bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The potential for local croplands to meet US food demand
Authors: Zumkehr Andrew , Campbell J Elliott
Published: June 2015

Local food systems may facilitate agroecological practices that conserve nutrient, energy, and water resources. However, little is known about the potential for local food systems to scale beyond niche markets and meet a substantial fraction of total food demand. Here we estimate the upper potential for all existing US croplands to meet total US food demand through local food networks. Our spatially explicit approach simulates the years 1850 through 2000 and accounts for a wide range of diets, food waste, population distributions, cropland areas, and crop yields. Although we find that local food potential has declined over time, particularly in some coastal cities, our results also demonstrate an unexpectedly large current potential for meeting as much as 90% of the national food demand. This decline in potential is associated with demographic and agronomic trends, resulting in extreme pressures on agroecological systems that, if left unchecked, could severely undermine recent national policies focused on food localization. Nevertheless, these results provide a spatially explicit foundation for exploring the many dimensions of agroecosystem sustainability.
Discrete-Fracture-Network Generation From Microseismic Data by Use of Moment-Tensor- and Event-Location-Constrained Hough Transforms
Authors: Yu Xin , Rutledge Jim , Leaney Scott , Maxwell Shawn
Published: June 2015

Reservoir simulation and prediction of production associated with hydraulic-fracturing require the input of the fracture geometry and the fracture properties such as the porosity and retained permeability. Various methods were suggested and applied for deriving discrete fracture networks (DFNs) from microseismic data as a framework for modeling reservoir performance. Although microseismic data are the best diagnostics for revealing the volume of rock fractured, its incompleteness in representing the deformation induced presents a challenge to calibrate and represent complex fracture networks created and connected during hydraulic-fracture stimulation. We present an automated method to generate DFN models constrained by the microseismic locations and fracture plane orientations derived from moment-tensor analysis. We use a Hough-transform technique to find significant planar features from combinations of the microseismic source locations. We have modified the technique with an equal-probability voting scheme to remove an inherent bias for horizontal planes. The voting mechanism is a general grid search in the space of fracture strike, dip, and location (φ,θ,r, respectively) with grid-cell sizes scaled by uncertainty estimates of φ,θ,r. We constrain fracture orientations with weighting on the basis of the moment-tensor orientations of neighboring events and their associated uncertainties. With two case studies, we demonstrate that our automated technique can reliably extract the complex fracture network on the basis of good matches with the event-cloud trends and the input moment-tensor orientations. We also tested the sensitivity of the technique to event-location uncertainty. With increasing location uncertainty, the details of the fracture network extracted are diminished with events grouping to larger-scale features, but the general shape and orientation of the fracture network obtained are insensitive to the location uncertainty.
RNA‐Seq Transcriptome Profiling Reveals Differentially Expressed Genes Involved in Sex Expression in Melon
Authors: Gao Peng , Sheng Yunyan , Luan Feishi , Ma Hongyan , Liu Shi
Published: June 2015

Melon (Cucumis melo. L.) is an economically important vegetable crop and a model species for the study of sex determination. Although two master genes, G (for gynoecy) and A (andromonoecy) have been cloned, the process of sex expression in melon is complex, and the associated mechanisms and gene network are not well understood. In this study, RNA sequencing was conducted among bulk segregants of four melon plant sex types, namely monoecious (AAGG), gynoecious (AAgg), hermaphrodite (aagg), and andromonoecious (aaGG). About 105 million reads were generated from the melon transcriptome using Illumina HiSeq 2000 sequencing. In total, 76,260 unigenes were generated and mapped to 11,805 annotated proteins in the assembled melon genome. Most of the genes encode proteins related to plant hormone metabolism. Others are related to flora development, including tasselseeds and male sterility genes, which were detected in the phytohormone pathway. Comparisons of paired segregants (AAGG:AAgg, AAGG:aaGG, aagg:AAgg and aaGG:aagg) revealed different gene expression profiles (745, 1342, 858, and 571 genes, respectively). The most highly represented was the serine/threonine protein kinase pathway. In this pathway, ethylene, abscisic acid (ABA), auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid (IAA), and aminocyclopropanecarboxylate (ACC) oxidase were involved in different sex type expressions, suggesting that they might have important roles in melon sex determination. Fifteen selected genes were validated via reverse transcription quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction, and their expression patterns were similar for the two methods. Overall, the melon transcriptome sequences revealed novel gene expression profiles and offer important clues for further study of the molecular mechanism of sex differentiation.
Inheritance of Salinity Tolerance in Perennial Ryegrass
Authors: Koch Matthew J. , Meyer William A. , Bonos Stacy A.
Published: June 2015

An increasing amount of reclaimed water is being used in turfgrass management; however, reclaimed water is often high in total dissolved salts and can result in salt stress injury and poor turf quality. The objectives of this study were to (i) determine the broad‐sense heritability estimate of salinity tolerance of 142 perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) genotypes and (ii) determine narrow‐sense heritability estimates and evaluate inheritance characteristics of salinity tolerance (heterosis, maternal effects, and combining ability) of progeny from crosses between fixed resistant and susceptible clones. Six replicates of each clone were irrigated overhead with a salt solution and were rated visually for percentage green color. The broad‐sense heritability estimate for salinity tolerance was 0.78, indicating that the majority of the phenotypic variation was due to genetic effects. A diallel cross between three salt‐tolerant and three salt‐sensitive parents was performed in 2006. Parents and progeny were established, irrigated overhead with a salt solution, and visually rated for percentage green in 2007 and 2008. Narrow‐sense heritability ranged from 0.72 (2007) to 0.66 (2008), indicating that the majority of the phenotypic variation was due to additive gene effects. No heterosis or maternal effects were found and general combining ability (GCA) accounted for more variance than specific combining ability (SCA). These results support the finding that salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass is strongly controlled by additive gene effects. These data support a recurrent selection program that concentrates additive alleles as an effective breeding strategy to improve salinity tolerance in perennial ryegrass.
Contribution of Cover Crops to the Productivity of Maize‐Based Conservation Agriculture Systems in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mhlanga Blessing , Cheesman Stephanie , Maasdorp Barbara , Mupangwa Walter , Thierfelder Christian
Published: June 2015

Research in Latin America has shown numerous benefits of rotations with cover crops under conservation agriculture (CA) to manage N and weeds; however, information from Zimbabwe is limited. The objective of the study was to investigate the benefits of rotating maize (Zea mays L.) with different leguminous and nonleguminous cover crops on maize yield, weed management, and decomposition rates of residues. A study was conducted at University of Zimbabwe (UZ), Domboshawa Training Centre (DTC), and two sites at Henderson Research Station (HRS) with contrasting soil types (clay and sand) from 2008 to 2014. Nine different cover crops were rotated with maize and compared with maize monocropping. During the 2012 to 2013 and 2013 to 2014 cropping seasons, a litter‐bag experiment was set within the experiment at UZ and DTC to investigate residue decomposition rates. Decreases in weed numbers of up to 94% were observed in maize–black sunnhemp (Crotalaria juncea L.) treatment at DTC. At UZ, maize after jack‐bean [Canavalia ensiformis (L.) DC.] (7823 kg ha−1) showed up to 61% more yield than continuous maize (4851 kg ha−1). Maize yields after fodder radish (Raphanus sativus L. var. oleiformis Pers.) were, in most cases, not significantly different from those of uniform maize. Decomposition rates were faster in leguminous residues, with velvet‐bean [Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck] residues being generally the fastest and therefore not suitable for ground cover. Despite the positive effects of rotations, not a single cover crop was identified that provided all the benefits. There is need to characterize niches for specific cover crops within the farming system to assist farmers in their choices and spatial arrangements of cover crops on their farms.
Conventional and advanced liquid biofuels
Authors: Djurisic-Mladenovic Natasa , Predojevic Zlatica , Skrbic Biljana
Published: June 2015

Energy security and independence, increase and fluctuation of the oil price,
fossil fuel resources depletion and global climate change are some of the
greatest challanges facing societies today and in incoming decades.
Sustainable economic and industrial growth of every country and the world in
general requires safe and renewable resources of energy. It has been expected
that re-arrangement of economies towards biofuels would mitigate at least
partially problems arised from fossil fuel consumption and create more
sustainable development. Of the renewable energy sources, bioenergy draws
major and particular development endeavors, primarily due to the extensive
availability of biomass, already-existence of biomass production technologies
and infrastructure, and biomass being the sole feedstock for liquid fuels.
The evolution of biofuels is classified into four generations (from 1st to
4th) in accordance to the feedstock origin; if the technologies of feedstock
processing are taken into account, than there are two classes of biofuels -
conventional and advanced. The conventional biofuels, also known as the 1st
generation biofuels, are those produced currently in large quantities using
well known, commercially-practiced technologies. The major feedstocks for
these biofuels are cereals or oleaginous plants, used also in the food or
feed production. Thus, viability of the 1st generation biofuels is
questionable due to the conflict with food supply and high feedstocks? cost.
This limitation favoured the search for non-edible biomass for the production
of the advanced biofuels. In a general and comparative way, this paper
discusses about various definitions of biomass, classification of biofuels,
and brief overview of the biomass conversion routes to liquid biofuels
depending on the main constituents of the biomass. Liquid biofuels covered by
this paper are those compatible with existing infrastructure for gasoline and
diesel and ready to be used in mixture with them as ?drop-in? fuels:
bioethanol, celullosic ethanol, biodiesel, renewable diesel and BtL diesel;
their major advantages and drawbacks are compared.
Design and working performance study of a novel micro parallel plate combustor with two nozzles for micro thermophotovotaic system
Authors: Pan J.F. , Hou Z.Y. , Liu Y.X. , Tang A.K. , Zhou J. , Shao X. , Pan Z.H. , Wang Q.
Published: June 2015

Micro-combustors are a key component in combustion-driven micro power
generators, and their performance is significantly affected by their
structure. For the application of micro-thermophotovoltaic (MTPV) system, a
high and uniform temperature distribution along the walls of the micro
combustor is desired. In this paper, a three-dimensional numerical simulation
has been conducted on a new-designed parallel plate micro combustor with two
nozzles. The flow field and the combustion process in the micro combustor,
and the temperature distribution on the wall as well as the combustion
efficiency were obtained. The effects of various parameters such as the inlet
angle and the fuel volumetric flow rate on the performance of the micro
combustor were studied. It was observed that a swirl formed in the center of
the combustor and the radius of the swirl increased with the increase of the
inlet rate, and the best working condition was achieved at the inlet angle
?=20?. The results indicated that the two-nozzle combustion chamber had a
higher and more uniform mean temperature than the conventional combustor
under the same condition.
Ionospheric D-region temperature relaxation and its influences on radio signal propagation after solar X-flares occurrence
Authors: Bajcetic Jovan , Nina Aleksandra , Cadez Vladimir , Todorovic Branislav
Published: June 2015

In this paper our attention is focused on relations between radio signal
propagation characteristics and temperature changes in D-region after solar
X-flare occurrence. We present temperature dependencies of electron plasma
frequency, the parameter that describes medium conditions for propagation of
an electromagnetic wave, and the refractive index which describes how this
wave propagates. As an example for quantitative calculations based on
obtained theoretical equations we choose the reaction of the D-region to the
solar X-flare occurred on May 5th, 2010. The ionospheric modelling is based
on the experimental data obtained by low ionosphere observations using very
low frequency radio signal.
Analysis of grease contamination influence on the internal radial clearance of ball bearings by thermographic inspection
Authors: Miskovic Zarko , Mitrovic Radivoje , Stamenic Zoran
Published: June 2015

One of the most important factors influencing ball bearings service life is
its internal radial clearance. However, this parameter is also very complex
because it depends on applied radial load and ball bearings dimensions,
surface finish and manufacturing materials. Thermal condition of ball
bearings also significantly affects internal radial clearance. Despite many
researches performed in order to find out relevant facts about different
aspects of ball bearings thermal behaviour, only few of them are dealing with
the real working conditions, where high concentration of solid contaminant
particles is present. That?s why the main goal of research presented in this
paper was to establish statistically significant correlation between ball
bearings temperatures, their working time and concentration of contaminant
particles in their grease. Because of especially difficult working
conditions, the typical conveyor idlers bearings were selected as
representative test samples and appropriate solid particles from open pit
coal mines were used as artificial contaminants. Applied experimental
methodology included thermographic inspection, as well as usage of custom
designed test rig for ball bearings service life testing. Finally, by
obtained experimental data processing in advanced software, statistically
significant mathematical correlation between mentioned bearings
characteristics was determined and applied in commonly used internal radial
clearance equation. That is the most important contribution of performed
research - the new equation and methodology for ball bearings internal
clearance determination which could be used for eventual improvement of
existing bearings service life equations.
The incidence of congenital heart defects in the world regarding the severity of the defect
Authors: Miranovic Vesna
Published: June 2015

Bacground/Aim. Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are structural or functional
abnormalities of the heart present at birth even if they are detected much
later. Their importance lies in the fact that, depending on the severity,
they change the quality of life, and may be life threating. In addition, we
should not ignore the high costs of treating people with congenital heart
disease. The aim of this study was to analyze the incidence of congenital
heart disease in relation to the severity in the world based on the available
literature. Methods. All the available literature on the incidence of CHD
cases regarding the severity of CHD published from 1955 to 2012 was analyzed.
The researcher was able to read the titles and abstracts of 128 papers on the
subject. Due to methodological inconsistency, 117 of the papers were
rejected. Based on the criteria of reliability, availability and
comparability, our analysis included 11 studies testing CHD incidence
regarding the severity of the defect conducted all over the world. The Yates'
?2-test was used to compare the observed incidences. Results. The frequency
of severe congenital heart defects, ranged from 0.414 to 2.3/1,000 live
births, the incidence of moderate congenital heart defects from 0.43 to
2.6/1,000 live births while in the group of minor congenital heart defects
the incidence ranged from 0.99 to 10.3/1000 live births. There were no
statistically significant differences in the incidence of mild, moderate and
severe CHDs. Conclusion. The results obtained studying of the available data
suggest that no statistically significant difference in the incidence of
mild, moderate and severe congenital heart defects. A universal
methodological approach to the incidence of CHD is essential.
Cross-National Applicability of a Parsimonious Measure of Acculturation to Global Consumer Culture
Authors: Durvasula Srinivas , Lysonski Steven
Published: June 2015

Cleveland and Laroche presented a scale to measure Acculturation to Global Consumer Culture. This measure was the first attempt to gauge consumer mindsets regarding their adaptation to global consumerism. Because this scale consisted of 57 scale items, applying such a lengthy scale can lead to response fatigue. Past research has also suggested that as more items are added to a scale, the informational value of each additional item is marginal. As an alternative, a shorter version of the Acculturation to Global Consumer Culture Scale is presented. The psychometric properties of this scale were verified via multiple group confirmatory factor analysis. A four-country investigation of young adults in China ( n = 126; M age = 22.24 yr., SD = 3.63), New Zealand ( n = 196; M age = 20.12 yr., SD = 4.12), Nigeria ( n = 146; M age = 23.09 yr., SD = 3.80), and the United States ( n = 120; M age = 21.67 yr., SD = 4.26) provides support for the cross-national applicability of the proposed parsimonious measure. Limitations and extensions are discussed.
A Brief Note on the Relationship between Anxiety and Performance in Scuba Diving in Adolescents: A Field Study
Authors: Steinberg Fabian , Doppelmayr Michael
Published: June 2015

This study explored the relationship between anxiety and scuba diving performance of young individuals ( N = 44; 16.9yr., SD = 1.2) participating in an introductory scuba diving activity. The question was whether the well-known negative correlation between anxiety and scuba diving performance found for experienced and middle-aged scuba divers will be observed in young participants in their first dive experience. Diving instructors rated standardized scuba diving skills that were correlated with individual state and trait anxiety. There was no relationship between anxiety and scuba diving performance, neither for state nor for trait anxiety. This non-significant correlation between anxiety and performance was in contrast to recent findings observed for experienced divers or those who participated at a scuba diving training program. Considering the differences in methodological design between this study and recent investigations, further research is needed to reveal possible relations between anxiety, scuba diving performance, and panic behavior in beginner-level youth or adults.
Death Concern and Death Obsession in Iranian Nurses
Authors: Dadfar Mahboubeh , Lester David
Published: June 2015

The goal of the present study was to examine whether nurses had increased death concern and death obsession compared to non-nursing staff. A Death Concern Scale and a Death Obsession Scale, translated into Persian, were administered to 56 female Iranian nurses (55% in their 30s) and compared to 56 female hospital staff members (45% in their 30s). The two groups did not differ significantly in their scores on either scale. It is, therefore, recommended that death education programs in hospitals be given to all staff, nursing and non-nursing.
The Working Memory Benefits of Proprioceptively Demanding Training: A Pilot Study
Authors: Alloway Ross G. , Alloway Tracy Packiam
Published: June 2015

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of proprioception on working memory. It was also of interest whether an acute and highly intensive period of exercise would yield working memory gains. The training group completed a series of proprioceptively demanding exercises. There were also control classroom and yoga groups. Working memory was measured using a backward digit recall test. The data indicated that active, healthy adults who undertook acute, proprioceptively demanding training improved working memory scores compared to the classroom and yoga groups. One possible reason that the training yielded significant working memory gains could be that the training was proprioceptively dynamic, requiring proprioception and at least one other factor—such as locomotion or navigation—at the same time, which may have contributed to the improvements in working memory performance.
Effect of Delayed Auditory Feedback, Speech Rate, and Sex on Speech Production
Authors: Stuart Andrew , Kalinowski Joseph
Published: June 2015

Perturbations in Delayed Auditory Feedback (DAF) and speech rate were examined as sources of disruptions in speech between men and women. Fluent adult men ( n = 16) and women ( n = 16) spoke at a normal and an imposed fast rate of speech with 0, 25, 50, 100, and 200msec. DAF. The syllable rate significantly increased when participants were instructed to speak at a fast rate, and the syllable rate decreased with increasing DAF delays. Men's speech rate was significantly faster during the fast speech rate condition with a 200 msec. DAF. Disfluencies increased with increasing DAF delay. Significantly more disfluency occurred at delays of 25 and 50 msec. at the fast rate condition, while more disfluency occurred at 100 and 200msec. in normal rate conditions. Men and women did not display differences in the number of disfluencies. These findings demonstrate sex differences in susceptibility to perturbations in DAF and speech rate suggesting feedforward/feedback subsystems that monitor vocalizations may be different between sexes.
Automated Syntax Analyses of Drawing Two Tangent Patterns in Children with Low and Average Handwriting Ability
Authors: Tabatabaey-Mashadi Narges , Sudirman Rubita , Khalid Puspa Inayat , Lange-Küttner Chris
Published: June 2015

Sequential strategies of digitized tablet drawings by 6–7–yr.-old children ( N = 203) of average and below-average handwriting ability were analyzed. A Beery Visual Motor Integration (BVMI) and a Bender-Gestalt (BG) pattern, each composed of two tangential shapes, were predefined into area sectors for automatic analysis and adaptive mapping of the drawings. Girls more often began on the left side and used more strokes than boys. The below-average handwriting group showed more directional diversity and idiosyncratic strategies.
Evaluation of Bilateral Asymmetry between Upper Limb Masses in Right-Handed Young Adults of Both Sexes
Authors: Gutnik B. , Skurvydas A. , Zuoza A. , Zuoziene I. , Mickevičnienė D. , Alekrinskis A. , Nash D.
Published: June 2015

The study introduced a novel precise method for measurement and calculation of upper arm mass and to assess the difference between masses of upper limbs on the dominant and non-dominant sides of the body of right-handed participants. Forty healthy untrained male ( n = 20; M age = 20.8yr., SD = 1.2) and female ( n = 20; M age = 20.7 yr., SD = 1.3) participants without a history of upper-extremity pathology participated. Kinematic and kinetic data were collected during arm motion. The mass of each arm was calculated. Each participant performed 20 movements with each arm. Most often the dominant arm was more massive than the non-dominant in both sex groups; however, mass was more symmetric for female participants than for male participants. Regression equations related to total body mass were calculated for each arm independently.
Effect of Resistance Training of the Wrist Joint Muscles on Multi-Digit Coordination
Authors: Park Jaebum , Han Dong-Wook , Shim Jae Kun
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the effects of a specific regimen of resistance training on coordinated actions of human hand digits during grasping. Participants were instructed to hold a rectangular object with all five digits and to maintain the orientation of the object against transient perturbation. Indices of co-varied actions (i.e., synergies) among multi-digit grasping and rotational actions were quantified. The index of anticipatory changes of co-varied actions among digit forces (i.e., anticipatory synergy adjustment) was also quantified, which represents the controller's ability to predict an upcoming perturbation. The synergies of both grasping force and moment stabilization increased with the training. No change in the index of anticipatory synergy adjustment with training was observed. The current results suggest that the resistance training on the wrist could be an effective way to enhance both voluntary muscle force/torque production capability and ability to stabilize task performances during multi-digit prehensile tasks.
The Use of the Traditional Chinese Version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and the Smell Threshold Test for Healthy Young and Old Adults in Taiwan
Authors: Li Kuan-Yi , Fu Hsuan-Wei , Chen Rou-Shayn , Yau Tan-Ya , Wu Ching-Lung
Published: June 2015

This study investigated the use of the traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test and the Smell Threshold Test to assess olfactory function for healthy young and old adults in Taiwan. One hundred young adults (50 men; M = 24.34 yr., SD = 2.63; 50 women; M = 24.50 yr., SD = 2.96) and 49 old adults (20 men; M = 60.85 yr., SD = 4.21; 29 women; M = 59.93 yr., SD = 3.97) with normal olfaction completed the traditional Chinese versions of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test. Of these individuals, 40 young adults and 40 old adults also completed the Smell Threshold Test. The mean of the traditional Chinese versions of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test scores and Smell Threshold Test thresholds were significantly different between young and old adults. The threshold value for the Smell Threshold Test was lower in both young and old adults as compared to previously established American norms. Both tests require further modifications for clinical use in Taiwan.
Deep brain stimulation for the obsessive-compulsive and Tourette-like symptoms of Kleefstra syndrome
Authors: Segar David J. , Chodakiewitz Yosef G. , Torabi Radmehr , Cosgrove G. Rees
Published: June 2015

Deep brain stimulation (DBS) has been reported to have beneficial effects in severe, treatment-refractory cases of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and Tourette syndrome (TS). In this report, the authors present the first case in which DBS was used to treat the neuropsychiatric symptoms of Kleefstra syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by childhood hypotonia, intellectual disability, distinctive facial features, and myriad psychiatric and behavioral disturbances. A 24-year-old female patient with childhood hypotonia, developmental delay, and diagnoses of autism spectrum disorder, OCD, and TS refractory to medical management underwent the placement of bilateral ventral capsule/ventral striatum (VC/VS) DBS leads, with clinical improvement. Medical providers and family observed gradual and progressive improvement in the patient's compulsive behaviors, coprolalia, speech, and social interaction. Symptoms recurred when both DBS electrodes failed because of lead fracture and dislodgement, although the clinical benefits were restored by lead replacement. The symptomatic and functional improvements observed in this case of VC/VS DBS for Kleefstra syndrome suggest a novel indication for DBS worthy of further investigation.
Neurostimulation to improve level of consciousness in patients with epilepsy
Authors: Gummadavelli Abhijeet , Kundishora Adam J. , Willie Jon T. , Andrews John P. , Gerrard Jason L. , Spencer Dennis D. , Blumenfeld Hal
Published: June 2015

When drug-resistant epilepsy is poorly localized or surgical resection is contraindicated, current neurostimulation strategies such as deep brain stimulation and vagal nerve stimulation can palliate the frequency or severity of seizures. However, despite medical and neuromodulatory therapy, a significant proportion of patients continue to experience disabling seizures that impair awareness, causing disability and risking injury or sudden unexplained death. We propose a novel strategy in which neuromodulation is used not only to reduce seizures but also to ameliorate impaired consciousness when the patient is in the ictal and postictal states. Improving or preventing alterations in level of consciousness may have an effect on morbidity (e.g., accidents, drownings, falls), risk for death, and quality of life. Recent studies may have elucidated underlying networks and mechanisms of impaired consciousness and yield potential novel targets for neuromodulation. The feasibility, benefits, and pitfalls of potential deep brain stimulation targets are illustrated in human and animal studies involving minimally conscious/vegetative states, movement disorders, depth of anesthesia, sleep-wake regulation, and epilepsy. We review evidence that viable therapeutic targets for impaired consciousness associated with seizures may be provided by key nodes of the consciousness system in the brainstem reticular activating system, hypothalamus, basal ganglia, thalamus, and basal forebrain.
Deep brain stimulation of the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain
Authors: Russo Jennifer F. , Sheth Sameer A.
Published: June 2015

Chronic neuropathic pain is estimated to affect 3%-4.5% of the worldwide population. It is associated with significant loss of productive time, withdrawal from the workforce, development of mood disorders such as depression and anxiety, and disruption of family and social life. Current medical therapeutics often fail to adequately treat chronic neuropathic pain. Deep brain stimulation (DBS) targeting subcortical structures such as the periaqueductal gray, the ventral posterior lateral and medial thalamic nuclei, and the internal capsule has been investigated for the relief of refractory neuropathic pain over the past 3 decades. Recent work has identified the dorsal anterior cingulate cortex (dACC) as a new potential neuromodulation target given its central role in cognitive and affective processing. In this review, the authors briefly discuss the history of DBS for chronic neuropathic pain in the United States and present evidence supporting dACC DBS for this indication. They review existent literature on dACC DBS and summarize important findings from imaging and neurophysiological studies supporting a central role for the dACC in the processing of chronic neuropathic pain. The available neurophysiological and empirical clinical evidence suggests that dACC DBS is a viable therapeutic option for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain and warrants further investigation.
Development and in vitro evaluation of pulsatile drug delivery system of enalapril maleate
Authors: Tosha Sumaiya Mehjabin , Aziz Ashima , Chisty Sharmin Jahan , Asaduzzaman Md , Bhuiyan Mohiuddin Ahmed
Published: June 2015

Pulsatile drug delivery of enalapril maleate is one such system that, by delivering drug at the right time, right place and in right amounts, holds good promises of benefit to the patients suffering from hypertension. The basic design involves the preparation of cross linked hard gelatin capsules using formaldehyde. Then the drug diluent mixtures were prepared and loaded which was separated by using hydrogel plug of polymers of different grades such as HPMC 50 cps, HPMC 100 cps, HPMC K4M, HPMC K15M, HPMC K100M, xanthan gum, carbopol 971 and sodium CMC at different amount (100 and 120 mg). Prepared formulations were subjected to evaluation of various physical parameters and in vitro drug release studies. Dissolution tests were performed using the USP type I basket method at 50 rpm in 6.8 phosphate buffer. From the in vitro dissolution studies it was found that by increasing the amount of polymers, release rate was decreased. Here, 100 mg of HPMC K100M showed 80% drug release in 8 hours whereas 120 mg showed 78.87% drug release in 10 hours. Similar decrease in the release rates were found with the increase of other polymers used in this study. The release data was fitted to various mathematical models such as zero order, first order, Higuchi, Korsmeyer Peppas and Hixson Crowell cube root law. The drug release follows mixed order kinetics and mechanism was found to be non-Fickian diffusion.Bangladesh Pharmaceutical Journal 18(1): 66-71, 2015
Scientific Networks in the Études de la nature
Authors: Luck Jean
Published: June 2015

The Études de la nature appear, at first sight, to be a random, disordered text, with fourteen Études of disproportionate lengths, many digressions, and a plethora of stylistic devices, yet they proved to be a resounding success and transformed the fortunes of Jacques-Henri Bernardin de Saint-Pierre. In the Études Bernardin de Saint-Pierre drew on a network of authors when composing his major work; some of these are acknowledged, and others are not. This article will consider Bernardin's scientific sources, and in particular his use of a number of key figures – Newton, Buffon, Pluche and Rousseau, analysing the different approach he takes to each, the use he makes of their works, and the way his comments on, and appropriation of, their theories and texts, is part of his own positioning as an authoritative voice in late eighteenth-century natural history.
Dynamics and Fractal Dimension of Steffensen-Type Methods
Authors: Chicharro Francisco , Cordero Alicia , Torregrosa Juan
Published: June 2015

In this paper, the dynamical behavior of different optimal iterative schemes for solving nonlinear equations with increasing order, is studied. The tendency of the complexity of the Julia set is analyzed and referred to the fractal dimension. In fact, this fractal dimension can be shown to be a powerful tool to compare iterative schemes that estimate the solution of a nonlinear equation. Based on the box-counting algorithm, several iterative derivative-free methods of different convergence orders are compared.
The Relationship Between the Status of Unnecessary Accommodations Being Made to Unconfirmed Food Allergy Students and the Presence or Absence of a Doctor’s Diagnosis
Authors: Ganaha Yurika , Kobayashi Minoru , Asikin Yonathan , Gushiken Taichi , Shinjo Sumie
Published: June 2015

The present study investigated the current state of unnecessary children food allergy accommodation and the medical efforts to confirm the existence of food allergies in school lunch service kitchens in Okinawa, Japan, including kitchens accommodating food allergy students by requiring medical documentation at the start and during provisions being made (Double Diagnosis), requiring medical documentation at the start only (Single Diagnosis), and with no medical documentation (Non-Diagnosis). Unnecessary accommodations are being made to unconfirmed food allergy students, wherein the more medical consultation was required, the lower the food allergy incident rate was and the more food allergens were diagnosed (Non-Diagnosis > Single Diagnosis > Double Diagnosis). This study suggests the possibility that unconfirmed food allergy students may be receiving unnecessary food allergy accommodations per school lunches, and the number of unnecessary food allergy provisions being made could be reduced by requiring medical documentation at the start and during these provisions.
Detailed Urban Heat Island Projections for Cities Worldwide: Dynamical Downscaling CMIP5 Global Climate Models
Authors: Lauwaet Dirk , Hooyberghs Hans , Maiheu Bino , Lefebvre Wouter , Driesen Guy , Van Looy Stijn , De Ridder Koen
Published: June 2015

A new dynamical downscaling methodology to analyze the impact of global climate change on the local climate of cities worldwide is presented. The urban boundary layer climate model UrbClim is coupled to 11 global climate models contained in the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project 5 archive, conducting 20-year simulations for present (1986–2005) and future (2081–2100) climate conditions, considering the Representative Concentration Pathway 8.5 climate scenario. The evolution of the urban heat island of eight different cities, located on three continents, is quantified and assessed, with an unprecedented horizontal resolution of a few hundred meters. For all cities, urban and rural air temperatures are found to increase strongly, up to 7 °C. However, the urban heat island intensity in most cases increases only slightly, often even below the range of uncertainty. A potential explanation, focusing on the role of increased incoming longwave radiation, is put forth. Finally, an alternative method for generating urban climate projections is proposed, combining the ensemble temperature change statistics and the results of the present-day urban climate.
A Flywheel Energy Storage System Based on a Doubly Fed Induction Machine and Battery for Microgrid Control
Authors: Nguyen Thai-Thanh , Yoo Hyeong-Jun , Kim Hak-Man
Published: June 2015

Microgrids are eco-friendly power systems because they use renewable sources such as solar and wind power as the main power source. However, the stochastic nature of wind and solar power is a considerable challenge for the efficient operation of microgrids. Microgrid operations have to satisfy quality requirements in terms of the frequency and voltage. To overcome these problems, energy storage systems for short- and long-term storage are used with microgrids. Recently, the use of short-term energy storage systems such as flywheels has attracted significant interest as a potential solution to this problem. Conventional flywheel energy storage systems exhibit only one control mode during operation: either smoothing wind power control or frequency control. In this paper, we propose a new flywheel energy storage system based on a doubly fed induction machine and a battery for use with microgrids. The new flywheel energy storage system can be used not only to mitigate wind power fluctuations, but also to control the frequency as well as the voltage of the microgrid during islanded operation. The performance of the proposed flywheel energy storage system is investigated through various simulations using MATLAB/Simulink software. In addition, a conventional flywheel energy storage system based on a doubly fed induction machine is simulated and its performance compared with that of the proposed one.
Evaluation of CH4 Gas Permeation Rates through Silicone Membranes and Its Possible Use as CH4-Extractor in Gas Hydrate Deposits
Authors: Beeskow-Strauch Bettina , Schicks Judith , Zimmer Martin
Published: June 2015

This preliminary study discusses the option of using silicone (PDMS) tubes for the extraction and monitoring of CH4 gas from hydrate deposits during decomposition. For this, the gas flow of gaseous and dissolved CH4 through hand-manufactured silicone tube membranes has been tested on a small lab scale. The permeability of pure CH4 gas at ambient pressure and 295K is in good agreement with literature reports. The permeability rate of CH4 derived from dissolved methane is expectedly lower and decreases by more than half. Theoretical assumptions and lab results are not in straightforward correlation. This leads to the conclusion that experimental constraints influence the permeability. These are mainly an increase of the gas stream resistivity due to the membrane-filling and membrane-sediment contact points as well as the effect of degassing dissolved CH4 on the tube surface due to pressure gradients. Therefore, the use as a monitoring tool needs to be individually tested before the respective application. Due to the robust nature of the membranes, their application as a tool for capturing gaseous CH4 during hydrate decomposition is a feasible goal.
A Rule-Based Energy Management Strategy for a Plug-in Hybrid School Bus Based on a Controller Area Network Bus
Authors: Peng Jiankun , Fan Hao , He Hongwen , Pan Deng
Published: June 2015

This paper presents a rule-based energy management strategy for a plug-in hybrid school bus (PHSB). In order to verify the effectiveness and rationality of the proposed energy management strategy, the powertrain and control models were built with MATLAB/Simulink. The PHSB powertrain model includes an engine model, ISG (integrated started and generator) model, drive motor model, power battery packs model, driver model, and vehicle longitudinal dynamics model. To evaluate the controller area network (CAN) bus performance features such as the bus load, signal hysteresis, and to verify the reliability and real-time performance of the CAN bus multi-node control method, a co-simulation platform was built with CANoe and MATLAB/Simulink. The co-simulation results show that the control strategy can meet the requirements of the PHSB’s dynamic performance. Meanwhile, the charge-depleting mode (CD) and charge-sustaining mode (CS) can switch between each other and maintain a state-of-charge (SoC) of around 30%, indicating that the energy management strategy effectively extends the working period of the CD mode and improves the fuel economy further. The energy consumption per 100 km includes 13.7 L diesel and 10.5 kW·h electricity with an initial SoC of 75%. The CANoe simulation results show that the bus communication performs well without error frames.
Evaluating the Scenic Beauty of Individual Trees: A Case Study Using a Nonlinear Model for a Pinus Tabulaeformis Scenic Forest in Beijing, China
Authors: Mao Bin , Gong Lan , Xu Chengyang
Published: June 2015

The relationship between scenic beauty grade and measured tree indicators was studied through evaluation of 427 photos of individual Pinus tabulaeformis trees by using the scenic beauty estimation (SBE) method. Thirteen indices to reflect trunk, crown and stem-to-canopy ratios of individual trees were evaluated by invited students. Results showed that students preferred large diameters at breast height, full canopies and straight stems or some trees with minor crook stems. Tree height had a minor contribution to individual tree quality. Correlation analysis and factor analysis were employed to select indices and to integrate them into a comprehensive index. The stepwise method of nonlinear model incorporation of four comprehensive indices—tree crown form, stem-crown coordination, tree growth and stem for—were proven valuable in order to evaluate the scenic beauty of individual trees.
Soil Chemical and Microbial Properties in a Mixed Stand of Spruce and Birch in the Ore Mountains (Germany)—A Case Study
Authors: Schua Karoline , Wende Stefan , Wagner Sven , Feger Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2015

A major argument for incorporating deciduous tree species in coniferous forest stands is their role in the amelioration and stabilisation of biogeochemical cycles. Current forest management strategies in central Europe aim to increase the area of mixed stands. In order to formulate statements about the ecological effects of mixtures, studies at the stand level are necessary. In a mixed stand of Norway spruce (Picea abies (L.) Karst.) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) in the Ore Mountains (Saxony, Germany), the effects of these two tree species on chemical and microbial parameters in the topsoil were studied at one site in the form of a case study. Samples were taken from the O layer and A horizon in areas of the stand influenced by either birch, spruce or a mixture of birch and spruce. The microbial biomass, basal respiration, metabolic quotient, pH-value and the C and N contents and stocks were analysed in the horizons Of, Oh and A. Significantly higher contents of microbial N were observed in the Of and Oh horizons in the birch and in the spruce-birch strata than in the stratum containing only spruce. The same was found with respect to pH-values in the Of horizon and basal respiration in the Oh horizon. Compared to the spruce stratum, in the birch and spruce-birch strata, significantly lower values were found for the contents of organic C and total N in the A horizon. The findings of the case study indicated that single birch trees have significant effects on the chemical and microbial topsoil properties in spruce-dominated stands. Therefore, the admixture of birch in spruce stands may distinctly affect nutrient cycling and may also be relevant for soil carbon sequestration. Further studies of these functional aspects are recommended.
Synthesis of Co-Electrospun Lead Selenide Nanostructures within Anatase Titania Nanotubes for Advanced Photovoltaics
Authors: Wujcik Evan , Aceto Stephanie , Heskett David , Bose Arijit
Published: June 2015

Inorganic nano-scale heterostructures have many advantages over hybrid organic-inorganic dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSC or Grätzel cells), including their resistance to photo-bleaching, thermal stability, large specific surface areas, and general robustness. This study presents a first-of-its-kind low-cost all-inorganic lead selenide-anatase titania (PbSe/TiO2) nanotube heterostructure material for photovoltaic applications. Herein, PbSe nanostructures have been co-electrospun within a hollow TiO2 nanotube with high connectivity for highly efficient charge carrier flow and electron-hole pair separation. This material has been characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), electron diffraction, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) to show the morphology and material composition of the synthesized nanocomposite. Photovoltaic characterization has shown this newly synthesized proof-of-concept material can easily produce a photocurrent under solar illumination, and, with further refinement, could reveal a new direction in photovoltaic materials.