bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TESTING MUTUAL DUALITY OF PLANAR GRAPHS
Authors: ANGELINI PATRIZIO , BLÄSIUS THOMAS , RUTTER IGNAZ
Published: May 2015

We introduce and study the problem MUTUAL DUALITY, asking for two planar graphs G1 and G2 whether G1 can be embedded such that its dual is isomorphic to G2. We show NP-completeness for general planar graphs and give a linear-time algorithm for biconnected planar graphs. This algorithm implies an efficient solution to two well-known problems. In fact, it can be used to test whether two biconnected planar graphs are 2-isomorphic, namely whether their graphic matroids are isomorphic, and to test self-duality of any biconnected planar graph, which is a special case of MUTUAL DUALITY with G1 = G2. Further, we show that our NP-hardness proof extends to testing self-duality and map self-duality (which additionally requires to preserve the embedding).

In order to obtain our results, we consider the common dual relation ~, where G1 ~ G2 if and only if they admit embeddings that result in the same dual graph. We show that ~ is an equivalence relation on the set of biconnected graphs and devise a compact SPQR-tree-like representation of its equivalence classes. Our algorithm for biconnected graphs is based on testing isomorphism for two such representations in linear time.
Electrospinning of Nanofibers and Their Applications for Energy Devices
Authors: Shi Xiaomin , Zhou Weiping , Ma Delong , Ma Qian , Bridges Denzel , Ma Ying , Hu Anming
Published: May 2015

With the depletion of fossil fuels and the increasing demand of energy for economic development, it is urgent to develop renewable energy technologies to sustain the economic growth. Electrospinning is a versatile and efficient fabrication method for one‐dimensional (1D) nanostructured fibers of metals, metal oxides, hydrocarbons, composites, and so forth. The resulting nanofibers (NFs) with controllable diameters ranging from nanometer to micrometer scale possess unique properties such as a high surface‐area‐to‐volume and aspect ratio, low density, and high pore volume. These properties make 1D nanomaterials more advantageous than conventional materials in energy harvesting, conversion, and storage devices. In this review, the key parameters for e‐spinning are discussed and the properties of electrospun NFs and applications in solar cells, fuel cells, nanogenerators, hydrogen energy harvesting and storage, lithium‐ion batteries, and supercapacitors are reviewed. The advantages and disadvantages of electrospinning and an outlook on the possible future directions are also discussed.
T, B, and NKT Cells in Systemic Inflammation in Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
Authors: Domagała-Kulawik Joanna , Osińska Iwona , Piechuta Aleksandra , Bielicki Piotr , Skirecki Tomasz
Published: May 2015

Background. Obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) brings risk of serious complications. The study objective was to assess elements of the cellular immune response in the course of OSAS. Methods. Peripheral blood (PB) lymphocytes: T, B, NK, NKT‐like, Th, Tc, and HLA DR+ T cells were evaluated by flow cytometry of 48 OSA patients; the concentration of adiponectin, interleukin 1β, and TNFα was measured by ELISA method. The OSA complication score was developed and used for statistical analysis. Results. The proportion of B cells and Th/Tc ratio were significantly lower in the BP of OSA patients when compared with control subjects (median 7.9 versus 10.9%, 0.9 versus 1.5, p < 0.05). The proportion of Tc, NK, NKT‐like, and HLADR positive T cells were elevated in OSA patients when compared with healthy subjects (36.4 versus 26.8, 15.5 versus 8.5, 5.7 versus 3.0, and 8.4 versus 4.5%, p < 0.05, resp.) and were more pronounced in patients with metabolic syndrome. The grade of OSA complication score correlated with systemic inflammation markers and the proportion of B cells. The value of adiponectin/BMI ratio correlated significantly with SpO2 (r = 0.31, p < 0.05), CRP (r = −0.35, p < 0.05), TNFα concentration (r = −0.36, p < 0.05), and proportion of B cells (r = 0.32, p < 0.05). Conclusion. Lymphocytes B, Tc, NK, NKT‐like, and adiponectin are involved in systemic immune response in OSA patients possibly predisposing them to cardiovascular and metabolic complications.
Impact of Volatile Anesthetics on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation
Authors: Lee Yoon-Mi , Song Byeng Chun , Yeum Kyung-Jin
Published: May 2015

The safety of anesthesia, which is an important step for surgery, can be determined by its impact on oxidative stress and inflammation. The effects of volatile anesthetics such as isoflurane and sevoflurane on oxidative stress and inflammation are reviewed in various (1) cell lines, (2) rodents, and (3) human studies. Isoflurane and sevoflurane are reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in all cells with exception of neuronal cell lines. In addition, various animal studies have indicated that isoflurane and sevoflurane were not only safe but also reduced oxidative stress and inflammation in rodent models. In human studies, oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage were not affected by isoflurane and sevoflurane in patients undergoing minor incision surgeries. On the other hand, elevated oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage have been observed in patients undergoing major surgeries such as abdominal and orthopedic surgeries, hysterectomy, cholecystectomy, and thoracotomy. Although impact of anesthetics on oxidative stress and inflammation is still not clear due to the variations of patients’ health conditions, types of surgery and the quantities of anesthetics, isoflurane, and sevoflurane can be considered safe anesthetics with respect to their effect on oxidative stress and inflammation in subjects undergoing minor surgery. Continuous effort evaluating the safety of anesthesia in various aspects is required.
Robust Takagi-Sugeno Fuzzy Dynamic Regulator for Trajectory Tracking of a Pendulum-Cart System
Authors: Llama Miguel A. , De La Torre Wilfredo , Jurado Francisco , Garcia-Hernandez Ramon
Published: May 2015

Starting from a nonlinear model for a pendulum-cart system, on which viscous friction is considered, a Takagi-Sugeno (T-S) fuzzy augmented model (TSFAM) as well as a TSFAM with uncertainty (TSFAMwU) is proposed. Since the design of a T-S fuzzy controller is based on the T-S fuzzy model of the nonlinear system, then, to address the trajectory tracking problem of the pendulum-cart system, three T-S fuzzy controllers are proposed via parallel distributed compensation: (1) a T-S fuzzy servo controller (TSFSC) designed from the TSFAM; (2) a robust TSFSC (RTSFSC) designed from the TSFAMwU; and (3) a robust T-S fuzzy dynamic regulator (RTSFDR) designed from the RTSFSC with the addition of a T-S fuzzy observer, which estimates cart and pendulum velocities. Both TSFAM and TSFAMwU are comprised of two fuzzy rules and designed via local approximation in fuzzy partition spaces technique. Feedback gains for the three fuzzy controllers are obtained via linear matrix inequalities approach. A swing-up controller is developed to swing the pendulum up from its pendant position to its upright position. Real-time experiments validate the effectiveness of the proposed schemes, keeping the pendulum in its upright position while the cart follows a reference signal, standing out the RTSFDR.
Vaccination Control in a Stochastic SVIR Epidemic Model
Authors: Witbooi Peter J. , Muller Grant E. , Van Schalkwyk Garth J.
Published: May 2015

For a stochastic differential equation SVIR epidemic model with vaccination, we prove almost sure exponential stability of the disease-free equilibrium forR0<1, whereR0denotes the basic reproduction number of the underlying deterministic model. We study an optimal control problem for the stochastic model as well as for the underlying deterministic model. In order to solve the stochastic problem numerically, we use an approximation based on the solution of the deterministic model.
A New Scheme for Keypoint Detection and Description
Authors: Yang Lian , Lu Zhangping
Published: May 2015

The keypoint detection and its description are two critical aspects of local keypoints matching which is vital in some computer vision and pattern recognition applications. This paper presents a new scale-invariant and rotation-invariant detector and descriptor, coined, respectively, DDoG and FBRK. At first the Hilbert curve scanning is applied to converting a two-dimensional (2D) digital image into a one-dimensional (1D) gray-level sequence. Then, based on the 1D image sequence, an approximation of DoG detector using second-order difference-of-Gaussian function is proposed. Finally, a new fast binary ratio-based keypoint descriptor is proposed. That is achieved by using the ratio-relationships of the keypoint pixel value with other pixel of values around the keypoint in scale space. Experimental results show that the proposed methods can be computed much faster and approximate or even outperform the existing methods with respect to performance.
Changes in LDL Oxidative Status and Oxidative and Inflammatory Gene Expression after Red Wine Intake in Healthy People: A Randomized Trial
Authors: Di Renzo Laura , Marsella Luigi Tonino , Carraro Alberto , Valente Roberto , Gualtieri Paola , Gratteri Santo , Tomasi Diego , Gaiotti Federica , De Lorenzo Antonino
Published: May 2015

Postprandial oxidative stress is characterized by an increased susceptibility of the organism towards oxidative damage after consumption of a meal rich in lipids and/or carbohydrates. Micronutrients modulate immune system and exert a protective action by reducing low density lipoproteins (LDL) oxidation via induction of antioxidant enzymes. We evaluated the gene expression of oxidative stress (HOSp), inflammasome (HIp), and human drug metabolism pathways (HDM) and ox‐LDL level at baseline and after the intake of red wine naturally enriched with resveratrol (NPVRW), in association with or without a McDonald’s meal (McDM). The ox‐LDL levels significantly increase comparing baseline (B) versus McDM and decreased comparing McDM versus McDM + NPVRW (P ≤ 0.05). Percentages of significant genes expressed after each nutritional intervention were the following: (1) B versus McDM, 2.88% HOSp, 2.40% of HIp, and 3.37% of HDMp; (2) B versus McDM + NPVRW, 1.44% of HOSp, 4.81% of HIp, and 0.96% of HDMp; (3) McDM versus McDM + NPVRW, 2.40% of HOSp, 2.40% of HIp, and 5.77% of HDMp; (4) B versus NPVRW, 4.80% HOSp, 3.85% HIp, and 3.85% HDMp. NPVRW intake reduced postprandial ox‐LDL and the expression of inflammation and oxidative stress related genes. Chronic studies on larger population are necessary before definitive conclusions.
Separation Criteria for Off-Axis Binary Drop Collisions
Authors: Saroka Mary D. , Ashgriz Nasser
Published: May 2015

Off-axis collisions of two equal size droplets are investigated numerically. Various governing processes in such collisions are discussed. Several commonly used theoretical models that predict the onset of separation after collision are evaluated based on the processes observed numerically. A separation criterion based on droplet deformation is found. The numerical results are used to assess the validity of some commonly used phenomenological models for drop separation after collision. Also, a critical Weber number for the droplet separation after grazing collision is reported. The effect of Reynolds number is investigated and regions of permanent coalescence and separation are plotted in a Weber-Reynolds number plane for high impact parameter collisions.
The Role of the Right Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex in Phasic Alertness: Evidence from a Contingent Negative Variation and Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Study
Authors: Mannarelli Daniela , Pauletti Caterina , Grippo Antonello , Amantini Aldo , Augugliaro Vito , Currà Antonio , Missori Paolo , Locuratolo Nicoletta , De Lucia Maria C. , Rinalduzzi Steno , Fattapposta Francesco
Published: May 2015

Phasic alertness represents the ability to increase response readiness to a target following an external warning stimulus. Specific networks in the frontal and parietal regions appear to be involved in the alert state. In this study, we examined the role of the right dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) during the attentional processing of a stimulus using a cued double-choice reaction time task. The evaluation of these processes was conducted by means of Event-Related Potentials (ERPs), in particular by using the Contingent Negative Variation (CNV), and repetitive 1-Hz Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (rTMS). Transient virtual inhibition of the right DLPFC induced by real 1-Hz rTMS stimulation led to a significant decrease in total CNV and W1-CNV areas if compared with the basal and post-sham rTMS conditions. Reaction times (RTs) did not decrease after inhibitory rTMS, but they did improve after sham stimulation. These results suggest that the right DLPFC plays a crucial role in the genesis and maintenance of the alerting state and learning processes.
Modelling of Physical, Chemical, and Material Properties of Solid Oxide Fuel Cells
Authors: Kupecki Jakub
Published: May 2015

This paper provides a review of modelling techniques applicable for system-level studies to account for physical, chemical, and material properties of solid oxide fuel cells. Functionality of 0D to 3D models is discussed and selected examples are given. Author provides information on typical length scales in evaluation of power systems with solid oxide fuel cells. In each section, proper examples of previous studies done in the field of 0D–3D modelling are recalled and discussed.
Coordinated Control of PV Generation and EVs Charging Based on Improved DECell Algorithm
Authors: Zhao Guo , Huang Xueliang , Qiang Hao
Published: May 2015

Recently, the coordination of EVs’ charging and renewable energy has become a hot research all around the globe. Considering the requirements of EV owner and the influence of the PV output fluctuation on the power grid, a three-objective optimization model was established by controlling the EVs charging power during charging process. By integrating the meshing method into differential evolution cellular (DECell) genetic algorithm, an improved differential evolution cellular (IDECell) genetic algorithm was presented to solve the multiobjective optimization model. Compared to the NSGA-II and DECell, the IDECell algorithm showed better performance in the convergence and uniform distribution. Furthermore, the IDECell algorithm was applied to obtain the Pareto front of nondominated solutions. Followed by the normalized sorting of the nondominated solutions, the optimal solution was chosen to arrive at the optimized coordinated control strategy of PV generation and EVs charging. Compared to typical charging pattern, the optimized charging pattern could reduce the fluctuations of PV generation output power, satisfy the demand of EVs charging quantity, and save the total charging cost.
Design of a RSSI Location System for Greenhouse Environment
Authors: Xu Lihong
Published: May 2015

In order to improve the location accuracy in the complicated greenhouse environment, a positioning system is designed in this paper. According to RSSI data in the greenhouse, the parameters of the path-loss model are modified. Besides, least square estimation is used to filter RSSI data to eliminate random disturbance. Based on RSSI, the blind node is positioned by triangle centroid location method. Finally, to lessen the negative influence of steel pillars in the greenhouse, a region segmentation mechanism is introduced to the system. Experiments prove that our positioning system has higher accuracy in the greenhouse.
A Proteomic Characterization of Bordetella pertussis Clinical Isolates Associated with a California State Pertussis Outbreak
Authors: Williamson Yulanda M. , Moura Hercules , Whitmon Jennifer , Woolfitt Adrian R. , Schieltz David M. , Rees Jon C. , Guo Stephanie , Kirkham Heather , Bouck Daniel , Ades Edwin W. , Tondella Maria Lucia , Carlone George M. , Sampson Jacquelyn S. , Barr John R.
Published: May 2015

Bordetella pertussis (Bp) is the etiologic agent of pertussis (whooping cough), a highly communicable infection. Although pertussis is vaccine preventable, in recent years there has been increased incidence, despite high vaccine coverage. Possible reasons for the rise in cases include the following: Bp strain adaptation, waning vaccine immunity, increased surveillance, and improved clinical diagnostics. A pertussis outbreak impacted California (USA) in 2010; children and preadolescents were the most affected but the burden of disease fell mainly on infants. To identify protein biomarkers associated with this pertussis outbreak, we report a whole cellular protein characterization of six Bp isolates plus the pertussis acellular vaccine strain Bp Tohama I (T), utilizing gel-free proteomics-based mass spectrometry (MS). MS/MS tryptic peptide detection and protein database searching combined with western blot analysis revealed three Bp isolates in this study had markedly reduced detection of pertactin (Prn), a subunit of pertussis acellular vaccines. Additionally, antibody affinity capture technologies were implemented using anti-Bp T rabbit polyclonal antisera and whole cellular proteins to identify putative immunogens. Proteome profiling could shed light on pathogenesis and potentially lay the foundation for reduced infection transmission strategies and improved clinical diagnostics.
Spatial Distribution of Selected Heavy Metals in Surface Sediments of the EEZ of the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: Shaari Hasrizal , Mohamad Azmi Siti Nurul Hidayu , Sultan Khawar , Bidai Joseph , Mohamad Yuzwan
Published: May 2015

Spatial distribution of selected metals (Al, Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, and Co) in surface sediments in the EEZ of the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia was investigated. The aim of this paper is to determine the distribution pattern and pollution status of heavy metals in tropical shelf sediments since limited information is available. Heavy metal concentrations ranged between 207.58 and 491.33 µg·g−1 for Mn, 36.13 and 125.93 µg·g−1 for Zn, 14.49 and 22.33 µg·g−1 for Cu, 2.00 and 11.12 µg·g−1 for Co, 6.20 and 8.95% for Fe, and 0.94 and 6.62% for Al. The mean concentrations of heavy metals are in decreasing order as follows: Fe > Al > Mn > Zn > Cu > Co. Most metals registered low concentrations at the nearshore areas. Pearson correlation indicates that most of the metals are derived from the miscellaneous sources. Based on the EFs and Igeo, it is implied that the surface sediment trace metal levels in the study area might be enriched by anthropogenic sources. However, the PLI suggests that this area is not contaminated from the measured heavy metals. This work is important to register the current levels of metals so that any change in concentration can be monitored and managed.
Cotard Syndrome without Depressive Symptoms in a Schizophrenic Patient
Authors: Morgado Pedro , Ribeiro Ricardo , Cerqueira João J.
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Cotard syndrome is a rare condition characterized by nihilistic delusions concerning body or life that can be found in several neuropsychiatry conditions. It is typically associated with depressive symptoms.Method. We present a case of Cotard syndrome without depressive symptoms in the context of known paranoid schizophrenia. A literature review of Cotard syndrome in schizophrenia was performed.Results. Although there are few descriptions of this syndrome in schizophrenia, patients usually present depressive mood and psychomotor retardation, features not seen in our patient. Loss of the sense of the inner self, present in schizophrenia, could explain patient’s symptomatology but neurobiological bases of this syndrome remain unclear.Conclusion. Despite not being considered in actual classifications, Cotard syndrome is still relevant and psychiatric evaluation is critical to diagnosing and treating this condition in psychiatric patients.
Correlation between Electrical Properties and Potentiometric Response of CS-Clay Nanocomposite Membranes
Authors: Oviedo Mendoza M. , de Fuentes O. Arias , Prokhorov E. , Luna Barcenas G. , Ortega E. Padilla
Published: May 2015

The aim of this work is to study the relationship between electrical, structure, and potentiometric response to nitrate anions using Ion Selective Electrodes (ISE). These ISE are based on chitosan-montmorillonite nanocomposite membranes with different content of montmorillonite. Membrane properties have been studied using SEM, FTIR, and impedance spectroscopy measurements. With the advent of impedance spectroscopy one is allowed to obtain the DC conductivity dependence on montmorillonite concentration and the percolation threshold. Additionally, the potentiometric response to nitrate anions of ISE based on chitosan-clay nanocomposite has been investigated. It is shown that the properties and performance of these membrane electrodes depend upon the clay wt% and that the best sensitivity to nitrate ions (with detection limit 7×10−5 M) is obtained near the percolation concentrationca. 8 ± 2.5 wt% of clay. This observation is traceable to higher clay content (higher agglomeration) that tends to decrease the intercalation and absorption of the number of chitosan chains in the interlayer space of montmorillonite.
A Low-Power and Low-Voltage Power Management Strategy for On-Chip Micro Solar Cells
Authors: Cevik Ismail , Ay Suat U.
Published: May 2015

Fundamental characteristics of on-chip micro solar cell (MSC) structures were investigated in this study. Several MSC structures using different layers in three different CMOS processes were designed and fabricated. Effects of PN junction structure and process technology on solar cell performance were measured. Parameters for low-power and low-voltage implementation of power management strategy and boost converter based circuits utilizing fractional voltage maximum power point tracking (FVMPPT) algorithm were determined. The FVMPPT algorithm works based on the fraction between the maximum power point operation voltage and the open circuit voltage of the solar cell structure. This ratio is typically between 0.72 and 0.78 for commercially available poly crystalline silicon solar cells that produce several watts of power under typical daylight illumination. Measurements showed that the fractional voltage ratio is much higher and fairly constant between 0.82 and 0.85 for on-chip mono crystalline silicon micro solar cell structures that produce micro watts of power. Mono crystalline silicon solar cell structures were observed to result in better power fill factor (PFF) that is higher than 74% indicating a higher energy harvesting efficiency.
Adhesion Strength of Wood Based Composites Coated with Cellulosic and Polyurethane Paints
Authors: Dilik Tuncer , Erdinler Seda , Hazır Ender , Koç Hüseyin , Hiziroglu Salim
Published: May 2015

The objective of this study was to determine adhesive strength of particleboard and medium density fiberboard (MDF) finished with two types of paints. Samples were coated using cellulosic and polyurethane based paints. Adhesion strength and coating layer thickness of each sample were measured using pull-off testing method and PosiTector equipment, respectively. The highest adhesion strength value of 3.62 MPa was found for MDF samples coated with paint. Based on the statistical analysis type of substrate significantly influenced overall adhesion strength of the samples while type and layer thickness of paint as well as number of layers applied to the surface of specimens have not affected significantly adhesion resistance of the panels used in this work. It appears that pull-off test can effectively be used to determine and evaluate adhesion strength of the samples considered in the experiments.
Trans-Species Polymorphism in Immune Genes: General Pattern or MHC-Restricted Phenomenon?
Authors: Těšický Martin , Vinkler Michal
Published: May 2015

Immunity exhibits extraordinarily high levels of variation. Evolution of the immune system in response to host-pathogen interactions in particular ecological contexts appears to be frequently associated with diversifying selection increasing the genetic variability. Many studies have documented that immunologically relevant polymorphism observed today may be tens of millions years old and may predate the emergence of present species. This pattern can be explained by the concept of trans-species polymorphism (TSP) predicting the maintenance and sharing of favourable functionally important alleles of immune-related genes between species due to ongoing balancing selection. Despite the generality of this concept explaining the long-lasting adaptive variation inherited from ancestors, current research in TSP has vastly focused only on major histocompatibility complex (MHC). In this review we summarise the evidence available on TSP in human and animal immune genes to reveal that TSP is not a MHC-specific evolutionary pattern. Further research should clearly pay more attention to the investigation of TSP in innate immune genes and especially pattern recognition receptors which are promising candidates for this type of evolution. More effort should also be made to distinguish TSP from convergent evolution and adaptive introgression. Identification of balanced TSP variants may represent an accurate approach in evolutionary medicine to recognise disease-resistance alleles.
Associations of Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors with Dietary Behaviors among US High School Students
Authors: Lowry Richard , Michael Shannon , Demissie Zewditu , Kann Laura , Galuska Deborah A.
Published: May 2015

Background. Physical activity (PA), sedentary behaviors, and dietary behaviors are each associated with overweight and obesity among youth. However, the associations of PA and sedentary behaviors with dietary behaviors are complex and not well understood.Purpose. To describe the associations of PA and sedentary behaviors with dietary behaviors among a representative sample of US high school students.Methods. We analyzed data from the 2010 National Youth Physical Activity and Nutrition Study (NYPANS). Using logistic regression models which controlled for sex, race/ethnicity, grade, body weight status, and weight management goals, we compared dietary behaviors among students who did and did not meet national recommendations for PA and sedentary behaviors.Results. Students who participated in recommended levels of daily PA (DPA) and muscle strengthening PA (MSPA) were more likely than those who did not to eat fruits and vegetables. Students who exceeded recommended limits for television (TV) and computer/video game (C/VG) screen time were less likely than those who did not to consume fruits and vegetables and were more likely to consume fast food and sugar-sweetened beverages.Conclusions. Researchers may want to address PA, sedentary behaviors, and dietary behaviors jointly when developing health promotion and obesity prevention programs for youth.
EMBOLISM INCREASE AND ANATOMICAL MODIFICATIONS CAUSED BY A PARASITIC PLANT: PHORADENDRON CRASSIFOLIUM (SANTALACEAE) ON TAPIRIRA GUIANENSIS (ANACARDIACEAE)
Authors: Teixeira-Costa Luíza , Ceccantini Gregório
Published: May 2015

Parasitic plants are capable of causing a variety of effects to their hosts, including alterations in the process of wood formation. However, the majority of studies dealing with parasitic plant anatomy have focused on the host–parasite interface and the direct action of the haustorium, which is the organ responsible for attaching the parasite to the host. Considering this gap, we studied the anatomical and functional effects caused by a mistletoe species, Phoradendron crassifolium (Santalaceae), on the wood anatomy of the host tree Tapirira guianensis (Anacardiaceae). Both parasitized and non-parasitized branches were collected from host trees. Traditional wood anatomy procedures were employed, along with functionality experiments using the ascent of safranin solution through the xylem. Prior to the analysis, all sampled branches were divided in “upstream” and “downstream” portions, considering the direction of xylem sap flow inside the plant body. This design was chosen in order to avoid biased results derived from normal ontogeny-related wood anatomical and functional changes. Our results showed that infested wood expressed a higher density of embolized vessels, narrower vessel lumen diameter, higher vessel density, taller and wider rays, and fibers with thinner cell walls. All these responses were most conspicuous in the downstream sections of the parasitized branches. We propose that the wood anatomical and functional alterations were induced by the combination of water stress caused by water use by the parasite and consequent low turgor in differentiating cambial derivates; by unbalanced auxin/cytokinin concentrations originating at the infestation region due to phloem disruptions caused by the parasite’s penetration and action; and by higher than usual ethylene levels. Further analysis of hydraulic conductivity and hormonal changes in host branches are necessary to test this hypothesis.
REVIEW OF MACROSCOPIC FEATURES FOR HARDWOOD AND SOFTWOOD IDENTIFICATION AND A PROPOSAL FOR A NEW CHARACTER LIST
Authors: Ruffinatto Flavio , Crivellaro Alan , Wiedenhoeft Alex C.
Published: May 2015

With the adoption of a number of anti-illegal logging laws, treaties, memoranda, and international agreements around the world, there is broad and renewed interest in wood identification, especially in the field at the macroscopic level. In response to this interest, and to begin to fill an obvious gap in the corpus of wood anatomical reference material, we review several prominent English-language publications on macroscopic wood identification in order to form a list of characters. We compile characters and organize them in the spirit of the IAWA lists for hardwood and softwood microscopic identification, present the state of the art as it exists, attempt to reconcile the different sets of definitions, characters, and character states, then present our proposed working-list. It is our intent with this publication to open an international discussion regarding the standardization of macroscopic wood identification features, and it is our hope that such a discussion can include critical works from the non-English literature. We also call for an illustrated glossary to accompany the proposed list. A standard lexicon to describe wood at the macroscopic level will simplify the preparation of identification documents and permit the ready translation of keys and other references for easy use and deployment around the world.
PRECIPITATION–TEMPERATURE INTERACTIONS IN THE WEST ALTAY MOUNTAINS INFERRED FROM TREE RINGS OF SIBERIAN LARCH
Authors: Chen F. , Yuan Y-J. , Wei W-S. , Zhang T-W. , Shang H-M. , Fan Z-A. , Yu S-L. , Zhang R-B. , Qin Li , Wang Huiqin
Published: May 2015

Siberian larch (Larix sibirica) trees were studied in a drought-stressed, lowe-levation Taiga forest in the Altay Mountains for their potential to be used for reconstructing precipitation. A climate/growth analysis provided evidence that the tree-ring widths were strongly determined by the climatic conditions from May to July, positively by precipitation and negatively by temperature. Nevertheless, the resulting regional tree-ring chronology of Siberian larch offers only a limited possibility to perform reliable reconstructions of precipitation as only 30.8% of the total variation of the actual April–July precipitation was explainable. Drought events reflected by the chronology were compared with historical records and other tree-ring derived climate reconstructions, showing some common events of climate extremes over much of Central Asia. This new Siberian larch chronology and an earlier maximum latewood density (MXD) chronology from the neighboring region reveal that the local climate is mainly characterized by cold/wet and warm/dry situations over the past 251 years. This study demonstrates that the use of both tree-ring width and MXD data may increase information of past climate variability in the Altay mountain region.
Two new species of Gurania (Cucurbitaceae) from South America
Authors: GOMES-COSTA GÉSSICA A. , NEE MICHAEL H. , BARBOSA MARIA REGINA DE V.
Published: May 2015

During the analysis of European and American herbaria collections for a taxonomic review of the Brazilian species of Gurania, two new South American species were found.  Gurania jeffreyi occurs in Ecuador and Colombia and Gurania calathina is found only in Colombia. Descriptions and illustrations of the new species are presented with comments on affinities and differences between them and related species.
Entogoniopsis gen. nov. and Trilamina gen. nov. (Bacillariophyta): a survey of multipolar pseudocellate diatoms with internal costae, including comments on the genus Sheshukovia Gleser
Authors: WITKOWSKI JAKUB , SIMS PATRICIA A. , STRELNIKOVA NINA I. , WILLIAMS DAVID M.
Published: May 2015

We present the results of an extensive light-(LM) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) study of internally costate pseudocellate multipolar diatoms previously placed within Biddulphia, Entogonia, Sheshukovia and Triceratium. For the first time, we critically examine the poorly known genus Sheshukovia. We find that the separation of Sheshukovia from Triceratium is justified, as advocated by Gleser (1975, 1984), but also show that Sheshukovia as circumscribed by Gleser (1975, 1984) is a heterogenous taxon comprising at least three morphologically distinct groups. In order to clarify the confused taxonomy of pseudocellate multipolar diatoms, a preliminary phylogenetic analysis is presented, including Triceratium, Sheshukovia, Entogonia, Medlinia and two new closely related genera proposed here: Entogoniopsis and Trilamina. Both new genera have valvocopulae that attach to costae on the valve interior by means of a variety of clasping devices. Entogoniopsisis is characterized by areolate valves and a twofold mechanism for valvocopula attachment, whereas Trilamina possesses extensive hyaline areas and a threefold valvocopula attachment mechanism. The twofold mechanism for valvocopula attachment in Entogoniopsis, and the threefold valvocopula attachment mechanism in Trilamina are here considered synapomorphies supporting the monophyly of the respective taxon. The morphology of 19 species, four of which are new, is documented using both LM and SEM and a further 18 taxa are transferred from elsewhere, observations being based on literature survey and/or LM examination. When original material is available, taxa are typified. Two new morphological terms are proposed: a trifolium is a triradiate raised sector located in the central part of undulate valve faces in some species of Entogoniopsis; a fossa is a circumferential invagination of the advalvar edge of the valcocopula. These features are found in both new genera proposed herein.
Does the Financial Crisis Create Opportunities for Taxing Wealth? A Study of Tax Policy Debates in the United Kingdom
Authors: Prabhakar Rajiv
Published: May 2015

Taxing wealth is an important part of tax policy debates today. The prospect though for taxing wealth seems to be bleak. But does the financial crisis create opportunities for taxing wealth? The financial crisis might change debates by acting as a shock to the tax policy process and boost political arguments for taxing wealth. This article explores whether the financial crisis has such an impact by looking at tax policy debates in the United Kingdom. The article looks at examples of three main ways of taxing wealth, namely, proposals for an inheritance tax, mansion tax and capital gains tax. This article argues that the financial crisis has an impact on political debates but that its impact is uneven. The financial crisis provides a greater boost for a mansion tax idea over inheritance tax or capital gains tax. However, political arguments for taxing wealth are refracted by other factors such as lobbying by vested interests.
A Changing Role for the Administrative Law of Taxation
Authors: de Cogan Dominic
Published: May 2015

This article examines reassurances by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development that administrative cooperation between tax officials, professionals and taxpayers is consistent with equal treatment under democratic rules. They are found to be unconvincing on the grounds that they overlook the flexibility of language and the construction of interpretative consensus within groups of highly trained experts. They also seem to overstate the likelihood that a court will intervene to clarify the ‘correct’ reading of a given provision. Nevertheless, the UK courts courts are starting to develop the existing tools of administrative law into an effective system of oversight of tax interpretation. They have not yet managed to forge this into a fully logical approach that balances efficient administration and constructive relationships against the competing values of consistency and democratic accountability. The article reviews the difficulties underlying this position and suggests some ways forward.
Improving Microeconomic Efficiency of Latin American Economies
Authors: Selowsky Marcelo , Loser Claudio
Published: May 2015

This article discusses the factors that have led to the relatively low microeconomic, or allocative, efficiency of Latin America, compared with other faster-growing economies, particularly in East Asia. It also identifies the major structural impediments to improving efficiency of the economies, and, finally, suggests policy and institutional reforms necessary to improve Latin America’s performance in the future. The article builds on an analysis of the region’s long-term economic performance and the major dilemmas and issues faced by the countries. An important conclusion of the article is that even with prudent macroeconomic policies, the problems are rooted in the micro-economy. In other words, the fundamental economic problems faced by the region can only be overcome by making major structural changes in the economies. These structural changes, in turn, would lead to higher and more inclusive growth.
Jishuku, Altruism, and Expatriate Emotion
Authors: Ida Aya Kimura , Fukushima Rina , Oyabo-Mathis Naoko , Mathis James
Published: May 2015

When a devastating earthquake and tsunami hit japan in 2011, the effects were felt by over a million expatriates worldwide.
Is the Grass Greener on the Other Side of the Pacific?
Authors: Ma Yingyi
Published: May 2015

China and the U.S. look to each other’s educational systems as they try to balance individualism and collectivism, ability and effort, and grade school and college rigor.
Social Justice & the Next Upward Surge for Unions
Authors: Stepan-Norris Judith
Published: May 2015

Labor unions have been on the decline for sixty years in the U.S., though they raise wages, decrease inequality, and give voice to workers. Can they rise again?
Words Burn Lips
Authors: Pasquetti Silvia
Published: May 2015

Silvia Pasquetti on sacrificing history for survival in one Israeli city.
Committing Mass Violence to Education and Learning
Authors: Agnich Laura E. , Hale Meghan
Published: May 2015

Laura E. Agnich and Meghan Hale on the rational, if overblown, fears reconfiguring classrooms.
Images of trade and traders in Tulu folklore
Authors: Rao B. Surendra
Published: May 2015

Folklore is constructed in various ways, and popular conceptions reflect both reality and illusions. The article examines how traders and their profession and activities figure in Tulu folklore, Tulu being the language of Tulunadu, a part of Karnataka.
Markets, merchants and towns in early medieval Odishā
Authors: Sahu Bhairabi Prasad
Published: May 2015

This article addresses the constituent aspects of trade such as commodities of exchange, agricultural and non-agricultural, market centres, traders, towns and their typologies. It also dwells on the issues of metallic money and the region’s participation in maritime trade. Trade and the professional categories associated with it have been situated in the context of the emergence of the mandala territories/sub-regions, their interrelationships and the gradual shaping of a cultural region.
Indian trade through Jewish geniza letters (1000–1300)
Authors: Chakravarti Ranabir
Published: May 2015

The letters of Jewish merchants from West Asia and North Africa found in Cairo shed considerable light on the trade and traders engaged in commerce across the Indian Ocean in the twelfth and thirteenth centuries. This article also considers the social environment in which the traders lived and dealt with each other.
Merchant capital in neoliberal capitalism: A mere appendage to industrial capital or a determining force?
Authors: Vakulabharana Vamsi
Published: May 2015

After the advent of industrial capitalism in the eighteenth century, it has generally been understood that commercial capital plays a supporting role in the overall capitalist accumulation. The rise in the relative significance of commercial/merchant relative to industrial capital since the 1970s across the globe then poses a puzzle. This article deploys a Marxian framework to explain this phenomenon.
Strain amplitude dependence of shear modulus in heavy oils: Rheometer versus tension/compression technique
Authors: Rodrigues Patricia E. , Batzle Michael L.
Published: May 2015

Although heavy oils are an enormous resource and a common seismic monitoring target, their geophysical properties remain poorly understood. The shear modulus is of particular interest, because under the right conditions, these oils can transmit S-waves. However, there is a large uncertainty on how to measure the shear modulus of heavy oils. The use of the rheometer, common in chemical engineering applications, has been proposed as a good alternative to tension/compression techniques. Rheometers are an attractive alternative for measuring the shear modulus because of their widespread use and availability. In order to test the validity of the rheometer as a method to measure the shear modulus of heavy oils for geophysical applications, we tested two samples using techniques familiar to geophysics (tension/compression and ultrasonic) and compared the results with the rheometer measurements. We noticed a difference in the measured shear modulus between the two techniques. The samples showed a solid-like behavior when tested in the tension/compression equipment while behaving liquid-like in the rheometer. Both measurements were done in the linear regime (in which there is no change in modulus with amplitude), indicative of the potential presence of two linear viscoelastic regimes (LVRs) at different amplitudes. We developed a model that explains the presence of the two LVRs for heavy oils with a large content of resins and asphaltenes and at temperatures that allows the formation of large aggregates. We analyzed the presence of the two LVRs in terms of the weak interaction that appeared between aggregates when subjected to small-amplitude strains, resulting in a solid-like behavior; those weak interactions were not present when the sample was subjected to larger strains resulting in a liquid-like behavior.
CoFe/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst for the Hydrotreatment of Fatty Acid Methyl Esters (FAME)
Authors: Hari Thushara Kandaramath , Yaakob Zahira
Published: May 2015

Catalytic hydroprocessing of fatty acid methyl esters (FAME) is a promising route for enhancing the properties to cover their disadvantages to replace conventional motor fuel. Non-sulfided CoFe/γ-Al2O3 catalyst was synthesized for the hydrotreatment of FAME derived from Jatropha oil. Straight-chain alkanes in the range C15–C18 were the major products. A maximum FAME conversion of 82.56% and diesel selectivity of 81.2% were obtained at 400 °C and 2 MPa. Effect of the reaction temperature and reaction time on the FAME conversion and diesel selectivity were studied. Fe incorporation facilitated the cobalt oxide reduction by H2 spill over and cobalt oxide dispersion, which facilitate C–O bond activation and breaking.
Shape-controlled Synthesis of PdCu Nanocrystals for Formic Acid Oxidation
Authors: Wu Dengfeng , Dai Changqing , Li Shaojie , Cheng Daojian
Published: May 2015

A facile one-pot method for synthesizing different morphologies of PdCu nanocrystals (NCs) has been introduced. The morphologies of PdCu NCs can be controlled by tuning the amount of the single capping ligand of triphenylphosphine (TPP) in an organic solvent medium. Highly structured cubic, sphere, and sphere-like PdCu NCs were obtained in a sufficient amount, a small amount, and the absence of TPP, respectively. It is found that these PdCu NCs exhibit efficient catalytic activities for formic acid oxidation (FAO). The mass activities of these carbon-supported NCs follow the order of sphere PdCu/C > sphere-like PdCu/C > cubic PdCu/C at a potential of 0.2 V (vs. SCE). Among these NCs, the sphere PdCu/C catalyst exhibits the highest FAO activity, which is 1.7 times larger than that of commercial Pd/C catalyst at 0.2 V. Our results show that the surfactant loading can play a key role in the shape-controlled synthesis of PdCu nanocrystals for FAO.
Rhodium-catalyzed Direct Coupling of Benzothioamides with Alkenes and Alkynes through Directed C–H Bond Cleavage
Authors: Yokoyama Yuki , Unoh Yuto , Bohmann Rebekka Anna , Satoh Tetsuya , Hirano Koji , Bolm Carsten , Miura Masahiro
Published: May 2015

Rhodium-catalyzed direct coupling of benzothioamides with alkenes proceeds smoothly involving ortho-C–H bond cleavage. The thioamides also couple with alkynes under similar conditions accompanied by desulfurization and C–N bond cleavage to produce indenone derivatives.
About the Role of Personal Hearing Protection from Harmful Effects of Industrial Noise in Special Assessment of Working Condition
Authors: Готлиб  , Gotlib YAkov , Алимов  , Alimov N.
Published: May 2015

Personal hearing protection is a simple and effective way to improve labour conditions of workers when exposed to high

noise levels. Protective properties of earmuffs and earplugs should be considered when establishing classes of working

conditions equally to all known technical, construction and organizational methods of noise reduction. In this case,

procedures for the usage of personal noise protective equipment should be based on actually achieved efficiencies of these

products, established by the modern standardized test methods.
Ecological Aspects of Implementing Prospective Propulsion Schemes of Short and Medium Haul Aircrafts
Authors: Самойлов  , Samoylov M. , Бурцев  , Burtsev S. , Симаков  , Simakov M.
Published: May 2015

The influence of the circuitry of the hybrid power plant short and medium haul aircraft on their fuel efficiency and

environmental characteristics have been investigated. Directions of improvement of traditional patterns of power plants of

aircraft on the example of PD-14 engine were analyzed. It has been shown that the use of turbojet engines and traditional

schemes operating on aviation kerosene, will not allow to fulfill the demands made by the International Civil Aviation

Organization (ICAO) to perspective plane 2025–2035. The analysis of the three schemes hybrid propulsion systems has

been performed. It has been shown that using the presented hybrid propulsion systems of alternative fuels can reduce CO2

emissions by 19% to 20% compared with conventional turbojet engines, which run on kerosene TS-1. It has been shown

that this fuel efficiency is increased by 2–3%, and the total mass of the power plant increases of 6 to 16%.
Dietary fats and implications for patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Morris Andrew
Published: May 2015

Renal patients often ask whether they should be reducing their fat intake to prevent the decline of their renal function. To respond to these concerns, renal dietitians need to evaluate the evidence base around dietary fats and discuss the potential implications and practicalities of any nutritional changes with patients. Andrew Morris looks at the literature linking dietary fats to kidney disease.
Research raises hope for earlier detection of infection in dialysis
Authors: Biela Chris
Published: May 2015

Antimicrobial resistance poses a significant threat to public health. Research recently undertaken at Cardiff University has shed new light on early detection of infection and its findings could improve the lives of many patients on dialysis. Chris Biela outlines the outcomes of this pioneering study.