discrepancies in signals from different archives and complex patterns.
YAC 1.2.0: new aspects for coupling software in Earth system modelling
Authors: Hanke Moritz , Redler René , Holfeld Teresa , Yastremsky Maxim
Published: August 2016

Abstract. A lightweight software library has been developed to realise the coupling of Earth system model components. The software provides parallelised two-dimensional neighbourhood search, interpolation, and communication for the coupling between any two model components. The software offers flexible coupling of physical fields defined on regular and irregular grids on the sphere without a priori assumptions about grid structure or grid element types. All supported grids can be combined with any of the supported interpolations. We describe the new aspects of our approach and provide an overview of the implemented functionality and of some algorithms we use. Preliminary performance measurements for a set of realistic use cases are presented to demonstrate the potential performance and scalability of our approach. YAC 1.2.0 is now used for the coupling of the model components in the Icosahedral Nonhydrostatic (ICON) general circulation model.
Projected impacts of climate change on hydropower potential in China
Authors: Liu Xingcai , Tang Qiuhong , Voisin Nathalie , Cui Huijuan
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Hydropower is an important renewable energy source in China, but it is sensitive to climate change, because the changing climate may alter hydrological conditions (e.g., river flow and reservoir storage). Future changes and associated uncertainties in China's gross hydropower potential (GHP) and developed hydropower potential (DHP) are projected using simulations from eight global hydrological models (GHMs), including a large-scale reservoir regulation model, forced by five general circulation models (GCMs) with climate data under two representative concentration pathways (RCP2.6 and RCP8.5). Results show that the estimation of the present GHP of China is comparable to other studies; overall, the annual GHP is projected to change by −1.7 to 2 % in the near future (2020–2050) and increase by 3 to 6 % in the late 21st century (2070–2099). The annual DHP is projected to change by −2.2 to −5.4 % (0.7–1.7 % of the total installed hydropower capacity (IHC)) and −1.3 to −4 % (0.4–1.3 % of total IHC) for 2020–2050 and 2070–2099, respectively. Regional variations emerge: GHP will increase in northern China but decrease in southern China – mostly in south central China and eastern China – where numerous reservoirs and large IHCs currently are located. The area with the highest GHP in southwest China will have more GHP, while DHP will reduce in the regions with high IHC (e.g., Sichuan and Hubei) in the future. The largest decrease in DHP (in %) will occur in autumn or winter, when streamflow is relatively low and water use is competitive. Large ranges in hydropower estimates across GHMs and GCMs highlight the necessity of using multimodel assessments under climate change conditions. This study prompts the consideration of climate change in planning for hydropower development and operations in China, to be further combined with a socioeconomic analysis for strategic expansion.
Hyperspectral imaging for monitoring oxygen saturation levels during normothermic kidney perfusion
Authors: Tetschke Florian , Markgraf Wenke , Gransow Marian , Koch Susanne , Thiele Christine , Kulcke Axel , Malberg Hagen
Published: August 2016

Abstract. The development of improved preservation techniques and the reliable assessment of donor grafts are main fields of research in transplantation medicine. Normothermic machine perfusion (NMP) is a promising alternative to static cold storage of organs, maintaining physiological conditions during preservation. In combination with NMP, we introduce hyperspectral imaging (HSI) as a novel approach for the monitoring of physiological kidney parameters. A line-scan HSI camera system was used to record images of porcine kidneys during NMP. Based on a dual-wavelength algorithm, the oxygen saturation levels were calculated from HSI recordings. Furthermore, we observed HSI images in the near-infrared (NIR) range in order to detect water characteristics of the kidney tissue. We found increasing levels of oxygenation during NMP and could discriminate between perfused and non-perfused areas. Cysts at the renal capsula were characterized by an absorption increase in the NIR band. Within this work, we showed that HSI is able to detect relevant chemical changes during NMP and allows the identification of pathologic variations.
Effects of lateral processes on the seasonal water stratification
of the Gulf of Finland: 3-D NEMO-based model study
Authors: Vankevich Roman E. , Sofina Ekaterina V. , Eremina Tatiana E. , Ryabchenko Vladimir A. , Molchanov Mikhail S. , Isaev Alexey V.
Published: August 2016

Abstract. This paper aims to fill the gaps in knowledge of processes affecting the seasonal water stratification in the Gulf of Finland (GOF). We used a state-of-the-art modelling framework NEMO (Nucleus for European Modelling of the Ocean) designed for oceanographic research, operational oceanography, seasonal forecasting, and climate studies to build an eddy-resolving model of the GOF. To evaluate the model skill and performance, two different solutions were obtained on 0.5 km eddy-resolving and commonly used 2 km grids for a 1-year simulation. We also explore the efficacy of non-hydrostatic effect (convection) parameterizations available in NEMO for coastal application. It is found that the solutions resolving submesoscales have a more complex mixed layer structure in the regions of the GOF directly affected by the upwelling/downwelling and intrusions from the open Baltic Sea. Presented model estimations of the upper mixed layer depth are in good agreement with in situ CTD (BED) data. A number of model sensitivity tests to the vertical mixing parameterization confirm the model's robustness. Further progress in the submesoscale process simulation and understanding is apparently not connected mainly with the finer resolution of the grids, but with the use of non-hydrostatic models because of the failure of the hydrostatic approach at submesoscale.
Rapid glacial retreat on the Kamchatka Peninsula during the early 21st
century
Authors: Lynch Colleen M. , Barr Iestyn D. , Mullan Donal , Ruffell Alastair
Published: August 2016

Abstract. Monitoring glacier fluctuations provides insights into changing glacial environments and recent climate change. The availability of satellite imagery offers the opportunity to view these changes for remote and inaccessible regions. Gaining an understanding of the ongoing changes in such regions is vital if a complete picture of glacial fluctuations globally is to be established. Here, satellite imagery (Landsat 7, 8 and ASTER) is used to conduct a multi-annual remote sensing survey of glacier fluctuations on the Kamchatka Peninsula (eastern Russia) over the 2000–2014 period. Glacier margins were digitised manually and reveal that, in 2000, the peninsula was occupied by 673 glaciers, with a total glacier surface area of 775.7 ± 27.9 km2. By 2014, the number of glaciers had increased to 738 (reflecting the fragmentation of larger glaciers), but their surface area had decreased to 592.9 ± 20.4 km2. This represents a  ∼  24 % decline in total glacier surface area between 2000 and 2014 and a notable acceleration in the rate of area loss since the late 20th century. Analysis of possible controls indicates that these glacier fluctuations were likely governed by variations in climate (particularly rising summer temperatures), though the response of individual glaciers was modulated by other (non-climatic) factors, principally glacier size, local shading and debris cover.
Instructional Strategies for Developing Critical Thinking in EFL Classrooms
Authors: Zhao Cairan , Pandian Ambigapathy , Mehar Singh Manjet Kaur
Published: August 2016

In English as first language contexts, clear requirement for critical thinking (CT) has been listed in teaching guidelines and assessment criteria in higher education. At present, fostering language learners to be critical thinkers is valued in English as a foreign language (EFL) teaching as well; yet how to achieve the objective remains a challenge. Efforts have been made to seek appropriate ways to develop CT in various courses; although no single method has emerged as the best, some do seem to be effective when properly implemented. This paper focuses on three sets of research-supported teaching strategies which are useful in promoting CT and applicable to EFL classrooms; that is, explicit instruction, teacher questioning, as well as active and cooperative learning strategies. Meanwhile, common features of effective CT instruction are discussed, which aims to illuminate instructional strategies for CT at a macro level.
Foreign Language Teachers’ Professional Development through Peer Observation Programme
Authors: Santos Luis Miguel Dos
Published: August 2016

The purpose of the research is to explore the development of peer-observation programme for the use of an extension language school in Hong Kong. The research objectives were to explore teachers’ perceptions on a peer observation programme as a means to improve teaching practice, examine how teachers make sense of the peer observation programme after they have taken part in it and to suggest alternative approaches and measures by which schools can improve peer observation programmes in schools.

Data was collected from six teachers who participated in peer observation programme in Hong Kong through an interview process. The research has found out that peer observation can be a good tool for continuous professional development for teachers in order to develop their teaching strategies. This is especially important within the field of language education. From the analysis, most teachers are wary of the practicalities of peer observation due to the sensitivity that is associated with it. The research also found out that teachers think that if the peer observation approach is well developed, it can be potentially interesting or generate excitement among teachers.
Performance of Sulfuric Acid Leaching of Titanium from Titanium-Bearing Electric Furnace Slag
Authors: Qu XiaoMing , Guo YuFeng , Zheng FuQiang , Jiang Tao , Qiu GuanZhou
Published: August 2016

The sulfuric acid leaching of titanium from titanium-bearing electric furnace slag (TEFS) was investigated under different experimental conditions. In the sulfuric acid leaching process, the MxTi3-xO5(0≤x≤2) and diopside could react with sulfuric acid. The optimum conditions of sulfuric acid leaching process were particle size at < 0.045mm, sulfuric acid concentration at 90 wt.%, acid/slag mass ratio at 1.6:1, feeding temperature at 120 °C, reaction temperature at 220 °C, reaction time at 120minute, curing at 200°C for 120 minute. The [TiO2] concentration of the water leaching was 150 g/L, and leaching temperature at 60℃for 120 minute. Ti extraction could reach 84.29 %. F of titanium-bearing solution was 2.15, and the Ti3+/TiO2 of the titanium-bearing solution was 0.068. The TiO2 content of the leaching residue was 18.32 wt.%. The main mineral phases of the leaching residue were calcium sulphate, spinel, diopside and little MxTi3-xO5.
Determination of Zn in Dry Feeds for Cats and Dogs by Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
Authors: Ávila Dayara Virgínia L , Souza Sidnei O , Costa Silvânio Silvério L , Araujo Rennan Geovanny O , Garcia Carlos Alexandre B , Alves José do Patrocínio H , Passos Elisangela A
Published: August 2016

This work describes an analytical method for Zn determination in dry feeds for cats and dogs by energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF). Samples of dry feed were powdered and prepared in the form of pellets for direct analysis by EDXRF. The LOQ (10σ) was 0.4 mg/kg. The samples were also analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) as an independent comparative method. Application of a paired t-test showed no significant differences between Zn concentrations obtained by EDXRF and ICP-OES (at a 95% confidence level). Analysis of variance was also applied to the results and revealed no significant differences between the two techniques (at a 95% confidence level). The precision, expressed as the RSD (n = 3), was RSD < 4.55%. This analytical method provides a simple, rapid, accurate, and precise determination of Zn in dry feeds for cats and dogs by EDXRF as direct, solid-sample analysis.
Development of Certified Reference Materials for Diarrhetic Shellfish Poisoning Toxins, Part 2: Shellfish Matrix Materials
Authors: McCarron Pearse , Reeves Kelley L , Giddings Sabrina D , Beach Daniel G , Quilliam Michael A
Published: August 2016

Okadaic acid (OA) and its analogs, dinophysistoxins-1 (DTX1) and -2 (DTX2) are lipophilic biotoxins produced by marine algae that can accumulate in shellfish and cause the human illness known as diarrhetic shellfish poisoning (DSP). Regulatory testing of shellfish is required to protect consumers and the seafood industry. Certified reference materials (CRMs) are essential for the development, validation, and quality control of analytical methods, and thus play an important role in toxin monitoring. This paper summarizes work on research and development of shellfish tissue reference materials for OA and DTXs. Preliminary work established the appropriate conditions for production of shellfish tissue CRMs for OA and DTXs. Source materials, including naturally incurred shellfish tissue and cultured algae, were screened for their DSP toxins. This preliminary work informed planning and production of a wet mussel (Mytilus edulis) tissue homogenate matrix CRM. The homogeneity and stability of the CRM were evaluated and found to be fit-for-purpose. Extraction and LC-tandem MS methods were developed to accurately certify the concentrations of OA, DTX1, and DTX2 using a combination of standard addition and matrix-matched calibration to compensate for matrix effects in electrospray ionization. The concentration of domoic acid was also certified. Uncertainties were assigned following standards and guidelines from the International Organization for Standardization. The presence of other toxins in the CRM was also assessed and information values are reported for OA and DTX acyl esters.
Synthesis and Characterization of Low-Cost Epoxy-Based Erosion Resistant Nanocomposite Coating
Authors: S. Imran Ali  , S. Rizwan Ali  , M. Naeem  , Shadrukh Abdul Haq  , Muhammad Mashhood  , Ammad Ali  , S. Adnan Hasan
Published: August 2016

We report a simple route to synthesized erosion resistant epoxy-based nanocomposite coatings. The silica nanoparticles were surfaced modified using stearic acid and then incorporated into the epoxy coating. The resulting nanocomposite coating films were characterized for erosion resistance, mechanical and thermal stability. For the application on turbine blades, conventional techniques were used. It was found that for the incorporation of nano silica into the epoxy matrix, surface modification was essential. Besides, incorporation of silica resulted in considerable improvement in the resistance to erosive wear and a life span improvement of around 36 percent was achieved. Similar trend was observed for the Shore D hardness which increases from 60 for the virgin coating to 70 for the nanocomposite coating.
Associations of Intellectual Ability with Emotional Intelligence, Academic Achievement and Aggression of Adolescents
Authors: Mehwish Mursaleen  , Seema Munaf
Published: August 2016

Purpose: The current study examined the relationship of intellectual ability with emotional intelligence, academic achievement, and aggression of adolescents.Methods: Correlational design was utilized to study the relationship between these variables. Adolescent students (N=500, 50% boys & 50% girls, with the mean age of 15.01 years & SD of 1.11) were approached from different private schools and colleges of Karachi. To measure their intellectual ability, emotional intelligence, and aggression, Draw-A-Person Intellectual Ability Test for children, adolescents, and adults (DAP: IQ), Wong and Law Emotional Intelligence Scale (WLEIS), and Aggression Questionnaire-Short Form (AQ-12) were administered. Their academic achievement was assessed through their percentage of most recent examination. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was utilized to analyse the results.Results: Intellectual ability was significantly positively related with emotional intelligence and its domains i.e. Self-Emotional Appraisal, Others’ Emotional Appraisal, Use of Emotions, and Regulation of Emotions (p
The Domestic (Water) Buffalo in Africa: New and Unusual Records
Authors: Wilson R. Trevor
Published: August 2016

The domestic (water) buffalo is not indigenous to Africa. Some buffalo may have been taken to what is now Tunisia in Roman times about 2000 years ago. The species arrived in Egypt from Mesopotamia some 1200 years past and there were attempted introductions to the east coast of Africa by the Portuguese from India in the sixteenth century. The missionary-explorer David Livingstone took four buffalo from India to what is now southern Tanzania in 1866. In the twentieth century, European powers introduced buffalo to many of their African colonies. In addition to Egypt and Tunisia on the Mediterranean coast of north Africa buffalo have been introduced to fourteen subSaharan countries. Information on these introductions is sparse and is obviously incomplete. With the exceptions of Tanzania, where there have been buffalo for 90 years, and Mozambique, where there is documented presence over about 50 years, buffalo have been present for very short periods. They have disappeared without trace in some countries and have been culled in others due to adaptation or disease problems. Suitable ecological niches for buffalo exist in many African countries. Too few animals, failure to provide sufficient public financial resources and lack of private sector interest are among the reasons for the buffalo’s failure to contribute to African livestock production.
Pesticides and Veterinary Drugs Residues in Conventional Meat: A Food Safety Issue
Authors: Khan Irfan , Ahmad Saghir
Published: August 2016

In the current scenario the most of people are well aware with health issues. Food safety is generally related with the quality of food i.e. whether the food product is standardised as according to national or international norms set by the statutory organisations. People can compromise with the nutritive values of food but not with their safety aspects. The meat and meat products carry the burden of harmful agents according to the production methods. Now-a-days the feedlot animals are being reared either through the natural farming (organic farming) or conventional farming method. Those methods produce safe and healthier meat because there is no use of harmful chemical agents’ viz., pesticides, herbicides, hormones, growth promoters, veterinary drugs and etc. On the other hand, in the conventional farming, all these chemical agents are used to enhance animal growth. Several chemical agents like pesticides and veterinary drugs residues may cause harmful health implications viz., teratogenicity, carcinogenicity, hypersensitivity reactions, gut bacterial resistance, toxicity and many more health problems in human beings. It is the thrust of today to replace the conventional meat with the organic meat to check the use of harmful chemical agents for a healthy social life.
The Status of Criminological Theories in Turkey: A Brief Account
Authors: Özbay Özden
Published: August 2016

The aim of this study is to evaluate the status of criminological theories in Turkey and to present some recommendations to follow in the future. Unfortunately, some sub-disciplines in social sciences in Turkey have been relatively less developed. This is especially valid for criminology or sociological studies of crime. More relavant to this paper, there have been a limited number of tests of western-originated criminological theories in Turkey. It is suggested that Turkish scholars test all the existing criminological theories in the context of Turkey and, more importantly, tend to develop criminological theories that reflect Turkish realities.
Microwaves Devulcanization of SBR Containing Carbon Black
Authors: Hirayama Denise , Scuracchio Carlos Henrique , Saron Clodoaldo
Published: August 2016

Polymer recycling has been the most suitable alternative for management of plastics waste that are responsible by serious environmental damages. However, the recycling of some polymer materials, such as vulcanized elastomers, is not a trivial process. The recycling of elastomers is a process more complex than the recycling of thermoplastic polymers because the elastomers cannot be remolded by simple heating after vulcanization. Methods for rubber devulcanization has been developed as an interesting alternative for recover flow properties of elastomers, allowing other molding cycle. The aim of this work was to evaluate the effect of the presence of carbon black on devulcanization of styrene-butadiene rubber (SBR) by microwaves and analyze properties of recycled material. The devulcanization by microwaves showed efficiency for rubber compositions with higher content of carbon black incorporated as well as the properties of recycled material showed satisfactory performance for reuse in other products. Microwaves devulcanization of SBR is an important alternative for reuse of rubber waste and decrease of the environmental problem generated with discard of these materials.
Use of Hydrophilic Monomers to Avoid Secondary Particle Nucleation in Miniemulsion Polymerizations of Methyl Methacrylate
Authors: Peixoto Ana Cristina Bomfim , Campos Izabella Maria Ferreira , Ferraz Helen Conceição , Pinto José Carlos
Published: August 2016

Miniemulsion polymerization is widely used to produce polymer nanoparticles. In many applications, it is important to ensure the narrow particle size distribution of the final product, which means that secondary micellar and homogeneous nucleation must be avoided during the reaction course. The present study proposes the use of hydrophilic comonomers to inhibit the occurrence of secondary particle nucleation in miniemulsion polymerizations of methyl methacrylate. Acrylic acid, metacrylic acid, 2-hydroxy ethyl methacrylate and methacrylamide were used as hydrophilic comonomers. It was observed that the use of small amounts of hydrophilic comonomers in miniemulsion polymerizations promoted by oil-soluble initiators could prevent secondary particle nucleation and lead to products with more homogeneous particle size distributions.
Molecular Characteristics of Chitosan and Structure of its Films Formed from Water Solutions of Acetic and Hydrochloric Acids
Authors: Belnikevich Nina , Rosova Elena , Malakhova Irina , Krasikov Valery , Zoolshoev Zoolsho , Elena Popova Elena Popova , Saprykina Natalia , Elyashevich Galina Galina
Published: August 2016

Molecular characteristics of chitosan in diluted water solutions of acetic and hydrochloric acids were studied by viscometry, dynamic light scattering, and thin layer chromatography. Chitosan molecules were found to undergo destruction in the solutions of hydrochloric acid and its mixtures with acetic acid. The structure of the chitosan films cast from these solvents was studied by DSC, TGA, and SEM. As shown by electron microscopic data, all the films had an amorphous-crystalline structure but the films prepared from chitosan solutions in diluted hydrochloric acid were characterized by a higher degree of crystallinity. It was supposed that a lower molecular mass of chitosan molecules in the hydrochloric acid solutions results in more extended conformations providing a higher capability of self-organization and formation of regular supermolecular structure. The difference in crystal modification in structure of the films cast of these acids was observed. It was found that the films prepared from the mixtures of acids had a spherulite structure and the crystal modification like ones cast from hydrochloric acid, but with a lower degree of crystallinity.
Probing the functional impact of sub-retinal prosthesis
Authors: Roux Sébastien , Matonti Frédéric , Dupont Florent , Hoffart Louis , Takerkart Sylvain , Picaud Serge , Pham Pascale , Chavane Frédéric
Published: August 2016

Retinal prostheses are promising tools for recovering visual functions in blind patients but, unfortunately, with still poor gains in visual acuity. Improving their resolution is thus a key challenge that warrants understanding its origin through appropriate animal models. Here, we provide a systematic comparison between visual and prosthetic activations of the rat primary visual cortex (V1). We established a precise V1 mapping as a functional benchmark to demonstrate that sub-retinal implants activate V1 at the appropriate position, scalable to a wide range of visual luminance, but with an aspect-ratio and an extent much larger than expected. Such distorted activation profile can be accounted for by the existence of two sources of diffusion, passive diffusion and activation of ganglion cells’ axons en passant. Reverse-engineered electrical pulses based on impedance spectroscopy is the only solution we tested that decreases the extent and aspect-ratio, providing a promising solution for clinical applications.
Sleep deprivation causes memory deficits by negatively impacting neuronal connectivity in hippocampal area CA1
Authors: Havekes Robbert , Park Alan J , Tudor Jennifer C , Luczak Vincent G , Hansen Rolf T , Ferri Sarah L , Bruinenberg Vibeke M , Poplawski Shane G , Day Jonathan P , Aton Sara J , Radwańska Kasia , Meerlo Peter , Houslay Miles D , Baillie George S , Abel Ted
Published: August 2016

Brief periods of sleep loss have long-lasting consequences such as impaired memory consolidation. Structural changes in synaptic connectivity have been proposed as a substrate of memory storage. Here, we examine the impact of brief periods of sleep deprivation on dendritic structure. In mice, we find that five hours of sleep deprivation decreases dendritic spine numbers selectively in hippocampal area CA1 and increased activity of the filamentous actin severing protein cofilin. Recovery sleep normalizes these structural alterations. Suppression of cofilin function prevents spine loss, deficits in hippocampal synaptic plasticity, and impairments in long-term memory caused by sleep deprivation. The elevated cofilin activity is caused by cAMP-degrading phosphodiesterase-4A5 (PDE4A5), which hampers cAMP-PKA-LIMK signaling. Attenuating PDE4A5 function prevents changes in cAMP-PKA-LIMK-cofilin signaling and cognitive deficits associated with sleep deprivation. Our work demonstrates the necessity of an intact cAMP-PDE4-PKA-LIMK-cofilin activation-signaling pathway for sleep deprivation-induced memory disruption and reduction in hippocampal spine density.
High-frequency stimulation-induced peptide release synchronizes arcuate kisspeptin neurons and excites GnRH neurons
Authors: Qiu Jian , Nestor Casey C , Zhang Chunguang , Padilla Stephanie L , Palmiter Richard D , Kelly Martin J , Rønnekleiv Oline K
Published: August 2016

Kisspeptin (Kiss1) and neurokinin B (NKB) neurocircuits are essential for pubertal development and fertility. Kisspeptin neurons in the hypothalamic arcuate nucleus (Kiss1ARH) co-express Kiss1, NKB, dynorphin and glutamate and are postulated to provide an episodic, excitatory drive to gonadotropin-releasing hormone 1 (GnRH) neurons, the synaptic mechanisms of which are unknown. We characterized the cellular basis for synchronized Kiss1ARH neuronal activity using optogenetics, whole-cell electrophysiology, molecular pharmacology and single cell RT-PCR in mice. High-frequency photostimulation of Kiss1ARH neurons evoked local release of excitatory (NKB) and inhibitory (dynorphin) neuropeptides, which were found to synchronize the Kiss1ARH neuronal firing. The light-evoked synchronous activity caused robust excitation of GnRH neurons by a synaptic mechanism that also involved glutamatergic input to preoptic Kiss1 neurons from Kiss1ARH neurons. We propose that Kiss1ARH neurons play a dual role of driving episodic secretion of GnRH through the differential release of peptide and amino acid neurotransmitters to coordinate reproductive function.
Transient rapamycin treatment can increase lifespan and healthspan in middle-aged mice
Authors: Bitto Alessandro , Ito Takashi K , Pineda Victor V , LeTexier Nicolas J , Huang Heather Z , Sutlief Elissa , Tung Herman , Vizzini Nicholas , Chen Belle , Smith Kaleb , Meza Daniel , Yajima Masanao , Beyer Richard P , Kerr Kathleen F , Davis Daniel J , Gillespie Catherine H , Snyder Jessica M , Treuting Piper M , Kaeberlein Matt
Published: August 2016

The FDA approved drug rapamycin increases lifespan in rodents and delays age-related dysfunction in rodents and humans. Nevertheless, important questions remain regarding the optimal dose, duration, and mechanisms of action in the context of healthy aging. Here we show that 3 months of rapamycin treatment is sufficient to increase life expectancy by up to 60% and improve measures of healthspan in middle-aged mice. This transient treatment is also associated with a remodeling of the microbiome, including dramatically increased prevalence of segmented filamentous bacteria in the small intestine. We also define a dose in female mice that does not extend lifespan, but is associated with a striking shift in cancer prevalence toward aggressive hematopoietic cancers and away from non-hematopoietic malignancies. These data suggest that a short-term rapamycin treatment late in life has persistent effects that can robustly delay aging, influence cancer prevalence, and modulate the microbiome.
Serotonin signaling mediates protein valuation and aging
Authors: Ro Jennifer , Pak Gloria , Malec Paige A , Lyu Yang , Allison David B , Kennedy Robert T , Pletcher Scott D
Published: August 2016

Research into how protein restriction improves organismal health and lengthens lifespan has largely focused on cell-autonomous processes. In certain instances, however, nutrient effects on lifespan are independent of consumption, leading us to test the hypothesis that central, cell non-autonomous processes are important protein restriction regulators. We characterized a transient feeding preference for dietary protein after modest starvation in the fruit fly, Drosophila melanogaster, and identified tryptophan hydroxylase (Trh), serotonin receptor 2a (5HT2a), and the solute carrier 7-family amino acid transporter, JhI-21, as required for this preference through their role in establishing protein value. Disruption of any one of these genes increased lifespan up to 90% independent of food intake suggesting the perceived value of dietary protein is a critical determinant of its effect on lifespan. Evolutionarily conserved neuromodulatory systems that define neural states of nutrient demand and reward are therefore sufficient to control aging and physiology independent of food consumption.