bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis of Controllers for MIMO Systems with Time Response Specifications
Authors: Ben Hariz Maher , Chagra Wassila , Bouani Faouzi
Published: October 2014

This paper proposes the design of fixed low order controllers for Multi Input Multi Output (MIMO) decoupled systems. The simplified decoupling is used as a decoupling system technique due to its advantages compared to other decoupling methods. The main objective of the proposed controllers is to satisfy some desired closed loop step response performances such as the settling time and the overshoot. The controller design is formulated as an optimization problem which is non convex and it takes in account the desired closed loop performances. Therefore, classical methods used to solve the non convex optimization problem can generate a local solution and the resulting control law is not optimal. Thus, the thought is to use a global optimization method in order to obtain an optimal solution which will guarantee the desired time response specifications. In this work the Generalized Geometric Programming (GGP) is exploited as a global optimization method. The key idea of this method consists in transforming an optimization problem, initially, non convex to a convex one by some mathematical transformations. Simulation results and a comparison study between the presented approach and a Proportional Integral (PI) controller are given in order to shed light the efficiency of the proposed controllers.
MODELLING AND MAPPING OF SOIL EROSION ON THE OUED EL MALLEH CATCHMENT USING REMOTE SENSING AND GIS
Authors: El Aroussi Omar
Published: October 2014

In Morocco, the spectacular expansion of erosive processes shows increasingly alarming aspects. Due to the considerable costs of detailed ground surveys for studying this phenomenon, remote sensing is an appropriate alternative for analyzing and evaluating the risks of the expansion of soil degradation. According to an FAO study (2001), Erosion threatens 13 million ha of cropland and rangeland in northern Morocco and induces an estimated average water storage capacity loss of 50 million m3 each year through dam silting. The lost water volume could potentially be used to irrigate 5000 to 6000 ha / year.

This study analyses soil erosion on the Oued El Malleh catchment, a 34 km2 catchment located in the north of Fez (Morocco). This contribution aims at mapping the spatio-temporal evolution of land use and modelling the erosion and sedimentation processes using the well known RUSLE model. Land use changes were assessed using Landsat-5 TM and Landsat-7 ETM+ images, from the 1987-2011 periods which were validated by field studies. The images were first georeferenced and projected into the Moroccan coordinate system (Merchich North) then processed to evaluate soil loss through a GIS package (Idrisi Andes Software). These static assessments of soil loss were then used in a deposition/sedimentation algorithm to model soil loss propagation to the downstream. The soil loss averages determined by the model vary between 1.09 t/ha/yr as a minimum value for the reforested lands and 169.4 t/ha/yr as a maximum value for the uncultivated lands (badlands). The latter generally correspond to Regosols or low protected soils located on steep slopes. In comparison with RUSLE, the sedimentation model yields lower values of soil losses; only 97.3 t/h/year for the uncultivated lands, and -0.34 t/ha/year in the reforested land, indicating an on-going sedimentation process.

By taking into account the temporal variability of erosion and deposition jointly lower values of soil erosion are calculated by the RUSLE model. However, despite this decline, land degradation problems are still important due to the combination of land use and local lithology. The results of this study were used to indentify areas where interventions are needed to limit land degradation processes.
Correlation between International Normalized Ratio values and sufficiency of two different local hemostatic measures in anticoagulated patients
Authors: Amer Mohamed Zaghlool , Mourad Samah I. , Salem Ahmed S. , Abdelfadil Ehab
Published: October 2014

Objectives: The management of patients receiving oral anticoagulant therapy (OAT) undergoing minor oral surgeries is controversial. This study was designed to evaluate the correlation between International Normalized Ratio (INR) values and the sufficiency of two different local hemostatic measures in controlling postextraction bleeding in anticoagulated patients. Materials and Methods: One hundred and sixty patients receiving Warfarin OAT were included in this study. Patients were selected so that 80 patients have INR values of ≤2, whereas the remaining patients have the INR values ranging from 2 to 3. Forty patients were then randomly selected from each category to form two equal groups. Forty-five patients who had never been on OAT were selected as a negative control group (group 1). Failure to achieve hemostasis using a pressure pack was managed using either tranexamic acid (group 2) or Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) (group 3). Results: The INR values of patients included in group 2 and 3 ranged from 1.5 to 3, with a mean of 2.2. No significant difference was recorded between the use of either tranexamic acid or ABS in achieving hemostasis in anticoagulated patients with INR values ranging between 2 and 3 (P = 0.93). Conclusion: Based on our findings, ABS is a hemostatic agent of good efficacy. The effect of ABS in controlling post-extraction bleeding in anticoagulated patients with INR values ≤3 is comparable to tranexamic acid with no evidence to support the superiority of tranexamic acid over ABS.
Coalescence of inter: Osteotomy bone graft material inserted via separate transcrestal sinus osteotomies: A case report and concise review of the literature
Authors: McCrea Shane J. J.
Published: October 2014

When multiple implants are to be placed, and a pneumatized sinus exists, the published reports suggest that the lateral window approach (LWA) is favored for sinus floor augmentation. Simultaneously, if a transcrestal sinus floor augmentation has been carried out (bone-added osteotome sinus floor elevation), the reports are restricted to single implant placement at any site. The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical and radiographic outcomes at adjacent transcrestal sinus augmentation grafts using deproteinized bovine bone material, with the immediate placement of submerged adjacent implants, and so determining the fate of the graft material. The progressive loss of the inter-implant graft is reported for the LWA Technique. However, this novel coalescence method has shown a progressive increase in the inter-implant graft region, thus inferring a positive bony regeneration and remodelling at the region. These results indicate that the carrying out of a large scale study is warranted to confirm the efficacy of this technique.
AAC Black Diamond 2 dry bean
Authors: Balasubramanian P. M. , Mündel H.-H. , Conner R. L. , Chatterton S. , Hou A.
Published: October 2014

Balasubramanian, P. M., Mündel, H.-H., Conner, R. L., Chatterton, S. and Hou, A. 2015. AAC Black Diamond 2 dry bean. Can. J. Plant Sci. 95: 437–440. AAC Black Diamond 2 is a high-yielding black bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) cultivar with an upright, indeterminate bush growth habit, lodging resistance, shiny black seed coat and improved resistance to seed-borne common bacterial blight caused by Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. phaseoli. AAC Black Diamond 2 was developed at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Research Centre, Lethbridge, AB. AAC Black Diamond 2 is suitable for irrigated production in Alberta and Saskatchewan.
Meteor trail characteristics observed by high time resolution lidar
Authors: Liu Y. J. , Plane J. M. C. , Clemesha B. R. , Wang J. H. , Cheng X. W.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. We report and analyse the characteristics of 1382 meteor trails based on a sodium data set of ~ 680 h. The observations were made at Yanqing (115.97° E, 40.47° N), China by a ground-based Na fluorescence lidar. The temporal resolution of the raw profiles is 1.5 s and the altitude resolution is 96 m. We discover some characteristics of meteor trails different from those presented in previous reports. The occurrence heights of the trails follow a double-peak distribution with the peaks at ~ 83.5 km and at ~ 95.5 km, away from the peak height of the regular Na layer. 4.7% of the trails occur below 80 km, and 3.25% above 100 km. 75% of the trails are observed in only one 1.5 s profile, suggesting that the dwell time in the laser beam is not greater than 1.5 s. The peak density of the trails as a function of height is similar to that of the background sodium layer. The raw occurrence height distribution is corrected taking account of three factors which affect the relative lifetime of a trail as a function of height: the meteoroid velocity (which controls the ratio of Na/Na+ ablated); diffusional spreading of the trail; and chemical removal of Na. As a result, the bi-modal distribution is more pronounced. Modelling results show that the higher peak corresponds to a meteoroid population with speeds between 20 and 30 km s−1, whereas the lower peak should arise from much slower particles in a near-prograde orbit. It is inferred that most meteoroids in this data set have masses of ~ 1 mg, in order for ablation to produce sufficient Na atoms to be detected by lidar. Finally, the evolution of longer-duration meteor trails is investigated. Signals at each altitude channel consist of density enhancement bursts with the growth process usually faster than the decay process, and there exists a progressive phase shift among these altitude channels.
The influence of atmospheric circulation on the mid-Holocene climate of Europe: a data–model comparison
Authors: Mauri A. , Davis B. A. S. , Collins P. M. , Kaplan J. O.
Published: October 2014

Abstract. The atmospheric circulation is a key area of uncertainty in climate model simulations of future climate change, especially in mid-latitude regions such as Europe where atmospheric dynamics have a significant role in climate variability. It has been proposed that the mid-Holocene was characterized in Europe by a stronger westerly circulation in winter comparable with a more positive AO/NAO, and a weaker westerly circulation in summer caused by anti-cyclonic blocking near Scandinavia. Model simulations indicate at best only a weakly positive AO/NAO, whilst changes in summer atmospheric circulation have not been widely investigated. Here we use a new pollen-based reconstruction of European mid-Holocene climate to investigate the role of atmospheric circulation in explaining the spatial pattern of seasonal temperature and precipitation anomalies. We find that the footprint of the anomalies is entirely consistent with those from modern analogue atmospheric circulation patterns associated with a strong westerly circulation in winter (positive AO/NAO) and a weak westerly circulation in summer associated with anti-cyclonic blocking (positive SCAND). We find little agreement between the reconstructed anomalies and those from 14 GCMs that performed mid-Holocene experiments as part of the PMIP3/CMIP5 project, which show a much greater sensitivity to top-of-the-atmosphere changes in solar insolation. Our findings are consistent with data–model comparisons on contemporary timescales that indicate that models underestimate the role of atmospheric circulation in recent climate change, whilst also highlighting the importance of atmospheric dynamics in explaining interglacial warming.
Acorn production in Spanish holm oak woodlands
Authors: Gea-Izquierdo G. , Cañellas I. , Montero G.
Published: October 2014

We present a review on the state-of-the-art of fruit prodution in Western Iberia woodlands («dehesas»), and particularly in Q. ilex (holm oak) «dehesas». This threatened ecosystem is of very high ecological and economical importance. Quercus sp. fruits (acorns) are essential for wildlife, and for pig fattening in «dehesas». In the first part of this review we briefly describe the phenology of the holm oak and the factors affecting acorn morphology and chemical composition. In the second half we analyze the main known factors reported in the literature that determine acorn production: pruning, stand characteristics, and site (weather and soil). We make several suggestions to improve future research and detect the existing gaps in the undertanding of acorn production. Fruit production is highly variable, both between and within years and individuals. The mean production in «dehesas» (mean density circa 50 trees/ha) is around 250-600 kg/ha (≈100 g/canopy-m2, CV > 100%). Acorn morphology is also very variable, with mean sound acorn size around 3.5 × 1.6 cm, CV ≈ 10% (3.5 g/acorn, CV > 50%). Silviculture plays an essential role in acorn production. Acorn production per tree seems to be negatively related to density. The effect of pruning is less clear: production seems to be reduced in the first and second years after pruning. After the third year it is not possible to discern from the literature whether there is any response to pruning or not. Weather and soil (site) also impact production and their effects should be explored in future management. The influence of genetics is unknown and should also be addressed. Longer data series are necessary. The dasometric features of the stands need to be characterized, in order to better understand production and compare results from different locations. Much research is still required to understand the functioning of fruiting in these woodlands.
Modelling diameter distributions of Betula alba L. stands in northwest Spain with the two-parameter Weibull function
Authors: Gorgoso J. J. , Alvarez Gonzalez J. G. , Rojo A. , Grandas-Arias J. A.
Published: October 2014

The diameter distributions of 125 permanent plots installed in birch dominated (Betula alba L.) stands in Galicia were modelled with the two-parameter Weibull distribution. Four different fitting methods were used: that based on percentiles of the distribution, non linear regression, maximum likelihood and the method of moments. The most accurate fit was obtained with the non linear regression (NLR) approach, considering the following statistics in the comparison: bias, mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE) and number of plots rejected by the Kolmogoroff-Smirnoff (KS) test. The scale parameter (b) and the shape parameter (c) obtained with the most accurate method (non linear regression), were first modelled with simple linear models and then related to commonly measured prediction variables (quadratic mean diameter, dominant height and stand density) with the parameter prediction model (PPM). The parameters fitted with the method of moments were recovered with the parameter recovery model (PRM) from the first and the second moments of the distribution (mean diameter and variance, respectively). Results indicated that both methods were successful in predicting the diameter frequency distributions. The PRM was more accurate than the PPM method.
Integrating Design and Design of Experiment in Mechanical Engineering Courses and Laboratories
Authors: Abu-Mulaweh Hosni I.
Published: October 2014

Two important educational outcomes required of any engineering program, as per ABET 2000 Criteria 3, are the ability of engineering graduates to: 1) design a component, a system or a process to meet the desired needs within realistic constraints; and 2) design and conduct experiments, as well as analyze and interpret data. To achieve these requirements, engineering design and the design of experiments need to be integral parts of several mechanical engineering courses and laboratories throughout the curriculum. This paper presents examples of engineering design experience in the thermal science area, as well as the use of the design–build–test concept in developing experiments in a heat transfer laboratory.
The Oasis Spa: Rethinking our Support to People With Serious Mental Illness
Authors: Rubin Rita
Published: October 2014

A key component to be addressed when developing programs is quality of life. This article describes the rationale, design, and implementation of the Oasis Spa at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health in Toronto. This initiative was generated from an acknolwedgement and awareness of the full range of supports—biological, social, emotional, and spiritual—which all people need to live their lives fully. The ambiance and services created as a result of consumer feedback are typical of any spa found in the community that provides self-care, nurturing, comfort, and retreat. The Oasis provides a full range of holistic health strategies which empower clients to take an active role in their recovery. Society is becoming more aware of the mainstream trend towards integrative medicine; however, this service appears to be unique in mental health. Approaching the third millennium, it is imperative that society develops a less polarized approach to health care.
Challenges Faced by Service Providers in the Delivery of Assertive Community Treatment
Authors: Krupa Terry , Eastabrook Shirley , Beattie Peter , Carriere Richard , McIntyre Dianne , Woodman Ruth
Published: October 2014

This qualitative study examined the delivery of Assertive Community Treatment from the perspective of service providers of 4 ACT teams in southeastern Ontario. Overall, providers were positive about their involvement with ACT. Eight tensions experienced in the context of delivering services emerged: negotiating governance structures; providing 24-hour coverage; balancing the clinical-administrative responsibilities of team leaders; accessing hospital beds; meeting local population needs; integrating treatment and rehabilitation; changing services to meet changes in the population being served; and implementing ambiguous ACT standards. Framing these challenges in the context of ACT structures and the broader community mental health system, the study suggests possibilities for the ongoing development of the model to facilitate the realization of the ACT vision.
Employer Perspectives on Supervising Individuals with Mental Health Problems
Authors: Mizzoni Carrie , Kirsh Bonnie
Published: October 2014

The topic of mental illness and work has been examined in terms of consumer needs and issues; however, there is limited research from the employers' perspective. The purpose of this study is to examine the experiences of employers who have supervised individuals with mental illness. This qualitative, grounded theory study consists of semistructured interviews with 5 employers (4 female, 1 male). Results and conclusions shed light on the needs of employers so that they may better facilitate the return to work or the maintenance of work of individuals with mental illness.
Correlations between ion density and temperature in the topside ionosphere measured by ROCSAT‐1
Authors: Kakinami Yoshihiro , Watanabe Shigeto , Yamamoto Masa‐yuki , Chao Chi‐Kuang
Published: October 2014

From the ROCSAT‐1 satellite plasma data at an altitude of 600 km, the correlation between ion temperature (Ti) and density (Ni) was investigated. The data were obtained in a magnetic dip latitude (MLAT) of less than ±40° in 2000–2004. Positive and negative correlations between Ni and Ti were observed around the magnetic dip equator, while weak positive correlations were observed in |MLAT| > 25° during daytime (10:00–16:00 local time). These variations were found in all longitudes, seasons, solar flux (F10.7) levels, and magnetic disturbance levels, although the minimum value of Ti clearly increased with increasing solar flux levels. The results suggest that the solar flux dependence of Ti arises from the solar flux dependence on neutral temperature (Tn). Since Ti is determined by heating through Coulomb collision with electrons and cooling through elastic collision with neutral species, the ratio of ion density to neutral density is an important factor. The ratio reaches its maximum value around the magnetic dip equator and decreases with increasing MLAT. The correlation between Ni and Ti in the topside ionosphere can be explained by electron temperature (Te) and Tn as well as the ratio because Ti follows Te variation when the ratio is high, while it follows Tn when the ratio is low.
Environmental drivers of methane fluxes from an urban temperate wetland park
Authors: Morin T. H. , Bohrer G. , Frasson R. P. d. M. , Naor‐Azreli L. , Mesi S. , Stefanik K. C. , Schäfer K. V. R.
Published: October 2014

Methane (CH4) emissions were measured at the Wilma H. Schiermeier Olentangy River Wetland Research Park (ORWRP) over three summers and two winters using an eddy covariance system. We used an empirical model to determine the main environmental drivers of methane emissions. Methane emissions covary strongly with water vapor fluxes, CO2 fluxes, and soil temperature. We adjust our models to account for the heterogeneous environment of the wetland by including the flux footprint distribution among different microsites as a predictive variable in the methane model. We used a forward linear stepwise model in combination with an Akaike information criteria‐based model selection process and neural network modeling to determine which environmental variables are most effective in modeling methane emissions in our site. Different models and environmental variables best represented methane fluxes in the winter and summer and also during the day or night within each season. We parameterized an optimal empirical model for methane emissions from the ORWRP that is used for gap filling of site‐level methane fluxes over 2 years. Some of the most effective variables for modeling methane were carbon, water vapor, and heat fluxes, all of which typically have the same data gaps as the time series of methane flux. In order to determine if these variables were useful for modeling methane despite the additional gap‐filling error, we determined through an error propagation experiment that eddy covariance gap‐filling models for methane may be best developed by including other gap‐filled fluxes as predictors, despite the high level of shared gaps and subsequent gap‐fill error propagation.
Nanoconfined LiBH4 as a Fast Lithium Ion Conductor
Authors: Blanchard Didier , Nale Angeloclaudio , Sveinbjörnsson Dadi , Eggenhuisen Tamara M. , Verkuijlen Margriet H. W. , Suwarno  , Vegge Tejs , Kentgens Arno P. M. , de Jongh Petra E.
Published: October 2014

Designing new functional materials is crucial for the development of efficient energy storage and conversion devices such as all solid‐state batteries. LiBH4 is a promising solid electrolyte for Li‐ion batteries. It displays high lithium mobility, although only above 110 °C at which a transition to a high temperature hexagonal structure occurs. Herein, it is shown that confining LiBH4 in the pores of ordered mesoporous silica scaffolds leads to high Li+ conductivity (0.1 mS cm−1) at room temperature. This is a surprisingly high value, especially given that the nanocomposites comprise 42 vol% of SiO2. Solid state 7Li NMR confirmed that the high conductivity can be attributed to a very high Li+ mobility in the solid phase at room temperature. Confinement of LiBH4 in the pores leads also to a lower solid‐solid phase transition temperature than for bulk LiBH4. However, the high ionic mobility is associated with a fraction of the confined borohydride that shows no phase transition, and most likely located close to the interface with the SiO2 pore walls. These results point to a new strategy to design low‐temperature ion conducting solids for application in all solid‐state lithium ion batteries, which could enable safe use of Li‐metal anodes.
Influence of Poly(acrylic acid) on the Mechanical Properties of Composite Hydrogels
Authors: Faturechi Rahim , Karimi Alireza , Hashemi Ata , Yousefi Hossein , Navidbakhsh Mahdi
Published: October 2014

Gelatin (Gel) and poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) have so many applications in wound dressing, drug release, and tissue engineering on the basis of their easy availability, biocompatibility, and biodegradability. A composition of Gel/PAA hydrogel is widely used as a biological glue of soft tissues. However, the influence of PAA on the mechanical properties of this composite hydrogel so far has not been determined. In this study, gel hydrogels were prepared at various PAA content, i.e., 10, 20, and 30 wt%, using a thermal‐initiated redox polymerization method. Afterward, as=prepared cylindrical hydrogel samples were subjected to a series of compressive loading to measure their linear elastic (elastic modulus, maximum stress and strain) and nonlinear hyperelastic (hyperelastic coefficients) mechanical properties. The potential ability of the Yeoh material model to closely address the nonlinear mechanical behavior of the hydrogel was verified using finite element (FE) modeling of the compression test. The results showed that the addition of PAA (>10 wt%) invokes a significant decrease in the Young's modulus and maximum stress of the hydrogels whereas a significant increase in the maximum strain. The highest Young's modulus (25 MPa) and maximum stress (12 MPa) were observed in the hydrogels with PAA (10 wt%), whereas the highest maximum strain (43%) was detected in the Gel/PAA (30 wt%) samples. The experimental results were well compared to those anticipated by the Yeoh and FE models. The results suggested that an optimum addition of PAA not only could enhance the mechanical strength of the hydrogels but also provide a nonlinear behavior of composite hydrogels, which is suitable for soft tissue engineering.
Coronary microvascular dysfunction due to essential thrombocythemia and policythemia vera: The missing piece in the puzzle of their increased cardiovascular risk?
Authors: Vianello Fabrizio , Cella Giuseppe , Osto Elena , Ballin Andrea , Famoso Giulia , Tellatin Sara , Iliceto Sabino , Cucchini Umberto , Saggiorato Graziella , Omenetto Elisabetta , Tona Francesco
Published: October 2014

Myeloproliferative neoplasms are most commonly associated with venous thrombosis. Up to 60% of patients experience a thrombotic event in their lifetimes, including stroke or myocardial infarction. It is unclear whether pathogenetic factors linking essential thrombocythemia (ET) and polycythemia vera (PV) to thrombotic complications do play a role in the risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). We aimed to assess coronary flow reserve (CFR) as a marker of coronary microvascular function in asymptomatic patients with ET and PV. Fifty‐two patients with ET (M/F 13/39, age 61 ± 7 years) and 22 patients with PV (M/F 13/9, age 60.4 ± 13 years) without clinical evidence of heart disease, and 50 controls matched for age and gender were studied. None had CAD. All control subjects were asymptomatic with no history of heart disease. CFR in the left anterior descending coronary artery was detected by transthoracic Doppler echocardiography, at rest, and during adenosine infusion. In patients with ET and PV, CFR was lower than in controls (2.9 ± 0.94 and 2.2 ± 0.7 vs. 3.8 ± 0.7, P < 0.004 and P < 0.0001 respectively). The prevalence of CFR ≤ 2.5 was higher in patients with ET (20 cases, 38.5%) and PV (15 cases, 68.2%) compared with controls (4.1%) (P < 0.0001). Severe CFR (CFR < 2) impairment was found in eight patients with ET (15.4%), in nine patients with PV (40.9%), and in none of control subjects. The mutation of JAK2 gene was associated with abnormal CFR. Asymptomatic patients with ET and PV have coronary microvascular dysfunction in the absence of clinical conditions suggesting CAD. Am. J. Hematol. 90:109–113, 2015. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Antibacterial properties of hemp hurd powder against E. coli
Authors: Khan Belas Ahmed , Wang Jing , Warner Philip , Wang Hao
Published: October 2014

Hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is an eco‐friendly and multifunctional plant. Hemp hurd is a by‐product of hemp plant during hemp fiber separation. Although hemp hurd is repeatedly announced owing antibacterial activity, it has never been systematically investigated and reported. In this study, the antibacterial activity of hemp hurd powder against Escherichia coli is investigated. This article reveals antibacterial activity of hemp hurd where hemp hurd powder inhibits the growth of E. coli. Meanwhile, the self‐contamination (forming during retting process) inside hemp hurd has dramatic impact on the antibacterial performance. To achieve better antibacterial activity, hemp hurd was heat treated to eliminate self‐contaminations. The impact of the particle sizes and heat treatment on the antibacterial effectiveness was evaluated. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2015, 132, 41588.
THE OCTOPAMINE RECEPTOR octß2R IS ESSENTIAL FOR OVULATION AND FERTILIZATION IN THE FRUIT FLY Drosophila melanogaster
Authors: Li Yong , Fink Christine , El‐Kholy Samar , Roeder Thomas
Published: October 2014

The biogenic monoamine octopamine is essential for ovulation and fertilization in insects. Release of this hormone from neurons in the thoracoabdominal ganglion triggers ovulation and sperm release from the spermathecae. Here we show that the effects of octopamine on ovulation are mediated by at least two different octopamine receptors. In addition to the Oamb receptor that is present in the epithelium of the oviduct, the octß2R receptor is essential for ovulation and fertilization. Octß2R is widely expressed in the female reproductive tract. Most prominent is expression in the oviduct muscle and the spermathecae. Animals deficient in expression of the receptor show a severe egg‐laying defect. The corresponding females have a much larger ovary that is caused by egg retention in the ovary. Moreover, the very few laid eggs are not fertilized, indicating problems in the process of sperm delivery. We assume that octß2R acts in a similar way as ß2‐adrenoreceptors in smooth muscles, were activation of this receptor induces an increase in cAMP levels that lead to relaxation of the muscle. Taken together, our findings show that octopaminergic control of ovulation and fertilization is more complex than anticipated and that various receptors located in different cells act together to enable a well‐orchestrated activity of the female reproductive system in response to copulation.
Comparative studies on the interaction of cefixime with bovine serum albumin by fluorescence quenching spectroscopy and synchronous fluorescence spectroscopy
Authors: Zhang Lihui , Liu Baosheng , Li Zhiyun , Guo Ying
Published: October 2014

Under simulated physiological conditions, the reaction mechanism between cefixime and bovine serum albumin at different temperatures (293, 303 and 310 K) was investigated using a fluorescence quenching method and synchronous fluorescence method, respectively. The results indicated that the fluorescence intensity and synchronous fluorescence intensity of bovine serum albumin decreased regularly on the addition of cefixime. In addition, the quenching mechanism, binding constants, number of binding sites, type of interaction force and energy‐transfer parameters of cefixime with bovine serum albumin obtained from two methods using the same equation were consistent. The results indicated that the synchronous fluorescence spectrometry could be used to study the binding mechanism between drug and protein, and was a useful supplement to the conventional method. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Luminescence in Li2BaP2O7
Authors: Hatwar L. R. , Wankhede S. P. , Moharil S. V. , Muthal P. L. , Dhopte S. M.
Published: October 2014

The photo‐, thermo‐ and optically stimulated luminescence in Li2BaP2O7 activated with Eu2+/Cu+ are reported. Strong thermoluminescence, which is about two times greater than LiF‐TLD 100 was observed in the Eu2+‐activated sample. It also exhibited optically stimulated luminescence sensitivity of ~20% that of commercial Al2O3:C phosphor. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Enhancing Catalytic Efficiency of Hollow Palladium Nanoparticles by Photothermal Heating of Gold Nanoparticles Added to the Cavity: Palladium–Gold Nanorattles
Authors: Mahmoud Mahmoud A. , El‐Sayed Mostafa A.
Published: October 2014

Hollow nanocatalysts, such as palladium nanoshells, have high catalytic efficiency. Gold nanospheres, which generate photothermal heat when photoexcited, have been synthesized inside palladium nanoshells to form palladium–gold nanorattles (PdAuNRTs). The efficiency of the catalytic reduction of 4‐nitrophenol by borohydride can be enhanced upon optical excitation of the gold nanospheres when using the PdAuNRTs as a catalyst for the reaction. The efficiency of this catalytic process was shown to be sensitive to the relative size of the gold nanosphere and that of the hollow palladium nanocage.
Comparison of benazepril and other antihypertensive agents alone and in combination with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide
Authors: Dequattro Vincent
Published: October 2014

The safety and efficacy of benazepril, as monotherapy or as part of combination therapy with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, have been assessed in a number of studies, including comparative trials with the antihypertensive agents propranolol and nifedipine. These studies have included over 1300 patients with mild‐to‐moderate hypertension. Comparisons of the efficacy of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide alone and in combination have shown that benazepril 20 mg once daily is as effective as or more effective in lowering diastolic blood pressure than hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg once daily and that the combination of benazepril 20 mg and hydrochlorothiazide 25 mg has a possibly synergistic effect on diastolic blood pressure. The results of comparative trials of benazepril with propranolol and nifedipine suggest that benazepril, administered alone or with the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide, is as effective as the other antihypertensive agents alone or in combination with hydrochlorothiazide. An additional study demonstrated that the combination of benazepril and nifedipine further lowered diastolic blood pressure in patients not responding to monotherapy with these agents. The safety of monotherapy with benazepril was found to be similar to that of the other antihypertensive agents. Safety of the combination of benazepril and hydrochlorothiazide was shown to be better than that of the combination of propranolol and hydrochlorothiazide. An attenuation of adverse experiences observed during nifedipine monotherapy was obtained when benazepril was added to the nifedipine regimen.
A review of responsive MRI contrast agents: 2005–2014
Authors: Hingorani Dina V. , Bernstein Adam S. , Pagel Mark D.
Published: October 2014

This review focuses on MRI contrast agents that are responsive to a change in a physiological biomarker. The response mechanisms are dependent on six physicochemical characteristics, including the accessibility of water to the agent, tumbling time, proton exchange rate, electron spin state, MR frequency or superparamagnetism of the agent. These characteristics can be affected by changes in concentrations or activities of enzymes, proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites, or metal ions, or changes in redox state, pH, temperature, or light. A total of 117 examples are presented, including ones that employ nuclei other than 1H, which attests to the creativity of multidisciplinary research efforts to develop responsive MRI contrast agents. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Singular Value Decomposition of a Finite Hilbert Transform Defined on Several Intervals and the Interior Problem of Tomography: The Riemann‐Hilbert Problem Approach
Authors: Bertola Marco , Katsevich Alexander , Tovbis Alexander
Published: October 2014

We study the asymptotics of singular values and singular functions of a finite Hilbert transform (FHT), which is defined on several intervals. Transforms of this kind arise in the study of the interior problem of tomography. We suggest a novel approach based on the technique of the matrix Riemann‐Hilbert problem (RHP) and the steepest‐descent method of Deift‐Zhou. We obtain a family of matrix RHPs depending on the spectral parameter λ and show that the singular values of the FHT coincide with the values of λ for which the RHP is not solvable. Expressing the leading‐order solution as λ → 0 of the RHP in terms of the Riemann Theta functions, we prove that the asymptotics of the singular values can be obtained by studying the intersections of the locus of zeroes of a certain Theta function with a straight line. This line can be calculated explicitly, and it depends on the geometry of the intervals that define the FHT. The leading‐order asymptotics of the singular functions and singular values are explicitly expressed in terms of the Riemann Theta functions and of the period matrix of the corresponding normalized differentials, respectively. We also obtain the error estimates for our asymptotic results. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
A QoS‐aware green cooperative compressed sensing scheme in IEEE 802.22 WRAN
Authors: Shan Baokun , Li Xi , Ji Hong , Li Yi
Published: October 2014

Distributed antennas (DAs) are introduced into IEEE 802.22 wireless regional area network (WRAN) in order to improve consumer premise equipment (CPE) access in high density or large scale network scenario. However, guaranteeing the CPEs' QoS in DA‐WRAN in the process of spectrum sensing is largely ignored. In this paper, we introduce compressed sensing theory into DA‐WRAN and propose a QoS‐Aware Green Cooperative Compressed Sensing scheme, which aims to maximize energy efficiency of DA‐WRAN under its basic QoS constraints of packet drop probability, sensing delay and total throughput. In the proposed scheme, the expression for accuracy of compressed signal recovery under certain sparsity is fitted into exponential function, and the number of compressed samples number is taken into account during the energy efficiency optimization for the first time. To solve the formulated nonlinear multivariate optimal problem, a sub‐optimal algorithm based on particle swarm optimization is presented. At last, the performances of the proposed scheme are simulated and discussed. The simulation results show that the performance on energy efficiency of proposed scheme is better than contrasting algorithms without compromising CPEs' QoS. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Analytical performance of cervista HPV 16/18 in SurePath pap specimens
Authors: Guo Ming , Khanna Abha , Feng Jie , Patel Shobha , Zhang Wei , Gong Yun , Huo Lei , Staerkel Gregg
Published: October 2014

Background

To evaluate the performance of Cervista HPV 16/18 in SurePath specimens, we compared the analytical sensitivity of Cervista HPV 16/18 with that of a previously validated PCR‐based, commercially available HPV genotyping assay, EasyChip HPV Blot, in residual specimens collected after routine Pap tests at our cancer center.

Methods

We retrospectively selected 79 consecutive Cervista HPV HR (high risk)‐positive SurePath residual Pap specimens. The cytology results for these specimens comprised 42 negative, 22 ASC‐US/ASC‐H, 10 low‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions, and 5 high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesions. HPV 16/18 genotypes of the 79 specimens were analyzed by Cervista HPV 16/18 assay and EasyChip genotyping assay and compared with the patient's follow‐up results.

Results

Of the 79 cases, 33 (42%) were positive for HPV16/18 by Cervista HPV 16/18 and 37 (47%) were positive by EasyChip. The overall agreement between the 2 assays, at 85% (67/79), was good (kappa = 0.698, 95% CI: 0.541–0.855). In the 65 patients with follow‐up results, the sensitivity for predicting cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or higher (CIN2+) was 77% for Cervista HPV 16/18 assay and 69% for EasyChip. The predictive values for CIN2+ in cases stratified by Pap results were highly consistent between the Cervista HPV16/18 and EasyChip assays; there was one false negative HPV16 result, in a specimen identified as NILM by EasyChip.

Conclusion

Our findings support use of the Cervista HPV 16/18 assay for HPV16/18 genotyping in SurePath Pap specimens. However, further studies of larger cohorts with clinical follow‐up data are required to verify the efficacy of Cervista HPV16/18 assay in SurePath Pap specimens. Diagn. Cytopathol. 2015;43:301–306. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effects of social conditions during adolescence on courtship and aggressive behavior are not abolished by adult social experience
Authors: Ruploh Tim , Henning Miriam , Bischof Hans‐Joachim , von Engelhardt Nikolaus
Published: October 2014

Social experience during adolescence has long‐lasting consequences for adult social behavior in many species. In zebra finches, individuals reared in pairs during adolescence start to court females faster, sing more courtship motifs to females and are more aggressive compared with group‐reared males. We investigated whether such differences are stable during adulthood or can be abolished by novel social experience after adolescence by giving all birds extensive experience with group life during adulthood. Courtship and aggressiveness increased in all males, but pair‐reared males still had a higher motif rate and were more aggressive than group‐reared males. Males no longer differed in courtship latency. In addition to the stable treatment differences, individual differences in behavior remained stable over time. Our results show that differences in behavior acquired during adolescence are preserved into adulthood, although adults still change their social behavior. Adolescence can thus be seen as a sensitive period during which social conditions have a lasting effect on adult behavior. © 2014Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Dev Psychobiol 57: 73–82, 2015.
Metal Mixtures Modeling Evaluation project: 1. Background
Authors: Meyer Joseph S. , Farley Kevin J. , Garman Emily R.
Published: October 2014

Despite more than 5 decades of aquatic toxicity tests conducted with metal mixtures, there is still a need to understand how metals interact in mixtures and to predict their toxicity more accurately than what is currently done. The present study provides a background for understanding the terminology, regulatory framework, qualitative and quantitative concepts, experimental approaches, and visualization and data-analysis methods for chemical mixtures, with an emphasis on bioavailability and metal–metal interactions in mixtures of waterborne metals. In addition, a Monte Carlo–type randomization statistical approach to test for nonadditive toxicity is presented, and an example with a binary-metal toxicity data set demonstrates the challenge involved in inferring statistically significant nonadditive toxicity. This background sets the stage for the toxicity results, data analyses, and bioavailability models related to metal mixtures that are described in the remaining articles in this special section from the Metal Mixture Modeling Evaluation project and workshop. It is concluded that although qualitative terminology such as additive and nonadditive toxicity can be useful to convey general concepts, failure to expand beyond that limited perspective could impede progress in understanding and predicting metal mixture toxicity. Instead of focusing on whether a given metal mixture causes additive or nonadditive toxicity, effort should be directed to develop models that can accurately predict the toxicity of metal mixtures. Environ Toxicol Chem 2015;34:726–740. © 2014 SETAC
Experimental study of the burning behavior of n‐heptane pool fires at high altitude
Authors: Zhou Zhihui , Yao Wei , Hu Xiaokang , Yuen Richard , Wang Jian
Published: October 2014

The same configured calorimeters were built in Hefei (99.8 kPa) and Lhasa (66.5 kPa), respectively. Four sizes of round pans with diameters of 10, 15, 20, and 25 cm were adopted to study the effect of high altitude on the burning behavior of liquid pool fires. Analysis on the burning rate obtained in this study and in the literature at different altitudes indicates that pressure fire modeling performs better than radiation fire modeling in correlating the burning intensity (burning rate per unit area) with pressure and pool diameter for cases under low ambient pressure. The study also shows that heat release rate and combustion efficiency decrease at higher altitude. For medium pool fires, the burning intensity and heat release rate are proportional to D5/2, thus the combustion efficiency being independent on pool sizes but decreases at higher altitude by a factor approximate to the pressure ratio. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Contribution of groundwater to the outflow from ungauged glacierized catchments: a multi‐site study in the tropical Cordillera Blanca, Peru
Authors: Baraer Michel , McKenzie Jeffrey , Mark Bryan G. , Gordon Ryan , Bury Jeffrey , Condom Thomas , Gomez Jesus , Knox Sara , Fortner Sarah K.
Published: October 2014

The rapid retreat of the glaciers of the Cordillera Blanca is having a noticeable impact on the downstream hydrology. Although groundwater is a critical hydrologic component that sustains stream flows during the dry season, its characteristics and its contribution to downstream hydrology remain poorly understood. In this study, we analyse the hydrochemical and isotopic properties of potential hydrologic sources mixing in surface streams to characterize the proglacial hydrology in four glacially fed watersheds within the Cordillera Blanca, Peru. Water samples from streams, glacial melt and groundwater were collected in 2008 and 2009 and analysed for major ions and stable isotopes (δ18O and δ2H). Multivariate analysis of variance was used first to identify the hydrochemical and isotopic characteristics (tracers) of the water samples that depend primarily on the water source. Then several analyses, including hierarchical cluster analysis and mixing diagrams, were performed using these source‐dependent tracers, enabling a qualitative description of the key hydrological mechanisms that characterize the study watersheds. Finally, we applied a multi‐component spatial mixing model, the hydrochemical basin characterization method, to quantify the contributions of different water sources to the outflow from the four watersheds. The hydrochemical basin characterization method results show that groundwater is a major component of the discharge during the dry season and that the groundwater contribution to outflow is greater than 24% in all of the valleys. The results are used to develop a conceptual proglacial hydrological model of the Cordillera Blanca valleys. Talus and avalanche cones are identified as key components of the hydrology of the valleys. The talus deposits collect precipitation and runoff from higher elevations (approximately 400 m above the valley floor) and have a residence time that is long enough to actively release substantial volumes of water throughout the dry season. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.