bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Insect food for astronauts: gas exchange in silkworms fed on mulberry and lettuce and the nutritional value of these insects for human consumption during deep space flights
Authors: Tong L. , Yu X. , Liu H. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this study, silkworm moth (Bombyx moriL.) larvae were regarded as an animal protein source for astronauts in the bioregenerative life support system during long-term deep space exploration in the future. They were fed with mulberry and stem lettuce leaves during the first three instars and the last two instars, respectively. In addition, this kind of environmental approach, which utilised inedible biomass of plants to produce animal protein of high quality, can likewise be applied terrestrially to provide food for people living in extreme environments and/or impoverished agro-ecosystems, such as in polar regions, isolated military bases, ships, submarines, etc.Respiration characteristics of the larvae during development under two main physiological conditions, namely eating and not-eating of leaves, were studied. Nutrient compositions of silkworm powder (SP), ground and freeze-dried silkworms on the 3rd day of the 5th instar larvae, including protein, fat, vitamins, minerals and fatty acids, were measured using international standard methods.Silkworms’ respiration rates, measured when larvae were eating mulberry leaves, were higher than those of similar larvae that hadn't eaten such leaves. There was a significant difference between silkworms fed on mulberry leaves and those fed on stem lettuce in the 4th and 5th instars (P<0.01). Amounts of CO2exhaled by the silkworms under the two physiological regimes differed from each other (P<0.01). There was also a significant difference between the amount of O2inhaled when the insects were under the two physiological statuses (P<0.01). Moreover, silkworms’ respiration quotient under the eating regime was larger than when under the not-eating regime. The SP was found to be rich in protein and amino acids in total; 12 essential vitamins, nine minerals and twelve fatty acids were detected. Moreover, 359 kcal could be generated per 100 gram of SP (dry weight).
Assessing the effectiveness of Madagascar’s changing protected areas system: a case study of threatened Boraginales
Authors: Miller James S. , Porter Morgan Holly A. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThreat analyses of the Boraginales were conducted and used to assess the effectiveness of Madagascar’s current and proposed protected area systems in conserving the threatened species of a group of plants widespread in Madagascar. Specimen locality data for 52 species of four families of Boraginales were analysed to provisionally assign species to IUCN Red List categories. Six species were excluded from these global analyses as they are non-native and introduced. IUCN’s criterion B, analysis of geographical range, was found to be the most reliable means of estimating threat, and predicted future decline was found to overestimate threat. Twenty-six of the 46 native species of Boraginales were found to be threatened. Sixty-five percent of these have portions of their ranges in the 2002 protected areas system. When the protected areas system was expanded in 2006 the percentage of species with some protected populations increased to 78%. More than 93% would be protected if a series of proposed priority areas for plant conservation were protected. The implications of these analyses for the conservation of plant species in Madagascar are discussed.
Population densities of understorey birds across a habitat gradient in Palawan, Philippines: implications for conservation
Authors: Mallari N.A.D. , Collar N.J. , Lee D.C. , McGowan P.J.K. , Wilkinson R. , Marsden S.J. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThere is widespread concern for many understorey and ground-dwelling bird species in the Philippines that appear intolerant of forest alteration. We present density estimates for 18 key bird species in old growth forest, advanced and early secondary growth and active cultivation within the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan. Six species were not recorded in cultivation and the abundance of these and several others increased along the successional gradient from cultivation to old growth forest. Eleven species, including five endemics and three of four threatened species, had highest density estimates in old growth forest. However, several species had high density estimates in the heavily disturbed habitats and every habitat type held highest densities of at least one of the bird species. The commonest habitat association across the bird community was a preference for areas containing large trees, indicating the importance of retention of such trees in allowing suitable ground and understorey microhabitats to persist. Old growth forests have the highest conservation value for Palawan’s endemic birds and, while some species thrive in the anthropogenic habitats that occur within the Park, the present extent of cultivation and associated successional stages within its boundaries should not be increased. We caution against extrapolation of the abundance figures from the Park to the whole island but we suggest that population sizes for the threatened species are likely to be much greater than previously thought. We urge authorities to strengthen management within the protected area network in Palawan to ensure survival of key species.
Regulation of fusion of the nucleolar precursor bodies following activation of mouse oocytes: roles of the maturation-promoting factors and mitogen-activated protein kinases
Authors: Li Jing-Jing , Lian Hua-Yu , Zhang Si-Yu , Cui Wei , Sui Hong-Shu , Han Dong , Liu Na , Tan Jing-He 
Published: May 2011

SummaryFusion of nucleoli or nucleolus precursor bodies (NPBs) has been observed during somatic cell interphase and pronuclear development of human zygotes; however, the underlying mechanism is unknown. NPB fusion and its regulation by mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and maturation-promoting factor (MPF) were studied in activated mouse oocytes. Small NPBs appeared about 4 h after ethanol activation, and took about 1.5 h to fuse into a large NPB, which persisted for about 10 h before disappearance. Analysis of the temporal windows for kinase action indicated that a high MAPK activity during the first 2 h and a low MPF activity during the first 3–4 h after activation were essential for subsequent NPB fusion. A preactivation decline in MAPK activity was associated with decreased NPB fusion following activation of aged oocytes. While MAPK inactivation by regulator U0126 prevented NPB fusion in oocytes activated by ethanol or 5 min Sr2+treatments, it had no effect on oocytes fertilized or activated by 6 h Sr2+treatment. In most cases, while rates of pronuclear formation did not differ, rates of NPB fusion differed significantly between different treatments. Our results suggest that: (i) the MAPK and MPF activities at the initial stage of activation regulate NPB fusion after pronuclear formation; (ii) pronuclear assembly and NPB fusion are two separable events that might be controlled by different mechanisms; and (iii) high MAPK activity and low MPF activity at the initial stage of activation is essential for NPB fusion when only one calcium rise is induced by ethanol, while inhibition of MAPK activity does not affect NPB fusion when the repetitive intracellular Ca2+rises are induced after fertilization.
Socio-economic differences in weight-control behaviours and barriers to weight control
Authors: Siu Jessica , Giskes Katrina , Turrell Gavin 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo examine socio-economic differences in weight-control behaviours (WCB) and barriers to weight control.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingData were obtained by means of a postal questionnaire.SubjectsA total of 1013 men and women aged 45–60 years residing in Brisbane, Australia (69·8 % response rate).ResultsBinary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed, adjusted for age, gender and BMI. Socio-economically disadvantaged groups were less likely to engage in weight control (OR for lowest income quartile = 0·60, 95 % CI 0·39, 0·94); among those who engaged in weight control, the disadvantaged group had a likelihood of 0·52 (95 % CI 0·30, 0·90) of adopting exercise strategies, including moderate (OR = 0·56, 95 % CI 0·33, 0·96) and vigorous (OR = 0·47, 95 % CI 0·25, 0·89) physical activities, compared with their more-advantaged counterparts. However, lower socio-economic groups were more likely to decrease their sitting time to control their weight compared with their advantaged counterparts (OR for secondary school or lower education = 1·78, 95 % CI 1·11, 2·84). They were also more likely to believe that losing weight was expensive, not of high priority, required a lot of cooking skills and involved eating differently from others in the household.ConclusionsMarked socio-economic inequalities existed with regard to engaging in WCB, the type of weight-control strategies used and the perceived barriers to weight control; these differences are consistent with socio-economic gradients in weight status. These factors may need to be included in health promotion strategies that address socio-economic inequalities in weight status, as well as inequalities in weight-related health outcomes.
Dietary patterns and their association with obesity and sociodemographic factors in a national sample of Lebanese adults
Authors: Naja Farah , Nasreddine Lara , Itani Leila , Chamieh Marie Claire , Adra Nada , Sibai Abla Mehio , Hwalla Nahla 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjectiveTo identify and characterize dietary patterns in Lebanon and assess their association with sociodemographic factors, BMI and waist circumference (WC).DesignA cross-sectional population-based survey. In a face-to-face interview, participants completed a brief sociodemographic and semiquantitative FFQ. In addition, anthropometric measurements were obtained following standard techniques. Dietary patterns were identified by factor analysis. Multivariate linear regression was used to assess determinants of the various patterns and their association with BMI and WC.SettingNational Nutrition and Non-Communicable Disease Risk Factor Survey (2009), Lebanon.SubjectsA nationally representative sample of 2048 Lebanese adults aged 20–55 years.ResultsFour dietary patterns were identified: ‘Western’, ‘Traditional Lebanese’, ‘Prudent’ and ‘Fish and alcohol’. Factor scores of the identified patterns increased with age, except for the Western pattern in which a negative association was noted. Women had higher scores for the prudent pattern. Adults with higher levels of education had significantly higher scores for the prudent pattern. The frequency of breakfast consumption was significantly associated with scores of both traditional Lebanese and prudent patterns. Multivariate-adjusted analysis revealed a positive association between scores of the Western pattern and the BMI and WC of study participants.ConclusionsThe findings show the presence of four distinct dietary patterns in the Lebanese population, which were associated with age, sex, education and meal pattern. Only the Western pattern was associated with higher BMI.
Experiences of truth disclosure in terminally ill cancer patients in palliative home care
Authors: Friedrichsen Maria , Lindholm Ann , Milberg Anna 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:The aim of this study was to explore the experiences and preferences of terminally ill cancer patients regarding truth telling in the communication of poor prognoses.Method:We recorded and transcribed interviews with 45 patients who knew their cancer was terminal, and analyzed their responses hermeneutically.Results:Patients identified three different modes of truth: (1) the absolute objective truth that they are dying; (2) the partial truth about their condition including some facts but not all of the details; and (3) the desired truth, originating in the patient's own beliefs about a healthy or better life. Coping strategies were related to patients’ preferred mode of truth: (1) facing the truth in order to take action; (2) facing some parts of the truth in order to maintain hope; and (3) hovering between facing and avoiding the truth. In their struggle for existential survival, patients used different coping strategies, changing from one to another depending upon the circumstances.Significance of results:Varying use of different coping strategies impacts on patient preferences concerning communication about bad news with their doctors. Truth-telling entails more than merely providing information related to the forthcoming death. It also concerns how physicians or other healthcare staff can support the patient's existential survival by fine-tuning the communication of “truth” according to the individuals’ preferences.
Palliative care referral practices and perceptions: The divide between metropolitan and non-metropolitan general practitioners
Authors: Johnson Claire E. , Girgis Afaf , Paul Christine L. , Currow David C. 
Published: May 2011

AbstractObjective:Late or non-referral of patients to specialist palliative care (SPC) services may affect patients' and their carers' quality of care. General practitioners (GPs) are key professionals in linking people with SPC. The aim of this article is to assess GPs' perceptions and SPC referrals for their patients with advanced cancer and differences between metropolitan (M GPs) and non-metropolitan GPs (NM GPs).Method:Self-report survey mailed to a stratified random sample of 1,680 Australian GPs was used.Results:Thirty-one percent (469) of eligible GPs returned surveys. More M GPs than NM GPs reported referring >60% of their patients for SPC (p = 0.014); and that a more comprehensive range of SPC services was available. The most frequently reported referral prompts were: presence of terminal illness (M GPs, 71%, NM GPs, 66%, ns (not significant)); future need for symptom control (69% vs. 59%, ns) and uncontrolled physical symptoms (63% vs. 54%, ns). Reasons for not referring were: doctor's ability to manage symptoms (62% vs. 68%, ns) and the absence of symptoms (29% vs. 18%, p = 0.025). Higher referral was associated with: having a palliative care physician or consultative service available; agreeing that all patients with advanced cancer should be referred, and agreeing that with SPC, the needs of the family are better met.Significance of results:Referrals for SPC were primarily disease-related rather than for psychological and emotional concerns. Measures are needed to encourage referrals based upon psychosocial needs as well as for physical concerns, and to support GPs caring for people with advanced cancer in areas with fewer comprehensive SPC services.
Dynamic Interpretation for Impulsive Deflection Test on Flexible Pavements
Authors: Chang Der-Wen , Chang Chia-Ling 
Published: May 2011

AbstractIn this study, a computer program DBFWD is developed for data analysis of Falling Weight Deflectometer (FWD) test on flexible pavements. To backcalculate the layer moduli of the pavement, a number of iterative backcalculation schemes were employed with the forward analysis of the Green's flexibility influence functions. The temperature and the moisture influences on material moduli of the asphalt surface and the subgrade soils were considered in the analysis. As the result, the iterative scheme based on the peak deflection ratios was selected to backcalculate the layer moduli of local pavements. Owing to the correction procedure used in the program, interpretations with four original deflections were found more accurate than those with equivalent number of modified deflections. Comparisons of program DBFWD with other static backcalculation programs on theoretical and experimental deflections indicated that dynamic interpretation is more effective in providing the layer modulus information. Despite of the requirements of accurate inputs of the layer thickness and the testing load for the analysis, a generalized application of the program needs to be clarified with model road test in demand.
On the Average Settling Rate of Heavy Particles in Decaying Homogeneous Isotropic Turbulence
Authors: Yang C. Y. , Lei U. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe average settling rate of spherical solid particles, 〈vs〉, under a body force field is studied numerically in decaying homogeneous isotropic turbulent flows generated by the direct numerical simulation of the continuity and Navier-Stokes equations. The increase of the average settling rate, 〈Δvs〉, is maximized when Tp/Tk ≈ 1 and vd/u′ ≈ 0.5, and is of order 0.lu′, which is qualitatively similar to that in stationary turbulence. Here 〈Δvs〉 = 〈vs〉 − vd, Tp is the particle's relaxation time, Tk is the Kolmogorov time scale, vd is the settling rate of particles in still fluid, and u′ is the root mean square of the fluid velocity fluctuation. However, the magnitude of the maximum value of 〈Δvs〉 in decaying turbulence is substantially greater (about 40%) than that in the corresponding stationary turbulence due to the inertia response of particles to turbulence decay. Although 〈Δvs〉/u′ does not reach a stationary state as the flow is evolving, it is a slowly time varying function for the parameters of interest as Tp (≈ Tk when 〈Δvs〉 is maximized) is in general of one order less than the time scale of turbulence decay.
Temperature Rise Effect of Viscoelastically Damped Structures Under Strong Earthquake Ground Motions
Authors: Chang K. C. , Tsai M. H. , Chang Y. H. , Lai M. L. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTViscoelastic (VE) dampers have been shown to be an effective energy dissipation device for structures subjected to seismic excitations. When a VE damper is under shear deformation, the temperature within the damper material will rise due to the conversion of mechanical energy into heat. The effect of temperature rise in the VE damper on a viscoelastically damped structure may be significant because the damper stiffness can decrease due to the temperature rise in the VE damper and its energy dissipation capacity may reduce under strong earthquake ground motions. This paper is intended to quantify the temperature rise effect. A VE element which can accurately describe the frequency and temperature dependent behavior of the test results of a VE damper is first presented. The effect of temperature rise within the VE material is included. Seismic response analyses of a viscoelastically damped structure which was studied extensively by shaking table tests are carried out by two analytical methods: a frequency domain analysis and a time domain analysis. Both analyses consider the effects of frequency and ambient temperature of the VE dampers. The frequency domain approach is computationally more efficient. However, it neglects the effect of temperature rise in the analysis. The time domain method is computationally less efficient. However, it can explicitly calculate the temperature rise during the earthquake and evaluate its influence on the structural responses. Finally, parametric studies on the effect of temperature rise within the VE damper material on the seismic response of a viscoelastically damped structure are analyzed and its implications on practical applications are discussed.
Solidification of a Liquid Metal with Natural Convection in a Thick-Walled Container
Authors: Tien H. C. , Wang C.C. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTThe solidification of a phase change material (PCM), exemplified by a molten metal, in a thick-walled container is analyzed in this paper. The effects of natural convection and several important controlling parameters are investigated extensively. These parameters include the initial temperature of the PCM, external cooling conditions, thickness and thermal properties of the wall, and the thermal contact resistance at the PCM/wall interface. Two representative configurations are examined in this study. A modified version of the enthalpy formulation in which the sensible heat is separated from the latent heat, is employed to construct the energy equation for the PCM. Vorticity-stream-function approach is adopted for solving the flow field. The governing equations pertinent to the problem are discretized by the weighting function scheme and finally solved by the SIS (Strongly Implicit Solver) algorithm. It is demonstrated that for both configurations natural convection has prominent effect on the temperature distribution of the liquid phase of the PCM; however, the effect of natural convection on the shape of the solid/liquid interface and the overall solid fraction is case dependent. It is also shown that the above-mentioned controlling parameters have a direct impact on the solidification process. Specifically, an increase in the Biot number (from 1 to infinity) and the thermal diffusivity of the mold (from 0.8 to 5) enhances the solidification rate. Reverse effect was found for the other controlling parameters.
Performance and Bearing Load Analysis of a Twin Screw Air Compressor
Authors: Lee W. S. , Ma R. H. , Wu W.F. , Chen S.L. , Hsia H.W. 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTTo study the performance and estimate the oscillating bearing loads of a twin screw air compressor, a theoretical model is proposed in this paper. Based on the model, a computer simulation program is developed and effects of different design parameters such as rotor profile, geometric clearance, oil injected position, oil temperature, oil flow rate and other operational conditions are investigated. Output variables such as bearing loads, specific power, compression efficiency, volumetric efficiency, discharge temperature are obtained. Some of the results are then compared with experimentally measured data, and good agreements are found between the simulation results and the measured data.
Destabilizing Effect of In-Plane Magnetic Field on Panel Flutter
Authors: Lin Chun-Bo 
Published: May 2011

ABSTRACTDestabilizing effect of magnetic damping on the supersonic panel flutter is investigated. The linear piston theory is available to formulate the air force at high Mach numbers. A plate in supersonic flow can be stabilized by reducing the compression force perpendicular to the flow. However, once the dynamic pressure parameter exceeds some critical value, the time rate of motion becomes complex then the flutter occurs. In this paper, the strength of in-plane magnetic field to reduce the panel flutter under higher dynamic pressure parameter is determined. Due to the complexity in finding the exact solution of plate motion, Galerkin solution with different terms of truncation is adopted herein. Therefore, the exact solution can be obtained by using the four-term solution as an initial value. The most attractive feature is that the supersonic flutter can be avoided efficiently through the application of in-plane magnetic field.
Green's Function for a Point Heat Source in an Anisotropic Body Containing an Elliptic Hole or a Rigid Inclusion
Authors: Wang Chung-Hao , Chao Ching-Kong 
Published: May 2011

AbstractThe thermoelastic problem associated with a point heat source embedded in an anisotropic body containing an elliptic hole or a rigid inclusion is considered in this paper. By using the formalism of Stroh [1], the approach of analytic function continuation and the technique of conformal mapping, the expression for the temperature, displacements and stress functions is expressed in explicit matrix form. The present derived solutions are also valid for some special problems such as a crack or a rigid line inclusion if one lets the minor axis of the ellipse approach to zero. The stress intensity factors induced by a point heat source are also obtained.