bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Lagrangian chaos in confined two-dimensional oscillatory convection
Authors: Oteski L. , Duguet Y. , Pastur L. R. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe chaotic advection of passive tracers in a two-dimensional confined convection flow is addressed numerically near the onset of the oscillatory regime. We investigate here a differentially heated cavity with aspect ratio 2 and Prandtl number 0.71 for Rayleigh numbers around the first Hopf bifurcation. A scattering approach reveals different zones depending on whether the statistics of return times exhibit exponential or algebraic decay. Melnikov functions are computed and predict the appearance of the main mixing regions via the break-up of the homoclinic and heteroclinic orbits. The non-hyperbolic regions are characterised by a larger number of Kolmogorov–Arnold–Moser (KAM) tori. Based on the numerical extraction of many unstable periodic orbits (UPOs) and their stable/unstable manifolds, we suggest a coarse-graining procedure to estimate numerically the spatial fraction of chaos inside the cavity as a function of the Rayleigh number. Mixing is almost complete before the first transition to quasi-periodicity takes place. The algebraic mixing rate is estimated for tracers released from a localised source near the hot wall.
Coffee and beverages are the major contributors to polyphenol consumption from food and beverages in Japanese middle-aged women
Authors: Fukushima Yoichi , Tashiro Takeshi , Kumagai Akiko , Ohyanagi Hiroyuki , Horiuchi Takumi , Takizawa Kazuhiro , Sugihara Norie , Kishimoto Yoshimi , Taguchi Chie , Tani Mariko , Kondo Kazuo 
Published: October 2014

AbstractFood and beverages rich in polyphenols have been shown to reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases. The present study estimated polyphenol levels and consumption from food and beverages in Japanese women. Randomly recruited housewives living in the area around Tokyo (n 109; aged 21–56 years; Group 1) recorded all beverages and foods they ingested for 7 d, and the total polyphenol (TP) consumption was estimated based on the TP content of each item measured with a modified Folin–Ciocalteu method. For Group 1, TP was consumed at 841 (sd 403) mg/d (range 113–1759 mg/d), and beverages were a larger source of TP (79 %) than food (21 %). The largest single source of TP was coffee at 47 %, followed by green tea, black tea, chocolate, beer and soya sauce, at 16, 5·7, 3·3, 3·2 and 3·1 %, respectively. In terms of food groups, cereals/noodles, vegetables, fruits, beans and seeds, and seasonings (except for soya sauce) contributed 5·0, 4·0, 1·4, 1·8 and 2·4 %, respectively. Another group of housewives who consumed at least one cup of coffee per d were separately recruited (n 100; Group 2) in the same area. Their consumption of TP was higher at 1187 (sd 371) mg/d (range 440–2435 mg/d) than Group 1 (P < 0·001), and the difference mostly came from the coffee consumption. We conclude that not food but beverages, especially coffee, may be the major contributor to TP consumption in Japanese women.
Impact of cocoa polyphenol extracts on the immune system and microbiota in two strains of young rats
Authors: Massot-Cladera Malen , Abril-Gil Mar , Torres Sandra , Franch Àngels , Castell Margarida , Pérez-Cano Francisco J. 
Published: October 2014

A diet containing 10 % cocoa, a rich source of polyphenols and fibre, is able to modify intestinal immune status as well as microbiota composition. The present study was aimed at investigating whether cocoa flavonoid content is uniquely responsible for these modulatory effects of cocoa, and to establish whether these effects depend on the rat strain. To this end, 3-week-old Wistar and Brown Norway rats were fed, for 4 weeks, either a standard diet or the following three isoenergetic diets containing increasing proportions of cocoa flavonoids from different sources: one with 0·2 % polyphenols (from conventional defatted cocoa), and two others with 0·4 and 0·8 % polyphenols (from non-fermented cocoa, very rich in polyphenols). Serum Ig concentrations, faecal IgA levels, microbiota composition and IgA-coating bacterial proportion were evaluated at the beginning and at the end of the study. After the nutritional intervention, the composition of lymphocytes in Peyer's patches and mesenteric lymph nodes was evaluated. In some respects, the Wistar strain was more sensitive to the impact of the cocoa diets than the Brown Norway strain. After 4 weeks of dietary intervention, similar modulatory effects of the diets containing 0·2 and 0·8 % polyphenols on mucosal IgA levels and microbiota composition were found, although the 0·2 % diet, with a higher proportion of theobromine and fibre, had more impact, suggesting that polyphenols are not the only components involved in such effects.
Higher serum carotenoid concentrations associated with a lower prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults
Authors: Liu Jun , Shi Wen-qi , Cao Yi , He Li-ping , Guan Ke , Ling Wen-hua , Chen Yu-ming 
Published: October 2014

The association between serum carotenoids and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) remains uncertain, and little is known about this relationship in the Chinese population. The present study examined the association between serum carotenoid concentrations and the MetS in Chinese adults. We conducted a community-based cross-sectional study in which 2148 subjects (1547 women and 601 men) aged 50–75 years were recruited in urban Guangzhou, China. Dietary data and other covariates were collected during face-to-face interviews. Blood pressure, waist circumference, blood lipids, glucose and serum carotenoids (α-, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene and lutein/zeaxanthin) were examined. We found dose–response inverse relationships between individual serum carotenoid concentrations and total carotenoids and the prevalence of the MetS after adjusting for potential confounders (P for trend < 0·001). The OR of the MetS for the highest (v. lowest) quartile were 0·31 (95 % CI 0·20, 0·47) for α-carotene, 0·23 (95 % CI 0·15, 0·36) for β-carotene, 0·44 (95 % CI 0·29, 0·67) for β-cryptoxanthin, 0·39 (95 % CI 0·26, 0·58) for lycopene, 0·28 (95 % CI 0·18, 0·44) for lutein+zeaxanthin and 0·19 (95 % CI 0·12, 0·30) for total carotenoids. Higher concentrations of each individual carotenoid and total carotenoids were significantly associated with a decrease in the number of abnormal MetS components (P for trend < 0·001–0·023). Higher serum carotenoid levels were associated with a lower prevalence of the MetS and fewer abnormal MetS components in middle-aged and elderly Chinese adults.
A Sharp Height Estimate for Compact Hypersurfaces with Constant k-Mean Curvature in Warped Product Spaces
Authors: García-Martínez Sandra C. , Impera Debora , Rigoli Marco 
Published: October 2014

AbstractIn this paper we obtain a sharp height estimate concerning compact hypersurfaces immersed into warped product spaces with some constant higher-order mean curvature and whose boundary is contained in a slice. We apply these results to draw topological conclusions at the end of the paper.
Vertical Shift and Simultaneous Diophantine Approximation on Polynomial Curves
Authors: Adiceam Faustin 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe Hausdorff dimension of the set of simultaneously τ-well-approximable points lying on a curve defined by a polynomial P(X) + α, where P(X) ∈ ℤ[X] and α ∈ ℝ, is studied when τ is larger than the degree of P(X). This provides the first results related to the computation of the Hausdorff dimension of the set of well-approximable points lying on a curve that is not defined by a polynomial with integer coefficients. The proofs of the results also include the study of problems in Diophantine approximation in the case where the numerators and the denominators of the rational approximations are related by some congruential constraint.
Higher harmonic generation by self-focused q-Gaussian laser beam in preformed collisionless plasma channel
Authors: Singh Arvinder , Gupta Naveen 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThis paper presents an investigation of self-focusing of a q-Gaussian laser beam and its effect on harmonic generation in a preformed collisionless parabolic plasma channel. In the presence of a q-Gaussian laser beam, the carriers get redistributed from high field region to low field region on account of ponderomotive force as a result of which a transverse density gradient is produced in the channel which in turn generates plasma wave at pump frequency. Generated plasma wave interacts with the incident laser beam and generate higher harmonics of the incident laser beam. Moment theory has been used to derive differential equation for the spot size of laser beam propagating through the channel. The differential equation so obtained has been solved numerically. The effect of the intensity of laser beam, deviation of intensity distribution of laser beam along its wave front from Gaussian distribution, plasma density and depth of channel on beam width of laser beam and harmonic yield has been investigated. The effect of order of higher harmonic on harmonic yield has been also investigated.
Structural basis for functional diversity of animal toxins
Authors: Ménez André , Bontems François , Roumestand Christian , Gilquin Bernard , Toma Flavio 
Published: October 2014

Synopsis:The diversity of biological functions that are exerted by toxins from snake and scorpion venoms is associated with a limited number of structural frameworks. At present, one predominant basic fold has been observed among scorpion toxins whereas six folds have been found among snake toxins. Most toxin folds have the capacity to accept multiple insertions, deletions and mutations and to exert various recognition functions. We suggest that such folds may serve as guides to engineer new protein functions.
Modelling canine leishmaniasis spread to non-endemic areas of Europe
Authors: ESPEJO L. A. , COSTARD S. , ZAGMUTT F. J. 
Published: October 2014

SUMMARYExpansion of sandflies and increasing pet travel have raised concerns about canine leishmaniasis (CanL) spread to new areas of Europe. This study aimed to estimate the probability of CanL introduction and persistence following movements of infected dogs. Stochastic modelling was used to estimate the probabilities of (1) CanL infection during travels or imports of infected dogs (PinfandPinfCA, respectively), (2) CanL persistence in a dog network with sandflies after introduction of an infected dog (Pper), and (3) persistence in a CanL-free region (Pper region) forNdogs moving between endemic and free regions. Different mitigation measures (MMs) were assessed.Pinf[7·8%, 95% predictive interval (PI) 2·6–16·4] andPper(72·0%, 95% PI 67·8–76·0) were reduced by use of repellent, vaccine, prophylactic medication, and insecticide, in decreasing order of effectiveness. Testing and exclusion of positive dogs was most effective in reducingPper regionfor a smallN. The spread of CanL to CanL-free areas with sandflies is thus likely, but can be reduced by MMs.
Flow-dependent regulation of genome-wide mRNA and microRNA expression in endothelial cells in vivo
Authors: Kumar Sandeep , Kim Chan Woo , Son Dong Ju , Ni Chih Wen , Jo Hanjoong 
Published: October 2014

AbstractAtherosclerosis preferentially occurs in arterial regions exposed to disturbed blood flow (d-flow), in part, due to alterations in gene expression in the endothelium. While numerous in vitro studies have shown how anti-atherogenic flow and pro-atherogenic flow differently regulate gene expression of cultured endothelial cells, similar in vivo studies have been scarce. Recently, we developed a mouse model of atherosclerosis that rapidly develops robust atherosclerosis by partially ligating the left carotid artery (LCA) branches, while using the contralateral right carotid (RCA) as control. We also developed a novel method to collect endothelial-enriched RNAs from the carotids of these animals, which enabled us to perform genome-wide expression analyses of mRNAs and miRNAs in the arterial endothelium exposed to either d-flow or s-flow. These microarray results were used to identify novel mechanosensitive genes such as DNA methyltransferase-1 and miR-712 that play key roles in atherosclerosis. Here, we report these endothelial mRNA and miRNA expression profiles with in-depth information on experimental procedures along with an example of usage of these data.
Dramatic improvement in genome assembly achieved using doubled-haploid genomes
Authors: Zhang Hong , Tan Engkong , Suzuki Yutaka , Hirose Yusuke , Kinoshita Shigeharu , Okano Hideyuki , Kudoh Jun , Shimizu Atsushi , Saito Kazuyoshi , Watabe Shugo , Asakawa Shuichi 
Published: October 2014

AbstractImprovement in de novo assembly of large genomes is still to be desired. Here, we improved draft genome sequence quality by employing doubled-haploid individuals. We sequenced wildtype and doubled-haploid Takifugu rubripes genomes, under the same conditions, using the Illumina platform and assembled contigs with SOAPdenovo2. We observed 5.4-fold and 2.6-fold improvement in the sizes of the N50 contig and scaffold of doubled-haploid individuals, respectively, compared to the wildtype, indicating that the use of a doubled-haploid genome aids in accurate genome analysis.
Singlet oxygen luminescence kinetics in a heterogeneous environment — identification of the photosensitizer localization in small unilamellar vesicles
Authors: Hackbarth S. , Röder B. 
Published: October 2014

Abstract

In vivo measurement of singlet oxygen luminescence kinetics is affected by the heterogeneity of biological samples. Even though singlet oxygen luminescence detection is technically getting easier, the analysis of signals from biological samples is still far from quantitative real time surveillance as it is aspired by the community. In this paper small unilamellar vesicles (SUVs) are used for modelling the general behaviour of heterogeneous samples. The geometry of the SUVs can be determined independently using dynamic light scattering. Therefore an accurate theoretical description of the generation, deactivation and diffusion of the singlet oxygen is possible. The theoretical model developed here perfectly fits the experimental results. Thus the location of the singlet oxygen generating a photosensitizer molecule can be exactly determined from the kinetics of the singlet oxygen luminescence. The application of the used theoretical approach thus allows for accurate quantitative measurements in SUVs.
Analytical evaluation of harmonic distortion factor corresponding to generalised advanced bus‐clamping pulse width modulation
Authors: Das Soumitra , Binojkumar Arathil Chellappan , Narayanan Gopalaratnam 
Published: October 2014

A few advanced bus‐clamping pulse width modulation (ABCPWM) methods have been proposed recently for a three‐phase inverter. With these methods, each phase is clamped, switched at nominal frequency, and switched at twice the nominal frequency in different regions of the fundamental cycle. This study proposes a generalised ABCPWM scheme, encompassing the few ABCPWM schemes that have been proposed and many more ABCPWM schemes that have not been reported yet. Furthermore, analytical closed‐form expression is derived for the harmonic distortion factor corresponding to the generalised ABCPWM. This factor is independent of load parameters. The analytical expression derived here brings out the dependence of root‐mean‐square (RMS) current ripple on modulation index, and can be used to evaluate the RMS current ripple corresponding to any ABCPWM scheme. The analytical closed‐form expression is validated experimentally in terms of measured weighted total harmonic distortion (THD) in line voltage (VWTHD) and measured THD in line current (ITHD) on a 6 kW induction motor drive.
Further evidence that a new type of Japanese pickles reduce the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats
Authors: Oda Kohei , Nagai Takeshi , Ueno Yoshie , Mori Yoshiharu 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
A new type of pickles (nukazuke) that contain GABA and angiotensin converting enzyme-inhibitory peptides and that reduce blood pressure of rats was studied further. Seven kinds of nukazuke forcefully administrated orally for one day reduced temporarily the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. In addition, a fermented shougoin daikon administrated freely for 4 weeks did not increase the blood pressure of the rats, but suppressed it throughout the experiment. Taken together with previous data (Oda et al., Biosci. Biotechnol. Biochem., 2014) it was concluded that the nukazuke could reduce the blood pressure of spontaneously hypertensive rats. Thus, the newly developed functional pickles appear to be beneficial for pickles business.
5-aminolevulinic acid enhances cell death under thermal stress in certain cancer cell lines
Authors: Chibazakura Taku , Toriyabe Yui , Fujii Hiroshi , Takahashi Kiwamu , Kawakami Mariko , Kuwamura Haruna , Haga Hazuki , Ogura Shun-ichiro , Abe Fuminori , Nakajima Motowo , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Tanaka Tohru 
Published: October 2014

Abstract
5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) is contained in all organisms and a starting substrate for heme biosynthesis. Since administration of 5-ALA specifically leads cancer cells to accumulate protoporphyrin IX (PpIX), a potent photosensitizer, we tested if 5-ALA also serves as a thermosensitizer. 5-ALA enhanced heat-induced cell death of cancer cell lines such as HepG2, Caco-2, and Kato III, but not other cancer cell lines including U2-OS and normal cell lines including WI-38. Those 5-ALA-sensitive cancer cells, but neither U2-OS nor WI-38, accumulated intracellular PpIX and exhibited an increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation under thermal stress with 5-ALA treatment. In addition, blocking the PpIX-exporting transporter ABCG2 in U2-OS and WI-38 cells enhanced their cell death under thermal stress with 5-ALA. Finally, a ROS scavenger compromised the cell death enhancement by 5-ALA. These suggest that 5-ALA can sensitize certain cancer cells, but not normal cells, to thermal stress via accumulation of PpIX and increase of ROS generation.
The Governor has a sweet tooth – Mouth sensing of nutrients to enhance sports performance
Authors: Burke Louise M. , Maughan Ronald J. 
Published: October 2014

AbstractThe oral–pharyngeal cavity and the gastrointestinal tract are richly endowed with receptors that respond to taste, temperature and to a wide range of specific nutrient and non‐nutritive food components. Ingestion of carbohydrate‐containing drinks has been shown to enhance endurance exercise performance, and these responses have been attributed to post‐absorptive effects. It is increasingly recognised, though, that the response to ingested carbohydrate begins in the mouth via specific carbohydrate receptors and continues in the gut via the release of a range of hormones that influence substrate metabolism. Cold drinks can also enhance performance, especially in conditions of thermal stress, and part of the mechanism underlying this effect may be the response to cold fluids in the mouth. There is also some, albeit not entirely consistent, evidence for effects of caffeine, quinine, menthol and acetic acid on performance or other relevant effects. This review summarises current knowledge of responses to mouth sensing of temperature, carbohydrate and other food components, with the goal of assisting athletes to implement practical strategies that make best use of its effects. It also examines the evidence that oral intake of other nutrients or characteristics associated with food/fluid intake during exercise can enhance performance via communication between the mouth/gut and the brain.
The potential for crop insurance reform
Authors: D. Paulson Nicholas , Babcock Bruce , Coppess Jonathan 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– The purpose of this paper is to discuss the growth and rising costs association with the Federal Crop Insurance program in the USA, justifications for public support, and recent reforms that have been implemented or proposed to reduce program costs. It also analyzes a specific policy to reduce premium assistance spending.

Design/methodology/approach
– Data from the Risk Management Agency are used to illustrate historical trends in crop insurance program costs and to analyze the impacts of imposing a per acre cap on premium assistance.

Findings
– Imposing a per acre cap on premium assistance could achieve significant savings. A $20 per acre cap is estimated to reduce premium subsidy expenditures by more than 40 percent. However, the impact of such a policy would be most severe on crops currently receiving the largest subsidies per acre, which happen to be some of the largest program crops in the USA.

Originality/value
– This paper adds to the literature analyzing potential reform in crop insurance industry. The subsidy cap considered has been proposed and considered by policy makers, and this paper provides estimates for its potential savings.
A rationale for alliancing within a public-private partnership
Authors: Walker Derek , Jacobsson Mattias 
Published: October 2014

Purpose
– This case study was chosen for its rare, if not unique, project procurement strategy. It is, to the authors’ knowledge, the only example of a project alliance (PA) being undertaken within a public-private partnership (PPP) project delivery approach. The purpose of this paper is to explore the case study from a strategic perspective to better understand if it is possible to combine a PA within a less collaborative procurement form, such as PPP or design and construct (D&C), and to determine if there were any specific prerequisite conditions needed for such an arrangement to be successfully adopted.

Design/methodology/approach
– A single exploratory case study was undertaken through interviewing seven of the most senior project participant executives for approximately an hour that each had a separate and unique perspective to offer relating to the organisational role they represented in the PA. These interviewees were identified as the most knowledgeable key executives participating in the PA from whom both strategic and operational insights could be gained.

Findings
– It is possible to design a PA approach within a PPP for large and complex infrastructure projects and this can provide a competitive advantage to do so, however, the reasons for doing so should be clear and compelling. Parties to such an arrangement should be prepared to fully engage through adopting full PA principles. In such a case as this, the PPP special purpose vehicle takes on the role of “project owner” that normally the public body part of the PPP would normally adopt.

Research limitations/implications
– This research reports upon a single case study within a specific project delivery culture that has extensive experience of PAs. Demonstrated positive project outcomes would not be likely to be more generally repeatable across the engineering infrastructure sector unless parties engaged within such a PA had not already experienced and understood outcomes resulting from such a close collaboration.

Practical implications
– This research has implications for project participants bidding for PPP projects as well as others using a D&C tending approach. It offers a potential competitive advantage because it demonstrates and explains how choices may be expanded beyond a simple single project procurement strategy approach.

Social implications
– Many PPP and PA infrastructure projects are delivered to provide community benefit. This paper provides a way to improve the project delivery process and thus improving value to the community.

Originality/value
– The paper makes three contributions. Primarily, it pioneers analysis of a PA within a PPP. Second, it provides important insights into the reasons and emergence of this phenomenon. Finally, it provides an understanding of this how this novel form of early contractor involvement with a PPP special purpose ownership vehicle that combines competition and collaboration may function operationally.