bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
(−)-Tarchonanthuslactone Exerts a Blood Glucose-Increasing Effect in Experimental Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: De Souza Gabriela , Novaes Luiz , Avila Carolina , Nascimento Lucas , Velloso Licio , Pilli Ronaldo
Published: March 2015

A number of studies have proposed an anti-diabetic effect for tarchonanthuslactone based on its structural similarity with caffeic acid, a compound known for its blood glucose-reducing properties. However, the actual effect of tarchonanthuslactone on blood glucose level has never been tested. Here, we report that, in opposition to the common sense, tarchonanthuslactone has a glucose-increasing effect in a mouse model of obesity and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The effect is acute and non-cumulative and is present only in diabetic mice. In lean, glucose-tolerant mice, despite a slight increase in blood glucose levels, the effect was not significant.
Design, Synthesis and Insecticidal Activity of Novel Phenylurea Derivatives
Authors: Sun Jialong , Zhou Yuanming
Published: March 2015

A series of novel phenylurea derivatives were designed and synthesized according to the method of active groups linkage and the principle of aromatic groups bioisosterism in this study. The structures of the novel phenylurea derivatives were confirmed based on ESI-MS, IR and 1H-NMR spectral data. All of the compounds were evaluated for the insecticidal activity against the third instars larvae of Spodoptera exigua Hiibner, Plutella xyllostella Linnaeus, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner and Pieris rapae Linne respectively, at the concentration of 10 mg/L. The results showed that all of the derivatives displayed strong insecticidal activity. Most of the compounds presented higher insecticidal activity against S. exigua than the reference compounds tebufenozide, chlorbenzuron and metaflumizone. Among the synthesized compounds, 3b, 3d, 3f, 4b and 4g displayed broad spectrum insecticidal activity.
Determination of the Molecular Weight of Low-Molecular-Weight Heparins by Using High-Pressure Size Exclusion Chromatography on Line with a Triple Detector Array and Conventional Methods
Authors: Bisio Antonella , Mantegazza Alessandra , Vecchietti Davide , Bensi Donata , Coppa Alessia , Torri Giangiacomo , Bertini Sabrina
Published: March 2015

The evaluation of weight average molecular weight (Mw) and molecular weight distribution represents one of the most controversial aspects concerning the characterization of low molecular weight heparins (LMWHs). As the most commonly used method for the measurement of such parameters is high performance size exclusion chromatography (HP-SEC), the soundness of results mainly depends on the appropriate calibration of the chromatographic columns used. With the aim of meeting the requirement of proper Mw standards for LMWHs, in the present work the determination of molecular weight parameters (Mw and Mn) by HP-SEC combined with a triple detector array (TDA) was performed. The HP-SEC/TDA technique permits the evaluation of polymeric samples by exploiting the combined and simultaneous action of three on-line detectors: light scattering detectors (LALLS/RALLS); refractometer and viscometer. Three commercial LMWH samples, enoxaparin, tinzaparin and dalteparin, a γ-ray depolymerized heparin (γ-Hep) and its chromatographic fractions, and a synthetic pentasaccharide were analysed by HP-SEC/TDA. The same samples were analysed also with a conventional HP-SEC method employing refractive index (RI) and UV detectors and two different chromatographic column set, silica gel and polymeric gel columns. In both chromatographic systems, two different calibration curves were built up by using (i) γ-Hep chromatographic fractions and the corresponding Mw parameters obtained via HP-SEC/TDA; (ii) the whole γ-Hep preparation with broad Mw dispersion and the corresponding cumulative distribution function calculated via HP-SEC/TDA. In addition, also a chromatographic column calibration according to European Pharmacopoeia indication was built up. By comparing all the obtained results, some important differences among Mw and size distribution values of the three LMWHs were found with the five different calibration methods and with HP-SEC/TDA method. In particular, the detection of the lower molecular weight components turned out to be the most critical aspect. Whereas HP-SEC/TDA may underestimate species under 2 KDa when present in low concentration, other methods appeared to emphasize their content.
Reduction of False Positives in Structure-Based Virtual Screening When Receptor Plasticity Is Considered
Authors: Awuni Yaw , Mu Yuguang
Published: March 2015

Structure-based virtual screening for selecting potential drug candidates is usually challenged by how numerous false positives in a molecule library are excluded when receptor plasticity is considered. In this study, based on the binding energy landscape theory, a hypothesis that a true inhibitor can bind to different conformations of the binding site favorably was put forth, and related strategies to defeat this challenge were devised; reducing false positives when receptor plasticity is considered. The receptor in the study is the influenza A nucleoprotein, whose oligomerization is a requirement for RNA binding. The structural flexibility of influenza A nucleoprotein was explored by molecular dynamics simulations. The resultant distinctive structures and the crystal structure were used as receptor models in docking exercises in which two binding sites, the tail-loop binding pocket and the RNA binding site, were targeted with the Otava PrimScreen1 diversity-molecule library using the GOLD software. The intersection ligands that were listed in the top-ranked molecules from all receptor models were selected. Such selection strategy successfully distinguished high-affinity and low-affinity control molecules added to the molecule library. This work provides an applicable approach for reducing false positives and selecting true ligands from molecule libraries.
Unidirectional Wave Propagation in Low-Symmetric Colloidal Photonic-Crystal Heterostructures
Authors: Yannopapas Vassilios
Published: March 2015

We show theoretically that photonic crystals consisting of colloidal spheres exhibit unidirectional wave propagation and one-way frequency band gaps without breaking time-reversal symmetry via, e.g., the application of an external magnetic field or the use of nonlinear materials. Namely, photonic crystals with low symmetry such as the monoclinic crystal type considered here as well as with unit cells formed by the heterostructure of different photonic crystals show significant unidirectional electromagnetic response. In particular, we show that the use of scatterers with low refractive-index contrast favors the formation of unidirectional frequency gaps which is the optimal route for achieving unidirectional wave propagation.
New Calibration Method Using Low Cost MEM IMUs to Verify the Performance of UAV-Borne MMS Payloads
Authors: Chiang Kai-Wei , Tsai Meng-Lun , Naser El-Sheimy , Habib Ayman , Chu Chien-Hsun
Published: March 2015

Spatial information plays a critical role in remote sensing and mapping applications such as environment surveying and disaster monitoring. An Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)-borne mobile mapping system (MMS) can accomplish rapid spatial information acquisition under limited sky conditions with better mobility and flexibility than other means. This study proposes a long endurance Direct Geo-referencing (DG)-based fixed-wing UAV photogrammetric platform and two DG modules that each use different commercial Micro-Electro Mechanical Systems’ (MEMS) tactical grade Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs). Furthermore, this study develops a novel kinematic calibration method which includes lever arms, boresight angles and camera shutter delay to improve positioning accuracy. The new calibration method is then compared with the traditional calibration approach. The results show that the accuracy of the DG can be significantly improved by flying at a lower altitude using the new higher specification hardware. The new proposed method improves the accuracy of DG by about 20%. The preliminary results show that two-dimensional (2D) horizontal DG positioning accuracy is around 5.8 m at a flight height of 300 m using the newly designed tactical grade integrated Positioning and Orientation System (POS). The positioning accuracy in three-dimensions (3D) is less than 8 m.
Sensing in the Collaborative Internet of Things
Authors: Borges Neto João , Silva Thiago , Assunção Renato , Mini Raquel , Loureiro Antonio
Published: March 2015

We are entering a new era of computing technology, the era of Internet of Things (IoT). An important element for this popularization is the large use of off-the-shelf sensors. Most of those sensors will be deployed by different owners, generally common users, creating what we call the Collaborative IoT. This collaborative IoT helps to increase considerably the amount and availability of collected data for different purposes, creating new interesting opportunities, but also several challenges. For example, it is very challenging to search for and select a desired sensor or a group of sensors when there is no description about the provided sensed data or when it is imprecise. Given that, in this work we characterize the properties of the sensed data in the Internet of Things, mainly the sensed data contributed by several sources, including sensors from common users. We conclude that, in order to safely use data available in the IoT, we need a filtering process to increase the data reliability. In this direction, we propose a new simple and powerful approach that helps to select reliable sensors. We tested our method for different types of sensed data, and the results reveal the effectiveness in the correct selection of sensor data.
Wavelength-Adaptive Dehazing Using Histogram Merging-Based Classification for UAV Images
Authors: Yoon Inhye , Jeong Seokhwa , Jeong Jaeheon , Seo Doochun , Paik Joonki
Published: March 2015

Since incoming light to an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) platform can be scattered by haze and dust in the atmosphere, the acquired image loses the original color and brightness of the subject. Enhancement of hazy images is an important task in improving the visibility of various UAV images. This paper presents a spatially-adaptive dehazing algorithm that merges color histograms with consideration of the wavelength-dependent atmospheric turbidity. Based on the wavelength-adaptive hazy image acquisition model, the proposed dehazing algorithm consists of three steps: (i) image segmentation based on geometric classes; (ii) generation of the context-adaptive transmission map; and (iii) intensity transformation for enhancing a hazy UAV image. The major contribution of the research is a novel hazy UAV image degradation model by considering the wavelength of light sources. In addition, the proposed transmission map provides a theoretical basis to differentiate visually important regions from others based on the turbidity and merged classification results.
Soil Water Content Assessment: Critical Issues Concerning the Operational Application of the Triangle Method
Authors: Maltese Antonino , Capodici Fulvio , Ciraolo Giuseppe , Loggia Goffredo
Published: March 2015

Knowledge of soil water content plays a key role in water management efforts to improve irrigation efficiency. Among the indirect estimation methods of soil water content via Earth Observation data is the triangle method, used to analyze optical and thermal features because these are primarily controlled by water content within the near-surface evaporation layer and root zone in bare and vegetated soils. Although the soil-vegetation-atmosphere transfer theory describes the ongoing processes, theoretical models reveal limits for operational use. When applying simplified empirical formulations, meteorological forcing could be replaced with alternative variables when the above-canopy temperature is unknown, to mitigate the effects of calibration inaccuracies or to account for the temporal admittance of the soil. However, if applied over a limited area, a characterization of both dry and wet edges could not be properly achieved; thus, a multi-temporal analysis can be exploited to include outer extremes in soil water content. A diachronic empirical approach introduces the need to assume a constancy of other meteorological forcing variables that control thermal features. Airborne images were acquired on a Sicilian vineyard during most of an entire irrigation period (fruit-set to ripening stages, vintage 2008), during which in situ soil water content was measured to set up the triangle method. Within this framework, we tested the triangle method by employing alternative thermal forcing. The results were inaccurate when air temperature at airborne acquisition was employed. Sonic and aerodynamic air temperatures confirmed and partially explained the limits of simultaneous meteorological forcing, and the use of proxy variables improved model accuracy. The analysis indicates that high spatial resolution does not necessarily imply higher accuracies.
Study on User Authority Management for Safe Data Protection in Cloud Computing Environments
Authors: Kim Su-Hyun , Lee Im-Yeong
Published: March 2015

In cloud computing environments, user data are encrypted using numerous distributed servers before storing such data. Global Internet service companies, such as Google and Yahoo, recognized the importance of Internet service platforms and conducted self-research and development to create and utilize large cluster-based cloud computing platform technology based on low-priced commercial nodes. As diverse data services become possible in distributed computing environments, high-capacity distributed management is emerging as a major issue. Meanwhile, because of the diverse forms of using high-capacity data, security vulnerability and privacy invasion by malicious attackers or internal users can occur. As such, when various sensitive data are stored in cloud servers and used from there, the problem of data spill might occur because of external attackers or the poor management of internal users. Data can be managed through encryption to prevent such problems. However, existing simple encryption methods involve problems associated with the management of access to data stored in cloud environments. Therefore, in the present paper, a technique for data access management by user authority, based on Attribute-Based Encryption (ABE) and secret distribution techniques, is proposed.
Toxins Best Paper Award 2015
Authors: Tesh Vernon
Published: March 2015

In order to recognize outstanding papers related to biotoxins and toxinology that have been published in Toxins, the Editorial Board established an annual “Toxins Best Paper Award”. We are pleased to announce the first “Toxins Best Paper Award” for 2015. Nominations were selected by the Editorial Board members, with all papers published in 2011 eligible for consideration. Reviews and original research articles were evaluated separately. Following review and voting by the Toxins Best Paper Award Committee, the following three papers have won Toxins Best Paper Awards for 2015:[...]
Montagnes et cascades de Haute-Guyane vénézuélienne (Mountains and waterfalls of the high Venezuelan Guiana)
Authors: Demangeot Jean
Published: March 2015

Abstract. - The High Venezuelan Guiana is partially a cristalline horst towered by a thick sandstone and quartzite cover. It is faulted in many blocks, which summits are called « tepuis ». The relief has been carved long ago, but tectonic rejuvenation is probable. Many karstic forms on, and in, siliceous outcrops are obvious. As in a classical calcareous karst we may distinguish a high temporary vadose water belt, and a low permanent one. When waterfalls are very high (Salto Angel, 900 m, in the Auyan Tepui), their cauldron is not eroded by cinetic energy of water but weathered by sprinkles.
Culture cotonnière et stratégies agraires dans l'Ouest voltaïque (Cotton farming and land strategy in the western voltaïc area)
Authors: Hartog Thierry
Published: March 2015

Abstract. - The western voltaic area is featured by the extension of cotton farming and the increase of a strong mossi migratory flow. The author tries and underlines the positive and negative aspects of such a regional situation : agricultural extension work of new technical data but more marked antagonisms between natives and migrants, economic welfare but partial reinterpretation of the set forth economic model, which deepen the gap between traditional peasant logics on the one hand, and modern technical rationality, on the other hand.
Emergency Preparedness for Power Outages and Wi-Fi Loss: Tips for Students and Educators of Online Courses
Authors: Heithaus Teresa
Published: March 2015

Severe weather can impact online education due to a loss of power and Internet access that can last hours or weeks. Planning for such losses is essential to enable participation in the online classroom. This article discusses measures that can be used to maintain an online presence in the event of a power outage or loss of Wi-Fi.
J Contin Nurs Educ.
2015;46(1):12–14.
A Literature Review on IT Value Management
Authors: Maes Kim , De Haes Steven , Van Grembergen Wim
Published: March 2015

Few scholars have focused on the question of how IT business value can be created. Several studies concluded that the necessary conditions to overcome the IT productivity paradox are to be found in a better IT value management approach, which is operationalised by a collection of individual management practices. However, limited research has been oriented towards the identification of such value management practices and the scarce results are fragmented due to isolated investigation of a single practice. Organisations recognise the importance of emerging IT value management frameworks and models, yet practitioners are still struggling with getting related value management practices implemented into their organisations. Therefore, this chapter investigates literature on IT value management in order to situate and understand the construct of IT value management and to identify and define management practices that support the implementation of IT value management as an organisational approach.
Predicting Low-Carbon Travel Behavior
Authors: Kuo Nae-Wen , Dai You-Yu
Published: March 2015

The activities of the tourism industry and tourists cause many of the world's carbon dioxide emissions. To reduce carbon emissions resulted from travel, low-carbon tourism has becoming an urgent issue. Little research has paid attention to low-carbon travel behavior of tourists, and their influence factors are still unclear. Therefore, the purpose of this chapter is to establish a modified Theory of Planned Behavior model to predict which factors may impact low-carbon travel behaviors. In this study, an effective sample of 387 Taiwanese was collected in the first “ECO Taiwan Expo.” Through a rigorous structural equation modeling process, the results show that the respondents are independently involved in low-carbon tourism, rather than influenced by significant others or groups. In addition, past travel experiences could improve travelers' perceived behavioral control and behavioral intention toward low-carbon travel behavior. Finally, the moderating effect of perceived behavioral control is evidenced between behavioral intention and preferred behavior in this study.
Branding Cultural Analogues in Virtual Communities
Authors: Pennington Robert
Published: March 2015

This chapter discusses cultures as analogues of actual environments, specifically socially constructed communities and the individuals who compose them. Analogues replace actual environments in human perception. Virtual communities provide context for this discussion. Virtual communities have evolved as analogues of actual communities to the degree that technology permits. Greater technological detail brings greater detail in the production of analogues. As a fundamentally cultural phenomenon, marketing communication signifies shared patterns of consumer thoughts, feelings, emotions, and behaviors. Virtual communities are particularly suited to communicate consumer culture because they afford consumers authentic cultural presence through analogous representations. Culture depends on communication. Communication depends upon symbols. Symbols constitute electronic environments. Brands are symbols. eBranding supplies consumers with components to construct identities by communicating consumer roles and relationships in virtual consumer culture environments for transfer to actual consumer culture environments. Consumption in actual environments results in brand viability and marketing success.
Mapping of selected coral reefs in Southern, Sri Lanka using remote sensing methods
Authors: Warnasuriya T.W.S. , Pradeep Kumara P.B.T. , Alahacoon N.
Published: March 2015

Most parts of the Southern coastal belt of Sri Lanka are fringed with shallow water coral reefs of high economic, ecological and socioeconomic attributes. Polhena, Madiha and Dondra are some of the places where the isolated coral reefs are located in this region. Descriptive details such as the extent, reef margins, and coral compositions of these reefs are lacking due to the difficulties of accessibility, harsh conditions and the lacking of trained expertise for reef mapping. Remote sensing can be used as a tool to identify the reef locations, spatial distribution, bottom nature, present status of the reef area for their effective management and conservation. In this research, bathymetry maps were produced using ‘Depth of Penetration’ method for Landsat7 ETM+ satellite images. Image band 1 (0.45-0.515μm), band2 (0.525-0.605μm), band3 (0.63-0.69μm) and band4 (0.75-0.9μm) have been used as main inputs of bathymetry mapping. Colour composites, classified images and manually digitized images were used to map the spatial pattern of the reefs. The image processing has been carried out with ILWIS 3.3 and ArcGIS 9.3 software. Created maps were validated using ground truth data which were taken during the field survey. The Pearson correlation coefficient (r=0.921) indicates that there is a high correlation between true depth and the calculated depth from the map. The standard error of the estimate is 0.85. According to the created GIS maps, maximum depth (1.83±0.79m) was recorded in Dondra reef while lowest depth (1.46±1.23 m) was recorded in Polhena reef. Depth of the madiha reef was 1.81±0.99 m. Highest reef area represented by the Polhena reef (240300 m2) while lowest area represented by the Madiha reef (51300 m2). Area of the Dondra reef was 85500 m2. Band 4 is the best for shallow (<4m) reef mapping and high resolution images are ideal for more detailed habitat mapping.DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.4038/sljas.v19i0.7450  Sri Lanka J. Aquat. Sci. 19 (2014): 41-55
Cholera Toxin, and the Related Nontoxic Adjuvants mmCT and dmLT, Promote Human Th17 Responses via Cyclic AMP–Protein Kinase A and Inflammasome-Dependent IL-1 Signaling
Authors: Larena Maximilian , Holmgren Jan , Lebens Michael , Terrinoni Manuela , Lundgren Anna
Published: March 2015

We have examined the molecular pathways involved in the adjuvant action of cholera toxin (CT) and two novel nontoxic molecules, multiple-mutated CT (mmCT) and double-mutant heat-labile toxin (dmLT) on human T cell responses. Human PBMCs or isolated monocytes were stimulated in vitro with CT, mmCT, or dmLT plus a polyclonal stimulus (staphylococcal enterotoxin B) or specific bacterial Ags, and effects on expression of cytokines and signaling molecules were determined. CT, mmCT, and dmLT strongly enhanced IL-17A and to a lesser extent IL-13 responses, but had little effect on IFN-γ production or cell proliferation. Intracellular cytokine staining revealed that the enhanced IL-17A production was largely confined to CD4+ T cells and coculture experiments showed that the IL-17A promotion was effectively induced by adjuvant-treated monocytes. Relative to CT, mmCT and dmLT induced at least 100-fold lower levels of cAMP, yet this cAMP was enough and essential for the promotion of Th17 responses. Thus, inhibition of cAMP-dependent protein kinase A was abolished, and stimulation with a cAMP analog mimicked the adjuvant effect. Furthermore, CT, mmCT, and dmLT induced IL-1β production and caspase-1 activation in monocytes, which was associated with increased expression of key proinflammatory and inflammasome-related genes, including NLRP1, NLRP3, and NLRC4. Inflammasome inhibition with a specific caspase-1 inhibitor, or blocking of IL-1 signaling by IL-1 receptor antagonist, abrogated the Th17-promoting effect. We conclude that CT, mmCT, and dmLT promote human Th17 responses via cAMP-dependent protein kinase A and caspase-1/inflammasome–dependent IL-1 signaling.
A Critical Role for Dendritic Cells in the Evolution of IL-1β–Mediated Murine Airway Disease
Authors: Hashimoto Mitsuo , Yanagisawa Haruhiko , Minagawa Shunsuke , Sen Debasish , Goodsell Amanda , Ma Royce , Moermans Catherine , McKnelly Kate J. , Baron Jody L. , Krummel Matthew F. , Nishimura Stephen L.
Published: March 2015

Chronic airway inflammation and fibrosis, known as airway remodeling, are defining features of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and are refractory to current treatments. How and whether chronic inflammation contributes to airway fibrosis remain controversial. In this study, we use a model of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airway disease utilizing adenoviral delivery of IL-1β to determine that adaptive T cell immunity is required for airway remodeling because mice deficient in α/β T cells (tcra−/−) are protected. Dendritic cells (DCs) accumulate around chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airways and are critical to prime adaptive immunity, but they have not been shown to directly influence airway remodeling. We show that DC depletion or deficiency in the crucial DC chemokine receptor ccr6 both protect from adenoviral IL-1β–induced airway adaptive T cell immune responses and fibrosis in mice. These results provide evidence that chronic airway inflammation, mediated by accumulation of α/β T cells and driven by DCs, is critical to airway fibrosis.
Reduced Efficacy of Commercial Acaricides against Populations of Resistant Cattle Tick Rhipicephalus microplus from Two Municipalities of Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Lopez-Arias Anderson , Villar-Argaiz David , Chaparro-Gutierrez Jenny J. , Miller Robert J. , De Leon Adalberto A. Perez
Published: March 2015

Two distant Antioquian cattle farms where systemic and topical acaricides had previously failed to control infestations by Rhipicephalus ( Boophilus) microplus were studied. An initial in vivo study was conducted using single subcutaneous injections with a long-acting formulation of ivermectin (630 μg/kg). Injections were made at 3-month intervals on animals at each farm to evaluate the therapeutic and persistent efficacy of ivermectin against R. microplus. Body tick counts and reproductive parameters of semi- or fully engorged females ≥5 mm) were assessed at 10-day intervals, and since no negative control group could be included, values were compared against those for day 0. Although there was an overall reduction of 50%-75% in tick numbers that persisted for 30-40 days, it was not significantly different at one of the farms and not enough to afford protection from severe infestations. The engorgement weight and egg mass weight of ticks from treated animals were significantly lower throughout the 50-day posttreatment period. Egg hatch was not significantly reduced posttreatment and remained at levels of 80%-90%. A random selection of 9 out of 28 commercial formulations of ivermectin sold in Colombia were analyzed by High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). All were within the expected labeled concentration (∓15% deviation) of 1% and 3.15% ivermectin except for one. A popular unregistered injectable widely used in both farms and labeled as “natural pyrethrin”, was found to contain 10.5% ivermectin. An adult immersion test was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of topical acaricides to recommended concentrations of five commercial products and/or their combinations. Efficacy was determined by comparing the reproductive index of each treated group to that of the control group. Cypermethrin (150 ppm) was completely ineffective at both farms. Amitraz (208 ppm) exhibited low and intermediate efficacies of 14% and 56%. The combination of amitraz (100 ppm) and cypermethrin (150 ppm) was less efficacious than the amitraz alone. A generic product based on amitraz + citronella (208 ppm + 10 ppm, respectively) was shown to be less efficacious than the name-brand amitraz product. Products containing the organophosphate chlorpyrifos or trichlorfon exhibited intermediate efficacies of approximately 60% at the Tarso farm. We conclude that at these two locations, there is a high degree of resistance to many of the acaricides available in Colombia and confirm suspicions that ivermectin is no longer able to eliminate tick infestations.
Review: Pork belly quality, bacon properties and recent consumer trends
Authors: Soladoye P. O. , Shand P. J. , Aalhus J. L. , Gariépy C. , Juárez M.
Published: March 2015

Soladoye, P. O., Shand, P. J., Aalhus, J. L., Gariépy, C. and Juárez, M. 2015. Review: Pork belly quality, bacon properties and recent consumer trends. Can. J. Anim. Sci. 95: 325–340. Several factors can affect pork belly quality and, subsequently, bacon quality. Going by the recent trends in the bacon market and bearing in mind the more choosy nature of the consuming populace, it is imperative to consider the factors that can affect or improve bacon quality, thereby sustaining the current market surge. In as much as both genetic and environmental factors have been identified as largely affecting muscle food quality, nutritional interventions also seem to be a very viable tool to improve the quality of meat and its products. Processing and storage methods can also affect bacon quality, including microbial quality, physicochemical attributes and palatability. Both objective and subjective measures have been explored in assessing belly quality, most of which use belly softness and fatty acid profile as yardsticks, whereas bacon quality has been widely assessed only subjectively in terms of fat quality and slice integrity. Although consumers’ and producers’ quality perceptions seem to be in conflict, it is the responsibility of all stakeholders in the bacon industries to come together in ensuring a balanced approach to satisfy both parties along the production chain.
Lower Escape Rate of Symmetric Jump-diffusion Processes
Authors: Shiozawa Yuichi
Published: March 2015

We establish an integral test on the lower escape rate of symmetric jump-diffusion processes generated by regular Dirichlet forms. Using this test, we can find the speed of particles escaping to infinity. We apply this test to symmetric jump processes of variable order. We also derive the upper and lower escape rates of time-changed processes by using those of underlying processes.
Investigation of Hybrid Composite Drive Shaft under Tensile, Bending and Torsion Testing
Authors: Sivakandhan C. , Suresh Prabhu P.
Published: March 2015

In this research work, an attempt has been made to develop drive shafts using composite materials such as E-Glass, Carbon fibers and hybrid composite layers of E-Glass, Carbon and S-Glass with different fiber orientations. Strength aspects of the fabricated composite drive shafts are studied by conducting tensile, bending and torsion tests. From the investigations, it is found that the hybrid composite drive shaft has shown very good strength properties along with the desired flexural stiffness when compared to other composite shafts.
Conceptual Design of Shock Absorbing Bicycle Wheel
Authors: Rajkumar M. , Gandhinathan R.
Published: March 2015

Bicycle suspension helps to cushion and insulate rider from the roughness of terrain. Till now fork suspension attached to the steering column is used to save the rider from impact. In this paper, a research involving the design of bicycle wheel that has a spring system between the hub and rim of wheel which provide tangential suspension to the rider from bumps and potholes on the road is reported. During this research, concept sketches for the proposed design were arrived from morphological chart and then Pugh chart was used for concept selection. Material indices were arrived for bow spoke that act as spring system and suitable material was suggested. Design Failure Mode and Effects Analysis was done for the proposed design concept and recommendations to reduce the risk priority number were discussed. Detailed design was carried out by considering factors that affect the stability of the bicycle.
Dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, α-dicarbonyls, fatty acids and benzoic acid in PM2.5 aerosol collected during CAREBeijing-2007: an effect of traffic restriction on air quality
Authors: Ho K. F. , Huang R.-J. , Kawamura K. , Tachibana E. , Lee S. C. , Ho S. S. H. , Zhu T. , Tian L.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. Thirty water-soluble organic species, including dicarboxylic acids, ketocarboxylic acids, α-dicarbonyls, fatty acids and benzoic acid were determined as well as organic carbon (OC), elemental carbon (EC) and water-soluble organic carbon (WSOC) in PM2.5 samples collected during the Campaign of Air Quality Research in Beijing 2007 (CAREBeijing-2007) in the urban and suburban areas of Beijing. The objective of this study is to identify the influence of traffic emissions and regional transport to the atmosphere in Beijing during summer. PM2.5 samples collected with or without traffic restriction in Beijing are selected to evaluate the effectiveness of local traffic restriction measures on air pollution reduction. The average concentrations of the total quantified bifunctional organic compounds (TQBOCs), total fatty acids and benzoic acid during the entire sampling period were 1184±241, 597±159 and 1496±511 ng m−3 in Peking University (PKU), and 1050±303, 475±114 and 1278±372 ng m−3 in Yufa, Beijing. Oxalic acid (C2) was found as the most abundant dicarboxylic acid at PKU and Yufa followed by phthalic acid (Ph). A strong even carbon number predominance with the highest level at stearic acid (C18:0), followed by palmitic acid (C16:0) was found for fatty acids. According to the back trajectories modeling results, the air masses were found to originate mainly from the northeast, passing over the southeast or south of Beijing (heavily populated, urbanized and industrialized areas), during heavier pollution events, whereas they are mainly from the north or northwest sector (mountain areas without serious anthropogenic pollution sources) during less pollution events. The data with wind only from the same sector (minimizing the difference from regional contribution) but with and without traffic restriction in Beijing were analyzed to evaluate the effectiveness of local traffic restriction measures on the reduction of local air pollution in Beijing. The results suggested that the traffic restriction measures can reduce the air pollutants, but the decrease of pollutants is generally smaller in Yufa compared to that in PKU. Moreover, an enhancement of EC value indicates more elevated primary emissions in Yufa during restriction periods than in non-restriction periods. This study demonstrates that even when primary exhaust was controlled by traffic restriction, the contribution of secondary organic species formed from photochemical processes was critical with long-range atmospheric transport of pollutants.
Can organic matter flux profiles be diagnosed using remineralisation rates derived from observed tracers and modelled ocean transport rates?
Authors: Wilson J. D. , Ridgwell A. , Barker S.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. The average depth in the ocean at which the majority of sinking organic matter particles remineralise is a fundamental parameter in the oceans role in regulating atmospheric CO2. Observed spatial patterns in sinking fluxes and relationships between the fluxes of different particles in the modern ocean have widely been used to invoke controlling mechanisms with important implications for CO2 regulation. However, such analyses are limited by the sparse spatial sampling of the available sediment trap data. Here we explore whether model ocean circulation rates, in the form of a transport matrix, can be used to derive remineralisation rates and sinking particle flux curves from the much more highly resolved observations of dissolved nutrient concentrations. Initially we use the Earth system model GENIE to generate a synthetic tracer dataset to explore the methods and its sensitivity to key sources of uncertainty arising from errors in the tracer observations and in the model circulation. We use a perturbed physics ensemble to generate 54 different estimates of circulation to explore errors associated with model transport rates. We find that reconstructed remineralisation rates are highly sensitive to both errors in observations and our ensemble uncertainty in model circulation rates such that a simple inversion does not provide a robust estimate of particulate flux profiles. Inferred remineralisation rates are particularly sensitive to differences between the "observed" and modelled transport fluxes because remineralisation rates are 3–4 magnitudes smaller than circulation rates. We also find that when inferring particle flux curves from remineralisation rates the cycling of dissolved organic matter also creates biases that have a similar magnitude and spatial variability to flux curves diagnosed using sediment trap data. We end with a discussion on the potential future directions and pitfalls of estimating remineralisation rates using model circulation schemes.
Brief Communication: Contending estimates of 2003–2008 glacier mass balance over the Pamir–Karakoram–Himalaya
Authors: Kääb A. , Treichler D. , Nuth C. , Berthier E.
Published: March 2015

Abstract. We present glacier thickness changes over the entire Pamir–Karakoram–Himalaya arc based on ICESat satellite altimetry data for 2003–2008. We highlight the importance of C-band penetration for studies based on the SRTM elevation model. This penetration seems to be of potentially larger magnitude and variability than previously assumed. The most negative rate of region-wide glacier elevation change (
New records of Chara connivens P. Salzmann ex A. Braun 1835 – an extremely rare and protected species in Polish brackish waters
Authors: Brzeska Paulina , Woźniczka Adam , Pełechaty Mariusz , Blindow Irmgard
Published: March 2015

The stonewort Chara connivens was rediscovered in the Vistula Lagoon in 2011, almost 35 years after its last record. In 2012, the species was recorded for the first time in the Szczecin Lagoon. Chara connivens occurred at shallow (0.5–1.2 m) sandy-muddy and muddy bottoms of small embayments. In the Vistula Lagoon, the stonewort was represented by single small specimens, while in the Szczecin Lagoon, it formed dense and extensive patches.
Život po maturite alebo o hodnotách vzdelania u žiakov stredných škôl
Authors: Bomba Lukáš
Published: March 2015

Predložený text je pokusom o reflexiu súčasných významov školského vzdelávania pre žiakov stredných škôl. Cieľom je identifikovať hodnoty vzdelania žiakov stredných škôl a zároveň hľadať v rozprávaniach žiakov prítomnosť kultúrnych dimenzií neoliberalizmu, špecificky riadenie sa princípmi toho, čo nazývame neoliberálna guvernmentalita. V úvodných častiach textu autor v krátkosti osvetľuje tie časti teórie neoliberálnej guvernmentality, ktoré neskôr vo výskumnej časti považuje za ťažiskové pre interpretáciu rozhovorov so žiakmi stredných škôl. Autor ukazuje, že základné pojmy v diskurze života po ukončení strednej školy maturitnou skúškou sú šikovnosť a presadenie sa. Uvedené pojmy používajú žiaci na vysvetlenie úspechu jednotlivca v živote. V závere autor ukazuje, že žiaci nerozmýšľajú o výbere vysokej školy pre ďalšie vzdelávanie sa na základe jednoznačných budúcich profitov, ale keďže život po ukončení strednej školy je chápaný ako projekt cesty za individuálnym šťastím, aj výber vysokej školy je podriadený takémuto zmýšľaniu.
Malá škola po pěti letech: proměny školy v době reformy
Authors: Dvořák Dominik , Starý Karel , Urbánek Petr
Published: March 2015

Již více výzkumů konstatovalo, že kurikulární reforma českého školství nedosáhla očekávaných cílů, o příčině však nepanuje shoda. V našem příspěvku popisujeme mechanismus problematické implementace reformy v jedné základní škole a vliv různých aktérů a úrovní systému na školu. Nejprve je představena metoda analýzy kongruence jako nástroj pro propojování dat a teoretického rámce v případové studii. Následně jsou načrtnuty dvě různé teorie změny. Empirická část příspěvku popisuje proces změny školy v průběhu více než pěti let. Důraz je kladen na interakci mezi vnitřními vývojovými procesy ve škole a vnějšími vlivy přicházejícími z vyšších úrovní vzdělávacího systému. Metodou kvalitativní případové studie byla longitudinálně sledována základní škola, která se na počátku výzkumu nacházela v kritické situaci. Analyzovanými daty jsou především rozhovory s vedením, učiteli a žáky, školy, pozorování vyučovacích hodin a dokumenty školy. Škola ve sledovaném období projevila značnou vnitřní kapacitu ke změně, avšak současně vykazuje velkou skepsi k národní reformě a implementuje ji pouze formálně. Vize rozvoje školy je formulována velmi odlišně od diskurzu reformy. Pro vysvětlení dosavadní implementace reformy se teoretické rámce, jež předpokládají složitou síť aktérů a zájmů určujících výsledek reformy, jeví vhodnější než názory, které vidí hlavní problém v učitelích.
Sediment Control Safeguards Water Resources
Authors: Hanrahan Peter M.
Published: March 2015

Sediment runoff into nearby waterways once was dismissed as part of conducting business as usual. Today, inspectors, contractors, and owners can help protect precious water resources by adopting advanced erosion‐ and sediment‐control technologies and establishing well‐defined specifications.
Online OMS Captures Key Knowledge
Authors: Scott Allan
Published: March 2015

A key challenge of maintaining a utility's operational performance is preserving the critical institutional knowledge necessary to optimally run its facilities. The solution may be to keep this critical information in an online operations management system (OMS).
Ingestive behavior of goats under four grazing conditions
Authors: Da Silva Cláudio José Araújo , Dittrich João Ricardo , Monteiro Alda Lúcia Gomes , Fernandes Sergio Rodrigo , Pinto Pedro Henrique Nicolau , Schmidt Patrick
Published: March 2015

This study aimed to assess the sward characteristics and the ingestive behavior of mature goats grazingAruana grass (Panicum maximum cv. Aruana) and limpograss (Hemarthria altissima cv. Florida) under lowand high sward heights. The structural and morphological characteristics of the pasture were assessed, aswell as the ingestive behavior of the animals for 24 hours. The animals had free access to the four swardconditions during the trial period. The forage allowance (FA) showed minimum value (P=0.0002) of 3.9%BW in DM/day for low Aruana and maximum value of 12.5% BW in DM.day-1 for high limpograss. The leaf allowance(LA) showed a similar response to the FA, with a minimum (P=0.0012) of 1.7% BW in DM.day-1 forlow Aruana and maximum of 3.1% BW in DM.day-1 for high limpograss. Grazing time was longer (P<0.0001)in high Aruana and high limpograss, in which the leaf mass was similar (high Aruana = 1282 kg DM.ha-1)or superior (high limpograss = 1773 kg DM.ha-1) to the average leaf mass of the pasture (1335 kg DM.ha-1).It was concluded that mature goats graze for longer periods in high-height swards with higher forage andleaf masses. The criteria chosen for pasture areas to be explored are based on these characteristics, underwhich goats sought to maximize the intake of high quality forage. Grazing activity followed a similar patternof other domestic herbivores (cattle, sheep and horses), but goats did not interrupt this activity during the hottest hours of the day. The activities of rumination and rest occurred for prolonged periods and withhigher frequency during night and late night.
Increased H+ efflux is sufficient to induce dysplasia and necessary for viability with oncogene expression
Authors: Grillo-Hill Bree K , Choi Changhoon , Jimenez-Vidal Maite , Barber Diane L
Published: March 2015

Intracellular pH (pHi) dynamics is increasingly recognized as an important regulator of a range of normal and pathological cell behaviors. Notably, increased pHi is now acknowledged as a conserved characteristic of cancers and in cell models is confirmed to increase proliferation and migration as well as limit apoptosis. However, the significance of increased pHi for cancer in vivo remains unresolved. UsingDrosophila melanogaster, we show that increased pHi is sufficient to induce dysplasia in the absence of other transforming cues and potentiates growth and invasion with oncogenic Ras. Using a genetically encoded biosensor we also confirm increased pHi in situ. Moreover, inDrosophilamodels and clonal human mammary cells we show that limiting H+efflux with oncogenic Raf or Ras induces acidosis and synthetic lethality. Further, we show lethality in invasive primary tumor cell lines with inhibiting H+efflux. Synthetic lethality with reduced H+efflux and activated oncogene expression could be exploited therapeutically to restrain cancer progression while limiting off-target effects.
Plasma flux and gravity waves in the midlatitude ionosphere during the solar eclipse of 20 May 2012
Authors: Chen Gang , Wu Chen , Huang Xueqin , Zhao Zhengyu , Zhong Dingkun , Qi Hao , Huang Liang , Qiao Lei , Wang Jin
Published: March 2015

The solar eclipse effects on the ionosphere are very complex. Except for the ionization decay due to the decrease of the photochemical process, the couplings of matter and energy between the ionosphere and the regions above and below will introduce much more disturbances. Five ionosondes in the Northeast Asia were used to record the midlatitude ionospheric responses to the solar eclipse of 20 May 2012. The latitude dependence of the eclipse lag was studied first. The foF2 response to the eclipse became slower with increased latitude. The response of the ionosphere at the different latitudes with the same eclipse obscuration differed from each other greatly. The plasma flux from the protonsphere was possibly produced by the rapid temperature drop in the lunar shadow to make up the ionization loss. The greater downward plasma flux was generated at higher latitude with larger dip angle and delayed the ionospheric response later. The waves in the foEs and the plasma frequency at the fixed height in the F layer are studied by the time period analytic method. The gravity waves of 43–51 min center period during and after the solar eclipse were found over Jeju and I‐Cheon. The northward group velocity component of the gravity waves was estimated as ~108.7 m/s. The vertical group velocities between 100 and 150 km height over the two stations were calculated as ~5 and ~4.3 m/s upward respectively, indicating that the eclipse‐induced gravity waves propagated from below the ionosphere.