bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Off‐equatorial chorus occurrence and wave amplitude distributions as observed by the Polar Plasma Wave Instrument
Authors: Bunch N. L. , Spasojevic M. , Shprits Y. Y. 
Published: February 2012

Determining the global distribution of chorus wave power in the off‐equatorial region (i.e., magnetic latitude λ > 15°) is a crucial component of understanding the contribution of chorus to radiation belt acceleration and loss. In this paper we use a database of chorus power spectral density observations from the Plasma Wave Instrument (PWI) Sweep Frequency Receiver (SFR) on the Polar spacecraft to generate separate distributions of wave occurrence rate and magnetic field amplitude as a function of space and geomagnetic activity. Previous studies focused on a band‐integrated and time‐averaged data product to characterize the global distribution of wave power. Using a slightly different technique, we first estimate the wave amplitude from the peak wave power spectral density for times when chorus is observed. The mean wave amplitude at a given location is then multiplied by the wave occurrence rate to yield the time‐averaged amplitude. We present the spatial distributions of wave occurrence rate, mean amplitude, and time‐averaged amplitude in the region of maximum statistics, λ > 15° and R = 4−8 RE. We find that waves of significant amplitude (>10 pT) can be observed in all local time sectors, but significant wave occurrence (>20%) is confined to the dawn and noon local time sectors. Wave mean and time‐averaged amplitudes are also highest in the dawn and noon sectors. The spatial extent of regions with high time‐averaged amplitude is primarily defined by regions of high occurrence rate. Time‐averaged amplitudes exceeding ∼6 pT are observed up to a magnetic latitude of 40° at dawn and 50° at noon, while at midnight and dusk the time‐averaged amplitude tends to be below that value. We also examine the geomagnetic and solar wind dependence of the spatial distribution of wave occurrence, mean amplitude, and time‐averaged amplitude. In the off‐equatorial region (λ > 15°), wave amplitude and occurrence on the nightside increase dramatically during disturbed geomagnetic and solar wind conditions. In contrast, waves on the dayside occur over a wider range of activity, and even during quiet conditions, mean and time‐averaged amplitudes at noon significantly exceed amplitudes at midnight for disturbed times. In the dusk sector, observation of waves is mostly limited to quiet conditions, and during those times, mean amplitudes at dusk exceed those at midnight and approach amplitudes observed in the dawn sector. Parallel investigation of the independent variability of occurrence and amplitude provides a more complete picture of the chorus wave environment, particularly for application to modeling radiation belt dynamics on both short and long time scales.
Sun‐Moon gravitation‐induced wave characteristics and climate variation
Authors: Wang Zhiren , Wu Dexing , Song Xuejia , Chen Xueen , Nicholls Stephen 
Published: February 2012

Understanding periods associated with climate variations has been challenging and has attracted scientific study. In the work presented here, we establish a theoretical dynamical model driven by Sun‐Moon gravitation (SMG) and present basic SMG wave characteristics and SMG‐induced nonlinear motions for geophysical fluids. As compared to observations, waves and motions demonstrate climate variations associated with abundant structures and climatic rhythms, including the 30–60 day oscillation, seasonality, El Niño–Southern Oscillation–like interannual variation, etc. In our work, periods depended upon the obliquity and revolution velocity of the Sun and Moon; the speed of geophysical fluids; and the latitude, radius, and rotation velocity of Earth. The rotation of Earth helps fluids remember and accumulate momentum in geophysical fluids that are provided by the SMG on multiple time scales, which may contribute to multiperiods of climate oscillations. The speed‐dependent periods of SMG‐induced flow are of a broad spectrum (i.e., faster speeds, shorter periods). SMG‐induced flow in an atmosphere of faster flow tends to have shorter (e.g., seasonal and annual) periods, while an ocean of slower flow tends to have longer (e.g., annual and interannual) periods.
Trends in CO2 exchange in a high Arctic tundra heath, 2000–2010
Authors: Lund Magnus , Falk Julie M. , Friborg Thomas , Mbufong Herbert N. , Sigsgaard Charlotte , Soegaard Henrik , Tamstorf Mikkel P. 
Published: February 2012

We have measured the land‐atmosphere CO2 exchange using the eddy covariance technique in a high Arctic tundra heath in northeast Greenland (Zackenberg). On the basis of 11 years of measurements (2000–2010), it was found that snow cover dynamics was important for the CO2 exchange. The start of CO2uptake period correlated significantly with timing of snowmelt. Furthermore, for years with deep and long‐lasting snowpacks, the following springs showed increased CO2 emission rates. In the first part of the study period, there was an increase of approximately 8 g C m−2 yr−1 in both accumulated gross primary production (GPP) and CO2 sink strength during summer. However, in the last few years, there were no significant changes in GPP, whereas ecosystem respiration (Reco) increased (8.5 g C m−2 yr−1) and ecosystem CO2 sink strength weakened (−4.1 g C m−2 yr−1). It was found that temperature and temperature‐related variables (maximum thaw depth and growing degree days) controlled the interannual variation in CO2 exchange. However, while Reco showed a steady increase with temperature (5.8 g C m−2 °C−1), the initial increase in GPP with temperature leveled off at the high end of observed temperature range. This suggests that future increases in temperature will weaken the ecosystem CO2 sink strength or even turn it into a CO2 source, depending on possible changes in vegetation structure and functioning as a response to a changing climate. If this trend is applicable also to other Arctic ecosystems, it will have implications for our current understanding of Arctic ecosystems dynamics.
Agriculture: Nanotechnology’s Green Field
Authors: Mukhopadhyay Siddhartha Sankar 
Published: February 2012

AbstractNatural agricultural production functions in open system, where energy and matter are exchanged freely between geosphere (especially pedosphere), biosphere, and atmosphere. The self regulation of biophysical processes in these spheres is crucial for global sustainability. However, modern farming practices have stressed the system to the extent that damaged C, N, and P cycles are threatening catastrophic consequences. High food-wastage coupled with high food price, high soil fertility zones but low crop productivity, and highly productive irrigated farming marred with ecological disasters are examples of global paradoxes associated with modern farming. High incidence of pesticide residues in soil and water bodies, low use efficiency of agricultural inputs, vulnerability to climate, and low conversion of energy by crops leaving high amount of residues and their subsequent burden on environment, and hunger and malnutrition in many parts of the world are threatening civilizations to crumble. Nanotechnology promises to break these vicious cycles, because technology is based on applying exact amounts of inputs for use by the crops, and only when they are required. Some of the examples are: nanofabricating nutrient ions to improve nutrient use efficiency, targeted use of nano-pesticides, holding of water and then releasing it at the time of crop need by nps, forecasting and elimination of diseases, packaging of food to improve shelf-life, protecting food during storage, DNA nanotechnology, smart treatment delivery systems, bioanalytical nanosensors, bioselective surfaces, nanobioprocessing, protection of the environment by the reduction and conversion of agricultural materials into valuable products, design and development of new nanocatalysts to convert vegetable oils into biobased fuels and biodegradable industrial solvents, and controlled ecological life support system.
Cancer chemopreventive action of α-(-)-bisabolol, a sesquiterpene alcohol involves inhibition of cathepsin D and ornithine decarboxylase via tramping nitric oxide
Authors: Srivastava Suchita , Luqman Suaib 
Published: February 2012

AbstractTerpenoids, traditionally used for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, are currently being explored as cancer chemopreventive as well as chemotherapeutic agent in clinical trials. α-(-)-bisabolol, a naturally occurring monocyclic sesquiterpene alcohol is a major component of essential oil of chamomile (Matricaria recutita L., Chamomilla recutita L., Matricaria chamomilla; Family Asteraceae). As substantiated previously, α-(-)-bisabolol is known to have antimicrobial, anti-irritant, anti-inflammatory and anti-allergic properties. It also affects cell viability and growth of various human and murine cell lines by either inducing apoptosis or suppressing Akt activation or down regulating expression of some genes implicated in carcinogenesis. To elucidate the possible mechanism for its cancer chemopreventive action, herein we are reporting dose-dependent effect of α-(-)-bisabolol on ornithine decarboxylase (ODC, a key rate limiting enzyme in mammalian polyamine biosynthesis), cathepsin D (CATD, a lysosomal aspartyl protease) and dihydrofolate reductase (DHFR, a protein of purine biosynthetic pathway) all of these proteins get over-expressed during cell transformation, proliferation and malignancy. Our results demonstrate greater activity of α-(-)-bisabolol by exhibiting potent inhibition of ODC (99% at a concentration of 100μM with an IC50 value of 0.01μM) and CATD (22% at 10μM). The molecule did not affect DHFR activity significantly. To establish the hypothesis whether inhibition of CATD and ODC involves tramping of nitric oxide (NO), we have also investigated the scavenging potential of α-(-)-bisabolol and the results were found to be promising with an IC50 of 0.1μM. Our findings suggest that α-(-)-bisabolol not only inhibits ODC and CATD activity through scavenging of NO radicals but also exerts anti-tumour promoting properties which may perhaps be due to channeling of arginine in the NO and polyamine biosynthesis pathways. These results provide a possibility of developing α-(-)-bisabolol as a viable cancer chemopreventive agent.
Role of bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cells in the prevention of hyperoxia‐induced lung injury in newborn mice
Authors: Zhang Xiaoying , Wang Hui , Shi Yun , Peng Wei , Zhang Sheng , Zhang Wanqiao , Xu Jing , Mei Yabo , Feng Zhichun 
Published: February 2012

AbstractBPD (bronchopulmonary dysplasia) is predominantly characterized by persistent abnormalities in lung structure and arrested lung development, but therapy can be palliative. While promising, the use of BMSC (bone marrow‐derived mesenchymal stem cell) in the treatment of lung diseases remains controversial. We have assessed the therapeutic effects of BMSC in vitro and in vivo. In vitro co‐culturing with injured lung tissue increased the migration‐potential of BMSC; and SP‐C (surfactant protein‐C), a specific marker of AEC2 (type II alveolar epithelial cells), was expressed. Following intraperitoneal injection of BMSC into experimental BPD mice on post‐natal day 7, it was found that BMSC can home to the injured lung, express SP‐C, improve pulmonary architecture, attenuate pulmonary fibrosis and increase the survival rate of BPD mice. This work supports the notion that BMSC are of therapeutic benefit through the production of soluble factors at bioactive levels that regulate the pathogenesis of inflammation and fibrosis following hyperoxia.
VOTING PARTICIPATION AND ATTITUDES TOWARD THE EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Jeong Hoi Ok , Chung Su-Yeul 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACT
This paper examines the long-held thesis that political participation educates and transforms individuals. The theoretical framework of this study combines two theories: the theory of the formative effect of elections and the participatory democracy theory. The central contention of this research is that the more an individual has participated in EP elections, the more strongly one holds positive attitudes toward the EU. To deal with the reverse causality that might flow from positive attitudes toward the EU to voting participation in the EP elections, this study employs instrument variable (IV) regression analysis. The results of the analysis using Eurobarometer 54.1 provide support for a significant effect of voting participation in the EP elections on the formation of positive attitudes toward the EU.
Spectroscopy and electron microscopy imaging of a single metal nano-object
Authors: Baida H , Berthelot A , Crut A , Maioli P , Del Fatti N , Vallée F 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
The optical extinction spectra of single metal nano-objects measured by the spatial modulation spectroscopy technique were correlated with their image obtained by scanning electron microscopy. The results show a large influence of both the object shape and the presence of the substrate on the measured optical spectra.
Portable cholesterol detection with polyaniline-carbon nanotube film based interdigitated electrodes
Authors: Nguyen Le Huy , Nguyen Hai Binh , Nguyen Ngoc Thinh , Nguyen Tuan Dung , Tran Dai Lam 
Published: February 2012

AbstractPolyaniline-carboxylic multiwalled carbon nanotubes composite film (PANi-MWCNT) has been polymerized on the surface of interdigitated platinum electrode (fabricated by MEMS technology) which was compatibly connected to Autolab interface via universal serial bus (USB). An amperometric biosensor based on covalent immobilization of cholesterol oxidase (ChOx) on PANi–MWCNT film with potassium ferricyanide (FeCN) as the redox mediator was developed. The mediator helps to shuttle the electrons between the immobilized ChOx and the PANi-MWCNT electrode, therefore operating at a low potential of −0.3 Vcompared to the saturated calomel electrode (SCE). This potential precludes the interfering compounds from oxidization. The bio-electrode exhibits good linearity from 0.02 to 1.2 mM cholesterol concentration with a correlation coefficient of 0.9985.
Manipulating single atoms and photons using optical nanofibers
Authors: Hakuta Kohzo , Nayak Kali Prasanna 
Published: February 2012

Abstract
We discuss how optical nanofibers, subwavelength-diameter fibers, can open new perspectives in quantum optical technologies theoretically and experimentally. Discussions are mainly focused on the manipulation of spontaneous emission for atoms around the nanofiber. We show that photons from single quantum emitters can be efficiently channeled into guided modes of the nanofiber. Especially by fabricating a cavity structure of the nanofiber, the channeling efficiency can be improved to exceed 80% although the cavity finesse is moderate. We discuss also how to realize such a nanofiber cavity experimentally.
Evaluation of White Salted Noodles Enriched with Oat Flour
Authors: Mitra Sabori , Cato Larisa , James Anthony Paul , Solah Vicky Ann 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTOat consumption is regarded as having significant health benefits. The enrichment of white salted noodles with oat flour would provide a potential health benefit but may affect the texture and sensory quality. Oat cultivars grown in Western Australia (Yallara, Kojonup, Mitika, Carrolup, and new line SV97181‐8) and a commercial oat variety were milled into flour and added to wheat flour at 10, 20, and 30% to produce oat‐enriched white salted noodles. The purpose of the study was to determine the quality characteristics of the oat flours and to assess the influence the oat flour blends had on noodle texture, color, and sensory characteristics. In addition, another goal was to determine whether the different oat cultivars had similar potential to provide health benefits by measuring the β‐glucan content before and after processing. The results indicated that protein, ash content, and noodle firmness increased with the increased percentage of oat flour in the noodle formulations, whereas the pasting properties of the noodle wheat–oat flour blends did not differ significantly. The color of raw noodle sheets and boiled noodles changed significantly with oat incorporation and resulted in lower lightness/brightness, higher redness, lower yellowness, and lower color stability in comparison to standard wheat white salted noodles. Noodles made with the lowest oat percentage (10%) scored highest for all sensory parameters and were significantly different in appearance, color, and overall acceptability compared with noodles made with 20 and 30% oat flour. The β‐glucan content of the flour blends increased with the increase in the level of oat incorporation but subsequently decreased during processing into noodles. The decrease in the β‐glucan content varied across the different oat cultivars and levels of incorporation into the noodles. A new oat cultivar, SV97181‐8, exhibited the least β‐glucan loss during processing. In this study, the quality characteristics of white salted noodles enriched with oat flour from Western Australian cultivars were determined to provide essential information for the commercial development of healthier noodles.
Effects of Selected Harvest Moistures and Frozen Storage Times on Selected Yellow Dent Corn: Wet‐Milling Yields and Starch Pasting Properties
Authors: Huang Haibo , Xu Li , Eckhoff Steven R. 
Published: February 2012

ABSTRACTThe effects of harvest moistures and frozen storage times on corn wet‐milling yields and the pasting properties of the resulting starch were studied. Pioneer hybrid P‐0916‐XR harvested at three moisture contents (49, 35, and 21% wb) were stored frozen for three days or for five months, followed by wet‐milling. The pasting properties of the resulting starch were evaluated with a Rapid Visco Analyzer. The yields of starch and germ increased by 1.2 and 1.9 percentage points, respectively, when harvest moisture decreased from 49 to 21% wb, whereas the yields of steep water solids, total fiber, and gluten decreased by 2.1, 0.7, and 0.6 percentage points, respectively. The frozen corn had lower coarse fiber yields but higher cellular fiber yields. The starch pasting properties showed that peak and breakdown viscosities decreased by 8% (3,824 ± 36 versus 3,520 ± 38 cP) and 13% (2,336 ± 47 versus 2,029 ± 60 cP), respectively, when harvest moisture decreased from 49 to 21% wb, whereas peak time increased by 5% (6.32 ± 0.06 versus 6.62 ± 0.07 min). The setback and final viscosities of starch from long‐term frozen storage (five months) were 14% (1,574 ± 65 versus 1,828 ± 79 cP) and 8% (3,063 ± 27 versus 3,317 ± 101 cP) lower, respectively, than that from control (unfrozen) corn.
Phytophthora hedraiandra Detected from Irrigation Water at a Perennial Ornamental Plant Nursery in Virginia
Authors: Yang X. , Richardson P. A. , Ghimire S. R. , Kong P. , Hong C. X. 
Published: February 2012

Water survey for Phytophthora spp. by baiting with rhododendron leaves in April 2006 at a perennial ornamental plant nursery in Virginia detected five isolates showing a unique, previously unknown single-strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) fingerprint (1). These cultures were isolated from two reservoirs at different depths of water column from surface to 2 m. They were homothallic and produced smooth-surfaced spherical oogonia with an average diameter of 27 μm on 10% V8 agar. Oospores were aplerotic. The paragynous antheridia were averaging 12 μm in diameter. Sporangia were papillate, spherical to ovoid, averaging 39 by 28 μm (length by width). They were caducous with short (<4 μm) pedicels. Chlamydospores and hyphal swellings were not observed. Two isolates were sequenced for rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS) 1 and 2 regions and cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (Cox 1) gene. ITS sequences of both isolates (GenBank Accession Nos. JN376065 and JN376066) were identical to that of Phytophthora hedraiandra type culture (GenBank Accession No. AY707987). Also, the Cox 1 sequence of an isolate (Accession No. JN376067) had 99% homology with that of the type culture (GenBank Accession No. AY69115). Pathogenicity of both isolates was tested on Rhododendron catawbiense and Viburnum tinus, two known hosts of P. hedraiandra (2). For each isolate and host, five leaves and stems on potted plants were wounded by needles and then inoculated by placing over each wound a 5-mm2 mycelial plug from a 7-day-old culture and securing with Parafilm. V8 agar was used instead of mycelial plugs on control plants. After inoculation, each plant was enclosed in a plastic bag for 1 day and then incubated at 22°C with a 12-h photoperiod. Distilled water was sprayed daily for 5 days postinoculation (dpi) until disease symptoms were observed. At 15 dpi, 3 of the 10 inoculated rhododendron leaves and 6 of the 10 stems showed leaf lesions, wilting, dieback, and cankers, eventually leading to rhododendron death. Two of the 10 viburnum leaves and 4 of the 10 stems showed similar symptoms. Leaf lesions were approximately 3 to 5 cm in diameter. P. hedraiandra was recovered from diseased tissues and all resulting cultures showed an identical SSCP fingerprint to tested isolates as well as a P. hedraiandra isolate from Minnesota (3). No symptom developed on control plants. To our knowledge, this is the first report of P. hedraiandra in Virginia. Considering neither host plant has been grown or bought for resale by this nursery, this study indicates that P. hedraiandra may have a wider host range than is currently known. This possibility and the importance of water dispersal for P. hedraiandra in disease epidemiology warrant further investigation. References: (1) P. Kong et al. Fungal Genet. Biol. 39:238, 2003. (2) W. A. Man in't Veld et al. Eur. J. Plant Pathol. 117:25, 2007. (3) B. W. Schwingle et al. Plant Dis. 90:109, 2006.