bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Von der Wagenremise zur prosperierenden Fabrik
Authors: Reschetilowski Wladimir
Published: October 2012

Ab Oktober ist in Radebeul die ehemalige Salicylsäurefabrik und spätere Chemische Fabrik Dr. F. von Heyden “Historische Stätte der Chemie”. Die GDCh würdigt damit das Wirken von bedeutenden Persönlichkeiten aus Wissenschaft und Wirtschaft: Friedrich von Heyden, Hermann Kolbe und Rudolf Schmitt hatten dort mit der Salicylsäureproduktion begonnen, später erfand Richard Seifert die Rezeptur für Odol. In den 1940er Jahren entwickelte Richard Müller in der Fabrik das Verfahren zur Silikonherstellung.
Comparing ROC curves derived from regression models
Authors: Seshan Venkatraman E. , Gönen Mithat , Begg Colin B.
Published: October 2012

In constructing predictive models, investigators frequently assess the incremental value of a predictive marker by comparing the ROC curve generated from the predictive model including the new marker with the ROC curve from the model excluding the new marker. Many commentators have noticed empirically that a test of the two ROC areas often produces a non‐significant result when a corresponding Wald test from the underlying regression model is significant. A recent article showed using simulations that the widely used ROC area test produces exceptionally conservative test size and extremely low power. In this article, we demonstrate that both the test statistic and its estimated variance are seriously biased when predictions from nested regression models are used as data inputs for the test, and we examine in detail the reasons for these problems. Although it is possible to create a test reference distribution by resampling that removes these biases, Wald or likelihood ratio tests remain the preferred approach for testing the incremental contribution of a new marker. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deriving age‐specific incidence from prevalence with an ordinary differential equation
Authors: Brinks Ralph , Landwehr Sandra , Icks Andrea , Koch Michael , Giani Guido
Published: October 2012

This article describes new relationships between the age‐specific incidence of, the prevalence of and mortality from a chronic disease. We express these relationships in terms of an ordinary differential equation and form the methodological basis for a novel approach to estimating incidences from age‐specific prevalence data. We examine practical aspects of the relationships and a comparison with a known stochastic method in a simulation study. Finally, we apply the novel method to a data set of renal replacement therapy recorded from patients with chronic kidney failure in a region of Germany with approximately 310,000 inhabitants from 2002 to 2010. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Deterministic deployment based on information coverage in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zheng Jianying , Huang Yan , Wang Yiming , Xiao Yang
Published: October 2012

In this study, a deterministic deployment problem in wireless sensor networks is examined. On the basis of information coverage, we study equilateral triangle and square deployment strategies, and we provide the maximum distance between sensors in order to reach the required detection probability for any point in the monitoring field. First, we provide a model of the signal attenuation. On the basis of the detected signal from the K sensors, the best linear and unbiased estimation is used to estimate the signal parameter with the corresponding error. For the equilateral triangle deployment, the maximum distance between sensors is computed and provided when the received signal data from two or three sensors is used. Similarly, we have computed and supplied the maximum distance between sensors in the square deployment. Simulations are performed to show the relationship between the number of sensors and the detection probability. The simulation results show that it is not a good choice to improve the detection probability with a larger number of sensors.Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
‘Operation Magpie’: Inspiring Teachers' Professional Learning Through Environmental Science
Authors: Zeegers Yvonne , Paige Kathryn , Lloyd David , Roetman Philip
Published: October 2012

Operation Magpie was a citizen science project that involved the community in collecting data about magpies. This article describes one aspect of the project from an education perspective. The study began with a collaboration of teacher educators, environmental scientists and a local radio station. After an initial workshop with 75 teachers, three teacher educators met regularly with 13 primary teachers who each volunteered to plan and teach a unit of work on birds. Meeting regularly in focus groups, the teachers shared their pedagogical strategies that supported students to connect with their local environment. Findings include the importance of focused professional learning for teachers through ongoing, needs-based support during the planning and teaching of the unit, and the innovative ways that teachers approached the unit. One unexpected finding was that teachers tended to identify student learning in terms of the English curriculum rather than the science curriculum.
Drivers and Blockers: Embedding Education for Sustainability (EfS) in Primary Teacher Education
Authors: Wilson Sue
Published: October 2012

The growing emphasis on sustainability in school curricula in Australia reflects international trends in education. Teacher education is a vital strategy for the incorporation of Education for Sustainability (EfS) in school curricula. Research to identify drivers and barriers to embedding EfS across a primary teacher education program in an Australian university is the focus of this article. Using a mixed methods approach, data were gathered through document and unit outline audits, a self-efficacy pre-service teacher (PST) survey, and staff and PST focus group interviews. The audits identified a foundation of EfS principles and content across units. Lecturers identified societal and personal drivers and blockers to embedding EfS across the course, with lack of time considered the biggest blocker, which is also consistent with existing school-based research on the nature of teachers' work. PST responses described successful learning outcomes; however, confidence towards teaching sustainability varied. PST reported that the incorporation of community networks in their course provided enriching experiences. Embedding EfS involves values, sustainability concerns and appropriate knowledge and skills. Successful implementation will depend on the development of appropriate understandings of teacher educators.
GROUP AGENCY AND EPISTEMIC DEPENDENCY
Authors: Dewitt Aaron
Published: October 2012

Modern epistemic questions have largely been focused around the individual and her ability to acquire knowledge autonomously. More recently epistemologists have begun to look more broadly in providing accounts of knowledge by considering its social context, where the individual depends on others for true beliefs. Hardwig explains the effect of this shift starkly, arguing that to reject epistemic dependency is to deny certain true beliefs widely held throughout society and, more specifically, it is to deny that science and scholarship can provide true belief. Alternatively, Hardwig argues that beliefs could be granted to communities or groups but denied to individuals. This paper approaches these broad assertions using a group agency model from List and Pettit. Through a discussion of the ‘epistemic desideratum’ of group agents, I conclude that List and Pettit give us reason to accept some of Hardwig's concerns, but that attributing beliefs to groups does not require us to deny them to individuals, rather an individual can use a group agent as a source of epistemic dependence.
Waterlogging tolerance in pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.): genotypic variability and identification of tolerant genotypes
Authors: SULTANA R. , VALES M. I. , SAXENA K. B. , RATHORE A. , RAO S. , RAO S. K. , MULA M. G. , KUMAR R. V.
Published: October 2012

Pigeonpea is an important legume crop of the semi-arid tropics. In India, pigeonpea is mostly grown in areas prone to waterlogging, resulting in major production losses. It is imperative to identify genotypes that show tolerance at critical crop growth stages to prevent these losses. A selection of 272 diverse pigeonpea accessions was evaluated for seed submergence tolerance for different durations (0, 120, 144, 168 and 192 h) under in vitro conditions in the laboratory. All genotypes exhibited high (0·79–0·98) survival rates for up to 120 h of submergence. After 192 h of submergence, the hybrids as a group exhibited significantly higher survival rates (0·79) than the germplasm (0·71), elite breeding lines (0·68) and commercial varieties (0·58). Ninety-six genotypes representing the phenotypic variation observed during laboratory screening were further evaluated for waterlogging tolerance at the early seedling stage using pots, and survival rates were recorded for 8 days after completion of the stress treatment. Forty-nine of these 96 genotypes, representing the phenotypic variation for waterlogging tolerance, were chosen in order to evaluate their performance under natural field conditions. The following cultivated varieties and hybrids were identified as tolerant after three levels of testing (in vitro, in pots and in the field): ICPH 2431, ICPH 2740, ICPH 2671, ICPH 4187, MAL 9, LRG 30, Maruti, ICPL 20128, ICPL 332, ICPL 20237, ICPL 20238, Asha and MAL 15. These materials can be used as sources of waterlogging tolerance in breeding programmes.
The Vulnerable red pandaAilurus fulgensin Bhutan: distribution, conservation status and management recommendations
Authors: Dorji Sangay , Rajaratnam Rajanathan , Vernes Karl
Published: October 2012

The red pandaAilurus fulgensis categorized as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List. Pressurized by an expanding human population, it is mainly threatened by habitat destruction, with < 10,000 mature individuals remaining. The red panda has been studied in India, China, Nepal and, to a lesser extent, Myanmar, but no research has been published on this species in Bhutan. Here, we report on the current distribution and conservation status of the red panda in Bhutan using information gathered from field surveys, interviews and unpublished reports. Red pandas are most common at 2,400–3,700 m altitude in firAbies densaforests with an undergrowth of bamboo. They occur in most national parks and associated biological corridors within Bhutan's protected area network, overlapping with a rural human population that is undergoing increased socio-economic development. Although culturally respected, red pandas face threats from road construction, harvesting of timber, bamboo and minor forest products, livestock grazing, inefficiently managed tourism, and domestic dogs. We believe conservation of red pandas in Bhutan requires (1) inclusion of ecologically sound principles into future development, (2) implementation of programmes that improve rural socio-economy through ecotourism and cultivation of appropriate cash crops, (3) development of education programmes that raise awareness of red pandas for rural people, (4) management of rural dog populations, (5) greater capacity building for wildlife managers, and (6) more ecological research.
Do terrestrial protected areas conserve freshwater fish diversity? Results from the Western Ghats of India
Authors: Abraham Robin Kurian , Kelkar Nachiket
Published: October 2012

Terrestrial protected areas are often designated in inaccessible high elevation regions, and usually targeted towards conservation of charismatic large mammals and birds. It has been suggested that such protected areas, with partial coverage of riverine habitats, may not be adequate for conservation of freshwater taxa such as fishes. Also, protected areas are often designated in upstream catchments of dam reservoirs, and conservation of freshwater biodiversity is usually not a priority. We investigated the importance of existing protected areas for conservation of stream fishes within and across three dammed and two undammed rivers in the southern Western Ghats, India (a global biodiversity hotspot). Comparisons of stream sites in protected and unprotected areas were restricted to mid elevations because of confounding factors of dams, elevation and stream order. For dammed rivers, endemic and total species richness was significantly higher inside protected areas than unprotected areas. Total fish species richness increased with decreasing elevation and endemic species richness peaked at mid elevations. Species found in comparable stream orders across dammed and undammed midland river reaches were similar. Intensity of threats such as sand mining, dynamite fishing, pollution and introduced invasive fishes was higher in unprotected than in protected areas. Lack of awareness among managers has also led to the occurrence of some threats within protected areas. However, existing protected areas are vital for conservation of endemic fishes. Our results support the need for extending the scope of terrestrial protected areas towards better representation of freshwater ecosystems and biodiversity.
The role of habitat creation in coral reef conservation: a case study from Aceh, Indonesia
Authors: Fadli Nur , Campbell Stuart J. , Ferguson Kathryn , Keyse Jude , Rudi Edi , Riedel Arthur , Baird Andrew H.
Published: October 2012

We describe the successful creation of new reef habitat on Pulau Weh, Indonesia. Coral cover on artificial reef modules increased from a mean of 24±SE 2.4% 1 year after the initial attachment of Acropora spp. coral fragments to 64±SE 4.8% after 3 years. The artificial reef modules were also rapidly colonized by coral recruits. Recruit densities were 53±SE 3.2 m−2 on modules that had been submerged for only 1 year, nearly twice as high as recruit densities on natural reef substratum (31±2.8 m−2). Consequently, the original Acropora assemblage had increased to include at least 23 coral taxa, including 10 additional Acropora species. The artificial reefs also supported at least 29 reef fish species, from 11 families. Unfortunately, this initial success in habitat creation was abruptly halted by a rapid rise in sea temperature in May 2010 that killed almost all corals on the artificial reefs and on nearby natural reefs. Notwithstanding the general view that reef rehabilitation is yet to deliver ecological and conservation benefits at meaningful scales, other benefits of this project included raising the awareness of reef conservation in the local community, promotion of tourism on Pulau Weh and job creation. We conclude, therefore, that habitat creation has a legitimate role as part of an integrated marine conservation strategy.
Novel approach for quantifying illegal bushmeat consumption reveals high consumption of protected species in Madagascar
Authors: Razafimanahaka Julie H. , Jenkins Richard K. B. , Andriafidison Daudet , Randrianandrianina Félicien , Rakotomboavonjy Victor , Keane Aidan , Jones Julia P. G.
Published: October 2012

Information on the extent of bushmeat hunting is needed to assess the likely impact on hunted species, to provide information on the opportunity cost to local people of conservation, and to judge the efficacy of interventions at reducing pressure. However, where hunting is illegal, or socially unacceptable, respondents may not answer honestly to direct questions about hunting or consumption of bushmeat. We adapted a specialized method for investigating sensitive behaviours (the randomized response technique, RRT) and questioned 1,851 people in Madagascar about their consumption of six species, using either RRT or direct questions. For most species at most sites RRT and direct questions returned similar estimates of the proportion of the population who had consumed bushmeat in the previous year. However, RRT resulted in significantly higher estimates of bushmeat consumption in communities surrounding a protected area, where conservation activities made such questions sensitive. RRT has been predominately used in Europe and the USA; we demonstrate that it can provide a valuable approach for studying rule-breaking among people with poor literacy in low income countries. Between 12 and 33% of people across our sites had eaten brown lemur (Eulemur spp.), and 12–29% had eaten sifaka (Propithecus spp.) in the previous year. These results add to the growing body of evidence that hunting of protected species in Madagascar is a serious problem requiring urgent action. Conservation interventions to tackle bushmeat hunting will make questions about hunting or consumption more sensitive, increasing the need for researchers to use appropriate approaches for asking sensitive questions.
Family history of alcohol dependence modulates functional neurophysiology in mood/anxiety disorders
Authors: Sjoerds Z. , van Tol M.-J. , van den Brink W. , van der Wee N. J. A. , Aleman A. , Beekman A. T. F. , Penninx B. W. J. H. , Veltman D. J.
Published: October 2012

Background

A family history (FH) of alcohol dependence (AD) not only increases the risk for AD, but is also associated with an increased risk for mood and anxiety disorders. However, it is unknown how a FH of AD affects neural substrates in patients with mood and anxiety disorders. In this study we examined the effects of an alcoholic FH on cognitive and emotional functions in these patients using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI).

Method

In a sample of non-alcoholic patients with depressive and/or anxiety disorders from the Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) neuroimaging study, patients with a first-degree FH of AD (FH + ; n = 31) were compared with patients without a FH (FH–; n = 77) on performance and brain activation during visuospatial planning and emotional word encoding. Results were compared with those of healthy controls (HCs) without a FH of AD (n = 31).

Results

FH+ patients performed slower during planning with increasing task load, coupled with stronger blood oxygen level-dependent responses in dorsal prefrontal areas compared with FH− patients and HCs. FH was not associated with performance differences during word encoding, but right insula activation during positive word encoding was present in FH+ patients, comparable with HCs, but absent in FH− patients.

Conclusions

This study demonstrates subtle impairments during planning in FH+ compared with FH− patients and HCs, whereas activation during mood-incongruent stimuli in FH+ patients was similar to HCs but not FH− patients, suggesting that the presence of a FH of AD is a useful marker for the neurophysiological profile in mood/anxiety disorders and possible predictor for treatment success.
Rock magnetism in loess from the middle Tian Shan: Implications for paleoenvironmental interpretations of magnetic properties of loess deposits in Central Asia
Authors: Zan Jinbo , Fang Xiaomin , Nie Junsheng , Teng Xiaohua , Yang Shengli
Published: October 2012

Considerable attention has recently been paid to the magnetic properties of loess deposits in Central Asia. However, paleoenvironmental interpretations of magnetic properties of loess deposits in South Tajikistan, the Ili Basin, and the Tarim Basin remain controversial. Current meteorological observations demonstrate that the mean annual precipitation in the Junggar Basin exceeds that in the Tarim Basin and falls below that in the Ili Basin and South Tajikistan. This study of rock magnetism in loess from the Junggar Basin improves our understanding of the complicated relationships between magnetic properties, climate, and source materials for loess deposits of Central Asia. This study involved multiparameter investigations of rock magnetism in a 71 m loess section in the Dongwan area, on the northern slope of the middle Tian Shan (in the Junggar Basin). Variations in concentration of coarse eolian ferrimagnetic minerals appear to provide the main control over the magnetic properties of loess in this area. The contribution of ultrafine pedogenically produced magnetic grains to the magnetic susceptibility (χ) is minimal. Furthermore, long‐term increasing trends in theχand the saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) were found in the Dongwan loess section. These trends may be linked with intensified aridification of Central Asia in the mid‐Pleistocene. This study suggests that reduced precipitation of westerly moisture from Tajikistan into the Tarim Basin might play a critical role in the paleoenvironmental interpretations of magnetic properties in the loess deposits of Central Asia.
Downstream hydraulic geometry of a tidally influenced river delta
Authors: Sassi M. G. , Hoitink A. J. F. , de Brye B. , Deleersnijder E.
Published: October 2012

Channel geometry in tidally influenced river deltas can show a mixed scaling behavior between that of river and tidal channel networks, as the channel forming discharge is both of river and tidal origin. We present a method of analysis to quantify the tidal signature on delta morphology, by extending the hydraulic geometry concept originally developed for river channel networks to distributary channels subject to tides. Based on results from bathymetric surveys, a systematic analysis is made of the distributary channels in the Mahakam Delta (East Kalimantan, Indonesia). Results from a finite element numerical model are used to analyze the spatial variation of river and tidal discharges throughout the delta. The channel geometry of the fluvial distributary network scales with bifurcation order, until about halfway the radial distance from the delta apex to the sea. In the seaward part of the delta, distributary channels resemble funnel shaped estuarine channels. The break in morphology, which splits the delta into river‐ and tide‐dominated parts, coincides with a break in the ratio between tidal to fluvial discharges. Downstream hydraulic geometry exponents of the cross‐sectional area show a transition from the landward part to the seaward part of the delta. The numerical simulations show that the tidal impact on river discharge division at bifurcations increases with the bifurcation order, and that the variation of river discharge throughout the network is largely affected by the tides. The tidal influence is reflected by the systematic variation of downstream hydraulic geometry exponents.
Evolution of higher order nonlinear equation for the dust ion-acoustic waves in nonextensive plasma
Authors: Yasmin S. , Asaduzzaman M. , Mamun A. A.
Published: October 2012

There are three different types of nonlinear equations, namely, Korteweg-de Vries (K-dV), modified K-dV (mK-dV), and mixed modified K-dV (mixed mK-dV) equations, for the nonlinear propagation of the dust ion-acoustic (DIA) waves. The effects of electron nonextensivity on DIA solitary waves propagating in a dusty plasma (containing negatively charged stationary dust, inertial ions, and nonextensive q distributed electrons) are examined by solving these nonlinear equations. The basic features of mixed mK-dV (higher order nonlinear equation) solitons are found to exist beyond the K-dV limit. The properties of mK-dV solitons are compared with those of mixed mK-dV solitons. It is found that both positive and negative solitons are obtained depending on the q (nonextensive parameter).
Efficient and accurate solver of the three-dimensional screened and unscreened Poisson's equation with generic boundary conditions
Authors: Cerioni Alessandro , Genovese Luigi , Mirone Alessandro , Sole Vicente Armando
Published: October 2012

We present an explicit solver of the three-dimensional screened and unscreened Poisson's equation, which combines accuracy, computational efficiency, and versatility. The solver, based on a mixed plane-wave/interpolating scaling function representation, can deal with any kind of periodicity (along one, two, or three spatial axes) as well as with fully isolated boundary conditions. It can seamlessly accommodate a finite screening length, non-orthorhombic lattices, and charged systems. This approach is particularly advantageous because convergence is attained by simply refining the real space grid, namely without any adjustable parameter. At the same time, the numerical method features \documentclass[12pt]{minimal}\begin{document}$\mathcal {O}(N\log N)$\end{document}O(NlogN) scaling of the computational cost (N being the number of grid points) very much like plane-wave methods. The methodology, validated on model systems, is tailored for leading-edge computer simulations of materials (including ab initio electronic structure computations), but it might as well be beneficial for other research domains.
Synthesis of diamond fine particles on levitated seed particles in a rf CH4/H2 plasma chamber equipped with a hot filament
Authors: Shimizu S. , Shimizu T. , Thomas H. M. , Matern G. , Stark R. W. , Balden M. , Lindig S. , Watanabe Y. , Jacob W. , Sato N. , Morfill G. E.
Published: October 2012

The first successful growth of diamond layers on levitated seed particles in CH4/H2 plasma is presented. The particles were grown in a rf CH4/H2 plasma chamber equipped with a tungsten hot filament. The seed diamond particles injected in a plasma are negatively charged and levitated under the balance of several forces, and diamond chemical vapor deposition takes place on them. The SEM images show that the crystalline structures are formed after the coagulation of islands. The micro-Raman spectroscopy of the particle grown after several hours shows the clear peak assigned to diamond.
Adsorption studies of C6H6 on Cu (111), Ag (111), and Au (111) within dispersion corrected density functional theory
Authors: Chwee T. S. , Sullivan M. B.
Published: October 2012

The adsorption energies and changes in surface work functions for benzene on unreconstructed Cu(111), Ag (111), and Au (111) at low coverages have been studied within the framework of dispersion corrected Kohn-Sham density functional theory. Corrections to account for long range dispersive effects between the adsorbate and metal substrate were incorporated via the exchange-hole dipole moment method of Becke and Johnson [J. Chem. Phys. 123, 154101 (2005)10.1063/1.2065267]. We show that the dispersion corrected calculations yield significantly improved adsorption energies and work function shifts that are in good agreement with experimental values.
Response to “Comment on ‘Broadening of metal-oxide-semiconductor admittance characteristics: Measurement, sources, and its effects on interface state density analyses’” [J. Appl. Phys. 112, 076101 (2012)]
Authors: Paterson G. W. , Long A. R.
Published: October 2012

In our opinion, there are a number of inconsistencies in the Comment by Basile and Mooney. These include the significance of the donor response in the formation of a dip in the low temperature C-V characteristics, the degree to which the donors respond to the ac signal at low temperature, and the explanation of the low temperature broadening as resulting from interface state response.
Insertion of nanoparticles into polymer brush under variable solvent conditions
Authors: Egorov S. A.
Published: October 2012

In this work, two-dimensional lattice-based self-consistent field theory is used to study the free energy cost associated with the insertion of a nanoparticle into a polymer brush. The nanoparticle is modeled as a cylinder and the self-consistent field equations are formulated on a cylindrical lattice. The use of two-dimensional formalism makes it possible to take into account the distortion of the brush density profile due to the embedded nanoinclusion. The insertion free energy penalty is analyzed as a function of the particle size, the brush grafting density, and the solvent quality. In agreement with the earlier simulation work, we find that the insertion free energy cost increases both with the particle size and the brush grafting density and decreases with deteriorating solvent quality. For nanoparticles located deep inside the brush, the insertion free energy is shown to scale with either squared (good solvent) or cubed (poor solvent) monomer volume fraction profile, in agreement with the earlier theoretical results. For shallow nanoinclusions located close to the brush surface, the insertion free energy is shown to scale linearly with the monomer volume fraction profile under both good and theta solvent conditions, again in agreement with the earlier work.
Microstructure and magnetostriction of melt-spun Fe73Ga27 ribbon
Authors: Basumatary Himalay , Palit Mithun , Arout Chelvane J. , Arvindha Babu D. , Sarkar R. , Pandian S.
Published: October 2012

Melt spun ribbon of Fe73Ga27 was prepared and characterized for microstructural features and magnetostriction. The phase equilibria observed from structural investigations have been correlated with Mossbauer studies. The magnetostriction of the melt spun ribbon has been found to be significantly large compared to the bulk sample. The large magnetostriction is attributed to the absence of ordered fcc (L12) phase in the melt spun ribbon, which is otherwise seen in slow cooled bulk Fe73Ga27 alloy.
A measurement system for an automatic survey of low frequency magnetic and electric fields
Authors: David V. , Nica I.
Published: October 2012

In this paper we propose and verify by experiment a measurement system capable to survey both magnetic (H) and electric (E) fields at the same point, considering that the existing low frequency (50 Hz–10 kHz) instruments permit the survey at two different points, one for H and the other for E. This measurement system has a sensor with a special configuration, with a sensitivity to electric field of 1.3 mV/(V/m), and a sensitivity to magnetic induction of 143 mV/μT. The instrument is suitable for long term survey of low frequency H and E fields by making spot measurements of the fields, both time domain and frequency domain representations of H and E. The correlation between the theoretical analysis of the instrument and the experimental results was very good. The proposed measurement system was used for an automatic survey of background magnetic and electric fields generated by power line in a room from an apartment building. These results are presented in this paper, highlighting the performances of the instrument.
Dynamic optimization of the tracking system for a pseudo-azimuthal photovoltaic platform
Authors: Alina Ioniţă Monica , Alexandru Cătălin
Published: October 2012

This paper presents the dynamic optimization of a pseudo-azimuthal tracking system for photovoltaic modules regarding the growth of energetic efficiency. The study targets on the one hand the optimization of the mechanical device of the tracking mechanism (developed with the mbs software solution adams), and on the other hand the optimization of the control system model (conceived with the dfc software easy5). The main aspect consists of using the same optimization techniques (optimal parametric design) for both major components of the mechatronic tracking system (the mechanical device and the control system). The optimization of the mechanical device is focused on the minimization of the motor force generated by the driving actuator (minimizing in this way the energy consumption for tracking), while the optimization of the control system leads to the maximization of the incident solar radiation gain by minimizing the tracking errors.
Equilibrium and stability in a heliotron with anisotropic hot particle slowing-down distribution
Authors: Cooper W. A. , Asahi Y. , Narushima Y. , Suzuki Y. , Watanabe K. Y. , Graves J. P. , Isaev M. Yu.
Published: October 2012

The equilibrium and linear fluid Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) stability in an inward-shifted large helical device heliotron configuration are investigated with the 3D ANIMEC and TERPSICHORE codes, respectively. A modified slowing-down distribution function is invoked to study anisotropic pressure conditions. An appropriate choice of coefficients and exponents allows the simulation of neutral beam injection in which the angle of injection is varied from parallel to perpendicular. The fluid stability analysis concentrates on the application of the Johnson-Kulsrud-Weimer energy principle. The growth rates are maximum at 〈β〉∼2%, decrease significantly at 〈β〉∼4.5%, do not vary significantly with variations of the injection angle and are similar to those predicted with a bi-Maxwellian hot particle distribution function model. Stability is predicted at 〈β〉∼2.5% with a sufficiently peaked energetic particle pressure profile. Electrostatic potential forms from the MHD instability necessary for guiding centre orbit following are calculated.
Large-scale density-based screening for pea weevil resistance in advanced backcross lines derived from cultivated field pea (Pisum sativum) and Pisum fulvum
Authors: Aryamanesh N. , Byrne O. , Hardie D. C. , Khan T. , Siddique K. H. M. , Yan G.
Published: October 2012

The pea weevil, Bruchus pisorum, is one of the most intractable pest problems of cultivated field pea (Pisum sativum) in the world. Pesticide application, either as a contact insecticide spray to the field pea crop or fumigation of the harvested seed, is the only available method for its control. The aim of the study was to develop a quick and reliable method to screen for pea weevil resistance and increase efficiency in breeding for this important trait. Backcrossed progenies derived from an interspecific cross between cultivated field pea and its wild relative (Pisum fulvum, source of resistance for pea weevil) were subjected to natural infestation in field plots. Mature seeds were hand-harvested, stored to allow development of adult beetles, and then separated into infested and non-infested using a density separation method in 30% caesium chloride (CsCl). Susceptibility and resistance of the progenies were calculated based on this method and further confirmed by a glasshouse bioassay. Resistance in backcross populations improved considerably through selection of resistant lines using the density separation method. We found that the method using CsCl separation is a useful tool in breeding for pea weevil resistance. We were able to introgress pea weevil resistance from P. fulvum into cultivated field pea through backcrossing to produce several advanced pea weevil resistant lines following this procedure.
Altered endometrial immune gene expression in beef heifers with retarded embryos
Authors: Beltman M. E. , Forde N. , Lonergan P. , Crowe M. A.
Published: October 2012

The aim of the present study was to compare endometrial gene expression profiles in a group of beef heifers yielding viable or retarded embryos on Day 7 after oestrus as a means of potentially explaining differences in embryo survival rates. Heifers were classified as either: (1) viable, when the embryo collected on Day 7 after oestrus was at the correct developmental stage (i.e. morula/early blastocyst); or (2) retarded, when the embryo was arrested at the 2–16-cell stage. The focus of the present study was on genes that were associated with either the pro- or anti-inflammatory immune response. Endometrial gene expression was determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis. Expression of the β-defensin (DEFB1), interferon (IFN)-α (IFNA), IFN-γ (IFNG), interleukin (IL)-6 (IL6), IL-10 (IL10), forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) and natural cytotoxicity triggering receptor 1 (NCR1) genes was lower in endometria from viable than retarded heifers. Expression of the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B cells 1 (NKFB1), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β (TGFB), IFN-γ-inducible protein 16 (IFI16) and IL-21 (IL21) genes was higher in viable than retarded heifers. We propose that small disturbances in the expression of immune genes in the endometrium on Day 7 after oestrus can have detrimental effects on embryo survival.
Lithocholic acid is an endogenous inhibitor of MDM4 and MDM2
Authors: Vogel Simon M. , Bauer Matthias R. , Joerger Andreas C. , Wilcken Rainer , Brandt Tobias , Veprintsev Dmitry B. , Rutherford Trevor J. , Fersht Alan R. , Boeckler Frank M.
Published: October 2012

The proteins MDM2 and MDM4 are key negative regulators of the tumor suppressor protein p53, which are frequently upregulated in cancer cells. They inhibit the transactivation activity of p53 by binding separately or in concert to its transactivation domain. MDM2 is also a ubiquitin ligase that leads to the degradation of p53. Accordingly, MDM2 and MDM4 are important targets for drugs to inhibit their binding to p53. We found from in silico screening and confirmed by experiment that lithocholic acid (LCA) binds to the p53 binding sites of both MDM2 and MDM4 with a fivefold preference for MDM4. LCA is an endogenous steroidal bile acid, variously reported to have both carcinogenic and apoptotic activities. The comparison of LCA effects on apoptosis in HCT116
p
53
+/+
vs.
p
53
-/-
cells shows a predominantly p53-mediated induction of caspase-3/7. The dissociation constants are in the μM region, but only modest inhibition of binding of MDM2 and MDM4 is required to negate their upregulation because they have to compete with transcriptional coactivator p300 for binding to p53. Binding was weakened by structural changes in LCA, and so it may be a natural ligand of MDM2 and MDM4, raising the possibility that MDM proteins may be sensors for specific steroids.
Experimental study of hard x-rays emitted from metre-scale positive discharges in air
Authors: Kochkin P O , Nguyen C V , van Deursen A P J , Ebert U
Published: October 2012

We investigate structure and evolution of long positive spark breakdown; and we study at which stage pulses of hard x-rays are emitted. Positive high-voltage pulses of standardized lightning impulse wave form of about 1 MV were applied to about 1 m of ambient air. The discharge evolution was imaged with a resolution of tens of nanoseconds with an intensified CCD camera. LaBr3(Ce+) scintillation detectors recorded the x-rays emitted during the process. The voltage and the currents on both electrodes were measured synchronously. All measurements indicate that first a large and dense corona of positive streamers emerges from the high-voltage electrode. When they approach the grounded electrode, negative counter-streamers emerge there, and the emission of hard x-rays coincides with the connection of the positive streamers with the negative counter-streamers. Leaders are seen to form only at later stages.
Relationship between average leucocyte telomere length and the presence or severity of idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy in black Africans
Authors: Raymond Andrew R. , Norton Gavin R. , Sareli Pinhas , Woodiwiss Angela J. , Brooksbank Richard L.
Published: October 2012

Aims

A reduced average leucocyte telomere length is associated with ischaemic heart failure. Whether this relationship represents a cause or consequence of heart failure or is attributed to associated risk factors and coronary artery disease is uncertain. We evaluated if average leucocyte telomere length is associated with idiopathic dilated cardiomyopathy (IDC) or its severity.

Methods and results

We compared average leucocyte telomere length in 223 patients with heart failure due to IDC and 227 healthy controls of black African ancestry. We also evaluated the relationship between average leucocyte telomere length and left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). LVEF was determined using echocardiography and radionuclide multiple‐gated acquisition (MUGA) scan in patients with IDC. Relative leucocyte telomere length (T/S) was measured using a quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction assay. Log T/S was negatively correlated with age in patients with IDC (P = 0.0007) and in controls (P = 0.030), and with alcohol consumption (P = 0.032) and regular smoking (P = 0.021) in patients with IDC. Log T/S did not differ between IDC and control groups either before (P = 0.11) or after (IDC = 0.071 ± 0.187, control = 0.071 ± 0.187, P = 0.99) adjustments for confounders. Log T/S was not associated with echocardiographic (P = 0.47) or MUGA (P = 0.99) LVEF or LV end‐diastolic diameter (LVEDD) (P = 0.34) in patients with IDC. With adjustments for age, sex, alcohol consumption, and smoking, log T/S was similarly not associated with echocardiographic (P = 0.60) or MUGA (P = 0.91) LVEF or LVEDD (P = 0.53) in patients with IDC.

Conclusions

Average relative leucocyte telomere length is not associated with IDC or its severity in groups of black African ancestry.
The Pathogenic White-Rot Fungus Heterobasidion parviporum Responds to Spruce Xylem Defense by Enhanced Production of Oxalic Acid
Authors: Nagy Nina Elisabeth , Kvaalen Harald , Fongen Monica , Fossdal Carl Gunnar , Clarke Nicholas , Solheim Halvor , Hietala Ari M.
Published: October 2012

Pathogen challenge of tree sapwood induces the formation of reaction zones with antimicrobial properties such as elevated pH and cation content. Many fungi lower substrate pH by secreting oxalic acid, its conjugate base oxalate being a reductant as well as a chelating agent for cations. To examine the role of oxalic acid in pathogenicity of white-rot fungi, we conducted spatial quantification of oxalate, transcript levels of related fungal genes, and element concentrations in heartwood of Norway spruce challenged naturally by Heterobasidion parviporum. In the pathogen-compromised reaction zone, upregulation of an oxaloacetase gene generating oxalic acid coincided with oxalate and cation accumulation and presence of calcium oxalate crystals. The colonized inner heartwood showed trace amounts of oxalate. Moreover, fungal exposure to the reaction zone under laboratory conditions induced oxaloacetase and oxalate accumulation, whereas heartwood induced a decarboxylase gene involved in degradation of oxalate. The excess level of cations in defense xylem inactivates pathogen-secreted oxalate through precipitation and, presumably, only after cation neutralization can oxalic acid participate in lignocellulose degradation. This necessitates enhanced production of oxalic acid by H. parviporum. This study is the first to determine the true influence of white-rot fungi on oxalate crystal formation in tree xylem.
Accumulation of nucleotide substitutions occurring during experimental transmission of foot-and-mouth disease virus
Authors: Juleff Nicholas , Valdazo-González Begoña , Wadsworth Jemma , Wright Caroline F. , Charleston Bryan , Paton David J. , King Donald P. , Knowles Nick J.
Published: October 2012

Analysis of full-genome sequences was previously used to trace the origin and transmission pathways of foot-and-mouth disease virus (FMDV) outbreaks in the UK in 2001 and 2007. Interpretation of these data was sometimes at variance with conventional epidemiological tracing, and was also used to predict the presence of undisclosed infected premises that were later discovered during serological surveillance. Here we report the genome changes associated with sequential passage of a highly BHK-21-cell-adapted (heparan sulphate-binding) strain of FMDV arising from two independent transmission chains in cattle. In vivo virus replication rapidly selected for a wild-type variant with an amino acid substitution at VP356. Full-genome sequence analysis clearly demonstrated sequence divergence during parallel passage. The genetic diversity generated over the course of infection and the rate at which these changes became fixed and were transmitted between cattle occurred at a rate sufficient to enable reliable tracing of transmission pathways at the level of the individual animal. However, tracing of transmission pathways was only clear when sequences from epithelial lesions were compared. Sequences derived from oesophageal–pharyngeal scrapings were problematic to interpret, with a varying number of ambiguities suggestive of a more diverse virus population. These findings will help to correctly interpret full-genome sequence analyses to resolve transmission pathways within future FMDV epidemics.
Social and political economy of care in Japan and South Korea
Authors: Peng Ito
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The two East Asian developmental states of Japan and South Korea share very similar familialistic male breadwinner welfare regimes. However, in the recent years, both countries have made significant social policy reforms that are gradually modulating their familialistic male breadwinner welfare regimes. Both countries have extended public support for the family and women by provisioning, regulating, and coordinating childcare, elder care, and work‐family reconciliation programs. At the same time, labour market deregulation reforms have also made employment more insecure, and created greater pressures on women to seek and maintain paid work outside the home. The purpose of this paper is to compare recent social policy reforms in Japan and Korea and discuss their implications for welfare state changes and gender equality. More specifically, it asks whether this signals the end of the old developmental state paradigm and a shift to a more gender equal policy regime.

Design/methodology/approach

To answer this question, the paper examines recent social policy reforms in conjunction with economic and labour market policy reforms that have also been introduced since 1990.

Findings

The analysis of social and economic policy reforms in Japan and South Korea shows a combination of both progressive and instrumentalist motivations behind social care expansions in these countries. Social care reforms in both countries were responses to the evident need for more welfare and gender equality determined by the structural and ideational changes that were taking place. But they were also a remodelling of the earlier developmental state policy framework. Indeed, social care expansions were not merely timely family friendly social policies that aimed to address new social risks; they were also important complements to the employment policy reforms that were being introduced at the same time. By investing in the family, the Japanese and Korean governments sought to mobilize women's human capital, encourage higher fertility, and facilitate job creation in social welfare and care services.

Originality/value

This paper shows how Japanese and South Korean developmental states might be changing and remodelling themselves in the recent decades, and how new social policies are evolving in close coordination with economic and labor market policy reforms.
The impact of banking development on the size of shadow economies
Authors: Bose Niloy , Capasso Salvatore , Andreas Wurm Martin
Published: October 2012

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the relationship between banking development and the size of shadow economies by employing data on 137 countries over the period from 1995 to 2007. Both cross‐sectional and panel analysis suggest that an improvement in the development of the banking sector is associated with a smaller shadow economy. In addition, the authors find that both the depth and the efficiency of the banking sector matter in reducing the size of shadow economies. These results are robust to a variety of specifications that address multi‐colinearity and endogeneity issues.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical cross‐section and panel analysis were undertaken.

Findings

The authors find that both the depth and the efficiency of the banking sector matter in reducing the size of shadow economies.

Originality/value

This paper is original. Existing literature has identified a number of factors (e.g. the burden of taxation or regulation, the quality of government, legal enforcement, corruption, etc.) that create such incentives. In this paper the authors highlight another factor – the level of banking development – as a determinant of the shadow economy.