bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Luminescence properties of InGaN‐based dual‐wavelength light‐emitting diodes with different quantum‐well arrangements
Authors: Zhang Minyan , Yun Feng , Li Yufeng , Ding Wen , Wang Hong , Zhao Yukun , Zhang Weihan , Zheng Min , Tian Zhenhuan , Su Xilin , Hou Xun
Published: March 2015

Optimized dual‐wavelength InGaN‐based vertical light‐emitting diode (LEDs) structures were investigated by numerical simulations. The results show that different quantum‐well arrangements in the active region play an important role in obtaining dual‐wavelength emission. It is a better way to obtain the dual‐wavelength with uniform intensity by arranging quantum wells (QW) with low indium content near the p‐side and the QW with high indium near the n‐side. This is because the QWs with lower indium near the p‐side layer have higher hole‐injection efficiency. On the other hand, arranging QW with high indium content near the p‐side leads to poor hole‐injection efficiency due to the high polarization fields. The physical and optical mechanisms of these phenomena were explained by the intensity of electrostatic fields, energy‐band diagrams, and carrier‐concentration distribution in the active region of LEDs.
Gallium nitride based power switches for next generation of power conversion
Authors: Chowdhury Srabanti
Published: March 2015

Power conversion impacts all areas of electricity consumption, including motion control, lighting, air conditioning, and information technology. Si, the workhorse of the industry, has served well so far but reached its material limits. To keep up with the advancement of technologies enabling new conveniences, power conversion techniques need to go through significant transformation that calls for the next generation semiconductor for power switching. SiC and GaN, which have the potential to push the envelope beyond Si providing solutions for the entire range of power conversion at higher efficiencies and reduced form factors. GaN HEMTs have an added advantage over SiC MOSFETs owing to the high‐mobility electron channel formed at the AlGaN/GaN interface, which has been the basis of radio frequency amplifiers. GaN has enabled systems that can run with lesser cooling at frequencies at least ten times higher than current Si‐based systems, significantly reducing the form factor both electrically (passive components) and mechanically (heat sinks). The high current and voltage required for high power conversion application make the chip area in a lateral topology uneconomical and difficult to manufacture. Vertical GaN devices on bulk GaN substrates complete the portfolio of power switches required to address the power conversion market.
Towards a biosensor to monitor the sterilisation efficiency of aseptic filling machines
Authors: Oberländer Jan , Bromm Alexander , Wendeler Luisa , Iken Heiko , Durán Marlena Palomar , Greeff Anton , Kirchner Patrick , Keusgen Michael , Schöning Michael Josef
Published: March 2015

Sterilisation processes are compulsory in medicine, pharmacy, and food industries to prevent infections of consumers and microbiological contaminations of products. Monitoring the sterilisation by conventional microbiological methods is time‐ and lab‐consuming. To overcome this problem, in this work a novel biosensor has been proposed. The sensor enables a fast method to evaluate sterilisation processes. By means of thin‐film technology the sensor's transducer structures in form of IDEs (interdigitated electrodes) have been fabricated on a silicon substrate. Physical characterisation of the developed sensor was done by AFM, SEM, and profilometry. Impedance analyses were conducted for the electrical characterisation. As microbiological layer spores of B. atrophaeus have been immobilised on the sensing structure; spores of this type are a well‐known sterilisation test organism. Impedance measurements at a fixed frequency over time were performed to monitor the immobilisation process. A sterilisation process according to aseptic filling machines was applied to demonstrate the sensor functionality. After both, immobilisation and sterilisation, a change in impedance could successfully be detected.
Tramadol‐induced mania in a patient with depression
Authors: Lam Y. W. Francis
Published: March 2015

It is not unusual for patients with co‐occurring chronic pain and depression to receive concurrent administration of an antidepressant (e.g., a tricyclic antidepressant [TCA], selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI], or serotonin‐norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor [SNRI]) and tramadol, which is sometimes preferred in place of more potent analgesics. However, tramadol also can have an inhibitory effect on serotonin and norepinephrine uptake, and concurrent administration of an antidepressant and tramadol could result in undesirable side effects associated with increased serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission.
Clinical application of a vascular interventional robot in cerebral angiography
Authors: Lu Wang‐sheng , Xu Wu‐yi , Pan Feng , Liu Da , Tian Zeng‐min , Zeng Yanjun
Published: March 2015

Background

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases have become the leading cause of death for people, and endovascular surgery has become the main therapeutic method. Robot technology would overcome some limitations of conventional surgery, and has good prospects.

Methods

A total of 15 patients received cerebral angiography assisted by a vascular interventional robot following preoperative examination, with approval from the hospital ethics committee and informed consent by the patients' families.

Results

Robot‐assisted angiography was performed quickly and smoothly without surgical complications. The remote positioning accuracy was 1.05 ± 0.28 mm. The time staff were exposed to the digital subtraction angiography (DSA) machine was 0 min. The entire experimental process was mechanized and automated.

Conclusion

This system achieved the preliminary purposes, including a reduction in radiation for the surgeons, facilitation of the application of interventional procedures, a decrease in operation time, and an improvement in operation quality. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Autonomous, Vision‐based Flight and Live Dense 3D Mapping with a Quadrotor Micro Aerial Vehicle
Authors: Faessler Matthias , Fontana Flavio , Forster Christian , Mueggler Elias , Pizzoli Matia , Scaramuzza Davide
Published: March 2015

The use of mobile robots in search‐and‐rescue and disaster‐response missions has increased significantly in recent years. However, they are still remotely controlled by expert professionals on an actuator set‐point level, and they would benefit, therefore, from any bit of autonomy added. This would allow them to execute high‐level commands, such as “execute this trajectory” or “map this area.” In this paper, we describe a vision‐based quadrotor micro aerial vehicle that can autonomously execute a given trajectory and provide a live, dense three‐dimensional (3D) map of an area. This map is presented to the operator while the quadrotor is mapping, so that there are no unnecessary delays in the mission. Our system does not rely on any external positioning system (e.g., GPS or motion capture systems) as sensing, computation, and control are performed fully onboard a smartphone processor. Since we use standard, off‐the‐shelf components from the hobbyist and smartphone markets, the total cost of our system is very low. Due to its low weight (below 450 g), it is also passively safe and can be deployed close to humans. We describe both the hardware and the software architecture of our system. We detail our visual odometry pipeline, the state estimation and control, and our live dense 3D mapping, with an overview of how all the modules work and how they have been integrated into the final system. We report the results of our experiments both indoors and outdoors. Our quadrotor was demonstrated over 100 times at multiple trade fairs, at public events, and to rescue professionals. We discuss the practical challenges and lessons learned. Code, datasets, and videos are publicly available to the robotics community.
Quantitative microleakage analysis of root canal filling materials in single‐rooted canals
Authors: Kim Sin‐Young , Kim Kyung‐Jae , Yi Young‐Ah , Seo Deog‐Gyu
Published: March 2015

The purpose of this study was to analyze the sealing ability of different root canal filling materials over a 6‐week period using a glucose penetration model. Forty‐six recently extracted human premolars were used in this study. The root canals were enlarged to 40/0.06. Prepared canals were randomly assigned into four groups (n = 10) as follows: Group 1, Gutta‐Percha (GP)/AH Plus with cold lateral compaction; Group 2, GP/AH Plus with continuous wave compaction; Group 3, RealSeal SE obturation system; and Group 4, OrthoMTA. The remaining specimens were used as positive and negative controls, and all specimens underwent thermocycling (10,000; 5–55 °C). The sealing ability of all samples was evaluated at 24 h, 1, 2, 4, and 6 weeks using a quantitative glucose leakage model, and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images were taken. A mixed effect analysis using R statistical language was performed. Groups 1, 2, and 4 showed low leakage levels during experimental periods. Group 3 showed low leakage levels for the first 2 weeks; however, the leakage level was significantly increased after 2 weeks compared to negative control group (p < 0.05). In the SEM results, Group 3 showed imperfect dentin bonding, whereas Group 4 showed calcium silicate hydrate short tags, which are formed at the access of the dentin tubules. GP/AH Plus and OrthoMTA showed less microleakage than RealSeal SE obturation system when used as root canal filling materials. Traditional GP/AH Plus sealer and the newly developed OrthoMTA are more appropriate for ideal sealing of the root canals. SCANNING 37:237–245, 2015. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A spatiotemporal quantile regression model for emergency department expenditures
Authors: Neelon Brian , Li Fan , Burgette Lane F. , Benjamin Neelon Sara E.
Published: March 2015

Motivated by a recent study of geographic and temporal trends in emergency department care, we develop a spatiotemporal quantile regression model for the analysis of emergency department‐related medical expenditures. The model yields distinct spatial patterns across time for each quantile of the response distribution, which is important in the spatial analysis of expenditures, as there is often little spatiotemporal variation in mean expenditures but more pronounced variation in the extremes. The model has a hierarchical structure incorporating patient‐level and region‐level predictors as well as spatiotemporal random effects. We model the random effects via intrinsic conditionally autoregressive priors, improving small‐area estimation through maximum spatiotemporal smoothing. We adopt a Bayesian modeling approach based on an asymmetric Laplace distribution and develop an efficient posterior sampling scheme that relies solely on conjugate full conditionals. We apply our model to data from the Duke support repository, a large georeferenced database containing health and financial data for Duke Health System patients residing in Durham County, North Carolina. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Exploration versus exploitation: Emotions and performance as antecedents and consequences of team decisions
Authors: Døjbak Håkonsson Dorthe , Eskildsen Jacob Kjær , Argote Linda , Mønster Dan , Burton Richard M. , Obel Børge
Published: March 2015

We analyze performance and emotions as antecedents and consequences of team strategic decisions to explore a new routine versus exploiting an existing one. In a laboratory study, we examine team decision making over time and draw causal inferences about the relationships among team emotions, team performance, and explore–exploit decisions. We use self‐report data to measure team emotions, and validate results with psychophysiological data. We find that declines in performance increase the likelihood that teams decide to explore new routines rather than exploit existing ones. We also find a marginal positive effect of positive emotions, as measured by both self‐report and psychophysiological data, on team decisions to explore a new routine. Further, teams successful at implementing new routines report increased positive emotions, as measured by the self‐report data. This relationship is fully mediated by performance change.Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Social structure, reasonable gain, and entrepreneurship in Africa
Authors: George Gerard , Kotha Reddi , Parikh Priti , Alnuaimi Tufool , Bahaj Abubakr S.
Published: March 2015

In the context of desperate poverty, characterized by households at subsistence level that experience economic loss and social fracture, explanations for why individuals undertake entry into entrepreneurship are limited. We find that individuals rely on their social relationships to enable entrepreneurial activities that have the potential to create a reasonable income gain. In a sample of 1,049 households in rural Kenya, we test whether the disintegration of social structure attenuates entrepreneurial behavior. When coupled with factors such as income loss, gender of the household head, and access to communal resources, social structure plays a pivotal role in entrepreneurial action. We propose that the search for reasonable income gain is a key driver of entrepreneurial action at subsistence levels, thereby adding to behavioral explanations of entrepreneurship. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Comparative Investigation of Phase Transformation Behavior as a Function of Annealing Temperature and Cooling Rate of Two Medium‐Mn Steels
Authors: Steineder Katharina , Schneider Reinhold , Krizan Daniel , Béal Coline , Sommitsch Christof
Published: March 2015

Transformation‐induced plasticity (TRIP)‐assisted medium‐Mn steels with a ferritic matrix containing considerable amounts of retained austenite are a promising candidate to fulfill the requirements for the third‐generation of advanced high‐strength steels (AHSS), which is currently under development. The influence of the intercritical annealing temperature and cooling rate on the final microstructure of a 0.1C3.5Mn and 0.1C5Mn steel, respectively, was elaborately investigated. Dilatometric experiments were carried out and additionally supported by microstructural observations. During soaking in the two‐phase ferrite–austenite region and subsequent slow cooling the C and Mn concentration in the austenite increased and resulted in its chemical stabilization. The variation of the annealing temperature and cooling rate altered the amounts of ferrite, retained austenite, bainite, pearlite, and martensite in the final microstructure. Furthermore, two thermodynamical models for the prediction of the maximum retained austenite content and the optimal annealing temperature have been thoroughly evaluated in this work. It can be stated that the experimental data revealed a shift of the maximum retained austenite to higher annealing temperatures compared to the model calculations. As diffusional transformations were not considered in the applied models, slow cooling rates led to pronounced deviations between calculation and experiment, thereby showing the need for model adaptions.
Study of the Acid Pickling of Low‐Alloyed Steels by Using a Descaling Workstation Simulating the Production Line
Authors: Péter László , Sánta Orsolya , Koós Gabriella , Földi József , Verő Balázs , Bátonyi József , Schwarczenbarth Petra , Mach Kornél , Kardos Ibolya , Gyerák Gergely G. , Vehovszky Balázs , Lerner Robert D.
Published: March 2015

A laboratory‐scale device was constructed for treating small‐size steel sheet specimens in an analogous manner to the acid pickling production line. This descaling simulator comprises three tanks for hydrochloric acid and another one for rinsing the samples, providing an automated sample transfer with a free selection of all processing parameters such as motion rate, residence time, temperature, etc. A detailed description of the simulator device will be given. Besides the pickling loss which was the primary parameter measured, surface roughness of the samples, Raman spectrum of the surface, and scale thickness were also determined in some cases. Scale‐related pickling loss and overpickling rate were determined for a number of steel qualities. The role of the pickling liquors of each tank was studied, and the descaling efficiency at various acid temperatures was assessed. A statistical analysis was used for estimating the fluctuation in the scale thickness on the hot‐rolled specimens. Results obtained with the descaling simulator were also checked with an optical imaging of the scale and a composition depth profile analysis. The scale thickness obtained from weight loss measurement was in good agreement with the direct scale thickness measurement.
Variabilism Is Not the Solution to the Asymmetry
Authors: Algander Per ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2015

According to “the asymmetry”, the fact that a future person would have a life notworth living counts against bringing that person into existence but the fact that a future person would have a life worth living does not count in favour of bringing that person into existence. While this asymmetry seems intuitive, it is also puzzling: if we think that it is of moral importance to prevent people from living lives not worth living, shouldn’t we also that it is of moral importance to create people with lives worth living? Melinda Roberts has suggested a view, “Variabilism”, which she argues solves this problem. I argue that Variabilism fails as a solution to the asymmetry. First, Variabilism relies on a particular distinction between gains and losses which is at least as puzzling as the asymmetry itself. Second, in some cases Variabilism is incompatible with the asymmetry. In these cases, the fact that a person would have a life worth living does count in favour of creating her.
A Note on the Definition of Physicalism
Authors: Blumson Ben , Tang Weng Hong ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: March 2015

Physicalism is incompatible with what is known as the possibility of zombies, that is, the possibility of a world physically like ours, but in which there are no conscious experiences. But it is compatible with what is known as the possibility of ghosts, that is, the possibility of a world which is physically like ours, but in which there are additional nonphysical entities. In this paper we argue that a revision to the traditional definition of physicalism designed to accommodate the possibility of ghosts inadvertently accommodates what is known as the possibility of inverted spectra, that is, the possibility of a world which is physically like ours, but in which colour experience is inverted. This consequence is unwelcome, because it is widely agreed that the possibility of inverted spectra is incompatible with physicalism. We argue for a revised definition of physicalism which resolves this problem. We then use our definition to argue that physicalism is not compatible withwhat is known as the possibility of blockers, that is, the possibility of a world which is physically like ours, but in which additional nonphysical entities have prevented the existence of conscious experience. This undermines Stephan Leuenberger’s (2008) attempt to defend physicalism from arguments which purport to establish the possibility of zombies.
Move class scheduling online for ease, accuracy, sustainability
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2015

Reams of paper passing through the campus mail and piling up in your office, cryptic handwritten notes, updates to be keyed into several places in your student information system. If that describes your course scheduling process, you might want to consider an online solution like the one officials at the University of Massachusetts developed. The Class Automated Proposal System enables the Registrar's Office to use its resources more effectively, said Patrick Sullivan, deputy university registrar.
Be ready for the challenges of competency‐based programs
Authors: Hope Joan
Published: March 2015

WASHINGTON, D.C. — If your institution doesn't already offer competency‐based programs, they might be coming soon. In September 2012, there were about 20 of these programs offered, said Alison Kadlec, senior vice president and director of higher education and workforce programs for Public Agenda. Currently, at least 200 of the programs are available.
Review complexities of disclosing directory information, §99.37, Part 1
Authors: Rainsberger Richard
Published: March 2015

Simplicity is an acquired taste. Mankind, left free, instinctively complicates life.
Avian cognition: examples of sophisticated capabilities in space and song
Authors: McMillan Neil , Hahn Allison H. , Spetch Marcia L. , Sturdy Christopher B.
Published: March 2015

Although birds have traditionally and colloquially been considered less cognitively complex than mammals, and especially primates, more recent research has consistently refuted these assumptions. We argue that the impressive abilities of birds to navigate and communicate require considerable information‐processing capabilities. These capacities include collecting, organizing, and selecting from a wide variety of navigational cues to orient toward and find a goal location in the spatial domain, and utilizing open‐ended categorization and possibly even abstract reasoning to discriminate species‐specific acoustic features of songs and calls. Furthermore, these abilities may be present across many avian species, providing evidence for domain‐general cognitive facilities. We provide examples of processes in spatial learning and communication in birds, and locate them within the general literature, as evidence that the term ‘bird‐brain’ should not be considered a pejorative. WIREs Cogn Sci 2015, 6:285–297. doi: 10.1002/wcs.1346

This article is categorized under:

Psychology > Comparative Psychology
Synthesis and Surface Properties of Disodium Monoalkyl Diphenyl Oxide Disulfonate
Authors: Huo Jing , Liu Xiaochen , Niu Jinping
Published: March 2015

Disodium monoalkyl diphenyl oxide disulfonates (MADS) with different carbon chains (Cn‐MADS, n = 8, 12, 16) were synthesized through the steps of alkylation‐sulfonation‐neutralization using fatty alcohols (C8, C12, C16), diphenyl oxide and fuming sulfuric acid (20 % free SO3) as reagents. The structures of the products were identified by infrared spectroscopy and electrospray ionization‐mass spectrometry. The surface properties, emulsification, wettability alteration and salinity and hardness tolerance of the products were systematically investigated. The results show that the critical micelle concentration (CMC) of C8MADS, C12MADS and C16MADS are 7.24 × 10−3, 1.49 × 10−3 and 2.09 × 10−4 mol/L. The surface tensions at the CMC (γCMC) of each product are 37.5, 38.9 and 46.8 mN/m. The negative logarithm of the surfactant concentration in the bulk phase required to produce a 20 mN/m reduction in the surface tension of the solvent (pC20) increases with the increase in the alkyl chain length. The emulsifying ability of C12‐MADS is better than C8‐MADS and C16‐MADS, and the MADS showed less oil‐wet nature. The salinity and hardness tolerance of MADS is much stronger than that of conventional surfactants.
Zebrafish mutants of the neuromuscular junction: swimming in the gene pool
Authors: Daikoku Eriko , Saito Masahisa , Ono Fumihito
Published: March 2015

This review provides an overview of zebrafish mutants with dysfunctional acetylcholine receptors or related proteins at the neuromuscular junction (NMJ). The NMJ, which has served as the classical model of the chemical synapse, uses acetylcholine as the neurotransmitter, and mutations of proteins involved in the signaling cascade lead to a variety of behavioral phenotypes. Mutants isolated after random chemical mutagenesis screening are summarized, and advances in the field resulting from these mutants are discussed.
KASSITE HOUSING AT UR: THE DATES OF THE EM, YC, XNCF, AH AND KPS HOUSES
Authors: Clayden Tim
Published: March 2015

A study of the excavated structures at Ur which Woolley identified as domestic and possibly Kassite (or later) in date. Through an examination of the objects excavated in the structures and associated graves (principally pottery, glass and faience vessels, scaraboids and tablets) the housing in area EM is dated to roughly the 13th centuryb.c.while the remains in areas XNCF, AH, YC and KPS are dated to the 8th/7th centuriesb.c.The review also presents a summary history of Ur from the mid third millenniumb.c.to the neo-Babylonian period highlighting the periods of royal patronage at the city.
HOW MANY SOLDIERS ON THE “STELE OF THE VULTURES”? A HYPOTHETICAL RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Nadali Davide
Published: March 2015

The study presents a reconstruction of the arrangement of the soldiers of Lagash as represented in the first and second registers of the “Stele of the Vultures” of King Eannatum according to both philological and iconographic data. Through a process of deconstruction, it is possible to read the composition as the result of a combination of two perspectives employed by the Sumerian artists.
Oscillatory flow regimes around four cylinders in a square arrangement under small and conditions
Authors: Tong Feifei , Cheng Liang , Zhao Ming , An Hongwei
Published: March 2015

Sinusoidally oscillatory flow around four circular cylinders in an in-line square arrangement is numerically investigated at Keulegan–Carpenter numbers ($\mathit{KC}$) ranging from 1 to 12 and at Reynolds numbers ($\mathit{Re}$) from 20 to 200. A set of flow patterns is observed and classified based on known oscillatory flow regimes around a single cylinder. These include six types of reflection symmetry regimes to the axis of flow oscillation, two types of spatio-temporal symmetry regimes and a series of symmetry-breaking flow patterns. In general, at small gap distances, the four structures behave more like a single body, and the flow fields therefore resemble those around a single cylinder with a large effective cylinder diameter. With increasing gap distance, flow structures around each individual cylinder in the array start to influence the overall flow patterns, and the flow field shows a variety of symmetry and asymmetry patterns as a result of vortex and shear layer interactions. The characteristics of hydrodynamic forces on individual cylinders as well as on the cylinder group are also examined. It is found that the hydrodynamic forces respond in a similar manner to the flow field to the cylinder proximity and wake interference.
Neuroimaging effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing human brain: a magnetic resonance imaging review
Authors: Donald Kirsten Ann , Eastman Emma , Howells Fleur Margaret , Adnams Colleen , Riley Edward Patrick , Woods Roger Paul , Narr Katherine Louise , Stein Dan Joseph
Published: March 2015

Objective

This paper reviews the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) literature on the effects of prenatal alcohol exposure on the developing human brain.

Method

A literature search was conducted through the following databases: PubMed, PsycINFO and Google Scholar. Combinations of the following search terms and keywords were used to identify relevant studies: ‘alcohol’, ‘fetal alcohol spectrum disorders’, ‘fetal alcohol syndrome’, ‘FAS’, ‘FASD’, ‘MRI’, ‘DTI’, ‘MRS’, ‘neuroimaging’, ‘children’ and ‘infants’.

Results

A total of 64 relevant articles were identified across all modalities. Overall, studies reported smaller total brain volume as well as smaller volume of both the white and grey matter in specific cortical regions. The most consistently reported structural MRI findings were alterations in the shape and volume of the corpus callosum, as well as smaller volume in the basal ganglia and hippocampi. The most consistent finding from diffusion tensor imaging studies was lower fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum. Proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy studies are few to date, but showed altered neurometabolic profiles in the frontal and parietal cortex, thalamus and dentate nuclei. Resting-state functional MRI studies reported reduced functional connectivity between cortical and deep grey matter structures.

Discussion

There is a critical gap in the literature of MRI studies in alcohol-exposed children under 5 years of age across all MRI modalities. The dynamic nature of brain maturation and appreciation of the effects of alcohol exposure on the developing trajectory of the structural and functional network argue for the prioritisation of studies that include a longitudinal approach to understanding this spectrum of effects and potential therapeutic time points.
THE ‘GLOUCESTER BENEFACTORS’ AFTER FOUR CENTURIES
Authors: Tittler Robert
Published: March 2015

Some time in the early years of the seventeenth century, the city fathers of Gloucester evidently commissioned twelve paintings of past benefactors to that city. The paintings survive in the Gloucester Folk Museum and were exhibited in the spring of 2014 to mark the approximate date of their four-hundredth anniversary. Given the absence of critically important sources that would have given precise information on their commissioning, their origin and history have remained somewhat obscure. This paper nevertheless strives to understand why, and by whom, they may have been painted, and why they remain significant today, both to the City of Gloucester and to the history of English portraiture. It argues that they were commissioned to bolster a sense of community identity and to encourage further benefaction at a time of local hardship and stress. It comments on them as examples of the regional English vernacular style in portraiture of the day, reflects on their current condition and very tentatively suggests who might have painted them.
Uptake and bioavailability of anthocyanins and phenolic acids from grape/blueberry juice and smoothie in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Kuntz Sabine , Rudloff Silvia , Asseburg Heike , Borsch Christian , Fröhling Bettina , Unger Franziska , Dold Sebastian , Spengler Bernhard , Römpp Andreas , Kunz Clemens
Published: March 2015

The goal of eating five servings of fruits and vegetables a day has not yet been achieved. The intake of polyphenols such as anthocyanins (ACN) could be improved by consuming smoothies and juices that are increasingly popular, especially in children; however, bioavailability data concerning food matrix effects are scarce. Thus, we conducted a randomised, cross-over, bioavailability study (n 10) to determine the bioavailability of ACN and their metabolites from an ACN-rich grape/blueberry juice (841 mg ACN/litre) and smoothie (983 mg ACN/litre) in vivo, and the uptake of a corresponding grape/blueberry extract in vitro. After the intake of beverage (0·33 litres), plasma and fractionated urine samples were collected and analysed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to MS. The most abundant ACN found in plasma and urine were malvidin and peonidin as native ACN and as glucuronidated metabolites as well as 3,4-dihydroxybenzoic acid (3,4-DHB); minor ACN (delphinidin, cyanidin and petunidin) were only detected as native glycosides. Plasma pharmacokinetics and recoveries of urinary metabolites of ACN were not different for juice or smoothie intake; however, the phenolic acid 3,4-DHB was significantly better bioavailable from juice in comparison to smoothie. In vitro data with absorptive intestinal cells indicated that despite their weak chemical stability, ACN and 3,4-DHB could be detected at the basal side in their native forms. Whether smoothies as well as juices should be recommended to increase the intake of potentially health-promoting ACN and other polyphenols requires the consideration of other ingredients such as their relatively high sugar content.
Global DNA methylation was changed by a maternal high-lipid, high-energy diet during gestation and lactation in male adult mice liver
Authors: Yu Huan-Ling , Dong Shan , Gao Li-Fang , Li Li , Xi Yuan-Di , Ma Wei-Wei , Yuan Lin-Hong , Xiao Rong
Published: March 2015

An epigenetic mechanism has been suggested to explain the effects of the maternal diet on the development of disease in offspring. The present study aimed to observe the effects of a maternal high-lipid, high-energy (HLE) diet on the DNA methylation pattern of male offspring in mice. Female C57BL/6J mice were fed an HLE diet during gestation and lactation. The genomic DNA methylations at promoter sites of genes in the liver, mRNA and protein levels of selected genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism were measured by microarray, real-time PCR and Western blot. The results indicated that the percentage of methylated DNA in offspring from dams that were fed an HLE diet was significantly higher than that from dams that were fed a chow diet, and most of these genes were hypermethylated in promoter regions. The nuclear protein content and mRNA levels of hypermethylated genes, such as PPARγ and liver X receptor α (LXRα), were decreased significantly in offspring in the HLE group. The results suggested that the DNA methylation profile in adult offspring livers was changed by the maternal HLE diet during gestation and lactation.
Consistency in compensatory eating responses following acute exercise in inactive, overweight and obese women
Authors: Unick Jessica L. , O'Leary Kevin C. , Dorfman Leah , Thomas J. Graham , Strohacker Kelley , Wing Rena R.
Published: March 2015

It is often assumed that some individuals reliably increase energy intake (EI) post-exercise (‘compensators’) and some do not (‘non-compensators’), leading researchers to examine the characteristics that distinguish these two groups. However, it is unclear whether EI post-exercise is stable over time. The present study examined whether compensatory eating responses to a single exercise bout are consistent within individuals across three pairs of trials. Physically inactive, overweight/obese women (n28, BMI 30·3 (sd2·9) kg/m2) participated in three pairs of testing sessions, with each pair consisting of an exercise (30 min of moderate-intensity walking) and resting testing day. EI was measured using a buffet meal 1 h post-exercise/rest. For each pair, the difference in EI (EIdiff= EIex− EIrest) was calculated, where EIexis the EI of the exercise session and EIrestis the EI of the resting session, and women were classified as a ‘compensator’ (EIex>EIrest) or ‘non-compensator’ (EIex≤ EIrest). The average EI on exercise days (3328·0 (sd1686·2) kJ) was similar to those on resting days (3269·4 (sd1582·4) kJ) (P= 0·67). Although EI was reliable within individuals across the three resting days (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) 0·75, 95 % CI 0·60, 0·87;P< 0·001) and three exercise days (ICC 0·83, 95 % CI 0·70, 0·91;P< 0·001), the ICC for EIdiffacross the three pairs of trials was low (ICC 0·20, 95 % CI − 0·02, 0·45;P= 0·04), suggesting that compensatory eating post-exercise is not a stable construct. Moreover, the classification of ‘compensators’/‘non-compensators’ was not reliable (κ =− 0·048;P= 0·66). The results were unaltered when ‘relative’ EI was used, which considers the energy expenditure of the exercise/resting sessions. Acute compensatory EI following an exercise bout is not reliable in overweight women. Seeking to understand what distinguishes ‘compensators’ from ‘non-compensators’ based on a single eating episode post-exercise is not justified.
Investigation of insecticide-resistance status of Cydia pomonella in Chinese populations
Authors: Yang X.-Q. , Zhang Y.-L.
Published: March 2015

The codling moth Cydia pomonella (L.) is an economically important fruit pest and it has been directly targeted by insecticides worldwide. Serious resistance to insecticides has been reported in many countries. As one of the most serious invasive pest, the codling moth has populated several areas in China. However, resistance to insecticides has not been reported in China. We investigated the insecticide-resistance status of four field populations from Northwestern China by applying bioassays, enzyme activities, and mutation detections. Diagnostic concentrations of lambda-cyhalothrin, chlorpyrifos-ethyl, carbaryl, and imidacloprid were determined and used in bioassays. Field populations were less susceptible to chlorpyrifos-ethyl and carbaryl than laboratory strain. Insensitive populations displayed an elevated glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) activity. Reduced carboxylesterase (CarE) activity was observed in some insecticide insensitive populations and reduced acetylcholinesterase activity was observed only in the Wuw population. The cytochrome P450 polysubstrate monooxygenases activities in four field populations were not found to be different from susceptible strains. Neither the known-resistance mutation F399V in the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) gene, ace1, nor mutations in CarE gene CpCE-1 were found in adult individuals from our field populations. Native-PAGE revealed that various CarE isozymes and AChE insensitivity were occurring among Chinese populations. Our results indicate that codling moth populations from Northwestern China were insensitivity to chlorpyrifos-ethyl and carbaryl. Increased GST activity was responsible for insecticides insensitivity. Decreased CarE activity, as well as the presence of CarE and AChE polymorphisms might also be involved in insecticides insensitivity. New management strategies for managing this pest are discussed.
Construction of a GeogDetector-based model system to indicate the potential occurrence of grasshoppers in Inner Mongolia steppe habitats
Authors: Shen J. , Zhang N. , Gexigeduren  , He B. , Liu C.-Y. , Li Y. , Zhang H.-Y. , Chen X.-Y. , Lin H.
Published: March 2015

Grasshopper plagues have seriously disturbed grassland ecosystems in Inner Mongolia, China. The accurate prediction of grasshopper infestations and control of grasshopper plagues have become urgent needs. We sampled 234, 342, 335, and 369 plots in Xianghuangqi County of Xilingol League in 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013, respectively, and measured the density of the most dominant grasshopper species,Oedaleus decorus asiaticus, and the latitude, longitude, and associated relatively stable habitat factors at each plot. We used Excel–GeogDetector software to explore the effects of individual habitat factors and the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density. We estimated the membership of each grasshopper density rank and determined the weights of each habitat category. These results were used to construct a model system evaluating grasshopper habitat suitability. The results showed that our evaluation system was reliable and the fuzzy evaluation scores of grasshopper habitat suitability were good indicators of potential occurrence of grasshoppers. The effects of the two-factor interactions on grasshopper density were greater than the effects of any individual factors.O. d. asiaticuswas most likely to be found at elevations of 1300–1400 m, flat terrain or slopes of 4–6°, typical chestnut soil with 70–80% sand content in the top 5 cm of soil, and medium-coverage grassland. The species preferred temperate bunchgrass steppe dominated byStipa kryloviiandCleistogenes squarrosa. These findings may be used to improve models to predict grasshopper occurrence and to develop management guidelines to control grasshopper plagues by changing habitats.
Molecular analysis of isolates of the cestode Rodentolepis nana from the great gerbil, Rhombomys opimus
Authors: Mirjalali H. , Kia E.B. , Kamranrashani B. , Hajjaran H. , Sharifdini M.
Published: March 2015

Rodentolepis nana (syn. Hymenolepis nana) is a cyclophyllidean zoonotic enteric parasite with worldwide distribution. In humans, it is more prevalent in children, especially in temperate zones. A morphologically similar species of R. nana occurs in different rodents, including gerbils. In the present study molecular characterization of five isolates of R. nana from Rhombomys opimus in the Golestan Province (n= 2) and Razavi Khorasan Province (n= 3), both in north-eastern Iran, were analysed. After DNA extraction, the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of the R. nana isolates was amplified and sequenced, and genetic variation was analysed. Accordingly, two isolates from the Razavi Khorasan Province showed ITS2 signatures that differed from the isolates from the Golestan Province. The third isolate from Razavi Khorasan did not reveal these specific signatures, but exhibited sparse nucleotide polymorphisms in the ITS2 sequence. The ITS gene is conserved, and variation in this fragment could be an interesting subject for further inspection of existing variation in the genome of R. nana, among different domestic and wildlife host species and from different areas.
Neuralgic amyotrophy associated with temporary vocal fold paralysis: successful treatment by vocal fold augmentation with hyaluronic acid
Authors: Geißler K , Klingner C M , Guntinas-Lichius O , Bitter T
Published: March 2015

Background:

Neuralgic amyotrophy is a polyneuropathy that classically involves the brachial plexus. This paper reports an unusual clinical manifestation associated with vocal fold paralysis.

Case report:

A 36-year-old male presented with hoarseness and progressive weakness of the right shoulder and upper arm muscles. Laryngoscopy revealed a limited adduction of the right vocal fold.

Results:

Subsequent speech therapy did not improve the symptoms. Therefore, vocal fold augmentation by application of hyaluronic acid in the right vocal fold was performed.

Conclusion:

Vocal fold augmentation with resorbable material seems to be a more effective transient treatment than speech therapy alone for patients with neuralgic amyotrophy and laryngeal involvement.
Intrinsic facial nerve tumours of the temporal bone: a proposed management guideline
Authors: Watson G J , Irving R M
Published: March 2015

Objective:

The aim of this paper was to propose a guideline for the management of intrinsic facial nerve tumours based on our practice and findings in the literature.

Method:

A retrospective review of intrinsic facial nerve tumours over the last 15 years was performed. Parameters measured included age, presenting symptoms, pre- and post-treatment hearing and House–Brackmann grading, tumour position, treatment and duration of follow up.

Results:

A total of 15 patients presented with intrinsic facial nerve tumours over the study period. The most common presenting complaint was facial symptoms (93.3 per cent), followed by hearing loss (46.7 per cent). Three patients with stable facial nerve function (House–Brackmann grades II–III) were treated conservatively. Twelve patients underwent surgery to treat progressive or recurrent symptoms. Facial function was maintained or improved in 60.0 per cent of patients and hearing was preserved in 66.7 per cent.

Conclusion:

We propose that all stable tumours associated with good facial function of grade III or below should be treated conservatively. For symptomatic or progressive lesions, tailored surgery depending on the tumour site and hearing level should be offered to preserve native nerve function and facial musculature. For patients with prolonged paralysis, tumours can be monitored and other forms of facial reanimation and support offered.
The challenge of intermediary coordination in smallholder sugarcane production in Tanzania
Authors: Mmari Donald Eliapenda
Published: March 2015

Orthodox approaches to development view the market as a key institution for driving economic transformation and for fostering innovation and competitiveness. The working of markets alone, however, does not always lead to improved outcomes such as increase in productivity or production efficiency in the context of smallholders. The role of non-market institutions, therefore, remains important. This paper examines the role of intermediary coordination in addressing constraints to efficiency and productivity of smallholder sugarcane producers in Tanzania. It also makes a contrastive analysis of a different organisational arrangement for smallholder sugarcane producers in Malawi. The key proposition is that while intermediary organisations of cane outgrowers in Tanzania have played a significant role in promoting effective market linkage, an increase in productivity required for competitiveness is limited by the lack of effective horizontal coordination.
Militant Islamists or borderland dissidents? An exploration into the Allied Democratic Forces' recruitment practices and constitution
Authors: Scorgie-Porter Lindsay
Published: March 2015

Descriptions of the Allied Democratic Forces (ADF) – a relatively resilient rebel group in the Congo–Uganda borderland – are almost solely focused upon the rebellion's Islamic extremist characteristics. Through looking specifically at the ADF's recruitment practices, this paper seeks to problematise existing accounts of the group's constitution. It discusses how Islamic extremism has had a significant influence on various aspects of ADF recruitment, and therefore helps to explain particular dimensions of the ADF's composition. Nevertheless, this paper demonstrates that focusing on the role of Islamismalone, leaves a large part of the ADF's story untold – such as the important role played by recruitment networks associated with marginalised and militarised ex-combatants, or the populations of disenfranchised youth in the borderlands. Indeed, unresolved political and socio-economic injustices amongst the people of the Rwenzories have been just as significant motivating factors for joining the rebels as have Islamic sources. Thus, this paper argues that the ADF's recruitment practices and constitution cannot be sufficiently analysed without adequate recognition of the rebel group's position within a borderland context.
Interplay of land governance and large-scale agricultural investment: evidence from Ghana and Kenya
Authors: Nolte Kerstin , Väth Susanne Johanna
Published: March 2015

This comparative analysis examines how large-scale agricultural land acquisitions are implemented in Ghana and Kenya, using embedded case studies of two specific investment projects. We find that insufficiencies in these countries' land governance systems are partly caused by discrepancies betweende jureand de facto procedures and that powerful actors tend to operate in the legal grey areas. These actors determine the implementation of projects to a large extent. Displacement and compensation are highly emotive issues that exacerbate tensions around the investment. We also find that large-scale land acquisitions have a feedback effect on the land governance system, which suggests that large-scale land acquisitions can be drivers of institutional change. We suggest there may be a window of opportunity here to reform these land governance systems.
SSX MHD plasma wind tunnel
Authors: Brown Michael R. , Schaffner David A.
Published: March 2015

A new turbulent plasma source at the Swarthmore Spheromak Experiment (SSX) facility is described. The MHD wind tunnel configuration employs a magnetized plasma gun to inject high-beta plasma into a large, well-instrumented, vacuum drift region. This provides unique laboratory conditions approaching that in the solar wind: there is no applied background magnetic field in the drift region and has no net axial magnetic flux; the plasma flow speed is on the order of the local sound speed (M ~ 1), so flow energy density is comparable to thermal energy density; and the ratio of thermal to magnetic pressure is of order unity (plasma β ~ 1) so thermal energy density is also comparable to magnetic energy density. Results presented here and referenced within demonstrate the new capabilities and show how the new platform is proving useful for fundamental plasma turbulence studies.