bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) extracts on the oxidative stability and sensory acceptability of soybean oil
Authors: Dias Liara S , Menis Michele E C , Jorge Neuza
Published: September 2014

BACKGROUND

Plant extracts have been used as an alternative to the use of synthetic antioxidants in order to preserve oils from oxidative degradation. Additionally, these extracts add special flavors and aromas to the food. Thus, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of hydroethanolic extracts of fresh and freeze‐dried rosemary in the oxidative stability of soybean oil under accelerated storage in an oven.

RESULTS

The application of the extracts in the oil showed that that freeze‐dried extract was better in reducing the formation of oxidation products, showing 8.6 meq kg−1 of peroxides after 20 days of storage. On the other hand, the mixture of the natural extract with t‐butylhydroquinone conferred better oxidative stability index until the 20th day, 9.7 h. Both extracts prevented the loss of tocopherol, not differing between each other (P > 0.05), and present approximately 505 mg kg−1 of residual tocopherols. The sensory evaluation revealed that consumers accepted equally the oils added and not added of the rosemary extracts.

CONCLUSION

The extracts are therefore potential sources of natural antioxidants and they would be well accepted by consumers if applied by the food industry to replace synthetic antioxidants. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry
Polypyrrole–montmorillonite nanocomposite as sorbent for solid‐phase microextraction of phenolic compounds in water
Authors: Abolghasemi Mir Mahdi , Parastari Sheyda , Yousefi Vahid
Published: September 2014

A fiber‐coated polypyrrole–montmorillonite nanocomposite was prepared for solid‐phase microextraction. The fiber coating can be prepared easily; it is mechanically stable and exhibits relatively high thermal stability. The prepared fiber was evaluated for the extraction of some phenolic compounds from aqueous sample solutions by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The effects of the extraction and desorption parameters including extraction time, extraction temperature, stirring rate, ionic strength, pH and desorption temperature and time have been studied. At optimum conditions, the repeatability for one fiber (n = 5), expressed as % relative standard deviation was between 6.5 and 7.8% for the phenolic compounds. The detection limits for the studied phenolic compounds were between 0.05–1.3 ng/mL. The developed method offers the advantage of being simple to use, with shorter analysis time, lower cost, thermal stability of the fibers, and high relative recovery in comparison to conventional methods of analysis.
Transoral palate‐sparing nasopharyngectomy with the Flex®System: Preclinical study
Authors: Richmon Jeremy D.
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

The nasopharynx remains one of the most challenging areas to surgically access given its deep location, narrow confines, and surrounding critical neurovascular anatomy. Various open and endoscopic approaches have been developed, all of which have been limited to some degree in their ability to bimanually instrument and visualize in this area.

Study Design

Cadaveric dissection.

Methods

Study using one fresh human cadaver. A novel, highly articulated endoscope with flexible instrumentation, the Flex System, was placed in the oral cavity and advanced around the soft palate into the nasopharynx to perform a nasopharyngectomy.

Results

A complete nasopharyngectomy was accomplished with the Flex System without palatal incisions or extended‐access approaches.

Conclusions

The Flex System is a novel computer‐assisted flexible endoscope with a highly articulated scope and flexible instruments that was successfully used to perform a nasopharyngectomy while avoiding any additional incisions. This system holds promise in minimally invasive skull base surgery.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:318–322, 2015
Cytokine, chemokine, and toll‐like receptor expression in middle ear fluids of children with acute otitis media
Authors: Kaur Ravinder , Casey Janet , Pichichero Michael
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

Acute otitis media (AOM) is a common bacterial infection in childhood that causes an inflammatory response in the middle ear. Leukocytes produce different inflammatory molecules in vitro when stimulated with Gram‐positive and Gram‐negative bacteria. The major causes of AOM are Streptococcus pneumoniae, nontypeable Haemophilus influenza, and Moraxella catarrhalis. We sought to assess differences in cytokines, chemokines, and expression of Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) at onset of AOM based on bacterial culture results.

Study Design

Middle ear fluid (MEF) from 66 children with AOM was studied.

Methods

Innate immune genes, cytokines (interleukin [IL]‐6, IL‐8, IL‐10, IL1‐β; tumor necrosis factor‐α), chemokines (CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCR5, CXCR3), and Toll‐like receptors (TLR2, TLR4, TLR9) expression was measured using real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) from MEF collected in vivo by tympanocentesis.

Results

Culture‐positive MEF had higher levels of all cytokines and chemokines (9–300‐fold) as compared to MEF that was culture negative. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐positive/culture‐negative MEF for otopathogens showed significant differences (P < .01) in TLR2, TLR4, and TLR9 expression (6–31‐fold), but cytokine and chemokine levels were similar compared to PCR‐negative/culture‐negative MEF. No significant differences were found in the cytokine/chemokine/TLR levels among the bacterial otopathogen species. However, higher levels of TLRs, and all the cytokine and chemokines were detected when more than one bacterial species was present compared to single otopathogens.

Conclusions

Expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines/chemokines and TLRs are elevated in AOM children with a bacterial otopathogen, and are dependent on the number of bacterial species identified.

Level of Evidence

NA Laryngoscope, 125:E39–E44, 2015
Comprehensive management of patients presenting to the otolaryngologist for Sinus pressure, pain, or headache
Authors: Lal Devyani , Rounds Alexis , Dodick David W.
Published: September 2014

Objectives/Hypothesis

To study differential diagnosis and efficacy of management strategies in patients presenting to an otolaryngologist for sinus pressure, pain, or headache.

Study Design

Retrospective analysis at an academic medical center.

Methods

Patients were seen in the clinic (2010–2012) for sinus‐related headache, pressure, pain or fullness (study symptoms) by a rhinologist. A retrospective chart review of patients with study symptoms was conducted.

Results

Of 211 patients with study symptoms, 70.62% met American Academy of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery criteria for sinusitis or had rhinologic disease. Otolaryngic therapy alone (medical or surgical) relieved study symptoms in 51.66%; combined neurology intervention helped another 15.17%. Nearly half of the patients (48.82%) were diagnosed with primary headache disorders. Comorbid rhinologic‐neurologic disease was present in 27.96% and odontogenic disease in 7%. Initial otolaryngology referral was likely unnecessary for 36.49% of the study patients. Sinus computed tomography (CT) was available for 91% of 211 patients, and 80% of scans were positive. Endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS) was used in only 80/211 patients (37.69%) and was effective in 66/211 (31.28%). ESS was most successful in patients receiving concurrent neurological intervention. The Lund‐Mackay CT score did not predict outcomes from ESS. Interdisciplinary otolaryngology‐neurology efforts resulted in a positive outcome for 92.4% of patients.

Conclusions

We present the first series detailing management of patients with sinus‐headache pain in an otolaryngology practice. Such symptoms have multifactorial etiologies. Positive sinus CT results require cautious interpretation. ESS should be judiciously used. Interdisciplinary care is critical for success: approximately 50% of patients benefited from otolaryngic management, 50% needed neurological treatment, and 7% required dental disease management.

Level of Evidence

4 Laryngoscope, 125:303–310, 2015
Animal models of Huntington's disease for translation to the clinic: Best practices
Authors: Menalled Liliana , Brunner Daniela
Published: September 2014

Mouse models of Huntington's disease (HD) recapitulate many aspects of the human disease. These genetically modified mice are powerful tools that are used not only to examine the pathogenesis of the disease, but also to assess the efficacy of potential new treatments. Disappointingly, in the past few years we have seen the success of potential therapies in animal studies, subsequently followed by failure in clinical trials. We discuss here a number of factors that influence the translatability of findings from the preclinical to the clinical realm. In particular, we discuss issues related to sample size, reporting of information regarding experimental protocols and mouse models, assignment to experimental groups, incorporation of cognitive measures for early phases of the disease, environmental enrichment, surrogate measures for survival, and the use of more than one HD mouse model. Although it is reasonable to question the appropriateness of the animal models used, we argue that it is more parsimonious to assume that improvements in experimental design and publication of negative results will lead to improved translatability to the clinic and insights about HD pathophysiology. © 2014 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Ion beam analysis of Heusler alloy Fe3Si epitaxially grown on Si(111)
Authors: Maeda Yoshihito , Kawakubo Yuki , Noguchi Yuya , Narumi Kazumasa , Sakai Seiji
Published: September 2014

We have investigated atomic ordering of Heusler alloy Fe3Si(111) epitaxially grown on Si(111) by using ion beam analysis. The total atomic displacement along Si<111> directions was deduced from the minimum yield χmin and the critical angle Ψ1/2 for channeling. The total displacement consists of both one‐dimensional thermal vibrations computed by the Debye theory and static displacements due to imperfections, lattice mismatch, thermal expansion etc. The atomic displacement increased as the annealing temperature increased from 373 to 573 K. We found that this static displacement came from a difference in thermal expansion between the Fe3Si film and Si substrates at the anneal temperature and was quenched into room temperature as a remnant displacement. (© 2014 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
Leveraging for big data regression
Authors: Ma Ping , Sun Xiaoxiao
Published: September 2014

Rapid advance in science and technology in the past decade brings an extraordinary amount of data, offering researchers an unprecedented opportunity to tackle complex research challenges. The opportunity, however, has not yet been fully utilized, because effective and efficient statistical tools for analyzing super‐large dataset are still lacking. One major challenge is that the advance of computing resources still lags far behind the exponential growth of database. To facilitate scientific discoveries using current computing resources, one may use an emerging family of statistical methods, called leveraging. Leveraging methods are designed under a subsampling framework, in which one samples a small proportion of the data (subsample) from the full sample, and then performs intended computations for the full sample using the small subsample as a surrogate. The key of the success of the leveraging methods is to construct nonuniform sampling probabilities so that influential data points are sampled with high probabilities. These methods stand as the very unique development of their type in big data analytics and allow pervasive access to massive amounts of information without resorting to high performance computing and cloud computing. WIREs Comput Stat 2015, 7:70–76. doi: 10.1002/wics.1324

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Dimension Reduction

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Sampling
Frameworks for prior‐free posterior probabilistic inference
Authors: Liu Chuanhai , Martin Ryan
Published: September 2014

The development of statistical methods for valid and efficient probabilistic inference without prior distributions has a long history. Fisher's fiducial inference is perhaps the most famous of these attempts. We argue that, despite its seemingly prior‐free formulation, fiducial and its various extensions are not prior‐free and, therefore, do not meet the requirements for prior‐free probabilistic inference. In contrast, the inferential model (IM) framework is genuinely prior‐free and is shown to be a promising new method for generating both valid and efficient probabilistic inference. With a brief introduction to the two fundamental principles, namely, the validity and efficiency principles, the three‐step construction of the basicIMframework is discussed in the context of the validity principle. EfficientIMmethods, based on conditioning and marginalization are illustrated with two benchmark examples, namely, the bivariate normal with unknown correlation coefficient and the Behrens–Fisher problem.WIREs Comput Stat2015, 7:77–85. doi: 10.1002/wics.1329

This article is categorized under:

Statistical and Graphical Methods of Data Analysis > Bayesian Methods and Theory
Tethered Bis(amidate) and Bis(ureate) Supported Zirconium Precatalysts for the Intramolecular Hydroamination of Aminoalkenes
Authors: Lauzon Jean Michel P. , Schafer Laurel L.
Published: September 2014

Tethered bis(amide) and bis(urea) proligands featuring a neutral chalcogen donor (O or S) in the backbone were synthesized and installed on zirconium via protonolysis. The bis(amidate) zirconium complexes adopt a κ4(N,N,O,O) binding motif and were characterized in the solid state with a pyridine donor. Likewise, the bis(ureate)‐supported complexes are also found to have a κ4(N,N,O,O) binding motif in the solid state however no additional donor ligand is required for discrete complex formation. No evidence for interaction between the neutral chalcogen donor and the zirconium atom is found for any of the transition metal species. All complexes were screened as precatalysts for the intramolecular hydroamination reaction with both primary and secondary aminoalkene substrates. Interestingly, the bis(ureate) species show similar reactivity to the bis(amidate) species, in contrast to a recently reported alkyl‐bridged bis(ureate) complex, which readily cyclizes secondary aminoalkenes.
RE6Pd13Zn4 (RE = La‐Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) – New Palladium‐rich Phases with Pd@RE6 Octahedra in bcc Packing
Authors: Gerke Birgit , Janka Oliver , Pöttgen Rainer
Published: September 2014

The intermetallic zinc compounds RE6Pd13Zn4 (RE = La – Nd, Sm, Gd, Tb) were synthesized from the elements in sealed niobium ampoules. They crystallize with the cubic Na16Ba6N (Dy6Fe16O) type structure, space group Im$\bar{3}$m. The samples were investigated by powder X‐ray diffraction and four structures were refined on the basis of single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction data. The striking structural motifs are palladium centered RE6 octahedra in a bcc arrangement. These octahedra are surrounded by a [Pd12Zn4] network. Magnetic susceptibility studies of Gd6Pd13Zn4 show Curie‐Weiss behavior and an experimental magnetic moment of 7.75(2) μB per Gd atom. Gd6Pd13Zn4 orders antiferromagnetically at TN = 10.5(1) K.
Sutured Repair of Primary Small Umbilical and Epigastric Hernias: Concomitant Rectus Diastasis Is a Significant Risk Factor for Recurrence
Authors: Köhler Gernot , Luketina Ruzica‐Rosalia , Emmanuel Klaus
Published: September 2014

Background

Umbilical and epigastric hernias are common in the adult population and prompt repair is advised. We aimed to evaluate the impact of concomitant rectus diastasis on the outcome of patients who underwent primary sutured fascia closure of a hernia without mesh.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of 231 consecutive adult patients who had undergone elective suture‐based repair of small (<2 cm) and primary umbilical or epigastric hernias with respect to complications, recurrence, and chronic pain.

Results

Patients with rectus diastasis suffered from a significantly increased rate of hernia recurrence (29/93 vs. 9/108; p < 0.001). The use of absorbable sutures also had a negative influence on the recurrence rate (26/90 vs. 12/111; p = 0.001). Obesity (body mass index > 35 kg/m2) was associated with more complications (p = 0.02). Wound infections following hernia repair also were associated with a higher rate of recurrence (p = 0.08) and chronic pain (p = 0.02). The mean follow‐up via a structured questionnaire was 31 months (range 3–59) and data were available for 201 of 231 patients (87 %).

Conclusion

We strongly recommend preoperatively checking for rectus diastasis and using nonabsorbable sutures as an alternative to mesh repair only when repairing small umbilical or epigastric hernias (<2 cm) and there is no concomitant rectus diastasis. Patients with coexistent rectus diastasis definitely benefit from mesh‐based repair of the midline to decrease the recurrence rate.
Maintaining a Surgery Service for Local Hospitals Under the Situation of a Decreasing Number of Surgeons in a Region of Japan
Authors: Watanabe Joji , Saito Hiroaki , Otani Shinji , Ikeguchi Masahide
Published: September 2014

Background

The number of surgeons is decreasing in Japan, leading to the problem of how to maintain a surgery service in local hospitals. We introduce our strategy for supporting ongoing surgical services in regional hospitals by dispatching surgeons temporarily to assist in operations.

Methods

We conducted a questionnaire‐based survey at three local hospitals in Tottori and a neighboring prefecture to which surgeons from our department were temporarily dispatched over 5 years from January 2008 to March 2013.

Results

We supported 686 operations at three hospitals over 5 years. The average age of the patients was 72.4 years. Of the diseases treated, 45.1 % were malignant, and 54.9 % were benign. The emergency operation rate was 17.3 %.

Conclusions

Our strategy has produced a continuous surgical service at local hospitals in the face of diminishing numbers of surgeons. We recommend that such a strategy be adopted in other regions in which there are a decreasing number of surgeons and where it is not easy to move patients elsewhere for care.
Safe Hepatectomy Selection Criteria for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Validation of 336 Consecutive Hepatectomies. The BILCHE Score
Authors: Donadon Matteo , Costa Guido , Cimino Matteo , Procopio Fabio , Fabbro Daniele Del , Palmisano Angela , Torzilli Guido
Published: September 2014

Background

Selection criteria for hepatectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are object of debate. We presented our criteria for safe hepatectomy for HCC, and we compared the results with those obtainable using the most common scores for HCC.

Methods

All patients submitted to hepatectomy for HCC based on the same criteria were reviewed from our prospectively maintained database. Such criteria included bilirubin (BIL), cholinesterases (CHE), ascites, esophageal varices, and residual liver volume.

Results

A total of 336 patients were analyzed. One hundred fifteen patients (33 %) had thoracoabdominal approach, but only 39 (12 %) had major or extended resections. The median tumor number was 1 (range 1–33), while the median tumor size was 3.6 cm (range 1.1–28). Of those, 94 (29 %) had postoperative complications, of which 6 % were graded as major (Dindo III–IV). The 90‐days mortality was 2 %. The MELD, APRI, and CPT scores were not found to be statistically significant for complications, while combining BIL and CHE we defined four classes of risk. The association of BIL >1 mg/dl (>17.1 µmol/l) and CHE ≤5,900 U/l was the best to detect complications (OR = 4.45; P = 0.007).

Conclusions

This study shows that our selection criteria that count mainly on two commonly available, and inexpensive parameters, BIL and CHE, lead to identify patients potentially at risk of postoperative complications after hepatic resection for HCC. Registration number: NCT02056041 (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov).
Response of Sesame (Sesamum indicumL.) Plants to Foliar Spray with Different Concentrations of Boron
Authors: Hamideldin N. , Hussein O. S.
Published: September 2014

Sesame plants were sprayed with different concentrations of boron solution at 20, 30 and 40 ppm at different stages of plant growth (1, 2 and 3 months). Comparing the treated plants with untreated controls, the obtained results showed that spraying sesame plants with boron (B) solutions improves their growth and yields. Treating plants with boron solution at 20 ppm gave the highest results in growth criteria as compared with corresponding control or plants treated with higher boron solutions (30 and 40 ppm). Moisture and oil percentages were nonsignificantly changed by the different boron concentrations. The highest oil viscosity was recorded at a boron concentration of 30 ppm. Fatty acids were decreased by the effect of boron spray. A remarkable increase in the amino acid content of the plants was observed as a result of treatments with boron solutions, especially in the plants treated at 40 ppm. Spraying sesame plants with boron decreased the Fe, K, Mg and P contents, whereas the lowest concentration of boron (20 ppm) increased Ca and the highest concentration (40 ppm) increased Cl and Na.
Analysing the Spatio-temporal Evolution of an Active Debris Slide in Eastern Himalaya, India
Authors: Ghosh Saibal , Bora Anjan , Nath Sudipta , Kumar Ashok
Published: September 2014

Landslide is one of the prominent geohazards in the Himalayas where loss of lives and property are common. Owing to the complicated geomorphic and tectono-stratigraphic setting of this active Fold-thrust belt (FTB), landsliding of all possible types and spatial scales observed exhibit conspicuous spatio-temporal signatures and evolution. This evolution of landslides is commonly studied by regional assessment and by examining the multi-temporal landslide inventories of a particular area. The success of creating such multi-temporal landslide inventory depends on (i) the availability of relevant past source data (e.g., images, post event maps, air photos etc.) of suitable resolution, scale and quality, (ii) time of generation of source data with respect to the time of landsliding event, (iii) skill of the investigators in interpreting the old images, air photos etc. However, this method is of restricted use in studying the spatio-temporal evolution of a single landslide which is perennially active in the Himalayan terrain, where rapid changes in land use and land cover patterns readily obliterate the signatures of past landsliding. Moreover because of scale constraints, subtle and frequent changes in the spatial dimensions of these individual landslides, and their temporal activity become difficult to identify in such regional assessment carried out over a larger area. In this study therefore, a different approach is adopted whereby the spatio-temporal activity and style of Lanta Khola landslide, a perennially active and large (0.25 km2) debris flow in the Eastern Himalayas, has been studied in detail through detailed scale (1:1000) site-specific geological mapping in phases during the last 28 years (1983-2011). Such site-specific geological observations coupled with numerical slope stability analysis utilising the limit equilibrium method facilitate in detailed understanding of the temporal and spatial evolution and inherent mechanism of this perennial landslide.
Estimation of Uranium from Multichannel Spectra in Airborne Gamma Ray Spectrometry using 1.12 MeV and 1.76 MeV Photopeaks of 214Bi – An Application to Cuddapah Basin
Authors: Ramayya M. S. , Chaturvedi A. K. , Patra I. , Srinivas D. , Reddy P. Yadagiri
Published: September 2014

Present study examines the utility of gamma rays of energies 1.12 MeV and 1.76 MeV of uranium in estimation of uranium in airborne gamma ray spectrometric survey (AGRS) in comparison to the conventional 1.76 MeV alone used world wide. As a case study, the AGRS data of northern part of Cuddapah Basin is considered. Multi-channel processing is applied on this dataset to reduce the spectral noise and use of combined 1.12 MeV and 1.76 MeV has reduced the Poisson’s related statistical error. Uranium is estimated using above two energies individually and in combination, using multi-channel processing followed by standard corrections procedure. Result indicates that a combination of both energies has given best estimation due to a reduction in overall noise which helped in demarcating geological entities and litho-contacts. This indicates the efficacy of this technique which improved the radio-geochemistry of study area in understanding the radio-elemental variation.
Sequence variation in CYP51A from the Y strain of Trypanosoma cruzi alters its sensitivity to inhibition
Authors: Cherkesova Tatiana S. , Hargrove Tatiana Y. , Vanrell M. Cristina , Ges Igor , Usanov Sergey A. , Romano Patricia S. , Lepesheva Galina I.
Published: September 2014

CYP51 (sterol 14α‐demethylase) is an efficient target for clinical and agricultural antifungals and an emerging target for treatment of Chagas disease, the infection that is caused by multiple strains of a protozoan pathogen Trypanosoma cruzi. Here, we analyze CYP51A from the Y strain T. cruzi. In this protein, proline 355, a residue highly conserved across the CYP51 family, is replaced with serine. The purified enzyme retains its catalytic activity, yet has been found less susceptible to inhibition. These biochemical data are consistent with cellular experiments, both in insect and human stages of the pathogen. Comparative structural analysis of CYP51 complexes with VNI and two derivatives suggests that broad‐spectrum CYP51 inhibitors are likely to be preferable as antichagasic drug candidates.
ON SI-GROUPS
Authors: ANDRUSZKIEWICZ R. R. , WORONOWICZ M.
Published: September 2014

This paper presents new results concerning the structure of $\text{SI}$-groups and refines and purifies the results obtained in this field by Shalom Feigelstock [‘Additive groups of rings whose subrings are ideals’, Bull. Aust. Math. Soc.55 (1997), 477–481]. The structure theorem describing torsion-free $\text{SI}$-groups is proved in the associative case. Numerous examples of $\text{SI}$-groups are given. Some inconsistencies in Feigelstock’s article are noted and corrected.
Integrating biology into invasive species management is a key principle for eradication success: the case of yellow crazy antAnoplolepis gracilipesin northern Australia
Authors: Hoffmann B.D.
Published: September 2014

The lack of biological knowledge of many invasive species remains as one of the greatest impediments to their management. Here I detail targeted research into the biology of the yellow crazy antAnoplolepis gracilipeswithin northern Australia and detail how such knowledge can be used to improve the management outcomes for this species. I quantified nest location and density in three habitats, worker activity over 24 h, infestation expansion rate, seasonal variation of worker abundance and the timing of production of sexuals. Nests were predominantly (up to 68%) located at the bases of large trees, indicating that search efforts should focus around tree bases. Nest density was one nest per 22, 7.1 and 6.3 m2in the three habitats, respectively. These data form the baselines for quantifying treatment efficacy and set sampling densities for post-treatment assessments. Most (60%) nests were underground, predominantly (89%) occurring in an open area rather than underneath a rock or log. Some seasonality was evident for nests within leaf litter, with most (83%) occurring during the ‘wet season’ (October–March). Of the underground nests, most were shallow, with 44% being less than 10 cm deep, and 67% being less than 20 cm deep. Such nest location and density information serves many management purposes, for improving detection, mapping and post-treatment assessments, and also provided strong evidence that carbohydrate supply was a major driver ofA. gracilipespopulations. Just over half of the nests (56%) contained queens. Of the 62 underground nests containing queens, most queens (80%) were located at the deepest chamber. When queens were present, most often (38%) only one queen was present, the most being 16. Queen number per nest was the lowest in July and August just prior to the emergence of virgin queens in September, with queen numbers then remaining steadily high until April. Nothing is known for any ant species about how the queen number per nest/colony affects treatment efficacy, but further research would no doubt yield important breakthroughs for treating ants. Activity occurred predominantly nocturnally, ceasing during mid-day. These activity data determined the critical threshold above which work must be conducted to be considered reliable, and also suggests that treatments are best applied in the afternoon. Total brood production peaked in February and was the lowest around August and September. These abundance data form the baselines for quantifying treatment efficacy, and may have implications for treatment efficacy. Males were found every month, predominantly between August and November. Queen pupae were found in September. The reproductive timing of sexuals determines the treatment schedule. Targeted, site-specific research such as that described here should be an integral part of any eradication program for invasive species to design knowledge-based treatment protocols and determine assessment benchmarks.
General
Authors: Izzet Vedia , Shorrock Robert
Published: September 2014

Originally published in Dutch in 1995, Antiquity. Greeks and Romans in Context by Frederick Naerebout and Henk Singor aims to provide (in its own modest words) a ‘reasonably comprehensive one-volume’ overview of the Greco-Roman world for undergraduates and a wider interested audience (xiii). The main focus of the work is the Greco-Roman world from 1000 bc to 500 bc (divided into the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, and Roman Imperial periods). Each period is covered under the same three headings (in the interests of comparability): ‘Historical Outline’, ‘Social Fabric’, ‘Social Life and Mentality’. The wider context is, however, by no means ignored. The authors provide a valuable overview of the Palaeolithic and Neolithic periods (27–35) and of the early civilizations of Eurasia up to 900 bc (36–58). At the other end of the timeline, the book does not simply conclude with the Roman Imperial period but carries on the story up to the tenth century ad and beyond (369–94). A particular emphasis is placed in the introductory chapter on ‘The Ecology of History’ (11–23):

[M]aterial factors can be called the ‘basics’ of history: they determine what, under given circumstances, is possible and what is not; they create preconditions for, and restraints on human life. Thus, every culture has been in many respects the expression of the ways in which some group of human beings managed to adapt to the ecosystem in which they happened to be living, which might also be described as ecological anthropology. (11)
Paper Routes: Inscribing Islamic Law across the Nineteenth-Century Western Indian Ocean
Authors: Bishara Fahad Ahmad
Published: September 2014

Sometime during the middle of the nineteenth century, a correspondent from the interior of Oman wrote to the jurist Sa‘id bin Khalfan Al-Khalili (c. 1811–70) with an observation: “The Mazru‘is have wealth on the Swahili coast [al-Sawāḥil] and wealth in Oman.” This in itself was no surprise: the Mazru‘is, along with scores of other Arab clans, included a branch that had long since established its political authority in Mombasa, on the coast of what is now Kenya, but lately, the correspondent suggested, things had been changing. Members of the Mombasa Mazru‘is were now coming to Oman armed withwakalas(powers of attorney) from unknown scribes, for the sale of their familial properties in their ancestral homeland. “He [the Mazru‘i] sold what God likes from these properties and took the value… and the yield was separated from the property owners.” The people's acquiescence to the state of affairs was of particular surprise to the questioner. Days, months, and years went by, he noted, and the property owners (arbāb al-amwāl) did not seem the least bit interested in changing the system, “and the people, as you well know, come and go via this sea, from Oman to the Swahili coast, with confidence that they know [bi-ḥukm al-iṭma'ināna annahum‘alamū].”
High-resolution transmission spectrum of the Earth's atmosphere-seeing Earth as an exoplanet using a lunar eclipse
Authors: Yan F. , Fosbury R. A. E. , Petr-Gotzens M. G. , Zhao G. , Wang W. , Wang L. , Liu Y. , Pallé E.
Published: September 2014

With the rapid developments in the exoplanet field, more and more terrestrial exoplanets are being detected. Characterizing their atmospheres using transit observations will become a key datum in the quest for detecting an Earth-like exoplanet. The atmospheric transmission spectrum of our Earth will be an ideal template for comparison with future exo-Earth candidates. By observing a lunar eclipse, which offers a similar configuration to that of an exoplanet transit, we have obtained a high-resolution and high signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) transmission spectrum of the Earth's atmosphere. This observation was performed with the High Resolution Spectrograph at Xinglong Station, China during the total lunar eclipse in December 2011. We compare the observed transmission spectrum with our atmospheric model, and determine the characteristics of the various atmospheric species in detail. In the transmission spectrum, O2, O3, O2 · O2, NO2 and H2O are detected, and their column densities are measured and compared with the satellites data. The visible Chappuis band of ozone produces the most prominent absorption feature, which suggests that ozone is a promising molecule for the future exo-Earth characterization. Due to the high resolution and high SNR of our spectrum, several novel details of the Earth atmosphere's transmission spectrum are presented. The individual O2 lines are resolved and O2 isotopes are clearly detected. Our new observations do not confirm the absorption features of Ca II or Na I which have been reported in previous lunar eclipse observations. However, features in these and some other strong Fraunhofer line positions do occur in the observed spectrum. We propose that these are due to a Raman-scattered component in the forward-scattered sunlight appearing in the lunar umbral spectrum. Water vapour absorption is found to be rather weak in our spectrum because the atmosphere we probed is relatively dry, which prompts us to discuss the detectability of water vapour in Earth-like exoplanet atmospheres.
Cascades on a stochastic pulse-coupled network
Authors: Wray C. M. , Bishop S. R.
Published: September 2014

While much recent research has focused on understanding isolated cascades of networks, less attention has been given to dynamical processes on networks exhibiting repeated cascades of opposing influence. An example of this is the dynamic behaviour of financial markets where cascades of buying and selling can occur, even over short timescales. To model these phenomena, a stochastic pulse-coupled oscillator network with upper and lower thresholds is described and analysed. Numerical confirmation of asynchronous and synchronous regimes of the system is presented, along with analytical identification of the fixed point state vector of the asynchronous mean field system. A lower bound for the finite system mean field critical value of network coupling probability is found that separates the asynchronous and synchronous regimes. For the low-dimensional mean field system, a closed-form equation is found for cascade size, in terms of the network coupling probability. Finally, a description of how this model can be applied to interacting agents in a financial market is provided.
Electronic and transport properties of LiCoO2
Authors: Andriyevsky Bohdan , Doll Klaus , Jacob Timo
Published: September 2014

A possible magnetic phase transition in LiCoO2and the barriers for Li transport are computed.
Polymorphism dependent light induced spin transition
Authors: Šalitroš Ivan , Pogány Lukáš , Ruben Mario , Boča Roman , Linert Wolfgang
Published: September 2014

Polymorphism dependent photomagnetism was studied in low spin 1A and 1B polymorphs of mononuclear 10 iron(ii) spin transition compound [Fe(L)2](BF4)2.
Renewable polycarbonates and polyesters from 1,4-cyclohexadiene
Authors: Winkler Matthias , Romain Charles , Meier Michael A. R. , Williams Charlotte K.
Published: September 2014

Epoxides derived from 1,4-cyclohexadiene (CHD), the latter produced from renewable resources via self-metathesis of plant oil derivatives, are applied as key substrates in ring-opening copolymerizations to produce aliphatic polycarbonates and polyesters.
The near infra red (NIR) chiroptical properties of nickel dithiolene complexes
Authors: Le Gal Yann , Vacher Antoine , Dorcet Vincent , Fourmigué Marc , Crassous Jeanne , Lorcy Dominique
Published: September 2014

Circular dichroism (CD) thin layer spectro-electrochemical experiments reveal a redox switching of CD-active bands in the NIR region.
Controlling viscosity in methyl oleate derivatives through functional group design
Authors: Hungerford Zoë , Beare Kaitlin D. , Yuen Alexander K. L. , Masters Anthony F. , Maschmeyer Thomas
Published: September 2014

The effect of molecular structure on commercially relevant lubrication properties is elucidated in a set of 16 renewable oleate derivatives.
Advances in targeting strategies for nanoparticles in cancer imaging and therapy
Authors: Yhee Ji Young , Lee Sangmin , Kim Kwangmeyung
Published: September 2014

In the last decade, nanoparticles have offered great advances in diagnostic imaging and targeted drug delivery.
Thermal conductivity of twisted bilayer graphene
Authors: Li Hongyang , Ying Hao , Chen Xiangping , Nika Denis L. , Cocemasov Alexandr I. , Cai Weiwei , Balandin Alexander A. , Chen Shanshan
Published: September 2014

The heat carriers – phonons – in twisted bilayer graphene do not behave in the same manner as that observed in individual graphene layers.
Bottom-up nanostructured bulk silicon: a practical high-efficiency thermoelectric material
Authors: Yusufu Aikebaier , Kurosaki Ken , Miyazaki Yoshinobu , Ishimaru Manabu , Kosuga Atsuko , Ohishi Yuji , Muta Hiroaki , Yamanaka Shinsuke
Published: September 2014

Bulk nanostructured Si prepared using an easy, reliable bottom-up method exhibits an exceptionally high zT of 0.6 at 1050 K.
Superwetting hierarchical porous silica nanofibrous membranes for oil/water microemulsion separation
Authors: Yang Shan , Si Yang , Fu Qiuxia , Hong Feifei , Yu Jianyong , Al-Deyab Salem S. , El-Newehy Mohamed , Ding Bin
Published: September 2014

Novel flexible, thermally stable and hierarchical porous silica nanofibrous membranes with superhydrophilicity and underwater superoleophobicity were prepared for effective gravity driven separation of oil-in-water microemulsions.
Enantioselective synthesis of 3-substituted 1,2-oxazinanes via organocatalytic intramolecular aza-Michael addition
Authors: Cheng Shuanghua , Yu Shouyun
Published: September 2014

A highly enantioselective intramolecular 6-exo-trig aza-Michael addition was developed to afford chiral 3-substituted 1,2-oxazinanes in high yields (up to 99% yield) and good enantioselectivities (up to 98/2 er).
Organometallic intermediate-based organic synthesis: organo-di-lithio reagents and beyond
Authors: Zhang Wen-Xiong , Xi Zhenfeng
Published: September 2014

Metal-mediated organic reactions have become one of the great frontiers of organic synthesis.
Facile construction of hybrid polystyrene with a string of lantern shape from monovinyl-substituted POSS and commercial polystyrene via Friedel–Crafts reaction and its properties
Authors: Li Liguo , Liu Hongzhi
Published: September 2014

Hybrid polystyrene was easily prepared from monovinyl-substituted POSS and commercial polystyrene (PS)viaa straightforward Friedel–Crafts reaction.
Novel synthesis of LiMnPO4·Li3V2(PO4)3/C composite cathode material
Authors: Zhang Bao , Wang Xiao-wei , Zhang Jia-feng
Published: September 2014

A carbon-coated LiMnPO4·Li3V2(PO4)3 composite cathode material is synthesized from a rod-like MnV2O6·4H2O precursor prepared via aqueous precipitation for the first time, followed by chemical reduction and lithiation with oxalic acid as the reducing agent and glucose as the carbon source.
Feasibility study on anaerobic biodegradation of azo dye reactive orange 16
Authors: Khan Mohammad Zain , Singh Satyendra , Sreekrishnan T. R. , Ahammad S. Z.
Published: September 2014

Higher colour removal (>90%) shows feasibility of azo dye degradation by anaerobic digestion. Hydrogenotrophic methanogens are the key methane producers. Long retention time is useful for degrading aromatic amines under anaerobic condition.
Small endohedral metallofullerenes: exploration of the structure and growth mechanism in the Ti@C2n (2n = 26–50) family
Authors: Mulet-Gas Marc , Abella Laura , Dunk Paul W. , Rodríguez-Fortea Antonio , Kroto Harold W. , Poblet Josep M.
Published: September 2014

Analysis of the structure and the bottom-up growth mechanism in the family of small endohedral metallofullerenes Ti@C2n (2n = 26–50).
Are block copolymer worms more effective Pickering emulsifiers than block copolymer spheres?
Authors: Thompson K. L. , Mable C. J. , Cockram A. , Warren N. J. , Cunningham V. J. , Jones E. R. , Verber R. , Armes S. P.
Published: September 2014

Six types of block copolymer nanoparticles are prepared via polymerisation-induced self-assembly and evaluated as putative Pickering emulsifiers for stabilisation of oil-in-water emulsions. Particle anisotropy is beneficial for effective emulsifier performance.
Enhanced target detection in clutter using dispersive delay lines and time reversal
Authors: Zhou Hong‐Cheng , Fusco Vincent , Wang Bing‐Zhong , Malyuskin O. , Zhong Lei , Ding Shuai , Zhao De‐Shuang
Published: September 2014

On the basis of the technique of time reversal (TR), a new method for low dielectric contrast target detection in clutter by adding dispersive delay lines (DDLs) to each element of the TR mirror (TRM) is proposed. When compared with a conventional TR system, the proposed method improves refocusing to a target by reducing the impact of other scatterers in the environment. The proposed method makes it unnecessary to estimate the position of the target and removes the need for subsequent subtraction as traditionally required. Theoretical and numerical simulated results demonstrate the proposed method.
Coordinated planning model of BESS and controllable switches in distribution
Authors: Lv B. , Yan W.
Published: September 2014

Distributed wind generation (DWG) with increasing permeability has brought an adverse effect to grid security. The battery energy storage system (BESS) can solve this problem. However, the system reliability may be limited by the improper locations of switches. To make full use of BESS, a coordinated planning model of BESS and controllable switches (CSs) is developed for distribution networks. The objective is to minimise overall cost including investment cost, operation cost, network loss, insufficient power supply cost and energy price arbitrage, while satisfying security and BESS limitations. The simulation results show that the model proposed is effective.
Implanted rechargeable electroencephalography (EEG) device
Authors: Qian Xing , Hao Hongwei , Ma Bozhi , Wen Xiongwei , Hu Chunhua , Li Luming
Published: September 2014

Electroencephalography (EEG) and deep brain stimulation (DBS), as specific instrument and tool, respectively, for reading and changing the electrical activities of the human brain, are milestones in the history of neuroscience and brain research. Although scientists have gone very far in exploring the brain, the mechanisms of many neurological diseases and therapies are not clear yet. Therefore, an implanted rechargeable EEG device, adding the recording function to conventional DBS to make it not only a therapy device but a scientific research tool has been developed. The EEG performance of the device is good compared with the SynAmps2 of NeuroScan. Radio‐frequency (RF) communication at 403 MHz is used for data transmission, which has a high speed and long transmission distance and enables mass quantity data transmission. A rechargeable battery is used for power supply, making the system life longer and lowering the requirement of low‐power design. This device is a good platform for neuroscience research by being implanted in animal models of different nervous system disorders or patients with diseases such as Parkinson's disease (PD). The recorded data will help to better understand the brain and the mechanisms of brain disorders and also help to optimise clinical therapy.
60 GHz 28 nm CMOS transformer‐coupled power amplifier for WiGig applications
Authors: Leite B. , Kerhervé E. , Ghiotto A. , Larie A. , Martineau B. , Belot D.
Published: September 2014

A 60 GHz power amplifier (PA) based on a 28 nm CMOS technology is presented for WiGig applications. It consists of a two‐stage pseudo‐differential common‐source structure using low‐power and low‐Vt transistors, capacitive neutralisation for isolation enhancement and integrated transformers for impedance matching, power splitting, power combining and balanced‐to‐unbalanced transformation purposes. The output‐stage transistors have a measured 1 dB output compression point (OCP1 dB) of 10.2 dBm, a 10.2 dB gain and a peak power added efficiency (PAE) as high as 35%. The fabricated PA achieves a 12 dBm OCP1 dB, a 15.3 dB gain and a peak PAE better than 20% while occupying a silicon active area of only 0.037 mm2.
Pattern optimisation algorithm for vertical cell splitting system with active antenna arrays
Authors: Cui Qimei , Wang Jian , Han Jiang , Tao Xiaofeng
Published: September 2014

A genetic algorithm (GA)‐based pattern optimisation of active array antenna (AA) vertical cell splitting system is proposed. In the proposed algorithm, a joint optimisation method of inner cell pattern and outer cell pattern is designed, and GA is applied to optimise the array's amplitude excitations for reducing the interference in AA vertical cell splitting system. The simulation results and performance analysis demonstrate the feasibility and validity of the proposed algorithm. In comparison to the conventional identical‐excitation active AA patterns, the optimised results show that significant gain in both cell average throughput and cell edge throughput is obtained.
Cost effective and robust optical network by inversely aggregated networking with programmable protection architecture
Authors: Hirano Akira , Yamada Yoshiaki , Tanaka Takafumi , Oda Takuya , Shintaku Kengo , Inui Tetsuro
Published: September 2014

An inversely aggregated networking with programmable protection (i‐ANP2) architecture is proposed to provide a cost‐effective and robust optical network. It is shown to reduce more than 50% of capital expenditure (CAPEX) for protected services and the operational cost by several orders of magnitude.
Sub‐threshold SRAM bit cell pnn for VDDmin and power reduction
Authors: Chien Y.C. , Chiang I.H. , Wang J.S.
Published: September 2014

The bit cell is a key component that determines the VDDmin and power consumption of a sub‐threshold static random access memory (SRAM). A new bit cell with a pnn‐type latch structure is proposed. The analysis and measurement results indicate that the pnn bit cell outperforms the conventional bit cells in terms of VDDmin and power reduction.