bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Taxonomic Studies on the Ant Genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) with Report of Two New Species and Five New Records Including a Tramp Species from India
Authors: Bharti Himender , Akbar Shahid A 
Published: February 2014

The Indian species of the ant genus Strumigenys Smith, 1860 are keyed. 24 species are recognized two of which are described as new and five represent new records to India. The 24 Indian species are: S. aduncomala de Andrade, 2007; S. assamensis de Andrade, 1994; S. emmae (Emery, 1890); S. exilirhina Bolton, 2000; S. fixata Bolton, 2000; S. godeffroyi Mayr, 1866; S. habropilosa Bolton, 2000; S. hemisobek (Bolton, 2000); S. hostilis Bolton, 2000; S. hypoturba Bolton, 2000; S. lyroessa (Roger, 1859); S. membranifera Emery, 1869; S. mitis (Brown, 2000); S. mukkaliensis sp. n.; S. mutica (Brown, 1949); S. nannosobek (Bolton, 2000); S. nanzanensis Lin & Wu, 1996; S. nepalensis de Andrade, 1994; S. peraucta Bolton, 2000; S. podarge (Bolton, 2000); S. rogeri Emery, 1890; S. smythiesii Forel, 1902; S. thanikkudyensis sp. n. and S. virgila Bolton, 2000. 5 species S. hemisobek; S. mitis; S. mutica; S. nannosobek and S. rogeri represent first records from India. Among these S. rogeri is a tramp species which extends its limit to India as well. A revised key to the Indian ants of this genus is also provided herewith.
The Odorant-Binding Protein Gene obp11 Shows Different Spatiotemporal Roles in the Olfactory System of Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis cerana cerana
Authors: Zhao Hongxia , Luo Yuexiong , Lee Jianghong , Zhang Xuefeng , Liang Qin , Zeng Xinnian 
Published: February 2014

Odorant-binding proteins participate in the olfactory system of the honeybee. Apis mellifera ligustica and Apis cerana cerana are species of honeybee that have different biologic functions. The two species have diversified olfactory systems, with A. cerana displaying sensitive olfactory involvement in collecting nectar and pollen from small plants; and A. mellifera collecting from large nectariferous plants. We hypothesized that, given this difference in biologic activity, the gene obp11 of A. mellifera and A. cerana may show different olfactory expression patterns. We cloned and sequenced the obp11 genes from A. mellifera (Amobp11) and A. cerana (Acobp11). Using quantitative real-time PCR, we demonstrated that nurse workers, which have the highest olfactory sensitivity in the A. mellifera hive, have the highest expression of Amobp11; whereas 1-day-emerged workers, which have lowest olfactory sensitivity, have correspondingly low expression. However, the highest expression of Acobp11 is observed for foragers, which display the highest olfactory sensitivity in the A. cerana population. The OBP11 protein from the two species is highly conserved, with an apparent molecular weight and predicted extracellular localization that is similar to other OBP proteins. The expression of the obp11 gene in A. mellifera and A. cerana correlates with the different roles of the olfactory system for the two different species. These findings support the critical role of odorant-binding proteins in the Apis olfactory system
Laboratory Rearing and Niche Resources of Pseudacteon spp. Coquillett (Diptera: Phoridae) Parasitoids of Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Authors: Pesquero Marcos Antônio , Vaz Ana Paula de Almeida , De Arruda Filipe Viegas 
Published: February 2014

Solenopsis saevissima (Smith) is associated with a group of nine Pseudacteon Coquillett species in Brazil.Pseudacteon affinis Borgmeier, Pseudacteon dentiger Borgmeier and Pseudacteon disneyi Pesquero were created in a laboratory from parasitized workers of S. saevissima. The other phorid species grew only until the pupa phase due to low temperature and humidity when kept in a climatic chamber. Pseudacteon cultellatus Borgmeier was more efficient than the other species, taking 12 days to kill the host workers. Similar to the group of phorid species parasitizingSolenopsis invicta Buren, the daily period of activity and body size are important factors to be considered in the use of these natural enemies in future programs of biological control of S. saevissima.
Synchronization of Strictly Different Hyperchaotic Systems with Uncertain Parameters and Models
Authors: Solís-Perales G. , Obregón-Pulido G. , Ruiz-Velázquez G. 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
The synchronization of hyperchaotic systems with strictly different models measuring only output variables is presented. The synchronization of strictly different systems has been studied assuming the knowledge of the system parameters and/or the full knowledge of the systems to be synchronized. Here the synchronization of hyperchaotic systems is presented assuming that only the output system states are available for feedback. The controllers mainly counteract the effect of parametric uncertainties and differences between vector fields. The control actions are given by linearizing control laws and high gain state estimators, in such manner that both hyperchaotic systems are synchronous. Numerical simulation using the Rössler and Chen hyperchaotic systems is used to corroborate the results.
Efficient Time Series Clustering and Its Application to Social Network Mining
Authors: Zhou Cangqi , Zhao Qianchuan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractMining time series data is of great significance in various areas. To efficiently find representative patterns in these data, this article focuses on the definition of a valid dissimilarity measure and the acceleration of partitioning clustering, a common group of techniques used to discover typical shapes of time series. Dissimilarity measure is a crucial component in clustering. It is required, by some particular applications, to be invariant to specific transformations. The rationale for using the angle between two time series to define a dissimilarity is analyzed. Moreover, our proposed measure satisfies the triangle inequality with specific restrictions. This property can be employed to accelerate clustering. An integrated algorithm is proposed. The experiments show that angle-based dissimilarity captures the essence of time series patterns that are invariant to amplitude scaling. In addition, the accelerated algorithm outperforms the standard one as redundancies are pruned. Our approach has been applied to discover typical patterns of information diffusion in an online social network. Analyses revealed the formation mechanisms of different patterns.
Alkaline Cements of Waste Glass and Metakaolin, Strength as a Function of the Chemical Composition
Authors: Ortega-Zavala D. E. , Gorokhovsky Alexander , Escalante-García J. I. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTPastes of waste glass (WG) and metakaolin (MK) were prepared by chemical activation with sodium silicate solutions of modulus Ms = 0.5, 0.75, 1 and 1.25 adjusted with sodium hydroxide. An experimental design was carried out using the Taguchi method. The compressive strength (CS) was followed for up to 120 days and then 4 selected formulations of the higher CS were further characterized by X-ray diffraction and scanning electron microscopy. The results showed that the CS depends on the experimental conditions of %WG, %Na2O and Ms and showed a maximum of 70 MPa after 120 days for the paste with 100%WG (%wt.), 8% Na2O and Ms=1.25; while a Portland cement specimen cured at 20°C reached 43MPa. The WG is more reactive than the MK under less alkaline conditions. The features of the microstructures varied notably with the %WG; however all showed relative dense matrices of reaction products, in agreement with the CS attained.
Statistical Study of the Effect of the Composition on the Strength of Supersulphated Cements
Authors: Castillo-Sánchez Y.B. , Almanza-Robles J.M. , Escalante-García J.I. 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTSupersulphated cements (SSC) are environmentally friendly binders that incorporate several raw materials, including byproducts. A systematic study was considered opportune considering the wide range of formulations found in the literature. The effect of the type and proportioning of components in the strength of SC was investigated using the Taguchi method to optimize the experimental work and to define the optimal conditions. The factors were: [A] %blast furnace slag (82.5-90%), [B] CaSO4 - alkaline activator ratio (1:0, 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 0:1), [C] type of CaSO4 (5 types) and [D] type of alkaline activator (portland cement, Ca(OH)2, KOH and NaCO3 and 2 combinations of these). Pastes were prepared and characterized for up to 28 days at 20°C. In general, for all values of [A] the best strength was for levels of [C] at 3:1, followed by the 1:1 and 1:0 ratios. The optimal conditions using the 28 day strength consisted of [A]= 82.5%, [B]= 3:1, [C]= flyorgypsum and [D] = portland cement, which developed excellent strength from day one and 35MPa. X-ray diffraction showed ettringite and C-S-H formation from the early ages. The microstructures showed dense matrices of reaction products well bonded to partially reacted slag grains, which in some cases showed rims of hydration products.
Phonon Deformation Potential Constants of Wurtzite ZnO: A First-Principles Study
Authors: Shimada Kazuhiro , Hiramatsu Tomoyasu , Kato Hitoshi 
Published: February 2014

ABSTRACTWe performed first-principles calculations to obtain the phonon deformation potential (PDP) constants of wurtzite ZnO. The results are in good agreement with available experimental data except for a few PDP constants. We also found that the phonon frequencies of the A1 and B2 modes have relatively stronger nonlinear characteristics than the other modes.
Inspiratory Flows and Volumes in Subjects with Cystic Fibrosis Using a New Dry Powder Inhaler Device
Authors: Elkins Mark R. , Robinson Philip , Anderson Sandra D. , Perry Clare P. , Daviskas Evangelia , Charlton Brett 
Published: February 2014

Introduction:
Drug inhalation via a dry-powder inhaler (DPI) is a convenient, time efficient alternative to
nebulizers in the treatment of cystic fibrosis (CF). Efficient drug administration via DPIs depends on the device resistance
and adequate (≥ 45L/min) inspiratory flows and volumes generated by individuals. Dry-powder mannitol is delivered
using a RS01 breath-actuated device developed by Plastiape, for Pharmaxis. The study aim was to determine in vivo if CF
patients’ inspiratory flows and volumes are adequate to use the RS01 DPI device.

Materials and Methodology:
An open, non-interventional study; enrolled 25 CF subjects, aged ≥ 6 years with FEV1 ≥ 30
to < 90‰ predicted. Inspiratory flows and volumes were measured when subjects inhaled in a controlled manner through
the RS01 device in series with a spirometer.

Results:
The mean inspiratory volume (IV) of CF subjects was 1.83L ± 0.97. Their achieved mean ± SD peak inspiratory
flow (PIF) was 75.5 ± 27.2L/min. Twenty-three subjects (92%) achieved PIF of > 45L/min with the inhaler device;
eighteen of those subjects (78%) had a baseline FEV1 of > 1L.

Conclusion:
Use of the RS01 DPI device allowed adequate inspiratory flow and volume for dispersion of dry-powder
mannitol in CF patients.
TOF-SIMS surface analysis of L-Tryptophan self assembled monolayer
Authors: Petrovic Marian , Talian Ivan , Skantarova Lenka , Orinak Andrej , Velic Dusan 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
This paper dealt with the preparation and characterization of self — assembled monolayersSAM-s of 1-hexadecanethiole and mercapto acetic acid on the silver nanostructure and subsequently the immobilization with amino acid L-Tryptophane. In order to achieve it, we used the electrodeposition of silver onto nanostructured surface of paraffin impregnated graphite electrode (PIGE). Subsequently, we assembled SAM by choosing the 1-hexadecanethiole and mercaptoacetic acid. These two kinds of SAM underwent the functionalization by L-Tryptophan. The observations of silver on PIGE surfaces were performed by scanning electron microscope (SEM). For surface analysis of the SAM functionalized by L-tryphophan, the TOF-SIMS technique was chosen. Finally, the fragmented ions of the immobilized-L-Tryptophan SAM were determined on the basis of suggested residues and three-dimensional structure. The residues show that the ability of L-Tryptophan to build homogeneous structure is better by mercaptoacetic acid SAM structure than by 1-hexadecanethiol. It was observed that L-Tryptophan built compact surface, which, due its chemical properties, can represent very interesting side regarding biocompatibility, homochirality and robustness in the area of life science.
Regio- and stereoselectivity of polar [2+3] cycloaddition reactions between (Z)-C-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylnitrone and selected (E)-2-substituted nitroethenes
Authors: Jasiński Radomir , Ziółkowska Magda , Demchuk Oleh , Maziarka Agata 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
[2+3] Cycloaddition reactions of the highly reactive (Z)-C-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-N-methylnitrone with (E)-2-R-nitroethenes proceed under mild conditions and yield mixtures of stereoisomeric 2-methyl-3-(3,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)-4-nitro-5-R-isoxazolidines. The effect of regiospecificity of the cycloadditions may be accounted for by the theory of electrophilicity indexes. Stereoselectivity, however, is determined by a compilation of steric and secondary orbital effects.
Experimental and theoretical studies on the photodegradation of 2-ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate in the presence of reactive oxygen and chlorine species
Authors: Gackowska Alicja , Przybyłek Maciej , Studziński Waldemar , Gaca Jerzy 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
2-Ethylhexyl 4-methoxycinnamate (EHMC) is one of the most commonly used sunscreen ingredient. In this study we investigated photodegradation of EHMC in the presence of such common oxidizing and chlorinating systems as H2O2, H2O2/HCl, H2O2/UV, and H2O2/HCl/UV. Reaction products were detected by gas chromatography with a mass spectrometric detector (GC-MS). As a result of experimental studies chloro-substituted 4-methoxycinnamic acid (4-MCA), 4-methoxybenzaldehyde (4-MBA) and 4-methoxyphenol (4-MP) were identified. Experimental studies were enriched with DFT and MP2 calculations. We found that reactions of 4-MCA, 4-MBA and 4-MP with Cl2 and HOCl were in all cases thermodynamically favorable. However, reactivity indices provide a better explanation of the formation of particular chloroorganic compounds. Generally, those isomeric forms of mono- and dichlorinated compounds which exhibits the highest hardness were identified. Nucleophilicity of the chloroorganic compounds precursors were examined by means of the Fukui function.
Supramolecular complexes of podand ligands with xenon
Authors: Gierczyk Błażej , Pankiewicz Radosław 
Published: February 2014

Abstract
Formation of stable complexes between xenon and podand polyoxyethylene ligands was ascertained. The complexation process was studied by 129Xe NMR titration, NMR diffusiometry and heteronuclear NOE measurements. The ligands studied form a 1:1 complexes with Xe(0). Their stability constants depend on the ligand structure, i.e., polyoxyethylene chain length, number of complexating polyether units and the topology of the anchoring centre.
Improvement in γ-decalactone production by Yarrowia sp. after genome shuffling
Authors: Zhao Yu-Ping , Mu Xiao-Qing , Xu Yan 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this study, a modified genome shuffling method was used to improve γ-decalactone (GDL) production of Yarrowia sp. China General Microbiological Culture Collection Center (CGMCC 2.1405). Five UV mutant strains with higher GDL production or shorter fermentation time were selected as the initial strains for genome shuffling. Conditions of protoplast preparation, regeneration, inactivation, fusion, sporulation of recombinant fusants and ascospore isolation were optimized. Four hereditarily stable haploid recombinants with high GDL production were obtained by three rounds of genome shuffling. Among them, a high GDL-producing recombinant, G3-3.21, producing 3.75 g L−1 of GDL in the fermentation medium after 64 h was obtained. This value is 6.54-fold higher than that of the parent strains CGMCC 2.1405, at the peak production shortened by 8 h. Mathematical kinetic models of CGMCC 2.1405 and G3-3.21 were established to well predict the cell growth and GDL production. The cell growth of G3-3.21 was significantly faster than that of CGMCC 2.1405. The product synthesis constant associated with the strain growth of G3-3.21 was higher than that associated with CGMCC 2.1405. Long-chain fatty-acyl-CoA oxidase activities of G3-3.21 were 833 mU mg−1 and 6.83 times higher than that of CGMCC 2.1405.
Shaping traffic flow with a ratio of time constants
Authors: Bîrlea Nicolae 
Published: February 2014

AbstractIn this paper we present how the main parameters of an optimal velocity model, the velocity adaptation time, τ, and the desired time gap between consecutive vehicles (time headway), T, control the structure of vehicular traffic flow. We show that the ratio between the desired time gap and the velocity adaptation time, T /τ, establishes the pattern formation in congested traffic flow. This ratio controls both the collective behavior and the individual response of vehicles in traffic. We also introduced a response (transfer) function, which shows how perturbation is transmitted between adjacent vehicles and permits the study of collective stability of traffic flow.
Are cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials sensitive to changes in the vestibular system associated with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo?
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Sinha Sujeet Kumar , Govindaswamy Rajeshwari , Kumari Apeksha 
Published: February 2014

Objective:
This study aimed to correct the notion regarding the efficacy of cervical vestibular evoked myogenic potentials (cVEMP) in identifying benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV)-associated changes in the peripheral vestibular system.

Study design:
A static group comparison research design was used to compare the cVEMP results of a group of individuals with BPPV in the age range of 30–60 years against age- and gender-matched healthy individuals. The cVEMP were recorded with tone bursts of 500 Hz gated using a Blackman window. The 95dB nHL tone bursts were presented at the rate of 5.1 Hz. The response was band-pass filtered between 10 and 1500 Hz and amplified by a factor of 5000. The response window was set to 70 ms, which was inclusive of a 15-ms pre-stimulus recording.

Results:
Responses were analysed for individual peak latencies, peak-to-peak amplitudes, and asymmetry ratio and compared between the groups using mixed analysis of variance and an independent samples t-test. The results revealed no significant difference in the latencies of P13 and N23 (p > 0.05). There was also a lack of difference for peak-to-peak amplitude and asymmetry ratio between the two groups (p > 0.05).

Conclusion:
There was no difference in the latency or amplitude measures between healthy individuals and the individuals with BPPV, which undermines the utility of cVEMP in identifying changes associated with BPPV in the peripheral vestibular system.
Evaluation of PET quantification accuracy in vivo
Authors: Hofheinz F. , Schramm G. , Oehme L. , Beuthien-Baumann B. , Lukas M. , Buchert R. , Steinbach J. , Kotzerke J. , van den Hoff J. , Maus J. 
Published: February 2014

SummaryQuantitative positron emission tomography (PET) requires accurate scanner calibration, which is commonly performed using phantoms. It is not clear to what extent this procedure ensures quantitatively correct results in vivo, since certain conditions differ between phantom and patient scans. Aim: We, therefore, have evaluated the actual quantification accuracy in vivo of PET under clinical routine conditions. Patients, methods: We determined the activity concentration in the bladder in patients undergoing routine [18F]FDG whole body investigations with three different PET scanners (Siemens ECAT EXACT HR+ PET: n = 21; Siemens Biograph 16 PET/CT: n = 16; Philips Gemini-TF PET/CT: n = 19). Urine samples were collected immediately after scan. Activity concentration in the samples was determined in well counters cross-calibrated against the respective scanner. The PET (bladder) to well counter (urine sample) activity concentration ratio was determined. Results: Activity concentration in the bladder (PET) was systematically lower than in the urine samples (well The patient-averaged PET to well counter ratios for the investigated scanners are (mean ± SEM): 0.881 ± 0.015 (ECAT HR+), 0.898 ± 0.024 (Biograph 16), 0.932 ± 0.024 (Gemini-TF). These values correspond to underestimates by PET of 11.9%, 10.2%, and 6.8%, respectively. Conclusions: The investigated PET systems consistently underestimate activity concentration in the bladder. The comparison of urine samples with PET scans of the bladder is a straightforward means for in vivo evaluation of the expectable quantification accuracy. The method might be interesting for multi-center trials, for additional quality assurance in PET and for investigation of PET/MR systems for which clear proof of sufficient quantitative accuracy in vivo is still missing.
Haplotypes of FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb Polymorphic Variants Influence IgG-Mediated Responses in Neutrophils
Authors: van der Heijden Joris , Nagelkerke Sietse , Zhao Xiwen , Geissler Judy , Rispens Theo , van den Berg Timo K. , Kuijpers Taco W. 
Published: February 2014

AbstractHuman blood neutrophils normally express two FcγRs (FcγRIIa and FcγRIIIb) that, upon multivalent binding of IgG in immune complexes or on opsonized targets, mediate responses such as phagocytosis, Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity, and respiratory burst. Allelic variants have been described for both FcγRIIa (131H/R) and FcγRIIIb (NA1/NA2/SH), with different binding affinity for IgG subclasses. Because neither of these variants acts alone, we have set out to systematically analyze in a large cohort of healthy FCGR2/3-genotyped volunteers how the different haplotypes of neutrophil FcγRs functionally interact. Maximal IgG-induced H2O2 production by neutrophils from individuals with different (homozygous) haplotypes was observed in the following order: 131HH-NA2NA2 &gt; 131RR-NA1NA1 &gt; 131HH-NA1NA1 &gt; 131RR-NA2NA2. Although FcγRIIa 131H is known to bind IgG1 and IgG2 more avidly, no such differences in affinity are known for FcγRIIIb variants. Nonetheless, a remarkable impact of the FcγRIIIb variants on IgG-mediated neutrophil activity was thus demonstrated, which was not explained by differences in FcγR surface expression. The FcγR expression profile was changed by overnight G-CSF/IFN-γ activation of the neutrophils and eliminated any haplotypic impact on the respiratory burst. To our knowledge, our results are the first to provide an integrated functional analysis of neutrophil FcγR haplotypes and suggest that particularly the early phase of IgG-mediated neutrophil reactivity is influenced by FCGR2/3 genotypic variation.