bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Novel Opuntia Ficus-indica Mucilage Nanofiber Membrane Filtration for Water Systems
Authors: Thomas Sylvia W. , Devisetty Manopriya , Katakam Hruday Chand , Perez Samuel , Guo Fei , Stebbins Daniela , Alcantar Norma , Muppaneni Rasudha
Published: June 2015

Nanofiltration technology is being investigated as a cost-eﬀective and environmentally acceptable mechanism of sustaining industrial and public water systems. Nanofiber membranes are part of the family of filtration devices being used to remove inorganics and organics from water systems. This study investigates the use of the natural material, Opuntia ficus-indica (Ofi) cactus mucilage, as a tool for nanofiber membrane filtration. Mucilage is a natural, non-toxic, bio-compatible, biodegradable, inexpensive and abundant material. Mucilage is a clear colorless substance comprised of proteins, mono-saccharides, and polysaccharides. It also contains organic species, which give it the capacity to interact with metals, cations and biological substances promoting flocculation for removing arsenic, bacteria, E. coli, and other particulates from drinking water. This natural material has the potential to be used as a sustainable method for water filtration and contaminant sensing. Therefore, mucilage nanofiber membranes were electrospun with volume ratios of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and polystyrene (PS) to mucilage comparing the interaction of non-polar solvents. Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometry (AFS) from PSAnalytical was used to evaluate electrospun nanofiber membranes made from volume ratios ranging from 30:70 to 70:30 of mucilage: polyvinyl alcohol, mucilage: polystyrene-D-limonene, and mucilage: polystyrene–toluene in different proportions. The mucilage nanofiber membranes were used as filtration devices for 50 ppb arsenic solutions. Arsenic, being a toxic substance, acts as a deadly poison in water systems and has plagued societal preservation for centuries. The total arsenic content in the samples were measured before and after treatment. Comparative tests were also performed using 1) coated and non-coated GVWP 0.22 µm and 0.45 µm filters from Millipore and 2) columnar flow through Pasteur glass pipets filled with 0.5 g of pre-washed sand from Fisher Scientific and 0.01 g of mucilage nanofibers. Results show mucilage: polystyrene nanofiber membrane filters were capable of removing arsenic from test solutions, in terms of the percentage of arsenic removed. These data elucidate that mucilage nanofiber membranes have the potential to serve as the basis for the next generation of economically sustainable filtration devices that make use of a natural non-toxic material for sustainable water systems.
Comparative testing of crack formation in strain-hardening cement-based composites (SHCC)
Authors: van Zijl Gideon P. A. G. , Slowik Volker , Toledo Filho Romildo D. , Wittmann Folker H. , Mihashi Hirozo
Published: June 2015

Two of the main activities of RILEM Technical Committee 208-HFC Subcommittee 2 were the preparation and publication of the state-of-the-art report on durability of strain hardening cement-based composites (SHCC), and the performance of comparative laboratory testing on SHCC. In this paper the comparative mechanical tests are reported, as performed in laboratories of five participating institutions. The purpose was to investigate and compare the crack patterns in terms of crack widths and spacing, and subsequently to make recommendations for a suitable test setup and procedure towards characterizing cracking in this class of materials. Such standardized procedures are required for future systematic and objective research towards durability of these materials in their in-service conditions, i.e. their resistance to deterioration processes in the cracked state. Standardized test procedures are also required for durability testing and guidelines for structural design with SHCC, which is the focus of follow-up committee activity in TC 240-FDS.
Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Treatment and Salvage Chemotherapy in EGFR-Mutated Elderly Pulmonary Adenocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Tseng Yen-Han , Tseng Yen-Chiang , Lin Yi-hsuan , Lee Yu-Chin , Perng Reury-Perng , Whang-Peng Jacqueline , Chen Yuh-Min
Published: June 2015

Background.

Lung cancer is frequently a disease of elderly patients. However, these patients are often treated less actively owing to a higher comorbidity rate and poor performance status. The efficacy of different treatments in elderly patients with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutated lung cancer is still unknown.

Materials and Methods.

We retrospectively reviewed the records of our pulmonary adenocarcinoma patients treated between 2010 and 2013. Data on patient age, type of tumor EGFR mutation, response to first-line EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) treatment, type of salvage chemotherapy, and efficacy of EGFR-TKI and salvage chemotherapy were collected.

Results.

In all, 473 of 1,230 stage IV adenocarcinoma patients had an EGFR mutation, and 330 of them received first-line TKI treatment. Of the 330 patients, 160 were ≥70 years old (elderly group) and 170 were <70 years old (younger group). The response rate and progression-free survival (PFS) with first-line TKI treatment were not significantly different. The elderly group had shorter median survival. A total of 107 patients received salvage chemotherapy after first-line EGFR-TKI treatment: 45 in the elderly group and 62 in the younger group. Their response rate and PFS were not significantly different; however, the younger group had longer median survival. Additional subgroup analysis showed that younger patients who received platinum-based chemotherapy or combination chemotherapy had better median survival than did the elderly patients. The PFS was longer among younger patients receiving a platinum-based regimen than that among the elderly patients.

Conclusion.

Elderly patients with disease progression after first-line EGFR-TKI treatment can receive chemotherapy and have a response rate similar to that of younger patients.

Implications for Practice:

The aim of the present study was to investigate the efficacy of first-line epidermal growth factor receptor-tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR-TKI) treatment in elderly patients and the outcomes of subsequent salvage chemotherapy after disease progression. The most important finding was that elderly patients with disease progression after first-line EGFR-TKI treatment can receive salvage chemotherapy and have a response rate similar to that of younger patients who received salvage chemotherapy.
Within‐Boll Yield Characteristics and Their Correlation with Fiber Quality Parameters following Mutagenesis of Upland Cotton, TAM 94L‐25
Authors: Brown Nino , Smith C. Wayne , Hague Steve , Auld Dick , Hequet Eric , Joy Kolbyn , Jones Don
Published: June 2015

Limited genetic diversity could be contributing to the limited genetic gains in upland cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L., fiber lengths and strengths. Smith and Coyle (1997) reported negative associations between many fiber quality traits and the number of fibers per unit surface area of seed (FSSA), the most basic lint yield component. The objective of this study was to determine if mutagenesis could be used to modify the associations of within‐boll yield components and fiber quality parameters. TAM 94L‐25 (Smith, 2003) (PI 631440) seeds were treated with 3% v/v ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS). Twelve TAM 94L‐25 M4:6 mutant (M) lines, ‘FiberMax FM 832’ (Constable et al., 2001) (PVP 9800258; PI 603955) and ‘Phytogen PSC 355’ (PI 612974), and the unmutated parent TAM 94L‐25 were grown in performance trials in 2008 and 2009. The data suggests EMS‐based mutagenesis was successful in producing variation for within‐boll yield characteristics as well as fiber quality. Whether or not linkages or pleiotropic effects were disrupted is equivocal, with some correlation values significantly different between the control cultivars and the M lines. Mutant lines M2, M3, M50, and M51 were identified with improved FSSA. Ethyl methanesulfonate–based mutagenesis could be a valuable additional tool to create selectable variation in cotton for basic lint yield components and to break linkages of basic yield components and fiber quality.
Wettability of Organic Growing Media Used in Horticulture: A Review
Authors: Michel J.-C.
Published: June 2015

Hydrophobicity of organic matter is the primary factor affecting soil physical properties such as soil structural stability after drying. In horticultural production, the measurement of wettability is even more relevant due to the large use and high content of organic materials in growing media and to the large and rapid variations in water content in the media (due to the limited volumes of pots or containers), both of which can quickly create hydrophobic conditions. This review discusses the methods used for measuring the wettability of growing media, the evolution of wettability vs. water content, ways for limiting hydrophobicity, and finally the relationships between growing media wettability and physical properties. In addition to the indirect estimation of hydrophobicity based on physical properties such as water holding capacity, contact angles obtained from capillary rise and hydration efficiency tests are the most common methods describing the changes from hydrophilicity to hydrophobicity of organic growing media in relation to water content. Wetting agents and clay have been shown to reduce the water repellency of growing media under the driest conditions. A general trend of increasing water repellency during desiccation from highly decomposed peat > bark > weakly decomposed peat > wood products > coco fiber has been documented. As for water retention, hysteresis phenomena in contact angles have been shown during drying–wetting cycles. The influence of hydrophobicity on water retention characteristics has also been modeled, providing evidence that hydrophobicity is a function of the growing medium pore size domain. The reciprocal effects of physical and biological roles of roots on the wettability and physical properties of growing media should be investigated in future research.
Physical Properties of Organic Soil: Adapting Mineral Soil Concepts to Horticultural Growing Media and Histosol Characterization
Authors: Caron J. , Price J.S. , Rochefort L.
Published: June 2015

Growing media are used in a broad range of applications, for which special consideration must be given to their physical and hydraulic character. Because they are relatively fragile, dominantly consisting of dried plant remnants, their preparation, processing, and handling before potting affect their properties. This is complicated by their subsidence and decomposition during use, which leads to a reduction of their initial bulk volume. Organic growing media show many similarities to Histosols because of the common botanical origin of some of their components. For both growing media and Histosols, classical concepts and values related to physical properties like air‐filled porosity, bulk density, available water, hydraulic conductivity, gas diffusivity, and field capacity need to be adapted to reflect distinct differences in their composition, structure, and stability compared with mineral soils. Their use in containers with a variety of shapes and sizes influences water and air storage and exchange as well. They can subside extensively as they undergo decomposition. They shrink. Hence, the range of values observed for the physical properties of organic media differs from those of mineral soils. The methods to be used for measuring such properties must be adapted to that specific context of use and to account for their fragile and dynamic nature. Finally, specific norms to guide substrate manufacturing and for diagnosis of plant growth problems have been derived specifically and should be used in such a situation.
Study on the Synthesis and Application in the Polycarbonat of Silicone- Cyclophosphazene Flame Retardant
Authors: Xia Hu Ling , He Pan , jiang Fang Shi
Published: June 2015

Silicone-cyclophosphazene (SCP) as a flame retardant was synthesized using hydroxyl terminated polydime
thylsiloxane(PDMS-OH) and hexa cyclophosphazene silicone oil and phosphonitrilic chloride trimer(HCCTP) as the
precursors, The properties of SCP-modified polycarbonat(PC) such as thermal stability, flame retardant properties and
carbon layer after combustion were analyzed. It was found that the target product was SCP, as evidenced by infra-red
spectrum (IR)and nuclear magnetic resonance(31P-NMR) spectra results. The PC/SCP composite had higher thermal
stability, with higher amount of carbon residue at both initial degradation temperature and 800 oC. When the addition of
SCP was 10 wt.% in the PC/SCP composite, the oxygen index increased from 28 to 34%, and a V-0 level was achieved on
UL – 94 test. Also, a compact structure of the residue carbon layer after combustion was observed.
Retraction: Popovic T, Balaz J, Stankovic S.: A method for the rapid detection and identification of halo blight pathogen on common bean. Arch biol sci. 2014; 66(4):1393-1400. DOI: 10.2298/ABS1404393P
Authors: Editorial E
Published: June 2015

This is a notice of retraction of the article: A method for the rapid
detection and identification of halo blight pathogen on common bean,
published in the Archives of Biological Sciences in 2014, Vol. 66, Issue 4.
The Editor-in-Chief has been informed that the results presented in Fig 1.
in this article have already been presented in Fig 3. in the article: Balaz
J, Popovic T, Vasic M, Nikolic Z. Elaboration of methods for detection of
Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola on bean seeds. Pesticidi i
fitomedicina. 2008; 23(2):81-8. DOI: 10.2298/PIF0802081B; and the results
presented in Fig 2. have already been presented in Fig 4. in the article:
Popovic T, Milovanovic P, Aleksic G, Gavrilovic V, Starovic M, Vasic M,
Balaz J. Application of semi-selective mediums in routine diagnostic testing
of Pseudomonas savastanoi pv. phaseolicola on common bean seeds. Sci Agric.
2012;69(4):265-70. After confirmation of this fact, the Editor-in-Chief of
the Archives of Biological Sciences has decided to retract the paper immediately.

 Link to the retracted article 10.2298/ABS1404393P
Statistical user behavior detection and QoE evaluation for thin client services
Authors: Suznjevic Mirko , Skorin-Kapov Lea , Humar Iztok
Published: June 2015

Remote desktop connection (RDC) services offer clients the ability to access
remote content and services, commonly in the context of accessing their
working environment. With the advent of cloud-based services, an example use
case is that of delivering virtual PCs to users in WAN environments. In this
paper, we aim to detect and analyze common user behavior when accessing RDC
services, and use this as input for making Quality of Experience (QoE)
estimations and subsequently providing input for effective QoE management
mechanisms. We first identify different behavioral categories, and conduct
traffic analysis to determine a feature set to be used for classification
purposes. We propose a machine learning approach to be used for classifying
behavior, and use this approach to classify a large number of real-world
RDCs. We further conduct QoE evaluation studies to determine the relationship
between different network conditions and subjective end user QoE for all
identified behavioral categories. Results show an exponential relationship
between QoE and delay and loss degradations, and a logarithmic relationship
between QoE and bandwidth limitations. Obtained results may be applied in the
context of network resource planning, as well as in making QoE-driven
resource allocation decisions.
Post-Keynesian alternative policies to curb macroeconomic imbalances in the Euro area
Authors: Hein Eckhard , Detzer Daniel
Published: June 2015

In this paper we outline alternative post-Keynesian policy recommendations
addressing the problems of differential inflation, divergence in
competitiveness and associated current account imbalances within the Euro
area. We provide a basic framework in order to systematically address the
related issues making use of Anthony P. Thirlwall?s (1979, 2002) model of a
?balance-of-payments-constrained growth rate? (BPCGR). Based on this
framework, we outline the required stance for alternative economic policies
and then we discuss the implications for alternative monetary, wage/incomes
and fiscal policies in the Euro area as a whole, as well as the consequences
for structural and regional policies in the Euro area periphery, in
particular.
Enjeux économiques et politiques des pertuis maritimes (détroits et canaux interocéaniques) (Economic and political stakes of the maritime straits (passages and canals))
Authors: Marcadon Jacques
Published: June 2015

Abstract. - The straits locate the maritime lanes, free passage is the rule in general, the dangers of the traffic explain the settlement of traffic separation schemes. They locate rather big terminals in the around, and adapt themselves, even the canals, to the evolution of the maritime economy. With the development of new technologies in matter of defence (missiles) and surveillance (satellites) their strategical interest changes.
Identification of a New Chromosomal Region Involved in the Genetic Control of Resistance to Anthracnose in Common Bean
Authors: Trabanco Noemí , Campa Ana , Ferreira Juan José
Published: June 2015

Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum lindemuthianum (Sacc. & Magnus) Lams.‐Scrib. is a major disease affecting common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) crops worldwide. Response to five C. lindemuthianum isolates, classified as races 3, 6, 7, 38, and 73, were analyzed in 156 F2:3 families derived from the cross between line SEL1308 and cultivar Michigan Dark Red Kidney (MDRK). SEL1308 was resistant to all five races, while MDRK was susceptible to all except for race 73. Segregation ratio for response to races 3 and 7 indicated that single dominant genes were responsible for the resistance reaction to each race. Recombination between both race‐specific genes was observed and no linkage was found with any of the molecular markers tagging Co‐genes or clusters previously described. Linkage analyses allowed the location of both genes at the beginning of linkage group (LG) Pv03, a region tentatively named as Co‐17. Segregation ratio for response to races 6 and 38 indicated that two dominant and independent genes conferred resistance to these races. Contingency tests and subpopulation analyses suggested the implication of one region on LG Pv08, corresponding to the Co‐4 cluster, and the Co‐17 region. For reaction to race 73, the most likely scenario was that two dominant and independent genes conferred resistance: Co‐1 in MDRK and Co‐42 in SEL1308. Results indicated that, in addition to Co‐42, SEL1308 carries resistance genes located at the beginning of LG Pv03, in which no anthracnose resistance genes were previously mapped. In silico analysis revealed the presence of seven genes codifying typical resistance proteins (R‐proteins) in the underlying physical position of the Co‐17 region.
Genome‐Wide Mapping of Spike‐Related and Agronomic Traits in a Common Wheat Population Derived from a Supernumerary Spikelet Parent and an Elite Parent
Authors: Echeverry‐Solarte Morgan , Kumar Ajay , Kianian Shahryar , Mantovani Eder E. , McClean Phillip E. , Deckard Edward L. , Elias Elias , Simsek Senay , Alamri Mohammed S. , Hegstad Justin , Schatz Blaine , Mergoum Mohamed
Published: June 2015

In wheat, exotic genotypes harbor a broad range of spike‐related traits, and can be used as a source of new genes for germplasm enhancement in wheat breeding programs. In the present study, a population of 163 recombinant inbred lines was derived from a cross between an elite line (WCB414) and an exotic line (WCB617) with branched spike (supernumerary spikelet; SS) head morphology. The population was evaluated over four to six environments to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with nine spike‐related traits and 10 agronomic traits. A genetic map consisting of 939 diversity arrays technology (DArT) markers was constructed. Composite interval mapping identified a total of 143 QTL located on 17 different wheat chromosomes and included 33 consistent and definitive QTL. The amount of phenotype variation explained (PVE) by individual QTL ranged from 0.61 to 91.8%. One major QTL for glume pubescence was located in a QTL‐rich region on the short arm of chromosome 1A, where loci for other traits such as for kernels per spike (KS) and spike length (SL) were also identified. Similarly, a cluster of QTL associated with yield‐related, agronomic and spike‐related traits contributing up to 40.3% of PVE was found on the short arm of chromosome 2D, in the vicinity of a major QTL for SS‐related traits. Consistent and major QTL identified in the present study may be useful in marker‐assisted breeding programs to facilitate transfer of desirable alleles into other germplasm. Desirable QTL alleles were also contributed by the exotic line, suggesting the possibility of enriching the breeding germplasm with alleles from SS genotypes.
Evaluation of Work Stress, Turnover Intention, Work Experience, and Satisfaction With Preceptors of New Graduate Nurses Using a 10-Minute Preceptor Model
Authors: Hu Yi-Chun , Chen Su-Ru , Chen I-Hui , Shen Hsi-Che , Lin Yen-Kuang , Chang Wen-Yin
Published: June 2015

Background:

Preparing new graduate nurses (NGNs) to achieve standards of nursing competence is challenging; therefore, this study developed and evaluated the effects of a 10-minute preceptor (10MP) model for assisting NGNs in their professional development and increasing their retention in hospitals.

Method:

A repeated-measures design study, with an intervention and a two-group comparison, was conducted. A total of 107 NGNs participated in the study. At day 7, work stress and work experience were moderately high for the NGNs in both the 10MP and traditional preceptor model (TPM) groups.

Results:

The preceptorship program showed significant differences between groups (p= 0.001) regarding work stress at months 2 and 3 and work experience at months 1, 2, and 3. The 10MP group reported lower turnover intention and higher satisfaction with the preceptors than the TPM group.

Conclusion:

The 10MP model is effective at improving training outcomes and facilitating the professional development of NGNs.

J Contin Educ Nurs.2015;46(6):261–271.
Mentoring Hispanic Undergraduate and Graduate Research Assistants: Building Research Capacity in Nursing
Authors: Aponte Judith , Figueroa Brenda N. , Madera Melody , Campos-Dominguez Giselle , Panora Elizabeth , Jaramillo Diana
Published: June 2015

Background:

This article discusses and describes the experiences of five Hispanic bilingual (English and Spanish) research assistants (RAs) who were undergraduate and graduate nursing students and who were part of a research team.

Method:

A capacity-building framework was used, which has six guiding principles: a whole-system approach; accommodating diversity; reducing barriers to participation; enabling collaboration; mentoring; and facilitating networking. In addition, mentorship and peer learning were essential components of building research capacity.

Results:

Reflections of the five RAs highlighting how these principles were applied are described. The experiences of the five Hispanic RAs and the outcomes of the projects are also described.

Conclusion:

These experiences demonstrate the importance of involving undergraduate and graduate nursing students in research, which can build research capacity and increase the number of Hispanic nurses in the workforce. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(6):328–334.]
Faculty to Faculty: Advice for Educators New to Teaching in Accelerated Second Baccalaureate Degree Nursing Programs
Authors: Boellaard Melissa R. , Brandt Cheryl L. , Zorn CeCelia R.
Published: June 2015

Background:

Despite a growing faculty shortage, accelerated second baccalaureate degree nursing programs (ASBSN) proliferate. To prepare faculty for this teaching role, guide their development, and enhance recruitment and retention, ASBSN faculty in this descriptive study offered advice to new ASBSN educators.

Method:

Data were collected online from ASBSN faculty (
N
= 93) across the midwestern United States.

Results:

Six themes emerged: (a) Plan for Program Intensity That Stresses Students and Faculty, (b) Be Available, Flexible, Open-Minded, and Patient, (c) Uphold Early-Established Expectations and Rigorous Standards, (d) Be Prepared for Challenging Questions: Know Your Material and Be Organized, (e) Integrate Students’ Diversity Into Teaching and Learning, and (f) Adapt Content and Teaching Strategies to Align With Student and Program Characteristics. Consistency with the Suplee and Gardner new faculty orientation model was explored.

Conclusion:

Respondents viewed new ASBSN faculty as active agents who can influence their own effectiveness and success. [
J Nurs Educ.
2015;54(6):343–346.]
Using Wikis to Stimulate Collaborative Learning in Two Online Health Sciences Courses
Authors: Zitzelsberger Hilde , Campbell Karen A. , Service Dorothea , Sanchez Otto
Published: June 2015

Background:

The use of wiki technology fits well in courses that encourage constructive knowledge building and social learning by a community of learners. Pedagogically, wikis have attracted interest in higher education environments because they facilitate the collaborative processes required for developing student group assignments.

Method:

This article describes a pilot project to assess the implementation of wikis in two online small- and mid-sized elective courses comprising nursing students in third- or fourth-year undergraduate levels within interdisciplinary health sciences courses.

Results:

The need exists to further develop the pedagogical use of wiki environments before they can be expected to support collaboration among undergraduate nursing students.

Conclusion:

Adapting wiki implementation to suitable well-matched courses will make adaptation of wikis into nursing curricula more effective and may increase the chances that nursing students will hone the collaborative abilities that are essential in their future professional roles in communities of practice. [
J Nurs Educ
. 2015;54(6):352–355.]
Peripheral Avascular Retina in a Term Male Neonate With Microvillus Inclusion Disease and Pancreatic Insufficiency
Authors: Paulus Yannis M. , Alcorn Deborah M. , Gaynon Michael , Moshfeghi Darius M.
Published: June 2015

The authors present the first case of peripheral avascular retina in a term male neonate with pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, atypical microvillus inclusion disease, flat tympanograms, and recurrent urinary tract infections. Clinical examination showed avascular peripheral retina to posterior zone II temporally, with a flat stage 1-like demarcation line, and no plus disease. Genetic testing results were normal. The patient developed peripheral neovascularization and underwent panretinal photocoagulation. This case likely represents mild Norrie disease, familial exudative vitreoretinopathy, or incontinentia pigmenti due to a Wnt signaling abnormality. While these conditions are usually more severe, a variable spectrum of Wnt abnormalities exists throughout the body.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2015;46:589–591.]
Developing an institutional repository: experiences at the library, Faculty of Medicine, University of Jaffna
Authors: Murugathas K. , Balasooriya H.
Published: June 2015

Institutional repository is a network accessible database, with a set of services to capture, store, index, preserve and disseminates an institution’s scholarly output in digital format. The main objective of the paper is to discuss the experiences in developing an institutional repository at faculty of medicine, university of Jaffna and suggestions to overcome the challenges. Further, to encourage the other universities in developing institutional repositories by emphasizing the benefits of an institutional repository in a university and also focuses on some key issues to be considered when developing a repository. The repository of university of Jaffna, faculty of medicine is functioning in the software D-Space with a dedicated server. Formulating collection policy, authority control of bibliographic details, checking the copyright policy and persuading the faculty members to deposit their publications were the major challenges focused in this study. More effort is needed to persuade researchers to deposit their publications. Librarians need to continue to educate them about the importance of institutional repository. Sharing experience in developing institutional repository would be useful to other universities. Journal of the University Librarians Association of Sri Lanka, Vol. 18, Issue 1, January 2014, Page 39-50
Cutting Edge: Drebrin-Regulated Actin Dynamics Regulate IgE-Dependent Mast Cell Activation and Allergic Responses
Authors: Law Mankit , Lee YongChan , Morales J. Luis , Ning Gang , Huang Weishan , Pabon Jonathan , Kannan Arun K. , Jeong Ah-Reum , Wood Amie , Carter Chavez , Mohinta Sonia , Song Jihong , August Avery
Published: June 2015

Mast cells play critical roles in allergic responses. Calcium signaling controls the function of these cells, and a role for actin in regulating calcium influx into cells has been suggested. We have previously identified the actin reorganizing protein Drebrin as a target of the immunosuppressant 3,5-bistrifluoromethyl pyrazole, which inhibits calcium influx into cells. In this study, we show that Drebrin−/− mice exhibit reduced IgE-mediated histamine release and passive systemic anaphylaxis, and Drebrin−/− mast cells also exhibit defects in FcεRI-mediated degranulation. Drebrin−/− mast cells exhibit defects in actin cytoskeleton organization and calcium responses downstream of the FcεRI, and agents that relieve actin reorganization rescue mast cell FcεRI-induced degranulation. Our results indicate that Drebrin regulates the actin cytoskeleton and calcium responses in mast cells, thus regulating mast cell function in vivo.
Relating the hygroscopic properties of submicron aerosol to both gas- and particle-phase chemical composition in a boreal forest environment
Authors: Hong J. , Kim J. , Nieminen T. , Duplissy J. , Ehn M. , Äijälä M. , Hao L. , Nie W. , Sarnela N. , Prisle N. L. , Kulmala M. , Virtanen A. , Petäjä T. , Kerminen V.-M.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Measurements of the hygroscopicity of 15–145 nm particles in a boreal forest environment were conducted using two Hygroscopicity Tandem Differential Mobility Analyzer (HTDMA) systems during the Pan-European Gas-AeroSOIs-climate interaction Study (PEGASOS) campaign in spring 2013. Measurements of the chemical composition of non-size segregated particles were also performed using a High-Resolution Aerosol Mass Spectrometer (HR-AMS) in parallel with hygroscopicity measurements. On average, the hygroscopic growth factor (HGF) of particles was observed to increase from the morning until afternoon. In case of accumulation mode particles, the main reasons for this behavior were increases in the ratio of sulfate to organic matter and oxidation level (O : C ratio) of the organic matter in the particle phase. Using an O : C dependent hygroscopic growth factor of organic matter (HGForg), fitted using the inverse Zdanovskii–Stokes–Robinson (ZSR) mixing rule, clearly improved the agreement between measured HGF and that predicted based on HR-AMS composition data. Besides organic oxidation level, the influence of inorganic species was tested when using the ZSR mixing rule to estimate the hygroscopic growth factor of organics in the aerosols. While accumulation and Aitken mode particles were predicted fairly well by the bulk aerosol composition data, the hygroscopicity of nucleation mode particles showed little correlation. However, we observed them to be more sensitive to the gas phase concentration of condensable vapors: the more there was sulfuric acid in the gas phase, the more hygroscopic the nucleation mode particles were. No clear dependence was found between the extremely low-volatility organics (ELVOCs) concentration and the HGF of particles of any size.
Photosynthetic production in the central Arctic Ocean during the record sea-ice minimum in 2012
Authors: Fernández-Méndez M. , Katlein C. , Rabe B. , Nicolaus M. , Peeken I. , Bakker K. , Flores H. , Boetius A.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The ice-covered central Arctic Ocean is characterized by low primary productivity due to light and nutrient limitations. The recent reduction in ice cover has the potential to substantially increase phytoplankton primary production, but little is yet known about the fate of the ice-associated primary production and of the nutrient supply with increasing warming. This study presents results from the central Arctic Ocean collected during summer 2012, when sea-ice extent reached its lowest ever recorded since the onset of satellite observations. Net primary productivity (NPP) was measured in the water column, sea ice and melt ponds by 14CO2 uptake at different irradiances. Photosynthesis vs. irradiance (PI) curves were established in laboratory experiments and used to upscale measured NPP to the deep Eurasian Basin (north of 78° N) using the irradiance-based Central Arctic Ocean Primary Productivity (CAOPP) model. In addition, new annual production has been calculated from the seasonal nutrient drawdown in the mixed layer since last winter. Results show that ice algae can contribute up to 60% to primary production in the central Arctic Ocean at the end of the productive season (August–September). The ice-covered water column has lower NPP rates than open water due to light limitation in late summer. As indicated by the nutrient ratios in the euphotic zone, nitrate was limiting primary production in the deep Eurasian Basin close to the Laptev Sea area, while silicate was the main limiting nutrient at the ice margin near the Atlantic inflow. Although sea-ice cover was substantially reduced in 2012, total annual new production in the Eurasian Basin was 17 ± 7 Tg C yr−1, which is within the range of estimates of previous years. However, when adding the contribution by sub-ice algae, the annual production for the deep Eurasian Basin (north of 78° N) could double previous estimates for that area with a surplus of 16 Tg C yr−1. Our data suggest that sub-ice algae are an important component of the productivity in the ice-covered Eurasian Basin of the central Arctic Ocean. It remains an important question whether their contribution to productivity is on the rise with thinning ice, or whether it will decline due to overall sea-ice retreat and be replaced by phytoplankton.
Orbital control on late Miocene climate and the North African monsoon: insight from an ensemble of sub-precessional simulations
Authors: Marzocchi A. , Lunt D. J. , Flecker R. , Bradshaw C. D. , Farnsworth A. , Hilgen F. J.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Orbital forcing is a key climate driver over multi-millennial timescales. In particular, monsoon systems are thought to be driven by orbital cyclicity, especially by precession. Here we analyse the impact of orbital forcing on global climate with a particular focus on the North African monsoon, by carrying out a ensemble of 22 atmosphere-ocean-vegetation simulations, equally-spaced in time and covering one full late Miocene precession cycle (~ 6.5 Ma). Orbital parameters vary realistically for the selected time slice. Our results highlight the high sensitivity of the North African summer monsoon to orbital forcing, with strongly intensified precipitation during the precession minimum, leading to a northward penetration of vegetation up to ~ 21° N. The summer monsoon is also moderately sensitive to palaeogeography changes, but has a low sensitivity to atmospheric CO2 levels between 280 and 400 ppm. Our ensemble of simulations allows us to explore the climatic response to orbital forcing not only for the precession extremes, but also on sub-precessional timescales. We demonstrate the importance of including orbital variability in model-data comparison studies, because doing so partially reduces the mismatch between the late Miocene terrestrial proxy record and model results. Failure to include orbital variability could also lead to significant miscorrelations in temperature-based proxy reconstructions for this time period, because of the asynchronicity between maximum (minimum) surface air temperatures and minimum (maximum) precession in several areas around the globe. This is of particular relevance for the North African regions, which have previously been identified as optimal areas to target for late Miocene palaeodata acquisition.
Predicting outflow induced by moraine failure in glacial lakes: the Lake Palcacocha case from an uncertainty perspective
Authors: Rivas D. S. , Somos-Valenzuela M. A. , Hodges B. R. , McKinney D. C.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. Moraine dam collapse is one of the causes of glacial lake outburst floods. Available models seek to predict both moraine breach formation and lake outflow. The models depend on hydraulic, erosion, and geotechnical parameters that are mostly unknown or uncertain. This paper estimates the outflow hydrograph caused by a potential erosive collapse of the moraine dam of Lake Palcacocha in Peru and quantifies the uncertainty of the results. The overall aim is to provide a simple yet hydraulically robust approach for calculating the expected outflow hydrographs that is useful for risk assessment studies. To estimate the peak outflow and failure time of the hydrograph, we assessed several available empirical equations based on lake and moraine geometries; each equation has defined confidence intervals for peak flow predictions. Complete outflow hydrographs for each peak flow condition were modeled using a hydraulic simulation model calibrated to match the peak flows estimated with the empirical equations. Failure time and peak flow differences between the simulations, and the corresponding empirical equations were used as error parameters. Along with an expected hydrograph, lower and upper bound hydrographs were calculated for Lake Palcacocha, representing the confidence interval of the results. The approach has several advantages: first, it is simple and robust. Second, it evaluates the capability of empirical equations to reproduce the conditions of the lake and moraine dam. Third, this approach accounts for uncertainty in the hydrographs estimations, which makes it appropriate for risk management studies.
Increasing transports of volume, heat, and salt towards the Arctic in the Faroe Current 1993–2013
Authors: Hansen B. , Larsen K. M. H. , Hátún H. , Kristiansen R. , Mortensen E. , Østerhus S.
Published: June 2015

Abstract. The flow of warm and saline water from the Atlantic Ocean, across the Greenland–Scotland Ridge, into the Nordic Seas – the Atlantic inflow – is split into three separate branches. The most intensive of these branches is the inflow between Iceland and the Faroe Islands (Faroes), which is focused into the Faroe Current, north of the Faroes. The Atlantic inflow is an integral part of the North Atlantic thermohaline circulation (THC), which is projected to weaken during the 21 century and might conceivably reduce the oceanic heat and salt transports towards the Arctic. Since the mid-1990s, hydrographic properties and current velocities of the Faroe Current have been monitored along a section extending north from the Faroe shelf. From these in situ observations, time series of volume, heat, and salt transport have previously been reported, but the high variability of the transport series has made it difficult to identify trends. Here, we present results from a new analysis of the Faroe Current where the in situ observations have been combined with satellite altimetry. For the period 1993 to 2013, we find the average volume transport of Atlantic water in the Faroe Current to be 3.8 ± 0.5 Sv (1 Sv =106 m3 s−1) with a heat transport relative to 0 °C of 124 ± 15 TW (1 TW =1012 W). Consistent with other results for the Northeast Atlantic component of the THC, we find no indication of weakening. The transports of the Faroe Current, on the contrary, increased. The overall trend over the two decades of observation was 9 ± 8% for volume transport and 18 ± 9% for heat transport (95% confidence intervals). During the same period, the salt transport relative to the salinity of the deep Faroe Bank Channel overflow (34.93) more than doubled, potentially strengthening the feedback on thermohaline intensity. The increased heat and salt transports are partly caused by the increased volume transport and partly by increased temperatures and salinities of the Atlantic inflow, attributed mainly to the weakened subpolar gyre.
Morpho-Genetic Study and Detection of Boron Toxicity Tolerance of Wild Wheat Genotypes
Authors: Emon Reza Mohammad , Nevame Adedze Yawo Mawunyo , Gustafson Perry J. , Haque Md. Shahidul , Jahiruddin M. , Islam Mirza Mofazzal
Published: June 2015

The occurrence of boron toxicity becomes a major constraint in cereal production in the world, thus cause significant yield loss particularly in wheat, one of the most susceptible crops to boron toxicity. Development of tolerant variety is now of utmost importance since agronomic management of soil boron is becoming ineffective to mitigate the toxicity. Due to narrow genetic base of the existing wheat cultivars, genetic variation for this character was poorly reported. The present study was devoted to identify such variation by using two different genetic background of wheat including Aegilops and Triticum, which could be readily used in wheat breeding program. Morphological and genetic screening revealed that two species Ae. longissima and Ae. sharonensis expressed tolerance against boron toxicity. The molecular marker analysis such as unweighted pair group method and principal coordinate analysis confirmed these two species to be more tolerant to excessive boron with higher root length. Their derivatives genotypes TL-09 and TL-17 were found to explained considerable tolerance to boron. On other hand, among the SSR markers used, Xgwm192 was the most robust in identifying boron tolerance polymorphism. The diversity and variability observed in this work could open new avenue in developing B toxicity tolerant wheat variety.
The Emergence of Israel in Ancient Palestine: Historical and Anthropological Perspectives. By Emanuel Pfoh
Authors: Crowell Bradley L.
Published: June 2015

The Emergence of Israel in Ancient Palestine: Historical and Anthropological Perspectives. By Emanuel Pfoh. Copenhagen International Seminar. London: Equinox Publishing ltd., 2009. Pp. xix + 236. $95. [Distributed by The David Brown Book Co., Oakville, Conn.]
Tell es-Safi/Gath I: The 1996–2005 Seasons. Vol. 1: Text; Vol. 2: Plates. By Aren M. Maeir
Authors: Bloch-Smith Elizabeth
Published: June 2015

Tell es-Safi/Gath I: The 1996–2005 Seasons. Vol. 1: Text; Vol. 2: Plates. By Aren M. Maeir. Ägypten und Altes Testament, vol. 69. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag, 2012. Pp. vii + 628, illus.; xii + plates. €168.
Four Feet of Legal Procedure and the Origins of Jurisprudence in Ancient India
Authors: Olivelle Patrick , McClish Mark
Published: June 2015

The well-known classification of legal procedure into “four feet” presents certain conceptual problems for the Indian legal tradition that various Smṛtikāras and commentators have attempted to resolve in different and sometimes contradictory ways. These difficulties arise because the four feet originally referred in Indian legal theory to four distinct, hierarchical legal domains rather than procedural means for reaching a verdict. The earliest attested discussion of the four feet, found in Kauṭilya’s Arthaśāstra, indicates that early legal theorists understood the greater legal order as being comprised of four hierarchical domains and that these domains were ordered by the state as expressed in the original formulation of the four feet. Among the four legal domains, that of vyavahāra was developed by the state itself as a realm of public, transactional law meant to address disputes that could not be resolved in other legal forums. From this we can conclude that the origin of Indian jurisprudence lies with state efforts to formalize and enforce the laws of public transactions. The reinterpretation of the four feet by later jurists was motivated perhaps by resistance to one of the fundamental relationships expressed in the four feet, namely that royal authority possessed the greatest legal authority, independent of Brāhmaṇical law.
Retrieval of aerosol microphysical properties from AERONET photopolarimetric measurements: 2. A new research algorithm and case demonstration
Authors: Xu Xiaoguang , Wang Jun , Zeng Jing , Spurr Robert , Liu Xiong , Dubovik Oleg , Li Li , Li Zhengqiang , Mishchenko Michael I. , Siniuk Aliaksandr , Holben Brent N.
Published: June 2015

A new research algorithm is presented here as the second part of a two‐part study to retrieve aerosol microphysical properties from the multispectral and multiangular photopolarimetric measurements taken by Aerosol Robotic Network's (AERONET's) new‐generation Sun photometer. The algorithm uses an advanced UNified and Linearized Vector Radiative Transfer Model and incorporates a statistical optimization approach. While the new algorithm has heritage from AERONET operational inversion algorithm in constraining a priori and retrieval smoothness, it has two new features. First, the new algorithm retrieves the effective radius, effective variance, and total volume of aerosols associated with a continuous bimodal particle size distribution (PSD) function, while the AERONET operational algorithm retrieves aerosol volume over 22 size bins. Second, our algorithm retrieves complex refractive indices for both fine and coarse modes, while the AERONET operational algorithm assumes a size‐independent aerosol refractive index. Mode‐resolved refractive indices can improve the estimate of the single‐scattering albedo (SSA) for each aerosol mode and thus facilitate the validation of satellite products and chemistry transport models. We applied the algorithm to a suite of real cases over Beijing_RADI site and found that our retrievals are overall consistent with AERONET operational inversions but can offer mode‐resolved refractive index and SSA with acceptable accuracy for the aerosol composed by spherical particles. Along with the retrieval using both radiance and polarization, we also performed radiance‐only retrieval to demonstrate the improvements by adding polarization in the inversion. Contrast analysis indicates that with polarization, retrieval error can be reduced by over 50% in PSD parameters, 10–30% in the refractive index, and 10–40% in SSA, which is consistent with theoretical analysis presented in the companion paper of this two‐part study.
Quantization Effect on Sliding Mode Control of Uncertain Dynamical Systems
Authors: Yan Yan , Yu Xinghuo , Sun Changyin
Published: June 2015

This paper studies the quantization effect on dynamical behaviors of the sliding mode control system with matched uncertainties and disturbances. The sufficient condition for stability of the system is given. The performance of both the sliding mode and the system trajectories with quantized state feedback are discussed. We show that the sliding mode with quantization is piecewise constant and the trajectory chatters in the boundary layer of the designed sliding manifold with thickness O(μ), where μ is the quantization level. Simulation results are presented to show the effectiveness of the theoretical results.